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When chopping herbs and small vegetables, you want a strong secure grip that offers you precise control. The chunky curved handle of KitchenAid Mezzaluna is a perfect example! The sharp steel blade uses a smooth comfortable rocking motion to chop your herbs, while the thick nonslip handle fits snugly in the palm of your hand giving you complete control, even if you suffer from arthritis. And when you're finished, the Mezzaluna slips into its protective sheath making it safe to toss in a drawer. A quality tool that makes kitchen prep quick and painless, the Kitchen Aid Mezaluna is £28 online from Deluxe Product.
Kitchen Aid Mezaluna - £28
Posted by Kate on November 2, 2009 12:07 AM
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The Shot Carver is definitely one of the oddest kitchen gadgets I've ever come across. Perfect for spontaneous drinking parties in an orchard, the Shot Carver means you'll never again be short of glasses. Like a corkscrew, the central steel blades of the Shot Carver cut a large cylinder into any firm fruit like pears, apples, melons, pineapple or even potatoes! The fresh fruit juices seep into your alcohol, giving your drink an extra fruity flavour. It's an unusual way to get your five-a-day, and the Shot Carver certainly offers an alternative to disposable cups or washing up! Dishwasher-safe and with an ergonomic handle, the Shot Carver is £9.99 from Firebox.
Shot Carver - £9.99
Posted by Kate on November 3, 2009 12:05 AM
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Sometimes space is the most important consideration when buying kitchen tools. Whether you are travelling or just have a small kitchen this new POPware Jug can help you make the most of those tiny spaces. The half litre Pop Jug has a flexible silicone bowl and rotating handle that allows the jug to fold flat for storage! To use the Jug, it just needs a gentle push to pop the bowl out while the handle locks securely in place before use. It also has convenient measurements printed on the inside of the bowl, where they are easy to read. Perfect for students, the light weight Measuring Jug is both dishwasher and microwave safe and heat resistant to 250°C (so it should even be safe to melt chocolate in!) A flexible kitchen essential, the Pop Measuring Jug is available from Argos for £8.99.
Pop Jug - £8.99
Posted by Kate on November 4, 2009 12:05 AM
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A well loved kitchen gadget is the box grater, despite being a pain to clean. The rectangular shape gives you more control and conveniently offers several grating surfaces in a single unit. Microplane have now created a brilliant Box Grater that solves those fiddly cleaning problems. Famous for their practical graters that were inspired by wood-working tools, the Microplane Box Grater includes four of their most useful blades. The extra coarse, medium ribbon, fine grater and slicer can tackle everything from cheese and chocolate to vegetables and citrus fruits. The fine grater slides out of the box, allowing you to easily clean inside. With a soft ergonomic handle, non skid feet and a plastic safety cover, the Microplane has entirely redesigned this kitchen classic. Available from Heals the Microplane Four Side Grater is £45.
Microplane Four Side Grater - £45
Continue reading "Microplane Box Grater" »
Posted by Kate on November 5, 2009 12:03 AM
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Bored of keeping your tea and coffee in plain canisters? Tom Dick & Harry offer quirky character in their plump round forms. While they may look identical, the gleam in their eye gives them away. There you'll find the letters that tells them apart. The head of each porcelain jar is designed so you can store a teaspoon inside with your coffee and sugar. Cute ghost-like characters to share your daily brew with, the set of three Tom Dick & Harry Storage Jars are £27.95 from Prezzybox.
Set of 3 Tom Dick & Harry Storage Jars - £27.95
Posted by Kate on November 5, 2009 9:00 PM
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If you are looking for modern kitchen glamour, the Robert Welch Signature Stand and Utensil Set is a stunning example. Designed by Robert Welch, these sleek sweeping utensils are made to the same high standards as their prestigious cutlery ranges. The black spindly stand can hang six gleaming utensils from its shining cap. This simple hanging system keeps your tools quickly within reach; the stand's narrow waist providing easy access. The Signature Stand set includes a large Serving Spoon, a large Serving Fork and a large Slotted Server/Turner. Additionally there are four more utensils sold separately, so you can personalise your selection. Available from John Lewis, the Robert Welch Signature Stand and Utensil Set is £88.
Robert Welch Signature Stand with Utensils - £88
Robert Welch Signature Turner - £13.50
Robert Welch Signature Slotted Spoon - £13.50
Robert Welch Signature Spaghetti Spoon - £13.50
Robert Welch Signature Large Ladle - £15
Posted by Kate on November 9, 2009 12:01 AM
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One of the most frustrating things about recycling is that every council seems to do it differently. Some separate everything, some mix metal and glass and some mix all their recycling together. This makes it very difficult to design a good recycling system that works for all. These new recycling magnets from simplehuman let you label any metal rubbish bin to create your own custom solution. These plain circular magnets offer a clean and tidy solution that can quickly be switched as council rules change. The set includes six magnets one of each: glass, aluminium, paper, trash, general recycling and plastic. Available from simplehuman, the Recycling Magnets set is £4.99.
Recycling Magnets set - £4.99
Posted by Kate on November 10, 2009 12:03 AM
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If you're one of those people that thrives in organised chaos, these new Tool Links are made for you. A new kitchen storage system by Royal VKB, Tool Links allows you to hang everything from pots and pans to utensils and gadgets all within reach. A great way to make use of awkward wall space, these florid links add a modern decorative style to practical kitchen storage. Whether you hang it vertically or horizontally, Tool Links makes the most of your available kitchen space. The set includes two comma like wall fixing points and eight s-shaped hooks. Made from a sturdy stainless steel, the Royal VKB Tool Link Set is £27.99 from Rockett St George.
Royal VKB Tool Links Set - £27.99
Continue reading "Royal VKB Tool Links" »
Posted by Kate on November 11, 2009 12:00 AM
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If you fancy trying your hand at some Christmas baking this year, M&S have some adorable Mini Cookie Cutters and Star Cake Cases that add a special festive spark to your holiday treats. The Mini Cookie Cutters feature an impressive collection of tiny shapes packed in a cheerful storage tin. Perfect for party nibbles, the collection includes many of the traditional shapes you'll remember from childhood like Holly Leaves, Christmas trees, Bells, Stars and Gingerbread men. If your sweet tooth is craving cakes, the M&S Silicone Star Cases can transform simple fairy cakes into magical Christmas wishes. The set includes 12 reusable silicone Star Cake Cases that add fun and charm to your buffet table. Both available online from M&S, the Mini Cookie Cutters and Star Cake Cases help inspire your own Christmas spirit.
Mini Cookie Cutters - £5.00
12 Silicone Star Cake Cases - £7.50
Posted by Kate on November 12, 2009 12:02 AM
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Growing up, one of my favourite Christmas snacks was the huge bowl of shelled nuts on our living room table. I'm sorely tempted to resurrect the tradition with this amusing Squirrel Nutcracker named Spencer. Once a popular addition to Edwardian tables, Spencer eagerly waits to crack your walnuts, almonds and brazilnuts! Just pop the nut in his mouth and press down on his long tail. A cheery fellow perfect for the holiday season, this kitsch contraption will bring a smile to anyone's face. Cast from aluminium, the Spencer Squirrel Nutcracker is £18.00 from the Jme online store.
Spencer Squirrel Nutcracker - £18.00
Posted by Kate on November 13, 2009 12:05 AM
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If you loved the Squirrel Nutcracker we featured on Friday, this festive bowl makes a perfect accompaniment. A playful way to serve nuts and other snacks, this red and white bowl offers an alternative to traditional Christmas themes. The vibrant red interior highlights the two separate sections that make up this cute Squirrel and his large bushy tail. A whimsical modern design, the Sagaform Squirrel Bowl is £12 from Heals.
Squirrel Bowl -£12
Posted by Kate on November 16, 2009 12:07 AM
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When it comes to kitchen glamour, the Guzzini Grater takes the prize. Like a fashionable bracelet, the Guzzini Multi-Blade Grater adds that final flourish to your meals. With a variety of grating teeth, you can create several different cheese textures for the perfect culinary accent. I have to admit, I'm not sure how easy it will be to use, but the red silicone grip that rotates around the ring should help. Designed by Carallo, the Guzzini Multi-Blade Grater is £22.50 from RedCandy.
Guzzini Multi-Blade Grater - £22.50
Posted by Kate on November 17, 2009 12:08 AM
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In our kitchen, the scale is always out on the counter but the only statement it makes is "I'm a bit untidy!" Typhoon though have now created a fantastic collection of Electronic Scales that accent your kitchen style. Each square scale features a tempered glass platform decorated with fantastic patterns and colours. Whether you love modern sophistication, designer minimalism or vintage inspired style, Typhoon has created a trendy scale you'll love. The digital scale also doubles as a kitchen clock and can be used as a kitchen timer, turning it into a piece of practical wall art! A fabulous way to add colour and style to your kitchen, the Typhoon Scales are £24.99 each from Cooking Marvelous.
Typhoon Vintage Floral Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Damask Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Natural Dot Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Bright Stripe Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Pantone Lollipop Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Pantone Liquorice Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Pantone Calla Green Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Pantone Raspberry Rose Scale - £24.99
Typhoon Pantone Purple Magic Scale - £24.99
Posted by Kate on November 18, 2009 12:05 AM
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It's been a while since we featured a garlic gadget, as we've been very happy with the Anolon Garlic Press. But Lakeland claims the new Garlic Chop is one of the best they've seen! Just pop your peeled cloves into the Chopper and give it a good twist. The ridges on the garlic-shaped chopper offer a firm grip as you twist it back and forth. After the strong teeth have shredded your garlic to a fine pulp, there is no awkward fishing to get it out! By pushing up the base, the Garlic Chop gathers the pureed garlic so you can easily sweep it off. A clever solution to a fiddly problem, the Garlic Chop can even go in the dishwasher. Simple to use and quick to clean, the Garlic Chop is £9.99 from Lakeland.
Garlic Chop - £9.99
Posted by Kate on November 19, 2009 12:05 AM
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If you're looking for a project this Christmas, I love the originality of this Nativity Cutter Set. If you've a talent for icing, you can create a bright and vibrant Christmas display. The set includes nine steel cookie cutters to make everything from the baby Jesus to the peaked stable. The set also includes an icing bag, coupler and four nozzles to decorate those handsome kings and fluffy sheep. I suspect that you'll need a bit of experience to get these characters to stand up straight as I don't see any stands or supports included. Decorating cookies is a great way to get children involved in your Christmas preparations. A brilliant alternative to the traditional Gingerbread House, the Nativity Cutter Set is £8.99 from Lakeland.
Nativity Cutter Set - £8.99
Our American readers can get the Nativity Cutter Set from Amazon.com
Nativity Cutter Set - $7.99
Posted by Kate on November 20, 2009 12:06 AM
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If you need more storage in your kitchen or dining room, these elegant Shelves from Domesticity are a brilliant solution. The slim, thin shelves have a minimalist style perfect for contemporary kitchens. Available in two styles, you can choose the basic clean streamlined Ledge Shelf or one featuring six small hooks perfect for tea towels and the odd mug or utensil. A fantastic way to store and display your gorgeous glasses, trendy canisters or favourite ingredients, the Domesticity Shelves can be mixed and matched to maximise your kitchen space. The powder coated steel shelves are available in sophisticated black, understated white or bold and daring red. Available online from Domesticity, the Ledge Shelves are £20 each while the Shelves with Hooks are £30 each.
Domesticity Ledge Shelf - £20
Domesticity Shelf with Hooks - £30
Posted by Kate on November 23, 2009 12:05 AM
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I've been struggling to find nice Christmas tableware or serving dishes this year. It looks stores are hesitant to order new stock while still in a recession. Laura Ashley do have a charming red Cakestand suitable for the holidays. The three-tier stand mixes white spots and red stripes for a shabby chic style. A glamorous way to serve your mince pies or Christmas biscuits, this hand-painted stand is perfect for busy buffet tables. A great addition to your next party, the ceramic 3-tier Cakestand is £25 from Laura Ashley's online store.
Laura Ashley Red 3-tier Cake Stand - £25
Posted by Kate on November 24, 2009 12:07 AM
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I've been meaning to buy a water bottle for a while now, but they are all so dull and badly designed that I've been procrastinating. However I'm quite enamoured with the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' water bottle I discovered yesterday. I'll admit the 'Keep Calm' poster is turning up on everything these days, turning it into more of a fad than a style icon, but for now I still like it on some applications. (The 'Keep Calm' First-Aid Kit for example is a stroke of genius!) Made from robust aluminium and featuring a carabineer style belt clip, you can take this bright red Water Bottle where ever you go. An easy way to drink more during the day, the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' Water Bottle is £10 from John Lewis.
'Keep Calm and Carry On' Water Bottle - £10
Posted by Kate on November 25, 2009 12:08 AM
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Indulge in 50s nostalgia with Sagaform's new Retro Tableware collection. Designed by Lotta Odelius, the Retro Tableware is ideal for swinging breakfasts and hip luncheons. Capturing the era's bold graphic style, the Retro Tableware offers a soothing balance and rhythm. The cool blue and green leaves create a vibrant ring of colour around these white tableware pieces. Sagaform is based in Sweden, and so the Retro Collection has unique Scandinavian touches. The tall Retro Mugs for example have no handles, making them suitable for tea, coffee and soft drinks. A brilliant choice for stylish hep cats, the Sagaform Retro Tableware Collection is available from Illustrated Living.
Sagaform Retro Plate - £7.50
Sagaform Retro Breakfast Bowl - £8.50
Set of Two Sagaform Retro Mugs - £14.95
Sagaform Retro Tea Cup & Saucer - £14.50
Sagaform Retro Storage Container - £12.50
Continue reading "Sagaform Retro Tableware Collection" »
Posted by Kate on November 26, 2009 12:08 AM
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Is your partner lost when it comes to the kitchen? Why not give them a helping hand this Christmas with the Media Chef. It's like having a professional chef in the kitchen with you, guiding you through your starters, mains and desserts. The Media Chef gives you step-by-step directions you can pause and rewind as needed. There is a library of 50 classic recipes from spaghetti Bolognese to sticky toffee pudding, with more to be released in the new year! And when it's not in use, the Media Chef doubles up as an MP3 player or digital picture frame! A brilliant idea for gadget lovers and novice cooks, the Media Chef is £169.99 from Lakeland.
Media Chef - £169.99
Posted by Kate on November 27, 2009 12:05 AM
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If your Christmas plans include lots of baking, the Philips Robust Hand Mixer may be a worthwhile investment. Featuring a power-efficient drive system this heavy duty hand mixer can tackle even the thickest dough. A great choice for small kitchens, the Robust Hand Mixer offers more power while not taking up the space of a stand mixer. The stainless steel beaters and dough hooks have been carefully designed to work efficiently, while the unusual handle provides a comfortable grip. Offering three speeds and an extra turbo setting in a solid metal body, the Robust Hand Mixer combines power and control. With a 3-year guarantee, the Philips HR1581 Robust Hand Mixer is £125 from John Lewis.
Philips HR1581 Robust Hand Mixer - £125
Posted by Kate on November 30, 2009 12:05 AM
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