If your kitchen struggles to pack in today’s modern appliances, you’ll want to check out the new Candy Trio. Hidden within the normal looking cooker is the standard hob, a 39L top oven and a small dishwasher. Big enough to hold six place settings; you can now spend your time cooking instead of scrubbing dishes. With A and B energy ratings, this jack of all trades appliance won’t even cost the earth to run. Fantastic for those short of both space and time, the Candy Trio promises to have you in and out of the kitchen as fast as possible. Available with either a gas or ceramic hob, the Candy Trio is available from Boots Appliances and Sainsbury’s Kitchen Appliances.
Do you despise the office coffee machine or simply have no space in your kitchen? The Handpresso Wild is brilliant solution to both. A must have for caffeine junkies, the Handpresso offers a simple way to make espresso no matter where you are. There’s no need for batteries or electricity. Simply pump up the handle, add a bit of hot water from a thermos or kettle and in seconds you’ll have a delicious pick-me-up. Available on its own or in a sophisticated Outdoor Set, it’s perfect for business travellers tired of bland hotel coffee. The Handpresso Outdoor Set comes in a handy shoulder bag which includes a thermos, four unbreakable espresso cups, and space for napkins, coffee pods, sugar and spoons! Available from ‘I Want One of Those’, the Handpresso Wild with have espresso fanatics frothing!
With so many gadgets and appliances on offer your counter space is at a premium, so appliances that make good use of space are always going to win extra points. Now a kitchen essential, I love how this Whirlpool Microwave tucks neatly into a corner, making use of that often wasted space. Still able to fit a 28cm turntable, the fashionable new Max 25 design has a square profile and television inspired styling. Featuring a 3D microwave emission system for even, quick cooking and a new Auto Steam function for tasty, healthy meals, the Whirlpool Max 25 offers high-tech cooking. Available in a range of trendy colours, the 750W Max 25 Microwave is perfect for student bedsits, small flats, caravans & busy kitchens. Available from John Lewis the Max 25 Microwave is £79.
Now this must be the king of kitchen gadgets! This weighty appliance has buttons, knobs, levers and handles; all made to the high Kitchen Aid standards. I’ll admit I can’t imagine spending £269 even for a glamorous KitchenAid Waffle Baker, but it must be a heavenly dream for waffle fanatics! The double-sided baking unit features die-cast plates and rotates to get an even coating of batter. Perfect for sweet breakfasts, savoury dinners or quick snacks, all you need to do is quickly mix up the batter and pour it in. In minutes you’ll have a tasty fuss-free meal. An unusual addition to the Kitchen Aid Artisan Collection I’d love to have one of these eye-catching Waffle Bakers on my kitchen counter. Available in Red, Almond Cream, Black and a Pearl Metallic finish the Kitchen Aid Waffle Baker has an unexpected retro-glamour.
• Rotates for easy coating
• Made from die-cast metal
• Find the optimum temperature with the Pre-heat Indicator
• Beeping timer tells you when things are done
I love anything that really engages and involves people with the food they are eating. Rather than sitting down and silently eat, with a Raclette Grill people laugh, bicker and chatter as each person creates and experiments. Perfect for picky eaters, each person can grill just the vegetables and meats they like, on top of the non-stick stone. Then add these tasty ingredients to your shovel full of lovely potatoes and top with grated cheese before popping them into the second cooking area. A brilliant way to get everyone involved in cooking low-fat food, the Marks and Spencer Classic Stone Grill & Raclette Set is £29.50.
It’s easy to give a retro style to your kitchen with eye-catching appliances like these from Marks & Spencer. With a distinctive shape, these appliances offer important modern features in a nostalgic kitsch style. The chrome kettle and toaster recall the appliances you’d have found in your grandmother’s kitchen, with rolled metal edges and embossed decoration. The Classic Kettle features a hidden element and a 360° base that offers freedom to move around the kitchen and pour safely with either hand, while the Classic Toaster features a handy crumb tray, two sandwich cages and a retro roll-top dust cover. A fantastic alternative to the sleek modern appliances commonly on offer, the Marks & Spencer Classic Kettle and Toaster are perfect for vintage and retro fashionistas.
I've seen the Indesit BAAN134 on plenty of websites, but most fail to mention my favourite feature. I mean you expect an A+ energy rating and anti-bacterial protection on a modern appliance, but how many then help manage family life? The clever designers at Indesit know that the Fridge is an important appliance the whole family uses. Around the country you'll find fridge freezers covered in everything from football fixtures and theatre tickets to photos and post-it notes. In an effort to reduce the clutter and paper, Indesit has created a special finish for the BAAN134. Now you can write your notes straight on to the fridge door. So unleash your creativity and decorate your kitchen with doodles, love notes, phone numbers and quick messages – and when life moves on a quick wipe will leave you a clean canvas for future works. A simple addition that make you wonder 'why didn't I think of that?', the Indesit Graffiti BAAN134 Fridge Freezer is £264 at Boots Kitchen Appliances and Sainsbury's Kitchen Appliances (depending which clubcard you like better!)
One of my biggest frustrations is trying to keeping all those kitchen gadget accessories organised and together. Beaters, blades and discs end up rattling around drawers or getting lost in the back of cabinets. The Kenwood offers a simple but effective solution with the kMix Hand Mixer. The sleek retro styled mixer stands in a simple plastic base with an integrated cord wrap and four columns to neatly hold each of the beaters. Besides the handy organisation, the kMix also features 400 watts of power, five speeds and a rubber handle for a firm, secure grip. A practical solution that keeps everything together while not taking up extra space, the kMix Hand Mixer is ready to use whenever you are. Power and function in a retro glamour form, the Kenwood HM792 kMix Hand Mixer is £39.95 from John Lewis.
It doesn't always take money and effort to dress-up your kitchen or laundry room, even if you don't have much space. From small flats to historic buildings, it can be difficult to squeeze in today's modern appliances. If you've got a washer, dryer or even a dishwasher stood out on it's own, you can now have it dressed to impress! These Fashionista Appliance Covers from So Home bring colour and style to plain white machines. Available in two fashionable prints, you can add a splash of polka dots or a sophisticated chartreuse Toile de Jouy to your kitchen. The front panel rolls up and ties out of the way when in use, but can be quickly dropped when company is expected. A brilliant way to quickly update your kitchen, the Fashionista Appliance Covers are available in both the standard 60cm width and a slim 53cm style. You can get the So Home! Fashonista Applicance cover for £19.00 from La Redoute.
Whether you are looking for a portable BBQ or simply for a compact smoker to add flavour to fresh meats, the new Cobb Barbecue Cooking System offers a revolutionary approach. Designed to work like a convection oven, just 8-10 charcoal briquettes are all that is needed to cook for three hours. The innovative design brings variety to your outdoor meals, grilling, baking, smoking, boiling, frying, warming and even cooking up crisp pizzas. The Cobb Grill's ingenious cooking surface allows excess fat to drain away while not dripping on the charcoals, ensuring the end of smokey flare-ups. And while inside temperatures may reach 500 degrees, the base is completely cool to touch making it safe for use on tabletops. A wonderful fuel efficient appliance, the light Cobb Grill weighs an astonishing 8.5 lbs but cooks for an impressive 4 to 6 people. The Cobb Barbecue Cooking System features a Xylan-coated non-stick surface and a stainless steel bowl and dome, making it dishwasher safe. A brilliant way to appreciate the outdoor and great food simultaneously, the Cobb Barbecue Cooking System is £89.99 from Lakeland.
My project for this year is to make jam. I've never made any before, so I've been keeping my eyes peeled for the needed utensils and clever hints. Imagine my surprise when I found the Tefal Electric Jam Maker! Apparently it takes all the fuss and guess-work out of making jams and jellies. Simply add fruit, sugar and water to the Jam Maker and turn it on. In less than an hour you'll be filling jars with tasty preserves. Perfect for making just a few jars at a time, the Jam Maker lets you make a wide selection of flavours without taking over your larder. Recommended for even those who have never made jam, the Tefal Jam Maker can help you make the most of your summer garden. With six programs to choose from (including the important auto-clean), the Electric Jam Maker can make a variety of different recipes. A new and interesting gadget from Lakeland, the Tefal Electric Jam Maker is £79.99 and includes three 250mL jam jars, a ladle and a recipe book.
Since we finally found a toaster we liked, we decided to go with the matching kettle. We opted for the plain black rather than steel finish, as many steel appliances show finger prints so clearly. The Krups FLF2 Kettle features a concealed element and offers a 1.6L capacity. The screw-on lids has a unique design that locks in place and covers the spout until you are ready to pour, thus preventing any painful accidents. Instead you simply squeeze the trigger on the handle to easily fill your cup. It boils rapidly, and offers the standard cordless design, limescale filter, auto shut-off and boil dry protection you'd expect. With water gauges on each side and an illuminating on button, the Krups kettle is what it should be. Simple and intuitive. Available from John Lewis, the Krupps Kettle FLF2 is £39.95.
When it comes to choosing a toaster, there are an awful lot to choose from, but I was frequently disappointed by the customer reviews I found on line. No matter what the price range, it seemed impossible to find a toaster people were really happy with. Luckily the Krups Expert 2-Slice Toaster was released a few months ago. I'm not usually a fan of stainless steel appliances, but in this case I was willing to forgive it due to it's thorough design. With a relatively compact design, the Krups expert doesn't aim to take over your countertop. It features wide slots perfect for bagels and a unique carriage control which should end the need for toast tongs. It delivers even small crumpets or buns right to the top where it's easy to grab them. It is super quick, and offers eight levels of browning control to ensure your toast comes out just how you like it. With additional features like the Re-heat and Frozen settings, a mid-cycle cancel button, a removable bun warmer and easy to access crumb tray it's no surprise that both Which? And Consumer Reports are reported to have rated it highly. We've not had it long, but so far we've been thrilled with the Krups Expert Toaster FEM231 which we purchased from John Lewis for £39.95.
Granted I may still be a little heady after the madness of the last few weeks, but there is something thrilling and exciting about the Giles & Posner Hot Dog Rotisserie. Bringing back childhood memories of watching the slow turning machine at the local cinema, the Giles & Posner Hot Dog Rotisserie finally lets you take control. Featuring five non-stick rollers, the Hot Dog Rotisserie can evenly cook four sausages in minutes, while two bread heaters ensure warm toasty goodness. There is even a removable drip tray, which means your hot dogs are succulent and never greasy. A brilliant gift for hot dog fanatics, the Giles & Posner Hot Dog Rotisserie brings the flavour and taste of special events home. Certainly a gift for that person who has everything, the Giles & Posner Hot Dog Rotisserie is £29.95 from PrezzyBox
The iconic KitchenAid Artisan Mixer is the definition of retro glamour. The vintage inspired design has an industrial beauty finished in fabulous modern colours. New in May 2008, KitchenAid has released this trendy appliance in a brilliant new colour. The deep and dark Boysenberry is a sensual and sophisticated addition to the Artisan colour range. Offering a contemporary warmth you'll adore, the Boysenberry Artisan Food Mixer will be available in May from leading departments stores. For those who can't wait, you can also find the KitchenAid Boysenberry Artisan Food Mixer at DeluxeProduct.com for £338.99.
Another new eco-design, the Lobo Plunger Filter Kettle offers another way to save money, energy and the environment. The Lobo Kettle features a plunger design that forces the water through a purifying filter before you boil it. The plunging action allows you to measure out just the water you need, ensuring you don't waste extra energy boiling water you won't use. Each press of the plunger releases 285ml of water into the boiling compartment. Purified water promises the best tasting drinks, all boiled quickly and efficiently in this sleek modern kettle. A brilliant addition to contemporary kitchens, the Lobo Plunger Filter Kettle offers responsible consumerism in a sharp technical style. You can find the Lobo Plunger Filter Kettle for £62.99 at Nigel's Eco Store.
Granted this isn't a new product, but as I don't often wander through the infant section I'd missed this fabulous gadget. While making your own baby food is simple, making such small portions can be tricky. The Beaba Babycook and Blender steams, blends, defrosts and reheats in a single compact unit. Perfect for making fresh food daily, the Babycook is simple to use and easy to clean. Straight forward and intuitive, you simply fill the bottom basin with water and steam your fruits vegetables and/or meat for 10-15 minutes. When finished you lift out the steaming basket and add the vegetables to the reserved cooking water and blend into a lovely smooth purée. Designed to also reheat pre-made made meals, the Babycook is the only appliance you'll need. A great way to make home-made meals that preserve vitamins and can be organic, the Beaba Babycook and Blender even saves on the washing up. Available online, the Beaba Babycook and Blender is £63 from John Lewis and £64.95 from Amazon.co.uk.
I'm not a morning person, and anything that will let me sleep a few more minutes in the morning is a god send. Now with the new Tefal Toast n' Egg you can have a hot breakfast sandwich in just four minutes, before you rush out the door. A multifunctional appliance, the Toast n Egg will toast your bread and muffins, cook your egg and warm your precooked meats all at once or separately as desired. The Toast n Egg can even prepare your egg in two ways. You can use either the steamer tray for hard boiled eggs or the poaching tray which makes muffin-sized eggs. Finally with the two wide toast slots and the warming tray for meats, the Tefal Toast n Egg has been carefully designed to accommodate your every need. And ideal gift for University students, the new Tefal Toast n Egg is £39.95 from John Lewis.
When looking at kettles these days you seem to have two choices, ugly plastic or bright and brash steel. While there are a few nice looking kettles many seem to have cheap plastic parts and bad reputations. It may be a bit early to see how well they last, but the 'All New Kettle' from Magimix might be worth the risk. With a tall cylindrical form, the electric kettle has a practical understated style. Kettles may appear to be a basic appliance, but Magimix has taken the time to design some wonderful details into their new kettle. You probably expect the concealed element for easy cleaning, a fast boil and removable filter, but the Magimix kettle also features an insulated double wall body and a magical pop open lid. Using the popular 360° cordless base design, in the Magimix kettle the cord winds neatly inside when not needed. Hopefully a bright new star in the tea kettle market, the Magimix All New Kettle is available in charcoal, red, cream and brushed steel for £67.99 from Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on February 1, 2008 12:09 AM
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Everyone knows that fried food is high in fat and bad for your health, but it's ever so tasty! Now the Tefal ActiFry brings back the wonderful taste, without the guilt. A single tablespoon of oil can cook up to a kilogram of chips! Simply measure the oil in the provided scope and pour over your chips. Then a patented technology circulates hot air around your fries while the circulating paddle evenly coats everything in oil. When the timer rings you discover delicious crispy outsides with lovely soft centres with only an astonishing 3% fat. The ActiFry is completely safe way to fry and requires no preheating. Finally the Tefal ActiFry is even easy to clean. There is no oil to filter and everything but the base can be put through the dishwasher. A fantastic appliance for healthy eating, the Tefal ActiFry is £149.99 from Amazon.co.uk.
When it comes to preparing Christmas feasts, every surface and appliance gets drafted into use. Finding an opportunity when the oven is free to warm your plates can be tricky. And after all the effort and work you've investing in your holiday meal, you don't want to serve them on cold plates that will suck all the warmth and flavour out of your food. A wonderful solution to this problem is the Fabric Plate Warmer by Hot Ideas. Like a mini-electric blanket, the Fabric Plate Warmer weaves between your plates. Suitable for warming three to twelve plates, the Fabric Plate Warmer is ideal for everything from small family meals to large dinner parties. An economical design that's safer for your valuable tableware, plates take just 20 minutes to warm up. A great gadget which will free up time and space in your kitchen, the Tartan Hot Ideas Fabric Plate Warmer is just £34.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on November 30, 2007 12:17 AM
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A must have for gadget and pizza lovers, The Pizza Maker creates delicious home-made meals in minutes. Featuring two heating elements, The Pizza Maker bakes a crispy base while perfectly grilling toppings and cheese. The secret of the crispy pizza bases is in the traditional stone base, which evenly transfers heat from centre to edge. This creates an intense heat that absorbs excess moisture. Each pizza cooks in just 5 minutes, making it a great activity for family dinners. The stone base can also be interchanged with a Deep Dish Pan for making an array of meals like omelettes, pancakes, frittatas and even bacon and eggs. A compact and convenient countertop appliance, The Pizza Maker will thrill gadget fans and families. An established Australian product with positive consumer reviews, The Pizza Maker seems a sure bet at £46.95 from Amazon.co.uk.
The problem with so many cooking gadgets is you never have enough room for them all. You end up trying to balance how much you'll use the product versus how big it is. The Holiday from Palson realises this and combines two cooking products into one. Offering both deep frying convenience and a trendy fondue pot, you'll get twice as much use out of the Holiday. Now I'll admit I'm normally wary of any two-in-one product, as generally they do both jobs badly, but the Holiday does seem to be based around a simple mechanism. Both deep frying and fondues require heated bowls, it's only the temperature which is different. I suspect that it may also be handy for heated dips at parties. With a half litre capacity, this little gadget offers extra freedom and creativity for £26.99 from ElectricShopping.com.
Posted by Kate on September 26, 2007 12:01 AM
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The fantastic classic Dualit Toaster design mixed with the passionate British Marmite brand. Whether you love Marmite or hate it, no one can deny the sophisticated style of this glamorous toaster. With a sharp black and brilliant metal style, this toast is at home in vintage, retro and modern kitchens. Embossed with the distinctive Marmite font, the Dualit Toaster is a fantastic piece of nostalgic design. With a classic elegance that celebrates unique British cuisine, the Special Edition Dualit Marmite Two Slice Toaster is £115 from Heal's.
Posted by Kate on September 20, 2007 12:11 AM
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Joining the trend for eco-friendly products Tefal have created a new and innovative kettle. Rather than the traditional pick up and pour style, the Tefal Quick Cup is a countertop appliance that requires no pouring. The Tefal Quick Cup provides both hot and cold filtered water instantly at the touch of a button. In just three seconds water is pulled through the Claris filter, heated and then dispensed. Each button press measures out a precise 220ml mug full of water or a custom desired amount. By heating up only the water you need the Tefal Quick Cup offers an impressive 65% energy savings. With a 1.5L capacity, the Tefal Quick Cup is dishwasher safe and easy to refill. Cool and hot water served straight into your mug, the Tefal offers convenience while still saving the planet. Available from the Ethical Superstore, the Tefal Quick Cup is £59.99.
Posted by Kate on August 16, 2007 12:12 AM
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Perfect for magical family breakfasts or fun desserts, the Kenwood Disney Waffle Maker makes it easy to create yummy waffles your kids will love. A great addition to family cooking, Disney Waffle Maker transforms normal morning waffles into the charming face of everyone's favourite mouse. Featuring an easy to clean non-stick surface, the Disney waffle maker can make up to four waffles at a time. Perfect for parties the Kenwood Waffle Maker takes only minutes to cook and can be used continuously. With a sleek and mature design subtly embossed with the classic Micky Mouse, this brilliant appliance will be loved by both adults and children. A fabulous appliance that will excite and appeal to any Disney fan, the Kenwood Disney Waffle Maker is available for £29.99 in Red from Woolworths and Black from Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on July 18, 2007 12:08 AM
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Not everyone is blessed with a large kitchen. If you're short on space or not ready to invest in large appliances, the Mini Kitchen by Russell Hobbs is the perfect compromise. Not much bigger than a microwave, the Mini Kitchen offers more flexibility and choice. Featuring an electric mini oven and two hotplates, the Mini Kitchen allows you to easily cook traditional meals. Grilling, roasting, baking, frying and boiling are all offered in a single compact appliance. A multi-function unit, the fan assisted oven can be used at the same time as the medium (0.7kW) and large (1kW) hotplates. A fabulous unit that lets you cook full meals in even the smallest spaces, the self-cleaning Russell Hobb Mini Kitchen is an affordable £99 from John Lewis.
Posted by Kate on July 2, 2007 12:05 AM
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The Raclette Grill offers the fun and activity of Fondue, while being more filling, easy and creative. Originally popular with Swiss and French peasants, the Tefal Raclette Grill is a modern interpretation of this traditional meal. Perfect for dinner parties, each person can selected the ingredients they desire. You only need to chop your ingredients before sitting down to eat. Each guest receives their own 'shovel' in which to toss the peppers, tomatoes and vegetables of their choice. Ideal for catering those with allergies or particular tastes, each 'shovel' is placed on top of the grill to cook. Once finished you sprinkle the grilled vegetables with cheese and place the 'shovels' beneath the grill to melt. When everything is just as you desire, the cheesy vegetables are served over small potatoes for a tasty filling meal. A fabulous dining style that encourages communication and interaction, the round electric tabletop grill offers six individual non-stick 'shovels'. Easy to clean and fabulously versatile, the Tefal Raclette Grill brings a new dining experience into your home. The perfect choice for your summer parties, the Tefal Raclette Grill is available from John Lewis for £34.95
