http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/ en-US Copyright 2010 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:08:08 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss A brilliant centrepiece for shared meals, we've featured the long Jme Antipasti Platter before, but that only works if you have a big dining table. If you prefer round or square tables, the new Pebble Antipasti Platter offers you the same additional space in a more compact shape. Adding depth to you table setting, it also provides more space for condiments and dishes. Designed by Phil Longstaff and made from solid American oak, the Antipasti Pebble Platter is available from Jme for £46. Jme Antipasti Pebble Platter - £46]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/jme_antipasti_pebble_platter.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/jme_antipasti_pebble_platter.html Servingware Table Settings Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:08:08 +0000 Just the name SodaStream brings back memories of big hair styles and short shorts, but though it seems like a 80s invention, the Soda Stream is actually much older. First invented in 1903 by Guy Gilbey, the Soda Stream has been adding sparkle to drinks for over a hundred years. Now updated for the 21st century, the SodaStream has been given a sleek and sophisticated style. Combining brushed stainless-steel and matte black, these bubbly classics are perfect for trendy home bars. Though we remember them from childhood, I have it on good authority that they offer adult fun too. Try sparkling up your cocktails or spirits for a creative party drinks. A brilliant update of a retro favourite, the SodaStream is available in two styles from Lakeland. SodaStream Jet Drinksmaker - £54.99 SodaStream Pure Drinksmaker - £64.99]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/sodastream.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/sodastream.html Hot, Cold Drinks & Barware Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:08:19 +0000 While vintage furniture captures the vibrancy of an era, contemporary interpretations offer the dramatic designs in a timeless style. The Rigby Dining set for example captures the sophistication of atomic design in modern materials. Perfect for modern interiors, the Rigby Dining Set captures those gorgeous sweeping lines in a beautiful solid American oak. Finished in veneer for dramatic effect, the grains create a striking geometric pattern. And when paired with the Rigby benches, the set is ideal for smaller rooms. Available from John Lewis, the Rigby Dining table is £499 while the matching Rigby Dining Bench is £249. Rigby Dining Bench - £249 Rigby Dining Table - £499]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/rigby_dining_set.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/rigby_dining_set.html Fixtures & Furniture Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:23 +0000 For the last few years I've been really disappointed by the Debenham's kitchen department. They stopped carrying really interesting and unique products, instead opting for gimmicky tat. So I'm really thrilled to see they've brought their designer concept to the kitchen department. The new House & Home Collection by Lisa Stickley offers a contemporary rustic charm. Using a sponge-ware inspired pattern, these tin containers are decorated with small blossoms and leaves. Available in pink and green, the House & Home Collections add a vibrant splash of colour to any kitchen. Exclusive to Debenhams, the Lisa Stickley House & Home collection starts at £7.50 for a tea, sugar or coffee canister. Pink Tea Storage - £7.50 Pink Coffee Storage - £7.50 Pink Sugar Storage - £7.50 Pink Biscuits Tin - £9.00 Pink Cake Tin - £12.00 Pink Bread Bin - £20.00 Green Tea Storage - £7.50 Green Coffee Storage - £7.50 Green Sugar Storage - £7.50 Green Biscuits Tin - £9.00 Green Cake Tin - £12.00 Green Bread Bin - £20.00]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/house_home_by_lisa_stickley.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/house_home_by_lisa_stickley.html Storage Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:01:50 +0000 Wesco are well known for their solid utilitarian design of which the Wesco Classic Line Canisters are a perfect example. Strong and sturdy, the Wesco Canisters offer a masculine practicality. Perfect for men who take charge in the kitchen, these Canisters offer an alternative to the common cute girly accessories. Capped with a stainless-steel lid and base, the red powder coated steel body has only the diamond Wecso logo and a subtle raised band as decoration. 17cm high and 13cm across these 2L canisters can be used for all sorts of kitchen staples. Available online from Red Candy, the Wesco Classic Line Canisters are £29.00 each. Wesco Classic Line Canisters - £29.00]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/wesco_classic_line_canister.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/wesco_classic_line_canister.html Storage Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:07:41 +0000 On a long stressful day there is nothing more heavenly than a delicious cup of coffee. Whether it's a cappuccino, latte or even hot chocolate, an indulgent hot drink can often lift your spirits. So these Angel Wing Cookie Cutters are a perfect compliment. Like the Cup Adorning Cookie Cutters we've featured before, each cookie features a slot allowing you to perch them on the side of your mug. Charming and fun, they'll obviously be perfect during the Christmas holidays. Each Angel Wing Cookie Cutter set includes 2 metal cutters for £9 from Bob by Post. Angel Wing Cookie Cutter - £9]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/angel_wing_cookie_cutters.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/09/angel_wing_cookie_cutters.html Bakeware Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:05:09 +0000 If there is one thing Dan has an opinion on, it's toasters. As far as he's concerned, Warburton's is the only real bread and such all toasters should be designed to fit it. I think the new Tefal King Size Toaster might be exactly what he's looking for. Not only does this toaster take the taller loves, but it also gives thick doorstop slices an even browning. There's an extra high-lift feature so you'll never burn your fingers trying to fish out those smaller slices and eight browning settings, so you always get the perfect toast. It even features a scratch-resistant, fingerprint-proof stainless-steel finish, so it will always look good on your counters. A great choice for bread lovers, the Tefal King Size Toaster is £59.99 from Lakeland. Tefal King Size Toaster - £59.99]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/tefal_king_size_toaster.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/tefal_king_size_toaster.html Appliances Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:06:47 +0000 When it comes to cooking there are two basic approaches, there are those that treat it like an art and those that approach it as a science. The artist love throwing ingredients together and consider recipes a loose guide, while the science types prefer exact measuring and clear instructions. The designers at Mode have taken this idea rather literally with their Earl Lab Flask Sets. Inspired by the iconic Erlenmeyer chemistry flask, the Earl sets bring a functional minimalism to contemporary tables. The Earl Salt and Pepper set features a single hole through the corks, while the bigger Earl Oil & Vinegar set has stainless steel pourers running through the corks. The oil drizzler also has a breathing tube, so you'll always get a smooth flow whether you're shaking it over salad or cooking. Simple and quirky, the Earl Oil & Vinegar Set is £19.99 while the Earl Salt & Pepper Set is £9.99 both from Totally Funky. Earl Salt & Pepper Set - £9.99 Earl Oil & Vinegar Set - £19.99]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/earl_lab_flask_sets_by_mode.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/earl_lab_flask_sets_by_mode.html For Spices & Herbs Kitchen Utensils Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:01:43 +0000 Step back into the seventies with The Original Slush Mugs. The only place I know that still has slushy machines is the cinema where they cost a fortune, but the Slush Mug turns your favourite drinks into a delicious icy treat for pennies. Just place the white core in your freezer overnight. Once it's frozen pop it back in the mug and pour in your favourite drink. Stir for about five minutes and you'll have that fantastic cold texture you love. Unfortunately it's the sugar in the drinks that makes it slush, so low-cal diet drinks won't work, but there are plenty of other options. Mix up your favourite juices, sodas, alcoholic cocktails or even coffee for your own retro revival. Perfect for hot summer days, The Orignial Slush Mug is £8.99 from Firebox. The Orignial Slush Mug - £8.99]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/the_original_slush_mug.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/the_original_slush_mug.html Hot, Cold Drinks & Barware Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:07:20 +0000 For a designer there nothing quite like flicking through a book of pantone colours. It promises such potential, holding the perfect combination of colours within its tabbed pages. So when Pantone created a line of kitchen products I was immediately enamoured. These Pantone Tins are their most recent addition. Great for cakes, cookies or even kitchen clutter, these designer tins offer modern style and organisation. Though each tin features the same white band around the bottom, there are seven different colours so you can easily tell them apart. A great way to tidy your kitchen and pantry in modern designer style, the Pantone Tins are £13.50 from Pedlars. Pantone Tins - £13.50]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/pantone_tins.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/pantone_tins.html Bakeware Storage Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:04:00 +0000 A while back someone asked us to suggest some contemporary placemats, and I've kept an eye out ever since. Today I found these pretty Cork Dinner Mats by Ferm. Decorated with a dynamic tree silhouette, these mats combine natural materials with an organic pattern. A brilliant contrast to the clean lines of your contemporary china, the Ferm Placemats will add depth and sophistication to your table. Available online from Scandiliving, a set of two Ferm Cork Placemats is £9.95 Set of Two Ferm Dinner Dinner Mats - £9.95]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/ferm_cork_placemats.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/ferm_cork_placemats.html Table Settings Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:04:43 +0000 Baking came back in fashion when trendy ladies embraced the common cupcake transforming it into culinary art. But now the cupcake has gone mainstream, change is on the horizon. If you want to be on the leading edge of fashion you should check out the Whoopie Pie. A sweet American creation, it's really got bakers talking. Half cake and half cookie, the Whoopie Pie combines a spongy texture with sweet creamy filling. I'd place good money that soon you'll be seeing dramatically decorated Whoopie Pies popping up on foodie blogs in the near future. If you'd like to try your hand at these odd named treats, you can get a Whoopie Pie Pan from Firebox from £7.99 and a special Recipe book for £10.99. Whoopie Pie Pan - £7.99 Whoopie Pie Book - £10.99]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/whoopie_pie_pan_book.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/whoopie_pie_pan_book.html Bakeware Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:59 +0000 In a busy family home, it can be tricky to keep track of the shopping list. While you can try keeping a notepad nearby, we often find it's neglected. I wonder if these multi-coloured Shopping List Magnets would work better. Designed by letterpress printers, Harrington & Squires, each of these buttons lists a different kitchen staple. My only disappointment is that some key items are missing like carrots and biscuits! The Shopping List Magnet set includes 35 different magnets and is £20 from Not on the High Street. Shopping List Magnets - £20]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/shopping_list_magnets.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/shopping_list_magnets.html Decoratives Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:02:24 +0000 Haven't you always dreamed of grinding out pepper one handed? Well...maybe not, but the new Bodum Turnable Salt & Pepper Grinder is still cool. Vibrant and dynamic, the modern Bodum Grinder is coated in bright coloured slip-safe rubber, and arches expressively up from your table. An internal sensor notes its angle, and activates the powerful ceramic grater automatically when it's held over your plate. Fresh contemporary design, the Bodum Turnable Salt & Pepper Grinder from John Lewis adds a splash of colour to modern dining. Red Bodum Turnable Grinder - £25 Green Bodum Turnable Grinder - £25 Pink Bodum Turnable Grinder - £25]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/bodum_turnable_salt_pepper_gri.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/bodum_turnable_salt_pepper_gri.html For Spices & Herbs Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:07:12 +0000 For their 20th Birthday, OXO is returning to their roots. The Y-Peeler was the first tool developed for the Good Grips Range, and is still their most popular and best selling tool. To celebrate their anniversary OXO has created a festive red Y-Peeler that will be perfect for the Christmas holidays. OXO were kind enough to send us one in the post, and I have to admit I was impressed. The peeler cuts smoothly and more easily than you can imagine, removing only a wafer thin layer of skin. This ensures that you retain as many of the vitamins and nutrients just under the skin. You should soon see OXO Red Y-Peelers appearing in stores around the country, retailing for £5.50. If you can't wait that long, you can get the Good Grips Y-Peeler in Black for £4.25 from Amazon UK. OXO Good Grips Black Y-Peeler - £4.25]]> http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/oxo_good_grips_red_y-peeler.html http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/2010/08/oxo_good_grips_red_y-peeler.html Kitchen Utensils Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:07:38 +0000