I have such a weakness for vintage inspired cookware and it's perfect for nostalgic Christmas baking. Following on from their popular retro collection, Tala have just released this 1960s collection. These fabulous tools feature the simple styling of bygone years, with iconic fonts and soft blue and yellow bands. A great gift for trendy bakers, the Tala 1960s Baking Tool Collection is available online from John Lewis.
When cooking vegetables, I love to steam them. My little folding steamer even comes with us on holiday! So when I saw the new Joseph Joseph Lotus Steamer I was intrigued. It looks identical to my much loved steaming basket, but is made entirely from plastic- the advantage of course, is that it won't scratch your non-stick pans. The flexing leaves will adjust to fit any size pan, and the central handle features a heat-resistant finger guard that helps prevent scalding. A brilliant choice for modern cookware, the colourful Joseph Joseph Lotus Steamer is £12 from John Lewis.
If you're a fan of sushi or simply adding the final flourish to a culinary delight, preparing Julienne vegetables can be rather time consuming. But with a Julienne Slicer like this one from OXO, they'll be ready in minutes. The Good Grips Julienne Slicer also protects your precious finger tips! The large easy-to-grip handle has a generous plastic guard that keeps you fingers safely away from the blade. The underside has a scattering of chunky spikes that hold the vegetable securely as you slice it. And when you're finished, the guard clips over the slicer to cover the sharp blades. Available for £12.69 from Lakeland, the OXO Good Grips Julienne Slicer adds a professional style to your salads and homemade coleslaw.
I really like poached eggs, to me poaching just seems like the right way to eat them, not as greasy as fried eggs and not as fussy as boiled eggs. When I was buying supplies when I started university I made sure to pick up a poaching pan. It doubled as a nice single person frying pan but I got it for the poaching. After several years the pan had to be retired and I struggled by without my poached eggs until we discovered the Poachpods. Now Lakeland have new Stainless Steel Poachpods. The stainless steel construction gives them more rigidity than the silicone Poachpods and the non-stick interior saves you from even having to oil the pods to poach the perfect egg. I don't think it would be worthwhile replacing my current Poachpods but the stainless steel accented with green silicone are certainly a handsome option at £5.99 each from Lakeland.
I was surprised to see the Juicy Salif recently appear on the Lakeland website. An industrial design icon, the Juicy Salif was designed back in 1990. Inspired by a plate of squid in an Italian pizzeria, Philippe Starck quickly sketched the Juicy Salif on the back of a napkin. Standing on long spindly legs, the tear drop shaped squeezer is suspended over the glass. The reaming channels direct your juice down the drop and into your glass. Cast in aluminium and then polished, the Juicy Salif is a modern work of art. A dramatic piece of kitchenware, the Alessi Juicy Salif is £44.99 from Lakeland.
Pizza wheels are a brilliant invention, but they're nearly impossible to keep sharp. Rolling the wheel back and forth, over and over, to cut through that last bit of crust can make you scream with frustration. FreshForce have come up with an ingenious solution, their Pizza Wheel comes with its own purpose built sharpener. Doubling as a blade guard it's not really an extra piece you're likely to lose. Before you cut your pizza you just run the pizza wheel along the counter, which sharpens the blade. Then unclip the cover and slice away to your heart's content. Then once it's been given a wash, clip the sharpener back on and the blade is protected till you need it next. A brilliant tool for the kitchen, the FreshForce Pizza Wheel is £14.99 from Firebox.
Robert Welch was an expert at creating timeless classics. A designer and silversmith, he helped define British modernism. The Hobart Nutcracker is a blend of industry and elegance. Raised on a pedestal, the brutal clamp is given a new character. Made from solid cast iron, the nut is held in place by a depression on the base while the steel spindle forces the nut open. I love the solid handle that spins above, giving the whole unit a whimsical feel. A gorgeous conversation piece, the Hobart Nutcracker would be a brilliant choice for the holiday season. Available online from Robert Welch, the Hobart Nutcracker is £22.50.
You may have noticed that oranges have a lot of competition these days. Apparently tangerines, clementines, satsumas and mandarins have all soared in popularity because it's just too difficult to peel the classic orange. Alessi have created a sophisticated solution in the Apostrophe Orange Peeler. Designed by Gabriele Chiave, the seductive form of the Apostrophe only hints at its function. The tear dropped shape fits beautifully in the fingers, while the sweeping blade cuts precisely through the skin preserving the fruit below. Made from precision-cast steel with a mat finish and carefully balanced, the Alessi Apostrophe combines elegance and engineering in its petite form. A gorgeous piece of design, the Apostrophe Orange Peeler is £13.50 from Alessi UK.
Our kitchen is surprisingly small, so I'm always interested in space-saving gadgets that can multi-task. Lakeland's new Dripless Colander is designed to work the way you want. It features a twisting ring which opens and closes the perforated base. So you can wash your fruit, then lock the base and stand it safely on the counter or the table. The flexible bowl folds like an accordion, so the colander is easy to slip down the side of a cupboard. A great choice for a student kitchen, the Dripless Colander is £11.99 from Lakeland.
I love to find products that offer the convenience we expect, but in a environment-friendly form. Salad Spinners can be found in homes across the country, but you wouldn't normally consider them bad for the environment. It's not like they use batteries. But the new Jamily Salad Spinner uses 75% less plastic than conventional spinners! Made from a lightweight waterproof fabric, you pop your salad in the draw-string bag and swing it around in a circle. The centrifugal force pulls the water from the leaves and gathers it in the bottom of the bag. Then you can pour the excess water out the clever white spout. The fabric design also means you can fold it up for easy storage and it's even made of recycled polyester. A clever design that shows that even small changes can change the world, the Jamily Salad Spinner is £35.99 from the Eden Project online store.
Anyone who's used a box grater to shred a block of cheese soon discovers it's a tiring and tedious process. A designer at Tefal must absolutely hate this job, as they've created a sleek little machine that does all the work for you. The Tefal Fresh Express has a 150W motor that slices and shreds its way through vegetables and cheese and then drops the results neatly in your bowl. With five conical drums to choose from you can quickly switch from thick slicing to thin, from coarse shredding to fine. And when not in use the five brightly coloured drums can be stored in the raised chute. A pretty and efficient solution to cooking preparation, the Tefal Fresh Express is £49.99 from Lakeland.
By now I'm sure you've realised I'm a fan of the Zoku Quick Pop Maker. I have enough food intolerances that being able to create these fun treats with my own ingredients is really handy. But it can be frustrating to have this plastic block taking up room in the freezer (and we're lucky enough to have a free standing freezer!) So if space concerns were putting you off this ingenious gadget, Zuko have come up with a compromise in their new Duo Quick Pop Maker. Virtually the same as the larger Quick Pop Maker, the Duo simply makes two pops at a time instead of three. The only other difference is the detailing and tool handle in my favourite shade of lime green. A great choice for the summer holidays, the Zuko Duo Quick Pop Maker is £29.99 from Totally-Funky in the UK and $36.95 from Williams-Sonoma in the US.
It's been horribly hot around here the last few days, which means it's perfect weather for the Zoku lolly ice maker. After making your first few you'll want to get creative, which is where the Zoku Tool Kit comes in. This unusual tool kit helps you achieve stunning effects. The Plastic Jugs help you neatly pour your juices to create gorgeous stripes. The Siphon is lets you remove juice from the centre, so you'll have a hollow shell you can fill with another flavour. The Green Wedge lets you tilt the Zoku Maker to create pretty diagonal stripes. And finally the little metal cutters allow you to add fruit slices which you position with the yellow wand. Little helpers that make creating these brilliant lollys easier, the Zoku 'Quick Pop' Tool Kit is £12.99 from Firebox or $19.95 from Williams-Sonoma in the United States.
Summer has finally arrived, which means it's definitely time to break out the lolly ice makers! Last year we were lucky enough to win one of the fabulous Zoku Quick Pop Makers, which encourages you to blend you favourite flavours with your creative juices. A great project for hot summer days, the Zoku Lolly Maker produces frozen treats in just minutes. But who wants to stop after making just one? Zoku have come to the rescue with their new Quick Pop Storage Case. A long plastic case that not only protects your frozen creations, but displays them beautifully, the Quick Pop Storage Case can holds up to six lollies. The clear plastic lid provides an airtight seal that preserves those rich flavours, while showing off those enticing colours. Offering a brilliant way to serve these summer desserts, the Zoku Quick Pop Maker Storage Case is £16.95 from Amazon UK.
Valentine's Day is never fun when you're a child, but I'm sure a special packed lunch would cheer up any day. Bento style lunch boxes are very trendy and give you opportunity to stretch you creative muscles. The Heart Sandwich cutter is the perfect choice for February 14th. In a single action you cut out two separate heart-shaped sandwiches. An easy way to celebrate the holiday, the Heart Sandwich Cutter is £1.99 from Lakeland.
We love the Poachpods! The simple silicone moulds mean you don't need a specialised poaching pan, and they take up so little space. The only catch? They can be a bit tricky to pull out of the pan without dunking your fingers in the hot water. However the Poachpod Lift may be the solution! With a long handle finishing in two arching arms, the Lifter cradles the Poachpod as you lift it in and out of the pan. And once out, the rounded handle slips in to release the eggs. My only reservation is that the handle could be longer, at 23cm (9in) you'll still be reaching over the steam. Still a good way to protect your fingers, the Poachpod Lift is just £2.99 from Lakeland.
No matter how expensive your knives are they are only good when they are sharp. If you've ever gone looking for knife sharpeners you'll know there's a huge range of products, many of which are difficult to use. We've seen the AnySharp in stores before, but it's so hard to tell if they're really going to work. So when they offered to send us out an AnySharp Pro we jumped at the chance! The AnySharp Pro Gift Set comes in a handy storage tin with a complementary presentation ring, if you want to try your hand at contemporary gourmet cooking. The AnySharp Pro itself is a very small unit with a zinc alloy finish. It uses suction cup to attach to your counter, ensuring your fingers will be safely out of the way. Really easy to use, you just need to draw the knife back through the Tungsten Carbide teeth. It even works on serrated knives with big teeth, though we think the teeth on our bread knives were a bit too close together. When you're finished you just lift the lever and the AnySharp easily lifts of your counter. Small, practical and safe, the AnySharp is a convenient way to sharpen your knives perfectly every time. The AnySharp Pro Gift Set is available from AmazonUK for £29.99, but you can also get the AnySharp Classic or AnySharp Pro individually.
I'll confess I've never liked boiled eggs, but I think this Egg Squarer could tempt me to try them again! Often seen in Bento style lunches, this simple plastic tool gives the common egg a contemporary edge. Just pop the egg in while still warm and tighten the screw top. When your egg is square, you can take the top off and push up the base till your egg cube pops out. (Apparently for best result you should try chilling the egg mould first!) A great idea for devilled eggs or packed lunches, you'll never chase a rolling egg again. Available online from Fun Picked, the Egg Squarer is £4.95.
I don't think anyone can deny that autumn has appeared with a vengeance! Blustery, cold and very, very wet, I'm already looking forward to a traditional roast dinner; Yorkshire puddings, steamed veg and a mound of delicious mashed potatoes. The trick to perfect mash as always been to try and smash all the lumps, without over working it into a gluey mess. The foolproof solution is to use a Potato Ricer. Pop your potatoes into the metal basket and press the plunger, forcing the potato through the holes at the bottom. Eliminating lumps in one go; a Ricer ensures a perfect texture every time. Now Chef'n has improved the Potato Ricer with its patented gear ratchet system. The gears take all the strain, so it requires an impressive 65% less effort, making it quick and easy to use. A must have for mash lovers and ideal for big Christmas meals, the Chef'n Potato Ricer is £29.99 from Lakeland.
Somehow finding the right funnel for the job is always a challenge, but Cuisipro have created a brilliantly adaptable tool in their 3-in-1 Funnel. Each of the three funnels has been designed for specific tasks, while also combining for greater flexibility. The small funnel is brilliant for filling narrow necked bottles with liquids or spices. The medium grey funnel has a specially designed spout that makes awkward pepper mills easier to fill. Finally the large Funnel is perfect for filling Kilner jars and features a removable strainer. The small and medium funnels have air flow channels to improve liquid flow, and when combined creates a high capacity funnel for filling bottles. All three funnels are made from heat resistant plastic, making them safe for soups and hot fruit purees. When not in use, the handles clip together so the smaller funnels store inside the largest, saving space. Ready to tackle anything, the Cuisipro 3-in-1 Funnel is £7.99 available from Lakeland.
A few years ago we started making our own jam. While we don't use much our selves, homemade jam makes a great hostess gift or housewarming present, especially at short notice. Till now we've not picked our own berries, but with one of these clever Berry Pickers it sounds a lot more fun. Traditionally used in Scandinavia where they pick lindenberries, the slotted scoop collects the berries while leaving twigs and foliage behind. Quick and easy to use, the Berry Picker lets you finish the long task before it gets boring and tedious. And when you've finished there is a matching Berry Sieve that is big enough to shake those berries around while washing them. A helping hand for those who pick their own, the Berry Picker and Berry Sieve are available from Lakeland.
I'm fascinated by nutcrackers. While they aren't exactly popular, nutcrackers seem to inspire brilliant and clever designs. The Menu Nutcracker is an obvious example; the matte black dome claims to shatter nuts with just a light tap. A gleaming stainless steel base is paired with a black rubber dome that features an ingenious ribbed metal fitting. Simply place the nut on the plate, pop on the lid and give it a sharp tap. When you remove the top, your cracked nut will be presented on the pretty metal plate ready to be eaten. Fitted with a non-slip base, the nutcracker also won't damage your table tops. A modern way to have a cracking good snack, the Menu Nutcracker is £23.50 from Henry Tibbs.
Maybe I'm odd, but I really enjoy hulling big bowls of strawberries for summer parties. There's something rather relaxing about the repetitive work. But if you find it a tedious job, the Chef'n StemGem may add a bit of fun. The strawberry coloured tool has four stainless steel teeth that snatch out the stem, leaving the delicious flesh. Pressing the green button triggers the quick and easy claw mechanism which can also be used to hull tomatoes. A bright and cheerful kitchen gadget for the summer, the Chef'n StemGem is £5.99 from Lakeland.
I have no idea what your cupboards look like, but ours are packed full of large useful bowls nested within each other. While an efficient use of space, it's often tricky to remove the item you want. Our Salad Spinner is a perfect example; we bought a small one that fits in our mixing bowls, but I still need to pull several items out of the cupboard before I can free it. Lakeland have found a creative solution in their Collapsible Salad Spinner. Featuring a silicone 'gusset' the large bowl collapses down to just 7cm tall; the flat design is then easier to stack and store. Besides practical storage, the Collapsible Spinner also separates into to two, doubling as a colander and a serving bowl, making it even more useful. Using a drawstring-action to dry those bright leafy greens, the Collapsible Salad Spinner offers compact convenience and versatility for £34.99 from Lakeland.
Whether you're making cocktails or lemon marmalade, nothing is better than fresh pressed juice. Chef'n have created the FreshForce citrus press to get every drop of that delicious flavour. The patented steel dual-gear mechanism gets an impressive 20% more juice from your limes, lemons and small oranges. With chromed, die-cast zinc metal parts and nylon handles, it's both durable and dishwasher safe. Never buy pre-squeezed juice again, the Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer is £19.99 from Firebox.
If you love baking large batches of biscuits this Rolling Cookie Cutter from Lakeland is bound to speed up the process. The ingenious Roller quickly cuts a line of perfect circles out of your dough or pastry. Surprisingly the Rolling Cookie Cutter isn't a new invention; it's been around for at least 40 years. The Lakeland Cutter however makes some improvements on the vintage models including an updated handle. An intriguing baking gadget, the Lakeland Rolling Cookie Cutter is £4.99.
The Magnetic Trivet is such a simple solution it's genius! Rather than trying to juggle a heavy pan in one hand and carefully place your trivet on a busy table with the other, the Magnetic Trivet sticks to and moves with your pan in one easy motion. There are two powerful magnets set within the cork board, which can stick to cast iron, induction and most stainless steel cookware. When you meal is ready to serve, just take it off the hob and pop it on the trivet. Then it's ready to safely place on any table or counter. Available from Lakeland, the Magnetic Trivet is £6.99.
I'm a huge fan of the PoachPods we featured back in 2008, so I'm intrigued by the new Food Pod. The strange yellow basket clips to the side of your pan and allows you to boil, blanch and steam. Originally designed for boiling eggs, the silicone cradles your eggs protecting them from bouncing into the pan or each other. And when it's done cooking you can just lift the Food Pod from the pan, with no need to chase things around with a spoon. Big enough to hold a dozen eggs, the basket can also be used for vegetables or even shellfish. An intriguing new gadget from the makers of the Poach Pod, the Food Pod is £9.99 from Lakeland.
I forgot the other item on our Christmas list this year; one of the fantastic OXO Salad Spinners! The beauty of this spinner is in its silky smooth motion. The Good Grips Salad Spinner has a large black plunger that pops up from the lid. With just a few presses, the inner basket begins to spin; flinging the water from your salad leaves. When you're finished, just press the brake and the basket comes to a stop. The clever design has a non-slip base and the basket and bowl can even come apart to be used separately. Available in two sizes, the OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner is available from John Lewis.
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.
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.
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.
Joseph Joseph have redesigned yet another kitchen classic with their new Lemon Reamer. Rather than squeeze your fruit and then fish out the pips and bits, the Joseph Joseph reamer does it for you. By hanging a soft rubber cup below the bright yellow citrus reamer you can catch the pips as you go and prevent stray drips from getting all over your hands. Dishwasher-safe and with a big chunky handle, the Joseph Joseph Lemon Reamer is a practical everyday tool, available from John Lewis for £8.
If you are a creative baker or suffer from gluten intolerance, the grain mill may be a dream come true. Rather than needing to search around for exotic flours, with the Grain Mill you can grind them yourself for a fraction of the price. Perfect for wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, non-oily seeds and even spices, the Grain Mill ensures you know exactly what's in your flour. There is even a control which allows you to control the texture of your flour, from a fine powder to something a bit more coarse, the Grain Mill lets you experiment and tweak your favourite recipes. A brilliant way to create your own wholegrain bread, the Grain Mill is £49.99 from Lakeland.
I don't know what your freezer looks like, but ours is full of all sorts and clearing a large level space for an ice cube tray is something of a challenge. The clever new Ice Orb offers a brilliant vertical solution that lets you make and store ice cubes at the same time! The ingenious design of the Ice Orb features two interlocking buckets. To make ice cubes you fill the clear bobble cup with water and then fit the blue cup inside as well. This forces the water into the bumps, to create half spherical ice cubes. When the ice is solid, you can either poor the ice cubes into the blue cup while you make more ice, or use the Ice Orb as a drinks chiller! Able to make 21 ice cubes at a time, the blue air tight bucket can store 51, ensuring you're never run short. You can even use it to serve ice cream and dips at parties while still keeping them cool. A versatile gadget that's a bit easier to squeeze in the freezer, the Ice Orb is £14.95 from Firebox.
It only takes one accident with a mandolin to make you think twice about using it again. Rather than risk your fingers, the Culinare One Touch Slicer can safely do the job with even less effort. A Lakeland exclusive, this battery powered Slicer has no exposed blades and only switches on when properly assembled, so it's safe to use even around children. The Culinare Slicer includes three blades (thick, thin & julienne) and conveniently collects the slices in the bottom container. Finally, when you want to pack the Slicer away, all the pieces fit neatly in the storage base. A compact design that protects your fingers, the Culinare One Touch Slicer is £24.99 at Lakeland.
Want the convenience of pregrated cheese, but without all the added potato starch they use to stop it sticking together? The Culinare One Touch Grater does all the hard work for you. All you need to do is fill the One Touch Grater with chunks of your favourite cheese and push the big blue button. After that all the grating is done for you and the cheese is neatly collected in the bottom storage container. The Culinare Grater even comes with fine and coarse blades, which allow you to grate both soft and hard cheeses. Great way to save yourself time and prevent sore joints, the Culinare One Touch Grater is £19.99 from Lakeland.
There really is a gadget for everything. Lakeland have even found a machine to make the perfect omelette. With a unique hinged design, you’ll no longer worry about broken omelettes or flipping failures. First sauté your mushrooms, onions, bacon or other fillings on the smooth non-stick plate. Then add your eggs and cook for about three minutes, before flipping the machine over to finish the other side. Able to makes 2-egg omelettes for one or two people, this gadget will let you make hearty breakfasts even on busy mornings. Creating professional fluffy omelettes every time, the Omelette Maker is £39.99 from Lakeland.
If your knife skills don’t get used often, slicing eggs can be a fiddly and frustrating task. So much so that OXO has developed a gadget to do it all for you! As always though the Good Grips Collection offers added functionality in it’s easy to use design. Not only does this Egg Slicer & Chopper make perfect slices for salads and sandwiches, a quick turn of the base lets you dice your eggs in a single motion. With a cleaning grid that removes any residual egg from the slicer, this gadget is quick to use and quick to clean. It can even be used to slice mushrooms and strawberries! A gadget made for boiled egg lovers, the OXO Good Grip Egg Slicer and Chopper is £12.98 at Lakeland.
The designers of the Nordic Rock: Stone Ice Cubes have released another modern interpretation of an age old kitchen item. The new Heavy Metal Nutcracker has a tactile energy in its simple form. The nutcracker uses a large steel ball that is caged between two bent wires. You lift the ball to the top of the arch and let go, letting gravity shatter your nuts with a satisfying crack. A geometric juxtaposition of steel and wood, this nutcracker acts as both a practical tool and a modern sculpture. Perfect as a conversation piece on your coffee table, the Heavy Metal Nutcracker is £34.99 from Mocha.
I can't wait to get my hands on one of these to see if it really works! Recently we've had trouble with a company giving out our personal information, and the whole experience has really made us aware of just how much information is on everyday items of post! This clever Hide ID stamp may be a brilliant solution for utility bills and generic bank letters. Paper can only be recycled so many times. Each time the fibres get cut shorter and shorter till they won't hold together on their own. Rather than shred all your post, this stamp could make it safe to recycle more of your post. The Hide ID stamp features a dense pattern of symbols and letters that mask the address and account numbers on your post. Apparently it's illegible even when held up to the light! An amazingly simple way to protect your personal information and identity, the Hide ID Stamp is available from Lakeland.
Hooray! We’ve had several emails asking for a new supplier for the popular Strawberry Slicer we featured last year, and we are pleased to announce they have finally returned to Lakeland! The cute slicer creates fabulous strawberry fans perfect for decorating your summer cakes and cocktails. A great way to celebrate the British summer and produce, the Strawberry Slicer is £3.99 from Lakeland.
Tired of rolling out uneven pastry and dough? Joseph Joseph has created a simple solution with their new Adjustable Rolling Pin. The Joseph Joseph Pin unscrews at each end allowing you to change the grey plastic discs; these grey discs ensure your dough always comes out the right thickness. With three different sizes to select from, you can raise the pin 2mm, 6mm or 10mm from your work surface. No matter how hard you press, you can never roll things too thin. A great item for kids helping in the kitchen, the Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin is £14.95 from PrezzyBox.
This cute little device by Chef’n makes squeezing fresh juice for recipes that little bit easier. The Juicester’s flared top features both a large and a small contoured reamer and neatly collects the juice in the bottom container. The base is marked with small ml measurements perfect for when you just need a tablespoon of lemon juice, as well as larger measurements up to a 250ml glass of orange juice. You’ll immediately know how much juice you’ve squeezed and can pour it straight into your recipe. Available from Amazon UK for £11.70, the Chef’n Juicester will make even a bag of oranges quick work.
The new Joseph Joseph collection brings clever modern design to common kitchen gadgets. Their new Spaghetti Measure is a perfect example. Like the shutter on a camera, the Spaghetti Measure uses an adjustable iris to control the portion size. The bright coloured ring has a simple sliding lever that allows you to select between one and four people so you never end up cooking too much. A neat solution to a simple problem, the Joseph Joseph Spaghetti Measure is available from Heal’s.
Do you have trouble making the perfect boiled eggs every time? Well the clever BeepEgg will remind you even if you’ve been distracted while making breakfast. The BeepEgg sings out with different tunes as your eggs are cooking telling you when the eggs are done. If you love a soft runny centre you’ll want to listen for ‘Killing Me Softly’, if you prefer a medium egg it’s ‘I Wish I was a Hen’ and for hard boiled it plays the ominous Carmina Burana. The plastic BeepEgg features a temperature sensor to calculate the exact cooking time need for the perfect eggs. Just store the BeepEgg along with your eggs, and when you make boiled egg just pop it in the pan too. When you want it to stop singing you just pop it in some cold water. Certainly an entertaining start to the morning, the BeepEgg watches your eggs so you don’t have to. With an 18 month non-replaceable battery, the BeepEgg is £14.95 from Firebox.com
If you are looking for something new to inspire your creative cooking juices check out the Circulon Gas Burner. Why slave away in the kitchen while your guests sit waiting for dinner? The Circulon Gas Burner lets you cook right at the table, keeping you in the conversation and entertaining your guests. You can also it as a hot plate to keep dishes warm, ensuring those after more helpings enjoy it as much the second time. Easy to use, the Gas Burner lights at the press of a button and you adjust the flame by turning a knob. Instantly create an exciting cooking environment when camping, in the kitchen or at the table with the Circulon Gas Burner exclusively at Lakeland.
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!
The easiest way to avoid drips across your cooker and counter is simply to leave the spoon in the pan. The problems arise when your pan is so large that it can swallow your spoon whole or when the pan is so small your spoon tips out firing hot spaghetti sauce across the kitchen. The new Lakeland Clip & Rest offers a secure place to balance your spoon while you work on other things. The stainless steel clip slips over the edge of the pan and features silicone details for added grip. Ideal for sauces and things that need frequent stirring, the Clip & Rest ensures your spoon is always to hand and your counter stays clean. Exclusively from Lakeland, the Clip & Rest is an affordable £4.99.
I know the housewives’ trick for removing garlic odours from your hands. Rubbing your hands on a steel spoon under cold running water removes the smell, but often you’re still left with an annoying hint of garlic. For those days when even a hint is just too much, Chef’n has made the Garlic Zoom. Simply pop the peeled cloves through the hole in the top, and then drive it around your kitchen counters. The spinning blades do all the work leaving you with finely chopped garlic, ready to add straight into the pan. Brilliant for those with sensitive noses or when you are playing hostess, the Garlic Zoom offers fresh flavour in seconds. Now available at Lakeland, the (top shelf) dishwasher-safe Chef’n Garlic Zoom is £7.99.
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
Both loved and feared, Mandolins are a tool every home chef has an opinion on. But beyond all the chatter, Mandolins are often an expensive investment for budding chefs. Now jumping into the debate is Sleekslice by Chef'n, an affordable alternative that bursts with flexibility. The brilliant design offers everything you'd expect from a full size Mandolin in an amazingly small and compact unit; even the food holder collapses into itself for a flat finish. Once folded out, the Sleekslice can be used over a bowl, free-standing or as a hand-held slicer. With just a turn of the dial you can select from four height settings to get just the thickness you desire. A fantastic compact design that will fit in anyone's kitchen, the Chef'n Sleekslice is £16.50 from John Lewis.
A fabulous new collection of useful kitchen gadgets, Art Cook has brought modern style to even the most basic tools. The sweeping forms and dynamic designs are accented by the brilliant titanium finish. The clever air cushioned handles offer a comfortable secure grip no matter how messy you get. Hard working tools that offer a fresh new view of boring kitchen staples, these ergonomic delights will instantly catch your attention. Available with either grey or lime green handles, these flash kitchen products are perfect for both minimalist designs and bright family homes. A new addition to the Lakeland catalogue, the Typhoon Art Cook Kitchen Gadgets Collection includes nearly everything you can think of (and are currently in a handy 2 for 3 offer).
When cooking large meals or simply cooking with little ones under your feet, ever feel like you need an extra pair of hands? Lakeland claim to have found a brilliant kitchen helper, that keeps things things stirring so you don't have to. Rather than being tethered to the hob when making sauces, gravies or custards, the vibrating 'Stirr' just needs to be activated and placed in the pan. The battery powered gadget on tall spindly legs keeps things moving, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom and preventing lumps. A new British invention, Lakeland exclusively offer the new Stirr for £14.99.
An interesting alternative to the 8-Piece Prep Set, the Joseph Joseph 3-Piece Juicer and Bowl Set offers a bright and tidy collection at a competitive price. The three piece set features a bright yellow juicer, a medium sized non-skid bowl, a small mixing bowl with measurement marks and a pouring spout. Each piece features large handles that nest neatly together, easily in reach without wasting precious kitchen space. With bright attractive colours the Joseph Joseph 3-Piece Juicer & Bowl Set is both appealing and practical, and at £14.99 from Heals the designer Juicer & Bowl Set is affordable too.
I love rainbow sets of nesting bowls, they just seem to exude happy optimism, but I'll admit I often wonder how many of those bowls you'd actually use. As always Joseph Joseph have also noticed this, and created a clever Prep Set. The eight-piece set includes a large non-slip mixing bowl, a smaller mixing bowl with a pouring spout, a colander, sieve and a set of four measuring cups. Each brightly coloured piece features large convenient handles and nests within each other to neatly store out of the way. A great way to keep your kitchen organised, and a great gift for students or house warmings the Joseph Joseph Multi-Colour 8-Piece Bowl & Food Stacking Prep Set is £35.00 from Heals.
There is nothing quite like the frustration you feel when you can't get a jar open. There is a boiling irritation when you are defeated by a simple inanimate object, and asking others for help can just aggravate the situation. The Culinare One Touch Jar Opener offers a quick and easy solution. Ideal for those with arthritis, you simply align it over the jar and push the large blue button. No more wrestling with jam jars or fighting with bottles of pasta sauce, the electronic and hands-free jar opener can apply 25lbs of pressure to open even the most stubborn of lids. Effective on lids between 3cm and 10cm, the Culinare One Touch Jar Opener takes just two AA batteries. Available from Lakeland, the Culinare One Touch Jar Opener makes a great gift at £19.99.
There is something quite relaxing about sitting and eating a bowl of shelled nuts. The rhythmic action and pace of cracking each nut before you eat it bring a soothing repetition. However exploding shells and the sharp bite on your hands can spoil the effect. PEJ set out to solve this with a circular nutcracker that makes even tough shells easy to crack. The central lever turns to pin the nut against the sidewall, increasing pressure till it cracks. The black rubber edge helps keep the shards from escaping.
With all these lovely sunny days, it's the perfect time to make extra-special summer treats. These brightly coloured moulds combine cookies and soft ice cream to create a delicious snack for hot summer days. A brilliant way to serve ice cream outside, there's no need for bowls or spoons. Simply hand them out, the sweet cookie crusts stop the ice cream from melting in hot little hands. You'll still get ice cream everywhere, but your Ice Cream Sandwiches will be the highlight of summer. Easy to make, bake up some cookie dough and use the mould as a cookie cutter. Then fill with ice cream and use the plunger to pack it all together. It will even decorate the top for you with no extra effort. Available from Lakeland for £10.50, each Ice Cream Sandwich Mould Set includes three moulds in heart, 'squircle' and star shapes.
Lemon juice is the perfect compliment to many meals and even has health benefits, however fresh lemon slices don't always match your table style. The Tonfisk lemon squeezer offers you fresh lemon juice in a neat and sophisticated form. The ceramic bowl features a raised ridge on which to grind your lemon, while the high sides captures every drop and ensure that no erratic squirts attack your table and friends. The small spout allows you to neatly pour out your fresh juice, while keeping pips in the bowl. Such an elegant solution, you'll wonder why no one thought of it before. Designed by Susanna Hoikkala & Jenni Ojala, the Tonfisk Lemon Squeezer is £25 from FunktionAlley.
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.
Continuing their compact and clever kitchen designs, Joseph Joseph have released the new 'Chop & Rinse' which combines several bulky items into a single sleek design. Available from the end of June, the 'Chop and Rinse' acts as a single unit for preparing fruits and veg. The hinged chopping board allows you to quickly cut your vegetables, and then transforms into a triangular chute. The closed end features a perforated surface that acts as a colander as you wash your food then when finished the chute neatly tips everything into your bowl. Dishwasher-safe and featuring a non-slip rubber edge, the 'Chop& Rinse' is a fabulous gift for University students or those starting off in their first flat. Available in green, white, red and grey the Joseph Joseph 'Chop and Rinse' is £14.95 from PrezzyBox.
Every so often the temptation gets to be too much and you have to give in and buy that irresistible kitchen gadget, for me that gadget was a Cookie Press. Every Christmas I pull the mixing bowls out and heat up the oven, mass producing hundreds of cookies for our friends and family. So any gadget that offers to make beautiful and professional looking biscuits is going to catch my attention. Now I'll admit I've heard many people claim they have a cookie press gathering dust in the back of the cupboard. Often they are thought to be too much effort or don't work well enough. I like this baking set because it also can be used as an icing set, so even if I get frustrated by the cookie press it will hopefully still be useful. The set includes the press, eight icing nozzles and 13 biscuit template all stored in an acrylic storage box. It will probably be a few months yet before I pull this gadget out, but I hope it add a touch of glamour to my Christmas parcels. Recently spotted in Selfridges, you can find the Cookie Press and Icing Set at Amazon.co.uk for £19.99.
I've been searching for a good garlic press for ages, it seems they either never work properly in the first place or they soon break. We discovered the Anolon Stainless-Steel Garlic Press while visiting Dan's brother. We were hugely impressed with the solid construction and how well it crushed garlic in a single press. So a few weeks before the wedding when our can opener exploded, we decided to continue with the Anolon line. So far the Anolon Can Opener is living up to expectations, and we anticipate it's quality and durability will last. Each tool is made from strong solid steel and features an ergonomic SureGrip. The brightly polished stainless steel paired with the grey silicon rubber grips creates a clean modern look. A brilliant addition to your kitchen arsenal, the Anolon Stainless-Steel Can Opener & Anolon Stainless-Steel Garlic Press are both available from Amazon.co.uk.
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
I'm normally not a fan of slicer gadgets as usually a knife will work just as well, but there is something appealing about the new Strawberry Slicer. Perfect for summer delights, the Strawberry Slicer creates a pretty fan of fruit slices ideal for topping desserts and trifles. As the British strawberry season comes into swing, the Strawberry Slicer makes them as beautiful as they are tasty. Featuring stainless steel blades, the Strawberry Slicer neatly and quickly prepares even a box full of fruit. A brilliant way to enjoy fine British produce, the Strawberry Slicer is just £3.99 from Lakeland.
I'll admit I'm a bit dubious as to how well this will work, but it's too interesting an idea not to explore. These days supermarkets are selling fruit and veg in such large quantities, it can be hard for smaller households to finish everything in time. And there is nothing worse than going to make a sandwich or snack, only to finding your fresh bread and fruit have spoiled. The Vaku Maxx aims to reduce waste by protecting your food with a light vacuum and controlled air quality. Each time the Vaku Maxx lid is closed, a powerful pump removes 15-20% of the air inside. Combined with a built-in dehumidifier and an ioniser to produce ozone, the Vaku Maxx slows down spoiling. A nice sized unit, the Vaku Maxx measures 11" x 17¼" x 8¼", ideal for several days worth of bread or fruit. Finally with a built-in calender and a fast marinating function, the Vaku Maxx is £39.95 from Scotts of Stow.
That final sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger is often what transforms a basic dish into something extraordinary. Unfortunately getting out a large box grater or fiddly spice grater can put you off these small touches. The Microplane Grate-N-Shake solves this by creating a handy unit that keeps everything easily together. Simply grate the spice against the patented surgical grade steel blades and the ground spice collects in the clear compartment. When finished you just turn the container over and the blade acts as a grill that gently sprinkles flavour across you drinks and desserts. The second black compartment features a sliding lid, ideal for storing unground spices. A clever complete unit, the Microplane Grate-N-Shake ensures fresh grated flavour is always at your finger tips. A great addition to your home coffee bar, the Microplane Grate-N-Shake is available for £9.95 from both Kitchenaria and Amazon.co.uk.
A simple system that takes the guess work out of cooking, the Perfect Steak System ensures every steak is cooked to perfection no matter how you like it. The Perfect Steak System monitors the temperature of your pan, calculates exactly how long each steak need to cook and even reminds you to when to flip it over. Simply measure the thickness of your steak with the included ruler and enter the information into the green 'Digital Steak Pod' calculator. Select how you'd like your steak; well done, medium or rare, and the Digital Steak Pod calculates how long it needs to cook. When the Pod beeps, flip the steak over, and when it beeps again your delicious dinner is ready to serve. The non-stick aluminium grill pan features an easy-to-read lime green temperature gauge in the handle and is designed to evenly distribute heat through the pan. The Perfect Steak System includes the specialist grill pan, 'Digital Steak Pod', ruler, recipe booklet and matching silicone coated tongs. A brilliant gadget for steak lovers, guests will be delighted as you serve every steak just the way they like it. The Perfect Steak System is currently available from Best Direct for £49.99, or £39.99 at Amazon.co.uk.
Like little boats on a rough sea, the new PoachPods are an easy and convenient way to cook eggs or melt chocolate. Made by Fusionbrands, the small silicone bowls float neatly in the pan. With a non-stick finish, the poached egg is easily released with a quick turn of a spoon or by popping the flexible pod inside out. Both microwave and dishwasher safe, you'll want a fleet of PoachPods for the whole family. Available online from Lakeland, a pack of two PoachPods is £4.99
These days recipes and clever cooking ideas can be found everywhere. From magazine and newspapers to the backs of packaging, it can be tricky saving all these culinary ideas. The iSlice is a fantasticly safe and convenient design, perfect for neatly cutting pages out of magazines or opening tricky food bags. The high-tech zirconium-oxide ceramic blade stays sharp and never rusts but won't cut even little fingers. With an internal magnet, the iSlice is always easy to find on the fridge or other metal appliances. A great general gadget that the family will love, the iSlice is £2.50 from Amazon.co.uk. or $4.50 from Amazon.com.
Another space saving solution that transforms the bulky kitchen colander into a slim kitchen gadget, the Joseph Joseph Folding Colander is like an origami puzzle. Designed from a single flat piece of polypropylene, the Folding Colander bends and turns to create a lovely deep bowl with two large handles. Featuring 12 live hinges, Joseph Joseph have created an innovative and clever solution. Available in a sophisticated black, trendy green, baby blue, vibrant pink and pristine white the Joseph Joseph Folding Colander is £14.00.
Posted by Kate on February 12, 2008 12:06 AM
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Nothing is worse than serving cool food at a dinner party or family get together, but it can be difficult to keep things warm long enough for everyone eat their fill. The solution of course is a hotplate, but many are clunky or have awkward power cords. In contrast, the Magma Hotplate by Mastrad offers an elegant solution that features an aluminia silicate core. With no need for flames or electricity, the Magma Hotplate offers an hour of heating after a mere three minutes in the microwave. A single solid piece, the hotplate can be safely and easily moved from one room to another. A fabulous item for family style dining, the Mastrad Magma Hotplate ensures your meals will always taste their toasty best. A winner of French design awards, the Mastrad Magma Hotplate is £37.99 from Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on February 11, 2008 12:03 AM
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Sometimes it's the simple things that make a difference. Designed by a busy father with a young daughter, the Topster Milk Carton Pourer ensures that your milk pours out neatly without glugs or splashes. The reusable Topster lids fit most plastic milk bottles and feature a spring-loaded pourer. The set includes two Topster Milk Carton Lids, one in blue and one in green, making them ideal for colour coding different types of milk. Quick and convenient, Topster lids are even dishwasher safe. A simple but handy gadget for your kitchen, the Topster Milk Carton Pourer Set is just £2.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on January 30, 2008 12:11 AM
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An ideal item for camping or college life, the BlenderBottle whisks and blends without the need for another appliance. Useful for making things like salad dressings, batter and milk shakes, the BlenderBottle does it all without electricity. The durable plastic bottle features a wire spring ball that when shaken acts as a mixing blade. A great way to expand your culinary options without taking up lots of space in your kitchen, the BlenderBottle is a clever new solution. Available from Lakeland for just £8.50, the BlenderBottle is even dishwasher safe.
Posted by Kate on January 24, 2008 12:07 AM
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I love simple and clever ideas like this, the Store and Drain. I never manage to finish anything in one sitting, so anything that preserves flavour and texture is a great idea. The Store & Drain features two linked compartments that allow you to retain storage fluids from can and jars. When you empty your jar into the Store & Drain, the liquid quickly runs into the small bottom container allowing you to cleanly serve olives and pickles. When your done, flip the Store & Drain over and the fluid bathes the contents in liquid again. Simple and effective, the Store & Drain is normally £3.99 from Lakeland, but is currently on sale for 99p.
Posted by Kate on January 4, 2008 12:10 AM
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Wandering up and down the cheese counter at Christmas time is a mouth watering experience. The rows of exotic cheeses and tasty flavours are utterly irresistible. Unfortunately I invariably buy more cheese than I can quickly eat; next year though the Tefal Cheese Preserver may help these delicious flavours last longer. Featuring a Micro-porous filter that regulates the humidity, the Tefal Cheese Preserver allows cheese to mature but not dry out. A great way to protect the flavour and texture of your favourite cheeses, the Tefal Cheese Preserver is available online from Lakeland in two sizes:
A classic French solution for keeping butter fresh, Butter Bells seem to be one of those items you've either known about forever or have never seen before. The clever ceramic crock keeps spreadable butter fresh on your counter for up to thirty days. The ceramic bell is packed with softened butter, while the crock is filled with cold water. When the lid is placed on the crock, the water creates an air-tight seal that protects and insulates your butter. From then on you need only change the water every few days. Proof that traditional solutions still have their place in the kitchen, Butter Bells make silky smooth sandwiches and toast. Available online from Lakeland, the Butter Bell is £17.99.
Posted by Kate on December 27, 2007 12:09 AM
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Steamers are a great and easy way to cook veg for your everyday meals. And there's no need for big clunky appliances; the small steamer simply inserts into your normal pans. With a well thought out design, the OXO Good Grips Pop-Up Steamer offers an especially compact and functional product. Featuring a unique Pop-Up handle and handy fork slot, the GoodGrips Steamer is easy to lift and remove from the pan. The tall legs provide ample space for plenty of water beneath the steamer, and fold neatly out of the way before being tucked away in the cupboard. Finally for steaming large items like fish fillets, the centre pillar unscrews opening the whole basket. A wonderfully designed product with lovely fine details, the OXO Good Grips Pop-Up Steamer is available for £15.00 from John Lewis or $14.99 from Amazon.com.
Posted by Kate on December 19, 2007 12:14 AM
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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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Love dipping buttered toast solders into a tasty soft boiled egg? The Clack Egg Cracker offers a clever new way to quickly top your morning egg. The bell shaped cup is designed to rest on top of the egg and the heavy bead is raised to the top of the pole. When released the bead plummets to the bottom, where it cleanly cracks your egg's shell. No more hacking and whacking with your spoon or the slow picking away of shell bits, the Clack Egg Cracker adds a quirky start to your morning meal while also getting you into your warm egg quicker. A perfect egg every time, the steel Clack Egg Cracker breaks your egg and your 'fast for £14.99 from Mocha.
If you love creating unique home-made salad dressings, the Twizzle & Drizzle Vinaigrette Jug is ideal. The Twizzle & Drizzle features a large blue twisting mixer that stands in the centre of the jug. By simply pressing down on the handle, the Twizzle & Drizzle Vinaigrette Jug quickly blends your herbs and oils letting you savour every flavour and taste. With a dramatic modern style, the clear jug reveals not only the sweeping blue form but the tasty dressing ingredients. Available for £14.99 from PresentsForMen.co.uk, The Twizzle & Drizzle Vinaigrette Jug makes enjoying your salads even easier.
Posted by Kate on November 19, 2007 12:07 AM
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A clever gadget for small kitchens, the Chef'n Collapsible Colander uses new silicone technology to create a flexible space saving device. The Avocado green basket features a stepped design that allows the silicone colander to quickly fold flat. Made from a single piece of moulded silicone, the bowl has no seams to trap stray pasta or vegetables. Folding down to an impressive 2.5 cm, the colander can hold up to 340g of food and features a lip for resting on pans or bowls. A great gift for university students, the Chef'n Collapsible Silicone Colander easy fits into drawers or slides down narrow spaces. Available from John Lewis, the Chef'n Collapsible Silicone Colander is an affordable £12.50.
Posted by Kate on November 15, 2007 12:17 AM
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Tired of creating gorgeous roasts and elegant fish dishes, only to find they never make it to the table in one piece? An ingeniously simple solution, the new Sili Sling Roast Lifter from William Bounds ensures every meal emerges from the pan flawlessly. Made from sturdy silicone, the cradle lays beneath your meet as it cooks. With large loop handles, the cradle makes the delicate job of transferring heavy roasts to carving boards or platters a simple matter. Big enough to hold even your Christmas turkey, the Sili Sling Roast Lifter makes preparing large holiday meals quicker and easier. A great item for the coming festive season, the Sili Sling Roast Lifter is just £15.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on November 9, 2007 12:07 AM
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For several years Joseph Joseph has created bright and iconic glass worktop protectors, but though they are charming and witty they often don't fit in traditional and transitional kitchen designs. However with two new floral patterns, there is a Joseph Joseph Glass Worktop Protector for every home. A wonderfully handy addition to the kitchen, the Glass Worktop Savers are dishwasher safe, guaranteed against breakage, and heat resistant up to 280C making them a perfect trivet for hot pans. A deceptively simple product, the Joseph Joseph Worktop protectors add floral character while transforming countertops into multifunctional surfaces. Available in a soothing green and a rosy pink, the Joseph Joseph Glass Worktop Protectors are £12.99 from Corvus.
A fabulous hobby that blends a love of the outdoors with a passion for cooking, mushroom collecting is gaining an new resurgence. A fabulous tool for those wishing to take up the hobby, Legnoart Porcino Mushroom Knife makes a fantastic gift. Designed by Enrico Albertini the sharp folding blade is carefully shaped so the mycelium is not disturbed as you cut the mushroom. The opposite side of the pocket knife features a flip-out brush ideal for removing dirt without bruising. A beautiful knife that blends gleaming steel and smooth beechwood, the Porcino Mushroom Knife is hand crafted in Italy for a high quality finish. A hobby that requires much study and care, mushroom collecting is not for the fickle or faint of heart; but for those with the dedication and perseverance, the Porcino Mushroom Knife from Legnoart can help bring wild woodland flavours into your kitchen for £18.99.
Posted by Kate on October 16, 2007 12:05 AM
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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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It's not often you find a truly new and innovative kitchen tool, but the Chef'n Wisecraker is like nothing I've ever seen. A scissor-like gadget, the Wisecracker features unusual crossed 'blades' for cracking sea-food shells. Used for sliding inside the shell, you squeeze the handle to make the SlimShim stretch out into a wide box shape. This cracks the shell from the inside, revealing perfectly exposed meat. For larger claws the red handles can be used to crack the hard shells. Ideal for lobster bakes or preparing crabmeat for recipes, the Wisecracker makes it a quick and easy job to reach the tasty morsels while protecting fingers from sharp edges. With a comfortable soft SavvyGrip, the Wisecraker is even Dishwasher safe. A must have for sea-food and gadget lovers, the Chef'n Wisecracker is £12.00 from Amazon.co.uk
Find the perfect home for your tea towels can actually be more awkward than it sounds. Hanging them over oven handles and chairs can leave them in the way, while tossing them on counters often can leave them an accidental mess. Inherently they need to be kept close and conveniently to hand, yet also out of the way. With these new Clever Hooks the pincher like hook easily grabs hold. Using a neat little mechanism, the weight of the towel is what keeps it in place. The heavier your item, the stronger the Clever Hooks hold, and when you want to remove the towel you just lift the towel up and the clasp releases. A handy little addition, the Clever Hooks are perfect for keeping towels, aprons, oven mitts and other kitchen textiles tidy and accessible. Available in clear, red or grey the Clever Hook is £5.95 from thebigcookshop.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on July 27, 2007 12:09 AM
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Tired of damaging your plates and trays as you slice up your evening's pizza? The ingenious Scizza Pizza Cutter offers a clever solution for pizza, quiche, pies and pastry. The ergonomic scissors feature a flexible nylon base which easily slides between food and trays, while protecting your non-stick coatings. The top blade cuts cleanly through your meal preserving it's appealing finish. Made from hardened German stainless steel, the Scizza Pizza Cutter features comfortable soft-grip handles and a handy safety lock. Perfect for cutting on any surface, the Scizza Pizza Cutter protects your plates and trays from the firm pressure of knives and traditional pizza wheels. Available from Silvernutmeg.com for £15.95, the Scizza Pizza Cutter makes it easy to present gorgeous food while protecting your dishes.
When busy and buzzing around the kitchen time can easily escape you, so finding a practical and handy kitchen timer is a necessity. The Alessi Kitchen Timer is ideal for standing on window sills and counters, while offering a whimsical charm. It's clockwork inspired top offers a firm grip, making it easy to grab and quickly wind to the desired time. The wide pyramid shape gives the Alessi Timer a solid stable base, so it won't go rolling off if put down quickly. Available in a light powder blue colour, it blends harmoniously into many kitchen styles, while the chrome ring and berry-red bead makes it easy to spot even amidst a cluttered counter. Designed by Michael Graves, the mechanical Alessi Kitchen Timer blends old and new into a contemporary piece appropriate for any kitchen and practical in all. Available from Debenhams and Amazon.co.uk for £16 and Amazon.com for $56.
Posted by Kate on July 3, 2007 12:16 AM
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As the heat of summer hits us anything that'll help cool us down is a god send! With the Marks & Spencer Ice Lolly maker you can make your own cool treats to beat the heat. The unit features four individual compartments and handles, ideal for fulling with your favourite fruit juice or smoothie. The large sturdy handles make it easy to hold as well as catching all those messy drips. Even better, the built in straw lets you savour every melted drop. A fabulous way to make cheap summer treats without all the added chemicals, the Marks & Spencer Lolly Ice Maker is just an affordable £1.50
Posted by Kate on June 21, 2007 12:23 AM
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Traditionally styled individual portions of jelly, these new jelly moulds are great for children's parties or distinctive adult deserts. Made from bright non-stick plastic, the jelly moulds feature translucent lids on both top and bottom. This makes it easy release the jelly every time or to add extra ingredients before setting. Holding about 150 mL or 5 fl oz the moulds make a light and tasty desert. Suitable for plain jellies, fruit-filled jellies, wine jellies, jelly crèmes, crème caramels and other moulded deserts, these jelly moulds make pretty festive deserts a breeze. Perfect for summer parties, a set of six moulds is just £4.50 from decuisine.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on May 29, 2007 12:17 AM
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Perfect for both big and little jobs, the Typhoon Pizza Cutter & Mezzaluna make it quick and easy to prepare breads and herbs. Made from razor sharp stainless steel the Italian Job Mezzaluna is an impressive 32cm long, slicing across pizzas in a single action. Well balanced and with soft grip handles the Typhoon Mezzaluna is easy to use, simply chopping herbs with a reassuring rocking motion. A wonderful multi-purpose tool, the Typhoon Pizza Cutter & Mezzaluna cuts up garlic bread, pizza and herbs...everything you need for an Italian meal. Available from decuisine.co.uk the Typhoon Italian Job Pizza Cutter & Mezzaluna is just £9.95 from deCuisine.co.uk while in the US Amazon.com offer it for $17.95.
Posted by Kate on May 23, 2007 12:03 AM
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For many kitchen gadgets aren't just a passion, they are a necessity of life. May 12th is Fibromyalgia, ME, and Chronic Fatigue Awareness Day. A family of pain and fatigue disorders, these invisible illnesses can make even the simplest tasks seem daunting. However there are kitchen accessories which can make cooking easier. Not always the most attractive of furnishings, kitchen perching stools can be a life saver. When it's too painful to stand for long, the perching stool makes it easier to tend pans on the hob or prep veg. A heavy duty steel stool features two PVC covered cushions for added comfort and arm rests which are handy for slinging tea towels over. A wonderful way to get back into the kitchen and return to the cooking you love, kitchen perching stools can help you reclaim your life from the daily difficulties of Fibromyalgia, ME, and Chronic Fatigue. Available from the British Red Cross kitchen perching chairs like the one pictured are £49.99.
Posted by Kate on May 12, 2007 12:48 AM
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A fabulous multifunctional unit, the Gary Rhodes Multi Bowl offers six different uses in a single compact bowl. The first piece is a tall porcelain mixing bowl, with a simple elegance appropriate even for serving. The second piece is a stainless steel sieve allowing you to sift and strain cleanly and easily into the bowl. The third piece, a beech cutting board, features recessed centre that allows it to double as a bowl lid and an open edge that makes it easy to sweep choppings into bowls and pans. Finally the metal grating disc offering both coarse and fine surfaces, which combines with both the bowl and cutting board depending on how much you need to grate. You can also combine the beech board and sieve to create a covered cheese board, that allows it to breathe. A wonderful practical design that neatly stacks into a single unit, the Gary Rhode Multi Bowl is easy to store and use. Available from CooksParaphernalia for £45 or Amazon.com for $50, the Multi Bowl mixes and combines to offer an array of solutions for your kitchen.
When in the fury and rush of making dinner, stopping to chop fresh herbs can be a frustration and a bore, but with the new Bodum Bistro Herb Chopper it's quick and easy to chop everything down to an even consistency. A winner of both the reddot and iF Design Awards the Bistro Herb Chopper is a compact easy to use unit. Featuring seven double-edged stainless steel rotary blades, the Bistro Herb Chopper is designed to maximising chopping while preventing little herbs sticking to the base. With a large easy to grip rubber lid that slots into the clear grooved bowl, the Bodum Herb Chopper is solid and safe. A wonderful solution that makes chopping effortless the Bodum Bistro Herb Chopper is available for £22 from Bodum's UK Online store.
Posted by Kate on April 24, 2007 12:13 AM
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Ask your nearest kid and I bet they'll tell you cooking isn't fun, but with the Ice Cream Ball you create yummy homemade ice cream while rolling around on the floor. Perfect for involving young children in the kitchen, the Ice Cream Ball makes ice cream the old fashioned way without the need for electricity. Simply toss your ingredents in one end and ice and salt in the other and get ready to play ball. It does take about 20 minutes, which may be longer than the kids attention span, but the simplicty and ease make it a safe and fun activity. It takes the mystery out of mass-produced foods and gadjets and proves you really can make anything from scratch. A cross between a science experiment and a cooking lesson, the Ice Cream Ball of a great family activity with fabulous rewards waiting at the end! Perfect for taking on picnics and camping, the Ice Cream Ball is available from Firebox £24.95. For more colours in the original pint size or the bigger Mega Ball which makes a quart try Amazon.com.
Posted by Kate on March 12, 2007 12:02 AM
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Valentines Day is for spending with the one you love, and for taking time out to appreciate them and their company. With Typhoon’s new Vintage Chocolate Fondue Set you can partake of the traditional Valentines Day chocolate, but in an unusual fashion. While Chocolate fountains have become all the rage, the simplicity of a flickering candle brings a cosy relaxed air. Prefect for bread, fruit and marshmallows, the Vintage Chocolate Fondue brings a new dynamic to eating; make it a brilliant way to reconnect with your loved one. Despite the name, the Vintage Chocolate Fondue set is perfect for cheese recipes as well. The vintage-style stoneware bowl is available in pink, light green, pastel blue, and warm beige glaze, and comes with a set of four coordinating fondue forks. At just £10 from Typhoon, it’s an affordable treat to make your evening special.
Posted by Kate on February 8, 2007 12:36 AM
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Everyday my garlic press get closer to breaking, so I'm always on the look out for a good replacement. However it seems the one thing they can't solve is how to puree or mince garlic. I've seen stacks and stacks of different products all claiming to be easy to use and clean, but so far none have been ideal. The new Garlic Twist seems to be the most recent attempt at this difficult problem. Made of an extremely durable polycarbonate, the Garlic Twist separates into two pieces, each with a line of plastic teeth inside. You place the garlic inside, and then press the lid till the teeth just reach the garlic. Then you TWIST. The rotating teeth shred through the garlic layer by layer, resulting in evenly minced garlic. When finished you turn it all the way to the right until it will go no further, and then the same to the left. With a final small twist you open it to find two tidy triangles of pureed garlic. Simple and easy, the Garlic Twist just needs a rinse of water after use. Apparently gentle enough for even those with week wrists, the Garlic Twist can also mince ginger, peppers and onions. Available in red, blue and clear you can find the Garlic Twist for £12.99 from an Amazon.co.uk retailer or $14.95 from an Amazon.com retailer.
Perfect for those with a dark sense of humour the Ouch Toothpick holder will certainly be a talking point at your next cocktail party. The little resin men turn into extreme voodoo creations sprouting wood spears in all directions. Intended just for toothpicks, the Ouch would be just as fabulous for presenting canapés at your next event. Available in either black of white, the Ouch will set the mood for any celebration. A fantastic item with a hint of black humour, the Ouch is just £6.99 from DrinkStuff.com ($6.49 in the US).
Posted by Dan on December 7, 2006 12:24 AM
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When cooking vegetables, I love to steam them. My little folding steamer even comes with us on holiday! So when I saw the new Joseph Joseph Lotus Steamer I was intrigued. It looks identical to my much loved steaming basket, but is made entirely from plastic- the advantage of course, is that it won't scratch your non-stick pans. The flexing leaves will adjust to fit any size pan, and the central handle features a heat-resistant finger guard that helps prevent scalding. A brilliant choice for modern cookware, the colourful 
will make even a bag of oranges quick work.
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