Decision Time!

Motors

It is important to look at the type of motor the processor has, rather than the wattage:

Series motor: this is a belt driven motor, which has variable speeds. However, it is a noisier machine and tends to be installed in basic models.

Induction motor: used in commercial machines, these have only one speed. However, they automatically sense if the task requires a bit more ‘oomph’ and will compensate and tend to be quieter.

Drive motor: similar to the induction motor, its direct transmission takes the load off the motor so less wattage is needed.

Wattage: wattage is important if you need the machine to do many tasks. If you need to prepare anything from baby food to crushing ice then this is important.

Pulse button: standard on most machines, this gives a quick burst of speed when you need a top-up. It’s particularly good for mixing fruit cakes; for example, when you don’t want the blades to mash all the fruit and nuts to a pulp!

Capacity

If you prepare a lot of family meals or dinner parties you will need a bigger bowl – some exceed 4-litre capacity. Some processors have a series of bowls depending on the task and these are great if you have lots of processing to do. Smaller machines will be more limited to what they can do, however they will take up less room.

Hand mixers, juicers and blenders

Hand mixers

These are fine for whisking eggs, whipping cream or gentle mixing. Some come with attachments for preparing soups or puréeing baby food. To view hand mixers click here

Choppers/Grinders

A useful gadget around the kitchen, some are just for grinding coffee beans but others are good for finely chopping herbs or ground spices. To view choppers and grinders click here

Juicers

If you are serious about your juicing like we are, you will need a centrifugal juice extractor. Fruit and vegetables spin in a basket, with the juice falling through, leaving all the pulp behind. To view juicers click here

Blenders

Hand and stick blenders are a great addition to any kitchen and can do everything from whisking up milk shakes to puréeing soups and crushing ice. Price tends to be dictated by capacity, speed and power. More powerful blenders can crush ice easily but cheaper models will struggle – so again, have a think about what you will be using it for. They also have a choice of speeds for puréeing baby food or soups for example, but some even having a built-in sensor that will automatically adjust to the correct speed for the task required. To view blenders click here

Smoothie makers

Smoothie makers are very similar to blenders but are specifically designed to funnel all the ingredients into the blending blades. They usually have a useful tap for dispensing, so you don’t have to remove the jug. They can take all manner of fruits, ice and cream so you can have great fun with the kids thinking up new recipes. To view smoothie makers click here

Food processors and mixers

There is an amazing choice available and prices range from around £40 to over £400, depending on capacity and functions. Many have incorporated juicers, grinders and blenders so you may not need to buy anything else for your needs and this will also save space!

The bowl: smaller bowls for simple dishes, small cakes or baby food; larger ones can handle Christmas cakes with ease.

Mixing action: depending on the manufacturer, ingredients are mixed either with very sharp stainless-steel blades whizzing round or a ‘planetary action’, with the tool rotating in an opposite direction to the motor. Either way they require minimum effort on your part compared to mixing by hand.

Safety features: modern machines are very safe. They won’t work unless lids and attachments are firmly in place. Be careful, however, when removing or hand washing the blades.

Dishwashing: most removable parts can be put in the dishwasher but you should use a lower heat setting – less than 50°C is recommended.

Speeds: series motors have a selection of speeds, inductions just one. There’s also usually a Pulse button, for short, sharp bursts of speed.

Longevity: Manufacturers say that they are built to last so they often come with a long guarantee period.

Food processors

Food processors are more compact than mixers but are still very versatile machines. Basic models have a series motor but higher priced ones, favoured by TV chefs, are fitted with induction motors.
Models are supplied with a series of attachments for shredding and slicing (some even for chips or julienne), whisking, blending, citrus juicing, mixing dough or grinding. Usually price dictates what they are supplied with. You feed ingredients through a tube at the top. Often they’re calibrated for easy measuring. Many models are supplied with a handy storage unit for all the attachments, a spatula and a recipe book. To view food processors click here

Food mixers

Much larger than food processors, food mixers offer even more food preparation possibilities.
You can still mix away but with a selection of attachments you can make prepare fresh pasta, mince meat for sausages – even peel potatoes! Most machines are supplied with a whisk, dough hook and beater as standard, for mixing, mashing and whisking, but the other tools usually need to be purchased separately.

The attachments simply lock onto the mixer. You may need to adjust the speed, depending on what you’re doing: high speed for crushing ice, extracting juice; low for making sausages. To view food mixers click here

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Food Preparation Products – Which one is Best for the Type of Cooking that I do?

Catalytic

If an oven has catalytic stay clean liners, it makes the oven self-cleaning at high temperatures. Catalytic liners cannot be cleaned manually (hooray!), so if the oven needs a clean, you need to ‘service’ the liners by putting the oven on for an hour at the highest temperature. Simple as that!

Pyrolytic

A high temperature pyrolytic cleaning system cleans every part of the oven’s interior. During the cleaning cycle the oven temperature rises to 500ºC and the oven door self-locks, so there is no need to worry about the high temperature! Any food debris in the oven is carbonized and falls to the floor of the oven as ash and all you then need to do is wipe this out. Together with this, a catalytic converter in the oven roof neutralises any smoke created. The process takes two to three hours and needs to be carried out every few weeks. Very clever!

To view self-cleaning ovens click here

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Self-Cleaning Ovens – kiss goodbye to oven cleaner and rubber gloves!

Bone China

Bone china has a tough, glassy and non-porous surface which means that it is very durable and has good chip resistance. Bone china provides a great base for your other table decorations as it will ensure that other colours stand out. There is no need to save your bone china for special occasions anymore as most brands are now very durable and best of all – dishwasher safe!

Click below to view our selections:

Platinum Jasper Conran Range for Wedgwood – separates in pure white bone china edged in platinum

Maxwell Williams Cashmere Moon shadow – elegant black and white pattern with a brilliant sheen

Porcelain

A hard, white and translucent, usually with a very white and smooth surface when covered in clear glaze. Porcelain is not reactive, so virtually any food can be stored in it. Generally, porcelain is dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe – making it ideal for everyday use.

Click below to view our selections:

White square dinnerware – 16 piece pure white and contemporary

Royal Worcester ‘Mondrian’ Porcelain Dinnerware- 20 piece set in white porcelain with narrow border bands in cream, finished with platinum keylines and detailing

White Rippled Limoges – 16 piece set in classic pure white and inspired by ripples in sand

Jamie Oliver Collection for Royal Worcester – separates in pure white with a subtle raised motif

Villeroy & Boch Metropolitan New Wave – separates in pure white with curved ultra-modern lines

Deep dinner plates are very popular in restaurants lately and we really like the Limoges deep dinner plates to give your main course a stylish look.

Happy Entertaining!

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How to Choose Gorgeous Tableware Perfect for Everyday Use and Entertaining!

When choosing cookware/saucepans you will need to think about following points:

What type of cookware/saucepan range is suitable for your hob or cooker type e.g. Induction or Gas.

Whether the cookware/saucepan range is suited to the way you like to cook.

Is it Dishwasher safe? Is this a priority for you?

Hob Types

There are many hob types available and the performance of a cookware/saucepan range may depend on what type it is to be used on:

Gas

Any type of saucepan can be used on a gas hob, but ensure the flame is regulated to avoid extending beyond the diameter of the pan, and making contact with the saucepan handle.

Electrical Radiant Spiral

These are frequently found on electric cookers and can be used with any saucepan type.

Solid Hotplate

The solid base of this heat source means that cookware with a flat base is ideal as it will sit firmly on the hob ensuring maximum use of heat generated.

Ceramic

This hob type is electrical, sitting under a ceramic surface and as such can be used with any saucepan type.

Halogen

Working on the same principle as ceramic hobs it is wise to use a thicker based pan to allow for the intense heat that can be generated by this type of hob.

Induction

The heat source of this hob is a magnetic connection between hob and saucepan and it’s the pan rather than the hob that heats up. So if you have an Induction hob you will need a pan made from magnetisable metal such as cast iron.

Aluminium or copper pans will not work on induction hobs.

Stoves/Solid Fuel

With Agas or Rayburns you will need solid cookware, as it must withstand the intense heat that is generated.

Cookware/Saucepan Ranges to Choose From

There are 4 main types of cookware/saucepans to choose from:

Hard Anodised

Hard anodising is a chemical process which changes the surface of an aluminium pan. The advantages of hard anodised pans are:

It is resistant to scratches or chips and peeling.

It is twice as strong as stainless steel with exceptional durability and superior heat distribution.

A non-stick interior is normally applied, allowing easy cooking low fat cooking and cleaning.

It is suitable for all hob types, except induction hobs.

To view hard anodised products click below:

Anolon Advanced

Tefal Jamie Oliver Hard Anodised

Infinite Circulon – the only hard-anodised non-stick cookware that can be used on induction hobs and it’s dishwasher safe!

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel pans are made from a combination of steel and chromium to prevent corrosion and nickel which adds strength. The main points are:

Resistant to scratches and dents.

Most stainless steel products are suitable for all heat sources including induction.

Most stainless steel products are dishwasher safe.

Many pans are coated with a non stick surface to allow for easy cooking and cleaning e.g. frying pans.

To view Jamie Oliver stainless steel products click here

Cast Iron

Cast iron is thick and heavy and retains and distributes heat well. The main points to consider are:

Ideal for slow cooking as it distributes heat slowly and evenly.

Tight fitting lid circulates heat & moisture.

Dishwasher safe and hard wearing.

Available in many different colours.

To view cast iron cookware click here

Aluminium/Non Stick:

Aluminium cookware is mostly relevant to frying pans – they are made with a strong outer coating of enamel & quality non-stick interiors and have the following features:

Excellent conductor of heat.

Lightweight, therefore easy to handle.

Non-stick interior makes it easy to clean and excellent for low fat cooking.

Click here to view Meyer Professional Choice Aluminium Frying pans

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Choosing Cookware – things to consider before you buy!

Size

Dishwashers no longer come in just one size like they used to! You now have a choice of:

Tabletop dishwashers are 50cm wide and they are ideal for small kitchens where there is no undercounter space available. Most suitable for singles or couples.

Slimline dishwashers are 45cm wide and they ideal for kitchens where there is limited undercounter space.

Fullsize dishwashers are 60cm wide and are ideal if you have the room in your kitchen as they will obviously have the largest capacity.

Click here to view compact/tabletop dishwashers

Click here to view slimline dishwashers

Click here to view fullsize dishwashers

Capacity

The capacity of a dishwasher is measured in place settings and a full size dishwashers will take 12 place settings, which is 12 dinner plates, soup bowls, small plates, cups and saucers, plus cutlery.

Performance

All dishwashers are graded A to G on cleaning performance, energy efficiency and drying performance, with A-grade’ being most economical:

Cleaning performance – Measures the effectiveness of removing dried grease and food from your dishes

Energy-efficiency – Measures how efficiently the machine uses electricity and hot water

Drying performance – Measures how dry your dishes are at the end of the wash programme

Choosing which Programme to Use

Dishwashers have a variety of wash programmes designed for the best wash results and extra crockery care. Here are some of the key programmes that can make a difference to your wash results and your lifestyle:

Quick wash – ideal for lightly soiled dishes

Economy – a longer wash programme at a lower temperature which saves money

Half load – a programme that uses less water

Intensive wash – a high temperature wash ideal for heavily soiled dishes

Pre-soak – a prolonged soaking stage at the beginning of the wash cycle

Glass care – designed to give clean results and protects your glassware

Detergent feature – modifies the time and temperature of each programme phase to optimise results when using 4-in-1 and 3-in 1 detergents

Automatic wash programme – sensor technology that detects the size and soiling levels of the load, then automatically selects the optimum wash, rinse and drying phase to give perfect results – very clever!

Water Usage

Water usage is measured on the volume of water used in a standard 65°C wash programme. The great news is that using a dishwasher saves water compared to washing up at the kitchen sink!

Noise

Dishwashers below 55dB (decibels) are considered to be quiet. A dishwasher with noise levels of 42dB sounds up to four times quieter than a 56dB model. This is an important factor to consider as the last thing you want when you are relaxing after dinner is the dishwasher disturbing the latest episode of your favourite soap!

Extra Features to Consider

Storage features
Dishwashers now include flexible storage features so that large or bulky items can be fitted in to ensure the best wash results. Here are some of the key storage solutions to look out for:

Adjustable baskets – the basket can be adjusted either in height, or by tilting to accommodate awkward items such as saucepans and long stemmed glasses

Foldable racks – adjustable racks can be folded down and in some models relocated allowing extra freedom to accommodate items of all shapes and sizes

Item clips – hold small items such as plastic lids in place

Display

The following display options are available on selected dishwashers:

LED Display
Depending on the sophistication of your machine this may feature:

Wash programme status indicator – the LED display indicates the current stage of a particular wash programme at any given time.

Time left – displays a countdown of time remaining in a particular wash programme, so this option is ideal for time planning.

Time delay countdown – displays the remaining time left of a pre-programmed time before the wash programme begins.

Clean filter, rinse aid & salt replacement indicator – displays when the water filter needs to be cleaned and when rinse aid and salt needs to be replaced – this is excellent as this is the type of thing that is likely to be forgotten!

LCD Display
Provides feedback on the current wash programme, what stage it is at, time remaining until completion, selected programme modifiers and time delay countdown.

Premier Features

If you wish to purchase a premium dishwasher, you will find that there are even more innovative features such as:

Build quality – Siemens dishwashers are continuously factory tested daily for 24 hours on a 50°C programme for up to 2,200 washes, the equivalent of 10 years usage!

Advanced sensor technology – Bosch products with “Hydrosensor” technology check the level of soiling in the pre-rinse wash and decide whether or not it can be used for the main wash cycle, reducing water usage – very clever!

Advanced crockery care – The Meile “GlassCare” system includes a unique sensor-controlled water softener, which electronically controls the hardness level of the water at wash temperatures of up to 55°C for extra protection

Advanced cutlery storage – Selected Miele products feature a cutlery tray, where each item sits securely in its own slot to ensure excellent wash results and increased safety when adding and removing sharp utensils. You can even wash stainless steel and silver cutlery in the same load without damaging your silverware. Unloading is more hygenic as cutlery handles can easily be accessed.

Advanced leak protection – Siemens dishwashers with “HydroSafe” are guaranteed to be 100% leak proof: if a leak occurs the machine will shut down immediately.

Integrated Appliances

Dishwashers are also available as integrated or semi-integrated. An integrated dishwasher fits neatly in to your kitchen, with the door covered by a panel that matches your kitchen cupboards. When closed, the dishwasher is completely hidden and looks like just another kitchen unit. The controls for an integrated dishwasher are hidden on the inside of the appliance.

A semi integrated dishwasher is exactly the same but the control panel is visible over the top of the kitchen unit panel. All the other features found in normal dishwashers also apply to integrated and semi integrated dishwashers.

Click here to see the full range of dishwashers

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Dishwashers – which one is right for you and your kitchen?

Click here to view American Style Fridge Freezers

There are many things to consider when buying your new American style fridge freezer and we will go through each of these considerations now to help you choose the right product.

How much space to do I have?

The most important thing to consider when looking at American style fridge freezers is how much room to do you have available in your kitchen? Obviously, these appliances are larger than standard and so you need to look at the width, height and depth of models – work out these measurements first before you start looking – you don’t want to fall in love with one appliance only to find it’s too big to fit into your kitchen!

Width:

Click here for American style fridge freezers under 85cm wide

Click here for 85 – 95cm wide American style fridge freezers

Click here for American style fridge freezers over 95cm wide

By height:

Click here for American style fridge freezers under 180cm tall

Click here for 180 – 200cm tall American style fridge freezers

Click here for American style fridge freezers over 200cm tall

How much will my new American style fridge freezer allow me to store?

One of the major drawcards of these appliances is that they can store a great deal more than standard fridge freezers – in fact, some are over 20 cu ft which is double the size of the standard – ideal for families! Have a think about what your requirements are – do you mostly prepare your own food – therefore needing a larger fridge section? Or do you like to buy a lot of frozen foods and so need a larger freezer area?

Can I still find an American style fridge freezer that is energy efficient?

Yes you can! There are many American style fridge freezers that have A+ and A energy efficiency ratings, so you can feel happy that you are saving on your electricity bill and also helping the environment.

Click here for A+ graded American style fridge freezers

Click here for A graded American style fridge freezers

Considerations regarding water and ice dispensers

Many American style fridge freezers have a water and ice dispenser and these can rely on either stored or plumbed in for their water supply.

With stored water, you will need to refill it when it runs out. A plumbed in model will need to be placed within 1m of a standard washing machine/dishwasher connector (cold fill only) – so be sure to consider this when choosing your new appliance.

Extra Features to Consider

Frost Free – this is so important – one of the worst jobs in the kitchen is defrosting a fridge freezer!

Click here for frost free American style fridge freezers

Fast freeze – this is ideal for fresh food that you wish to freeze, as it rapidly freezes to keep the food at it’s peak condition for when you defrost.

Click here for American style fridge freezers with fast freeze

Antibacterial Protection – This is very clever! It is built into the lining of the fridge freezer to stop the growth of bacteria and this also has the benefit of reducing odours. It lasts for the life of the appliance.

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Choosing the right American style Fridge Freezer for you

There is now so much choice – your coffee can now come in many forms as well as a massive range of flavours and intensities. You can still grind your own beans – however with excellent quality ground coffee and now the new ‘Pods’ system such as the Nespresso capsule system or the Philips Senseo you can make life a little easier for yourself when you are desperate for your caffeine fix in the morning!

What type of machine should I choose?

Filter Coffee Makers

Filter Coffee makers consist of a water reservoir to put the cold water in, filter and coffee holder, a coffee jug for the filter coffee to drip in to and stand or warming plate for the jug to stand on while the coffee is being made and kept warm if necessary. There are two types of filter coffee maker available. Thermostatic hot plates keep your coffee warm after brewing for as long as required. Thermal filter coffee makers use the heat of your coffee to maintain its temperature for up to 4 hours without stewing. To see a selection of filter coffee makers click here

Espresso machines

If you are really serious about coffee this is type of machine you need! The classic espresso is the base of every coffee style. Water is forced through finely ground coffee to give an amazing, intense flavour and deep dark colour. Drink the coffee black (an espresso), or use it as a base to make cappucinos, lattes, mochas and many other variations (just look at a Starbucks menu!)

Bar pressure is an important consideration as the higher the bar pressure the better the coffee – as you need to force the water through to extract the flavour and aroma. Pump machines tend to be around 15 bar and pod/capsule 19 bar (to break through the capsule).

A pump machine heats the water to the correct temperature then forces it through the coffee using an internal pump. This force is very intense than a steam machine and results in a higher quality and better tasting drink. The water tank can also be refilled at any time for unlimited coffee. Only a pump machine produces Crema, which is creamy foam that contains the full flavour of the coffee bean.

For an excellent range of expresso pump machines click here

For pod and capsule coffee machines click here

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Coffee Makers – how do I choose the right machine?

Gas, Electric or Dual Fuel?

An all gas range cooker provides great heat control on the hob and means that the oven areas heat up much quicker than electric. However, cooking time in the oven will be longer as gas ovens are not fan –assisted. To view gas range cookers click here

An all electric range cooker may have solid plate or a ceramic hob and a fan assisted and/or multi-function oven. For some, the disadvantage of an electric hob would be the slower response in terms of heat control. To view electric range cookers click here

Dual fuel ranges are a very popular choice as they combine the controllability of the gas hob with the efficiency and multi-functionality of the electric oven. To view dual fuel range cookers click here

Consider the Width

Many range cookers are 90cm which is 30cm wider than most standard cookers – this doesn’t take up much extra room in your kitchen but it makes so much difference with regards to oven space! If you have the room 100cm and 110cm wide range cookers are also available.

Oven – One or Two?

Many range cookers come with one oven – check the internal dimensions as some look bigger from the outside than they are inside! Those with one oven will have an integral grill.

Many range cookers will have two ovens (one conventional and one fan-assisted) and this gives you the benefit of being able to cook items at different temperatures.

Many ovens will be fan-assisted which means that your temperature can be 10-20 degrees lower and items will cook evenly as it circulates the hot air.

How many people are you cooking for and what do you cook?

If you have a large family or do lots of entertaining, a range cooker with two ovens may be what you need. If you like to grill food, you may find an integral grill inconvenient as you cannot use the oven if you are grilling – so in this case you would need a range with a separate grill. Some ranges will also have an extra space for warming plates and dishes, which again is great if you enjoy entertaining.

Extra Features to Consider for the Hob

All range cookers will have 5 or 6 gas/ceramic rings. Many will have a wok burner and/or space for a fish kettle/griddle. Again, think about what you will mostly be cooking on your hob.

Extra Features to Consider for the Oven

Ovens now have many extra features that you might want to consider:

Multifunction – a multifunction oven gives you the option to choose between different cooking methods

Conventional cooking with top and bottom heat only – ideal for pastry or baking

Fan assisted cooking for fast and even cooking – time saving with little or no preheating and reduced cooking times – ideal for cooking sweet and savoury dishes at the same time

Pizza setting – for the perfect pizza with a crisp and brown base and a melted topping

Fast grilling – heats up in less than 30 seconds

Fan defrost – defrost food safely as it does not begin to cook as happens when defrosting in a microwave

Full or half width grill – save energy by only using one half of the grill if cooking for one

Hoods and Splashbacks

To complete the look of your new range cooker, you will need to purchase a chimney hood that matches the style and size of your range. As well as looking stylish, it will reduce steam in your kitchen and keep the smell of your favourite curry wafting all over the house! To view range hoods click here

A splashback is well worth considering as an alternative to tiles as it is much easier to clean those spills and splashes. To view splashbacks click here

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Range Cookers – A Rough Buyers Guide!

The Quickcup also cleans and filters your water and it is also an energy saving product as it only uses 1/3 of the energy that a kettle uses (hey that also means you’re saving money).

Not only does it do all these wonderful things above – it also looks very stylish with its black and chrome finish – fitting in perfectly with today’s modern kitchens.

For more info click here

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Save time and money with the Tefal Quickcup!

As fridges and freezers run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week they use more energy than most other appliances in the home. Therefore, it is really important to buy an energy efficient product to save you money and to help cut carbon dioxide emissions. Energy saving recommended fridges and freezers can save up to 60% compared to older models. Therefore, always try to look for the energy saving recommended logo:

and look carefully at the energy rating label on the product:

Try to choose one that is ‘A’ or ‘A’+ rated – click here for products.

You can also do your bit in your kitchen to help your fridge freezer work more efficiently:

Do not place hot/warm items in the fridge or freezer – wait for them to cool first

Make sure your fridge and freezer sections are at the right temperature – read your instruction manual to find out the optimum temperature and stick to it!

Make sure there is some space in your fridge and freezer at the sides and back – clear out those old jars that lurk at the back!

Try not to stand there with the door open looking for inspiration for dinner – this let’s all the cold air out and makes the appliance work harder

Try to place your fridge freezer away from the cooker or boiler and away from direct sunlight

Top energy-efficient manufacturers include:

Bosch

Indesit

Liebherr

Siemens

Smeg

Hotpoint

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Choosing your new Fridge Freezer – Energy Efficient products to save you money!