On The Hob

Food processors come in all shapes and sizes and it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for you.  Here we discuss the features to look for when choosing a food processor.

What is a Food processor?

A food processor is a electrical appliance used to make repetitive food preparation tasks easy.  A key feature of food processors is that they have interchangeable blades so that one processor can have many functions.

What can a Food Processor do?

Different food processors will have different blades and functions, which may include

• Slicing / Chopping Vegetables
• Grinding – Eg Nuts and Spices
• Shredding / Grating
• Puréeing
• Mixing and kneading Doughs

How to choose

When shopping for a food processor consider the following.

• Size - Make sure the food processor is the right size for your uses, ideally you want the capacity to take all of your food in one go.
• Attachments - Does the model have the attachments that you need?
• Washing options - Are the parts dishwasher safe for easy cleaning?
• Power – The power of the machines is measured in wattage.  Obviously the more powerful the easier it will cope with more strenuous tasks, however as power increases so does price.  Also look out for induction motors, these directly drive blades (no gears or belts) so are much hard wearing and often come with extended guarantees.
• Speed Controls - Does the processor has variable speeds or a pulse function.
• Warranty - How long is the machine guaranteed for?

What are the options

So you’ve decided what features you’re looking for in a food processor, here’s several food processors with different features which we feel are worth consideration.

Kenwood Compact FP116 Food Processor

Kenwood Compact FP116 Food Processor. The Kenwood Processor FP116 is a good entry level affordable processor.  It only has a 0.8 litre capacity so is more suited for smaller portions but for the price has many attachments which include – Shredder, Juicer, Stainless Steel Blades, Whisk.  The motor is only 300Watts.  Click here for more information and to buy the Compact FP116

Kenwood FP580 Food Processor

Kenwood FP580 Food Processor – This is a more versatile machine than the FP116 as you can change out the bowl for a liquidiser, great for soups and smoothies.  This machine has a 500 watt motor and a 2.9 litre bowl.

Features include

Click here for more information and to buy the FP580

Magimix 5200 Food Processor

Magimix 5200 Food processor – Magimix are makers of quality food processors, if you are going to use a food processor regularly I would always recommend a magimix.  The have a range of processors, which differ in size.  The 5200 is their largest with a 3.7 litre capacity.  The Motor is a 1100 watt induction motor which directly drives the blade.  The Machine has a 3 year guarantee and the motor is guaranteed for 12 years.

Features include

You could go out for dinner on Valentines day but you make it an even more special evening by cooking yourself.  Its never too early to start planning and with that in mind here are a few suggestions of kitchen cookware items to put the finishing touches to your meal.  Click on the images to find out more and buy.

Heart Shaped Chocolate Fondue Gift Set

Enjoy desert together by sharing a chocolate fondue.  Perfect for chocoholics!

Le Creuset Stoneware Heart Casserole with Lid

Le Creuset are well known for quality bakeware.  They have extended their range with these fun Heart shaped casserole dishes (shown above) and Ramekins (shown below) these would be perfect for serving your meal in.

Le Creuset Stoneware Heart Ramekin

Non-Stick Heart Cake Pans 10cm

Why don’t you bake a cake, these non stick heart cake pans will make cute mini heart shaped cakes.

A di Alessi "Big Love" Ice Cream Spoon

Finally for now, they say its the little touches that make the big difference.  Make any dessert special with these heart shaped ice cream spoons by Alessi.

Breadmakers are increasingly popular as many people want to enjoy freshly baked bread at home.  Home baking with breadmakers, can produce a mouthwatering aroma throughout your house, sometimes in less than an hour and at the touch of a button.

But with many breadmakers on the market how should you choose one?  Here are the key features to look for.

Loaf Size

Depending on the breadmaker it may be designed to make a variety of loaf sizes.  You should pick a size which suits your use, if you are on your own you may want a smaller size to reduce food wastage or some more expensive breadmakers have the ability to make multiple sizes of bread.

Programmes / Settings / Cycles

Breadmakers have a number of programs.  Check that the breadmaker you are buying is suitable for the kind of breads you wish to make.  Eg program settings could include white bread, bread rolls, wheat-free bread, raisin bread.

Breadmakers don’t just make bread though.  More advanced breadmakers have settings for pizza bases, rolls, scones, croissants and more.  Some breadmakers will even have a Jam setting to make jam in.

Also look for a fast cook feature and a dough only feature which you may find useful

Manual Settings

For a breadmaker to be truly versatile it should have manual programmable settings so that you can create your own cooking cycles to create your own recipe variations.

Fruit and Nut Dispensers

Rather than having to stand over the breadmaker waiting for the perfect moment to add fruit and nuts.  A dispenser will automatically mix in the fruit and nuts at the right time for you.

Some breadmakers without a dispenser will have an audible beep to signal the right time to add the fruit and nuts.

Delayed Start

Perhaps you want to wake up to fresh bread?  A delayed start will allow you to program the machine and then it will start automatically a number of hours later.

Other Features

There are several other features that could be important for your uses.  They could be.

A viewing port – A plastic or glass port in the top so that you can see the bread cooking.  If you are designing your own recipes this could be invaluable to help define cooking times.

Non Stick – For easy cleaning purposes you may want a non stick bread pan to make life a little easier.  Also for the same purpose does the lid fully detach for easy cleaning.

Keep warm function – so that your bread is ready to eat at anytime

Cool wall – Breadmakers can get very hot.  Ones with a cool wall function are insulated to keep the outside walls cool.  Perfect if you have children.

Other extras – Other extras could include measuring spoons or jugs, recipe books

Warranties – Some breadmakers may have a extended manufacturers warranty.

Breadmaker picks

From the above you will see there is a lot to consider when buying a breadmaker.  Here are some of the most popular breadmakers available.  Hopefully one will be perfect for you.

Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker

The Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker is considered by many as the best breadmaker on the market.  It has all of the key features you would expect from a premium breadmaker including a raisin dispenser, 3 loaf sizes, up to a 13 hour delay timer, included is a UK recipe book.

At the time of writing 94 customers have reviewed th is item on Amazon, 84 of which received 5 out of 5 stars  Click to find out more information and buy.

Morphy Richards 48280 Fastbake Breadmaker

The Morphy Richards 48280 Breadmaker is a good entry level machine.  It lacks the advanced features of other breadmakers but does cook multiple bread sizes and 12 program settings.  Click here for more infomation and to buy

Breadmaker Recipes

If you want more help baking the perfect loaf or want to expand the recipes you cook here are some popular cookbooks for making bread.

Fresh Bread in the Morning from Your Bread Machine

Fresh bread in the morning from your bread machine by Annette Yates will help you get the most from your bread maker.  Here’s what the publishers say.

So why do you need this book when bread machines come with their own recipes? Well, such recipes vary, sometimes on the high side, in the amount of yeast, salt, sugar, fat and dried milk powder they contain. Annette Yates has set about reducing these ingredients and providing recipes for making loaves that are as natural as they are likely to be. And they are delicious too.

Or you can add extra ingredients – like herbs, spices, seeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables, honey, mustard and even chocolate! – and transform simple bread into something really special. Try it and see…

Click here to find out more and buy

The Big Book of Bread: 365 Recipes for Bread Machines and Home Baking

The Big Book of Bread features 365 recipes, one for every day of the year!  100 of the recipes are specifically designed for use with breadmakers.  Highly recommended from Amazon reviews one of which has even bought three copies!  (as gifts for friends as well as themselves).  Click here for more information and to buy

What is a blender?

A blender (also known as a liquidiser) is a really versatile kitchen appliance with a number of uses including to make soups, puree vegetables, crush ice as just a few examples.

There’s much more to buying a blender than you might think.  Here’s what you should think of when you’re shopping.

Glass or Plastic

The blender’s jug can come in glass or plastic.

Plastic is lighter than glass, less breakable (if you drop it) but it could start to scratch and discolour over time.  Plastic can also absorb flavours and start to smell over time.  Also not all plastic jugs will be dishwasher safe.

Glass jugs are heavier but this helps with the blenders stability.  Glass is stronger and heat resistant so will be dishwasher safe and better for blending anything hot like soups.  Glass is the better choice but tends to be more expensive.

Power (Wattage)

Power can be very important, if you are looking to crush ice or blend other tough vegetables you will need a high powered blender.  Generally over 350 watts is suitable for ice crushing.

Blending Modes

Check what modes the blender has.  Some will have variable speeds allowing you better control.  Also a Pulse mode is important to look out for which gives quick pulses of power, perfect for crushing ice or to give you greater control.

Capacity

The question here is what will you use the blender for, if it is just to make yourself healthy drinks you may not be worried about the size of the jug.  If however you want to be able to blend a soup for 3-4 people you will want to ensure you have a large capacity Jug.

Design / Special Features

There are various special features that individual blenders may have.  These could be really useful for your individual needs so look out for.

Lids which have a removable middle to allow you to add extra foods while blending.

A tap (these blenders are often known as smoothie makers) to release the drink directly into a glass.  (These can be harder to clean)

Cleaning options – Are they dishwasher safe, can you unscrew the blades to clean them separately from the jug?

Warranties

Does the manufacturer offer an extended warranty?  You could be surprised some offer as much as a 10 year guarantee.

So what should I buy

Hopefully you should have an idea now what features to look out for to find the blender that is perfect for your uses.

Here are some suggestions to help.

Kenwood BL440 Blender

The Kenwood BL440 is a good inexpensive entry level blender.  It is plastic construction but has a large 1.5 litre jug and a smaller spice miller attachment.  Though it is entry level and has very mixed customer reviews on Amazon.  Click here to read more and buy

Marco Pierre White by Russell Hobbs 14331 Blender

The Marco Pierre White blender is designed by Russell Hobbs as part of the Marco Pierre White range.  A step up from the Kenwood it has a Glass jug and a design which could look good left out on your counter.  Click here for more information and to buy

Kenwood kMix BLX510 Blender

The kMix is is Kenwoods latest range of quality kitchen tools.  Made from a strong aluminium construction and available in a variety of appealing colours.  Click here for more information and to buy

KitchenAid Artisan KSB52BNK Blender

We’ve said you should get the blender which best suits your uses, but if you can its very nice to own the best!  We believe we’ve saved the best until last!  The Kitchenaid Artisan blender.  Available in several colours.  It is a heavy duty construction with a metal base and Strong glass jug, but still looks great.  Even better KitchenAid guarantee their blenders for three years.  Click here to find out more and buy.

Pressure cookers are large saucepans with locking lids that cook food on the hob.  A pressure cooker is usually heavy as it has to be strong.  A pressure cooker works by sealing in all air and liquid so as the hob heats it and the contents expand the pressure increases.

Why cook at pressure?

As the pressure increases so does waters boiling point.  Pressure cooking allows you t0 cook food at a higher temperature than normal cooking.  The advantage of this is that food cooks much more quickly than normal.  For example a whole chicken only takes around 20 minutes.  Pressure cookers are also used to give the effect of braising or simmering but in much shorter time periods.

Safety

Cooking under pressure sounds dangerous, but it isn’t.  Many modern pressure cookers have an interlocking lid which is prevents you from opening the cooker while it is pressurised.  Also they have a safety valve which releases excess pressure.

Pressure Cooker Picks

Salton Tower 4 Litre Pressure Cooker

The Salton Tower 4 litre Pressure cooker is a good entry level cooker with a low price point.  It holds 4 litres, has an auto locking mechanism and a 10 year body guarantee.

WMF Perfect Plus Pressure Cooker 6.5 litres

The WMF Pressure cooker is slightly larger at 6.5 litres.  It has Four safety features to prevent over-pressurizing, scalding and damage to the pressure cooker, importantly it is also suitable for any heat source including Induction hobs as it has a “TransTherm” Base.  This cooker has a 3 year Guarantee.

Click here to buy Pressure cookers from Amazon UK

Here is an interesting You Tube Clip looking at how pressure cookers work and their history.

Click here to buy Pressure cookers from Amazon UK

You may be wanting to buy a pressure cooker cook book also or you may have a pressure cooker and want to expand your recipes.  Here are a couple of our picks.

Click on the image to find out more at Amazon UK

Pressure Cooking the Easy Way

Pressure Cookers for Dummies

Christmas will soon be upon us.  Struggling to find the perfect present for someone?  Kitchen gifts are always well received and needed.  Below we’ve run down some of the top Christmas gifts of 2008 for the Kitchen.

Under £20

Culinare One Touch Automatic Jar Opener

The Culinare One Touch Automatic Jar Opener is a really useful gift to give or receive this Christmas.  Many people both young and old can have trouble opening jars.  This does it for you.  We featured the One Touch Automatic Jar Opener previously On The Hob, Click here to read the article

Ginger Cat Crumb Pet Novelty Tabletop Vacuum Cleaner

The Ginger Cat tabletop vacuum cleaner is a fun gift perfect for an office secret Santa falling just under the £5 mark.  Also practical too as it vacuums up left over crumbs to keep your surfaces clear!

Screwpull By Le Creuset Waiter Friend

The Waiters friend by Screwpull and Le Creuset is a must have for any wine enthusiast.  Small enough to fit in your pocket but also big enough to open any bottle this is a great gift for the home wine lover or for the professional waiter.

Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker

Bialetti are leaders in the Manufacturing of Stovetop Espresso makers.  The Moka Express Espresso maker comes in different sizes.  A stovetop espresso maker is a gift that keeps giving as there’s nothing like a freshly made coffee in the morning.

Under £50

Ken Hom 31cm Traditional Carbon Steel 10 Pce Wok Set

The Ken Hom 31cm Traditional Carbon Steel 10 Pce Wok Set is perfect for anyone who wants to prepare good food quickly.  With this 10 piece set they can be enjoying stir frys in no time.

George Foreman Next Grilleration Health Grill

The George Foreman Next Grilleration Health Grill is the perfect gift for anyone interested in healthy eating.  Its two grill plates cooking both sides of the food half cooking time.  The sloped grill also lets fat drain off creating a healthy dish.  Even better once you have finished eating no hard cleaning as the grill plates are removable and dishwasher safe.

Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 8 Pce Block Set

Kitchen Knives are often forgotten but good knives make a real difference to you in the Kitchen.  Help someone start the new year with the Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 8 piece Knife block set.  These knives have unique hardened flexible corrosion resistant stainless steel blades and man made riveted handles for comfort and cleanliness.

Under £100

Marco Pierre White, Green Pan and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set, 5 Pieces,

Marco Pierre White, Green Pan and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set, 5 Pieces. There’s nothing better than having a complete set of Saucepans.  We have already featured this amazing set of 5 Hard Anodised Marco Pierre White pans On the Hob, Click here to read the article

Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker with Raisin/Nut Dispenser

Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker with Raisin/Nut Dispenser.  There’s nothing like the smell of fresh bread and with this bread maker you can bring that to your home!  Once you taste your own bread you won’t want to go back to the supermarkets!

Morphy Richards 48780 Intellisteam Steamer

The Morphy Richards 48780 Intellisteam Steamer features 4 compartments which you can set at different heats.  Steamers are great gifts as by steaming the food rather than boiling the flavour isn’t lost into the water, giving you all the goodness from the vegetables and flavour you didn’t think was possible.

Over £100

Tefal ActiFry Low Fat Electric Fryer

The Tefal ActiFry Low Fat Electric Fryer is a revolutionary deep fat fryer.  When frying the the Actifry gently turns the food allowing healthy frying by using the minimum amount of oil.  Just one spoonful is needed for 1kg of chips!

Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino

The Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino uses the Nespresso pod system to give you a fresh tasting perfect cup of coffee every time.  This is the perfect gift set as it includes the Aeroccino allowing you to froth milk for the perfect cappuccino or Latte.

De'Longhi Prima Donna Bean to Cup Coffee Maker

The De’Longhi Prima Donna Bean to Cup Coffee Maker is the king of Delonghi coffee makers.  This machine does everything!  It will operate with Beans (internal burr grinder) or ground coffee.  It also has a milk jug and can create the perfect Cappuccino at just one press of a button.

Those are our choices of perfect presents for the Kitchen this year but what are yours?  Have you bought a kitchen gift for a friend?  have you asked for one?  Let us know what your perfect Kitchen Christmas Present is by leaving us a comment – Just click comments at the top of this article.

It can be difficult to know what makes a saucepan better than others, what you should look for and the difference in price.  Never fear though as help is at hand.  We’ve put together our own On The Hob Saucepan Buying Guide to explain the key things you need to know when looking for a new saucepan range, something which can be both a product which will last for years and a long term investment.

What do you need?

The first question will be what do you need?  There are so many different types of saucepans and cookware on the market and one size doesn’t fit all.  Good starting points are

• Do you need dishwasher safe pans?
• Are they suitable for your hob?  Eg Induction and Gas hobs may have cookware which is better suited, equally some will also be suitable for oven use
• How do you like to cook, which pans are best for you?

What type of hob do you have?

The hob you use will affect your choice of cookware.  Here are the key things you need to know.

• Solid Fuel Hobs – Eg Rayburns and Agas.  These hobs will produce intense heat and the pans must be capable of withstanding it.
• Gas hobs – Any type of Saucepan is suitable for a gas hob.  just be wary of the handle – do not let the gas flame near it as it may be to hot to pick up.
• Induction Hobs – Induction hobs work by the transfer of heat magnetically from the induction coil.  Pans will state whether they are suitable for this type of hob, they must be magnetic – eg Cast Iron.  Aluminium and Copper are not suitable.
• Ceramic Hobs – Any pan can be used but they must be lifted and not slid as sliding may damage the ceramic plates.  With this in mind consider weight, cast iron pans may not be suitable.
• Halogen Hobs – Similar to ceramic except thick saucepans should be used as they may be subject to intense bursts of heat.
• Electrical Radiant Spiral Hobs – All types of Cookware can be used on Radiant Spiral Hobs
• Solid Hotplate Hobs – As these hobs are a solid plate it is best to use a flat based Pan for the most even heat coverage.

That describes the type of Hobs now on to the types of Cookware.

Stainless Steel Pans -  Stainless Steel pans can come in a variety of metal combinations, so be sure to check the quality – 18/10 (18% Chromium 10% Nickel) is considered high quality.  Stainless Steel Pans can be highly polished, Scratch and dent resistant, suitable for induction hobs (as a general rule but always check the product details), usually dishwasher safe.  Also many stainless steel ranges come with non stick coatings.

Aluminium Pans - Aluminum Pans can be coated or uncoated.  Aluminium is an inexpensive lightware marterial which heats quickly.  Coated pans will have an enamel coating to make them easy to clean and hard wearing.  Many Aluminium pans have non stick coatings.

Hard Anodised Pans – These Aluminum pans have been through a chemical process to make them smooth and non porous.  They are resistent to scratches and peeling, stronger than stainless steel with great durability and heat distribution.

Cast Iron Cookware – Cast Iron pans are heavy as they have thick walls.  As such they retain heat well.  A popular brand of Cast Iron cookware is Le Creuset.  Usually Dishwasher safe

Buy Online

Amazon – Click to buy Saucepans from Amazon

John Lewis – Click to buy Saucepans from John Lewis

Heals – Click to buy Saucepans from Heals

These are the key points to bear in mind when buying Saucepans.  Do you have any favourites?  Leave a comment with your views.