On The Hob

Marmite you either love it or you hate it, and if you love it what better way to enjoy it than with a Marmite special edition Dualit Toaster.  Dualit’s classic toasters have been the first choice of toast connoisseurs for over 60 years.

The result of this partnership between Marmite and Dualit is the stunning new Dualit Marmite toaster, which combines Dualit’s distinctive styling with the colours of a Marmite jar to create a new kitchen must-have for all true fans of the black stuff.

Capacity 1 or 2 Slices.

Dimensions: 26 x 21 x 22 (cm)

The key advantage of a Dualit as well as it’s superior hand built quality is that the heating elements are replaceable.

Find out more and buy at the Official Marmite Store

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

Vintage kitchenware is very on trend at the moment, particularly creamy light colours.  Many of the major kitchen brands have jumped onto this trend which means you don’t have to compromise on quality to make your kitchen looking great.  John Lewis have featured cream kitchen electricals in their latest home brochure.  Below we have featured some of the key lines which will make your kitchen stand out!

Dualit 72402 Kettle in Cream

It has a concealed element for easy cleaning, twin water indicator gauge so you’ll always know when a trip to the tap is required – which thanks to the hinged lid won’t prove too much of a chore. The washable limescale filter ensures debris-free beverages. For left- or right-hand use. Dualit’s retro-look stainless-steel kettle is cordless and sits firmly on its electric base.  Click here to buy the Dualit 72402 Kettle from John Lewis

Magimix Le Duo XL Juice Extractor, 14251, Cream

The Magimix Le Duo XL juice extractor and citrus press, pours delicious, nutritious fresh fruit and vegetable juices straight into your glass. The Le Duo XL has an extra large feed tube, which will take whole or large pieces of fruit. It has a large free flow spout and ‘feeder’ hopper for small fruit and vegetables. There’s also a citrus press attachment for thicker juices, purees and preparing baby’s first food. Cleaning your Magimix juicer is easy too, as all parts, other than the motor, are dishwasher-safe. With shaped spatula for easy pulp removal, small and large cones, and full colour instruction and recipe book.  Click here to buy the Magimix Le Duo from John Lewis

Kenwood kMix HM792 Hand Mixer, Almond

With 400 watts of power packed into its curved almond and grey body, the Kenwood kMix Hand Mixer certainly cuts a dash around the kitchen – and the mixing bowl.Perfect for smaller mixing tasks such as whisking, there are 5 speeds and a rubber grip handle so you’re always in control. A compact grey base acts as a stand for the hand mixer and a storage area for the stainless steel whisks and dough hooks, when not in use. And thanks to the integral cord wrap, you won’t see any untidy cable either. Click here to buy the Kenwood KMiz HM792 from John Lewis

Dualit Espressivo 84202 Coffee Machine, Cream

Coffee enthusiasts will love the Dualit Espressivo 84202 coffee machine. It’s designed with every element crafted to deliver the ultimate coffee; from a smooth espresso to a dense velvety latté.Ready to go in less than 40 seconds, it’s packed with user-friendly features, such as the 15-bar pump delivering the ideal pressure for the perfect ‘crema’, and the Thermobloc water heating system providing hot water and steam instantly.

Even the steaming and milk-frother is easy to use, making perfect foam for your cappuccino every time with the minimum of fuss. The water tank is removable for convenience, while a useful accessory holder keeps your ESE pods and froth nozzle to hand.  With a 3 year guarantee.  Click here to buy the Dualit Espressivo from John Lewis

Kenwood kMix BLX52 Blender, Almond

Combining good looks with simple, yet powerful controls, the Kenwood kMix BLX52 blender will make a chic addition to any kitchen.The kMix comprises a 1L calibrated glass goblet, stainless steel blades and metal body, with a profiled pouring spout and ergonomic handle. The goblet also drops onto the base unit, making it easy to align before blending begins. Its 4 pre-set programmes also make the most of its 800W motor, so you don’t need to guess which speed to use, whether you’re making soup or crushing ice for a cocktail.

Keeping your kMix blender in tip-top condition’s easy as well: the blades, goblet and base can all be dismantled for easy cleaning.  Click here to buy the Kenwood kMix from John Lewis

Kitchenaid is a USA brand which specialises in the manufacture of small kitchen electricals.  Their products are known for there quality workmanship and long life.  They won’t just work well in your kitchen.  They’ll also look good.  Each of their products is available in a range of stunning colours.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

The Kitchenaid Artisan Stand mixer is a solid metal mixer with a 300 watt direct drive motor.  A direct drive motor means that it is quieter than a standard mixer as their are less moving parts than a normal “belt / gearbox motor” .  It also means it is more reliable and longer lasting.  The 5 quart bowl has been ergonomically designed with a easy to hold handle.  The mixer itself has a tilt back head allowing full access to the bowl and easy changing of attachments.  Kitchenaid mixers are assembled by hand to give you a quality product and peace of mind.

The classic design is by Egmont Arens and dates back to 1937 and forms part of Kitchenaid’s Artisan collection.  The products in this collection have a stylish retro look with solid knobs and buttons, and smooth curves.

The mixer includes

and is available in the following colours – Click on the colour to find out more and purchase

• Red
• Cream
• Black
• Pearl Metallic
• Brushed Nickel
• White
• Blue
• Apple Green
• Yellow
• Boysenberry
• Pink

But that’s not all!  A Kitchenaid Artisan mixer isn’t just a mixer!  You can also purchase optional attachments to extend versatility of the machine into other areas.

KitchenAid Mixer Attachment Pack. Grinder/ Mincer, Slicer/ Shredder, Fruit & Vegetable Strainer

The Kitchenaid mixer pack aims to make your life easier by grinding, mincing, slicing, shredding and straining for you.  Click here for more information and to buy.

Here’s a short video showing the strainer in use.

Click here for more information and to buy.

KitchenAid KPRA pasta attachment

The Kitchenaid pasta attachment set contains three attachments so that you can roll and cut perfect pasta.  The roller attachment allows you to roll pasta up to 140mm wide.  This would be perfect for lasange, there are also two cutters which cut at different widths for either tagitelle or linguine.  Click here for more information and to buy the Pasta attachment set.

The following video from KitchenAid shows how to use your KitchenAid mixer and pasta attachments to make great pasta.

Click here for more information and to buy the Pasta attachment

A raviolli atttachment is also available here

KitchenAid JE citrus juicer

The KitchenAid Juicer attachment helps you get the most out of your citrus fruits.  Complete with strainer to catch the excess pulp and seeds.  Click here to find out more and buy the Juicer attachment

This video shows the KitchenAid juicer attachment in action.

Click here to find out more and buy the Juicer attachment

KitchenAid SSA sausage stuffer

Have you ever wanted to make your own sausages?  Perhaps create your own inventive flavours.  With the KitchenAid sausage stuffer it’s easy.  Click here to find out more and buy the Kitchenaid sausage stuffer.

If you’ve bought a Kitchenaid mixer the opportunities are endless leave a comment and let us know what you like best about your’s or any tips and tricks to share with our readers.

De’Longhi has been a high profile Italian brand for more than 100 years, providing high quality, efficient, innovative and stylish products. Instantly recognisable, De’Longhi possesses a unique design quality that, when combined with De’Longhi’s technical expertise, creates products that truly stand alone.

De'Longhi Icona KBO3001.B Jug Kettle

Their new Icona Range is no exception to this.  The Icona Range comprises of Jug Kettles and toasters in a range of stunning colours.

The Kettle - The Kettle is a 3KW cordless kettle with a 1.7 litre capacity.  The Element is concealed allowing easy cleaning and rapid boiling, for when you can’t wait for a cup of tea.  Click here to shop the De’longhi  Icona Range

De'Longhi Icona CTO4003.R Toaster

The toaster has a retro design in the same colours as the Kettle.  Although a 4 slice toaster the slots can be operated in twos either to save energy or to brown the toast to different degrees.  It has all the features you would expect to find on a toaster – Reheat, Hi Rise and frozen.  It also has a slide out crumb tray for easy cleaning.  Click here to shop the Delonghi Icona Range

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.

Often you want to chop something quickly but don’t want the hassle of cleaning a large food processor.  This is where the Marco Pierre White Mini Chopper comes in!

Russell Hobbs Marco Pierre White 14337 Mini Processor

Perfect for smaller items such as fresh herbs, baby food and pasta sauces, the 320W Russell Hobbs Marco Pierre White Mini Food Processor is such a handy kitchen appliance. It comes with a universal blade which is suitable for chopping and blending a wide variety of foods, an ice blade which crushes ice, and also a cream disc which makes extremely light work of whipped cream!

The product has easy one-touch operation button control and the durable glass bowl has a handy lid for storing food in the fridge. It comes in an attractive and contemporary matt black and chrome finish.

Box Contents

Click to buy the Russell Hobbs Marco Pierre White 14337 Mini Processor With Glass Chopping Bowl

Every house should have a hand blender.  Versatility is the key with this clever 3 in 1 Hand Blender from Breville.

Breville VHB014 Stainless Steel Hand Blender Kit VHB014

The Hand Blender is ideal for preparing sauces, soups mayonnaise, diet and baby foods, as well as for mixing drinks and milkshakes.

Easy to operate and comfortable to use, this smart Hand Blender has a powerful 400 watt motor and features a two speed control and a detachable leg for easy cleaning.  Attachments include a Mini chopper, balloon whisk and a separate 700ml plastic mixing cup.  As this has a metal blender rather than plastic this is also suitable for blending hot foods such as soups.

Product Features

Have you ever thought of making your own ice cream?  With the Kenwood ice cream maker you can.  You just need to decide what flavour to go for!  Let us know what you choose by leaving a comment.

Kenwood Ice Cream Maker

Features

• Fresh home-made ice cream in just 25-40 minutes
• 1.1 litre capacity
• Fast freezing insulated bowl
• Removable clear lid

Click here to buy the Kenwood IM200 Ice Cream Maker