On The Hob

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

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.

The Kenwood kMix.  If you’re looking for a high quality Kitchen Machine that embodies kMix is a piece of art in the kitchen that makes a statement about you. Kenwood kMix is the icing on the cake when it comes to putting the finishing touches to your kitchen design.

Kenwood kMix Mixer

Designed for when food preparation becomes more than mixing and chopping.  The sleek new range of kMix kitchen appliances not only offer unique design and functionality, but can brighten up even the dreariest kitchen with its exciting colour range  This stunning range of appliances has been created for results-driven simplicity and includes the kMix Stand Mixer, kMix Blend, kMix Hand Mixer and the kMix Hand Blender.

With its cutting edge design, the range brings together form and function ensuring the most simple to the most indulgent recipe can be created at the touch of a button.

Combining simplicity and function, the kMix Stand Mixer is a classic created to make a statement in your kitchen.  It boasts a 500W motor, a 4.6 litre stainless steel bowl and also comes complete with the iconic K beater, plus a balloon whisk and dough hook.

With a wide range of attachments available, you can make mouth-watering meatballs and perfect pasta that are perfect for everyday, or that special occasion.  Available attachments,Meat grinder,Pasta extruder,Flat pasta roller,Tagliatelle cutter,Trenette cutter,Spaghetti cutter.

Product Specifications