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

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

Michael Graves’ classic Alessi kettle first came to the boil in 1985 and features a stainless steel body with a bird shaped whistle at the end of the spout.  Its timeless design looks just as good in your kitchen now as it did 23 years ago. Suitable for gas, electric or ceramic hobs.

Michael Graves Alessi Kettle 9093 with Bird Whistle

Michael Graves’ highly personal and easy to recognise, formal style blends influences from various sources: the european tradition, art deco, american pop, with flashes of pre-colombian culture.

Height: 24.5cms

Diameter: 22.0cms.

Capacity: 2.0 litres

Polished steel with heat resistant PA handle

Click here to buy the 9093 Alessi Kettle with Bird Whistle

Not every one’s favourite coffee is from an espresso machine in Starbucks.  In the home Cafetieres and Stovetop coffee makers are increasingly popular.  But what are they and which should you choose?

Cafetieres

A Cafetiere is a glass or plastic pot with a plunger on top.  The brand La Cafetière  is most popular but they are also known as a French Press coffee maker or just a coffee maker.

Cafetieres

To use a Cafetiere you take the lid and plunger off, spoon in your freshly ground coffee and then hot water from a kettle.  Put the lid on with the plunger up.  Then once you have allowed sufficient time push the plunger down to separate the coffee grounds from the coffee.

Cafetieres are simple to use and great when you have guests, they come in all sizes from one cup to 12 cups, so much quicker than making an espresso for every guest!

Click here to buy a Cafetiere coffee maker

Stovetops

Stovetop coffee makers are becoming increasingly popular.  As the name suggests these are coffee makers for use on the stove / on the hob.

Stovetop Espresso Makers

A stovetop coffee maker has three components.  The water reservoir at the bottom.  A funnel shaped filter in the middle and the jug top ontop.  To use the coffee maker fill the bottom section with water, and the filter with your ground coffee.  Then place on the hob.

As the water heats it will produce steam.  But with nowhere for the steam to go the pressure forces the water up the funnel and through to the ground coffee.  As the water combines with the ground coffee it expands the coffee effectively “self tamping” and means more pressure is required for the water to pass through the coffee.  This pressure means that the coffee produced is espresso rather than a standard coffee you would get from a Cafetiere.  As the last of the water passes through the coffee it makes a characteristic gurgling sound telling you the coffee is brewed and ready to drink.

The most popular range of Stovetops is the Moka range by Bialetti.  You can buy the stovetops in “cup sizes” from just a one cup all the way to a 18 cup.

Click here to buy Bialetti Moka Stovetops from Amazon UK

Still not sure about stovetops?  Take a look at this great YouTube video showing how simple it is to make the perfect espresso.

Click here to buy Bialetti Moka Stovetops from Amazon UK

Dualit have a history of creating timeless designs, which put function first and their Dualit Jug Kettle is no exception.

Dualit Jug Kettle 72400

The kettle has a heatproof handle and a large heatproof ball knob with finger guard on the hinged lid. Features include a removable laser cut limescale filter and large water indicator on both sides. The axis rotary base enables the kettle to be placed back on the base from any angle.

Product Features

Have you ever been gasping for a cup of tea but can’t be bothered to boil up the kettle? This time is over thanks to Quick Cup, an extraordinary invention that serves hot or cool water in 3 seconds. It only heats the water you need and uses only a third of the energy of an ordinary kettle – so a great time, energy and money saver.

Tefal Quick Cup - Hot and Cold Water in 3 Seconds

Features

Where do you go to buy coffee mugs?  The internet is a real inspiration with lots of creative, fun, quirky and stylish coffee mug designs.  If you’re like us at On The Hob you probably have one with you at the PC.  We don’t think its possible to have too many, but even if you have enough one of these could make the perfect gift.  Here are our top picks.  Just click on the picture to be taken to the store and find out more.

Alphabet Coffee Mugs

Alphabet Coffee mugs.  Never again argue over who’s mug is whos with these fantastic Alphabet mugs, as they’ll have your initial on them!  Or buy several and see what you can spell.

Pantone Mugs

Pantone Mugs.  Why not try a pantone mug, where others buy pantone samples, you could by mugs!  Now what will go with the carpet???

Classic Penguin Story Mugs

Classic Penguin Story Mugs.  These have to be one of our favourites, as you relax on the sofa at the end of the day with a good book, what better mug to enjoy a cuppa in?

The My Cuppa Mugs

The MyCuppa Mugs.  Know someone who is never happy with their tea or coffee.  Too milky or not enough!  This may be the solution.  The MyCuppa Mug has a pantone on the inside so they can specify their perfect blend of milk and coffee or milk and tea!  Problem solved.

Keep Calm and Carry on

Keep Calm and Carry On.  From the WWII poster this mug is certain to defuse any situation, just keep calm… and carry on!

Drink Selector Mug

Drink Selector Mug.  Can’t remember the order?  Use the drink selector mug.  just turn the rings to show – Tea or Coffee, Milk or Black, and number of sugars.

Well thats all for now as I can hear the Kettle whistling.  Leave us a comment with the mug you love or your suggestions.