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

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

Thermos Everyday 430 Travel Mug 0.45L

A Thermos Travel Mug is brilliant for those busy mornings.  Make yourself a Mug of Tea, Coffee or Chocolate and enjoy it on your way to work, on the train or on foot!

Keeps drinks hot for up to 2 hours, fits most car cup holders.

Stainless Steel vacuum insulation virtually eliminates temperature change by creating an airless vacuum space between two stainless steel walls. The result is an insulation layer that performs better than any other. A superior insulated container you can depend on to keep your beverages hotter, or colder.

Thermos is the leading manufacturer worldwide of insulated food and beverage containers, for over 100 years consumers have trusted Thermos brand products. Thermos leads the industry in new product development, its known for its expertise in insulation. Thermos products are produced in socially compliant factories and undergo rigorous quality inspections to ensure product meets or exceeds material and performance standards.

WMF Seattle Boxed Cutlery Set, 12 Place Settings

Seattle is a unique cutlery set consisting of 12 place settings of all the pieces you use everyday. 12 Dinner Knives 23.5 cm, 12 Dinner Forks 20.6cm, 12 Dinner Spoons 20.7cm, 12 Cake Forks 15.7cm and 12 Teaspoons 13.2cm. This cutlery set comes in a high quality gift box making it an ideal present, it is completely dishwasher safe and comes with a WMF guarantee against manufacturing and material defect. This versatile and stylish tableware from WMF will look great and work for years entertaining guests in your dining room, but because it has 12 of each of the pieces you use everyday gives this second option for your family. It will meet all the demands made of it in today’s busy family world.

This beautifully crafted cutlery set from WMF has a brilliant shine finish from their trade mark 18/10 stainless steel Cromargan®. Patented in 1927 it is of the highest quality and is integral to all WMF products which are recognised and sold world wide. Cromargan from WMF has 18% chrome for shine and 10% nickel for lustre and strength, the nickel also helps prevent rust and scratches, this means it will look great for a long time while working hard. All knives however have to be stronger than nickel allows to offer optimum cutting ability, so for this reason nickel is replaced (in the knives only) with molybdenum to make sure they meet the expectations of today’s consumers. The knife in this set is manufactured in this way in one piece which means that because of it’s different composition it will be heavier than the fork when both are held at the same time.

WMF has been a manufacturer since 1853, many of it’s early products can be seen regularly on Antiques programmes, they have many collectors around the world. WMF pioneered the manufacture of silver plate and 18/10 stainless steel in the early part of the 20th century both of which went onto to become industry standards. It has always offered cutting edge designs from Art Nouveau and Art Deco right up to today’s challenging requirements of premium quality and longevity at affordable prices. WMF are based in Germany where they have manufacturing, warehousing and administration facilities; they also have manufacturing facilities across Europe and in the far east which means they remain competitive whilst maintaining their reputation for quality.

Click here to buy the WMF Seattle Boxed Cutlery Set

A potato masher is a necessity in most houses, mashed potatoes is such a versatile dish as it can be served with so many other foods, but the potato masher can be a quick purchase which isn’t thought about.  What type of masher do you prefer?  Did you realise there were so many on the market?

Meyer Anolon Advanced Stainless Steel Masher

This is the classic potato masher, the pictured one designed by Meyer in a strong 3 ply stainless steel and with a non slip handle.  Click here for more details and to buy

Kitchen Craft Stainless Steel Potato Ricer

A potato ricer works much like an oversized garlic press.  You put the potatoes inside and squeeze on the handles producing a consistent mash.  The potato ricer could also be used as a Juice press.  Click here for more information and to buy

OXO Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher

Many people will feel the OXO Good Grips Potato masher is a step up from the first masher in this article.  It has a comfortable handle and the design allow you to give more leverage making mashing easier for those with weaker hands.  Click for more information and to buy

Spudnik Potato Masher

This potato masher is called the Spudnik!  Rather than mashing up and down it rolls around the bowl.  One Amazon reviewer says “I’ve had expensive stainless steel mashers before and none of them works like this one. You don’t mash up and down, but roll it around the pan – the legs sort of chop up the potatoes. Its quite effortless and after a few minutes you have mashed potatoes – great! its so unusual I leave it out as a talking point“  Click here for more information and to buy

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

These handhold graters are a massive leap ahead from the standard box graters.  They are made out of stainless steel andhave razor sharp teeth which allows you to effortlessly grate cutting straight through the food rather than tearing and rubbing like other graters.

Diamond Grater

Although sharp they include a safety slider which both protects you and minimises wastage.

Currently Scotts of Stow have a 3 for 2 offer on Diamond Graters.  Click here to buy the Fine and extra coarse graters and get the Slicer for FREE.

Click here to shop all diamond graters at Scotts of Stow

Global Knives have received many awards and are renowned for their quality.  The Guardian Newspaper said that Global Knives are One of the few knives that cut all the foods cleanly at the first attempt glides through meat and cuts cabbage like butter

Global knives are also used by all Rick Stein’s restaurant employees.

Global knives are made of the finest stainless steel and their razor sharp blade stays sharp longer than other steels.  The hollow handles are weighted for the perfect balance.

A Global Knife Set

There are over 100 global knives available for every possible task.  From standard vegetable knives to bread knives, boning knives, butchers knives and many more.  All the global knives have the distinctive global handle design.

Click here to shop Global Knives at Amazon UK

This is a You Tube clip showing how to carve a chicken using a global knife.  What how easily and precisely the knife cuts through the chicken.

Click here to shop Global Knives at Amazon.co.uk

The John Lewis Clearance Sale is now on. There is up to 50% off of 1000′s of lines. John Lewis are one of the UK’s most well known department stores and any purchases (no matter how small) are delivered free within the UK!

The sale end on January 18th but be quick as stocks may not last that long!

Click here to shop the John Lewis Clearance

There are so many great sellers but here are just two of our top picks!

John Lewis 6 Piece Knife Set

The John Lewis own Brand 6 piece knife set is special purchase at £58.50.  The contemporary knives are made of stainless steel and are ergonomically shaped.  Dishwasher safe and a great buy for any chef in training or new home!

Meyer Anolon 5 Piece Cookware Set

A Special Purchase at £107 the 5 Piece Meyer Anolon Cookware set would be a great way for your kitchen to see in the new year!  These saucepans come with glass lids and a lifetime Guarantee.

Shop the John Lewis Clearance

Nigella Lawson is an inspiration to many with a growing range of TV cookery shows and cook books.  She has also released her own range of kitchen tools under the Living Kitchen brand.

Nigella Lawson Living Kitchen Herb Chopper Brushed

Product Features

Here’s what Nigella says – “I don’t think I could operate without a mezzaluna – that two handed curved blade of a knife – so-called because it means ‘half moon’ in Italian. Most people erroneously believe that you need to be pro-standard dexterous to use such a lethal-looking implement, but the opposite is the case; because both hands are off the chopping surface, gripping the handles, it is actually impossible for even the terminally clumsy to cut themselves. This mezzaluna matches form for function: it has an almost classically beautiful shape, and because it is made entirely out of stainless steel, can go in the dishwasher.” –Nigella Lawson

Click to buy the Nigella Lawson Living Kitchen Herb Chopper