On The Hob

Rather than hiding away your Tea, Coffee and more in the cupboards why not get a set of canisters to store them in. Not only functional and air tight they also will add a great finishing touch to the look of your kitchen. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which set to buy. Here are a few of the options available.

Typhoon Vintage Kitchen Cream Canisters

Inspired by the kitchens of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, Typhoon has designed and developed a fabulous range of quality enamelled Kitchenware in a delicate soft cream.  These canisters have an airtight seal and are made of a strong metal.  Click here to buy Typhoon Vintage Kitchen Cream Canisters

Big Tomato Tea Storage

Big Tomato have created a range of quirky sayings on creamware such as “not for all the tea in china” or “use your loaf”.  The range includes storage jars, mugs, butter dishes and more.  It would make the perfect witty gift for a friend.  Click here to shop at John Lewis

John Lewis Acrylic Storage Canisters, Clear

These acrylic storage canisters have metal clip fastenings to keep them completely airtight.  These simple canisters will preserve the life of your food and as they’re clear you can see the food instantly, if you like spices or chutneys this could give a range of bright colours along your kitchen counters.  Click here to shop at John Lewis

Emma Ball Farmyard Designer Canisters

These cute farmyard canisters have been designed by Emma Ball from a range which also includes biscuit barrels and storage tins.  Emma graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Graphic design.  She specailises in watercolours.  Click here to see more of her designs and buy.

Pantone Canisters

Pantone colours are the latest kitchen craze.  This bold range includes canisters, mugs, tea towels, salt and pepper shakers.  Click here to see more and to buy.

There’s always time in the day to sit back with a cup of coffee or tea.  Maybe over some cake with friends, whether it’s to catch up or for a meeting, make it special with these Mary Lou coffee cups.  These cups have been designed by Alison Appleton and have featured in BBC Good Home Magazine.  There are a range of options available which include some stunning gift packs.  So whether its for you or a gift make someone’s coffee break special.

Mary Lou Brown Espresso Cup & Saucer 4 x set

This stunning brown floral design will capture the imagination and add distinction to your dinner table.  This gift box contains 4 espresso cups and 4 saucers.  Click here for more details and to buy.

Mary Lou Brown Cappuccino set

If however you prefer a cappuccino rather than an espresso, there is also a cappuccino 2 cup set available.  Click here for more information and to buy.

Mary Lou Brown Latte Mug

If like myself you prefer a Latte, there is also a 2 mug latte set available.  Click here for more information and to buy.

All the Mary Lou cups and mugs are made to La Cafetière’s high standards and there are several Mary Lou ranges available.  Click here to see them all.

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.

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

Typhoon have released a wonderful range of vintage canisters with airtight seals to store Tea, Coffee and Sugar.

Typhoon Tea Coffee And Sugar Set Cream

These canisters form part of a wider range of Typhoon vintage kitchen products.

Click to buy the Tea, Coffee and Sugar set

Click to see the whole range