Buying Guides
Expert advice on UK kitchen appliances, updated regularly.
Featured guide
Knife Block Sets: Which Knives and Which Block You Need
How to choose a knife block set: the knives worth having for the way you cook, wooden, universal or magnetic blocks, built-in sharpeners and space.
Published 15 Oct 2026 · 7 min read · 5 top picks
More guides
Roasting Tins for Christmas Dinner: Size, Depth and Racks
How to choose a roasting tin for Christmas dinner: sizing it to the turkey and your oven, deep or shallow sides, rack or no rack, handles and material.
Published 14 Oct 2026 · 8 min read
Coffee Machine Gifts: Matching the Machine to the Drinker
Choosing a coffee machine gift for a coffee lover? Match it to how they drink their coffee and the space they have, from bean-to-cup to AeroPress.
Published 13 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Coffee Grinders: Blade or Burr for Home Brewing?
Blade or burr coffee grinder? How each type grinds, which brew methods need an even grind, and when a hand grinder suits your mornings better.
Published 12 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Air Fryers as Gifts: Choosing One They Will Use
Is an air fryer a good gift? What to find out first, which type suits a student, a couple or a family, and what makes one easy to use from the first day.
Published 11 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Bread Bins: Which Type Keeps Your Bread Fresh?
Bread going stale or mouldy? How a bread bin helps, how wooden, metal and ceramic bins differ, and which design and size suit the bread you buy.
Published 10 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Microwaves as Gifts for Students and First Homes
Buying a microwave for a student or a first home? What to ask first, which type suits which person, and when a large microwave is the better gift to give.
Published 09 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Cold Press or Centrifugal Juicer: Which Suits You?
Cold press juicer or centrifugal? How each type extracts juice, which handles leafy greens or hard veg better, and how prep, noise and cleaning compare.
Published 08 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Milk Frother Types: Handheld Wand or Electric Jug?
Handheld milk frother or electric jug? How each type makes foam, which do hot and cold, how many drinks they suit, and when a cafetière will do.
Published 07 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Glass or Plastic Food Storage Containers: Which to Buy?
Glass or plastic food storage containers? Compare oven and microwave use, stains and smells, weight and breakage, freezing, lids and stacking.
Published 06 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Vacuum Sealer Bags and Rolls: What Fits Your Machine
Which vacuum sealer bags and rolls work with your machine: embossed or smooth, roll widths, pre-cut bags, reusable valve bags and jar sealers.
Published 05 Oct 2026 · 8 min read
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Which Do You Need?
Hand mixer or stand mixer? How cakes, bread dough and hands-free mixing decide which one suits your baking, plus where a 2-in-1 mixer fits in.
Published 04 Oct 2026 · 7 min read