A stand mixer is a great investment if you love baking and bread-making. Read our reviews of top brands, including KitchenAid and Kenwood, plus more affordable buys
Whatever you like to bake, there’s no denying that the humble stand mixer is the hardest working piece of kit in the kitchen. Not just reserved for whipping up cake batter, it can also be used to knead dough and whisk together glossy, stiff-peaked meringues. Don’t be mistaken – I love hand mixers and have tried and tested many fantastic models over the years, but stand mixers offer something different: power. Equipped with high wattages, they can whizz through creaming and kneading tasks with absolute ease, not only saving you time, but effort, too. As an avid baker and expert product tester, I've put a range of stand mixers to the test, from models from big-name brands such as KitchenAid and Kenwood, to household names like Bosch, Cuisinart and Morphy Richards. Read on for my top recommendations, and don't forget to check out our guides to the best cake tins and best kitchen scales, too. The latest additions were tested by Annie Collyer. JUMP TO REVIEWS View Affiliate Playlist on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Best stand mixers at a glance 5/5 stars Best stand mixer: Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL, £799.99 Best stand mixer and food processor: Bosch CreationLine kitchen machine, £199.99 Best large stand mixer: Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL, £449 Best of the rest Best stand mixer for versatility: Kenwood Cooking Chef Stand Mixer, £1249.99 Best stand mixer for ease of use: Bosch Series 6 Stand Mixer, £599.99 Best stand mixer for dough: Ooni Halo Pro Spiral stand mixer, £699 Best powerful stand mixer: ProCook stand mixer, £249 Best bowl-lift stand mixer: KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan, £749 Best stand mixer for range of colours: KitchenAid 5KSM125, £449 Best compact stand mixer: Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer, £189.99 Best stand mixer for last-minute bakes: Breville HeatSoft stand mixer, £135 Best digital stand mixer: Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer, £229.99 Jump to section: Best stand mixers to buy in 2025 How to choose the best stand mixer What is a stand mixer? What can a stand mixer be used for? Are stand mixers worth it? Handheld mixer vs stand mixer How we test stand mixers I tested a representative sample of stand mixers, from budget-friendly options to high-end investment models, and used them to whisk egg whites for meringues, make an enriched dough for cinnamon pecan sticky buns, and cream together butter and sugar before baking a classic lemon drizzle cake. I also tested all attachments, final baked products and scored the machines against the following criteria: Packaging: Like most high-value kitchen appliances, stand mixers often arrive with a lot of packaging. Those that had recyclable or biodegradable elements scored better. Overall quality of materials: Well-made stand mixers with quality components should last, so I looked for those that were robust. Results of functions: A machine that efficiently mixed all the ingredients at the same time was a staple requirement. I looked for pavlova mixes that were glossy and well-whisked, cake mixes that were light with evenly distributed zest and finally, well-risen dough that was soft and light when baked. Value for money: You can spend anything from £60 to £900 on a stand mixer, but whatever the performance and functionality, it should always match up with the price. Processor versatility: Stand mixers should take on key kitchen tasks that make life a lot easier. Whisking, beating and kneading attachments are key to this and I awarded extra points to machines that offer more integrated features, like weighing scales, timers and extra attachments. Ease of use and cleaning: Modern stand mixers can offer sophisticated features, but ease of use is incredibly important. Washing your stand mixer’s attachments by hand can also be a pain, so I looked for dishwasher-safe accessories to make cleaning less of a headache. Sustainability: I assessed the amount of packaging and its recyclability, and asked how easy it is to access spare parts, look at the length of the warranty and much more. Why you can trust Good Food reviews It probably won't come as a surprise that the Good Food team (myself included) loves to bake, and we've tried and tested around 25 different stand mixers over the last five years. We use our trusted matrix format to score each model fairly in the Good Food Test Kitchen – which is designed to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a laboratory-like setting. This means you can trust that, if an appliance performs well in our kitchen, it should in yours as well. We also never share product reviews with retailers or manufacturers before publication, and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, either. Best stand mixers to buy in 2025 Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL Available from Amazon (£689), John Lewis & Partners (£689), Kenwood (£689), Lakeland (£689.99) Best stand mixer Pros: Integrated weighing scales Warming function 7-litre EasyWarm bowl In-bowl illumination Cons: Heavy Expensive Large footprint Star rating: 5/5 When it comes to modernity in the world of stand mixers, Kenwood is a front-runner. This one adapts the classic design to make it a game-changer for usability, so the step up in price from the Chef Titanium XL stand mixer model is justified. Key are its integrated weighing and warming functions, which work in tandem with the deep 7-litre EasyWarm Bowl – this has two practical handles for simple loading and arrives with a second 5-litre bowl nested inside. The touchscreen display shows your chosen metric for weighing. It also offers presets for controlling the warming functions, which prove dough and whisk egg whites among other things. Once set, you can walk away and periodically snoop on your dough through the transparent bowl cover whilst it gradually doubles in size – the Chelsea buns produced were wonderfully soft. It's features like this that afford you the best possible chance of achieving the same dough prove and rise every time. In addition to the sophistication, you get all the basics you’d expect from a functional stand mixer like a beater, whisk and dough hook, except this model offers the capacity to make more, better and with great scope for personalisation. Read our full Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL review. Wattage: 1400W Attachments: beater, whisk, K-beater, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 7L EasyWarm bowl and 5L extra bowl Warranty: 10 years Available from: Amazon (£689) John Lewis & Partners (£689) Kenwood (£689) Lakeland (£689.99) Latest Deals Bosch CreationLine MUM5XW10 kitchen machine Available from Argos (£199.99) Best stand mixer and food processor Pros: Integrated scales and timer function Dishwasher-safe attachments BPA-free plastics Overheat protection Cons: Weighs in increments of five grams Lacks pre-selectable processing time Expensive Star rating: 5/5 Finding a stand mixer/food processor hybrid is hard to do, but the Bosch CreationLine machine also throws integrated scales into the mix and the result is a versatile multitasker that’s a pleasure to use as well as practical. Design-wise, the gadget sits landscape on the counter-top so has a relatively unobtrusive footprint for a stand mixer. The two-in-one nature means it’s also a space-saver when it comes to cupboard space. A 1000W motor provides the oomph. All attachments arrive inside a two-pocket pouch, which is game-changing for storage. The patisserie set is tucked in one side (featuring a stirring whisk with silicone edge; height-adjustable beating whisk; and kneading hook with gear protector) and four food processor discs for slicing, grating and shredding in the other. All are dishwasher-safe. Combined with automatic retractile cord storage, this stand mixer is an expensive but versatile multitasker with modern frills that’s fun to use. Read our full Bosch CreationLine kitchen machine review. Wattage: 1000W Attachments: flexi stirring whisk, beater, dough hook, grating disc (medium-fine), reversible disc for slicing and grating, reversible shredding disc, reversible slicing disc, splash guard Bowl capacity: 3.9L Warranty: 2 years Available from: Argos (£199.99) Latest Deals Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL Available from Currys (£449), Amazon (£529), John Lewis & Partners (£529), Kenwood (£689.99) Best large stand mixer Pros: Two bowls included Built-in scales Lots of attachments Easy-lift head Powerful motor Cons: Expensive Large footprint Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1400W Kenwood is one of the key brands in the world of stand mixers. Decades of innovation have made them the go-to brand for keen bakers and professional chefs alike. This model includes a powerful motor and high-quality attachments that are built to last. While it's less technologically advanced than the Kenwood Chef Patissier XL above, it does include some of the features we loved. It comes with two bowls (seven- and five-litres) and in-built scales. I couldn’t fault this model’s performance; each bake, from our lemon and orange cake to Chelsea buns and meringue, was perfect. It's also sophisticated but remains humble and unfussy in design, with intuitive controls. A must have if you like to bake in bulk. Read our full Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL review. Wattage: 1400W Attachments: K-beater, dough hook, whisk, beater, splash guard Bowl capacity: 7L and 5L Warranty: 2 years Available from: Currys (£449) Amazon (£529) John Lewis & Partners (£529) Kenwood (£689.99) Latest Deals Kenwood Cooking Chef Stand Mixer Available from Kenwood (£1249.99) Best stand mixer for versatility Pros: Slim design Measurement markings on bowl In-bowl light 31 preset programs Doubles as kitchen scales Also heats to cook food App-compatible Cons: Expensive price Heavy Bowl doesn’t fit in a slimline dishwasher No cord storage Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 2000W Attachments: 31 preset programs, 8 mixing modes, 4 stirring modes and a pulse mode Bowl capacity: 6.7L Warranty: 5-year guarantee from date of purchase The stand mixer that outsmarts all of the rest, the slim but weighty Kenwood Cooking Chef is one for those who'll use it enough to warrant the high price tag. It's your classic stand mixer with a few impressive added extras, like app compatibility. Its base features induction heating technology, so it can also cook your dinner. And that’s not all it can do. There's a huge range of compatible tools, so that you can grind meat, make your own ravioli, spiralize vegetables, juice fruit, and more. Arguably its most genius feature? When using a preset program, it weighs your ingredients and automatically senses how long to mix them for, so that you won’t risk over-whisking, folding, or kneading. With an on and off switch at the back, plus a touch screen and a dial, it's easy to use, but admittedly it’s not as smooth to operate as others we've tested because of its 15kg weight. Its swivel arm moves up and down by pressing a switch, and while its splash guard is great for mess-free cooking and mixing, it is a little fiddly to fit. This stand mixer packs the power thanks to its 2,000-watt motor. It features a built-in light to illuminate your mixing bowl, and if that isn’t enough, it also doubles as scales as you can weigh ingredients in its mixing bowl. In the box comes six tools, a splash guard and a spatula. Every tool (and the mixing bowl) is dishwasher safe. This large, 6.7L bowl is great for batch cooking, especially since it features engraved measurement markings, but be warned: it won’t fit in a slimline dishwasher. Available from: Kenwood (£1249.99) Bosch Series 6 Stand Mixer Available from John Lewis and Partners (£499), Currys (£499), Bosch (£499.99) Best stand mixer for ease of use Pros: Comes with three attachments More attachments available to purchase Doubles as scales Intuitive design Dishwasher-safe bowl and attachments (fits in a slimline dishwasher) Cons: No cord storage No measurement markings on its mixing bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1600W Attachments: 1 x professional kneading hook, 1 x professional beating whisk, 1 x professional stirring whisk Bowl capacity: 5.5L Warranty: 10 years The Bosch Seres 6 stand Mixer sits at a decent price while offering heaps of versatility. Providing you purchase extra accessories, it can become a blender, pasta maker, citrus press, food chopper, and more. Included in the box is a kneading hook, beating whisk and stirring whisk, as well as a 5.5L bowl – this bowl doesn’t feature engraved measurement markings. What sets it apart from the rest is how easy it is to use. Its intuitive dial and simple-to-use touchscreen make easy work of most recipes, whether you’re whipping up some iced buns or you need a tiny amount of icing sugar. You can select a speed mode from 1 to 7, or choose from one of the 7 sensor-driven automatic programs. The snail mode will kickstart a selected program or it will fold ingredients at a very low speed. Integrated into its design, you can find scales for easy weighing of your ingredients, and to minimise your kitchen sink clutter. On the machine, there are two buttons, one for ejecting attachments and the other for releasing and lifting the swivel arm, to eject the mixing bowl. Arguably, the best part about it is that its attachments and bowl are dishwasher-safe, and they even fit in a slimline dishwasher. Available from: John Lewis and Partners (£499) Currys (£499) Bosch (£499.99) Ooni Halo Pro Spiral mixer Available from Ooni (£699), Currys (£699), Lakeland (£699.99) Best stand mixer for dough Pros: High-quality design Fully recyclable packaging Produces excellent bread and pizza dough Secure on the worktop Cons: Very heavy Loud No handle on the bowl Struggles with smaller mixtures Star rating: 4.5/5 For breadmakers and aspiring pizzaiolos, this premium stand mixer from pizza oven brand Ooni is a dream to use. It's been designed with dough in mind and – unlike traditional domestic mixers – has a dual-kneading action that's aided by the heavy-duty spiral hook, breaker bar and rotating bowl, which helps with gluten development and prevents the dough from sticking. Other attachments include a beater and whisk, ideal for making cakes and meringues, though to achieve the best results you'll need to fill the 7.3-litre bowl with a large amount of mixture. The bowl also has a square-like bottom, which meant parts of our mixture got trapped and needed working back in. Making dough, however, was a breeze and the cinnamon buns I baked were perfectly fluffy. I loved the precision of the controls, too. The speed at which the mixer runs is set by a percentage (e.g. 45 per cent speed) and there's an integrated timer, so you can set your machine to work while you crack on with the next stage of your recipe. The motor is loud but powerful and efficient, and in all I found the Halo Pro Spiral a joy to use. Wattage: 750W Attachments: dough hook, beater, whisk, splash guard Bowl capacity: 7.3L Warranty: 1 year standard, 5 years when you register Available from: Ooni (£699) Currys (£699) Lakeland (£699.99) undefined ProCook stand mixer Available from ProCook (£219) Best powerful stand mixer Pros: Efficient motor Large-capacity bowl High-quality design Fully recyclable packaging Secure on the worktop Cons: Noisy in use Fewer speed settings than other models Struggles with smaller amounts of mixture Star rating: 5/5 This sleek and stylish model from ProCook really packs a punch in terms of speed and efficiency – perhaps to no surprise, as it has the most powerful motor of any stand mixer I've ever tested. The downside of this is that it's noisy, but I was still impressed with its lightweight design and strong suction feet, which kept it fixed to the worktop in use. Included with the mixer are a balloon whisk, beater and dough hook, as well as a splash shield. It has fewer speed settings than other models like it on the market – there are just six, plus a pulse function, each of which is easy to control. The six-litre bowl is ideal for large mixtures, but I found it struggled with smaller amounts, like egg whites when making meringues. I used the beater to make a cake batter, which was smooth and creamy, though had to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times when adding the eggs. The dough for cinnamon pecan sticky buns also came together well and had a good gluten structure. Wattage: 1800W Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash shield Bowl capacity: 6L Warranty: 2 years Available from: ProCook (£219) undefined KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan Available from Amazon (£449), Harts of Stur (£449), KitchenAid (£449.40) Best bowl-lift stand mixer Pros: Attractive Large capacity 11 speed settings Available in a range of colours Cons: Difficult to insert and remove bowl Slow to react to speed changes Relatively noisy Star rating: 4.5/5 Typically more powerful and better for batch baking, bowl-lift stand mixers – like this newer KitchenAid model – have arms on either side that the bowl slots between, allowing ample space for large quantities. The mixer comes with a 5.6-litre capacity, balloon whisk, paddle, and dough hook, and I found the quality of design to be excellent. The motor was almost squeaky during use, and it took a few minutes longer than expected to reach the speed I wanted. Lifting the bowl in and out of the mixer was also trickier than hoped, and it took me a few attempts to get the hang of it. I achieved light, fluffy results when whisking egg whites, and again when making a basic cake batter. Mixing small amounts would likely prove difficult owing to its large size, but if you're baking for a crowd, this gadget can handle it all with ease. Wattage: 325W Attachments: balloon whisk, paddle, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 5.6L Warranty: 5-year guarantee and 15-year repair promise Available from: Amazon (£449) Harts of Stur (£449) KitchenAid (£449.40) undefined KitchenAid 5KSM125 Artisan stand mixer Available from Amazon (£379.96), Harts of Stur (£397.95), KitchenAid (£449) Best stand mixer for range of colours Pros: Comes in a variety of colours Lots of accessories available 10 speed settings Consistent high-quality results Cons: Whisk isn’t dishwasher-safe Some ingredients go unmixed at the base of bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 This is KitchenAid’s most iconic stand mixer. It’s a medium-sized model owing to the 4.8 litre bowl, and is available in a wide range of colours including KitchenAid’s annual Colour of the Year. Like all KitchenAid mixers, this model is equipped with 10 speed settings on a sliding scale. This model comes with a beater, dough hook and balloon whisk – check out the full review to see what comes with the 175 and 185 models. This model did a fantastic job on all of the beating, kneading and whisking tests and produced consistently high quality results. My only gripe was that some of the cake mix was left unmixed at the bottom of the bowl, though this was nothing a flexible spatula couldn’t fix. If appearance is just as important as performance, this model is a great choice. Read our full KitchenAid 5KSM125 review. Wattage: 300W Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 4.8L Warranty: 5 years for mixer, 2 years for accessories Available from: Amazon (£379.96) Harts of Stur (£397.95) KitchenAid (£449) Latest Deals Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer Available from Amazon (£92.99), Very (£189), Morphy Richards (£189.99) Best compact stand mixer Pros: Storage caddy allows you to store attachments inside the bowl Easy accessible height and lid design Non-slip suckers for securing to the counter top Cons: ‘New product’ smell No handle on the bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 If space is at a premium in your kitchen, this innovative stand mixer by Morphy Richards is a compact alternative. It offers all the traditional functions from within a small footprint about the size and width of a large mixing bowl. Dishwasher-friendly attachments for whisking, kneading and beating are stored within a caddy that slots comfortably into the bowl. It arrives fully assembled so you immediately know where and how everything slots together. After that, it’s simply a case of loading your chosen attachment, donning its lid and peering over to watch it work. This is a great one to use with kids. Read our full Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer review. Wattage: 650W Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 4L Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£92.99) Very (£189) Morphy Richards (£189.99) Latest Deals Breville HeatSoft stand mixer Available from Amazon (£135) Best stand mixer for last-minute bakes Pros: HeatSoft feature works quickly Smooth acceleration Intuitive and easy to use Good selection of attachments Cons: Mirrored top prone to smudging Bounces around a little when mixing at high speeds Star rating: 4.5/5 This Breville stand mixer is one of the most unique models on the list. On the surface, it looks like any other stand mixer, but hidden on the underside of the tilt-head is a heater. This heater can be used to soften or melt butter or chocolate, for those last-minute bakes. But even without the use of the HeatSoft function, I found this stand mixer impressive. It sports a good selection of sturdy attachments, smooth acceleration and a generously sized 5.2L mixing bowl. Each of the test recipes came out as we hoped: soft buns, moist cake and stiff-peaked meringue. Notably though, the Breville rocked around a little when kneading dough and when mixing at higher speeds. I also had to go in and scrape down the bowl when mixing cake batter, despite using the flex-edge beater. I used the HeatSoft function for our lemon drizzle cake, which worked quickly but gently to turn fridge-cold butter soft in just a matter of seconds. Read our full review of the Breville HeatSoft stand mixer. Wattage: 1000W Attachments: whisk, dough hook, beater, flex-edge beater, splash guard Bowl capacity: 5.2L Warranty: 1 year Available from: Amazon (£135) Latest Deals Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer Available from Lakeland (£229.99) Best digital stand mixer Pros: Timer function is useful Sleek design Large bowl has a big capacity Cons: Digital controls difficult to use if you have sticky fingers No handle on the bowl makes it hard to remove when locked in Star rating: 3.5/5 If you’re after a tech-savvy stand mixer with a digital design, this offering from Lakeland is a good option. Rather than having lever controls, like the majority of other models we’ve tested, this mixer has a digital control panel where you can choose from 10 speed settings. It also has a timer that is easy to set and means the mixer automatically stops when the timer is finished – a feature I found really useful especially for recipes like doughs that have a longer mixing time. Although I did find that if you had anything on your hands (a common occurrence when baking) the control panel was far less responsive. The dough hook, balloon whisk and beater attachments all performed well when tested with multiple recipes. Particularly impressive was the dough hook, which quickly brought the mix together and made a smooth and bouncy enriched dough for the cinnamon pecan sticky buns. I was impressed by the large capacity of the 6.5L bowl, which could easily be used to make multiple cakes or loaves at once. If you regularly bake in bulk this is a really good feature, especially since large-capacity mixers usually come at a much heftier price tag. Points-wise this stand mixer was let down by the excessive plastic packaging and a lack of information about additional attachments. Read our full review of the Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer. Wattage: 1800W Attachments: whisk, dough hook, beater, splash guard Bowl capacity: 6.5L Warranty: 3 years Available from: Lakeland (£229.99) undefined Other stand mixers tested and rated KitchenAid 3.3-litre stand mixer review, £449 Kenwood kMix Editions stand mixer review, £479.99 What is a stand mixer? A stand mixer – also called a food mixer – is a machine that uses a rotating mechanism to carry out repetitive kitchen tasks. Thanks to the multiple attachments and large capacity of the bowl, they excel at making cakes, kneading dough, whipping and whisking, and work far more effectively than food processors in this respect (although the two are sometimes confused as they have a similar ‘spinning’ motion). Stand mixers have a hinged main body with an output for various attachments, typically whisks, beaters and dough hooks, although you can often upgrade and buy a wide range of attachments. They are known to whisk egg whites, whip up a dough and cream butter with sugar incredibly quickly. These appliances usually have simple speed settings and are easy to operate. They also come in a range of sizes – from small and compact models for those short on space, to bigger, professional-looking bits of kit, to medium-sized models that bridge the gap and are best for people who bake regularly. What can a stand mixer be used for? All the stand mixers the Good Food team has tested come equipped with a dough hook, beater and wire whisk. This means they’re ideal for bread, all kinds of cake from chocolate cakes to fairy cakes, as well as thicker mixes, like carrot cake and gluten-free cake recipes. The wire whisk will make light work of meringue, for classics including lemon meringue pie and pavlova, as well as fun dishes like a tiramisu meringue roulade. But stand mixers are incredibly versatile, so make a note of their other uses to really make the most of your machine. If you’re a fan of dumplings, use the beater to fully mix your ingredients together, see our gyoza and pork momos recipes for inspiration. You can even make your own butter by beating cream until it begins to split. Then separate the liquid from the solids until butter is formed. How to choose the best stand mixer Capacity: like batch baking for cake sales? You’ll need a larger bowl capacity and perhaps a more powerful mechanism that will plough through larger volumes of mixture. Buy the biggest machine you can afford that will fit in your kitchen. Versatility: stand mixers can work hard with the right attachments, which include everything from pasta rollers to sausage makers. Study the number of bolt-on accessories available if you want to use your machine frequently for lots of kitchen tasks. Weight: if you’re short on counter space and will be hauling the stand mixer in and out of storage, be aware that some of them can be very hefty. If you struggle with your back, this is a significant consideration. Value for money: there’s no point splashing out on a gadget-y machine with various accessories if you’re only going to use it to occasionally make basic cakes. Are stand mixers worth it? These stylish gadgets make light work of laborious baking tasks, but some come at a hefty price – particularly if you're after a top-rated model. Some stand mixers are also quite chunky, so might be difficult to store if you don't have room on the countertop. However, if you have the budget and space for one, here's a reasons why they could be worth the investment: Consistency: Using a stand mixer is a reliable way of achieving smooth, consistent results in your bakes, with little to no effort required. Time saved: From kneading dough to whipping cream, stand mixers are capable of handling laborious tasks effortlessly – you can switch it on and leave it to get to work, allowing you time to get on with other parts of your recipe. Ease of use: Each of the models we've tested benefits from an intuitive, user-friendly design and comprehensive instructions, ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Durability: If you take good care of your mixer, it should perform reliably for years to come – check the manual for advice on how to look after it. Many manufacturers also provide spare parts, so if one of the attachments is broken or lost, it can replaced without needing to buy a whole new mixer. Handheld mixer vs stand mixer A hand mixer performs many of the same baking tasks as a stand mixer. A hand mixer (sometimes referred to as beaters) also operate using rotating attachments, but are far smaller than stand mixers, which in turn makes them more affordable. They can be easily packed away for storage and are straightforward to clean. If you want a gadget just to do the basics, a hand mixer will probably be sufficient. A stand mixer is more powerful, with a higher wattage and larger capacity. They’re potentially more versatile, with some offering a wide variety of attachments. One major advantage is that, in contrast to hand mixers, they’re entirely hands-free, allowing you to get on with other things while they work. The roomy bowls are designed to contain ingredients, minimising mess. They can also better handle heavier mixes such as pastry and pizza dough. Ultimately, a stand mixer is an upgrade from a hand mixer, but it depends on your budget. Related reviews Best hand mixers Best cake stands Best cake tins Best serving dishes and platters Best food processors Best blenders Best slow cookers Best pressure cookers Best multi-cookers Stand mixer deals Best jelly moulds Is Hexclad worth it? What equipment do they use in The Great British Bake Off? 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10 of the best juicers for blitzing fresh fruit and vegetables
We tested a range of masticating, centrifugal, and citrus juicers from the likes of Kuvings, Sage and Gastroback. Discover which models came out on top, plus find juice recipe inspiration
Making your own fresh juice at home with a juicer is one of the best ways to enjoy them, and is advocated by many health experts. Plus, juice is a delicious way to use up leftover fruit and veg – especially if you've got a glut of homegrown produce following this summer's hot weather. Check out our juice recipes for inspiration. There are many juicers on the market, from simple budget centrifugal machines, to powerful heavyweight masticating ones. Smaller wattage machines struggle with frozen berries and vegetables, but the rest will happily chomp through most ingredients. Our experts have tested across all types across a range of price points, so read on to discover their top picks. The latest additions were tested and reviewed by Elaine Lemm. Best juicer deals Looking to save on one of the juicers in this list? We've been scouring the market to find the biggest savings – here are the best we've found so far: Good Food in partnership with Tower juicer: Good Food stainless steel citrus juicer | £49.99 £44.99 at Tower (save £5 or 10% with code GOODFOODNEW) More juicer deals: Ninja cold press juicer | £129.99 £99.99 at Ninja (save £30 or 23%) Kuvings whole slow juicer | £349 £279 at Harts of Stur (save £70 or 20%) Fridja F1900 | £129.99 £109.99 at Amazon (save £20 or 15%) Sage the Nutri Juicer Cold Plus | £239.95 £199.95 at Sage (save £40 or 18%) Nutribullet Juicer Pro | £129.99 £103.55 at Nutribullet (save £26.44 or 20%) Nutribullet Juicer 01515 | £99.99 £79.99 at Nutribullet (save £20 or 20%) For even more offers, take a look at our round-up of the best kitchen appliance deals and find out how we put each product to the test, so you can shop with confidence. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best juicers at a glance Best cold press juicer: Ninja cold press juicer, £99.99 Best compact juicer: Magic Bullet mini juicer, £69.99 Best premium juicer: Nama J2 cold press juicer, £771.99 Best citrus juicer: Sage the Citrus Press, £139.95 Best entry-level juicer: Kuvings whole slow juicer, £279 Best masticating juicer: Hurom slow juicer, £819.47 Best versatile juicer: Fridja F1900, £109.99 Best juicer for large quantities: Sage the Nutri Juicer Cold Plus, £199.95 Best centrifugal juicer: Nutribullet Juicer Pro, £103.55 Best budget centrifugal juicer: Nutribullet Juicer 01515, £79.99 Jump to: Best juicers to buy in 2025 What types of juicers are there? What to do with leftover juice pulp How we tested juicers We put all traditional juicers to the test by making a simple carrot, apple, kale and ginger juice. The chosen ingredients allowed us to see how the juicer tackled four key juicing ingredients. Carrots to see how sturdy the masticating spindle or centrifugal spinner are. Apples are classic juicing ingredients, not only did we use them to see how much juice was produced, but also to check whether a whole apple could fit in the feeding chute. Without the kale, our juice would be totally orange, so to ensure that the juicers on test were able to process leafy greens, we looked for a strong green juice. Ginger is hard and fibrous, we wanted to ensure the juicer didn’t get blocked. For citrus juicers, or traditional juicers with dedicated citrus juicing attachments, we made a classic orange juice. We also tested the juicers against the following criteria: Ease of use: Although assembling the machines can be quite time-consuming, we noted how easy the instruction manuals were to use and the simplicity of each machine’s functionality. We also made sure they weren’t too noisy for an everyday kitchen. Smoothness: The juice produced needed to be smooth, clear and a strong, deep and rich colour to indicate that a high level of vitamins and minerals had been extracted. Ease of cleaning: We looked for machines with removable components that could be washed in a dishwasher or by hand. Ease of storage: Although all juicers tend to be big due to the nature of the work they do, we looked for compact appliances that could be stored in a kitchen cupboard. Sustainability: Juicers come with lots of component parts, so extra points were given to models/brands who offer spare parts. We also looked for transparency around where the juicer was made. And of course, favoured plastic-free, recyclable packaging. Features: Any added bonuses, like different options for frozen juices or veg prep, were taken into account. Best juicers to buy in 2025 Good Food in partnership with Tower citrus juicer Available from Amazon (£49), Tower (£49.99 – save 10% with code GOODFOODNEW) Squeeze every drop from your favourite citrus fruits with this durable, no-fuss juicer. Simply press the handle down and the motor does the rest. It's ideal for everything from quick weekday breakfasts to brunch with friends. The dual cones handle fruit of all sizes, while the pulp control and anti-drip spout make juicing mess-free. Smart, solid and easy to clean. Available from: Amazon (£49) Tower (£49.99 – save 10% with code GOODFOODNEW) Ninja cold press juicer with anti-clog filter JC151UK Available from Amazon (£99), Very (£99), Ninja (£99.99), Argos (£99.99), Currys (£99.99) Best cold press juicer Pros: Two filters included Simple to use Fully recyclable packaging Thorough manual and recipe booklet Cons: Noisy in use Large on the countertop Feeding chute is quite narrow Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 150W An upgrade of the Ninja cold press juicer, this masticating juicer is ideal for those looking to dip their toes into the world of homemade juices. What sets it apart from the original is the anti-clog filter, which keeps things running smoothly even when juicing fibrous veg or leafy greens. Inside the box is a clear, detailed manual, with useful tips on what to do with your leftover pulp. There are also two interchangeable, colour-coded pulp filters, allowing you to tailor the texture and thickness of your juice – whether your preference is ultra-smooth or extra pulpy. A bit of pre-chopping is required first, though, as the 4.5cm feeding chute is too narrow to fit whole or even half-cut ingredients. While a little whiny in operation, we thought the juicer produced great-quality juice in test – with the fine filter producing smooth, lump-free results, and the other filters adding texture as desired. All removable parts are also dishwasher-safe and the jug is a generous 700ml, so you can make up a good-sized batch for a crowd or to store in the fridge. Available from: Amazon (£99) Very (£99) Ninja (£99.99) Argos (£99.99) Currys (£99.99) undefined Magic Bullet mini juicer Available from Amazon (£59.99), Nutribullet (£69.99) Best compact juicer Pros: Small footprint Easy to assemble To-go cup included Cons: Only makes 470ml Noisy No frozen berries or vegetables Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 400W The description of the Magic Bullet as a mini juicer was not evident when we removed it from the box. The base is quite large, heavy and sturdy. Its four feet stick to a worktop and it's clear it won't move. The rest of the assembly is easy using the enclosed book and its clear diagrams. After a quick wash, the whole juicer can be assembled in minutes. The motor is only 400W and a little noisy, but it still makes short work of apples, kale, carrots and ginger. The juice was excellent and smooth, with plenty of juice produced (though a few kale leaves were found in the waste). Magic Bullet highly recommends that frozen fruits or vegetables are not used in this machine. The standout of this juicer is that it makes individual juice that's ready to go. The juice is dispensed directly into a lidded 470 ml cup – once filled with the lid firmly clipped shut, it’s ready to go. undefined Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer Available from Amazon (£771.99) Best premium juicer Pros: Versatile Produces smooth results Easy to use 15-year warranty Lots of accessories included Cons: Expensive Large footprint Fiddly assembly Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 200W As the heftiest and most expensive model on this list, the Nama J2 is a serious piece of kit for juicing enthusiasts. It's a self-feeding masticating juicer, so you can place all the ingredients inside the jug and leave it to do all the hard work for you, in just a matter of minutes. There are spouts on either side – one for the liquid to pour through, the other for the pulp – and two vessels for collecting each are also provided in the box. All the juices we made were smooth and delicious and we were pleased to see the bright green colour from the kale coming through in every beverage. After inspecting the pulp, we were also satisfied that the juice from each ingredient had been fully extracted. The set-up can be fiddly and time-consuming, which is frustrating since you have to disassemble it for cleaning after each use, then reassemble it again. On the plus side, the manual is thorough and comprehensive, and there's a video online that explains the steps in detail. There are also cleaning accessories included. The biggest turn-off is the cost. This is by no means a cheap appliance, but if you have the budget and space in your kitchen to house it, the Nama J2 is a worthwhile investment that produces superbly smooth results. Available from: Amazon (£771.99) Sage the Citrus Press Available from Harts Of Stur (£138.95), Sage Appliances (£139.95), Amazon (£139.95) Best citrus juicer Pros: Ergonomic handle Strains all juice effectively Comes with one-size-fits-all juicing cone Cons: Large footprint Excessive plastic packaging Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 110W If you like the idea of starting your day with freshly squeezed citrus juice with next to no elbow grease required, an electric juicer is a handy gadget to have in your arsenal. This stylish gadget from Sage is pricey, but what you get in return is quick and effortless results, delivered by a powerful motor. The citrus press is fitted with a power-assisted arm that feels comfortable to hold and required minimal pressure. The one-size-fits-all cone means you can switch from juicing small fruits to larger ones without having to change anything, and we were particularly impressed by how much juice it managed to extract from limes. undefined Kuvings whole slow juicer Available from Peter Tyson (£279), Amazon (£345) Best entry-level juicer Pros: Lots of cleaning equipment provided Easy to assemble Informative manual Wide chute Cons: Parts can't be put in the dishwasher Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 240W This masticating juicer from popular juicer brand Kuvings is a fantastic entry-level model that ticks all the boxes. We found this model easy to assemble and although none of the parts are dishwasher safe, plenty of cleaning accessories are provided to make clean up a breeze. This model had no problem with hard veg, leafy greens and fibrous ingredients. The juice produced was bright green in colour, silky smooth and bursting with flavour. Read our full Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer review. Latest Deals Hurom slow juicer Available from Amazon (£819.47) Best masticating juicer Pros: Simple, attractive design Cleaning accessories provided Quiet Large self-feeding chute Cons: Expensive Pulp bin is small, No dishwasher-safe parts Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 150W Statuesque and impressive-looking, this Hurom Slow Juicer is strictly reserved for those who are really into their juicing or have a decent amount of money to spend. This model has been well-designed, featuring easy-clean parts and a self-contained pulp bin that contributes to the Hurom’s streamlined appearance. Little-to-no prep is required for ingredients, simply pop them in the large jug and let the self-feeding mechanism do the hard work for you. The juice produced was smooth, vibrant and foam-free. Read our full Hurom Slow Juicer review. Available from: Amazon (£819.47) undefined Fridja F1900 Available from Amazon (£109.99) Best versatile juicer Pros: Good range of accessories provided Slim Sturdy Heavy-duty Quiet Cons: Tall so may not fit under some cupboards A lot of non-recyclable packaging Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 240W If you’re looking for a juicer that can juice and do a little bit more, this Fridja model is the one for you. As well as juice, this model can be used to make sorbet, ice cream and even nut milk. This model is stable in use. It’s also the tallest model we tested. Whilst it’s tall, slim appearance is attractive, we felt this may pose an issue for people with overhead cupboards who want to keep their juicer on the kitchen counter. Assembling this model was very easy, as was cleaning it after use. The juice produced was smooth, clear and vibrant in colour. Read our full Fridja F1900 review. Latest Deals Sage the Nutri Juicer Cold Plus Available from Sage (£199.95), Peter Tyson (£229), Hughes (£229), Harts Of Stur (£238.95) Best juicer for large quantities Pros: Sleek-looking Wide chute Large-capacity jug included Multiple speed options Cons: Heavy and bulky Struggles to juice kale Non-recyclable packaging Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 1200W-1300W A great choice for families or those who simply drink a lot of juice, this powerful gadget from Sage comes with a wide chute that eliminates the need to pre-cut ingredients. Included in the box are a 2-litre jug with a sealed lid (so you can keep juice fresh in the fridge for up to three days), a cleaning brush, large pulp bin, and detachable single-cup nozzle, which allows for liquid to be fed straight into a glass. Assembling the Nutri Juicer was a quick task, and operating it can be done with one hand – though you ideally need two to lock in the safety lever, which keeps the body of the juicer in place during use. The controls are simple as well: turn the dial to the low setting for soft ingredients, and to high for harder items. Just bear in mind it's very loud when switched on. We found the Nutri Juicer struggled with leafy greens like kale – even when using the high setting as suggested in the manual. It did a much better job with other ingredients like whole apples, ginger and carrots, though we anticipate you'd have to use a lot of ingredients to fill the pitcher to its maximum capacity. undefined Nutribullet Juicer Pro Available from JD Williams (£119.99), Argos (£120) Best centrifugal juicer Pros: Comes with lots of useful accessories Affordable model Cons: Loud Bulky and takes up lots of space Struggled to juice kale Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 1000W This speedy juicer from Nutribullet is sure to impress those who want their juice ready fast. There’s lots to love about this juicer: it’s easy to assemble, dishwasher-safe and comes with some of the best sustainability credentials of all models tested. The juice produced was flavoursome and smooth, but we felt let down by the lack of green hue to indicate all of the kale had been processed. Plus, true to form with centrifugal models, there was a thick layer of foam on top of our juice. Read our full Nutribullet Juicer Pro review. Latest Deals Nutribullet Juicer 01515 Available from Currys (£89.99), JD Williams (£99.99), Argos (£100) Best budget juicer Pros: Budget-friendly Simple controls Easy to clean Cons: Juice wasn't as smooth as we'd have liked Loud Some fruits and veg went un-juiced Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 800W If you’re just getting into juicing or are looking for a cheap and cheerful model for the odd occasion, this Nutribullet model may just be the ticket. It’s the younger sibling of the Nutribullet model above and is slightly cheaper looking too. Like the Nutribullet above, this model is easy to assemble and all the parts can go in the dishwasher. It’s fast, but not the quietest model, which doesn’t make it ideal for early morning juices. Whilst pleasant tasting, the juice produced was a little grainy and this model struggled a little with leafy greens. Read our full Nutribullet Juicer 01515 review. Latest Deals Other juicers tried and tested Philips Viva Cold Press masticating slow juicer review, £109.99 Sage 3X Bluicer Pro review, £389.95 What types of juicers are there? Although there are plenty of options on the market, the two main options are fast or slow juicers. Centrifugal (fast) juicers Once fruit and veg are fed down the feeding chute, these juicers work by spinning it very fast against a grater or slightly pronged disk, so the ingredients are completely broken down. The centrifugal force then draws all of the juice through a fine mesh sieve which is then channelled towards the juice spout. These seem to be the most popular choice because they are speedy, easy to use, and tend to be fairly budget-friendly. They’re louder than their masticating counterparts, but are – as the name suggests – significantly faster. Masticating (slow) juicers For anyone who considers juicing a vital part of their diet, masticating is often deemed preferable. These juicers work by squeezing or “chewing” fruits and vegetables using a corkscrew shaped device called an auger. The crushed ingredients are then pressed through a sieve or strainer and produce foam-free results. Although not as speedy, it will definitely do a much better job at breaking down the fruit or veg, particularly those hard-to-blend leafy greens. It’s often said that you will yield more juice from these, so they’re considered more cost-effective in the long run. Citrus juicers Similar in design to hand held citrus juicers, an electric model does the twisting for you. Simply halve your citrus and press it onto the central spindle, this will then start to rotate allowing you to move the fruit around the spindle, ensuring you get every last drop of juice out. Citrus juicers are a truly specialist appliance, but great if you drink or cook with a lot of citrus. What to do with leftover juice pulp After juicing you’ll be left with a pile of semi-dry pulp and fibre. Rather than simply throwing it out, the leftovers can be reused in a couple of interesting ways. Add it into a vegetable stock Turn kale (or any other leafy green) pulp into pesto Add pulp to homemade granola and energy bites Mix pulp into a muffin batter If you can’t find anything to do with it, make sure to add it to the food waste bin More on juicing What is a juice diet? Should I still drink fruit juice? What counts as five a day? Juice recipes Cucumber, apple & spinach juice Carrot, clementine & pineapple juice Fennel, blueberry & apple juice Celery juice Honeydew melon, cucumber & lime juice More reviews Best smoothie blenders Best food processors Best blenders Best stand mixers Best slow cookers Best health gadgets Best multi-cookers Best Cuisinart ice-cream makers More deals Air fryer deals Coffee machine deals Microwave deals Fridge freezer deals Dishwasher deals Stand mixer deals Pizza oven deals Breadmaker deals If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
12 best food processors for chopping, slicing and shredding
Food processors can help you slice, dice, chop and blitz with ease. We tested leading brands, including Kenwood, Magimix and Cuisinart to see which models perform best
There are many reasons a food processor can make life easier in the kitchen. Perhaps your knife skills don't make the cut, or that monster batch cook seems like a drawn-out chore? Plug in a processor for the speedy way to prep, every time. Not only do our favourite food processors slice, dice, blend and chop to perfection, but they also make grating, grinding and even dough making a breeze. Safety features ensure there's no need to sacrifice your fingertips in the process. As you whizz through ingredients for your favourite dishes at record speed, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one. I tried out a range of Good Food recipes and prepared basic ingredients to select the best machines on the market. I prepped everything from classic pesto to pizza dough, Thai green curry paste to precision-sliced spuds for delicious Dauphinoise. Read on to discover our choice of food processors that are sure to be firm fixtures on the Good Food kitchen worktop. The latest additions were tested by Elaine Lemm. Sponsored by Cuisinart Save 30% on the Cuisinart FlexPrep 1.1L Food Processor with our exclusive code Whether you're blitzing up ingredients to make hummus or pesto, or whipping cream or egg whites for a dessert, the FlexPrep food processor chops, purées, whips and shreds with ease to help speed up meal prep. Its 1-litre capacity is ideal for a range of kitchen tasks, but it’s by no means bulky – sporting a compact size, it fits neatly in cupboards for storage. It also includes a chopping and mixing blade, a reversible shredding disc and a whipping blade. Good Food readers can now save 30% on the FlexPrep with our exclusive code – simply use GF-FLEX-30 at checkout to secure the discount. Offer available for a limited time. Head to Cuisinart.co.uk to shop now. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website View Green Video on the source website Best food processors at a glance 5/5 stars Best high-tech food processor: Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power blender and food processor, £229.99 Best food processor overall: Sage the Paradice 9, £249.95 Best easy-to-use food processor: ProCook 3L food processor, £149 Best small food processor: Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor, £49.99 Best Ninja food processor: Ninja Food Processor with Auto-IQ BN650UK, £79.99 Best Magimix food processor: Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor, £439.95 Best 3-in-1 food processor: Ninja 3-in-1 food processor with Auto IQ BN800UK, £199.99 Best of the rest Best Kenwood food processor: Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pro food processor, £199.99 Best basic food processor: Cuisinart FP8U Easy Prep Pro, £80 Best compact food processor: KitchenAid 2.1-litre food processor, £178.03 Best food processor and blender: Russell Hobbs Desire food processor, £62.49 Best small food processor and blender: Magic Bullet Kitchen Express, £69.99 Jump to section: Best food processors to buy in 2025 What is a food processor? What can a food processor be used for? What does a food processor do? How we tested food processors How we tested food processors Myself and the team tested a variety of different food processors that ranged in price from budget buys to pricier blowout models. We also tested basic models that performed simple chopping and slicing tasks to behemoths that come with a vast variety of different attachments and accessories. To put each food processor to the test, we tested each of their attachments as well as their ease of use, ease of cleaning, as well as other factors like how sturdy they were on the kitchen counter and how much noise they made. As well as grating and slicing a range of produce (parmesan cheese, carrots, potatoes, herbs, nuts, onions) we also made a pasta dough to put the dough blade to the test, and a Thai green curry paste and classic pesto to test the slicing blade at two different speeds. Best food processors to buy in 2025 Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power blender and food processor Available from Amazon (£222), John Lewis and Partners (£222), Ninja (£229.99), Currys (£229.99) Best high-tech food processor Pros: BlendSense for automatic functions Dishwasher safe (except for the base) Multi-function – covers all needs Easy and intuitive to use Cons: Noisy Star rating: 5/5 Renowned brand Ninja have brought the latest technology to their 3-in-1 Power Blender and Food Processor: a fierce, sturdily built machine ready to take on any task thrown at it with its 1200W motor, a chopping and a dough blade and a seriously sharp slicing/shredding disc. The processor bowl has a decent 1.8-litre capacity, with preset options for large, small and an even smaller, mince mode. These made short work of everything I gave it, and it excelled on the onion test. First, I did a medium chop, then a mince, and the result was beautiful, tiny, evenly chopped pieces. I whipped up a pizza dough in seconds using the intelligent BlendSense function, which calculates the amount and type of ingredients and processes them to create a tight, well-blended dough ball. I sliced potatoes, grated cheese, flew through carrots, and pulverised bread into crumbs. The Ninja Detect is an excellent, well-built machine with a wealth of features for both beginners and keen cooks. Wattage: 1200W Working capacity: 1.8L Accessories: detect total chopping blade, dough blade, slicing/shredding blade, hybrid edge blades undefined Sage the Paradice 9 food processor Available from Sage (£249.95), Currys (£249.99) Best food processor Pros: In-built storage caddy Powerful motor with 30-year warranty Range of accessories Good capacity without being too bulky Cord storage Cons: Dicer blade doesn't catch all ingredients Star rating: 5/5 Owning a food processor with lots of attachments can be a huge win in terms of versatility, but less so when it comes to storage – especially if you have a small kitchen, like I do. Sage has gone some way to solving this with its newest model, the Paradice 9, which melds a roomy 2.1-litre capacity with a compact, well-thought-out design. This is all thanks to the integrated storage caddy, which slots neatly on top of the food processor when it's not in use. Navigating where each part sits takes some practice (I'd advise using the manual for guidance), but the attachments are colour-coded and there are clear markings on the bowl and lid too. One speed setting and a pulse function are selectable on the front of the food processor, and in test I found the motor was powerful and efficient – blitzing through ingredients in just a few seconds. The dicer blade had some difficulty pushing through all the onion, leaving around half a centimetre stuck at the top, but otherwise produced uniform results. Wattage: 650W Working capacity: 2.1L Accessories: one bowl, chopping 's' blade, reversible shredder (coarse and fine), adjustable slicer (15 levels), dough blade, 12mm dicing blade undefined ProCook 3-litre food processor Available from ProCook (£149) Best easy-to-use food processor Pros: Intuitive controls Easy to use Lockable storage box Preset and variable speed settings Cons: On the heavy side Star rating: 5/5 The ProCook food processor comes in a large box, as it features not only a generous, sturdy food processor base and bowl but also includes a handsome, lockable storage box for the accessories. All the blades, discs and whisks are tucked neatly away – something I think every food processor should have, particularly when children are present. The processor was so easy to assemble that the instruction book was barely needed. There’s a choice of five presets which take away any guesswork on speed or time when chopping, making dough or processing eggs, a pulse button, plus a much-welcome cleaning function. The variable speed button allows the machine to transition from gentle to super-powerful at the top end. With this power, I was relieved that the machine stayed firmly in place on the worktop. All the test results were excellent and the built-in cleaning program made clearing up quick and easy. The ProCook is a superb, sturdy, hard-working machine that would be great in any kitchen. Wattage: 1300W Working capacity: 3L Accessories: storage box, 4 grater/slicer/ julienne discs, whisk, emulsifying disc, two sharp bowl blades undefined Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor Available from Amazon (£48.98), Kenwood (£49.99), Hughes (£52) Best small food processor Pros: Compact Attractive Integrated cord storage Intuitive Express serve attachment saves time and effort Good value Cons: No handle on the bowl Star rating: 5/5 If you're after a no-frills food processor, this compact Kenwood model handles the basics brilliantly. It comes with an express serve bowl attachment, so you can process ingredients from the bowl into the pan. The wrap-around cord storage ensures its footprint stays minimal. Despite its small size, it has a powerful motor that dices, slices and grates with ease. While I found the lack of handle on the bowl frustrating, its silicone feet help keep it firmly on the worktop. There's just one speed and a pulse function for shorter bursts of power, but what this food processor lacks in versatility, it more than makes up for in efficiency, intuitiveness and style. Read our full Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor review. Wattage: 650W Working capacity: 1.3L Accessories: two bowls, chopping blade, reversible disc for slicing and grating, express serve disc Latest Deals Ninja Food Processor with Auto-IQ BN650UK Available from AO (£79), Ninja (£79.99) Best Ninja food processor Pros: Good selection of presets Measurements and markers up the side of the mixing bowl Powerful performance Compact design Comes with everything you’d need for everyday processing Cons: Loud Short one-year guarantee Star rating: 5/5 Ninja is well known for its powerful pieces of kitchen kit, and this model, despite the low price tag, delivers impressive performance with oomph. The BN650UK is Ninja’s budget food processor offering and as such it doesn’t come with all the added extras such as blender jugs and takeaway cups. But if you’re looking for a food processor that performs basic chopping, grating, kneading and slicing tasks exceptionally well, this Ninja is a must-buy. This model comes with four Auto IQ presets for chopping, puréeing, slicing and mixing, as well as the usual low, high and pulse manual settings. I couldn’t fault the results as this model worked its way through every test with absolute ease. For added convenience the bowl and attachments are dishwasher-safe (top rack only). Our only minor gripe was that it is rather loud. Wattage: 850W Working capacity: 2.1L Accessories: chopping blade, dough blade, reversible slicing/grating disc Latest Deals Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor Available from AO (£289), Amazon (£289) Best Magimix food processor Pros: Robust High-quality efficient machine Great recipe book Cons: On the heavy side Star rating: 5/5 This impressive food processor from Magimix will take care of most processing jobs needed in the kitchen, from shredding and grating, to blending, puréeing and slicing. It can also handle a very good rapid-knead pizza dough and much more. This well-made machine, with a clever three-bowl system, makes it one of the most versatile on our test. The controls are simple, straightforward and so good-looking I didn't want to put this in the cupboard. Read our full Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor review. Wattage: 950W Working capacity: 1.3L Accessories: three bowls, two chopping blades, two grating discs (2mm & 4mm), two slicing discs (2mm & 4mm), BlenderMix ring (for blending), dough blade, egg whisk, spatula, storage box Latest Deals Ninja 3-in-1 food processor with Auto-IQ Available from Ninja (£199.99), Robert Dyas (£199.99) Best 3-in-1 food processor Pros: Intuitive, with fast and excellent results across the board Cons: Lacks a storage box Star rating: 5/5 The Ninja 3-in-1 combines three types of food processing into one machine, with a roomy food processor jug, sturdy glass blender and single-serve blender. This can be used for smoothies and juices to go, or to make small amounts of sauces and spice mixes. It's a fiercely efficient machine with a 1200-watt motor that can work through ingredients (whether chopped, mixed, grated, sliced, blended or puréed) in seconds. This machine’s IQ to select the correct process for each jug used makes it stand out in my test. Read our full Ninja 3-in-1 food processor review. Wattage: 1200W Working capacity: Food processor - 1.8L, blender - 2.1L Accessories: Blender jug and lid, stacked chopping blades, blender blades, 700ml cup, reversible slicing/grating disc, disc adapter, dough blade, chopping blade Latest Deals Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pro food processor Available from Amazon (£150), Currys (£169), John Lewis and Partners (£169.99), Kenwood (£199.99) Best Kenwood food processor Pros: Integrated weighing scales Good range of accessories Touch Clean function One-touch controls Excellent dough function Cons: Main body easily marks with fingerprints Instruction booklet is difficult to read Only a one-year guarantee Star rating: 4.5/5 Unpacking the Kenwood Multi ProOne Touch processor requires a little sorting before testing, as it comes with layers of discs, blades and accessories that need to be organised first. Once that was sorted, I tackled the instruction book, a hefty tome with mainly illustrations and some text, which I found unwieldy to navigate. Assembly and use are intuitive, though a beginner may struggle. From then on, I loved working with this machine. There are six presets plus a custom one-touch digital function buttons; a favourite was the dough function, which revs up and slows down until it ends with a well-kneaded piece of dough. And joy of joys, a self-clean function too. Alongside these are the manual speed controls, which allow for a little more control, as I did with the chopped onions, taking the gold star. I found the Express Serve (the funnel that shoots out chopped ingredients) a little messy, but everything else, from the integrated weighing scales to the juicer, slicing, grating, chopping and blending was exceptional. Wattage: 1000W Working capacity: 3L Accessories: dough blade, dual whisk, 2mm & 4mm slicing and grating discs, 2 blades, spatula undefined Cuisinart FP8U Easy Prep Pro Available from Cuisinart (£80) Best basic food processor Pros: High-quality components Attractive design Cons: No jug attachment Star rating: 4.5/5 This is a great food processor if you're looking for a reasonably priced machine that will do the basics with minimum fuss. The components are pared back but highly effective, working through ingredients quickly and efficiently. The materials all feel well-made, from the stylish outer shell to the strong blades. Read our full Cuisinart Easy Prep Pro review. Wattage: 350W Working capacity: Large bowl - 1.9L, small bowl - 0.7L Accessories: Small and large chopping blades, small and large reversible slicing and grating discs Latest Deals KitchenAid 2.1-litre food processor Available from Amazon (£178.03) Best compact food processor Pros: Small footprint Easy to store Innovative reversible stacking discs Quiet Oil drizzler Cons: Not great at finely blitzing smaller quantities Star rating: 4.5/5 The KitchenAid's style and small footprint are the first things I noticed about this machine. It's compact (about the width of a large kettle), lightweight, easy to unpack and manoeuvre, and sports handy grooves at its base. Non-slip feet keep it stable once settled. Each component and accessory feel quality-made and built to last. This is a step-down in size from the 3.1L KitchenAid, so better suited to those who don't want to bulk-blitz ingredients, but do want a practical machine for everyday use. Read our full KitchenAid 2.1L food processor review. Wattage: 250W Working capacity: 2.1 Accessories: dough blade, chopping blade, reversible slicing and grating blade, julienne disc, refrigerator lid, whisk accessory Latest Deals Russell Hobbs Desire food processor Available from Amazon (£62.49) Best food processor and blender Pros: Dishwasher-safe bowls and attachments 1.5-litre jug blender Non-slip feet, cord storage Cons: Only 1.5L usable capacity within the 2.5L food processor bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 At around £50, this 2-in-1 food processor and blender set offers great versatility for the price. Despite only having one reversible slicing and shredding disk, it over-performs. The simplicity of this model actually plays in its favour. Read our full Russell Hobbs Desire food processor review. Wattage: 600W Working capacity: Food processor - 1.5L, blender - 1.5L Accessories: chopping blade, slicing/shredding disc, dough blade, creaming disc Latest Deals Magic Bullet Kitchen Express Available from Amazon (£69), Very (£69), Nutribullet (£69.99) Best small food processor and blender Pros: Small Compact and fierce Cons: No storage for all the bits and pieces Star rating: 4.5/5 The Magic Bullet Express is a compact, multi-use processor and blender all in one machine that takes up little space. The sturdy machine comes with a generous work bowl for its size, plus a separate small blender attachment that neatly fits onto one of the two tall cups for smoothies using the to-go lid. The processor also has a reversible slice or shred disc. Packed with a powerful 250-watt motor, this is not only a versatile machine, but a pretty ferocious one, too. Wattage: 250W Working capacity: Food processor – 0.83L, blender – 0.8L Accessories: chopping blade, reversible slicing and shredding disc, blender blade, two travel cups Read our full Magic Bullet Kitchen Express review. Latest Deals Other food processors tested and rated KitchenAid 1.7-litre food processor, £189 What is a food processor? A food processor is an appliance designed to act as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. One key benefit of a food processor is that it's a multitasker, often coming with various accessories and functions. Almost all use a rotating gear to turn their various accessories, which will typically include extra discs for slicing or grating, alongside the main blade arrays for chopping or mixing. Some food processors come loaded with additional blender accessories, so you can tick two appliance boxes with one purchase. Before choosing the best food processor for you, you need to ask yourself which functions you’d like it to perform. All food processors will come with a chopping blade as standard. This can be used for most tasks, including making hummus, cauliflower rice, even homemade tomato sauce. And then there are other attachments to consider. Some of the most common attachments include: Dough blade: looking not dissimilar to the chopping blade, this is often made from plastic with a dull edge and shorter arms. As the name suggests, it can be used to knead all kinds of dough. Shredding disc: this has teeth like the kind you have on a grater. Ideal for grating cheese, carrot and chocolate while keeping your knuckles safe Slicing disc: for super-even slices. On some models only one thickness of slice is available – on higher-end models you’re able to adjust the thickness The more expensive, premium food processors often come with these additional extras: Dicing and French-fry attachments: to produce perfect cubes of hard ingredients or batons for French fries Different-sized bowls: an additional small bowl that fits inside the main bowl makes life a lot easier if you’re only looking to process a small quantity of food You should also consider how much of a technical challenge you are willing to tackle. As a rule, the more functions a food processor has, the more complex it will be to assemble and use correctly. What can a food processor be used for? Many of the food processors on this list come with a whole host of attachments. But the majority, as standard, will come with attachments for slicing, grating, chopping and kneading. Some models will come with additional blender or mini chopper attachments, which offer an added level of versatility, but even the core accessories render the humble food processor a truly multi-functional appliance. Slicing Achieve uniform results with the slicing attachment; you can make: crispy garlic and rosemary slices, boulangere potatoes, dauphinoise potatoes, butternut dauphinoise, fennel dauphinoise, pickled red cabbage, potato and radish salad, coconut chicken with cucumber salad Grating Whizz through laborious grating tasks with the grating attachment, make: honey, parsnip and coconut cake, rosti fish cake, walnut and almond muesli with grated apple, grilled corn with garlic mayo and grated cheese, chocolate courgette cake, easy creamy coleslaw, oven-baked rosti cake Kneading dough Knead a variety of doughs with the dough blade: homemade pasta, pizza dough, edible cookie dough, vanilla shortbread dough, iced buns with cream and jam, raspberry and almond traybake. We recommend running the food processor on low to avoid being too aggressive with the dough. You’ll likely have to use a smaller quantity than the original recipe, as processor bowls have smaller capacities than stand mixers, for example. Chopping The chopping blade is the most versatile of all the attachments and will likely be the most-used. These sharp blades are great for everything from chopping to pureeing. Make: Thai green curry paste, Tom Kerridge’s madras curry paste, chocolate and hazelnut thumbprint cookies, cauliflower rice, frozen tropical fruit yogurt. What does a food processor do? Depending on the attachment used, a food processor can be used to chop, grate, knead and slice a whole host of ingredients, making them one of the most versatile kitchen appliances. But what’s the difference between a food processor and a blender? As the table shows, although both appliances have the ability to chop and blend, they are two very different bits of kit, and as such are not mutually exclusive. Think of a food processor as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, the tool you pass off your prep work to or use for chunky dips, purees, as well as dry processing tasks. Choose your blender when you need to achieve smooth liquid results, think: soups, smoothies, cocktails and crushed ice. Related reviews Best mini choppers Best spice grinders Best air-fryers Best stand mixers Best multi-cookers Best hand mixers Best cake tins Best popcorn makers Best blenders Best slow cookers Best pressure cookers How to sharpen knives Best veg box Best smoothie makers Ninja Creami vs Deluxe Best dishwashers Is Hexclad worth it? Best Cuisinart ice-cream makers More deals Air fryer deals Coffee machine deals Microwave deals Fridge freezer deals Dishwasher deals Stand mixer deals Pizza oven deals Breadmaker deals What equipment do they use in The Great British Bake Off? If you have any questions or suggestions for future reviews, or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
13 of the best cake tins for showstopping bakes
Whether you're a keen baker or reluctant birthday-cake maker, we've tested the best to bring you the most practical and hard-wearing cake tins on the market.
Whether you’re constantly cooking tasty treats or you only bake occasionally, a good quality cake tin is a kitchen essential. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, but are endlessly versatile – they can be used to bake cakes (of course), as well as sweet and savoury breads, cheesecakes or even used as moulds. Baking is a real science. If you have a good recipe, follow it to the letter, including using the correct tin, and success is guaranteed. Read our guide to successful cakes for some tips to help you master the essentials. Then hop over to our guide to classic cakes for a fantastic breakdown of how to bake the perfect traditional Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle cake and much more. As well as cake tins, you’ll need a couple of extra pieces of kit to get you going. Although not an essential, a stand mixer really will make mixing, whipping and folding a lot easier. If you're a traditionalist or short on space, a hand mixer is a great alternative. To ensure absolute precision you’ll need measuring spoons and kitchen scales. You’ll also need a mixing bowl and spatula to get every last drop of cake batter into your tin – no wastage here! Best cake tins at a glance Loaf tins Best enamel loaf tin: Falcon loaf tin, £32.50 Best non-stick loaf tin: Circulon Momentum loaf tin, £18.99 Best glass loaf tin: Pyrex Bake and Enjoy glass loaf tin, £11.69 Bundt tins Best enamel bundt tin: Falcon decorative cake tin, £34 Best bundt tin: Nordic Ware Bavaria bundt tin, £46.40 Best swirled bundt tin: Nordic Ware Heritage bundt tin, £52 Best budget bundt tin: MasterClass fluted cake tin, £15 Springform cake tins Best non-stick springform cake tin: Pyrex Magic springform cake tin, £10.85 Best springform tin available in different sizes: MasterClass springform cake tin, from £10.49 Circular cake tins Best enamel cake tin: Falcon cake tin, £22 Best 20cm cake tin: Pyrex Magic cake tin, £14.97 Best cake tin for tall sides: MasterClass 20cm cake tin, £16.55 Square cake tins Best enamel square cake tin: Falcon square bake tray, £31.50 Jump to section: Best loaf tins to buy in 2025 Best bundt tins to buy in 2025 Best springform cake tins to buy in 2025 Best circular cake tins to buy in 2025 Best square cake tin to buy in 2025 How to choose the best cake tin How we tested cake tins We chose our most popular recipes to put these cake tins to the test. We tested a range of brands including high-end that focus solely on making cake tins, to budget-friendly offerings for those not looking to spend lots of money. To test the loaf tins, we baked our lemon drizzle cake. For the bundt tins, we made Good Food’s banana and choc bundt cake with peanut caramel drizzle. In the springform cake tins, we made this and for the 20cm cake tins we baked our classic cappuccino cake. And what better recipe to try out a square cake tin than with our top-rated best ever chocolate brownies? We reviewed a representative sample of cake tins of different shapes and sizes and scored them against the following criteria. Practicality: we tested the tins we use most frequently in the Good Food kitchen, as well as showstopper tins for special occasions. Sturdiness: we chose hardy and robust tins that could withstand frequent use. Easy release: non-stick surfaces, springform release and loose bases were all given extra points. Even cooking: tins that conducted heat effectively came top of our list. Cleaning: tins with smooth curves, rather than sharp edges and folds, for ease of cleaning. Best cake tins to buy in 2025 Best loaf tins to buy in 2025 Falcon loaf tin Available from Season Cookshop (£32.50), Falcon (£32.50) Best enamel loaf tin Star rating: 5/5 This sturdy enamel loaf tin from Falcon is instantly recognisable, and available in a classic white and blue-rimmed finish as well as pillarbox red or pigeon grey. It’s generously sized, with a capacity of around 3lb, making it a great choice for larger loaf cakes or breads. There’s a subtle lip on the underside that provides just enough grip to make removing it from a hot oven feel safe and steady, despite the absence of handles. The tin is solid and stood up well during testing. Our loaf cake released easily with no sticking or tearing and the enamel surface wiped clean with minimal effort. We also appreciated the fully recyclable packaging – a thoughtful touch. While this tin isn’t non-stick in the traditional sense, its smooth enamel coating still delivered a neat, well-risen bake with a golden finish. Available from: Season Cookshop (£32.50) Falcon (£32.50) Circulon Momentum loaf tin Available from Amazon (£10.69), Circulon (£18.99) Best non-stick loaf tin Star rating: 5/5 Featuring Circulon’s tell-tale circular design on the bottom, this loaf tin is squat and wide with large handles on the short sides for easy removal from the oven. Although the walls feel quite thin, this tin is sturdy. The loaf cake we baked came out with ease, nicely risen and golden. We did notice some sinkage in the centre of the cake, but it was minimal. This tin is also dishwasher-safe and comes at a reasonable price. Latest Prices Pyrex Bake and Enjoy glass loaf tin Available from Amazon (£8), Harts of Stur (£11.69) Best glass loaf tin Star rating: 4.5/5 From well-known bakeware brand Pyrex comes this glass loaf tin. Shape-wise, it’s not dissimilar to the KitchenAid model as it’s long and thin, producing professional-looking results. It only features two small lips on the short sides of the tin, so removing it from the oven isn’t the easiest. We’d have liked to see Pyrex offer a little more information on baking in glass, as it cooks differently to metal. We followed our lemon drizzle cake recipe, baking it for the stated time, but the cake was still a little undercooked. Baking for 10 minutes longer helped us to achieve the results we were looking for. After baking, the cake had risen evenly was easy to remove from the tin. undefined Best bundt tins to buy in 2025 Falcon decorative cake tin Available from Falcon (£34) Best enamel bundt tin Star rating: 5/5 Falcon’s decorative cake tin is a take on a classic bundt pan, with fluted sides and a rounded form that gives bakes an elegant, old-school finish. At 27cm across and 8cm deep, it’s generously sized and suitable for cakes, jellies or even a festive nut roast. Made from heavyweight steel with a smooth enamel coating, it feels solid and well made. There was a brief moment of sticking during removal, but a firm tap on the base and a gentle shake saw the cake release cleanly, with the pattern clearly defined and intact. As with the rest of Falcon’s enamelware, it cleaned up easily and all the packaging is fully recyclable. While it lacks the non-stick assurance of some other bundt pans, the enamel coating performed well with a properly greased tin. The result was a well-risen, evenly browned cake that needed little extra decoration. Available from: Falcon (£34) Nordic Ware Bavaria bundt tin Available from Harts of Stur (£46.40), Amazon (£48.55) Best bundt tin Star rating: 4.5/5 This bundt tin from Nordic Ware features a unique pleated design that produces modern-looking cakes with minimal decoration, or you can add drizzles and icing to jazz it up. Made from cast aluminium, this pan is weighty and incredibly sturdy. We’d have liked to have seen a little advice from Nordic Ware on how to best prepare the pan, but found that a generous layer of butter and tapping it on the counter when full helped to achieve a clean release and a well-defined pattern. Our bundt cake was well cooked and evenly browned all over. This pan isn’t dishwasher-safe, so it does require some attentive cleaning to get into all the nooks and crannies. Latest Prices Nordic Ware Heritage bundt tin Available from Amazon (£51.99), Harts of Stur (£52) Best swirled bundt tin Nordic Ware's sturdy tins come in a variety of beautiful shapes, creating architectural cakes that require no additional decoration for that wow factor. We love this 2.4-litre classic design. The non-stick finish ensures the shape holds perfectly on release. Available in 2.4 litres and 1.4 litres in different designs. Latest Deals MasterClass fluted cake tin Available from Harts of Stur (£12.95) Best budget bundt tin Star rating: 4.5/5 Although this Masterclass bundt tin doesn’t achieve as defined results as the two Nordic Ware tins above, the cake it produced was no less impressive. It comes at a fraction of the price of the others and produces bakes with a subtle ridged design. It’s a lot thinner than the Nordic Ware tins, but still bakes exceptionally well. We removed our cake with absolute ease and nothing stuck to the pan. It was evenly baked and moist and fluffy on the inside. Latest Deals Best springform cake tins to buy in 2025 Pyrex Magic springform cake tin Available from Amazon (£15.71) Best non-stick springform cake tin Star rating: 5/5 This Pyrex springform cake tin has an impressive non-stick coating – nothing sticks to it. The clasp is easy to secure and release, though we did notice the tin popped open quite forcefully when undone, implying the seal was very tight. On the plus side, this tight seal did stop any raw cake batter seeping through the gaps. Our cake was well risen and evenly baked, though there was a crack in the centre. Despite this, the cake was spongy and moist. The tin is dishwasher safe and was the easiest to use and cook with. Latest Prices MasterClass springform cake tin Available from Amazon (£9.99) Best springform tin available in different sizes Star rating: 5/5 MasterClass’s springform cake tin is available in six sizes: 15cm, 18cm, 20cm, 23cm, 25cm and 30cm. Ideal if the recipe you’re using is calling for an obscure size or you just want a range of sizes on hand. Plus, all these tins are dishwasher-safe. This pan produced a super moist cake that was well risen and evenly baked. Usefully, the size of the pan is embossed onto the tin too. The mechanism is straightforward to secure and undo, it’s also ergonomically shaped for added ease of use. Latest Deals Best circular cake tins to buy in 2025 Falcon cake tin Available from Falcon (£22) Best enamel cake tin Star rating: 5/5 This enamel cake tin from Falcon measures 22cm in diameter and 4cm deep, making it a good option for sponge cakes, single-layer bakes or sandwich cakes. There’s a small lip around the edge, offering a bit of grip when lifting it in and out of the oven. Although it doesn’t have a loose base, our cake released cleanly, with no sticking or tearing, helped along by the smooth enamel surface. The sponge was evenly baked with a gentle rise and golden edges. As with the rest of the Falcon range, the tin feels reassuringly sturdy thanks to its heavyweight steel construction. It cleaned up easily and comes in fully recyclable packaging – a thoughtful touch for eco-minded bakers. While the tin isn't traditionally non-stick, a thorough greasing proved more than sufficient. Available from: Falcon (£22) Pyrex Magic 20cm cake tin Available from Amazon (£13.87) Best 20cm cake tin Star rating: 5/5 Another from Pyrex’s Magic range, this 20cm cake tin is ideal for sandwich cakes. It features a small lip for easy removal from the oven and our cake released cleanly from the non-stick surface with ease. The cake itself was well risen and evenly baked. There were no rips or tears anywhere. Although the pan is thin, it’s sturdy and robust. The tin is oven-safe to 230C and dishwasher-safe. Latest Prices MasterClass deep 20cm cake tin Available from Amazon (£10.99) Best 20cm cake tin for tall sides Star rating: 4.5/5 MasterClass’ 20cm tin is the deepest we’ve tested. Featuring high sides, it's ideal for taller cakes. If you’re into cakes with lots of layers, the pop-up base means you could use it as a mould to build a layer cake, then simply pop it out. The silicone seal is very secure, so you do need a bit of force to release it – just as we’d expect. Although it was soft and moist inside, we did think the cake looked a little lopsided and wasn’t quite as dark in the centre as we’d have liked. We solved this by another five minutes in the oven. This tin is dishwasher-safe. Latest Deals Best square cake tins to buy in 2025 Falcon square bake tray Available from Falcon (£31.50) Best enamel square cake tin Star rating: 5/5 This square bake tray from Falcon measures 25cm across and is 6cm deep, offering a generous amount of space for brownies, traybakes or deeper bakes like focaccia. Made from heavyweight steel with a smooth enamel coating, it has a solid, practical feel that held up well in testing. We baked a batch of brownies and found they released cleanly, despite the absence of a loose base. The enamel surface proved easy to clean and didn't leave any residue. A subtle lip on the underside provides a bit of grip when moving the tray in and out of the oven, and all packaging is fully recyclable. Available in Falcon’s core colours, it’s a versatile piece that works just as well for serving as it does for baking. Available from: Falcon (£31.50) How to choose the best cake tin It seems obvious, but one of the first questions you need to ask yourself before you buy a cake tin is ‘what am I going to bake in it’? All of our cake recipes will outline the size and type of cake tin you need for the bake, so you’ll know exactly what you need to buy. Whilst we favour versatile tins, like loaf tins, springform cake tins and simple 20cm tins, we’re also big fans of those used to produce showstopping desserts, like bundts. What can a cake tin be used for? Like most bakeware, cake tins are pretty versatile. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, but we’ve picked our most popular five to focus on. Loaf tin: these generally come in two sizes: 1lb and 2lb. They’re ideal for classic loaf cake recipes, like our brilliant banana loaf and easy pound cake. Or make an impact with our snowy coconut loaf cake and lemon curd and blueberry loaf cake. Not just reserved for cake, these tins are – unsurprisingly – ideal for loaves of bread, too. Try our simple seeded wholemeal loaf or our flavoursome honeyed carrot and thyme loaf Bundt tin: these ornate, highly decorative cake tins produce cakes that look fabulous straight out of the tin. Glamorous pans require equally glamorous recipes, like our banana and choc bundt cake with peanut caramel drizzle and our pineapple passion bundt. They also make great jelly moulds, so why not try our fresh raspberry jelly or fruity milk jellies recipe? The layers look really effective in a bundt tin. Springform cake tin: designed to make releasing a cake from a pan easier, springform cake tins have a mechanism that loosens the walls of the cake tin, allowing you to easily unmould the cake. They’re ideal for cakes like our easy caramel cake and chocolate and raspberry birthday layer cake, as well as cheesecakes. Try our no-bake chocolate cheesecake and white chocolate and raspberry baked cheesecake. Circular cake tin: otherwise known as sandwich tins, these cake tins are made from a single piece of stamped out metal. Cakes made in these tins need to be turned out from the mould. They’re ideal for sandwich cakes, like a Victoria sandwich. Riff on a classic with this summer apricot Victoria sponge recipe. Square cake tin: ideal for traybakes and brownies, use these tins to make perfect bites for picnics or lunchboxes. They’re the best choice for blondies, flapjacks and old-school desserts like chocolate sponge with hot chocolate custard. Cake essentials Best cake storage tins Best cake stands Best serving dishes and platters How to line different cake tins Best icing turntables Best stand mixers Best hand mixer Best kitchen scales Best mixing bowls Best spatulas What equipment do they use in The Great British Bake Off? Cake recipes Best ever chocolate cakes Our best Christmas cakes Our most cheerful cakes Birthday cakes for grown-ups Our best ever gluten-free Christmas cakes Top 10 summer cake recipes Best ever boozy cake recipes Loaf tin recipes Victoria sponge loaf cake Snowy coconut loaf cake Brilliant banana loaf Marzipan chocolate loaf cake Simnel loaf cake Sticky banoffee loaf with toffee sauce Bundt tin recipes Banana & choc bundt cake with peanut caramel drizzle Blood orange & olive oil bundt cake Chocolate & almond marbled bundt cake Soured cream bundt cake with butter glaze 20cm cake tin recipes Chocolate marble cake Pineapple upside-down cake Raspberry Bakewell cake Ultimate chocolate cake Gluten-free lemon drizzle cake Chocolate courgette cake Classic Victoria sandwich Cherry bakewell cake Easy chocolate cake Parsnip & maple syrup cake Coffee & walnut cake Cappuccino cake Square cake tin recipes Yummy scrummy carrot cake Best ever brownies Lemon drizzle slices Peanut butter brownies Gingery plum cake
The best breadmakers for creating homemade loaves
Can a machine make your life (and loaf) easier? We test a range of models from Panasonic, Tefal, Lakeland and many more to find the best breadmaker for you
We’re no strangers to the traditional art of breadmaking – kneading, proving and shaping dough by hand can be immensely satisfying. However, the best breadmakers have made us rethink our approach. These machines take care of the entire process, from kneading to baking, leaving you with well risen, golden loaves with minimal effort. After just a few minutes of prep, you can sit back and let the magic happen, no hands required. Most breadmakers operate in a similar way: simply add the basic ingredients – flour, water, yeast – along with any extras, into the bread pan in the correct order. Many models allow you to select the loaf size and crust colour, to your preference. You’re not limited to basic white loaves, either. From creative recipes like asparagus, sundried tomato & olive loaf to stout & apple wheaten bread, these machines are versatile enough to accommodate a variety of bread-styles and mix ins. Some even go beyond bread, offering settings for jam, yogurt and doughs for recipes like this filled brioche centrepiece with baked camembert. Our top picks excelled in rigorous testing to earn their place in this guide. Read on to discover the best breadmakers you can buy today. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best breadmakers at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best breadmaker: Panasonic SD-B2510, £119 Best breadmaker for more than loaves: Tefal Pain and Delices, £139 Best breadmaker for gluten-free bread: Panasonic SD-YR2550, £199.99 Best breadmaker for spelt bread: Panasonic SD-YR2540, £199.99 Best breadmaker for rustic loaves: Panasonic SD-R2530, £149.99 Best breadmaker for fast bakes: Russell Hobbs 23620 Compact Fast, £99 Best breadmaker for large loaves: Lakeland touchscreen breadmaker, £149.99 Best small breadmaker: Morphy Richards Fastbake breadmaker, £69.99 Best-looking breadmaker: Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker, £249.95 Jump to section: Best breadmakers to buy in 2025 What to look for in a breadmaker Tips for using a breadmaker Why are the so many Panasonic models in this list? Are breadmakers energy efficient? How we test breadmakers On almost all of the breadmakers we tested, a simple white loaf was first on the list of presets, so any breadmaker worth its salt should be able to make one. We used Good Food’s easy white bread recipe to put each model to the test. We reviewed a representative sample of bread machines and scored them against the following criteria. Quality of loaf: we wanted an even rise, open and airy texture, evenly browned appearance and, to state the obvious, a delicious taste. Ease of use: we preferred machines that had easy-to-use functionality and display. A viewing window was a bonus. Versatility: a good range of bread types was essential and other baking options, like different-sized loaves and browning levels, were a plus. Easy-to-follow instructions: there’s not much to using a breadmaker, but if you get it wrong, the machine can quickly be left to gather dust. Simple, clear guidelines were important. Broad recipe selection: we marked up machines with a good range of recipes. You may want to get creative after a while, but a good starting selection was essential. We also looked for manuals that told you the order to add ingredients in – this is essential info if you’ve never turned your hand to breadmaking before. Best breadmakers to buy in 2025 Panasonic SD-B2510 Available from Amazon (£119), John Lewis & Partners (£119), Hughes (£119) Best breadmaker Pros: Landscape design Lightweight and easy to move around Large variety of presets Customisable settings Cons: No viewing window No automatic dispenser Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 550W The SD-B2510 is one of Panasonic’s more affordable breadmakers. Although it doesn’t come with an ingredient dispenser or the wealth of settings of its more expensive counterparts, this model produced one of the best loaves of all of the breadmakers we’ve tested; well-risen, evenly browned and an open and airy texture. It’s equipped with 21 settings including a range of breads, as well as cakes, jams and gluten-free bakes. This model is landscape in orientation, which offered a good deal of space in front of the machine for prep. Like all of the Panasonic breadmakers we’ve tested, this one does take a long time to bake. It took four hours to bake a simple loaf. But, if you’re happy to wait for fantastic results, this model is a must-have. Read our full Panasonic SD-B2510 review. Available from: Amazon (£119) John Lewis & Partners (£119) Hughes (£119) Latest Deals Tefal Pain and Delices Available from Very (£139), Amazon (£114) Best breadmaker for more than loaves Pros: Quiet Very versatile: can make yogurt Good selection of gluten-free recipes Cons: Browns a little unevenly No viewing window Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 700W Tefal are well known for their impressive pans and air-fryers and this breadmaker is no exception. If you’re in the market for a versatile breadmaker, this model is a fabulous choice. Not only does it make a wide selection of classic loaves but it can also be used to make pizza and pasta doughs, as well as a range of dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese, using the dedicated pot provided. There’s no viewing window, which was a disappointing omission, but the loaf of bread produced was very good. It was well-risen, with an open and airy texture. The sides and top of the bread were exactly the same colour and both were within the range of the rich, nutty brown we were looking for. Read our full Tefal Pain and Delices breadmaker review. Available from: Very (£139) Amazon (£114) undefined Panasonic SD-YR2550 Available from Hughes (£199), Lakeland (£199.99) Best breadmaker for gluten-free bread Pros: Lots of settings Settings for gluten-free bread and bread mixes Intuitive to use Lightweight and easy to move Yeast dispenser Delay timer Cons: No viewing window Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 550W If you’re taken by the Panasonic breadmaker at the top of the list, but are after a couple more settings (and are willing to spend a bit more), the SD-YR2550 comes with 31 settings in total, four of which are gluten free. There are settings for a wide range of breads, including six dough settings (including one for a sourdough starter), four sweet settings and three manual settings, allowing you to really make the most of your new breadmaker. It’s very intuitive to use, so ideal for first-time users and Panasonic loyalists alike. It doesn’t come with a viewing window, but does come with an ingredient and yeast dispenser, which is very useful. The loaf produced was nicely brown and well-risen. Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2550 review. Available from: Hughes (£169) Lakeland (£169.99) Latest Deals Panasonic SD-YR2540 Available from Amazon (£199), Lakeland (£199.99) Best breadmaker for spelt bread Pros: Automatic dispensers Large range of settings Lots of accessories included Clear and informative manual Setting for bread mixes Cons: Expensive No viewing window Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 550W We tested the SD-YR2540 and the SD-YR2550 (above) side by side and found very little difference between the two models. They’re not quite the same shape, but performance-wise, they produced identical, high-quality loaves. Unlike the SD-YR2550, the SDYR540 comes with 32 presets, the addition being for spelt bread. Whilst there’s a decent jump in price between the two Panasonic models, if you’re a fan of Panasonic’s design and you’re after a model that can make spelt bread, then it’s worth the investment. Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2540 review. Available from: Lakeland (£199.99) Amazon (£199) Latest Deals Panasonic SD-R2530 Available from John Lewis & Partners (£149), Currys (£149.99) Best breadmaker for rustic loaves Pros: 30 programmes Good range of gluten free settings Fruit and nut dispenser Cons: Expensive Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 550W This Panasonic breadmaker comes equipped with 30 settings as well as a fruit and nut dispenser. It doesn't come with a yeast dispenser like some of the more expensive Panasonic models on this list, cementing this model firmly as one of their mid-tier breadmakers. After baking, our test bread had a distinct rustic look to it that we could have easily have passed off as being handmade. The crust was crisp, and whilst we'd have liked to have seen a little more even colour all over, inside, the loaf was light and fluffy. Read our full Panasonic SD-R2530 review. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£149) Currys (£149.99) Latest Deals Russell Hobbs 23620 Fast Bake breadmaker Available from Amazon (£69.99), Very (£99) Best breadmaker for fast bakes Pros: Quality for a budget price Good fast-bake functions Cons: No nut and seed dispenser Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 660W The Russell Hobbs breadmaker may have been the smallest machine we tested, but its size did not impede any of its many features – it can even make an impressive large 1kg family-sized loaf. With its soft curved lines and shiny black casing, it’s a machine you’d happily leave out on the worktop when not in use. There are 12 pre-programmed recipes, and most come in three sizes with three crust colours, plus two fast bakes which will have a loaf of bread out of the pan and cooling in under an hour. Read our full Russell Hobbs 23620 Fast Bake Breadmaker review. Available from: Amazon (£69.99) Very (£99) Latest Deals Lakeland touchscreen breadmaker Available from Lakeland (£149.99) Best breadmaker for large loaves Pros: The control panel locks Can make very large loaves Display controls are large and there's a clear, useful viewing window Cons: Sides get very hot Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 850W Featuring the largest control panel of all the models on this list, this breadmaker is ideal for those who struggle with their eyesight or are simply not fans of pokey screens. The touchscreen is very responsive and even locks when the machine has been set, to avoid any knocks or curious fingers fiddling with the controls. The breads produced by this breadmaker are large, in fact they’re the largest loaves of all the breadmakers we’ve tested, so if you get through a lot of bread or have lots of mouths to feed, this model is a great choice. The bread itself was well risen, if a little paler than we’d have liked on top. Inside, it was soft, with an open texture. Read our full Lakeland Touchscreen Breadmaker review. Available from: Lakeland (£149.99) Latest Deals Morphy Richards 48281 Fastbake breadmaker Available from Amazon (£66.99), Morphy Richards (£99.99) Best small breadmaker Pros: Small footprint Easy to use Two fast settings Compact lid opening Cons: Browns a little unevenly Paddle baked into bread Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 600W Where most breadmakers take up a fair chunk of the countertop, this Morphy Richards model is a great option if you're after something a bit more compact. It has 12 settings, including functions for jam and cake. If you need bread in a hurry, there are also two fast-bake settings for small and larger loaves, which each take just 58 minutes. The controls are positioned on the front of the breadmaker, and we found them very responsive and easy to navigate. There's a viewing window, too, so you can easily check on the progress of the bread without opening the lid. After baking, we found the paddle came out with the bread and got stuck, and as no removal tool was provided, we had to tear the base to get it out. On the upside, our loaves had an open, pillowy texture, and the crust was nicely browned on the sides. Read our full review of the Morphy Richards 48281 Fastbake breadmaker. Available from: Amazon (£66.99) Morphy Richards (£99.99) undefined Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker Available from Sage (£249.95) Best-looking breadmaker Pros: Stylish Custom programmes Cons: No recipe book included Noisy Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 830W This large breadmaker from Sage impressed us with its high-quality stainless steel casing and range of presets. There are four loaf sizes to choose from, plus a range of pre-programmed recipes and a unique custom function for those who want to experiment. Other features include a handy light, which allows you to check on the bread as it bakes, plus a collapsible paddle for kneading. We were pleased with how quickly and easily we could use this model, and though it was loud during use and our loaves were a little misshapen, both the taste and texture were good. Read our full review of Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker. Available from: Sage (£249.95) Latest Deals What to look for when choosing a breadmaker A timer function: this lets you wake up or come home to a freshly baked loaf. Memory recall: useful if in mid-cycle there is a power loss or the machine is accidentally switched off, as it will pick up on where it left off – within a reasonable time frame. Loaf size and crust colour: adds versatility and variety to your baking. Gluten-free programmes: for those with dietary restrictions. Dough only: these expand the repertoire of the machine with homemade pasta, pizza doughs, French sticks, or to bake your loaf in a conventional oven for more of a home-baked look. Non-bread functions: yogurt, sourdough starters and jam functions add even more usefulness. Extra features: viewing windows, separate yeast or nut and seed dispensers are handy but not essential. Tips for using a breadmaker If you have never used a breadmaker before, or are used to older models, here are a few tips for that perfect loaf. Breadmaking is an exact science, so measure carefully and closely follow the instructions for the machine, adding the ingredients to the pan in the correct order. Each model of breadmaker is carefully calibrated electronically, so too much or little of any ingredient, or adding them in the wrong order, will throw off the recipe. Use the flour as stated in the recipe; strong bread flour cannot be substituted with plain. Keep yeast and salt separate. The recipe should always indicate the order of ingredients, the salt will be earlier on, and yeast usually at the end (or from its own dispenser). Never add the two together as the salt will kill the yeast and the bread will not rise. Always put the finished loaf onto a rack to cool down to stop the loaf going soggy. Machine-made bread does not have any of the additives, stabilisers or improvers used in commercial production so does not keep as long as shop-bought. To keep the bread fresh, pop it into a large plastic bag and squeeze out the air, fasten tightly and it will keep for a few days, after which it is great for toast. It also freezes well once cooled completely. Why are there so many Panasonic models on this list? Panasonic offers a streamlined collection of kitchen appliances: microwaves, juicers and breadmakers. But their specialty is in the latter. The brand continuously advances their breadmaker technologies and they tend to bring out at least one new model annually. Panasonic breadmakers come with a large number of settings – anywhere between 20-40 – and often come with useful additions such as yeast and ingredient dispensers. On the flip side, Panasonic breadmakers consistently take the longest to bake a loaf. Are breadmakers energy efficient? Breadmakers vary in their energy efficiency, but it is possible to calculate how much energy an appliance will use, which in turn will help you cost up the impact it'll have on your bills. Here's how: Take the appliance's wattage and multiply it by the gadget's hours of use per day, then divide the total by 1000. The result will be the appliance's daily kilowatt-hour (kWh). The cost per kilowatt-hour will vary depending on your energy tariff and area. If you have a smart meter installed at home, you'll be able to see the cost per use during cooking without having to calculate it. More kitchen appliance reviews Best bread knives Best hand blenders Best kettles Best pestle and mortars Best toasters Best slow cookers Best mixing bowls Best bread bins Best flour sifters Best cooling racks Best popcorn makers Best multi-cookers Best dishwashers Is HexClad worth it? Bread recipes and tips Our best-ever bread recipes Video: how to make bread Wholemeal bread recipes Ciabatta bread recipes All you need to know about bread Six steps to brilliant bread 21 of the best breadmaking equipment, tools and kit Top 10 flavoured bread recipes Five quick bread recipes 10 ways to use left over bread Lead image credit: Dougal Waters / Getty Images If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
11 of the best slow cookers for delicious faff-free meals
Discover our top slow cookers, plus recipes and practical cookery advice. We tested leading brands including Morphy Richards, Ninja and Crock Pot
It's no wonder slow cookers are a much-loved piece of equipment in the kitchen; who doesn't love the aroma of coming home to dinner, cooked and ready to serve? Yet, this is only one of the many benefits of using one. The cost of a standalone slow cooker is moderate and a multi-cooker with a slow cooker function may cost more, but you are also buying several functions. After your initial investment, though, the running costs compared to conventional ovens make either of these super-economical to run. Slow cooking means you can make the most of cheaper cuts of meat and budget-priced ingredients such as beans, lentils and root vegetables. A slow cooker also helps retain all the goodness in the food cooked, making foods healthier whilst delivering the maximum flavours often lost in faster cooking methods. Slow cookers are easy to use, with just a few settings, though some have convenient additions such as searing, steaming or keeping warm, which is handy for latecomers. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. Slow cooker recipes are hugely popular and can be used to cook a range of delicious stews, casseroles, soups and curries, as well as less obvious dishes such as yogurt, grains, dhal and puddings. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of slow cookers on the market. The latest additions were tested and reviewed by Gabrielle Sander. Best slow cooker deals Looking for a discount on one of the slow cooker in this list? We've been scouring the market to find the best deals. Good Food in partnership with Tower slow cookers: Good Food 3.5L slow cooker | £59.99 £53.99 at Tower (save £6 or 10% with code GOODFOODNEW) Good Food 6.5L slow cooker | £69.99 £62.99 at Tower (save £7 or 10% with code GOODFOODNEW) More slow cooker deals: Instant Pot Superior Slow Cooker 7.1L | £79.99 £64.70 at Amazon (save £15.29 or 19%) Ninja 9-in-1 multi-cooker OP350UK | £229.99 £179 at Amazon (save £50.99 or 22%) Crock Pot Lift & Serve digital slow cooker | £68.99 £39.99 at Amazon (save £24 or 35%) Crock Pot Sizzle and Stew | £99.99 £79.99 at Amazon (save £20 or 20%) Crock Pot Time Select | £79.49 £49.99 at Amazon (save £29.50 or 37%) Lakeland 3.5L Digital Slow Cooker | £59.99 £49.99 at Lakeland (save £10 or 17%) For more kitchen appliance deals, visit our guide, discover how our experts test products and let us do the hard work for you. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best slow cookers 2025 at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS 5/5 stars Best slow cooker: Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker rice and slow cooker MC1101UK, £119.99 Best slow cooker for batch cooking: Instant Pot 7.1L slow cooker 7.1L, £64.70 Best large slow cooker: Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8L slow cooker, £149 Best multi-cooker slow cooker: Ninja 9-in-1 multi-cooker OP350UK, £229.99 Best slow cooker with timer: Morphy Richards EasyTime, £64.99 Best of the rest Best small slow cooker: Crock Pot Lift & Serve digital slow cooker, £44.99 Best hob-safe slow cooker: Crock Pot Sizzle and Stew, £79.99 Best slow cooker with automatic functions: Crock Pot Time Select, £49.99 Best no-nonsense slow cooker: Tower 3.5L Cavaletto Slow Cooker, £34.99 Best slow cooker for accessibility: Lakeland 3.5L Digital Slow Cooker, £49.99 Jump to section: Best slow cookers to buy in 2025 What to look for when buying a slow cooker How to use a slow cooker How we tested slow cookers We put most of the slow cookers through their paces with Good Food’s slow cooker beef stew recipe, and used a venison madras recipe for the more recent models in this guide. As the meat requires searing before cooking, if we were able to do this straight in the cooking pot, we did so. We looked for three key qualities in our final stews: tender and succulent meat, well cooked vegetables that retained some bite, and a flavoursome, slightly thickened sauce. We also scored the slow cookers against the following criteria: Capacity and size: the bowl capacity and the footprint for using and storing in the kitchen Ease of use: how easy it is to assemble and use Functions: additional functions on the slow cooker including browning, reheating, reducing and whether it is hob or oven-safe Quality of material: the material and the construction of the machines Design features: the type of lid, handles, automatic warming, countdown timer and indicator lights Sustainability: excessive use of plastic in packaging was scored negatively. We wanted to see brands pointing us in the direction of spare parts and transparency around how to recycle the product after use and where the product was made. Best slow cookers to buy in 2025 Good Food in partnership with Tower 3.5L slow cooker Available from Tower (£59.99 – save 10% with code GOODFOODNEW), Amazon (£49.99) Set it, forget it and come home to comfort. This 3.5-litre digital slow cooker delivers rich, flavour-packed meals with zero stress. Sear ingredients directly on the hob in the removable aluminium pot, then switch to slow mode to let flavours develop throughout the day. With timer settings, three heat modes and a sleek stainless steel design, it’s ideal for families (it's also available in a 6.5-litre size if you need to feed more, with 40% at Tower using code GFUNI40). On orders over £50. Available from: Tower (£59.99 – save 10% with code GOODFOODNEW) Amazon (£49.99) Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Rice and Slow Cooker MC1101UK Available from Very (£119), AO (£119), Appliances Direct (£119), Ninja (£119.99), Currys (£119.99) Best slow cooker Pros: Versatile Hob-style searing function Easy to use Fully recyclable packaging Accessories included Cons: Exterior gets very hot in use Star rating: 5/5 Without a hob-safe cooking pot, searing your meat before it goes in the slow cooker often comes with the admin of having to transfer it from one vessel to another – creating twice the amount of washing-up. Ninja solves this issue with its newest six-litre slow cooker, which has sear/sauté functionality, as well as settings for steam, pasta and porridge. We've tested a lot of slow cookers over the last five years, and this model is easily among the best we've ever used. Its simple push-button interface and brightly lit digital screen are a doddle to navigate – even beginners need only glance at the manual to get a handle on how to use it. As the name suggests, the PossibleCooker doubles up as a rice cooker too, offering specific presets for white and brown rice, as well as accessories like a rice spoon and measuring cup, to help you achieve fluffy results every time. Perhaps the only gripe we had was that the exterior gets very hot in use, so watch that small children don't come near it. That said, there is a bold safety warning on the cooker base that serves as a handy reminder. Wattage: 1400W Capacity: 6L Weight: 5.5KG Functions: sear/sauté, slow cook, white rice, brown rice, pasta, porridge, steam, keep warm Warranty: 2 years Available from: Very (£119) AO (£119) Appliances Direct (£119) Ninja (£119.99) Currys (£119.99) undefined Instant Pot Superior Slow Cooker 7.1L Available from Amazon (£64.70), Instant Pot (£79.99), Currys (£79.99) Pros: Sear and cook in one Serve the pot straight to the table Easy to clean Simple to use Sturdy construction Cons: Excessive non-sustainable plastic packaging Star rating: 5/5 Lifting the Instant Pot slow cooker from its box, we were delighted to find a solid, well-built large cooker complete with a glass lid plus an inner pot that goes from kitchen to table. This cooker is big at a whopping 7.1-litre capacity and dishes up ten portions, and we immediately saw it as the perfect companion for batch cooking. Using the Instant Pot could not have been easier. There are four functions: sear, steam, slow cook and keep warm. Slow cooking high and low heat; sear, which is done in the cooker and saves on washing up; steam is useful for delicate food such as fish, and keep warm, is ideal for latecomers, second portions and parties to keep hot food warm. We cooked a delicious beef stew and were thrilled with the results. The meat was meltingly tender; the gravy was glossy and thickened by the slow reduction and tender vegetables. If you are cooking for a large number or love to batch-cook your meals, this is the slow cooker for you. Wattage: 800W Capacity: 7.1L Weight: 8.7KG Functions: sear, steam, slow cook, keep warm Warranty: 1 year undefined Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 slow cooker Available from John Lewis & Partners (£149) Best large slow cooker Pros: Includes serving spoon and steam rack Extra-large 8-litre cooking pot Fully recyclable packaging Tender results in short time Cons: Large countertop footprint Exterior gets hot in use Star rating: 5/5 This extra-large slow cooker from Ninja has sear, sauté, simmer and braise among its eight functions, and at eight litres, it's the perfect size for batch-cooking or feeding a crowd – though bear in mind it takes up a fair bit of room. We loved the vast cooking pot, which has stay-cool handles so you can seamlessly transfer it from the kitchen to the dinner table. While secure on the worktop, we found the rest of the slow cooker gets very hot in use, particularly when using the sear/sauté function, so it's worth keeping kids and pets away. Navigating the controls is a breeze, and we relied on the manual very little. An integrated spoon and steam rack are thrown in, too. We put the functionality of this slow cooker to the test by cooking a venison madras, which was perfectly tender and packed with flavour after four and a half hours on 'high'. The veg was also soft with some firm bite, and the sauce was thick without being too dry. Wattage: 1200W Capacity: 8L Weight: 5.5KG Functions: sear/sauté, slow cook, steam, braise, simmer, bake, prove, keep warm Warranty: 2 years Cost to run on high for 1 hour: 4.38p (based on a tariff of 22.36p/kWh) undefined Ninja 9-in-1 multi-cooker OP350UK Available from Amazon (£179), Ninja (£229.99) Best multi-cooker slow cooker Pros: Nine functions in one countertop cooker Accompanying recipe book Clear instructions Cons: Requires an additional slow cooker lid Large footprint for storage Star rating: 5/5 This is a newer, more sophisticated step-up from Ninja Foodi's 6-in-1 multi-cooker, packing in nine functions for performing key kitchen tasks, plus a couple for fun. We're talking slow cooking (which is very user-friendly) searing/sautéing, air-crisping, grilling, dehydrating, baking/roasting, yogurt-making, pressure cooking and steaming. It has a modern-feel with intuitive controls and an outer casing that only gets warm to the touch, rather than excessively hot. It's the ultimate kitchen gadget. Read our full Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 6-litre multi-cooker review. Wattage: 1460W Capacity: 6L Weight: 11KG Functions: pressure cook, air fry, steam, bake/roast, sear/sauté, grill, yoghurt, dehydrate. Warranty: 2 years Latest Deals Morphy Richards Easy Time Slow Cooker Available from Amazon (£75.62), Morphy Richards (£79.99) Best slow cooker with timer Pros: Hob-safe cooking pot Auto-keep warm setting Easy to use controls Clear countdown timer Non-stick pot Lid forms a good seal Cons: Pot not suitable for induction Star rating: 5/5 Simple, manual slow cookers are great for the job at hand, but often the only thing missing to elevate them (without overcomplicating things) is a timer. The Easy Time slow cooker ticks that box. It comes with three settings: high, medium and low, and has an automatic timer that runs for up to 12 hours in one-hour increments. We all know that life can throw us curveballs, so if you’re not able to get home before the timer is up, the Easy Time slow cooker will keep your food at the optimum temperature for two hours. A basic slow cooker, with just a little bit extra. Read our full Morphy Richards Easy Time Slow Cooker review. Wattage: 130-163W Capacity: 6.5L Weight: 2.86KG Functions: high, medium, low, keep warm Warranty: 2 years Latest Deals Crock Pot Lift & Serve digital slow cooker Available from Amazon (£44.99) Best small slow cooker Pros: Attractive Robust design Hinged lid Can cook for up to 20 hours Value price tag Cons: Lack of detail in manual Some controls can be confusing Beeper is too quiet Star rating: 4.5/5 Crock Pot is the name synonymous with slow cookers, and this compact 3.5-litre gadget is a solid choice for those with limited kitchen space. It has a simple interface and sturdy design, and alongside the usual low and high settings, there's also a keep-warm function that switches on automatically once the timer has ended. The timer itself is frustratingly quiet, so much so that we missed it going off the first time. Some of the controls also confused us – the button that looks like an 'on/off' switch is actually just an 'off' switch, and we failed to find any reference to this in the manual. On the plus side, the hinged lid allowed us to check in on our dishes without leaving splatters or drips of condensation on the worktop. We also enjoyed the beef stew we made in this slow cooker: the veg was a little too soft, but the meat was tender and the sauce was rich and thick. Wattage: 300W Capacity: 3.5L Weight: 3.2KG Functions: high, low, keep warm Warranty: 2 years Cost to run on high for 1 hour: 2.92p (based on a tariff of 16.6p/kWh) Latest Deals Crock Pot Sizzle and Stew Available from Amazon (£79.99), Argos (£80) Best hob-safe slow cooker Pros: Large capacity Main pot can be used on the hob Simple design Dishwasher-safe pot Cons: Carrots still a little firm No recipes in manual Star rating: 4.5/5 The Sizzle and Stew is a brilliant example of Crock Pot's simple but effective engineering. This model has a large 6.5L capacity, ideal for big families, meal-preppers or when entertaining. Unlike other models that come with a hefty ceramic bowl, the Sizzle and Stew’s pot is made from heavy-duty aluminium. This pot is hob-safe (gas and electric), meaning you can sear any meat or cook ingredients on the hob before transferring it to the slow cooker. Not only does this save on the washing-up, but it also means you don’t lose any flavour. Read our full Crock Pot Sizzle and Stew review. Wattage: 180W Capacity: 6.5L Weight: 3.2KG Functions: high, low, keep warm Warranty: 1 year Latest Deals Crock Pot Time Select Available from Amazon (£49.99), Argos (£75) Best slow cooker with automatic functions Pros: Lots of useful functions Bowl and lid dishwasher and oven-safe Capacity markings on bowl Cons: No recipes in the manual Star rating: 4.5/5 Another model from well-known brand, Crock Pot. The Time Select is a lot more high-tech than the Sizzle and Stew above, but still produced fantastic results. This model features automatic cooking functions for meat, poultry, soup and vegetables. Simply select your main ingredient, input the weight and desired finish time, and the Time Select will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature of the ingredients to get the best results. For your much-loved tried-and-tested recipes, there’s also a manual setting. Read our full Crock Pot Time Select review. Wattage: 240W Capacity: 5.6L Weight: 5.8KG Functions: high, medium, low, keep warm Warranty: 1 year Latest Deals ProCook Digital Slow Cooker Available from ProCook (£44) Best slow cooker for a small family on a budget Pros: Good cooking results Internal pot is ovenproof and dishwasher safe Can cook for up to 24 hours Keeps food warm without overcooking Digital timer is clear to read Cons: Handles feel poorly made Outside and handles get very hot Limited settings Star rating: 4/5 Lifting the lid on our beef stew after three hours of it bubbling away quietly on the countertop, we were very pleased with what we found. Rich and saucy, with tender, juicy hunks of meat and vegetables, it was cooked to perfection. Two and a half hours later on the Keep Warm setting, it was still steaming and just as fresh-tasting. At 4.8 litre, the ProCook Digital Slow Cooker is big enough to feed a family of six, or four with some leftovers for another day. With the option to take it to 5.5L without the lid, if you pop the ceramic inner pot in the oven instead. The side handles could be better made, as the rough seams were a little uncomfortable to hold, and it’s on the heavier side, at 5.5kg, but all things considered, this is is a good option for small families looking for a reliable slow cooker with straightforward functionality, the ability to cook ahead and keep warm in confidence, at an accessible price point. Wattage: 250W Capacity: 4.8L Weight: 5.5KG Functions: high, low, keep warm Warranty: 2 years undefined Tower 3.5L Cavaletto Slow Cooker Available from Amazon (£34), Tower (£34.99) Best no-nonsense slow cooker Pros: Available in a range of designs Simple to use Dishwasher-safe pot Cons: A little plasticky Star rating: 4/5 This compact little slow cooker from Tower is a fuss-free option. It’s a modest option owing to the three simple settings: low, high and keep warm, but it gets the basics right. The design is simple, but if you’re looking to add a pop of colour with your new slow cooker, this one is available in pink and navy blue, as well as simple black and grey. Setting this model up is easy to do and it handled our beef stew recipe with ease; the meat was tender and the veggies still had some bite. Our only quibble was that the sauce was still a little watery. Read our full Tower 3.5L Cavaletto Slow Cooker review. Wattage: 210W Capacity: 3.5L Weight: 3.2KG Functions: high, low, keep warm Warranty: 3 years Latest Deals Lakeland 3.5L Digital Slow Cooker Available from Lakeland (£49.99) Best slow cooker for accessibility Pros: Lightweight and ergonomic Delay start for up to 10 hours Easy to use Comes with handy tips and recipes Effective non-stick Heatproof handles 3-year guarantee Cons: Lots of steam omitted when cooking Overcooked on the Warm setting Cooking pot isn’t dishwasher safe Star rating: 3.5/5 The first impression when unpacking the Lakeland 3.5L Digital Slow Cooker was just how light it was. It’s a cinch to get started, thanks to the clear and intuitive display, and some handy tips and recipes included in the instruction manual, and despite making enough to feed 4-6 people, it doesn’t take up too much room on the countertop. The just cooked results were very impressive, with some of the most tender meat on test, however, after two hours on the Warm setting, the sauce had significantly reduced and those hunks of meat were much less juicy. The versatile timer lets you delay the start for up to 10 hours, so with some forward-thinking it would be easy to avoid this happening, by timing it to be ready when you are. Solid, non-slip feet, raised buttons on the digital display, as well as the weight and comfortable, grippy side handles on both the cooking pot and main machine, make this a very ergonomic pot that would also benefit individuals with accessibility to consider. Wattage: 250W Capacity: 3.5L Weight: 2.6KG Functions: high, low, keep warm, delay Warranty: 3 years undefined Other slow cookers tried and tested Sage the Fast Slow Pro review, £179.95 Tower Infinity 3.5-litre slow cooker review, £39.99 Morphy Richards Sear, Stew and Stir slow cooker review, £45 Lakeland 6.5L slow cooker, £99.99 What to look for when buying a slow cooker With so many different slow cookers out there, choosing the right one for you can be confusing. Here are a few questions you might want to consider. Design Are you looking for a simple, budget-friendly option that just slow-cooks (but does it extremely well) or something more versatile that sous-vides, pressure cooks, bakes and roasts too? Do bear in mind that the more technological the slow cooker, the higher the price. Size With sizes starting at 1-litre through to a whopping 6.5-litres, choosing the right size for you is imperative. The smallest sizes are suitable when cooking for one or two. 3-litres to 4.5-litres (one of the most popular sizes on the market) serve four, and the large 6-6.5-litre models are super for families and batch cooking. It's also worth bearing in mind that the capacity stated on the sales blurb is the size of the bowl, not the working capacity, which can sometimes be half that. Space A slow cooker takes up space on the worktop and in the cupboard. There are two shapes, the round and tall, which has less of a footprint, and the oval, which takes up more room but can be more versatile. How to use a slow cooker No liquid escapes from a slow cooker, so when adapting a recipe not specifically written for a slow cooker, reduce any added liquid by a third. Don't remove the lid too often to avoid heat loss. The inner pot needs to be at room temperature before you start cooking. If you've kept a slow cooker dish in the fridge, you must wait for it to warm up before turning it on. Slow cookers vary considerably, so follow your manufacturer's manual for guidelines on temperatures and cooking times. Rice and pasta dishes work best cooked on high for the shortest time possible. Always use easy-cook rice, rinsed well first – the more starch you rinse from the rice, the better the finished result. Take time to brown your meat really well. Slow cookers tend to leach meat of its colour, so it’s important for appearance and flavour that they are well browned to start with. Flavours won't become more concentrated because the liquid doesn't reduce, so try to pack in as much flavour as you can. Slow cooker recipes Low-carb slow cooker recipes Healthy slow cooker recipes Slow cooker chicken recipes Summer slow cooker recipes Slow cooker curry recipes Slow cooker beef recipes Our best ever slow cooker recipes Slow cooker Christmas recipes Slow cooker mince recipes Kids’ slow cooker recipes Vegan slow cooker recipes Vegetarian slow cooker recipes Slow cooker curry recipes Slow cooker chicken recipes Appliance deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Pizza oven deals Related reviews Best multi-cookers Best air fryers Best food processors Best blenders Best toasters Best kettles Best soup makers Best microwaves Is Hexclad worth it? If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
8 of the best picnic rucksacks to buy in 2025
Comfortable and convenient, a great-quality picnic rucksack is essential for al fresco dining on the go. Read our review of the best picnic rucksacks to buy
Whether you're spending quality time with family or catching up with friends, al fresco dining is an easy way to stay sociable. A picnic rucksack is a great fuss-free option if you’re looking for something to hold all the goods and sling over your shoulder. Or, perhaps you’re an outdoorsy type looking to get a few miles of hiking in before you stop for food. Whatever your needs, a picnic rucksack is a hands-free, travel-friendly alternative to picnic hampers. The rucksacks we tested include, as standard, cutlery and plates. But many also offer useful extras such as cups, bottle openers, napkins, cheese boards and knives, and even salt and pepper shakers. Some also come with picnic blankets, too. If you’re looking for something larger than a backpack or something more traditional, take a look at our best picnic baskets and hampers. Picnic rucksacks are a sustainable choice as there's no need to buy single-use cutlery or plates, ideal if you're looking to cut down or cut out your plastic use, or browse our picks of the best sustainable picnicware. For inspiration on what to include in your picnic rucksack take a look at our collection of picnic recipes, including vegetarian picnic recipes and vegan picnic recipes. You’ll also need something sturdy and leak-proof to store food in, so check out our roundup of the best food storage containers and best lunch boxes. Best picnic rucksacks at a glance Best picnic rucksack: VonShef Ash 2-person picnic backpack with blanket, £39.99 Best for big groups: VonShef 6-person navy tartan holdall, £44.99 Best picnic rucksack for feasts: VonShef 4-person picnic backpack, £44.99 Best compact rucksack: Regatta Stamford 4-person picnic cool bag, £43.50 Best blow-the-budget picnic rucksack: Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack, £195 Best mid-priced rucksack: ProCook insulated picnic backpack, £34.30 Jump to: Best picnic rucksacks to buy in 2025 How to choose the best picnic rucksack How we tested picnic rucksacks Best picnic rucksacks to buy in 2025 VonShef 2-person picnic backpack with blanket Available from VonHaus (£39.99) Best picnic rucksack Pros: Blanket with waterproof lining Insulated pocket for drinks Lots of pockets Cons: Cutlery wrapped in plastic Star rating: 5/5 Not showy or garish, this rucksack has been designed purely with functionality in mind. Different tones of grey and brown faux leather accents make up the design. Padding on the handles make this backpack comfortable to wear, even on longer walks. The most impressive part of the design is the many pockets – ranging from the large insulated cool bag at the back to smaller zipped ones, ideal for valuables and keys. It’s designed for two people and comes with the requisite cutlery and tableware, though we were disappointed to find that every piece of cutlery had a plastic covering, which seemed wasteful. We loved the extras like salt and pepper shakers, a cheese board and cheese knife, napkins and a bottle opener – this is a backpack designed for people who take their picnicking seriously. The cool bag isn’t the biggest, but we were still able to comfortably fit one large Tupperware box and two smaller boxes inside. Plus all those other secret pockets offer plenty of space for extra snacks. On the front of the bag sits a pouch for a bottle of wine or water bottle – while this isn’t insulated, it does have a drawstring feature at the top to keep it secure. A soft, striped picnic blanket is also provided and there are straps to secure it to the side of the bag. Usefully, the blanket also has a waterproof backing and it's large enough for two to sit on it comfortably, or even lie down post-picnic. Spills are easy to clean up as the outer bag has a waterproof coating so nothing seeps through. The lining of the cool bag is equally easy to clean. Cutlery and tableware should be hand-washed. Price, pockets and practicality make this a winning picnic rucksack. Available from: VonHaus (£39.99) VonShef 6-person navy tartan holdall undefined Best picnic rucksack for big families or groups Pros: Great size Easy to access the food compartment Cons: Quite bulky Star rating: 5/5 If you’re picnicking with a crowd, this spacious holdall has everything you need. The main compartment, which is insulated, holds plenty – we fit in seven containers including two large (3 litre), or five and a couple of water bottles. You access it from the top and the wide opening means you can pull out your boxes and food easily. This is a different shape to most we tested – it’s wide rather than tall. There’s a shoulder strap so you can sling it over your shoulder, but you can also carry it by hand if you prefer. It isn’t too heavy (which is impressive considering how many it caters for) and everything inside is well-secured, as are the compartments themselves, which close with twin zips. The top of the front pouch has Velcro. Crockery is stored in three different compartments (two at the side and one at the front) all of which open flat. The sides each have three glasses, one set of cutlery (we were pleased to see full-sized spoons), with a waiter’s friend on one side and salt and pepper shakers on the other. This is an advantage if you have more than one meal, or don’t want to wash up everything when you get home, as you can separate dirty from clean crockery. A minor inconvenience is that you have to guess which side the salt and pepper is in. In the front pouch is the rest of the cutlery, plates, a dinky cheeseboard and a cheese knife. There are also cotton napkins which match the trim on the side of the bag. The materials feel good quality. Although it’s big, you can squash the sides in for easier storage. We were disappointed that the cruet and goblets came in bubble wrap – we would have preferred more sustainable packaging. The holdall comes with a list of what can go into the dishwasher (cutlery and cutting board, though hand-washing is advised). undefined Sunnylife Luxe picnic backpack undefined Best for a romantic picnic for two Pros: Stylish Great freezable divider Comes with picnic blanket Cons: Pricey Star rating: 4.5/5 Designed for two people, this is a very stylish and well-designed canvas rucksack from Australian brand Sunnylife. The main compartment has a removable divider in the middle so you can keep anything you need to separate, be it hot and cold food or main course and pudding. The divider doubles up as a removable gel pack which you can freeze and then replace in the bag to keep the contents cool. Another plus of this is that it’s lighter than a standard freezer block. Because the gel pack is vertical, it kept the top of our bottles cooler than some other bags. The rucksack is plenty big enough for a picnic à deux. We fitted in two large and three smaller boxes, though we had to remove the divider. Unusually, there are pockets on either side so you can both carry a different drink, or a flask and a bottle, though these aren’t insulated. Another unusual feature is the closure of this main compartment, which is with a drawstring rather than the traditional zip. The front flap also has a clasp for extra security. The second compartment – which does have a zip all the way around – is well equipped. Inside you get a full set of stainless-steel cutlery, two tumblers held in place with elasticated straps and a bottle opener (but no salt and pepper or cheese board). The plates (effectively shallow bowls) are secured with a cross of Velcro-fastened material. The contents arrived with plastic bags covering the tumblers and knives. At the bottom of the rucksack is the real bonus – a good sized matching picnic blanket secured to the main part of the bag with buckles. It’s light so doesn’t add much to the overall weight. At the same time however, this does make the bag quite long so it isn’t ideal if you are particularly short. Overall, the bag is easy to carry with comfortable padded adjustable straps. undefined VonShef 4-person picnic backpack undefined Best picnic rucksack for feasts Pros: Two bottle holders Picnic blanket included Lots of pockets Cons: Individually wrapped cutlery Blanket is small Star rating: 4.5/5 This VonShef backpack is the four person equivalent of our top-scoring picnic rucksack. Like our first-place VonShef, this backpack also comes with a wealth of pockets for extra snacks and valuables. Made up of tones of grey with brown faux leather accents, this backpack is simply designed. It comes with not one, but two insulated bottle holders that sit either side of the backpack. These can be removed for easy serving once picnicking. The main body of the rucksack is made up of a cool bag. We fitted one large Tupperware box and two smaller boxes inside, and there was still a little bit of space for malleable extras. Like all of the other cool bags on this list, this one is also wipe clean. On the front of the backpack is a pocket for picnicware. There are four sets of cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) as well as melamine plates, tumblers and napkins. Ideal for big meals, salt and pepper shakers, a chopping board and cheese knife are also included. We also found there was a little bit of extra space for another Tupperware box here. A picnic blanket is provided too – the same one that’s included with the first-place VonHaus backpack. While the waterproof layer is useful and the blanket itself is cosy, it was too small for four adults to sit on it comfortably. With knees touching, there was no space for the food, so we’d recommend bringing a second blanket. When the backpack was full to the brim it does give a pretty large silhouette, but this is understandable considering how much food and drink we were able to carry. Thankfully, the backpack straps are padded, making for a comfortable journey. undefined Regatta Stamford 4-person picnic cool bag undefined Best for compact design Pros: Attractive and neat Cons: The shoulder strap could have done with some padding Star rating: 4/5 At first glance, this doesn’t look big enough for four people, but it has been cleverly designed and is deceptively spacious. We fitted five medium sized containers inside. Neat and compact, it covers all the basics and has added touches like a bottle holder on the side – giving you more space for food items. There’s a broad adjustable shoulder strap and a handle if you prefer to carry it. The main, insulated compartment is big enough to hold five containers of different sizes. There’s another side compartment holding four tumblers which come individually wrapped in plastic (as are the knives and forks). This side compartment is insulated too so you could always put a drink in instead and, if you’ve room, move the cups to the main compartment. The front pouch – secured by easy Velcro rather than a zip – comes with standard picnic items of four plates, cutlery (including full-sized spoons) and a bottle opener/corkscrew. These are held in individual straps so are easy to pull in and out. Cutlery is a deep blue colour which makes a change from the usual white and the knife easily passed the apple-cutting test. This rucksack gained brownie points for being made from recycled polyester. There’s a reinforced base and a wipe-clean interior. We felt this was just about big enough for four, especially if you wrap sandwiches rather than take lots of salads in boxes. It’s light and easy to carry with a double shoulder strap, though this would have benefited from extra padding for comfort. undefined Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack, Eau de Nil Available from Fortnum & Mason (£195) Best blow-the-budget picnic rucksack Pros Stylish Compact Well designed Good quality contents Cons: Spoons are small No external bottle holders. Star rating: 4/5 As you would expect from a Fortnum & Mason picnic item, this oozes style. Designed for two people, you’ll find good quality items inside. There are two enamel plates in an inside pocket which is secured with a Velcro strap. Cutlery, green-handled to match the bag, comes wrapped in two white cotton napkins which in turn go into their own detachable drawstring bag, secured inside with a leather-trimmed strap. You’ll find wine goblets, two salt and pepper grinders and a corkscrew/ bottle opener that has its own holding hook at the top. There’s also a useful separate bag which you can use for empties or additional storage. The rucksack itself is on the compact side – though you can get some small containers in, it’s best for items like wrapped sandwiches and crisps. There’s a useful extra internal pocket and two elasticated loops to keep drinks securely inside, but this does take up space. You can choose how you want to carry it - there’s a leather hand strap or two comfy well-padded main straps to carry on your back. This one fitted particularly snugly. The rucksack also scored well for sustainability. The bag is made from recycled materials and there’s a pleasing lack of plastic covers inside. Even the labels are printed on recycled paper. Overall, the bag feels high quality and very secure – there are two zips on each compartment and inside everything is kept neatly and firmly in place. One downside is both plates and napkins are hand-wash only. The picnicware is slightly heavier than some of the others but as the rucksack is only designed for two people, it isn’t a problem to carry it even when it’s full and the weight is well distributed. Available from: Fortnum & Mason (£195) ProCook insulated picnic backpack Available from ProCook (£39) Best mid-priced backpack Pros: Compact Easy to carry Cons: Might not be big enough for some Star rating: 3.5/5 This is a well-designed, no-nonsense backpack that has all the essentials for four people. Even the colour – navy blue – is practical, though the contrasting navy and white cover flap adds some extra style. The padded shoulder straps are adjustable and we liked the fact that the base of the crockery section lies flat when you open it, to make getting the crockery out simpler. The plates, cutlery and glasses can go in the dishwasher – a definite bonus if you don’t want to have to hand-wash wash everything at the end of a day out. The backpack has two sections – an insulated 15 litre compartment for food and a separate, smaller one for crockery. The main compartment, which is wipe-clean, wasn’t wide enough for our biggest containers but we comfortably fit five medium ones or four with a couple of bottles. The front flap has adjustable buckles which really add to the look. The clasps they fit on to are attached to the body of bag magnetically and we found they fell off a couple of times when we were filling the bag. Inside the other section is the crockery with everything you need. Inside, packaging is minimal with just some paper sheets between the plates. You get four plastic plates, which are described as dinner plates though in reality you won’t get much more than a sandwich on them. These are kept in place with a Velcro strap. There are also wine goblets, stainless steel cutlery (though the spoons are small), a cheese/ chopping board and a waiter’s friend bottle opener/ corkscrew. These are also kept securely in place with elasticated straps. The knife is sharp enough to chop an apple. We found this light and comfortable to wear and it kept food cold. Available from: ProCook (£39) How to choose the best picnic rucksack What is a picnic rucksack? Picnic rucksacks look just like normal rucksacks, but they come with extra features such as compartments for cutlery, melamine plates and napkins, as well as larger cool-bag style compartments. Some even come with additional cooler pockets for bottles of wine or other drinks. What can a picnic rucksack be used for? A picnic rucksack is easy to carry and often small and compact, making it a great alternative to a classic picnic hamper. The rucksack design means it's comfortable to carry for longer periods of time, so you can easily work up an appetite over a long walk before you stop to eat. They’re suited to any weather, terrain and type of picnic, whether it's lunch on the beach or a mid-hike refuel. What to look out for in a picnic rucksack Size: All of the picnic rucksacks we’ve tested are designed for two to four people. Consider how many people will be joining you before you buy. Storage options: Some picnic backpacks come with one single pocket for storage, others come with lots of pockets as well as extra features like wine coolers. Work out how much space you’re likely to need. Cool bag: Think about how big you need the cool bag pocket to be. Do you need extra space for warm or ambient foods? Blanket: Usefully, some picnic bags come with a picnic blanket. Think about whether this is something you need. How we tested picnic rucksacks We took our filled picnic rucksacks on a walk to a local park, to test how comfortable the shoulder straps were when wearing the rucksack and how heavy it was when full to the brim. Our picnic food consisted of classic dishes, including cheese and bread, pasta salads, hummus and crudités, fruit and cakes all inspired by Good Food’s picnic recipes. We tested the quality of the picnicware when eating and the quality and quantity of accessories. The capacity of the cool bag/storage space was tested by using a variety of different-sized filled Tupperware – we’ve noted what we could fit in each bag above. We questioned whether there were enough pockets provided and what measures were in place to secure them. For example, was there space for valuables, or will you need to bring another bag with you? If a picnic blanket was provided, we noted the quality and if it was the right size for the number of people the backpack had been designed for. What to put in a picnic basket How to pack the perfect picnic Best picnic tips and tricks Picnic recipes Next level picnic recipes Best family picnic recipes Top 10 healthy picnic recipes Picnic recipes you can make in minutes Picnic recipe collection Kids’ picnic recipes Sandwich recipes Related reviews Best picnic gadgets Best canned wine Best melamine plates Best cool boxes Best portable barbecues Best gas barbecues Best reusable straws Best lunchbox gadgets Best charcoal for BBQs This review was last updated in January 2024. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
10 best mini choppers for speedy kitchen prep
A mini chopper can chop, mince, purée, mix and blend in seconds. It's a smaller, cheaper alternative to a food processor. Read our expert reviews to find the best one for your kitchen.
When it comes to blitzing breadcrumbs, making flavourful and fragrant curry pastes, marinades and pesto, or whizzing up herby dishes like spring tabbouleh, mini choppers are an indispensable kitchen gadget that can make light work of time-consuming food prep tasks. Designed to deal with smaller quantities, mini choppers are a compact and lightweight alternative to a food processor. They typically come with just one blade for everyday chopping tasks, whereas food processors can come with different attachments for different jobs. We tested a variety of mini choppers across a range of price points – read on to discover our top picks. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best mini choppers at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best cordless mini chopper: CASO Designs Chop & Go cordless mini chopper, £64.99 Best premium mini chopper: KitchenAid Go cordless electric chopper, £161.95 Best classic mini chopper: KitchenAid 5KFC3516 mini chopper, £69.95 Best looking mini chopper: Magimix 18115 Le Micro mini chopper, £64.99 Most versatile mini chopper: Russell Hobbs Desire mini chopper, £36.29 Best mini chopper for sauces, dips and pastes: Bosch Mini Chopper MMR08, £29.99 Best mini chopper for small spaces: Salter EK2182 Mini Chopper Pro, £18.99 Best Kenwood mini chopper: Kenwood Mini Chopper CH180A, £26.99 Best mini chopper for food-processing tasks: Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro, £59.99 Jump to section: Best mini choppers to buy in 2025 What is a mini chopper? What can you chop in a mini chopper? What to look out for when buying a mini chopper How we tested mini choppers We tested a range of mini choppers, using each one to blitz bread to breadcrumbs, as well as onions and parsley. For consistency, the onion was pre-chopped into 2cm pieces, which tends to be the standard requirement for mini choppers. We also made Good Food’s Thai green curry paste, not only to check that the blades could cut through fibrous ingredients, but to also ensure the bowl could house the quantity of ingredients required. We tested the mini choppers against the following criteria: Ease of use: we wanted to see mini choppers that were easy to assemble, with an unfussy control panel Speed of processing: the blades shouldn’t spin too quickly or too slowly. Different speed options are a plus. Safety: the blades should not spin if the lid is not secured Kitchen footprint and storage: mini by name, mini by nature. Small, compact designs are what we wanted to see, not something that could be mistaken for a food processor Finished results: we were looking for fine and even results whatever we chopped. Onions should be cleanly cut, not mushy. Breadcrumbs needed to be consistently cut. We didn’t want to see any tearing of the parsley leaves, and curry pastes should be smooth Design and aesthetic: logical design and good-looking pieces of kit were scored highly Functions: easy to use buttons, dials and knobs that make using the mini chopper a breeze were preferred Ease of washing: easy-to-clean parts with not too many nooks and crannies. If parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher, even better Best mini choppers to buy in 2025 CASO Designs Chop & Go cordless mini chopper Available from CASO Designs (£64.99) Best cordless mini chopper Pros: Powerful motor Easy to store Dishwasher-safe parts Comes with a handy non-slip mat Cons: Some plastic packaging Star rating: 5/5 Unless you're using it every day, a mini chopper is one of those appliances you'll probably keep stored away when it's not in use – so cordless models, like this one from CASO Designs, are becoming increasingly popular. This small but mighty gadget offers 1 hour of power on full charge, blitzing through ingredients ultra-efficiently using a sharp four-fold blade. In test, it cut through onions and parsley cleanly and evenly without puréeing, and made a smooth curry paste that needed the occasional scrape but was otherwise well incorporated. It also includes an emulsifying disc for whipping and blending sauces, dips and dressings, plus a handy non-slip mat to keep the bowl secure on the counter. Perhaps the only minor flaw we found was the plastic packaging, which can't be thrown away in kerbside recycling, but the instruction manual makes clear that it can be taken to dedicated recycling points. Wattage: 200W Working capacity: 500ml Accessories: 1L glass jug, non-slip mat, storage lid, emulsifying disc, stainless-steel blade, USB-C charging cable, spatula Warranty: 2 years Available from: CASO Designs (£64.99) KitchenAid Go cordless electric mini chopper Available from Amazon (£109), KitchenAid (£179) Best premium mini chopper Pros: Powerful Sleek matte look Innovative battery-powered design Cons: Expensive Star rating: 5/5 This cordless mini chopper is part of KitchenAid's GO range, which uses one battery that pairs with other compatible KitchenAid appliances. This goes some way to explaining its more expensive price tag, but does mean you only need to worry about charging one battery. It’s relatively lightweight, compact, and small enough to keep out on the countertop or store away. It’s also straightforward to use, offering one-touch operation via the power buttons on the front. There are two speed settings and a pulse function, which means it can really get to work when blitzing parsley stalks and chopping onions. We found no large chunks in our curry paste either, and only had to scrape down the sides once. Working capacity: 1.18L Accessories: 1.18L BPA-free jug with pouring spout, lid with drizzle basin, stainless-steel blade, whisk accessory, drive adaptor, USB-C rechargeable battery Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£109) KitchenAid (£179) KitchenAid Mini Chopper 5KFC3516 Available from Amazon (£69.95), Hughes (£76), John Lewis and Partners (£89), KitchenAid (£89) Best classic mini chopper Pros: Comes in a range of colours Small funnel for liquids Pouring lip Simple to use pulse button Dishwasher safe Cons: Not the cheapest Star rating: 5/5 Equipped with a range of added extras like a small funnel for liquids and a pouring lip, it’s no surprise this KitchenAid mini chopper secured star-buy status. It’s equipped with a 830ml bowl capacity, which equates to a working capacity of 500ml. It's available in a range of different colours to suit every kitchen. Whether you’re chopping or blitzing, this KitchenAid model offers total control. Chopped ingredients were fine and evenly cut and our Thai green curry paste was silky smooth. This is one of the more expensive models on the market, but the quality of the results makes it a worthwhile investment. Read our full KitchenAid Mini Chopper review. Wattage: 240W Working capacity: 500ml Accessories: 830ml BPA-free jug with pouring spout, lid with drizzle basin, stainless-steel blade Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£69.95) Hughes (£76) John Lewis and Partners (£89) KitchenAid (£89) Magimix 18115 Le Micro mini chopper Available from Amazon (£64.99) Best looking mini chopper Pros: Nifty chopper Looks the part Quiet Lots of accessories Cons: Sometimes tricky to lock into place Star rating: 4.5/5 Sleek, stylish and modern, this is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing mini choppers we tested and it’s available in a number of colourways (black, satin, cream and red). Considering its diminutive size, as well as its good looks, it’s definitely one you’d want to keep out on your countertop. It’s not the cheapest model on the market, but given its power, consistency and aesthetic appeal, it’s certainly worth the price if you’re looking to use a mini chopper on a regular basis. Read our full Magimix 18815 Le Micro review. Wattage: 290W Working capacity: 800ml Accessories: 800ml BPA-free plastic bowl, twin-opening lid, emulsifying attachment, stainless-steel blade, recipe booklet Warranty: 3 years Available from: Amazon (£64.99) Russell Hobbs Desire Mini Chopper Available from Argos (£30), Amazon (£38.99) Most versatile mini chopper Pros: Powerful Easy to operate Large capacity bowl Useful storage lid Cons: Heavier than some models Star rating: 4.5/5 One of the biggest benefits of this sleek model is its one-touch operation. To slice, dice and chop your ingredients, all that’s required is to firmly press the one-touch button on the top of the mini chopper. We loved the handy additional lid, which means the bowl doubles as storage for your food. The base unit is large, and comfortable to hold and press, and the button is easy to operate – meaning you can whizz up large batches of ingredients, or use it for a lengthy amount of time, with ease. Overall, for its affordability, ease of use and effectiveness, it is good value for money. Read our full Russell Hobbs Desire mini chopper review. Wattage: 200W Working capacity: 500ml Accessories: 1L glass bowl, stainless steel blade, processing lid, storage lid, spindle Warranty: 2 years, plus an extra year upon registration Available from: Argos (£30) Amazon (£38.99) Bosch Mini Chopper MMR08 Available from Bosch (£29.99), Amazon (£29.99) Best mini chopper for sauces, dips and pastes Pros: Large capacity Dishwasher-safe components Simple controls Cons: Chopping speed is difficult to control No non-stick feet Star rating: 4.5/5 This uniquely designed mini chopper features no buttons or switches – instead it is powered by pushing down on the lid. It has a generous 800ml bowl capacity, offering plenty of space for small and medium chopping tasks. Although we found the speed of the blade a little tricky to control, firm ingredients like onions were well chopped. It struggled when chopping bread for breadcrumbs, as the results weren’t as consistent as we’d have liked. But, our Thai green curry paste was perfectly chopped and consistent. At under £30, this is a steal. Read our full Bosch Mini Chopper MMR08 review. Wattage: 400W Working capacity: 800ml Accessories: 800ml plastic bowl, stainless steel blade, accompanying lid Warranty: 2 years Available from: Bosch (£29.99) Amazon (£29.99) Salter EK2182 Available from Salter (£18.99), Amazon (£18.99) Best mini chopper for small spaces Pros: Budget-friendly Compact Cons: May be too small for larger families Star rating: 4.5/5 The most compact model we tested, this is neat, tidy, and affordable. It can chop nuts, meat and fish, as well as make breadcrumbs and dips such as guacamole and hummus. It’s just the thing if you’re looking for a gadget to save you time in the kitchen every now and then. Larger families or keen cooks may want a more powerful or sizeable model. Its reasonable price means that even if it’s used only occasionally, it’s still worth buying. Overall, it’s a great entry-level mini chopper. Read our full Salter mini chopper pro review. Wattage: 150W Working capacity: 350ml Accessories: 350ml plastic bowl, stainless steel blade, accompanying lid Warranty: 1 year Available from: Salter (£18.99) Amazon (£18.99) Kenwood Mini Chopper CH180A Available from Amazon (£24.93), Kenwood (£26.99) Best Kenwood mini chopper Pros: Very compact Some elements can be washed in the dishwasher Dripper for liquids and oils Cons: Quite loud Could just about fit a small onion in the bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 This self-contained mini chopper from Kenwood is a neat and compact little machine. Equipped with two controls in one, speed one is activated by pushing the control button halfway down and for speed two you need to push the control button all the way down. The bowl is easy to fit and remove, making it a super simple mini chopper to use. It hasn’t got the largest chopper bowl – just a 150ml capacity – so we struggled to fit a small onion inside. But it chopped the onions, herbs and breadcrumbs brilliantly. We had to reduce our curry paste recipe by two-thirds to ensure all the ingredients would fit, so we feel this model is better suited to singletons or couples. Read our full Kenwood Mini Chopper CH180A review. Wattage: 300W Working capacity: 150ml Accessories: 350ml plastic bowl, stainless steel blade, accompanying lid, chopper stand Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£24.93) Kenwood (£26.99) Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro Available from Amazon (£59.99), Cuisinart (£60) Best mini chopper for food-processing tasks Pros: Two settings Can tackle coffee beans, nuts and more Cons: Can be tricky to lock into place Star rating: 4.5/5 The Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro’s 900ml bowl capacity is larger than most models we tested, making it a great contender for a large household, or those looking to batch cook or prep in advance. It comes with a dual blade – one is curved and sharp for chopping and mixing, the other is flatter and more blunt for tasks such as grinding. It’s also surprisingly compact. Aesthetics-wise, it’s nice enough to keep out on the counter, but equally can be stowed away without taking up too much space. It’s a powerhouse and an indispensable kitchen gadget for the keen cook. Read our full Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro review. Wattage: 250W Working capacity: 900ml Accessories: 900ml BPA-free plastic bowl, stainless steel blade, accompanying lid with drizzle holes Warranty: 5 years Available from: Amazon (£59.99) Cuisinart (£60) Other mini choppers tried and tested Tefal Jamie Oliver Chop & Shaker review, £12.93 How to choose the best mini chopper What is a mini chopper? Although some models look similar, a mini chopper should not be confused with a food processor. Mini choppers typically come in one of two key designs: either a smaller version of a food processor, with a button-controlled base, or a small device with a large bowl on the bottom and a pushable button on top. What can you chop in a mini chopper? These small but mighty bits of kit can be used in many different ways. If you're not confident in your knife skills or you don’t want your eyes to stream when cutting onions, a mini chopper can produce the results you’re looking for. While they won’t dice food to Michelin standards, they do produce a rough chop ideal for the base of a classic chilli con carne or this chicken & chorizo ragu. The ultra sharp blades will also render ingredients down to a wet paste, making them ideal for creating recipes like pesto. The strength of this small appliance means it can also work through hard veg, to create dishes like cauliflower rice, and even roasted nuts to pulverise them into a tasty homemade nut butter. What to look out for when buying a mini chopper Not all mini choppers are made the same, so there are a number of things to consider before buying one: Bowl capacity: Some mini choppers are very small, offering just enough space for an onion and a few extra ingredients. Others have larger capacities for bigger dips, sauces or pastes. Bowls up to 500ml are ideal for small chopping tasks. Anything above 500ml will process small and large (pre-chopped) ingredients. Speed settings: Most mini choppers will come with just one speed setting, but some come with two. The lower speed is usually reserved for chopping things like homemade breadcrumbs, nuts to garnish an easy carrot cake or dried fruit to use in this fruity tabbouleh with feta. The fastest speed is used for pureeing, so ideal for guacamole, marinades like this chicken marinade or to whip up a Thai green curry paste. Additional features: Not content with just chopping, some manufacturers have added extra features to the design of their mini choppers to make their use go further. Ones to look out for include: Dripper holes: these take the form of small indents in the lid of the chopper. They have a hole on the underside and can be used when making emulsions, like mayonnaise, as the oil drips into the mix slowly. Pouring lips: like a pouring lip on a jug, this feature makes getting your mixes out of the bowl cleaner and easier. Storage lids and bowls that double as serving bowls: store or serve your food in the mixing bowl instead of having to decant it. Dishwasher-safe: for convenience sake, dishwasher-safe bowls, blades and lids make clean up easier. Related reviews Best food processors Best blenders Best Cuisinart ice-cream makers Best pestle and mortars Best knife sets Best spice grinders Best hand blenders Best multi-cookers Best kitchen scissors How to sharpen knives Best knife sets Mini chopper recipes Classic guacamole Ultimate tomato salsa Best spaghetti bolognese recipe Thai green curry paste Spaghetti & meatballs Appliance deals Air fryer deals Coffee machine deals Microwave deals Fridge freezer deals Dishwasher deals Stand mixer deals Pizza oven deals Breadmaker deals This guide was last update in January 2025. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
Best oven buying guide: expert-recommended models
Discover the best oven for your household, the questions you need to be asking before you buy, and which features are worth looking out for with the Good Food oven buying guide.
What is a kitchen without an oven? A study by Statista found that 90% of households in the UK own an oven, which is unsurprising given they’re the appliance of choice for cakes, bakes and your Sunday roast. So, whether your oven needs replacing, you’re looking for an upgrade or are after a new model to fit your kitchen redesign, it’s important to pick the right one for your family and budget. We’ve found the best models for a range of price points – from basic but effective budget models, to blowout high-tech ones. With rising costs and climate change in mind, energy efficiency has also become a crucial factor when deciding which oven to buy, so we also looked at how efficient each model is to run. It can be hard to know where to start when you’re looking for a new oven. We’ve spoken to domestic white goods experts from AO, Currys and Appliances Direct, as well as advisors from UK Whitegoods, to bring you genuine and useful advice, plus all of the questions you need to ask yourself before you buy. You’ll also find our independent expert-approved best oven suggestions, as well as the best countertop ovens tested by Good Food reviews team. Best ovens at a glance Best premium oven: Neff N50 U2ACM7HH0B, £1,089 Best energy-efficient single oven: Hotpoint SA2844HIX, £209 Best energy-efficient double oven: Hisense BID95211XUK, £349 Best affordable oven: Beko BBRIF22300X, £199 Best oven for medium-sized households: AEG DCB331010M, £469.99 Best countertop oven: Sage the the Smart Oven, £329.95 Best countertop oven with steam function: Smeg COF01CRUK, £849 Jump to: Best ovens to buy in 2025 How to choose an oven Which type of oven is the most energy efficient? How long should an oven last? How to clean an oven Best ovens to buy in 2025 Neff N50 U2ACM7HH0B built-in electric double oven Available from Hughes (£1,089) Best premium oven Top features: Capacity: 34 and 71 litres Pyrolytic cleaning Telescopic runners Meat probe Energy efficiency rating: A If you’ve got lots to spend and are looking for a truly impressive bit of kit, this NEFF oven will not disappoint. This double oven is unlike some of the others on this list, in that both the top and bottom cavities are multifunctional. So, you can cook your roast chicken in the bottom and dessert in the top at the same time, with no risk of the smells cross-contaminating. There’s a great deal of attention to detail to be found on this oven; the runners are telescoping, keeping your arms safe, and the oven doors stay a cool 30C (even when the oven is on high). The premium price point means premium features. This oven is WiFi connected, allowing you to control the oven from your phone and access NEFF’s bank of tips and recipes, so you produce perfect results every time. Use this in tandem with the meat probe and you’ll have guests singing your praises. Available from: Hughes (£1,089) Latest Deals Hotpoint Class 2 SA2844HIX built-in electric single oven Available from Amazon (£209) Best energy-efficient single oven Top features: Capacity: 71 litres Energy efficiency class: A+ Eco-cooking mode Steam-cleaning function Multi-flow technology If energy efficiency is a deciding factor for you, this Hotpoint model is a solid contender. It features multi-flow technology that circulates hot air efficiently and evenly through different vents, producing consistent results, so you shouldn't have to use any more heat or energy than you need to. Among its 11 functions, there's also an eco mode that's ideal if you're using just one shelf for a longer period of time – for instance, when roasting a joint of meat. The programmable timer can also be set to turn off when food is ready. Keeping it clean isn't a bother either, as you can switch on the 35-minute steam-cleaning function to loosen any baked-on grease and wipe it away easily afterwards. Available from: Amazon (£209) Latest Deals Hisense BID95211XUK built-in electric double oven Available from Hughes (£349), Marks Electrical (£349), Amazon (£379) Best energy efficient double oven Top features: Capacity: 38 and 72 litres Energy efficiency class: A/A Easy-clean enamel coating Child lock Programmable timer This A-rated double oven is a great choice if you're regularly cooking food for a crowd. It works efficiently, and its 10 different functions are designed to help you achieve the best possible results depending on what you're cooking – whether it be pizza, roast potatoes, or baked cheesecakes. There's also a cooking chart inside the manual, so you can easily decipher which setting is best. You can select an automatic shut-off option, which kicks into action once your food is fully cooked, and the greaseproof enamel coating removes the faff of keeping both ovens clean. There's a handy child lock for families with little ones, too, so you needn't worry about any accidental button-pushing. Available from: Hughes (£349) Marks Electrical (£349) Amazon (£379) Latest Deals Beko AeroPerfect BBRIF22300X electric single oven Available from Amazon (£199), AO (£199), Currys (£229) Best affordable oven Top features: Capacity: 72 litres Energy efficiency class: A AeroPerfect technology Easy to clean enamel interior Steam-assisted cooking Removable inner glass door Defrost feature Large ovens with all the bells and whistles often come with a hefty price tag, but this model offers impressive functionality at a lower cost. It uses Beko's own AeroPerfect technology to move hot air around inside so it hits every corner, delivering more consistent results. There are five functions within the main cavity, including a handy defrost setting. If you're a regular baker, Beko's steam-assisted cooking helps to achieve moisture inside bakes like sourdough or sponge cakes, while evenly browning the outside. The inner glass door slides out for easier cleaning, and powerful steam helps to loosen and lift stubborn grease and stains that can then be wiped away. This oven also sits within Beko's RecycledNet range, which uses recycled fishing nets and industrial waste to make materials like oven doors and display covers. Available from: Amazon (£199) AO (£199) Currys (£229) Latest Deals AEG DCB331010M Available from John Lewis & Partners (£417), Hughes (£417), Currys (£439), Marks Electrical (£469.99) Best oven for medium-sized families Top features: Capacity: 43 and 68 litres Energy efficiency class: A Multifunctional oven Catalytic liners SurroundCook This AEG double oven is a great option for busy households. With a range of functions for both the top and bottom oven, there’s plenty of options to ensure you cook your meals to perfection. This mode features AEG’s SurroundCook, which ensures the oven is evenly heated from the top to the bottom while the fan circulates the hot air all around the cavity. This setting provides perfectly even browning – ideal for your favourite lasagne. Like the Zanussi above, the display is touchscreen and there are retractable controls that not only make the oven smart-looking, but also easier to clean. For added ease of cleaning, this model is equipped with a catalytic liner that absorbs all greasy drips and spills, meaning all it needs is a quick wipe. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£417) Hughes (£417) Currys (£439) Marks Electrical (£469.99) Latest Deals Sage the Smart Oven Available from John Lewis & Partners (£249), Amazon (£249.95), Lakeland (£249.99), Sage (£329.95) Best countertop oven Top features: Capacity: 21 litres Wattage: 2400W 10 functions Non-stick cavity coating Convection-powered Star rating: 5/5 Think of this smart little stainless-steel appliance as a new permanent fixture in the kitchen, and watch as you start using it in place of your main oven more and more. It would be a lifesaver for Christmas and parties, a winner for small kitchens, or a good option for Aga and range cooker owners who don’t want to 'fire up the beast' for the sake of a chicken kyiv. Offering presets that can tackle anything from a crumpet or chips to slow-cooked casseroles, its air-frying function is also among some of the best we've tested. Sage uses technology that combines a supercharged convection heater with air-frying to really crisp things up, hitting temperatures of up to 230C – making for chip perfection. As with the full Sage appliances range, a premium price delivers a top-notch product, and the stainless steel finish, nicely-weighted door and inner trays make this a quality piece that's worth the money. Read our full Sage the Smart Oven review. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£249) Amazon (£249.95) Lakeland (£249.99) Sage (£329.95) undefined Smeg COF01CRUK 10-in-1 countertop oven Available from Marks Electrical (£849), Amazon (£849) Best countertop oven with steam function Top features: Capacity: 30 litres Wattage: 1800W 10 functions, with 33 automatic programmes Made from easy-clean enamel Star rating: 4/5 Sporting Smeg's iconic 1950s design, this appliance has the functionality replace your oven and air-fryer in one fell swoop. It could also be used as a secondary oven, particularly if you're regularly feeding a large crowd and find yourself running out of space. Bear in mind, though, it has an enormous countertop footprint and you'll need to clear a lot of space for it. The oven comes with a stainless-steel grill rack, an enamelled tray, and stainless-steel perforated tray – the latter of which warped during cooking and didn't return to its original shape when cooled. As well as traditional oven settings like fan-assisted cooking and a grill, this gadget also has air-fryer and steam functions, plus presets for specific ingredients. We used the steam function to cook a salmon fillet, to great success, and our chicken breast – which we air-fried for 20 mins at 200C – was juicy and succulent. Our air-fried chips were mixed: generally golden in colour, but uneven and a little dehydrated. They also took almost 50 minutes to cook at 200C. The COF01CRUK is expensive and costs almost as much as some of Smeg's traditional single ovens, but if you're cooking large quantities and have the space in your kitchen to store it, we can see this being a useful appliance. Available from: Marks Electrical (£849) Amazon (£849) More ovens rated by experts Beko BBRIE22300XD AeroPerfect Built-In Electric Single Oven, £249 How to choose an oven Single or double oven? Before you even begin to think about nifty features and aesthetics, you need to consider what size oven is right for you and your family. In-built ovens are available in two sizes: single and double. Always check the dimensions before buying. Here are the differences: Single ovens are around 60cm tall. They can go anywhere in the kitchen, but most people choose to place them under the counter, beneath a built-in hob or at eye-level in a cabinet. Pros: single ovens have a larger single compartment compared to double ovens, making them ideal for big roasts and for fitting large casserole dishes Cons: you can only use one function at a time and only set the oven to a single temperature Double ovens are around 90cm tall and they only fit into a cabinet at eye-level. Pros: ideal if you’re looking to cook lots of different dishes at different temperatures or looking to use two different functions, e.g. grill and fan oven, at the same time Cons: take up more space, less oven space for larger dishes/pieces of kitchen kit Gas or electric Both gas and electric ovens have various pros and cons. We’ve laid them out below to help you make the right choice. Electric Pros: Modern looking More electric ovens available Easy to use Generally cheaper to buy than gas More high-tech features Cons: Slower to heat up Slow to adjust temperature Gas Pros: Can control oven temperatures easily Gas creates a more moist environment that's ideal for baking Quick to heat up and cool down Cons: Can cost more upfront than electric Food needs to be rotated to ensure it cooks evenly Moist environment makes these ovens less than ideal for food you want to crisp Features to look out for As with all white goods, there have been various advancements in the technology used and range of features found on ovens. We’ve detailed the features we think are worth looking out for and asked white goods experts about which features are nice to have but not essential. Self-cleaning: look for pyrolytic or catalytic self-cleaning ovens to keep the clean up simple and chemical-free Telescopic runners: these are rails that extend fully out of the oven that make removing trays, pots and dishes smoother, easier and safer Temperature/meat probes: if you’re not the most confident cook or you just like to ensure accuracy, meat probes are a great addition for precise cooking and to ensure food is cooked through Timers: set your oven to automatically cook and turn off without you having to do anything Digital controls: these are ideal for when you need an exact cooking temperature, i.e. for bakes. Five- or 10-degree manual dials are fine, but they’re not particularly precise; one or two degree increments ensure accuracy Controls that sit flush: this is a real benefit of touchscreen digital controls as it makes the fascia easy to clean. Some manual dials can be pushed inwards so they sit flush, too A good selection of accessories: we favour ovens with a range of oven trays, wire racks and a decent number of shelves Steam cooking: if you love baking bread, this is the function for you. Some ovens have a water tank that sends plumes of steam into the oven cavity Automatic cooking settings: these allow you to choose the setting for exactly the food you’re cooking, e.g. roast chicken, cake, and more Lights/how easy to see inside: an oven cavity that illuminates allows you to peek through the glass without affecting the temperature inside the oven. This is ideal for those bakes where you shouldn’t open the oven halfway through, like cake Additional oven features: are they worth it? If you’re happy to spend a decent amount of money on a new oven, it's easy to be seduced by the wealth of additional features on offer. We spoke to buying experts from AO, Appliances Direct and Currys to find out what they think about the following features. Split ovens These ovens can be split in two, allowing you to cook at two different temperatures at the same time. A central panel splits the oven into two separate compartments, so you could cook sweet and savoury dishes without the flavours melding. "These ovens are great for versatility and have the benefits of a double oven, with the large capacity of a single oven when needed," says Emma Cabourn, buyer at Appliances Direct, "they also help to save energy, giving the option to cook in a smaller cavity without heating the entire oven." AO’s expert, Isabella Forgione, adds that split ovens are ideal for busy households and make a fantastic addition, "if you’re short on space, or for those who want the choice of more cooking options." Slide-away doors If you’re a fan of The Great British Bake Off, you’ll have spied these ovens in the tent. The slide-away door does exactly that: when the oven is opened, the door slides underneath, allowing you to get closer to the oven cavity. All of the experts we asked agreed that these ovens make getting close to the oven safer, allowing you to remove heavy things with ease while also avoiding spills. They can be more expensive, but Jonathan Marsh, senior buyer at Currys says they can be "worth the investment – especially for those with disabilities, families with small children and small kitchens. For example, someone in a wheelchair is able to access the oven to put things in and take things out more easily compared to a normal oven." Appliance Direct's expert Matthew Bibbington also points out that they're useful for "removing large trays or pots, and the soft-close hinge is good for mitigating any impact on delicate bakes." Smart ovens It seems most kitchen appliances now have some kind of smart function; we’ve seen them on dishwashers and fridge-freezers, so it’s no surprise that ovens have been given the 'smart' treatment. Jonathan says: "they're great for those with busy lifestyles or even those who have a keen interest in tech," while Isabella adds they're "particularly handy if you want your dinner ready when you get home from work." The smart features on offer can vary, but the majority allow you to control your oven from your phone via the brand’s app. This could be used to cut the time it takes to cook a meal or use the app to see more specific cooking options. Self-cleaning ovens Nobody enjoys cleaning their oven; we'd be willing to bet it's the one task you really put off doing. But, this is where self-cleaning ovens come in. Designed to make the task easier, there are a few different types of self-cleaning ovens to look out for: Pyrolytic: this function heats the oven cavity to a super-high temperature, meaning any food, grease and dirt is carbonised (turned to dust) that can then be simply swept or vacuumed up Catalytic liner: these liners absorb fat and anything else that drips down to the base of the oven. The oven will come with a self-cleaning program that’ll need to be run once in a while to loosen all of the dirt, making it easy to wipe away with a damp cloth Easy clean enamel: As the name suggests, the enamel lining of the oven doesn’t absorb fat and dirt, making the surface wipe clean. Be aware, these need to be cleaned regularly to avoid grease build-up baking on hard Steam cleaning: this natural cleaning method uses steam to loosen dirt and grime from the oven cavity. Simply pour water into the indent in the base of the oven, select the steam clean function and let the oven do the work. Once the cycle has ended and the oven has cooled slightly, you’ll be able to wipe it clean Oven symbols: explained Have you ever looked at your oven and wondered what on earth all of the symbols mean? If you’re a 'pop it on 180C and let it do its thing' type of person, you may not be making the most of your oven. Our graphic details what each symbol means – read on to find out more. Low heat element only: only the base of the oven is heated. Ideal for crisping up the base of dishes, like caramelised onion quiche with cheddar & bacon, custard tart or deep dish meatball marinara pizza Upper and lower heating elements: this heats both the top and bottom of the oven without the fan. Use this on foods you want to cook on the top and bottom, like classic cheese scones or these spiced 'chorizo' pastry slices Fan with lower heat: the heat in the oven comes from the base of the oven and is moved around the oven cavity by the fan. This setting is great for those dishes with a crisp base and gently cooked tops, such as this herby spring chicken pot pie: the base and filling cook while the delicate filo on top doesn’t burn Fan oven: heat comes from the element at the back of the oven and is circulated evenly by the fan. You may see a fan symbol with lines above and below – this means the heat comes from the top and bottom of the oven and is circulated by the fan. Fan cooking is great for a range of dishes, but ideal for even bakes on cake, be it quick and easy cakes or decadent chocolate cake Full grill: heat is produced by the full grill element – great for grilling bacon or finishing off pasta bakes Part grill: for when you’re only grilling a small amount, like cheese on toast or a couple of rashers of bacon Grill and fan: this setting focusses the majority of the heat on the top of whatever you’re cooking, while the fan distributes the heat, allowing for gentle cooking. Great for fish Grill and lower: for browning the tops of dishes and also crisping up the underside. Use this setting on our sausage & leek mash pie or fish pie mac & cheese Defrost: this setting turns the fan on minus any heat, so that air circulates, defrosting your food faster than leaving it on the counter would Oven light: to turn on the light inside the oven Plate warming: gently warm your plates in the oven before serving Pyrolytic cleaning: high-heat cleaning function (see above) Alarm: so nothing burns! Minute minder: this setting automatically turns off the oven after cooking – great for meringues or baked cheesecake Child lock: this stops the oven settings from being fiddled with and changed while also keeping children safe Which type of oven is the most energy efficient? The energy efficiency of your oven can often come down to its size, age, how often you use it and what you use it for. However, the general consensus among our experts is that fan ovens are more efficient as they circulate hot air more quickly and evenly, which results in quicker cooking times and cuts down the need to preheat the oven. Jonathan from Currys adds that fan ovens aren't always the most efficient though, and instead you should look out for pyrolytic models that are rated A+. "They can keep heat in the oven more effectively whilst cooking. In addition to this, the pyrolytic cleaning eliminates [the need to use] harsh chemicals to clean," he says. How long should an oven last? This is an open-ended question that depends on a range of factors, such as how well you look after your oven, how often you use it and the kind of things you use it for. All of our experts agreed that a well-maintained oven should last over 10 years. When should you replace your oven? In most cases, if something seems up with your oven, professional help should be your first port of call. But, there are some tell-tale signs that indicate your oven may be on its last legs: Your much-loved recipes aren’t turning out as they normally would It’s making strange sounds It isn’t heating up Your bills are higher than usual Nearby cupboards or units are looking scorched How to clean an oven The best way to keep your oven in tip-top shape is to keep it clean; this means avoiding messy cooking, wiping away spills and messes as soon as you spot them, and cleaning the whole unit regularly. If your oven has an intense self-cleaning function, use this infrequently as it can be tough on your appliance. To give your oven a more thorough clean, start by removing the oven door so you can better access the oven cavity. We recommend giving the inside of your oven a good wipe-down to remove surface-level grime, then remove all the racks and oven trays – wire wool and a bit of elbow grease should lift grease and grime from these. Cleaning chemicals are effective but harmful to the environment, and inhaling the fumes can be dangerous. For a chemical-free approach, we advise combining bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda) with water to combine a thick paste – aim for the same consistency as wet sand. Spread the paste all over the inside of your oven, avoiding the heating elements, then let it side for 12 to 24 hours to loosen grime and grease. Finish by spraying a 50/50 water and vinegar solution to remove any residue and achieve a streak-free shine. More white goods reviews Best dishwashers Best fridge freezers Best microwaves Best mini fridges More product reviews Best air fryers Best oven thermometers Best ice cream makers Best cake tins Best non-stick baking trays Best coffee machines Best blenders Best stand mixers Best multi-cookers Best food processors Best slow cookers Best pressure cookers Best frying pans How to clean an oven Best oven thermometers Lead image credit: Brizmaker / Getty Images If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser first-look review
Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser has had an upgrade, but is it still the ultimate at-home hot chocolate maker?
I’ve been testing the Velvetiser 2.0 for a few weeks now and it’s quickly become part of my evening routine. This is Hotel Chocolat’s latest version of its hot chocolate maker and it’s designed to recreate cafe-style hot chocolate at home. It’s about half the size of a kettle, so it doesn’t hog space on the counter, and all of the three neutral colours (pebble, pewter and chalk) look smart in my kitchen. Available from Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) The jug feels heavier and sturdier than Hotel Chocolat’s first iteration, which gives me confidence it’s built to last. It’s whisper-quiet when in use and the hot chocolate it produces is consistently glossy and smooth. Read our review of the best milk frothers. What is a Velvetiser? The Velvetiser is Hotel Chocolat’s take on the ultimate hot chocolate maker. Unlike a standard milk frother, it’s been purpose-built to melt and blend its sachets of finely grated chocolate with milk. With the built-in magnetic whisk and a high-quality non-stick jug, the texture is always silky with a light froth on top. The upgrade here is the addition of the cold chocolate function, meaning it isn’t just for winter either. Compared to the first model, the 2.0 feels more robust and easier to use day-to-day. Is the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser easy to use? I was pleasantly surprised by how simple the Velvetiser is to use. You just pour in milk up to the line on the whisk, add a sachet of Hotel Chocolat flakes, then twist the dial. Turn right for hot chocolate (the light glows red) or left for cold (blue). Press the same button and in about two minutes, it’s ready. The cleverly designed whisk creates a vortex that mixes everything into a creamy swirl, so there’s no clumps of unmelted chocolate. The machine switches itself off when it’s done. How does the Velvetiser work? The clever part is the magnetic whisk combined with the ridged interior of the jug, which is modelled off the shape of a cacao pod. When you start it, the whisk spins and folds the chocolate flakes through the milk, creating tiny bubbles that give the drink its light froth. It also heats the mixture to the right drinking temperature, around 70C, so it’s warm but not scalding. I like that it’s practically silent compared with other gadgets I’ve tried. You can taste the difference between this and hot chocolate made with powder – it’s richer, smoother and has that cafe-style crema on top. Can you make coffee in the Velvetiser? This is a question I had before trying it. The short answer is no, not in the traditional sense; it’s not designed to brew coffee. It’s a hot chocolate maker through and through. That said, Hotel Chocolat sells sachets like its Latte mix, which blends chocolate with coffee and these work beautifully in the Velvetiser. I’ve also used it to froth milk to pour over an espresso for a latte or cappuccino, which works fine. But if you’re looking for a straight coffee machine, this won’t replace one. How to clean the Velvetiser Cleaning is straightforward, which is important because I have no doubt people will be using it most nights. After making a drink, I fill the jug with water to the line, add a tiny drop of washing-up liquid and run a quick cycle. This swirls the water around and loosens any chocolate. Then I rinse the jug and whisk under the tap and wipe it with a soft cloth. The whisk comes out easily (it’s just secured by a magnet) so nothing gets trapped, and the non-stick interior means chocolate doesn’t cling. The main unit isn’t dishwasher-safe, but the mugs are. I found the whole process takes less than a minute. Is the Velvetiser worth it? At around £150, the Velvetiser isn’t cheap. But for a dedicated hot chocolate lover, it’s worth the investment. The build quality feels premium, it looks great on the counter and the drinks are far better than anything I’ve managed to create with powder and hot milk. I also appreciate the recyclable packaging and the included mugs and starter sachets, which let you try a few of Hotel Chocolat’s creative flavours before buying more – salted caramel hot chocolate and banana cold chocolate were real standouts. The only downsides are that it only makes one cup at a time and you need to hand-wash the jug. If you’re a casual hot chocolate drinker, it might feel like a luxury. But if you love a proper indulgent hot chocolate, the Velvetiser delivers every time. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Related reviews Best hot chocolates Best coffee grinders Best cafetières Best espresso machines Best coffee pod machines Best De'Longhi coffee machines Best filter coffee machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best marshmallow toasting kits Best iced coffee makers and accessories How to recycle your electricals and appliances Best coffee gifts