Stand mixers are kitchen workhorses. They need to be able to handle everything from the most delicate mixing to tough kneading without protest, which is why I was so excited to get my hands on the new super-powerful SMEG Forte Stand Mixer.

I put the 750-watt mixer to the test using my favorite tried-and-tested recipes, and it's safe to say that it is a fantastic addition to the SMEG retro-style lineup, delivering stellar baked results every time and easily vying for a spot on the best stand mixers list.

That said, there are a few tiny snags in using the Smeg Forte Stand Mixer that knocked just half a star off of my final verdict. Here's why I still think it can be worth the investment, and the small details to take into account.

Product Specifications: KitchenAid Artisan Plus 5 Quart Stand Mixer

Design and First Impressions

The SMEG Forte Stand Mixer revives the same classic retro silhouette as the rest of the SMEG offerings, with a curvaceous outline that oozes style and pairs wonderfully with their existing toasters, kettles, and more. Much like the original SMEG 1950s Retro Stand Mixer we reviewed a few years ago, the Forte comes in seven classic SMEG colors, all with stainless steel bowls.

The mixer looks great straight out of the box. It arrived well packaged, in mostly recyclable packaging, using sturdy cardboard and a few fabric bags to prevent the plastic exterior and stainless steel bowl from being scratched. The individual accessories were tucked neatly inside, too.

As with any stand mixer, this thing is not light. Coming in at 21lbs, it is a little lighter than the new KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer I reviewed alongside it, but it is still not easy to lift from shelves if you wish to store it away. After a particularly tough arm day at the gym, my partner had to move it onto a slightly higher shelf for me when I needed some extra counter space. For general day-to-day use, however, it is so pretty that I suggest leaving it in place on your counter as part of your kitchen decor. Small appliance slide mats, from Amazon, can make it easier to move if required.

After unboxing and rinsing the attachments to remove any factory dust, it was as simple as plugging it in and starting to bake. There are 11 speed settings, an increase of one from the original design, that play into the new, more powerful motor. The SMEG Forte boasts a 750-watt motor, up from their previous 600 watts, and over double that of the new KitchenAid. The idea is that this will limit the risk of burnout, a common problem that plagues heavily used stand mixers. The mixer also promises a slow start, which steadily increases the speed up to the selected setting to avoid ingredients flying out of the bowl. I found this to be somewhat effective, but it was not as gentle as other mixers I have used in the past.

The Forte comes with four attachments as standard: A stainless steel wire whisk, an aluminum dough hook, a paddle beater, and a flex-edge beater. They also include a clear plastic splash guard with a pouring spout that sits neatly on top of the bowl.

Performance

To thoroughly test the stand mixer, I tested four of my favorite recipes that would assess the appliance's ability to tackle everything from thick doughs to delicate cream:

The Cake Test

Victoria sponge cake is a very simple recipe, but it is easy to get wrong. Overmix, and you risk a dense, chewy cake that is miles from the lightweight, melt-in-the-mouth result you're hoping for. For this reason, I usually hand-mix this batter for precision.

I started by creaming together the butter and sugar using the flex-edge beater attachment. It powered through the mix easily enough, slowly reducing it down to a light and fluffy paste; however, I did notice some sticking around the edge of the bowl. I think this is because the flex-edge silicone only lines one side of the beater, meaning the other is exposed aluminum. As a result, you only get half the scraping power. I had to stop before adding more ingredients to scrape the edges down.

I proceeded as usual, alternating between adding the flour and eggs so as to prevent the batter from splitting. I did this on a low speed to avoid overmixing the dough, especially when adding the final few measures of flour. This is the part when I usually turn to folding the mix with a spoon slowly to keep the air in. The SMEG was a little heavy-handed for this, even on the lowest speed, but it incorporated everything evenly nonetheless. Power is this mixer's forte,' if you'll pardon the pun, more so than precision.

I admittedly shared and ate the cake too quickly and forgot to take a photo, but it came out evenly with no clumps of flour and rose nicely. It wasn't as fluffy as mixing by hand, but it was still perfectly passable.

The Whipped Cream Test

Whipping cream requires high speeds, so I had a good feeling that the SMEG Forte would excel here.

Adding plain double cream to the bowl, I turned the whisk attachment onto a mid-high setting and let it work. The slow start stopped cream from flying up to the splash guard, which was nice to see, even if it was not the slowest build-up I have ever seen in a mixer. It was a little loud in the process, but nothing uncomfortable. It was as expected from a motor of that size.

It very quickly thickened the cream to a spreadable consistency, ready to be spread onto my cake.

The Bread Test

With its more powerful motor, I paid particular attention to the bread test, making my standard focaccia dough. It was a lot easier than mixing by hand and produced a wonderfully airy bread that sprang up when compressed.

The process of making the dough raised a few concerns, however, most notably in the movement of the mixer head. As with most stand mixers, the speed is limited when using the dough hook to prevent burning out the motor, but that was no issue for me. I did find an issue in fitting the dough hook, however. The metal didn't slot together neatly and felt like it was scraping or catching on insertions, needing a bit of force to get it into place and twist to secure. It made the whole appliance feel a little bit less premium.

That said, even on the slowest speed setting, on a high-hydration dough, the head 'bounced' as it mixed. SMEG claims its head movement is there to mimic the natural movement of hands kneading dough for consistent results; however, this is a 'feature' most stand mixers struggle with, which can loosen the head joint over time. I am not entirely convinced by it. Overall, however, I didn't experience any damage in my time testing, nor did the appliance rock or otherwise move on the counter as I worked.

The handled bowl made the dough easy to move around while the dough was proofing, and all in all, I was very impressed by the texture of my sweet cinnamon sugar focaccia.

The Cookie Test

The final test is cookies, used to assess the mixer with another dough type, and the ease of moving the bowl from the counter to the fridge. I used my base cookie recipe for this to make a chewy chocolate-chunk treat.

This mix is usually a nightmare to make by hand, giving me a shoulder ache by the end, so it was nice to take some of the effort out. As with every other recipe, the paddle attachments distributed ingredients nicely, combining them evenly without any lumps or clumps. It also folded the chunks of chocolate evenly, with no sign of rocking or struggling as it worked.

As I refrigerate my cookie dough overnight (at the very least), I removed the bowl, covered it with foil, and put it in the fridge. The bowl is rather squat in size, being wider than it is tall, which made this very easy to do without having to adjust the height of my shelving. It didn't feel heavy in my grip, either, even with the dough inside.

After baking, the cookies were perfectly chewy, with crisp edges that gave way to an almost Stroop-waffle-esque interior. It was another easy win.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the SMEG Forte Stand Mixer was easy. The removable components are dishwasher safe, with the exception of the wire whisk. I hand-washed all of the pieces and found that even sticky bread dough came away with ease after a small stint soaking to loosen the oils. I always use a soft dish sponge and non-toxic soap, such as the Attitude Dish Soap from Walmart.

The exterior of the appliance, being shiny plastic, can then be buffed down with a damp cloth and dried to remove splatters and fingerprints.

It was as I was washing the bowl after the cookies that I realised that I had damaged it. When portioning cookies, I have always used my metal ice cream scoop from Walmart. It helps me achieve nice, even balls of dough for evenly sized cookies. I had used the same tool to portion dough from my KitchenAid with no issue, and given that stainless steel is a metal utensil safe, I used it without a second thought in the SMEG. After washing, the deep scratches made themselves known.

I flicked back through the manual and couldn't find any warnings against using metal in the bowl, so I didn't put this down to user error. That said, it is important to note that this bowl is more delicate than it looks.

How The SMEG Forte Stand Mixer Compares

When trialling stand mixers, I tested the Smeg Forte alongside the KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer. Both delivered great results on the same bakes, and I would be hard-pressed to tell them apart if I were blindfolded. That said, the process of using each machine varied, and put the KitchenAid half a star ahead.

Both machines come at a premium price so far as stand mixers are concerned; however, for $50 more, the Artisan Plus offers greater precision control, including a folding speed and a bowl light. Even with a more powerful motor, these were two features I missed severely when using the SMEG Forte.

The general consensus online seems to agree that the Forte, while a great option, may not live up to alternatives. Another professional review, for instance, experienced the bowl rocking under the force of the mixer. While I did not experience this myself, it suggests that it might not be quite sturdy enough to withstand its own amped-up motor.

Shopper reviews are more positive, with the bulk of the praise falling on the cult-favorite retro design. Many Amazon shoppers, for instance, love that it matches their existing SMEG investments. Giving it five stars, shopper M commented, 'I love to bake and was finding making bread and similar products tedious due to the amount of hand kneading. The initial shock and slight buyer's remorse due to the price were instantly gone upon my first use! This machine can handle all types of dough, cookies, squares, buns, etc. If you are looking for a stand mixer and want something sturdy that can get the job done, I highly recommend this product!'

Of the one-star reviews, of which there are very few, customers report a range of issues from cords arriving broken to the tilt head mechanism not holding, and even the appliance not always turning on. None of us appeared to have the same issues, which suggests to me that there may be some quality-control concerns with the odd few appliances. It is worth noting that the overall reception is very positive, however, and these mark only a small section of shoppers.

Should You Buy The SMEG Forte Stand Mixer?

All in all, if you value aesthetics and bake occasionally, I do recommend the SMEG Forte Stand Mixer. It ultimately performed well on all of our tests, delivering tasty baked goods, but it just fell a little short in comparison to others on the market in terms of operation. It wouldn't suit someone running a cake business from their home, but it is a fun-looking addition for the occasional home cook.

If you already have an existing stand mixer that performs well, I do not see a need to rush to upgrade, especially with a recommended retail price of $549.99 at the time of writing. I would wait for a sale to invest.

What Else to Shop

Looking to create a cohesive appliance suite or simply elevate your baking setup? I’ve rounded up my favourite SMEG appliances alongside a selection of baking essentials to help outfit your kitchen in style, without compromising on non-toxic materials or performance.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to make your baking setup more professional? We asked professional organizers for their best tips for storing bakeware to keep kitchens tidy.

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No brand blends retro charm with modern performance quite like SMEG. Time and again, they prove that convenience does not have to come wrapped in minimalist, utilitarian styling.

The new SMEG Forte Stand Mixer, available from Williams Sonoma, is the latest example. Having finally got my hands on one, I can already say that it feels like a genuine contender to become one of the best stand mixers.

The beautifully crafted exterior has quickly become the focal point of my kitchen, a rare appliance that earns its place on the countertop without looking like clutter. Here’s why I’m so excited about it.

I will admit that despite baking for the better part of the last 15 years, I have always opted for the handheld option in the hand mixer vs stand mixer debate. Having a small kitchen means that a smaller tool is more convenient and does just about the same job, right?

I have used the SMEG Forte Stand Mixer once since it arrived, and I am in the midst of my review process, but I can say right off the bat that it is the countertop upgrade I did not know I was missing. When working through my first test (a classic Victoria sponge cake), it halved the time it took to make, and my arms didn't ache at the end of it.

Sitting neatly at the edge of my counter, it is surprisingly compact, and the stunning vintage design means it looks more like an art piece than a kitchen workhorse.

The Forte offers a higher-performance spec compared to the original SMEG retro stand mixer we reviewed. With a more powerful motor, the new release promises more mixing power, especially when it comes to mixing heavy doughs for bread. This is something I will be testing later on with my classic focaccia recipe.

Equally intriguing, however, is the new folding speed, designed to gently incorporate ingredients without knocking out air or overworking delicate batters. For keen bakers, that could be one of the most valuable additions, and it will likely be the feature that makes or breaks the mixer for me, as it will determine how well you can make the most of your stand mixer.

Another welcome improvement is the inclusion of a flex-edge beater as standard. In my view, this is one of the most useful stand mixer attachments available. The rubber-edged design continuously scrapes the sides of the bowl as it mixes, eliminating the pockets of flour and unmixed ingredients that often require manual intervention. It is a small detail that makes a noticeable difference to both consistency and convenience.

While I am yet to push it to the max, I am incredibly excited by what lies in store, especially if the early swathes of five-star reviews on Amazon are anything to go by, with customers loving the colors and, most importantly, dubbing the expensive appliance a smart KitchenAid alternative that's worth the spend.

What to Shop

If you're looking to elevate your baking setup, SMEG offers a range of coordinating retro-inspired appliances that bring both style and function to the kitchen.

To help you build the ultimate baking station, I’ve curated my favourite picks alongside a selection of non-toxic kitchen essentials designed to support every recipe.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

There has never been a better time to invest in SMEG appliances, with the new SMEG 2026 color of the year, Moonlight, dropping across their appliance range. It's the dreamy neutral that will fit into any kitchen.

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SMEG has revealed its Color of the Year for 2026, and it is a stark departure from the usually vivid retro palette the brand is known for.

Moonlight, a rich earth tone, could be mistaken for a safe play. However, the restorative hue, inspired by the 'understated elegance' of natural light, is designed to complement the existing surfaces in your kitchen, rather than distract.

Available in one of the best drip coffee makers, an electric kettle, and a two-slice toaster, the new color just works, no matter your current kitchen scheme. But why?

Moonlight is SMEG's Color of the Year 2026

Looking back at every Color of the Year we know so far, another neutral shade is perhaps not all that surprising. Sherwin-Williams announced Universal Khaki, Dutch Boy chose Melodious Ivory, and we saw a similar story in the controversial Pantone Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer.

Moonlight is a warm, earthy neutral, designed with sophistication in mind. The warmer undertones add depth, steering kitchens away from being too stark or unwelcoming, lending credence to cozy kitchens designed for hosting or comfort cooking.

But why, when the quiet luxury trend seems to be phasing out of both interiors and fashion, have so many institutions settled on understated shades? For SMEG, a famously nostalgic kitchenware brand, it is about creating appliances that 'gently accompany surfaces rather than distract.'

Karen Olle, Marketing Director at SMEG USA, shared in the release, 'We're seeing a real shift in design as homeowners move away from cool greys and toward the warmth of earthy neutrals like beige and ivory. With Moonlight, we wanted to capture that sense of calm in a very tangible way, creating a kitchen that feels organic, grounded, and restorative.'

When choosing the best kitchen appliances, the timeless matte neutral is perfect, blending seamlessly into any scheme, from maximalist kitchens to the 'New Neutral' kitchens rising in popularity.

Rather than draw the eye as a centerpiece, the new SMEG offerings integrate seamlessly into the existing space, as discreet appliances that minimize visual clutter in a kitchen without becoming boring.

They are still a statement, albeit a more considered one. As they mix elegance with quality construction, they are a definitively timeless investment for any kitchen ideas.

What to Shop

For those of us who are irrevocably drawn to comforting, warm-toned neutrals, this shade feels like a natural fit. I have rounded up six picks – both from SMEG itself and a few color-matched accessories – to help you integrate the Moonlight hue across your kitchen.

All prices correct at time of publication.

If you are enamoured by the natural aesthetic, consider these neutral kitchen ideas to balance warmth and timelessness without veering into bland.

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At this time of year, I host countless dinner parties. Meticulously planning my Christmas table decor, putting out my best wine glasses, and stocking my home bar set-up. And yet, when the night ends, I always find myself at the sink, sleeves rolled up, hand-washing every fragile piece of glassware and tableware that I don't want to risk breaking in the dishwasher.

I’m one of those people who still wash their best dishes by hand, and certainly among the many who save their best stemware for 'special occasions.' Even with the best dishwashers, I can't bear the thought of one careless cycle undoing years of dedicated collecting.

So, when I heard that the redesigned SMEG dishwasher line was created with hosts like me in mind – people who cherish beautiful things and actually use them – I couldn't wait to share the news.

SMEG's WinePro feature has flexible tines that secure each glass in place, so you can place delicate stems into the dishwasher with peace of mind. Even decanters (my George Jensen carafe from Bloomingdale's demands ceremonial hand-washing in my house) have a designated holder in the SMEG dishwasher. They'll sit securely, even on the lower rack, without wobbling.

The rest of the redesign feels equally attuned to the way I like to cook and entertain. I love big, generous meals – the kind that require the best roasting pans, Dutch ovens, and an array of little Le Creuset dishes for sauces, olives, nuts, and herbs. SMEG’s new interior layout shifts and opens to accommodate whatever you've used that day.

The Planetarium Wash System is designed to be effective, yet quiet (so you could even run a cycle while your guests are on their dessert course). At Homes & Gardens, we really value quiet appliances (we've tested the best quiet blenders, for example). There’s something luxurious about an appliance that can do a powerful job, without disruptive noise, too. This dishwasher might just be going straight on my Christmas wishlist.

Suprisingly Dishwasher-Safe Hosting Essentials

From the everyday to the extraordinary, these appliances and tableware pieces make entertaining effortless and elegant, yet each item can withstand a cycle in the dishwasher, especially when it's as gentle as SMEG's new launch.

If this has inspired you to finally bring out your crystal and stemware without worry, we’ve recently covered some luxe cocktail hour essentials, like the timeless Nick & Nora glasses, that pair perfectly with a well-stocked bar and your newly liberated stemware.

I make a traditional roast every holiday season, which means I need a lot of stove space. There’s the gravy, bread sauce, vegetables, cauliflower cheese, you name it, but that quickly turns into kitchen chaos.

Extra burners are a lifesaver, but let’s be honest: nobody wants an ugly, clunky induction plate ruining the festive aesthetic. Enter SMEG’s Portable Induction Cooktop – a chic, minimalist solution that gives you extra stove space without sacrificing style.

This little appliance is sleek enough to sit on your counter without standing out like a sore thumb, yet sturdy enough to handle your best induction pans and powerful enough to simmer delicate sauces to rapid boils.

The SMEG Portable Induction Cooktop has nine (yes, nine) temperature levels, so you can simmer, sear, or boil from anywhere around the kitchen. Compact and lightweight, it weighs just 7.3 pounds, making it pretty easy to move around, creating a functional kitchen island idea.

I like the modern touchpad controls, which allow you to switch on the heat levels effortlessly. There's also a power boost, meaning no more waiting forever for water to boil before tossing in your pasta or prepping vegetables. We have this function on the cooktop in the test kitchen, and trust me, it's an efficiency game-changer for the busiest meals of the year.

The included temperature probe is a small but thoughtful addition. It plugs directly into the side of the cooktop and allows you to monitor the temperature of your food from 104°F up to 210°F.

Even better, the probe can clip onto the top edge of your best induction pans, letting you keep an eye on sauces, gravies, or any delicate dish without hovering over the stove.

The only caveat? It's pricey, but in all the SMEG appliance reviews I have written, I rave that they feel durable and well-made. You can surely turn to this cooktop year after year – definitely read my SMEG countertop oven with air fry review, if you are looking for reliable, extra oven space, too.

Alternative portable cooktops under $100

If the $465 price tag feels a little too steep, I've found some more budget-friendly alternatives to give you some perspective.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen with an extra induction stove this holiday season, experts urge people to try this simple magnet trick to check if your pan will be compatible.

If you're in the market for new cookware too, I've tested and reviewed the best induction cookware and the best non-toxic cookware, too.

Making cold brew at home can be a faff. I've tried it a couple of times; filtering the water, grinding the beans, leaving my French press in the fridge for 12-14 hours. I've never had results as delicious as my favorite coffee shop.

Today, SMEG launched the ECF03 espresso and cold brew machine, which can brew a single cold shot in just two minutes. It promises to become one of the best coffee makers with its new on-trend functionality.

To celebrate the launch, they created a coffee van and I was invited along to sample drinks made with the new machine, plus cold foam crafted with the new SMEG mini milk frother.

If you love American-style cold brew, retro kitchen ideas, or serving perfect espresso martinis to guests, SMEG's new ECF03 2-in-1 espresso and cold brew machine is worth a closer look.

Last year, our coffee expert and former barista, Laura, tested the older SMEG ECF02 and was quite impressed, rating it four stars. The new ECF03 SMEG espresso machine, however, steps things up significantly, featuring custom temperature settings, 15-bar pressure, a 58mm portafilter, and a non-pressurised filter – the industry standards used by professional baristas.

The taste of the coffee brewed in the new SMEG ECF03 machine hit the spot, too. I tried hot and cold brews, and they were delicious. Not overly bitter, just sweet and richly flavored. Just like an expensive coffee shop, without the £5 price tag.

Like any good SMEG appliance, the new espresso machine is not just about function – the form is beautiful. I love the curvy, 50s-inspired design and bold colors. It is available in retro red, classic black, cream, white, pastel blue or baby pink.

If you're wondering: 'Are retro appliances still on trend?', my personal take is that my SMEG appliances always garner compliments when I have guests in my kitchen (I reviewed the SMEG soda maker and have it out on my countertop at all times).

Easy upgrades for barista-level cold brew at home

As I was watching the SMEG baristas whip up the drinks, I thought it looked pretty easy to make those 'sweet treat' drinks at home. These small extras can make any daily brew feel elevated and café-quality.

After tasting the coffee, I have my eye on the new ECF03 coffee machine (and matching milk frother), so I can quickly make that maple cold brew with vanilla cold foam at home.

I'll be getting my hands on the duo soon for a trip to the test kitchen, so I'll keep you updated with all the nitty-gritty details, plus, whether or not I add it to our guides on the best cold brew coffee makers and best espresso machines of 2025.

Curating a beautiful kitchen design involves many spinning plates. Cohesion is one of the key factors considered, which leads to many people questioning: should your kitchen appliances match?

When it comes to furniture, the general advice is not to buy matching sets, but does the same approach apply to your kitchen appliances? Opting for designs in the same style and finish feels like the right approach for a cohesive kitchen, but is a mismatched selection preferred by designers?

To get to the bottom of this great kitchen debate, we've turned to industry experts to find out whether or not you should invest in matching kitchen appliances.

Should your kitchen appliances match?

Kitchen appliances are a dominant feature in any scheme, large or small. Cookers, microwaves, and refrigerators are all large pieces that are carefully designed into a scheme, so choosing matching appliances seems like the best way to aid a seamless design.

'There are several benefits to ordering matching appliances. The top reason people invest in matching appliances is for the look, including the finish, handle design, and product logos. Even the grain of the stainless will offer a much more cohesive appearance,' says Jessica Petrino, educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison.

As well as the look of the appliances themselves, introducing matching appliances adheres to one of 2025's emerging kitchen trends – tone-on-tone kitchen schemes.

'Monochromatic tone-on-tone kitchens are having a comeback. It's a great way to bathe a client's home in a color that makes them happy, providing a warm and rich feeling,' says Shae Wilder, manager of designer relations at BlueStar.

'Full-color immersion can be used in architectural products like wainscoting and through texture to bring dimension, leaving the appliances to then match with any metals or finishes.'

It's not just the visual benefits that make matching appliances a more desirable choice. There's also a big cost factor to consider, as Jessica explains: 'Purchasing multiple appliances from the same brand will likely result in cost savings. Appliance package bundles can save consumers thousands.'

However, there's an argument for opting for mismatched appliances. While matching designs are ideal for a sleek kitchen, other interior design styles are better suited to a more eclectic finish.

Appliances in different colors, finishes, and designs can help create a kitchen that feels more rustic, or even retro. 'Most kitchens mix and match appliances to achieve that desired look and functionality,' says Jessica.

A great example is retro-style refrigerators. For a lot of people, classic Smeg appliances like the renowned colorful fridge is at the top of their list, which wouldn't match the rest of the appliances in the kitchen, but it would create a stylish statement in the scheme.

There is also a renewed appreciation for traditional range cookers – if you introduce one to your kitchen, it will be a unique feature that won't necessarily match the rest of your appliances.

There are also space constraints that need to be considered. While the thought of investing in appliances from the same brand range might appeal, they may not offer options that fit into the space you have for it. In these circumstances, it's more practical to opt for non-matching appliances.

'Should your space constraints or desired feature list make it necessary to buy products from various brands – that’s perfectly okay! If you are mixing brands, consider handle-free appliances,' says Jessica.

'For example, Bosch makes a dishwasher with a recessed handle and no logo, so it can blend seamlessly with many kitchens. Sharp makes a flush microwave drawer with no logo, Samsung, LG, and Bosch make handle-free refrigerator models that can blend with any kitchen.'

Essentially, there are no rules as to whether your kitchen appliances should match – it really depends on your space and style. If you like a sleek kitchen design, matching appliances are a great choice. But, if you want to create a more lived-in, eclectic design, mismatched features are better suited.

I never imagined I would find my dream house in a place inhabited by Britain's favorite fictional bear, but my visit to Paddington's home proved me wrong. The Primrose Hill townhouse is bold, maximal, and full of personality. At every corner, I was struck with unique, storied design inspiration that made me want to immediately purchase a house in the English capital just to fill it with chinoiserie wallpaper and trinkets from my travels.

The English country decor home was created by the team at Airbnb to celebrate the upcoming release of the Paddington in Peru film. It's inspired by the home Paddington shares with the Brown family in the film adaptations of his story, and every detail looks just like the movies. Though I expected to experience movie magic during my visit, I was not prepared for how beautiful I would find the space from a design perspective.

Even though I grew up in New England, the old English country style has always been one of my favorite looks. I love how full of history, life, and pattern British design style is and the way it feels unafraid of having a big personality. I can't say it's not one of the things that brought me to London. If you too dream of living in a house worthy of Paddington Bear, here are the top five lessons I am taking from the home.

1. Books Are Always The Best Decor

Bookshelf wealth was the trend of 2024, and in Paddington's living room, it's easy to see why. Ceiling-high bookshelves overshadow the need for any other decor, bringing instant color and hominess. Beyond the bookshelves, I especially love how the Airbnb team used antique books in alcoves and corners for unexpected warmth.

2. You Can Never Have Too Much Wallpaper

Wallpaper is one of the simplest ways to add pattern and character to your interiors, and it's especially striking in the Browns' bedroom. Rather than shying away from patterns in the rest of the room, the team took the bright paper as a cue to fill it with space with shapes, textures, and colors. I was especially struck by how this room was brought together by all the little details, like the glossy shells in the fireplace (see lesson number five).

3. Don't Be Afraid of a Gallery Wall

We are always talking about 'overlooked' spaces at Homes & Gardens, because tending to them can take your interior design from good to great. The hallways throughout Paddington Bear's home prove the rule. There was nary a staircase that the Airbnb team had not transformed with a gallery wall. These eclectic designs incorporating a variety of plates, frames, photographs, and paintings can be used in any home to create a collage of personal history.

4. Embrace Artful Clutter

Spaces like Paddington's bedroom and the Browns' bathroom (no bear-facilitated flood included) showed me the value of displaying personal effects in every space. The surfaces in both rooms are host to a variety of decorative objects, colorful textiles, and eye-catching garlands. Though clutter has historically been associated with visual overwhelm, clutter is also what makes rooms feel lived-in. Post-visit, I'm seriously considering embracing the 'recluttering' trend.

5. The Joy is in the Details

The blue and yellow kitchen was is far my favorite room in Paddington Bear's home. Though the bright countertops and vertical storage are eye-catching, it's the red accents that take the kitchen to the next level. A variety of retro-style Smeg Appliances and red and orange Le Creuset pots brings in a new color with just styling. By paying attention to seemingly 'small' details, the Airbnb team infused this space with a unique personality.

If you want to experience Paddington Bear's home for yourself, bookings for the Airbnb open at 9AM (GMT) on November 3, 2024. In the meantime, incorporating patterns, books, and intentional clutter can help you accomplish the same stunning English country style in any space.

When you think of an AGA, you might envision the rustic charm of English country kitchens, but you may also cringe at the hefty price tag and outdated technology. On the other end of the appliance spectrum, the best air fryers are amazingly efficient, but packaged in a functional design that can clash with your kitchen aesthetic.

Enter the Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven with Steam. I tested this appliance in my home kitchen for a week and truly fell in love. Packed with the 1950s character of Smeg’s best refrigerators and toasters, this oven can steam, bake, air fry and more – offering vintage charm in a tech-savvy package.

So, if you're seeking a cooker that blends beauty with cutting-edge cooking functions (or if you’ve avoided ugly air fryers in the past), then this review is for you.

Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven: First impressions

When I unboxed the Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven, it was love at first sight. With its glossy cream finish and swoon-worthy retro design, this appliance brought instant character to my kitchen.

I ran into a couple of small hurdles. It is super heavy. I couldn't lift it to my countertop, so I had to annoy my partner for some assistance. Also, the power cord is disappointingly short. I couldn’t plug it in exactly where I wanted – this was irritating since I had a specific design vision.

Once it was in situ, I was thrilled. There was something magical about how instantly this piece elevated my space. It’s enormous, yes, but you’ll want to show it off to everyone who walks through the door.

Cooking performance

Test 1: Baking

For my first bake, I chose something simple: pain au chocolat made from pre-rolled dough. The oven preheated in just 4 minutes, which is leagues ahead of my traditional oven’s warm-up time. However, I couldn't figure out the built-in timer. I had to rely on my phone to keep track.

The pastries came out soft, though a touch paler than I would’ve liked, and the bottoms weren’t quite golden. I flipped them over and gave them a couple more minutes, and they finally emerged golden and soft inside. The perfect companion to my morning espresso.

Test 2: Steaming

I was so excited about the steam function. There are three to choose from. Pure Steam uses 100% steam to cook vegetables, rice, dumplings, and bao buns. Convection and grill steam are better for gently caramelizing meat with a tender, steaming interior.

For my first test, I steamed a bunch of Tenderstem broccoli and mangetout. When you steam cook, vegetables are exposed to less water, which reduces nutrient loss. Steaming helps preserve color, texture, and flavor. My veggies came out of the oven looking vibrant green and delicious.

I then steamed frozen gyozas. I re-filled the steaming tray with water and within minutes, the dumplings were soft, silky, and piping hot inside. I was super impressed. To add a little extra flavor, I pan-fried them in sesame oil, creating a crispy edge.

Test 3: Air Frying

For an easy Friday night dinner, my partner and I tested the air frying function with frozen French fries. We waited an agonizing five minutes for the preheat – we're used to making chips in the Ninja DoubleStack, which heats up immediately.

Once the oven was ready (with its signature, high-pitched ping) we added the fries and waited around 18 minutes for them to crisp up. The results weren’t quite as quick and delicious as the best air fryers I've tried, but they were still enjoyable.

We also air-fried Padron peppers for our dinner. They didn’t quite achieve the charred effect of more powerful models, but the peppers were tender and flavorful. Overall, the air frying function performs well, albeit less intensely and slower than the market leaders.

Test 4. Steam Baking

One of the standout features of this air fry oven is its steam-baking function. I decided to try making a sponge cake, and the process was incredibly simple. After a quick four-minute preheat, I added water to the steam tray and poured in my cake batter. The result? A light, fluffy, and perfectly moist sponge in just 20 minutes.

As part of my research into can you bake a cake in an air fryer, I also tested the air frying function for the top layer of my cake. The differences were striking, which you can read about in the article. If you’re a passionate baker with a love for patisserie, you’ll truly appreciate the steaming feature. It adds a touch of luxury to everyday baking, resulting in cakes that feel almost professionally crafted.

Ease of use

Despite its many functions, the Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven is refreshingly straightforward to use. The dial allows you to switch between cooking modes effortlessly.

You can scan the QR code to get visual set-up instructions from Smeg. However, compared to the polished user experience I’ve seen from brands like Dreo and Ninja, it was a little underwhelming. I was expecting something a little bit more helpful, like chef instruction videos or a bespoke recipe booklet.

Cleaning

Cleaning the oven is relatively easy. Smeg recommends using the steam function to loosen any cooking grease or stuck-on food, which is a great idea. The removable trays are too large for the dishwasher, so you'll need to wash them by hand. Personally, I always use parchment paper or liners, so this isn't a problem for me. The sleek exterior makes wiping down a quick task – this is vital, since this appliance will stay rooted to your counter all year round.

Who would this suit?

The Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven is a great fit for those who appreciate both form and function. If you’re drawn to retro aesthetics and want an appliance that looks as good as it cooks, this is the one.

I think it would add instant character to a plain kitchen, especially city apartments or beach houses that lack a built-in oven. It would also be ideal for a family household that enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, with features like steam baking adding a touch of luxury to everyday meals.

If you're after ultra-crisp air frying or need something for a smaller space, however, you may find yourself looking at more compact, speedier models.

How does it compare?

The main rival to the Smeg Countertop Oven is probably the 5-star rated Café Couture Oven with Air Fry. This offers more advanced smart technology, including Wi-Fi connectivity and customizable cooking modes. We weren't that enamored with its air frying function though.

If you're keen to get an oven that can steam like a professional chef, look to the Fotile Chefcubii. It's half the price of Smeg's oven and we really loved it, although the design was a bit clunky. In fact, if you're not sold on the Smeg, you can read up on all the rivals in our guide to the best countertop ovens.

If you're just looking for an air fryer (and you don't care about looks), you'll want to leave this page immediately and head on over to our best air fryer guide. These are ideal for quick, healthy meals, taking up very little space and heating up rapidly. They are also more budget-friendly, too.

Our verdict

Honestly, I was so reluctant to send this back. There's a huge, Smeg-shaped hole in my kitchen. I've come to view my functionally-designed oven and air fryer with contempt. I suppose I'll have to start saving, because with Smeg's stunning design and sleek cooking performance, comes a relatively steep price tag.

How we test

To test the best ovens and air fryers on the market, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained product testers, home cooks, and appliance experts, we assess each model by toasting, baking, broiling, and more. During these tests, we evaluate how evenly the oven browns and crisps, seeking results that are consistent and perfectly cooked.

Ease of use is essential, so we examine the intuitiveness of the controls, the preheat, and the quality of the instruction booklet. We also assess any special functions, such as grilling or steaming to gauge whether they're gimmicks or actually useful. We then make notes on capacity – important knowledge if you're hoping to cook large portions or use multiple racks.

Since cleaning is often a hassle, we evaluate how easy it is to maintain, checking if the racks and trays are removable and dishwasher-safe. We also scrutinize the materials, looking for durable, quality designs. After testing, we scour customer reviews to check out the reliability and overall satisfaction in the long term.

Finally, when investing in a kitchen appliance, price matters, so we weigh up the features, performance, and design to see if the toaster oven offers good value for money. Our goal is to ensure you select a model that not only performs well, but also looks stylish on your countertop for years to come.

A well-designed kitchen is good for far more than cooking. Both a hosting hub and family gathering destination, it's one of the most important rooms of any home. And when it comes to aesthetics and functionality, the small details – materials, finishes, and appliances – make all the difference.

When designing your own culinary space, it can be tempting to follow fads, but redesigning (or even just sprucing up) the kitchen can turn into a hefty investment. Often, classic and enduring designs are the better way to go. But on the quest to curate a timeless space, you shouldn't have to ignore this year's hottest kitchen trends – they're well-loved and appealing for a reason. That's where Smeg comes in.

With over 70 years of kitchen appliance design under its belt, Smeg is known for its stylish and sleek kettles, coffee makers, and more. Recently, Smeg's new UK managing director, Daniel Hadley, sat down with H&G to share how small, well-made appliances can make a huge difference in the kitchen – whether you'd like to follow the trends or stick with timeless standbys.

'I arrived in March, and one of the big things that attracted me was the heritage composition of [Smeg], because what it has enabled us to do is be innovative and playful but still stick to heritage,' says Daniel. 'I think that's really what's brought us through.'

In 1948, Smeg was founded by Vittorio Bertazzoni Sr. in Guastalla, a town in Northern Italy. And over the course of the brand's 70-year history, it hasn't shied away from its Italian heritage, and has displayed it through premium coffee expertise and cooking prowess. Daniel says one of his priorities as UK managing director is embracing an 'unapologetically Italian' mindset – 'that's us, and that's a point of difference,' he says.

'We've moved with the generations by being colorful, playful, and fun, but we've stuck to heritage design in the background. I think the big thing for me on heritage is you have to remain true. If you try to be a heritage brand without having heritage, you're not remaining true to who you are,' he says.

1. Using bright, bold appliances as accents

After an era of gray and white kitchens galore, designers and homeowners are looking to bring a bit more color into their culinary spaces. But often, when it comes to selecting bright and bold shades, our eyes prove bigger than our stomachs. Picking a color and running with it can feel a bit intimidating, and many get cold feet before going through with a new coat of paint or colorful tile backsplash install.

Appliances often offer the perfect solution to this dilemma – Daniel says that Smeg's selection and accessibility makes introducing brighter hues a bit less overwhelming. Instead of investing in a new countertop or kitchen island, opt for a bright Smeg kettle or statement-making toaster, says Daniel.

'What Smeg allows you to do is put color on your worktop at a far more achievable price point,' he adds. 'That puts a pink kettle on your worktop where you probably thought about having pink on your walls, got a bit anxious about it, and probably moved away from that.'

Daniel agrees that the tides are changing when it comes to color in the kitchen, sharing that his parents would 'never' have bought the brand's bright orange range cooker, but now we see bold appliances appearing more and more frequently. This want for color ties into an increased tendency to host and entertain in the kitchen, too. By expressing yourself through your kitchen's design scheme, you're able to show off your personality to friends and family as they visit.

'You go and buy new-build homes and they've all got open-plan kitchens now, because they are the heartbeat and people entertain in their kitchens. Drawing rooms are a bit of a thing of the past,' says Daniel. 'I think it's about bringing heritage products into those more playful settings for enjoyment and being expressive in those moments.'

2. Going retro with your appliance style

Retro style is another trend making waves in interior design this year, and Smeg's iconic designs fit right in. Daniel says he believes people are especially drawn to the nostalgic look in the kitchen. Just like in fashion, the kitchen trend cycle repeats itself, and certain design styles come back again and again.

The key to getting the retro look down is blending old-school charm with modern-day design sensibility, and appliances offer a fitting route to achieve this balance. Daniel says that Smeg is constantly trying to achieve this transitional design, allowing homeowners to decide how trendy, nostalgic, or modern they'd like to go.

'We need to bring the heritage brands to be associated with more modern design for some people, and allow people to make that choice. Because people will make that choice – they'll vote with their wallet,' he says.

3. Creating entertaining spaces with select appliances

Although Smeg has a wide range of appliances, spanning from stand mixers to washing machines, Daniel has a current favorite piece: the newest Semi-Professional Espresso Machine.

'La Pavoni is a brand that Smeg owns, and it sits again, right at the heritage of Italy,' he says. 'We've taken that heritage and combined it with Smeg, and created a coffee machine that's easy to use but delivers an extremely good, semi-professional coffee.'

Not only does the machine make high-quality espresso, but it also brings Daniel's friends and family together in the kitchen. A rising priority in kitchen design schemes, this community focus guides Smeg's ethos as well.

'I think more and more people are inviting people over to their homes,' he says. 'If you look at kitchens now versus what they used to be, they’re now big and expressive, and it’s all about enjoyment. It’s the heartbeat of every household. And actually, we're all about entertaining.'

'Whether that be round for coffee, whether it be about cooking your favorite dish for your friends, we want to be individuals. We want to be personalized in those things and create these dishes, those coffees for our friends,' he continues.

Whether the retro, colorful look is just right for your space, or you're looking for something more classic, Smeg's selection has functionality and sleek aesthetics front of mind.

Blue and white colors on ceramics are a classic. The beautiful balance of colors is crisp, elegant, and delicate. It's a failsafe option if you're looking to cultivate a timeless collection of plates, vases, and accessories in your home. 

If you look in my cupboards or on my mantle, you'll know that I love blue and white ceramics, but I'm also a bit of a snob. Whilst some pieces look undeniably elegant, there are plenty of knockoffs creeping onto crammed shelves in the store, which can make it hard to find truly premium designs amongst the masses.

Luckily for us, the British lifestyle brand, Laura Ashley, has partnered with VQ to bring an exquisite China Rose kitchen appliance collection, which features the most beautiful stand mixer and portable blender that I've ever seen. It's a treat for anyone, especially us blue and white snobs.

What's the collection and where can I find it?

Laura Ashley, the British Lifestyle brand is celebrating 70 years of success in the US, so they've teamed up with the home and electronic brand VQ to bring a series of appliances to the market, hand-glazed in some of Laura Ashley's most iconic prints.

These heritage designs are a classy take on the classic blue and white combination. The patterns, Elveden Navy, Elveden White, and China Rose, have been the brand's best sellers for years, so to be able to enjoy them in the kitchen is a true treat.

There's a whole range of different appliances on offer, but I've picked out some of my favorites: a portable blender, an immersion blender, a hand mixer, a slow cooker, and, a truly stunning stand mixer to deep dive into. If you want to know what to shop from the collection, here's my expert selection.

A quick introduction

I'll go into more details on the bigger, more substantial appliances. However, if you like the look of the style and just want a little bit of blue and white in your kitchen, here are my favorites from the collection.

More about the portable smoothie maker

We've tested some of the best personal blenders on the market and, whilst there are certainly some stunning designs on offer, I don't think any look as beautiful as this. All the blue and white decoration is hand-applied with incredible attention to detail, making this feel like so much more than a functional appliance.

The VQ Laura Ashley blender is completely cordless and super compact. It even comes with a 15 oz juice cup on top of the device, so you can use this with a drinking cap as your bottle. It's perfect for taking in your handbag or gym bag wherever you go.

The blender also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that charges fully in 3.5-4 hours via a USB cable, which is included in the package. The 25,000-rpm engine powers six stainless steel cutter blades, which is plenty of power for crushing ice and handling tougher textures, such as frozen berries and leafy greens.

More about the immersion blender

I love immersion blenders. They're a great way to make the most of small spaces, especially if you live in an urban area and you need an appliance to function as a blender and food processor combination.

The VQ & Laura Ashley immersion blender is sleek (and beautiful, of course), with a 500-watt motor, and plenty of blending accessories. You'll get a pitcher for smoothies, a whisk for batters, as well as food chopper attachments. There's also a 10 oz whisking cup and pouring container if you're using your blender to make sauces. Whilst that might sound like a lot of accessories with the potential to get lost, this comes with a draw-string bag that has separate compartments, so you can keep everything in one place.

More about the hand mixer

Competition for being the best hand mixer on the market is tough. Braun, KitchenAid, and Smeg all make some stylish options, but the VQ & Laura Ashley one might have just clinched the spot for the most stylish model.

With a powerful, 300-watt motor and five speed settings, this boasts form and function. It has a special, comfortable grip, and comes with stainless-steel beaters and dough hooks that cover all your baking tasks.

More about the stand mixer

Stand mixers are some of the most beautiful, covetable kitchen appliances on the market and this is the most elegant one I've seen (and probably will ever see). The stainless steel bowl comes with a beater, whisk, and dough hook, so it'll be a useful assistant for any keen baker.

The capacity is perfect for family bakes. Plus, there are 10 speeds powered by an 1800-watt motor. It's set to be a favorite from this collection.

More about the slow cooker

Slow cookers are rarely beautiful, so I cannot overstate how pleased I am to see the VQ & Laura Ashley model in all its beauty.

The stainless steel bowl has a 3.5-liter capacity, which is brilliant for stews, soups, and casseroles. You can toggle between three heat settings and a keep warm function. Even better, the tempered glass lid helps keep all the moisture in your dish, whilst letting you check up on your dishes.

When you're finished cooking, the inner bowl can go in the dishwasher, making it just as easy to clean as it is to use. Plus, if you register the slow cooker on the VQ website, you'll get a three-year guarantee.

Why have Laura Ashley & VQ collaborated?

The thought behind a lifestyle and appliance brand collaborating isn't novel, but it's not always executed as expertly as the VQ & Laura Ashley collection has done. Carolyn D’Angelo, president of Laura Ashley Global, says, 'kitchens today are more beautiful and thoughtfully curated than ever before. The new range of floral-print tea kettles and toasters makes an everyday essential into something charming; customers will be proud to have their appliances on display.'

The brands wanted to deliver on substance and style, which is exactly what these do. They're charmingly timeless and a wonderful range. Last year, the brand launched a similar collaboration, which was a sell-out, so they're expecting similar success with the China Rose line.

Where can I buy the Laura Ashley & VQ collection?

Aside from shopping on the brand's site, the new Laura Ashley & VQ collaboration will be available at Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond, HSN, QVC and Home Depot.

I imagine that stocks will sell out soon, since this is a stunning style that was well-received the last time that VQ & Laura Ashley collaborated. In fact, the range received an extra feather in its cap when it recently won the Brand and Licensing Award of the Year in the Best Brand Licensed Electrical &/or DIY Products or Range category. I'll be testing them out over the next few weeks, so watch out for reviews.

Smeg has launched some wonderful new products this season: espresso machines, portable induction hobs, and countertop ovens. I love them all, but my favorite is actually one of their more understated products: weighing scales.

The Smeg digital scales are a kitchen classic. The stylish design combines a vintage silhouette with precision technology. They're available in a range of classic colors with premium stainless steel finishes. They're sensitive, easy to use, and neatly designed, what's not to love?

If you want to make your kitchen look more luxurious, these are a must. I've got everything you need to know, including a 20% discount.

What do the Smeg digital scales look like and why might I want them?

Smeg knows exactly how to make practicalities pretty. Even though the brand hasn't ever made digital scales before, if you glanced at these, you would think they had been making them since the brand was founded.

The digital scales come with all the signature Smeg details: curved edges, chrome finishes, and classic colors. You can pick up a set in white, black, or emerald green, all in matte finishes.

If you're someone who likes a kitchen that's as delicious to look at as it is to eat from, you need these. They're close to a design piece as well as being really practical too.

What are the details of Smeg's digital scales?

You'll be pleased to know that these scales can boast both brains and beauty. They come with a removable stainless steel bowl with 11 pounds of capacity. I can't overstate the usefulness of this. You fill it with flour and then carry it across the kitchen to your bowl or stand mixer. You won't need to mess up containers or constantly zero the same set of scales.

This design isn't particularly innovative, in fact, my grandma's scales worked on the same principles (without the digital LCD screen, of course). I'm pleased that Smeg have brought back this design because they were wonderful to use twenty years ago and I've been searching for a good-quality replica of them since.

The scales are cordless, of course, but if you want to enjoy the LCD display, you'll need to plug a USB charging cable (included) into your set. You can use the scales whilst it's charging, so you'll never be caught short.

The digital interface can convert between four different units of measurement: g/ml lb.oz/fl.oz. This means that you can work with any recipe, again, without having to dirty other utensils in your kitchen. You'll also be able to make use of the tare function if you want to weigh more than one ingredient into the bowl at once.

Where can I buy the Smeg Digital Scales?

As these are a new launch, they're not available in all the typical third-party retailers yet. I imagine they will be in the next few months, but, for now, your best bet is either directly from Smeg or from Tattahome. Here are the details for each retailer:

• Smeg: available in all colorways, but you have to buy them in-store, so prices vary (they'll find a store near you online)
• Tattahome: all the colorways are available for $140.75, plus new customers can save an extra 20% with the code SPRING20. You'll need to wait four weeks for deliver though.

When you think of '60s interior design trends, chequered floors, color blocking, and retro appliances probably come to mind. And while these designs have for so long appeared outdated, they are making a strong comeback this year, but in an updated and on-trend way.

Now more than ever we are seeing many interior design trends hailing from past decades, all labeled as retro or vintage. From the aesthetics proving popular to the colors and furniture filling our homes, they all nod back to decades past, and the '60s style is creeping its way back into our homes.

Not *everything* from the 60s is back in style, and there is a clear modernized approach to the revived design elements. To help keep you on the right track, we've asked interior designers which outdated '60s interior design trends are making a comeback and how to introduce them to our homes.

Revived '60s interior design trends to try this year

Styling old trends to work with today's aesthetics isn't always an easy task. But these designer-approved spaces will ensure your '60s-inspired features will look stylish rather than outdated.

1. Chequered floors

There are few design features from the '60s as iconic as the chequered floors – from diners to home kitchens to hallways, this striking flooring style is back in a big way. Authentic spaces of the era would have featured bright hues, but their revival sees a more subtle approach to color.

'The chequered floor look is fabulous in any setting, working in Victorian homes it feels authentic and classic, using marble in black and white or pairing black and terracotta squares can be a humble look for utilities, sculleries and conservatories – it's very traditional but can work surprisingly well in all homes,' explains Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.

Alongside these more traditional pairings, muted versions of the bold colors of the '60s are set to prevail. 'The pale chequered look with off-whites and pastels such as pale blue can give a wonderful mid-century feel, light and joyful it’s a lovely fresh look,' she adds.

2. Graphic colors

Bold hues and color blocking prevailed in the 60s, and this design style is once again proving popular. From brightly colored rooms to geometric color-blocked designs, this revived trend is a steadfast way to add personality and character to any scheme.

'From bold strokes of self-expressive colors to modernist minimalism, many design elements from the 1960s continue to influence today’s home décor. A fearless color palette featuring lime greens, organic mustards, and groovy oranges, along with bold patterns and artwork, offers a personalized touch,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore.

'Drawing inspiration from the color-blocking fashion trend of the 1960s, this graphic treatment painted with Pan for Gold 181, Golden Gate 033, and Glade Green 489, offers a creative approach to infusing vibrant colors into the space. The decor takes a minimalistic approach to balance the eye-catching elements. The clean and simple lines of the bed and the side table mirror the graphic shapes found in the rectangular pattern, bringing cohesion and balance to the room,' she adds.

3. Wooden cabinetry

The '60s decade was part of the Mid-century era, and wooden cabinetry was all the rage. And as this style of kitchen makes a comeback, you'll be glad to hear it's returning in a more elevated style.

'Mid-century cupboards are definitely gaining popularity in the kitchen world – I think it’s the natural soft colors of wood and the nostalgic feel they radiate. People want their homes to feel calm and tranquil and the mid-century look offers this along with a less ostentatious feel and more of a recycled and authentic look,' says Helen.

'Wood has always been a popular choice for kitchens but not the orange pine of the eighties but more of an elegant and sleeker style and color that blends well in living and dining areas too, giving the kitchen and family rooms of the home a soft and comfortable air,' she adds.

4. Bold furniture pieces

Bold furniture choices might have fallen out of favor in recent years, replaced by classic designs made from natural materials, but this year we are seeing a renewed appreciation for these statement pieces.

In this dining room by Erin Myers Design, a nod to the '60s style has been introduced through various elements, but most noticeably the bold yellow dining table. 'The use of bright colors harkens back to the decade where bright colors and pastels were mixed to great effect,' explains Erin.

This revived '60s interior design trend comes as no surprise, as homeowners look to decor and furniture items that infuse their spaces with unique appeal. Pairing this yellow table with a warm hue on the walls and chairs with rattan detailing (another '60s reference), the space has the perfect balance of nostalgia and modernity.

5. Colourful kitchens

Wooden cabinetry isn't the only kitchen design of the '60s making a comeback. The decade is renowned for its bright, bold colors – colorful kitchens were at the center of it all, and they're having a revival.

'Multi-colored cupboards in brighter mixes and combinations is something we’ve seen a lot more of recently. The '60s block bold look is fresh and youthful and adds a fun element to your home. Mixed with mid-century classics and straight lines it’s a perfect antidote to the obvious parred-back look so many people opt for,' says Helen.

'Being bold with color can be scary, especially when mixing several, but when done well it’s a unique and unusual choice that can make for a very cheerful home,' she adds.

6. Lucite decor

Home decor and furniture of the '60s featured a lot of acrylics, one of the most popular being Lucite. Usually colorful and translucent, this material has gone from an outdated design feature to a much-loved element that adds a playful element to interiors.

'A '60s interior design trend I have happily welcomed back is Lucite, especially in a kitchen or bathroom as cabinet hardware or artwork framing. Lucite is a vintage style that also feels very modern, and I love how it allows light to pass through and can make a space feel bigger. It also always adds a cool vibe to any room,' explains interior designer Louise Hane.

With more people gravitating towards decorating with vintage pieces this year, it's no surprise people are finding a renewed sense of joy in this once-outdated trend.

7. Terrazzo designs

The popularity of Terrazzo flooring in Californian and Floridian homes took off in the '60s, both for its unique design and cooling properties. And while Terrazzo flooring isn't making a comeback this year, there is an emerging trend for introducing design elements in the style.

'We went for a modern take on 60s inspiration in this kitchen featuring slab front cabinets, mixing a solid white and wood grain, with a terrazzo-inspired quartz countertop, and brought in those retro bright pops of color with accessories,' explains Melanie King, designer at Isy's Interiors.

The new approach to Terrazzo proves the return of '60s interior design trends is all about embracing the style of the decade but making it work today. 'This trend is all about the functionality of straight lines combined with the whimsy of color and the throwback to classic materials,' Melanie adds.

8. Retro appliances

No '60s kitchen was complete without retro appliances – schemes with a brightly-colored, freestanding Smeg fridge was iconic of the decade, but 2024 is the year this design trend seems to be making a comeback following a prolonged period of integrated appliances.

'We love a retro fridge or cooker, they have such personality and good shapes that you don’t get in modern sleek appliances. Adding a chubby retro fridge can alone make a kitchen more appealing and fun,' says Helen.

The popularity of retro appliances has increased thanks to their accessibility – original examples can still be found, but companies are crafting retro-style appliances that offer an authentic nod to the original trend. 'This retro look has been around for two or more decades but it’s still loved and coveted whether it’s a true vintage piece or a new classic,' adds Helen.

As color and character dominate 2024, it's no surprise these are the '60s interior design trends people are falling back in love with. While some styles have returned as they were, others are being revived in a more nuanced way that feels more on-style in today's homes.

So, whether you reintroduce bold color-blocked schemes or take inspiration from the kitchen designs of the decade, there are plenty of ideas here for adding a nostalgic nod to the '60s!

Whether it's Smeg, Breville, Dash, or Zwilling, the process for how we test toasters at Homes & Gardens is all the same. We put them through their paces across gluten-free, fruit bread, bagels, and pop tarts to make sure that these can stand up to the needs of a range of kitchens.

Our team of expert testers takes curating our guide for the best toasters incredibly seriously. We want to find a toaster for every kind of kitchen, whether you want to get techy and creative, simple and stylish, or you just need sheer capacity, there will be one for you.

If you're interested in finding out more about how we test toasters, you're in the right place. Here's where we spill the tea (and toast) on our reviews process. 

How we test toasters at H&G

You'll probably have noticed that all of our reviews follow the same format. That's because every toaster undergoes exactly the same tests, with the same people, on the same foods. That way, we can compare each toaster knowing that there's no biases affecting our perceptions. 

How we choose which toasters to test

There are plenty of brilliant toasters on the market and they're only getting better. Before we get hands-on with any toasters, we do our research. Our team of experts is always looking at the latest toasters on the market, as well as consumer demands. That means that we've always got an offering for everyone. 

We stay in regular contact with big brands such as Breville and Smeg, so we know when there are new releases on the market. However, we also want to test the smaller start-ups that are disrupting the market, so we are all over everything that the toaster market has to offer.

Why we talk about unboxing and first impressions

Whilst we don't like to make snap judgments based on appearances, we also know what a staple a toaster is in the kitchen. These are likely to sit out on your countertops full-time, so we make sure to let you know about the dimensions, weight, and appearance of your toaster. If you can choose different finishes and sizes, you'll want to know so that you can match them to the interior design of your kitchen.

The unboxing process can be equally telling when it comes to testing toasters, which is why we always talk about it in our reviews. Brands that have thought about what it's like to set up your machine are likely to be those who have thoughtfully designed premium toasters. We'll let you know if the packaging is recyclable, reasonably sized, and whether any extra accessories, such as toastie tongs come included with your toaster. These aren't essentials, but it's always nice when a brand includes them.

Which types of toast we test and why

As much as our experts would love to eat toast all day, we don't have time to work through the hundreds of different types of bread, so we have selected six types to give us a comprehensive idea of how a toaster can handle the most popular, diverse foods out there. We look at simple white bread, gluten free bread, fruit bread, pop tarts, sourdough, bagels, and frozen bread. Here's why:

• White bread: this is the most common, popular bread out there. Chances are that you'll be using this in your toaster, so we want to know that it can toast evenly and thoroughly. The toast makes a great canvas for checking how evenly a toaster will brown your bread too.
• Frozen bread: we freeze the same white bread and then stick it in the toaster, using a frozen setting if possible. We want the toast to be evenly browned and warmed right through.
• Gluten-free bread: notoriously temperamental, this is an essential test, especially for those who enjoy gluten-free food. We make sure that this is toasted thoroughly and evenly with a nice, crisp bite.
• Bagel: some toasters have special bagel functions, since the steamed outside won't need much heat and the cut side will need more browning. Even if the machine isn't a specialist in bagels, we'll test it, looking for a doughy center, crisp cut side, and warmed outside.
• Fruit bread: as an enriched dough with dried fruit, fruit bread can be incredibly difficult to get warmed through and crisped up without burning.
• Sourdough: whether you make your own or buy it from a bakery, sourdough takes a long time to toast and it comes in long, wide, oddly-shaped slices. We'll check that a toaster can handle sourdough without toasting it to teeth-breaking territory

Aside from testing special functions and looking for specifics on each slice of toast, we have some general assessments that we make for each slice of toast in each toaster. 

We time how long it takes for toast to look golden brown. Ideally, it will be within one to two minutes, but some toasters can take up to five minutes. We'll also measure how evenly golden the toast is across both sides. The toast shouldn't be burnt in some places and pale in others. 

The way that we check temperatures is by cutting the toast in half, so we can look at a cross-section of how well the toast is warmed through. We spread butter over the toast, making sure it has enough structure to have spreads over it and enough heat to melt the butter into the crumb structure too.

We also make sure to test any special features, such as a touch-screen, viewing window, 'take a look' function, and pre-sets for specific toasts. We also measure the size of the slots, so you know the depth and width of your toaster. If you make your own bread of have a lot of mouths to feed, this is a really important feature.

Why we talk about cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Toasters aren't high-maintenance, but it's important that when you do need to clean them, it's an easy process. Almost all toasters have crumb trays, some are easier to take out than others. They might have gathered crumbs effectively, or some toast might have stuck to the sides of the toaster. If a toaster easily gets grease marks on it or crumbs everywhere, we'll let you know about that too.

As we've said, toasters demand some premium real estate in your kitchen, so you'll want to know their dimensions, how easy they are to move around, and what your storage options are. That means that you'll know what to expect when one arrives in your home.

How we place it compared to others

With so much to choose from, you'll want to know that you're buying the best toaster on the market for your toasting needs. There's no better people to tell you about that than us, because we've tested all that the market has to offer. 

We'll let you know how it compares to models at a similar price point, with a similar offering. Here, we'll also assess value for money, build-quality, warranties, and other external factors that you'll want to know about before investing in a toaster.

Armed with all of this information, you can rest assured that you're buying the very best toaster for your kitchen.

Beauty is easy. Function is easy. But a design that brings together both? Now, that can be a rare achievement; but it is a rare achievement that Uma Thurman nails in her simple but effective space.

The actress's kitchen ideas feature a simple white color scheme with subway tiles, a stainless steel cooktop, and wooden shelving. Above the stove, large hooks serve as easy storage for Thurman's collection of copper pots. The vintage-inspired pots allow for both drop-of-a-hat cooking and provide chic decoration in the space.

Pro-designers love Thurman's practical and stylish kitchen storage idea. 'In interior design, certain combinations effortlessly capture timeless elegance and contemporary charm. The pairing of copper pots as decor with a backdrop of white subway tiles for the backsplash is a striking example of this harmonious fusion,' says Nina Lichtenstein, Westchester-based interior designer.

She continues, 'Copper, having been prominently displayed in our grandparents' kitchens, has remained a standout go-to choice for injecting personality while beautifully blending feelings of antiquity and modernity.'

Crucially, this style works because it's an example of transitional design, meaning that it brings together two periods of interior design. Lichtenstein states: 'This pairing blends classic and modern elements, resulting in a timeless aesthetic that transcends trends. The simplicity of white subway tiles serves as an ideal backdrop, allowing the warm tones of copper to shine and infuse the kitchen with character.'

Because of the mixing of periods, the look will never go out of style. She continues, 'This combination embodies both sophistication and understated luxury, which resonates with the growing interest in creating inviting and functional kitchen spaces. As more individuals embrace the concept of blending classic elements with contemporary design, we anticipate seeing an increase in the use of copper pots and white subway tiles across kitchen renovations and interior projects'

Furthermore, Thurman's hanging pot storage ideas against her kitchen backsplash are a masterclass in blending textures to draw the eye. Lichtenstein tells Homes & Gardens: 'The reflective surfaces of copper pots against the matte finish of subway tiles create an intriguing play of textures and depths. This contrast adds visual interest to the kitchen, making it a focal point that is both inviting and aesthetically pleasing.'

Shop the look

Inject your home with the Uma Thurman touch by pairing copper pots with white kitchen accessories.

Decorating is never easy but, with an eye towards the combination of beauty and function, it can be simple. Uma Thurman's kitchen is the perfect example.

As the GOAT of professional tennis, Serena Williams knows a thing or two about remaining trendy yet timeless, and this rings true for her interiors. From her crisp white exterior paint covering her Miami home to her sophisticated, matte black outdoor kitchen, it's clear that the athlete and entrepreneur favors simple, bespoke design.

Naturally, her kitchen follows suit with a forever staple: white cabinets. In a recent cooking video posted to her Instagram page, Williams revealed how her clean and light cabinets contrast the metallic details, making for a modern and refined culinary space.

While colorful painted cabinet trends ebb and flow, white kitchen cabinets remain a safe but versatile choice, and it does not look like it's going out of style anytime soon, as design experts explain.

'White is a classic look, and it’s hard to beat the classics,' says renovation expert Deborah Lamberton. 'When it comes to something that people have to see and use daily, they tend to want it to be something that is simple but also visually pleasing, and white kitchen cabinets usually hit the mark for those points with most people.'

While white cabinets can fit into practically any design style, from quiet luxury to the ever-popular organic modern aesthetic, Lamberton says there is one trend in particular that reigns supreme.

'Shaker cabinets are extremely popular these days and getting them in white is one of the most common choices that people make when renovating a kitchen space,' she says. 'Shaker is popular for the same reason that white is popular – it’s simple and easy. It’s classic and yet modern all at the same time, and better than that, they are easier to clean too.'

In order to keep white cabinets looking squeaky clean, Lamberton recommends a method as classic as the cabinets themselves: soap and water.

'If it takes more than that, you can try scouring pads or a pomace stone depending on the paint finish and what the grime is from,' she explains. 'Worst case scenario, you have to repaint the cabinets, and one of the benefits of already having white paint is that it forms the base coat for any color change choice thereafter.'

Shop H&G's white kitchen edit

Cabinets aside, we can enjoy the white kitchen aesthetic with these handpicked pieces below. Like cabinets, they're not set to fall out of fashion anytime soon, so we're almost certain they're worth the investment. Happy shopping, the Williams-inspired way.

The Smeg ECF02 is the brand's latest, upgraded espresso machine. It comes with a new control panel, an easy-to-use steam wand, and an extra-retro design. On paper, the upgrades look good, but I was keen to see them in action.

As a former barista and H&G's coffee expert, I've tested over 60 coffee makers as well as some of the best espresso machines in the world. I used the ECF02 to make espressos, Americanos, and cappuccinos. I would love this as much as the rest of their coffee makers. Spoiler alert: I did. 

It certainly scores top marks for style, simplicity, and the coffee basics. There's a lot to love, but also some quirks that you'll need to learn about before you get brewing. I'll give you all the details further below.

Specifications

Unboxing

I’m really impressed with Smeg. Their products are some of the nicest to unbox in so many ways. They come in a premium-feeling, completely recyclable cardboard box. The machine is cushioned by egg-carton-style cardboard and then wrapped in some delicate cloth. I would keep the cloth because it doubles up as a dust bag or cleaning wipe. Then, you can recycle the rest.

Whilst Smeg provides some cleaning tools, a premium-feeling portafilter, portafilter baskets, and a branded tamp, they skipped the all-important milk pitcher. These are inexpensive and you can buy a stainless steel milk jug from Walmart, for example.  However, it’s slightly frustrating when you want to start milk frothing and you can’t because you’re missing a key component of your coffee set-up. 

On the countertop, this looked nothing short of beautiful. I tested the cream model and quickly became obsessed with it. I don’t have the space or the need for one of these in my kitchen (I already have an espresso machine) and yet I found myself desperately trying to think of reasons why I might need another one. 

Who would it suit?

Smeg’s latest, slightly boxy update on their espresso machine makes this even more beautiful than the last model if that’s possible. I think the navigation buttons and functions are much more straightforward too. They're essentially the same, just in a much more convenient position, making this perfect for those who are new to the world of espresso machines. It’s also compatible with ESE pods, so if there’s a specific K-cup that you really enjoy, you can still brew it, barista-style, in here.

As always, this is more expensive than comparable espresso machines. It also doesn’t come with an integrated grinder, so you’ll need to make room on your countertop and in your budget for some extra investments. If you’re looking to make a style statement with your espresso machine though, this is worth every dollar.

What is it like to use?

The beauty of a machine this simple is how easy it is to use. The top has three buttons: single shot, double shot, and steam wand. It might sound limiting, but this is all you need to make a cafe’s menu of coffees.

Once I had filled up the reservoir (which has a useful handle) and run the machine through a rinse cycle, I was ready to get testing. 

Test 1: espresso

The first, most important test we put any coffee maker through is on espressos. These are the base of all specialty coffees, so it’s important that your machine can extract them at the perfect temperature.

I used Smeg’s coffee scoop to add 0.56 oz of coffee to my portafilter. I like to use 0.6 oz, so added a little extra and used their premium tamp to push down on my grounds. There’s a slight discordance between the portafilter’s plastic handle and the weighty tamp. It makes the portafilter feel a little cheap at first. However, when I locked this into the machine, I could see why it was so light. The whole of the espresso machine has been designed to feel lightweight. This means that a heavy portafilter just wouldn’t fit right. For example, when I locked my portafilter into place, I had to keep a hand on top of the machine to steady it, otherwise it would lift off the countertop. 

Once in place, I extracted a single shot of espresso. Even from the first shot, this was speedy. I got a full 1.5 oz in 24 seconds. It had a nice, thick crema and delivered on full, delicious caramel notes. 

I also wanted to see how the double shot of coffee would compare. This brewed in 28 seconds and was 2 oz, so a little smaller than I would have expected, but it’s still definitely a double shot. The flavors were still faultless and absolutely delicious: no complaints here.

Test 2: Americano

Making an Americano is easy. You can remove one layer of the drip tray to fit taller cups under the brew head, so make sure you don't miss out on this feature, holding your travel mugs at an angle.

Word of warning: the hot water pressure is high. I was pleased not to already have my espresso in the cup, because I have a feeling there would have been quite a few coffee splashes on me and my countertop. Obviously, as the glass fills up, there’s less splashing, but you’ll still need to be careful. 

The water wasn’t boiling, which is exactly what you want for coffee. Once I had my hot water and espresso together, it was 195 degrees, perfect for drinking straight away. The flavors were rich and bold, although not very strong. 

Test 3: cappuccino

The cappuccino test is really all about milk textures. I used both dairy and oat milk to make cappuccinos in the Smeg and both worked equally well. It was frustrating not having a Smeg steam jug (luckily I have one already), but this was a little oversized for the slightly stubby wand, meaning I had to work with my angles and quantities quite carefully — not something that a beginner would enjoy. 

As a result of the angles and faffing, my cappuccinos were good, but not as good as I would have liked them to be. I had to work the milk a lot harder after steaming it (banging my jug on the side) to get air bubbles out. The flavors were good though. The espresso really got to shine in the balance of sweeter oat and dairy milks. It was delicious. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

As this is such a small machine, it requires very little cleaning. The drip tray sides out, releasing some neat storage underneath too. This is easy to rinse, dry and re-fit. As long as you’re running regular rinse cycles and cleaning the steam wand after every use, you won’t need to do much maintenance on the Smeg. My word of warning would be that this won’t tell you if you need to clear the brew head or unclog the steam wand, you just need to know these things. 

How does it rate online?

As you might expect, people love the Smeg’s aesthetics. Without fail, everyone commented on this as a beautiful espresso machine. People were generally happy with the curvy, colorful upgrades that the ECF02 has on its predecessor, praising the straightforward controls, beginner-friendly features, and coffee flavors.

As with the ECF01, lots of reviewers found that the steam wand was shorter than the average espresso machine. This makes the milk texturing process trickier than on some alternate machines, but it's nonetheless good. The machine is also very sensitive to coffee and grind size, so it took lots of people a little longer to get used to making expert coffee the first time around, but everyone got there in the end.

How does it compare?

If you’re choosing between the older Smeg model and this one, I really think it’s a matter of aesthetics. They both can do essentially the same things, except one is all curves and chrome and the other is a little more boxy. The benefits of the boxy design mean that you can warm cups on top. Plus, there’s more space and storage options. Both require you to invest in a coffee grinder though. 

If you like the small, svelte design of the Smeg but not the price tag, it’s worth looking at the KitchenAid. This is one of my favorite espresso machines, because it’s easy to use, available in a range of colors, and still makes good coffee. It’s not quite as attractive as the Smeg, but it’s more than half the price and possibly feels more durable. I didn’t have to use a hand to brace it when locking my portafilter into place, for example.

Should you buy it?

If you have the budget to invest in a more expensive espresso machine, the Smeg is worth every penny. It's well-designed, feels premium, and makes delicious coffee. The simple controls are better for beginners. This is great if you're new to coffee and want to make a style-statement. If you're an aspiring barista, you might be left a little wanting though.

How we test

We take all of our espresso machines to our test kitchen, so we can replicate domestic use of every machine. It's also the perfect place to test the limits of each machine, so we make sure that we do. If a machine boasts a specific feature, we'll test it. We'll also look at day-to-day espressos and Americanos too. Most importantly, we always let you know how the coffee tastes.

We make notes on the whole process, from unboxing to cleaning, storage, and maintenance, so that you know everything you need to before making a purchase. If you'd like to know more, we have a page dedicated to how we test coffee makers.

I’ve lost count of the number of times people have requested an AeroPress review. The brand is so iconic, that they’ve become the namesake of their own brewing method. 

The patented AeroPress technology is a melting pot of French press, single-serve, drip, and moka pot brewing techniques, taking the best parts of all of them. You use high pressures, a fine filter, and a plunger to immerse grounds in coffee. It makes an espresso-style shot to rival some of the best espresso machines and some decent cold brew too.

As a former barista and H&G’s coffee expert, it was inevitable that the AeroPress would land in my kitchen. I used it to brew coffee and as expected, it’s exceptional. I think you'd be hard-pressed (sorry) to find someone who doesn’t like it. 

Specifications

Unboxing

This is not the only reason that I love the AeroPress, but the minimalist packaging certainly makes a good first impression. The hexagonal box is completely recyclable which is great for the environment, but I'd be tempted to hold onto it. Useful insights into how the AeroPress works and brewing tips are printed all over it. It's one of the few times that I've felt that a brand is using the packaging to its full potential.

Once I had taken the AeroPress out of its (very informative) box, I put it on the countertop. It's everything the pictures suggest. The scientific-looking, small coffee maker isn't quite like anything else. I've seen AeroPress's compact design get a lot of love from people who travel a lot and who are short on space at home. As someone who does both of these, I can see its appeal. 

This is made from Tritan, a BPA-free plastic. Whilst these kinds of coffee makers often have noses turned up at them, the AeroPress feels surprisingly durable. It's thick without being heavy, thoughtfully designed, and a real talking point. I have no complaints. 

Who would it suit?

The AeroPress has established itself as the coffee maker of professional, working coffee geeks. I don’t know how they feel about this reputation, but I think this is well-founded. Whether you'll be brewing from the hotel, office, Air BnB, ski lodge, or tent, you'll want the AeroPress with you. 

The dimensions of the AeroPress mean that it’s easy to take in your bag. I'd compare it to a small travel mug or water bottle in terms of how much space it demands. Uber-small designer bags might not quite fit it, but the average handbag, backpack, or briefcase certainly could. 

The AeroPress can make some delicious coffee. You can use room-temperature water if you want a cold brew, but you'll need access to some sort of hot water source if you want hot coffee. So, if you plan on going completely off the grid, make sure to have a solar kettle with you.

What is it like to use?

Given that AeroPresses are one of a kind, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with their unique brewing methods. I’m a visual learner, so watched this video from the coffee expert James Hoffman, but there are instruction leaflets and plenty of guides online. The process isn’t complicated, so once you’ve done it once, you’re set.

The instructions don't tell you to rinse the AeroPress, but I gave mine a quick clean to remove any factory dust. AeroPress sends your coffee maker with a paper filter, but if you want to use a stainless steel filter, you'll need to invest in one of these separately.

The AeroPress instructions give you four different brewing options: American, espresso-style, latte, and cold brew. I wanted to give each of these a fair chance and thorough test, so I thought I'd start with the key to any delicious coffee: espresso.

Test 1: espresso

The espresso test is the first one I put all of our coffee makers through. If it can make an intense and flavorful shot in next to no time with minimal mess, you know you've got a good thing going. I think you'll be pleased with how the AeroPress performed. 

I followed the instructions by the book. This meant removing the plunger, placing the stainless steel filter in the bottom basket, and screwing it on. Getting the base in place and tightly secured took some elbow grease to start off with (not to mention when I had to undo it for cleanup). However, this got easier over time and when I had finished making all my coffees, I found it pretty easy.

Once the base was in, I put one scoop (0.5 oz) of freshly ground coffee into the bottom of my AeroPress. If you want a double shot of coffee, you add two scoops (1 oz), but I thought I would start things off simply. 

The markers on the side of the chamber are clearly marked with the numbers one to four. I filled my chamber up to number one with water heated to 185 degrees. You fill up to the second marker for a double shot.

Some water dripped out the bottom of my AeroPress at this stage. Luckily, I already had mine sat on a cup (as instructed), but if you didn't, this might be a nasty shock. AeroPress gave me a tip for stopping this dripping. If you gently insert the plunger at an angle then you can lift the plunger up and create a vacuum-like seal that stops the dripping. 

Next, I stirred (coffee geeks would say 'agitated') my grounds with the AeroPress stirrer for about ten seconds. I let my coffee sit for a minute before putting the plunger on and pressing down.

AeroPress' instructions say that some resistance is normal. I expected it to be tough to plunge, but the resistance wasn't nearly as strong as I thought it would be. I pushed gently (as instructed) and then, when I had pushed all the water through my grounds. I lifted the AeroPress up, screwed the bottom off, and kept pushing until my disc of saturated grounds popped out. The whole process was neat and completed in under two minutes. 

I don't know quite what I was expecting from the AeroPress, but my coffee shot was remarkably delicious. It had the syrupy texture of a proper espresso and the rich intensity of one too. Having made it by hand, I felt suitably satisfied. 

Test 2: Americano

Making an Americano follows much of the same process as making an espresso, except that I had to fill the cylinder up to the number four on the side. I plunged again and my cup filled up with dark, rich-looking coffee. 

I tested how the AeroPress sits on a range of coffee cups, since this is pretty key for a clean brewing process. I used a small shallow one, a big wide one, a tall slim one, and it sat sturdily on top of them all. You'd have to have wider-mouthed cups than me (which is pretty impressive if you do) for your AeroPress not to sit on top. It also won't sit on small, espresso shot glasses properly; the wide brewing head will end up pouring coffee onto the countertop.

I extracted an impressive 6 oz of coffee from my AeroPress. That's a decent-sized serving. It might be a little small for some, but it leaves room for you to add milk and syrups to your coffee afterward.

When it came to the all-important taste test, I was really impressed. This came with the notes of a specialty brew: there was some nuttiness, a little sweetness, and some really gorgeous bitter chocolate. I could see a light crema on top of my cup, which even the best drip coffee makers struggle to achieve. Again, the whole process, including brewing was wrapped up in about two minutes. My coffee tasted good enough for me to drink it even quicker, but I sipped and enjoyed it. A lot.

Test 3: cold brew

Now, I'm a bit of a cold brew connoisseur (even if I do say so myself), so the idea that the AeroPress could make a smooth cup of cold brew in just two minutes rang some alarm bells for me. The process should take at least 18 hours, if not 24. However, I've been surprised by a speedy cold brew both on De'Longhi's La Specialista Maestro espresso machine and Eletta Explore bean-to-cup machine, so I tried to withhold judgment.

The process is incredibly similar to making an Americano, except that you use filtered water at room temperature. A scoop of coffee goes in, you fill up to number four with water, give the grounds a stir, wait for a minute (or three) and then plunge and press your coffee. I even used medium-fine coffee grounds (cold brew would normally be coarse). 

AeroPress recommends brewing over ice, so, under instruction, that's exactly what I did. Whilst this wasn't quite the cold brew that I lovingly set-up to infuse overnight, I have to say, it was pretty good. The flavors were notably smoother and sweeter than a hot coffee and I really enjoyed drinking it. I have been served drinks less worthy of the cold brew stamp by qualified baristas, so the AeroPress did a pretty good job. I would say that the flavors don't have quite the same 'depth' to them and that my drink was more watery, but I'm being picky. This was good.

Test 4: latte

I never expected to be able to make a latte with the AeroPress, so I had almost written it off from my testing schedule. Then, on the instruction leaflet, I saw that AeroPress deemed it possible. A closer look at the instructions uncovered that you essentially make an Americano and then add steamed milk at the final step. If you want a latte, you'll need to invest in one of the best milk frothers. 

I gave this a go since I have an espresso machine with a good steam wand in my kitchen. Whilst I did really enjoy my drink — it tasted like my latte had been made in a proper coffee shop — I did have to enlist help from a milk steamer (I used the Smeg milk frother, which you can buy from QVC). 

Top tips

This isn't an official section of our buying guide, but there was something about the unconventional AeroPress that made me want to experiment. I dedicated some time to playing around with the AeroPress, seeing what else it could do and I have come away with a few top tips.

Firstly, I wasn't a big fan of the instant dripping when I poured my hot water over the grounds. I like to bloom my coffee before I drink it (this gets the CO2 out and results in a smoother brew), but when the coffee starts draining, it's hard to get a really good bloom. I found that if you switch up the way that you use the AeroPress, you can bloom and exert a lot more control over the way that you brew. Here's what I did.

I put my plunger in the chamber (without the base or filter in place) and used the plunger to stand the AeroPress on the countertop. Then, I added my coffee grounds, effectively working the AeroPress like before, but the opposite way up. I added a small amount of hot water to my grounds and gave them a stir and thirty seconds to properly bloom. Next, I added the rest of my hot water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then screwed on the base. 

I placed my cup on the top of the AeroPress and, with one hand holding the cup in place and the other holding the AeroPress, I flipped the whole thing around so that the cup sat on the countertop again. Then, I plunged my coffee and it was ready to drink. This will either sound hellish or heavenly to you, depending on both your coordination and how much you care about blooming your coffee. Either way, I'd recommend giving it a go, even if you only do it once.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Although the AeroPress is dishwasher safe, I would recommend that you hand wash yours. There are plenty of places for coffee grounds to get stuck and if you don’t clean these out properly, you’ll end up with a slightly stale or sour taste to your coffee (coming from the oversaturated grounds). 

It's really easy to hand wash the AeroPress too. Take the base off, filter it out, and then use warm soapy water and a gentle detergent. It's that simple. Once you’ve washed and dried it up, storing your AeroPress is easy. It would fit in a drawer or cupboard, so is really convenient for small spaces. I probably wouldn’t build a whole coffee station around one, since it’s not exactly designed with centerpiece aesthetics. 

How does it compare?

Before the AeroPress, the Wacaco Picopresso held the top spot in our buying guide for best portable espresso maker. 

The Wacaco is equally portable and neatly designed. If anything, it feels like a slightly more premium model, owing to the sleek, satin finish. 

Both need you to be relatively involved in the process. You generate pressure in the Picopresso with your hand and you have to push the AeroPress yourself. The benefit of the Picopresso is that you won't get any initial dripping. It's a sealed system. However, the Picopresso will only make espresso. In theory, you could make Americano and cold brew coffees too, but you'd need to add more water to your coffee outside of the Picopresso system.

The AeroPress is well-suited to beginners because the scoop and numbers on the side help you to measure, if not a little loosely. I really liked this casual, accessible approach. What I liked about the AeroPress even more is the price tag. You could buy two and a bit AeroPresses before you could break even with a Picopresso. If you're money-conscious, it's a no-brainer.

Should you buy it?

If you need tasty coffee on the go, you won’t do better than this. The AeroPress well and truly lives up to its reputation. It makes a delicious espresso, unbeatable Americano, and decent cold brew. Once you've learned how AeroPresses work, you won't want to go back. For $50, you won't find a better coffee maker.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

We start with our research. As H&G’s coffee expert, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest coffee makers on the market. Once I’ve found one that I think you, our readers, will like, I call it into our test kitchen. 

Once I have the coffee maker in my hands, I’ll get testing. The first thing I make with any espresso machine is an espresso. This is a way of testing how good a coffee maker is at the basics. A good espresso should be between 1.25-2 oz. It should be 190-205 degrees and full of flavor. A big giveaway is the crema on top: that should be thick with a hazelnut hue. 

The AeroPress couldn’t do any more than make an espresso, so I made a load of these to ensure that it was consistent. Then I made notes on the clean-up process as well as how I would recommend storing the AeroPress.

I triple-checked that I had notes for everything: the clean-up, the aesthetics, and what this is like to use, before taking a look at all of our other coffee makers to see how this compares. I also looked at online reviews to see what other experts thought, so that I could bring you a holistic sense of what this is like to use. 

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page. 

The 'slab backsplash' has revealed itself among 2024's most significant kitchen trends, and despite it being a new phenomenon, it already comes with celebrity approval.

Jennifer Aniston is the latest figure (alongside NBA's Stephen and Ayesha Curry) who we've seen experiment with the slab backsplash in her Los Angeles kitchen. However, in a surprise to no one, Jennifer Aniston's monolithic kitchen backsplash existed long before it was a certified kitchen trend.

The term 'slab backsplash' refers to a single, continuous piece of material that covers the entirety of a kitchen wall. In Aniston's case, she has opted for a large black slab that juxtaposes her natural wooden cabinets – but there's more to this feature than its aesthetics.

'A slab backsplash is a real showstopper in a kitchen. With a classic countertop, the stone's design is really only seen from above. By showcasing it on the wall, centered in a chimney, or running up to the underside of wall cabinets, you allow the beautiful design to shine,' comments Jack Winfield, a sales designer at Tom Howley.

'Aside from aesthetic beauty, one of the advantages of a slab backsplash is practicality. A single piece of material with minimal joints is much easier to clean than a traditional tiled backsplash. If maintained well, there should be minimal upkeep compared to alternatives. Grout can easily become dirty and start to look tired very quickly.'

Like every kitchen, Aniston's space is prone to bumps and spillages that come with everyday life. However, a slab backsplash keeps this disruption to a minimum.

'In a busy household, functionality is key, and a slab with a beautiful design may help mask some of the everyday spillages,' Winfield says. 'Another popular option is mirrored backsplash – but be prepared for this to show up most splashes and spills.'

Winfield is not exclusive in his observation of this design trend. Jonathan Stanley, VP of marketing at Caesarstone, similarly encourages us to follow Aniston's lead and opt for a slab backsplash – but adds we can take this one step further by matching it to our countertops.

'Consider opting for a slab backsplash to match your countertops, creating a seamless flow that pleases the eye but is also incredibly practical. This is a rising trend we've noticed lately,' he says.

'A slab backsplash creates the stunning visual of a single surface that continues from your countertop up onto the wall. Heat and stain-resistant, a quartz or porcelain backsplash makes clean-up easy after your hob-cooked family dinner has splashed behind the hob.'

Shop Jennifer Aniston's kitchen

Backsplash aside, we can tap into Aniston's kitchen with these buys we spotted atop her countertops.

Knowing how to make a latte at home can make you a lot of friends and make you the host of many coffee mornings. Also known as, caffè lattes, these simple drinks are universally beloved for enhancing fresh espresso flavors with sweet, silky, frothy milk.

There are a range of ways you can prep yours: iced, hot, made in an expert's espresso machine, or with one of the best Nespresso machines on the market. Whichever takes your fancy, it helps to understand the basics, so you can brew the perfect one. 

You might wonder what the difference between a latte, cappuccino, and a flat white even is. I used to get asked this all of the time when I was a barista. The short answer is, that a latte is weaker than a cappuccino, bigger than a flat white, with about one centimeter of foam sitting on top.

You'll need to know a few things before making a latte. Most importantly, you'll want to have mastered how to make an espresso and how to steam milk. Once you've nailed these basic skills, you'll be ready to tackle making lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. Next stop: latte art.

How to make a latte with an espresso machine

We've gone deep into the details of how to make an espresso and how to steam milk, so I won't repeat them here. Instead, the experts and I will talk you through what specifically makes a latte a latte and how to achieve that with an espresso machine.

Lattes are milk-forward coffee drinks. You'll have seen them in cans and cartons as well as on the menu at your local coffee shop. Steve Spring, coffee expert, says 'the typical ratio for a latte is about 1/3 espresso to 2/3 heated milk, with a small layer –about 1cm – of milk foam. It's typically favored by those who enjoy the rich flavor of coffee, but prefer it tempered with the smoothness and sweetness of milk'.  

When making your latte, the espresso must be of the highest quality. You'll get the best flavors from a dark roast ground finely. If you can grind your own coffee, that's the best way to drink it. However, the most important part is your espresso machine. Whether it's an automatic or a manual espresso maker, you don't want to skimp. You need these high-quality machines to extract as much of your coffee's essential oils as possible. If you don't already own an espresso machine, I've included some personal recommendations below. 

When you pull a shot with one of these, you want to see a puffy crema with a hazelnut hue. This indicates that you've got all the delicious oils out of your coffee beans. It's equally important that your milk is heated to between 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit and textured to create microfoam so that it's silky (the texture of wet paint). Steve Spring, a coffee expert, says 'the milk should be steaming and frothy, but not scalding. Steaming to this standard requires some practice. Aerating the milk too much can make the foam too thick and dry, more suitable for a cappuccino than a latte'.

Whether you're using a steam wand or handheld tools, the best milks to use are whole milk, or barista-specific non-dairy options (I recommend oat). We've covered how to steam milk in detail across a range of appliances.

How to make a latte with a Nespresso machine or Keurig

It's easy to make a latte with a Nespresso, Keurig, or, in fact, any of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. You'll need to use an espresso pod (or the equivalent espresso setting) to brew 1-2 oz of really intense, strong coffee. Next, you'll need to use whichever milk frothing attachment you have. Some single-serve machines have automatic steam wands, while others sell their milk frother separately (such as Nespresso's Aeroccino, available at Walmart). 

Either select the latte setting or the icon that demonstrates a single layer of frothy milk. The double layer is for cappuccinos. Brew your espresso shot, then steam your milk, and pour that on top of your espresso straight away. Jecca Chantilly (also known as Jessica Chan), a former barista, says that 'to ensure you get the foam at the top of your latte, pour the milk into the cup rapidly, then move the pitcher on a circular motion. Once most of the milk has been poured, slowly shake the pitcher to create some latte art and put the reserved foam on top.'

The reason Jessica suggests steaming your milk and then pouring it without pausing is that the milk and foam separate quickly. If you let it sit on the side and then pour, you'll get your foam in one, big lump, rather than integrated into the rest of your coffee. 

Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

As you might expect, baristas have lots of tips and tricks for perfecting how you make your lattes. Kayla Stavridis, former Starbucks barista, says that the most important place to start is with good equipment. She believes that 'a quality espresso machine and grinder can make a significant difference to the taste and quality of your latte'. A good grinder will give you fine, consistently ground coffee, helping you to extract the maximum amount of flavor from your coffee beans. Then, a good machine will be able to reach the perfect brewing temperatures and create concise pressure for perfect espressos and milk steaming.

Kayla also said that it's important to practice and experiment with your lattes. She recommends trying out syrups, spices, and alternative milks. She also says to 'practice pouring from a low height first as well as sticking to the 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk'. This will ensure you get the perfect latte flavor balance and texture.

As always, it's important not to heat your milk beyond 155°F, because it will taste burnt and will not complement the flavors of your espresso at all. If you're struggling to find the espresso flavors your local barista normally achieves, it's worth looking at your beans. If you buy cheap coffee beans, you won't be able to enjoy full, gourmet flavors either.

FAQs

Can I make a latte with regular coffee?

You can make a latte with regular coffee but will need to make some adjustments to your brewing style. Whether you drink French press or pour-over, you'll need to brew an incredibly intense version of your normal coffee. Use a 1 to 15 coffee-to-water ratio, or simply adjust your normal measurements, so that your coffee is intense. 

Then, follow our guidance on how to steam milk (using a steam wand or milk frother) and make your latte following the 1:1:1 ratio for espresso, milk, and steamed milk.

What is the ratio of coffee to milk in a latte?

There's no hard and fast rule for what makes the perfect latte, but most baristas follow a general 2:1 coffee to steamed milk rule. The way that latte milk is made should result in the overall ratio of your latte looking 1:1:1 for espresso, hot milk, and foam. When your drink settles, there should be about one finger's width of foamed milk on top of the latte. 

What's the difference between a latte and a caffè latte?

There's not any difference of note. A caffè latte typically has more steamed milk than a latte, but the variance between how different baristas make different drinks means that you'll get a very similar coffee. If there's both a caffè latte and a latte on a menu, expect the caffè latte to be weaker and more milky. However, if you can just see one of the names, it's because the barista treats them as the same drink.

Redesigning a kitchen is one of the most important projects you will undertake in your home, yet creating the desired look while making it practical is a delicate balance. People can spend years fantasizing about a new kitchen, imagining what it will look like and how it will be laid out, but your chosen kitchen cabinet ideas will often make the biggest impact on the overall finish.

Unpainted kitchen cabinets have fallen out of favor in recent years, yet they can bring warmth and character to a space that may otherwise feel cold and clinical. However, the kitchen cabinet trend is having a much-anticipated renaissance thanks to American actress Jennifer Aniston and a host of other celebrated interior designers and stars. 

Wood kitchen ideas, similar to Jennifer Aniston's, are nothing new – they have been commonplace in many kitchens up and down the country for years because of their timeless appeal, not to mention the fact oak is a durable material that gets better with age. But if you think that oak cabinet kitchen ideas will feel too traditional in a contemporary home, think again. The natural beauty and warmth of wood, combined with its strength and resilience, make it ideal for all kinds of cabinetry.

In her mid-century modern kitchen, Jennifer Aniston has opted for a sleek, handleless design that embraces the invisible kitchen trend. Handle-free cabinets are an integral part of this modern aesthetic. Recessed or push-touch opening mechanisms allow cabinets to blend into the background – to give your kitchen a minimal, unfussy look. 

‘Handleless kitchen design provides a unique opportunity to create simple furniture language without the competing complexities of additional materiality that handles present,’ says Alex Beaugeard, creative director at Lanserring. Lean towards unpainted wood finishes helping limit the visibility of fingerprints on cabinetry. 

There are some instances when you should avoid unpainted cabinetry in your kitchen. If you already have a lot of wood in the room, avoid unpainted timber cabinets, or it could feel overbearing. Instead, opt for painted cabinets in a muted shade with oak countertops and shelving, or perhaps a timber central island, to tie the room together. 

Shop Jennifer Aniston's kitchen edit

A few months ago, I had a sneaky peek behind the curtain at Smeg and saw this product in the pipeline. It has taken all my willpower not to write about it; adding vacuum technology to a blender is such a good idea. The main issue with making your own smoothies and dips is that they expire pretty fast. Vacuum sealing means no more brown smoothies and grey guacamole. 

This is Smeg’s most technologically advanced blender by a long way. In fact, it's a rival to the best blenders on the market. It’s a marvel to look at, a joy to use, and it boasts some impressive performances across smoothies, dips, and ice.

As you can imagine, I’ve been itching to review this for months, so as soon as I could get one into the kitchen, I started blending. In spite of the hefty price tag, I love it. It’s perfect for busy, modern kitchens, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect for you. Here’s everything you need to know.

Specifications

Unboxing

It was great to see a real effort on the sustainability front from Smeg. This comes in a big cardboard box and cardboard packaging. There are some plastic sleeves to keep parts scratch-free, but this is minimal and could be taken to soft plastic recycling. 

On the countertop, this is simply stunning. As soon as the brushed stainless steel base came out the box, I was taken back to Smeg’s exclusive unveiling of their blender. It looks like a really premium product, but they haven’t made it overwhelming either. The buttons all have simple icons and the big LCD dial on the front is extremely self explanatory: it will countdown or time your blends, as well as navigate through different blending speeds. 

Smeg provides some cleaning tools, the vacuum sealant, and a thick, but not heavy 51 oz glass pitcher. They’ve put quantity measurements on both sides of the pitcher, so that you can slot the jug on to suit both right and left handed users, which is a feature not to be underestimated.

Who would it suit?

The sheer size and capacity of the Smeg blender tailors it to large homes specifically. It’s beautiful, but also extremely big, so you need deep countertops or cupboards if you want to keep the Smeg without resenting its space consumption. 

Unlike most big blenders, this could still appeal to single-users, especially those who batch blend. The useful vacuum seal will slow how quickly your smooth oxidizes, so you can make huge quantities and store them in the refrigerator and they'll stay fresher for longer. 

What is it like to use?

There’s a lot to love about the Smeg, most specifically the way that the design blends smart, sleek finishes with simple controls. The icons meant that I only needed to a cursory glance over the instruction manual, more to confirm that, yes, the ice cube icons were ice cubes, and, yes, the fruit icon is for smoothies. 

I gave the pitcher a rinse and pushed it onto the rubber base. The first time I pushed the pitcher into the base and the lid onto the pitcher, I found the rubber gave back some resistance. Over the course of our tests, it became a lot smoother and easier to do, but if you’re not very strong, get ready to use a bit of muscle the first time you use the Smeg. 

There are plenty of neat features which it would be easy to overlook. For example, the stopper which should sit in the feeding chute hole on the lid can also be used to measure syrups and other liquids which you might add to your smoothies. 

Test 1: smoothies

What’s a blender without smoothies? It’s the first test we put every blending appliance through. I placed frozen berries, banana, spinach, and almond milk into the pitcher. There’s a special smoothie function which you can select, a time will appear on the main dial, and then simply pushing it in will start the blender. It’s quite noisy, making on average 82 dBA of noise. You can hear the automated function running through different blending speeds and strength in an attempt to blend the ‘smooth’ into ‘smoothie’.

Towards the end of the blending, the power really went to full force and I was worried something was jammed. I lifted the stopper on lid off and added more almond milk, which the blender quickly incorporated into the drink. I was curious to see whether it had been jammed, so ran a smoothie bowl (with the same, original amount of almond milk) and heard that same, high speed blending at the end. It turns out, this is all part of the blending pre-sets, so there’s no need to worry. The results of both my smoothie and smoothie bowl were flawless: there were no seeds from the berries, no traces of spinach, and no ice crystals. I don’t like to say that things are ‘the best ever’ because it gives no scope for other blenders to come in and do a better job, but this is the best smoothie, texture wise, I’ve ever made.

I added some Free Soul protein powder to my smoothie mix and sent it through the blender again, testing how well it would handle potential lumps of protein powder. The Smeg whizzed through them, leaving no grains, pockets, or bubbles. 

Test 2: dips

After the success of the smoothie, I was hopeful that the hummus would be smooth too. I placed a can of chickpeas, tablespoon of tahini, juice of half a lemon, salt, and cumin into the blender. I used the manual mode to set this running and discovered that if you don’t use one of Smeg’s presets, rather than counting down for you, the LCD screen will start timing how long the blender has been running. The hummus only needed twenty seconds before it was perfectly smooth. I set up a bowl with some chips and crudités and almost before I could taste test, the rest of my team were demolishing the bowl. It scored top marks for texture, another speedy success from Smeg.

I have high countertops, and I’m quite small, so I had to judge the texture from the side of the blender. You can see in the picture that there were a few chunkier pieces of hummus up the sides of the pitcher, so I had to assume that it was smooth and lifted the lid off. The hummus was perfect, but I ran a spatula around the size to incorporate those larger chunks into the hummus and gave the blender another five seconds to run though.

I also tested making guacamole in a similar way to the hummus, but I was keen to see what the Smeg would make of onion and tomato. Plus, some blenders work avocado into lumps, rather than a smooth dip. However, as you might have guessed, this expertly whizzed my onion into nothing, making a delicious guacamole dip. The Smeg has no business being this incredible at both dips and smoothies. It's remarkable.

Test 3: Crushed ice

Unlike others I've tested, this blender has a special ice function, so I was, again, hopeful that I would get some success. All of our tests are on standard bullet ice cubes, so this was the first one that I carried out. It only took fifty seconds (and a 85 dBA of noise) to make a good batch of crushed ice. 

I was curious to test the limits of the Smeg, so brought out some larger ice cubes (the kind you would use for whiskey). The blender struggled with these, I mean, it’s a bit unfair that I even tested them. Plus, you can see in the image above that it worked them into much smaller ice cube shapes and, if I could have stood to listen to the Smeg running for a few more minutes, it would have easily worked through them. My concern was that it would work the already crushed ice into water. Anyway, I don’t think many blenders could handle such huge ice cubes, but it’s nevertheless worth knowing. 

Test 4: special features

The vacuum pump is one of this blender's most intriguing features. It has the potential to be incredibly innovative or a gimmick, so I was keep to give this a good test. 

To use the vacuum pump, you need four AA batteries which can be inserted in the pump. Mine came with batteries already inside, but this is no guarantee. I was apprehensive about both the complexity and noise that a vacuum pump might induce, but it was really easy to use and actually didn't get any louder than 80 dBA.

The vacuum pump works before blending, so I had to put my food into the blending pitcher and then place the pump on the lid. Activating the pump was really easy: I pressed a button, the LED lights lit up, and the pump got to work. The pump stopped when it had reached pressure and could then be removed. After this was finished, I used the blender as normal and removed the pressure of the jug.

I had a smoothie bowl from the jug as soon as it had finished blending and it was delicious. I kept the rest of my smoothie in a jug, in the refrigerator for a few days. The vacuum pump didn't stop it from discoloring, but I would say that my purple-colored smoothie stayed brighter for a couple of days longer, before slowing graying, as you might expect. I was happy to drink my way through the pitcher all week, so I think the vacuum did a good job of keeping my drink fresh. It wasn't as dramatic as I was expecting, nor did my smoothies taste like they had been 'enhanced' in any way. However, I suspect this is the kind of feature which you notice when it isn't working.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

I'd blended a lot of different food colors and textures in the Smeg, so I didn't expect an easy clean-up. You can imagine my pleasant surprise when all this needed was a quick run through on the cleaning function before it was sparkling. The matte, stainless steel finish on the base was really low maintenance. Even though I know my hands were covered in smoothie mix and hummus and the base was definitely splattered, it didn't look like it.

Whilst I think this is an attractive blender, I should tell you that it's also really big. The Smeg demanded a lot of countertop space, plus it's quite tall, so I wouldn't like to try and tuck it into a cupboard. The best thing you could do is embrace the size and style this as a smoothie station on your countertop.

How does it rate online?

We're some of the first people to review this, so there actually isn't any customer or expert feedback online yet. I'll update you with the people's opinion when it's more widely available.

When I attended the launch for the Smeg, there was a lot of excitement around both the aesthetics (which break away from Smeg's retro aesthetic) and the vacuum sealant, which could change the game if you like to batch blend. This was the most intriguing part of the Smeg blender. Back when we saw the preview, this is the feature that all the other experts were skeptical about, but I can attest to the fact that it's genuinely good, not just a gimmick.

How does it compare?

I took a picture of the Smeg next to my Ninja Foodi Heat-iQ Blender, which is less than half the price of the Smeg. You can see that their dimensions are relatively similar, but the Smeg is leagues ahead in terms of aesthetics. The simple design of the Smeg looks so much sleeker and smarter than Ninja's very functional-looking blender.

On smoothies, dips, and ice, I would say that the two blenders are head-to-head. They both offer pre-sets, so that all you have to do is add your ingredients and you're good to go. Their results were faultless across all of our tests too. However, even though the Ninja is cheaper, it has more pre-sets, which cover ice cream, soups, jellies, and dips. The Ninja also has capacity to heat up your blends, making soups, sauces, and sautéed vegetables. 

In some aspects makes the Smeg seem a little basic, especially for the price, but the Smeg has a different offering. The simple, minimalist controls are stress-free. They're not quite as overhwelming as Ninja's array, plus, the Smeg has one final trick up its sleeve. It has a vacuum seal. This means that you can take the oxygen out of your smoothies and dips, keeping them fresher, for longer. Plus, the Smeg can be fully submerged in water to wash (the Ninja is much more fiddly) and the Smeg works for both right and left-handed users (the Ninja is designed for right-handed users only). 

The Smeg is packed with some useful features, but whether these warrant the hefty price tag is a decision you can make for yourself. Other blenders which boast Smeg's smart vacuum sealing technology are either commercial (and so a lot more expensive), such as the Kuvings CB1000, or Oster's surprisingly inexpensive BLSTAB-CB0-000. Neither of these have the same aesthetic appeal as the Smeg, so they're not quite as kitchen-friendly. If you'd make use of the vacuum feature, I think the Smeg is the one I'd settle on.

Should I buy it?

If you care deeply about aesthetics and want to be able to batch-blend, the Smeg is an excellent investment. Sure, it comes with a significant price tag, but if you'll make use of their innovative settings and you want to enjoy their simple design, you're in extremely safe hands with this brand.

Personally, I love the heating function on my Ninja. I'd struggle to give it up, especially for a machine which is over double the price, but the Smeg is a tempting model nonetheless.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we make sure that all of our blenders work hard to earn any praise that they get. It's not something that we hand out lightly. We have a team of experts who are always researching and reading-up on the latest, most innovative blenders on the market. As soon as we spot one which we think you might like, we call it in to our test kitchen. Once there, we have a series of standard tests that we put it through. The first test is making a smoothie with frozen fruit, spinach, and protein powder. This will show us how well the blades can handle seeds, tough greens, and how well it can incorporate powders without creating any lumps.

The next test is making dips. Our standard test is hummus, but, if possible, we will test guacamole too.This can give us a good indicator of how the blender handles drier ingredients, such as chickpeas, which also have tough skins or onions, which are typically hard to make into a smooth paste.

The final test we put every blender through is our crushed ice test. Whether you're making ice cones or frozen cocktails, you want your blender to crush up ice into consistent, small crystals. If it can stay relatively quiet whilst doing so, well, that's a big bonus. 

When a machine has some special features, we always test them. In the case of the Smeg, it was the vacuum pump, which was designed to improve the life of each blend. However, this could range from anything to a heating function, portable bottles, or a different texture functions. You name it, we've tested it.

Our experts will also make notes on all the external factors, such as cleaning, storage, maintenance, and unboxing. These will all impact your perception of a blender, so we think it's important that you know every detail possible about them. That way, if you choose to invest in one of these, you're not in for any nasty surprises.

If you'd like to know more about, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test blenders.

Toasters are very rarely considered to be attractive, so when I spotted Smeg’s retro range, you can only imagine my delight. We've reviewed their other two and four-slice models, both available in a range of colors and finishes, so there’s a lot to choose between.

Whilst style is important, especially with an appliance you’ll keep on show, it’s equally imperative that a toaster can do a good job of, well, toasting. To make sure that the Smeg delivers on form and function, I took the four-slice model and put it to the test.

I used the Smeg to toast everything from long slices of artisanal sourdough to bagels, fruit bread, gluten-free bread, and the obligatory pop tarts. It's definitely among the best toasters, but there are a few things you should know before diving into a purchase. 

Specifications

Unboxing

I couldn’t wait to see what this would look like on my countertop. As soon as it arrived at my door, I untucked the Smeg toaster from its (mostly recyclable) packaging and set it up. The four-slot toaster demands quite some space on the countertop, but it looks absolutely beautiful. I chose the cream colorway because it's such a classic hue and I'm glad I did. It's gorgeous.

There’s very little to do in the way of ‘prep work’. Once all the plastic wrap is off, I would recommend putting the toaster down so that it has one run-through without food in and then it will be ready to use.

Who would it suit?

The four slice toaster is designed with larger homes and families in mind. Not only does it have a big footprint, it also has a big capacity. If you need to make everyone some toast at once, the Smeg can handle it. However, if you want to just do one piece, this will support it anyway. It’s pretty perfect.

Aesthetically, Smeg’s design suits a warmer-style kitchen. It’s colorful and curved, rather than made up of sharp, clean lines. I think it’s generally very versatile and easy on the eye. I tested this over a longer period and received lots of compliments. Toasters don’t often get much love in the appliance department, so this was a nice change. 

What was it like to use?

The Smeg toaster is simple. It might be too simple for some, but I like it. The levers and dials are tactile, making every move I made on the Smeg feel definite and confident. There’s a timer dial and then two buttons: defrost and reheat. The lack of a bagel setting might be disappointing for some, but I can assure you that this still does a great job of everything from bagels to fruit bread.

Test 1: White bread

I wanted to do a basic test, to get a good measure of how this would do on some simple toast. I bought some sliced white bread and popped a couple of pieces in the toaster. I lowered them using the neat, chrome handles. The standard amount of time for a slice of bread like this would be two to three minutes, so I tested it out on two, thinking I could increase the time later if I needed to.

Some toasters come with viewing windows and ‘quick look’ functions and, whilst Smeg doesn’t have this, the wide slots make it quite easy to peek inside. When exactly two minutes were up, my toast popped up and it looked good; nicely brown on one side and a little lighter on the other. If you want consistency across both sides, you might find these results frustrating. However, once you’re eating the toast, you can’t tell. I think the difference is purely aesthetic. I also wonder whether Smeg has deliberately done this so that when toasting bagels, crumpets, and pop tarts, you can have one side well done and the other side light, rather than leathery. 

Test 2: Sourdough

Sourdough is notoriously difficult to toast: it doesn't brown easily and artisanal slices are often too long for most toasting slots. Smeg combines their capacity for four slices of toast into two long and wide slots, meaning I could put a really long piece of sourdough into toast with no problem. I've not tested a toaster with that kind of capacity before. 

I gave the sourdough three minutes, but the toast still needed a little more. Adding one minute (which actually only took 56 seconds) to the dial, however, meant that my sourdough was overdone. It was nice and brown at the bottom, but a bit too crisp at the top for me. The toast itself was also really hot. It melted the butter off my knife and had it running across the toast and pooling into the air bubbles on my slice. This resulted in a beautiful piece of toast though. It wasn't too dry or crispy, the inside still had some nice spring to it too.

Test 3: Bagel

Even though there's not a specific bagel setting for the Smeg, it did a really good job of toasting a whole bagel. I placed the slices in with the steamed outsides facing the edges of the toaster. In a minute and 52 seconds, they popped up, evenly browned, nice and warm. Even though they were hot and golden, the exteriors weren't overcooked or made too leathery. The inside was still doughy and delicious. 

I wanted to make sure that I wasn't blinded by Smeg's beauty, so got one of the experts to toast half a bagel in the Smeg and half in Breville's Die Cast toaster (which has a specific bagel setting). I couldn't tell the difference between the two and neither could our other tester. Even though there isn't a bagel button, Smeg is doing an excellent job of toasting bagels.

Test 4: Gluten-free bread

I'm always apprehensive about toasting gluten-free bread because it behaves so differently from standard bread. I bought a pre-sliced, white loaf and popped four slices into the Smeg. At one minute and 49 seconds, all the slices popped up. These are about half the size of a normal slice of bread, but the Smeg has enough lift to make them easy to take out. If you have any awkwardly shaped pieces of bread, you can always place them in the (provided) toastie tongs, which keep all small pieces together. 

All four pieces of gluten-free toast were evenly toasted after under two minutes. The Smeg was a little bit too powerful here and I think they were close to being overdone. However, they were still enjoyable to eat, warm and crunchy on the outside, but still soft and spongy on the inside.

Test 5: Fruit bread

There's no delicate setting for fruit bread, so I was a little apprehensive before toasting this in the Smeg. I placed my slices in for just one minute and when they popped up at 54 seconds, they were perfectly golden. No parts of the toast had caught or burnt and the whole slice had been warmed through. I couldn't fault it.

I even tried frozen fruit bread to see whether the heat could get right through. There's a defrost button on the Smeg, so I pushed that, lowered my fruit bread in, and within a minute and a twenty-two, it popped up, perfectly cooked, again. As long as you err on the side of caution, the Smeg will deliver delicious results, even on more temperamental toasting types.

Test 6: Pop tart

A serious test for any toaster is pop tarts. I was testing a heavily iced 'Cookies 'n' Cream' flavor and was concerned I might lose some icing to the crumb tray and heating elements. I kept the heat light and popped the tarts up after two minutes. They looked good and felt warm, so I cut them in half. Inside, the filling was steaming, oozing out, looking delicious. The outside was crumbly and warm too. It was a real success.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The Smeg is really easy to clean and maintain. The crumb tray pops out and empties all your crumbs neatly into the trash. The shiny exterior didn't get greasy or marked throughout all of our tests. Not even the chrome finishes needed polishing.

As for storage, I think it's a crime to pack this away. It looks beautiful on the countertop. There's even storage management underneath so you don't end up with a long cable on the countertop. However, if you do choose to pack this away, it's quite light. The only thing to consider is that it's long too, so it will demand a considerable amount of cupboard space.

How does it rate online?

As you might expect, this is popular online. People praise the appearance of this toaster more than anything. 'Fancy', 'awesome', 'amazing', and 'stunning' consistently appeared in Amazon reviews. However, people felt that it was more than just a pretty face. Plenty of people said that they were impressed at how well-built it was. I found lots of people praising this as the family toaster which they've had for years. It was also a common wedding registry gift, which is a lovely idea.

People didn't have many complaints about the Smeg, aside from the price. Even though it's well-built, people said that this is expensive for the very basic functions. Lots of people said that they wished it had at least a specialist bagel setting, although I didn't struggle with my bagel results.

How does it compare?

As a four slice toaster, Smeg is by far the most stylish option on the market. The next rival for capacity and quality is the Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster, available at Breville, which is a similar price, but not nearly as attractive. The Breville offers separate settings for each two slots, so you could toast two pieces of fruit bread at the same time as two pieces of sourdough and tailor your settings to suit them. The Breville offers four different toasting settings, which is another two on top of Smeg's fairly basic offering, showing the simplicity of Smeg's design. However, the Breville couldn't fit in the long sourdough pieces and didn't produce toast which was as consistently cooked as the Smeg's. Whilst I liked both, if I had the money in my hand, I would still pick the Smeg.

If you don't mind down-sizing, but keeping your budget high, there's the KitchenAid Two-Slice Pro Line Toaster, available at Walmart. This comes with a similar selection of colorways to the Smeg but will auto-lower and lift your toast. It also has pretty basic functions, but the KitchenAid does specialize in bagels, so if you want a more technical, but still beautiful option, the KitchenAid is worth checking out.

Should you buy it?

I love this toaster. I think Smeg's is the most stunning option on the market. I loved testing it out and having it sit on my countertop. It received by far the most compliments from friends and family, plus, I eat a lot of homemade bread and the slots are much more versatile for people like me. I can see why it isn't budget-friendly, but if you care about your kitchen aesthetics and you're willing to toast cautiously, you won't go wrong with the Smeg.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we are dedicated to testing our toasters. That's why we take every product we recommend into a dedicated testing space where our experts can put these appliances through their paces. Our experts use these for at least a week, sometimes more, so that we get a good sense of the long-term features of a toaster. For example, we thought auto-lifting was a bit of a gimmick on our first test day, but actually came to love it by the end of the week. Or, with the Smeg toaster, Laura baked a loaf of walnut bread which was cut into thick chunks. We wouldn't have tested this if we on;y had two hours, but, over the week, we needed to (spoiler alert: the Smeg aced it).

We'll put fruit bread, gluten-free bread, bagels, pop tarts, sourdough, frozen bread, and white bread through the toaster, testing how well it performs on even the trickiest of tasks. We use white bread. It's a staple; gluten-free bread because it can be notoriously temperamental, as can enriched, fruit bread. We'll also look at tougher tasks, such as sourdough, which takes a while to brown and can easily become too tough to bite. Bagels need to be toasted on different levels on different sides, so we make sure to test them too, even if there's no bagel function. Conversely, pop tarts can crumble and burn into sticky messes, so it's crucial to test (and taste) them.

Our experts look at how evenly toast is cooked, both on the outside and through the cross-section. We'll see how well spreads melt on them, as well as how they taste in our mouths. With toast, it's all about texture. 

Whilst all that is happening we time how long each piece of toast takes to achieve the perfect level of golden-brown goodness. That way, you know whether it can fit into your busy morning routine, or whether it's a toaster to bring out on a slow Sunday.

Whilst we are toast-obsessed, our team also makes notes on aspects such as aesthetics, cleaning, storage, and maintenance, so you can envisage how these appliances would fit into your kitchen. A heavy and ugly toaster, even if it makes a delicious bagel, just won't cut it for some.

If you're interested to learn more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.

KitchenAid has been praised for decades on account of their capable and beautiful stand mixers. Now, they’ve expanded their offering to coffee makers and kettles, but if you want the best of the best, I suggest you take a look at their Pro Line Toaster. 

Unlike other high-end toasters, this doesn't just look the part. While it looks incredible, it's a simple, straightforward toaster that makes consistently perfect toast. That's before you get into all the more luxurious features, like the auto-lifting and lowering slots. It's a true contender among the best toasters. 

I've tested it for months and actually ended up buying one because I loved it so much. It might not offer exactly what every single home needs, but it sure will please ninety nine percent of us.

Specifications

Who would it suit?

This is a luxury toaster, so best suited to those with big budgets. At around $300, it’s one of the most expensive toasters on the market. While that's overkill for most of us, if you have the money, you what you pay for. It makes great toast, looks beautiful, and the build quality is second-to-none, so it’s good if you want a toaster to last for a lifetime. The features are all useful (especially the bagel and auto-lift). Plus, the different finishes are perfect for those cultivating color-conscious kitchens.

With only two toasting slots and a relatively slow toasting time, this isn’t particularly well suited to large homes and big families. You can opt for the larger Pro KitchenAid Pro Line Four Slice Toaster, available at Amazon, , which reviews just as well, but this takes up more space on the countertop. Whilst the auto lift and lower function feels super premium, I’m also very aware that this is an unnecessary luxury for most people.

Unboxing

The KitchenAid comes in a big box. It’s deceptively big because this is actually a really compact toaster, but KitchenAid has built lots of protective, recyclable packaging around it. There’s also a sandwich press attachment which you can insert into the toaster when you have a hankering for a grilled cheese, and a neat cable manager underneath to keep everything tidy on the countertop.

In true KitchenAid style, this comes in all their Artisan colors: almond cream, empire red, onyx black, frosted pearl, and more. I tested almond cream and it looked awesome. I’ve already tested the KitchenAid Pro Line Electric Kettle, available at Walmart, in almond cream, so pairing the two together on my countertop looked incredible. My only caution would be that this is pretty heavy for a small appliance – I wouldn’t like to be lifting it above my head to put in a cupboard, so I would recommend that you either store this low down or keep it on constant display.

What is it like to use?

The KitchenAid balances versatility and simplicity really well. There’s a timer with an LED countdown, so you can see how long your toast has left. There’s also a bagel button, defrost button, and 'a little longer' button. This way, you and your toaster are always on the same page about what the end goal is.

Test 1: White bread

Sliced white bread is the most elementary test for any toaster. If it can’t do this, it can't do anything. I placed two slices of white bread into the slots and the KitchenAid detected the weight, made a light bell sound, and began to auto-lower my toast down. I almost laughed at how unnecessarily luxurious this feature is.

This was the first run through the KitchenAid had ever had, but I gave it a standard two minute setting. One minute forty seconds later, my toaster made a light bell sound and lifted up two, pale slices of toast-bread (they hadn’t been turned to proper toast yet). I lowered them for another minute, hoping to give the toaster a chance to warm up. 52 seconds later, I heard the chime and saw my toast lift up. It was perfect: the golden color evenly covered both sides of both slices of toast. I was pretty pleased with myself (and the toaster).

Test 2: Sourdough

Sourdough is another great test for any toaster. It needs more heat, doesn’t brown as easily, and can come in a range of shapes and sizes. I bought a big, wide, artisanal loaf for testing and only one of our toasters didn’t require me to cut my slice in half (if you're interested, it was the Smeg Four Slice, available at QVC). It was no surprise that the KitchenAid couldn’t fit it: it’s a compact toaster.

After cutting my slice in half, I put the two chunks in the toaster for three minutes, which isn’t really long enough, but I didn’t want to overdo it. It didn’t come as any surprise that this needed another two minutes (actually one minute forty) before it popped up, looking golden). The toaster hadn’t dried it out and had got the most even toast coverage that I’ve experienced in my toasting tests. It was hot enough to melt the butter into all the air bubbles of my slice, but not too hot for me to take a big bite straight away. It was the perfect texture: crunchy on the outside, but warm and springy on the inside.

Test 3: Bagel

I think that a bagel function is a toaster essential, so I was glad to see this toaster had a bagel mode for me to test out. The top of the toaster has a useful icon to show you which way your bagel needs to sit in the toaster. All you need to do is press the bagel button and the KitchenAid will do the rest.

I put my bagel in for one and a half minutes (although this was only one minute twelve seconds in practice) and when it lifted up, it looked like it had hardly seen the heating elements. I repeated the one and a half minute setting three times (so my bagel probably had just over three minutes in total) before I was happy with the toasting level. As you get used to your toasting settings, you’ll be much happier setting the bagel to four and leaving it for one run through, but for my first toast I was constantly checking on the toasting levels.

On flavors and textures, this was flawless. The outside of my bagel was soft, the cut side had a good crunch and the very centre was soft and doughy. It's perhaps a little pale for some people, but I was able to achieve a slice of toast exactly as I like it. 

Test 4: Gluten-free bread

Gluten-free diets should never mean compromising, even if the bread is a little trickier to toast. I was apprehensive about how well this would turn out, because the KitchenAid had done such a good job of normal white bread, so I wondered whether the generic settings would suit a different bread. 

I placed two small slices into the KitchenAid and was struck by how high they sat. Even small pieces of toast are easy to lift out and in because they’re almost completely out of the toaster when it’s not on. This came in useful when I made my own loaf and the end pieces were imperfectly shaped and quite small to say the least.

After one minute forty in the toaster both slices of gluten-free toast popped up, evenly warmed, golden across both sides, with a good crunch. They hadn’t lost their fluffy middle section either. It was an impressive performance overall.

Test 5: Fruit bread

Enriched doughs are delicious, but temperamental. Fruits are also pretty tricky to toast without burning, so I thought I’d really test the KitchenAid’s skill set by toasting a slice of fruit bread. 

Given that it is such a delicate loaf, I started on the single minute setting. The fruit bread was warm, but needed another minute. In total, the fruit bread only had one and a half minutes in the toaster, because the settings don’t fully equate to timings. That’s on the speedy side for toasters, but it was warmed right through. Both sides were golden and crunchy, but the middle section was light and fluffy still. None of my fruit had burned either. It was still delivering pure perfection.

Test 6: Pop tarts

My final toaster test is the all-important pop tarts. These need to be warmed right through, but still treated with care. I don’t want icing in my toaster slots or jam sticking anywhere.

I put my 'Cookies n Cream' flavor tarts into the toaster. Without any specific pop tart setting, I thought I would give two and a half minutes a test. This was the optimal time (even though it only amounted to two minutes and three seconds). They popped up and I could sense they were done. All my icing was perfect, my filling was gooey, and the biscuits were crumbly. There’s little else to say (and even less pop tart left untouched on my plate).

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

This is an incredibly low maintenance. I had every sort of butter, jam, conserve and preserve you can think of on hand and I didn’t need to give give this toaster a wipe down once. It didn’t show fingerprints and there were very few crumbs in the crumb tray. I couldn’t help but wonder if the gentle auto lift and lower helps to stop springing crumbs everywhere.

As for storage, this is a relatively heavy toaster, so I wouldn't recommend lifting it into high cupboards or awkward spaces. There's already useful cable storage underneath the toaster and an attractive design that's perfect for keeping out on display. I live in an urban apartment and kept my previous toaster stored away because it was a) unattractive and b) pretty hue. I was happy to keep the KitchenAid on countertops 24/7. It looks good without dominating the space.

How does it rate online?

I was pleased to read that everyone else loved the KitchenAid as much as I did. It was described as a 'status symbol' and 'small grill', which everyone felt warranted the big price tag. As you might expect, everyone commented on the aesthetics of the Artisan as well as the easy controls and consistent toasting capabilities. I particularly enjoyed the pictures of KitchenAid trios on people's countertops: the stand mixer, toaster, and kettle, proudly lined up in social-media worthy set-ups. It's clearly a product to be proud of.

In fact, almost nobody could criticise it. Some people said that they would have liked the controls to be a little fiercer, but I think it's better to be gentle and this still does a good job of toasting. Another feature which was divisive was the alert noise that the toaster makes when it begins and finishes toasting. This is the same noise across all KitchenAid appliances, so I liked the consistency. It's also quite a gentle sound, but isn't to everyone's tastes.

How does it compare?

KitchenAid makes another two-slice toaster, which is much more basic (and a quarter of the price). The functional, stainless steel finish sets the tone for everything you need to know about it. The KitchenAid Manual Lift 2-Slice is hard-working, durable, and reliable. For all of its functionality, the Manual Lift lacks the niceties offered by the Pro Line: I had to wave goodbye to my auto lift and lower function, as well as the beautiful design, and grilled cheese sandwich plates. Performance wise, the Pro Line felt a little more measured and refined, because it didn't really get any fiercer throughout my tests. Most toasters heated up and got quicker and less consistent, including the KitchenAid Manual, but overall both are excellent toasters.

If you don't like the idea of sacrificing aesthetics, but you want a little more versatility, check out Breville's The Toast Select Luxe, available at Amazon. This compact, two slice toaster is available in a range of classic colors. It looks really chic and it's not just a pretty face. This has the most versatile setting range I've seen, with options for rye bread, sourdough, waffles, and pop tarts. You have almost all the same luxuries as the KitchenAid Artisan (but not the auto lower and lift), for a similar price. This is the KitchenAid's toughest competition.

Should you buy it?

I'd recommend this toaster to everyone. I've really committed to the phrase 'put your money where your mouth is', because I ended up buying this after our tests were concluded. I love it and have gotten used to the comforts of the auto-lift and lower. However, I recognise that it's not for everyone: the luxuries are a little unnecessary and it is expensive for its size.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we test all of our toasters thoroughly before writing a review. If you're interested in finding out more about how we test and review a toaster, you're in the right place.

Before anything, we research our toasters. Our team of experts is always looking for the latest and greatest models on the market. Once one has caught our eye, we'll read about it before calling one in.

When we have the toaster in our hands, we'll get to work. I tested all of these toasters for at least a week. In the case of the KitchenAid, once I had finished testing it, I bought one and have been using it for months. I love it. Every toaster gets at least one week of usage though, because, that way, we can grasp what they're like to use in the middle of the morning rush as well as on a slow Sunday.

You'll spot that we use a range of different bread types, because we want to see how it can handle a range of textures and flours. We always start with basic white bread, because that's a household staple, as are pop tarts, which we also test. These require a toaster to be gentle with the iced outside, but thorough enough to cut through to the gooey center. We'll also try sourdough, because that can take longer to toast and often comes in odd, artisanal shapes. For the gluten-free eaters, we also look at gluten-free bread, again, because we know it can be a little more sensitive to heat and it's good to know if your toaster can handle it. 

As I said above, we make sure to check how well a toaster can toast bagels. Most have special bagel settings, because these need to be light on one side and stronger on another. If they can't do that, you might end up with a leathery bagel. Our team also wanted to test enriched breads, such as fruit bread, which can burn easily or not toast fully through. It's important to see how well a toaster can handle more complex breads.

For each bread type, we test how long a toaster takes to complete them. When they pop up, we look at how evenly they're toasted and we taste how thoroughly they're toasted throughout the cross section. A bagel is a great example of why this is important: it should be doughy in the middle, crisp on the cut side, and still soft on the outside.

Our experts also think about factors such as cleaning, storage, and maintenance, because they can have a huge impact on how motivated you are to use an appliance. If it's more work than you think its worth, no matter how well a toaster works, you won't use it.

In busy homes, only three things really matter for your toaster: capacity, reliability, and versatility. Breville’s Die Cast Toaster scores a home run on all three and still comes with other nice extras too. It ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people, so our experts were keen to find out more.

I've been testing the best toasters for months and I had high hopes for the Four Slice Die Cast. I tested it across a range of breads, from basic white bread to artisan sourdough, fruit bread, gluten-free bread, as well as pop tarts.

Generally, I was pretty impressed with most of the Die Cast's features. Whilst I think the 'Smart' tag in the name is a bit of a stretch and it wasn't the most consistent, it comes with luxurious (or unnecessary) quirks too. There’s a lot to love, but a little to learn.

Specifications

Unboxing

Breville does a great job of recyclable packaging. This came in cardboard, packed with some more cardboard, and then a little bit more cardboard too. There was some plastic protecting the aluminum outside, but not a huge amount. 

On the countertop, this looks bigger than lots of other toasters, but the design won't dominate your space. Plus, this is a four-slice model, so the dimensions are going to be bigger anyways. The slots looked nice and wide, perfect for big chunks of bread and the overall aesthetic looked sleek. If you have aluminium or stainless steel in your home already, this would fit right in.

Who would it suit?

The sheer capacity and versatility of the Breville makes it perfect for large homes. You can warm two pop tarts for kids on a more delicate setting at the same time you toast two slices of sourdough at a fiercer setting. Plus, you’ll hardly have to do a thing: there’s an auto lift and auto lower function integrated to help those who always have their hands full when it’s time to toast.

The buttons along the top of the toaster look like a lot to learn, but they're just duplicated, because they control apply to two of the slots each. It looks like quite an overwhelming selection at first, but once you're used to it, you can easily toast a wide selection of breads. 

What is it like to use?

As I just mentioned, the long row of buttons actually makes this look more complex than it is. The slots work two at a time, so they're effectively like two separate toasters which have been welded together. There's no way to set all four running at the same time, but you can get pretty close: you just press one button and then the next.

Once I had figured out the controls, I ran the toaster through empty, as you always should. Sometimes, this will create a plastic smell, but this didn't happen for the Breville.

Test 1: White bread

White bread is a good test of any basic toaster. It felt close to criminal placing super-cheap, sliced bread in a toaster this premium. Nevertheless, I slotted my slice in, and set the timer for two minutes. The Breville auto-lowered and clamped my toast into place for exactly two minutes. 

At one minute and thirty seconds, I tested out the 'Lift & Look' function, which almost lifted the whole slice out of the toaster. The toast (or bread at this point) was really pale, so I wasn't sure how it would turn out at the two minute mark. You can see from the picture that ended up looking pretty pale. 

I put the slice back into the toaster and pressed the 'A Bit More' button, which adds thirty seconds to the timer. I ended up pressing that twice, so the image above is the results of three minutes' toasting. That's quite long for such a simple piece of toast and that was reflected in the flavors. The white slice tasted dry and crumbly.

I think the Breville was just warming up, because I tried the same again at the end of the tests and my toast was golden in one and a half minutes. The color was still not distributed evenly, but it looked a lot better than my first attempt. 

I also had similar results trying the same white bread from frozen, using the frozen setting. It was warmed through, not too dry, and a deep golden color. The Breville really warms up as you use it, so you'll need to be prepared to experiment a little.

Test 2: Sourdough

The white bread set a precedent for under-toasting. I tried a long slice of sourdough, but the short slots couldn't fit it in unless I halved the slice. This is pretty standard, but there are a few toasters (such as the Smeg Four Slice toaster, available at QVC) on offer with longer slots if that's a deal-breaker for you.

I gave the sourdough three minutes, thinking it would probably be underdone. It came as no surprise that this was very pale when the toaster lifted my sourdough at exactly three minutes into toasting. 

I gave it another two minutes, so it had now had five minutes in total. At this point, the top crust of the sourdough was well done, whilst the base of my slice was a little pale. I didn't want to burn the top, so took it out and put butter on it. Taste wise, this was warm, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, so the Breville had done a relatively good job. I would have just liked more consistency and a shorter toasting time.

Test 3: Bagel

The bagel setting is one of Breville's dedicated buttons, so I was hopeful that this would be a success. I gave this a standard two minutes to toast, which is how long most models take. However, when the Breville lifted my bagel out (at exactly two minutes) it was way overdone. You can see in my picture above that it was too burnt to eat. I cut it in half and, interestingly, it was still doughy in the middle. If there's a silver lining, it was the doughy center. It's an indicator that this can be good toaster for bagels, but be careful with your timings.

I tried giving a different bagel just one minute on the bagel setting and I thought it was almost overdone again, although I like my toast quite light. There was a good, golden crunch to the cut side of the bagel, without the outside becoming too leathery on the outside. The doughy middle was still soft too, so once you know to expect an uncharacteristically fierce performance on the bagel setting, this can do a good job.

Test 4: gluten-free bread

There are few baked goods as tricky to test as gluten-free bread. I put my slice in for two minutes, on the standard setting. When it auto-lifted on the two minute mark, it needed a bit more more — and then a bit more, and then a bit more. 

The end results were pretty gross: the bread was dried out and tough to eat. The gluten-free bread was my second slice in the toaster after turning it on, so I think it hadn't heated up to its full, fierce power yet. If you are putting gluten-free bread into a cold Breville toaster, opt for three or four minutes, rather than repeating 'a bit more', because that's where you sacrifice on texture.

Test 5: Fruit bread

I won't sugar-coat it: this was a disaster. The bagel button is also the fruit bread setting, but you need to double-press this to access the alternative setting. I didn't realise this and gave my fruit bread one minute on the bagel setting. It came out as bread on one side and completely cremated on the other. You can see in my picture, that it's a stark contrast.

Once I had established how to switch between settings (you can tell because the lights turn blue), I put my fruit bread in on the specific setting. After one minute, I was keen to take it out, given my previous experience with the Breville, but it was too light. I gave it the full 130 seconds as recommended and, no surprises, it turned out overdone. 

On my third piece of fruit bread, I used the proper setting, gave it a minute and a half, and it was good. If I gave it more time, it was likely to be overdone, so I settled for lightly golden toast. It was well-warmed, lightly crunchy, and fluffy on the inside. It's the story of this toaster in miniature. It can make excellent toast, but there's a learning curve that you shouldn't need for such a basic appliance.

test 6: Pop tart

I used the gentle fruit bread setting on my pop tart, because I didn't quite know where I stood with the Breville at this stage. It was warm after one minute, but I gave the pop tart 'a bit more' from the settings menu and took it out after that final thirty second blast. The icing was still neatly intact, whilst all the insides were gooey and crumbly. This was the greatest success I had with the Breville, so I was really pleased.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Breville has thought about everything when it comes to cleaning and storage. The crumb tray is easy to remove from the base; the auto-lift comes up high enough to stop small crusts from festering at the bottom of the slots; and the finish on the Breville is finger-print resistant. I had buttery fingers and didn't leave a mark. If you don't like cleaning toasters, it's a low-maintenance option.

Storage-wise, although this is big, it cuts a pretty sleek silhouette. There's also a neat cord storage part at the bottom, which will stop your countertops from getting all cluttered with wires. I'd recommend buying this only if you have the countertop capacity to keep it on show. It's probably a bit too big and too much hassle to take in and out of a cupboard, especially because this took a long time to cool down.

How does it rate online?

There aren't a lot of reviews dedicated to the Breville Four Slice Smart Toaster; most people talk about the alternative Breville Die Cast Two Slice, available at Amazon . However, from the few reviews I found, this turned out to be a popular option. People were impressed that, across four slots, all the pieces of toast would lift up evenly toasted (compared to each other). Lots of reviewers enjoyed having a cycle countdown indicator and a reasonable range of buttons for their toasting functions. Another popular feature was the auto-lift and lowering, which sounds excessive, but even I (a gimmick cynic) found it useful. When you're busy in the kitchen, it's one less thing to think about.

Criticisms were generally around the buttons. People felt that they looked more complicated than they needed to be. Whilst being able to toast on two independent settings was incredibly useful for some, others just wanted a way to set all four slots running together, in synchronisation.

People noticed that this heats up quickly and takes a while to cool. That explains why I wouldn't recommend storing it in a cupboard and why my toasting times got shorter and shorter as I worked through our breads.

How does it compare?

I've tested my fair share of toasters and have a lot of thoughts about where Breville Die Cast 4-Slice Toaster sits in the rankings. As far as four slice toasters go, this has the best range of settings. Not many bigger toasters have a bagel function and they certainly don't have the auto lowering and lifting (which so many people love). However, Breville doesn't make their four slot toaster from two long slots. This meant that, models such as the Smeg Four Slot Toaster, available at QVC could effortlessly fit a long sourdough slice in (see image above), the Breville could not. I had to halve my lovely, long artisanal slice in order to fit it in. 

Whilst the Smeg doesn't have the luxury of the auto-lift, it was much more consistent at toasting different breads, so was easier to use. If you eat a lot of artisanal breads and you need capacity, I think I'd be tempted to go for the Smeg, even though it means sacrificing on Breville's special bagel function. 

If you don't need capacity, but like the sound of a smarter toaster, you need to check out Breville's The Toast Select Luxe, available at QVC. This shares a similar aesthetic to the Breville Four Slice Die Cast, with a sleek, aluminium finish, but has more settings (including whole grain, rye, and waffle), whilst delivering much more consistent results. The only drawback with The Toast Select is that you're unlikely to save any money. Even though it's half the size, it's still the same price. However, if you prize aesthetics and performance, this is a competitive option.

Should you buy it?

The Breville Die Cast 4-Slice Toaster is great if you need capacity in the mornings. Having the ability to isolate two slots and run different settings at the same time can be priceless for some families. Plus, after using the handy auto-lift function for a while, I came to resent manual lift toasters (first world problems, I know). However, if you'll be using this to make lots (more than eight slices) of toast, you'll need to keep an eye on timings, because it's inconsistent when you haven't used it for a few hours.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we take our toaster testing very seriously. That's why we have a team of experts who make sure that any toaster we review has been through the ringer. Before it arrives in our kitchen, we'll research it, so we know all about the special features. Then, when we can carry out our real-life evaluation, we'll put it through our standardized series of tests, as well as any that can see what the special features are like. 

Once we're happy with our opinion of a toaster, we'll write up a review for you, letting you know about everything from unboxing to cleaning (as well as taste tests, of course). If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.

I’ll start by stating the obvious: this is one of the most eye-catching espresso machines on the market. It’s classic Smeg style – all chrome, color, and polished, glossy finishes.

I’ve been admiring this for months. It certainly looks the part, but, as a former barista, I was keen to find out whether it was as substantial as it is stylish.

The Smeg has some serious competition in the best espresso machine and it’s done a good job. I made some nice coffee with it and found it really straightforward to use. However, if you’re looking for technical perfection, there are better places to spend your money. 

Specifications

Unboxing

Some espresso machines come with lots of fiddly extras, but Smeg has kept things simple. Once I had taken the machine out of its (mostly recyclable) packaging, it looked almost ready to go. 

The Smeg comes with four different portafilter baskets, a weighty, Smeg branded portafilter, a premium Smeg tamper, a Smeg stainless steel milk frothing jug, and some cleaning accessories. 

To get started, I screwed the airtight bean hopper into place. In true Smeg style, this clicks in a wonderfully tactile way when switching between grind settings. It also has a seal and UV protectant plastic, ensuring any beans left in the hopper retain their best, fresh flavors. 

The capacious water reservoir lifts off from the back, which makes it easier to fill than other machines. Whilst it’s not awkward to hold, it doesn’t have the neat handle that some De’Longhi machines do. This means you need to grip both sides, which can make it hard to turn the tap off without spilling or wasting water, but it’s better than having a fixed reservoir.

Who would it suit?

Smeg puts style first with this espresso machine. It’s available in a range of colours, perfect for everything from modern, monochrome kitchens to colorful, cozy farmhouse interiors. 

Aside from the obviously beautiful aesthetics, this is a huge machine. It demands a lot of space on the countertop, so you’ll need to clear some room. It's also heavy, so you’ll want to leave it on display (for the sake of your back and your cupboards). 

What is it like to use?

If you’ve never owned an espresso machine before, this is a good model for beginners. It’s easy to use, has obvious controls, and two steamer settings. It’s quite basic, both for grinding and coffee settings, so if you aren’t going to get overwhelmed by dials and gauges.

Whilst simplicity suits most of the coffee market, if you want to get technical, you might find this a little limiting. The grinder and its 15 settings are a great example of this. In our buying guide for the best coffee grinders on the market, the smallest range we have is 30 settings and our team of experts were critical of that small range. As you start to tune into coffee, you might want more from your espresso machine.

Test 1: espresso

I started with the basics. If a machine can make a good espresso, it’s done most of the hard work. After warming up the machine (which took about five minutes), I ground my coffee, on setting 6, into the portafilter. There’s a neat holder fitted onto the machine, so you can leave the machine to dose and grind. I had a look at the coffee grounds and they were all consistent — it was a really impressive. 

Locking the portafilter into place was easy and, after that, all I needed to do was place my espresso mug underneath. The brew head sits quite high up, so I did see some coffee splashing onto the stainless steel around my mug, but the espresso itself looked great. This had a thick, hazelnut crema and felt like a good temperature. I gave it a taste test and this was pretty good. The flavors were evenly extracted and subtle. It was a little flatter than some of the best espressos I’ve made, but I think the average coffee drinker really wouldn’t pick up on this. I’m being a pedant, because it’s my job to be picky. 

Test 2: Americano

The next test is Americano. I tend to use quite tall glasses for my Americanos: I like to see my coffee and I think the aesthetics are generally nice and elegant. However, the slightly awkward brew head makes it difficult to fit tall glasses (and tall travel mugs) underneath. I had to decant my Americano from one, more shallow mug, into my tall Americano glass. This won’t be a problem for most people, but is worth noting if you have two glasses and mugs.

You have to make the Americano yourself. By that I mean the espresso comes out under the brew head and you get your hot water from the steam wand. This means that you have to be a little bit more involved in the process compared to espresso machines (like De'Longhi's La Specialista Maestro) which can dispense hot water out of the brew head when water is coming out of the steam wand. The water comes out at quite a high pressure so will splash coffee at the side of your mug. This looks a little messy but as it fills up you won’t notice the splashes.

The coffee itself was nice, well extracted and light. I would’ve liked it to be a little warmer but if you run the steam wand for longer you will get hotter water out. This was the first time that I was using the steamer, so I think a lot of the water cooled in the stainless steel wand.

Test 3: cappuccino

I used both dairy and plant-based milk to froth both latte and cappuccino milk. This was largely a success, even though the milk steam wand is a little basic. To texture milk, you place the stainless steel jug under the steam wand and choose either the lighter or thicker settings. You'll need to position the jug and stop the steam from running, so, aside from choosing the settings, the milk texturing will be dependent on your skill. If this isn’t intuitive to you, you will learn quickly because burnt milk, tastes horrible.

A manual steam wand is a common feature of espresso machines, so you'll probably need to learn how to froth your own milk. However, I think it’s tricky for beginners, especially when there aren’t many automated settings so I’d recommend taking some time to work out. If that sounds like a lot, there are some good milk frothers on the market that you could invest in.

Both my oat and dairy milks were warm, sweet, and smooth. They complemented the espresso really nicely, so I was pleased with the results of the Smeg. The steam wand can move through 360 degrees, so is really flexible to a range of angles, making milk texturing as easy as possible.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

As you might expect with chrome and stainless steel, this is quite a high maintenance machine. Paired with coffee splashing from the brew head, I found myself almost constantly having to wipe down the Smeg to keep it sparkling. The brew head also drips a bit, so will leave coffee marks on the brew tray. I locked my portafilter in tightly and still struggled with this issue, so just make sure to include it in your regular maintenance routine. It’s worth taking time over cleaning, because this is a big machine. It will draw attention in your kitchen and you will only want that to be the good kind of attention.

I was impressed with how considered Smeg have been with their storage options. When you slide out the drip tray, you’ll reveal a neat storage solution hidden under the machine. Here, you can keep brushes and spare portafilter baskets. This stops you cluttering up drawers with coffee paraphernalia and reduces the risk of you losing an all-important part. 

How does it rate online?

Reviews for Smeg’s latest espresso machine all approve. It’s well received by customers and experts alike. People often emphasised that this is tailored towards beginners rather than really technical coffee drinkers, but I think that’s a good thing. Speciality coffee is becoming more and more accessible, so it seems only natural that Smeg change with the times.

As a machine which appeals to beginners, it’s easy to find features both celebrated and criticised. For example, the steam wand comes with two settings. Some reviewers said that this would be helpful for beginners, others felt that it wasn’t automated enough. Some others felt that it wasn’t manual enough, so you’ll need to know where you sit in the coffee maker market to know whether you need a little more help, or a little more freedom. 

Whilst people loved the aesthetics of the Smeg (although there are some who it doesn't appeal to), almost everyone said that they thought it was expensive for a basic espresso machine. They also reiterated that tho is pretty huge on the countertop, so you’ll need to be ready to craft a coffee nook around it.

How does it compare?

I think it’s important to make two comparisons here. The first is to Smeg’s other, smaller espresso machine and the second is to Breville’s Bambino Plus (a good espresso machine if you’re a beginner and if you plan on getting technical further down the line).

Smeg’s Retro Espresso Machine has a similar aesthetic. It comes with the same curved, colorful, chrome finish, but this is a much smaller model. To cut down on size, Smeg removed the integrated grinder (so you’ll need to buy one separately) and made everything a bit shorter – most notably the steam wand. Having to grind separately takes a bit more time and effort, but gives you the option to get more technical with your coffee grounds and to save on countertop space. Buying two appliances separately will increase the cost of your machine, but for those who care about grinding, or who already own a grinder even, this could be worth it. 

Both Smeg machines have low brew heads, so won’t necessarily brew coffee straight into your travel mug. Both are also imperfect at steaming milk. The smaller Smeg model has automatic steam functions, but these can leave milks a little bubbly, especially if you drink plant based milks. There's also the inescapable fact that they're much more expensive than they should really be.

If you liked the idea of a more technical espresso machine, there are plenty of excellent models in our buying guide. However, some of these can seem a little daunting to novice coffee drinkers. Breville’s Bambino Plus has the ability to get really technical, but the option to keep things really simple. It makes an excellent cup of coffee, steams milk automatically (and perfectly), and still has a sleek and stylish stainless steel finish. The Bambino Plus looks more functional, but stainless steel finishes can look really smart in plenty of kitchens. 

Unlike the Smeg Semi-Automatic, this doesn’t come with a grinder, so you will need to buy one separately. However, this is still one of the cheapest machines on the market, so you'll have some money left over from buying the Breville and a good grinder than you would if you bought the Smeg Semi Automatic.

Should you buy it?

If you put style first, you should absolutely buy this espresso machine; it’s striking. It’s beautiful and reasonably capable. However if you plan on becoming the next best barista in town you’ll need a machine which is a little more capable. I’ve tested lots of brilliant machines at a similar price point and they’re included in our buying guide for the best espresso machines. Have a look at those if you don’t think this is for you.

How we test espresso machines

At Homes & Gardens practicality before anything when we do our reviews. That’s why we have a team of dedicated experts who test every product we recommend to you. Before we call a model into our test kitchen, we do a deep dive, reading around and researching everything we need to know about an espresso machine. 

Then, our team of experts will carry out their in-person tests. We put every espresso machine through our series of standardised tests as well as checking any special features and functions. We'll also make notes on taste, performance, and usability leaving no stone and unturned. That means when machine arrives at your door, you know exactly what to expect. If you’d like to find out more about how we test you can visit our dedicated page.

Modern rustic kitchens are all about balance. The spaces are characterized by a wealth of aged, exposed surfaces and beautiful architectural features combined with sleek lines, yet they have all the functionality of a modern kitchen. 

An abundance of exposed wood and stone are juxtaposed with more modern materials like polished concrete, while sleek fitted cabinetry is often teamed with relaxed freestanding pieces and antique furniture. Whether you’re looking to create a kitchen from scratch or bring some modern rustic kitchen ideas into an existing space, we've gathered an array of stylish schemes and handy expert tips to help inspire your project.

Modern rustic kitchen ideas

The beauty of modern rustic kitchens is that there are no strict design rules when it comes to designing a kitchen, the options are endless. Its mix of old and new makes modern rustic a versatile look perfect for country and city homes. The style puts patina and texture at the forefront and lets architectural features take the lead in the design.

The key to a successful scheme is to strike the right balance of old and new. Too many rustic surfaces and aged pieces of furniture and the space can feel dated; alternatively, go too minimal, and a modern kitchen can sometimes feel cold and clinical. It's about drawing on rustic kitchen ideas but giving them a modern twist.

‘The appeal lies in the balance between modern sophistication and the warmth of rustic charm,’ says interior designer Julia Dempster. ‘It’s about creating a cozy yet stylish environment that feels both timeless and contemporary.’

1. Combine exposed brick with sleek lines

Interior designer Shannon Tate-Giordano, founder of Shannon Tate Interiors, has paired beautiful natural timber and industrial brick with sleek lines to create a perfectly balanced modern rustic look in this Boston home. 

‘I think the wood tones and brick lend themselves to what one would call a rustic palette, yet the clean lines of the hood, and the arched shelves, as well as the lighting, all add a refined energy that leans more femme-modern.' says Shannon Tate-Giordano. 'This kitchen feels like you could look out the window and see many different European Countryside settings, yet you are in Cambridge, Boston.’

2. Choose contemporary wood cabinets

With its brick floor, wooden ceiling beams and sleek wood kitchen cabinets, this stylish kitchen, set in an ancient barn in Suffolk, England, has all the hallmarks of a modern rustic space. Sleek yet characterful, the handcrafted, modern rustic deVOL kitchen cabinets beautifully complement the historic architecture and feature doors constructed from beech planks which have been gently stained to allow the grain to shine through. ‘We have come to think of the look as "urban rustic"; it brings a little bit of woodland into the city, with some style,’ says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL.

Of this Suffolk Dairy kitchen she says: ‘It’s a simple layout; a huge kitchen island, a clean straight cabinet run with a classic Smeg range cooker and no wall cupboards, which allows the beauty of the ancient structure to shine through without hampering a modern lifestyle.’ Great for a small modern rustic kitchen space and letting your modern rustic kitchen wall decor ideas run wild.

3. Celebrate natural materials

You don’t need a historic home to create a kitchen with rustic character. In this newly-built waterfront property, Herlong Architecture and Interiors introduced a wealth of timber and stone into the kitchen to create a welcoming space full of patina that pays homage to its coastal setting.

‘The initial interior design inspiration was drawn from the clients' love of natural stone and appreciation for natural materials. I wanted to marry their love for natural stone in a way that was both functional and beautiful, and so the stones could act like their own works of art,’ explains Cintra Sedalik, designer at Herlong Architecture and Interiors.

‘The kitchen backsplash is a slab of Maya Quartzite from Brazil which abstractly resembles ocean waves. This slab informed the touches of deep blues and greens found in the fabrics and light fixtures of the great room and scullery. Warmly finished Pecky Cypress is used throughout the home to bring in a coastal wood that helps ground the voluminous spaces with a more cozy feel.’

4. Mix historic architectural features with modern materials

In this breathtaking kitchen, the designers at Roundhouse paid homage to the architecture by creating a stark contrast between old and new, adding a sleek white kitchen in a room within a room. While the handleless white cabinets, polished concrete and glossy marble all contrast with the history of the property, this only serves to highlight the architectural features without distracting from them.

‘The aim here was for a design that was clean-lined and pared-back so that it didn't clash with the stunning architecture. The key to success was a palette of honest materials layered to create subtle interest,’ says Sam Hart, senior designer at Roundhouse.

‘A statement kitchen island is placed center stage in the new scheme and is encased in concrete for extra wow factor. Tactile, smooth and cold to the touch, concrete can make a striking and durable worktop material.’

5. Embrace sustainable style with salvaged wood cabinets

Brimming with warmth and unique character, this kitchen by Retrouvius combines an array of reclaimed timbers ingeniously redesigned to form a functional kitchen.

‘The kitchen cabinet doors are made from salvaged frames which have been reversed so you see the textured patina, while the doors are made from salvaged hardwood architraves; the ridged structure doubles as door handles,’ say the design team at Retrouvius.

The kitchen countertops are salvaged Iroko wood from municipal buildings and the salvaged brass kick plates bring beautiful warmth and can easily be unscrewed and replaced if required.

6. Mix bespoke cabinets with antique furniture

Opting for a mix of modern, bespoke cabinetry and antique freestanding kitchen pieces is a wonderful way to create a unique space full of character. Not only do vintage kitchen pieces such as dressers and butchers' blocks have a beautiful patina from years of wear, they can also be easily moved should you want your kitchen reconfigured.

‘This kitchen is the vision of a creative London couple who have spent years collecting antiques, curiosities and other furniture for their Edwardian family home,’ says Leila Touwen, co-founder of Pluck Kitchens. ‘The space is about the layers of old and new, the combination of antique and modern, it feels like a room rich with stories and history, but it is not stuck in the past.’

‘Pluck’s design includes an L-shaped layout that works with the shape and flow of the room. The cupboard doors are Elm and Brockwell Moss cabinetry, the different materials add to the sense this is not a traditional fitted kitchen, something that was important for our clients.’

7. Choose rustic yet practical materials

Interior designer Julia Dempster is renowned for her use of varied rustic textures and has continued the theme throughout this guesthouse kitchen. Fabrics like relaxed organic linens and old grain sacks are perfect for capturing the rustic look, however, in kitchens, they can be impractical as they can pick up smells and easily stain. 

Combining style with functionality, here Julia Dempster chose seating in a wipeable Perennials Performance Textured Linen Weave which brings lovely texture without the worry of spills or stains.

‘The Restoration Hardware slip-covered linen high-back dining chairs were on castors and doubled as a lounge chair, hence this model was chosen. I wanted them to be practical and resistant to stains. With outdoor grade upholstery, they withstand more wear and having loose covers means they can be washed easily. I decided to go dark as I knew they would have a great deal of use by guests.'

8. Introduce texture with handmade tiles

Mixing an assortment of kitchen tiles is an easy way to introduce pattern and texture into a timeless kitchen. Here interior designer Shannon Tate-Giordano used a combination of terracotta floor tiles and patterned wall tiles to bring rustic Mediterranean charm to this classic Shaker-style kitchen. 

'We chose terracotta because we wanted this kitchen to be classic and timeless,' explains Shannon Tate-Giordano, founder of Shannon Tate Interiors. 'The terracotta floors paired with our hand-made, hand-painted backsplash tiles give it a natural rustic feel because each one is slightly different, (as comes with the human touch) which gives a feeling of soul and approachability.'

Wooden open kitchen shelving and copper pans add further warmth to the space, bringing balance to the cool blue cabinets and industrial subway kitchen wall tiles.

9. Pair warm wood with utilitarian accessories

With its sleek wooden cabinets paired with playful industrial kitchen lighting and mid-century-style chairs, this modern rustic kitchen by Elizabeth Roberts Architects is both sophisticated yet warm and characterful.

‘Much of the interior of the house is clad in wood (tongue and groove paneling) to bring the warm feeling of a ski cabin. The wood kitchen is finished to match that wood paneling,’ says Robby Rathmann-Noonan, director of interiors at Elizabeth Roberts Architects. ‘The island is clad in darker finishes and creates a nice contrast with the white and wood walls.'  

‘We altered the industrial pendant lights to make them "perfect" for this project including having the diffuser frosted so that they would work a bit better when seen from underneath. We also had them rewired so they hung on a fabric cord (rather than in their original industrial style with a hook, wire, and chain).’

‘The dining chairs aren't vintage but are newly made versions of the vintage "Revolt" chair available at 1stDibs that come in a wide range of finishes. We selected them because they came in a range of woods and colors and could be mixed well with all the wood in the room.’ 

10. Add subtle texture with lime plaster walls

Renowned for her love of rustic textures and patinas, Julia Dempster combined lime plaster walls, wood cabinet doors and a polished concrete floor to bring layers of character to this modern neutral kitchen.

‘This was an extremely dark room; I stripped ninety years of layered wallpaper and finishes back to the bare concrete and exposed the original concrete ceiling and oak beams,' explains the interior designer. 

'I wanted to bring warmth but keep it light, so I added subtle texture with a lime plaster. Cement, polished concrete surfaces and industrial elements are softened with an eclectic mix of warm wood textures and copper lighting from Amber Shoppe.'

11. Introduce softness with fabrics

With their wealth of exposed surfaces, sometimes modern rustic kitchens can benefit from the introduction of fabrics to soften the space, plus, textiles can help deaden sound for a more relaxed atmosphere. Used under countertops instead of cabinets, fabric valance ideas for kitchens can also make a quick and affordable way to conceal modern appliances or kitchen clutter. 

Here a ceramic reclaimed sink, together with a sink curtain in Tori Murphy's Dresser Check cotton fabric and full-length kitchen curtains in a sheer linen mix, all contribute to a rustic French country kitchen feel.  

What is a modern rustic kitchen?

Modern rustic kitchens are characterized by their mix of contemporary design and wealth of natural materials and textured patinas. A versatile kitchen style that can complement both historic and new properties, modern rustic combines up-to-date functionality and appliances with aged and characterful surfaces for a perfect balance of practicality and comfort. Any architectural features, whether country-style or industrial are preserved and showcased within the design rather than concealed.

'Key elements include incorporating materials like wood, stone, and metals to bring in a sense of nature and authenticity,' explains interior designer Julia Dempster. 

'I tend to embrace a palette of neutral tones, such as earthy browns, grays, and whites, to create a calm and warm atmosphere. Utilizing sleek and simple lines in furniture and architecture while maintaining a sense of simplicity means rustic elements stand out more.'

How do you make a modern kitchen look rustic?

Introducing furnishings, accessories and window treatments in textural, natural materials is a great way to add rustic charm to a modern kitchen and will help the space feel more lived-in and characterful. 

When creating a modern rustic kitchen, 'so much of it comes down to materials used,' says fabric designer Tori Murphy. 'Natural materials that speak  have a sense of character and imperfections are allowed to shine through, and layers of fabrics – cottons, wools, linens all softened with age will add to the look.' 

'Gentle hues in paint colours, timber, and stone act as the perfect backdrop for personal possessions that are gathered considerately over time,' adds Tori Murphy.

Decorating shelves in kitchens with antique pieces and introducing natural materials through accessories is an easy way to bring instant character. 

'I love using open shelves in kitchens as they can add drama but offer a practical solution as everything is at hand and can be viewed easily,' says Julia Dempster. 'Do not have all the items on a longer shelf the same height. Not only should you contrast textures and materials, but height too. I would recommend using a series of elements as they add more impact.'

You can also try switching light fittings and hardware for vintage-style designs in warm burnished brass. 'Antique lighting above an island is a fun way to bring in patina. I love finding one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures and having them rewired to use above an island,' says interior designer Allison Babcock.  

There are plenty of milk frothers on the market. If you've considered any, I imagine they'll have been either Nespresso's subtle tube shaped frother or Smeg's chrome style statement. However, if you take notice of TikTok, you'll know the most popular milk frother is the Illy.

Illy is already well-established in the coffee industry, so I expected them to deliver a pretty good milk frother. What I didn't expect was near perfection. It's a simple model  — there are certainly more technical frothers on the market — but if you want warm, silky milk, you don't need to look much further.

As a former barista, I've steamed a lot of milk in my time, so I know what to look for in the best milk frothers. I took this to our test kitchen and used both dairy and almond milk to make hot and cold foam in the Illy. Whilst the Illy isn't without its limitations, it's my favorite milk frother by far.

Specifications

Unboxing

Packaging for the Illy is ultra-compact. I was surprised they'd even managed to fit a milk frother into the box that was no more than a bag of flour. However, when I opened it up, there the milk frother was. Even better, all the packaging around it was recyclable, so once I had it opened, I had no clutter to dispose of. 

On the countertop, it looks neat. The Illy comes in either black or white. I tested the black, which has a slick look, but, in pictures, I like the clean aesthetics of the white. They make the milk frother look a little more stylish and less functional. 

Who would it suit?

Whilst the lly is a beautiful, capable machine, it's also quite small. The 5 oz capacity is perfect for one large or two small servings and no more. If you have a small kitchen, or don't need to serve more than one person, this is a dream come true. 

As someone who always has almond milk in their coffee, I was delighted at how well the Illy frothed non-dairy milks. In fact, it's one of the most successful milk frothers I've tested for nut and oat milks. If you're a plant-based milk drinker, this is the one for you.

When in use, the Illy is close to silent, so if you need frothed milk in the early hours of the morning, you can easily make it without waking the house. I doubt someone in the same room as you would be able to hear it. Combined with the small footprint, you could almost forget that the Illy is even on your countertop.

However, if you're a household of more than two coffee and hot chocolate drinkers, the Illy's capacity will quickly create queues around the kitchen. There are plenty of models with more capacity which will suit your needs perfectly.

What is it like to use?

When an appliances is too simple, I start second guessing myself. That's exactly what I did with the Illy. I plugged it in, rinsed out the jug, and that was it. It was ready to froth some milk. I double checked the instructions and they confirmed that it really is that simple. 

Test 1: frothed milk

The first, most obvious, test for the Illy was frothing dairy milk to be hot and silky. I touched the icon for hot, frothing milk, and in complete silence, my 3 oz was whisked into a beautifully silky texture. 

I checked on the milk periodically by looking through the clear plastic lid and lightly touching the sides of the stainless steel jug. I stopped it myself when I felt the milk looked like it was getting a bit too silky, but it will automatically stop at 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pouring it out, I had about 1/2 warm milk and 1/2 froth in my cup. That's a really frothy coffee. I wouldn't even use that for a cappuccino, but the texture was thick and held its structure really nicely. You can flip the whisk for less frothy results. 

The fact that the Illy jug is just like a barista's makes it easy to work with: I banged mine on the side and swirled it to reduce the foam and then could pour smooth latte milk, rather than thicker cappuccino. It has a lovely, slightly sweet flavor and really silky mouthfeel.

Test 2: cold frothed milk

The cold milk, at first, was a little less successful. My first result was bubbly with next to no texture. This might have been bad luck, because when I tried it again, I got better results. It was still a little less silky than the hot milk, but a considerable effort from the Illy. The mouthfeel was really good once I had given the jug a few knocks: it felt velvety and cool.

My word of warning would be that the Illy needs to be completely cool before frothing cold milk. That's the warming plate underneath too. If you'll be switching between drinks, this will take a long time, unless you remember to prioritize cold drinks before hot ones.

Test 3: hot milk

If you're someone who doesn't fancy froth and would prefer just warm milk, the Illy can do this easily. The setting is the same as the one for hot chocolate and it will take your hot milk up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. I tested the precision of this and it was, remarkably, accurate. My first glass was 159, the other was 160 exactly. This is a great temperature, because the milk tastes sweet without being burnt at this point.

Test 4: non-dairy

Non-dairy milks are notoriously difficult for milk frothers to handle. They don't behave like normal milks, so can split, burn, and look, quite frankly, disgusting. I used almond milk to test the Illy and I was blown away. The first note I made just says 'wow'. It was the best almond milk froth I have ever made. I'm a barista and often opt for almond milk in my hot drinks, so that's a tough award to win, but this easily takes it. 

The milk was thick and velvety. When I poured it, it looked like marshmallows. The almond notes had been warmed and sweetened, but not burnt. I still don't know how the Illy did it, but I checked again, and again, and again. It was faultless every time.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Cleaning and storing the Illy is easy. The jug is dishwasher safe, but I'd wash by hand to make sure that you don't loose the all-important, frothing whisk. The lid will need to be kept clean, especially so you can keep a keen eye on your milk whilst it's frothing. 

Overall, the finish on the Illy is very glossy, which tends to be higher maintenance than matte products. I would make sure to have a clean microfiber towel nearby to give the base and stainless steel mug a wipe and a polish after use. Be careful of the base, because this stays hot after use. I burnt my hand touching it so you should be careful.

How does it rate online?

There are strong opinions around the Illy. These are all, almost exclusively, positive. I read a review where one user, who thought milk frothers were pointless, declared the Illy 'transformative'. People love the three, easy settings and everyone commented on the touch-screen icons, which have a modern, smart feel. Many also commented on the elegant design, so even though I've told you about storage, it seems that most owners sit their milk frother on display.

As you might expect, the non-dairy milk drinkers particularly love this. Online, I've seen plenty of TikToks about the Illy. Whilst I only tested almond milk, the videos of how it handles oat, hazelnut, and cashew nut fall in line with my experience. This is a good milk frother.

As always, there are a few people who didn't like the Illy. Capacity was an issue for many, so, take note: if you need to make more than two cups of coffee at once, look at the other milk frothers on the market. The size is also an issue when it comes to cleaning. I found a couple of people who said their hands are too big to reach inside the jug. I think most people would be fine, but if you identify as someone with particlarly large hands, this is something you might struggle to clean.

How does it compare?

Nespresso is on the obvious comparison to the Illy milk frother. I was pleased at how well it fought against Nespresso's well-established reputation as the compact, stylish milk frother of the moment.

The Nespresso Aeroccino 3 is slightly more expensive, with a little more capacity (4-8 oz) and, I do really like it. However, the Illy's jug shape is really useful for when you want to pour in patterns or play a little with the texture of your milk. There's not much between the two: Nespresso is better for capacity, Illy has better ergonomics. You can't go wrong.

If you'd like even more capacity and luxury, but don't want to compromise on style, let me introduce you to Smeg's milk frother. This was my kitchen crush for years. I've admired the range of colors and retro style from afar. In terms of aesthetics, the Smeg is better. It's beautiful, but harder to keep quiet on your countertops. The dial on the Smeg is more interactive and, I actually find it a little more reassuring. The Smeg also has an 8 oz capacity and can froth milk nearly as well. I don't think it's as good on plant based milks, but that's a marginal fault. The biggest deal breaker is that the Smeg is over double the price of the iIly. You need to be desperate for more capacity and a stand-out milk frother to pay that.

Should you buy it?

If you want a small and stylish milk frother, you can't go wrong with the Illy. It's excellent across a range of temperatures and milk types. You won't taste better warm almond milk than that made in the Illy. However, if a compact milk frother wasn't what you wanted, there are plenty more options.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we want to give practical advice. That's why all our reviews are unsponsored and done by our team of expert product testers. They take every appliance we recommend to our dedicated test kitchen. There, they'll make sure to use every feature on a milk frother, so that they can report back to you in deep detail on what each model is like.

We also make notes on unboxing, cleaning, storage, and maintenance, so that you know everything you need to know before making a purchase. If you'd like to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.

A stand mixer is a great addition to every kitchen, whether you are a baker, just a home cook, or someone who is aspiring to elevate their culinary abilities. 

The best stand mixers can be incredibly versatile, especially if you invest in all of the associated attachments. They’re good for mixing dough and batter, of course, but these machines can also work as food processors, meat slicers, meat grinders, and cheese shredders, just to name a few potential uses. 

A stand mixer is a versatile kitchen companion that can transform your cooking and baking experiences. To harness its full potential and understand why you need a stand mixer, consider the following uses.

How to get the most out of a stand mixer

Unwrap the full potential of your Christmas stand mixer with these expert tips.

Understand the attachments

Most stand mixers, including the KitchenAid Artisan(our pick for the best stand mixer in the world) come with various attachments. However, not all of them are the same. To get the most out of your mixer, it's essential to know when to use each one. 

The paddle attachment is great for general mixing and creaming, while the whisk is perfect for whipping cream, egg whites, and making meringues. The dough hook, as the name suggests, is ideal for kneading bread and pizza dough. 

By using the right attachment, you'll save time and effort, and your recipes will turn out better.

Optimize speed settings

Appliance expert Sarah Johnson suggests you should master the art of adjusting speed settings based on the recipe, as one of the biggest mistakes people make when using their stand mixer is starting at a high speed. However, this can be problematic, especially when mixing dry ingredients like flour, which can create plumes of dust.

Lower speeds are perfect for mixing dry ingredients, while higher speeds are ideal for whipping creams and beating egg whites. Experiment with different speeds to achieve the desired consistency once the ingredients are incorporated. What's more, starting slow will prevent the flour from forming lumps, which can affect the texture and consistency of your recipe.

Room temperature ingredients

Ensure that your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature before using the stand mixer. This allows for better incorporation and a smoother texture in your recipes.

Other dairy products, like cream cheese or milk, blend seamlessly when at room temperature, preventing any unwanted lumps or clumps in your recipes. Letting these ingredients reach room temperature is a simple trick to elevate the quality of your baked goods.

Scraping the bowl

When mixing thick batters or dough, it's common for ingredients to get stuck on the sides of the bowl. To ensure everything is evenly mixed, regularly scrape the bowl with a spatula. 

If you're making whipped cream, for example, after the initial mixing, stop the mixer and scrape the bowl to ensure that no liquid is pooling at the bottom. This way, every last bit of cream will be whipped to perfection.

Gradual ingredient addition

When adding dry ingredients to wet ones, or vice versa, do so gradually. This promotes thorough mixing and prevents clumps. Be patient and allow each addition to fully incorporate before adding more.

One thing to keep in mind is not to overmix your ingredients. When you overmix dough, in a stand mixer such as the Beautiful Stand Mixer by Drew Barrymore, the gluten strands become too elastic and tough, resulting in a dense and dry finished product. Similarly, when you overmix egg whites or cream, they can become grainy and lose their silky texture. So, whether you're making cake batter or bread dough, take care not to overmix your ingredients.

Cleaning and maintenance

Finally, to ensure that your stand mixer remains in top condition, make it a habit to clean it regularly. Most mixers come, such as the Smeg 50's Retro Stand Mixer from Amazon with removable attachments and bowls that can be washed in the dishwasher. 

However, sometimes, food particles or flour can get stuck in the crevices, so it's best to disassemble the mixer and clean it by hand. Also, keep in mind that some parts, like the planetary gear or the motor housing, should not be submerged in water. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your specific model.

FAQs

To get the most out of a stand mixer, always use it while it is placed on a flat surface. This will make it stable and the ingredients will have a good chance to mix thoroughly, Always attach the right accessory when you are using it for any purpose. You can always adjust the bowl of your stand mixer for effective performance.

It's indisputable that white is one of the most classic color choices. It goes with everything and makes a space feel large, clean, and bright. These are surely the qualities of the color that compelled Cindy Crawford to choose white cabinets, white countertops, and a white backsplash in her kitchen. However, interior designers caution that too much of the shade can look sterile and be difficult to clean. Despite these concerns, experts admit that this shade is classic and versatile with benefits that ultimately outweigh the cons. Here's what the experts had to say about white kitchens.

As for the pros of the shade, interior designers say that Cindy Crawford's kitchen decor will never go out of style. Gaelle Dudley, head interior designer and founder of GLDESIGN states: 'White is timeless, never boring! Although kitchen trends are fun, in my opinion, you can never go wrong with a classic white kitchen. I find myself
always searching for the perfect white hue when designing projects and I
personally prefer a crisp white with no yellow undertones.'

Furthermore, white kitchen decor has benefits for the appearance of the space. Yvonne Landivar, LA-based kitchen and bath designer at Landivar Design states: 'The main advantage white kitchens have is to make a space feel larger, especially in a small enclosed kitchen such as a galley or U-shaped kitchen.'

However, Yvonne also cautions about the potential drawbacks of this kitchen color. She states: 'All white kitchens lack the contrast our eyes need to be able to focus properly and find our cooking utensils and spices right away. They are rather sterile looking and seem to lack that cozy feeling we get with warmer tones of wood, paint, and textures on other surfaces like the countertop and backsplash.'

She continues, 'The main drawback to this kitchen color trend is keeping your beautiful white kitchen looking clean is a full-time job, and most working parents and busy adults find it rather tedious to have to dust off their white cabinetry constantly.'

Despite their concerns, the experts agree that Cindy Crawford has pulled off the white kitchen look due to one essential element: attention to texture. Cindy's matte marbled backsplash and white stone countertops combined with the stainless steel stove and wooden sofa create a visual variety that breaks up the look. 

Yvonne says, 'The white kitchen look has been solid for about the last ten or fifteen years, when mixed with other textures and colors it’s a classy look that has longevity and can be timeless.' Gaelle adds on texture in a kitchen stating: 'You can never go
wrong with a white tile, either. Make it more interesting by switching up
the patterns with a herringbone or vertical stack for a backsplash.'

Shop The Edit

Like it or not, white cabinets and countertops make for a timeless kitchen design. With a focus on texture, you can get a look just as chic as Cindy Crawford's home.

Purchasing a juicer can feel overwhelming – with such a wide range of juicers available on the market and factors to consider – it might be a little perplexing if you don't know what to look for.

With the rush of Black Friday deals and Christmas panic buying, it's easy to make some common juicer-buying mistakes which can leave you winding up overspending or purchasing a juicer that is not right for you.

Well, fear not. We've got you covered with all the mistakes to avoid when buying a juicer and tips from experts to ensure you buy the best juicer, whether for yourself or as a gift.

Juicer buying mistakes

Juicers are an increasingly popular kitchen appliance, perfect for adding more nutrition to your diet, and are a great way to begin the day.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned juicing enthusiast, juicers combine, power, durability, and intuitive design, assuming you have chosen the right model. It's all down to finding the best model that will suit your juice and blending preferences, lifestyle, and space requirements.

1. Failing to choose the right juicer for the job

Possibly the most significant mistake you can make when buying a juicer is choosing one that doesn't suit you.

'Many consumers overlook the fact that there are different types of juicers, each with its own set of pros and cons,' explains Sarah Johnson, appliance expert at Big Air Fryers. 'From centrifugal to masticating and triturating juicers, all with different functions, understanding the distinctions is crucial.'

Hashi Mohamed, president of Ivy Cleans explains: 'Centrifugal juicers are generally faster and more affordable, but they can be noisy and less efficient at extracting juice from leafy greens or wheatgrass.

'Masticating juicers, on the other hand, are slower but more efficient at extracting juice, especially from tough greens, and they usually produce a higher quality juice with more nutrients.'

Triturating juicers are top-quality, versatile juicers, providing the most thorough and efficient extraction, however, these operate more slowly and can be trickier to clean.

Be sure to research the various features of different juicers and find one that coincides with your blending preferences and the amount of time and energy you want to allocate to using your juicer.

Additionally, 'Choose a juicer that can juice the types of produce you plan to use,' advises Andhi Ermawan, tech expert, professional product tester, and the founder of My Pros And Cons. 'Each juicer is suitable for a certain kind of fruit or vegetable, and using an unsuitable one will cause a waste of juice.'

For example, some juicers are better suited for leafy greens, while others handle fruits and hard vegetables more efficiently, so choose a juicer that can juice the types of produce you plan to use.

2. Not considering size and capacity

Another mistake is buying a juicer without considering its size and capacity.

The first reason that this is essential to consider is to ensure you buy a model that is practical for the amount of juice you want to make. If you plan to juice for just yourself, then a large juicer may be unnecessarily clunky and impractical, however, if you are doing so for a big family or because you tend to make juice in large batches, a more substantial model will be essential.

Secondly, Julian Righetti, owner of MOD Appliances advises, 'Make sure the juicer you choose is the right size for your kitchen and can easily be moved around or stored away when unused. If you have a kitchen or your juicer needs to fit away in a cupboard, consider the space it will take up.'

Assess and measure the available kitchen space before purchasing a juicer, finding one that seamlessly fits with your available space. Consider compact designs or those with vertical storage capabilities to ensure they fit seamlessly into your kitchen without causing clutter.

3. Ignoring cleaning time

Not taking into account how long it takes to disassemble and clean a juicer can lead to reluctance to use it later down the road since it can become an unexpectedly cumbersome and time-consuming juicing experience.

Look for juicers that are easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. Models that are dishwasher-safe parts or simple cleaning mechanisms will encourage regular use and maintenance, ensuring longevity and hygiene. 

4. Purchasing a juicer with features you don't need

One common mistake to avoid when buying a juicer is investing in one with additional features you are unlikely to use. While a juicer with numerous fancy features might seem appealing, each component will likely raise the juicer's purchase price.

'Generally, a juicer with a basic design fitted to your requirements is usually worth more than one full of unnecessary features,' advises Andhi Ermawan. 

Buying a high-end juicer with numerous features when you only plan to juice occasionally or don't wish to spend much time doing so might be unnecessary.

Instead, choose features that align with your juicing needs rather than those with excessive add-ons that may not be practical in daily use.

5. Disregarding the noise level of the juicer

'Remember to consider the noise level of the juicer. Some juicers can be loud, so if you don't want to wake up your entire family or disturb your neighbors, find a model with a low noise level,' recommends Julian Righetti.

There are also a few tricks you can use to reduce the sound made without compromising your juicer quality, including using a silicone mat underneath your juicer, such as these Leceha mats, from Amazon to reduce the sounds the vibrations.

6. Purchasing a juicer without seeing reviews

Be sure to never buy a juicer without seeing customer ratings and reviews.

Reading evaluations of juicers will assist you in determining whether the juicer you are considering is the best version and if it is right for you. Many web pages are dedicated to providing this data, including our guide on the best cold press juicers.

You may want to stick to reputable brands such as Nutribullet, Ninja, and Breville which have a wealth of positive reviews and reliable manufacturers. 

This will help you determine whether the attributes of a specific product will benefit you.

7. Buying something inexpensive and poor quality

'Another problem is putting more emphasis on costs than on quality,' says Andhi Ermawan. 'Choosing a cheap model may appear wise in terms of economy; however, users usually have to be content with poor quality and a short lifespan.'

'Avoid choosing a juicer made from cheap materials. Watch out for materials that tend to break under stress, especially those that are doing all the hard work,' advises Christenda Costa, CEO of Gadget Review. 'Juicers are meant to take a beating and should be made with exceptionally strong operating mechanisms to ensure the most longevity possible between part replacements.'

Juicer performance often increases with price. Bigger prices are accompanied by greater features, a longer guarantee, a bigger juice output, simpler cleaning, and, frequently, a more aesthetically pleasing device. If you are intending to invest in a juicer to use long-term, looking for the cheapest option may not be the best idea.

However, expensive doesn't always equate to the best and may not align with your blending preferences. Sometimes mid-range options can provide excellent performance without breaking the bank. Many individuals begin juicing by purchasing an inexpensive centrifugal juicer for less money, and when they feel they are ready to step up their blending game, they step up their blender quality, choosing a masticating or triturating blender.

Determine your budget range and look for juicers that offer the best value for the features you prioritize. 

8. Disregarding the warranty

Don't make the mistake of getting distracted by the exciting features of your blender and forgetting to check how long the warranty is before purchasing.

Always get a juicer with an extended warranty; if the machine breaks down, you won't have to pay for repairs for a longer length of time. 

Extended warranty periods may also serve as a reliable indicator of superior quality since a longer warranty period demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in their product's longevity.

FAQs

Sarah Johnson reminds us, 'The primary purpose of a juicer is to extract high-quality juice, however, some models may compromise on this aspect, leading to lower nutritional value and taste.'

Be sure to consider all these factors when purchasing a blender to ensure you choose the best quality model according to your lifestyle. This way you can be confident that you will be satisfied with your choice in the long run.

Without a shadow of a doubt, appliances are designed to make life easier. Choose them wisely and they can turn a hectic household routine into one that is streamlined and dare we say, harmonious. 

Note that organizing kitchen appliances might be easier said than done. And, if traditional and obvious space is not on your side, how can you sensibly buy kitchen appliances you need, without negatively impacting your home's functionality?

An overly busy kitchen and cluttered kitchen countertops will never do. Whether you are working with a small apartment space or would like to enjoy some Black Friday home deals, without any guilt, looking beyond classic kitchen storage ideas might see you enjoying that brand new coffee maker, without compensating your home's aesthetic and function.

Kitchen appliance placement rules for more harmony

Much like a stand mixer will quickly counteract sore arms and preserve essential baking minutes when forming stiff peaks, an air fryer could let you take back precious time, for moments better spent enjoying dinner around the table. If you are still stuck on how to integrate new appliances into your home's existing layout, we called on the experts for their best recommendations – in and out of the kitchen. Stick to their rules for best success:

1. Always think of your home's natural workflow

Firstly, when considering anything new for your home, viewing purchases as investments is best practice when shopping sustainably, and to help keep an organized kitchen. 'As an interior designer, I have often faced the challenge of seamlessly integrating appliances into a home's aesthetic flow,' shares Vera Li, interior designer for POVISON. 

'It's a delicate balance between practicality and visual appeal, and one that requires careful consideration of both the appliance's function and the space it will occupy.'

Next, ask yourself how, and how often, you will use the appliances. This will help determine the best positioning, whether you're looking for the best appliances for small kitchens or shopping for larger items to feed a bigger household. 

'Frequently used appliances, like coffee makers and toasters, should be easily accessible, preferably within countertop reach. This minimizes the amount of movement required for daily tasks, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow,' says Li.

2. Make subtle spatial changes to 'camouflage' appliances

Going custom with kitchen cabinetry will help carve out the exact amount of space you need for different appliances, and they can be designed for a nearby pantry, or neighboring hallway where space allows.

London-based interior designer, Rudolph Diesel, shares: 'How you arrange your home’s layout will have a huge impact on how you conduct your domestic day-to-day life; even subtle changes in your spatial arrangement could have a large impact on the home’s aesthetic and functionality.

'Before committing yourself to a particular arrangement or range of furniture, I’d consider evaluating whether you could accommodate built-in home appliances. These home appliances, like dishwashers or refrigerators, are designed to seamlessly blend in with the room’s cabinetry. This can maximize storage space and create an integrated aesthetic throughout the room, which is why built-in appliances are especially popular for places like the kitchen or utility room.'

Artem Kropovinsky, an interior design expert and the founder of Arsight recommends we reserve bespoke solutions for larger appliances: 'Put bigger appliances into custom cabinets for a clean design that is both useful and attractive.' 

This can also work for smaller items that need a little disguising. 'For appliances that don't quite fit the aesthetic of a particular space, consider camouflaging them,' says Li. 'Built-in appliances, like ovens and microwaves, seamlessly integrate into cabinetry, creating a clean and uncluttered look.' Appliance garages can also be a brilliant way to disguise and group likewise appliances in a way that will complement the rest of your kitchen styling.

3. Keep appliances at least 4ft apart

We use our countertops for many things, from chopping vegetables to, occasionally, answering emails. When adding more, try to not overwhelm the space you have.

'The general rule of thumb is that kitchen appliances should be at least 4ft apart. As kitchen counters tend to be around 4ft long, you should only have one or two appliances per countertop,' recommends Diesel.

'The only appliances left out on the counter should be the ones you use on a regular basis. If you only use an appliance every now and then, you should store it away in a kitchen cupboard.'

If you find that you have appliances you are hardly ever using, consider donating them if they still work. If they are passed their best and you aren't able to repair them, look into how they might be recycled. Some companies may even offer trade-ins when you are purchasing another product. 

4. Look beyond the kitchen

If you are unable to follow Diesel's 4ft appliance distance rule, and do not have a pantry, consider where smaller, more moveable appliances might be able to live instead. When doing this, it is important to find the right home to keep appliances in safe and proper working order.

'Proper appliance storage is really important to guarantee their longevity and functionality,' says Fantastic Services' appliance technician David Miloshev who shares some guidance on how to approach relocating smaller appliances such as toasters and blenders, elsewhere: 'It’s recommended to store small appliances in a clean, dry area and cover them to prevent dust accumulation. Additionally, keep their cords organized and untangled to prevent them from getting damaged, and avoid wrapping them tightly around the appliance.'

The coffee machine is the perfect example of an appliance you could keep in another room of your home: the bedroom, or dining room, provided it is safely and artistically positioned, of course.

Guillaume Pereira, product manager and KRUPS spokesperson says: 'Coffee machines are good examples of a domestic appliance that can be placed elsewhere than on the kitchen countertop.

'KRUPS coffee machines will perfectly blend in with a refined interior, in the dining or living rooms for example.' So long as general risks are taken into account, for instance, water near plug outlets, moving such appliances to more convenient areas in your home could make life more streamlined.

5. Categorize not just by function

And for the beautiful, and most frequently used appliances, bring them together in ways that make sense visually as well. Clever positioning will help your space maintain its flow, whether they are part of an open-plan kitchen or a modern dining room. 

'When arranging where to place your appliances at home, I’d recommend grouping related items together and designating specific areas to them,' says Diesel. 'For example, you could create a coffee station that holds the coffee maker, mugs, spoons, sugar, and any other related items.'

Though tempting to corral appliances by function, being more flexible with your categories will leave more room for added aesthetic value. 'You could also group appliances with similar colors or styles to create a more cohesive impression.'

6. Let some appliances 'serve as focal points'

Good-looking appliances can be a sight in themselves, but how can you display items without overwhelming your interior design scheme?

Li notes how some can add ambiance. 'While some appliances might require discreet placement, others can serve as focal points in a room. A statement-making refrigerator or a vintage toaster can add a unique touch of personality to your home. Embrace the appliance's form and function, using it as an opportunity to express your personal style.'

We quite like Smeg's 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster for a vintage toaster.

'Appliance placement is an art that requires a blend of practicality and aesthetics. By considering the function of the appliance, its style, and the overall design of the space, you can create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment,' adds Li.

Kropovinsky highlights how it is all in the detail with appliance placement and that even lighting can make a difference: 'Position the appliances in a way that creates harmony with the room’s interior design and turns them into components of the decoration. For this reason, use lighting that emphasizes these appliances to make them into more intentional design decisions.'

7. Leave space to weave in decorative items

Other creative storage solutions such as open kitchen shelving can allow you to be more inventive and thoughtful with displays. 'Consider open shelving, which allows you to showcase your favorite appliances while keeping them within easy reach,' recommends Li. 'Add a personal touch by accessorizing the shelves with cookbooks, decorative items, or even potted plants.' Indoor plants can bring a more serene feel to kitchens and are easily intertwined with everyday items for a unique finish.

8. Stay true to the essentials

Less is more is often the best way with home design, particularly in an area like the kitchen, which is easily taken from calm to bustling in a matter of moments.

'It can be tempting to leave a lot of items or appliances on the countertop, but I’d suggest keeping countertops clear and having only essential appliances on them,' says Rudolph Diesel. 'Embracing this minimalist design can avoid the build-up of miscellaneous items while maintaining a clean, modern look.'

Numbers matter here, but even choosing a less-is-more color scheme might create more harmony in this space. 'While practicality is paramount, aesthetics play an equally important role in appliance placement,' says Li. 'A well-designed kitchen should exude a sense of harmony and balance, and appliances should complement rather than clash with the overall décor.'

FAQs

Display appliances with intention when finding the best position for them in the kitchen and beyond. Understanding the core function of items to know how you will use them, and how they might add to your home's aesthetic will help create more harmony in your home.

The average drip coffee maker will cost you about $300. The Bodum is only $50. When I first saw the price of the Bodum, I couldn't believe my eyes. That's ridiculously cheap and, if it were any other brand, I would think that it's because the coffee maker is bad quality. However, for the last seventy years, Bodum's philosophy has been: 'good design doesn't have to be expensive'. They've delivered on their promises before and, you'll be pleased to know that with Bodum's Bistro Programmable, they do it again.

I've been testing the best drip coffee makers on the market and it took only a morning for me to know that this is easily one of them. The minimalistic, ergonomic machine feels like it should be quadruple the price. Plus, it can brew a decent cup of coffee.

If you're seeking a specialty coffee maker, there are many more technical models available. However, if this is your first foray into home coffee brewing, you won't regret buying a Bodum coffee maker.

Specifications

Unboxing

Bodum claims to take environmental issues seriously. A quick scroll on their page will claim sustainability integrated at every part of the coffee-making process. The coffee maker came in mostly cardboard packaging, but I was surprised to find that there was some plastic wrap, too. However, I reached out to the Bodum team and they reassured me that these are recyclable HDPE and LDPE, which is great to see.

The main body of the machine feels premium, considering the price. On the countertop, it looked slick and smart. There are plenty of stainless steel finishes and the carafe is made from thick borosilicate glass with an easy-to-grip silicone handle, which is unusual for this price point. Bodum also usefully includes a small coffee scoop and paper instructions. This machine is straightforward, but if you're not sure, the combination of images and text makes it incredibly easy to navigate this drip coffee maker.

Who would it suit?

The most obvious appeal of this Bodum is its price. At around $50, it's the cheapest drip coffee maker I've tested. And yet, it doesn't feel like a budget version. Yes, the body is plastic, but the filter is stainless steel, the jug is surprisingly thick tempered glass and there are other silicone and titanium finishes too. It feels comfortable to hold and the design is well-considered, so if you like luxury, but you're stretched a bit thin, this is an excellent option for investing in.

As a basic model, it's worth noting that if you spend more money, you'll get more features. For example, with another $140 added to your budget, the Breville Precision brewer has enough capacity to make six different types of coffee: fast, gold, strong, personalized, pour-over, and cold brew.

What is it like to use?

The first time the Bodum turns on, you set the time on the LED screen. This isn't just to ensure that you're caffeinated and punctual, it means that you can make use of Bodum's 24-hour programmable setting. As the name suggests, you can set a time that you want your coffee to be ready and the Bodum will quietly prepare it. I tested this out and it worked to the minute, so would be really useful if you like to have a pot of coffee ready first thing in the morning.

Another feature that needs some attention before you can start making coffee is the water reservoir. This fills from the back, so you'll need to have a pitcher to fill it. In order to access the reservoir you need to lift the lid and pour very carefully. This is quite a precarious part of the preparation process and, if you have low cupboards, you'll need to pull the machine out from under them, which is frustrating. However, once the 51 oz capacity is full to the max line, you can make 12 cups of coffee before refilling.

Making coffee

Before I explain more about the coffee-making process, I recommend investing in one of the best coffee grinders and using freshly ground coffee to achieve the most flavorful coffee results. If you already own a grinder, use a medium grind to start with (your grounds should look like granulated sugar or table salt), because this will ensure your coffee flavors are optimally extracted, tasting not too weak or too bitter. If you don't own a grinder because you're on a budget and short on time or for any other reason, pre-ground coffee is fine too – as long as it's good quality.

I was using 200 Degrees' Brazilian roast ground coffee and wanted to test out Bodum's coffee scoop. I filled it and weighed it on the scales. It measured 0.5 oz, which is close to perfect for coffee. If you're happy with a little imprecision, this scoop will become your next best friend. It's quick to use and means you can make coffee almost immediately without needing to unpack coffee scales.

I scooped my ground coffee into the reusable filter basket and pressed the front button to set the coffee brewing. When brewing, the machine is really quiet - almost imperceptibly so. The only noise I could hear was the classic drip filter burbling, which was the sound of water boiling and then being distributed over my grounds. The Bodum uses a shower head to ensure that water evenly saturates your coffee grounds, producing a balanced and flavorful cup.

It's hard to go wrong with brewing because there's just one button. So, just under ten minutes after I had pushed the start button, the machine had filled up the coffee carafe with 12 cups worth of coffee. I thought that the jug would feel heavy and awkward to lift, but the silicone, easy-grip handle was easy to hold and really smooth to pour from.

Taking a sip of the filter coffee, I was surprised at how bold and strong the flavors were. I'm used to quite delicate filter coffee, but this was some of the strongest and richest that I've tasted. The notes were really well-balanced too. I thought my grind was a little coarse, so thought the coffee would taste bitter, but it was perfect.

Keep warm

Not everyone wants coffee at the same time, which is when a 'keep warm' heat plate comes in useful. Bodum's warming function won't turn on properly for 25 minutes, because the stain-resistant plate does an excellent job of retaining heat. After that, the machine claims to keep coffee warm for up to two hours. I kept testing it and the coffee was drinkable up until the three-hour mark, after which it was too cold to enjoy.

This is short for a drip coffee maker, but it does mean that the coffee didn't end up tasting stale, burnt, or bitter. Even though I would have liked for the coffee to stay warm for longer, this is a good way to ensure that your coffee is always fresh and flavorful. However, it is a little wasteful if you like to keep drinking from the same jug all day long.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The build and materials of the Bodum means that this is effortless to clean. The stainless steel doesn't mark and wipes clean. The main plastic and silicone body has texture, stopping it from looking cheap or dirty, so it's easy to keep in pristine condition.

When you're finished with the coffee, the filter basket lifts fully out. The coffee grounds end up drying a fair amount, so they're easy to empty into the bin. The filter is supposed to be dishwasher-safe. However, given that it's built to last a lifetime, I would recommend hand washing it. That way you can guarantee that it isn't being treated too harshly or bent out of shape by harsh jets.

How does it rate online?

The Bodum Bistro Programmable is one of the best-kept secrets amongst drip coffee makers. There are 500 reviews on Amazon, which average at four stars. Lots of users note how well this extracts the coffee flavors. People also found it easy to use and felt that the whole coffee maker looked like a more premium product than the price tag might suggest.

The most common criticism was that the reservoir was difficult to fill. The opening is small and if you're in a hurry it's easy to over-pour and make a mess around the machine.

Bodum has been making this coffee maker for years, which is useful for assessing its longevity. There were plenty of reviews from people who use this machine every day, so I found that most people owned theirs for about three years. Oftentimes, the reasons people stopped using the machine were because the plastic cracked (making the showerhead redundant), or the heating plate rusted. If you're careful with drying and cleaning the machine, you should be able to ensure that it lasts a little longer.

How does it compare?

This is by far the cheapest drip coffee maker we've tested. If we wrote our buying guide based on value, this would sit at the top. When using it, the Bodum reminded me the most of Smeg's drip coffee maker. Both machines make use of a showerhead, producing flavorful cups of coffee. Similarly, they are both a little tricky to fill, because the water reservoir opening is small.

Style-wise, Smeg wins. The retro design is available in a range of colors and it looks stunning on the countertop. Bodum is simple and puts forward a surprisingly good case for a minimalistic drip coffee maker, but if you're style-conscious the Smeg is more eye-catching. However, the Smeg was too tall to fit under wall cupboards and the Bodum could just about slide under. If you need to balance convenience and appearance, the Bodum could be a better option.

Even though its dimensions are smaller in total, the Bodum has enough capacity to brew another two cups of coffee too. Flavor wise, it's hard to discern between the two. They both extracted coffee flavors really well and the warming plates didn't spoil the flavors of coffee over time either. Smeg has more flavor settings, allowing you to customize how mellow or strong you want your brew to be and can keep the coffee warmer for longer. This means that the Smeg is flexible for a range of coffee drink habits.

If price wasn't taken into account, it would be a tough decision choosing between the two. However, at 1/5th of the price, the Bodum looks like exceptional value in comparison to the Smeg.

Final thoughts

For the price, this is an exceptionally good drip coffee maker. In fact, there aren't really any models that can compete. The coffee might not speciality-standard and this isn't the kind of coffee maker that you'll keep for a lifetime, but it's good as an initial investment.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we take our coffee testing seriously. That's why all of the products we recommend and review go to our test kitchen. There, our team of expert product testers will put every appliance through their paces.

I used to be a barista, so I love testing out all our coffee appliances. When testing coffee, aside from the all-important taste test, I also make notes on unboxing, storing, and cleaning a product. This means that when using a coffee maker in your day-to-day life, you won't face any unwelcome surprises - I will have already spotted them. If you'd like to find out more, you can visit out dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

As someone who's borderline obsessed with the best air fryers (yes, I own two), I can confidently say they’re a game changer in the kitchen. But like all appliances, they need some TLC.

As a rule of thumb, most air fryers last between three to five years depending on how frequently you use them (and how well you take care of them). Regular cleaning and maintenance can make your air fryer last longer, but when red flags start popping up, it’s time to call it quits.

Ignoring the signs of a failing air fryer can lead to undercooked food, longer cooking times, and even potential safety hazards – trust me, toxicity in your food is not something you want to gamble on.

So, how do you know it’s time to part ways with your trusty air fryer? Here’s how to recognize the warning signs.

Air fryer shopping advice

If you do need to upgrade, I've also rounded up our expert-tested air fryers which are affordable prices in the Black Friday air fryer sales. These are the best options for reliable, durable replacements – suitable for your specific kitchen needs and bound to stand the test of time.

Signs it's time to replace your air fryer

I’ve chatted with appliance experts, and they all agree – these are the top signs to watch for when deciding if it’s time to replace your air fryer. You can check out our guide for the best air fryers if you want guidance for an upgrade.

1. Decreased Performance

If your once-crispy fries are now coming out pale or unevenly cooked, your air fryer might be losing its power. Air fryers are designed to circulate hot air rapidly, and if the air circulation or heating element is compromised, it’s time to start considering a replacement.

Sarah Johnson, kitchen appliance expert at Big Air Fryers explains, 'If you notice that your air fryer takes significantly longer to cook your food or doesn't produce the same crispiness it used to, it may be a sign of declining heating performance. This reduced efficiency can result from a variety of factors, including worn-out heating elements or a malfunctioning fan.'

2. Overheating

Dim Nikov, cookbook author and the editor of Home Cook World explains: 'If you find your air fryer shuts off often, it’s most likely because it’s overheating. If this is happening and you find there are no obvious reasons for it, it could be a malfunction in the machine.'

'Sometimes overheating happens because the heating coils are dirty, or the basket is too full' says Dim. 'Try to cook food in smaller batches to increase ventilation.'

If you find this doesn’t work, you should replace the machine. It's not safe to use an air fryer that overheats often, especially if it means your meat is ending up under-cooked or burnt to a crisp.

3. Damaged Non-Stick Coating

Many air fryer baskets are coated with Teflon – a non-stick lining for a quick, easy cleanup. However, if you notice chips, scratches, or peeling in the coating of your air fryer basket, it's not something to ignore. It's time to get a new air fryer.

It’s more than just a nuisance – it can actually be a health risk. Pieces of the coating can get into your food, making it unsafe to eat. You might prefer to invest in one of the best non-toxic air fryers, made from stainless steel or ceramic materials that stay intact and don't contain potentially harmful chemicals.

4. Unpleasant smells

While a little bit of a cooking smell is normal, a strong burning odor is a red flag. Matt Kerr, electrical engineer and co-founder of Appliance Geeked explains, 'Oil and food debris build-up can interfere with the air fryer's performance.' There could be food particles trapped in hard-to-clean areas, getting burnt and causing unsavory tastes.

Before replacing your air fryer, you could try using vinegar to shift baked-on grease on your air fryer. We recommend using this OXO Good Grips deep clean brush set, from Amazon, and this KH-7 decrease spray, from Walmart. If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, your air fryer might have internal damage or overheating issues.

5. Strange noises

'While air fryers do make some noise while they are running, excessive or unexpected noise might be concerning. If your air fryer is making more noise than normal, the fan or motor may be damaged,' explains Matt Kerr, electrical engineer.

In such cases, the air fryer may not be cooking consistently or providing optimum air circulation. The Cosori 5-Qt Air Fryer could be a good upgrade, we were amazed by the AirWhisper technology. Your kitchen will be near-silent when this machine is running.

6. Unresponsive controls

One of the more subtle signs an air fryer needs replacing is a loss of functionality. 'If your air fryer has a temperamental timer, buttons that don't respond, or a malfunctioning display, it can be frustrating and unreliable,' says Gabrielle Yap from Carnivore Style.

Air frying should be a breeze, and if your air fryer isn't cooperating, it's probably time for an upgrade.

7. Smoke, sparks or safety hazards

If you notice signs of electrical hazards, immediately stop using your air fryer and consider a new one.

Gabrielle Yap says, 'If you notice sparks, smoke, or any electrical issues, unplug your air fryer immediately. Safety should always come first in the kitchen, and these signs may signal an impending breakdown.'

Cooking with an unreliable appliance can be a fire hazard and a recipe for disaster.

8. Outdated features

'As technology advances, newer air fryer models are updated with innovative features that can greatly enhance your cooking experience,' says air fryer expert, Sarah Johnson.

You might also find that your air fryer is simply taking up too much space, and you want to upgrade to a modern, space-saving design. Or, you might prefer to speed up the cleaning with a non-toxic, dishwasher safe basket.

As H&G's kitchen appliances editor, I'm testing the latest and greatest models all the time. My favorite air fryers include Wi-Fi connectivity, smart presets, and double-stacked levels.

If any of these issues sound familiar, don’t wait too long to upgrade. You’ll notice a big difference in the quality of your meals and the efficiency of your cooking process with a newer, more reliable machine. Plus, the latest models often come with added features that make them even more versatile than the older versions. So if your air fryer is showing its age, take it as an opportunity to treat yourself to a new one – you won’t regret it!

Best known for their pretty, premium products, Smeg makes some of my favorite kitchen appliances. Their beautiful personal blender is no exception. Slim and stylish, it's almost everything that a single-serve blender should be.

A good blender is a kitchen essential. If it's well-designed, it will slot effortlessly into your everyday life. You'll use it when you wake up in the morning for your smoothie bowl, serve-up soup at lunch, and whizz up hummus for an appetizer in the evening.

I used the Smeg personal blender in my home for a month. Anyone who knows me will know that I blend almost anything. Beetroot? Blend it. Carrots? Blend them. Coffee smoothies? Blend them (trust me). You can make some incredible things with a small appliance.

I loved using this Smeg personal blender. It's a durable, daily appliance which is one of the best single serve blenders on the market. If you have a small apartment and money to spend on your blending routine, it's a good choice, but it's expensive and not without its quirks. 

Should you buy it?

If you're all about style and capacity conscious, this is the blender for you. I fell in love with its looks, but the way it whips up a pretty good smoothie and delicious soup in seconds has made it irreplaceable in my kitchen. It's expensive and it isn't cordless like some other models, but I love it nonetheless. If you have other Smeg appliances, this will complete your kitchen look.

Who would it suit?

Smeg always suits a luxury kitchen. Their premium products deliver on quality and style. If you have a small and chic kitchen, this lightweight blender is perfect. It's easy to store and light enough to lift up onto high shelves without putting a back or shoulder out.

The portable bottles make this an on-the-go essential. If you make smoothies, shakes, soups, and dips on the regular, you'll find the versatile design endlessly useful. The two speed settings don't sound like much, but they're all you need for daily blending tasks.

Specifications

Unboxing

Unboxing this told me everything I needed to know about the beautiful Smeg blender. The box was lightweight and I was pleased to find it contained completely recyclable packaging. Each component was wrapped in paper bags, keeping all the parts clean and scratch-free without any single-use materials.

This comes with two bottles, made from Tritan Renew Plastic. This means that they're made from recycled plastic. Looking at them, you wouldn't guess it; they're clear and as high-quality as plastic can get.

The bottles double-up as a blending vessel, so, once you've used them to whizz up a smoothie, you can screw on the lid (provided) and take your drink with you on the go. Each bottle is even engraved with Smeg logos. It's a small touch, but it's these little extras that make a product an extra-special essential.

What is it like to use?

Blenders are all about speed. Super-fast smoothies, swift soups, and express shakes are easy work for the Smeg personal blender. Not only is it perfect practically, it looks gorgeous on my countertops. I had it on display, just so that I could keep looking at it. That's how I know this is something special.

To make sure that the Smeg was technically perfect, I put it through its paces. Over the course of a month, I made over 40 different smoothies, five different soups, and countless servings of hummus. I used tough foods, fibrous roots, and frozen fruits, so that I could find the talents and limits of this blender.

Test 1: Smoothie

I judge a blender on its smoothies. They're a quick and easy way to hit your nutrition goals, but if it's lumpy and poorly blended, it can be hard to stomach. I first tested the Smeg personal blender on my go-to vanilla blueberry shake recipe. This has oats and frozen blueberries in, both of which have tough skins to break up. It also has a scoop of protein powder which, if poorly blended, will be gritty, or worse, lumpy. 

I added two bananas, a handful of frozen blueberries, a scoop of vanilla protein, two tablespoons of oats, and a splash of oat milk to the bottle. I whizzed up these ingredients on the fastest speed, for a minute, and watched as all the ingredients break down. 

The blender was a little noisy (I recorded 106 dBA, which you'd need to shout to be heard above), but it didn't need to run for long. The top got a little warm after I'd blended a few different smoothies, one after the other, but it's not often that you would do this your day-to-day. 

After a minute, I lifted the bottle off because some of my protein powder had stuck to the side. I put the lid onto the blender and gave it a good shake. With a few seconds more blending, the protein powder had seamlessly integrated into my drink. This isn't really a fault with the Smeg, because most blenders find it tough to get through protein powder without a little help. When I find a good one, you'll know about it.

Test 2: Soup

Some blenders can handle hot ingredients, but they are expensive and industrial. The Smeg blender isn't suitable for hot ingredients, but don't let that stop you from making it your soup sous chef. 

If you make time to prep and cool ingredients you can use it to make soup. This takes more planning time, but a homemade soup is hard to beat. I wanted to test the Smeg blender on tough fibrous vegetables, like spinach and ginger, so I made a 'Souper Green' recipe.

I blended a cup of peas, a cup of water, two cups of spinach, half a courgette, and, a carrot with a handful of mint, knob of ginger, and a teaspoon of garlic paste. When I set these in front of the blender, it looked like it didn't stand a chance at getting through all my vegetables, but, magically, it did. 

I used the fastest speed setting, number two, for two minutes and my soup was close to perfect. It was thicker than a store-bought carton and there were some small bits of spinach. I couldn't see the spinach, but when I bit down on the soup, the spinach created a slight crunch. The next time I made this soup, I split the ingredients into two batches and my soup was much smoother. When I tried this with a more simple tomato soup, it was flawless.

The whole time this was blending, I was holding it down, but it doesn't need to be. I read reviews where other people hadn't noticed this feature and stood by their blender the whole time, so don't let that be you. If you lock the bottle down, you can take your hands off and walk away from the blender, perfect if you want it to run for a little longer.

Test 3: Hummus

Hummus is an excellent test of a blender's capacity, because chickpeas are large and have skins. Plus, garlic needs to be well integrated in hummus or you'll get intense chunks that will linger on your tongue for days.

I poured a can of chickpeas, one tablespoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of cumin, pinch of salt, and dessertspoon of tahini into the bottle. When I held it down to blend I spotted that the chickpeas nearest the blade whipped up into a velvety paste. Every minute, for three minutes, I lifted the bottle, gave it a shake and blended the hummus again. If I didn't remove the bottle at intervals, the chickpeas would never break down, but it isn't much trouble.

I was surprised at how thick and delicious this hummus was. I made it for some friends and they couldn't tell the difference between store bought texture and my homemade one (obviously it tasted better too).

Test 4: Crushed ice

Ice is potentially the toughest test for any blender. The Smeg blender didn't struggle with frozen fruit, so I was fairly confident that it would crush ice without any issues. I filled this just over half way with large ice cubes and blended it on second speed. It blended a small bowl of crushed ice, but struggled to get through all of the cubes. The crushed ice that I did get was a really fine texture, although it melted a little around the blade, forming an almost solid crushed ice block. The trick for crushed ice in this blender is using small batches. This is a little annoying, because it's time consuming having to empty and re-fill the bottle, but it's worth it.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The beauty of a simple, single-serve blender is in the cleaning as much as in the blending. This comes into two parts, the bottle and the blender, which means that washing up takes seconds. Even better, if you want to take your smoothie on the go, the bottle has a lid with a handle, so it becomes a useful everyday accessory which you can take with you to the gym, to work, or on a walk, saving time and washing up. The Smeg blender bottles are $60 at QVC if you want to invest in more, but that's very expensive for a plastic bottle. 

As I said, I kept my blender on the countertop. It's small, sleek, and stylish, so I didn't mind having it on display. It has useful cord storage underneath the motor and the base is lightweight, so if you needed to pack it into a small space, you could. I tried lifting it onto a high shelf and it was easy. This is only 4 lbs, so it's no heavier than a flour or sugar bag.

How does it rate online?

The Smeg blender averages 4.9 stars on Google reviews, which says a lot about this personal blender. It's generally popular amongst reviewers and customers alike. Most people complemented the style, of course, and found that it cuts through fruit and vegetables expertly. Most people made use of the bottle, keeping it in the refrigerator door if they'd blended in advance, or taking it it with them on a walk.

Where the blender receives the most critique is on jobs where there's less liquid, especially with ice. Most people found the constant reloading tedious and frustrating, especially because this is a relatively expensive blender, with expensive accessories too. If you're shopping on a budget, this isn't the one for you.

How does it compare?

In our guide to the best blenders on the market this is probably most similar to the the Beast Blender. This has all the aesthetic qualities of the Smeg blender, so it's the closest style rival for the Smeg appliance. It also comes with a portable converter, saving on washing up. 

The Beast Blender is still better for a couple reasons. First, it's much stronger when it comes to ice crushing. You don't need to add little batches and you can just blend everything at once.

The smoothie and soup functions were comparable, so if that's all you will use the blender for, the deciding factor will be aesthetics. The only extra that the Beast offers a hydration system; it can infuse water and make iced teas.

If I was given a choice between the two, I would genuinely choose the Smeg blender. The blending vessel is easier to clean (the ribs in the Beast make it hard to feel like you've done a thorough job). I don't crush ice much and personally prefer the retro style. I own lots of Smeg kitchen appliances and I'm a fan of co-ordination too.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we pride ourselves on testing every appliance we recommend to you. I tested this blender, in my home, for over a month. I made smoothies, shakes, dips, soups, and ice cones every week, so that I could pick up the useful features and flaws in this blender. That way, if you choose to use one in your home, you won't have any nasty surprises. If you'd like to find out more, you can read all about how we test blenders on our dedicated page.

There’s nothing more satisfying than churning your own homemade ice cream. If you can do it in style, even better. If you can do it in under ten minutes, you’re probably using the Smeg Ice Cream Maker Bowl Attachment. 

Before I give this ice cream maker its well deserved praise, I would like to clarify something. This is a bowl attachment, so only works if you already own the Smeg stand mixer. As long as you do, we can get into the ice cream details. If you don't, you'll have to buy the stand mixer to use this and that's a lot of money that you could spend one of my other, favorite ice cream makers.

This is also small, so you’ll only ever make a pint of ice cream in one go. If you’re ice cream obsessed like me, this can be helpful for portion control. Left to my own devices, I'd have a stand freezer to rival commercial ice cream stores.

Simple, stylish, and so very 'Smeg', here’s everything you need to know about their ice cream maker attachment.

Specifications

Unboxing

Smeg has a reputation for using lots of polystyrene and plastic packaging. This isn’t the best example of environmentally friendly packaging, but it’s not bad. I'd like to see them use less polystyrene in the future.

You will need to chill the bowl attachment 18 hours in advance of churning. In instances like this, I would recommend storing the bowl in your freezer all of the time, so that you're never caught out. This is quite shallow and small, so if you're going to make room for a frozen bowl attachment, you should be able to make room for this one. My top tip – and one I use at home – is to put bags of frozen food inside it.

Who would it suit?

The biggest distinguishing factor for this Smeg ice cream maker is whether  or not you already own the Smeg 1950s stand mixer. If you don't have one, or haven’t set aside $400 dollars to buy one of these already, you won’t get any use out of this bowl attachment. 

If you already own a Smeg stand mixer and want to make pint-sized batches of ice cream, this is a great investment. The bowl is smaller than most other frozen bowls, so it’s quicker too. In short, if you're after small amounts of ice cream in under ten minutes, this is the one for you.

What is it like to use?

After chilling your bowl for 18 hours, you’re almost good to go. There’s an attachment that you need to place on the tilt head, which is magnetic, so you'll know when it's in place. Next, you need to place your frozen bowl into place. Handing it with cold hands can get painfully chilly, but you shouldn't have to do it for long.

With your frozen bowl into place, insert the churning attachment, and lower the head of the stand mixer. It will slot into place perfectly. However, these plastic attachments feel a little cheap and flimsy. They can get the job done, but I used them with a lot of caution.

Before adding any mixture to your frozen bowl start churning on a low setting. If you wait until your mixture is in, there’s a risk that it will freeze and break the attachment when it tries to move.

Test 1: Ice Cream

I have a standard vanilla ice cream recipe, which I used for all the ice cream makers that I tested. I whisked one cup of whole milk with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Once dissolved, I added two cups of heavy cream and two teaspoons of vanilla paste. This mix needs to be around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, refrigerator temperature, before adding it to the bowl. 

When it was ready, I slowly poured it into the churning bowl and set my timer for 15 minutes. I was in the same room as the ice cream maker the whole time, but at around seven minutes, the sound changed pitch. It was lower and the whirring was slower. That can only mean that the ice cream is thick. By eight minutes, my ice cream looked ready to eat. It was smooth and creamy, but not as cold as other ice creams that I tested. That might sound strange, but it tasted more like soft serve than a refreshing, hard ice cream.

Vegan Ice Cream

I use the same recipe for vegan ice cream as I do for dairy. I just substitute vegan alternatives like oat milk and vegan cream into the recipe. This took a couple of minutes longer than the dairy ice cream, but in just over 10 minutes, I had made some impressive vegan ice cream. It melted really quickly and when I put it in my bowl, within a couple of minutes, the cream was beginning to turn to a liquid. I would recommend putting it in the freezer for 20 minutes and then taking it out to scoop and enjoy.

Frozen Yoghurt

This is one of the easiest tests of any ice cream maker. I emptied a pot of Greek style yoghurt into the frozen bowl attachment and in 11 minutes, I had a thick frozen yogurt. This is the Smeg's greatest success. It made incredible frozen yogurt. It wasn't too icy or crystallised. The texture was even better than the ice cream.

Sorbet

Normally I would test ice cream makers with raspberry sorbet, but I had lots of lemons that needed using in my refrigerator. I heated the juice of four lemons with one cup of water and 12 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Once everything had dissolved, I stored this in the refrigerator overnight. 

I poured my sorbet mix into the frozen bowl attachment and, again, in just over ten minutes, my sorbet was thicker than slushy. It wasn't perfect, but by 15 minutes, I was pleased with the texture. It was a little grainy and you can see in the above image that some of the water froze to the side. Given that this is a small ice cream maker, you can't really afford to lose any of your frozen mixture, so I spent a while chipping it off, which didn't end up looking great.

If you'll be experimenting with frozen desserts that have a higher water content, frozen bowl attachments like this won't work well. You'll need the Ninja Creami or Cuisinart ice cream makers.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

As I mentioned earlier, this is compact and easy to store. I'd recommend always keeping it in your freezer, so that you're never caught out. Waiting 18 hours for ice cream isn't worth it. Luckily, this is one of the smallest freezer bowl ice cream makers on the market.

It's easy to clean. You can't put it in the dishwasher, but it's really only the bowl and churning attachment that need to be washed. Use warm soapy water and make sure that the bowl is fully dry before replacing it in the freezer.

How does it rate online?

Amongst Smeg stand mixer owners, this is a really popular attachment. Reviewers and customers alike praised it for it s size and speed. Lots of people were able to make tasty, light frozen desserts in a small about of time. 

People felt that the price tag was a little too high and that it wasn't as intuitive as other ice cream makers, but I think those people were beginners all round. This isn't a complex ice cream maker attachment and it's really easy to use.

How does it compare?

KitchenAid also make incredible stand mixers and a frozen bowl attachment. In a taste test, the KitchenAid would win. It was an all-round success and didn't struggle with the same water separation as the Smeg. It's nice to look at too.

However, the KitchenAid ice cream maker was bigger and slower. It's harder to store and, if you don't need to make big batches of ice cream, you won't need a bowl that big. The Smeg still did a really good job. 

If you want to go for an even smaller frozen bowl attachment, the ZOKU ice cream maker makes single-servings. It's extremely rustic and you make your ice cream without the help of a motor. It's cheaper than the Smeg and even easier to store, but your ice cream won't taste as good.

Should you buy it?

If you own a Smeg stand mixer, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this. For the cost of an ice cream maker $100 is relatively cheap. It looks good and will be easy to store. If you take into account the fact that this makes great ice cream, it's an easy yes.

However, if you don't own the stand mixer, there are other options that will cost you less money than the stand mixer and bowl attachment. They'll make you better, more versatile frozen desserts too.

How We Test

There's a clear, step-by-step process in how we test all of our appliances. All of our experts are well-established product testers, bringing with them the expertise needed to discern whether these are worthy investments for your home. 

For ice cream makers, we researched the best products on the market. We wanted to look for appliances that were good value for money with exceptional results. We took these to our test kitchen and, over the course of a few days, tested these on ice cream, non-dairy ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. We made notes on the whole process from unboxing to cleaning up to make sure that we didn’t miss a thing. All of these ice cream makers were tested alongside each other, so we could make direct comparisons between them and their results. 

Once you've seen the Gaggia Classic Pro, you'll start to notice it everywhere. Not only does it appear in the film House of Gucci, but it's probably the coffee machine that sits in many of your local cafes too. The stand-out style appeals to lots of people. If you're one of them, you'll want to know if it's more than just a pretty face.

I've tested over seventy coffee makers, and I had some of the most fun with the Gaggia. Semi-automatic machines don't come with the scaffolding of automatic machines, so you need to tune into your Gaggia to make good coffee. It is really hard if you're not an expert, but worth persevering with.

The Gaggia costs under $500, so it's a great price, but there are plenty of other decent automatic machines that are featured on our best espresso machines roundup. If you're looking for something that will make great coffee with minimal faff, make sure you've evaluated your options first.

Specifications

Unboxing

The Gaggia arrived almost fully assembled. However, we always keep an eye out for eco-friendly packaging, and this wasn't very green. It comes with lots of polystyrene and plastic, which is hard to recycle.

To get the machine ready to work, you need to fill the reservoir. This is at the back of the machine and you can't remove it, so you need to fill a jug with water and pour it into the top and back of the Gaggia. Please be careful though, because the plug for the Gaggia is next to the reservoir. I accidentally got a little pour-happy and some of the water spilled over the plug. This is a kettle plug, so it's safe and nothing bad happened, but I can't imagine that you should make a habit of it.

On the countertop, the yellow model that Gaggia sent me looked great. It's bright and retro and I instantly warmed to it. As a style piece, it's fun. As it's quite big and heavy, it needs to be on a countertop, but when it looks like the Gaggia, I'd be happy to have it on show.

Who would it suit?

To use the Gaggia, you need to have a balance of technical coffee knowledge and a desire for simplicity. Since the Gaggia doesn't have any sensors or timers, you need to watch your coffee shot as it's pulled. When you think it's done, you manually stop the machine. This takes some expertise since it's really easy to misjudge when your coffee is ready.

I would imagine that the kind of person who can judge a coffee shot by eye is the kind of barista who wants an infuse setting, or some extra pressure and humidity sensors, like you might find in Breville's Barista Express. I think some people fit Gaggia's niche intersection category, but I'm not sure that it's a big market.

On the other hand, if you just want a retro espresso machine, that will add some color and design to your kitchen, this is pretty perfect. It's all metal, so feels really durable, which is a surprise given that it's under $500. So, it wins a point for style and a point for price. It's not a machine for beginners, but it might suit baristas with tight budgets.

What is it like to use?

Before you make any coffee, make sure to flush out the brew group. This is really easy because there are only three buttons on the machine: on and off; coffee; and water. Hold the coffee one down and hot water will come out. It's as simple as that.

It's also worth noting that this machine doesn't have a grinder. We have a roundup of the best coffee grinders on the market and I would recommend that you invest in one. Freshly ground coffee tastes much better than pre-ground coffee. Before you start using the Gaggia, make sure that you have your ground coffee ready.

Test 1: Espresso

The first, most basic test for any coffee maker is an espresso. Gaggia provides a portafilter, tamp, and coffee scoop so that you can get started brewing a coffee straight away. 

The average weight of coffee in the coffee scoop is 20 grams. An ideal espresso would be 18 grams, so it's worth using some coffee scales, like these from Walmart, to measure your coffee. This will help your espressos taste consistent.

To pull a shot, I locked my portafilter into place. Normally, I keep a hand on the top of the espresso machine when I lock my portafilter into place. However, the Gaggia is sturdy enough to hold its own, so I could focus on ensuring that the portafilter was really secure.

Once in place, I pressed the coffee button on the Gaggia and watched my coffee brew into the cup. It didn't splash or splatter and came out at 196 degrees Fahrenheit, which is on the hot side for an espresso, but it's fine. 

You'll need to watch the color of your coffee carefully. After around 15 seconds, you'll notice the machine starts pouring a liquid that looks less like hazelnut brown and more milky. This is when all the tasty oils have been extracted from your grounds, so you should stop the machine. The more you use the Gaggia, the better you will become at judging when this is done. 

Machines like the Casabrews espresso machine, which is cheaper than the Gaggia, vary more in how long they take to pull an espresso shot. I found the Casabrews took 45 seconds for a double shot, so it's important that you don't just use a timer to pull your espresso, you will also want to judge with your eyes.

Overall, my espresso tasted good. It was hot, but not burnt, and the coffee oils were well extracted. It was a little bitter, so I think I was on the edge of over-extraction. This is easily solved: I just stopped it earlier the next time I made an espresso. If I was served it in a café, I wouldn't complain.

Test 2: Americano

Adding water to the espresso to make an Americano is simple. I pressed the switch which controls steam and water and filled my cup with the steam wand. The water was hot, but it didn't burn my espresso. The pressure of the water from the steam wand wasn't too high either. Some machines splash your espresso up the sides of the cup, but this was smooth.

My Americano was better than the espresso. I stopped the machine at the perfect point, so my cup of coffee was actually nicely balanced and aromatic. 

As a barista, it didn't take me long to adjust to the Gaggia. However, as it's $500, I would imagine that a lot of beginners would buy the Gaggia. It could be hard work to work out how to make a good Americano on a machine like the Gaggia, because you have to be familiar with looks and taste. You'd waste a lot of coffee in the process.

Test 3: Cappuccino

I had mastered the art of pulling espressos by this stage, so making a cappuccino was pretty straightforward. The steam wand has 180 degrees of movement, so I could move it from side to side. It wasn't the luxurious 360 degrees of the Breville Barista Pro, but Breville's Barista Pro is $300 more expensive, so I would expect it to have some extra features.

Gaggia provides a stainless steel milk jug, which is big enough to froth milk for two cups of coffee. Again, you'll need to be proficient in steaming milk to make a smooth glossy texture, but this is the case for most espresso machines - unless you use the Breville Bambino Plus or De'Longhi All In One.

As I have experience as a barista, I'm comfortable frothing milk. I angled my jug so I could hear the ticking noise of air being drawn into my milk. I held the side of my jug and waited until it was too hot to touch. I then flipped the switch on the Gaggia – which required some juggling of the milk jug – and gave the steam wand a wipe and clean.

Both my oat and dairy milks were good. They were glossy and tightly textured with just the right amount of froth. Again, this is a skill that you would need to practice with the Gaggia, but it's not a limiting factor of the machine.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

Like most espresso machines, this is low maintenance. I slid out the drip tray to clean, which was a straightforward process. You should do this after each time that you use your espresso machine. The steam wand needed cleaning after each use, but again, this is pretty standard. The reservoir is harder to remove, so I would recommend using it until it's fully empty. Then you can slide the reservoir out through the drip tray, but it will take some force.

I would recommend running cleaning cycles on the machine every month. The Classic Pro won't notify you when it needs cleaning, but if you do it once a month, you should be fine. As for aesthetic cleaning, I would recommend wiping the machine with a microfiber cloth, like these from Walmart. There's very little stainless steel on this machine, especially compared to other models, so it's lower maintenance. A superficial wipe after each use will be more than enough to keep it looking nice.

How does it rate online?

Talk around the Gaggia Classic Pro is generally really positive. I spotted quite a few baristas who used this because they were looking for a low-cost and stylish option. Lots of people who use it take some time to learn about coffee, adjust to the machine, or adjust the actual mechanics of the machine themselves. If you're an expert, looking to make modifications, this is the machine for you.

At $500, it's an affordable espresso machine, but there are other ones like the De'Longhi All In One and Breville Bambino Plus at a similar price point. These two are much easier to use and they're cheaper. If you're a beginner, I strongly recommend Breville or De'Longhi, but if you're advanced or keen to get really technical with coffee, you'll have fun with the Gaggia.

How does it compare?

From my understanding and time testing, the Gaggia is popular for two reasons: style and cost.

Breville's Bambino Plus is a stylish, stainless steel machine. It's quieter than the Gaggia, makes much better foam, and has pre-infusion technology which makes a smoother, sweeter espresso. It's also much smaller and easier to use. The style is different, but if I was judging the two on looks, I would choose the Bambino.

If you insist on retro aesthetics, you would be comparing the Gaggia to the Smeg espresso machine, which is more expensive than the Gaggia. I would argue that the Smeg looks better and is smaller, so I would choose it over the Gaggia. Smeg's only downfall is that the brew head is low, so it can only fit smaller cups underneath it.

I recently wrote an article on the best espresso machine for beginners. The most simple machine for beginners was the De'Longhi All-In-One Combination Coffee Machine. It costs $300, nearly $200 less than the Gaggia. It can make an espresso, and froth milk automatically, and makes drip coffee too. I would argue that it's more intuitive to use, more attractive, and also quieter than the Gaggia.

Should you buy it?

There is an argument for some people to buy the Gaggia. If you have the coffee geekery that would help you to make perfect espressos and glossy milk, but not the budget for a Breville Barista Pro, I wouldn't blame you for buying the Gaggia. They've been making espresso machines for nearly a hundred years, so they must be doing something right.

However, I don't think it's well-suited to beginners. Ironically, the simple controls make this harder to use. It is really stylish, but so is the Breville Bambino Plus and the De'Longhi All In One Combination Coffee Maker. If you are confident in your coffee skills, you'll enjoy the Gaggia. If you're a beginner, I'd recommend looking at automatic espresso machines rather than semi-automatic models.

How We Test

We consider espresso machines to be very serious business. We will only recommend the machines that we can personally vouch for, no money or gifts can convince us otherwise. Our team of experts are always on the look-out for the best coffee makers and espresso machines on the market. 

When we've seen machines with great credentials, we take them to our dedicated test kitchen. Here, we make notes on the whole experience of using the espresso machine, from unboxing up to cleaning. We replicate the home environment, making notes on how they sit on the countertop, how loud they are, and how user-friendly the interface is. More importantly, we taste test. Starting with espressos, through all the machine's capabilities, we want to know what's special about every espresso machine. If there isn't anything worth shouting about, we won't.

You can find out more about how we test coffee makers on our dedicated page.

Kenwood is a popular brand in the UK, but not so much in the US. Our industry is normally dominated by other market leaders, but the Kenwood XL Titanium might be their first one to become popular across the sea.

Known for their build quality, Kenwood machines are built to last. This model comes with a ten-year warranty, but I've heard of people having theirs for almost a lifetime. This beast of a stand mixer is built for industrial amounts of cakes, bakes, and bread.

The Titanium Chef XL has a powerful motor, a deep mixing bowl, and basic, but effective attachments. I took it to our test kitchen where I used it to make vanilla sponge cakes, bread, and whipped cream. 

As expected, the Titanium Chef XL is fantastic. It's also heavy and not without its quirks, but if you're looking for heavy-duty performance, look no further.

Specifications

Unboxing

A big stand mixer requires a big box. Kenwood didn't hold back with this one. I struggled to lift it from the floor to the countertop and then had to battle with the box to drag the stand mixer out. 

Once it was on the surface, I noticed that most of the bulk was made of plastic bags and polystyrene blocks. I think it's a shame to use non-recyclable packaging when there are plenty of other options on the market, but at least it keeps the Titanium Chef XL well-protected. 

Overlooking the packaging, this is a beautiful stand mixer. It's big, so you'll need lots of room under your cupboards, and it clearly means mixing business. This comes with three attachments: a K-beater, for mixing cakes, batters, meat, and doughs; a dough hook; and a steel whisk. It also comes with a plastic shield, which you can use if you don't want to splatter liquid or clouds of flour on your countertop. 

Kenwood doesn't include any extra frills or fuss, even the instructions are basic pictures. I like that. This is a straightforward machine, so it's easy to get started straight away.

Who would it suit?

This boxy stand style looks simultaneously industrial and smart. It's big and beautiful, with extra emphasis on the big. Only buy the Titanium Chef XL if you have deep countertops and lots of space under your cupboards. Even the mixing bowl is deep, so if you make party-sized portions, you're in the perfect company.

Amateur bakers probably don't need the size or range of speed settings that this offers. So, if you don't need this capacity, you can save money and space by investing in other models. Kenwood uses XL and chef in the name for a reason. They are looking for seasoned bakers who mass cater.

What is it like to use?

Aside from rinsing the attachments, the Titanium XL arrived all set up and ready to go. You have to pull a button at the back to tilt the head back and I didn't want to apply too much force the first time I used it, but you have to be firm, otherwise, it won't move. 

The head is also on a spring, so unlike KitchenAids, it'll almost bounce back down unless you hold it. This caught me off guard a couple of times and I thought the head was falling down. In fact, that's just how this stand mixer holds itself.

Test 1: Vanilla Sponge Cake

The first test of any good stand mixer is cake mixture. Following the all-in-one method, I combined butter, flour, sugar, vanilla, and eggs in my bowl. I used the K-beater attachment and turned the smooth dial to the lowest setting. You won't feel any resistance from the dial; it's like a radio volume button, you just twist it and the machine reacts. This means there's very little distinction between speed settings, so you'll need to watch how much you twist it.

When beating most mixers will knock some flour up the sides, so I often have to get my spatula involved. However, the Titanium XL was really neat and contained with its beating. The bowl is deep, so the steep sides don't hold any flour and the stand doesn't wobble much either.

After I baked the sponge mixture, it came out light, buttery, and golden brown. There were no unmixed pockets of flat tops. It was perfect, even if I do say so myself.

Test 2: Whipped Cream

The next test is to check how the stand mixer whips up a liquid. I switched attachments and poured in a carton of heavy cream. Integrated into the stand mixer, you'll see some scales. These will weigh, only when the machine is on, and then when you start mixing, they'll turn into a timer. If you bake by eye or already own scales, this isn't important, but when you're under time pressure, it's really easy having these appliances all in one place.

I tried whipping cream on the fastest setting, but within 30 seconds - I consulted the integrated timer - I could see that it was way too fast. The cream was quickly becoming over-whipped and crumbly rather than forming smooth, stiff peaks.

I changed the setting down so that it was on one of the slowest and added a little milk. Within a couple of minutes, it was back to perfection. It's good to know that this can do all speeds, but I think it is a bit too fast for cream. 

Test 3: Bread Dough

Normally, I like to knead my bread by hand. It's a personal quirk, which can be a killer when you want to make big batches of dough. Having a dough hook with your stand mixer can be a game changer in these instances.

To make bread in a stand mixer, I placed my dry ingredients in the bowl and slowly poured in the water with the dough hook rotating on a low setting. Within four minutes, my dough wasn't sticking to the sides, had formed a ball, and looked very elastic. 

I lifted the head to get my dough out. The stand mixer head bounced back down because it was spring-loaded, so I struggled to lift the dough out in one piece. Eventually, I had to break the dough into sections and bring it out in parts. It's not the most elegant finish, but the dough itself was impressive. I gave it a quick knead by hand so that I could feel the texture for myself. It was firm, smooth, and, quite honestly, a dream to knead.

The proof was in the baking though. When I took my loaf out of the oven, it had a lovely open structure without any cracks or close texture that would indicate the dough had been overworked.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

Even though the bowl and attachments are dishwasher safe, I like to clean these things by hand. The bowl is deep, so if you have a compact dishwasher, I think you'll need to wash it by hand anyway.

These were easy to clean, but you need to be meticulous; the stainless steel shows every fingerprint, so when I placed the bowl back on the stand, the outside somehow looked messier. 

I'd recommend that you leave the stand mixer on the side. It looks nice enough, but my reasoning is really that this is too heavy to comfortably move. That's why I would only recommend this if you have room in your kitchen, otherwise, it will take up a lot of valuable space.

How does it rate online?

Celebrated online, most of the Kenwood Chef XL Titanium reviews are five-star. Lots of people buy it for its power. It's a heavy-duty stand mixer, so most of the users were making triple quantities of standard mixtures. They all felt that it was a well-made machine, which packed a lot of power. Lots of people found the LED bowl light, which shows you what's in the bowl really useful too.

The downside of this, as I found as well, is the size. People felt that this was an expensive stand mixer, but that's compared to smaller models. It's worth it if you need the size, but if you don't it's a waste. 

Some people noticed that their motor got hot when they used it for a long time, especially at high speeds or with dough, so be cautious. Other users didn't like the industrial and professional look of the Titanium Chef. They preferred KitchenAid and Smeg mixer styles.

How does it compare?

The Kenwood Chef Titanium Stand Mixer, on Amazon, averages out at $100 more than a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, our favorite stand mixer on the market. The KitchenAid looks more beautiful than the Kenwood and it's smaller too. If your priority is appearance, I would opt for KitchenAid. It performs incredibly well and it's reasonably priced too.

However, the bowl has a 1.25-gallon capacity, compared to Kenwood's extra 0.5-gallon bowl. This can make all the difference when you're batch baking. The Kenwood also has some technical features that make it an excellent option for specialist bakers. The stand has integrated scales and a timer, so you can keep an eye on the measurements of every aspect. Again, I think this suits serious, technical bakers much better than KitchenAid.

Should you buy it?

If you're serious about baking and you want to make big batches of batter, the Kenwood Chef Titanium is an excellent option. Scales and a timer might not matter to the average baker, but when the kitchen heats up and you're baking with more pressure and capacity, it's like having a helping hand. It's expensive and industrial, which doesn't suit every baker, but if that sounds like your bag, you'll love this.

How We Test

Our team of experts takes every stand mixer that we review to our specialist test kitchen. Here, we have a series of standard tests that each stand mixer has to go through. 

We make cakes to see how the mixer tackles batter; bread to see how it kneads; and whipped cream to see how well it can whip up some texture. We also make notes on the unboxing and cleaning process so that you don't have any nasty surprises when this stand mixer arrives at your door. If you'd like to find out more details, we have lots of information on our 'how we test' page.

When I wake up, there are two drinks that will get me out of bed: a simple espresso or a morning matcha. Lots of people sit firmly in one camp or the other, but for those of us who enjoy both, the matcha vs coffee debate is a daily struggle.

Across the world, people have been drinking both coffee and matcha for centuries. These energizing drinks are distinctive for their bitterness, which often comes with a balance of umami and earthy flavors too. Both are rich in antioxidants and promoted for their health benefits, so choosing between the two is a tricky task

Most people can make coffee at home, using the best coffee makers on the market and good quality coffee beans. If not in your home, you can find coffee on nearly every square, street, and sidewalk. 

Making a matcha or tracking down a supplier can prove more difficult. However, more cafés are putting matcha on the menu. It's an increasingly popular energy-boosting drink, which doesn't have some of the side effects of coffee. When I spoke to dieticians, they had a lot to say about matcha. They've tempted me to swap at least one of my espressos for a matcha latte and here's why.

Why drink coffee?

This classic energizing drink begins with coffee beans. To make a proper coffee, your coffee maker, or barista, will grind coffee beans into a fine powder. There is a range of different coffee makers on the market, but each one essentially uses water to extract oils from your coffee grounds. Whether they use long infusion times or intense pressure and temperatures, each process results in a tasty cup of joe.

Lukas Van Vyve, founder of Emergent Brew, loves coffee for its 'roasted, nutty, or chocolatey flavor and aroma'. Depending on the bean and brewing method, you can make cups of coffee to suit different taste preferences. Pour over coffee tastes delicate and smooth, like filter coffee; an espresso machine will make sweeter, more intense shots of coffee; and a French press will result in a rich and acidic brew.

Lukas recommends coffee if you want 'an instant kick of energy, because coffee contains high amounts of caffeine (around 100-140 mg of caffeine per cup). If you need a quick boost to kickstart your day or push you that extra 1% in a workout, you'll want an espresso behind you. 

Wherever you are, you can guarantee that coffee won't be far away. As a widely available product, it's easy to find beans, machines, or a good barista for a reasonable price. Since it is so popular, it's easier to get geeky and technical at home too. Most people even create their own coffee nooks. Here are the essentials that you'll find in mine: 

Why drink matcha?

Matcha is relatively new to the mass market stores. It is made from ground tea leaves and it tastes like grass smells: green and earthy. Dr Sumeet Kumar, researcher and founder of Genes Wellness, says that 'quality plays a big role in the taste of matcha. High-quality matcha shouldn't be too bitter. Instead, it should have a gentle astringency that tickles the back of your throat.' 

Lots of people are put off matcha because of the bitter flavors found in cheaper leaves. With a splash of almond milk or sweetener, you can balance the bitterness out, making a delicious, healthy brew. If you've been in Blank Street recently, you'll see that they're offering blueberry and white chocolate syrups (this one from Amazon is expensive, but it's the one Blank Street uses and I'm obsessed with it). These make matcha taste more like a dessert than a drink. It's been the tipping point for a lot of people sitting on the matcha fence.

Having to invest in the best matcha (available at Amazon) can be expensive and matcha varies significantly in color, caffeine content, and taste. However, when you drink it, you are ingesting lots of brilliant antioxidants and amino acids. One of the most significant is L-theanine. Dr Kamar says that the amino acid L-Theanine is the reason that 'matcha provides a more gradual, sustained energy boost. This means that you're less likely to experience jitters and a sudden energy crash.'

As a result, it's a popular drink amongst meditators, as it promotes a sense of focus, relaxation and calmness without causing drowsiness. If you want to buy the best matcha on the market, I would recommend trying one of these:

There aren't matcha makers in the same sense that there are coffee makers, so it might take more time to make the perfect matcha latte. However, lots of matcha products are very beautiful. I've combed the internet and spoken to matcha experts to find the most aesthetically pleasing matcha essentials. 

Head to Head

The press around coffee is only getting more positive. Gut guru, Tim Spector recommends that you drink an espresso in the morning to help your heart and gut health. On a recent podcast, he touted coffee as a daily essential that provides 'a good dose of antioxidants and fiber.'

Most of the dieticians that I spoke to gushed about the antioxidants found in matcha as well as coffee. Jenna Volpe, registered dietician and herbalist, told me that 'the specific type of antioxidant found in matcha (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) has been deemed generally beneficial for anti-aging, immunity, digestion, and other health benefits' in recent studies from the National Library of Medicine.

So it seems like you can't go wrong, as long as you're drinking one of the two.

However, if you're looking for more than just health benefits, the two drinks have very different offerings. Coffee can spike your energy levels quickly. This is because 'a single cup of coffee contains up to 140 mg of caffeine, compared to matcha which contains up to 80 mg per cup,' according to Registered Dietician, Edibel Quintero. If you need energy and you need it fast, it seems like coffee is your best option. 

However coffee comes with crashes, jitters, and withdrawal. It can even cause insomnia in some people. As a quick fix, coffee is an easy option. However, in the long term or if you suffer from coffee anxiety, you might want to move over to matcha, which has none of those side effects.

Maria Uspenski, the author of Cancer Hates Tea, describes matcha as 'calming, focusing, and full of feel-good molecules'. You can drink multiple cups of matcha and experience a slower, more sustained energy spike. Maria sees it 'as a mash-up of a chill pill and brain juice. For many of us, it's an acquired taste and not something we're wild about the first time we come across it, but that's largely because we're not exposed to it in our early years.' 

Softening the bitterness with a touch of vanilla and a splash of almond milk can create a delicious and energizing drink.

The benefits of matcha rival those of coffee, except that they come without any of the jitters or headaches. After speaking to dieticians, I was close to convinced that I needed to give up coffee and move on to matcha. However, they were quick to encourage more of a balanced approach. Matcha is harder to find, so it can also be more expensive. If you would drink three cups a day, like me, you might be tempted to buy a cheaper option. Most matchas, if they aren't organic or high-quality, can contain lead and other harmful chemicals. It's paramount that you source matcha from reputable sellers.

FAQs

Is matcha better for you than coffee?

Matcha and coffee have their own health benefits. Matcha has a reputation as 'cleaner' because it is a more gentle stimulant and has fewer side effects, especially relating to withdrawal symptoms. If you suffer from anxiety, insomnia, or coffee dependence, matcha will be better for you.

Is matcha as energizing as coffee?

Matcha has lower levels of caffeine than coffee per cup, but it is still energizing. You won't experience the same five minute boost that you might have from a morning espresso. Matcha will still stimulate your brain, in fact, lots of people drink matcha for focus and clarity.

Why is matcha better than coffee for anxiety?

Even though matcha contains caffeine, it has amino acids which slow and regulate the release of caffeine into your bloodstream. Dieticians told me that these amino acids mean that your nervous system is less stimulated.

Our Verdict

As I've mentioned, I could have a matcha every morning, or an espresso every day and be happy. Looking at the long-term health effects, dieticians have convinced me to take a step towards team matcha. I love coffee, but I don't love withdrawal headaches and coffee jitters.

However, in spite of this knowledge, I woke up this morning and made a cold brew coffee. I naturally gravitate to the richness of coffee over the grassy, earthy matchas when I need a morning boost. Even though it doesn't perform as well long-term, it's the pick-me-up I need when I'm going to the gym. It's still packed with amino acids and fiber, so I feel like I'm doing myself some good. I'll try to swap out one espresso for a matcha, but most of the time, I'll flip a coin to decide my winner.

If you’ve seen all the TikTok videos on how to make dalgona coffee, you’ll know it looks a lot like magic. Just whisking coffee and a spoonful of sugar together can make a sweet, caramel froth, that’s wonderfully light and delicious to eat, or drink. 

Normally with coffee trends, I advise you to shop for premium coffee beans and the best coffee makers on the market (that’s a wise choice for general life), but when it comes to Dalgona coffee, all you need is sugar and instant coffee granules.

I asked experts for their tips on how to make dalgona coffee more delicious and even tried different methods so that I could find out whether you can make dalgona coffee from fresh espressos, here’s everything you need to know – and more.

Where did Dalgona coffee come from?

Commonly known as whipped coffee, dalgona coffee originally comes from Macau. Whipped coffee has been around for years, but it saw a resurgence during the pandemic when people started experimenting with fancy coffees from the comfort of their own homes.

When the trend hit South Korea, it was given the name dalgona, because it looks like the Korean candy, even though it’s not in the recipe. You'll see it under a number of names, such as 'frappe coffee' in Greece and 'beaten coffee' in India. Whatever you call it, the basics are all the same.

How do I make Dalgona coffee?

There are lots of recipes online, but the method of making dalgona coffee is simple. You take two tablespoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of boiling filtered water, and two tablespoons of sugar. Place all of them in a bowl at the same time and use a hand whisk to whisk the mixture until it's thick and forms soft peaks.

As a barista, I was keen to try this recipe. I'm well-stocked with most coffee gadgets and beans, but the one thing that I avoid is instant coffee. I think I'm in the minority though, since lots of people use instant coffee. I went to the store and bought instant coffee, but I also wanted to try the same results with a fresh espresso.

I followed the 1:1:1 ratio when using instant coffee and was amazed at how quickly I made dalgona coffee. Two tablespoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of sugar, and two tablespoons of water was the perfect amount for my 9 fl.oz cup. Most people said to whisk it for ten minutes, but mine only took one. My Smeg hand mixer, which you can buy from QVC, is really strong, so don't expect the same speed. 

Shaif Ahmed, coffee expert from Berry To Brew, recommends that you 'Start whisking on a low speed and gradually increase to high via medium, this will lead to a great and long-lasting fluffiness with a tight, aerated texture.'

If you start with a high speed, there's a high chance you'll spray coffee everywhere and create large bubbles. On my first attempt at dalgona, this is exactly what I did. My white top was decorated with coffee splatters, but it tasted great in the end. You can also use a hand whisk, like these from Walmart. It might be more like a mini-workout, taking up to fifteen minutes to achieve a velvety texture, but needs must when it comes to coffee.

When I used a fresh espresso from my espresso machine, I had to adjust the recipe. Rather than using two teaspoons of instant coffee and two teaspoons of water, I used four teaspoons of espresso. My dalgona was identical to the instant coffee recipe, but I far preferred the taste of my fresh espresso. It had a lot more depth and richness, rather than my bitter, instant dalgona. I think it's not the default option in recipes, because dalgona is popular for being accessible to anyone, and not everyone has an espresso machine. 

However, I found another fresh-coffee supporter in Kayla Stavridis, Head of Marketing at Barista HQ. She recommends using a 'rich espresso shot to give your dalgona a more traditional, bold taste. One of the most reliable machines I've used is the Breville Barista Express, which you can buy from QVC, due to its precision and consistency.' In the absence of an espresso machine, Kayla recommends 'rich and robust instant coffee, such as Nescafe Gold or Starbucks Via Instant.'

Both the instant and fresh coffees that I made tasted very sweet, but because they aren't diluted much, they're also very strong. If you don't normally drink espressos, I'd recommend playing with the recipe to achieve a palatable brew. Baristas recommend serving dalgonas over ice with a splash of milk, which dilutes your coffee and gives a beautiful contrast between the pale milk and dark froth. I treated my dalgona like a dessert: with a spoon and some crumbled biscuits.

Recipe Substitutions

The dalgona froth tastes really strong and, when it's instant coffee, it's not very pleasant. I wanted to soften the bitterness of my instant coffee, so I substituted the water for almond milk. When I whipped up my coffee, it was lighter, but still a glossy and thick foam. I made sure to use a barista almond milk, so that it would hold its structure. I was surprised, because almond milk can be temperamental in cooking, but I think the recipe is so simple, it's hard to go wrong.

I was interested to see how my cold brew concentrate (which I made using a Toddy Cold Brew System) worked in a Dalgona coffee. If you make cold brew, this is the coffee type I'd recommend for Dalgona. The whipped coffee is a really intense flavor, so when you minimize the acidity from instant or hot coffee with some cold brew, you can get a much more mellow, sweet drink. You also won't need as much sugar, making it a healthier option too.

Given that this is a drink that's packed with sugar, I wanted to try it with some sugar alternatives too. Trista Best, Registered Dietician, encourages you to enjoy this as an occasional treat, or with sugar substitutions. She cautions that it is a 'trendy drink, but it's important to note that it is a high-sugar beverage. Individuals with dietary restrictions or concerns about sugar intake should consume it in moderation.'

I used stevia granules in place of sugar and found that they didn't dissolve as well, so I had some liquid at the bottom of my glass when I poured the Dalgona out to serve. If you have a blender, whizz up the stevia granules, so that they are a fine powder and you will achieve much better results. My Smeg hand mixer doubles up as a blender, so I used that. It's good to know that you can make a low-sugar option, you'll just need to work a bit harder.

Other recipes substitute the sugar for a liquid sweetener, such as honey, but be careful with liquid ratios and cut back on your water to avoid having to wait for a long time before your coffee is frothy.

Tips and tricks

If you’re struggling with a burnt taste, there are a few issues that you could be facing. You might've burnt your coffee. Whether this is your water temperature or brewing method, make sure that you’re not scalding your coffee; your water should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. You also might have chosen a coffee bean which naturally tastes bitter too, so opt for sweeter Arabica beans like these. Lastly, you could be burning the sugar. It's unlikely, because if you're burning the sugar, you'll also be burning the beans.

If your coffee isn’t frothy and thick after 10 minutes, I would recommend adding a little baking soda. This will help your coffee froth and hold structure, but don’t add too much or it’ll taste soapy. If you're still struggling, Kayla recommends choosing a Latte Macchiato in the coffee shop. She says 'It's creamy, frothy, and has a similar visual appeal'. Other alternatives that she suggests are whipped matcha or whipped chocolate, where you substitute the instant coffee for matcha or hot chocolate powder.

Adding a pinch of instant hot chocolate will enhance the chocolate notes in your coffee. This is the trick that Zhen Zou, food blogger for Greedy Girl Gourmet, used when working at a biscuit factory in Thailand. 'If done correctly, you won't taste the coffee at all and will just get an intense cocoa flavor', so you can convert your coffee adverse friends to this brew too.

If you've enjoyed making whipped coffee, lots of recipe bloggers also make whipped matcha and whipped hot chocolate, all of which follow the same recipe, but with matcha or cocoa powder.

Appliance Essentials

To make the perfect Dalgona coffee, it's helpful to have the perfect tools too. These are our top recommendations for making the most velvety, flavorful cup. All three products have been tried and tested by our experts, so we can personally vouch that they're the best on the market.

FAQs

What makes dalgona coffee?

A mixture is instant coffee with sugar and water. Once you whisk them together using a hand whisk for 5-10 minutes, your coffee will be a thick foam, ready to serve over ice and milk. 

Do you have to use instant coffee for dalgona? 

You can use fresh coffee too. In fact, I preferred the taste of a fresh espresso in my dalgona. However, you'll need to adjust the recipe so that it doesn't have the wrong ratios. It'll be harder to froth if you don't use enough sugar.

Is dalgona coffee the same as whipped coffee?

Yes, they’re both frothy light coffees which you can drink hot or cold. Dalgona is just a name that has become popularized on TikTok, but lots of countries call it by different names.

This was a really quick coffee to make and I like that you'll probably have all the ingredients already in your store cupboard. It's more like a pudding than a drink and I wouldn't normally add 30g of sugar to my coffee, so I don't think I'll be replacing my morning brew with it, but it's fun to make. If you're having a special brunch or planning some fika time with friends, this is an easy way to elevate the occasion.

Toasters aren't the most essential countertop appliance, but they sure have a time to shine when it's breakfast or snack time. Perhaps the most common conception of a toaster is for it to be a boring box with a plunger at the side to push down a couple of slices of bread.

But this is a complete misconception when it comes to the Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster. It does the basics but with 3 special functions, illuminated controls and a handy removable crumb tray it breaks the mould and enters the market as a luxury toaster.

I put it to the test over a few months, using it every day to either warm a bagel, toast bread or defrost a slice of frozen bread. I've removed the crumb tray on several occasions and given it a wipe-down to keep it looking like new. It was the only toaster in our household at the time of the review so it has certainly been given a run for its money. Now the testing is over, I've found one of the best toasters that you can buy. 

Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster

Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster specifications

Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster: First impressions

The Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster is part of the iconic brand's award-winning toaster collection. You can choose between the Red Dot-winning two slot toaster, the  two slot four slice toaster or large four slot toasters.

The toaster I reviewed was glossy black, though the toaster is available in 10 other colors too. It has a thick metal lever and centralized browning dial. This dial - along with the bagel and defrost buttons - are illuminated and has a stop button. It'll let you choose between 6 browning levels when you pop an item in for toasting into the 3cm built-in rack.

Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster: Setting up

The Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster arrived in a cardboard delivery box. It used recyclable packaging throughout, which is always nice to see.

Before first use, I read in the user manual that users are to heat up the toaster without anything in it on the maximum temperature setting. This is pretty standard practice for new toasters because some dust may have settled on the heating elements during construction and packaging that can cause a smell when burnt.

I can confirm that there was a slight burning smell during the first use, but it went away after it was first used. 

Test 1 - Toasting bread

This was the most popular function in my family. I slotted in medium sliced bread to the 3cm-wide slot and set my preferred browning level to 3.

It took 47 seconds to finish a partially toasted slice of bread. You can see in the image above that I slotted in the bread portrait, as it were, which resulted in the tops of the bread missing out grilling.  If you put the bread in landscape, however, you can achieved the perfect browning, and perfect degree of toasting in the same amount of time.

This is my biggest criticism of this toaster - that you can only grill with the bread in one direction. It's pretty tedious to have to bear it in mind. If you're making breakfast early in the morning and you're tired and thinking about something else, you could easily forget to put your toast in the right way and wind up with an underwhelming breakfast. There are much bigger problems in the world, but it's mildly frustrating when other toasters don't have this problem. 

Test 2 - warming bagel

I love a bagel but when they loose that soft inside it just feels like they loose all their charm. Keen to see if the bagel setting performed, I popped in a whole bagel into one of the 3c-wide slots. This special bagel setting will only activate the outer elements of the toaster, whereas the more standard toasting setting activates the inner elements too.

The slot was wide enough to fit the bagel in without cutting it in half, although it was a little snug. What it achieved was a crispy top and soft bottom - a perfectly toasted  bagel. I ramped up the browning setting to 4 to try a frozen bagel, and this was perfect, too. 

Test 3 - defrosting bread

I always put my sliced bread in the freezer to keep it fresher for long. The problem is when I come to make a sandwich and need soft bread.

I used the defrost setting on the toaster to do just this. I had the browning setting on the lowest possible and it worked a treat, restoring the bread back to a soft, plump slice. I also tried ramped up the browning level to a 4 or 5 if I wanted to make toast straight from frozen bread and again, it worked perfectly.

Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster: Cleaning

There really wasn't much to cleaning the Smeg 50s Retro 2 Slice Toaster. The most minimal amount of effort had the toaster looking like new.

It has a removable crumb tray - a small stainless steel dish at the bottom of the toaster which collects any rogue crumbs that fall down from the slots. When it’s full, you can just slide it out and throw away the crumbs, making it easy to clean and reducing the risk of smoke from leftover crumbs burning.

Cleaning the outside of the toaster is even easier. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth will restore the shine of the glossy black casing, thick metal lever and slot opening.

How does it compare?

This is a good toaster, but it's overpriced. This Smeg toaster is nearly three times as expensive as our #1 toaster, the Cuisinart CPT-180WP1 , yet it has two fewer slots and the same number of functions. Money-wise, I think it's a no-brainer to make another choice.

However, it does as good a job of making toast as our top picks, and it looks much better. Most toasters are utilitarian and ugly, whereas this 50s-style toaster will - ahem - slot into most kitchens aesthetics. If your boring old toaster is throwing off your kitchen design then it could be worth the investment. 

Should you buy it?

If you need to replace your toaster because it's broken, you fancy a stylish upgrade or you would like to make the perfect pairing with the Smeg 50s Retro Kettle, then I feel that this toaster is a fabulous choice. 

The build quality, design and usability is faultless. It looks gorgeous on the counter-top and it's so easy to pop in a slice of bread or bagel to plunge into toasting. I'm a big fan of how easy it is to keep looking like new, too, with the most arduous task being to remove the crumb tray without spilling any crumbs.

A couple of small issues that I had with it is that slices of bread can only slot in one way; going in portrait results in a not fully toasted slice of bread, and that it feels a little plasticky. Yet neither of these issues are relevant when you consider that this toaster is $199.95 - which is more than double the price of other models which are more in the region of $30 - 80.

Kettles aren't exactly the highest tech appliance, but as artisan teas grow in popularity, it's more and more handy to have one on standby. However, they're usually utilitarian, ugly appliances, not ones you want to have out on your countertop.

The Smeg 50s Retro Kettle aims to solve this with a kettle that looks as good as it boils water.  Sure, it does the basics, but with 6 temperature presets, a soft close lid, to fill, low noise levels and a drip-free spout, it's as luxury a kettle as you're likely to find. 

I put it to the test over a few months, using it throughout the day to make a selection of hot drinks to fuel my cravings. It has even endured a clean and a descale for maintenance purposes. The appliance was the only kettle in our household so it was certainly challenged by my family-of-three to meet our demands. After all this testing, I found one of the best kettles you can buy.

Smeg 50s Retro Kettle

Smeg 50s Retro Kettle specifications

Smeg 50s Retro Kettle: First impressions

The Smeg 50s Retro Kettle is another entry into Smeg's classic retro range. There's an entire Smeg 50s Retro range to browse through; from refrigerators to coffee makers, all available in eight pastel hues. black, cream, pastel blue, pastel green, pink, red, stainless steel and white. You can even get it in a (very expensive) Dolce & Gabbana Siclilian theme. 

The kettle has a push top lid with a soft opening to make for an easy fill; a separate 360 swivel base so it can slot onto the base from any position and non-slip feet so it'll stay put when you need it to.

It's powered by 3000 watts for fast boiling whilst the 1.7ltr/7 cup capacity has a built-in, removable stainless steel filter at the spout to filter out natural limescale. 

It has 6 variable-temperature settings from 120°F to 212°F, so you can have more gentle temperatures for teas like matcha as well as fully boiling water for pour-over coffee.

Smeg 50s Retro Kettle: Setting up

The Smeg 50s Retro Kettle arrived in a cardboard delivery box. It used recyclable packaging throughout, which is always nice to see.

Before first use I needed to give the Smeg 50s Retro Kettle a quick wipe down to remove any manufacturing or packaging elements. You also need to boil a full jug of water at least three times before first use, so it's best to not try set up the kettle when you actually need or want a hot drink.

Test 1 - temperature consistency

To test, I took a reading of the water temperature after it had boiled. This measured 205.7F/96.5C when the water was poured into a mug. It's a few degrees off boiling, but bear in mind that the water would have cooled as it left the jug and filled the cold mug. It's a good result - this is plenty hot enough for most day-to-day uses.

Test 2 - Speed

The next little test I tried was to time how long it took to boil a full, 1.7ltr/7 cup jug and the minimum 0.5ltr/2cup. I recorded 3 minutes 12 seconds to boil a full kettle, and 1 minute 6 seconds to boil the minimum amount of water. This is fairly good, but it could be a little faster, particularly when boiling the minimum amount. 

I liked that it was quick to boil the water. When I poured the water there weren't any drips, but I noticed that some condensation formed around the lid lip above the spout and the switch when it was filled up to the max with water.

Test 3 - Noise

My noise reader bounced around between 57dB to 65dB as the kettle boiled. This is equivalent to a quiet street or normal conversation, so it's not too loud, especially compared to other kettles

Smeg 50s Retro Kettle: Cleaning

Cleaning this kettle is really easy. To keep the outside clean and free of fingerprints, all you need to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth every so often. I live in a hard water area, so I also tested how easy it is to descale this toaster. It was really easy. All I needed to do was Half fill the kettle with water and boil it, then wait 10 minutes for it to cool down a little. I then added the descaler solution, left it for 6 - 8 minutes with the lid open, and then poured the solution away before rinsing and boiling the kettle. It was straightforward and completely effective. 

Should you buy it?

If you need to replace a kettle that's just packed up on you, or you fancy a more stylish model, I think that the Smeg 50s Retro Kettle is an excellent choice. 

The build quality, design and performance is faultless. I could see how much water I had in the jug at all times, which is always helpful, but perhaps the most useful feature was the 360 swivel base. It meant that I could lift it with my left or right hand, which sounds like a small thing but many kettles are designed for right-handers.

The only issues are the condensation build-up when it's full, and that it feels a little plasticky. Both of these issues are compounded when you consider that this kettle is nearly $200 - that's a lot to spend for a decent cup of tea when other models tend to cost $50-70. 

The Smeg milk frother makes up for all the disappointing milk frothers I've tried before. From the screechy to the sadly ineffective, there’s nothing worse than seeing a few large milky bubbles where there should be barista-quality cappuccino foam.

I've tested the best milk frothers on the market and Smeg is not only one of the best, it's also one of the most stylish. The iconic design will complement your kitchen countertops wonderfully. In fact, I loved it so much that I even invested in one to use in my own home.

I put this through a series of tests, across vegan milk, skimmed milk, and hot chocolate. The results were café-quality, frothy perfection. It’s more expensive than the average milk frother, but I’d choose it for my kitchen.

Smeg milk frother review

Specifications

Unboxing the Smeg milk frother

Smeg has perfected easy unpacking. I slid out the milk frother, which was secured with cardboard, and found it pretty much assembled. There were some pieces of plastic wrapped around the stainless steel jug to keep it pristine. It would be good for them to be recyclable in the future. On the whole, it’s good to see that almost everything was recyclable.

Setting up, there was little else to do. This comes with a 39-inch power cord, smooth whisk, and notch whisk. The power cord makes it easy to position your milk frother anywhere on the countertop. All you need to do is rinse out the jug, place your desired whisk in, and you’re ready to froth. 

Who would it suit?

The Smeg milk froth is an obvious choice for the style-conscious. The iconic, retro appliance comes in a range of colors, from bright red to pastel green. It’s bigger than some other milk frothers, but this means that it can froth more milk at once. The 20 oz capacity could make hot chocolate for the family in one round. Press one button, and the machine can do the rest. You won’t need to stand by it, so you can carry on with your day. If you normally have drip coffee or French press, but yearn for some cappuccino froth, this can be your kitchen hack. In the summertime, you can make cold froths too. 

If you’re looking to cut costs, save on space, or need value for money, there are other options out there. This might not be the one for you, but it's an excellent option, so is well worth considering. 

What is it like to use?

As a barista, I’ve tested some more complicated steam wands, but I’ve also used some of the most simple coffee makers. Even though Smeg includes instructions, you don’t need them. It’s one of the most simple machines that I’ve used. 

The stainless steel jug is removable for you to fill it up with milk. There is a minimum and maximum line inside the jug to stop you over or under filling. The front dial has seven icons representing: hot chocolate, hot milk without froth, hot milk with light froth, hot milk with thick froth, and all the cold versions of the same. There’s a manual option too. 

Twist the dial, press go, and step away. The machine will make a small beep to let you know when it has finished frothing. The lid has a gap in the top with a detachable cap. You can use it to measure syrups, powders, or any other flavors that you would like to add to your drink.

Test 1: hot milk

I started very simply. I heated 500ml of milk to test the most basic function. I used the flat whisk, so that the milk wouldn’t stick to the bottom, but also so that it wouldn’t froth. In just over a minute I had two cups of smooth, perfectly warmed milk. It was warm, but very drinkable. Not too hot and not too cold, Goldilocks style.

I was really struck by how quiet this machine was. Steam wands can screech, that’s one of the reasons why cafés can get so loud. I recorded 65 dBA of noise from the machine, which is around the noise of a business office according to the Yale University Decibel Level Comparison Chart. That’s quieter than a normal conversation. 

Test 2: hot foam

Next I tried a light foam. This would be perfect for lattes or flat whites. In a minute and a half, my milk was ready. There were no random large bubbles; the froth was a very fine, tight texture. It held its structure really well and made a very velvety drink. 

The heavier froth is well-suited for cappuccinos. In exactly two minutes, I had equal parts froth and milk. It was a little cooler than my plain, warm milk, but it was still a nice, drinkable temperature. 

I love a frothy drink, but this could be too frothy for your cappuccino. However, it’s easy to modify how much foam you pour out. Swirl the milk around in your jug, moving your hand in a circular motion. Don’t be afraid for the milk to lap up the sides; this is how you get the seamless, velvety consistency of milk and froth. Once your milk looks glossy, pour quickly at a steep angle in short bursts to have a more foamy brew. Pour slowly at a lower angle to get more milk and less foam. 

Test 3: cold foam

As a barista, we always used steam to froth milk, so I was skeptical that cold-froth would be any good. I started with cappuccino-style, maximum froth. I would say that it was a little less frothy than the hot milk, the ratio was more ⅝ milk ⅜ froth, but that’s still really good. I was pouring my pre-refrigerated milk in and, even after frothing, it was cold and refreshing in the glass. The foam was really velvety and smooth.

I tried the latte, light foam and this was really quick. In less than a minute, I had some good foam. It was a little more airy, but this is easy to fix. The stainless steel jug is very similar to the ones baristas use. Simply tap the edge of the bottom on the edge of a surface gently and if the bubbles don’t pop, try with a little more vigor. Do this with three small taps and then swirl your milk to make sure that the froth doesn’t settle and start deconstructing. It will take some practice, but helps to revive your milk.

Test 4: non-dairy milks

I used barista oat milk and re-created each type of froth, hot and cold. The results were really impressive. I couldn’t fault any of them. Granted, oat milk has a more open-texture foam, but that’s compared to whole, dairy milk and it’s only a slight difference. I would have been happy with all of the oat creations in a top-quality café. I’ve certainly been served worse. 

In this instance, the most important thing to remember is that you’ll want barista non-dairy milks. Their higher protein content can help them hold the foam texture and they’re much less likely to split. It’s also worth noting that non-dairy milks have different tastes: adding coconut, oat, almond, soya to your coffee will affect the flavor.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

The detachable, stainless steel jug was easy to handle and pour. When it came to cleaning, it was even simpler to use. You can put the jug and lid in the dishwasher and it’ll come out clean and ready to use again. The rest of the machine can be wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth. It doesn’t really get messy so, if you do this after every use, your machine will always look super clean. The color and chrome are very forgiving in your kitchen. 

You can wind the 39 inch power cord around the bottom, and remove the jug to make the base easier to store. That said, it’s not the smallest appliance. It’s best to have this out on the countertop, if you’ve got the space for it. Aside from wiping it down with a wet cloth, this won’t require much maintenance.  

How does it rate online?

This rates really highly. Professional reviewers and customers alike give it top scores for quality, style, and performance. Even though it was expensive, customers were very pleased with their purchases. I read lots of reviews raving about how well this makes hot chocolate. It’s smooth velvety and can melt all the chocolate flakes and integrate the milk really well. It’s not as foamy, but it’s still lovely.

The main issue people face was with temperature. Older machines had instances of overheating and burning the milk, but newer models have been updated so that they don’t show this problem. I read a few reviews where customers felt that the milk was not hot enough. It gets to 160 degrees, so too much more warmth could burn the milk. 

How does it compare?

The Smeg milk frother is a premium product. It’s quieter than a steam wand and much better than a cheap USB milk frother. However, you are paying a premium for the Smeg label.

If you’re looking to save money, the Aeroccino milk frother costs less than half the price and achieves great results. It’s 6.7 inches tall and can hold 4 oz, whereas the Smeg is another three inches higher, but can hold 20 oz. This means that it’s better suited to compact kitchens, but not a good alternative for bigger households.

Smeg’s add-in lid is great for sweeteners and last-minute extras, which the Aeroccino lacks. Smeg’s jug is great for adjusting your milk if it gets too airy, or if you want less froth in your coffee. You just treat it like a barista would and you can achieve perfect pours, every time. However, given that Nespresso’s Aeroccino makes exceptional cold and hot frothy milks, it’s a competitive option.

Should you buy it?

If you already own some Smeg appliances, you’ll know that they deliver premium products, but with a bit of a price tag. I really liked this. It’s an independent, capable, extremely quiet machine. The froth quality was really good, with a great range. The jug is also really useful for barista-style frothing. It’s not the most cost-efficient purchase; you could spend less and still enjoy a good frothy coffee, but I’m convinced. 

How we test

We took the Smeg milk frother to our dedicated test kitchen for thorough, hands-on testing. We used all of the settings and a range of different milks, so that we could be sure that this caters to a range of kitchen needs. We make notes and take pictures from the unboxing, all of the way through to the clean-up. We’ll assess the process as well as the results, so if it’s luxurious but loud, you’ll know about it. We also compare all of our appliances to other market-competitors. That way, we can check that they’re great value, good for performance, and user-friendly. 

We independently review all products, so that you have a balanced perspective on whether an appliance is worth the investment. We also put our expert testers through a rigorous series of training. I have been a barista before, but I also completed our Customer Advisor training, so I’m qualified to advise on all things coffee. This means that I’ve spoken to everyone from manufacturers, consumers, and professionals so that we understand the mechanisms, must-haves, and nice-to-have aspects of coffee products. We have more detailed pages on how we test if you would like to know more about the process. 

French presses have seen an immense surge in popularity alongside the cold brew boom. You'll have made classic coffee in your French press and you might have dabbled in the cold brew movement, but what other alternative uses for a French press are there?

I spoke to coffee roasters, chefs, and cocktail experts to find out exactly what a French press can do. If you invest in one of the best French presses you'll be able to squeeze juice, brew iced teas, infuse oils, and make cold brew coffee at home.

I'll give you a quick guide to how to make the perfect coffee in a French press before leaping into the endless alternative uses for a French press. It’s no wonder that French presses are always en vogue. They can do everything.

How to use a French press for hot coffee

I won't give you a lengthy explanation of how to make hot coffee, because a) we have a whole article dedicated to how to use a French press and b) you're here to learn about the alternative uses. I will give you some tips and common mistakes that I've observed over my years of barista experience. There are a few simple tips you can follow to enhance your coffee experience and flavor.

• Pre-heat your French press: this will stop your carafe from cooling your coffee too quickly, slowing the extraction process (you'll get more strength, depth, and flavors)
• Make sure you're using a coarse or medium-coarse grind (and a good grinder): these will extract slower but will give your coffee more body
• Bloom your coffee grounds: adding a little water to your grounds can help to make your brew less acidic
• Follow the 1:15 ratio for coffee to water when you start out, then experiment with different quantities to find the perfect flavors for your palette
• Pour in a spiral: this will ensure that all your coffee grounds are evenly saturated, giving your drink more clarity

Some experts I spoke with, like Marko Lazarevic from Craft Coffee Spot, recommended leaving the top of the plunger off whilst your coffee is brewing. He told me ‘you actually get a higher extraction and more flavor this way. The cool air from the top of the open French press draws the water underneath and creates a convection that stirs the coffee’. Barista Hustle has done a lot of testing on this too and they swear by it.

• Plunge slowly and evenly: this won't disturb the sediment, leaving you with a smoother cup of coffee
• Pour everything out at once: your coffee will keep brewing while it's in the carafe and might taste bitter

I spoke with Lukas Van Vyve, Founder of Emergent Brew, for some flavor tips. He recommends that you always buy whole beans and not grounds. Grind these just before you’ll use them and they’ll deliver the freshest flavors. He recommends ‘using a finer grind, less water, and shorter time for lighter roasts’. For darker roasts, ‘use a coarser grind, more water, and longer time’. This is all down to extraction time. Fine grinds will be extracted much quicker than coarse grinds, but a slower process leads to a deeper, richer result. This is something to explore as you use your French press.

Alternative uses for a French press

Making salty coffee in a French press

So far so good. You know everything you need to make the perfect cup of French press coffee, but what happens if you want to make your coffee taste better? Last year, I saw lots of TikToks telling me to add some salt to my coffee. I was skeptical at first, but it’s a real game-changer. Adding just a little takes the edge of some of the bitter flavors. Ironically, salt makes the coffee taste a little sweeter and more aromatic. I’ve passed this hack on to lots of skeptical friends and family members. None of them were disappointed.

Norbert Koput from Espresso Bear had some extra tips. He encouraged us to be playful and ‘infuse with flair’. He told me that the best way to ‘elevate your coffee is by adding subtle flavors. Before brewing, get creative with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, a dash of vanilla extract, or a twist of citrus peel’. Vanilla pods would make a great addition too and, Norbert says they ‘transform your cup into a flavor adventure’.

I have written about how to make cold brew coffee in your French press. Cold brew is much milder than hot coffee and it's an easy, affordable alternative to buying a specialist machine. If you don’t have a tea pot for loose-leaf tea, you can use your French press as a strainer for herbal, loose-leaf, and chai blends.

Lifting the plunger up and down transforms your French press into a milk frother. Repeating the lift and plunge motion can froth milk or hot chocolate and whip cream too, although it's nowhere near as fast as a proper appliance like this Smeg milk frother I've recently been putting to the test.

Making cold brew in a French press

Last summer was the cold brew season. Since its immense popularity, cold brew has remained one of the most popular ways to drink coffee ever since. People love cold brew because it's smoother and sweeter than traditional coffee. The infusion process slowly extracts oils from your coffee grounds rather than using high pressures and temperatures that traditionally give French press coffee some acidity.

You can buy dedicated cold brew coffee makers, but I'd only recommend investing in one of these if you're serious about your cold brew and you don't have a spare French press in the kitchen.

I've written a whole article on how to make cold brew coffee at home (with tips from a Cordon Bleu chef). Using a French press to make cold brew is simple and it's actually my favorite method too. Work on a 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio. Add one cup of coarsely ground coffee to the bottom of your French press and pour five cups of room temperature (or cooled) filtered water over your grounds in a circular motion. Make sure all of your coffee grounds are saturated.

Put your plunger on top of your carafe, but don't plunge yet. Sit your French press on the countertop at room temperature for 12 hours. If you want a slower brew, sit your French press in the refrigerator for between 18 and 24 hours. Don't leave it brewing for any longer than this. Once you've endured the long wait, you can push your plunger and pour. The coffee that you've made is a cold brew concentrate that needs to be diluted with even amounts of milk or water to your cold brew concentrate. It's delicious.

Making sangria in a French press

To really move beyond coffee, you can get into cocktails. I was speaking to the Wine Enthusiast experts while on the hunt for the best wine coolers, but when we got onto the topic of coffee their expert team were quick to suggest a ‘home bar hack’. Arielle Weg recommended using your French press to make sangria. She said ‘it’s a great way to infuse flavor from a solid to a liquid, plus the built-in filter is great for sifting out particles’. It looks beautiful too.

Their detailed recipe gives more insight. Essentially, you layer your sangria fruit in the bottom of your French press, add alcohol, and pump the French press plunger to infuse the fruit and alcohol. You can then slowly press down on the plunger to filter out any bits of pulp or seeds and pour your smooth sangria into a glass with ice.

Making infused oils in a French press

Chef Alex Bayev had lots of alternative recommendations for more unusual things that you can brew. He says ‘you can use your French press to infuse oils with herbs, garlic, chili, or whatever you fancy. Simply place your ingredients in the press, pour in the oil, and let it infuse. The plunger can then be used to separate the ingredients from the oil when you’re ready to use it’. Just make sure that you clean your French press thoroughly after too.

Making juice in a French Press

Alex also uses a French press as an easy and simple way to extract juice from soft fruits like berries, oranges, or watermelons. Skin the fruit, press down slowly, and you can enjoy fresh juice. It can't touch the performance of the best juicers, but if you don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on a new masticating machine, you can get away with this budget-friendly hack. Alex even recommends using a French press to strain broth and rehydrate dried foods, too.

How to clean a French press

After infusing oils, whipping cream, and making sangria, you’ll want a clean carafe before brewing coffee. I have explained in detail how to clean a French press. In short, you’ll want to take the plunger and filter apart, Lift the carafe out of any container and thoroughly scrub each part individually. I use warm, soapy water, since most French presses aren’t dishwasher safe. However, if you need to remove tough stains, vinegar and baking soda are good natural and effective alternatives.

What is the best French press?

We’ve done extensive research to find the best French press on the market. Different models suit different needs. I really like the Bodum Chambord French Press for a quality, contemporary design. However, another popular option is Espro P7 French Press. If you really want to recreate coffee shop flavors, you’ll also want a coffee grinder. It’s fine to buy pre-ground coffee with your groceries, but coffee begins to degrade ten minutes after it’s been ground. For the best flavor, you will want to grind straight away.

FAQs

How much coffee do I put in a French press?

To serve two people, I would put three tablespoons in per person, when measured, this weighed 15 grams in total. A general coffee to water ratio is 1:15. This is the standard guidance that most French press professionals would offer.

What else can you use a French press for?

After speaking with chefs, it seems that the possibilities are endless. You can make cold brews, hot chocolates, tea, sangria, oil infusions, fruit juice, and broth. It’s worth experimenting with other options. If it uses a filter or strainer, you can give it a go in your French press, within reason.

Why should I use a French press?

French presses are a classic making a comeback. These are small, affordable, and really quiet. If you want quality coffee without lots of technology, the French press is perfect. It gives a really rich, deep flavor, which is slightly acidic and bitter. We’ve compared it to the pour-over method, because that boasts lots of the same benefits.

What can you do with coffee grounds?

Your coffee grounds categorically should not go down the sink. These can cause blockages. Drain your coffee grounds through a fine sieve. Once most of the water has drained away, you can put them in the food waste bin. Coffee grounds also make excellent fertilizer and are a great way to naturally boost plant growth.

French press is perhaps my favorite way to make coffee. French presses make exceptional hot coffee, as well as affordable and brilliant cold brews. There's so much more to them than that though. Armed with expert advice and tips, they can also be your new favorite kitchen assistant. I love the idea of making oil infusions, fresh juice, and hot chocolate in my French press, but I think I’ll be trying the sangria next.

Coffee grinders are the best way to enjoy the fullest flavors in your cup of coffee, but they can be a style statement too – just look at Smeg's grinder. 

I've tested the best coffee grinders on the market and I can say with complete confidence that Smeg's is the most beautiful. It's effortlessly elegant, designed with quality, premium touches. All that sounds great, but there's a price to pay for these luxuries.

The Smeg Coffee Grinder is $300, which is double the price of some other good grinders. I put it through its paces, testing all 30 grind settings to find out whether it's worth the splurge. 

Smeg Coffee Grinder Review

Smeg Coffee Grinder Specifications

Unboxing

Just holding the cardboard box, I can feel that this is a premium product. Sliding the cardboard packaging out,  I was pleased to see that almost everything was recyclable. There were a few plastic bags to stop the polished chrome and stainless steel from scratching. I also noticed a couple of red bags containing a cleaning brush and the portafilter stand (useful if you have an espresso maker). 

All I had to do to prepare the grinder was sit the coffee bean container on the top and the ground container underneath. This is fortunate, because the pictures are vague at best. If you carry on reading the instruction manual, there’s more information, but it’s also online too. There are pages that will advise you on grind settings.  

Who will it suit?

This is a quick, automatic model with a range of presets. For that reason, it suits those who are busy in the mornings. All you’ll need to do is press one button and the machine will be good to go, making the perfect amount of grounds at the perfect texture. 

With thirty different grind settings, you’ll make the most out of this machine if you’re serious about coffee, or if you live in a household with a range of coffee preferences. If you aren’t fussed about variability, this is an expensive appliance. That being said, if you live in a big household, this is quite a quiet machine, so is useful for early morning coffees that won’t wake the entire house. 

What is it like to use?

As with the setup, this couldn’t get more simple. There is a dial on the front for you to select how many cups of coffee you would like to grind. This ranges from 1-12 and there is a manual setting, too. At the bottom of the coffee beans container is an adjustable dial which you can use to set your grind, ranging from fine to coarse.

Once you’ve set these, press start and the machine will grind. If you’ve chosen manual, you’ll need to press stop again. If you haven’t, the machine will stop itself. I didn’t notice any popcorning (where coffee beans bounce inside the beans container when grinding), so I was pleased that my beans were well stored. The automatic settings are really useful for a number of reasons. You can achieve a consistent grind, and you won’t grind more than you need. It also means you can do other things in the kitchen whilst it’s working.  

Test 1: fine grind

I wanted to get a sense of the extremes, so I ground my Union coffee beans on the finest setting. Within thirty seconds, my portion of two was neatly ground into the jar. There’s an easy, airtight seal that I could have used to keep these fresh, but I wanted them instantly. I took the lid off and had a look at the grind. The average fine grind will have a sugar-like texture, but this was a finer, powdered sugar-like dust. This would be perfect for Turkish coffee or espresso machines.

I did a taste test in a French press. I poured two cups of hot water into the French press, let it steep for ten minutes and then plunged. The crema was a really deep hazelnut color, which is always a good sign. It looked really smooth too, so I was hopeful. The resulting coffee was a really smooth, rich cup.  

Test 2: medium grind

I selected the grind setting 15, so I could taste the middle grind. Once again, the Smeg grinder churned out my grounds quietly and quickly. These were a fairly consistent texture, but I would say that they were closer to a medium-coarse grind. They were a little finer than sea salt, with a few larger boulders. They would be perfect for a Siphon coffee maker or pour-over. 

Again, I could see a really good, dark, velvety crema. This is a combination of the grind, beans, and water quality. It translated to a smooth, slightly more acidic and bitter coffee. It was still really nice and the coffee flavors had been extracted well.

Test 3: coarse grind

I selected setting 30, expecting a really coarse grind. Given how fine the fine grind was, I prepared myself for half beans to be dropped into the grounds container. However, when I looked at the texture, there was almost no difference between the coarse and medium grind. These would have been fine for a French press or cold brew coffee, but they didn’t result in a flavor profile that was very different from the medium grind. Smeg’s specialty is definitely fine grinds. 

Test 4: the portafilter

We didn’t have a solid portafilter to hand. I used a small one in the portafilter holder that comes with the grinder. The coffee grounds went everywhere. This was my fault, because it wasn’t a normal portafilter. However, without any sides or containers, it’s best practice to hold your portafilter close to the grinder. There’s a metal disk that sits underneath the portafilter holder, catching any stray grinds and giving a neat finish. 

Cleaning

Cleaning was pretty painless thanks to the ground's pot. All my coffee grounds were kept sealed and shut in the container. This suffered from some static coffee grounds, but they were easy to brush off. The silicone top was useful for reducing this: I’ve experienced far more static from other grinders with plastic lids. The coffee bean container is well-sealed, so you won’t need to empty it of beans, unless you drink coffee very slowly. In which case, it’s good to store the beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

To do a full clean, I emptied my coffee bean container and ran manual mode for grinding to get any excess coffee beans out and through the machine. The retention was really low, which I was pleased to see. Next, I emptied my coffee grounds container, which had some coffee grounds in from clearing the motor.

At the top of the grinder, the coffee beans container lifts off, giving you access to the motor. Smeg provides a small cleaning brush to get rid of any grinds. To clean deeper into the burrs and motor, I reached for the metal handle in the middle of the upper grinder. It took quite some force to twist this counter clockwise and lift it. The other times that I tried to do this, I didn’t have any problem, so I think it was only stiff for the first time. 

Once the motor was exposed, I used the brush (Smeg recommends using a hard bristle brush) to get any grinds out of the innermost part. It’s a fiddly task, but is common for grinders. You can’t get the motor wet, so it’s worth taking your time.

I used warm soapy water to clean the bean and grounds containers and stainless steel plate. I then used a damp cloth to give the machine a wipe. After going over this with a microfiber cloth, the coffee machine was restored to its original shining glory.

Storage and Maintenance

This is a beautiful appliance. If you chose to store it away, note that it’s bigger than some other grinders, but not so big that it’s hard to store. It’s relatively light, so you could put it in a range of cupboards at different heights. There's some handy hooks on the bottom so that your cord neatly tucks under the grinder, meaning there’s no risk of tangling or damaging the cord in storage. It’s the little touches like this that I really appreciate.

Depending on how often you use your grinder, it shouldn’t need much maintenance. If you drink coffee daily, I would recommend a weekly clean of your coffee grinder - that should be all you need to do.

How does it rate online?

I struggled to find any constructive criticism about this grinder. Amazon reviews, which are notoriously scathing, gave the Smeg grinder 4.5 stars. This sentiment was reflected across other professional and user reviews.

I thought people might feel that it wasn't an exceptional value grinder, but they did. Lots of reviews mentioned the value, naming it the best grinder that they had ever used. Customers loved how quiet it was, the range of settings, and the anti-static pot. I didn’t get complete anti-static results from my pot, but it was pretty good compared to others. 

Even though there are lots of measuring capabilities on this grinder, a couple of reviewers called for weighing scales too. It’s uncommon to have scales, but, for the price, it’s a reasonable ask. Outside of the two year warranty, a few people noted that they had to shake their coffee beans down to get the grinder working, but these were few and far between. 

How does it compare?

I tested this directly alongside the Moccamaster KM5 grinder and there wasn’t much competition. I could leave the Smeg to grind independently, quickly, and consistently. The Moccamaster was pretty quiet, but I had to hold a button the whole time. I also wasted lots of beans by having to guess how much coffee grounds I would need, as opposed to Smeg’s presets.

We ranked the Fellow Ode coffee grinder as our best overall. It's slightly unfair to put these two against each other since the Fellow uses flat burrs, which are much better for consistency and bean sensitivity. However, the Smeg still held up relatively well. For example, the Fellow Ode grinder has 31 settings and is just as quiet as the Smeg, so they look relatively similar in other aspects. 

If you are looking for a finer grind for espressos, the Smeg is much better: the Fellow Ode can’t grind as finely. Smeg can also make up to 12 oz of coffee grinds, whereas the Fellow Ode can only handle 3.5 oz. However, if you use a French press, or want medium to coarse grinds, the Fellow Ode is better. Rather than Smeg’s conical burrs, the Fellow Ode’s are flat. This does mean that the coffee grinds might be heated up a little more causing the coffee to degrade quicker, but it gives more consistent results generally.

Should you buy it?

The Smeg coffee grinder has lots of coffee connoisseurs convinced, me included. At $300, it’s certainly an investment, but it’s a very worthwhile one. The grinder is easy and effortless to use and it looks great on the countertop. However, if you’re looking for coarse grinds or for a more budget-friendly option, we’ve already tested and reviewed the best coffee grinders for every coffee need. 

How we test

Before we review or recommend any product to you, we’ve tested it in person as if it’s an everyday product. We have a specialized process for how we test every appliance. I’m trained as a barista and a qualified Customer Advisor for coffee. This means that I’ve been through a number of processes to become an expert on all things coffee.

Before testing, we carefully research the claims that a brand makes about their product, so we know what we are looking for. We will also look at and test competitors, so we can place every product that we test on the market.

I took this Smeg grinder and tested it alongside other market-leading grinders. I used it in an everyday kitchen and made sure to test every function. At every stage of the process, from unboxing to cleaning up, I made thorough notes and observations.

There is no doubt that this is a Smeg Drip Coffee Maker as opposed to any other brand. Available in 9 different colors, It’s all retro-chrome and curves. Mine is a bright primary red, and it makes a bold statement on a countertop. The ten-cup capacity, warming plate, and programmable timer place this coffee maker a step above some of the more basic models.

Testing this coffee maker was bizarre for me. As a barista, I’m used to grinding, tamping, locking, and frothing. The best drip coffee makers don’t require any of this, especially Smeg’s. All this coffee maker needed me to do was press a button. If I programmed it with my coffee routine, I wouldn’t even need to do that. 

If you’re looking to make maximum amounts of coffee with minimum effort, you might have found your match. You pay a little extra for the appearance, but it's worth it.

Smeg Drip Coffee Maker Review

Specifications

Unboxing the Smeg Drip Coffee Maker

Smeg used recyclable cardboard to package up the drip coffee maker. It’s nice to see. There were some bits of plastic that weren’t recyclable or recycled, but it’s progressed from polystyrene. 

Lifting the machine out of the packaging, I realized just how big it was. If you have wall cupboards above your countertop, be careful as you might not fit all fourteen inches of this underneath. It’s light enough to move around and store in a cupboard, but the LED light, timers, and presets make it clear that this is designed to be seen. 

Lots of carafes are mostly plastic, so Smeg’s glass carafe felt really premium. This was slightly offset by the plastic lid, but that makes cleaning easy. I was really pleased to see five holes in the spray head. Most coffee makers would give two, but five gives a more even water shower over the coffee. This means that you’ll get smoother, more consistent brews. The filter is reusable, saving you the hassle of single-use paper filters. However, if you don’t want to waver from smoother paper results, you can slot a paper filter in too. Overall, this felt premium and it certainly looked luxurious on the countertop. 

Who would it suit?

If you often find yourself frustrated with coffee makers that can only handle one cup at a time, this will suit you. You can have up to ten cups worth of coffee ready in one go. Just note, Smeg measures their cups in 150ml. I poured a mug freehand and it was about 275ml, so ten cups is more like five. However, with these precise measurements, you’ll never overbrew and waste coffee.

Drip coffee makers aren’t for fancy coffee drinkers. If you are looking for froth, art, and a variety of coffee types, this isn’t for you. Nor is it for you if you want to save room or money in your kitchen, as it’s big and demands a fair amount of space.

What is it like to use?

Once you have set the time on your LED screen, you’re ready to go. It’s a very simple process. On the front, four buttons will light up: a very self-explanatory on and off button; a keep warm function to keep your coffee warm for twenty to forty minutes; an aroma button, for choosing a delicate or intense flavor; a four-cup button that brews enough coffee for four cups; and an auto-start timer so your machine can automatically brew coffee. 

You’ll need to fill the water reservoir at the back of the maker. This is a slim gap, right by the hinge, so isn’t easy to reach. I would recommend using a jug, because the reservoir can hold 1.4 liters of water, so you don’t want to spill lots of water. You can check the water levels on the clear panel at the side. This will show you how many cups of water you have left. 

I began the coffee process by lifting the lid and adding three tablespoons of coffee grounds. I closed the premium-feeling lid and double-checked the clear side panel. With ten cups worth of water stored away, I was ready to go.

Test 1: 4-cup setting

I wanted to start with the four-cup setting, which brews the precise amount of coffee for four people. All I had to do was push the button. With a small beeping sound, the machine whirred into action. I heard some fizzing and boiling noises, but this never got louder than 46 dBA. That’s quieter than a household refrigerator on the Yale University Decibel Conversion Chart. 

After one and a half minutes, I had enough coffee for two cups. After three minutes, my four cups had brewed and the machine stopped with another small beep. The hot plate claims to keep coffee warm for twenty minutes. So I poured myself a cup of coffee, turned on the ‘keep warm’ setting, and left the machine to it. Almost silently, the coffee maker kept working away. After twenty minutes, my coffee was too warm to gulp out of the cup straight away. There is a danger that the hot plate will burn coffee or make it taste stale, but this was perfect. Some coffee makers can keep your pot warm for an hour, especially those with thermal carafes, but this did a good job.

Programmable Timer and Aroma Function

Programmable timer

Intrigued, I tested the program timer. I set a specific time for the coffee maker to start brewing. I watched the clock and, perfectly on time, the machine started to brew my coffee. It’s brilliant. At 46 dBA, I would happily have this brewing in the morning, ready to wake me up with some fresh coffee.

Aroma function

I was fascinated by the aroma button. I really wanted it to taste completely different, but, in reality, I couldn’t really detect much flavor difference. I tried the difference between the normal coffee and intense aroma, which showed a picture of two coffee beans. Granted, the intense flavor did taste a little stronger, richer, and deeper, but it wasn’t dramatic. The grounds I used were quite a dark roast, so perhaps it’s hard to modify the tastes on a simple coffee machine. Nevertheless, it’s good to have.

Overall, the taste was fine. It’s impossible to compare this coffee to an espresso machine, French press, or pod coffee maker. Those are so much richer and more intense with their flavors. This was great for filter coffee, very clean and soft, not acidic at all. If you’re after cafe-quality coffee, you might be disappointed.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

The cleaning process was almost as easy as the setup. I took out the reusable filter and emptied the coffee grounds. These can go in the food waste, or, they make great garden compost.

You can clean the filter in warm, soapy water with the jug and lid. When I lifted the inside filter to clean, I did end up emptying a little coffee onto the countertop. Make sure it's fully empty before moving it too far away from the jug.

To rinse the machine, place the carafe on the warming plate and switch the machine on. At the press of a button, it’ll run hot water through the machine. Mine was already pretty clear, but it’s good practice to do this after use. The screen will flash and tell you when it needs to be descaled, which isn’t often.

As I’ve mentioned, this machine is big. The presets and the clock make it pretty clear that this is designed to keep on your countertop anyway. It looks good, so just make sure that you don’t have any low cupboards that might cause problems.

How does it rate online?

On most review platforms, this was given at least four stars. People loved the timer setting and big capacity, especially families or big households. The quick setup and easy functions makes it friendly for a range of users. It came as no surprise that people also loved how this looked. The range of colors really appealed to home designers, who enjoyed featuring them in their homes and on their countertops.

I ran into a few problems. First of all, the size. Some people couldn’t get it under their cabinets and found it too big for their compact kitchens. A number of people were frustrated by the descale sensor; it’s more sensitive than it needs to be, so it alerts you a little too early. I found that my coffee maker dripped a little when I removed the carafe, which some users suggested was because the ‘pause’ or ‘stop’ function doesn’t really stop the machine properly. This would be a good aspect for Smeg to develop. 

How does it compare to similar models?

Overall, this is a more expensive model. At ten cups, the capacity is smaller than the average 12-cup machine. However, some of the presets make up for the small capacity. 

We recommend the OXO 8-cup coffee maker in our roundup of the best drip coffee makers. Although eight cups is less than Smeg’s, in reality, it actually makes more than Smeg’s five. Plus, if you just want a single-serving, this is one of the few drip coffee makers that will be able to make you a delicious one. It’s half the height of Smeg, so is much more space-efficient. It met the Speciality Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standard for its brew, meaning that the water quality, coffee ratio, and grind distribution are all of a high standard. For $100, this is a practical investment.

However, this isn’t programmable, so you lose the luxury of waking up to freshly brewed coffee. It’s great not having to fuss over settings on the OXO, but Smeg’s are really simple and really helpful. They stop you from over-brewing and wasting coffee and the stainless steel finish of the OXO shows marks a lot more than Smeg’s base color.

Should you buy it?

If you’re looking for a stylish drip coffee maker, this is the one for you. It’s a little bigger and on the expensive side, but it covers the basics of a coffee machine really well. The coffee is smooth and has a good flavor. However, if you want specialty coffee and aren’t put off by having to make coffees individually, it’s worth looking at alternative coffee makers. 

How we test

Before we review or recommend any product to you, we’ve tested it in-person as if it’s an everyday product. We have a specialized process for how we test every appliance. I’m trained as a barista and a qualified Customer Advisor for coffee. This means that I’ve been through a number of processes to become an expert on all things coffee.

Before testing, we carefully research the claims that a brand makes about their product, so we know what we are looking for. We will also look at and test competitors, so we can place every product that we test on the market.

I took this Smeg drip coffee maker and tested it alongside automatic machines, espresso machines, and other coffee appliances. I used it in an everyday kitchen and made sure to test every function. At every stage of the process, from unboxing to cleaning up, I made thorough notes and observations.

Every kitchen needs a blender, but knowing which model to buy and whether it's any good requires some research. You can never judge a blender by just reading the credentials online, so that's why we make sure to test and review every and any model that we think would suit you.

Over the years, we've refined our process for how we test blenders. We put our models through rigorous rounds of testing, making smoothies, dips, ice cones, and more. However, to get the top spot in one of our guides for the best blenders, blender food processor combos, and portable blenders it has to do a lot more.

Here's how our experts measure the performance, appearance, reliability and value of our blender. We'll give you the insights into how we draw conclusions, why we make them, and what you should expect when you're shopping for blenders.

How we choose blenders to review

The first step is market research. We keep in touch with the industry to make sure that we're always first to hear about a new launch, and will almost always call it in to test to try and be among the first to assess how well it performs.

After reviewing product specifications and customer reviews to make sure it's worthy of a review, we get samples of those blenders we think could make it into our guides to the best blenders.

These tend to be from the big names in blending like Nutribullet and Vitamix, but we also keep our eyes out for more niche blenders from smaller companies in case they can keep up with or outdo the competition

Blenders are designed to sit on kitchen countertops, so we'd be lying if we said we weren't drawn to stylish designs or a colorful new launches from the likes of KitchenAid, Ninja, and Smeg.

Every blender must be tested for a prolonged period (two weeks or more) to check for any issues and assess the product's longevity, and where possible, we aim to keep blenders in-house to test them on a long-term basis, updating our reviews as the months and years pass to see if our favorite is still ahead of the crowd.

Unboxing

To start with, we get the blender out of its box – and before we do anything at all, we go through all the paperwork, noting safety warnings, warranties and the instructions for the set-up process.

At this point, we assess the blender design. We start by measuring up to see if it's easy to store or if takes up room. We assess the overall aesthetic on the countertop, how easy it is to move around, and the quality of the materials. This is also where we note accessibility features, because a stiff blender lid or a motor base that is tricky to align with a pitcher can be particularly difficult if you have mobility issues.

It's also where we assess the responsiveness of buttons, dials, and display screens, as well as simple but easy-to-forget features such as if the blender is left or right-handed, depending on where the handle is situated. At Homes & Gardens, we value impeccable style – but we don't prize it over substance. The blender design has got to feel user-friendly and intuitive, too.

Test 1: Smoothies

What else? Smoothies are the most basic thing a blender can do. They're pretty much why blenders were invented, so if we've got a model that can't handle these you won't find it anywhere near our rankings of the best.

As a the head of kitchen appliance testing, I'm also a trained chef and recipe editor – so you can imagine there are a variety of smoothie recipes I'd love to try out. But for the first round of testing, we stick to a classic breakfast smoothie – making sure it's packed with challenging ingredients. We start with frozen berries to see how a blender can cope with frozen textures, tough skin, and seeds. We then add frozen banana halves to see whether it can break down larger frozen solids. Then, we add jumbo oats and gritty chia seeds. Finally, we add my favorite tricky ingredients: protein powder and creatine, because these powdery textures can easily add unappetizing grit to a smoothie.

If a blender can whizz all of these into a smooth drink, then it's on track to be one of our new best blenders, but this is only the first test.

Test 2: Soup

I consider myself a bit of a soup expert, so this is my favorite test. Second only to immersion blenders, countertop blenders are the best appliances you can buy for making soup.

Most large countertop blenders can handle hot ingredients, so you can blend roasted vegetables into perfectly spiced soup, then heat it up on the stove or microwave. However, some blenders go one step further. Premium blenders, like the Vitamix A3500i can spin their blades so quickly that they can make hot soup right in the jug.

We like to make root vegetable soups when testing blenders, since they have a fibrous, starchy texture. The ingredients we choose will depend on the season, but they can range from butternut squash to artichokes and beets. Of course, there will also be onion and garlic. We also like to add bright spices (like turmeric) to test whether they stain the pitcher. Sometimes, I add beans to double check the blender can handle tons of fiber.

The pass/fail criteria here are simple. The blender should fully incorporate every ingredient into a single liquid with no lumps or grittiness. If the blender claims to make hot soup, the resulting soup must be piping hot.

Test 3: Ice

We then see if a blender can crush ice. Ice is useful for two reasons. One is as a straightforward test of sheer power. Weak blenders won't be able to crush it, or will do half a job. A powerful, premium blender should be able to mist ice cubes into fine white powder. If a blender can't manage this, then it can't earn a perfect score.

The other culinary reason we test ice is to see if a blender up to making icy cocktails like frozen margaritas and frozen desserts, like granita. While we don't drink on the job, we can certainly see if the blender is up to the ice! We know you'll be thankful for the knowledge, when you have the urge to make Frozé in the summer.

Test 4: Sauces and Dips

Technically, food processors are much better suited to making dips and sauces than blenders. Blenders are for liquids, not sauces, and their small blades aren't as thorough at mixing and emulsifying as food processors.

That said, plenty of blenders market themselves as being able to make homemade dips and sauces like hummus, guacamole and baba ganoush. Even some portable blenders claim to be up to the task, which is how we discovered that the cordless Cuisinart EvolutionX is an incredible little blender for making dips on the go – definitely one you want to bring to the BBQ or backyard cookout.

Any extras?

We then test for any other extras advertised by the blender, such as frozen smoothie bowls. Some blenders claim that they can make alternative milks, but we're often pretty skeptical. Alternative milks like almond milk are best homemade with a slow juicer, as this can crush liquid out of the nuts where a blender can only chop them smooth. However, just like sauces, skepticism isn't enough – we have to check everything for ourselves.

Decibel level

For some, making an early morning smoothie doubles as the alarm for waking up the whole house. After testing the best blenders in the world, which can crush and blend the toughest textures, we've learned that with great power comes great noise.

That's why a blender will score extra points in our tests if it operates quietly. We monitor the decibel levels on every test. We're conscious that you're looking for quiet blenders that don't wake up your family, disturb your neighbors – or simply whirr quietly to calm your nerves – so we note our personal reactions to the noise levels, too. If it's under 70 decibels and our experts are happy, it goes straight into the running for the quietest blender of the year.

Cleaning, storage & maintenance

We also clean every blender by hand to see how easy this was, and if it felt safe. A great blender is one thing, but it can be annoying if lumps of food can lodge themselves in nooks and crannies, particularly underneath the blender blades, which can be dangerous to clean. We also test dishwasher-safe blenders in a dishwasher to see if this is actually effective. Some blenders come with self-cleaning settings that can prevent ingredients from sticking to the blades of the pitcher – which we love.

In terms of storage, we see if we can fit the blenders in cupboards and pantries, and how easy they are to lift and access. For portable blenders, we leave our kitchens to carry out more expansive tests. For example, we mix up a smoothie, pack it in our work bag, and take it on the busy subway to work. If the smoothie makes it to work without leaking, it passes the portability test. We also check other things you might not think of, like how heavy it feels to carry, and whether it fits into car cup holders or in a handbag.

User reviews

We then collate the results of online reviews. This is to see if there's any aspect of the review we've missed or issues with the blender months down the line. User reviews are particularly helpful as they throw up problems with a blender we may not have considered, and let us see how it fares in a wide variety of spaces and contexts.

Value and warranty

All of this then informs whether or not we think a blender is good value. A good blender should have at least a two-year warranty, and some of the best even have 10-year warranties. Every blender we feature should be one that we would buy ourselves. Some expensive top-line blenders are worth every penny, but others aren't, so we incorporate this information into every review.

Finally, we're often allowed to keep the blenders for a longer amount of time – so we try to test them in our home kitchens and real-life routines, too.

Finding the best appliances for small kitchens can be tricky. I’ve just moved from the countryside to the city and so my kitchen has halved –  if not quartered – in size. 

To my dismay, a toaster, microwave, kettle, and blender are four appliances too many for my narrow countertops. Given that many of us looking for small kitchen ideas are usually struggling for space, I thought it worthwhile to speak with our small appliance experts to find out what to buy to be more space-efficient.

Our busy team put these kettles, toasters, stand mixers, and more through rigorous tests. We compared them to their regular-sized competitors and judged them by the same standards, finding miniature models that are more than up to the task. 

Best appliances for small kitchens 2026

Best small food processor

Why you should buy it
A portable, cordless, and convenient alternative

Why we love it
It’s rare that compact alternatives deliver more than their regular-sized competitors. That is what this KitchenAid does: it’s completely cordless so you can use it anywhere inside, or outside. This was enough to convert our expert tester, Camryn, who didn’t have to charge the food processor all week.

The design works well. Rather than a classic chunky chute, this design has a neat dispenser indent on the lid. This is where you can drizzle oil and other liquids into your mix whilst it’s running. It’s easier to store and still simple to use.

Good to know
It’s smaller than your average food processor, so you will need to be patient. Camryn found that the dispenser needed to be refilled several times when adding oil to her pesto, rather than adding the oil all at once. 

Best compact blender

Why you should buy it
An ergonomic and powerful option

What we love
When it comes to blending, NutriBullet is a trusted brand. They deliver quality results at a reasonable price and size. We tested this blender with smoothies, ice, and cauliflower rice and the blades could cut through it all. It looks sleek and subtle on the countertop, but is easy to store too.

Good to know
It only has one speed setting, so you will need to think about blend time more than blend power. The blade isn’t dishwasher safe either. The NutriBullet Go has even smaller dimensions if you’re really short on space. However, our experts think it’s better as a portable option because it lacks the power of a plug-in alternative.

An even smaller option would be an immersion blender. These can be stored in your kitchen drawers, but can be a little messier to use.

Best small hand mixer

Why you should buy it
Classic, convenient and compact

What we love
Our experts recommended this as a lighter and more straightforward alternative to stand mixers. It’s cordless and easily fits into your kitchen drawers, but still does a good job of whipping, beating, and mixing. Our expert, Molly, commented on how light this was to hold, making the user-experience particularly pleasant.

Good to know
As a cordless appliance, it’s not as powerful as corded versions. Molly was also disappointed that the turbo beaters are the only attachment included, so you need to whip cream with the same attachment that you use for mixing cookie dough.

Best small air fryer

Why you should buy it
Small and sturdy with impressive results

What we love
This air fryer is an expert in the basics. It has just a four-quart capacity and just one function (air fry), but it does it to perfection. Our expert tester, Alex, was impressed with the cooking speed and texture of a number of the items which he tested in the air fryer. Once finished, this is dishwasher-safe and easy to store away.

Good to know
With one powerful setting, it’s easy to overcook food. Once you are used to this strength, you can use it without much bother. It’s limited both on functions and capacity, but that is to be expected with a smaller design.

Best mini toaster oven

Why you should buy it
A compact cooker, designed for smaller kitchens

What we love
Ninja make some of the best toaster ovens and air fryers on the market. This low-profile model offers eight programmes, covering a range of cooking techniques, from toasting and microwaving to air frying.

Ninja designed a flip feature, so that this can fold away when it’s not in use, which is ideal for smaller kitchens. Our expert tester, Millie, was pleased with the speed, precision and quality with which the Ninja Foodi cooked salmon, baked muffins, and toasted bagels. 

Good to know
The compact size means that this isn’t suitable for larger cooking challenges. Millie didn’t try bread, a whole chicken, or a cake, because it simply doesn’t have the capacity for it. Although the inserts are dishwasher-safe, Millie found that cleaning the heating elements was a little tricky.

Best multi-cooker

Why you should buy it
Does the job of multiple appliances in one 

What we love
With 13 cooking functions, there’s more than enough to love about this multi-cooker. It’s high-tech, reasonably priced and still relatively compact. It can do everything from air frying and pressure cooking to roasting and our expert tester, Helen, was pleased with the results. For a versatile, easy to use appliance, this is a go-to.

Good to know
This multi-cooker isn’t designed to be small per se. We’ve included it in the guide because it does the job of multiple appliances, so saves on space. Also, it’s a small thing to note, but the cooking pot is stainless steel, so it doesn't have a non-stick feature. This means you’ll need to leave it to soak when food sticks to it before cleaning it off by hand.

Best slim toaster

Why you should buy it
Chic and simple to use

What we love
We expect sleek designs and simplicity with Zwilling and this does not disappoint. With two, extra-long and wide slots, this is slim, but still capable of handling homemade bread and wedges of brioche. The dials cater for a range of different toasting settings and were effective too.

Good to know
The dials and settings are slightly smaller than other toasters, like the Smeg 4 Slice Toaster, for example. They can be a little fiddly to use. It’s also worth noting that we are in the process of testing some even smaller alternatives, which are on our best toasters roundup, because of their glowing customer reviews.

Best small stand mixer

Why you should buy it
Petite, practical and powerful

What we love
A miniature marvel, this mixer delivered KitchenAid-quality results, but on a smaller scale. Our expert tester, Molly, thought that the 3.5 quart capacity was impressive and commented that it was much quieter than the standard size. 

It’s aesthetically pleasing and has the same attachments as the larger KitchenAid stand mixer. Molly was impressed with its capacity to make cakes, whip cream, and knead bread. After you’re done with baking, everything can easily and safely fit into your dishwasher.

Good to know
This has a similar retail price to the standard size, so isn’t the best value for money. Our expert, Molly, would still buy one, which speaks volumes

Best small coffee grinder

Why you should buy it
Excellent quality grind 

What we love
This cordless design is a great option for lots of reasons. It’s small, doesn’t heat up too much (and degrade your coffee), and achieves a really consistent grind. Our experts were pleased with the results of this test and found that the coffee results worked particularly well for drip coffee.

Good to know
It’s non-electric, so you will need to use a little elbow grease to grind your beans. Have your arm muscles ready.

Best slim coffee machine

Why you should buy it
A premium and practical buy

What we love
This was a tricky choice, because not many coffee makers are small. Nespresso has made this Vertuo line much slimmer than its predecessors. We were pleased to find that they had improved the coffee settings even more, adjusting the brewing settings to suit your capsule. In fact, it’s number one in our best single-serve coffee makers guide. 

This machine can cater to a range of cup sizes between 5oz and 18oz. It’s simple to use and has one-touch technology. This accounts for cup size, pressure, brewing time and temperature, so you don’t have to do much except wait a few seconds for your coffee. The waste bin can hold up to 8 pods too.

Good to know
Even though it is slim, it’s still long and tall. You’ll also need to buy pods, which then need storage of their own. The bin can store up to eight pods, but after that, you’ll need some space for the others. . If you really want to cut down on space, we would recommend a French Press which is easily stored in cupboards or deep drawers. 

Best sleek electric kettle

Why you should buy it
Subtle, smart design

What we love
This kettle has brains and beauty. With seven temperature settings, you won’t ever burn coffee or tea again. It’s simple to use and the temperature gauge is a great way of checking how warm your water is after boiling.

We loved the anti-slip swivel base, variety of color options and limescale filter which came with this kettle. Aside from that, it’s designed to look smart and subtle on any kitchen countertop.

Good to know
I’m going to be upfront. We have tested and loved this kettle. However, unlike most of this list, it hasn’t been consciously crafted for smaller spaces. In fact, Smeg’s mini kettle is on our reviewers to-do list and has great feedback. This kettle has more capacity than their mini alternative, but is not as compact as I would like for a small kitchen.

FAQs

Our experts

The internet is an incredible resource for time-saving life hacks, and the most recent is an old tip for using Mason jars in place of blender jugs to save on doing dishes and to make storing blended foods simpler if your blender doesn't come with a lidded jar. But is this hack all it lives up to be? Or is it best avoided?

The Mason jar blender hack is certainly a time saver and works with many of the best blenders when used correctly, but many comments highlight the need for caution – Mason jars are not designed for this use, shouldn't be used to blend ice nor hot foods. However many TikTokers swear by it. 

Here, we explain how to the Mason jar blender hack works and share some important safety tips you need to consider, plus our verdict on whether to try it. 

The Mason jar blender hack  

The hack is rather simple, though it's best explained in the video, below.

Spelt out: start by unscrewing the base of your blender pitcher and removing the blades. Test the size against the top of a clean Mason jar, commenters say that this trick works best with a standard-sized Mason jar designed for heavy-duty kitchen work like pickling as opposed to large mouthed jars, or thinner jars for storing preserves. Try these jars from Target. 

You should also never attempt this hack with Mason jars that are designed to be decorative to prevent them from smashing – our feature on Mason jar crafts has plenty of ideas for this. 

Screw the blade attachment securely onto the jar – it may be a good idea to fill it with some water first to test if the seal is tight. This way you can avoid sticky, messy leaks when you start to blend up smoothies. If you are sure there are no leaks, and your jar is strong enough to survive blending, all there is to do is fill it with your ingredients and attach it to your blender. 

Our eCommerce editor Laura Honey loves this simple trick for making a larger blender more versatile at home: 'It's such a simple way to have your family blender deliver the results of a single-serve or portable blender alternative,’ she says. ‘Also, any trick that saves on washing up is a go-to for me!’

Whether this hack is for you or not may depend on the type of blender you have. For example, many invertible pitchers come with lids to take blended smoothies on the go or store blended mixes in the refrigerator, such as the NutriBullet Pro 900, reviewed by H&G (see below), making this Mason jar trick useful if you're looking for an affordable alternative to buying extra pitchers or replacing a damaged one.

This trick may be better suited to those of us that have a traditional pitcher jug blender which we have to decant into a separate container to take smoothies on the go or to store in the fridge. The goal is, after all, to save time doing dishes, so using this hack helps to cut out the middleman.