KITCHEN EQUIPMENT UPDATE

I think this time of year is perfect for having a bit of a clear out of all the bits and bobs accumulated over the summer in preparation for winter and the festive season.  It’s quite therapeutic sorting the products that you bought, thinking they’d be useful (the pasta maker was prime one for me!).  But also, the most regularly used products often tend to wear out, so it’s a good time to see what might need replacing in the not-too-distant future. 

Here are some new products that I’ve discovered in the last few months:

Top Toasties from your Microwave

My sandwich toaster has long been relegated to the charity shop, and I’d resorted to using one of those special toaster bags, which aren’t ideal. 

But the new Mico Microwave Toastie Maker from Morphy Richards preps perfect toasties in the microwave, in minutes with minimal mess.

With two, separate, non-stick grill plates that clip together, it’s so easy. Advanced Heatwave Technology means the two sandwich plates toast evenly on both sides at once, mimicking conventional oven cooking, with no  need for pre-heating, so not only energy-saving, but meals are ready within minutes. It’s easy to clean; the soft touch silicone, non-slip, orange exterior is fully removable from the grill plates and dishwasher safe.

Measuring 17.5cm x 14.5cm x 4.5cm and weighing just 400g, the Mico takes very little space. £35 rrp and available from Amazon, The Range, B&Q and other retailers.

Easier Salad Dressings

When whipping up a Caesar, French or Thousand Island dressing, or want to make your own oil infusion, this handy new salad dressing maker from  Kilner® combines ingredients so easily.

The internal coiled spring blends herbs, spices, oils and sauces, giving your creation maximum flavour.

Made from glass for easy viewing of the contents, it also features a built-in spout for easy pouring, and millilitre measurements on the side.  Unlike other dressing makers which can be hard to clean, the Kilner® Salad Dressing Maker can be put in the dishwasher for easy thorough cleaning between uses. 

Around £7 from a number of retailers including Harts of Stur or www.kilnerjar.co.uk/stockists

Cleaner Homes with Less Plastic

Clean Living pioneers  sustainable cleaning solutions and is leading the charge against toxic chlorine-based domestic cleaning products, offering healthier, microbial-based alternatives.

Clean living offers reusable aluminium bottles to reduce the plastic in many cleaning products. 

Unlike traditional cleaning agents with harsh, toxic chemicals, it uses plant-derived ingredients and naturally occurring bacteria that are non-toxic and biodegradable. These probiotic cleaners maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in our homes, promoting a healthier and safer home. 

Clean Living’s range includes starter kits for various areas of the home (£12.40), a home fragrance range (starting at £11.99), a sports range (£12.40), and the comprehensive Eco-Friendly Complete Cleaning Kit (£54.99 worth £118.70).

A Good Grind!

Another new addition to the Kilner® Create & Make collection, this brilliant new grinder stores and grinds all manner of dried ingredients from staples such as rock salt and peppercorns, through to seeds, whole spices and herbs, allowing you to experiment with new flavours. 

There’s no need to buy ready made spice mixes any more – you can play around with your seasonings. 

With this Seasoning Grinder, you can create blends and rubs to pair with different foods, in just a few simple steps. The hand operated grinding mechanism with stainless steel and ceramic parts, has adjustable settings to control the coarseness of the mixture, giving flexibility over the consistency of your rub. Once you’ve made as much seasoning as you need, you can keep it fresh in the airtight 250ml glass Kilner® jar with lid.

Around £15 from Amazon and other retailers such as Harts of Stur.

Great Grating

When it comes to grating anything, I think the Microplane name is hero. 

They stay sharp, can be popped into the dishwasher after use, and don’t take up much drawer space either. 

The Microplane Professional Series includes SIX blades and features a robust, high quality stainless-steel frame and blade, with a stylish matt chrome finish for the handle.  The superb sharpness of the blades is achieved by photo etched technology, pioneered by Microplane. The blades and teeth behave like sharp knives to cut effortlessly, and precisely without ripping or tearing and releasing the natural aroma of ingredients.

Stainless steel is the preferred choice of professional chefs as it doesn’t absorb odours or flavour. For all culinary experiences, there are SIX different blade styles to choose from for specific, grating and slicing results.

I’d recommend any of them, but maybe treat yourself to the finest and the extra coarse so that you have a ‘great grating’ scope.

Around £36.95 from stockists including John Lewis and Borough Kitchen

Cool Deals for Winter Warmers

It’s that time of year when my trusty old Morphy Richards soup maker and slow cooker both come into their own. 

The time saving and ease of use with my soup maker, and the energy saving of the slow cooker are second to none.   If you’re thinking of buying either, (or both) Morphy Richards is running a Black Friday promotion online until 4 December, so now’s the time to invest. 

 

The Soup Maker’s simple one-touch functions and dual programmes offer ‘smooth’ and ‘chunky’ soup consistency. Just throw in the ingredients, switch on and leave.

 

Sear & Stew 6.5L Hinged Lid Slow Cooker has 6.5L capacity, for upwards of 10 starters or 8 main dishes.  Sear meat and sauté vegetables directly on the stove and the transitions from hob to cooker with cool touch handles. Three heat settings allow browning, searing and slow cooking all in one pot . 

The removable hinged lid makes stirring easier and serving easier. 

After cooking the lid detaches from the shatterproof cooking pot and both are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. www.morphyrichards.co.uk