Best ice cream makers for delicious desserts 2025, tried and tested
Browse our round-up of the best ice cream makers on the market. Invent your own flavours and enjoy silky smooth ice cream, sorbet or gelato at the touch of a button
Ice cream is endlessly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it's a summer treat on a hot day, simple midweek pud or part of a showstopping dessert, ice cream puts smiles on faces. Check out our trend spotlight on unusual ice cream flavours to see just how much ice cream is evolving. With an at-home ice cream maker you can make a whole host of delightfully creamy and refreshing frozen desserts. You’re not just restricted to classic ice cream – you can also make your own silky smooth gelato to tangy frozen yogurt and refreshing sorbet. Some ice cream makers will come with a dedicated setting for all of these; others come with a different paddle. An ice cream maker really can do it all. We put a range of self-freezing and freeze-first ice cream makers through their paces using much-loved olive recipes. Read on to see how each model fared. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best ice cream makers at a glance Self-freezing ice cream makers: Best ice cream maker for professional-quality dessert: Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional, £299.99 Best affordable no-freeze ice cream maker: ProCook Professional ice cream maker, £149 Best blowout ice cream maker: Magimix Gelato expert, £449.95 Fastest ice cream maker: Lakeland compressor ice cream maker, £179.99 Best ice cream maker for tech lovers: Sage the Smart Scoop, £369.95 Freeze-first ice cream makers: Best freeze-first ice cream maker: Cuisinart iced dessert maker, £54.99 Best versatile ice cream maker: Ninja Creami Deluxe 10-in-1 ice cream & frozen drink maker NC501UK, £199.99 Best soft serve ice cream maker: Ninja Swirl by CREAMi 13-in-1 ice cream maker, £299.99 Best small ice cream maker: Cuisinart Solo Scoops ice cream maker, £37.75 Best everyday ice cream maker: ProCook Ice Cream Maker, £39.20 Best innovative ice cream maker: Ninja Creami ice cream & frozen dessert maker NC300UK, £169 Best stand mixer ice cream making accessory: KitchenAid ice cream maker accessory, £149 Jump to: Best ice cream makers to buy in 2025 How to choose the best ice cream maker What can an ice cream maker be used for? What to look out for when choosing an ice cream maker? How we tested ice cream makers Best ice cream makers to buy in 2025 Cuisinart iced dessert maker undefined Best freeze-first ice cream maker Star rating: 5/5 This ice cream maker is a freeze-first model with 1.4-litre capacity. Coming in an attractive pale blue colour the machine is stylish and effective, making ice cream, iced fruit desserts and sorbets. It comes with two paddles — one for ice cream and one to mash and churn fresh fruit for smooth or iced desserts. On test we found this machine to be impressively quiet and effective. The ice cream we made was creamy, light and delicious, although we did find it a little tricky to take out of the machine. undefined Ninja Creami Deluxe 10-in-1 ice cream & frozen drink maker NC501UK undefined Best versatile ice cream maker Star rating: 5/5 When it first launched, the Ninja CREAMi took the internet by storm and sold out frequently. This is the brand's latest version of the ice cream maker, which works differently from other models on this list. For the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe you freeze your mixture overnight before spinning it in the machine where powerful blades churn the mix to a smooth consistency. This model has 10 different functions that include churning frozen yogurt and gelato, and it comes with three large tubs that you can store in your freezer. On test we were impressed with the smooth texture of our malt chocolate ice cream and our frozen orange and raspberry 'slushi' was easy to sip and refreshing. undefined Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional Latest Deals Best ice cream maker for professional-quality dessert Star rating: 5/5 If you’re in the market for an ice cream maker that produces the same ultra-smooth results found in the gelaterias of Italy, this model is the one. Whether using the ice cream or gelato paddle, the results were consistently silky, creamy and the perfect texture. It was a dab hand when making sorbet, too. The machine had clear and easy to use buttons. It’s not the smallest (no self-freezing model is) and it is quite noisy when in use, but it’s stately and attractive on the kitchen counter. The brushed stainless-steel accents are a sleek final flourish. The stop/start button to pause the machine proved our favourite feature as it allows you to sample your creations mid-churn. Read our full Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional review. Latest Deals Ninja Swirl by CREAMi 13-in-1 ice cream maker Available from AO (£290), Very (£299), Ninja (£299.99), Currys (£299.99), Amazon (£381.39) Best soft serve ice cream maker Star rating: 4.5/5 For lovers of Mr Whippy-style ice cream, the Swirl is Ninja’s most sophisticated ice cream maker yet, and it certainly looks the part – it’s very large, with a slick, premium design that demands attention even in a spacious kitchen. This machine is as fun as it is functional, boasting 13 different settings, including options for soft-serve and 'scoopable' ice cream, frozen yoghurt, sorbet and 'CreamiFit' protein ice cream. It comes with a dedicated soft-serve attachment, allowing you to swirl your own creations straight into cones. It's also intuitive to assemble and use, so you'll be churning frozen desserts in no time, though you will need to pre-freeze your base for at least 24 hours beforehand. In test, the results were impressive: our ice cream was smooth and creamy, with a genuine soft-serve texture. undefined Cuisinart Solo Scoops ice cream maker Available from Amazon (£39.99), Cuisinart (£39.99) Star rating: 4.5/5 If you're looking to make your own ice cream but don't have lots of storage space, this model from Cuisinart could be a good option. It makes a single tub of ice cream at a time (about eight scoops), in just 25 minutes, making it brilliant for experimenting with different flavours where you may not want to make a vast quantity. It's a freeze-first model, so you'll need to keep the bowl in the freezer for at least 24 hours before use, but the bowl is compact enough that it doesn't take up too much space. On test, we found the machine pretty noisy but were overall impressed by that final results, which were thick, smooth and creamy, without any discernible ice crystals. undefined ProCook ice cream maker Available from ProCook (£39) Best affordable ice cream maker Star rating: 4.5/5 This ProCook ice cream maker keeps things simple, as it doesn’t come with fancy settings or interchangeable paddles. The inner container needs to be frozen for at least 12 hours before use, but it’s worth the wait. We tested this machine with indulgent ice cream recipes, including a standout Biscoff and coffee, and the results were fantastic. What stood out to us was the simplicity. The digital timer took the guesswork out of the process, churning our custard mixture into smooth, creamy ice cream in just 30 minutes. The paddle and attachment did their job effectively, and the sturdy power unit kept things running smoothly. The paddle and motor attachment didn’t seem as robust as the power unit, but worked well to draw in all the ingredients to the mix. If you’re after a no-fuss ice cream maker for occasional use, the ProCook model is a great choice. undefined ProCook Professional ice cream maker undefined Best affordable no-freeze ice cream maker Star rating: 4.5/5 This ice cream maker from ProCook is a sleek and simple model that allowed us to churn ice cream in just 45 minutes using the no-freeze compression technology. The model was lighter and more compact than others we tested, although it's worth noting that you'll still need a good deal of cupboard space for storing it. We really like the look of this machine, which has a matte finish and easy to use digital display. Although our ice cream was still pretty soft once churned, we were impressed by the smooth texture – once it had firmed up a little more in the freezer, it was perfectly scoopable. undefined Ninja Creami ice cream & frozen dessert maker NC300UK undefined Best innovative ice cream maker Star rating: 4.5 / 5 This is the original Ninja CREAMi, which went viral on social media when it first launched – thanks to its innovative technique of spinning a solidly frozen block of mixture with powerful blades to turn it into ice cream. As a machine it is quick and intuitive to use, turning our frozen mixture into ice cream in under four minutes. It also comes with a recipe book as well as three one pint containers for storing ice cream (or gelato and sorbets) in your freezer. You'll also find settings for making frozen drinks like milkshakes and smoothies. undefined Magimix Gelato expert undefined Best blowout ice cream maker Star rating: 4.5 /5 Whether you're a passionate home cook or professional pastry chef this ice cream maker is bound to impress. It has a large capacity with the ability to make 2 litres of ice cream in under an hour. Although it's certainly an investment, for the price this model has more settings than many other compression ice cream makers we've tested. You can choose from gelato and granita as well as ice cream, or take a more hands-on approach with the manual function. undefined Lakeland compressor ice cream maker undefined Fastest ice cream maker Star rating: 4.5/5 This ice cream maker from Lakeland is a compression model, which requires no pre-freezing. There's no getting around that this is a large machine and at 11.5kg it's seriously weighty, making it tricky to move in and out of a drawer or shelf to store. However, we were impressed by the function of the machine, which made our vanilla ice cream in an impressive 30 minutes. While we found the opening in the lid a little narrow for pouring in our mix it worked really well for adding toppings like the toasted hazelnuts we added to our gelato, which was smooth with an intense flavour. undefined Sage the Smart Scoop undefined Best ice cream maker for tech lovers Star rating: 4.5/5 Sage is well known for its high-tech, smart and sophisticated looking machines. The Smart Scoop is exactly that. It is equipped with four settings for sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato and ice cream, as well as 12 hardness settings, allowing you to fully tailor your results. This model sits landscape, which leaves plenty of countertop space for prep. It comes with a wealth of settings (including an automatic 'keep cool' setting) and accessories. We liked the function that lets you know when to add in extras to your base ice cream mix. We struggled to get the automatic hardness sensor to work, a feature that Sage makes a big deal of. Despite this, we enjoyed consistently high quality results: the ice cream was luxurious, the gelato was smooth and the sorbet was gloriously summery and fresh. Read our full Sage the Smart Scoop review. undefined KitchenAid ice cream maker accessory undefined Best stand mixer ice cream making accessory Star rating: 4/5 This ice cream maker is an accessory from stand-mixer giant KitchenAid. You need to freeze the bowl for a minimum of 16 hours before use, or we've found that it's easiest to store in your freezer (if you have room) so you can make ice cream whenever you like. The bowl has a 1.9 litre capacity, which is larger than many other models, plus you have greater control over the speed of churning than you do on many automated ice cream makers. This models works with a range of KitchenAid's stand mixers including tilt-head and bowl-lift models. undefined How to choose the best ice cream maker There are broadly two different types of ice cream makers: Self-freezing models: Those with a compression device that means no pre-freezing is required Freeze-first models: These machines require you to pre-freeze the bowl for at least 16 hours before use Compressor models tend to be pricier, and are also large and heavy, so need more space to store. Models that require pre-freezing tend to be more affordable, but you'll need to plan ahead if you want to make ice cream. What can an ice cream maker be used for? If you like to get creative in the kitchen, ice cream makers allow you to dream up new flavour pairings and experiment to your heart's delight. For some inspiration to get you started, take a look at our best ice cream recipes and easy sorbet recipes. If you’re looking to cut out certain ingredients, either through necessity or a lifestyle choice, an at-home ice cream maker gives you control so you know exactly what’s going into your food. As delightful as it is on its own, ice cream can also be used in standout desserts. Take a baked alaska for example: the combination of spongy cake plus frozen, creamy ice cream, all enrobed in a layer of silky and crisp Italian meringue is a marriage made in heaven. At the other end of the spectrum (though no less delicious) sits the ice-box cake. This US classic requires no real skill other than a basic understanding of which flavours work well together. A variety of textures work best when building your ice-box cake: think crunchy biscuits or nuts, jammy dried fruits, and sticky sauces – try our pistachio and chocolate ice-box cake. What to look out for when choosing an ice cream maker? There are a number of different factors to take into consideration before choosing an ice cream maker. Self-freezing or freeze-first: In professional kitchens and gelaterias you’ll find self-freezing ice cream makers. They’re favoured by chefs because they’re fast, produce high-quality results and can make batch after batch without having to wait. They’re large and more costly than their freeze-first counterparts, though. By comparison, freeze-first models are smaller and often cheaper. They come with a removable bowl that needs to be put in the freezer for between eight and 24 hours. These models can only be used once a day, but often produce as high-quality results as self-freezing models. Bowl capacity: Most ice cream makers have bowls with a capacity of between one and two litres, though the amount of ice cream base you can put in the bowl can vary widely from brand to brand. We’d advise checking the maximum capacity in the manual to avoid problems. Timer: Almost all of the models we tested come with a timer. Useful for those of us who like to set our appliances to go and come back when they’re finished. How we tested ice cream makers Any ice cream maker worth its salt should be able to make a classic vanilla ice cream and a simple sorbet. Using olive’s vanilla ice cream recipe and mango sorbet recipe, we put these ice cream makers to the test. If the ice cream maker had an extra paddle or setting designed for gelato, we also made olive’s chocolate and black pepper gelato: a grown-up twist on a firm favourite. All models were scored based on the following set of criteria: Results: we looked at the quality of the ice cream and sorbet produced: was it silky smooth and free of ice crystals? Was it well aerated? Did it melt slowly? Versatility: ice cream makers that can make more than just ice cream and sorbet were favoured. Ease of use: we believe most appliances should be uncomplicated and straightforward pieces of kit. If a model has more functions than most, the manual should be comprehensive and explain these well. Footprint and ease of storage: some self-freezing ice cream makers can be large, so we preferred those that weren’t awkwardly shaped and could easily slot into place on the kitchen counter. The same goes for ease of storage – it shouldn’t be difficult to find a space for them once you’ve cleaned everything up. How attractive: if you’re a fan of keeping your appliances out on the counter you’ll be after one that’s great looking, eye-catching and sure to get people talking. Packaging: it's important to us that, while the ice cream makers should be securely packaged, brands also shouldn’t be using too much of anything (ideally nothing) that can’t be recycled. 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Best stand mixers to buy in 2025, tested and reviewed by experts
Powerful, versatile and efficient, a stand mixer is the must-have appliance for keen bakers. Read our reviews of the best stand mixers
There’s something special about a homemade bake, whether given as a gift or simply the focus for a relaxing afternoon. A stand mixer makes life even easier when it comes to crafting your favourite cakes, bakes and pastries. Hand-beating, whisking and kneading can be laborious tasks, but the best stand mixers do the hard work for you, and are considerably faster. There are a whole host of stand mixers on the market, from simply designed but powerful models intended to complete everyday tasks with ease, to high-tech pieces of kit with useful additions. Stand mixers can vary in price, so choosing the right one for you can be a bit of a minefield. As well as the cost, it's important to consider what you'll be using your stand mixer for and which features are important to you. Important elements to consider include aesthetics, power and capacity as well as the number of accessories available for the mixer. We’ve detailed all the things you should consider before buying a stand mixer as well as sharing our tried-and-tested top picks for a broad spectrum of home cooks, from novice to experienced bakers. For baking inspiration, head over to our easy baking recipes collection. On our recipes page you’ll find all manner of delicious bakes, from easy sweet traybakes and easy cakes to the best cheesecake recipes, easy bread recipes and much more. Just getting into baking? Our best tart tins, best brownie tins and 24 best baking tips are a must-read and, for your favourite baker (or even yourself), our best baking gifts guide is full of ideas. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to section: Best stand mixers at a glance Best stand mixers to buy 2025 Other stand mixers tried and tested How we tested stand mixers What can a stand mixer be used for? What to look out for when choosing a stand mixer Best stand mixers at a glance Best smart stand mixer: Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL, £599.99 Best stand mixer for bakers: Ankarsrum Assistent Original food mixer, £675 Best mid-range Kenwood stand mixer: Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL, £388 Best stand mixer for dough: Ooni Halo Pro Spiral Mixer, £699 Best powerful stand mixer: ProCook stand mixer, £249 Best large capacity stand mixer: KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan, £674.95 Best stand mixer for stylish kitchens: KitchenAid Artisan 125, £449 Best stand mixer for sweet bakes: Sage the Bakery Boss, £419.95 Best entry-level Kenwood stand mixer: Kenwood kMix, £208 Best affordable stand mixer: Cuisinart Precision stand mixer, £99 Best stand mixer with integrated scale: Bosch Series 6 stand mixer with scale, £479.99 Best stand mixers to buy in 2025 Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL undefined Best smart stand mixer Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1400W Kenwood is one of the biggest names in the world of stand mixers and the Chef Patissier XL is its most advanced model. This stand mixer is packed to the rafters with useful additions. The Patissier XL comes with two bowls (5L and 7L), integrated scales, an EasyWarm bowl and a touchscreen control panel with presets for a range of key baking dishes. This model methodically and skilfully worked through all tests, producing high-quality and, most importantly, delicious results. Don’t be intimidated by all the high-tech features, the Patissier XL is simply a joy to use. But it's worth bearing in mind that these extra features come at a high cost, so this model is best suited to those who actually need them. Read the full Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL review Latest Deals Ankarsrum Assistent Original Food Mixer Available from Harrods (£675) Best stand mixer for bakers Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1500W This stand mixer stole our hearts. It stands out on this list for shunning the traditional stand mixer silhouette. But the differences don’t stop there. Rather than featuring a planetary mixing mechanism, the bowl rotates on the Ankarsrum. Watching the Ankarsrum work is mesmerising, particularly when it comes to bread. It kneads dough with delicacy and respect, and, once baked, our cardamom buns were the most professional-quality of all the buns produced by the models on this list. Cake mixes will need to be helped a little, as the beaters alone weren’t able to fully incorporate all the ingredients. But the Ankarsrum Assistent is well worth the investment and is clearly built to last. A must-have for bread bakers. Read the full Ankarsrum Assistent Original Food Mixer review Available from: Harrods (£675) Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL Available from Amazon (£400), Kenwood (£449) Best mid-range Kenwood stand mixer Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1200W If you’re enchanted by the additions on the Titanium Chef Patissier XL but have no real need for bowl warming or a touchscreen control panel, the Chef Baker XL is a fabulous alternative. It features the same in-built scales and comes with two bowls, ideal for batch baking. Design-wise, the Chef range is very similar and therefore simple to use. The mixer accelerates at a gentle and considered pace, reaching high speeds thanks to the powerful 1,400-watt motor. The Chef Baker XL helped us achieve fantastic results across all cake making, whisking and dough kneading tasks, and comes at a brilliant price. Read the full Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL review Available from: Kenwood (£449.99) Amazon (£400) Ooni Halo Pro Spiral Mixer Available from Ooni (£699), Lakeland (£699.99) Best stand mixer for dough Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 750W Ooni is best known for its pizza ovens, and this is the brands first foray into the world of electric appliances. This is a stand mixer designed with dough in mind, and is a game changer when it comes to domestic stand mixers. Firstly, both the bowl and the attachment spins, and are both removable for ease of cleaning. You choose the speed as a percentage (eg 45% speed) which gives a huge amount of control, plus there's a built-in timer so you can set the machine to work while prepping the next stage of your bake. The dough attachments are a large, spiral hook and breaker bar which produces a dual kneading action, so your dough never gets stuck to the sides of the bowl of the hook. We were seriously impressed with the dough this mixer produced, which made fluffy, beautiful cinnamon buns. The mixer also comes with a balloon whisk and cake beater. The bowl has a large 7.3L capacity, with a pretty square bottom, and we found that our cake and meringue mixes got trapped at the bottom so took longer than expected to mix. undefined ProCook stand mixer undefined Best powerful stand mixer Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1800W Straight out of the box this stand mixer is sleek and impressive. It's deceptively lightweight, but the motor packs some serious power with 1800 wattage, one of the highest we've seen. Strong suction feet on the base means that despite the lack of weightiness the machine never jumps around on the counter, feeling very secure. Although pretty noisy, we were impressed by this machine on test. It comes with a beater, balloon whisk and dough hook as well as a splash shield. There are fewer speeds than on many other models — six, plus a pulse function. The dough for our buns came together easily and developed a nice gluten structure. We used the beater for our cake batter and the butter and sugar creamed together beautifully although we did have to scrape down the sides a couple of times when adding the eggs. This is an impressive piece of kit that would be a welcome addition to any baker's kitchen — and with a far more affordable price tag than many of its competitors. undefined KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan undefined Best large capacity stand mixer Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 375W KitchenAid broadly have two designs when it comes to stand mixers. The first is likely the best known which is the tilt-head model often seen on cookery shows like The Great British Bake Off. This model is in the second design style — the bowl lift mixer. These have bowls which lift directly onto arms extending from the side of the mixer, which can then be lifted to meet the attachment. If you're regularly catering for a crowd, a bowl-lift mixer offers a wide range of versatility thanks to its large capacity, and this new model comes with a 5.6L bowl. With 11 speeds to choose from, this is a powerful machine that easily handled all textures of mixture on test from light cake batter to thick enriched dough. The design does take some getting used to, especially if you're used to the tilt-head models. We found inserting and removing the bowl from the pins took a certain knack as there's a clip at the back of the bowl to hold it in place. undefined KitchenAid Artisan undefined Best stand mixer for stylish kitchens Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 300W The KitchenAid Artisan is the stand mixer that crops up on all the best cooking shows. It’s sturdy, reliable, comes with a wealth of attachments and, best of all, available in a whole host of exciting, daring and interesting colours. There are three different types of Artisan model to choose from – the differences are detailed in our full review. The Artisan scored highly for its simple and intuitive controls, and easy to fit attachments. Its low wattage meant dough was a little slow to bring together but it excelled on the cake and meringue making tests. Additional features such as the useful handle on the bowl and range of KitchenAid accessories available make the KitchenAid Artisan a reliable and versatile choice. Read the full KitchenAid Artisan review and check out our guide to the best KitchenAid deals. Latest Deals Sage the Bakery Boss Available from Sage (£419.95) Best stand mixer for sweet bakes Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1200W Known for its sleek and impressive-looking appliances, Sage has a strong reputation when it comes to performance-focussed pieces of kit. A wealth of useful attachments and accessories are included with the Bakery Boss, highlights being the extra bowl and the scraper beater. There are also some nifty additions that you don’t find on most stand mixers, including a bowl light and the 12-speed guide, which lets you know the best speed to use for a range of tasks. The Bakery Boss excelled on our meringue and cake making tests. The dough for our cardamom buns became knotted around the dough hook a few times and the necks of each of the attachment are short, meaning we got batter and meringue over our hands. Read the full Sage the Bakery Boss review Available from: Sage (£419.95) Kenwood kMix undefined Best entry-level Kenwood stand mixer Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1000W If you’ve been admiring Kenwood stand mixers for a while but feel the Chef range is either too technical for your needs or slightly more money than you’re happy to spend, the Kenwood kMix provides all the impressive power and high-quality attachments of its Chef counterparts. Design-wise, it’s more fun looking than the slightly serious Chef range, and is available in a range of fun colours. The 1,000-watt motor powered through all our bakes with ease, producing a light and fluffy cake, and delicate meringue. The dough did get wrapped around the dough hook, which was a shame. But the kMix packs a punch and gets the basics done well. Read the full Kenwood kMix review Latest Deals Cuisinart Precision stand mixer Available from Amazon (£99) Best affordable stand mixer Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 500W Like the KitchenAid above, this Cuisinart model is only available in black and white. This wholly uncomplicated machine is simple and intuitive to put together. The attachments are reassuringly weighty and very well built. This model did a brilliant job on our cake making and whisking tests but the low wattage meant that it struggled somewhat when kneading bread dough. We found the low speed settings a welcome addition, particularly when starting to mix doughs – the speeds are gentle and controlled. Simple to use, well designed and budget-friendly, the Cuisinart Precision stand mixer is a high-quality, affordable option. Read the full Cuisinart Precision stand mixer review Available from: Amazon (£99) Bosch Series 6 stand mixer with scale Available from Amazon (£599), Currys (£599), AO (£599) Best stand mixer with integrated scale Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 1600W If you're looking for a technology-packed stand mixer, it's worth considering one with an integrated scale like this one from Bosch. While we found the set-up a little tricky, once we'd got our heads around this mixer there's a lot to love. There are seven speed settings on offer, and you can choose them to be timed. The different attachments all work brilliantly, and are carefully angled so no part of the large bowl is missed. We were particularly impressed by the large balloon whisk on this model, which created light and airy meringues. This ticks a lot of boxes for a mixer with a large capacity and powerful motor. undefined Other stand mixers tried and tested Breville HeatSoft stand mixer, £190.61 Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker, £399 Smeg SMF03, £450 KitchenAid Classic, £449 KitchenAid Mini, £314.30 Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer, £199.99 How we tested stand mixers The stand mixers featured in this review were tested in controlled conditions using a standardised testing criteria. We picked three classic olive recipes to test three key stand mixer tasks and their attachments. To put the beater to the test, we made olive’s easy chocolate cake recipe. For the dough hook, we made cardamom custard buns (skolebrød) and to test the balloon whisk, we whipped up a basic pavlova. All stand mixers were scored against the following criteria: Performance: the texture of the cake, bread and meringue were assessed before and after baking. We looked for fully incorporated ingredients, consistent bakes and bakes that were light, open and airy in texture. Ease of use: all models were scored for the ease and intuitiveness of their assembly. We looked for smooth controls and gentle acceleration – no aggressive jolting! Everything from the ease of fitting the attachments, heft of the tilt head and any features that added to the user experience, were assessed. Value for money: the models on this list range in price massively, so performance, versatility and included features were all considered. These appliances are a costly investment for some, so the price must be right. Quality of materials: stand mixers should be built to last, and that goes for their attachments, too. We looked for well built, sturdy engineering. Design and aesthetic: with many of the models on this list weighing in at around 10kg, you really don’t want to be moving your stand mixer every time you want to use it. We looked for attractive mixers with a high-quality finish. Being available in a range of colours or the option for customisable elements scored mixers extra points. Sustainability: Polystyrene packaging and plastic bags are a big no in our eyes. We look out for recyclable packaging, long warranties and To find out more about how testing appliances is done at olive, head over to our how we test page. What can a stand mixer be used for? The original stand mixers were designed simply to assist as egg beaters. But through constant innovation and various redesigns most modern stand mixers now come with three attachments for beating, whisking and kneading. There are countless sweet and savoury dishes to create using any of these attachments. Use the beater to make cakes, pastry, cookies, and icing - it can even be used to mash potatoes. The balloon whisk is ideal for aerating egg whites for meringue, whipping cream and making whisked sponges such as genoise. The dough hook can be used for all manner of bread doughs – it tackles high hydration pizza dough, classic bread doughs, enriched doughs and pasta, plus much more. Many stand mixer brands also offer a range of additional attachments to ensure you get the most out of your mixer. These can include food processor attachments, pasta and cookie presses, sausage stuffers, vegetable cutters and more. What to look out for when choosing a stand mixer Design: both aesthetics and the added design features of a stand mixer should factor into your decision making. If you’re planning on keeping your stand mixer on the kitchen counter, mixers that are available in a range of colours are a great opportunity to either add a pop of colour to your space or to tie it all together. Size: stand mixers range in size from mini models to hulking XL machines. Consider the space you have in the kitchen, not forgetting the height. Don’t forget, there will need to be a good amount of clearance space above the mixer for when the tilt head is fully extended. Capacity: familiarise yourself with the bowl capacity of the mixer you’re interested in – 3-4 litres is great for smaller bakes, 4-6 litres is the most common size, making it great for all bakes, whilst 6 litres+ is ideal for large bakes and batch cooking. Some stand mixers come with two bowl sizes, which is also useful. Weight: stand mixers need to be a little weighty to ensure they stay anchored to the worksurface when kneading heavy doughs or mixing at full speed. If you’re unable to keep your stand mixer on the kitchen counter, consider getting a lighter model but don’t go so light that it is a flimsy construction. Versatility: most stand mixers come with attachments for beating, whisking and kneading as standard. But many brands offer additional attachments for a variety of tasks, such as pasta making, sausage making, ice cream making and much more. If you’re looking to make the most of your new stand mixer, the option for additional bits of kit is a big plus. Some stand mixers have additional in-built features, too: do you need in-built scales, a timer or even bowl-warming technologies? Price: consider how much money you have to spend on a new stand mixer. They can range in price from around £200 up to £800. Weigh up the additions to work out whether they’re worth it for you, for the price. Top tip: if your stand mixer doesn’t come with a storage bag for the attachments, line the bowl with a clean tea towel and store the attachments inside. This keeps all the attachments together and the tea towel stops them from scratching the bowl. 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Best knife sets 2025, tested and reviewed by our experts
Investing in a knife set ensures that you have the right knife for every kitchen task. We put a range of knife sets to the test from independent makers and well-known brands. Read on to discover our top picks
Whether you regularly cook for a crowd or just for yourself, the perfect set of knives can make all the difference when it comes to preparing your favourite meals. Of course you can mix and match between different brands and materials, but the majority of knife brands also sell complete sets. The four most common knives in a knife set have myriad uses. A chef’s knife is a workhorse that can tackle everything from slicing meat, hard veggies and crushing garlic. Our beef stir-fry recipe brilliantly showcases how versatile a chef’s knife is. A bread knife that can seamlessly slice through crusty loaves without tearing is essential. Even this crisp-crusted roast potato focaccia is no match for a top-quality bread knife. As the name suggests, a utility knife is an all rounder that can be handy for slicing cheese or trimming fat. They’re smaller than a chef’s knife so best reached for when a chef’s knife is just too large for the job at hand. A paring knife may be small, but this nimble tool makes light work of intricate tasks like peeling and trimming fruit and veg. Choose a paring knife when prepping a classic apple crumble. Knives can be made from a couple of different materials. Stainless steel is a popular choice owing to its durability and resistance to corrosion. It is more difficult to achieve a super fine edge on stainless steel, however. Carbon steel, while requiring a bit more maintenance, is known for its sharpness and excellent cutting abilities. Although there are none on this list, ceramic knives are lightweight and hold their edge for a very long time. We put a variety of knife sets to the test to find which ones are worth buying. Read on to discover our top picks. Jump to section Best knife sets at a glance Best knife sets to buy 2025 What to look for in a good quality knife set What are three good knives? How we tested knife sets Best knife sets at a glance Best knife set for serious cooks: WÜSTHOF Classic 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set, £299 Best mid-range knife set: Jamie Oliver by Tefal 5 Kitchen Knives and Wooden Block, £130 Best knife set for stylish kitchens: ProCook Professional X50 Contour Knife Set, £69 Best blowout knife set: ProCook Damascus Elite 8-piece knife set, £849 Best knife set: Katto knife set, from £324 Best knife set with integrated sharpener: Zwilling Professional S Sharpblock, £279 Best budget knife set: Victorinox Swiss Classic 7-piece set, £169 Best knife set for comfortable cutting: Circulon chef, utility and paring knife set, £60 Best pared down knife set: Stellar Poise 5-Piece Knife Block Set, £125 Best Damascus knife set: ProCook Damascus knife set, £449 Best knife sets to buy 2025 WÜSTHOF Classic 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set Available from Amazon (£250.26), WÜSTHOF (£299) Best knife set for serious cooks Star rating: 5/5 Knives in set: Cook’s knife, sandwich knife, paring knife Investing in your kitchen kit? These are the real deal – used and loved by professionals, Wusthof blades are made from a single sheet of steel and are beyond sharp. It’s a good idea to brush up on your knife skills before using them. The difference in working with knives of this quality is startling as they feel like an extension of the hand, slicing and dicing with a minimum of effort on your part. Keep them sharpened and hand wash with care, and they’ll last a lifetime. This set comes with a perfectly weighted 20cm cook’s knife that we guarantee will become your go-to blade in the kitchen. It makes everything from portioning raw poultry to chopping veg effortlessly. There’s also a dinky paring and a long-bladed sandwich knife for complete versatility – there’s nothing this three-piece selection can’t tackle with ease. undefined Jamie Oliver by Tefal 5 Kitchen Knives and Wooden Block Available from Tefal (£130) Best mid-range knife set Star rating: 4.5/5 Knives in set: Chef’s knife, bread knife, utility knife, paring knife, Santoku knife The storage block is a hefty weight, and we like the look of the multi-striped acacia wood and rounded edges. It’s more compact than a lot of the other sets we tried out, so won’t take up much of your valuable worktop space. As well as a 20cm chef knife, the set includes utility, paring and bread knives as well as a robust 16.5cm Santoku which is particularly useful for chopping and dicing large amounts of veg on batch cooking day – the small Granton edge indentations prevented food from sticking to the blade as we worked. The tips on the paring and chef’s knives are particularly sharp, which means absolute precision when prepping smaller ingredients like shallots or cutting oranges into pith-free segments. Nicely weighted with riveted handles and German stainless-steel blades, this impressive set is a pleasure to work with and is built to last. We thought it was great value for money, considering the knives’ performance. undefined ProCook Professional X50 Contour Knife Set Available from ProCook (£69) Best for stylish kitchens Star rating: 4.5/5 Knives included: Chef’s knife, utility knife, paring knife We liked the simplicity and style of this quality knife set and the dark, pronounced grain on the triple-riveted handles. Performance wise, it scored highly, with all three knives making light work of chopping and dicing soffrito, slicing through tough celeriac and tackling more delicate cuts for a fresh fruit salad. The chef’s knife in particular was a pleasure to use, as it wasn’t as long as some others we tried, at a chunky six inches. As the X50 German steel blades include carbon, this will withstand frequent sharpening to keep it at this grade of performance. This set would look fantastic in a more industrial-style kitchen. But looks aren’t everything, and thankfully the performance of these knives also hit the mark. undefined ProCook Damascus Elite 8-piece knife set Available from ProCook (£849) Best blowout knife set Star rating: 4.5/5 Knives in set: carving knife, bread knife, 8-inch chefs knife, 6-inch chefs knife, 7-inch santoku knife, 5-inch santoku knife, utility knife, pairing knife This large set of knives is impressive upon unboxing from its entirely recyclable cardboard packaging. It comes with a knife block which is slim enough to sit on your countertop without being imposing or to fit easily in a drawer. The blades have a VG10 core with 66 layers of Japanese Damascus stainless steel and come with a 25-year guarantee, which shows the brand's confidence in the quality of its product. The carving knife is long and elegant and cut through our roast chicken with ease. We really liked the style of the bread knife, which is a little longer and shorter than other models we've tested and cut through our sourdough crust like it was butter. The utility knife wasn't as sharp as we would have expected but it was still a brilliant knife for small tasks like supreming an orange. Available from: ProCook (£849) Katto knife set Available from Katto (£324) Best knife set Star rating: 4.5/5 Knives in set: chef’s knife, santoku knife, utility knife Hailing from Chesterfield in the UK, this Katto knife set is undoubtedly the most attractive on our list. The set we tested has beautifully tapered walnut handles, though beech and rosewood handles are also available. The blades are made from Japanese steel and feature a fabulous hammered finish. Not just a joy to look at, these knives thoroughly impressed us in test, too. The chef’s knife cut through celery and carrot with relative ease, and we also managed to achieve a pleasant rocking motion with this knife. The santoku knife cut through butternut squash easily and took the tough rind off with deft precision. The utility knife is the smallest in the set and has a fine pointed tip that made light work of slicing through tomatoes and supreming an orange. The handles in this set are on the larger side, so those with small hands may find them a little too big. Testers who use the pinch grip method also noted some rubbing on the forefinger where the handle meets the blade. Katto is the only brand we’ve tested who offer free knife sharpening for their customers. Londoners can attend a monthly sharpening clinic or, if you’re outside of London, customers can arrange sharpening via post. Available from: Katto (£324) Zwilling Professional S Sharpblock Available from Zwilling (£279) Best knife set with integrated sharpener Star rating: 4.5/5 Knives in set: chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated paring knife, utility knife, scissors With innovation in spades, this knife block set was undoubtedly the most user-friendly of all the blocks we tested. Housed within each of the knife compartments is a sharpener so as you pull the knife out of the block, it’s sharpened automatically. And while knife blocks keep your knives stored tidily and safely, one of the big downsides is that it’s not always clear which knife is housed where. This Zwilling set features little icons next to each knife compartment so you know where to reach every time. Each knife has a classic European handle: riveted and curved slightly at the end. The handles are particularly comfortable to hold and each knife felt well balanced. Although there are just five knives in the set, each is an essential. The chef’s knife tackled meat and hard veggies well. The blades are on the thick side, so cutting through foods with the larger knives was the smoothest of processes. The bread knife is on the shorter side at just 20cm long, however, very little effort was needed to slice through our crusty loaf. The paring knives and utility knife are where this set shines. The serrated paring knife is nimble and cuts through tomatoes really well. We enjoyed total control and a super sharp blade when using the paring knife. As with all Zwilling knives, you can enjoy a lifetime warranty. The scissors are useful and brilliant quality, too. Available from: Zwilling (£279) Victorinox Swiss Classic 7-piece set Available from Victorinox (£169) Best budget knife set Star rating: 4.5/5 Knives in set: chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated paring knife, santoku knife, bread knife, peeler, carving fork The knives in this set come from the same range as those above. However, this set doesn’t come with a knife block or any storage options. Presented in a simple plastic display box, this seven-piece set makes a great addition for a new home or if you’re looking to totally replace your old knives. We loved the comfortable, ergonomic handles, as well as the additional textured surface that provides added grip. These knives are made in Switzerland and come with a lifetime warranty Available from Victorinox (£169) Circulon chef, utility and paring knife set Available from Circulon (£60) Best knife set for comfortable cutting Star rating: 4/5 Knives in set: chef’s knife, utility knife, paring knife The thing we like most about this useful set is the comfort of the handles. Made of a soft-touch plastic, the ridged undersides offer excellent grip, which is useful when you’re dealing with slippery ingredients. At nearly 9cm long, the dinky paring knife has a sharp angle to its straight-edged blade, allowing for quick and even chopping of ingredients for a fruit salad. Precision slicing of kiwi skin and additional orange segments is easy as you cut down into the barrelled fruit. The 15cm utility knife is the one we reach for most from this set. Perfect for sandwich making, it carves evenly from a roast chicken without tearing the meat, makes short work of salad content, and is sharp enough to keep crusty bread in perfect shape when sliced. The large chef’s knife is not as sharp as some of its rivals, but thanks to the holes in the blade, ingredients like potatoes fall away without that annoying suction that often happens when using a wider knife. Available from: Circulon (£60) Stellar Poise 5-Piece Knife Block Set Available from Stellar (£125) Best pared down knife set Star rating: 4/5 Knives in set: chef’s knife, paring knife, carving knife, bread knife, utility knife Housed in a chunky wooden block, this knife set keeps everything you need to hand for kitchen prep and looks great on any kitchen worktop. The set includes everything required for a variety of tasks – a paring knife, a carving knife, a serrated bread knife, a versatile utility knife, and a well-balanced eight-inch cook’s knife. Their performance is impressive, with ultra-sharp stainless steel blades that are a pleasure to cut with when preparing vegetables and meat, or crushing garlic. The bread knife makes cutting crusty bread a breeze, easily sawing through thick crust without pressing the loaf into misshapen slices. As with all kitchen knives, it’s important to work with dry hands and keep handles free of grease or food debris. The handles could benefit from extra grip, as the smooth casing and lack of rivets make it possible to slip forward toward the blade. Additionally, the blunt ends of the handles are not curved, as seen in some other sets – this small design tweak would help keep the hand in place while chopping. undefined ProCook Damascus 67 knife set Available from ProCook (£449) Best Damascus knife set Star rating: 4/5 Knives in set: chef’s knife, bread knife, carving knife, paring knife, utility knife Presented in a series of secure cardboard boxes, this Damascus knife set from ProCook is attractive and nimble-looking. We received the five-slot knife block which is slimline, allowing you to store your knives upwards on the kitchen counter or lay them down in a drawer. Comprising all the essentials, these knives are generally comfortable to hold. Though our forefinger did rub on the bolster when using the larger knives. We really liked the carving knife: it’s long and thin, so removed slices of roast chicken breast in a controlled and clean manner. The paring knife supremed an orange relatively well and the utility knife was nimble and very sharp. We struggled somewhat with the bread knife and chef’s knife, however. Some effort was needed to cut through crusty bread and some real force was needed when using the chef’s knife to remove the skin and dice butternut squash. There was also notable resistance when chopping root vegetables, particularly carrots. These knives are available in myriad variations from ProCook, there’s the option to buy the knives alone, buy the slim block, knife wrap, classic-style block, and more. Available from: ProCook (£449) What to look for in a good quality knife set A knife set can be a costly upfront investment, so there are a few key factors to consider before buying: What’s included in the set: the size of a knife set can vary hugely, think about which knives you actually need. If you already have a much-loved santoku knife or bread knife for example, you don’t need a set that includes these Comfortable handles: the knives in your new set will all have the same handle, so its paramount that the handles are comfortable Storage options: if you don’t already have knife storage like a magnetic strip or knife roll, look for a set that comes with a storage block. Not only do they keep your knives organised but they also keep them safe What are three good knives? Typically, a knife set contains three or more knives. The knives in the set can vary hugely, though every set we’ve tested includes a chef’s knife as standard. Most “typical” knife sets will also include a bread knife, utility knife and paring knife. Some sets may also include a carving knife, santoku knife, as well as useful accessories like a honing steel and kitchen scissors. One of the main benefits of buying a knife set is affordability. Purchasing a set can often be more cost-effective than buying each knife separately. Additionally, some sets come with a block which provides a convenient and safe way to store your knives, helping to protect the blades from damage and preventing accidents in the kitchen. However, there are instances where individual knives may be preferable, such as when you require a specific type of knife for a particular task, e.g. a fish knife. How we tested knife sets We ensured that every knife in each set was put to the test to make sure there were no duds. For the chef’s knives and paring knives we tested them in exactly the same way as we did for their individual tests – slicing, chopping and and prepping a variety of hard and soft fruits and vegetables. Bread knives were - unsurprisingly - tested by cutting precise slices of crusty sourdough and we roasted a whole chicken and carved it up to test the carving knives. Santoku knives were tested the same way as chef’s knives and we used a couple of the same tests to try out the utility knives. Across all of our knife tests we have the same criteria: Balanced knives: all knives should feel balanced in the hand, not weighted too heavily towards the tip of the blade or the handle Comfy to hold: a long prepping session can see you holding your knives for a long time, whether large or small, all knives should have a comfortable handle that doesn’t restrict your movement Versatile set: we asked whether the set provided a variety of different knives that someone would actually get around to using in their day to day Sustainable: knives that have long or lifetime warranties scored highly. We didn’t want to see lots of plastic packaging either Storage: if the knife set comes with storage options, we considered its appearance and if any special additions made using the knife block easier, e.g. symbols to show which knife was in which slot More reviews Best bread knife Best small air-fryers Best stand mixers Best baking gifts 11 best cake stands 19 best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machine Best espresso coffee machine Best ice cream makers Best bundt tins Best loaf tins Best springform cake tins Best mixing bowls Best KitchenAid stand mixers Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best nakiri knives Best chef's knives Best paring knives Best knife sharpeners Recipes for knife sets Asparagus and ricotta salata tartlets Chicken soup Prawn gumbo Healthy fishcakes Vegan fajita bowl with cauli rice Easy paella Garden summer rolls
Best KitchenAid mixers - a complete guide to expertly tested stand mixers
Discover the best KitchenAid mixers, plus everything you need to know about attachments, accessories and more
The KitchenAid stand mixer is an instantly recognisable countertop showpiece. A kitchen staple for home bakers and professional chefs alike, it comes as no real surprise that it has achieved icon status. Invented in Ohio in 1919, the original KitchenAid “H5” served simply as an egg beater. The H5 was an instant hit, and the brand gained widespread acclaim. Over the last 100+ years, the shape of the KitchenAid stand mixer has stayed much the same. But, through some pretty major technical developments – along with the addition of eye-catching colourways – KitchenAid has firmly cemented itself as a household name. We've put a number of different stand mixers from the KitchenAid range to the test and found that they're great for everything from classic bakes to challenging patisserie. With every stand mixer, you can whisk, beat and knead as standard. Plus, there's a whole host of additional attachments and accessories to ensure you make the most of your new bit of kit. In this guide, we’ll be running you through every KitchenAid stand mixer, plus attachments, accessories and some handy advice to keep your new mixer in tip-top shape. Ranging in price from around £450 to nearly £1000 for a professional model, KitchenAid stand mixers are a real investment piece. If you're looking to save take a look at our guide to the best KitchenAid deals. We encourage you to do your research to find which KitchenAid model is best for you, as each model offers something very different. Our guide to the best stand mixers houses everything you need to know before you buy. You’ll need bakeware, too – check out our best springform cake tins, best loaf tins, best bundt tins and best tart tins for perfect bakes every time. Looking for a unique mixer? Check our KitchenAid's Design Series colour. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to section: Which is the best KitchenAid mixer? KitchenAid vs Kenwood Best KitchenAid mixers to buy 2025 Best KitchenAid mixer attachments Best KitchenAid mixer accessories What can the KitchenAid mixer do? How to clean your KitchenAid stand mixer Which is the best KitchenAid mixer? KitchenAid offers three different sizes of stand mixer: small, medium and large. Within the medium and large categories, there are a couple of different models. Although all models on the KitchenAid website are suitable for home baking, those in the large category are very large, so are, in our opinion, better suited to those churning out bake after bake on an almost daily basis. The small- and medium-sized models are more than enough for even the most industrious home baker. KitchenAid Classic Equipped with a 4.3-litre mixing bowl, the Classic has been designed to tackle large quantities thanks to its 275W motor. For example, its maximum working capacity for cake mix is 2.5kg. While KitchenAid is known for its bright and varied colours, the Classic range stands out for being only available in black or white. Available from KitchenAid (£449) For a home cook looking for a quality mixer to do the basics, but isn’t fussed about the colour. Read the full KitchenAid Classic review undefined KitchenAid Artisan Perhaps KitchenAid’s most well-known product, the KitchenAid Artisan is the biggest model in the medium-sized range. These KitchenAids come with a couple of different model codes. Simply put, each model code dictates what comes with the stand mixer, but at their very core, the actual engineering of the machine is the same. 5KSM125: Available in red, black, silver or cream and comes with nylon-coated dough hook and flat beater, and a wire whisk. Available from KitchenAid (£449) 5KSM175: Available in the largest range of colours (13). Comes with nylon-coated dough hook, flex-edge beater and flat beater, and a wire whisk. This model comes with an additional 3-litre bowl and splash guard. Available from KitchenAid (£549), JD Williams (£599.99) 5KSM185: Available in seven colours and comes with a stainless steel dough hook, flat beater and wire whisk, plus an additional 3-litre bowl and splash guard. Available from KitchenAid (£649) 5KSM195: KitchenAid’s colour of the year for 2025: butter. Comes with silver-coated wire dough hook, flex-edge beater and flat beater, and a wire whisk. Also included is an additional 3-litre bowl, splash guard and bowl scraper. Available from KitchenAid (£699) 5KSM180: KitchenAid’s limited-edition Design Series “Evergreen” model. The 4.7-litre bowl is the brand's first wooden bowl. Stainless steel dough hook, flat beater and wire whisk included. Available from KitchenAid (£899) Read the full KitchenAid Artisan review KitchenAid Bowl Lift From the large collection of stand mixers comes the KitchenAid Bowl Lift range. Rather than having the traditional tilt head of the stand mixers above, as the name suggests, the main bowl sits on two pins on extending arms and simply lifts off. The Bowl Lift range is considerably taller than the other models, so may not fit underneath low-hanging cupboards. The main bowls in this range hold between 4.8 and 6.9 litres. Artisan 5KSM60SPX: 325W. Comes with 5.6L stainless steel bowl, and a wire whisk, sliver-coated paddle and silver-coated spiral dough-hook. Available in black, white, red and pistachio. Available from Kitchen Aid (£749) Artisan 5KSM7580: 500W. Comes with 6.6-litre stainless steel bowl and wire whisk, a spiral dough hook and flat beater, plus a pouring shield. Currently available in red, cream, black, silver and the matte pebble palm green. Available from KitchenAid (£899) Heavy Duty 5KSM7591: 500W. Comes with a 6.9-litre stainless steel bowl, plus nylon-coated dough hook and flat beater, wire whisk and pouring shield. Available in red or white. Available from Amazon (£599.99) Professional 5KSM7990: Includes a wire guard, 6.9-litre stainless steel bowl, dough hook, wire whisk and flat beater, plus a removable pouring chute that attaches to the wire guard. 325W. Available in white, red and silver. Available from KitchenAid (£949) KitchenAid vs Kenwood: how do the stand mixer brands compare? They’re two of the biggest names in the world of stand mixers, with some die-hard baking fanatics even going so far as to get a tattoo of their favourite mixer. KitchenAid is now owned by the Whirlpool Corporation, which owns a range of small and large domestic appliance brands. Kenwood’s parent company is the De’Longhi group, which is famous for its coffee machines, but the group also owns a few small domestic appliance and grooming brands. Where KitchenAid’s stand mixers are similar in design aesthetically, Kenwood’s mixers look very different from collection to collection. Kenwood’s mixers are powered by a much higher wattage – often two or even three times the wattage than their KitchenAid counterparts – meaning they work through tough mixes with total ease. But, it's worth remembering, the higher the wattage, the more energy the appliance uses when running. KitchenAid’s stand mixers are a great choice for everyday baking, and many of the models we tested made light work of tough doughs. With a varied colour range and collection of accessories, KitchenAid’s mixers are also designed to be kept on display. Best KitchenAid mixer to buy 2025 KitchenAid Artisan mixer tilt-head 4.8L 5KSM125 Available from Harts of Stur (£368), KitchenAid (£449), Lakeland (£549.99) Best stand mixer for stylish kitchens Pros: Comes in a variety of colours Compatible with KitchenAid accessories Good range of speed settings High-quality, consistent results Cons: Wire whisk isn't dishwasher-safe No high-tech features Star rating: 4.5/5 This model is great value for money. A mainstay on many of the best cooking shows, the KitchenAid Artisan is a stand mixer to keep on the kitchen counter. The basic model (5KSM125) comes with all the essential attachments, while the other Artisans come with a couple more that push the price up somewhat – consider whether the additions are worth the extra cost. We found this model sturdy and powerful on test, working through a whole host of basic and challenging tests with absolute ease. The controls are intuitive and there are two simple levers: one to control the speed and one to lift or lock the head in place. The Artisan is powered by 300W, which means dough comes together slower than expected, but this has no bearing on the overall result. This model produced just the results we were looking for in our cake and meringue tests. Read our full KitchenAid Artisan review. Latest Prices KitchenAid Classic mixer tilt-head 3.4L Available from Amazon (£349), Harts of Stur (£358.95), KitchenAid (£449) Best basic stand mixer Pros: Sleek and muted design Compact High-quality attachments Cons: No handle on main bowl Slowest setting still fast Star rating: 4/5 Slightly smaller and 25W less powerful than the KitchenAid Artisan above, the Classic is a good option for cakes, meringues and light bakes, and not something to regularly make doughs with. Although it's slow to bring mixes together, this caused no real problem in our meringue or cake tests, but the long and slow kneading process did result in some slightly tough buns. It’s intuitive to use and practical to wash, but we were disappointed by the lack of small but simple features, like the bowl handle. We also found the slowest setting disconcertingly fast, meaning it sent plumes of flour and icing sugar into the air when we were only trying to slowly start the mix off. For standard bakes, the Classic will get the job done. Latest Prices KitchenAid Artisan Bowl-Lift mixer 5.6L 5KSM60 Available from Harts of Stur (£738.95), KitchenAid (£749) Pros: Beautiful design Large Capacity Sturdy Cons: Difficult to insert and remove bowl Slow to react to speed changes Expensive Star rating: 4.5/5 Is the KitchenAid Artisan Bowl-Lift good value for money? If you're regularly catering for a crowd a bowl-lift mixer will offer a wider range of versatility thank to its large capacity. This new model comes with a 5.6L bowl which is the middle size available — other models cater for 4.8L or 6.9L. With 11 speeds to choose from, this is a powerful machine that easily handled all textures of mixture on test from light cake batter to thick enriched dough. The design does take some getting used to, especially if you're used to the tilt-head models. We found inserting and removing the bowl from the pins took a certain knack as there's a clip and the back of the bowl to hold it in place. Once on though the bowl was certainly secure. For semi-professional bakers this is certainly the model to go for. undefined Best KitchenAid mixer attachments KitchenAid has a whole host of attachments that fit onto the tilt head of the machine to transform your new stand mixer into a truly versatile piece of kit. These attachments fit into four categories, plus an extra for miscellaneous products. KitchenAid mixer attachments for fresh pasta Pasta press (six shapes): Make spaghetti, bucatini, rigatoni, fusilli and small or large macaroni. Available from KitchenAid (£198) Pasta roller: Evenly roll pasta for lasagne, tagliatelle, linguine and more – no hand crank needed. Available from KitchenAid (£119) Pasta cutters and roller three-piece set: As well as the roller above, this set includes cutters for spaghetti and fettuccine. Available from KitchenAid (£199) KitchenAid mixer attachments for fruits and vegetables Food processor: Dice, slice, shred and julienne with this attachment. Available from KitchenAid (£209) Vegetable slicer and shredder: Slice and shred a whole host of produce for salads, slaws and more. Great for cheese, too. Available from KitchenAid (£109) Vegetable shredder and grater: Additional shredding and grating inserts for the kit above. Available from KitchenAid (£85) Spiralizer: Peel, core, slice and spiralize fruits and veg. Available from KitchenAid (£125) Vegetable sheet cutter: Cut single sheets of fruits and vegetables for a range of dishes. Available from KitchenAid (£139) Food strainer: Create jams, baby food, purées, sauces and compotes. Available from KitchenAid (£109) Slow juicer: Turn fruits and veg into juice. Three pulp settings: low pulp, high pulp and saucing/jams. Available from KitchenAid (£189) KitchenAid mixer attachments for ice cream Ice cream maker: Pre-freeze bowl that allows you to make up to 1.9 litres of ice cream. Available from KitchenAid (£149) Shave ice maker: Shave ice into fine and course textures for a light dessert. Available from KitchenAid (£129) KitchenAid mixer attachments for meat Meat grinder: Coarsely or finely grind meat for mince, or grind cheese, veg, nuts and more. Available from KitchenAid (£109) Sausage stuffer: Control exactly what goes into your sausages and create fun, exciting flavours. Available from KitchenAid (£35) Other KitchenAid mixer attachments Sifter and scale: Accurately measure dry ingredients and sift straight into the mixer bowl. Available from KitchenAid (£169) Grain mill: Create your own flour from any grain. Choose your coarseness, too, from super-fine to rougher flour. Available from Amazon (£324.99) Best KitchenAid mixer accessories As well as producing high-quality stand mixers, KitchenAid is all about customisation. Not only can you choose a stand mixer in pretty much whatever colour takes your fancy, there are also a selection of additional bowls that come in a variety of patterns, designs and materials. Choose from ceramic, glass or classic stainless steel. The majority of the additional mixing bowls on the KitchenAid website are only suitable for the KitchenAid Classic and Artisan, but there are a few bowls for the larger stand mixer range. See the full mixing bowl range at KitchenAid. What can the KitchenAid mixer do? Short of baking your food, a KitchenAid stand mixer can do it all. All stand mixers in KitchenAid’s collection come equipped, as standard, with the tools needed to complete both simple and complex baking tasks. Use the wire whisk to make meringue, whether classic or Italian meringue, for a whole host of treats. It's the sweet relief on a lemon meringue pie, can be delicately folded through an Eton mess, or made into this tropical passion fruit pavlova centrepiece. The wire whisk is also your attachment of choice for the lightest angel food cake, genoise sponge and chiffon cake, like this Maltesers chocolate chiffon cake. It’s also great for whipping up cream quickly, too. The flat beater and flex-edge beater perform the same task, but the flex-edge beater has an added silicone strip that hugs the bowl, scraping mixes back into the centre. This just reduces the need to stop the mixer and scrape down manually. The beaters are of course ideal for cakes, be it fruity cakes, layer cakes, bundt cakes or birthday cakes. For super-smooth cheesecake, the beaters work well, too. As the name suggests, the dough hook is best for all manner of doughs. Sweet or savoury, the dough hook mimics the rhythm of hand kneading for a smooth, springy dough. You’ll find a wealth of fantastic bread recipes on olive, including everything from easy sourdough to tomato, feta and rosemary bread. Sweet recipes include cardamom custard buns (skolebrød) (a recipe we use to test all stand mixers) and a chocolatey twist on a classic, in the form of chocolate hot cross buns. Not just reserved for breads and enriched doughs, the dough hook is also great for homemade pasta. Take a look at olive’s homemade pasta recipes for inspiration. How to clean your KitchenAid mixer Both the body of the stand mixers and all the attachments are easy to clean. Main body: When the stand mixer is off and unplugged, use simple dish soap, warm water and a soft cloth to wipe down the body. To keep the stainless steel accents shining, buff these with a microfibre cloth. Bowl: For total ease, the main stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe. Additional ceramic and glass bowls (which can be bought separately) are also dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, the bowls can be easily hand-washed. Just be sure to buff the stainless steel to remove any streaks. Attachments: The dough hook, flat beater and flex-edge beater are dishwasher-safe. The wire whisk is hand-wash only. We’d always recommend washing the attachments by hand to ensure their longevity. KitchenAid doesn’t provide any attachment storage, but we like to keep them stored in the bowl (line the bowl with a tea towel to keep both the bowl and attachments scratch-free). Best baking kit and more reviews KitchenAid Colour of the Year 2025 Butter Best muffin trays Best baking gifts 11 best cake stands 19 best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machine Best espresso coffee machine Best ice cream makers Best bundt tins Gozney vs Ooni - which pizza oven is best for you? Best springform cake tins Best mixing bowls Best Nespresso machine Best Ninja air fryers Ninja deals KitchenAid Colour of the Year 2024 Best plant milk makers Best bread cloches Best hand mixers Recipe inspiration Rhubarb frangipane cake Coffee cake with cappuccino buttercream Apple cake with treacle icing Salted caramel pear cake Tres leches cake with drunken plums Chocolate After Eight cake Sriracha monkey bread Vegan french toast Tiger bread Challah bread Roast potato focaccia Italian flatbread with pear, walnut and gorgonzola Savoury garlic and cheese swirl buns Beer and rock salt pretzels with camembert dip
Best knife sharpeners 2025, tried and tested by reviews experts
Discover our recommendations for the best knife sharpeners to keep your blades razor-sharp and culinary skills on point
Whether you’re an occasional cook or a whizz in the kitchen, a sharp knife is an absolute essential for control, safety and efficiency. Sharp knives only serve to enhance your cooking experience, whether that's slicing through roast chicken, prepping veg for cauliflower and potato curry, or portioning perfectly cooked steak for steak tacos. But, perhaps more importantly, sharp knives ensure safety. A dull knife is more likely to slip, increasing the likelihood of accidents. With a good sharpener, you can maintain the sharpness of your blades, reducing the risk of mishaps. Plus, getting into a good sharpening routine means that you’re able to keep your knives maintained, so you don’t have to buy new ones. Almost all knives can be sharpened, though some sharpeners can’t be used on serrated knives. As a general rule of thumb, any knife with a smooth blade – a chef’s knife, nakiri knife, paring knife – can be used on a knife sharpener. Check your sharpener’s manual if you’re not sure. We put a range of handheld sharpeners and whetstones to the test, from the traditionally designed, to new innovators to find the best knife sharpeners. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best knife sharpeners at a glance Best knife sharpeners to buy 2025 What type of knife sharpener is best? What to look for in a knife sharpener How to sharpen a knife using a knife sharpener How we tested knife sharpeners Best knife sharpeners at a glance Best knife sharpener: Horl3, £169 Best investment knife sharpener: Horl2 Pro, £349 Best unique knife sharpener: Horl2, £159 Best electric knife sharpener: Tormek T-1, £350 Best cheap whetstone: ProCook combination whetstone, £24 Best knife sharpener for Japanese and European knives: Zwilling V Edge knife sharpener, £69.95 Best one-sided whetstone: Miyabi Toshi pro whetstone, £89.95 Best handheld knife sharpener: Minosharp water sharpener, £38.24 Best compact knife sharpener: Victorinox knife sharpener, £33 Best cheap knife sharpener: ProCook twin-wheel knife sharpener, £29 Best knife sharpeners to buy 2025 Horl3 Available from Horl (£169) Best knife sharpener Star rating: 5/5 The Horl3 is the latest release from the knife sharpening brand, which includes the Horl3 Pro and Horl3 Cruise as well as the classic model which we put to the test. As you can see from this list we have been impressed by Horl's knife sharpeners, and the Horl3 didn't disappoint on test. It makes use of the same signature roller technology as the brand's other models and comes with a diamond and ceramic sharpening disc. One of the main difference between the Horl2 and Horl3 is the block diamonds used on the diamond disc, which the brand claims achieves up to 80% more steel removal, making it faster to sharpen with more uniform results than it predecessor. When testing, we found it easy to use and quick to achieve a sharp blade. One thing worth noting is that the non-slip feet weren't as effective as we would have liked but overall this is a brilliant knife sharpener if you're looking to invest. Available from: Horl (£169) Horl2 Pro Available from Horl (£349) Best investment knife sharpener Star rating: 5/5 Established in 1993 in Germany, Horl sharpeners are the most unique-looking sharpeners we’ve tested, and they're also interesting to use. The Horl2 Pro is a small but hefty piece of kit. There are two parts to it: a magnetic sharpening block angled at 20 and 15 degrees on either end, and a double-sided cylindrical rolling block with a diamond grinding disc on one side and ceramic honing disc on the other. It’s very easy to use: simply attach your knife to the magnetic block (the magnet is incredibly strong) and roll the cylindrical block the full length of your knife, first with the diamond disc, then with the ceramic disc. Remember to flip your knife so you sharpen both sides. This sharpener is incredibly easy to use and store. It remained secure and sturdy on the counter, and the rolling motion is incredibly smooth. We didn’t have many gripes with this sharpener, though we did notice a couple of things when using it. It’s noisy if your knife is in desperate need of sharpening, and the sound it made divided us: some thought it sounded like an old forge, while others found it unpleasant. We found we needed to work in stages if sharpening a particularly long knife to ensure that the cylindrical block had full contact with it. Despite those minor grievances, we absolutely loved using this sharpener and each knife became impressively sharp. If you’re after an upgrade on your handheld sharpener but aren’t looking to upskill and learn how to use a whetstone, the Horl2 Pro gets the job done. undefined Horl2 Available from Horl (£159) Best unique knife sharpener Star rating: 5/5 The Horl 2 is the younger sibling of the top-performing Horl2 Pro. It works in exactly the same way: attach your knife to one side of the magnetic block and roll the cylindrical roller against the blade. It’s weighty, too, and remains stable on the worktop. Everything we love about the Horl2 Pro, we also love about the Horl2. The one major difference between these two models is that the Horl2 is a lot slower than its older sibling. The Horl2 Pro took around 3 minutes to take a knife from dull to ultra-sharp, whereas the Horl2 took around 10 minutes. The Horl2, although still pricey, is also cheaper than the Pro. With innovation in spades and producing fantastically sharp results, this sharpener is worth every penny. Available from: Horl (£159) Tormek T-1 Available from Amazon (£350) Best electric knife sharpener Star rating: 4.5/5 This electric knife sharpener is a large piece of kit and is electrically powered to take the hard work out of sharpening your knives. It's bulkier than other sharpeners we've tested, and in some ways looks better suited to a workshop than domestic kitchen, but we were impressed by it's precision and effectiveness. It's weighty enough to be stable on the work surface so you don't have to worry about any slippage. While it can't be used to sharped serrated knives which limits its versatility slightly, the sharpener allows you to sharpen in one degree increments. This is far more precise than other sharpeners we've tested, which normally allow for five degrees of change, and allows you to be very specific. If you're after an impressive sharpener that can live on your work surface for regular use this could be a great option. undefined ProCook combination whetstone Available from ProCook (£24) Best cheap whetstone Star rating: 4.5/5 If you’re after a whetstone to practice sharpening knives, this ProCook 600- and 2000-grit stone is a brilliant choice for beginners. It’s neat and compact, and there are a few useful accessories that can be purchased for your stone, such as a holder that doubles as a storage box. It comes with a plastic grippy base that keeps the stone nicely anchored to the bench as you work. Like all whetstones, this one needs to be soaked before use. We managed to achieve a very good edge on our test knives, though it wasn’t as sharp as others. Available from: ProCook (£24) Zwilling V Edge knife sharpener Available from Amazon (£44.99), Zwilling (£69.95) Best knife sharpener for Japanese and European knives Star rating: 4.5/5 This is the largest knife sharpener on our list. It sits upright on the countertop, rather than lying on the surface, and comes with a lot of accessories, from sharpening rods of different grades, to angle inserts for western and Japanese knives. There’s a little bit of work needed to get this sharpener set up, but it’s relatively simple and easy to do. This sharpener works much like a traditional handheld sharpener, but it mitigates the one thing that people tend to get wrong: pressure. With this sharpener, you can’t push down hard against the sharpening rods; rather, all that’s needed is a light push down as you pull the knife towards you. A few swipes of this and you’re ready to move onto the next sharpening rod grade. We achieved impressive results with this sharpener. After just a few swipes, our knives were razor-sharp. It’s not the easiest knife sharpener to store, but we saw such good results that we think it's well worth finding space for. undefined Miyabi Toishi pro whetstone Available from Amazon (£74.56), Zwilling (£109) Best one-sided whetstone Star rating: 4.5/5 If you’ve already got a whetstone or two at home and you’re looking to add another grit level to your collection, this Miyabi whetstone is a fantastic choice. It doesn’t come with anything other than the whetstone, though it's easy enough to create a makeshift support from tea towels. It’s nicely weighted and vibrant green, so there’s no chance you’ll lose it at the back of a cupboard. This stone stayed in place when we were sharpening our knife. While the finished knife was very sharp, we felt it could have benefitted from some further honing to get it to the razor-sharp stage. Though, as we say, this is a whetstone to slot into your collection – 400- and 5000-grit whetstones are also available. undefined Minosharp water sharpener undefined Best handheld knife sharpener Star rating: 4/5 This is a small and tidy handheld knife sharpener that fits neatly in a cutlery drawer. It has two sharpening and honing wheels; usefully the numbers 'one' and 'two' are printed on the plastic guard to let you know in which order to sharpen your knives. The handle is comfortable to hold and even has a little padding on top for extra comfort. On the underside are some grippy pads that keep the sharpener stable on the kitchen counter. A wealth of instructions come with the Minosharp, and it’s easy to fill the water reservoir that sits beneath the wheels. Minosharp says knives only need 15 strokes to sharpen, so we did exactly that. It did a pretty good job overall, though admittedly the knives weren’t as sharp as those sharpened using the Horl 2 and 2 Pro, nor the whetstones. But, if you’re after something easy to use that’ll put a fair edge on your knife quickly, this is good to have on hand. undefined Victorinox knife sharpener Available from Victorinox (£33) Best compact knife sharpener Star rating: 4/5 Ergonomic and attractively designed, this simple knife sharpener features only one wheel for sharpening. However, there’s a little switch on the face of the sharpener that flicks between pre-grinding the blade (prepping the blade for sharpening) and precision grinding (honing the blade). It’s easy to see to which stage the switch is set, and sharpening is just as simple. All you need to do is firmly grip the handle which, coupled with the pads on the underside, secure it to the worktop, then gently pull the blade through in a careful and controlled manner. This model won’t restore your blade to its former glory, but it did manage to produce a decent edge to the blade that’ll help make prep work a lot easier. Available from: Victorinox (£33) ProCook twin-wheel knife sharpener Available from ProCook (£29) Best cheap knife sharpener Star rating: 4/5 This ProCook sharpener isn’t dissimilar in design to the Minosharp above. It too has two grinding wheels, and water needs to be added to the chamber beneath them. We like its compact body and accessible price point. There are plastic feet on the underside for stability, though they don't anchor the sharpener as well as some of the others on this list. Like the Minosharp, numbers are written on the plastic guard to guide you through the sharpening process. Our sharpened knife came out well, though it certainly wasn’t as sharp as the knives sharpened using our top-scoring models. Though for a quick touch-up before you carve meat or begin a big chopping session, this ProCook model is well worth having around. Available from: ProCook (£29) What type of knife sharpener is best? There are a couple different types of knife sharpeners on the market, each with various pros and cons. There are those that are simple to use and suitable for beginners, and those that require more commitment and skill. Handheld sharpeners are user-friendly and usually compact enough to fit into a cutlery drawer. A popular choice for beginners, these quick sharpeners will put a decent edge on your knife, but won’t bring it back to its former glory if it has nicks in it. Whetstones (or sharpening stones) are flat, single- or double-sided stones that feature different levels of grit, similar to sandpaper. Sharpening a knife on a whetstone requires precision, practice and skill, but once mastered, you can produce an ultra-sharp edge that lasts a long time. Electric knife sharpeners are another option — they’re essentially electric-powered versions of handheld sharpeners where the abrasive wheels are spun for you, instead of you having to pull the knife through. Knife sharpeners can feature a range of different materials, from ceramic and silicone carbide, to diamond. Sharpeners that feature diamond, unsurprisingly, tend to be on the expensive side, but they are durable and produce a fantastic edge. Ceramic sharpeners provide a smooth finish, but you need to keep even pressure when sharpening. Whetstones tend to be made using bonded abrasives, such as a mix of ceramic, silicone carbide and diamond. What to look for in a knife sharpener There are a few factors to consider when searching for the perfect knife sharpener for your needs. Look for the following features when choosing a knife sharpeners: Handheld sharpeners: Compact design, ideal for easy storage Multiple sharpening stages for more detailed and precise sharpening Base with grip or non-stick feature to keep the sharpener stable in use Adjustable angle options to ensure the angle is correct for the knife you’re sharpening. (Generally 20 degrees for European knives, 15 degrees for Japanese knives) Whetstones: Grit levels on a whetstone are the same as sandpaper: lower grit removes material and reshapes, and a higher grit provides a finer edge Double-sided stones provide added versatility and means there’s less kit to store Electric sharpeners: Speedy and efficient: can work through a number of knives quickly compared to manual sharpening Added features: some models come with a polishing or honing stage for added refinement Whichever type of sharpener you buy, always ensure: Compatible with your knives, including serrated knives Easy to use and store Durable and well made Any safety features, like guides or guards How to sharpen a knife using a knife sharpener To sharpen a knife on a typical handheld knife sharpener, instructions are as follows: Fill up the water reservoir, if the sharpener requires it Hold the sharpener firmly on a flat, stable surface If the sharpener has multiple sharpening stages, begin with the first stage and draw the blade through the slot with light pressure. Move from the base of the knife to the tip Repeat this process a few times, then move onto the next sharpening stage, if the sharpener has one Clean your knife to remove any residue Sharpening a knife using a dual-sided whetstone: Submerge the whetstone in water until the small bubbles stop rising from the stone Set the whetstone either in a holder or securely on a non-slip surface (olive tip: put some tea towels or a towel around the whetstone as it can get a little messy) Drizzle water over the top of the stone Starting with the coarsest side, hold the knife blade at the right angle (between 15 and 20 degrees, depending on the blade) Apply light pressure and sweep the knife across the stone in a consistent back-and-forth motion. Do this across the entire length of the blade Make sure to flip the knife and repeat on the other side If you hear the blade and stone making a scratching sound, add more water to the stone Once you’re happy with the sharpness, flip the stone to the finer side, add more water and repeat the process above Rinse and clean the blade, drying immediately Rinse the whetstone and allow to dry fully before storing away There are a few knife sharpeners that utilise different sharpening methods to those above, and thankfully they come with detailed instructions on how to use them. How we tested knife sharpeners It should come as no surprise that we tested knife sharpeners by sharpening a variety of knives. In preparation for the test, we used a selection of chef’s knives as one usually would over the course of a few weeks, allowing them to dull naturally over time. These knives were a selection of those used in the olive test kitchen and the olive team’s own knives that are used at home. We then sliced a tomato before sharpening the knife. Each knife was sharpened following the sharpener’s instructions. Once finished, we sliced the tomato again to be able to compare the performance of the dull knife and sharpened one. We also performed a paper cutting test. Each knife sharpener was also scored against the following criteria: Easy to use: we looked for sharpeners that were simply designed and straightforward to use, those that were over-engineered or needlessly complicated were marked down Versatile: we made a note if the sharpener could be used to sharpen bread knives Easy to store: for many of us, space is at a premium in our kitchens, so we looked for sharpeners that didn’t take up too much space Sustainable: we looked for sustainable and easy to recycle packaging, as well as long warranties Results: each knife sharpener had to demonstrate significant improvement to the knife’s sharpness and to easily slice through a tomato once sharpened More knife reviews Best nakiri knives Best knife sets Best chef's knives Best paring knives Best bread knife More reviews Best stand mixers Best baking gifts Best cake stands Best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machine Best espresso coffee machine Best ice cream makers Best bundt tins Best loaf tins Best springform cake tins Best mixing bowls Best KitchenAid stand mixers Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best small air-fryers 20 best marble kitchen accessories More recipes Chorizo, roasted red pepper and pea frittata Chicken tikka BBQ steak sandwich Sesame crusted tuna with miso dressing Chicken schnitzel Butternut squash curry
Best bundt tins to buy 2024, tried and tested by bakers
After an ornate cake tin for special occasion bakes? Look not further than the very best Bundt tins
A classic bundt cake is a thing of beauty. Defined ridges and sweeping strokes create beautiful bakes that are sure to impress. There are a variety of tin designs available, so even if your decorating skills are lacking, the best bundt tins produce fabulous cakes straight out of the tin. From the technical side of things, bundt tins are an ingenious design. The ring shape means that the cake cooks faster, resulting in a deliciously moist cake with a tender crumb. Although they look fabulous without decoration, a shiny icing, chocolate glaze or dusting of icing sugar can elevate and accentuate the deep, defined pattern of the cake. So get creative or take a look at olive’s easy bundt cake recipes, including Edd Kimber’s chocolate and tahini bundt cake or Lulu Grimes’s chocolate marble cake with mocha glaze, for inspiration. To make the best bundt cakes, you need the best kit, so head over to olive’s best stand mixers review to get equipped. We have also the best tart tins, best tarte tatin tins and best brownie tins for you to choose from. There’s nothing like a good cup of coffee to accompany a slice of cake: read our review of the best coffee machines if you’re looking for something new. Jump to: Best bundt tins at a glance Best bundt tins 2024 What to look for when choosing a bundt tin? How we tested bundt tins Best bundt tins at a glance Best bundt tin: Nordic Ware Crown bundt pan, £52 Best mini bundt pan: Nordic Ware Bundtlette pan, £56 Best budget-friendly savarin mould: Mermaid savarin mould, £11 Best savarin mould: Netherton Foundry savarin mould, £70.80 Best non-stick bundt tin: Le Creuset Kugelhopf fluted tin, £44 Best Christmas bundt tin: Nordic Ware Pine Forest bundt cake tin, £46.40 Best budget-friendly bundt: KitchenAid Non-Stick Tulband cake tin, £34.93 Best simple bundt pan: Judge 20cm bundt mould, £12 Best easy-to-use bundt pan: Lakeland fluted cake ring, £9.74 Best basic bundt mould: ProCook ring cake tin, £12 Best budget-friendly savarin mould: Mermaid savarin mould, £11 Best bundt tins 2024 Nordic Ware Crown bundt pan Latest Deals Best bundt tin Star rating: 5/5 Founded in the US in 1946, Nordic Ware makes a whole host of kitchenware, with the iconic bundt pan being its most famous. From the Nordic Ware range we tested the Crown bundt pan, the Anniversary bundt pan and the Lotus bundt pan. Each pan is made from cast aluminium and is an exceptionally robust and well-built cake tin. They also all come in their own cotton bag, not only to save on plastic but also to double as a storage bag when not in use. Although the inside of the tin is non-stick, we still buttered and floured the interior, making sure to reach into the intricate, deep crevices of the design. A hearty bang on the counter soon loosened any excess, leaving a thin barrier between our cake batter and the tin. After baking we let the cakes rest for 20 minutes, after which they slipped easily from the pan. Each cake was beautifully designed, with a crisp exterior. Inside, the results were just as impressive and we enjoyed a well-risen, evenly baked slice from each cake. Latest Deals Available from: Crown bundt pan: Amazon (£49.17), Divertimenti (£58), Trouva (£53) Anniversary bundt pan: Amazon (£51.82), Divertimenti (£58) Lotus bundt pan: Amazon (£38.20), Trouva (£44) Nordic Ware Anniversary Bundtlette pan Latest Deals Best mini bundt pan Star rating: 5/5 This beautifully designed mini bundt pan makes six little individual portion bundtlettes. Made from the same high-quality cast aluminium as its larger siblings, this is a robust tin. Buttering and flouring was a little bit of a fiddly task given the size of each bundtlette but, once we mastered it, it became a relatively quick task. We found using an old-school pastry brush (rather than silicone) and holding the tin aloft allowed us to get the best coverage. You’ll need to give the pan a good bang to loosen any clumped flour. After baking and resting, each bundtlette was beautifully turned out. Each of the six cakes were carbon copies of one another: evenly browned with a caramelised crust. If following a traditional bundt cake recipe, we’d recommend reducing the cooking time by about 20 per cent to ensure the cakes don’t overcook. Latest Deals Mermaid savarin mould Available from Harts of Stur (£22) Best budget-friendly savarin Star rating: 5/5 Mermaid makes all of its bakeware in Birmingham. Like Netherton Foundry, below, all the packaging is fully recyclable, scoring big points from us. Made from silver anodised aluminium, this is a sturdy and attractive cake tin. The interior is non-stick but we greased and floured the mould, as we did with every other tin, to ensure the cleanest removal possible. Because there is no PTFE coating, the more you use this savarin, the more the patina builds. Our final cake was well risen and evenly browned thanks to the even heat distribution from the aluminium. Nothing stuck to the pan either. This savarin is hand-wash only and is available in two sizes. Netherton Foundry savarin mould Available from Netherton Foundry (£67.45) Best savarin mould Star rating: 5/5 Hailing from Shropshire, Netherton Foundry makes fabulous hand-forged iron cookware. In fact, its loaf tin features on our best loaf tins round-up. While not a bundt mould, we felt a savarin tin would be a good alternative if you’re looking for a smaller option for a ring cake. As with all iron products, this mould is on the heavy side but it’s undeniably sturdy. Conveniently, it has been pre-seasoned, giving it an excellent non-stick surface. After baking, the cake simply popped out of the tin: nothing stuck at all. It was well-browned around the outside with an even and consistent colour. If you’re interested in buying local, Netherton Foundry is about as homegrown as you can get. This savarin, and everything else in the Netherton Foundry range, comes with strong eco-credentials: UK-sourced iron and not a piece of non-recyclable packaging in sight. This mould is hand-wash only and is available in two sizes. Available from: Netherton Foundry (£60.75) Le Creuset Kugelhopf fluted tin Available from Amazon (£37.94), Le Creuset (£44) Best non-stick bundt tin Star rating: 4.5/5 Le Creuset might be best known for its cast iron cookware, but it also has a range of top-rated bakeware. As we've come to expect from the brand, this bundt tin was a pleasure to use with features that made it easy for the user. On test, we really liked the handles which feature silicone pads on each side, making it simple to put in and out of the oven, plus it really helps when turning the cake out. We were impressed by the non-stick coating on this bundt tin which was very effective. Although the final pattern of the cake wasn't as defined as on some of the other speciality bundts, this is an effective tin which performs well and will give you a very pretty cake as a final result without too much hassle. undefined Nordic Ware Pine Forest bundt cake tin Available from Amazon (£46.40), Harts of Stur (£46.40) Best Christmas bundt tin Star rating: 4.5/5 Whether it's for a festive teatime sweet treat or your Christmas day showstopper, this bundt tin from Nordic Ware is bound to impress. The pine forest design is super intricate and detailed, resulting in a defined cake that look beautiful dusted with icing sugar. Nordic Ware has lots of information online and on the packaging about how to get the most out of your bundt tin, including how to properly grease it, tap out the air bubbles and avoid overfilling it. As we'd expect, on test we were really impressed by the overall quality of this tin. The thing that stopped it scoring more highly was how difficult it was to clean — the intracity of the design make it fiendishly tricky to clean and although the brand do sell a small cleaning brush, it isn't included. undefined KitchenAid Non-Stick Tulband cake tin Latest Deals Best budget-friendly bundt Star rating: 4.5/5 KitchenAid is well known for its impressive kitchenware – its stand mixers earned pride of place on our best stand mixers list. It seems a no-brainer that KitchenAid would expand its offering to include bakeware. Made from aluminised steel, this Tulband cake is just as robust as the Nordic Ware tins above. The pattern featured on this cake tin is attractive but notably not as deep and intricate as those seen on Nordic Ware’s tins. Two lips hang either side of the tin, allowing it to be easily inserted or removed from the oven. It also has a non-stick coating and, although not our favourite method of cleaning, this pan is also dishwasher-safe. After baking we were impressed by the final look of this cake. The pattern was subtle but the cake held its own even without decoration. The browning on the outside was even and consistent, too. A great option if the Nordic Ware tins are a little too expensive for you. Latest Deals Judge Bundt mould Available from Judge (£20) Best simple bundt pan Score: 4.5/5 This simplistic bundt pan from Judge is made from carbon steel. It’s not as thick as some of the others on this list but it's well built and has some well-defined decoration on the inside. Judge’s offering is non-stick but, like the others tested, we greased and floured the pan anyway. The finished bundt cake came out of the pan with ease, leaving nothing behind inside. It was evenly risen, and fluffy and moist on the inside. The majority of the outer layer was an even brown colour, save for a ring that touched the central spindle of the pan. We liked the cake’s final design: well defined but not as deep as that seen on the Nordic Ware pans. For ease, this pan is dishwasher-safe. Latest Deals Lakeland fluted cake tin Available from Lakeland (£12.99) Best easy-to-use bundt tin Score: 4/5 Although the design of this bundt isn’t as well defined as some of the others on this list, this Lakeland tin is a good choice of basic ring cake, ready for decoration. It was the simple additions that we liked most about this cake tin. It has two lips designed to make getting the cake in and out of the oven easier, as well as two silicone inserts for stability. Like all the Lakeland tins in this range, this bundt tin is made from a single piece of carbon steel. Rather than rolled edges, they are flat, meaning there’s no risk of any water getting trapped inside after washing. For added ease, this tin is dishwasher-safe. This tin baked a good cake. It was moist and light inside but missing the iconic deep and defined bundt pattern. ProCook ring cake tin Available from Pro Cook (£10.99) Best basic bundt mould Star rating: 4/5 Like the Lakeland tin above, this ProCook tin didn’t quite offer the definition we were looking for. The design is subtle, producing only slight indents in the cake rather than the fully formed ridges we saw produced by our top-performing tins. But at under £10 we thought this was an absolute steal that could be dressed up with an icing or glaze to turn it into something extra special. The cake was well risen and evenly baked. Inside, it was fluffy, spongy and moist, but we did notice a few light and dark patches over the surface of the cake, indicating there were some cool and hot spots on the tin itself. This ProCook tin has an impressive non-stick coating and, for added ease, this tin is dishwasher-safe. We also liked that this tin is free from rolled lips, keeping trapped water at bay. Latest Deals What to look for when choosing a bundt tin? Bundt tins come in a variety of different designs and patterns, and this, above all, should be the main thing you take into consideration when choosing a tin. You should also consider elements such as: Size: Bundts are generally large in size and can serve 15-20 people, though Nordic Ware has smaller, Christmas pudding-sized tins if you’re looking for something to feed fewer. We also tested savarin tins, which are a great alternative if you’re after a smaller cake tin that still produces an impactful cake. Non-stick: although most bundt tins are non-stick, we still recommend buttering or oiling and flouring your tin beforehand. A non-stick tin plus pre-oiling ensures a smooth release and a perfectly defined bundt every time. Ease of cleaning: famed for their nooks and crannies, bundt tins can be a little bit of a faff to clean. Although many of the bundts on this list are dishwasher-safe, we’d generally recommend against cleaning them this way. Instead, take the time to clean the tin by hand, paying attention to all the grooves. Some brands even sell dedicated bundt cleaning tools. How we tested bundt tins We needed a light bundt cake recipe to put our bundt tins to the test and be able to fairly assess how evenly the cake had browned and cooked. All of the bundt cake recipes on olive feature dark, rich or caramelised ingredients that would give the finished cake a dark colour. So we used a simple pineapple passion bundt recipe from our sister brand Good Food. To ensure a smooth and easy release, we greased and floured all of the tins whether they were non-stick or not. All bundt cakes were scored against the following criteria: Appearance of the final bake: a well-made bundt cake is a beautiful thing. The deep ridges of the intricate design should look fabulous on their own or adorned with sauces or icings that run through the rise and fall of the cake. We favoured bold and defined ridges in the cake compared to a softer design. Finished bake: as with all cakes, we looked for an even crumb texture inside, as well as an even and consistent bake. Ease of use: we looked for cakes that released from the tins with ease. Additional features, such as large lips on the pan for easy insertion and removal from the oven, and being dishwasher-safe were welcome. We also noted any tins that had rolled lips, which have a tendency to trap water. Quality of design features: we looked at the quality of the tin itself, asking whether it was high quality and would be able to withstand being dropped or knocked without denting. We also looked at the quality of the bundt pattern and the non-stick coating. More reviews Best muffin trays Best baking trays Best loaf tins Best hand mixers Best springform cake tin Best tart tins Best stand mixers Best baking gifts 11 best cake stands Best baking turntable Best measuring spoons Best kitchen scales Best dough scrapers Best mixing bowls Best KitchenAid stand mixers Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best paring knives Best knife sharpeners Best online cake delivery services KitchenAid Colour of the Year 2024 Best bread cloches Bundt recipes Bundt cake recipes Chocolate and tahini bundt cake Chocolate marble cake with mocha glaze Rum and raisin bundt Redcurrant and lemon bundt Mulled apple bundt cake Stout and apple marble cake Gingerbread bundt cake After Eight cake
Best springform cake tins 2024, tried and tested by bakers
A good quality springform is the tin of choice for cakes, cheesecakes, breads, pastries and much more – read our full review to find the best springform cake tins out there
A more practical solution to the classic cake tin, a springform cake tin makes releasing cakes, cheesecakes, loaves and pastries a doddle, as all the sides of the tin simply pull away. Springform cake tins are very versatile. Of course they can be used to make a whole host of delicious cakes, such as this Caribbean rum cake or Oreo cake. They’re also ideal for cheesecakes (which is what we made to test them out): check out our best cheesecake recipes for inspiration. Springforms form a tight seal, so are handy to use as moulds for desserts including ice cream cake. Not just reserved for sweet dishes, you can use your springform for pies, such as this venison pie or spring chicken pie. Take a look at our best fruity cake recipes, easy cake recipes and best layer cake recipes for inspiration. And for more appliance reviews, take a look at our best tarte tatin tins, best brownie tins, best tart tins and best stand mixers round-up, to get your baking started. Jump to: Best springform cake tins at a glance Best springform cake tins 2024 What to look out for when choosing a springform cake tin? How we tested springform cake tins View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best springform cake tins at a glance Best blowout springform cake tin: Le Creuset springform cake tin 24cm, £36 Best simple springform cake tin: Circulon springform cake tin, £19 Best springform cake tin: KitchenAid springform cake tin, £24.99 Best springform cake tin for eco credentials: Samuel Groves springform cake tin, £8.99 Best colourful cake tin: Prestige Nadiya Hussain springform cake tin, £10.98 Best springform cake tin for range of sizes: ProCook springform cake tin, £10 Best budget springform cake tin: Masterclass springform cake tin, £7.49 Best springform cake tins 2024 Le Creuset springform cake tin 24cm Available from John Lewis & Partners (£28.80), Le Creuset (£36) Best blowout springform cake tin Star rating: 5/5 Le Creuset might be best known for its cookware, but the brand also has an impressive range of baking kit including this springform cake tin. It comes in 20cm, 24cm and 26cm diameters, and is sturdy with a base and sides that connect seamlessly. We were impressed by the non-stick credentials of this tin too, which meant that our mix didn't stick where it had seeped out the greaseproof paper. A feature we loved on test was the heatproof silicone handle on the lever which released the sides of the tin. This meant we could remove the sides of the tin allowing the cake to cool faster, and preventing it from continuing to cook once out of the oven. This can happen if cakes have to sit in a hot tin until completely cool. undefined Circulon Momentum springform cake tin Latest Deals Best simple springform cake tin Star rating: 5/5 All of Circulon’s bakeware features the same iconic concentric circle design, meaning there’s no risk of not being able to tell which base fits with which sleeve. This concentric circle design does imprint onto the base of your bakes but it’s not obtrusive and with cheesecakes you're unlikely to notice this on the underneath of your finished bake. The clip is a little short but the springform forms a tight seal. The cheesecake released easily after baking and was evenly and consistently browned around the outside. Although this tin is not dishwasher-safe, we found it incredibly easy to clean. Though there is a rolled lip to be aware of. This tin is only available in 23cm. undefined KitchenAid springform cake tin Available from Amazon (£24.99) Best springform cake tin Star rating: 5/5 KitchenAid is much loved for its fabulous stand mixers: in fact three feature on our best stand mixers list. So it came as no surprise when KitchenAid announced it was dipping its toes into the world of bakeware. Featuring a solid and sturdy design, this springform tin forms a very tight seal when closed. We particularly liked the long release handle, which is significantly longer than any other on this list and made releasing the tin a breeze. This tin is dishwasher-safe but be aware of the rolled lips that can trap water. Our final bake was evenly risen and evenly browned around the outside. There was no sticking when we released the cheesecake, which came out easily and cleanly. This cake tin is only available in one size: 24cm. Latest Prices Samuel Groves springform cake tin Latest Deals Best springform cake tin for eco credentials Star rating: 5/5 One of things we love most about Samuel Groves is that everything in its collection is made in the UK. It also has plenty of eco-friendly positive attributes. All the items are PTFE- and PFOA-free, and there was not a spot of plastic in sight on arrival. Plus the tin comes with a lifetime guarantee, giving Samuel Groves’s bakeware and cookware the strongest eco credentials of any of the brands on this list. In addition to all of that, its bakeware is quite simply a joy to cook with. The springform mechanism forms a tight seal and the non-stick coating released the cheesecake with ease. Made from carbon steel, this springform tin provides an impressive even cook. Our cheesecake was evenly and consistently browned around the outside. This cake tin isn’t dishwasher-safe. Be aware of the rolled lip when hand washing to make sure you let all excess water drain out. Both 20cm and 23cm versions are available. Latest Prices Prestige Nadiya Hussain springform cake tin Latest Deals Best colourful cake tin Star rating: 4.5/5 Some cake tins can look boring and uninspiring but this Prestige offering, in collaboration with Nadiya Hussain, is bright and inviting. It has a teal springform sleeve and a luxe gold base, featuring the same geometric trellis pattern we saw on the matching loaf tin. Once sealed, we noticed the gold base moved around a little, though nothing leaked through. Our final bake was evenly cooked. It was also consistently browned around the outside. The non-stick coating is effective, also. For ease, this tin is dishwasher-safe, though, like the KitchenAid above, it too has rolled edges. It is available in a 23cm tin only. Latest Prices ProCook springform cake tin Available from ProCook (£10) Best springform cake tin for range of sizes Star rating: 4.5/5 If you’re anything like us, you’ll know that just one cake tin won’t cut it. It’s useful to have a couple of different sized tins in your collection if you’re a regular baker, and even better to be able to pick up a few relatively inexpensive ones. ProCook’s range of springform tins range from 11cm to 25.5cm, meaning you’re sure to find one for the recipe you’re planning to bake. This tin formed a tight seal but we felt the browning around the outside of our cheesecake was a little patchy. We were happy to see that no sticking or leaking had occurred when we released the final bake. This is a sturdy and attractive tin that won’t break the bank. Available from: ProCook (£10) Masterclass springform cake tin Latest Deals Best budget springform cake tin Star rating: 4.5/5 Looking for a good quality springform tin but not looking to break the bank? These Masterclass springforms are a fabulous choice. Made from reinforced carbon steel, these tins are sturdy so there’s no chance of one warping in the oven. The seal formed was good but not as tight as some of the others on this list. We felt the release clip was a little short. Our final bake was evenly risen and released easily from the tin but we did notice some distinct patchiness and unevenness in browning. These tins come in a range of sizes, from 15cm to 30cm. Latest Deals What to look out for when choosing a springform cake tin? Before buying a springform tin, there are a few things to consider: Size: you can find springform tins in a variety of sizes, from mini ones for small individual portion cakes, to larger diameters ideal for entertaining. If the recipe you’re planning on using calls for specific dimensions, opt for one of the cake tins in our list that offers a good range of sizes. Non-stick: cake tins with a non-stick surface ensure an easy release and clean finish. Easy cleaning: although we generally don’t encourage it, we recognise that being able to easily pop your cake tin in the dishwasher is convenient. Just watch out for rolled lips, which can trap water. Tight seal: a good springform cake should form a tight seal when closed. This ensures the cake is uniform and prevents any leaks. Useful additions: these could include long handles for easy grip, silicone handles that don’t conduct heat, or even having the size of the tin written on the tin itself. How we tested springform cake tins All the springform cake tins featured in this list were tested using a standardised testing criteria and done in controlled conditions. We put the springform cake tins to the test using Ravneet Gill’s burnt Basque cheesecake recipe. The deep caramelisation required for this recipe allowed us to see how consistently and evenly the springform browned the cheesecake, plus the liquid consistency of the pre-baked cheesecake enabled us to effectively test how secure and tight the spring mechanism was. Each springform was scored against the following criteria: Appearance of final bake: we wanted to see even and consistently browned cheesecakes. All the cake tins we tested are non-stick, so we also wanted to see the cake release easily from the tin, without tearing. Ease of use: a good quality springform tin should be easy to seal and open: the springform mechanism should neither be too tight so it’s hard to open and close, nor too loose, meaning the central base moves around a lot. We also wanted to see springforms that are easy to clean and free from dirt traps. Being dishwasher-safe is a plus but, for simple cakes, this may not be needed. We also looked out for rolled edges, which have a tendency to trap water. Quality of design features: we looked for springform cake tins that formed a tight seal when closed. Additional features, such as silicone handles and/or long handles were a plus. We also favoured simple design features such as seeing the size of the tin printed somewhere. Value for money: we asked whether the quality of design and additional features aligned with the price of the tin. To find out more about how testing appliances and tools is done at olive, head over to our how we test page. More reviews Best loaf tins Best bundt tins Best tart tins Best stand mixers Best baking gifts Best baking turntable Best measuring spoons Best kitchen scales Best dough scrapers Best cake stands 19 best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machine Best espresso coffee machine Best ice cream makers Best mixing bowls Best KitchenAid stand mixers Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best paring knives Best knife sharpeners Best online cake delivery services More cake recipes Chocolate drip cake Chocolate sponge cake Red velvet cake Easy chocolate cake Salted caramel cake Lemon and poppy seed cake Easy carrot cake Lemon drizzle cake Coffee cake with pecan brittle Zuccotto
A paring knife is the tool to reach for when your chef's knife is just too large for the job at hand. We tested a range of European and Japanese paring knives. Find out which ones came out on top
Although the smallest knife in a cook’s arsenal, the humble paring knife is not one to be dismissed. This petite powerhouse is a versatile and indispensable tool in every kitchen. Designed for precise and controlled use, the paring knife boasts a sharp pointed tip and a slightly curved edge. Lightweight and compact in size, paring knives are easy to manoeuvre and ideal for intricate tasks that require precision. They’re great for peeling fruits and vegetables, de-seeding and coring produce, creating garnishes and deveining prawns. They’re often referred to as vegetable knives, peeling knives or small kitchen knives owing to their versatility. It’s rare that you’ll prep a whole dish using a paring knife alone, rather it’s the knife you reach for when your chef’s knife is just too large for the job at hand. For example, choose a paring knife for artichoke alla guidia, fennel, sausage, tomato and mozzarella hand pies, or butter-poached trout, burnt leeks, and hazelnuts. As with any knife, proper care and maintenance is crucial. Paring knives can be sharpened to ensure their edge remains in the best condition. Regular sharpening and honing will keep your knives performing at their best. After chef’s knives, the paring knife is the second most commonly occurring knife in knife sets, though they are also available to buy separately. Many home cooks like to have a paring knife in their set for tasks that require accuracy and finesse. Jump to section: Best paring knives at a glance Best paring knives to buy 2023 What is a paring knife used for? How to sharpen a paring knife How we tested paring knives Best paring knives at a glance Best paring knife: Victorinox Classic paring knife, £5.50 Best serrated paring knife: Victorinox Classic serrated paring knife, £5.50 Best Japanese paring knife: Aogami Petty 120mm, £85 Best blowout paring knife: Victorinox Grand Maître Forged paring knife, £89 Best paring knife for citrus: Zwilling Pro 10cm paring knife, £66.95 Best sustainable paring knife: Allday Goods petty knife, £90 Best paring knives to buy 2023 Victorinox Classic paring knife Available from Victorinox (£5.50) Best paring knife Pros: Lightweight Comfy handle Textured handle Available in a range of colours Budget Cons: Possibly a little too light Star rating: Tidy and compact, this Victorinox classic paring knife weights just 20g but is an impressive and near-perfect knife to use. Unlike some of the other Victorinox knives we’ve tested, the blade on this paring knife feels sturdy and robust. The handle is nicely shaped and very easy to grip, thanks to the slightly textured finish. We also like that the handles are available in an array of colours, including pink, yellow, green and more. This knife thoroughly impressed us in test. We were able to remove orange peel with deft precision and supreme it with no resistance at all. It even sliced through tomato with total ease, too. There’s not a lot we didn’t like about this knife: attractive, budget-friendly and oh-so-nimble. Available from: Victorinox (£5.50) Victorinox Classic serrated paring knife Available from Victorinox (£5.50) Best serrated paring knife Pros: Lightweight Available in a range of colours Budget-friendly Comfy, textured handle Cons: Perhaps a little too light Star rating: This Victorinox knife is simply the serrated version of the paring knife above. Like its non-serrated sibling, it too is available in a range of colours and features the same comfortable, ergonomic handle. It took the rind off an orange quickly and easily, though – as expected – this knife doesn’t produce as clean slices as the knife above. That being said, the knife is sharp and precise, and overall a joy to use. We achieved controlled and even slices of tomato, too. This knife is a steal at under £10, and even if you don’t find yourself reaching for a serrated paring knife on a daily basis, this Victorinox knife is one you’ll be thankful for when you do come to need it. Available from: Victorinox (£5.50) Aogami Petty 120mm Available from: Kin Knives (£85) Best Japanese paring knife Pros: Very attractive Super sharp Comfortable Cons: On the larger side Not suited to very fine tasks Star rating: The Aogami Petty is one of the larger paring knives we tested, it is also one of the most attractive. This knife features a 120mm steel and carbon blade (Aogami), as well as a tapered walnut handle. This knife comes well presented in a delicate cardboard box. The knife is lightweight but feels nicely balanced in the hand. We loved the blade on this knife: ultra sharp, with the finest point at the end. It cut through an orange with total precision, though we felt the blade was a little too long when we were supremeing segments of orange. This knife excelled on our tomato test, removing the thinnest slices of tomato with precise strokes. If you’re not after a paring knife for ultra precise tasks but are simply after one you can reach for small everyday jobs, the Aogami Petty 120mm is a great choice. Available from: Kin Knives (£85) Victorinox Grand Maître forged paring knife Available from Victorinox (£89) Best blowout paring knife Pros: Comfy handle Nicely weighted Cons: Not as sharp as other blades tested Star rating: This beautifully crafted knife features a nimble blade and sturdy, ergonomic handle. It’s nicely weighted in the hand and feels balanced, too. Although the blade looks ultra sharp, it was met with a little resistance when slicing through our test orange and tomato. We cut out segments of orange easily enough but we had to saw a little more than expected when removing the orange rind. Similarly, the tomato required some force to produce a slice. However we were happy with the results produced. This is an impressively sturdy knife that’s been built to last. It’s attractive and agile, and would make a great addition to any cook’s toolkit. Available from: Victorinox (£89) Zwilling Pro 10cm paring knife Available from Zwilling (£66.95) Best paring knife for citrus Pros: Super sharp Nimble Comfortable in the hand Great for fine slicing Cons: Long handle Plastic packaging Star rating: Nicely weighted and incredibly well balanced, this Zwilling Pro knife is a real joy to use. We found this knife comfortable to hold thanks to the well shaped handle, though felt the handle itself was a little long. This knife sliced through tomato with total ease and supremed orange slices easily, too. We did find this knife was less smooth when it came to cutting through the orange peel, however. That being said, overall our chef testers called this knife a “delight to use”. Nimble and comfortable to use, if you cook with a lot of citrus, this paring knife is up for the job. Available from: Zwilling (£66.95) Allday Goods petty knife Available from Allday Goods (£90) Best sustainable paring knife Star rating: 5/5 Pros: Very sharp Range of colours to choose from Eco-friendly handle Plastic-free packaging Cons: Most expensive knife we tried This compact little knife makes a colourful addition to your everyday kitchen kit. There are currently four different colourways to choose from (including a Maldon Salt collaboration in the brand's signature green, for maximum foodie bragging points); we tested the cheery pink 'fruit salad' design. The handle of every knife will vary and be unique, as each is made from recycled waste plastic. As well as looking good, the octagonal handle is comfortable to hold. The small metal blade is handmade in Japan and arrives super-sharp – plasters are even included in the cardboard packaging (along with a penny, a traditional gift of good luck with a new knife)! The fun packaging also ensures it would be a great gift. The knife sliced through tomatoes and oranges with ease, producing clean slices. The small size of the blade makes it a good option for fiddly chopping tasks. Available from: Allday Goods (£90) What is a paring knife used for? A paring knife excels when completing delicate and precise cutting tasks. Its small size and nimble blade make it the perfect knife for peeling fruits and veggies, removing seeds, making intricate cuts or completing fiddly tasks like deveining prawns. Whether it’s a simple task like peeling veg or you’re precisely cutting out decorations, a paring knife is an essential tool. How to sharpen a paring knife? A paring knife can be sharpened like any other non-serrated knife using either a tabletop sharpener or whetstone. If using a tabletop sharpener, simply run the knife through the sharpener a few times, remembering to clean the blade afterwards. If using a whetstone, you’ll need to slide both sides of the knife over the stone at either a 15 or 20 degree angle (depending on whether you’re working with a European or Japanese knife). Sharpening a paring knife on a whetstone should be faster than sharpening a chef’s knife as the blade is smaller and sees less use. How we tested paring knives We tested both traditional and serrated paring knives. Each knife was tested in controlled conditions using the same ingredients. They were then handed to our chefs in the test kitchen to get some live and in-action feedback. We supremed an orange to test how well the blade sliced through rind and how it handled fiddly, precise tasks. We also sliced through traditionally tricky tomato. We use the same criteria for design and ease of use when testing knives: Comfortable: although they’re small, we still wanted to use knives that were comfortable to hold and allowed for nimble and dynamic movement. Balanced: knives should be balanced in the hand and have some weight to them. Sustainable: we looked for paring knives that come with long or lifetime warranties, as well as plastic-free packaging. Ultra sharp: we looked for knives that held their sharp edge for a long time. More reviews Best stand mixers Best bread knife Best baking gifts 11 best cake stands 19 best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machines Best espresso coffee machines Best ice cream makers Best bundt tins Best loaf tins Best springform cake tins Best mixing bowls Best KitchenAid stand mixers Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best spice rack ideas Recipes for paring knives Prawn toast Amalfi lemon drizzle cake Courgette and chimichurri salad Spring greens shakshuka Pear cake
The expert reviewers at olive put a range of reusable and recyclable piping bags to the test to find the best ones for a range of piping tasks
Piping bags are an essential for any keen baker's kit. They’re the ideal choice for a whole range of recipes, including macarons, eclairs, meringues or filling delicious doughnuts. They’re also the tool of choice when icing cakes or putting the finishing touches on biscuits. As we all strive to phase out the use of single-use plastic, a reusable piping bag is an excellent choice. We’ve even found some piping bags labelled as disposable can actually be washed and reused easily enough. The reusable piping bags on this list are made from cotton, nylon and silicone, and each of these materials made for a very different piping experience. We looked for sturdy bags that weren’t going to split when piping something firm, bags that were easy to grip and also those that were easy to clean. Although we looked at the piping bag alone, many of the piping bags on this list came with nozzles as standard. Piping bags aren’t just reserved for sweet treats, they’re also ideal if you’re looking to elevate a classic pie with an intricate mashed potato pattern, filling savoury gougères or piping tarts. For more of the best baking equipment, read our best brownie tins, best springform cake tins, best loaf tins and best bundt tins reviews. And for perfectly whipped meringue and light and fluffy cakes, the best stand mixer reviews showcase the must-have kit. Best piping bags at a glance Best piping bag for hot and cold ingredients: Lakeland 12" cotton piping bag, £1.99 Best large piping bag: Mason Cash piping bag, £4.95 Best piping bag for fine icing: Tala icing bag set, £7.59 Best professional quality piping bag: Schenider Standard 11", £6.58 Best piping bag for first-timers: ProCook piping bag with nozzles, £4 Best piping bag for thick icing: Lakeland Professional piping set, £14.99 Best silicone piping bag: Lakeland Silicone piping bag, £12.99 Best piping bags to buy 2024 Lakeland 12” cotton piping bag Available from Lakeland (£1.99) Best piping bag for hot and cold ingredients Star rating: 5/5 Made from reinforced cotton, this 12-inch piping bag is a sturdy, budget-friendly choice. This is a piping bag only – it doesn’t come with any additional accessories – making it an ideal option if you’ve already got a collection of nozzles. It’s not the largest piping bag we’ve tested, but we rated it for its sturdy construction and the fact that it’s heat resistant up to 70C, making it ideal for giving mashed potato-topped dishes like fish pie, cottage pie and shepherd's pie a professional-looking finish, or even making Duchess potatoes. It’s easy to clean, but a little slow to dry, so we suggest hanging it somewhere warm using the clever hanging loop. This bag even comes with a three-year warranty, so it really is built to last. Available from: Lakeland (£1.99) Mason Cash piping bag Available from Amazon (£4.95) Best large piping bag Star rating: 5/5 If you’re looking for a sizeable bag for large quantities, this Mason Cash bag is the only choice. This piping bag is available in two sizes, 35cm and 40cm, and is made from sturdy cotton. Like the Lakeland bag above, this Mason Cash option comes with the bag only, but this bag is compatible with universal nozzles, of which Mason Cash sells a selection. This piping bag was easy to grip and twist, and we were able to be controlled when putting pressure on the bag. This bag is hand wash only and dried relatively quickly. Available from: Amazon (£4.95) Tala icing bag set Available from Ocado (£6.50), Tala (£11.25) Best piping bag for fine icing Star rating: 5/5 This small and compact icing bag from Tala comes with eight fine nozzles. For those intricate, finishing touches, this set is a fabulous choice. The bag is made from coated nylon and is sturdy. A coupler is needed to secure the nozzles in place, but this is easy to assemble and screws into place with ease. We found this Tala bag easy to grip and even thick royal icings didn’t cause it to split. This bag will need to be hand washed after use. Available from: Ocado (£6.50) Tala (£11.25) Schneider Standard 11” piping bag Available from Nisbets (£6.58) Best professional-quality piping bag Star rating: 5/5 This single piping bag from German brand Schneider is large, sturdy and robust. It’s made from cotton with a thin plastic inner coating and features a very strong reinforced tip. This bag also comes in a range of sizes. The Schneider piping bag is compatible with all universal nozzles, so ideal if you’ve acquired a collection. The fabric on the outside of the bag makes it easy to grip and it is robust enough to ensure it doesn’t split when piping stiff or firm ingredients. Available from: Nisbets (£6.58) ProCook piping bag with nozzles Available from ProCook (£4) Best piping bag for first timers Star rating: 4.5/5 If you’ve never piped before or are looking for an all in one kit for the basics, this set from ProCook includes everything you need to get started. The bag is cotton-coated silicone and eight different nozzles are included too. A coupler is also included to secure the nozzles in place. Despite its relatively low price point, the bag itself is sturdy and easy to twist and control. We did feel the nozzles felt a little flimsy however. This bag comes with a one-year warranty and is hand wash only. It dried quickly, too. Available from: ProCook (£4) Lakeland Professional piping set Available from Lakeland (£14.99), Amazon (£15.99) Best piping bag for thick icing Star rating: 4.5/5 This Lakeland piping set comes with seven nozzles, including a variety better suited to thicker piping tasks. There are a good range of star, shell and round nozzles to play with. No coupler is required for this piping bag, simply slip the nozzle inside and start piping. The bag is made from nylon and we found it less sturdy than the cotton bags we tested. When twisting and squeezing the bag, we didn’t feel as though we had total control over the pressure. This set comes with an impressive three-year warranty. For ease of cleaning this bag is dishwasher safe, but we found the seams had dyed the same colour as our royal icing after washing. Available from: Lakeland (£14.99) Amazon (£15.99) Lakeland silicone piping bag Available from Lakeland (£12.99) Best silicone piping bag Star rating: 4/5 This generously sized piping bag includes eight nozzles that produce a range of different patterns. The bag is made from BPA, PTFE and PFOA-free silicone. The bag is soft and flexible and whilst we like it for its large capacity and the fact it's dishwasher safe, we did come across a few issues when testing it. To ensure smooth and even results when piping, you’ll want to twist the bag tight. Unfortunately, with this silicone bag we weren’t able to twist it tight as the silicone kept stretching. The bag has a simple twist and lock nozzle system which we liked, but it does mean that you can only use the nozzles supplied and therefore this bag isn’t compatible with universal nozzles. Available from: Lakeland (£12.99) What to look out for when choosing a piping bag Material: we tested piping bags made from cotton, nylon, PET plastic and silicone. Cotton and plastic are both robust, whereas nylon and silicone offer more flex. Nozzles included: if you’ve never piped before, a bag that comes with some nozzles is recommended to get you started easily. For those who already own a selection of nozzles, a standalone bag will suffice. Ease of cleaning: the piping bags on this list will need to be cleaned after use. Some are suitable for the dishwasher, though we’d generally advise against this as the harsher chemicals in dishwasher detergent will degrade the protective coating faster than hand washing. Size: for small piping tasks like fine lining or writing, a smaller bag is all you need. But for bigger piping tasks, like icing a whole layer cake, piping decorations or finishing off pies, a larger capacity bag will mean you have to refill it less. How we tested piping bags To put these piping bags to the test, we made a thick and firm pink royal icing. Using the nozzles provided, or a universal nozzle for those bags that came without, we piped a variety of shapes and lines to see how the bag performed. All the piping bags were tested against a standardised criteria under controlled conditions in the olive test kitchen. Each piping bag was scored against the following criteria: Quality of design and features: we looked for sturdy piping bags that were easy to hold, twist and control. Additional features like reinforced tips and hanging loops were scored favourably Versatility: piping bags that can easily go in the fridge, freezer or even the microwave were a plus. Those designed to work with hot and cold ingredients were praised for their added versatility Value for money: we weighed up whether the price of the piping bag was reflective of the performance Sustainability: all the piping bags on this list are reusable to varying degrees. We looked at the warranty offered – if any – and took our initial findings about the durability of the bag into consideration. We also looked at the packaging Results: when piping a variety of shapes and designs, we wanted to see steady and controlled results from a sturdy and robust piping bag To find out more about how testing appliances and tools is done at olive, head over to our how we test page. More reviews Best tart tins Best springform cake tins Best baking turntable Best measuring spoons Best kitchen scales Best dough scrapers Best loaf tins Best bundt tins Best stand mixers Best baking gifts 11 best cake stands 22 best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machines Best espresso coffee machines Best ice cream makers The best mixing bowls Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best paring knives Best knife sharpeners Best chefs knives
With crisp, flaky pastry and a delicious filling, a well made tart makes a showstopping dessert. To make a fabulous tart you need a great tart tin, so we put a range of metal, glass and stoneware designs to the test.
The very best tart tins are versatile. They offer tall sides for different types of bakes and can effortlessly move from oven to table, or even freezer to microwave. These tins can make a host of dishes, from classic sweet pastry desserts like nutmeg custard tart or an easy treacle tart, to showstoppers like chocolate and peanut caramel tart or a decadent butterscotch banoffee tart. They can be used to bake savoury dishes, such as our delicious pumpkin pesto tart or vegan tomato tart with olive oil pastry. Not just reserved for tarts, many of the tins we've tested can also be used to rustle up flans and quiches – for inspiration read our best quiche recipes. Above is just a selection of the tart recipes we have on olive, head over to the recipes section of the site for more. For more baking equipment, read our best tarte tatin tins, best brownie tins and best stand mixer review. For more appliance reviews, we've been busy testing coffee machines: read our best coffee machine review, best bean to cup coffee machines review, best coffee pod machines review and best espresso machines review. If you’re a fan of baking, you’ll already have a cupboard well stocked with the best springform cake tins, the best loaf tins and even the best bundt tins. But when it comes to baking pastry and tarts, there are many different types of tart tin, pan and dish to choose from. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best tart tins at a glance Best easy-to-use tart tin: Circulon Ultimum loose based flan tin, £12.79 Best tart tin: Masterclass Crusty Bake quiche tin, £8.49 Most versatile tart dish: Peugeot Ceramic tart dish, £36.99 Best heavy duty tart tin: Judge round flan/quiche tin, £8.80 Best budget tart tin: ProCook tart tin loose bottom, £5 Best tart tin for eco credentials: Mermaid fluted flan tin, £16 Best glass tart tin: Kuhn Rikon easy quiche and tart glass pan, £21.21 Best tart tin for a range of sizes: Stellar hard anodised fluted flan tin, £12 Best tart tins to buy 2024 Circulon Ultimum loose based flan tin Available from Amazon (£12.99), Circulon (£22) Score: 5/5 Best easy-to-use tart tin Featuring Circulon’s distinctive concentric circle style, this tin is super versatile and incredibly well designed. We especially liked the handles that made it easy to remove from the oven. The sides are thick and feature well defined indents, which left a perfectly fluted design on the final bake. The loose base layer wasn't as loose as some of the other tins we tested as it requires a well judged push to release it, but once we figured that out, our tart shell popped out with ease. Made from carbon steel and coated in a layer of non-stick, this tin produced a crisp and evenly baked tart shell. It's available in 36cm, is oven-safe up to 230°C and also fridge/freezer and dishwasher-safe. Available from Amazon (£12.99), Circulon (£22) undefined Masterclass Crusty Bake quiche tin Latest Deals Score: 5/5 Best tart tin The uniquely designed Masterclass tin features small perforations all over its sides and base. These allow for complete air circulation and even browning all over. The tin is thin and lightweight but feels sturdy. There are no rolled edges to worry about, instead there's a simple thin edge which makes trimming off any overhanging pastry a doddle. We were a little concerned that the holes would fill with pastry once baked, but the finished tart shell popped out with ease. The final bake was evenly browned and perfectly crisp, including the bottom. This tin is dishwasher and fridge/freezer-safe, and is available in six sizes, from 18cm to 30cm. Latest Deals Peugeot ceramic tart dish Available from Amazon (£26.58), Peugeot Saveurs (£36.99) Score: 5/5 Most versatile tart dish Peugeot are known for their flawlessly designed salt and pepper grinders, and this tart dish looks just as good. Made in Brittany and embossed with the iconic Peugeot lion logo, this dish is one of the most attractive models we tested. It’s available in four colours: dark blue, red, cream and grey. The handles at the top and tail provide an easy, secure grip and we loved the tall edges, making this a fabulous option for tarts, quiches, flans, pies or even as a serving dish. We were impressed with the results of our tart shell. Although there’s no loose base, we were able to remove the shell with ease. It was perfectly baked and consistently browned all over. This dish is microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher-safe. It’s available in a 30cm version only. undefined Judge round flan/quiche tin Latest Prices Score: 4.5/5 Best heavy duty tart tin This simple and understated tin from Judge impressed us. It’s made from heavy duty carbon steel and although it’s not overly thick, it's notably sturdy. It features a tightly knit fluting on the inside, which resulted in a strong tart shell. Our tart shell was well baked, consistent in colour and crisp. Although there are no handles, a 1cm lip runs the perimeter of the tin, making it easy to grip onto. One detail we really liked was the large loose base. Sitting only a few millimetres shy of the tin sides, the base offered good coverage over the bottom of the tart, meaning there was no risk of tearing or breaking it when pushing the base through. This 24cm tin is dishwasher-safe but be aware of the rolled lip catching water. It’s also fridge/freezer and oven-safe up to an impressive 240°C. Latest Prices ProCook tart tin loose bottom Available from ProCook (£7) Score: 4.5/5 Best budget tart tin Made from heavy gauge carbon steel that’s just a millimetre thick, this is a lightweight but sturdy tart tin. The sides are impressively deep, making it an ideal choice for deep-filled tarts and quiches. There are no fluted edges, instead a single sloping side which gives the final bake a strong and consistent edge. The tart shell looked great: sturdy edges, evenly baked and consistently browned all over. This 20cm tin is dishwasher and oven-safe up to 260°C, plus a 10-year guarantee earned it extra points. Available from ProCook (£6) Mermaid fluted flan tin Available from Harts of Stur (£16) Score: 4.5/5 Best tart tin for eco credentials Made in the UK, Mermaid’s silver anodised aluminium fluted flan tin is a fine piece of bakeware with a professional finish. It’s not as deep as some of the other models we tested, but it's a great choice for making well practised thin sheets of pastry. Aluminium is a great heat conductor so our tart shell was perfectly crisp and evenly baked, except for a fine line around the perimeter at the top which was a little darker. All Mermaid bakeware comes in 100% recyclable packaging and is PFOA and PTFE free, so it's environmentally friendly. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee. This tin isn’t dishwasher-safe but thankfully nothing stuck. Tins are available in a range of sizes, from 15cm to 30cm. Available from Harts of Stur (£16) undefined Kuhn Rikon easy quiche and tart glass pan Available from Kuhn Rikon (£21.21) Score: 4.5/5 Best glass tart tin Unlike other tins on this list, this Kuhn Rikon offering is made from glass. As an insulator of heat, rather than a conductor, glass retains heat for longer. Glass pans take a little while to heat up and we found our tart needed around 10 minutes longer in the oven compared to its metal and ceramic counterparts. The tin has deep fluted sides and is very sturdy. The finished tart popped out of the tin with ease, and was crisp and evenly baked. The browning around the outside (that had contact with the pan) was a little darker compared to inside the tart but the tart will be filled so this shouldn’t be too noticeable. As it's made of glass, this tin is naturally non-stick and also dishwasher-safe. It's available in 27cm only. Available from Kuhn Rikon (£21.21) undefined Stellar hard anodised fluted flan tin Available from Amazon (£12) Score: 4/5 Best tart tin for a range of sizes If you’re looking for a couple of tart tins in different sizes, this Stellar design is a good choice. Available in 10cm, 20cm and 28cm sizes, the range is ideal for making individual tarts or larger bakes for entertaining. The metal is thin, perhaps too thin, as it easily flexed when held and the loose base was easily warped. The fluting was well defined though, and the thin sides allowed us to get a neat and precise edge on our tart. The loose bottom popped the finished tart out with ease. It was fully baked and crisp but noticeably patchy all over. These tins are dishwasher-safe and come with Stellar’s lifetime guarantee. Available from: Amazon (£12) What to look out for when choosing a tart tin Consider the following factors before choosing a tin: Size: tart tins come in a range of sizes, from small tartlet cases to large tins for 15+ slices. Check your recipe books and favourite olive recipes, and consider the size you’re most likely to use. Loose bottom: for easy removal of your tart from the tin, a loose-bottomed model is the only choice. Appearance: while loose-bottomed tart tins ensure an easy release, they’re not the most attractive option. If you’re looking for something you can take from oven to table, opt for a ceramic tart dish, which comes in a variety of colours and designs. Versatility: a number of the tart tins we’ve tested also call themselves quiche or flan tins – to make your purchase work harder, opt for a design that enables you to make other dishes too: look for tall sides as well as oven, fridge, freezer and microwave capabilities. Material: the tins on this list are made from metal, glass and stoneware. Each material offers a different finish and style of presentation. Metal tins often have a more defined fluted edge, a loose bottom for easy removal and are lighter. Glass dishes are naturally non-stick but slower to heat up, though they retain heat for longer, making them an efficient choice when serving dishes warm. Ceramic stoneware dishes are the most attractive and conduct and retain heat well. They also double as serving dishes and are the most versatile. How we tested the tart tins To put these tins to the test, we baked a simple sweet shortcrust pastry shell, following this cornflake tart recipe. All the tins were tested against a standardised criteria under controlled conditions in the olive test kitchen. We looked for models that produced a structurally sound tart shell. If the tart tin was fluted, we wanted to see well defined indents. Even and consistent browning was a must and we wanted to see finished tarts that were easy to release from the tin. Each tin was scored against the following criteria: Appearance of final bake: we wanted to see fully baked, crisp and evenly browned tart shells. There should be strong, slip-free sides and, if fluted, well defined peaks and troughs. Ease of use: useful features, like the tin being dishwasher-safe, were a plus. As was a non-stick surface. We also looked for details that may make using the tin more difficult, for example, rolled lips, which have a tendency to collect water. Quality of design features: we tested a variety of tins, from solid ceramic ones to lightweight metal designs. We looked for useful elements that made the tins versatile, plus design features that made the final tart easy to remove. Tart tins that come in a range of colours were a plus. Value for money: we wanted to ensure that the design features, quality of the tin and additional details aligned with the price. To find out more about how testing appliances and tools is done at olive, head over to our how we test page. More reviews Best springform cake tins Best loaf tins Best bundt tins Best stand mixers Best baking gifts Best cake stands Best baking turntable Best measuring spoons Best kitchen scales Best dough scrapers Best ice cream makers The best mixing bowls Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best paring knives Best knife sharpeners Best online cake delivery services Best multi-cookers Best bread bins Best piping bags Tart recipes Miso caramel and chocolate tart Lemon and lime tart Nepali spiced fruit and nut tart Lemon and pistachio bakewell tart Coffee custard tart Tartiflette tart Brown butter frangipane and nectarine tart Onion tart Honeyed fig and cheese curd tart Passion fruit tart with meringue Lemon tart
A nakiri is a Japanese vegetable knife with a rectangular body and flat blade. These knives make light work of veg, fruits and greens – find out which came out on top.
In Japanese, “nakiri” means “leaf cutter”. Unsurprisingly, therefore, this knife is ideal for prepping greens, fruits and vegetables. Nakiri knives look a bit like a miniature cleaver. They’re rectangular in shape and characterised by their square tip, flat cutting profile and tall blade. Each of these features shows you exactly how the knife is meant to be used: the blade height allows you to guide the knife up and down accurately while resting against the knuckle. The flat blade means chops are direct, and either done in an up-and-down or 45-degree chopping motion. And, the blade’s large surface area means chopped foods can be easily scooped up. A nakiri is the knife to reach for when you’re prepping fruits and veg. Have crudités with chipotle aïoli ready in a flash, chop through ingredients for this radish and peanut salad, or perfectly slice garnishes for Swedish mushroom soup. Gochujang roasted root veg and sticky miso roast sprouts also call for lots of vegetable prep, which a nakiri knife can do quickly. Due to the flat blade and square tip, a nakiri knife isn’t one to use when cutting meat – opt for a chef’s knife instead. All the nakiri knives we tested are made from either carbon or stainless steel. Carbon steel is sturdy and robust, but prone to rusting if not taken care of correctly. Stainless steel is budget-friendly and not as high maintenance. Nakiri knives have short, stout blades; all the models we tested have blades between 16-17cm long. The optimal blade length for these knives is down to personal preference, but we think between 15-17cm is more than enough; remember, you don’t slice with these knives – you chop – so you really don’t need a long blade. A nakiri knife isn’t an essential, but it's a versatile workhorse of a knife that will make a welcome addition to your kitchen if you eat a lot of vegetables. Jump to section: Best nakiri knives at a glance Best nakiri knives to buy 2024 What is a nakiri knife used for? What to look for in a good-quality knife? How to sharpen a nakiri knife How we tested the best nakiri knives Best nakiri knives at a glance Best nakiri knife: Nashiji nakiri knife, £155 Best European nakiri knife: Zwilling Pro 17cm nakiri, £109 Best long nakiri knife: Miyabi 5000 FC-D nakiri, £249 Best-value nakiri knife: ProCook nakiri nihon, £44 Best budget nakiri knife: ProCook Professional X50 Chef nakiri knife, £19 Best nakiri knives to buy 2024 Nashiji nakiri knife Available from Kin Knives (£125) Best nakiri knife Star rating: 5/5 Blade length: 16.5cm Pros: Attractive Controlled Comfortable handle Nimble Cons: None The Nashiji knife got its name because of the unique textured surface on the side of the blade – “nashi” means "pear" in Japanese, and the rough pattern and texture is similar to that of a pear. This is a truly beautiful knife. The handle is comfortable and sits neatly in the contours of the hand, plus the blade is ultra-sharp. It comes packaged in a lovely box. This nakiri is on the weightier side, though it’s very well balanced and a joy to use. We chopped a variety of hard and soft vegetables, including onion, carrot and celery. We achieved the finest dice with this knife – it sunk through onion and celery like butter. It performed superbly when julienning carrot matchsticks, too. Our chefs were equally impressed, praising this knife for its sharp blade, beautiful construction and comfort. Available from: Kin Knives (£125) Zwilling Pro 17cm nakiri Available from Zwilling (£109) Best European nakiri knife Star rating: 4.5/5 Blade length: 17cm Pros: Weighty Large blade Cons: Angular handle Although just half a centimeter longer than the Nashiji nakiri above, this knife felt notably larger. It’s a weighty knife that divided our testers: some loved the robust and reassuring nature of this knife, while others felt it was a little too heavy. Though, they all agreed that the knife is balanced. We cut through onion and celery with total ease. Regardless of whether we were slicing through or finely dicing, we felt in total control when chopping. We noticed a little bit of resistance when slicing through the carrot to make matchsticks, but once cut, it diced with ease. This substantial knife looks and feels good-quality. We liked the pinky rest on the handle, though felt that the handle on the whole was a little angular and bulky. We also experienced a little rubbing on the forefinger as a result of the bolster. Available from: Zwilling (£109) Miyabi 5000 FC-D nakiri Available from Zwilling (£249) Best long nakiri knife Star rating: 4/5 Blade length: 17cm Pros: Smooth handle Easy to use Cons: Overall quite large Heavy Weighted towards handle Sporting an attractive Damascus blade and smooth wooden handle, this is a striking knife. Like the knife above, the Miyabi felt notably large in the hand. It’s weighty, but generally comfortable to hold, though one of our testers felt that the knife was a little unbalanced and weighted towards the handle. All chopping and cutting tasks were easy and comfortable to complete. We finely diced carrot, onion and celery, and felt very little resistance when doing so. Overall, some of our testers felt the knife was a little too long, while others were happy with the length. In truth, this knife almost felt like a hybrid of a nakiri and a chef’s knife, which may be appealing to some. But, if you’re after a classical nakiri, there are others to choose from on this list. Available from: Zwilling (£249) ProCook X50 nakiri nihon Available from ProCook (£44) Best-value nakiri knife Star rating: 4/5 Blade length: 16cm Pros: Good length on the blade Attractive and petite Nicely weighted Granton edge Long warranty Cons: A little angular on the handle Not very sharp Despite being one of the more cost-effective knives on our list, it’s one of the most attractive. We particularly loved the handle; it’s made from ash and tapers towards the blade, making the wooden element comfortable to hold. We also liked the chilli-red ring that sits between the handle and bolster, offering a pop of colour. While the wooden handle was comfortable to hold, we felt the bolster was a little angular, meaning it began to rub after a long chopping session. It’s not the sharpest knife we tested, even straight out of the box. There was some definite resistance when chopping onion and carrot, and we found ourselves needing to apply more pressure than normal just to cut through these everyday items. We were able to cut controlled slices of celery, however. The knife is a good weight and feels like an extension of the hand. It also comes with a 25-year guarantee. Available from: ProCook (£44) ProCook Professional X50 Chef nakiri knife Available from ProCook (£26) Best budget nakiri knife Star rating: 3.5/5 Blade length: 16.5cm Pros: Budget-friendly Pinky rest on handle Granton edge Good weight Long warranty Cons: Not overly sharp Very simple looking Thick blade ProCook’s Professional X50 Nakiri knife is the familiar shape of a Japanese nakiri, dressed up in European materials. The handle is a classic European shape with rivets, and the blade is thicker than Japanese steel. In the hand, the knife feels sturdy and good-quality, though it’s weighted slightly towards the handle. We liked the slimline feel, making it easy to grip, though the bolster is thick and angular meaning – like the ProCook knife above – it rubbed on the forefinger. We chopped through celery with ease, but felt resistance when chopping carrot and onion. We struggled to produce as fine a dice as we’d have liked because of the thickness of the blade. If you’re looking to add a nakiri to your collection for very simple chopping tasks, this will get the job done, but if you’re after something to use most days, there are better options on the list. Available from: ProCook (£26) What is a nakiri knife used for? A nakiri knife is a Japanese vegetable knife. It’s used to chop, slice and dice vegetables using two different chopping methods. The push cut: pushing through vegetables at a 45-degree angle The downward chop: chopping through a stack of vegetables, straight down These knives differ from chef's knives because they tend to have a straight, flat belly, meaning the entire length of the blade sees full contact with the chopping board, as opposed to chef’s knives, which have curved blades. Nakiris, therefore, give you perfect cuts every time. These versatile knives are also great for herbs, mincing garlic and chopping fruit. Although these knives aren't essential, if you find you eat a lot of veg, the nakiri will make a welcome addition to your kit. What to look for in a good-quality nakiri knife Blade length: nakiri knives have short, stout blades to make very direct chops. A blade between 15-17cm is enough for a nakiri knife Blade height: the majority of the blade side comes into contact with the knuckle to produce the most controlled chop, so choose a nakiri with a tall blade – 5cm+ is a good choice Blade thickness: thick blades make it more difficult to cut through vegetables seamlessly, so opt for a thinner blade for clean slices Flat profile: a knife with a flat belly (non-curved blade) cuts efficiently and makes full contact with the chopping board, so food is cut all the way through – there’s no concertina vegetables with a flat-profiled nakiri Rounded tip: while we favour a flat belly, a nakiri with a nicely rounded tip allows you to make a slight rocking motion when chopping through lots of produce. A rounded tip also prevents the knife from getting stuck in your chopping board and potentially snapping Comfortable handle: the handle should be pleasant to hold and fit seamlessly in the hand. If the knife has a metal bevel, it should be smooth and not rub on the fingers How to sharpen a nakiri knife A nakiri knife is one of the easiest knives to sharpen thanks to its straight, rectangular profile. If you’ve got a nakiri made from Japanese steel, we’d recommend only sharpening your nakiri using a whetstone. If your nakiri is made from European steel, use either a whetstone or a handheld sharpener. Remember to sharpen your nakiri at the correct angle for your steel type: Japanese steel needs to be sharpened to a 15 degree angle and European to 20 degrees. How we tested the best nakiri knives Unsurprisingly, to test these Japanese vegetable knives, we chopped a range of hard and soft veg, including celery, carrot and onion. We also gave these knives to our chefs in the test kitchen to use while they were recipe testing and developing. They gave their feedback in real time as they used these knives. We julienned and brunoised using push cuts and a downward chop, as these are the two cuts nakiri knives are designed to do. If the knife had a slightly rounded tip, we tested how well the knife chopped with a rocking motion. All knives were tested against the following criteria: Comfortable to hold: we looked for knives that were comfortable to hold, whatever your knife-holding style. Handles should be comfortable and smooth, but still offer some grip Seamless chopping: knives with sharp blades that allowed us to chop through veg like butter scored highly compared to those that required some force Balance: a knife should feel comfortable in the hand and not be weighted too heavily either to the handle or front of the blade Sustainable: we like to see sustainably packaged knives with no plastic and long, realistic warranties Good shape: a nakiri knife should have a relatively flat belly for full push cuts and downward chops – knives that were too rounded were scored down More reviews Best stand mixers Best baking gifts 11 best cake stands 19 best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machine Best espresso coffee machine Best ice cream makers Best bundt tins Best loaf tins Best springform cake tins Best mixing bowls Best KitchenAid stand mixers Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best chef's knives Best knife sets Best paring knives Best knife sharpener Best bread knife Recipes for nakiri knives White chocolate panna cotta with stewed rhubarb Sweet potato and chickpea curry Waldorf salad Pear and blue cheese toasts Vegetable soup Cucumber and tomato salad Sweet-sour griddle aubergines Vegetarian BBQ flatbreads
We put the Smeg SMF03 stand mixer to the test using much-loved olive recipes – read our full review to find out how it performed
Smeg stand mixer SMF03 summary Smeg is well-known for its iconic fridges and colourful 50s-inspired design, and the Smeg SMF03 stand mixer is in keeping with the brand's retro aesthetic. Available in a range of colours from muted cream, black or white to pastel pink, green or red, you’re sure to find a colourway that suits your particular style. Latest Deals This model comes with a 4.8L mixing bowl, as well as four attachments: a wire whisk, flat beater, dough hook and an anchor-like flex edge beater. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Smeg stand mixer SMF03 to use? There wasn’t too much to set up when we first removed this stand mixer from its box. This is a straightforwardly designed model that, if you’ve used a stand mixer before, you’ll have no problem working your way around; if you haven’t, a clear and informative manual is provided. The bowl locks into place with a twist, the speed dial can be found on the top of the tilt head and the tilt head release mechanism sits at the back of the head. There are 10 speeds to choose between. The speed dial moves smoothly up and down with no aggressive jolting, increasing and decreasing in speed in a controlled and gentle manner. This stand mixer is distinctly high quality. It’s sleek, sturdy and finished to a high standard. We found the tilt head button a little stiff: it requires a good amount of force to release, though this may well loosen up with use. But the tilt head locks into place when fully extended, meaning you’re able to scrape down the bowl with ease. We found we needed to scrape the bowl often, particularly on our meringue and cake tests. Unfortunately, we also felt that this model – despite its 800W motor – lacked some much needed oomph. Our meringue took a long time to come together, as did our enriched dough. A good selection of attachments come with the SMF03; they’re hardy and built to last. However we were left a little perplexed by the anchor-shaped flex edge beater. Despite its sturdy construction, it really didn’t perform as we expected. Rather than hugging the sides of the bowl, bringing the mix into the centre, it just pushed everything to the side. We swapped this out for the flat beater, which brought our cake mix together in a matter of seconds. Results We put this stand mixer to the test using three olive recipes. Once we’d swapped out the anchor-shaped beater for the flat beater, we managed to make a beautifully smooth and fudgy batter for our easy chocolate cake. Once baked, this cake was light, evenly risen and delicious. We were a little let down by the results of our skølebrod and pavlova. Although the respective mixes came together, they did so very slowly. Our enriched dough took twice as long to form a smooth ball, compared to other stand mixers we’ve tested. And even when running at full speed, egg whites for pavlova took a long time to form stiff peaks. Whilst the slower machine didn’t have much effect on the final bake of the pavlova, our skølebrod were noticeably tough and overworked. olive’s take: should you buy the Smeg stand mixer SMF03? This is an undeniably attractive stand mixer. Not only is the colour range varied and appealing, but every element of this model is finished to a high standard. Equipped with everything you need to get started, this model is a good choice for cake bakers in particular. If you’re into bread and enriched doughs, however, there are better options out there. Latest Deals Smeg stand mixer SMG03 specifications: Wattage: 800W Product weight: 8.8kg Size (cm): H 37.8 X W 40.5 X D 22.1 Speed settings: 10 Capacity of bowl(s): 4.8L Attachments included: balloon whisk, flat beater, dough hook, flex edge beater Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
A good quality loaf tin is an endlessly versatile piece of bakeware and every cook should own at least one. We tested a variety of tins to help you find the very best
A good quality, versatile loaf tin is a piece of kit every cook should have in their arsenal. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so there’s actually quite a bit to consider before you buy. We tested these 2lb loaf tins using olive’s delicious Amalfi lemon loaf cake recipe, but loaf tins are endlessly versatile and can be used to make a whole range of sweet, savoury, hot and cold foods. There are loaf cakes, of course – try lime and pistachio loaf cake, Maltesers marble cake or Vietnamese coffee loaf cake. Or, as the name suggests, use them for your loaves of bread, like sweet potato, chestnut and apricot loaf or seeded rye bread. You can also use loaf tins as moulds: for sweet and savoury terrines, including this chocolate and raspberry terrine or a nougat terrine with caramel sauce. Or, for classic savoury terrines such as ham hock terrine and duck, chicken and sour cherry terrine. For even more inspiration for recipes that require a loaf tin, take a look at our best loaf cake recipes. A delicious cup of coffee makes the perfect accompaniment for a slice of cake: for the very best, read our best coffee machines round-up. And for more essential baking kit, read our best brownie tins, best tart tins and best stand mixers summary. Best loaf tins at a glance Best loaf tin: Netherton Foundry Black Iron 2lb loaf tin, £39.90 Best easy to use loaf tin: Circulon Momentum loaf tin, £10.50 Best special occasion loaf tin: Nordic Ware Wildflower Loaf Pan, £45.67 Best loaf tin for professional results: KitchenAid loaf tin, £20 Best colourful loaf tin: Nadiya x Prestige loaf tin, £7.19 Best budget loaf tin: ProCook loaf tin, £7 Best wide loaf tin: Stellar James Martin loaf tin, £10.95 Best basic loaf tin: Judge loaf tin, £12 Best loaf tins 2024 Netherton Foundry Black Iron 2lb loaf tin Available from Netherton Foundry (£38) Best loaf tin Score: 5/5 Gorgeous form meets impeccable function with this Netherton Foundry loaf tin. Made in Shropshire, this beautifully designed tin is made from 99.1% pure iron and features a single brass rivet at the head of the tin. This tin was the heaviest of all those we tested but the reassuring weightiness makes this a high-quality option that’s built to last and sustain high temperatures. This loaf tin comes pre-seasoned in Sussex flax oil, and Netherton Foundry features a whole guide to seasoning its cookware on its website. This tin was nothing short of a joy to use. Its generous size meant there was no risk of overflow when baking our cake. Once baked, the two lips at either end of the tin were easy to grip while wearing oven gloves, making it easy to remove from the oven. After allowing our cake to cook slightly, we turned it out. Nothing stuck to the pan and we enjoyed an evenly browned and risen lemon drizzle cake. A smaller 1lb tin is also available. Available from: Netherton Foundry (£38) Circulon Momentum Loaf Tin Latest Deals Best easy to use loaf tin Score: 4.5/5 This generously sized loaf tin from Circulon is a lightweight offering with ultra-handy lips at the top and bottom of the cake tin. True to form with the Circulon Momentum range, this loaf tin features a concentric circle pattern on the base. This design did become baked into the cake, so this is worth considering if you’re after a specific look when it comes to your final bakes. That being said, we actually quite liked the look of the finished imprint. The non-stick coating on this tin is impressive. The cake was removed with absolute ease, leaving nothing behind. The cake had a consistent rise and was evenly baked inside. We did feel the browning around the outside was a little inconsistent however. Latest Prices Nordic Ware Wildflower Loaf Pan Available from Amazon (£41) Best special occasion loaf tin Score: 4.5/5 Nordic Ware is best known for its gorgeous bundt tins. This loaf pan features the same high-quality engineering and intricately designed pattern on top. This well-built, sturdy cake tin is made from aluminium and comes with a lifetime warranty. Although the inside of this pan is non-stick, we’d recommend buttering and flouring the floral design inside to ensure a smooth and easy release from the pan. The Wildflower loaf pan has a six-cup capacity and this offered enough space for our 2lb lemon drizzle loaf cake batter. Although this pan doesn’t have the largest lip, we found it easy to remove from the oven once baked. After resting for 20 minutes, the cake released from the pan with absolute ease. The flower design on the top was perfectly intact. Because of the intricate design, we’d suggest reserving this pan for special occasion bakes. It would also be ideal for jellies and frozen desserts. Available from: Amazon (£41) KitchenAid Loaf Tin Available from Harts of Stur (£20) Best loaf tin for professional results Score: 4.5/5 The majority of the loaf tins on this list are short and wide in design. By contrast, this KitchenAid offering is square, long and slim. This thin design gives the finished bake a professional, sleek appearance. Made from stainless steel, this loaf tin is a sturdy piece of kit. For added convenience it’s also dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 230C. After washing, do take time to thoroughly dry this cake tin as the rolled edges have a tendency to trap water. At the top and tail of the loaf tin are two large lips, making this KitchenAid tin safe and easy to remove from the oven. Turning our finished loaf cake out was a breeze, too, as nothing stuck to the pan. The cake was evenly risen and – for the most part – evenly coloured, too, except for a fine line of slightly darker brown around the perimeter of the cake. Available from: Harts of Stur (£20) Prestige Nadiya Hussain Non-Stick Loaf Tin Available from Prestige (£7.19) Best colourful loaf tin Score: 4.5/5 Eschewing the traditional (and sometimes boring) grey metal tin design, this Prestige loaf tin, in collaboration with Nadiya Hussain, is available in bright and bold teal and gold. Inside there’s a geometric trellis pattern printed on the base. This lightweight loaf tin is made from carbon steel and has a non-stick coating both inside and out. For ease of cleaning, this tin is also dishwasher safe. This is a wide and stout cake tin. It offered a good amount of additional space when filled with our lemon drizzle cake batter, meaning there was no overflow when baking. Only a thin lip runs the perimeter of the loaf tin, meaning it wasn’t as easy to remove from the oven as some of the others on this list. But, once baked, the cake came out of the tin with ease. The final loaf cake was spongy and moist with consistent browning on all sides in the tin. Available from: Prestige (£7.19) ProCook Loaf Tin Available from ProCook (£7) Best budget loaf tin Score: 4.5/5 Simple, understated and just over £5, this ProCook loaf tin is an inexpensive option ideal for cakes, loaves, terrines and a whole host of other dishes. This tin is available in three sizes: 1lb, 2lb and 3lb. Like many of the other tins of this list, this one is also made from heavy gauge carbon steel. It has rolled edges but no lips or extended elements to help when removing the pan from the oven. But it’s non-stick inside and out, and durable. Its generous capacity allowed us to fit all of our lemon drizzle cake batter inside with a little space for rising during baking. Our finished loaf cake was evenly risen, even in colour, with no hot or cool spots. The lack of lip made turning the cake out a little bit of a fiddly process, yet it slipped out of the tin easily with no sticking at all. Available from: ProCook (£7) Stellar James Martin Loaf Tin Latest Prices Score: 4.5/5 Best wide loaf tin Another chef collaboration cake tin, this time between James Martin and Stellar. Looking not dissimilar to the ProCook loaf tin above, this tin is a good option if you favour the appearance of wider cakes. It’s 13cm wide and 23cm long, so ideal for loaf cakes with lots of filling, meaning you’ll get a great cross-section when sliced. The non-stick coating meant our finished cake tipped out of the tin with ease, leaving nothing behind. The cake itself was fluffy, spongy and moist inside, with even and consistent browning around the outside. This is a sturdy cake tin, it’s oven safe up to 240C and is also dishwasher safe. The edges are rolled so do take care to remove all the water that gets trapped on the underside. Latest Prices Judge Loaf Tin Available from Horwood (£12) Best basic loaf tin Score: 4/5 If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive loaf tin, this Judge offering is a good choice. There are no nifty or innovative features, but a basic tin is something every baker should have in their cupboard. This tin is made from carbon steel. It has a non-stick coating on the inside and out, and also has reinforced rolled edges. It’s also dishwasher safe. After making our batch of lemon drizzle batter and filling the tin, we noticed the tin looked very full. We scooped out about three tablespoons of the batter as we were concerned the cake would overflow when baked. We’re glad we did because once cooked, the cake was nicely domed on the top and sitting on the lip. The cake came out of the tin easily thanks to the non-stick coating and overall it was pretty consistent in colour. Available from: Horwood (£12) What to look for when choosing a loaf tin On the face of it, choosing a loaf tin seems a simple enough task, but there are a few things to consider before you buy. Size: Loaf tins are typically sized in pounds (lbs) – 1lb and 2lb cake tin recipes are most common, but some tins are also available as 3lb or 4lb versions, too. Lips on the side: Lips or overhangs on the edges of your loaf tin make them easier to remove from the oven and turn out. Non-stick coating: While you may still opt to line your tin, a quality non-stick pan will make removing your cake or loaf a lot easier, while also allowing the sides of your bake to brown nicely. Ease of cleaning: A dishwasher-safe loaf tin makes clean up simple. Look out for rolled edges on the tin, as water can easily become trapped inside. How we tested loaf tins The loaf tins featured in this review were tested in controlled conditions using a standardised testing criteria. We tested a range of 2lb loaf tins using olive’s delicious Amalfi lemon drizzle loaf cake. This light cake allowed us to see the level of browning achieved by the loaf tin. All loaf tins were scored against the following criteria: Appearance of the final bake: we looked for evenly risen and baked loaf cakes. The browning around the outside of the cake needed to be consistent in colour with no warm or cool patches. Value for money: while a loaf tin is a brilliantly versatile cake tin, we questioned whether the features and results of the bake justified the price. Ease of use: a loaf tin should be easy to remove from the oven after baking, so we looked for lips on either side of the pan. We also looked for easy to clean tins – dishwasher safe tins scored well. We also noted features such as rolled lips, which have a tendency to trap water. Quality of design features: many of the loaf tins tested come with additional features including intricate patterns, extended handles and silicone lips, so we assessed whether these additions added to the overall product. To find out more about how testing appliances and tools is done at olive, head over to our how we test page. 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Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker KVC65.001 review
This entry-level model from Kenwood's Chef range is a powerful piece of kit. Read our full review to find out how it performed in test
Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker summary Kenwood is one of the leading brands in the world of stand mixers, and the Chef range is considered one of the most impressive. At £350, the Baker is the cheapest model in this range, making it an enticing entry-level option compared to some of the more expensive ones in the collection. Latest Deals Despite being the cheaper option, Kenwood haven’t skimped on the design. The Chef Baker comes with some useful design elements, like the in-built scales and gentle speed control dial. It’s compact, meaning it takes up very little space on the kitchen counter. It comes in a range of muted tones, but pops of colour can be added by changing the PopTop panel on the top of the machine. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker to use? Assembling this stand mixer is relatively intuitive. Like many other machines, the bowl needs to be twisted to secure it to the base, and it's clear how the attachments lock into place on the underside of the tilt head. If you’ve never used a Kenwood mixer before, you’ll find the tilt head release button at the back of the machine. Once pressed, the head will lift slightly. The Chef Baker is equipped with Kenwood’s LightLift head, which means only the lightest touch is required to fully engage the head. This model is compatible with Kenwood’s large range of 25 different attachments. The speed dial is large, and it's gentle when increasing and decreasing the speed. The addition of the highly responsive in-built scales are a welcome one. They weigh in either pounds and ounces or grams and kilograms, so there’s no need to worry about converting your favourite recipes. Results Equipped with a 1200 watt motor, the Chef Baker powered through our meringue test, quickly whipping egg whites into stiff peaks. The bowl allowed us enough space to tip spoonfuls of sugar into the mix without sending sugar flying. The motor had no problem working through the enriched dough for cardamom buns, though we did notice the tilt head jolting a little when dough began to stiffen up. This had no bearing on the final bake, which was soft and spongy. The Chef Baker shone when making chocolate fudge cake. All the ingredients came together with ease, resulting in a soft and indulgent chocolate cake. We didn’t have to scrape down the sides or interfere with any of the ingredients when testing this model. olive’s take: should you buy the Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker? There’s a lot about Kenwood’s Titanium Chef Baker stand mixer that we love. It’s attractive, efficient and powered through all of our tests with absolute ease. Subtle high-tech touches make using this model a delight. It’s not the quietest when running at high speed, but because it’s so powerful, you won't endure the sound for long. If you’ve been admiring Kenwood’s Chef stand mixers for a while now, this is a brilliant entry-level option. Latest Deals Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker specifications Wattage: 1200W Product weight: 9.5kg Size (cm): H36 x W27 x D40 Speed settings: Continuous Capacity of bowl(s): 5 litre Attachments included: dough roller, dough knife, dough hook, spatula, bowl cover, wire beaters, balloon whisk Related content: Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
We thoroughly tested the iconic Kenwood kMix. Read on to discover how it fared in our tests.
Kenwood kMix summary The kMix stand mixer is more affordable than most, but Kenwood have not scrimped on the design. It’s equipped with a generously-sized balloon whisk, dough hook and iconic K-beater, all made from ultra-sturdy stainless steel. undefined The boxy frame of the kMix is reminiscent of Kenwood’s original 1950s design, with a few modern upgrades. This model is available in a range of different colours, so you can be confident of finding one that suits your kitchen. Plus, the kMix is compatible with Kenwood’s expansive list of attachments. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Kenwood kMix to use? Weighing in at just over 11kg, this is not a stand mixer you want to be lugging out of the cupboard too often. Thankfully, it’s attractive enough to deserve pride of place on the kitchen counter. The pared-back mechanics of this model means there’s very little to get to grips with. The speed dial is intuitive, and the tilt-head release button is found just underneath the head – where one would expect it to be. The controls are chunky and clearly built to last. There are just six speeds to play with on the kMix, plus a ‘fold’ setting to get mixes started. We were a little perturbed by how few speeds there are, but we were quickly reassured when the 1000-watt motor powered through the tests. Like many stand mixers on the market, the kMix features a planetary action rotator, but this feature really came into its own on this model. At no point during the testing did we have to interfere with the mixtures as the planetary rotation confidently incorporated every ingredient into the 5-litre bowl. Results The generously-sized balloon whisk took our egg whites to stiff peaks in no time at all. The gap between the tilt head and the bowl offered enough space for us to tip in heaped spoonfuls of sugar without sending it flying or having it collect around the sides of the bowl. The kMix beater hugged the sides of the bowl on the cake test, bringing every last drop of batter together and keeping the sides clean. The addition of the handle on the bowl made pouring the batter into the cake tins a breeze. After baking, the cakes were well-risen and moist. On the bread test we did notice the dough began to wrap itself around the hook, rather than being kneaded, but we managed to rectify this with some increasing and decreasing of the speed to loosen the dough. olive’s take: should you buy the Kenwood kMix? Kenwood stand mixers pack a punch. Their high wattage means they work through low-hydration doughs and speedy whisking tasks with absolute ease. Where some Kenwood stand mixers can cost up to £1000, you could be easily fooled into thinking the kMix will offer sub-par performance. This is simply not the case. This is a humbly designed stand mixer that gets all the basics done well. undefined Kenwood kMix specifications Wattage: 1500W Product weight: 11.6kg Size (cm): H 35.5 X W 29.5 X D 38.5 Speed settings: 6 plus fold Capacity of bowl(s): 7L and 3.5L Attachments included: K beater, balloon whisk, dough hook, splash guard Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
Ankarsrum Assistent Original food mixer review
Sporting an impressive 1500 watt motor, the Swedish-manufactured Ankarsrum Assistent comes with a wealth of useful accessories. Read our review to find out how it performed.
Ankarsrum Assistent Original summary Hailing from Sweden, the Ankarsrum Assistent food mixer is one of the most unique-looking stand mixers we’ve tested. This stout but sturdy machine is available in a variety of different colourways, from muted tones like cream, navy and black to sunbeam yellow and fluorescent orange, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style and aesthetic. Unlike traditional stand mixers that feature rotating beaters/whisks/dough hooks, it is the actual mixing bowl that rotates on the Ankarsrum. Available from Borough Kitchen (£649), Amazon (£655) This model comes supplied with many useful attachments for everyday baking, cake making and patisserie tasks, but there are also a wealth of accessories available to buy for everything from pasta making to smoothies, making this a truly multifunctional piece of kit. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Ankarsrum Assistent Original food mixer to use? Whether you’re used to traditional stand mixers or not, you’ll need to consult the manual to work out how to put this machine together. Thankfully, a comprehensive and detailed manual is supplied. All parts slot together with absolute ease. For any dough making tasks, you’ll need to choose the 7-litre branded stainless steel bowl and for meringues and cake mixes, use the 3.5-litre clear plastic bowl. The control panel is a simple two-dial affair. One dial turns the machine on and doubles as a timer that automatically runs the Ankarsrum for up to 12 minutes. The second dial controls the speed of the machine, which, as the dial is turned, gradually and smoothly accelerates. The machine gets up to an impressive speed when on high thanks to its 1500 watt motor, making it ideal for quick whipped meringues and cream. The wide, open bowl makes adding ingredients while the machine is running a breeze. Though take care to keep the speed down low when adding light ingredients like flour and sugar to ensure the spinning bowl doesn’t shoot floury plumes out the sides. For bread dough, the open bowl was an especially welcome feature; it allowed us to watch the progress of our dough better than any other stand mixer, as well as reach in to feel the change. If you’re like us and you’re captivated by processes when it comes to cooking, you’ll find this machine as mesmerising to watch as we did. The open bowl allowed us to watch the texture of the dough change before our eyes. The dough roller attachment treated the dough gently, almost mimicking the process of hand-kneading. Plus, the dough knife that anchored itself to the side of the bowl meant that every bit of dough was scraped back into the mix. Our one and only gripe with this machine came when we made our chocolate fudge cake. After we’d mixed all the ingredients, we noticed a layer of unmixed batter coating the inside of the bowl. While we only needed to scrape the sides down with a rubber spatula, almost every other machine we’ve tested has been able to fully incorporate the mix. Results This model whipped up stiff-peaked meringue with speed and precision. Our chocolate fudge cake was well-risen and moist, though we did notice some inconsistency in texture as a result of the unmixed batter which needed to be folded in by hand. This model excelled on our bread making test. In fact, we couldn’t quite believe the results. Once baked, our cardamom buns had a delicate, soft open texture: far and away the most professional results of all the stand mixers we’ve tested. olive’s take: should you buy the Ankarsrum Assistent Original? This is the stand mixer that stole our hearts. Attractive and confidently assured in its uniqueness, the Ankarsrum is quite simply a joy to use. It struggled slightly on our cake making test, so we’d advise keeping a rubber spatula on hand to scrape down the sides. But our meringues were light and fluffy. If you’re into bread making though, this is the one and only machine you should be buying. It kneaded dough with a delicacy and respect usually only produced by hand kneading and the results were professional quality. Available from Borough Kitchen (£649), Amazon (£655) Ankarsrum Assistent Original Food Mixer specifications Wattage: 1500W Product weight: 8.9kg Size (cm): H 36 X W 27 X D 40 Speed settings: continuous Capacity of bowl(s): 7L, 3.5L Attachments included: dough roller, dough knife, dough hook, spatula, bowl cover, wire beaters, balloon whisk Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
The Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL is a powerful stand mixer that impressed us on a variety of tests – read our full review
Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL summary Kenwood offers a number of models in its Chef range but as we move to the XL models, we also head towards some serious pieces of kit. This is the big brother of the previously tested Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker, the differences being the longer body and the addition of the large 7-litre mixing bowl. Latest Deals As standard, the Chef Baker XL includes Kenwood’s high-quality attachments (K-beater, balloon whisk and dough hook) as well as a 5-litre bowl. It’s powered by a 1200 watt motor and is customisable owing to the interchangeable PopTop covers. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL to use? There’s no two ways about it: this is a hefty machine. It’s tall and relatively slim but we’d recommend checking the dimensions (40cm x 22.5cm x 37cm) to ensure that it’ll fit under the kitchen cupboards. And don’t forget the fully extended tilt head will add extra height to the stand mixer, too. It’s not overly heavy (11.5kg) but frequent bakers won’t want to be transporting this model to and from the kitchen for use, so we believe the Chef Baker XL deserves a spot on the counter. A quick scan of the instruction manual is all that’s needed to get started. This is a pretty intuitive piece of kit, from using the tilt head, fitting the attachments and bowls to using the speed dial, operating this machine is done with absolute ease. A nifty addition comes in the form of the in-built scales. They’re accurate and responsive, and weigh ingredients in both pounds and grams. Plus, they save on the washing up. There are no pre-set speeds on the dial, rather the robust dial just needs to be rotated until you reach the optimum speed for the ingredients being worked with. The slowest speed is ideal for starting mixes and gently folding ingredients together, while the fastest speed packs a punch. Results To put the Chef Baker XL to the test we made recipes that required each of the attachments. The K-beater brought the chocolate fudge cake together well. We only had to scrape down the sides of the bowl once and all the ingredients were fully incorporated. After baking, we enjoyed a fudgy, well-risen cake. The enriched dough for cardamom buns kneaded away for around 10 minutes. No dough got tangled around the dough hook and was gently worked until it became soft and smooth. The buns were light and airy in texture. Kenwood provides the largest balloon whisk of all the models we’ve tested. The size, coupled with the impressive 1400 watt motor, meant that egg whites took only a matter of moments to turn into glossy, firm meringue. olive’s take: should you buy the Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL? This is a powerful machine. True to form with Kenwood, we really can’t fault the construction or performance – everything is well considered and puts the user first. Compatible with Kenwood’s many other attachments, this is a truly versatile piece of kit. But we believe it’s strictly reserved for those who are looking to bake regularly, have a large family, or bake in big batches. If you’re looking for something smaller but which still packs a punch, the Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker still hits the brief. Latest Deals Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL specifications Wattage: 1400W Product weight: 11.5kg Size (cm): H 40 X W 37 X D 22.5 Speed settings: continuous Capacity of bowl(s): 7L, 5L Attachments included: K-Beater, dough hook, balloon whisk, creaming beater Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
This simply designed, but impressive machine shone on our basic cake making test, but how did it perform overall? Read on for our review.
Cuisinart Precision stand mixer summary Modest and unassuming, this Cuisinart stand mixer is available in just two colours: black or white. It’s simply designed and doesn’t come with all the high-tech features of some of its more expensive counterparts. Rather, Cuisinart have focused solely on creating a simple, accessible stand mixer that gets the basics right. It comes with everything a home baker would need: a generously sized 5.2-litre bowl, balloon whisk, dough hook and flat paddle beater. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Cuisinart Precision stand mixer to use? Compared to some of the high-tech (and high priced) stand mixers we’ve tested, the Cuisinart Precision is a doddle to use. The attachments are reassuringly weighty and require little more than a small push and twist to load them. Just like many other models, the bowl twists and locks onto the base of the unit. There are 12 speed controls to play with, which we felt was a little excessive, but the range of speeds offers a great deal of control over the mixes - a mixer that lives up to its name. The Precision stand mixer is not difficult to use at all, with simple but effective features making this one of the more intuitive models on the market. Results It’s equipped with a relatively low-wattage motor (500W) and we found that it struggled a little when kneading large quantities for a prolonged period. But the lower speed settings were particularly useful when bringing together the dry ingredients for our cardamom bun recipe. The highest speed settings were equally useful when whipping egg whites for meringue. The whisk had good range and picked up all the sugar from around the sides of the bowl, to produce a glossy, stiff-peaked meringue. On the chocolate fudge cake test, the powerful beaters coupled with the impressive speed, worked through lumps of butter and sugar with absolute ease. After mixing the batter, the accompanying handle on the bowl allowed us to easily portion it up between cake tins. olive’s take: should you buy the Cuisinart Precision stand mixer? Pictures of this stand mixer don’t do it justice. It’s attractive, sleek and includes high-quality attachments. This Cuisinart model was not built to overcomplicate things, rather it’s designed to efficiently assist in everyday baking tasks. Its price-point suggests that this is an entry level model, but it handles cake making, whipping, and bread kneading tasks with the proficiency of its more expensive counterparts. Cuisinart Precision stand mixer specifications Wattage: 500W Product weight: 7.6kg Size (cm): H 36 X W 37 X D 21 Speed settings: 12 Capacity of bowl(s): 5.2L Attachments included: balloon whisk, flat beater, dough hook Related content Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL review
Kenwood's Titanium Chef Patissier XL is a luxury piece of kit with plenty of useful additions. Read on for our full review.
Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL summary The sophisticated Titanium Chef Patissier XL has been designed for the home-baker who wants a lot more from their humble stand mixer. Although it is a stand mixer first and foremost, the Patissier XL features a range of additions that can transform this mixer into your own personal sous chef. Latest Deals Aesthetically, there’s not much to get excited about unless you’re into the industrial look. Kenwood’s focus is purely on performance. And perform it does. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL to use? To begin with, all the technical additions on this stand mixer can make it feel like an intimidating piece of kit. But all the features aim to make life much easier. But what are the additions? As well as all the classic accessories (5-litre bowl, K-beater, dough hook, balloon whisk) this model comes with a creaming beater and 7-litre EasyWarm bowl. The EasyWarm function can be used for a variety of different patisserie tasks, including making Swiss meringue or melting chocolate and prove dough. Like some of the other Kenwood models we’ve tested, the Patissier XL comes with inbuilt scales, which even work with Kenwood’s optional attachments, like the blender and food processor. Plus there’s a touchscreen control panel that features a range of different key baking pre-sets, including all-in-one cake, egg-white whisking, and the aforementioned EasyWarm bowl functions. Keep the manual on hand until you’re fully acquainted with the machine as there are lots of functions to familiarise yourself with. Thankfully many are clearly labelled and intuitive to use. Results If we had to describe the way the Patissier XL works in one word, it would be methodical. When kneading the enriched dough for cardamom buns, we watched as the planetary mixing function carefully and thoroughly gathered all the ingredients into a plump, soft ball. We employed the bowl warm function and allowed the dough to prove for an hour. We also used the integrated timer, which beeped to signal it was time to bake the dough. Buns were soft and bouncy: the perfect consistency. This stand mixer has capacity for up to 16 egg whites, but we tested it out with just four. The 1400-watt motor made light work of this simple whisking task, producing a glossy and crisp meringue once baked. To ensure the smoothest results we used the creaming beater to make chocolate fudge cake. All the ingredients were fully incorporated into the mix, resulting in a smooth and glossy batter and beautifully risen, light cakes. olive’s take: should you buy the Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL? This is a serious stand mixer for serious bakers. It’s an expensive purchase but offers a wealth of additional functions we’ve not seen available on any other stand mixer. Kenwood are leading the charge when it comes to innovative and versatile pieces of kit. It’s clear to see that the user experience is at the forefront when it comes to designing cutting edge technologies. This is a specialised stand mixer, not for everyone – it's expensive, especially if you only need it to carry out basic functions. However, if you’re a fan of gadgets and are looking for high performance, the Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL is a great choice. Latest Deals Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL specifications Wattage: 1400W Product weight: 8.5kg Size (cm): H 35 X W 38 X D 28.5 Speed settings: continuous Capacity of bowl(s): 7L, 5L Attachments included: K-Beater, dough hook, balloon whisk, creaming beater Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
We put Bosch's hybrid stand mixer to the test using tried and tested olive recipes, read our full review to find out how it performed.
Bosch CreationLine MUM5XW10 summary Bosch don’t consider the MUM5XW10 just a stand mixer, rather it’s an all-round kitchen machine. As well as all the usual stand mixer suspects (flex beater, balloon whisk, dough hook and splash guard), this model comes with a variety of accessories for a range of food processing tasks: slicing and shredding discs and a food processor attachment. Sitting landscape on the counter, its design and appearance steer away from traditional stand mixers, but that’s one of the reasons why we like it. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Bosch CreationLine MUM5XW10 to use? A quick scan of the manual is all that’s needed to get started. Features like the speed dial are conveniently placed and the tilt head release button is clear to see, but unobtrusive; it sits flush to the neck of the machine. The bowl and attachments are all simple to fit. There’s a touchscreen control panel on the front of the machine which doubles as a weighing scale display and timer. Initially we were excited by the scales, which weigh in grams or pounds, but we were disappointed to see that it displays in increments of five grams, as this may be too vague for some recipes. Baking and pastry often require a precision level of measuring that this Bosch model simply won’t be able to provide. The count-up timer is useful, though. All the accessories including the main bowl are dishwasher-safe for fuss-free clean up. We tested out the food processor attachment to see how it fared: it blitzed through cheese, potatoes and carrots with absolute ease. It’s definitely a useful accompaniment for bakes like carrot cake. Attractive on the counter, Bosch also included a nifty automatic cable rewind feature to keep your work surface clear from annoying cables. Results All the stand mixer attachments move rhythmically around the bowl. Bosch have dubbed this 3D PlanetaryMixing and it’s designed to reach all around the bowl, incorporating every ingredient. This model also comes with an “automatic parking” feature: if you have to stop the stand mixer midway through mixing, the attachment automatically moves to the back of the bowl out of the way, allowing you full access to scrape down. The meringue and chocolate fudge cake tests yielded impressive results. A thick, glossy meringue was achieved in just four minutes and the cake was light and fluffy. The plastic dough hook struggled somewhat under the weight of the sticky cardamom bun dough and we found we had to scrape down the sides more often. olive’s take: should you buy the Bosch CreationLine MUM5XW10? If you’re after a versatile but powerful piece of kit, this Bosch machine is an impressive option. The landscape design is attractive and inviting, plus the hidden cord and accompanying storage bag are simple but welcome features that contribute to the tidy aesthetic overall. It powered through the cake and meringue tests with gusto, producing exactly the results we were looking for, but if you’re a keen bread baker, there are other machines available that will serve you better. Bosch CreationLine MUM5XW10 specifications Wattage: 1000W Product weight: 7kg Size (cm): H 28.2 X W 28.0 X D 27.1 Speed settings: 7 Capacity of bowl(s): 3.9L Attachments included: whisk, flex beater, dough hook. Continuous shredder includes four discs: grating disc, reversible disc for slicing and grating, reversible shredding disc and reversible slicing disc for an extra size Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
If you're short on space, the beautifully crafted KitchenAid Mini powered through basic baking tasks with gusto.
KitchenAid mini stand mixer summary As the name suggests, the KitchenAid mini is the smallest model available in the KitchenAid family. This model comes with a 3.3-litre bowl and is 25% lighter and 20% smaller than KitchenAid’s most well-known model, the Artisan. Design-wise, this model looks just like the KitchenAid Classic and Artisan. It features the head-tilt lock on one side and speed control on the other. This model comes with 10 speed options, including a soft start feature for slowly bringing mixtures together. The mini comes with the three key attachments: a flat beater, wire whisk and dough hook. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the KitchenAid mini to use? If you’ve used a KitchenAid before, you’ll find this model very familiar. If not, the settings are all well-labelled, making it an intuitive model to use. A simple push-and-lock system is used to attach the accessories, which may take some getting used to for first-timers. One 3.3-litre bowl is included, which holds 680g flour or eight medium egg whites. The bowl easily fits into the base of the machine, but we're disappointed by the lack of handle, which is useful when scraping batter from the bowl. We find the speed control handle a little stiff, and have to use some force to increase and decrease the speed. But, the soft start setting is a welcome addition that ensures no ingredients are sent flying when the speed suddenly increases. With a modest 250-watt motor, this model doesn’t quite pack a punch when whisking at full speed – it takes longer than expected. Similarly, when kneading bread dough, the mini seems a little sluggish. The three included attachments – whisk, flat beater and dough hook – are of the same high-quality materials used in KitchenAid’s larger capacity stand mixers. Although the flat beater leaves nothing unmixed at the bottom of the bowl, it is necessary to scrape down the sides a few times when making a cake. Similarly, when kneading dough with the dough hook, some unmixed flour may need to be manually added back into the dough. The tilt head also moves up and down a little when kneading dough. Results Despite being a little slow and lacking oomph, the KitchenAid mini stand mixer produces fantastic results. Our meringue is glossy with stiff peaks. The chocolate fudge cake batter is velvety smooth, resulting in an evenly risen and light cake. The dough for our cardamom buns is springy, and once baked, has a soft, open texture. olive’s take: should you buy the KitchenAid mini? This is not a stand mixer for large families or those looking to bake in large batches, but don’t be fooled by its size: this model is still able to tackle every test, producing results to rival stand mixers double its size. If you value saving space over power, this compact machine is a great choice. KitchenAid hasn’t skimped on any details; rather, it features the same high-quality design and finish of the larger models in the range. A great option for smaller kitchens. KitchenAid mini specifications Wattage: 250w Product weight: 6.5kg Size (cm): H 31.2 x W 19.8 x D 31.2cm Speed settings: 10 Capacity of bowl(s): 3.3-litre Attachments included: dough hook, balloon whisk, beater Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
The KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is a popular choice for home-bakers and professional chefs alike, read our review to find out why.
KitchenAid Artisan summary Premium appliance brand KitchenAid are world-renowned for their iconic stand mixers. The Artisan is the largest of KitchenAid’s mid-sized stand mixers and is available in a range of colours. Plus, KitchenAid release a “colour of the year” annually. There are three different types of Artisan to choose from, check out the model code to work out which one you're buying. An entry-level model (125) includes a 4.8L bowl, wire whisk, dough hook and beater. There’s the 175 which includes the same accessories as the 125 as well as a flex-edge beater, additional 3L bowl and splatter guard. The 175 is also available in more colours. Finally, there’s the Artisan Premium (185), which comes with everything minus the flex-edge beater, but is available in six premium colours and the attachments are all stainless steel. The body and the mechanics of each of the stand mixers are exactly the same; it’s just a case of working out how much you’ve got to spend and – perhaps most importantly – what colour you’d like. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the KitchenAid Artisan to use? With no high-tech components or fiddly attachments to figure out, putting the KitchenAid Artisan together is a simple affair. If you’re stumped though, useful imagery is provided to guide you. The tilt head lifts easily and is secured in place with a satisfying and audible click. The attachments simply need to be pushed and locked into place. The Artisan isn’t the lightest of models, but considering how attractive it is, it deserves pride of place on the kitchen counter. There are ten speeds to choose from, though unlike the Mini and Classic KitchenAid models, there’s no half-speed to get mixes going. All attachments except for the wire whisk are dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up. Results We made a chocolate fudge cake using both the flex-edge beater and the standard beater. When using the standard beater we had to scrape down the sides of the bowl twice to ensure every ingredient was incorporated; this wasn’t the case with the flex-edge beater. We’d recommend investing in the flex-edge if you plump for the 125 or 185 model and are looking to make cakes primarily. On both tests, the cake came out light, fluffy and well-risen. Despite its relatively low wattage (300W), the Artisan is punchy when whisking on high speed. The meringue came together quickly, producing stiff peaks. The dough hook kneaded the enriched dough well; it had a soft and bouncy texture before baking and an open, airy texture after. olive’s take: should you buy the KitchenAid Artisan? This stand mixer is iconic for a reason. Not only is it one of the most attractive models on the market, but its performance is consistently impressive. Whether it is dough, batter or meringue, this model handles everyday baking tasks with absolute ease. With a wealth of additional attachments available, from pasta rollers to ice-cream-makers, the KitchenAid Artisan is a versatile, high-quality and attractive choice. KitchenAid Artisan specifications Wattage: 300W Product weight: 10.4kg Size (cm): H 36 X W 24 X D 37 Speed settings: 10 Capacity of bowl(s): 4.8L Attachments included: balloon whisk, flat beater, dough hook (125), splatter guard (185), flex edge beater (175) Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
Sage is well-known for its sleek, performance-focussed appliances. Read our full review to find out how the Bakery Boss performed.
Sage the Bakery Boss summary Sage is well-known for its sleek, impressive appliances, and the Bakery Boss is no exception. It comes equipped with two bowls – one glass (4.7-litre) and one stainless steel (3.8-litre) – as well as a scraper beater, flat beater, dough hook and wire whisk. To keep work surfaces clean, a splash guard is provided. For refrigerating or proving doughs, there’s also a lid for the bowls. This model is full of useful features, including an overhead light that illuminates the bowl, a handy timer and speed guide so you can determine the best speed for a variety of different tasks. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the Sage the Bakery Boss to use? Guidance text is printed all over the machine, from the release button on the top of the tilt head to the speed guide at the side, but thankfully this is subtle and in keeping with Sage’s aesthetic. Fitting each of the attachments is easy to do: simply insert and twist to lock into place. The necks of the attachments are very short, which means that when removing them after use, your hands do get covered in cake batter or whatever you're mixing. Fitting the two bowls is easy. The glass bowl is heavy, so take care when moving it around. The smaller stainless steel bowl comes with two handles, one on either side. There are 12 speeds to choose from and the speed guide details which is appropriate for a range of tasks, from folding to aerating. There's no aggressive jolting when increasing or decreasing speeds – it gradually and smoothly speeds up. That being said, the splash guard is important when making our chocolate fudge cake, as even the slowest speed sends flour and cocoa powder flying. If you’re into high-tech pieces of kit, this model comes with a few good features, but also remains modest. Nestled on the underside of the tilt head is a light that illuminates the bowl when the motor is running. At the bottom sits an LCD timer that either counts up when mixing, or can be used as a countdown timer. Results The meringue is well-whipped and fluffy, but you will need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure the ingredients are fully incorporated. When mixing the cardamom bun dough, the dough does become knotted around the hook and spins around, rather than kneading – we had to interfere a few times to ensure the dough was properly worked. The Bakery Boss excels in cake making, though. The scraper beater hugs the side of the bowl, scraping it clean as it spins. The glossy batter makes for a nicely risen and moist cake once baked. olive’s take: should you buy the Sage the Bakery Boss? Attractive and understated, the Sage the Bakery Boss is a modest stand mixer that packs a punch, performance-wise. When it comes to the meringue and cake-making tests, we couldn’t fault the results. Though, we did find the short necks of the attachments make things messy. When it comes to bread kneading, you’ll need to stay close to ensure dough doesn’t wrap itself around the hook. Sage the Bakery Boss specifications Wattage: 1200w Product weight: 11kg Size (cm): H 38.1 x W 38.1 x D 27.9cm Speed settings: 12 Capacity of bowl(s): 4.7 litres, 3.8 litres Attachments included: scraper beater, standard flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
This mid-sized stand mixer from KitchenAid is a great choice for occasional home bakers. Read our full review.
KitchenAid Classic summary From KitchenAid’s medium-sized stand mixer range comes the Classic. It’s equipped with a 4.3-litre stainless steel bowl (just 0.5 litres smaller than the KitchenAid Artisan) and comes with a dough hook, wire whisk and flat beater – everything a home baker needs. Latest Deals Although KitchenAid is well-known for its stand mixers, many of which are available in a range of colours, the Classic is only available in black or white. This model remains true to form and looks just like the others in the range. KitchenAid markets the Classic as its entry level offering. Read the full olive best stand mixers review. How easy is the KitchenAid Classic to use? This model works just like other KitchenAid stand mixers, but if you’re unfamiliar, useful graphics and text are printed on the machine to help guide you. Alternatively, the manual is detailed and comprehensive. There are 10 speeds to choose from, plus a half-speed that's ideal for getting mixtures started. These are controlled using the lever found on the side of the tilt head. Although the speed doesn’t gradually increase like it does on some of the other models we’ve tested, there isn’t any aggressive jolting, either. As with all KitchenAid models, the tilt head is a little weighty. But, it’s easy to find purchase to lift it, and it locks into place with an audible click. The bowl and attachment are fitted with a simple twist-and-lock mechanism. The lack of handle on the bowl is a disappointing omission, as this is usually particularly helpful when unlocking the bowl from the stand and inverting the bowl to remove every last drop. The attachments all fit well and remain secure. The hooks to attach and detach them are all long enough to keep fingers clean after the attachment has been used, too. All the attachments fit the bowl well, and during our cardamom buns and meringue tests, all the ingredients were fully incorporated. We found that even after adjusting the height of the attachment spindle, we had to scrape down the bowl when making the chocolate fudge cake, albeit only once. Results The Classic is a little slow to bring dough mixtures together, which results in a slightly tight, overworked bun when baked. We feel the stand mixer is equally slow to whip egg whites for meringue. Overall, we feel the machine needs a little more oomph. Despite having to scrape down the bowl, the chocolate fudge cake batter is smooth, which results in a moist, evenly risen cake. olive’s take: should you buy the KitchenAid Classic? Classic by name and nature, this KitchenAid model is basic, but it does everything one would need. It’s equipped with all the attachments needed to get a home baker started and is uncomplicated to use. Its 275-watt motor means it doesn’t quite have the horsepower of some of the other models on the market, but for standard cake making and whisking tasks, this has little affect other than having to wait a little longer. Latest Deals KitchenAid Classic specifications Wattage: 275w Product weight: 11.5kg Size (cm): H 35.3 x W 35.8 x D 22.1cm Speed settings: 10 Capacity of bowl(s): 4.3 litres Attachments included: dough hook, balloon whisk, flat beater Related content Best 24 baking tips Best sweet traybakes Best cheesecake recipes Easy boozy cakes and bakes Easy sourdough recipe Best bread recipes Easy cake recipes Best baking gifts
Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional ICE100 review
We tested the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional using much loved olive recipes. Did this model produce the creamy and luxurious results we were looking for?
Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional review summary Designed to make professional quality ice cream and gelato, this Cuisinart model is a high-quality choice for ice cream lovers. It’s self-freezing, so those short on time and space will be able to keep their freezer free and make ice cream at the drop of a hat. This stylish gadget is matte grey with brushed stainless-steel panelling across the top and front. The ice cream bowl is placed at the front and the controls at the back. We were particular fans of the useful stop/start button, which allows you to stop the machine mid-churn to sample your ice cream. Available from Lakeland (£249.99), John Lewis (£249.99) Read our full guide to the best ice cream makers What was the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional like to use? Putting this ice cream maker together is super simple thanks to useful guides embossed onto the side of the ice cream bowl and the comprehensive manual. The main bowl slots into place with a satisfying click, as do the ice cream paddles. The control panel is uncomplicated; there’s a digital timer that can be programmed to run for 10-60 minutes in one-minute increments and the countdown timer keeps you up to date with how long is left. The main bowl has a 1.5-litre capacity which equates to one litre of ice cream/sorbet/gelato base. To get you started, Cuisinart features 15 recipes in the manual, including some delicious sounding ideas for frozen drinks. One thing to be aware of is the mechanical whirring sound this ice cream maker makes. While no ice cream maker we tested is silent, the noise this one made is noticeable. How did the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional perform? We wanted to test this ice cream maker out using classic, unfussy recipes, so we whipped up olive’s vanilla ice cream recipe and attached the ice cream paddle. After 40 minutes of churning the ice cream was smooth, creamy and well aerated. It was a little firmer than soft-set ice cream, making it the perfect texture to serve immediately. Next we made olive’s tropical and zesty mango sorbet. Like the ice cream, it was ready to serve straight away thanks to its firm-set texture. The sorbet was luxurious and smooth, with a bright and fresh flavour. We swapped in the gelato paddle and prepped a batch of olive’s chocolate and black pepper gelato. It froze fairly quickly and was silkier than we could have imagined! There was a noticeable difference in texture compared to the ice cream: whilst the ice cream had a whipped, light texture, our gelato was denser, but silky. There was no build up of ice cream or gelato around the inside of the bowl and we were able to remove every last bit with a rubber spatula. olive's take: should you buy the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional? If you’re looking for an ice cream maker to take pride of place on the kitchen counter, the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional is a great choice. It certainly lives up to its name as it consistently produces professional-quality results, whether you’re making ice cream, gelato or sorbet. In modern, pared-back or simply designed kitchens it’ll fit right in, but even if that isn’t your style, it’s not too heavy, so is easy to move from storage to counter when it’s time to use. Latest Deals Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional specifications Bowl capacity: 1.5-litre Accessories: gelato paddle Pre-set functions: none Dimensions (cm): H:30 x W:24 x D: 42 Colours: silver Related recipes Vanilla ice cream with warm chocolate sauce Brown butter ice cream Roasted banana caramel swirl ice cream Maple honeycomb ice cream Chocolate and black pepper gelato Pecan praline ice cream Peach melba ice cream Bitter chocolate ice cream Peanut butter and salted caramel ice cream This review was last updated in May 2021. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at oliveweb@immediate.co.uk.