Best multi-cookers to buy in 2025, tried and tested by experts
Versatile and efficient, multi-cookers can be a real time and space-saver in the kitchen, reducing the need for multiple gadgets. Here's a few tried-and-tested favourites, hand-picked by our reviews team
Multi-cookers have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. First developed (in their current form) over a decade ago, the extent to what they can now offer home cooks has far surpassed pressure and slow cooking. Most newer models now come equipped with between 10 and 15 settings, including presets for specific ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables. In others, you can bake cakes, cook rice, or roast a whole chicken. A handful of multi-cookers come with air fryer functionality too, so you can create the familiar taste and texture of fried dishes like chips or halloumi fries, using little to no oil. Perhaps most importantly, one of the things we love most about multi-cookers is they reduce the need to have multiple appliances sitting on your worktop. For the most part, these gadgets can handle it all and often in a fraction of the cooking time – saving you both money and kitchen space too. We also wanted to test which models were the cheapest to run. Pressure-cooking is generally a low-cost method of cooking, and you can hear more about it in this episode of the olive podcast. Here's are our tried-and-tested pick of the best multi-cookers available to buy right now. Looking for more on big name brands like Ninja? Take a look at our best Ninja air fryer guide, our best dual air fryers, or find the latest Ninja deals. Jump to: Best multi-cookers at a glance Best multi-cookers to buy in 2025 What to consider when buying a multi-cooker How we tested multi-cookers View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best multi-cookers at a glance Best multi-cooker slow cooker: Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 slow cooker, £119.99 Best overall multi-cooker: Crockpot Turbo Express 14-in-1 pressure cooker, £106.99 Best rice cooker for top-end multi-cookers: Sage Fast Slow Go multi-cooker, £149.95 Best stylish multi-cooker: Cosori 9-in-1 Electric 5.7L pressure cooker, £99.99 Best large multi-cooker: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid, £220 Best multi-cooker for pressure cooking: Tefal Turbo Cuisine multi pressure cooker, £79.99 Best air fryer multi-cooker: Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 SmartLid 7.5-litre multi-cooker, £229.99 Best multi-cookers to buy in 2025 Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 slow cooker Available from Amazon (£119), Ninja Kitchen (£119.99) Best multi-cooker slow cooker Star rating: 5/5 While this product is technically a slow cooker, after testing it we believe that it offers such great versatility to be classed as a multi-cooker. As well as slow cook, the functions include simmer, braise, sear, sauté, prove and keep warm. With an eight-litre capacity, it's larger than many in this list, ideal for cooking for a crowd. The pot is removable, which we found really useful for something like a pie, where you can make the filling in the slow cooker, remove the pot, top with pastry and move to the oven for it to crisp up. undefined Crockpot Turbo Express 14-in-1 pressure cooker Latest Deals Best overall multi-cooker Score: 5/5 stars Wattage: 1400W Cost to run: n/a With 14 functions and 5.6-litre capacity, this is an excellent multi-cooker for medium to large households. It also features a 'turbo cooking' function that turns meals around 40 per cent more quickly – ideal if you're hurrying to get dinner on the table. We were most struck by its user-friendly credentials: the cooker's lid lifts up and off, which makes it much easier to clean than some hinged models, and all 14 cooking modes are selectable via a simple push-button. There's a keep-warm function that automatically jumps into action once cooking is finished. The slow-cook function proved successful too, creating a richly infused chicken korma with succulent meat and a creamy sauce. Latest Deals Sage Fast Slow Go multi-cooker Latest Deals Best rice cooker for top-end multi-cookers Score: 5/5 stars Wattage: 1100W Cost to run: n/a This gadget is a stylish addition to the countertop, featuring a large digital touchscreen and brushed stainless-steel design. Its 14 functions are selectable via the push-button interface, with a particular focus on pressure cook and slow functions, as well as stews, stocks, yogurt and sous vide. It's a chunky piece of kit, but its versatility warrants its price and size. Where this multi-cooker impressed us most was grain and rice cooking, and we produced a creamy risotto that didn't require the usual effort of stirring by hand. Latest Deals Cosori 9-in-1 Electric 5.7L pressure cooker Latest Prices Best stylish multi-cooker Score: 4.5/5 stars Wattage: 1100W With a sleek polished-steel body and robust lid with matching metallic handle, this pressure cooker from Cosori instantly looks impressive. It comes well-equipped with a manual quick-start guide and recipe book, as well as a range of accessories, including a ladle, rice paddle and steam rack. This machine has a 5.7L capacity, which is plenty of space to cook meals for a large family or household. There are 12 functions to choose from, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sous vide and sauté, as well as presets to cook rice, stew, grains and more. There are also customisable timings on most settings. When using the sauté function, you can choose your preferred setting, which gives good control, and it meant our vegetables were evenly cooked on test. Latest Prices Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid Latest Prices Best large multi-cooker Score: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1500W Cost during test: 5.05p Instant Pot is well-known for producing high-quality multi-cookers, and this gadget – complete with air fryer functionality – is equally impressive. Grill, roast, slow cook, and dehydrate are all selectable via the multi-cooker's interface, as well as sous-vide setting that allows you to precisely control the water temperature. As multi-cookers go, it's fairly chunky-looking with a sleek black body and digital display. We loved the vast 6.2-litre pot, which is ideal for cooking large batches or feeding a crowd. The sliding lock function is also much slicker and easier to use than most traditional pressure-release switches. This appliance produced a pleasant beef stew too, with tender meat and a thick gravy. Latest Prices Tefal Turbo Cuisine multi pressure cooker Latest Deals Best multi-cooker for pressure cooking Score: 4.5/5 stars Wattage: 1000W Cost during test: 4.38p This Tefal multi-cooker benefits from a smooth, spherical body with a rounded, almost cauldron-like interior. Operating it is a simple affair thanks to the bright, clear display and well-written instruction manual, where you'll also find guidance on how to use the sous-vide preset. Other functions include sauté, steam, bake, stew, soup, slow cook, bread rise, rice, yogurt and porridge. Because it's shorter than most other multi-cookers, it's a great choice for those with lower kitchen cupboards. Should you wish to move it around, there are also two wide handles for easy lifting, plus silicone feet to keep it fixed onto the worktop. The large, central button for releasing pressure is also a smart design feature, both for safety as well as aesthetic. Latest Deals Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 SmartLid 7.5-litre multi-cooker Latest Deals Best air fryer multi-cooker Score: 4.5/5 stars Wattage: 1760W Cost during test: n/a Ninja's multi-cookers were among the first to feature air-fryer functions alongside a wide range of presets. This version comes with 15 settings, which include pressure cook, air fry, grill, bake, dehydrate, prove, sear/sauté, steam, slow cook, and yogurt, as well as five combi steam-meal options. Its 7.5-litre capacity makes it a practical choice for households of between four and six, and it also features a single-lift lid with a sliding lock that doubles as a mode selector. The sear/sauté function was also effective, rendering the fat and caramelising the ingredients efficiently without burning. Some of the cooking aromas clung to the lid's seal even after washing, but there is advice in the manual for a cleaning function. Latest Deals What to consider when buying a multi-cooker Multi-cookers can vary widely in versatility and capacity, with some larger models offering extra functionality that smaller ones don't. Before you buy, it's worth considering the following: Size: If you're cooking for a larger household or plan on using your gadget to batch cook, you'll find bigger models offer ample capacity, but there are mini ones for smaller households too. Think about where your multi-cooker will sit: do you have sufficient countertop or storage space for it? Some also come with hinged lids, which means they stand quite tall – this is something to consider if you have lower kitchen cupboards. Functionality: Multi-cookers can be a fantastic way to experiment with new cooking methods and can inject some excitement into everyday meal prep. Look carefully at the presets on offer and consider how or whether you would use them – some may save you investing in two or more large appliances further down the line. Extra attachments: Several models also come with bonus accessories like utensils, while some have steaming baskets that allow you to double the capacity of your cooker. Cooking smells can often permeate the sealing ring of the lid when pressure-cooking, so others – like the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus multi-cooker – come with additional rings when switching between savoury and sweet dishes. How we tested multi-cookers Where a gadget has a range of functions, we like to run multiple tests to make sure everything is working as it should be. Most of the multi-cookers we tested come with 10 or more presets, including pressure cook, slow cook, sear/sauté, air fry, bake, grill, and roast, plus extra settings for specific ingredients like chicken, fish or vegetables. We adapted a beef and vegetable casserole recipe by our friends at BBC Good Food to test pressure cooking, reducing the quantity of water by half and adding flour at the end of cooking to thicken the gravy. We made chicken korma to help us determine the effectiveness of each multi-cooker's slow-cooking function, assessing whether they successfully tenderised the meat without overcooking it. Since spice aromas tend to linger in this dish, we also tested whether any cooking smells permeated the sealing ring of the lid. Some of the multi-cookers also come with bake functions, so we tested these using a gluten-free lemon drizzle cake recipe. We looked for evenly baked cakes with consistent browning and a moist crumb. All the multi-cookers we've featured in this review were tested in controlled conditions and using standardised criteria. In testing, we scored each model against the following: Performance We were looking for flavoursome stews and kormas with succulent, tender meat, even browning and well-infused flavours. Some pressure cookers can turn vegetables soggy because of the volume of water they need to cook, but we wanted our veg to have a soft yet slight bite. Quality of materials We looked for robust, sturdy designs with components and attachments that are built to withstand years of use. Multi-cookers also come with a large inner bowl that sits inside an outer with a lid – we wanted to see a good fit. Design and aesthetic Most multi-cookers are bulky and weighty, so you may not want to be moving it from the counter to the cupboard and back every time you use it. We wanted to see sleek, good-looking gadgets that would suit a range of kitchens and slot neatly amongst other worktop appliances. Ease of use We assessed each multi-cooker for its intuitiveness during set-up and cooking, assessing whether you need to rely on the manual to master the controls. The highest-scoring models came with simple functions, updates on the cooking process, properly fitting lids, clear controls and easy-to-open pressure release valves. Value for money Prices varied broadly across the models we tested, so we factored in performance, quality of materials, design, ease of use, and versatility to score each multi-cooker out of five. Sustainability We questioned whether the multi-cooker is covered by a fair guarantee, and whether there's any advice on how to recycle it at the end of its life. We also measured how expensive each gadget was to run based on a standard tariff of 31.8p/kWh, and whether its packaging could be recycled. To find out more about how we review appliances and kit at olive, read our guide on how we test products. Multi-cooker recipes Slow-cooked lamb shawarma Coq au vin Slow-cooked pulled pork carnitas Lamb shank shepherd's pie Slow-cooked lamb gyros Light paneer curry Aubergine dhansak Slow-cooker meatballs Chicken risotto Slow-cooker beef curry More reviews Best slow cookers 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 chef's knives Best nakiri knives
10 of the best Protein Works products to get started on your health journey
Discover beginner-friendly Protein Works products that make healthy living simple, delicious and fuss-free – perfect for starting your wellness journey
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Buy Sleep Deep now Lion's Mane Limitless Lion's Mane has a centuries-long reputation for its potential to help cognitive function and mental clarity, and this supplement is packed with the equivalent of 4,000mg of Lion’s Mane mushroom – as well as vitamin B6 – to help you stay switched on and focused, while also reducing tiredness and fatigue. Simply take up to two capsules per day, either together or at different times. Buy Lions Mane Limitless now The Big Little Bar Protein bars are a convenient way to boost your protein intake on the go, and in the Big Little Bar, you'll find up to 10g of protein and under 1g of sugar per serving. It's available in three flavours – Cosmic (cookies and cream), Punk (peanuts) and Caramba (salted caramel), encased in chocolate and packed with crispy soya nuggets for extra crunch. The bars are also high in fibre, which can support digestion and help you feel fuller for longer. 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Best brownie tins to buy 2024, tried and tested by bakers
So much of what makes a good brownie comes down to the tin you bake it in. We tested a range of different brownie tins to help you find the very best
Simple yet endlessly versatile, brownie tins come in a variety of sizes and depths – and their usefulness doesn’t end with brownies. They’re ideal for a range of other sweet traybake recipes too, such as flapjacks, millionaire’s shortbread, tiffin and parkin. You can also use them to make cheesecake squares – see our best cheesecake recipes for inspiration. Take a look at our classic chocolate brownies recipe (which is what we used to test the brownie tins), plus other indulgent traybake treats including Oreo brownies, peanut butter blondies, tahini brownies, and Baileys brownies. And for more appliance and bakeware reviews, read our reviews on the best tarte tatin tins, best springform cake tins, best tart tins, and best stand mixers. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best brownie tins at a glance Best brownie tins to buy 2024 What to look out for when choosing a brownie tin How we tested brownie tins Best brownie tins at a glance Best loose-bottomed brownie tin: ProCook loose bottomed brownie tin, £8 Best brownie tin: Lakeland brownie traybake tin, £10.99 Best blowout brownie tin: Le Creuset rectangular cake tin, £45 Best brownie tin for large quantities: Tala Performance large brownie pan, £15.56 Best brownie tin for easy cleaning: Prestige Inspire non-stick brownie tin, £10.99 Best-looking brownie tin: Nadiya Hussain x Prestige brownie tin, £14.99 Best silicone brownie tin: MasterClass Smart silicone square flexible bake pan, £18 Best brownie tins to buy 2024 ProCook loose bottomed brownie tin Available from ProCook (£8) Best loose-bottomed brownie tin Star rating: 5/5 At 20cm square, this tin is more compact than many we tested, but it still fit our entire brownie mix in it, although it did need baking for a bit longer than recommended. This is a high quality tin, as we'd expect from ProCook, with an effective non-stick coating that made clean-up a breeze. The stand out feature is the loose bottom. Although this means you do have to line the tin with greaseproof paper to make sure your mix doesn't escape, they're so easy to remove as you just push the bottom out through the centre of the tin. And at less than £10 you'd struggle to find such a high quality piece of kit at a more affordable price. undefined Lakeland brownie traybake tin undefined Best brownie tin Star rating: 5/5 There’s a lot to admire about this traybake tin from Lakeland, from the robust design to the handy portion guides, which made it easy to divide up our brownies evenly. Best of all, though, was the bake – our favourite kind of brownies have fudgy centres with crispy edges and a firm bite, and this is exactly what we achieved with this tin. Looks-wise, it’s simple yet attractive with a pearlescent blue finish. We liked the wide handles, which made it easy to move around and place inside the oven. It’s lightweight, too, but still feels sturdy and of high quality – certainly good value for a tin just over £10. There’s also a three-year warranty, which is decent though shorter than the other tins we tested. The non-stick performance was fantastic and there was barely a crumb left when it came to cleaning up. There are no rolled edges or dirt traps either, so you can pop it in the dishwasher without worry. One small flaw is the plastic packaging it comes wrapped in, which can’t be recycled. Otherwise, this is an excellent tin that produces firm, chewy brownies. undefined Le Creuset rectangular cake tin Latest Deals Best blowout brownie tin Star rating: 5/5 If you’d rather pay more for a tin that’s built to last, this offering from Le Creuset will serve you well. It comes with a lifetime guarantee (as with all the brand’s bakeware) and excellent safety features, including wide silicone handles in Le Creuset’s signature volcanic orange – these are especially handy when removing the tin from the oven. It has an effective non-stick coating too, plus plenty of guidance on how to prepare and care for the product. Made from robust carbon steel, we were impressed by its generous size – it’s 33cm long, and there’s a smaller 28cm version too. Because it’s quite large, we had to double the quantities in our recipe and add an extra 10 minutes cooking time, but this didn’t impact the quality of the bake. Our brownies were still perfectly moist and dense, with a lightly flaked topping and firm structure. To ensure its long lifespan, Le Creuset advises hand-washing with hot, soapy water rather than dishwashing. It is fridge and freezer-safe, however, and all the packaging is fully recyclable. For great offers on Le Creuset products, visit our Le Creuset Black Friday deals round-up. Latest Deals Tala Performance large brownie pan Latest Deals Best brownie tin for large quantities Star rating: 4.5/5 Freshly baked brownies are rarely around for long, so we loved that this Tala brownie pan is capable of producing such an impressively large batch. At 34.5cm long it’s certainly a big tin, but isn’t so enormous that it won’t fit in an average-sized kitchen cupboard or drawer. A smaller 29cm version is also available. The pan is made from high-quality carbon steel, so to no surprise it’s a little heavier than others we tested. If anything, this assured us of its sturdiness and long lifespan. It has also a 10-year guarantee and all the packaging is fully recyclable. As for our brownies, the results were positive. We doubled the ingredients and added 10 minutes extra baking time to account for the bigger tin size. Because this is a large tin, we’d recommend dropping the temperature of your oven slightly to ensure the sides don’t dry out before the middle has a chance to cook. The final brownies had elements of fudginess and the corners were pleasantly crisp. They also held together well and released from the tin easily thanks to the non-stick coating. Cleaning was also a breeze, and the tin is dishwasher-safe. Latest Deals Prestige Inspire non-stick brownie tin Latest Deals Best brownie tin for easy cleaning Star rating: 4.5/5 Washing up afterwards is never going to be the most exciting bit of baking brownies, but this Prestige tin at least makes that part of the process simpler. The non-stick surface uses CushionSmart technology that helped us release our brownies with ease, and while hand-washing will help to preserve the coating, the tin is safe to pop in the dishwasher, too. The attractive patterned design on the base bolsters its premium feel. It isn’t heavy to lift either, despite being made from high-quality carbon steel, but taking it out the oven was more difficult without any handles to grip onto. The plastic packaging was disappointing – there was an excessive amount of non-recyclable padding, and the tin itself was wrapped in a plastic bag. There was also a plastic tag attached that was difficult to remove. That aside, its 25-year guarantee earns it some eco credentials, and we were pleased to find lots of guidance on how to care for and prepare your tin. The final bake gave us all things we look for in a good brownie, too: a flaky top, crispy edges and a fudgy, moist texture. Latest Deals Nadiya Hussain x Prestige brownie tin Latest Deals Best-looking brownie tin Star rating: 4/5 Most brownie tins have an uninspiring plain metallic design, but not this one. Created as part of Prestige’s collaboration with Nadiya Hussain, it’s an attractive lightweight piece of kit that still manages to feel sturdy. Much like the springform tin and loaf tin in this range, it features a glossy teal exterior and textured gold surface that helps with airflow, so you can more easily release your baked brownies. Add to this an excellent non-stick coating, which keeps clean-up to a minimum – a huge win in our book. The anti-warp rolled edges offer sufficient grip, and we liked the convenience of having the measurements written on the inside. We were disappointed by the excessive plastic packaging, however. Our brownies were light and fluffy, but a little dry. This is a fairly shallow tin, so less time in the oven likely would have helped. They were pleasantly uniform and had a firm structure, too – ideal if you prefer them more cakey than fudgy. Latest Deals MasterClass Smart Silicone Square Flexible Bake Pan Latest Deals Best silicone brownie tin Star rating: 4/5 Versatility is one of the main draws of using silicone bakeware, and this MasterClass brownie pan is no exception. It uses thick, lightweight materials that feel premium, and unlike metal, it doesn’t warp easily when heated so can withstand higher temperatures. It’s also easy to store because it can be squashed or rolled up into a cupboard, then bounce back into shape when you take it back out. The downside is it’s quite floppy, so more difficult to remove from the oven than a metal tin. Thankfully, MasterClass has added two extra-wide handles on either side. We loved its vibrant red colour, and while there is some plastic wrapping, the packaging is mostly recyclable. It’s also safe to put in the dishwasher. The brownies we baked were dense, gooey and moist, with a flaky top and crisp edges. The middle pieces were very soft and didn’t hold together as easily, but would certainly go down well with a scoop of ice cream dolloped on top. undefined What to look out for when choosing a brownie tin Before buying a brownie tin, there are a few things to consider: Size: brownie tins come in various depths and sizes, from smaller, shallower trays to large, deeper pans that are ideal for big batches. Before you buy, consider the texture you’d like your brownies to have – shallower tins will give you a cakier bake, while deeper pans are better for achieving a just-set, fudgy centre. If using a recipe that calls for specific dimensions, choose one of the tins on our list that offers a range of sizes. Non-stick: tins with a non-stick surface ensure your brownies release easily, without leaving a crumbly mess afterwards. Easy cleaning: while hand-washing is better for your tin, we do recognise the convenience of being able to pop it in the dishwasher. Just watch out for rolled lips on the sides, which can trap water. Useful additions: these could include generous handles for easy grip, silicone handles that don’t conduct heat, markings to help you divide the brownies evenly, and having the dimensions written on the tin. How we tested brownie tins We used our classic chocolate brownies recipe to test all the brownie tins featured in this list, using standardised criteria and controlled conditions. This simple recipe allowed to measure all the things we look for in a good brownie, including a moist centre and crisp edges. Each brownie tin was scored against the following criteria: Appearance of the final bake: we looked for evenly baked brownies that were chewy, crisp on the outside, and had a firm bite. The browning needed to be even and consistent in colour, and a crisp, flaked top was a bonus too. Value for money: while brownie tins are incredibly versatile, we asked whether the design and results of the bake were reflective of the price. Ease of use: all the tins we tested were non-stick, so we wanted to see how easily the brownies released from the base without tearing. We also questioned how easy they were to clean, and while being dishwasher-safe is more convenient, it’s not a necessity. A good brownie tin should also be easy to remove from the oven, so those with handles were rated highly. Quality of design features: some of the brownie tins came with additional features such as silicone handles and portion guides, which made them much easier to use. Simple design features, like having the dimensions of the tin written on the inside, were also a plus. Sustainability: brownie tins that came with fully recyclable packaging scored highly. We also considered the longevity of each tin based on the quality of materials and manufacturer’s guarantee. Related content Best springform cake tins Best baking trays 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 online cake delivery services More brownie recipes Chocolate orange brownies Guinness brownies Christmas brownies Gluten-free brownies Sourdough brownies Sweet potato brownies Blackberry brownies Air fryer brownies Vegan brownies Bourbon biscuit brownies Black Forest brownies Salted maple brownies Creme egg brownie cakes
They're a staple gadget in many UK households, but which is the best kettle to buy? We put a range to the test to bring you the top-performing models
The kettle is a much-loved appliance in UK kitchens, and not just because we Brits enjoy a brew. As well as making hot drinks, we regularly use them for food prep, cooking and sterilising. While of course they all boil water, many also come with extra features, too. Certain models come with temperature selection options – ideal for brewing fine teas or making hot drinks for young children. Some kettles also come with keep-warm buttons, while still others can be remotely controlled via an app. Even traditional models without all the bells and whistles can vary in terms of style, speed, size and lid type. Because it's the kind of gadget you'll probably be using multiple times a day, it's worth considering what you like (and don't) in a kettle. Do you prefer one with a flip-up lid, or one that pulls right off? Is having a water scale important to you? What about the weight? The kettles we've tested range in capacity from 1-1.7 litres, and this is another factor you should think about. Smaller models are best for single or dual households, as you can more easily avoid the temptation to overfill. Each kettle we reviewed came with bases that plug into the mains, and all switch off automatically when they finish boiling. Read on to discover our pick of the best kettles to buy right now. Jump to: Best kettles to buy at a glance Best kettle to buy in 2024 What to think about when buying a kettle How we tested kettles Best kettles to buy at a glance Best overall kettle: KitchenAid Artisan 1.5-litre variable temperature kettle, £199 Most stylish kettle: Swan Nordic jug kettle, £64.99 Best value cordless kettle: Bosch Sky cordless kettle, £80 Most user-friendly kettle: Dualit Domus kettle, £80.99 Best lightweight kettle: Kenwood Elegancy, £44.99 Best temperature-control kettle: KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle, £179 Best for small kitchens: Sage the Compact Kettle Pure, £69.95 Best value multi-temperature: Bosch Styline kettle, £84.99 The best kettles to buy in 2024 KitchenAid Artisan 1.5-litre variable-temperature kettle Best overall kettle undefined Star rating: 5/5 stars Wattage: 3000W This is a kettle that means business. Sporting a glossy finish and statement-style body, it's a weighty gadget that looks attractive on the countertop – a very reasonable compromise for its sizeable footprint. It's available in eight colours, including pistachio, cream and candy apple red. It's an especially good choice for those who don't always want their water at boiling point, as you can adjust the temperature easily (from 50-100C). We like that its dual-wall design maintains the temperature of the water, too. undefined Swan Nordic jug kettle Most stylish kettle undefined Star rating: 5/5 stars Wattage: 3000W Efficient and stylish, this Scandi-style kettle has an upright, slimline build that means, despite its 1.7-litre capacity, it takes up little room on the worktop. Also available as a cordless model, we like its wood-effect rubber handle as it's easy to grip, though it does make the water-level gauge behind it more difficult to read. While simple, it has a striking, elegant design, and the lid pops open and fits back together with ease. It's also a fairly speedy kettle, taking 2 minutes 24 seconds to boil a litre of water. undefined Bosch Sky cordless kettle Best-value cordless kettle undefined Star rating: 5/5 stars Wattage: 3000W For the tea aficionado, this sleek and speedy kettle sits on a black base with touchscreen-like controls that allow you to select the best temperature for your brew (between 70-100C). It's not the smallest model we tested, nor the quietest, but it works quickly, boiling a litre of water in just 2 minutes 6 seconds. There's also a handy keep-warm button on the base, so you can maintain the temperature of the water for up to 30 minutes. Latest Deals Bosch Styline kettle Best-value multi-temperature kettle undefined Star rating: 5/5 stars Wattage: 3000W Anyone who's serious about their tea will know water temperature is a big deal, and that's something this Bosch kettle handles with ease. You can select from one of four temperature points – 70C, 80, 90C, or 100C – or a keep-warm option in case you don't want to use all the water up at once. Its design credentials also scored highly: it has a handy water gauge that's wide and easy to read, with measurements in both litres and cups. The robust casing keeps the body cool to the touch, and the rectangular base it sits on is deeper than it is wide, saving valuable worktop space. undefined KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle Best temperature-control kettle undefined Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 2400W This attractive, stylish kettle comes in a range of colours as we've come to expect from KitchenAid, which would make it a great pop of colour in your kitchen. We were impressed with this kettle as soon as we'd unboxed it. The design is more compact than some of KitchenAid's other models, and the contrast between the glossy finish and matte black handle make for an attractive design. With this kettle you get a choice of seven temperature settings from 50C to 100C. undefined Sage the Compact Kettle Best for small kitchens Latest Deals Star rating: 4.5/5 stars Wattage: 2400W Featuring a stylish glass jug design, this model from Sage is certainly a head-turner, and allows you to watch the water as it boils. It's smaller than your average kettle, with a 1-litre capacity, so it's better suited to single-person households or couples, or anyone who prefers a smaller, lighter appliance. Where it falls short is its boiling speed, averaging 2 minutes 40 seconds per litre, which was slower than other kettles we tested. Because of its glass body, those who live in hard-water areas will also have to descale it more regularly. That said, we do like its cup indicator on the side of the jug, which can help reduce water wastage. Latest Deals Dualit Domus kettle Most user-friendly kettle Latest Deals Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 3000W Ideal for small- to medium-sized households, this thoughtfully designed kettle benefits from a smaller-than-average base, which gives it a compact feel. It has a 1.5-litre capacity, which is smaller than other models we've tested, but still holds enough for six cups of tea, so shouldn't be an issue for most people. There are two easy to read water windows, one showing the number of cups, the other showing the volume in litres. It also works fairly quickly, boiling a litre of water in an average of 2 minutes 26 seconds. Latest Deals Kenwood Elegancy Best lightweight kettle Latest Deals Star rating: 4/5 stars Wattage: 3000W A great choice for anyone who has trouble gripping heavier kettles, this model is brilliantly lightweight and boils quietly, too. It has a pull-off lid with a wide opening, plus a wide spout that makes pouring quick and seamless. While traditional in terms of its features, it's a speedy gadget that averages around 2 minutes 7 seconds to boil a litre of water. There's also a choice of colours available, as well as matching toasters. Latest Deals What to think about when buying a kettle Not sure what you should be looking for when choosing which kettle to buy? Here are some factors to consider while you browse: Multifunctional or classic: if you'd like a kettle that just boils water, classic is the way to go. Those who drink teas like oolong (which brews better at lower temperatures) may prefer a kettle that allows you to select the temperature – these are also a good option for parents making warm drinks for children. Keep-warm functions are handy if you don't want to use all the water at once. Speed: whether you're on a quick break or dashing to make a drink during an ad break, you'll be grateful for a kettle that works quickly. Style: most kettles sit on the countertop, so think about how it will look within your kitchen and among other gadgets. These days, there's a style of kettle for most types of kitchen, be they classic, old-fashioned, shaker, futuristic or trendy, so you should be able to find a range of options. Consider footprint too, and whether you prefer a jug-style or pyramid design. Noise: if you tend to flick your kettle on and walk into a different room while it boils, a kettle that's louder may be best so you can hear when it's finished. For some, a quieter kettle could be preferred so it doesn't drown out other sounds like music or the radio. Lid: think about whether you'd like a lid that pulls off completely or flicks upwards. If using one hand, kettles where you simply press a button to lift the lid are ideal. Price: the cost of your kettle may be another important factor you. The samples we tested range from £55.99-199. Best kettles for hard water: if you live in an area with hard water, you'll know that limescale has a tendency to build up quickly inside kettles, potentially harming the longevity of your gadget – not to mention, nobody wants limescale in their tea. To avoid this, look for a kettle that has a robust and finely meshed filter in the spout that can also be easily removed. How we tested kettles We tested a range of kettles across varying price points and designs, using the following criteria: Good looks: because most kettles are on display in your kitchen, you may be swayed by how certain models look and whether they'll fit in your existing space. We tested a range of kettles with varying designs. Quality: we looked for kettles that felt like they had longevity, with quality 'on' switches and filters, and well-fitting lids. Speed: this isn't often a game-changer when it shopping for kettles, but generally we find the faster, the better. We tested each kettle's efficiency by measuring how long it took to boil a litre of water. Ease of use: nobody wants a kettle that's awkward to use. The best-performing kettles in testing were easy to fill and pour, and had clear water levels and a good grip. Value: those models that offered great value for money were awarded extra points. More reviews Best teapots to buy Best tea gifts for tea lovers Best espresso machines Best coffee beans to buy Best coffee subscriptions to try Best coffee pod machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best chef's knives Best nakiri knives
The best summer picnic essentials from Fortnum & Mason
From classic picnic nibbles and picnicware, to stylish hampers and even a Fortnum's lunch box, unpack an adventure with Fortnum & Mason this summer
Summer is officially picnicking season, and that means scotch eggs, sandwiches and maybe even a bit of bubbly in your glass. But to ensure your al fresco feast goes off without a hitch, you’ll need other essentials too – like waterproof blankets, flasks and, of course, the perfect hamper to store everything in. Nobody does open-air dining quite like Fortnum & Mason, and this summer it has everything you need to host the perfect picnic. From classic staples like lunch boxes and cool bags to trendy new additions such as sparkling tea, as ever, you’ll be well taken care of with Fortnum’s. So, layer on the sun cream and pack your sunglasses – here’s our pick of the best picnic essentials available from Fortnum & Mason this year. Summer picnic essentials at a glance Fortnum’s hamper tote with waterproof picnic blanket, £145 The Fortnum’s lunch box, £25 Orange and lemon cold brew infusion tea bags, £8.95 Fortnum & Mason flask, £25 Piccadilly lemon curd biscuits, £10.95 Fortnum’s picnic cool bag, £42.95 Fortnum’s Prosecco Valdobbiadene NV, £16.50 Traditional scotch eggs, £17.95 Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack, £195 Fortnum’s sparkling tea, £17.95 Best summer picnic essentials to try from Fortnum & Mason this year Fortnum’s hamper tote with waterproof picnic blanket Fortnum’s is synonymous with luxury hampers, and this handwoven wicker basket is the optimum vessel for transporting all your picnicking essentials. Sporting the iconic F&M branding, it features an insulated inner lining that keeps food and drink fresh for longer. The sturdy canvas and leather strap also ensures everything stays neatly locked in, so you can stow away your spread without worry. Even pre-picnic showers or the odd spillage shouldn’t dampen your outdoor gathering, as the blanket included is fully waterproof. Buy now for £145 The Fortnum’s lunch box Where better to store your scotch eggs and sandwiches than this stylish metal lunchbox? Decorated in Fortnum’s signature colour, it’s topped with a sturdy bamboo lid and colourful striped band, so all your nibbles can be kept safe while you’re on the move. Buy now for £25 Orange and lemon cold brew infusion Nothing says summer like citrus, and this orange and lemon cold brew infusion will keep you refreshed on the warmest and sunniest of days. Simply place one of the silky tea bags into a bottle of water for a pick-me-up on the go, or pop into a jug to share with friends on a picnic. Each box contains 20 silky tea bags. Buy now for £8.95 Fortnum & Mason flask The ideal companion for picnicking adventures, fill this flask with ice-cold beverages or hot tea for chillier evenings outdoors. It’s generously sized so you’ll be well prepared for hours of al fresco socialising, and its insulated interior keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for as long as you need. Buy now for £25 Piccadilly lemon curd biscuits There’s always a sense of collective joy when someone breaks out the biscuits, and these buttery creations from Fortnum’s are sure to get snaffled quickly. They come in a stylish metal tin that can be easily slotted into a hamper, and are made from real lemon curd – so have a zesty, sweet-sharp flavour that’s wonderfully moreish. Buy now for £10.95 Fortnum’s picnic cool bag Keeping your picnic treats chilled makes all the difference when it comes to dining outdoors. Made from recycled materials, this fully insulated cool bag takes care of that for you and has ample space for even the largest of feasts. It’s easy to clean, comfortable to carry, and there are plenty of pockets, too, so you can keep bottles and other items well secured while you’re on the move. Buy now for £42.95 Fortnum’s Prosecco Valdobbiadene The quintessential Italian aperitif, prosecco is the ultimate companion for a picnic. This sparkling wine hails from the vineyards of the DOCG region, where the grapes are harvested by hand and the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks. What you get as a result is a fine and aromatic prosecco with notes of apricot, white peach, and lemon. Buy now for £16.50 Traditional scotch eggs Scotch eggs are a staple when it comes to British picnics – in fact, we’re not sure it would be a picnic without them. Pop this Fortnum’s box of four in your hamper and you’re sure to be the hero of the hour: each one contains British outdoor-reared pork, wrapped around a free-range egg with a bright orange yolk, and finished with a generous coating of crisp homemade breadcrumbs. Buy now for £17.95 Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack This canvas backpack has everything you need for a cosy two-person feast. Made from recycled materials and leather trimmings, you’ll find two enamel plates, two glasses, two sets of cutlery, cotton napkins, a salt-and-pepper grinder, and – perhaps most importantly – a waiter’s friend corkscrew for enjoying tipples in the sun all safely packed inside. Carrying it around won’t be a bother either, as it comes with adjustable straps and a separate leather handle for easy transportation. Buy now for £195 Fortnum’s sparkling tea Ideal for a booze-free picnic, sparkling tea is a brilliant combination of complex flavours and celebration-ready fizz. Fortnum’s own contains an organic blend of its eight famous and rare brews, and the results are light and refreshing. Expect notes of tropical fruits, lemongrass, Darjeeling tea and water mint, with a lingering hint of jasmine on the finish. Buy now for £17.95 Discover the best summer picnic essentials now at Fortnum & Mason.