Best non-stick frying pans, tested by experts
A hard-wearing, non-stick frying pan is a kitchen must-have. We tested a wide range of pans at a variety of different price points to find the best option for every type of cook
A must-have in any kitchen, the best non-stick frying pans will elevate your cooking with precision and ease. Their versatility makes them indispensable, whether you're crafting delicate, lacy easy crêpes, searing a golden fillet of sea bass for this white fish with sesame noodles recipe, caramelising a rib-eye steak to perfection, rendering duck fat for our seared duck with ginger mash. With the right frying pan, these tasks – and many more – will become second nature. When choosing a frying pan, consider one that suits all hob types, including induction, or that at the very least matches the hob in your home. If your cooking repertoire includes dishes that require finishing in the oven, opt for a pan that’s oven-safe at high temperatures. Non-stick coatings should be durable, eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals – ensuring both performance and sustainability. While non-stick frying pans are a popular choice for their ease of use, we’ve also included uncoated stainless steel options in this list. When used correctly, stainless steel can deliver an excellent natural non-stick surface while offering unbeatable durability and performance for browning and searing. Our rigorous testing covered temperature control, ergonomic handle design, and eco-credentials. We prepared American pancakes, omelettes, and even tested dry ingredient movement to assess pan shape and balance. Read on to discover our top picks for the best frying pans, as rated by our reviews team. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best frying pan deals Hoping to find a discount on one of the frying pans in this list? We've been scouring the market to find the biggest savings – these are the best we've found so far: Good Food in partnership with Tower frying pans: Good Food non-stick frying pan | £42.99 £30.09 at Tower (save £12.90 or 30% with code GOODFOOD30) Good Food TriPly frying pan | £52.99 £39.74 at Tower (save £13.25 or 25%) Good Food stainless steel frying pan | £32.99 £24.74 at Tower (save £8.25 or 30% with code GOODFOOD30) More deals: Ninja Foodi Zerostick 28cm frying pan | £53.99 £43.99 at Ninja (save £11 or 20%) Our Place Always Pan 2.0 | £125 £99 at Our Place (save £26 or 21%) Kuhn Rikon New Life Pro frying pan | £123 £98.40 at Harts of Stur (save £24.60 or 20%) HexClad Hybrid pan | £129 £97 at Amazon (save £32 or 25%) Circulon Steel Shield C-Series frying pan | £70 £55.99 at Circulon (save £14.01 or 20%) Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro | £185 £135 at Our Place (save £35 or 20%) For even more savings, take a look at our round-up of the best kitchen appliance deals and find out how we put each product to the test, so you can shop with confidence. Best non-stick frying pans at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS 5/5 stars: Best professional-quality non-stick frying pan: MadeIn ProCoat non-stick frying pan, from £109 Best non-stick frying pan overall: Ninja Foodi Zerostick 28cm frying pan, £43.99 Best all-in-one frying pan: Our Place Always Pan 2.0, £99 Best large non-stick frying pan: Meyer Accent Series Ultra-Durable Chef's Pan, £69 Best sustainable non-stick frying pan: GreenPan Evolution frying pan, £49.99 Best of the rest: Best frying pan for quality-build and good looks: Kuhn Rikon New Life Pro frying pan, £98.40 Best hybrid frying pan: HexClad Hybrid pan, from £129 Best affordable non-stick frying pan: ProCook Professional stainless-steel frying pan, from £50 Best premium non-stick frying pan: Samuel Groves Tri-Ply frying pan, £124 Best versatile non-stick frying pan: Circulon Steel Shield C-Series frying pan, £55.99 Best investment frying pan: Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, £125 Best value multifunctional pan: Lakeland Only Pan, £59.99 Jump to: Best non-stick frying pans to buy in 2025 How to choose the best non-stick frying pan How to care for a non-stick frying pan How we tested non-stick frying pans Best non-stick frying pans to buy in 2025 Good Food in partnership with Tower non-stick frying pan Available from Amazon (£42.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 Combining a durable stainless steel exterior with a tough non-stick coating, the Good Food 24cm non-stick frying pan can be relied upon to produce crisp, flavoursome results every time – from pan-fried fish to succulent cuts of ribeye steak. Having been Tried, Tested and Trusted by our recipe development team, the pan also features riveted steel handles, allowing for smooth manoeuvrability no matter your skill level. Two larger sizes are available (28cm and 30cm), and the pan is induction-compatible and oven-safe up to 220C, too. Available from: Amazon (£42.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 Good Food in partnership with Tower TriPly frying pan Available from Amazon (£32.99), Tower (from £39.74) The Good Food Tri-Ply frying pan, in partnership with Tower, is ideal for everyday cooking, from sautéing veggies to frying fish. Made from 2.5mm tri-ply stainless steel with an aluminium core, it ensures even heat distribution and durability. The superior ceramic non-stick coating is 10x stronger than traditional types, allowing for healthier cooking with minimal oil. Oven-safe to 220C and suitable for all hob types, it’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, with a 25-year guarantee for peace of mind. In addition to the 24cm pan, it’s available in 28cm and 30cm. Available from: Amazon (£32.99) Tower (from £39.74) Good Food in partnership with Tower GF900261 stainless steel frying pan Available from Tower (£24.74), Amazon (£32.99) Enhance your cookware collection with the Good Food 24cm frying pan, created in partnership with Tower. Available in larger sizes (28cm and 30cm), this ultra-durable pan guarantees even and consistent results, with a superior ceramic non-stick coating and riveted steel handle to help you to cook a variety of recipes with ease. Like the rest of the products in this list, it’s also been rigorously tested and earned our Tried, Tested and Trusted stamp of approval. Available from: Tower (£24.74) Amazon (£32.99) MadeIn ProCoat Non-Stick Frying Pan Available from MadeIn (from £109) Best professional quality non-stick frying pan Pros: Comfortable handle Available in a good range of sizes Oven safe – 260C Compatible with all hob types Cons: Pan is slightly domed in centre Largest pan may be too large for induction hobs Star rating: 5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 25cm, 30cm With a reassuring weight and a slim, comfortable handle, the MadeIn non-stick frying pan offers a professional feel without being overly heavy. The pan heats up evenly, though it takes a little while to reach temperature, and was responsive to adjustments. Its non-stick coating is impressively effective – nothing sticks and cleaning requires little more than a quick rinse. The cooking results were excellent: omelettes were evenly cooked and my pancakes had a lovely, even browning across the surface. The pan’s shape is well-suited for tossing ingredients and remains stable on the hob. The handle stays cool during use and is a good length for safe handling. There are some minor drawbacks, such as a slightly domed centre and the largest size (30cm) possibly being too big for some induction hobs. Although not dishwasher safe and prone to scratches if metal utensils are used, this is a versatile, high-quality pan that delivers consistent results. Available from: MadeIn (from £109) Ninja Foodi Zerostick frying pan, 28cm Available from Ninja (£43.99) Best non-stick frying pan overall Pros: Generous size Good looking Excellent non-stick Long handle Energy efficient Fully recyclable packaging Cons: Slight heating of the handle Star rating: 5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 24cm, 26cm, 28cm, 30cm This is a serious pan that's great when cooking for a crowd, given its generous size and depth. The polished stainless-steel exterior, sturdy riveted handle, and a manageable weight for the size also give it a professional feel. Ninja claims that its Zerostick, non-stick coating is 20 times tougher than regular non-stick in a third-party coating abrasion testing (2022), and its 10-year guarantee on the pan and the non-stick shows its commitment to this. I found the heating of this pan super-fast and the heat retention so good, I had to turn the pan relatively low to cook with, which makes this energy efficient, too. My first omelette was seriously overcooked, but on a lower heat, I was pleased with the results of a perfectly cooked, soft omelette with even colouring. The pancakes, though they cooked quickly, again were cooked right through with an even colour. The Ninja frying pan is metal-utensil-safe, dishwasher-safe, scratch resistant and oven-safe up to a vast 260°C (beware of the hot handle, though), so it could quickly become the workhorse pan in your kitchen without too much worry. Available: Ninja (£43.99) undefined Always Pan 2.0 Available from Our Place (£99) Best all-in-one frying pan Pros: Light Non-toxic non-stick Multi-functional 11 colours Accessories included Cons: None Star rating: 5/5 Sizes available: 21.6cm, 26.7cm, 31.8cm It is fascinating to unwrap the Always Pan from its recyclable box, as this is not just a non-stick frying pan but a multi-functional one. The Always can be used as a steamer with the handled steamer basket (included), which doubles as a colander; the well-domed lid makes it easy to roast a chicken yet shallow enough to fry and poach eggs, and it's also designed to lock in steam when needed or release it when you don't. I also love the wooden spatula (also included), which nestles into the handle when not in use. I was testing the pan for its non-stick cooking and this one is impressive. The ceramic non-stick coating is super-smooth and silky, and contains no harmful toxins. The surface is so smooth, I had fun chasing the pancakes and the omelette as they skated around the pan. The omelette's cooking results were impressive in speed and had even browning. However, the pancakes spread further than others on the test; in part, I felt, because the pan was so smooth. This pan is incredibly light for its size and build, as it is made with 100% recycled aluminium. It slips seamlessly from hob to oven and is safe to 230ºC, though oven gloves must be used when removing the pan. Read more about Our Place in our guide: Is Our Place worth it? Available from: Our Place (£99) undefined Meyer Accent Series Ultra-Durable Chef's pan, 26cm Available from Amazon (£39.79), Dunelm (£69) Best large non-stick frying pan Pros: PFOA-free non-stick Two ergonomic heatproof handles Versatile depth Cons: Quite wide on the cooker, which dominates space Star rating: 5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 26cm, 28cm This is an unconventional pan to feature in our guide, due to its wok-like sloping sides and depth. But it's precisely that shape that makes this pan incredibly versatile and could see you replacing two or three pans in your cupboard with just this one. Suitable for all cooktops, the hard-anodised aluminium triple-layer, non-stick body is supported by two silicone-protected handles that are ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The deep rim makes pouring smooth and easy to control. Although dishwasher-safe, I found it was easier to simply wash by hand as everything wiped off easily under warm water making it a doddle to clean. It's also oven-safe up to 230C. Available from: Amazon (£39.79) Dunelm (£69) GreenPan Evolution frying pan Available from GreenPan (£70) Best sustainable non-stick frying pan Pros: Sustainable, PFAS-free coating Minimal packaging Excellent non-stick performance XL cooking surface area Oven-safe up to 200°C Dishwasher-safe Comes with a felt protector for safe stacking Cons: Slightly heavy for tossing Star rating: 5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 24cm, 28cm Stylish, sturdy and sustainably made, the GreenPan Evolution frying pan instantly impressed. My first surprise was how small the package was – the pan arrives in a compact cardboard box with the handle detached. Fear not though, it’s simple to attach using the Allen key provided and the instructions printed on the box. This clever design not only cuts packaging waste, but also makes the pan easier to recycle at the end of its life (though with a lifetime warranty, that’s unlikely to be soon). Once assembled, the recycled aluminium pan looks premium with its dark green base, sleek cooking surface and stainless steel handle, which stays cool during use. The Thermolon ceramic non-stick coating performed brilliantly – omelettes and pancakes released effortlessly and were evenly cooked. Oven-safe up to 200C and with an extra large, flat surface area, this pan is versatile enough to be used for a wide range of different recipes, including larger family meals. Plus, its slick non-stick surface makes it easy to wipe clean, though it is also dishwasher safe. The only slight drawback is its weight (I tested the 28cm pan), which makes tossing a little trickier, but that same sturdiness makes us confident that this pan will be long-lasting and won’t warp like cheaper pans often do. Available from: GreenPan (£70) Kuhn Rikon New Life Pro frying pan, 24cm Available from Kuhn Rikon (from £89.95) Best frying pan for quality build and good looks Pros: Fast heating Great stay-cool handle Sturdy build Eco-credentials Lifetime guarantee Cons: May be a little heavy for some Price Star rating: 4.5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 24cm, 28cm The Swiss-made New Life Pro frying pan from Kuhn Rikon is a handsome and robustly built pan. It comes in a recyclable card sleeve and is made from 100% recycled aluminium, so it has good eco-credentials. I love the handle, which is ergonomically designed to stay cool on the stovetop. However, the pan is also oven-safe up to 240ºC, and as the handle will also heat, it must be used cautiously. The pan performed well with both omelette and pancakes and I found it cooked at a lower temperature than others on the test; it also cooked quickly and evenly, and I was impressed by how the pan responded to changing the heat. Thanks to its ceramic, highly reinforced, three-layer non-stick coating, both the omelette and the pancakes lifted quickly and easily when turning and plating. A pan of this quality build will always be slightly heavy, and this one is, but the long stay-cool handle does help when moving the pan around. Though it's not recommended for the dishwasher, this pan is a dream to clean with just hot, soapy water. Available from: Kuhn Rikon (from £89.95) undefined HexClad Hybrid frying pan Available from Amazon (£97), HexClad (from £129) Best hybrid frying pan Pros: All recyclable packaging Impressive non-stick Comfortable handle Handle remains cool Controlled cook Cons: Sometimes a little slow to cook Expensive Star rating: 4.5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 25cm, 30cm The concept of hybrid cookware is not a new invention, but the HexClad range seems to be a merging of three pan types, rather than two. It’s stainless steel and non-stick, plus the need to season the pan takes us into cast iron territory. This is a pan that makes many demands of you; it’s not one you can just grab and whack on the stovetop at any old temperature. It needs to be seasoned before use – albeit not every time – and it should only be used at low-medium temperatures. But once I'd got everything set up, this pan was nothing short of a joy to use. The handle is comfortable and remained cool throughout the entirety of my test. It cooked with delicacy and control when making an omelette. And my American pancakes were thick and fluffy, with even and consistent browning every time. Both test recipes slipped from the pan with total ease. I liked this pan for many reasons – it’s ultra robust, cooks well and comes in a good range of sizes. Though I did have some gripes: it takes a while to heat up and cook, and it comes with a hefty price tag, but it does come with a lifetime warranty. Read more about HexClad in our guide: Is HexClad worth it? Available from: Amazon (£97) HexClad (from £129) undefined ProCook Professional 24 cm Stainless-Steel frying pan Available from ProCook (£50) Best affordable non-stick frying pan Pros: High grade stainless-steel body and handle Good weight Ultra Plus triple-layer, PFOA-free, non-stick coating Cons: Handle is a little slippery Star rating: 4.5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 24cm, 28cm, 30cm The ProCook Professional stainless-steel pan may be small, but it is a very useful, well-built model which could easily stand up to the rigours of the professional kitchen and the home. The pan has a lovely weight from the heavy-duty 18/10 stainless-steel construction and a 7mm impact bonded base, but because it's not a huge pan, it is easy to lift even with food in. Using this pan is partly made easier by the well-balanced curved handle and a clever design that stops the handle from getting hot when used on the hob. However, I felt the handle was a little unsteady when carrying due to its shiny stainless-steel construction. The pan is oven-safe up to 260ºC, but the handle will get very hot and should be used cautiously. The solid construction of the ProCook pan means it heats quickly; heat retention is good, which resulted in excellent results with both the omelette and the pancakes. Both cooked quickly, with even colouring, and I loved how fast the pan responded when I lowered the heat. A small but super-useful pan to have, whatever the size of your cook space, but certainly a must for the smaller kitchen. Available from: ProCook (£50) undefined Samuel Groves Tri-Ply frying pan Available from Amazon (£112) Best premium non-stick frying pan Pros: Fantastic non-stick coating Well balanced 'Pan for life' non-stick refurbishment scheme Cons: Not dishwasher-safe Star rating: 4.5/5 Sizes available: 20cm, 26cm, 28cm, 30cm This professional-looking frying pan is beautifully designed and intended to last a lifetime. It’s available for an expensive upfront cost, but I believe it’s worth the investment. This Samuel Groves pan is perfectly balanced. Although it’s thin, it's reassuringly weighty and sits comfortably on the hob. It’s also oven-safe up to 260C – extra points for versatility. Cooking with it is a joy. Both my omelette and American pancakes were evenly browned and easy to remove from the pan. Read our full Samuel Groves Tri-Ply frying pan review. Available from: Amazon (£112) Latest Deals Circulon Steel Shield C-Series frying pan Available from Circulon (£55.99) Best versatile non-stick frying pan Pros: Unique non-stick design Comfortable stay-cool handle Metal-utensil-safe Cons: Some sticking Some may not like the design Star rating: 4.5/5 Sizes available: 22cm, 25cm, 32cm Designed to cook like steel and clean like non-stick, this frying pan is ideal for searing meat and veggies. It’s notable for its design, featuring a series of ridged circles inside the pan. For ease and versatility, its dishwasher-safe and ovenproof up to 260C. I loved the slim ergonomic handle; it’s comfortable and doesn’t get too hot in use. Although this pan cooked very well, I noticed that the circular pattern imprinted onto my American pancakes and omelette. This didn’t affect the flavour, but may be off putting for some. Read our full Circulon Steel Shield C-Series frying pan review. Available from: Circulon (£55.99) Latest Deals Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro Available from Our Place (£135) Best investment frying pan Pros: Effective non-stick Versatile Fully recyclable packaging Dishwasher-safe Metal-utensil-safe Cons: Expensive Tricky to store Pan surface leaves imprint on food Easily marked by fingerprints Star rating: 4/5 Sizes available: 27cm If you love the versatility of the original Always Pan, want the durability of a stainless-steel pan, and the ease of cooking on non-stick, this frying pan from Our Place ticks a lot of boxes. It has a tri-ply set-up (stainless steel, aluminium and titanium) that features the brand's NoCo™ Nonstick Technology, which doesn't rely on coating or chemicals. It has a similar design to the brand's other multifunctional pans and comes with a lid and wooden spatula – though, unlike the Always Pan 2.0, no steaming basket is included. At 27cm in diameter, the cooking surface is textured and mesh-like, which browned my American pancakes and omelettes evenly, but left behind an imprint on the pancakes. It's perhaps not as premium-looking as I'd expect for a product at this price. However, it does feel robust, and the fact you can use metal utensils with it and pop it in the dishwasher is a big win for convenience. Available from: Our Place (£135) Lakeland Only Pan Available from Lakeland (£59.99) Best value multi-functional pan Pros: Attractive, eye-catching design Multi-functional and versatile Comes with steamer basket and silicone spatula Built-in spatula rest in lid Non-toxic, PFAS-free ceramic coating Good value Cons: Slight sticking after a few uses Oven-safe only up to 150C Plastic packaging used Hand-wash only Star rating: 4/5 Inspired by the cult favourite Our Place Always Pan, Lakeland’s Only Pan promises to be “the only pan you’ll ever need”, and in many ways it delivers. My first impression on unboxing was how stylish it is – the chunky shape and pretty pastel green colour make it so chic you could leave it out on display. I was also impressed by the extras included: a stainless-steel steamer basket, a silicone spatula and a cleverly designed lid with a built-in spatula rest to keep everything tidy while cooking. As for performance, the PFAS-free ceramic coating was initially super slick with pancakes releasing effortlessly. My omelette did stick a little though and after a few uses some foods left brown patches that took extra elbow grease to clean (and with hand-washing advised, this could get a little frustrating). The pan’s generous depth, slightly curved edges and lid make it super versatile for a range of different recipes and cooking methods beyond frying, from sautéing and braising to steaming and even boiling. It is also oven-safe, but only up to 150C, which could restrict some recipes. Overall, for those who love the look and idea of the multi-functional Our Place pan but don’t have the budget for it, the Lakeland Only Pan is a stylish, versatile and good value alternative. However, its non-stick performance, cleaning ease and packaging don’t quite match up to the Our Place version. Available from: Lakeland (£59.99) Other non-stick frying pans tried and tested Stellar Rocktanium frying pan review, £25 How to choose the best non-stick frying pan Whether you’re cooking up an indulgent pan-fried rib eye steak or a showstopping dish, like Barney Desmazery’s pan-fried scallops with parsnip purée & pancetta crumbs, a good frying pan can help you to achieve an intense sear and flavoursome crust. You can also use your frying pan as a mould and serving dish, like Anna Glover did for this frying pan filo tart. A generously sized frying pan is a great way to reheat leftovers quickly. Take any leftover pasta sauce, like our pasta arrabbiata with aubergine, heat it through, then add your pasta, tossing the two together. What’s the best material for a frying pan? All of the frying pans we’ve tested are made from aluminium or stainless steel, so here's a breakdown what you can expect to find with both: Aluminium: Pros: lightweight, budget-friendly, good heat conductivity Cons: can warp, scratches easily, can react to acidic food Stainless steel: Pros: durable, produces weighty pans, does not react to any type of food Cons: some cheap pans can transfer heat poorly and unevenly What to look out for when choosing a non-stick frying pan Suitable for all hobs/your hob Oven-proof to a high temperature Easy to clean or dishwasher-safe Comfortable handle that’s a good length and stays cool How to care for a frying pan If you want to maximise the lifespan of your new frying pan, a little care goes a long way. Here are a few steps to follow to ensure your frying pan stays in top-notch condition: Use the right utensils: If cooking with a non-stick pan, metal utensils with sharp edges can scratch the non-stick coating, so try to use to softer tools, like silicone spatulas or wooden spoons. Most stainless-steel pans, on the other hand, are metal utensil-safe, but it's worth checking the manufacturers' guidelines for specific recommendations. Wash with care: While some non-stick frying pans claim to be dishwasher-safe, most dishwashers use very hot water and powerful detergents that may slowly damage the coating. So, wash by hand if you can. The same goes for stainless-steel pans. Avoid high heat when cooking on non-stick: High temperatures can also impact the effectiveness of a non-stick coating, so stick to low or medium heat levels when cooking with your frying pan. Store non-stick pans carefully: To avoid scratching the non-stick coating, put a protective layer (like a pan protector) between non-stick pans when stacking or nesting them in a cupboard. Read our guide to how to care for non-stick cookware. How we tested non-stick frying pans View Green Video on the source website Supreme temperature control The ability to accurately adjust the temperature with subtle precision, even after cooking over high heat, will provide you with the greatest overall control, transforming your everyday cooking. It’ll mean that you can save food that you forgot about for a moment, cook every type of egg dish imaginable with precision, or perfectly simmer a midweek risotto or pasta sauce. Design with cooking in mind A large surface area for cooking with elegantly curved sides that are neither too shallow or too tall, alongside a balance between weight and size, and a comfortable, stay-cool ergonomic handle, are ideal. This will let you toss food – often the best way to mix ingredients – with ease. Sustainability We look at the packaging the frying pan comes with and whether it's recyclable or not. We also look at what the frying pan is made from and the length of the warranty. Reliable, eco-friendly non-stick An effortlessly slick non-stick coating with just a touch of grip will prevent spread when cooking pancakes or frying eggs. Look for scratch-resistant non-stick (often with a specific warranty for the coating) that’ll hold up to long-term wear and tear. Further, to avoid any health issues or chemical aftertaste, look for eco-friendly materials, particularly ones that are PFOA-free. Recipe results We cooked Good Food’s basic omelette in each pan, making a note of how long the pan took to pre-heat. We then monitored how quickly the eggs cooked, how easy it was to lower and control the temperature, as well as checking how effective the non-stick was. Once cooked, we tasted each batch to check how evenly the eggs cooked, whether they held well – i.e. didn’t overcook when left to sit in the pan – and if the pan added any chemical notes to the flavour. We also made a batch of American pancakes, which allowed us to check how evenly the pan heated up, how efficiently it transferred to the food and whether the non-stick had the necessary subtle grip. For example, did the pancakes spread too much initially or were they nicely puffed? Was the surface of the pancakes evenly browned, or was it patchy? When it came to testing stainless-steel pans, we started by caramelising onions, monitoring how quickly the pan reacted to changes in temperature. We also fried an egg and assessed how evenly it browned, plus whether it stuck to the pan's surface. Finally, we seared a salmon fillet, and those pans that produced an even crust and good sear scored highly. After extensive testing, we also rated the pans on how easy they were to clean. More pan reviews Best stainless steel frying pans Best saucepans Best pan sets Best griddle pans Best saute pans Best pancake pans Best cast iron skillets Best casserole dishes Best stainless-steel frying pans Best paella pans How to store pans Is HexClad worth it? How to care for non-stick cookware Non-stick frying pan recipes Frying pan filo tart Pan-fried salmon Pan-fried rib-eye steak Pan-fried sprouts and crunchy chorizo crumbs Pan-fried potato gnocchi Paneer and chickpea fry Pan-fried sea bass with ratatouille and basil One-pan egg and veg brunch More deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals
Best microwaves for everyday home cooking, tested and reviewed
Whether you're making curry in a hurry or mash in a flash, invest in a quality microwave. Discover which microwaves are best by reading our expert reviews
The microwave is one of the unsung heroes of the kitchen. From reheating leftovers and defrosting ingredients to cooking entire meals from scratch in little time, the microwave is a seriously versatile piece of kit. Not only do they save both time and effort, cooking in a microwave can also save energy, and therefore cost, when compared to using the oven. And the benefits don’t stop there. When it comes to reheating food, using a microwave saves on washing up, as meals can be reheated in their serving dish, rather than decanted into saucepans or oven dishes. While the most basic microwave models on the market are designed to simply heat or defrost foods, many of today’s models go far beyond these capabilities, offering multiple settings for different cooking needs, like grilling, steaming and baking. Some are also equipped with innovative settings to make life easier in the kitchen, whether it’s a ‘keep warm’ button, or a deodorising function to eliminate lingering odours. With so many options available, choosing the right microwave can be a daunting task. We’ve researched and tested a range of microwaves from basic low-wattage solo models, to powerful combination units, covering a wide variety of different sizes and budgets, so you can find the best microwave to suit your needs. Best microwaves at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best combination microwave: Sage the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave oven, £359.95 Best solo microwave for families: Samsung 32L Solo Microwave MS32DG4504ATE3, £120 Best flatbed microwave: Sharp digital combination microwave YC-QC254AU-B, £219 Best budget microwave: Russell Hobbs RHM1731, £71 Best combination microwave for steam cooking: Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ, £599 Best combination microwave for families: Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ, £429 Best combination microwave for style: Smeg 34-litre combi microwave oven MOE34CXIUK, £329 Best microwave for precise cooking: Bosch Serie 2 FFL023MS2B, £129 Best microwave under £100: Russell Hobbs RHMD714G Scandi microwave, £68 How we tested microwaves When asked, our readers told us their main reasons for using a microwave were defrosting, reheating meals and cooking porridge. So, we defrosted chicken breasts to see how long it took and how even the results were; microwaved soup to check for any hot and cold spots; and blasted jacket potatoes to make sure they cooked through to the centre yet stayed moist at the edges. With microwaves that came with a grill function, we then grilled the chicken breasts too, looking for a tender, juicy finish. If the microwave had a steam function, we made gooey toffee puddings. Each product was tested against a set testing matrix. The results of this decided each product's overall star rating. The following were: Ease of use: microwaves are used mainly by those who want to make life simpler. We looked for pared-down functionality, simple design and easy-to-follow instruction booklets. Cooking versatility: we wanted to know if customising settings and using presets delivered equally good results. Defrosting: an essential function for most, we looked for effective thawing, with presets a bonus. Moisture retention: we checked the food didn't dry out before it had finished cooking. Additional features: small extra features like a child lock or kitchen timer were appreciated, plus we looked at how well more prominent features such as grills and convection ovens performed. Size: we assessed the size of the microwave and the space it took up in the kitchen. The models we tested need to be installed a specified height above the floor, with plenty of room all around for ventilation. Sustainability: we looked at everything from the recyclability of the packaging, spare parts information, the warranty of the microwave, the wattage and more. Cleaning: the ease of cleaning both inside and out and finger marking, especially on stainless steel. Jump to section: Best microwaves to buy in 2025 What are the differences between standard, grill and combination microwaves? How to choose the right microwave Best microwaves to buy in 2025 Sage the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave oven Available from Harts of Stur (£358.95), Sage (£359.95) Best combination microwave overall Pros: Super easy to use, endless clever functions Great for families Cons: Need adjusting from usual temperatures Wattage: 1100W Star rating: 5/5 As we have come to expect from Sage, with their intuitive technology, good looks and ease of use, this combi microwave is no exception and more. Thanks to the well-written, logical instruction book of many preset programmes and cooking methods, we found it was one of the fastest to get up and running. Say hello to healthy cooking with the 3-in-1 merging of air-frying, convection and microwave and perfectly cooked food using their Element iQ™ inverter system, which steers power to where and when it's needed. Read our full Sage the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave oven review. Available from: Harts of Stur (£358.95) Sage (£359.95) Latest Deals Samsung 32L Solo Microwave MS32DG4504ATE3 Available from Samsung (£139), Argos (£120), Amazon (£120) Best solo microwave for families and entertaining Pros: Easy-pull, indented top handle for effortless opening Spacious interior for big bowls and family meals Eco mode saves energy on standby Deodorisation setting eliminates lingering food odours Option to ‘favourite’ your most commonly used settings Cons: Takes up significant counter space Limited instruction manual; full details require online access Reflective door makes it hard to monitor cooking No baked potato setting Wattage: 1000W Star rating: 4.5/5 Along with its stylish modern design, the first thing we noted about this microwave was its size. With a spacious 32L capacity, it’s great for heating family-sized portions, but does take up significant counter space, making it less suitable for small kitchens. The powerful machine heats food fast, and its dial can be used to reduce the wattage. We heated soup on 850w for six minutes and it reached over 90 degrees, with consistent temperatures around all sides of the bowl when probed, but a cooler centre (we cooked without stirring, for a stricter test). For ease, the start button can be pressed to heat in 30-second blasts, or use the dial for precise increments starting at just five seconds – ideal for softening butter. This model's auto-cook settings cover popular options like chicken breast and ready meals, but there’s no dedicated baked potato function – we achieved even, fully cooked results by running the ‘peeled potatoes’ setting twice. The Power Defrost button lets you input food type and weight, then calculates the time and power needed. While helpful, this wasn’t entirely accurate as our 200g chicken breast required 1.5x the suggested time to defrost fully, with the thinner end beginning to cook (although the manual does advise covering the tip with foil, which we didn’t do). Despite its bulky size and these minor inaccuracies in cooking time estimates, this microwave impressed us with its power, speed and ease of use, as well as its thoughtful additional features. These include a deodorisation function to eliminate lingering food odours, a ‘keep warm’ setting, and an eco mode which saves energy when idle. We also appreciated the indented top handle which makes one-handed opening effortless and mess-free, and the easy-to-clean ceramic-lined interior. undefined Sharp digital combination microwave YC-QC254AU-B Available from Currys (£219) Best flatbed microwave Pros: Sleek and attractive Flatbed Quality accessories included Precise timer Cons: Large footprint Defrost setting was slow Wattage: 900W Star rating: 4.5/5 This 25-litre microwave has a flatbed interior that takes the faff out of cleaning up splatters and spillages on a turnable. It's large and just over 50cm deep, but what you get in return is versatility. Functions include microwave, grill, convection and defrost, and a grill rack and baking tray are also included. In use, the microwave hums quietly and loses little heat during cooking. The auto-defrost setting was disappointing, taking 12½ minutes to fully thaw a chicken breast, which was lengthy compared to other models we tested. We then switched to the grill setting to cook the chicken for 12 minutes. It retained its moisture well and was juicy in the centre, but the ends were tougher and more unpleasant – owing to the fact they'd cooked (unintentionally) during defrosting. The jacket potato preset was excellent by comparison, giving us soft, fluffy potatoes with crisp skin on the outside – similar to what you might get in an oven. Cost to run on high for six minutes: 2.52p Latest Deals Russell Hobbs RHM1731 Inspire microwave Available from Amazon (£71) Best budget microwave Pros: Attractive Compact Variety of power settings Cons: Difficult to do precise timings Non-slip feet are less effective Short warranty (1 year) Wattage: 700W Star rating: 4.5/5 Investing in a more budget-friendly microwave often means compromising on the number of settings, but this compact model comes with five power levels and a defrost function. Available in three colours, it's easy on the eye and lightweight, but this did mean it slid across the worktop a little too easily – even with the non-slip feet. The timer is controlled by a dial, which rotates easily but offers less precision that you might get with a digital timer. To run the microwave for fewer than two minutes, you have to pull the dial round to two minutes then turn it back again, which feels a little clunky. Where this microwave shone was its speedy results on the defrost setting, thawing a whole chicken breast in just five minutes. We were pleased with the outcome of our jacket potato (cooked on high for nine minutes), too: crisp skin and a fluffy centre, with no chewy patches. Cost to run on high for six minutes: 1.84p Latest Deals Panasonic combi microwave oven 4-in-1 NN-CS89LBBPQ Available from Hughes (£599), John Lewis & Partners (£599) Best combination microwave for steam cooking Pros: Technology at its best Steam for healthy cooking Flatbed Expensive Cons: Confusing instruction book Wattage: 1000W (1300W for grill) Star rating: 4.5/5 The Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi was both the largest and most expensive combi microwave on our test. Still, it comes with a wealth of programmes and presets, including 12 combi-cooking options and 36 auto programmes. This is the only combi to offer steam for healthy, nutritious and super tasty food. For its sheer size and power, the Panasonic is remarkably quiet, easy to use and will easily replace a regular oven for those with less space or supplement for those who need more capacity. Read our full Panasonic combi 4-in-1 microwave oven review. Latest Deals Panasonic 4-in-1 combi microwave oven NN-DS59NBBPQ Available from Amazon (£349), Hughes (£449), Peter Tyson (£449) Best combination microwave for families Pros: Oven-style door, great for small kitchens Versatile Plenty of functions Easy to fill and empty water containers Comprehensive manual Cons: Window steams up easily Jacket potato not cooked through Wattage: 1000W (1350W for grill) Star rating: 4.5/5 Another Panasonic 4-in-1 model, but this one comes with fewer cooking options and programmes than its older sibling above. Like the above four-in-one model, the DS59 can steam foods, be used as an oven, grill and, of course, microwave. It also comes with a generous selection of presets for ultra-specific cooking. There are six combi-cooking options and 28 auto programmes. Unique to this model is the steam cooking function, which we put to the test by making a batch of steamed gooey toffee puddings – these turned out perfectly moist and bouncy. When testing the defrosting function, we found it was a little ferocious, with the thinner parts of our raw chicken turning white. This is a large piece of kit but, like the other Panasonic model, we envision people using this instead of their oven for smaller, everyday dishes or even as an extension of their existing oven. Read our full Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ microwave review. Latest Deals Smeg 34-litre combi microwave oven MOE34CXIUK Available from Boots (£429), AO (£429) Best combination microwave for style Pros: Stylish Super-powerful yet quiet Generous 34 litres Cons: Fierce auto-defrost Wattage: 1000W Star rating: 4.5/5 As we would expect from Smeg, their combi-microwave is a sleek looking, well-built, stainless steel oven that will stand out in any kitchen. There are ten programmes and 40 settings behind its seemingly simple interface. The shortcuts menu of super-useful settings covers all bases from melting butter and chocolate to a handy 30-second time increase while cooking. With a generous 34 litres, the Smeg will work well in any household needing extra capacity. Read our full Smeg 34-litre combi microwave oven review. Latest Deals Bosch Series 2 FFL023MS2B Available from AO (£149) Best microwave for precise cooking Pros: Customisable functions Push-button door Effective non-slip feet Cons: Small window Difficult to identify presets Marked by fingerprints easily Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 800W This chunky but sleek microwave comes with seven presets – with options for defrosting meat, poultry and bread, plus cooking rice, potatoes and vegetables. Each of these can also be adjusted, with a range of power levels (90W-800W) to choose from. Where we found this model more frustrating was the controls: each preset is labelled 'P1', 'P2' and so on, which meant we had to keep referring back to the instructions to remind ourselves what they all did. On the plus side, you can save your favourites. There was also no preset or guidance in the manual for jacket potatoes, so we followed our intuition and cooked ours on high for six minutes. The potato was cooked through and lacked crispness, but was soft and fluffy in the centre. This microwave also did a good job defrosting chicken in six minutes and, while some of the edges turned white, it had thawed almost evenly elsewhere. Cost to run on high for six minutes: 1.82p Latest Deals Russell Hobbs RHMD714G Scandi microwave Available from Amazon (£84), Currys (£84) Best microwave under £100 Pros: Small but punchy Cons: No baked potato setting Slow Wattage: 700W Star rating: 4/5 The Russel Hobbs Scandi Microwave may be small with just 17 litres capacity. Still, it is big in good looks with its soft touch wood effect accents and mirrored door. It also has programmes and settings rarely found in a microwave of this size and price, including eight auto-cook settings and various handy shortcuts. At just 700W, we found the Scandi took a little longer to cook than other models we tested, but if you want a small, functional, good-looking microwave, this is the one. Read our full Russell Hobbs Scandi microwave review. Latest Deals Other microwaves tested and rated Swan retro digital microwave review, £99.99 Swan Nordic digital microwave review, £119.99 Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ combination microwave review, £269 Sharp R959SLMAA combination microwave oven review, £414.27 What are the differences between standard, grill and combination microwaves? Life is complicated enough without the added stress of trying to get your head around microwave terminology. To break it down for you, there are three types of microwave – generally speaking, you will pay more for each additional feature a model offers. We suggest working out what you'd like to use your microwave for as this will determine which microwave you should buy. Maybe you simply want to defrost meat, cook ready meals and prep the odd baked potato. You may also want your microwave’s performance to rival an oven’s in terms of crispness and water retention. Or do you want something which goes even further and will, in effect, replace your oven by offering grilling, microwaving and convection cooking in one? Standard microwave Unless otherwise stated in the product title, most microwaves tend to be classed as ‘microwave-only’. This means they'll perform the basic tasks expected of them – heating up or defrosting food. If you don't fancy blowing the budget and you only need the basic features, then a classic microwave will serve you well. Grill microwave A grill microwave goes one step further than a traditional model and is able to grill food, giving foods such as bacon that authentically grilled texture rather than making them dry out. Combination microwave This is the closest you'll find to a traditional oven in microwave form. Depending on how much you fork out, some models will even be able to bake sponge cakes. What's more, they also have the ability to brown foods – so if you're trying to achieve a perfectly crisp baked potato, a combination microwave will certainly do the trick. How to choose the right microwave Solo microwave If you simply want to defrost the occasional dish or piece of meat, reheat a beverage or leftovers and fast-bake a potato, then a simple microwave will do the job perfectly and not break the budget. Standard microwaves tend to be smaller, so if space is tight, this will be perfect, but if you have several to cook for, you may want to look for a larger size or, instead of a classic turntable, flatbed microwaves tend to be larger, and they are easier to clean. Microwave and grill The next step from the solo microwave is to add a grill for crisping up, browning, or fuss-free grilled bacon. You may, however, want to consider size as the grill does take up room in what often is already a smallish cavity – though, on some more expensive models, the grill element is enclosed, which helps. Combi microwave oven Should you have more room, a big family or want extra cooking capacity from time to time, then the combi is worth a look. They once had bad press for being a costly mistake; the element for the oven was exposed and challenging to clean and took up space in the cavity, but the latest technology has almost eliminated those issues (with hidden oven elements). The straightforward combi will give you an extra oven to cook and bake, just like a regular oven, which can be a real bonus for smaller households, second homes, student accommodation or small flats. A level up from this are the two-in-ones, which combine oven-cooking with the speed of microwaving for either cooking from scratch or ready meals to get supper on the table in no time. 3-in-1 microwave, oven and grill All these extras come at a price and are a serious investment, so work out what you want from yours, and as you can see from our round-up, there are plenty to choose from. Some models include air-frying, while others have a steam function alongside traditional settings. Inverter technology If you are replacing an old microwave, you may be intrigued to find microwaves with inverter technology. Whatever you were used to with your old oven, you will be amazed at how this technology has changed using a microwave, and for the better. Without getting into science, this new technology means the oven constantly operates at the correct power for whatever is cooking, unlike an old oven where the power fluctuates continuously. The result is gentle cooking resulting in juicer, moist, evenly heated food. Our costs-to-run calculations were done against the variable tariff at the time of testing, which is updated regularly – read more on the current energy price guarantee rates. Microwave recipes and tips Microwave recipes 10 dishes you can cook in a microwave 10 easy, healthy microwave meals How to cook food in a microwave Microwave mug cakes Microwave banana pudding Microwave chilli Microwave coffee and walnut cake Microwave jambalaya Microwave meringues How to clean a microwave Related reviews Best food processors Best toasters Best stand mixers Best coffee pod machines Best fridge freezers Best air fryers Best multi-cookers Best slow cookers Is Hexclad worth it? More deals Air fryer deals Coffee machine deals Microwave deals Fridge-freezer deals Dishwasher deals Stand mixer deals Pizza oven deals Breadmaker deals Ninja deals
The best woks for making stir-fried food
A good wok is a versatile piece of kit that every home cook should own. From non-stick to traditional carbon steel, discover the best woks for every budget and cooking style.
The wok is a kitchen powerhouse. Its bowl-shaped design not only ensures fast and even heat distribution over a bigger surface area than a frying pan, it also means that ingredients can be tossed without falling out, making it perfect for stir-frying. But its usage certainly doesn’t stop at stir-fries. The shape and depth of a wok make it a seriously versatile bit of kit that can used for a number of different cooking methods, from sautéing to braising, boiling, deep-frying and, if it has a lid, steaming. Traditional woks are typically crafted from carbon steel and have rounded bottoms – these are the woks you see in restaurant kitchens used to impart the 'wok hei' smoky flavour to dishes. While these are authentic and designed to last a lifetime, they aren’t always practical for home cooks as they require regular seasoning to retain their non-stick properties and prevent rust. These days, you’ll find plenty of modern woks which have been designed to be compatible with home kitchens, with flat bottoms and non-stick coatings that don’t need seasoning. Whether you’re a traditionalist or prefer modern convenience, there’s a wok to suit every kitchen and cooking style. We’ve researched and tested a wide range of different woks for different kitchen sizes, cooking needs and budgets. Read on to discover the best woks for 2025, and discover more top-rated cookware in our guides to the best pan sets, best frying pans and best knife sets. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best woks at a glance Best mid-range all-rounder wok: Kuhn Rikon Allround Wok Non-Stick, from £70.51 Best hybrid wok: HexClad 30cm Hybrid wok, £139 Best non-stick wok: Le Creuset toughened non-stick wok, from £175 Best lightweight cast-iron wok: Netherton Foundry 33cm iron wok, £159.10 Best cast-iron wok: Tramontina Trento 32cm cast-iron wok, £53.99 Best premium wok: Samuel Groves classic non-stick stainless steel tri-ply wok, £210 Best wok for feeding a crowd: Smeg 50s-style wok, £95.96 Best wok for induction hob: Kuhn Rikon easy induction wok, £59.95 Best wok for beginners: Tefal Unlimited 28cm wok, £39.99 Best budget wok: School of Wok Wok & Roll 33cm round bottom wok, £21.99 Best wok for families: Circulon Ultimum high-density forged 36cm wok, £99.99 Jump to: Best woks to buy in 2025 What types of woks are there? How we tested woks How to clean a wok Best woks to buy in 2025 Kuhn Rikon all-round wok Available from Kuhn Rikon (from £70.51) Best mid-range all-rounder Pros: Very impressive non-stick Lightweight enough for easy handling and tossing Dishwasher safe Suitable for all hob types Lifetime guarantee Cons: Not scratch-proof Small flat-bottomed surface area may limit portion size Star rating: 4.5/5 On first unboxing, the appearance of Kuhn Rikon’s all-round wok didn’t particularly stand out, but once we started cooking, its performance spoke volumes. The non-stick surface seriously impressed — our pad Thai slid effortlessly across the surface, with almost no sticking at all, even when dealing with sticky noodles, sauces and egg. We also appreciated the lightweight design which made it easy to handle and perfect for tossing ingredients mid-stir-fry. Not only does the handle stay cool while cooking, it’s also short enough that this wok could easily fit inside a drawer, although it does also have an integrated loop for those who prefer to hang their pans — both great options for anyone lacking kitchen space. The only minor downside is the size. The diameter at the top is 28cm, while the flat cooking surface is just 13cm across the bottom, meaning you’ll need to stir frequently to ensure even cooking and making it less suitable for large, family-size portions. While this wok handles temperature changes well and works with all hob types, it’s worth noting that it isn’t completely scratch-proof, so you’ll want to avoid using metal utensils — stick to wood or silicone as the brand suggests. For those looking for an affordable, versatile wok for everyday use, the Kuhn Rikon Allround Wok is a great option, particularly for anyone cooking for small numbers and seeking a wok that’s easy to store and clean. undefined HexClad 30cm Hybrid wok Available from Hexclad (£139), Amazon (£171.43) Best hybrid wok Pros: All recyclable packaging Sturdy Two handles Good shape for tossing Lifetime warranty Cons: Heavy Some sticking Can't cook at high temperatures Star rating: 4.5/5 We’ve tested the HexClad frying pan and we’re thoroughly impressed. But we had one major question before testing the HexClad wok: wok cooking is all about cooking quickly and at very high temperatures, so how would the HexClad wok perform considering the brand advises cooking on a medium heat? To put this to the test, we made a pad Thai. Despite seasoning the wok beforehand, we noticed some sticking around the edges when scrambling egg. Other than this slight sticking, everything else cooked well, though we’d be hard pushed to call what we did wok-cooking. With each ingredient added there was a notable absence of wok-sizzle. Although HexClad claims that cooking at a medium temperature in their cookware is equivalent to cooking at medium-high with other cookware, we disagree. What we ended up doing was sautéing. As a result our pad Thai took around 10 minutes to cook - considerably longer than expected. On the plus side, the finished dish was delicious, and many of the construction elements of this wok scored full marks. We loved the size: it’s 30cm, so great if you’ve got lots of mouths to feed, it is a lovely shape to toss food in, and the handles are not only comfortable but remained cool too. If you’re slightly intimidated by the ferocious temperatures required for wok cooking, this HexClad wok is a great introductory model. But if you’re well-versed, carbon steel is a better choice. Find out more about HexClad in our guide: Is HexClad worth it? Available from: Hexclad (£139) Amazon (£171.43) Le Creuset toughened non-stick wok Available from Nordic Nest UK (£118.25), Amazon (£141.75), John Lewis & Partners (£160) Best non-stick wok Absolute quality is achieved by Le Creuset, who use a toughened non-stick coating on this forged aluminium wok. The two riveted handles are unlikely to come loose or wobble, even after years of use. This wok reaches a searing heat without a problem, retaining the temperature as ingredients cook and even after the dish is finished and taken to the table for guests to help themselves. The pan isn’t too heavy at all, although obviously in a good grade of metal. A useful pan we’ll use for so much more than stir-fries. Latest Deals Netherton Foundry 33cm iron wok Available from Amazon (£159.10) Best lightweight cast-iron wok Netherton Foundry is a popular choice with serious cooks because it combines everything you’d want in a pan, but make it light, easy to use and lovely to look at. We love the branded oak overlaid handle on this wok, which, like other varieties in the range, is constructed from spun iron. Not only does it have superior heat-conducting qualities, there’s none of the extreme heft of some of the big cast iron models in the test, making it easier to use. Although you can use this wok straight from the box, it’s best to give it a seasoning first. It’ll be the start of a long cooking adventure – this one is made to last. Available from: Amazon (£159.10) Tramontina Trento 32cm cast iron wok Available from Amazon (£45.60), Robert Dyas (£45.99), Wilko (£60), Harts Of Stur (£81.95) Best cast-iron wok This is an absolute whopper of a enamelled cast iron wok from this Brazilian brand. Don’t limit it to frying – there’s a lot more it can handle. For starters, it’s far and away the heaviest model on test, so you’ll need muscles to move it around. Because of its sturdiness, this is a great choice for those times when stability is key – for tempura frying in hot oil, for example. It’s also going to keep heat in your dish with its stainless-steel handled lid, and looks great as a rustic table centrepiece. A no-frills classic, this is a pan that will only get better over time, adding flavour to dishes if you allow it to build up a patina and keep it oiled every month or so. undefined Samuel Groves classic non-stick stainless steel tri-ply wok Available from Fortnum and Mason (£210) Best premium wok This top-quality British-made wok comes in a hessian presentation bag. When cooking, the riveted long handle and grab bar opposite feel great and secure. Because these are also in tri-ply steel, this wok can be placed in the oven and under grills, too. Admittedly, this doesn’t crop up in Chinese, east, south or southeast Asian cooking very often, but it adds to the versatility of such a quality pan, which is a bonus considering the higher cost. You can also brown steak mince in this for ragu, which adds a nice char and colour to the meat. Samuel Groves pans are always a delight to use and this wok was no exception. Available from: Fortnum and Mason (£210) Smeg 50s-style wok Available from Argos (£95.96) Best wok for feeding a crowd Smeg’s expanded range of cookware continues to use the high-quality materials you expect from the brand. There’s a logo imprint and sleep stripes on the long handle that mirror any other Smeg kitchen equipment you might have, and there’s a choice of cream, black or red outer casing. This is a very generous, deep wok that can easily handle frying for more than four people. The inner, slightly roughcast non-stick coating doesn’t catch when cooking at high heat and has lots of space to move ingredients around for even charring. Latest Deals Kuhn Rikon easy induction wok Available from Debenhams (£46.95), Harts Of Stur (£59.95), Kuhn Rikon (£74.95) Best wok for induction hob This non-stick wok is specially designed to be used on induction hobs and has a smooth, polished base that's easy to clean and stays in great shape even after enthusiastic stir-frying. The pan has an anti-scratch coating and three-layer titanium coating for extra durability. We like the feel of this pan, which has a smoother inner than most – ingredients slide effortlessly around over the surface, making it easy to cook everything evenly with a bare minimum of oil. undefined Tefal Unlimited 28cm wok Available from Amazon (£52) Best wok for beginners A classic, non-stick choice, this wok is for those non-purists who like to stick a wok in the dishwasher – great for family cooking, and at a solid mid-price point. It’s suitable for all hobs, too. There's a good weight to this model and the heat is very evenly distributed, cooking a stir-fry for four quickly and evenly. With the darkening of its Thermo-Signal red dot, there’s a visual cue that your wok has reached an ideal temperature for cooking, but when flash and stir-frying we’d always give it a minute or two extra to get things really smoking hot. Latest Deals School of Wok Wok & Roll 33cm round bottom wok Available from Robert Dyas (£28.99), Amazon (£29.95), Harts Of Stur (£31.50) Best budget wok From the School of Wok cookery school in London’s Covent Garden, this was the best traditional-style wok we tested. Round bottomed and made of carbon steel, this wok requires a gas hob and does need a bit of prep before use. First, the protective layer of lacquer (that stops the wok rusting in the shop) needs to be scoured off and then the metal needs to be seasoned with two ‘burns’ over a hot hob or with a blow torch. Seasoning keeps the metal in good condition and prevents sticking. There are helpful instructions on how to do this and online videos if you get stuck. Though a little time consuming, the prep is worth it for the searing and flavour produced by a traditional carbonised wok. Reasonably priced, this wok has a comfortable bamboo handle, heats fast, is light and well-balanced. Latest Deals Circulon Ultimum high-density forged 36cm wok Available from Circulon (£94.99), Amazon (£100) Best wok for families This large capacity wok is ideal for feeding large families or a crowd of friends. Its large flat base keeps good contact with an induction hob and works equally well on gas and electric. It does require some storage space but thankfully has two cast stainless steel handles rather than a long stick. The handles do get hot so keep your oven gloves close to hand. The wok heats evenly and fast. Circulon’s signature ridged surface together with a hard-wearing non-stick coating means stir-fry glides around the pan. Impressively, the non-stick is proof to 260C and it comes with a large domed lid making it a versatile pan for steaming and poaching. A solid, durable wok that’s easy to clean, too. Available from: Circulon (£94.99) Amazon (£100) What types of woks are there? Round or flat If your hob is gas, a traditional round-bottomed wok is a great option, but bear in mind you will need a wok ring to keep it steady. For electric, flat is best as round woks can reflect heat back on the element, damaging it. Similarly, for induction hobs you'll need a broad, flat base for decent contact between hob and wok. Material Traditional carbon steel woks are durable, lightweight and inexpensive. They provide rapid heat conduction to quickly sear food, which is essential for stir-frying. However, they do require more maintenance, as without regular seasoning (coating with oil) they will rust. Similar to carbon steel, cast iron needs to be seasoned. It takes longer to reach a high heat, but will maintain temperature well. Cast iron is very heavy, so not the best option if you like to toss your stir-fries. Non-stick coatings have developed over the years to withstand the higher temperatures needed for stir-frying. They still don’t sear the food in quite the same way as carbon steel, but they do a good job and are certainly easier to clean and maintain. How we tested woks When our team tested woks, we concentrated on stir-frying. We tossed, stirred, tilted and shimmied to see how much food might escape from the pan. A variety of utensils were used to test convenience of shape and durability of surface. What we looked for in a wok Balance and weight: We looked for wok’s that could be lifted easily by the handle without drastic tilting. Some long-handled woks have a small second handle to help with balance. Handles: We looked for handles that were comfortable and safe to hold. Long-stick handles are better suited to tossing stir-fries and keeping your hand away from the heat. Short handles either side of the wok are more convenient for storage and can also be used for tossing – just remember to use your oven gloves. Shape: Woks with deep curved sides that kept food in the pan were preferred. Temperature: We considered how fast and evenly the wok heated and how well the food seared. We rejected those that stewed rather than browned the veg, and those with uneven hotspots that resulted in burnt food. Sticking: Whether seasoned carbon steel or non-stick coated, we looked for ease of movement in the wok. Woks are subject to vigorous activity so non-stick coatings need to be hard wearing and scratch-resistant. Sustainability: Woks that come with plastic packaging and short warranties score poorly. We want to see sustainably sourced materials both for the wok itself and it's packaging. How to clean a wok Give woks a coating of oil with kitchen paper to keep them in top condition and never use harsh or abrasive cleaners on them. Always try to use wooden chopsticks or spatulas rather than metal implements, to protect the surface from scores. Plunging your pan in the washing up bowl from the hob is another no-no, as you don’t want it to warp or crack. Leave it to cool fully before cleaning and for maximum care, hand-wash rather than put in the dishwasher to protect the coating. More pan reviews Best non-stick frying pans Best saucepans Best pan sets Best griddle pans Best saute pans Best pancake pans Best cast-iron skillets Best casserole dishes Best paella pans How to store pans How to care for non-stick cookware Best stainless steel frying pans Wok recipes Our top stir-fry recipes Chicken stir-fry recipes Vegetarian stir-fries If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. Are you a fan of wok cooking? We'd love to hear your product suggestions...
9 of the best BBQ boxes to try this summer
For a stress-free barbecue, order a box full of favourites ready for a feast – here are our top picks of the best BBQ boxes to try this summer
A barbecue box is a one-stop shop that makes hosting an al fresco feast that little bit easier, not to mention more delicious and, often, more sustainable. We tried and tested boxes from some of the UK’s top specialist butchers (and fishmongers), who sustainably source top-quality meat (and fish!), then butcher it into a range of different cuts for the barbecue, before packaging it up and sending it direct to your door. Some boxes arrive fresh, while others arrive frozen, so that you can stock up and plan ahead of time. While many focus solely on the meat and fish, others include added extras like burger buns and sauces. So, whether you’re after a classic family-friendly barbecue bundle, a varied selection of different meats to feed a crowd, a taste of the sea or an extra special steak supper, we’ve chosen nine of the best barbecue boxes to try this summer. Check out our full round-up of the best meat delivery and subscription boxes for even more options. If your barbecue itself needs an update, our experts have tried and tested the best on the market – check out our pick of the best gas barbecues, best Weber barbeques, best charcoal barbecues, best electric barbecues and best portable barbecues to find the perfect one for you. To make sure you have all the sides to go with it too, check out our review of the best veg box subscriptions. Best BBQ boxes at a glance Best classic BBQ box: DukesHill classic BBQ meat box, £44 Best ready-to-go BBQ box: Daylesford Organic Home-Grilling butcher box, £70 Best BBQ box to impress guests: Tom Hixson Ribs and Burgers box, £65 Best BBQ box for families: Pipers Farm Medium BBQ Meat Box, £43 Best variety BBQ box: Swaledale Butchers The BBQ Meat Box, £93.85 Best BBQ box for steak lovers: Farmison Steak Tasting Meat Box, £60 Best BBQ box for fish and seafood: Rockfish BBQ Box, £59.95 Best BBQ box for bangers: Farmison The Gourmet Sausage Bundle, £16 Best surf and turf BBQ box: Pipers Farm Surf and Turf BBQ box, £56.80 9 of the best BBQ boxes to try DukesHill classic BBQ meat box Available from DukesHill (£44) Best classic BBQ box For a classic barbecue box with a little bit of everything, you can't go wrong with this DukesHill delivery. The classic box serves four to six, with the showstopper being two barbecue pork rib racks cured in DukesHill's own sticky marinade. Traditional pork sausages and steak burgers are also included, and we like that the delivery includes four large burger buns, so you don't need to pick these up separately. The compact (but weighty) box arrives with plenty of ice packs to keep the meat cool on arrival. Available from: DukesHill (£44) Daylesford Organic home grilling butcher box Available from Daylesford Organic (£70) Best ready-to-go BBQ box After a completely faff-free feast? This large box from Daylesford Organic is a great option if you’re short on prep time. Not only does it include two pre-marinated meats (subtly smoky, Spanish-style paprika chicken breasts; and piri-piri chicken wings), it also comes with six meaty, nutmeg-heavy Cumberland sausages; two beef rump steaks; a pack of chicken drumsticks; and all the elements to make a classic beef burger, including a fruity tomato ketchup and brioche buns. As is the case with all Daylesford’s produce, everything is organic. The meat and buns arrive fresh in an insulated box, but can be frozen if needed. Available from: Daylesford Organic (£70) Tom Hixson ribs & burgers box Available from Tom Hixson (£65) Best BBQ box to impress guests Want to really up the steaks at your next barbecue? For something a little more premium than the usual burgers, bangers and buns, Tom Hixson of Smithfields is an online butcher, founded in London’s iconic Smithfield market, that specialises in exclusive, restaurant-quality cuts of meat from the UK and beyond. Think: wagyu beef, Iberico pork, Hereford brisket and Argentine Chateaubriand. Its ribs & burgers box includes eight 28-day dry-aged marrow butter-infused steak burgers, two wagyu flat-iron steaks and two large racks of Iberico pork loin ribs, which all arrive carefully packed and frozen, ready to defrost and serve the next day, or keep in your freezer until needed. While the burgers and steaks are great for cooking directly on the barbie, we recommended marinating and slow-cooking the ribs in the oven, then finishing them on the barbecue (we followed this Jennifer Joyce's baby back ribs with Carolina baste recipe). Available from: Tom Hixson (£65) Pipers Farm medium BBQ meat box Available from Pipers Farm (£43) Best BBQ box for families For an accessible box to suit the whole family, this one from Devon-based Pipers Farm covers all the classics. As well as four traditional grass-fed beef burgers, there are four flavoursome chicken patties, two kinds of sausages (six plain and six Cumberland) and a generous bag of meaty chicken wings. All the meat is free-range and comes from small-scale family farms that work sustainably. It’s clearly labelled, vacuum-packed and frozen, so you can order the box ahead of time and put it straight in the freezer until needed. We also love the fact that this box comes with eight light and fluffy seeded burger buns and two excellent sauces (ketchup and BBQ), meaning the amount of extra shopping needed is minimal. With both the quality and quantity in mind, this is a brilliant-value offering. Plus, the box, its insulation and packaging are all either recyclable or compostable. Available from: Pipers Farm (£43) Swaledale Butchers the BBQ meat box Available from Swaledale Butchers (£93.85) Best variety BBQ box Yorkshire-based Swaledale Butchers specialises in heritage breeds of slow-grown, free-roaming cattle, sheep and pigs sourced from sustainable farms in the Dales, then expertly butchered and delivered fresh in fully recyclable packaging. Its BBQ meat box seriously impresses in both quality and variety, featuring a huge array of different meats and interesting cuts. These include nicely marbled rib-eye steaks; chunky pork loin chops; large, free-range chicken breasts and drumsticks; steak burgers; Korean-style beef short ribs (‘Korean-style’ referring to the way they’re cut, not flavoured); Yorkshire chipolatas; and North African-style kofta kebabs. While all of it impressed, our top highlights were the spiced kofta kebabs, made with super-juicy lamb, warming North African spices, a perfect amount of seasoning and a punchy chilli kick; and the Yorkshire chipolatas with their brilliant pork flavour and convenient size (not only does a chipolata cook quicker, it’s also the ideal length and shape for a hot dog bun). Available from: Swaledale Butchers (£93.85) Farmison steak tasting meat box Available from Farmison (£60) Best BBQ box for steak lovers Farmison is an online butcher with a mission to provide better British meat to the UK. Though it has plenty of different meat boxes to choose from, we love this one featuring three of Farmison’s finest matured grass-fed beef steaks, all great for the barbecue. It includes two thick, 32-day dry-aged sirloin steaks; two bavette steaks (a quick-cook option that’s brilliant on the barbie, and particularly delicious in Tom Kerridge’s barbecued bavette steak & tomato salad or simply seasoned with salt and pepper and served with chimichurri sauce); and, for something a little more special, two beautifully tender fillet steaks, ideal for impressing on date night with an elevated barbecue steak and chips. Available from: Farmison (£60) Rockfish BBQ box Available from Rockfish (£59.95) Best BBQ box for fish and seafood If you love fish, are pescetarian or simply trying to cut down on meat, this is the box for you, from sustainable seafood experts Rockfish. Championing locally and sustainably caught fish and seafood, nearly all of this summer’s barbecue offering comes from waters hyper-local to Rockfish’s Brixham base, including two meaty monkfish tails (the perfect fish for grilling), two portions of sardine fillets and six hand-dived scallops. There are also six large, shell-on prawns, sourced from outside UK waters, but specifically chosen for their quality and sustainability (they’re MSC-certified). We love the attention to detail in this box – not only is the packaging compact and well-insulated, it also comes with several useful extras, including shells to cook the scallops in, a jar of Rockfish’s homemade garlic butter to pour over your freshly grilled fish (heaven), a handy booklet of grilling tips from chef and Rockfish founder Mitch Tonks, and a pack of natural fire lighters. Available from: Rockfish (£59.95) Farmison the gourmet sausage bundle Available from Farmison (£16) Best BBQ box for bangers A great British barbie needs a great British banger, and this bundle from ethically conscious Yorkshire-based butchers Farmison & Co features three different varieties of gourmet sausage to suit every taste. Made from locally sourced, free-range pork or grass-fed lamb, the bundle includes six English breakfast sausages (a crowd-pleasing chipolata-like banger that’s perfect in a hot dog, or as part of your morning fry-up), six award-winning Nidderdale sausages (fatter, meatier and coarser-textured than the English breakfast ones), and six lamb merguez sausages packed with chilli, garlic and North African-inspired spices. Available from: Farmison (£16) Pipers Farm surf and turf BBQ box Availablefrom Pipers Farm (£55.80) Best surf and turf BBQ box If you want more than sausages, try this chic surf and turf barbecue box from Piper's Farm. Feeding four to six people, the box includes two sirloin steaks, six hand-dived scallops (complete with roe) and a monkfish tail – perfect for turning a barbecue into a dinner party. The scallops are plump and juicy, the whole monkfish tail is meaty and the steaks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Everything arrives frozen (with a box of sea salt, all in 100% recyclable packaging), so you can keep it on standby for the ideal sunny weekend. Available from: Piper's Farm (£55.80) Related content Best charcoal barbecues BBQ deals Best Weber BBQ Best portable barbecues Best pizza ovens Best pizza oven accessories Best Ooni pizza oven Best Ooni accessories Best barbecue supermarket food Best BBQ gadgets, tools and accessories to buy How to clean a BBQ
Best reusable straws for at home and on-the-go
Reusable drinking straws made from metal, plastic and bamboo are a sustainable alternative to single-use straws. As we move away from disposable options, we round up the best eco-friendly straws.
As we become increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of single-use plastic on the environment, we're always looking for ways to cut down. Single-use plastic drinking straws have been one of the main products in the firing line, with the government banning them completely as of 2019. While some of us have stopped drinking from straws altogether, many people still like to use them, for reasons including dental hygiene and taste. If you're someone who can’t live without straws, there are plenty of more eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic ones. What types of reusable straws are available? While lots of us are trying to cut down on plastic in general, reusable straws made from hard plastic are durable and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. We also tested silicone straws, for a flexible option that's easy to store on the go. Metal straws are strong and long-lasting, and sometimes conveniently collapsible. They often come with cleaning brushes and can be dishwaher safe. However, they can't be used with hot drinks as they're heat conductive. Although they're at risk of smashing, glass straws are generally sturdy and are a hygienic option, as you can see how clean the inside is. Bamboo straws are made from a highly sustainable material, but can deteriorate quickly. You can find other alternatives to single-use plastic straws, which are better for the environment because they can be composted, but are still one-use as they deteriorate quickly. These, include straws made from wheat, paper and even pasta! We only tested straws which can be re-used multiple times. We tested 20 straws from all categories to bring you the best reusable straws to buy. For more unbiased expert buyer's guides, visit our reviews section to find 400+ round-ups on everything from the best reusable water bottles and reusable coffee cups to the best dishwashers and dishwasher tablets to buy. Best reusable drinking straws at a glance Best plastic reusable straws: Joie rainbow reusable plastic drinking straws, £4.99 Best metal reusable straws: National Trust eco reusable steel drinking straws, £5 Best glass reusable straws: Kikkerland multicoloured reusable glass straws, £10 Best single straw: The Last Straw stainless steel collapsible drinking straw, £12 Best bamboo reusable straws: Cookut Bam Bam organic bamboo straws, £14 Best silicone straws: The Silicone Straw Company, £19.96 Best reusable drinking straws to buy 2023 Joie rainbow reusable plastic drinking straws undefined Best plastic reusable straws We know the alarm bells might be ringing and yes these are made of plastic, the very thing we are trying to avoid, but hear us out... Not only do these straws have by far the best mouth-feel of all those we tested (in other words, they’re the right size, shape and feel in the mouth), they're also incredibly durable. How do we know? Because our managing editor Lulu uses them at home and has done for years. Despite not being labelled as dishwasher safe, Lulu frequently washes hers in the dishwasher and they’ve stood the test of time. The different colours make them fun for parties (and avoids drinks getting mixed up). However, Lulu notes that at 23cm, they’re long, which could cause problems at children’s parties with small cups (they’d easily get knocked out), so are better for use in taller glasses. With twenty in a packet for less than a fiver, they’re excellent value and can eventually be recycled. undefined National Trust eco reusable steel drinking straws Available from National Trust (£5) Best metal reusable straws There are a lot of metal straws on the market right now and you might be fooled into thinking that they’re all the same, but after testing several different brands, we found a surprising amount of variation. These stainless-steel straws are our favourite for a number of reasons. For a start, the length of the straw (13.4cm) is just right – not too long, nor too short for your average glass – and the thickness is perfect too. Our testing panel also liked the slight, but not drastic bend, and the slightly ridged surface at the point where the straw meets the glass, meaning it doesn’t slip around in the glass as much as others do. The best bit? Not only do these come with their own cleaning brush, they’re also dishwasher safe, so feel like a hygienic option. Available from: National Trust (£5) Kikkerland multicoloured reusable glass straws Available from John Lewis (£10), Oliver Bonas (£10) Best glass reusable straws Although the feeling of using a glass straw takes a little getting used to, we came around to these for a number of reasons. For a start, the coloured glass makes them look super chic, so they’d be great for a party (adults only though – glass straws at a children’s party is, of course, not a good idea). Although marginally fatter in circumference than a standard straw, the length (20.3cm) feels right. The pack contains three straight and three curved straws, plus a cotton cleaning brush, plus they're dishwasher safe. Overall, these are the most stylish option of those we tried and would look great in a cocktail! Available from: John Lewis (£10) Oliver Bonas (£10) The Last Co. stainless steel collapsible drinking straw undefined Best single straw For a truly compact and portable reusable straw option, you can’t really beat this one. The stainless steel, retractable straw is just 8cm when not extended, and fits neatly inside its little case. The case is made from rust-proof aluminium, comes in a range of cool colours and has a keyring so you can attach it to your keys or bag, (hopefully) meaning you’ll never forget it. There’s no faffing around to build and piece the straw back together, it simply extends up to 19cm (a pretty ideal straw length). A cleaning brush is included in the box, but the straw is also dishwasher safe and, at the end of its life, can be recycled. However, although it seems to tick a lot of boxes, there’s no denying that the mouthfeel of this straw isn’t as good as others. Another downside is that, as with all metal straws, these can’t be used with hot drinks. undefined Cookut Bam Bam organic bamboo straws Available from Amazon (£14) Best bamboo reusable straws The main issue with bamboo straws is mouthfeel – they are often far too fat to feel comfortable. It’s for that reason that we liked these: although there is some variation in their sizes, on the whole, they’re much slimmer. Plus, they’re pleasantly smooth and very sturdy. Made from 100 per cent organic bamboo from sustainably managed forests, they tick the eco-friendly box. They come in a drawstring bag in a set of six, with a cleaning brush. A dishwasher would deteriorate these quickly, so it’s recommended to wash them by hand in hot soapy water. Available from: Amazon (£14) The Silicone Straw Company 4-straw tin Available from The Silicone Straw Company (£19.96) Best silicone straws When we first tested reusable straws, no silicone straws made it onto our shortlist as they were too bendy and tasted of rubber when drinking. However, these colourful straws from The Silicone Straw Company converted us to the cause. We tested the set of four that can roll into a tiny handy tin (no bigger than a lip balm) which is great if you want to take your straws on-the-go. You can pick the colours of your set from a choice of seven pastel shades. The chunky straws have a wide mouth and feel smooth. Even though they can roll up into the tin, they were still sturdy enough to stand up in drinks without collapsing. The straws are made in the UK and are also dishwasher safe, which is handy if you're using them for drinking smoothies or fizzy drinks. Available from: The Silicone Straw Company (£19.96) How we tested reusable straws A panel of Good Food team members tested 20 different reusable straws made from plastic, silicone, bamboo, metal and glass. We tried several varieties of each material, using them to drink from varying glass sizes, and with different drinks. What we looked for: Mouthfeel Arguably the most important factor of a straw is how it felt to drink from. We assessed thickness, smoothness and length. We also considered whether a straw affected the taste of a drink. Cleanliness We wanted to feel that the straws were hygienic to reuse. We looked at whether the straws come with a cleaning brush and how effective it was, as well as the general cleaning instructions, for example are they hand-wash only or dishwasher safe. Portability While some only buy straws to use at home, others are looking for one they can take out with them to pubs, bars, clubs or parties. For this, we looked at how transportable the straws were – did they collapse or fold down for easy transporation? Did they come in their own pouch or case? (This would also make them more hygienic.) Sustainability You might assume that a reusable straw is a better option for the environment than a single-use plastic one, but what about when you eventually want to stop using it? For a straw to be truly sustainable, it should not only be made as sustainability as possible in the first place, but should also be able to be recycled or composted at the end of its life. Reusable straw types: pros and cons Hard plastic straws Although we are all making an effort to reduce plastic in our lives, there are several pros of reusable straws made from hard plastic – they are extremely durable, don’t impart any ‘taste’ to the drink and have arguably the best mouthfeel. If you find a variety that's dishwasher safe and can be recycled at the end of its life, then we think it’s one of the best choices. Silicone straws The benefits of silicone straws are that they’re long-lasting and could be used for both hot and cold drinks. The bendy structure also means they can be rolled up into a little tin or pouch if you want to take it on the go. Metal straws The main advantage of metal straws is their durability. Most are made from food-grade stainless steel, which means they are not as susceptible to rust as other metals and won’t break – so will last a really long time. They come close in thickness, length and general mouthfeel to standard straws, and some are usefully collapsible. The most common gripes with metal straws are that they can impart a metallic taste on drinks, can clink against the teeth and, as metal is extremely heat conductive, you can't use them with hot drinks. Plus, although many metal straws come with cleaning brushes and some are dishwasher safe, it's harder to tell if they are cleaner than a glass or clear plastic straw. Glass straws The pros of glass straws are that they’re smooth and sturdy and don’t impart any sort of taste onto drinks. They also feel hygienic as you can clearly see when they’re dirty, inside and out, and clean them with a brush, warm soapy water or, in some cases, in the dishwasher. Some glass straws are a little thicker than your average straw so can feel uncomfortable in the mouth, and they can also clink against the teeth when drinking (although you could argue that this can be the case when drinking from a glass too). Glass does heat up fairly quickly, so these wouldn’t be the best choice for hot drinks. Plus, there is always the risk that glass could smash, so would not be suitable for children. Bamboo straws Bamboo is thought to be a very sustainable material because it’s fast-growing and doesn’t require as much water as other crops to grow, nor does it require fertiliser or pesticides. As for the benefits of using bamboo to make straws, there are plenty. For a start, they’re hardy and can be reused and washed plenty of times, but the best part is that, when you do finally want to get rid of them, they're biodegradable. Plus, bamboo doesn’t transfer heat as much as metal or glass straws, so they can be used for hot and cold drinks. The problem with bamboo is that, as it’s a natural material, the sizes of bamboo straws can vary, with many being too fat to be comfortable. Some users also complain of a slightly woody taste, and they don’t last as long as metal or plastic ones as they deteriorate after prolonged use. How to clean reusable straws The easiest reusable straws to clean are those that come with a special brush or are suitable for use in a dishwasher. Brushes can be bought separately, alternatively a pipe cleaner can be used. Wash in very hot water with soap, drain upright and dry thoroughly before storing. If you haven't washed your straws and they have dried-on bits inside them then soak them first and then wash as before. Related reviews Best reusable coffee cups Best reusable water bottles Best lunchboxes Best flasks and thermal cups Best sustainable spirits Best personalised water bottles Best sustainable picnicware More on sustainability 10 tips for reducing your plastic waste Reduce, reuse and recycle your plastic packaging How to reduce food packaging waste What biodegradable really means 8 ways to be a better recycler Sustainability hub page This review was last updated in November 2023. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
The best brownie and cookie deliveries tried and tested
Treat yourself or someone special to a home-delivery of the best brownies, cookies, cupcakes and more
Is there a better gift for a food lover with a sweet tooth than a batch of freshly baked chocolate brownies, cookies or cakes? We’ve put plenty of brownie, cookie, cupcake and other baked goods deliveries to the test, so read on to discover some of our favourites. For more gift guides, visit our reviews section to find over 400 round-ups and product reviews, plus expert buying advice on everything from gifts for foodies to the best meal delivery services. Jump to section: Best brownies Best cookies Best cupcakes, doughnuts and more The best brownies by post Letterbox Gifts Available from Letterbox Brownies (£27) Best for gifting The clue is in the name with this brownie delivery from Letterbox Gifts. Specialising in easy treats to post, from gin-tasting sets and wine, to flowers and pampering boxes, this set of eight brownies fits straight through a letterbox in a sleek cardboard box. On arrival, our eight brownies were incredibly rich and soft – almost molten. They’re perfect for someone who loves gooey brownies, but we also liked them after chilling – they firm up and become dense and fudgy, almost like a chocolate truffle. The flavours are classic indulgent crowd-pleasers: two each of Oreo, Biscoff, raspberry and sea salt. Our favourite was the Biscoff, with a thick swirl of creamy Biscoff spread under crunchy Biscoff biscuits for extra indulgence. The brownies lasted well for couple of days in the fridge, so they could be spread out and enjoyed for longer. Available from: Letterbox Brownies (£27, box of 8) Cake or Death vegan brownies Available from Cake or Death (from £18 for 6) Best for vegan brownies East London’s Cake or Death takes bakes very seriously – the clue’s in the name! These super-squidgy, rich chocolate brownies are all vegan, but you’d never guess. We love the Lotus Biscoff flavour (pictured) topped with gooey Biscoff spread and a Lotus biscuit, and the new salted caramel, drizzled with vegan caramel and sprinkled with sea salt flakes. Love festive flavours? Go for the mixed Christmas box, which includes two stem ginger, two mince pie and two salted caramel brownies. Available from: Cake or Death (from £18 for 6) Konditor Curly Whirly brownies Available from Konditor (£16, box of 4) Best for fudgy cheesecake brownies We can see why Konditor’s Curly Whirly brownies are their most popular. These seriously dense, fudgy brownies are packed full of dark chocolate chips, the richness of which is nicely counteracted by the slight tang of the creamy cheesecake swirls. Order a box of four or opt for the best-seller brownie box (pictured) which contains two curly whirly and two chocolate chip. Available from: Konditor (£16, box of 4) Bear's Brownies Available from Bear's Brownies (from £25 for a box of 12, £33 for a box of 6) Best for luxury brownies Looking to treat a friend or yourself for a special occasion? These delightfully decadent bakes from Bear's Brownies are sure to impress and come wrapped in the most beautiful packaging. From the satisfyingly crunchy Salted Caramel & Pretzel flavour and opulent Billionaires Gold Leaf brownies to fruity Jammy Dodger blondies and several free-from options, they ofter a mouthwatering selection of goodies which you can customise in a box. Pick up to 3 flavours for a box of 12 or 6 flavours for a box of 24, both of which can be personalised with a name and message. Lost for choice? Opt for the lucky dip and you'll be treated to a selection of popular flavours which complement each other. All brownie boxes are available for delivery nationwide and can be ordered to arrive by post the very next day, making them ideal for a spontaneous gift! Available from: Bear's Brownies (from £25 for a box of 12, £33 for a box of 6) Gower Cottage Brownies Available from Gower Cottage Brownies (£18.99 for box of 12) Best for crowd-pleasing brownies Ever bitten into a brownie and exclaimed in delight? That’s what happened when we tried these. Homemade in Wales by Kate Jenkins and her small team of locals, the recipe is simple but highly effective – including British butter, free-range eggs, sugar, flour and high-quality dark Belgian chocolate. Deliciously soft and moist on the inside, with a nice crust on top, these are chocolatey but without being too rich, too dense nor too sickly, all of which makes them dangerously addictive! Available from: Gower Cottage Brownies (£18.99 for box of 12) B is for Brownie dark chocolate brownies Available from B is for Brownie (from £13 for half-slab) Best for rich dark chocolate brownies If you like your brownies super-rich and really chocolatey then these are for you. Lou Cox, founder of B is for Brownie, bakes her brownies using high-quality single origin Columbian or Madagascan dark chocolate for an intense chocolate flavour. The best-selling Madagascan Collection combines Lou’s award-winning Madagascan chocolate brownie base with flavours including sea-salted butterscotch, Seville orange, baked fudge, raspberry & hazelnut Gianduja. Available from: B is for Brownie (from £13 for half-slab) Chococo gold, cocoa nib & sea salt chocolate brownies Available from Chococo (£15.50, box of 8) Best for melt-in-the-mouth chocolate brownies Dorset-based chocolatier Chococo has been serving its squidgy chocolate brownies at its chocolate houses for several years, but now anyone can order them by post to enjoy at home. Made with Chococo’s 67% Madagascan chocolate, they’re super chocolatey without being too dark or sweet, and the texture is meltingly soft and fudgy, like a good-quality flourless chocolate cake. Available in several different flavours, we particularly love the gold, cocoa nib & sea salt. Studded with satisfying, chunky buttons of sweet, caramelised white chocolate and topped with crunchy cocoa nibs and Dorset sea salt, it's an excellent mix of soft and crunchy, sweet and salty. Boxed and wrapped up in completely plastic-free packaging, the brownie comes as one large slab, meaning it can be cut into as many as you like. In the unlikely event that you can’t finish them (trust us, you’ll want to), they’re freezable for up to three months. Available from: Chococo (£15.50, box of 8) Exploding Bakery letterbox brownies Available from Exploding Bakery (from £15.95) Best for exciting flavours Exeter-based Exploding Bakery’s brownies come in satisfying slabs of single flavours (although mixed selection boxes are also available), to be cut at home. Each square of dense, fudgy chocolate brownie is topped with something both eye-catching and delicious, whether it's salty swirls of peanut butter, generous drizzles of salted caramel, nuts, halva or white chocolate and freeze-dried raspberries. Choose between these, as well as other exciting flavours like sour cherry or blood orange. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, too. Available from: Exploding Bakery (from £15.95) Good Cake Day brownies Available from Good Cake Day (from £30) Best for a glamorous gift Looking for an extra special edible gift for a wedding, birthday or other celebration? Chinelo Awa founded Good Cake Day for exactly that reason: to make people feel special. Not only are her chocolate brownies super-squidgy, rich and packed full of tempting flavours, she's also carefully considered the whole gifting experience – the brownies come beautifully wrapped and packed in a reusable airtight tin, along with a recipe card for a cake which will fit perfectly in said tin, plus a handwritten note, if you like. If that wasn’t special enough, all the brownies are finished with edible gold lustre dust for an extra opulent look. Available from: Good Cake Day (from £30) Best cookies by post… Cake or Death Bake at Home cookies Available from Cake or Death (£18 for 500g dough) Best for vegan cookie dough It’s not just the epic vegan brownies above offered by Cake or Death - they now deliver vegan cookie dough too. Arriving in the same signature cheerful pink leopard print box, the 500g blocks of cookie dough come in two flavours - double chocolate or chocolate peanut, or you can choose a mixture of both. Handily, the dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days if you’re not ready to bake yet. The box includes a clearly laid out method card with step-by-step photos: all you need to do is divide up the dough and shape into balls before baking. Another handy touch is the dough coming wrapped in branded baking paper for lining your tins. We tried the double chocolate cookies and the 10 resulting cookies were dense and fudgy, with just-crisp edges and brownie-like centres. Plus our testers would never have known they were vegan. A great gift for vegan friends or family! Available from: Cake or Death (£18 for 500g dough) Crumbs & Doilies New York cookies Available from Crumbs & Doilies (£22 for 6) Best for NY style cookies Buying a gift for the cookie monster in your life? We love these chunky New-York-style cookies from London bakery Crumbs & Doilies. Freshly baked on the day they’re delivered, they come in a fun range of flavours, spanning everything from classic choc chip, to red velvet, raspberry & white chocolate and oatmeal raisin, so there’s something for everyone. Despite being extra thick, the cookies are perfectly baked, with a great balance of crunchy to soft, as well as sweet to salty. They’re also generously loaded when it comes to flavourings, whether that’s with chocolate chips, sprinkles or otherwise. If you fancy taking them up a notch, it’s recommended to slightly warm them before eating. Available from: Crumbs & Doilies (£22 for 6) Floozie vegan stuffed cookies Available from Floozie (£17.50 for 6) Best for variety of flavours If you're someone who likes to think outside the box when it comes to cookie flavours, try Floozie. It delivers crisp-round-the-edges, gooey, stuffed cookies straight to your door in enticing combinations, such as black forest, pecan pie, cherry bakewell, and peanut butter and jam. There are classic flavours, like chocolate chunk and triple chocolate, too. Order a box for vegan or non-vegan friends – it's hard to tell that they're totally dairy-free. Available from: Floozie (£17.50 for 6) Blondies’ Kitchen cookies and hot cookie dough Available from Blondies Kitchen (from £13.50) Best for all kinds of cookie products When Chelsie Collins and Kristelle Sacha founded Blondies’ Kitchen back in 2016, they quickly gained popularity for their chewy, American-style cookies, studded with a range of tempting toppings from classic choc chip to Kinder bars and Oreo cookies. Since then, the pair have continued to branch out into just about every cookie-related treat you can think of. So, if thin, chewy cookies aren’t your thing, try the thick, NY-style ones (which are even better when slightly warmed in the oven or microwave), or, for an extra-indulgent warming winter pud, we love the bake-at-home hot cookie dough, especially when served with a scoop of ice-cream on top. Available from: Blondies Kitchen (from £13.50) Best of the rest... Not a fan of brownies or cookies? Maybe cupcakes, doughnuts or meringues might be more up your street. Lola's Cupcakes Available from Lola's Cupcakes (from £21.30 for 6) Best for cupcakes The thought of sending cupcakes in the post might conjure up images of smushed icing and squashed cake, but fear not, Lola's Cupcakes have you covered with no such problems. The newly launched nationwide delivery service means everyone can enjoy freshly baked cupcakes that arrive in impeccable condition. There are a range of cupcake boxes to choose from to send by post: go all chocolate or red velvet, or try a mixture of fruity or even vegan cupcakes. We tested out the 'Classic Cupcakes' selection - eight of their most popular flavours including Carrot, Chocolate Heaven and Salted Caramel. A lot of effort has gone into the packaging to ensure it is both secure and not wasteful - there is a detailed guide to how to recycle the packaging and even a post label to return the packaging to Lola's for free so it can be reused. The cupcakes are baked fresh every day and are perfectly indulgent: the red velvet was our favourite, with generous tangy cream cheese icing and super soft cake. The Banoffee was another highlight - fluffy banana cake was topped with smooth mascarpone icing and hid a soft caramel centre. A treat for yourself, for a special occasion or for someone special. Available from: Lola's Cupcakes (from £21.30 for 6) Cakehead Available from Cakehead (£23.50) Best for millionaire's shortbread One of Cakehead's key values is delivering joy, and we can confirm it meets this promise. It makes plenty of different brownies (we're big fans of the chocolate orange brownies at Christmas, and love the sound of the fruity blackcurrant blondies), but it's the millionaire's shortbread that emerged as our absolute top pick. A box of 18 generous slices of thick, buttery shortbread with rich, creamy caramel and smooth milk chocolate – they taste homemade in the best way possible, and are impossible to resist. We're not surprised that these won a Great Taste Award. Plus, 18 slices for £22.50 feels great value, and next-day delivery is free when ordered before 1pm. If ordering as a gift, you can also pre-order and select an exact delivery date up to 30 days ahead. Available from: Cakehead (£23.50) Hummingbird Bakery Best for DIY cupcakes A cupcake delivery and DIY activity in one go, this is the perfect rainy afternoon activity. Hummingbird Bakery's new decorating kits deliver 6 of their classic cupcakes (choose all chocolate or a combination of 3 vanilla, 3 chocolate) along with two tubs of icing and a pot of sprinkles for decorating. We were impressed by how light and fluffy the cupcakes were after posting, and all arrived unscathed. There is a very generous quantity of (delicious) icing and sprinkles, plus a helpful leaflet to teach you how to do the signature Hummingbird icing swoosh. For an extra £4.50, you can get a kit complete with palette knife to help you. Whilst we can't say ours looked as professional as Hummingbird, we had fun attempting it - and definitely fun enjoying the results. A great gift if you don't want to just deliver cupcakes alone to a keen baker! Available from: Hummingbird Bakery (£23) Candy's Cupcakes Available from Candy's Cupcakes (£24.99 for Pick & Mix box of 6 ) Best for kids Family-owned business Candy's Cupcakes makes a range of cupcakes, cakes, brownies and cookies, many of which can be personalised. We tried out the fun Pick & Mix cupcakes box, inspired by classic sweets. There's a huge range to choose from (think battenberg, flying saucer, s'mores and many more) which would be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a party. The cupcakes (a mixture of chocolate, vanilla and red velvet) were light and fluffy with creamy swirls of icing. If ordered before 3pm on a weekday, you can get next-day delivery too – making them a perfect last-minute gift. Available from: Candy's Cupcakes (£24.99 for Pick & Mix box of 6) Doughnut Time Available from Doughnut Time (£26/6-pack) Best for doughnuts Doughnut Time doughnuts are the epitome of indulgence. There's glazes, fillings and decorations galore for a colourful box of treats that make a great decadent gift. We tested out the 'Happy Hour' box, with six doughnuts inspired by classic cocktails and pun titles to match. Think 'Martini Kemp', 'Jamela Anderson' (a strawberry-shaped doughnut for an upgrade to the classic jam option) and 'Piña Turner'. Our favourite was the tangy 'Celime Dion', with a zesty lime glaze that was refreshingly less sweet compared to some of the others. The large doughnuts can be easily divided and shared - a solo one is quite the feat. As an unexpected bonus, all the doughnuts in this box are vegan, and our testers would never have been able to spot this. Our doughnuts arrived safely in the post, intricate decorations still intact. We kept them in the fridge when it was hot and they lasted well for a couple of days. You can upgrade to a 12-pack of doughnuts (2 of each flavour) and add a gift card or personalised message if sending a box as a present. Available from: Doughnut Time (£26/6-pack) The Good Egg babka Available from The Good Egg (from £15, plus delivery) Best for babka London-based Israeli-inspired restaurant The Good Egg makes a mean babka. Previously only available by the slice at their London restaurants (and often sold out), their beautiful babkas can now be ordered for delivery nationwide, either as a whole loaf or a selection of buns. We love the original chocolate babka loaf, featuring soft, brioche-like dough, interweaved with generous lashings of rich chocolate. A large loaf cuts into 8-10 fat slices (which can also be frozen!) while a small is about 4-5. Our advice? Cut yourself a fat slice and enjoy with a hot coffee for breakfast. Heaven. If chocolate isn’t your thing, you can buy the loaves in cinnamon bun or pecan pie varieties, and their babka buns are available in even more flavours, too. Available from: The Good Egg (from £15, plus delivery) More foodie gifts The best chocolate subscriptions and clubs Best sweets subscriptions Best letterbox friendly gifts Best sustainable gifts Best gifts for coffee lovers Best gifts for cheese lovers Best marshmallow toasting kits Related recipes Best ever chocolate brownie recipe Chocolate orange babka wreath Easy brownie recipes Easy cookie recipes Edible gift recipe
Whether dad is a budding chef, food fanatic or booze-lover, treat him to a foodie gift he’ll love this Father’s Day with our best Father's Day gifts.
In search of the perfect present for a food-loving dad this Father's Day? Browse our selection of foodie Father’s Day gift ideas, from budget-friendly kitchenware, accessories and edible gifts, to extra special foodie hampers. For more gift ideas, check out our reviews section or browse our selection of gifts for foodies. Plus, if you can't see dad in person this year, check out our selection of the best gifts you can send by post, including our best letterbox friendly gifts to send by post, best brownies, cookies and cakes by post or send one of our best hampers. Prefer to give dad something homemade? Don't miss our collection of edible gifts to make at home, or go the extra mile and make dad a homemade card with our Father's Day card ideas for kids. Also check out our collection of Father's Day recipes and baking recipes for Father's Day for easy ideas to treat him on the day. We also have our vegetarian Father's Day menu including hearty, picture-perfect mains. Best foodie gifts for Father’s Day Bakedin Bread baking club subscription Available from BakedIn (from £10 a month) Give Dad the gift of freshly baked bread! With this subscription, he'll learn how to bake a different type of bread each month. Great for beginners, all the ingredients come already weighed out, alongside simple step-by-step instructions. Exactly what he’ll receive each month is a surprise, but previous boxes have included poppy seed bagels (tried, tested and thoroughly enjoyed by us), garlic & rosemary focaccia and tiger rolls. Available from: BakedIn (from £10 a month) Chococo gold, cocoa nib & sea salt chocolate brownies Available from Chococo (£16.50) What could be a better gift for a dad with a sweet tooth than a box of freshly baked brownies? These meltingly soft and squidgy chocolate brownies from Dorset-based Chococo are made with 67% Madagascan chocolate, studded with chunks of sweet, caramelised white chocolate and topped with crunchy cocoa nibs and Dorset sea salt – perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty. For more sweet treats you can deliver, check out our review of the best brownies, cookies and bakes you can send by post. Available from: Chococo (£16.50) Pong Cheese 'Ultimate Pong Box' Available from Pong Cheese (from £36 a box) The clues in the name: some of these cheeses are seriously funky! Treat a true cheese lover to a selection of different cheeses plus information on the flavour profiles and what to pair these bold cheeses with. You can buy one-off boxes or rolling deliveries. For more cheese inspiration, see our review of the best cheese deliveries and subscriptions. Available from: Pong Cheese (from £36 a box) The Gift of Oil 'only oils' taster box Available from The Gift of Oil (£13.85) For dads who are keen cooks, treat them to a box of four miniature infused olive oils for experimenting in the kitchen. The lemon olive oil is great on chicken or seafood, while the chilli pepper oil provides a touch of warmth to dishes and the basil and rosemary oils pump up herby flavours. Available from: The Gift of Oil (£13.85) Connoisseur crystal glass tumblers Available from Dunelm (£18) This excellent value set of four trendy tumblers makes a great gift for anyone who loves drinking whisky, negronis and other short cocktails. Latest Deals Mr Stanley's Fudge Ahoy caramel and sea salt fudge Available from Ocado (£6), Mr Stanley's (£5.99) For a Dad with a sweet tooth, a simple box of fudge is just the ticket. This perfect blend of sweet and salty fudge from Mr Stanley's is perfectly crumbly and dangerously moreish. For Dads who spend their afternoons on the golf course, we also tried the fun white chocolate golf balls - perfect for chocoholics. Available from: Ocado (£6) Mr Stanley's (£5.99) The Pasta Man: The Art of Making Spectacular Pasta by Mateo Zielonka Available from Amazon (£13.25), Waterstones (£16.99) Has Dad caught the pasta-making bug? This beautiful book is just the gift he needs. Chef Mateo Zielonka has been affectionately nicknamed ‘the pasta man’ on social media thanks to his pasta-making prowess. In his first cookbook, he takes a deep dive into the world of pasta, including how to make all kinds of basic doughs and shapes, as well mastering more challenging pastas, such as the colourful and patterned ones Mateo has become well-known for on Instagram. Grind coffee subscription Available from Grind (from £9.95 a month) For a gift that keeps on giving, sign your dad up to a coffee subscription. The Grind coffee subscription starts from just £9.95 a month, and can be customised to suit his exact taste – choose from pods, whole bean or ground coffee, specify how much coffee they drink and choose the perfect blend. You also get a refillable tin with the first delivery. Available from: Grind (from £9.95 a month) Black Cow negroni Available from Amazon (£33.48) An excellent example of a premixed cocktail, Black Cow’s negroni combines their signature pure milk vodka (made with whey leftover from the cheese-making process) with Campari, vermouth and a special blend of bitters. The use of their characteristically smooth vodka (in place of gin) not only helps to balance out any rough edges in the drink, it also allows the vermouth to really shine, creating a mellow version of this classic cocktail. See our full review of the best readymade cocktails for more inspiration. Available from Amazon (£33.48) Oliver Bonas blue ceramic mug This sweet glazed stoneware mug is embossed with ‘Papa’ - ideal for dad’s morning tea or coffee and perfect for new parents. Darkness 8-year-old Scotch whisky Latest Deals Smooth and easy-drinking, this 8-year-old single malt is first matured in ex-bourbon barrels, before spending at least three months in sherry octaves. The result is a full-bodied, toasty-tasting whisky packed with flavour, including notes of citrus, dried fruit and caramel. Smooth enough to sip on its own, or over ice, it would also work well in an old fashioned or highball. For more like this, see our review of the best whisky to buy as a gift. Latest Deals Mighty Fine salted caramel honeycomb gift jar Available from Mighty Fine (£5.99) Indulge your dad's sweet tooth with this whopping jar of honeycomb. Coated in creamy salted caramel Belgian chocolate, this light and airy honeycomb is delivered in a generous 500g glass jar that can be reused. Available from Mighty Fine (£5.99) Rosebud Preserves subscription box Available from Rosebud Preserves (from £85 for six months) The Rosebud Preserves subscription delivers two jars of jam a month (with three jars in the first delivery) of preserves in either a six or twelve month subscription. There’s a great mix of sweet and savoury items on offer from the Rosebud range with a range of flavours to look forward to in each monthly delivery, from sweet jams to chutneys and mint jelly. We received the Rhubarb & Ginger jam and the Yorkshire Wensleydale Chutney, made with Bramley apples and sultanas. We especially loved the jam – softly set, packed with Yorkshire rhubarb and warmth from a double hit of both preserved and dried root ginger. It would be delicious in a Victoria sandwich, or just spread luxuriously on toast. Any flavours in the subscription that Dad particularly loves can be bought individually from the Rosebud online shop too. Available from: Rosebud Preserves (from £85 for six months) Bo Tree Chef’s Essential Collection Available from Bo Tree Farm (£38.95) This set of single origin spices in attractive, clearly labelled tins makes a great gift for any keen cook. It includes fragrant Turkish oregano buds, intensely aromatic Wild Mountain Egyptian cumin seeds, fruity Vietnamese ginger, and Spanish smoked paprika. Available from: Bo Tree Farm (£38.95) People's Captain mixed case (12 beers) Available from People’s Captain (£25.99) Gift dad a case of People’s Captain beer and you will also be helping to support initiatives that are taking action for positive mental health. The craft beer brewery was co-founded by professional rugby player Greg Bateman following his personal battle with depression and a percentage of profits goes to the People's Captain Foundation, raising money to boost mental health. This excellent selection comprises three each of Legend APA, Islander NEPA, Stereotype Lager and Short & Stout Milk Stout. For more beer subscriptions and gift ideas, don't miss our round-up of the best beer subscription boxes for craft beer lovers. Available from: People’s Captain (£25.99) Tog ‘The Hare’ end-grain chopping board Available from Tog Knives (£220) Tog’s beautiful chopping boards are handmade in the UK from sustainably sourced cherry and American black walnut. Their medium sized ‘the Hare’ not only looks great in the kitchen, it’s also large and sturdy enough for pretty much every kitchen task, from chopping veg to breaking down a chicken. Available from: Tog Knives (£220) Secret Smokehouse PGI status London Cure smoked salmon Available from Secret Smokehouse (£16, 200g) Treat dad to some seriously special smoked salmon. Sourced from sustainable Scottish farms and cured using traditional methods in London, it’s silky smooth, delicately smoked and has a satisfyingly meaty texture. Available from: Secret Smokehouse (£16, 200g) Indian spice tin Available from Spice Kitchen (from £30) Does your dad love cooking curry? This gift tin contains nine classic Indian spices in useful metal pinch pots – garam masala, cardamon, cloves, cinnamon sticks, chilli powder, cumin seeds, ground coriander, mustard seeds and turmeric. Available from: Spice Kitchen (from £30) More gift inspiration Best gift hampers to buy Best cheese subscriptions and delivery boxes Best chocolate subscriptions and clubs Best sweet subscriptions and deliveries Best beer subscription boxes for craft beer lovers Best places to buy wine online Best gifts for bread bakers Best outdoor tableware This page was last updated in May 2023. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
Spice up your cooking with our favourite hot sauces and chilli oils for drizzling and dipping.
Are you a condiment queen or chilli lover, always looking to add extra flavour to your meals? There are hundreds of different hot pepper sauces and chilli oils on the market, ready to liven up even the simplest dishes. Whether you’re looking for a sweet and sour sriracha sauce to drizzle over noodle dishes or use in marinades, something hot and tangy for your tacos, the perfect buffalo sauce for chicken wings or the best chilli oil for dunking gyozas into, we’ve tried and tested over 35 different hot sauces and crispy chilli oils to bring you our favourites. Read on to discover some of the best hot sauces and crispy chilli oils available in the UK. 10 of the best hot sauces to try 2023 Best Mexican hot sauces Valentina salsa picante This is food & reviews writer Anna Lawson’s favourite hot sauce of all time (bold claim, we know). Not only is the consistency satisfyingly thick and smooth, meaning it pours really well, it’s also packed full of flavour. It has a low-medium level of heat, rather than blow-your-head-off spice and loads of tangy, citrussy acidity. This makes it excellent for drizzling over tacos, nachos, huevos rancheros or any Mexican-inspired dish. We also like it with eggs, in halloumi wraps or swirled through yogurt to make an easy dip. Available from: Mex Grocer (£1.95) Sous Chef (£2.99) Melbury & Appleton (£1.99) Cholulua original hot sauce Cholulu is another popular Mexican hot sauce and one of the most well-loved in the UK, as it can be found in most supermarkets. It’s full of zingy acidity and has a punchy but not overwhelming heat from dried arbol and piquin peppers. It has a thinner consistency, so is great for liberally splashing over everything from eggs and meat, to toasties, tacos, wraps and more. This is a great all-rounder for everyday use. Available from: Sainsbury’s (£1.70) ocado (£1.70) Sous chef (£2.59) El Yucateco Habanero Green sauce Green habanero chillies give this vibrant sauce by popular Mexican hot sauce brand, El Yucateco, a distinctive flavour and more heat than the two sauces above. It also has plenty of zesty acidity, garlic, a pleasant saltiness and fresh green pepper flavour. Use it to add heat and acidity to a range of dishes, especially anything Mexican – add a few drops to guacamole or drizzle lightly over tacos, barbecued meats or corn salad. Available from: Mex Grocer (£2.75) Sous Chef (£2.50) Amazon (£5.26) Best fermented hot sauces Eaten Alive fermented hot sauces Set up by self-confessed ‘ferment-obsessed’ chefs Glyn and Pat, Eaten Alive makes fermented hot sauces, kimchis and krauts. Fermenting each batch of their hot sauces for up to six months gives them bags more flavour than the usual hot-sour-sweet you get in standard chilli sauces – these are packed full of extra funk, plenty of umami savouriness and long-lasting, complex flavours. It’s too difficult a task to pick just one favourite from the range. The original Scotch Bonnet, made with fermented scotch bonnet and sweet red peppers for a fruity heat, is great for dowsing over just about anything, from eggs to meat to sandwiches. The impressive Smoked Srirarcha combines the sweet-sour tang of sriracha sauce with intense smoky notes (from smoking the veg and chillies before fermenting them) and miso for an extra umami hit. If you love funky, fermented flavours and plenty of acidity, try the Raw Kimchi sauce, which combines kimchi brined chillies, peppers and gochgaru (dried Korean chilli) for a super-zingy, pleasantly salty sauce which is excellent splashed over cheese or eggs on toast or drizzled over noodles and Korean-inspired rice bowls. Available from Eaten Alive (£3.99 each or £29.99 for all seven) Best Indian-inspired hot sauce Raja Bonnet original hot sauce This Indian-inspired hot sauce from En Root combines scotch bonnet peppers with Kesar mango, red onion, white wine vinegar, lemon juice and a blend of Gujarati spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric and black pepper. One for spice lovers, the scotch bonnet provides a really fiery, fruity heat, but this is balanced out by sticky mango sweetness, a pleasant but not overwhelming level of acidity and a nice aromatic warmth from the spices. It’s great for adding heat to a range of Indian-inspired dishes – drizzle into meat-stuffed naan breads, flatbreads and wraps, swirl through natural yogurt to make a dip for samosas and pakoras, or serve alongside a curry. Available from: En Root Ldn (£5) Bauce Brothers (£6) Borough Box (£5) Best Bajan hot sauce Aunt May’s Bajan pepper sauce If you’ve ever been to Barbados, chances are you’ll have seen bottles of vibrant, ochre-yellow Bajan hot pepper sauce on almost every restaurant table. There aren’t many varieties available in the UK, but this one from Aunt May’s is one of the best we’ve found here. Made with scotch bonnet peppers, alongside mustard and a hint of turmeric, onions, vinegar, sugar and salt, it’s spicy, with a strong and distinctive mustard flavour, reminiscent of picallili. This means it pairs well with barbecued meat and fish, hot dogs and sandwiches. Available from Sous Chef (£4.99) Best sriracha sauce Flying Goose sriracha Flying Goose sriracha is a household name and favourite among chefs, food writers and home cooks alike, and for good reason. This iconic Thai sauce, named after Thai city Si Racha, is made from sun-dried chillies, garlic, sugar, salt, and distilled vinegar, giving it its distinctively sweet-sour, garlicky flavour, medium heat level and bright red hue. Its handy squeezy bottle makes it ideal for drizzling over everything from noodle and rice dishes, to eggs, avocado toast and even hot dogs. We also like mixing it with mayo to use as a dip for tempura or crispy squid, drizzling into a banh mi sandwich, using as part of a glaze for sticky chicken wings or making Tom Kerridge’s sriracha-glazed chicken burger & pickled cabbage. Available from: Ocado (£3.10) Sainsbury’s (£3.10) Sous chef (£3.50) Best buffalo sauce Wingmans buffalo sauce Love buffalo chicken wings? If you’ve ever eaten at either of Wingmans’ London-based restaurants, you’ll know that its classic buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce are lip-smackingly delicious. In fact, they’ve been awarded the title of ‘best buffalo wings’ at Wingfest several times over the years. The secret? The super acidic, fiery buffalo sauce, which you can purchase online – hooray! This neon orange sauce is made with fermented cayenne peppers, vinegar, butter, smoked paprika, garlic and onion. The result is a seriously zingy, spicy and natural-tasting sauce which packs a proper punch in flavour but has a deliciously silky smooth, creamy texture. Available from Wingmans (£9) Best hot sauce for pizza Casa Firelli Italian hot sauce Love hot sauce with pizza? Firelli’s Italian chilli sauce is designed for exactly that. Made in Italy from roasted red peppers, Calabrian red chillies, balsamic vinegar plus garlic, porcini mushrooms, salt and spices, it has a strong roasted pepper flavour, balsamic sweetness and slightly fruity, subtly smoky heat. It’s great with pizza, in hot dogs or try in a Bloody Mary. Available from Amazon (£3.95) Best versatile fusion trio Woolfs Kitchen sauce trio Inspired by her Thai heritage, as well as her travels to Mexico, India and more, trained chef Dominique Woolf began making and selling her fusion-style sauces during the first lockdown in 2020. The three sauces in her trio are each very different and, as a set, make a nice addition to any condiment-lover’s fridge. The hot + sour has a sticky sweet-chilli sauce-style sweetness, fruity chilli flavour and plenty of garlic, nicely balanced by lime acidity. It’s perfect as a spicy dipping sauce for prawns, crispy squid or spring rolls, drizzled over sweetcorn fritters or used to add a sweet-sour-spicy flavour to noodle and rice dishes. The jalapeno + lime is more Mexican inspired, and packs a real punch in onion, lime and fresh jalapeño flavour. Try with tacos, burritos or anything Mexican, or drizzle over barbecued prawns. The third in the trio is less a hot sauce and more an interesting ingredient. Made with tamarind, sugar, onions, tamari and just a hint of chilli, this super-sweet, sticky brown sauce can be used as a glaze for salmon, tofu, prawns or barbecued meats, or used in place of tamarind paste in pad Thai, stir-fries and curries. Available from: The Woolfs Kitchen (£13.49 for all three or buy individually for £4.99 each) Borough Box (£13.49) The Food Market (£13.49) 4 of the best crispy chilli oils Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli in oil Lao Gan Ma, also known as LGM crispy chilli oil, is the most famous brand of chilli oil used in China (where it originates) and has also achieved somewhat of a cult status here. With a soybean oil base, it’s packed with crispy flakes of dried chilli and onion, and flavoured with fermented soybeans, Sichuan pepper, and salt. The result is a moreish combination of salty, crispy, yet fairly mild chilli which adds extra flavour and crunch to a range of dishes without making them overwhelmingly spicy. It's great drizzled over eggs, rice and noodle dishes – try using this in place of making your own for a super-quick version of our noodles with crispy chilli oil eggs. Available from: Sous Chef (£2.55) Asian Online Supermarket (£2.65) Wing Yip (£2.09) Lee Kum Kee chiu chow chilli oil Food & reviews writer Anna Lawson’s number one crispy chilli oil, Lee Kum Kee’s is much hotter and more umami-rich than the LGM chilli oil (above), and also less crispy. Made with soybean and sesame oils, garlic, dried and salted chilli peppers, soy sauce, salt and sugar, it’s packed full of intensely savoury, spicy flavour. This means it’s not only great drizzled on top of dishes, but can also be used as a cheat’s ingredient to add bags of flavour to sauces for stir-fries and noodles dishes, or try mixing with sesame oil and a splash of Chinese black vinegar for a delicious dressing or dip for wontons and other Asian dumplings. Available from: Lee Kum Kee (£3.10) Sainsbury's (£3) Tesco (£2.95) Tonkotsu Eat the Bits chilli oil This Japanese chilli oil, served at ramen restaurant Tonkotsu (London, Birmingham and soon to be Brighton), was so popular with their customers that they decided to jar and sell it for use at home. Made with rapeseed and sesame oils, miso, garlic, sesame and shichimi togarashi, it’s a moreish combination of salty, sweet and umami, which is mild in chilli heat (although an ‘extra hot’ version is available if you prefer things spicy). Try it drizzled over ramen and other Japanese noodle and rice dishes, it’s excellent as a dip for gyozas or Japanese fried chicken or mix with rice wine vinegar and a splash of soy sauce to make a dressing for smacked cucumbers and other Japanese-inspired salads. Buy from Tonkotsu (£5.95) White Mausu Peanut Rayu Inspired by the taberu rãyu (chilli oil) found on the tables of Japan’s cafés, restaurants and homes, Irish brand White Mausu’s Peanut Rayu is a mild, nutty chilli oil. It’s made with sunflower oil packed with peanuts and sesame seeds and flavoured with tamari, gochugaru (Korean dried chilli peppers), chilli flakes, agave, garlic and sea salt. The result is a mild chilli oil with a strong, toasty sesame flavour, plenty of nuttiness from the peanuts and a nice balance of salty, sweet and umami. This is mild yet moreish and adds a nice nutty texture and extra flavour to all kinds of dishes – we love it drizzled over noodle and rice dishes, eggs, steak, grilled broccoli or steamed Asian greens like pak choi, or mixed with soy sauce and a splash of rice wine or black vinegar to make a sauce for dumplings or dressing for an Asian-inspired salad. Available from: White Mausu (€36 for 6 jars) Indie Fude (£5.95) Related recipes Crispy chilli turkey noodles Smacked cucumber pickles Pickled pineapple & sriracha grilled cheese Salt & pepper sprouting broccoli with sriracha mayonnaise Buffalo cauliflower Hot wings 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 goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
Unbox some vegan hamper gift sets with food & reviews writer, Anna Lawson. Discover some delicious plant-based snacks including chocolate, popcorn and pretzels.
Disclaimer: Products were independently researched by our editorial team and sent to us by the brands featured. Prices are subject to change. Our food and reviews writer, Anna Lawson, unboxes and tastes products from three different vegan hampers to find her favourite. Best vegan hampers Vegan mini box – available from Healthy Nibbles (£14.99) Snack box – available from Snackfully (£25) Vegan hamper gift box – available from The Goodness Project (£48.90) See more hamper gift sets.
BBC Good Food Unboxing: Charcuterie hampers
Unbox some charcuterie hamper gift sets with food & reviews writer, Anna Lawson. Discover some delicious cured meats from a variety of price points.
Disclaimer: Products were independently researched by our editorial team and sent to us by the brands featured. Prices are subject to change. Food and reviews writer, Anna Lawson, unboxes and tastes products from three different charcuterie hampers, delivering her verdict on her favourite. Best charcuterie hampers Great Glen Charcuterie gift bag – available from Great Glen (£25) Gourmet selection box – available from British Fine Foods (£40) Charcuterie lovers gift box – available from Borough Box (£99.95) See more hamper gift sets.