Best soup makers 2026, tried and tested by experts
For a quick and healthy supper solution, a soup maker will deliver with minimum effort. From basic models to sophisticated multi-purpose blenders, we round up our favourite models
Making homemade soup is not complicated; it is one of the easiest jobs in the kitchen and can be very satisfying. So is a soup maker worth it, or is this just another machine crowding the kitchen? A soup maker takes all the faff out of making soup by hand and delivers delicious, healthy soups quickly and easily. It saves time and effort and reduces washing up, freeing you to get on with other things. Soup makers are also rarely just for soup recipes; many make smoothies, cold drinks, quick batters, dips, sauces and even baby food, making your money go even further. A soup maker is also a great way of quickly using leftover veggies in the bottom of the fridge, using up a glut from the garden, or using odds and ends from a veg box, thus reducing food waste. Our top performing soup maker is the Morphy Richards Clarity 1.6L soup maker. Read on to discover our favourite soup makers and, for more inspiration, check out some of the best soup maker recipes we're loving right now. Best soup maker deals Looking for a discount on one of the soup makers in this list? We've been scouring the market to find the best offers – here are the best we've found so far: Good Food in partnership with Tower soup maker: Good Food 1.6L soup maker | £69.99 £49.99 at Amazon (save £20 or 29%) More soup maker deals: Morphy Richards Classic soup maker | £79.99 £59.99 at Amazon (save £20 or 25%) Ninja Foodi blender and soup maker | £179.99 £129.99 at Ninja (save £50 or 28%) 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. Do I need a soup maker? You don't need a soup maker to make good soup, a saucepan and blender will do the job. That said, it can be helpful if you want a simple, largely hands off way to cook smooth or chunky soups with minimal washing up. It suits small kitchens and busy households. If you regularly batch cook or like extra functions, a more versatile model may earn its space. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best soup makers at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best soup maker: Morphy Richards Clarity 1.6L Soup Maker, £54 Best small soup maker: Lakeland Compact Soup Maker, £59.99 Best value soup maker: Tower Vizion 1.6L Soup Maker, £49.99 Best soup maker and blender: Tefal Perfectmix Cook BL83SD65 Soup Maker, £150 Best soup maker with sauté function: Ninja Foodi blender and soup maker, £129.99 Best all-in-one soup and smoothie maker: Morphy Richards Saute and Soup, £70 Best budget soup maker: Daewoo 1.6L soup maker, £44 Best everyday soup maker: Morphy Richards Classic soup maker, £59.99 Best basic soup maker: Tower 1.6 Litre soup & smoothie maker, £39.99 Jump to: Best soup makers to buy in 2026 Good Food in partnership with Tower soup maker What makes a good soup maker? How we tested soup makers Smooth setting: We followed the basic instructions to make our carrot & coriander soup in order to compare texture, taste and ease of use. Chunky setting: We also tried at least one of the manufacturer's chunky recipes as, depending on whether this setting blended or simply heated, results could vary. We also wanted to see how good the provided recipes were! Other settings: We took the machines through their paces, trying a variety of other settings and functions – from smoothie making to grinding – to get an idea of how versatile the machines really were. Why you can trust Good Food reviews Our team of product-testing experts at Good Food has reviewed a wide range of soup makers over the last five years, using our strict testing criteria to put each gadget through its paces. Every product is reviewed in the Good Food Test Kitchen, which is set up to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a lab-like setting. That means we can guarantee that if something performs well in our kitchen, it should in yours too. We also don't share reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they're published, and we never accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, either. Best soup makers to buy in 2026 Morphy Richards Clarity 1.6L soup maker Available from Argos (£54) Best soup maker Pros: Quality for the price Fold down handle Keep warm function Light Tritan plastic jug 11 recipes Cons: Most needed two cleans Smoothie needed several blends Star rating: 5/5 Straight from the box, we were impressed by the Morphy Richards soup maker, which has a maximum capacity of 1.6 litres. The soup maker is also sturdy, yet much lighter than expected, thanks to its Tritan plastic jug — a plastic tougher than glass, which does not scratch or stain, and is BPA-free. There are two outstanding features we loved here: a 'keep warm' programme, helpful for second helpings or latecomers. And the handle on the lid folds down and tucks away into the rim of the lid, making storage of such a large machine much easier than many. We had no complaints with either soup; both were tasty, with great texture in the smooth tomato and excellent tenderness in the chunky version. We felt the blend function needed considerably longer to get a velvety smoothie, and the clean function was a bit hit and miss, requiring a lot more rinsing after use. Otherwise, this is a strong, powerful machine that delivers really well. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.15KG Functions: smooth, chunky, blend, clean Warranty: 2 years standard, plus an extra year upon registration Available from: Argos (£54) undefined Lakeland Compact Soup Maker Available from Lakeland (£59.99) Best small soup maker Pros: Compact for smaller kitchens Easy to set up Great quality for the price Excellent auto clean function Cons: Short electrical lead Not many recipes Can't see the food cooking Star rating: 5/5 There is nothing not to like about the Lakeland Compact soup maker, especially if you have a smaller household or limited kitchen storage space. Plus, it's lightweight, even when filled with soup, making it ideal for anyone who struggles with lifting. The machine is easy to use and is up and running straight from the box, after a quick wash. It makes two generous portions of soup. Our smooth tomato soup was excellent, and the chunky one was cooked to perfect tenderness, stopping just before becoming mushy. We were especially impressed with the cleaning function on this machine; it worked effectively and required little to no further rinsing. The jug is made of stainless steel, and though seeing food being cooked is beneficial, the reliability of this machine means there's no need to worry; it's doing its job. This may be smaller than most, but in performance, it comes into its own. Wattage: 800W Capacity: 1L Weight: 1.24KG Functions: chunky, smooth, blend, clean Warranty: 3 years Available from: Lakeland (£59.99) undefined Tower Vizion 1.6L Soup Maker Available from Tower (£49.99), Amazon (£49.99) Best value soup maker Pros: Sturdily built machine Intuitive buttons Easy to use Lightweight Tritan jug Great soup results Cons: No recipes Clean function struggles Star rating: 5/5 The Vizion from Tower was an impressively designed machine, especially considering its price. It offers a 1.6L capacity, promising the usual smooth or chunky soups, juices, and blending options, which also incorporates a cleaning function that we found to be somewhat ineffective. The Vizion jug is exceptionally light, as it's made of Triton plastic, which is tougher than glass, scratch- and stain-proof, and BPA-free. We immediately liked the digital interface, which connects to every programme and is easy to understand. The instruction book was detailed, and although it lacked recipes, it provided clear instructions on how to prepare the ingredients, as well as many other handy tips for achieving the perfect soup. The soups delivered were delicious and tender, especially the chunky soup, and the smooth tomato had a lovely, silky, and thick consistency. The smoothie, using the blend function, took a few attempts to blend thoroughly. Despite a few niggles this is an excellent machine for the price. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.19KG Functions: smooth, chunky, juice, blend Warranty: 1 year standard, plus two extra years upon registration Available from: Tower (£49.99) Amazon (£49.99) undefined Tefal Perfectmix Cook BL83SD65 Soup Maker Available from Amazon (£150) Best soup maker and blender Pros: Removable blades Easy to assemble Very quiet while cooking Impressive safety features Super-fast blades Cons: No recipes included Many parts are not dishwasher-proof Star rating: 5/5 As we lifted the Tefal Perfectmix soup maker from its snug cardboard box, we admit it looked rather daunting but is also extremely well-built. The machine is not simply a soup maker, so the front panel offers 10 automatic programmes with just two related to the soup: smooth and chunky. The Perfectmix is fast and suitably noisy when blending but quiet while cooking. We were impressed by the machine's safety features, and it will not work if any part of the lid is not firmly in place. The sharp stainless-steel blades can be removed easily with care for washing. This powerful, high-speed blender we discovered on the test delivered a super smooth creamy tomato soup and chunky roast vegetable soup in 30 minutes. It made short work of crushing ice and effortlessly whizzed a fluffy smoothie. This is an expensive machine for a soup maker, but given everything else it will do - even make multigrain milk - it makes a brilliant investment if you want to roll other machines into one. We loved it. Wattage: 1400W Capacity: 2L Weight: 5.8KG Functions: smooth soup, chunky soup, milkshake, smoothie, dessert, ice crush, compote, stir, multigrain milk, hot sauce, manual, blend, heat and cleaning settings Warranty: 2 years undefined Ninja Foodi blender and soup maker Available from Ninja (£129.99) Best soup maker with sauté function Pros: Lots of presets Glass jug Multifunctional Cons: Expensive Heavy jug Star rating: 5/5 This is a multifunctional blender and soup maker that performs well, no matter whether it’s blending milkshakes or cooking soup. With just a 1400ml capacity for soups, it’s a little smaller than some others on this list, but we think its versatility makes up for the lower capacity. With a chop and sauté function on top of four cold blending programs and four hot blending programs, this is a useful bit of kit. And unlike many other soup makers, it really does function as a full-size blender too, so there’s no need to double up on appliances. On the downside, it is pricey, and the heavy glass jug will be a struggle for some people to lift, particularly when full. That said, this is a top performing model that’s intuitive to use and it’ll earn its place in your kitchen. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.7L Weight: 5.6KG Functions: smooth soup, chunky soup, jam, sauce, smoothie, frozen drink, dessert, milkshake, chop, sauté, manual blend, manual cook Warranty: 2 years Latest Deals Morphy Richards Saute and Soup Available from Amazon (£70), AO (£70), Argos (£75) Best all-in-one soup and smoothie maker Pros: Ready to use in 30 seconds Sauté setting Makes excellent soups and smoothies Easy to use Minimal noise Cons: Some scorching after the first use Not dishwasher-safe Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1000W When kitchen space is at a premium you need appliances you call on again and again. The Morphy Richards Saute and Soup is a worthy contender, with a 1.6 litre capacity just right for four adults and the versatility to be able to make a variety of soups and drinks. It’s easy and pleasant to use, with a clear LED display, countdown timer and icons that change to show you what stage it's at. Plug in and start sautéing in under 30 seconds, add the rest of the ingredients, then pop the lid on and wait while the machine does the rest, quietly buzzing and bubbling away. Just 21 minutes later, I was tucking into a restaurant-quality, creamy tomato soup. On the chunky setting, a perfectly cooked chicken and vegetable soup was ready to pour in 28 minutes. While the non-stick is fairly effective, there were scorch marks after the tomato soup that couldn’t be removed even after the recommended soaking. Despite that, there were no further issues or residual smells after cleaning, making it suitable to whizz up a fruit smoothie. In just two minutes and much quieter than most blenders, the result was bubbly and delicious. The only downside is the minimum capacity: 1.3 litres is a lot of smoothie. Available from: Amazon (£70) AO (£70) Argos (£75) Daewoo 1.6L soup maker Available from Amazon (£44) Best value soup maker Pros: Inexpensive Simple to use Good capacity Cons: Can’t be used for small quantities Star rating: 4/5 If you’re looking for a basic soup maker that can make decent smooth and chunky soups, without breaking the bank, this Daewoo soup maker is not a bad option. The settings include smooth, chunky, juice, and blend, plus there’s an LED display that shows a countdown timer. It’s simple to use but the control panel is somewhat unsophisticated. In our tests it successfully created smooth and chunky soups, but the juice function – which is supposedly for smoothies too – couldn’t handle our super berry smoothie with frozen berries. So it can’t take the place of a traditional blender. The stainless-steel jug is sturdy and has a decent 1.6-litre capacity. But since it’s a budget option, there are no handy extras such as a sauté or keep warm function. It can create a tasty smooth soup from scratch in just 21 minutes though, so if you simply want to make soup, you won’t be disappointed. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.66KG Functions: smooth, chunky, juice, blend Warranty: 3 years upon registration Latest Deals Tower 1.6-litre soup & smoothie maker Available from Amazon (£39.99) Best basic soup maker Pros: Lengthy 3-year warranty Available with a flask Simple to use Cons: Can’t add ingredients during cooking Star rating: 4/5 The Tower 1.6-litre soup maker is available on its own or, for an extra £10, with a 500ml flask so you can have tasty hot soup on the go. It’s a straightforward soup maker with just the essential smooth and chunky soup settings. But if the lid is removed during use, it resets, which means you can’t add ingredients or seasoning part-way through cooking, which will be frustrating for some. The blend function acts like a pulse button and allows you to further blend your soup if needed. Meanwhile there’s a juice function for blending cold mixtures such as smoothies, but it failed to liquidise a frozen berry and yogurt smoothie, so won’t take the place of a blender. While it lacks anything other than the basic settings, the control panel is simple to use, and the soup maker is effective at creating smooth soup in just 21 minutes. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.4KG Functions: smooth, chunky, juice, blend Warranty: 3 years Latest Deals Morphy Richards Classic soup maker Available from Amazon (£59.99) Best everyday soup maker Pros: Simple settings Hot soup in 21 minutes Cons: Lid can’t be opened during cooking Outside gets hot Star rating: 4/5 Morphy Richards have quite a large range of soup makers and this is one of the cheaper models the brand offers. Though the RRP is still a bit steep given the fact that it’s incredibly similar to some of the more budget soup makers on this list. Nevertheless, it’s simple to use and can produce silky smooth soup in just 21 minutes, or a chunky version in 28 minutes. It can’t be opened up without resetting the programme though, which will be frustrating if you’re a hands-on cook who likes to taste and season as you go. But the blend setting acts like a pulse button, so you can easily blend fresh herbs in at the end. The juice programme doesn’t work for thick frozen smoothie mixtures, so while this is an effective soup maker that can do some blending, it won’t take the place of a separate blender. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.07KG Functions: smooth, chunky, juice, blend Warranty: 2 years standard, plus an extra year upon registration Latest Deals Other soup makers tried and tested Tefal Easy Soup review, £103.64 Good Food in partnership with Tower soup maker Available from Amazon (£49.99) From silky smooth tomato soup to chunky winter warmers, this versatile soup maker handles it all. With five smart functions – including blend, sauté and juice – and a 1.6-litre capacity, you can whip up generous batches with minimal effort. The LED panel is intuitive and the clean-up is quick. Available from: Amazon (£54.99) What makes a good soup maker? Size, weight and appearance are all factors to consider when buying. The simple models tend to be lighter and take up less space. The versatile models can be larger and heavier, especially if they have a glass jug. Instruction manual: Helpful, accurate guidance from the manufacturer on set-up, timings and how to prepare various types of soups was a must. We gave extra marks for a variety of recipes. Ease of use: A soup maker should reduce the work involved in cooking. We looked for easy-to-use machines, where we felt confident that the process minimised the fuss of preparing ingredients and cooking them. Ease of cleaning: Although we were open to hand-washing (most machines, because of their size and electric output are not dishwasher safe), we still kept an eye out for machines that made life easier when it came to washing-up. Aesthetics and size: Soup makers can be space-consuming, so we considered both height and footprint. We favoured compact soup makers for ease of storage, unless they were enhanced with additional functionality, which justified a bigger size. Attractive design was also taken into consideration. Versatility: We looked for soup makers that didn't just stick to the norm and brought other uses where possible. Soup maker recipes Soup maker mushroom soup Soup maker carrot & coriander soup Soup maker tomato soup Soup maker butternut squash soup Soup maker leek & potato soup Soup maker broccoli & Stilton soup Soup maker lentil soup Soup maker roast chicken soup Soup maker vegetable soup Soup maker pea and ham soup More appliance reviews Best air fryers Best food processors Best dishwashers Best blenders Best slow cookers Best toasters Best kettles Best gadgets for health lovers 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.
Portable barbecues are a convenient middle ground between hefty grills and disposable trays. Here's our pick of the best travel, bucket and tabletop BBQs, tried and tested
It may not be optimum barbecuing weather right now, but if you're already thinking ahead to summer 2026, we've tried, tested and found the best portable barbecues for the job – whether you're sizzling sausages on a balcony, grilling the day's catch on a beach or on a family camping trip. The barbecues range in size and weight, from the handy briefcase-like one you could take on a train, to the 21kg feast-maker that would need a car boot or roof rack. All are easy to assemble and get started, so you can spend more time enjoying the main event. Looking for some barbecue food inspiration? Browse through our best ever barbecue recipes – plus, we have a collection of the best vegetarian barbecue recipes and best vegan barbecue recipes, so nobody feels left out of the picnic. If you want to skip the shopping, check out our picks of the best BBQ boxes to buy this summer. Any one of these top-rated barbecues would make excellent al fresco dining friends, so read on to discover the results of our test. Best portable BBQs at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS 5/5 stars: Best portable BBQ for design: Weber Traveler Compact Gas Barbecue, £348 Best portable electric BBQ: Ninja Woodfire BBQ Grill and Smoker, £299.99 Best of the rest: Best portable BBQ for keen grillers: Weber Q2200N, £359.10 Best portable BBQ for camping: Campingaz Bistro Grill, £69.66 Best portable gas BBQ: Weber Q1200 gas barbecue, £349.99 Best budget portable BBQ that heats quickly: Lotus Grill, £139.95 Best portable BBQ for couples: Char-Broil Grill2Go, £156.99 Best portable charcoal BBQ: Berghoff tabletop barbecue, £134.95 Best portable BBQ for family-sized feasts: Napoleon TravelQ PRO285, £284.99 Best small portable BBQ: Campingaz Attitude 2go CV, £216.76 How we tested portable barbecues Ease of assembly and use: convenience is key here. We looked for models that can be assembled in minutes. Portability and storage: how easily the barbecue can be carried and how heavy it is, plus how well it can be stored in the long term. Design: we're suckers for nifty aesthetic flashes. How quickly it cools down: we don’t want to be trapped in the park, sat around burning cinders until dawn. Durability and accessories: the quality of the metal and whether it comes with added extras. Best portable BBQs to buy in 2026 Weber Traveler Compact Gas Barbecue Available from BBQ World (£275), Amazon (£348) Best portable BBQ for design Pros: Easy to fold up and wheel around Auto-locking stand and lid Sleek, ergonomic design Reaches high temperatures quickly Eco-conscious packaging Large cooking area in a compact unit Cons: Lid hinges protrude onto the cooking area Food can drop through the cooking grid Wheel assembly is a little fiddly Star rating: 5/5 We immediately loved the look of this barbecue, with its compact design, glossy lid and the ability to tow it along on wheels. Then the sleek action as it smoothly rises from the ground and locks in place at a comfortable cooking height, unlocking the lid in the same motion. That same smooth movement to lower it back. Nicely done, Weber. It continued to woo us with its cooking ability. After screwing in the small L gas canister, it fired up to 300C in 15 minutes, with impressive oomph. The test recipes all turned out brilliantly and out of the bunch, this was the most enjoyable to cook on, with a handy side table for resting tools and a generous cooking area for sizzling up to 12 burgers at once. No issues with sticking, no flare-ups: just well-cooked, delicious food. A cleverly-designed barbecue, that would have pride of place in a small garden, could be conveniently hung up in storage and is compact enough to pop in the car for a camping trip. undefined Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker Available from Argos (£179.99), AO (£256), Ninja (£299.99), Very (£349), Lakeland (£349.99), Appliance City (£399) Best portable electric BBQ Pros: Compact No fuel needed Varied functionality Large heat-proof handle Intuitive to use Cons: Short cord The pellets are only available via Ninja Food doesn't have 'barbecued' char Unable to ignite pellets when grill is hot Star rating: 5/5 This Ninja barbecue was among our product testers' favourite gadgets of 2023 and earned star-buy status as a result. It plugs in easily at the wall, but unlike most electric barbecues, it has an inbuilt smoker that burns wood pellets, imparting a smoky flavour to ingredients without using open flames, charcoal or gas. Included with the barbecue are a woodfire pellet starter pack, pellet scoop, crisper basket, and quick-start guide, the latter of which has recipes and cooking charts. The grill is designed to be weather resistant, too, so you can use it year-round. Read our full Ninja Woodfire BBQ Grill and Smoker review. undefined Weber Q2200N Available from BBQ World (£359.10) Best portable BBQ for keen grillers Pros: The versatility of a standalone BBQ, with the ease of a portable Dishwasher-safe cooking grates Well designed, sturdy and built to last Inclusive stand for comfortable stand-up cooking and handy storage Excellent cooking results Cons: Pricey for a portable BBQ The plastic side tables feel flimsy compared to the rest of the product More assembly than the others It runs on a gas cylinder, which can be pricier and less compact Needs two people to carry safely Star rating: 4.5/5 As the most expensive barbecue in the line-up, we expected a lot from the Weber Q2200N. Thankfully, it delivered. With a large cooking area (2065cm²) and a high-domed lid, it looks great and performs brilliantly, with some of the best-tasting food of the bunch. The non-stick results were impressive, too. What’s more, the grates can be cleaned in the dishwasher. It was the fiddliest to assemble, but once complete, it was ready to cook on in seven minutes. Side handles and sturdy legs make the barbecue itself easy to carry and settle on all surface areas. Where space allows, the stand takes it to a very ergonomic cooking height and features a large, sturdy shelf, side tables and accessory hooks. While it teeters on the edge of being over-priced, when you consider the quality of the cooking and the added convenience of the inclusive stand, plus a large cooking area and domed lid for everything from kebabs to whole birds, Weber just gets away with it. A worthy investment for those year-round, keen grillers. Available from: BBQ World (£359.10) Campingaz Bistro Grill Available from Amazon (£69.66), B&Q (£99.99), Millets (£105) Best portable BBQ for camping Pros: Easy to clean Safe and easy to use Clean cooking Brilliant non-stick coating Great eco-credentials Cons: BBQ flavour not as pronounced Less suited to ingredients that need longer cooking, e.g. potato slices Slower to cook Star rating: 4.5/5 The Bistro Grill is an unassuming star in this line-up and an excellent, truly portable, option for cooking on the go. While the lightweight aluminium grill plate doesn’t deliver as much definition or charred flavour, it was the best non-stick of the lot and the cooking experience felt relaxed and clean. The fat channelled seamlessly down the centre and into the slide-out tray underneath, without a drop of leakage. Once cooled, the plate and tray are quick to clean with soap and warm water. As anyone who has used a basic campsite wash-up area will know, this is a very welcome perk. While it failed to perform as well as in the recipe testing, considering the minimal design and accessible price point, we were impressed by its ability and happy with the taste. The cooking area is generous for the unit size and will happily feed a hungry two (or 2:2). Perfect for a bacon sarnie, halloumi slices and any quicker-to-cook items that will benefit from the extra non-stick. The simple, straightforward design is good-looking, has added safety features for peace of mind, and with a 90 per cent recycled hard plastic carry case, is both eco-friendly and easy to cart about on foot or public transport. Available from: Amazon (£69.66) B&Q (£99.99) Millets (£105) Weber Q1200 gas barbecue Available from Amazon (£349.99) Best portable gas BBQ Pros: Easy to use Compact to store Cons: Comparatively expensive Compact-sized grill means best suited to smaller gatherings Not very non-stick Star rating: 4.5/5 As you might expect with this trusted brand, the Q1200 portable gas barbecue is easy to use and cooks well, albeit without the fancy features of larger models. Despite using a small C500 gas cartridge, it heats efficiently, but the temperature quickly drops if the lid is opened for any length of time. It takes several minutes to regain heat after this, especially once the grill is covered with food. Clear instructions mean it’s easy to assemble, and it can be used without the stand, so it’s a sensible option if space is tight or to take out and about. One word of warning: make sure the plastic side tables don’t accidentally touch the hot grill as they are likely to scorch. This is a versatile bit of kit, which can be used with or without the stand, making it completely portable, whether you’re in the garden or on the beach. Read our full Weber Q1200 review. Available from: Amazon (£349.99) undefined Lotus Grill Available from Cuckooland (£139.95) Best portable barbecue that heats up quickly Pros: Easy to use Quick to light Smoke-free Dishwasher-safe parts Simple design that stays cool to the touch Cons: Needs batteries, lighting gel and chips Limited size, although larger models are available Star rating: 4.5/5 If the worst part of barbecuing is waiting for your food, this is the portable grill for you. The LotusGrill has a built-in fan that helps the charcoal get to temperature in around five minutes. Compared to other charcoal barbecues, we couldn’t believe the ease with which you could cook – no need to coax the coals, simply fire it up and expect good heat for over half an hour. The charcoal is in an enclosed container, and with a fan going you don’t get much in the way of charcoal flavour, but the efficiency and generous cooking area far outweighs this. Read our full Lotus Grill charcoal barbecue review. Available from: Cuckooland (£139.95) undefined Char-Broil Grill2Go Available from Amazon (£156.99), Argos (£230) Best portable gas BBQ for couples Pros: Compact and lightweight Easy to set up and use Good cooking results Cons: Some flare-ups despite manufacturer claims Tricky to cook slower dishes like the aubergine Cool spot in whole front of BBQ Noticeably hotter on right side No extra tools/storage Star rating: 4/5 This is a single-burner gas model. It's quick to reach temperature, hitting the top temp in just five minutes. For ease, there's also a thermometer in the lid. The 44cm x 28cm cooking area is generous and the entire unit is compact enough to take camping, too. We couldn't fault the burgers we cooked on this barbecue; they each had well-defined grill lines and retained moisture well. The veggie kebabs we cooked were crisped and charred on the outside, and remained soft inside. While we loved the impressive power of the grill, it was still pretty ferocious, even when cooking at lower temperatures. Read our full Char-Broil Grill2Go review. undefined Berghoff tabletop barbecue Available from Amazon (£134.95) Best portable charcoal barbecue Pros: Ultra easy to carry Has a cork lid to double as a mat on grass Cons: Limited cooking space Star rating: 3.5/5 This stylish Berghoff barbecue is lightweight, despite being made of sturdy carbon steel. The strong carrying strap is more than fit for purpose, then the cork lid cleverly doubles as a heatproof mat when using the grill on grass. When alight, the lid also acts as the vent to allow or prevent too much air coming into the firebox from the bottom. Read our full Berghoff portable barbecue review. Available from: Amazon (£134.95) Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 Available from BBQ World (£284.99) Best portable BBQ for family-sized feasts Pros: Quick and easy to get started Thermometer highlights smoking and searing temps. 10-year limited warranty Wave grill prevents food escaping Two individually-controlled burners for direct and indirect cooking Cons: Slow to preheat It runs on propane, which can be more expensive and less portable The fat tray isn't very effective The temperature gauge fogged up on first use Recommendation to regularly season the grill is time-consuming Star rating: 3.5/5 Simply unbox, plug in the gas and you’re good to go. The ease of assembly and lighting are a big plus for the TravelQ PRO285, and large side handles make it comfortable to carry from the car to the tent. Anyone who has tried barbecuing kebabs will know how disappointing it is to lose bits through the gaps. With the close-knit, wavy-lined design of this grill, that isn’t an issue. Even the most delicate morsels won’t be able to escape. Not only is it an aesthetically-pleasing grill, it has excellent non-stick, and adds lovely definition to the food. Burgers had appealing crisp from the char lines and were juicy and meaty, while the courgettes were soft and sweet. The only low point was the slightly dry potatoes. The 54cm x 37cm cooking area is the second largest on test. Add to that a high-domed lid and two individually-controlled burners for direct and indirect cooking, and you have a versatile, mid-range choice. Available from: BBQ World (£284.99) Campingaz Attitude 2go CV Available from Amazon (£195), Mountain Warehouse (£219) Best small portable BBQ Pros: Compact Quick to preheat Gas canister sits safely in a clip-on cage Easy to assemble and light Large heatproof handle Safe and sturdy on multiple surfaces Cons: Hard to see where the dial is set to Awkward to carry Requires initial 30-minute burn off before first use Not as non-stick as other models More flare-ups on high temperatures compared to the others Temperature gauge is only in celsius Star rating: 3/5 This BBQ has a smart and compact all-in-one unit with a stocky integrated base and rubber feet, which keeps the cooking area elevated and sturdy, so you can grill happily on a wooden table top, grassy campsite or pebble beach. It would nestle nicely into an apartment balcony and take up minimal space in the car and could easily cook enough bangers for six. The Attitude 2go’s Blue Flame Burner system preheats quickly as promised, however, despite the Campingaz’s claims we experienced the most flare-ups from this barbecue, and there were noticeably cooler spots around the sides which limited how much we could cook on full pelt in one go. We saw mixed results from the test recipes and although the burgers were delicious, everything, including the well-oiled potato slices stuck in places. Having the burner dial on the side adds to the aesthetic minimal design and makes it easy to ignite – however, it’s also hard to read what it is set to and meant we accidentally turned it off mid-cook. The heavy die-cast aluminium lid is fitted with a nice big thermometer, and the front-loading tray slips in with a pleasing click and collects every lick of fat. Everything considered, it’s a good piece of kit at the right price point. Available from: Amazon (£185) Mountain Warehouse (£219) Other portable BBQs tried and tested George Foreman GFSBBQ1 Single Burner review, £159.99 Weber Smokey Joe Premium portable BBQ, £84.99 Barbecue recipes and tips How to barbecue safely Our best-ever barbie recipes How to throw a last-minute barbecue Our barbecue section Related reviews Best supermarket barbecue food Best gas barbecues Best charcoal barbecues Best Weber BBQ Best cool boxes Best picnic gadgets Best picnic hampers Best picnic rucksacks Best Ooni pizza oven Best Ooni accessories How to clean a BBQ If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. What do you think of pick-up-and-carry barbecues? Let us know below. For everything you'll ever need for a flame-side session, visit our barbecue hub...
Best blenders to buy now, tested and reviewed
Whether whipping up soups, smoothies, dips or purées, blenders make light work of many kitchen tasks – here, we review products from leading brands
From whizzing up smoothies and cocktails to blitzing sauces and soups, blenders are one of the most indispensable kitchen appliances when it comes to making popular everyday recipes. Whether you’re looking for a timesaving gadget to make breakfast smoothies for all the family, or a nifty portable blender for whizzing up slushies on a summer holiday or picnic, blenders come in all manner of shapes, sizes and budgets. To save you time and to help you find the best model for your needs, I've put more than 40 blenders to the test in recent years, from premium models from the likes of Sage and KitchenAid to portable intuitive pieces of kit from Ninja and Nutribullet. The latest additions were tested and reviewed by Annie Collyer. Best blender overall If you're after the best model, the Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power Blender and Food Processor scored five stars in our testing. Jump to review View Affiliate Playlist on the source website JUMP TO REVIEWS Best blenders at a glance 5/5 stars Best high-tech blender: Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power Blender and Food Processor, £179.99 Best blender for easy clean-up: Haier I-Master Series 5 Glass Jug Blender, £89.99 Best blender for keeping on the countertop: KitchenAid K400 blender, £279.65 Best blowout blender: Sage the Super Q blender, £499.95 Best of the rest Best blender under £150: KichenAid Pure Power blender, £149 Best blender for doing it all: Nutribullet Triple Prep System, £209.99 Best all-round blender: Nutribullet Ultra, £94.99 Best blender for batch cooking: ProCook food blender and smoothie maker, £149 Best smoothie blender: Smeg BLC02WHMUK, £499.95 Best budget blender: Russell Hobbs Desire jug blender, £49.99 Best personal blenders Best quiet portable blender: Tefal Lightmix, £39.99 Best compact and portable blender: Cuisinart Blast & Go Portable Blender, £69.99 Best portable blender overall: Ninja Blast cordless blender, £39.99 Best portable blender for small kitchens: Nutribullet Flex, £59.99 Best blender for travel: Nutribullet Flip, £72.99 Jump to: Best blenders to buy in 2026 Best personal blenders to buy in 2026 How to choose the best blender How to clean your blender How I tested blenders I tested nearly 60 blenders overall, from the basic and budget to the high-tech, using the same smoothie concoction (1 beetroot, ⅓ carrot, handful kale and 500ml water) to test the blenders' ability to handle tough and fibrous ingredients. I also tested them by making a super berry smoothie with frozen fruits to determine the overall quality and effectiveness of the blender with icy lumps and its all-important blade. Tomato sauce has the ability to stain containers, so I also assessed each blender on how easily I could clean away those red stains and lingering smells. Blade strength: Could the blade easily blend our smoothie mix without struggling? Speed of blitzing: How quickly and efficiently did the smoothie blend? Ease of use: Was the blender easy to set up, put together, take apart and clean? Was it straightforward? The jug: How heavy and durable was the jug? Was it shatter-resistant? Plastic or glass? If plastic, was it BPA-free? Safety: Does it come with a safety lock? How tightly does the lid fit? Loudness: All blenders generate noise, but were there any that were quieter or louder than others? Functions: How many speed settings? On top of blending, are there any other functions, such as pulse, crushing ice etc? Any pre-set functions to make things such as soups and smoothies? Auto-clean? Results: How well blended was the smoothie? Any lumpy bits leftover, or was it completely smooth? Design and aesthetic: Is it well designed or bulky? How much space does it take up on the counter? Does it justify its size? Does it pack away easily in a cupboard? Packaging: Is it well-packed, or does it come with excess packaging etc? Find out more about how testing works at Good Food by heading over to our how we test page. Best blenders to buy in 2026 Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power blender and food processor Available from Amazon (£178.99), Currys (£178.99), Ninja (£179.99), Argos (£180) Best high-tech blender Pros: Powerful Automatic setting for blending Dishwasher safe except the base Three to-go cups Liquid detection warning Cons: Noisy Difficult to get into the dishwasher Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1200W The Detect 3-in-1 Power blender from Ninja, a renowned brand well-known for its technology, is powerful and well built. It is sturdily built and boasts numerous features – I particularly liked the BlendSense function, a relatively recent innovation from Ninja that senses and automatically adjusts the blending speed and time in the jug. It's able to determine whether you're using fresh or frozen ingredients and enough liquid; if not, a warning appears on the screen. But once it is happy, off it goes. If you prefer more control, there are manual and pulse functions too. Although the machine is noisy, blending the smoothie using Blendsense was incredibly fast and thorough with superb results, so I forgave the noise. I used the pulse function for the sauce as I wanted some texture, and again, it was brilliant. The blender also comes with a food processor, several different blades, a grating and slicing disc and three single-serve lidded cups for smoothies on the go. I think it is well worth the price. Available from: Amazon (£178.99) Currys (£178.99) Ninja (£179.99) Argos (£180) undefined Haier I-Master Series 5 Glass Jug Blender Available from Amazon (£135.15), Very (£179) Best blender for easy clean-up Pros: Fully recyclable packaging Quality glass jug Extra small blender jug included Cons: Illustrated instructions Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1200W A powerful blender with six blades, the Haier I-Master impressed from the moment I removed its 100% plastic-free packaging. The glass jug gives this model a luxury feel and I liked the look of the illuminated power base controls. I loved the added extra on this model – a dinky 500ml-capacity personal blender jug which was perfect for smaller batches and to-go smoothies since it came with a lid with snap-open drinking spout. Noise was at good levels from pulse to max and another bonus was the pulsing AutoClean function, which made quick work of getting rid of residue and left the glass jug and lid attachment clean and ready to go again in around 30 seconds. What I wasn't so keen on was the instruction manual, which featured a series of pictures rather than clear written directions for set-up and functions. But once I'd made myself familiar and tested it to the max with a fibrous beet and kale smoothie, all was forgiven. A great choice. undefined KitchenAid K400 blender Available from KitchenAid (£329) Best blender for keeping on the countertop Pros: Glass blender jug Self-clean setting Jug hand loads for left- and right-handed people Cons: Heavy to manoeuvre Confusing pause before starting its speed settings Short flex cord Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1200W This 1500ml KitchenAid is one for the countertop, elegantly rounded with non-slip feet and a good deal of heft that frankly, makes it impractical to move every time, so this would be a permanent addition to your countertop. This is in part down to the weighty glass jug that lifts on and off and as a nice touch, the handle can be set on the left or right depending which works best for you. The jug is also notched with helpful ml and oz measurements for weighing directly into the jug to save on washing-up. It's also dishwasher-safe on the top shelf and, and in test, didn't hold any colour or smell of tomato after blending sauce. The blades are ready-loaded and secured, which is a pro from a safety perspective. Read our full KitchenAid K400 blender review. undefined Sage the Super Q blender Available from Harts Of Stur (£498.95), Sage (£499.95), Amazon (£499.95) Best blowout blender Pros: High tech functions Superb results Cons: Price Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 2400W This Sage blender's USP is its extra-quiet credentials, with the brand going so far as to patent the technology. Sage specialises in this kind of pioneering functionality, and I felt the Super Q lives up to expectations. It has all the makings of a professional-level piece of kit, but has been designed with the home user in mind: simple pre-set functions, an in-built timer, handy tools for scraping down the jug, a personal blending cup attachment and more. Most importantly, the blitzing results were excellent. Read our full Sage The Super Q blender review. Latest Deals KitchenAid Pure Power blender Available from Currys (£115), Amazon (£115), KitchenAid (£149) Best blender for under £150 Pros: Four colourways Very easy to clean – thanks to its clean mode Versatile Can be used to blend hot ingredients Safety setting means it won’t work unless lid is attached Cons: Struggled a little when blending frozen fruits Cord isn’t super long at 80cm Not the best for making just one portion Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1200W A great size family blender that deserves a spot on any worktop, the KitchenAid Pure Power is aptly named as what it lacks in price it offers in power. Available in four colourways, I used this blender to make easy work of both a berry smoothie and a hot pizza sauce, thanks to its specially-designed vented lid. With two modes – smoothie and ice crush – plus a cleaning mode, it’s super easy to use. Otherwise, it has a speed dial for manual use, with 10 options plus a pulse mode. I did note that it found it tricky to blend frozen fruits and it did get stuck, but with a shake of the jug it managed to create a deliciously thick drink for two. While blitzing pizza sauce, I noted that it’s not the best option for smaller portions – it struggled to blend pizza sauce for six as it wasn’t enough liquid for the jug. Its max capacity is 2000ml, making it ideal for making smoothies for two or more people. After use, it has a special clean mode – simply fill halfway with water and some dish soap and press this cycle on. After, just give it a rinse and it’s ready for next use. Its jug and lid are also dishwasher-safe, too. Safety-wise, I loved that it wouldn’t turn on without its lid being securely fit to the machine. Do bear in mind too that its cord isn’t very long at just 80cm. Available from: Currys (£115) Amazon (£115) KitchenAid (£149) undefined Nutribullet Triple Prep System Available from Nutribullet (£229.99) Best blender for doing it all Pros: Clear illuminated touchscreen display Intelligent pre-settings Very easy to use Multifunctional and versatile Excellent blending results Powerful Cons: It is very noisy Requires ample storage Excessive packaging Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1500W If you’re looking for a kitchen appliance that, almost, does it all, then the nutribullet Triple Prep System is for you. Packed inside the big box is a single-serve cup, a family-sized pitcher and a food processor for whizzing up all manner of smoothie, sauce, soup, dip or dough. The base unit comes alive with a sleek touchscreen digital display that cleverly detects the attachment you have clicked on and shows the relevant pre-settings for each one, making it a cinch to get started. On test, it powerfully and quickly delivered a super smooth frozen berry drink and a lump-free puréed sauce for pizza, and it was easy to clean up after by hand. Most components will also go in the dishwasher, though the pitcher was too large to squeeze into my slimline one. There’s just one drawback: it’s so very noisy. If you can live with that and have the storage, this is a worthwhile investment. Available from: Nutribullet (£229.99) undefined Nutribullet Ultra Available from Nutribullet (£99.99), Argos (£100), Amazon (£149.99) Best all-round blender Pros: Modern and sophisticated design Easy to set up and use Aesthetically pleasing Intuitive controls Well-written manual Cons: Noisy Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1200W This small but mighty blender has got it all. With its matt grey finish, it would look good resting on any countertop, while additional parts can conveniently be stowed away with ease. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, it’s also intuitive, simple to use and versatile. With its 1200 wattage, it’s a powerful model that would suit busy households or families looking to whip up everything from fruit-filled smoothies to pasta sauces in seconds – I found it took on both with ease. It's intuitively designed, with just two light-up control buttons (one for blend and one for pulse). The only drawback is the noise – there’s no hiding the fact it’s a very loud blender. But equally it’s also so efficient that only one or two blitzes were needed to make the sauces and smoothies tested. It’s at the pricier end of the scale for a Nutribullet blender, but given that it’s hard to find fault with it, it’s well worth the price in my opinion. undefined ProCook Food Blender and Smoothie Maker Available from ProCook (£149) Best blender for batch cookers Pros: Large 2-litre capacity Powerful motor Handy pushing rod included Good safety features Cons: Larger and heavier than some models Lid can be awkward to clip in place Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 2000W Blitzing ice for cocktails, creating silky soups or whizzing ingredients for Good Food's homemade tomato sauce recipe, this ProCook blender made light work of whatever I tried. Batch cooks will love this model, as the generous 2-litre capacity jug gives you the space to blend family-size recipes without fear of overspill. Turn the dial for increased power, 0-10, or use special ‘ice’, ‘juice’ or ‘pulse' buttons that vary the strength and frequency of blending bursts. Even at full capacity, the noise level on this model was good. Although this choice features a Tritan BPA-free plastic jug, it’s of such good quality I'd expect it to withstand heavy use. Unusually, it’s also square, which means you don’t have to twist it on or off – simply place it on the motorised base. However, one small gripe was that the lid had to be positioned in a certain way, with parts aligning – a manoeuvre some round-jugged models don’t require. Once in place, though, I liked the added safety clips to hold the lid firmly and the suction feet did a great job of keeping this heavy blender steady. With further safety in mind, this blender has both overheat and overcurrent protection, and will pause if overloaded or the blade becomes blocked. undefined Smeg BLC02 high-performance blender Available from Amazon (£474.95), Smeg (£499.95) Best smoothie blender Pros: Attractive design Robust 1.5-litre jug Comes with specific presets Bright, intuitive digital display Easy to use Cons: Heavy Expensive Excessive non-recyclable packaging Limited information on recycling or spare parts Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1400W A touch more modern than some of Smeg's other appliances, this blender is boxy but sleek. There are buttons across the top and a large dial on the front, which lights up brightly and allows you to control the speed (on a scale of one to nine). You can run it manually, but to guarantee the best results there are also four presets: smoothie, green smoothie, frozen dessert or ice crush, plus single-serve and family-serve (three portions) – each of which determines how many seconds the blender runs for. There are extra accessories, too, including a vacuum pump, (to preserve nutrients, colours and flavours), a tamper, spatula, and cleaning brush. Where this blender scored lowest was sustainability – there was a lot of plastic packaging, and I struggled to find any details on spare parts or recycling in the manual. I also found it very noisy in use, but it did achieve impressively smooth results. undefined Russell Hobbs Desire jug blender Available from Very (£44), Argos (£50), Hughes (£50), Amazon (£59.99) Best budget blender Pros: Good price Effective Cons: Only two speed settings Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 650W What this sleek-looking blender lacks in multiple functions it makes up for in solid performance and ease of use. It functions as well as more expensive models on the market, so much so it blitzed my tester smoothie so thoroughly you could be forgiven for thinking the drink had been made in a juicer, rather than a blender. It is compact, sturdy, leak-proof and gets a big thumbs-up on the value for money front. Read our full Russell Hobbs Desire blender review. Latest Deals Best personal blenders to buy in 2026 Tefal Lightmix Available from Tefal (£39.99), Amazon (£39.99), John Lewis and Partners (£39.99) Best quiet portable blender Pros: Stylish design Portable and perfect for one Quieter than most Dishwasher-safe cup Anti-slip grip Compact Cons: Heavy for a portable model Small capacity Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 50W A common gripe with blenders is how noisy they can be. The Tefal Lightmix might not be silent, as advertised, but it’s among the quietest we’ve tested. This and the compact, stylish design, with a grippy soft green silicon shell and handle, makes it perfect for taking out and about or for a smoothie for one at home. The accompanying USB lead connects firmly with the magnetic clasp, with a two-hour charge providing up to eleven sessions. Two clicks of a button and the 40-second cycle blends up a frozen berry smoothie with relative ease as you flip the cup up and down while it works away. I had to stop it once to give it a stir, but the final results were lump-free and creamy. Made from Tritan plastic, the cup is durable and BPA-free with a 300ml capacity that is just right for one. It’s a size that’s best suited to drinks, however, it whizzed up a super smooth pizza sauce with such ease, you could use it for small portions of sauces or dips. The blade and mechanism are concealed in the lid, which makes it fairly weighty – around 500g - to carry about in your bag empty. A separate lid would be a bonus addition, however, at this price point we can forgive that. Available from: Tefal (£39.99) Amazon (£39.99) John Lewis and Partners (£39.99) undefined Cuisinart Blast & Go Portable Blender Available from Amazon (£39.99), Cuisinart (£69.99), Lakeland (£69.99) Best compact and portable blender Pros: Compact and cordless Eco-conscious packaging Portable and travel-friendly Three-year guarantee Impressive results Simple and straightforward Cons: Needs fully charging before first use Limited cup capacity Two settings Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 10W There is much to be said for simple, straightforward design that delivers what it promises. The Cuisinart Blast & Go Portable Blender is exactly that. After an initial two-hour charge with the USB-C lead, the blender has enough power to whizz through around 20 sessions. After that, you can use it with or without the lead. It’s so lightweight, compact and portable, I could imagine taking this camping or on a self-catering holiday. The two clearly marked pre-settings, smoothie or blender, blitz through frozen and fresh ingredients in 33 seconds with ease, leaving sauces puréed, and smoothies, super smooth. It was much quieter than others on test, too. The measuring lines on the cup are handy for following recipes, and when you’re finished you can pop that and the lid into the dishwasher. The 500ml capacity is better suited to drinks and smaller portions of sauces and dips, rather than attempting to whizz up a family soup. Bonus points for the eco-conscious packaging and the three-year guarantee. Available from: Amazon (£39.99) Lakeland (£69.99) Cuisinart (£69.99) undefined Ninja Blast Available at Amazon (£38.97), Ninja (£39.99), Currys (£39.99) Best portable blender overall Pros: Easy to transport Cordless Good-looking Produces smooth results Runs quietly Cons: Very short charging cable No plug included Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 14.4W This powerful cordless gadget makes light work of blitzing and blending on the go. Included in the box is a USB-C rechargeable motor base and charging cord, a 530ml blending cup, a sip lid with a handle, a cup cover, and a blade cover. The cup and lid are also dishwasher-safe. It needs to be charged for at least two hours before first use, and you'll need your own USB plug or a multi-port hub to connect it to the mains. I'd advise holding on to the manual, as it contains key information on what each colour means (a flashing orange light around the start/stop button, for instance, means the blades are blocked). It has an automatic run time of 30 seconds, and in test the results were smooth and consistent. The sip lid is designed to be leak-proof, too, so you can pop it in your bag without worry. undefined Nutribullet Flex Available from Amazon (£49.99), Nutribullet (£59.99) Best portable blender for small kitchens Pros: Easy to store Great for one person Dishwasher-safe Great for on the go use Cons: Battery doesn’t last long Expensive for what it is Cannot be used with hot ingredients Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 100W The Nutribullet Flex is a handy companion for taking on the go – whether that’s on staycation, on your commute or even on a picnic. Better yet, it’s a great pick for tiny kitchens as storing it is a total breeze. Its lightweight and portable design makes easy work of making smoothies and sauces in the kitchen or out, while it requires a 90 minute charge for it to give around 15 uses – this heavily depends on what you’ll be using it to blend, as while making a super berry smoothie, we drained it of its entire battery. However, the pasta sauce only took up around two bars of battery to blend. It’s worth nothing that you cannot use this blender to blend anything hot or carbonated. With a one button operation, it will work for 30 seconds each time this button is pressed. The blade did get stuck both times we tested it, but with a shake of the jug, it eventually managed to create perfect results. Bearing in mind its compact size, we were impressed. Its 400ml max capacity makes it great for serving just one person, and do be aware of its short battery life. Its plastic jug is dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning and it has a fully sealed lid so that it can be thrown into a handbag afterwards. Available from: Amazon (£49.99) Nutribullet (£59.99) undefined Nutribullet Flip Available from Nutribullet (£79.99) Best blender for travel Pros: Portable Compact Well insulated Easy-to-clean Cons: One speed setting Not as powerful as other models Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 120w Ideal for those on the go or wishing to make ice-cold drinks, this nifty handheld blender whizzed up a berry smoothie and tomato sauce with relative ease. The model is easy to use, with just one button and one set speed. As the name suggests, it’s simply a case of securing the lid with the blade attached and flipping the model to use. The real benefit of this blender, in addition to being portable and coming with a USB-C charge, is the portable 590ml stainless steel insulated blending cup which can keep liquids cool for up to 24 hours. Overall, it created a generally smooth smoothie – and a very smooth sauce – and the fact the smoothie was ice-cold to drink was an added benefit. Given this model can keep drinks cool for an impressive length of time, it would be ideal for use in the summer, such as for holidays or camping trips or for avid gym goers. The fact that it self-cleans – simply add a drop of dish soap and water to the blending cup – is another boon. undefined Good Food in partnership with Tower jug blender Available from Amazon (£77.99), Tower (£79.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 This sleek jug blender combines power, precision and ease of use. With a 1200W motor, 10 speed settings and three pre-set functions, it tackles everything from crushed ice to fruity smoothies. The 1.5L glass jug is ideal for sharing, while the digital control panel and ergonomic handle make blending and pouring effortless. Available from: Amazon (£77.99) Tower (£79.99) – save 30% with GOODFOOD30 Other blenders tested and rated Vitamix Ascent review, £669 Nutribullet blender review, £99.99 Magimix 1.8L Le Blender review, £289.24 Ninja 2-in-1 blender with Auto-IQ review, £134.52 Kenwood Blend-X Fresh Blender review, £66.99 Tefal Perfectmix blender review, £95 Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch food processor and blender, £149.99 Nutribullet Magic Bullet Blender, £39.99 Zwilling Enfinigy table blender, £129 Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo, £129.99 How to choose the best blender What is a blender? Stand blenders come in all different shapes and sizes with a range of specifications and price points, so it's best to evaluate the overall demands of your lifestyle and kitchen, and also the space you have available. Some of the more advanced machines tend to be bulkier and heavier, with larger jugs and stands. What to look for in a blender Pulse function Variety of speed settings BPA-free plastic or glass jug Measurement notches on the jug Self-clean function Auto shut-off in case of overheating Plunger Pouring spout Individual smoothie cup with a sealed lid What can you use a blender for? It's worth identifying whether you need a straightforward blender, purely for the sake of blending smoothies and soups, or whether you'd like additional functions such as ice crushing, the ability to blend hot ingredients, or the power to pulse ingredients such as nuts and seeds. Finally, if you're short on time, and looking to save on the washing-up, it may be worth looking for a device that comes with its own to-go cup which you can blend smoothies directly into – you can find these at different price points, depending on your budget. How to clean your blender Clean out obvious debris as soon as you can after use – skinny spatulas are great for tricky corners. Many models come with dishwasher-friendly components, so pop the jug on the bottom dishwasher drawer with the lid and place any inserts on higher trays or the cutlery basket. Please don’t plunge your hands into soapy water to scrub at the blade attachments – they’re razor sharp, rotate and can be at peculiar angles. Safety first: fill the blender jug halfway with hot water and the tiniest squirt of washing-up liquid. Now ‘blend’ the mix on full power for a minute or so and rinse thoroughly before leaving upturned on the drainer to dry. More reviews Best personalised water bottles Best kitchen sieves Best food processors Best mini choppers Best smoothie makers Best spice grinders Best hand mixers Best veg boxes Ninja Creami vs Deluxe Best Cuisinart ice-cream makers Best smoothie blender Ninja Slushi first look review Blender recipes Soup recipes Smoothie recipes 8 new ways to use a blender Super berry smoothie Mango and passion fruit smoothie Spiced carrot & lentil soup Three-minute blender banana pancake More deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals 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. Do you use a blender? We’d love to hear your product suggestions – leave a comment below.
The best cast-iron skillets of 2026: for searing, baking and everyday cooking
A good-quality cast-iron frying pan can be a solid investment and useful addition to your kitchen. Here, we’ve reviewed popular skillets from classic, heavy-duty fryers to sleek pans
For searing the perfect steak or achieving golden, crispy chicken thighs, a cast-iron skillet is an essential tool to have in your kitchen arsenal. But these durable pans go far beyond meat; their versatility makes them ideal for a variety of dishes, from perfectly set frittatas to caramelised tarte tatin. Their unrivalled heat retention ensures even cooking and allows for energy-efficient use, as they remain hot long after the hob is switched off. One of the standout benefits of cast-iron skillets is their adaptability. Not only can they handle the demands of your kitchen, but many are tough enough to be used on barbecues, fire pits or even in pizza ovens. Through rigorous testing, I’ve identified the best cast-iron skillets for performance, durability and value. While premium pans often deliver the most impressive results, I’ve also included budget-friendly options for cooks looking to invest in quality without breaking the bank. Read on to discover our expert-recommended picks, designed to elevate your cooking both indoors and out. Best cast-iron skillets at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best cast-iron skillet for versatility: Our Place cast-iron Always pan, £99 Best for weight and stay-cool handle: Solidteknics 26cm Quenched seamless iron frying pan, £110 Best value cast-iron skillet: ProCook cast-iron skillet, £39 Best for vintage good looks and quality materials: Staub cast-iron black frying pan, £179 Best non-stick cast-iron skillet: Staub cast-iron frying pan, £159 Best small cast-iron skillet: Judge cast-iron skillet, £15 Best cast-iron skillet for beginners: Le Creuset Signature cast-iron skillet, from £99 Best cast-iron skillet for oven-baked dishes: Nuovva pre-seasoned cast-iron skillet, £24.49 How we tested cast-iron skillets To put our cast-iron skillets to the test, we cooked a simple fried egg. This allows us to determine how easy it is to regulate the heat of the pan, how non-stick it is, and if the pan can cook food gently. A cast-iron skillet that can’t cook a mean steak frankly isn’t worth owning. We also cook a thick cut ribeye steak to see if the pan produces the hard sear and deep, rich crust we're looking for. But we want to ensure that the outside of the steak isn’t just seared – we look for a perfectly pink medium rare inside. Of course, we don't want any part of the steak to stick either. As well as the cooking tests, we mark the pans against the following criteria: All-round comfort: we expect these pans to be heavy, but we wanted to see that considerations had been made to make using these pans a more comfortable experience. For example, appropriate length handles, extra lug handles. Heat distribution: although hardy pieces of kit, we still expect quality craftsmanship and performance. Even heat distribution means food cooks at the same temperature. How non-stick they are: the majority of the pans we tested were pre-seasoned, meaning they should be non-stick straight out of the box. But if they're not pre-seasoned, we want the pan to include clear seasoning instructions, as this is an integral part of the pans upkeep. How heatproof they are: usually made from one solid piece of cast iron, these pans do get hot, but long or thin handles help to stop it reaching the ripping temperatures of the main pan. If they can easily be transferred to the oven: most cast-iron skillet pans are oven-safe, but we wanted to make sure that going from hob to oven or even oven to table, was safe and easy. How quickly they heated up: five to 10 minutes is a decent amount of time to wait for a cast-iron skillet to heat up. We didn’t want to see pans that came to temperature disconcertingly fast or indeed painfully slow. How easy they were to clean and store: cleaning a cast-iron pan is pretty simple, just wipe clean, rinse and coat in a thin layer of oil. We made sure that there was no rusting after cleaning and looked for useful additions, like hanging holes in the handles. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best cast-iron skillets to buy in 2026 How to choose the best cast-iron skillet What is a cast-iron skillet? What can a cast-iron skillet be used for? How do I season a cast-iron skillet? Best oil to season cast iron with How do I care for my cast-iron skillet? What's the difference between a cast-iron skillet and cast-iron frying pan? Best cast-iron skillets to buy in 2026 Our Place cast-iron Always pan Available from Our Place (£99) Best cast-iron skillet for versatility Pros: Stylish Integrated spatula Oven-friendly Cons: Pricey Star rating: 5/5 Enamelled: Yes The cast-iron Always pan is superb; even at first glance, it's impressive. The enamelled exterior is a lovely, shiny dark grey, and it has a glass-domed lid and included wooden spatula that cleverly slots onto the handle of the pan. The pan boasts eight cooking functions, including searing, frying and sautéing. Thanks to the glass lid, you can bake and steam in it, as well as use it as a casserole. It can also go under a grill and be taken seamlessly from the oven to the table using the excellent silicone handle covers for both the long and grab handles. At 27.6cm with a 1.8-litre capacity, it's a helpful size but not overly heavy, and I especially like its the excellent balance and secure feel when moving it around the kitchen. Other significant aspects are its softly curved sides, which help with sliding food out and its even heat distribution. My steak was impressively cooked with a great crust, even colouring and delicious caramelisation. The egg did not stick to the pan, and the spatula made removing the egg easy. The versatility of this multifunctional pan makes it suitable for all situations, and it's so well made that it should last for many years. Available from: Our Place (£99) undefined Solidteknic 26cm Quenched seamless iron frying pan Available from Buy Me Once (£110) Best for weight and stay-cool handle Pros: Smooth, pre-seasoned surface Lightweight for an iron pan Multi-century guarantee Cons: Might not fit inside all ovens Star rating: 5/5 Enamelled: N/A There is so much to love about the Australian seamless pan from Solidteknic, including its good looks; smooth, pre-seasoned surface and incredible lightness, which performs like the best cast iron, without weight. The pan comes in almost all recyclable packaging, tucked inside a cotton bag. It's made from one piece of 3mm wrought iron and seasoned using non-GMO rice bran oil. So, after a quick rinse, I was able to use this at once. What is impressive is how light the pan is to hold – despite being 53cm in total length (check your oven before buying) and 5cm deep, it only weighs 1.6kg. So, carrying and moving around is very easy. The next surprise (and the feature I love most) is how the metal handle is designed: it stays cool, so there's no reaching for the hand towel or oven gloves (unless you take the pan from the oven), making it useful for all. The cooked food was excellent – the steak had lovely caramelisation and colour, the egg was the best on the test and the pan washed out quickly and easily. Such is the confidence of this pan, it comes with a multi-century guarantee. Available from: Buy Me Once (£110) ProCook cast-iron skillet Available from ProCook (£39) Best value cast-iron skillet Pros: Wide comfortable handle Rust-free and non-stick Easy to clean 25-year guarantee Cons: Slow to heat Shallow Star rating: 4.5/5 Enamelled: Yes My first impression when unboxing the ProCook cast-iron skillet was just how good-looking it is: a smooth, matte black surface and gently rounded edges. It's well balanced and comfortable to hold, as well as being the perfect size for whipping up a meal for one or two. While it's too shallow for deep-fill dishes, it’s just right for an omelette, pancakes or fry-ups. It took a couple of minutes to reach optimum frying temperature, then gently cooked an egg to perfection. Next on test, a rib-eye, which retained its juicy core and was caramelised in parts, but bubbled a little as it cooked and lacked some colour. Some trial and error with higher temperatures would resolve this. The enamelled surface is reliably non-stick and easy to clean, and there’s a hole in the handle to hook it up, making this an excellent housewarming gift or for someone looking for a good value, everyday pan with the benefits of a cast iron, and none of the maintenance. Available from: ProCook (£39) Staub cast-iron black frying pan Available from Nordic Nest (£125.95), Zwilling (£179) Best for vintage good looks and quality materials Pros: Comfortable stay-cool handle Cons: Pan not oven-friendly due to wooden handle Star rating: 4.5/5 Enamelled: Yes The Staub 28cm cast-iron pan may be top-end for price, but its quality, design and fabulous lifetime guarantee make it a keeper. The pan is a vintage design from Staub’s heritage range and, at 2.75 kilos, is weighty but not unbearably so. There’s a tapered 16cm wooden handle that's comfortable to hold and stays cool on the hob, but it means the pan can't be used in the oven. I love the smooth, enamelled, rounded base, which helps reduce scratching of delicate cooking surfaces. Cooking with the Staub pan was superb – it heated up and seared the steak quickly, delivering even caramelisation and colouring. The fried egg also cooked quickly and evenly, lifting straight from the pan without fuss thanks to the high-quality enamelling of the pan surface. The good looks and heat retention of the Staub pan means food can be served directly from it, as it keeps it hot for longer. This is an all-around superb pan, even if it can’t go on the oven. Available from: Nordic Nest (£125.95) Zwilling (£179) Staub cast-iron frying pan Available from Nordic Nest (£147.80), Zwilling (£159) Best non-stick skillet Pros: Excellent non-stick performance Robust handle Available in three colours Cons: Weighty Star rating: 4.5/5 Enamelled: Yes It was an absolute pleasure to cook with this pan. It has all the appeal of the rough-and-ready iron skillets in this round-up but has a silky smooth black enamelled interior that makes ingredients glide around. With the best non-stick abilities of all the pans I tried, eggs slid onto the plate straight from the pan, with a minimum amount of oil used. There was no need to top up the pre-seasoning before my first dish. This heavy model was a generous depth and featured a holding bar stamped with the Staub logo opposite the handle, so transferring a pan stuffed with braised chicken and potatoes to the oven was made easier by being able to use two hands. The matching Staub roasting pan I've tested also got top marks. This is a range for serious cooks looking for top-quality kit. It comes in black, grey and red too. Latest Deals Judge cast-iron skillet Available from Amazon (£14.95), Judge (£25) Best small cast-iron skillet Pros: Delivered consistent heat with no hot spots Easy to clean Cons: Shallower than other skillets Enamelled: No Judge have a couple of sizes of well-priced cast-iron skillets, and I liked their 18cm version for its no-nonsense design and the quality of the finish. Slightly more shallow than some of the others here, it could’ve done with slightly more pronounced pouring lips, as the rounded edges meant there was a bit of escaped sauce when I poured onto the plate. That said, there were no hotspots or cooler patches on the surface, and I found its fuss-free shape easy to clean, with no tricky areas to dry off once washed. The inner coating felt rough to the touch but once seasoned it started to build up a nice, non-stick patina. The smaller size is worth considering if you’re a solo cook or want to use a skillet for side dishes or individual servings. It’s the perfect size for a single steak or for creating an oven dish, retaining heat well as it sat on the dinner table. Latest Deals Le Creuset Signature cast-iron skillet Available from Amazon (£89), Le Creuset (from £99) Best cast-iron skillet for beginners Pros: Easy to lift Spouts and handles on both sides Excellent non-stick performance Cons: None Enamelled: Yes The Le Creuset is a great choice for those easing themselves into the world of skillets. It was slightly lighter in weight than many of the other pans I tested, which has the benefit of making it easier to handle. I highly rated its non-stick surface, comfortable handle, even heat distribution as well as the general aesthetic. As it comes in various colours, it would make a good gift. At 23cm wide, this pan would be great for a couple, or those with less cupboard space. I loved that it had a handle on each side, making it especially easy to lift up and out of the oven. It also has spouts on either side which are really useful when needing to pour off excess oil. A great aspect was how non-stick it was when testing. Once it had heated up (very quickly), it had fantastic heat distribution. It was also the simplest to clean, didn’t mark easily and didn’t require any scraping to remove food. For a deeper look at this brand, I've answered 'is Le Creuset worth it?' in a dedicated guide. Latest Deals Nuovva pre-seasoned cast-iron skillet Available from Nuovva (£24.49) Best cast-iron skillet for oven-baked dishes Pros: Generously-sized Deep fill Oven safe up to 260C/500F Low cost Cons: Requires seasoning before first use Poor non-stick Hard to clean Handle feels small for the pan Rough texture Star rating: 3/5 Enamelled: No At 30cm, the Nuovva cast-iron skillet is a good size for feeding four, and its depth makes it ideal for oven dishes like shakshuka or toad in the hole. For everyday frying, though, it falls short. As you’d expect, it’s heavy. The small lug handle helps, but the main handle is too short, so the pan feels awkward to lift. The rough texture and raised seams don’t make it any more comfortable to use. Although it’s sold as pre-seasoned, the instructions tell you to season it before first use. That’s disappointing, and even after doing so, food still stuck and both test dishes cooked unevenly. Cleaning it was a chore, even after soaking with baking soda as advised. If you’re happy to put in the effort to build up a natural patina, or want a large, affordable skillet for oven cooking, it could still be worth considering. Available from: Nuovva (£24.49) Other cast-iron skillets, tried and tested: Netherton Foundry 12-inch Prospector pan, £83.40 Fiskars Norden 26cm non-stick cast-iron skillet, £134.10 What is a cast-iron skillet? Cast-iron skillets tend to be made from one single forged piece of iron. They’re more heavy-duty than a standard frying pan, making them resistant to knocks and scrapes. They’re also the go-to pan for travelling and camping, as they can be used on pretty much every heat source. While non-stick frying pans are great for preventing food getting stuck, they are often coated in an artificial non-stick formula. Cast-iron pans are more ‘natural’ and seasoned with oil to optimise the quality of the surface – although if you want the pan to last, you need to keep up with maintenance and season it regularly. Cast iron is an effective heat distributor, plus these sorts of pans are unlikely to have plastic handles, so can be transferred to an oven like a casserole dish. What can a cast-iron skillet be used for? These hardy and versatile pans can be used for a whole host of different dishes or used in place of your frying pan, roasting tray or pie dish. Create golden-crusted chicken thighs for this pan-fried chicken in mushroom sauce or try our aubergine, halloumi and harissa skillet bake. These pans are ideal for one-pot dishes like frittatas, our one-pot thai green salmon or this protein-packed butter bean, chorizo and spinach baked eggs. But cast-iron skillets aren’t just reserved for savoury dishes; swap out your cake tin and make strawberry, almond and polenta skillet cake or this sticky ginger skillet parkin. How about a classic tarte tatin? Or impress kids and adults alike with this indulgent giant cookie. What to look out for when buying a skillet pan Size: make sure it’s the right size for you and your family. As a general guide, a 10-inch (25cm) pan is perfect for two, a 12-inch (30cm) pan is ideal for four. For larger families, opting for a larger pan is of undoubtedly the better choice. Weight: keep in mind that the size of the pan directly affects its weight, and these pans can be weighty. If you anticipate any difficulty in handling a heavy pan, its wise to opt for a smaller size. Look out for pans with thoughtful additions, such as long handles or lug handles – these clever features make carrying the pan easier and provide added convenience. Pouring spouts: look for skillets that come equipped with pouring spouts as they prove incredibly useful when it comes to disposing of fat or grease or when making a delicious gravy or sauce, as these spouts allow for mess-free pouring. Spouts on either side of the pan mean they’re easy to use for both left- and right-handed users. Enamelled or non-enamelled: enamelled pans not only add a touch of visual appeal with their range of vibrant colours, but they also offer easier cleaning due to their finished surface. However, it's important to remember that you won’t be able to build up the same patina on an enamelled pan because of it’s finished surface, and therefore will miss out on the flavour and natural improvement over time that non-enamelled cast-iron brings. How do I season a cast-iron skillet? Skillets take a bit of love and attention in order to improve with age. The majority of our final selection came pre-seasoned, but ensuring you add further oil before storing will help in building up a shiny patina that will make your pan non-stick and add to the flavour of dishes, all without the use of artificial or chemical additives. Most new pans will come with seasoning instructions. Coat brand-new pans lightly in flax or vegetable oil before placing in a hot oven for an hour to seal a new surface, if needed. Barney Desmazery's guide to how to season cast-iron contains everything you need to know. Best oil to season cast iron Cold-pressed flax or flaxseed oil are often recommended by brands because there's science that says they're the most efficient for polymerisation as they set hardest, but these are by no means essential. You can use cheaper alternative cooking oils for seasoning your cast iron. The best store-cupboard alternatives are neutral frying oils, like rapeseed, vegetable or sunflower. Save your olive oil, as it won't work as well – we don't recommend using any flavoured oils. How do I care for my cast-iron skillet? If you treat your cast iron with care, it will reward you with flavour-packed dishes that are sure to impress and will last a very long time. Regular seasoning with oil or fat, along with correct cleaning, drying and storage practices is paramount, but luckily, these are affordable to do. Once used, hand wash in warm water – skip the washing-up liquid and use a bristled brush – ensuring the pan has cooled down thoroughly after cooking. Plunging a hot pan into water is a bad idea as the cast iron can warp. Dropping it could see it crack or break, so handle with care, especially when hot. Rust is the enemy, but this is simple to prevent once you get into skillet-saving habits. You won’t be able to put them in the dishwasher or bung them back in a cupboard, damp from the draining board. Any rust spots that do appear can be rubbed away with fine-grade sandpaper before cleaning. When cooking with acidic foods, such as citrus fruits or vinegars, give your skillet a further protective seasoning by wiping with some oil on kitchen paper to make a light coating that will help protect it from damaging chemical reactions. What's the difference between a cast-iron skillet and cast-iron frying pan? The terms “cast-iron skillet” and “cast iron-frying pan” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two. A cast-iron skillet tends to features high sides and a broad cooking surface, making it a versatile tool for different cooking techniques like sautéing and simmering. They are also brilliant at searing meats, and their versatility means they’re great for one-pot dishes. Cast-iron frying pans usually have lower sides and a smaller cooking surface. Heat is circulated better in a frying pan and the sides make flipping and tossing ingredients easy. Cast-iron frying pans are a better choice when cooking dishes that require movement: stir-fries, pancakes, or scrambled eggs. Ultimately, the distinction between cast-iron skillets and cast-iron frying pans lies in their intended use and shape. But, regardless of whether you choose a cast-iron skillet or a cast-iron frying pan, both offer unparalleled heat retention and versatility. Cast-iron skillet recipes and related content One-pot recipes Frying pan sausage hotpot Perfect sautéed potatoes Frying pan pizza pie How to cook the perfect steak Giant skillet pan cookie How to make the best fried eggs How to season cast iron How to store pans More pan reviews Best non-stick frying pans Best pancake pans Best sauté pans Best griddle pans Best pan sets Best saucepans Best paella pans Best popcorn makers Is HexClad worth it? Appliance and cookware deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals
The best sandwich toasters, from toastie makers to grills
Toastie makers have never lost their popularity. We put electronic sandwich toasters through their paces to find the best machines for making melty, cheesy grilled sarnies.
There’s a lot to be said for the humble sandwich; it can serve as a simple snack or dressed up and elevated to become a full meal. But there’s something about the combination of hot metal plates and bread that takes sandwich making to the next level, and this is where sandwich toasters and toastie makers come in. These versatile bits of kit aren’t just reserved for toasting sandwiches; many come with different plates for different tasks. Some have waffle plates, others have flat plates and grill plates for toasted sandwiches, some even open up flat for table-top grilling. I tested a range of different models to find the best sandwich toaster for you – read on to discover our recommendations. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best sandwich toasters at a glance Best sandwich toaster for versatility: Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker, £34.99 Best deep-fill sandwich toaster: Breville Ultimate Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster, £29.99 Best sandwich toaster with removable plates: Cuisinart 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Toaster, £79.99 Best sandwich toaster grill: George Foreman Steel Grill, £40 Best budget sandwich maker: Daewoo SDA1389, £19.99 Best sandwich toaster for single toasties: Breville Solo SnackMaster, £24.99 Jump to: Best sandwich toasters to buy in 2026 How to choose the best sandwich toaster How I tested sandwich toasters I tested a range of sandwich toasters and toastie makers and used them to make a simple cheese toastie, a deep filled toastie, a filled panini, and if a model came with waffle plates, I made Good Food's plain waffles, too. I used all plates supplied to test against the following criteria: Ease of use Sandwich toasters and toastie makers are designed to do a simple job. I made sure that each model tested was straightforward to use. Versatility Many of the sandwich toasters and toastie makers I tested come with different plates for different tasks, such as grilling plates, waffle plates, and even flat plancha-style plates. I tested these out to see how well they performed. Cooking results I looked for toasties that were evenly browned and crisp. Fillings, such as cheese, should be totally melted. For those machines with waffle plates, I wanted to see waffles that were fully cooked, soft and evenly browned. Value for money I scored each sandwich toaster for its value for money, taking into account the accessories provided and its performance. Best sandwich toasters to buy in 2026 Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker Available from Amazon (£34.99) Best sandwich toaster for versatility Pros: Intuitive set-up and controls Pleasing toastie results Effective non-stick Space-saving design Handles chunky breads with ease Cons: Not dishwasher-friendly Waffles are slow to cook Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 750W It’s hard to find fault with the Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker. While not the most sleek toaster on test, it is comfortable to use, solid, well-made and satisfied on the taste tests. A compact and versatile machine with plates that pop out at the push of a button, allowing you to switch smoothly between a traditional pocket toastie, waffle maker and panini grill. Cheese toasties were well browned and sealed, melt in the middle and soft in all the right places, with not a bit of residue leftover on the plates, and the unit locked easily down onto the thick slices of sourdough. The plates were a tad small for standard sliced bread, but I can forgive some asymmetry at this price point, and toasted well. The waffles took much longer than expected at almost six minutes for a round of two, but they tasted great and were crispy and fluffy enough to absorb the oodles of maple syrup I drizzled over them. When it came to cleaning up, out popped the plates to be wiped clean. I like that they’re non-stick without needing to pre-grease with oil or butter. The lead wraps neatly into the base of the unit and it can be stored on its side. Outperforming others on test for half the price, it is a versatile and good value friend to have in the kitchen. undefined Breville two-slice deep fill sandwich toaster Available from Amazon (£29.99), Currys (£29.99), Very (£37) Best deep-fill sandwich toaster Pros: Well-built product Easy to clean Cons: On the expensive side for a single-purpose machine Star rating: 4.5/5 Breville is probably the best-known brand of sandwich toaster out there. This is a solid and substantial machine and one you'd expect to last for a long time. Despite the misleading name, it actually makes two sandwiches at a time, making it ideal for a small family. It comes with detailed instructions and heats up quickly, plus it has a high hinge so you can make deep-filled toasties. It created the perfect sandwich in four minutes – well browned with a good seal. Read our full review of the Breville two-slice deep fill sandwich toaster. Available from: Amazon (£29.99) Currys (£29.99) Very (£37) Cuisinart 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker Available from Amazon (£79.99), Cuisinart (£79.99) Best sandwich toaster with removable plates Pros: Grill plates are interchangeable Dishwasher-safe Dial control for different temperatures Materials good quality Small footprint Cons: Takes a long time to heat up Only space for one panini Star rating: 4.5/5 This high-quality and stylish sandwich maker from Cuisinart features grill and toastie plates, making it a versatile piece of kit. The plates are easily changed thanks to the release buttons on the side of the machine. The plates are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. In test, both the toastie plates and grill plates produced fantastic results. I enjoyed deep, generously filled toasties and crisp paninis with well-defined grill lines. There's also a comprehensive manual and useful recipe book with some delicious sounding dishes. It’s quick to cook, but can be slow to heat up. Read our review of the Cuisinart 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker. Available from: Amazon (£79.99) Cuisinart (£79.99) George Foreman Steel Grill Available from Argos (£40) Best sandwich toaster grill Pros: Floating hinge sits flat on food Plate has large surface area Slim Easy to use Cons: Plates cannot be removed Toasts a little unevenly Star rating: 4/5 This is a classic George Foreman grill; it has a floating hinge and slanted plates with a non-stick coating. There’s little set up required and it takes just two minutes to heat up. There's also a floating hinge that sits the lid lightly on sandwiches. Our toasties and paninis were super crisp and perfectly melted. There’s a large surface area to play with and I found I could comfortably fit four sandwiches on the grill at once, however I did find that this model browns bread a little unevenly. Read our full review of the George Foreman Steel Grill. Available from: Argos (£40) Daewoo SDA1389 Available from Amazon (£19.99), Currys (£19.99), Robert Dyas (£23.99), Daewoo (£24.99) Best budget sandwich maker Pros: Affordable No set-up needed Cord storage Cons: Plates cannot be removed Plates are very large Some more information needed in instruction manual Star rating: 4/5 This cheap and cheerful toastie maker from Daewoo produces toasties with a neat scallop design. Like a couple of other models on the list, I found the toastie plates a bit too large for standard supermarket bread. Despite this, all sandwiches were tightly sealed. Both our classic cheese toasties and deep filled toasties took around six minutes to cook. They were relatively well-browned with no leaks. I'd have like to have seen a little more even browning, but for the price, it produces great results. Read our full review of the Daewoo SDA1389. undefined Breville Solo SnackMaster Available from Amazon (£24.99) Best sandwich toaster for single toasties Pros: Looks good Simple to use Tackles artisan breads brilliantly Multiple cooking options Stores away neatly Cons: Plates need to be buttered before use Cheese oozes out the sides when cooking Hard to clean Performed poorly on some tests Star rating: 3.5/5 Wattage: 1200W This neat, sleek device – available in matte black or white - does more than cheese toasties, with a wavy top plate and flat bottom plate, you could have a lot of fun experimenting with its recipe suggestions for everything from pasties and omelettes to sausages and sponge cake. A QR code on the box links to copious recipe ideas for breakfast through to dinner and dessert. The Breville Solo SnackMaster wasn’t the best toaster on test for a simple sliced white bread toasted sandwich (cheese oozed out even following the guides, and the edges didn’t seal), but the results with ciabatta, were excellent. The manufacturer’s advice to spread the outside of the bread with butter, was a little disappointing, as a good non-stick plate shouldn’t need this, and when it came to cleaning the fixed plates, despite much effort I couldn’t get all of the cheese out of the edges. No fancy functions, just switch it on and wait three minutes for it to heat up. This would be ideal for one or two people, someone leaving home or going to university. undefined How to choose the best sandwich toaster Before making a purchase, consider what you want to use your toastie maker or sandwich toaster for. Are you looking to make bog-standard cheese toasties or are you after a multifaceted machine that can be used a couple of different ways? Toastie maker vs sandwich maker A cheese toastie is one of life's simple pleasures: crisp bread plus oozing melted cheese, what’s not to like? For these timeless classics, opt for a toastie maker. If you’re a fan of thick bread or like lots of filling, choose a ‘deep fill’ toastie maker. If you’re looking to make deli-style toasted sandwiches, best choose a sandwich maker. These wont seal your sandwich like a toastie maker, but will impart those tell-tale chargrilled lines. A sandwich maker also allows you to be a lot more generous (and creative) with your fillings. Size Consider how many people are in your household and how much space you have to store your machine. On the whole, toastie makers tend to make 2 toasties at a time and are generally compact and easy to store. Sandwich makers are bigger, but are great for larger households. Clean-up Molten cheese and other greasy ingredients can be difficult to clean. Some machines have removable plates that can either be hand washed or even popped in the dishwasher. Others have plates that can’t be removed, so will need to be cleaned with a damp cloth. Related reviews Best toasters Best soup makers Best bread bins Best air fryers Best slow cookers Best frying pans Best pan sets Best knife sets Best kettles Best baking trays Best casserole dishes Best doughnut makers and moulds 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. Do you use a toastie maker? We'd love to hear your product suggestions…
Best rice cookers for making perfectly fluffy grains
Need an easy way to cook rice? We've reviewed simple electric cookers and microwavable bowls, plus gadgets that double as slow cookers and pressure cookers.
Mastering the art of cooking rice – from perfect water ratios to the nuances of different varieties – can be a challenge. That’s where the best rice cookers come in: they make cooking this kitchen staple foolproof. Designed to produce consistently fluffy, perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort, these bits of kit are a game-changer for anyone who regularly cooks rice. All they ask of you is a quick rinse of the grains before you begin. Rice cookers vary widely, from simple, budget-friendly microwave models, to feature-packed multi-cookers that can handle everything from steaming to slow-cooking. But which is the best model for you? Read on to discover our top buys, and for more unbiased expert buyer’s guides, visit our reviews section to find hundreds of round-ups of everything from the best food processors and best slow cookers. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best rice cookers at a glance Best rice cooker for multiple functions: Instant Pot 12-cup rice cooker and steamer, £59.99 Best rice cooker for versatility: Yum Asia Panda Mini Advanced Fuzzy Logic rice cooker, £99.90 Best microwave rice cooker: Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine microwave rice cooker, £26 Best all-round rice cooker: Yum Asia Bamboo rice cooker, £199.90 Best rice cooker for quick results: Gastroback Design rice cooker, £63.92 Best rice cooker for families: Cosori 5.5L rice cooker, £89.99 Best rice cooker for two people: Lakeland mini electric rice cooker, £34.99 Best rice cooker for one person: VonShef Mini electric rice cooker, £32.99 Best rice cooker for simplicity and ease of use: Lakeland 1L digital rice cooker, £44.99 Jump to: Best rice cookers to buy in 2026 How to choose the best rice cooker What is ‘fuzzy logic’ on a rice cooker? How we tested rice cookers Quality of cooked rice: each cooker was tested with white and brown rice. We looked for precise cooking that resulted in fluffy, clump-free white rice and al dente brown. Where available, we used the 'keep-warm' function to assess whether this was detrimental to the finished rice in any way. Safety: we looked at how hot the cooker got while cooking, the amount of steam or spluttering from the lid and the cooker's stability on the worktop, including non-slip feet. Ease of use: The cooker had to be easy to understand and use. We also tested the quality and ease of cleaning the inner pot, assembly of the cooker and the ease of packing it away. Extras: useful added extras, such as measuring cups, spoons, spatulas and colanders for rinsing, were considered. We looked at the usefulness of extra functions, including delayed start and keep-warm functions. Size: footprint and height relative to the capacity was considered. The convenience of hinged lids was weighed against the height they took up when open. Ease of use: we looked for cookers with intuitive interfaces, easy to press buttons and responsive touchscreens, plus clear instruction manuals with accurate advice on water-to-rice ratios. Best rice cookers to buy in 2026 Instant Pot 12-cup Rice Cooker + Steamer Available from Amazon (£59.99), Very (£59), John Lewis & Partners (£59.99), Lakeland (£59.99), Argos (£60) Best rice cooker for multiple functions Pros: Six pre-set cooking functions Clean and minimalist design Caters to low-carb diets Cooks brilliantly Easy to clean by hand Makes up to 12 portions of rice Cons: All instructions are online and hard to find Unclear what temperature the 'slow cook' function is set to Keeps warm for up to 12 hours, but warns against longer than 2-4 hours Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 600W Capacity: 2.8L Not only does the Instant Pot look good on the countertop, it performs very well too, with enough easy-to-use features to see you through a week of dinners, and plenty of capacity to make extra for leftovers. White rice turned out light, fluffy and tasted great, even after three hours on the automatic 'keep warm' setting. Brown rice was also cooked to perfection, with nutty individual grains, a slight chew and not a hint of mush. The 'slow cooker' setting also produced a dinner party-worthy mushroom risotto without having to stand at the cooker and stir. The cooking pot, pop-out inner lid and steam basket can all happily go in the dishwasher, though it’s so easy to wipe clean, it’s not necessary. For those following a low-carb diet, there is also the CarbReduce feature, which claims to reduce carbohydrates by up to 40%. With six settings packed into this sleek and compact unit and oodles of recipe potential, this is a worthwhile and hardworking addition to the kitchen. Available from: Amazon (£59.99) Very (£59) John Lewis & Partners (£59.99) Lakeland (£59.99) Argos (£60) undefined Yum Asia Panda Mini Advanced Fuzzy Logic rice cooker Available from Amazon (£99.90) Best rice cooker for versatility Pros: Lots of uses Great instructions Perfectly cooked rice Countdown timer at the end Cons: Quick-cook took longer than anticipated Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 350W Capacity: 3.5 cup There’s a lot to like about this rice cooker. For a start, it’s highly versatile. There are settings for long grain, short grain, brown rice and a quick cook but that’s not all . It will also slow cook, steam, make porridge and even bake you a cake. (We made a vegan chocolate cake). You can also adjust the cooking time with the hour/ minute buttons. Although there was a bit too much plastic packaging and polystyrene for our liking, initial impressions were good. You get a rice spatula, a soup ladle, a measuring cup and a steam basket along with both a quick-start guide (always a big help) and a big instruction book. We found it very intuitive to use with clear buttons. The outside barely got hot and the machine, which has feet, was very stable. Most importantly, cooking results were spot on. Read our full Yum Asia Panda Mini rice cooker review. Available from: Amazon (£99.90) Latest Deals Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine microwave rice cooker Available from Amazon (£26), Joseph Joseph (£26) Best microwave rice cooker Pros: Speed of cooking Quality of cooked rice Price Cons: Microwave condensation Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: N/A Capacity: 2 litres The Joseph Joseph microwave rice cooker is a neat, stylish and efficient cooker that makes from one to six portions of fluffy rice. It's perfect for anyone who wants an easy to use rice cooker. Plus, it makes porridge. The 2L cooker is made of durable plastic, with a bright orange rice paddle that neatly doubles up as a handle and lock, plus an inner pot that doubles as a colander for washing the rice. Additionally, with all the parts of this cooker being dishwasher-safe, cleaning it is a doddle. Read our full review of the Joseph Joseph 45002 M-Cuisine microwave rice cooker. Latest Deals Yum Asia Bamboo Rice Cooker Available from Amazon (£199.90) Best all-rounder rice cooker Pros: Responsive touchpad Six programmes Fuzzy logic microchip Induction heater Simple to use Customisable default timings Fluffy separate grains Cons: Rice on crust setting becomes quite hard Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1110W Capacity: 8 cups The Bamboo matches its price tag in the quality of its build, attractive design and the fluffy, flavourful rice it produces. Settings include a 'GABA' option that’s designed to germinate brown rice, and 'Yumami' function for white rice that uses phased temperatures to release sugars for a sweeter flavour. Non-rice programmes include slow cooking, porridge making, steaming and cake baking. Read our full Bamboo IH ceramic rice cooker review. Available from: Amazon (£199.90) Gastroback Design Rice Cooker Available from Harts of Stur (£63.92) Best rice cooker for quick results Pros: Large Quick Easy to use Good green credentials Instruction manual is online Cons: No timer No different programmes Instruction video in German Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 450W Capacity: 3 litres Easy and straightforward to use, this scored extra points for speed too. Impressions out of the box are of a solid, quality machine, which you would expect at this price point. There’s a little plastic but plenty of cardboard packaging too. There is no instruction booklet – instead there is a QR code on the box that takes you to the website, where there’s a product video and a link to download the manual. It’s very east to get this up and running, with clear measurements on the inside showing you how much water to add. Most impressive of all were the cooking times – the Gastroback Design Rice Cooker is a very quick machine. The keep-warm function was highly effective and the bowl washed very easily. Latest Deals Cosori 5-litre rice cooker and steamer Available from Amazon (£89.99) Best rice cooker for families Pros: Good looking Varied functionality Fluffy, soft rice Runs quietly Comes with multiple accessories Cons: Large footprint Confusing measurements in manual Lots of non-recyclable packaging Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 970W Capacity: 5 litres This rice cooker comes with multiple functions that easily justify a permanent spot on the counter. Among them are specific presets for rice and grains, slow-cooking, sauté, steam, jam/sauce and cake, plus keep-warm and delay-start settings. A rice paddle, ladle, measuring cup, and 3-litre steam basket are also included. The manual and quick-start guide are both clearly written. Although some of the units in the cooking chart are overly complicated (for example, to cook long-grain white rice, it advises adding 1 and 3/16 cups of water), we had no issues navigating the controls. It hummed quietly while it was cooking, beeping for around 15 seconds when the rice was done. We cooked short-grain white rice first for around half an hour, and the texture was good – light, fluffy and soft. Our brown rice was similar, but with a little more bite. Latest Deals Lakeland mini electric rice cooker Available from Lakeland (£34.99) Best rice cooker for two people Pros: Neat size and sturdy build Delay function for morning porridge Three-year guarantee Clear instructions Cons: Longer cooking times than similar models Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 250W Capacity: 500ml The Lakeland two-portion rice cooker is small, sturdy and uses intelligent cooking, which requires little intervention to produce great rice. Plus, using the delay timer, it will also make two bowls of porridge while you sleep. The cooker has a small footprint, so it's great when space is tight. We especially love the look and feel of this sturdily built little cooker, and the included three-year guarantee. Cooking white and brown rice takes slightly longer than similar models, but it's worth waiting. Read our full review of the Lakeland two-portion mini electric rice cooker. Latest Deals VonShef Mini electric rice cooker Available from Amazon (£28.94), VonHaus (£32.99) Best rice cooker for one person Pros: Teeny tiny so takes up hardly any space Easy to use Good results Good value Reasonably quick Cons: Screw lid feels a bit retro No timer Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 200W Capacity: 300ml Cheap – but also good value – small and straightforward to use, this is ideal for single- or two-person households, students and holiday homes. It is probably the most basic of all the models we tested. Rather than a switch or button to open and close the lid, you screw it into place and fix it with side clips. There’s nothing fancy like a timer either. You simply add your rice and water, flick the switch and it cooks it, before switching automatically to keep-warm once it’s done. You can see at a glance whether it is cooking or keeping warm due to lights on the front. Results were excellent – our cup of white rice cooked in 22 minutes and one hour later it was still hot. Latest Deals Lakeland 1L Digital Rice Cooker Available from Lakeland (£44.99) Best rice cooker for simplicity and ease of use Pros: Compact and space-saving Clearly labelled presets Quick to get started Non-stick and quick to clean by hand 3-year guarantee Easy to carry Cons: Basic two-digit timer Not dishwasher safe Very steamy on some settings Porridge results were disappointing Star rating: 3/5 Wattage: 400W Capacity: 1 litre This might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other rice cookers on this list, but if you’re looking for a straightforward rice and porridge cooker to feed up to four, this is a good, budget-friendly option. It’s very lightweight at 1.9kg and compact, with a comfortable handle, and the added convenience of being able to detach the cord and store it inside the cooking pot. There’s all the information needed to get started and measurement guides included in the box, and Lakeland’s generous three-year guarantee offers peace of mind. It won’t go in the dishwasher, but with detachable components and an effectively non-stick pot, it’s easy to clean by hand, even after making porridge. While it will keep foodstuffs warm for up to 12 hours, when testing, we found the white rice to be a little toasty and sticky after 1.5 hours. The wholegrain rice, on the other hand, looked and tasted excellent just cooked and after being kept warm. We were excited by the promise of creamy porridge for breakfast, however, after the pre-set 60 minutes, ours was a little gluey, though easily rectified by adding more milk. undefined Other rice cookers tried and tested Lékué rice cooker review, £21.99 How to choose the best rice cooker Size Before looking at what's available, know what size you need to help steer your choice. Rice cookers can be bulky, so consider the available space in your kitchen before buying. A 500ml cooker will produce up to two portions, while the largest on test (6 litres) will make eight portions. Glass vs sealed lid A glass lid is usually found on simpler, cheaper models. This means you can watch the rice cooking, which is missing on sealed models. However, as rice cooking is quite vigorous, the lids tend to spit out water and steam at the edges, which can be dangerous. Sealed lids are often only on more expensive rice and multi-cookers and usually have a vent, making them safer and far less messy. Single-purpose These machines are dedicated to cooking rice only, with a few offering vegetable steaming and porridge functions. Single-purpose rice cookers should come with instructions for cooking different rice types and usually include a measuring cup for the rice and water as well as a rice paddle. If you cook rice often and have room to store a machine, this option could be for you. Multi-purpose A multi-cooker can be a tremendous space-saving machine as it rolls several functions – steaming, slow or pressure cooking and more – into one machine. Multi-cookers are more expensive, but offer greater flexibility than just cooking rice. With many functions in one machine, it may at first seem complicated, but this tends to get easier with use. However, when the multi-cooker is used consistently to cook strong-flavoured foods like curries and stews, or for air- or deep-frying, it will eventually taint the flavour of rice. Therefore, rice purists may prefer a single-purpose cooker. What is ‘fuzzy logic’ on a rice cooker? Basic rice cookers use a thermal sensor to determine when the rice is done. When the contents of the pan go above a fixed temperature, the machine either turns off or switches to a keep-warm mode. Top-of-the-range cookers use 'fuzzy logic' processors, which are programmed to make precise adjustments to cooking time and temperature in response to sensors in the cooker. For example, the ambient temperature in a kitchen can affect how fast a rice cooker works. In the same way that a chef would lower the heat under a vigorously boiling pan, a fuzzy processor will lower the temperature of the rice cooker's heating element if the rice is cooking too quickly on a hot day. Fuzzy logic cookers often have different programmes for different types of rice. Each program will have a unique heating/soaking cycle and temperature range for optimum cooking. Basic rice cookers are cheaper and produce good results, particularly if you tend to cook the same type of rice. Fuzzy logic cookers are better at cooking different rices, but they have a higher price tag. Related reviews Best multi-cookers Best blenders Best pressure cookers Best food processors Best slow cookers Appliance deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals 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. Do you use a rice cooker? 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