Perfect oven-fresh baking recipes with a sturdy, easy-to-clean cooling rack. These handy, inexpensive metal shelves are essential for cooling biscuits and avoiding soggy bottoms on bakes.
A cooling rack may not be the most glamorous piece of kitchen kit, but it’s one no home baker should be without. Once your cakes, cookies or bread come out of the oven, the job isn’t finished. Allowing air to circulate underneath helps release steam, stops soggy bottoms and gives bakes the best possible texture. A good cooling rack also makes it easier to decorate and apply finishing touches without your bakes sitting in a pool of excess icing. While we haven’t tested these products ourselves, these recommendations are based on expert insight from the team, trusted brands and standout features to help you choose the best cooling rack for your kitchen. Read on to discover our pick of the best cooling racks, plus what to look for when buying one. For more baking essentials, explore our full range of buyer’s guides, from cake tins to stand mixers, and much much more. Best cooling racks to buy 2025 ProCook stainless steel cooling rack Available from ProCook (£12) Best cooling rack for sturdiness This cooling rack from ProCook measures a generous 40 x 25.5cm, making it ideal for everything from a sheet of meringue for a roulade to a full pan of muffins. Made from stainless steel, it’s bright, easy to clean and built to last. The heavy-gauge material gives it a sturdy, weighty feel, which helps support bakes as they cool. There are a couple of rough patches on the underside joins, but they don’t affect the rack’s non-stick performance. Available from: ProCook (£12) Tala 3-tier non-stick cooling rack Available from Amazon (£14) Best cooling rack for space saving This stackable cooling rack set lets you cool up to three trays of bakes at once, making the most of your worktop space. Each 40 x 25cm rack has foldable legs, creating either an 8cm or 3cm gap between layers when stacked securely. It’s ideal for cooling sponge cakes, cookies or batches of pastries without crowding your kitchen. The non-stick bars make it easy to lift bakes off cleanly, keeping your cooling rack in top condition for every bake. Available from: Amazon (£14) Nordic Ware large copper cooling grid Available from Amazon (£22.33) Best circular cooling rack If you’ve invested in quality bakeware and ingredients, this Nordic Ware cooling rack is the perfect finishing touch to your kitchen kit. Its elegant copper construction gives it an Insta-worthy look and makes it a clear step up from a standard supermarket rack. While it’s not dishwasher-safe, its standout design and sturdy build make it ideal for cooling everything from celebration cakes to showstopping cookies. For bakers who want their creations to look as good as they taste, this cooling rack is a smart investment. Available from: Amazon (£22.33) Tala non-stick circular cooling tray Available from Amazon (£7.29) Best cooling rack for bundt cakes Ideal for smaller kitchens, this compact cooling rack folds in half for easy storage. Its 26cm size pairs perfectly with a Kugelhopf pan for bundt cakes, while the chrome-plated finish makes it simple to clean off sticky honey or thick icing. Because it’s oven-safe, it can also be used to crisp duck breasts in a cast iron skillet, making it a practical, multi-use piece of kit. Available from: Amazon (£7.29) Related reviews Best spatulas Best flour shakers Best pastry brushes Best icing turntables Best marble rolling pins Best measuring sets Best piping bags Best rolling pins Best baking sheets Trifle bowls Best kitchen sieves Best measuring spoons Best measuring cups Best oven thermometers 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. Put your cooling tray to good use with one of our delicious baking recipes.
9 of the best sparkling water makers to buy
A dream for lovers of crisp, sparkling drinks: we've tested the best sparkling water makers on the market.
If staying hydrated is a chore, try a sparkling water maker. It’s an easy way to cut down on single-use plastics and your reliance on shop-bought fizzy drinks, making it more eco-friendly and cost-effective. Making your own sparkling water means reusing the provided container, with the additional benefit of not having to lug those heavy bottles home, and you may find that adding bubbles to your water intake also encourages you to stay on track with hydration. With the NHS recommendation that we drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day, it makes sense to fizz things up a bit – just add cordials, herbs or syrups for refreshing mocktails and fruity thirst-quenchers. I tried a range of machines to find out what’s worth splashing out on, using good old water straight from the tap. The results were impressive, and no matter what fizzy water style is your favourite, you’ll find this is a great way to save the planet and stay on top of your water intake. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best sparkling water makers at a glance Best sparkling water maker overall: Aarke Carbonator 3, £199.99 Best premium sparkling water maker: Sage InFizz, £179.95 Best sparkling water for style: Smeg soda maker, £149.95 Best sparkling water maker for basic fizzing: ProCook Sparking Water Maker, £59 Best sparkling water maker for large quantities: SodaStream Duo, £164.99 Best sparkling water maker for good looks: Aarke Carbonator Pro, £274.99 Best sparkling water maker for easy refills: CO2 The Bubbla, £120 Best sparkling water maker for personalisation: Bibo Fizz, £54.99 Best sparkling water maker for versatility: Drinkmate, £89.99 Jump to: Why you can trust Good Food reviews How we tested sparkling water makers Best sparkling water makers to buy in 2025 What to look for in a sparkling water maker What is the difference between sparkling water and soda water? Why you can trust Good Food reviews As expert product testers, myself and the team at Good Food have reviewed over 30 sparkling water makers over the past few years, using our trusted and solid matrix format to put each model through its paces. We test every machine in the Good Food Test Kitchen, which is designed to mirror a real home kitchen rather than a lab environment. This way, you can be confident that if a maker performs well for us, it should do the same in your own kitchen. We also never share our reviews with manufacturers or retailers before publication, and we don’t accept payment in return for positive coverage. How we tested sparkling water makers We tested a carefully researched shortlist of sparkling water makers and scored them across a standardised set of criteria. For this test, we followed each model's instructions for carbonating the water, filling the bottles up to the recommended amount and releasing the gas. The mouth feel and concentration of 'bubbliness' was assessed, reflecting the machine's effectiveness but also efficiency. We then re-tested the water 12 hours later to assess which bottle had best held the bubbles. The scores out of five against the following areas determined the product's overall star rating out of five stars. Ease of set-up: Loading and unloading gas canisters plays a big role in determining the user-friendliness of a sparkling water maker. Those with bases that required unscrewing, for example, with a screwdriver, were marked down. Ease of use: Sparkling water makers are pretty basic but by applying pressure to a machine, you want the base to be stable, the body not to flex and the gas release to be easy to control. Where some machines automatically release unused pressure, others require the manual release or the outlet cap will pop off like a cork. Quality of materials: Flexing carbonator body? Rattling button or spout? Those with cheap-feel components were marked down. Quality of carbonated water produced: Depending on the recommended number of pumps for each machine, we marked each model on how fizzy the resulting water was, then re-tested the water after 24 hours in the fridge. Value for money: Does the price feel justified? Best sparkling water makers to buy in 2025 Aarke Carbonator 3 Available from Amazon (£198), Currys (£198), Lakeland (£199.99), Very (£200) Best sparkling water maker Pros: Comes with two bottles Compact footprint Automatic pressure release Sleek stainless steel outer Cons: Price Star rating: 5/5 Swedish Brand Aarke has transformed sparkling water maker design into elegant statements with an industrial feel, made of metal rather than plastic. They sit at the luxury end of the price spectrum, but we think this is justified as the performance, efficiency and user-experience of these models are in a league of their own. This stainless-steel model was a pleasure to unpack, gift wrapped in an elegant black box and secured with a ribbon. Two BPA-free bottles with metal caps and bases are included as is a canister, which screws in securely. When lowered, the handle releases CO2 and it was the quietest tested. This would make the ultimate gift. undefined Sage InFizz Fusion Available from Harts of Stur (£178.95), John Lewis & Partners (£179), Amazon (£179), Sage (£179.95), Lakeland (£179.99) Best premium sparkling water maker Pros: Easy to use Good-looking Smooth mechanism Carbonates more than just water Flat liquids can be 'refizzed' Cons: CO2 canister not included Easily marked by fingerprints Star rating: 5/5 If you've got a fair bit of budget to play with, Sage's sparkling water maker is a truly impressive piece of kit. It's very tall, but benefits from a super-polished, stainless-steel exterior that shines on the countertop. It's also designed to carbonate more than just water – you can also add fizz to juice, cocktails, wine and tea, and 'refizz' any previously fizzy liquids that have gone flat. Canisters need to be bought separately, but Sage offers a CO2 refill programme in partnership with CO2 You, which also recycles old canisters. To use the InFizz, simply fill the included one-litre bottle with water, attach the FusionCap (which controls how quickly the excess gas is released), then twist and lock it into place. The manual advises pressing the lever down six times to inject the maximum amount of carbonation. When you remove the bottle, slide the switch on the FusionCap for a slow or fast release. On test, all our beverages had small, fine bubbles, and stayed fizzy overnight after being left in the fridge. We also tried Sage's fizzy lemonade recipe, which was pleasantly tart and refreshing. undefined Smeg soda maker Available from Smeg (£149.95), Healf (£149.95), Currys (£149.95) Best sparkling water maker for style Pros: Very stylish Feels great quality Easy to customise the perfect fizz level Cons: Gas canister not supplied Expensive choice Star rating: 4.5/5 This is probably the best-looking fizzy water maker I've put to the test, and if you’re a fan of the rest of the Smeg range, the colours on offer are just as tasteful. Choose from black, white, blue or green – they’re all gorgeous. And don’t forget to purchase a gas canister to insert, as one isn't supplied with this model. The water bottle is made from 50% recycled materials, and I found that the carbonated water kept its fizz for an impressive period of time. All the materials felt upmarket, too, with the aluminium and stainless-steel casing and a matte finish to the main unit. This was so easy to clean thanks to its uncomplicated design and any fingerprints were easily wiped away. The bottle is dishwasher safe, too. Once filled to the max line with cold water, just twist the weighted, chunky front dial in bursts for your desired level of fizziness. From a subtle sparkle to intensely bubbly, it was easy to get our drinks just right. This is one fizzy drinks maker you’ll feel happy to have permanently on the kitchen worktop – a stylish talking point and a great motivation to drink more water. Available from: Smeg (£149.95) Healf (£149.95) Currys (£149.95) ProCook sparkling water maker Available from ProCook (£44) Best sparkling water maker for basic fizzing Pros Easy to use Gas canister included Compact and lightweight casing Cons No canister refill programme Only one bottle supplied Star rating: 4.5/5 Putting the ProCook sparkling water maker together from the box was pretty effortless – just screw the bottle onto the unit after you’ve twisted the supplied gas canister into place. The operation is intuitive since there’s only one button for carbonating the water. The included booklet recommends one to three pushes, depending on how bubbly you like it. One pulse resulted in very slightly carbonated water, with two giving what we decided is a San Pellegrino-style level of fizz. For a bubblier Perrier-style feel, the full three pushes is needed, but we are more than happy with the results of this entry-level machine. The stainless-steel lid does a good job of keeping the contents fizzy until the next day, and the chunky glass bottle is stylish enough to look good on the dinner table. There’s a two-year guarantee on this model, which is a bonus, but we’d have liked to have more information on recycling the actual water maker. The accompanying Co2 YOU canister box provides information on its refill programme. Available from: ProCook (£44) SodaStream Duo Available from Amazon (£109.99) Best sparkling water maker for large quantities Pros: Comes with four bottles Small footprint Easy to use Cons: Pricey compared to other models Stainless steel canister shows fingerprints Star rating: 4.5/5 SodaStream is one of the best known names in the world of sparkling water makers, and this model comes with four bottles each with a capacity of 1 litre. This makes it a great option if you like to keep sparkling water on hand in your fridge, or if you regularly have people round for drinks. We found that the water retained its bubbles really well for over 24 hours after the being carbonated. The bubbles themselves had a large, pleasant mouth-feel and no other lingering flavours. undefined Aarke Carbonator Pro Available from Lakeland (£274.99) Best sparkling water maker for good looks Pros: Compact footprint Sleek attractive design Entirely recyclable packaging Cons: Expensive No time indicator for adding pressure Star rating: 4.5/5 The Aarke Carbonator Pro is one of the priciest models that we've tested, but if you're after a premium, sleek-looking sparkling water maker, it's a great option. It comes with a single canister and a single 800ml glass bottle, which looks attractive enough to sit on the table when entertaining. On test, we were also impressed by the fact the packaging was entirely recyclable. undefined CO2 YOU The Bubbla Available from CO2 You (£120) Best sparkling water maker for easy refills Pros: Made from ultra-robust metal Bottle and canister provided Easy to use Very fizzy results Plastic-free packaging Cons: Rubber finishes peeled off easily Warranty is only six months Bottle is trickier to clean than others we've tested Star rating: 4/5 CO2 YOU is probably best known for its gas cylinder refill subscription service, but now the brand has created a sparkling water maker of its own – The Bubbla – which benefits from a durable metal design and easy-to-use mechanism. A BPA-free one-litre bottle is also included, as is a gas cylinder, so you can start producing bubbles from the moment you unbox it. You can only carbonate water inside The Bubbla, so it's best suited to sparkling water purists. It looks sleek and smart on the countertop, though we found the rubber finishes – which had been glued down – were starting to peel off. The instruction manual is detailed but could do with some extra information, like how many times you need to press down the lever to get your desired result. After a few goes, we found four-to-five bursts were enough to produce a Perrier-style fizz with small, fine bubbles. We found cleaning the bottle was a little awkward, as it can't go in the dishwasher or be rinsed under hot water. On the plus side and despite the short warranty, we were impressed by the product's eco credentials. The model we tested arrived in plastic-free packaging and (as is to be expected) getting your CO2 YOU gas cylinder topped up is very easy – the brand collects, refills and delivers every cylinder via its refill programme, producing limited waste in the process. Available from: CO2 You (£120) undefined Bibo Fizz Available from Amazon (£59.99) Best sparkling water maker for personalisation Pros: Adjustable fizz levels Statement block design Cons: Lots of plastic packaging Star rating: 4/5 The Bibo Fizz sparkling water maker offers four levels of carbonation which is a unique level of control depending on your taste. The use of plastic packaging felt a bit excessive during unboxing. The process of loading and unloading the canister involved releasing the back panel using a silver catch, which was simple to do. The featured BPA-free bottle twists to lock into the outlet, which itself is removable so once carbonated, you manually release the pressure before twisting off the outlet cap. Bibo does offer a CO2 cylinder return and refill program by which empty canisters can be returned with a pre-paid returns note. Available from: Amazon (£59.99) undefined Drinkmate sparkling water and soda maker Available from Amazon (£71.99) Best sparkling water maker for versatility Pros: Measurement notches up the 850ml bottle Adjustable carbonation Two-year manufacturer warranty Cons: One bottle provided Star rating: 3.5/5 'Carbonate anything' is Drinkmate's slogan when it comes to this carbonator, designed to inspire the user to go beyond water and experiment with adding bubbles to wine, ice tea and cocktails. It was very efficient. Once slotted in, the carbonation outlet head secures with a magnet making for a smooth user experience. The outlet itself offers a slider for adjustability over fizz level depending on what you've got in the bottle. Once filled, you need to release the surplice gas by pressing a button before twisting off the bottle. It was incredibly efficient at carbonating the water, creating more fizz than any others. The UK-based brand also does a CO2 exchange scheme. Available from Amazon (£71.99) What to look for in a sparkling water maker Although simple in functionality, user-experience definitely plays into the quality of a sparkling water maker. Some are more efficient than others, or louder than you’d like for open-plan living, some offer adjustability over the intensity of carbonation, or may require you to use a screw-driver to load and unload the gas canister. Other factors to consider include: CO2 canister included: If purchasing from a brand abroad, current import regulations may mean a canister cannot be delivered alongside the sparkling water maker. It’s worth being aware of this. Number of BPA-free bottles included: Most will offer a one-litre bottle in the box with a maximum fill capacity of 850ml. But some brands like Aarke and Mysoda offer two, making life easier if you’re pre-chilling or want some on the go or for families. Use-by date on the bottles: Carbonating water requires gas regulator valves to be set around 55PSI, which in turn needs bottles that can withstand the pressure. The majority will have a two-year lifespan before needing to be replaced. Easily removable base: Gas canisters screw in and should be easily accessible for removing after. Some makers have removable bases that require a screwdriver to release. What is the difference between sparkling water and soda water? Sparkling mineral water: naturally carbonated spring water that contains a variety of minerals so therefore varies in flavour. Club soda: water that’s carbonated by adding CO2 followed by mineral salts. Seltzer: water carbonated with CO2, without added minerals. More product reviews Best air fryers Best coffee machines Best food processors Best blenders Best slow cookers Best stand mixers Best pressure cookers Best ice cream makers Best frying pans Best Stanley Cup dupes More deals Air-fryer deals Coffee machine deals Microwave deals Fridge freezer deals Dishwasher deals Stand mixer deals Pizza oven deals Breadmaker deals Ninja deals 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.
Best salad spinners for fresh spring greens, leaves and herbs
Never put up with a soggy salad again – read our reviews of the best salad spinners that will guarantee you a crisp, dry salad every time
Tired of finding half-eaten bags of slimy salad in the fridge? Use one of our recommended spinners and you’ll never go back to prepared salad again. For starters, whole lettuce and other leaves stay fresher for longer when they’re stored in their entirety; add the fact you’re using less plastic packaging, and investing in a spinner is a no-brainer move for easy prep all year round. Salad spinners work with centrifugal force to eject water from washed ingredients in a basket and catch it in the surrounding container. Some come with stop buttons and fancy colander shapes to help ‘fluff’ leaves as they spin, other have table-worthy bowls that mean you can transfer your prepped dish straight to the table after a quick rinse and dry. We tried them out on herb salads and ripe berries, looking for ease of use, drying effectiveness and how tricky they were to clean and store afterwards. We've got plenty of salad recipes to get you started: our selection of green salads for simple sides, try this noodle salad with sesame dressing for a light lunch, or use your salad spinner to dry some broccoli for this spicy miso brown rice and broccoli salad with prawns. Our experts have tried and tested these salad spinners to see which perform best in a selection of criteria including sustainability, ease of use, functionality and the results of spinning salad and berries. Read on to discover our pick of the best. Best salad spinners to buy at a glance Best salad spinner for versatility: OXO Good Grips steel salad spinner, £66.50 Best salad spinner for easy drying: Zyliss Easy Spin 2 stainless steel salad spinner, £52.89 Best compact salad spinner: OXO Good Grips little salad and herb spinner, £27.49 Best salad spinner for storage: Habitat Healthy Eating salad spinner, £9.50 Best pull-handle salad spinner: Zyliss Easy Spin, £20 Best salad spinner for small spaces: Dreamfarm Spina Colander and Salad Spinner, £26.95 Best salad spinner for extra features: JosephJoseph Multi-Prep spinner, £50 Best salad spinner for families: OXO Good Grips salad spinner, £32.49 Best salad spinner for dry-and-dress in one: KitchenCraft Spinner, £19.96 Best large salad spinner: Kuhn Rikon salad spinner, £34.95 Best no-frills salad spinner: Judge salad spinner, £19 Best budget salad spinner: ProCook salad spinner, £20 Jump to: Best salad spinners to buy in 2025 What can I use a salad spinner for? How to choose a salad spinner How we tested salad spinners Best salad spinners to buy in 2025 Good Food in partnership with Tower salad spinner Available from Amazon (£29.94), Tower (£44.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 Dry leafy greens quickly and easily with this stainless steel salad spinner. A simple pull cord spins ingredients dry in seconds, while the non-slip base keeps everything secure. With a generous 5-litre capacity and removable basket that doubles as a colander, it’s perfect for prepping large portions. Built to last and dishwasher-safe, it’s as practical as it is good-looking. Available from: Amazon (£29.94) Tower (£44.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 OXO Good Grips steel salad spinner Available from Amazon (£57.90), Harts of Stur (£66.50) Best salad spinner for versatility Star rating: 5/5 This salad spinner combines style and functionality, featuring a sleek brushed steel bowl and a sturdy pop-up button that initiates the spinning action. It took little effort to dry our salad leaves and soft berries to a satisfactory level, though the mechanism was noticeably noisy when pressed rapidly. Still, using it was great fun! As with all OXO products, comfort is a priority. The rubberised buttons and non-slip base kept the spinner stable, reducing the risk of slips. The centrally positioned plunger also made it easy to operate with one hand. For those who only use a salad spinner in the summer, storing a large kitchen gadget can be inconvenient. That’s why we appreciated the thoughtful design of this model – the hinged lid allows the plunger to lock down, creating a nearly flat surface so other items can be stacked on top in the cupboard. The inner basket felt sturdier than many other models we tested, making it a versatile tool we’d happily use as an everyday colander. Cleaning was effortless – the basket’s simple grid design made handwashing easy, and the entire unit is dishwasher-safe. Beyond its functionality, the bowl itself is stylish enough to serve at the table. Its flat-bottomed design, supported by a pointed insert used for spinning, ensures stability and adds to its overall practicality. undefined Zyliss Easy Spin 2 stainless steel salad spinner Available from Amazon (£52.89) Best for speedy drying Star rating 4.5/5 Pulling the corded handle away from the lid to activate the smooth spinning motion was incredibly satisfying. Just a few pulls on the comfortable handle brought it to top speed with ease. Preparing ingredients for our herb salad and berry mix was quick – 10 tugs at most – before pressing the stop button delivered crisp, dry lettuce and unbruised berries. While we did need to apply slight pressure on the top to keep the spinner from lifting off the worktop, the overall operation felt intuitive. A non-slip base or suction grip could have improved stability, but it wasn’t a major drawback. The 6-litre salad bowl insert was effortless to clean and doubled as an elegant serving bowl with a quick rinse and dry. The inner plastic basket featured curved, moulded sides instead of flat ones, which seemed to enhance drying performance – our leaves were dry after the first spin. One minor downside was the shiny stainless steel exterior, which showed more fingerprints compared to models with a brushed finish. However, both the basket and bowl are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup convenient. We appreciated how the pull handle tucked neatly into its recess on top, though we were surprised that the plastic lid didn’t lock into place during use. Despite this, the spinning mechanism contained all moisture without any leaks or splashes. Overall, this salad spinner is a highly efficient and well-designed tool that delivers excellent results. undefined OXO Good Grips little salad and herb spinner Available from Lakeland (£27.49), Amazon (£25.49) Best compact salad spinner Pros: Compact size Lockable button makes for easy storage Secure break Cons: Herbs can get caught in the basket Small if you're catering for a crowd Star rating: 4.5/5 It's hard to find fault with this salad spinner from OXO. The smaller sibling of the Good Grips salad spinner, this model is designed with herbs in mind, and it's great when catering for a smaller crowd. It features the same Good Grips design technology — an easy-to-push button for spinning, and the signature brake, which stops the salad in an instant and requires no effort. Our salad was dried in seconds, and despite the powerful spin, berries remained unbruised. Despite its small stature, this model has a sturdiness that was lacking in other salad spinners we tested. The clear bowl is attractive enough to double up as a salad bowl and wouldn't look out of place on the dinner table. We liked that the compact nature of this spinner made it easy to store. This was aided by the secure clip, which stopped the button protruding from the lid, making it much more stackable. undefined Habitat Healthy Eating salad spinner Available from Habitat (£9.50), Argos (£9.50) Best budget salad spinner for storage Pros: Large size Separate storage lid Great salad bowl Cons: Difficult to grip while spinning Flimsy parts Not dishwasher-safe Star rating: 3.5/5 This salad spinner from Habitat is a great choice if you regularly make salads or clean soft fruit in large quantities. We found the basket had room for at least four portions of salad leaves and it did a good job of drying them thoroughly. This spinner not only doubles up as an attractive and well-sized salad bowl, but also as a storage container. It comes with a separate lid that secures to the bowl, which means you can store washed salad or fruit and keep it fresh. The spinner did lack the sturdiness and stability that we would've liked. The spinning mechanism on the lid felt flimsy and the spinner moved a lot while being used. We also found it required quite a lot of effort to move the turning handle to begin with, and it was tricky to keep hold of the spinner with the other hand. Available from: Habitat (£9.50) Argos (£9.50) Zyliss Easy Spin 2 salad spinner Available from Harts of Stur (£20), Amazon (£21.50) Best pull-handle salad spinner Pros: Fluffs up salad as it dries Ergonomic handle Excellent quality Cons None The Zyliss salad spinner is and impressive, solid and well-built spinner. This was the only one we tested with a pull cord, which initially seems an odd system to use but just one good, effortless pull and the bowl whizzes round, and in most cases was all that was needed to dry our salad completely. If the bowl spins too fast, the brake was incredibly responsive and the waved colander bowl stops suddenly. The unique shape of the colander bowl helps to noticeably fluff up the salad. The spinner has a deep, substantial plastic bowl with a non-slip base and makes a great serving bowl. The Zyliss is a perfect size for a large number or to wash and dry plenty of salad at once. The Zyliss comes with a five-year guarantee and everything except the lid is dishwasher-proof. The results were the driest, fluffiest salad on the test – it is no wonder we were impressed. undefined Dreamfarm Spina colander and salad spinner Available from Amazon (£26.95) Best salad spinner for small spaces Pros: Compact Effective spinning Dual-purpose Cons: No lid, which sends salad flying At 21cm, the Dreamfarm is one of the smaller spinners on the test. It is cleverly designed to be a handled colander that flips into a spinner and is operated by pumping the central column, much like an old-fashioned spinning top. Unfortunately, there is no bowl, so you need to do this in the sink. Once dried, tip the leaves into a salad bowl to serve. Rinse the spinner to clean, and to store, the handle slips inside the bowl, all neat and tidy. The Dreamfarm is sturdy for such a small spinner. It stands firmly on the worktop but does slip around a little without any non-slip material on the base. And, as there’s no lid, once up to speed, lettuce leaves fly, so we had to pull back a little. Even so, the leaves were thoroughly dry and undamaged. We found this is an excellent small salad spinner and perfect for small spaces. undefined JosephJoseph Multi-Prep™ 4-piece Salad Preparation Set Available from Amazon (£34.30), JosephJoseph (£50) Best salad spinner for extra features Pros: Multi-functional Saves on storage space Smooth Cons: Lots of bits and pieces to keep track of Calling this multi-functional JosephJoseph gadget a salad spinner feels like a bit of an understatement, as it's also a grater, slicer and spiraliser. So, not only can you dry your salads, but it is also useful in preparing them, too. Changing the colour coded accessory discs is straightforward – each clips securely into the lid. There are eight pieces, including the four discs, the bowl, colander basket, the lid ring, and a handy finger guard to protect from the sharp blades. As a family-sized spinner, this is an excellent choice. The bowl and basket are well made and spin smoothly, turned by a strong revolving handle, speeding up effortlessly and stopping abruptly. The salad leaves come out dry and crisp, and intact. All the accessories store inside the bowl, and the lid clicks on securely for storage. The spinner is hand-wash only and comes with a two-year guarantee. undefined OXO Good Grips salad spinner 4.0 undefined Best salad spinner for families Pros: Great salad bowl Flat lid good for storage Easy pump action Cons: None The OXO Good Grips large salad spinner has won many awards over the years for its classic good looks and functionality, yet it continues to develop the design. The genius of this spinner is the one-handed pump action – great if you have any problems with your hands as little pressure is needed to set the spinner whizzing at an incredible speed. The salad is completely dry in seconds and an effective brake stops it instantly. Every bit of this spinner is sturdy. The colander is large and robust enough to use for more than salad, and the crystal-clear hardened plastic outer bowl makes a super glass-like serving dish but with none of the weight. We particularly liked the non-slip base on the Oxo Good Grips and that the pump handle clips down firmly, making the lid completely flat – so useful for storage. This is a good-sized salad spinner perfect for a family or anyone who likes to eat a lot of salad and greens. undefined KitchenCraft salad spinner Available from Amazon (£19.49), Robert Dyas (£19.49), Harts of Stur (£19.96), Very (£25.99) Best salad spinner for dry-and-dress in one Pros: Add dressing function Good quality for the price Cons: Over-spinning throws the dressing off The KitchenCraft is an excellent choice as a salad spinner. There’s a clear plastic bowl with a substantial non-slip base and an inner green colander basket. The lid clips firmly into place, and a large green handle turns the spinner smoothly. Our salad came out dry, crisp and undamaged. We especially liked that this was the only salad spinner on the test with an aperture in the lid to add dressing as it spins. However, it took us a few goes to get this right as we were turning too quickly, and the dressing flew off onto the sides and into the lid, which was a mess to clean up. We also struggled to pour the dressing into the spinner and turn the handle at the same time. There is a knack to this that we came to with some practice and involved turning more slowly and carefully. Otherwise, this is excellent quality for the price. undefined Kuhn Rikon salad spinner Available from Amazon (£26.99), Kuhn Rikon (£34.95) Best large salad spinner Pros: Easy wind handle Reactive brakes Ergonomic design Excellent results Cons: Bulky to store This super-sized and brightly coloured salad spinner works incredibly well. The easy-to-use handle turns with the lightest of touches, though we needed to rest a hand on the lid to steady this speedy spinner. The colander spins so smoothly that moisture flies from the salad, causing no damage to the leaves on its effortless flight around the bowl. The decorative green disc on the lid holds the brake button, which, when pressed, stops the spinning abruptly. The storage of such a large spinner may be a concern for some. The handle is on the side of the lid, taking the diameter to a whopping 32cm and, at 22cm tall, it is the largest on the test. However, this is excellent for anyone who needs to dry large volumes of salad as we filled the colander three-quarters full and the leaves came out bone dry with just a few spins. If you have the space and the need for lots of salad and veggies to dry, this is the spinner for you. undefined Judge salad spinner Available from Amazon (£18.99), Judge (£19) Best no-frills salad spinner Pros: Great price Attractive bowl Sieve and bowl are dishwasher-safe Cons: Not non-slip The Judge is a straightforward, no-frills salad spinner doing precisely what is needed: to produce dry, undamaged salad quickly and easily at a fantastic price. There’s a sizeable ergonomic knob on the lid which is comfortable to hold. It takes a bit of a push to start but once going spins very well. There’s no brake, but the basket stopped abruptly after we stopped turning. Unfortunately, there is no non-slip on the base, so it needs holding firmly, but putting the spinner on a damp tea towel prevented any skidding across the worktop. The Judge salad spinner may be a budget price, but it has some lovely touches, with a stylish grey and black design. The crystal-clear acrylic outer bowl is prettier than most with a decorative edge – a simple but effective touch. Both the sieve and bowl are dishwasher safe. undefined ProCook salad spinner Available from ProCook (£20) Best budget salad spinner Pros: Affordable Hardwearing sturdy plastic Highly effective Cons: Not fully dishwasher-proof The ProCook spinner is not just a lovely design with its gently lipped clear acrylic straight-sided bowl and soft sage accent colours, it is also robustly made from hardwearing, sturdy plastic. The lid is strong and fits firmly into the bowl, and we particularly liked the shiny, easy wipe surface. The outer bowl has a strong rubber non-slip seal on the bottom, ensuring this goes nowhere when spinning. It also has an effective brake, which is unusual at this price. When turning the handle, it is a little noisy but nothing too untoward. We were very impressed with the dryness of the salad with just a few spins, and everything came out fluffy and undamaged. There is little to dislike about this well-made budget-priced spinner, though we disagree with the claims that it is dishwasher proof; the bowl and colander are, but the lid takes in water around the handle, so we preferred to handwash that part. Available from: ProCook (£20) What can I use a salad spinner for? A salad spinner is at its best when drying salad leaves and herbs, but can be used for other veggies – broccoli, spinach, kale – and firmer fruits, even pasta if you want to dry it once cooked for a salad. Take a look at our best pasta salad recipes for inspiration. Once used, you will wonder how you ever managed without a salad spinner. If you're looking to upgrade your salad game, consider what else you might need: an efficient garlic press for flavourful dressings, invest in a top grater for perfect parmesan shavings on a Caesar salad or a cool box to keep your salad crisp for a picnic. Our guide to how to build a better salad shows you what flavours to match together for a well balanced bowl, or check out our top 10 quick salad dressings that you can make in minutes. How to choose a salad spinner Size: it is important to consider size and storage space as most spinners are pretty bulky. Many can double up as a colander for rinsing, and the outer bowls for serving, so they can save space that way. Also, look out for space-saving features such as folding handles, flat lids and multi-functions. Ease of use: the mechanics to make spinners spin vary and can include handles, knobs and even pull cords. Choose the one you feel most comfortable using. Functions: most spinners simply spin-dry leaves, but look out for others with other functions you may find helpful, such as graters, choppers or for adding dressings. Slipping: non-slip rubberised bases or feet are handy to stop the spinner from slipping on the worktop. How we tested salad spinners Each spinner was tested by washing leaves and herbs for our classic green salad recipe. We looked at the design and quality of the material, the build of the spinners, how they operated and any additional features. We checked that the spinner felt secure and stable, simple to use, and easy to store and clean. Notably, was all the water removed from the leaves and were any damaged or crushed? Related reviews Best picnic gadgets Best garlic presses Best melamine plates Best cool boxes Best graters Best gas barbecues Best BBQ boxes to buy Best charcoal barbecues Best pizza ovens Best Weber BBQs 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.
Best water bottles: reusable, BPA-free and filter bottles
We reviewed reusable water bottles to bring you our top buys for staying hydrated on the go. Our eco-friendly best buys include metal and insulated bottles.
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to boost your wellbeing. Adults should be drinking 1600ml-2 litres of water per day, according to the British Dietetics Association. Simple dehydration can cause confusion and fatigue, low blood pressure and headaches as well as affecting kidney and brain function, so keep a bottle of water to hand for regular sipping. Investing in a no-spill, insulated bottle will stop you reaching for more unhealthy alternatives to plain old H2o. With more than 481 billion plastic water bottles being thrown away every year worldwide, we should all do out bit for the environment by investing in a quality bottle and turning our backs on single-use drinks containers. We’ve tested the best insulated water bottles on the market to look for options that keep liquids at the right temperature, are easy to carry and store, wash well and won’t spill. Some choices are also great for hot drinks, and we also dropped full test bottles on the pavement from waist height, checking for damage, dents and leaks. For over 600 buyers' guides including on buying the best dishwasher and the best dishwasher tablets, visit our product reviews section. You'll find honest reviews of the best sports water bottles, reusable coffee cups, best lunchboxes and much more. Jump to: Best water bottles at a glance Best water bottles to buy 2025 How to choose the best water bottle What is a BPA-free plastic water bottle? How we tested water bottles Best water bottles at a glance Best water bottle for the great outdoors: Black + Blum Explorer bottle, £34.95 Best overall water bottle: Camelbak Eddy+ insulated bottle, £28 Best brightly coloured water bottle: Le Creuset 1-litre insulated water bottle, £40 Best water bottle for road trips: Chillys Series 2 water bottle, £32 Best water bottle for cold drinks: Yeti Rambler water bottle with colour matched straw cap, £30 Best blow-out insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask water bottle, £34.95 Best water bottle for fizzing drinks: Ninja Kitchen Thirsti 700ml travel bottle, £34.99 Best glass water bottle: Black + Blum glass water bottle, £21.95 Best lightweight water bottle: Dopper bottle, from £12.95 Best hydration tracker water bottle: Hydrate water bottle, £9.99 Best canteen-style bottle: Elephant Box single wall water bottle, £15 Best water bottles to buy in 2025 Black + Blum Explorer bottle Available from Black + Blum (£34.95) Best water bottle for the great outdoors Star rating: 5/5 Pros: Excellent insulation Durable design Secure, clean lid Cons: Chunky for small hands No built-in handle Extras sold separately We were impressed by the look and quality of this utility-style stainless steel bottle, featuring a sturdy orange base. (It’s also available in olive green, black and blue.) We opted for the large 850ml version, which offered generous capacity without taking up as much space in a rucksack as we expected. While its wider size might be a bit chunky for smaller hands, the ridge indents provided a secure grip. Black+Blum claims this bottle keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, and in our tests, it outperformed similar models. After the stated times, there were minimal temperature variations, earning top marks for insulation. There’s a lot to love about this bottle. First, it comes with a lifetime guarantee when used sensibly. Second, there are thoughtful extras available separately, including an insulated cross-body carrier and personalised engraving. Third, the insulated lid fits perfectly, fully covering the bottle’s neck to keep it clean during outdoor adventures. Plus, the attached paracord is mould-resistant, adding another layer of durability. Available from: Black + Blum (£34.95) Camelbak Eddy+ insulated bottle Latest Deals Best overall water bottle Pros: Keeps water cold Unique straw won’t leak Eco-friendly Cons Straw can take some getting used to Heavy for plastic Star rating: 5/5 There’s very little we don’t like about this bottle, which is a step up from the classic Camelbak Eddy+ bottle, offering insulation via its double-walled plastic shell. Sturdily made, it sits between double-walled stainless steel bottles and single-walled plastic in terms of weight, has a sturdy carrying handle and a unique ‘flip, bite, sip’ straw. Biting on the straw opens the sealed end so you can drink from it, which takes a bit of getting used to but means the bottle is spill-proof even when the straw is lifted up from its recess – a godsend for klutzes. The lid is also secure and survived our leak test without any problems. Available in jewel-bright purple or blue, this bottle looks the part and its green credentials go beyond simply reducing plastic waste, as it’s made from 50 per cent recycled material. Even better, the whole thing is dishwasher-proof. Although it doesn’t make any specific insulation claims, we find that it keeps water cool throughout a day in the office. The thoughtful design of this bottle makes it a winning all-rounder. Latest Deals Le Creuset insulated water bottle Available from Le Creuset (£40) Best water bottle for bright colours Star rating: 4.5/5 Pros: Excellent insulation Stylish, eye-catching design Large capacity Cons: Heavy for all-day used Pricey No built in handle How often have you arrived at work, stopped on a road trip, or left the gym only to realise you’ve forgotten your water bottle? Frustrating – but choosing a bright colour can help jog your memory when you’re rushing out the door. Our test bottle arrived in Le Creuset’s signature ‘Volcanic’ orange, which was easy to spot and looked effortlessly stylish. This larger 1-litre Le Creuset bottle is ideal for families or sharing rather than solo use. It’s excellent for both hot and cold drinks, though it may feel a little heavy for all-day sipping on the go – there’s a smaller 500ml version for that. At home or while camping, its generous size makes it perfect for two servings of soup, for example. In performance tests, this vacuum-insulated bottle excelled. Chilled water warmed by just two degrees over 12 hours, and it kept coffee hot enough overnight to enjoy a pre-prepared morning brew in bed. Genius! Available from: Le Creuset (£40) Chilly’s Series 2 water bottle Available from Chilly’s (£32) Best for road trips Star rating: 4.5/5 Pros: Slim design, fits most cup holders Soft touch Antimicrobial coating Cons: Not dishwasher safe Accessories sold separately Steel cap may be heavy for some We loved this stylish Chilly’s bottle for road trips – its slim design fits easily into most car cup holders and side pockets. Many of the other bottles we tested were too wide for both, often ending up rolling around the passenger footwell, which isn't ideal. This bottle also features a rubber base, which helps dampen noise when placing it down on a desk in a quiet office. The secure steel cap unscrews to reveal a soft-touch neck, which is much more pleasant to drink from than stainless steel or hard plastic. Made with antimicrobial BioCote, it also helps guard against germs. While Chilly’s doesn’t recommend putting the Series 2 in the dishwasher, it’s easy to clean by hand – both the top and collar unscrew for thorough washing in hot water. There are also plenty of accessories available on the Chilly’s website, including flip lids with a cleaning brush for the steel straw, spare collars, and replacement screw caps. With a wide range of colours to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your style. It also makes a great gift, arriving in a sleek, recycled tube container that looks fantastic. Available from: Chilly’s (£32) Yeti Rambler water bottle with colour-matched straw cap Available from Yeti (£30) Best for cold drinks Star rating: 4.5/5 Pros: Excellent build quality Keeps drinks cold for 24 hours Durable and leak-proof Cons: Heavy when full Not suitable for hot drinks Straw-style cap may not suit everyone Known for their rugged, outdoorsy coolers, Yeti offers customisable portable water bottles in a variety of sizes and stylish colours. We tested the 769ml version, and it immediately felt like top-tier quality when unpacked. Made from double-insulated stainless steel with a sturdy carry handle, this bottle is quite heavy when full, so it’s not the best option for casually tossing into your gym bag unless you’re up for an extra workout. This version of the Rambler features a heavy-duty plastic straw (with a spare included), fed through a flip-out spout. As such, you’ll need to suck from the bottle rather than sip. If this isn’t your preference, there are other cap options available in the range. One potential downside is that, as expected from a cooler company, this bottle isn’t designed for hot drinks. That said, this is a top-quality bottle that didn’t leak and withstood our drop tests without issue. Its ability to maintain the temperature of iced water was exceptional, even after 24 hours. Whether you’re using it on camping trips, keeping it in your car boot, or keeping it handy for hydration while working from home, this bottle performs reliably. Available from: Yeti (£30) Hydro Flask water bottle Latest Deals Best blow-out insulated water bottle Pros: Double-insulated TempShield wall vacuum insulation Lifetime warranty Cons: Pricey Screw top means you need two hands for drinking Star rating: 4.5/5 One of the great advantages of this Hydro Flask reusable water bottle is that you’re given the functionality of a thermos flask in the tiny package of a normal water bottle. Portability and style have both been given equal weight, but functionality has been prioritised. As claimed, the double-walled vacuum insulation keeps liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. The BPA- and phthalate-free cap screws into nicely engineered screw threads, so you avoid that squeak of metal on metal that sometimes accompanies stainless steel bottles. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, it also doesn’t retain tastes or flavour. Its insulated 'flex cap' has a novel rubber handle secured by two large circular rivets – they add to this bottle’s style and sturdiness. It also helps with the unscrew afterwards. There were no leaks after being left upside-down for 24 hours, or when thrown around inside a bag. Hydro Flask's ‘standard’ bottle opening is broad enough to add ice cubes or fresh fruit. A sports cap can be bought separately for the bottle, which is a good alternative for activities or grabbing while driving. A matte finish gives the bottle a nice non-slip quality. The exterior never feels hot to touch, even when filled with boiling water, making it safer for screwing the lid on. Although it feels heavy-duty, this is a lightweight insulated bottle that could easily be taken on adventures. It ultimately gives you control over your drinks, whatever the weather, and is available in a selection of cheery, bright colours. Latest Deals Ninja Kitchen Thirsti 700ml travel bottle Available from Ninja (£34.99) Best for fizzy drinks Star rating: 4/5 Ninja Kitchen has added the stylish Thirsti water bottle to its expanding range, available in both 530ml and 700ml sizes. We tested the larger 700ml version in a lovely mint green. Ideal for sparkling drink enthusiasts, the bottle features ‘BubbleLock technology’ in its smooth inner coating to reduce nucleation points, meaning your fizzy water stays carbonated for longer. After two days on the shelf in our test kitchen, our Perrier still had plenty of fizz. In terms of temperature control, the Thirsti performed as expected – drinks stayed chilled after 24 hours, and coffee remained drinkable after eight. The bottle’s hinged cap is a thoughtful design feature, as it stays attached and makes it easier to drink on the go, especially when you have your hands full. We also appreciated the second wide lid that screws off, making it perfect for chunky soups and easy to clean. Plus, it’s dishwasher-friendly. One minor downside is that if you don’t intentionally fold the cap back, it can rest on your forehead while drinking. However, we loved the comfortable silicone handle, which provides a snug, secure grip. A stylish and functional choice overall. Available from: Ninja (£34.99) Black + Blum glass water bottle Latest Deals Best glass water bottle Pros: Carry handle Stylish look with a wide choice of colours Unique bottle neck Cons: No insulation Heavy, and could break if dropped on a hard surface Star rating: 4/5 We tested a few glass water bottles, but this was our favourite. Although heavier than plastic and lacking the insulating properties of aluminium, glass does allow for extra style and eco-credentials and eliminates any issues with water absorbing the taste of the inside of the bottle. This Black + Blum model is the best of the glass bunch. Made from tough borosilicate glass wrapped in silicone to prevent condensation, potential slippage and breakage from knocks (although we didn’t perform the drop test this model), it looks great and performs well. A slim shape and secure lid make it suitable to carry in a bag or hold by the carry loop threaded through the lid – although when full it’s quite heavy, so it’s perhaps best kept to hand on your desk. A lot of thought has gone into the design: it’s easy to fill, with a neck wide enough to fit an ice cube, and, uniquely, the thread is inside the neck instead of the outside, making it pleasant to drink from and setting it apart from similar models. It also comes in a choice of seven understated colours and is recyclable. Latest Deals Dopper bottle Available from Alpine Trek (£11.95) Best lightweight water bottle Pros: Easy to carry Comes with its own cup Cons: Low capacity No insulating properties Star rating: 4/5 Although a fairly basic reusable bottle, the Dopper bottle comes with plenty of benefits to make it well worth it. Slimline and lightweight (coming in at just 104g when empty), this bottle is the perfect size for slipping into a small bag or large pocket when you’re out and about. A small neck (about the same size as a standard plastic bottle) makes it easy to drink from while walking and textured sides stop it slipping out of your hand. At first look, it has an odd-looking lid, until you realise the whole top third of the whole bottle unscrews and turns into a drinking cup complete with (non-suction) base. It’s a clever feature that helps with cleaning too, but this bottle is also dishwasher-safe. The wider top allows you to add ice cubes to your drink, too. And, of course, as this is a Dopper product, you’re doing some good: Dopper gives 5 per cent of its net turnover to the Dopper Foundation, which helps reduce plastic pollution and provides drinking water to those who need it. This bottle might not have the bells and whistles of other models, but it’s got plenty else to recommend it. Available from: Alpine Trek (£11.95) Hydrate original hydration tracker bottle Latest Deals Best hydration tracker water bottle Pros: Tracks water consumption Impressively compact Wide neck, so easy to fill Cons: No insulation Star rating: 4/5 Although the debate over exactly how much water we should drink every day rages on, this bottle will help you stay hydrated all day. Marks on the sides of the bottles remind you to keep drinking, including encouraging slogans such as ‘keep drinking!’ and ‘nearly there’ to keep you topped up from 8am to 6pm. As well as offering emotional encouragement, this bottle is functional. Impressively slim and lightweight, we're surprised by its 900ml capacity. As well as fitting into a moderately sized bag, it features a carry loop. Its wide neck is easy to fill and fits ice cubes, while a recessed flip-straw encourages regular sipping but doesn’t leak. It’s also perfectly robust and comes in four pastel shades. It’s a shame the straw isn’t rounded, as its square edges feel odd to drink from at first, but that’s a small niggle, as is the fact that this bottle isn’t insulated. It’s clearly designed for your desk or the gym rather than a hike, so that’s unlikely to be a big issue. Handwash only, it comes with a straw cleaning brush, as well as a ‘healthy pee chart’ to check the colour of your urine. This is a bottle that really wants you to stay hydrated and is prepared to put in the effort. Latest Deals Elephant Box single-wall water bottle 500ml Available from Elephant Box (£15) Best canteen-style bottle Pros: Classic design Built to last Lightweight Cons No insulation Attracts fingerprints Star rating: 4/5 This was the best of the canteen-style bottles we tested and is ideal if you’re looking for a compact, sleek, lightweight water bottle. Elephant Box’s eco credentials put them ahead of the bunch, with a commitment to making hard-wearing products designed to reduce plastic waste. This bottle comes with a 15-year warranty, making the fairly high £18 price tag money well spent. It’s also made from up to 50 per cent recycled steel and claims to be infinitely recyclable – a great choice for the eco-minded. This bottle has a wide neck that’s ideal for plopping in some ice cubes and a secure lid. It easily passed our drop test, and its compact size makes it easy to carry in your hand or bag or by the carry loop. As it’s made from single-wall brushed aluminium, it doesn’t offer insulation but is impressively lightweight (180g when empty) and sleekly stylish in a utilitarian kind of way. But, it does tend to attract fingerprint smudges. It’s also leakproof and, apart from the lid, dishwasher-safe. We feel like this bottle will see you through years of adventures, making it a winner for us. Available from: Elephant Box (£15) How to choose the best water bottle As a starting point, think about your lifestyle and what you really need. Are you always on the move and in need of something light, or would you prefer a bottle you can use one-handed? Perhaps it’s filtered water on the go for travel and exercise or simply for keeping on your desk. Whether you’re looking for a bottle to carry on your commute, a stylish one ideal for gifting or something a bit more robust for adventures, a bottle has been built to suit every imaginable need. What is a BPA-free plastic water bottle? BPA is an abbreviation of bisphenol A. BPA, a chemical found in common polycarbonate plastics and resins, can leach into foods and liquids, according to research. It can also have a negative effect on health, so we’ve only tested products that are labelled BPA-free. How we tested water bottles We tested a representative sample of water bottles and marked them against the following test criteria: Ease of filling: is the lid easy to open? Is the neck wide enough to fill without spilling? Water flow: is it easy to drink from? Do straws work well? How much liquid it holds versus its overall size: would it be cumbersome in a bag? General ease of carrying: does it fit comfortably in your hand? Quality of the materials: is the bottle hardy, sturdy and robust? Weight: with some cooling materials being quite heavy, water bottles can end up weighing a tonne when carried around all day. Cooling properties: we looked for bottles with the ability to cool water and keep it cool. In some cases, this feature wasn't available but we made sure the bottles had other redeeming qualities to compensate. Aesthetics: we looked for bottles with a bit of character and style. Any additional features, such as folding straws or fruit-infusing compartments, were taken into consideration. Water retention: every bottle was put through our 'bag test'; filled to the top, closed tightly shut and then shaken around in a bag before being checked for leaks. Any bottles that didn't pass the bag test were disqualified. Robustness: each bottle was dropped from chest height onto a wooden kitchen floor. Any damage was recorded and if elements broke or caused leaks, the bottle was disqualified. Related reviews Best personalised water bottles What is a Stanley Cup? Best sports gym water bottles Best fitness trackers Best fitness trackers for kids Best health gadgets Best lunchboxes Best Stanley Cup dupes If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
The best smoothie makers for blending drinks and more
Individual blitz-and-go bullet blenders for making juices and smoothies are a huge hit in the health world. Read our round-up to find our best buys.
We’d all love a leisurely morning, wafting around the kitchen and preparing a healthy breakfast. But sometimes, you just have to grab your things and go. That’s where a personal smoothie maker scores – they’re compact enough to put in your bag or hide in an office drawer if need be. Although we can’t pretend these small blenders would take the place of a traditional countertop machine, they’re great for soft fruits, purées, salad dressings and individual soup portions. We looked for quality of components, blend-ability and ease of charging. Here’s our selection of the smoothest operators on the market. For more unbiased expert buyers' guides, visit our reviews hub to find 600+ round-ups, including the best food processors, best blenders and best soup makers. Best smoothie makers at a glance Best Ninja smoothie maker: Ninja Blast, £49.99 Best budget smoothie maker: Salter EK6133MBLK Kuro Actifusion Blender, £29.99 Best smoothie maker for students: Sensio Home Personal Blender smoothie maker, £29.99 Best personal smoothie maker: Salter Nutripro blender, £41.99 Best dual-purpose smoothie maker: Sage The 3X Bluicer Pro, £339.95 Best for finished results: Bosch VitaMaxx vacuum blender, £295 Best portable smoothie maker: Nutribullet Portable Blender, £31.99 Best mid-priced smoothie maker: Nutribullet Magic Bullet Deluxe, £43.10 Best blender and smoothie maker: Zwilling Enfinigy table blender, £159 Best value smoothie maker: VonShef UltraBlend smoothie-maker, £44.99 Jump to section: Best smoothie makers to buy in 2025 What to look for in a smoothie maker How we tested smoothie makers Best smoothie makers to buy in 2025 Ninja Blast undefined Best Ninja smoothie maker Pros: Compact Cordless Produces smooth, consistent results Cons: Comes without a plug Short charging cable Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 14.4W For smoothie-making on the go, this powerful blender is one of Ninja's newest innovations – and we found it a joy to use. It's cordless, so you can charge up the motor base and take it with you wherever you like (on a camping trip, for instance). If you want to transport pre-made smoothies to the gym or work, simply rotate the Blast, unscrew the motor base and replace it with the cup cover. A sip lid with a handle is also included. We love the look of the gadget: it's sleek, robust and compact, and the controls are easy to use. Limited set-up is required, though you'll need to charge the blender for at least 2 hrs before first use. There's also an LED light around the start/stop button that flashes different colours, so it's worth holding onto the manual to remind yourself what each colour means (a flashing white light, for instance, means the vessel and motor base aren't aligned properly). A solid purple light appears once the blender is ready – after which you can hit 'start' to begin the 30-second cycle. The Ninja Blast gave us consistent, smooth results, and because most parts can go in the dishwasher, we found it easy to clean as well. undefined Salter EK6133MBLK Kuro Actifusion Blender Available from Amazon (£29.99), Next (£32), Tesco (£32) Best budget smoothie maker Pros Powerful for its size Extra bottles included Cons Plug-in, so not as portable as some Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 350W This is a great value smoothie making set as it also comes with two 600ml and two 400ml sports bottles, complete with leak-proof lids. We appreciated the extra-powerful 350W motor that can pack a punch for a mini blender. Want kale in that smoothie? This way, healthy types, the Kuro Actifusion is the choice for you. Saying that, you may find you have to make more fibrous smoothies in stages, as there’s a 30-second cut off on this model, to prevent overheating. We found that most berry and soft fruit ingredients were smooth and ready to drink within that time, however, especially if fresh rather than frozen. This is a great value choice, considering it’s more powerful than some comparable models, looks great and comes with four smoothie containers in total. Although it’s a plug-in model, the cord stores neatly in its base, so it's worth having in the kitchen cupboard for your next health kick. undefined Sensio Home Personal Blender Smoothie Maker undefined Best smoothie maker for students Pros: Easy to use Great price Versatile – there’s even a separate grinding mill for coffee Cons: Too much packaging No hands-free operation Star rating: 4.5/5 If you’re looking for an easy-to-use-out-of-the-box smoothie maker that won’t break the bank, this is one for you. We thought it would make an ideal gift for a student if you’re determined to ensure they get their vitamin C fix. It has a small footprint, a powerful motor, good extra features and lots of bits and pieces. Instructions are decent – we gave them a thorough read for the purposes of this test, though you could almost certainly manage without them as the blender is pretty intuitive to use. As ever, we’d have loved some recipes. The main blade, as well as the lids and bottles/jars can go in the dishwasher and you can self-clean it by adding water and detergent and then whizzing it all up. This was a great little machine for our fibrous smoothie, blitzing through it in seconds. It found the yogurt smoothie a bit trickier and struggled with the larger strawberries – you’d ideally need to use smaller ingredients in here. Latest Prices Salter Nutripro blender Latest Prices Best personal smoothie maker Pros: Powerful Produces silky-smooth smoothies Simple to clean Cons: A bit noisy Accessories need storage space Star rating: 4.5/5 A powerhouse of an appliance with lots of practical elements, the Nutripro whizzed up some of the best smoothie results on test. The silky finish is achieved thanks to the 1200W motor, which is as powerful as it sounds (although it does make a fair bit of noise as a result). We particularly rate the robust storage cups and the smooth body of the machine which is easy to wipe clean. You'll need plenty of space to store it all, though. Read our full review of the Salter Nutripro blender. Latest Prices Sage 3X Bluicer Pro Latest Prices Best dual-purpose smoothie-maker Pros: Top quality components Versatile function options Cons: Expensive Star rating: 4.5/5 Build quality and finished results aside, the genius thing about the Bluicer is that is makes both juices and smoothies (and is in fact included in our review of the best juicers). This dual functionality means the resulting smoothies can have a juiced element, making them extra vibrant and flavoursome. It's a handsome machine, which is fortunate as it's large so will probably work best being left out on a countertop. Read our full review of Sage The Bluicer Pro. Latest Prices Bosch VitaMaxx vacuum blender Latest Prices Best smoothie maker for finished results Pros: Produces fantastically smooth drinks Effective vacuum setting Premium build quality Cons: Noisy Pulse mode could be better implemented Star rating: 4.5/5 This is one of the best smoothie-makers on the market, with excellent blending power and high-quality components. It has a deoxygenation function – a vacuum that removes oxygen to give the most vibrant finished smoothie – plus a range of useful accessories like storage bowls. We found it blended even pesky small ingredients like raspberry seeds, a rarity in the smoothie blender world. You will need a decent amount of space to store it though, plus it's not cheap. Read our full review of the Bosch VitaMaxx blender. Latest Prices Nutribullet Portable Blender Available from Nutribullet (£39.99), Amazon (£39.99) Best portable smoothie maker Wattage: 100W Pros Great design Powered via USB cable Cons Underpowered for fibrous smoothies Star rating: 4/5 Powered via a USB cable, this personal blender is just the ticket for busy mornings when you just want to make a smoothie to go. And if you don’t even have time for that, just grab the blender for later – it’s perfect for stashing in your handbag and using after the gym, on lunch breaks or on the move. The portable blender is simple to set up – charge via your laptop or a USB plug (not supplied) and the base unit is ready to whizz ingredients once you’ve screwed the 385ml-capacity container on top. Even with one speed setting, we found it worked well on the frozen berry mixture and softer food and liquids but we didn’t have as much success with more fibrous ingredients. With only a 100W engine, that’s understandable. There’s a whole range of funky colours to choose from with this model, from sleek black to light blue, magenta, navy, purple and white. We think the Nutribullet Personal Blender could also be a great stay-at-home option for those who want to whizz up small batches of sauce or purées – it would be a really useful addition to the kitchen cupboard if you’re weaning a baby, for example. No need to haul your giant blender onto the worktop, put this mini wonder to work instead. undefined Nutribullet Magic Bullet Deluxe Latest Prices Best mid-priced smoothie maker Pros: Very effective Several receptacles Most parts can go in the dishwasher Cons: Slightly awkward to use at first Too much packaging Star rating: 4/5 This blender won’t take up much space on your worktop – it’s smaller than a kettle, which means that you can leave it out if you plan to use it frequently. It also won’t take up much cupboard space if you want to keep it out of sight. The Magic Bullet comes with all sorts of bits and pieces to make life easier. As well as the main cup, there’s a smaller one and a smoothie mug with a handle, complete with lids, so you can make and store everything without pouring it into a different container. Anything that saves on the washing up gets the thumbs up from us. We found it took a bit of time to get used to it, as you need to line the cup tabs up with the blender, but once you get it, it’s pretty straightforward. It’s quick, powerful and versatile, and easy to clean as the different parts (apart from the motor base, obviously) go in the dishwasher. Latest Prices Zwilling Enfinigy table blender undefined Best blender and smoothie maker Pros: Large capacity Very effective Cons: Expensive Very noisy Star rating: 4/5 A very powerful machine, this has plenty of functions to justify its price tag. It comes with quite a lot of single use packaging. It isn’t as intuitive as some of the others we tested – you do need to read the instruction booklet. At first glance, you wonder where all the functions are as there simply seems to be a dial but all is revealed once it is properly set up and plugged in, as the functions light up. The overall effect is that it is very neat and streamlined. The blender is family sized, with a capacity of 1.4 litres. It is very effective, working through our fibrous smoothie ingredients in half a minute. There is a scarily effective ice crusher function - it took 18 seconds to reduce our ice cubes to rubble. In terms of safety, this doesn’t have a separate blade like most of the others – the blade is actually part of the jug. As there is a self-cleaning function, you don’t need to put your hand in to wash it. We used this and then just rinsed out the soap residue. The one downside is it is very noisy – you won’t be popular if you use this first thing in the morning when the rest of the family is asleep. Read our full Zwilling Enfinigy table blender review. undefined VonShef UltraBlend smoothie maker undefined Best value smoothie maker Pros: Simple and effective design Quite quiet Powerful blending Cons: Some may prefer a blender with more features Star rating: 4/5 VonShef often impresses with its affordable appliances and kitchen gadgets, and its smoothie-maker is no different. It also happens to look very smart around the kitchen. The functionality is straightforward, intuitive and powerful, producing impressive results, even working through tougher ingredients like fibrous ginger. Another characteristic that's appealing is how easy it is to clean. Read our full VonShef UltraBlend smoothie-maker review. Latest Prices What to look for in a smoothie maker When researching which smoothie maker to buy, bear in mind the frequency with which you’ll make smoothies. If it’ll be a daily thing, choose a machine that can be left out on your surface. So, you will need to take into account how much space it will take up – and also whether you like the look of it. Also ask yourself whether you will be requiring it to do other jobs too, such as blend sauces and crush ice. Some smoothie makers have preset functions including juicing, blending and ice crushing, while others just have one setting – go! Some are more powerful than others but be warned, we did find that with more power came greater noise. This means you also need to think about when you will be using it. If you’re keen to make a smoothie for breakfast while other members of the household are asleep, you may want a less powerful one with a quieter motor. Those who like their smoothies really smooth are more likely to require an expensive machine with a powerful motor, while those who don’t mind taking a bit of rough with the smoothie may be just as well served with a budget offering. Some of our blenders came with extras such as a sports bottle, which can be useful if you are planning to make more than one type at once. Fruit pulp can be a killer to wash up, so if you have a dishwasher, it’s worth buying a blender with cups that are suitable. Fervent fans would be wise to consider investing in something over £100 that comes with a warranty, as regular use does put the blades and motor through considerable strain, especially if using things like beetroot or veg with hard stalks. View Green Video on the source website How we tested smoothie makers We reviewed a representative sample of smoothie-makers and scored them against the following criteria. The Good Food lump test: we put several tough ingredients (half an apple, a banana, 20g ginger, 25g kale, 3 ice cubes, a tablespoon of oats and 2 pieces of frozen fruit, plus 400ml of water) in each blender for 1 minute. We then attempted to suck the smoothie through a straw. Anything that got stuck was marked down – the optimum result was a silky smooth mix with ease of flow. Ease of use: lots of people will move bullet blenders in and out of cupboards – we wanted machines that were intuitive and easy to set up. Noise: we love smoothies in the morning, but our neighbours don’t tend to like being woken up by industrial-grade mechanical noise. While all smoothie bullets make some noise, machines that spluttered, made notably loud sounds or noises similar to a clapped out car were judged unfavourably. Extra features: machines with different cup options, additional blades and smart blending functions were marked up. Cup quality: say no to leaky cups! We gave carry cups a vigorous shake to ensure no liquid would escape and ruin the inside of your bag. Packaging: we marked down products that came in excessive non-recyclable packaging. Instruction manual: a good manual can really amplify your experience of smoothie-making since they often include smoothie recipes and tips. Ease of storage: if you have minimal counter space, a smoothie-maker that can be easily packed away is an essential. Extra features: we tested all additional features on products, including juicing functions. Ease of cleaning: smoothies are traditionally tricky to clean up. We tested how well cups and jugs washed and considered whether they were dishwasher-friendly. Kitchen footprint and overall aesthetic: some of us choose to have juicers and blenders on display – we looked for appliances that don't take up too much counter space and that we'd be proud to have out in our kitchens. Other smoothie makers tested and rated: PROMiXX MiiXR X7 performance nutrition blender, £99.99 Nutri Ninja personal blender, £79.99 MOI SLIM personal blender, £39.95 Recipes and tips Smoothie recipes How to make the perfect smoothie Healthy smoothie recipes Best smoothie bowl recipes How to choose the best smoothie ingredients Smoothie recipes 8 new ways to use a blender Super berry smoothie Mango and passion fruit smoothie Spiced carrot and lentil soup Three-minute blender banana pancake Related reviews Best personalised water bottles Best kitchen sieves Best food processors Best mini choppers Best smoothie makers Best spice grinders Best hand mixers Best Cuisinart ice-cream makers 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.
What to know about PFOS, PFOA and other pan coatings
Are the coatings on your saucepans and air fryer drawer safe? Here’s all you need to know to cook with confidence
Non-stick coatings for pans and kitchen gadgets keep food from sticking and certainly make clean up easier. But there’s been publicity around the dangers of some materials used, with “forever chemical” saucepan coatings and inner components of air fryers under scrutiny from concerned cooks. What are PFOS and PFOA Let’s start with the science: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are both in the group of synthetic chemicals known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. They have been used in all sorts of products because they have water and stain repellent properties - in simple terms, they’re what keep the coatings on some non-stick pans ‘slippy’. PFOA coatings were banned in the UK in 2005 because of concerns about toxicity, with research showing the release of microplastics during use could contribute to health issues such as low birth weight, hormonal issues and an increased risk of some forms of cancer. Since July 2020 the level of PFOS in production and in end products is restricted under EU Regulations. So, it goes without saying that older pans lurking at the back of the cupboard - especially those which have been damaged, scored or have flaking to their base - should be destined for the dump immediately. Don’t panic - your weekend fry up is safe. Today’s non-stick pans which are often coated in Teflon (the brand name for synthetic fluoropolymer PTFE) and have been found safe to use under normal conditions. The trick is to know how to use pans correctly as there are potential dangers with sustained use over 260 degrees Celsius. In these extreme temperatures, coatings can break down causing chemicals to be released. What are PFAS chemicals? Non-stick materials used in the market at present must comply with standards set by the Office For Product Safety and Standards in the UK, as well as with European legislation. Are air fryers safe? Let’s not forget the trays in air fryers, which can feature a variety of non-stick coatings. Always buy a well-known brand to ensure they comply with safety standards and if you prefer to avoid non-stick PTFE coatings, many of our favourite air fryers fit the bill. For example, Ninja’s range of air fryers feature ceramic-coated trays, or the Breville Halo Rotisserie air fryer oven has stainless steel inner shelves. Other types of pan coatings If you’d rather pans that don’t use ‘non-stick’ coatings , there are plenty of alternatives that offer efficient heat distribution and easy clean up. Ceramic non stick Ceramic non-stick pans are great for frying and general cooking with a smooth-as-silk ceramic coating that’s a pleasure to cook with. Some cooks appreciate the lighter colour of some models’ interiors as it can be easier to gauge levels of browning. And most ceramic pans can rival Teflon’s slip-and-slide non-stick qualities. Always use silicon and wooden utensils to prevent scoring - metal spoons can leave traces and wear down the coating.. Cast iron Any carnivore will tell you there’s nothing like cast iron to get the perfect crust on a steak while retaining the juiciness of the meat. But treat your cast iron skillet well by seasoning it regularly and you’ll find it’s a great all-round workhorse in the kitchen, with surprisingly non-stick qualities. Although heavy at times, they’re also superb for one-pot dishes served at the table as they retain heat well. Stainless steel A bright stainless steel pan heats evenly and quickly while lasting the course in the busiest of kitchens. At the pricey end of the range come top-quality, bonded tri-ply stainless steel pans that cook evenly, thanks to an aluminium core that helps distribute heat efficiently. Choose a pan with handles in the same material and it’s good for hob-to-oven use too, at searing temperatures that wouldn’t be safe for Teflon models. Aluminium pans Aluminium may not have the staying power of some of the other choices here. Although fabulous for an even fry, for example, the cheaper models can be prone to warp over time. It’s more commonly used as an inner material for pans with other coatings as its heat distribution is impressive. Carbon steel pans Carbon steel pans are made from a combination of steel and cast iron to ensure sturdiness and even cooking results. Most require regular seasoning to ensure acceptable levels of ‘non-stickiness’ but they can be inexpensive, hardwearing and great for even results. Our expert picks of the very best Always Pan 2.0 undefined Star rating 5/5 Our favourite non-stick frying pan, the Always Pan, not only looks stylish, its ceramic non-stick coating is super-smooth and gives fantastic, speedy cooking results. This pan is lighter than we expected, as it is made with 100% recycled aluminium. It can also go from hob to oven and is safe to 230ºC. undefined Kuhn Rikon All round 3-piece saucepan set undefined Star rating 5/5 Top of the wish list when it comes to the best saucepan sets, this wonderful stainless steel trio from Kuhn Rikon impressed. A thick, solid base makes them suitable for all cooking surfaces, including induction, and we were impressed by their ability to heat super-fast and respond instantly to lowering the heat. undefined Solidteknic 26cm Quenched seamless iron frying pan Available from Buy Me Once (£139) Star rating 5/5 This Australian brand’s lightweight version of a classic got top marks in our roundup of best cast iron skillets. Not only was it easier to move around than its rivals, the handle stayed cool during hob use, which is a huge safety bonus. A quality choice, this one comes with a multi-century guarantee. Available from Buy Me Once (£139) Le Creuset Signature cast iron Grillit undefined Star rating 5/5 Brush with oil before cooking and over time, this cast iron griddle’s patina will improve its searing capabilities. The effort is worth it - it was a favourite amongst our choice of the best griddle pans. Once up to temperature, you can sear meat and veg quickly to lock in flavour and moisture while also achieving those iconic griddle marks. undefined Samuel Groves classic tri-ply sauté pan and lid undefined Star rating 5/5 This stunning Samuel Grov sauté pan is a beautiful looking piece of kit and so versatile. With two handles, both of which are solidly-riveted onto the pan, it is a cinch to move from hob to oven, and it looks great on the table for a ‘help yourself’ supper. Although there is no added non-stick coating on this choice from our favourite sauté pans, the high-quality stainless steel worked a treat – nothing stuck and hand-washing was quick and easy. undefined More pan reviews Best saucepans Best pan sets Best griddle pans Best saute pans Best pancake pans Best cast iron skillets Best casserole dishes Best paella pans How to store pans Best stainless steel frying pans Non-stick frying pan recipes Frying pan filo tart Pan-fried salmon Pan-fried rib-eye steak Pan-fried sprouts and crunchy chorizo crumbs Pan-fried potato gnocchi Paneer and chickpea fry Pan-fried sea bass with ratatouille and basil One-pan egg and veg brunch
32 kitchen gadgets that will change your life
Discover our expert picks of the niftiest kit for your kitchen, tested and top-rated by the Good Food team. These are what we want in our own kitchen's.
We all have well-used kitchen essentials, but there’s nothing like a cool kitchen gadget to make cooking more exciting. On a practical level, useful gadgets can not only change the way you cook but save you time and money, particularly if you choose a multifunctional piece of kit. This collection is a round-up of some of the best kitchen gadgets we’ve tried and tested, top-rated for their quality, value for money and overall genius (among other things). From cleverly designed budget buys that prove you don’t have to break the bank to to find a great kitchen gadget, to multi-functional machines that over-perform in their versatility, whatever your budget or kitchen size, discover 30 of the best and brightest new kitchen gadgets to buy in 2024. For more inspiration, check out our recommendations for food and drink, homeware and gadgets, the best hampers and letterbox gifts, and our gift guide for kids. Must-have kitchen gadgets and accessories to buy in 2024 Ninja Creami ice cream and frozen dessert maker undefined Best for easy ice cream Star rating: 4.5/5 Talk about cool – this is one kitchen gadget you won’t regret investing in when temperatures rise. Unusually, you’ll have to pop your chosen recipe base into the freezer for 24 hours, then the machine shaves and churns the mixture into silky smooth ice cream or gelato in only a few minutes. Or, try one of the other settings for smoothies, sorbets or milkshakes. Our one small complaint is that it can only make ice cream in a single pint at a time, but when it’s this good, maybe a touch of restraint is a sensible thing. Read our full Ninja Creami ice-cream and frozen dessert maker. Read our best ice-cream makers guide undefined ProCook air-fryer health grill undefined Best for grilling and air-frying Star rating: 5/5 Some air-fryers can look like huge black boxes on the countertop, but ProCook’s stainless-steel design, although large, is altogether easier on the eye. There’s a preset for all your needs, with the usual settings like air-fry, roast and grill, as well as innovative functions for slow- and steam-cooking included in its twelve options. There’s an eye to easy cleaning, too, with a non-stick crisper basket, removable splatter shield and cleaning brush. Read our full review of the ProCook air-fryer health grill. Read our best air-fryers guide Ninja Food Zerostick 28cm frying pan undefined Best for non-stick frying Star rating: 5/5 What makes the perfect frying pan? We want easy cooking, with an even surface temperature, a long, riveted handle and a generous size for cooking for crowds. The Ninja delivers on all fronts – and its good looks will last, with a 10-year guarantee on both the pan and the non-stick coating, which is dishwasher-safe and scratch-resistant. The finishing touch on this versatile workhorse of a pan is that it’s oven-safe up to an impressive 260C , too. Read our best non-stick frying pans guide Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor undefined Best food processor for small spaces Star rating: 5/5 We love this food processor for many reasons, but its compact size and easy, stackable storage, plus a wind-round power cord, come high on the list. It’s also surprisingly powerful for a smaller model, and dices, slices and shreds uniformly, giving great results when prepping ingredients and homemade pesto or curry pastes. Some models can be awkward to clean, but after use, it was easy to get into the nooks and crannies. A small and mighty choice. Read our full review of Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor. Read our best food processors guide. undefined Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup coffee machine undefined Best for designer coffee Star rating: 5/5 Coffee machines can be bulky, especially when you want one that can handle the whole bean-to-cup process. For that reason, we’ve called this lightweight and compact Smeg model a complete kitchen game-changer. It may be suitable for even the smallest spaces, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise if you know your coffee. It has eight pre-set options: ristretto, espresso, coffee, hot water, light ristretto, light espresso, long coffee and a milk steam function, delivered via an adjustable wand. It’s a joy to look at first thing in the morning, too. Read our full Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup coffee machine review. Read our best coffee machines guide undefined Circulon Style anodised three-piece saucepan set undefined Best-looking pan set Star rating: 4.5/5 Let’s face it: you’re going to be seeing a lot of any saucepan set you choose to buy. So, find something that looks good, as well as being practical. This stylish ensemble from Circulon meets the mark, with distinctive, twisted stainless-steel lid handles and dark, anodised pan units, as well as trusted performance that has a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee. The handles stay cool to the touch and feel secure when moving from hob to sink or worktop, with easy pouring. Read our full review of Circulon Style Anodised three-piece saucepan set. Read our best pan sets review. undefined Best citrus juicer undefined Best overall citrus juicer Star Rating: 4.5/5 This really does make your early morning fresh orange a fuss-free affair, as its power-assisted arm requires minimum effort for maximum juice. The cone is used for every size of fruit, so there’s no need to fiddle around with interchangeable sizes. From little limes to giant grapefruits, its heavyweight casing makes it feel secure as you squeeze. Cleaning up is a cinch, too, with a lipped spout that avoids drips, and a magnetic dome that detaches easily for rinsing. Read our best juicers guide undefined Tesco textured plastic black 1.7-litre kettle undefined Best for budget brews Star rating: 5/5 We’ve used kettles that cost hundreds, but this bargain buy does the job very nicely for under £20. A great choice for students, offices or those who don’t care too much for designer looks, its 1.7-litre capacity surprised us by boiling at more than half-capacity in around 2 minutes. With all the basics you need – a scale filter, water level indicator and handy, flip-up lid – it’s a cool choice for brews on a budget. Read our best kettles guide. undefined Lakeland 6.5-litre searing slow cooker undefined Best slow cooker for families Star rating: 5/5 We love slow cookers for fuss-free family meals, and this model makes things super-easy with a sear function, too. Without the need to brown meat on the hob before transferring, it cuts down on time, effort and the washing-up. It’s a great introduction to slow-cooking, with its comprehensive owner’s manual that includes plenty of tips and recipes that even the fussiest of eaters will love. Read our best slow cookers guide. undefined Instant Pot Duo undefined Best classic multi-cooker Star rating: 5/5 A modern classic, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without this incredibly versatile piece of kitchen kit. With seven brilliantly efficient functions, it’s so much more than just a pressure cooker. Saute, steam, slow-cook, or even make creamy yogurt. For those terrified of traditional hob models with their valves and pressure build-ups, this keeps everything monitored and safe. Another advantage is its ‘keep warm’ function, which allows you to leave stews, soups and curries at a safe temperature over several hours, which is perfect for busy households. Read our Instant Pot Duo review. Read our best pressure cookers guide. undefined Zwilling Enfinigy toaster undefined Best two-slice toaster Star rating: 4.5/5 This model toasts the competition with evenly browned slices on both sides of the bread. No matter what you fancy, it’s a toaster that will cope admirably, with everything from Mother’s Pride and muffins, to fruit loaf and frozen slices done just the way you like them. As well as reheat and defrost functions, there’s also a bagel setting. And, for busy mornings, we like the useful safety feature of the automatic shut-off, which prevents burnt toast. A long-slot version is also available in the range, as is a four-slice model. Read our Zwilling Enfinigy 53008 toaster review. Read our best toasters guide. undefined Kilner coffee grinder set undefined Best for DIY coffee grinding Star rating: 4.5/5 Why get complicated with a bells-and-whistles model when this manual coffee grinder does the job in simple style? Choose from three different grades before adding the coffee to your cafetière or filter machine. The beans will be ground by your efforts – turning its long, stainless-steel handle and working a ceramic mechanism, before falling into the traditional screw-top glass Kilner jar. It's very satisfying and, though it takes a bit of getting used to and adjustment of the top for different grades of powder, it’s very straightforward once you’re in the know. Read our best coffee grinders guide. undefined Nutribullet Smart Touch undefined Best blender for large quantities Star rating: 5/5 With four blending speeds to choose from (pulse, low, medium and high), this versatile (if a tad noisy) model has the capacity to make smoothies for everyone, as well as help with those batch-cooking blitzes. Although it can cope with larger-than-average amounts of ingredients in its 1.85-litre jug, it still suits smaller kitchens. Its narrow base unit is brightly lit and intuitive to use, with everything feeling user-friendly. Apart from that, it’s efficient, making light work of frozen drinks, soups and purées. Read our best blenders guide. undefined Stellar Soft Touch garlic press undefined Best garlic press Having tested scores of garlic presses, we seem to reach most for the Stellar Soft Touch, which has a chamber generous enough to accommodate even the fattest cloves side-by-side. The comfortable handles and smooth mechanism make it very easy to use, getting every last bit of the garlic on the right side of the metal. It’s easy to clean afterwards, which is always a bonus, as the rounded casing means no awkward poking around in corners. Spikes on the outer casing are brilliant for pressing through any residue, too. Read our best garlic presses guide. undefined Joe & Seph’s The Popcorn Maker undefined Best family popcorn maker Star rating: 5/5 If you love a bowl of popcorn, use this brilliant hot-air popper to make it fresh, rather than shaking and rattling a pan on the stove. With clear instructions and a measuring cup and bowl, kids will love getting involved – under supervision, of course, as escaping steam is a risk. Add up to 80g of kernels, and within 3 minutes you’re good to go... straight to the sofa for movie night! Read our best popcorn makers guide. undefined Sage Custom Loaf bread maker undefined Best bespoke bread maker Star rating: 4/5 If you like to get adventurous with your carbs, this is the bread maker for you. The cool feature on this machine is its ability to customise a basic recipe – Sage’s excellent online Flour Power guide will give you lots of inspiration for both sweet and savoury loaves, from black olive and basil, to walnut and coffee. The machine will prompt you to add ingredients when needed. It is a large-capacity machine, but clear a bit of kitchen space and you’ll never buy shop-bought bread again. Read our Sage Custom Loaf bread maker review. Read our best bread makers guide. undefined Kuhn Rikon New Life Pro roasting tin with lid – 2.8-litre undefined Best for clever roasting Star rating: 4.5/5 Not only did this three-layer ceramic roasting tin perform well in our tests, the genius is in the lid, which is suitable for the fridge or freezer, and useful if you want to cut down on your use of cling film. The valve in the lid can be adjusted to allow heat to escape, so it’s useful for covering items you may want to keep crisp. Kohn Rikon claims this roaster is manufactured with up to 95 per cent less energy than aluminium ovenware, so it’s an eco-conscious choice. Read our best roasting tins guide. undefined Aarke Carbonator 3 undefined Best for sparkling water Star rating: 5/5 There’s never been a more chic way to keep hydrated, but this countertop carbonator from Swedish Brand Aarke really performs, too. Take your tap water to new heights by filling one of the two BPA-free, recyclable water bottles supplied and adding fizz via its Co2 gas cylinder, which you’ll have to buy separately. Available in a whole range of metals and finishes, it’s a kitchen talking point – or any room you like, since it doesn’t need a power source. Read our best sparkling water makers guide. undefined Ooni Karu 12G multi-fuel pizza oven undefined Best for pizza on the go Star rating: 4.5/5 The Ooni Karu makes it possible to pack up your pizza oven up and take it with you. There’s a specially designed waterproof carry bag for cooking on the move, but as with most Ooni accessories, it’ll cost you extra. Likewise, Ooni’s gas burner is an option if you’re not using wood or charcoal to fire up. After half an hour, you’ll be ready to cook, using its temperature gauge and chimney to cook the perfect pizza in under 2 minutes. Read our best pizza ovens guide. undefined Gastroback Design hand blender advanced pro undefined Best versatile hand blender Star setting: 5/5 Keep this top-quality five-speed hand blender within reach for so much more than just blending soups and sauces. The mini chopper attachment comes in handy for sofrito, herbs and ice, and with a powerful 800-watt motor, its titanium coated, four-fold blade will make light work of them all. We especially like the mash attachment, which can turn a pan of steamed spuds into a creamy dream in no time. Read our best hand blenders guide. undefined Joseph Joseph Folio chopping board set undefined Best chopping board set Out of all the chopping boards we’ve tested, this set by Joseph Joseph is our favourite. It’s a contemporary looking space-saver, with a ‘library’ stacker design that has four slots for four boards. Each has non-slip feet, too, which is a nice touch. Read our best chopping boards guide. undefined AnySharp knife sharpener Latest Deals Best knife sharpener With a sucker to secure it to your work surface, the AnySharp gives you added security when sharpening knives. It’s a secure way to ensure an extra-sharp finish on the blades. Read on for our best knife sharpeners. undefined KitchenAid mini chopper 5KFC3516 undefined Best mini chopper A mini chopper is a super-nifty gadget to keep on hand in the kitchen, and best of all, it takes up very little space. This KitchenAid model powered through a variety of tests and produced a perfectly smooth curry paste. Read our best mini choppers review. undefined Microplane zester/grater Latest Deals Best fine grater The grater of choice for home cooks and chefs alike, the Microplane zester/grater features ultra-sharp blades that produce fine and even results, whether grating cheese or chocolate, or zesting ginger or citrus. Read our guide to the best graters. Latest Deals Joseph Joseph Nest 9 Plus undefined Best mixing bowls A set of mixing bowls is an absolute essential if you love to cook. These nesting bowls from Joseph Joseph take up very little space, and the bowls come in a good range of sizes. There are even measuring cups. Read our best mixing bowls guide. undefined Oxo Good Grips kitchen & herb scissors Latest Deals Best kitchen scissors with inbuilt herb stripper Every keen cook needs a good pair of kitchen scissors, and no, that pair you've had for 10 years just won't cut it. These scissors cut through poultry and woody herbs with ease. We love the herb strimmer that makes removing fiddly needles and leaves a doddle. Find more reviews in our guide to the best kitchen scissors. Latest Deals Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL undefined Best stand mixer A stand mixer is like an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, but this Kenwood Chef Patissier XL is on a whole other level. Not only did it excel in our classic mixer tests, it also comes with inbuilt scales and bowl warming for proving bread or melting chocolate. Read our full Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL review. undefined Hotel Chocolat Podcycler Available from Hotel Chocolat (£3.88) Best sustainable gadget Good Food's e-commerce editor Anya Gilbert called the Podcycler a 'game-changer'. This small device is a must-buy for those with a pod coffee machine. The Podcycler separates the spent coffee grounds from the pod, making it easier to recycle. Read our full review of the best pod coffee machines. Available from Hotel Chocolat (£3.88) Lakeland cooling rolling pin Latest Deals Best innovative rolling pin This rolling pin is ideal for pastry or any other ingredients than need to be kept cool. Simply fill the chamber with ice or water and roll out your dough without any sticking. We also like the metric and imperial measurements printed on either end. Read our full best rolling pins review. Latest Deals Perfect Pot Available from Our Place (£110) Best multi-functional casserole dish This sleek and attractive casserole dish claims to offer eight different cooking tools in one. It impressed us in test and we love the trivet for our one-pot chicken with chorizo & new potatoes test. The casserole dish is significantly lighter than others we've tested, too. Read our full Perfect Pot first look review. Available from Our Place (£110) BRITA Style water filter jug Latest Deals Best water filter jug Rated the best all-round water filter jug, we favoured this BRITA jug for its sleek design and useful traffic light indicator that lets you know if you'll need to replace your filter soon. The reservoir holds one litre, so it's a great option for couples. Latest Deals Stasher sandwich bag undefined Best reusable storage bags These sturdy silicone storage bags are a brilliant alternative to single-use plastic sandwich bags. They form a tight seal and are versatile, too: they'll happily go in the microwave, freezer and dishwasher. Looking for more sustainable products? Head over to our best sustainable gifts round-up. undefined Related reviews: Best air-fryers Best slow cookers Best food processors Best salad spinners Best trifle bowls 10 of the best kitchen scissors to buy in 2021 8 of the best kitchen sieves Best multi-cookers Best measuring cups Best measuring spoons How to sharpen knives Best knife sets 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.
We’ve got a crush on our pick of brilliant tools for prepping garlic. Read our expert review of garlic presses to see which work best.
Let's be honest, garlic is bit of a pain to prepare – that’s why there are so many preserved alternatives on the shelves. But we say, choose fresh if you want that full flavour. Use crushed or pulped garlic in the perfect base for new – and favourite – garlic recipes. You won’t regret taking a bit of time to get the flavour foundations right. When buying garlic, always look for unblemished bulbs with a light, papery skin. When you smell the bulb there should be no hint of that distinctive smell – any whiffs and the cloves are already past their best. Then, keep them dry and in the dark – never store fresh garlic in the fridge. When it’s time to crush, take a tiny nip of the end of a clove and peel the papery skin before popping in your press. But this really isn’t essential if you’re rushed – all of the models we choose for our final round up could cope with whole, intact bulbs. For more unbiased expert buyer's guides, visit our reviews section to find 400+ round-ups of everything from investment buys like the best food processors and the best stand mixers to best kitchen gadgets for making everyday cooking easier. The best garlic presses to buy at a glance Best all-rounder garlic press: Stellar soft touch garlic press, £9 Best for looks: Brabantia TASTY+ garlic press, £8 Best for batch cooking: Cuisipro dual rasp grater, £21.99 Best for less waste: Chef’n FreshForce garlic press, £12 Best for slicing: Lakeland Garlic Slice and Dice, £11.99 Best for storage: Mason Cash innovative kitchen garlic store, £8.45 Best for fine mincing: Microplane Professional Series fine grater, £23.22 Best for sturdiness: OXO Good Grips garlic press, £13.37 Best for innovation: Chef'n Garlicmachine™ Garlic Press, £12.99 Best for easy cleaning: ProCook garlic press, £12.95 The best garlic presses to buy 2023 Stellar soft touch garlic press Available from Amazon (£9), Harts of Stur (£8.95) Best all-rounder Our favourite of the bunch, this garlic press had a generous, round reservoir chamber, which was far better for fitting in fat cloves side-by-side for an even press. Softer handles made it comfortable to squeeze and the no-frills design made thorough cleaning easy, too, using the short spikes on the outer casing to press through and clear the holes of residue. This one’s great quality for the price and is set to become a well-used piece of our kitchen kit. Available from: Amazon (£9) Harts of Stur (£8.95) Brabantia TASTY+ garlic press Latest Deals Best for looks In a cool shade of terracotta pink, this easy-to-clean garlic press looks the business, so we appreciated the handle loops for hook hanging. We loved the styling but the performance stood up too, with a firm, even crush and not much residue left in it after squeezing. The square cage also detaches for an easier clean. This is our pick of the most stylish of garlic crushing tools. undefined Cuisipro dual rasp grater Available from Amazon (£21.99) Best for batch cooking This dual-gauge grater in combination with the Cuisipro cut resistant glove (£9.99) was perfect for a large batch cook. We could whizz through the prep of multiple garlic cloves in a trice, with no squeezing, cleaning or injuries. The cut-resistant glove meant we could power through with protected fingers, and with no lingering garlic smells either. Good thing too – this long grater is razor sharp. With both fine and coarse blades, it covers all bases. Available from: Amazon (£21.99) Chef’n FreshForce garlic press Available from Amazon (£12) Best for less waste Chef'n claim that the patented gears on the FreshForce choice make it 25 per cent more efficient than conventional garlic presses. Though we were sceptical, considering the great job some far less expensive presses did, we do concede this is a great kitchen tool. There was a minimum of garlic waste at the end of prep, and the pressing plate swings out to allow a good scrub of the nicely weighted casing. Built to last, it’s a good choice if you need a sturdy crusher. Available from: Amazon (£12) Lakeland Garlic Slice and Dice Available from Lakeland (£11.99) Best for slicing This ingenious garlic crusher also gives cooks the option to slice bulbs, which can be useful for dishes like slow-cooked lamb or dauphinoise potatoes, when the garlic will soften and mellow in larger pieces. Choose your insert, then press down on the hinged top and the finely chopped or sliced bulb will drop down into the transparent ‘drawer’ below for use later in the day. Nifty. Available from: Lakeland (£11.99) Mason Cash innovative kitchen garlic store Latest Deals Best for storage Stash your garlic bulbs then grate on the underside of the lid on this cute lidded jar. Reminding us of the ceramic garlic grating plates you’ll see in Spanish kitchens, the surface has small spikes that are just pronounced enough to whittle down fresh garlic cloves into a lovely paste, just right for spreading on garlic bread. These ceramic peaks made it a bit tricky to transfer into the pan without using fingers – we used a silicone spatula – but we loved its simplicity and the benefit of its dry storage. Latest Deals Microplane Professional Series fine grater Available from Amazon (£23.22) Best for fine mincing A Microplane grater is a kitchen kit staple. Top quality, uber-sharp blades will make light work of anything you’d care to grate and this fine-grade version is just the ticket for minced garlic. A few careful sweeps results in a paste sitting on the back of the grater which can easily be swiped straight into the pan. We’ve used this model for parmesan and nutmeg too – it’s a must-have product. Available from: Amazon (£23.22) OXO Good Grips garlic press Latest Deals Best for sturdiness A classic zinc garlic press that’s long been a favourite in UK kitchens, this OXO crusher hasn’t lost any of its appeal. Generous in size, there’s plenty of room to stuff in three cloves at a time. It’s the weightiest of the bunch we tried, so there’s a bit of heft behind the press to get everything through the squared holes cleanly. The red spikes on the reverse pushed leftovers out nicely and the cage is easy to remove for clean up, too. Latest Deals Chef’n Garlicmachine Garlic Press Available from Cook, Serve, Enjoy (£12.99) Best for innovation Pop the peeled cloves inside this, twist the handle and – voila! – minced garlic miraculously emerges from the other end. You do need to read the instructions for this before you use it for the first time to make sure you are putting the garlic in the right end but you soon get the hang of it. And once you have, you can mince your garlic just as easily as you grind your peppercorns. You can put a load of garlic in and then store it in the fridge if you don’t use it all. This all comes apart so it’s easy to clean and it goes in the dishwasher too. Available from: Cook, Serve, Enjoy (£12.99) ProCook garlic press Available from ProCook (£12.95) Best for easy cleaning This stainless steel garlic press is in three parts that swing apart for loading and cleaning. The chamber on this was slightly narrower than others, but still deep enough to fit a couple of big cloves in comfortably. Every last bit of garlicky goodness was squeezed out, with cleaning simple and those chunky loops making it easy to hang up and have to hand when needed. Latest Deals Buyer's advice What to look for in a garlic press Consider how you normally use garlic. In a rush and chucking straight to the pot? Go for a model efficient enough to work well with one hand while you scrape the press down with the other. If you’re more of a kitchen 'potterer' who loves the prep, or preparing lots of veg and spices at once, try a larger-capacity type of press or get to grips with a fine grater for chef-worthy garlic purée. Where will you keep it? The bulkier models may get your utensil drawers in a jam, so consider if you’d like holes on the handles for easy hanging instead. How we tested garlic presses Into the kitchen we went with a huge selection of garlic presses, to see which would make light work of prep. Tackling a selection of dishes that needed this essential base ingredient in its different forms, we looked for great design, good looks and an easy clean up afterwards. More advice on buying kitchen kit The best pressure cookers The best slow cookers The best toasters The best dehydrators The best hand blenders 10 of the best kitchen scissors More related to garlic How to roast garlic 6 health benefits of garlic Garlic butter recipe Do you have a garlic gadget you can't live without, or do you prefer a manual approach? Let us know in the comments below...
The Tefal Optichef hand blender is the ultimate gadget for quick blitzing – read on to find out more.
Tefal Optichef hand blender summary This chunky blender has a generous 20 speeds to choose from, plus a powerful mini chopper (although with some wobbles when attaching to the blender). It has a stylish design and produced quick, good results in all our tests. Read our round-up of the best hand blenders. Tefal Optichef hand blender first impressions The Tefal Optichef arrived without too much superfluous packaging, so we didn’t have to wade through plastic and packing to set it up for our first smoothie-making session. All packaging was recyclable, too, so top marks for that. Tefal’s instructions can be a bit of a minefield as they tend to be in many languages or explained through illustrations, but we managed to find our way around this without too much bother, and everything clicked nicely into place. Well, almost everything – the weight of the main motor wand on top of the chopper bowl didn’t seem very secure to us and we’d have liked it to have slotted together a bit better. A good-looking model, the Optichef has a chunky quality that made it comfortable in the hand and easy to move around, with well-placed, soft-touch controls and a grip panel that stopped our fingers slipping while trying to hold the wand and adjust the speed with one hand. Although heavier than some other models around, this gave it a feeling of quality rather than making it cumbersome to use. Tefal Optichef hand blender results There are 20 variations on speed, plus turbo, and we were pleased that even at the top end of the power scale, the smoothie mix stayed in the long mixing beaker and didn’t splash out. That may be down to the shape of the stainless-steel guard over the blending blade, which was taller than usual and bell-shaped. It did a good job of pulling ingredients in to blitz thoroughly on the smoothies, but we did have to pass this through the beaker quite a few times before getting our mayonnaise mix to the right consistency. The balloon whisk is a nice size and made light work of some incredibly puffy meringues. A Sunday afternoon of batch-cooking saw the brilliant mini chopper coming into play, with sofrito soon ready to go for bolognese. A batch of some garlic, onion and ginger paste was whipped up in seconds and popped into cube trays for the freezer. We had to keep a firm hand on the top of the bowl to make sure there was no shifting, but the non-slip bottom made this a lot easier. Tefal Optichef hand blender verdict A stylish choice if you need a blender for everyday use or like to go heavyweight with smoothies, crushed ice and other jobs that need an extra bit of ‘oomph’. Key features: Wattage: 800 watts Product weight: 1.61kg Beaker capacity: 800ml Blade material: Stainless steel Speed settings: 20, plus turbo Pulse function: No Additional attachments: Whisk, beaker, mini chopper Recipes and tips How to make mayonnaise Super berry smoothie More gadget reviews Best espresso machines Best coffee machines Best cafetières Best coffee grinders Best coffee gadgets Best toasters Best bullet blenders Best bread makers Best food processors Visit our reviews section
Bosch ErgoMixx Style hand blender review
Making more than just excellent smoothies, this Bosch ErgoMixx hand blender makes blitzing as easy as possible.
Bosch ErgoMixx Style summary After testing the Bosch ErgoMixx hand blender and its useful attachments, we began to think our usual, full-sized food processor may never get put to use again. This clever little blender can do so much more than just the excellent smoothies and mayonnaise it made for our test – it’s a fabulous help for so many different recipes and we found ourselves reaching for it time and time again. Latest Deals Read our round-up of the best hand blenders. Bosch ErgoMixx results The main unit is a good, balanced weight and easy to handle, with stainless-steel detail and a useful ‘dial’ control to vary the speed. This meant one-handed blending was possible and we could use the other hand to hold the beaker. The mayonnaise and smoothie recipes we tried were easy to make with this trusty tool, resulting in a great finished texture to both. What we really loved, however, was the little 1250ml food processor bowl attachment with blades for chopping, shredding and slicing. With its dinky ergonomic handle, it was easy to clean out after use, although we had to touch the blades carefully to pop them out of their housing. Preparing salads, soups, shredding veg and crushing ice were all a breeze. The four-pronged main blending tool whizzed through anything we threw at it, and no matter what we were prepping, there was a minimum of splashing or having to clean out food caught up in the housing afterwards. We could pop attachments and bowls in the dishwasher and we didn’t feel like we had to fiddle around in awkward-to-clean corners The domed head of this blender has a generous size, so it could easily handle larger chunks of veg for purée and made unpeeled – and uncut – boiled potatoes into creamy mash in not much time at all. In all, the dishes we tried had a minimum of clean-up in terms of spillage, with the head drawing ingredients up to the blade with hardly any splashing. Bosch ErgoMixx Style verdict We’d definitely recommend this quieter model for anyone who’d love a food processor but just doesn’t have the room, or perhaps singles and couples who don’t have to go overboard with the volume of their ingredients. It’s much more than a blender, that’s for sure. Key features: Wattage: 800 watts Product weight: 1.35kg Beaker capacity: 600ml Blade material: Stainless-steel blade and whisk, plastic masher Speed settings: 12 Pulse function: Yes Additional attachments: Food processor attachment with blade and four discs, storage tray, beating whisk, beaker with lid Latest Deals Recipes and tips How to make mayonnaise Super berry smoothie More gadget reviews Best espresso machines Best coffee machines Best cafetières Best coffee grinders Best coffee gadgets Best toasters Best bullet blenders Best bread makers Best food processors Visit our reviews section