The best meat delivery and subscription boxes tried and tested
On the hunt for good-quality meat that gets delivered straight to your door? Look no further. We've rounded up some of the best meat delivery and subscription boxes available nationwide
We are living in the age of convenience, so we're always on the lookout for ways to make food shopping easier. How much simpler can shopping for high-quality meat get than a delivery box straight to your door? Cut out the middleman and add freshness – by buying your meat directly from a supplier, you not only get the cuts you want with the quality you desire, but you can also save time and keep the meat from lingering around from supplier to shop to home. We have selected a variety of meat boxes to choose from – from those designed to fill the freezer for when BBQ season comes, to ones perfect for feeding a family. We have tested meat boxes from the likes of organic farms such as Abel & Cole to high-end suppliers, with all meat boxes coming straight from farm to table. We have plenty of recipes for some inspiration of how to use up the selection in your meat boxes. Browse our meat recipe collection, sausage recipes the whole family will love, and chicken recipes such as our diced chicken recipes. For more on subscriptions, visit our reviews section to find 400+ review round-ups, including the best recipe boxes, veg boxes, gin, beer, cheese and coffee deliveries, plus even the best meal delivery services for when you don't have time to cook. Best meat boxes at a glance Best meat box for a range of steak cuts: Warrendale Wagyu – Wagyu Steak Box, £110 Best meat box for a BBQ: Field & Flower 30 portions value box, £68.36 Best meat and fish box: Edenmoor Surf and Turf BBQ Box, £58 Best meat box for steak night: Made in Oldstead The Big Steak Box, £60 Best organic meat box for families: Haye Farm organic meat, £68 Best lamb meat box: Swaledale Heritage Breed Lamb Box, £102 Best venison meat box: The Venison Company Venison Box, £45 Best fish box: Regal Fish Five Easy Dinners for Two Diners Box, £45.35 Best meat box for a small family: Abel & Cole Meat Box, from £22.75 Best meat box for classic cuts: Riverford Essentials Meat Box, from £25.95 Best traditional butcher's meat box: Parson's Nose Medium Meat Box, from £60 Best meat box for variety: Swaledale Chef's Choice Box, £71 Jump to section: Best meat boxes to buy How we tested the meat boxes Key terms explained Best meat boxes to buy in 2026 Warrendale Wagyu – wagyu steak box Available from Warrendale Wagyu (£110) Best meat box for a range of steak cuts Our box contents: 2 x Wagyu sirloin steaks, 2 x Wagyu rump steaks, 2 x Wagyu flat iron steaks, 2 x Wagyu bavette/hanger steaks A relatively young business, Warrendale Wagyu was established in 2017. This Yorkshire-based beef business works in partnership with over 800 UK farmers and, as the name suggests, specialises in wagyu-cross beef (F1 wagyu), which blends full-blooded wagyu genetics into local dairy breeds. There are a range of wagyu offerings on site, from prepared barbecue cuts such as skewers and brisket, to individual steaks and bone-in joints, as well as pantry and gifting items, like wagyu beef dripping. But, we tested one of the beef boxes, of which there's a wide selection available, including burger boxes, low-and-slow boxes (perfect for the slow cooker) and wagyu steak selection boxes. Our wagyu steak box included two sirloin steaks, two rump steaks, two bavette steaks and two flat iron steaks. They arrived fresh in a small cardboard box with ice packs, and each steak was vacuum-packed in plastic. We enjoyed our steaks a number of different ways: the sirloin in classic steak and chips, the bavette in build-your-own lettuce cups and the rump in an easy chilli beef with broccoli & oyster sauce dinner. Each steak was uniform in size and cooked beautifully. They were generously marbled with fat, and the different cuts provided a varied and flavoursome eating experience. If you’re looking to try a range of cuts, this box serves as a brilliant introduction to the variety of flavours and textures that different cuts of steak provide. Available from: Warrendale Wagyu (£110) Field & Flower 30 portions value box Available from Field & Flower (£68.36) Best meat box for a BBQ Our box contents: 4 x pork ribeye steaks, family pack of cumberland sausages, 320g pork and sage chipolatas, 800g bbq chicken drumsticks, 1kg piri piri chicken wings, 750g beef mince, 680g diced chicken leg Established in 2011, Field & Flower began by rescuing grass-fed beef from the food chain and selling beef boxes. Since then, it’s launched an online subscription service, and offers fish, meat, poultry and deli items – all while continuing to support animal welfare and local farmers. Meat boxes from the range tend to include less expensive, sometimes underrated cuts that are still high-quality. We tried the '30 portions value box', which comprises pork rib-eye steaks, Cumberland sausages, pork & sage chipolatas, chicken legs, piri-piri chicken drumsticks, beef mince and diced chicken leg fillet. Everything arrived fresh with recyclable ice packs, and was vacuum-packed in plastic. No cooking instructions were included, but there are recipes on the Field & Flower website. We barbecued the majority of items and were impressed by the results. The chicken legs caramelised nicely, and the pork rib-eye steaks had a good thickness. The sausages, though clearly handmade and not quite uniform in size, were packed with flavour, and the burgers we made with the beef mince were succulent and held together well. At £1.77 per portion, we felt it was a great example of how you can enjoy sustainably sourced, quality meat without breaking the bank – and we enjoyed sampling a more diverse selection of cuts that we wouldn’t usually reach for in the supermarket. Available from: Field & Flower (£66.63) Edenmoor Surf and Turf BBQ box Available from Edenmoor (£58) Best meat and fish box Our box contents: 1 x monkfish tail, 6 x hand dived scallops, 2 x grass fed sirloin steaks Sustainability is at the heart of everything Edenmor does. By working with small-scale family farms both Edenmoor and the farmers are able to agree a fair price for the food they produce. Livestock is grown slowly; only select breeds, native to the specific areas of the country are reared. Animals are given the time to grow at a natural pace and allowed to graze in the farmland and countryside that is familiar to them. The Surf and Turf box serves four to six and features two grass-fed sirloin steaks, one monkfish tail and six hand-dived scallops (with roe). The meat and fish arrived vacuum packed and fully frozen. It even came with a generously sized box of Maldon salt, which was a welcome surprise. Whilst this is one of the smaller boxes on this list, you’re paying for the high quality of the produce provided, perfect for creative cooks or to impress at a barbecue. The two sirloin steaks were generously sized, though notably, were on the thinner side. Both steaks had a substantial and flavoursome fat cap that crisped up well, with marbling throughout the beef that added to the overall flavour. The monkfish tail was large enough to get six portions out of. If you’re searching for inspiration, the packaging includes a QR code that links out to recipe ideas. With the tail delivered whole and with the bone in, it’s a versatile offering; great for the grill or slicing up into individual rounds. And not forgetting the scallops: plump and juicy, these needed little more than searing and basting with butter. All meat and fish came vacuum-packed to avoid leaks and spills. The cardboard box was fully recyclable, as were the insulated packaging elements. Delivery to UK mainland addresses is Tuesday-Friday between 8am to 7pm for standard delivery and between 8am and 12pm for express deliveries. The courier delivering the Surf and Turf box provided excellent communication throughout, so we knew exactly when to expect the delivery. Available from: Pipers Farm (£58) Haye Farm organic 'meat for the week' box Available from Haye Farm (£68) Best organic meat box for families Our box contents: 500g pork sausages, 4 x beef burgers, 1.6kg whole chicken, 180g bacon, 400g beef mince, 1kg pork roasting joint Haye Farm in East Devon has a central aim of making a positive difference to the land it farms. This means it follows a range of sustainable practices, growing organic produce and farming to increase biodiversity. It has several meat boxes to choose from, including a steak box and organic lamb box. We tested out the organic 'meat for the week' box, which serves four and contains six different products. The main item is a whole chicken – perfect for a Sunday roast and leftovers all week – but the box also includes sausages, bacon, beef mince and burgers. The bacon is a highlight: cooked until perfectly crisp, it has a delicious herby flavour. The Italian-seasoned sausages in our box gave an extra flavour boost to bangers and mash, and we used the beef mince for a hearty bolognese. The variety makes it a great one for families – contents also freeze well if you want to spread out your produce. Available from: Haye Farm (£68) Made in Oldstead The Big Steak Box Available from Made in Oldstead (£60) Best meat box for steak night Our box contents: 1 x côte de boeuf, peppercorn sauce, 2 x Banks Brothers red wine cans The Made in Oldstead The Big Steak Box, curated by Michelin star chef Tommy Banks, beautifully captures his farming heritage and commitment to quality. The côte de boeuf, aged for 55 days, is a standout – a thick, richly marbled piece of meat that was a joy to cook. We opted to cook it slightly under the recommended time, achieving a perfect medium rare with exceptional flavour. Paired simply with chips and a fresh salad, the steak took centre stage once carefully rested. The box also includes a bold peppercorn sauce and two South African wines – made by Tommy Banks and his brother, James – making it an ideal choice for an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal at home. This thoughtfully curated box highlights Banks’ simplicity and finesse as each element has been carefully chosen to elevate your steak night. Available from: Made in Oldstead (£60) Swaledale Butchers, The Heritage Breed lamb box Available from Swaledale Butchers (£102) Best lamb meat box Our box contents: 800g lamb shoulder, 800g rolled lamb leg, 2 x lamb shanks, 2 x Barnsley chops, 4 x lamb chops, 80g pack mamb Merguez sausages A champion of traditional British lamb, Swaledale Butchers's Heritage Breed lamb meat box showcases the native breeds of the Yorkshire Dales. Sourced from small, family-run farms, the Swaledale, Lonk and Dalesbred lambs are perfectly adapted to their rugged landscape. The result is meat with a distinctive depth of flavour, a product of generations of shepherding tradition and natural grazing on wildflowers, grasses and herbs. There’s a brilliantly curated selection of lamb cuts included that cater to different styles of cooking. The box features a shoulder of lamb, a lamb leg, two generous lamb shanks, two Barnsley chops, four lamb chops and a pack of lamb Merguez sausages. Each cut arrives vacuum-packed and well-labelled, with clear instructions for storage and preparation. We cooked our way through the box over a number of meals. The shoulder of lamb made deeply flavoured birria tacos, rich with slow-cooked spices. The rolled leg of lamb was the centrepiece of a classic Sunday roast, and was tender and succulent after a long, gentle cook. The generously sized lamb shanks braised beautifully into fall-apart tender meat. The Merguez sausages were a particular standout: spiced with warming North African flavours, they made an excellent addition to a quick midweek meal. If you’re looking to explore the best of British lamb, this box is an excellent introduction to the versatility and quality of native breeds. Whether slow-cooked, roasted or grilled, each cut delivers a fantastic eating experience. Available from: Swaledale Butchers (£102) The Venison Company, Venison Box Available from The Venison Company (£40) Best venison meat box Our box contents: 2 x venison steaks, 2 x venison burgers, 2 x 500g packs of venison mince and 500g of diced venison Hailing from the Lincolnshire Wolds, The Venison Company is a family-run business that has been raising healthy, farmed deer for 20 years. Venison is a lean, protein-rich meat, packed with iron and essential vitamins, yet low in fat and cholesterol. A nutritious choice, it offers a healthy, but no less flavourful alternative to more commonly found red meats. The meat box includes two 250g venison steaks, two venison burgers, two 500g packs of venison mince and 500g of diced venison. The meat arrived well insulated, with clear use-by dates and detailed instructions on storage and contents. We pan-fried the burgers and kept things simple with a crisp salad and a plain burger bun, letting the rich, earthy flavour of the meat shine through. Lean yet tender, the venison burgers had a pronounced taste without being overpowering. For the steaks, we went classic: butter-basted with redcurrant sauce and mash. Though the steaks were thin and unevenly shaped, once in the pan with plenty of butter, this hardly mattered. More robust and gamey than traditional beef steaks, they paired beautifully with the redcurrant sauce. If you’re keen to try venison but struggle to source it, this meat box is a fantastic introduction to its versatility. Once you've found your favourite cuts, The Venison Company also sells individual portions, so you can enjoy venison as and when you like. Available from: The Venison Company (£40) Regal Fish Five Easy Dinners for Two Diners box Available from Regal Fish (£45.35) Best fish box Our box contents: 2 x sea bass fillets with roasted garlic butter, 2 x salmon fillets with Thai marinade, 400g frozen peeled and deveined ping prawns, 2 x halibut fillets Making sustainable choices when buying seafood isn't always easy, but Regal Fish is a brand that's been striving to make that process simpler for over 35 years. Based in Grimsby, it sources all its fish from ethical suppliers around the globe, with fresh and frozen options available for delivery across England and north Wales. We sampled the Five Easy Dinners For Two Diners box, which is perfectly portioned and includes ingredients that take just a few minutes to cook. Two halibut fillets, two Thai salmon fillets, two sea bass fillets with lemon zest and butter, and a 400g bag of frozen king prawns (peeled and deveined) are included. You can purchase this box just once, or sign up to a weekly, fortnightly or monthly subscription. Our box arrived securely packaged with ice packs, and we loved the speed at which we could create simple meals using the ingredients, with little to no preparation needed. The Thai salmon, which we oven-baked for around 25 minutes and served with noodles and veg, had a good balance of sweetness and saltiness. The sea bass fillets, flaky and soft, worked as a great filler for fish tacos, and the halibut – which we seasoned with salt, pepper and chives, then pan-fried – was succulent, with crisp skin. The king prawns became the star ingredient of our paella, and we were blown away by just how meaty they were. For quick midweek suppers made with quality ingredients, you really can't do better than this fish box – and for under £50, we thought it offered great value, too. Available from: Regal Fish (£45.35) MuscleFood build your own box Available from MuscleFood (£30) Best healthy meat box Our contents: build your own including lean steaks, burgers, beef mince, chicken, tuna and sausages MuscleFood is a delivery service which aims to bring convenient, high-quality, lean protein right to your door. Along with its range of fresh ingredients, it also offers lunch pots and tailored meal plans to make it easy for you to prep healthy meals and meet your nutritional goals. MuscleFood offers a range of boxes, starting at £50 and going up to £150 to feed a family or stock up the freezer. The frequency of delivery is up to you, and you can choose what you get depending on the meals you’re planning to make. So, whether you’ve been craving healthy burgers, homemade bolognese or spicy jerk chicken, it has got you covered. We tried the £50 box and were surprised to find so much inside. It was filled with lunch pots (whole meals in one, such as Thai chicken and rice or a sausage, beans and potato pot), lean steaks, burgers, beef mince, chicken, tuna and sausages – more than enough for two. At first we were overwhelmed by the amount of protein, especially as some had short use-by dates. However, we planned every meal for the week (and stuck anything freezable in the freezer) and eating it all soon became a manageable task. Our favourites? The chicken was juicy and flavoursome, the lunch pot healthy yet filling and the peri peri steak hache was a delicious surprise. When served with salad, all provided a nutritious meal. However, we did feel the tuna, sausages and beef steaks were simply supermarket quality and lacked flavour. And we couldn’t help but notice how much plastic had been used for packaging. Overall, the biggest pro of MuscleFood is how easy it makes eating a healthy, high-protein diet. For anyone looking to do so, this box could be for them. Available from: MuscleFood (from £30) Abel & Cole meat box Available from Abel & Cole (£22.75) Best meat box for a small family Our box contents: 400g diced chicken leg, 400g minced beef, and 2 x pork escalopes Abel & Cole offers organic British meat boxes as part of its growing range of extras that can be delivered with its weekly organic fruit and vegetable boxes. Organic farming has always been front and centre for Abel & Cole, so when it comes to its meat boxes, it is championing free-range, 100% organic, high-welfare or sustainably wild food. We tried the classic The Meat Box but there are a wide range to choose from, including barbecue bundles, seafood boxes and larger family boxes. The contents of the box change weekly, but the box we received included three items: 400g of diced chicken leg from a farm in Devon, 400g of minced beef from Daylesford, and two Abel & Cole farmed pork escalopes, together weighing 320g. Although the meat didn’t come with recipe suggestions, the Abel & Cole website has some brilliant recipes, which are promoted from the purchase page. Using the chicken leg we made sticky lemon and sesame chicken with steamed pak choi and rice; with the beef, a bolognese sauce with a cup of split red lentils for the freezer; and breadcrumbed the pork to make schnitzels. Both the chicken and beef cooked well, not releasing too much water, and tasting flavourful. The pork had more fat than expected but, cooked another way, it could have melted. You can’t choose the delivery day as your box will be delivered when the vans are in the area (in order to be minimise the environmental impact of deliveries), which will be the same day every week. Apart from that, subscribing is flexible – you can buy boxes as a one-off or at intervals of up to eight weeks. Leave out the cardboard box and any other packaging the night before and it will be collected when the next box is delivered. There’s a flat-rate delivery charge of £1.99. The meat products arrived in a cardboard box, with ice packs surrounding the meat, which itself was wrapped with Woolcool – insulation packaging made from British sheep wool. The unconventional packaging worked well as the meat was still cold when we unpacked the box. We returned the cardboard box, defrosted ice packs and Woolcool to the driver the following week. Available from: Abel & Cole (£22.75) Riverford essentials meat box Available from Riverford (£25.95) Best meat box for classic cuts Our box contents: 2 x chicken breast fillets, 450g beef mince and 6 pork sausages (400g) Riverford may be best known for its organic fruit and veg, all grown on its own farms, but this organic principle extends to meat, too. Meat comes from its organic butchery in Devon, sourced from West Country farmers and chosen from traditional breeds for the best flavour. Our small essentials box included just three items: a two-pack of chicken breast fillets, 450g of beef mince and 6 pork sausages (400g). You can’t customise the box, but there’s a wide range of individual meat items to choose from on the Riverford website that you could add to your order. The three items are familiar staples, but we still appreciated the cooking suggestions on each one with ideas on how to use them (such as meatballs, burgers, ragus, chillies or pies for the beef mince) which would be useful if you subscribed to this box regularly and were beginning to run out of inspiration. We chose to freeze the meat and the packaging has clear freezing instructions. Everything froze and defrosted well: after defrosting overnight in the fridge, our sausages cooked perfectly in the oven without bursting, were golden and crisp on the outside and juicy inside. A simple banger perfect for sausages and mash, and nicely herby to work well in a full English breakfast. The chicken breasts were a much more generous size than supermarket basics and were great for for a chicken pie, while the beef mince was tender and flavourful. You can choose to get the box just as a one-off, or once every week, two, three or four weeks. Riverford delivers on specific days based on postcode in order to keep food miles down and follow the most efficient delivery route – our day was a Wednesday and this could not be changed. You can leave delivery instructions if you will be out. If you are going to be away, you can pause and cancel selected deliveries without cancelling the full subscription. Compared to buying meat in a supermarket, this is a more expensive way to purchase three staple items. However, the quality of the meat is high and reflects the premium cost of organic produce, and encourages you to think of meat as more of a treat. Meat boxes can often be large quantities, so this compact version is great for couples. Available from: Riverford (£24.25) Parson's Nose medium meat box Available from Parson's Nose (from £60) Best traditional butcher's meat subscription Our box contents: 1 x medium free range chicken, 4 x pork chops, 12 pork sausages, 1kg chuck steak mince, 1 x large farm fresh vegetable box The ethos of this family-run West London butcher is to bring back the traditional butchers' shop, which it has successfully achieved in three high street shops and a thriving online business. All meat is free range and comes fresh from the counter in minimal packaging, and is suitable for freezing. There are plenty of meat subscription options to choose from depending on household size (small, medium and large), plus the option of a mixed meat and fish box. The small box feeds two people for four meals, while the medium box covers four people for four meals, with cuts including a whole Sutton Hoo free range chicken, South Downs pork chops, and prime Scottish chuck steak. As a great extra touch, all the meat boxes also include a box of the season’s best fresh vegetables, therefore providing you with complete meals. You can buy the boxes as a one-off, or get a subscription delivered every week or four weeks. The Parson’s Nose’s BBQ box is also a great option if you are looking for easy entertaining, with cuts including a Scottish dry-aged T-bone steak, South Downs pork chops and traditional pork sausages, alongside marinated chicken kebabs to pop straight on the grill. Available from: Parson's Nose (from £60) Swaledale Chef’s Choice meat box Available from Swaledale (£71) Best meat box for variety Our box contents: 1 kg salt beef, 800g pork shoulder chop, 480g pack lamb Merguez sausages, 480g pack Yorkshire breakfast sausages, 500g pack Tuscan-style pork, fennel and red wine sausagemeat, 500g pack marrow bone canoes, 750g smoked pig’s cheek, 250g pack dry-cured smoked streaky bacon Swaledale is an online ‘whole-carcass butcher’ based in the Yorkshire Dales, offering a huge variety of cuts of meat, from beef, lamb and chicken to mutton, venison and game. They combine these offerings into curated meat boxes for every occasion – from the Artisan Steak box for exploring different cuts to a Barbecue Meat box or ones focusing on heritage breeds. We tested out the Chef’s Choice box, which combines well-known staples with some less familiar cuts. It came in a smartly labelled cardboard box with ice packs to keep the meat cool and all items were vacuum-packed and clearly labelled. We were slightly confused as all the meat had the same best before date of just a couple of days after delivery, including bacon, which usually lasts a couple of weeks in the fridge. We froze some of our meat to spread it out – the sausages and sausagemeat both froze and defrosted easily. There was no information on the cuts or suggested recipes included with the box, which would be useful for some of the less familiar cuts, such as the large pig’s cheek and pork shoulder chop, as these are tricky to find recipes for. However, all the items are also sold individually on the website and some have more information or suggested cooking methods there. The Yorkshire breakfast sausages were a surefire hit as part of a weekend full English, cooking evenly and with lots of flavour. We used the spicy, well-seasoned lamb merguez sausages to make sausage rolls with a difference, while the red wine-infused sausagemeat was perfect for a tender ragu. The bacon was incredibly smoky and would add a big depth of flavour if used in risottos or stews. We’ve previously only ever cooked individual small pig’s cheeks, so it was enjoyable to experiment with a large smoked 750g pig’s cheek, slow-cooked to melting tenderness. Our box also contained bone marrow, a pork chop and a hefty kilo piece of salt beef. This box is guaranteed to keep you busy in the kitchen. It's great for combining familiarity (sausages, bacon) with unusual cuts and styles of meat you’d usually only find in restaurants, which will definitely help push your cooking skills. Available from: Swaledale (£71) How we tested the meat boxes We tried and tested a variety of meat boxes from different brands to get a good idea of the overall quality and value of the meat. We also noted the lack of halal subscription boxes on the market. One thing we strongly considered was the value for money – this is based on not only the quality of meat, but the amount or range of meats in the box for the price. We focused on where the meat came from, how fresh it was, and whether the box came with any cooking suggestions or extra features. We also understand that flexibility is a great consideration when it comes to subscription boxes so we researched the subscription and delivery options as well as the overall sustainability of the boxes, from the efforts of the farm to the packaging. Key terms explained Free-range This means that the animals are free to roam around the farm for at least some of the day. Organic Organic farming means that natural resources on the farm are protected. Chemicals such as artificial fertilisers and pesticides are not used on the soil, so the animals roam on natural land and avoid ingesting artificial substances. Organic farming also means more biodiversity in the farm, as there's an absence of veterinary medicines like antibiotics in rearing livestock, an avoidance of genetic modification and livestock do not have additives in their feed. Read our more in-depth guide to the term organic. Sustainable farming This means running a farm that takes into consideration the environment and public health. This can take the form of using renewable energy sources on the farm or efficient recycling methods, such as collecting rain water to irrigate crops or re-using crop waste or manure to fertilise soil. High welfare Meat coming from high-welfare farms means that the animals' well-being is prioritised. This means they're largely free to roam, have ample access to the outdoors and their environments are kept clean and comfortable. For poultry, it also means they have enrichment, such as perches or toys, to help reduce stress. Heritage breeds Livestock that are 'heritage breeds' have been around before industrial agriculture and generally stayed in the same environment, so they are well adapted to their local habitat. They have fuller flavour and generally more marbling. Regenerative meat This refers to meat that is not only grass-fed and organic, but also produced by farmers using regenerative agriculture. This aims to reverse effects of climate change by rebuilding organic matter in soil and restoring degraded soil biodiversity. Regenerative meat meets specific criteria to enhance the environment, soil health and animal welfare, and the farms treat workers ethically and fairly. Wild-range meat Animals that are wild-range are free to roam and eat from re-wilded land, which is rich in natural herbs and bark. This method of eating means they are slow-grown (not unnaturally fattened up), which creates richer meat. Dry-aged A technique where meat (specifically beef and sometimes lamb) is stored in a controlled environment (temperature, humidity, air circulation) until the natural enzymes of the meat breaks down, making it more tender and maximising flavour. Subscription reviews Best recipe box delivery services Best gin deliveries and subscriptions Best craft beer subscriptions Best cheese deliveries Best coffee subscriptions How to season cast iron Have we left out your favourite meat box? Share your meat delivery box tips below.
The best breadmakers for creating homemade loaves
Lydia Anderson - kitchen appliances and food reviews expert
Can a machine make your life (and loaf) easier? We test a range of models from Panasonic, Tefal, Lakeland and many more to find the best breadmaker for you
We’re no strangers to the traditional art of breadmaking – kneading, proving and shaping dough by hand can be immensely satisfying – but the best breadmakers have also made us rethink our approach. These machines take care of the entire process, from kneading to baking, leaving you with well risen, golden loaves with minimal effort. After just a few minutes of prep, you can sit back and let the magic happen, no hands required. Most breadmakers operate in a similar way: simply add the basic ingredients – flour, water, yeast – along with any extras, into the bread pan in the correct order. Many models allow you to select the loaf size and crust colour, to your preference. You’re not limited to basic white loaves, either. From creative recipes like asparagus, sundried tomato & olive loaf to stout & apple wheaten bread, these machines are versatile enough to accommodate a variety of bread-styles and mix ins. Some even go beyond bread, offering settings for jam, yogurt and doughs for recipes like this filled brioche centrepiece with baked camembert. Our top picks excelled in rigorous testing to secure their place in this guide, with the Panasonic SD-B2510 earning 'best breadmaker overall'. Read on to discover more of the best breadmakers you can buy right now. How we tested breadmakers We assessed breadmakers on how useful and reliable they are in everyday baking. We looked for consistent results across different loaf sizes and crust settings, and tested gluten free and dough only programmes to judge versatility. Non-bread functions such as yogurt and jam were explored where available. We also considered practical features including timer settings, memory recall after power cuts, dispensers and viewing windows, scoring each model on performance, flexibility and overall value. Compare breadmakers Best breadmakers at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best breadmaker for small loaves: Panasonic SD-PN100, £109 Best breadmaker overall: Panasonic SD-B2510, £149 Best breadmaker for experimental home bakers: Lakeland Bread Maker Plus, £99.99 Best breadmaker for more than loaves: Tefal Pain and Delices, £87.99 Best breadmaker for gluten-free bread: Panasonic SD-YR2550, £131.67 Best breadmaker for great bread on a budget: Lakeland White Compact 1LB Daily Loaf Bread Maker, £69.99 Best breadmaker for spelt bread: Panasonic SD-YR2540, £239 Best breadmaker for rustic loaves: Panasonic SD-R2530, £175.99 Best breadmaker for speedy bakes: Morphy Richards Fastbake breadmaker, £80.25 Best-looking breadmaker: Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker, £249.95 Jump to: Best breadmakers to buy in 2026 What to look for in a breadmaker Why are the so many Panasonic models in this list? View Affiliate Playlist on the source website How we test breadmakers On almost all of the breadmakers we tested, a simple white loaf was first on the list of presets, so any breadmaker worth its salt should be able to make one. We used Good Food’s easy white bread recipe to put each model to the test, then scored them against the following criteria: Quality of loaf: we wanted an even rise, open and airy texture, evenly browned appearance and, to state the obvious, a delicious taste. Ease of use: we preferred machines that had easy-to-use functionality and display. A viewing window was a bonus. Versatility: a good range of bread types was essential and other baking options, like different-sized loaves and browning levels, were a plus. Easy-to-follow instructions: there’s not much to using a breadmaker, but if you get it wrong, the machine can quickly be left to gather dust. Simple, clear guidelines were important. Broad recipe selection: we marked up machines with a good range of recipes. You may want to get creative after a while, but a good starting selection was essential. We also looked for manuals that told you the order to add ingredients in – this is essential info if you’ve never turned your hand to breadmaking before. Best breadmakers to buy in 2026 Panasonic SD-PN100 Available from Amazon (£109), John Lewis & Partners (£109), AO (£109), Panasonic (£109.99), Argos (£110) Best breadmaker for small loaves Pros: Compact, premium design Makes small, soft loaves 18 settings, including gluten-free options Fully recyclable packaging Cons: No viewing window Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 340W If you love the idea of owning a Panasonic breadmaker but have always found them too bulky and expensive, this newer compact model is a fantastic choice. Like the other models in the brand's roster, it's well made, smart-looking and comes with a wide range of presets, like basic white, wholewheat, brioche and jam, plus four gluten-free programmes for bread, cake, pasta and pizza dough. There are three browning settings (light, medium and dark) and a delay timer, plus an included plastic measuring cup and spoon. There's no viewing window, so you can't watch your bread while it's baking, but each setting has a clear indication of how long it will take – plus, there's a progress bar, so you can closely monitor which stage your loaf is at. The breadmaker sounds a loud timer once finished, after which you're advised to release your loaf from the tin straightaway and leave to cool. A small hole on the bottom where the paddle sits is to be expected, and even though ours also ripped a little, it came away easily. It had risen perfectly, too, and though the top was a little paler than the rest of the loaf, the texture was open and perfectly fluffy. Available from: Amazon (£109) John Lewis & Partners (£109) AO (£109) Panasonic (£109.99) Argos (£110) undefined Panasonic SD-B2510 Available from Amazon (£149), John Lewis & Partners (£149), Hughes (£149) Best breadmaker overall Pros: Landscape design Lightweight and easy to move around Large variety of presets Customisable settings Cons: No viewing window No automatic dispenser Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 550W The SD-B2510 is one of Panasonic’s more affordable breadmakers. Although it doesn’t come with an ingredient dispenser or the wealth of settings of its more expensive counterparts, this model produced one of the best loaves of all of the breadmakers we’ve tested; well-risen, evenly browned and an open and airy texture. It’s equipped with 21 settings including a range of breads, as well as cakes, jams and gluten-free bakes. This model is landscape in orientation, which offered a good deal of space in front of the machine for prep. Like all of the Panasonic breadmakers we’ve tested, this one does take a long time to bake. It took four hours to bake a simple loaf. But, if you’re happy to wait for fantastic results, this model is a must-have. Read our full Panasonic SD-B2510 review. Available from: Amazon (£149) John Lewis & Partners (£149) Hughes (£149) Latest Deals Lakeland Bread Maker Plus Available from Amazon (£99.99) Best breadmaker for experimental home bakers Pros: 15 settings including gluten-free Also makes yogurt, jam and desserts Automatic dispenser for fruit, seeds, etc. Sleek, professional design Viewing window Delay start and keep warm Cons: Flimsy bread pan handle Noisy at times Requires ample storage space Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 600W This sleek-looking machine wouldn't look out of place in a professional kitchen. It sits tall on the worktop, with a footprint similar to that of a large toaster – compact enough for most kitchens, though you'll need decent storage space. At £99.99 it sits in the low-range, but the 15 pre-programmed settings hint at what it's capable of. From a basic loaf to gluten-free, sweet and French breads, as well as homemade and bake settings, the selection will inspire beginners, while keeping more confident bakers and sourdough-makers happy. For seed, fruit and other flavoured breads, an auto-dispenser flips down from the lid to stir through extras at the correct time. Settings for jam, yogurt and dessert lend this maker even more kudos in the kitchen. I tested a basic white loaf, which was ready in around three hours – light golden crust, evenly-baked and with a good open texture. Exactly what you want from a good white loaf. The viewing window is a nice touch, letting you check on progress without lifting the lid. It does get noisy during kneading, and the bread pan handle feels thinner and less robust than the rest of the machine. The only other drawback was the size; the loaves come out quite tall, which makes them cumbersome to cut and results in very big slices. Available from: Amazon (£99.99) Tefal Pain and Delices Available from John Lewis & Partners (£87.99), Amazon (£108.49), Very (£119), Argos (£140), Currys (£119.99) Best breadmaker for more than loaves Pros: Quiet Very versatile: can make yogurt Good selection of gluten-free recipes Cons: Browns a little unevenly No viewing window Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 700W Tefal are well known for their impressive pans and air-fryers and this breadmaker is no exception. If you’re in the market for a versatile breadmaker, this model is a fabulous choice. Not only does it make a wide selection of classic loaves but it can also be used to make pizza and pasta doughs, as well as a range of dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese, using the dedicated pot provided. There’s no viewing window, which was a disappointing omission, but the loaf of bread produced was very good. It was well-risen, with an open and airy texture. The sides and top of the bread were exactly the same colour and both were within the range of the rich, nutty brown we were looking for. Read our full Tefal Pain and Delices breadmaker review. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£87.99) Amazon (£108.49) Very (£119) Argos (£140) Currys (£119.99) undefined Panasonic SD-YR2550 Available from Amazon (£131.67), Hughes (£199), Argos (£200) Best breadmaker for gluten-free bread Pros: Lots of settings Settings for gluten-free bread and bread mixes Intuitive to use Lightweight and easy to move Yeast dispenser Delay timer Cons: No viewing window Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 550W If you’re taken by the Panasonic breadmaker at the top of the list, but are after a couple more settings (and are willing to spend a bit more), the SD-YR2550 comes with 31 settings in total, four of which are gluten free. There are settings for a wide range of breads, including six dough settings (including one for a sourdough starter), four sweet settings and three manual settings, allowing you to really make the most of your new breadmaker. It’s very intuitive to use, so ideal for first-time users and Panasonic loyalists alike. It doesn’t come with a viewing window, but does come with an ingredient and yeast dispenser, which is very useful. The loaf produced was nicely brown and well-risen. Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2550 review. Available from: Amazon (£131.67) Hughes (£199) Argos (£200) Latest Deals Lakeland White Compact 1lb Daily Loaf breadmaker Available from Lakeland (£69.99) Best breadmaker for great bread on a budget Pros: Compact 11 settings including gluten-free and ultra-fast Bakes well Simple and practical Viewing window Easy to clean and store Cons: One loaf size Intermittent beeps Basic design Flimsy bread pan handle Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 530W While this might not wow you on the looks front, it's simple to use, compact, easy to wipe clean and store away without having to be too precious about it. At £69.99 it's the most affordable breadmaker in this guide, and it earns its place. It quietly whirls away, wafting delicious bready scents, before delivering an evenly baked, soft, airy loaf that's easy to slice: well risen, evenly browned and fully cooked through, with just the right level of crust and a very good taste. The one-size 500g loaf is best suited to smaller households and the mid-cycle beep that prompts you to add extra ingredients, should you wish, is loud and I couldn't find a way to turn it off. It only happens twice, but it might bother light sleepers if you've set a delay start for a breakfast bake. The bread pan handle also feels thinner than you'd hope. These are small drawbacks in an otherwise reliable machine. With 11 settings including gluten-free and French, plus an ultra-fast option that promises a loaf in 1.5 hours, there's plenty to experiment with – though for daily use, it simply does what you need it to do, quietly and well. Available from: Lakeland (£69.99) Panasonic SD-YR2540 Available from John Lewis & Partners (£239), Amazon (£239.97), Argos (£240) Best breadmaker for spelt bread Pros: Automatic dispensers Large range of settings Lots of accessories included Clear and informative manual Setting for bread mixes Cons: Expensive No viewing window Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 550W We tested the SD-YR2540 and the SD-YR2550 (above) side by side and found very little difference between the two models. They’re not quite the same shape, but performance-wise, they produced identical, high-quality loaves. Unlike the SD-YR2550, the SDYR540 comes with 32 presets, the addition being for spelt bread. Whilst there’s a decent jump in price between the two Panasonic models, if you’re a fan of Panasonic’s design and you’re after a model that can make spelt bread, then it’s worth the investment. Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2540 review. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£239) Amazon (£239.97) Argos (£240) Latest Deals Panasonic SD-R2530 Available from John Lewis & Partners (£175.99), Currys (£179.99) Best breadmaker for rustic loaves Pros: 30 programmes Good range of gluten free settings Fruit and nut dispenser Cons: Expensive Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 550W This Panasonic breadmaker comes equipped with 30 settings as well as a fruit and nut dispenser. It doesn't come with a yeast dispenser like some of the more expensive Panasonic models on this list, cementing this model firmly as one of their mid-tier breadmakers. After baking, our test bread had a distinct rustic look to it that we could have easily have passed off as being handmade. The crust was crisp, and whilst we'd have liked to have seen a little more even colour all over, inside, the loaf was light and fluffy. Read our full Panasonic SD-R2530 review. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£175.99) Currys (£179.99) Latest Deals Morphy Richards 48281 Fastbake breadmaker Available from Amazon (£69.48) Best breadmaker for speedy bakes Pros: Small footprint Easy to use Two fast settings Compact lid opening Cons: Browns a little unevenly Paddle baked into bread Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 600W Where most breadmakers take up a fair chunk of the countertop, this Morphy Richards model is a great option if you're after something a bit more compact. It has 12 settings, including functions for jam and cake. If you need bread in a hurry, there are also two fast-bake settings for small and larger loaves, which each take just 58 minutes. The controls are positioned on the front of the breadmaker, and we found them very responsive and easy to navigate. There's a viewing window, too, so you can easily check on the progress of the bread without opening the lid. After baking, we found the paddle came out with the bread and got stuck, and as no removal tool was provided, we had to tear the base to get it out. On the upside, our loaves had an open, pillowy texture, and the crust was nicely browned on the sides. Read our full review of the Morphy Richards 48281 Fastbake breadmaker. Available from: Amazon (£69.48) undefined Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker Available from Currys (£249), Sage (£249.95) Best-looking breadmaker Pros: Stylish Custom programmes Cons: No recipe book included Noisy Star rating: 4/5 Wattage: 830W This large breadmaker from Sage impressed us with its high-quality stainless steel casing and range of presets. There are four loaf sizes to choose from, plus a range of pre-programmed recipes and a unique custom function for those who want to experiment. Other features include a handy light, which allows you to check on the bread as it bakes, plus a collapsible paddle for kneading. We were pleased with how quickly and easily we could use this model, and though it was loud during use and our loaves were a little misshapen, both the taste and texture were good. Read our full review of Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker. Available from: Currys (£249) Sage (£249.95) Latest Deals More breadmakers tried and tested: Russell Hobbs 23620 Fast Bake breadmaker: discontinued What to look for when choosing a breadmaker A timer function: this lets you wake up or come home to a freshly baked loaf. Memory recall: useful if in mid-cycle there is a power loss or the machine is accidentally switched off, as it will pick up on where it left off – within a reasonable time frame. Loaf size and crust colour: adds versatility and variety to your baking. Gluten-free programmes: for those with dietary restrictions. Dough only: these expand the repertoire of the machine with homemade pasta, pizza doughs, French sticks, or to bake your loaf in a conventional oven for more of a home-baked look. Non-bread functions: yogurt, sourdough starters and jam functions add even more usefulness. Extra features: viewing windows, separate yeast or nut and seed dispensers are handy but not essential. Why are there so many Panasonic models on this list? Panasonic offers a streamlined collection of kitchen appliances like microwaves, juicers and breadmakers, but its specialty is in the latter. The brand continuously advances its breadmaker technologies and it tends to bring out at least one new model annually. Panasonic breadmakers come with a large number of settings – anywhere between 20-40 – and often have useful additions such as yeast and ingredient dispensers. On the flip side, Panasonic breadmakers consistently take the longest to bake a loaf. More kitchen appliance reviews Best bread knives Best hand blenders Best kettles Best pestle and mortars Best toasters Best slow cookers Best mixing bowls Best bread bins Best flour sifters Best cooling racks Best popcorn makers Best multi-cookers Best dishwashers Is HexClad worth it? Bread recipes and tips Our best-ever bread recipes Video: how to make bread Wholemeal bread recipes Ciabatta bread recipes All you need to know about bread Six steps to brilliant bread 21 of the best breadmaking equipment, tools and kit Top 10 flavoured bread recipes Five quick bread recipes 10 ways to use left over bread Lead image credit: Dougal Waters / Getty Images
The best casserole dishes for baking, roasting and serving in style
A deep, multipurpose casserole dish is something that every cook, whatever their skill level, should have in their arsenal. We put cast iron, ceramic and stainless steel pans to the test
A good casserole dish, or dutch oven, is one of the most useful pieces of kit I own. It’s the kind of pan I reach for when I’m making soups, stews, slow-cooked dishes or rich sauces and it earns its keep because it can go from hob to oven without a second thought. The best ones are also good-looking enough to bring straight to the table, which means less washing-up and more time eating. Cast iron can feel pricey, but a well-made dish will last for decades and only gets better with use. That said, I’ve also found great budget options in non-stick metal and ceramic, depending on what you cook most. In this guide, the Our Place Titanium Perfect Pot Pro is my top-rated pick. The latest additions to this guide were tested and reviewed by Anna Lawson. undefined Best casserole dishes at a glance 5/5 stars: Best PFAS-free casserole dish: Our Place Titanium Perfect Pot Pro, £145 Best luxury casserole dish: Le Creuset Cast Iron Round casserole, from £219 Best affordable casserole dish: M&S x Tom Kerridge casserole dish, £45 Best contemporary casserole dish: Made In Enamelled cast iron round Dutch oven, £219 Best casserole dish: HexClad 4.7-litre casserole dish, £204 Best of the rest: Best lightweight non-stick casserole dish: Smeg CSF2412EGM 50's Style Casserole Pan 24cm with Lid, £99.99 Best casserole dish for small kitchens: M&S x Tom Kerridge 3 piece cast iron stacking set, £100 Best oval casserole dish: ProCook cast iron casserole dish 30cm, £75 Best budget casserole dish: Nuovva cast iron Dutch oven casserole pot with lid 6L, £59.99 Best casserole dish for versatility: Our Place Perfect Pot, £109 Best casserole dish for lid-off cooking: Prestige casserole and glass lid 5.7L, £49.99 Best lightweight casserole dish: MasterClass cast-aluminium casserole dish, £44 Best-looking casserole dish: Staub cast-iron Cocotte, from £229 Best cast-iron casserole dish: Le Creuset signature 26cm shallow casserole dish, from £149 Best chemical-free casserole dish: GreenPan 5.3-litre Featherweight casserole dish, £115 Jump to: Best casserole dishes to buy in 2026 Good Food in partnership with Tower casserole dish Which size casserole dish do you need? How we tested casserole dishes How we tested casserole dishes We tested around 25 casserole dishes, narrowing the guide down to the 15 strongest performers. Each dish was assessed by cooking Good Food's beef and vegetable casserole, a recipe with multiple stages including browning, braising and slow cooking, which gave us a thorough picture of how each dish performed across different heat levels and techniques. Browning meat and vegetables: Even, consistent heat across the base is essential for a good sear. Dishes with hot spots or a limited surface area struggled here, which affected the depth of flavour in the finished dish. Braising and slow cooking: A well-sealed lid keeps moisture and flavour locked in during long cooking. We assessed how well each lid fitted and whether steam escaped during the process. Hob to oven: We assessed how each dish handled moving between heat sources, how stable it felt when full and how it performed at higher oven temperatures. We also assessed each dish for: Versatility: Each dish was tested across as many uses as possible including hob, oven, serving and dishwasher, and microwave where applicable. Depth and capacity: Whether each dish was deep enough for larger ingredients like a whole chicken. Durability: Handle robustness, lid seal quality and how well the surface held up to browning and high heat. Design: Casseroles go from hob to table, so finish, colour range and overall presentation all counted. Best casserole dishes to buy in 2026 Our Place Titanium Perfect Pot Pro Available from Our Place (£145), Amazon (£145), Healf (£155) Best PFAS-free casserole dish Pros: Non-stick, PFAS-free interior Dishwasher safe Limited lifetime guarantee Cons: Expensive Star rating: 5/5 The first thing we noticed about this stock pot was the textured construction on the inside of the base. It’s designed to create a non-stick effect without the need for a non-stick coating, and we were impressed at how well it worked when cooking – and the fact that means it’s PFAS free. The base and lid are made from a combination of shiny stainless steel on the outside, a titanium interior and an aluminium core sandwiched between the two. The result is one very durable bit of kit that’s heat-safe up to 535C – much higher than other dishes we tested and ideal if you need to crank the oven up at the end of cooking. The fully-sealed rims meant this pot locked moisture in well when slow-cooking a beef casserole, and the fact it’s dishwasher-safe was the icing on the cake for us. Available from: Our Place (£145) Amazon (£145) Healf (£155) undefined Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole Available from Le Creuset (from £219), John Lewis & Partners (from £249), Harts of Stur (£255.20) Best luxury casserole dish Pros: Generous size Looks great Lifetime guarantee Cons: Expensive Star rating: 5/5 Everything about Le Creuset’s classic casserole dish has been carefully thought out and engineered for ease – starting with the extra-large handles, which make carrying it from hob to oven just that little bit easier when you’re wearing bulky oven gloves. Likewise, while all the dishes we tested had a knob on the lid for lifting, Le Creuset’s has slightly softer edges, a more ergonomic shape and size, and it’s heat-resistant to 260C. We also found this dish had impressive heat-retaining qualities, keeping food piping hot even once out of the oven. We tried out the 28cm option and loved the roomy proportions, although the dish was a little large for a recipe for four and could have easily been doubled to fill the dish. The prohibitive price is our only niggle for what is otherwise an excellent buy. Available from: Le Creuset (from £219) John Lewis & Partners (from £249) Harts of Stur (£255.20) undefined M&S x Tom Kerridge Casserole Dish Available from Marks and Spencer (£45) Best affordable casserole dish Pros: Fully recyclable packaging Great size for families and hosting Easy to clean – dishwasher-safe Hob-compatible, including induction Cons: No warranty Star rating: 5/5 A stellar pick for families and anyone on a budget, this sizeable £45 casserole dish can feed several mouths, thanks to its large 23.5cm base. Designed in collaboration with chef Tom Kerridge, the dish comes in blue or black, can be used on any hob type, and is dishwasher-safe. When cooking a beef stew, the cast iron dish retained the cooking liquid for the entire 3-plus hours. Its enamel coating offered great non-stick, and its handles are comfortable when carrying it from the hob to the oven or to your dining table. Its large size does bring extra weight, so it’s worth checking you’ll be able to carry it, and it does need both hands for holding. The packaging was fully recyclable, with zero plastic in sight. The only thing that let this dish down was the lack of an included warranty. Available from: Marks and Spencer (£45) Made In Enamelled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven Available from Made In (£219) Best contemporary casserole dish Pros: Looks stylish Lifetime guarantee Retains moisture well Cons: Fairly expensive Star rating: 5/5 This enamelled cast iron Dutch oven has a slightly more palatable price tag than some of its pricier competitors, with no drop in quality and a lifetime warranty that means you can expect it to last. Hand-crafted in France, it has a sleek, simple design that would work well in a contemporary kitchen and we really liked it in the goes-with-anything linen white option. We were impressed at the dish’s non-stick qualities when cooking – and, later, cleaning – and found it retained heat very well. The lid fits snugly and has lots of little raised circles on the inside, which are designed to trap steam and lock in moisture. The 5.2-litre size was perfect for a big family meal, and our beef casserole came out tender and rich. Available from: Made In (£219) HexClad 4.7-litre casserole dish Available from HexClad (£204) Best casserole dish Pros: Robust tri-ply design Effective non-stick coating Well fitting lid Lifetime guarantee Cons: Expensive Star rating: 5/5 Built with HexClad's signature tri-ply hybrid design – which combines the convenience of non-stick with the searing power of stainless steel – this casserole dish is ultra-modern, with a mirror finish on the lid and ergonomic stay-cool handles on either side. At 1.6kg, it's also remarkably lightweight for its size but still has the heft and versatility to withstand years of use, backed by a lifetime guarantee. This goes some way to justifying its price tag – it's one of the most expensive of those we tested, second only to the Staub dish below. You can even place it in the oven (up to 480C), on the hob (including induction) and in the dishwasher, though we still recommend cleaning by hand to prolong the non-stick coating. For those looking for a more aesthetically pleasing cottagecore-style dish that comes in different colours, this casserole dish probably won't fit the bill – but if you'd rather a more contemporary, polished piece of cookware that can go the distance, it's is a superb choice. Available from: HexClad (£204) Smeg CSF2412EGM 50s Style Casserole Pan 24cm with Lid Available from Smeg (£149.95) Best lightweight non-stick casserole dish Pros: Super non-stick Lighter than cast iron or ceramic casseroles Dishwasher safe Easy to lift and carry thanks to wide ergonomic handles Cons: Only available in 24cm, which may be limiting for larger dishes or batch cooking Expensive Star rating: 4.5/5 Despite its name, Smeg's 50s-style casserole pan feels like a modern rethink of a traditional kitchen staple. It arrived packaged mostly in cardboard with a compostable felt-like protective bag – a premium touch, though composting at home isn't entirely straightforward. What immediately sets it apart from a classic casserole is the design: instantly recognisable as Smeg and markedly different from more traditional options. Whether that appeals will come down to personal taste but it's hard not to be won over by how practical it is in use. It's noticeably lighter than cast iron, making it far easier to lift and manoeuvre when full, and the wide stainless steel handles give a comfortable, secure grip. The ceramic non-stick coating is the real highlight. We slowly caramelised onions and cooked a stew, and nothing caught or stuck, something you'd rarely achieve in cast iron. Cleanup is easy and it's dishwasher-safe too. At £149.95 the 24cm size may feel limiting for larger batches but for everyday hob-to-oven cooking it's a genuinely impressive pan. Sizes available: 24cm Oven-safe: Up to 250C Materials: Aluminium with ceramic coating, stainless steel handles Dishwasher-safe: Yes Suitable for induction: Yes PFAS-free: Yes Available from: Smeg (£149.95) M&S x Tom Kerridge 3 Piece Cast Iron Stacking Set Available from Marks and Spencer (£100) Best casserole dish for small kitchens Pros: Stackable design 3-in-1 design – great value for £100 Hob-compatible, including induction Dishwasher-safe Cons: Heavy Griddle needs seasoning before each use Star rating: 4.5/5 The ideal pick for families with small kitchens, this stackable set includes two casserole dishes, both 24cm in diameter but one is taller than the other. In the box you also get a griddle pan and a matching lid, all for £100, which I think is great value. A collaboration between M&S and chef Tom Kerridge, this set isn’t just easy to store, it’s pleasant on the eye too, as its matt black design will blend seamlessly with your kitchen. It's hob-safe (including with induction) and when I used it to make a hearty beef stew, it proved itself to be the perfect vessel for even cooking. Its ability to go from hob to oven, then to table (and then dishwasher), makes it highly convenient. Being made from cast iron, this casserole dish is heavy, and when nestled as an entire set it’s even heavier. I’d recommend avoiding this if you’re less able to carry heavy items. Available from: Marks and Spencer (£100) ProCook Cast Iron Casserole Dish 30cm Available from ProCook (£75) Best oval casserole dish Pros: Easy to clean Family sized Striking design Cons: Heavy Star rating: 4.5/5 This chunky cast iron casserole dish weighs in at 6.5kg, so it’s heavy before you’ve even filled it with food. If you don’t mind the weight, that gives it a high-quality feel despite its reasonable price tag – so it ticks the box for value for money. We like the graduated effect on the high-gloss exterior. In racing green, it’s a statement piece that’s worthy of a spot on the countertop. We also like the fact it’s enamelled on the inside and outside, which made it really quick and easy to clean. The generous 6.2-litre capacity and oval shape makes this a great option for family cooking, including large and whole pieces of meat, which fill the wider diameter. Available from: ProCook (£75) undefined Nuovva Cast Iron Dutch Oven Casserole pot with Lid 6L Available from Nuovva (£54.99) Best budget casserole dish Pros: Budget-friendly Looks great Generous 6L capacity Cons: No warranty Star rating: 4.5/5 This casserole dish got lots of admiring comments from our guests, who liked the muted seasalt colour and ombre design we were sent (though many other colours are available). It makes a good-looking table centrepiece at family meals, and the 6L capacity works well for larger gatherings, too. We were happy it didn’t need pre-seasoning, just a quick oil before first use – always a bonus when you just want to start cooking. And we were impressed with the results of a slow-cooked stew, which browned well on the hob and came out of the oven perfectly tender. It’s lighter than other dishes, so it’s ideal if you struggle to carry heavy items, although we did find the handles a little uncomfortable when carrying the casserole dish full of stew. Available from: Nuovva (£54.99) Our Place Perfect Pot Available from Our Place (£109), Selfridges (£109) Best casserole dish for versatility Pros: Comes in a range of colours Oven-safe to high temperatures Suitable for all hob types Notches in spoon for spoon rest Modular lid Comes with a natural sponge Cons: Handles get very hot Very light Star rating: 4.5/5 From the creators of the much-hyped Always Pan, this colourful 5.2.litre casserole dish by Our Place is designed to replace up to eight cooking tools, functioning as a stockpot, dutch oven, saucepan, roasting rack, steamer, strainer, braiser and spoon rest. Its non-toxic, ceramic non-stick coating ensures effortless cooking and cleaning, while the modular lid and included roasting rack add functionality. True to Our Place's eco-conscious ethos, the pot also features a chemical-free coating and arrived in plastic-free packaging. While it's easier to lift and move around than traditional cast iron options, the lightweight design can cause it to shift during stirring, which means exercising some caution while cooking. On the plus side, its sleek design, choice of colours, and versatility make it a worthy contender for anyone seeking a modern, multifunctional pot. Read our first-look review of the Our Place Perfect Pot. Available from: Our Place (£109) Selfridges (£109) Prestige Casserole & Glass Lid 5.7L Available from Prestige (£39.99) Best casserole dish for lid-off cooking Pros: Glass lid for viewing Budget-friendly Cons: Lid is only oven safe to 180C Lid can steam up, obscuring view Star rating: 4/5 This cast iron casserole dish comes with a tempered glass lid that makes it possible to check on the food inside without lifting the lid and letting out all the heat – although it’s worth noting that at some stages of cooking it steams up, meaning you still have to lift it off. Nevertheless, we found it cooked consistently well. It’s suitable for all hob types including induction, and we were pleased to find that it didn’t need pre-seasoning – just a quick re-oiling after each use as the cast iron isn’t enamelled. Just bear in mind that the lid is only oven-safe to 180C, whereas the cast iron base is up to 240C. It’s a feature we forgave due to the budget-friendly price tag. Available from: Prestige (£39.99) undefined MasterClass cast-aluminium casserole dish Available from Amazon (£44), Lakeland (£48.49), Harts of Stur (£52.96) Best lightweight casserole dish Pros: Super lightweight Large capacity Cons: Only oven-safe up to 200C At a glance, the MasterClass dish looks like a cast-iron casserole pot. Pick it up, though, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how lightweight it actually is. It’s a deep one, so we recommend trying it between your oven shelves in a cold oven, just in case you need to rearrange them for cooking. There was no sticking when it came to browning chicken legs on its non-stick base, which heated quickly and evenly. It’s also PFOA- and BOA-free; a good option for chemical-free cooking. The dish has a self-basting lid that successfully kept moisture circulating within a casserole, which came out tender and thick. It’s safe for oven use up to 200C, so there are limitations to the functionality of this dish when it comes to using in very hot ovens; it’s one for low and slow cooking. However, being so lightweight and dishwasher-safe, it gets points for overall convenience. It also comes with a 25-year guarantee. Latest Deals Staub cast-iron Cocotte Available from John Lewis & Partners (from £206.36), Staub (from £229), Fenwick (£239.25), Amazon (£275.19) Best cast-iron casserole dish Pros: Attractive design Wide handles for easy lifting Available in a range of sized Cons: Small capacity for the price tag The Staub Cocotte is a statement casserole dish, almost as delicious to stare at as the meals you can make within it. If you have money to spend on a classic casserole pot, the Staub is a small but perfectly formed option designed to last. At 24cm across, the dish is roughly the same width as any generic pan and compact enough to stack in the average cupboard. This casserole dish is available in 11 different sizes. We fit four chicken thighs in against its matte black cooking surface and found there to be some initial sticking whilst we seared the skin, even with a layer of oil. However, over time the dish is designed to build up a natural non-stick patina and has a legacy of long-term performance. Cast iron holds and distributes heat evenly across its surface. With such high sides, we found our casserole simmered well. Small picots beneath its lid guide all condensed moisture back into the casserole itself. Plus, although its little handles are not heatproof, they are a practical shape for gripping and come in handy for lifting it in and out the oven. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (from £206.36) Staub (from £229) Fenwick (£239.25) Amazon (£275.19) Le Creuset signature shallow casserole dish Available from Le Creuset (from £149), Amazon (£240), Harts of Stur (£255.20) Best shallow casserole dish Pros: Attractive Good heat distribution Good range of shapes and sizes Lifetime guarantee Cons: Expensive For range of colours, shapes and sizes, Le Creuset’s cast-iron pans and dishes can’t be beaten. This dish is expensive, but we can say from experience that the brand’s products stand the test of time and the cooking results are excellent. For more in-depth advice, we answer 'is Le Creuset worth it?' in our dedicated guide. With efficient heat distribution, these pans don’t need much oil compared to other cast-iron brands and build up a natural patina with prolonged use that helps with non-stick. We chose this shallow pan for occasions when a deep pan just won’t do – think creamy risottos, meatballs in tomato sauce or fish curries. It’s about surface area, not depth, and would also be a great option for pilaf rice, gratins and roasting whole chickens. Big enough to cook for six, this is the kind of casserole dish you get excited about bringing to the table, plus it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Latest Deals GreenPan 5.3-litre Featherweight casserole Available from GreenPan (£125) Best chemical-free casserole dish Pros: PFA, PFOA, lead and cadmium-free Lid fits securely Lightweight Large capacity Cons: Expensive If chemical-free cooking is a deciding factor for you, the GreenPan Featherweight is a high performing, non-toxic alternative to a traditional non-stick casserole pot. This is a large dish, and the 5.3-litre capacity can comfortably feed eight hungry mouths in one go. You can sear 12 chicken breasts at a time without fear of them sticking. As the name suggests, it’s lightweight. Despite its size and traditional dark cast-iron design, it weighs less than a normal frying pan when empty – so, no problems lifting when it’s full. Two custom silicone covers slip snugly onto the dish’s handles, although if you’re sliding the pan between two oven trays, we’d recommend using oven gloves for added hand and wrist protection from any hot metal. We were also impressed with the snug fit of the casserole dish’s lid, which wouldn't slide off even if knocked or jolted in busy kitchens. A drawback could be the price. At over £100, you don’t get the 'lifetime durability' of a cast-iron pot. But taking into account its non-toxic properties, the GreenPan is a great performing casserole dish. Available from: GreenPan (£125) Good Food in partnership with Tower 24cm stainless steel casserole pot with lid Available from Amazon (£44), Tower (£44.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 Ideal for hearty stews, fragrant curries and so much more, the Good Food 24cm casserole pot offers the perfect combination of style and practicality. Created in partnership with Tower, the pot's stainless steel and aluminium base guarantees quick and even heating, with no hot spots, while the mirror finish and glossy interior are enough to justify displaying it on the countertop full-time. Like the other casserole dishes in this guide, this Tried, Tested and Trusted piece of cookware has also been been rigorously tested by Good Food’s recipe development team to ensure brilliant performance. Available from: Amazon (£44) Tower (£44.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 Good Food in partnership with Tower 24cm hard anodised casserole pot with lid Available from Tower (£79.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30, Amazon (£79.99) Tried and Tested by our expert recipe development team, the Good Food 24cm casserole dish – created in partnership with Tower – is crafted with 3.5mm forged aluminium and a tough non-stick coating, so can withstand years of use. As well as the two pouring lips on each side of the dish, there are also dual-sized straining holes on the lid to help you avoid spillages, plus riveted steel handles that offer easy manoeuvrability. Its ample capacity is ideal for serving generous portions for guests or batch cooking, and you can use it on induction hobs and in the oven (up to 220C), too. Available from: Tower (£79.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 Amazon (£79.99) Good Food in partnership with Tower 28cm TriPly casserole pot with lid Available from Tower (£54.99), Amazon (£54.99) Created in partnership with Tower, the Good Food 28cm TriPly casserole with lid is ideal for creating hearty family meals. Made from 2.5mm tri-ply stainless steel, it ensures excellent heat retention and even cooking. The sleek satin interior and polished exterior provide both durability and style, while riveted steel handles offer added strength and comfort. Featuring a tempered glass lid with straining holes, this casserole allows for easy serving and monitoring. Oven-safe up to 220C and compatible with all hob types, including induction, it's also dishwasher safe for simple cleaning. Available from: Tower (£54.99) Amazon (£54.99) Which size casserole dish do you need? To help you choose the right dish for your household, Good Food recipe expert Anna Glover suggests which casserole dishes to buy for couples and families. Larger casserole dishes are also available and will allow you to feed upwards of four people or have leftovers for popping in the fridge. Best casserole dish size for a couple: 20cm/2.4 litre round casserole dish Best casserole dish size for a family of four: 24cm/4.2 litre round casserole dish Top tip: You can make a batch of something in a casserole dish and portion it out for the freezer. Slow cooks and braises are often sometimes a little more time-consuming, so making 4-6 portions can future-proof your freezer. Sometimes you just want something for two – here are some of our favourite recipes for two that you can make in a casserole. More casserole dishes tried and tested: Samuel Groves 27cm oval cast-iron casserole dish: £74.99 Casserole recipes Vegetarian casserole recipes One-pot recipes Tagine recipes Top family sausage casserole recipes Sausage bean casserole Simple fish stew Easy caponata Lamb & apricot stew Lemongrass beef stew Tomato & harissa stew One-pot chicken casserole Mexican chicken stew Chicken & chorizo jambalaya Simple seafood chowder Best oven thermometers Related reviews Best hand blenders Best kettles Best pestle and mortars Best toasters Best mixing bowls Best dishwashers Best paella pans Best oven thermometers Do you have a trusty casserole pot? Leave a comment below...
Best saucepans 2026, tested by our kitchen experts
We reviewed everyday saucepans to discover which models are the best for heat distribution, easy cleaning and resilience
A good quality saucepan is a kitchen essential. Whether you’re warming baked beans, boiling potatoes for creamy mash, making jam, or melting chocolate in a bain-marie, these humble little pans are not only versatile but essential. If you're like us and you love high-quality cookware, or even if you’re simply being practical as your old saucepan is on its last legs, there are myriad questions you need to ask yourself before you buy. How much space do you have? What size do you need? What hob type do you have? We’d advise choosing the best saucepan you can afford as you’ll likely be using it daily and thin, cheap saucepans are not built to last. If you’re looking for a whole new collection, head over to our best pan sets review. We’ve tested a whole host of pans, including the best frying pans, best sauté pans, best casserole dishes and many more. The latest additions were tested and reviewed by Anna Lawson. Best saucepans at a glance Best premium non-stick saucepan: Smeg ‘50’s Style’ Saucepan (SPF2012EGM50), £129 Best non-stick saucepan: Ninja Foodi Zerostick 16cm saucepan, £34.99 Best stainless-steel saucepan: Samuel Groves stainless steel tri-ply saucepan, £112.50 Best hybrid saucepan: Circulon C Series SteelShield saucepan, from £71.99 Best investment saucepan: Le Creuset 3-ply stainless-steel saucepan, from £169 Best saucepan for students: Judge Vista draining saucepan, £50 Best microwave-safe saucepan: Kitchen Craft 900ml microwave saucepan, £13.50 How we test saucepans I tested around 25 saucepans in total, narrowing the guide down to the seven strongest performers. All testing was carried out by Anna Lawson, a recipe writer and food journalist, who cooked a range of everyday dishes in each pan to assess performance across four key areas: cooking efficiency, build quality, balance and ease of storage. Porridge: This is one of the most likely foods to catch and stick, making it a reliable way to assess how well a pan's surface performs and how easy it is to clean afterwards. Caramelising onions: Cooking onions gently over a long period revealed how well each pan distributed heat at lower temperatures and how responsive it was to adjustments. Pans that ran too hot caught the onions; uneven heat distribution showed up clearly. Boiling pasta: We timed how long each pan took to bring water to the boil and cooked pasta with the lid on to check for boiling over, a useful indicator of how well the pan handles sustained high heat. We also assessed each pan for: Build quality and balance: I noted how each pan felt on the hob, whether it was stable, felt well weighted and gave a sense of durability that justified the price. Storage: I considered whether each pan was practical to store, including whether it stacked easily and how much cupboard space the lid required. Value: I weighed up whether the performance and build quality justified the price, particularly where pans sat at the premium end of the guide. Best saucepans to buy in 2026 Smeg ‘50’s Style’ Saucepan (SPF2012EGM50) Available from AO (£129), Smeg (£129.95) Best premium non-stick saucepan Pros: Exceptional non-stick performance Stylish design, with three colour options Dishwasher safe Clear lid with wide easy-to-grip handle Cons: Only available in one size (20cm) Expensive Slow to bring water to the boil Star rating: 4.5/5 Fans of Smeg's cookware are often drawn to the iconic design and this 50s-style saucepan doesn't disappoint in that regard. Available in three colours it's the kind of pan you'd happily leave out on display. The clear lid with its wide stainless steel handle stays cool in use and is easy to grip, which is a small detail that makes a difference day to day. The non-stick coating is the real standout. Onions softened and coloured evenly while gliding effortlessly around the pan, and porridge simmered without catching or sticking, which is a good test of even heat distribution. The pan also proved durable enough for everyday use, showing minimal wear after repeated washing and cooking. The trade-off is speed. Bringing two litres of water to the boil took around 15 minutes, which was notably slower than other pans we tested. At this price it only comes in one size too. Available from: AO (£129) Smeg (£129.95) Ninja Foodi Zerostick 16cm saucepan Available from Argos (£34.99) Best non-stick saucepan Sleek in appearance with an impressive non-stick coating, these Ninja pans thoroughly impressed us in our tests. They’re currently available in sizes 16cm and 20cm and are an absolute must-buy if you’re in the market for a new non-stick saucepan. The handle is slim, making it comfortable to cook with, but be aware that it can get hot. For added versatility, the saucepan is oven safe to 260C and dishwasher-safe too. Nothing stuck to this pan, it distributed heat evenly and we felt fully in control cooking with it. For a review of the full range, read our Ninja Foodi Zerostick saucepan set review. Available from: Argos (£34.99) Samuel Groves stainless-steel tri-ply saucepan Latest Deals Best stainless-steel saucepan Handmade in England, this saucepan from Samuel Groves is expensive but an absolutely worthwhile investment piece. This versatile and beautifully designed saucepan is oven-safe up to 260C and is metal utensil-safe. Although it's an uncoated saucepan, nothing stuck in test. We found it easy to control and maintained heat well on both high and low temperatures. Although the lid rattled a little, the saucepan did not boil over when cooking pasta. These pieces are built to last and come with Samuel Groves’ 'pan for life' scheme. For a review of the full range, read our Samuel Groves stainless steel tri-ply three-piece set review. Latest Deals Circulon C Series SteelShield saucepan Available from Circulon (from £71.99) Best hybrid saucepan You’ll notice our top two saucepans have two seemingly opposing qualities: one is non-stick, the other is uncoated. Both are desirable qualities in a saucepan and Circulon has managed to create a hybrid of the two. This saucepan cooks like non-stick but produces a stainless steel-like finish. All in all, this saucepan cooked very well: it’s quick to come to temperature and cooks food gently and at a high-sear very well. Our one gripe with this pan is that it’s difficult to get foods super smooth as bits gather in the Circulon grooves at the base of the pan, so foods like custard have the potential to become lumpy. But there are additional useful features, like the pans being oven-safe to 260C, as well as dishwasher-safe and metal utensil-safe. For a review of the full range, read our Circulon C Series Steel Shield three-piece pan set review. Available from: Circulon (from £71.99) Le Creuset three-ply stainless steel saucepan Available from Le Creuset (from £169) Best investment saucepan Combining good looks with second-to-none construction, this saucepan will be used in your kitchen for years to come. The triple-layer stainless steel ensures even, constant heat and the solid lid make cooking with less water possible, locking in steam and flavour. Laser-etched measurements inside the pans and curved rims for no-spill pouring only made us love them more. The saucepan may be on the heavier side for some, but an extra 'helper' handle makes lifting easy, even when full. For a review of the full range, read our Le Creuset three-ply stainless steel saucepan set review. Available from: Le Creuset (from £169) Latest Deals Judge Vista draining saucepan Available from Judge (£50) Best saucepan for students No student should start uni without a new saucepan. The Judge Vista saucepan comes with an inbuilt strainer, so you can take colander off the to-buy list. Additional useful features include pouring lips either side of the pan and volume markings inside. This saucepan excels at basic cooking tasks that will be student staples, such as heating through sauces and cooking pasta. But if you’re a budding chef, you might need something more versatile as this pan is only oven safe to 150C and we did notice some sticking. For a review of the full range, read our Judge Vista 3-piece saucepan set review. Available from: Judge (£50) Latest Deals Kitchen Craft 900ml microwave saucepan Available from Amazon (£13.50) Best microwave-safe saucepan Who says that you can't use pans in the microwave? If you like to grab the first thing you can to warm up baked beans or that handful of frozen peas this may become your new favourite gadget! It's made from stain-resistant plastic (so hopefully won’t go bright orange the first time you cook carrots in it) and has the handy design of dual pouring spouts, which is a bonus for left handers. The two side vents open to cook in the microwave and close to store food in the refrigerator. We bet that once you start using one of these you’ll be amazed at how much more efficiently your microwave works – it's a great way of cooking frozen spinach for one. Available from: Amazon (£13.50) Latest Deals How to choose the best saucepan For lots of detailed buying advice, head to our best pan sets review to find all the best information about materials, weight, hob suitability, oven proofing and cleaning preferences. As a general rule of thumb, your saucepan should be 'just right' weight-wise; not too heavy that it causes your arm to strain, but equally not so light that it’s easily knocked or feels cheap. If you like to put your pans in the oven to finish cooking, choose one that’s oven-safe to a high temperature – we'd suggest anything over 180C. Although we’d generally recommend always hand-washing your pans, life is busy for many of us, so dishwasher-safe pans are a real plus. Many of the brands on this list offer saucepans in a range of sizes. Decide which size you need before you buy. 14cm: Great for heating up small quantities, like single servings of milk or heating through small sauce garnishes. 16cm: Still for small quantities, good for single soups or baked beans. 18cm: For two portions of pasta, a small portion of pasta sauce, also a good size for using a bain-marie for hollandaise or melting chocolate. 20cm: Ideal for three or four portions of pasta sauce, great for family-sized portions. 22cm and above: Here, you're moving into stockpot territory. More cookware reviews Best non-stick frying pans Best pan sets Best cast iron skillet pans Best pancake pans Best griddle pans Best sauté pans Best paella pans Best woks Best casserole dishes Always pan: First-look review Smeg cookware range: First look review How to store pans Is HexClad worth it? Best stainless steel frying pans More appliance reviews Best air fryers Best stand mixers Best food processors Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best coffee pod machines Best multi-cookers Best espresso machines Best ice cream makers
Best mini choppers for speedy kitchen prep
A mini chopper can chop, mince, purée, mix and blend in seconds. It's a smaller, cheaper alternative to a food processor. Read our expert reviews to find the best one for your kitchen.
When it comes to blitzing breadcrumbs, making flavourful and fragrant curry pastes, marinades and pesto, or whizzing up herby dishes like spring tabbouleh, mini choppers are an indispensable kitchen gadget that can make light work of time-consuming food prep tasks. Designed to deal with smaller quantities, mini choppers are a compact and lightweight alternative to a food processor. They typically come with just one blade for everyday chopping tasks, whereas food processors can come with different attachments for different jobs. We tested a variety of mini choppers across a range of price points – read on to discover our top picks. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website The latest additions were tested by Gabrielle Sander. Best mini choppers at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best cordless mini chopper: CASO Designs Chop & Go cordless mini chopper, £69.99 Best premium mini chopper: KitchenAid Go cordless electric chopper, £169.95 Best classic mini chopper: KitchenAid 5KFC3516 mini chopper, £89 Best mini chopper for versatility: Cuisinart Pixie chopper, £39.99 Best looking mini chopper: Magimix 18115 Le Micro mini chopper, £64.99 Most versatile mini chopper: Russell Hobbs Desire mini chopper, £36.99 Best mini chopper for sauces, dips and pastes: Bosch Mini Chopper MMR08, £24.10 Best mini chopper for food-processing tasks: Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro, £50 Best quiet mini chopper: Magimix Mini Plus Food Processor, £170 Jump to section: Best mini choppers to buy in 2026 What is a mini chopper? What can you chop in a mini chopper? What to look out for when buying a mini chopper How we tested mini choppers We tested a range of mini choppers, using each one to blitz bread to breadcrumbs, as well as onions and parsley. For consistency, the onion was pre-chopped into 2cm pieces, which tends to be the standard requirement for mini choppers. We also made Good Food’s Thai green curry paste, not only to check that the blades could cut through fibrous ingredients, but to also ensure the bowl could house the quantity of ingredients required. We tested the mini choppers against the following criteria: Ease of use: we wanted to see mini choppers that were easy to assemble, with an unfussy control panel Speed of processing: the blades shouldn’t spin too quickly or too slowly. Different speed options are a plus. Safety: the blades should not spin if the lid is not secured Kitchen footprint and storage: mini by name, mini by nature. Small, compact designs are what we wanted to see, not something that could be mistaken for a food processor Finished results: we were looking for fine and even results whatever we chopped. Onions should be cleanly cut, not mushy. Breadcrumbs needed to be consistently cut. We didn’t want to see any tearing of the parsley leaves, and curry pastes should be smooth Design and aesthetic: logical design and good-looking pieces of kit were scored highly Functions: easy to use buttons, dials and knobs that make using the mini chopper a breeze were preferred Ease of washing: easy-to-clean parts with not too many nooks and crannies. If parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher, even better Best mini choppers to buy in 2026 CASO Designs Chop & Go cordless mini chopper Available from CASO Designs (£49.99) Best cordless mini chopper Pros: Powerful motor Easy to store Dishwasher-safe parts Comes with a handy non-slip mat Cons: Some plastic packaging Star rating: 5/5 Unless you're using it every day, a mini chopper is one of those appliances you'll probably keep stored away when it's not in use – so cordless models, like this one from CASO Designs, are becoming increasingly popular. This small but mighty gadget offers 1 hour of power on full charge, blitzing through ingredients ultra-efficiently using a sharp four-fold blade. In test, it cut through onions and parsley cleanly and evenly without puréeing, and made a smooth curry paste that needed the occasional scrape but was otherwise well incorporated. It also includes an emulsifying disc for whipping and blending sauces, dips and dressings, plus a handy non-slip mat to keep the bowl secure on the counter. Perhaps the only minor flaw we found was the plastic packaging, which can't be thrown away in kerbside recycling, but the instruction manual makes clear that it can be taken to dedicated recycling points. Wattage: 200W Working capacity: 500ml Accessories: 1L glass jug, non-slip mat, storage lid, emulsifying disc, stainless-steel blade, USB-C charging cable, spatula Warranty: 2 years Available from: CASO Designs (£49.99) KitchenAid Go cordless electric mini chopper Available from Amazon (£127.99), KitchenAid (£179) Best premium mini chopper Pros: Powerful Sleek matte look Innovative battery-powered design Cons: Expensive Star rating: 5/5 This cordless mini chopper is part of KitchenAid's GO range, which uses one battery that pairs with other compatible KitchenAid appliances. This goes some way to explaining its more expensive price tag, but does mean you only need to worry about charging one battery. It’s relatively lightweight, compact, and small enough to keep out on the countertop or store away. It’s also straightforward to use, offering one-touch operation via the power buttons on the front. There are two speed settings and a pulse function, which means it can really get to work when blitzing parsley stalks and chopping onions. We found no large chunks in our curry paste either, and only had to scrape down the sides once. Working capacity: 1.18L Accessories: 1.18L BPA-free jug with pouring spout, lid with drizzle basin, stainless-steel blade, whisk accessory, drive adaptor, USB-C rechargeable battery Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£127.99) KitchenAid (£179) KitchenAid Mini Chopper 5KFC3516 Available from Hughes (£64.97), John Lewis and Partners (£76.95), Amazon (£89), KitchenAid (£89) Best classic mini chopper Pros: Comes in a range of colours Small funnel for liquids Pouring lip Simple to use pulse button Dishwasher safe Cons: Not the cheapest Star rating: 5/5 Equipped with a range of added extras like a small funnel for liquids and a pouring lip, it’s no surprise this KitchenAid mini chopper secured star-buy status. It’s equipped with a 830ml bowl capacity, which equates to a working capacity of 500ml. It's available in a range of different colours to suit every kitchen. Whether you’re chopping or blitzing, this KitchenAid model offers total control. Chopped ingredients were fine and evenly cut and our Thai green curry paste was silky smooth. This is one of the more expensive models on the market, but the quality of the results makes it a worthwhile investment. Read our full KitchenAid Mini Chopper review. Wattage: 240W Working capacity: 500ml Accessories: 830ml BPA-free jug with pouring spout, lid with drizzle basin, stainless-steel blade Warranty: 2 years Available from: Hughes (£64.97) John Lewis and Partners (£76.95) Amazon (£89) KitchenAid (£89) Cuisinart Pixie chopper Available from Cuisinart (£29.99), Amazon (£39.99) Best mini chopper for versatility Pros: Very powerful for its size Attractive, compact and countertop-friendly Includes whipping disc BladeLock system Dishwasher-safe parts Cons: Some plastic packaging A little noisy Star rating: 4.5/5 Cuisinart's Pixie mini food processor certainly lives up to its 'small but mighty' promise. Straight out of the box, its compact footprint and stylish design make it instantly appealing – the kind of appliance you could easily leave on the counter and use everyday. Not only does the machine come with a reversible blade that chops, grinds and purées ingredients with impressive ease and speed, there’s also a whipping disc (a rare and welcome bonus) that makes light work of whipping cream, eggs and even emulsifying dressings. Plus, with its 700ml capacity bowl, the Pixie is a decent size for a mini chopper, making it ideal for slightly bigger portions of dips, pastes and purées while still handling smaller quantities efficiently. Assembly is quick and intuitive, with just the bowl, blade and lid to click into place. Operation is also simple, with two settings (chop and grind), that are controlled by simply pressing to pulse or holding to blitz for longer. The difference between the settings feels subtle but the manual provides helpful guidance on which one to use for different ingredients. On test, the Pixie was impressively fast and powerful. It blitzed Thai curry paste to a smooth consistency in about 30 seconds, crushed nuts in mere seconds and whipped cream with remarkable speed. It is a little on the noisy side and can shift very slightly on the counter due to its light build, but the results are excellent for such a small unit. We also appreciated the clever BladeLock system, which keeps the blade in place while pouring (so no more loose blades falling into your bowl or onto the counter) and the fact that all removable parts are dishwasher safe, for easy cleaning. For solo cooks, small households, or anyone wanting a compact machine with more range than the average mini chopper, the Cuisinart Pixie stands out as a powerful, versatile and great-value choice. Wattage: 250W Working capacity: 700ml Accessories: 700ml bowl, blade, whipping disc Warranty: 1 year Available from: Cuisinart (£29.99) Amazon (£39.99) Magimix 18115 Le Micro mini chopper Available from Amazon (£64.99) Best looking mini chopper Pros: Nifty chopper Looks the part Quiet Lots of accessories Cons: Sometimes tricky to lock into place Star rating: 4.5/5 Sleek, stylish and modern, this is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing mini choppers we tested and it’s available in a number of colourways (black, satin, cream and red). Considering its diminutive size, as well as its good looks, it’s definitely one you’d want to keep out on your countertop. It’s not the cheapest model on the market, but given its power, consistency and aesthetic appeal, it’s certainly worth the price if you’re looking to use a mini chopper on a regular basis. Read our full Magimix 18815 Le Micro review. Wattage: 290W Working capacity: 800ml Accessories: 800ml BPA-free plastic bowl, twin-opening lid, emulsifying attachment, stainless-steel blade, recipe booklet Warranty: 3 years Available from: Amazon (£64.99) Russell Hobbs Desire Mini Chopper Available from Argos (£26.99), Amazon (£36.99) Most versatile mini chopper Pros: Powerful Easy to operate Large capacity bowl Useful storage lid Cons: Heavier than some models Star rating: 4.5/5 One of the biggest benefits of this sleek model is its one-touch operation. To slice, dice and chop your ingredients, all that’s required is to firmly press the one-touch button on the top of the mini chopper. We loved the handy additional lid, which means the bowl doubles as storage for your food. The base unit is large, and comfortable to hold and press, and the button is easy to operate – meaning you can whizz up large batches of ingredients, or use it for a lengthy amount of time, with ease. Overall, for its affordability, ease of use and effectiveness, it is good value for money. Read our full Russell Hobbs Desire mini chopper review. Wattage: 200W Working capacity: 500ml Accessories: 1L glass bowl, stainless steel blade, processing lid, storage lid, spindle Warranty: 2 years, plus an extra year upon registration Available from: Argos (£26.99) Amazon (£36.99) Bosch Mini Chopper MMR08 Available from Amazon (£24.10) Best mini chopper for sauces, dips and pastes Pros: Large capacity Dishwasher-safe components Simple controls Cons: Chopping speed is difficult to control No non-stick feet Star rating: 4.5/5 This uniquely designed mini chopper features no buttons or switches – instead it is powered by pushing down on the lid. It has a generous 800ml bowl capacity, offering plenty of space for small and medium chopping tasks. Although we found the speed of the blade a little tricky to control, firm ingredients like onions were well chopped. It struggled when chopping bread for breadcrumbs, as the results weren’t as consistent as we’d have liked. But, our Thai green curry paste was perfectly chopped and consistent. At under £30, this is a steal. Read our full Bosch Mini Chopper MMR08 review. Wattage: 400W Working capacity: 800ml Accessories: 800ml plastic bowl, stainless steel blade, accompanying lid Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£24.10) Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro Available from Amazon (£39.99), Cuisinart (£39.99) Best mini chopper for food-processing tasks Pros: Two settings Can tackle coffee beans, nuts and more Cons: Can be tricky to lock into place Star rating: 4.5/5 The Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro’s 900ml bowl capacity is larger than most models we tested, making it a great contender for a large household, or those looking to batch cook or prep in advance. It comes with a dual blade – one is curved and sharp for chopping and mixing, the other is flatter and more blunt for tasks such as grinding. It’s also surprisingly compact. Aesthetics-wise, it’s nice enough to keep out on the counter, but equally can be stowed away without taking up too much space. It’s a powerhouse and an indispensable kitchen gadget for the keen cook. Read our full Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro review. Wattage: 250W Working capacity: 900ml Accessories: 900ml BPA-free plastic bowl, stainless steel blade, accompanying lid with drizzle holes Warranty: 5 years Available from: Amazon (£39.99) Cuisinart (£39.99) Magimix Mini Plus Food Processor Available from Amazon (£169), AO (£169), Magimix (£170) Best quiet mini chopper Pros: Very quiet Fast and effective chopper Multiple accessories and uses 30-year guarantee on the motor Sharp Sabatier blades Lots of recipes included Cons: Poor quality accessories Not very eco-conscious packaging Expensive Star rating: 4/5 My first impression when I unpacked the Magimix Mini Plus was how neatly it perched on the countertop, with a box of accessories to switch it up from a chopper, slicer or grater, to a juicer, blender, dough kneader or egg whisker. A chunky manual offers clear instructions to get started and 60 pages of recipes, demonstrating the seemingly endless possibilities of this little machine. The main machine looks great in glossy black (it comes in satin too), feels solid, is built to last and is refreshingly straightforward to use, but the thin plastic bowls and accessories let it down somewhat, and as they flexed in my grasp, I questioned how well they would stand up to lots of use. I put it to the test, creating fresh breadcrumbs, diced onion, chopped leafy herbs, a Thai green sauce and each one is a joyful cinch to make. The super-sharp blades zip through ingredients with ease, even tough sourdough crusts and I was surprised and delighted by how quiet it is. On results alone, it’s 5/5 and well worth the investment and while the quality of the accessories could definitely be improved, the 30-year guarantee on the motor, as well as a three-year parts guarantee, offers peace of mind. This is a mini chopper and then some. Wattage: 400W Working capacity: 600ml Accessories: 2 BPA-free bowls (main and mini), 2 blades (main and mini), Blendermix Ring, citrus press, egg whisk, 2 grating discs, 2 slicing discs, spatula, plastic storage box. Warranty: 30-year on motor. 3-year parts. Available from: Amazon (£169) AO (£169) Magimix (£170) Other mini choppers tried and tested Salter EK2182 Mini Chopper Pro, £18.99 Kenwood Mini Chopper CH180A, £26.99 Tefal Jamie Oliver Chop & Shaker review, £12.93 How to choose the best mini chopper What is a mini chopper? Although some models look similar, a mini chopper should not be confused with a food processor. Mini choppers typically come in one of two key designs: either a smaller version of a food processor, with a button-controlled base, or a small device with a large bowl on the bottom and a pushable button on top. What can you chop in a mini chopper? These small but mighty bits of kit can be used in many different ways. If you're not confident in your knife skills or you don’t want your eyes to stream when cutting onions, a mini chopper can produce the results you’re looking for. While they won’t dice food to Michelin standards, they do produce a rough chop ideal for the base of a classic chilli con carne or this chicken & chorizo ragu. The ultra sharp blades will also render ingredients down to a wet paste, making them ideal for creating recipes like pesto. The strength of this small appliance means it can also work through hard veg, to create dishes like cauliflower rice, and even roasted nuts to pulverise them into a tasty homemade nut butter. What to look out for when buying a mini chopper Not all mini choppers are made the same, so there are a number of things to consider before buying one: Bowl capacity: Some mini choppers are very small, offering just enough space for an onion and a few extra ingredients. Others have larger capacities for bigger dips, sauces or pastes. Bowls up to 500ml are ideal for small chopping tasks. Anything above 500ml will process small and large (pre-chopped) ingredients. Speed settings: Most mini choppers will come with just one speed setting, but some come with two. The lower speed is usually reserved for chopping things like homemade breadcrumbs, nuts to garnish an easy carrot cake or dried fruit to use in this fruity tabbouleh with feta. The fastest speed is used for pureeing, so ideal for guacamole, marinades like this chicken marinade or to whip up a Thai green curry paste. Additional features: Not content with just chopping, some manufacturers have added extra features to the design of their mini choppers to make their use go further. Ones to look out for include: Dripper holes: these take the form of small indents in the lid of the chopper. They have a hole on the underside and can be used when making emulsions, like mayonnaise, as the oil drips into the mix slowly. Pouring lips: like a pouring lip on a jug, this feature makes getting your mixes out of the bowl cleaner and easier. Storage lids and bowls that double as serving bowls: store or serve your food in the mixing bowl instead of having to decant it. Dishwasher-safe: for convenience sake, dishwasher-safe bowls, blades and lids make clean up easier. Related reviews Best food processors Best blenders Best Cuisinart ice-cream makers Best pestle and mortars Best knife sets Best spice grinders Best hand blenders Best multi-cookers Best kitchen scissors How to sharpen knives Best knife sets Mini chopper recipes Classic guacamole Ultimate tomato salsa Best spaghetti bolognese recipe Thai green curry paste Spaghetti & meatballs Appliance deals Air fryer deals Coffee machine deals Microwave deals Fridge freezer deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals Breadmaker deals
14 best food processors for chopping, slicing and shredding
Food processors can help you slice, dice, chop and blitz with ease. We tested leading brands, including Kenwood, Magimix and Cuisinart to see which models perform best
There are many reasons a food processor can make life easier in the kitchen. Perhaps your knife skills don't make the cut, or that monster batch cook seems like a drawn-out chore? Plug in a processor for the speedy way to prep, every time. Not only do my favourite food processors slice, dice, blend and chop to perfection, but they also make grating, grinding and even dough making a breeze. Safety features ensure there's no need to sacrifice your fingertips in the process. As you whizz through ingredients for your favourite dishes at record speed, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one. I tried out a range of Good Food recipes and prepared basic ingredients to select the best machines on the market. I prepped everything from classic pesto to pizza dough, Thai green curry paste to precision-sliced spuds for delicious dauphinoise. I rated the Sage the Paradice 9 as the best food processor overall, but you can read on to discover more top-performing models that I tried and tested in the Good Food Test Kitchen. The latest additions were tested and reviewed by Annie Collyer. Do I need a food processor? You don't strictly need a food processor, but it can save serious time if you cook from scratch regularly. It is particularly useful for repetitive prep such as chopping, grating, slicing or kneading dough. While a knife and grater can do the same jobs, a processor handles larger quantities quickly and evenly. If you mostly make smoothies and soups, a blender may suit you better. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website View Green Video on the source website Best food processors at a glance 5/5 stars Best high-tech food processor: Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power blender and food processor, £229.99 Best food processor overall: Sage the Paradice 9, £299.95 Best easy-to-use food processor: ProCook 3L food processor, £179 Best small food processor: Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor, £59.99 Best Ninja food processor: Ninja Food Processor with Auto-IQ BN650UK, £120 Best Magimix food processor: Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor, £340 Best 3-in-1 food processor: Ninja 3-in-1 food processor with Auto IQ BN800UK, £199.99 Best of the rest Best food processor for ease of use: Magimix 3200XL food processor, £229.98 Best food processor for larger families: Magimix 5200XL food processor, £389.99 Best food processor for batch cooking: Kenwood MultiPro XL Weigh+ FDM72.990, £249.99 Best value compact food processor: Cuisinart FlexPrep 1.1L food processor, £69.99 Best Kenwood food processor: Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pro food processor, £199.99 Best basic food processor: Cuisinart FP8U Easy Prep Pro, £140 Best compact food processor: KitchenAid 2.1-litre food processor, £239.99 Jump to section: Best food processors to buy in 2026 What is a food processor? What can a food processor be used for? What does a food processor do? How we tested food processors How we tested food processors Myself and the team tested a variety of different food processors that ranged in price from budget buys to pricier blowout models. I also tested basic models that performed simple chopping and slicing tasks to behemoths that come with a vast variety of different attachments and accessories. To put each food processor to the test, I tested each of their attachments as well as their ease of use, ease of cleaning, as well as other factors like how sturdy they were on the kitchen counter and how much noise they made. As well as grating and slicing a range of produce (parmesan cheese, carrots, potatoes, herbs, nuts, onions) I also made a pasta dough to put the dough blade to the test, and a Thai green curry paste and classic pesto to test the slicing blade at two different speeds. Best food processors to buy in 2026 Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power blender and food processor Available from Amazon (£179), John Lewis and Partners (£179), Ninja (£179.99), Currys (£179.99) Best high-tech food processor Pros: BlendSense for automatic functions Dishwasher safe (except for the base) Multi-function – covers all needs Easy and intuitive to use Cons: Noisy Star rating: 5/5 Renowned brand Ninja have brought the latest technology to their 3-in-1 Power Blender and Food Processor: a fierce, sturdily built machine ready to take on any task thrown at it with its 1200W motor, a chopping and a dough blade and a seriously sharp slicing/shredding disc. The processor bowl has a decent 1.8-litre capacity, with preset options for large, small and an even smaller, mince mode. These made short work of everything I gave it, and it excelled on the onion test. First, I did a medium chop, then a mince, and the result was beautiful, tiny, evenly chopped pieces. I whipped up a pizza dough in seconds using the intelligent BlendSense function, which calculates the amount and type of ingredients and processes them to create a tight, well-blended dough ball. I sliced potatoes, grated cheese, flew through carrots, and pulverised bread into crumbs. The Ninja Detect is an excellent, well-built machine with a wealth of features for both beginners and keen cooks. Wattage: 1200W Working capacity: 1.8L Accessories: detect total chopping blade, dough blade, slicing/shredding blade, hybrid edge blades undefined Sage the Paradice 9 food processor Available from Sage (£249.95), Currys (£249.99) Best food processor Pros: In-built storage caddy Powerful motor with 30-year warranty Range of accessories Good capacity without being too bulky Cord storage Cons: Dicer blade doesn't catch all ingredients Star rating: 5/5 Owning a food processor with lots of attachments can be a huge win in terms of versatility, but less so when it comes to storage – especially if you have a small kitchen, like I do. Sage has gone some way to solving this with its newest model, the Paradice 9, which melds a roomy 2.1-litre capacity with a compact, well-thought-out design. This is all thanks to the integrated storage caddy, which slots neatly on top of the food processor when it's not in use. Navigating where each part sits takes some practice (I'd advise using the manual for guidance), but the attachments are colour-coded and there are clear markings on the bowl and lid too. One speed setting and a pulse function are selectable on the front of the food processor, and in test I found the motor was powerful and efficient – blitzing through ingredients in just a few seconds. The dicer blade had some difficulty pushing through all the onion, leaving around half a centimetre stuck at the top, but otherwise produced uniform results. Wattage: 650W Working capacity: 2.1L Accessories: one bowl, chopping 's' blade, reversible shredder (coarse and fine), adjustable slicer (15 levels), dough blade, 12mm dicing blade undefined ProCook 3-litre food processor Available from ProCook (£179) Best easy-to-use food processor Pros: Intuitive controls Easy to use Lockable storage box Preset and variable speed settings Cons: On the heavy side Star rating: 5/5 The ProCook food processor comes in a large box, as it features not only a generous, sturdy food processor base and bowl but also includes a handsome, lockable storage box for the accessories. All the blades, discs and whisks are tucked neatly away – something I think every food processor should have, particularly when children are present. The processor was so easy to assemble that the instruction book was barely needed. There’s a choice of five presets which take away any guesswork on speed or time when chopping, making dough or processing eggs, a pulse button, plus a much-welcome cleaning function. The variable speed button allows the machine to transition from gentle to super-powerful at the top end. With this power, I was relieved that the machine stayed firmly in place on the worktop. All the test results were excellent and the built-in cleaning program made clearing up quick and easy. The ProCook is a superb, sturdy, hard-working machine that would be great in any kitchen. Wattage: 1300W Working capacity: 3L Accessories: storage box, 4 grater/slicer/ julienne discs, whisk, emulsifying disc, two sharp bowl blades undefined Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor Available from Amazon (£48), Kenwood (£49.99) Hughes (£59.99) Best small food processor Pros: Compact Attractive Integrated cord storage Intuitive Express serve attachment saves time and effort Good value Cons: No handle on the bowl Star rating: 5/5 If you're after a no-frills food processor, this compact Kenwood model handles the basics brilliantly. It comes with an express serve bowl attachment, so you can process ingredients from the bowl into the pan. The wrap-around cord storage ensures its footprint stays minimal. Despite its small size, it has a powerful motor that dices, slices and grates with ease. While I found the lack of handle on the bowl frustrating, its silicone feet help keep it firmly on the worktop. There's just one speed and a pulse function for shorter bursts of power, but what this food processor lacks in versatility, it more than makes up for in efficiency, intuitiveness and style. Read our full Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor review. Wattage: 650W Working capacity: 1.3L Accessories: two bowls, chopping blade, reversible disc for slicing and grating, express serve disc Latest Deals Ninja Food Processor with Auto-IQ BN650UK Available from Argos (£120) Best Ninja food processor Pros: Good selection of presets Measurements and markers up the side of the mixing bowl Powerful performance Compact design Comes with everything you’d need for everyday processing Cons: Loud Short one-year guarantee Star rating: 5/5 Ninja is well known for its powerful pieces of kitchen kit, and this model, despite the low price tag, delivers impressive performance with oomph. The BN650UK is Ninja’s budget food processor offering and as such it doesn’t come with all the added extras such as blender jugs and takeaway cups. But if you’re looking for a food processor that performs basic chopping, grating, kneading and slicing tasks exceptionally well, this Ninja is a must-buy. This model comes with four Auto IQ presets for chopping, puréeing, slicing and mixing, as well as the usual low, high and pulse manual settings. I couldn’t fault the results as this model worked its way through every test with absolute ease. For added convenience the bowl and attachments are dishwasher-safe (top rack only). Our only minor gripe was that it is rather loud. Wattage: 850W Working capacity: 2.1L Accessories: chopping blade, dough blade, reversible slicing/grating disc Latest Deals Magimix 4200XL food processor Available from Magimix (£289.98), Amazon (£319) Best Magimix food processor Pros: Robust High-quality efficient machine Great recipe book Cons: On the heavy side Star rating: 5/5 This impressive food processor from Magimix will take care of most processing jobs needed in the kitchen, from shredding and grating, to blending, puréeing and slicing. It can also handle a very good rapid-knead pizza dough and much more. This well-made machine, with a clever three-bowl system, makes it one of the most versatile on our test. The controls are simple, straightforward and so good-looking I didn't want to put this in the cupboard. Read our full Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor review. Wattage: 950W Working capacity: 1.3L Accessories: three bowls, two chopping blades, two grating discs (2mm & 4mm), two slicing discs (2mm & 4mm), BlenderMix ring (for blending), dough blade, egg whisk, spatula, storage box Latest Deals Ninja 3-in-1 food processor with Auto-IQ Available from Ninja (£149.99), Robert Dyas (£150.99) Best 3-in-1 food processor Pros: Intuitive, with fast and excellent results across the board Cons: Lacks a storage box Star rating: 5/5 The Ninja 3-in-1 combines three types of food processing into one machine, with a roomy food processor jug, sturdy glass blender and single-serve blender. This can be used for smoothies and juices to go, or to make small amounts of sauces and spice mixes. It's a fiercely efficient machine with a 1200-watt motor that can work through ingredients (whether chopped, mixed, grated, sliced, blended or puréed) in seconds. This machine’s IQ to select the correct process for each jug used makes it stand out in my test. Read our full Ninja 3-in-1 food processor review. Wattage: 1200W Working capacity: Food processor - 1.8L, blender - 2.1L Accessories: Blender jug and lid, stacked chopping blades, blender blades, 700ml cup, reversible slicing/grating disc, disc adapter, dough blade, chopping blade Latest Deals Magimix 3200XL Food Processor Available from Magimix (£229.98), Harts of Stur (£249.95), Amazon (£289) Best food processor for ease of use Pros: Very easy to use Comprehensive manual Can be used by left- or right-handed users Available in three colours Bowls are dishwasher-safe 30-year parts guarantee Cons: Several pieces to store/stack together Star rating: 4.5/5 Magimix’s most compact food processor, the 3200XL is equipped with three BPA-free mixing bowls, all varying in sizes. This sturdy machine might boast a small footprint, but it gets top marks for versatility because included in the box comes three blades, four discs, a whisk and a spatula, all secured into a separate storage box for organisation purposes. These attachments, paired with its 650W motor and dishwasher-safe bowls, make this machine a convenient addition to any small family kitchen. The mixing bowls differ in size from 2.6L to 2.2L and 1.2L. The machine itself couldn’t be easier to use – it has three buttons: stop, auto and pulse. In testing, I used two of its discs, paired with its midi bowl, to slice potatoes and grate carrots. Its mini bowl and matching blade came in handy when preparing a green Thai curry sauce, and this small bowl also helped chop an onion finely, plus it managed to tackle nuts, too. Even better? It made seriously easy work – when paired with its whisk attachment and largest bowl – of whipping cream. Due to its size, I’d recommend this machine for tinier kitchens, where storage space might be a little tight. It can easily be pushed into a corner and can cope with any recipe a smaller family loves, as its largest bowl is still 3.6L. The main unit is sturdy in operation and comes in three colourways, while it offers handy cord storage underneath. The rest of its parts are a mix of plastic and steel, while its storage case is a big added extra for keeping everything tidy and in one place. Wattage: 650W Working capacity: 1L Accessories: three bowls, blender ring, dough blade, two stainless steel blades, two grating discs, two slicing discs, egg whisk, spatula undefined Magimix 5200XL food processor Available from Magimix (£319.98), Harts of Stur (£329.95), Amazon (£389.99) Best food processor for larger families Pros: Very easy to use Comprehensive manual Can be used by left- or right-handed users Available in four colours Dishwasher-safe bowls Citrus press included Cons: Several pieces to store/stack together Heavy unit at 11kg Smaller families/kitchens should go for the smaller model Star rating: 4.5/5 A larger, more expensive version of the 3200XL, the 5200XL is the food processor that you need if your family is large, your kitchen has an abundance of empty cupboard space, or even if you’re often the host for friends and family. It’s equipped with 3 bowls, all BPA-free, and it comes with every attachment the smaller version does (3 blades, 4 discs, a whisk and a spatula) plus the citrus attachment — for juicing oranges. Design-wise, it’s anything but difficult to use thanks to its three-button operation; there’s stop, auto and pulse to choose from, all clearly labelled. I used the mini bowl, which is 1.2L, for making a green Thai curry paste – my ingredients were left impressively fine. It also made an easy job of chopping nuts, fast, and slicing an onion so small that a toddler couldn’t pick it out. I paired its middle-size bowl (2.6L) with its two slicing discs to grate carrots and slice potatoes. Its largest bowl, at 3.6L, was the perfect size for whipping enough cream to feed several people. The main unit is large and weighs in at 11kg. Luckily, once it’s placed in your kitchen, you needn’t really ever move it. Its attachments come in the same storage box as the smaller model, while this machine comes in 4 colourways — white, grey, red or black. Another great addition to its design is its cord storage, which makes it slightly less cumbersome on a worktop. Wattage: 1100W Working capacity: 1.8L Accessories: three bowls, blender ring, dough blade, two stainless steel blades, two grating discs, two slicing discs, egg whisk, spatula, citrus press undefined Kenwood MultiPro XL Weigh+ FDM72.990 Available from Kenwood (£199.99) Best food processor for batch cooking Pros: Integrated weighing scale Lots of accessories Large capacity and extra wide feed tube Cons: Expensive Star rating: 4.5/5 This quality food processor was a pleasure to use on batch cooking days, making light work of slicing, dicing, grating and blending basic ingredients such as soffrito mix and cheese. As well as stocking the fridge and freezer with perfectly-prepped veg, I used the MultiPro XL when doubling up recipes for Thai green curry paste and classic pesto and let the dough paddle work its magic on pizza dough for garlic bread and calzone. The versatility of this machine is second to none, with options for juicing, grinding and mixing too. This does mean there are quite a few accessories to keep track of, and although there was a handy bag supplied for sharp disc storage, I'd have liked another to keep the included spatula, citrus juicer and beaters, etc. The 1.5L thermal blender jug on this model is glass and can withstand extremes of temperature - piping hot soups to icy cocktails. Bakers, especially, will appreciate the integral scale, which means ingredients can be added with precision, resetting as you go through your recipe. Effort was minimal, and the clean up was just as easy as everything bar the main unit can go in the dishwasher, with no tricky corners to clean out first. Wattage: 1000W Working capacity: Food processor - 3L, bender - 1.5L Accessories: Express Dice, 6-in-1 adjustable slicing disc, 2mm/4mm reversible grating disc, extra fine grating disc, serrated knife blade, whisk, dough tool, citrus juicer, spatula, weighing tray, bag undefined Cuisinart FlexPrep 1.1L food processor Available from Amazon (£54.99), Cuisinart (£54.99) Best value compact food processor Pros: Compact and attractive design Lightweight and easy to move Powerful Storage hub for parts Dishwasher-safe parts Blade-lock for safe, mess-free pouring Cons: No slicing blade Smaller bowl – not ideal for big batches Single, very powerful speed can be hard to control Star rating: 4.5/5 Cuisinart has described its FlexPrep food processor as a “compact powerhouse" and I couldn’t agree more. Its attractive design and small footprint mean it’s stylish enough to keep on the countertop, but for those with limited space, it’s also light enough to lift in and out of a cupboard easily. Plus, the plug and cord retract neatly into the base, while a ‘storage hub’ inside the bowl means that everything (bar the whipping disc!) can be neatly kept together in one place. Assembly is quick and intuitive, and operation couldn’t be simpler, with just two buttons: on and off/pulse. That means there’s only one speed, but it’s impressively powerful – 100ml cream went from soft peaks to curdled in about 30 seconds, so pulsing here is essential for control (and recommended in the instruction booklet). For other tasks, it excelled. Thai curry paste was made in seconds and the double-sided grating blade handled both carrots and cheese with impressive speed and ease (though the ‘fine’ side is pretty coarse, so it wouldn’t work for ingredients like parmesan). I really appreciated the clever blade-lock feature, allowing you to pour out ingredients safely without the blade coming loose, as well as the dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. With its 1.1-litre capacity, the bowl is on the smaller side than other food processors I tested, so it’s not suitable for big-batch cooking. However, this powerful, thoughtfully-designed machine is a great choice for everyday cooking at a very reasonable price. Wattage: not stated Working capacity: 1.1L Accessories: chopping blade, grating blade, whipping disc, storage hub Available from: Amazon (£69.95) Cuisinart (£69.99) Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pro food processor Available from Amazon (£149), Kenwood (£149.99), Currys (£199) Best Kenwood food processor Pros: Integrated weighing scales Good range of accessories Touch Clean function One-touch controls Excellent dough function Cons: Main body easily marks with fingerprints Instruction booklet is difficult to read Only a one-year guarantee Star rating: 4.5/5 Unpacking the Kenwood Multi ProOne Touch processor requires a little sorting before testing, as it comes with layers of discs, blades and accessories that need to be organised first. Once that was sorted, I tackled the instruction book, a hefty tome with mainly illustrations and some text, which I found unwieldy to navigate. Assembly and use are intuitive, though a beginner may struggle. From then on, I loved working with this machine. There are six presets plus a custom one-touch digital function buttons; a favourite was the dough function, which revs up and slows down until it ends with a well-kneaded piece of dough. And joy of joys, a self-clean function too. Alongside these are the manual speed controls, which allow for a little more control, as I did with the chopped onions, taking the gold star. I found the Express Serve (the funnel that shoots out chopped ingredients) a little messy, but everything else, from the integrated weighing scales to the juicer, slicing, grating, chopping and blending was exceptional. Wattage: 1000W Working capacity: 3L Accessories: dough blade, dual whisk, 2mm & 4mm slicing and grating discs, 2 blades, spatula Cuisinart FP8U Easy Prep Pro Available from Cuisinart (£80) Best basic food processor Pros: High-quality components Attractive design Cons: No jug attachment Star rating: 4.5/5 This is a great food processor if you're looking for a reasonably priced machine that will do the basics with minimum fuss. The components are pared back but highly effective, working through ingredients quickly and efficiently. The materials all feel well-made, from the stylish outer shell to the strong blades. Read our full Cuisinart Easy Prep Pro review. Wattage: 350W Working capacity: Large bowl - 1.9L, small bowl - 0.7L Accessories: Small and large chopping blades, small and large reversible slicing and grating discs Latest Deals KitchenAid 2.1-litre food processor Available from Amazon (£239.99) Best compact food processor Pros: Small footprint Easy to store Innovative reversible stacking discs Quiet Oil drizzler Cons: Not great at finely blitzing smaller quantities Star rating: 4.5/5 The KitchenAid's style and small footprint are the first things I noticed about this machine. It's compact (about the width of a large kettle), lightweight, easy to unpack and manoeuvre, and sports handy grooves at its base. Non-slip feet keep it stable once settled. Each component and accessory feel quality-made and built to last. This is a step-down in size from the 3.1L KitchenAid, so better suited to those who don't want to bulk-blitz ingredients, but do want a practical machine for everyday use. Read our full KitchenAid 2.1L food processor review. Wattage: 250W Working capacity: 2.1 Accessories: dough blade, chopping blade, reversible slicing and grating blade, julienne disc, refrigerator lid, whisk accessory Latest Deals Other food processors tested and rated Russell Hobbs Desire food processor review, £74.99 Magic Bullet Kitchen Express review, £69.99 KitchenAid 1.7-litre food processor, £189 What is a food processor? A food processor is an appliance designed to act as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. One key benefit of a food processor is that it's a multitasker, often coming with various accessories and functions. Almost all use a rotating gear to turn their various accessories, which will typically include extra discs for slicing or grating, alongside the main blade arrays for chopping or mixing. Some food processors come loaded with additional blender accessories, so you can tick two appliance boxes with one purchase. Before choosing the best food processor for you, you need to ask yourself which functions you’d like it to perform. All food processors will come with a chopping blade as standard. This can be used for most tasks, including making hummus, cauliflower rice, even homemade tomato sauce. And then there are other attachments to consider. Some of the most common attachments include: Dough blade: looking not dissimilar to the chopping blade, this is often made from plastic with a dull edge and shorter arms. As the name suggests, it can be used to knead all kinds of dough. Shredding disc: this has teeth like the kind you have on a grater. Ideal for grating cheese, carrot and chocolate while keeping your knuckles safe Slicing disc: for super-even slices. On some models only one thickness of slice is available – on higher-end models you’re able to adjust the thickness The more expensive, premium food processors often come with these additional extras: Dicing and French-fry attachments: to produce perfect cubes of hard ingredients or batons for French fries Different-sized bowls: an additional small bowl that fits inside the main bowl makes life a lot easier if you’re only looking to process a small quantity of food You should also consider how much of a technical challenge you are willing to tackle. As a rule, the more functions a food processor has, the more complex it will be to assemble and use correctly. What can a food processor be used for? Many of the food processors on this list come with a whole host of attachments. But the majority, as standard, will come with attachments for slicing, grating, chopping and kneading. Some models will come with additional blender or mini chopper attachments, which offer an added level of versatility, but even the core accessories render the humble food processor a truly multi-functional appliance. Slicing Achieve uniform results with the slicing attachment; you can make: crispy garlic and rosemary slices, boulangere potatoes, dauphinoise potatoes, butternut dauphinoise, fennel dauphinoise, pickled red cabbage, potato and radish salad, coconut chicken with cucumber salad Grating Whizz through laborious grating tasks with the grating attachment, make: honey, parsnip and coconut cake, rosti fish cake, walnut and almond muesli with grated apple, grilled corn with garlic mayo and grated cheese, chocolate courgette cake, easy creamy coleslaw, oven-baked rosti cake Kneading dough Knead a variety of doughs with the dough blade: homemade pasta, pizza dough, edible cookie dough, vanilla shortbread dough, iced buns with cream and jam, raspberry and almond traybake. We recommend running the food processor on low to avoid being too aggressive with the dough. You’ll likely have to use a smaller quantity than the original recipe, as processor bowls have smaller capacities than stand mixers, for example. Chopping The chopping blade is the most versatile of all the attachments and will likely be the most-used. These sharp blades are great for everything from chopping to pureeing. Make: Thai green curry paste, Tom Kerridge’s madras curry paste, chocolate and hazelnut thumbprint cookies, cauliflower rice, frozen tropical fruit yogurt. What does a food processor do? Depending on the attachment used, a food processor can be used to chop, grate, knead and slice a whole host of ingredients, making them one of the most versatile kitchen appliances. But what’s the difference between a food processor and a blender? As the table shows, although both appliances have the ability to chop and blend, they are two very different bits of kit, and as such are not mutually exclusive. Think of a food processor as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, the tool you pass off your prep work to or use for chunky dips, purees, as well as dry processing tasks. Choose your blender when you need to achieve smooth liquid results, think: soups, smoothies, cocktails and crushed ice. Related reviews Best mini choppers Best spice grinders Best air-fryers Best stand mixers Best multi-cookers Best hand mixers Best cake tins Best popcorn makers Best blenders Best slow cookers Best pressure cookers How to sharpen knives Best veg box Best smoothie makers Ninja Creami vs Deluxe Best dishwashers Is HexClad worth it? Best Cuisinart ice-cream makers Is KitchenAid worth it? Is the Ninja Swirl worth it? Appliance deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals
Best chopping boards for dicing, slicing and carving
Make fast work of meal prep with a hardworking chopping board. There’s something for every cook and kitchen in our round-up of the best buys.
A good chopping board is one of the hardest-working tools in the kitchen. It needs to stay stable under pressure, cope with repeated knife work and be easy to clean properly without warping, cracking or spreading juices across your worktop. All the chopping boards in this guide have been tested by the Good Food reviews team, who have used them for everyday prep tasks such as chopping vegetables, slicing bread and carving meat. We looked closely at how they performed over time, including stability, ease of cleaning and how well they held up to regular use. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a reliable board, but materials and design do make a difference, particularly when it comes to hygiene and longevity. While plastic boards are often cheaper and dishwasher-safe, they can shed microplastics as they wear. That said, the top-performing board (OurPlace Daily Board) is made from recycled plastic, standing out for its durability, grip and ease of cleaning. For that reason, this list focusses more heavily on wood and wood-fibre boards, which we found performed well in our testing. Read on to find the chopping boards we recommend for home cooks. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best chopping boards to buy at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best everyday chopping board: OurPlace Daily Board, £35 Best chopping board for carving meat: HexClad Hybrid Cutting Board, £189 Best chopping board for serving: M&S x Tom Kerridge Natural Edge Wooden Chopping Board, £70 Best chopping board for everyday use: ProCook wood fibre chopping board, £16 Best budget chopping board: Lakeland non-slip wood fibre chopping board, £8.99 Best chopping board set: Joseph Joseph folio chopping board set, £55 Best chopping board for versatility: Brabantia Tasty+ chopping board set, £22.75 Best value chopping board: Marks & Spencer hexagonal chopping board, £19.50 Best chopping board for presentation: Robert Welch pebble oak chopping board, £42 Best chopping board for meat: Cole & Mason Berden extra-large acacia wood board, £50 Jump to: Best chopping boards to buy in 2026 Which chopping board should I buy? How to clean a wooden chopping board How we tested chopping boards We tested a representative sample of chopping boards made from wood, bamboo, plastic and eco-friendly recycled material and scored them using the following criteria. The Good Food ‘drop test’: reasoning that over its lifespan, a chopping board suffers lots of knocks and scrapes, we dropped them from knee height to see if they stayed intact. Extra functions and aesthetics: boards come in all shapes and sizes – some with spikes to secure meat, others with knife sharpeners and folding sides. We rated the extra functions on whether they’re worth the extra money. We also poured water over boards with moats to check whether the groove captured all the liquid. No marks: we put each board through a rigorous test of chopping and hacking with a sharp knife to check whether the surface was left with irremovable marks. Chopping boards naturally suffer wear-and-tear, but we wouldn’t expect them to damage easily on first use. Ease of washing: we used beetroot during testing to check whether the board would absorb colours and odours that can't be removed with warm soapy water. Best chopping boards to buy in 2026 OurPlace Daily board Available from OurPlace (£35) Best everyday chopping board Star rating: 5/5 This is a practical option for everyday food prep, with a strong focus on durability and sustainability. Made from 100 per cent recycled, BPA-free plastic, it's robust and relatively lightweight, making it easy to lift and move between worktop and sink. The large surface area is well suited to a wide range of tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing bread. Its lightly textured surface offers good grip during use, and does a nice job of disguising light knife marks, helping it stay presentable over time. Slightly inset side handles make it easy to manoeuvre, while the non-slip silicone edges improve stability on the worktop – though there was still some movement during more forceful chopping. Cleaning is simple, as the board is dishwasher-safe and can be freshened up with a deeper clean when needed. Overall, it’s a functional, low-maintenance chopping board that balances everyday performance with more considered material choices. Available from: OurPlace (£35) HexClad hybrid cutting board Available from HexClad (£189) Best chopping board for carving meat Star rating: 4.5/5 From hybrid cookware designers HexClad, this equally hybrid chopping board stands out for its solid beechwood construction and practical, dual-sided design. One side features engraved hexagons with deep grooves, which keeps meat securely in place during carving and channels juices effectively into the removable stainless steel tray. This proved useful for keeping the work surface tidy and for collecting juices to reuse in gravies or stocks. The reverse side is smooth and well suited to everyday chopping tasks, from slicing vegetables to cutting bread. Its generous size and weight give it a traditional butcher’s block feel, helping it stay stable during use, although placing a damp cloth underneath improved grip during heavier chopping. A built-in handle makes the board easier to lift and reposition, despite its heft. Oiling is needed to maintain the beechwood, which will darken naturally over time. It’s a well-made, versatile board, though its weight may feel excessive in smaller kitchens. Available from: HexClad (£189) M&S x Tom Kerridge natural edge wooden chopping board Available from M&S (£70) Best chopping board for serving Star rating: 4.5/5 This wooden chopping board is a substantial, well-made option that suits both food prep and serving. Crafted from a single piece of wood, each board is unique, with the natural edge giving it a more traditional, handcrafted feel. Its large surface area and thick build make it particularly good for carving roasts or working with bigger ingredients. In use, it felt stable and secure on the worktop, helped by its weight and the included non-slip underlay. The smooth finish and minimal branding give it a refined look, making it equally suitable for bringing to the table. Knife marks do show up quickly, which is worth considering if you prefer a board to stay looking pristine rather than develop character over time. As with all wooden boards, it needs to be hand washed and dried promptly to prevent damage. Overall, it’s a sturdy, versatile board that prioritises size, stability and visual appeal. Available from: M&S (£70) ProCook wood fibre chopping board Available from ProCook (£16) Best chopping board for everyday use If you're after a plastic-free board that doesn't break the bank, this option from ProCook is a solid choice. It's made from an eco-friendly wood fibre composite that has naturally antibacterial qualities and can be also cleaned in the dishwasher. At 29 x 23cm, it offers a good amount of room for everyday chopping tasks, and while there aren't any grooves for juices to flow into, it's at less risk from heavy staining thanks its bold, black colour. In test, it stayed firm on the worktop, aided by the removable non-slip feet in each corner. We spotted a few knife scratches that had been left behind after a lengthy chopping session, but it passed our drop test with flying colours. Available from: ProCook (£16) undefined Lakeland non-slip wood fibre chopping board Available from Lakeland (£8.99) Best budget chopping board This little board quickly became a firm favourite in our tests. Made from hard-wearing wood fibre, it has the resilience of a solid wood board, but with a waterproof, nonporous surface – all for a very reasonable £8.99. Lightweight and versatile, it stays firm on surfaces without slipping thanks to the rubber corners, and the grooves around the outside are great for collecting juices – whether you're chopping up fruit or slicing meat. At 30 x 21.5cm, it has a compact surface area, so is perhaps best saved for smaller chopping tasks, though a medium board is available for bigger jobs. It also cleans like a dream in the dishwasher and can be stashed away snugly in the narrowest of cupboard spaces. Available from: Lakeland (£8.99) Latest Deals Joseph Joseph Folio chopping board set Available from Joseph Joseph (£55) Best chopping board set This is a solid set of boards ideal for those with space-challenged kitchens. Its ‘library’ solution keeps four boards snug in a slim, upright storage box, which can sit unobtrusively against a wall or splash-back. In a choice of two different colourways, either brights or greys, each one is in a different shade, so you could decide to keep one solely for veg, meat or strongly-flavoured foods such as spices and fish. The boards themselves are uniformly sized and performed well, their corner ‘feet’ gripping worktops with food items held in place thanks to a subtly textured surface. Choose from regular (20x30cm) or large (24x34cm). There’s space for air to circulate around each chopping board too, so it’s a great way to keep boards dry and hygienic once out of the dishwasher – they came out looking good as new. Latest Deals Brabantia Tasty+ chopping board set Available from Amazon (£18.90) Best chopping board for versatility This set of boards by Brabantia gave us a choice of three great cutting areas. The largest also served (literally) as a lipped tray for serving up meals or transporting cuppas to the next room. We used it as a breakfast tray – it was the perfect size for bacon sarnies and tea for two. Flip it over and you have a rock steady board with enough space for large meal prep. Nesting side by side inside the larger board, the two smaller surfaces of our test model were in different tones of green and looked great in the kitchen. These stayed unblemished no matter what we chopped and sliced, repelling smells and stains and saving stray juices in the channels running around their borders. Although guaranteed by Brabantia for five years, it points out that hot pans shouldn’t be rested on them – bear that in mind if you’re prone to plonking hot trays on boards straight from the oven. Latest Deals Marks & Spencer hexagonal rectangular large chopping board Available from M&S (£19.50) Best chopping board for storage This board is lighter to hold than it looks and well designed for its price tag. The useful grab handle means it can be hung from a meat hook-style rack – a nice option for storage. The herringbone alignment of the wood also looks great, but makes the surface less smooth than others tested, so requires more thorough care and regular oiling. But for now, it withstood our drop test and stayed looking pristine after lots of chopping, hand-washing (this one's not for the dishwasher) and splashing with beetroot juice and spiced chicken joints, heavy on the turmeric. Available from: M&S (£19.50) Robert Welch pebble chopping board 32cm Available from Robert Welch (£42) Best chopping board for presentation This option, from British company Robert Welch, is made with a smooth, solid oak that's a nice alternative to the usual style. It looks great on display in the kitchen or used to present food on the dining table. Staying unscored after hefty knife use, it wiped down easily and seemed more water resistant than others when given a thorough hand-wash. However, to avoid any warping, we followed instructions to dry it straight afterwards and made sure not to soak or immerse it in water. Solid oak with a food-safe oiled finish, this felt lovely to handle, with soft, tapered edges. We tried the 32cm version, which was a good size for making and serving lunchtime sandwiches. There’s a larger 44cm version, and since it’s surprisingly light for such a solid board, it would also be a versatile worktop-to-table choice. Available from: Robert Welch (£42) undefined Cole & Mason Berden extra-large acacia wood carving chopping and serving board Available from John Lewis & Partners (£50) Best chopping board for meat You’re unlikely to run out of space when you’re using this chunky, solid wood board, which measures in at a hefty 46 x 34cm. There’s plenty of room for chopping a sizeable amount of vegetables, so it’s ideal for those cooking for the masses. The big surface also doubles up as an attractive serving board. This has another trick up its sleeve, too: flip it over and the other side is designed for carving meat, with ridges to collect juices that then flow into the deeper well in one corner. There’s a small space next to the well for draining those juices off – another useful detail. The board is made of acacia and is on the heavy side. We were very nervous when performing the drop test, but it survived intact. You'll need to wash this by hand, but it scrubbed up well and the purple beetroot stains came out with no problem. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£50) undefined Wooden vs plastic chopping boards Wooden chopping boards Many people like a solid wooden board, some of which are good-looking enough to double as a serving platter. They're also great for bread and carving meat, as they often have a little moat for catching juices. Crucially, they're also devoid of microplastics. While they’re more likely to absorb odours and stains than plastic chopping boards, hard wood is less absorbent than soft. A wooden chopping board shouldn’t be exposed to lots of water, as it might warp or crack. You can also treat it with oil to keep it in top shape. Teak is a reliable wood type, but equally as important is the style of chopping board – one solid piece of wood may be more likely to withstand the test of time than a board made up of lots of layers or pieces of wood joined together. Plastic chopping boards Plastic chopping boards, which are generally made from polypropylene or polyethylene, are lightweight, affordable, and dishwasher-safe. They're seldom as attractive as their wooden counterparts, but they win on price and can be colour-coded for particular tasks, as seen in professional kitchens (red for raw meat, blue for raw fish and so on). Their non-porous nature also means bacteria can be washed away easily. However, a recent scientific study revealed that chopping boards made from polypropylene or polyethylene could be exposing humans to up to 79.4 microplastics every year. As plastic pollution also becomes a growing concern, lots of people are now opting for wooden boards as a more sustainable choice. Whichever board you choose, remember to consider the tasks you’ll be using it for, where you’ll be storing it, whether you want a handle on your board to hang it up, and whether it’s non-slip, as you don’t want your board skidding all over the place. How to clean a wooden chopping board Wooden chopping boards can store all kinds of hidden germs, but cleaning them regularly will keep nasty bacteria and bad smells at bay. There's no need to invest in harsh chemical cleaners either – all you need is half a lemon and some salt. Simply sprinkle the salt across the chopping board's surface, then work the lemon half into the grain of the wood, squeezing gently so it releases some of its juice. The salt will dissolve into a thick abrasive paste, and this will help kill any bacteria lurking in the scratches and deodorise the board. Make sure you clean both sides of the board, as well as the edges. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse everything away with hot water, making sure to remove any lemon pulp. Dry the board thoroughly with a tea towel and allow it to air dry fully before storing it away. Once dry, add a thin layer of vegetable oil to seal and nourish the wood. Related reviews Best knife sharpeners Best knife sets Best bread knives Best chef's knives Best food processors How to sharpen knives Appliance and cookware deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals For more of the best kitchen equipment, visit our reviews section. Which chopping board do you use? Leave a comment below...
Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2) review: the big, bold pizza oven built for obsessives
I tested the Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2) to see how it cooks, how it handles and whether it’s worth the serious investment.
Ten years on from the original Roccbox model, Gozney shows no sign of slowing down. If anything, the brand feels more confident than ever. Gozney knows exactly what it wants to make and who it’s making it for. The Dome XL (Gen 2) is not a casual upgrade or a curiosity purchase. It’s a serious bit of kit, both in scale and ambition. Available from Gozney (£2,499.99) Gozney still calls the Dome XL (Gen 2) a pizza oven, but that description undersells it. Yes, it turns out excellent pizza with consistency and ease, but over extended use it becomes clear that this is really an outdoor oven that just happens to be exceptional at pizza. I’ve used it for high-heat Neapolitan-style pizzas, longer bakes, roasting and slower cooks, and it handles the shift in pace without complaint. The Dome XL is the largest oven Gozney has made to date. This is not for courtyard gardens or tight patios. It needs space and it rewards it. Read our full review of the best pizza ovens. How long does it take to assemble? Almost no time at all. The Dome XL (Gen 2) arrives fully assembled, which feels like a small gift given its size. There’s no construction phase, no tools to hunt for, no chance of getting frustrated mid-build. That said, it is heavy. At 73kg, this is a lift that needs planning. Two people is the minimum, three is sensible (as advised by our facilities team). I used it with the official stand, which I’d strongly recommend. It puts the oven at a natural working height and gives it the presence of something permanent rather than perched. Once in position, setup is refreshingly straightforward. I connected the gas, turned the dial and the oven lit immediately. I’ve had more than one frustrating experience with other pizza ovens, where ignition becomes an exercise in patience. That simply wasn’t the case here. It behaves like a well-made gas hob. Getting up to temperature The two cooking stones took around 40 minutes to fully cure, which is impressively quick for an oven of this volume. The control panel, positioned just beneath the mouth of the oven, is genuinely useful rather than decorative. You get two temperature readings: stone temperature and ambient oven temperature. That distinction matters when you’re cooking repeatedly or switching styles. It gives you clarity and control, rather than guesswork. There’s also a progress bar that clearly shows when the oven is ready to cook in. It sounds simple, but it removes uncertainty, particularly when cooking for a crowd. Is the Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2) easy to use? Yes, very. Despite its size, it’s one of the most intuitive pizza ovens I’ve cooked with. Gas is standard and ignition is a simple push and twist. For wood cooking, the optional Wood-Fire Control Kit makes a meaningful difference. Cooking with wood can be rewarding but fiddly. This system forces air under the fire and lets you control airflow, giving you far more stability than you’d normally expect. Over repeated cooks, that control becomes invaluable. It effectively gives you the convenience of gas with the flavour benefits of wood: win win! Is it easy to add fuel? With gas, it’s effortless. The ignition dial doubles as flame control, so fine adjustments are simple and responsive. With wood, the control kit allows you to regulate burn rate and maintain steady heat without constant intervention. It’s clear this oven has been designed around real use, not just ideal conditions. How many pizzas does it fit? The cooking surface is generous. You can cook one 18-inch pizza, two 12-inch pizzas or three 10-inch pizzas at once. In practice, this means you can feed a group without turning cooking into a relay. How easy is it to add a pizza? The wide oven mouth makes launching straightforward, even when you’re working quickly. There’s room to turn pizzas and manage multiple cooks without feeling cramped. While it’s not tall enough for a whole roast chicken, it handles trays, pans and large pizzas with ease. How hot does the outside get? Warm, but never alarmingly so. The insulation does an excellent job given the internal temperatures. Still, common sense applies: keep children and pets at a distance while it’s running. Does it come with pizza tools? No, and this is where the biggest drawback lies. None of the accessories are included as standard. The stand, peel, mantel and cover all come at extra cost. To buy what I’d consider the absolute essentials, you’re looking at roughly £820 on top of the oven price, before adding the Wood-Fire Control Kit. That’s a serious investment and it should be acknowledged clearly. However, having used the oven extensively, I don’t feel the price is unjustified. The build quality, consistency and versatility are genuinely best-in-class. It’s expensive, yes, but it earns that expense through performance and longevity. Is it all-weather? There’s no cover included, so you’ll need to buy one separately. Given the cost and size of the oven, I’d treat the cover as essential. Does it do anything else? Yes, and this is where the Dome XL (Gen 2) really separates itself. With the right accessories, it becomes a capable outdoor oven for baking, roasting and smoking. The double-walled door and Wood-Fire Control Kit open up slower, longer cooks and smoking, though it’s worth noting the door can’t be used with gas. It does mean committing further financially, but the flexibility you gain is significant. Over time, it feels less like a pizza oven and more like a second oven that happens to live outside. How was the pizza? Consistently excellent. Crisp bases, leopard-spotted crusts and evenly cooked toppings. It’s the kind of pizza that doesn’t need explanation or embellishment: people simply stop talking for a moment and eat. Who is it for? This oven is for confident home cooks, pizza obsessives and anyone who cooks outdoors regularly and wants serious control. It suits people who entertain, who cook for groups and who value consistency as much as peak heat. Who is it not for? If you’re short on space, want something portable or only cook pizza occasionally, this is likely more oven than you need. The cost, size and accessory ecosystem only make sense if you plan to use it often. Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2): the verdict I adore this oven. It’s big, expensive and unapologetic, but it delivers where it matters. This is not just a pizza oven. It’s a deeply capable outdoor cooking machine that rewards regular use and curiosity. Having cooked with a wide range of pizza ovens, it’s genuinely refreshing to use one that performs this well and feels so carefully made, even at this scale and price. Yes, the accessories add up. Yes, the upfront cost is significant. But if you have the space, the budget and the appetite to use it properly, the Dome XL (Gen 2) justifies itself every time you light it. It feels built to last, built to be used and built to bring people together. And that, ultimately, is what makes it worth the investment. When Gozney came to collect the review sample, I was genuinely sad to see it go, which probably says more about the Dome XL (Gen 2) than any spec sheet ever could. Specifications: Dimensions: W 94.6cm x D 69.7cm x H 99.7cm Weight: 73kg (161.0 lbs) Guarantee: 1 year as standard, increased to 5 if you register Available from: Gozney (£2,499.99) Pizza recipes and guides Best pizza ovens Basic pizza dough recipe All our top pizza dough recipes Pizza sauce recipe Sourdough pizza 10 tips for making next level margherita pizza Video: How to make pizza Video: How to stretch pizza dough Top 10 pizza topping ideas What makes the perfect pizza?
A stand mixer is a great investment if you love baking and bread-making. Read our reviews of top brands, including KitchenAid and Kenwood, plus more affordable buys
Whatever you like to bake, there’s no denying that the humble stand mixer is the hardest working piece of kit in the kitchen. Not just reserved for whipping up cake batter, it can also be used to knead dough and whisk together glossy, stiff-peaked meringues. Don’t be mistaken – I love hand mixers and have tried and tested many fantastic models over the years, but stand mixers offer something different: power. Equipped with high wattages, they can whizz through creaming and kneading tasks with absolute ease, not only saving you time, but effort, too. As an avid baker and expert product tester, I've put a range of stand mixers to the test, from models from big-name brands such as KitchenAid and Kenwood, to household names like Bosch, Cuisinart and Morphy Richards. Read on for my top recommendations, and don't forget to check out our guides to the best cake tins and best kitchen scales, too. The latest additions were tested by Annie Collyer. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Best stand mixers at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS 5/5 stars Best compact stand mixer: Kenwood Go stand mixer, £182.55 Best stand mixer overall: Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL, £799.99 Best stand mixer and food processor: Bosch CreationLine kitchen machine, £249.99 Best large stand mixer: Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL, £579 Best of the rest Best stand mixer for versatility: Kenwood Cooking Chef Stand Mixer, £1,249.99 Best stand mixer for ease of use: Bosch Series 6 Stand Mixer, £449.99 Best stand mixer for dough: Ooni Halo Pro Spiral stand mixer, £699 Best powerful stand mixer: ProCook stand mixer, £249 Best bowl-lift stand mixer: KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan, £449.40 Best stand mixer for range of colours: KitchenAid 5KSM125, £419 Best stand mixer for small kitchens: Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer, £189.99 Jump to: Best stand mixers to buy in 2026 How to choose the best stand mixer What is a stand mixer? What can a stand mixer be used for? Handheld mixer vs stand mixer How we test stand mixers I tested a representative sample of stand mixers, from budget-friendly options to high-end investment models, and used them to whisk egg whites for meringues, make an enriched dough for cinnamon pecan sticky buns, and cream together butter and sugar before baking a classic lemon drizzle cake. I also tested all attachments, final baked products and scored the machines against the following criteria: Packaging: Like most high-value kitchen appliances, stand mixers often arrive with a lot of packaging. Those that had recyclable or biodegradable elements scored better. Overall quality of materials: Well-made stand mixers with quality components should last, so I looked for those that were robust. Results of functions: A machine that efficiently mixed all the ingredients at the same time was a staple requirement. I looked for pavlova mixes that were glossy and well-whisked, cake mixes that were light with evenly distributed zest and finally, well-risen dough that was soft and light when baked. Value for money: You can spend anything from £60 to £900 on a stand mixer, but whatever the performance and functionality, it should always match up with the price. Processor versatility: Stand mixers should take on key kitchen tasks that make life a lot easier. Whisking, beating and kneading attachments are key to this and I awarded extra points to machines that offer more integrated features, like weighing scales, timers and extra attachments. Ease of use and cleaning: Modern stand mixers can offer sophisticated features, but ease of use is incredibly important. Washing your stand mixer’s attachments by hand can also be a pain, so I looked for dishwasher-safe accessories to make cleaning less of a headache. Sustainability: I assessed the amount of packaging and its recyclability, and asked how easy it is to access spare parts, look at the length of the warranty and much more. Why you can trust Good Food reviews It probably won't come as a surprise that the Good Food team (myself included) loves to bake, and we've tried and tested around 25 different stand mixers over the last five years. We use our trusted matrix format to score each model fairly in the Good Food Test Kitchen – which is designed to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a laboratory-like setting. This means you can trust that, if an appliance performs well in our kitchen, it should in yours as well. We also never share product reviews with retailers or manufacturers before publication, and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, either. Best stand mixers to buy in 2026 Kenwood Go stand mixer Available from Amazon (£182.55), Kenwood (£182.55), AO (£190), John Lewis & Partners (£249), Very (£249), Currys (£249.99) Best compact stand mixer Pros: Sleek, minimalist design Compact footprint Handle across the top for easy lifting Cord storage included Cons: Some non-recyclable packaging No spare parts available to buy online Star rating: 5/5 If you thought it wasn't possible to fit a stand mixer into your small kitchen, you might be in luck with this super-sleek Kenwood model, which is part of the brand's 'Go' collection. Mixers aren't exactly known for being diminutive, let alone portable, but the brand has gone some way to achieving both here, incorporating a handle across the top that makes the appliance easy to carry around. At 30 x 23 x 38cm, it still takes up a fair chunk of the countertop (so for really small kitchens, you might want to look at the Morphy Richards Mixstar, listed below, instead). There are two stylish colours available – 'clay red' and 'storm blue' – and all the materials feel smooth and premium. Six speeds are selectable via the dial on the front, plus a pulse function, and even on the highest setting it stays securely fixed to the countertop. All our ingredients were incorporated brilliantly, needing little intervention throughout, and our cake in particular had a superb rise with a fluffy, light crumb. Where this mixer could be improved is its eco credentials. There was plastic packaging in the box that couldn't be recycled and we had trouble finding any spare parts available to buy online, though in the manual Kenwood advises you can contact customer support. Otherwise, it's the perfect choice for occasional bakers seeking a powerful yet compact piece of kit. Wattage: 800W Attachments: whisk, K-beater, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 4L Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£182.55) Kenwood (£182.55) AO (£190) John Lewis & Partners (£249) Very (£249) Currys (£249.99) undefined Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL Available from Amazon (£689.50), Kenwood (£689.99), Lakeland (£799.99) Best stand mixer overall Pros: Integrated weighing scales Warming function 7-litre EasyWarm bowl In-bowl illumination Cons: Heavy Expensive Large footprint Star rating: 5/5 When it comes to modernity in the world of stand mixers, Kenwood is a front-runner. This one adapts the classic design to make it a game-changer for usability, so the step up in price from the Chef Titanium XL stand mixer model is justified. Key are its integrated weighing and warming functions, which work in tandem with the deep 7-litre EasyWarm Bowl – this has two practical handles for simple loading and arrives with a second 5-litre bowl nested inside. The touchscreen display shows your chosen metric for weighing. It also offers presets for controlling the warming functions, which prove dough and whisk egg whites among other things. Once set, you can walk away and periodically snoop on your dough through the transparent bowl cover whilst it gradually doubles in size – the Chelsea buns produced were wonderfully soft. It's features like this that afford you the best possible chance of achieving the same dough prove and rise every time. In addition to the sophistication, you get all the basics you’d expect from a functional stand mixer like a beater, whisk and dough hook, except this model offers the capacity to make more, better and with great scope for personalisation. Read our full Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL review. Wattage: 1400W Attachments: beater, whisk, K-beater, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 7L EasyWarm bowl and 5L extra bowl Warranty: 10 years Latest Deals Bosch CreationLine MUM5XW10 kitchen machine Available from Bosch (£249.99) Best stand mixer and food processor Pros: Integrated scales and timer function Dishwasher-safe attachments BPA-free plastics Overheat protection Cons: Weighs in increments of five grams Lacks pre-selectable processing time Expensive Star rating: 5/5 Finding a stand mixer/food processor hybrid is hard to do, but the Bosch CreationLine machine also throws integrated scales into the mix and the result is a versatile multitasker that’s a pleasure to use as well as practical. Design-wise, the gadget sits landscape on the counter-top so has a relatively unobtrusive footprint for a stand mixer. The two-in-one nature means it’s also a space-saver when it comes to cupboard space. A 1000W motor provides the oomph. All attachments arrive inside a two-pocket pouch, which is game-changing for storage. The patisserie set is tucked in one side (featuring a stirring whisk with silicone edge; height-adjustable beating whisk; and kneading hook with gear protector) and four food processor discs for slicing, grating and shredding in the other. All are dishwasher-safe. Combined with automatic retractile cord storage, this stand mixer is an expensive but versatile multitasker with modern frills that’s fun to use. Read our full Bosch CreationLine kitchen machine review. Wattage: 1000W Attachments: flexi stirring whisk, beater, dough hook, grating disc (medium-fine), reversible disc for slicing and grating, reversible shredding disc, reversible slicing disc, splash guard Bowl capacity: 3.9L Warranty: 2 years Available from: Bosch (£249.99) Latest Deals Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL Available from Kenwood (£449.99), Currys (£449.99), Amazon (£567) Best large stand mixer Pros: Two bowls included Built-in scales Lots of attachments Easy-lift head Powerful motor Cons: Expensive Large footprint Star rating: 5/5 Wattage: 1400W Kenwood is one of the key brands in the world of stand mixers. Decades of innovation have made them the go-to brand for keen bakers and professional chefs alike. This model includes a powerful motor and high-quality attachments that are built to last. While it's less technologically advanced than the Kenwood Chef Patissier XL above, it does include some of the features we loved. It comes with two bowls (seven- and five-litres) and in-built scales. I couldn’t fault this model’s performance; each bake, from our lemon and orange cake to Chelsea buns and meringue, was perfect. It's also sophisticated but remains humble and unfussy in design, with intuitive controls. A must have if you like to bake in bulk. Read our full Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL review. Wattage: 1400W Attachments: K-beater, dough hook, whisk, beater, splash guard Bowl capacity: 7L and 5L Warranty: 2 years Latest Deals Kenwood Cooking Chef Stand Mixer Available from Kenwood (£1,249.99) Best stand mixer for versatility Pros: Slim design Measurement markings on bowl In-bowl light 31 preset programs Doubles as kitchen scales Also heats to cook food App-compatible Cons: Expensive price Heavy Bowl doesn’t fit in a slimline dishwasher No cord storage Star rating: 4.5/5 The stand mixer that outsmarts all of the rest, the slim but weighty Kenwood Cooking Chef is one for those who'll use it enough to warrant the high price tag. It's your classic stand mixer with a few impressive added extras, like app compatibility. Its base features induction heating technology, so it can also cook your dinner. And that’s not all it can do. There's a huge range of compatible tools, so that you can grind meat, make your own ravioli, spiralize vegetables, juice fruit, and more. Arguably its most genius feature? When using a preset program, it weighs your ingredients and automatically senses how long to mix them for, so that you won’t risk over-whisking, folding, or kneading. With an on and off switch at the back, plus a touch screen and a dial, it's easy to use, but admittedly it’s not as smooth to operate as others we've tested because of its 15kg weight. Its swivel arm moves up and down by pressing a switch, and while its splash guard is great for mess-free cooking and mixing, it is a little fiddly to fit. This stand mixer packs the power thanks to its 2,000-watt motor. It features a built-in light to illuminate your mixing bowl, and if that isn’t enough, it also doubles as scales as you can weigh ingredients in its mixing bowl. In the box comes six tools, a splash guard and a spatula. Every tool (and the mixing bowl) is dishwasher safe. This large 6.7L bowl is great for batch cooking, especially since it features engraved measurement markings, but be warned: it won’t fit in a slimline dishwasher. Wattage: 2000W Attachments: K-beater, whisk, dough hook, creaming beater, steamer basket, stir tool, splash guard, spatula Bowl capacity: 6.7L Warranty: 5 years Available from: Kenwood (£1,249.99) undefined Bosch Series 6 Stand Mixer Available from Currys (£449.99), John Lewis and Partners (£599) Best stand mixer for ease of use Pros: Comes with three attachments More attachments available to purchase Doubles as scales Intuitive design Dishwasher-safe bowl and attachments (fits in a slimline dishwasher) Cons: No cord storage No measurement markings on its mixing bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 The Bosch Seres 6 stand Mixer sits at a decent price while offering heaps of versatility. Providing you purchase extra accessories, it can become a blender, pasta maker, citrus press, food chopper, and more. Included in the box is a kneading hook, beating whisk and stirring whisk, as well as a 5.5L bowl – this bowl doesn’t feature engraved measurement markings. What sets it apart from the rest is how easy it is to use. Its intuitive dial and simple-to-use touchscreen make easy work of most recipes, whether you’re whipping up some iced buns or you need a tiny amount of icing sugar. You can select a speed mode from 1 to 7, or choose from one of the 7 sensor-driven automatic programs. The snail mode will kickstart a selected program or it will fold ingredients at a very low speed. Integrated into its design, you can find scales for easy weighing of your ingredients, and to minimise your kitchen sink clutter. On the machine, there are two buttons, one for ejecting attachments and the other for releasing and lifting the swivel arm, to eject the mixing bowl. Arguably, the best part about it is that its attachments and bowl are dishwasher-safe, and they even fit in a slimline dishwasher. Wattage: 1600W Attachments: dough hook, beater, whisk Bowl capacity: 5.5L Warranty: 10 years Available from: Currys (£449.99) John Lewis and Partners (£599) undefined Ooni Halo Pro Spiral mixer Available from Ooni (£699), Currys (£699), Lakeland (£699.99) Best stand mixer for dough Pros: High-quality design Fully recyclable packaging Produces excellent bread and pizza dough Secure on the worktop Cons: Very heavy Loud No handle on the bowl Struggles with smaller mixtures Star rating: 4.5/5 For breadmakers and aspiring pizzaiolos, this premium stand mixer from pizza oven brand Ooni is a dream to use. It's been designed with dough in mind and – unlike traditional domestic mixers – has a dual-kneading action that's aided by the heavy-duty spiral hook, breaker bar and rotating bowl, which helps with gluten development and prevents the dough from sticking. Other attachments include a beater and whisk, ideal for making cakes and meringues, though to achieve the best results you'll need to fill the 7.3-litre bowl with a large amount of mixture. The bowl also has a square-like bottom, which meant parts of our mixture got trapped and needed working back in. Making dough, however, was a breeze and the cinnamon buns I baked were perfectly fluffy. I loved the precision of the controls, too. The speed at which the mixer runs is set by a percentage (e.g. 45 per cent speed) and there's an integrated timer, so you can set your machine to work while you crack on with the next stage of your recipe. The motor is loud but powerful and efficient, and in all I found the Halo Pro Spiral a joy to use. Wattage: 750W Attachments: dough hook, beater, whisk, splash guard Bowl capacity: 7.3L Warranty: 1 year standard, 5 years when you register Available from: Ooni (£699) Currys (£699) Lakeland (£699.99) undefined ProCook stand mixer Available from ProCook (£249) Best powerful stand mixer Pros: Efficient motor Large-capacity bowl High-quality design Fully recyclable packaging Secure on the worktop Cons: Noisy in use Fewer speed settings than other models Struggles with smaller amounts of mixture Star rating: 4.5/5 This sleek and stylish model from ProCook really packs a punch in terms of speed and efficiency – perhaps to no surprise, as it has the most powerful motor of any stand mixer I've ever tested. The downside of this is that it's noisy, but I was still impressed with its lightweight design and strong suction feet, which kept it fixed to the worktop in use. Included with the mixer are a balloon whisk, beater and dough hook, as well as a splash shield. It has fewer speed settings than other models like it on the market – there are just six, plus a pulse function, each of which is easy to control. The six-litre bowl is ideal for large mixtures, but I found it struggled with smaller amounts, like egg whites when making meringues. I used the beater to make a cake batter, which was smooth and creamy, though had to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times when adding the eggs. The dough for cinnamon pecan sticky buns also came together well and had a good gluten structure. Wattage: 1800W Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash shield Bowl capacity: 6L Warranty: 2 years Available from: ProCook (£249) undefined KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan Available from Harts of Stur (£448.95), KitchenAid (£449.40), Amazon (£558) Best bowl-lift stand mixer Pros: Attractive Large capacity 11 speed settings Available in a range of colours Cons: Difficult to insert and remove bowl Slow to react to speed changes Relatively noisy Star rating: 4.5/5 Typically more powerful and better for batch baking, bowl-lift stand mixers – like this newer KitchenAid model – have arms on either side that the bowl slots between, allowing ample space for large quantities. The mixer comes with a 5.6-litre capacity, balloon whisk, paddle, and dough hook, and I found the quality of design to be excellent. The motor was almost squeaky during use, and it took a few minutes longer than expected to reach the speed I wanted. Lifting the bowl in and out of the mixer was also trickier than hoped, and it took me a few attempts to get the hang of it. I achieved light, fluffy results when whisking egg whites, and again when making a basic cake batter. Mixing small amounts would likely prove difficult owing to its large size, but if you're baking for a crowd, this gadget can handle it all with ease. Wattage: 325W Attachments: balloon whisk, paddle, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 5.6L Warranty: 5-year guarantee and 15-year repair promise undefined KitchenAid 5KSM125 Artisan stand mixer Available from Amazon (£345), Harts of Stur (£349.95), KitchenAid (£419) Best stand mixer for range of colours Pros: Comes in a variety of colours Lots of accessories available 10 speed settings Consistent high-quality results Cons: Whisk isn’t dishwasher-safe Some ingredients go unmixed at the base of bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 This is KitchenAid’s most iconic stand mixer. It’s a medium-sized model owing to the 4.8 litre bowl, and is available in a wide range of colours including KitchenAid’s annual Colour of the Year. Like all KitchenAid mixers, this model is equipped with 10 speed settings on a sliding scale. This model comes with a beater, dough hook and balloon whisk – check out the full review to see what comes with the 175 and 185 models. This model did a fantastic job on all of the beating, kneading and whisking tests and produced consistently high quality results. My only gripe was that some of the cake mix was left unmixed at the bottom of the bowl, though this was nothing a flexible spatula couldn’t fix. If appearance is just as important as performance, this model is a great choice. Read our full KitchenAid 5KSM125 review. Wattage: 300W Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 4.8L Warranty: 5 years for mixer, 2 years for accessories Latest Deals Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer Available from Amazon (£130), Very (£149), Morphy Richards (£189.99) Best stand mixer for small kitchens Pros: Storage caddy allows you to store attachments inside the bowl Easy accessible height and lid design Non-slip suckers for securing to the counter top Cons: ‘New product’ smell No handle on the bowl Star rating: 4.5/5 If space is at a premium in your kitchen, this innovative stand mixer by Morphy Richards is a compact alternative. It offers all the traditional functions from within a small footprint about the size and width of a large mixing bowl. Dishwasher-friendly attachments for whisking, kneading and beating are stored within a caddy that slots comfortably into the bowl. It arrives fully assembled so you immediately know where and how everything slots together. After that, it’s simply a case of loading your chosen attachment, donning its lid and peering over to watch it work. This is a great one to use with kids. Read our full Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer review. Wattage: 650W Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash guard Bowl capacity: 4L Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£130) Very (£149) Morphy Richards (£189.99) Latest Deals Other stand mixers tested and rated Kenwood kMix Editions stand mixer review, £229.99 What is a stand mixer? A stand mixer – also called a food mixer – is a machine that uses a rotating mechanism to carry out repetitive kitchen tasks. Thanks to the multiple attachments and large capacity of the bowl, they excel at making cakes, kneading dough, whipping and whisking, and work far more effectively than food processors in this respect (although the two are sometimes confused as they have a similar ‘spinning’ motion). Stand mixers have a hinged main body with an output for various attachments, typically whisks, beaters and dough hooks, although you can often upgrade and buy a wide range of attachments. They are known to whisk egg whites, whip up a dough and cream butter with sugar incredibly quickly. These appliances usually have simple speed settings and are easy to operate. They also come in a range of sizes – from small and compact models for those short on space, to bigger, professional-looking bits of kit, to medium-sized models that bridge the gap and are best for people who bake regularly. What can a stand mixer be used for? All the stand mixers the Good Food team has tested come equipped with a dough hook, beater and wire whisk. This means they’re ideal for bread, all kinds of cake from chocolate cakes to fairy cakes, as well as thicker mixes, like carrot cake and gluten-free cake recipes. The wire whisk will make light work of meringue, for classics including lemon meringue pie and pavlova, as well as fun dishes like a tiramisu meringue roulade. But stand mixers are incredibly versatile, so make a note of their other uses to really make the most of your machine. If you’re a fan of dumplings, use the beater to fully mix your ingredients together, see our gyoza and pork momos recipes for inspiration. You can even make your own butter by beating cream until it begins to split. Then separate the liquid from the solids until butter is formed. How to choose the best stand mixer Capacity: like batch baking for cake sales? You’ll need a larger bowl capacity and perhaps a more powerful mechanism that will plough through larger volumes of mixture. Buy the biggest machine you can afford that will fit in your kitchen. Versatility: stand mixers can work hard with the right attachments, which include everything from pasta rollers to sausage makers. Study the number of bolt-on accessories available if you want to use your machine frequently for lots of kitchen tasks. Weight: if you’re short on counter space and will be hauling the stand mixer in and out of storage, be aware that some of them can be very hefty. If you struggle with your back, this is a significant consideration. Value for money: there’s no point splashing out on a gadget-y machine with various accessories if you’re only going to use it to occasionally make basic cakes. Handheld mixer vs stand mixer A hand mixer performs many of the same baking tasks as a stand mixer. A hand mixer (sometimes referred to as beaters) also operate using rotating attachments, but are far smaller than stand mixers, which in turn makes them more affordable. They can be easily packed away for storage and are straightforward to clean. If you want a gadget just to do the basics, a hand mixer will probably be sufficient. A stand mixer is more powerful, with a higher wattage and larger capacity. They’re potentially more versatile, with some offering a wide variety of attachments. One major advantage is that, in contrast to hand mixers, they’re entirely hands-free, allowing you to get on with other things while they work. The roomy bowls are designed to contain ingredients, minimising mess. They can also better handle heavier mixes such as pastry and pizza dough. Ultimately, a stand mixer is an upgrade from a hand mixer, but it depends on your budget. Related reviews Best hand mixers Best cake stands Best cake tins Best serving dishes and platters Best food processors Best blenders Best slow cookers Best pressure cookers Best multi-cookers Best jelly moulds Is HexClad worth it? What equipment do they use in The Great British Bake Off? Is KitchenAid worth it? 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Whether you're preparing for Shrove Tuesday or simply craving crêpes, we’ve put together the ultimate list of everything you need for making pancakes.
Say goodbye to catastrophic crêpes and hello to perfect pancakes! We’ve picked our top tools for Pancake Day (17 February 2026) and beyond, including the best pancake pan, hand whisk, plates and spatula, to ensure your Shrove Tuesday is flippin’ fantastic. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury crêpes, fluffy American-style pancakes or something a little different, there’s a recipe for everyone on our ultimate Pancake Day hub. For more unbiased expert buyer's guides, visit our reviews section to find over 400 round-ups of everything from pancake pans to hand mixers. Plus, if you want to perfect your pancake flip, watch our video on how to flip a pancake. Best tools for Pancake Day 2026 Ninja Foodi Zerostick frying pan, 28cm Available from Very (£44), Argos (£54.99) This top-scoring Ninja frying pan is the perfect companion for Pancake Day. It’s lightweight yet well-balanced, making flipping effortless and stylish. It heats up quickly and retains heat well, so whether you're cooking for yourself or a crowd, you won’t be left waiting. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. For more, browse our guide to the best non-stick frying pans. Available from: Very (£44) Argos (£54.99) OXO Good Grips balloon whisk Available from Amazon (£9), Selfridges (£13) One thing guaranteed to ruin any pancake is lumpy batter. Ensure your mix is velvety smooth with a reliable whisk. We’ve tried plenty of manual whisks but this is our favourite – the shaped silicone handle is extremely comfortable to hold, the whisk head is sturdy, plus it’s good value. Available from: Amazon (£9) Selfridges (£13) ProCook glass digital scales Available from ProCook (£10) Using the wrong ingredient quantities can lead to less-than-perfect pancake results. Ensure precision with a set of modern digital weighing scales. These attractive scales from ProCook are slimline, easy to store and have a capacity of up to 5kg (great for anyone making a big batch) and as little as 2g. We particularly love the conversion charts on the surface. Our best kitchen scales round-up has even more options. Available from: ProCook (£10) Joseph Joseph Nest 9 Plus nesting bowl set Available from Amazon (£59), Lakeland (£59.99), Joseph Joseph (£60) A year-round kitchen essential, this impressive set of mixing bowls will come in handy for every kind of bake. The large mixing bowl has a capacity of 4.5 litres (ideal for mixing large quantities of pancake batter) and the smaller mixing bowl is ideal for pancake toppings. Neatly stacked inside are a sieve (handy for ensuring there are no lumps in your flour), measuring cups and a strainer. The whole set is ultra-lightweight and easy to store. Available from: Amazon (£59) Lakeland (£59.99) Joseph Joseph (£60) ProCook Professional 26cm Granite Crêpe Pan Available from ProCook (£35) If you're a fan of crêpes, this sturdy yet affordable ProCook crêpe pan is perfect for Pancake Day, delivering fast, even heat with no hot spots. Its excellent non-stick surface and ergonomic handle make flipping effortless. Available from: ProCook (£35) MasterClass slotted turner Available from Amazon (£5.93) If you're not quite confident enough to fully toss your pancake, you need a good flexible spatula to help you flip pancakes with ease. A valuable kitchen tool all year round, this gentle silicone spatula will easily slip under the pancake, not scratch any non-stick pans and is wide enough to support the pancake without tearing. Available from: Amazon (£5.93) Our Place dinner plates Available from Our Place (£75) These sturdy, chip-resistant ceramic stoneware plates are perfect for Pancake Day and beyond. With a restaurant-quality glazed finish and three stylish colours, they’re durable, elegant and stack neatly for easy storage. Available from: Our Place (£75) OXO Good Grips clear squeeze sauce bottle Available from Amazon (£8.60) For piping intricate lacy pancakes or carefully adding toppings and fillings, loading up squeezy bottles with ingredients and batters will make you feel straight out of a professional kitchen. They're perfect for getting an immaculate spiral in our cinnamon swirl pancakes recipe. Away from Pancake Day, they're also great for filling up with oil for easily adding when cooking. Available from: Amazon (£8.60) Our Place Griddle Pan Available from Our Place (from £55), Amazon (£110) If you're a fan of American pancakes, Our Place's Griddle Pan is the pan for you this Pancake Day. Its large surface area means it can cook multiple pancakes at once. Its superb non-stick surface ensures even cooking, though its large size suits spacious hobs and ovens best. Available from: Our Place (from £55) Amazon (£110) KitchenCraft soup ladle Available from Amazon (£6.99) A stainless steel ladle is a must-have for Pancake Day, ensuring smooth, mess-free batter pouring. With a handy hanging loop for easy storage, it’s both practical and stylish for your kitchen. Available from: Amazon (£6.99) Related reviews and content Best pancake pans Best non-stick frying pans Best shop-bought pancake toppers Best mixing bowls Best kitchen scales Best hand mixers How to store pans Best stainless steel frying pans Pancake recipes and tips Our best ever pancake recipes Our 10 favourite pancake toppings How to flip a pancake All you need to know about pancakes For more product picks, visit our reviews section – and don't forget to check out all our best pancake recipes. What's your most valued piece of pancake kit? Leave a comment below...