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? Baking recipes Easy baking recipes Brownie recipes Traybake recipes Meringue recipes Bread recipes Sponge cake recipes More deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals
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...
Best mandolines for fine slicing and julienning
Looking for a professional finish? A mandoline makes short, sharp work of slicing and julienning. Find out if this is a gadget worth buying and which topped our tests.
A mandoline is by far the easiest and most efficient way to uniformly cut food. Depending on which blades are included, you can slice, crinkle and waffle cut, julienne, chip, grate and zest. Of course, you can always do these tasks by hand, but it's extremely hard to do so with as much accuracy or speed. Mandolines are great for making soups, salads, slaws, pickled vegetables, potato and vegetable gratins. If you prefer a smart restaurant-style finish over the rustic look, this is definitely the gadget for you. Read on to find the mandolines worth investing in. Best mandoline deals Looking for a discount on one of the mandolines in this list? We've been scouring the market to find the best deals. Good Food in partnership with Tower mandoline: Good Food Mandoline Slicer | £39.99 £27.99 at Tower (save £12 or 30% with code GOODFOOD30) More mandoline deals: OXO Good Grips chef's mandoline 2.0 | £75 £60 at John Lewis & Partners (save £15 or 20%) Cuisipro handheld mandoline | £54 £43.20 at Harts of Stur (save £10.80 or 20%) For more kitchen appliances deals, visit our guide, discover how our experts test products and let us do the hard work for you. Best mandolines at a glance Best mandoline overall: Benriner BN-1, £42.44 Most versatile mandoline: OXO Good Grips chef's mandoline 2.0, £69.42 Best mandoline for comfort: PL.8 professional slicer, £39.99 Best space-saving mandoline: Cuisipro handheld mandoline, £43.20 Jump to: Best mandolines to buy in 2026 Good Food in partnership with Tower mandoline What to look for when buying a mandoline How we tested mandolines We tested each of the blades and thickness settings using a variety of foods, and wanted to see how the mandolines coped with softer items, such as tomatoes and harder ones like carrots. We also used the mandolines to make potato slices and chips, courgette ribbons, carrot rounds and julienne, tomato and orange slices, crinkle cut cucumbers and grated cheese, then scored each product against the following criteria: Ease of assembly and disassembly: A mandoline that's awkward to set up and take apart is likely to stay in the cupboard. We looked for products that were simple to put together, with clearly marked settings. Practical design/ease of use: Blades should be easy to swap and adjust. The hand guard/feeder got extra points if it was large or flexible for different food shapes and sizes, spring-loaded or it included a guide rail. Variety of settings: We took into account the size of the mandoline over options it offered, expecting more from the larger ones. Effectiveness over number were favoured in our final line-up. Ease of cleaning: Dishwashing was not essential as long as cleaning by hand proved easy – this hung largely on how simple the mandoline was to take apart and access any food debris. Safety: It's extremely easy to cut yourself with a mandoline due to the sharpness of the blades. We looked for a versatile hand guard, non-slip base and handle, blade lock and ease of assembly to avoid accidental slipping. Best mandolines to buy in 2026 Benriner BN-1 Available from Amazon (£42.44) Best mandoline overall The Benriner BN-1 is a no-nonsense, ultra-sharp Japanese mandoline designed for precision slicing. With an adjustable blade, it allows for effortless customisation of thickness, from paper-thin radish slices to hearty onion rings. Instead of pre-set thickness settings like some of the other models on this list, a simple thumb screw offers infinite adjustments for greater control. Its razor-sharp stainless steel blade cuts cleanly through vegetables with minimal effort. Three interchangeable blades enable julienne and matchstick cuts, making it a versatile tool for coleslaw, chips and more. Compact and lightweight, it’s also easy to handle and store. The included hand guard is functional but basic, so a cut-resistant glove may be safer for larger ingredients. A major advantage is the removable blade, which can be re-sharpened to extend its longevity. Cleaning is simple – just rinse under running water. Favoured by home cooks and professionals, the Benriner BN-1 is a high-performance slicer without unnecessary extras. If you're after a durable, precise mandoline, this is an excellent investment. undefined OXO Good Grips chef's mandoline 2.0 Available from John Lewis & Partners (£60), Amazon (£69.42) Most versatile mandoline This mandoline offers an impressive 21 settings, including different widths for slices, starting at 0.5mm and going up to 9mm in 0.5mm increments. You can also do crinkle and waffle cuts, but these need to start at around 4mm to be effective as the grooves are quite deep on the blade. Using the julienne settings, you can cut matchsticks and fine chips with ease. Extra marks were given for it being dishwasher safe, sturdy and easy to set up, with a super-simple illustrated instruction booklet. We also liked the spring-loaded hand guard/feeder which requires less coordination than ones that you have to manually push down as you slice. undefined PL.8 Professional slicer Available from Lakeland (£39.99) Best mandoline for comfort This mandoline was our runaway favourite for the occasional user, offering fantastic value for money and effective slicing and julienning while not taking up much cupboard space. It's a handheld mandoline, but with a comfortable grip on the handle and non-slip stand, it remains stable while in use. The mandoline produces slices in three thicknesses, which are noticeably different and easy to engage, unlike many we tried. There are also three sizes of julienne. The hand guard/feeder is generously proportioned and sits well on the runners, making it easy to use without slipping. Grating, crinkle and waffle cuts are not an option, so if you're after a wider variety of cuts, this isn't the one for you. Available from: Lakeland (£39.99) Cuisipro handheld mandoline Available from Harts of Stur (£43.20), Amazon (£54.11) Best space-saving mandoline If you want one gadget to cover a number of jobs, then this Cuisipro mandoline could be the solution. There are five thickness settings for slicing and two different blade widths for julienne, with the ability to adjust thickness from matchsticks to French fries. Crinkle and waffle cuts work best in two thicknesses, which we feel is sufficient. Add a grating blade to the mix and this gives a variety of useful functions in one tool. The lock mode does leave the julienne blades a little exposed, but there's the ability to take all the blades out for storage, meaning you can slide the mandoline into a small space without concern for safety. The hand guard/feeder is small compared to some we tested, but it runs smoothly so is easy to use. Available from: Harts of Stur (£43.20) Amazon (£54.11) Good Food in partnership with Tower mandoline Available from Amazon (£39.99), Tower (£39.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 Simplify slicing with this high-quality mandoline slicer, created in partnership with Tower. With razor-sharp, interchangeable blades and adjustable thickness settings, it delivers fast, precise cuts every time, whether you're preparing a salad or a stir-fry. Non-slip feet and a secure food holder keep things steady and safe, while the foldable stand makes storage easy. It's durable, dishwasher-safe and built to last – a must for any keen home cook. Available from: Amazon (£39.99) Tower (£39.99) – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30 What to look for when buying a mandoline The first aspect to look at is which functions you're likely to use. Slicing is the core feature of any mandoline, but does a broad range of thicknesses with precision measurements appeal, or would two to three options suffice? A julienne blade saves a lot of time if you otherwise do this by hand. Some offer only small julienne, others will produce French fry-style chips. We tend to think of crinkle and waffle cuts as a fun but nonessential addition, yet they can provide an interesting texture to soups and salads, and why not if the option's there? Grating and zesting are handy too if you want to cut back on how many different gadgets you have in the cupboard, although the surface area tends to be smaller. If you're used to a big box grater, you might find this slower. Safety is another consideration. Look for blade locks, a sufficiently large hand guard/feeder, non-slip feet and a handle. There are a few mini mandolines on the market which might also be worth considering if their specific uses encompass your needs. Joseph Joseph's Handi-Grate slices small items like garlic and ginger and even comes with a hand guard. Flip it over and there's a fine grater for zest too. Microplane offers a slightly wider slicing tool. It works very effectively for cutting rounds from long vegetables such as courgette and cucumber. However, if you want to use it for smaller foods or anything where your hands need to get close to the blade, we'd suggest buying the hand guard as this is not included. Related reviews Best slow cookers Best bullet blenders Best toasters Best kettles Best food processors Best salad spinners
Discover the best eco dishwasher tablets and powder for sparkling results, from certified organic choices to plastic free options tested in real kitchens
Finding eco-friendly dishwasher tablets that actually work can be a challenge. Some promise a sparkling clean but leave streaks, while others perform well but come in wasteful packaging. We’ve put a range of eco dishwasher tablets UK brands to the test to see which deliver on cleaning power while being kinder to the planet. Eco options are made without phosphates, chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals, using biodegradable, plant-based ingredients instead. Many also come in plastic-free or refillable packaging, making them a good choice for families looking to cut waste and reduce exposure to irritants. The right tablets or powders will remove everyday grease and food without leaving chemical residues behind, so you can feel confident about what’s touching your plates and glasses. Whether you want the best non-toxic dishwasher tablets the UK has to offer or are simply curious if green products can match mainstream brands, we can help you make the switch. Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best all-round eco dishwasher tablets: Ecover Power all-in-one dishwasher tablets, £6.80 Best eco dishwasher tablets for convenience: Smol dishwasher tablets, £6.50 Best fragrance-free eco dishwasher tablets: Koh dishwasher tablets, £13.95 Best certified eco dishwasher tablets: Bower Collective Classic eco dishwasher tablets, £9.74 Best gentle eco dishwasher tablets: BioD dishwasher tablets, £6.26 Best organic eco dishwasher powder: Greenscents dishwasher powder, £8.50 Best compact eco dishwasher tablets: Neat eco dishwasher tablets, £7.50 Jump to: Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets to buy in 2026 Do eco dishwasher tablets work? What are the most environmentally-friendly dishwasher tablets? Are regular dishwasher tablets bad for the environment? How we tested eco dishwasher tablets The only real way to test the performance of a dishwasher tablet or powder is to use it in a real-world setting: think busy families and multiple loads a week. So, we sent members of the Good Food team off with a pack of dishwasher tablets to use at home with their own dishwashers. After a week of daily testing, the testers gave their feedback. We then looked at the ingredients list, packaging, eco-credentials, value for money and compared the brands claimed performance to the actual performance. We scored each eco dishwasher tablet on the following core areas out of five: Sustainability and eco-credentials: a key category for this test. We scrutinised the ingredients list, looked for environmental certifications, looked for disclosure about sourcing, asked where the eco dishwasher tablets were made and kept a watchful eye out for any greenwashing. Packaging: recyclable, compostable and plastic-free packaging is a must. We also looked at how easy the eco dishwasher tablets were to store. Cleaning performance: we asked our testers questions about the tablet’s performance on different crockery and glassware, as well as the amount of residue left (if any), the scent, the ease of use and design of the packaging, and more. Value and availability: we calculated the cost per tablet and questioned how this compared to readily available supermarket tablets, we also made not of any subscription options that would bring down the cost of the tablets. We also looked at where the tablets could be purchased. Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets to buy in 2026 Ecover Power all-in-one dishwasher tablets Available from Ocado (£6.80), Waitrose (£8.50), Sainsbury's (£8.50), Ecover (£8.50), Big Green Smile (£18.70 - pack of 72) Best all-round eco dishwasher tablets Pros: Excellent cleaning results No plastic wrappers or excess packaging Pleasant scent Strong eco credentials Cons: Slightly more expensive per wash No bulk or subscription discounts Star rating: 4.5/5 Price per wash: around 35p These Ecover POWER all-in-one tablets tick many boxes for eco-minded shoppers after a mainstream option. The compact cardboard box, made with at least 60 per cent post-consumer recycled material, is easy to store and almost completely plastic-free, except for a thin plastic liner to keep moisture out. The tablets have an invisible coating so there’s no fiddly unwrapping, making them both convenient and waste-free. The instructions are clear with helpful graphics and the tablets slot neatly into the compartment. Their cleaning performance is impressive, with dishes, glassware and cutlery emerging spotless and streak-free. Greasy and baked-on food was tackled well and there was no residue left behind. The subtle mandarin and lemongrass scent is pleasant without being overpowering. Ecover's eco credentials are strong, with a biodegradable formula, cruelty-free and vegan status and no palm oil or parabens. The inclusion of rinse aid and salt further boosts convenience. While the cost per wash is slightly higher than supermarket brands, the quality and environmental benefits justify the price for those prioritising sustainability. Available from: Ocado (£6.80) Waitrose (£8.50) Sainsbury's (£8.50) Ecover (£8.50) Big Green Smile (£18.70 - pack of 72) Smol dishwasher tablet Available from Smol (£6.50) Best eco dishwasher tablets for convenience Pros: 100% plastic-free, compostable packaging Good cleaning performance Built-in rinse aid, no unwrapping needed Vegan and cruelty-free Free trial available Cons: Packaging is difficult to open Instructions could be clearer Star rating: 4.5/5 Price per wash: around 22p With these Smol dishwasher tablets, the compact, plastic-free packaging is a definite highlight – fully recyclable, FSC-certified and home-compostable, with no unnecessary plastic film. The tablets themselves are easy to use; they don’t need unwrapping and fit neatly into the dishwasher compartment. The cleaning performance is impressive, handling greasy dishes, glassware and cutlery with relative ease and leaving no residue or overpowering scent. The built-in rinse aid means there’s no need for extra products, though the lack of clear usage instructions and the fiddly child-safe packaging can make the first use a little frustrating. The subscription service is convenient and the cost per wash is only slightly higher than many supermarket brands, making it an achievable swap for eco-minded households. With strong eco credentials, including vegan and cruelty-free certifications, these tablets are a solid choice for greener cleaning. Available from: Smol (£6.50) Koh dishwasher tablets Available from Koh (£13.95) Best fragrance-free eco dishwasher tablets Pros: Plastic-free, fully recyclable packaging Effective on tough stains and grease Vegan, cruelty-free and biodegradable formula Fragrance-free Bulk pack of 50 tablets Cons: Higher cost per wash than standard brands No built-in rinse or drying aid Star rating: 4.5/5 Price per wash: around 28p A minimalist approach and strong eco credentials set these dishwasher tablets apart from many on the market. Packaged in a compact, fully recyclable cardboard box with no unnecessary plastic, they offer a straightforward, fragrance-free option for those keen to reduce their environmental footprint. The tablets dissolve well and leave no residue, delivering impressive results on stubborn, baked-on food and greasy dishes. Glassware and cutlery also emerged spotless, making them a reliable choice for most loads. With certifications like GECA and Sensitive Choice (Australian certifications), the formula is vegan, cruelty-free and contains no phosphates or chlorine bleach. The ingredients are biodegradable and the absence of microbeads or strong fumes is a welcome touch for sensitive households. However, there is no built-in rinse aid or refill system, and the price per wash is higher than most supermarket brands. While ideal for eco-minded families, those seeking maximum convenience or a lower price point may wish to look elsewhere. Available from: Koh (£13.95) Bower Collective classic eco dishwasher tablets Available from Bower Collective (£9.74) Best certified eco dishwasher tablets Pros: Excellent eco credentials and plastic-free packaging Effective on most dishes and glassware Vegan and B Corp certified Cons: More expensive than conventional options Occasional issues with heavily soiled items if not pre-rinsed No noticeable fragrance Star rating: 4/5 Price per wash: around 28p Nicely presented with clear eco-friendly branding, these dishwasher tablets are a strong choice for those who value minimal packaging and naturally derived ingredients. The recyclable cardboard box and water-soluble biodegradable wrapper make it a genuinely plastic-free option, with 87 per cent of the ingredients naturally derived and the business B-Corp certified. Cleaning performance was generally impressive, particularly on baked-on food and cutlery, although a couple of items that hadn't been rinsed as directed were left less than spotless, so make sure you're thorough. There is no detectable fragrance, despite a lemon scent being advertised, which may appeal to those sensitive to scents. The tablets dissolve well without leaving residue and the bulk box is easy to store, though it’s on the larger side. A separate rinse aid is recommended for best results. The cost per wash is higher than supermarket alternatives, but subscription discounts are available, making it more accessible for committed eco households. Available from: Bower Collective (£9.74) BioD dishwasher tablets Available from Ocado (£7.70), BioD (£7.84) Best gentle eco dishwasher tablets Pros: Fully plastic-free, recyclable packaging Naturally derived, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients Dissolves well and leaves no residue Subtle, pleasant scent Cons: Not all-in-one; requires separate rinse aid and salt Slightly less effective on heavy, baked-on stains More expensive than standard brands Star rating: 4/5 Price per wash: around 25p Compact and easy to store, these eco dishwasher tablets are a strong choice for eco-minded families and those with sensitive skin. The packaging is entirely plastic-free, using a 100 per cent recycled cardboard box and a biodegradable water-soluble wrapper, which is a definite plus for anyone looking to reduce plastic waste. Ingredients are naturally derived and free from phosphates and other potentially harmful chemicals, with clear vegan and cruelty-free credentials. The cleaning performance was generally good, particularly for everyday loads, but struggled a little with heavily soiled or greasy items after big meals. There's no strong artificial fragrance, leaving dishes with a subtle, clean scent. However, these tablets are not all-in-one, so you’ll need to add your own rinse aid and salt for hard water areas. They are a little pricier than mainstream supermarket brands and are only available online, which may limit convenience for some households. Available from: Ocado (£7.70) BioD (£7.84) Greenscents dishwasher powder Available from Greenscents (£8.50) Best organic eco dishwasher powder Pros: Certified organic and vegan Compostable packaging Free from harsh chemicals Cons: Messy and fiddly to use No fragrance Requires separate rinse aid Star rating: 3.5/5 Price per wash: around 28p Offering a truly organic, non-toxic approach to dishwashing, this Greenscents powder stands out for its impressive eco credentials. Certified organic by the Soil Association and both vegan and cruelty-free, it is free from petrochemicals, palm oil and microplastics. The compostable paper pouch and minimal plastic seal make the packaging notably sustainable and easy to store. The cleaning performance is decent, tackling greasy dishes and baked-on food well, though results were more average on glassware and cutlery. The powder dissolves fully but requires measuring out with a teaspoon, which can be prone to spillage and fiddly for those with mobility issues. There's no added fragrance, which some may find leaves dishes feeling less fresh, plus a separate rinse aid is needed. While the formula is gentle and ingredient transparency is excellent, the lack of convenience compared to tablets and the slightly higher price may put off some users. Its ideal for eco-conscious households prioritising organic, UK-made products. Available from: Greenscents (£8.50) Neat eco dishwasher tablets Available from Neat (from £7.50) Best compact eco dishwasher tablets Pros: Plastic-free, recyclable packaging Plant-based and biodegradable ingredients Certified B Corp, vegan and cruelty-free Compact, space-saving box Cons: Residue and smears on glassware Inconsistent cleaning performance on grease Slightly higher cost per wash than mainstream brands Box design allows tablets to spill out easily Star rating: 3/5 Price per wash: around 25p Designed for eco-minded households, these all-in-one dishwasher tablets stand out for their plastic-free, recyclable packaging and plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. The compact box fits neatly in kitchen cupboards and the tablets are individually wrapped in dissolvable film, eliminating unnecessary plastic. Certified B Corp and vegan, they are free from phosphates, parabens, dyes, ammonia, chlorine, sulphates and phthalates, making them a strong choice for those seeking a greener clean. However, cleaning performance was mixed. While dishes generally came out looking clean, our testers reported greasy residue and noticeable smears on glassware, with some items even needing a rewash. The tablets are formulated to dissolve on short or eco cycles and include built-in rinse aid, though additional salt may be needed in hard water areas. At 25p per wash, they are pricier than conventional supermarket brands, but subscription discounts are available. For those prioritising sustainability over spotless glassware, they are a decent option. Available from: Neat (from £7.50) Do eco dishwasher tablets work? Modern eco tablets generally clean just as well as conventional ones, particularly on everyday food messes. Many eco-friendly dishwasher tablets use natural enzymes (like protease and amylase) to break down fats and proteins, much like regular detergents. In practice, this means they lift dried food, grease and stains effectively when used under the right conditions. To get the best results, run full wash cycles at moderate to high temperatures and avoid overloading the machine. In our tests, many of the eco dishwasher tablets and powder removed tea and coffee, stains and grease just as well as mainstream tablets, though really burnt-on or baked-on food might need a pre-soak or a second run. A tip: check if your dishwasher has a dedicated eco cycle – these settings can help non-toxic dishwasher tablets formulas perform their best. Overall, you don’t have to sacrifice cleaning power to go green. By choosing the right product and wash program, eco tablets will give you clean dishes without the harsh chemicals. What are the most environmentally friendly dishwasher tablets? Truly green tablets share a few key features. The most sustainable dishwasher tablets are biodegradable and plant-based – that means no phosphates, chlorine bleaches or petrochemicals. Look for products that use non-corrosive enzymes and naturally derived surfactants (often from coconut or sugarcane) that break down safely in water. They should also avoid palm oil and be free from artificial fragrances or dyes. Packaging is another big factor: many top eco brands package tablets in cardboard boxes or offer refill pouches to cut plastic waste. Certifications can help you to identify green products – for example, the EU Ecolabel logo or a Cruelty-Free International stamp indicates stricter environmental standards. Key green features to look for: Biodegradable formula: plant-based surfactants and enzymes that decompose quickly in nature. No phosphates or chlorine: prevents nutrient pollution (algae blooms) and avoids toxic byproducts. Minimal, recyclable packaging: cardboard boxes or refill schemes to eliminate plastic tubs and bags. Gentle on the planet: free from palm oil and with any perfume or dye kept to a minimum. The most eco-friendly tablets combine effective cleaning with a low-impact recipe and plastic-free packaging Are regular dishwasher tablets bad for the environment? Traditional dishwasher tablets can contain ingredients that can harm waterways and wildlife. For years, they commonly included phosphates (though banned now in UK detergents) and strong synthetic surfactants that persist in the environment. When these chemicals wash down the drain, they can contribute to nutrient pollution in rivers and oceans, harming fish and plant life. Many regular tablets also use chlorine-based bleaches or artificial fragrances – these can form irritating or toxic compounds when they break down. Another concern is packaging: mainstream brands usually come in thick plastic tubs or single-use plastic film, adding to landfill or microplastic pollution. Even if you use a dishwasher (which saves water compared to washing by hand), using a non-toxic dishwasher detergent means far fewer harsh residues end up in the ecosystem after each cycle. Related reviews Best dishwashers Dishwasher deals Best pan sets Best roasting tins Best ovens Best fridge freezers More cleaning guides How to clean a dishwasher How to descale a kettle How to clean an air fryer How to clean a BBQ How to clean an oven How to clean a microwave How to clean a coffee machine
The Good Food team 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. Best saucepans at a glance Best non-stick saucepan: Ninja Foodi Zerostick 16cm saucepan, £29.99 Best stainless-steel saucepan: Samuel Groves stainless steel tri-ply saucepan, £98 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, £25 Best microwave-safe saucepan: Kitchen Craft 900ml microwave saucepan, £12.99 How we test saucepans When testing saucepans we look at four key areas: How efficient it is to cook with Whether its well built and built to last Nicely weighted and balanced on the hob Easy to store Each saucepan was tested by cooking a variety of simple and commonly cooked foods. To test how easy the saucepan is to clean and its non-stick capabilities, we cooked porridge. We tested how controlled the saucepan was when cooking at lower temperatures by slowly caramelising onions. And to check that the saucepan distributed heat evenly by boiling water for pasta, we boiled the pasta with the lid on to check that the saucepan wouldn’t boil over. Best saucepans to buy in 2026 Ninja Foodi Zerostick 16cm saucepan Available from Robert Dyas (£29.99) 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: Ninja (from £49.99) 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 (£25) 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 (£25) Latest Deals Kitchen Craft 900ml microwave saucepan Available from Amazon (£12.99) 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 (£12.99) 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. 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Best induction hobs for energy-efficient cooking
If you're considering buying a new induction hob for your kitchen, here's a look at the best integrated and portable options on the market, rated by white goods experts
Modern and minimalist, inductions hobs can be incredibly easy to control, quick to heat up, and have impressive energy-efficient credentials. Compared to the sometimes bulky-looking gas hobs, they're generally much sleeker-looking, sitting flush to the worktop with either touchscreen controls or a couple of dials. You can also purchase portable induction hobs, which come in a range of sizes, as well as single and double burner models. They’re a practical choice for travelling or if you’re particularly conscious of how much energy you’re using, particularly as bills have gone up significantly in recent years. We've spoken to domestic white goods experts from Currys, AO and Samsung, as well as advisors from UK Whitegoods to bring you the best induction hob suggestions, plus the best portable induction hobs to buy as tested by the Good Food reviews team. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best induction hobs at a glance Best induction hob: AEG IKB64301FB, £410 Best energy-efficient induction hob: Samsung NZ84T9747VK, £1,599 Best value induction hob: Hotpoint TQ1460SNE59, £239 Best smart induction hob: Samsung NZ64B4015FK, £299 Best induction hob for small households: Bosch Series 2 PUG61RAA5B, £299 Best induction hob for large households: Hotpoint TB2560C, £279 Portable induction hobs: Best single portable induction hob: Vango Sizzle Single Induction Hob, £72.50 Best double portable induction hob: Amz Chef Double Induction Hob, £88.39 Best portable induction hob for fast results: VonShef Double Induction Hob, £89.99 Jump to: Best induction hobs to buy in 2026 What is an induction hob? Ceramic hob versus induction hob Are induction hobs energy efficient? How to clean an induction hob Which pans can you use on an induction hob? How we tested portable induction hobs Best induction hobs to buy in 2026 AEG IKB64301FB 59cm electric induction hob Available from Amazon (£410) Best induction hob Top features: Four rings Easy-to-use touchscreen Built-in timer Lockable controls Hob2Hood function Boost setting Combining simple controls with extensive functionality, this AEG hob is built with 15 power level displays and a flat, scratch-resistant surface that wipes clean easily. Other clever features include a power boost button (use this when you need extra-speedy results) and the Hob2Hood function, which automatically adjusts the fan extraction from the cooker hood to match the heat levels on the hob below. Any risk of food burning or water boiling over is removed thanks to the integrated timer, which you programme to power down the heat once the time has elapsed. For added safety where little hands are present, the controls can also be locked. Available from: Amazon (£410) Samsung Infinite Range CombiHob NZ84T9747VK venting hob Available from Amazon (£1,299), AO (£1,599) Best energy-efficient induction hob Top features: Four rings Dual Flex zone Built-in downward cooker hood Programmable timer Automatic shut-off Lockable control panel Boost mode Where you choose to fit an induction hob in your kitchen can often be restricted by where your ventilation points are. This model eliminates that boundary with its built-in downdraft cook hood, which draws in steam from below and captures any odours as you cook. This means you can have the hob fixed onto any surface in your kitchen, without the need for a separate extractor fan. It has good eco credentials, with an A+ energy rating and a five-year warranty. The Dual Flex zone is another great feature that increases the size of the cooking area, so you can use larger pots and pans. The hob itself has a sleek, clean appearance, with smooth surfaces that wipe clean easily and a handy timer that alerts you when everything is done. Available from: Amazon (£1,299) AO (£1,599) undefined Hotpoint TQ1460SNE electric induction hob Available from Hughes (£199), Donaghy Bros (£238), Currys (£239), OnBuy (£264.38) Best value induction hob Top features: Four rings Easy-to-use touchscreen controls Automatic switch-off Lockable controls Boost function Four auto programmes If you're prone to the occasional culinary mishap, this Hotpoint induction hob comes with four automatic cooking methods that set the optimum temperature for specific ingredients, so you can better prevent any foods burning or sticking to the pan. Among them are boil, melt, slow cook, and keep warm, plus there's a boost function if you need an extra blast of heat. It's sleek, touchscreen design is attractive and contemporary-looking, and there's bonus safety features, too, like lockable controls, a residual heat indicator, and auto switch-off if there's a spillage. It has also nine power levels and requires professional installation. Available from: Hughes (£199) Donaghy Bros (£238) Currys (£239) OnBuy (£264.38) Latest Deals Samsung NZ64B4015FK/U1 electric induction smart hob Available from Amazon (£299) Best smart induction hob Top features: Four rings Boost function Touch controls WiFi-enabled 15 power levels Child-safety lock Pause function For those looking for a high-spec induction hob, this WiFi-enabled model from Samsung comes with a range of impressive features – including a pause function that lowers the temperature in case you need to go and do something else while cooking. Elements of the hob can be also controlled remotely using the SmartThings app. For safety reasons you can't switch the cooktop on or off via your phone, but you can set the timer, receive alerts, and check whether the hob rings are on when you're not at home. Its slim-fit design helps it slot seamlessly into the kitchen, and the oval-shaped cooking zones are ideal for those with bigger pots and pans. This hob also comes with a five-year guarantee. Available from: Amazon (£299) Latest Deals Bosch Series 2 PUG61RAA5B electric induction hob Available from Amazon (£297.99), AO (£298), Appliance City (£298), Currys (£299) Best induction hob for small households Top features: Four rings Nine power settings Boost function QuickStart function Plug & Play Lockable controls If you're looking for an induction hob that simply plugs straight into the socket, this Bosch model is an excellent choice. Thanks to its Plug & Play design, it also uses a lower power output than a typical hardwired induction hob, so is ideal for households who frequently cook smaller meals. The lockable controls keep the temperature settings fixed for as long as you need them to, in case of any accidental button-pushing. It has good user-friendly credentials too – the hob's quick-start mode gets to work when it detects a pan has been placed down and lights up the control panel. Boost mode is a handy feature for ultra-quick results, and the surface doesn't get hot during cooking either. Available from: Amazon (£297.99) AO (£298) Appliance City (£298) Currys (£299) Latest Deals Hotpoint TB2560C 59cm electric induction hob Available from Currys (£279) Best induction hob for large households Top features: Four rings Boost function CleanProtect coating Four auto-cook presets Flexible cooking zones Child lock Ideal for larger households, this is a hard-wearing hob that's resistant to tough stains or cooking marks thanks to the special CleanProtect coating – this means, in theory, the hob will stay looking newer for longer. The coating also means it's less susceptible to chipping, and according to Hotpoint it's five times stronger than the brand's standard hobs. There are four auto-cook presets to choose from via the 'My Menu' setting, which include melting, boiling, slow cooking, and keep warm. It features an intuitive touchscreen, too, with nine power levels and ample space for larger pans – simply connect the cooking zones on the left using the 'FlexiDuo' button to turn two rings into one. Available from: Currys (£279) undefined Vango Sizzle Single Induction Hob Available from John Lewis & Partners (£72.50) Best single portable induction hob Pros: Cheap to run Easy to store Reacts well to temperature changes Lightweight Cons: Less suitable for large pans Noisy A little slow Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 800W Cost to run for 10 minutes: 4.4p This small portable induction hob is the perfect grab-and-go size for camping, glamping or even packing your kids off to uni with. It even comes with a handy storage bag to hang it up and keep it free from scratches and scuffs. Taking a leisurely 7 minutes 30 seconds to boil a litre of water, this induction hob was the slowest of all the models on this list. However, it was very responsive to changes in temperature, saving a pan of milk from boiling over just in time. Plus, this model delivers even and consistent heat; we found there were no inconsistent hot spots. This induction hob is small, so is not suitable for cooking large portions with large pans. There’s little space either side of the hob ring, so we’d suggest only using a pan 20cm wide or under. The controls are intuitive and react quickly to touch. It’s also very sturdy on the countertop and comes with a lengthy 2.5-metre plug cord. Read our full Vango Sizzle single induction hob review. Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£72.50) undefined Amzchef Double Induction Hob Available from Amazon (£88.39) Best double portable induction hob Star rating: 4/5 Pros: Easy to use Intuitive touchscreen Ample space for a variety of pan sizes Cons: Less efficient to run Mostly non-recyclable packaging Less responsive to temperature changes Wattage: 1800W (right), 1000W (left) Cost to run for 10 minutes: Right hob 9.2p, left hob 4.9p Earning the award for best double portable induction hob, this ultra attractive induction hob is a sleek addition to the kitchen. It’s also slim and lightweight, making it easy to store when not in use. The touchscreen controls sit flush to the surface and are very responsive to touch, and the smooth surface is very easy to clean. Boasting plenty of space around each hob ring, this induction hob allows you to move pans around with ease. This hob was neither fast nor slow when it came to heating a litre of water: it took five minutes to do so. We also found it provided even and consistent heat as evidenced by the gentle browning of our caramel. Reactiveness was this model’s downfall, as unfortunately milk boiled over on our test as it takes around 2 seconds to react to changes in temperature. But by that time it was too late and we were left with a significant puddle to clean up. Thankfully however, the hob rings do not get hot enough to burn the milk on, so clean up was a doddle. Read our full Amz Chef double induction hob review. Available from: Amazon (£88.39) undefined VonShef Double Induction Hob Available from Amazon (£84.99), VonHaus (£89.99), B&Q (£89.99) Best portable induction hob for fast results Star rating: 4/5 Pros: Quick to boil Rings are large enough for a variety of pan sizes Looks attractive Good safety features Great value Cons: Expensive to run Large footprint Noisy Less reactive to reductions in temperature Wattage: 2800W Cost to run for 10 minutes: 8.8p If you’re after an induction hob that delivers rapid results, this VonShef model is the speediest on the list. It took just 2 minutes 20 seconds to boil a litre of water; an impressive time that rivals the humble kettle. Like the model above, the glass top is smooth and has clear, touchscreen controls. The majority of the controls are intuitive, other than the timer, which took a couple of attempts to master. The fan, that sits on the underside on the bottom left, is very noisy, and when using the higher temperatures, it whirrs even louder. We were left disappointed by the poor reaction to temperature changes, which meant milk boiled over on our test. We also found the sugar melted faster than we expected on our caramel test, which is brilliant for confident cooks, but the majority would appreciate a more controlled cook, particularly when dealing with sugar. Read our full VonShef double induction hob review. Available from: Amazon (£84.99) VonHaus (£89.99) B&Q (£89.99) undefined What is an induction hob? An induction hob is a flat, glass-topped plate that uses heat created by magnetism to warm pots and pans, rather than direct heat (gas hobs) or heated plates (electric hobs). Beneath the glass surface of induction hobs sit coils that an alternating electrical current runs through. When an induction-compatible pan (magnetised pan) is placed onto the surface of the hob, a magnetic field is created between the coils and the pan, causing an electrical current to run through it. This electrical current is then converted into heat to cook whatever is in the pan. A quick way to check whether your pan is induction compatible is to place a magnet on the underside. If the magnet sticks then it’ll work on induction, if it does not, then it won't. Ceramic hob versus induction hob Induction hobs Pros: Energy-efficient option Responsive to changes in temperature Safe to use – surface doesn’t stay hot Easy to clean Cons: Can be expensive Not suitable for all pans Glass surface is prone to scratches Ceramic hobs Pros: Cheaper to buy than induction Easy to clean (though you have to wait for it to cool down) Can be used with any cookware Cons: Slow to heat up Retains heat, so slow to respond to changes in temperature Not as safe as induction as the surface stays hot after use Glass surface prone to scratches Are induction hobs energy efficient? The short answer is, yes. Induction hobs are more energy efficient than their gas and electric counterparts. If you think about how induction hobs actually work, it’s easy to see why. Where pans on gas hobs sit on top of cast iron racks or rings there’s a considerable portion of space where unused heat is expelled into the surroundings, whereas on an induction hob, the entire base of the pan has contact with the hob top, so all of the electric current that’s used to produce the heat goes into the pan. And further to this, once the pan is removed, the heat is no longer produced. For context, a study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy found with induction hobs "up to 90% of the energy consumed is transferred to the food, compared to about 74% for traditional electric systems and 40% for gas." Induction hobs are also considerably faster than other hob types. Take boiling a litre of water, for example: of the induction hobs we tested, the fastest took just 2 minutes 20 seconds to come to a boil compared to 13 minutes 15 seconds on a gas hob. The number will vary hob to hob, but as a general rule of thumb, induction is faster. How to clean an induction hob The flat, smooth surface of an induction hob makes them the easiest hob type to clean. Simply wipe up any spills with a damp cloth as you would your work surface. Unlike gas or electric hobs, mess is unlikely to become burned on as induction hobs rarely reach hot enough temperatures. However, if you’re not diligent when cleaning, any spills that aren’t cleaned up on the ring may become fused to the surface if you cook with a pan on top of them. If this happens, a slightly tougher approach may be needed. Razors or scrapers can be bought directly from the hob manufacturer – use this in conjunction with washing-up liquid and water to scrape the scorched bits away. What pans can you use on an induction hob? In the "What is an induction hob?" section, we explained how an induction hob works. Therefore, any pans with a metal element in the base will work on an induction hob. Pans made from cast iron and some alloys of stainless steel will naturally work on an induction hob. Cookware made from aluminium, glass and copper will not work because they do not contain a metal that reacts to a magnetic field. Some brands counteract this by including an iron plate on the underside of their aluminium or copper pans. It’s always best to check whether the pans you’re looking to buy are induction compatible. We always include their compatibility in our cookware product round-ups. Our guide to the best frying pans and the best pan sets offer great examples for safe use on induction hobs. How we tested portable induction hobs We scoured the market for a range of different portable induction hobs. We wanted budget-friendly models, compact models, and models worth the investment. Both single and double portable induction hobs are included in this list, and both were tested using the same standardised criteria. Our tests involved bringing water to the boil, seeing how reactive the induction hobs are to temperature changes, making Good Food’s caramel sauce and allowing the molten sugar to show us any hot spots, as well as cleaning the hob. With many of us wanting to be more enlightened about how much our appliances actually cost to run, we conducted a simple test. The average cost per kilowatt hour for fixed rate tariff customers was 34p/kWh at the time of testing, so we cooked pasta for 10 minutes on a rolling boil, and recorded the cost to run for that single unit of time. The cost to run for 10 minutes for each hob is recorded above. All induction hobs were scored against the following criteria: Sustainability: We looked at the materials and packaging of each product – if it was not recyclable or sustainable, the product lost points. Cost to run: We asked whether the induction hob was costly or relatively cheap to run based on our 10 minute pasta-boiling test. Value for money: Is the performance of the product and its various features consistent with the price? Ease of use: We looked for practical, straightforward and intuitive hobs. Any elements that felt overcomplicated or in any way confusing meant the hob was marked down. Results: When peering into the saucepan, we wanted to see consistent bubbles, even heat distribution, a hob that brought water to the boil quickly, and one that was reactive to temperature changes. Quality of design features: Sturdy and robust design always makes sense. We also looked for appropriate safety features, bright, well-lit control panels, and useful, but not annoying, sounds and alerts. Related reviews Best ovens Best fridge-freezers Best dishwashers Best non-stick frying pans Best pan sets Best pancake pans Best paella pans Best cast iron skillets Best sauté pans Best griddle pans Best cast iron cookware Best casserole dishes Best woks Best saucepans How to season cast iron All costs-to-run calculations were done against the variable tariff at the time of testing (34p/kWh), which has since changed – read more on the current energy price guarantee rates.