We've been testing tea and scones to bring you our favourite afternoon teas in Britain. We're just getting started, so give us your suggestions...
There's nothing more refined than a spot of afternoon tea, and following the runaway success of our guide to throwing your own, we decided to head out to the streets to discover the best places to go afternoon tea across the UK if you want to book yourself into somewhere special. Our ever-evolving list will give you ideas for places to book for Mother's Day, hen dos, special family occasions or just those times when you fancy partaking in an afternoon of decadent scone-sampling. From the grand setting of Cliveden House in Berkshire to stunning sea views in Devon or an Indian twist in Birmingham, there's an afternoon tea for everyone. We're always looking for ideas for inclusions we might have missed, so please leave your suggestions in the comments below. For London afternoon tea inspiration, check out our range of guides including the best themed afternoon teas in London and best kids afternoon teas in London. Best afternoon teas in the UK at a glance Best for traditional afternoon tea with a view: Cliveden House (Berkshire), from £60 per person Best for a luxurious afternoon tea experience: The Grand, York (Yorkshire, from £54.50 per person Best for traditional English luxury: Chewton Glen, New Forest (Hampshire), from £49 per person Best for historic surroundings: The Gainsborough (Bath), from £39 per person Best for a special family occasion: Storrs Hall (Lake District), from £31 per person Best for a unique interior: Metro Deco (Brighton), from £29.50 per person Best for a sea view: Orestone Manor (Devon), from £25 per person Best for budget traditional tea: Peacocks Tearoom (Cambridgeshire), from £28 per person Best for Indian flavours: Zindiya (Birmingham), from £21.95 per person Best for a slice of local history: Bettys (Yorkshire), from £44.95 per person Best for excellent patisserie: The Chester Grosvenor (Cheshire), from £37.50 per person Best for families: Celtic Manor (Newport, Wales), from £32 per person Best for tea connoisseurs: The Angel Hotel (Monmouthshire), from £50 per person Where to go for afternoon tea in the UK... Cliveden House (Berkshire) At a glance... Price: from £60 per person Best for: traditional afternoon tea with a view Contact details: Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire, England, SL6 OJF View menu For a traditional afternoon tea served with a beautiful view, you can’t beat Cliveden. Served in the grand dining room (complete with chandeliers, floor-length drapes and comfy plush armchairs), the south-facing room looks out over the National Trust gardens and beyond to the Thames. In winter, afternoon tea can coincide with beautiful golden hour sunsets – bag a window table to make the most of the stunning view. Cliveden currently offers an afternoon tea menu inspired by the history of its grand house and the famous figures who have graced its hallways. There's not just finger sandwiches here – kick off the tea with a selection of savouries first, from a mini roast beef and Yorkshire pudding inspired by Winston Churchill to a unique charcoal blini topped with cream cheese and caviar in honour of Charlie Chaplin. Finger sandwiches are classic as you’d expect: cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and coronation chicken, whilst familiar egg mayo gets a Russian egg salad twist with peas and carrots as a nod to the Profumo scandal. The cakes continue the grand theme, with delicate patisserie inspired by royals and Lady Astor. We found the Albert's pudding and garibaldi biscuit clever but a bit dry, whereas the mini slice of Queen Victoria's sponge (Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor to Cliveden) was perfect – soft, creamy and delicately layered. The savouries and cakes are presented at the same time, with scones delivered when you’re ready for them, served warm from a cloth bag and coming with generous quantities of homemade jam and clotted cream. Service is friendly and knowledgeable throughout. Head for a walk around the gardens after tea. For all the luxury of the surroundings, the value for money feels incredibly worth it and a treat you’ll remember for a long time. The Grand, York (Yorkshire) At a glance... Price: from £54.50 per person Best for: a luxurious afternoon tea experience Contact details: The Grand, York, Station Rise, North Yorkshire, York YO1 6GD For an afternoon tea which simple oozes elegance, venture to the historical city of York's only five-star hotel. The Grand occupies a magnificent red-brick Edwardian building which originally acted as HQ for the North Eastern Railway Company. From the moment of entering, we were given a given a warm Yorkshire welcome and made to feel right at home throughout the experience by the attentive and knowledgeable members of staff. Afternoon tea is served in The Rise restaurant, a spacious and elegant room with soft furnishings, offering views overlooking the city walls. The seasonally changing menu effortlessly blends traditional elements with a contemporary twist, using locally sourced ingredients. We were treated to the Festive afternoon tea – a delightfully playful yet refined assortment of sandwiches, savoury bakes and patisserie incorporating yuletide flavours. Finger sandwiches featured pillow-soft layers of bread, filled with punchy flavours such as wild mushroom duxelles and truffle cheese or sage butter-roasted turkey breast with cranberry jam. These were balanced with other savoury elements including a chicken and duck liver parfait, pork, pear & pistachio puff pastry and a refreshing cured salmon and miso sourdough canapé. Scones were sumptuously smooth and gleaming with a sugar glaze finish, snugly tucked inside a napkin to keep them perfectly warm. Small touches like this really underpin the attention to detail taken by this establishment when elevating their guests' experience. The final platter of carefully curated patisserie really was the pièce de résistance. Each individual cake and pastry is so beautifully embellished with delicate curls of chocolate, meringue and other decorative garnishes, providing a feast for both the eyes and tastebuds. An exciting array of complementary flavours and textures have been meticulously combined, from a light-as-air mousse bauble incorporating apple, tonka bean and drunken fruit, to a rich and decadent bourbon-infused chocolate log with a crunchy peanut praline centre. To wash everything down, a wide and varied selection of the finest Newby teas are available in the form of loose leaf as well as silken pyramids. We opted for a beautifully floral jasmine and rich earl grey which were generously refilled. As well as the classic Grand afternoon tea, you can also choose from various options with a cocktail, champagne and sparkling wine or sparkling tea as well as an excellent vegan menu and bespoke offering for children. Chewton Glen, New Forest (Hampshire) At a glance... Price: from £49 per person Best for: Seasonal afternoon tea in spectacular surroundings Contact details: Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6QS View menu Chewton Glen serves a classic yet seasonally changing afternoon tea menu, set within a beautiful country house surrounded by acres of manicured lawns and woodland. The experience begins with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, filled with ingredients such as smoked salmon with horseradish butter, free-range egg mayonnaise, and Dorset ham with mustard. Service is warm and attentive, with continual top-ups offered throughout. Warm, freshly baked scones follow, served with rich clotted cream and fruit preserves that reflect the time of year. The sweet course is where the kitchen really shines, offering an elegant array of pastries, cakes and patisserie that change regularly — expect finely balanced flavours, impeccable presentation and just the right level of indulgence. A carefully curated tea list accompanies the spread, ranging from traditional blends to more fragrant infusions, with knowledgeable staff on hand to offer guidance based on personal taste. The experience can be elevated with a glass of English sparkling wine or champagne for a celebratory touch. Unhurried and indulgent, it’s a classic afternoon tea delivered with confidence and finesse. A children’s afternoon tea menu is also available for those dining as a family. The Gainsborough (Bath) At a glance... Price: From £39 per person (£52 with champagne) Best for: Elegant downtime in Bath’s most atmospheric hotel Contact details: The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, Bath BA1 1QY View menu There’s nowhere quite like Bath for stepping back into history and few better places to take tea than the spectacular Gainsborough Bath Spa. Housed in a Georgian building above the city’s ancient thermal springs, the hotel blends old-world elegance with modern comfort. Served in the laid-back Canvas Room – or larger groups can be hosted in the Brasserie – tea includes a classic spread of delicate finger sandwiches, just-warmed scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and traditional cakes such as battenburg, chocolate slice and macarons. The tea selection includes a bespoke Gainsborough blend, or you can upgrade with a glass of champagne. Ask staff to share the charming story of the Gainsborough’s signature hot chocolate, a recipe handed down from the original spa apothecaries, now made with Valrhona cocoa and local honey. Ideal after a walk along the Royal Crescent or a dip in the thermal waters just below. Storrs Hall (Lake District) At a glance… Price: From £31 per adult and £14.95 per child Best for: A special family occasion Contact details: Storrs Hall Hotel, Windermere, Lake District. View the menu ​This Beatrix Potter themed afternoon tea is the perfect way to spend a nostalgic few hours, and the views looking straight onto Lake Windermere add to the majestic experience. Both adults and children will be charmed by the menu, little guests can feast on rabbit shaped sandwiches, sausage rolls, chocolate dipped strawberries and marshmallows and fluffy eclairs and pastries. Whilst adults can work their way through the extensive tea list and indulge in locally-sourced smoked salmon sandwiches, ham hock terrine, miniature homemade fish cakes and two tiers of freshly baked scones and delicate pastries, you may well find yourself leaving with a box of treats to take home too. Metro Deco (Brighton) At a glance... Price: From £29.50 per person Best for: Art Deco cool Contact details: Metro Deco, 38 Upper St James Street, Brighton BN2 1JN View the menu Head to this quirky 1930s-style converted Art Deco furniture showroom in bohemian Kemptown for an afternoon tea to remember. Relax into an ornate, gold-trimmed vintage armchair and choose from two dozen different tea blends (the delicate Silver Needle white tea is particularly good), served in mismatched bone china to accompany dainty open sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. Don’t miss the tea-infused cocktails, including a ‘Sweet Sunburst’ made with rum, rhubarb and vanilla-flavoured rooibos. Orestone Manor (Devon) At a glance... Price: From 25 per person Best for: Eating traditional Devon clotted cream scones while looking out to sea Contact details: Orestone Manor, Rock House Lane, Maidencombe, Devon TQ1 4SX View the menu If ever there was a place to wolf down some scones with cream, Devon (famed for Devonshire clotted cream) is without a doubt your best bet. The quaint afternoon tea at Orestone Manor can be enjoyed outdoors on the terrace or inside the dining room, both of which overlook the sea. With hefty portion sizes, you may begin to feel stuffed after the nine finger sandwiches which kick-start the event – but save space for their tasty cakes which include berry cake, a soft brownie and some white chocolate panna cotta, all followed by a helping of warm scones, jam and cream. Everything is slightly on the classic side, but if you're not a fan of anything OTT and enjoy a stunning backdrop, you really can't go wrong. Peacocks Tearoom (Cambridgeshire) At a glance... Price: £28 per person Best for: Budget tea for traditionalists Contact details: Peacocks Tearoom, 65 Waterside, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4AU View the menu Peacocks prides itself on offering teas from every continent, so you can explore what the world has to offer from this cosy converted kitchen that’s super popular with locals. After our traditional sandwiches and scones with rhubarb compote, owner George found the time to have a quick natter, and we loved the family feel of the place. Peacocks doesn’t take bookings, and while there’s normally a small queue on weekends it moves quickly. Zindiya (Birmingham) At a glance... Price: £21.95 per person, or £25.95 with a chai walla cocktail Best for: Informal meetings with groups of friends Contact details: Zindiya, 21 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8EH View the menu High Chai at Zindiya brings classic Indian flavours to your traditional afternoon tea. Sit back in your rickshaw booth and peruse the colourful street art and food vendors. Choose your pot of freshly brewed Masala chai or a floral Earl Grey and prepare for filling courses of spiced sweets and savoury skewers. The Namkeen course is a selection of savoury bites including a crisp samosa, crunchy bhel puri and a choice of chicken tikka or chunky paneer. The Meetha course is a definite highlight, with Zindiya’s Indian spiced carrot cake and soft homemade cardamom scones with lashings of cream. If you’re after something a little different and you can handle the heat, this Asian-inspired afternoon 'chai' is for you. Bettys (Yorkshire) At a glance... Price: From £44.95 per person Best for: Experiencing a true northern institution and slice of local history Contact details: Bettys, various locations in Yorkshire (Harrogate, York, Northallerton and Ilkley) View the menu Tea at Bettys is an institution that’s become synonymous with the spa town of Harrogate. Steeped in tradition, the family-run business now spans six sites in North and West Yorkshire, a cookery school, an extensive food range and an online shop. Our tip is to skip the inevitable queues and go for the bookable and more luxurious Lady Betty Afternoon Tea. At the branch in the centre of York, it's served upstairs in the elegant Imperial Room while a pianist plays, and the beautiful historic setting is certain to make any Mother’s Day or birthday feel special. Everything is present and correct, nothing overly grand or contemporary – this is all about being comforted by classics done as well as possible with a dusting of nostalgia. The gooseberry macarons may just be the most beautiful of the six miniature cakes on offer, dainty and hand-decorated with a sugar daisy. We loved the rich pistachio and chocolate dacquoise slice with its gooey layers and crunchy praline base. The buttery scones with a hint of lemon zest were the perfect partner to a generous helping of jam and clotted cream. And the savoury selection was every bit as good as the sweet, why is why we went for seconds of their ham & tomato pâté sandwiches. Ask for a window seat if there are two or three of you, and watch the world go by while you sip. The Chester Grosvenor (Cheshire) At a glance... Price: From £37.50 per person Best for: Five-star patisserie in a relaxed and comfortable setting Contact details: The Grosvenor, Eastgate, Chester CH1 1LT View the menu Conveniently situated in the bustling heart of Chester city, the Grosvenor hotel asserts a timeless and stately presence which extends to the elegantly furnished Arkle Bar and Lounge, where afternoon tea is served. We elected for the ‘indulgent champagne afternoon tea’ option, and it certainly lived up to its name. From the minute we walked in, we were treated to a truly special silver-service experience. Champagne is served straight away, accompanied with a bowl of delightfully sweet strawberries and clotted cream which added a touch of luxury. Next came a presentation of loose leaf teas, which were then served in ornate silver teapots. After opting for the Red Fruit blend, the traditional three-tiered afternoon tea stand arrived. From a gold leaf-embellished chocolate praline opera cake to a strawberry and elderflower shortcake tart, each comes imaginatively designed – and, most importantly, utterly delicious. The staff were polite, knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring our tea was topped up and offering a second helping of sandwiches (unfortunately we had no room). Several hours later, we left feeling stuffed, satiated and truly spoilt. Wales Celtic Manor (Newport, Wales) At a glance... Price: from £32 per person Best for: Families Contact details: The Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley, Caerleon, Newport, Wales View the menu Afternoon tea can be a formal affair that makes little people fidgety but with the promise of 18-hole crazy golf, ‘forest jump’ high and low ropes, two swimming pools and tutored archery within view of the dining room, The Celtic Manor Resort has to be one of the most child-friendly locations in the UK. What they lack in variety of teas they make up for in value. The menu features sweet, modern patisserie made miniature – think dainty bakes, including textures of strawberry and mascarpone, and flavours like Japanese yuzu lime. The savoury offering is a little more traditional with the obligatory finger sandwiches and then a selection of seasonal bites which included the use of fresh peas (crushed with sliced turkey), crab tartlet and pesto bruschetta when we visited in spring, although menus change each season. Scones are warm and come studded with raisins or lightly spiced with cinnamon and the friendly staff keenly offered to top up all items as and when they were finished. The Angel Hotel (Monmouthshire) At a glance... Price: From £50 per person Best for: Tea buffs, long walks Contact details: The Angel Hotel, 15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5EN View the full menu The Angel Hotel has a cosy dining room, made even cosier by a roaring fire on cold days, and a prizewinning selection of teas that's longer than a posh restaurant’s wine list. The expert staff will help you navigate it, pairing more unusual and exotic infusions to your everyday preference. Savouries are classic high tea – think coronation chicken and smoked trout pâté, but with an attention to detail that raises the bar. Sausage rolls are served warm. On the sweet side, the chef has a light touch with choux pastry, which appears in a few guises, and there are dinky miniatures of nostalgic British bakery favourites like wobbly custard slices and cream horns. On your way out, make sure you visit the Angel Bakery for more contemporary bakes and some of the best sourdough we’ve ever tasted. More reviews coming soon... Our afternoon tea guide is an ever-evolving list. While our team is out and about taste-testing, please leave your suggestions in the comments below. Our team attended these establishments as guests. Make sure you also check out our guide to the best afternoon teas in London or the best kids afternoon teas in London.
Want to create homemade ice lollies to stash in your freezer for hot days? A good mould will help you make your own fruity frozen treats with ease. Discover our best ice lolly mould picks below.
From toddlers to their parents, everyone loves an ice lolly in summer. Whether made from fruit juice, yogurt or flavoured water, they’re an easy way to cool down on hot days, and possibly even get one of your five-a-day, if enough fruit is involved. Kids also love to help make homemade ice lollies. But, if the moulds you use are fiddly to fill, take up too much space in the freezer, or are difficult to clean or store, making your own ice lollies at home might not be as easy as you'd think. So, we’ve taken matters into our own hands, testing a huge variety of ice lolly moulds to find the ones that tick the most boxes, and are the best choices to help you keep your cool this summer. For more unbiased expert buyer's guides, visit our reviews section to find 400+ round-ups of everything from the best cool boxes and best fridge freezers to the best picnic hampers. Best ice lolly moulds at a glance Best for fun character: Zoku Monster Ice Pop Moulds, £12.99 Best ice lolly mould for small freezers: Lékué Kit stackable popsicles, £19.90 Best easy to eat lollies: ProCook Ice Lolly Tubes, £6.99 Best for large quantities: Kitchen Craft Deluxe Lolly Maker, (£18) Best all-round ice lolly mould: Eddingtons Fab Lolly ice lolly mould, £4.99 Best basic ice lolly mould: ProCook lolly moulds, £5 Best ice lolly mould for avoiding drips: Eddingtons Sippy ice lolly moulds, £10.40 Best ice lolly mould for teething: Nȗby Fruitsicles ice pop tray, £9.24 Best novelty ice lolly moulds: Eddingtons rocket ice lolly moulds, £12.04 Best ice lolly moulds to buy Zoku monster ice pop moulds Available from John Lewis & Partners (£12.99) Best for fun character Pros: Enchanting monster shape Good-sized 200ml lollies Cons: Not always a clean release Star rating: 4.5/5 Zoku ice pop moulds come in a colourful box showing the little monster inside, which will undoubtedly appeal to children. The box has good information about what to use (fresh juice, fruit purée or yogurt) to make ice pops. The BPA mould is sizeable at 11.5 x 30 x 3.5cm, so it will not easily fit into a small drawer freezer as it needs to be laid flat. Zoku suggests using the lid included to prevent spills, but we found that juice would seep under the lid instead and spoiled the appearance of our first batch of lollies. It's essential not to overfill the sections to prevent this from happening. Each lolly is 200ml, so freezing took longer than other moulds (approx. 6 hours) than some smaller moulds, so it needs a little planning ahead. Then, after running the moulds under a tap for 40 seconds, followed by a twist, we easily freed the monsters with the features of each character intact. undefined Lékué Kit stackable popsicles (four-pack) Available from John Lewis and Partners, £19.90 Best ice lolly mould for small freezers Pros: Stackable for small freezers Sturdy Cons: Fiddly to remove from mould Expensive Star rating: 4/5 This set of four individual moulds is ideal for smaller freezers, taking up barely any more room than the lolly itself. Simply lay each 95ml-capacity silicone mould (with integrated stick) flat, then fill with a lolly recipe of your choice and freeze. You can also stack all four moulds on top of each other while freezing. The moulds come with a recipe booklet that includes ideas such as red fruit and almond milk lollies, and mango and yogurt ones. There's no need to run your frozen lollies under the hot tap to get them out, either. Instead, the mould peels off the lolly. This can be a little bit fiddly, but is less messy than using hot water. Plus, there’s no need to keep tugging to see if the lolly has freed itself from the mould. Each mould holds 95ml and is BPA-free, making it suitable for children. They're also dishwasher-safe. Although a little pricier than average, these moulds are a worthwhile investment for smaller freezers. Mini versions are also available for smaller treats, priced £11.83 at Waitrose. undefined ProCook ice lolly moulds Available from ProCook (£6.99) Best easy-to-eat lollies Pros: Easy and clean Easy to hold Cons: Need to be standing upright Star rating: 5/5 The silicone BPA-free ice lolly tubes from ProCook make the perfect ice pops, which is somewhat different to a lolly as no stick is needed. Instead, the tubes can be filled with juice, fruit purée, yogurt or even leftover smoothies – simply pop on the lid and freeze. We struggled with storing the tubes in the freezer. When we laid them on their side, the mixture sank a little, making the ice pop misshapen and not as pretty. They needed to be upright for the best results, but at 19cm, they need a tall freezer shelf or drawer. There are four tapered tubes in the box, and each one makes a 90ml ice pop. Not a big size, but still a decent amount for children. We did find the ice pops froze particularly hard, so they may need defrosting for 2 minutes before eating. Run them under water for up to 20 seconds, then eat the ice pop directly from the tube – it's the cleanest and easiest way to eat them. undefined Kitchen Craft Deluxe lolly maker Available from B&Q (£18) Best for large quantities Pros: High-quality mould Beautifully shaped lollies Cons: Handwash only Plastic Star rating: 5/5 KitchenCraft deluxe lolly block maker is a sturdy piece of kit with 8 plastic moulds and individual covers, a tray to keep the mould upright in the freezer, and 16 wooden lolly sticks to get started with. Each cover has a slot that perfectly fits the stick to position it correctly. The block, when fully assembled, measures 12(H) x 11(W) x 24(D)cm, so it needs quite a bit of space in the freezer. However, the lollies are 10 x 3cm each, so they are a decent size. Having the moulds in the stand makes them easy to fill and has the advantage of having an individual lolly, two, three or four to run under the tap if you want, and the rest can stay safely tucked up in the freezer. There’s no mention of where to get the correct-size lolly sticks when the 16 have been used, and the block and moulds are handwash only. But, these are minor points for what is a great lolly maker and one which should last for some time. undefined Eddingtons Fab Lolly ice lolly mould Available from Amazon, £4.99 Best all-round mould Pros: Individual moulds are removable for easy storage Robust handles Cons: No sipping spout or fill line Star rating: 4.5/5 Eddingtons is the undisputed lolly mould expert, with a dazzling range on offer. But our favourite is this set of six moulds – it grabs the top spot because of how easy it is to use. A sturdy tray holds the individual moulds firmly upright while freezing, after which they can be removed and stored loose. They also come in a pretty pastel box for storage when not in use. One downside, though, is that the mould is quite big when fully assembled, requiring a tall freezer drawer. The handles are rounded, so they're not ideal for gripping, but they’re fairly robust. The classic rounded lolly shape makes the finished product easy to eat. The drip guard is generous, preventing spills, but could do with a spout to help polish off every drop. Releasing the lollies from each 100ml-capacity mould is simple, as you can run them under the tap individually, and the plastic is BPA-free. Overall, these came top for a clever design that caters for both adults and children. Latest Deals ProCook lolly moulds Available from ProCook (£5) Best basic lolly mould Pros: Dishwasher-safe Easy-to-grip handles Cons: Too tall for small freezer drawers Tricky to release Star rating: 4/5 This no-nonsense mould might not have the visual impact of some of the more colourful options, but it gets the job done without any fuss. Flat handles with rubber grips mean the four lollies you can make in this mould are a lot easier to handle than some of those made in other moulds, and the lollies themselves are a classic rounded shape that’s simple to eat. The mould has a 100ml capacity, and a fill line helps ensure there are no spills. Once unmoulded, the drip guard prevents mess, and includes a spout so you can drink any melted juice. Made from BPA-free plastic, the mould is also dishwasher-safe, making for easy cleaning. Small niggles include the height of the tray, which will only fit in a tall freezer drawer (lollies can’t be stored individually), and thick plastic, which means removing the lollies from the moulds can take a while, despite the presence of tabs designed for easy release. Overall, this is a reliable, no-frills option. undefined Eddingtons Sippy ice lolly moulds Available from Amazon (£10.89) Best ice lolly mould for avoiding drips Pros: Sturdy Comes with sipping spout Cons: A little pricey Star rating: 4.5/5 Nearly all the moulds we tested suffered from a bit of spillage, despite the inclusion of a drip tray (which can spill if you don’t keep an eye on it), so the sipping spouts included with this mould are a welcome addition. The mould is sturdy and easy to fill, and the handles come in bright, shiny colours that appeal to children. Each lolly stays firmly attached to the stick inside thanks to a clever circular design that offers more surface area. Unmoulding is easy, and eating is a doddle – the tapered shape is pleasant to eat, and any drips are caught in the deep drip tray, ready to be sucked up through an integral straw. The mould is dishwasher-safe, but this is also easy to handwash. Although it’s a little more expensive than some moulds, and is quite tall (you’ll need to use a big freezer drawer), this mould is a winner. undefined Nûby Fruitsicles ice pop tray Available from Amazon (£9.24) Best ice lolly mould for teething Pros: Easy-to-grip handles Very sturdy Cons: Large footprint Star rating: 4/5 This shiny, brightly coloured mould looks like a children’s toy, and is aimed at babies aged six months and older. Designed to hold and freeze 30ml portions of breast milk or purée to soothe teething gums in warmer weather, it can also be filled with yogurt or juice for older children. Round, thick handles that can be gripped with two hands make them easy for babies to hold, and the mould itself is smoothly curved, resulting in ice lollies that look like large dummies. The mould is sturdy and creates lollies that are easy to demould. However, while the mould itself is small enough to fit into a large freezer drawer, it does take up quite a bit of freezer space for such small lollies. Otherwise, this is a cleverly designed mould that does the job well. undefined Eddingtons rocket ice lolly moulds Available from Amazon (£12.04) Best novelty ice lolly moulds Pros: Fun rocket shape Sturdy design Cons: Very large footprint Star rating: 4/5 We loved these lolly moulds. Adults and kids alike enjoy chomping through a classic rocket lolly, and these were the best rocket-shaped moulds we tested. Six individual moulds fit securely into the base, and, once frozen, can be removed and stored separately. Moulds are easy to fill, and the lollies are easy to remove, with clear plastic that helps you see when they’re ready to be released. The rocket shape is impressively detailed, and the sticks are sturdy, meaning that although this is a tall lolly, it’s well-balanced and easy to grip. Speaking of height, the main downside of this mould is its size. The base has a large footprint, and the moulds are tall, so you’ll need plenty of space to freeze your lollies. The stick inside is also quite long for small mouths. On the upside, the accompanying box is relatively small, which makes the moulds easy to store. They’re also dishwasher-safe, making washing crevices no hassle. Although not a budget option, this is a great choice for a hit of nostalgia. undefined What we looked for in ice lolly moulds Compact design: As well as fitting easily into an average-sized freezer drawer, we looked for moulds that could be put away in a cupboard easily, too. Moulds that came in boxes suitable for storage, could be stacked or individually removed, or fit into an icebox got bonus points. Sturdiness: We wanted to avoid spills, so any moulds that had a tendency to tip in the freezer, had very loose lids or were hard to fill were disqualified. Ease of eating: Although spills will never be entirely avoided, we looked for moulds with spill guards and sturdy handles that were suitable for small hands. We also considered lolly shapes that were easy to eat, and smooth edges that wouldn’t harm hands. Volume: The government advises that children are limited to a combined total of 150ml of fruit juice or smoothie a day, so all the moulds we tested were 150ml-capacity or under. Unmoulding: Most lolly moulds need to be run under a warm tap to release the lollies, but if it was too fiddly or tricky to achieve – or left the lolly stick behind – we took note. Safety: All the moulds we tested were BPA-free. Cleaning: If the moulds weren’t dishwasher-safe, we looked at how tricky they were to clean by hand. How we tested ice lolly moulds After washing each mould thoroughly, we filled them with yogurt and fruit juice to check that the sticks stayed attached and both were equally easy to unmould. We looked at how easy the moulds were to fill, how sturdy they were in the freezer – no sticks being knocked sideways – and how well they fit into an icebox and a medium freezer drawer, as well as a large freezer drawer. When eating the lollies, we noted how pleasant they were to eat, if dripping was a big issue, and if washing-up was easy to do. 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Sharpen up your skills in the kitchen with a good set of knives. We've put a selection of knife sets through their paces – read on to see which came out on top.
Whether a novice or experienced cook, a set of sharp knives is essential to make your dicing, slicing, chopping and carving easier. Though you can buy individual knives, the best knife sets also tend to come with storage, which is an excellent way of looking after them. Knife sets vary hugely in price and, at the top end, are expensive, but they are an investment that will last for years with care. And, as our test shows, buying knives on a budget doesn't always mean they won't perform well. Choose a set that will be useful for the way you cook: three to four knives will usually cover all bases, with larger sets having more specialised knives such as filleting, carving and more. A good starting set may include a chef's knife – potentially the most versatile knife – or similar, plus a paring knife for fruit and vegetables and a serrated knife for tomatoes, cheese and soft fruits. Some also come with integrated sharpeners, though for those that don't, you can refer our guide on the best knife sharpeners to buy. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best knife sets at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS 5/5 stars Best blowout knife set: Zwilling Spectrum Knife Block, £699 Best classic knife set: Stellar Classic Knife Block Set, £129 Best knife block set: Opinel Parallèle five-piece knife block set, £179 Best Japanese knife set: HexClad the Essential Japanese Damascus steel knife set, £459 Best of the rest Best knife set for busy kitchens: Tefal EverSharp Pro, £159.99 Best knife set for under £100: ProCook Professional X50 Contour knife set, £69 Best knife set with sharpener: Ninja Foodi StaySharp 5-Piece Knife Block, £179.99 Best traditional knife set: Sabatier by Stellar kitchen knives in wooden knife block, £115 Best essentials-only knife set: Circulon chef, utility and paring knife set, £60 Best knife set for drawer storage: Joseph Joseph 10-piece Multicolour Knife & Utensil Set, £90 Best investment knife set: Zwilling Pro 7 Piece Ash Self Sharpening Knife Block, £449 Jump to: Best kitchen knife sets to buy in 2026 Good Food in partnership with Tower knife set What to consider when buying a knife set Which knife types typically come in knife sets? How to dispose of kitchen knives How to sharpen a knife How we tested knife sets Knife sets come in all shapes and sizes – and at a variety of price points too – so we tested a wide range, from simple, budget-friendly sets to premium knife blocks that come with integrated sharpening tools. Bread knives were put through their paces with crusty baguettes, while paring knives tackled fiddly fruits like cherries. We finely diced onions, carrots and celery for a sofrito to test chef's knives, also crushing garlic cloves under the blades to help assess their strength. If a set came with a Santoku knife, we chopped up fresh herbs, and for those with a carving knife, we carved a small roast chicken. When testing knife sets, we looked out for the following: Effective cutting: This is key – there’s no point having a beautiful set of knives if they’re ineffective. We wanted knives that cut cleanly and easily. Quality: We rated our knives for strength and balance. We also looked for knives that are comfortable to hold and use. Range: Taking into account the number of knives in each set, we looked for a good variety. Aesthetics: Many knife sets are designed to be on display. We awarded marks for stylish knives and, if applicable, for the appearance of the knife block, too. Storage: We looked at whether the knife block was thoughtfully designed to store knives safely and securely. Value: The knives we sampled ranged from £8.99 to over £700, and in each case we looked at whether the knife set offered good value for money. Sustainability: We awarded extra points to those knife sets that came packaged in recyclable materials and had a lifetime warranty (or could be easily repaired by the manufacturer). Why you can trust Good Food reviews Our expert reviews team at Good Food has put a wide range of knife sets through rigorous testing using our trusted matrix format, after which we award each product a star rating. Everything we test is put through its paces in the Good Food Test Kitchen, which is designed to mirror a typical home kitchen rather than a laboratory-like setting. That means if a knife set performs well in our kitchen, you can count on it performing well in yours, too. We also never send our reviews to manufacturers or retailers for approval before publishing, and we never accept payment in return for positive reviews. Best knife sets to buy in 2026 Zwilling Spectrum knife block Available from Zwilling (£599) Best blowout knife set Pros: 50 per cent reduced carbon footprint Beautiful Micarta handle Hardened steel Exceptional sharpness Cons: Plastic in packaging Price Star rating: 5/5 Unwrapping this stunning knife block set from Zwilling was such a pleasure; inside the box was a stylish black block with a stainless-steel base and five gorgeous knives. Sadly, there was too much plastic packaging, which was a surprise, considering this knife set boasts a 50 per cent reduced carbon footprint with its blades. The German-made knives are steel-forged and ice-hardened which creates a hard, super-sharp edge that holds for longer. The Micarta handle features a textured linen look that provides both strength and grip, making it a delight to hold. However, the chef's knife is quite heavy and may not suit everyone due to its size. As expected of knives of this calibre, they're full tang with an outstanding balance. The knives flew through the test; nothing stood in their way, not even the super crusty sourdough loaf. The set is an investment piece, and one that, if properly cared for, will last a lifetime. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife (10 cm), utility knife (13 cm), slicing knife (16 cm), chef's knife (20 cm), bread knife (20 cm) Materials: Stainless steel blades, Micarta (fabric and resin composite) handles Warranty: Lifetime Dishwasher safe? No Available from: Zwilling (£599) undefined Stellar Classic Knife Block Set Available from Stellar (£77.40) Best knife set for classic knives Pros: Full tang for strength Includes scissors Slide neatly into the block Finger guards Dishwasher safe Cons: The block is a little top heavy Star rating: 5/5 There is a lot to like about the Stellar knife set; it is not showy or gimmicky, just a classic set of beautiful knives at an astonishing price for the quality. Straight from the box, it is clear to see why these are called classics; they feature strong black, three-rivet handles with a full-tang blade, adding weight to the knife without making it feel heavy. The blade is tempered, making the edge sharper and corrosion-resistant. We enjoyed the knives; they have good balance in the hand, and the finger guard on each blade makes them feel safer to use. They performed effortlessly in all the tests, and we particularly loved the multi-purpose scissors. But we had one gripe: the knives and scissors slipped in effortlessly into the wooden block, but it was top-heavy and fell over when we moved it. The Stellar knives are an excellent set and reminiscent of traditional French chef knives, and will look great in any kitchen, whether modern or traditional. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife (9cm), utility knife (10cm), carving knife (20cm), Bread knife (20cm), Cooks knife (15cm), Cooks knife (20cm), Scissors Materials: Stainless steel, plastic handles Warranty: Lifetime Dishwasher safe? Yes Available from: Stellar (£77.40) Opinel Parallèle five-piece knife block set Available from Farrar & Tanner (£179) Best knife block set Pros: Well-designed block Excellent performance Good selection of blades Cons: No utility knife Star rating: 5/5 Comprising five knives with beech handles, plus a matching beech wood block, this attractive set is one to have out on display – and it's not just eye-catching, it’s well-designed too. The block has wide slots at the top, cut all the way through to protect the blades, while underneath are silicone pads to keep it sturdy on your worktop. Its choice of knives should also cover most tasks: we felt the only omission would be a utility knife as the paring knife in the set is on the small side. We used the Santoku for the larger prep jobs that a utility would usually handle, such as slicing tomatoes, which it did well, producing effortlessly thin slices. All the knives performed excellently in our tests, with the stand-out star being the frighteningly sharp chef’s knife, which went through hard vegetables like they were butter. The only knife in the set that could be sharper was the bread knife. While it was capable of producing thin slices from a crusty loaf, some sawing was required at the base. Unsurprisingly, wooden handles mean hand washing is a must but otherwise, it’s a great set for keen cooks or those keen to upgrade to improve their repertoire. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife, chef's knife (20cm), Santoku knife, carving knife, bread knife, knife block Materials: Stainless-steel blades, beechwood handles Warranty: Lifetime Dishwasher-safe? No Available from: Farrar & Tanner (£179) undefined HexClad the Essential Japanese Damascus steel knife set Available from HexClad (£459) Best Japanese knife set Pros: Premium design Nicely packaged Easy to control Lifetime warranty Cons: Expensive Star rating: 5/5 If you're after a quality knife set that will stand the test of time – or you're perhaps looking for a gift – this six-piece set from HexClad should fit the bill perfectly. Each blade is forged from Japanese Damascus steel with a striking wave pattern, and we found them ultra-precise, smooth and easy to control in test. A honing steel for sharpening is also included in the magnet-sealed box, along with a microfibre polishing cloth for keeping your knives in tip-top condition. At over £300 this set certainly isn't cheap, but its premium design and lifetime warranty is reassurance enough that when you invest in knives as good as these, you won't need (or want) to replace them anytime soon. Specifications: Set contains: Chef's knife (20cm), bread knife (20cm), santoku knife (18cm), utility knife (13cm), paring knife (9cm), honing steel (23cm) Materials: Japanese Damascus steel blades, pakkawood handles Warranty: Lifetime Dishwasher-safe? No Available from: HexClad (£459) Tefal EverSharp Pro knife set Available from Amazon (£104.99) Best knife set for busy kitchens Pros: Stand doubles as knife sharpener Great knife size range Ensures knives are very sharp Comfortable to hold Cons: Stand is made from plastic Bread knife does not get sharpened Star rating: 4.5/5 If sharpening your knives is always on your to-do list, invest in this innovative knife block and you’ll never have to do it yourself again. With space for 5 knives, including a paring and utility knife, a chef's knife, bread knife and Santoku knife, this block keeps things neat and tidy – all while sharpening the blades every time they are inserted back into the block. Made from German stainless steel, they’re designed to last for at least a decade, guaranteed. With comfortable plastic handles, they’re especially great for super fine slicing – from carrots to celery and even watermelon. The only downside? The block, although it does have a 2-in-1 function, is made from plastic, so it won’t be the most aesthetically pleasing feature on your kitchen worktop. Otherwise, we found that these knives cut through everything like butter. We never found that they needed extra sharpening, but do note that the bread knife doesn’t have a self-sharpening hole, so this won’t be permanently sharp like the other knives in the set. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife (9cm), chef knife (20cm), bread knife (20cm), santoku knife (16.5cm), utility knife (12cm) Materials: German steel blades and plastic handles Warranty: 10 years Dishwasher safe? Information not available Available from: Amazon (£104.99) ProCook Professional X50 Contour knife set Available from ProCook (£55.20) Best knife set for under £100 Pros: Attractive design Ultra-sharp blades Comfortable to hold Cons: Some non-recyclable packaging Star rating: 4.5/5 Simple yet stylish, this three-piece knife set is well balanced and makes light work of various chopping tasks, slicing through tougher veg like celeriac with ease. Its triple-riveted handles are comfortable to hold and we particularly liked the chef's knife, which – at 16cm – is a little smaller than most others we've tested, so slightly less imposing for entry-level cooks. We felt reassured by the sturdiness and quality of the X50 German steel blades too, which should stand up to frequent sharpening over years to come. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife (9cm), utility knife (13cm), chef's knife (15cm) Materials: German X50 stainless-steel blades, layered resin composite handles Warranty: 25 years Dishwasher-safe? No Available from: ProCook (£55.20) Ninja Foodi StaySharp knife block 5-piece set Available from Amazon (£149) Best knife set with sharpener Pros: Integrated knife sharpener Recyclable packing Ergonomic to hold Incredibly sharp on unboxing 10-year sharpness Cons: Large countertop footprint No smaller chef's knife Star rating: 4.5/5 The thing that strikes you when unboxing this knife set is Ninja's bold and instructional box decoration. The second is its size. This is not a knife set for a small kitchen – it requires as much room as a kettle would in both width and depth, primarily due to its unique selling point: the integrated knife sharpener. It's a bulky but undeniably useful addition, which sits to the right of the knives in the block and is intuitive to us, with a lever that runs the length of the knife blade in a controlled, smooth motion. Each knife offers an ergonomic handle and has a heft that donates quality, without feeling heavy. It actually gives you confidence when using the larger carving and chef's knives. It's clear to see which knife slots in where as the grooves vary in width. At 20cm long, the large chef's knife and carving knife give you excellent leverage for chopping through tough ingredients such as a large butternut squash and tough pumpkin skin. The paring knife and utility knife both cut remarkable smoothly, easy to navigate around fiddly fruit stones and tomato skins safely. It would be nice to have the option of a smaller chef's knife, but the utility knife fulfils the requirements easily. We used the knives for two weeks to test the effectiveness of the sharpener (as the instructions suggest) and found three strokes created a blade that sliced effortlessly through paper. Specifications: Set contains: Chef's knife (20cm), bread knife (20cm), carving knife (20cm), utility knife (13cm), paring knife (9cm), knife block with sharpener Materials: Stainless-steel blades, premium plastic handles Warranty: 10 years Dishwasher-safe? No Available from: Amazon (£149) Latest Deals Sabatier by Stellar set of 5 kitchen knives in wooden knife block Available from Stellar (£57.50) Best traditional knife set Pros: Very effective knives Pleasant to hold Lightweight Cons: Basic design Star rating: 4.5/5 Some knife sets are designed for style and to be a focal point of the kitchen. Others – like this one – just get quietly on with the job in hand. This is a straightforward, traditional-looking, unflashy knife set for those who enjoy home cooking and the set contains all the knives you need to accomplish every task. The wooden block itself is fairly discreet looking, and we found the knives nicely sharp and pleasant to hold. We particularly liked the smallest knife, which is slightly squarer than most paring knives and particularly easy to use. It looked a bit like a cross between a paring knife and a Santoku knife, and was light and easy to manipulate. We tested the knives on everything from butternut squash and onions to cherries and pineapple. The bigger knives worked their way efficiently through the tougher fruits, while the smaller ones diced everything without much effort. They are comfortable to hold with a ridge between handle and blade to protect fingers from slipping. The bread knife is also short and easy to control, slicing effectively through our baguette. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife (9cm), utility knife (10m), chef's knife (15cm), carving knife (20cm), bread knife (20cm), beechwood knife block Materials: Stainless-steel blades Warranty: Lifetime guarantee Dishwasher-safe? Yes, but handwashing is recommended Available from: Stellar (£57.50) Latest Deals Circulon chef, utility and paring knife set Available from Circulon (£47.99) Best essentials-only knife set Pros: Soft grip handles for comfort Relatively inexpensive Not too heavy, so a good choice for those with mobility issues Cons: Struggled with tough cuts – more effort needed Non-traditional looks won't appeal to everyone Star rating: 4/5 Part of a three-piece set that includes a chef’s, utility and paring knife. This collection from Circulon stood out for comfort, with soft-grip handles that offer excellent control and stability. The knives felt well balanced in the hand during our test and were easy to manoeuvre, especially when tackling everyday prep like slicing onions and chopping celery. While the blades are made from Japanese steel and performed well during testing, they aren’t the sharpest, requiring a little more effort when working through tougher ingredients such as root vegetables. However, they still delivered reliable results and are more than suitable for general kitchen tasks. The knives feature a series of holes in the blades, which help prevent food from sticking, making batch-cooking prep quicker and less frustrating. Though the overall appearance is more functional than stylish, the set is a solid choice for those prioritising comfort and ease of use. Specifications: Set contains: Chef's knife (20cm), utility knife (15cm), paring knife (9cm) Materials: Japanese stainless-steel blades Warranty: Limited lifetime guarantee Dishwasher-safe? No Available from: Circulon (£47.99) Joseph Joseph 10-piece Multicolour In-drawer Knife & Utensil Set Available from Amazon (£90), Joseph Joseph (£90) Best knife set for drawer storage Pros: In-drawer trays Weighted handles so blade doesn't touch worktop Utensil set included Cons: Plastic handles feel a little cheap Star rating: 4/5 There’s a lot packed into Joseph Joseph’s 10-piece set: two in-drawer plastic trays, ideal for the person who dislikes clutter on the worktop, five kitchen knives, and a handy set of utensils. Each of the knives features the company’s signature Elevate design, meaning that the blade is raised up from the surface when not in use. The knives are colour-coded too, ensuring that you can keep one for raw meat and fish, for example. However, while they’re brilliantly designed and thought out, there’s no getting away from the fact that the plastic handles feel cheap and lightweight compared to others that we tested. While the larger knives had more weight in the blades and handles of a good length, the smaller ones in this set had short handles and could be impractical for those with larger hands. Plus, while the Elevate design is clever, it can get in the way. For example, the chef’s knife sliced brilliantly, but the projection was an obstruction when crushing garlic with the blade. We also found the paring knife difficult to use around the curves of an orange as the projection made it hard to see progress. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife (9cm), serrated knife (11cm), Santoku knife (14cm), chef's knife (16cm), bread knife (20cm), solid spoon, slotted spoon, slotted turner, flexible turner, ladle, two in-drawer storage trays Materials: Japanese stainless-steel blades, plastic handles Warranty: 2 years Dishwasher-safe? No Available from: Amazon (£90) Joseph Joseph (£90) Latest Deals Zwilling Pro 7 Piece Ash Self Sharpening Knife Block Available from Zwilling (£449) Best investment knife set Pros: Excellent quality and innovative knife block design Includes scissors Cons: Expensive Short warranty for the price The five knives in this set should cover every kitchen task you’d need and the scissors are a welcome bonus, too. The ice-hardened stainless steel knives are full tang (as you would expect at this price point) and are pleasingly weighty in the hand. The slight curve at the bottom of the handle makes them particularly comfortable to hold. The knives cut effortlessly, with the bread knife gliding through our crusty loaf. We particularly liked the serrated utility knife, which was perfect for cutting anything from tomatoes to grapefruit. While the black-handled knives with flush rivets look traditional, the knife block itself is clever and innovative. Each knife has its own slot, with an image next to it to show you which one goes where. The slots for non-serrated knives have integrated ceramic sharpening stones, so they're gently sharpened each time you pull one out or put it back. The ash block is also attractive and sits quite low, so you can easily place it under a cupboard. Specifications: Set contains: Paring knife (10cm), utility knife (13cm), slicing knife (20cm), chef’s knife (20cm), bread knife (20cm), kitchen scissors, ash knife block with sharpener Materials: Stainless-steel blades, stainless-steel/plastic handles Warranty: 2 years Dishwasher-safe? Yes, but handwashing is recommended Available from: Zwilling (£449) undefined Other knife sets tested and rated Jamie Oliver Tefal 6 kitchen knives and block, £149.99 Kuhn Rikon Colori knife and block 6-piece set, £44.95 Joseph Joseph LockBlock, £179 Joseph Joseph Elevate knives carousel set, £99.99 Japanese knife trio, £115 JosephJoseph Elevate steel knife set, £130 Good Food in partnership with Tower knife set Available from Amazon (£69.99), Tower (£69.99) Set contains: Chef's knife, bread knife, carving knife, paring knife and utility knife Effortless food prep meets sleek design in this five-piece knife set and block, created in partnership with Tower. Each knife is made from high-grade stainless steel with fine-edge blades for precision slicing, dicing and carving. Comfortable ergonomic handles and a sturdy, stylish block make this set ideal for everyday use. Versatile, easy to clean and built to last, it’s a practical and elegant addition to any kitchen. Available from: Amazon (£69.99) Tower (£69.99) What to consider when buying a knife set Intended use: One of the first things to consider when buying a set is whether the selection will meet all your needs. Some smaller sets won’t contain a bread knife, for instance. This might be fine if you already have one, or only buy sliced bread, but it will be an issue for many. Quality: Full tang knives – where the blade is a single piece of metal running the whole length and through the handle – is generally thought to be stronger but can be expensive. Half tang knives, where the handle is simply attached to the end of the blade, may be more affordable. Storage: Some sets can be kept in the cutlery drawer while others come in a block, in a variety of colours, sizes and styles. Think about how much worktop space a set takes up and whether you prefer a compact design or one that makes more of a statement. Safety: This is a big concern, especially for parents. In some of the blocks we tested, the knives projected from the side while others needed to be pulled from the top end, making them harder for young children to remove. Which knife types typically come in knife sets? Bread knife: long serrated knives for bread, rolls and other baked good Paring knife: small knives for general tasks, including cutting and peeling vegetables Chef’s/cook's knife: wide-bladed, multi-purpose knife Carving knife: for meat Slicing knife: long bladed knife Santoku knife: a versatile Japanese-style knife with indents on the blade, designed for chopping and dicing. You can also use the flat surface to scoop up finely chopped ingredients like herbs and garlic. How to dispose of kitchen knives The best way to dispose of knives you no longer need is to pass them on to someone who needs them. If you’re a keen cook, you may want to upgrade your knives but they could be more than adequate for a student or someone setting up home for the first time. If this isn’t possible, most councils will allow you to dispose of them with your general waste, though do check first. If doing this, wrap them really carefully – put the tips in corks, for instance, or wrap them thickly with newspaper or bubble wrap, secured with tape. In other areas, you’ll be asked to take them to a recycling site and put them in the scrap metals bin. How to sharpen knives Unless your knife is very dull, in which case you’d need a whetstone, the easiest methods are by using a sharpening steel or knife sharpener. Sharpening steels are also known as honing rods: this is because what you’re doing is honing, ie straightening, the blade, to make it more effective at slicing. Place the rod with its tip on your worktop or a chopping board and the handle pointing at the ceiling. Hold your knife so that the edge of the blade is at a 20-degree angle. Pull the knife toward you while moving down the length of the steel – do not use a sawing motion or apply force. Repeat a few times, then do the same on the other side. Manual knife sharpeners are usually held in place on the worktop while you draw the knife through each of its slots: most will have options from coarse to fine. For blunt blades, start by drawing through the coarse slot before finishing off with the fine. The fine slot or setting by itself is more like honing the blade and ideal for regular maintenance. You can find more tips from Good Food's Barney Desmazery in our 'how to sharpen knives' guide. Related reviews Best bread knives Best hand blenders Best kettles Best toasters Best slow cookers Best mixing bowls Best bread bins Best flour sifters Best multi-cookers Best cake stands Best cake tins Best serving dishes and platters Best food processors How to sharpen knives Kitchen appliance deals Air fryer deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals
13 best air fryers of 2026, tested and rated by our reviews experts
Air fryers use hot air instead of oil, so are healthier than deep-fryers, and more versatile and energy-efficient for cooking smaller quantities than ovens. Discover our experts’ tried-and-tested favourites
Air fryers have properly earned their spot on my worktop. In last year’s Good Food Nation Survey, 58% of people told us they now own one. I get the appeal: that crisp, 'fried' finish with little to no oil, plus they're usually faster and cheaper to run than the oven. The latest models are a big step up on the early air fryers I remember, with smarter controls, better efficiency and enough versatility to roast, bake and even dehydrate. If you want my top pick, the Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK is the best overall air fryer in this guide. How we tested air fryers Homemade chips were our starting point, using Maris Piper potatoes soaked and dried for consistency, but they were only part of the picture. We set up each air fryer according to its manual and cooked a range of everyday foods to judge versatility and reliability. We assessed even browning, crispness and texture, alongside ease of use, cleaning, build quality, value and sustainability, all based on repeat testing in real kitchen conditions. Best air fryers 2026 at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS 5/5 stars Best air fryer overall: Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK, £269.99 Best single-drawer air fryer: Cosori TurboBlaze, £129.99 Best dual-drawer air fryer: Ninja Foodi Max AF400UK, £229.99 Best air fryer grill: ProCook Air Fryer Health Grill, £179 Best of the rest Best dual/single-oven hybrid: CASO Design AirFry DuoChef, £199.99 Best simple dual-drawer air fryer: Ninja Foodi 4-in-1 Dual Zone AF200UK air fryer, £150 Best air fryer for versatility: Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 air fryer, £149.99 Best air fryer for ease of use: Bosch Series 6 air fryer, £142.61 Best WiFi-enabled air fryer: Cosori Air Fryer Lite 3.8L, £59.99 Best budget dual-drawer air fryer: ChefMan TurboFry Touch, £69.99 Best multifunctional air fryer: Ninja Foodi Max Health AG551UK, £269 Best-looking air fryer oven: Our Place Wonder Oven, £195 Best large air fryer oven: HYSapientia Dual Zone Air Fryer, £219.99 View Green Video on the source website Jump to section: Good Food in partnership with Tower air fryers How to choose an air fryer Best air fryers to buy in 2026 Are air fryers energy efficient? What can you cook in an air fryer? How to recycle an air fryer How to convert recipes for an air fryer How we tested the best air fryers What is the first thing you think of when you consider air fryers? Chips, of course, so our homemade fries test was crucial. The key to crisp fries was to peel and soak the potatoes in cold water for half an hour to remove starch, before drying thoroughly. We used Maris Piper potatoes for all the models we tested, as we think these produce the best air fryer chips. We followed each manual's directions for set-up, cooking temperature, time and quantity of oil. Anything from the size of the cut to the variety of potato can also make a difference, so it’s always good to gauge things halfway through the time. For the purpose of the test, we shook ingredients only when prompted or advised to in the manual. After putting each air fryer through its paces, we scored each on the following core areas out of five – the average of all determined the overall star rating they achieved: Quality of food: We looked at how evenly our chips were ‘fried’, and whether they were brown and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Ease of use: We looked for air fryers with clear, simple instructions, so we could unbox and get cooking as quickly as possible. Air fryers also scored highly if the icons or control buttons were easy to use and intuitive. Value for money: Some of our cheaper fryers made excellent fries without a big price tag. We looked at whether they were worth the price. Ease of cleaning: Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe or coated with a non-stick surface. Read our guide to how to clean an air fryer. Quality of materials: We checked that every component of the air fryer was built to last and able to withstand regular use. Sustainability: In this day and age, single-use plastic packaging is a no-no – so, we awarded more points to those that used recyclable materials. Why you can trust Good Food reviews As expert product testers, myself and the team at Good Food have reviewed around 50 air fryers over the last five years, using our trusted matrix format to put each model through its paces. We test each model in the Good Food Test Kitchen, which is set up to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a 'laboratory'-like environment – this means you can trust that, if something works in our kitchen, it should work in yours too. We also don't share product reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they're published, and we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, either. Best air fryers to buy in 2026 Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK Air Fryer Available from John Lewis & Partners (£269), AO (£269), Very (£269), Currys (£269.99), Ninja (£269.99), JD Williams (£269.99) Best air fryer overall Pros: Large capacity Fully recyclable packaging Smaller footprint than most dual-drawer models No flavour transfer between drawers Cons: Noisy Tall, so may not fit underneath lower cupboards Star rating: 5/5 If you've always thought your kitchen countertop might be too small for a dual-drawer air fryer, the Double Stack XL could be the model for you. It turns the traditional dual-drawer design on its head, by positioning one drawer on top of the other rather than side by side. The 'stackable' design doesn't stop there, though: each 4.75-litre drawer comes with a stainless-steel rack, so you can also air fry two layers of ingredients simultaneously. I found the 'Max Crisp' setting worked best on air fried chips , which had a crisp and well-sealed exterior and fluffy centre. To test whether flavour or smells transferred from one drawer to another, I also baked brownies in the top drawer and a salmon fillet in the bottom, using the sync function so they finished at the same time. Thankfully, there wasn't a hint of fishy flavour in the brownies, and they had a perfectly fudgy texture with a crisp top. Wattage: 2470W Size: 38.5 x 28 x 47 cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 9.5L Presets: Max crisp, air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate, bake Warranty: 2 years Cost to run for 10 minutes: 4.1p (based on 22.36p/kWh) undefined Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer Available from Amazon (£99.99) Best single-drawer air fryer Pros: Sleek design Easy-to-use touchscreen display Cooks quickly and quietly Well-written manual Cons: Susceptible to fingerprints Large footprint Star rating: 5/5 The TurboBlaze is a stylish, six-litre gadget with nine presets, including air fry, roast, grill, prove and reheat. According to Cosori, what sets it apart from previous models is its high-speed motor and new air-duct solution, which translates to it being up to 46% faster than the Cosori Pro. It comes with a wide, bright touchscreen and five fan speeds, each of which corresponds to a different function. Temperatures can reach as high as 230C, and the timer can be run for a maximum of 24 hours – ideal if you're using the dehydration setting for ingredients like fruit. In test, I loved how easy it was to use, and though it's quite chunky for a single-drawer air fryer, it's versatile and relatively quiet while it cooks. Wattage: 1725W Size: 30.1 x 30 x 40cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 6L Presets: Air fry, roast, grill, frozen, reheat, preheat, dry, bake, proof, warm Warranty: 2 years Cost to run for 10 minutes: 4.2p (based on 27p/kWh) Available from: Amazon (£99.99) undefined Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400UK Air Fryer Available from Very (£229), AO (£229), Ninja (£229.99) Best dual-drawer air fryer Pros: Generously sized Easy to clean Two cooking zones Programmable so different foods finish simultaneously Cons: Big footprint No pre-set cooking options for specific ingredients Star rating: 5/5 This large-capacity dual zone air fryer was a joy to use, and as with most Ninja products it came in mostly recyclable packaging, with very little plastic. The sync function came in handy for air-frying a chicken breast in one drawer and salmon fillet in the other, cooking them both at different temperatures but so they finished at the same time. The salmon had a crispy skin, while the chicken was moist with a slight golden colour. There was no transfer of smell or flavours between the two drawers, either. With a large capacity you get a large footprint, and there's no denying that a large amount of counter space is needed to accommodate this air fryer – use it regularly enough though and it's definitely worth it. Read our full Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400UK air fryer review. Wattage: 2470W Size: 32.5 x 41.5 x 27cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 9.5L Presets: Max crisp, air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate, bake Warranty: 2 years Latest Deals ProCook Air Fryer Health Grill Available from ProCook (£143) Best air fryer grill Pros: Fully recyclable packaging Wide range of presets Comprehensive instruction manual Intuitive controls Cons: Large footprint Star rating: 5/5 This is ProCook's first ever air fryer grill, released as part of the brand's debut into electrical appliances. Its sleek, stainless-steel design looks great on the countertop, which is fortunate as it's very large, so most households would have to keep it on display. Among the presets are traditional settings like air fry, roast, grill and bake, plus more unique functions, like slow cook and steam. A non-stick crisper basket, multifunctional cooking pot, grill rack, glass lid, removable splatter shield and cleaning brush are also included. It performed well in test, too, producing crisp, golden chips. Wattage: 1500-1700W Size: 40cm x 28cm Presets: Air fry, roast, broil, grill, bake, dehydrate, slow cook, griddle, stew, steam, keep warm Warranty: 2 years Cost to run for 10 minutes: 7p (based on 28.62p/kWh) Available from: ProCook (£143) Best of the rest CASO Design AirFry DuoChef Available from CASO Design (£119.99) Best dual/single-oven hybrid Pros: Easy to change from air fryer to oven Lots of cooking space Easy to clean – dishwasher-safe parts Shake reminder Interior lights Cons: Large – requires a lot of worktop space Heavy Star rating: 4.5/5 This air fryer has versatility written all over it as it doubles as an oven: simply remove its baskets and the central divider between them, and hook on the large pull-down door for oven mode. In this mode you can use a baking tray or a perforated baking tray for cooking, or both, thanks to its two rack supports which sit at different heights. It offers 5.5 litres of usable cooking space in each basket, or a total of 14 litres in oven mode. It has 10 handy preset programmes, including a reheat mode, plus a special hold function, which tailors cooking times so both baskets can be ready at the same time. It also beeps to alert you to turn your food halfway through cooking. We used it to cook salmon, which it did perfectly, as well as chips, halloumi chunks and aubergine slices. While we didn’t find any griddle marks, we did note that foods browned perfectly and cooked in good time. Its clever, adaptable design makes this a great pick for families who would rather avoid using their oven entirely, or for those who really need the extra oven space. You can clean both baking trays, both drawers and both basket trays in the dishwasher. It is large, so be prepared to make a lot of space on your worktop for it. Wattage: 2200W Size: H33.5cm x W43.5cm x D38.5cm Capacity: Baskets: 2 x 5.5L. Tray: 14L Presets: 10 Warranty: 24 months Available from: CASO Design (£119.99) Ninja Foodi 4-in-1 Dual Zone AF200UK air fryer Available from Argos (£129.99) Best simple dual-drawer air fryer Pros: Great price A reasonable footprint for a dual-drawer model Simple to operate Cons: Only four functions Limited drawer space Star rating 4.5/5 This basic but efficient air fryer is a great example of the ubiquitous Ninja dual-drawer model. The AF200UK has just four-functions – air fryer, 'max crisp', roast and reheat – and the four functions will be all that's needed for anyone who wants a simple appliance that's quick and easy to use. The 4-in-1 also has a sync-or-match function, where the two drawers effectively become one, or sync where two different foods can be set to finish cooking at the same time. It took us a few goes to figure this out successfully, but once we did, we loved the results. The dishes we cooked on the test were excellent, with great texture and full flavour – only the chips were a little dark at the edges, but more shaking of the drawer rectified this. At the price, this is an excellent little gadget to have in the kitchen. Wattage: 2400W Size: 31.5cm x 38cm x 33cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 7.6L Presets: 4 Warranty: 2 years Available from: Argos (£129.99) undefined Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 air fryer Available from John Lewis & Partners (£129.99), Amazon (£147), Ninja (£149.99), Currys (£149.99), Argos (£150) Pros: Compact and stylish Can cook wet and dry ingredients Air fryer baskets double as storage containers Dishwasher-safe parts Runs quietly Cons: Packaged with non-recyclable materials, including polystyrene PowerPod unit is quite heavy Not as portable as it makes out Silicone feet around crisper trays may be susceptible to snapping off Star rating: 4.5/5 Ninja has broken the mould once again with one of its newest air fryers, the Crispi, which claims to offer portability, 'non-toxic' cooking and – as the name suggests – ultra-crisp results every time. Even with just four presets (air fry, roast, re-crisp and keep warm), it's still versatile thanks to its two lidded glass containers, which double as storage solutions for lunches or leftovers. You can also use the Crispi to cook curries, fajitas, a whole roast chicken, desserts or a pasta bake, not to mention traditional air fryer recipes like chips and chicken wings. Because it includes two different-sized containers (1.4-litre and 3.8-litre), you can make the correct portion size for however many people you're feeding, whether you have a family of four or are making a meal for one. It gets to work once you attach and programme the 'PowerPod' unit, which is surprisingly heavy to lift on and off. The glass containers are also weighty and not exactly portable, but for putting leftovers in the fridge they're incredibly handy. Be mindful of the silicone feet around the crisper trays, as Good Food's managing editor Lulu Grimes warned me of hers snapping off – there are replacement trays available on Ninja's website if you need them. This aside, I thought the materials felt well made and built to last. Wattage: 1700W Size: 34.5 x 30.4 x 34cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 1.4L and 3.8L (two containers provided) Presets: Air fry, roast, re-crisp, keep warm Warranty: 2 years Cost to run for 10 minutes: 5.27p (based on 25.73p/kWh) undefined Bosch Series 6 air fryer Available from Bosch (£89.99), Argos (£89.99), Currys (£89.99), Amazon (£142.61) Best air fryer for ease of use Pros: Handy alert to shake ingredients half-way through cooking Generously sized air fryer basket Comes with quality accessories Easy to set up and use Cons: Noisy fan Large single basket is less useful if you want to cook different ingredients separately Some non-recyclable packaging Star rating: 4.5/5 Bosch has been manufacturing small appliances for decades, and despite being a little late to the party to launch its first ever air fryer, I think the Series 6 model has proven to be worth the wait. It has a classic minimalist design, with a generous 7.2L basket, glossy black exterior and compact shape that helps it slot easily under lower cupboards. A stainless-steel grill is included so you can layer even more into the basket – ideal if you're cooking large quantities of the same ingredient. However, if you want to be able to air fry different foods at different temperatures, a dual-drawer model with a sync function would probably suit you better. Much like other Bosch appliances we've tested, I found the Series 6 remarkably easy to use. The instruction manual is absolutely packed with detail, including diagrams, cooking charts and advice on how thick to cut ingredients – leaving little room for error. A handy alarm sounds half way through cooking to prompt you to shake your ingredients – a surprising number of air fryers don't have this, even though it's often recommended to achieve more even results. The alarm is loud, though (you shouldn't miss it going off), as is the fan, so just bear that in mind if you live in an open-plan space. Wattage: 1800W Size: 31.4 x 30.9 x 38.8cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 7.2L Presets: Bread, fish, french fries, meat, small pastries, poultry, vegetables, keep warm Warranty: 2 years as standard, 5 years when you register Cost to run for 10 minutes: 6.29p (based on 26.35p/kWh) Available from: Bosch (£89.99) Argos (£89.99) Currys (£89.99) Amazon (£142.61) undefined Cosori Air Fryer Lite 3.8L Available from Amazon (£59.99) Best WiFi-enabled air fryer Pros: Compact Easy-to-remove grill tray Digital countdown on display after one minute WiFi connectivity Cons: Preset times and temperatures a little off Star rating: 4.5/5 Ideal for one-to-three portions, this is the smallest model in the Cosori collection. It’s smart-looking with flat, touchscreen controls, tactile accents, and useful cord storage at the back. It’s also sturdy and robust, with aesthetically considered finishes. There are five presets (chicken, fries, bacon, steak, veggies), plus keep warm and preheat settings. All test recipes were well cooked: crisp and even results with consistent browning. That said, both the preset times and temperatures are higher and longer than they need to be, so it's worth reducing the cooking time and temperatures to avoid overcooking. This model is also WiFi-compatible via the VeSync app. Although there's no real need for it to be (setting the air fryer to go takes very little time), it's useful to be able to check how much time is left from afar. Read the full Cosori Air Fryer Lite 3.8-litre review. Wattage: 1500W Size: 32.5 x 34.5 x 27.5cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 3.8L Presets: Chicken, fries, bacon, steak, veggies, preheat, keep warm Warranty: 2 years Cost to run for 10 minutes: 2.2p (based on 31.8p/kWh) Available from: Amazon (£59.99) undefined ChefMan TurboFry Touch Air Fryer Available from Amazon (£59.49) Pros: Easy to use Consistent cooking results Mute button for alerts Hi-Fry button for extra crispiness Cons: Excessive non-recyclable packaging No presets Star rating: 4.5/5 If you want the convenience of a dual-drawer air fryer but don't need the large capacity, this 5.6-litre model is a good option. It comes with sync functions, so you can programme both drawers to finish simultaneously, and the mute button is handy if you live in an open-plan space or want to momentarily switch off the noise alerts. There are no presets for specific ingredients, and though you can find suggested cooking times in the manual, this is less helpful for air-fryer newbies who might need a bit of guidance at the beginning. It scored low points on the sustainability front, too, owing the amount of polystyrene and plastic packaging it arrived in. On the plus side, in test it produced a decent batch of chips, which were even and well sealed after 30 minutes at 200C. The Hi-Fry button is also a clever addition that raises the cooking temperature to 235C for two minutes – ideal when your ingredients are almost done but need a little extra browning. Wattage: 2100W Size: 27 x 30 x 34cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 5.6L Presets: Manual mode only Warranty: 2 years Available from: Amazon (£59.49) undefined Ninja Foodi MAX Health Grill and Air Fryer Available from Very (£269) Best blow-out multifunctional air fryer Pros: Zero-oil air crisping Leave-in digital cooking probe Recipe booklet catering for gluten-free, diary free, keto and vegetarian diets Cons: Hot underneath Chunky footprint Star rating: 5/5 This is both a pricey and chunky investment purchase that looks more like a pizza oven than an air fryer. However, for the quality of components and cooking results it’s great value for money offering roast, bake, grill and dehydrate functions in addition to air frying. It’s particularly adapted for roasting meat joints. The integrated digital thermometer meant the gadget will alert you when a whole chicken is fully cooked, preventing it from being over-done. Requiring zero oil, the chips were well-sealed and soft inside, too. Its grill function didn’t disappoint when it came to grid cooking and, if you like a traybake, cakes are ready in 25 minutes. Read our full Ninja Foodi MAX health grill & air fryer review. Wattage: 2460W Size: 27 x 39 x 41cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 3.8L Presets: Air fry, bake, roast, reheat, dehydrate and grill Warranty: 2 years Available from: Very (£269) Latest Deals Our Place Wonder Oven Available from Our Place (£145), Selfridges (£195) Best looking air fryer oven Pros: Good-looking Available in a choice of colours Includes accessories Mostly recyclable packaging Lightweight Cons: Slower than other models we've tested Unable to adjust timer once set Noisy in use Star rating: 4.5/5 A huge hit on social media, this air fryer oven benefits from the same colourful design as the Our Place Always Pan. There are three colours to choose from – 'steam', 'char' and 'blue salt', as well as limited-edition 'spice'. Settings include air fry, bake, grill, roast, toast, and reheat, and there are plenty of accessories thrown in too, including a wire rack, non-stick baking tray and air fryer basket. It's a little noisy but easy enough to use. It's also a little slow versus other models out there, and annoyingly you can't adjust the timer dial once you've twisted it round – you just have to wait for the time to run out. On the plus side, everything cooked in the Wonder Oven was nicely browned and flavoursome, with some nice barbecue-like charring on the chicken breast. Read our first-look review of the Our Place Wonder Oven and our guide: Is Our Place worth it? Wattage: 1400W Size: 29.5 x 29.2 x 26.9 ‎cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 12L Presets: Air fry, bake, roast, grill, reheat and toast Warranty: 1 year Cost to run for 10 minutes: 2.1p (based on 24.5p/kWh) Available from: Our Place (£145) Selfridges (£195) undefined HYSapientia Dual Zone Air Fryer Available from Amazon (£149.99), HYSapientia (£219.99) Best large air fryer oven Pros: Versatile Two three-layer cooking zones 13 accessories included Easy to use control panel Cons: Excessive amount of plastic packaging No information on spare parts or repairs Large footprint Gets very hot during use Star rating: 4/5 If you want the large capacity of an air fryer oven but the convenience and versatility of a dual-basket model, this 22-litre appliance from HYSapientia offers both in abundance. Much like the brand's 15-litre air fryer oven and 24-litre air fryer oven, there's ample space for cooking large quantities. But, when you only need to use half the air fryer, you can slot a divider board into the centre of the oven to create two separate cooking zones, which can both be controlled independently. Among the accessories are full-size and half-width oven racks, baking trays and air fryer baskets, and there's also a small set of oven gloves and a recipe book. Chips were pleasantly golden and crisp, but what was disappointing was the excessive amount of plastic in the packaging, which couldn't be recycled. Wattage: 2400W Size: 41.4 x 37.5 x 37.5 cm (H, W, D) Capacity: 22L Presets: Air fry, broil, steak, fish, rotisserie, pizza, toast, bake, dehydrate, defrost Warranty: 2 years Cost to run for 10 minutes: 6.86p (based on 28.62p/kWh) Available from: Amazon (£149.99) HYSapientia (£219.99) undefined Good Food in partnership with Tower GF17014 12-in-1 dual basket air fryer Available from Amazon (£139) Cook full family meals with ease using this versatile dual-basket air fryer. With 12 one-touch presets and clever Sync and Match functions, it takes the stress out of juggling timings. Vortx technology delivers crispy results fast using little to no oil, while the 8L capacity is ideal for larger portions. Pair it with Good Food’s recipe library to make the most of what it can do. Available from: Amazon (£139) Good Food in partnership with Tower 13-in-1 GF17015 Dual Air Fryer Available from Amazon (£114), Tower (£139.99 – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30) This clever dual air fryer and oven lets you cook two different dishes at once, saving time without compromising on flavour. The 10L capacity is great for family meals, while Vortx tech ensures food is crisp, fast and healthier. With 13 pre-set functions, sync and match settings, and handy viewing windows, it’s designed to make cooking easier. Available from: Amazon (£114) Tower (£139.99 – save 30% with code GOODFOOD30) Other air fryers tested and reviewed Tefal EasyFry Precision air fryer and grill review, £119.99 Ninja AF160UK air fryer max review, £131.99 Cello 2-in-1 air fryer and home oven, £59.99 Philips Air Fryer 5000 Series Dual Basket with Steam, £169 Cosori Dual Basket Air Fryer, £119.97 Philips Dual Basket Air Fryer 3000, £99.99 Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer, £269.99 Tefal EasyFry 10-in-1 Multifunctional Air Fryer Oven, £99.99 Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer review, £198.99 Tower Vortex 5-in-1 air fryer review, £59.99 Ninja Air Fryer Max Pro 6.2L AF180UK, £127.99 Instant Vortex Plus Dual Air Fryer review, £119.99 Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Raid Cooker review, £149.99 Breville Halo Flexi Air Fryer, £223.99 Cosori Pro 5.5-litre Air Fryer review, £76.98 Sage the Smart Oven Air Fryer review, £299.95 Magic Bullet 2.5-litre Air Fryer review, £69.99 HySapientia 24L Air Fryer oven review, £139.99 Swan Duo 13-in-1 Air Fryer review, £129.99 Cosori Pro 4.7L Air Fryer review, £69.97 Zwilling Air Fryer review, £139 Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer review, £59.99 PHILIPS 4000 Series NA462/79 Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer, £169.99 Lakeland 8-litre Dual Basket Air Fryer, discontinued How to choose an air fryer Air fryers differ in size, style and versatility, so ask yourself these questions while you're doing your research: What would you like to cook in it? How many people are you cooking for? How much space do you have? What is your budget? Do you have a specific requirement for ease-of-use? For example, large, clear function icons and controls, or perhaps an audible indicator for when each function has finished? You might also want to consider the following: Manual or digital The simplest air fryers come with manual knobs that you twist to set the time and temperature. You may prefer a digital version, where you press buttons to set this, and can see the remaining time digitally displayed. Choice of pre-set programmes Do you like to choose your own temperature and how long to cook things for, or would you prefer to leave all that to the machine? Some of our fryers had up to nine pre-set programmes for popular foods like chips, fish and chicken. Speed It took between 17 and 30 minutes to cook chips in our samples, so this might be a factor. Some models need preheating, but only for a few minutes (much less than an oven). Size Always check the size as the capacity varies enormously – important if you’re feeding the masses or just want dinner for one. But bigger isn’t always better. Some take up more space on the kitchen surface and if you’re going to keep it in a cupboard, check the dimensions. Transparent lid or internal light Some models have a see-through lid, so you can glance in and check your chips are browning well. With others, you have to open the basket to check, stopping the machine. Cleaning You’ll need to wash the basket and pan after use. Some need to be hand-washed, while others are dishwasher-proof. (The main parts of the machine should just be wiped with a cloth.) Price Air fryers vary hugely in price – our tested models varied from £39.99 to £300. If it’s simply a healthier, more efficient method of cooking chips that you’re after, you can narrow your search down to one without bells and whistles, and save some pennies on a machine that does the core function well. Top tip: Watch out for those that will require you to part-boil the cut potatoes prior to crisping – air fryers worth having should be able to fully cook chips on their own. Are air fryers energy efficient? Air fryers vary in their energy efficiency, but it is possible to calculate how much energy an appliance will use, which in turn will help you cost up the impact it’ll have on your bills. Here’s how: Take the appliance’s wattage and multiply it by the gadget’s hours of use per day, then divide the total by 1000. The result will be the appliance’s daily kilowatt-hour (kWh). The cost per kilowatt-hour will vary depending on your energy tariff and area. If you have a smart meter installed at home, you’ll be able to see the cost per use during cooking without having to calculate it. One of the many useful qualities of air fryers is the countertop size. These gadgets are much faster to heat up and designed to circulate hot air efficiently, so food should cook more quickly than in a traditional oven. For smaller quantities and specific ingredients, air fryers will be switched on for considerably less time, which should mean less electricity consumption. What can you cook in an air fryer? Recipe-wise, air fryers are an excellent tool for not only knocking up traditional favourites, but aiding you in experimentation. The humble spud is a great starting point. As we mention above, it’s possible to achieve a similar texture and flavour of traditional fried delights with an air-crisp function for air fryer chips and air fried roast potatoes using considerably less oil. The same applies to coated foods from which you’d like a crisp outer, like breadcrumbs. Discover our collection of air fryer recipes for a bit of inspiration for veggies and air-fried chicken. On mid-range models, baking functions are often an option with non-stick accessories. This opens the door to thrifty bakes, classic cake recipes as well as free-from options to fit those with dietary requirements. Fruit leather is an excellent way to make the most of a dehydrate function if you have a hand blender, blender or food processor at home, or for an umami-kick try dehydrating tomatoes or mushrooms. How to recycle an air fryer If you want to upgrade to a newer model or your air fryer has reached the end of its life, knowing how and where to dispose of your appliance is important to avoid creating more e-waste. Check the warranty: If your air fryer is broken, find out whether it's still under guarantee. If it is, you should be able to have it replaced or repaired by the retailer or manufacturer. Can it be repaired independently? If the warranty on your appliance has expired, find out whether any independent appliance repairs services will fix it for you. Research recommended and trusted traders in your area, and they may be able to come out and take a look for you. Look for replacement parts: Some brands sell air fryer parts separately, so if a particular element of your gadget is broken and can be easily swapped out, find out whether you can purchase a replacement online or in store. Donate: If your air fryer is in full working order and you simply want to upgrade it, give it a new home and donate it to a worthy cause. You could also use platforms like Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace. Recycle: Some larger retailers like B&Q accept and recycle smaller electricals like air fryers. The Reuse Network lists the nearest charities and community projects that will welcome your old gadgets. Similarly, Recycle Your Electricals provides helpful guidance on how to recycle your gadgets, as well as a list of organisations that may accept donations. For further advice, read our guide on how to recycle electricals and appliances. How to convert recipes for an air fryer If you want to adapt a recipe for air frying, Good Food's senior food editor Samuel Goldsmith recommends reducing the cooking time by 20%. To do this, simply multiply the original time by 0.8 – the result will give you the amended cooking time. For instance, where a recipe calls for 20 minutes of cooking: 20 x 0.8 = 16, so the reduced cooking time is 16 minutes. That said, if you’ve recently bought an air fryer, trial the times and temperatures first as each model varies in size. Appliance deals Air fryer Black Friday deals Microwave deals Dishwasher deals Pizza oven deals Ninja Black Friday deals Related reviews and guides Are air fryers worth it? Is air frying healthy? What not to cook in an air fryer Best food processors Best blenders Best toasters Best kettles Best soup makers Best slow cookers Best microwaves Best multi-cookers Best Ninja air fryers Best family air fryers Best dual air fryers Best small air fryers Best Ooni pizza oven Our Place Wonder Oven first-look review Is HexClad worth it?
The best Japanese whisky taste tested, 2026
Read our expert review of the best Japanese whisky. We taste-tested bottles of this complex spirit to bring you our recommended buys.
Even 10 or 20 years ago, Japanese whisky was something of a niche amongst a very small set of aficionados. The mere existence of Japanese whisky might be a surprise to the mainstream drinker, despite the best of it being as complex and refined as anything being put out by the Scots. Today, Japanese whisky-makers find themselves held in the highest regard around the world, laden with awards and struggling to keep up with demand. Japanese whisky is deeply influenced by Scotch whisky in many ways, but has grown and developed into something that is very much its own beast. As with scotch, there are differences between the output of distilleries that reflect the equipment, methods and local climate. Distillers play with process in a way that many Scottish operations may not, experimenting with yeasts and fermentation times to great effect. Here, our drinks experts Richard Davie and Jonathan Hatchman have selected the best Japanese whisky to buy, covering a range of styles and prices from under £40 to an investment £150. Read on for our in-depth reviews. For over 400 buyer’s guides, visit our reviews section and find taste tests of gin, vodka, tequila, rum, whisky and much more. Best Japanese whisky to buy at a glance Best well-known Japanese whisky: Nikka Days whisky, £39.49 Best light Japanese whisky: The Chita Suntory whisky, £68 Best intense Japanese whisky: Taketsuru pure malt, Nikka whisky, £69.31 Best luxury Japanese whisky: Hakushu 12-year-old single malt, Suntory whisky, £149.99 Best mizunara cask aged Japanese whisky: Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve, £94.95 Best Japanese whisky for Scotch lovers: Mars Maltage 'Cosmo' whisky, £52.25 Best Japanese whisky for whisky beginners: From The Barrel, Nikka whisky, £41.20 Best blended Japanese whisky: Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Suntory whisky, £75.50 Best classic Japanese-style whisky: Yoichi single malt, Nikka whisky, £79.50 Best for pairing with food: Miyagikyo single malt, Nikka whisky, £79.50 Jump to: What is different about Japanese whisky? Japanese whisky: a brief history Best Japanese whisky to buy 2026 Nikka Days whisky undefined Best well-known Japanese whisky ABV: 40% Rating: 4/5 Nikka dominates the Japanese whisky market. This easy-drinking blended whisky from their extensive range is light in aroma and flavour, making it a good option for newcomers to the whisky world, or for lovers of cocktails who, with this, can serve a highball with a punch. Read our full Nikka Days review. undefined The Chita, Suntory whisky Available from Master of Malt (£48.95), The Whisky Exchange (£50.50) Best light Japanese whisky ABV: 43% Rating: 4/5 Along with Nikka, Suntory is one of the most-loved and well-known Japanese whisky brands. Operating from numerous distilleries, this whisky flies the flag for its Chita operation. This grain whisky is lighter and more delicate than other Japanese whiskies in our list. It's a fruity spirit with unripe banana flavours present in its thin, intense sweetness. Read our full review of The Chita by Suntory Available from: Master of Malt (£48.95) The Whisky Exchange (£50.50) Taketsuru pure malt, Nikka whisky Available from Amazon (£66), Master of Malt (£69.31) Best intense Japanese whisky ABV: 43% Rating: 4/5 Unlike the Nikka Days whisky, this doesn’t map across quite so simply to the more familiar Scottish whiskies that Japanese whiskies are often associated with. It tastes intense at first sip, with tobaco and smokiness present, and finishes to reveal a savoury, almost bitter note. This one is great in an old fashioned cocktail. Read our full review of Taketsuru whisky by Nikka Available from: Amazon (£66) Master of Malt (£69.31) Hakushu 12-year-old single malt, Suntory whisky Available from Master of Malt (£149.99), The Whisky Exchange (£161), Selfridges (£175) Best luxury Japanese whisky ABV: 45% Rating: 5/5 Made at Suntory's Hakushu distillery, this maturation is refined with cool herbal notes. On the palate, that coolness gives way to a smooth alcohol warmth, mint notes and some lemon that mingles with the sweetness of the malt. It's full-bodied with a little creaminess, too, making this an ideal whisky to serve neat in a dram. Read our full review of Hakushu 12 whisky by Suntory. Available from: Master of Malt (£149.99) The Whisky Exchange (£161) Selfridges (£175) Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve Available from Master of Malt (£100.95), The Whisky Exchange (£94.95) Best mizunara cask aged Japanese whisky ABV: 46.5% Rating: 4/5 Founded by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the Hanyu distillery which ceased production in 2000, the famous Chichibu Distillery has been distilling Japanese whisky since 2008. Over the past 17 years, the distillery has become particularly well renowned, with a somewhat cult following, making the whiskies especially sought after. With a very small production, the distillery’s limited releases generally involves masterful blending of old Hanyu stock and new Chichibu production, each with interesting maturing techniques. From Ichiro’s Malt Leaf Series, the Mizunara Wood Reserve comprises a blend of world whiskies finished in Japanese mizunara casks. Native to Japan, mizunara is an oak tree that’s becoming increasingly popular for barrel-ageing whiskies, renowned for the unique flavours it imparts, although it’s challenging to work with given its porous nature which makes it more prone to leakage. On the nose, the Mizunara Wood Reserve is dense with strong honey, plum sake, apple, white grape and sandalwood notes typical of mizunara-ageing, then initially spicy on the palate with a hint of black pepper, some more honey and fruity sweetness, a zip of bitter grapefruit and some pleasant woodiness that continues on the relatively short finish. JH Available from: Master of Malt (£100.95) The Whisky Exchange (£94.95) Mars Maltage 'Cosmo' whisky undefined Best Japanese whisky for Scotch lovers ABV: 43% Rating: 4/5 Mars Shinsu is a heritage distillery that's had a complicated journey, closing several times along the way, although it's enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Known for very interesting special editions, this 'Cosmo' distillation has butterscotch on the nose and stewed fruit flavours. Expect a profile very similar to a traditional scotch. Read our full Mars Maltage review undefined From The Barrel, Nikka whisky undefined Best Japanese whisky for whisky beginners ABV: 51.4% Rating: 4.5/5 A flagship blended whisky from Nikka that you may have seen in bars and supermarkets. From The Barrel does what you imagine Nikka would like for a standard-bearer of their whiskies, showing many of the flavour elements in an approachable way, without sacrificing complexity. Read our full review of From The Barrel whisky by Nikka. undefined Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Suntory whisky Available from Master of Malt (£72.90), Waitrose Cellar (£81), The Whisky Exchange (£75.50) Best blended Japanese whisky ABV: 43% Rating: 4.5/5 A blended whisky from Suntory, this pulls in malt whisky from their Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, and grain whisky from Chita. It has a complex but light nose, with red fruit and apple flavours and a marshmallow sweet note. Enjoy with an ice cube as a sundowner. Read our full review of Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky by Suntory. Yoichi single malt, Nikka whisky Available from The Whisky Exchange (£79.50) Best classic Japanese-style whisky ABV: 45% Rating: 5/5 You can almost taste the Scottish influence in this dram, but Nikka's Yoichi has a distinctly Japanese flavour profile. On the nose there's gentle peat smoke and caramelised citrus fruits, and the palate carries the peat and fruit through, with melon and fresh apple being the most notable flavours. Overall, this is one of Japan’s top whiskies. It's a perfect introduction to the region's offering as it exemplifies its best qualities. Read our full review of Yoichi whisky by Nikka. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£79.50) Miyagikyo single malt, Nikka whisky Available from The Whisky Exchange (£79.50) Best for pairing with food ABV: 45% Rating: 5/5 The no-age Miyagikyo is a great showcase for the Nikka distillery. The nose is intense without being heavy, with oodles of cereal, hints of candyfloss, banana and crisp apple. The palate shows a continuation, with delicate grass and floral notes before a full barley-malt sweetness. A dram of this would pair well with fruitcake. Read our full review of Miyagikyo whisky by Nikka. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£79.50) What is different about Japanese whisky? To generalise, Japanese whisky tends toward precision and complexity without getting too heavy. Finishes, even if intense, don’t linger on the palate in the same way as an Islay might. Quite a few of the whiskies listed here shift through a few different sets of flavours as you sip them, with savoury notes you don’t see elsewhere. Closer to scotch than bourbon or rye, they run the gamut from the super-light to intense brooders. Flavour profiles will include hints of bitterness, too, that are striking when first tasted, but sit neatly within the blenders’ intent. Japanese whisky: a quick history The origins of this spirit can be traced back 100 years. The Japanese have links with Scotland going back to the mid-19th century, with students sent across in order to learn scientific and engineering innovations as the nation sought to modernise itself. This practice was still going strong when, in 1918, a young chemist named Masataka Taketsuru was put on a boat to Glasgow to learn how to make whisky. Returning two years later, he would become possibly the single most significant figure in Japanese whisky. The company that had sponsored his trip, Settsu Shuzo, had drawn back from making a proper whisky distillery, so Taketsuru instead spent his time making an ersatz substitute for them. Moving on in 1924, he joined Kotobukiya (now Suntory) making Japan’s earliest recognisable single malt at the country’s oldest whisky distillery, Yamazaki, in Osaka. Then, in 1934, he founded his own company, now known as Nikka, and set up the Yoichi distillery on the northern island of Hokkaido. The equivalent might be if Glenfiddich’s original master blender had gone on to found Glenlivet after a false start with Budweiser. Between the two behemoths of Suntory and Nikka, you have a majority of the whisky made in Japan and available to buy in the UK. With far greater attention being paid to Japanese whisky, fans are caught in a bit of a bind. On the one hand, a swift rise in demand for a drink that can take upward of a decade to mature properly has put pressure on stock levels, with commensurate price rises and whiskies of a particular vintage removed in favour of 'No Age Statement' (NAS) releases. Whisky collectors and traders are admittedly a niche, and one probably best not sucked into, but if you happened to pick up a Japanese single malt a decade ago, you might be rather surprised at the difference in price. On the other hand, the range of Japanese whisky that you can find in the UK is broader and more easily accessible. Flagship brands like the Nikka's From The Barrel can be seen in supermarkets, alongside scotch, bourbon and the never-ending panoply of gins. Whilst there are not currently equivalent budget options, there are very decent whiskies that don’t cost the earth. One thing to be aware of is that Japan does not have the same legislation surrounding methods and requirements for calling a drink a whisky and calling a whisky Japanese. As such, there are a lot of blended whiskies using Scottish base spirit that may or may not have been aged in Japan, and it is apparently possible to see aged shōchū being sold as whisky in the USA. Thankfully, the latter doesn't seem to have made its way over here. More on whisky The best whisky to buy as a gift The best bourbon whisky The best craft whisky The best Scotch whisky The best Irish whiskey The best sustainable spirits to buy Popular whisk(e)y recipes Whiskey sour Whiskey sour mocktail Whiskey highball Whisky cream sauce Marmalade and whisky bread and butter pudding The best whisky cocktail recipes Are you a fan of Japanese whisky? Share your product suggestions with us. Leave a comment below...
The best berberine supplements 2026 – tried and tested
When choosing the best berberine supplements, we've prioritised high bioavailability, trusted brands and formulations with minimal fillers
Berberine is a natural compound found in plants that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Today, it’s gaining attention as a supplement people take to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, support metabolism and look after heart health. With so many products on the market, it can be tricky to know which ones are reliable. Some provide well-absorbed forms of berberine at research-backed doses, while others may rely more on marketing than quality. Checking the dose, ingredient form, number of capsules, and third-party testing can make it easier to pick a product that fits your lifestyle. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the top berberine supplements, looking at dosage, ingredient quality, value for money and practical considerations, so you can see which options stand out. We've also included information on what is berberine and why should I take it? Visit our review section to find more health-related reviews, including the best protein bars, best vegan protein powders and best meal prep containers. Next, read which supplements should I take? Best berberine supplements at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best natural berberine supplement: NOW Foods Berberine Glucose Support, £24.23 Best high‑strength berberine supplement: Thorne Berberine 60 Capsules, £35.94 Best enhanced absorption berberine supplement: BIOptimizers Berberine Breakthrough, £59.99 Best liposomal berberine supplement: Renue by Science CardioMAX Liposomal Berberine, £39.49 Best berberine complex for metabolic health: Designs For Health Berberine Synergy, £47.99 Best berberine softgel: Designs For Health Berberine‑Evail, £48.99 Best premium berberine complex: Natroceutics Berberine Complex, £38.50 Best berberine supplement for longevity focus: ProHealth Longevity Berberine Pro, £28.53 Best berberine supplement with liver support: NMN Bio Berberine and Milk Thistle, £29.49 Best high-purity vegan berberine supplement: Vitabright Berberine HCL Capsules, £19.99 Best budget berberine supplement: Weight World Berberine Capsules, £18.49 Best simple berberine supplement: Bettervits Berberine Capsules, £35 Jump to: Best berberine supplements to buy in 2026 What is berberine and why should I take it? What form of berberine should I take? Is berberine safe to take daily and what are the side effects? When should I take berberine? Who should (and shouldn’t) take berberine supplements? How we tested berberine supplements To put together our edit of the best berberine supplements, we combined expert nutrition input with hands-on testing. Nutritionist Kerry Torrens helped guide the process, drawing on the current evidence base around berberine and its role in metabolic health, blood glucose management and lipid balance. This included consideration of appropriate dosing, formulation quality and safety for daily use. All supplements were tested in the same way. We focused on berberine capsules and softgels rather than powders or drinks, as these are the most common versions available. Each product was taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions, with observations recorded using our in-depth testing criteria. The Good Health By Good Food team reviewed supplements from a range of brands, spanning different price points and formulations, from single-ingredient berberine to more complex blends designed to enhance absorption or provide additional metabolic support. The key areas we assessed were: Dosage and potency: how much berberine is provided per daily serving and whether this aligns with amounts used in published research Formulation and absorption: whether the product uses standard berberine HCl or enhanced delivery systems such as liposomal or synergistic blends Ingredient quality: the presence of unnecessary fillers, additives or artificial ingredients Ease of use: capsule size, serving size and how easily the supplement fits into a daily routine Suitability for dietary requirements: including vegetarian or vegan suitability where relevant Value for money: cost per day compared with similar products on the market ​Best berberine supplements to buy in 2026 NOW Foods Berberine Glucose Support Available from: iHerb (£24.23) Best natural berberine supplement Star rating: 5/5 This well-priced softgel supplement provides 400mg of berberine hydrochloride per capsule, with three daily giving 1200mg, matching research-supported ranges for metabolic health. We found it easy to include in daily routines, with three to be taken a day with food, and the softgels are smooth to swallow. At around 27p per day, it’s one of the most cost-effective options we tested. The formula is free from gluten, dairy and soy but contains gelatin, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. MCT oil is included, which may support absorption, although evidence for a significant clinical effect is limited. Overall, this is a simple, reliable berberine option at strong value. Available from: iHerb (£24.23) Thorne Berberine 1000 Milligrams Available from: iHerb (£35.94) Best high-strength berberine supplement Star rating: 5/5 Each capsule provides 500mg of berberine hydrochloride, with two capsules daily reaching 1000mg and three capsules 1500mg. We were impressed with the consistent formulation quality and the GMP-certified, NSF Certified for Sport manufacturing, which gives confidence in dose accuracy. The capsules are free from gluten, dairy, and soy. The cost per day is higher at around £1.20 for two capsules, but the reliability and clinical-grade standards make it ideal for experienced users comfortable with higher doses. Available from: iHerb (£35.94) BIOptimizers Berberine Breakthrough Available from: Bioptimizers (£59.99) Best enhanced absorption berberine supplement Star rating: 5/5 This softgel stood out for absorption support, combining 400mg berberine hydrochloride with MCT oil. Three capsules daily deliver 1200mg and we found them comfortable to swallow. The formulation may benefit users with digestive sensitivity or those looking for better uptake than standard capsules. It is free from unnecessary additives, but the premium price reflects the advanced delivery system. For those prioritising technology-driven absorption, this product performed well in our tests. Available from: Bioptimizers (£59.99) Renue by Science CardioMAX Liposomal Berberine Available from: Healf (£39.49) Best liposomal berberine supplement Star rating: 4.5/5 This supplement targets both cardiovascular and metabolic health, delivering 100mg of liposomal berberine per daily serving, designed to support blood sugar balance and lipid metabolism while improving absorption through a liposomal delivery system. The formula is combined with red yeast rice and CoQ10, two ingredients commonly included in heart-health supplements. Red yeast rice contains naturally occurring monacolins that can help support healthy cholesterol levels, while CoQ10 plays a role in cellular energy production and acts as an antioxidant that supports heart and mitochondrial function. We found the formulation thoughtfully designed and easy to swallow. The daily cost is higher at around £1.32, but the additional cardiovascular-supporting ingredients may justify the price for experienced users in search of a targeted, premium formula. Available from: Healf (£39.49) Designs for Health Berberine Synergy Available from: Healf (£47.99) Best berberine complex for metabolic health Star rating: 4.5/5 We liked this complex for pairing 500mg berberine hydrochloride per capsule with alpha-lipoic acid, providing 1000mg daily across two capsules. This combination supports metabolic and cardiovascular health and the vegetarian, non-GMO capsules are free from gluten, dairy and soy. The label is transparent and, while the daily cost is around 97p, the additional co-nutrient justifies the higher price for those wanting broader metabolic support. Available from: Healf (£47.99) Designs for Health Berberine Evail Available from: Healf (£48.99) Best berberine softgel Star rating: 4.5/5 This softgel uses an Evail-emulsified delivery system to improve absorption and ease digestive tolerance. This is a formulation technique that turns nutrients into very small emulsified particles (tiny droplets) so they are absorbed more efficiently in the digestive system, especially nutrients that are normally hard to absorb. Each softgel provides 400mg of berberine hydrochloride, with two softgels giving 800mg daily. Capsules are smooth and easy to swallow. The formula contains gelatin and soy, making it unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans. While the total daily dose is slightly lower than some alternatives, the emulsified system may appeal to those sensitive to standard capsules. Daily cost is about £1.63. Available from: Healf (£48.99) Natroceutics Berberine Complex Available from: Healf (£38.50) Best premium berberine complex Star rating: 4.5/5 This multi-ingredient formulation provides 550mg of berberine hydrochloride per capsule (including 50mg delivered via a liposomal form), alongside liposomal chromium for additional metabolic support. Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and helps maintain normal blood glucose levels, which may complement berberine’s role in supporting metabolic health. In our testing, it was well-tolerated and the formulation includes a dual-delivery approach, combining standard berberine with liposomal berberine designed to support improved absorption and sustained activity in the body. Ingredient sourcing and product standards also appear transparent. The supplement is manufactured to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, labelled as vegan-friendly and uses fully recyclable packaging, all of which can indicate attention to quality. We believe this is best suited for users already familiar with berberine who want a broader metabolic-support formulation. Absorption is enhanced through the dual-delivery system, and the premium price reflects the practitioner-style positioning. Available from: Healf (£38.50) ProHealth Longevity Berberine Pro Available from: iHerb (£28.53) Best berberine supplement for longevity focus Star rating: 4.5/5 Each capsule delivers 600mg of berberine hydrochloride, with two capsules daily providing 1,200mg, a dosage commonly used in metabolic health research. We appreciated the minimalist formulation and well-balanced dose, which makes it well suited to people following a long-term supplement routine focused on metabolic health. Unlike some formulations that add multiple additional ingredients, this product keeps the formula simple and focuses on delivering a clinically relevant dose of berberine without unnecessary fillers or extras. This straightforward approach may appeal to users building a longevity-focused supplement stack who prefer to control and combine individual ingredients themselves rather than relying on complex blends. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, absorption relies on standard capsules. At around 77p per day, it offers good value for a clinically supported dose. Available from: iHerb (£28.53) NMN Bio Berberine and Milk Thistle Available from: Healf (£29.49) Best berberine supplement with liver support Star rating: 4/5 This combination includes 400mg berberine hydrochloride per capsule alongside milk thistle. Milk thistle is commonly included in formulations like this because it contains silymarin, a compound known for supporting normal liver function and antioxidant activity. As the liver plays an important role in regulating cholesterol, blood sugar and fat metabolism, pairing milk thistle with berberine may help support overall metabolic health. One to three capsules daily provide 400mg to 1200mg depending on your goal. Capsules are vegan, non-GMO and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. We found this product suitable for those who would like to combine metabolic and liver support in one supplement, with a sensible formulation and moderate price. Available from: Healf (£29.49) Vitabright Berberine HCL Capsules Available from: Vitabright (£19.99) Best high-purity vegan berberine supplement Star rating: 4/5 This straightforward supplement provides 500mg of berberine hydrochloride per capsule, standardised to 98 per cent purity, meaning almost all of the extract is the active compound. Taking the full suggested intake of three capsules daily (1,500mg) falls within the dose range commonly used in studies exploring blood sugar control, metabolism and appetite regulation, making it a solid option for metabolic support. The routine is simple – one capsule before meals, up to three times a day. The formula is also vegan and free from common allergens like gluten and dairy, with minimal fillers (just rice flour and a plant-based capsule). At roughly 22p to 66p per day depending on dose, it’s also a competitively priced option for a high-purity berberine product. However, the formula uses standard berberine hydrochloride, which is the most common form but is not designed for enhanced absorption. Some newer supplements use delivery systems like liposomal or dihydroberberine, which may help the body absorb the compound more efficiently. Available from: Vitabright (£19.99) Weight World Pure Berberine Capsules Available from: Weight World (£18.49) Best budget berberine supplement Star rating: 4/5 Each capsule provides 500mg berberine hydrochloride and is taken once daily. The vegan, gluten-free capsules contain minimal additives, making them simple and practical for cost-conscious users. We liked the affordability (around 15p per day) and straightforward formulation. There are no co-nutrients and absorption is standard, making it ideal for basic supplementation. Available from: Weight World (£18.49) Bettervits Berberine Capsules Available from: Boots (£35) Best simple berberine supplement Star rating: 4/5 Bettervits offer a straightforward berberine supplement providing 500mg of berberine hydrochloride per capsule, which is broadly comparable to many other products in this list that also deliver around 500mg to 600mg per serving. This makes it an accessible option for those who want a standard, research-aligned dose without committing to a more complex formulation. Where this product stands out is its simple, no-frills ingredient list. The formula contains berberine hydrochloride alongside basic capsule ingredients such as brown rice flour and plant-based capsule material, with no additional herbal extracts or absorption enhancers. Compared with some other supplements in the list that include liposomal delivery systems or added nutrients such as chromium or milk thistle, this product focuses purely on delivering berberine itself. That may appeal to users who prefer a single-ingredient supplement they can combine with other nutrients separately. However, the simplicity does mean absorption relies on standard berberine hydrochloride, whereas some newer formulations use liposomal delivery or added ingredients to improve uptake. It’s also slightly more expensive than some similar basic formulas we tested. Available from: Boots (£35) What is berberine and why should I take it? Berberine is an alkaloid extract found in a variety of plants, although barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is the primary source, with goldenseal and Oregon grape being common alternatives. With a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, berberine has been used for infections including the herpes simplex virus, skin disorders like acne and atopic dermatitis, as well as digestive conditions. However, it is important to note that berberine is not a cure for any medical condition and evidence for many uses is still emerging. More recently interest has focused on berberine’s application for: Weight loss, especially for those with metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes Blood sugar control Heart health, including cholesterol management Gut health Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Inflammatory conditions And mood disorders, including mild depression Berberine should be viewed as a complementary supplement rather than a treatment or cure, and it should not replace prescribed medications or professional medical care. When choosing a berberine supplement consider your health goals, as some products are designed with certain objectives in mind such as heart health, blood sugar control or supporting metabolism. These products often combine berberine with other nutraceuticals, so always check the label to ensure that the product is suitable for your circumstances. What form of berberine should I take? Available in capsules, tablets, soft-gels and powders, berberine hydrochloride (berberine HCl) is one of the most studied and widely available forms. Although berberine is a natural product it can be synthetically made for commercial use, with the effectiveness of the product depending more on dosage and quality, than origin. Nutritionist Kerry says: “If more effective absorption is needed (given berberine has poor bio-availability) look for products that use liposomal berberine, dihydroberberine or berberine phytosome. These forms may be more expensive but enhance absorption, allowing lower doses to be used; this may be especially useful if you have a sensitive gut and are likely to experience digestive upset. It’s important to remember, if you supplement with an enhanced berberine form or a product that includes absorption enhancers, like milk thistle, and you take prescribed medications, the product may be more likely to promote a drug interaction.” Is berberine safe to take daily and what are the side effects? According to nutritionist Kerry: “For the average, healthy adult, daily use in accordance with product guidelines (typically up to 1.5g daily and in divided doses) is considered safe for periods of about six months. “Berberine is not recommended for long term use, without breaks, this is because there is limited support to confirm its safety beyond this period. What constitutes a suitable dosage will depend on the condition you wish to address, for example for blood sugar effects a dose of 500mg, taken three times daily after meals, has been reported to work well.” It should be noted, that there is more for us to learn with regards berberine’s clinical effects and more high-quality studies needed. For example, gender may be relevant, given males report greater improvements in cholesterol levels than females. If you choose to supplement you should be aware of the common side effects that include digestive upset like nausea, stomach pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. These effects may be seen in those taking doses above 300g per day. When should I take berberine? Berberine is generally taken with or shortly after a meal to support digestive tolerance and consistent blood levels. Who should (and shouldn’t) take berberine supplements? Those likely to obtain benefit from berberine include people with metabolic disorders including PCOS, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as well as those with mildly high cholesterol. However, if you’re on prescribed medications check with your prescribing clinician before supplementing, this is because berberine is known to interact with some medications as it inhibits several liver enzymes that are involved in drug metabolism. This is of particular, but not exclusive relevance, to statins, calcium channel blockers, digoxin and the blood sugar drug, metformin. Berberine is not suitable for infants because it has been linked to a harmful build-up of the waste product, bilirubin, for this reason it may be unsafe during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Nutritionist Kerry adds: “If you’ve been diagnosed with liver or kidney impairment, consult your doctor before using berberine. This is because both the liver and kidneys play a key role in metabolising and removing berberine from the body.” Read more health and wellbeing product reviews Best collagen supplements Best protein powders Best vegan protein powders Best protein bars Best vegan protein bars Best vitamin C supplements Best magnesium supplements Best iron supplements Best vitamin D supplements Best omega-3 supplements Best vitamin B12 supplements Best probiotic supplements Always keep supplements out of the reach of children. Unless otherwise stated we tested products available in the UK market that are suitable for adults. Check the product label and ingredients before purchase to ensure it is appropriate for your individual circumstances. A qualified nutritionist (MBANT), Kerry Torrens is a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food. Kerry is a member of the The Royal Society of Medicine, Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT). All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information. Do you buy berberine supplements? Leave a comment and tell us your favourite below. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
8 of the best new food & drink buys to try in March, tried and tested
A fruity new gin, lunch time shortcut and sweet treat to try this month...
March brings a wave of new spring food and drink discovers to try, and our expert editors have been busy putting the latest products through their paces. From clever cooking shortcuts and storecupboard staples to sweet treats and standout drinks, we’ve tasted a range of new releases to see which are truly worth adding to your basket. Here are eight of the best new food and drink buys to try this month – all tried and tested by the Good Food team. Good Food recommends for March Tarsier Spirit raspberry and lychee gin For a sweet sip Inspired by the fruit groves of Vietnam, this is a unique addition to the flavoured gins on the market. Sweet, fragrant lychee is balanced by tart raspberries and citrus peel for a refreshing finish. Available from: Master of Malt (£34.99) Tarsier (£38) Counter Culture citrus yuzu kombucha soda For kombucha sceptics We couldn’t get enough of this tangy soda – it will convert anyone nervous about trying kombucha. It’s fresh, zesty and instantly refreshing. The rhubarb and hibiscus flavour is next on our list to try…Check out our round-up of the best kombucha for more to try. Available from: Counter Culture (£21.95/12 x 330ml) IMPOSSIBREW Triple Hopped IPA For a hangover-free tipple This 0.5% ABV hazy IPA contains three times the hops for a boozy feel without the alcohol. It’s a smooth, creamy quaff that’s bursting with stone fruit and vanilla notes. Available from: Impossibrew (£34/10 x 440ml) Freja cooking bone broth For wholesome cooking Everyone’s talking about the health benefits of bone broth, but if you don't have hours on end to make your own, these pouches from Freja are perfect for everyday use. Versatile enough to make rich stocks, soups, gravies and stews. Available from: Waitrose (from £2.80) Ocado (from £3.50) SpiceBox black dal For a quick meal SpiceBox has taken care of the 30-hour cooking process for this creamy dal, so all you need to do is heat and eat. Made with organic whole urad beans, it’s a high-fibre meal that's perfect for a quick working from home lunch. Available from: Sainsbury's (£5) Slow Sauce Organic Oat Miso For an umami boost This sweet, savoury, punchy oat miso from Banchory, Aberdeenshire has been slowly barrel-aged in Scottish oak casks for 3 months. Slather it on toast, stir through porridge, dress salads, glaze veg, or even simply sip hot in the morning. Available from: Slow Sauce (£10/200g) Food Thoughts 70% dark chocolate buttons For better bakes These luxurious 70% dark chocolate buttons are a bakers dream. With a deep, smooth flavour and the perfect balance of sweet and bitter. Add to brownies, cakes and cookies... or eat straight from the pot with your afternoon cuppa! Available from: Amazon (£19.99/750g) Alterego cottage cheese For UPF-free snacks Made from just four ingredients - milk, cream, live cultures and sea salt - this cottage cheese is decadently creamy and UPF-free. Available from: Sainsbury's (£1.85/200g)
I'm an ex-barista, and this is every coffee gadget and accessory I've tested and rated 5/5 stars
I've spent countless hours testing a variety of coffee gadgets, but these are the only machines, accessories and tools I'd actually recommend buying
If you're anything like me, your day doesn't truly begin until you've sipped your first cup of coffee – but, long gone are the days when we'd have to rely on instant granules for a caffeine hit. Domestic espresso and bean-to-cup coffee machines have made it easier than ever to brew specialty roasts in our own homes – so much so that it's become an integral part of our routine. But, how much money do you really need to spend to get anything close to what you'd buy in a coffee shop? As a former barista and Good Food's resident coffee expert, I'm here to reassure you that you don't need to spend thousands of pounds on the latest kit – a bag of freshly roasted beans (often priced at £10/250g) will have a bigger impact on what ultimately ends up in your cup. Still, with so much coffee gear out there, knowing what’s actually worth your money can send you into a tailspin. As an act of kindness (and not under the pretence of fuelling my own caffeine addiction), I've spent countless hours testing a range of coffee machines, gadgets and accessories to help you cut through the noise and find the right kit for your needs, space and budget. Everything in this guide has my seal of approval and a coveted 5/5 star rating – but for a full look at everything we've tried and tested, you can check out Good Food's guides to the best coffee machines, best bean-to-cup coffee machines, best espresso machines and best gifts for coffee lovers. Happy brewing! Every coffee machine, gadget and accessory I've tested and rated 5/5 stars Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series ES701UK Available from Amazon (£674.07), Very (£699), Ninja (£699.99), Currys (£699.99), Argos (£700) I'm kicking off this guide with a biggie: the Ninja ES701UK, an all-singing, all-dancing appliance that brews espresso, filter coffee and cold brew, setting it apart from any other machine on the market. Don't be fooled by its 'techy' interface – it's remarkably easy to use and a great choice for beginners. In test, its automatic milk steaming was particularly impressive, producing ultra-silky, creamy microfoam for our cappuccinos, flat whites and lattes, which is difficult to achieve when you don't steam the milk manually. Available from: Amazon (£674.07) Very (£699) Ninja (£699.99) Currys (£699.99) Argos (£700) Fellow Opus coffee grinder Available from Borough Kitchen (£155), Amazon (£195), Harrods (£210) Known for its sleek, minimalist range of coffee grinders, Fellow is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing brands out there. But it's not just about good looks: precision is where its products really excel, and the Opus is no exception. This gadget has 41 grind settings, which means you can programme the grind size exactly to your liking, plus a volumetric dosing lid and spouted catch to reduce mess. As grinding is measured in seconds rather than cup size or dose, you'll also need to weigh your beans beforehand, but for coffee aficionados this won't be out of the ordinary. Available from: Borough Kitchen (£155) Amazon (£195) Harrods (£210) Lavazza Jolie Evo coffee pod machine Available from Amazon (£57.89), Lavazza (£99) If you want convenience over anything else, a coffee pod machine is the way to go and, in my experience, this model from Lavazza is the best of the bunch. It has a compact slimline design, which means it's perfect for smaller kitchens, and it handles the basics impressively well. To use, simply pop a Lavazza pod into the top of the machine, pull down the robust metal handle and hit the 'on' button, after which smooth, rich espresso with silky crema will pour from the spout. You can extract as little or as much coffee as you want (depending on how much water is in the tank), which isn't so ideal if you want a consistent dose every time, but does offer good versatility. Available from: Amazon (£57.89) Lavazza (£99) Grind Cold Brew bottle Available from Grind (£30) Providing you're happy to be patient, making your own cold brew at home is a simple process, made even easier with accessories like this bottle from Grind. With it, you can produce up to five cups – simply put 50g ground coffee (about 7 tbsp) in the filter basket, add up to a litre of water and leave to brew. The recommended brew time is eight to 24 hours. Naturally, the longer you leave it, the more intense the flavour will be. Available from: Grind (£30) De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Available from De'Longhi (£699.99) Most premium semi-automatic coffee machines will set you back at least £1,000, but this model from De'Longhi is a great-value option that still delivers bucketloads of quality. Semi-automatic means you'll still get some level of automation (such as grinding, dosing), but the fun bits of the process – like tamping the grounds and steaming the milk – are left to the user. A selection of accessories are included, too, like an additional drip tray, distribution tool, tamper, portafilter station and two filter baskets, plus a cleaning brush, stainless steel milk jug and trimming tool. If you're less confident frothing milk, there's even a temperature probe built into the steam wand. Available from: De'Longhi (£699.99) Sage the Oracle Jet Available from Sage (£1,699.95), Currys (£1,699.99), Lakeland (£1,699.99) For those with a much bigger budget to play with, this statement machine from Sage kicks things up a notch. Like the La Specialista Touch, it's a semi-automatic model that offers both customisation and automation, but with even more sophisticated features. Powered by Sage's impressive ThermoJet fast-heating system, it offers a huge range of drink and grind settings, plus customisable features – for example, there are specific steam options for dairy, oat, almond and soya milk. The Oracle Jet's software can also be updated remotely: all that's needed is a wifi connection, and whenever there’s an update available, simply hit the ‘install’ button and your machine will take care of the rest. Available from: Sage (£1,699.95) Currys (£1,699.99) Lakeland (£1,699.99) ProCook milk frother Available from ProCook (£69) If you love milky coffees but don't want to fork out for a machine with a steam wand, this ProCook milk frother is a handy gadget to have on your worktop. It has a generous 400ml capacity – ideal if you want to make two drinks at once – as well as four pre-programmed settings for hot milk, hot foam, hot chocolate and cold milk. It's noisier and slower than other models I've tested, but produces superbly creamy results. I also love that the cup is dishwasher-safe, which is unheard of for most milk frothers. Available from: ProCook (£69) De'Longhi Magnifica S Smart Automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine Available from Currys (£479.99), De'Longhi (£479.99) Want great espresso without all the bells and whistles of a higher-spec, more expensive machine? This is the coffee maker for you. There's nothing particularly flashy about it; it just masters the basics really well, offering five functions – espresso, lungo, flat white, hot milk and latte – and a 1.8-litre water tank that pulls out from the front. The spout is height-adjustable, so can accommodate a range of cup sizes. I also like that the steam wand manoeuvres forwards, making it easy to achieve silky microfoam or creamy cappuccino froth. Available from: Currys (£479.99) De'Longhi (£479.99) Wilfa Svart Aroma Precision coffee grinder Available from Kiss the Hippo (£125), Amazon (£129.85), Borough Kitchen (£135) Made by Norwegian brand Wilfa, this grinder is a solid all-rounder for those who enjoy pour-over, French press or AeroPress. It comes with durable stainless-steel burrs, a 250g bean hopper and 32 grind settings, with clear labels on the front so you know roughly which grind size to aim for. Like the Fellow Opus grinder above, it relies on a timer that's adjustable via a dial on the front, allowing for ultra-precise results when dosing for a single cup. The container and tray even have UV filters to protect against sun damage, since light can damage the quality of your coffee beans. Available from: Kiss the Hippo (£125) Amazon (£129.85) Borough Kitchen (£135) Fellow Aiden Brewer Available from Amazon (£299), Healf (£303), Origin Coffee (£365) I couldn't wait to get my hands on Fellow's first filter coffee machine when it launched last year, and it didn't disappoint. It sports the brand's signature matte black finish and minimalist aesthetic, and is wonderfully user-friendly. It's super-precise and technical, too (from Fellow, I'd expect nothing less), and during the set-up I was asked to input how far above sea level I was. This, apparently, is because water boils at temperatures below 100C at sea level, which can result in under-extracted coffee. You'll also be asked to input the roast level of your coffee beans (light, medium or dark) and the volume of coffee you want to make, after which the machine will recommend the weight of the grounds needed. If this seems a bit like overkill, trust me when I say it's worth it. The results I achieved in test were light, fruity and refreshing – the perfect filter coffee. Available from: Amazon (£299) Healf (£303) Origin Coffee (£365) Gaggia Classic espresso machine Available from Amazon (£549) Designed in Italy, the Gaggia Classic is pitched as a state-of-the-art at-home coffee machine – a statement I don't disagree with. Much of this is thanks to the impressive functionality hidden behind its stainless steel body – such as the solenoid valve, which controls the water temperature inside the filter holder – but you can also feel it in the parts for manually making coffee. The chromed brass group and filter holder are the same size, weight and style of those used with professional commercial machines, and the three filters (single, double and ESE pods) require a solid clip, which means there's no annoying rattling. Even with its state-of-the art style, this is still one easy-to-use machine. Available from: Amazon (£549) La Cafetière Roma Available from Amazon (£22.39) For fans of French press coffee, this stainless steel cafetière is a joy to use. I tested the four-cup cafetière, which easily filled in a couple of standard-sized mugs, but three-cup, six-cup and eight-cup versions of the Roma are also available. Lots of thought has clearly gone into its longevity and environmental impact, too – every bit of the packaging it came in could be recycled, and extras like a spare mesh filter and generous 10-year guarantee are included. Available from: Amazon (£22.39) KitchenAid fully automatic espresso machine KF8 Available from Harts of Stur (£1,498.95), Harrods (£1,899), KitchenAid (£1,899) The KF8 from KitchenAid is a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine, which means it will quite literally do everything for you (bar filling up the bean hopper, water tank and milk container). It doses, grinds, tamps and extracts the espresso, then steams the milk to the correct texture depending on which drink you've selected – there are 12 to choose from, plus options for plant-based milk. The perfect piece of kit for anyone who wants fresh coffee plus convenience. Available from: Harts of Stur (£1,498.95) Harrods (£1,899) KitchenAid (£1,899) Dualit handheld milk frother Available from Lakeland (£69.99) What I love most about this Dualit milk frother is its hot chocolate-making abilities, but it also does a particularly great job with barista oat milk, which is why I think it's worth mentioning here. Compact and stylish, it operates quickly and quietly, achieving silky, thick microfoam in just 2 mins 14 seconds. If you're a fan of an oat latte, it's a great pick. Available from: Lakeland (£69.99) Sage the Bambino Plus espresso maker Available from Sage (£399.95) If you aspire to own a Sage coffee machine but don't have the budget for a full bean-to-cup model, the Bambino Plus is an excellent mid-range option – particularly if you already buy ground coffee or own a separate grinder. Like any good espresso machine, it does take a little time to master. Basic tasks such as 'one cup', 'two cup' and 'steam milk' are well accommodated by its minimalist controls, but more in-depth commands, like setting the amount of coffee to the cup, might require some practice or a quick glance at the instruction manual. As for the coffee, it produced barista-quality, well balanced espresso with glossy crema. A fantastic value machine in all. Available from: Sage (£399.95) De'Longhi Eletta Explore Available from Amazon (£949.99), Lakeland (£999.99) A handful of coffee machines now come with iced drink options and cold-brew technology, but the De'Longhi Eletta Explore was one of the first to do so. With it, I made cold brew cappuccinos that were ultra-creamy and refreshing – exactly what you'd want to cool you down on a hot day. This machine handles the basics well, too, brewing dark, rich espresso with silky crema. You can easily tweak the grind settings and water temperature to your liking, plus there's an auto-cleaning function that rinses the spouts every time you use it. Available from: Amazon (£949.99) Lakeland (£999.99) Bodum Bistro gooseneck kettle Available from Amazon (£56.42) For those who make pour-over coffee manually (using a Chemex or V60 for example), a gooseneck kettle is a must-have piece of kit, as it allows for controlled, super-precise pouring. This Bodum kettle is both elegant and modern, with a long spout and ergonomic thumb rest on the handle. It isn't temperature-controlled, so it's just one simple flick of the switch to turn it on. Once boiled, leave it for a minute and the temperature should drop to roughly 94-96C, which is the perfect heat level for your coffee. Available from: Amazon (£56.42) La Cafetière Pisa Available from Amazon (£22.29), Lakeland (£27.99) Sporting a bright, cheerful design and smooth beechwood handle, the La Cafetière Pisa is definitely one of the most attractive French presses I've tested. There's a choice of six colours and, like the Roma, it comes with a spare mesh filter, 10-year manufacturer's guarantee and fully recyclable packaging. The 350ml model is ideal for one mug of coffee, but a larger eight-cup version is also available if you want a bigger capacity. Available from: Amazon (£22.29) Lakeland (£27.99) Wacaco Exagram Pro coffee scales Available from Amazon (£44.90) Anyone who takes their coffee brewing seriously will have probably considered buying some coffee scales. This set from Wacaco is user-friendly and compact, with a clean digital display and three modes to choose from: normal, pour-over and espresso. There are also integrated weighing, timing and tare functions, and in test, I found it impressively accurate and seamless to use. Available from: Amazon (£44.90) Sage the Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction Available from Amazon (£1,137.40), John Lewis & Partners (£1,199), Sage (£1,199.95) As one of the slightly more affordable bean-to-cup models from Sage – though by no means cheap – the Barista Touch Impress is a tad smaller and more hands-on than the Oracle Jet, but still comes with some impressive automated features. Built with Sage's ThermoJet heating technology and sleek touchscreen controls, it also has cold-brew functionality and a couple of more unique drink options, including 'shakerato' (a frothy iced drink, popular in Italy) and espresso martini. The assisted tamping removes any guesswork out of dosing, too, as the machine autocorrects each dose for next time. Available from: Amazon (£1,137.40) John Lewis & Partners (£1,199) Sage (£1,199.95) More coffee reviews Best coffee beans Best coffee subscriptions Best coffee grinders Best espresso machines Best bean-to-cup machines Best filter coffee machines Best cafetieres Gifts for coffee lovers Best coffee pod machines Best Nespresso machines How long do coffee beans last? Best De'Longhi coffee machines Best iced coffee makers and accessories Best milk frothers How to clean a coffee machine
Looking to understand your sleep better? We tested leading sleep trackers, including smart rings, watches and sensor mats, to find the best devices for monitoring rest and improving your routine.
Getting enough sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Consistently missing out on rest has been linked to low mood, reduced concentration and a higher risk of illness. Yet many people struggle to get enough sleep. According to Mental Health UK, adults should aim for between seven and nine hours a night, but around one in five don’t reach that target. Sleep trackers can help by giving you a clearer picture of your sleep habits. By monitoring factors such as movement, heart rate and breathing patterns overnight, these devices estimate how long you sleep, how restful that sleep is and how your routine changes over time. Most sleep trackers are wearable devices such as watches or rings, although there are also non-wearable options available, including sensors that sit discreetly underneath your mattress. To find the best options, we tested a range of popular sleep trackers in everyday conditions. Each device was paired with a smartphone and used for several nights to assess comfort, usability and how clearly it presented sleep data, as well as the usefulness of additional features such as fitness tracking and health insights. For more advice, explore Good Food’s guides on how to sleep better, how to get to sleep and how to get up early in the morning. How we tested sleep trackers Each sleep tracker in this guide was tested in everyday (or every evening!) conditions, just as you would use it at home. We paired each device with our personal smartphone and wore or used it for at least five nights, and often longer. During testing, we looked at how comfortable the tracker was to wear overnight, how clearly the data was presented and how closely the recorded sleep and wake times matched our actual routine. Because sleep tracking accuracy can vary between devices, we focused particularly on how consistently each tracker recorded sleep and wake times, how clearly the data was explained in the companion app, and whether the insights were genuinely useful in understanding and improving sleep habits. Setup, battery life, design, charging requirements and the usability of the companion app were all considered as part of the overall experience. Many trackers also include additional health and fitness features, so where relevant we tested these too by recording workouts such as runs, tennis, yoga and pilates, and by monitoring metrics like step count, resting heart rate and menstrual cycle tracking. For smartwatch-style devices, we also evaluated notifications, music control and navigation to see how well they worked alongside sleep tracking. All devices were tested independently in real-world conditions rather than controlled lab environments, so our focus was on the practical experience of using each tracker day to day. Best sleep trackers at a glance Best sleep tracker overall: Oura Ring 4, from £349 Best sleep tracker for iPhone users: Apple Watch Series 10, £349 Best sleep tracker for fitness: Garmin Venu 3, £369.99 Best sleep tracker for Android phone users: Google Pixel Watch 3, £199 Best affordable sleep tracker: FitBit Versa 4, £128.99 Best sleep tracking ring without a subscription: Samsung Galaxy Ring, £299 Best non-wearable sleep tracker: Withings Sleep Analyzer Mat, £129.95 Jump to section: Best sleep trackers to buy 2026 How do sleep trackers work? How accurate are sleep trackers? Best sleep trackers to buy 2026 Oura Ring 4 Available from Amazon (£290.83), John Lewis and Partners (£329), Healf (£347.58), Oura (from £349) Best sleep tracker overall Star rating: 4.5/5 Pros: Accurate sleep tracking with practical advice on how to improve The battery lasts up to eight days Wide range of health insights, including menstrual cycle tracking, cardio capacity, a readiness score Cons: Activity tracking is less comprehensive than on a smartwatch The ring can pick up scratches with regular wear The Oura Ring 4’s comfortable design, detailed insights and helpful guidance make it the best sleep tracker overall. Each morning I received a detailed sleep report in the app, including an overall sleep score, time asleep, sleep efficiency and time spent in each stage of sleep. In my testing, the sleep and wake times closely matched my routine, and the nightly reports made it easy to see how habits such as late meals or caffeine affected my rest. I also liked being able to add tags, such as alcohol or exercise, to help explain changes in my sleep data. The ring tracks other health metrics too, including resting heart rate trends, cardiovascular age and menstrual cycle insights. While I could log activities, it wasn’t as intuitive for workouts as a smartwatch and lacks real-time exercise tracking. It’s lightweight and comfortable enough that I rarely noticed it overnight, and the battery lasts up to eight days. Just bear in mind that many of the most useful insights sit behind a monthly subscription. undefined Apple Watch Series 10 Available from Amazon (£317.03), Very (£349), Argos (£429), John Lewis and Partners (£449) Best sleep tracker for iPhone users Star rating: 4.5/5 Pros: Detailed sleep tracking with results on both the watch and the app Includes sleep apnea detection Durable and stylish design Cons: Battery lasts up to 18 hours Requires an iPhone with iOS 18 or later I found the Apple Watch Series 10 to be one of the most versatile options, great for iPhone users who want to track sleep alongside health and fitness. It records key sleep metrics such as duration and time spent in different stages, and I liked that I could check the results directly on the watch without opening the app. The data is shown in clear graphs, making it easy to spot patterns over time. Features like Sleep Focus were also useful during testing, dimming notifications and simplifying the lock screen to help reduce distractions before bed. Battery life is the main limitation. It lasts around 18 hours, so I needed to charge it daily, but I found an eight-minute top-up before bed was usually enough to get through the night. Beyond sleep tracking, the Apple Watch Series 10 doubles as a full smartwatch. I used it to track workouts, including swimming, as well as take calls, make contactless payments and quickly locate my iPhone when needed. undefined Garmin Venu 3 Available from Amazon (£290), Garmin (£369.99), Argos (£379.99) Best sleep tracker for fitness Star rating: 4.5/5 Pros: Detailed sleep tracking with body battery, sleep coach and sleep scores Stylish, sturdy and comes in two sizes (41mm or 45mm) Up to 14 days of battery life Cons: Not as comfortable to wear as some other trackers It’s expensive if all you need is sleep tracking When I tested the Garmin Venu 3, what stood out most was how much context it gave around sleep. Rather than just showing how long I slept, it combined that data with activity and stress levels to give a fuller picture of recovery. The watch tracks sleep duration, movement during the night, sleep stages and heart rate, then summarises everything into a sleep score each morning. I also found the sleep coach helpful, as it offered suggestions based on my recent sleep patterns. Another standout feature is Garmin’s Body Battery score, which uses sleep, activity and stress data to estimate how much energy you have throughout the day. Beyond sleep tracking, the Venu 3 works as a powerful fitness watch. It supports more than 30 sports and workouts, includes built-in GPS and even has activity tracking designed for wheelchair users. Battery life is excellent too, lasting up to 14 days between charges. However, if sleep tracking is your main priority, it may feel more advanced (and more expensive) than necessary. undefined Google Pixel Watch 3 Available from Amazon (£199), Currys (£199), Argos (£239) Best sleep tracker for Android phone users Star rating: 4.5/5 Pros: Accurate, easy-to-understand sleep tracking data Daily cardio load and readiness score Tracks 40+ exercises and workouts Cons: Limited guidance on how to improve your sleep The battery typically lasts up to 36 hours Android users who want a smartwatch that doubles as a sleep tracker should consider the Google Pixel Watch 3. It comes in two sizes (41mm or 45mm) and a range of band colours, and during testing it felt both comfortable to wear overnight and stylish enough for everyday use. When I fell asleep, the watch automatically switched to Bedtime Mode and tracked sleep duration, stages, resting heart rate, restlessness and oxygen variation. It also recognised when I took longer daytime naps, which helped give a fuller picture of my sleep habits. The watch works with the Fitbit app, which I found simple and easy to navigate. It provides an overall sleep score and lets you compare trends over time. With a Fitbit Premium subscription (£7.99 per month), you also get more detailed insights, including a personalised sleep profile. That said, I would have liked clearer guidance on exactly how to improve the results. undefined Fitbit Versa 4 Available from Amazon (£128.99), John Lewis and Partners (£129.99), Argos (£129.99), Currys (£179.99) Best affordable sleep tracker Star rating: 4/5 Pros: Easy to compare nightly, weekly, monthly and yearly sleep data The battery lasts six days or more Includes wide range of fitness tracking features Cons: Google Assistant has been removed from the device A paid subscription is required for some sleep tracking features During testing, the Fitbit Versa 4 made it particularly easy to spot patterns in my sleep over time. The Fitbit app clearly compares nightly results with weekly, monthly and even yearly trends, which helped me see how my routine was affecting my rest. Each morning I could check how long I’d slept and how much time I’d spent in each stage. The watch also uses overnight data alongside your activity levels to generate daily readiness and cardio load scores, which give a useful indication of how prepared your body is for exercise. Battery life was another highlight. I consistently got around six days of use between charges, which is noticeably longer than most smartwatch-style trackers. The Versa 4 also functions as a smartwatch, with phone notifications, contactless payments and Amazon Alexa support. However, Google Assistant is no longer available, and some of the more detailed sleep insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription (£7.99 per month). undefined Samsung Galaxy Ring Available from Samsung (£299), Currys (£399) Best sleep tracking ring without a subscription Star rating: 4/5 Pros: All features come with the ring, no membership required Up to seven days of battery life Very accurate sleep tracking Cons: It’s not compatible with iPhones You need a Samsung Galaxy phone for features like Gesture Control What immediately sets the Samsung Galaxy Ring apart is that everything is included upfront. Unlike some other sleep trackers I tested, there’s no monthly subscription required to access the full range of features. Each morning I could review detailed sleep insights, including precise sleep and wake times, sleeping heart rate, time spent in each sleep stage and overnight skin temperature. The data is summarised in a simple sleep score and the app makes it easy to compare daily results with weekly, monthly and longer-term trends. I also liked the built-in sleep coaching tools, which suggest ways to improve your habits over time. The ring focuses more on overall wellness than serious fitness tracking. I could log workouts, but the tracking isn’t as detailed as on dedicated fitness watches. It’s also worth noting that the Galaxy Ring only works with Android phones and some features, such as gesture controls, are limited to Samsung Galaxy devices. undefined Withings Sleep Analyzer Mat Available from Healf (£128.49), Withings (£129.95), Boots (£129.95) Best non-wearable sleep tracker Star rating: 3.5/5 Pros: Stays permanently under your mattress Detects sleep apnea and snoring Provides a daily sleep score with weekly and monthly trends Cons: Not as accurate as wearable trackers Takes a few nights to position correctly The Withings Sleep Analyzer takes a completely different approach to sleep tracking. Instead of wearing a device on your wrist or finger, the slim sensor mat slides underneath your mattress. It covers roughly half the width of a double bed, so it works well for one person in a shared bed, or for a single sleeper. It took me a couple of nights to position the mat correctly during testing, but once it was set up it ran automatically without needing to be worn or charged. Each morning the app showed my sleep duration, time spent in different stages, interruptions during the night and the consistency of my sleep schedule. It can also detect signs of sleep apnea, monitor heart rate trends and track snoring. The app offers advice on improving sleep, although I found it slightly less intuitive than some wearable apps in this list. The sleep tracking was also a little less consistent than the wrist-based trackers I tested. undefined How do sleep trackers work? Sleep trackers measure the quality and duration of your sleep using a combination of different technologies, such as a heart rate sensor, an accelerometer to track movements, a gyroscope to measure rotation, and occasionally a microphone. Using the data it collects overnight, the tracker can detect when you are awake and when you’re asleep, analysing your sleep cycles, including how long you spend in each sleep stage (awake, light, REM and deep sleep). Every sleep tracker on this list comes with an accompanying smartphone app where you can see useful graphs and statistics about each night. Most will have a sleep score to help you understand how effective your rest was. Some trackers allow you to compare your sleep to the rest of the week, month, or year, so you can see how it changes over time. Others provide straightforward advice on how to improve your sleep, like suggesting an earlier bedtime, more consistent wake times or offering guided meditations to help you unwind in the evening. How accurate are sleep trackers? Sleep trackers are increasingly popular and can offer useful insights into your sleep habits, routines and general patterns. However, it is important to understand their limitations and not treat them as medical devices. Most consumer sleep trackers work by monitoring movement, heart rate and sometimes skin temperature to estimate when you are asleep and which sleep stages you might be in. These readings are based on algorithms that interpret changes in your body and activity, but they are ultimately just estimates. Environmental factors, how tightly the device fits and even how often you move during the night can all affect the accuracy of the data. As a result, while sleep trackers can give you a rough idea of how much sleep you are getting and how long you might spend in different stages, they cannot provide a definitive or medically precise record of your sleep. If you consistently wake up feeling tired despite your tracker suggesting you are getting 'good' sleep or if you struggle with ongoing issues such as insomnia, anxiety around sleep or symptoms of sleep apnoea, it is important to seek advice from a GP or sleep specialist. For precise sleep tracking, you’d need to be hooked up to a polysomnograph, which records brain waves. Sleep trackers are not able to diagnose or rule out medical conditions. Another consideration is the risk of becoming overly focused on the numbers your tracker provides. This can lead to a condition known as orthosomnia, where the pursuit of perfect sleep data actually increases anxiety and can make sleep problems worse. In summary, sleep trackers can be a helpful tool for spotting trends, making small adjustments to your habits and encouraging better sleep hygiene. They are best used as part of a wider approach to improving sleep, rather than as a substitute for professional advice or medical assessment. For anyone needing precise information about their sleep, a clinical sleep study using equipment that measures brain activity would be necessary, but this is not practical or necessary for most people. If you have concerns about your sleep or are not feeling rested, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. Related reviews: Best magnesium for sleep Best earplugs for sleeping Best zinc supplements Best magnesium supplements Related guides: Everyone’s taking this mineral for their sleep 8 ways poor sleep wrecks your healthy eating intentions How a sleep clinic helped me overcome my tracker obsession and solved my nighttime worries How much sleep do I need? You're not sleeping wrong, you're over thinking it
Best soup makers 2026, tried and tested by experts
For a quick and healthy supper solution, a soup maker will deliver with minimum effort. From basic models to sophisticated multi-purpose blenders, we round up our favourite models
Making homemade soup is not complicated; it is one of the easiest jobs in the kitchen and can be very satisfying. So is a soup maker worth it, or is this just another machine crowding the kitchen? A soup maker takes all the faff out of making soup by hand and delivers delicious, healthy soups quickly and easily. It saves time and effort and reduces washing up, freeing you to get on with other things. Soup makers are also rarely just for soup recipes; many make smoothies, cold drinks, quick batters, dips, sauces and even baby food, making your money go even further. A soup maker is also a great way of quickly using leftover veggies in the bottom of the fridge, using up a glut from the garden, or using odds and ends from a veg box, thus reducing food waste. Our top performing soup maker is the Morphy Richards Clarity 1.6L soup maker. Read on to discover our favourite soup makers and, for more inspiration, check out some of the best soup maker recipes we're loving right now. Do I need a soup maker? You don't need a soup maker to make good soup, a saucepan and blender will do the job. That said, it can be helpful if you want a simple, largely hands off way to cook smooth or chunky soups with minimal washing up. It suits small kitchens and busy households. If you regularly batch cook or like extra functions, a more versatile model may earn its space. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best soup makers at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best small soup maker: Lakeland Compact Soup Maker, £59.99 Best soup maker and blender: Tefal Perfectmix Cook BL83SD65 Soup Maker, £199.99 Best soup maker with sauté function: Ninja Foodi blender and soup maker, £179.99 Best all-in-one soup and smoothie maker: Morphy Richards Saute and Soup, £76.11 Best budget soup maker: Daewoo 1.6L soup maker, £42.99 Best everyday soup maker: Morphy Richards Classic soup maker, £59.99 Best basic soup maker: Tower 1.6 Litre soup & smoothie maker, £59.99 Jump to: Best soup makers to buy in 2026 Good Food in partnership with Tower soup maker What makes a good soup maker? How we tested soup makers Smooth setting: We followed the basic instructions to make our carrot & coriander soup in order to compare texture, taste and ease of use. Chunky setting: We also tried at least one of the manufacturer's chunky recipes as, depending on whether this setting blended or simply heated, results could vary. We also wanted to see how good the provided recipes were! Other settings: We took the machines through their paces, trying a variety of other settings and functions – from smoothie making to grinding – to get an idea of how versatile the machines really were. Why you can trust Good Food reviews Our team of product-testing experts at Good Food has reviewed a wide range of soup makers over the last five years, using our strict testing criteria to put each gadget through its paces. Every product is reviewed in the Good Food Test Kitchen, which is set up to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a lab-like setting. That means we can guarantee that if something performs well in our kitchen, it should in yours too. We also don't share reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they're published, and we never accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, either. Best soup makers to buy in 2026 Lakeland Compact Soup Maker Available from Lakeland (£59.99) Best small soup maker Pros: Compact for smaller kitchens Easy to set up Great quality for the price Excellent auto clean function Cons: Short electrical lead Not many recipes Can't see the food cooking Star rating: 5/5 There is nothing not to like about the Lakeland Compact soup maker, especially if you have a smaller household or limited kitchen storage space. Plus, it's lightweight, even when filled with soup, making it ideal for anyone who struggles with lifting. The machine is easy to use and is up and running straight from the box, after a quick wash. It makes two generous portions of soup. Our smooth tomato soup was excellent, and the chunky one was cooked to perfect tenderness, stopping just before becoming mushy. We were especially impressed with the cleaning function on this machine; it worked effectively and required little to no further rinsing. The jug is made of stainless steel, and though seeing food being cooked is beneficial, the reliability of this machine means there's no need to worry; it's doing its job. This may be smaller than most, but in performance, it comes into its own. Wattage: 800W Capacity: 1L Weight: 1.24KG Functions: chunky, smooth, blend, clean Warranty: 3 years Available from: Lakeland (£59.99) undefined Tefal Perfectmix Cook BL83SD65 Soup Maker Available from Amazon (£139.99) Best soup maker and blender Pros: Removable blades Easy to assemble Very quiet while cooking Impressive safety features Super-fast blades Cons: No recipes included Many parts are not dishwasher-proof Star rating: 5/5 As we lifted the Tefal Perfectmix soup maker from its snug cardboard box, we admit it looked rather daunting but is also extremely well-built. The machine is not simply a soup maker, so the front panel offers 10 automatic programmes with just two related to the soup: smooth and chunky. The Perfectmix is fast and suitably noisy when blending but quiet while cooking. We were impressed by the machine's safety features, and it will not work if any part of the lid is not firmly in place. The sharp stainless-steel blades can be removed easily with care for washing. This powerful, high-speed blender we discovered on the test delivered a super smooth creamy tomato soup and chunky roast vegetable soup in 30 minutes. It made short work of crushing ice and effortlessly whizzed a fluffy smoothie. This is an expensive machine for a soup maker, but given everything else it will do - even make multigrain milk - it makes a brilliant investment if you want to roll other machines into one. We loved it. Wattage: 1400W Capacity: 2L Weight: 5.8KG Functions: smooth soup, chunky soup, milkshake, smoothie, dessert, ice crush, compote, stir, multigrain milk, hot sauce, manual, blend, heat and cleaning settings Warranty: 2 years undefined Ninja Foodi blender and soup maker Available from Ninja (£179.99) Best soup maker with sauté function Pros: Lots of presets Glass jug Multifunctional Cons: Expensive Heavy jug Star rating: 5/5 This is a multifunctional blender and soup maker that performs well, no matter whether it’s blending milkshakes or cooking soup. With just a 1400ml capacity for soups, it’s a little smaller than some others on this list, but we think its versatility makes up for the lower capacity. With a chop and sauté function on top of four cold blending programs and four hot blending programs, this is a useful bit of kit. And unlike many other soup makers, it really does function as a full-size blender too, so there’s no need to double up on appliances. On the downside, it is pricey, and the heavy glass jug will be a struggle for some people to lift, particularly when full. That said, this is a top performing model that’s intuitive to use and it’ll earn its place in your kitchen. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.7L Weight: 5.6KG Functions: smooth soup, chunky soup, jam, sauce, smoothie, frozen drink, dessert, milkshake, chop, sauté, manual blend, manual cook Warranty: 2 years Latest Deals Morphy Richards Saute and Soup Available from Amazon (£72.48), AO (£99), Argos (£100) Best all-in-one soup and smoothie maker Pros: Ready to use in 30 seconds Sauté setting Makes excellent soups and smoothies Easy to use Minimal noise Cons: Some scorching after the first use Not dishwasher-safe Star rating: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1000W When kitchen space is at a premium you need appliances you call on again and again. The Morphy Richards Saute and Soup is a worthy contender, with a 1.6 litre capacity just right for four adults and the versatility to be able to make a variety of soups and drinks. It’s easy and pleasant to use, with a clear LED display, countdown timer and icons that change to show you what stage it's at. Plug in and start sautéing in under 30 seconds, add the rest of the ingredients, then pop the lid on and wait while the machine does the rest, quietly buzzing and bubbling away. Just 21 minutes later, I was tucking into a restaurant-quality, creamy tomato soup. On the chunky setting, a perfectly cooked chicken and vegetable soup was ready to pour in 28 minutes. While the non-stick is fairly effective, there were scorch marks after the tomato soup that couldn’t be removed even after the recommended soaking. Despite that, there were no further issues or residual smells after cleaning, making it suitable to whizz up a fruit smoothie. In just two minutes and much quieter than most blenders, the result was bubbly and delicious. The only downside is the minimum capacity: 1.3 litres is a lot of smoothie. Available from: Amazon (£72.48) AO (£99) Argos (£100) Daewoo 1.6L soup maker Available from Amazon (£41) Best value soup maker Pros: Inexpensive Simple to use Good capacity Cons: Can’t be used for small quantities Star rating: 4/5 If you’re looking for a basic soup maker that can make decent smooth and chunky soups, without breaking the bank, this Daewoo soup maker is not a bad option. The settings include smooth, chunky, juice, and blend, plus there’s an LED display that shows a countdown timer. It’s simple to use but the control panel is somewhat unsophisticated. In our tests it successfully created smooth and chunky soups, but the juice function – which is supposedly for smoothies too – couldn’t handle our super berry smoothie with frozen berries. So it can’t take the place of a traditional blender. The stainless-steel jug is sturdy and has a decent 1.6-litre capacity. But since it’s a budget option, there are no handy extras such as a sauté or keep warm function. It can create a tasty smooth soup from scratch in just 21 minutes though, so if you simply want to make soup, you won’t be disappointed. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.66KG Functions: smooth, chunky, juice, blend Warranty: 3 years upon registration Latest Deals Tower 1.6-litre soup & smoothie maker Available from Amazon (£48.99) Best basic soup maker Pros: Lengthy 3-year warranty Available with a flask Simple to use Cons: Can’t add ingredients during cooking Star rating: 4/5 The Tower 1.6-litre soup maker is available on its own or, for an extra £10, with a 500ml flask so you can have tasty hot soup on the go. It’s a straightforward soup maker with just the essential smooth and chunky soup settings. But if the lid is removed during use, it resets, which means you can’t add ingredients or seasoning part-way through cooking, which will be frustrating for some. The blend function acts like a pulse button and allows you to further blend your soup if needed. Meanwhile there’s a juice function for blending cold mixtures such as smoothies, but it failed to liquidise a frozen berry and yogurt smoothie, so won’t take the place of a blender. While it lacks anything other than the basic settings, the control panel is simple to use, and the soup maker is effective at creating smooth soup in just 21 minutes. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.4KG Functions: smooth, chunky, juice, blend Warranty: 3 years Latest Deals Morphy Richards Classic soup maker Available from Amazon (£57.95) Best everyday soup maker Pros: Simple settings Hot soup in 21 minutes Cons: Lid can’t be opened during cooking Outside gets hot Star rating: 4/5 Morphy Richards have quite a large range of soup makers and this is one of the cheaper models the brand offers. Though the RRP is still a bit steep given the fact that it’s incredibly similar to some of the more budget soup makers on this list. Nevertheless, it’s simple to use and can produce silky smooth soup in just 21 minutes, or a chunky version in 28 minutes. It can’t be opened up without resetting the programme though, which will be frustrating if you’re a hands-on cook who likes to taste and season as you go. But the blend setting acts like a pulse button, so you can easily blend fresh herbs in at the end. The juice programme doesn’t work for thick frozen smoothie mixtures, so while this is an effective soup maker that can do some blending, it won’t take the place of a separate blender. Wattage: 1000W Capacity: 1.6L Weight: 2.07KG Functions: smooth, chunky, juice, blend Warranty: 2 years standard, plus an extra year upon registration Latest Deals Other soup makers tried and tested Tefal Easy Soup review, £103.64 Morphy Richards Clarity 1.6L soup maker, £54 Tower Vizion 1.6L Soup Maker, £49.99 Good Food in partnership with Tower soup maker Available from Amazon (£49.99) From silky smooth tomato soup to chunky winter warmers, this versatile soup maker handles it all. With five smart functions – including blend, sauté and juice – and a 1.6-litre capacity, you can whip up generous batches with minimal effort. The LED panel is intuitive and the clean-up is quick. Available from: Amazon (£54.99) What makes a good soup maker? Size, weight and appearance are all factors to consider when buying. The simple models tend to be lighter and take up less space. The versatile models can be larger and heavier, especially if they have a glass jug. Instruction manual: Helpful, accurate guidance from the manufacturer on set-up, timings and how to prepare various types of soups was a must. We gave extra marks for a variety of recipes. Ease of use: A soup maker should reduce the work involved in cooking. We looked for easy-to-use machines, where we felt confident that the process minimised the fuss of preparing ingredients and cooking them. Ease of cleaning: Although we were open to hand-washing (most machines, because of their size and electric output are not dishwasher safe), we still kept an eye out for machines that made life easier when it came to washing-up. Aesthetics and size: Soup makers can be space-consuming, so we considered both height and footprint. We favoured compact soup makers for ease of storage, unless they were enhanced with additional functionality, which justified a bigger size. Attractive design was also taken into consideration. Versatility: We looked for soup makers that didn't just stick to the norm and brought other uses where possible. Soup maker recipes Soup maker mushroom soup Soup maker carrot & coriander soup Soup maker tomato soup Soup maker butternut squash soup Soup maker leek & potato soup Soup maker broccoli & Stilton soup Soup maker lentil soup Soup maker roast chicken soup Soup maker vegetable soup Soup maker pea and ham soup More appliance reviews Best air fryers Best food processors Best dishwashers Best blenders Best slow cookers Best toasters Best kettles Best gadgets for health lovers