As summer draws to an end now is the perfect opportunity to upgrade some of your autumn essentials before the crisp, cool air leaves you craving a casserole without the dish to make one in.
Whether it’s appliances for making hearty, comforting meals like slow cookers, multicookers and soup makers, a new stand mixer for making fluffy banana bread or a quality sandwich maker for cheese toasties – each of these products have been tried and tested by our expert reviews team and awarded the full five stars.
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Rice and Slow Cooker MC1101UK
Available from Very (£114), AO (£100), Ninja (£99.99), Currys (£114.99)
Slow cooker meals are a staple in my house during the colder months; who doesn’t love coming home to dinner cooked and ready to serve?
For some inspiration, why not have a read of our best slow cooker recipes, or check out the whole range in our full slow cookers review. But if I had to pick just one, the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker stands out against the rest.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Hob-style searing function
- Easy to use
- Fully recyclable packaging
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Exterior gets very hot in use
The versatility of this slow cooker is made all the more impressive by how easy it is to use. Its simple push-button interface and brightly lit digital screen are a breeze to navigate, a quick glance at the manual is enough to to start slow cooking.
As the name suggests, it doubles up as a rice cooker, equipped with a rice spoon and measuring cup. It also has a sear/sauté function for meat, which eliminates the need to get a separate pan set up on the hob to then transfer to the slow cooker, as well as settings for steam, pasta and porridge.
When making our slow cooker beef stew, I was impressed with how effective the non-stick was during sauteing, it heated quickly and browned onions very well. The results themselves were excellent, too, the meat was tender and sauce perfectly thick. My only criticism was just how hot the exterior of the pot gets in use – something to be aware of if cooking in a house with small children.
Available from:
Instant Pot Pro 5.7L Multicooker
Available from Amazon (£169), Currys (£249)
Multicookers offer versatile, innovative ways to cook. They’re a great way to cook on a budget, streamline energy usage and create space in a busy kitchen. They’re constantly evolving, with some now able to achieve fried food on par with an air fryer, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be the Instant Pot Pro.
Pros:
- Powerful model
- Wi-Fi control from a distance
- Quietest steam release in the Instant Pot range
Cons:
This is Instant Pot’s most extravagant multicooker to date, with more bells, whistles and 200W more power than before.
With 10 functions it’ll take a little while to fully explore its capabilities, but I was able to understand the controls pretty easily without the need to consult the manual. Set up requires the additional step of Wi-Fi connection, but being able to stop, start, check progress and release steam from a distance is well worth it. The cooking tips and tricks in the app were also a bonus.
It produced excellent results during each test, whether it was slow cooking, pressure cooking or steaming. I found that the extra wattage made the all-important sauté stage better – producing browned, flavoursome meat prior to pressure cooking, and the Nutriboost function helps prevent foods from sticking.
Available from:
Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK Air Fryer
Available from AO (£269), Very (£269), John Lewis & Partners (£199.99), Currys (£199.99), Ninja (£199.99), JD Williams (£269.99)
I’ll admit, I was sceptical at first, but air fryer cooking has quickly become an everyday occurrence in my house. Since their introduction there has been constant evolution and developments, so there’s no shortage of models on the market. But taking a firm place at number one is the Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Fully recyclable packaging
- Smaller footprint than most dual drawer models
- No flavour transfer between the drawers
Cons:
- Noisy
- Fairly tall, so may not fit underneath lower cupboards
The perfect choice if you’re a little short on worktop space, the stacked drawers mean that even with a whopping 9.5-litre capacity, this air fryer has a width of less than 30cm. Each of the two drawers comes with a stainless-steel rack, so you can air fry an additional layer of food in each.
The drawers themselves are completely separate and have entirely different cooking zones, which I put to the test by baking brownies in one and salmon in the other, and I’m pleased to report that the brownies were fudgy and fish-free. There’s also the option to ‘match’ and ‘sync’ the drawers so both finish at the same time – convenient!
While it must be said that it’s on the noisy side, the consistently excellent results were enough to forgive this.
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Lakeland Compact Soup Maker
Available from Lakeland (£59.99)
Now it’s officially soup season, a bowl of creamy tomato is calling my name every day, and nothing tastes better than homemade. While soup makers can be used for more than just soup, they’re not typically an appliance you’ll reach for every day, so Lakeland’s Compact Soup Maker, which has a smaller footprint and is easier to tuck away, takes the top spot.
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
This machine is so easy to set up and use that it’s more or less ready to go straight from the box. As the name states, it’s a compact machine, but there’s still enough capacity for two generous portions of soup, and it remains nice and light even when full.
Results were excellent, my tomato soup was thick and totally smooth, and my chunky soup was cooked to perfection, stopping just before becoming mushy. While it’s not safe to put through the dishwasher, I was seriously impressed with the cleaning function – it was so effective it barely needed a rinse afterwards.
One frustrating feature is the stainless-steel exterior; there’s no way to keep an eye on the soup as it’s cooking. That being said, the reliability of it takes away the worry.
Available from:
Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker
Available from Amazon (£34.99)
Nothing pairs better with soup than a cheese toastie. Not for me at least. And once that sandwich maker is out of the cupboard, it’s a long time before it’s put back. And while I must admit it just missed out on the full 5/5, the Philips 5000 is our top scorer and was too good to leave out.
Pros:
- Intuitive set-up and controls
- Pleasing toastie results
- Effective non-stick
- Space-saving design
- Handles chunky breads with ease
Cons:
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Waffles are slow to cook
A well-made, solid piece of kit and the pop-out, swappable plates mean it can switch smoothly between toastie maker, panini grill and even a waffle maker. When making a cheese toastie it closed and locked down easily onto the thick slices of sourdough I used, both were sealed and well browned, and the cheese was perfectly melted. The waffles took much longer than I expected (almost six minutes), but they were crisp and fluffy enough to forgive this.
There was no residue leftover on the plates after cooking and even if there was they’re so easy to pop out and clean that it wouldn’t be an issue. All in all, it outperformed others on test at half the price point, so it’s hard not to love.
Available from:
KitchenAid Artisan Plus
Available from KitchenAid (£699)
If anything’s going to put me in the mood for baking, it’s crisp autumn Sundays, the return of The Great British Bake Off and knowing that I’ve got a quality stand mixer in the cupboard. We’ve reviewed a lot of them at Good Food, and the KitchenAid Artisan Plus truly earned its 5/5.
Pros:
- Classic KitchenAid stand mixer, with the addition of a bowl light
- Comes with a range of accessories
- Compatible with existing KA accessories
- Half-fold speed for an easy start
- Noticeably quieter than the classic KitchenAid Artisan
Cons:
It feels like a genuine upgrade on the classic KitchenAid stand mixer, and not just because of the beautiful new colour choices. There are 10 speed options – 11 if you count the half-fold speed that helps minimise splatters – and I noticed a marked difference between them all. The start is smooth and gradual even if you jump straight to 10.
It’s noticeably quieter than its predecessor despite being more powerful. And that extra power meant it made light work kneading 1kg of pizza dough, and beating together butter and sugar was a quicker process than ever.
Some other thoughtful features were the slightly straighter bowl sides which meant I didn’t need to stop and scrape the batter off them, and the built-in bowl light which made a real difference when checking on darker mixtures. Another bonus if you already have a KitchenAid stand mixer, it’s compatible with previous models’ attachments as well as the stainless-steel ones included.
Available from:
Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series ES701UK
Available from Amazon (£445.49), Very (£699), Ninja (£629.99), Currys (£549.99), Argos (£729.99)
I must admit, upgrading to a quality coffee machine should not just be limited to autumn; good coffee is a year-round requirement. But if you do find yourself in need of an at-home cosy coffee fix, the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro ticks all the boxes.
Pros:
- Capable of brewing espresso, cold brew and filter
- Displays recommended grind size
- Sleek stainless-steel design
- Produces the perfect milk texture for lattes and cappuccinos
- Mostly recyclable packaging
Cons:
Despite the sophisticated and seemingly ‘techy’ appearance, this is a great option for those who are new to bean-to-cup coffee machines as it walks you through each part of the process – from initial set up to pulling that first espresso. It’s not just limited to espresso either, it can also produce filter coffee and cold brew, which sets it apart from other machines on the market.
The espressos themselves were perfectly balanced and topped with a glossy, caramel-coloured crema. What really stood out from this machine, though, was the automatic milk steaming. It produced some of the silkiest, creamiest microfoam for our lattes and cappuccinos, and it has the extra-large jug with an internal whisk to thank for this.
Available from:
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser
Available from Hotel Chocolat (£119.95)
Pros:
- Mug and glass included
- Fully recyclable packaging
- Settings for hot and cold chocolate
- Comes with a selection of hot and cold chocolate sachets to get started
Cons:
Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser is far from an ordinary milk frother. While it’s more than capable of producing a beautifully creamy finish on a cappuccino, latte, or matcha, its standout really is hot chocolate.
This latest iteration has had a little facelift: now with a sleek and distinctive design inspired by a cacao pod, a refined whisk and a cold setting perfect for chilled chocolate drinks or foamy finishes on iced drinks.
It comes as a set with five hot- and five cold-chocolate sachets, as well as a ceramic mug and a glass, so you’ve got everything you need to get started. Naturally, we tried and loved both. The hot chocolate was smooth and creamy with no powdery residue, and the cold chocolate was just as delicious.
It’s limited to just one portion at a time, which could be an inconvenience in larger households, but for smaller households it would be a real luxury.
Available from:
Our Place Always Pan
Available from Our Place (£89)
A good non-stick frying pan is something I reach for every day, quite often more than once. And the right one really does change the way cooking feels. The Always Pan from Our Place is our top performer, at £125 it’s a bit of an investment, but if you act fast, you’ll catch it for £89 before the end of summer sale is over!
Pros:
- Light
- Non-toxic non-stick
- Multi-functional
- 11 colours
- Accessories included
Cons:
The Always Pan is named due to its ability to do it all. It functions as a steamer with the handled steamer basket, which also doubles as a colander, and the domed lid makes it easy to roast a chicken, yet it’s still shallow enough to fry and poach eggs. It’s also designed to lock in steam when you need it or release it when you don’t.
But the non-stick is where it really shines, the PFAS-free non-toxic ceramic coating was exceptional. So much so I occasionally found myself chasing my food around the pan! My omelettes cooked quickly and released effortlessly, and my pancakes browned evenly, even if they did spread a little too far compared to others on test.
Despite being so versatile, it’s light to hold and comfortable to handle. Made with 100% recycled aluminium and available in a wide range of beautiful colours, it also scores highly on appearance. Hand-washing is recommended to preserve the coating, but that’s a small price to pay given how well it performs.
Available from:
Kuhn Rikon Allround Three-Piece Saucepan Set
Available from Kuhn Rikon (£179.95), Amazon (£199.95), Debenhams (£259)
Pros:
- Excellent quality for the price
- Glass lids with steam vent
- Strainer function in the lid
- Oven-safe to high temperatures
Cons:
There are three generously sized saucepans in this pan set, 1.9L, 2.7L and 3.7L, each with a matching lid. The Swiss-designed pans are solidly built with 18/10 stainless steel and make a great first impression immediately upon unboxing.
On test, they heated up quickly on the hob and responded immediately when I cranked the heat up or turned it down. This was particularly useful when my test porridge began bubbling too ferociously and I needed to bring the temperature down, and when I was gently caramelising onions, low and slow. For pans so sturdy, they remained light and easy to handle even when filled with food.
The handles are comfortable to hold and remained cool whilst cooking, though remember to use gloves if using the pans in the oven (safe up to 240C). I loved the glass lids, which let me keep an eye on my food without having to lose precious steam.
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Panasonic SD-B2510 Bread Maker
Available from Amazon (£119), John Lewis & Partners (£119.99), Hughes (£149)
A good bread maker can make you rethink all those hours spent kneading, proving and shaping dough by hand. They take care of the entire process, leaving you with well-risen, golden loaves and a gorgeous-smelling kitchen after just a few minutes of prep. And the Panasonic SD-B2510 produced one of the best loaves of them all.
Pros:
- Landscape design
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Large variety of presets
- Customisable settings
Cons:
- No viewing window
- No automatic dispenser
Panasonic has a large variety of bread makers and this is one of their more affordable. While it may not come with an ingredient dispenser or the broad selection of settings seen on its more expensive siblings, the results spoke for themselves and the well-risen, evenly browned, open and airy texture on its loaf puts it on top.
While it doesn’t have the broadest selection; it’s still equipped with an impressive 21 settings, including a range of breads, brioche, cakes, jams, and gluten-free bakes.
There’s no viewing window, so you can’t see how your bread is progressing. The loaf took around four hours to bake and there’s a delay option for up to 13 hours, so you’ve got the option to prep the night before and wake up to freshly baked bread.
Available from:
HexClad 4.7L Casserole Dish
Available from HexClad (£204)
Casserole dishes reach their peak usage for me at this time of year, thanks to the way they handle hearty soups, stews and other slow-cooked dishes. At £204, HexClad’s casserole dish has got one of the highest price tags of those tested, but it’s truly reflected in the quality.
Pros:
- Robust tri-ply design
- Effective non-stick coating
- Well-fitting lid
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
HexClad’s casserole dish takes a different approach to the usual colourful, cottagecore-style aesthetic that’s currently popular and has instead gone for a contemporary, ultra-modern design with a mirror finish and ergonomic stay-cool handles. The result? A remarkably lightweight, polished piece of cookware that can go the distance.
Built with HexClad’s signature tri-ply hybrid design – combining the convenience of non-stick with the searing power of stainless-steel – this dish is quick to heat and responds extremely well to temperature change. It’s also oven-safe up to an impressive 480C and dishwasher-safe (though we recommend handwashing to preserve the non-stick coating) and backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Put to the test with a beef and vegetable casserole, it produced excellent results. The meat was tender and flavoursome and the sauce was perfectly thick, and I don’t doubt that this dish could be used for a wide range of cooking purposes.
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