Small kitchen appliances

Buying guide

Small kitchen appliances are only worth it if you'll really use them, so first decide how often you'll reach for one. In a blender, motor power and jug material matter more than the number of speeds: a glass jug doesn't scratch, a plastic one is lighter. A juicer gets through a lot of fruit and veg, so it must be easy to clean or you'll soon tire of it. A kettle with a concealed element is easier to descale, and in pans and pots the base thickness determines how evenly they heat.