Latest news with #kitchenware
CNET
5 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Can Your Nonstick Pan Make You Sick? We'll Explain
A great nonstick pan can do wonders for your cooking. Nonstick cookware is coated in teflon, which makes it easy to use and clean. However, some question the safety of the chemical-coated dishes: PTFE and PFAS (used in the coating) can potentially mix with your food during use. CNET Last year, the US saw an increase in reported cases of "Teflon flu." If that raises questions in your mind, you're not alone. Several Reddit users expressed the same concerns, with some wondering whether inhaling Teflon fumes while cooking is dangerous. The good news is that if your cookware was made after a certain year and you use it properly, you should be in the clear. But there's also a bit more to the story. Here's what you need to know about Teflon flu and using your nonstick kitchenware without health worries. Read more: Never Raise Your Air Fryer Above This Temperature What is Teflon flu? Air fryer baskets are often made with a synthetic nonstick coating. David Watsky/CNET The chemical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), found in Teflon and similar nonstick surfaces, is common in air fryers, pots and pans and other kitchen appliances. When these materials overheat, they can release synthetic compounds that pose health risks. Polymer fume fever, or Teflon flu, has reignited a debate about nonstick cookware safety. The illness occurs when fumes from an overheated Teflon or nonstick pan are inhaled. Nonstick pans are made with polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PTFE). PTFEs are known as "forever chemicals" because they take decades or sometimes even hundreds of years to break down. Read more: I Upgraded to This PFAS-Free Glass Fryer and You Should, Too Under normal use, PTFEs aren't thought to cause a health risk, but when heated to above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, there are increased emissions and the resulting polymer fume fever. Polymer fume fever causes a range of reported symptoms including fever, chills, muscle tension and headache. Symptoms of Teflon flu are temporary and generally start within 12 hours of exposure but can take up to 24 hours to take hold. How to avoid Teflon flu Teflon and nonstick cookware are easy to use, clean and maintain, but it should be used only for low to medium heat cooking. Never heat your nonstick cookware over high heat or medium heat for long periods of time. Try to keep the surface temperature at or below 450 degrees Fahrenheit, or emissions from the PTFE coating are likely to increase. What is Teflon and does it cause cancer? Nonstick or Teflon is a popular choice for home cooks. The biggest advantage is that food won't stick to pots and pans coated with Teflon the way it does to other metal materials, so it's easy to flip a pancake or remove a cooked egg. Nonstick is also very easy to clean, generally taking no more than a few seconds to wash by hand. Teflon is a brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene that's used in many household products, from wire coatings to fabric protectors and kitchen cookware. The knock on Teflon is that it's unsafe if consumed or absorbed into the body and can increase the chances of cancer and other diseases. Studies have shown some connections (more on that below), but Teflon still exists and is used to make cookware, and the safety concerns around Teflon are mostly a thing of the past. I stress mostly. Here's why… The brand Teflon may be associated with a risk of cancer, but it's actually a chemical formerly used in the making of Teflon called PFOA that's to blame. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, perfluorooctanoic acid is a manufactured perfluorochemical developed in the 1930s and used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. Thanks to a federal ban, all Teflon and nonstick cookware made after 2013 should be free of harmful PFOA. Europe enacted the same ban in 2008. All-Clad What are the negative effects of PFOA? In some studies, PFOA has been linked to cancer, immune deficiency and a host of other medical problems. It has also been shown to affect growth and development and injure the liver in laboratory animals. As recently as 2017, chemical giant Dupont settled a lawsuit for more than $670 million for its role in contaminating drinking water with PFOA (also referred to as C-8) in the mid-Ohio Valley. A previous class-action suit from 2004 in the same area led to a study that found PFOA was linked to cancer and compromised immune function, even in small doses. Teflon cookware made before 2013 may be toxic All that was enough for most manufacturers to halt the production of nonstick coatings using PFOA around 2002. Teflon using PFOA wasn't officially banned in the United States until 2014. Europe banned it in 2008. That means if you own Teflon nonstick cookware from 2013 or earlier, there's a chance it contains PFOA. Nine years is typically longer than the average lifespan of a nonstick pan, but if you're not sure, it's probably best to replace any Teflon-coated pots or pans. If you're concerned, look for PFOA-free cookware Because of the ban, all nonstick cookware made in the US should be PFOA-free, but you'd be wise to make sure. Be extra cautious about buying cheap or off-brand cookware, especially if it's not produced in a country with an active PFOA ban. PFOA is still produced elsewhere, largely in China, and used to make consumer products. The good news is that PFOA-free nonstick cookware is cheap, so there's no reason to risk it with anything that might contain the chemical. You can nab a 10-inch skillet from a trusted cookware brand like Misen for $99 or Tramontina for about $30. Luxury cookware brand All-Clad makes a two-piece nonstick cookware set for $60. The Always Pan is a nonstick ceramic alternative to Teflon cookware. Our Place The best natural nonstick cookware alternatives If you're ready to ditch Teflon and chemical-based nonstick pots and pans, there are plenty of more natural nonstick alternatives. The most nonstick of the bunch is ceramic cookware, which has seen a boom in popularity since concerns about Teflon first surfaced. A few popular ceramic cookware options include The Always Pan (read my full review here), Caraway and Greenpan. Cast iron is another cookware material that develops a natural nonstick coating over time, especially if you season it well and care for it properly. It won't likely ever become as nonstick as Teflon, but cast iron has loads of other culinary benefits that are worthy of a few extra seconds of scrubbing in the sink after use. Lodge is a tried-and-true cast-iron cookware producer: You can scoop up a 10-inch skillet for as little as $20. Cast iron develops a nonstick patina over time and is a natural alternative to Teflon. Angela Lang/CNET Carbon steel is yet another option and functions similarly to cast-iron cookware, although it's not quite as heavy, slightly more sensitive to corrosion, and typically more expensive. Carbon steel hasn't really popped off here in the US but is a favorite of professional chefs, as well as yours truly. Cookware startup Made In produces some excellent carbon steel cookware with prices starting around $89, but there are cheaper options out there. FAQs Should I worry about buying Teflon nonstick cookware? The Teflon brand stopped using PFOA, the offending chemical behind Teflon flu, in 2013. That means that it should be safe to use new Teflon cookware any way you see fit -- although it couldn't hurt to continue being cautious when using new nonstick cookware. Can I only catch Teflon flu from Teflon products? No. The name Teflon flu originates from the Teflon brand because they famously used PFOA chemicals in the process of creating its cookware before 2013. However, that doesn't mean your cookware is PFOA-free. If your cookware is created in the US, it should be free of harmful chemicals. But cheap companies and off-brands that create cookware in countries without PFOA bans often still use the chemical in their products, and those might still wind up in your hands.
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Thermomix cops massive ACCC fine after ‘misleading' NDIS approval claims
A massive kitchenware company allegedly falsely claimed its products were 'NDIS approved' to drive sales but has copped a massive fine instead. Vorwerk Australia, trading as Thermomix in Australia, has been fined nearly $80,000 for allegedly falsely suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Thermomix falsely promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS, the ACCC alleges. The Thermomix website in November last year and March this year allegedly described the two products as 'NDIS approved', 'NDIS-registered product', 'NDIS-consumables', 'NDIS assistive technology' and 'NDIS equipment'. However, the NDIS does not approve goods, according to ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb. 'The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services. Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products,' she said. 'There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants. 'Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.' The ACCC put businesses on notice of problematic advertising targeting NDIS participants in November 2023. Just last week, bedding retailer Bedshed was fined nearly $40,000 for allegedly making similar false statements that some of its products were 'NDIS approved'.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Morrisons shoppers can bag freebies worth £30 through loyalty scheme perk
MORRISONS shoppers can bag free goodies worth up to £30 through its reward scheme. Customers with a More Card loyalty scheme can claim premium kitchenware for free through a lesser-known stamp promotion currently available in stores. 2 Morrisons is giving shoppers the opportunity to continue collecting stamps until next Sunday, June 8, with redemption available until June 22. The supermarket giant is giving away Pyrex containers, including a 2.6L dish normally worth £30, to shoppers who rack up enough stamps. For every £10 spent in-store, you'll earn one stamp, and once you hit 30 or more, you can start trading them in for top kitchen gear completely free. One Morrisons worker spilled the beans in the Extreme Coupons and Bargains UK Facebook group, writing: "Lots of customers don't even know about this scheme, so it's been a nice surprise for them!" All you need to do is check your stamp balance, it's printed on the bottom of your receipt or visible in the More Card app and then head to the till with your chosen Pyrex item and scan your More Card. If you've got enough stamps, it's yours for free. The range includes handy tubs in sizes from 600ml to 2.6L, plus a pump to suck out air and keep your food fresher for longer. One happy shopper shared: 'I got the largest rectangle yesterday and still have some stamps left!' You'll need 30 stamps to bag a small item, 40 for a medium, and 50 for the top-of-the-range large dish, meaning you'd need to spend around £500 to earn the full set. But considering it's a freebie just for doing your usual food shop, savvy shoppers say it's 'always nice to have something for nothing'. Exploring Popular Supermarkets in the UK If you're not already a More Card member, you can sign up for free by downloading the app on Google Play or the App Store. And while you're collecting stamps, you'll still earn More Points as usual which can be converted into vouchers for money off future shops. You can find your nearest store using the store finder tool. Morrisons loyalty boss Kate Lavery said the new perk is a 'bonus layer' on top of points and discounts, giving customers even more bang for their buck. It comes after the supermarket giant has made a huge change to its loyalty scheme and shoppers can now earn EXTRA points towards their purchases. Morrisons originally scrapped its More Points scheme in 2021, rebranding as My Morrisons, but reversed the decision in 2023 after shopper demand. Now, Morrisons More Card holders can collect points with over 300 popular brands including eBay, Just Eat, Expedia, Asos, Very, and loads more. Once 5,000 More Points are collected, shoppers will be handed a £5 voucher – better known as a Morrisons Fiver – to redeem on their next shop in store or online. How to save money on your food shop Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year: Odd boxes - plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price. Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30. Sainsbury's also sells £2 "Taste Me, Don't Waste Me" fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash. Food waste apps - food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public. Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio. Too Good to Go's app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount. Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses. Yellow sticker bargains - yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap. But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here. Super cheap bargains - sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they've found on the cheap, including food finds. "Downshift" - you will almost always save money going for a supermarket's own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands. The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as "downshifting" and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop. How does the Morrisons More Card work? The Morrisons More Card lets you earn points on purchases which can be used to get money off future shops. Once you get to 5,000 points you can keep saving, or convert them into a voucher worth £5 to spend in-store or online. You can't earn loyalty points when buying certain products though, including tobacco, infant milk or formula and gift cards. The full list of excluded products is on the Morrisons website. The More Card also gives you access to personalised offers based on your shopping habits, including discounts on specific products or extra points on certain purchases. You can get a physical More Card and scan it at the till or swipe a virtual card via the app when shopping in-store.
Telegraph
27-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The 16 best toasters of 2025, tried and tested on toast, crumpets, muffins and more
While the humble kettle may be fading in popularity in favour of modern hot water taps, the toaster shows no signs of going out of style. You'd be forgiven for thinking the best toasters of today remain largely unchanged from the models of 20 years ago, but the truth is they've had quite the innovation. Bex Dixon, kitchen expert at Currys, said toaster sales at the company have been up six per cent year on year. 'We're seeing a trend for more premium toasters with unique settings and longer slots. The latest designs are particularly good for those who enjoy toasting more artisan-style bread, such as sourdough.' In an effort to find the best toasters to upgrade your kitchen, I've trialled the latest models from well-known kitchenware brands including Dualit, Sage and Russell Hobbs. You can read my reviews below, followed by some expert advice from AO's own kitchen expert on how to care for them and what features to look out for. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five: The best toasters: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Are more expensive toasters better? You can expect to pay anything from £20 to £220 for a toaster, with prices varying noticeably by brand. You'll pay for a design that feels more durable and has smoother controls. Most toasters now come with a defrost and cancel button as standard and a variable toasting control dial, but the more expensive designs tend to have extra settings for keeping your bread warm or a high-lift function for checking your toast without interrupting the cycle. 'Spending a little more on your toaster will offer more functionality,' says Thea Whyte, small appliance expert at AO. 'The best features include being able to reheat toast without burning, clever heating tech that toasts your bread twice as fast and settings for perfecting bagels and crumpets.' How to choose the best toaster Toasters often have useful cancel, defrost and reheat settings to make it easy for you to prep your bread. Think about what you'll want to toast; more advanced designs offer specific settings for bagels or crumpets so your bakes are toasted on one side and warm on the other, or come with extra capabilities like a grill or panini press. Here are the other key criteria to consider: Design: Check if the toaster comes with any matching appliances in case you want to upgrade your kettle and blender too. Look for controls that are easy to decipher on busy mornings, as some designs highlight their controls with icons rather than text. Cord length also matters if you have a limited number of power sockets on your worktop. Finally, if you're buying a four-slice toaster, check to see if you can control the slots separately to save on energy. Keep warm features: Being able to keep your bread warm for a certain time after it pops up is a useful extra, particularly if you're prone to setting and forgetting about your toast. For croissants or buns, look for a design with a warming rack. Smooth operation: A high-lift function makes it easy to check your toast without interrupting the heating cycle. More premium models tend to benefit from smoother push-down lever controls and durable, easy-to-clean finishes. The best toasters also offer steady heating controls that produce more even results, ensuring your toast doesn't burn easily. Size and slot width: You can choose from a wide range of two and four-slice toasters to suit small or large kitchens. If you have a small space to play with, consider a thinner, long slot toaster that can still fit four slices. If you plan to house your toaster in a cupboard, consider the weight as some can be considerably heavier than others. Toasters with wider slots will fit chunky slices of bread such as home-cut sourdough and thick-sliced sandwich loaves, so keep that in mind too. How we tested the best toasters To find out how each toaster performs, I tested each design using different types of bread, bagels and crumpets. I toasted a square white sandwich tin, an oversized seeded artisan and a medium-cut tiger loaf to see how even the toasting results and how easily the slots accommodated the bread. I tried out the extra shortcut settings for crumpets, defrosting and reheating where available. I rated each toaster on design and performance, how flexible the toasting controls were, taking into consideration noise levels both when in use and when the toast popped up. I was also keen to see if the toaster remained cool to touch in use and whether it was easy to clean after use. To really transform your breakfast routine, read our guides to the best waffle makers and best coffee machines next. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best toasters for 2025 1. Best Buy Toaster: Sage the 'A Bit More' Toaster 4 Slice If you're willing to spend a little above the average for a good quality toaster, this is an excellent choice. I've been using a Sage coffee machine for years and recently gave Sage top marks in my review of the best microwaves. I was pleased to find their toaster offers a similarly smooth user experience. It comes in two and four slot options. I tried the four slice, which has a generous length and deep slots that makes it easy to accommodate large and thick slices of bread. I managed to fit three small slices of tiger bread into one slot and a large, seeded sourdough slice in the other. The front of the toaster has a slider with an LED panel that controls the 12 browning settings, which can be adjusted in small increments from 0-5. This makes it easy to experiment with timings to get your bread toasted just how you like it, though it won't let you heat up individual slots. I found setting 2 gave me evenly toasted bread from corner to corner in around a minute. The exterior of the toaster stayed relatively cool to touch, too. There's a crumpet/fruit loaf button that toasts the insides of the bread without burning the outsides, which I found worked nicely for sliced breakfast muffins, too. The toaster also has an 'A Bit More' button, which gives you a little extra heating time of around 30 seconds. This button feels a bit gimmicky as you could just use the slider to add more toasting time, but it could prove useful if you're in a hurry. The toaster hums slightly when in use and emits a sharp beep as it pops up to let you know your toast is ready. The alert volume can be adjusted, however, which is good for those who like to keep early morning noise to a minimum. Key specifications 2. Best Value Toaster: Morphy Richards Motive 4 Slice Toaster This is a good four-slot toaster for less than £50. The four slots are split into pairs that have their own set of controls, which means you don't have to heat up the whole toaster when you only want to prepare two bits of bread. The levers don't push down as smoothly as some of the more premium toasters I've tried, but overall I was impressed at how evenly my bread was toasted and how generous in size slots are. Having two separate crumb trays in the base of the model makes it easy to keep clean, too. The control dials have the same seven settings and you'll also find standard reheat, defrost and cancel buttons. While the settings don't indicate how many minutes you can toast for, they do offer a good range of toasting options for evenly toasted bread and crispier crumpets and muffins. I found my toast came out way too light for my liking on setting two but that I got two minutes of slow and steady toasting on setting three. I'm not entirely sure why you'd want to ramp up to the most powerful setting of seven, unless you like your bakes a little on the burnt side. But considering its price you can't can go wrong with this design, which also has a matching Motive Jug Kettle for £39.99. Key specifications 3. Best Two-Slice Toaster: Kitchenaid Toaster 2 Slice Kitchenaid's Artisan K400 came top in our review of the best blenders and we rate their food processors highly, too. This toaster also comes in five colourways to match other appliances in the KitchenAid range. It has a truly premium feel to it and while there's a hint of a clumsy jangling sound when the toast pops up, I found it notably quiet in operation compared to other toasters on the list. The body of this all-metal toaster is solid and refreshingly fuss-free, making it easy to wipe and buff clean. I measured the cord at 103cm, which is above average and means it's easy to position on a worktop. Cord storage keep things neat, as does its crumb tray. The toaster features extra-wide slots to fit bread, crumpets and muffins, and a high-lift lever that lets you check in on your bread mid-cycle and easily reach smaller slices of toast that would otherwise require a lot of fiddling to get them out. I needed to consult the manual to decipher the icons on the control buttons, but discovered the settings quite versatile once I worked them out. There are seven toasting controls to choose from, with a sliding control conveniently positioned next to the main lever. While there are no specific crumpet or muffin settings here, there is one for bagels that lets you toast the inside while gently warming the outside of the bread. But what I like most about this model is the keep warm setting. Press this just before you push the toasting lever down and it will keep toast warm for three minutes after popping up. If, like me, you find it hard to multitask in the kitchen, this feature will be much appreciated. Key specifications 4. Best Four-Slice Toaster: Cuisinart 4 Slice Toaster It's clear why this classic toaster is part of Cuisinart's Style Collection, and it comes in a Light Pistachio or Frosted Pearl with stainless-steel finish that will add a subtle hint colour to your kitchen scheme. You can also mix and match with the Cuisinart Multi-Temp Jug or Traditional kettle, from £90. One of the pros of this four-slice design is that it can save energy by letting you control each pair of slots separately, so you won't have to heat up the whole toaster unnecessarily when you simply want one portion of toast. It also has two crumb trays that can be emptied independently and two lift-and-look levers so you can check your toast without pressing cancel and interrupting the toasting cycle. The cord is 94cm, so not the longest I've found, but the toaster itself does come with ample cord storage underneath. There are six toasting settings to choose from on the dial, which work smoothly and quickly to produce even results. The browning control numbers are written in black on chrome which means they aren't the easiest to read, but the Bagel, Defrost, Reheat and Cancel buttons are spelt out clearly making it easy to operate. Key specifications 5. Best Toaster for Bagels: Zwilling Enfinigy 4-Slice Toaster The good looks of the Zwilling Enfinigy toaster will instantly add a touch of luxury to a kitchen in need of a little lift. Crafted by renowned Milanese designers Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, the premium square design comes in black or silver finishes to match its similarly styled blender and kettle. Crucially, it also performs exceptionally well. Quiet in operation, the toaster has a control dial that lets you ramp up the browning level from one to seven. It's a powerful model and level four was plenty for achieving a satisfyingly crunchy slice of toast. The bagel setting gently toasted my bagels and worked on delicate burger buns without burning them, too. I appreciated how smoothly the lift lever operated, softly popping up when the toast was ready. This was particularly helpful for reaching shorter slices of bread that needed extra help exiting the toaster. It's design touches such as this that make a premium toaster stand out from the rest. Key specifications 6. Best Stainless Steel Toaster: Procook Stainless Steel Toaster With a similarly curvaceous steel design to that of the Dualit and Morphy Richards toasters featured here, this stainless steel model is equally eye-catching. It comes in a two or four slot option ready to take on toast, muffins, flatbread and bagels, and has a reheat button that warms up forgotten toast for 30 seconds. Everything about this toaster looks and feels premium, from its stainless-steel gun-metal finish to its two sets of smooth toasting controls. It might be large, but it doesn't feel too bulky. The slots are generous too, measuring 3.5cm compared to Dualit's 2.8cm, and make it easy to throw in a thick slice or even a waffle. You can also buy it as a set with the matching Procook Gun Metal kettle for £158. Key specifications 7. Best Long Slot Toaster: Russell Hobbs Luna Toaster 2 Slice Long Slot Copper For small kitchens with tight worktops a long-slot toaster like this is a handy option. The slim model has an attractive stainless-steel and copper finish and while the cord is not as long as other toasters (74cm) the shorter length may prove helpful in a smaller kitchen. The toasting controls and slider allow you to switch between six adjustable browning options. The sides can get a little hot to touch when you use the toaster, so bear that in mind if your worktop is crowded. It would perhaps make more sense if the controls were positioned on the slim end of the toaster to allow it to be slotted in between appliances, but they are still easy to reach. But overall, this produces fast and powerful results. It comes with fast-toasting technology that is 55 per cent faster than its predecessor, in fact. While there is no specific bagel or crumpet setting, there are cancel, reheat and defrost buttons here and a lift and look lever so you can monitor your toast without interrupting the toasting cycle. Key specifications 8. Best Toaster for Individual Heating Slots: Dualit NewGen 4-Slice Toaster Hand-built in the UK with fully replaceable parts, I love the classic styling of this toaster that disguises lots of clever features among its controls. But for all its snazziness, it is fairly bulky and pricey. You will also need to spend a bit of time getting to know how it works to get the best from it. It has 2.8cm slots that cater for a Dualit sandwich cage so you can make toasted sandwiches, but these need to be bought separately. It's important not to overfill sandwiches; you don't want melted cheese falling out and make a mess inside. What's good about this design is that you can heat up just one slot or all four. Rather than indicate the browning level on the controls, this toaster has a timer so you can toast bread from under one to three minutes. It's powerful, too. I found toast and bagels browned evenly in just a minute and a half. I also like the fact that the crumb tray is in front, rather than hidden at the sides so it's easy to empty, while the 'Peek and Pop' ejector easily lets you check in on your toast while it's browning. I couldn't work out how to cancel the timer, however. Key specifications 9. Best Looking Toaster: SMEG TSF01 Two-Slot Union Jack Toaster Smeg sells two Dolce & Gabbana toasters that are stupendously desirable, expensive and almost permanently sold out, so if you're looking to add some character to your kitchen then the Union Jack design is an excellent (available) option. That's if you don't already have one of their statement fridge freezers. This toaster has an enamelled finish and a control panel that is simple to use while packing a range of features. It has reheat, bagel and defrost functions, and a browning dial with six heat settings. The stop button is easy to find, too, should you find your toast has had enough. I instantly liked the on the lever beacause it makes it easy to use, letting you push the lever up and down smoothly. The bagel setting is a nice touch, just make sure you put the pieces in the right way round. Key specifications 10. Best Toaster for Large Slices of Bread: De'Longhi Ballerina 4 slice Green Toaster Distinctive in its design, this toaster has a ridged body that is surprisingly easy to clean and buff. Its Laguna Green finish makes it one of those designs that I think benefits from the matching kettle, which is also reasonably priced at £62.99. Just like the Kenwood toaster, this De'Longhi model has two control levers to toast either four or two slices, but it only has one set of controls for browning, defrosting, reheating and cancelling. I could notice the power here as the toaster got hot quickly and doesn't need that much time to brown. I found setting four left my bread a little burnt so swtiched reverted to level two to get a nice crisp finish on my toast. Key specifications 11. Best Sandwich Toaster: Ninja Foodi 3-in-1 Toaster, Grill & Panini Press £149.99 Buy now Price at Ninja This model works as a traditional toaster stand-up for two slices with bagel and defrost settings, but it can also be flipped on its side, which converts it into a grill and panini press. Working these settings out requires referring to the comprehensive instruction booklet, but once I'd worked it out, I found it easy to use and appreciated the recipe ideas it comes with. As with most Ninja appliances, the LED display is easy to follow and clearly illustrated with written text, which is something I appreciate in a hurry as it takes out the guesswork. The design is pretty bulky and feels more like a countertop cooker rather than a simple two-slice toaster. That said, I think its three-in-one capability is excellent for anyone who loves a toasted sandwich, or wants to reheat leftover pizza slices. Key specifications 12. Best Mid-Range Toaster: Hamilton Beach Rise 4 Slice Brushed & Polished Stainless Steel Toaster Design-wise, this toaster's shiny steel finish looks great on the worktop and at 19.5cm high, its frame isn't too bulky either. Its brushed and polished stainless steel design makes it one of the more attractive toasters I've tested and I can imagine comfortably living with this on my worktop. Over the course of the week I found it easy to keep it fingerprint and smudge-free using a microfibre cloth to buff it clean. It has four generously sized slots making it a great choice for a family of four. Each pair of slots can be controlled independently of each other and it comes with your standard reheat, defrost and cancel settings alongside six browning levels. I found a happy medium at level three for white toast and bagels. While there's no specific crumpet or bagel settings, the slots are wide enough to fit your standard American bagel and English muffin. There are two small removable crumb trays around the back of the toaster and while they aren't that deep, they slide out smoothly to make cleaning easy. I enjoyed using this toaster and while it's near silent in use, my only misgiving is that the levers rattle slightly when they get pressed down and pop up. That said, this makes it easy to hear your toast when it's ready. Key specifications 13. Best Toaster for Crumpets: Breville Edge Silver 4-Slice Toaster Similar in style to the Sage 'A Bit More' toaster, this Breville design has a brushed stainless-steel finish with two long slots to cater for four slices at a time. While it looks great on the worktop, I did find myself having to buff it regularly to keep it looking in tip-top condition as its marks and smudges quite easily. It's a powerful model and my toast browned quickly, although not as evenly as some of the more premium toasters I've tried. I like the variable-width bread slots that makes it easy to insert thick and thin slices as this makes it particularly good for crumpets. There's also a crumpet setting to help you get them cooked just right for some afternoon tea. Key specifications 14. Best Toaster for Croissants: Philips Conscious Collection 2 Slice Toaster Made from 100 per cent bio-based plastics from biological and renewable materials, Philips is keen to highlight the eco-credentials of this toaster. Call me superficial but while this may make your kitchen greener, what truly stood out for me was the integrated bun rack. These racks are rather scarce in the world of toasters but they let you warm croissants and tea cakes by sitting on the top of the toaster's slots. There's a good range of browning controls here too, but these and the defrost and reheat icons all illustrated in grey on the silk white matte finish that I found a little hard to read when in a hurry. I had to press down quite hard to click the lever into place, but the toasts almost pops out at the end so you'll definitely know when it's time to butter it. It comes with a dust cover that keeps the look modern and minimalist, but you will need to remember to allow the toaster to cool down before you place it on top. Key specifications 15. Best Toaster for Anti-Jamming: Kuro 4 Slice Toaster This toaster has a smooth black finish with a stainless steel top, but the lever controls are plastic and don't slide down as smoothly as other toasters I've tried. However, it has an anti-jamming feature that is meant to stop pieces of toast getting stuck so you're not left fishing around trying to get it loose. The toaster slots can be controlled in pairs to save on energy when needed and have a generous, self-centering function to fit a range of bread sizes, crumpets and thick bagels. The design does lack a high-lift lever to check in on your bread, though. The control dial has seven browning levels and as it's fairly powerful you may find that sticking to the lower levels is sufficient enought. I tried toasting some bread on level four and it came out burnt, but level two was plenty to brown my bread in well under two minutes. Key specifications 16. Best Toaster for Stylish Colours: Kenwood Elegancy 4 Slot Toaster in Mocha This toaster is similar in style to the Cuisinart model. While the body of this toaster is made from plastic, it feels durable and has a sturdy base. I like the Mocha finish here, which is easy to wipe clean and doesn't leave fingerprint marks. There are two lever controls here to operate each side of two slots, but there is only one browning control dial. This means that while you can toast fewer slices when desired, you won't be able to have different toasting levels on either side. There are no bagel or crumpet pre-sets either, but I found the variable browning control powerful and flexible enough to get my desired level of toasting. Key specifications Best toaster FAQs What features should I look out for on a toaster? Look for a flexible design that comes with shortcut settings for popular tasks such as reheating, keeping warm and defrosting bread or toasting crumpets and bagels. A high-lift function allows you to check your toast without interrupting the heating cycle and wider slots will fit chunky slices of bread. More premium models tend to benefit from smoother push-down lever controls and durable finishes that are easy to keep clean. If you want to warm croissants or buns, look for a design with a warming rack too. A decent cord length will come in useful if you have a limited number of power sockets on your worktop. The best designs offers steady heating controls that produce more even toasting results and ensures your bread doesn't burn easily. If you're buying a four-slice toaster you may want to check to see if you can control how many slots heat up to save on energy. This also works well when two of you want your bread toasted differently. Is a two-slice or four-slice toaster better? 'A two-slice toaster is great if you have limited worktop space because it's energy-efficient and suitable for individuals or small households,' says Thea Whyte, AO's small appliance expert. 'A four-slice toaster is ideal if you need to serve multiple people quickly and is good for families or larger households, as it offers more flexibility since you can toast various types of bread simultaneously.' What do the numbers mean on a toaster? 'The numbers on your average toaster don't tend to indicate the toasting time, but illustrate the level of browning for your bread,' continues Thea Whyte. 'The higher the number, the longer the toasting time, resulting in a darker and crispier toast. Toasting levels vary from model to model, however, so the number four on one toaster control panel will give you different toasting results to another toaster.' How do I clean a toaster? Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean, suggests: 'Prep by unplugging the mains, take out the crumb trays and shake into the bin. Soak the trays in some warm soapy water and give them a little scrub to get rid of any stubborn crumbs if needs be. 'Shake the main unit over the bin to remove any further crumbs. Wipe over the outside of the toaster and the cord, which can often look grubby. 'If you have any rust/burnt marks on the silver where the toast pops up, add some cream cleaner to a recycled toothbrush and gently scrub the patches, rinse and buff dry with a microfibre cloth,' she adds. 'Dry and shine up the rest of the toaster with a dry microfibre cloth. Leave to fully air dry before you use again.'
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Fifth Fork Announces New Line of Eco-Friendly Kitchenware Inspired by Family Traditions
Fifth Fork, a kitchenware brand founded by professional chef Kimberly Lock, unveils a new collection of elegant, eco-conscious products designed to turn every meal into a cherished memory. The brand also celebrates being named the Best Kitchenware Brand in the U.S. of 2025. United States, May 27, 2025 -- Fifth Fork: Crafting Kitchenware for the Heart of Your Home Fifth Fork, a brand inspired by love, tradition, and the joy of family gatherings, is excited to announce the expansion of its kitchenware collection. Founded by Kimberly Lock, a former professional chef with a deep passion for the kitchen, Fifth Fork aims to elevate the heart of the home with eco-friendly, high-quality, and beautifully functional products. The brand's new additions to the lineup are designed with the purpose of creating lasting memories around the kitchen table, while offering both elegance and practicality. The latest announcement comes on the heels of Fifth Fork being honored with the prestigious title of Best Kitchenware Brand in the U.S. of 2025. This recognition reflects the brand's steadfast commitment to excellence, sustainability, and craftsmanship. The award, given after a rigorous evaluation process, underscores Fifth Fork's leadership within the kitchenware industry, where it has set a new standard for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Inspired by Tradition: The Story Behind Fifth Fork The story of Fifth Fork began in a sunlit kitchen, where a young Kimberly Lock spent hours alongside her Nana, learning the art of cooking and discovering the power of food to create connections. It was in these moments that Kimberly developed a deep understanding of the kitchen as not just a place for cooking, but as a space where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and families come together. 'As a former professional chef, I know that the best meals aren't just about the food; they're about the memories made around the table,' says Kimberly Lock, Founder of Fifth Fork. 'That's the spirit behind every Fifth Fork product — creating kitchenware that becomes part of the family traditions and the rituals that make every meal special.' A New Collection to Celebrate Everyday Moments Fifth Fork's latest collection includes a range of products designed to add elegance, charm, and function to any kitchen. Each item reflects the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, eco-conscious materials, and a touch of whimsy, ensuring that these kitchen essentials are both beautiful and practical. These new pieces are not just about aesthetics; they serve a higher purpose: to help families slow down, connect, and savor the moments that matter most. Whether it's gathering around the table for a Sunday brunch or baking together on a rainy afternoon, Fifth Fork products are crafted to transform everyday rituals into treasured memories. A Commitment to Eco-Consciousness and Craftsmanship At Fifth Fork, every product is designed with an emphasis on eco-consciousness and sustainable craftsmanship. The brand's commitment to the environment is reflected in the careful selection of materials and a focus on quality over quantity. With a marketplace full of disposable goods, Fifth Fork stands out by offering products that are built to last and designed to be part of family traditions for generations to come. Fifth Fork's dedication to sustainability is seen in their choice of materials, including eco-friendly ceramics and responsibly sourced wood. These products are designed not only to be functional and elegant but also to support a more sustainable lifestyle. Products That Tell a Story The heart of Fifth Fork is its commitment to storytelling. Every product is infused with meaning and inspired by the founder's own experiences. For Kimberly Lock, cooking with her Nana was not just a pastime — it was an opportunity to learn about love, patience, and the joy of creating something from scratch. This legacy is woven into the fabric of Fifth Fork, with each item carefully crafted to be more than just a functional piece of kitchenware — they are heirlooms in the making. 'Our goal is simple,' says Lock. 'We want to craft kitchenware that doesn't just serve a purpose but becomes part of your family's traditions — the things you reach for when you're making the meals that matter most.' The Promise of Fifth Fork In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Fifth Fork invites its customers to slow down, savor the process, and create something beautiful — both on the plate and in their memories. The brand's products are a reminder that the kitchen is not just a space for cooking, but the heart of the home, where stories are told, laughter is shared, and traditions are made. 'Kitchenware for the heart of your home — that's not just our tagline; it's our promise,' Lock adds. About Fifth Fork Fifth Fork is a kitchenware brand founded by Kimberly Lock, a former professional chef who wanted to create products that celebrate the art of home cooking and gathering. Inspired by her childhood experiences in the kitchen with her Nana, Fifth Fork offers high-quality, eco-friendly kitchenware designed to make everyday meals into cherished memories. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to balance elegance, function, and a touch of playful charm. Fifth Fork is committed to building lasting traditions by providing kitchen essentials that stand the test of time. Media Contact Kimberly Lock Founder / Owner, Fifth Fork Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Kimberly Lock Email: Send Email Organization: Fifth Fork Website: Release ID: 89161000 In case of encountering any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release that necessitate action, or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be readily available to promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, resolving any identified issues diligently or guiding you through the necessary steps for removal. The provision of accurate and dependable information is our primary focus.
