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This month we are focusing on home and cookware to make life a little easier in the kitchen.

A bit of a lightweight

If you are a fan of griddling, but find it difficult lifting a heavy pan, then the Valira Aire range is for you. The griddle has a ‘solid feel’ to it but weighs just 1400 grams (that’s 3lb in old money!); in fact, the whole range, which includes a frying pan, sauté pan and casserole, weighs approximately 30% less than its closest competitors. ‘Cold touch’ stainless steel handles mean Aire pans won’t burn your fingers; they are also non-stick, suitable for all hobs including induction, and cleverly shaped for perfect, stackable storage.

Valira Aire is available from Gilberts (0208 731 3700) or www.topgourmet.co.uk

A quick coffee

For those who would like to try their hand at being a barista at home, take a look at the new Krups Espresso XP Series. Both machines are compact without compromising on quality or features, have a tamping system and 15 bar pump pressure for a perfect espresso every time. Their Thermoblock technology reduces scaling, and ensures rapid heating to the optimum temperature, they also have universal filter holders compatible with ground coffee or soft pods.

Krups Espresso XP Series is available from leading department stores and cookshops and online at www.homeandcook.co.uk

Back to the grind

Fed up with pepper grinders that seem to last only a few months before they blunt or break? These colourful grinders from Zassenhaus Hamburg may look like any other on the outside, the inside however houses a patented ceramic mechanism which is not only harder than steel but completely wear-proof and corrosion free.

There are 6 different settings from rough to fine, and unlike other grinders, the setting will not change when you refill. They are also easy to clean by simply giving them a wipe with a damp cloth.

Zassenhaus Hamburg grinders are available from www.topgourmet.co.uk

Love it, or hate it?

No not Marmite – ironing… Whether you do, or don’t the Tefal Aquaspeed Ultracord Premium steam iron will be a welcome addition on your laundry days. Its Autoclean function prevents fibres from sticking to the soleplate and helps improve performance and prolong the iron’s glideability. With a powerful steam shot two times faster than average, it will make short work of that ironing pile.

Tefal Aquaspeed Ultracord Steam Iron is available from all good department stores and online at www.homeandcook.co.uk

Turn up the heat

Cooking with a wok is hopeless if you can’t get it really, really hot and if you cook using calor gas, it’s impossible. The Stellar Electric Wok is a great find, not only does it heat up and cool down rapidly, it gets the temperature right up to the heat you need for wok cooking. It’s non stick, with a steam vented glass lid, and two handles for easy carrying.

 

As well as stir frying, it’s great if you need to double the quantities of something like Delia’s Creole Prawns, giving you plenty of room to move the food around. The electric wok would be perfect for anyone moving in to student accommodation where space is often limited and it also saves buying lots of different size pans that may never be used!

Stellar Electric Wok is available from all good cookshops, or for a list of stockists visit www.stellarcookware.co.uk
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