Pure Evoke Mio
I'm a sucker for anything retro and, as you can see, the Pure Evoke Mio has quite the classic flare. The display is large, crisp and, from what I've seen this week, unmatchable in resolution to other models on test here. With services such as Intellitext on offer, such a pristine screen makes all the difference and it shows signal strength too. Presets are logical to set up and have six dedicated buttons up for this task. There's also a fantastic clock and alarm system with specific timers for the kitchen. Presto.
When it comes to audio performance, the Mio is a beast. Distortion is unnoticeable at full volume and the output is plenty loud enough, not just to overpower the sound of a dishwasher, but next door's DIY too. Audio is crystal clear, pumped through the 3in speaker and thanks to a built-in bassport, lower frequencies are solid too.
As this is a Kitchen radio roundup, I'm not going to knock off marks for portability, although it is important to note that as with other Pure models, the Evoke Mio would need a proprietary battery pack, which doesn't come for free. The body still has quite a weight without one though, feeling sturdy and well built.
If you're looking for a quality all-round kitchen radio, then the Pure Evoke Mio hits the spot. If you shop around, you can easily pick one up for half price too. A complete steal.
Reg Rating 90%
Price £150
Services DAB, DAB+, FM
More info Pure
Revo Pico+
Upon removing the Pico+ from its box, I was surprised at how small it is. It would certainly fit snugly in any nook the kitchen. A matt black motif means no fingerprints, though wiping it down isn't a problem anyway as the Pico is splashproof.
A single dial is set-up to change station and skip through 24 possible presets, with dedicated volume buttons to the right. It's basic and easy to use, although the layout doesn't strike me as special and I much prefer a dial for instant volume control.
While the Pico+ does turn up strikingly loud. It doesn't need to be at full blast to make itself heard either. Turn it up to the max and it distorts kicks in, but thankfully you shouldn't need to go up to 11 on this. Its 6W output projects extremely well from its compact 2.25in speaker. There's also a Dynamic Range Control feature, which boosts quieter points of the audio to overcome any background noise.
On the front you'll find the M-port – basically an auxiliary input that connects to an MP3 player or iPod with the supplied cable. Spin the Pico+ around and there are stereo phono outputs and a headphone socket too. There's also a built-in rechargeable battery pack that claims a whopping 12 hours of playback and a remote control included too. Noice.
At just over six seconds, the Pico+ does a little longer to turn on that the others, but it's decent value for money and a savvy choice for less than a tonne.
Reg Rating 85%
Price £99
Services DAB, DAB+, FM
More info Revo
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COMMENTS
£180? WTF?
Has someone in reg hardware been smoking crack?
I'm usually the first one in the queue to spend on a gadget but £180 for a radio that has to compete with the magimix, extractor fan, oven and microwave noises? A kitchen radio should take 4 double AA's, cost no more than £25, be stuck on 1 station for years on end and sit on the windowsill in full view of burglars without them being in the least bit interested in smash and grabbing it through the window for THEIR next crack fix.
FM is perfectly adequate and unless you work for ofcom or the BBC you need take no interest in the marketing/technical fail that is DAB.
DAB misses again.
It's a kitchen radio: an AM/FM radio will do, doesn't run the batteries flat in 30 mins when hiked out to the garden and costs about £15.
@D@v3
Less of a problem - but still a problem for most people - and the environment if that's your thing?
The lack of those stations is not due to any lack in FM capability - it's due to the unrelenting push towards DAB replacing FM/AM.
surely time to upgrade from that grease-gunged FM box?
Don't bloody think so. My kitchen-based FM set is about 30 years old, and I'm very nearly used to it now.
Controls on top in a kitchen?
Why haven't you marked down all the radios with top surface controls?
The top of anything in the kitchen is the bit that gets stickiest, so surely top surface controls is the last thing you need in a kitchen, especially if you're putting the radio on a shelf where you'll be unlikely to see the controls and display, let alone work the radio without picking it up.
I'd say this misfeature is worth a 10% penalty at least.
