Ten... Kitchen Gadget Treats

Gizmo Week

Most of us actually have more gadgets in the kitchen than anywhere else in the house. And looking at the list here, it’s easy to see why. There are gizmos for every conceivable task, from opening a tin of beans to knocking up a homemade Scotch broth. Most of the gizmos here are genuinely useful and would be a great addition to any kitchen, big or small. Others - I’m looking at you Magimix 11529 Two-Slice Vision Toaster - are more about showing off and having a bit of fun with food. As for the Bisch Tassimo T65, you’ll have to prize that from my cold, dead hands to take it from me...

Bodum Fyrkat barbecue

Spring may have burst into life, and it might feel like summer is just around the corner, but previous experience has taught is that opportunities for al fresco dining are likely to be few and far between. Nevertheless, every home should have a barbecue, preferably one that’s small enough to be used on balcony, courtyard - or even the boot of the car if it’s too wet for a picnic. The Bodum's enamel-coated steel body comes in five colours, and the silicone handle stops you from burning your fingers. The grill is compact, but it’s big enough to feed two people comfortably.

Bosch Tassimo T65 coffee maker

There are sexier coffee machines around. And there may be one or two which make better coffee. But I love the Bosch Tassimo, not just because it makes great coffee, but because it’s versatile too. Whether you want an early morning espresso, an afternoon cup of tea, or a late night hot chocolate, the T65 will deliver it with aplomb. It includes a Brita water filter to get rid of the nasties and hard water and make sure you always get that perfect cup. The final clincher is the price of the capsules. At around £4 for 16, the price per cup is a good deal cheaper than Nespresso.