Kitchen Deals -> Kitchen tools

Keen cooks may want to take advantage of multi-function ovens - usually aimed at the top end of the market. As well as traditional cooking, fan or fan-assisted cooking and grilling, these ovens offer up to nine further functions. These include: Top element only (browning), bottom element (final cooking of pastry dishes or pizzas), fan and bottom element (delicate cooking), fan only (thawing).

A large number of freezers have eliminated defrosting by continually circulating the air inside the freezer compartment, thus avoiding frost build-up -- a feature well worth paying a little extra for.

Rather than cause accidental heat-damage, prevent such damage in the first place:

• Always use a heat protection pad or trivet (with rubber feet) for hot cookware, or leave cookware to cool on the hob first. Never put hot pans, particularly cast iron. Such heat can damage any surface!
• If you must put a hot pan on the base of a sink use a protective sink mat, sponge, or cloth beneath. It is best to leave the utensil to cool slightly first, or put a few inches of cool water in the sink before the pan.
• Avoid pouring boiling liquids directly into sinks without turning on the cold tap as well.