8 Signs That You Need A New Fridge Freezer or Refrigerator

In this blog post we’ll discuss;

  • 8 Signs That You Need A New Fridge Freezer: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
  • Steps to Finding the Perfect Signs That You Need A New Fridge Freezer
  • Reasons you may need to stop stressing that you need a new fridge freezer
  • How to quikly fix small issues with your freezer and save money

Here are 8 signs that you need a new fridge freezer or Refrigerator…

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1 – Food Is Going Bad Before The Expiration Date

This may be one of the first obvious signs; if you keep finding that food is going off well before the use before date this may be a sure sign that there’s a problem.

It usually means that the unit struggling to keep the temperature low enough to chill your food sufficiently.

This may be due to issues with the condenser coils or perhaps an overworked motor.

In any case, this may be a good time to call in a qualified engineer to have a look at your machine or consider buying a new model.

2 – You’re Hearing A Lot of Noise

If you’re suddenly hearing a lot more noise than usual from your fridge then it may be a sign that there’s a problem, potentially with the motor.

All fridge freezers will emit some sound as their various parts are working but if you are hearing louder noises than ever before, you may have a problem.

In the first instance you can try unplugging the machine from the wall and re-plugging it.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to consult an engineer or get searching for that shiny new fridge freezer.

3 – The Electricity Bill Keeps Spiking

If your electricity bill keeps going up with no real changes in your habits then it may be a sign that there is a problem with your fridge freezer.

Remember that your fridge is one of the only items in the kitchen and indeed the whole house, that is on 24/7. That makes it a pretty likely culprit if your utility bill suddenly jumps up.

A high electric bill may mean that your machine is struggling to regulate its temperature and is no longer as energy efficient as it once was.

Paying for a new fridge may be painful in the short-term but it is likely that you will save yourself far more in electricity costs through a more energy efficient fridge.

4 – You Need A Jacket To Open It

8 signs that you need a new fridge freezer - its too cold

If you feel like you are getting a blast of cold air every time you open your fridge door then you may have an issue. Your fridge should be cool enough to keep your food safe and it can sometimes have a little bit of ice or water at the back.

But if you’ve noticed that it is unusually cold or you need to chip away at ice to retrieve your mixed vegetables then this may indicate a bigger problem.

5 – Your’e Noticing Excessive Condensation

Have you noticed water trickling inside the fridge? If this is happening you may also notice a pool of water at the back of the fridge which tends to be the coldest part of the refrigerator and where the moisture builds.

Some moisture may be normal for your machine especially if the door is frequently opened.

However, excessive condensation may mean that your fridge is struggling to keep cool.

This may be due to a worn out or damaged door seal (gasket). A simple replacement may well fix the issue.

If it doesn’t, then you may well have to consider your options.

6 – It’s Getting Hot In Here

Sometimes your fridge may get a little hotter than usual if it’s working hard to keep cool especially in the warmer summer months with frequent door opening.

However, if you’ve noticed that it is running hot more often than usual or over 24 hours then you may need to get it seen to.

It may be that your motor fan is not working as it should.

Replacing it may well be an option you want to consider however, if the cost is high it may be time to look at a new fridge freezer instead.

7 – Your Fridge Is Over 10 Years Old

A fridge can typically last 10 to 15 years though generally once it gets to 10 years plus it’s a good point to start planning for a replacement.

If you notice that you are having to pay for repairs more frequently then it may be worth considering if it would be more cost effective in the long-run to replace it.

Even if you have not had excessive repair bills, you may find that it is no longer as energy efficient and could be costing you more to run than a newer model.

8 – Your Fridge Has Gone Silent

You may be used to the gentle hum from your fridge as it works through the motions but if you suddenly don’t hear anything it may be a sign of trouble.

If it goes silent and the light is also out it may be a sign that there’s no power, so check the rest of your kitchen to make sure there has been no trips.

If however, it’s silent but the light is still on when you open the door then it could mean there is a problem with the compressor.

You may be able to restart it by turning the fridge off for a while before switching it back on.

Alternatively setting the thermostat to its lowest setting may also trigger a restart.

If that doesn’t work try to defrost the fridge freezer.

If not perhaps call in an engineer to take a look. If that results in a potentially large repair bill or doesn’t work, then it may be time to start looking for a potential replacement.


Best Microwaves of 2022: Our Expert Guide to Combination Microwaves

Best Microwaves of 2022
Best Microwaves of 2022

1 – Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ – Best Flatbed Combination Microwave

If you’re after a truly excellent Combination Microwaves, our review is just for you to find out Best Microwaves of 2022: Our Expert Guide to Combination Microwaves!

There are microwaves and then there are Panasonic microwaves. Within that latter category there are some truly excellent Panasonic microwaves and the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave Oven is one of those.

The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQcombines ample cooking space with a microwave, oven and grill. In addition you also get a well thought out design that saves you lots of counter-space. This makes the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ the perfect option if you need lots of cooking capacity but are tight for space.

It’s why it’s our pick for the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.

If you’re simply looking for a quick and easy way to heat up your food then this machine is overqualified for your needs. However, if you want to be able to do just about everything from defrosting bacon, to perfectly reheating leftover rice, baking cakes and roasting lamb then this model could be just what your looking for.

This is a 3-in-1 combination microwave, oven and grill – giving you everything you need for cooking for your family all in one great appliance. The combination is a great space saver as well as money saver.

One of the best things about the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ is the inverter technology. Most conventional microwave ovens use a method of cooking which means the power is at 100% all the time and simply alternates between on and off during a cycle.

With Panasonic’s inverter technology on the other hand, the power is steady. For example if you set it to 50%, the power will be maintained at that level for the whole time.

This precise power controls results in foods cooked exactly how you want them and much more evenly.

The technology also means you do not have to deal with cold spots when heating food and defrosting is done a lot more efficiently.

It also cooks and heats foods much more quickly than a conventional microwave oven. These benefits are all evident with the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ.

At 1000Watts you will also have a very powerful microwave oven that can have your food cooked quickly.

In conventional microwave ovens the cooling fan is located at the back of the machine. In the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ, the fan has been moved to the top of the oven resulting in a much smaller footprint (39.5cm depth). This leaves you with far more countertop space perfect for smaller kitchens.

Internally Panasonic have found a way to give you more space as well with a 34cm turntable meaning you can get even the biggest of dishes into the oven.

Overall you get 27Litre cooking capacity which is great if you have a large family or tend to cook big meals.

The machine comes equipped with plenty of pre-set cooking programmes including a kids menu to encourage healthy eating. You simply enter the weight of the food and the oven does the rest.

Quite helpfully the control panel is wipe clean meaning even if it does get smudged or grubby whilst using, its an easy job to wipe it down.

In all we think the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ would definitely rank in top 3 among Best Microwaves of 2022 and would make a great addition to your kitchen especially if you have a large family but are tight on space. It has lots of features that are well executed and it looks fantastic.

Key Features
  • Inverter cooking technology for precise and evenly cooked food
  • Large capacity (27L) for meeting your family needs
  • Small footprint – great for small kitchens or tight spaces
  • 1000W of power for quick and easy meals
  • Dimensions: D39.5cm x W52cm x H31cm

2 – Sharp R959SLMAA

If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave with excellent features that’s easy to use then the brilliant Sharp R959SLMAA is a great bet. Our experts ranked this microwaves in top 3 among Best Microwaves of 2022 (among best combination microwaves) hence here we’re with the detailed review of this combination microwave.

Microwaves don’t really come much bigger in terms of cooking capacity than what the Sharp R959SLMAA offers. Its extra large 40 litre capacity means you can easily cater to the needs of your household and make large dishes with no trouble.

In addition the large size means it can take large dinner plates with no problem. It’s easy to see why it’s been chosen as our best microwave for family of 5, which is another review in series of our reviews “Best Microwaves of 2022”.

This awesome machine is a combination microwave, oven and grill all in one brillaint device. This will give you lots of versatility in your cooking.

This 900W machine comes with 5 power levels giving you lots of options when cooking. At the same time you also have access to 8 preset cooking modes taking the guesswork out of getting your food exactly how you want it. These include options for cooking pizza, ready meals, rice/pasta and cake.

The 900W grill is equipped with quartz technology. The quartz heating elements get hot very quickly making them perfect for cooking and browning foods such as grilled cheese sandwiches, sausages and pizzas.

If that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a convection oven. These ovens are different to traditional models. They work by circulating heated air evenly around the interior of the oven. Unlike conventional ovens where you need to rely on the air rising, by passing hot air over the food it cooks more evenly and in a much faster time frame. It’s for these reason that they tend to consume less energy.

The convection oven can reach temperatures up to 250°C. With ten different temperature settings ranging between 40°C and 250°C, you’ll have plenty of options for making the perfect meal for your family of 5.

To help you get the most out of your various functions the Sharp R959SLMAA also has a combination (“COMBI”) mode allowing you to combine the microwave with either the grill or convection oven. This reduces cooking time and also means your food can come out with a crispy brown finish.

Quite helpfully instructions pop up on the control panel screen prompting you take action as it’s needed.

The silver trim finish gives this unit a real smart feel.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is designed for use on counter-tops or for built-in installation, rare versatility.

Due to its large capacity and size, it does mean that it takes up a lot of space.

So if you are tight for space in your kitchen then you may need to look elsewhere like the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline or (checkout our picks of the best flatbed microwaves for another option).

Quite helpfully thought the minimum clearance above the oven unit is 13cm which compares well to a lot of other microwaves which need at least 30cm. This should give you some more flexibility if you are tight for space in your kitchen.

There is also an installation kit available from Sharp that allows the oven to be fitted within a kitchen unit. The oven also has an energy save mode allowing you to save on electricity when the oven is not in use.

Overall the Sharp R959SLMAA microwave offers a number of excellent features as well as a clean look and awesome cooking power that’s why one of the Best Microwaves of 2022. It’s extra large 40litre cooking capacity makes it a standout option if you need ample space for your cooking needs.

Key Features
  • Extra large 40 litre capacity microwave
  • Microwave, convection oven, grill and combination
  • Quick and convenient cooking with 900W of power
  • Modern and stylish silver finish with a stainless steel finish
  • Dimensions: Outside dimension-W55cm x H36.8cm x D53.7cm – Inside dimension W37.5cm x H27.2cm x D39.5.

4 Steps Recipe: How to cook scrambled eggs in Microwave (Right way!)

how to cook scrambled eggs in microwave
how to cook scrambled eggs in microwave

Learning to cook scrambled eggs in microwave will make your life easy! One of the best things about eggs aside from the fact they’re so delicious is the fact that they can be very convenient to cook. This is even more so the case when it comes to microwave cooking eggs.

By cooking your eggs in the microwave, you can make them even more straightforward but still retain the great flavours.

Below we’ll take a look:

  • Advantages of cooking eggs in Microwave
  • Disdavantages of cookings eggs in Microwave
  • How to cook scrambled eggs in the microwave
  • Some Tips
  • Possible accessories

Advantages of Cooking Eggs in Microwave

Let’s take a quick look at why you may want to consider using your microwave to cook scrambled eggs.

Advantages of cooking eggs in microwave
Advantages of cooking eggs in microwave

Convenience

We’ve alluded to it already but making eggs in the microwave can be very convenient as it keeps everything minimal and takes care of the cooking for you. Typically you can use one microwave suitable dish to crack the eggs, mix them and then cook them making it super easy to get the job done. Because of this convenience it means you can make your eggs at home or in the office – anywhere there’s a microwave.

Save Time On Cleaning

As you can get away with only using one dish and a fork to crack, mix and make your eggs, you end up saving time that you would otherwise spend on washing dishes. Cooking eggs on the stove means you need a mixing bowl as well as a frying pan.

Results Can Be More Precise

Another benefit of using the microwave rather than the stove for microwave cooking eggs (scrambled and omelette) is that you are likely to have less variation in your results. As long as you have the right amount of milk for example in your scrambled eggs and choose the right power settings and time, you’re likely to find very similar results every time you cook. This is not always the case with cooking on the stove.

Disadvantages of Cooking Eggs in Microwave

Let’s have a brief look at some disadvantages of microwave cooking eggs

Browning Your Eggs

If you like your eggs (scrambled or omelette) to have a nice tinge of brown after they’ve been gently fried with some olive oil then microwave cooking will not be for you. When microwaved, scrambled eggs and omelettes will come out distinctly yellow, so if that golden brown tinge and taste is important to you then it’s not the way for you.

Soggy Eggs

Another issue with microwave cooking eggs is that it can be very easy to end up with soggy eggs. This is especially true with scrambled eggs if you end up putting a little too much milk into the mix. It can be difficult to dry out the liquid without spoiling the taste of the eggs.

Note: You’ll notice we only mention microwave cooking either scrambled eggs or omelette – we would not recommend any other type of eggs in the microwave. Any eggs made in the microwave should ideally be cracked and mixed to avoid any build up of pressure inside the eggs.

How to Cook Scrambled Eggs in Microwave

Ingredients

Step 1: Use Cooking Oil Spray to spray microwave-safe container. If you dont have Oil spray then just drop 2 tbsp oil in the container and spread on the surface with the spoon or heat-resistant Silicone Spatula.

Step 2: Whisk egg, milk, salth and pepper in a container and place in microwave.

Step 3: Microwave on Medium-High heat for 1 minute 30 seconds to 1 minute 45 seconds. Stop microwave, Stir multiple times during cooking and resume until cooked.

Step 4: Once cooked. Stop microwave. Take out container and let it stand for 30 seconds to 60 seconds before serving it. Sprinkle additional salt or pepper Eggs according to your taste. Eat with sausages or slice of bread.

Serve scrambled eggs with sausage or slice of bread and coffee!
Serve scrambled eggs with sausage or slice of bread and coffee

Some Tips

Choose a good quality flatbed microwave. Checkout our detailed article on flatbed combination microwaves.

Choosing a rounded-container will give a good shape to your eggs. Dont forget to check our recommendations.

Since eggs overcook easily, or can become rubbery if slightly overcooked in microwave. To avoid, undercook eggs slightly and give some standing time outside microwave to complete cooking.

You can add cheese, slice of cooked sauges or chopped fresh herbs in the scrambled eggs mixture before cooking.

If you are making an egg omelette, and has added some vegetables like onion or chilies and tomatoes, cooking time will increase, we’ll share a separate recipe for that, so stay tuned!

Possible Accessories

Don’t worry if you don’t have all these tools in the kitchen. You can cook eggs in a deep plate or bowl (ceramic or glass). However, these things come handy if you have them and can be very useful in daily cooking.

Here’s the list of items we recommend to use;

14 Kitchen Appliances Christmas Gifts for people who love cooking

Best Kitchen Appliances For Christmas Gifts - Main Image
Best Kitchen Appliances For Christmas Gifts

You might be thinking to buy Kitchen appliances Christmas Gifts for someone who love cooking. In this blog, we’re going to look at list of 14 best kitchen appliances that possess great value for money and available online.

The right kitchen appliances can absolutely transform your experience of certain tasks in the kitchen and this is why they can make perfect Christmas gifts. In this list we take a look at the best kitchen appliances for Christmas gifts to help you come up with the gifts that could make someone’s day and have them thinking of you everytime they reach for their new favourite kitchen buddy.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect how much you pay for the product.

Best Kitchen Appliances For Christmas Gifts

Here’s our rundown of the best kitchen appliances for Christmas gifts.

Breville VST072 DuraCeramic Waffle Maker – Waffle Maker

Breville DuraCeramic Waffle Maker
Breville DuraCeramic Waffle Maker

There’s no better time to mix up someone’s breakfast or brunch menu then during Christmas and with a waffle maker they’ll be thinking of you the whole year round as they tuck into freshly baked waffles.

Another excellently rated Kitchen appliance “Breville VST072 DuraCeramic Waffle Maker” is a great option if you want to give a loved one the gift of freshly baked waffle delight time and again. Breville know a thing or two about toasting doughy delights with over 40 years experience in making sandwich toasters and the like.

The Breville VST072 can have two waffles ready in a matter of minutes and give the lucky owner a great option whether they’re served for breakfast, lunch or dessert.

Nespresso Inissia – Pod Coffee Machine

Nespresso Inissia - Pod Coffee machine
Nespresso Inissia – Pod Coffee machine

In the likely chance the person you’re trying to find a Christmas gift for is a coffee lover, why not indulge their tastes with this excellent Nespresso Inissia pod coffee machine. With pod coffee machines you get a very simple way to make great quality coffee and with this Nespresso machine you also have the choice of using other brands of pods as well as Nespresso’s own.

This Nespresso machine is available on its own as well as with a sleek looking capsule stand that could really help to jazz up your loved one’s home office or kitchen. As well as making great coffee quickly, the Nespresso Inissia pod coffee machine looks stylish and is compact.

Delonghi Eletta – Bean To Cup Coffee Machine

Delonghi Eletta Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
Delonghi Eletta Bean to Cup Coffee Machine

If you’re lucky someone is a coffee lover that must have nothing but the freshest coffee possible at home then perhaps the De’Longhi Eletta bean to cup coffee machine is the way to go. Bean to cup coffee machines have the advantage of making coffee by grinding whole beans only at the point you need them meaning you end up with fresh coffee with great aromas.

The De’Longhi Eletta bean to cup gives you the benefits of fresh coffee as well as a range of automatic menu options meaning whoever gets this lovely gift would be able to make some of their favourite coffee drinks at the touch of a button.

You can check our detaled review of another great bean to cup coffee machine Delonghi Magnifica.

COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer

Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer
Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer

If you’re after a gift for someone’s kitchen that not only makes life easier but also features some cool tech then the Corsori Smart WiFi Air Fryer might be just the ticket. Corsori already offer some of the most highly rated air fryers around and this one adds WiFi connectivity into the mix to make it a perfect Christmas gift for those who love to integrate tech into their kitchen. The WiFi and app based control will allow the user to control their air fryer remotely including scheduling of meals up to 4 hours in advance. With the Cosori air fryer your lucky recipient can cook up their favourite foods with less fat than traditional fryers and do so in a non-stick and dishwasher safe design.

Instant Pot – Multi Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Multi pressure cooker
Instant Pot – Multi pressure cooker

Help declutter your special someone’s kitchen with this brilliant 7-in-1 electric cooker combination. The Instant Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker gives you (1) pressure cooker, (2) slow cooker, (3) rice cooker, (4) saute/browning, (5) yoghurt maker, (6) steamer & (7) warmer. There are not too many appliances that can combine so many functions in one and still end up with such brilliant and widespread customer reviews but the Instant Duo 7-In-1 manages to do so.

You can find a cheaper alternate in shape of a Rice cooker which also comes very handy and saves time. Check our post on Microwave Rice Cooker to find what it is and if it suits you. Click here to find our recommended Rice Cooker & Steamer available on Amazon.

The Smart Oven Air Fryer by Sage

Sage Smart Oven Air Fryer
Sage Smart Oven Air Fryer

Christmas gifts can be a great way to introduce a loved one to a completely new way of doing things or the latest tech. The Smart Oven Air Fryer by Sage is a potentially great way to that for someone you care about and give them a whole new way of cooking in their kitchen.

This Smart Oven from Sage is equipped with an algorithm backed system (“Element IQ”) that delivers power to when and where it’s needed helping to create the best conditions for the type of programme selected.

This highly rated smart oven has 10 different cooking functions to give the user lots of flexibility when it comes to making their food. These include airfry, grill, bake, roast, slow cook, reheat as well as a program for pizza and toasting up to 6 slices.

To help speed up cooking time compared to conventional ovens, the Smart Oven Air Fryer by Sage is equipped with convection heating helping to deliver faster and more even cooking.

Breville Sandwich/Panini Press

Breville Sandwich/Panini Press
Breville Sandwich/Panini Press

If there’s one thing that Breville seem to know well it’s how to make excellent appliances to make the perfect sandwich. The Breville VST025 Sandwich/Panini Press is no different and could make an excellent gift for someone who loves their bread based snacks toasted. Whether it’s a classic Panini, ciabatta or hearty grilled cheese the Breville VST025 can handle it. With large flat that plates that can take up to 3 sandwiches your receipient will be able to not only serve themselves but others quickly. The floating top allows for various shapes and sizes in terms of toasted bread giving the lucky recipient a range of options.

Amazon Echo Show 8

All-New Echo Show 8
All-New Echo Show 8

Need to remind yourself of that recipe you’ve been thinking about all week? Why not ask your own personal kitchen assistant to bring it up on its 8inch screen? The Amazon Echo Show 8 could make a great kitchen gift. As well as allowing the lucky recipient to play recipe videos to follow along to as they cook, it can also set a timer, play their favourite music to help them make tidying up more fun as well as being able to make video calls. Available in both charcoal as well as sandstone, the Echo Show 8 could make a wonderful Christmas gift for someone’s kitchen.

Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC- Bread Maker

Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC Fully Automated Breadmaker
Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC Fully Automated Breadmaker

There’s something about the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning that just brings comfort to the senses. That’s why the gift of a breadmaker could be so welcomed especially if the person you have in mind is fan of making their own bread. The highly user rated Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC Breadmaker is a great choice from a brand with a stellar reputation for making best kitchen appliances. The Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC comes with 17 different types of bread programmes as well as 3 loaf sizes and crust colour. Whether they’ll be baking bread for themselves or their whole family, they’ll have a machine that can cater to their needs. An extra added benefit of the Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC breadmaker is that it comes with a automatic fruit and nut dispenser that will automatically distribute nuts, raisins, cereals and the like evenly throughout your choice of load. To top things off this breadmaker can also be used to make jam and fruit compote.

NUTRiBULLET 600 Series – Smoothier Maker

Nutribullet NB-101B 600 Series Smoothie Maker
Nutribullet NB-101B 600 Series Smoothie Maker

What better way to help a loved one start their new year with a healthy kick then a NUTRiBULLET 600 Series blender that can whip up nutrient filled smoothies in a matter of seconds? The NUTRiBULLET 600 Series is claimed to be one of the best selling personal blenders around by it manufacturers and user reviews seem to support its reputation. What seems to appeal to many and also your recipient is its simplicity and ease of use. Simply fill the cup (you get a choice of two) with your choice of fruit and veg from your favourite recipe, place the lid with a blade on it and get it started. The cup can then be used to store and carry the smoothie making it super-convenient.

Breville VST041 Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster

Breville Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster
Breville Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster

What better gift to give than the gift of kitchen appliance (toasties) for Christmas? Okay perhaps there are some but do they taste as good! The Breville VST041 Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster is simply a delight; it does a simple job but it does it very well. It has a cut and seal system to make perfectly triangular sandwiches that come out nicely toasted. What’s more the VST041 allows you to pack your toastie full of the things you enjoy as it can accommodate thin and thick slices alike with deep fill pockets. It also has a handy ready to cook indicator at the top meaning your sandwiches will be cooked through at the right temperature. The Breville VST041 also comes with a removable set of plates making them very easy to clean. An added bonus is that you can buy removable waffle plates as an extra.

Crockpot Slow Cooker

Crockpot Slow Cooker
Crockpot Slow Cooker

If it’s the simple but succulent life your gift recipient is after then why not get them this excellent Crockpot Slow Cooker (CSC052). There’s something uniquely satisfying about taking the time to slow good a meal that we believe cannot be matched. If you’ve ever tried a 4 hour slow cooked joint of lamb as part of a Sunday roast or overnight cooked pork ribs you may agree. A slow cooker is a great way to bring lots of different ingredients into one pot for a simple but well cooked meal. With the Crockpot CSC052 Slow Cooker you get an easy to use slow cooker that comes with a dishwasher safe pot.

Samsung RS52N3313SL Freestanding American Fridge Freezer with Digital Inverter Technology

Samsung Freestanding 520 Litre American Style Fridge
Samsung Freestanding 520 Litre American Style Fridge

There are fridge freezers and then there are Samsung fridge freezers which are a whole different ball game. The Samsung Freestanding Fridge take this to a new level and the RS52N3313SL Freestanding American Fridge is no different.

The Digital Inverter Compressor technology smartly change the fridge’s power and running speed to how much cooling is needed. Hence the temperature is constantly perfect, making it more efficient, as well as less noisy and longer-lasting.

Samsung RF27T5501SR 765 Litres 3 Door French Door Refrigerator

Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator
Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator

With built in cameras you can see what’s inside your fridge allowing you to check what’s left over when you pop out for the weekly shop. You have the option of downloading the Smart Home App to help you track the expiry date of your food. If that wasn’t enough tech how about being able to do the weekly shop from the touchscreen on the front door?

The large touchscreen on the front door works like a regular tablet allowing you to put on your favourite music as you cook or perhaps get some inspiration for dinner with your favourite cooking show. The possibilities seem endless.

The Meater Plus – Meat Thermometer

The Meater Plus Meat Thermometer
The Meater Plus Meat Thermometer

If the person you’re gifting has a passion for cooking dishes to perfection then they’ll likely appreciate the excellent Meater Plus smart wireless meat thermometer. With bluetooth and WiFi connectivity the Meater Plus can provide you with the exact temperature of the meat you are cooking and allow you to monitor your dish from the comfort of your phone or other connected device.

Even better with dual temperature sensors it can tell you the internal temperature of the meat you’re cooking as well as the external environment its cooking in.

It also comes with a great feature that will recommend an optimum cooking and resting time based on the food you are cooking. You can also set it up to ping you a notification when your food is ready.

The Meater Plus can be used indoors as well as outside with your bbq.


Best Kitchen Appliances For Christmas Gifts: Tell Us Your Thoughts

What Kitchen Appliances Do You Really Need? Top 10 Most Important Appliances!

When it comes to kitchen appliances the choice can seem virtually endless. But what kitchen appliances do you really need? In this article we’re going to take a look at just that and see which of the myriad of appliances could help make a real difference in your kitchen.

From fridge freezers to blenders and food processors, it could be quite easy to fill your kitchen with an appliance for every single job but there are some that are more impactful then others. And then there are some that you could simply do with out.

What Kitchen Appliances Do You Really Need?

Let’s now take a detailed look at what kitchne appliances could be deemed essential if you were planning out your kitchen from scratch.

Pressure Cooker

What Kitchen Appliances Do You Really Need?

It probably goes without saying that you need a pressure cooker of some description in the kitchen. There are 2 kind of pressure cookers available in the market;

  • Stove-top (Gas) Pressure cooker
  • Electric Pressure Cooker (Multi-purpose)

With a cooker you actually potentially remove the need for a whole load of other kitchen appliances for example a rice cooking, slow cooking, cooking beans, lentils, vegetables if you really wanted to but most important purpose is to quickly cook all kind of meat especially Red meat. Pressure cooker work as a replacement for meat Tenderiser and comes very handy when it comes to cooking Red meat and save hell lot of time.

Whether it’s making something from scratch or warming up premade food, a cooker does neatly fall into the essential kitchen appliance category as your kitchen’s main job is to keep you fed and it would be difficult, though not impossible of course, to do so without a cooker.

There’s huge difference between cook-top pressure cooker and electric pressure cooker in terms of usability. Electric pressure is definitely more safe, intuitive, user friendly and offers variety of cooking options with single-button. Electric pressure cooker is sometimes quicker than gass cooktop cooker.

We recommend Instant Pot 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker which makes cooking as simple as just plug-n-play:

Fridge Freezer

At the top of the list surely it has to be a fridge freezer. There’s not much you would be able to preserve for a substantial period of time in the kitchen without a fridge freezer unit in there. In fact a number of other kitchen appliances on this list rely heavily on items from your fridge freezer for them to fully do their job.

It would be difficult to do much in the kitchen without it.

Microwave

This may be a slightly contentious appliance do add to the list because as long as you have a cooker, you can get away without a microwave. But if you have a cooker but no oven then a microwave may well be something you do really need.

The majority of microwave users have them for reheating food. Using a microwave rather than the stove or oven to reheat your food can save you a lot of time. If you’ve ever had to wait for the oven to heat up to warm up some leftover lasgna then you’ll know exactly why.

Blender

If you like to make nice and smooth soup or have a taste for smoothies then a blender is a must for your kitchen.

Having a blender is a great way to mix lots of vegetables into one bowl of soup for example or tons of fruit into a hearty smoothie.

You can definitely survive without a blender but once you get one you may quickly find it’s something you cannot live without.

Kettle

A kettle is another appliance that exists to illustrate just how useful kitchen appliances are. The way we see kitchen appliances is that they should make your life noticeably easier either by saving you time or effort or both whilst enhancing your experience. A kettle most definitely saves you time and arguably effort.

For example we spent a few weeks without a kettle when our old one broke and we certainly noticed it. Whether it’s a cup of tea or water to get your pasta boiling, it’s easier and quicker with a kettle then without.

Strictly speaking you can more than survive without a kettle but if you value your time then it’s definitely worth considering.

Something to consider when it comes to kettles is the fact they help avoid having large volumes of hot water sitting boiling on the stove.

Toaster

This is a simple one; if you or anyone in your home likes toast then a toaster is clearly a must. Can you survive without one? Most definitely but if you like to eat bread and make it more interesting then toasting it is one of the best ways.

Whether it’s straight toast with butter or a toasted sandwich of some kind, a toaster offers you excellent versatility.

What Kitchen Appliances Do You Really Need?: Honourable Mentions

In this section we’ve included a few appliances that are due worthy consideration even if they don’t make the list of essentials.

Dishwasher

Do you really need a dishwasher? The short answer is no, you do not. You could easily survive without one and simply handwash all of your dishes. However, having one in the kitchen is really a game-changer. A dishwasher helps to save you oodles of time and can also help keep your kitchen tidy when you don’t have the time to wash up; you can place dirty dishes directly into the machine until it is full keeping your counters clear.

Rice Cooker

Rice cookers make it onto the honourable mentions list as you can definitely survive without one. But when you do have one they can make life a lot easier when it comes to making rice.

Though they may not necessarily save you any more time than cooking rice on the stove (or microwave) they will more than likely mean you recover more of your rice grains as they won’t stick to the pan as much.

If you are also like some of us, you may struggle with producing rice that’s too soft or maybe not soft enough. A rice cooker can typically help you with this issue as, so long as you get the water amount right, it will help make near perfect rice every time.

Slow Cooker

We are deep into “is this really necessary” territory here but we’re big fans of slow cookers here . It may be the fact that you can simply chuck a whole bunch of ingredients into a slow cooker and come back hours later to find it’s magically softened into a delicious meal. Or perhaps the way it can help to elevate a roasted meat dish. Whatever it is, a slow cooker is definitely an appliance to consider if you like variety in the way your meals are made.

Conclusion: What Kitchen Appliances Do You Really Need?

So, what kitchen appliances do you really need? Once you’ve got a cooker and fridge freezer out of the way, everything else is pretty much debateable as to whether you really need it or not. Often it comes down to how much time and effort it can save you relative to the costs. The great thing today is that with pretty much any job in the kitchen, you can find an appliance to make it easier.


What Kitchen Appliances Do You Really Need?: Tell Us What You Think

Do I Really Need A Microwave?

You’re thinking about getting a microwave or perhaps replacing one but every so often you catch yourself thinking “do I really need a microwave?”.

It’s a fair question and one that deserves to be asked before spending money on what is essentially a luxury. Microwaves seem to have been around for so long that you might start to think its an automatic choice to have one.

Below we’re going take a look at our own view as to whether or not you really need a microwave by looking at a few critical reasons on both sides of the argument as we see it.

Do I Really Need A Microwave? – Yes

DO I Really Need A Microwave? Photo
Do I Really Need A Microwave?

Here’s why we think you might need a microwave.

#1 – It Will Be Quicker To Warm Up Meals

Perhaps the main benefit of having a microwave is the fact that it will be quicker to warm up your meals when you need to.

Rather than having to rely on the stove heating up or conventional oven coming on, you can just whack your food straight into the microwave and a minute later (depending on the food), it will be piping hot and ready to eat.

When you have a busy life, this convenience can be quite helpful when you are trying to squeeze in as much as you can.

#2 – It May Save More of Your Leftovers From the Bin

Another potential bonus of having a microwave is that it may result in more of your leftover food actually being consumed rather than being thrown away.

It is estimated that 70% of the 9.5 million tonnes of food wasted each could have been eaten. Part of the issue with food being thrown away at least in our own household is that leftovers aren’t always quick and easy to warm up. For example a lasgna ideally needs to be warmed up in the oven if you want it to maintain its feel from the night before. However, this is where having a microwave can prove to be useful as it can potentially help save more of this leftover food waste.

#3 – It Gives You A Quick Way To Make Food If You’re Tied For Time

As well as saving you time with reheating leftover or cold food, a microwave can also help you make food quickly and conveniently when you need to.

This can be particularly useful if you’ve forgetten something e.g. peas with your dinner.

It can also serve as an extra cooking appliance when you’re stove is fully loaded. Some foods such as jacket potatoes and rice are particularly straightforward to cook in the microwave.

Do I Really Need A Microwave? – No

Here’s why we think you may be just fine without a microwave.

#1 – It’s Ultimately A Luxury

Let’s get it straight – a microwave is a luxury good. It might not seem that way but from our perspective a microwave is most certainly an appliance you can certainly live without and not feel it.

Perhaps if you’ve had one before and no longer have one you may miss the convenience but there are plenty of people around the world who’ve never used one and get on just fine.

If you have a conventional cooker and oven you’ll be able to cook and reheat your food. Perphaps where you’ll miss a microwave is when you need to quckly reheat your food as you’ll need to more than likely pan heat your leftovers but the point is it is possible.

#2 – Saves You Money

If you don’t already have one, choosing not to buy a microwave can save you some money.

Rather than spending that cash on another appliance using what you already have in place at home can save you money.

The trade-off you may need to consider is how much money are you saving vs the additional time you’ll spend reheating food in a different way but the point is there may be an opportunity for you to savecash.

Conclusion: Do I Really Need A Microwave?

So, in our view there’s plenty of good reasons on both sides of the debate if you are asking yourself the question ‘do I really need a microwave?’.

A microwave can offer you convenience and the potential to save you time when it comes to reheating food however, it is certainly not an essential item.

There are plenty of people who get on just fine without one and if you decide it’s not for you it’s money that you are not having to spend.


Do I Really Need A Microwave? Tell Us What You Think.

Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Microwave Review

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ProsCons
+ Unique deodorising features
+ ECO mode to save energy and money
+ Eliminate cold spots with the Triple Distribution System
+ Looks great
– Difficult to clearly see food as it cooks

Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Microwave Review

The Samsung MS23F301TAK offers you brilliant value for money, cooks food brilliantly, looks very stylish, is easy to use and comes very highly rated and offers some unique features. Rarely do you find that many attributes coming together in a microwave, though Samsung seem to know how to knock them out.

You won’t quite believe the value your getting with the Samsung MS23F301TAK for the money you pay and your disbelief will start from the unboxing.

As far as kitchen appliances go, the Samsung MS23F301TAK is a marvel to behold. Simply put it just looks so slick. It has an all black exterior aside from the door handle and selection knob which complement it with a silver finish. The crystal blue LED display adds a real crispness to the front.

The delight doesn’t stop there because when you open the door, which has a real quality feel about it with none of the flimsyness you sometimes get with poor models, your greeted with a enamal ceramic interior. This has many benefits aside from looking cool; it’s anti-bacterial, highly scratch resistant as well as being super smooth for easy cleaning.

To make the job of keeping your microwave fresh over time it comes equipped with a deodorising feature that will help eliminate smells after a cycle.

No matter what you use your microwave for, with the Samsung MS23F301TAK your food will get cooked quickly but more importantly evenly. This thanks to Samsung’s Triple Distribution System which cooks your food from 3 different sources rather than emitting microwaves from just one spot as you would find in ordinary microwaves.

The Triple Distribution System allied with 800W of cooking power means you’ll be eating your food in good time without the need to go back to the kitchen as you’ve found a random cold spot in the middle of your leftovers.

You’ll quickly notice how easy it is to use this microwave as the controls are kept free from complications. This makes sense when you consider around 98% of microwave users only make use of them for heating and defrosting food.

You’ll have 6 power levels to get the full range of use of the 800W as well as a multitude (20) of auto-cook programmes.

To help keep your family safe in the kitchen, there’s a useful child lock feature.

Whilst the ECO mode will help you to save some money off your energy bills as it conserves power when not in use.

One thing to bare in mind that some users mention is the fact it can be hard to see through the door unless you are up close due to the black tint. However, this does not seem to be a universal complaint and is a small niggle when you consider what your getting for the price and all the features.

Whether you have a family or are a couple the Samsung MS23F301TAK has plenty of cooking space with an overall capacity of 23 litres.

Verdict

In summary, the Samsung MS23F301TAK is a real classy option for your kitchen as well as your wallet. It offers best-in-class design features from Samsung as you would expect but even more importantly does the job of heating, defrosting and cooking your food very well. If you like the design and functionality of the Samsung MS23F301TAS but would prefer something similar in all black then the Samsung MS23F301TAK might be the solution for you.

What Are The Sizes Of Microwaves?

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What are the sizes of microwaves?

If you’re looking for a new microwave you can’t have failed to notice how many different sizes, types and variations there are out there these days.

It can sometimes be hard to pick the best one for you, this is especially the case when deciding on the size. This can leave you wondering – what are the sizes of microwaves? There are many different types of sizes of microwaves and below we will take a look at some of the most common ones.

What are the sizes of microwaves?

So what are the sizes of microwaves? In terms of capacity, microwaves can typically range from around 15 to 40 litres.

The capacity of a microwave refers to the total volume available within the cooking cavity. This is typically stated in litres (or in cubic feet). It’s important to remember that when you talk about the total capacity not all of it will be available for cooking.

This is especially true of the turntable style microwaves that have space taken up by the rotating table. This also applies to combination ovens that may have other fittings internally. However, the total capacity is still good indicator of available cooking space. Sometimes the actual available cooking capacity will be stated within a microwave’s instruction manual.

Below is a simple table that gives you an idea of roughly how many people each capacity of microwave could ideally cater for.

Capacity (Litres)Family Size
15 – 20 Litres1 – 4
21 – 24 Litres1/2 – 4
25 – 30 Litres3 – 5
31+ Litres4 – 6

Best Microwave Between 15 – 20 Litre Capacity: Daewoo KOR6M17R – 20 Litre

When you opt for the Daewoo KOR6M17R you’ll be getting a highly effective microwave that comes with rave reviews and a track record of great performance. For the money you pay, you are unlikely to finder a cheaper model that gives you so much value.

Despite the razzmatazz of many new microwave models, the best performers tend to be the ones that keep things simple. This is definitely the case with the Daewoo KOR6M17R.

By focusing on simplicity with little fuss, Daewoo have produced an absolute winner of a microwave. If you need a microwave that will cook, re-heat and defrost your food effectively, is easy to use and offers excellent value for money then look no further than the Daewoo KOR6M17R.

Read the full review here.

Best Microwave Between 21 – 24 Litre Capacity: Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B – 23 Litre

The Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B cannot be rated highly enough. It is a wonderfully intuitive microwave that focuses on making your life as easy as possible and gets the most important aspects of the microwave (heating and defrosting) just right. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, cooks very well and offer excellent value for money.

The Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B is a microwave that shows the renowned British manufacturer at the top of its game. To say this microwave is easy to use would be a wild understatement. The control panel features 4 buttons. In case you missed that let me repeat; it features four (4) buttons. 1 – Microwave, 2 – Defrost, 3- Stop/Cancel and 4 – Start are all the buttons you’ll ever need to get the most out of this beauty.

Read the full review here.

Best Microwave Between 25 – 30 Litre Capacity: Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B – 25 Litre

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B solo microwave combines excellent build quality, lots of useful features, great performance and high user satisfaction to make it one of the very best options on the market. With a 25Litre capacity it has a fairly generous capacity whilst a 315mm turntable means you can get large plates and dishes into the microwave. These features make it a great fit for families as well those looking for a solo microwave that’s larger than the average size.

Read the full review here.

Best Microwave Above 31 Litre Capacity: Sharp R959SLMAA

If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave with excellent features that’s easy to use then the brilliant Sharp R959SLMAA is a great bet.

Microwaves don’t really come much bigger in terms of cooking capacity than what the Sharp R959SLMAA offers. Its extra large 40 litre capacity means you can easily cater to the needs of your household and make large dishes with no trouble.

Read the full review here.

Best Looking Countertop Microwave: Top 4

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Best Looking Countertop Microwave: #1 – Toshiba Microwave Oven ML-EM23P(SS)

ProsCons
+ 800W of power for fast cooking
+ 23litre capacity
+ Unique multi-stage cooking
+ Child lock
– Bigger than it sometimes appears

The Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23P(SS) (digital) offers pretty everything you’d want in a solo microwave and does it all for a price that will have you double-checking your receipt once you’ve got it working. It offers jaw-dropping value for money, excellent style, great functionality and a compact footprint with a roomy interior.

Straight out of the box you’ll see why it’s one of the most attractive countertop microwaves available and our #1 choice for best looking countertop microwave. The silver coating with the black door gives it a modern and stylish look that would fit in any kitchen counter looking for slick additions to its line-up.

The digital touch control panel adds to the modern feel of the Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23P(SS) (digital). Though this may appear daunting at first, it’s relatively easy to use. In fact how easy it is to use this microwave is one of the things that users mention most when scoring it highly. If you need some guidance on the controls, the instruction manual will have you covered.

With 800Watts of power behind it the Toshiba Microwave Oven ML-EM23P(SS) 23L Digital will cook your food quickly and effectively.

To make the most of the power it also comes with several one-touch preprogrammed options for making your favourite foods, a particular favourite amongst users.

It also has a novel multi-stage cooking setting which allows you to programme in two cycles in one. For example you could boil rice at 80% for 5 minutes and then set it to simmer at 40% for another 10 minutes. This can be a great time-saver as there’s no need to go back to it part-way through.

You’ll be pleased to find that it’s also easy to clean with countless users also remaking on the same thing. The coated lining of the interior makes it straightforward to wipe it down after use.

It has an ample 23 litre capacity which would suit a family quite well but also wouldn’t be too big for smaller households.

Something to keep in mind is that some users have mentioned that it’s bigger than it looks in the photos so make sure you pay attention to the stated dimensions when buying.

Verdict

All in all the Toshiba Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23P(SS) (digital) is a great option if you want a microwave that does its job well, looks great but also offers excellent value for money.

Best Looking Countertop Microwave: #2 Samsung MS23F301TAS

ProsCons
+ Looks gorgeous
+ Super-easy to use
+ Child lock for peace of mind
+ Enamel ceramic interior with anti-bacterial properties
– Difficult to clearly see food as it cooks

It’s not often you see users describe microwaves as stunning but then again it’s not often you see microwaves like the Samsung MS23F301TAS.

It’s a microwave that’s had rave reviews from users and it’s clear to see why.

With the Samsung MS23F301TAS you get a visually pleasing design that cooks very well, has a compact footprint and best of all won’t make you think twice about the price as it offer excellent value for money. You are unlikely to find another

Let’s start with the exterior. The first thing that strikes you with this model is simply how gorgeous it looks. The silver exterior finish has a real polished look to it and it contrasts delightfully with the black door face and control panel.

The design has nice clean lines to give it a real modern feel. The Samsung MS23F301TAS would look equally at home in a high end refurbished kitchen or new build or as an elegant addition to an existing kitchen.

Added to that is the ice blue LED display on the control panel which will have you purring in delight.

The delight in its appearance does not stop with the outside. The inside of the microwave is made from ceramic enamal which aside from looking excellent is also anti-bacterial and easy to clean.

Once you’re done admiring your new microwave you can then get to enjoying the fast and effective way it heats, cooks and defrosts it’s way through your food. This is a solo microwave meaning there’s no grill or oven function and it does its main job very well.

Food is cooked quickly and evenly without the worry of cold spots. The way this microwave cooks food evenly is an often cited benefit that users mention. It has Samsung’s Tripe Distribution System which emits microwaves from three different points in the cooking cavity which results in more even distribution of the heat and food that is thoroughly cooked.

Another standout benefit of this highly rated microwave is how easy it to use. Whether you’re after a quick reheat of some leftovers or cooking something more elaborate the Samsung MS23F301TAS has you covered.

In just 3 quick and easy steps you can have your food heated; 1 – select a mode, 2 – use the dial to set the time and 3 – hit start. Easy as pie (or whatever else you may need to cook up). It also has a 30 second plus button which is always handy for adding some extra time or a quick cycle.

The Samsung MS23F301TAS has a maximum power of 800W which will ensure your food is cooked quickly and thoroughly. To give you the full range of power options, you get 6 different power levels to select from.

With a 23litre capacity, the Samsung MS23F301TAS will be well suited to a family and could easily cater to smaller households as well.

To help save you some money the Samsung MS23F301TAS has an ECO mode which will help to conserve energy when it’s not in use.

Once you are done using it and need to clean it the Samsung MS23F301TAS also excels. As the interior has a ceramic enamel coating cleaning is made very easy as you can just wipe with a damp cloth. It also has welcome anti-bacterial properties. The interior is made of a scratch resistant material which is made to last and avoid discolouration.

To help keep your microwave smelling fresh it has a really cool deodorising feature that will help to get rid of any lingering smells.

One downside of the black door finish is that food is sometimes difficult to see as it cooks. In addition, some users report that the distribution of the weight means it can sometimes move when you press the button to open the door.

Verdict

At this price range though, you will be hard pressed to find a microwave that looks as slick, delivers excellently cooked food and is as easy to use as the Samsung MS23F301TAS.

Best Looking Countertop Microwave: #3 – Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU

ProsCons
+ Unique deodorising features
+ ECO mode to save energy and money
+ Eliminate cold spots with the Triple Distribution System
– Difficult to clearly see food as it cooks

The Samsung MS23F301TAK offers you brilliant value for money, cooks food brilliantly, looks very stylish, is easy to use and comes very highly rated and offers some unique features. Rarely do you find that many attributes coming together in a microwave, though Samsung seem to know how to knock them out.

You won’t quite believe the value your getting with the Samsung MS23F301TAK for the money you pay and your disbelief will start from the unboxing.

As far as kitchen appliances go, the Samsung MS23F301TAK is a marvel to behold. Simply put it just looks so slick. It has an all black exterior aside from the door handle and selection knob which complement it with a silver finish. The crystal blue LED display adds a real crispness to the front.

The delight doesn’t stop there because when you open the door, which has a real quality feel about it with none of the flimsyness you sometimes get with poor models, your greeted with a enamal ceramic interior. This has many benefits aside from looking cool; it’s anti-bacterial, highly scratch resistant as well as being super smooth for easy cleaning.

To make the job of keeping your microwave fresh over time it comes equipped with a deodorising feature that will help eliminate smells after a cycle.

No matter what you use your microwave for, with the Samsung MS23F301TAK your food will get cooked quickly but more importantly evenly. This thanks to Samsung’s Triple Distribution System which cooks your food from 3 different sources rather than emitting microwaves from just one spot as you would find in ordinary microwaves.

The Triple Distribution System allied with 800W of cooking power means you’ll be eating your food in good time without the need to go back to the kitchen as you’ve found a random cold spot in the middle of your leftovers.

You’ll quickly notice how easy it is to use this microwave as the controls are kept free from complications. This makes sense when you consider around 98% of microwave users only make use of them for heating and defrosting food.

You’ll have 6 power levels to get the full range of use of the 800W as well as a multitude (20) of auto-cook programmes.

To help keep your family safe in the kitchen, there’s a useful child lock feature.

Whilst the ECO mode will help you to save some money off your energy bills as it conserves power when not in use.

One thing to bare in mind that some users mention is the fact it can be hard to see through the door unless you are up close due to the black tint. However, this does not seem to be a universal complaint and is a small niggle when you consider what your getting for the price and all the features.

Whether you have a family or are a couple the Samsung MS23F301TAK has plenty of cooking space with an overall capacity of 23 litres.

Verdict

In summary, the Samsung MS23F301TAK is a real classy option for your kitchen as well as your wallet. It offers best-in-class design features from Samsung as you would expect but even more importantly does the job of heating, defrosting and cooking your food very well. If you like the design and functionality of the Samsung MS23F301TAS but would prefer something similar in all black then the Samsung MS23F301TAK might be the solution for you.

Best Looking Countertop Microwave: #4 – Samsung MS23K3513AK

ProsCons
+ Looks brilliant
+ Anti-bacterial ceramic enamel
+ Deodorising function
– Difficult to see food when cooking

The Samsung MS23K3513AK is the closest thing you’ll ever get to a total and complete package in your kitchen. From the time you take it out the box you’ll know you have unearthe something special for your kitchen.

It looks, simply put, amazing. Cooks even better; is super-easy to clean; has its own self-deodirising system; is very easy to use and perhaps best of all still offers brilliant value for money.

The Samsung MS23K3513AK cooks brilliantly but we will get to that. First it’s hard to ignore just how sleek and stylish this lovely microwave looks. As you would expect from a Samsung product its all smooth lines and curved edges leaving you with a microwave that looks like it was designed in the future and sent back to make the rest of your kitchen appliances feel bad.

It also has the look and feel of a high quality and durable model which is very much reflected in the high ratings it consistently receives from users.

The trademark Samsung all black exterior works brilliantly with this design. It’s rare that you find a microwave that looks great with the door open as well as closed but somehow the Samsung MS23K3513AK manages to do just that. The internal cavity is crafted from ceramic enamel which is exceptionally smooth, highly scratch resistant and best of all has antibacterial properties.

The smoothness of the interior makes the Samsung MS23K3513AK very easy to clean as you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.

As well as the antibacterial and easy clean interior, the Samsung MS23K3513AK also has another feature to help keep the microwave as clean and hygienic as possible; deodorisation. This function works by eliminating the strong ordours from the interior of the microwave meaning it stays smelling fresher for much longer.

But as if the aesthetics and after-care were not enough to make the Samsung MS23K3513AK stand out, this microwave also happens to cook your food brilliantly. It has a unique triple distribution heating system that heats your food from 3 different points within the cavity rather than the typical one. This results in heat being more evenly distributed within the microwave and food that comes out without those annoying random cold spots.

With 800W of cooking power, the Samsung MS23K3513AK also cooks your food quickly saving you time as well as energy.

To further help you save money on energy, the Samsung MS23K3513AK comes equipped with an Eco mode that will reduce power consumption when its on standby. In addition, if you forget to close the door once you’ve used it, the interior light will switch itself off after 5 minutes.

Quite helpfully it has a 30 second start for cooking which is brilliant if you mostly (like 98% of the population) use your microwave to quickly reheat your food as well defrost items.

That’s one of the things that stands out overall with the Samsung MS23K3513AK; it’s simplicity. It is very easy to use and although it has lots of auto functions and features; the core functions that you will need such as quick cooking and defrosting are clearly indicated and easy to pick up.

It has 6 power levels giving you a wide range of options to find the best cooking conditions for your food.

The Samsung MS23K3513AK also comes with an incredible 20 pre-set autocook functions to take care of pretty much all of your likely cooking and heating needs including ready meals, various types of vegetables as well as fish and chicken. The thorough instruction manual will talk you through the various options and also suggest recipe ideas.

Another brilliant auto-cooking feature is a button to melt/soften foods like butter, sugar and your favourite chocolate desserts.

The Samsung MS23K3513AK has a 23 litre capacity meaning it will easily cater for an average sized family as well as couples.

The only slight gripe that some people seem to have with this wonderful Samsung MS23K3513AK is difficulty seeing into the cooking cavity whilst it’s in operation. However, this does not seem to be a consistent complaint and if you look close up enough the light should provide you with enough visibility though it is something to bear in mind.

Verdict

Overall the Samsung MS23K3513AK offers an excellent solo microwave that looks amazing, cooks even better, is easy to use and offers brilliant value for money. Given the sort of price you’ll be paying for this, it would be difficult to find another high quality premium microwave that would offer the same attributes at a better price.

Slow Cooked Oven Roasted Half Leg Of Lamb

There’s nothing as satisfying to the soul as a well roasted cut of lamb. We love this slow cooked oven roasted leg of lamb as it combines patient and rewarding slow cooking with a beautiful and succulent meaty finish.

This is definitely a cooking labour of love but it is well worth the rewards when you get the tender and juicy lamb onto your plate.

If you are pressed for time you can always slow cook the lamb on one day and then roast it another but be sure to store it suitably and safely.

Ingredients

  • Half a leg of lamb
  • 1 Tablespoon black ground pepper
  • 10g fresh ginger
  • 2 Tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons of all purpose seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 Fresh Lemon

Method

1 – Place lamb into slow cooker pot (we are big fans of the Crockpot range of slow cookers – mine’s been going 5 years strong). If you’re half leg doesn’t fit, you can try cut it in half

2 – Add half a cup of water into the pot.

3 – Add the pepper, ginger, all purpose seasoning, soy sauce, and oregano.

4 – Squeeze the fresh lemon over the top of the lamb and ingredients.

5 – Mix up all the ingredients with the lamb. I like to put the lid on the slow cooker and lift the cooking pot out of the cooker and shake the ingredients together. You may prefer mixing the ingredients by hand.

6 – Set the slow cooker for 4 hours and get it going.

7 – As the slow cooker is nearing completion, we pre-heat your oven to 180°C.

8 – Place foil into a suitably sized oven pan and position the lamb in the centre. Pour the liquid left over in the slow cooker over the top of the lamb.

9 – Roast in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes** turning it over midway through.

10 – Serve with roast potatoes and sautéed vegetables.

**Cooking times are for general guidance only; appliances vary.