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Don’t leave your kettle filled with lime-scale alone. Make sure to fight the scale and make your kettle more efficient when boiling. Below are two different ways of descaling a kettle.

Option 1) Fill your kettle up with water and vinegar in a ratio of 1:1. Leave the mix in the kettle for an hour and do not boil it! Once the hour is up, tip out the mix of water/vinegar after soaking. If you still see some limescale build up, wipe it down with a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth. Make sure the kettle is unplugged when you do. Once done, rinse out the kettle at least 5 times before you use again.

Option 2) Mix 30g of lemon/lime with 500ml of water into the kettle and then boil. Leave the kettle to cool down before you empty it. If you still see some limescale build up, wipe it down with a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth.Once done, rinse out the kettle at least 5 times before you use again.

A cafetiere is a valuable piece of kitchenware for individuals who enjoy fresh coffee (that has a refined flavour). It is also referred to as a coffee plunger,a French press or a press pot. In simple terms, it can be described as “a container that allows users to brew fresh coffee in hot water”. It filters ground coffee from the liquid which allows the drink to be directly poured from the equipment into your cup. These can be found in different sizes and shapes made from various materials allowing you to choose the one you like best.

Types 

The equipment can be found in various styles from ornamental to functional and classic. Each of them comes with its own weaknesses and strengths depending on how it was constructed thus you have to be careful when shopping for one to get the one that will work out well for you. (more…)

Yes, we all hate dealing with the grime but it needs to be done! If you don’t deal with, the grease can turn up to carbon, leading to your food being tainted and potentially becoming a fire hazard.

First you need to find out what type your oven is, as they require different cleaning methods. If you have a self-cleaning oven then your life will be a bit easier. Remove the oven racks and clean them in a sink with warm water and liquid. Turn the oven’s self-cleaning mode on and after it’s done cleaning itself, let the oven cool for 2 hours. Once cooled, open the oven door and sweep away the ashes with a brush and dustpan. Then use a wet rag to clean the oven. If your oven is non-self-cleaning then you need to create your own oven-cleaning solution. Use a litre spray bottle and mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with water. Spray the oven and let the mix soak in for a couple of hours. After that use a scraper to get rid of the carbon, but make sure to use rubber gloves as this can get very messy. Spray the mix again and leave it soaking for one hour and remove the rest of the carbon. Then wipe the oven with water and vinegar.

Why are we writing a post on selecting the right kettle you ask? Well because there’s a load of different things to consider when spending your cash!

First you have to decide whether you’d like an electric or non-electric kettle? We’d recommend an electric kettle as it’s less hassle and much quicker, but if you like to make your brew the traditional way, then a non-electric kettle is for you.

Consider the speed of boiling, when you’re looking at kettles. When looking at electric versions the power ranges from 1.7kw to around 3.2kw. The higher the kw, the faster. Bear in mind, the more powerful a kettle, the louder the noise. If you want a silent kitchen, then you may have to go for a less powerful kettle.

Make sure your kettle also has a removable filter, which you can clean out for limescale purposes. If you want to save energy, look for a quick boil/eco-friendly kettle as they can save up to 50% energy.

Hope that’s helped!

Different kitchens will have different appliances, but the three most important items are the oven, the fridge and the freezer. Without these appliances you’re in big trouble, so you should choose them wisely.

Most standard ovens, fridges and freezers will do the job, but there are many different shapes and sizes, so if you want to incorporate a bit of a classy feel, then top branded products are worth taking a look at. Some fridges and freezers are built into the kitchen base units, and this is a nice option if you wanted a tidy kitchen design, while Range style oven tend to be widely recognised as the most luxurious.

Appliances play a big part in the look and feel of a kitchen, and you should consider the theme of your kitchen as well as the design before you decide on the appliances. You may even want to buy your main appliances in sets, so that they benefit form the same style and colour.

You can easily modernise your kitchen by getting new appliances! You can think big by replacing anything like: fridge/freezer, hob, extractor hood, oven, taps or even the kitchen sink. If you are thinking on a smaller scale you can look to replace smaller items like: kettle, toaster or the breadbin. You can get lots of other pieces of kitchen equipment like a juicer, blender/food processor even electronic can openers and coffee makers.

All of the items we’ve mentioned come in a range of designs, materials and colours to ensure that you can create a modern styled kitchen without having to replace the entire kitchen. Modern kitchens are usually very bright, clean and tidy, so ensure that you have the work surfaces clear and items stored away in your cupboards.
If you’ve considered all these options already but don’t think this is going to be enough, the next stage is to look at replacing your cabinet doors, you can do this without replacing the entire unit.

Choosing a quality kitchen in Northamptonshire sometimes seems like a mammoth task. After all, there are a plethora of factors to consider, such as the type of cabinets and worktops you are going to choose, as well as the amount of money you want to spend on the remodelling project. You will also need to choose a company in the region that offers you the best value for money and excellent customer service. Here are some tips when searching for quality kitchens in Northampton, including tips on how to save money.

1. Decide on a kitchen style

Today, there are a wide range of different kitchen style to choose from, including contemporary kitchen designs as well as styles that are more traditional. A good place to start is to analyse the layout and shape of your kitchen, and then consider your lifestyle. Do you have children in your home? Or do you live alone? Do you have pets? Take all of these into consideration as they will have an effect on the style of kitchen cabinets, worktops, appliances, and floor options that you choose. You will also need to consider what items you need to store in your kitchen, as well as cupboards and shelving that will enable you to organise your kitchen space much more effectively. If you have an open-plan layout in your home, you may want your kitchen to reflect the style that you have incorporated into the rest of the interior space. Alternatively, you may want to make use of any natural light that fills the kitchen space. Do your research and have a look in interior design magazines for the latest style ideas.

2. Consider your budget

Your budget will be the greatest deciding factor when it comes to which kitchen units and accessories you opt for. Remember – you will need to consider practicality as well as design, especially if you have children and pets who will frequent the kitchen on a regular basis. Stock cabinets can be beneficial when you are on a budget. These are mass produced in standard designs and sizes, and will provide you with more money in your budget to make other updates to your kitchen. Although you will have less choice when opting for stock cabinets, there are still plenty of styles and finishes to choose from, including many accessories.

3. Look for quality kitchens Northampton

There are a number of companies in the Northampton area who will be able to fit your kitchen for you. These will be able to fit your kitchen at a time that best suits you, and you will be able to choose from various styles and finishes. The price of installing a new kitchen will vary depending on the company, so do your research and make use of price comparison websites and third party review sites. Although there are a number of companies who offer kitchens in Northampton, the

smaller market towns of Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering also have a number of trained professionals, giving you more choice and flexibility when looking for quality kitchens Northampton.

When it comes to selecting a extraction hood for your hob, unfortunately your options are endless… especially when you are designing an entire kitchen. If you’re looking for a replacement, then it depends on the space that you are installing it.
Budget is an important factor with all things and just like with many household items, an extraction hood can come in many shapes, sizes and price brackets – you can even buy designer!

Speaking of designer style, we have come across the ‘elica’ and their range of hoods, we are gobsmacked at the variety on offer.  Elica are the world’s number 1 manufacturing for some of the worlds most recognised brands like D R Cooker Hoods. We really like their ‘Eagle’ product, even though it would set you back thousands of pounds, if you can afford it, we would suggest it.

The slick, discreet design would suit even a minimalist style. Submerged below your counter top, you only see the light and the controls, it’s only when required that it emerges. The high tech mechanism brings the Eagle smoothly up to full height. Only then do you see the full product. The curved supporting arm helps suction the steam and fumes from the hob, its grease filters are washable and the impressive max airflow of 550 meters cubed per hour make this not only a beautifully high-tech accessory but also a must have device in any kitchen.

Chimineas are recent design trend that can be incorporated into a garden space, and are available in a wide range of different styles and materials. These free-standing structures originate from Mexico and comprise of a front-loaded fireplace that can be used to heat or illuminate your back garden. These products are popular when sitting outside in the evening, and can make a great focal point in any garden, often initiating conversation when guests come to visit your property. Here are some tips on what to look out for when purchasing a chiminea.

1. Choose a material

Chimineas are available in various materials, most commonly clay, cast iron, sheet metal, copper or aluminium. When choosing this product, you will need to opt for a chiminea that is durable and long-lasting and one in a style that will reflect the rest of the exterior space of your property. An aluminium chiminea is a popular choice, and is easy to clean and maintain. This type of chiminea is lighter in weight compared to other materials such as cast iron, allowing you to position the item in a different part of the garden if you require. Clay is another popular choice for a chiminea, and is ideal if you want to keep the chiminea in a shed or garage when it is not being used. Often clay chimineas will deteriorate from adverse weather conditions such as heavy wind if left outside all the time. A sheet metal chiminea on the other hand is available in various styles, and can provide an attractive centrepiece in your garden. However, they can rust over time if not properly cared for, and will need to be regularly painted to prevent this from occurring.

2. Choose a style

The style of chiminea that you opt for will usually depend on your budget, so it’s a good idea to do your research and look for the best product in your particular circumstances. Chimineas are sometimes decorated and may incorporate patterns or other designs such as flowers and plants. They are available in different colours and often include a protective barrier when there is a fire crackling inside, which can ensure the safety of you and your family. Other chiminea styles may take the form of an unconventional shape, which differs from the traditional model that originated from Mexico. These styles can include a chiminea in the shape of an animal, or one that is triangular in design.

3. Ensure safety

When choosing a product like this, you will need to consider the safety of you and your family who may be in the garden when the chiminea is lit. You will need to ensure that you never leave the fire unattended when it is lit, especially when there are young children or pets in the garden with you at the time. A spark wire can prevent hot embers from escaping from the item, and if one of these was not provided when you purchased the product, you will easily be able to make one yourself with chicken or mesh wire.

Nothing beats the taste of freshly made orange juice in the morning. There is a lot of benefits to having a juicer. Not only the convenience of being able to make your own juice at any time of day or night, you can also monitor exactly what goes into your body making otherwise seemingly “unpleasant” vegetables or fruits a pleasure to drink.

When considering to get a juicer or even going on a juicing diet you need to find firstly the best source of top quality organic vegetables and fruits in order to juice. It is also worth while getting a few recipe books to make healthy snacks from the discarded pulp of the fruit and veg.

A lot of juicers will come with specific books about juicing to help you control your intake of fruit and veg as well as help you achieve a balanced nutrient spectrum. If not, get one and happy juicing.