Earplugs can be a real help when getting a full night’s sleep feels impossible. Luckily the best earplugs for sleeping have come a long way in the last few years - and we no longer have to settle for ear plugs that irritate us or fall out while we sleep.

From sleeping on a plane and in noisy environments, plus next to a dreaded snorer we’ve tested the best earplugs for sleeping – so you can find the right pair for you.

How we tested earplugs for sleeping

I spent over a month rigorously putting these earplugs to the test, as I slept, worked and travelled. Call it sleeping on the job, or just doing my bit to give you honest opinions about the best earplugs for sleeping on the market, I assessed the earplugs on design, fit and performance.

I used them on trains, while I camped, working at home and in coffee shops, plus next to snorers to see if they blocked out sounds and helped me get a longer, less interrupted sleep.

I looked at the following areas when assessing the sleep earplugs:

• Noise reduction: arguably the most important aspect, I looked at whether the earplugs blocked out different noises, from snoring and talking to traffic and general hustle and bustle
• Comfort and fit: I asked whether the earplugs stayed in place throughout the night and if they caused any irritation
• Ease of use and design: I assessed whether the earplugs were easy to put in the ears. I also took storage into consideration, alongside whether they were noticeable when they were being worn
• Value for money: how do the price and performance of the earplugs compare to other models I tested?

Jump to section

• The best earplugs for sleeping at a glance
• The best earplugs for sleeping 2025
• Is it safe to wear earplugs for sleeping?
• Are foam or silicone earplugs better for sleeping?

The best earplugs for sleeping at a glance

• Best earplugs for overall deep sleep: Loop Quiet 2, £19.95
• Best earplugs for comfort while sleeping: Loop Dream, £44.95
• Best earplugs for sleeping in loud environments: Alpine Silence earplugs, £21.95
• Best discreet earplugs for sleeping: Happy Ears earplugs, £26.50
• Best earplugs for noisy environments: Earth's Secret Mute earplugs, £29.99
• Best earplugs for sleeping with a snorer: Alpine Deep Sleep, £12.95
• Best earplugs for travelling: Slumberite Noise-Cancelling earphones, £19.95
• Best value earplugs for sleeping: Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus earplugs, £64.99
• Best earplugs for napping: Mixx Assistive Audio earplugs, £20
• Best mouldable earplugs: Alpine Hearing Protection Soft Silicone earplugs, £7.99

The best earplugs for sleeping to buy 2025

Loop Quiet 2 earplugs

Available from Loop (£19.95), Amazon (£19.95)

Best earplugs overall for deep sleep

Pros:

• Neat fit
• Good price point
• Impressive sound proofing

Cons:

• White versions could get dirty quickly

Star rating: 5/5

Like the other Loop's I tried, these come with four different tip sizes, making it easy to find the right fit. The small loop design sat neatly in my ear, too, and the tiny earbud slotted in quickly and stayed secure all night without slipping.

Made from flexible silicone, they’re easy to adjust and feel durable enough for long-term use. The soundproofing was impressive too: I tested them at home with the windows open, but I can imagine they’d be just as effective on a long-haul flight or in a noisy hotel. They were barely noticeable once in, making them a good choice for side sleepers, like me, and I didn’t experience any irritation even after wearing them for hours.

My only slight concern is the colour - we tried the white versions, and we can imagine they’ll get dirty quickly, but with a lifespan of around three - six months (longer if you clean them regularly), they strike a good balance between performance and value. They’re also cheaper than the Loop Dream version below, so you’re getting high-quality earplugs at a more accessible price point.

Loop Dream earplugs

Available from Loop (£44.95), Amazon (£44.95), Healf (£44.95)

Best earplugs for comfort while sleeping

Pros:

• Very comfortable
• Lasts for around three months
• Great noise cancellation in different environments

Cons:

• Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

I’m a side sleeper, so finding earplugs that not only block out noise but also feel comfortable all night is really important - and these tick both boxes. If you’re new to Loop, like I was, make sure you test the different ear tip sizes. I tried a few before realising the x-small fit me best.

At first, I found it a little fiddly to get the positioning right (even after checking the instructions), but once I did, they felt snug, secure and gave me the quietest night’s sleep I’ve ever had. I tested them at home and while camping, and both times the results were the same: peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.

They’re easy to clean with soapy water, and the included case makes it easy to keep them safe when you take them out. Loop earplugs are designed to last for around 100 days - but we think if you regularly cleaned them, the tips wouldn’t need changing just as quickly. I’ve also found them handy for powering through work in a noisy office.

Alpine Silence earplugs

Available from Amazon (£15.95), Alpine Silence (£18.65)

Best earplugs for sleeping in loud environments

Pros:

• Comfortable and flexible
• Excellent suction
• Soundproof

Cons:

• Could get dirty easily due to the holed design

Star rating: 4.5/5

These Alpine earplugs really live up to their name - and are my favourite from the brand when it comes to design, quality and performance. The plug slides into the ear canal with ease, creating a strong suction that keeps them secure all night. The clever V-shaped design fits snugly without any overspill, making them especially comfortable for side sleepers.

I tested them during a stay at a busy hotel and later while working in a coffee shop. Both times, they dulled background noise effectively, helping me sleep soundly and stay focused the next morning.

Each set comes with four adjustable sizes (the medium fit me best) and you can choose from six colours. After use, they slot neatly into a sturdy plastic case that clips onto your keys or bag. Comfortable, flexible and easy to clean, they’re designed to last up to three months - making them a reliable and stylish choice. Attractively priced for their quality, they’re one of the most affordable on our list.

Happy Ears Earplugs

Available Happy Ears (£26.50)

Best discreet earplugs for sleeping

Pros:

• Great shape
• Easy to insert
• Excellent noise reduction

Cons:

• Easy to lose

Star rating: 4/5

These are the tiniest earplugs I’ve ever tested - and perfect for my equally tiny ears. Shaped like little mushrooms, they come in three sizes, with the smallest fitting me comfortably. Their unique shape makes them easy to insert directly over the ear canal with no awkward overspill - a big win when you’re half asleep.

I wore these when I attempted to get an early night over a weekend - I live near a high street and normally get the overspill sounds of people exiting the pub. However, even with my window open, I didn’t hear a sound and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

The brand’s discovery pack includes all three sizes so you can find your best fit. When you reorder, you can choose just one size, which makes it cheaper. Even better, the latest versions are made from recycled ocean plastic and can be reused for months - a sustainable bonus. I could definitely see myself packing these for trips, as they’re so discreet.

The only downside? Their tiny size makes them easy to misplace, whether that’s on your bedside table or in the bottom of a travel bag. Each pair does come with its own case, but the case itself is small enough to get lost too.

Available from:

• Happy Ears (£26.50)

Earth’s Secret Mute earplugs

Available from Earth's Secret (£29.99)

Best earplugs for noisy environments

Pros:

• Insert well
• Great for side sleepers
• Impressive sound blocking

Cons:

• Unattractive
• Only two sizes

Star rating: 4/5

These may be the least attractive earplugs I tested, but they certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to blocking out noise at night. They were easy enough to insert, though it took a little fiddling to get the small version (they come in both small and medium) positioned correctly against my outer ear so I could sleep comfortably on my side.

The material - a hypoallergenic, medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer - felt firmer than some of the softer silicone plugs I’ve tried, so I expected irritation. Surprisingly, once in, I could barely feel them. I wore them while camping at a busy site and they dulled the chatter and music around me enough to sleep soundly. They also came in handy in a noisy office, taking the edge off background distractions.

Each pair comes with a zip-up case that’s large enough not to get lost at the bottom of a travel bag, and with regular washing they should last a few months. At just under £30, they’re a solid investment if you need reliable earplugs for travel or noisy environments.

Alpine Deep Sleep

Available from Amazon (£11), Alpine (£12.95)

Best earplugs for sleeping with a snorer

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Travel case
• Different sizes

Cons:

• Get dirty easily
• Fall out while sleeping

Star rating: 3.5/5

Alpine’s deep sleep earplugs have an oval 3D shape, which makes them easy to insert and helps them seal securely over the ear canal. They’re designed to block up to 27dB of sound, and compared to other Alpine plugs I tested, they did a noticeably better job. I even took them on a trip where I shared a room with a snorer — while I could still hear them faintly, the noise was far less intrusive.

Each pair comes with a handy storage case, so they’re less likely to go missing. The layered design does mean they can pick up dirt more easily, but they’re simple to clean with soap and water. The brand claims they last for up to 100 nights, though in reality, I suspect they may wear out or get grubby before then.

Comfort-wise, they’re a strong contender. I could barely feel them once in, and they did not irritate, although they did fall out a couple of times during the night. Because they’re so discreet, they’d be ideal for wearing on a flight or even in an office nap pod. At just under £13, they’re also great value.

Slumberite Noise-Cancelling Earphones

Available from Slumberite (£19.95)

Best earplugs for travelling

Pros:

• Good noise reduction
• No irritation
• Comes with carry case

Cons:

• Fall out easily
• Expensive

Star rating: 3.5/5

Slumberite earplugs come with four different tip sizes that easily attach to the ring-style plug. They’re shaped similarly to Loops, but slightly bigger. While they inserted quickly, I found they didn’t always stay put - especially if I tossed and turned during the night. This seemed more down to the overspill of the loop design than the earplug itself.

When they did stay in, the sound-blocking was impressive. I found them particularly handy for napping on a train or tuning out background chatter in a coffee shop. Made from hypoallergenic silicone, they felt comfortable, caused no irritation and are even waterproof, so they can double up as swimming earplugs.

Each pair comes with a small oval carry case on a keychain, making them easy to keep track of. They’re washable too, but the tiny hole in the plug means they can pick up dirt easily, which may shorten their lifespan. At just under £30, they sit at the pricier end of the scale, and given their limited reusability, they may not offer the best long-term value.

Available from:

• Slumberite (£19.95)

Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus earplugs

Available from Sennheiser (£64.99), Amazon (£69.67)

Best value earplugs for sleeping

Pros:

• Good design
• Four filters

Cons:

• Filters not as impressive as expected
• Expensive

Star rating: 3.5/5

I had high hopes for these earplugs, since they come with interchangeable filters designed for different noise levels. But when I tried the ‘high’ filter for sleep, it didn’t even block out the sound of my bedroom fan - so it’s unlikely to cut through louder noises like snoring. The other filters (four in total) worked better: the mid filter dulled background travel sounds, while the low filter was useful for creating quiet while I worked. Still, for the price, I was expecting stronger soundproofing.

The cone-shaped plugs come in three sizes (S, M, L), with the filters attaching directly to the tip. While this makes them versatile, the tiny filters are fiddly and easy to misplace. A pouch is included for storage, but I’d still worry about dropping or losing them.

On the plus side, they’re comfortable to wear and easy to clean, though being inserted directly into the ear canal means they get dirty faster than some others. At nearly £70, they’re the most expensive earplugs on this list - and while they could last around a year, the noise-blocking performance didn’t live up to the price tag. If you’re after serious soundproofing against snoring or heavy traffic, these probably aren’t the right choice.

Mixx Assitive Audio earplugs

Available from Robert Dyas (£19.99), Mixx (£20), Maplin (£20)

Best earplugs for napping

Pros:

• Flexible material
• Good design

Cons:

• Fall out easily
• Material is flimsy
• Sound blocking not as effective

Star rating: 3.5/5

Although these earplugs are designed in a similar style to the SoundProtex plugs, I found they didn’t insert into the ears as easily. Made from soft, hypoallergenic silicone, they felt flexible in the hand but not particularly sturdy once in place. It took me a while to get them comfortable, and they fell out during the night. They come in three sizes, but honestly, each one felt pretty much the same.

When I tested them during a Sunday afternoon nap, they worked better, blocking out traffic and general outside noise. In a loud coffee shop, though, their performance wasn’t as strong. On the plus side, they come with a sturdy oblong case that snaps shut automatically, so storage feels secure.

As they didn’t stay in comfortably, I don’t think they’d be suitable for side sleepers, though I didn’t experience any irritation while wearing them. They can be reused up to 30 times, but at £20, I’m not convinced their performance justifies the price.

Alpine Hearing Protection Soft Silicone Ear Plugs

Available from Amazon (£6.99), Alpine (£8.95), Boots (£8.99)

Best mouldable earplugs

Pros:

• Easy to adjust in-ear
• Well-priced
• Packed separately

Cons:

• Only muffles a few sounds
• Falls out easily

Star rating: 3/5

These are some of the most mouldable earplugs we tried. Made from soft silicone, they adapt to most ear shapes, so there’s no need to fuss over sizing. They come in their own cases for easy storage and are said to block out up to 28dB of sound.

Because my ears are on the smaller side, I used just half an earplug in each ear (they separate easily). They dulled the background noise, but I could still hear passing traffic, so I imagine a snorer would cut through, too. That said, they were comfortable to wear. I could feel them in my ears, but unlike other silicone plugs I’ve tested, they didn’t irritate me - possibly thanks to the aloe vera infused into the material. They stayed put as I drifted off, but tended to fall out during the night.

They’re not the most discreet option, so better suited to home use than long-haul flights. Each pair lasts around four nights before needing to be replaced, and at roughly 60p a pair, they’re a solid choice for anyone on a budget and medium to heavy sleepers who live in quieter, suburban areas.

Is it safe to wear earplugs for sleeping?

For most of us, it’s perfectly safe to wear earplugs while sleeping. Earplugs designed specifically for sleep, such as the ones we’ve tested, are usually made from soft, hypoallergenic, flexible materials, so they’re comfortable enough to wear all night.

However, there are a few things to be aware of if you use them every night. Wearing earplugs every night can sometimes lead to earwax build-up, since they can push wax deeper into the ear canal, and if plugs aren’t cleaned or replaced often enough, there’s also a risk of ear infections.

Poorly fitting earplugs may cause mild irritation or pressure, and some types are more likely to fall out if you move around in your sleep. To avoid problems, it’s best to clean or replace them regularly, choose comfortable silicone designs and give your ears a break if you notice any discomfort.

Are foam or silicone earplugs better for sleeping?

Foam earplugs are usually softer, cheaper and expand to fill the ear canal, which makes them good at blocking out loud or sudden noises like snoring or traffic. The downside is that they’re often single-use, less eco-friendly and can sometimes fall out or cause irritation if you wear them nightly.

Silicone earplugs are reusable, washable and more durable, making them a good for longevity. They’re normally mouldable, which means they can be shaped to fit your ear comfortably and some designs sit flatter against the ear, making them a good choice for side sleepers. They’re also usually more discreet and comfortable to wear all night long.

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Don’t be mistaken – I love hand mixers and have tried and tested many fantastic models over the years, but stand mixers offer something different: power. Equipped with high wattages, they can whizz through creaming and kneading tasks with absolute ease, not only saving you time, but effort, too.

As an avid baker and expert product tester, I've put a range of stand mixers to the test, from models from big-name brands such as KitchenAid and Kenwood, to household names like Bosch, Cuisinart and Morphy Richards. Read on for my top recommendations, and don't forget to check out our guides to the best cake tins and best kitchen scales, too.

Best stand mixers at a glance

5/5 stars

• Best stand mixer: Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL, £799.99
• Best stand mixer and food processor: Bosch CreationLine kitchen machine, £229.99
• Best large stand mixer: Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL, £449

Best of the rest

• Best stand mixer for dough: Ooni Halo Pro Spiral stand mixer, £699
• Best powerful stand mixer: ProCook stand mixer, £249
• Best bowl-lift stand mixer: KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan, £749
• Best stand mixer for range of colours: KitchenAid 5KSM125, £449
• Best compact stand mixer: Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer, £189.99
• Best stand mixer for last-minute bakes: Breville HeatSoft stand mixer, £99.98
• Best value stand mixer: Cuisinart Precision stand mixer, £99
• Best digital stand mixer: Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer, £229.99

Jump to section:

• Best stand mixers to buy in 2025
• How to choose the best stand mixer
• What is a stand mixer?
• What can a stand mixer be used for?
• Are stand mixers worth it?
• Handheld mixer vs stand mixer

How we test stand mixers

I tested a representative sample of stand mixers, from budget-friendly options to high-end investment models, and used them to whisk egg whites for meringues, make an enriched dough for cinnamon pecan sticky buns, and cream together butter and sugar before baking a classic lemon drizzle cake.

I also tested all attachments, final baked products and scored the machines against the following criteria:

• Packaging: Like most high-value kitchen appliances, stand mixers often arrive with a lot of packaging. Those that had recyclable or biodegradable elements scored better.
• Overall quality of materials: Well-made stand mixers with quality components should last, so I looked for those that were robust.
• Results of functions: A machine that efficiently mixed all the ingredients at the same time was a staple requirement. I looked for pavlova mixes that were glossy and well-whisked, cake mixes that were light with evenly distributed zest and finally, well-risen dough that was soft and light when baked.
• Value for money: You can spend anything from £60 to £900 on a stand mixer, but whatever the performance and functionality, it should always match up with the price.
• Processor versatility: Stand mixers should take on key kitchen tasks that make life a lot easier. Whisking, beating and kneading attachments are key to this and I awarded extra points to machines that offer more integrated features, like weighing scales, timers and extra attachments.
• Ease of use and cleaning: Modern stand mixers can offer sophisticated features, but ease of use is incredibly important. Washing your stand mixer’s attachments by hand can also be a pain, so I looked for dishwasher-safe accessories to make cleaning less of a headache.
• Sustainability: I assessed the amount of packaging and its recyclability, and asked how easy it is to access spare parts, look at the length of the warranty and much more.

Why you can trust Good Food reviews

It probably won't come as a surprise that the Good Food team (myself included) loves to bake, and we've tried and tested around 25 different stand mixers over the last five years.

We use our trusted matrix format to score each model fairly in the Good Food Test Kitchen – which is designed to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a laboratory-like setting. This means you can trust that, if an appliance performs well in our kitchen, it should in yours as well.

We also never share product reviews with retailers or manufacturers before publication, and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, either.

Best stand mixers to buy in 2025

Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL

Best stand mixer

Pros:

• Integrated weighing scales
• Warming function
• 7-litre EasyWarm bowl
• In-bowl illumination

Cons:

• Heavy
• Expensive
• Large footprint

Star rating: 5/5

When it comes to modernity in the world of stand mixers, Kenwood is a front-runner. This one adapts the classic design to make it a game-changer for usability, so the step up in price from the Chef Titanium XL stand mixer model is justified. Key are its integrated weighing and warming functions, which work in tandem with the deep 7-litre EasyWarm Bowl – this has two practical handles for simple loading and arrives with a second 5-litre bowl nested inside.

The touchscreen display shows your chosen metric for weighing. It also offers presets for controlling the warming functions, which prove dough and whisk egg whites among other things.

Once set, you can walk away and periodically snoop on your dough through the transparent bowl cover whilst it gradually doubles in size – the Chelsea buns produced were wonderfully soft. It's features like this that afford you the best possible chance of achieving the same dough prove and rise every time.

In addition to the sophistication, you get all the basics you’d expect from a functional stand mixer like a beater, whisk and dough hook, except this model offers the capacity to make more, better and with great scope for personalisation. Read our full Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL review.

Wattage: 1400W
Attachments: beater, whisk, K-beater, dough hook, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 7L EasyWarm bowl and 5L extra bowl
Warranty: 10 years

Bosch CreationLine MUM5XW10 kitchen machine

Best stand mixer and food processor

Pros:

• Integrated scales and timer function
• Dishwasher-safe attachments
• BPA-free plastics
• Overheat protection

Cons:

• Weighs in increments of five grams
• Lacks pre-selectable processing time
• Expensive

Star rating: 5/5

Finding a stand mixer/food processor hybrid is hard to do, but the Bosch CreationLine machine also throws integrated scales into the mix and the result is a versatile multitasker that’s a pleasure to use as well as practical. Design-wise, the gadget sits landscape on the counter-top so has a relatively unobtrusive footprint for a stand mixer. The two-in-one nature means it’s also a space-saver when it comes to cupboard space.

A 1000W motor provides the oomph. All attachments arrive inside a two-pocket pouch, which is game-changing for storage. The patisserie set is tucked in one side (featuring a stirring whisk with silicone edge; height-adjustable beating whisk; and kneading hook with gear protector) and four food processor discs for slicing, grating and shredding in the other. All are dishwasher-safe.

Combined with automatic retractile cord storage, this stand mixer is an expensive but versatile multitasker with modern frills that’s fun to use. Read our full Bosch CreationLine kitchen machine review.

Wattage: 1000W
Attachments: flexi stirring whisk, beater, dough hook, grating disc (medium-fine), reversible disc for slicing and grating, reversible shredding disc, reversible slicing disc, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 3.9L
Warranty: 2 years

Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL

Best large stand mixer

Pros:

• Two bowls included
• Built-in scales
• Lots of attachments
• Easy-lift head
• Powerful motor

Cons:

• Expensive
• Large footprint

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 1400W

Kenwood is one of the key brands in the world of stand mixers. Decades of innovation have made them the go-to brand for keen bakers and professional chefs alike. This model includes a powerful motor and high-quality attachments that are built to last. While it's less technologically advanced than the Kenwood Chef Patissier XL above, it does include some of the features we loved. It comes with two bowls (seven- and five-litres) and in-built scales.

I couldn’t fault this model’s performance; each bake, from our lemon and orange cake to Chelsea buns and meringue, was perfect. It's also sophisticated but remains humble and unfussy in design, with intuitive controls. A must have if you like to bake in bulk.

Read our full Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL review.

Wattage: 1400W
Attachments: K-beater, dough hook, whisk, beater, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 7L and 5L
Warranty: 2 years

Ooni Halo Pro Spiral mixer

Available from Ooni (£699), Currys (£699), Lakeland (£699.99)

Best stand mixer for dough

Pros:

• High-quality design
• Fully recyclable packaging
• Produces excellent bread and pizza dough
• Secure on the worktop

Cons:

• Very heavy
• Loud
• No handle on the bowl
• Struggles with smaller mixtures

Star rating: 4.5/5

For breadmakers and aspiring pizzaiolos, this premium stand mixer from pizza oven brand Ooni is a dream to use. It's been designed with dough in mind and – unlike traditional domestic mixers – has a dual-kneading action that's aided by the heavy-duty spiral hook, breaker bar and rotating bowl, which helps with gluten development and prevents the dough from sticking.

Other attachments include a beater and whisk, ideal for making cakes and meringues, though to achieve the best results you'll need to fill the 7.3-litre bowl with a large amount of mixture. The bowl also has a square-like bottom, which meant parts of our mixture got trapped and needed working back in. Making dough, however, was a breeze and the cinnamon buns I baked were perfectly fluffy.

I loved the precision of the controls, too. The speed at which the mixer runs is set by a percentage (e.g. 45 per cent speed) and there's an integrated timer, so you can set your machine to work while you crack on with the next stage of your recipe. The motor is loud but powerful and efficient, and in all I found the Halo Pro Spiral a joy to use.

Wattage: 750W
Attachments: dough hook, beater, whisk, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 7.3L
Warranty: 1 year standard, 5 years when you register

Available from:

• Ooni (£699)
• Currys (£699)
• Lakeland (£699.99)

ProCook stand mixer

Best powerful stand mixer

Pros:

• Efficient motor
• Large-capacity bowl
• High-quality design
• Fully recyclable packaging
• Secure on the worktop

Cons:

• Noisy in use
• Fewer speed settings than other models
• Struggles with smaller amounts of mixture

Star rating: 5/5

This sleek and stylish model from ProCook really packs a punch in terms of speed and efficiency – perhaps to no surprise, as it has the most powerful motor of any stand mixer I've ever tested. The downside of this is that it's noisy, but I was still impressed with its lightweight design and strong suction feet, which kept it fixed to the worktop in use.

Included with the mixer are a balloon whisk, beater and dough hook, as well as a splash shield. It has fewer speed settings than other models like it on the market – there are just six, plus a pulse function, each of which is easy to control. The six-litre bowl is ideal for large mixtures, but I found it struggled with smaller amounts, like egg whites when making meringues.

I used the beater to make a cake batter, which was smooth and creamy, though had to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times when adding the eggs. The dough for cinnamon pecan sticky buns also came together well and had a good gluten structure.

Wattage: 1800W
Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash shield
Bowl capacity: 6L
Warranty: 2 years

KitchenAid 5.6L Bowl-Lift Artisan

Best bowl-lift stand mixer

Pros:

• Attractive
• Large capacity
• 11 speed settings
• Available in a range of colours

Cons:

• Difficult to insert and remove bowl
• Slow to react to speed changes
• Relatively noisy

Star rating: 4.5/5

Typically more powerful and better for batch baking, bowl-lift stand mixers – like this newer KitchenAid model – have arms on either side that the bowl slots between, allowing ample space for large quantities.

The mixer comes with a 5.6-litre capacity, balloon whisk, paddle, and dough hook, and I found the quality of design to be excellent. The motor was almost squeaky during use, and it took a few minutes longer than expected to reach the speed I wanted. Lifting the bowl in and out of the mixer was also trickier than hoped, and it took me a few attempts to get the hang of it.

I achieved light, fluffy results when whisking egg whites, and again when making a basic cake batter. Mixing small amounts would likely prove difficult owing to its large size, but if you're baking for a crowd, this gadget can handle it all with ease.

Wattage: 325W
Attachments: balloon whisk, paddle, dough hook, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 5.6L
Warranty: 5-year guarantee and 15-year repair promise

KitchenAid 5KSM125

Best stand mixer for range of colours

Pros:

• Comes in a variety of colours
• Lots of accessories available
• 10 speed settings
• Consistent high-quality results

Cons:

• Whisk isn’t dishwasher-safe
• Some ingredients go unmixed at the base of bowl

Star rating: 4.5/5

This is KitchenAid’s most iconic stand mixer. It’s a medium-sized model owing to the 4.8 litre bowl, and is available in a wide range of colours including KitchenAid’s annual Colour of the Year.

Like all KitchenAid mixers, this model is equipped with 10 speed settings on a sliding scale. This model comes with a beater, dough hook and balloon whisk – check out the full review to see what comes with the 175 and 185 models.

This model did a fantastic job on all of the beating, kneading and whisking tests and produced consistently high quality results. My only gripe was that some of the cake mix was left unmixed at the bottom of the bowl, though this was nothing a flexible spatula couldn’t fix.

If appearance is just as important as performance, this model is a great choice. Read our full KitchenAid 5KSM125 review.

Wattage: 300W
Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 4.8L
Warranty: 5 years for mixer, 2 years for accessories

Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer

Best compact stand mixer

Pros:

• Storage caddy allows you to store attachments inside the bowl
• Easy accessible height and lid design
• Non-slip suckers for securing to the counter top

Cons:

• ‘New product’ smell
• No handle on the bowl

Star rating: 4.5/5

If space is at a premium in your kitchen, this innovative stand mixer by Morphy Richards is a compact alternative. It offers all the traditional functions from within a small footprint about the size and width of a large mixing bowl.

Dishwasher-friendly attachments for whisking, kneading and beating are stored within a caddy that slots comfortably into the bowl. It arrives fully assembled so you immediately know where and how everything slots together. After that, it’s simply a case of loading your chosen attachment, donning its lid and peering over to watch it work. This is a great one to use with kids.

Read our full Morphy Richards MixStar compact stand mixer review.

Wattage: 650W
Attachments: balloon whisk, beater, dough hook, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 4L
Warranty: 2 years

Breville HeatSoft stand mixer

Available from Amazon (£134.99)

Best stand mixer for last-minute bakes

Pros:

• HeatSoft feature works quickly
• Smooth acceleration
• Intuitive and easy to use
• Good selection of attachments

Cons:

• Mirrored top prone to smudging
• Bounces around a little when mixing at high speeds

Star rating: 4.5/5

This Breville stand mixer is one of the most unique models on the list. On the surface, it looks like any other stand mixer, but hidden on the underside of the tilt-head is a heater. This heater can be used to soften or melt butter or chocolate, for those last-minute bakes.

But even without the use of the HeatSoft function, I found this stand mixer impressive. It sports a good selection of sturdy attachments, smooth acceleration and a generously sized 5.2L mixing bowl.

Each of the test recipes came out as we hoped: soft buns, moist cake and stiff-peaked meringue. Notably though, the Breville rocked around a little when kneading dough and when mixing at higher speeds. I also had to go in and scrape down the bowl when mixing cake batter, despite using the flex-edge beater.

I used the HeatSoft function for our lemon drizzle cake, which worked quickly but gently to turn fridge-cold butter soft in just a matter of seconds. Read our full review of the Breville HeatSoft stand mixer.

Wattage: 1000W
Attachments: whisk, dough hook, beater, flex-edge beater, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 5.2L
Warranty: 1 year

Available from:

• Amazon (£134.99)

Cuisinart Precision stand mixer

Best value stand mixer

Pros:

• 5.2L stainless steel bowl with practical handle
• Transparent splash guard
• 3-year guarantee

Cons:

• No integrated scales
• Chef’s whisk is not dishwasher-safe

Star rating: 4/5

The die-case metal body with high-gloss finish gives this relatively affordable and large-capacity stand mixer the robust, quality feel of those twice its price. Features like its 5.2-litre stainless steel mixing bowl with practical handle contribute to the sense that what you get is great value for money.

It performs the basics well. The flat paddle mixer, dough hook and large whisk have good size and heft, sitting low in the bowl so as to pick up all ingredients. Its motor is 500W, which was less powerful than most tested but kneaded away without looking or sounding strained.

Covered by a three-year guarantee, this is a great one to consider if you want basic kitchen tasks done well, without a hefty price tag. Read our full Cuisinart Precision stand mixer review.

Wattage: 500W
Attachments: whisk, dough hook, beater, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 5.2L
Warranty: 3 years

Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer

Best digital stand mixer

Pros:

• Timer function is useful
• Sleek design
• Large bowl has a big capacity

Cons:

• Digital controls difficult to use if you have sticky fingers
• No handle on the bowl makes it hard to remove when locked in

Star rating: 3.5/5

If you’re after a tech-savvy stand mixer with a digital design, this offering from Lakeland is a good option. Rather than having lever controls, like the majority of other models we’ve tested, this mixer has a digital control panel where you can choose from 10 speed settings.

It also has a timer that is easy to set and means the mixer automatically stops when the timer is finished – a feature I found really useful especially for recipes like doughs that have a longer mixing time. Although I did find that if you had anything on your hands (a common occurrence when baking) the control panel was far less responsive.

The dough hook, balloon whisk and beater attachments all performed well when tested with multiple recipes. Particularly impressive was the dough hook, which quickly brought the mix together and made a smooth and bouncy enriched dough for the cinnamon pecan sticky buns.

I was impressed by the large capacity of the 6.5L bowl, which could easily be used to make multiple cakes or loaves at once. If you regularly bake in bulk this is a really good feature, especially since large-capacity mixers usually come at a much heftier price tag.

Points-wise this stand mixer was let down by the excessive plastic packaging and a lack of information about additional attachments. Read our full review of the Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer.

Wattage: 1800W
Attachments: whisk, dough hook, beater, splash guard
Bowl capacity: 6.5L
Warranty: 3 years

Other stand mixers tested and rated

• KitchenAid 3.3-litre stand mixer review, £449
• Kenwood kMix Editions stand mixer review, £479.99

What is a stand mixer?

A stand mixer – also called a food mixer – is a machine that uses a rotating mechanism to carry out repetitive kitchen tasks. Thanks to the multiple attachments and large capacity of the bowl, they excel at making cakes, kneading dough, whipping and whisking, and work far more effectively than food processors in this respect (although the two are sometimes confused as they have a similar ‘spinning’ motion).

Stand mixers have a hinged main body with an output for various attachments, typically whisks, beaters and dough hooks, although you can often upgrade and buy a wide range of attachments. They are known to whisk egg whites, whip up a dough and cream butter with sugar incredibly quickly.

These appliances usually have simple speed settings and are easy to operate. They also come in a range of sizes – from small and compact models for those short on space, to bigger, professional-looking bits of kit, to medium-sized models that bridge the gap and are best for people who bake regularly.

What can a stand mixer be used for?

All the stand mixers the Good Food team has tested come equipped with a dough hook, beater and wire whisk. This means they’re ideal for bread, all kinds of cake from chocolate cakes to fairy cakes, as well as thicker mixes, like carrot cake and gluten-free cake recipes.

The wire whisk will make light work of meringue, for classics including lemon meringue pie and pavlova, as well as fun dishes like a tiramisu meringue roulade.

But stand mixers are incredibly versatile, so make a note of their other uses to really make the most of your machine. If you’re a fan of dumplings, use the beater to fully mix your ingredients together, see our gyoza and pork momos recipes for inspiration.

You can even make your own butter by beating cream until it begins to split. Then separate the liquid from the solids until butter is formed.

How to choose the best stand mixer

• Capacity: like batch baking for cake sales? You’ll need a larger bowl capacity and perhaps a more powerful mechanism that will plough through larger volumes of mixture. Buy the biggest machine you can afford that will fit in your kitchen.
• Versatility: stand mixers can work hard with the right attachments, which include everything from pasta rollers to sausage makers. Study the number of bolt-on accessories available if you want to use your machine frequently for lots of kitchen tasks.
• Weight: if you’re short on counter space and will be hauling the stand mixer in and out of storage, be aware that some of them can be very hefty. If you struggle with your back, this is a significant consideration.
• Value for money: there’s no point splashing out on a gadget-y machine with various accessories if you’re only going to use it to occasionally make basic cakes.

Are stand mixers worth it?

These stylish gadgets make light work of laborious baking tasks, but some come at a hefty price – particularly if you're after a top-rated model.

Some stand mixers are also quite chunky, so might be difficult to store if you don't have room on the countertop. However, if you have the budget and space for one, here's a reasons why they could be worth the investment:

• Consistency: Using a stand mixer is a reliable way of achieving smooth, consistent results in your bakes, with little to no effort required.
• Time saved: From kneading dough to whipping cream, stand mixers are capable of handling laborious tasks effortlessly – you can switch it on and leave it to get to work, allowing you time to get on with other parts of your recipe.
• Ease of use: Each of the models we've tested benefits from an intuitive, user-friendly design and comprehensive instructions, ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners.
• Durability: If you take good care of your mixer, it should perform reliably for years to come  – check the manual for advice on how to look after it. Many manufacturers also provide spare parts, so if one of the attachments is broken or lost, it can replaced without needing to buy a whole new mixer.

Handheld mixer vs stand mixer

A hand mixer performs many of the same baking tasks as a stand mixer. A hand mixer (sometimes referred to as beaters) also operate using rotating attachments, but are far smaller than stand mixers, which in turn makes them more affordable.

They can be easily packed away for storage and are straightforward to clean. If you want a gadget just to do the basics, a hand mixer will probably be sufficient.

A stand mixer is more powerful, with a higher wattage and larger capacity. They’re potentially more versatile, with some offering a wide variety of attachments.

One major advantage is that, in contrast to hand mixers, they’re entirely hands-free, allowing you to get on with other things while they work. The roomy bowls are designed to contain ingredients, minimising mess. They can also better handle heavier mixes such as pastry and pizza dough. Ultimately, a stand mixer is an upgrade from a hand mixer, but it depends on your budget.

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Rice cookers vary widely, from simple, budget-friendly microwave models, to feature-packed multi-cookers that can handle everything from steaming to slow-cooking. We put a wide selection to the test and found some surprising results.

For inspiration, try using your rice cooker to make Japanese rice/gohan. Many models can also handle recipes like sausage & fennel risotto or a vegetarian mushroom risotto. And, for meal prep enthusiasts, rice cookers are perfect for preparing bases for easy rice salad boxes. Read on to discover the best rice cookers to suit every need and budget.

So, which is the best rice cooker for you? Read on to discover our top buys. For more unbiased expert buyer’s guides, visit our reviews section to find hundreds of round-ups of everything from the best food processors and best slow cookers, to the best coffee machines.

Best rice cookers at a glance

• Best rice cooker for multiple functions: Instant Pot 12-cup Rice Cooker + Steamer, £79.99
• Best rice cooker for versatility: Yum Asia Panda Mini Advanced Fuzzy Logic Ceramic Rice Cooker, £99.90
  
• Best microwave rice cooker: Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine microwave rice cooker, £26
• Best all-round rice cooker: Yum Asia Bamboo Rice Cooker, £199.90
• Best rice cooker for quick results: Gastroback Design Rice Cooker, £79.90
• Best rice cooker for families: Cosori 5.5L rice cooker, £119.99
• Best rice cooker for two people: Lakeland mini electric rice cooker, £34.99
• Best rice cooker for one person: VonShef Mini electric rice cooker, £29.99
• Best rice cooker for simplicity and ease of use: Lakeland 1L Digital Rice Cooker, £49.99

Jump to:

• Best rice cookers to buy in 2025
• How to choose the best rice cooker
• What is ‘fuzzy logic’ on a rice cooker?
• How we tested rice cookers

Best rice cookers to buy in 2025

Instant Pot 12-cup Rice Cooker + Steamer

Available from Amazon (£79), Very (£79), Instant Pot (£79.99), Lakeland (£79.99), Argos (£80)

Best rice cooker for multiple functions

Pros:

• Six pre-set cooking functions
• Clean and minimalist design
• Caters to low-carb diets
• Cooks brilliantly
• Easy to clean by hand
• Makes up to 12 portions of rice

Cons:

• All instructions are online and hard to find
• Unclear what temperature the Slow Cook function is set to
• Keeps warm for up to 12 hours, but warns against longer than 2-4 hours

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 600W

Capacity: 2.8L

Not only does the Instant Pot look good on the countertop, it performs very well too, with enough easy-to-use features to see you through a week of dinners, and plenty of capacity to make extra for leftovers.

White rice turned out light, fluffy and tasted great, even after three hours on the automatic Keep Warm setting. Brown rice was also cooked to perfection, with nutty individual grains, a slight chew and not a hint of mush. The Slow Cooker setting produced a dinner party-worthy mushroom risotto without having to stand at the cooker and stir. The cooking pot, pop-out inner lid and steam basket can all happily go in the dishwasher, though it’s so easy to wipe clean, it’s not necessary. For those following a low-carb diet, there is also the CarbReduce feature, which claims to reduce carbohydrates by up to 40%. With six settings packed into this sleek and compact unit and oodles of recipe potential, this is a worthwhile and hardworking addition to the kitchen.

Yum Asia Panda Mini Advanced Fuzzy Logic ceramic rice cooker

Available from Amazon (£99.90)

Best for versatility

Pros:

• Lots of uses
• Great instructions
• Perfectly cooked rice
• Countdown timer at the end

Cons:

• Quick-cook took longer than anticipated

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 350W

Capacity: 3.5 cup

There’s a lot to like about this rice cooker. For a start, it’s highly versatile. There are settings for long grain, short grain, brown rice and a quick cook but that’s not all . It will also slow cook, steam, make porridge and even bake you a cake. (We made a vegan chocolate cake).

You can also adjust the cooking time with the hour/ minute buttons. Although there was a bit too much plastic packaging and polystyrene for our liking, initial impressions were good. You get a rice spatula, a soup ladle, a measuring cup and a steam basket along with both a quick-start guide (always a big help) and a big instruction book.

We found it very intuitive to use with clear buttons. The outside barely got hot and the machine, which has feet, was very stable. Most importantly, cooking results were spot on. Read our full Yum Asia Panda Mini rice cooker review.

Available from:

• Amazon (£99.90)

Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine microwave rice cooker

Available from Amazon (£17.49), Joseph Joseph (£26)

Best microwave rice cooker

Pros:

• Speed of cooking
• Quality of cooked rice
• Price

Cons:

• Microwave condensation

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: N/A

Capacity: 2 litres

The Joseph Joseph microwave rice cooker is a neat, stylish and efficient cooker that makes from one to six portions of fluffy rice. It's perfect for anyone who wants an easy to use rice cooker. Plus, it makes porridge.

The two-litre cooker is made of durable plastic, with a bright orange rice paddle that neatly doubles up as a handle and lock, plus an inner pot that doubles as a colander for washing the rice. Additionally, with all the parts of this cooker being dishwasher-safe, cleaning it is a doddle. Read our full review of the Joseph Joseph 45002 M-Cuisine microwave rice cooker.

Yum Asia Bamboo Rice Cooker

Available from Amazon (£199.90)

Best all-rounder rice cooker

Pros:

• Responsive touchpad
• Six programmes
• Fuzzy logic microchip
• Induction heater
• Simple to use
• Customisable default timings
• Fluffy separate grains

Cons:

• Rice on crust setting becomes quite hard

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 1110W

Capacity: 8 cups

The Bamboo matches its price tag in the quality of its build, attractive design and the fluffy, flavourful rice it produces. Settings include a 'GABA' option that’s designed to germinate brown rice, and 'Yumami' function for white rice that uses phased temperatures to release sugars for a sweeter flavour. Non-rice programmes include slow cooking, porridge making, steaming and cake baking. Read our full Bamboo IH ceramic rice cooker review.

Available from:

• Amazon (£199.90)

Gastroback Design Rice Cooker

Available from Harts of Stur (£69.90)

Best rice cooker for quick results

Pros:

• Large
• Quick
• Easy to use
• Good green credentials
• Instruction manual is online

Cons:

• No timer
• No different programmes
• Instruction video in German

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 450W

Capacity: 3 litres

Easy and straightforward to use, this scored extra points for speed too. Impressions out of the box are of a solid, quality machine, which you would expect at this price point. There’s a little plastic but plenty of cardboard packaging too. There is no instruction booklet – instead there is a QR code on the box that takes you to the website, where there’s a product video and a link to download the manual.

It’s very east to get this up and running, with clear measurements on the inside showing you how much water to add. Most impressive of all were the cooking times – the Gastroback Design Rice Cooker is a very quick machine. The keep-warm function was highly effective and the bowl washed very easily.

Cosori 5-litre rice cooker and steamer

Available from Amazon (£85.49)

Best rice cooker for families

Pros:

• Good looking
• Varied functionality
• Fluffy, soft rice
• Runs quietly
• Comes with multiple accessories

Cons:

• Large footprint
• Confusing measurements in manual
• Lots of non-recyclable packaging

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 970W

Capacity: 5 litres

This rice cooker comes with multiple functions that easily justify a permanent spot on the counter. Among them are specific presets for rice and grains, slow-cooking, sauté, steam, jam/sauce and cake, plus keep-warm and delay-start settings. A rice paddle, ladle, measuring cup, and 3-litre steam basket are also included.

The manual and quick-start guide are both clearly written. Although some of the units in the cooking chart are overly complicated (for example, to cook long-grain white rice, it advises adding 1 and 3/16 cups of water), we had no issues navigating the controls.

It hummed quietly while it was cooking, beeping for around 15 seconds when the rice was done. We cooked short-grain white rice first for around half an hour, and the texture was good – light, fluffy and soft. Our brown rice was similar, but with a little more bite.

Lakeland mini electric rice cooker

Available from Lakeland (£27.99)

Best rice cooker for two people

Pros:

• Neat size and sturdy build
• Delay function for morning porridge
• Three-year guarantee
• Clear instructions

Cons:

• Longer cooking times than similar models

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 250W

Capacity: 500ml

The Lakeland two-portion rice cooker is small, sturdy and uses intelligent cooking, which requires little intervention to produce great rice. Plus, using the delay timer, it will also make two bowls of porridge while you sleep. The cooker has a small footprint, so it's great when space is tight. We especially love the look and feel of this sturdily built little cooker, and the included three-year guarantee. Cooking white and brown rice takes slightly longer than similar models, but it's worth waiting. Read our full review of the Lakeland two-portion mini electric rice cooker.

VonShef Mini electric rice cooker

Available from VonHaus (£29.99), Amazon (£29.99)

Best rice cooker for one person

Pros:

• Teeny tiny so takes up hardly any space
• Easy to use
• Good results
• Good value
• Reasonably quick

Cons:

• Screw lid feels a bit retro
• No timer

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 200W

Capacity: 300ml

Cheap – but also good value – small and straightforward to use, this is ideal for single- or two-person households, students and holiday homes. It is probably the most basic of all the models we tested. Rather than a switch or button to open and close the lid, you screw it into place and fix it with side clips. There’s nothing fancy like a timer either.

You simply add your rice and water, flick the switch and it cooks it, before switching automatically to keep-warm once it’s done. You can see at a glance whether it is cooking or keeping warm due to lights on the front. Results were excellent – our cup of white rice cooked in 22 minutes and one hour later it was still hot.

Lakeland 1L Digital Rice Cooker

Available from Lakeland (£44.99)

Best rice cooker for simplicity and ease of use

Pros:

• Compact and space-saving
• Clearly labelled presets
• Quick to get started
• Non-stick and quick to clean by hand
• 3-year guarantee
• Easy to carry

Cons:

• Basic two-digit timer
• Not dishwasher safe
• Very steamy on some settings
• Porridge results were disappointing

Star rating: 3/5

Wattage: 400W

Capacity: 1L

This might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other rice cookers on this list, but if you’re looking for a straightforward rice and porridge cooker to feed up to four, this is a good, budget-friendly option. It’s very lightweight at 1.9kg and compact, with a comfortable handle, and the added convenience of being able to detach the cord and store it inside the cooking pot.

There’s all the information needed to get started and measurement guides included in the box, and Lakeland’s generous three-year guarantee offers peace of mind. It won’t go in the dishwasher, but with detachable components and an effectively non-stick pot, it’s easy to clean by hand, even after making porridge.

While it will keep foodstuffs warm for up to 12 hours, when testing, we found the white rice to be a little toasty and sticky after 1.5 hours. The wholegrain rice, on the other hand, looked and tasted excellent just cooked and after being kept warm. We were excited by the promise of creamy porridge for breakfast, however, after the pre-set 60 minutes, ours was a little gluey, though easily rectified by adding more milk.

Other rice cookers tried and tested

• Lékué rice cooker review, £21.99

How to choose the best rice cooker

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a rice cooker:

Size

Before looking at what's available, know what size you need to help steer your choice. Rice cookers can be bulky, so consider the available space in your kitchen before buying.

A 500ml cooker will produce up to two portions, while the largest on test (6 litres) will make eight portions.

Glass or sealed lid?

A glass lid is usually found on simpler, cheaper models. This means you can watch the rice cooking, which is missing on sealed models. However, as rice cooking is quite vigorous, the lids tend to spit out water and steam at the edges, which can be dangerous.

Sealed lids are often only on more expensive rice and multi-cookers and usually have a vent, making them safer and far less messy.

Single-purpose

These machines are dedicated to cooking rice only, with a few offering vegetable steaming and porridge functions. Single-purpose rice cookers should come with instructions for cooking different rice types and usually include a measuring cup for the rice and water as well as a rice paddle. If you cook rice often and have room to store a machine, this option could be for you.

Multi-purpose

A multi-cooker can be a tremendous space-saving machine as it rolls several functions – steaming, slow or pressure cooking and more – into one machine. Multi-cookers are more expensive, but offer greater flexibility than just cooking rice.

With many functions in one machine, it may at first seem complicated, but this tends to get easier with use. However, when the multi-cooker is used consistently to cook strong-flavoured foods like curries and stews, or for air- or deep-frying, it will eventually taint the flavour of rice. Therefore, rice purists may prefer a single-purpose cooker.

What is ‘fuzzy logic’ on a rice cooker?

Basic rice cookers use a thermal sensor to determine when the rice is done. When the contents of the pan go above a fixed temperature, the machine either turns off or switches to a keep-warm mode.

Top-of-the-range cookers use 'fuzzy logic' processors, which are programmed to make precise adjustments to cooking time and temperature in response to sensors in the cooker. For example, the ambient temperature in a kitchen can affect how fast a rice cooker works.

In the same way that a chef would lower the heat under a vigorously boiling pan, a fuzzy processor will lower the temperature of the rice cooker's heating element if the rice is cooking too quickly on a hot day.

Fuzzy logic cookers often have different programmes for different types of rice. Each program will have a unique heating/soaking cycle and temperature range for optimum cooking.

Basic rice cookers are cheaper and produce good results, particularly if you tend to cook the same type of rice. Fuzzy logic cookers are better at cooking different rices, but they have a higher price tag.

How we tested rice cookers

Quality of cooked rice: each cooker was tested with white and brown rice. We looked for precise cooking that resulted in fluffy, clump-free white rice and al dente brown. Where available, we used the 'keep-warm' function to assess whether this was detrimental to the finished rice in any way.

Safety: we looked at how hot the cooker got while cooking, the amount of steam or spluttering from the lid and the cooker's stability on the worktop, including non-slip feet.

Multi-cookers: rice cooking and the finished quality was our primary concern, including any specific functions for rice cooking, such as risotto. The cooker had to be easy to understand and use. We also tested the quality and ease of cleaning the inner pot, assembly of the cooker and the ease of packing it away. Weight of carrying the multi-cooker was also important to us.

Extras: useful added extras, such as measuring cups, spoons, spatulas and colanders for rinsing, were considered. We looked at the usefulness of extra functions, including delayed start and keep-warm functions.

Size: footprint and height relative to the capacity was considered. The convenience of hinged lids was weighed against the height they took up when open.

Ease of use:  we looked for cookers with intuitive interfaces, easy to press buttons and responsive touchscreens. We looked for clear instruction manuals with accurate advice on water-to-rice ratios.

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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. 

Do you use a rice cooker? We'd love to hear your product suggestions. Leave a comment below:

These versatile bits of kit aren’t just reserved for toasting sandwiches; many come with different plates for different tasks. Some have waffle plates, others have flat plates and grill plates for toasted sandwiches, some even open up flat for table-top grilling.

I tested a range of different models to find the best sandwich toaster for you – read on to discover our recommendations.

Best sandwich toasters at a glance

• Best sandwich toaster for versatility: Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker, £44.99
• Best deep-fill sandwich toaster: Breville Ultimate Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster, £34
• Best sandwich toaster for toasties and more: Cuisinart Sandwich Toaster, £97.96
• Best sandwich toaster with removable plates: Cuisinart 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Toaster, £95.01
• Best sandwich toaster for design and build: Sage The Perfect Press, £99.95
• Best sandwich toaster grill: George Foreman Steel Grill, £39.99
• Best budget sandwich maker: Daewoo SDA1389, £23.99
• Best sandwich toaster for single toasties: Breville Solo SnackMaster, £24.99

Jump to:

• Best sandwich toasters to buy in 2025
• How to choose the best sandwich toaster
• How I tested sandwich toasters

Best sandwich toasters to buy in 2025

Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker

Available from Amazon (£34.99), Currys (£34.99), John Lewis and Partners (£34.99), Philips (£44.99)

Best sandwich toaster for versatility

Pros:

• Intuitive set-up and controls
• Pleasing toastie results
• Effective non-stick
• 3 in 1 compact machine
• Space-saving design
• Handles chunky breads with ease

Cons:

• Not dishwasher-friendly
• Waffles are slow to cook

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 750W

It’s hard to find fault with the Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker. While not the most sleek toaster on test, it is comfortable to use, solid, well-made and satisfied on the taste tests. A compact and versatile machine with plates that pop out at the push of a button, allowing you to switch smoothly between a traditional pocket toastie, waffle maker and panini grill.

Cheese toasties were well browned and sealed, melt in the middle and soft in all the right places, with not a bit of residue leftover on the plates, and the unit locked easily down onto the thick slices of sourdough. The plates were a tad small for standard sliced bread, but I can forgive some asymmetry at this price point, and toasted well. The waffles took much longer than expected at almost six minutes for a round of two, but they tasted great and were crispy and fluffy enough to absorb the oodles of maple syrup I drizzled over them.

When it came to cleaning up, out popped the plates to be wiped clean. I like that they’re non-stick without needing to pre-grease with oil or butter. The lead wraps neatly into the base of the unit and it can be stored on its side.

Outperforming others on test for half the price, it is a versatile and good value friend to have in the kitchen.

Breville two-slice deep fill sandwich toaster

Best deep-fill sandwich toaster

Pros:

• Well-built product
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• On the expensive side for a single-purpose machine

Star rating: 4.5/5

Breville is probably the best-known brand of sandwich toaster out there. This is a solid and substantial machine and one you'd expect to last for a long time. Despite the misleading name, it actually makes two sandwiches at a time, making it ideal for a small family.

It comes with detailed instructions and heats up quickly, plus it has a high hinge so you can make deep-filled toasties. It created the perfect sandwich in four minutes – well browned with a good seal. Read our full review of the Breville two-slice deep fill sandwich toaster.

Cuisinart sandwich maker

Best sandwich toaster for toasties and more

Pros:

• Sleek
• Attractive
• Well designed
• Great stand-alone recipe book
• Choice of three heat settings

Cons:

• Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

Solid, sturdy and stylish, this is a sandwich toaster that’s built to last. It comes with clear instructions and a well-designed recipe book. The machine is the only one I tested that allowed me to choose whether to cook our sandwich on 'low', 'medium' or 'high', which is perfect if you're fussy about such things.

I tested the Cuisinart using standard bread and paninis. The sandwich toaster coped well with the deeper fillings and there was no problem securing the latch. The sandwiches were very brown after four minutes on high and really crispy.

This is a product that really does cater for all tastes. The plates are easy to remove for cleaning and, joy of joys, fit into the dishwasher to make clearing up quick and easy. Read our full review of the Cuisinart sandwich maker.

Cuisinart 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker

Best sandwich toaster with removable plates

Pros:

• Grill plates are interchangeable
• Dishwasher-safe
• Dial control for different temperatures
• Materials good quality
• Small footprint

Cons:

• Takes a long time to heat up
• Only space for one panini

Star rating: 4.5/5

This high-quality and stylish sandwich maker from Cuisinart features grill and toastie plates, making it a versatile piece of kit. The plates are easily changed thanks to the release buttons on the side of the machine. The plates are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

In test, both the toastie plates and grill plates produced fantastic results. I enjoyed deep, generously filled toasties and crisp paninis with well-defined grill lines. There is also a comprehensive manual and useful recipe book with some delicious sounding dishes. It’s quick to cook, but like our first place Cuisinart, it’s slow to heat up. Read our review of the Cuisinart 2 in 1 Grill and Sandwich Maker.

Sage The Perfect Press

Available from Harts of Stur (£98.95), Very (£99), Sage (£99.95), Amazon (£99.95)

Best sandwich toaster for design and build

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Built to last
• Makes a speedy grilled cheese toastie
• Stores away neatly
• Excellent non-stick
• Easy to wipe clean
• Multiple functions

Cons:

• Expensive
• Didn’t perform well in all tests

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 1500W

This brushed stainless steel beauty, with its gold hinge detailing, looks and feels like a quality piece of kit that is built to last. Look after it and Sage Perfect Press will serve you well for years to come.

With its ability to flatten and toast in two minutes with impressive ease, this is great for fans of the pan-cooked grilled cheese sandwich, though those used to more traditional pocket toasties might miss the indulgence of cheese oozing out as you bite.

While the sliced white toastie was crispy and looked the part, there was so much cheese lost onto the grill plates, it lacked that desired cheesy taste, despite using a full-flavoured cheddar. The results were slightly better with ciabatta, however, similarly, a lot of cheese had melted out or into the bread, and it took much longer to brown. The Perfect Press can also be set to Open Melt, however, it lacks enough oomph to create the delicious bubbly browned effect of a traditional grill.

The smooth flat plates make it easy to toast a variety of bread types and sizes, while the weighted “crush control”, flattens the sandwich with ease, and with some trial and error I can see it delivering delicious results. It would be perfect for toasting a ham and cheese croissant or a more elaborately-packed sandwich.

George Foreman Steel Grill

Best sandwich toaster grill

Pros:

• Floating hinge sits flat on food
• Plate has large surface area
• Slim
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Plates cannot be removed
• Toasts a little unevenly

Star rating: 4/5

This is a classic George Foreman grill; it has a floating hinge and slanted plates with a non-stick coating. There’s little set up required and it takes just two minutes to heat up. There's also a floating hinge that sits the lid lightly on sandwiches.

Our toasties and paninis were super crisp and perfectly melted. There’s a large surface area to play with and I found I could comfortably fit four sandwiches on the grill at once, however I did find that this model browns bread a little unevenly. Read our full review of the George Foreman Steel Grill.

Daewoo SDA1389

Best budget sandwich maker

Pros:

• Affordable
• No set-up needed
• Cord storage

Cons:

• Plates cannot be removed
• Plates are very large
• Some more information needed in instruction manual

Star rating: 4/5

This cheap and cheerful toastie maker from Daewoo produces toasties with a neat scallop design. Like a couple of other models on the list, I found the toastie plates a bit too large for standard supermarket bread. Despite this, all sandwiches were tightly sealed.

Both our classic cheese toasties and deep filled toasties took around six minutes to cook. They were relatively well-browned with no leaks. I'd have like to have seen a little more even browning, but for the price, it produces great results. Read our full review of the Daewoo SDA1389.

Breville Solo SnackMaster

Available from Amazon (£24.99)

Best sandwich toaster for single toasties

Pros:

• Looks good
• Simple to use
• Tackles artisan breads brilliantly
• Multiple cooking options
• Stores away neatly

Cons:

• Plates need to be buttered before use
• Cheese oozes out the sides when cooking
• Hard to clean
• Performed poorly on some tests

Star rating: 3.5/5

Wattage: 1200W

This neat, sleek device – available in matte black or white - does more than cheese toasties, with a wavy top plate and flat bottom plate, you could have a lot of fun experimenting with its recipe suggestions for everything from pasties and omelettes to sausages and sponge cake. A QR code on the box links to copious recipe ideas for breakfast through to dinner and dessert.

The Breville Solo SnackMaster wasn’t the best toaster on test for a simple sliced white bread toasted sandwich (cheese oozed out even following the guides, and the edges didn’t seal), but the results with ciabatta, were excellent. The manufacturer’s advice to spread the outside of the bread with butter, was a little disappointing, as a good non-stick plate shouldn’t need this, and when it came to cleaning the fixed plates, despite much effort I couldn’t get all of the cheese out of the edges.

No fancy functions, just switch it on and wait three minutes for it to heat up. This would be ideal for one or two people, someone leaving home or going to university.

How to choose the best sandwich toaster

Before making a purchase, consider what you want to use your toastie maker or sandwich toaster for. Are you looking to make bog-standard cheese toasties or are you after a multifaceted machine that can be used a couple of different ways?

Toastie maker vs sandwich maker

A cheese toastie is one of life’s simple pleasures: crisp bread plus oozing melted cheese, what’s not to like? For these timeless classics, opt for a toastie maker. If you’re a fan of thick bread or like lots of filling, choose a ‘deep fill’ toastie maker.

If you’re looking to make deli-style toasted sandwiches, best choose a sandwich maker. These wont seal your sandwich like a toastie maker, but will impart those tell-tale chargrilled lines. A sandwich maker also allows you to be a lot more generous (and creative) with your fillings.

Size

Consider how many people are in your household and how much space you have to store your machine. On the whole, toastie makers tend to make 2 toasties at a time and are generally compact and easy to store. Sandwich makers are bigger, but are great for larger households.

Clean-up

Molten cheese and other greasy ingredients can be difficult to clean. Some machines have removable plates that can either be hand washed or even popped in the dishwasher. Others have plates that can’t be removed, so will need to be cleaned with a damp cloth.

How I tested sandwich toasters

I tested a range of sandwich toasters and toastie makers and used them to make a simple cheese toastie, a deep filled toastie, a filled panini, and if a model came with waffle plates, I made Good Food's plain waffles, too. I used all plates supplied to test against the following criteria:

Ease of use
Sandwich toasters and toastie makers are designed to do a simple job. I made sure that each model tested was straightforward to use.

Versatility
Many of the sandwich toasters and toastie makers I tested come with different plates for different tasks, such as grilling plates, waffle plates, and even flat plancha-style plates. I tested these out to see how well they performed.

Cooking results
I looked for toasties that were evenly browned and crisp. Fillings, such as cheese, should be totally melted. For those machines with waffle plates, I wanted to see waffles that were fully cooked, soft and evenly browned.

Value for money
I scored each sandwich toaster for its value for money, taking into account the accessories provided and its performance.

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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. 

Do you use a toastie maker? We'd love to hear your product suggestions…

Not only do our favourite food processors slice, dice, blend and chop to perfection, but they also make grating, grinding and even dough making a breeze. Safety features ensure there's no need to sacrifice your fingertips in the process. As you whizz through ingredients for your favourite dishes at record speed, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one.

I tried out a range of Good Food recipes and prepared basic ingredients to select the best machines on the market. I prepped everything from classic pesto to pizza dough, Thai green curry paste to precision-sliced spuds for delicious Dauphinoise.

Read on to discover our choice of food processors that are sure to be firm fixtures on the Good Food kitchen worktop. The latest additions were tested by Elaine Lemm.

Best food processors at a glance

• Best high-tech food processor: Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power Blender and Food Processor, £229.99
• Best food processor: Sage the Paradice 9, £299.95
• Best easy to use food processor: ProCook 3-litre Food Processor, £179
• Best small food processor: Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor, £59.99
• Best Ninja food processor: Ninja Food Processor with Auto-IQ BN650UK, £119.99
• Best Magimix food processor: Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor, £490
• Best 3-in-1 food processor: Ninja 3-in-1 food processor with Auto IQ BN800UK, £199.99
• Best Kenwood food processor: Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pro Food Processor, £199.99
• Best food processor with built-in scales: Kenwood MultiPro Express Weigh+ food processor, £149.95
• Best basic food processor: Cuisinart FP8U Easy Prep Pro, £140
• Best compact food processor: KitchenAid 2.1-litre food processor, £199
• Best food processor and blender: Russell Hobbs Desire food processor, £74.99
• Best small food processor and blender: Magic Bullet Kitchen Express, £69.99

Jump to section:

• Best food processors to buy in 2025
• Other food processors tested and rated
• What is a food processor?
• What can a food processor be used for?
• What does a food processor do?
• How we tested food processors

Best food processors to buy in 2025

Ninja Detect 3-in-1 Power Blender and Food Processor

Available from Amazon (£219.99), John Lewis and Partners (£229), Ninja (£229.99), Currys (£229.99)

Best high-tech food processor

Pros: 

• BlendSense for automatic functions
• Dishwasher safe (except for the base)
• Multi-function – covers all needs
• Easy and intuitive to use

Cons: 

• Noisy

Star rating: 5/5

Renowned brand Ninja have brought the latest technology to their 3-in-1 Power Blender and Food Processor: a fierce, sturdily built machine ready to take on any task thrown at it with its 1200W motor, a chopping and a dough blade and a seriously sharp slicing/shredding disc.

The processor bowl has a decent 1.8-litre capacity, with preset options for large, small and an even smaller, mince mode. These made short work of everything I gave it, and it excelled on the onion test. First, I did a medium chop, then a mince, and the result was beautiful, tiny, evenly chopped pieces.

I whipped up a pizza dough in seconds using the intelligent BlendSense function, which calculates the amount and type of ingredients and processes them to create a tight, well-blended dough ball. I sliced potatoes, grated cheese, flew through carrots, and pulverised bread into crumbs. The Ninja Detect is an excellent, well-built machine with a wealth of features for both beginners and keen cooks.

• Wattage: 1200W
• Working capacity: 1.8 Food Processor Bowl
• Accessories: Detect Total Chopping Blade, Dough Blade, Slicing/Shredding Blade, Hybrid Edge Blades

Sage the Paradice 9 food processor

Available from Sage (£299.95), Currys (£299.99)

Best food processor

Pros:

• In-built storage caddy
• Powerful motor with 30-year warranty
• Range of accessories
• Good capacity without being too bulky
• Cord storage

Cons:

• Dicer blade doesn't catch all ingredients

Star rating: 5/5

Owning a food processor with lots of attachments can be a huge win in terms of versatility, but less so when it comes to storage – especially if you have a small kitchen, like I do. Sage has gone some way to solving this with its newest model, the Paradice 9, which melds a roomy 2.1-litre capacity with a compact, well-thought-out design.

This is all thanks to the integrated storage caddy, which slots neatly on top of the food processor when it's not in use. Navigating where each part sits takes some practice (I'd advise using the manual for guidance), but the attachments are colour-coded and there are clear markings on the bowl and lid too.

One speed setting and a pulse function are selectable on the front of the food processor, and in test I found the motor was powerful and efficient – blitzing through ingredients in just a few seconds. The dicer blade had some difficulty pushing through all the onion, leaving around half a centimetre stuck at the top, but otherwise produced uniform results.

• Wattage: 650W
• Working capacity: 2.1L
• Accessories: one bowl, chopping 's' blade, reversible shredder (coarse and fine), adjustable slicer (15 levels), dough blade, 12mm dicing blade

ProCook 3-litre Food Processor

Available from ProCook (£179)

Best easy to use food processor

Pros:

• Intuitive controls
• Easy to use
• Lockable storage box
• Preset and variable speed settings

Cons:

• On the heavy side

Star rating: 5/5

The Procook food processor comes in a large box, as it features not only a generous, sturdy food processor base and bowl but also includes a handsome, lockable storage box for the accessories. All the blades, discs and whisks are tucked neatly away, and I believe every food processor should have one of these, as it creates a safer environment, particularly when children are present.

The processor was so easy to assemble that the instruction book was barely needed. There’s a choice of five presets which take away any guesswork on speed or time when chopping, making dough or processing eggs, a pulse button, plus a much-welcome cleaning function. The variable speed button allows the machine to transition from gentle to super-powerful at the top end. With this power, I was relieved that the machine stayed firmly in place on the worktop. All the test results were excellent and the built-in cleaning program made clearing up quick and easy.

The ProCook is a superb, sturdy, hard-working machine that would be great in any kitchen.

• Wattage: 1300W
• Working capacity: 3-litre Food Processor Bowl
• Accessories: storage box, 4 grater/slicer/ julienne discs, whisk, emulsifying disc, two sharp bowl blades

Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor

Available from Amazon (£48.98), Kenwood (£49.99), Hughes (£54)

Best small food processor

Pros:

• Compact
• Attractive
• Integrated cord storage
• Intuitive
• Express serve attachment saves time and effort
• Good value

Cons:

• No handle on the bowl

Star rating: 5/5

If you're after a no-frills food processor, this compact Kenwood model handles the basics brilliantly. It comes with an express serve bowl attachment, so you can process ingredients from the bowl into the pan. The wrap-around cord storage ensures its footprint stays minimal.

Despite its small size, it has a powerful motor that dices, slices and grates with ease. While I found the lack of handle on the bowl frustrating, its silicone feet help keep it firmly on the worktop.

There's just one speed and a pulse function for shorter bursts of power, but what this food processor lacks in versatility, it more than makes up for in efficiency, intuitiveness and style.

• Wattage: 650W
• Working capacity: 1.3L
• Accessories: two bowls, chopping blade, reversible disc for slicing and grating, express serve disc

Read our full Kenwood MultiPro Go food processor review.

Ninja Food Processor with Auto-IQ BN650UK

Available from AO (£119), Hughes (£119.99), Ninja (£119.99)

Best Ninja food processor

Pros:

• Good selection of presets
• Measurements and markers up the side of the mixing bowl
• Powerful performance
• Compact design
• Comes with everything you’d need for everyday processing

Cons:

• Loud
• Short one-year guarantee

Star rating: 5/5

Ninja is well known for its powerful pieces of kitchen kit, and this model, despite the low price tag, delivers impressive performance with oomph.

The BN650UK is Ninja’s budget food processor offering and as such it doesn’t come with all the added extras such as blender jugs and takeaway cups. But if you’re looking for a food processor that performs basic chopping, grating, kneading and slicing tasks exceptionally well, this Ninja is a must-buy.

This model comes with four Auto IQ presets for chopping, puréeing, slicing and mixing, as well as the usual low, high and pulse manual settings. I couldn’t fault the results as this model worked its way through every test with absolute ease. For added convenience the bowl and attachments are dishwasher-safe (top rack only). Our only minor gripe was that it is rather loud.

• Wattage: 850W
• Working capacity: 2.1L
• Accessories: chopping blade, dough blade, reversible slicing/grating disc

Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor

Available from AO (£319), Amazon (£319)

Best Magimix food processor

Pros: 

• Robust
• High-quality efficient machine
• Great recipe book

Cons:

• On the heavy side

Star rating: 5/5

This impressive food processor from Magimix will take care of most processing jobs needed in the kitchen, from shredding and grating, to blending, puréeing and slicing. It can also handle a very good rapid-knead pizza dough and much more. This well-made machine, with a clever three-bowl system, makes it one of the most versatile on our test. The controls are simple, straightforward and so good-looking I didn't want to put this in the cupboard.

• Wattage: 950W
• Working capacity: 1.3L
• Accessories: three bowls, two chopping blades, two grating discs (2mm & 4mm), two slicing discs (2mm & 4mm), BlenderMix ring (for blending), dough blade, egg whisk, spatula, storage box

Read our full Magimix 4200XL 18473 food processor review.

Ninja 3-in-1 food processor with Auto-IQ

Available from Ninja (£169.99), Robert Dyas (£169.99)

Best 3-in-1 food processor 

Pros:

• Intuitive, with fast and excellent results across the board

Cons:

• Lacks a storage box

Star rating: 5/5

The Ninja 3-in-1 combines three types of food processing into one machine, with a roomy food processor jug, sturdy glass blender and single-serve blender. This can be used for smoothies and juices to go, or to make small amounts of sauces and spice mixes.

It's a fiercely efficient machine with a 1200-watt motor that can work through ingredients (whether chopped, mixed, grated, sliced, blended or puréed) in seconds. This machine’s IQ to select the correct process for each jug used makes it stand out in my test.

• Wattage: 1200W
• Working capacity: Food processor - 1.8L, blender - 2.1L
• Accessories: Blender jug and lid, stacked chopping blades, blender blades, 700ml cup, reversible slicing/grating disc, disc adapter, dough blade, chopping blade

Read our full Ninja 3-in-1 food processor review.

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pro Food Processor

Available from Kenwood (£169), Amazon (£169), Currys (£169), John Lewis and Partners (£169)

Best Kenwood food processor

Pros:

• Integrated weighing scales
• Good range of accessories
• Touch Clean function
• One-touch controls
• Excellent dough function

Cons:

• Main body easily marks with fingerprints
• Instruction booklet is difficult to read
• Only a one-year guarantee

Star rating: 4.5/5

Unpacking the Kenwood Multi ProOne Touch processor requires a little sorting before testing, as it comes with layers of discs, blades and accessories that need to be organised first. Once that was sorted, I tackled the instruction book, a hefty tome with mainly illustrations and some text, which I found unwieldy to navigate. Assembly and use are intuitive, though a beginner may struggle.

From then on, I loved working with this machine. There are six presets plus a custom one-touch digital function buttons; a favourite was the dough function, which revs up and slows down until it ends with a well-kneaded piece of dough. And joy of joys, a self-clean function too. Alongside these are the manual speed controls, which allow for a little more control, as I did with the chopped onions, taking the gold star. I found the Express Serve (the funnel that shoots out chopped ingredients) a little messy, but everything else, from the integrated weighing scales to the juicer, slicing, grating, chopping and blending was exceptional.

• Wattage: 1000W
• Working capacity: 3-litre Food Processor Bowl
• Accessories: Dough blade, dual whisk, 2mm & 4mm slicing and grating discs, 2 blades, spatula

Kenwood MultiPro Express Weigh+ food processor

Available from Amazon (£149.95)

Best food processor with built-in scales

Pros:

• Useful built-in scales

Cons:

• Confusing amount of accessories

Star rating: 4.5/5

The Kenwood MultiPro lives up to its name, as this multi-functional food processor is stacked with versatility. The 1000-watt motor packs a punch and the many chopping, grating, slicing, shredding, stirring, whisking and blending functions are quick and easy to use once you get your head around the multitude of accessories included. Our favourite has to be the accurate built-in scales, which weighs directly into the jug – this saves so much time and the need for other equipment on a busy work surface.

• Wattage: 1000W
• Working capacity: Food processor - 3L, blender - 1.5L
• Accessories: Glass blender, Express Serve and Express Dice accessories, citrus juicer, metal whisk, 2mm and 4mm reversible slicing/grating discs, extra fine grating disc, chopping blade, dough blade

Read our full Kenwood MultiPro Express Weigh+ review.

Cuisinart FP8U Easy Prep Pro

Available from Cuisinart (£80)

Best basic food processor

Pros:

• High-quality components
• Attractive design

Cons:

• No jug attachment

Star rating: 4.5/5

This is a great food processor if you're looking for a reasonably priced machine that will do the basics with minimum fuss. The components are pared back but highly effective, working through ingredients quickly and efficiently. The materials all feel well-made, from the stylish outer shell to the strong blades.

• Wattage: 350W
• Working capacity: Large bowl - 1.9L, small bowl - 0.7L
• Accessories: Small and large chopping blades, small and large reversible slicing and grating discs

Read our full Cuisinart Easy Prep Pro review.

KitchenAid 2.1-litre food processor

Available from Amazon (£178.03)

Best compact food processor

Pros:

• Small footprint
• Easy to store
• Innovative reversible stacking discs
• Quiet
• Oil drizzler

Cons:

• Not great at finely blitzing smaller quantities

Star rating: 4.5/5
The KitchenAid's style and small footprint are the first things I noticed about this machine. It's compact (about the width of a large kettle), lightweight, easy to unpack and manoeuvre, and sports handy grooves at its base. Non-slip feet keep it stable once settled.

Each component and accessory feel quality-made and built to last. This is a step-down in size from the 3.1L KitchenAid, so better suited to those who don't want to bulk-blitz ingredients, but do want a practical machine for everyday use.

• Wattage: 250W
• Working capacity: 2.1L
• Accessories: Dough blade, chopping blade, reversible slicing and grating blade, julienne disc, refrigerator lid, whisk accessory

Read our full KitchenAid 2.1L food processor review.

Russell Hobbs Desire food processor

Available from Amazon (£62.49)

Best food processor and blender

Pros:

• Dishwasher-safe bowls and attachments
• 1.5-litre jug blender
• 2.5-litre food processor bowl
• Non-slip feet, cord storage

Cons: 

• 1.5-litre usable capacity within the 2.5-litre food processor bowl

Star rating: 4.5/5

At around £50, this 2-in-1 food processor and blender set offers great versatility for the price. Despite only having one reversible slicing and shredding disk, it over-performs. The simplicity of this model actually plays in its favour.

• Wattage: 600W
• Working capacity: Food processor - 1.5L, blender - 1.5L
• Accessories: chopping blade, slicing/shredding disc, dough blade, creaming disc

Read our full Russell Hobbs Desire food processor review.

Magic Bullet Kitchen Express

Available from Amazon (£59.99), Very (£69)

Best small food processor and blender

Pros: 

• Small
• Compact and fierce

Cons:

• No storage for all the bits and pieces

Star rating: 4.5/5

The Magic Bullet Express is a compact, multi-use processor and blender all in one machine that takes up little space. The sturdy machine comes with a generous work bowl for its size, plus a separate small blender attachment that neatly fits onto one of the two tall cups for smoothies using the to-go lid. The processor also has a reversible slice or shred disc. Packed with a powerful 250-watt motor, this is not only a versatile machine, but a pretty ferocious one, too.

• Wattage: 250W
• Working capacity: Food processor - 0.83L, blender - 0.8L
• Accessories: Chopping blade, reversible slicing and shredding disc, blender blade, two travel cups

Read our full Magic Bullet Kitchen Express review.

Other food processors tested and rated

• KitchenAid 1.7-litre food processor, £169

What is a food processor?

A food processor is an appliance designed to act as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. One key benefit of a food processor is that it's a multitasker, often coming with various accessories and functions. Almost all use a rotating gear to turn their various accessories, which will typically include extra discs for slicing or grating, alongside the main blade arrays for chopping or mixing.

Some food processors come loaded with additional blender accessories, so you can tick two appliance boxes with one purchase.

Before choosing the best food processor for you, you need to ask yourself which functions you’d like it to perform. All food processors will come with a chopping blade as standard. This can be used for most tasks, including making hummus, cauliflower rice, even homemade tomato sauce. And then there are other attachments to consider. Some of the most common attachments include:

• Dough blade: looking not dissimilar to the chopping blade, this is often made from plastic with a dull edge and shorter arms. As the name suggests, it can be used to knead all kinds of dough.
• Shredding disc: this has teeth like the kind you have on a grater. Ideal for grating cheese, carrot and chocolate while keeping your knuckles safe
• Slicing disc: for super-even slices. On some models only one thickness of slice is available – on higher-end models you’re able to adjust the thickness

The more expensive, premium food processors often come with these additional extras:

• Dicing and French-fry attachments: to produce perfect cubes of hard ingredients or batons for French fries
• Different-sized bowls: an additional small bowl that fits inside the main bowl makes life a lot easier if you’re only looking to process a small quantity of food

You should also consider how much of a technical challenge you are willing to tackle. As a rule, the more functions a food processor has, the more complex it will be to assemble and use correctly.

What can a food processor be used for?

Many of the food processors on this list come with a whole host of attachments. But the majority, as standard, will come with attachments for slicing, grating, chopping and kneading. Some models will come with additional blender or mini chopper attachments, which offer an added level of versatility, but even the core accessories render the humble food processor a truly multi-functional appliance.

• Achieve uniform results with the slicing attachment; you can make: crispy garlic and rosemary slices, boulangere potatoes, dauphinoise potatoes, butternut dauphinoise, fennel dauphinoise, pickled red cabbage, potato and radish salad, coconut chicken with cucumber salad
• Whizz through laborious grating tasks with the grating attachment, make: honey, parsnip and coconut cake, rosti fish cake, walnut and almond muesli with grated apple, grilled corn with garlic mayo and grated cheese, chocolate courgette cake, easy creamy coleslaw, oven-baked rosti cake
• Knead a variety of doughs with the dough blade: homemade pasta, pizza dough, edible cookie dough, vanilla shortbread dough, iced buns with cream and jam, raspberry and almond traybake
  Some caveats: we recommend running the food processor on low to avoid being too aggressive with the dough. You’ll likely have to use a smaller quantity than the original recipe as processor bowls have smaller capacities than stand mixers, for example.
• The chopping blade is the most versatile of all the attachments and will likely be the most-used. These sharp blades are great for everything from chopping to pureeing. Make: Thai green curry paste, Tom Kerridge’s madras curry paste, chocolate and hazelnut thumbprint cookies, cauliflower rice, frozen tropical fruit yogurt.

There are countless uses for a food processor, a small selection of which have been detailed above. The action of the machine is modified by switching between attachments – so you might set it up with a disc attachment to chop some ingredients, then switch to a blade to mix those ingredients into a sauce or paste. Food processors are multifunctional and multipurpose, and are useful for making sweet and savoury dishes alike.

What does a food processor do?

Depending on the attachment used, a food processor can be used to chop, grate, knead and slice a whole host of ingredients, making them one of the most versatile kitchen appliances. But what’s the difference between a food processor and a blender?

As the table shows, although both appliances have the ability to chop and blend, they are two very different bits of kit, and as such are not mutually exclusive. Think of a food processor as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, the tool you pass off your prep work to or use for chunky dips, purees, as well as dry processing tasks. Choose your blender when you need to achieve smooth liquid results, think: soups, smoothies, cocktails and crushed ice.

How we tested food processors

We tested a variety of different food processors that ranged in price from budget buys to pricier blowout models. We also tested basic models that performed simple chopping and slicing tasks to behemoths that come with a vast variety of different attachments and accessories.

To put each food processor to the test we tested each of their attachments as well as their ease of use, ease of cleaning, as well as other factors like how sturdy they were on the kitchen counter and how much noise they made.

As well as grating and slicing a range of produce (carrots, potatoes, herbs, nuts, onions) we also made a pasta dough to put the dough blade to the test, and a Thai green curry paste and classic pesto to test the slicing blade at two different speeds.

We tested the food processors using set criteria and scored each one on the following core areas out of five. The average of all determined the overall star rating they achieved:

• Ease of use: we looked for easy to assemble blades and bowls. We noted whether the food processor was suitable for left and right handed users, depending on what side the handle sat on, the bowl and lid needed to lock into place with ease without being too loose either. We also looked for intuitive controls.
• Performance: after making each dish or preparing each ingredient we checked that the results were what we were looking for. The pasta dough needed to be smooth with a slight spring back, both the curry paste and pesto needed to be processed to a smooth texture with no chunky, un-chopped bits, and we looked for even and consistently sliced and grated ingredients.
• Value for money: we asked whether the performance, ease of use, additional attachments and accessories, and quality of the food processor justified the price.
• Ease of cleaning and upkeep: each food processor needed to be easy to clean, with no difficult-to-access dirt traps. We liked models that offered the added convenience of dishwashing.
• Overall quality of materials: a sturdy, well-weighted base, robust bowl and equally hardy accessories all scored well. If any of the elements felt as though they could easily break or strained when testing, these were marked down.
• Sustainability: we wanted to see food processors arrive with recyclable packaging. We looked for long warranties, and a manual with clear information about spare parts as well as how to easily recycle the food processor after use.

Find out more about how testing works at Good Food by heading over to our how we test page.

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A variety of shapes and sizes will come in handy, especially if they can be stacked in a nest for storage. We find that angular, four-sided options are the most practical choice, as they use space more efficiently in cupboards than round pots.

We’ve also included glass storage containers, as they are less likely to discolour over time or absorb smells and flavours from the contents. You’ll often find they can be transferred straight from the freezer to the oven. Obviously, they’re a heavier alternative to plastic containers, so consider how you’ll be using your food storage – they might surprise you with added features.

Discover our picks of the best reusable plastic, glass and eco food storage containers, picked by Good Food experts.

If you’re kitting out your cupboards, our top kitchen storage solutions and the best kitchen essentials could provide some inspiration for stress-free cooking. There are also over 400 guides in our reviews section, including the best fridge freezers, best kombucha and best juicers to name a few.

Best food storage containers at a glance

• Best flexible food storage containers: OXO Silicone Reusable Bags, from £15
• Best glass storage containers: Zyliss 4 piece glass container set, £45
• Best food storage containers for meal prep: Black + Blum meal prep containers, from £42.95
• Best eco food storage containers: Lock & Lock eco 3-piece set, £5.50
• Best affordable glass containers: IKEA 365+ glass storage container with lid, £4
• Best sealed plastic containers: Sistema KLIP IT food storage container, £12
• Best affordable food storage set: Lakeland 10-piece stack-a-box set, £9.99
• Best multi-purpose food storage set: Joseph Joseph 5-piece nest storage, £35
• Best manual container with airtight seal: OXO Good Grips POP containers, £10.20

Best food storage containers 2025

Good Food in partnership with Tower set of 3 canisters

Available from Tower (£23.99 with code: GFUNI40)

These canisters strike a good balance between practicality and style. Each 1.5 litre container is ideal for storing everyday items like tea, coffee or sugar while airtight silicone lids keep contents fresh for longer. The glass windows make it easy to check stock levels without opening and the non-slip bases add stability while protecting surfaces. Easy to clean with just a quick wipe, they’re built for convenience as well as durability. The stainless steel bodies with a mirror finish bring a touch of elegance, so they look as good on your worktop as they perform.

Shop now and save 40% at Tower with code: GFUNI40

Available from:

• Tower (£23.99 with code: GFUNI40)

Good Food in partnership with Tower 4 Piece Food Storage Set

Available from Tower (£17.99 with code: GFUNI40)

This four piece set is designed to keep dried foods neatly stored and fresher for longer. With a mix of large, medium and small containers, you can organise staples like pasta, rice or spices with ease. The airtight lids lock securely, while the foldable handles make them simple to open and close. Their clear design means you can see contents at a glance and the stackable shape helps save space on your worktop. Wipe clean surfaces add to the practicality, while the neat, uniform look makes them a tidy addition to any kitchen.

Shop now and save 40% at Tower with code: GFUNI40

Available from:

• Tower (£17.99 with code: GFUNI40)

OXO Silicone Reusable Bags

Available from Amazon (£15), Harts of Stur (£15), Marks and Spencer (£15)

Best flexible food storage containers

Available in a range of sizes, these ultra-versatile silicone reusable bags from OXO are a smart choice for space-saving storage. Their versatility is unmatched: they come in both flat and stand-up designs, and their flexible material allows them to fit into awkward spaces with ease.

For added convenience, they’re microwave-safe, and cleaning is effortless as they’re dishwasher-safe too.

We found the seal incredibly strong - it held up perfectly in our airtightness and waterproofing tests. We especially liked the stand-up sizes, which made filling the bags with pre-prepared dishes hassle-free, with no spills. Yes, they’re on the pricier side, but they’re built to last.

Zyliss 4 piece glass container set

Available from Amazon (£45)

Best glass storage containers

This four-piece glass storage set is a versatile and durable solution for keeping food fresh. Each container is made from high-quality borosilicate glass, which is shatterproof and oven-safe (without the lid), while the crystal-clear lids feature a removable silicone gasket for easy cleaning.

We were impressed by the secure closure system - four sturdy latches ensure an airtight seal, keeping contents fresh for longer.

The set is as practical as it is durable. The containers are fridge, freezer and microwave safe (with a loose lid), making them ideal for meal prep and leftovers. Plus, the transparent design means you can easily see what’s inside at a glance. A reliable, well-designed storage solution that’s built to withstand daily use.

Black + Blum meal prep containers

Available from Black + Blum (£42.95), Amazon (£42.95)

Best food storage containers for meal prep

Lightweight yet durable, this set of three microwavable steel food boxes is a game-changer for meal prep, storage and on-the-go eating. Available in a choice of three matching sizes or a mix of different sizes, they offer versatility for every meal.

We found the airtight, leak-proof design highly effective - thanks to the vacuum-sealed lid lock, food stays fresh. The semi-transparent lid makes it easy to see what’s inside, while the fully removable seals ensure effortless cleaning.

Unlike traditional stainless steel containers, these can be microwaved with the lid on, reducing heat time and preventing splattering - no need for cling film! They’re also dishwasher, freezer and oven-safe (without the lid), making them a reliable all-rounder for busy kitchens.

Lock & Lock eco 3-piece set

Best eco credentials

Top functions

• Air- and water-tight lids
• 100% recycled
• Dishwasher-safe 

A firm favourite of Good Food's Lulu Grimes, the Lock & Lock are not only high-quality but also have good eco credentials. Each box is made from 100 per cent food-grade waste plastic salvaged from the production offcuts, rejects, redundant stock and surplus, meaning less waste. The boxes come in a variety of colours and sizes, which offer good versatility for snacks. 

The Lock & Go system claims to be 100 per cent air- and water-tight, plus they’re freezer-safe and can handle being thrown in the dishwasher. With a lifetime guarantee, the brand is confident for good reason. 

IKEA 365+ glass storage container with lid

Available from Ikea (£4)

Best affordable glass containers 

Top functions

• Freezer-to-oven-safe
• Low-cost

These are great alternatives to plastic containers if you’re looking for affordable tubs that can be transferred straight from the freezer to the oven.

The clear glass and lid negates any need for labelling, particularly when stacked with leftovers in the fridge. For freezer use, the air-tight seal prevents frost buildup inside. Yes they’re heavy, which could be a drawback for someone looking for a food container for on-the-go use. 

Available from:

• Ikea (£4)

Sistema KLIP IT food storage container

Best sealed plastic containers

Top functions

• Water-tight lid
• Dishwasher-safe
• Freezer-safe
• Microwave-safe

These aren’t the easiest stackers for storage, but Sistema have a great reputation for the quality of their containers; particularly the effectiveness of the seal. Four clips secure the lids to the box to form a tight closure that’s 100 per cent water-tight and leak-proof. Dishwasher-safe (top rack only) and freezer-safe, you can also pop these in the microwave without the lids to reheat leftovers.

Lakeland 10-piece stack-a-box set

Best affordable food storage set

Top functions

• Stackable
• Air-tight
• Freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe

As the name suggests, these containers stack up for easy storage, but as the base doesn’t sit snugly inside the lid of the box below, they can topple over if nudged. The boxes are microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe with lids that are easy to remove and replace. These containers are not leak-resistant – we’d recommend using to store solid food only. 

Joseph Joseph 5-piece nest storage

Available from Joseph Joseph (£35)

Best multi-purpose food storage set

Top functions

• Air-tight containers
• BPA-free

These are attractive, bright and compact containers that fit inside each other in a neat nest. The containers are air-tight, leak-resistant, freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher- safe and made from a strong plastic that feels very sturdy and durable.

They also have large, pull tabs on two corners of the lid to make lid removal easy, and a good range of sizes, from a tiny snack pot to one that would accommodate a loaf cake or stack of baked goodies. Multiple containers can be used to separate food as the smaller tubs will fit inside the larger ones – ideal for children’s lunches.

Available from:

• Joseph Joseph (£35)

OXO Good Grips pop containers

Best mechanism

Top functions

• Air-tight seal
• Pop-up button for easy access

These stackable containers with a unique pop-up button feature in the lid make opening and closing it very quick and simple. The containers are leak-resistant so could be used for safely storing a liquid, and the edges are moulded to allow for easy pouring.

The style of this collection is suited more to staying in the kitchen than being moved around. They’re freezer-safe, although OXO warns that extreme temperature changes may cause the container lid to lift due to changes in air pressure. The containers are not recommended for microwave use and only the silicone gasket is dishwasher-safe – all other parts should be washed by hand. Full cleaning instructions are supplied to help you disassemble the lid for thorough cleaning, which is quite fiddly.

Buyer's advice

What we look for in storage containers...

Ease of use/fit for purpose: containers that are easy to open and close with a tight-fitting lid, preventing leakage.

Versatility: is it microwavable and freezer-safe?

Cleaning and storage: we were looking for containers that are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, plus stackable and easy to store. 

Durability: sturdy food containers made from a long-lasting material, suitable for multiple uses.

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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

Which food storage containers do you use? Leave a comment below...

There are two types of ice cream maker to look out for – basic models (usually called freeze-first ice cream makers) work by churning your pre-chilled ingredients around in an inner bowl, though some pre-prep is required and you'll often need to freeze the bowl the night before.

If on-demand desserts are more your thing, ice cream makers with a built-in compressor (also known as self-freezing) can produce results in under an hour and have settings for softer gelatos and icy sorbets, with keep-cool settings so you can come back for more. And trust me, you’ll be back.

Whichever model you choose, you’ll find the whole process is satisfyingly straightforward and you can even add mix-ins like nuts, fruits, sauces and syrups to add more flavour to your repertoire. For inspiration, check out our full collection of ice cream recipes.

Best ice cream makers at a glance

• Best freeze-first ice cream maker: Ninja Creami Deluxe NC501UK, £249.99
• Best ice cream maker for versatility: Cuisinart Freeze Ease Pro Ice Cream Maker, £299.99
• Best self-freezing ice cream maker: Cuisinart ice cream and gelato professional, £300
• Best small ice cream maker: ProCook ice cream maker, £49
• Best large ice cream maker: CASO IceCreamer 5-in-1 ice cream maker, £279.99

Best of the rest

• Best budget ice cream maker: Cuisinart Solo Scoops, £39.99
• Best quiet ice cream maker: Lakeland compressor ice cream maker, £199.99
• Best value ice cream maker: ProCook professional ice cream maker, £149
• Best ice cream maker for families: Ninja Creami NC300UK, £199.99
• Best high-end ice cream maker: Magimix Gelato Expert, £500
• Best ice cream maker attachment: KitchenAid ice cream maker accessory, £149

Jump to section:

• Why you can trust Good Food reviews
• How we tested ice cream makers
• Best ice cream makers to buy in 2025
• How to choose the best ice cream maker
• What can an ice cream maker be used for?

Why you can trust Good Food reviews

The Good Food reviews team and I have tested over 20 different ice cream makers over the last five years, so we can say with some authority which models are actually worth spending your money on.

Every ice cream maker is put through its paces in the Good Food Test Kitchen, which is set up to emulate a typical home kitchen rather than a lab-like environment – this means if an appliance works in our kitchen, it should work in yours too.

Our reviews are also entirely independent and we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, nor do we share product reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they're published.

How we tested ice cream makers

As standard, we made our ultimate vanilla ice cream and lemon sorbet in every ice cream maker we tested. If a model came with settings or attachments for gelato or frozen yogurt, we made our hazelnut gelato and tropical frozen yogurt, too.

All ice cream makers were tested against the following criteria, then scored out of five to determine their overall star rating:

• Effective freezing: most importantly, the machines had to freeze the mixture quickly and evenly for a smooth texture. We looked for sturdy churning paddles that scraped our ice cream from the edges of the bowl, breaking up large crystals in the process.
• Size: on freeze-first models, we looked for bowls that were compact enough to fit in the freezer easily.

• Ease of cleaning: hygiene is paramount for making dairy ice cream safely. Some paddles are dishwasher-safe, but most parts will need hand-washing and thorough air-drying before packing away.
• Durability: we looked for machines with durable parts that were easy to assemble.
• Noise levels: though not vital, we preferred machines that were relatively quiet.
• Capacity and overall footprint: we looked at the bowl capacity and footprint for both ease of use and storage.
• Instruction manual: how helpful was the instruction book and did it include recipes?
• Packaging: excessive use of plastic and polystyrene in packaging was negatively scored.

Best ice cream makers to buy in 2025

Ninja Creami Deluxe

Available from Currys (£189.99), Very (£199), Ninja (£199.99), JD Williams (£199.99)

Best freeze-first ice cream maker

Pros:

• 10 functions
• Churns quickly
• Comes with three tubs
• Intuitive controls
• Fully recyclable packaging

Cons:

• Requires at least 24 hours pre-freezing
• Loud in use
• Frozen contents need to be flat in the tub

Star rating: 5/5

This ice cream maker went viral on social media on its release and it's not difficult to see why. Aside from the original Ninja Creami, it's unlike any of the other ice cream makers on this list.

Rather than slowly churning and freezing the ice cream mixture, the ice cream base needs to be frozen solid first. Once frozen, you can add the bowl to the ice cream maker and set it to go. Powerful blades then 'shave' and churn the frozen mix into smooth, creamy ice cream in just a few minutes.

What sets this model apart from its predecessor is the larger capacity across the three tubs (just over two litres in the Creami Deluxe versus 1.4 litres in the Creami) and three additional functions, which include frappe, frozen yogurt, and "slushi". I loved how simple and fun it was to use, and all my creations in test were well combined and soft without any lumps or ice crystals present.

It also provides an easy way to pack fresh fruit into kids' desserts and frozen drinks, and in test I particularly enjoyed the orange and raspberry "slushi" that features inside the recipe book.

If you're torn between this model and the original Ninja Creami, read our comparison of the Ninja Creami vs Deluxe.

Wattage: 800W
Pre-freeze: At least 24 hours
Average churn time: 2 minutes
Capacity: 709ml per tub (x3)
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run for 10 minutes: 1.2p (based on 24.5p/kWh)

Cuisinart Freeze Ease Pro Ice Cream Maker

Available from Cuisinart (£299.99), Lakeland (£299.99)

Best ice cream maker for versatility

Pros: 

• Range of pre-sets
• Easy to clean
• Brilliant results

Cons:

• Lots of non-recyclable packaging
• Not the most intuitive

Star rating: 5/5

This is the updated 2025 version of the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional below, which builds on the reliability of the earlier model. It comes with a couple of upgrades, namely: four presets (ice cream, gelato, sorbet and frozen yogurt), a hardness setting to fine-tune consistency and a mix-only mode that helps aerate the base before churning.

Compared with the older version, I didn’t find it quite as intuitive, so I recommend keeping the manual close at hand during the first few uses. The touchscreen is clear, responsive and easy to wipe clean, which I appreciated when making multiple batches. Assembly was quick – the bowl and lid clicked into place and the paddles (one for gelato, one for ice cream) slotted in without fuss.

In my testing, I was impressed by the results. The vanilla ice cream came out smooth, creamy and ready to eat straight from the machine at the highest churn level. The sorbet was soft, evenly textured and free from icy chunks, which made it stand out compared to some other machines I’ve tried.

If you're after a Cuisinart model, but aren't sure which one to buy, read our review of the best Cuisinart ice cream makers.

Wattage: 150W
Pre-freeze: Not required
Average churn time: 40 minutes
Capacity: 1.5L
Warranty: 3 years

Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional

Available from Cuisinart (£300)

Best self-freezing ice cream maker

Pros:

• Clear and easy to use buttons
• Different paddles for ice cream and gelato
• Excellent results

Cons:

• Quite noisy

Star rating: 5/5

This is a high-quality and serious looking ice cream maker. It comes with two paddles: one for ice cream and one for gelato. It’s straight to the point; it doesn’t have as many settings as some of the models we've tested on this list, but it makes consistently delicious, ice cream-parlour-level desserts.

It’s not small, but not many self-freezing models are. Ice cream, sorbet and gelato take about 40 minutes to churn, but it’s quality worth waiting for. Clean up is a doddle, too.

Read our full Cuisinart ice cream and gelato professional review.

Wattage: 150W
Pre-freeze: Not required
Average churn time: 40 minutes
Capacity: 1.5L
Warranty: 5 years

ProCook ice cream maker

Available from ProCook (£49)

Best small ice cream maker

Pros:

• Value price
• Small footprint
• Great ice cream results

Cons:

• Only two recipes in the included booklet
• Some materials feel flimsy

Star rating: 4.5/5

ProCook’s basic ice cream maker is simple to operate and churns mixtures to creamy perfection. Our ultimate vanilla ice cream recipe was smooth, though the lemon sorbet was less so – without a special setting for sorbet or recipes in the manual, I'd say this one-speed model is best for ice cream.

I appreciated the simplicity – the digital timer ensured our custard mixture reached a smooth consistency in 30 minutes. The plastic paddle effectively scraped the sides of the bowl during churning, though it felt a bit flimsy compared to the sturdy power unit. I did, however, like the compact footprint – perfect for those who plan on storing the machine away until summer rolls around again.

Wattage: 12W
Pre-freeze: At least 10 hours
Average churn time: 45 minutes
Capacity: 1.5L
Warranty: 2 years

CASO Design IceCreamer 5-in-1 ice cream maker

Available from CASO Design (£199.99)

Best large ice cream maker

Pros:

• Produces smooth, creamy results
• Generous capacity
• User-friendly controls

Cons:

• Large footprint
• Pricey
• Some non-recyclable packaging

Star rating: 4.5/5

If you're hosting a gathering or just want to stock up your freezer, this 2L self-freezing model from CASO Design is great for churning large quantities in one go. It's a superb all-rounder, with functions for ice cream, soft serve, sorbet, yogurt and frozen yogurt, as well as post-cooling for up to 60 minutes.

I loved its professional-grade feel and robustness, and the user-friendly controls were a doddle to master – simply hit the 'menu' to navigate through the presets and adjust the dial accordingly. The paddle rotates smoothly in operation, and though it didn't quite reach the sides of the bowl, the ice cream was perfectly creamy and lump-free in just half an hour.

This machine requires a bit of an investment, not just in terms of the cost but also counter space too (and storage for the colder months), so it's really better suited to big kitchens. If you want the flexibility and convenience of a large-capacity model though, I'd say it's definitely worth it.

Wattage: 180W
Pre-freeze: Not required
Average churn time: 30 minutes
Capacity: 2L
Warranty: 2 years

Available from:

• CASO Design (£199.99)

Cuisinart Solo Scoops ice cream maker

Available from Amazon (£29.99), Cuisinart (£29.99)

Best budget ice cream maker

Pros:

• Compact footprint
• Budget price
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Loud
• Some non-recyclable packaging

Star rating: 4.5/5

This compact model is ideal for those looking to dabble in homemade ice cream-making for the first time without committing to a larger machine. At 36 x 30cm, it's the smallest of Cuisinart's ice cream makers, allowing users to generate eight scoops (roughly one tub) of ice cream in just 25 minutes. It also comes with a clear lid, so you can check on its progress throughout.

We loved its simplicity and fuss-free set-up, which leaves barely a smidge of room for error – just hit the on/off button on the top of the machine to get started (pictured below).

The manual is concise and features a good range of recipes, from unique ice cream flavours to refreshing sorbets. It's relatively easy to clean, too, especially as the paddle and the lid can go in the dishwasher.

For such a small machine, it's quite noisy and we found the paddles didn't quite reach the sides of the bowl, though this didn't prove to be an issue when we sampled our ice cream in test – the results were thick, creamy and smooth. It also lacks the versatility of other models, especially as it's just 475ml, but that won't be a problem for casual users looking for a machine that's compact, efficient and reliable – everything that the Solo Scoops delivers on.

Wattage: 35W
Pre-freeze: At least 12 hours
Average churn time: 25 minutes
Capacity: 475ml
Warranty: 3 years

Lakeland compressor ice cream maker

Available from Amazon (£199.99), Lakeland (£199.99)

Best quiet ice cream maker

Pros:

• Operates quietly
• Transparent cover
• Sleek stainless-steel build
• 1.5-litre capacity

Cons:

• Very heavy
• Large footprint
• Non-recyclable packaging

Star rating: 4.5/5

If you don't mind having a larger appliance in your kitchen, an automatic ice cream maker with a compressor – like this Lakeland machine – is a great option. As well as ice cream, it can make gelato, frozen yoghurt, and sorbet, and the transparent cover allows you to keep an eye on the mixture as it churns.

We had no trouble navigating the various functions via the digital display, and because the ice cream maker came pre-assembled, we could get going almost straight away. Our ice cream was ready in just 30 minutes in test, and had a smooth, soft texture and enhanced vanilla flavour, with no ice crystals or graininess.

It's worth bearing in mind that, at 11.5kg, this machine is very heavy – and if you don't have the countertop space to keep it out permanently, getting in and out of storage would pose a serious challenge for some.

Wattage: 150W
Pre-freeze: Not required
Average churn time: 30-50 minutes
Capacity: 1.5L
Warranty: 3 years

ProCook professional ice cream maker

Available from ProCook (£149)

Best value ice cream maker

Pros:

• Attractive
• Works quickly
• No-freeze compression technology
• Mostly recyclable packaging

Cons:

• May be difficult to store

Star rating: 4.5/5

This is ProCook's first ever ice cream maker and it produced impressively thick, creamy results in test. The machine relies on 'no-freeze compression technology' to churn the ice cream, so there's no need to freeze the 1.2L bowl first. Presets include ice cream, cooling mode (cools the mixture without stirring), and stirring mode (stirs without cooling).

It's also more compact and lightweight versus others like it on the market, but still about the same size as a small microwave – so if you're not keeping it out permanently on the countertop, you'll need a decent amount of space to store it.

I loved the high-quality build and clear digital display, and assembling it was straightforward. This ice cream maker also earned extra marks for its packaging, most of which could be recycled.

Wattage: 110W
Pre-freeze: Not required
Average churn time: 60 minutes
Capacity: 1.2L
Warranty: 2 years

Ninja Creami ice cream and frozen dessert maker

Available from Amazon (£169), AO (£199), Ninja (£199.99)

Best ice cream maker for families

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Fast when churning
• Produces smooth and consistent ice cream
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Can't make large batches (one pint at a time)
• Sensitive if not frozen flat

Star rating: 4.5/5

The first of Ninja's Creami ice cream makers, this appliance is quick and intuitive, taking around two-to-three mins to turn the solid block into ice cream – but you will need to freeze your mixture for 24 hrs before use.

It produces single pints of ice cream and has pre-sets for gelato, smoothies, sorbets and milkshakes. Helpfully, it also comes with a recipe book and three one-pint containers with lids that can be used to churn the ice cream and store it afterwards.

Read our full Ninja ice cream maker NC300UK review, and if you're torn between this model and the newer Creami Deluxe, check out our comparison of the Ninja Creami vs Deluxe.

Wattage: 800W
Pre-freeze: At least 24 hours
Average churn time: 2 minutes
Capacity: 493ml per tub
Warranty: 2 years

Magimix Gelato Expert

Available from Amazon (£500)

Best high-end ice cream maker

Pros:

• Built-in freezer
• Multifunctional
• Large capacity

Cons:

• Expensive
• Very heavy

Star rating: 4.5/5

This super-sized stainless steel ice cream maker with a built-in freezer will impress everyone from the home cook to semi-professional chef. The removable and integrated bowls can produce a remarkable 2 litres of ice cream in under an hour.

Choose from three automated programmes for ice cream, gelato or granita or take control with the manual function. This machine does it all, but it comes at a price.

Read our full Magimix gelato expert review.

Wattage: 180W
Pre-freeze: Not required
Average churn time: 30 minutes
Capacity: 2L
Warranty: 3 years

KitchenAid ice cream maker accessory

Available from Amazon (£77.99), KitchenAid (£111.75)

Best stand mixer ice cream maker

Pros:

• Makes large quantities of ice cream
• Robust KitchenAid quality
• Smooth, consistent results

Cons:

• Not compatible with non-KitchenAid stand mixers
• Bulky to store
• Packaging couldn't be recycled

Star rating: 4.5/5

A robust, well-made ice cream accessory that makes 1.9 litres of exceedingly good ice cream quickly and efficiently, but only for those with a KitchenAid stand mixer. Creating that much ice cream in one go will appeal to big families and ice cream lovers, but the large bowl means you also need a large freezer – in which it will need to sit for a minimum of 16 hours.

In test, the pre-made ice cream mixture needed to be poured into a jug to be able to transfer it to the bowl. Once it got going, we had smooth, thick results in around 15 minutes with no lumps or graininess.

Wattage: N/A
Pre-freeze: At least 16 hours
Average churn time: 30 minutes
Capacity: 1.9L
Warranty: 1 year

More ice cream makers tried and tested

• Cuisinart iced dessert maker review, £60
• VonShef stainless steel ice cream maker review, £34.99
• Cuisinart ice cream maker ICE30BCU review, £100
• Smeg ice cream maker attachment review, £99.95
• Sage the Smart Scoop review, £369.95
• Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker, £149.98
• Sensio Home ice cream maker, £32.99
• Cuisinart Cool Scoops, £69.99

How to choose the best ice cream maker

An ice cream maker is a countertop appliance designed to make homemade ice cream. There are two different types of ice cream maker: freeze-first and self-freezing. Which type is right for you depends on a number of factors, including budget and space.

Freeze-first ice cream makers

These models are simply designed and have a bowl with walls that are filled with a gel coolant. These bowls usually need between eight to 24 hours in the freezer before they can be used and can only churn one batch of ice cream a day.

Freeze-first models tend to be cheaper than self-freezing models and can make smooth, good-quality ice cream. They don’t take up too much space on the kitchen counter, though the bowls can be bulky or awkwardly shaped; we’d recommend checking the size of the bowl to make sure it’ll fit in your freezer.

Self-freezing ice cream makers

Usually more expensive, self-freezing machines feature a built-in freezer, which is what drives up the price. They generally take a couple of minutes to reach the sub-zero temperatures required for making ice cream, meaning you can make several batches of ice cream a day.

They’re also larger than freeze-first models, owing to the compressor, and these machines need to be stored upright and not moved around too much. They take a little longer to freeze ice cream than freeze-first bowls, but they tend to produce smoother and creamier results.

What can an ice cream maker be used for?

Whether you need something to cool you down in the summer sun or you’re entertaining and looking to impress your guests with exciting flavours, an ice cream maker can do all that, and so much more.

An at-home ice cream maker is ideal if you’re looking to avoid certain ingredients or you’re dedicated to using the best produce you can find. With an ice cream maker you can whip up new, exciting and daring flavour combos not thought of by expensive, store-bought brands. For inspiration, take a look at our ice cream recipes for some creative ideas.

But you’re not just limited to ice cream; many of the models we tested can also be used to make sorbet, gelato and frozen yogurt. Most brands will include a number of recipes in the manual which will give you an idea of the range of desserts you can make with your new machine. Some models come with dedicated settings for these different ices, others include a whole different paddle.

One brand we tested suggested using your ice cream maker to make frozen cocktails. Just mix your cocktail and let the ice cream maker run for 10-15 minutes or until it becomes a slushy texture. While most cocktails can be frozen, we think bright and zesty drinks such as gin cocktails, fruity cocktails like a strawberry mojito, and tequila cocktails will work best.

While there are some brilliant vegan and dairy-free ice creams on the market, they can be expensive and the flavours limited. An ice cream maker means there’s no need to miss out as you can create your own flavours and save a bit of cash, too. We’ve got a collection of dairy-free ice cream recipes to get you started.

Ice cream recipes

Ultimate vanilla ice cream
Strawberry ice cream
Vegan vanilla ice cream
Buttermilk, brown sugar and rye bread ice cream
Malt chocolate ice cream
Cranachan ripple ice cream
Gooseberry ice cream

Sorbet recipes

Mango sorbet
Raspberry sorbet
Elderflower sorbet
Lemon sorbet
Rhubarb and star anise sorbet
Gooseberry, elderflower and sauvignon sorbet
Refreshing lychee and lime sorbet

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Ninja Slushi first look review

If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

With our handy shopping list, you’ll be in and out of the shops in no time, leaving more moments to enjoy with your little ones.

• Available from Fenwick (£349), John Lewis (£320), Ninja Kitchen (£329.99), Currys (£329.99), Argos (£329.99), Very (£329)

That’s the promise here – all without the need for ice cubes or fiddly pre-freezing bowls. At around £349 this isn’t a casual purchase and it takes up a fair bit of counter space, but it’s certainly one of the most intriguing appliances Ninja has released.

Read on to find out if it lives up to the hype.

Unboxing the Ninja Slushi

We were thrilled to see all recyclable packaging surrounding the Ninja Slushi when we unboxed it. But this is a hefty piece of kit: it weighs around 11kg and is 43cm tall, so this isn’t really something to move to and from a cupboard when you want to use it.

Inside the box you’ll find the following alongside the base:

• A 2.5L vessel (1.9L max capacity)
• Stirring auger
• Dispensing handle and tap
• Recipe guide
• Drip tray

The assembly is very straightforward: simply insert the auger, attach the vessel to the refrigerated base and clip on the drip tray and tap. Despite its plastic shell, the Slushi feels well-made and robust.

One key thing to remember, the base unit needs to sit upright for around half a day before first use (much like other compressor appliances) to let the fluids settle.

Ninja Slushi: design, features and use

The Ninja Slushi doesn’t use blades or ice. Instead, liquids freeze directly on the refrigerated metal cylinder in the centre of the machine and the auger scrapes and stirs, producing smooth ice crystals.

There are five presets on the Slushi: slush, frozen cocktail, frappe, milkshake and frozen juice. And there are 10 freeze levels, allowing you to tailor your drinks to your desired consistency. We made four different drinks to put the Slushi to the test.

We used a pre-made lemonade on the frozen juice setting, it took around 20 minutes to transform into a smooth refreshing slush that maintained its texture for around two hours. Our rose wine for frosé froze rapidly, producing a brilliant smooth consistency on the frozen cocktail setting. We wanted to try out a coffee-based drink, so married the coffee frappe in Ninja’s recipe book with our pumpkin spiced latte recipe, to create the ultimate autumn drink for when the sun’s still out. We chose the frappe setting – the final result was a little thicker in texture than the juice and frosé but we enjoyed a deliciously smooth and creamy frozen latte. Finally, we made frozen cola using the slush setting, which the Ninja handled with total ease. It had a fine icy texture that melted slowly rather than clumping. Even after 20 minutes in the glass, it remained spoonable rather than collapsing into liquid.

Compared to a standard blender and ice slushy, the results with the Ninja were noticeably smoother and less watery, as nothing gets diluted by melting cubes.

While Ninja calls the compressor 'WhisperChill', we found it was noticeably louder than a whisper, even in our busy test kitchen. It certainly won’t drown out conversation, but we always knew it was running.

How does the Ninja Slushi work?

It's surprisingly simple; at the centre of the Slushi is a chilled metal cylinder inside the tank. As liquid touches the walls of the cylinder, the auger (corkscrew paddle) scrapes the frozen layer and stirs it into the mixture.

Because the Slushi works by balancing freezing points, whatever mixture you want to turn to slush must have around 5 per cent sugar to properly work. This means that diet or zero-sugar drinks won’t work unless you add sugar. Alcohol can be included, but with limits – Ninja suggests 3-16% ABV total. If there’s too much alcohol or too little sugar, your drink will stay liquid.

How to use the Ninja Slushi

• Insert the auger and vessel, and lock them in
• Pour 0.5-1.9L liquid into the vessel
• Set the preset you want
• Adjust the freeze level
• Press start and let the machine do its thing
• Once it’s finished, pull the tap to dispense the mixture into glasses

We found that the slush tends to plop rather than to flow smoothly out of the machine, and you’ll need to leave the machine running and powered while serving otherwise the mixture doesn’t move to the serving end and it can freeze solid.

How long does the Ninja Slushi take?

This depends on lots of different factors, such as quantity of liquid and the recipe you’re following, but broadly:

• 15-20 minutes: for small servings of sugary fizzy drinks or juices,
• 20-30 minutes: for juice-based drinks and lighter cocktails,
• 30-45 minutes: for dairy-based drinks like frappes,
• Up to 60 minutes: for large capacity drinks, higher ABV or lower sugar drinks.

As a general rule of thumb, we found the more sugar and alcohol, the faster it tends to freeze. Whereas larger quantities and low-sugar mixes take longer.

How to know when the Ninja Slushi is done?

Usefully, the Slushi will beep when the preset cycle finishes. Plus, it’s really easy to see inside the machine, so you can easily gauge the level of "doneness" yourself. We found a quick dispense test is the easiest way to check: if the liquid pours out as a smooth slush, rather than watery, it’s ready. If it's not thick enough for your liking, you can extend the cycle or increase the freeze level manually. We also found that if you’ve over-frozen your mix, a little extra hit of liquid was enough to loosen it up again.

How to clean the Ninja Slushi

Cleaning the Ninja Slushi is very simple indeed. Once you’ve finished with the Slushi, just pour water into the vessel and run the rinse cycle. This flushes the auger and the sides of the vessel. Once you feel it’s been thoroughly rinsed, you can just flush the water out through the tap, but use a jug to catch the water. We found opening the tap slowly, so there’s only a little gap, is the best way to flush it without getting water everywhere.

You can then disassemble the vessel, auger, tap and drip tray. While Ninja says these parts are all dishwasher safe, some are pretty hefty and would take up a fair amount of space in the dishwasher, plus we found they needed little more than a quick clean with soap and warm water.

Return to the freezing cylinder and base and wipe these down with a damp cloth.

Is the Ninja Slushi worth it?

The Ninja Slushi is a go-to piece of kit for entertaining, family treats and cocktails. It’s ideal if you’re looking to churn out rounds of icy drinks for a kids party in the day, and frozen margaritas or piña coladas for the adults at night. It’s also the only domestic slushy machine available in the UK.

We were consistently impressed by the Slushi’s versatility and the quality of the slush it produced. Whether it's a cola slush, a frappe or a cocktail, the results felt indulgent and often better than what you could buy elsewhere, plus you know exactly what's going into your slushies. The overall fun factor and inspiration to try new recipes are also highlights.

There are of course some downsides. Firstly, it’s single function. Unlike a blender, the Slushi does one thing and one thing only, though, admittedly it does this very well. This, coupled with its size, weight and price, means you’re taking a lot on for something that may only get use half the year. Plus, if you’re looking for a frozen dessert maker that’s a little healthier than ice cream, the Slushi is a bit of a false promise given the 5 per cent sugar requirement.

In short, the Ninja Slushi is a well-designed, high-quality machine that makes brilliant frozen drinks. It’s best for people who will use it often and get a lot from the fun, exciting results. If you only want occasional slushies, its price and footprint may outweigh the benefits.

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Slushy recipes

Watermelon and strawberry slushy
Frosé
Frozen strawberry daiquiri
Watermelon prosecco sorbet slushies
Raspberry lemonade slushies
Instant berry banana slush
Frozen strawberry margarita
Frozen pineapple margarita
Frozen margarita

If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.