Lakeland just dropped a bean-to-cup coffee machine for under £300 – this Sage lookalike is made for anyone who loves a tidy worktop with their latte

Lakeland just dropped a bean-to-cup coffee machine for under £300 – this Sage lookalike is made for anyone who loves a tidy worktop with their latte

Lakeland has unveiled a shiny new range of espresso machines, including a stainless steel bean-to-cup model that retails for just £299.99 (via Lakeland).

Usually, one of the best bean to cup coffee machines will set you back at least £500, especially if kitted out with a good quality milk frother. That means this own-brand Lakeland option certainly looks like a great pick if you’re on a budget (or if you’re shopping for a Christmas present for the coffee lover in your life).

Here’s a closer look at this three-machine line up, which starts at £109.99 for the most basic espresso machine option.

The two espresso machines in this line up would be a great investment for anyone who wants to try their hand at making coffees at home for the first time. Perhaps as an upgrade from one of the best pod coffee machines, they will require you to either use ground coffee or pick up one of the best grinders.

If you’re not sure what size coffee machine you’re ready to invest in, one of these affordable picks may also be a better option thanks to their small footprints. Thinking about how much worktop space you have to give up is key according to our expert’s advice on buying a coffee machine.

Lakeland espresso machines on a countertop

(Image credit: Lakeland)

For me, the real star of this line up is the Barista Deluxe Bean-to-Cup model. Given its price tag, it looks like it might be a rival to ProCook’s range of affordable machines, which have sold out on multiple occasions.

It’s a bean-to-cup model, which means you grind and tamp your grounds all within the same machine – making for a very neat and tidy worktop and a very fresh cup of coffee.

It has 30 different grind settings, so that you can play around with it depending on which type of beans you have in and ‘intelligent temperature control for consistent flavour’ according to Lakeland.

Lakeland espresso machines on a countertop

(Image credit: Lakeland)

It has a simple button interface running along the control panel at the top, but I think the overall effect is quite pleasing – especially if you’re a fan of stainless steel appliances.

My everyday coffee machine at home is the Sage Barista Express Impress (which retails for £729.95) and I’d hazard a guess that this much more affordable machine definitely provided some inspiration for this Lakeland version.

One thing that this Lakeland version lacks over Sage’s bestseller is an integrated tamping system. Instead, once you’ve ground your beans with the Barista Deluxe, you’ll then use a tamper to even them out before you pull your shot of espresso.

Both feature a manual milk wand however, unlike the Ninja Luxe Café (which I think is the best value coffee machine on the market given its features) which has automatic frothing modes.

Given the bargain price tag of these Lakeland machines, there’ll certainly be an appetite for those looking to invest in a bean-to-cup machine for a little less. Can you see the appeal in a compact all-in-one model like this?

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Smeg has unveiled its first standalone air fryer – it’s compact, under £200 and has a clever design feature to make your worktop look less cluttered

Smeg has unveiled its first standalone air fryer – it’s compact, under £200 and has a clever design feature to make your worktop look less cluttered

Smeg, the Italian appliances brand behind the most coveted toaster and kettle of the century, has unveiled its first ever standalone air fryer, available to buy from today via Smeg for £199.95.

With its compact size and classic Smeg detailing, it’s made for small kitchens too – always a win in our books. And while it’s definitely not cheap, the price point is around what you’d expect to pay for one of the best Ninja air fryers on the market.

So, if you already have the Smeg toaster and kettle duo of dreams, then adding this air fryer to your collection might be the next natural step. Here’s everything I noticed about Smeg’s take on this ultra-useful appliance when I saw it in person.

The most striking thing about this air fryer is how neat and tidy it looks. I think that’s probably down to the fact that the opening is situated at the top of the appliance, leaving the front completely unobstructed. That means when it sits on your countertop, all you see is the Smeg lettering, rather than baskets or grills.

With a soft-close mechanism, lifting the lid on this air fryer does have a premium feel and inside you’ll find a deep dishwasher-safe frying basket with two handles.

Smeg air fryer first look

(Image credit: Future)

The heat and fan element of the air fryer sit inside of the lid (but are hidden from view when shut). The touch control panel, which is also not visible when not in use, sit neatly within a thin strip on the exterior of the appliance.

From that panel you can pick between the 7 preset programs available. These buttons will give you set timings and temperatures for ‘chicken wings/legs, meat, fish, shrimps, chips, vegetables and roast chicken’. You can also set your own preferences manually if you’re already a dab hand at air frying.

The feature that most impressed the rest of the Ideal Home team when they saw this air fryer in person was the clever window window built into the lid. It allows you to check on the progress of your food inside without opening the air fryer and losing all of the heat inside.

Smeg air fryer first look

(Image credit: Future)

There’s always an appetite from fans of the brand for more Smeg colourways so it’s no surprise the brand has launched their air fryer in an array of different shades from the offset.

The colours on offer are Matte Storm Blue, Matte Black and Matte Emerald Green. For those who swear by white kitchen appliances, there’s also a Matte White – though this has already sold out on the Smeg website. You can sign up for updates for when that colour returns.

The appeal of matte over shiny appliances will be huge for those who want to hide their air fryer in plain sight. And, fingers crossed, the front should stay squeaky clean given that food will be put into the air fryer from the top.

Smeg air fryer first look

(Image credit: Future)

Another quirk of this air fryer is the ‘Juicy+Crispy’ cooking mode, which is made possible thanks to the steamer element hidden in the lid. You can pop water in here and inject moisture into your food whilst it’s cooking while still achieving that signature air fryer crisp.

Given that one colourway is already sold out, it’s fair to say that this air fryer looks like it’s going to be a very popular choice from Smeg. Can you see the appeal in this unique air fryer for your kitchen?

Designing a Modern Kitchen That Balances High-Tech Features With Timeless Style

Designing a Modern Kitchen That Balances High-Tech Features With Timeless Style

The kitchen has evolved far beyond a simple space for meal preparation. Today, it serves as the beating heart of the home, a place where families gather, entertain, and unwind. Modern Australian households are increasingly demanding kitchens that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional for everyday living. With over 60 percent of renovating homeowners now investing in smart appliances and connected household devices, the challenge lies in integrating these advanced technologies without compromising on a timeless, elegant aesthetic. Achieving this balance requires careful planning, smart design choices, and a dedicated focus on both form and function.

Table of Contents

Mastering Layout and Spatial Flow

A successful kitchen design always starts with a solid foundation. Whether you are building from scratch or updating a classic home, the physical footprint of your space dictates how everything comes together seamlessly. A major trend right now is the inclusion of multi-functional kitchen islands, which currently feature in over 70 percent of new or renovated Australian kitchens. These large central hubs double as preparation stations, casual dining spaces, and hidden storage areas, acting as the primary anchor for the entire room.

When planning these open spaces, it is vital to ensure that your large appliances do not disrupt the visual harmony of the room. By exploring foundational kitchen remodel ideas and layout principles, you can ensure that the physical footprint of your new appliances perfectly complements your cabinetry. Properly mapped sightlines, generous bench space, and carefully planned walkways make the difference between a kitchen that feels cramped and cluttered, and one that feels effortlessly chic and welcoming.

Integrating Smart Appliances Seamlessly

The days of bulky, obtrusive white goods dominating the room are long gone. Contemporary kitchen layouts favour a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, utilising clean edges and appliances that blend effortlessly into the background. Finding options that merge sophisticated design with advanced functionality is absolutely essential for a cohesive look. For example, incorporating Mitsubishi fridges into your design provides a premium, reflective look in stunning finishes like Diamond Black or Argent Silver, all while offering advanced space-saving features.

Thanks to Vacuum Insulation Panel technology, these specific types of modern appliances maintain a significantly slimmer overall profile. This makes them much easier to build into custom cabinetry without sacrificing the vital internal capacity required by a busy modern household. To further maintain a streamlined, highly functional look in your kitchen, consider these practical design strategies:

  • Opt for flush-mount or integrated installations that allow appliances to sit perfectly level with your surrounding cabinetry.
  • Choose models featuring non-plumbed automatic ice makers, which allow the refrigerator to be placed anywhere in the layout without requiring a direct, hard-wired water line.
  • Select intuitive multi-drawer designs that organise fresh food efficiently and prevent the messy, cluttered look of crammed, disorganised shelves.

Sustainability, Efficiency, and Food Preservation

A truly modern kitchen is not just about looks, as it must also actively support a sustainable, environmentally conscious lifestyle. Australians currently waste approximately 7.6 million tonnes of food annually, costing the average household between $2,500 and $2,700 each year. High-tech appliances are stepping up to tackle this critical issue through innovative preservation methods. Modern features like sub-zero chilling cases keep perishables fresh for much longer without freezing them solid. Meanwhile, specialised LED lighting systems inside vegetable drawers are scientifically designed to slow down the wilting process and preserve essential nutritional value.

Beyond food preservation, energy efficiency is a major consideration for both the natural environment and your household budget. Upgrading to smarter, greener technology provides tangible, long-term financial benefits. In fact, official Australian government energy guidelines note that each additional star rating reduces a product’s energy use by 15 to 30 percent over its lifespan. This means that a stylish, high-tech kitchen can also be a highly efficient one, actively reducing both your household carbon footprint and your quarterly electricity bills.

Conclusion

Creating a kitchen that perfectly balances high-tech features with timeless style is an achievable and highly rewarding goal. By prioritising a cohesive, open-plan layout, selecting sleek appliances that blend effortlessly into your custom cabinetry, and focusing on sustainable technologies, you can design a space that looks beautiful today and performs brilliantly for many years to come. The modern kitchen is a powerful testament to how intelligent, thoughtful design can elevate our daily lives, making every meal prep and social gathering a truly enjoyable, stress-free experience.

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Microwave speed with air fryer crispiness? Ninja’s new 2-in-1 appliance sounds almost too good to be true

Microwave speed with air fryer crispiness? Ninja’s new 2-in-1 appliance sounds almost too good to be true

Ninja has a shiny new release for those looking to save on worktop space: the 3-in-1 CRISPI Microwave, Air Fryer & Oven (now available for £359.99).

It’s the latest in a line of multi-hyphenate appliances which combine the two most convenient products in a kitchen: the speed of the best air fryers meeting the ease for reheating leftovers of the best microwaves.

Despite sounding great on paper, as Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor, I’ve so far been disappointed in the microwave/air fryer hybrids we’ve tried so far. Here’s why I’m hoping this new iteration of the best Ninja air fryers is going to be the exception to the rule.

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If you own a Ninja air fryer already, you’ll know that this is the brand to go for if you want to maximise cooking power. With temperatures up to 240°C, that certainly looks like an advantage that will carry over with this clever combination buy.

Though this is advertised as a 3-in-1 (air fryer, microwave, oven) there are actually a whopping 13 functions available on the interface of the appliance. Eight of those are for microwaving to your hearts content, and 5 of them will be very familiar to those who love their existing Ninja air fryer.

Ninja air fryer microwave

(Image credit: Ninja)

Those five settings are: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake and Air Broil (which is the American term for grill). I own the Ninja Double Stack and the high heat and power of the Max Crisp setting means it’s never out of use in my household.

Using the microwave and air fryer elements separately is one thing, but the setting that has me most intrigued is Fusion Crisp. This button allows you to whip up ‘fast meals with a crisp finish’.

Once pressed, your device will begin by microwaving your food and then move onto auto finishing with air frying. That should, in theory, allow you to ‘go from frozen to crispy in minutes’. If it works well, this should make this microwave air fryer the most time-efficient buy in your kitchen.

Ninja crispi

(Image credit: Ninja)

Another winning feature of the original Ninja Crispi is present within this new version too: the introduction of glassware to help with efficient meal prep. With a 5.2 litre capacity and a matching lid, it’s perfect for saving on washing up. Capacity-wise, it can fit a 3kg chicken, according to Ninja, making enough food for up to eight people at a time.

Simply cook in it within the Crispi and then pop any leftovers straight into the fridge when you’re finished. And though it doesn’t come as standard, it looks as if you’ll also be able to separately invest in a steamer lid too – perfect for veggies, rice, dumplings and more.

Though it was released today (the 2nd of September), Ninja will always send their products ahead of time to reviewers. At the time of writing, this 3-in-1 has already gleaned a 4.7 star rating from 160 user reviews, which is a promising sign.

Our review of this innovative new Ninja is currently in the works so that we can let you know whether it’s Ideal Home approved for your home. Could you see this type of appliance working in your kitchen?

Dunelm has the ultimate Smeg kettle alternative for just £25 – you can’t go wrong with this timeless retro look

Dunelm has the ultimate Smeg kettle alternative for just £25 – you can’t go wrong with this timeless retro look

Retro is back in a big way in 2026, and our kitchens are proving to be the best place to try out the trend. Whether it’s through 70s-inspired colour palettes or 90s-style floral tiles, there are so many ways to add retro appeal. But small appliances are the simplest way to add a quick vintage-inspired look.

This Dunelm kettle is the perfect example of how to get a retro kitchen scheme without overhauling the design, and without spending a fortune. For just £25, you can update the small appliance that sits on your worktop and gets used every single day – it’s a small price to pay.

It also looks just like the Smeg kettle which is a favourite on the Ideal Home team. While the Smeg kettle is ranked as one of our best kettles, it comes with a higher price tag.

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The Smeg kettle is famous for the retro appearance which turns a sleek small appliance into something a little bit more traditional. If you have a classic kitchen scheme, then choosing ultra contemporary appliances can often look out of place.

While this Dunelm kettle has a chic stainless steel trim, the cream colour means that it looks undoubtably traditional, so it will blend into the background when left on show.

If you prefer a softer, more classic kitchen look, then making sure the smaller details, like a kettle, align will make a huge difference to the overall space.

modern country farmhouse kitchen with pale green units, island with stools and cream range cooker in old stone inglenook

(Image credit: Adam Carter)

‘I wrote last week about how retro small kitchen appliances will never go out of style. If that timeless look is something you want to achieve on a budget, then I can’t think of a better pick than this Dunelm one. It’s also got handy features including quick boiling and an external capacity gauge – two things that never go amiss when making a cuppa!’, says Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor, Molly Cleary.

Many kettles in this price range are lacking when it comes to style. For £25, this retro kettle is a no-brainer for anyone wanting to kit out their kitchen with timeless pieces.

Alternatives


As we head into autumn, now is the perfect time to upgrade your kettle ready for plenty of cups of tea. While you’re planning for the new season, these kitchen trends with staying power for 2027 might provide further inspiration.

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