Five new kitchen products our appliances expert is excited about this month
Our expert product tester curates the latest releases in kitchen kit and cookware for this month, from a Valentine's Day-themed Le Creuset dish to an ultra-versatile panini press
With the end of January in sight, treating ourselves to some shiny new kitchen kit feels like a sufficient reward for surviving the longest month of the year.
I, for one, have been filling my virtual shopping basket for weeks with the items I'd like to buy once payday finally arrives, and with new releases from the likes of Le Creuset, ProCook, Cosori, Staub and HexClad, there's certainly a lot to choose from.
Being a product tester has its wins as I'm often granted a sneak peek of the latest kitchen kit before it becomes available, from the hottest new air fryers and coffee machines, to robust frying pans and all-singing-all-dancing multi-cookers.
On release, I put these products through their paces in the Good Food Test Kitchen, to help you identify which gadgets and cookware offer good value for money. You can find out a bit more about how we award star ratings in our how we test explainer.
The start of the year is usually a busy time for new kitchen appliances, so I've gathered a selection of those I think are actually worth getting excited about – which are all available to buy right now. You can also head to the Good Food reviews hub to read more of our experts' insights.
Five product launches we're excited about this month
Le Creuset stoneware petite casserole with gold heart knob
Available from Le Creuset (£27)
Released in the UK in January 2025
Perhaps best known for its cast-iron and enamelled cookware, French brand Le Creuset has extended its Valentine's Day collection with this small but mighty casserole dish, topped with a heart-shaped knob on the lid.
At 10cm in diameter, it's the perfect vessel for serving sauces, dips and condiments for guests. True to form, Le Creuset also offers a choice of colours: Sea Salt, Shell Pink and Cerise – the latter being my favourite.
Available from:
HexClad small hybrid roasting tin
Available from HexClad (£179)
Released in the UK in September 2024 – but only just back in stock
This roasting tin from HexClad has been in high demand since it launched, and has only just come back in stock this week after selling out in late November.
Our team has tested a few different HexClad products over the last few years, and this roasting tin is designed with the same robust tri-ply construction that we've seen used on the brand's frying pans and woks.
At 25cm x 35cm, it's ideal for small roast dinners or traybakes, and comes with riveted cast stainless-steel handles on either side so you can easily remove it from the oven. It's also safe to use on the hob and barbecue (up to 482C), and a non-stick metal v-rack is included, too.
Available from:
ProCook panini press and contact grill
Available from ProCook (£119)
Released in the UK in January 2025
You might be aware of ProCook's pans and knife sets, but did you know it launched a new electricals range last year? Having already released an air fryer, stand mixer and milk frother, this panini press and contact grill is the latest addition, and it's more than just an average sandwich toaster.
It can reach temperatures of 280C and is built with two non-stick flat plates that can also grill steak, veggies, and burgers. There are six presets to select (bacon, chicken, sausage, beef, fish and burger), plus an integrated drip tray to collect fat as your food cooks.
Available from:
Staub x Buster and Punch 28cm cast-iron frying pan
Available from Zwilling (£199)
Released in the UK in October 2024
If you want to treat yourself to a new frying pan that can go the distance, this unique piece of cookware is a real head-turner. And though it's been available for a while, I just had to shout about it.
It's a classic piece of Staub cast iron, but not as you might know it – as it has a special-edition handle with a cross-knurled tactile finish, created by trendy home fashion label Buster + Punch. As well as the 28cm frying pan, there's also a round cocotte available in two sizes, 24cm and 28cm.
Available from:
Cosori smart wireless meat thermometer
Available from Amazon (£99.99)
Released in the UK in December 2024
According to Google Trends, searches for 'bluetooth meat thermometer' rose 60 per cent in the fortnight leading up to Christmas, and the appetite for this nifty gadget hasn't dwindled.
Cosori's new smart wireless meat thermometer probe is compatible with the brand's Dual Blaze air fryer and the Cosori Air-Fryer Lite, and can be controlled via the VeSync app – which allows you to select different meat types and levels of 'doneness', to help you achieve perfect results every time. You can even set alerts and track the progress of your food as it cooks.
Available from:
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