Ideal Home

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• Ninja AF100UK air fryer review: small, yet powerful
• See how a drab cream kitchen was transformed by painting the cabinets black
• The first thing you must do after Storm Eunice to protect your home from further damage
• Are solar panels recyclable and which companies do it? We reveal all...
• Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender review
• Country utility room ideas to add warmth to a practical space
• Self build insurance: do I need it and what does it cover?
• Cleaning expert shares money-saving mouthwash sink cleaning hack

Ninja AF100UK air fryer review: small, yet powerful Posted: 19 Feb 2022 08:31 AM PST As the smallest air fryer available from Ninja, the AF100UK is also their cheapest model at £129.99. With its 3.8 litre capacity it's a great size for two person households, but it can cook up to 900g chips, so will serve four at a stretch. It's the perfect choice for smaller kitchens, it requires minimal space on your worktop and if you don't want to leave it out all the time, this lightweight air fryer is easy to lift in and out of a cupboard. It's not just for air fried chips though, it can also roast, dehydrate and reheat. So it's equally useful for warming last night's leftover pizza or drying fresh herbs from your garden. It might be the smallest and cheapest model from Ninja but this air fryer isn't lacking anything when it comes to performance. Everything I made in it was crisped and browned to perfection, plus it's fast and very easy to use. It’s certainly one of the best air fryers on the market. Ideal Home rated 4.5 out of 5 stars Reasons to buy: Simple to use Compact footprint Dishwasher safe Recipes and cooking charts included Great performance Reasons to avoid: Expensive for size No automatic preheat Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer Specs Material: Plastic Colour: Grey Capacity: 3.8 litres Modes: Air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate Weight: 5.2kg Power: 1550W Size: 36 x 25 x 32cm (h x w x d) Unboxing This Ninja air fryer comes in a sturdy box that's not too big to lift onto the kitchen worktop. On opening, I was pleased to see it's protected by easily recyclable cardboard inserts, with very little plastic in the box. It comes with a handy quick start guide that includes some recipes for inspiration as well as cooking charts. The cooking charts give you guideline cooking times and temperatures for common foods, which is particularly helpful if you're new to air frying. The air fryer itself has a simple control panel that doesn't take much working out and I didn't need to consult the instruction booklet at all. It's got a button for each of the cooking functions: air fry, roast, dehydrate, and reheat. The time and temperature settings are controlled with up and down arrows for each and whichever one you're adjusting will be displayed on the small screen. The non-stick ceramic coated cooking pan pulls out easily thanks to the large handle. It comes with what Ninja call a crisper plate, which is a perforated cooking plate that allows air to circulate around food, as well as allowing excess oil to drip away into the pan below. The crisper plate is removable, but when in position three rubber feet grip the pan so it stays put even when tipping food out. Using the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer As I've already mentioned, there's not much to get to grips with, the uncomplicated control panel makes it easy to get cooking straight away. And although I didn't feel the need to read the instruction manual, a quick browse through it alerted me to the fact a preheat is advisable. Ninja recommend preheating the air fryer for three minutes before adding food. But unlike some other air fryers I've reviewed, it doesn't have a preheat stage built in. You have to start it up with the timer set to three minutes. This is mildly annoying because once you've added the food after the preheat, you then have to reset the time and temperature for cooking. Another point worth noting is that there's no reminder to shake or turn your food part way through cooking, so you'll have to remember to do this to ensure you get even results. When you select the air fry function, it doesn't remember your previous settings, it always defaults to 200oC and 20 minutes. I don't mind this, but if you frequently cook the same foods, you might find yourself wishing it remembered the time and temperature from last time. It can air fry at temperatures between 150oC – 210oC and the timer can be set from one minute up to one hour. The timer will count down and an audio alert will let you know when your food is ready. This isn't a silent appliance, it emits a low pitched hum that's equivalent to my extractor fan on it's middle setting. Cooking bacon in the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer To air fry bacon I followed the suggested time and temperature in the cooking chart. Before adding my bacon, I set the air fryer to preheat for three minutes at 180oC. Then I placed the bacon on the crisper plate, but there's only enough space for three to four rashers. I managed three on my first attempt but squeezed in four the second time I used it. Although if you want to cook more you could probably get away with overlapping them a little, because they will move apart as they shrink. I set the timer for eight minutes, but after five minutes the bacon was cooked and the fat had crisped up enough for me. A pleasing amount of fat had dripped into the pan below the crisper, which definitely made it feel healthier. And with no bacon grease to clean up from anywhere other than the pan, it was mess free in comparison to pan frying or even grilling. Heating frozen fish in the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer In my experience breaded foods always crisp up really well in air fryers and this Ninja was no exception. After the three minute preheat, I placed two frozen breaded haddock fillets onto the crisper plate and opted for the settings suggested in the cooking chart, which was 200oC for 14 minutes. Although I checked them a couple of times, I didn't turn them. Despite this, both fillets were evenly cooked and had crisped up well on the base. The breaded coating had a great crunch, yet the fish was still moist. And the best part was that the 14 minute cook time was far quicker than the 25 minutes they would have taken in my oven. Making chips in the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer For thick cut chips I followed the advice in the quick start guide which suggests soaking the chips in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch and creates a better chip, but you have to make sure you pat them dry thoroughly before cooking. I use a clean tea towel for this part. The guide suggests between ½ and 3 tbsp of oil, I opted for one which was plenty to coat 500g chips. I cooked at the suggested 200oC, Ninja says they'll take 23-26 minutes, but mine were done in 23. With just a couple of good shakes during cooking, I was rewarded with golden crisp chips that were fluffy in the centre, exactly the result I was looking for. Roasting vegetables in the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer Having made lots of protein and carbs in the air fryer, I decided I better cook some vegetables for balance. I chopped up some red onion, pepper and mushrooms and coated in one tablespoon of oil plus some seasoning. This tasty combination of vegetables is one of my favourites for adding to all kinds of hot and cold pasta dishes, but to achieve the lightly charred, roasted texture I like, can take an hour or so in the oven. After flicking through the cooking charts, I guessed at 200oC for 20 minutes, which turned out to be spot on. The cooking pan was initially quite full and I gave it a good shake every five minutes to ensure all the vegetables cooked up evenly. I was super happy with the result, they had a beautiful lightly charred texture on the outside, but inside the peppers and onions hadn't gone too soft or soggy. As the vegetables cook, lots of steam is emitted which vents out of the back of the air fryer. The vent points upwards, so I noticed condensation forming on the underside of the shelf above. This is easily avoided though by slightly altering the position of the air fryer next time. Cleaning The shiny plastic exterior of the air fryer wipes down easily with a damp cloth and doesn't dry with smears. Though I did find it slightly frustrating that the silver handle shows marks if you grab it with greasy or wet hands. Having said this, I like that the control panel has a matte surface that doesn't mark with fingerprints. The cooking pan and crisper plate can both go in the dishwasher. I washed them by hand several times and they came clean really quickly thanks to the non-stick surface. Should you buy the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer? There are lots of reasons to buy this air fryer and only a few minor downsides that I can think of. I enjoyed its simplicity, there's nothing complicated or fussy to get your head around. What's more, it works really well, it quickly and evenly crisped and browned everything I put in it. I would have preferred a preheat stage built into the settings but having to set it separately was only a minor grumble. For the price of the AF100UK you can get larger capacity air fryers from other brands, so it is a tad on the expensive side. But having said that, if you're not looking for a larger capacity model, this is a great air fryer and it doesn't take up too much space on your worktop. About this review, and the reviewer Helen McCue is a freelance contributor who trained as a Home Economist. After starting her career in the food industry, she moved into home appliance reviews, utilising her cooking skills and experience to put all kinds of products to the test, and over the years has reviewed hundreds of home and kitchen appliances for a variety of publications. Having completely renovated her current house, Helen reviews kitchen appliances from her open plan kitchen at home in a beautiful Berkshire village. When she's not working, Helen can be found enjoying the local countryside or dreaming about her next house renovation project. The post Ninja AF100UK air fryer review: small, yet powerful appeared first on Ideal Home.

See how a drab cream kitchen was transformed by painting the cabinets black Posted: 19 Feb 2022 12:00 AM PST We often talk about the benefits of using paint to revamp your home, but one couple have taken it to a whole new level. Their black kitchen makeover has not only transformed a dated room, but it’s given Ryan and Jo from Newcastle upon Tyne the chance to express themselves artistically. Having taken on a Victorian flat that needed plenty of work the couple have been making the place their own with quirky designs and creative choices. Turning their drab kitchen into a wacky masterpiece is just the start! Black kitchen makeover – Before Image credit: @anotherfknflat / Lick A dated design was fairly bland, devoid of colour and had unsightly pipes and the boiler on show. The couple were keen to change every aspect of the kitchen, from the cabinetry doors and old oven to the worktops and flooring, without spending a fortune. What better way to give it a new look on a budget than with some simple upcycling and daring paint colours? Ready to see how you can use small kitchen paint colours for a big improvement? We think you’ll agree this makeover is pretty impressive… After Image credit: @anotherfknflat / Lick Can you believe this is the same kitchen? It’s a fine example of how painting kitchen cabinets can be totally transformative. The new cool and quirky kitchen is miles away from the previously drab design and the couple haven’t been afraid to experiment. ‘Our style is atmospheric and artistic,’ says Ryan. ‘We’ve worked to find a nice balance between modern and classic by bringing back some of the flat’s original features, while also experimenting with weird and different designs when it comes to decorating.’ For this black kitchen makeover the couple have created different paint effects for an artistic look, from the dramatic black walls and cabinets to the rust-coloured ceiling. The boiler and pipes have been boxed in, the worktops changed and even the radiator has been painted in the same striking black. Image credit: @anotherfknflat / Lick We love how they’ve taken the rust colour down from the ceiling to the top part of the room, and you can just see how it cuts into the door frame, giving it the look of a torn page. ‘On the subject of paint, it's surprising how much of a difference you can create just by freshening up your home with some new colours,’ says Ryan. ‘Not just walls either! Doors, door frames, stairs, bannisters, radiators and wooden floors. And of course, you can do that yourself which means cutting the cost of labour.’ Creative cracked tiled wall Image credit: @anotherfknflat / Lick On one wall, Jo and Ryan even tried a ‘crack effect’ – something they’ve experimented with multiple times whilst painting. ‘We came up with an idea to mimic that look by actually cracking the new tiles for the kitchen,’ says Ryan. ‘We were 50/50 on whether it would flow and have a continuous cracked look. It turned out easier than expected with only a few wasted tiles! We're glad we did it as it looks great and it's something we haven't seen before in someone else’s house.’ We think this would make a pretty cool kitchen splashback idea! Image credit: @anotherfknflat / Lick Wall units have been swapped for open shelving, displaying crockery and quirky pieces, that add to the eclectic feel of the kitchen. ‘We're always on the hunt for bargains, whether it be online or in salvage shops and even back lanes,’ Ryan says. ‘It’s a D.I.Y renovation, so we cut huge amount of labour costs by doing the majority of the work ourselves,’ Ryan told designer paint brand Lick. ‘Some people like to argue that you won't get the same result as using professionals but, at the end of the day, what's the fun in that?’ ‘If you’re thinking of experimenting, just try it . You'll create your own style and feel a real sense of achievement.’ We couldn’t agree more. Check out more of Ryan and Jo’s home makeovers on Instagram @anotherfknflat. The post See how a drab cream kitchen was transformed by painting the cabinets black appeared first on Ideal Home.

The first thing you must do after Storm Eunice to protect your home from further damage Posted: 18 Feb 2022 11:00 PM PST Storm Eunice hit the UK on Friday, dubbed one of the most serious weather incidents to strike the UK in a decade. The storm saw record 122mph winds, causing destructions across the country, from power cuts and fallen trees to damaged buildings. If you’re still assessing the storm damage to your home after last nights extremely strong winds, a property and construction expert reveals the first thing you should do this morning to prevent any further damage to your home. According to Thomas Goodman, property and construction expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk it is important to check your roof for debris. Even the smallest piece of debris could be a warning sign of more serious damage he warns. Image credit: Future plc/Brent Darby ‘The first thing homeowners should do after a storm is to check for visible debris on the roof,’ warns Thomas Goodman. ‘No matter how small, this can indicate larger impacts have happened during the storm.’ ‘A dented roof can cause larger water damage problems if unattended,’ he explains. ‘Clear any debris you can and if you can access it, inspect the roof shingles for damage.’ If you have home insurance, check the wording for what storm damage is covered. Tiles or slates dislodged, ridge or hip tiles missing and water damage inside your home are all typically covered so it is worth taking videos and photographs as you investigate any damage. Image credit: Alexander James / Future Plc Hopefully, by taking these steps quickly you’ll be able to identify any problems early on before the damage can get worse and cause real issues for your home. If your home has been damaged The Association of British insurers recommends contacting your insurer as soon as possible: ‘Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible.’ Even if you have been unable to identify any damage to your roof yourself after the storm it is a good idea to get a professional to carry out a roof inspection. This can cost on average £250, while this might be steep, don’t be tempted to opt for companies that offer free roof inspections. Tradesman experts Check-a-trade warns that companies offering free roof inspections can plan to recoup payment on costly roof repairs not offering a balanced and unbiased appraisal. So before you start sipping your coffee this morning, be sure to take a look at your roof. The post The first thing you must do after Storm Eunice to protect your home from further damage appeared first on Ideal Home.

Are solar panels recyclable and which companies do it? We reveal all... Posted: 18 Feb 2022 09:46 AM PST You’ve gone green and invested in solar but now it’s time to get rid of them or upgrade. Or perhaps you’ve moved into a home and don’t want the panels there. Whatever the reason for getting rid of your solar panels, you were quite right to ask, are solar panels recyclable? In fact, this is important on a global scale as the popularity of solar panels is growing rapidly. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says it will grow to a whopping 4,500GW by 2050. That'll be 16% of global electricity which is fuelled by the sun. With a lifespan of about 30-40 years that also means there are going to be a lot of defunct solar panels in the future. As such, lots of companies are working on making sure we can recycle them. Thankfully this is also something you can do and using this guide you can find the best way to recycle your solar panels right now. Image credit: Getty Images/Mint Images – Tim Pannell Are solar panels recyclable? Solar panels are indeed recyclable. If they weren’t then all the good they do by helping us go green to use the sun for electricity would be severely offset by the waste they produce. Thankfully solar panels are made from largely common materials including aluminium, glass and silicone. All of these are easy to break down, meaning you could even do the process yourself if you have access to recycling for metal, glass and silicone. But that’s not needed as there are lots of options to take care of it for you. Your panel will likely be suffering from one of four major solar panel problems that causes them to come to the end of their life. The most common are optical failure, power loss or J-box and cable failure, at 20% each, with glass breakage in at number four with 10% of cases. The reason they live for so long is that there are no moving parts and they’re easy to fix. So be sure you look into repair before smashing them up as you may find they have life in them yet. While most solar panels use silicon, at 92%, some use thin-film at 7% of the market. Depending on which type you have, the recycling process varies. How silicon based solar panels are recycled These panels are first separated so that the glass and aluminium can be recycled, with 95% of the glass reused and 100% of the aluminium. Then thermal processing is used to get up to 500 degrees Celsius so the plastic components are melted leaving the cell modules of which an impressive 80% are reused. Finally there are the silicon wafers left where 85% can be reused for new solar panels. How thin-film solar panels are recycled This is a violent process involving a shredder and hammer mill where everything is reduced down to 5mm pieces, a mix of solid and liquid, where a big rotating screw is used to separate them. Around 95% of the semiconductor material and 90% of the glass is reused. But these panels use cadmium which can be a threat to the environment, hence most solar panels now being silicon based. Schmidt-z/Getty Images How do I go about recycling my solar panels? ‘One thing you certainly shouldn't do is just send them off to landfill,’ that’s according to Charlie Clissitt of The Eco Experts. ‘You barely have to do anything to get your solar panels recycled.’ All solar panel manufacturers and importers in the UK must adhere to the Producer Compliance Scheme, meaning their panels should be collected and recycled. Under EU regulations your solar panel installer is legally required to take your used solar panels from you. Or at the very least, fund a Distributor Take-Back Scheme. All that means your first step into getting your solar panels recycled should be to call your solar panel installer. They will be able to get up onto the roof, remove everything in place and take it to a Dedicated Collection Facility. Which companies recycle solar panels? There are a whole host of Dedicated Collection Facilities and you can find your local one using this list. These centres are dotted about the country so it should be relatively easy to find one close to you. This might be necessary if your supplier has gone out of business and can’t help, or if you’ve moved into a property with solar panels already there. Here are all the options currently in the UK. Ample Energy Services Unit 36 Acorn Industrial Park , DA1 4AL Dartford , United Kingdom Statkraft Unit 8 Lion Park Avenue , KT91ST Surrey , United Kingdom Waxman Energy Grove Mills , HX59DZ Elland, Nr Halifax, United Kingdom Wind & Sun Lion Yard, Upper Hill -, HR6 0JZ, Leominster, United Kingdom GB-Sol Renewable Energy Works, Building B2, Taffs Fall Road, Treforest Industrial Estate , CF37 5TF Pontypridd, United Kingdom Metcollect Comber Road 280, BT27 6TA Lisburn, United Kingdom NuVision Energy Unit 19P , Flightways Business Park , EX14 4RD Dunkeswell, United Kingdom How much does it cost to recycle my solar panels? You should know that recycling solar panels costs you nothing. Since all the rules are in place to make sure recycling of solar panels is easy and not your responsibility as an owner, there should never be a charge. So if someone taking them away does try to charge you, then you should find someone else instead. That said, some situations where removal is an issue may incur a charge. It’s worth noting that recycling helps in the long run since many solar panels are made using rare materials like gallium and indium, which are steadily depleting. So rescuing these, rather than sending them to landfill is important. You’re also helping to fund future solar panels. The estimated total value of solar panels in 2030 is set to hit £330 million. That could fund around 60 million new solar panels for future green energy harvesting needs. The post Are solar panels recyclable and which companies do it? We reveal all... appeared first on Ideal Home.

Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender review Posted: 18 Feb 2022 07:36 AM PST The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender is one of the most expensive blenders money can buy. It’s got a big name behind it though, and if you cast a beady eye behind the counter the next time you visit your favourite smoothie shop, it’s likely you’ll see a Vitamix. These industrial-standard blenders are large and heavy, with a generous pitcher size that can be used for family-sized soups and single-serve smoothies alike. Sitting at the premium side of Vitamix’s blender offering, the Ascent Series A3500i Blender has a sleek display that’s jam-packed with preset modes to make smoothies, desserts, iced drinks, and even soups. It can cook, too, and included with the blender is a comprehensive recipe book that’s got heaps of amazing recipe ideas to try out in your new blender. I used a mixture of these and some of my own recipes to test out the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender, putting each of its preset modes to the test to see if it warrants the hefty price tag. The verdict? While I had a couple of issues with smaller recipes, this is one of the very best blenders I’ve ever used. It delivered deliciously creamy soups and blitzed drinks, which explains why many businesses and serious home chefs rely on the Vitamix to get the best out of their ingredients. Ideal Home rated: 5 out of 5 stars Reasons to buy:  It makes next-level soups The included recipe book is brilliant Excellent self-clean mode Hands-free controls Large working capacity Manual controls also included Lift-away jug Reasons to avoid:  The blades can heat up ingredients Small recipes can get stuck Not all parts dishwasher-safe Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender Specs Power: 1200W Material: plastic pitcher, stainless steel blades Capacity: 2 litre jug Pre-sets: 5 one-touch programs Weight: 6.7kg Size: 40 x 26.8 x 20.8cm (h x w x d) Included:  tamper, spatula, personal blender cup with lid and blades Unboxing The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender has a lot of heft, but this almost entirely comes from the base. The pitcher is made of plastic, and it’s fairly lightweight. It comes with a lid that clips down into place and a tamper to get stuck in with trickier ingredients. Included in the box was a recipe book which had lots of great ideas for different dishes to make using the Vitamix. Everything from nut milks to frozen cocktails was covered, and this was paired with a quick start guide that helps you get set up with your first smoothie, and this is exactly what I followed to make my first recipe. Getting started The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender pitcher slots directly onto the base, which is very interactive thanks to the screen, which shows a countdown timer for different modes and has a dial to help you amp up the power as you blend manually. For my first smoothie I made a tropical fruit blend with milk, avocado, banana, lime, and frozen mango and papaya. I put my half lime in without taking off the skin or removing pips, to get an idea of just how powerful this blender really is. The smoothie setting was well equipped to handle all these ingredients, and as soon as I pressed its logo on the control panel the display showed the timer. From there, it was a case of pressing the start/stop button, which is touch-controlled and unlikely to get dirty. With most of the preset modes you’ll start on a lower speed and amp up to finish at max power, which is 10. There are more than 10 speed setting though, because you can dial from 2 to 2+, to 3, and then 3+ (etc). In all, there are about 20 speeds to choose from. The Vitamix scores full marks for its smoothie skills. My frozen fruits were pulverised with seemingly little effort and no intervention, and there was not a trace of lime skin or seed in either smoothie. I did note just how loud this blender is on first use. It is seriously noisy, and not one to use first thing in the morning when your partner is still sleeping! Making oat milk in the Vitamix I love an oat milk latte, but I find myself spending a lot of money in my weekly shop keeping my coffee machine topped up on my favourite barista blends. It was worth a go in the Vitamix, especially because I had no doubt it could handle very liquidy mixes. To make the oat milk I soaked and then blended oats, water and a bit of maple syrup for sweetness. I will admit, my first attempt was a complete mess and not the one pictured here. I left my milk to blend for 45 seconds, which I realised was far too long when I attempted to strain my gloopy oat mixture. Because the Vitamix blades heat up when used for prolonged periods (I’ll get onto that later) it had actually turned my milk into a very runny porridge. For my second attempt, I only blended for about 5 seconds, on a very high speed. This was more than enough time to make a cool, milky mixture without many grains left to strain. This mixture was a lot easier to strain with a cheesecloth, and had a more milk-like texture that worked well in a cup of milk. After blending I was able to rinse out the jug to remove any leftover pieces of oat, and return it to the base. Making soup in the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i doesn’t have an in-built heating element, so it won’t replace the best soup makers, but its blades heat up when left at high speeds for long periods of time. The Simply Blending recipe book that came included had a recipe for tomato soup that could be cooked all inside the blender, so I gave it a try. This included adding half an onion, a carrot, some fresh and tinned tomatoes, and a selection of spices and stock to the blender. I then switched on the soup preset and let the blender work through a 10-minute cycle. This works by slowly increasing the blending speeds, before leaving on high speed to cook the soup through. I was sceptical that the blender would be able to cook out onion and garlic, but I was pleasantly surprised when the noisy blending stopped and the soup was steaming hot and very, very smooth. All of the ingredients had been puliverised, leaving an almost-whipped texture that was creamy and thick. Totally delicious, and done in just 10 minutes. This mode won’t work on everything, so if you plan on making a leek and potato or a carrot and coriander soup, be prepared to pre-cook your ingredients to take the raw edge off. Making dips Another recipe from the Vitamix book was for a sweet and spicy beetroot dip. I already had beetroot in the fridge, so I thought it would make a nice alternative to my typical hummus recipe. I added chickpeas, roasted beetroot, honey, chilli, tahini and some olive oil to my blender and switched on the dip preset. The blender jumped into action, sending bright red splatters up the inside of the pitcher, but it had no trouble processing more solid ingredients even with minimal added liquid to make the job a bit easier. The dip was silky smooth when the blending was done, and very tasty. It’s a recipe I’ll definitely follow again, but I did struggle to reach underneath the blades to scoop out every last drop. Because the blades cannot be removed, you’ll have to be prepared to get stuck in to take out more solid recipes. This one proved tricky to clean. I was worried that the beetroot would leave a stain on the plastic jug, but thankfully it didn’t. However, I found that it took a bit more hands-on cleaning to dislodge stuck-on bits of dip from the inside of the blender. This was made easier with a scrubbing brush. Cleaning The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i has a self-cleaning mode. Yay! I love a self-cleaning mode on any blender, but even if one doesn’t include a self-clean setting, you can still add a little water and some washing up liquid to the blender and blitz it to take excess smoothie or soup away from the blender blades. You will still likely need to clean the inside of the blender, especially the lid and the spout, by hand, but the self-clean mode on the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i is very capable and keeps your hands away from the blender blades. If you want the blender jug to last, don’t even think about putting it through the dishwasher. Should you buy the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i? At around £700, the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i is the most expensive blender I’ve ever tried. It’s a seriously pricey machine, with a very sturdy base and enough power to justify a large price tag, but it only comes with one jug that’s best suited to larger recipes. If you want a blender that can make a morning smoothie and not much more, the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i will absolutely be overkill. However, if you’re a keen cook who makes regular use of a blender and wants to make an investment that will last a lifetime, I’d be inclined to say that this is the best blender on the market for you. About this review, and the reviewer Millie Fender is small appliances editor at Ideal Home. She reviews everything from coffee machines to air fryers from her own kitchen, meaning these tests have been carried out in the same conditions that you'll be using the machine. The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i was kindly sent to Millie by Vitamix, and she tested it for a month before returning it. This gave her the chance to test all of its functions as well as cleaning, and check for any troubleshooting. Millie drinks a lot of soup and smoothies, and made sure that every mode with the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i was tried before writing her review. The post Vitamix Ascent Series A3500i Blender review appeared first on Ideal Home.

Country utility room ideas to add warmth to a practical space Posted: 18 Feb 2022 05:11 AM PST Laundry rooms are a classic staple in a home, and often associated with more traditional homes. For this reason, country utility room ideas are the place to look for inspiration. Utility rooms come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Even if you’re considering a contemporary look, country utility room ideas can be a useful starting off point in your design. A simple approach with good storage and quality features are key to pulling this classic utility room look. Aim to create a space which delights you. Laundry can be a tedious enough chore, so you might as well be working away in a beautiful room which also makes your life easier through useful details and practicalities. Country utility room ideas From the units to the blinds and accessories and everything in between, every detail counts when it comes to this timeless style. 1. Include a storage bench Image credit: Future PLC/David Still Utility rooms often double as boot rooms – after all, it’s not many of us that have the space or savings for both. Make the most out of the available space with narrow utility room ideas by building in a storage bench. Keep less attractive cleaning products and other essentials hidden away beneath its lid. Then you’ve also got a handy place to sit and put on or pull of Welly boots. 2. Lay flagstone flooring Image credit: The Main Company Flagstone flooring is a country home staple. They’re good-looking, hardwearing and incredibly practical. Also, they work incredibly well for utility room flooring ideas. With their uneven colouring and natural pockmarks, dirt is easily disguised, meaning you won’t constantly be cleaning it. When you do need to give it a wash, stone floors are easy and quick to get clean and bright again. 3. Add a traditional laundry maid Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle Indulge in a bit of a Downton Abbey moment while also space saving like a pro. Hanging clothes airers, known as Sheila’s maids or laundry maids, add that rustic, vintage touch to your laundry room. Plus, unlike modern clothes airers, you won’t be using up any precious floor space, making it perfect for small utility room ideas. 4. Factor in your furry friends Image credit: DesignSpace London Is a country home even a country home without a dog? Think about your mucky pups when considering your utility room design. It’s a bit of a luxury, but will make your life so much easier if you build in a dog shower. No more chasing your pooch around the garden with a house or tackling in the upstairs bath. Keep the muddy paws in one designated area and everything will run a lot more smoothly. 5. Panel the wall Image credit: Life Kitchens Panelled walls are a must-have for country kitchens, so make sure to bring through into your utility room, too. They add texture and interest without being too busy and distracting the eye. Plus, they’re easy to repaint should you wish to revamp your colour scheme. 6. Embrace the colours of nature Image credit: Garden Trading Keep the look understated but undeniably country with a coat of glorious forest green on the walls. The serene yet striking shade pairs beautifully with natural wooden cabinets and worktops to create a grounding country vibe. Choose classic white enamel storage caddies and fittings to keep the look clean and effortlessly coordinated. 7. Dress the decor with ticking stripes Image credit: Future PLC/Ben Robertson Nothing says country-style quite like a classic ticking stripe. Use this faithful pattern to furnish your utility room to give the space an air of sophistication. Match the dominant colour of the pattern to your kitchen cabinet colour to keep the look cohesive. For on-trend navy choose brass fixtures and fittings to enhance the richness of the scheme. 8. Add stylish shutters Image credit: Garden Trading Shutters for dressing windows is the epitome of fine country-style. Smart wooden shutters are ideal for creating scullery chic. Keep the look understand yet smart by painting the shutters, cabinets and walls in a gradient scale of the same colour – keep the walls in the lightest shade, then choose a colour few shades darker for both the cabinets and the shutters. This painting scheme will help to add depth to the look, without having to use bold colours. 9. Decorate white goods with flower prints Image credit: Future PLC/Sussie Bell Give bulky white goods a touch of country-style with the help of simple stickers. The blank canvas of white is the ideal place to add a decorative motif to soften the hardness of appliances. Team the look with floral print fabrics for under-cabinet curtains and textile accessories, to uniform the look. 10. Use open shelves for boots and shoes Image credit: Future PLC/Jon Day Use your utility room as the place to clean and store footwear as soon as they are removed. Leave just-cleaned shoes to air or dry on a sturdy trolley before you return them to storage. A small pair of steps will helpfully double as a place to prop your foot when cleaning shoes. 11. Add flowers Image credit: Future PLC/Jon Day Create an area where you can indulge your love of fresh flowers and arrange them beautifully.  Fit shelves above the sink for storing flower room essentials such as scissors, string, gloves and glass stem vases, and display your country-style arrangements in pretty enamel jugs nearby. Use the colourful blooms to inspire the decor. Add interest with a bright blind in a graphic floral print to inject a vibrant touch to enhance an otherwise neutral colour scheme. 12. Fit a Belfast sink Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain Country utility room ideas couldn’t be complete without traditional Belfast sinks – best set into a chunky wooden work surface. These deep ceramic sinks are hard-wearing and large enough to cope with any utility room cleaning task. Combine with vintage-style kitchen mixer taps for a pleasing finish. Make this signature sink the star of the show by dressing it to perfection. A decorative textile fashioned into curtains to conceal the storage below the worktops helps to frame the sink area. 13. Hide away ironing boards in an armoire Image credit: Future PLC/Jon Day Keep ironing boards, brooms and vacuum cleaners out of sight in a dedicated cupboard. Choose a slim, classic country armoire to make essential storage feel more sophisticated. Hang up the feather duster and dustpan and brush on characterful wall hooks independently of the freestanding furniture piece. 14. Put up plentiful shelving Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore Organise your washing space with painted open shelves for folded linen and detergents. Paint basic wooden shelves in a classic cream to achieve a simple country look. The colour will provide a calming backdrop for natural linens, enamel storage caddies and attractive bottled laundry products. 15. Choose classic pigeon holes for storage Image credit Future PLC/Ben Robertson Use stylish pigeon hole shelving to make storing household sundries all the more chic. The fashionable storage units come in a variety of different sizes, from countertop to larger wall-mounted designs  to suit all utility rooms. For a totally uniformed look you can even label each one to make it clear exactly what goes where. 16. Fashion a display area Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott One of the most pleasing qualities of having a dedicated utility space is that you can show off the finer details. With chic storage solutions such as glass Kilner jars, porcelain bottles and enamelware why hide it all away behind closed doors. Use open shelving to house beautifully decanted cleaning products and simple decorative accessories. Fit the shelving above the sink so that you can keep everything you need to hand. Larger items such as boxes of washing powder can be stowed away in classic enamel containers or cupboards nearby. 17. Opt for a built-in utility cupboard Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain You don’t always need a whole room in order to make use of country utility room ideas. A built-in cupboard is the perfect spot to make a miniature laundry area. Maximise the space you do have by including extending shelves so you have worksurfaces to hand when needed. 18. Conceal appliances with a curtain Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young Make a simple curtain to hide unattractive appliances or unorganised storage under a counter top. Sew a curtain with a narrow casing at the top and thread on to a net curtain wire or café rod. Not only will this idea instantly hide a bulky electrical appliance, it will also help to add a decorative touch through a thoughtful patterned fabric. 19. Incorporate a pet bed Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott Keep your pooch at their happiest by building them a new bed. After all, what is are country utility room ideas without a perky pup? A combination of built-in open shelving and drawers turns the smallest cubby hole into a utility area with space for a pet bed beneath. 20. Tile a utility splashback with glazed brick tiles Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore Tile the splashback above the sink in your utility space with glazed brick tiles for a classic country look. Combine with white walls, a marble worktop and a traditional-style mixer tap. A wooden shelf, fitted just above the tiles, finishes the look and provides a handy place to display decorative pieces, and beautifully packaged laundry and cleaning products. 21. Use an over-the-door rack for cleaning brushes Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott Make the most of vertical storage options such as over-door racks and country style hooks. These simple solutions are easy to fit and add instant extra storage in your utility room – and they make a great place to hang items such as teacloths, feather dusters and brushes, too. When it comes to cleaning must-haves such as mops, bins or a dustpan and brush, even these practical items can add utility-chic if you opt for vintage-style accessories in cream enamel or rustic wood. 22. Build in fitted boot room storage Image credit: Future PLC/David Cleveland Design your utility space so it also works for boot room ideas. Fit wooden shelving and paint it in a subtle shade, such as understated sage green, to match the cabinetry. Alternatively, use a rustic metal rack or even wooden steps to prop up footwear by the garden door. Combine painted units with a wood-panelled splashback and stone flooring for classic boot-room style. 23.  Fit an extending wall rack to dry laundry indoors Image credit: Garden Trading No country utility room is complete without a wall-mounted extending rack for those days when the weather does not allow clothes to be dried outside. Position a wall rack near the washing machine and sink for ease of use. If you have space for shelving, add storage boxes above, or fit an enamel wardrobe rail in an alcove for hanging up garments. 24. Hide clutter with a café curtain Image credit: Future PLC/Trevor Richards Hang a country-style café curtain beneath the length of a worktop or console table to hide kitchenware, cleaning products or appliances from view. Choose fabric in fresh colours, such as striking florals or fresh stripes, and sew a simple curtain that will add instant zing to your utility room. Hang the curtain using a tension rod that fits the width of the open shelving unit. 25. Choose neutral, country-style cabinetry Image credit: Future PLC/David Merewether Decorate in a neutral colour scheme for a timeless look in your utility room. Choose Shaker-style cabinetry – allowing plenty of space for appliances – and hardwearing stone flooring for a look that's pretty and practical. Use country-style enamel containers for washing powder and to sort laundry. Add a peg rail for coats above a wooden chest or sideboard for plenty of storage. 26. Show off shabby-chic storage Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme Make washday a pleasure with a dedicated utility area for laundry. Store and display ironing water, soaps, cleaning liquids and wooden dolly pegs in attractive bottles and practical glass kilner jars. Introduce even a few of these ideas, and the results might just might light work of those chores that need doing. Talk about effective budget utility room ideas! How can I make my utility room look nice? You can make your utility room look nice by adopting a country-style approach. The humble yet hard-working utility room is often over-looked when it comes to decorating. Yes, you need to create a dedicated space that is well organised but practical doesn’t have to be dull. A vintage country-style look is a great style choice as it takes the room back to its roots. A scullery was a kitchen overflow for large, busy houses so had to be spic- span efficient. What is the difference between a scullery and a utility room? Although the names are very different, the utility room is simply the modern equivalent of a scullery. Traditionally, sculleries were used for laundry, washing dishes and as an extra kitchen space. Since utility rooms perform the same tasks they are essentially just a rebranded scullery! In Australia and the States, however, you’re more likely to find these spaces called laundry rooms than utility rooms. The post Country utility room ideas to add warmth to a practical space appeared first on Ideal Home.

Self build insurance: do I need it and what does it cover? Posted: 18 Feb 2022 01:00 AM PST Designing and building the home of your dreams can be an exciting and rewarding task. It is also likely to be one of the most challenging and one of the largest expenditures of your life, making it crucial to have self build insurance in place to protect your project. If you're building your own home, you'll need to take out a specialist Self build insurance policy.  What is self build insurance? Self build insurance is a specialist home insurance policy that covers you, your builders, your building site and your new home during the construction process.  Standard home insurance won't provide sufficient cover as it only protects you against the risks that come with owning a property. A home contents insurance policy will protect your belongings inside the property, for example, while a buildings insurance policy will protect the structure of your home.  Self build insurance, on the other hand, will provide more tailored cover and protect you against the risks involved when building your own home. Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby What should a self build insurance policy cover? A good self build insurance policy should provide cover for the following: Damage to the property and surrounding building site due to fire, storms and floods Damage to and theft of tools, materials and equipment  Employers' liability cover to protect you against claims made by anyone working on the site in the event of injury or death Public liability cover to protect you if damage or injury is caused to a third party or members of the public as a result of the building works Legal expenses cover in the event legal action is taken against you Non-negligence cover or JCT 21.2.1 insurance to protect you against damage to surrounding properties caused by collapse or vibration. You won't always need this cover, it will depend on the type of work being carried out. Do I have to take out insurance if I am building a house? The cost of building your own home can be tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds, so it is sensible to protect your investment with the right insurance policy. Even if your builder or main contractor has their own insurance policy, it won't cover any tools or equipment you've bought yourself and it won't usually cover you when your contractor is not on site.  Your mortgage lender is also likely to require proof of self build or site insurance before agreeing to release the funds. 'Mortgage lenders will often require site insurance to be in place on a project during the build, so that their investment is protected against accidental, malicious and storm damage,' explains Jake Fitness of Self-Build Zone.  'A 10-year structural warranty for self-builders is [also] usually a requirement for mortgage lenders to release funds for the building project,' he adds. 'This covers the build against structural defects for a period of 10 years following the completion of the build.' How much does self build insurance cost? Like any insurance policy, the amount you pay for this type of insurance will be based on several factors and linked to the risks involved.  'Site insurance is based on the duration of the project, the reinstatement values and which options (like hired plant tools and equipment) you require,' says Simon Middleton, managing director at Protek Group Limited. 'A typical £250,000 self-build project built over say 12 months would typically be in the region of £500 plus insurance premium tax.' He adds: 'A self build structural warranty will typically cost around £2,500 including the technical audit inspections.' Image credit: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars Where can I buy insurance? You won't usually be able to buy self build insurance from a standard home insurance provider. Instead you'll need to shop around and compare premiums with dedicated self build insurance providers, such as Self-Build Zone and Protek. You can often compare quotes online, or you may need to give the insurer a ring to chat through your options. Do I need to change policies when the build is complete? This specialist insurance will no longer be a requirement once the project is complete. However, you will still need some form of cover in place.   'Once the property is complete and ready for occupation, the site insurance policy ends and the 10 year structural warranty policy starts. It is at this point that you will need to secure traditional home and contents insurance,' says Middleton. Buildings and contents insurance usually works out cheaper when combined under the one policy. But be aware that if your home has a non-standard design you may need to take out a non-standard home insurance policy to ensure you're fully covered. The post Self build insurance: do I need it and what does it cover? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Cleaning expert shares money-saving mouthwash sink cleaning hack Posted: 17 Feb 2022 11:00 PM PST A cleaning expert has shared a simple cleaning hack that makes use of a bathroom cabinet staple. Next time you’re cleaning your sink and notice an unpleasant smell, do away with your supply of the best cleaning products and try pouring a splash of mouthwash into the sink instead, says Kelly. The cleanfluencer recently shared the mouthwash sink cleaning hack on her Instagram (@mrs.ds.cleaning.reviews). She explains that it banishes smells and keeps things hygienic. Kelly is a digital creator constantly providing reviews and tips to her 86,000 followers. Image credit: Big Bathroom Shop Mouthwash sink cleaning hack ‘If you suffer from a stinky bathroom drain, then I highly recommend mouthwash,’ says Kelly. ‘It’s something we all have in our bathroom cabinets and it’s a fantastic, cheap way of keeping your bathroom drains not only smelling fresh but all so hygienically clean too.’ Our drains can get a bit whiffy due to a build-up of germs and bacteria, combined with toothpaste and hair, she says. And while these won’t block you sink, they can create a foul odour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mrs D's Cleaning Reviews (@mrs.ds.cleaning.reviews) Oral-B 3D White Luxe Perfection Mouthwash 500ml, £2.50 at Wilko Keep your breath and sink smelling fresh with this discounted Oral B mouthwash, available half price right now at Wilko. With a small bottle of Zoflora often costing around £4, making use of this bathroom cupboard item instead will help you save money. View Deal You can also use baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water to get rid of smells naturally, or try some concentrated disinfectant. Lots of people commented on the mouthwash sink cleaning hack, saying they’d give it a go. ‘I use this tried and tested tip of yours a lot,’ said one. Image credit: Carpetright Another follower shared their own tip, reminding people to clean the overflow drain with a little bleach and water if it’s become moldy. Make sure you don’t turn the tap on for at least half an hour after pouring mouthwash down the sink. Then pour down hot water and this will leave you with a minty fresh sink. Would you try this hack? The post Cleaning expert shares money-saving mouthwash sink cleaning hack appeared first on Ideal Home.

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