Bake Off 2024: which appliances are in the tent and are there cheaper versions?

The Great British Bake Off is back for its 15th series, with another fresh batch of aspiring bakers, but the burning question is - which gadgets are back in the tent this year and are they the best a budding star baker can get?

This year's set looks pretty similar to the past few years, with the retro theme we've come to expect, and the whimsical pastel colour scheme adorning the famous Bake Off tent.

The matching kitchen appliances certainly look good on screen, but if they're to earn a place in your kitchen, they need to work well too.

Read on to discover which kitchen gadgets we spotted in the tent this year, plus some cheaper alternatives to consider.

Eat well, live better and stay healthy. 

KitchenAid stand mixer

KitchenAid 175 Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer

One of the most familiar sights in the Bake Off tent - the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer - gets plenty of use. Its pretty pastel colour scheme and standout retro design means, for us, it's no surprise this classic gadget is in the mix for 2024.

If pastel colours aren't your style, you can also find KitchenAid models in a striking red, purple and even on-trend shimmering copper. They don't come cheap, though, setting you back upwards of £500 when they're not on offer.

They certainly add a touch of baking kudos to your kitchen worktops, but how well do KitchenAid stand mixers really whisk, whip and knead - and are they worth spending that much cash on?

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Cheaper alternative: Kenwood kMix

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The Kenwood kMix is a popular alternative and has even featured in previous seasons of The Great British Bake Off.

You can find it in a range of stylish colours, including black, chrome and rose gold, although there isn't quite as much choice as the KitchenAid range. You can sometimes pick one up for less than £250 when on offer though, making it a more affordable option.

Retro fridge-freezer

Zanussi ZTAE31EM1 retro fridge freezer

The Bake Off set wouldn't be complete without a retro-style fridge-freezer. This year's choice seems to still be the 1950s vintage-style model in pastel blue: the Zanussi ZTAE31EM1.

It has a small freezer at the top and shiny silver handles - a design that's pretty common among modern retro models. This means the freezer is at eye level rather than lower down, so there's no need for the bakers to scramble around on their hands and knees to load and unload their precious cakes.

In previous seasons, the tent has featured retro models from Smeg and Servis.

Cheaper alternative: Hisense RB390N4RYDUK

Hisense RB390N4RYDUK fridge freezerundefined

Swan Nordic microwave

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A microwave might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of baking essentials, but they're handy for jobs such as softening butter when you're against the clock.

We've spotted these blue 'Nordic style' Swan microwaves are back on Bake Off, but is it the best microwave for the job - or is it all stylish looks and not much else?

Cheaper alternative: Russell Hobbs RHMM713G

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We've also discovered some big-brand Best Buy solo microwaves starting from just £45.

Dualit hand mixer

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Our eagle-eyed researchers have spotted the return of the Dualit hand mixers dotted around this year's tent.

At around £70, they are pricey because their bodies are made of sturdy metal rather than cheaper plastic. Although we've not tested them for a  long time, we know this makes them heavier than cheaper mixers, which could make for tired arms if you're tackling a big bowl of batter or whisking egg whites. On the plus side, they tend to come with useful extra accessories such as balloon whisks.

Cheaper alternative: VonShef hand mixer

VonShef hand mixer

If you're dead set on a retro-looking hand mixer, but a Dualit, Smeg or KitchenAid is out of your budget, we've spotted this similar-looking VonShef retro hand mixer. Again, it's not one we've tested so bear that in mind if it's something you are seeking to purchase.

Alternatively, you could save money and precious countertop space by buying a single device capable of most baking tasks. Food processors tend to be more versatile than stand mixers and hand mixers, although the bowls are often smaller and the mixing can be less thorough.

Magimix food processor

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The Magimix food processor appears to be back in the tent. It's been the brand of choice in previous years, too. Magimix food processors come with a variety of mixing bowls, which is useful when you're following elaborate recipes with multiple steps.

They also come with a wide range of attachments - for everything from chopping and grating to whisking, mixing and blending.

Their timeless design certainly matches the retro vibe of the tent, but premium brand Magimix's products come at a premium price, too. Depending on which model you go for, you could be looking at spending anything from just over £200 right up to £400.

 Cheaper alternative: Salter EK3171 Compact Mini Food Processor

Salter EK3171vmini food processor

You don't need to spend hundreds of pounds on a food processor - we've tested some decent options for around £60-£70, but they may not suitable for the full range of tasks you'd expect rom a full sized food processor. 

If you're on a budget, check out the keenly-priced Salter EK3171 Compact Prep Pro.

Read our review to find out if this mini processor is up to the job. Or c

Neff Slide&Hide oven

Neff N50 B2ACH7HH0B oven

Neff ovens are another regular fixture in the Bake Off tent, thanks to their signature 'slide and hide' door, which conveniently slots away so you can get a closer look at the showstopper bakes.

If you opt for a Neff oven, you can expect some high-end features that are sure to impress keen bakers, including steam cooking and pyrolytic self-cleaning. They also have CircoTherm technology, which Neff claims ensures air circulates evenly around the oven, helping you to create multiple masterpieces at the same time.

Unfortunately, you won't find that famous door on any other brand of oven but if you're a baking enthusiast, you'll stand yourself in good stead with an oven that does the basics well - sticking to the temperature you set and spreading heat evenly to help you achieve perfect bakes.

This isn't a given, though, as we've discovered ovens that veer more than 40°C from the temperature you set - a one-way destination to blackened biscuits.

Taylor Pro Dual Platform digital kitchen scales

While some bakers are a fan of the chuck it in and see approach, when it comes to bread-making and many other recipes accuracy is key and this year we've spotted these scales on the bakers' benches. 

Taylor Pro Dual Platform kitchen scalesundefinedAccuweight 201 Digital Kitchen Scales

Choosing the best kitchen gadgets

Bake off contestant pouring milk

The gadgets in the Bake Off tent are easy on the eye, but that's not always backed up by best-in-class performance.

Still not sure which kitchen gadgets you need? Glow up your kitchen with our guide to .undefined

source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/bake-off-2024-which-appliances-are-in-the-tent-and-are-there-cheaper-versions-aWxRy2m4Dxjq
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