Lydia Hayman
Lydia is the Kitchen Appliances Editor for Homes & Gardens, testing everything from coffee machines and juicers to air fryers and mixers. Lydia trained in cookery at Leiths School of Food & Wine and was previously Recipe Editor for Mindful Chef. She’s also worked on editorial for brands like Six Senses and Deliciously Ella. Outside of work, you'll find her dreaming up dinner party menus, trying new coffee shops, and creating endless Pinterest boards.
Latest articles by Lydia Hayman
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Best cast iron cookware – a chef's guide to building an heirloom collection
Our kitchen appliances editor tested the best cast iron cookware – from skillets and Dutch ovens to baking dishes – to find the perfect pieces for your kitchen
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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I was first to test the new Smeg Soda Maker – it's beautiful, cordless, and it launches today
Is this the most stylish soda machine ever? Here's a first look at the new Smeg soda maker, tested and reviewed by our appliance expert
By Lydia Hayman Published
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The best coffee maker deals – reviewed by a kitchen appliances expert
Your guide to getting that dream coffee machine for less
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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The best air fryer deals – a chef's top picks for fast, healthy food at home
Our resident chef has tested the best air fryers to help you find the hottest deals in the sales
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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7 Dutch oven alternatives – practical pans and affordable appliances to use instead
Explore our round-up of the best Dutch oven alternatives that can seamlessly substitute this classic piece of cookware
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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We tested the best Instant Pots of 2025 – these are five picks that actually delivered
Our team of chefs and home cooks tested the range – from the tiniest rice cooker to the beautiful Pro Max – to find the options actually worth buying
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Best non-toxic coffee makers 2025 – stainless steel, glass, and BPA-free alternatives
Following medical advice, we tested the best non-toxic coffee makers with glass, stainless steel and BPA-free plastic elements to curate this safer list
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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I'm a trained chef but these are my go-to air fryer recipes for busy weekdays
What to cook in an air fryer according to a trained chef – from energy-boosting snacks and breakfasts to indulgent desserts, they'll be your mid-week winners.
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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I cooked with the Our Place Titanium Always Pan every night for three months – here's what I think of this viral cookware
In my tests, I found this to be a nearly flawless frying pan – chemical-free, stylish, and destined to become a stovetop staple
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Best non-toxic cookware – the safest stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic pans tested by a trained cook
Want to free your kitchen from forever chemicals? Here's a healthy cook’s guide to the best non-toxic cookware
By Lydia Hayman Published
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Should you even bother with an air fryer in 2025?
Once a viral sensation, now a familiar kitchen staple – does the air fryer still deserve a spot in your kitchen?
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Best KitchenAid alternatives – stylish stand mixers tested by real chefs and budding bakers
You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get an excellent stand mixer
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Are air fryers toxic? We spoke to medical experts and found some solutions to reduce the risks
As thousands ask if air fryers are toxic, we speak to medical experts to learn the health implications of these household essentials
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Le Creuset’s 100th-anniversary color harks back to the roaring twenties – it's a fiery, shimmering tribute to a century of cookware heritage
'Flamme Dorée' has been re-imagined for a birthday treat – but it's going out of stock fast
By Lydia Hayman Published
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Everybody wants that White Lotus blender, but it is M.I.A right now – here are my top alternatives for killer smoothies and cocktails
The Bosch blender has vanished from the shelves, but if you’re craving perfect protein shakes and (non-poisonous) cocktails, I’ve got you covered
By Lydia Hayman Published
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Is Le Creuset worth the money? I test cookware for a living – and here are my honest thoughts
The short answer is: yes
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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The best toaster ovens – tested by home cooks and expert chefs
Whether you love toast, pizza, air fried food, or you want a multi-cooking marvel, we've found the best toaster oven for you
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Best non-toxic air fryers – stainless steel, glass, and ceramic alternatives for health-conscious cooks
Our guide to choosing safer air fryers for healthier cooking this spring
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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KitchenAid vs Cuisinart – which stand mixer should you buy in 2025?
KitchenAid vs Cuisinart stand mixers, which is best? We put them to the test
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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The best quiet blenders – tested for early morning smoothies and noise-free entertaining
We tested 52 blenders just to find the quietest blender
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Best blender 2025 – chef-approved for smoothies, soups, and frozen cocktails
From whizzing green smoothies to crushing ice, I've found the top six blenders for every kitchen task
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Best air fryer liners – I swear by air fryer liners for easy cleanup, these are my top picks and ones to avoid
From silicone baskets to paper sheets, I've tested every option to find the best air fryer liners and the ones to avoid
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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French door air fryers are all the rage in 2025, but are they worth the spend?
I'm a kitchen product tester and I think French door air fryers are the next big trend for 2025. These are my top picks, with all the pros and cons weighed up
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Best Vitamix alternatives – brilliant blenders at lower prices
You don't need to overspend to enjoy delicious smoothies this spring and summer
By Lydia Hayman Last updated