Along with Ninja, Instant is one of the brands that dominates the air fryer market. And the new Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer with ClearCook is one of three new Vortex Plus models they have recently launched. It features a viewing window not seen on previous Instant air fryers, but does it deserve a spot in our guide to the best air fryers?

At £119.99 this is the cheapest of the newly launched trio, partly because it lacks the OdourErase air filter feature seen on the next model up. Nevertheless, this is a great price for such a good quality air fryer.

This sleek black air fryer has a capacity of almost six litres which is enough for up to six portions depending on what you’re cooking, so it’s great for families. I enjoyed everything about this easy-to-use appliance, it was fantastically fast at crisping and browning everything I made in it. What’s more, in addition to air frying it can also roast, bake, reheat, grill, and dehydrate, making it a pretty useful addition to your kitchen.

Ideal Home rated: 5 out of 5 stars

Reasons to buy:

• Viewing window and internal light
• Removable tray insert
• Good capacity
• Touch control panel
• Useful range of functions
• Dishwasher safe basket and cooking try

Reasons to avoid:

• Instruction manual lacks advice on cook times
• Quite bulky

Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer with ClearCook

Specs

• Material: Plastic
• Colour: Black
• Capacity: 5.7 litres
• Modes: Air fry, roast, bake, reheat, grill, dehydrate
• Weight: 5.15kg
• Power: 1700W
• Size: 33 x 30 x 37.9cm (h x w x d)

Unboxing

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer with ClearCook comes in a chunky box, but it’s not very heavy and there’s a handle on top which means it’s easy to move into the kitchen ready for unboxing. Upon opening the box I discovered one of my pet hates – polystyrene. Two large polystyrene inserts hold the fryer in position inside the box, but with so many appliance manufacturers phasing out this hard-to-recycle packaging, it’s frustrating to see it here.

Once on the kitchen worktop I’m immediately impressed with the sleek and minimal exterior of the air fryer. It has a smart combination of shiny and matte black finishes, and I don’t feel the need to hide it away in a cupboard. The viewing window on the front of the drawer doesn’t allow you to see inside unless the internal light is switched on, this ensures it looks neat and streamlined when it’s switched off. Additionally, the touch screen control panel remains completely black when switched off, so the only visible control is the silver dial.

The small instruction manual contains the necessary information on how to operate the air fryer, but I would have liked some guidance on cooking times and temperatures for common everyday foods. If you’re new to air frying this information would provide a useful starting point. Having said this, there are air fryer recipes on the Instant Brands app, lots of them are American recipes, but they’ll give you an idea of general cook times.

Using the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer with ClearCook

It really couldn’t be easier to use this air fryer. I like the angled control panel, which means I don’t have to stand on tiptoes to see the menu. Once switched on, the controls illuminate, and the cooking modes are displayed. After selecting a cooking mode, it’s just a case of pressing the time/temp button and spinning the dial for quick adjustment of these settings. Plus, it remembers the last time and temperature settings you used, which is handy if you regularly cook the same foods. There is an audible beep when you’re pressing the controls, I didn’t find it annoying but it can be switched off if you prefer.

When you start a cooking mode the air fryer automatically begins preheating and then the display tells you to ‘add food’ once it’s hot enough. Another feature I liked was the reminder to turn food part way through cooking.

The basket has a chunky handle and pulls out with ease. The perforated cooking tray slots into the basket and is held in place with grippy rubberised sections on each of the four sides, this means it doesn’t fall out when you tip food out of the basket. Not only does it allow air to circulate around your food for great crispy results, but excess oil drips through the tray into the basket underneath, giving you even healthier meals. I like that it’s removable though, so you can get it out of the way if you’re using the air fryer to bake foods like bread and cakes.

Cooking bacon

This air fryer cooked bacon with impressive speed. Admittedly I wasn’t looking for super crispy results since I was cooking back bacon. However, with the air fryer set to 190oC the bacon was cooked in just six minutes, the fatty rind down the side of each rasher had started to render and crisp. I cut this part off before eating, but if you want it super crisped it might require a couple more minutes. I also timed the preheat stage which took around 2 ½ minutes – just enough time to get the bacon out of the fridge, open it up and grab a pair of tongs.

I love that there’s no grease splatter to clean up afterwards like there is when frying bacon. And also found it reassuring how much fat dripped into the base of the drawer, rather than ending up on my plate. For foods like bacon that cook so quickly, the viewing window is a great feature so you can cook it to perfection without opening the drawer every minute to check on progress.

Heating frozen food

Frozen breaded chicken goujons crisped up a treat in the air fryer. The packaging said they would take 20 minutes in an oven set to 200oC so I stuck to the same temperature in the air fryer. I wasn’t sure how long they would take so I set it to 15 minutes, but could quickly see through the viewing window that they would be done much faster. I turned them once and after a total time of just eight minutes, they were crisped and hot. But eight minutes seemed too good to be true, so for the avoidance of all doubt (and food poisoning) I stuck my food probe into one of the chicken strips to check they really were cooked all the way through – which they were. I was impressed.

I also tried out frozen Quorn sausages. It can be tricky to achieve a nice brown crisp coating on these meat-free sausages when cooked in an oven. Not in this air fryer though, they were crisp and golden in 10 minutes, far short of the usual 18 – 20 minutes needed in an oven. I brushed them with oil before cooking, just as I do when oven cooking them. But unlike in an oven, the excess oil dripped away and they crisped without drying out.

Making chips

With no recipe or guidelines given in the manual, I headed to the Instant app for guidance on cooking chips. I could only find a recipe for skinny fries, but used this as a basis for my chunkier chips. I peeled, chopped and rinsed my chips, then soaked them in cold water for 20 minutes.

This part isn’t essential, but it helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes and can lead to a fluffier result. After drying, I coated in two teaspoons of oil and some seasoning. With a couple of shakes part way through cooking to ensure they browned evenly, they took 25 minutes to reach a nice crisp and golden texture on the outside with fluffy potato in the centre.

Roasting vegetables

Finally, I roasted a selection of Mediterranean vegetables using the air fry function. I coated chopped peppers, courgette, red onion and portobello mushrooms in two teaspoons of oil and air fried at 200oC for 20 minutes, shaking occasionally for an even result.

I was looking for slightly charred edges on the peppers and onion, which can take an hour in my oven, so to get that in just 20 minutes was a real time saver. All the vegetables were nicely cooked and unlike when I do them in my oven, the peppers hadn’t gone completely soft and soggy, they still had a slight crunch which I enjoyed.

It’s worth noting that lots of steam is created when roasting these types of vegetables. And I had clearly positioned the air fryer a little too close to the wall because the tiles became quite wet with condensation. Additionally, the viewing window steamed up in-between the two pieces of plastic and this took overnight to dry out completely.

Cleaning

If you’ve got a dishwasher, cleaning this air fryer is pretty simple. Both the air fryer basket and the removable tray insert can be washed in the dishwasher. But even if you don’t have a dishwasher the non-stick coating means cleaning by hand is still a breeze.

The shiny touch screen control panel, as well as the shiny finish on the front of the basket, mean both of these can mark easily with greasy fingerprints. But I found it only requires a quick spritz with a kitchen spray and a wipe to clean off any marks. It can dry streaky though, but I buffed it with a tea towel or microfibre cloth and the shine was quickly restored.

Should you buy the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer with ClearCook?

I really enjoyed using this air fryer. It’s got a decent capacity and can produce crisp, evenly browned food in super quick time. One of its great features is the viewing window in the front of the drawer. Together with the light, the window meant I could keep an eye on what was cooking. This stopped me from opening it up too often to check whether the food needed a turn or a shake.

The controls are intuitive to use and with six functions to choose from, it’s a versatile air fryer that’ll mean you no longer need to switch on the oven to heat and crisp lots of your favourite foods. In my opinion, it’s a brilliant air fryer, and the very reasonable £120 price tag means it’s a bit of a no brainer. To see more from Instant, take a look at our guide to the best multi-cookers.

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 Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer with ClearCook review appeared first on Ideal Home.

Every kitchen needs the best saucepan set to keep delicious meals coming. While it’s possible to pick up cheap and cheerful saucepan sets that will last a year (or two, if you’re lucky), we think a saucepan set is a worthy investment. The very best saucepan sets from Zwilling, Ninja and Le Creuset can last a lifetime, and often come with guarantees to make sure you’ll get your money’s worth.

But, even if you’re not looking to splurge on a luxurious new stainless steel saucepan set, we’ve still included some high-quality options right here in this guide. That includes saucepan sets that work on induction cooktops, and non-stick designs that are perfect for scraping out the last of your soup or pasta sauce without having to worry about scrubbing your pan clean when you’re finished.

Every last one of the best saucepan sets listed in our guide has been tested in-house by our team of expert reviewers. We put them all through their paces, making everything from boiled carrots to homemade caramel. And where possible, we also cleaned the saucepans in the dishwasher and by hand to make sure they were easy to use. Not all saucepan sets are suitable for using in the oven, but the best ones are. This will allow you to boil your pasta, cook your sauce, and get that crisp bubbling cheesy top in the same great dish, which seriously cuts down on the washing up.

For more essentials, be sure to take a look at the best non-stick frying pans and the best woks, and for more cookware must-haves, we also reviewed the best chef’s knives and best knife sets.

How much does a saucepan set cost?

Budget at least £100 for most good-quality saucepans, but if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve got you covered too. Beyond that, it’s a question of how many pans and what size. More money buys quality and quantity, but if you get the sizes right then you only really need three or four saucepans and a frying pan – you’ll save money and storage space.

Best saucepans set 2022

1. Ninja Foodi ZEROSTICK 3-Piece Pan Set

Best saucepan set overall

Type: Non-stick
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm
Reasons to buy:

• Super durable
• Reasonably priced
• Lightweight

Reasons to avoid:

• None!

We’re big fans of Ninja. Not only does the brand come out with some of the best air fryers, food processors and other kitchen innovations, but they’ve also dipped into cookware with their ZEROSTICK range. The verdict? A smashing success. This three-piece pan set has a 16, 18 and 20cm pan, each with a tightly fitted glass lid.

One standout feature is that you are free to use metal utensils when cooking with this range. It felt weird to use a metal whisk and slatted spoon when cooking in the set, but it was one less thing to worry about in the kitchen, and also cuts back on the less-durable and often-plastic alternatives you’re forced to buy with non-stick saucepan sets.

The handle is angled upwards, which makes for an ergonomic experience and also lightens the load when it comes to pouring. All of the pans and lids can go in the dishwasher, and even in the oven, up to 260°C (the highest of any set in this guide). We like this three-piece set for the price, which is very reasonable for such a durable range.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

2. Stellar Induction Draining Saucepan Set

Best induction saucepan set

Type: Induction
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm
Reasons to buy:

• Very high quality
• Oven-safe silicone handles
• Draining design is easy to use

Reasons to avoid:

• Not non-stick

We’ve tried to be fair to the non-stick sets out there, but in our view the best saucepans are typically those high-quality fuss-free aluminium types. The Stellar Induction saucepan set is no exception. 

It’s (as the name suggests) safe for use with induction hobs, and the pans are oven-safe up to 180 degrees. That’s despite the stay-cool handles, which really do just that when cooking on the hob. 

A standout feature with this set is the draining vents on either side of the pan. This makes draining anything from pasta to peas a relatively pain-free process, and the lids are fitted with holes to make sure you won’t lose anything. One caveat is that you may lose the odd grain of rice, because it’s fitted with small holes. The draining sides are also great for pouring drinks into cups and bowls (think hot chocolate or soup) without spilling. A great touch.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

3. Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Best premium saucepan set

Type: Premium stainless steel
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm, 24cm
Reasons to buy: 

• Designed to last
• A complete kitchen kit

Reasons to avoid: 

• Very expensive

This one’s designed to last. The Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set comprises a deep non-stick saute pan, a deep casserole pot measuring 20cm, as well as two saucepans measuring 16cm and 18cm. The set slots together very well and has everything you need for a starter kitchen. 

The handles are riveted and incredibly sturdy. Construction is 3-ply stainless steel with an aluminium core, meaning the set heated very evenly. We enjoyed how easy the stainless steel was to clean, too, and everything can go in the dishwasher after use. 

Some would prefer a lidded saucepan with tempered glass over stainless steel, but the Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set will last for decades if you invest now.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

4. BergHOFF Leo 3 Piece Non Stick Saucepan Set

Best saucepan set for modern design

Type: Non-stick
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm
Reasons to buy:

• Tactile and easy to use
• We love the non-stick
• Tightly fitted lids

Reasons to avoid:

• The look isn’t for everyone

Visually, the BergHOFF Leo 3 Piece Non Stick Saucepan Set isn’t for everyone, but you’ll know instantly if it’s up your street. Taking the pans out of the box instantly divided the kitchen. The pans are lightweight and the phenolic handles clearly designed for balance and safe grip. 

These pans feel high quality, too. They’re induction-friendly and the lids are tempered glass, with silicone rims that rattle the least of any of the pans we tested. The lids are also fitted with modern-feeling handles and a vent for steam. This vent also comes in handy when draining liquid from veggies and pasta. That’s one less sieve for hand-washing. 

The set is non-stick and includes PFOA free non stick coating which cuts down on the amount of oil you’ll need. The three saucepans are 6cm, 18cm, and 20cm in width, so not the most versatile set out there when it comes to hearty portions, but it would be a good set for students or small households who want their pans to slot together neatly. Everything is dishwasher-safe too. A great value set.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

5. Zwilling 5 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Best saucepan and pot set

Type: Pots and saucepans
Sizes: 16cm stock pot and saucepan, 18cm stock pot, 20cm stew and stock pot, 24cm pot
Reasons to buy: 

• Great for the whole kitchen
• No handles to get in the way
• Very durable

Reasons to avoid: 

• Not all of the pans stack together

The quality is immediately apparent with the Zwilling 5 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set. For those who want a mixture of pots and pans (ok, more pots than pans) it’s our top pick. 

Everything feels well-made and the handle of the saucepan as well as the handles of the pots are all very ergonomic and clearly designed to be conscious of the modern kitchen. Saucepans can be irritating when it comes to storage, but we enjoy how well this set stacks together. Do keep in mind that, as there’s some duplicates in terms of size, you won’t be able to stack in one pile.

Included in this set is the largest pot we tested, the 24cm stock pot, as well as a 20cm stew pot, 20cm stock pot, and a 16cm stock pot and saucepan, which doesn’t include a lid. The entire set is made of 18/10 stainless steel and has a circular pouring rim, as well as markings in quarts and litres which come in very helpful when cooking and portioning.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

6. Tefal Ingenio Pan Set, Stainless Steel, 13 Piece

Best space-saving saucepan set

Type: Stainless steel, removable handles
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm
Reasons to buy:

• Easy to store and stack
• One smart lid
• Comes in both stainless steel and non-stick

Reasons to avoid: 

• Prone to scuffing

We tested the Ingenio ’13-piece’ Tefal saucepan set but don’t expect 13 pans. It is in fact just five pans, plus glass lids, airtight plastic covers for storing leftovers in the fridge and two removable handles. With the handles off, the pans stack ingeniously (hence the name) inside each other, so you can store five in the space usually taken up by just a couple of pans We’ve tested both the stainless steel and non-stick induction versions of the Ingenio. Both are induction-friendly.

The three saucepans (16, 18, 20cm) in the stainless steel set are built with titanium to make them even tougher and have graduations inside to indicate capacity. The two frying pans (22,26cm) in the set are non-stick inside and have a Tefal Thermo-Spot that changes colour at the optimum frying temperature. The non-stick induction set has a titanium pro-non-stick coating on all pans, inside and out. We found it to be hardwearing but over the long term it does get scuffed around the rim, where the handle clips on and off.

Both saucepan sets come with superbly built handles that clip on and off very securely. Remove them and the pans are oven-safe to 260°C. Ingenio is also available in smaller saucepan sets and in other finishes, including enamel and “essential” (a more affordable non-stick set that isn’t induction-compatible). Ingenio saucepans are pricey but beautifully made and a great space-saver.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

7. Salter Megastone Collection 3 Piece Saucepan Set

Best non-stick saucepan set

Type: Non-stick
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm
Reasons to buy: 

• High quality
• Durable non-stick
• Tapered design

Reasons to avoid: 

• Handles aren’t the most tactile

This set of three is a great price when you consider how sturdy they feel. This non-stick isn’t peeling off any time soon. The set is made of forged aluminium and coated in a PFOA free non-stick. The coating is rough to touch which was a surprise at first, but it actually helps with the cooking process because you’re able to use metal utensils when cooking. 

We enjoyed how the three pans, 16, 18, and 20 cm, taper out towards the top slightly. It makes stacking easy and increases capacity. Other winning features include the handles, which were easy enough to hold and not too light as to upset the balance of the pan, and the lids, which fit easily and securely.

While we don’t love the speckled look of these pans, that’s a pretty subjective complaint, and the quality is top notch.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

8. Samuel Groves 3-Piece Classic Set

Best saucepan and frying pan set

Type: Saucepan, frying pan, stock pot
Size: 20cm saucepan, 26cm casserole, 28cm frying pan
Reasons to buy:

• Pure quality
• Designed to last
• Lovely arching handles

Reasons to avoid:

• No stay-cool handles

Buying the best saucepan set will often mean spending a lot of money, but if it’s within your budget, the Samuel Groves 3-Piece Classic Set is a worthy investment. While it’s not a traditional saucepan set, its three components are all necessary for any kitchen and will allow you to cook just about anything you may wish. The 20cm saucepan is ideal for boiling veggies and heating up smaller portions, whereas the 26cm casserole has a quality design and sturdy handles to cook up large servings of bolognese or rice.

We also love the frying pan, which has the same sleek and quality handle as the saucepan which, while not heatproof, does stay cool throughout use thanks to the elevated design. Do note that it can’t go in the dishwasher, but because the non-stick is so quality it’s very easy to wipe down by hand.

Enjoyable features include the fact that it comes in a burlap bag that can be used for groceries and other storage needs, and that it’s handcrafted in the UK. The brushed exterior meant that heat spread evenly in testing, and the tri-ply stainless steel feels high quality and long-lasting. The company also offers a ‘Pan for Life’ refurbishment service, so they will re-polish and restore any damage it may incur over the years.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

9. Prestige Eco 3 Piece Non-Stick Saucepan Set

Best eco saucepan set

Type: Eco
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm
Reasons to buy: 

• Genuinely eco-conscious
• Long-lasting non-stick

Reasons to avoid: 

• A more basic handle construction

If you like to keep things green (both literally and figuratively) then the Prestige Eco 3 Piece Non-Stick Saucepan Set will be a welcome addition to your kitchen. The pans taper out towards the top and have steel induction bases.

Made of recycled aluminium and coated in scratch-proof PFOA-free non-stick, this set is designed to last. Prestige has partnered with TreeAid to donate one tree for each pan sold and there was absolutely no plastic in the packaging when it arrived. A win for the environment, and a good option for those who want a long-lasting pan set. 

Our one complaint is the handle, which was one of the least ergonomic in testing. We did like the one on top of the lid, though, and after months and months of testing, this one was still going strong on the non-stick front. 

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

10. Judge Vista Draining Saucepan Set

Best value saucepan set

Type: Stainless steel
Sizes: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm
Reasons to buy: 

• 25 year guarantee
• Draining spout

Reasons to avoid: 

• The lid can rattle
• The plastic doesn’t feel the best to touch

If you’re on a budget it’s best to spend your cash on a saucepan set that’s made of stainless steel. This lasts much longer than some of the cheaper non-stick on the market. This set from Judge ticks the box for a reliable budget option, with plastic lid and handle fixtures that are oven safe to up to 150°C and covered by an impressive Judge 25 year guarantee. 

The range has your classic 16, 18 and 20cm saucepans and is suitable for induction ovens as well as most other hob types. You can also place this option in the dishwasher. We didn’t find the handles or lid fixture particularly tactile in testing, and the lid can rattle a bit, but these are non-essential features that are offset by the low cost. 

What we did like was the pouring lip at either side of the pan, which makes pouring sauce away very easy and also allow you to drain out peas and pasta with ease.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

How did we review the best saucepan sets?

How did we review the best saucepan sets? Every set in this guide has been used hands-on by a member of the Ideal Home team for at least a few weeks. We looked out for how evenly the pan heated, the quality of the design, how enjoyable the handles and lids are to use and store, and the versatility of each set. Where a saucepan set was non-stick, we made sure that this would last and tested how well it cooked our fried eggs and bacon. Other features to look out for is oven-safe designs and heat-resistant handles. We tested for both, where appropriate, as well as evenly heated bases and the convenience of cleanup and day-to-day use.

What size saucepans do I need?

Image credit: Dominic Blackmore

Saucepans measuring 16, 18 and 20cm are good standard sizes to aim for. Then optionally a larger stockpot for big dishes. The other size worth considering is a 14cm milk pan; these tend to have pouring spouts but no lids, perfect for sauces, gravy, custard, hot chocolate and more.

What are the other main features of a good saucepan?

• What are the pans made from? Materials-wise, most modern pans use a combination of aluminium and stainless steel. The stainless steel is durable and low maintenance while the aluminium (usually a disc of it, encapsulated in the pan base) is light and spreads heat quickly and evenly. Meanwhile, cast iron is tough and induction friendly but takes a long time to heat up (and cool down).
• Should I go for non-stick coatings?Non-stick coatings are easy to clean and tougher than they used to be, but they do wear over time. Ceramic pans are an alternative that avoids the chemicals in traditional non-stick coatings made using Teflon and PFOA.
• What style of pan handle is best? Phenolic (black, plasticky) handles are cooler to the touch, so you can handle pans and lids without resorting to oven gloves. Metal handles and knobs get hotter but they’re oven-safe to higher temperatures. Basically, if you like to finish dishes in the oven or grill, go for metal. If not, weigh up the practicality and looks of both options. The trend is currently more for metal handles.
• What other extra features are handy? Nice extra features include graduations for measuring quantities and lid materials – metal is tough and easy to clean; glass lets you keep an eye on cooking without lifting the lid. And if you’re short of storage space, look out for pans that stack well or fit inside each other neatly.

Will my saucepans work with induction hobs?

Image credit: Fiona Walker-Arnott

All the pans featured here are induction-friendly. Cast iron pans and some stainless steel pans work with induction. But if you have an induction hob, do check first because some types of stainless steel don’t. If you’re buying a pan made of a different material – such as aluminium or copper – definitely check. The base needs to contain a magnetic material so the pan works with induction. If you have a saucepan in front of you and want to check, simply hold a fridge magnet to the base of the pan: if it sticks then the pan will work with induction.

Are they dishwasher safe?

Most pans (and all the ones featured here) call themselves ‘dishwasher safe’ but the care instructions usually suggest hand-washing is better for them in the long term. It’s your call, but you won’t do them major harm by using the dishwasher.

The post Best saucepan set 2022: must-have non-stick and steel saucepans appeared first on Ideal Home.

Buying a property can be an exciting, yet stressful time, with plenty on your to-do list. But in the chaos it’s important that you don’t forget to get the right insurance when buying a house.

There are a number of different home insurance types to consider and you’ll need them at different stages of the buying process. We explain all you need to know.

What insurance do you need when buying a house?

The first type of insurance to consider is home insurance. This broadly falls into two categories – contents insurance and buildings insurance. Cover types are sold separately, but it’s usually cheaper and easier to buy a combined policy.

There’s no legal requirement to purchase so you don’t need home insurance, but if you are buying a house with a mortgage, the lender will usually require you to have buildings insurance to protect their investment.

‘Appropriate buildings insurance is required to be in place by the time contracts are exchanged,’ explains Sarah Smith at LV= General Insurance. ‘Exchange is the point at which buyers legally commit to purchasing the property and accept responsibility for insuring the property.’

Besides it being a compulsory condition of getting a mortgage, taking out buildings insurance ensures the costs of repairing or rebuilding the structure of your home will be covered if it is damaged or destroyed. ‘Cover includes outbuildings, fixtures and fittings, and garages within the boundaries of the land,’ says Smith.

Contents insurance won’t be a condition of getting a mortgage, but it’s still worth having as it enables you to make a claim if any of your belongings in the home are damaged, lost or stolen. It’s best to get this in place for completion of the property, but you can buy it at any time.

Image credit: Foxtons

Getting the right home insurance cover

When buying contents insurance, it’s crucial that you have the right level of cover in place. If you underestimate how much your belongings are worth, you may not receive a full payout if you later make a claim.

‘Watch out for the ‘average clause’ in contents insurance’ warns Dan Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla. ‘Because this could ultimately affect the pay you receive when you make a claim. E.g if you have £40,000 worth of contents but only insure for £30,000, you’ve only bought 75% of the cover you need. And will only receive 75% of a claim.’

If you have high-value items such as bicycles and jewellery, these may also need to be listed separately on your policy.

Some contents insurance policies will also provide cover for your belongings while they are in transit to your new home. This stands as long as cover is in place before the move. If your policy does not include this as standard, you may be able to pay to add it.

Another watch out is if you are carrying out home renovations. If you’re buying a property but waiting to move in, check the terms and conditions of your policy to see if it covers unoccupied properties. ‘Most insurers won’t cover for loss or damage if left for more than 60 days in a row,’ says Smith.

Depending on the work being carried out, you may benefit from taking out separate renovation insurance.

What other insurances might you want to consider when buying a house?

Home buyer protection insurance protects you in the event your house purchase falls through. It and can help you claim back costs such as conveyancing fees, valuation fees and mortgage fees. Cover usually lasts between 120 and 180 days and should be taken out once you’ve had an offer accepted on a house, but before a survey has been carried out.

It’s also worth considering income protection and life insurance.

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

‘Income protection provides a replacement income in the eventuality that you cannot work due to illnesses or injury. This is vital to allowing you to continue to pay bills including the mortgage,’ explains Louise Colley at Zurich UK.

Life insurance pays out a lump sum to your dependants if you die within the term of the policy. Critical illness cover can also be added, to pay out in the event of serious illness.

‘The amount paid is decided by the customer and is often based on any outstanding mortgage liability,’ adds Colley. ‘It means that should the worst happen, any dependants left behind won’t be forced to sell the family home in the absence of income or savings.’

The post Insurance when buying a house: what do you need to have in place and when? appeared first on Ideal Home.

We spend a huge chunk of our time cleaning and dusting our homes, but might we be going overboard? According to a professional cleaner, there’s a particular spot we often clean too much.

When it comes to how to clean mirrors, Dani Palikarova from Fantastic Services says once a week is more than enough. Do it more often, and you could actually damage it.

Image credit: Garden Trading

The area you’re cleaning too much

Some people clean their mirrors every day, but this can cause problems in the long run. Dani explains that moisture from humidity in bathrooms – and the use of glass cleaners – can get behind the mirror and destroy the backing over time.

This can essentially turn it into just glass. To stop this from happening, keep your bathroom well ventilated. And if you want to remove the moisture from your mirror, use a squeegee and microfibre cloth, available at Amazon.

Dani says that black spots and darkened edges appear when the backing is damaged in this way. ‘To help prevent this, you should ventilate your bathroom often and use a glass cleaner only once per week,’ she says.

Image credit: Garden Trading

Getting mirrors totally smudge-free can drive you mad, but Dani’s top tip is to use white vinegar and a cloth as the final step. This should give you a sparkling finish.

So before you reach for your best cleaning products to clean away any marks on your favourite mirror, bear in mind that once a week will suffice. Never use a towel to wipe a mirror post-shower, nor a newspaper as modern ink will leave residue, Dani warns.

To remove toothpaste splatters or other tough stains, try pouring some rubbing alcohol on a normal cotton pad, and scrub them away.

Image credit: Big Bathroom Shop and BestHeating

As well as being practical for checking your hair or that you’ve not got food in your teeth, best wall mirrors never fail to brighten up a space. Large ones like this rectangular mirror, at Aldi also create the illusion of depth and make a real statement.

Just remember that over-cleaning them could cause more harm than good.

The post This is the area you’re cleaning too much, according to professional cleaner appeared first on Ideal Home.