Hallways may be one of the smallest rooms, but they are also often the busiest and can be prone to wear and tear. If your hallway is in need of a makeover, then take inspiration from this impressive transformation, where one homeowner turned her stripped-back stairs into a colour-blocked dream for less than £200.
Hayley (aka @wallbirchmansion on Instagram) from Kingston upon Hull in East Yorkshire often documents her DIY projects, and when it came to her hallway idea she was keen to do the work herself to keep costs down.
‘Everything we do around the house is done on a budget,’ she told heating experts UK Radiators. ‘We like to try and reuse and upcycle things around the house that we already have. It means a lot of time and graft but it’s totally worth it when we see the end transformation.’
Image credit: @walbirchmansion / UK Radiators
‘This has got to be my most favourite transformation in our house. We didn’t keep track of what we spent on transforming the hallway, but we managed to keep it under £200.’
Before: Stripped-back hallway
Image credit: @walbirchmansion / UK Radiators
Stripping the wallpaper from the stairs and upstairs landing was the first step, followed by pulling up the stair carpet. ‘Luckily, the stairs were in good nick, but there were a lot of staples and nails in them so we had to remove those, fill the holes and sand them all down,’ says Hayley.
‘Spending time on preparing beforehand means you’ll get the best finish. We’ve found stripping stuff back to its original state works really well and getting rid of any imperfections before you start adding your finishing colours and details helps to get an almost professional finish – without paying a professional price.’
Image credit: @walbirchmansion / UK Radiators
Next up was removing all of the gloss on the bannisters, door frames, skirting boards and dado rails using a heat gun. ‘It was a really time-consuming job, but it was totally worth it to get the finish we wanted,’ recalls Hayley.
‘The walls weren’t in the best condition, so we considered getting them re-plastered, but decided to have a go ourselves and just filled the holes and sanded them down.’
After: Colour-block hallway
Image credit: @walbirchmansion / UK Radiators
The new-look hall is a super-stylish monochrome scheme with bold punches of Copper Blush paint from Dulux. Patterned cut-and-stick tiles look great and cost a fraction of the price of real tiles.
‘We painted the lower half of the walls dark grey and I didn’t want different coloured skirting boards and dado rails so we painted these too’ says Hayley. ‘Along with the banisters and radiator to help it blend in. The upper half of the walls are in a copper blush colour, as are the door frames.’ This paint trick can be a great way to make a narrow hallway look wider.
Instead of spending out on a stair runner, Hayley painted one using the same paint as on the walls for a more budget-friendly, practical option.
Image credit: @walbirchmansion / UK Radiators
The same scheme continues upstairs. ‘We had a boiler on the upstairs landing, which we wanted to hide, so my husband built it into a cupboard – it’s given us lots of storage space,’ says Hayley.
Adding fake plants and hanging prints and pendant lights were all part of the finishing touches. ‘I even upcycled an old mirror using patterned sticky vinyl for the downstairs hall,’ Hayley explains.
‘My advice is to just give it a go when it comes to DIY. There are tons of videos on the internet with tips on how to get the job done. We’ve always done this – all our work in the house has been self taught, we’ve just had a go at it and figured that if we couldn’t do it we’d get a professional in then… and we haven’t had to do this yet!’
Image credit: @walbirchmansion / UK Radiators
Having transformed her hallway just in time for halloween, Hayley’s scheme is bright, bold and punchy. ‘I’m still very much exploring colours, patterns and textures that I like,’ she says. ‘I definitely like to use a lot of bright colours and bold patterns, and I tend to mix and match these together and hope it works!’
Having a beautifully designed, stylish bathroom can make all the difference in your life – after all, it’s one of the first and last places you go to each day. Discovering bathroom trends can make choosing which style of room is right for your and your home.
Bathroom ideas – from materials and finishes to colours and patterns, are ever-evolving, and 2022 is no exception with its wonderful array of of the moment trends.
‘Last year became a year of reflection – a year of understanding what means most to us and our lives,’ says Hege Lundh, Marketing Director, Lundhs Real Stone. ‘This notion extended into homes, making homeowners rethink everything from material choices to style decisions. As we look ahead to 2022, we will start to see the outcome of the re-evaluations of the years.’
Bathroom trends
‘Following a year of unrest and uncertainty, people have started to gain back confidence and positivity, in everyday life and in our homes,’ Oliver Webb, Director at Cullifords. ‘This shift towards a more optimistic mindset has started to be echoed in our design choices. Brave, individual style statements are being made and a desire for warm tones and comforting shapes is prevailing.’
Read on to discover which trends will be taking over your bathroom…
1. Rounded shapes
Image credit: Lundhs
‘Harsh, sharp lines will start to be replaced by smoother curves and silhouettes as we seek a more organic and less stark appeal in interiors,’ says Hege Lundh, Marketing Director, Lundhs Real Stone. ‘We embrace nature in the form of raw, organic surfaces and products.’
‘This will be demonstrated through the increased use of 100% natural materials, from natural stone worktops to sustainable flooring and even cabinetry,’ continues Hege. ‘As our attention is progressively turned towards our planet and the environment, our buying
habits are continuing to become more eco-conscious, and this shows no sign of waning.’
Cullifords’ Oliver Webb, agrees. ‘Overall, everything is becoming less angular,’ he says. ‘Linked, I think, to the desire to create more welcoming interiors, we are noticing softer flowing lines.’
Even your bathroom storage ideas can integrate into this trend, by choosing cabinetry with smooth, rounded edges and softly curved baskets.
2. Marble surfaces
Image credit: Heritage Brass
‘Achieve a subtle statement in 2022 with the trend for marble in the bathroom with white and grey shades used to create more luxurious schemes,’ says Narendra Karnani, Managing Director, Heritage Brass by M.Marcus.
‘Create a feeling of opulence with door hardware and electrical accessories that contrast against the marble tones, or opt for a coordinated look with cabinet hardware that matches with the marble veining.’
3. Natural colours
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
‘A trend on the increase is introducing soft shades of green into the bathroom area, whether this being in the form of plants, feature tiles, botanical wallpaper or even artificial moss walls,’ says David Garner, Retail and E-Commerce Manager for the UK Bathroom & Wellness Division at Villeroy and Boch. ‘Green evokes a natural sense of harmony and peace so no wonder it is beginning to grow within designs as the bathroom is that one room of escape for many family members.’
It’s not only earthy greens taking over – any of the main colourways inspired by nature will be seen in bathrooms this year. ‘Calming and optimistic colours are set to take the interior industry by storm,’ says Emma Joyce, Brand Manager at House of Rohl. ‘With off whites, gentle sages and warm blues, 2022 seems to be continuing the theme of making our homes cosy and comforting.’
‘Furthermore, we anticipate that natural hues with brown tones and warm greens will also take the spotlight as the desire to maintain our newfound love affair with the outdoors remains.’
4. Aged brass
Image credit: Matki
When working out how to plan a bathroom, finishes can often get left until the, well, finish. In fact, they have such an impact on the overall look and feel of the space that they should be a major consideration from the beginning.
In terms of bathroom trends, there is one major stand out. ‘Aged Brass is one of the biggest home design material trends to emerge in recent years,’ says Nicholas Cunild, Managing Director at Matki and Swadling Brassware. ‘Aged Brass adds instant warmth to a minimal scheme. Offering the perfect contrast for tiled bathrooms and an elegant edge to classic marble bathrooms, aged brass works in almost any bathroom scheme.’
‘The finish is achieved by chemically advancing the ageing process of brass to give a bronze look. It is unlacquered and will develop over time, wearing and lightening in some areas, darkening in others, dependent on the environment it’s in and it’s cleaning and maintenance.’
5. Sustainability
Image credit: Industville
As with so many areas of our lives and homes, sustainability is a natural trend leaning into the year ahead.
‘These days, people think more about how much we waste, bringing thoughts for the environment to the forefront of our minds,’ says Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director, Industville Ltd. ‘Customers are keen to use sustainable and eco-friendly materials wherever possible including bathroom flooring, sanitaryware and lighting.’
‘We are seeing big increases in customers opting for custom-made lighting pieces made from sustainable materials and I believe this is something we are likely to see more of. These pieces have a quality, handmade feel which will stand the test of time, further adding to feelings of longevity and sustainability.’
6. Industrial elements
Image credit: Kinedo
As popular as natural colours, materials and textures will be in bathroom trends for 2022, industrial detailing is predicted to go strong.
Crittal shower doors and exposed pipework are two of the ways this is most commonly used in the home. ‘A black frame can coordinate with a matt black shower valve, overhead rain shower head and elegant handset,’ says Ann Boardman, Head of Marketing and Product Management at Saniflo and Kinedo.
‘Internal glass panels and a low threshold tray make this a stunning combination. Alternatively, a Smart Design bi-fold door or single pivot door can give the industrial look but also create the perfect illusion of space in a compact bathroom.’
‘There’s a good reason why this trend comes around year after year,’ says Phil Etherden, MD, The Albion Bath Co Ltd. ‘A classic black or white freestanding bath will never go out of style, while a simple monochrome colour palette is sleek and sophisticated. It also doesn’t date as quickly than many of the latest colour trends. Black and white one of the easiest looks to pull off effectively, as well as being easy to live with and to adapt to your taste.’
‘Striking, strong, sleek, matt black is a modern classic and is fast becoming a real alternative to chrome within interior design,’ adds Katie Fitzpatrick at Merlyn Showers. ‘If you want a more striking finish with a bold focal point, then matt black shower frames and fixtures can achieve this with warmer tones of grey against the crisp white of the ceramics.’
8. Wet rooms and walk-in showers
Image credit: Mermaid Panels
‘Wet rooms and large walk in showers were once reserved for plush hotels and ultra-modern homes, however, they’re growing in demand as we become more confident with our design choices,’ says Helen Dennett, UK Marketing Communications Manager at Mermaid Panels. ‘Homeowners are reclaiming the bathroom as another living space in the home as opposed to being a purely practical room, and instead dedicating more space to a luxury shower area that puts the focus on wellness and relaxation.’
‘Led by the trend for minimalism and clean lines, walk-in showers and wet rooms lend themselves to this trend through creating more of an open feel to a room. Removing the bathtub opens up the room and can add a real wow factor.’
‘As more people want to maximise their bathroom space, it looks like many will prioritise the practicality of wet rooms and showers over baths,’ agrees Paul at Sanctuary Bathrooms. ‘More people are choosing to go for walk-in showers and wetrooms over baths, while also moving away from smaller cubicles to much bigger and larger enclosures.’
Bathroom trends from 2021 still going strong
1. The stand-alone tub
Image credit: Clearwater
After the stresses of last year, creating spa-like serenity at home has never been more important. Statement baths are key with the focus on clean lines, sculptural shapes and aesthetically-pleasing design.
‘A freestanding bath creates an opulent atmosphere, reminiscent of boutique hotels, and makes bathing a luxury,’ says interior designer Carla Chases.
‘But when choosing a freestanding bath, you really need to consider both the size of your bathroom and the look you’re aiming to achieve. Back-to-wall baths can still give that luxe look, but in a compact space.’
2. Clean lines
Image credit: Britton
‘Thanks to recent advances in manufacturing, we’re seeing a rise in longer, straight edges and harder corners which work really well in a contemporary bathroom,’ says Lauren Foulds, project manager at Heritage Bathrooms. ‘Although in a more traditional space, curved edges on statement pieces offer a softer look.’
3. Subtle pops of colour
Image credit: Lusso Stone
Coloured sanitary-ware has made a firm comeback and is great for injecting personality into what can be a clinical space, but bathroom designers recommend caution if considering a colour.
‘I wouldn’t advise a complete colour overload, as bold colours tend to date quite quickly,’ says Carla Chases, ‘but a coloured feature sink in a soft shade can look lovely. My advice would be to opt for white sanitary-ware, then have fun with tiling and painting.’
4. Supersized marble
Image credit: Cosentino
Marble is enjoy a moment in the spotlight with it being used in abundance in bathrooms and in bolder slab-style applications. For a timeless look, go for large-format tiles, so there will be fewer grout lines and you’ll achieve a cleaner, more luxurious look.
5. Colour-happy tiles
Image credit: Real Stone & Tile
While basins and baths have steered away from bold colour this season, this certainly isn’t the case when it comes to bathroom tiles.
‘Following a year where people were forced to spend so much time at home, more and more of us are going for bold, says Lauren Foulds. ‘Forgetting the neutral “show home” look and making our homes our own. Colourful bathroom tiles can really help achieve this.’
‘Don’t worry about trends, just have fun with bold colour and playful patterns,’ says Carla Chases. ‘Hexagon or metro tiles laid in a herringbone pattern are a great way of adding personality with plainer tiles.’
6. Streamlined storage
Image credit: Scavolini
With clean lines and sleek shapes a big trend for bathrooms, storage follows the same lead with built-in vanity units, floating shelving and bespoke cabinetry a key look this season.
Avoid placing lots of small pieces of freestanding storage around a bathroom. It always ends up looking messy and cluttered. If you’re looking to update sanitary-ware, swap a pedestal basin for a vanity unit. floor-hung fittings looks neater and with the extra storage, surfaces stay clutter-free.
7. Low-level lighting
Image credit: Ripples
‘Dimmers are a hugely popular bathroom trend right now,’ says Carla Chases, ‘as are some form of PIR sensor lights. These are generally low-level lighting that turn on automatically when you enter the bathroom – fantastic for night-time visits as you don’tfumble for the switch.’
‘Bathroom lighting ideas are all about creating an experience,’ says Lauren Foulds, ‘but something as simple as an illuminated mirror can have a big impact. It casts a subtler glow than a harsh overhead light and can help to create a tranquil atmosphere.’
8. A shower AND a bath
Image credit: Mermaid
Walk-in showers are ever-popular and remain a great solution for compact bathrooms and en-suites, maximising the floor space available while adding a touch of luxury.
However, always consider how much value does a bathroom add before ditching your bath completely. Most future buyers, particularly those with young families, will want (and need) a property with at least one bath.
‘Following the pandemic, customers are looking at self-care and wellness in a new light, and with the variety of fitted and freestanding bath sizes available, a small tub shouldn’t be ruled out if you are partial to a relaxing soak,’ adds Lauren Foulds.
9. Biophilic design
Image credit: Dekton
Biophilic design – the notion of creating a connection between the natural world and our interiors – remains a popular concept and particularly in the bathroom as a space for wellness.
Give some thought to making best use of natural light in a bathroom. For those taking on an extension or loft conversion project, consider adding a rooflight directly above a shower or bath for a glimpse of the sky, without (hopefully) compromising privacy.
10. Sumptuous dark colours
Image credit: Drummonds
Rich dark walls have long been the norm in bedrooms and living rooms, but now it’s the bathroom’s turn to take a walk on the dark side. Dip your toe into the trend with a shower outfitted in sumptuous navy tiles, or be bold and fill the entire bathroom with rich greens and blues.
‘Bathrooms are one of the few places in the house where you can get away with strong, vivid tones which might be over-the-top in other rooms,’ explains James Lentaigne, Creative Director for Drummonds. ‘Maximalism is very much on-trend with more and more people experimenting with bold patterns and bright colours.’
The rich colours go perfectly with this seasons other trend for brass and metallic finishings creating a luxurious look.
11. Supersized tiles
Image credit: Topps Tiles
We’re going big on the bathroom tiles this year. ‘Large format tiles offer a striking appearance that’s guarantee to turn your head you enter the room,’ says Harriet Goodacre, brand communications manager and tile consultant at Topps Tiles. ‘Their considerable size proves a spacious feel to the space thanks to minimal grout lines.’
Embracing large tiles doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style or colour, however marble is particularly striking when creating a minimalist look.
‘There’s plenty of variety in large format porcelain tiles as they are available in multiple effects, such as iconic types of marble,’ says Harriet. ‘Coloured marble can provide greater variety such s emerald trees or an indulgent black.’
12. Wooden finishes
Image credit: Ashton and Bentley
If you aren’t a fan of dark moody rooms, the trend for natural textures is continuing to grow. ‘The establishment of stripped-back, sawn and treated grains is set to expand from the wider home into bathrooms in a big ways,’ explains Edward Carey, managing director at Ashton & Bentley.
‘Bringing the outdoors in, hand-crafted woods create a peaceful, tranquil surrounding, which perfectly suits the proposed of a bathroom space.’
Complete the look by pairing the natural wood with a freestanding bath for a spa-like feel.
13. Calm sanctuary
Image credit: Dunelm
Our bathrooms are not just for washing your hair anymore. It’s time to embrace spa bathroom trends and everything that goes with it. Building on the mindfulness trend, kit your bathroom out with all the accessories to create a soothing environment that you will want to linger in.
Embrace a neutral colour scheme with pops of green house plants. Accessorise with candles, crystals and a wooden stool for lounging around on. But no spa-throom would be complete without the must-have bathroom accessory trend the bath tray, perfect for balancing a cup of tea and all your bath time essentials.
14. Black ceramics
Image credit: Burlington
It isn’t just our bathroom walls that are turning to the dark side this year, so are our sinks and bathtubs. If you are a fan of a period bathroom, this is the perfect update.
‘Period-style bathrooms remain as popular as ever with consumers as a timeless, classic choice for some many different homes,’ explains Faye Froy, marketing manager at Burlington.
‘The new trend for black bathroom ceramics allows customers to add a contemporary twist on a traditional bathroom aesthetic. Bold and dramatic, this daring shade is guaranteed to add opulence to any bathroom interior.’
15. Blue sanitaryware
Image credit: CP Hart
Don’t be bland – be bold! Give your bathroom a bit of character by adding a splash of bright colour. Coloured baths and basins are coming back for bathroom trends, but in bolder shades than 1970s avocado, adding a sense of drama and luxury.
‘What’s set to turn our heads is the emergence of blue sanitaryware as a cool alternative to white,’ says CP Hart‘s Rachel Martin. ‘Look out for powdery blue baths, basins and WCs teamed with polished chrome or gold taps.’
‘Clean white furniture anchors the trend and is particularly striking when finished with marble door fronts or textured stone surfaces.’
16. Bathroom wallpaper
Image credit: David Giles
Cheaper than tiling, our bathroom wallpaper ideas can add stunning colour and take plain white tiles to a whole new level. To make sure you’re on the bathroom trends mark, avoid papering directly behind a bath or basin and try sealing the paper with a matt decorator’s varnish.
17. Metallic glamour
Chrome has been the king of the bathroom for some time but, as with kitchens, this is changing. Though we’re not advocating the return of gaudy swan-shaped brassware or wall-to-wall copper tiles, there is definitely a new bathroom trend emerging for modern metallic finished, and it’s worth tapping into for your new bathroom design.
As the name suggests, brassware has the metal at its heart, as it’s a durable material. Usually the brass core is treated with chrome or nickel to produce the shiny steel look we’ve been in love with for so long.
Now, inspired by the return of copper and brass elsewhere in the home, taps are shrugging off their silver coating for a new, more luxurious look.
For traditional schemes, go for taps and pipework in brushed copper or antique gold, as these will give a softer finish. Buy the best you can afford, too, as poorly plated taps will tarnish easily. Go for high-density, high carat gold plate on a nickel base for optimum longevity and durability.
What are the 2022 bathroom trends?
There are a number of new and exciting bathroom trends hitting the scene for 2022. One of the biggest has to be a return to nature, which can be seen in a natural materials, finishes and colours.
“Perhaps as a consequence of spending more time in the home and wanting to create more inviting aesthetics, colour trends have become warmer – inspired by nature and natural textures,’ says Oliver Webb of Cullifords. ‘Surface materials are smoother, more matte in texture and less sleek, working with design schemes to deliver spaces that feel warm and comforting where they may have previously felt more stark.’
‘Our interest in organic materials and shapes has led to an uplift in smoother textures,’ adds Hege Lundh of Lundhs Real Stone. ‘More structured, matte finishes are becoming the preferred choice for designers and homeowners. We are noticing a shift towards more tactile and smoother textures, from hard surfaces like worktops and splashbacks to homeware and accessories.
The other notable trend has to be the gentle move away from baths in the realm of showers. ‘We’re expecting to see an increase in level access and wet room sales in 2022,’ says Nick Graville, Sales & Marketing Director at Kudos Showers. ‘Wet floors or wet rooms are a great way of maximising the space that you have available and enable you to completely change the look and feel of your bathroom.’
What are the bathroom colours for 2022?
Bathroom trends for 2022 definitely impact colour choices, and the natural touch is seen here, too. ‘I think that we will see neutral palettes coupled with natural finishes and bold accessories continue well into 2022 – marble, slate and wood are going to continue to feature heavily,’ says Nick at Kudos Showers.
Hege Lundh agrees. ‘Emerging from our ongoing desire to bring the outdoors inside, natural colourways and earthy shades will continue to dominate in kitchens next year. From deep olive and sage green painted walls paired with dark cabinetry to warmer surfaces like natural stone, earthy colours show no sign of wavering in popularity. Teamed with wooden accents and warm metallic touches, homeowners and designers are increasingly favouring natural palettes and finishes for the heart of the home.’
In fact, colour in general is itself a bathroom trend for the year ahead. ‘There’s been a definite rise in homeowners wishing to bring colour into their bathroom,’ says Emma Joyce from House of Rohl. There has been a shift away from utilitarian white bathrooms into those with a little more colour and personality to them, and we anticipate that this trend will continue well into 2022.’
With festivities ahead, there’s nothing like the best juicer to make sure that your glass is topped up with delicious fresh juice. From a glass of zesty OJ to start the day off right, to healthy and cleansing celery juices, the best juicer can keep your diet topped up with vitamins and healthy nutrients.
There are two main types of juicers: masticating, and centrifugal. A centrifugal juicer is often cheaper, and mimics the best blender in shredding fruits and vegetables using blades. The is then strained away from the pulp, and poured directly into your glass. A masticating juicer, also known as a cold press juicer, will slowly remove the juice from fruits by replicating a hand-juicing motion. This can be more expensive, but it will leave the fibres in your drink intact, which means they are often seen as a healthier choice.
We have also included a citrus juicer in our guide to the best juicers. A citrus juicer is only suitable for those who want fresh-squeezed oranges, grapefruit, and lemons, but they have a spinning reamer that will take all of the hard work out of making fresh juice. When testing the best juicers we checked for key indicators of a good juicer. The main one is how dry the pulp is, because this means that the maximum amount of juice has been extracted from your ingredients. Juicers are known to be quite hard to clean, so we also considered the cleaning process and the setup process.
How much does the best juicer cost?
It might not be as essential as the best kettle or toaster but add a juicer to your worktop and you’ll find yourself using it almost as much as blenders out there. As well as creating exciting drinks to boost your breakfast, the same machine may be able to make frozen desserts, smoothies and even dairy alternatives, such as almond or rice milk.
Many of the best juicers come from brands you’ll recognise for other kitchen must-haves. Smeg, Philips, Nina, and Nutribullet all feature in our guide. There are also top picks from Kuvings and Braun, with a price range of £100 to well over £500. A basic model can be bought for as little as £30, but for reliable operation and better build quality, it’s advisable to spend more. Budget from £70-£180 for a centrifugal model and at least £125 for an entry level masticating design, with more advanced models costing £200 upwards.
A machine that suits your daily routine is the best way to encourage you to make juicing a habit, so it’s a good idea not to buy on price alone. Instead, consider how much value different features will add to your new juicing regime.
Best juicers 2021
1. Nutribullet Centrifugal Juicer
Best juicer overall
Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: Smart design, two speeds, excellent recipe book Reasons to avoid: The pulp chamber is a little small
Nutribullet is making home juicing easy with its new juicer. Simply named the Nutribullet Juicer, it comes with a central column for extraction and an external pulp container. The recipe book is glorious, with plenty of inspiring suggestions for health shots and even recipes to use up the pulp once you’re done, which is a fantastic touch for those who hate waste.
We found that our juice was mostly froth-free and packed with delicious flavour when testing. There are two speeds, high and low, and the instruction book guides you through which setting to use on which fruits and vegetables to help you improvise your own recipes.
The outer pulp container fills up a little fast if you’re doing juice for a crowd, but it’s easy enough to clean thanks to the angled brush that is designed to scrape all the excess away and scrub the centrifugal mesh. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, which is a real relief when it comes to home juicing. Oh and did we mention, this juicer is under £100?
Type: Masticating Reasons to buy: Reasonably priced, easy to use, not too large Reasons to avoid: Extraction could be better
There are probably three things that can stop juicing from becoming a habit – extensive food prep, more hassle than juice and cleaning up afterwards. Fortunately, these are all points that the Philips Viva Cold Press Masticating Slow Juicer can help with.
All detachable parts are dishwasher safe, and the machine is designed to be cleaned in 90 seconds for repeat usage. The feeding chute is wide enough to fit a whole apple, although we found it was still better to cut up large apples as the 70mm feeding chute is not wide enough for everything.
This juicer isn’t too expensive given that it’s a masticating juicer with a sturdy design. The footprint is also not too expansive, which is great news for smaller kitchens. The Philips Viva Cold Press Masticating Slow Juicer also comes with a container that can fit up to a litre of juice, but the pulp collector is a little on the small side. We found that the pulp was a little damp on testing, but the 80% extraction claim generally holds true.
Type: Cold press Reasons to buy: Superior quality Reasons to avoid: An expensive option
Getting the most out of your fruit and veg isn’t always easy but this is the cold press juicing machine to solve all your yield issues. It’s ideal for tackling the trickiest ingredients, such as green leafy veg, as well as being able to make dairy-free milks from nuts and purées for baby food and sauces.
Bolt on the separate citrus module and it’ll also function as a reamer so you can juice limes, lemons and oranges without peeling. The secret to its success is in the clever design. Where it differs from many slow juicers is that it has an 82mm feed chute equipped with a flip gate rather than a fin to protect your fingers.
No fin means it can handle the larger chunks of fruit and veg (including small whole apples) most slow models can’t – so there’s less food prep and waiting around for your morning juice medley.
Other features we found useful include the drip-stop spout (so you can mix juice in the machine as well as protect your worktop from mess) and wrap-around brush for the filter, so clean up was straightforward (although it’s not dishwasher-safe).
In tests, we found it performed well with hard fruit, such as apples, as only dry pulp was ejected, while one piece of fruit produced a good 100ml of juice, and the same with oranges – three fruit yielded 250ml. Pineapple also processed efficiently, although mango and ginger root were trickier and tended to leave pulp wrapped around the inside.
It also made smooth almond milk – thinner than pre-made but with the bonus of being able to use the waste pulp in recipes. The only elements to be aware of is that it’s heavy, so best as a permanent worktop resident, and it’s pricey, so a more suitable choice for juice devotees rather than those who enjoy an occasional glass.
Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
4. Stellar Electricals Juice Extractor
Best budget juicer
Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: Great value for money and good extraction Reasons to avoid: A tricky machine to clean
Budget-friendly and surprisingly high quality, the Stellar Electricals Juice Extractor is a great centrifugal juicer. It has two speeds, which is great for different types of fruit and veg, and there’s a handy guide that breaks down which foods to juice at which speed. The lid locks tightly into place using the panels at the front and back, and when plugged in the switch glows blue, indicating that it’s ready to juice.
This juicer comes with a handy jug that’s marked with measurements at the side. We used it to make a mix of smooth and more frothy drinks, from celery juice (not a favourite) to apple and ginger. When we encountered a lot of foam this wasn’t a concern, because the clever central panel in the 1.25 litre jug catches any froth as you pour, meaning you’re left with a smooth fresh drink. This is a noisy option and we found that it juices incredibly fast, even with solid veggies such as carrot.
As with most juicers, it’s a nightmare to clean. All the attachments can be placed in a dishwasher but because the lid of the jug can’t be removed we found that it’s easier to clean this part by hand. Another plus is that you can place apples and oranges in this juicer completely whole, which cuts back on prep time significantly.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Smeg CJF01 Citrus Juicer
Best citrus juicer
Type: Citrus Reasons to buy: It’s a beautiful machine that’s easy to use and clean Reasons to avoid: Not so versatile
The Smeg CJF01 Citrus Juicer is no multi-tasker, but it is a beautiful appliance that we would never want to take off the kitchen counter. It’s larger than most citrus juicers (about the size of a small kettle) but immensely easy to use and set up. The electric juicer starts to spin as soon as you apply the pressure of lemon or orange, and this is strained by a removable pulp filter.
Simply click down the side spout to fill a cup with fresh OJ or lemonade, and enjoy. As the name suggests, you can’t juice anything other than citrus in this option, but it’s a fantastic brunch companion that comes in a massive range of colours.
The body is made of die-cast aluminum which feels classy and high-quality, and the attachments are all dishwasher safe.
Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
6. Sage SJE830BSS The Nutri Juicer Cold XL
Best juicer for beginners
Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: Wide feeding chute and not too noisy Reasons to avoid: No anti-drip spout
The centrifugal Nutri Juicer Cold XL is easy to assemble, feels reassuringly robust, cuts down on chopping with its 88mm chute (which can accommodate whole apples) and everything can go in the dishwasher, with the exception of the pusher, or be rinsed in seconds.
All of which means you can make juice quickly and with minimum mess. There’s also a quiet option for processing soft fruit, so you don’t have to let everyone for miles around know that you’re juicing, and a boost option for tackling hard veg.
Besides its speeds, there are smart design features, such as its large pulp container and two-litre juice jug with an airtight lid, meaning that you can juice a batch and it’ll keep for up to three days in the fridge, and a flexible nozzle that allows you to juice straight into a glass.
However, it’s worth noting a few downsides, such as the lack of recipes included and the fact that there’s no anti-drip spout, so it’s wise to keep a glass in place after you’ve finished or face cleaning up splashes.
In our tests we used the quiet speed to juice citrus fruit, which worked fairly well, although there was more moisture left in the pulp than we would have liked. Two oranges made about 100ml of juice, which was quite foamy and would have benefited from a separator within the jug. Spinach leaves produced a lot of waste with not much juice.
However, we had more success with apples on boost, which created a clear, sweet juice with no visible residue, and pears using the fast speed. Both produced minimal dry pulp and a good amount of juice for the fruit used.
As long as you’re not juicing wheatgrass, this is a great all-rounder of a machine, though you may need to experiment with the speeds to get the best results.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
7. Braun Multiquick 7 Juicer
Best for value juicer for money
Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: Fast to use and an impressive yield Reasons to avoid: Noisy
Efficient, easy to assemble and packed with features, the Identity Spin juicer delivers plenty of bang for your buck. Not only will it whizz through large pieces of fruit and vegetables in seconds, with even whole apples fitting down its 7.5cm chute, but the anti-drip and anti-splash spout also ensures your worktop stays spotless throughout.
A 900W motor and two speeds help it adapt to hard and soft fruit, while a 1.25-litre lidded jug with a foam separator allows you to store juice. The machine is especially noisy in operation. In testing, it produced a glass of juice in around 15 seconds, a good yield that was only slightly less than more expensive machines.
Where the Identity Spin may not appeal to everyone is in its equally efficient design – it’s rather chunky, and at a weighty 6.2kg, not as suitable for lifting in and out of a cupboard. However, clean-up is a big win for fans of low-maintenance kit – all the parts are dishwasher-safe and there’s a cleaning brush for whisking away stubborn fibres from the micro-mesh filter.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
8. HR1947 Avance masticating juicer by Philips
Best juicer for small kitchens
Type: Masticating Reasons to buy: Easy to store Reasons to avoid: Prone to surges
If the idea of yet another appliance cluttering your kitchen fills you with horror, you’ll love this clever compact juicer. Measuring a mere 11cm wide, it’s skinny, stylish and a doodle to stash away thanks to dedicated cable storage and parts that fit inside the pulp container. It’s simple to assemble and afterwards can be cleaned by hand in less than a minute.
The Avance has a few quirks, however. One is a narrow feed tube, so while you might save time on cleaning up, you’ll spend some of that chopping beforehand. It’s also prone to surges when food needs a firm push through, so it may splash the worktop. The recipe book would benefit from some extra guidance amongst the ideas, too.
Those things aside, the juicing yield is high, it’s near-impossible to clog as there’s no sieve, and it’s quiet enough to maintain a conversation while it’s in use. Pricey for a machine that only produces juice, the Avance’s diminutive size and minimal maintenance makes up for this.
Ideal Home’s rating: 3 out of 5 stars
9. Smeg SJF01
Best juicer for style
Type: Masticating Reasons to buy: Gorgeous design Reasons to avoid: That price tag
Start saving up now for this gorgeous, design-led masticating juicer. In contrast to all the contemporary versions on the market, this machine combines retro curves with modern technology – but it comes with a premium price tag.
Available in four colours, it’s not only impressive to look at on the kitchen worktop, it’s also fantastically functional. Inside it boasts a 43rpm squeezing system with a choice of two strainers – fine and coarse – for creating silky smooth or thicker juice with pulp.
These were more difficult to clean than some but the included brushes were invaluable. Another notable feature is its density regulator lever that helps to get the last few drops out at the end. The slow juicer performed well in testing, producing a high yield quickly from both hard and soft fruit and vegetables, but that’s not the only good reason to buy.
What’s just as convincing is its impressive construction: combining an auger made from durable material Ultem, a 150W induction motor and a sturdy base, this feels every inch a machine that’ll be happily juicing for years to come.
Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
10. Ninja Cold Press Pro
Best budget slow juicer
Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: An entry-level option Reasons to avoid: Low yield
If you’re thinking of starting a fresh juice habit and aren’t willing to budge from a cold press model, this is a good pick. For starters, there are two filters, so you can choose from a variety of different pulp levels.
The whole thing slots together very easily, and it’s certainly appealing for its compact dimensions. The feeding chute is small though, so it’s best to chop up fruit in advance.
Because it’s a cold press juicer this machine works very slowly. It also has a sensitivity to seeds and skin, so we found that there was a lot of prep needed to get a quality glass of juice.
On the plus side though, it’s a very quiet machine, and most of the parts can go in the dishwasher. The price is also very reasonable for a cold press juicer.
Ideal Home’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Black Friday juicer deals 2021
Black Friday 2021 juicer deals are closer than you might think, and if you want to head into the New Year with a healthy diet and lifestyle, a juicer is the perfect investment to make. Last year we saw juicer deals with as much as £150 off top models from Kuvings and Hurom. Cheaper models, like the NutriBullet juicer, will also see discounts at retailers like Amazon and AO.com.
What are the different types of juicer?
There are two types of juicer, which are known as centrifugal and masticating. They use different methods to extract the juice and are sometimes referred to as fast and slow juicers.
Centrifugal juicers are high-speed machines that extract by shredding the fruit or vegetables with spinning blades, before straining it against metal mesh to separate seeds and pith from juice. As well as being speedy, centrifugal juicers are well suited to handling hard fruit and vegetables, such as ginger, apples and carrots. They’re also good for cutting down on food prep time as many have large feed chutes that can accommodate whole apples and veggies.
However, as the process adds more air into the juice, you may find that it doesn’t store for more than a day or two and discolours quickly. Centrifugal juicers can also be quite noisy although it won’t be for long. If you plan to use your juicer mostly for OJ, you may want to consider a straightforward citrus press instead.
Masticating juicers are also called slow juicers or cold press juicers, and work by ‘chewing’ fruit and vegetables before crushing or squeezing out the juice at a gentle rate. This provides a high yield and maximum nutritional content plus the juice may have a longer shelf life. Many ‘slow’ juicers have almost caught up with centrifugal juicers in terms of speed and they’ll also be quieter while in use.
Masticating juicers can tackle a variety of vegetables, soft fruit and nuts, so they’re worth spending a bit extra on if you plan to juice every day. Most have a smaller chute than a centrifugal machine, so food requires a bit more chopping and prep to prevent clogs. You’ll find horizontal machines, which are perfect for tucking at the back of worktops below wall cabinets, and upright vertical models, which take up less space on a worktop.
What are the main features to look for?
It’s key to choose a machine that’s easy to use and maintain. Time spent assembling and cleaning can become a reason not to juice regularly. Look for those that can be put together easily and have a non-drip spout. Ideally, they should have dishwasher-safe parts or dedicated brushes for clearing fibres and residue from mesh filters.
Power is another consideration. If you’re opting for a centrifugal machine, its wattage should be at least 400W so fruit hitting the blades won’t slow it down. More than one speed, or automatic adjustment, will also be useful as centrifugal juicers handle hard fruit at high speed. but need a slower one for soft fruit. Masticating machines will be lower wattage, usually between 150-240W as the slower juicing process doesn’t require the extra power. One speed should do for all, with a reverse to clear blockages.
Look for models that can make more than smooth juice if you’re keen to get extra mileage out of your purchase. Additional filters that blend smoothies, make fruit coulis or juice with pulp, and solid inserts that can process frozen fruit into sorbet will make your juicer really earn its place on the kitchen worktop.
Other things to consider when buying a juicer
A recipe book is essential for getting the most out of your juicer. They’ll often include ideas for mocktails, desserts, savoury dishes, nut milks and more.
Choose a model that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you want to juice straight into a glass, check the spout is high enough for one to fit below. Similarly, if you want to spend minimal time chopping up fruit, pick a juicer with a wide feed chute.
The best juicers will have a good guarantee. Choose one with at least two years on parts and several on the motor.
Other useful accessories include a lidded jug for making and storing juice ahead of time, and storage for spare parts.
Winter is just about here, and with it comes great opportunities for beautiful landscape photography. One of the downsides is that this final season of the year is frequently accompanied by weather that is downright awful.
