Hotel Chocolat is best known for making edible gifts and (thanks to the Velvetiser) incredible home hot chocolates, but I was surprised when they added a coffee machine to their lineup. The machine, called The Podster, is the result of yet another collaboration with Dualit. It’s compatible with Nespresso capsules, but the machine also launched alongside a line of Rabot Estate coffee pods, which claim to offer barista-quality brews, from home. These pods are recyclable with the rest of your home recycling, and come with a ‘Podcycler’ device that’s easy to get to grips with.

I tried the Hotel Chocolat The Podster coffee machine for two weeks, alongside a tasting selection of Rabot Estate coffees, to see if it’s a worthwhile investment as one of the best coffee machines on the market. It retails for £149.95 and currently only comes in one colour: charcoal.

Thinking of buying The Podster? Well, here’s what I thought in my Hotel Chocolat The Podster coffee machine review. It’s a good quality machine with some thoughtful features that make it a good rival for many of the best pod coffee machines, but I had a few issues with dripping, and would’ve liked if the design had been a more exact pairing to the Velvetiser.

Ideal Home rated: 4 out of 5 stars

Reasons to buy

• 9-bar pressure
• Eco-conscious design
• Decent used pod capacity
• Pairs with the Velvetiser
• Thoughtful accents, with soft-touch buttons and textured handle

Reasons to avoid

• The handle won’t work under counters
• Plastic finish
• Expensive for what it does

Hotel Chocolat The Podster

Buy The Podster direct at Hotel Chocolat, £149.95

Unboxing The Podster

The Hotel Chocolat The Podster is a relatively lightweight machine. Its heaviest design feature is the handle, which is sturdy and echoes the handle of the Velvetiser, also designed by Dualit. Hotel Chocolat sent me a tasting assortment of Rabot Estate Coffee pods, from their classic ‘The One’ to mellow ‘Cashmere’ and my personal favourite, the bright and fruity ‘Oh, Hello’, to try with the machine. Included with every Podster is a ‘Podcycler’, which is designed to make the aluminium Rabot Estate pods recyclable.

It’s slimline and quite deep, with the perfect dimensions for small kitchens that don’t have the space foe a bulkier machine.

Assembly instructions were minimal, but the machine slots together intuitively. It has a fluted plastic water container which elevates it from a more basic machine, and the same plastic can be found on the used pod container. I like that this is see-through, which makes it easy to see when you need to empty your machine.

There is an on/off switch at the side of The Podster, as well as two drink sizes to choose from at the front of the machine. That’s it for controls, it couldn’t be more simple.

Hotel Chocolat launched three mugs alongside the new coffee machine, called Hug, Chat, and Spark. I really enjoyed these mugs, which cost extra but really complete the look if you plan on using alongside a Velvetiser which has tall mugs that are perfect for a serving of hot chocolate. They are the perfect size for a latte, and have tactile designs that really complement the drinking experience.

Using the Hotel Chocolat The Podster

To use The Podster, simply use the sturdy side handle to open the engraved slot at the top of the machine and drop your pod in. Pulling the lever down, which is a solid and satisfactory motion, locks the pod into place. Then it’s just a case of choosing between an espresso or a lungo shot of coffee. The pre-heat time sat at around the 8-second mark, which wasn’t long but also wasn’t the quickest of the pod coffee machines I’ve reviewed. The buttons are both soft-touch, with a flashing light that turns solid when the machine is ready to dispense coffee.

I first opted to make a lungo, and found that a little water dropped from the dispenser before the machine began to brew. This was a little disappointing, but it was followed by a two-second pre-dose that is perfect to develop the coffee flavour before it begins to extract. As expected, my coffee was hot and rich, with a thin layer of crema at the top of the drink. I did find that the coffee was a lot less strong by the end of the shot, which suggested to me that the pods are best suited for espresso, but I still enjoyed the taste and texture of my ‘The One’ house blend.

Making espresso

The espresso follows largely the same process, but I noted that some water still dripped into my glass before I pulled the shot. I did find that the intensity was a lot stronger, but the flavour was still great and the layer of crema was a lot thicker. When I positioned the machine under my kitchen cabinets, which is where I test appliances for prolonged periods of time, I found that the lever wouldn’t lift fully without hitting the underside of cabinets. I had to pull it out in order to add a pod, which got in the way of my daily use.

After my espresso had finished brewing, there was some more dripping that fell directly into the drip tray under the dispenser. This meant I needed to empty it regularly, but didn’t last more than ten seconds.

Using The Podster with The Velvetiser

The Velvetiser is designed to make hot chocolate (which is what I tested it for in my Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser review), but when it comes to making a latte, it creates a thick foam that’s not too rigid and has heaps of body. It was perfect for making a consistently creamy coffee, and the matching handle looks the part when the machines are side-by-side. If you already own the Velvetiser in the shade Charcoal, you’re in luck. The podster only comes in this colour, which pairs with a charcoal Velvetiser. I have the white one, which does not look quite so compatible when sat side-by-side in the kitchen. This duo is perfect for making lattes at home though, or even the occasional mocha.

While the Velvetiser is all smooth lines and metal exteriors, the Podster is comparatively plastic and a lot more streamlined. The one design element that does tie them together is a lovely textured handle. However, it would’ve been nice to see a little more continuity between the two products.

Using the Podcycler

The Podcycler comes included with every Hotel Chocolat machine, and it’s an innovation I’ve seen from Dualit in the past. The concept is simple but does involve a little extra work. The perk? You can stack your used coffee pods together and put them in the household recycling.

To use the Podcycler, I placed the used pods rim-side down on the bottom of the contraption and then pressed down using the top half. This pushes the pod inside-out, ejecting the used coffee grounds and leaving you with an empty aluminium shell. Give this a good rinse and stack the used pods together in order to put them through household recycling.

Is it as sustainable as using a bean-to-cup coffee machine? No. However, it’s a step in the right direction when compared to the legions of plastic pods on the market that claims to be recyclable, but require you to take them to sparsely-located recycling centres to get the job done.

Should you buy the Hotel Chocolat The Podster?

While I was a little underwhelmed by the look, I still think that The Podster is a decent coffee machine. For one, it’s backed by a quality Dualit design, and it also boasts an impressive nine bars of pressure that worked perfectly with the Rabot Estate coffee pods’ selection of blends. I really enjoyed this coffee, which had heaps of flavour, and I also enjoyed using the Velvetiser in the place of a milk frother. However, I did wish that the Podster and Velvetiser had a more compatible design profile to look like a complete set on the kitchen counter, and the dripping was an issue that detracts from the quality feel of the machine.

In terms of price, the £149.95 cost is actually pretty reasonable. The Velvetiser retails for £110, which is well above the average price for the best milk frothers, so I was expecting a more pricey coffee machine from Hotel Chocolat. The Podster is similar in price to the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa, and a lot less expensive than the Grind Pod Coffee Machine, which has a similar lever-style design. It’s a decent value machine, especially for the 9 bars of pressure that come included.

About this review, and the reviewer

Millie Fender is small appliances editor at Ideal Home. She reviews everything from coffee machines to air fryers from her own kitchen, meaning these tests have been carried out in the same conditions that you’ll be using the machine.

The Podster was kindly sent to Millie by Hotel Chocolat, and she tested it for two weeks before writing her review. This gave her the chance to test all of its functions as well as cleaning and check for any troubleshooting. While she prefers a frothy latte or an iced cappuccino, her partner is never running on less than three americanos, so the Hotel Chocolat The Podster was very thoroughly tested.

The post Hotel Chocolat The Podster coffee machine review appeared first on Ideal Home.

Gone are the days of grey, uneven slabs with moss growing between them, now as with the rest of the home, we all want beautiful patio paving ideas – something sleek and sophisticated to reflect our personalities and the many styles of paving out there.

The right design could transform your garden to give you more space to entertain, enjoy time with the family and make the summer last longer. Inviting friends and family around becomes a pleasure if you have somewhere relaxing to sit. And there is no reason you can’t enjoy your new space into the colder months too with the addition of a fire pit, throws and a patio heater.

Small patio ideas are just as important and can transform your outside space, creating an outdoor room you didn’t know you had.

Patio paving ideas to inspire

Patios are easy to look after and could add value to your home, check out our looks below to see if there is a style to suit you or view these patio ideas.

1. Make it seamless from indoors to out

Image credit: RAK; Fashion Stone from £45 m2

Make your outdoor space feel like part of the main house by using the same paving throughout. It not only gives you a seamless look, it will open up to make both spaces feel bigger. The added benefit of not having a threshold means there is less risk of a trip hazard.

This natural stone look is hardwearing porcelain. In a linked space like this, think about your furniture choices and colour scheme, so the whole area blends together for a cohesive look.

‘How we use our outside space has changed dramatically in recent years.’ Says Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore. ‘The garden has become an extension of the home, an exterior living space used for entertaining and unwinding. So creating a space that looks – and feels – part of the home has never been more important.’

2. Mix slabs and gravel

Image credit: Quorn; Light Mist Porcelain Pavers, from £60 m2

If you don’t like the look of a large expanse of paving, mix it up with areas of gravel, not only will it give the space a different look, it will help with drainage too.

For a truly Mediterranean look choose white gravel and cream paving. Here large slabs create a stylish dining and seating area with more slabs used as ‘stepping stones’ around the flower beds and to create a path.

Choose colours that work well together, in this instance, the grey sofas, grey dining chairs and parasol with a white and metal dining table. As gravel is cheaper than pavers, this idea works as a cheap patio paving idea too.

3. Create a design statement

Image credit: Tile Mountain

Paving slabs don’t have to be plain. Create your own unique design by teaming a decorative slab like these petal design pavers with plain ones to make a feature of different areas such as this dining area.

The same petal design has been used on the step to add to the overall look and make it stand out, which has the added benefit of making it less likely that people will trip up. This would work well as a small patio idea too.

Buy now: Hardblue Grey Decor Porcelain Tiles, £39.99 per m2, Tile Mountain 

4. Create a decking effect

Image credit: Tile Mountain

Due to the technological advances and versatility of porcelain, it’s possible to have different looks rather than just plain square pavers, such as these wood-effect plank tiles which will give you a wooden deck effect but without the maintenance. It’s a good choice if you want a warmer look, if the garden is north-facing for example, and an ideal small patio idea.

Porcelain tiles are also resistant to water and staining, so no more labour-intensive pressure washing every spring.

‘With recent advances in technology, porcelain is now available in a huge range of textures, colours and sizes.’ Says Jo Oliver, Director of Stone & Ceramic Warehouse.  ‘Porcelain is the perfect material for outside as it is virtually maintenance-free. It doesn’t fade in the sun or grow moss, and is anti-slip.’

Buy now: Nebraska Oak Wood Effect Outdoor Slabs, £41.95 per m2, Tile Mountain

5. Go for traditional cobbles

Image credit: Mandarin Stone; Limestone flags, from £98.40

If you have an older, more traditional home, why not try classic cobblestones? These limestone cobbles are natural stone, so each one is different.

Here they have been blended with limestone flags to give a patchwork effect. It’s a great contrast to the main house and has an individual, classic look. It would be perfect for a courtyard too.

Buy now: Ballanstone Tumbled Outdoor Limestone Cobbles, from £119 per m2, Mandarin Stone

6. Adopt the latest trend

Image credit: Mandarin Stone

Terrazzo has been big news recently on floors, walls and even accessories. It’s a great small patio idea as it has small chips of colour that work well in a more compact space and will add more interest than a plain tile.

Buy now: Jagger Mid Grey Terrazzo-effect Outdoor Porcelain, from £58.80 per m2, Mandarin Stone 

7. Enhance a country garden

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

Natural sandstone is a classic paving idea for patios and paths and works well for traditional and country gardens. Sandstone comes in a variety of sizes and colours, so you can choose whatever pattern you wish, and comes with either a smooth or distressed finish.

As a natural stone it is durable, and cream or yellow sandstone will add a warm, honey colour that will blend perfectly with relaxed planting.

8. Link the house and garden

Image credit: Future PLC/Brent DarbyLink the house and garden

Limestone paving is a great choice for any style of house, it’s light grey tone suits most properties and again, as a natural stone it is hard-wearing and will look good for many years to come. Using the same stone as stepping stones on the lawn leads you towards the house, through the arch and links the two areas seamlessly.

9. Start with the design

Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd

Make the paving the start of your design. This contemporary patio is all about the hard surfaces. They create the paving, are used on top of the raised beds, and for a raised breakfast area too.

A cool grey and white colour scheme gives the space a contemporary feel, further enhanced by the sculptural planting. The water feature with a split face cladding is a lovely focal point.

10. Add character with a rustic finish

Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young

If you want a rustic look, then these small distressed tiles are ideal. They are similar to traditional Norfolk clay pammets and would work really well as a small patio idea or as a cheap patio paving idea. The neutral colour means they would suit lots of schemes, it’s the perfect English country look.

What can I use instead of a slab for a patio?

‘There are two main types of tiles that are suitable for outdoor patio use. The first are natural stone tiles such as granite, limestone and slate, these are aesthetically pleasing but will require sealing when installed and can be costly. ‘ says Colin Lincoln-Evans, Buyer at Tile Mountain. ‘The second are porcelain tiles which are available in a wide choice of sizes, shapes and finishes, including some that replicate the look of natural stone, wood and even cobbles, and come in less traditional shapes such as planks with a wood effect finish. Porcelain tiles do not require sealing, but should be between 18-20mm in thickness and have an anti-slip rating of between R9 and R12.

What is the cheapest way to pave a garden?

‘If you are thinking of tiling your patio, remember that it needs to be durable and be able to withstand all weather conditions. You want to make sure that it will last you for years to come and you only want to do it once.’ says Kamila Swiatecka, Brand Manager at Tile Giant.

‘20mm outdoor porcelain has very good slip resistance, doesn’t fade, is frost proof and is algae and moss resistant, unlike natural paving or timber decking, which can be very difficult to maintain and keep in top tip condition.’

‘To keep costs down, consider the installation. Laying your tiles as stepping stones on grass or gravel is a good DIY solution, saving you money. However, If you opt for a fully tiled patio, we recommend using a professional, but consider a raised pedestal system as it will allow you to take your patio with you if you move. It’s also a good option if you are renting.’

The post 10 Patio paving ideas to make the most of outdoor space appeared first on Ideal Home.

If you’re looking to access the equity you’ve built up in your home, it’s worthwhile researching all the alternatives to equity release before you commit to something like a lifetime mortgage, which could prove expensive.

From downsizing to taking in a lodger there are a number of alternatives that could not only improve your finances, but depending on your circumstances, give your retirement a boost too.

Is downsizing a good alternative to equity release?

Selling a large family home and moving to a smaller, less expensive property is the cheapest way of releasing equity.

Downsizing may suit you if you relish a fresh start in a new home. However, Georgina Oxton, divisional manager for equity release at LV= says some people will find downsizing an emotional wrench. ‘Speaking to customers, what I frequently hear is that people don’t want to leave the home they’ve lived in for years and brought their children up in.’

You may also be disappointed with the amount of money you can release – in addition to all the costs of moving house, you may get less than you expect for your existing home or have to spend more on your new one.

Pros:

• Smaller homes are cheaper to run
• No debt to repay
• Fewer money worries

Cons:

• You may not be able to release as much money as you’d expect
• You may struggle to find a cheaper home that suits you
• You may have to move to an unfamiliar area or leave family and friends

Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby

Retirement interest-only (RIO) mortgage as an equity release alternative

This is an interest-only mortgage over-55s can use to repay an existing loan, or any other purpose. Unlike lifetime mortgages you need to repay interest each month but you only repay the capital when you sell your home.

Will Hale, CEO of adviser Key says: ‘To take out a Retirement mortgage, you need to be able to pass affordability checks and prove that you can make the payments for the rest of your life – even if your partner passes away.’ Struggle with repayments and you could lose your home.

Pros:

• Younger people may be able to borrow more
• Interest is paid off monthly, reducing your borrowing costs

Cons:

• You’ll need a decent income to pass affordability checks
• You could lose your home if you can’t afford repayments

Renting

You could release equity by selling your home and renting a new one. This might give you a bit more financial wiggle room in the short term, however it’s not without risks. Will Hale explains: ‘The benefits are that you’re not responsible for the upkeep of the property and have the freedom to move without worrying about selling your home.’

‘However, you will also need to ensure that you have sufficient income or savings to cover your rent for as long as you live. If you run out of money, you’ll get state support but it may not cover your current home.’

You may not be able to agree a long-term tenancy either, making it harder to put down roots.

Pros:

• Can raise a cash lump sum
• Gives you the flexibility to move home easily
• Your landlord will pay for the upkeep of your home

Cons:

• You may not get security of tenure
• You may run out of money and struggle to pay your rent
• You’ll need to consult your landlord about any changes or refurbishments you want to make

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Take in a lodger

If you have a spare room why not consider renting it to a lodger? Each year you can earn up to £7,500 tax-free under the Rent a Room Scheme. ‘It’s not for everyone,’ says Oxton, ‘but if you are older it can be very helpful from a welfare point of view.’

Pros:

• Provides tax-free income
• Potential for company and new social opportunities
• Enables you to stay in your home

Cons:

• You need to share your home with somebody else
• Turnover of lodgers may be high

Check your grant eligibility

If you’re considering equity release to carry out alterations or repairs to your home, it’s worth contacting your local authority to see if you are eligible for grants.

Pros:

• A cheap way of fixing a specific problem

Cons:

• You won’t have any additional cash for other expenses or spending plans

Check your entitlement to benefits

If money is tight it’s always worth checking you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to.

Pros:

• Boosts your income without borrowing

Cons:

• You cannot get lump sums for big expenses

Which alternative to equity release is right for me?

It’s always best to get expert advice before committing, so speak to your mortgage provider who will be able to offer advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

The post Alternatives to equity release: what are your options? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Good bones and rustic finishes have enabled the owners of this property to transformed a bland barn conversion into a unique modern home that’s bursting with style and inspiration.

They tell us how they achieved their stylish and individualistic real home.

The exterior

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

The detached barn near York was originally built in the 1800s. While it had been renovated in the 90s, it hadn’t really been maintained since, so needed quite a bit of work. A clever combination of textures and a neutral palette made the vision of the owners work.

The kitchen colour scheme

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

As the kitchen is a large room the owners chose a neutral scheme so it wouldn’t date. The soft greys and marble worktops are timeless so they wouldn’t tire of it any time soon.

‘We started from scratch with the kitchen area,’ say the owners. ‘It needed everything doing to it;  insulation, re-roofing, new windows, new doors.’

The kitchen

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

‘The plan was to make the best use of the available space and I think we have done that, as now we spend most of our time here,’ say the owners.

They designed the units and layouts to suit their needs, while the cabinets were hand-painted so we they can easily change the colour as and when they want. With so much neutral on display, the beautiful Carrara marble worktop becomes the focal point of the room.

If you have high ceilings like this, note that a pair of feature pendants will draw the eye, making the space feel even larger and create a real sense of purpose.

The hallway

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

Along with any type of timber, brickwork adds a real sense of character in a home. Here, light parquet flooring adds a contemporary feel, while letting the original architectural elements shine.

‘For me, houseplants are a must, too, as natural greenery softens a space that has few soft furnishings,’ says the owner. ‘The grey drawers are one of my favourite upcycling projects; they started life as school art drawers. I gave them a new lease of life with a coat of paint and some new handles.’

The family space

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

When revamping the open-plan living and dining space, the owners built in a window seat. As well as working as extra seating for guests, there is additional storage beneath.

‘The paint on the walls is a limewash,’ says the owner. ‘I love its beautiful patinated finish – just sand and prime your walls before you apply it. We put in the arches and floating shelves ourselves.’

The open-plan area

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

Although the owners kept much of the house as it was layout-wise, the kitchen was in an unconverted barn attached to the main building and it made sense for them to knock through to create one large open-plan living space.

Running the same flooring throughout the downstairs gives a sense of flow and cohesion. Wood flooring is warmer both practically and visually than tiles, and is easier to keep clean than carpet.

The living room

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

‘The living room was originally painted a pale neutral with deep pink alcoves which I felt did nothing for the space,’ says the owner. ‘Instead we painted the lower half of the room a deep grey which feels wonderfully warm and cosy. This is the perfect room to settle down and watch a movie together, especially in the winter when the wood burner comes into its own.’

Warm accents of burnt orange and mustard mixed with the rustic/luxe finishes against the grey gives a sophisticated, but homely feel.

DIY artwork adds a personal touch. The owners made the pieces above the fireplace by pinning MDF pieces onto backing, then painting.

The staircase

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

The original stairs were open tread with a carpet and traditional spindles, and at odds with the style of the room. The owners removed the spindles and newel post, filled in the risers with MDF, and made the balustrade. The carpet was replaced with brass sheets that were attached with silicone.

Speaking of the imaginative staircase idea the owner says, ‘I love the hint of glamour it brings. The stairs now look spectacular when the light hits them.’

The home office

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

In the office, pale-pink contrasts well with the Cole & Son Circus wallpaper. It’s striking but doesn’t overwhelm the space. This room is filled with fun and quirky accessories, as well as a cheerful gallery wall.

‘I’ve let my love of fun run loose in here!,’ says the owner.

The master bedroom

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

The walls in the master bedroom finish at a relatively low level. Taking the bedroom wallpaper idea up onto the ceiling counteracts this very cleverly, giving the impression of taller walls. And the fun cloud design makes perfect sense, particularly as the ceiling is vaulted.

The guest bedroom

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

In this bedroom the ceiling isn’t very high and doesn’t have an obvious end point due to the vaulted part, so the owners decided to embrace it and paint it all the same colour to make the scheme more coherent.

We love the DIY headboard idea! ‘We made the headboard out of plywood and foam before adding one of our favourite fabrics, Graffito by Kelly Wearstler,’ say the owners.

The bathroom

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

The owners had always wished for a copper bathtub and so made this the starting block for our new en-suite. Having removed the carpet and discovered a hole and rotten floorboards beneath it due to a limescale build-up, gorgeous mosaic tiles were the great flooring replacement choice.

‘We exposed the original wall bricks to tie in with those in the rest of the house,’ say the owners. ‘They add to the cosy feel the room now has. I absolutely love it!’

Additional words by Laura Ewart

The post Discover this unique barn conversion – a masterclass in modern rustic style appeared first on Ideal Home.