Royal Palace of Caserta in Naples deserves a little limelight.

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Stay warm and cosy with the best fire pits for your garden. As the days get dark early and the weather turns cold, the best fire pits will provide both light and a great source of heat in your home. There are a range of fire pits, fire bowls, fire baskets, and even gas-powered models in this guide to suit any space. While they’re more high-maintenance than the best patio heaters, fire pits bring a charming feal and the crackling of a traditional campfire.

Evening entertaining can still continue with the best fire pit, even though it’s getting colder once the sun goes down. In fact, a fire pit is one of the best ways to enjoy your garden as the leaves change colour and the best BBQ retreats back into the garden shed. Some fire pits even come with grill inserts to turn them into an impromptu cooking station, and even without this, you can happily toast marshmallows over even a little fire basket.

Other than fire pits we also included Kadai-style fire bowls to cradle your firewood at a decent height, to make use of your patio furniture. There are also fire baskets, which are a compact way of enjoying a fire pit and storing it when not in use.

The best fire pits

1. Garden Trading Industrial Style Fire Pit

Best fire pit overall

Type: Compact brazier
What we like: The tall and narrow design
What we don’t like: Limited visibility

Available in both small and regular sizes, this fire pit from Garden Trading is a compact crowd-pleaser. The design is striking and it will age well as it rusts. Because the bowl can be carried and tipped out it’s easy to remove ash and wood after use, and the frame won’t gather and hold water thanks to its clever design.

This isn’t one for a roaring fire, but if you’re dealing with a smaller space it’s got everything you could ask for. It’s made of raw steel and has that rustic brazier-style design without losing the visibility of your fire as it burns.

2. Fallen Fruits Square Steel Basket Firepit

Best fire pit basket

Type: Fire basket
What we like: The simple and striking design, and the price
What we don’t like: It’s a little small

Fire baskets are ideal for smaller spaces, and the Fallen Fruits Square Steel Basket Firepit is also best suited to those with a modest budget. At under £100, it’s a top choice for a roaring fire without the wide design of a mighty Kadai bowl.

The basket has a 360-degree view of the fire and thanks to its steel cutouts, it will give off lots of warmth and a nice glow. Even the container it comes in can be used as firewood, which is a great touch.

3. IvyLine Outdoor Metal Industrial Fire Bowl

Best decorative fire pit

Type: Industrial bowl
What we like: The frost-resistant finish
What we don’t like: Its lack of base

Decorative design pairs with smart venting with the IvyLine Outdoor Metal Industrial Fire Bowl. It’s UV and frost resistant, making it a true all-rounder for summer and winter use. The rust finish also means it will age well.

This striking option enables airflow thanks to the industrial-style plate dimensions. Prepare for a well-stoked fire! Do be aware that the IvyLine Outdoor Metal Industrial Fire Bowl comes without a stand, so you’ll need to account for this in your garden planning.

4. Esschert Design Fallen Fruits Oxidised Woodland Globe

Best fire globe

Type: Fire globe
What we like: That beautiful design
What we don’t like: Hard to tend to the fire

The Esschert Design Fallen Fruits Oxidised Woodland Globe is a gorgeous oxidized-style fire globe with all the charm of a woodland forest. It’s in two pieces: a laser-cut top and a sturdy fire pit bottom (that can be used alone if you’re not in the mood for a feature point).

We can just imagine the gorgeous glow this design will cast in your garden, but it’s definitely not one for those who are short on storage space or who want easy access to the fire for toasting marshmallows.

5. Elementi Concrete Propane Fire Pit Table

Best gas fire pit 

Type: Gas fire pit
What we like: The design is perfect for entertaining on patios
What we don’t like: That steep price

If you want all the joy of a fire pit without the fiddly ignition, opt for a gas fire pit. This Concrete Propane Fire Pit Table from Elementi is a great option for entertaining and it can go on your patio. The gas is discreetly tucked away and it will burn clean because there’s no smoke involved.

At 68cm wide this is a decent size gas fire pit, so gather round with your patio furniture and enjoy the glow.

How to choose the best fire pit

Some fire pits are style statements in and of themselves. There are some beautiful fire globes with cutouts that will cast shadows across your lawn, or simple matte black bowls for a more dramatic look.

If budget is a consideration, it’s perfectly possible to buy a fire pit for around £30. Some are a lot more expensive though, with larger and more sturdy designs that will see you through summers to come.

Different types of fire pit include chimineas, which have a (you guessed it) chimney shape, and fire pits, which have a more traditional bowl-style design. Some can even be fitted with a grill for multipurpose use – just stick on some sausages and you’ve got an easy alfresco meal.

Will a fire pit damage my patio?

Most fire pits aren’t safe to place on a patio. Not only can their heat discolour your patio, but they can also potentially burn or crack any slabs or wood because they burn so hot and are often low-lying. That said, there are some fire pits that can be placed safely on a patio. A gas fire pit table is designed to elevate the heat source well away from the ground. 

If in doubt, it’s best to place your fire pit on the lawn. If you do want to place it on the slabs, some retailers advise placing a tile between the fire pit and the patio itself so the patio isn’t damaged. 

Will a fire pit burn my lawn?

Fire pits are definitely better for your lawn than a campfire. If you’ve spent time carefully cultivating your lawn though, you don’t want to risk any burning. Fire pits could well burn the grass, because while the heat is elevated away from the ground itself the grass does sit quite close.

To avoid this opt for something on a taller stand that removes your fire pit from the ground as much as possible. You could also place a slab of tile or stone under the fire pit, which will not only stabilise it but will create a barrier between the bowl and the grass.

The post Best fire pits 2021: our top 5 for winter evenings appeared first on Ideal Home.

Having your own bathroom adjoined to your bedroom is the ultimate luxury, so knowing the ensuite planning mistakes to avoid, will ensure you’re clued up before starting on yours.

Often ensuites make the most of smaller spaces already next to your bedroom or can be built retrospectively, by slicing off some of the floorspace in your bedroom, to create this dreamy addition. While you might have already begun gathering small bathroom ideas, it’s important to also know the things you don’t want or need, plus the mistakes other have made.

You’ll first want to start by measuring your space and being realistic about what you can fit into it. Ensuites are often bijou spaces and while you want your bathroom to provide you with everything you need, you’ll need to remain level-headed during the planning process too.

Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs, says, “One of the biggest mistake homeowners make when it comes to bathroom makeovers is trying to cram too much into a small space”

Follow our ideas, plus top tips from the experts, to ensure no mistakes are made…

Ensuite planning mistakes to avoid

1. Choosing a too big bath

Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles

Trying to fit a big bath into a small space, could ruin the look of your ensuite from the very start.

“People will often try and fit large footprint baths into small spaces. Ideally baths need at least 100mm round each of the edges to help clean and maintain it. However, if you want a bath in a smaller en suite, this can still be achievable. There are several models out there that are 1400mm, which is smaller than a standard shower, and can be the perfect solution,” advises Barrie.

Perhaps you’d rather ditch a shower altogether (as there might already be one in the main family bathroom) so you can use the space to fit a full size bath instead. It’s your ensuite, so you do you!

2. Forgetting storage space

Image credit: Future Plc/Rachael Smith

Forgetting bathroom storage space is a common mistake, especially in an ensuite. Of course you’ll want your bathroom to be a relaxing haven, clear of clutter and a minimalist style is popular. But be realistic about what you need to store and plan in some storage space for toiletries and extra towels.

Under basin drawers, recess shelving and even hooks for bath robes will all help to keep surfaces tidy and organised. You could also add in some free-standing furniture to help solve your storage dilemma if needed.

3. Skimping on hardware

Image credit: Future Plc/Simon Whitmore

When it comes to hardware in your bathroom, such as taps, showerheads, plugs and loo roll holders, it’s worth making an investment as cheap alternatives can look just that!

Barrie advises, “There are certain items where it pays to invest. One of these is Brassware. Anything that has any moving parts (which can easily break) is not an area to skimp on as cheaper versions are often not built to the same quality and don’t last. Mid-high end brassware can also ‘lift’ a bathroom and can make cheaper items such as sanitaryware look more expensive.”

4. Bad lighting

Image credit: Future Plc/Kasia Fizer

Lighting is a huge factor for any room in the house, but never more so than in a bathroom. You ideally want to have several light levels that can be controlled separately and all with warm white bulbs. Ceiling spotlights are good for illuminating the whole room, but it’s also a good idea to have wall lights on a separate circuit to create a cosy atmosphere for bath time.

Don’t forget all bathroom lights must have an IP rating of 44 to deem them safe to use in this space.

5. Not measuring your space before you begin

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

You might look at your ensuite space and assume you can fit in a full size bath, plus a walk in shower, vanity unit and loo, but you need to accurately measure the space first, and think about space for pipes too. Having a shower over the bath could be a good space-saving solution.

Amanda Telford, Marketing Manager at CTD Tiles, says “One of the most important parts of planning a bathroom successfully is to get accurate dimensions of your space, including elements such as windows, doorways and even things like chimney breasts. Factor in where the main sanitaryware and furniture pieces are going to be positioned by looking at where the drain pipes and waste pipes are. Look at where the soil pipe is and take as many measurements as possible to draw up a clear and concise blueprint of the space you’re working with.”

6. Neglecting to add personality

Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles

Often we want our bathrooms to be white, calming and serene, as we feel it’s the most relaxing option. But not adding colour or pattern to your ensuite, could leave you with rather a boring and dull bathroom instead. Whether you choose a patterned floor tile, or a patterned wallpaper, or in this case, both, bringing some personality into your ensuite will give in some life and energy, as well as bring you joy.

7. Opting for the wrong tiles

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

“Your bathroom tiles choice will play a vital part in the overall finished look of your space. But there are a few different things to take into consideration when choosing your bathroom tiles, from visual impact to practicality,” says Amanda.

“Any bathroom floor tiles need to have good slip resistance and be suited to wet areas, this is especially true if you’re planning a wetroom.”

“Patterned tiles are great for adding a real statement to a space whilst large format tiles can create a calming and spa-like ambience. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to tiles in the bathroom, allowing you to create a space that’s tailored to you and your style.”

8. Leaving floors cold

Image credit: Future Plc

A costly mistake to make is not laying underfloor heating before having your tiling done. Underfloor heating is a great way to gently warm your ensuite, and means you don’t need to worry about bulky radiators in a small space. It will also mean that your lovely tiled flooring won’t feel chilly underfoot, but it’s also worth opting for a shaggy bath mat or rug too, to keep toes extra toasty.

9. Ignoring the potential cleaning regime

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

It’s a boring thing to think about, but bathrooms need a lot of cleaning to help them stay looking their best, to try to remember this during the planning process. Walk in showers with single panels of glass are far easier to clean than cubicle showers with sliding doors, so opt for the former if you can. Freestanding baths look amazing, but if they’re wedged in a corner, you might find it hard to dust the floor beneath it, that will no doubt build up.

What should you not do when remodelling a bathroom?

Assume you have all the answers! While you might have a clear idea of how you want your ensuite to look, it’s the experts that will ensure that this is actually possible.

Barrie advises, “A bathroom retailer can be worth their weight in gold as they have a wealth of knowledge on how to make elements work together, as well as maximise the layout to its full potential.”

“It isn’t just about the aesthetics of a bathroom, it is about the small but important points that you might not think of. “Is your boiler powerful enough to heat enough water to fill your bath?’, “Is your hallways and staircase wide enough to get a bath or fixtures into your bathroom (you might need to take your window out!)”. “Is my water pressure high or low?” – this will affect what brassware is suitable for your home.”

“There is a lot to think about when planning a new bathroom and an experienced bathroom retailer will make sure all these points and more are covered for you.”

Try to also think about how things will work behind the scenes in your bathroom, as moving things like soil pipes can become expensive.

Barrie goes on to say, “Protruding and visible pipes can really spoil the finished design of your en suite so careful planning of pipework including the soil pipe, is essential. Depending on the layout of the property and where the existing soil pipes are, this can be an easy or challenging job. Fortunately, modern flexible pipes and macerators provide plumbers with more options so there is nearly always a solution.”

How do I layout my bathroom?

The main idea of an ensuite, is having your bathroom adjoined to your bedroom, rather than having to go to an entirely different area or even floor in your house. But thinking carefully about how you want the rooms to be separated, if at all.

Barrie says, “There is a rising trend for blurring the lines between a master bedroom and its en-suite, but it isn’t necessarily to everyone’s taste. A great compromise is the use of double doors and frosted glass as a way of merging the spaces as it allows the two defined spaces to feel as one. Strategically positioning a freestanding bath in the centre of the double doors can provide a sense that it is all part of the same room and provides the added benefit of plenty of wow factor. When privacy is required, you can simply close the doors and separate the two zones.”

Once you’ve worked out how the two rooms will flow together, it will give you a good idea of where to position things in your bathroom.

For example you probably don’t want to be lying in bed and have direct sight of the loo (especially when your partner might be using it!) and you won’t want the basin to be in the way of the door fully opening and closing. Perhaps you’d like to be able to see out the window when you’re in the shower, or maybe you’d prefer your vanity unit to be by the window so you can make the most of natural light. Thinking about how you’ll be using the space day to day, is a top tip before you start work on your ensuite.

The post 9 most common ensuite planning mistakes to avoid appeared first on Ideal Home.

The Crockpot has been synonymous with slow cooking for the longest time (since the 1970s to be precise), so it’s no surprise that it’s since evolved to take part in the popular multicooker market. With big brands such as Instant Pot and Tefal leading the way, the Crockpot Turbo Express electric pressure cooker seems to be an impressive contender.

Not only does it boast its traditional repertoire of slow cook, sauté and steam presets, but also functions as a pressure cooker to handle your meat dishes, rice and much more. In fact, its 14-in-1 features resembles a more expensive multicooker, but at a reasonable price. In addition, it comes with a 5.6 litre capacity, so it’s decent enough to cook hearty meals for a family of six.

With that all said, I put the Crockpot Turbo Express cooker to the test to find out how well it performs, and if it’s one of the best slow cookers you can buy.

Ideal Home rated: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Reasons to buy:

• 14-in-1 functions
• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Sleek design
• Nice compact size
• Turbo Function reduces cooking time by almost half
• Automatic 24-hr keep warm function
• Very affordable

Reasons to avoid:

• Doesn’t come with a handy recipe book
• No hinged lid
• No steaming basket or measuring cup included

Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Pressure Cooker

Unboxing the Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Pressure Cooker

The Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Pressure Cooker was easy to lift out and carry to the worktop with its sturdy handles. Design-wise, it looks impressive, with a stainless-steel exterior, flat control panel, and LED screen. The interface is simply laid-out with clear, one-touch settings to avoid any confusion. My only reservation was the ‘papery’ feel of the interface which I felt let the sleek design down a little. However, the blue LED display and lit buttons are a nice touch.

With its compact, 5.6-litre capacity, it sits nicely on the worktop, without looking too cumbersome, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The separate lid has a sleek handle across  to offer a firm grip when twisting to lock/unlocks, and a simple knob for the pressure release.

The Crockpot Turbo Express comes with a stirring spoon, steaming rack and sous vide rack. Unlike other pressure cookers, this doesn’t come with a steaming basket or measuring cup, in which case, you would need to carefully use the rack for vegetables.

Cooking in the Crockpot Turbo Express

Once the Crockpot Turbo Express is switched on, the cooker will beep and the LED display lights up.  The front panel has a range of self-explanatory settings to choose from such as, brown/saute, simmer, slow cook, keep warm, yogurt and sous vide options. While the Pressure functions include manual, steam, meat/poultry, rice/grains, soup/stew, dessert and sterilise. It also has Delay Timer and Keep Warm functions for added convenience.

For beginners, this basic interface makes the cooker incredibly user-friendly – you know exactly what does what without the confusion. The manual tells you the recommended times and temperatures for each setting, which is also helpful. It’s a shame there was no recipe book included. However, I was able to find some suitable Crockpot recipes online to try out.

Cooking in the Crockpot Turbo Express is relatively fuss-free and simple. Once you select the program of your choice, the auto time and temperature will flash up on the display. After pressing Start it will then display Heat, whereby the status bar will begin flashing to indicate it is warming up. When the status light reaches the end, the timer countdown begins. Once the process is finished it will beep again, before automatically set to the Keep Warm function until you’re ready to eat.

Overall, I found this one of the easiest pressure cookers to use in terms of simplicity and functionality. In fact, this would make the ideal, entry-level cooker for beginners or students who merely want to use it for the basic functions.

Slow cooking beef stew

Considering slow cooking is what Crockpot is popular for, I decided to make a hearty beef stew. First, I used the sauté function to brown the beef and onions before adding in the vegetables, seasonings and beef broth. Next, I covered the pot and pressed the Slow Cooker button. It gives you the option of either cooking on a low temperature for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. I decided to set on a high temperature, and the results were just as impressive. Not only was the beef incredibly succulent and tender but tasted delicious and flavoursome. A stew well worth the wait!

Cooking basmati rice in the Crockpot Turbo Express

I decided to cook basmati rice to accompany the beef stew. Cooking rice to perfection can often be hit-and-miss, especially if there’s too much or too little water. So I was a little disappointed that the cooker didn’t come with a handy measuring cup to ensure precise measurements. In any case, I measured out 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water into the Crockpot before pressing the Rice/Grains button. The timer displayed 12 minutes with the High pressure, and then I pressed Start.

Again, the display turned to Heat to start the countdown to pre-warm before cooking the rice. After a beep, I opened the valve to release the steam before unlocking the lid. To my dismay, the rice didn’t have that fluffy yet dry texture that I’d wanted. Instead, it was rather wet and easily got stuck onto the spatula.

Perhaps I’d added a little too much water, however, it still had a pleasant, fragrant taste.

Steaming vegetables in the Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Pressure Cooker

I do enjoy steamed vegetables as a side dish and getting the right texture can be challenging in a pressure cooker. This is where the use of a steam basket can help, however, the Crockpot Turbo Express only comes with a steam rack. The idea is to sit the rack at the base of the inner pot, in a little water, and place your veggies on top of the rack. I found this impractical with smaller pieces of broccoli or veg which would only fall through the gaps, but it works better with thicker slices.

Once you press the Steam function, it will set for 5 minutes before you hit Start. The cooker preheats and will start the stream process before it beeps at the finish. I must say that the texture of my streamed vegetables were a little disappointing, as the broccoli had a slightly mushy texture. In addition I would probably recommend using an oven-proof dish to place your veggies in to avoid rogue bits falling through the cracks and into the water.

Cleaning the Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Pressure Cooker

The pot is dishwasher safe, while the lid and all of its parts have to be hand washed. Having said that though, it’s recommended that you hand wash the pot to protect its non-stick coating. The pot is easy to handwash quickly, and its small size means it won’t fill up your sink and become awkward to wash properly. In addition, the pot has a non-stick coating, so you won’t have to worry about stuck-on food or greasy residue. The outer pot can easily be wiped down with a soapy cloth to remove any dirt or fingerprints.

Should you buy the Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Pressure Cooker?

If you’re after a basic, user-friendly pressure cooker or on a budget, the Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Cooker is a great option. It comes with all the main cooking settings you would need without all the fancy bells and whistles. Its 5.6-litre capacity makes it the ideal size for compact spaces, or to suit small-medium households.

Alongside its powerful cooking performance, the ease of use makes it the ideal entry-level pressure cooker for those with limited cooking needs. The Crockpot Turbo Express creates succulent and tasty meat dishes and the Keep Warm function is a plus. The only downsides are the lack of a steaming basket and measuring cup, which can be handy during steaming things like vegetables. The steaming rack provided seemed impractical for placing smaller veggies on. However, if you can overlook the lack of steaming basket and recipe book, the Crockpot Turbo Express pressure cooker is a worthwhile investment.

About this review, and our reviewer

Cynthia Lawrence is a freelance lifestyle and homes/interiors journalist and writes for various national publications. With an unhealthy obsession for all things homes and gardens, she also has an interior design blog. When she’s not spending time surfing online for decor inspiration to revamp her 1930s home, she is busy reviewing some pretty awesome home appliances.

A regular contributor to Real Homes, she has written for Livingetc., Gardeningetc., Ideal Home, T3.com, Top Ten Reviews and House Beautiful amongst others.

The post Crockpot Turbo Express Electric Pressure Cooker Review appeared first on Ideal Home.