It’s time to dust off your stand mixer and get the baking trays out, as it’s nearly time for The Great British Bake Off to grace our screens! It’s a joy to watch as the keen amateurs try their best with the signature bakes, technical challenges and showstoppers, while we put our feet up with a slice of cake.
To get you in the mood, here’s how to give your own kitchen the Bake Off look, with everything from bunting and bakeware to taps and textiles in pretty pastels and floral designs. And if you’re not a baker, just pop to the shop and serve the treats on a fab cake stand – we promise we won’t tell.
Luxe vs less
Will you choose the iconic pieces from the tent, or the designer dupes?
Luxe
The KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer – seen here in Blue Salt, KitchenAid’s Colour of the Year – has a 4.7-litre capacity. It features 10 speeds, four accessories plus scraper and pouring shield, two bowls, and more than 10 optional attachments. Priced at £699.
Less
In a sleek GunMetal finish, the ProCook stand mixer is a 6-litre model that comes with a whisk, beater and dough hook attachments, plus splash shield, six speed settings and pulse function, all for £249.
Luxe
Smeg’s FAB 28 retro-style fridge comes in a choice of 19 colours and features a multiflow cooling system for the perfect temperature and humidity, as well as a Lifeplus 0˚C drawer and ice box. It’s priced from £1,399.
Less
CDA’s Betty fridge also has a freezer section, along with a salad crisper and wine rack. It comes in retro shades including Sea Holly (pictured), Barley and Tea Rose, priced at £499 from The Appliance Depot.
Best ovens for baking
These built-in ovens come with special features for perfect results…
N90 Slide & Hide B64FT53G0B built-in oven with steam, £2,029, Neff
‘Neff ovens have the Slide & Hide door, which glides away under the oven, allowing you to easily check on your bakes. Meanwhile, CircoTherm technology allows you to cook on three levels at once and still get even bakes.’
Sue Flowers, Neff, BSH Home Appliances
Samsung NQ5B4553FBS built-in single oven with microwave, around £429
With a 50-litre capacity, this oven has plenty of room for baking and can also be used for grilling, defrosting and microwave cooking. It can also be controlled via the SmartThings app, and will recommend personalised recipes and even create a shopping list and weekly meal plan for you.
Hoover H-Oven 500 HOC5S047INWIFI built-in single oven, £398 at B&Q
This oven has a large 70-litre capacity and 11 functions, including fan-cooking for an even temperature throughout, perfect for cakes, bread and traybakes. Added benefits include an H20 cleaning system that uses water and heat to dissolve food residue – ideal for messy bakes.
Haier Oven I-Touch Series 6 HWO60SM6T9BH, around £729
With pyrolytic self-cleaning, an interactive touch screen and connection to an app that gives you recipes and video step-by-steps, this oven is ideal for tech lovers. Climatech technology creates uniform results every time, while the soft+ climate feature is ideal for cakes, bagels, croissants and pastries.
Essential supplies for aspiring bakers
‘Bringing harmony into your appliances helps recreate the GBBO charm. Adorn your culinary haven with light, airy patterns, timeless British designs, and a high-quality finish so your kitchen transforms into a tent-worthy retreat.’
Hira Ibrahim, general manager at VQ
‘Invest in quality baking utensils and cookware so that your bakes come out perfect every time. Vacuum-sealable food storage is also a great way to keep baked goods fresher, so family and friends can enjoy your creations for longer.’
Paul Bough, chef at ZWILLING and STAUB UK
‘An organised larder is a must for a keen baker, offering flexible storage for small appliances and kitchen essentials, all close at hand, ready to create your next masterpiece.’
Tony McCarthy, commercial director at Crown Imperial
