Articles by Helen McCue, Freelance contributor

Helen is a freelance writer who specializes in kitchen and home appliances, and has written for some of the biggest home-related titles around. She has been reviewing small appliances, including blenders, air fryers, and vacuums for more than 15 years. When she's not busy testing the latest food and home gadgets, she enjoys DIY and gardening.

Articles by: Helen McCue

Slice of carrot cake on plates next to a bundle of cinnamon sticks

I used an Instant Pot for baking cakes and cookies but I'll never do it again

By Helen McCue published 30 January 22

An Instant Pot is ideal for cooking a multitude of dishes, but when it comes to cake and cookies, we won’t be ditching our usual method any time soon.

The Proscenic M8 Pro vacuuming a hard floor

Proscenic M8 Pro 8 review

By Helen McCue published 27 January 22

It can vacuum, mop, and empty itself; we try it out to see if this robot is the solution to all your cleaning woes

The Instant Pot Pro Crisp on a kitchen countrtop with all its accessories

Instant Pot Pro Crisp review

By Helen McCue last updated 26 January 22

This is the most expensive Instant Pot you can buy, but is it worth the money?

The Instant Pot Duo Plus with all its accessories

Instant Pot Duo Plus review

By Helen McCue last updated 26 January 22

How does the Duo Plus differ from the array of Instant Pot models already on the market?

The Tineco Pure One S12 Pro EX being used to clean a carpet

Tineco Pure One S12 Pro EX review

By Helen McCue published 25 January 22

Recommended

For cord-free cleaning of every surface in your home, this vacuum also features smart technology and dust sensors

How does an Instant Pot work?

By Helen McCue published 21 January 22

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Here’s the full lowdown on how Instant Pot and other multicookers work and what you can use them for.

The Roidmi Z1 Air being held during carpet cleaning

Roidmi Z1 Air review

By Helen McCue published 14 January 22

This affordable cordless vacuum has a sleek white modern appearance but is it all style over substance?

A bowl of mashed potato on a wood surface surrounded by potatoes and garlic

I made mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot, and it was far easier than usual

By Helen McCue published 23 January 22

Love mashed potatoes but struggle to get it right every time. We made mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot and found it was easier than ever before.

The Neato D9 on a black and white striped hard floor

Neato D9 review

By Helen McCue published 13 January 22

We try out the Neato D9 to see if this mid-range robot really is better than the entry level Neato D8

The Neato D8 on its dock on hard wood floor

Neato D8 review

By Helen McCue published 10 January 22

Neato’s latest entry-level robot vacuum improves upon previous models but still lacks some features

The Ninja Cold Press Juicer on an orange background and the Nutribullet Juicer on a yellow background

Juicing dual: Is the Ninja Cold Press Juicer or the Nutribullet Juicer better?

By Helen McCue published 23 December 21

If you’re looking for an affordable juicer should you go for the cold press option from Ninja or Nutribullet’s centrifugal model? We’ve pitted the two head-to-head to find out

The Ninja Air Fryer Max AF160 with its frying basket removed

Ninja Air Fryer Max AF160 review

By Helen McCue published 16 December 21

It’s pricey for an air fryer with just one basket, so is this Ninja worth the money?

The Ninja Blender 2 in 1 on an orange background pitted against the Nutribullet Blender on a yellow background

Ninja vs Nutribullet: which blender brand is right for you?

By Helen McCue published 7 December 21

Both Ninja and Nutribullet are big names when it comes to blenders. We’ve tested them head-to-head to bring you the key differences.

The side view of the iRobot Roomba i3 Plus

iRobot Roomba i3 Plus review

By Helen McCue published 6 December 21

This robot vacuum handles the vacuuming and it empties itself, but is the automatic emptying feature worth the extra cost?

A medium rare rib eye steak, sliced to show th pink center on a wooden board

I cooked steak in a Ninja Foodi and I’ll never go back

By Helen McCue published 4 December 21

Fed up of over-cooked steak? The Ninja Foodi turned out to be the best method we’ve ever used for cooking meat, and here’s why you’ll want to start using one too.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer on a kitchen countertop

Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Air Fryer review

By Helen McCue last updated 3 December 21

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Air Fryer offers a multitude of cooking methods but how does it stack up against rivals from Breville and Crock-Pot?

An Instant Pot Duo Nova surrounded by ingredients for a beef chilli

Instant Pot Duo Nova review

By Helen McCue last updated 3 December 21

A slight upgrade on the Instant Pot Duo, but is the Instant Pot Duo Nova worth the higher price tag?

The Instant Pot Pro on a kitchen countertop

Does an Instant Pot use a lot of electricity?

By Helen McCue last updated 3 December 21

If you’re wondering whether an Instant Pot is worth the space on your countertop, we’re looking at whether it can save you money on your electricity bills to earn a spot in your kitchen.

Instant Pot Pro review

By Helen McCue last updated 3 December 21

Want more from your Instant Pot or looking to upgrade? This is the most premium model without an air fry lid.

The Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid multi-cooker with ingredient ready to cook a chicken curry

Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker review

By Helen McCue published 24 November 21

The smallest of Ninja’s SmartLid multi-cookers packs in plenty of handy features, but it’s pricey.

RThe Ninja Foodi 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker with all its accesories

Ninja Foodi Max 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker review

By Helen McCue published 23 November 21

Best in Class

This new Ninja is one of the best multi-cookers we’ve reviewed, but it comes with a high price tag.

The Ninja Foodi Blender & Soup Maker HB150UK having just been used to make carrot and corriander soup

Ninja Foodi Blender & Soup Maker HB150UK review

By Helen McCue published 22 November 21

Recommended

From blending smoothies to making smooth or chunky soups, this is a useful two-in-one appliance.

The Eufy HomeVac H30 Mate laying on a window sill

Eufy HomeVac H30 Mate review

By Helen McCue last updated 12 October 21

This neat little handheld vacuum is perfect for quickly picking up spills or for vacuuming hard to reach spots.

A woman making a healthy green juice in a juicer surrounded by vegetables

Which is healthier: Juicing or blending?

By Helen McCue published 8 October 21

If you’re trying to choose between a blender and a juicer for healthy fruit and vegetable drinks, here’s what you need to know about which is healthiest.

The Bagotte DB-001 juicer next to a bowl of fruit ready to be juiced in the appliance

Bagotte DB-001 Juicer review

By Helen McCue last updated 7 October 21

The Bagotte DB-001 is budget centrifugal juicer, which out-performs some more premium models but has its limitations

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