Articles by Helen McCue, Freelance contributor | TechRadar

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

A woman adding raspberries to a vblender which already has soft fruits in it

Can a blender be used as a food processor?

By Helen McCue last updated 11 February 22

If you’re struggling to decide whether to buy a food processor, find out whether you can use a blender instead.

A food processor with blender pitcher on a kitchen countertop next to a bowl and sieve ready to make cake batter

How does a food processor work?

By Helen McCue last updated 11 February 22

With sharp blades and lots of parts to assemble, food processors can be daunting appliances, here we explain how they work and why you need one

The Magimix 4200XL being use to grind beef

Magimix 4200XL review

By Helen McCue last updated 11 February 22

This pricey food processor can do everything you’d expect, and more, but is it worth the counter space?

Sage the Kitchen Wizz 15 Pro on a kitchen countertop

Sage the Kitchen Wizz 15 Pro review

By Helen McCue last updated 11 February 22

This food processor is definitely up to the job, but it’s an investment that may be too much for some

hand wearing rubber gloves holding a spone with water running from a tap in the sink

How to clean a food processor

By Helen McCue last updated 11 February 22

Don’t let dirt and grime build up in your food processor, here we explain how to get it clean.

The itchenAid Food Chopper KFC0516

KitchenAid Food Chopper KFC0516 review

By Helen McCue published 8 February 22

A small chopper with a whisk for those who don’t have the space for a food processor, but capacity is limited

A slice of cheesecake cut from a whole cheesecake and drizzled in caramel sauce

I made cheesecake in an Instant Pot and I’ll never go back to my usual method

By Helen McCue published 6 February 22

Looking for Instant Pot inspiration? Try making a cheesecake, it’s a low fuss way of preparing this delicious dessert

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 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

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

Instant Pot Duo Nova

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.

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 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 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.

The Instant Pot Pro on a kitchen countertop

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

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

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.

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