Our top four appliances for aspiring home-bakers

It's time to block out your Tuesday evenings and join the rest of the nation in watching the Great British Bake Off. With drool-worthy showstoppers and nerve-wracking technicals, it’s hard not to feel the itch to bake along.

But to truly channel your inner star baker, you'll need the right appliances in your kitchen. We’ve all been there – batter not quite mixing right, an oven that takes forever to pre-heat, and the dreaded post-bake clean-up. To really embrace your inner star baker, you need tools that work with you, not against you. Here's our top picks to get your kitchen star-baker ready:

1. Oven

Every great bake starts with a trusty oven, and the SIA Premium Single Electric Fan Oven is here to make sure yours are spot-on. With a spacious 76-litre capacity and an easy-to-use control panel, you can say goodbye to uneven bakes and soggy bottoms for good!

This oven is packed with features to make your life easier, like a true fan function for perfectly even heat distribution, a ferment program to help your doughs rise to perfection, and even an air fry setting for when you're in the mood for something different. Plus, with its sleek gunmetal grey finish, your kitchen will look as good as your bakes!

2. Fridge

"Under-proved" dough isn't the only thing that needs chilling—your fridge plays a crucial role in keeping your ingredients fresh. All that butter, cream, and eggs need a cool home, and you’ll need enough space for your impressive bakes too.

We love the RFI105/E from SIA—a 50:50 integrated tall fridge freezer with a huge 240L capacity that’s ready to take on your entire shopping haul (and more). With an adjustable thermostat for the perfect temperature and loads of shelves and compartments, it’s designed to keep your ingredients organised so you can keep your kitchen running smoothly. Because the last thing you need is fighting for fridge space when there’s a Victoria sponge on the line!

3. Hob

When it comes to baking, a little control goes a long way—especially when you're trying not to burn the chocolate or ruin a perfectly good fruity compote. Whether you're team gas, electric, or induction, the trick is finding what works for you (and your kitchen). If you’re looking for precision, induction hobs give you super-fine temperature control, so you don’t end up with a scorched pan. But if you love the traditional feel of cooking with real flames, nothing beats the hands-on charm of a classic gas hob.

We're big fans of this White Knight 60cm Induction Hob. It’s got a built-in child lock for extra peace of mind, a boost feature for when you need to heat things up real quick, and a smart pause function for those “oops, I forgot to check the oven!” moments.

4. Air Fryers

While it might not be the first appliance that comes to mind for baking, air fryers are a fantastic addition for the modern baker! They can make your pastries flaky, give your bread a golden crust, and even make healthier versions of your favourite treats—all with ease!

The SAF76K, 8-litre SIA Air Fryer makes it easier than ever to get those delicious results. Forget about waiting for the oven to preheat; with sensor touch controls and 8 pre-set programs, you can jump right into baking without any guesswork. Plus, the double basket feature lets you cook multiple items at once with the SYNC program, so you can get everything done in one go!

Remember, even the best bakers started out as a beginner. So, put on your apron, grab your trusty appliances, and "on your marks, get set, bake!"