Price Points: Non scratch whisks

We have a set of cast iron enamel saucepans that see a lot of use; from poaching eggs to simmering stews. We tend to use wooden spoons when cooking with them as metal ones damage the surface. With certain recipes – like some sauces and roux – it’s preferable to use to use a whisk. We only have a stainless steel one so I need to check out some non scratch whisks.

As well as the low, low price (only two quid!), I like the green credentials of the Viners whisk. Unlike our other two short-listed whisks, it’s composition is more than a third waste product.

Viners organic whisk, beige: £2.00, Harts of Stur

Crafted from 35% wheat fibre, a by-product from the farming industry which has historically been burnt. These utensils are manufactured to the highest standards to ensure durability, strength, and comfortable use and are dishwasher safe.

Nylon whisk: £7.00, ProCook

Ideal for making sauces or scrambled eggs in non-stick pans
Made from nylon set on a brushed stainless steel handle
Fully dishwasher safe

2-in-1 Twist™ whisk: £12.00, Joseph Joseph

With a simple twist of the handle, this clever design can be switched between a balloon whisk and a flat whisk making it ideal for a range of different tasks.

• Two essential whisks in one
• Flat whisk for blending and balloon whisk for whipping
• Folds flat for compact storage
• Silicone-coated steel wires heat-resistant up to 200˚C/392˚F
• Suitable for non-stick cookware

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

2-in-1 Twist™ whisk
£12.00

Nylon whisk
£7.00

Viners organic whisk, beige
£2.00

2-in-1 Twist™ whisk
£12.00

Nylon whisk
£7.00

Viners organic whisk, beige
£2.00

2-in-1 Twist™ whisk
£12.00

Nylon whisk
£7.00

Viners organic whisk, beige
£2.00

2-in-1 Twist™ whisk
£12.00

Nylon whisk
£7.00

Viners organic whisk, beige
£2.00

2-in-1 Twist™ whisk
£12.00

Nylon whisk
£7.00

Viners organic whisk, beige
£2.00

Price Points: Rooftop tents

I can’t wait for summer! It’s the time of year that you spend more time outdoors; travelling a bit, doing some sightseeing, going to the beach, wild camping, hitting the boot sales at the crack of dawn…

We’ve toyed with the idea of getting ourselves a vintage camper van, but one of these rooftop tents is a really good stopgap. They’re better than run-of-the-mill tents because they’re raised off the ground, on to the roof of your vehicle; meaning the occupants are spared coming into contact with the cold, hard ground when they’re lying down to sleep. It also means that the probability of being visited by ground-dwelling critters (ants, scorpions, snakes, hyenas, grizzly bears… sorry, I’m letting my imagination get the better of me!) is diminished!

If extra space is needed (perhaps for storage or for the dog to bed down), a lower awning or ‘annex’ are options with some models. I like the idea of ‘gas-assisted opening’, so you’re not struggling with setting it up – especially if there happens to be gusts of wind or a very British downpour.

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent: £749.00, Ventura Roof Tents

The Ventura Deluxe 1.4 is an all round incredible roof tent. It opens up in seconds, sleeps 2-3 adults and is made from durable materials for the most extreme conditions. Weighing just 45kgs, the roof tent easily mounts on a set of roof bars on any small car, 4×4, pick up, van or trailer.
TUFF-TREK® TT-02 1.6m Soft Top Tent PRO Ruggedized: £1,650.00, Tuff Trek
• 320g polycotton fabric
• XTRA large fly sheet design
• XTRA large / double size side windows – improved ventilation in hot climates
• Tent body: 320g ripstop poly cotton canvas
• Flysheet: HD 420d fire retardant polyester fabric
• Lower annex room: 420d fire retardant polyester fabric, zipped in PVC ground sheet
• Upgraded 25mm aluminium frame tubes
• Rugged aluminium chequer plate base
• 1.65m wide model
• Lower annex room – included in price
• 70mm memory foam style mattress included (removable, washable cover)
• Free lower cargo net system
• 2x piece ladder included
• Fits most vehicles
TentBox Classic: £2,250.00, TentBox
• 2-person capacity
• Gas assisted opening, takes 1 min
• Space to store bedding & ladder inside
• Ladder, mattress & fixing kit included

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent
£749.00

TentBox Classic
£2,250.00

TUFF-TREK® TT-02 1.6m Soft Top Tent PRO Ruggedized
£1,650.00

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent
£749.00

TentBox Classic
£2,250.00

TUFF-TREK® TT-02 1.6m Soft Top Tent PRO Ruggedized
£1,650.00

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent
£749.00

TentBox Classic
£2,250.00

TUFF-TREK® TT-02 1.6m Soft Top Tent PRO Ruggedized
£1,650.00

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent
£749.00

TentBox Classic
£2,250.00

TUFF-TREK® TT-02 1.6m Soft Top Tent PRO Ruggedized
£1,650.00

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent
£749.00

TentBox Classic
£2,250.00

TUFF-TREK® TT-02 1.6m Soft Top Tent PRO Ruggedized
£1,650.00

Price Points: Thermoelectric lamps

A few weeks ago, I didn’t even know that thermoelectric lamps existed. Physics (followed by maths and chemistry) was my worst subject at school. I couldn’t get my head around how energy, mass and the like worked. To this day, I still can’t – which is why I’m absolutely amazed at how heat can get a light to work.

I think that, although all three below are thermoelectric lamps, they work in different ways. One uses candlelight – managing to amplify the flame from one tea light. The next has an integral battery that’s charged simply by placing it on top of a hot range or woodburning stove. and the battery can then run a bulb for almost a full day. Finally, the bottom lamp uses a naked flame and kerosene to power two bulbs. It’s science with a dusting of magic!

All three lamps are fairly pricey, but only one of them gets me excited. I love the fact that the heat from my almost primeval wood-fired stove can charge my 21^st century iPhone, laptop or tablet. You can even get an accessory for it that allows you to charge the lamp via solar power!

TLIGHT: ThermLight thermal power generated LED lamp: £79.00, Amazon

• Multi directional LED light (bright white) powered by a small lit candle (tea light)
• The heat generated by the tea light converted into electric energy supplying 18 LEDs
• Eco friendly – no batteries or electric current required – 2 Peltier modules
• Compact and stylish design for indoor and outdoor use (rust resistant)
• Includes 9 light tea lights – 4 hours per candle
TEGpro Stove Lite Pro: £200.00

Place it on your hot stove top, and within a minute or two it starts to emit light. The Stove Lite Pro includes a built-in rechargeable battery, mode select button and USB phone/tablet charging port. Once the Stove Lite’s internal battery is charged it may be used off-stove as a light for up to 20 hours or used to recharge your phone or tablet.
The Stove Lite Pro uses a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) that leverages the difference in temperature to create electricity. In addition to heat for warmth, now your wood stove can also be used to run and charge a mobile light source, the Stove Lite Pro.
Functional steampunk thermoelectric kerosene desk lamp: £9,203.87, Etsy

Powered by the primordial flame located in the heart of the machine…
…working on kerosene, no power cords or batteries.

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Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Steampunk thermoelectric kerosene desk lamp
£9,203.87

Tegpro Stove Lite Pro
£200.00