
Helen McCue
Helen is Ideal Home's expert kitchen appliances tester, with a wealth of experience that spans a Home Economics degree and a stint at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Over the last three years, she has tested dozens of products for Ideal Home from her home in Buckinghamshire, including a long list of air fryers, blenders, bean-to-cup coffee machines, vacuums and sleep essentials. Helen is our go-to kitchen expert and tests out every kitchen appliance with a range of delicious recipes.
Latest articles by Helen McCue
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These are the 6 best carpet cleaners for deep cleaning the most important surface in your home
Six of the best carpet cleaners that can refresh your space in an instant
By Helen McCue
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The 5 best deep fat fryers – tried and tested from De’Longhi, Lakeland and more
The top models to safely create delicious treats at home
By Helen McCue
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Looking for an affordable air fryer? I've tested the five very best air fryers under £100
I've reviewed a selection of budget-friendly air fryers that won’t break the bank
By Helen McCue
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Best weighted blankets – after testing, these are my top picks to reduce stress and improve sleep
These are the best weighted blankets I've tested
By Helen McCue
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We try KitchenAid's new gorgeous semi-automatic coffee machine
Here's why KitchenAid's newest machine is more than just a pretty product
By Helen McCue
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I'm seriously surprised by the quality of ProCook's indoor pizza oven - here's why it's a fun family buy
You don’t need a garden to enjoy cooking in this pizza oven
By Helen McCue
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HexClad 7 Piece Hybrid Cookware Set review: I elevated my cookware game with this Hexclad set
This game-changing cookware set deserves all the hype it gets
By Helen McCue
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Vitamix vs Nutribullet - which bestselling blender brand comes out on top?
For soups, smoothies and more, there can only be one winner
By Helen McCue
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Vitamix A2500i review - a blender for serious home chefs
This powerful and expensive blender will be perfect for blending enthusiasts, but overkill for many people
By Helen McCue
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Nutribullet 600 series blender review - a great choice for smoothies
We try Nutribullet's most popular model
By Helen McCue
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Habitat has relaunched its cult Chicken Brick from the 1960s - I cooked with it to see if it's as good as its retro reputation
Habitat brings back a retro classic
By Helen McCue
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The 5 small appliances that make food prep easier
According to our resident home economist and product tester
By Helen McCue
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HexClad BBQ Grill Pan review - I test out the pan with a cult following
I tried it and loved it
By Helen McCue
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Smeg Combi Steam Oven 10-in-1 review: Quite possibly the cutest countertop oven ever
But is it as functional as it is pretty?
By Helen McCue
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Dreo ChefMaker Combi Cooker review - a seriously smart addition to your kitchen
Is this the most advanced air fryer yet?
By Helen McCue
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Philips 5500 Series LatteGo Bean to Cup Coffee Machine review: I tried the most premium bean-to-cup coffee machine you can buy from Philips.
It has a coffee shop worthy menu of 20 drinks
By Helen McCue
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Drew & Cole Dual Defroster review - a must-have or just a gimmick?
This cheap and cheerful gadget does what it says on the tin
By Helen McCue
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Smeg Bean to Cup Coffee Machine with Automatic Milk Frother review
It’s got to be one of the best-looking bean-to-cup coffee machines around
By Helen McCue
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Cosori Dual Drawer Air Fryer review: Cosori makes great single zone air fryers and the brand has finally launched its dual zone model
Cosori’s debut dual zone air fryer is a great first attempt but could do with one little tweak...
By Helen McCue
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Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional review - ice cream at home has never tasted so good
Impress your friends with endless flavour combinations and velvety smooth ice cream
By Helen McCue
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Lakeland Digital Ice Cream Maker review - a superstar for making delectable ice cream under £35
Cheap and cheerful
By Helen McCue
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Ninja Double Stack review - how does Ninja's expensive new release measure up?
We try Ninja's space saving appliance
By Helen McCue
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KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender with accessories review - are cordless appliances the thing of the future?
We try KitchenAid's newest innovation
By Helen McCue
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I tried Sage's top of the range food processor which will set you back £579 - it's one of the best I've ever tried
The Sage Paradice 16 offers premium performance with a premium price tag
By Helen McCue