Where To Buy Raclette In The UK

Raclette can be bought from a variety of stores in the UK. You can buy raclette cheese either online, in grocery shops or from cheese shops. Shops like Kappacasein Dairy, The Cheese Hamlet, La Cave a Fromage, Cheese & Cheers and Paxton & Whitfield Ltd sell great raclette cheese in the UK. You can also check your nearby grocery shop for raclette cheese. If you do not want the hassle of physically going to a store, a great alternative is getting it online. Online stores like Cheesefondueshop or even Amazon are great options.

Alternatives To Raclette Cheese

Raclette cheese can be hard to come by at times. This does not mean that you should not enjoy eating cheese. If this happens, it safe to have options so that you do not miss out on that well-anticipated cheese delight. There are several alternatives to raclette cheese that have the same melting consistency and taste.

1. Gruyère Cheese

Gruyère is made in Switzerland and is a great alternative to raclette cheese. It is a firm, yellow cheese that is made of whole milk and has tiny holes. It has a sweet but slightly salty taste just like raclette. Gruyere’s flavour widely varies with age. It is nutty and creamy (just like raclette) when still young and earthy and grainy when it matures. If you are going for a taste that is more like raclette, then you definitely have to go for the younger gruyere that is creamy and nutty.

2. Jarlsberg

Jarlsberg originates from Norway and can also be used instead of raclette. It is semi-firm and yellow in colour, with a creamy, nutty, buttery flavour that is similar to that of raclette cheese. It has the same rich texture that raclette cheese has. It melts perfectly like raclette making it an amazing alternative to raclette in the preparation of fondue and other dishes. Jarlsberg also has tiny holes and is made similar to most Swiss cheeses.

3. Emmentaler

Emmentaler originated from Emme Valley in Switzerland and has large irregular holes. It has bigger holes compared to Jarlsberg, gruyere and raclette cheeses. This is probably the greatest difference between this particular cheese and the rest of the aforementioned cheeses. What qualifies it as an alternative to raclette is its melting capacity and its nutty, buttery, mildly sharp taste and pale yellow colour. The holes on the cheese are brought about by bacteria that create carbon dioxide during the production process. It is also harder than raclette meaning that when preparing it, ensure you melt it completely so that its texture is completely like that of raclette.

The post What’s the best cheese for raclette? And what alternatives? appeared first on Review Connection.

I sought the help of my GP, who told me there was nothing wrong with my feet. He suggested that I look into the kind of shoes I wear for my workouts, which got me started on the research for the best shoes to use for elliptical training. I learned that while there are no custom-built shoes for the elliptical machine, there are two suitable options: running shoes and cross trainers.

Read on…

or

View this selection of recommended shoes on Amazon UK:

Using Running Shoes

Going on the elliptical machine is pretty much like running, but without the strain on your joints. Therefore, most people think that running shoes are perfect for elliptical training. This is somehow true as running shoes are basically built for heel-to-toe motion and are designed to thrust you forward – a movement used commonly on the elliptical machine.

However, many elliptical machines can also be pedaled backward, providing a better workout for the glutes, the hamstrings, and the calves. That said, not all running shoes will automatically give you with the proper protection against the physical impact of working on the elliptical machine.

Although running shoes generally have a higher heel drop than other athletic shoes, some running shoes are too rigid for elliptical training, while some others have poorly-cushioned toe boxes, which can strain the joints.

If you want to use your running shoes for training on the elliptical machine, make sure that the sole provides not just enough cushioning and flexibility, but also plenty of stability and arch support.

Using Cross Trainers

Cross trainers, as the name implies, are a kind of athletic shoes worn for different sports activities. Unlike running shoes that are engineered for forward movement, cross trainers are designed for multi-directional movement – making them perfect for activities that require a wide range of movements such as weight training, aerobics, and kick-boxing.

Cross trainers are built with wider and flatter outsoles, providing flexibility, support and stability especially for lateral or side-to-side movements that you use when training on the elliptical machine. This is the reason why many people who work out on the elliptical machine recommend using cross trainers.

Your weight shifts from one foot to another as you stride on the machine, so you need ample lateral support to keep your feet stable on the pedals. Most cross trainers are also lightweight and come with roomy toe boxes, which allow your toes to flex for every down stroke on the pedal.

Is the elliptical causing pain and discomfort in your feet?

Working out on the elliptical is awesome, but it’s not without its aches and pains. Here are some causes of such pain and what you can do about it:

• You are wearing the wrong shoes. Most foot pain is caused by shoes that fit poorly. If your shoes are too tight, you could suffer muscle soreness and joint pain. On the other hand, shoes that are too loose could lead your foot to slide toward the toe box as you do elliptical rotations.

To avoid foot pain, ensure that your shoes fit properly and that they are right for your foot type (are you a supinator, a neutral or a pronator?) It’s best to visit a podiatrist to measure and examine your feet, but you can also seek the advice of knowledgeable salespersons from a local running store or ask a member of a runners’ group for recommendations.

• Your posture is off. Proper posture and feet positioning are essential on the elliptical machine. Improper posture can put all your weight on just one area of the foot, leading to pain.

Make sure that your weight is distributed evenly on all the areas of your foot. Stand comfortably with your head up, your back straight, and your abdominal muscles tight.

• The elliptical incline is too much for you. The incline session might be more challenging, but the pressure you exert against the machine can also cause pain in the arch and the heel of your foot. 

To challenge yourself, go for the flat run instead and alternate between fast and slow. Your feet will thank you for not putting them through the painful ordeal that is the incline.

• You should stop training on the elliptical machine. If the activity is causing you much pain, it would be helpful to stop and see a podiatrist. Seeing a foot specialist is important, especially if the pain comes suddenly or lingers for a long time.

Have you experienced numb toes and “pins and needles” while using the elliptical?

Although less worrying than actual foot pain, numbness and the pins and needles can also affect the quality of your elliptical training. Most likely, numbness is caused by pressure on the nerves of your feet as you stride on the elliptical machine. Here are some tips to get rid of this annoying feeling:

• Wear the right shoes (and socks) and tie the laces a little looser than you normally would when you walk or run.
• If possible, use elliptical machines that have bicycle-like pedals that rotate. These are better than pedals that have a fixed position.
• Vary your elliptical exercise. Alternate between forward and backward pedaling directions and use varying inclines if possible.
• Split your elliptical sessions. Long workouts can lead to too much pressure on your feet. Take a break before having another go on the elliptical, or do a different kind of exercise.
• See a doctor. Frequent numbness of the feet could indicate a serious problem.

The post Choosing the best shoes for training on the elliptical machine appeared first on Review Connection.

The basic function of a Nespresso machine remains the same in each model. Each model we reviewed features two programmable one-touch buttons for cup capacity, a fast 25-second warm up time, and an automatic shut off. In every model, the coffee is dispensed quickly and with a rich crema on top.

Inissia

This is a great choice if you are considering buying your first Nespresso machine.

A compact, lightweight machine

View Price on Amazon UK

• Dimensions: 32.1 x 12 x 23 cm
• Weight: 2.4 Kg
• Special Features: Programmable; Removable Tank; Thermoblock
• Wattage: 1,260 watts

Pixie

This is a great machine if you are looking for a machine that will last.

Ultra compact, just 11 cm

View Price on Amazon UK

• Dimensions: 32.6 x 11.1 x 23.5 cm
• Weight: 2.8 Kg
• Special Features: Programmable; Removable Tank; Thermoblock
• Wattage: 1,260 watts

CitiZ

The Citiz makes an espresso that even aficionados appreciate, and the increased height allows room for taller mugs.

Barista style coffee every time

View Price on Amazon UK

• Dimensions: 37.2 x 13 x 27.8 cm
• Weight: 3.1 Kg
• 1 L removable water tank
• Wattage: 1, 870 watts

Essenza Mini

The Essenza Mini is the most compact of the Nespresso machines

A solid, quality machine

View Price on Amazon UK

• Dimensions: 32 x 11 x 20.5 cm
• Weight: 2.3 Kg
• Separate Aeroccino milk frother
• Wattage: 1, 310 watts

Nespresso Inissia Review

The Nespresso Inissia is a compact, lightweight machine. It is 4.7 inches wide, 9 inches high, and 12.6 inches tall, with an ergonomic black handle. It’s whimsical and cute with a curving shape, and it comes in four different colours: black, white, red, and ivory. Each colour has a corresponding pattern in the black backsplash behind where the coffee dispenses. In the ivory and white, the grid has a honeycomb pattern, while in the red and black, a simple vertical line pattern. The 24-oz. water tank will brew up to nine cups of coffee without needing to reheat. The Inissia is considered the budget model, but it delivers the delicious coffee you want quickly, and it looks beautiful, too. This is a great choice if you are considering buying your first Nespresso machine. Something to consider, though, is that as the budget model more of the machine is made with plastic. This would be a great machine for a college student, it is fashionable and works well, but shouldn’t be handled too roughly.

Nespresso Pixie Review

The Pixie is similar in size and structure to the Inissia, but it features an avant-garde design aesthetic. It has a black centre with premium aluminium siding, which comes in two different colours and textures. The Pixie Aluminum is silver in colour along the side, with a small diamond pattern in the metal. The Pixie Electric Titan is a warmer steel colour, with a pattern of repeating horizontal lines. In addition to the differences in design from the Inissia, the Pixie model also includes a feature to alert you when you need to refill the water tank. When the water level in the tank begins to get low, red backlights along the side of the machine will light up. The Pixie also has a 24-oz. water tank, which translates to nine cups of coffee. The Pixie is a little sturdier than the Inissia and seems to have more parts made from steel. This is a great machine if you are looking for a machine that will last.

Nespresso Citiz review

The Citiz is slightly bigger than the Inissia and Pixie. It measures 5 inches wide, 11 inches tall, and 14.5 inches deep, and has a retro-modern design in black and silver. The Citiz has a slightly larger water tank as well, at 34 ounces. This allows you to brew up to 12 cups of coffee in quick succession. It further differs from the Inissia and Pixie in that it does not have a handle. To insert the coffee capsule, you raise a small, subtle lever on the top front of the machine. This model can collect 9-11 used capsules, before needing to be emptied. The Citiz makes an espresso that even aficionados appreciate, and the increased height allows room for taller mugs. This is a great option if you like to add steamed milk to your espresso to make a tall latte.

Nespresso Essenza Mini review

Nespresso machines have earned a reputation for quality, both in design and in coffee experience. The truth is, you can’t go wrong with any of these models. Some of the brand makers of these models include De’Longhi and Krups, in addition to Nespresso. Each maker builds a solid, quality machine.

The post Comparing Nespresso Machines: Inissia vs. Pixie vs. Citiz vs. Essenza appeared first on Review Connection.

Hair Clippers

Clippers are mainly used for haircuts, and designed to thin and cut longer hair than trimmers. They usually come with attachment combs, graded 1-8, to adjust the hair length.

They can also be used to thin out a beard, maybe in readiness for trimming, and are essential if you are planning to completely shave off a thick or lengthy beard.

If you are thinking of cutting your hair yourself there are even clippers which rotate through 180 degrees, to get to those hard to reach spots.

Hair clippers are available with stainless steel or ceramic blades. Ceramic is the more expensive option but the blades remain sharper for longer. Always remember to lubricate the blades frequently with hair clipper oil, which is usually supplied with the clippers.

When purchasing clippers you may want to consider how quiet the motor is, if you are cutting hair for any length of time a particularly noisy motor could become annoying!

Hair Trimmers

Trimmers are usually smaller than clippers and are used for closer cutting, trimming a beard, sideburns, or moustache for example. They can also be used around the neck to smartly finish off your haircut. If you want a really precise finish there are trimmers on the market which use a laser light as a guide for perfect results.

If you have sensitive skin it is worth considering a trimmer with adjustable lengths, you can set it to the shortest length and use it instead of a shaver. You won’t get a close shave but it will be less irritating to your skin, and you might find that the stubble look suits you! On the subject of sensitive skin, it is probably worth looking for a trimmer with hypoallergenic blades to cut down on the irritation.

Some trimmers require cleaning with oil but many are 100% washable and can be cleaned with water.

So, there we have the difference between clippers and trimmers. Both come in a wide variety of prices so there is something out there for almost everybody. If you are still undecided there are plenty of grooming sets available which contain both, complete with all the accessories.

The post Hair Clipper vs Trimmer appeared first on Review Connection.

The post Eco Friendly Cleaning Tips for Your Home appeared first on Review Connection.

Initial Preparation

One of the reasons that an induction stove is so convenient is that unlike a traditional oven, there are no parts to remove (such as a grille or a burner head). All that you will have to deal with is a flat surface. Also, keep in mind that as this surface will not normally heat up to any great extent, there will be little baked-on debris. To begin with, take a dry cloth and wipe away any loose materials that may have accumulated. This will enable you to clearly see any locations that require a bit more scrubbing.

Cleaning the Hob

Take a wet cloth that is made of a soft material such as cotton (this will avoid scratching the surface). Combine this with a bucket of warm and soapy water. Common detergents can work quite well for moderate stains. However, there may be times when stubborn grease splatters or caked-on dirt could be present. In such cases, a common kitchen spray can be used in combination with the water. Scrub the surface in circular movements. Look at the hob at eye level to make certain that all of the debris has been removed. For tougher stains or grime, it may be wise to let the soapy water (or spray-on degreaser) stand for a few minutes before wiping it clean.

Rinsing and Cleaning

After the dirt has been removed, wipe clean the hob using a fresh towel and a new batch of water. Make certain that all excess is removed; stains may otherwise occur. If you want to add a bit of extra shine, apply white vinegar to a clean rag and gently wipe it over the entire area. Finally, buff the hob until it is completely dry.

Hints and Tips

While the typical induction stove will not retain nearly as much heat as a conventional variety, it is still wise to make certain that it has cooled down thoroughly before beginning the cleaning process. Also, there are those who may have sensitive skin. Some of the degreasing agents may be slightly caustic and cause irritation to the hands. It is a good idea to wear a pair of rubber or latex gloves to avoid this scenario. Always use cleaners within a well-ventilated area so that no fumes are inhaled.

This is the quickest way to easily clean an induction hob. By removing any dirt and grime on a regular basis, you can expect to enjoy years of continuous use out of this innovative technology.

The post How to Clean an Induction Hob appeared first on Review Connection.

It’s pure fantasy no longer. Advances in miniaturisation, speed, efficiency, and affordability since 2008 have meant that the home (or office) pod-based coffee machine has recently exploded in popularity. Capsule coffee offers an instant flavour and warmth that coffee left to stand often lacks after a few short hours.There’s never been a better time to get into drinking instant coffee. However, it can be very difficult to know which machine to pick. Capsule coffee machines often appear deceptively similar at first glance.

Different brands tend to have distinct differences, advantages, and disadvantages. Potentially, certain machines or brands might offer some particular special features. The ways in which they brew and serve the coffee often vary slightly, as well.

The two titans of the pod-based coffee machine in Britain are currently (Bosch) Tassimo and Dolce Gusto. But which is truly superior?

I’ve reviewed two of their most comparable popular flagship home coffee machines to give you a rough idea of what to currently expect.

Bosch Tassimo Vivy (T12)

PROS

• Affordable
• Adaptable
• Wide Range of Drinks
• No Fuss

CONS

• Limited Special Features
• Dependant on the Quality of Individual T-Disks
• Poor Liquid Milk Quality

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy T12 is Tassimo’s latest best-selling compact machine. The T12 was designed to be a cheaper, smaller, more efficient version of Tassimo’s already popular T-Series. The first generation Vivy T12 supposedly offers the same Tassimo premium performance for small spaces and small budgets.

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy offers the standard easy use Tassimo T-Disk drinks system via top loaded capsules. Rated at only 1300W, it consumes substantially less energy than many competitors while providing up to 3.3 bars of pressurised capsule brewing power. While the machine is decidedly no-frills, the auto cleaning function is a welcome improvement to earlier models.

The machine’s adaptability and looks are definite strong points. With a mere 17 cm Width and 30 cm depth, the Vivy is an extremely versatile unit. The minute size certainly backs up Tassimo’s claim that it can fit in anywhere.

While the T12’s design isn’t that dramatic or colourful (coming in either black, white, or a muted cool blue) it seems to fit a unit that’s meant to blend in. The black design seems to look and fit best in a contemporary setting.

Likewise, the adjustable mug platform and curved design cut down the footprint even more while still keeping the somewhat boxy and utilitarian machine stylish. It can fit most cups and mugs easily, excepting the very large.

However, there are some design drawbacks. At only 700ml (or approximately 4-6 cups) the side mounted on-board water tank is smaller than most, requiring refills more frequently. This seems like an acceptable compromise to keep the machine’s rear footprint in check, but it does mean that the Vivy may not be the best choice of unit for a group setting such as an office kitchen. The moulded plastic construction, absence of serious splash guards or a deep drip tray, and the lack of a dedicated disc rack or holder may also prove cumbersome for some.

But how does the Vivy fare when actually making coffee and other drinks? The system’s simplicity is its strength. One button push is all that is needed, due to Tassimo’s barcode based Intellibrew system handling everything. The inline flow heater works quickly and effectively when making drinks.

The lack of detailed settings effectively means that playing the role of the barista is out of the question, however. This is not that much of a loss due to how well optimised most T-Disks are. The low-pressure brewing capacity also means that the Vivy just can’t compete with more dedicated professional quality devices when it comes to coffee.

However, the quality and taste are mostly dependant on the quality of the T-Disks you buy due to the limited maximum pressure and standardised brewing the Vivy offers. Brands such as Costa do come out exceptionally well. You may want to use your own milk as an alternative to the liquid capsules many brands supply.

As for the cost, variety, and availability of refills, it’s a mixed bag for Tassimo. With over 40 dedicated brands, there’s plenty to pick from. The cost of T-Disk capsules is relatively low for Tassimo, when compared to Nescafe’s Dolce Gusto. Despite this, you should bear in mind that they are still typically more expensive per cup than dried instant. The price gap becomes even steeper for drinks such as tea.

Tassimo T-Disks are fairly easy to find online and at most mid-range UK supermarkets but you may struggle to find many refills quickly in rural or isolated areas. The Tassimo range also absolutely refuses to use any third party T-Disk analogues.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Melody 3

PROS

• Better Quality for Some Drinks Through Superior Pressure
• Interesting, Elegant Design
• More Adjustable Brewing Options
• Greater Water Capacity

CONS

• Fewer Varieties
• Power Hungry
• Difficult to fit in Small Spaces

Krups Nescafe Dolce Gusto’s current equivalent compact is the Melody 3.

Rated at 1500W, it is typically a slightly more expensive and power hungry unit. The trade-off is in terms of brewing pressure. The Melody 3 offers an amazing 15 bar pressurized brewing, equivalent to high street quality.

A larger footprint and strange shape to accommodate this makes the machine a little more unwieldy. Nevertheless, the 30 cm depth offered is almost identical to the Tassimo Vivy. It similarly comes it matte black, red, or white plastic with an adjustable mug tray, although the lack of any dedicated splash guard is an obvious drawback.

The Melody has quite a few advantages to the Vivy in certain areas. Dolce Gusto has gone for a decidedly unique postmodern design that resembles a sitting bird with a bulbous water tank, front loading pull out capsule tray and large luminescent displays. While it’s not really that conservative or easy to fit into a confined space, the curved, sleek design looks amazing and shows off the reservoir. The water tank is much larger at 1.3 litres and is also fitted with a Thermoblock automatic control system, for better conservation.

In terms of brewing options, the Melody is much less bare bones than the Vivy. While it contains a fully automatic function similar to Intellibrew, the Melody also allows users to specify criteria such as the amount of water used and whether the output is hot or cold.

It’s still limited, but these features add to the limits of what the Vivy’s system can do while keeping much the same no fuss, rapid heating, and easy cleaning functionality. It may be a small addition, but a milk frother is also included as standard.

As for the taste provided by the Melody, Dolce Gusto has developed quite the cult following for sheer quality. Bloggers ReeRee and Lynn Baird make their cases at length here and here, for example. The dedicated tuning and high-pressure systems in the Melody 3 serve the production of coffee house quality, foamy brews extremely well.

The system is mostly reliant on the smaller, Nestle own brand Dolce Gusto pods to achieve this. However, there are fewer varieties available. Nestle does offer more than 25 different drinks, including some hot chocolate options. Despite this, the Dolce Gusto range are really meant to be used mainly as dedicated coffee machines. The Melody 3 is no exception.

Specialised Nestle Dolce Gusto pods are similarly ubiquitous online and off. They can be found (and not found) in much the same locations as Tassimo T-Disks, although users have reported that they are slightly harder and more expensive to come by. Likewise, third party capsules will probably not work with the Melody.

The post Tassimo vs Dolce Gusto: Battle of the Coffee Machines appeared first on Review Connection.