
Molly Cleary
Molly is Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor and Certified Expert on Appliances and Cookware. Since she started testing products four years ago, she has evaluated hundreds of small appliances in both controlled test environments at the Ideal Home test facility and in her own kitchen, giving her insight into what actually works for home cooks.
Since joining in 2022, she's worked to apply real-world testing to every piece of kitchen-related buying advice you see on the website, which has involved reviewing everything from ice-cream makers to mixing bowls.
While her expertise spans everything you would want to hand in a kitchen, she's particularly known on the team for her comprehensive knowledge of air fryers, having systematically tested pretty much every model released since 2022. She’s tested bestselling products from the biggest names in coffee machines and cooking appliances, including the likes of Ninja, De’Longhi, Sage, Breville, Russell Hobbs and more.
To stay ahead of the next must-have kitchen buy, Molly regularly immerses herself in the world of kitchen technology, from exploring the research and testing facilities of industry leaders like Ninja Kitchen to attending cooking classes with Le Creuset and heading off to major consumer shows like IFA in Berlin.
Her hands-on approach and deep technical understanding allow her to spot not just what's new, but what's actually going to make a difference in your home when it comes to new kitchen tech. Before joining her treasured Ideal Home, she developed her expertise whilst working on the editorial teams for Real Homes, Homes & Gardens, and Livingetc.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where’s your happy place?The beach! I love finding a great new beach but I have a real soft spot for UK ones (rain or shine!) so I'll pick one either in my hometown of Bournemouth or in Cornwall.
What’s your home addiction?Kitchen gadgets are my ultimate home addiction, even outside of work time. Luckily I have a section of floor-to-ceiling open shelving in my flat where I can stash my favourites, but I still find myself overflowing with sourdough jars and herb keepers. It's a great perk of the job!
What is your next home project?I need to find a way to display my cast-iron cookware stylishly. The farmhouse-style kitchen of my dreams with open shelving is off the cards for now, so I'm looking for a way to replicate the look in my rental kitchen for a bit less.
Latest articles by Molly Cleary
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Everything you might not know about Ideal Home's history
From Mary Berry's stint as Food Editor in the 1970s to the founding issue
By Molly Cleary
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I tried Gozney's new Tread pizza oven – it's ultra-thin pizza stone means it heats up seriously fast
The much-awaited portable oven from the brand has arrived. But is it any good? I tested it to find out
By Molly Cleary
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Best pressure washers – the 6 machines we rate highest on the market
The best fit for every cleaning requirement
By Molly Cleary
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Kilner's butter churner is back in stock – here's why people love it
Make your own butter by hand with this fun addition to your kitchen gadget collection
By Molly Cleary
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Want to cook like Jamie Oliver? Here's the top-rated pan from his collection
Jamie's collaboration with Tefal has led to this casserole dish getting the best user reviews I've ever seen
By Molly Cleary
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We've tested the best saucepan sets and picked out the best ones to help you cook up a storm in the kitchen
We've reviewed the best saucepan sets and picked out the best ones to help you cook up a storm in the kitchen
By Molly Cleary
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This beautiful mixing bowl is the unexpected star of so many kitchens – including Mary Berry's and the Bake Off tent
This earthenware bowl proves that you don't have to spend a huge amount for a classic kitchen addition
By Molly Cleary
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I unboxed the Ninja Slushi – here's what happened
The Ninja Slushi is the stuff of dreams for summer entertaining
By Molly Cleary
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My go-to Ninja coffee machine is on sale for Easter weekend
It makes coffee shop quality achievable at home
By Molly Cleary
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The pink Ninja air fryer of our dreams has arrived, but only in the US
Ninja's spring colours collection i the US has sparked some serious appliance envy
By Molly Cleary
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Ooni's new stand mixer is already a sell-out success
Here's why the Ooni Halo Pro Spiral mixer is a big deal for at-home breadmakers
By Molly Cleary
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I asked a MasterChef winner how to pick the right frying pan for a kitchen - this was his advice
Chefs and cookware experts share the three things you need to consider
By Molly Cleary
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Everything you need to know about HexClad cookware
Gordon Ramsay swears by this brand for his at-home cookware, but what makes it so special?
By Molly Cleary
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Le Creuset's new shade is an ode to its OG best-selling colour
Flamme Dorée is the brand's new limited edition colourway
By Molly Cleary
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I wasted so much money on baking trays until I found this one
Here's how you can shop for a better oven dish too
By Molly Cleary
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Do you need a wok? According to one chef, it's the only pan you do need
Is a wok a kitchen non-negotiable?
By Molly Cleary
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I went for a coffee at Ninja's super-sized Luxe Cafe pop-up up where you can try the espresso machine before you buy - here are 3 things worth checking out
Ninja's new pop-up gives you a chance to try out the brand's bestselling machine for free
By Molly Cleary
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9 best gas BBQs in the UK for easy alfresco cooking, tried and tested
Searching for the best gas BBQ on the market? These are our favourites
By Molly Cleary
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Best BBQs to level up your summer grilling, tried and tested in real gardens
The very best BBQs out there, reviewed and approved by the Ideal Home team
By Molly Cleary
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Best stand mixers in the UK - 12 reviews of stand mixers
Featuring mixers KitchenAid, Kenwood, Bosch and more, these are the best stand mixers you can buy right now
By Molly Cleary
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I tried Lakeland's £45 rice cooker and now I'll never buy a microwave pouch again – plus it's small kitchen friendly
It's my new kitchen essential
By Molly Cleary
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I wish I'd known these 4 things before I bought my Ninja air fryer – here's how to buy the right one for your home
This is what I'd change if I could do it over again
By Molly Cleary
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The definitive list of the best kettles, reviewed
Take a look at the best kettles that we've tested, featuring brands like Dualit, Smeg and De'Longhi
By Molly Cleary
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The best blenders on the market in the UK - reviewed by experts
Our favourite blenders for blitzing up smoothies, soup, ice and protein shakes
By Molly Cleary