
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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'I'll be swapping my gas pizza oven for an electric one' – here's why this no-faff 'it' product is perfect for easy al fresco meals
Here's why electric pizza ovens have our vote
By Molly Cleary
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I've handpicked the best Amazon Prime Day deals that will save you big time on top-rated fans, kitchen appliances, vacuums and more
I've done the hard work, so you don't have to
By Molly Cleary
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I've found an alternative to Ninja's new US-only waffle maker
This waffle maker has a genius design to ensure your breakfast doesn't stick
By Molly Cleary
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This Philips coffee machine looks way more expensive than it is
This bean-to-cup machine is a true hidden gem
By Molly Cleary
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I've fully bought into this summer's soft serve and slushie maker craze - and you can too with massive reductions on the best ones I've tried
If I were you, I'd grab one before they start selling out
By Molly Cleary
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This alternative to the Ninja Swirl looks seriously cool
This all-in-one machine is perfect for frozen drinks, soft serve and ice-cream at home
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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You can finally pre-order the Ninja Swirl now
Are you ready for a summer of soft serve at home?
By Molly Cleary
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I just tried a cheaper alternative to the Ninja Slushi
It has a larger capacity for your next party, too
By Molly Cleary
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The 15 best air fryers in the UK, complete with reviews, from the Ideal Home team
We've reviewed the best air fryers from Ninja, Instant, Tefal, Phillips, Tower and more. Here's my ranking of them
By Molly Cleary
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Ninja's bestselling air fryer has had a serious glow-up
Ninja's new colourways are perfect for blending your air fryer into your kitchen
By Molly Cleary
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This Jamie Oliver iced coffee hack just saved my mornings in the heatwave – it couldn't be easier to do
It's seen me through the heatwave
By Molly Cleary
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The best Ninja air fryer of 2025 - our definitive ranking of these game-changing appliances
Wondering which is the best Ninja air fryer to switch up your cooking? Here's everything you need to know
By Molly Cleary
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Why I'm obsessed with this under £100 ice cream wand
The Cuisinart Freeze Wand is the best budget alternative to the Creami I've seen
By Molly Cleary
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The best bean-to-cup coffee machines I've reviewed
For at-home coffee, these machines give you an unbeatable experience
By Molly Cleary
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Ninja's soft-serve machine is almost ready for UK release – here's a look at the most anticipated kitchen launch of the summer
It's set to be a soft serve summer
By Molly Cleary
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I asked two baristas how they choose coffee beans – here are the expert tips I'm going to be following from now on
Stuck on how to buy beans? I'm going to follow these expert tips from now on
By Molly Cleary
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Ninja's mini air fryer is now at its lowest ever price – after testing it, here's why I'm tempted to buy another Crispi
There's a bargain price on Ninja's newest standout product right now
By Molly Cleary
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Best iced coffee makers – our tried and tested favourites from De'Longhi, Breville, Sage and more
For cold brew, iced lattes and everything in between
By Molly Cleary
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Which Sage coffee machine should you buy? Our tried and tested faves
Here's how to pick the right beautiful and functional machine for you
By Molly Cleary
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These iced coffee mistakes left me with watery lattes at home for years – here's how I invested in a better set-up
Here's how I gave up my expensive take away order and mastered my iced latte set-up at home
By Molly Cleary
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'Astonishing value for money' – ProCook's sellout coffee machines are back in stock and I'm recommending them to all my friends
This brand's sell-out machines are available to buy once more
By Molly Cleary
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Our tried and tested top non-stick pans for fried eggs, pancakes, and speedy stir-fries
We've done the flipping and sticking so you don't have to
By Molly Cleary
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I fell for Nespresso's sellout iced coffee tumbler last summer – this year it's back and even better with its on-trend colour way
The iced coffee cup of last summer is back
By Molly Cleary