Millie Fender
Millie Fender is the Head of Reviews at Ideal Home. Formerly our Small Appliance and Cookware Editor, she is an expert in all things kitchens, and is constantly reviewing the latest and greatest products to recommend to readers in our buying guides and reviews. She has formerly sat on the panel of Ideal Home's kitchen awards, and her work can also be found across Future's range of Homes publications.
is the small appliance editor at Ideal Home.
After graduating from Durham University in 2019 (her degree was in Philosophy, but she spent most of her time working on the student newspaper) she started working at Future Publishing at a site called Top Ten Reviews. After Future acquired TI Media, she was able to start working on Ideal Home to bring you her top picks of everything from kettles and toasters to waffle makers and multi-cookers. Her hobbies include reading, knitting, and (surprise surprise) cooking up delicious meals in the kitchen.
As Head of Reviews, her job is to test all the wackiest product launches, whether they're air fryers, bread makers, or juicers, and give you her honest experience. Millie tests a lot of products from her own home, so when she puts a product to use, she's most likely to be getting the exact same experience that you'll get if you do decide to buy it.
Ideal Home Truths
What is your happy place?
My happy place is Bath, where I grew up. The city's classic Georgian architecture is so inspiring, and it's where I first began to fall in love with interiors and home decor. When I was a child I would always ride my bike to the Holburne Museum in Bath. It's probably my favorite spot in the city, and most recently it's been featured on the Netflix show Bridgerton (Lady Danbury's house, if you know it!)
What's your home addiction?
I have far too many scented candles. It's becoming a bit of a problem because I buy them faster than I burn them!
What is your next home project?
I'd love to set up a little corner in my flat where I can knit, with a big cosy armchair and somewhere to store my latest projects.
Latest articles by Millie Fender
-
I tested Cocoon's smallest three-seater sofa bed – it allowed me to sleep two guests in my tiny spare room
Our Cocoon sofa bed review finds the Alice three-seater a great option for those who are tight on space. Plus, it's *actually* comfortable to sleep on
By Millie Fender
-
Best multi-cooker – for air frying, pressure cooking, sautéing and more
Invest in one of the best multi-cookers and unlock a whole new world of culinary possibilities, with options from Ninja, Instant Pot and more
By Millie Fender
-
Our review of the Dyson V15 Detect Asbolute - the vacuum that many consider to be the best on the market
Designed for whole-home cleaning, the Dyson V15 Detect is the best cordless vacuum cleaner I've tried for large homes with multiple floor types
By Millie Fender
-
We tried Dyson's new groundbreaking robot vacuum to see how it deals with everyday dirt and dust
The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is Dyson's most expensive floor tech launch to date, but can this robot vacuum compete with the rest of the pack?
By Millie Fender
-
Ultion Nuki Plus smart lock review – tried and tested
If the idea of installing a smart lock for your front door leaves you fraught, the Ultion Nuki Plus smart lock might just be the gateway gadget for you.
By Millie Fender
-
We review Sage's brand new coffee machine
The Sage Barista Touch Impress is, well, impressive.
By Millie Fender
-
Summer is back on, and we've tested the best linen sheets to keep you cool
This cooling bedding can get you through any heatwave
By Millie Fender
-
Ruark R1S review - a modern speaker with the charm of a classic radio
The Ruark R1S is the perfect addition to my busy kitchen. With an unfussy design and high-quality audio, it combines everything I love about retro-style radios with the smart features of a modern speaker
By Millie Fender
-
Flymo EasiStore 340R Lawnmower review : quiet, compact, and surprisingly capable
If you have a small urban garden or nearby neighbours, the Flymo EasiStore 340R Cordless Lawnmower might be the perfect choice for you.
By Millie Fender
-
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool HP09 Formaldehyde review – the air purifier that stopped my hayfever in its tracks
This air-purifying Dyson fan has kept me cool and fixed my hayfever, but... there's a catch
By Millie Fender
-
OTTY Pure Hybrid Bamboo and Charcoal mattress review – the mattress that fixed my lower back pain
The OTTY Pure Hybrid Bamboo and Charcoal mattress claims to offer cooling properties and the kind of support that creates perfect spine alignment – our back pain-suffering reviewer put it to the test
By Millie Fender
-
The new Melitta Latticia OT is the quietest bean-to-cup I've tested
Bean-to-cup coffee machines are always pricey, but the Melitta Latticia OT puts quality design where it matters most
By Millie Fender
-
Dualit Classic review: is this iconic kettle and toaster set worth the hype?
The Dualit Classic kettle and toaster is one of the most sustainable investments you can make for your kitchen, but is it worthy of a spot on your counters?
By Millie Fender
-
Here's why the Lavazza Desea is the ideal Christmas gift for latte-lovers
In this Lavazza A Modo Mio Desea review we tried this multi-functional pod machine for making espressos and frothy coffee
By Millie Fender
-
I cooked Christmas dinner in an air fryer and these are my top tips
Turkey and all, I tried three Christmas staples in the air fryer, with varying levels of success...
By Millie Fender
-
Hotel Chocolat The Podster coffee machine review
Hotel Chocolat's The Podster pod coffee machine puts an eco-conscious spin on pod coffee
By Millie Fender
-
Tower Vortex 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer review
The Tower Vortex 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven is one of the most versatile air fryers on the market
By Millie Fender
-
Sage Barista Express Impress review: a triumph for tidy kitchens
The Sage Barista Express Impress is the perfect machine for those who love coffee and hate mess
By Millie Fender
-
How to clean an air fryer – five steps to get it looking (and cooking) like new
If you're the proud new owner of one of these energy-saving kitchen appliances, learning know how to clean an air fryer is key
By Millie Fender
-
Cast iron cookware: the best pieces to buy for your kitchen
From skillets to casseroles, the best cast iron cookware will last a lifetime and look the part in any kitchen space. Featuring Le Creuset, Staub, and more
By Millie Fender
-
Sage Peel and Dice Food Processor review
We tested the Sage Peel and Dice Food Processor in our test kitchen, using its dicing attachments, discs, chopping blades and mini bowl. Here's what we thought
By Millie Fender
-
We tried the Le Creuset Bread Oven and it's absolutely gorgeous
The Le Creuset Bread Oven is not the most versatile piece of cooking kit out there, but if you're a sourdough pro or keen home baker, it will take pride of place in your kitchen
By Millie Fender
-
Breville Barista Max+ Review: Breville's smartest coffee machine yet
The Breville Barista Max+ is the brands' most intelligent coffee machine to date, and also the most expensive.
By Millie Fender
-
Magimix Cook Expert review: a multi-cooker like no other
The Magimix Cook Expert is an endlessly capable multi-cooker that can chop, mix, knead, and even blend to make delicious meals all year round
By Millie Fender