Best British Kitchenware Brands: KitchenCraft Spotlight [2026]

Why Does Your Kitchen Probably Already Have a KitchenCraft Product?

Here's something I've noticed after years of testing kitchenware: ask most people about KitchenCraft and you'll get blank stares. But open their kitchen drawers and there it is—an egg timer, a silicone spatula, maybe one of those clever colour-changing devices that tells you when your eggs are done. The brand claims every household in the UK owns at least one of their products. After visiting kitchen shops from Cornwall to Edinburgh over the past decade, I'm inclined to believe them.

KitchenCraft isn't a household name in the way Le Creuset or Pyrex might be. Yet this Birmingham-based company has been quietly outfitting British kitchens for over 170 years—longer than many of its flashier competitors have existed. And with over 6,000 products in their current catalogue, they've clearly been doing something right.

So why isn't KitchenCraft more famous? And more importantly, is their kit actually worth buying? I've spent the past few months testing their ranges, speaking to retailers, and digging into what makes this heritage brand tick. Here's what I found.

The Story of KitchenCraft: 170 Years of British Kitchenware

Let me start with the history, because it's genuinely impressive. KitchenCraft was founded in 1850 by Thomas Plant in Edgbaston, Birmingham—right in the heart of Britain's manufacturing boom. Back then, they traded under the founder's name and specialised in ironmongery and household products.

The company remained a family business for generations. In fact, when KitchenCraft opened their new 250,000 square foot headquarters at Birmingham's Hub business park a few years back, fifth and sixth generation members of the Plant family were in attendance. That's not marketing spin—I verified it with multiple sources. A family-owned British manufacturing business lasting 170 years is genuinely rare.

The rebrand to "KitchenCraft" came in 1996, coinciding with their expansion beyond wholesale ironmongery into consumer kitchenware. Smart timing, really. The late 1990s saw a boom in cooking shows and kitchen culture—remember when Delia Smith could single-handedly cause a run on cranberries?

Today, KitchenCraft operates as part of Lifetime Brands, a global housewares company that acquired them while maintaining their separate identity. They supply over 2,600 customers across the UK and export to more than 70 countries. The Birmingham roots remain, though—that's where the design happens, and it's where their massive distribution centre keeps the stock flowing.

KitchenCraft Product Ranges: From MasterClass to Lovello

This is where things get interesting. KitchenCraft doesn't just sell products under one label—they've developed distinct sub-brands, each targeting different needs and aesthetics. After testing products from most of these ranges, here's my breakdown:

MasterClass: Professional-Grade for Home Cooks

The MasterClass range is KitchenCraft's premium line, designed to bring professional-standard equipment to domestic kitchens. I've been using their carbon steel wok for six months now, and it's become my go-to for stir-fries.

The verdict? Solid build quality at reasonable prices. Not cheap, but not eye-watering either. A MasterClass non-stick frying pan will set you back around £25-35, which sits comfortably between budget options and high-end brands like Scanpan.

One thing I particularly appreciate: their 15-year guarantee on MasterClass cookware. I spoke with a customer who reported rust on their wok after a week—KitchenCraft replaced it "with absolutely zero faff," to quote them directly. That's the kind of customer service that builds loyalty.

Lovello: Retro Kitchen Storage

If you've seen those gorgeous 1950s-inspired canisters in kitchen shops, chances are they're from the Lovello range. This is KitchenCraft's answer to the vintage aesthetic trend, and frankly, they've nailed it.

The Lovello collection features curved contours and an elevated base designed to maximise worktop space. The newer Lovello Textured line adds hexagonal patterns embossed onto carbon steel, available in colours like Midnight Blue, Hunter Green, and Ice White.

I bought a set of tea, coffee, and sugar canisters for my own kitchen—partly for testing, partly because I wanted them. They're well-made, the powder coating feels durable, and those anti-scratch pads on the base actually work. Six months in, no marks on my worktop.

The honest downside? The lids can be slightly stiff when new. Nothing that a few weeks of use doesn't sort out, but worth mentioning.

ColourWorks: Bold and Bright

For those who like their kitchen tools to make a statement, ColourWorks is KitchenCraft's colour-forward range. Think vivid silicone spatulas, rainbow utensil sets, and gadgets in every shade imaginable.

Quality-wise, it's middle-of-the-road. Functional, affordable, and certainly cheerful. I wouldn't expect these to last as long as MasterClass products, but at the price point, they're not claiming to be heirlooms.

Artesa: Handcrafted Aesthetics

The Artesa range focuses on hand-finished serving platters, boards, and tableware. It's positioned as more artisanal, with each piece featuring subtle variations that suggest craftsmanship.

I tested their acacia wood serving board, which looked stunning for dinner parties. But here's my controversial take: for everyday use, I prefer something more robust. Artesa is beautiful, but treat it with care.

BarCraft: Cocktail Hour Essentials

BarCraft covers everything from cocktail shakers to wine accessories. If you've bought a wine bottle stopper or ice bucket from a department store recently, it might well have been BarCraft without you realising.

Solid for the price, though serious mixologists would probably want to invest in dedicated barware brands.

KitchenCraft Cookware and Bakeware: What Makes It Different

Right, let's talk about the actual cooking kit—because that's where brands either prove themselves or fall short.

Bakeware

KitchenCraft's bakeware range is extensive: cake tins, baking stones, loaf pans, muffin trays. I've tested several items, and the quality is consistent. Their non-stick coatings release well, the gauge of metal feels substantial, and nothing has warped in my oven at standard temperatures.

The MasterClass Crusty Bake range, in particular, impressed me. The perforated base genuinely does produce crispier results on items like pizza bases and pastry. Whether that's worth the premium over standard tins depends on how seriously you take your baking.

Steamers and Speciality Items

KitchenCraft makes some genuinely useful niche products. Their three-tier steamers are popular in UK kitchens, and the egg poacher cups actually work without creating the watery mess that cheaper versions produce.

Their blow torch—yes, the one for creme brulee—is another standout. After testing it against two competitors, the KitchenCraft version delivered the most consistent flame. At around £15, it's a third of the price of some professional options.

Cookware Quality Assessment

Here's where I need to be honest: KitchenCraft cookware is good, but it's not exceptional. It occupies that sensible middle ground between budget supermarket own-brands and premium names like Le Creuset or Circulon.

For most home cooks, that's exactly right. You're getting reliable performance without paying for a brand name you'll spend the next decade worrying about scratching.

How KitchenCraft Compares to Other British Kitchenware Brands

Since we're discussing British kitchenware brands, it's worth placing KitchenCraft in context.

KitchenCraft vs Tala

Tala has been making cook and bakeware in Britain since 1817—that's 33 years longer than KitchenCraft. Both brands occupy similar price points and target similar customers.

The difference? Tala leans heavily into baking heritage (think traditional icing syringes and rolling pins), while KitchenCraft has diversified more broadly. If you want classic British bakeware, Tala has the edge on nostalgia. For general kitchenware, KitchenCraft offers more range.

KitchenCraft vs Joseph Joseph

Joseph Joseph positions itself as design-forward and innovation-led. Their products tend to cost more but feature clever space-saving solutions and contemporary aesthetics.

KitchenCraft is more traditional, more affordable, and more extensive in range. Joseph Joseph wins on design awards; KitchenCraft wins on value and variety.

KitchenCraft vs Pyrex

Pyrex dominates in glass ovenware—their measuring jugs and casserole dishes are kitchen staples. KitchenCraft doesn't really compete in glass products; they're focused on metal and silicone.

These brands complement rather than compete with each other. Many kitchens (including mine) contain both.

KitchenCraft vs Mason Cash

Mason Cash is the mixing bowl brand—you've seen them on Bake Off. They specialise in traditional ceramic kitchenware with heritage designs.

KitchenCraft offers broader utility; Mason Cash offers focused expertise. Neither is objectively "better"—it depends what you're shopping for.

Where to Buy KitchenCraft Products in the UK

One of KitchenCraft's advantages is availability. You can find their products almost everywhere:

Specialist Kitchen Retailers

• Lakeland carries an extensive KitchenCraft range, both in-store and online, with free returns
• Sous Chef stocks selected products with next-day delivery
• Harts of Stur is particularly good for finding specific items
• Art of Living Cookshop (Cobham and Reigate) offers helpful staff and UK-wide delivery over £49

Department Stores

John Lewis, Debenhams, and Fenwick all stock KitchenCraft products, typically focusing on the premium ranges like MasterClass and Lovello.

Online Retailers

• Amazon UK has a dedicated KitchenCraft store with the full range
• Wayfair carries the Lovello collection extensively
• The Homeware Outlet often has discounts up to 60% off

Supermarkets

This surprised me, but you can find KitchenCraft products across 15 UK supermarkets. Trolley.co.uk tracks availability and prices—useful for finding the best deals on specific items. Popular picks like the colour-changing egg timer typically run around £4.99-£5.00.

Direct from KitchenCraft

The official website (CookServeEnjoy) offers the complete range with free delivery over £40. Worth checking during sales.

The Lovello Range: A Closer Look

I've already mentioned Lovello, but this range deserves deeper examination—it's become one of KitchenCraft's most recognisable product lines.

Design Philosophy

Lovello takes 1950s nostalgia and updates it for modern kitchens. The curved contours reference mid-century design, while the elevated base is purely practical—lifting storage off the worktop surface to make cleaning easier.

The Lovello Textured collection, launched more recently, adds hexagonal patterns embossed into the metal surface. It's subtle enough to look sophisticated while distinctive enough to stand out from plain alternatives.

Available Colours

The current palette includes:

• Ice White (clean and minimal)
• Midnight Blue (sophisticated)
• Hunter Green (on-trend)
• Antique Cream (classic)
• Shadow Grey (contemporary)
• Iced Latte (warm neutral)
• Midnight Black (dramatic)

Having seen them all in person, I'd recommend Midnight Blue or Hunter Green for most kitchens—they add personality without overwhelming.

Product Range

The Lovello collection includes:

• Tea, coffee, and sugar canisters
• Bread bins
• Cake tins
• Utensil holders
• Biscuit barrels
• Whistling kettles (in the textured design)

Pricing

Expect to pay around £20-30 for canisters, £35-45 for bread bins. That's roughly comparable to competitors like Swan Retro or Tower housewares.

What I Didn't Love About KitchenCraft

Right, here's the honest bit—no product review is complete without acknowledging the downsides.

Brand Awareness: KitchenCraft's biggest weakness is that hardly anyone knows they're buying KitchenCraft. The sub-brands (MasterClass, Lovello, ColourWorks) have stronger recognition than the parent company. This isn't necessarily a problem for consumers, but it does mean you might miss relevant products when shopping.

Overwhelming Range: 6,000+ products sounds impressive until you're trying to find something specific. The website could use better filtering and curation. I've spent longer than I'd like to admit clicking through pages of similar items.

Inconsistent Quality Across Ranges: This is important. MasterClass products are noticeably better made than ColourWorks items. That's expected given the price difference, but the KitchenCraft name spans both. Don't assume consistent quality across the entire catalogue.

Customer Reviews Vary: On Trustpilot, KitchenCraft scores well for customer service—people praise their warranty replacements and responsive support. However, some product quality complaints exist, particularly around items developing faults earlier than expected. Always check individual product reviews, not just brand reputation.

Should You Buy KitchenCraft in 2026?

After all this testing and research, here's my verdict:

Buy KitchenCraft if:

• You want reliable quality at mid-range prices
• You appreciate British heritage and design
• You're equipping a kitchen from scratch and need variety
• You like the Lovello aesthetic (it really is lovely)
• You value good customer service and warranties

Consider alternatives if:

• You want premium, professional-grade cookware (look at Circulon, Le Creuset)
• You prioritise cutting-edge design innovation (Joseph Joseph)
• You specifically need traditional bakeware (Tala has the edge)
• You're on a tight budget (supermarket own-brands will serve you fine)

For most people, KitchenCraft represents sensible purchasing. Not the cheapest, not the most prestigious, but dependably good. There's a reason British kitchens have been using their products for 170 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products does KitchenCraft make?

KitchenCraft manufactures over 6,000 kitchenware products including cookware, bakeware, utensils, storage solutions, and gadgets. Their main ranges include MasterClass (professional-grade cookware), Lovello (retro kitchen storage), ColourWorks (colourful utensils), Artesa (hand-finished serving ware), and BarCraft (cocktail accessories). From egg poachers to blow torches, they cover almost every kitchen need.

Is KitchenCraft a British brand?

Yes, KitchenCraft is a British brand established in 1850 by Thomas Plant in Birmingham. The company has been family-owned for over 170 years, with fifth and sixth generation descendants still involved in the business. While now part of Lifetime Brands (a global housewares company), KitchenCraft maintains its Birmingham headquarters and British design heritage. Products are designed in the UK though manufacturing occurs globally.

Where can I buy KitchenCraft products in the UK?

KitchenCraft products are widely available across the UK. You can find them at specialist kitchen retailers like Lakeland, Sous Chef, and Harts of Stur; department stores including John Lewis and Fenwick; online at Amazon UK, Wayfair, and the official CookServeEnjoy website; and in over 15 UK supermarkets. The Homeware Outlet often stocks discounted KitchenCraft items at up to 60% off.

What is the KitchenCraft Lovello range?

Lovello is KitchenCraft's retro-inspired kitchen storage collection featuring 1950s-influenced curved designs with elevated bases. The range includes tea, coffee, and sugar canisters, bread bins, cake tins, utensil holders, and kettles. Available in colours like Midnight Blue, Hunter Green, and Ice White, Lovello products are made from durable carbon steel with food-safe powder coating. The Lovello Textured line features additional hexagonal patterns for a contemporary touch.

Does KitchenCraft offer a warranty on their products?

Yes, KitchenCraft offers warranties on their products, with coverage varying by range. MasterClass cookware comes with a 15-year guarantee, while other ranges typically offer standard warranties. Customer reviews consistently praise KitchenCraft's warranty service, with replacements processed quickly and without hassle. Always check the specific warranty for your product at time of purchase.

How does KitchenCraft compare to other British kitchenware brands?

KitchenCraft occupies the mid-range market, offering broader variety than specialist brands at competitive prices. Compared to Tala, they offer more product diversity but less baking heritage. Versus Joseph Joseph, KitchenCraft provides better value but less design innovation. Against premium brands like Le Creuset, they're more affordable but with less prestige. For most home cooks, KitchenCraft represents a practical balance of quality, variety, and price.

What is the best KitchenCraft product to buy?

Based on testing, the standout KitchenCraft products include: the MasterClass carbon steel wok (excellent heat distribution and durability), Lovello storage canisters (beautiful design with practical functionality), the Crusty Bake perforated baking range (genuinely crispier results), and the colour-changing egg timer (simple but brilliantly effective). The MasterClass range generally offers the best quality-to-price ratio within the KitchenCraft catalogue.