At last the long awaited retro-style kitchen wall clock has been launched. After some considerable delay in its manufacture, German company Wesco has finally launched this stunning new clock with a 50’s retro look as part of its much hailed Classic Line range.

The high quality metal case features a colour finish and chrome elements and even comes with integrated timer!

Other products in the range include a bread bin, cookie or biscuit box, storage canisters, a great whistling hob kettle and a stunning knife block, all available in various matching colours.

Those passionate about their coffee will almost certainly have encountered the Bialetti brand. The company’s history goes back to 1919 when the first workshop was opened in Crusinallo to make aluminium products. Its first stove-top espresso maker, the Moka Express, appeared in 1933 and revolutionised home coffee making. The ‘Little man with a moustache’ trademark was created in the 1950s by Paul Campani and features on the company’s products to this day.

Whilst the stove-top versions remain as popular as ever today, the introduction of the Moka Easy electric in 3-cup and 6-cup models added convenience. Note that cup size used by Bialetti refers to Italian demi-tasse espresso size (personally I go for a 3-cup shot - OK, so I get a little jittery with the caffeine rush!)

Now, in 2008, Bialetti have released the Moka Elettrika - a travel version that can operate with 110V to 230V. All you need, wherever you are, is a power outlet, some water and of course some quality coffee. The Elettrika doesn’t appear to be available in the UK yet, but since it’s a travel coffee maker it can’t be too long before it turns up!

The Bugatti family Company was founded in 1923 in Lumezzane, Italy, to produce cutlery and household articles. Then every item was handmade, but that soon changed. The first die-casting machine to be used in the area was at the Bugatti factory in 1926. Always taking advantage of technological progress, the Bugatti brothers developed a new brass alloy, “Lega Bugatti”, in 1928. By 1930, their company had started the first chromated brass cutlery production and by the late forties Bugatti products were being sold throughout Europe and the US. In 1999 the company changed its name to Casa Bugatti.

Casa Bugatti presents a world of new emotions and feelings with extraordinary creativity that ranges from classic and refined style to the highest level of modern technological design. Our aim is to follow a natural evolution linking practical aspects to a contemporary lifestyle whilst offering an array of new ideas to choose from. By using a team of specialist designers, we offer a comprehensive range of products to suit all tastes. We want to stimulate your interest by continually creating original and interesting solutions to modern day life.

The designers include: Virgilio Bugatti (behind many of the current products, especially the best selling steel cutlery); Andreas Seegatz and Giuliana Corsini of starsmilano (designs include the Diva coffee maker and Volo toaster); Teseo Berghella, who teaches at the Art Direction and Furniture Design Master in Milan (designs include the Vulcano range of products); British designer Nick Munro (cutlery); Innocenzo Rifino and Lorenzo Ruggieri (Milla coffee maker and Uma scales).

Today Casa Bugatti is internationally renowned for products with unmistakable Italian style!

With barbecue season upon us, it’s time to brace yourself for those uncooked sausages with crunchy black skins! But it doesn’t have to be like that - there’s a Danish company that produces the Hot Wok outdoor cooking system. With a 7kW gas burner and wok pan you could be enjoying delicious stir-fried meals al fresco in no time at all. Even if Asian cuisine is not your thing, there are a range of accessories including a grill and paella pan. The manufacturer also provides some cooking tips. So why not try a new take on barbecue this summer?
You can buy the Hot Wok at Proleno for £74.95.

New from Wesco, the Classic Line range brings retro style and colour to the kitchen. Constructed from powder-coated stainless steel, these designer products are chic and durable. Kettles, storage canisters, cookie boxes and bread bins are available now at Proleno. Other items in the range will be coming soon.

Originally due for release in November, production of Zack’s Combo multi-roll holder has sadly been delayed. Judging by advance interest, these are likely to disappear as soon as they arrive on the shelves. It’s not surprising - the usual sleek styling from Zack in brushed stainless steel, coupled with neat functionality makes the Combo a great addition to any kitchen. Delivery is now expected during January - we’ll post here once they are available.

In the spring of 2006, Alessi, the Italian Design Factory, re-classified its large product range into three sub-brands. Quoting from the Alessi site:

Officina Alessi welcomes the most challenging and refined products with delicate elegance, often crowning projects by internationally renowned authors…
Alessi is the main and the most traditional brand, expressing quality, technology and design…
A di Alessi is comprised of magic forms, colours, and materials, products which are more accessible to a larger public at decisively lower prices, and always with the mark of excellence.

As a retailer or a consumer, I’m not sure the distinction helps me very much. I can see the A di Alessi branding - the fun and functional products like the Dozi hedgehog paperclip holder or Mr Cold, the drippy-nosed soap dispenser.

When it comes to the Alessi and Officina brands, however, I find it harder to make the distinction. Where do those design classics, such as the Juicy Salif or Michael Graves’ Bird-Whistle kettle belong?

Ultimately it doesn’t really matter. Alessi products across all the sub-brands share the same attention to detail and design aesthetic. With so many products there’s sure to be something for everyone to love!

A relative newcomer to the UK market, Gastroguss cookware is something a bit special. The manufacturer, AMT Gastroguss, is outfitter and sponsor of the German National Culinary Team (imagine a row of chefs on starting blocks). You don’t need to be a competitive cook, however, to appreciate the quality of their products. Each piece is individually cast in aluminium, then coated by blasting with titanium particles at supersonic speeds using a patented process. The result is a non-stick surface, without the use of Teflon, that is hard-wearing and durable.

I first encountered Gastroguss about 2 years ago when I bought the square griddle pan. At the time, the shop assistant told me that I would be back for more - and she was right! Two weeks later I was back for a set of saucepans and frying pans. Confirming their hard-wearing properties, they have withstood my assaults with metal forks, spoons and spatulas. I have managed to mark them, it’s true, but they retain their non-stick properties. It is recommended that you don’t put these in a dishwasher (which I haven’t) but cleaning with some soapy water is so easy that it isn’t a chore.

If you are looking for quality cookware you should check out the Gastroguss range (they also have models suitable for induction hobs). Be warned, though, these pans may be made of aluminium but they are not light!