The Cata Journal
Guides, know-how and news from the Cata team
How-to guides and fault-finding for ovens, hobs, hoods, refrigeration, laundry and dishwashers — plus the specification detail that decides which model belongs in a kitchen, and what is happening at Cata UK.
Cooking smells drifting into the living room? Learn how to reduce and stop cooking odours in an open-plan kitchen, from extraction and ventilation to quick fixes.
Convert microwave cooking times for any wattage with our chart and formula. Adjust 800W, 900W and 1000W instructions and decode ready-meal categories A to E.
How long does a dishwasher cycle take? Most run 1.5 to 4 hours. See typical times for quick, eco, auto and intensive programmes, and why modern cycles last longer.
Learn how to bake a level, evenly cooked cake in a fan oven. Get the right temperature, shelf position, tin tips and cake-strip tricks to stop doming and dry edges.
Nine times out of ten a dishwasher that will not drain is a blocked filter, kinked hose, or clogged waste. Here is how to clear it yourself, safely and fast.
A single dead hob ring is often the cheapest fault to fix, and sometimes no fault at all. Here is how to find the cause and sort it fast.
Cast iron works, aluminium does not. Use the simple magnet test to check if any pan is induction ready in seconds, and learn what a weak grip really means.
Yes, most Dutch ovens work on induction, including cast iron and Le Creuset. Try the quick magnet test and learn how to get the best results.
What does a half-load setting actually do, and does it save money? The honest answer on water, energy and when a full load wins.