CATA Appliance Advice & Buying Guides

Everyday Living with CATA

Everyday Living with CATA is centred around real homes and real life. We share practical advice, simple ideas, and inspiration to help you get more from your kitchen.

Our guides are here to make everyday decisions easier - from choosing the right appliances to using them with confidence.

Because your kitchen should feel easy to live with, every day.

Expert Kitchen Advice, Buying Guides & Fixes - Made Simple

Explore our latest kitchen advice, troubleshooting guides, and buying tips designed to help you get the most out of your appliances. From solving common issues to choosing the right products for your home, our expert-led articles make everyday kitchen decisions simple.

What is a half-load setting and does it save money?

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.

Microwave wattage conversion chart for cooking times

Easily convert cooking times between microwave power levels with our handy guide. Find the right settings today.

Why Is the Bottom of My Cake Burning but the Top Raw?

Bottom burning, top raw? Your cake’s base is getting too much heat too fast. Here are the causes and the simple fixes, from shelf height to tin choice.

How long does an oven take to cool down? (safety guide)

Find out how long an oven takes to cool down, why it stays hot, and safe cooling tips. Read our oven safety guide for practical advice and expert tips today.

Repair or replace? When a kitchen appliance is worth fixing

Repair or replace a kitchen appliance? Use the 50 percent rule, lifespan and running costs to decide what is worth fixing, with a clear decision checklist.

Can a wine cooler be set too cold for wine?

Setting your wine cooler too cold mutes flavour and, in extreme cases, freezes the bottle. Here is what happens, and the temperatures to set instead.

Which kitchen appliances use the most electricity? (ranked)

The biggest electricity users in your kitchen are not always the obvious ones. See the ranking, why they cost so much, and calculate your own running cost.

How Long Can You Keep Food in the Freezer? Storage Chart

How long can you keep food in the freezer? Use our storage chart for meat, fish, leftovers and more, and learn why frozen food stays safe far longer.

Air Fryer vs Oven for Chips: Taste, Cost and Time Compared

Air fryer or oven for chips? The air fryer wins for small portions, the oven for batches. Compare taste, cost and time and see the full verdict.

Expert Advice for Smarter Kitchen Living

Everyday Living with CATA brings together inspiration, advice, and practical ideas for modern homes. From understanding induction vs ceramic hobs to exploring vented hob technology or choosing energy-efficient ovens, our guides are here to make everyday decisions easier.

We focus on clear, jargon-free advice to help you choose, use, and enjoy your kitchen with confidence. Whether you’re updating your space, settling into a new home, or simply looking for better ways to cook and live, we’re here to help.

Browse our latest appliances, explore our vented induction hobs or discover our built-in ovens.