The new series of The Great British Bake Off kicked off last Tuesday (22 September) and there’s already been plenty of drama in the tent. From Molly’s stout cake ending up on the floor to Shannon having to make an early exit, cake week was certainly eventful.
With the second episode airing tonight (29 September), the bakers are turning their attention to biscuits and will be trying to achieve the perfect snap to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson.
Read more: The Nigella Lawson cookbooks to dive into
With this week’s competition for star baker about to commence, keep scrolling for everything you need to know, from what time Bake Off is on tonight to details of Channel 4’s brand-new companion show. Plus, we share our expert recommendations for the tried-and-tested appliances and cookware that can help you create your own cake and biscuit showstoppers.
When does Bake Off start 2026?
The 2026 series of Bake Off started with cake week on Tuesday 22 September. Fans can tune in to the latest episodes each Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4. There is also a brand-new companion show to tuck in to. The Great British Bake Off: Second Helpings airs on Channel 4 at 10.35pm on Tuesdays.
Hosted by comedians Jon Richardson and Judi Love, Second Helpings replaces The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, and promises “exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected revelations from those in the know”. We’ve been as glued to our TV screens as the bakers have been to their ovens.
What appliances do the bakers use?
When it comes to rustling up a bounty of biscuits, kneading countless balls of dough and achieving pastry perfection, sans a soggy bottom, each year’s batch of bakers have some key kitchen must-haves at their disposal. From the iconic KitchenAid mixers to the occasionally baffling Neff slide and hide ovens (£1,099, Johnlewis.com) – who can forget Alison Hammond’s perplexed cry of “Where’s the door gone?” – a raft of top-notch appliances have become associated with the show.
The Smeg fridge-freezers (£1,599, Ao.com) in particular are likely to have earned their keep this year, as the bakers had to contend with the heat of the tent during one of the hottest UK summers on record. Will there be similar scenes to Iain Watters’s ill-fated baked Alaska this year? We’ll have to wait and see.
Best baking buys
If you’re keen to create your own star bakes, our appliances and cookware experts have reviewed myriad options to help you do just that. From stand mixers and microwaves to air fryers and ice cream makers, we’ve covered every corner of the kitchen when it comes to tracking down the right tools for the job. Here are just a few of our top picks for the perfect bake.
Circulon nonstick oven tray
Described by one of our testers as the best baking tray they’ve ever used, this design features a carbon steel construction with a raised surface, to help food cook evenly with no hot spots. Our reviewer said the tray’s non-stick coating meant their homemade sausage rolls “lifted off seamlessly”. They also “loved the sturdy construction and handles, which not only made it warp proof but a dream to get in and out of the oven.” It’s ideal for baking biscuits, too.
Buy now £20, Amazon.co.uk
Lakeland digital stand mixer cream 6.5l
While the Bake Off tent is chock-a-block with the popular KitchenAid mixer, our tester was also impressed by Lakeland’s cheaper alternative. In fact, the latter pipped KitchenAid’s design to the top spot in our review of the best stand mixers. “What impressed me most about this mixer is how it fuses fabulous style with elevated function,” said our tester. “A slick LED control panel allows you to adjust speed with a mere tap of a button,” and “a built-in timer can be set in intervals of 10 seconds, so you can get your mix going, then step away.” Although it’s still not the cheapest option on the market, our reviewer said it represents “good value for money”, coming in at almost half the price of KitchenAid’s model.
Buy now £249.99, Lakeland.co.uk
Stellar eclipse saucepans
Whether you’re making jam for a Victoria sponge or custard to accompany an apple pie, a good set of saucepans is essential. In her review of the best saucepan sets, this one stood out as a top choice for expert cookware tested Rachael Penn. “The Stellar eclipse range is a premium saucepan set that has been designed to last, and that claim is backed up by the brand’s lifetime guarantee,” she said. “During testing, I found that the whole pan was evenly heated, so there were no cold or burnt patches.” Even better, the pans can be used on all hob types, including induction.
Rachael tested the brand’s three-piece set but you can also buy individual saucepans from the eclipse range, which is currently on sale.
Buy now £125, Stellar.co.uk
Panasonic mini bread maker
If bread week on The Great British Bake Off always leaves your craving a freshly made loaf but you don’t have the time or energy for kneading dough, this Panasonic appliance topped the list in our review of the best bread makers. “With 18 different functions, there’s plenty of flexibility (you can make dough, jam and cake), while a built-in 13-hour timer enables you to schedule your bread making so it’s ready when you want it to be,” said our tester Alicia Miller.
Buy now £110, Argos.co.uk
Want more recommendations? Check out our guide to the best blenders
