Joseph Joseph UK: Where Style Meets Utility in the Kitchen

In a previous post, I expressed my disdain for ironing. However, I also acknowledged that with the appropriate tools, this chore can become more tolerable. Typically, when investing a significant amount of money in something for my home, I have always opted for aesthetically pleasing, decorative items. I have never been inclined to splurge on functional household items. 

Perhaps this is because I derive little enjoyment from these items, making it seem like a frivolous expenditure. Nevertheless, I have recently reached the realization that it is indeed worthwhile to invest a substantial amount in these seemingly mundane yet essential items. After all, we tend to utilize them on a daily basis, and possessing high-quality items undoubtedly enhances the overall experience.

I have been familiar with the Joseph Joseph brand for quite some time now, ever since my parents purchased a set of Index chopping boards with knives. I have always perceived their products to be quite pricey and more suitable for individuals who genuinely enjoy household tasks like cooking and cleaning, which is not the case for me. However, when Joseph Joseph reached out to me to test some of their products, I saw it as an opportunity to determine if having high-quality, well-designed cleaning products could actually make the chore less dreadful. This was especially appealing as Christmas approached. 

During this time, my husband dedicates hours in the kitchen preparing some of his (and now my) favorite dishes from his home country of Poland. While this is wonderful for me as I dislike cooking, it does mean that I am left with a substantial amount of dishes to wash, which I am not particularly fond of either. Therefore, I visited the Joseph Joseph website to explore their range of products that could potentially enhance my experience.

I ultimately chose the Extend™ expandable dishrack with draining plug, the Wash&Drain™ dishwashing bowl with straining plug, the Flip™ double-sided draining board, and the Caddy™ sink tidy. These products boast an impressive appearance and I was confident that they would greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of my kitchen and the functionality of my sink area. They are available in various colors, but I decided to go with the white version.

Previously, my sink area looked like the image above. The dish rack we had was quite small and lacked a designated space for glasses and cups, forcing us to place them directly on the draining board. Unfortunately, this often resulted in water retention and left unsightly residue inside the vessels' rims. Additionally, we had no storage area for washing up liquid, sponges, cloths, or scourers, so they often ended up cluttering the window ledge.

Now, with the Joseph Joseph products showcased in the image above, our sink area looks significantly improved, doesn't it?

I particularly adore the expandable dishrack. When not extended, it remains compact and ideal for washing up a few items. However, it can be easily extended to nearly double its size, making it perfect for tackling larger family meals. The added draining space is especially convenient for cups and glassware. Furthermore, the movable cutlery drainer enhances the flexibility of the draining space, and the steel rack can be effortlessly removed for easy cleaning.

The integrated spout is my favorite feature of the Joseph Joseph Wash&Drain dishwashing bowl. It effectively drains away any excess water, eliminating the unpleasant scummy ring that often forms inside cups and glasses due to stagnant water. What makes it even more impressive is that the spout can be rotated and closed, allowing you to trap the water inside for draining at a later time. 

This feature is particularly useful when you need to create draining space anywhere by moving the dishrack. It's especially convenient during occasions like Christmas when there are plenty of dishes to wash, as you can utilize your sink's integrated draining board as well.

In case you require additional draining space, the Flip double-sided draining board perfectly complements the other products. When not in use, I store mine out of the way. However, if we have a large number of dishes, I can easily set it up on the other side of the sink. This eliminates the need to dry the dishes before completing the washing up process.

Depending on how you use the Flip, the water will either drain directly into the sink or can be retained for emptying later. This versatility allows it to be used anywhere, similar to the Extend.

Initially, I was slightly concerned about the compact size of the Joseph Joseph Wash & Drain dish washing bowl, as I wasn't sure if our square plates would fit. However, I have been pleasantly surprised as the size has not posed any problems. The handles are incredibly useful and make it effortless to transport the bowl to other areas, such as the hob, when I need to give it a thorough clean. 

The integrated plug is also incredibly handy, as it enables easy water drainage without the need to lift the bowl out of the sink. With a simple turn, the plug can be set to strain the water for any food particles, which can then be disposed of without causing any blockages in the sink.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it is worth noting that the sink tidy remains unaffected by potential discoloration caused by tomato-based dishes. Despite initial concerns about its white color, the residue from such meals can be easily wiped off without leaving any red stains on the bowl. 

The functionality of the Caddy sink tidy lives up to its name by effectively organizing the sink area. The larger version, which I possess, features designated spaces on both sides of the draining plate base for wet sponges or scourers. This clever design includes a concealed reservoir beneath the unit, efficiently collecting any drained water for easy disposal. Furthermore, the Caddy conveniently accommodates an average-sized washing up liquid bottle and a brush, while the integrated rail provides a suitable space for hanging and drying damp dishcloths.

The impact of this product on our sink area has been significant. Previously, the window ledge would become damp and unpleasant, necessitating the use of the tap to drape the dishcloth. However, with the Caddy in place, these issues have been resolved, resulting in a much more visually appealing sink area.

While it may seem exaggerated, I genuinely find washing up to be a more enjoyable task now. Since the arrival of Milly, my responsibilities in the kitchen had taken a back seat, resulting in a buildup of dishes throughout the day. This often led to a daunting pile awaiting me once the girls were asleep. However, thanks to my new Joseph Joseph equipment, I now find myself doing the dishes multiple times a day, making the task much more manageable. It may sound somewhat sad, and perhaps the novelty will wear off over time, but for now, I no longer despise washing up.