Author: Natalie Milad

Natalie Milad is a content and blog writer who studied journalism at the University of Technology, Sydney. Since her graduation in 2016, she has written many lifestyle articles for various Australian businesses, including the homewares and furniture retailer Zanui. Natalie has experience in script writing, news reading and interviewing. Her days not writing are usually filled with DIY projects, floury benchtops and constantly renovating her home. Today, Natalie writes her articles for the Bing Lee Blog. She gives user reviews, lifestyle tips and product research on all the latest technology.

3 deliciously sweet recipes to make in your KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Whether you’re after a sweet breakfast or a treat after mains, these three recipes will be satisfying and easy to whip up thanks to KitchenAid.

Love your KitchenAid Stand Mixer but want to make something a little more special than the regular banana bread? These three dessert recipes* (that can also double as sweet breakfasts!) will impress the whole family – if you choose to share 😉

Your KitchenAid attachments will make everything super simple and cut your prep time in half! Follow the steps below and get your taste buds dancing in delight…

*All recipes and images are credited to KitchenAid’s The Kitchenthusiast™.

Cream and jam filled doughnuts

Ingredients

For doughnuts:
250mls whole fat milk, lukewarm
1 1/2 teaspoons active dried yeast
525g (3 1/2) cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons caster sugar
2 eggs
70 grams butter, cubed
Oil for frying

For custard cream:
2 egg yolks
2 1/2 tablespoons caster sugar
275mls whole milk
Seeds from half a vanilla pod
2 tablespoons cornflour
75mls cream

Raspberry jam
Icing sugar

Makes 9 doughnuts

Method

  1. In a medium sized bowl combine the lukewarm milk and dried yeast, stir until the yeast has dissolved then set aside for a few minutes.
  2. Place the dry ingredients in the bowl of the KitchenAid Stand Mixer and combine using the dough hook attachment on low speed. Add the milk, yeast and egg to dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Increase the speed to 2 and mix for five to ten minutes until the dough becomes glossy. Gradually add butter to the dough until well combined. Place the dough in a warm spot, cover loosely and allow to prove until doubled in size.
  3. Roll dough out on a clean floured surface until around 2cm thick. Cut into nine circles using an 8cm cookie cutter. Lay a tea towel over the dough and leave for 30 minutes.
  4. Fill a large heavy bottomed pot with 4cm of oil and place over a medium to high heat until the oil reaches 180°C. While the oil heats, take a cooling rack and place two layers of paper towels on top.
  5. Gently lower the doughnuts two at a time into the oil and fry until golden brown on one side, this should take around 1-2 minutes. Carefully turn the doughnuts and fry for an additional 2 minutes. Once cooked place on the cooling rack lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining doughnuts.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks, one tablespoon of caster sugar and cornflour until thick and pale.
  7. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, remaining sugar and vanilla seeds until just simmering. Pour half the milk into the egg mixture and whisk continuously. Pour back into the pot with remaining milk and stir until thickened. Set aside to cool, then refrigerate.
  8. Whip cream using the Stand Mixer until cream reaches soft peaks. Beat chilled custard until smooth and carefully fold into whipped cream.
  9. Using the back of a spoon, poke a hole in each of the doughnuts, fill with jam and custard cream then coat the outside with icing sugar.

Cheesecake pancakes

Ingredients

1 egg
1 tbsp sugar
250g cottage cheese
3 tbsp flour
1 tbsp raisins
Zest from 1 lemon
Coconut oil for frying

For cream:
Sour cream, thick
1 tbsp of sugar or agave syrup

For serving:
Mix of fruits
1 tbsp honey

Serves 2

Method

  1. Place egg and sugar in the mixer bowl with a whisk, and whip it until fluffy and foamy. Place grinder attachment on mixer and grind the cheese. Add flour, lemon zest and mix everything with a flat beater.
  2. Flour your hands, take one tablespoon of dough and form a bowl. The dough is sticky, so coat it with flour. Flatten the bowl and fry over medium heat in a pan with coconut oil. It will give it an additional interesting flavour.
  3. Place sour cream with sugar in a bowl and whip until thick.
  4. Now for the fruit! Heat the agave syrup over a medium heat and place berries in it. When you coat berries in warm agave syrup, they are shiny and even sweeter. You don’t need to pour anything over your pancakes in addition.

Tips

The sour cream should be refrigerated for at least two hours, and you shouldn’t mix different brands. When your cream starts to get thicker, you need to observe it, so you don’t over whip, at this point it is a good idea to slow down the speed of the mixer.

Apple rose tarts

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 medium (450g) tart apples such as Fuji, Granny Smith or Jazz
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
40g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
1 tablespoon pure icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

Serves 12

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C and grease 1/3 cup capacity muffin pan.
  2. Combine sugar and cinnamon, mix well and set aside.
  3. Attach Spiralizer attachment to KitchenAid® Stand Mixer. Center one apple on fruit and vegetable skewer; attach to Spiralizer.
  4. Attach spiral slice blade with small core and position at the end of the apple. Place a large bowl under the blade to catch spiralized apples.
  5. Turn stand mixer to speed 4 and process until the blade reaches the end of apple; discard top of the apple. Gather spiralized apples and cut in half vertically to create half-moons. Repeat with remaining apples.
  6. Combine apples, lemon juice and two tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar in medium microwaveable bowl. Cover loosely with cling film and microwave on 100% power for two minutes or until apples are just tender, tossing after one minute. Drain and allow to cool.
  7. Cut pastry sheet in half to create two rectangles. Cut each rectangle into six to create 12 even strips.
  8. Working with one strip at a time, brush each strip with some of the butter and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon cinnamon-sugar. Arrange five apple slices along the dough strip with the flat edge of the apple lined up to the bottom edge of the dough, overlapping to fit.
  9. Starting with one end, roll up the entire strip carefully to create a rose shape. Place, pastry-side down, into greased muffin tin. Repeat with remaining apples and pastry strips. Sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon-sugar.
  10. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown and crisp. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove tarts from pan; cool completely on cooling rack. Dust with icing sugar just before serving.

 

 

The toothbrush technology that’s changing oral hygiene

We brush our teeth twice a day, yet we might not be paying enough attention to the daily habit that can prevent a rather costly trip to the dentist. Here’s how to make a healthier and smarter switch for the sake of your oral hygiene.

How you get your pearly whites shining brightly is a matter of personal preference. Regular manual toothbrushes will do the trick if used correctly and with the appropriate amount of pressure. But what if there was an easier and more thorough way to brush your teeth? Thanks to trusty technology and scientific research, there is.

Electric toothbrushes as a whole aren’t the breakthrough phenomenon we’re referring to. They’ve been around for a while, and a lot of people already have one sitting atop their bathroom vanity. But is it the right electronic toothbrush?

The beauty and the plaque

So what are you really meant to be doing for a deep clean every day? Let’s start with the obvious: removing plaque. Plaque is a biofilm of bacteria that sticks to the teeth, predominantly from the gum line.

Aside from it being less than pretty, plaque is quite dangerous because it keeps acidity on your teeth, breaking down your enamel over time and resulting in tooth decay. It also can produce a bad case of gingivitis, causing tender, bleeding and swollen gums. In sum, eliminate plaque!

What most people neglect is cleaning the tongue – a common cause of bad breath. Scrubbing your tongue with the soft bristles of your toothbrush gets rid of bad bacteria and morning breath!

Aside from the toothpaste you use, the toothbrush itself can also improve the whitening process of your teeth. Other things to consider are sensitivity and changing the head of your tooth brush regularly.

The top toothbrush choices

Once you know what’s involved in a proper clean, the more important part is executing it. There’s a certain amount of time you should be brushing your teeth, at a particular pressure and with concise navigation.

It can all be a bit too much for children, the elderly and basically anyone with a busy morning or late night.

Let us introduce you to some of the top toothbrushes that’ll give you the dentist-type clean with a difference.

Oral-B’s GENIUS Electric Toothbrush

The toothbrush range is exactly that – genius. With two models, GENIUS 8000 and GENIUS 9000, you can pick between a rechargeable, extra-long battery life or a dual charging system that revives your toothbrush and smartphone using one outlet!

Either way, you’ll be getting one powerful tool.

The round brush head is professionally-inspired to remove up to 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush. The innovative design surrounds each tooth as it rotates and pulsates to effectively break up the plaque.

There are also customisable cleaning modes so that you can choose between Gum Care, Whitening, Sensitive and more. It caters to your preference in target and intensity, and even responds when you’re brushing too hard! The Pressure Sensor protects your gums from the damage of over-brushing by slowing down the pulsations and stopping them entirely if necessary.

You’ll also know if you’re applying too much pressure when the multifunctional 360˚ SmartRing begins to illuminate. The SmartRing is visible from every angle as you brush and gives you feedback from the brushing timer and Bluetooth connection.

Yupp, there’s Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone and so many more features with the free Oral-B app! Once you’re connected, you’ll be guided with advanced Position Technology. It lets you see exactly where you’re brushing so that you never miss a tooth!

We told you it was ingenious 😉

https://youtu.be/sQi_omoSlTk

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean

This super sleek, ultra-practical toothbrush features five cleaning modes for a custom cleaning experience. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold and the angled neck makes it easy to get to those hard-to-reach places.

It has a whitening brush head with diamond-shaped bristles to give you a whiter smile after just one week of use. And the removal of surface stains and polishing process gives an even brighter finish. You’ll really get that squeaky-clean feeling!

Let’s not forget about what’s just as important as the teeth themselves – the gums! The Sonicare DiamondClean has Gum Care (gentle massaging of the gums) and improves gum health in only two weeks.

And to make sure you’re thorough, there’s the Quadpacer Interval Timer. It times 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth for a more consistent clean and ensures you get the 2-minute brush that dentists recommend.

What’s really cool about this toothbrush is that it comes with a charging glass. It looks like a regular rinsing glass – which you can actually use to rinse! – but charges your toothbrush in the most seamless manner.

Sonicare DiamondClean is great for travellers, too. The travel case has a USB charger so you can plug it into a laptop or adapter and voila! Isn’t that handy?

https://youtu.be/ladnZMFltvg

Last-minute Father’s Day gifts for the dads who have everything

Don’t give your dad something he’s going to toss into storage. Instead, make Father’s Day awesome with a gift he’ll genuinely love. Here are some last-minute ideas for dads who are difficult to buy for.

With just a couple of days left until Father’s Day, the pressure to have a present wrapped and ready to gift is dawning. Are you stuck this year? Do you feel as though your dad already owns everything he could possibly want? Here’s a guide to help you pick a Father’s Day present that he’ll appreciate and enjoy.

If he likes adventure…

If your dad is one to travel or hike regularly, he’ll love a drone. It’ll let him capture amazing, quality shots from breathtaking angles and heights. Even in a domestic setting, drones are fun to fly and race!

Does he already own a drone? No problem! Why not add to his experience with other drone accessories such as goggles, a remote controller or an intelligent flight battery (be sure to check that they’re suitable for the model of his drone!).

If he loves music…

If your dad has a liking to iTunes or Spotify, a good pick is a portable speaker. He’ll be able to play his favourite playlist while riding his bike, fixing things in the workshop, while cooking in the kitchen and pretty much anywhere he goes! Opt for a waterproof speaker so that he can take it to the beach during summer too.

If he’s usually in the driver’s seat…

Is your dad always on the road? A GPS system is a helpful gift that he’ll actually use. Many models have Bluetooth and Wifi features as well as voice control and traffic updates. He’ll never have to ask for directions again!

If he’s a workaholic…

If the office is where dad spends most of his time, make his work easier with a new laptop, tablet or 2-in-1. Or you can even set up a whole new home office with this simple guide on everything you need!

After something little smaller? Make sure his hard work never goes to waste with a backup hard drive or a portable SSD card.

If he’s health-conscious…

Encourage him to keep track of his health every day with a Fitbit. It will inspire him to reach and maintain his fitness goals with features such as auto exercise recognition, reminders and smartphone notifications. Fitbits are also waterproof, so you know they’re durable and resistant.

If he’s a bookworm…

Does your dad’s book collection never stop growing? He’ll have so much space-saving convenience when you gift him a Kindle. Unlike a tablet or smartphone, they eliminate annoying glare and reflections.

They’re lightweight and compact, so he’ll be able to carry it around while travelling and also on a day-to-day basis. A Kindle will let him enjoy his favourite novels comfortably with the quality of a gadget and the familiarity of a paperback.

If he’s simple…

This is quite broad, but if you really can’t put a thumb on what your dad’s hobbies are, it’s best that you give him a gift that is simply functional. All round winners are hair clippers, bread trimmers, smart electric toothbrushes and air purifiers.

You can always browse Bing Lee online or go down to one of our stores for a friendly helping hand from a Bing Lee expert!

4 mouth-watering recipes to cook in your Breville Steam Zone™

We’re sharing four delicious recipes from Breville so that you’re covered for breakfast, lunch, dinner AND dessert with the clever Steam Zone™ appliance.

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook, and Breville has made healthy cooking easy and fun with the Steam Zone™. In just 30 seconds you can start preparing delicious meals for the whole family.

With two separate steam zones, you can cook two differently-flavoured foods at different temperatures. And the clever set-and-forget design cooks both dishes with a synchronised finish!

What does that mean? Well, you don’t have to wait around for the potatoes to finish cooking before popping on your broccolini so that they don’t go soggy. The Steam Zone™ will know exactly when to start cooking in the second steam zone to give you two perfectly cooked foods at the exact same time!

Of course, you can always use the large 40cm steaming area to cook a whole fish or chicken. The independent steaming control lets you pick low or high power to suit delicate or firmer ingredients.

Check out the features of Breville’s Steam Zone™ as demonstrated by one of our Bing Lee experts, Ritchie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URz6yC3rWcs

 

Ready to start cooking? Get the menu set with (1) Steamed Steel-Cut Oats with Berries, Nuts and Maple Syrup, (2) Steamed Chicken Salad with Nam Jim Dressing, (3) Steamed Trout, Potatoes and Asparagus with Lemon-Eshallot Vinaigrette and (4) Steamed Crème Caramel!

*All recipes and images are originally from and credited to: http://brevilleprecision.com/

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Want more recipes to cook up a storm with your Steam Zone™? Download and print Breville’s recipe cards here: Breville Recipes.

4 reasons you still need a separate alarm clock

Not sure whether an alarm clock is worth buying in this day and age? Here are four surprising reasons why the gadget will benefit you more than an app.

With seemingly infinite applications on our smartphones and everyday devices, it’s been questioned whether or not some sole-purpose gadgets are still worth possessing. Sure, living minimally and the having convenience of an app at your fingertips is great, but are you benefitting or missing out?

We’ve got four reasons why you should ditch the app and opt for an alarm clock – we’re talking the real thing. Go on, the pros will surprise you!

 

1. It’ll encourage better sleep

Phones in the bedroom disturb the quality sleep you should be getting. According to Sleep.org, phones can make it harder to fall asleep at night with their bright blue lights suppressing much-needed melatonin.

They also keep your brain alert with the buzzing of notifications for emails, texts and calls. Even putting your phone on silent won’t necessarily prevent you from reaching over to finish that pesky level of Candy Crush!

Keep the phone out of the bedroom and get an alarm clock by your side instead. It’ll help you stick to a healthy sleep routine and get your eight (or so!) hours of blissful rest.

2. You’re more likely to be on time

Reaching to grab your phone and stop your alarm (or snooze it!) isn’t ideal for two reasons.

Firstly, looking at your phone as soon as you open your eyes makes it all too easy to spend more time in bed opening up your notifications and scrolling through your social media. We all know how crucial a few extra minutes in the morning can be!

Secondly, turning off the alarm on your phone doesn’t require much effort, so there’s a greater chance of you holding the phone in your hand and falling asleep again. Sounds silly, but who isn’t guilty of going into work claiming ‘The alarm didn’t go off!’? 😉

Having an alarm clock on your bedside table will encourage you to get your feet on the ground before hitting the button and starting your day.

3. It’s a stylish décor piece

OK, so an alarm clock isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when redecorating, but hear us out. There’s a reason why wall clocks and wrist watches are still bought every day and make popular gifts: They’re stylish.

There are plenty of alarm clocks and radios on the market with different designs that’ll add a style statement to your bedroom. So being more than just a practical gadget, what wakes you up can also add character to your space.

In love with everything retro? These vintage-inspired alarm clocks from VQ are for you! They’ve got dual alarms, so you know they’re practical, and their chic style blends seamlessly into your décor!

Do you fancy something more sleek and modern? Check out these cool cube alarm clocks from Sony.

4. They’re multipurpose

You don’t need to wake up to a repetitive beeping tone if you’ve got a radio alarm clock. Set it to your preferred station, and you’ll get to brush your teeth while listening to the morning news or make a cup of coffee while tuning into your favourite songs. That’s a nice change from the usual morning rush!

Other features you could look out for are Bluetooth connectivity, sound quality, light displays and dial or button controls.

Some even have phone-charging ports, so if you insist on having your phone in your bedroom at least it’ll be ready to go in the morning 😉

Bing Lee’s 10 best-selling microwaves

This list compiles the most-sold microwaves with the best value for money, as indicated purely by the number of purchases from our loyal Bing Lee customers – that’s you!

Microwaves are a household must-have. Whether you’re popping popcorn, reheating leftovers or “baking” mug cakes, a microwave should be easy, reliable and effective for everyday use. But where do you start when looking to purchase one?

Picking a microwave (or any appliance for that matter) is made easier when considering a model or range that a lot of other people have opted for. It proves that the durability, usability and overall quality of the product is worth the spend.

Numbers speak for themselves, so we’ve put together a list of the ten most popular and frequently-sold microwaves from Bing Lee to date.

Here’s the countdown.

10. Panasonic 27L Flatbed Microwave Oven

9. Sharp Conventional Microwave Oven

8. Smeg 34L Microwave Oven

7. Breville The Quick Touch™ Stainless Steel Microwave

6. LG 42L Smart Inverter Microwave Oven

5. Panasonic 32L Inverter Microwave Oven

4. Panasonic 20L Microwave Oven

3. Samsung 32L Microwave Oven

2. Samsung 28L Microwave Oven

1. Panasonic 27L Inverter Microwave Oven

The toxic reasons you need an air purifier

Did you know that dangerous particles could be lingering in the air in your home? We knuckle down on the facts and explore the features of two powerful humidifiers that could be your answer to a breath of fresh air.  

Imagine living on a hill, out in the open, breathing in fresh air from the clean breeze that blows over beautiful seas. Ahh, bliss.

Why is it that the oxygen in one environment can make us feel very different to the oxygen in another? The answer is simple: air quality.

Homes are busy places. They occupy adults, children and pets, and store everyday possessions such as clothes, shoes, furniture and just about every other thing you can think of.

It’s no surprise that even the cleanest of homes gather pesky dust particles and the nasties that the eye can’t see – allergens, bacteria, mould, viruses, toxic fumes… you get the idea.

You may not realise it, but you’re breathing all of these types of dangerous particles into your body, harming your health and provoking allergies.

Not convinced? Well according to the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, the air in your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside! It’s time to start facing the (gross) facts.

Air purifiers

Surely it’s enough to open the windows wide and let the sunshine in? While that helps refresh the home, most of us don’t have the opportunity to do so on a day-to-day basis. And of course, there are the colder months and nights when airing out the home seems impossible.

With revolutionary technology and intelligent designs from trusted brands, air purifiers are here to blow you away (pun intended!).

Let us introduce you to a couple of our favourites and their incredible features.

Dyson Pure Hot+Cool™ Link

https://youtu.be/HdUZzatZWUQ

Dyson is known for innovative technology, and this purifier is no exception. Its high-efficiency HEPA filter is so powerful that it removes 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns! (Laboratory tested to EN1822, of fine particles from the air.)

The 360° Glass HEPA filter has a layer of activated carbon granules too. What does that mean? Well, not only does it filter particles, it filters odours too. Even toxic odours such as paint fumes won’t go past this Dyson!

Want something for asthma and allergy sufferers? This purifier would be your top choice. It’s the first humidifier to meet the asthma and allergy-friendly standard and has been approved by National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice® program.

As the name suggests, it’s simultaneously a heater and a fan that’s bladeless. (Yes, it really does do even more.) The temperature control means that the whole room will be heated or cooled evenly with a powerful stream of purified air flow.

It’s also acoustically engineered, so you’ll barely notice it’s even on! And the automatic night-time mode still monitors and reacts to the air in the room but purifies with the quietest settings and a dimmed LED display. Now isn’t that clever?

And you can control it all from a smartphone with the Dyson Link app. There’s the cherry on top.

Sharp KCA60JW Air Purifier with Humidifier

Sharp’s air purifier uses a 2-in-1 system with a HEPA and an active carbon filter to capture 99.97% of dust particles. A mesh pre-filter also prevents larger particles from clogging up the main filter so that your purifier lasts even longer.

This purifier reduces microorganism growth (the spreading of the nasties we mentioned earlier) by maintaining the right humidity level in your home. It has a smart sensor that detects a change in room temperature and reacts by picking up water from the tank and releasing moisture into the air.

Plasmacluster Ions are also released in the process. This technology is cool because it efficiently deactivates any airborne viruses, mould spores and eliminates odours from cooking, garbage and cigarette smoke. It’ll get rid of any lingering scents from pets, too!

You can also leave it to operate at night without fear of it disturbing anyone’s sleep. It features a low mode operation so that the noise level is ultra-quiet.

It’s important to note that this Sharp air purifier has been given the Seal of Approval from the British Allergy Foundation. So if you’ve got an allergy sufferer in the house, they’ll benefit greatly from the reduction of allergens in the air.

Check out the quick demonstration below to see how the filters tackle smoke!

What you need to know about induction cooktops

While gas or electric cooktops might seem more familiar to the everyday cook, we’re here to give you the rundown on induction cooktops and why they might just be the best kitchen appliance could opt for.

If you’re building a home, remodelling a kitchen or moving into a place with a peculiarly flat-looking cooktop, you’re most likely in need of a proper introduction to the phenomenon of induction cooking.

How they work

So, what is an induction cooktop? Well, the formal term is “electromagnetic induction”, which generates electricity (and thus, heat) through magnetism rather than an open flame or traditional electrical heating element.

More technically, an electric current is passed through a coil of copper wire within the cooktop and produces a magnetic field which sends other currents through the pot placed upon it.

This heating method means that once the pot is moved away, the element shuts down and prevents a dangerously hot surface from being exposed when not in use. Safety – tick!


Why it’s a better option

Induction cooktops have improved thermal efficiency and precise heat control. Yes, those are similar qualities to a gas cooktop, but induction is all about the energy-saving technology. So aside from the safety factor, the element shutting down once a pot is removed means that it doesn’t use up any unnecessary power.

Don’t worry about the time it takes to get cooking again, either. The resistance of the pot means it will heat evenly and very rapidly as soon as it’s placed back on the element.

Some models also feature a child safety lock so curious little fingers don’t get burnt. With most designs possessing touch controls, it’s a good option for busy households.

Let’s not forget about the aesthetics of induction cooktops! They’re practical, but they don’t skimp out on the presentation. The sleek look of an induction cooktop blends seamlessly into any modern kitchen – perfect for the interior design lovers.

What to keep in mind

Because induction cooktops use a reactionary heating method, it’s important to remember that not every type of pot or pan will be suitable for induction cooktops.

But don’t let that put you off – induction-fit cookware generates heat evenly within and therefore cook your creations even more consistently. Bon appetite!

what you need to know about induction cooktops

Our recommendations

Bing Lee has a wide range of induction cooktops so that you can get the right pick for your family and cooking needs. Bosch, Westinghouse and Smeg are just some of the trusted brands that offer a variety of induction cooktops. Miele also offers a large collection of induction cooktops that you can browse at Bing Lee stores.

A game-changing induction cooktop is the Miele Combiset with Extractor and TepanYaki. Talk about entertaining your dinner guests!

This one has it all with two separate induction cooktops and an extraction fan in the centre. It allows you to cook dishes at different temperatures while the eco motor keeps things quiet. Check it out by hitting play on the video below!

The essential checklist for setting up a home office

A home office needs more than just a chair and desk. What gadgets do you really need and which can be made obsolete? Here are the essentials to get you working comfortably.

Having a dedicated workspace or a versatile study at home is very common. Whether you’re setting one up for yourself or for your little ones to get their homework done, there are essentials to make the room as productive and efficient as possible.

But what tech and gadgets do you really need? We’ve got the checklist you need to get your home office up and running.

A computer and its accessories

This one is fairly obvious, but it all starts with the computer you opt for. A desktop is great for having a larger monitor in a permanent work station. A laptop is ideal for those who plan on taking their work outside the dedicated office space. If you can’t decide, why not have both? 😉

Plugging in a laptop into an external monitor is a popular option for those who use multiple programs at once and would like the convenience of having two screens to work between

It’s simple to set up most laptops and monitors by connecting them with an HDMI cable. You can always ask an expert at a Bing Lee store for more information!

You might even want to opt for a curved monitor for optimised viewing. The clip below is a preview of the amazing Samsung 32″ Curved Monitor.

A printer and ink

Choosing a type of printer depends on whether you’re after the basics (printing) or if you’re looking for an all-in-one design that can copy, print and scan. You can, of course, buy a separate scanner but it is good to note how much desk space you want to occupy.

Another thing to remember is to always have extra ink cartridges and toners in storage. The worst thing is wanting to print out a document only to find that there’s no ink left!

For a busy home office that needs professional, high-quality prints, find out why the jam-free Epson WorkForce WF-7620 could be the printer for you! Just hit play on the clip.

A backup hard drive

This one is vital. Computers sometimes fail us and can result in literal tears. Saving all your important documents, audio, images and video regularly on a backup hard drive is a small habit that can prevent big hassle. Trust us.

Portable SSD storage is a good option for backing up files because it’s generally faster, more secure and durable in build. Check out the compact and light Samsung T3 Portable SSD below!

A wireless network

Keep your home office clean with a wireless network. Self-explanatory, wireless means you’ll spare yourself trying to fiddle around with cables and how to keep them neat and tidy. Internet connection via a router can provide a secure, high-speed link that’s modern and easy to function.

Netgear’s Orbi range is sleek, reliable, fast and easy to use. The video below gives you all its features and tips on picking the right one for your home!

Headphones

Storing a pair of headphones in the office (that don’t leave the office) means that you can watch a tutorial, listen to a podcast or play music as you work without disruption. They’re convenient to have on hand so that you don’t find yourself searching for your everyday pair of earphones.

Wireless headphones are a good option in particular because you can simply pop them in and out of the desk drawer without worrying about tangling or damaging wires. Too easy!

Beats By Dr.Dre and Sennheiser offer wide ranges of headphones with quality sound, comfortable designs and wireless features. JBL E55BT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are another great pick for long-lasting battery life. Take a look below!

Phone charger

Save yourself the trouble of moving adapters from room to room and dedicate a phone charger to the office. Remember to cater for your work mobile phone or tablet too, if they require different chargers. A USB hub is useful in that case!

Shop the Energea Power Hub 6 at Bing Lee.

History

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Bing Lee was born in 1906, in Yantai, a port city in eastern China’s Shandong province. In the 1930’s, Bing was a merchant trader in Chinese linen, providing for his wife, young son, and daughter. In 1937, in search of business opportunities, Bing made the difficult decision to leave his family and sail to Australia with the intention of returning with money to support the family.

Bing found employment and lived the Western Suburbs of Sydney, saving money to take back to his family. But in 1939, World War II began. The Japanese occupation of China made it impossible for Bing to leave Australia. He was unable to return home or contact his family. Bing’s wife and children were battling to survive back home. The family faced famine in the area where they lived and had to survive by trading their possessions and living on rations. Due to Australian policy at the time, Bing could not support them financially. There was no way to get the money to them. He would not hear from his family until the end of the war in 1945.

Bing’s family joined a flood of refugees fleeing the devastation of their home caused by Japanese occupation. But the journey was not easy. It took 3 years for them to make it across China to Hong Kong, where they finally boarded a ship headed for Sydney.

The family reunited with Bing at Sydney Wharf after 10 years of not having seen each other. It was 1948. His son, Ken, was 17 and did not remember much about his father. Having been through a long, harrowing separation, Bing was keen to settle with his family and create a better life for them with the many opportunities his new home had to offer.

Affordable land on the outskirts of Western Sydney drew many post-war migrants, and the suburb of Fairfield is where the Lee family would call home for over 50 years. Bing put his savings from working for the last 10 years into the purchase of a local fruit market. Ken, not wanting to leave his father to support the family alone, put his study ambitions on an indefinite hold to work in the family business.

Ken worked hard, but he also found the time to enjoy his new life, socialising and making Australian friends. As the only son, Ken wanted to show his parents that he was capable of not only working in the business but taking it over when his father was no longer able to run it.

THE RISE OF THE BING LEE BRAND

In the 1950s, Bing Lee was at the forefront of the new consumer age. He traded his fruit shop for an electrical repair shop, which he and Ken developed into an electrical retail store which also offered installation and repairs, tapping into a brand new market. Bing put faith in his customers by providing credit to fellow migrants, who would usually not have this option due to their lack of financial history. It provided previously out-of-reach technology, such as television, to the working class of Western Sydney. It was the dawn of an iconic brand. The Bing Lee rise to success was just beginning.

The post-war boom and Bing’s determination to give customers a good deal was the perfect recipe for success. In 1963 the family expanded the business by establishing a second store in Cabramatta.

Meanwhile, Ken was at the beginning of something great in his personal life. He met a young woman named Yenda, the daughter of a well-established Chinese merchant. The family was from the same part of China as the Lee family. They began courting and fell in love. Yenda was familiar with Ken’s passion for the family business, as she had seen her father’s business prosper through his hard work and dedication, so she knew what she was getting into when she married Ken on April 25th, 1959.

BING’S LEGACY

Ken became the driving force behind the growth of the family business in the late 1960s. It was at this time that Ken and his wife, Yenda, began their own family. In 1966 their first son, Lionel was born followed by Greg in 1972. Yenda was busy raising their sons while Ken worked hard in the business. During this time, Lionel and Greg became close to their grandfather, Bing. As their father spent more time on the business, the boys were spent more time with their grandparents. In 1987, aged 81, Bing passed away.

Lionel Lee was 21 when his grandfather passed away. As the first son, Lionel was in line to be his father’s successor. Having attended Kings School, he was well educated, but Lionel knew from the age of 13 that he would one day be the CEO of his grandfather’s legacy. The day after his final HSC exam, Lionel began working full time for Bing Lee. With big shoes to fill, Lionel took the role seriously and continued to work alongside his father to expand the Bing Lee empire. Ken had successfully passed on his work ethic to his eldest son, just as his father had to him. Bing Lee was now a third generation business.

But Ken wasn’t about to leave his son to run the show. He wanted nothing more than to ensure the business stays true to the company’s humble origins of staying low-cost and down to earth. Ken truly enjoyed spending time in the different stores, chatting to staff and meeting customers, even on the weekends. It was his “relaxation” time. And Yenda was always by his side.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Ken was dedicated to his business until the end. In 2007, he passed away at age 77, leaving behind Yenda, his sons, and his many grandchildren. Ken would be proud to see how the Bing Lee brand has continued to expand. With numerous stores across New South Wales, Victoria and ACT, the company has stayed true to its promise of offering great deals on the most trusted brands, providing honest advice and making the latest technology accessible to everyone. Embracing the concept of online shopping has allowed them to open up new markets to nationwide customers, delivering to almost anywhere in Australia.

Bing Lee is famous for trading the ‘Chinese’ way and over the years, it has become its biggest selling point. Before Ken passed away, he was able to do what he had been dreaming of for a long time – to take Lionel, Greg and their partners to visit Ken’s hometown of Yantai. Ken wanted his boys to see where he had come from. As they were born in Australia, Lionel and Greg’s upbringing was a stark contrast to Ken’s, and he wanted his sons to experience first hand his humble beginnings.

Ken wanted to pass down a work ethic that was passed onto him from his father, the late Bing Lee. Understanding where their father came from and the difficulties growing up during the war and famine was a humbling experience for the Lee boys, particularly Lionel, who felt a great responsibility to continue in his father’s footsteps as the eldest son.

BING LEE TODAY

As his late father’s successor, Lionel is proud to see Bing Lee as it is today. After more than half a century, Yenda and Lionel continue the traditions of the company, keeping the Bing Lee philosophy of offering affordable prices and down-to-earth customer service. You can still hear Lionel and Yenda in radio commercials with their humorous banter and trademark slogan. It is that familiar brand, one that people trust to bring great prices and in-store experience that keeps customers returning.

Now, when you walk through the doors of your local Bing Lee store, you will know the story behind it. Each and every store exemplifies how the hard work and dedication of one man, who set out to create a legacy for his family, became a pioneer in the electronics retail industry. Bing Lee continues to grow as a competitive retailer both in-store and online. It is a substantial employer and throughout the years has contributed to many local causes, charities and events.

Bing Lee – a great the Aussie icon, whose story begins in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, has stood the test of time. Perseverance, dedication and an understanding of what customers need put Bing Lee at the forefront of the industry. So, as Yenda would say, “Come and meet our team!”