Brief

Great British Bake Off 2026 kicks off with cake week and new kitchen appliance picks

The new series started on 22 Sept, featuring judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson and a roundup of recommended mixers, ovens and fridges.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:26:06 GMT

The Great British Bake Off returned on 22 September 2026 with a cake‑week episode, and the show will shift to biscuits for its second episode on 29 September, according to Independent.

What happened

The opening episode featured a chocolate stout cake, a mishap that sent a cake onto the floor, and an early exit for contestant Shannon. The series airs each Tuesday at 8 pm on Channel 4, with a companion show, Great British Bake Off: Second Helpings, at 10.35 pm hosted by Jon Richardson and Judi Love.

What the reports add

Independent highlighted the kitchen tools the bakers rely on, naming KitchenAid mixers, Neff slide‑and‑hide ovens and Smeg fridge‑freezers as key appliances used in the tent. It also noted that the Smeg units are valuable during what it described as one of the hottest UK summers on record.

What was said

The article quoted Alison Hammond’s on‑set comment, “Where’s the door gone?” when referring to the Neff oven, and cited its testers describing the Circulon non‑stick oven tray as “the best baking tray they’ve ever used.”

How it came about

Felo News previously covered Nigella Lawson’s debut as a judge on 22 September (Nigella Lawson joins Great British Bake Off as new judge), providing context for the current judging panel.

Key facts

The 2026 Great British Bake Off began on 22 September with cake week. (independent.co.uk)
Episodes air Tuesdays at 8 pm on Channel 4, with a companion show at 10.35 pm. (independent.co.uk)
Judges for the series are Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson. (independent.co.uk)
Key appliances featured include KitchenAid mixers, Neff slide‑and‑hide ovens and Smeg fridge‑freezers. (independent.co.uk)