Some of you may remember that I got a Tefal jam maker for Christmas. At the time I promised an update on how things were going once I really got into the preserving season. This is that update.

I have a deal with my mother that I make chutney and pickles not jam or jelly as that is her domain. So most of what I have learnt is in the chutney making arena.

1) I've yet to find a fruit or veg that can't be processed in the jam maker. The important thing is not to over fill. You need about 2.5kg of fruit or veg (no more). This makes about 4 1lb jars. I've found that this is about half most of my normal recipies.

2) You make chutney on setting 5 which is meant for rice pudding etc. and you need about a third of the normal cooking time.

3) The self clean function is wonderful and the self stirring and controlled heat mean that I have yet to burn anything to the bottom of the pan. My husband will tell you that this is a miracle.

All in all I like using it. It is easy to clean, can be left unsupervised as it isn't going to burn and I can process about the same amount in the time. Also I am going to be without a real kitchen for several weeks next month and I was worried that a lot of fruit was going to be wasted because I wasn't going to be able to process it. I think that problem is going to be solved with the jam maker which I can run on the dining room table and wash out in the bath.