MasterClass Icing Set and Biscuit Maker, with Eight Nozzles and Thirteen Cutters, Display Boxed, 22 Pieces

I have now used this gun to make viennese biscuits three times in large batches, it is sturdily made, and fairly easy to fill, use and clean. The trigger end feels substantial, and the plunger that pushes the dough or icing out is (though not made of rubber, just a solid plastic) a snug fit, and very little dough if any at all gets forced around it.Some of the biscuit discs work better than others, some seem to need a dough recipe that expands a bit more than the recipes I'm currently using, at the end of a tube of dough the press does a double ratchet thing and dispenses a huge glob, if you count how many you have pressed though you know to only let it click once. I used mine on non-stick trays, i had to wipe them down thoroughly with dry paper towels between batches, any grease on the trays makes the dispensed biscuit stay stuck to the press. I have yet to use it for icing but cannot see it doing badly.The nozzle and tube bits are easy to clean, to save the trigger mechanism from any rust issues (the only gripe i have with this press is that you cannot get at the mechanism in the handle) id recommend not submerging it, if you wipe off excess dough after filling the tube you should only have to wipe the handle end a bit anyhoo.Came in a nice plastic box with a sturdier than expected plastic insert, just wish the lid clipped onThe basic viennese recipe i used was the hairy bikers version http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/viennese_whirls_78348The chocolate recipe i used was pierre hermeshttp://www.atkokken.com/2011/05/17/pierre-hermes-vienesse-chocolate-sables-chocolate-cookies-simple-sophisticated/Cannot over stress the need for seriously softened butter, if your mix is too stiff It could knacker the press.I would highly recommend this press, particularly if like me you are a bit heavy handed with a piping bag (my viennese biscuits end up the size of mediumish scones when i pipe them)

Arrived today and could not wait so my first batch of cookies is already cooked and half eaten! I used the recipe by Dee in the review here but adapted it for gluten free (used Doves Farm plain flour and one teaspoon of xanthan gum powder) and I also added some baking powder as that is recommended in every other recipe I've seen. Took a bit of fiddling with the press at first and a couple of practice cookies but it was actually very easy to use once I got the hang of it. The cookies looked tiny on the trays but grew as they cooked and they look very good, almost professional. I used 5 different patterns and all produce cookies roughly the same size so they cook evenly. The press was also quite simple to take apart to wash. This would make a lovely gift for someone who enjoys baking as it comes in a good case and looks impressive. Also a nice selection of icing nozzles which you can use with the press or ordinary icing bag. Another thing I'm impressed with, I found squeezing the handle was actually easier than piping stiff cookie mix with a bag and nozzle and the results are far more uniform. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

So let's start with what is good...1. Storage box - excellent.2. Nozzle selection - you get 8 stainless steel nozzles - not bad as a starter kit.3. Biscuit cutters - you get 13 which is probably more than you will need.4. Assembly - easy and logical - it takes seconds to assemble and disassemble.5. Cleaning - handwash only but still easy, make sure you release the ratchet (top button) to keep cleaning simple.6. Usage - can be used one handed (something I struggle to do with icing bags).So what is not so good...1. Instruction leaflet - bigger print, bigger pictures of cutters and nozzles would be an improvement. Filling instructions would be great.2. Filling - needs practice. As with any icing gun you have a limited opening so things can get messy if you try and load it either too quickly or with too big a spoon!3. No recipe - A biscuit recipe (or two) would be very useful; I had to google "piped biscuit recipe" and then try out a couple to find the right consistency (240g butter, 90g icing sugar, 270g plain flour).4. Biscuit production needs practice and some cutters work better than others. Some require two or more pumps of the trigger and you need to lift upwards carefully after pumping to ensure you don't smudge the shape. My advice is to have a trial session before you use them in earnest!5. Robustness - like other reviewers a plastic part of my icing gun broke. It has only had a limited amount of use but sadly the break happened after the guarantee period elapsed. LUCKILY, the leaflet includes the manufacturers details and they are replacing the broken part for me free of charge.If you are good with an icing bag you may not get on with this gun, but if like me you struggle with bags then I would recommend this set.One last point, two other sets exist which may be worth a look, Judge Icing Gun and Cookie Kit and Dessert Decorator Pro - if my icing gun breaks a second time I think the latter may be my replacement!Update - the manufacturer has replaced the broken part - their customer service has been excellent - polite, quick and very helpful!