In fact, the only electric one we’ve tested is Cuisinart’s Indoor Pizza Oven. And while we liked it, it just doesn’t pack a whole lot of features - and it’s stuck inside.

Current is a company that specializes in building electric outdoor appliances and at CES 2025 it unveiled the Model P Smart Pizza Oven, something it calls the “world’s smartest electric pizza oven.” Color me intrigued.

There are certainly a slew of interesting features Current says will come on the Model P, especially since it’s a fully electric oven.

Firstly, it’s rated for both indoor and outdoor use so if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can simply put it inside and still have a great pizza night.

Current says it’s only 31 pounds so it shouldn’t be too hard to move it around. The other electric pizza oven we tested got quite loud in our kitchen, so let’s hope the Model P is a bit quieter.

The company also says that once preheated - to a peak temperature of 850℉ (~450℃) the Model P can cook pizza in two minutes. I’ve only seen that on wood and gas-powered ovens, so I’m certainly curious to test that claim.

But clearly, the most interesting part of the Model P is the smart features. When paired with the smartphone app, Current says the Model P can customize the cooking time and temperature depending on the toppings you’ve chosen, the type of cheese, and even the thickness of the crust.

It appears like you’ll need to enter this information manually in the app (clearly it hasn’t discovered AI yet) but once input, the oven “uses a proprietary algorithm to cycle power among graphite and calrod elements” ensuring the pizza is evenly cooked.

For the non-scientists among us, that means the heating can be controlled across the entire surface of the pizza, which Current says means you won’t even need to turn the pizza. We shall see. Of course, there are also manual controls and an LCD screen on the front so you can still cook your pizza the old-fashioned way if you want.

I do like the idea of a fully electric oven so I don’t have to deal with building a fire or filling a propane tank before pizza night, but I am curious to see how the pizzas turn out. Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long as Current is expecting to begin shipping the Model P in Q2 and it will cost $599. Not the most expensive pizza oven we’ve used, but not the cheapest either. You can join the waitlist now to be notified when pre-orders begin.

We will certainly be reviewing the Model P just as soon as they send us one, so be sure to check back in for that coming soon.

It’s hard to argue with the tasty deliciousness of ice cream. As someone who has consumed more than his fair share of it over my nearly 40 years on this planet, I can attest to how awesome it is. And when I saw this thing churning out ice cream on the show floor, I just had to check it out.

The concept is straightforward. You take one of the ‘pods,’ which resembles the size and shape of a small energy drink can, and place it on the top of the machine. Then, close the lid, and it will dish out the ice cream in two minutes. The best part is that the company claims no cleaning is required for the machine. You just remove the can and dispose of them. Unfortunately, while the cans are technically recyclable, they are only available at specialized facilities now. They are working to make them more widely recyclable in the future.

While the concept is simple, its technology is much more complex. You might be surprised to find just how complicated it is to make ice cream. ColdSnap says the creaminess and consistency of the ice cream all come down to the size of the ice crystals—smaller ice crystals mean smoother, creamier ice cream.

For ice cream that must be made and distributed on a large scale, such as most store-bought ice cream, the company found that during transportation of the ice cream from the creamery to the store, the ice cream would melt slightly, causing the crystals to enlarge, often making it less creamy by the time it reached your home (and your mouth).

ColdSnap solves this problem by directly freezing the liquid in the pods in the machine before it goes into your bowl. The result is smooth, creamy, delicious ice cream.

Whatever it does, I can attest that the ice cream was much better than I expected.

If you have been wondering, ColdSnap offers more than just ice cream. It also makes frozen lattes, protein shakes, smoothies, cocktails, and even boozy ice cream, so you can choose whichever tasty treat your heart desires.

ColdSnap uses ‘high-quality’ ingredients, so it’s not packed with ultra-processed ingredients, as you might find in other packaged products. At CES, it launched a new Passionate Mango smoothie, the first in a new line of low-sugar products made with natural ingredients.

The biggest downside to the ColdSnap is the price. It costs a cool $3,000, and the pods run from $45 to $51 for a pack of 12. The machine is designed more for the commercial market (ask your boss to grab one for the office), but the company also announced an Early Adopter Program for in-home use as it works to bring a residential model to market soon. You can apply for it here and get a discounted machine. ColdSnap will ask for feedback during the exchange program.

We hope to get a unit to review soon, so stay tuned to learn more about it.

If your mower is one of the affected models, stop using it and contact DeWalt to arrange a free repair.

What are the model numbers affected?

The mowers affected are the 2024 DeWALT Battery 21” Push walk-behind mowers, and the DeWALT Battery 21” Self-Propelled walk-behind mowers:

• DCMWP234U2 (push walk-behind)
• DCMWP600X2 (push walk-behind)
• DCMWSP256U2 (Self-Propelled walk-behind)
• DCMWSP650Y2 (Self-Propelled walk-behind)

The mowers are black, gray and yellow and you can check out the model number on the rear door. There is also a date code laser-printed in yellow just above the left rear wheel. The format is 20XX YY-58 where 20XX is the year of manufacture, YY is the week and 58 is the factory code. If your mower has the code 2024 14-58 or later you're in the clear.

Why is DeWalt recalling its battery powered walk-behind mowers?

According to CPSC.gov, "If water gets into the mower’s handle support while the battery is installed, the mower can fail to shut off when the bail handle is released or start without a key, posing a laceration hazard to the user."

DeWALT has received ten reports of mowers failing to shut off, but thankfully so far nobody has been seriously hurt. However, to ensure the safety of everybody else the firm is recalling all mowers that may have the same issue.

The affected mowers were sold through The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware and other stores between January 2024 and July 2024, with price tags of between $530 and $750.

If your mower is one of the affected ones, you can contact DeWalt at 800-990-6421 from between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., ET Monday through Friday, or online at https://www.dewalt.com/push-mowers-recall.

It's specifically for use on hard floors across large spaces, which, unlike the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners, is dedicated to a single floor type. However, it does work in a similar way. The Dyson WashG1 claims to pick up wet and dry debris, but it uses a combination of hydration, absorption, and extraction tech to remove the debris in one go—automatically separating it out, making maintenance and cleaning easier.

How it works is like this.

Two individually powered rollers counter-rotate, while a pulse-modulated pump (a pump with a pulsating action) distributes water evenly across 26 hydration points dotted along each microfiber roller. These dense rollers, combined with a consistent application, will absorb your cereal and coffee spills, while crumbs and hair will be wrapped up by 64,800 filaments per cm2.

With one roller at the front and the other at the back of the floorhead, the stains and spills will effectively get a double-whammy of removal attempts for that desired "barefoot clean" feel the brand is aiming for. Each roller is the full width of the floorhead to allow cleaning into the corners. They'll be spinning in opposite directions with separate motors, so they'll be cleaning in both directions. Much like the Dyson Omni-glide ($349.99 $244.95 on Amazon), the Dyson WashG1 has balance and weight support casters, while the low floorhead will reach underneath the couch or dining set.

After spinning around the floors, dirty water is squeezed out of the rollers by built-in extraction plates, while a secondary nylon-bristled inner brush bar removes dirt and debris from the rollers and flickers it into a debris tray. 

The separated dirty water will be kept in a tank, whereas the dirt and debris will be held in the floorhead for easier disposal. There are also no sharp internal surfaces or crevices to prevent grime build-up.

One of the Dyson WashG1's best features (in our opinion) is the self-cleaning mode. This saturates both rollers with clean water on a "boost" setting, flushing out the system so it's ready to go for the next clean. It looks like it can stand upright for a clean in a dock, thus avoiding the need to mount it to a wall, but this is just an observation from what we can see, so we'll know more when we get hands-on with it.

Like the sound of it? The Dyson WashG1 will be available in Fall 2024 for $699.99. Sign up on the Dyson website to be amongst the first to hear when it's available.

• View all Way Day deals| fill your cart

The event has been extended and is still running today, offering huge discounts for their show of outdoor furniture deals, hot tubs, and vacuum cleaners. We expect to see up to 80% with thousands of flash deals. Free delivery will also be available on everything.

To help you bag everything you want in the sale, start filling your cart today for a speedy checkout over the weekend. Any applicable discounts will be applied automatically, so all you'll need to do is sit and wait (a little) to see the dollars roll back.

If you can't wait, I've found some deals that are live and ready to be shipped to you. But hurry—once stock is gone, it's gone.

Way Day 2024: Categories to shop

The Way Day sale is expected to be across the site, helping you to get what you want for less. Follow our A-Z of the top categories from Wayfair for quick and easy access to the range of products.

• Appliances: vacuums and major appliances
• Furniture: for the living room, bathroom or pets
• Lighting: outdoor lighting, ceiling lights and bulbs
• Kitchen: tableware, drinkware and bakeware
• Outdoor: grills, patio furniture and hot tubs

Way Day 2024: Outdoor deals

Way Day 2024: Appliance deals

If you're looking for discounted yard tools and more major appliances, you don't have to wait long for the Black Friday sales. We expect to see most brands and resellers get involved, meaning you can sort your home and yard out for less.

Achieved by the 360 degree vision which responds to dust and dirt levels detected, it's also packed full of funky features to make your vacuum cleaning as autonomous as possible. We'll throw some (more) tech talk at you: Hyperdymium motor, Piezo sensor and triple-action brushbar. These all work in sync to give you a vacuum clean like no other.

And you won't even have to lift a finger. As with all of the best robot vacuums, this is the beauty of them. Control can be done so by on-board commands on the robot vac, through the MyDyson app or by using Amazon Alexa or Google Home. It'll also return to base on it's own when it needs to charge either during or after a sweep around the home. But, and it's a big BUT; it will not self-empty.

It was developed by a team of engineers across Dyson campuses in the UK, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia, with many based at Dyson’s new RDD Center for Robotics at Hullavington, UK. The Dyson 360 Vis Nav has been available to buy in Australia for some time, while the UK and now US launch has come a little later. It's been four years since its predecessor, and we've compared them — Dyson 360 Vis Nav vs Dyson Heurist — to see which one comes out on top.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav: what does it all mean?

From how we see it, it's that 360-degree vision system which is the key to the success of this little guy. With this tech it knows where it has been, sees where to clean, and is intelligent enough to respond to dust sensed in the home and create dust maps of your home. It does this through a fisheye lens which allows the robot to have a panoramic view of the home and accurately interpret its surroundings.

The clever processor will then think and adapt to its surrounding, collecting data from sensors to pinpoint its position within three inches. All twenty-six sensors onboard the robot will perform specific tasks, including dust detection, obstacle avoidance and will help to guide the Dyson 360 Vis Nav back to base for a refuel.

What backs the bold claim that it has twice the suction of other robot vacuum cleaners is the Dyson Hyperdymium motor which spins up to 110,000rpm to deliver the mega suction. Suction power will automatically be adjusted with thanks to a "piezo" sensor that monitors dust levels 15,000 times a second to detect invisible particles invisible to the human eye.

The new Dyson triple-action brush bar is the first by the brand to combine three ways to deep clean with this powerful, adjusting suction: soft ‘Fluffy’ nylon for large debris pick up on hard floors; anti-static carbon fiber filaments for fine dust pick up on hard floors; and stiff nylon bristles to dig into carpets. 

And that's not all. With an advanced "actuator" (a sensor that redirects the suction) then edges and corners will automatically be cleaned. The D-shaped body will help get into those tricky areas, too.

There's certainly a lot going on under the hood of the Dyson 360 Vis Nav, and this isn't all of it. The proof of all these claims will be put to the test with our Dyson 360 Vis Nav review.

It's available to buy for $1,199/ £1,199.99 direct from Dyson.com, Dyson demo stores and select third party retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

This is billed as a scaled-back version of the Weber Traveler, offering even better portability, and the compact model also comes with a broad temperature range, making it a great cooking tool for searing, grilling, and griddling. As before, it's an ideal choice for on-the-go barbecues, beach outings, and campsite cookouts.

We were interested to see how the Compact model fared in our testing, given its promising features and the high bar set by its predecessor. For more, explore our guide to the best gas grills to see how they stack up against competitors.

Weber Traveller Compact: First look

The 2024 Weber Traveler Compact and the original Weber Traveler share a lot in common, but the two grills do have some notable differences, particularly in their design.

In terms of size, the 2024 Weber Traveler Compact is a smaller version of the original Weber Traveler. Its compact size enhances its portability, allowing it to be easily transported and set up for grilling at any location. This is boosted by a one-handed setup and assisted fold-down feature, which simplifies the process compared to the original Weber Traveler.

The original Weber Traveler, while also portable, is slightly larger and requires more strength and practice to set up. It folds up into a trolley-like design, complete with a handle and solid wheels for transportation. However, its weight and bulk may limit its portability to shorter distances and smoother terrains.

Both models are made with high-quality, durable materials. The 2024 Weber Traveler Compact features a porcelain-enameled exterior, while the original Weber Traveler sports a sturdy black and chrome casing. Both models are designed to withstand outdoor use and various weather conditions.

Despite its compact size, the Weber Traveler Compact offers a low-to-high temperature range that can handle various cooking tasks, from searing steaks to grilling chicken and - like in our hands-on experience, charring veggie skewers. This makes it a good option for a lot of different types of outdoor cooking.

The grill has a quick heating time and a high maximum temperature of 500 degrees, making it ideal for fast, high-heat cooking. Its grill surface is large enough to cook for around ten people at once if you're making simple items like burgers or cauliflower steaks. This is a great showing for a portable model.

During our time with the grill, we were impressed with how quickly and evenly our veggie skewers and cauliflower steaks cooked, even in the less-than-ideal conditions of several people testing it out at the same time (e.g., the heat lost whenever the lid was opened). The results were extremely tasty, too.

Despite its small size, the Weber Traveler Compact really packs a punch. It heats up quickly and cooks evenly, making it ideal for everything from burgers to veggie skewers. And even though it's portable, with a large enough grill surface, you can easily cook for a group of around ten people. 

Unlike some other portable grills, this one can be set up and taken down with just one hand, which is a huge plus. And when you're done cooking, it's easy to wheel away and store until the next time you need it, whether that's in the garage or the back of your truck.

Though at the time of writing, we are still waiting for exact US pricing for the Traveler Compact, the UK price will be £399 (around $505), which saves you a chunk when compared to the standard model ($620 / £490), and Traveler Stealth ($669 / £529) RRPs.

However, you can currently purchase the standard and Stealth for less than this on the Weber website.

The Weber Traveler Compact will be available direct from the retailer and elsewhere online from Spring 2024.

Among the product announcements are three first-time global launches, including the Double Stack Air Fryer, the FrostVault Cooler and the ProChef Connected Thermometer. Many of the products are available in the US already, and will soon be introduced to the EMEA market.

The new products from SharkNinja coming in 2024

Ninja make some of the best air fryers and multi-cookers, while Shark are competing with the cleaning titans with some of the best vacuum cleaners.

Air fryers, vacuum cleaners, multi cookers, and blenders were among the new products announced for UK and Europe. We got a chance to try them out at SharkNinja's 2024 EMEA Launch Event, and we're excited about what's coming.

Many of the products have US-based versions that are already available, while others are first-time global launches from the SharkNinja range. 

Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer

This was the star of the show, hands down. We were all a little surprised that nobody had thought of this already, but Ninja have solved the problem of dual-basket air fryers taking up too much space by stacking the baskets vertically.

No capacity or cooking power is sacrificed here either. You can cook four foods at once across the two baskets, with each basket able to cook with its own time and temperature settings.

At the event I tried a whole menu of food cooked straight from the Double Stack Air fryer, like chicken, veg, calamari and patatas bravas — and it all tasted amazing.

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker

An upgrade from the Woodfire Pro, the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker is the first smart grill from the kitchen and outdoor brand. App connectivity means that you can control and monitor your cooking from your phone, with real-time cooking statuses and accurate temperature setting. 

It's 30% bigger than the original and has seven cooking modes: grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, reheat and rehydrate. And using the Ninja Pro Connect app, you can program two different types of meat at two different cook levels, with an alert to tell you when each is ready. 

And the beauty of the Ninja Woodfire range is the ability to achieve smoky flavors using only electricity and real-wood burning pellets; no charcoal.

It's been available in the US for some time retailing at $499.75, but will be making its way to the UK and Europe this year. 

And, pair it with the new Ninja ProChef Connected Thermometer that can withstand temperatures up to 370°C. It connects to the same app, letting you monitor your cooking uninterrupted. It's also soon to be available in the UK and Europe. 

Ninja Combi 12-in-1 Multi-Cooker

The new multi-cooker has an impressive 12 functions: Combi meals, Combi crisp, Combi bake, prove, rice/pasta, steam, grill, air fry, bake, reheat, sear/sauté, and slow cook. That's a tremendous amount of choice to have packed into one appliance.

The Combi uses steam cooking and air frying to cook food that's both and crispy and juicy, without sacrificing on flavor. It's also able to cook a main dish and two sides at the same time, saving a big chunk of time and effort in the kitchen. 

The Ninja Combi SFP700 available in the US at Walmart, but the UK and Europe will soon be seeing the new 12-in-1 multi-cooker.

Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro

A blender that can detect what you're putting in it? Now that's handy.

Using what Ninja refer to as BlendSense technology, the Detect Duo Power Blender Pro can recognise ingredients to determine the ideal time, power, and blade speed.

You can use it manually when you need a specific blend, but with this level of smart tech, this could shape up to be one of the best blenders out there.

Ninja FrostVault Cooler

Entering into the world of coolers is Ninja's first cool box, the FrostVault Cooler. It's an intelligent design: two split sections that separate ice from the dry goods. 

The FrostVault can keep ice frozen for up to five days—wildly impressive insulation for a cooler that isn't electric-powered. The cold transfers to the DryZone drawer to keep raw ingredients food-safe (below 4.5˚ C) for up to five days - as well as avoiding cross-contamination.

A global first, it'll be available in the UK and Europe in a 50qt capacity that can fit 80 cans or 50 bottles, and a 30qt capacity for up to 48 cans.

Shark Wet Cleaning Range

The new Shark wet cleaning range includes three new products coming to the UK and Europe.

Shark CarpetXpert Deep Carpet Cleaner

A deep carpet cleaner that features a built-in stain and spot cleaner. The CarpetXpert said to clean 8x deeper than regular vacuums, designed with a high-speed brush roll for high-pressure spray to tackle carpets and upholstery. 

Shark StainStriker Pet Stain & Spot Cleaner

We saw the StainStriker in action, sucking up a glittery stain from an armchair like it was nothing. The fun thing about this cleaner is the see-through nozzle, showing you exactly what it's cleaning in all its murky vibrancy.

Shark HydroVac Hard Floor Cleaner

Corded and cordless models are available for this powerful vacuum and wet mop combo, designed to target hard floors. If you're wondering: should I buy a wet/dry vacuum? Well, they certainly offer more cleaning versatility being able to tackle wet and dry messes, so the new HydroVac could find a helpful place in your home. 

Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum

The Shark Matrix robot vacuum has been available in the UK and Europe for a while, but the new model combines vacuum cleaning with a mop. 

The robot can map out your home to intelligently navigate whilst avoiding obstacles, using a matrix grid to clean floors thoroughly. The brush roll is self-cleaning, and the mop attachment is washable, not disposable, so that you can continue to scrub floors without having to buy new mop parts. 

It's available in the US as the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 for $699.60, and will be in the UK and Europe soon.

Shark FlexBreeze Fan

The FlexFreeze fan can be used indoors or outdoors. Easily change the legs between pedestal and tabletop depending on wherever you are, with up to 20 hours of runtime when fully charged. 

That makes it a game-changer on hot days outside, particularly as the fan's breeze can be felt up to 20 metres away. There's also a mist attachment, where you can hook up your hose to the back of the fan and it'll disperse a cooling mist. 

It's available in the US at $199.99, and it'll soon be introduced to the UK and Europe. 

Shark NeverChange Air Purifier

We got to see first-hand what this air purifier can do. With a HEPA filter with a five-year lifespan, the NeverChange can last a lot longer than many air purifier alternatives.

A screen displays the air quality, and we saw how the number instantly lowered as the demonstrator sprayed deodorant in front of it. It can capture dust, hair, lint, pet dander, allergens—all through cleanable pre-filters. 

It's available in the US for $299.99, and will soon be found at Shark and at retailers in the UK and Europe. 

Around 20 new products were announced at SharkNinja's EMEA Launch Event on February 1, 2024. Among them were three first-time global launches, with the new air fryer seeming to catch the most eyes.

Even the best air fryers with dual baskets can take up too much space, but the problem has been solved by simply flipping the design. This way, the capacity and cooking ability stays the same, but you're saving precious space on the kitchen counter. And, they're shaped to fit under most kitchen cupboards. 

Everything you need to know about the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer

It's a simple idea, but one that makes so much sense that we were surprised nobody else has thought of it already. 

Ninja's dual-zone air fryers step things up by letting you simultaneously cook two foods with their own temperature and time settings. But, naturally, this demands more kitchen counter space (that many of us can't afford to sacrifice).

At only 11.8 inches / 30cm wide, the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer gives us the same advantages but preserves counter space. There are two models available: the SL300 with a 7.6L capacity and the SL400 with an extra-large 9.5L capacity.

If you thought dual zones were generous, this air fryer can actually cook four foods at once thanks to the removeable oven racks that sit within the baskets. Anything from tapas to complete meals can be achieved here, and you can sync cooking settings across both baskets when you need to utilise the whole capacity. 

There are six cooking functions: air fry, max crisp, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate. At the product launch, I tasted all sorts like citrus spiced saffron chicken thighs, patatas bravas, panko calamari and arancini bites. I can honestly say that it all tasted wonderful, with that crispy/juicy balance I've come to expect from Ninja air fryers.

We don't have pricing details or a release date just yet, but the Double Stack Air Fryer will be available at Ninja and other select retailers in the UK and Europe, with other countries to follow. 

CES trends 2024

1. Robot lawn mowers

The robot lawn mower as we know it is getting bigger, better, and smarter. We remember them when there was no app, and you needed to spend a good few hours laying the boundary wire.

This year, brands such as Mammotion and Yarbo have either recently launched or are about to launch a robot lawn mower that requires no boundary wire. Before these wires (tried to) contain the robot lawn mower to stay within the parameters of the yard - without them, they’d keep going in any direction until it was out of Wi-Fi signal or it ran out of battery.

Removing the boundary wire is going to save you on the set-up time. It’ll also extend the distance that the robot mower is capable of achieving since you won’t be limited so much by how much wire you have.

The apps are also getting smarter. They are becoming similar to the functions available in a robot vacuum. You’ll be able to schedule, adjust the cutting height, and check in where they are with an onboard camera.

This will help you feel more connected to the robot lawn mower while giving you the flexibility not to get up from the couch to cut the grass.

A fleet of some of our existing favorite brands is launching a robomower product category for the first time, too. ECOVACS’ is set to launch the GOAT, a fully automated mowing system that combines vision and SmartMove tech to identify the natural lawn boundaries, and Dreame is set to release the Roboticmower A1, an all-in-one lawn mowing solution for mapping, localization, and obstacle avoidance.

2. Washer dryers

A washer-dryer is a major appliance that has been available to buy for a number of years, and this year, the category is getting a facelift across several brand portfolios.

They are a machine that’ll wash and dry your laundry in one unit, which is already going to save you a bunch of time and space. In 2024, we’re going to see a bigger drum capacity, quicker cycles, and stripped-back designs.

For example, the GE Profile Energy Star 4.8 cu. ft. Capacity UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology Washer/Dryer has a 4.8 cu ft / 12lbs capacity, which will wash and dry your laundry within two hours. Samsung is going to launch a similar offering this year as part of their Bespoke range, with the added integration of their app and presented in a paired-back graphite gray color.

The washer-dryers we’re set to see are all front loaders, which could perhaps be perceived as another trend. Top-load washers can take up more space because you can not store anything on top of the machine. They are also an impeller unit rather than an agitator, which means that there’s a central column in the machine to turn the laundry when on a cycle. This can damage the laundry if not maintained and loaded correctly.

Other brands, such as Roborock, are going to be branching out into the laundry category, with a specific focus on washer-dryers in one unit, too. This suggests that there is going to be a big shift over to this type of major appliance over the next year or so as competition to be a market leader heats up.

3. All-in-one appliances

In a bid to save yet more space, we saw a tonne of brands combining more than two products into their listings - some weren’t even from the same product category.

One of our show highlights was the Eureka Dual Washing Bot. This is a 4-in-1. It’s a washer /dryer with robomop. The robot vacuum and mop can connect to the pipework and drainage system of the washer and dryer, which eliminates the need for you to fill and empty clean or dirty water. Come to think of it, it’s a genius idea that totally makes sense.

ECOVACS' is also launching a robot vacuum with a stick vacuum under one SKU to make vacuum cleaning across all levels of the home more accessible. And Tineco is offering a wet-dry vacuum with a stick vacuum to help keep the hard floors and carpets clean.

For a countertop appliance, the Panasonic HomeChef was announced, which is a microwave, air fryer, broil, and convection all in one. While it's the same size as a microwave, it can do so much more than that.

This year, we’ll even be in a position to get our hands on a robot lawn mower combo, the world's first robot lawn mower with a snow blower module. Yardo are the guys leading the way for this innovation with their S1 Snow Blower, which will enable you to take care of the lawn all year round, all from one piece of equipment.

The Yarbo Snow Blower S1 is retailing for $7,500 and is available to buy direct from Yarbo. If that's a little steep for you right now, check out these snow blower deals that we've managed to find.

While Eureka isn't a household name like Dyson or LG (yet), this didn't stop them from innovating and launching the Dual Washing Bot. It synergizes a robot vacuum with a washing machine that can also dry laundry. This 4-in-1 appliance is new to the market, redefining how you clean your clothes and your floors.

It looks like your typical front load washer until you look down. Underneath the door to the drum is a cubby for a robomop, which boasts a powerful 8,000Pa suction, advanced obstacle avoidance, and the ability to self-empty.

The idea behind the Eureka Dual Washing Bot is that by connecting it to your drains and water line, both the washer/dryer and the robot can automatically empty and fill the reservoirs to offer ultimate convenience. And if you want to upgrade the robomop then you can do this by simply opting for your new Eureka robomop and replacing the plastic docker.

Both the washer/dryer and the robomop carry a little maintenance, but not much. The washer/ dryer will need topping up with detergent on each use, whereas the debris bag of the robomop — which is tucked away in the main unit — will need to be replaced after 60 days or when full.

The robomop can be controlled either by the touch panel on the washer/dryer or by the app for ultimate control.

Eureka hasn't got a launch date or any pricing details for the Dual Washing Bot, but what we do know is that it'll be available to buy from major resellers as soon as it becomes available.

Whirlpool is already a favorite of ours for the best French door refrigerators and best side-by-side refrigerators alike, and the technology is designed to increase capacity, improve performance, and enhance design while providing more sustainable options when it's time to replace the appliance.

The highly porous powder blend used in the insulation is vacuum-sealed within the refrigerator door or sides, removing the need for the bulky polyurethane foam insulation used previously.

In short, this means that the wall thickness is reduced by up to 66%, making room for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator. 

Chelsey Whitehead, director of product and brand marketing for JennAir, said: "Whirlpool Corporation and JennAir brand once again are on the cutting edge of innovation and design with the introduction of SlimTech insulation.

"The JennAir refrigerators featuring SlimTech insulation will provide a greater ability to keep food fresher and longer while also elevating and transforming kitchen spaces for design professionals and consumers alike."

As well as creating more space inside, the technology will make it possible to create less obtrusive refrigerators that blend more seamlessly into the room or can be integrated into furniture pieces. This can be a game-changer for those who want their refrigeration spaces to be both functional and stylish. As of now, the technology is only available for built-in refrigerator models.

SlimTech insulation also has the potential to be recycled, making it a more sustainable option for the environment. Plus, by increasing the thickness of the insulation walls, thermal conductivity is reduced, which can make the refrigerator up to 50% more energy-efficient.

"SlimTech insulation technology will help Whirlpool Corporation revolutionize how we think about refrigeration in our homes," added Rob Moser, vice president of design for Whirlpool Corporation. " With thinner walls, SlimTech insulation unlocks the ability to use refrigeration in previously unreachable or unthought-of spaces - we're excited about all the future applications."

Another advantage of SlimTech insulation is that it can keep food fresh for longer by reducing temperature swings from door openings, cooling up to 30% faster. The technology also enables more interior customization with metal interiors, providing cleaner angles that eliminate the need for less aesthetically pleasing molded plastic interiors.

The technology will be launched later this year in select JennAir luxury 30 in. Slimtech Insulation Column refrigerators, and will also eventually be incorporated into KitchenAid refrigerators. We expect this to lead to more colorways, as only black was available to see at the event.

Pricing is TBC, but Whirlpool indicated that SlimTech refrigerators will be priced similarly to existing models.

I’m lucky I caught the brand. They’re at CES 2024 and were only at CES Unveiled, an evening event with a time slot of just a few hours. They have some big plans coming up over the next few months: the world's first connected toaster and a microwave with more capabilities than I have ever seen before. Right now, though, I'm going to weigh up the facts about whether or not the Revolution Cooking Touchscreen Toaster R180 is the best toaster for you.

It heats up in less than two seconds. I watched it. This is thanks to InstaGLO, a patented technology. After five years of innovation and development, InstaGLO became a groundbreaking innovation in heating technology. It uses a combination of custom alloys, engineered design, and precision controls.

The technology heats up faster than conventional elements. It also uses algorithms to optimize performance that'll allow the bread to be crispy on the outside whilst maintaining the soft inside of a slice of bread. Lovely.

The Revolution Cooking Touchscreen Toaster R180 has five settings that can be toggled through using the display screen. These are bread, bagels, pastry, waffles, and English muffins. It even comes with a warming rack, too, so essentially, you’ll be able to make your staple toastie as a sixth function.

When the toaster is not in use, then the display screen will show an analog or digital clock, along with the date, making good use of a side panel and making it easier to stay on track with the day/s.

It’s available for $349.95 from a bunch of major resellers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

Should you buy the Revolution Cooking Touchscreen Toaster R180?

Our homes are progressing to be smarter, and although the Revolution Cooking Touchscreen Toaster R180 isn’t new tech this year, I’m still impressed. It was released in 2021, and I’m in awe of it. It looks super stylish, and I like the display screen; it displays (most) things that keep my days running smoothly and saves me from looking up the date (for example) on another device.

I also personally like how it looks; I'm a fan of appliances that are modern yet have a quirk, which, in this case, is that display screen. I also really like the sound that it'll retain the fluffiness of sliced bread after toasting - I might even be tempted to buy one.

Owning one of the best robot lawn mowers is always going to be a good shout, especially if you have a large lawn and don't have the time to maintain it - and/or if you're not a fan of pushing a lawn mower around which is a fair enough reason.

LUBA 2 AWD is better than last year in a few ways. It's equipped with 3D Vision, Ultrasonic Radar, and a physical bumper to triple guarantee that obstacles will be avoided. It also has improved water protection; the RTK reference station is now IPX7 rather than IPX6, meaning that it is designed to withstand water without being damaged.

And here's another thing which makes the new series cool. It has an app so you can schedule when it goes out to cut the grass and choose different mowing patterns to create custom designs. Yep: you can now write 'Hello',' Happy Birthday', and 'Will you marry me?' (etc.) in your grass with your LUBA. It uses advanced algorithms to adjust the mowing route, cutting height, and angle to ensure precise mowing of desired lawn patterns.

It can now also be controlled by voice. Imagine this: sitting in the living room and thinking that you really should cut the grass, but moving off the couch isn't an option. You can just say the magic words: "Alexa, start the LUBA" (with your Amazon Alexa switched on), and it'll get the job done. The series is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for complete automation when and where you want it.

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD Series: model numbers

There's a total of eight versions of the new series to choose from. The main differences between them are the cutting heights, maximum mowing capabilities, and the in-app area storage capacity. 

The brand has also introduced the 'H' version, which is for trimming back higher grass and maintaining the higher grass length to a more satisfactory height. You can adjust these heights in the app. The 'H' version has a length of between 2.4-4in, whereas the 'S' version can be between 1.2-2.7in.

Models in the Standard 'S' Version include the LUBA 2 AWD 10000, LUBA 2 AWD 5000, LUBA 2 AWD 3000, and LUBA 2 AWD 1000. As an example of how the specs between each model differs, the LUBA 2 AWD 10000 offers the maximum mowing size of 2.5 acres, whereas the LUBA 2 AWD 1000 is capable of achieving up to 0.25 acres.

Those models in the 'H' version include the LUBA 2 AWD 10000H, LUBA 2 AWD 5000H, LUBA 2 AWD 3000H, and LUBA 2 AWD 1000H. These offer all the same specifications as the Standard version but have the only difference of the cutting height, which sets them apart.

All of the above LUBA 2 AWD Series is available to pre-order on the Mammotion online store in America, Europe, and Australia. We're looking forward to trying them out in our backyard, and seeing how they stack up against their earlier model: Mammotion LUBA AWD 5000.

They chose a good time to share the news; it was during CES Unveiled at, you got it: CES 2024.

Narwal is one of the top five robotic cleaning manufacturers in the world with over $200 million in annual sales and serving over 1.5 million households. They launched the Narwal Freo at a similar time last year, and ever since then, we have only been following them to see what's next for the brand.

They've unveiled the Narwal Freo X Ultra and Narwal Freo X Plus, claiming them to be 'the smartest, most powerful, and quietest vacuum mops in the world', as well as the versatile upright Narwal S10 Pro at the Consumer Electronics Show. They're not yet available to buy, but you can read on to find out more about them. 

Narwal Freo X Ultra

This is the brand's flagship product. The robot vacuum shares very similar specs to the Narwal Freo X Plus but comes with the added addition of a self-cleaning base station, two patented triangular mops, DirtSense Technology, and a leading 8200Pa suction power. 

The all-in-one base station will remove 98% of mop build-up and warm to 40C/104F to dry the mops when clean. It'll also auto-dispense and hold debris for up to seven weeks.

Compared to the Freo X Plus, which doesn't have the triangular mops but a pad instead, the Freo X Ultra will spin and scrub the floor by applying a force to the ground with a spin speed rate of 180RPM. This will make it ideal for hairy homes with pets that we know only too well will scatter their muddy paws where we don't want them across hard flooring.

Then, there is what the brand refers to as the 'world's first' DirectSense technology. We've seen Shark introduce CleanSense IQ, which works similarly, but only on their Stratos range of cordless vacuum cleaners. It'll sense dirt in real time and won't stop cleaning until all the dirt is gone.

It comes at a cost, though. It'll be launched in March 2024 on Amazon and Narwal for a list price of $1,399. At the time of launch, it'll be $1,099. If you can do without the self-cleaning station, two scrubbing mops, and a slighter lesser spec, then you can save yourself up to $930 by opting for the Narwal X Plus.

Narwal X Plus

The specs of the Narwal X Plus and of the robovac that comes with the Freo X Ultra are marginally aligned to offer an unrivaled clean on carpets and hard flooring.

The removable mop pad offers streak-free mopping with a 6N mopping pressure and four water outlets while, if it's carpet that you're vacuum cleaning, the floating brush will ensure 0% hair-tangling. This is all in the design. The conical shape releases the suction pathway; the single-arm brush structure allows hair to be sucked in directly; and the 50-degree bristles synergize with the suction direction.

The key spec also includes the tri-laser obstacle avoidance. The forward and side sensors recognize mm-level hazards, which should mean no more bumping into furniture, running over kids' toys, or falling down the stairs.

They can both be controlled by voice with connectivity compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri. You can also expect to achieve a runtime of 210 minutes.

We're in the process of reviewing the Narwal Freo, which was announced at the beginning of 2023, so it'll be interesting to see how these two new releases compare.

Narwal S10 Pro

Venturing beyond the robomop is the unveiling of the Narwal S10 Pro. This is a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. It could be a good alternative for you if you prefer to be fully in control of the floor cleaning and prefer to use an upright stick over a robot.

It has a handheld weight of 0.9kg, making it a super-lightweight option. It can also reach under low-lying furniture thanks to its ergonomic design while deploying 76AW suction efficiency with 17N mopping pressure.

As with the Narwal Freo X Ultra, it'll self-clean itself and remove 99.99% of bacteria. You can also expect to achieve a runtime of 50 minutes, which, although it isn't as long as most cordless vacuum cleaners (60 minutes), we do appreciate that the S10 Pro can vacuum and mop.

It'll launch a month later than the robomops in April 2024 with a recommended list price of $449 and be available to buy from Amazon.

The first-ever Consumer Electronics Show (CES) started in 1967, with 250 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees in New York City. It has since grown 10-fold, drawing in attendees and tech industries from across the world to attend the annual event now held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While you may not have heard about the event before, it's likely that you have either seen, heard, or used the products launched from past events. LG’s newest vacuum innovation (2023), the CordZero™ A9 Kompressor with Steam Power Mop, for example, was the winner of a CES 2023 Innovation Award, and Tineco launched the Floor One S7 Pro, which was a flagship in the expansion to the brand's wet/dry vacuum lineup.

We'll be reporting on the ground, so keep an eye out for the next best washing machine or best vacuum cleaner that is set to disrupt the household chores. Until then, here's everything that you need to know.

CES 2024: which brands are attending?

CES 2024 will feature more than 3500 exhibitors across 41 product categories. From global brands such as Amazon, Google, Intel, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and TikTok to promising startups, there's going to be a range of innovations all in one city.

Here are the brands who we're meeting up with (so far).

1. Samsung at CES 2024

Samsung will use CES 2024 to introduce its latest kitchen products, applications, and features powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and SmartThings connectivity. Notable products in the lineup will include the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+, featuring AI Vision Inside, and Anyplace Induction Cooktop connected with an AI-updated Samsung Food service.

“We are both proud and excited to be showcasing these upgraded AI and connectivity features, which utilize the latest technology to help everyone take their food and kitchen experiences to the next level,” said Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of the Customer Experience Team of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to letting users enjoy the many benefits of our innovative food ecosystem across a wide range of devices and features.” 

We'll have the chance to experience all of this latest tech at the event next week and make it our mission to better understand how AI can revolutionize how we keep our foods feeling chilled.

2. LG at CES 2024

Creased clothes be gone! LG is also using CES 2024 to launch their new LG Styler clothing care solution, amongst other things. It's the latest Styler by the brand to deliver a fast and more effective clothes-refreshing cycle by improving the drying, dehumidification, and de-wrinkling performance. The new model features a handheld, high-pressure steamer that makes it easier to remove said wrinkles from shirts and other garments and saves the hassle of having to use a separate iron.

“The new LG Styler is a versatile clothing care solution that ensures optimal care for diverse fabrics and optimal convenience for our customers,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “The pioneer in clothing care systems, LG will continue to enhance LG Styler’s capabilities, redefining wardrobe management and making it easier than ever to keep clothes looking and smelling fresh.”

We're all for saving effort, so we are eager to watch the Styler in action at the event, plus all of the other LG innovations that we're expecting (no pressure!).

3. XGIMI at CES 2024

XGIMI is a projector technology company with categories in home projectors, laser projectors, and portable projectors. They have what they call a 'world-first' 4K Long Throw Home Projector with Dolby Vision, which is set to make anything you watch come alive with brighter highlights and deeper darks. 

They've set the benchmark, and although the brand hasn't shared what they are going to be unveiling at the event, we're going along to see how one of the world leaders in home theater technology can better what they already have. We're big fans of Netflix and, ahem, Disney+, so if there's anything that can get us more involved with the screen action, then we're there.

4. Dreo at CES 2023

Dreo will be showing its lineup of smart home appliances and will have two new products announced at CES. We're going to be joining them for breakfast and a tour, and we can't wait to hear more about the new Dreo Chefmaker.

It's so much more than an air fryer. The ChefMaker combines and elevates the features of the air fryer, as well as a pressure cooker and sous vide, using its patented CombiCook technology to deliver precise cooking results with the push of a button.  It can also automatically adjust moisture, heat, and time to cook food of any shape or size to perfection. 

The brand raised $2 million on Kickstarter to launch it in April last year (2023). We'll have the opportunity to see it and get a feel for it while at CES 2024.

5. Bosch at CES 2023

Like a Bosch that's up for interpretation, but it makes us smile, and we like that. The brand is going to be demo'ing its appliance portfolio with a couple of new products while sharing advancements about the newly launched dish suite, cooking, and laundry.

We'll be amongst the first to preview and grab a drink from a new appliance (take a guess what it is) and will have the opportunity to catch up with Thermador experts about the new Pro Harmony Liberty Induction Range and how induction is reimagining the way we cook.

6. ECOVACS' at CES 2024

ECOVACS specializes in robot vacuum cleaners and robomops. Since 2006, the company has invested in developing more than 20 new robotic products every year. While there hasn't (yet) been an announcement about what is going to be new for 2024, we're feeling pretty certain that the brand is going to stick to its mission by launching at least one more Robovac to its innovative lineup.

CES 2024: what can you expect from it?

While the small, major, and smart appliances aren't going to be totally new to us, they are going to be reinvented. This is to make you smarter, slicker, and better connected. 

We would be surprised if there wasn't going to be any talk of AI because, let's face it, that's the way the world is going. Artificial intelligence is getting involved with how we clean, how we secure, and how we watch TV in our homes, to name a few ways. It's set to make our lives easier by opening the doors to more opportunities, although, personally, we need more convincing.

At IFA 2023, the SwitchBot S10 was unveiled. This little (big) robot vacuum is able to self-sufficiently clean the home, removing the need to manually refill its water tank with fresh water and pour out sewage. It is connected to a water intake or faucet for fresh water and connected to the drainage pipe to the drain port, just like a washing machine and dishwasher. Thinking back to IFA 2022, we even saw water from condenser dryers being recycled for use in washing machines as part of a big sustainability move. 

The motion is there to see more appliances become more physically connected to the home and over a network.

With the likes of Samsung and LG attending CES 2024, major appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and refrigerators are going to be demo'd along with their smart functionalities. This isn't new, but we reckon that there will be bigger and better things to come from this connectivity as our homes become smarter.

Aside from the above rather mind-blowing innovations, it's likely that smaller appliance brands are going to be fiercely rivaling one another. We think that air fryers are going to have more functionalities with a more flexible cooking space, coffee makers are going to be more versatile and automated, and cordless vacuum cleaners are going to boast a larger canister and have a longer runtime. We can live in hope, right? 

CES 2024: FAQs

iRobot has identified three common annoyances with robo-vacs: stained rugs from dirty mops, inadequate obstacle avoidance and related hardware shortcomings, and some robots' inability to get smarter the more they clean. And the firm reckons it's solved all three. 

iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ and Roomba J9+: new features at a glance

The new Roomba Combo J9+ is the firm's new flagship mopping vacuum cleaner. It has a new auto-retracting mopping system to prevent the robot from making wet messes, and it has a new auto-fit dock that automatically empties debris and refills the water tank.

The J9+ doesn't have the mops, but iRobot says it's its smartest robot vacuum cleaner yet: it delivers "more powerful pickup performance and more pet features than any other robot vacuum".

Both devices benefit from the latest generation of iRobot's operating system, which learns from past cleans to deliver more efficient, prioritised cleaning.

Smarter software for cleverer cleaning

Both of the new iRobots come with iRobot OS 7, which is designed to clean better. For mop-enabled models such as the Roomba Combo J9+ and the previous Combo J7+ that means back-and-forth scrubbing with consistent downward pressure to get rid of more stubborn stains. iRobot says that the scrubbing is now 2x deeper than before.

Both models of Roomba also benefit from a feature called Dirt Detective. This analyses previous cleans to identify which rooms need the most attention, which rooms are priority (based on previous timings) and how much cleaning it needs to do in each room – so for example it'll know the difference between, say, a family room in constant use and a dining room that's used less frequently and therefore doesn't need cleaned as often. It's designed to ensure your Roomba goes where it's needed most, first.

Both the Roomba Combo J9+ and J9+ Robot Vacuum have support for Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, and their PrecisionVision navigation helps them plan ahead and avoid obstacles. They also get iRobot's amusingly named P.O.O.P. (Pet Owners Official Promise): if your iRobot ever accidentally sweeps over accidental pet messes, you're guaranteed a replacement. 

The smartest, most powerful iRobot yet?

iRobot claims that the J9+ has 100% more suction power than the i-series iRobots and a longer battery life than its predecessor, the J7 series. With Carpet Boost technology, a 3-Stage Cleaning System and Dual Rubber Brushes, the Roomba j9+ automatically detects floor type and adjusts its cleaning power to do everything from sweeping up dust to lifting and removing trapped pet hair from deep carpets. It'll empty itself automatically, and the base doesn't need emptied for about two months.

Mopping without the mess

The Roomba Combo J9+ has the same suction and smarts as the Roomba J9+, but this time it comes with a four-stage cleaning system and what iRobot calls DRI: Dry Rugl Intelligence. That uses the navigation system to identify rugs and ensure it doesn't touch them with wet mopping pads: those pads retract when they get close to carpet, ensuring you don't get the same wet messes that some automated moppers often leave in their wake.

The big difference between this model and the Combo J7+ is that the older Roomba requires manual refilling; the J9+ does it for you. However, for the moment iRobot isn't going down the route of automatic mop washing: speaking to PC Magazine, CEO Colin Angle said that automatic mop washing docks "get messy quickly and start to smell" because the pads aren't being disinfected; while the idea is sound "nobody has figured out how to do it well".

iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ and Roomba J9+: price and availability

The iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ has a recommended retail price of £1,249 / $1,399. The previous Combo J7+ remains available with a reduced price of £799 / $999, although it's currently out of stock on iRobot's UK website. 

The iRobot Roomba J9+ Robot Vacuum has an RRP of £999 / $899.

Both devices are available to order now on the iRobot site for delivery in the next few weeks. Meanwhile the iRobot OS 7.0 Update is rolling out to compatible Roombas worldwide.

Looking for a deal? Take a look at our Amazon Prime Day Roomba deals hub, or our best Black Friday deals page as we edge closer to the sales events.

Perhaps one of the loudest voices on this topic in the household space, though, is Beko, who has long-been a leader in making the best washer dryers (and a lot more). But that's not enough in their eyes, as the host of new planet-friendly features illustrates. Their line-up, from dishwashers and washers to heat pumps and refrigerators, is getting greener.

EnergySpin: What is it?

EnergySpin makes all of Beko washing machines' most frequently used programs into eco-friendly ones, making its models more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective. That means that the eco-anxious no longer have to rely on one setting for their washer but can be sure they are saving energy all the time.

It does this by releasing detergent earlier and employing an ultra-fast drum rather than relying on heat to dissolve and remove the dirt like the average appliance.

Beko promises that this new technology will save up to 35% of the energy used for daily programs, with no impact felt by the user: same results, less cost to our wallets and our planet.

This is, in theory, a way to not only encourage users to choose a more energy-efficient setting, but also remove the choice altogether. The feature is now standard for all of Beko's machines, on the “Cottons,” “Synthetics,” “Quick,” “Delicates,” “Mix,” “20°C program,” and “ColdWash” programs.”

Anything else?

SaveWater

Showcased again this year but officially unveiled at the 2022 show was SaveWater - which allows the water you use in your dishwasher or tumble dryer cycle to be saved and reused within the appliance - no effort from you required. According to the company, this saves up to 5.2L water per cycle, equivalent to 1 out of every 12 washes.

AquaTech

Shortening our wash cycles is AquaTech, which uses a sensor to position paddles at the top of the drum, distributing detergent more evenly and directing water directly onto clothes. It also adapts to load sizes and could save up to 50% on energy usage.

IronFinish

One of the few innovations not about saving the world, IronFinish is still a nifty feature that uses temperature and humidity monitoring through the drying cycle to ensure your clothes come out looking crease-free. 

But first, you'd be forgiven for asking up top - what exactly is IFA, and why should I care?

Taking place in Berlin once a year, IFA gives all the biggest electronics brands the chance to show off their new and existing products, often unveiling exciting innovations and sneak previews of things to come. This means you'll get all the key info about the next generation appliances; from the best washing machines to the best robot vacuums, and smart home gadgets for a steer on how they'll impact our lives from all one place.

Keep reading to see what we're most excited about this year, and keep your eyes peeled for news and hands-on first impressions from us over the coming days.

Who we're looking forward to seeing at IFA Berlin 2023

LG

LG will be launching a brand new washer-dryer with a heat pump as part of its LG SIGNATURE series during IFA 2023. The appliance is compact and uses heat pump technology for gentle, effective washing and drying. Being from the SIGNATURE line, it's also easy on the eye and has a 25kg washing and 13kg drying capacity.

You also get the TWINWash feature - which is basically a smaller washer below the main drum where you can wash delicates. LG is also promising AI-powered laundry that detects things like load size, residual moisture, and fabric types - along with a smart touch door and voice recognition tech. 

Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company, said: "The LG SIGNATURE Washer-Dryer with Heat Pump is an advanced, all-in-one package offering space efficiency and time-saving automation together with a top-notch performance. Aligned with LG SIGNATURE’s new brand theme, ‘Live beyond.’, which is all about presenting solutions that help consumers live their ideal life, we will continue introducing innovations that go beyond expectations and make everyday life more convenient.” 

Beko

Beko impressed last year with its water-efficient SaveWater Dishwasher, which offered the lowest water consumption of any appliance in its range. We have every reason to believe that the brand will be bringing something equally exciting to IFA 2023, so keep your eyes peeled.

Meaco

Meaco will be showcasing its latest range of energy-efficient air treatment products - in particular, the new Sefte fans and the latest Arete Two dehumidifiers. They will also have a range of humidifiers to show off at the conference. That adds up to more products than the brand has ever taken to the show.

The Sefte fan, which means quiet, gentle, and undisturbed, is the latest addition to the brand's line of desktop, pedestal, and portable fans. It promises even less noise with more air movement, as well as Wi-Fi and a battery-powered version. Officially unveiled this weekend, it will be released in Europe in Spring 2024.

The Arete Two will be Wi-Fi compatible and available in four sizes (10L, 12L, 20L and 25L). The dehumidifiers will be launched in Europe later this year.

Switchbot

Switchbot is waiting for IFA to get underway before it properly unveils its new floor-cleaning bot, but the SwitchBot S10 has already been making waves online for what it promises. According to the above tantalizing graphic, this is a world first, with the clever robo mop able to add water to your humidifier before auto-emptying, traveling over to refill, and then returning to its cleaning. It's just crazy enough for us to call it genius.

Dreame

These guys love to wait until events such as IFA Berlin for a big reveal of a new product line up, and this year is no exception. Last year they launched the Dreame L10 Ultra; an ambitiously powerful robot vacuum and mop with self-emptying station, and we've heard rumours of an impending similar launch. We can't say much more than this ahead of launch but needless to say it’s got plenty of exciting new features including the ability to clean within 2mm of the edge.

When is IFA Berlin 2023?

The event officially starts on September 1, but our deputy editor will be at the event from August 31, testing out all of the products she can get her hands on and chatting to those in the know about how the new fleet of appliances and tech will make our lives easier, cheaper, and more convenient.

What’s more, the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair can only do so much; they can’t get rid of the hairs that get stuck in your clothes and laundry - not to mention the pet odor that can often linger. 

Samsung has found a solution – its new Smart Top Load Washer with Pet Care Solution and the Smart Dryer with Pet Care Dry. 

Samsung Smart Top Load Washer with Pet Care Solution: Features 

As the name suggests, Samsung’s new washer is a top-load model with a 5.4 cu. ft. capacity drum. Samsung calls this capacity “extra large,” but it’s about average for the best top-load washers we’ve tried. 

Inside the washer are two pet hair filters similar to laundry lint filters. These are designed to trap pet hair inside to remove it from the clothes and stop it from clogging up your plumbing. 

During the wash cycle, Samsung’s new washer creates “dynamic water currents” that help loosen dirt, rinse hair, and remove pet odor and pollen. And if the clothes are particularly soiled, or you’re washing your pet’s bedding or blankets, the washer has a built-in Active WaterJet faucet to help rinse the clothes before they go through a wash cycle. 

In addition to the Pet Wash Cycle, there are 10 additional wash cycle settings depending on your needs, and the Super Speed setting finishes in just 28 minutes. 

All of this is then powered by Samsung’s Digital Inverter Motor, which is said to be so durable and efficient that it comes with a 20-year warranty – the longest on the market in this category.

 Samsung Dryer with Pet Care Dry 

To boost the pet hair cleaning capabilities of the Pet Care Solution washer, Samsung has also launched the Samsung Dryer with Pet Care. 

The 7.4 cu. ft. dryer uses a “dynamic tumbling algorithm” that is said to have been engineered to help eliminate smells. And when your clothing and pet items require a deeper clean, the new dryer comes with a Steam Sanitize+ setting that removes 95% of pollen from fabric while helping to knock out light wrinkles and reduce odors. 

There’s even a reversible dryer door that lets you choose which way your dryer door opens to suit your laundry room layout.

When used with the new Samsung Pet Care washer, the dryer-washer combo promises to remove six times the pet hair than the standard washer. 

Both appliances are Wi-Fi compatible, and as well as getting end-of-cycle alerts on your phone, you can remotely start, stop, schedule, or delay cycles using the SmartThings app. If you buy both appliances, SmartThings can even use its Auto Cycle Link feature to automatically match the wash and dry cycle for optimal cleaning and ensure everything finishes simultaneously. 

Samsung Pet Care: Prices & availability 

Samsung's Smart Top Load Washer with Pet Care Solution costs $1,149. It’s available in white and brushed navy and ships from 16 August. 

An electric version of the Smart Dryer with Pet Care Dry costs $1,149, or you can buy a gas model for $1,249). The dryer is also available in white and brushed navy and ships from 16 August. 

The two new appliances are available to pre-order at Samsung.com and will come to “select retailers nationwide” after 16 August.   

The Mega Capacity French Door Refrigerator is 10% bigger than previous models on the inside while staying the same size on the outside. This means it offers the most storage space in the category without taking up any more precious space in your kitchen. Elsewhere, it has Wi-Fi controls, comes in several different designs, and features a new Dual Ice Maker for the first time in the Mega Capacity range. 

Keep reading to learn more about Samsung’s new refrigerator line, as well as where you can get your hands on it. And for more, take a look at our guide to the best French door refrigerators overall.

Samsung Mega Capacity Refrigerator: Features 

The new Samsung Mega Capacity French Door refrigerator is available as a 3-door or 4-door model with either a full-depth or counter-depth design.  

The largest 3-Door model comes in stainless steel and offers 32 cu. ft. of storage capacity makes it America’s largest refrigerator in its class. The refrigerator section offers 22.3 cu. ft., eight-door bins, and adjustable slide-in shelving to make room for large and tall items. There is then 9.2 cu. ft in the freezer. 

You can alternatively buy a 3-door model with 31 cu. ft. of space in stainless steel, Matte Black, or 25 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Counter Depth 3-Door. 

In the 4-door category, the largest model offers 30 cu. ft in the full-depth design – 21.3 cu. ft. in the refrigerator and 8.5 cu. ft. in the freezer – as well as 25 cu. ft. in the counter-depth version. 

The full-depth models have seven-door bins and the same adjustable slide-in shelving for large and tall items as the 3-door model. They then come in stainless steel and Black Matte Steel.

All redesigned refrigerators in the new Mega Capacity range additionally have Wi-Fi. This means they connect to the SmartThings app so you can monitor and manage your refrigerator's power usage from your phone. This app will send energy-saving tips and alerts to help lower your electric bill and will send alerts and notifications if you leave the door open if there’s a sudden temperature change, or it's time to change the water filter.

The 3-door, counter-depth fridge additionally comes with the Family Hub smart display fitted into the door. When connected to Wi-Fi, you can see notifications on this display, mirror what’s playing on your smart TV, look inside your fridge remotely when out shopping, and much more.

Elsewhere, the Mega Capacity range now features the Dual Ice Maker with Ice Bites feature, first introduced in Samsung's Bespoke fridges. This lets you choose from four types of ice and makes up to 38 pounds of ice per day.

Each model comes with Samsung’s All-Around Cooling feature to keep your food fresher for longer. This uses evenly spaced vents and temperature sensors to ensure the interior temperature stays the same throughout the fridge.

Samsung Mega Capacity French Door Refrigerator: Price & availability 

Prices for the 3-door fridge start at $2,099 for the 3-door, 32 cu. ft. full-depth, stainless steel model. The prices for the rest of the range are as follows: 

• 3-door 31 cu. ft. full-depth stainless steel: $2,599 
• 3-door 31 cu. ft. full-depth black matte steel: $2,699
• 3-door 25 cu. ft counter-depth stainless steel with Family Hub: $3,799

Prices for the 4-door fridge are as follows: 

• 4-door 30 cu. ft. full-depth stainless steel: $3,099 
• 4-door 30 cu. ft. full-depth black matte steel: $3,199
• 4-door 25 cu. ft counter-depth stainless steel: $3,199

All models are available from Samsung and Best Buy.

Refrigerator deals

Looking for discounted refrigerators and fridge freezers? Check out our dedicated Black Friday refrigerator deals page for the best deals on large appliances like these, especially during sales events. To keep track of when offers will start pouring in, you can also bookmark our main best Black Friday deals page for up-to-the-minute information. 

The Cuisinart AIR-200 is the brand's first ever basket air fryer, which is an exciting development for the global cooking and kitchenware brand. Sitting at a comfortable mid-range price point, the new AIR-200 is going to be competing with some of the best air fryers from brands like Proscenic and Ninja, and their popular range of basket air fryers. 

It's made from the same people who have so far only released toaster oven air fryers - such as the Cuisinart TOA60 Air Fryer Mini Oven - and now they're throwing their hat in the ring with their first basket air fryer after recognising the popularity of the design. 

Key features of the Cuisinart AIR-200 Basket Air Fryer

The AIR-200 is a multi-function cooker, so it's got you covered whether you're in the mood for snacks, meals, or reheated takeaways. The air fryer has five cooking presets: you can air fry, roast, bake, broil and keep warm. It's a handy selection if, like us, you like to mix up the food you're cooking. 

This is all controlled using a digital display showing the cooking temperature that's adjustable up to 450F. The fryer also has a (very helpful) window with an interior light that lets you check your food without having to remove the tray and let heat escape - ideal when you're looking for that perfect level of crispiness.

With a 9 x 9in cooking surface, there should be plenty of room to cook your food evenly and, with that size, we're excited to roast a whole chicken in it. The Basket Air Fryer also has a timer up to 60 minutes and you'll get a reminder when it's time to toss your food, so you can sit back and relax until the food needs flipping.

The 1800W air fryer is designed to be quiet - good news if you like to watch TV in the background or if your home conversations are confined to a small kitchen.

Its main components are non-stick and easy to clean, too, with the air fry basket and crisper tray both dishwasher safe. It's definitely a strong contender if you're looking for a mid-range air fryer from a global, trusted cooking brand - and we can't wait to get our hands on it.

You can find the Cuisinart AIR-200 Basket Air Fryer at Sur La Table for $149.95 and, for a few more cents, at Kohl's for $149.99.

But first, what’s the difference between an above ground pool and an in-ground one? An above ground swimming pool is one that is not built into the ground. It usually consists of a vinyl liner and a frame made of metal, resin or both. The frame supports the weight of the water, which can be filled with either chlorine or salt water to help keep bacteria out and to maintain the pH level.

Above ground pools are popular because they are easy to set up (and take down) and more affordable than in-ground ones, making them ideal for anyone with limited space or people who don’t want to use the pool all year round.

Pool cleaning is a crucial part of your maintenance routine, as it will help it last longer, as well as protect your family and friends from nasty bugs and illnesses.

In this article we talk to pool cleaning and maintenance expert Karel Williams, who is also a Master Plumber at Emergency Plumbing Squad, about how to vacuum an above ground pool for best results.

How to vacuum an above ground pool

Vacuuming your pool is a normal part of maintenance and is important to keep it in a clean and healthy condition. 

Williams says: “The cleaning process is quite similar to vacuuming an in-ground pool, with some slight variations. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean an above-ground pool with a pool vacuum.”

1. Prepare your equipment

“Gather the necessary equipment, including a vacuum head, telescopic pole, vacuum hose, and a vacuum plate (if your pool has a skimmer). Assemble your equipment by connecting the vacuum head to the telescopic pole and attaching the vacuum hose to the head.”

2. Turn on the pump and filter system

“Before vacuuming, ensure the pool's pump and filter system is turned on and functioning properly.

3. Lower the vacuum head into the pool

“Slowly lower the vacuum head into the pool, allowing air to escape from the hose. Hold the other end of the hose over a return jet in the pool to remove air from the hose, ensuring optimal suction while vacuuming,” says Williams.

4. Attach the hose to the skimmer or suction port

“Once the hose is free of air, attach it to the skimmer through the vacuum plate or directly into the suction port.”

5. Start vacuuming

Williams says: “Begin vacuuming your above-ground pool, using slow, steady strokes to methodically work your way around the entire pool. Overlap your strokes slightly to ensure complete coverage and avoid stirring up debris. Take your time – rushing the process can lead to missed spots or unsettled debris.”

6. Turn off the pump and remove the vacuum equipment

Williams explains: “Once you've finished vacuuming the pool, turn off the pump and carefully remove the vacuum equipment. Clean the vacuum head and hose, and store them properly for future use.”

7. Check and clean the filter

“Don't forget to check your pool's filter and backwash or clean it as needed to ensure your pool stays in optimal condition,” adds Williams.

Why should you vacuum an above ground pool?

There are several reasons to vacuum an above ground pool. “Vacuuming removes debris like leaves, dirt and algae that can accumulate in your pool, helping to maintain a clean and clear swimming environment,” says Williams.

It also protects the pool's surface. Williams says: “Regular vacuuming prevents debris from staining the pool's surface or causing damage to the liner.”

You should vacuum your pool to maintain water balance, too. Clean pools have better water circulation and filtration, which helps maintain the proper chemical balance of the water, says Williams.

Renowned appliance brand, Miele, has just been awarded the all-important Green Product Award for its fully integrated G 7565 SCVi XXL AutoDos dishwasher, thanks to numerous eco-conscious features. Thoughtful engineering means that the appliance is energy and water efficient, so you don't have to worry every time you put a cycle on. This comes just ahead of Earth Day on the 22nd April, which celebrates sustainable products and initiatives. So, if you're thinking of buying one of the best dishwashers, this might be one to consider. 

What is the Green Product Award?

Since 2013, the Green Product Award has been recognising products and services that excel in terms of eco-friendly design, innovation, and sustainability. Miele's G 7465 SCVi XXL AutoDos dishwasher meets the 'A' energy efficiency class and features many environmentally features such as load recognition and a transparent app to monitor water and energy consumption. The three main markers are consumer visibility on daily energy usage, energy efficient settings, and hot water connection which saves on electricity. 

Consumer visibility on daily energy usage

The dishwasher connects with the Miele app so that you can control it from anywhere around your home. The consumption dashboard in the app allows access at any time to information such as how often a program is used per day, week, or month, as well as how much water and electricity is used. This then compares the data and offers 'green' tips, so that you can constantly make improvements to your energy consumption. 

Energy efficient and gentle on resources thanks to EcoPower and AutoDos

Over the past 20 years, Miele has reduced the electricity consumption on its dishwashers by around 44%, generating the new 'A' energy efficiency class. Thanks to intelligent water intake, optimised spray arms and a highly efficiency filtration system, it is far more eco-friendly while also still maintaining first-class cleaning results. A clever drying feature also means that the door opens automatically by a few centimetres at the end of a programme, helping to use less energy. 

The AutoDos system has an integrated PowerDisk that can dispense detergent automatically, helping to save waste and money. A PowerDisk lasts for around 20 cycles and is made from 100% mpost-consumer recyclate, while the detergent used is free from microplastics, fragranes, preservatives and coloring. However, grocery store tablets or detergent can also be used if you have products that you don't want to waste. 

Even more economical with hot water connection 

The G 7465 SCVi XXL AutoDos, along with all Miele dishwashers, can be connected to a hot water supply with a temperature of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. And when the hot water comes from a regnerative source as a heat pump or the SolarSave program is used, you can save up to 35% more electricity compared to a model connected to a cold water supply. 

No matter how hard I have tried to keep a tidy and ordered system afloat (I even invested in one of the best irons!), somehow, life always gets in the way, and my clothes storage descends into chaos once again. Cupboard and drawer space are a privilege in my small apartment, so I worked to create dedicated spots under my bed and on top of my wardrobe where I could store chunky sweaters and weighty jeans. This was good in practice - I made the most of otherwise unused space and could use my actual wardrobe hanging space for longer items like dresses. In reality, I started to bundle clothes up and throw them in, so the space ended up messy and disorganized. 

Not only were my clothes creased and uncared for, but the clutter was beginning to stress me out. With hybrid working more common now, bedrooms are sometimes also a space to work, so I really wanted to revert back to a calm and neat organization system. 

Cue the experts from The Spark Joy Collective. I enlisted their help to find the best Marie Kondo-inspired clothes-folding hacks that don't mimic origami. I needed simple methods that I would actually follow when folding up my laundry, and they provided the best methods that have kept my drawers significantly tidier and easy to pick from. So, whether you're overhauling your laundry routine from finding the best front load washers to the best dryers, or you're just looking for a few tips to upgrade your skillset, these clothes folding hacks should be at the top of your list to try. 

The best clothes folding hacks

Personally, laundry is one of my favorite household tasks. I follow all of the best laundry tips on what you can and can't put in your washing machine, and I even discovered how to fold fitted sheets recently, so I'm well on my way to cracking the laundry regime. And while I do make an effort to fold my laundry immediately once it's dry, I haven't yet nailed how to keep the clothes in this state when busy daily life gets in the way. 

Mimi Bogelund, Organization Expert at The Spark Joy Collective, was heavily inspired and trained by Marie Kondo's file folding method. She says that folding clothes properly "helps to save so much space and means you can see everything you've got at a glance."

The file folding method stores garments upright, creating a system akin to what you might see in office cabinets, which allows you to quickly visualize each item. I had previously stored my jeans on top of one another, so the items at the bottom were very quickly disregarded - a waste of space and money.  

Before you start to incorporate Mimi's folding clothes hacks, it's important to think about what needs hanging or folding and where each garment type should be stored. Marie Kondo says, "The fabric will tell you if it wants to be folded or hung," so if the material is silky, fluid, or even excessively bulky, then it's best to hang. Folding works well with denim, wool (as you don't want to distort the shape), and cotton, which requires minimal care. 

1. Jeans

My jeans storage was the number one area I wanted to fix. It sat at the bottom of my dresser and was full to the brim with denim. This meant that I only reached for the two pairs of jeans at the top of the pile, as this was all I saw. I felt like I wasn't utilizing all of my clothes, and instead, the same two pairs were on constant rotation in my laundry basket. 

Luckily, thanks to their rigid construction, jeans are one of the easiest items to fold. Mimi advised the following file system that I attempted in my own drawer, and I'm pleased to report it has made the drawer easier to open and close and helped me to vary my outfits. 

1. Fold  

Start by folding the jeans in half lengthways to create a rectangle. Then, tuck in the material sticking out. 

2. Concertina  

The shape you're aiming for is a concertina style. Fold the jeans into half, then again into three.  

3. Place into drawer

Once you have folded each pair, Mimi says "store the jeans like book ends, upright in the drawer or in a container". 

2. Tops

Tops were a trickier beast to tackle. They come in different shapes and materials, which can make it difficult to create a cohesive storage system. Some of my 'nicer' blouses and tops are hung up, so it was mainly basic t-shirts that I wanted to keep folded in my dresser. I don't need to visualize these as easily, and they don't tend to crease, so I was happy to undertake a similar file-folding technique.

Here's The Spark Joy Collective's expert advice for folding tops.

1. Find a flat surface

Mimi advises to "use a flat surface like the bed, a table, or the ironing board" to place your tops on before folding. 

2. Smooth out creases

Use your hands as a makeshift iron to smooth out any creases and ensure you're beginning with a flat item. 

3. Start folding 

"Create a rectangle by folding two sides to the middle so that they overlap in three layers," Mimi says. 

4. Include excess material 

Once you have folded the bulk of the top, make sure any ties, straps, or hoods are included within the rectangle. 

5. Fold smaller 

Next, fold into two or three so that you have a succinct package that can stand on its own.  

3. Sweaters

My sweaters currently live in a large clear container under my bed, mostly because they take up so much space. I'm especially conscious of storing wool sweaters carefully so that they don't lose their shape, but recently, their under-bed home has become a cluttered mess with zero structure. With such a big container, organizing sweaters and hoodies should be a simple job for me, and the file method has again been easy to implement.  

Mimi has two simple steps for the ultimate sweater-folding hack: 

1. Start to fold  

If there's a hood, fold this into the main section of the sweater. Next, fold in the arms. Then, you can fold it into two or three rectangles so that it forms a file-like shape.  

2. Store

When each sweater is folded, you can store them next to each other like bookends. 

4. Underwear

How you organize an underwear drawer tends to completely divide people. You're either the type to use individual containers to separate out items, or you have a catch-all system that requires you to root through the drawer each morning. Unfortunately, I'm a member of the latter category, so this meant I had a lot of work to do in organizing my underwear drawer.  

Mimi's advice focused on folding each item differently, so while you might have to take a bit more time on laundry day, it will make your mornings far easier. 

• Padded bras: Fasten the hooks and store by color, upright with each bra. 

• Unpadded bras: Fold so that each cup nests within the other, then store upright by color. 

• Briefs: Lay flat, fold the crotch towards the waistband, then fold it into three from the sides to create a 'sushi' roll. 

Tips on maintaining tidy drawers and cupboards

All in all, The Spark Joy Collective's clothes-folding hacks were actually very simple to follow. I was expecting difficult origami-style methods, but once you've folded in the format once, then it's easy to replicate. The difficulty comes with maintaining this system. Once hectic daily life resumes it can be hard to stick to the routine, which is why tips on maintaining tidy drawers and cupboards might be the most useful takeaway.

• Design your own laundry routine so that you wash, dry, fold, and store one load at a time. 

• Don't let your washing pile up. Large loads take much longer to fold and can appear a daunting task, so complete your laundry little and often.  

• Utilize boxes and containers wherever possible to add structure in drawers and on shelves. 

• Give each clothing item a home. Separate clothes by type and then color to make an easy-to-follow system.  

I previously put my air fryer (and my culinary skills) to the test by attempting to cook a whole Christmas dinner in an air fryer. While that experiment was quite successful, my hopes weren't particularly high for pancakes. Were they going to turn out fluffy and cooked through? Plenty of viral videos on TikTok assured me they would, but I had my doubts. 

So far, I've been really impressed by the amount and variety of foods I have been able to cook in my air fryer. From roast potatoes to vegetables, meat and meat-free burgers, sausages, and bacon, the appliance has been a lifesaver for many a weeknight meal. 

The best air fryers are very handy for busy professionals, large families, and people who might not have the space for a hob to cook on. This nifty product is also more energy efficient than using an oven. On Pancake Day, many people might be looking for alternative ways of making pancakes, whether that's to make them healthier or because they don't have access to a hob. 

Without further ado, let's dive right in.

Can you make pancakes in an air fryer?

I started my morning by making a small batch of pancake batter. In a bowl, I mixed 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 cup of all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Once all the ingredients were whisked and well-combined, I slowly added in 1 cup of milk and kept whisking until I obtained a smooth and thick batter.

In terms of cooking times, I'd read and seen various conflicting information, so I attempted two different methods. 

1. The stack 

A viral TikTok video showed users making a stack of pancakes in one go by layering them between parchment paper.

After preheating the air fryer, I lined the bottom of it with a square of lightly greased parchment paper. I then poured a small amount of batter over it, then added another layer of paper, then batter, etc. 

I closed the air fryer and set it to cook at 200 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time was done, the top pancake was nice and golden brown, but the ones below were very pale and hardly cooked. 

Following the video instructions, I added a layer of parchment paper on top of the pancake and flipped the stack over - this was quite tricky as the batter and air fryer drawer were very hot. I then put the drawer back in and set the air fryer on to cook for a further 5 minutes at 200 degrees. By the end of the cooking process, the pancakes were all cooked through, but the middle ones were still looking quite pale.

2. One by one

As I was rather unconvinced by the first method, I thought cooking pancakes individually would be better to achieve an even cook and a golden color on both sides. 

As before, I lined the bottom of my air fryer with some lightly greased parchment paper and poured a small amount of batter on top. I put the pancake to cook for 4 minutes at 200 degrees. Once that was done, I flipped the pancake and put it back on to cook for 4 minutes. 

At the end of the cooking process, the pancake had color on both sides and was fully cooked through. It was quite crispy on the sides where the batter was thinner and looked a lot more appealing than the pancakes I'd made in a stack.

The verdict 

To fully appreciate the pancakes, I tasted them plain first. The ones cooked in a stack were very unevenly cooked - the top ones were almost too crispy, and the middle ones were very rubbery and heavy. The taste, however, wasn't unpleasant. 

The pancakes I cooked individually were much better - while the edges were also a bit too crispy, the middle was properly cooked through, and there was even some thickness and volume achieved from the baking powder. 

After the first taste test, I stacked the pancakes, covered them in chocolate and banana, and dug in. Were they the best pancakes I'd had? Very far from it. Did I eat the whole stack? You bet ya. Make of that what you will. 

This DIY laundry detergent hack is simple and effective and has allowed me to use up all the leftover bars of soap I had lying about in my kitchen and bathroom. It only requires a few ingredients, so you can easily replicate it at home if you, too, like to discard soap bars before they're finished. 

You can also choose essential oil-based soap if you want to add fragrance to your DIY laundry detergent, or even get creative and add rose water for a floral scent. 

What you will need

To make your own DIY laundry detergent you will need a few materials and equipment. 

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cup/spoons

• Gloves

• Cheese shredder or food processor

• Storage container 

• Borax

• Bar soap

• Washing soda

With these materials, you will have everything that you need to start making your own DIY laundry detergent. Please note that gloves are important as you will need to boil some ingredients, so taking the necessary precautions to avoid burns is essential. 

How to make DIY laundry detergent 

To make your own DIY laundry detergent, simply follow these steps:

1. Grate your soap bar

Start by grating your soap or blitzing it in a food processor. You will need fine granules or flakes so that the soap can melt and evenly distribute in your detergent. The soap will help to trap germs and clean your clothes. We recommend using a gentle soap with minimal ingredients and fragrance if you have sensitive skin, as this will prevent your clothes from becoming irritating.  

2. Measure and mix the materials

You will need to measure out two cups of borax, two cups of washing soda (sodium carbonate), and one cup of your shredded soap. Put them in a large bowl or container and mix until they are evenly distributed and well combined. 

3. Store your detergent 

You can store this detergent in a food storage box or a large glass jar. Be sure to label it so that you don't accidentally bake it into your next loaf of banana bread. 

How to use your DIY laundry detergent

With this detergent, a little goes a long way. For a regular washer, use two to three tablespoons per wash load. If you are washing a smaller load, then use less, and if it is a large load, then add more. If you have one of the best top-load washers then start off with one tablespoon and add more if it's a larger load or the clothes are more soiled. 

Some high-efficiency washers will require less detergent, so we always recommend doing a wash with a small dose to start off with and adding extra to your next load if you think it's needed. 

Why should you make your own DIY laundry detergent?

Laundry detergent can get expensive, and no one likes spending more than they need to. This laundry detergent is not only cheap to make, but it can use up leftover bars of soap, which will most likely get thrown out or left in your bathroom cabinet until they're virtually fossilized. 

Making this laundry detergent can be an important step towards cutting down on waste, using up both bar soap and borax, which can often go unnoticed for months until they are eventually thrown out. This detergent is also much gentler on the skin than a lot of store-bought soaps, and people who are prone to allergies can also control what they put in it by using hypoallergenic soaps or gentle soaps made from olive oil or shea butter. 

The best stand mixers from KitchenAid are a staple in any established kitchen setup, and there are over 40 colors to choose from so that you can find the perfect shade to match your personality and interior. Plus, it's a great excuse to keep it out on display and add a fun touch to your cooking setup. 

KitchenAid's ethos is championing color to fuel creativity, so it's only right that this year's choice would be bold, playful, and vibrant. Their Color of the Year 2022 was a deep, sultry beetroot shade, while 2021 delivered a warm honey, so our expectations for this year were certainly high. Luckily, KitchenAid delivered with an even brighter hibiscus hue, which is inspiring our office to start booking tropical vacations and begin baking just as invigorating treats. 

So, want a closer look at KitchenAid's hibiscus range? We've got the low down of the products on offer so you can start planning your brand-new pink-themed appliance purchases. 

What is being launched and when? 

KitchenAid has said that their new 2023 hibiscus range is designed to "captivate the beauty of the Hibiscus flower. The vivid fuchsia with a matte finish sparks adventure and fun in the kitchen, inspiring everyday makers to experiment with exciting, new recipes."

Creativity should be at the core of every kitchen, and this vibrant pink shade is the ultimate way to bring a bit of fun into a space that you use daily. It might be too out there for some, but it's a great way to add a small touch of color to an otherwise neutral room. 

There are two new product offerings in this color, the KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head 4.7L Stand Mixer and the KitchenAid Artisan K400 Blender, which also received a four-and-a-half star rating from the Top Ten Reviews team. KitchenAid is known for its outstanding quality, so you can rest assured that you will receive both durability and style in either appliance. 

The Artisan Tilt-Head 4.7L Stand Mixer has many great attachments including a flex edge beater, dough hook, wire whisk, pastry beater, and extra 3L stainless-steel bowl. You can also purchase over 15 more features so that you can accomplish everything from slicing, grating, mincing, chopping, peeling, and juicing. It's also made of die-cast metal, so it's built to stand the test of time. 

If you're looking for a fun upgrade for your morning juices, the Artisan K400 Blender is a no-brainer. It has the classic die-cast metal base, a 1.5 peak HP motor, and a 1.4L ribbed glass jar - a much sturdier model than other blenders on the market. It has simple, intuitive controls, including three pre-set recipe programs and a self-cleaning cycle. 

The even more exciting news is that you don't have to wait long to purchase this range. The Color of the Year 2023 shade is available starting February 9th in the Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (starting at $499) and K400 Blender (starting at $300).

Branded "the most influential tech event in the world", CES is a global consumer tech trade show that took place from January 5th to January 8th 2023. Encompassing categories from Smart Home and Appliances to Artificial Technologies, Cybersecurity and Fitness and Wearables, the expo gathered around 2,200 exhibitors. 

Among the prize-winning tech by LG was its lineup of OLED TVs, including the LG OLED M3 and the LG OLED evo G3 and C3. The LG OLED M3 was recognised by Top Ten Reviews' sister sites TechRadar (Best Gadgets of CES 2023 - Best TV Innovation), Tom's Guide (Best of CES 2033 Awards - Best in Show), and PCMag (Best of CES 2023). It also won the coveted Endgadget Best of CES Award in the Best Home Theater Tech category. 

The OLED M3 is the world's first wireless OLED TV, featuring LG's Zero Connect technology. This award comes on the 10th anniversary of the brand's first OLED TV, a display that works by lighting up each individual pixel as opposed to traditional LEDs. If you're curious to learn more, we go into the pros and cons of this technology in our OLED vs QLED comparison.

Across home appliances, LG's Refrigerator with MoodUP Technology received accolades from CNET, Tom's Guide, PCMag, Good Housekeeping, the Wall Street Journal and Reviewed. Completely customizable with four color-changing panels, this high-tech French Door refrigerator enables you to tap the door twice to see what's inside thanks to InstaView technology. It also creates various shapes of ice and comes with plenty of organization bins and shelves. 

Also in the spotlight was the brand's ARTCOOL Gallery residential air conditioner, complete with a sleek design and LCD panel, and the PuriCare AeroFurniture, a new line of air purifiers for the home. 

The EP900 is the beating heart of a whole-home backup power system. With its hybrid inverter, it can take power from AC mains and put power back into it at 120V or 240V AC at up to 9kW of pure sine wave power. This lets you charge up the batteries in the system from the grid and then draw on that power throughout your house if there’s a blip or a blackout. The system can kick in in just 10ms, ensuring your electronics stay up and running. Forget about data loss or spoiled food in the fridge.

The EP900 can also draw power from solar arrays up to 9kW. With a single B500 battery, the setup offers 9kWh of energy storage — more than enough to get you over a small power outage, or a useful amount to avoid paying for electricity from the grid when prices are highest during peak hours. But BLUETTI’s solution is scalable, with the B500 batteries stacking up to eight times, making it possible to configure a massive 39.6kWh backup that can keep your home running for days off battery alone. While the system keeps your home’s electricity secure, BLUETTI keeps the hardware secure with a 10-year warranty and 24/7 customer support. Plus, you can manage the system with a convenient app for real-time analytics and easy updates.

If your power needs sometimes extend beyond the home, BLUETTI also recently introduced the AC500 and B300 system. This combo provides 3,072Wh of power you can use at home or on the go. 

The AC500 offers 16 outlets that can provide 5kW of pure sine wave power at 120V AC. Pair it with a second AC500 run in series, and you can get 10kW of power at 240V. Just like the B500, the B300 batteries are also stackable, letting you combine eight units to built out a portable power system that can store up to 18,432Wh

When you need to recharge, the AC500 gives you a few options. You can pull in 5,000W from AC power, you can pull in 5,000W from a solar array, or you can draw from both sources simultaneously to recharge at 8,000W. This will let you charge in just a couple hours, so you’re always prepared with enough juice to keep your important electronics powered.

These new power solutions from BLUETTI are just a small selection of what the company has to offer. To see the new gear and the rest of the product lineup, head over to BLUETTI’s site here. 

Constant glitches and faulty pre-sale codes also made it a gut-wrenching task when fans did finally get through to adding tickets to their baskets. And those that did manage to get to the final hurdle became victims of dynamic pricing, where sheer demand skyrocketed ticket prices so that many were struggling to justify nosebleed seats.

In a devastating turn of events, Ticketmaster then canceled the general sale of Taylor Swift tickets, so if you missed out on the elusive pre-sale, you're almost out of luck. 

With such an anticipated event, it's understandable that many fans have been left feeling defeated and deceived by the experience. Taylor issued a statement against Ticketmaster's practices where she wrote: "And to those who didn’t get tickets, all I can say is that my hope is to provide more opportunities for us all to get together and sing these songs". So, there is a glimmer of hope that more tour dates will be announced in due course. 

However, re-sale concert ticket sites are currently the only option for scoring Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets, which can often feel like tiptoeing into the unknown of potential scams. Here, we've explored the best concert ticket sites to offer you peace of mind if you do decide to take the plunge, and the safest ways to ensure that the tickets you're buying are legit. 

Should you buy Taylor Swift tickets right now? 

With Taylor's statement implying a glimmer of hope for more North America tour dates, you may be facing the dilemma of holding out for a general sale or hedging your bets with re-sale tickets. 

If you can afford to pay re-sale tickets, there's no harm in choosing to go down this route. It can often seem like a risky avenue when the excessive demand results in a higher amount of scams, however, there are websites with guarantees in place to minimize the likelihood of this happening as much as possible. 

What are the best concert ticket sites to buy from? 

Buying concert tickets is often a stressful task, so ensuring you're buying from the best concert ticket sites is key to creating added peace of mind. 

Despite faith in Ticketmaster faltering as a result of the crazy demand, they are still a reliable website for buying from as they offer a refund on any rescheduled event. 

For buying resale tickets, we've also rated ViaGoGo highly. Tickets can be priced higher than their face value, however, if the event is cancelled and not rescheduled you get a huge 135% refund. There is also a guarantee from the company that you will receive your ticket before the event. 

TicketCity is also a great choice for either buying resale tickets or selling unwanted tickets. They buy your ticket directly from you so there's no waiting around to see if it will sell, and equally reassurance that the ticket is in TicketCity's hands. 

Whether you're looking for a complete home backup grid, or a portable power system for outdoor activities, the BLUETTI range has you covered. And this Black Friday you can enjoy deep discounts of up to 30% across the range of inverters and battery combos.

Here are the best deals on home power this shopping season.

Protect your home

Chief among the motivations for setting up a home power grid is, of course, blackouts. Depending on your needs and where you live, these can range from irritating to disastrous, causing everything from data loss and spoiled food to serious emergencies.

The right back up system can prevent this. Plus, it will also reduce your energy costs and even provide a portable power source whenever you need to hit the road for work or pleasure.

Top of the home backup range is BLUETTI's AC500 5000W inverter and accompanying B300S power cell. This prime pairing raised more than 11 million dollars on Indiegogo in just two months, but on Black Friday the AC500 plus a single B300S will cost you just $4499 (a saving of $600).

The B300S can go from empty to 80% in as little as one hour, so there's no need to delay, whether you're taking it on the road or simply waiting for the next blackout or power surge. Hook up to six B300S batteries together to create a staggering 18,432Wh of backup power.

The rest of the range is also deeply discounted. The AC300 inverter and B300 battery combo can see you through hours of blackouts for just $2999 (down from $3699). The smaller AC200MAX inverter and B230 battery offer plentiful power for your mobile home or garage, and will cost $2799, a $499 saving. Smaller still is the AC200P, a 2000W inverter and 2000Wh battery in one unit for just $1199 (down from $1699) in the lead up to Black Friday (November 21-26). And from November 27 to November 28, the AC200P can be yours for an incredible $1,119.  

Finally, the EP500 and its bigger brother the EP500 Pro both combine a 5100Wh battery with a 2000W or 3000W inverter respectively. Set on wheels for easy mobility, these sleek units can be moved around your home or connected to a solar panel array to protect against everything from brownouts to data loss or high energy bills.

This Black Friday you can grab the EP500 for $4399 (down from $4999) and the EP500 Pro for just $4799 (down from $5999, an incredible $1200 saving).

Portable power

Whether you're trekking through the woods or just working in the garage, there's a handheld portable BLUETTI unit to match.

The lightweight EB3A comes in at a mere 10 pounds for 600W (268Wh) of power and will cost $209 (down from $299). The larger EB55 outputs 700W (537Wh) for $399 (was $499), while the still more capacious EB70S runs at 800W (716Wh). Starting November 11, you can pick it up for just $499 (down from $599). 

BLUETTI batteries and power banks will happily accept a wide variety of power sources, but the ecological frontrunner will always be BLUETTI's own solar panels. All models are portable and feature monocrystalline power cells for up to 23.4% efficiency, producing from 120W (with the PV120, $299) to 200W (with the PV200, $499) all the way up to 350W (with the PV350, $849).

Whichever you choose you'll have a free, unlimited, environmentally friendly source of energy wherever you go.

Bonuses, boxes and more

In the spirit of Black Friday and the shopping season, anyone spending more than $1000 at bluettipower.com between 00:00 on November 11 and 23:59 PST on November 29 will be entered into a draw with prizes including an EB3A Portable Powerbank, $50-$100 coupons and other brilliant BLUETTI gifts.

Look out for other spending thresholds too. For example, a $5000 spend gets you a handy and versatile mini fridge.

Finally this shopping season, the BLUETTI store will also have mystery boxes available. Basic boxes cost at $99, Pro boxes $199 and Premium boxes $299, and contain surprise gifts commensurate with the cost. Fancy a $900 Solar Generator for $199? That's totally possible with the Mystery Box Pro.

Click here to explore BLUETTI’s Black Friday deals. 

The best riding lawn mowers are a handy tool for anyone with large amounts of grass to cover, whether it's in a residential or professional setting. However, another reason why you might want to plump for a zero turn lawn mower is that they tend to be faster than other riding lawn mowers, enabling you to cover more ground in less time. This is why zero turn lawn mowers are often chosen for large expanses of space, such as school fields or gold courses. 

Unfortunately, these premium features do come with a premium price tag. Zero turn lawn mowers might be a fantastic way to make cutting grass easier and quicker, but they also tend to be more expensive than ordinary riding lawn mowers – or even non-riding mowers, such as the best gas lawn mowers. 

If you're considering investing in a zero turn lawn mower, we've broken down exactly what you need to know about these handy machines below. 

What is a zero turn lawn mower?

So, what is a zero turn lawnmower? “A zero turn lawn mower is a riding lawn mower but has several distinctions for superior performance,” says Andy Massignan, Product Director for the Residential Lawn Portfolio at AriensCo. 

Like other riding lawn mowers or lawn tractors, they allow you to cover large spaces that your average mower can’t handle. You can choose between seated and stand-behind models depending on personal preference. If you’re not used to a riding lawn mower, the novelty of it makes mowing feel less of a chore.

Zero turn lawnmowers are specially designed to give you enhanced handling. “Instead of a steering wheel, zero-turns use two handles that steer the front and the rear wheels independently, giving them a near-zero turning radius that is useful for navigating tight spaces and mowing close to structures and around obstacles,” says Andy. So if you have awkward tight spots, a zero turn lawn mower can tackle these hard-to-reach areas. The maneuverability means they’re easy to handle which takes the chore out of maintaining your lawn.  

Yet what’s the difference between a zero turn lawn mower and a lawn tractor? “As zero turn lawn mowers are purpose-built grass cutting machines, they offer significantly reduced grass cutting times over traditional lawn tractors,” explains Andy.

What are the benefits of a zero turn lawn mower?

Zero turn lawn mowers have the edge over traditional lawn mowers when it comes to maneuverability and speed. 

Looking for turning capability? Superior handling is where a zero turn lawn mower comes into its own. “For those with landscapes that require a more maneuverable machine due to tight spaces and obstacles, zero-turns are ideal mowers,” says Andy. So if there are obstacles like trees, planting beds, or swimming pools in the way, a zero turn lawn mower can get you out of a tight spot. Even better, many zero turn mowers allow you to reverse, which makes it easy to navigate around whatever is in your way. 

If you want to get the job done quickly, a zero turn lawn mower is your friend. Andy advises they’re a great choice “for people with large spaces to cut, such as sports fields or large lawns.”  Andy adds that zero turn lawn mowers are typically much faster than your average lawn tractor. You’ll free up time to sit back and enjoy the view. 

You’ll find that many of the latest zero turn lawn mowers are battery-powered. Andy explains that this can “help owners save on fuel costs, reduce noise, and simplify maintenance.”

What are the drawbacks of a zero turn lawn mower?

While zero turn lawn mowers offer a host of benefits, you’ll want to be aware of the drawbacks too. These are high-end products common to professional settings. As you might expect, these premium features come at a price. “Zero turns cost more than traditional mowers, but they provide exponential speed, maneuverability, and quality of cut,” says Andy. While they may be more expensive than other models, a zero turn lawn mower may be worth the investment if you’re mowing a large area. 

However, if you have a smaller backyard, you'll likely find that a standard lawn mower will be more than enough to keep your grass looking healthy and tidy. It's also worth noting that all riding lawn mowers, including zero turn models, will need significantly more storage space than other mowers. 

Essentially, unless you have a large amount of grass to cut and a large space to keep your mower (you'll want to avoid storing any lawn mower outside), you might want to avoid a zero turn lawn mower. 

Another potential drawback that's worth keeping note of is a zero turn lawn mowers ability to handle steep terrain. Andy cautions against using a zero turn lawn mower on a hill, so if your backyard features a significant slope, then you might want to look elsewhere. 

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iRomaScents is a compact device that is designed to release a 'tightly directed dose of a scent called a "whiff", either on demand or in sync with a video'. This product can be loaded with up to 45 different scents at a time, with 'hundreds of lifelike scents' available, from outdoor environments (presumably such as forests or grass), food, drinks and perfume. This device is designed to store over 5,000 'whiffs', which the brand states is 'enough for weeks of unattended operation'. 

While iRomaScents suggests that this product could be a great fit for cinema and retail environments, we're particularly interested in its application for the home – particularly when used in conjunction with the best TVs and the best sound bars. iRomaScents explains that movie and game directors will be able to add scent to their projects using the ScentTrack editor. This proprietary editing software will enable video editors to add scents to a movie or commercial, similarly to how a soundtrack can be added. 

The company explains, 'Select the aroma you want, drag it onto the ScentTrack timeline, and it will be automatically triggered when the movie/ video reaches that point'. This will mean that consumers will be able to smell the 'musty odor' of dungeons in a video game, or the 'pine needles' of a forest in their favorite movie. 

Exciting and futuristic this might be, but how close are consumers to being able to experience this for themselves? According to the iRomaScents website, the device is expected to launch as a 'fully viable product' during 2022 and patents are pending. Agreements with developers and manufacturers are currently being finalized and iRomaScents is also in discussion with universities regarding potential cooperation.

As such, we wouldn't expect to see iRomaScents on the shelves any time soon. However, we wouldn't be surprised to see the device pop up in fragrance stores a little sooner as a quick and easy way for customers to test perfume. 

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At the Bespoke Home 2022 event, the brand unveiled an impressive range of new smart and elegant appliances, all destined to make users' lives easier using AI, while also saving energy. The Bespoke range includes some of the best french door refrigerators, vacuums and air purifiers. Samsung has also announced new high-tech ovens and dishwashers coming soon in Europe, and the AI washer and a dryer that will be available in the US this summer.

“This year, we are excited to build on our vision by offering consumers more ways to be self-expressive, experience the connected services and live more sustainably at home with Bespoke," said JaeSeung Lee, President and Head of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics.

What is being launched, and when?

Some of Samsung's Bespoke Home range is already available to buy in the US. You can grab one of their flagship customizable fridges, choosing from French Door and Bottom Freezer and from a range of 12 beautiful colors and two finishes (steel or glass). You can also choose a fridge with a Family Hub Panel, a touchscreen that lets you do anything from checking your video doorbell, giving instructions to your smart assistant, making a list of what's in your fridge and setting expiry date reminders.

In May, the brand announced an option to further customize fridges for US customers, giving them the option to print their own designs on their fridge doors. The MyBespoke custom design panels will be available later this year. 

Samsung is also bringing AI-powered solutions to the laundry room with a brand new washer dryer combo, which will be launching in the US in July 2022. The Bespoke AI washer will feature an impressive 5.3 cubic ft capacity and the brand's patent AI OptiWash system to optimize the amount of water and detergent needed to handle each load of laundry. The washer will be available in Brushed Navy, Brushed Black, and Silver Steel, with the Forest Green shade coming in October 2022.

The Bespoke dryer uses AI Optimal Dry to monitor your clothes' water content and optimize the cycle accordingly. The Advanced Moisture Sensor adjusts the temperature and length of your drying cycle according to your clothes' level of humidity, saving precious energy during your daily chores.

The new washer and dryer also feature a Smart Dial that saves your favorite washing and drying setting for ease of use. And for busy professionals and families, the Super Speed Washer and Super Speed Dryer features can make your clothes ready to wear in just an hour!

All of these appliances will be controllable through Samsung's new connected hub, SmartThings Home Life, which is launching this June globally. The hub will enable users to personalize their appliances and control them remotely, and encompasses Cooking, Energy, Clothing Care, Pet Care, Air Care, and Home Care. 

Our first impressions

The specs are impressive, but what did we think of Samsung's latest Bespoke Home launch? We got up close and personal with the appliances to give you our honest opinion. 

As we've come to expect from the brand, the products are beautiful and sleek, allying high-tech features and great design. We love the vibrant and original new colors available for the Bespoke fridges, which will add a pop of color to any kitchen. 

The new washer and dryer look similarly premium, with a brushed finish and elegant color options. Green and navy aren't colors we're used to seeing in washing machines, and we were big fans!

All of the appliances come with highly responsive LCD screens and touch panels which make using them an absolute pleasure. Samsung is all about making people's lives easier and reducing pain points, and we've got to say, we think they've achieved just that. The sheer amount of functions packed into the SmartThings hub is really impressive: from cataloging what's in your fridge to sending recipes over to appliances (a function only available in Europe and Asia, for now!) to checking on your laundry, you can simplify your life and make chores a delight with the Bespoke Home range.

Your real enemy during hot weather is air that doesn’t move. When it stagnates and  your own body heat contributes to the mix, it can be impossible to feel refreshed. Getting that air to move away from you with cooler air taking its place is pivotal, and the Dreo Pilot Max is a serious air mover.

This tower fan can send through 1,475 cubic feet of air every minute. Sit next to the Pilot Max and the hot air is never going to get a chance to settle on you. You don’t have to sit right next to the Pilot Max, though. Thanks to its powerful impeller fan, it can blow with wind speeds up to 26 ft/second and reach as far as 32 feet away. Just drop the Pilot Max into a corner and it’ll keep the air moving for the whole room between that powerful airflow and its 120-degree oscillation range. Feeling a little greedy and want the fan to focus on you? You can control its oscillation range so it doesn’t stray too far. Since the fan is lightweight, you can also bring it from room to room easily, letting you stay cool wherever you go.

You don’t even have to wait until you’re uncomfortable to get the fan running. With a built-in temperature sensor, the Dreo Pilot Max can react to the weather, letting it dial up the speeds when it’s hot and slow down when things cool off. 

All that power doesn't come with a lot of racket or a high electricity bill, either. The fan operates at just 48dB at maximum speeds but can run as low as 25dB in its sleep mode. Why’s it called sleep mode? Because it’s quiet enough for you to easily fall asleep even while it’s running. That same sleep mode also sips so little electricity that you could run the Pilot Max for all three months of summer and only spend a bit over a dollar on your energy bill. Of course, you can also use the sleep timer to save even more energy by automatically shutting the fan off after one to twelve hours. 

You can get ready for the impending summer heat by getting the Dreo Pilot Max from Dreo directly order it through Amazon or from Walmart. 

Lawns can become patchy for a number of reasons. It might be that it’s not been well cared for in the past and the whole lawn has just become stressed and prone to disease. If a good mowing regimen using the best gas lawn mower or the best electric lawn mower has not been stuck to, it can lead to areas that fail to thrive – but we've got some great tips so you know how to fix patchy grass. 

However, a lack of care is not always the cause for patchy grass and there’s a number of factors that can result in a lawn that looks less than its best.

What causes patchy grass?

As we mentioned, there’s a number of things that can cause patchy grass. However, as David Gower, chairman of the Lawn Association points out, “unless you identify the cause, you may be back to do it again, unless you can alter why it was like that in the first place. And most importantly, when seeding repair patches, choose a grass species to match your existing grass.  Otherwise, that patch may literally be a patch forever…’’

Some causes of patchy grass will be easy to identify and do something about, so they don’t happen again. For example, it might be a high traffic area, or you might have spilled something on the lawn - such as fuel, salt or weedkiller. You may have a dog – dog urine can be hard on grass, so if you can avoid the dog using the grass in this way, this would resolve the problem (of course, this can be easier said than done!).  

Another very common cause of lawn patches is something being left on the lawn. If you have kids it might be a paddling pool, a soccer goal or basketball hoop. A plant or tree that overhangs the lawn can also cause a patch – in this case you may need to cut it back, or accept that grass won’t grow in that area.

Other less easily identifiable problems are pests and diseases - or a ‘dry patch’, which simply repels water.

How to fix patchy grass

So how can you fix patchy grass? David Gower, chairman of the Lawn Association, has a number of solutions, depending on the root case of the problem.

He says, ‘’For spillages, try to identify what it may be that was spilt. Regardless of that, prioritize ‘flushing’ it away from the lawn surface as quickly as you can in order to be able to repair/soil and seed.

"This is the same for dog urination spots. The high ‘ammonia’ nitrogen source within the dog’s urine is too concentrated. Fork the area at very close spacings and using a watering can (you can add dish soap too) soak the area a few times to enable the urine to go deeper away from where you will be putting down new seed.

"For spillages of oil or fuel, digging the area out is a more sensible option. Excavate to about 4-6ins and remove as much of the soil as needed. Then import new soil and add the correct seed.

"If it’s a disease patch, it may need some help, depending on the extent of damage, but nature also has a way of repairing it, with natural growth and grasses covering bare patches.

"If it's dry or hydrophobic soil (often seen in the heat of summer) then the best you can do is to fork the area to 1-2in depth and hydrate it with water mixed with some dish soap. Then soak the area daily. It may not cure, but it will help create a condition that allows new seed to germinate and survive.’’

When it comes to filling your patch there are two options - seed or sod. Sowing seed is easy and inexpensive. But you need some patience, as it can take as long as six months for the patch to become completely blended into your original lawn. You also can’t mow the patch for a good few weeks.  

You could also choose to repair the spot by cutting a piece out of a roll of grass sod. If you have a few areas to sort out, this might be the better option.

Whichever method you choose, try to time the job for the start of the growing season in spring, so that the grass has had time to establish itself before winter. It’s worth asking for advice from your local garden centre so you get the right grass at the right time for your growing region.

To prepare the ground for seeding, use a form to dig down a couple of inches and break up the soil, removing any weeds or stones. Mix in some compost or good-quality top soil, to give your seeds a decent start. Rake it through together and then tamp it down, so the ‘patch’ is level with the rest of the lawn. 

Sow seed in a thin layer (you could instead choose to use a patch repair product, as this will include not only seed but also mulch and fertilizer). Cover with mulch and then water. You can fertilize once the new grass is established. Don’t be tempted to mow until it has grown higher than your existing lawn!

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Between games consoles, streaming media, the best blu-ray players, fancy sound systems and plenty more, there’s never been a bigger fight for control of your screen – and that often means some of the best HDMI cables have to dangle there, disconnected.

Fear not, though. There are solutions to this problem, namely HDMI splitters vs HDMI switchers. However, these two products do different things, so it’s worth brushing up on the differences and best use cases for each one, lest you end up buying the wrong one.

Whether you’re using an HDMI splitter or an HDMI switcher, it’s worth noting that they can add some input lag because it’s essentially another additional link in the “chain” that your signal passes through. Luckily, it’s milliseconds at most.

Another question a lot of users ask is if there’s a drop-off in quality, and the answer is no – at least as long as you’re using a high-quality cable and switcher or splitter. Cheaper alternatives may produce lower quality, which will be more noticeable at higher resolutions, so be sure to check the user reviews before buying any HDMI splitter or switcher.

However, just as with HDMI cables and ports, there are things to look out for. For example, if an HDMI splitter or switcher is HDMI 1.4 and isn’t HDMI 2.0 compatible, it’ll cap out at 1080p. This means that if you’ve got a 4K signal going into it, you’ll see a significant drop-off in quality as a result.

With that in mind, we’d recommend pushing the boat out and trying to find at least an HDMI 2.0 splitter or switcher, or future-proofing yourself with an HDMI 2.1 option for higher frame rates and the potential for 8K down the line.

What is an HDMI splitter?

An HDMI splitter takes the video and audio from one source and pushes the signal to multiple screens. This means that you can play the latest games on multiple TVs at once. In any situation where you want your movie, TV show or game to appear on multiple displays, you can use an HDMI splitter to divert the connection outwards. In simple terms, consider it very similar to a headphone switcher from before the Bluetooth revolution.

HDMI splitters are often used in electronics stores to run demos across multiple screens or for streaming gameplay to a separate capture device. However, a splitter would also come in handy if two TVs in different rooms are hooked up to the same Blu-ray player. It’s also ideal if you switch between two displays regularly, such as a TV, a monitor or a projector.

What is an HDMI switcher?

An HDMI switcher is more or less the opposite to a HDMI splitter. It takes multiple HDMI sources and pushes them into a single, switchable output. This means you can swap between your PlayStation 5 and your favorite TV shows without having to unplug inputs. You can pay more for additional input sources too, so if you want to push as many as four signals through the same HDMI switcher, the option is there.

As we mentioned before, though, it’s worth making sure you spring for an HDMI 2.1 option, particularly if gaming. This is because the likes of Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 won’t be able to hit the highest frame rates if your switcher doesn’t support that standard.

Can one device do both functions?

Yes, but it gets a little complex – not because of the products themselves, but because of how they’re named. Splitters tend to be described in terms of “[number of inputs]x[number of outputs]”, meaning a splitter of 1x2 can take one signal and push it to two outputs. That makes sense, right?

Things get a tad more tricky when you factor in devices that take multiple inputs and can push them to multiple outputs. These aren’t always called switchers or splitters, though, so you’ll need to look out for those numerical values. So, a product that says “3x2” in the name can take three different HDMI sources and put them through to two different outputs, thus acting as both switcher and splitter.

For example, that may mean your games console, your set-top box and a Blu-ray player can all be hooked up to two TVs at once.

HDMI splitter vs HDMI switcher

Despite the similar names, both HDMI splitters and switchers serve very different purposes. If you’re sending your video and audio signal to multiple monitors, use a splitter. If you’re sending multiple signals to a single monitor, go for the switcher.

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With solid air filtration, your home can become a refuge from the pollen peril of the season. The Dreo Macro Pro is built to filter out pollen, other allergens, and much more from rooms big and small, letting you breathe fresh air everywhere in your home and start each day on the right foot.

Powering the Dreo Macro Pro is a capable, 360-degree air intake fan. This lets the unit pull in and circulate a ton of air, so nothing gets left behind. In small rooms, like a 100-sq.-ft bedroom, it can filter through all the air in just 4.4 minutes. In a bigger 283-sq.-ft room, it’ll clean all the air five times an hour. Even a 679-sq.-ft room will see its air cleaned twice an hour. With that kind of performance, pollen and other allergens simply won’t get a chance to build up.

So, what’s happening to all the air flowing through the Dreo Macro Pro? First, it’s getting pulled through a large pre-filter. This gathers up dust, lint, hair, and crucially, pollen. That’s your allergy problem solved right there, but it’s only the first stage of cleaning. The second stage is an H13 HEPA filter that can capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size, letting it round up even some viruses and bacteria. Finally, the air passes through an activated carbon layer that absorbs bad odors, formaldehydes, and volatile organic compounds. 

All that is to say, the air that goes in might have seen your allergies flare up, but the air coming out is remarkably fresh. 

Of course, all that pollen is going to keep coming for months. Thankfully, the Dreo Macro Pro is ready for the long-haul in the fight against pollen. The system runs so efficiently, you can operate it at its maximum power setting for a week straight for just 30 cents. That’s all spring and all summer, non-stop, for about the price of a large latte and a muffin. 

You don’t even have to run it at full power to get the benefits, though. The Dreo Macro Pro is able to assess air quality and can adjust its power as needed. You can even run it at night in your bedroom thanks to its ultra-quiet, 20dB volume in Sleep Mode. That’s good for fresh air all night and a spritely start to your day.

If you want to give the air you’re breathing a bit of spring cleaning, you can get the Dreo Macro Pro directly from Dreo and from Amazon.

There's a number of ways to make your backyard low maintenance, whether it’s choosing the right kind of plants, replacing the lawn with paving slabs, building raised planters or mulching to help keep the weeds at bay. Here, we explain just some of the ways you can build a low maintenance garden, so you can really enjoy your outdoor space year-round. Whether this means investing in one of the best electric weed eaters to make keeping your lawn clear of pesky weeds easier, or simply getting rid of your lawn altogether, there are plenty of things to try. 

Horticulturalist Kate Watkinson explains what makes a garden low maintenance and how readers can get the most ‘bang for their buck’ time and effort-wise. “Our gardens are more important than ever to us these days, not only as a place for us to relax and maintain a feeling of mental wellbeing, but also as an opportunity to grow our own food for physical and economic benefits. Gardening should be a joyful experience, but if you are just about to flex your green fingers for the first time, keeping to these tips below will ensure that your garden is low maintenance and stress free!

"Those with smaller or urban gardens can still enjoy an abundance of beautiful edible bounty, when growing vegetables in pots. It’s amazing the types of veggies you can grow in this way from aubergines to cucumber to pepper to tomatoes, the list goes on. And if you grow varieties of ornamental plants that need overwintering, you can just pick up the pot and move to winter quarters with ease."

How to build a low maintenance garden

1. Ditch the lawn

Keeping grass looking great can take time - especially if you live in a region that is dry for much of the year. Lawns need watering and feeding - and regular mowing to really keep them looking their best (not to mention using one of the best lawn edgers for a neat and tidy finish). So if that’s a job you’re not willing to do, consider getting rid of your lawn - or at least don’t have so much of it! If you do want to keep some lawn, you could invest in one of the best robot lawn mowers, which can be set up to mow the lawn regularly. These mowers cut the grass into tiny pieces, which act as a mulch and help to feed the grass, so there’s no need to collect grass clippings.

2. Pave your garden

Introduce paving and gravel instead. You can still introduce planting pockets to break up the hard landscaping and soften edges, but it will be so much easier to look after than a lawn. Consider your paving material carefully, as some materials can stain easily or become slippery. A flat hard surface is a safer choice if you need a stick or frame to walk, or use a wheelchair. Consult a local hard landscaper about what is suitable for the weather conditions where you live.

3. Keep it covered with mulch

Mulch - such as bark chips - can be used to fill in spaces around plants. Cover your flower beds with mulch and you will achieve several things First, you will cut down on weeds, which find it hard to grow through the mulch, and second, you will reduce the need for watering, as the mulch helps to keep the moisture in the ground, rather than evaporating. Covering up the soil between the plants keeps it looking good too, and as the mulch decomposes, it helps to feed the soil. And mulch often smells great too. You may have to top it up now and again, but it is a simple job.

4. Use containers to change the seasons

You can keep your backdrop very simple by filling your backyard with evergreen plants and shrubs. Providing a green backbone to your outdoor space all year round, there will be few leaves to sweep up. To introduce seasonal color, simply introduce flowering plants in containers. Bulbs for the spring, flowering annuals in the summer, and flowering plants such as chrysanthemums, which look fabulous in containers in the fall.

5. Choose low maintenance bulbs

Bulbs are probably the easiest thing to grow. Pop the bulbs in containers or in the ground, and they will reward you with years of color. Spring bulbs should be planted in the fall (you may need to check that they will withstand the temperatures in your region - ask at your local plant nursery). Daffodils add a touch of sunny yellow, tulips come in all colors, while hyacinths bring a lush scent. Bulbs that bloom in the fall include dainty crocus, nerine and calla lilies.

6. Create seating areas

If you want to lose the lawn, replace it with paved seating areas. Not only will you not have to do any mowing, but you will also create plenty of places to sit and enjoy your garden - rather than working hard on it! Add plants in containers around your seating areas, which will be easier to look after than large flower beds.

7. Build raised beds

Raised beds are generally filled with compost, so you won’t be introducing weeds into the area. They can also be mulched (as suggested above) to keep weeds at bay and retain moisture. If you have mobility issues or a bad back, raised beds on legs can make gardening easier - you won’t need to bend down or kneel to tend to your plants. They can also be used as extra seating, or raised to the correct level to allow a wheelchair user to enjoy gardening. Raised beds can make it easy to grow vegetables, too.

8. Introduce ornamental grasses

To add some height and movement to an evergreen backdrop, plant some ornamental grasses. They are happy to be left to their own devices, and in the fall and winter can add interest - ornamental grasses covered in frost look so pretty! In early spring, simply chop them right back and they will come back to life through the summer.

9. Make watering easy

An irrigation system will make your gardening so simple. It may take some time to get it set up, but once it’s ready, your watering is done for you - no need to worry if you go away for a few days, and no need to rush out into the garden before work to water before the sun gets too hot. Install a system with a timer and you won’t ever need to think about watering again!

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Fed up with the hassle of lawn maintenance? A mulching lawnmower is a great choice as it saves you from adding fertilizers to keep the grass green. Even better, minimizing the use of chemicals means you get to do your bit for the environment. 

• Read more: Best gas lawn mowers

You may still be asking yourself, but what is a mulching lawnmower? Help is at hand, as we’ll ask the experts to walk you through how mulching lawnmowers work, the benefits and the drawbacks. We’ll give you the information you need to decide whether it’s the right choice for you.

What is a mulching lawnmower?

A mulch is a material you add to the soil to give it extra nutrients. You’ll likely have heard about people topping up their flower beds with layers of manure or compost to give plants a boost. Mulching lawnmowers use the same principle so you can reap the benefits of a happy, healthy lawn. Whether you want to use the best electric lawn mowers or the best riding lawn mowers, you can find models that incorporate mulching. 

So what is a mulching lawnmower? “A mulching lawnmower is a lawnmower that cuts grass into very fine pieces. They fall easily onto the soil's surface where they can be rapidly broken down by soil microorganisms. This releases nutrients from the lawn back into the soil,” explains Michael Clarke, founder of Pulled, an online home management platform. As the grass decomposes, it gives new life to the soil and keeps your grass healthy and green. 

“This is very different from bagging lawnmowers that collect grass clippings as the lawnmower blade cuts and removes them from the lawn surface,” adds Michael. Unlike traditional lawnmowers, you’re essentially recycling the grass clippings, which is a more sustainable approach.

Benefits of a mulching lawnmower

Your choice of lawnmower will depend on your circumstances. “A mulching lawnmower is useful when mowing large areas of grass when you can’t collect and dispose of the clippings,” says Michael.

“Because mulching lawnmowers allow the grass clippings to be utilized by the soil, there is less of a need for nutrients such as nitrogen to be added artificially to the lawn to maintain a healthy appearance,” says Michael. As a result, you’ll cut down on the work needed to keep your lawn a healthy shade of green. This saves time so you can tend to your favorite plants or simply sit back and admire your lawn. 

In the summer months, it’s common for lawns to develop unsightly brown patches. A mulching lawnmower may offer a solution. “Mulching can help your lawn retain moisture during the heat of the summer with the mulched clippings acting as a natural barrier from the sun,” says Michael. The layer of grass clippings prevents the sun from penetrating the soil and depriving it of moisture. You’ll spare yourself the hassle of watering the lawn to keep those dry patches at bay.

Mulching lawnmowers are beneficial both for you and the planet. The mulching process replenishes the soil with nutrients. As a result, you won't need to rely so much on artificial fertilizers and herbicides, which damage the environment. A mulching lawnmower is kind to the planet, which brings a feel-good factor.

Drawbacks of a mulching lawnmower

For all their benefits, there are drawbacks to mulching lawnmowers.  “Mulching can be messy, especially if you mow your lawn infrequently and the grass has grown very tall. The green color released from the freshly cut grass blades can stain sidewalks and concrete surfaces,” cautions Michael.  While you’ll save time on lawn upkeep, you’ll need to pay attention to lawnmower maintenance and remember to sharpen the blades. 

With a mulching lawnmower, the grass is greener, as it releases extra nutrients into your soil. If sustainability is a priority for you, why not give a mulching lawnmower a try?

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The Nomad One is the latest tower fan from Dreo, and it’s packing a lot of capabilities into an economical and compact design that’ll look great in your home.  At just three feet tall and taking up less than a square foot of floor space, the Dreo Nomad One will be easy to find space for just about anywhere in your home, helping it serve you wherever you want to stay cool in your home.

Despite its size, the Dreo Nomad One is boasting powerful and silent cooling power. The specially designed impeller fan is able to produce breezes of up to 24-ft/seconds. All that air movement means hot, humid air won’t get a chance to cling to you and bring on the summer’s oppressive heat. That power comes at a low volume, too, with the Dreo Nomad One maxing out at 48dB and running as low as 34dB for a soothing breeze you could fall asleep to. With four modes and four speeds, you’ll easily be able to dial in a comfortable setting.

Thanks to a 90-degree oscillation range, the Dreo Nomad One makes it simple to maximize the fan’s benefits. You can just set it up in front of you on the couch to cool you and anyone else sitting nearby, or you can set it up in a corner of the room to get the air circulating throughout the space. 

The Dreo Nomad One further optimizes your experience with convenient touch panel controls that make it easy to check settings and dial in your preferences. If you want to stay relaxed and adjust settings on the fan, there’s also a remote control included. Plus, you can leave the fan running with a sleep timer knowing it won’t stay on longer than you want it to. This will help to conserve electricity on top of the savings you get by using an efficiency tower fan instead of an air conditioner. 

Since the Nomad One is going to be doing a lot of work around the house with its portable design, Dreo also ensured it was easy to clean. All the dust that gets caught in fans over the course of their operation won’t be as much of a hassle to deal with in the Dreo Nomad One thanks to its removable rear grille and impeller, which you can simply rinse off to start over fresh and clean.

If you want to see what a helpful partner the Dreo Nomad One can be for you this summer, you can find it on Amazon here or from Walmart. 

According to a recent survey the average yard size in the US is 0.15 acres, and home gardeners can spend anywhere from seven to 47 days of their life mowing the lawn (that’s as much as 0.17% of your life spent cutting grass!). So it makes sense that you spend that time well, mowing your lawn in the right way.

Of course, the first thing you need is a lawn mower, such as one of the best gas lawn mowers or best electric lawn mowers. And if you need a new mower before you even get started, check out our guide to the best gas lawn mower.

Here, we’ll take a look at the whole mowing process, along with the correct tools to use, when and how often you need to cut your grass, and more.  

Lawn expert David Gower Hedges, who is the chairman of the Lawn Association, explains why you should regularly mow your lawn. 

“Mowing a lawn is the simplest thing we do, yet the one that can undermine any work you do to improve it.  Mowing is one of our pruning techniques we have (for our native grasses) and when done regularly and correctly it simply thickens your lawn.  But that’s not all.  Plenty can still go wrong and it’s normally to do with the most important feature… the lawnmower blade.

Whether you use a cylinder or rotary mower, the blade sharpness is key to a healthy plant. Sharpen it irregularly and you will cause the grass blades to tear and cause stress. The plant will lose the ability to take up food and water efficiently. So, buy a spare blade and a file or angle grinder and sharpen up. Get the fundamentals right and the remainder of the year will be a breeze."

How to mow a lawn

What tools to use

Choosing a lawn mower will depend mostly on your budget, and the size of your lawn.

If you have a large area, one of the best riding lawn mowers will be a great investment, but they are not cheap. When it comes to push mowers, you can opt for one that is self-propelled, this means you don’t have to do so much pushing, so if you aren’t very fit, or simply want to make the job easier, this will be the model for you.

Some lawn mowers also mulch the clippings, leaving them to feed the grass. Again, these models usually cost a little more, but it does mean you don’t have to rake the grass up at the end - saving time and effort. Another benefit over a mower that collects the clippings in a bag or bin, is that you don’t have to dispose of the clippings.

You could also invest in one of the best robot lawn mowers - these are guided by thin wires laid in your lawn, and they mow little and often, keeping your lawn in great shape. They are quite an investment though.

How much grass should you cut?

Aside from ensuring that your mower blades are sharp (see David Gower Hedges’ comments), you should also ensure you don’t set your mower blade too high to begin with.

You might think that - like getting a haircut - if you cut the grass really short, you won’t have to mow the lawn for a long time. But, aside from leaving your grass at risk from being scorched by the sun, leaving the grass blades longer means that the roots will also grow deeper, leaving you with a more established lawn. So, yes, you might have to mow a few times more, but the quality of your lawn will be the reward. So set your mower to only cut about the top third of the grass.

This should apply to most types of grass, but there may be some exceptions.

Keep yourself protected

Wear a protective shoe or boot when mowing, and eye protection or some sunglasses to help to keep flying bits of grass or earth out of your eyes. And ensure pets and small children are safely out of the way. 

When should you start mowing?

Usually, you should start mowing your lawn in the spring, when it reaches around 2in tall. The same applies for a new lawn grown from seed - don’t be tempted to start cutting before it reaches this height! As we’ve already mentioned, don’t go for a dramatic cut - aim to trim off around a third of the height. For new lawns, the stress of a more harsh cut could kill it off.

How often should you mow?

You should be guided by your lawn growth. If your grass has not grown much, there’s no point mowing at the weekend because that's what you always do - you will end up cutting your grass too short and it will suffer. During the spring, when grass grows the most, you may well be mowing twice a week to keep it in check - while once it gets hot in the summer, you might only mow once a week, or even once every two weeks if you're lucky! If it’s very hot, make sure you’re not mowing in the heat of the day…

What time of day should you mow?

It’s best to mow your lawn once it is dry - so cutting it in the early morning is not a good idea as it will be wet. You’ll also find that your mower is more likely to get clogged up with the wet clippings, and leave soggy clumps of grass all over the lawn. You also need to avoid the hottest time of the day, as the sun can scorch your grass - so late afternoon or early evening is a good time to get the mower out.

When should you stop mowing?

Usually, you would carry out your last cut around the end of October - this may vary a little depending on where you live and the weather conditions. Once you start getting cold nights, the grass is likely to become dormant and will simply stop growing. You should be able to tell this just from looking at it!

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You may be wondering just what the difference is. After all, can it really be that different from the best laptops if it’s got a trackpad, a keyboard, and a screen. Here’s the main differences between Chromebooks and laptops, and what it means to you.

Chromebooks vs laptops

At the most basic level, you can consider the differences to be down to the operating system, or OS. Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system that’s not quite as fully featured as Windows or macOS but has its own benefits.

Chrome OS is ideal for, well, anything you do with Google Chrome on any device. It runs Google Docs, stores files in Google Drive, and is ideal for Gmail users. In fact, anyone that uses a Google Account for anything is likely to find a lot of Chrome OS functions feel familiar.

That said, if you use any specialist software, or really, any software, then your mileage will vary. That’s because unlike Windows or macOS, you can’t install anything on a Chromebook that’s not found within Google’s own web store, save for compatible Android apps.

So if you need to use Photoshop, play games, or even just install a to-do list app of your choosing, you may come unstuck.

Can I use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook?

Yes, but there are caveats. While you wouldn’t be able to install the full suite of Microsoft Office apps on a Chromebook, you can use Office 365 (Microsoft’s online subscription) and run web-based versions of the apps included.

These can still be used offline, but the experience will take some adjusting to if you’re used to opening up native versions of Word, Excel, Outlook, and co.

For many, though, Google’s own suite of apps like Docs and Sheets will fill the void quite nicely.Can I use a Chromebook offline?

Can I use a Chromebook offline?

Chrome OS no longer relies so heavily on having an online connection, but it definitely remains much more powerful with one (as you can imagine from Google). It’s all on a per-app basis.

Take Drive, for example. Google’s cloud file-sharing platform will let you plonk files inside and access them offline if they’re stored locally, while you can create a fresh Google Doc without being online.

It’s worth noting, though, that Chromebooks tend to ship with lower storage than laptop users might be used to. As a result, you shouldn’t expect to store huge files on it, and can expect to put more files in Google Drive.

Chromebook vs laptops: Which is right for you?

Because Windows and macOS are more demanding operating systems (and, compared to Chrome OS, offer a lot more flexibility), they tend to require more storage and higher-spec processors. That can mean they cost more, but does also allow you to install software of your choosing and be even less dependent on an internet connection.

Chromebooks, on the other hand, are somewhere between a laptop and a tablet in terms of what they can offer; snappy performance, but with the caveat of a limited set of applications and, therefore, utility.

If your day-to-day workload involves anything creative, things can be a little tricky on a Chromebook. Its limited power and app stores combine to impose plenty of restrictions on users. On the other hand, if you spend all day in Google Docs, Sheets, Drive or anything else, then a laptop may be overkill.

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Also known as Ultra-HD Blu-Ray, these discs aren’t just for new movies. In fact, many older classics have been updated to Ultra-HD format, complete with eye-popping color and crystal clear audio.

To play one of these fancy new discs, you’ll need an Ultra-HD Blu-ray player, which can often be round in the round-ups of the best Blu-ray players. But what are they, and what do they do? Let’s find out.

What is an Ultra-HD Blu-ray player?

At its most basic level, an Ultra-HD Blu-ray player will play your 4K Blu-ray discs just as a standard Blu-ray player plays Blu-ray discs.

Look a little closer, though, and you may be surprised by just how much they offer. Your existing Blu-ray collection caps out at a resolution of 1080p, also known as “Full HD”. That means that if you have a 4K TV, the image will be upscaled via compatible players, but it’s not a true 4K image.

An Ultra-HD Blu-ray player, though, will playback a 4K disc at, well, 4K. It’ll also bump up the frame rate, where required, up to 60 frames per second for a smoother experience. It’ll also output HDR where applicable (high dynamic range) which is essentially a wider color palette to choose from. In short, your movies will be sharper, brighter, and more vivid.

It’s not just the visuals that improve, either. You’ll find that audio is much clearer on Ultra-HD Blu-ray because they tend to support Dolby Atmos or, in some cases, DTS:X. This means object-based soundtracks that are crystalline, even compared to standard Blu-ray audio.

Wondering how UHD Blu-rays hold so much data? They come in varying sizes all the way up to 100GB of data. The higher the storage, the faster the discs need to be, so the biggest ones will playback at 128 megabits per second.

While the main draw of an Ultra-HD Blu-ray player is undoubtedly the fact that it outputs in 4K, there are still reasons for non-4K TV owners to invest. As mentioned before, the audio is much improved, while many players can actually downscale HDR content from UHD Blu-rays to work on HD TVs. There’s also an element of future-proofing – if you’re expecting to pick up a 4K TV in the future, it’ll save you also buying another Blu-ray player.

Are Xbox Series X and PS5 Ultra-HD Blu-ray players?

If you’re lucky enough to own a current-gen games console, you already have access to an Ultra-HD Blu-ray player (so long as it’s not a digital-only PS5 or the Xbox Series S).

Pop a disc in either Microsoft’s Xbox Series X or Sony’s PlayStation 5 and you’ll be able to watch your 4K Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, or DVD as you’d expect (and even CD on Xbox Series X). There are caveats, though, with HDR enabled but not via Dolby Vision or HDR10+ – the two main standards. The PS5 does have a slightly more capable Ultra-HD Blu-ray player on board, though, by being better with 24fps movies

Thankfully, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported on both, and while you’ll need to navigate the console with the controller as opposed to a dedicated remote, there are both official and third-party options that you can buy as an added extra.

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The Dreo Macro Pro is a powerful air purifier designed to tackle just about any room in the house. With powerful airflow and advanced filtration, this true HEPA air purifier can make quick work out of dusty, smokey, and allergen-ridden rooms so you can go back to breathing easily.

At the heart of the Dreo Macro Pro is its three-stage filtration. The system uses a large pre-filter that’ll cut out bigger particles. This is the stage that’s going to take a ton of pet hair, dust, lint, and pollen out of the air. Then there’s an H13 True HEPA filter that can capture microscopic particles down to 0.3 microns in size like dust mites, bacteria, and viruses, and it’ll capture 99.97% of these particles for incredibly fresh air. Finally, an activated carbon layer captures bad odors, formaldehydes, and volatile organic compounds. 

You might not be able to see a lot of what the Dreo Macro Pro captures, but you’ll be able to notice the fresher air in no time. That’s because the Dreo Macro Pro can clean the air in your rooms incredibly quickly. 

A 360-degree intake fan ensures air from all over is getting pulled through, and it's powerful enough to achieve 183 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow. Let’s see just how that translates into cleaning performance.

With the Macro Pro’s powerful airflow, it can clean all the air in a 100-sq.-ft. Room in just 4.4 minutes. Keep it running and dust, pollen, and the like will never get a chance to accumulate in the air. Got bigger rooms to handle? No problem. The Dreo Macro Pro can recycle all the air in a 283-sq.-ft room five times an hour or even a 679-sq.-ft room twice an hour. 

Given how fast the Dreo Macro Pro can clean up the air in a room, you can move it from room to room throughout the day to get your whole house sorted out. A built-in air quality indicator light will also help you see when a room’s air is properly fresh. The air quality coming from the Macro Pro isn’t just some claim made by Dreo but actually independently tested and certified by organizations including SGS and the California Air Resources Board.

Cleaner air isn’t something you have to budget for in your monthly expenses either. The Dreo Macro Pro runs so efficiently, it can stay on maximum power 24/7 for a week and only cost 30 cents on your electricity bill. A whole month of non-stop operation will cost you less than a cup of coffee from many cafes. 

If you’re ready for clean air, you can grab the Dreo Macro Pro Air Purifier from Dreo or from Amazon. 

Making a home more efficient requires a 360º approach and even small changes can add up. We’ve looked at some of the ways you can make your home more efficient so you can stop wasting money on unnecessarily high utility bills and the planet will thank you too.

Ways to make your home more efficient

1. Buy more efficient appliances

We’re not suggesting you throw out your perfectly good appliances and replace them all - that would be wasteful and costly, but when it’s time to upgrade or replace them, look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances. Energy Star is a government backed symbol and all Energy Star certified appliances have been independently tested to meet strict standards for energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that when you buy an appliance with Energy Star certification, you have assurances that it’s energy efficient, meaning it uses less energy to do the same job as other appliances, in the long term this will save you money on your utility bills.

2. Switch to LED lightbulbs

This is a really simple change that can save you a significant amount of electricity and money. According to research by Direct Energy, switching from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs could save the average home around $75 per year and that’s because they use about 80% less energy. They also last for a long time so you won’t need to replace them very frequently, based on having them switched on for eight hours a day you can expect your LED light bulbs to last as long as 17 years!

3. Reduce the temperature of your washer

The best front load washers are much more energy efficient than older models, but if you’ve got a slightly older model that you’re not looking to replace just yet, you can still use it in a more efficient way. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) says that about 90% of the energy used by your washing machine is just to heat the water. So, by opting for lower temperature washes or even cold washes, you’ll reduce the amount of energy used by your washer, plus they say that washing in cooler temperatures can prolong the lifespan of your clothes so it’s a win-win.

4. Go easy on the heating and AC

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA)  says that more than half of the energy used in homes is for heating and air conditioning. With that in mind, it’s also where you can make the biggest savings if you use it in a more efficient way. Obviously, it’s not practical for everyone to upgrade to the latest energy efficient HVAC system, although if you do need to upgrade or you’re remodeling – look for an Energy Star certified unit. But for the rest of us, the best and easiest way of being more efficient is by better controlling temperatures and making sure you’re not heating or cooling the house when you don’t need to. 

Investing in a smart thermostat is a good way to have more control over the temperature in your home. A smart thermostat can learn your routine and habits and make adjustments to save energy. You’ll also be able to control the temperature from your phone, perfect for those days when you forget to adjust the thermostat before you leave the house. Alternatively, why not take a look at the best tower fans or the best ceiling fans rather than relying on AC. 

5. Seal air leaks and add insulation

Heating or cooling air to the perfect temperature and then having it leak right out of your home is like throwing your hard-earned dollars into the trash. Check for gaps around your windows and doors, it’s an easy fix to caulk gaps or add weatherstripping to make sure they’re properly sealed. Do this around the access door to your attic too, or better yet, improve the insulation in your attic to keep the heat in. According to Energy Star sealing air leaks and adding insulation to your home can save you up to 10% on your yearly energy bill.

6. Upgrade your water heater

If your water heater is old, it probably uses more energy than it should, so it’s definitely time to think about an upgrade by investing in one of the best water heaters. Look for an Energy Star certified model with a tank capacity that’s correct for your home and water usage – there’s no point wasting money heating a huge tank of water if you have a small household.

7. Replace your windows

Old single pane windows offer little insulation from the outside temperature. Good double pane energy efficient windows can minimize heat loss as well as keeping your home cooler in the summer. But, this is an expensive upgrade and if changing out all the windows in your house isn’t an option right now, there are other things you can do. Thick, lined, or thermal curtains and drapes can help insulate a room, in winter they can reduce the amount of heat lost through windows and in summer they will keep rooms cooler by blocking the sun. The US Department of Energy estimates that when drawn, even conventional draperies can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 10% - making good curtains a worthwhile investment.

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Whether you’re looking for a standard-size dishwasher or one of the best countertop dishwashers, how the dishwasher fills with water and what type of connections you’ll need are crucial considerations. This will affect where you can place the dishwasher and whether you need to have any new pipes installed to accommodate this new appliance.

Dishwashers are a real kitchen workhorse, saving you from the time consuming and repetitive task of washing all your dishes by hand, it’s no wonder we love this appliance so much. But more than that, dishwashers actually use less water than you would typically use if you did the dishes by hand, so step away from the sink and let this appliance take care of the work for you.

You might also want to consider how loud the dishwasher is - some of the quietest dishwashers can be as quiet as a library, which means you won't have to worry about late-night cycles. And if you have a big family or simply produce a lot of dirty dishes, it might be worth looking into the largest dishwashers that will house enough crockery for up to 16 people.

Do dishwashers use hot water?

All dishwashers use hot water during the cleaning cycle. The difference is in where the hot water comes from. There are two main types of standard-size dishwashers that are commonly available in the US. The first has a cold-water hookup, it fills a tub at the base of the dishwasher with cold water and uses an element to heat the water, the dishwasher has an internal thermostat to regulate water temperatures and ensure that it’s always operating at the optimum temperature.

The second type hooks up to your household hot water supply, so when it’s running, it draws water from your hot water tank. So, if your water heater isn’t working for any reason, this will impact the water temperature in your dishwasher, meaning the cleaning ability will be reduced. For a dishwasher with a hot water hook up, your water heater will need to be set up to deliver water at a minimum of 120ºF, most dishwashers will operate the main wash cycle at around 120 – 150ºF and will use an internal element to heat water to higher temperatures for rinsing. 

To ensure your dishwasher draws in water at the correct temperature, run the hot tap in your kitchen sink until hot water comes through before you hit start on your dishwasher. This makes sure the dishwasher takes in hot water immediately instead of all of the water that’s cooled down in the pipe.

Does a dishwasher sanitize dishes?

Dishwashers can sanitize dishes provided the water temperature is hot enough. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) says that to reach its sanitization standards and achieve NSF certification, a residential dishwasher must reach 150 during the final rinse when using the sanitizing cycle. So if you’re in the market for one of the best dishwashers and you want a dedicated sanitizing cycle, it’s worth looking for a dishwasher with an NSF-certified sanitization cycle so you know it has met the minimum criteria.

We don’t need to obsessively sanitize every item in the kitchen but to protect babies from potentially harmful germs and bacteria; it’s important to sanitize their bottles. If your baby bottles can go in the dishwasher, then you can also use the dishwasher to sanitize them, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). They say that cleaning baby bottles in a dishwasher that uses hot water and a heating drying cycle or sanitizing setting means you don’t need to perform additional sanitization steps.

How do dishwashers work? 

Standard-size dishwashers work slightly differently from the way countertop dishwashers work, and each different dishwasher program works in a different way and takes a different amount of time, but the main stages of washing are always roughly the same.

Depending on whether your dishwasher has a hot or cold hookup – it’ll draw in water and heat it to the correct temperature if required.

The initial rinse or pre-wash cycle uses the spray arms or jets to spray water at the dishes, the action of the water removes any loose debris and softens hard dried on food deposits, this water is recirculated and continues dislodging food particles until the end of this stage. This water is drained away, and the dishwasher draws in fresh water for the main wash cycle, heating it to the optimum temperature.

During the main wash cycle the detergent dispenser automatically dispenses the detergent, this mixes with the hot water and together with the power of the water jets, this cycle removes all of the dirt from your dishes. The hot water and detergent mixture is repeatedly filtered, reheated, and circulated around the dishwasher so that even the toughest grime can’t escape this prolonged cleaning effort.

Next, a rinse cycle ensures all final traces of detergent and food residue are removed by spraying clean hot water around the machine repeatedly. If you use a program with a drying cycle, the dishwasher will heat the air inside the appliance to dry the dishes.

If you’re wondering how long dishwashers last, dishwashers don’t require too much maintenance, but you can make your dishwasher last longer by regularly cleaning it, checking filters, and loading it correctly.

We'll be covering exactly what causes freezer burn, so that you know how to decrease the likelihood of it happening to your freezer food in the future. Knowing the triggers is the first step to knowing how to prevent freezer burn. After that, we’ll give you the best tips and tricks for how to prevent freezer burn. Expect helpful tips that can be used to prevent freezer burn in any of the best freezers out there. 

What is freezer burn?

Curious about what is freezer burn? Freezing food is a convenient way to store your groceries for longer, but there are ways to accidentally expose your food to freezer burn. This can be either through leaving the food in the freezer for too long, or leaving it exposed to the cold air (rather than being securely packaged). 

Freezer burn can cause food to have an altered texture and flavor in some parts – and, in extreme cases, all over. In most cases, freezer burn can be prevented from spoiling perfectly good frozen food, so we asked a food safety specialist for her advice on how to prevent freezer burn.

Food safety expert Jenna Brown, is an Environmental Health Practitioner, qualified by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). Her speciality is food safety which she helps other parents to better understand with informative content on her website Food Safety Mum & Instagram page @thefoodsafetymum. 

To get to the root of how to prevent freezer burn from striking we need to understand why it happens in the first place. Jenna explains how freezer burn happens, “Freezer burn occurs when the food comes into contact with air, resulting in the food losing its moisture. Although you won't come to any harm eating food with freezer burn, the quality of the food will have deteriorated and can affect the flavor and texture of food, which you might want to bear in mind if your food has severe freezer burn!”  

Can you eat freezer burned food?

If you're wondering whether freezer burn on chicken is safe to eat, or any other type of food, the answer is technically, yes. In a pinch, a freezer–burned piece of food will not make you ill. However, it’s worth noting that it is unpleasant to eat. 

Essentially, the food has been dehydrated in the spots where it is freezer burned, making the texture of the food tough and dry. The flavor is also affected, with some food tasting musty or flavorless because of the loss of the water content containing flavor molecules. 

How to prevent freezer burn

As we now know, freezer burn has two main triggers; food being in the freezer for too long and food being left exposed to air. The best way to prevent freezer burn is to use this knowledge to control the way that food is stored and how long it is in the freezer for. 

This is made easier with these top tips shared with us by our food safety expert. Jenna explains below how to prevent freezer burn.

"Storing foods correctly in the freezer will help you combat freezer burn! For example:

• Always use the correct container when storing food in the freezer, using items such as air-tight containers or freezer bags.

• If you're using freezer bags, remember to squeeze out all of the air.

• Label food with a date so you can use a 'First in First out' rotation in your freezer. This will mean that food generally isn't in the freezer any longer than it needs to be!

• Cool food before placing it inside the freezer. After cooking, cool food as quickly as possible and make sure you place your food in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking.”

Give these tips a try for yourself and see how easy it is to keep freezer burn at bay. With a little organization and food prep, it’s not hard to protect your frozen food and you’ll never waste a frozen meal again.

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