A major perk of my job is testing cleaning and floor care appliances in my own home - something that has come in very handy after recently moving into a new (slightly neglected) house. And in an effort to restore my old, worn carpets into something that didn’t give me the heebie-jeebies, I decided to take the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner out for a spin.

Typically, the best carpet cleaners are big and cumbersome, but the new Shark CarpetForce is marketed as a lightweight, compact alternative to these larger, heavier options. But does the cleaning power match its impressive size and weight specs? That was what I wanted to find out.

In a nutshell

At 6.9 kg and with a small footprint and removable wand for easy storage, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is undoubtedly the lightest, smallest, and most manoeuvrable carpet cleaner I’ve ever tested. That alone would be enough to add it to my basket, especially in a world where these appliances can weigh over 15kg and require an entire room for storage.

But the CarpetForce also offers two cleaning modes - Express Clean and Deep Clean - allowing homeowners and renters alike the chance to give their carpets a quick refresh or a deeper, more powerful clean to get right into the carpet fibres. And during testing, Express Clean impressed me with its power and rapid drying time.

On the other hand, Deep Clean mode handled smaller, less-intrusive stains with ease, but it wasn’t quite enough to remove deep-set coffee stains, and the drying time was over 24 hours. Because of this, this carpet cleaner isn’t for those who want to take soiled, stained carpets and restore them to their former glory. Instead, I believe it’s for the everyday user who wants to refresh their carpets with more than just a vacuum cleaner.

Just be warned that with no tools or attachments, this is very much an appliance for carpets and rugs - not your sofas, upholstery or stairs. But for an affordable, compact carpet cleaner that gets the job done quickly and efficiently (and on a small scale), it left me impressed.

Specifications

• Cord length: 6m
• Clean water capacity: 3.8L
• Modes: Deep Clean, Express Clean
• Weight: 6.9 kg
• Dimensions: 32.69 cm L x 26.39 cm W x 110.9 cm H
• In the box: Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner with removable wand, 350ml Shark Deep Clean Ultra formula - Starter Bottle
• RRP: £179.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

When a brand says something, I like to think that they mean it. So, things started off well when Shark’s ‘lightest carpet cleaner’ turned up on my doorstep in a compact box weighing no more than 10kg. After all, I’m used to testing carpet cleaners (and even some vacuum cleaners) that weigh significantly more than that.

In true Shark form, everything was packaged incredibly simply and in an eco-friendly fashion - from the outer cardboard box to the paper packaging surrounding the carpet cleaner and the removable wand. The box also included an instruction manual and a starter bottle of the cleaning solution.

I was happy to see that very little assembly was required. All I had to do was click the wand into the top of the unit and remove a few sticky labels before I could inspect it in its entirety.

It's a compact model and so lightweight to carry around the house, and I knew just from looking at it that I wouldn’t have to rehome my husband to find storage space for it (which I’m sure he was happy about, too).

And while I’m used to testing carpet cleaners that also come with hoses and handheld attachments for smaller cleaning jobs, I tried not to be too disappointed. I got the feeling that this carpet cleaner was for everyday refreshes rather than deep fibre penetration and stain removal. But I was eager to test this theory out.

To get ready for the first clean, I removed the clean water tank, unscrewed the cap, and filled it to the handy ‘WATER’ fill line. Then, I topped up the rest of the tank with the solution, which was also marked with a ‘CONCENTRATE’ line.

Then, I popped it back on the unit, ready to start cleaning. From unboxing to ready-to-go, it took no more than five minutes, which is a major win in my (very busy) book.

Using the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner

We have strict rules for how we test carpet cleaners at Ideal Home, so I started the review process by throwing coffee onto a carpet sample, wiping blue toothpaste next to it, and letting the stains settle and dry for 24 hours. I then set to work on (hopefully) removing these stains with the Shark CarpetForce.

I used the ‘Deep Clean’ mode for these stains, applying the solution by pressing the trigger while slowly pushing the carpet cleaner forward. Then, I released the trigger and pulled the unit back to ‘extract’ the stains and the water/cleaning solution concoction.

One thing I noticed immediately is that Deep Clean mode uses a lot of water - so much so that it started leaking over the sides of the carpet sample. This left it soaking, and while the extraction removed a fair amount, a lot of water remained behind. In fact, it took the carpet sample over 24 hours to feel dry to the touch - a little too long, in my opinion.

The results here were fair. Although the Shark CarpetForce removed the toothpaste stain with no problem during the first Deep Clean, the coffee stain remained - albeit a lot fainter. So, I had to repeat the process a couple of days later, but even then a slight hint of brown still lingered if you looked close enough.

The issue, in my eyes, is that the CarpetForce doesn’t come with a spot-cleaning function or tool that allows for more targeted stain removal. But in Shark’s defence, it didn’t design this carpet cleaner with that in mind.

So, I can’t really fault it for not having a smaller hose or attachment for stains. It is worth considering this if you regularly have to tackle stains, though, as it may be worth buying a separate spot cleaner like the Shark Stainforce.

However, one thing that did impress me during this stain removal test was how lightweight and manoeuvrable the carpet cleaner was, so I then decided to take it for a spin on my living room rug - a cream number that, in hindsight, wasn’t a good choice in a high-traffic area when you live with a dog.

I used Express Clean for this task, and the water usage felt much more appropriate. I could see and feel that it left the rug damp, not sodden, and it looked noticeably cleaner on the first try. But what I loved most was that the rug was completely dry again in less than three hours.

I was so impressed that I decided to tackle the carpeted landing that has been giving me nightmares since we moved into this house. The property was fairly neglected when we moved in, and I had no idea how long it had been since it was last cleaned, so I was fully expecting to be horrified - and I was.

Even in Express Clean mode, the Shark CarpetForce extracted so much dirt and grime that the water turned a disgusting dark brown. But despite giving me shivers, it was extremely satisfying and took very little effort on my part.

Of course, without attachments or tools, I couldn't use this carpet cleaner to clean my carpeted stairs, which was a shame. But for a refresh of rugs and flat carpets, it did a very good job, and the 6m cord length was long enough to offer stretch without the cable getting in the way all the time.

I was also able to use one full tank of water and cleaning solution for three separate cleaning jobs - including one Deep Clean and two Express Cleans on smaller areas - so it went a lot further than I thought.

Cleaning and maintenance

While not having any tools or attachments is undoubtedly a negative for versatility, it’s certainly a positive for cleaning and maintenance. The Shark CarpetForce was surprisingly easy to look after, and not as messy as I was anticipating.

I’ve previously tested carpet cleaners where the brush roll gets ridiculously gunky where debris hasn’t been sucked fully back into the dirty water chamber, but the CarpetForce was fairly clean - just a bit wet, with a little bit of hair wrapped around the brush roll. However, I always have my Pikk-It® Hair Removal Tool (£7.99 at Amazon) to hand whenever I test a floorcare appliance, as this tends to come with the territory.

Despite the few strands caught around the brush roll, though, most of the human (and dog) hair was captured within the strainer that sits within the dirty water tank. In fact, it was completely full to the brim with hair and carpet/rug fibres, but it was easy to tap it into a bin and get rid of it all.

Then, you can pour the dirty water down the sink and clean the foam filter with soap and water. It’s also a good idea to lightly wash the dirty water tank and its removable parts in washing-up liquid and water before air-drying and reassembling. You can also remove the brushroll for a deeper clean.

One ongoing maintenance cost to consider, though, is the cleaning solution. This particular Shark carpet cleaner isn’t compatible with any other solution or carpet cleaning solutions, so you will need to buy it every so often if you’re running low - and a refill of the Deep Clean formula will set you back £14.99 at Shark. You can also buy pet- or stain-specific Shark solutions, too.

A bonus is that - unlike other carpet cleaners I’ve tested - you can store the carpet cleaner with any unused solution in the tank, and you don’t have to empty it after every use.

In terms of storage, this is also undoubtedly the smallest full-size carpet cleaner I’ve ever tested. The wand is removable, making it even smaller and easy to store in smaller homes with limited storage. So, that’s a major bonus in my book.

How does it rate online?

The Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is still relatively new to the market, but at the time of writing, it has 32 reviews and an overall rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.

Most reviewers praise the ease and manoeuvrability of the lightweight, compact carpet cleaner, saying that it was ideal for giving their carpets a refresh - especially at the low price point.

However, some have criticised how quickly it runs out of water during carpet cleaning. Others noted that it was a shame there were no tools or attachments for cleaning stairs.

How does it compare to similar models?

When comparing carpet cleaners, it’s important to compare with the top-rated model in our guide - the VAX Platinum SmartWash Pet-Design Carpet Washer. This model is significantly more expensive at £350, but it offers much more in the way of deep cleaning.

It comes with a longer power cord for extra reach, plus a 2.5m hose, 2-in-1 anti-microbial tool, SpinScrub tool, and more cleaning solutions. This meant that our reviewer could use it on everything from her rugs and sofas to her stairs with ease.

It also has a hot air dry-only setting that significantly speeds up drying time by removing moisture before you pop it away. However, it is a lot heavier at 8.9kg, and a lot bigger - making it trickier to store.

As it’s a Shark model, it’s also worth comparing it to the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner with Spot Cleaner, which I tested last year and gave a slightly higher 4.5-star review thanks to the built-in spot cleaner and Dry Only mode.

The CarpetXpert is undoubtedly a better carpet cleaner than this CarpetForce in terms of performance and features, but ultimately it depends on what you want to buy a carpet cleaner for. If you want it to give your carpets a big, deep clean, the CarpetXpert will suit you best.

If you want an everyday carpet cleaner that you can whip out quickly for quick spills and refreshes, the CarpetForce is a better option.

Should you buy the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner?

If you’re after a carpet cleaner that you can keep out of sight in a cupboard and bring out to give carpets and rugs a quick refresh, I genuinely couldn’t recommend the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner more. It ticks all those boxes, and it's extremely easy to use while effectively removing dirt, hair, and grime.

The compact size makes it an accessible option for those who have previously had to rent a carpet cleaner or pay a professional, and the low price point is a major bonus for those on a budget. However, it’s not perfect.

Its stain-removal abilities are fair, but not fantastic, and without any tools or attachments, its cleaning options are limited to rugs and large carpeted areas. This means that you’ll still need to buy another cleaning tool - like a smaller spot cleaner - for targeted stain removal, cleaning upholstery and furniture, and cleaning stairs.

But all in all, the Shark CarpetForce offers much of what it promises, and for under £180 I really do think it’ll be a welcome addition to many people’s cleaning routine.

If your grass is in need of a regular cut and you simply don't have the time for it, then listen up: the LawnMaster OcuMow 16 Vision Robot Lawnmower (RRP £299 at Amazon) is perfect for lawns up to 150m² in size, and it'll do the job for you.

Over the years I have tested several robotic mowers and, so far, this has got to be the best robot lawn mower of all of them – especially if you’re on a budget and are looking for something really easy to use with literally zero set up. It's battery-powered and has a handle, making it more portable than others on the market.

Here’s what I thought of the LawnMaster OcuMow 16 Vision Robot Lawnmower when I reviewed it on my 150m² lawn for two weeks.

In a nutshell

The LawnMaster OcuMow 16 Vision Robot Lawnmower is the easiest robotic mower I've tested. It also happens to be the most affordable, without too many compromises. I found that it cut the grass well, manoeuvring around kids' toys and planting without getting stuck like some other, smarter robot mowers.

It's ready to go straight out of the box – after inserting the battery, you just need to press a series of three buttons, and within 20 seconds you're mowing. It has a runtime of up to four hours and will stop when it runs out of juice, or you hit the "STOP" button.

Downsides? It doesn't get close to flower borders or patio edges, leaving a 15cm gap that a grass strimmer will need to tackle at some point. It also doesn't connect to an app, so there's no lawn mapping, little customisation and no scheduling ability.

That said, if you prefer a straightforward set-up with no boundary wire, and a camera and sensor operation for an impressive cut, this robot mower needs to be at the top of your wish list.

Specifications

• Max. lawn size: 150m²
• Cutting height range: 20 - 60 mm
• Cutting width: 16cm
• Dimensions: 30H x 25W x 35D cm
• Weight: 6.6kg (with battery)
• Noise level: 58dB
• Warranty: 2 years

Unboxing

I could tell set up was going to be easy: the Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 was delivered in a surprisingly small box that could be easily lifted and positioned into a space ready for set up. It was barely larger than the mower itself because this model doesn't come with a charging station (it's battery-powered).

Inside the box, there was minimal packaging, with just a few pieces of cardboard securing the mower in place, a small cardboard box containing the battery with charger and a tiny paper bag containing spare blades. I find this refreshing because using minimal packaging is better for the environment, and cardboard is recyclable with household waste.

Setting up

Setting up the Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 is easy. In fact, it's the easiest robotic mower I've ever set up.

Whilst the removable battery arrives with some power, the xx guide advises fully charging it – so that's what I did. The battery slots into the charger and you can check the progress with the red, orange and green lights. It took fewer than 15 minutes for the battery to be ready for its first performance test.

Then, I inserted the battery into the rear of the robot mower. There's a flap that can be easily lifted, and the battery slides in over the grips inside. Next to the battery is an isolator key that needs to be inserted for the mower to start, so I checked that too.

Before starting up the mower, I had a look around the garden to make sure no stones were in the lawn, and it was as clear as possible from any obstacles. I also made sure that the flower borders were clearly defined, as advised by the instruction manual.

Back at the mower, I adjusted the cutting height (there's a range of 20-60mm, which rivals many of the best lawn mowers on the market) using a dial to opt for 30mm. This was the only setting that could be customised, so it was time to mow.

To start, I held down the START/ON buttons for 3 seconds. The battery indicator, error indicator and ultrasonic indicator flashed consecutively whilst the camera system set up – this took 15 seconds. I then had the choice of the type of cut - Auto Mow or Spot Cutting – which both have their own separate buttons on the deck. After pressing one or the other for two seconds, I then pressed START/ON again to start mowing.

The mower will then cut the grass in a random crisscross pattern until either I press the STOP button or it runs out of power.

The LawnMaster OcuMow 16 Vision Robot Lawnmower doesn't connect to an app like other robot lawn mowers. On the one hand, this saved set-up time, but on the other, it therefore lacks the ability to operate the mower remotely or create a schedule so you don't need to get involved with it regularly. That said, this won't affect the cutting performance. Plus, no boundary wires could better suit gardeners who are looking for a fuss-free set-up without dependence on an app.

Performance

I tested the LawnMaster OcuMow 16 Vision Robot Lawnmower on my xx lawn. It's designed for medium/small gardens with lawns up to 150m², which is perfect considering that it doesn't take up much space – and it can be stowed away after use.

After pressing all the necessary buttons to start up, within 20 seconds the mower was cutting my lawn. On "Auto Mow", the OcuMow 16 mowed a random pattern, whereas on "Spot Cutting" it'll spiral spot cut for 30 seconds before continuing with a random pattern. The combination of cameras and sensors with Optical Grass Recognition OGR software identifies the grass, avoids obstacles and navigates around the garden.

I was dubious at first because, unlike other robot lawn mowers that map your lawn, the OcuMow 16 seemed to be cutting the grass uncontrollably randomly, and I was concerned that it would be creating a patchwork finish. I had also recently tested the WORX Landroid Vision Cloud WR306E 2WD Robotic Lawnmower (£899, Amazon UK), which has the option (in an app) to select one of five cutting patterns.

Within four hours, the majority of the grass was cut at the selected 30mm height, and it didn't look so random after all. I say "majority" because it left a 15cm margin of longer-length grass around our paved patio and next to our defined garden border. This means that, at some point, I'll need to reach for the strimmer somewhere in the shed so the job of grass cutting isn't totally taken care of – although it still is a huge help.

The grass around the four-legged swing frame and apple tree that are toward the middle of our lawn will also need some cutting back with the cordless strimmer because the OcuMow 16 manoeuvred itself around them and, therefore, didn't cut the grass. It also sometimes mounted a swing leg or bumped into it, and then quickly recovered itself.

It's worth noting that if you want defined, straight lines in your lawn, then this is beyond the OcuMow 16's capabilities. I think it's beyond most robotic lawn mowers' capabilities though, unless it's super smart and you can customise the cutting pattern. A push lawnmower would achieve this look by default, so, depending on the size of your garden, this may be something that you'll need to weigh up: time vs appearance.

I found that the OcuMow 16 will also back away from an area of 10cm tall grass, unless you trample it down and try "Spot Cutting", which was revealed when I moved the swing. The longer grass got caught up around the wheels and underneath the blades, which freed itself after continuing with Auto Mow thereafter, but this should be a consideration to factor in – especially if the borders are going to require some manual input.

In total, the OcuMow 16 went out into our garden four times to cut the grass, and each time it didn't get stuck on an uneven area or lawn or fall off the edge into the flower border.

It took the full charge of the battery, and a little top-up, to finish cutting our grass, which was considerably longer than the more expensive, smart robot lawn mowers I've recently tested, which take half that time. That said, if you're not in a hurry and are happy to "drop and mow" (as the brand says) then I'd say that's a reasonable adjustment to make.

As with other robot lawn mowers, there's no collection bag so grass clippings will be scattered in the freshly mowed path behind the OcuMow 16. By leaving grass clippings on your lawn, there are a number of benefits that your grass will now benefit from.

Design

The Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 is the smallest and most compact robot lawn mower I've tested. It measures 30H x 25W x 35D cm, so takes up little space on the lawn whilst mowing, and little space in the shed when it's not in use. It doesn't come with a charging base, which means that there will be no evidence of a lawn mower left outside – it'll be in the shed.

To help carry, the design boasts a collapsible handle. It weighs only 6.6kg so it can be easily lifted to be positioned or stored, then the handle folds back down

On the top deck, where the handle is, are all the control buttons and dials. A big, red "STOP" button is the most noticeable, which is easy to press, even when the OcuMow 16 is in action. And the series of buttons that you need to get it started, including "On/Start", "Auto Mow" and "Spot Cutting" (depicted with a swirl), are all easy and responsive to press.

The battery compartment is at the rear, underside of the mower, beneath a flap. I found it easy to remove and re-secure the battery, before and after charging. There is no button to release, but you will hear a "click" when the battery is secured. In this same compartment is the isolator key, which needs to be secured for the mower to work, and removed to shut it down.

The battery is part of the LawnMaster MX 24V Shared Battery System, which means that every MX 24V 4.0Ah battery and charger is fully compatible with the LawnMaster MX 24V cordless range, including lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, chainsaws and leaf blowers. If you already own a LawnMaster tool from the cordless range, then you could save £80 and buy the LawnMaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 without the battery from Cleva UK. Equally, if you're looking to buy more LawnMaster cordless tools, then you can use the battery included to save money further down the line.

Flip the OcuMow 16 over, and you'll see three blades in the middle and three wheels: one at the front, and two large wheels at the front.

Overall, the Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 looks and feels like a robust machine that is easy to navigate.

Cleaning and maintenance

As with all gardening tools, some level of maintenance is required to keep it in tip-top condition and performing at its best. And the Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 is no exception.

After each use, the battery will need to be charged so it's ready for when you next want to cut the grass. It takes 1 hour to charge the battery from flat. Furthermore, LawnMaster advise to remove the battery from the mower when storing the OcuMow 16, so if you're removing it to charge anyway, then all bases are covered.

It would also be good practice to remove any build-up of grass and leaves from around the mower, and to wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth. Just make sure that the isolator key and battery are removed before doing this.

Whilst cleaning the underside of the mower, check the blades. If the blades are blunt, damaged or showing signs of imbalance, then they must be replaced. All 3 blades and screws will need to be replaced to keep a balanced cutting system. You'll receive 3 blades in the box at the time of delivery; thereafter, a pack of 5 full replacements can be bought (£19.99 from Cleva UK).

How does it compare to other models?

The Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 is battery-operated, which means that it doesn't have a charging station. This sets it apart from many other robot lawn mowers that have more of a permanent presence on the lawn and take up more space.

It's smaller than the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100, which, at the time (April 2026), was the smallest robot mower Gardens Editor, Sophie King, had tested for Ideal Home, which measures 22.6 x 42.9 x 34.8 cm. This means that the Lawnmaster OcuMow will take up even less room in the shed, if that's an essential criterion to meet.

There's also no accompanying app for the Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16, which means you can't customise or control it from your phone like you can with the Eufy E15, for example. For gardeners who prefer to have remote control of their robot mower, then this may not be the most suitable LawnMaster – even though you can just set and forget (for a few hours).

Certainly, compared with push lawn mowers such as the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower, the Lawnmaster OcuMow is quiet in operation. I recorded a noise level reading of between 58dB-60dB which is what I'd consider a subtle hum that won't distract or annoy the neighbours. I also like how discreet it is in stature because it won't be parked on a charging station 24/7, and it can be stored in the shed (without the battery) when it's not in use.

Verdict: Should you buy the Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16?

I've found that the Lawnmaster OcuMow 16 MX 24V VBRM16 is a brilliant robotic lawnmower if all you want (or are prepared to do) is to charge a battery and trust that it'll cut the grass. Aside from charging the battery (which took 1 hour), I had this mower cutting the grass within 20 seconds.

It'll either stop mowing the grass when you hit the "STOP" button or when it runs out of battery circa 4 hours later.

Total control of the OcuMow 16 is from the buttons and dials on the deck – there's no app for remote control, or any customisation options including scheduling. Whilst I do like being able to set and forget about a robot lawn mower, I don't always relish all the features an app can offer – plus it can take a lot of time and faff to set up.

This means that I would highly recommend the OcuMow 16 to anyone who would like a robot lawn mower, without any bells and whistles, that is easy to use and then simple to store after each mow. After all, sub £300 for a robotic lawn mower is always going to be a cut above the rest.

I test vacuum cleaners for a living. And while I know that a large majority of consumers love the convenience of a cordless vacuum, I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’ll almost always favour corded. That’s because these appliances clean… and they clean well.

Luckily for me, Shark just dropped a brand new corded vacuum: the Shark PowerDetect Transformer LX5001UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner. But this ‘triple threat’ model isn’t like any other model I’ve seen before, so I was desperate to see if it could compete with the best vacuum cleaners out there - not forgetting the best Shark vacuum cleaners.

In a nutshell

While I do love my job, testing vacuums for a living often takes the shine off cleaning my own house. But I can honestly say that testing the Shark PowerDetect Transformer Corded Upright Vacuum - and then using it in my home as my regular vacuum cleaner - has been pretty exciting.

I had assumed that the 3-in-1 transformation was a novelty that would soon wear off. But two weeks on, I’m still marvelling at how one vacuum can offer so much and deliver such impressive cleaning results - and have even mastered the art of transforming it from upright to stick and then handheld in three seconds flat. I dare you to try and beat that.

As a vacuum, it’s powerful, convenient, and smart in a way that makes cleaning incredibly easy, detecting everything from different floor types to the amount of debris it needs to pick up. And the corded nature means it offers boosted power (compared to cordless vacuums) and unlimited runtime, with a lengthy cord that let me stretch from one side of my house to the other without unplugging.

However, I did have some niggles. Not only did I struggle to find the right tool to vacuum my carpeted stairs, but in upright mode it’s also large and heavy, making manoeuvrability and storage a little tricky. Let’s not forget that it’s almost £500, making it one of Shark’s most expensive vacuums on its roster.

Specifications

• Weight: 8kg
• Cord length: 8m
• Bin volume: 1.3L (upright), 0.2L (handheld)
• Physical modes: 3 (upright, handheld, stick)
• Cleaning modes: 4 (Detect, Hard Floor, Carpet/Low Pile/Thick Carpet/Area Rug)
• Noise level (tested by us): 77- 79 dB
• In the box: Floorhead, vacuum pod, wand, handheld unit, accessory posts, anti-odour cartridge, crevice tool, pet multi-tool, pet power brush, accessory bag
• RRP: £499.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

It’s quite literally my job to test vacuum cleaners (yes, really!) so I’m no stranger to big-box deliveries. And while the Shark PowerDetect Transformer came in a hefty 11.5kg box that made me glad I had my Wheetabix that morning, I understood why when I opened it.

After all, the box was packed to the rafters - and in eco-friendly packaging, no less - with so many goodies inside. This included the main floorhead, vacuum pod, wand, handheld unit, accessory posts, anti-odour cartridge, crevice tool, pet multi-tool, pet power brush, and accessory bag.

As I pulled everything out of its packaging, two things initially struck me. 1) Everything felt very sturdy and well-made, which is something I’ve come to expect from Shark. 2) I really loved the green colourway. However, as I was assembling everything, I noticed that the green really picked up dust, so I made a mental note to check on this during testing.

Assembly was very easy, though. I started by inserting the anti-odour cartridge into its home on the floorhead, attaching the wand to the floorhead, and then slotting the handheld portion of the unit to the wand. This is where the cord attaches to the unit, so I unwrapped it and wound it around the dedicated cord holder for the time being.

Then, the last step was to attach the accessory posts to the vacuum pod and then slide the vacuum pod onto the main unit. This is by far one of the heaviest parts of the vacuum, but the pod slid on quickly and efficiently, with little wriggling or faff.

With everything assembled, I could then take a step back and assess the vacuum as a whole. My verdict? It looked good, felt robust, and was certainly an interesting concept. I was just a little worried that it would be fiddly with so many moving parts and modes, so I wanted to get started and see for myself.

Luckily, this model is corded, so I didn’t have to wait for anything to charge. I could just get cracking!

Using the Shark PowerDetect Transformer Corded Upright Vacuum

Before I take any new vacuum for a spin around my home, I always complete a few dedicated tests to help me compare models and ultimately assign a star rating that reflects its performance and price. So, I threw some sugar, porridge oats, rice and my dog’s pet hair on the floor to see how well it reacts to - and removes - different types of debris.

For this test, I put the Shark PowerDetect Transformer in its upright form and turned on Detect Mode so it could adjust its cleaning power according to the floor type and debris level. And as you can see in the video, it tackled all the debris incredibly well and removed everything from the floor in a single forward pass.

So well, in fact, that you can actually see the pet hair being sucked into the rollers before it’s even touched them. And as I live with a dog that sheds a lot, this was amazing to see.

I then repeated the same test on carpet, and the results were identical. And when I began to use it as my everyday vacuum, I continued to find that the Detect Mode was extremely responsive and efficient. It reacted instantly when I moved from my hard flooring to my rug, and the edge cleaning and the floorhead lights picked up dust and debris I didn’t even know was there.

And while I did try out the Manual Surface Modes - which allow you to choose a specific floor type on your own - I didn’t feel like I needed to, as the automatic adjustments of Detect Mode always offered the optimal clean. However, it’s nice to have the option to use them if you have particularly delicate flooring.

I also found myself using the upright mode more often than the stick mode, as the large debris chamber makes it handy for deep, whole-home cleans. But having the option to switch into stick mode in seconds? Well, this was very handy - especially when I needed to clean under furniture or wanted to quickly clean up a dedicated spill. After all, the onboard debris bin for the stick portion is pretty small at just 0.2L.

Of course, the elephant in the room is that this new vacuum cleaner is corded and on the heavier side in upright mode - a dealbreaker for some. But Shark has been very generous with the 8m cord, and I was able to vacuum the majority of my downstairs from the same plug socket. It also propels itself forward when you push gently, so it doesn’t feel as heavy as it is.

But if you have a larger home, you will need to get into the habit of unplugging and replugging to ensure you vacuum every inch. And you’ll still need to carry it upstairs if you want to use it in upright mode - but there at least is the option to take off the upright pod and only take the stick portion upstairs.

As I do with all vacuum cleaners, I also test the noise levels using a decibel meter app on my phone. And one thing to note with the Shark PowerDetect Transformer is that it came in at around 77-79db. This is actually very average for a vacuum cleaner, and while the noise level doesn’t change when you switch modes, the sound does.

The only way to describe it is that Detect Mode sounds quite airy, while the other dedicated floor modes are a bit whinier. Personally, I don’t mind this - and neither does my dog - but if you’re sensitive to sounds, this is something to consider.

Using the attachments

Another aspect of the Transformer’s transformation is that it quickly detaches from the vacuum - either in upright or stick form - into a handheld. Of course, this isn’t new and something that most cordless vacuum cleaners offer, but it’s still something I like to test out properly. Especially as the Shark PowerDetect Transformer also comes with a few accessories.

Included as standard are the crevice tool, pet multi-tool and pet power brush. I always find the crevice to be handy for vacuuming down the sides of the sofa, and Shark’s iteration did the job well. The multi-tool was also a particular favourite of mine.

This tool can be used with or without the bristles (you simply press the lock button to take them apart), and worked wonders on the dirty footstool my dog sleeps on. It removed all the lingering mud he brings into the house and most of the hair. However, that hair then got stuck on the underside of the tool, which I had to remove manually.

Then there’s the pet power brush, which I had high hopes for. This one let me down a bit, though, as I was expecting a motorised tool that would rotate of its own accord and work hard to remove hair and debris - especially on my carpeted stairs. It wasn’t like this, though.

It wasn’t motorised at all, and it seemed like the suction power was lacking, so it missed a fair bit of debris on the stairs. This left me in a bit of a loop as I typically use a motorised tool to vacuum my stairs, so I didn’t quite know how to clean them. In the end, I opted to use the multi-tool again.

Of course, the handheld section is once again corded so you do have to be cautious of the length of the cord - but I’m used to this as someone who has tested numerous corded vacuums, and I don’t mind it.

It’s also worth noting that this model is compatible with many other accessories, too. This includes a duster crevice tool, a home & car detail kit, and an under-appliance wand - and a full list of compatible accessories can be found in the instruction manual or on the website.

All in all, the handheld’s cleaning abilities were ok, but my favourite thing was the fact that, after I’d finished using the handheld portion, I could pop it back onto the main vacuum unit (with the upright vacuum pod attached) and it would automatically empty itself into the larger dust bin.

This is a new feature I loved, as it meant I could use it quickly without having to empty it after each use. In fact, I could use it multiple times without needing to empty the larger debris chamber.

You can see this in the video above - just keep an eye on the handheld dust bin if you don't have the sound on.

Cleaning and maintenance

When the time comes to empty the larger debris chamber/vacuum pod, you can easily remove it from the vacuum and empty it directly in the bin. This is a sealed HEPA chamber, so it shouldn’t release any harmful pollutants into the air.

When you do this, you can also see the pre-motor filter, which needs to be rinsed and air-dried every month. The post-motor filter can be found by pressing the ‘Filter Door’ button, which can be cleaned in the same way every year.

The handheld vacuum portion also comes with its own pre- and post-motor filters, which can be removed when you open up the dedicated dust chamber. Again, the pre-filter needs to be rinsed every month under cold water and left to air dry - but the post-motor filter every six months.

As the floorhead has anti-hair-wrap technology, I didn’t need to remove any hair from the rollers at any point during my two-week testing period, which was a massive bonus. Plus, the anti-odour cartridge released an amazing scent that made my home smell clean after vacuuming. These don’t last forever, though, so will need to be replaced when the scent disappears if you want to continue using it.

Aside from that, very little maintenance is required for the Shark PowerDetect Transformer. But I will say that my earlier prediction was correct, and the green colourway does pick up a lot of dust and becomes quite dirty in use - but this was nothing a quick dust couldn’t fix.

It also needs to be stored in its upright form, really, so it is still quite big and might not suit smaller households with limited storage. So, just beware if you live in a tiny flat.

How does it compare to similar models?

The Shark PowerDetect is a first for Shark, so it’s hard to compare it to anything else. However, it builds upon the specs and features of the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner I reviewed in November 2025, so it’s a good idea to start there.

The two models look almost identical and offer the same PowerDetect technologies to deliver a deep clean to your floors. The difference is that the original PowerDetect is only a corded upright (with a Lift-Away Pod for smaller jobs), while the new Transformer combines the upright with stick and handheld modes.

So, it really comes down to what you’re after. If you already have a stick vacuum you love and don’t see yourself giving up anytime soon, the OG PowerDetect will still offer that corded power you’re after - and for almost £100 less. But if you want one new vacuum that will do it all and offer multiple variations of itself, it’s probably worth shelling out that extra cash for the Transformer.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Transformer LX5001UKT Corded Upright Vacuum?

At my testing facility (AKA my home), I always have at least five vacuums to choose from at any one point. And if I find myself reaching for one vacuum over another even when my official testing process has finished, I know it’s a good’un - and that’s exactly what’s happened with this model.

If you have the money to invest in a new vacuum, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the Shark PowerDetect Transformer. It’s extremely powerful, offers so many effective cleaning features, and is multi-purpose so you’ll never need to buy a secondary vacuum - or even a handheld vacuum. It’s your all-in-one solution for whole-home cleaning.

However, it is expensive, and upright corded vacuums don’t suit everyone. But if you’ve only ever used cordless stick vacuums, I do think this model could be a great gateway into the corded realm, as its corded stick form offers a happy medium that lets you taste a bit of everything... for a price.

Whether you're a first-time lawnmower owner or you're looking for an upgrade, you've probably already decided which type you'd like. There are petrol lawnmowers, electric lawnmowers or even more convenient, the cordless mower. I've tested a few mowers, all of which have been cordless — and there's no denying the practicality of these battery-powered machines. Not only are they great for small to medium-sized gardens, but the Ryobi ONE+ 18V mower is a great buy for smaller gardens with a tiny amount of shed space to offer.

I've been testing this mower for a few weeks. I used it to tidy my grass after a heatwave, which was followed by a much-needed rainstorm. Then, I used it once more to trim after a bunch of rain and a swift growth spurt of my grass. This typical UK weather, although annoying, means that this lawnmower was put through its paces.

In a nutshell

This Ryobi lawnmower is available to buy on its own, but it is more cost-efficient to purchase it with the matching strimmer, as they share the same battery, which also comes included. It's great for small- to medium-sized gardens thanks to its average battery life, which I found works for around 20 minutes from a full charge. While I would only recommend it for those who tend to mow their lawn with the grass bag attached, it is easy to clean after use.

Otherwise, this mower is great for those with a smaller amount of shed space to spare, as its foldable design benefits from being able to be stored on 2 wheels or 4. And it's nice and compact, as well as lightweight at less than 10kg. Not only that, but it offers 7 grass cutting heights, whether you only leave yours to grow for 2 weeks or end up mowing it every 2 months. Its handlebar can sit at 2 heights, but admittedly, even the shortest was too high for me, and I'm 5ft2. I could still use it, but I could've done with it being a tad lower for comfort.

Product specs

• Suitable for (lawn size): 220m²
• Power: 18V
• Cutting options: 25mm - 90mm (7 settings)
• Weight: 9.3kg
• Dimensions: W36.5cm x L103cm x H100cm/105cm
• Cutting width: 33cm
• Cutting heights: 7
• Grass collection: 30L basket
• Folding: Yes

Unboxing the Ryobi

This lawnmower arrived in a large box, but it was still light enough for me to manage to carry from my doorstep to my garden. Once opened, I was quite impressed that a box this small fit a mower and a strimmer inside, plus a battery and the charger.

All parts were wrapped with recyclable cardboard or paper. There was minimal plastic waste. Included were 3 instruction manuals — 1 for the mower, the other for the strimmer and the last for the battery.

The lawnmower required minimal assembly. It was fairly easy to lift out of the box thanks to its handle, and I didn't even have to refer to the manual, really. I decided on a height I wanted the handle to sit at (spoiler alert: it's the lowest setting always as I am 5ft2) and tightened these screws.

The battery arrived with 3 bars, but I charged it anyway. Other than that, I only needed to fit the grass box, which has to be attached to the machine otherwise it gets clogged with mulching.

Despite showing 3 bars and charging for 30 mins to an hour, this mower died halfway through my first mow. I was disappointed to say the least, so I popped it back on charge. This only took a few hours to reach its full capacity.

Who will it suit?

This mower is a brilliant buy for smaller lawns and those who know they'll always use a grass box. Perhaps you hate the mess? Or maybe you use the clippings to feed your compost? Either way, you can't use this mower without the grass bag attached, as it can't drop the grass mulchings back onto your lawn — the mower will just get clogged. It doesn't explicitly say this in the manual, but there are no photos of the grass bag not attached to the mower, and I tested it both ways, so I know it performs much better with the grass bag attached.

I also think it's great for tiny sheds since it folds down to an impressively minimal size. There's also the fact that the matching strimmer (you can buy a bundle which includes both the mower and the strimmer) is powered by the same battery.

Lastly, if you require a lightweight mower to easily lift out from your shed and carry back home, then this is a great choice, as not only does it weigh less than 10kg (without its battery), but it has a carry handle, which makes lugging it around so much more convenient.

What's it like to use?

This mower is like most others when it comes to operation. It does benefit from a total of seven cutting heights, but in my opinion, numbers 6 and 7 won't really do much unless you've let your lawn grow way above your ankles. I found that cutting height 2 worked best for my somewhat patchy lawn (thanks, heatwave!).

There is a noticeable difference between cutting heights 1 and 7, with 1 being 25mm and 7 being 90 mm — there's no other information about the cutting heights in the manual, so I can only assume that these levels go in increments of around 9mm, which is an admittedly strange figure.

It has a safety switch which requires you to operate two buttons together to turn it on. There's one large green button on its handle, and the other you need to pull is on either handle. This bodes well for left- and right-handed users.

This safety feature is great as I usually would mow my lawn with my toddler around — this noise tends to wake her from her slumber, as her bedroom window faces onto the garden.

The only thing I could moan about at this stage, before actually trimming any grass, is that its two height settings were definitely still a little too high for little old me. Even at the lowest height, the handlebar was sitting just below chest height for me, and I'd rather it be a little lower down. It's not the end of the world, but my current mower does sit at a better height. Something to bear in mind if you're less than five feet four.

JSYK: the shortest height setting is 100cm from the floor, and the tallest is 105cm.

This mower can only be used with the bag attached. This isn't explicitly worded in the manual, but the photos only seem to have the bag attached, plus I used it without the bag, and it immediately clogged.

There's no information online regarding this mower's battery life. Included with my mower came a 4.0Ah battery. Online, it says that this battery will take 50 minutes to charge. It doesn't give a figure for battery life.

The battery has four bars. It was fully charged when I used it the second time to mow my lawn. I found that each bar lasts for around seven minutes of mowing (or strimming!), which leads me to think that the total battery life is around 25-28 minutes.

Decking corners

This mower had to work around the corners of my decking, plus I recently acquired a somewhat sizeable climbing frame in my garden, so it had to manoeuvre its way around these posts, too.

The grass always grows longer around the corners of my decking, as this is by my dog's pee spot (lovely, I know!).

While this mower did trim around the edges of my deck, as you can see, it did miss a few strands of longer grass. I initially went over the corners on a 7, which made no difference, and then tried a 6. This made somewhat of a minimal difference. I ended up mowing the entire grass on setting 2 — so also did this around the edges.

I usually tidy these sides with a trimmer to catch the missing strands anyway, so this isn't a huge deal. I was, overall, quite impressed with how it mowed around the edges of my decking and my toddler's climbing frame.

Corners

I really put this lawnmower through its paces on the corners of my lawn — one corner in particular always grows at a rapid rate. The first time I used this mower, the grass in this section was very long. The second time, it mostly needed a trim. This was tackled speedily and easily, with no complaints from my side!

The edges of my lawn were fairly tidy, even before strimming them, which I was pleased by, and there wasn't much cleanup to do around my patio, either.

Weeds

This lawnmower did a great job at chopping away weeds. I tackled both long, wild weeds and short ones, too. After using this mower, all of the weeds on my grass were officially headless.

With the larger, tougher weeds, I did have to mow over them a good few times.

General grass cutting

As far as general grass cutting goes, I found the perfect length at number 2. This was pretty easy to do, especially as my lawn isn't huge. I did struggle around the climbing frame, and noticed that some spots were too small to manoeuvre around, so these areas would have to be strimmed instead.

All in all, I couldn't moan about the general grass cutting that this lawnmower did in my garden. It looked tidy and refreshed, which is the point of it!

Cleaning

When the grass bag is attached, all you need to do is empty it and give it a really good shake. You shouldn't really need to brush the main part of the mower down.

I actually really like the design of the grass bag that comes with this mower, mostly because it's made from a see-through mesh, so easy to see if it's nearly full. But also, this mesh design means you don't really need to brush it clean. Grass clippings easily come away from the mesh sides and roof of the bag when you shake it, while the leather-like base helps clippings slide away.

Storage and maintenance

Arguably, the best thing about this lawnmower has to be its foldable design. Simply unscrew its handle screws (the ones that you move to adjust the handle height), and the handle folds backwards to sit on the main unit. To make it even more compact, remove the grass bag and sit this on top of the main unit, too.

When folded down, it measures W36.5cm x L66cm.

Thanks to its handle, it can be easily moved into a shed. You can store it sitting on four wheels or upright on two wheels, depending on the space available in your shed or garage.

When it comes to maintenance, the manual says you should check the blades before every use and replace if need be. I can't seem to find a replacement blade on the Ryobi site that's compatible with this model — RY18LMX33A.

How does it rate online?

Online, this mower gets good reviews. On the Ryobi website, the bundle has a 4.4-star rating out of 5. It gets rave reviews when it comes to ease of use and battery life.

The individual mower has a rating of 4.5 stars, and most shoppers love how simple it is to use. There are some complaints about its battery life, though.

At Amazon, this lawnmower is rated 4.3 stars out of 5. It's Amazon's Choice lawnmower, and shoppers say it's great for small and medium-sized lawns, and it's nice and lightweight.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

There are several variations of the Ryobi 18V ONE+ lawnmower available. This mower comes in different cutting width options — from 33cm to 37cm, 40cm, and 46cm. It also comes with different batteries. The mower I tested came with a 4.0Ah battery, but there is also a 5.0Ah battery available. The bigger battery can mow a lawn that's 225 metres squared. The smaller one is for lawns of 180 metres squared.

You can also purchase this lawnmower without a battery.

Should you buy the Ryobi 18V ONE+ lawnmower?

There's no denying that this lawnmower does the job, but it does come at an admittedly expensive price. Unless you're also going to buy the matching strimmer which runs from the same battery, I think that this mower is a lot of money for what it is. When you buy the bundle, this is cheaper than buying the lawnmower on its own, so if you do need both, it might be more cost effective.

Even so, I would still only recommend buying this mower if you always use the grass bag attached to your mower, as it cannot be used without it this part attached. Even more so, it might not be comfortable for anyone under 5 foot 4 to use, as its handle might sit too high.

The Ninja Crushboss System is an upgrade on the Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor with Auto IQ which is already well liked for its multi-functional capabilities, not to mention it’s long-standing residency on our list of the best food processors.

At £239.99 the CrushBoss is only £40 more expensive than the previous model. It comes with similar accessories, but the menu of functions includes more smart capabilities, more blending speeds, and a more sophisticated user interface.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on it just before it launched, so I used it in my home kitchen to see whether this combination appliance really can save you space and money by combining three food and drink prep machines in one.

In a nutshell

The Ninja CrushBoss System is a multi-functional, space saving appliance that works as a blender, food processor, and cup blender. At £239.99 it’s a great value option compared to buying all three appliances individually, what’s more, it’ll free up valuable storage space too.

Clever detection technology means it always knows which accessory you’re using, and offers the appropriate presets on the menu. Furthermore, the SmoothSense mode takes the thinking out of blending smoothies, soups, and other lump-free blends.

I found it really easy and intuitive to navigate through the menus using the big wheel on the front. And I love the safety feature that means it won’t operate unless the accessories are locked in position, and the lids are also locked in place.

In use it was fast and efficient, it excelled at virtually every task I threw at it and it’s quickly becoming a real workhorse in my kitchen. The accessories are all top-rack dishwasher safe, but the larger jugs and cup didn't fit on the top rack of my dishwasher, so be prepared to hand wash these larger parts.

Who tested the Ninja CrushBoss?

Unboxing and first impressions

True to form for most Ninja appliances, the CrushBoss System came well protected in completely recyclable cardboard and paper packaging, so there are no unwanted trips to the dump with a load of polystyrene.

The motor base is the size of a typical blender base and it has four suction cup feet that instantly grab and secure it to my worktop. The main blender jug is a great size and the lid has a pouring spout so that you can pour out liquids without having to remove it altogether.

The stacked blade for the blender has no less than six blades at different heights, so it really looks like it’s been built for the job of serious blending. By holding the top, the blade can be removed from the jug for easier cleaning of both the jug and the blade.

I really like the look of the tumbler cup and can imagine taking it out and about when I want a smoothie on the go, or a protein shake in my gym bag. It’s got a large handle and a secure flip top lid.

The tumbler cup has its own blade assembly, which is designed to work efficiently with the shape of the cup. And the smartly designed large straw has a clever rubbery bit at the bottom, allowing you to push it down when you want to close the lid.

The last main accessory is the food processor bowl and lid. The lid has a large 13cm feedchute, but the double pushers mean there’s also a smaller feed chute if you leave one in place.

Unlike some complicated food processors I’ve come across, this lid clicks seamlessly into place and the bowl clicks intuitively onto the motor base. You can choose between the four blade stacked chopping blade or the plastic equivalent that’s for dough.

The multiblade disc houses the interchangeable grating and slicing discs. You get one grating, one slicing, and one crinkle cut disc. But others are also listed in the instruction manual so may be available to purchase separately.

The base detects which accessory you’re using and then offers the relevant presets on the menu. There’s an on/off button as well as a pulse button. All other presets and processing speeds are accessed via the big wheel on the front.

The centre of the wheel is the screen and you press this to select a programme and start blending. It then displays a countdown timer or the speed. There are between 3-5 presets depending on which accessory you’re using, as well as smart sensor programmes, and manual speed selection. So I’m pretty sure there are enough options to cover most uses.

What is it like to use?

Tumbler cup

For single serve smoothie style drinks, you can blend everything in this cup. I made a banana chocolate smoothie by adding soya milk, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, peanut butter, cacao powder, frozen banana slices, and ice cubes.

A card that came in the tumbler gives advice on the order you should add different ingredients in. Once in position on the base, I selected the SmoothSense automatic programme.

It spent a few seconds sensing the ingredients before going into the Power Blend mode. All-in-all the process was completed in 52 seconds. The drink was beautifully smooth, all the powders had blended in well, and the frozen banana and ice had been completely pulverised. It was pleasant to drink using the straw.

My sound meter recorded 90dB during the blending process, which is loud, but most blenders are. And it’s only for a short burst.

The process was similar when I made a fruit smoothie with fruit juice, frozen berries and yogurt. The ingredients were turned into a delicious smoothie in around 50 seconds, impressive given the size of some of the frozen strawberries.

There were some tiny seeds in the smoothie, giving it a somewhat gritty texture, but rarely have I made a berry smoothie in a blender that’s capable of completely obliterating these tiny seeds.

The final smoothie I tried was a green kiwi and spinach smoothie containing two kiwis, a lump of frozen spinach, some frozen banana slices, a spoon of chia seeds, soya milk, and yogurt.

Once again, it was pulverised to a lump free smoothie in just over 50 seconds when using the SmoothSense auto programme. I really enjoy drinking out of this tumbler cup, both using the straw and drinking straight from the lid. The large handle is also super comfortable to hold.

Food processor bowl

It just so happened that I was planning a pizza night the day after this appliance showed up on my doorstep, so as soon as it was unboxed, I put it to work making the dough.

I added all of my pizza dough ingredients to the bowl, with the dough blade in position. Then I selected the dough programme on the menu. It blended the ingredients for 30 seconds and successfully combined them into a smooth dough.

I had hoped it might knead the mixture for a while, so after the initial dough programme, I went into the manual speeds and switched on the low speed setting. I let it run for one minute, but turned it off and completed the kneading by hand. It was starting to shake a bit as it kneaded the dough. Luckily the suction cups on the base keep it firmly rooted to the worktop, nevertheless, I didn’t want to damage it.

Homemade slaw is one of my summer staples and grating everything is much easier with a food processor. For my beetroot slaw, I grated a whole carrot by chopping it in half and placing the pieces side-by-side in the feed hole.

I used the shredding blade with the disc preset on the menu, and the carrot was grated in around 4 seconds. Similarly a whole peeled beetroot took around 3 seconds. Both times there was a small piece of ungrated vegetable left, but honestly it’s so fast I don’t care. And to avoid waste you can finely chop these ungrated pieces and add them in anyway.

The crinkle cut attachment is an unusual addition if you ask me, I’d rather have two different thickness slicing or grating blades, but I gave it a go nevertheless. This time I pushed half a cucumber through the feed hole. The crinkle cut slices were about 5mm in thickness and took just a few seconds.

The slicing disc is ideal for quickly prepping vegetables. It sliced up my carrot so fast I barely had a chance to press start and stop on my timer. The slices weren’t perfect, but rarely is there a circumstance when I want or need them to be 100% uniform. It was fast and easy, and that’s good enough for most slicing jobs. Though some perfectionists out there might disagree.

In contrast, the slices were very uniform when I sliced a whole kiwi. In seconds I had seven uniform 5mm thick slices of kiwi and just a few pieces of waste.

Homemade houmous is one of the things I regularly use my current food processor for, and I wanted to see how this one managed. After adding all of the ingredients, I decided to trust the SmoothSense smart programme to take care of the blitzing.

Including the sensing part of the blend, my houmous was blended to a smooth paste in 70 seconds, I was very pleased with the result. After tasting it, I added in some extra salt and spices, then used the handy pulse button to mix the seasoning in without over blending the mixture.

When tomatoes and a pepper needed roughly chopping for a recipe I used the main blade with the Chop preset. It's a speedy 12 second pulsing programme that resulted in slightly uneven pieces, but it’s okay for a rough chop for things like soup and sauces, and definitely saved me time. If you’re hoping for evenly diced vegetables though, you’ll be disappointed.

Blending jug

There’s only a couple of recipes included in the booklets that come in the box. One of them is for a chunky salsa that you make in the blender, so I gave it a try. It’s as simple as adding all the ingredients to the jug and selecting the PrepIQ Mince preset.

It’s a very speedy 11 second programme that pulses the ingredients. At the end though, I could spot a large chunk of green chilli pepper that still needed to be processed. So without even scraping down the sides, I set it going on the mince programme for a second time.

The second go did the trick and created an excellent salsa. It probably wasn’t as chunky as the recipe intended but it wasn’t pureed and all the little chunks were exactly the same size, making it look very professionally made. It tasted great too.

There isn’t a dedicated ice crush preset, so I chose the variable speeds for this job. I emptied a whole ice cube tray into the jug and started it on speed 2, which is one of the slower of the ten speeds on offer.

Unsurprisingly, ice is no match for this six bladed blender and in just five seconds, the whole lot was pulverised into a snowy dust. I poured this into a glass and added milk and espresso for a homemade frappe style drink, and it worked as a great alternative to a slushie machine.

At the time of testing, we were experiencing a heatwave and standing in the kitchen making a hot soup couldn’t be lower on my list right now. A recipe I’d saved for gazpacho, on the other hand, had been calling to me.

Once the vegetables and all ingredients were in the blender, I turned on the SmoothSense auto blend programme. It blitzed the soup for 90 seconds, turning it into a completely smooth liquid that poured nicely from the spout in the lid.

On the menu there’s a preset called Large Chop that’s only an option when using the blender. I needed to chop an onion, so I peeled and quartered it before starting up the quick eight second pulsing programme.

The size of the chopped onion was smaller than I expected and there were a few rogue bigger chunks, but if you hate chopping onions, this eight second preset will absolutely save you a job. I might just stick to manually pulsing it next time, so I can control the size of the pieces.

What's it like to clean?

While I appreciate the fact that absolutely everything except the motor base is dishwasher safe. The guidance is that it should all be cleaned on the top rack, and I don’t know about your dishwasher, but I can’t fit a full size blender jug on the top rack of my dishwasher.

It’s not just the blender jug though, neither the food processor bowl, nor the tumbler cup fit on the upper rack of my dishwasher. Furthermore, I don’t love filling the dishwasher with loads of sharp blades. So while I did occasionally put some of the parts in the dishwasher, I mostly opted to wash everything by hand.

Blender and food processor parts are always fiddly to wash, and these are no more or less fiddly and dangerous than other sharp bladed appliances. But as long as you’re careful, it’s not too much of a drama. I recommend a long handled brush as the best way to clean anything sharp, whilst keeping your fingers out of harm's way.

How does it compare to competitors?

An obvious comparison is the predecessor model, the Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor with Auto IQ. Choosing this lower tech option will save you £40, but it’s only worth it if you don’t mind having fewer blending speeds and a more limited menu of automatic programmes.

The other alternative is that if you don’t want the food processor capabilities, you can buy the exact same appliance as a standalone blender for £154.99.

Should you buy the Ninja CrushBoss System?

In my opinion this is a great value system that performs well and offers plenty of functionality. It is a lot to store, but in comparison to having three separate appliances, it’s a really great space saving solution. So, the key thing to think about is whether you really do want or need all three appliances in one bundle.

In testing, I was impressed with the performance across the board. If I’m nitpicking, the only thing I could really fault it on, was that it didn’t always chop things into even sized pieces. And it’s a stretch to say that everything is dishwasher safe, when it’s unlikely to fit on the top rack of most people's dishwashers. But, if you can get over these small hurdles, it’s a great all-rounder.

As a home tech reviewer, I've spent the best part of a decade testing appliances out in my home. And I've had the pleasure of taking some of the best robot vacuum cleaners out for a test drive.

Recently, I got my hands on the iRobot Roomba Plus 415 Combo, and it's a strong cleaner but a poor driver. Of course, which of those observations you care about more depends entirely on what kind of home you keep. So, this is everything you need to know.

In a nutshell

The 415 sits at the entry point of the new Roomba Plus range, vacuuming and mopping in the same run, with an AutoWash dock that empties the bin, washes the pads, and dries them with warm air at 45°C. Suction is quoted at 20,000Pa, which iRobot says is 2.8 times that of the older Roomba 505, though the number is less important than the two DualClean pads spinning at 200 RPM underneath.

ClearView LiDAR handles navigation, and the map-building is quick, with the resulting plan coming out pretty accurately. Sadly, there's no camera-based obstacle recognition at this tier, and after a day of watching it drag a cat toy into the hallway, that omission is my defining impression of the machine.

In fact, I've learned that there is a specific noise a robot vacuum makes when it detects a charging cable and mistakes it for a rug. A rising whine, then the sound of furniture scratching and, in the worst cases, ornaments dropped to the floor as a table falls over. I heard it three times in the first hour with the Roomba Plus 415 Combo, which is a shame because between those moments it did some of the best floor cleaning I've had from a robot in this end of the market.

​The dock is the other thing worth discussing, mainly for what it isn't. At 33 x 33 x 48.5 cm, it takes up roughly half the floor of the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra I tested in the same flat a few weeks ago, and it went into its corner without anything else having to move. Anyone who has tried to house a self-washing dock in a small flat will understand why that's such an important detail.

Specifications

• Suction power: 20,000Pa
• Mop function: Yes
• Pad lift: 10mm auto-lift on carpet detection
• Navigation: ClearView LiDAR
• Multi-floor mapping: Yes, up to 3 maps
• Dock functions: Auto-empty, pad wash, 45°C heated drying, self-cleaning cycle
• Dust bag: AllergenLock, up to 3 months
• Cleaning modes: Vacuum only, mop only, both together, vacuum then mop
• Robot dimensions: H8.35 x W30.3 x D29.8cm, 2.9kg
• Dock dimensions: H48.5 x W33 x D33cm, 5.3kg
• Compatible with: Roomba Home app, Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The packaging consisted of too much cardboard and more plastic than I'd like to see in 2026, but that’s not a knock on iRobot specifically.

The cardboard at least goes out with the paper, but the dock arrives inside a full plastic sleeve, and the smaller parts each get their own compartment on top of that. I've said this about every robot vacuum I've tested, and I'll keep saying it.

What's inside is better organised than the outside suggests. A quick start guide, the dock, the robot, clean and dirty water tanks, an edge-sweeping brush, two pairs of mop pads, a spare AllergenLock bag, and both UK and US power leads.

Assembly is where the price shows itself. Everything goes together, but nothing clicks, and the way the panels sit feels flimsy, making me double-check that I'd done it right. Sliding the dock into its corner, I spent most of my energy making sure I didn't knock the water tanks off the top, which may only be a problem on the first day, but it didn't inspire much confidence.

It did, however, pass the test I apply to everything that arrives in a box: whether I can set it up without reading the instructions. The dock is intuitive, the pads only fit one way round, and the app takes over from there.

The robot itself is nicer-looking than most. There's a faux fabric patch across the top and a minimal set of buttons, which is a welcome change from the glossy black plastic discs that make up most of this category. It looks like something that belongs in a room rather than something you'd hide in a cupboard.

One absence I noticed straight away is that there's nowhere to add detergent. Other models have an auto-dosing compartment that meters cleaning solution into every run, but the 415 washes with water alone. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it's worth knowing about if you're used to a floor cleaner that also leaves a smell afterwards.

Ease of use

The Roomba Home app is clean and user-friendly, and the initial mapping run was quick and accurate. You get four cleaning modes, spot cleaning, zone and room selection, scheduling, and the usual voice assistant support across Alexa, Siri and Google.

Where it fell down for me was in the manual controls. I wanted to trigger an auto-empty and a pad wash on demand, partly to time them and partly because I'd just run the machine through BBQ sauce, and I couldn't find an obvious way to do either. They may well be in there, but after twenty minutes of looking, I'd given up, and a feature you can't find is basically a feature you don't have.

Performance

​As per how we test robot vacuums at Ideal Home, I also put the Roomba Plus 415 Combo through some messy tests.

The BBQ sauce test was a roaring success, and I don't say that lightly, given how many robot mops fail it. A fresh, sticky spill on laminate, and the 415 took it up in a single pass, scrubbed rather than smeared, with nothing travelling onto the cream rug sitting alongside. It just dealt with it, then paused a few moments later to wash its pads.​

Edge cleaning is the other genuine strength. The pads and the sweeping brush get right up against the skirting, and the back corner of my lounge by the cat flap, which is permanently filthy in a way no upright vacuum solves, came up lovely and clean.​

Hair pickup was also strong. In the interests of full disclosure, this was my hair rather than the cat's - Jet having made himself unavailable for brushing at the critical moment - but three good tufts of it went up in one pass with no hesitation.

Carpet detection works, and, more usefully, you can hear it working. There's a reassuring uptick in fan noise as it crosses onto a rug, and the pads lift out of the way, so nothing came up damp the next morning.​

Unfortunately, object avoidance is the worst I've tested this year. It’s not cautious or oversensitive like many robots, but simply absent.

Cat toys were dragged from the lounge into the hallway rather than avoided; the robot got tangled in charging cables almost immediately and, at one point, made a determined attempt to climb Jet's puzzle feeder. It also ate my feet, twice, while I was sitting still.

This is the LiDAR-only tier, and iRobot's own product page claims obstacle recognition that steers around cords, shoes, and toys. On the evidence of a full day, I'd treat that claim with a healthy dose of scepticism. The mapping is genuinely good, and the coverage is systematic, but the machine has no idea what any individual object is and behaves accordingly.

It's also deliberately, methodically slow, which I don't mind at all in a machine that runs while I'm out, but it is a problem when you have to babysit.

Cleaning and maintenance

Following the BBQ sauce test, while I was feeling positive about its performance, I opened the robot afterwards to check the brush and found not only remnants of sauce inside but also every strand of hair from the earlier test tightly wrapped around the roller.

On a machine sold on tangle-free rubber brushes, that's a real mark against it, and the sort of thing that turns into a five-minute job with scissors every couple of weeks (or more if you lose hair as I do).

The dock handles the rest well enough. It auto-empties into the AllergenLock bag, pad-washes between runs, and then dries with warm air at 45 °C. That's cooler than the 75°C wash some rivals manage, and whether it's enough to stop pads going sour is a question I can only answer with more time.

​The tanks lift out easily and refill without fuss, and the filters need to be changed every three to six months. Bags and pads are an ongoing cost, and I'd expect it to fall in a similar range to other models in this class.

How does it compare to similar models?

The MOVA P50 Pro Ultra, which I tested in the same flat, has better plumbing and a genuinely anti-tangle brush, but its dock is nearly twice the footprint, and it split the sauce test that the 415 passed outright.

​The Eufy Omni E25 holds a five-star rating from Ideal Home and delivers stronger raw suction, so a mostly carpeted home is better served by it.

​Within iRobot's own range, the step up to the Roomba Plus 575 adds AI visual recognition alongside LiDAR, which is exactly what the 415 is missing. If your floors have cables, pet toys or anything else it might eat, I'd work out what that gap costs before saving money at this tier.

Verdict: Should you buy the Roomba Plus 415 Combo?

If your home is mostly hard flooring and you're reasonably disciplined about clearing the floor, yes, and fairly happily. The mopping is one of the best I've seen at this price; the edges get proper attention, and the dock is small enough that finding it a home isn't a project in itself.

But the object avoidance is a problem, and it isn't a small one. A robot vacuum earns its money by being something you don't have to think about, and this is a machine you have to tidy up for. Every cable, every toy, every pair of shoes left by the door becomes something you deal with before you press start. Whether that's a fair trade depends on how much clearing you were going to do anyway.

While many air purifiers require regular, expensive filter replacements, Shark has been on a mission to make this must-have appliance more accessible to everyday users. And the filter of the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 doesn't need to be replaced for - you guessed it - a whopping six years.

But does it have what it takes to compete with the best air purifiers out there? I tested it out in my home for two weeks to see for myself.

In a nutshell

The features that sold me on the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 are found in the name: it’s a compact air purifier that clears the air and boasts a filter that doesn’t need to be replaced for a whopping six years. But during testing, I also found it incredibly responsive and easy to use.

This fancy, modern air purifier also uses its sensors to scan the air 3,600 times per hour, automatically adjusting its purification power when it detects pollutants or even someone walking by the appliance. Couple that with easy-to-read air quality data, and you’ve got an air purifier that ticks the boxes for many everyday users.

However, it’s not without its niggles. As it can only be used in rooms up to 27m² to fully benefit, it’s really only suitable for smaller homes rather than larger open-plan spaces. During testing, I also found that it wasn’t quick to react to all pollutant types.

The lack of app and smart home connectivity can also be seen as both a positive and a negative, depending on your personal preference and experience. But if you’re looking for a big-brand air purifier that gets the basics (and a bit more) right, I do think you’ll be happy with its abilities. If you’re already au fait with air purifiers and want something more high-tech, this one won’t be for you.

Specifications

• Recommended room size: 27m² (1 air change per hour), 6m² (4.8 air changes per hour)
• Noise levels (tested by us): 27- 57 dB
• Filter type: HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon, Pet Particle Barrier, Debris Defence Washable Filter
• Dimensions: 23.32 cm L x 23.72 cm W x 29.31 cm H
• Weight: 2.58 kg
• Wattage: 20W
• Smart App connectivity: No
• Timer: No (but does have Sleep mode)
• Auto mode: Yes

Unboxing and setting up

True to its name, the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 arrived in a very compact box. It was lightweight, easy to carry, and, as I’ve come to expect with SharkNinja products, free of unnecessary packaging.

Instead, the air purifier was encased in cardboard scaffolding and the recyclable, fabric-like material that Shark likes to use to protect its products. There was also very little assembly required. All I had to do was open up the base of the air purifier, remove the filter from its plastic wrapper, and re-insert it.

This took all of 2 seconds, so I could plug it in and start setting it up soon after. However, this next step took a bit longer. A lot longer, in fact.

After going through a brief ‘get to know your air purifier’ segment and using the onboard controls to set the day and time, I then got to the sensor calibration stage.

The BreatheClear Compact requires calibration on first use or after long periods without use, but the kicker is that this process takes a whole 48 hours. And for best results, Shark suggests setting the air purifier up in a well-ventilated space while this sensor calibration takes place.

This is the first time I’ve come across an air purifier that requires such lengthy, intensive calibration, so it was a little annoying on my part, as I wanted to start using it as soon as possible. However, I figured this process was designed to make the air purifier as effective as possible, so I decided to suck it up and wait the required 48 hours.

Design

Personally, I’ve always struggled a little with Shark’s air purifier designs. When I tested the brand’s NeverChange 5 Air Purifier last year, I said that it ‘looks more like an alien spaceship than a typical home appliance’ - and the same can be said for this upgraded model. Shark has kept the modern look, and I still think it’ll be divisive in houses that prefer more traditional home decor.

However, I do appreciate the air purifier's size, as its compact design is small enough to remain fairly inconspicuous without drawing too much attention.

It’s also extremely lightweight at just 2.58kg, which means you can carry it from room to room with very little effort.

Shark also sells the BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 in multiple colourways if you’d rather it make a statement in your home. I tested the standard ‘Dove’ colourway, but it also comes in a darker Charcoal, Blush, Butter Yellow, or Sage Green (my personal favourite).

Performance

We take our air purifier testing at Ideal Home very seriously, and we conduct four dedicated assessments to evaluate their performance. The first is the smoke test, which shows how well an air purifier reacts to the introduction of smoke (PM2.5) particles. So, with the air purifier in Auto mode and my air quality at 94%, I lit a match and blew the smoke toward it.

Within seconds of my introducing the smoke, my air quality decreased rapidly. And within 28 seconds, it had gone all the way down to 0% - as far into the red level as you can go. You can see just how quickly it detected these changes in the video below.

However, as quickly as it reacted to the negative change in air quality, it worked just as quickly to capture the polluting particles and improve the air quality again. In fact, just 3 minutes and 50 seconds later, my air quality was back up to 95% - which the air purifier rates as ‘excellent.’

This isn’t as impressive as the 2 minutes and 30 seconds it took the Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier - which is currently the number-one-rated model we’ve tested - to do the same, but it’s still not far off.

I then moved on to the next test, the spray deodorant test. This tests an air purifier’s ability to detect and respond to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). So, I sprayed the deodorant at the same distance away from the air purifier and noted the starting Air Index level - which was 96%.

The Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6’s VOC reaction time was slightly slower than in the smoke test, but it was still a fast response, and the air purifier once again took it down to 0% in less than 30 seconds. Two minutes later, it was back in the blue ‘excellent’ category.

Next, I moved on to the dust test, which typically consists of PM10 particles. I emptied my vacuum’s dust bin next to the air purifier and waited to see if it would pick up the dust introduced into the air. However, it didn’t - and that’s more of a testament to my vacuum than anything, as it is already equipped with its own filters to capture these particles.

So, I tried something else and shook my feather duster over the air purifier, as I figured it was full of unfiltered, raw dust. Once again, the air purifier didn’t pick up any change in air quality - although it did briefly decrease by 1%.

From this, I determined that the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 isn’t as effective at detecting and removing larger PM10 pollutants, such as dust, mould and pollen. At least during my independent testing, anyway.

I saved the best test for last: the cooking test. This test sees how an air purifier reacts to gas and cooking smells, as many people now buy air purifiers primarily for kitchen use. So, I cooked up a few rashers of vegan bacon and assessed how well it fared.

Once again, it reacted very quickly to the change in air quality in my kitchen, and I could hear the fan instantly ramp up to combat the additional pollutants. About five minutes into the cooking process, the percentage was firmly in the red at 0%.

Then, it took about 15 minutes after I had finished cooking to go back to normal. The bacon scent also lingered during that time, but when I walked into the kitchen again about 30 minutes later, it was almost completely gone.

However, one thing I did miss during this particular test - and my entire testing process - was the odour cartridge, which Shark included with the older NeverChange5 and within its Shark vacuum cleaners.

This odour cartridge was a highlight during my test of the previous model and made my house smell amazing. It’s a shame that Shark decided not to add it to this model, but it’s not a dealbreaker for me as it was more of a nice perk rather than an essential addition.

After the initial testing period, I continued to use the air purifier for a few hours a day to monitor and adjust my home’s air quality - and it really came in handy when my husband started painting. The Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 reacted extremely quickly to VOCs and paint fumes in the air and worked hard to restore air quality to a healthy level when he’d finished.

As it’s so compact, I mostly used it downstairs in my living room and kitchen, but I could see people using it in their bedrooms to help them sleep at night - as long as you keep it on the lowest fan speed or Sleep Mode to minimise noise.

Just be warned that this model isn’t suitable for rooms bigger than 27m². If you need it for a more open-plan space, you can buy it in a larger size from Shark for £299.99. This larger model is suitable for spaces up to 70m², but is also bigger in size.

Ease of use

One thing I will always give Shark credit for - both in terms of their air purifiers, vacuums and even their robot vacuums - is that the products are designed for easy, everyday use. There’s nothing complicated about them, and novices can jump in and use all the features without an extensive learning curve.

But the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 is a slight anomaly in today’s saturated air purifier market - and whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your own thoughts on the matter. That’s because this air purifier doesn’t have an integrated app, which means all of your controls are on the top of the air purifier itself.

On the control panel, you can turn it on, adjust your device and screen settings, view your air quality data, enable Sleep mode, or manually adjust the fan speed. You can even see the filter life here. And for those who want to understand the basics of their air quality, this should be enough.

However, those who have used air purifiers with apps in the past may find they’re missing a phone-controlled interface that lets them compare historical data, understand what their air quality means, adjust settings without getting up from the sofa, and even buy spare parts straight from their phones.

This new Shark air purifier does come with a few little perks, though - and this can be found in the motion and light detection. And I found that every time I walked past the air purifier, the screen showed a little swirly display, which told me it was boosting air purification and dimming the low light. This does make it more of a hands-off appliance.

Noise levels

Any appliance can be noisy, but air purifiers are similar to the best fans in that they circulate the air. So, I always test the noise levels of any air purifier I test - especially if the brand has made its own claims about the noise levels. In this case, Shark hasn’t.

Using a decibel meter app on my phone, I recorded 27dB at the lowest fan speed and 57dB at the highest. For reference, 27dB is equivalent to a soft whisper or the rustling of leaves. 57dB is the sound of a normal conversation.

This is slightly above average for what you’d expect for such a small air purifier, but it’s also not the loudest I’ve ever tested. Personally, I couldn’t hear it at all over the TV or my music while I was working. I wouldn’t have it on its highest fan speed while I was trying to sleep, though.

Energy use

Running at 20W, the energy usage of the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 is pretty average. It’s not the most efficient air purifier we’ve tested - that honour goes to the Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier - but it’s also not the most expensive.

When you consider how much it costs to run an air purifier, this model will set you back just a few pennies to run per hour in Auto mode.

However, one thing that is slightly disappointing is that Shark has decided to do away with an Eco mode - something the NeverChange5 entered when it achieved 100% air purification status. The NeverChange6 does lower the fan speed when air quality improves, but it’s not known how this affects the energy usage.

Filter replacement

The main USP of the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 is that you shouldn’t need to replace the air purifier filter for six years. This is a huge advantage for long-term use, as many other air purifiers require replacement filters around every 6-12 months.

So, not having to buy replacements makes it incredibly cheap to maintain, and is a major selling point for those who want an air purifier with minimal hands-on maintenance required. However, you still need to clean the pre-filters.

These are located on the side of the unit, and you can use a vacuum cleaner on low speed or a clean cloth to wipe these mesh filters and remove the dust and debris. You should never use chemicals and ideally not use a damp cloth - but if you do, you need to make sure you leave them to dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling them.

You don’t have to worry about forgetting this task, either. Not only does the unit alert you when the pre-filters need cleaning, but you can also check the filter life on the onboard display.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6?

If you’re a Shark fan and want to add another appliance to your collection to manage everyday pollutants, the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 will tick most of your boxes. It’s extremely quick to react to smaller particles and VOCs, and it’s easy to use and maintain thanks to the 6-year lifespan of the filters.

The motion sensor is also a nice touch, allowing you to witness real-time air purification as it happens. Just be warned that this model, in particular, is for smaller rooms under 27m², so would suit smaller living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms rather than large open-plan spaces.

However, my independent tests found that it struggled to react to high levels of dust, so it may not be your top choice if you are looking for an air purifier that tackles PM10 particles with ease.

Because of this, I see this air purifier as being an entry-level air purifier for those who know they want to improve their overall air quality but don’t have any specific air quality requirements - and don’t mind not having an app to control it.

While we might be experiencing cooler temperatures after an extremely hot summer, seeing as cooling appliances had all but sold out by the start of the summer, I was pleased to see that Meaco had launched a new tower fan.

Most of the best fans I've tested over the last 12 months are out of stock, so if you've struggled to find a suitable option this summer, then it's worth seeing whether this new Meaco release might be suitable for your home, and picking it up so you're ready for the next bout of hot weather.

I've been testing the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan (small) in my own home for the last couple of weeks, and this is what it was like to use, and ultimately, whether I think it's worth your money.

In a nutshell

Fan aficionados Meaco have extended their Sefte range of fans to include two new tower designs.

I tested the small version, which is designed for desktop use, and was impressed by it's powerful wind speeds, and easy controls. It also offers a wide wind channel and multiple oscillation settings to customise the airflow to your preferences. It's also an affordable option, with an RRP of £69.99.

For those who want a floor-standing option, the large Sefte Tower Fan is almost twice the height of the small version and offers app connectivity so you can control it from your smart phone.

I've got to admit, I've avoided tower fans in my own home ever since I had a very cheap one back in my uni days that rattled whenever it moved and proved very ineffective unless you were sat right next to it. But this Meaco offering has definitely changed my mind!

Specification

• Type of fan: Tower
• RRP: £69.99
• Weight: 2.5kgs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 16.5cm x 49cm x 18cm
• Wattage: 2-20W
• Wind speed (metres/second): 2.2-6.9m/s
• Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing): 0.52p
• Number of fan speed settings: 12
• Noise in dB: 38-69dB
• Smart features: None
• Dual functionality: None
• Oscillation: Horizontal only (45°, 90°, 135° and 180°)

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

As with all of the Meaco fans I've tried over the last 12 months, there's very little if any plastic included in the packaging and the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan is no different. It's all cardboard, paper and even a dust bag for the fan (which I'm definitely holding on to for storing it over the winter). The only bits of plastic I spotted was in the remote control battery compartment, and on the included battery packaging, and they were minimal.

The small tower fan is light enough that it's really easy to get out of the packaging single-handedly, and there was no assembly required on the fan itself. All I needed to do was add the battery to the remote control, position the fan where I wanted, plug it in and I was good to go.

My first impression of the fan was that I liked the neutral two-tone colourway (it's a off white and greige combo) that would be a subtle addition to most homes.

I like that there's no black screen (that I think would take away from the subtle appearance), instead useful information lights up on the front of the fan in a really pleasing way.

It's lightweight too, which meant it was easy for me to move from room to room. I also appreciated the compact dimensions of the base. This tower fan doesn't take up much room when it's popped on a table top, which makes it ideal for smaller bedside tables. This smaller version of the Sefte tower fan (it also comes in a taller version that is 92.5cm tall and app compatible), is just 49cm tall, meaning it's best suited to table top use. I used it primarily in my living room and bedroom, and it didn't feel cumbersome or overbearing in either space.

What's it like to use?

As with all of the Meaco products I've tried, the small Sefte tower fan is really easy to use by either the control panel that sits on top, or the magnetic and glow-in-the-dark remote control (the taller version can also be controlled by the Meaco app).

Both the on-board controls and the remote control are intuitive to use, with an obvious power button, up and down arrows to alter the wind speed, sideways arrows for sideways oscillation and a timer button for, you guessed it, setting the timer. The only button that may not feel intuitive for people who have never used a Meaco fan before, is the three dots, that switches the fan from normal mode, to night mode (where lights and beeps are turned off), to eco mode, which automatically adjusts the fan speed depending on the ambient temperature in the room.

I like that when the fan is connected to the power supply, it shows the ambient temperature in the room in really subtle way on the front of the fan, despite there being no visible LCD screen. Once you turn the fan on, there are small bars that appear around that ambient temperature that indicate which of the 12 wind speed setting you are on, as well as a numerical confirmation that flashes up for a second or two when you adjust the setting. If you are in night or eco mode, you'll also see a little moon or thermometer symbol display too.

The wind speeds are powerful, ranging from 2.2m/s in speed one (which would be ideal for sleep) up to a very blustery 6.9m/s in speed 12, which will seriously get the air moving across your skin and was the one I turned to when it was 36°C outside and I was melting.

While the name Sefte is an Old English word that means quiet, gentle and undisturbed, and this tower fan definitely is quiet in it's lowest speed settings, it does get noisier as you go up to top speed. I clocked it at 38dB (which is equivalent to rustling leaves) up to 69dB, which is like a chat with friends, at top speed.

While the top speed isn't quiet, it's more likely you would only use this speed on rare occasions, and most likely during the day when it's hotter when the sound levels are less of a concern.

When it comes to the actual airflow, it's very impressive, even in such a compact package. Firstly, the tall and narrow design allows for a wide wind channel, which means you can feel it's effects on a larger portion of your body than you may with, say a pedestal fan that has a more concentrated channel. I found that when I had it on a sideboard in my living room, about three metres from where I was sitting, I could feel it's effects from the top of my head to my waist, which felt like it was offering maximum impact, especially on a hot day. However, in my bedroom, where I have a chest of drawers as a bedside table, it was too high to feel the direct benefit (but it's got me seriously rethinking my bedside table situation as a result!).

Secondly, I really liked the varying options this fan has when it comes to oscillation. It offers four different oscillation angles, from a narrow 45° to a broader 180°. When it roasting hot during the testing period, I definitely favoured the 45° angle as this felt like it was mostly aimed in my direction, and not blowing towards the window and making the blinds rattle. However, once it cooled down a little and I was trying to get some of the hot stuffy air out of my house, I preferred the 180° angle, which felt like it was having more of an effect on the room as a whole.

In terms of manoeuvrability, the small Tower fan was light enough to move around single handedly, by either holding the body of the fan in the crook of my elbow and holding on to the base, or by using the integrated handle.

Running costs

Using between 2 and 20W, this Sefte tower fan is very inexpensive to run, costing around 0.5p per hour to run, based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

Using the eco mode, where the speed will automatically adjust based on the ambient temperature (running in speed one and 19°C or under, up to speed 12 when the ambient temperature hits 30°C), will ensure it's used in it's most energy efficient manner.

Cleaning and maintenance

Keeping the Sefte tower fan dust free is key to it working most efficiently. You can easily wipe over the exterior with a dry cloth, but occasionally, it's worth dusting the fan blades themselves.

Making sure the fan is disconnected from the mains, you can remove the grill by unscrewing the screw beneath the handle on the back of the fan, and then unscrewing the screw at the base of the fan blades. Then you can remove the blades, dust them thoroughly and then following the same steps in reverse.

I found the screws to be on the small side so I needed to use a smaller screwdriver to remove them, and it was a little bit fiddly to screw the blades back in place. But with only a couple of choice words and deep breaths, I got it fitted back together.

Who should buy this fan?

If you are after a slimline and powerful fan that doesn't cost a fortune, then the small Sefte tower fan will be right up your street. With it's compact dimensions, it'll fit neatly on any table top, whether it's by the bed or on your desk, and it's quiet lower wind speeds will give you the comfort you need without distracting you from work or sleep. If you don't want to use it on a desktop, then I'd suggest opting for the larger floor standing model instead.

If a pedestal fan is more your speed, then the Sefte pedestal air circulator is one of the best fans I've ever used. It has multidirectional oscillation capability, which means it can direct air flow to ever corner of your room, bouncing air off walls and the ceiling and everything in between. There's also a battery-operated desktop version that is ideal if you don't want to be held back by the location or accessibility of your plug sockets.

If you are prepared to pay more for a fan, then the Shark TurboBlade performed really well in our tests. But it's around £100 more expensive.

New on the scene for 2026 is the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower (available at top retailers like B&Q for £279.99), which promises a "beautifully striped lawn". As an aspiring amateur gardener, I couldn't wait to see what it could do to the lawn in our back garden.

Owning one of the best lawn mowers has always been an essential garden tool for me. There is simply no other way to cut grass quickly with minimal effort, so I'm all for it, especially if it can improve the overall appearance of the lawn.

I tested the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower over a few weeks, which means that I have used it three times thus far. The British weather isn't helping with my plan to mow the grass frequently to improve the grass health (etc), so I've taken the opportunity as and when to see just what this grass cutter can do, as well as monitor the battery performance, assess its storage options and measure the noise level.

Could it be the best cordless lawn mower to date? Read on to find out.

In a nutshell

The Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower is a cordless lawnmower suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. It is powered by not one but two 40V batteries to provide a runtime of up to 50 minutes.

As I did, you'll have the option to either collect clippings or mulch. This can be controlled with the removal of a mulch plug or installation of a grass clippings bag.

You can also decide the cutting height. It has a single lever that can be moved by hand to select one of six cutting heights, ranging from 25-75mm. This can be helpful if your lawn is uneven (as mine is) or as you use the mower throughout the seasons, because the grass will need to be cut at different heights in early spring compared to mid-autumn as grass growth slows down.

Weighing 19kg, it's relatively lightweight to manoeuvre and lift, and it can have its handlebars folded over for easier stowing in the shed.

Specifications

Unboxing the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower

The Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower arrived in a branded delivery box, part folded with very little set up required. With the mower measuring 141 x 51 x 99 cm alone, as I'm sure you can imagine, the box was very large and, therefore, bulky to carry and manoeuvre ahead of starting any screwing of screws or clipping parts together.

Inside the box you'll find: a 45L collection bag, quick release handle fixing upper (x2), quick release handle fixing lower (x2), 4Ah batteries (x2), dual port charger, mulch plug and instruction manual.

The upper handle, which features a soft grip handle, brake lever and safety button, arrives detached from the main body of the mower and folded over it. The 45L grass collector bag also arrives detached.

Cardboard and bubble wrap were used to secure all the parts in the box, and there was very little of it, too.

Who will the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower suit?

The Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower is best suited for small to medium-sized lawns, typically ranging from 50m² to 100m². It also fared well on uneven ground because you can adjust the cutting height.

It's also one of the few lawn mowers that I would recommend for a taller person because the handlebar has a set height of 115cm, which is one of the highest I have tested (it's a huge relief for the back and shoulders).

What's the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower like to use?

I used the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower to cut the grass in our back garden three times on one charge of the battery. I've found it relatively easy to manoeuvre, owing to its 19kg weight, which is one of the lightest I have used, and, overall, it's been impressively easy.

The two 20V batteries strike the perfect balance of power and performance. These sit under a hood of the mower so that they are protected from the elements and out of any harm's way. The performance of the Webb lawn mower remained consistent throughout my test.

A rear roller on the deck is designed to create classic striped patterns for a professional finish. While I could see my walkway after mowing the grass. I wouldn't call them "stripes" on my lawn. This is likely because of the uneven terrain so, therefore, I didn't achieve this promised look — though I'll keep pursuing perfection!

I found that the 38cm wide cutting deck cut the grass in our 400sqft garden in a timely manner. Within 15 minutes, I was done.

The width of the deck can also tuck into edges for a precise cut along borders. While I did have to pull away some wild grass from the verges for the Webb, suffice it to say that it cut everything that was in its path.

Our rear garden is very lumpy and bumpy, so I was somewhat relieved to see that I could adjust the cutting height sixfold. These range from 25- 75 mm.

I had our Webb mower set on height number 4 to avoid stalling on a mound. Adjusting the cutting height is also a good thing to do depending on the seasonality, of course.

It also has the flexibility to either mulch or collect grass clippings. You can either keep the mulch plug inserted (as it is) or remove and attach the 45L grass bag. I opted to collect the grass clippings because our lawn is shamefully peppered with weeds and I didn't want to help spread them. If you prefer to mulch, just keep the plug in, and there's no need to attach the collection bag.

To mow our rear garden, I emptied the grass bag three times on each expedition. Notably, the grass was long/ish and thick between mows. However, the bag did fill quicker than expected, so this interrupted the grass cutting as I detached and carried the bag to the garden waste bin somewhere along the garden path.

If you collect the clippings too, note that the mulch plug puts up a fight to remove, so you may need some help with this.

As a battery-powered mower is also quiet (much quieter than my petrol mower). I used a decibel meter reader app on my phone to record the noise level. This peaked at 81dB, equivalent to a car. In comparison, my petrol mower is 90dB.

Cleaning, storage & maintenance

There is very little cleaning and maintenance involved with the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower, but there should be a few things that you do to help keep it in good working order.

You'll need to clean the lawnmower after every use. This won't take long, but it'll increase the machine's longevity. It involves cleaning the underside, checking the blades and cleaning the grass collection box. That's all.

At the beginning and/or end of the lawn mowing season, you may want to sharpen the lawn mower blade for a nice, clean cut of the grass. Lawn mower blade sharpeners can be easily picked up, and they don't cost too much either. For example, I'm looking at getting the Smith’s 50603 Handheld Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener (£17.54, Amazon) to sharpen the blades on this Webb mower, and my own petrol lawn mower.

You'll also need to charge the battery. I imagine that this will be a preference; I charge after each use or from flat. I charge after each use because I don't like the thought of annoyance when the battery power runs out before finishing a mow (I've learnt from testing battery-powered mowers in the past!)

If you're unsure how much battery is remaining, you can check the power levels by pressing down and holding a button on each battery. A green light signifies the battery levels.

I'd also remove the batteries when storing. I'd say "storing" when it's put in the shed between uses. If batteries are being charged, then they'll be in the separate charging port anyway.

The handlebar folds down to reduce the footprint in the shed. You will need to detach the upper handlebar and rest this on top of the mower, and then, subsequently, detach the grass collector bag to place this on top too. It is a bit of a faff to undo the bolts on the upper handlebar, although this does significantly shrink the size of the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower when it's not in use.

How does it rate online?

New for Spring 2026, the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower doesn't have a lot of customer reviews to speak of - only six that I can see on the Webb website. This is no bad thing though, because they are all in favour of it.

The first review was left on 25 May, which said: "Just a great mower". This was closely followed up by a review left a day later by another customer which said: "Works well and does what it says on the box".

More recently, on 1st June 2026, another customer shared: "Very easy to set up and use. Folds flat for storage and plenty of power, including a boost on slightly longer grass." However, they made a point to say that the grass collector does not have a frame, so it doesn't stand on its own when detached from the mower. I concur but must say that it does have a frame to clip onto the mower; it's just not that substantial to support the grass collector when detached.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

Since 2011, Webb has specialised in designing and manufacturing garden equipment in Swindon, UK. They sell an eclectic collection of electric mowers, self-propelled petrol lawn mowers, manual cylinder mowers and ride-on lawn mowers, as well as tools such as hedge trimmers and chainsaws.

The above is worth mentioning because it's not often you find a company that still designs and manufactures here in the UK. For example, Flymo used to build lawnmowers in its UK factory during the 1970s, but now just some robotic lawn mowers are made in this country. Similarly, Mountfield is a British brand founded in the 1960s but is now part of the STIGA Group, so their gardening equipment is designed in Europe and manufactured in Italy or Slovakia.

With that, it's encouraging that the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower was released early this year, alongside a selection of petrol mowers, like the Webb WER16DV130 39cm Petrol Lawnmower, and manual cylinder lawnmowers, like the Webb WEV2012RB4 20V 30cm Cordless Cylinder Lawnmower. It's the only one with a 38cm deck in the entire Webb lawn mower category.

Its closest match in the collection is the Webb WEER40RR Supreme 40cm (16 inch) Electric Rotary Lawnmower with Rear Roller (£169, Amazon) and the Webb Eco WEV20X2LM43B4X 40V 43cm (17″) Cordless Rotary Lawnmower (£279, Amazon). The design is a hybrid of these two with the rear roller and 40V battery power. It also looks strikingly similar to the cordless rotary lawnmower, too.

The price (£279.99) positions the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower in the middle of the wider market. For reference, a lot of cordless lawnmowers with these specifications are close to double this price.

Our closest match to performance and price that the IH team have tested is the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A lawn mower. Our reviewer, Joanne Lewsley, loved how light and manoeuvrable it was during our testing. The battery power is perfect for small to medium lawns, and for those who struggle with storage space, the fold-away telescopic handles and sturdy hook for hanging are a game-changer. However, you can only expect to achieve a 25-minute runtime, and it costs £100 more (£349, Amazon).

Similarly, the Gtech Cordless Lawnmower CLM50 has a 42cm cutting width and a 50L grass collector, which is greater than the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower. However, it only has a runtime of up to 40 minutes - and it's £599.

On the subject of runtime, the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower has one of the longest runtimes that I have tested and by specification. Before I reviewed it, I had been using the WORX WG743E Cordless Lawnmower 40V (no longer sold), and I struggled to finish cutting the lawn in the back garden before the battery went flat. This is testament to the quality of materials used in the design and manufacturing of Webb items.

Should you buy the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower?

Ultimately, the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower is a superb lawn mower for medium-sized gardens with uneven lawns. In my experience of testing it, I also found that it was easy to set up and the battery held its charge (almost) up to the estimated 55-minute runtime.

I can not vouch for its effectiveness to achieve a "clean, striped finish" because with the British weather halting my daily mow plans, I didn't get the opportunity to test this. However, I remain hopeful that together with a lower cutting height and reliable battery, this could be achieved.

For a lawnmower priced at a very respectable £279.99 with a 24-month warranty, I would happily recommend buying the Webb 40V 38cm Rear Roller Lawnmower to anyone in need of a new lawnmower.

About this review, and the reviewer

Ninja's expansion of its coffee machines has reached new frontiers with the AutoBarista Pro, the brand's first try at an automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine.

I've tried both of the Ninja bean-to-cup machines released in the series so far, the Luxe Café and its Pro series upgrade. I think both of these deserve the title of one of the best coffee machines you can buy, especially in terms of value compared to brands like Sage. So my hopes were very high with this automatic version. Here's how I got on with it.

In a nutshell

I've reviewed a fair few automatic bean-to-cup machines now, but none quite like the AutoBarista Pro. That's because in both looks and operation it reminds me more of its Ninja Luxe Café sister machine than anything else, especially thanks to its milk frother, which uses the same jug mechanism.

The kicker though? At £900, this machine is almost double the price that you can often find the Luxe Café on sale for and though it's undoubtedly impressive, I'm not entirely sure its worth the price jump.

Things that did impress me were the Auto IQ program, as well as the colour screen and icons which definitely added a premium feel to the machine. After getting through the calibration process, which admittedly took a hot minute, the taste of the coffee was great.

It's just personal prefer but I would pick the milk jug design that features here over fiddly plastic-y tubes that you usually get with auto bean-to-cups. But it does mean it's a more involved coffee than with something like the De'Longhi Eletta Ultra, for example, as you have to pour over your own milk. A small thing, but different to just pressing one button and letting the machine to the rest.

The swappable bean hoppers will be a huge pull for those who like a decaf in the afternoon, hugely cutting down on fuss, and the advanced cleaning features will also please many making the switch from their espresso machine to this. As with the Luxe Café, the small drip tray that fills very quickly is pretty annoying.

Who tested this coffee machine?

Unboxing the product

This is a big hunk of a machine. It's 18cm deeper, 5cm wider and 13.2cm heavier than the Luxe Café, which is by no means small. It's stretches out in every dimension and will requite either a deep worktop without overhanging shelves or a dedicated coffee station. I had to test it on my dining table in my house, as I'm without either.

It's also very heavy, weighing 22kg. Set-up (or even just getting it off the doorstep) is not for the faint hearted so rope in reinforcements to get it in situ. As with all Ninja products it's wrapped up well in cardboard and other recyclable materials with a very smooth set-up process helped by a QR code sticker on the front of the machine.

I think the machine looks quite expensive overall but it's generally not as appealing as something like the Sage Barista Touch Impress which is fairly similar in terms of ability. The feedback reader, where you get instructed when grinding, is less of an interface and more of a rolling message banner. It doesn't feel premium compared to the kind of interface you get with a De'Longhi or similar, where the colour screens are very immersive.

The milk frothing wand is very wide, miles different from one you'd find on a standard espresso machine. The jug is large too, which is good for adding milk to more than one coffee at once.

You control the screen via a dial and buttons that correspond to the icons on screen. The buttons, like the rest of the screen, are stainless steel and a magnet for fingerprint marks. If I was buying this machine the stainless steel/black colour combo would be at the bottom of my list – the Vista Green or Oat White get my vote instead.

First impressions

The materials you get with the machine make setting up easy – even if this is your first coffee machine. The big hurdle to get over with set-up is calibrating the Grind IQ program, which uses quite a lot of beans and is pretty loud.

During this process the machine will grind your beans, weigh out a dose and tamp it before pulling your espresso shot. It will do this several times until it reaches what Ninja say is the optimum grind. Then you'll need to empty the grounds container, drip tray and refill the water as well as discard those starter shots.

From there, getting a coffee is straightforward (unless you want to change your beans, of course). The other big technical hitch to get over is swapping out the bean hoppers if you're so inclined for a decaf afternoon coffee or simply an alternative blend.

There's a simple locking system where you input the beans that works well when swapping over though the internal grinder will still hold some of the older beans so you'll have to use the 'purge' button in that scenario.

The ‘Morning Rush’ test

In accordance with how we test coffee machines, the Morning Rush test sees us make several coffees back to back to see how the machine fares. As this is an automatic, I found it a pleasingly easy process. The machine turns on relatively quickly but will only give you your coffee if the drip tray is empty enough. Otherwise the screen won't light up and allow you to progress.

But once you're set up, it's no issue to churn out a few black coffees in a row without complication. The machine has a thermoblock system which works well to keep the temperature consistent across multiple drinks.

The large jug means you can steam enough milk for two lattes at once or for 3 macchiatos if you're only looking for a splash of milk. So if there's four of you in your household and you all want a coffee before you head out for the day, many drinks in a row won't pose an issue.

User experience

This machine isn't marketed as a 'one-touch' convenience station as so many bean-to-cup offerings are, which is refreshing, as it is more involved than alternatives that integrate milk tanks into their main body.

Day-to-day when using this machine, you'll probably notice that it takes a minute to wake up and flush out – this is all part of the machine's automatic cleaning system. If something is awry (not enough water, grounds container too full) the machine won't let you make a coffee until you remedy it which is good for preventing build-up.

When making a latte, for example, you'd touch to turn on the machine and wait for it to finish its warm up processes. You'd then select latte from the light-up menu and pop your cup under the spout as well as load your milk in the jug for the frother.

There are three adjustable levels you can pop your cup on and there's plenty of space even for a carafe full of coffee if you fancy. You'd struggle to find a travel cup that wouldn't fit under there which is a bonus.

The coffee dispenses first from the left. Once that's stopped, the queued milk frothing process will begin automatically (with no need for you to prompt). The milk frothing is nice and quiet and relatively speedy too. All that's left to do after that is pour over your milk (practicing your best latte art skills).

The milk wand on the AutoBarista is a step up from the one I've used previously on the Pro series version of the Ninja Luxe Café. Called the FrothPerfect, it whisks and steams at the same time automatically. The five milk settings include extra-thick froth and cold foam which is great for having a variation of drinks available.

Once you're done with the milk jug, you push the wand back into place where it'll auto-purge.

Noise test

As I mentioned earlier, this is a pretty quiet machine. Both the dispensing of espresso and the frothing of milk measure at about 60dB in my home, which is a plus for those who value discreet appliances.

What's it like to clean?

The standard colour way for this machine is stainless steel. It's not my favourite as it marks so quickly but it's all down to personal preference. For me, any of the colours are much more appealing.

This machine inherits the same problem as the Ninja Luxe Café; the drip tray seems to need emptying at every turn. This is probably a good thing, as it's due to the auto cleaning systems doing their job, but it can feel annoying.

The big pro for cleaning with this machine is the removable brew group, which is accessible via a side door. All you need to do to maintain it is pull it out and rinse it on a semi-regular basis.

How does it compare to competitors?

This machine is so unique that its hard to find a direct comparison. The De'Longhi Rivelia is currently our top-rated bean-to-cup model and at around £699, it's quite a bit cheaper than the AutoBarista. Its compact size and sleek finish mean its likely more aesthetically friendly to most kitchens too.

Should you buy the Ninja AutoBarista Pro?

Ninja's easy-to-use charm extends to this clever automatic machine. It makes great coffee, is easy to use and has plenty of features built-in to make owning a bean-to-cup machine more manageable. It's not the prettiest option out there, though the colour ways make it slightly more bearable, and there are highlights that real coffee lovers wil rejoice at (the interchangeable bean hoppers and the assisted grinding).

For me it doesn't quite live up to the greatness of the Ninja Luxe Café and its Pro version successor, but it's a solid choice if you know you want a Ninja coffee machine that can pour a coffee without you needing to grind the beans yourself.

At the time of writing we seem to be living through endless rolling heatwaves, and cold drinks have become the norm, so-much-so that I can’t remember what it’s like to have a cup of tea after 10am!

So it's no surprise that at-home slushie machines and ice cream makers seem to be more popular than ever. And I’m very excited to try out this newly launched ProBreeze EasyFreezy, a clever multifunctional appliance that can make slushies as well as soft serve ice cream.

Its design looks a little different to other slushie machines I’ve tried, but I got my hands on one right before the launch date, so was able to try it early to see what this lesser known kitchen appliance brand had to offer.

In a nutshell

The ProBreeze EasyFreezy Ice Cream, Slushies & Frozen Drinks Maker will set you back £179.99 via ProBreeze's website (where the code IDEAL10 can also get you 10% off). It's a hybrid appliance that can make both soft serve ice cream, and frozen slushie drinks. And while £169.99 is hardly a small sum of money, as slushie machines go, its price tag is incredibly reasonable. The Dualit Ice Cream Maker (which similarly operates without pre-freeze) will set you back £349.99 by comparison.

It offers six different frozen drink programmes as well as a soft serve programme and a clean mode. Each programme has five adjustable thickness levels so you can personalise your drinks and ice cream to your preferred thickness.

I used almost every option on this machine during a week of testing it for this review, and can confirm that every drink was delicious. It can be a bit slow to create some of the slushies, but the soft serve was ready in around 30 minutes and was exactly as soft and tasty as I hoped it would be.

The downsides are that the capacity is really only large enough for 2-3 servings of slushies. And the dispenser is simply a sliding door that opens a hole in the base of the main tub. So dispensing can be a bit messy, not to mention a bit awkward when trying to fill an ice cream cone.

Who tested the ProBreeze EasyFreezy?

Unboxing

I was frustrated to come across polystyrene in the box when I unpacked it. I do wish the brand was able to use cardboard inserts instead, as these would be easily recyclable.

I was relieved though, that it doesn’t come with too many removable parts to get your head around. Although, I did find the manual to be vague in places, so it took me a while to get to grips with how to fully disassemble the tub for the first clean. Nevertheless, once you’ve done it once, it soon makes sense.

At 5ft 3, I quickly noticed that for me to properly see the control panel on the top of the machine, I found myself standing on tip-toes. Definitely something to think about if you’re shorter than me.

There are seven pre-programmed settings on the menu, plus a clean function. Essentially six of the settings are for various different slushie drinks, and the remaining one is for soft serve ice cream.

Plus and minus buttons allow you to adjust the slushie thickness to your liking, so over time, you would probably come to learn your preferred setting for each of your favourite recipes. There are five levels to choose from and the different modes each have a predetermined thickness level as a starting point.

As far as recipes to get you started, there’s a card included in the box with recipes for vanilla ice cream, as well as a cola slushie and a fruit juice slushie. A QR code takes you to further recipes, though at the time of writing the appliance hadn’t launched and the recipes weren’t live on the website, so I used a lot of my own recipes during testing.

For ice cream, both the minimum and maximum fill amount listed is 600ml, whereas for slushies you can fill it with a minimum of 600ml or a maximum of 800ml. You also need to make sure that all recipes have at least 6% sugar.

For alcohol based slushies, the alcohol amount must be between 6-16% for it to freeze correctly. The machine will detect and display error codes if there’s either too much alcohol, or too little sugar in the liquid.

The machine beeps and displays COL when the drink or ice cream is ready. Don’t ask me what COL stands for, cold maybe? I couldn’t find any info on how long you can leave it running with slushies inside. But the manual states that for best results you should serve once the desired texture is reached. And I’m guessing that the small capacity means most people would dispense their drinks pretty much straight away.

There’s a sliding handle that opens a hole in the bottom of the tub to allow drinks and ice creams to dispense out of the base. There’s a clearance of about 15cm between the outlet and the drip tray. I’m intrigued to see if this is enough space to easily fill a cone with soft serve ice cream.

What's it like to use?

Slushie

First up I tried the Slushie function, the recipe card suggested adding cola, but I went with a ginger ale instead. Two cans of most fizzy drinks is enough to hit the minimum marker, though you do have to check that the sugar content reaches the 6% requirement, or you’ll need to add sugar.

I selected the slushie mode and pressed start. The paddle moved around slowly to begin with and then it took me by surprise when it sped up significantly. At 63dB it isn’t a loud appliance, but at times, the sound of the paddle turning is quite high pitched and I did find it grating. To be fair though, as the drink started to freeze, it dulled to a less high pitched, background hum.

The display on the top shows the current temperature, but you can only see the consistency of the mixture through a small window to the right of the handle.

The machine beeps when the drink is ready. It took 33 minutes to turn my ginger ale into a tasty slushie, which did feel like quite a long time just to create two servings. The texture was good though, cold enough to stay frozen in the glass for quite a while, but still easy to suck through a straw. Plus, it dispensed smoothly out of the opening in the base of the tub.

Milkshake

I made up my own chocolate milkshake recipe using cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and cream. Luckily a table in the instruction manual told me that for a 700ml mixture I would need 42g of sugar, so I didn’t have to do any maths to work out the correct sugar percentage.

The tips on the recipe card suggest that the frappe and milkshake functions require sugar and/ or cream to be used in the recipe. I opted to include both in this mixture for a truly indulgent milkshake.

Five minutes into the milkshake programme, I decided I probably should have added a small splash of vanilla. Luckily, the fill inlet just above the handle is designed for adding ingredients during use.

It was a bit tough to get open the first time I tried, but does become easier over time. And I love that there’s an easy option for adding in an extra ingredient without stopping the programme.

The milkshake took 40 minutes, which again, for just two portions, felt like a long wait. At the end, when I tried to dispense the drink, it was too thick and nothing came out. So I had to remove the tub and spoon it into the glasses.

The texture was a bit too thick and next time I would adjust the level to make it slightly thinner, which presumably would also speed up the freezing time. It was a delicious chocolate thickshake nevertheless, despite the annoyance of having to spoon it into the glasses.

Fruit Slushie

For this setting I simply added pink grapefruit juice up to the max line and pressed start. It took 33 minutes, and the slushies were the perfect texture. They dispensed easily into the glasses. But even though I’d filled it up to the max line, there was still only enough for two.

I’m starting to notice that in some scenarios the dispenser can be a bit messy. As you slide it open and closed, you can end up with some slushie spilled down the side of your glass.

Frappe

For a couple of coffee frappes I added two large double shots of espresso to milk, sugar, and a splash of double cream. It took 44 minutes, which was longer than I expected, though that’s partly my fault for not cooling the espresso for very long, meaning the whole mix would have been slightly warmed by the coffee.

Despite the wait though, the 600ml mixture made two perfect frappes that were just what was needed on a scorching Sunday morning. If I’d increased the mixture to the maximum 800ml, there might have been enough for three servings, but in reality, this isn’t a slushie machine for when you have guests. There simply isn’t the capacity.

Soft serve

The recipe card that comes in the box includes a recipe for vanilla soft serve, which feels like the best place to start. It’s just milk, single cream, vanilla, and sugar syrup (I used maple syrup for added flavour).

The 600ml mixture is the maximum you can make in this machine and it took 33 minutes to churn. I dispensed the soft serve into cones. There’s only just enough space to fill a cone under the dispensing hole, it’s a tad awkward but you can make it work.

The mixture was enough to fill four cones as well as a couple of ramekins, so unlike the slushie capacity, it produces enough for at least six people. Both the texture and flavour of the soft serve was on point and very enjoyable.

Margarita

I’m not sure if it was the alcohol or sugar content that was maybe slightly off, but when I used the margarita programme, it took ages. In fact, I got bored of waiting and dispensed the margaritas after 55 minutes.

The frozen margaritas had the perfect texture, so I don’t know why it didn’t sense this and signal that the drinks were ready. That said, for frozen margaritas at home, this machine can definitely deliver - as long as you’re not planning a large gathering.

What's it like to clean?

The parts aren’t dishwasher safe, but washing everything by hand after most slushies didn’t bother me too much. Filling it with water and using the clean programme was helpful in removing some residues. It was much less effective on the milk and cream based mixes though.

On the whole it disassembles easily and is fairly quick to clean. But for dairy based drinks and ice cream, it does need a thorough wash in hot soapy water and a bit more attention to detail to avoid any nasty smells developing.

It’s worth pointing out that after those more troublesome milky mixtures, I had to pay close attention to the bits of the machine that can’t be removed and washed in the sink, especially the lowest section of the cooling cylinder. There’s a small rotating cog that can remain caked in milky residue if you’re not careful. This section is really fiddly to clean and I did start to find it a bit tiresome.

How does it compare to similar products?

The Cuisinart Frost Fusion is probably one of the most direct comparisons in terms of its ability to create both soft serve and slushies. It's much faster to freeze mixtures, and the tilting handle is far more intuitive to use when dispensing soft serve and slushies. However, at almost £300 it's a significant step up in price.

If soft serve is the thing you want most, then the Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl is more of a dedicated ice cream maker that can make standard as well as soft serve ice cream, plus milkshakes. But this fancy ice cream maker is over double the price of the ProBreeze, and it can’t make slushies.

Should you buy the ProBreeze Soft Serve, Slushies & Frozen Drinks Maker?

It comes down to the size of your household and what you want from it. The 2-3 slushie serving size won’t work in larger households. However, slushies, milkshakes, and frappes are all very high in sugar, so there are plenty of scenarios where you might welcome the small capacity. In my two person household it definitely stopped us from over-indulging.

The soft serve was perfect, and with enough for six people, it’ll definitely deliver when you have a house full of kids, or even to impress the adults. I found some elements annoying, like getting it thoroughly clean after milky mixtures, and the clunky dispensing hole, plus it can be a bit slow. But in the grand scheme of things, these are all forgivable when you take into account the cost savings compared to other slushie and soft serve machines.

The Kärcher SCV 4 promises to take some of the legwork out of cleaning by vacuuming and steam cleaning hard floors at the same time, while doubling up as a regular vacuum on carpets. As someone who's tested plenty of floorcare appliances for Ideal Home, I was keen to see whether this multi-tasking model could compete with the best steam cleaners and mops (and the best vacuums) out there.

After putting it through its paces around my home, there was plenty that impressed me - but it's not without its drawbacks.

In a nutshell

The Kärcher SCV 4's biggest selling point is its ability to vacuum and steam hard floors at the same time, and I was impressed by how effectively it managed both. It made my vinyl kitchen floor look noticeably cleaner after just a few passes, while the sensitive steam mode will be helpful for delicate hard flooring. Better still, it only uses water, so there's no need to buy a separate cleaning solution.

It performed well in my tougher cleaning tests. Flour and raw egg disappeared from my kitchen floor in a single pass, although it struggled slightly more with a large pile of baked beans, with a few getting caught underneath the floorhead. For everyday crumbs and spills, though, I'd be more than happy to reach for it.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was how well the SCV 4 worked as a standalone vacuum on carpet. It picked up almost all of my flour test in one sweep and glided smoothly across the floor, making it a seriously versatile appliance. The self-cleaning mode and powerful LED headlights are handy additions, too.

My main reservations are its bulk and corded design. It can't reach right up to the edges of a room or fit into every tight space, and I found the long cable less convenient than using a cordless cleaner. But if you're happy to sacrifice some manoeuvrability for a solid cleaning performance and want one appliance that can steam hard floors and vacuum carpets, the SCV 4 is a worthy pick.

How I tested

Specifications

• Weight: 7.1kg
• Dimensions: H:122 x W:31 x L:31 cm
• Clean water tank capacity: 500ml
• In the box: main unit, cleaning roller, descaling cartridge, cleaning station, accessories holder
• RRP: £339.99

Unboxing and set up

The Kärcher SCV 4 arrived in a fairly large box that was a little awkward to carry around, but thankfully not too heavy. Inside, all of the parts were neatly packed in cardboard, but there was still some plastic wrapping, which I’d personally prefer to see less of. You can recycle this kind of plastic at most larger supermarkets, at least.

Setting everything up was pretty straightforward thanks to the quick-start guide and (somewhat bulky) instruction manual. The handle slots easily into the main unit, and the cleaning roller is fitted into the roller cassette. I found getting the cassette back into place a little fiddly, but it only took me a few minutes to get it back in place again.

You’ll also need to insert the descaling cartridge into the water tank before getting started. This is included to help protect the appliance from limescale and extend its lifespan, which I thought was a nice addition. Another plus is that you only need to fill the tank with water, so there’s no separate cleaning solution to keep buying.

Design-wise, I wouldn't exactly call the SCV pretty. As someone who loves a cordless vacuum, I'm used to sleek, compact appliances that don't have trailing wires. This isn't necessarily a critique of the product; it's just not my personal preference. But I was hoping the bulk meant it would pack a powerful punch and fare well against heavy-duty cleaning.

Performance

Once I'd filled the water tank up and plugged the SCV 4 in, it was good to go. As the appliance heats up, the screen display lights up with flashing icons for each of its cleaning modes: vacuuming, regular steam mode and a sensitive steam mode, designed for more delicate floor surfaces, such as laminate and sealed wooden floors.

Vacuuming can also be combined with either steam setting, which is a major plus - to be able to vacuum and steam at the same time is never a guarantee, so I was looking forward to putting this feature to the test.

Hard floors

To get used to the feel of the SCV 4, I took it for a quick turn around my vinyl kitchen floor, starting with the vacuum and regular steam functions switched on together. From the off, I could tell this was a powerful appliance - so powerful that it almost seemed to move by itself. Very little effort was required from me to push it around the floor, despite the fairly bulky build. It's also fairly noisy, though not at a level I'd deem unpleasant.

As I passed the SCV 4 around my kitchen, the floor became visibly damp, while crumbs and other small pieces of debris all but disappeared. After just a few passes, the surface looked noticeably cleaner.

While vinyl is hard-wearing enough to withstand regular steaming, I did try the sensitive steam mode as well. Less steam comes out, but the floor still seemed pretty clean afterwards. It's a good option if you have delicate hard flooring in your home.

I'm also a fan of the SCV 4's LED headlights. These are pretty powerful and do a good job of illuminating hidden messes on the floor, especially in darker corners and areas that are harder to see.

For a more controlled test (and as part of how we test products at Ideal Home), I scattered flour, baked beans and a raw egg across the kitchen floor to see how the SCV 4 would cope with these kinds of messy spills. Given how much food we somehow seem to get on the kitchen floor on a weekly basis, I was pretty keen to see the results.

It was impressive to watch the flour and egg disappear in a single pass, but the device definitely struggled more to pick up the beans.

Some were pushed around the floor rather than immediately sucked up, and when I thought I'd finished, I discovered that a few had actually become lodged along the underside of the floorhead rather than making their way into the waste tank. I had to wipe these away with some kitchen roll afterwards.

That said, this was a fairly big chunk of baked beans concentrated in one spot, and the SCV 4 still dealt with most of the mess surprisingly well. The liquid was successfully collected in the dirty-water tank, too, and the floor itself was left looking clean.

Based on this test, I'd be confident reaching for it to deal with everyday kitchen mishaps and smaller food spills, although I'd probably pick up the bulk of chunkier spills first rather than expecting it to replace a dustpan entirely.

Carpets

The SCV 4 can also be used as a regular vacuum cleaner on carpets (though the steam function shouldn't be used here).

It's fair to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the SCV's performance as a vacuum. It glided smoothly across my living room carpet and left behind those satisfying vacuum lines that make it easy to see where I've cleaned.

To put its suction to the test, I scattered some flour across my living room carpet, and it picked up almost everything in a single sweep. Steam vacuums can sometimes prioritise their steaming capabilities over vacuuming, so I was pretty pleased with this result.

I've tested plenty of vacuum cleaners for Ideal Home now, and in terms of straightforward pick-up power, the SCV 4 held its own against some of the best performers I've tried.

Where it falls slightly short as an everyday vacuum is its size. The handle lowers until it's almost flat, which means you can technically reach underneath furniture, but the bulky floorhead still needs enough clearance to fit.

It was also too wide to squeeze through the gap between my sofa and pouffe, something my usual vacuum manages comfortably. It also won't clean the edges of a room, so even if you did choose to use the SCV 4 in place of a standard vac, you'd probably need a good handheld vacuum to use alongside.

I also just prefer the ease of a cordless model compared to a corded one. This might come down to personal preference, but I found the trailing wire of the SCV 4 a bit annoying when I was trying to clean. The cord is also pretty long, which does mean you can comfortably clean larger spaces - but on the flip side, there's more cord to avoid and wrap up when you're done.

Cleaning and maintenance

Handily, the SCV 4 has a self-clean mode, so there's no need to spend a lot of time keeping the device working in tip-top condition. The process is carried out with the vacuum sitting on its cleaning stand, where it runs water through the roller and internal system to help flush out any lingering dirt.

A word of warning, though: make sure you actually put it on the stand before pressing the self-clean button. I made the mistake of starting the cycle while the SCV 4 was still sitting loose on my kitchen floor, at which point the powerful roller sent it trundling off by itself. Amusing in hindsight, but not something I’d recommend repeating, as my floor was quite wet afterwards.

The self-clean function takes a few minutes to complete and does get rather noisy. It also uses a fair bit of water, but the roller brush looked much cleaner afterwards.

The self-clean function takes care of some of the day-to-day upkeep, but it doesn’t remove the need for a little hands-on cleaning, particularly after messier jobs. It's recommended to empty the dirty-water tank after each use, and following my flour, egg and bean test, mine definitely needed more than a quick rinse.

Emptying and washing the tank itself was straightforward, but I had to go in with an old toothbrush to remove the last traces of bean sauce from some of the harder-to-reach areas.

I also wiped around the inlet to the dirty-water tank, where a fairly unappealing combination of bean juice and matted hair had collected, and took the opportunity to rinse the filter at the same time. None of this was especially difficult, but it’s worth bearing in mind that the more ambitious you get with wet food spills, the more cleaning you’re going to need to do afterwards.

Overall, I found maintenance pretty manageable. For everyday vacuuming and steaming, the self-clean cycle should keep much of the routine upkeep to a minimum, while the removable parts are easy enough to rinse when needed. Just don’t expect the machine to completely clean up after itself if you’ve asked it to tackle half your dinner.

How does it compare to similar models?

Currently residing in the top spot of our vacuum mop guide is the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner, which is perhaps the main other model to consider when weighing up whether to buy the Kärcher SCV 4. The Shark offers cordless convenience and a much lighter build, so it's probably going to feel easier to use on a day-to-day basis. But the Shark can't be used on carpets, so you'll save on storage space if you use the SCV 4 as a regular vacuum as well as a mop.

It's also worth comparing it to the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce Edge, another lighter, cordless and easy-to-manoeuvre mop that might be better for everyday cleans. The Bissell is slightly more expensive though (£379.99), and you'll have to commit to an ongoing cost of cleaning solution fairly regularly.

There's also the more affordable Kärcher Floor Cleaner FCV 3, which our reviewer found very easy to steer around hard floors. This is a cordless model with a run time of 30 minutes, and does a great job of both vacuuming and mopping. The main drawback is that it doesn't provide steam cleaning, which is where you'll get a deeper clean on hard floors. But if it's just a mop and vacuum you're after, the FCV 3 is a worthy pick.

How does it rate online?

There aren't a tonne of reviews of the SCV 4 online yet, but those that are out there are fairly positive. It has an impressive 4.8-out-of-5-star rating on the Kärcher website (from 24 reviews), and a 4.4-star rating on Amazon (from 19 reviews).

Customers praise the powerful vacuuming and steam cleaning capabilities, and like the fact that it can be used in place of a regular vacuum. People are most impressed that it can vacuum and steam clean at the same time, though there are critiques around the SCV 4's bulk and the fact that it can't clean the edges of a room.

Should you by the Kärcher SCV 4 Steam Cleaner Vacuum?

The Kärcher SCV 4 isn't the lightest or most nimble floorcare appliance I've tested, but it does an impressive amount to justify its bulk. Being able to vacuum and steam hard floors at the same time makes it a good option for quick but thorough cleans, and during testing it made easy work of everything from everyday dirt to flour and a raw egg.

Its vacuuming performance was one of the biggest surprises for me. It picked up flour from my carpet almost entirely in one sweep and performed just as well as some of the best vacuums I've tested for Ideal Home. That makes the SCV 4 a versatile option if you want one appliance that can tackle both hard floors and carpets, rather than a vacuum mop you'll only be able to use in certain rooms.

The sensitive steam mode also makes it a solid choice for homes with more delicate hard flooring, as you can reduce the amount of steam without giving up the benefits of steam cleaning altogether.

But there are compromises. Its bulky floorhead struggles to clean the edges of a room, the cord makes it less convenient than a cordless model, and my baked bean test showed that chunkier spills can leave some debris caught underneath the roller. The self-clean mode makes maintenance easier, although messier jobs will still require some hands-on cleaning afterwards.

I'd recommend the SCV 4 most to anyone who prioritises thorough floor cleaning over lightweight convenience. It's particularly appealing if you have a mix of hard floors and carpets, want the hygienic benefits of steam without having to keep buying cleaning solution, and would rather invest in one capable multi-purpose appliance.

If grab-and-go cleaning and easy manoeuvrability are your priorities, however, one of the lighter cordless vacuum mops I've compared it to will probably suit you better.

As we head into yet another heatwave, I'm all about keeping cool wherever I go. And with many of the best fans on the market sold out after unprecedented demand earlier in the summer, it's a relief when new products are released just as we need them.

Blueair, known for it's air purification products, has just launched its first portable handheld fan, and I've been lucky enough to test it out in and around my own home over the last few (very warm) days.

This is how I found using it and whether I think it's worth your money.

In a nutshell

Blueair is the name behind some of the best air purifiers we've tested here at Ideal Home, so I definitely had high expectations when it came to their brand-new portable handheld fan offering.

The AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan is lightweight, super quiet (thanks to AeroSilent™ Technology) and boasts 100 speed settings, while also offering a substantial battery life of up to 32 hours. It's available in two Scandi-inspired shades, Cloud Linen (and off-white) and Night Charcoal (a deep grey).

Price-wise, it sits in the mid-range for portable handheld fans at £59.99.

Specification

• Type of fan: Hand-held (but adaptable to desktop)
• RRP: £59.99
• Weight: 0.26kgs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.5cm x 18cm x 6cm
• Wattage: not provided
• Wind speed (metres/second): 1.6-3.8m/s
• Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing): n/a
• Number of fan speed settings: 100
• Noise in dB: 40-63dB
• Smart features: None
• Dual functionality: None
• Oscillation: None

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Blueair AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan comes in compact and fully recyclable packaging. In the box you get the fan itself (which has a wrist strap already attached), the charging cable as well as an instruction and safety manual.

Although it's ready to go straight out of the box, it does say to charge it fully before the first use. So I plugged it in, and it took about three hours to go from 27% battery to 100%. While it was charging I got a good look at the design, and I can definitely see the Scandinavian influence. It's minimal, with a matte off-white finish and subtle branding embossed on the handle and wrist strap.

There's a display screen in the middle of the fan head, which shows both a battery indicator ring, as well as numerical battery percentage and wind speed (you have to toggle between the two rather than having the battery percentage and wind speed displayed at the same time).

Instead of standing the fan vertically (which isn't possible due to a slightly curved base), the AlwaysCool is designed to lie horizontally. In this position, you can tilt the fan head forwards, which allows you to use it as a desk fan when you're not on the move.

In terms of operation, there is an on/off button on the back, and a dial on the front that allows you to cycle both up and down through the 100 wind speeds.

What's it like to use?

When you press and hold the button on the back, the fan turns on with a default wind speed setting of 50, which gives off a nice breeze. The thing that struck me first was how quiet it was. I clocked it at 52dB at this speed, which is the equivalent of gentle background noise.

While the proximity of the fan to my face meant it was audible, it was quiet enough that I could have a conversation or watch TV without being too distracted. Out and about, I could barely hear it.

Despite being named the AlwaysCool, it doesn't actually offer any cooling, as say a portable air conditioner would. But the airflow does feel nice and refreshing on the skin, although on a really hot day where, like all fans, it's just blowing warm air at you, it might not have the same impact.

Dropping down to the lowest wind speed, my decibel meter app measured a reading of just 40dB, which is similar to the sound my fridge makes, which is very quiet indeed. It still gives decent airflow, even on setting 1. Using my anemometer (which measures wind speed), I measured 1.6 metres per second, which is gentle but still noticeable. It felt very pleasant on the skin, and could still be felt, even from a full arm's length away.

At the top end, in speed 100, I measured a wind speed of 3.8m/s (which is noticeably more powerful) and a noise level of 63dB, which is the equivalent of a chat with friends. At this noise level, you'd have to turn the TV up, but I found I could still hold a conversation without feeling overstimulated by the sound.

Noise-wise, it's very quiet up to about speed 30, when it gets louder, then the noise level kicks up again when you get to about speed 75. While there are 100 speed settings, which is very impressive in terms of being able to customise the fan speed to your exact comfort levels, I didn't notice much difference between many of the speeds.

For example, on speed 10, my anemometer measured a wind speed of 2m/s, with no change until I got to speed 20, which was 2.1m/s. All in all, realistically, you have about 20 noticeably different speed settings which is nothing to sniff at.

I really liked being able to use the dial on the front of the fan to be able to cycle both up and down through the wind speeds, as having to cycle up through all of them just to get to a lower level speed setting would be incredibly frustrating.

When I first turn the fan on, it shows me the battery percentage, before showing me the selected wind speed (with a little fan symbol next to it). I like that there is an ever present battery indicator ring around the wind speed, it's handy to be able to press the power button to get the battery percentage to flash up on the screen. With a handheld model, I don't feel like I need anything more than this, so it's ideal.

The only problem is when I'm using it outside, I really struggle to see the screen, so I tend to go with what feels best rather than aiming for a particular speed setting. From a battery point of view, it would be useful if there was a another small indicator light elsewhere on the body of the fan, so that if used in bright sunlight, you can still have a bit of a heads up if the battery is getting low.

When I'm indoors, though, it's light enough to move around the house with me, and especially into spaces where I don't tend to put a fan, like the bathroom or kitchen. While it's been so hot, I've been using the AlwaysCool while prepping food in the kitchen, tilting the head forwards and laying it on it's back so that I can feel the benefit while having my hands-free to chop and assemble.

I've used it on my desk too, and love that it doesn't take up too much space, or feel like it's drying my skin or eyes out while I work.

When I am using it as a handheld fan, it feels nice to hold, isn't too heavy and I appreciate the wrist strap for added security. It would be possible to replace the wrist strap with a lanyard if you wanted. I'd find this very useful when I was out with my dog and needed to be hands-free to do my dog mum duties with my hands free. But right now, I have to pop it back in my bag, which isn't the end of the world.

When I'm out and about, I usually have a decent sized cross body bag which fits the AlwaysCool easily, and so far, I haven't found that anything in my bag inadvertently turns the fan on while I'm carrying it about. However, if I had a much smaller bag, the dimensions of the fan head might make it slightly harder to transport. Those dimensions also mean this isn't necessarily pocket-friendly, either.

In addition to it's quietness, the AlwaysCool is very impressive in terms of battery life. When used on the lowest setting, you'll get a whopping 32 hours of use out of a single charge, although this will understandably decrease if you choose a higher power setting.

Running costs

As the AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan runs off a battery, it doesn't cost anything to run. However, the battery will need to be recharged, which takes about three hours, the cost of which will depend on how much you pay for your electricity.

Cleaning and maintenance

As with most handheld fans, there's thankfully not much needed in terms of cleaning and maintenance. It's a good idea to prevent them from getting wet or dusty so they stay in good working order, and that's about it.

It's a good idea to hold on to the box so that you can store it safely over the colder months when you're not likely to need it.

Who should buy this fan?

If you want a handheld fan that looks good, is both simple and quiet to use, and doesn't cost a fortune, then the Blueair AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan will be for you.

However, if you have a bit more to spend and want powerful wind speeds, then the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan will be more suitable. It's the most powerful handheld fan I've ever used, with a top speed that will knock your socks off. However, that speed means it's not as quiet as the AlwaysCool.

The Shark ChillPill is another alternative worth considering. It offers stronger wind speeds than the AlwaysCool, and is a bit louder as a result, but it doesn't reach the speeds of the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool. Where the ChillPill stands apart is the added functionality, which warrants the higher price. It has three different heads which means you can use it as a fan, a misting fan or a direct contact cooling plate, all in a single handheld device.

At the other end of the price spectrum, John Lewis has a similar-looking fan for £20, although I've not had a chance to test this one yet, so I can't say for sure how they compare on noise level and wind speed.

Here at Ideal Home, we're big fans of Dyson's cooling products. And so I was really excited when I heard that a handheld fan was being added to the brand's collection.

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan launched in May, but sold out almost instantly as we experienced the first heatwave of the year. But now I've managed to get my hands on it and try it out first-hand to see how it performs and if it's worth the £99.99 price tag.

In a nutshell

Available in three duo-colour options, the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is a handheld design for on-the-go cooling.

It's slim design means it can fit easily in a bag, and it's got five standard power settings, plus a Boost function, which gives you customisable and powerful airflow from a gently breeze to a forceful gust.

While the HushJet's nozzle is configured to eliminate high-pitched whirring and silence the noise of the motor, it doesn't offer silent operation by any means. In fact, when it's at top speed, it's quite noisy. However, this is a compromise that comes with handheld fans. If you want a compact design and a powerful fan, it's going to make some noise. If you want something quieter, then as a result you will usually sacrifice some power.

But as portable fans like this are less likely to be used as you are dropping off to sleep, having it be a bit noisier seems a small price to pay for such a powerful device.

With an RRP of just under £100, it's not cheap, but as with all Dyson products we've tried, you definitely get what you pay for.

Specification

• Type of fan: Hand-held
• RRP: £99.99
• Weight: 0.21kgs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.8 x 18 x 3.8cm
• Wattage: 40W
• Wind speed (metres/second): 1.9-7m/s
• Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing):
• Number of fan speed settings: 6 (5, plus Boost mode)
• Noise in dB: 58-87dB
• Smart features: None
• Dual functionality: n/a
• Oscillation: None

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

As you would expect with a handheld fan, there's not a lot needed in terms of packaging or set up.

The fan arrived well packaged in a box slightly larger than that used for an iPhone, with the fan itself wrapped in thin paper on the top, and the accessories nestled underneath.

I was impressed that for the £99.99 price tag, you get a couple of useful accessories in the box, including a charging stand and neck dock (in the same colourway as your fan) as well as a travel pouch and the charging cable.

It's ready to go straight out of the box, but I always like to give it a charge before I use it for the first time, but I did hit a slight stumbling block. I've amassed a collection of USB compatible plugs over the years, but the Dyson HushJet Mini has a USB-C cable, which meant I had to buy a compatible plug before I could charge it.

In terms of looks, the HushJet Mini is pleasingly sleek and minimal. It has minimal controls, just a sliding on/off switch and an up and down button that allows you to cycle up and down the wind speeds. I have the ink and cobalt colour, and I like that the neck dock (which allows you to wear the fan around your neck) and the stand are in a matching colour.

What's it like to use?

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is incredibly intuitive to use, with very simple controls to turn it on and off, and then a button to cycle through the wind speeds. I really like that you can cycle both up and down, as it's always been a big of a bug bear with the cheap handheld fan I've used previously that I had to go up through the speeds to get back to the lowest one.

When it comes to wind speeds, it's super powerful. My anemometer (a tool that measures wind speed) clocked it at 1.9 metres per second in the lowest speed, up to 6.5m/s in speed five, then up to a whopping 7m/s in Boost mode (which is achieve by long-pressing the + button. Those figures may not mean much, but when you consider that the most powerful pedestal fans on the market reach around 5.5m/s in top speed, you get a sense of just how powerful this handheld fan is.

On the lowest speed setting, it's a gentle breeze that feels nice on the skin without making me feel like my eyes are instantly drying out, while the top speed easily blew my shoulder length hair off and away from my neck (which was glorious when I was outside in 28 degree weather). The design of the fan means I get a really concentrated blast of air when I need it, which is exactly what I want from a handheld and portable device.

When it comes to noise level, I clocked it at 58dB on the lowest setting (which is the equivalent of gentle background noise), up to 87dB in Boost mode, which my decibel meter app tells me is the equivalent of a lively street. When I was testing the battery life, I left in on the charging stand in another room and could still hear it clearly, even with the TV on. But while the sound is noticeable at any wind speed, I know happy to compromise on that if I can have a super powerful and compact handheld fan in return.

This isn't a fan to use while you're trying to sleep or watching TV, but while you are out and about, the sound will likely be drowned out by the sound of the world around you. And to be honest, if I'm roasting hot and in need of relief, I wouldn't give two hoots about the noise.

When I was trying this fan out and about when walking my dog, I did use the neck dock so I could free up my hands for dog-walker duties when I needed to. The neck doc is thoughtfully design, and was comfortable to wear around my neck. The dock itself is thoughtfully designed, as it has little notches on the inside which means you can secure the fan without getting caught on the control buttons. While it's easy to fit the fan into the neck dock, you don't have to worry about it falling out. I jumped around my kitchen wearing it, and it didn't budge.

Initially, I thought the neck dock was more for hands-free transport than hands-free use, as the fan was either blowing out in front of me or against my torso, depending on how I had it in the dock. But then I realised that I could twist the fan head so that it could blow straight up towards my face which was bliss.

If you're sitting, you can stand the fan near you for hands-free operation. It's base is wide enough to keep it pretty sturdy, or you can use the charging stand for added stability. Even though it's a personal fan, I could still feel the breeze from a good three feet away when I had it on my desk.

When it comes to other accessories, there's a handy travel bag, which is ideal to keep it clean and dust-free when it's not in use, plus a charging stand. I'd initially thought that you needed the stand in order to charge the fan, but that's not the case. The charging cable plugs into the back of the fan base, rather than the charging stand. But the stand provides additional stability when you're recharging the battery. Another thoughtful design is the little notch in the stand which leaves room for the charging cable.

Battery life-wise, if you only used it on the lowest power setting, you can get up to six hours run time, but that drastically decreases if you use it in the higher power settings. At top speed, the full charge lasted me just 53 minutes.

To charge it up again, it took three hours.

Running costs

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is battery powered, so it's direct running costs aren't that straightforward. However, Dyson does say that is uses 40W of power, which equates to just over 1p per hour of run time based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

Cleaning and maintenance

There's very little maintenance needed with a handheld fan, and the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is no exception.

You'll need to keep it dry and dust-free, so it's a good idea to store it in the travel bag when it's not in use so it can keep working optimally.

Who should buy this fan?

If you want a powerful handheld fan that is straightforward and easy to use, then the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan will be right up your street. Super portable, easy to handle and incredibly powerful, it's ideal for giving you a bit of cooling relief on a hot day.

However, while it's the most affordable Dyson fan you can buy, it's still £100. So if you want something more affordable, then the £20 John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan may be more suitable. Like the Dyson, it comes in a range of colours too. I haven't personally tested the John Lewis model yet, but I'd be surprised if it comes close to the Dyson in terms of power for the price.

If you want a handheld fan with more functionality, then the 3-in-1 Shark ChillPill is worth the investment. Although it doesn't offer the fan wind speed capabilities as the Dyson, it does have three interchangeable heads which means you can use it as a fan, a mister and a direct contact cooling plate (which, trust me, is delicious on a hot day). Although if you want any additional accessories beyond a travel pouch, you will need to buy them separately.

The Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua promises to combine the brand's powerful cordless vacuuming technology with a separate AquaTwister mop attachment, giving you the option to vacuum carpets and hard floors before refreshing surfaces with a wet clean.

I put it to the test in my busy family home to see if it could compete with the best vacuum cleaners and the best vacuum mops on the market. While there's a lot to be impressed with, it isn't without its compromises. Here's everything worth knowing.

In a nutshell

I've tested my fair share of vacuums and vacuum mops, but the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua is one of the most versatile models I've used. As a mum of three, I rely heavily on both mopping and vacuuming my floors daily, so convenience is key - and Miele has put a lot of thought into the design. It has a clever three-in-one configuration, with a generous selection of attachments, and a wall bracket to store everything.

Performance is where the Triflex HX3 Aqua really shines. I was really impressed by its suction on carpets, which left them looking and feeling noticeably cleaner than my usual vacuum, and the AquaTwister attachment left my hard floors looking fresh and streak-free. It isn't the lightest model, and it did feel heavier to push on carpets, but the results made up for the extra effort.

The separate AquaTwister mop attachment means you get a proper cordless vacuum that can also mop hard floors, rather than a hard floor cleaner trying to do everything - a real advantage if you have a mix of carpets and hard floors, or limited storage space. I did personally find swapping between the two floor heads a bit of a hassle, and it did interrupt my cleaning routine more than I'd have liked.

Throughout testing, I was always conscious of the £789 price tag. It's undeniably expensive, and whether it's worth the investment does really depend on how much you'll use the mop function, as there are many more affordable hard floor cleaners out there. But while I didn't find it flawless, its excellent cleaning performance and thoughtful design do still make it an easy vacuum to recommend.

How I tested

Specifications

• Weight: 3.6 kg
• Dimensions: 1297 x 260 x 280 mm (H x W x D)
• Max run time: Up to 70 minutes
• Modes: 3
• Water capacity: 300ml
• Bin volume: 0.5L 
• Charge time: 4 hours
• In the box: cordless vacuum, wall mount, power supply unit, removable battery, multi floor XXL electrobrush, 2 x mop pads, cleaning solution, Aqua Twister, crevice nozzle, dusting brush, XXL SPD 20 upholstery nozzle, accessory storage
• RRP: £789

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua arrived in a sturdy cardboard box. Although it wasn't particularly light, it was still manageable to carry inside myself. Inside, I found another box, this time branded with the product images.

It opened sideways, and straight away I could see everything was neatly packed. Many of the components were wrapped individually in paper bags, rather than plastic, which left me with a good first impression.

After removing the top layer of moulded cardboard, however, I was greeted with the full collection of parts and accessories. I'll admit, I felt a little overwhelmed at first as there are a lot of different pieces to get your head around.

Alongside the vacuum itself, the box included the Aqua Twister attachment, wall mount, power supply unit, removable battery, multi-floor XXL electrobrush, two mop pads, cleaning solution, crevice nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle, accessory storage, quick-start guide and user manual.

From a sustainability point of view, the packaging scored well. Most of the protective wrapping was paper-based and easy to recycle, although there were a couple of foam and plastic bags which weren't clearly labelled with disposable instructions. Overall though, it did feel like Miele had made an effort to reduce plastic packaging.

One of the standout features of the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua is its three-in-one design. The PowerUnit can be placed at the bottom of the suction tube to reduce wrist strain when cleaning larger areas, or positioned at the top to help clean under low furniture. It can also be removed altogether and used as a handheld device for stairs, upholstery and smaller cleaning jobs.

To get started, I placed the unit in the bottom position by attaching it to the floor head. It clicked together easily and intuitively, including the removable battery, which simply slides into place underneath the PowerUnit. Within a couple of minutes, the vacuum was fully assembled and ready to use, and more straightforward than I was expecting considering all the different components in the box.

Before I could use it, I needed to charge the battery, which took around 4 hours to reach full charge - fairly typical for a cordless vacuum. The digital display shows the percentage charge while it's plugged in, so it's easy to track how long a full charge takes.

Using the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua

As a vacuum

There's a small digital display that sits on the top of the handle of the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua, with a power button and two controls underneath. The button on the right lets you switch between three suction settings (Eco, Low and High), while the one on the left activates the Boost function, delivering 10 seconds of extra suction power when you need it.

By default, the vacuum starts in Eco mode, which is a medium power level designed for normal, everyday soiling. While it uses FloorDetect technology to adjust the suction power and brush speed depending on the floor surface, it doesn't detect heavier dirt or debris, so you need to switch to High mode or the 10 second Boost function to tackle tougher messes. You can also manually switch between the three power settings, but doing so drains the battery much quicker when using the highest setting.

To familiarise myself with the vacuum, I started by taking it for a spin around the downstairs of my home, which has a mixture of both carpet and laminate flooring.

The vacuum activates in the same way most modern cordless models do - by placing your foot on the floor head and pulling the handle backwards. It glided smoothly over hard floors; it felt lightweight in hand, and the flexible swivel head made it easier to manoeuvre around corners and furniture.

One thing I did notice was that in Eco mode, while the suction power was enough to pick up everyday crumbs, it wasn't quite as powerful when there was larger debris, so I found myself switching to High mode, which made a noticeable difference in cleaning performance and tackled the bigger mess with ease.

The first time I used the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua on carpets, I was surprised at how different it felt to manoeuvre. It didn't feel as lightweight or glide as effortlessly as it did on floors, and I found myself applying more manual effort. I've got to say, though, that the results were much more impressive. The suction power was immediately noticeable, and it lifted a lot of dust and debris from my carpets. Compared with my regular vacuum, they looked and felt cleaner after just one clean.

I also put the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua through its paces with a number of controlled tests, which is part of how we test vacuums at Ideal Home. The 'debris test' involves throwing various sizes of debris on the floor and seeing how quickly and effectively the vacuum picks it up.

I scattered some flour, crushed Cheerios and Weetabix across my kitchen floor, and then, keeping the vacuum in Eco mode, I passed it over the debris. While the vacuum had no trouble picking up the flour, it struggled with the bigger mess and pushed the Cheerios further along the floor. I switched to ‘High’ suction mode, and this did make a difference, although it still took a few further passes before it completely picked up everything on the floor.

One thing I did notice was that the estimated remaining battery life dropped much more quickly when I used the higher suction setting.

I then repeated the same test on carpet, and the results were more impressive here. Within the first pass, the vacuum lifted most of the mess and left my floors looking noticeably cleaner.

Overall, although I did need to apply more effort, I did find the vacuum's performance stronger on carpets than on hard floors, particularly when there was larger debris to tackle.

Using the attachments

The Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua also comes with a selection of smaller attachments designed to tackle areas beyond floors. While I think these are useful additions that add to the vacuum's versatility, how much you use them will come down to your own cleaning habits.

I started by testing the upholstery nozzle on my stairs, using the vacuum in handheld mode. It was comfortable to use, and I didn't feel any strain while cleaning the steps, but I was a little disappointed with the nozzle's performance.

It doesn't have any bristles, just a rubber edging, which I didn't find as effective at picking up embedded debris. My stairs were left looking cleaner afterwards, though, and it was convenient to be able to switch to handheld mode rather than reaching for a separate vacuum.

The dusting brush was another useful addition, and I used it to clean my sideboard and other surfaces. It did make a difference to the amount of dust collected, although I personally couldn't see myself replacing my usual dusting method with it for a full clean.

The crevice nozzle was probably the attachment I found the most useful. My breakfast bar stools are a magnet for collected crumbs and trapped dust, so it came in really handy here - its suction power was impressive, and it was satisfying to see how clean the chairs looked after.

As a mop

While the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua is first and foremost a vacuum, it also comes with a separate AquaTwister mop attachment for mopping hard floors. Setting it up was really simple - there are two round cleaning cloths which attach onto the bottom of the mop easily (they stick on like Velcro).

The AquaTwister mop has a removable plastic water container which sits on the top of the floorhead. To remove it, there's a yellow release button on the inside that you press to remove the container.

I then turned it upside down on a flat surface, removed the rubber stopper and filled the tank with the recommended amount of cleaning solution and water, following the ratio instructions in the manual. Once filled, I popped it back in place and swapped the standard vacuum floorhead for the AquaTwister attachment, ready to start mopping.

One feature I particularly liked about the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua is that it cleverly detects the change in attachments from the vacuum floorhead to the AquaTwister, so you don't need to change any settings as it adjusts automatically.

As soon as I switched it on, the twin rotating pads started spinning, and the LED lights illuminated the floor ahead to help spot any hidden dirt.

Straight away, I could tell I wouldn't need to do much work; the mop feels like it has a self-propelling motion and it glided effortlessly across my floors. In use, it reminded me of the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic, which also uses rotating pads. The main difference is that the Shark is a steam mop and arguably feels more powerful, whereas the Miele is designed as an attachment rather than as a dedicated steam mop.

My floors were left with a light layer of moisture and felt noticeably cleaner, and they were dry enough to walk on within a couple of minutes.

I also had an ideal opportunity to test its performance on bigger spills after accidentally spilling some coffee on my kitchen floor. Considering the spill was fairly large, it removed most of it within the first pass and lifted most of it after a couple more passes. It left the floor looking much cleaner with very little effort on my part.

Afterwards, I could just throw the mop pads in the wash, which made the clean-up process feel quick and hassle-free.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

Cleaning the Miele Triflex HX3 is relatively straightforward, but like most floor cleaners, it requires basic upkeep. There is a 'Max' mark on the dust container, but the manual recommends emptying it before it reaches that level. To remove it, first detach the PowerUnit from the main vacuum, press the release button on the side of the dustbin, and lift it away from the main unit. The lid can then be opened over a bin, using the release catch on the bottom.

For deeper cleaning, the vacuum has a two-stage filtration system made up of a pre-filter and a fine-dust filter. Miele advises cleaning the fine dust and pre-filter at least once every three months, but when I removed it after a couple of weeks, it was already covered in dust and dirt, so it really depends on how often you're going to be using the vacuum.

The roller brush can also be removed using the arrow on the flap on the side of the floor head. When I did this, I was shocked at how much hair (I won't lie, I'm definitely the culprit) was wrapped around the brush. Luckily, it was easy to remove and cut away with scissors.

I appreciated the fact that the mop pads were coloured, as I've previously tested white ones, and even though they're washable, it can be hard to keep them looking their best. These mop pads are machine washable, and as they remove easily, maintenance feels very straightforward. Miele also supplies an extra couple of pads, which is a small touch but genuinely useful.

Although the Miele Triflex HX3 comes with several different attachments, it also includes an accessories holder and a wall bracket, so everything can be stored compactly together when not in use.

How does it compare to its predecessors and similar models?

The Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua builds on its popular lineup of cordless vacuums, particularly the original Triflex HX1. Like its predecessor, it features Miele's 3-in-1 design, allowing the unit to be positioned in different ways depending on the task.

The main addition with the HX3 Aqua is the AquaTwister, so you can use it to mop floors, too. Rather than replace the traditional vacuum design, Miele has introduced mopping as an additional feature, so it doesn't scrimp on performance. The most noticeable difference is the price point, as the HX3 is significantly more expensive, but it's a huge step up in terms of versatility.

In terms of other brands, it's worth comparing to the Bosch Unlimited 7 Aqua, which is also a cordless vacuum with a mopping function. Our reviewer also scored it 4 stars. The main differences are that it does have a lower price tag and the attachments are arguably more effective, but the battery life isn't as long, and the dustbin is smaller, so it will need emptying more regularly.

How does it rate online?

At the time of testing, the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua was still relatively new, but I did find a handful of reviews across different online retailers.

On Miele's website, the cordless vacuum has seven reviews and an impressive 4.7-star rating. Users praise it for being practical and versatile, with one reviewer describing it as a significant improvement on the HX1. The only notable criticism was that emptying and cleaning felt more complicated than expected.

There are a further six reviews on Currys, with customers awarding it a 4.2-star rating. Opinions were slightly more mixed, although customers still praised its strong cleaning performance. The main criticisms centred on the separate vacuum and mop attachments, with one reviewer feeling the machine was overpriced for what it offers.

It's also stocked on John Lewis, and has a 4-star rating. Feedback told a similar story: some users were really impressed with the vacuum suction and mopping function, but the separate mopping and vacuuming attachments and ease of use made it less convenient to use.

Verdict: Should you buy the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua?

I do think the Miele Triflex HX3 is a great choice if you're looking for a premium cordless vacuum that can do more than just pick up everyday dirt. Its impressive suction, flexible design and added AquaTwister attachment make it a versatile option for homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets. It's particularly ideal if you want to avoid having multiple cleaning appliances taking up valuable storage space.

At £789, it won't be the right choice for everyone. If you mainly need a hard floor cleaner, there are more affordable options available, and if you prefer a vacuum that can mop and vacuum at the same time, switching between the attachments may feel like an inconvenience.

Overall, if you want a high-quality vacuum with the flexibility to tackle everything from carpets, stairs and upholstery to refreshing hard floors, the Miele Triflex HX3 is a strong contender.

Around 10 months ago I reviewed the Lakeland Only Pan and was impressed by its performance and price tag. It even made its way onto our list of best non-stick frying pans, so when Lakeland launched the Pro version, I was all ears.

At £85, it’s only £25 more than the original Only Pan, but its stainless steel finish and hybrid PFAS free non-stick interior (think Hexclad) combine to make this a far more enticing product for serious foodies.

It doesn’t have the pastel coloured appeal of its cheaper sibling, but offers a more professional appearance. What’s more, it can also go in the oven and grill. So I got my hands on a sample and put it through its paces to see how it compares and whether it's worth the extra cash.

In a nutshell

The Lakeland 10-in-1 Tri-Ply Only Pan Pro is a sturdy stainless steel pan with an aluminium core for fast, even heating. It comes with a stainless steel lid, steamer basket, and a silicone spatula. Its ceramic hybrid interior offers non-stick cooking without PFAS chemicals, and the scratch resistant design allows you to use metal utensils.

Suitable for all hob types as well as the oven and grill, the deep sides make it a multi-purpose pan that can be used for anything from steaming vegetables, to slow cooking a chilli and plenty in between. The price is very reasonable, but die-hard dishwasher fans take note, for longevity it really should be hand washed.

I found the non-stick coating to be very effective and there wasn’t anything I used it for, that didn’t cook perfectly. If safety is a big concern in your household, if children cook with you for example, be aware that the helper handle and the lid handle get hot. On the whole though, I think it’s a great all-rounder that’ll work hard in your kitchen.

Who reviewed this pan?

Unboxing and first impressions

There weren’t any surprises when I removed this pan from its packaging, which is mostly cardboard, with the addition of a few plastic bags. My first impression was that the quality appears to be great. It combines all the hardwearing, long lasting qualities of stainless steel, with what looks to be a hardwearing non-stick interior.

At about 1.35kg, the pan itself is weighty, so having the second helper handle opposite the main handle, will certainly come in handy when it’s full. The stainless steel lid appears to fit well, and the steamer basket simply widens the scope of what can be cooked in the pan.

Personally, I’d have loved the spatula to be metal, as I’m trying to move away from plastic and silicone utensils, but that’s a minor issue. It’ll definitely come in handy.

You don’t get an instruction manual with it. Instead, most of the info about use and care is printed on the back of the box. I knew the pan was recommended to be washed by hand, but had hoped the spatula, lid, and steamer basket would be listed as dishwasher safe, no such luck though.

Cooking in the Lakeland 10-in-1 Tri-Ply Only Pan Pro

Pan fry

Call me crazy, but the first thing I made in this pan was a three egg cheese omelette for my lunch. It’s a bit risky in a pan you haven’t used before, but thankfully worked out well. The omelette cooked evenly and the only issue I had was that the deep sides of the pan made it difficult to fold and roll the cooked omelette. Nevertheless, I managed it and ended up with a very tasty lunch.

Continuing on the egg theme, the following day I used it for a couple of fried eggs. I heated a splash of oil over a medium heat and then cracked in two eggs. It was immediately obvious that the non-stick was doing its job, and the spatula slid under them easily.

The two eggs cooked evenly and quite quickly, it was an effortless experience with no sticking to worry about. The only slight frustration, again, was that due to it having higher sides than a normal frying pan, I found it a bit awkward to get the spatula in at the right angle to pick up the eggs. Though not a big enough issue to deter me from frying eggs in it again.

When frying sliced halloumi, I kept the pan on a medium/ high heat to ensure it browned and crisped nicely. The result was great, but I did notice that the parts of the halloumi closest to the centre of the pan didn’t brown quite so well as at the edges.

I think the uneven browning happened because the pan is ever so slightly convex, meaning there's a bit of a dome in the centre so the oil pools around the outside. You don’t notice it much, but on this occasion it made a difference to the browning.

Other things I successfully fried included a butterflied chicken breast, a salmon fillet, and I even used it to dry fry a home made flatbread. No matter what task I threw at it, it was up to the job.

Simmer and saute

For a tasty weeknight Indonesian prawn curry, I sauteed onions before adding spices and a curry paste. The addition of coconut milk created a sauce, and then I added my vegetables. After simmering for a while, I popped in my raw prawns.

During all the sauteing and simmering, I noticed the pan was responsive to changes in the hob temperature, so it was easy to control the heat in the pan without anything burning or becoming overcooked.

Similarly, when I cooked a big batch of bean chilli, I sauteed the vegetables and spices without any sticking or burning. Then I used the steamer basket as a colander to drain and rinse my tinned beans.

I simmered the chilli on the hob for 30 minutes with the lid off, to reduce it down slightly. Then I put it in the oven for an hour at 150C with the lid on. This thickened it further and helped develop a richer flavour.

The pan fits easily in my oven, but it has to sit diagonally on the shelf. The finished chilli was super tasty and the pan came out of the oven with no warping. I love that I can pop it in the oven, this is the kind of versatility I want from my cookware.

Stir fry

It was just big enough to make a prawn and vegetable stir fry for two hungry adults. It got nice and hot and cooked the stir fry vegetables perfectly. Everything cooked evenly, with just the right hint of char. I was using raw prawns, which I added near the end, and they too cooked to perfection.

Boil

A pan this shape and size wouldn’t be my usual choice to boil up a big batch of rice, but I gave it a go nevertheless. First I emptied a kettle full of boiling water into the pan. I was doing some batch cooking for the freezer, so I added 450g brown basmati and simmered with the lid on for 24 minutes.

It didn’t ever boil over, but water did slowly continuously dribble down the outside of the pan during cooking, leaving it with a bit of a scummy coating to be washed off. The rice itself cooked beautifully though.

There wasn’t much water left to drain away at the end, but even so, I emptied the rice out into the steamer basket, which worked as a great colander to allow excess water to escape.

Steam

Broccoli is my favourite steamed vegetable, so I chopped a large head of broccoli into similar sized florets. For the amount of water, I winged it and threw in a mug full of boiling water from the kettle.

I then popped in the stainless steel steamer basket filled with the broccoli and simmered it with the lid on, on a medium heat. It took eight minutes for the broccoli to soften to my preferred, slightly al dente texture.

It’s worth noting that the lid handle gets hot, so you need an oven glove to lift it off. I then had to use a fork to lift the handles of the steamer basket so that I could grab them with an oven mit. But all in all I was pleased with the result.

What's it like to clean?

It is recommended that you wash this pan by hand, and to be honest I was completely unbothered by this. During testing, I had no issues with sticking, so cleaning it in the sink was quick and easy.

The stainless steel exterior does need a bit of a buff to keep it looking shiny, and like all stainless steel, it’ll probably need a deeper clean from time to time, but the non-stick on the inside stayed pristine.

The only issue was the band of stainless steel just above the non-stick. This part did very quickly become stained with brown fatty deposits, so it’ll need a regular scrub with something like bicarbonate of soda to keep this area clean.

How does it compare to similar pans?

In comparison to the Lakeland 8-in-1 Only Pan, it’s without a doubt a big step up in quality. For an extra £25, if you can stretch the budget, the Only Pan Pro is worth the investment. Okay, so it doesn’t look quite as pretty as the pastel coloured Only Pan, but what it lacks in style, it makes up for in quality. Plus it can go in the oven and grill, so it’s even more versatile.

And in comparison to the very premium Our Place Always Pan Pro I think you’ll be pushed to justify paying almost double for a similar style pan. I would argue that for most home cooks, the Lakeland Only Pan Pro will offer exactly the right amount of functionality and durability at the most cost effective price.

Should you buy the Lakeland 10-in-1 Tri-Ply Only Pan Pro?

As I said above, if you can afford it, my advice is absolutely go for this over the original Lakeland Only Pan. It’s more durable, has a longer guarantee, and gives you the option to use it in the oven and grill too. And in my book, a non-stick pan that allows you to use metal utensils is an absolute winner.

There aren’t many downsides, yes you have to hand wash it, but most decent quality pans recommend hand washing these days. The main handle stays cool most of the time, but the lid handle and helper handle can get hot, which is something to consider. The main takeaway though, is that in terms of performance it’s absolutely up to the job.

As Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, I test vacuum cleaners day in and day out. Couple that with homeownership and being a dog mum, and I feel like I’m constantly cleaning and emptying my vacuum’s dustbin. That’s why I’ve really come to love auto-empty vacuums.

And while the best Dyson vacuum cleaners come in so many different shapes and forms, this big-name brand hadn’t entered the auto-empty chat until recently. So, when I got the chance to test out the new Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum and Auto-Empty Dok for myself, I jumped at the chance. But how did Dyson’s first auto-empty vacuum hold up?

In a nutshell

I love it when the best vacuum cleaners get a refresh, and welcoming auto-empty vacuums to the market is a switch-up we’ve been crying out for. After all, everyone knows that emptying a vacuum’s dust bin is the worst (and messiest) job of all. But the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum and Auto-Empty Dok was a strange one for me to review.

From a cordless vacuum cleaner point of view, Dyson has nailed it with the V10 Konical. The 150AW of power is more than enough for everyday cleaning and tackled my rigorous debris testing with ease, and the brand’s famous conical floorhead dealt with the pet hair in my home without getting tangled or caught once. It’s also extremely lightweight, has a long 60-minute run time, and has an average-sized dust bin on the main unit.

The brand’s new Auto-Empty Dok, however, didn’t impress me the same way. Although I liked the onboard tool storage, it was way too big and cumbersome for my house and stood out like a sore thumb in terms of both size and aesthetics. And while, in theory, the Auto-Empty Dok should empty the V10 Konical vacuum automatically after each use, I found that it struggled to expel all of the debris and hair almost every time.

Of course, larger homes with less pet and human hair may find space for it and experience full auto-emptying capabilities. But these niggles, and the fact that I’d need to buy replacement dust bags in the long run, left me feeling a little disheartened. However, I do see the vacuum itself being a huge hit, and I think it was a great idea from Dyson to allow customers to buy the vacuum without the Dok. It’s obviously cheaper this way, and I’ve popped links to where to buy it below.

Specifications

• Weight: 2.65kg (vacuum), 7.2kg (Dok)
• Suction power: 150 Air Watts (AW)
• Bin volume: 0.5L (vacuum), 2.5L (Dok)
• Run time: 60 mins
• Charge time: 4 hours
• Modes: Eco, Medium, MAX
• Noise level (tested by us): 79-86dB
• In the box: Main unit, Auto-Empty Dok, Conical Floorhead, Mini Motorised Tool, Crevice Tool, Wall Dok

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Floorcare appliances aren’t exactly small, and I’m used to receiving large parcels as Ideal Home’s Floorcare Editor. But was I expecting the box of the Dyson V10 Konical and Auto-Empty Dok to be as giant as it was? Well, no.

Not only was the box almost as tall as me (I come in at 5’2”), but it was also incredibly heavy at almost 20kg. There were some carry handles to make manoeuvrability easier, but I still struggled to get it over the threshold of my home by myself. So, bear this in mind if you live solo or have any mobility issues.

Inside the main box was a game of eco-friendly Tetris, as it was filled with three more boxes - one large one and two smaller ones. I soon learned that the larger box held the Auto-Empty Dok, one of the smaller ones held the base of the Dok, and the third held the V10 Konical vacuum in its entirety.

There was very little plastic to contend with, which pleased me, and as someone who hates reading instructions, I was happy to learn that I could assemble both the Dok and the vacuum without consulting the written instructions. In fact, it took me less than two minutes to get everything where it needed to go.

One thing I loved straight off the bat was that everything was very self-contained. The vacuum sits in the Dok, and both the dust bag (which was already inserted, although Dyson also provides a spare) and the tools sit in their respective compartments within the Dok. This is a nice perk for me, as smaller vacuum bits and bobs do tend to go walkabout in my house.

However, the (very big) elephant in the room was that this vacuum and its Dok aren’t small. The Dok is huge and completely overtook my dining room. Granted, I’m in the process of moving house, and my dining room is also serving as a storage space for boxes, but there’s no denying that this will really stand out in any home.

This was a bit off-putting for me, to be honest, as I do feel like it could have been designed to be smaller, but I appreciate that looks and size aren’t everything. So, I let the Dyson V10 Konical charge on the Dok for a few hours before testing it out properly.

Using the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum and Auto-Empty Dok

Offering 150 Air Watts (AW), the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum sits comfortably alongside the Dyson V8 Cyclone in terms of power. And what I loved about this budget-friendly model was that it offered just enough power for everyday cleaning - and the V10 Konical is no different.

This was proven when I threw oats, rice, and sugar onto my hard flooring as part of our vacuum cleaner testing process. The idea here is that a good-quality vacuum with effective suction power should be able to remove all of the debris from the floor in as few passes as possible - ideally just the one forward pass. Amazingly, that’s exactly what the Dyson V10 Konical did. There were a few stragglers that needed a backwards pass, but overall I was really impressed with the pickup power.

I then repeated the process on carpet, and was just as impressed. It tackled both the larger debris and the smaller debris with ease - and one look at the onboard dust canister proved that it also managed to pick up some lingering hair that was embedded into my carpet fibres.

I continued to be impressed with the Dyson V10 Konical as I continued using the cordless vacuum around my house for general cleaning. At 2.65kg, the cordless vacuum is incredibly lightweight and manoeuvrable, and I personally love the conical floorhead and its pickup ability (although I do know that some people don’t like it as much as Dyson’s older design).

It tackled hard flooring, carpets, and rugs with ease, and I didn’t feel like the suction power lowered as I moved from one flooring type to the next. Plus, the classic Dyson green laser made invisible dust and debris visible - offering a more efficient overall clean.

There are three modes available - Eco, Medium, MAX - but I rarely found myself having to stray from Eco, as this was enough to tackle the everyday debris in my home over the course of almost two weeks. Because of this, I was able to make use of the 60-minute run-time, which is extremely generous.

Using the attachments

The Dyson V10 Konical and Auto-Empty Dok comes with two attachments: the classic crevice tool and a mini motorised tool. These can be used when the vacuum is in its handheld form, and overall I found this to be super quick and convenient to grab for smaller messes.

It’s extremely lightweight in handheld mode, and while the crevice tool is nothing remarkable (I’ve yet to find a crevice tool from any brand that has wowed me, as it’s just a nice extra), it still managed to get into the smaller nooks and crannies of my house.

As a dog mum and the owner of woollen carpets that hide hair and debris, I love any motorised tool, and the Dyson motorised tool was definitely a handy addition to my cleaning routine. I used it to clean everything from my carpeted stairs to my dog’s bed and a velvet sofa bed, and found it did exactly what I needed it to.

Another thing I do really love is that the tools can be stored in a little compartment on the Dok. This meant that they were always accessible for when I needed them, but still tucked away so they didn’t clutter up my space.

It’s also worth noting that you can buy extra accessories for the V10 Konical on the Dyson website if you need more. These vary in price from around £19 up to £80, so they can be expensive, but it’s nice to have the option to add more if you would benefit from using them.

Cleaning and maintenance

The beauty of the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum and Auto-Empty Dok is that cleaning and maintenance is fairly limited. The vacuum itself has an on-board dust capacity of 0.5L, which was enough to successfully vacuum my small three-bed terrace without needing to empty it. But even if you do fill up the 0.5L onboard capacity before you finish vacuuming, you can simply pop it on the Auto-Empty Dok and empty it in seconds.

Dyson claims that the onboard bagged capacity of 2.5L should offer space for up to 60 days’ worth of dust, depending on your cleaning habits. And after almost two weeks of testing, I can confirm that it’s nowhere near full.

The Auto-Empty Dok wasn’t flawless, though. I have a very hairy household thanks to my dog’s hair and my long hair that seems to get everywhere. And while the V10 Konical excels at sucking up this hair without it getting stuck, the Dok doesn’t have as much luck. On almost all occasions, the auto-emptying function just couldn’t pull the last bit of hair out of the onboard canister and down into the bag.

This didn’t happen every time, but it happened enough for it to become annoying and meant that I either had to start cleaning with the canister already partially filled, or I had to manually remove it. So, it seemed to defeat the object of the Auto-Empty Dok slightly.

Of course, another negative of being a bagged Dok is that you need to buy replacement bags. Dyson includes two as part of the purchase, but at the time of writing, I can’t actually find the replacement bags on the Dyson website. So, this is something that Dyson needs to address as soon as possible, as ongoing costs are a factor many people consider when buying a new vacuum.

Nevertheless, the Dok also serves as a charging point for the V10 Konical, and it will start charging it as soon as you pop the vacuum on it. This means that you’ll never be without battery power - as long as you remember to place it back on the dok. A full recharge takes about 4 hours.

In terms of other cleaning and maintenance, the Dok has a HEPA filter that needs to be washed every two months - or when the Dok alerts you with a warning light. All you need to do is pull it out, rinse it under cold water, allow it to air dry fully for at least 24 hours, and then re-insert.

The vacuum itself also has a washable filter, which should be washed every two to four weeks depending on use and cleaning habits. Again, let it dry completely before putting it back in the vacuum.

How does it compare to similar models?

I’ve tested a lot of vacuums over the years, but auto-empty docks are still relatively new to the game. Because of this, it’s hard to compare it to many alternatives, but there’s no denying it’s very similar to the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet I tested a few months ago.

These are two new auto-empty vacuums from two very big vacuum brands, and they’re also at a fairly similar price point - the Dyson is £569.99, and the Shark is £499.99. They also both have the exact same suction power of 150 Air Watts (AW), and two attachments that can be stored on the docks.

There are some differences, though. The Shark auto-empty dock is bagless - meaning it’s less hygienic but will cost less in the long run- while the Dyson is bagged - which means it’ll suit those who struggle with allergies better. But you will need to pay for bags as the months go by.

There’s also the size difference. For me, the Shark is way more accessible for the everyday household as it’s so much smaller, even with the auto-empty dock. It’ll neatly tuck away in a corner, and it looks fairly inconspicuous thanks to the variety of colourways available.

The Dyson is not inconspicuous. It’s big, it’s bold in its black colourway, and I think Dyson has limited its customer pool by making it so large. For my cosier home, the Shark suits me better. If you have the space, though, the Dyson should fit into a larger home.

In terms of performance, though, they’re both incredibly similar and offer many of the same functionalities. So, which one is better ultimately depends on your preference in terms of size, look, and ongoing maintenance.

Verdict: Should you buy the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum and Auto-Empty Dok?

I’ve now spent almost 500 hours testing vacuum cleaners with Ideal Home, and this has definitely been one of the most difficult vacuums to rate. Because, yes, I would recommend the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum.

It offers the premium quality and capabilities you’d expect from a big name like Dyson, and I genuinely enjoyed cleaning with it and seeing the impressive results. At £469.99, I do think it’s on the cheaper end of the Dyson spectrum, and is a nice, affordable option for those who can’t quite justify their more expensive models.

However, the Auto-Empty Dok just didn’t hit the mark for me. Considering it adds over £100 to the price tag, I expected it to blend seamlessly into my home and offer a convenient, auto-emptying function that meant I wouldn’t need to lift a finger until the dust bag was full and needed replacing. As that wasn’t the case - and the Dok is just way too big for my liking - I’m not sure I’d recommend it unless you have the space.

I’d like to think that this is a first iteration for Dyson, though, and they’ll continue to work on bringing more auto-empty docks into the mix as the years go by. After all, the idea is there, and I do believe people want auto-empty docks in their homes. But the execution is just a little off.

In my opinion, treating yourself to one of the best ice cream makers is virtually an act of self care during a sweltering summer. This is especially true if you buy one that freezes as it churns, like the Dualit Ice Cream Maker.

Admittedly, at almost £350, it’s an indulgence. But in addition to ice cream and sorbet, it can make yogurt and slushies too – all in under one hour from mixing to consuming. I used it during a particularly warm July week and it reinforced my love of all things ice cream.

In a nutshell

The Dualit Ice Cream Maker is expensive for a reason. The integrated compressor is like a mini freezer, so in addition to churning your ice cream mixtures, it freezes them too. In my opinion these are the best ice cream makers to buy, as nothing has to be frozen in advance, so you can make ice cream on a whim.

It’s nicely designed with a compact footprint that doesn’t take over your kitchen worktop, and the digital display is easy to navigate. With five separate functions to choose from, ice cream and gelato aren’t the only creations you can use it for. It’ll also make slushies, sorbet, and even home made yogurt.

During my time reviewing it, I enjoyed silky smooth ice creams, punchy sorbet, tasty slushies, and even tried my hand at making yogurt. All the functions worked well, though if you like to cater for bigger groups, you might find its relatively small capacity frustrating at times. And I had more success when I used my own trusted recipes over the ones included in the manual.

Who reviewed this ice cream maker?

Unboxing

It’s been a while since I've unboxed a kitchen appliance and come across polystyrene in the box. Given that most kitchen appliance manufacturers have eliminated polystyrene packaging, I was somewhat disappointed to find it. But I do acknowledge that appliances with refrigerants can require extra protection in transit.

The ice cream maker comes out of the box pretty much ready to go. The removable parts and accessories consist of the main stainless steel bowl, mixing paddle, the lid, a spatula, and a measuring cup. All of these parts require a quick wash before the first use.

The dial control coupled with the digital display are intuitive to use. There are five settings to choose from. The first is cooling, this cycle operates without the mixing paddle moving. It can be used to pre-cool mixes or cool the machine prior to making ice cream.

The second setting is manual stirring, this one can be used to stir mixtures or mix in extra ingredients like chocolate chips at the end of a cycle. The third setting is yogurt, the fourth is the main ice cream, gelato and sorbet setting, and finally there’s the slushie setting.

Once a setting is selected by pressing the dial, you can then adjust the timer. It’s very simple and the manual gives good explanations of settings. It’s worth pointing out that while the capacity of the bowl is 1.2 litres, the manual advises a maximum of 720ml for ice cream, gelato and sorbet. For slushies, you can add a maximum of 600ml, and when making yogurt it can cope with up to 920ml.

My biggest first impression is that it’s a really neat and compact size, it takes up a lot less space on my worktop than my current Cuisinart ice cream maker. I like the matte black finish, which looks subtle and doesn't draw too much attention.

What's it like to use?

Making ice cream

The manual doesn’t include many recipes, there are two ice cream, one gelato, and one sorbet recipe. So I chose to get started with the basic vanilla ice cream recipe. It’s a simple enough recipe that just involves whisking sugar and milk until the sugar dissolves, then adding cream and vanilla.

The recipe recommends setting the timer for 40-60 minutes. I set it for 50 minutes, but stopped it early after just 40 minutes. At this point the ice cream was nicely frozen, but soft enough to remove from the bowl and the paddle without force.

It needed a couple of hours in the freezer to finish firming up, but even after it’d been in the freezer overnight, it remained beautifully soft and scoopable. The creamy texture was very indulgent. My only complaint was that for me, this particular recipe is too sweet and a bit heavy on the vanilla. Both of which are easily rectified next time.

The recipe made 386g, which for context, is slightly short of what you’ll get in a typical tub of Haagen Dasz (400g). I also measured the noise level while it was churning and it was a very pleasant 59dB.

There are a couple of chocolate recipes in the manual, one for chocolate ice cream and one for chocolate gelato. The main difference being that the gelato has less cream and includes two egg yolks, so this is the one I went for.

Annoyingly, instead of listing chocolate or chocolate powder, the recipes require the use of Dualit Hot Chocolate Sachets, which I didn’t have. So I substituted this with standard 65% chocolate. The recipes also require a Dualit Milk Frother Max, so in another workaround, I heated the milk, cream, and chocolate chunks on the hob instead.

Adding warm milk to raw egg yolks is always a bit nerve wracking, but thankfully they didn’t cook and the mixture combined well. The recipe states that you can put the warm mixture straight in the ice cream maker. But this seems crazy to me, so I waited for it to cool down and chilled it in the fridge until it was about 10C.

This time I decided to use the cooling function for 10 minutes before adding the ice cream mixture. It didn’t make much difference to the overall churn time though which, like the vanilla, took around 40 minutes.

The finished chocolate gelato was less creamy and indulgent than the vanilla ice cream. It was also lacking a bit of sweetness, but that’s probably my fault for the chocolate substitution I made.

I ended up serving the vanilla ice cream with the chocolate gelato for the perfect balance in flavour and sweetness. This worked really well, but I’d also be keen to try a different recipe for chocolate ice cream/ gelato that isn’t developed for Dualit hot chocolate sachets.

As a bit of a benchmark I was interested to try an ice cream recipe I’ve made before. So I wasted no time in making my favourite coffee ice cream. It includes milk, cream, sugar coffee, egg yolks and vanilla.

I made up the mixture and chilled it in the fridge for several hours, then churned it until frozen, which again, took about 40 minutes. It turned out smooth, creamy, and just as delicious as I remembered.

While the ice cream maker freezes the ice creams, it’s still a good idea to give your tasty creation a couple of hours in the freezer to firm up properly.

I couldn’t review this model without trying a sorbet. And while I adore lemon sorbet, it is a bit predictable and I was in the mood to try something different. At the time of reviewing, Wimbledon had just finished and strawberry season was in full swing, so I looked up a strawberry sorbet recipe.

The recipe I chose was very easy to put together, I had to heat sugar and water to make a syrup, then once cooled I blended this with fresh strawberries. Lastly, you add the juice of a lemon.

The sorbet took around 50 minutes (I made the maximum 720ml capacity). And I can’t tell you how incredible it tastes. The strawberry flavour is so intense and delicious, the texture is perfect too, with no icy shards. I think I might have to ditch strawberry ice cream in favour of strawberry sorbet from now on.

Making slushies

There’s not really any slushie drink recipes in the manual. Just basic advice that says you can use up to 600ml of your favourite drink. So I made up a latte with the hope of producing a frappe style coffee drink.

I added cold oat milk and a couple of teaspoons of maple syrup to a double shot of espresso. It was a single serve portion of approximately 300ml. I poured this into the machine, selected the slushie mode and put the timer on for 40 minutes.

It took about 25 minutes, which felt quite long for one drink, but it was worth it for the delicious frappe style coffee I was able to enjoy at the end. There were no hard frozen ice crystals, it was the perfect slushie texture that could be drunk through a straw. I even topped it with a splash of double cream to make it extra decadent.

The only minor annoyance was that unlike a proper slushie machine, you have to get it into the glass through a combination of tipping the liquid and spooning the more solid bits out. But after a quick stir with a straw it’s well combined and mine stayed the perfect frozen slushie texture, without melting, right to the end of the drink.

I also tried to make a raspberry slushie using a posh raspberry cordial. This time I made 600ml, which is the maximum slushie capacity and enough to serve two people. I wasn’t sure how long it would take, so set the timer to 40 minutes again.

It took the full 40 minutes to create the raspberry slushies, which is quite a while. They were absolutely delicious though, with a great smooth icy texture that went easily through a straw. It was very reminiscent of childhood raspberry slushie drinks.

Personally I wouldn’t buy this ice cream maker purely for the slushie mode, but it’s a great option that allows you to get more functionality from an expensive appliance. And if you only want occasional slushie drinks, it’s ideal.

Making yoghurt

I eat yogurt every day for breakfast with granola and berries, but despite being the type of person who enjoys making lots of things from scratch, yogurt is something I always just pick up at the supermarket.

You can make up to 920ml of yogurt at a time in this appliance. I followed the included recipe though, which uses 550ml whole milk and 50ml yogurt. There’s minimal prep, just stir together the yogurt and milk and then pour into the ice cream maker.

The recipe advises setting the timer for seven hours when using the yogurt function. And admittedly, that’s a fair old chunk of time, but this is a set-it-and-go scenario, so it can be left to do its thing while you go about your day.

When the timer finished, the machine automatically switched to cool mode, chilling down the slightly warm yogurt. I left it to cool in the machine for around an hour, by this point the yogurt had chilled down to 8C.

I then transferred it to a tub and put it in the fridge. When I tried it on my granola the next morning, I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth creamy texture and mild yogurt flavour. It’s a bit thinner than my usual thick Greek yogurt, but works out a lot cheaper, so it gets a massive thumbs up from me.

What's it like to clean?

All the removable parts can go in the dishwasher, which is great news when they’re covered in sticky ice cream and sorbet mixtures. That said, I frequently washed everything by hand and found it all really quick and easy to wash.

The machine itself didn’t really get dirty, the odd splash of ice cream mixture was easily wiped away from the matte black sides of the machine. It’s the shiny mirrored top part that needs a bit of a buff after use to remove fingerprints and marks. But even this comes clean easily after a quick wipe over with a microfibre cloth.

How does it compare to competitors?

I previously reviewed and still own the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Professional which I love for many of the same reasons I enjoyed using this Dualit model. The Cuisinart I own has now been superseded by the Cuisinart Freeze Ease Pro Ice Cream Maker which is an upgraded version. At around £300 it’s cheaper than the Dualit with a slightly larger capacity, but the compromise is that it takes up more space.

The Ninja Creami is a totally different proposition, but since it’s significantly cheaper (around £250), it is worth considering. If space is at a premium, this is the compact choice. The big but, is that you have to wait for your mixture to freeze for 24 hours before churning. So it doesn’t give the same instant satisfaction as the Dualit and Cuisinart models.

Should you buy the Dualit Ice Cream Maker?

If you want to get serious about homemade ice cream, then it’s essential to invest in a model like this with a built-in compressor. If you’re anything like me, you’re far more likely to make up a batch of home made ice cream if you don’t have to think about pre-freezing a bowl or a mixture 24 hours in advance.

I particularly like the size and smaller footprint of this Dualit model, and it’s nice to have a few additional functions bundled in. I didn’t love the included recipes, but had great success with recipes I found online.

Other than the price tag, the only major drawback is that it doesn’t have a huge capacity. But that just means I’m more likely to make up a few batches and enjoy a variety of different flavours, so in my opinion that isn’t a deal breaker.

I have been, until fairly recently, a robot mop denier. Too often it means paying several hundred extra pounds for a machine to drag a damp wipe across your floor and call it cleaning, and the results tend to look like a floor that’s been made a bit wet rather than properly washed.

So, I was intrigued to take the P50 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum - from the fairly under-the-radar MOVA brand - for a spin, to see if a smaller brand can offer wet (and dry) floor cleaning features that some established brands still haven't quite nailed. My take? It's certainly a contender for one of the best robot vacuum cleaners out there.

In a nutshell

The P50 Pro Ultra is a vacuum-and-mop combo with a self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying dock, and its real strength is in the mopping. At the start, it had a low bar and a hostile jury, but what changed my mind, more than any of the headline numbers, was the plumbing: a 4L clean water tank, a 3.5L dirty one, a separate detergent compartment, and two rotating pads that spin against the floor instead of being towed across.

Hot water at 75°C also cleans the pads between runs, warm air dries them, and 32 moisture levels mean you can dial the water down for laminate and up for vinyl without thinking about it every time.

On paper, the vacuuming is just as impressive, with 19,000Pa of suction quoted on the box. In practice, on my laminate and vinyl it was never anything less than thorough, though on a thicker rug, it's fine rather than exceptional, and I'd weigh that carefully if your home is mostly carpeted.

Where it consistently surprised me was at the edges. The back door off my lounge has a catflap within it, which means that patch of floor and skirting is permanently filthy in a way no upright vacuum ever quite solves. The P50 gets right into it, both vacuuming and mopping, and after a few sessions, that corner looked better than it has since I moved in. So, consider me impressed.

Specifications

• Suction power: 19,000Pa
• Max. run time: 210 mins
• Charge time: 3.5 hours
• Dust capacity: 3.2L bag in dock (up to 75 days)
• Water tanks: 4L clean, 3.5L dirty
• Mop function: Yes, dual rotating pads, 32 moisture levels, 75°C wash and 45°C dry
• Maps: Up to four floors
• Dimensions (with dock): H42 x W45.8 x D47cm
• Weight (with dock): 13.76kg
• Compatible with: MOVAhome app, Alexa, Google Home

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

No getting around it: the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum has too much packaging. Thankfully, it's almost entirely cardboard and recyclable, so it went out with the paper rather than into landfill, but I'll always favour brands that keep the box count down in the first place. Boxes inside boxes inside a box, with a cardboard sleeve on top for good measure, will never not be frustrating.

It's also a hefty machine. At 13.76kg with the dock, and 47cm deep, this takes up considerably more floor than I'm used to, and I've tested quite a few self-emptying models before. In a one-bedroom basement flat, finding it a home meant genuinely rearranging a corner, but I managed it, which suggests most people will be able to tuck it away somewhere. Still, if you're short on floor space, I'd measure before you buy rather than after.

Setup itself is quick and easy. You simply fit the ramp extension plate, attach the mop pads to their holders, fill the clean water tank, drop the cleaning solution into the auto-detergent compartment, and dock the robot. The tanks lift out from the top of the dock with a nice handle, which is appreciated when you're carrying 3.5L of dirty water to a sink.

Then comes the app, and as always with these machines, it works far better once you've committed to it. Once the MOVAhome app was downloaded and the robot connected to the Wi-Fi, the experience was lovely. First, you send your new robot friend off to look around, room by room, building a map.

I was shocked, in a good way, that not only did it find its way into every room, but it worked out which room was which. It labelled the primary bedroom, the corridor, the bathroom, the kitchen, and the living room. More impressively, it identified the back portion of my lounge as a dining hall, which it can only have worked out by recognising a table and chairs and drawing a conclusion.

I then spent far too long editing that map, placing tiny bits of furniture and curtains around the plan to give the robot as much information as I could. You might not be as into that sort of thing as I am, but it does mean the app rewards fiddling, if you're the fiddling type.

Ease of use

The app has depth without being intimidating, and the setup flow walks you through the options one at a time rather than dumping an entire settings menu on you. AI-driven MopExtend, which swings the pad out at walls and table legs, is toggled on during setup.

So is the pets-in-the-home setting, which makes the robot more cautious around anything living, and an optional feature that captures animated GIFs of your pets while it cleans.

There's a voice assistant too, woken with "Hey MOVA", which works well enough for those who want or need a hands-free experience.

The choices that actually change the outcome are simpler than the feature list suggests. You can run a deep clean, toggled on and off in the app, with the only real trade-off being a longer cycle and more water used.

You can also choose whether the robot vacuums and mops simultaneously or does one job and then the other. I went with simultaneous for my first proper run, largely because I wanted to see whether it could multitask.

Turns out it could, and it did an admirable job of navigating a flat with a confusing layout that is also, at present, half-renovated. I'd cleared what I could from the floor before mapping, but there was still plenty in its way, and it worked around all of it without getting stuck or crying for help in a doorway. Stray wires are still an issue, but it never got stuck on any curtains.

Performance

The single most impressive thing was that its initial look around had correctly identified every rug in the flat, so it didn't try to mop them. No wet edges or damp patches to discover the next morning.

On a thicker pile, it can lift the pads by 10mm, and if you set it up that way, it will drop the pads back at the dock entirely before vacuuming the carpet and collect them again afterwards. It's a clever bit of engineering, and removes the one big anxiety that has always stopped me leaving a robot mop running unsupervised.

Edge cleaning is the other genuine strength. Both the side brush and the mop arm extend outward, so skirting boards, kickboards and the gap beside the catflap get properly attended to.

Object avoidance is a more mixed picture. In vacuum mode it's quite sensitive, sometimes to the point of giving a stray shoe a wider berth than it needs and leaving a small unswept halo behind. In mop-only mode it seems noticeably less cautious. Neither behaviour is a problem, exactly, but the inconsistency seems odd.

I ran the two tests I always run when testing robot vacuum cleaners for Ideal Home. The first was cat hair, in tufts, on a hard floor. The P50 picked up one tuft cleanly but treated the second as a solid object and drove around it. I'd call that a draw, and it's worth knowing if you live with a heavy shedder. The anti-tangle brush is excellent in its main job, though, and I've yet to cut a single hair off the roller.

The second was the sauce test, using sticky BBQ sauce, and here the result was genuinely split. Roughly half of it came up instantly, scrubbed away rather than moved around, but the other half got spread, and some of it travelled onto the cream rug sitting alongside. That's the limitation of any rotating pad system on a fresh wet spill, and it's why I'd still reach for kitchen roll first and let the robot handle the residue rather than the incident.

For dried-on marks, though, it's a different machine altogether. Coffee rings and dried splatter are exactly what those spinning pads and hot water are for.

Cleaning and maintenance

This is where the P50 earns back the space it takes up. After each run, the robot empties itself into a 3.2L bag in the dock, good for around 75 days of debris, then washes its own pads with 75°C water and detergent before drying them with warm air. That means no sour mop smell, which is a normal failure point for cheaper models.

The clean tank, dirty tank and detergent compartment are all easy to remove, fill and rinse, which sounds like faint praise until you've wrestled with a model where they aren't.

My only regular job was tipping the dirty water away, and even that didn’t come around every time (depending on how much mopping you're asking of it).

You will need to buy replacement dust bags, filters and eventually mop pads, which comes to somewhere in the region of £40 to £60 a year with moderate use. That's normal for the category rather than a MOVA quirk, but it's a running cost to factor in, and it's worth registering your purchase so the three-year guarantee is straightforward if you need it.

How does it rate online?

Owner reviews of the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra skew strongly positive, particularly from people who bought during a sale. On Amazon and in robot vacuum Reddit communities, the recurring praise is for the mapping, the mopping and the dock automation, and there's a consistent line of reasoning that goes something like: flagship Roborocks and Dreame models may be marginally better, but not by enough to justify the gap in price.

There have been scattered owner reports of front wheel failures on early P50 Pro units, with at least one person describing two units going the same way within weeks. That appears to be an anomaly rather than a pattern, and MOVA has reportedly revised the part since.

How does it compare to similar models?

The obvious comparison in this price bracket is the Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25, which Ideal Home rated a perfect five stars. That model uses a rotating roller mop rather than dual pads and hits harder on raw suction, so if your home is largely carpeted, it could be the better buy. The MOVA takes the edges and corners more convincingly, and the removable-pad trick is something Eufy doesn't offer.

Verdict: Should you buy the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra?

If your home is mostly hard flooring, yes, and I say that pretty enthusiastically. The mopping ability is the reason to buy the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum, and I don't say that lightly given where I started. Two spinning pads, real tanks, hot water washing and an arm that reaches the edges add up to a machine that actually cleans a floor rather than giving the illusion of being helpful.

But I'd measure your floor space before you commit. The dock is a substantial object, and no amount of clever design gets around 47cm of depth in a small flat. I found a corner in a one-bedroom basement, so it can be done, but it took some negotiating.

I put the M&S Stay Cool 10cm Depth Mattress Topper to the test to see how it compares to the best cooling mattress toppers on the market.

In a nutshell

As a sleep-product reviewer, I’ve tested some of the best mattress toppers out there, including two of my favourites for hot weather or hot sleepers: the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper and the Simba Cool Foam mattress topper.

So when I heard about Marks & Spencer’s latest cooling mattress topper – the relatively inexpensive M&S Stay Cool Mattress Topper, which is £75 for a single – I was keen to give it a test run.

Overall, I was fairly impressed. This topper doesn't offer much support, but if you like a soft, sink-in sleep surface, I found its 10cm deep polyester fill was comfortable.

I’m also a fairly hot sleeper, who, like Goldilocks, struggles to sleep unless my temperature is “just right”, and whilst I didn't find this topper actively cool, it also didn't make me overheat (even when testing it during a heatwave).

The main downsides (for me) are the fact it can't be washed, needs regular shaking to 'refluff' it, and I do prefer a bit of a more supportive sleep surface.

However, the M&S Stay Cool is good value for money, and, whilst some toppers do offer better cooling relief for hot sleepers (more on those below), if you're looking for a soft topper that can provide a 'breaker' layer between a sweat-inducing mattress and your body, it does the trick without breaking the bank.

Specifications

• RRP: £75 / £85 / £95 / £105
• Sizes: single / double / king / super-king
• Depth: 10cm
• Construction: polyester cover, polyester wadding fill
• Care instructions: do not wash, do not tumble dry, do not dry clean
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

The M&S Stay Cool mattress topper comes in a large fabric carry case. This might be handy if you need to pack it away often – if it’s for a sofa bed or a campervan, for example. The bag is definitely designed to be reused, with reasonably strong zips and reinforced edges.

The mattress topper itself was folded inside the bag, and was easy to pull out and slide onto my bed. There was no off-gassing smell or waiting for it to replump like you get with memory-foam mattress toppers.

When it comes to attaching it to your bed, there are thick elasticated straps at each corner. This easily slid over even my very thick Brook + Wilde mattress.

There is no anti-slip coating on the bottom of this topper, but this didn’t seem to matter as it stayed in place well.

Comfort

I took the Simba Cool Foam topper off my bed to test the M&S Stay Cool topper. The Cool Foam is a medium-feel topper, and the M&S Stay Cool is noticeably softer still. This topper is definitely designed to soften a mattress rather than to boost support.

This stacks up when you look at what the fillings are in the M&S Stay Cool topper. It’s made from 100 per cent polyester. This tends to be much squishier than fillings such as memory foam and the micro springs you find in hybrid mattress toppers.

I found that when I lay on it, it gave an immediate feeling of comfort – like being wrapped in a duvet. However, it lacks much responsiveness. Responsiveness is the term sleep experts use when we’re talking about how a sleep surface bounces back and how easy it therefore is to move on your mattress.

If you’re a combination sleeper – ie. you move from back to side to front while you’re sleeping – you’ll appreciate a more responsive sleep surface.

I am a combination sleeper (side and back, if you’re wondering), and found that moving around was fine for me but it wasn’t as smooth as it is on a spring mattress/mattress topper. If you have mobility issues, its sink-in softness may mean it's not the topper for you.

During testing, I used the Stay Cool mattress topper on an already very comfortable mattress so I wasn’t using the topper to improve the feel of my sleep surface.

However, I do think it would work brilliantly to soften up a too-firm mattress, or add an extra layer of gentle comfort. It would be ideal to give a bit of cushioning to those dreaded university student mattresses for example, or to offer a little extra “ahhh” feeling to a mattress or sofa bed in a spare room.

Temperature regulation

Because of its 'Stay Cool' name, the temperature regulation on this mattress topper is one of things I was really interested in. Especially seeing as this topper is made of 100% polyester, and synthetic fibres are often prone to *causing* overheating in bed, not preventing it.

However, while there are no active cooling gels, or cooling fibres, in this topper, it is lofty at 10cm. This means that there should be space between the polyester wadding, which potentially allows for good air flow through the topper, removing hot air and replacing it with cooler air under the body.

I tested this mattress topper during an absolutely scorching British heatwave – record-breaking, in fact. I found that I didn’t overheat on the topper, but I wasn’t completely convinced that it was any more cooling than a decent mattress or a natural-fibre mattress topper.

However – and this is important – I didn’t wake up in a sweaty mess on this mattress topper. Did it make me actively feel cool? No, but it didn't make me feel hotter either. And this can't be said of many of the toppers I've tested.

I do wonder if its breathability might be impacted over time as the wadding compresses under my body weight and those 'air pockets' are lost, but I’m a fairly hot sleeper, and as I say, my sleep wasn’t disturbed when I tested the Stay Cool mattress topper.

Overall, I found the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper, Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, and Simba Cool Foam Mattress Topper cooler to sleep on. But although I found they did a better job of offering relief in hot weather, they are more expensive.

Care instructions

Caring for this mattress topper is, I guess, very simple, in that you can’t really care for it. The care instructions say that you can’t machine wash or dry clean it.

Considering it's made from polyester (which is usually a fabric that can be bunged in the washing machine on a high temperature), I found this quite surprising. The Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper we recently tested uses very similar materials, and that can be washed at 40C and tumble dried.

However, whilst this might put off some, you could get around the issue by using a good mattress protector over the topper to maintain a clean sleep environment. You might just want to opt for an extra-deep protector as the loft on this topper is quite high.

I also found that after a week of sleeping on the topper, it needed a bit of a shake-out and fluffing when I changed my bed sheets. This wasn’t a big job, but if you have a larger bed, it does require a bit of upper-body strength. It is box-baffle stitched, which helps keep the fillings in place.

Sleep trial

M&S doesn't offer sleep trials on any of its bedding, which, considering competitors such as Simba, Panda, and Woolroom do, I always think is a bit of a shame.

A sleep trial does help you to assess whether a piece of bedding works for your sleep setup before you commit to keeping it, so without a trial available, it does come down to making your best guess about whether the Stay Cool topper is for you.

Value for money

At £75 for a single and £85 for a double, this topper is pretty reasonably priced.

It's certainly a lot cheaper than some of the best cooling mattress toppers we've tested. For instance, the highly breathable Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper costs £289.99 for a double, and the cooling graphite-infused Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper costs £349 for a double.

However, I didn't feel the M&S Stay Cool's cooling powers were quite as good as those more expensive options, and, when you compare it to other toppers of a similar construction, it's actually a little expensive.

For instance, the Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper is also 10cm deep, offers a similar polyester construction, can be machine washed, and the Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper currently costs £39.99 at Amazon, or it's £59.99 for a double of the Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper at Argos.

How I tested

Usual sleep position: side
Tension preference: medium-firm
Sleep problems: hip pain

I tested a king-size version of the Stay Cool mattress topper over the course of a week in a record-breaking British heatwave. During this time I slept on the topper, paying attention to comfort levels and how it affected my sleep. I also pondered how hot I felt sleeping on the topper – this is after all a cooling mattress topper. Lastly, I considered how easy it was to attach to the bed, ease of care, and value for money.

The Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue, £1649 at Weber, is an outdoor cooker for serious chefs. It's an impressive piece of kit. If you're looking for a portable barbecue which you can pack away in the car for camping trips, then this is not the buy for you. If, however, you like to grill in the garden and want to up your grilling game by exploring more ways to cook on gas, then you'll be hard pushed to top this option.

With the ability to roast, bake, steam, or even stir-fry by replacing the cooking grate with custom-fit WEBER CRAFTED grillware, the Weber Genesis EPX-335 is like no other barbecue I have ever seen or heard of before. From cooking caramelised onions on the side burner to searing large joints of meat on the sear zone, this has got to be up there as one of the best BBQs to date.

Although we tend to seldom cook on disposable charcoal BBQs in our household, a gas BBQ seemed appealing to try out - especially since we have recently had a patio laid, which would make the perfect base for it. The fact that this gas BBQ is also a smart BBQ made me more curious to try it out for size since I'd never used these functionalities before.

Keep scrolling to see how we got on. From its delivery through to using it to cook dinners, we've covered every aspect in this review.

Weber Genesis EPX-335 smart barbecue specifications

• Fuel type: Liquid petroleum gas
• No. of stainless steel burners: 3
• Main burners: 11.4kW
• Sear zone burner: 3.81kW
• Side burner: 3.52kW
• Total cooking area: 4133 cm²
• Warming rack area: 823 cm²
• Side tables: 2
• Swivel castors: 2
• Swivel locking castors: 2
• Meat probes included: 1
• Dimensions (lid closed): H160 x W166 x D77.5cm
• Warranty: up to 12 years, depending on parts

Delivery, unboxing and set up

The Weber Genesis EPX-335 arrived on a crate, which was delivered on the footpath outside our house. We live in a mid-terraced house with no access to the back garden for a delivery lorry to get to easily. This gave us the task of swiftly getting it off the footpath and through the house to the back garden. The box was big and heavy, and there was absolutely no way that I could lift it, let alone with my husband's help. We tackled it by gradually unboxing the BBQ, piece by piece - and there were a lot of pieces.

This is something which you'll need to take into account if you do go ahead with placing an order with one of these mighty BBQs. Unless you have a driveway or access to the garden for the crate to be lifted down, you will need at least two people to help you move the parts because some are heavy.

Each part of the BBQ felt quality and robust, and although we had just spent 30-or-so minutes unboxing it, we were impressed with how it was starting to feel. Each part comes with a Weber warranty of up to 12 years, so you know that everything to do with the kit is backed by the confidence of the brand.

It's recommended that two people set up the BBQ to save time and to share the load of the heavy parts. However, my husband ended up taking over the reins of this, and it took him approximately two hours. Top tip: follow the instructions. At first it was daunting, but when you get your head around the graphic symbols, it was quite easy.

Because we unboxed the piece bit by bit, we couldn't easily find what they were referring to, which made it confusing, but all items are clearly marked in boxes, so it's best to lay these all out before making a start.

You will need more space to assemble the BBQ, and thereafter, than you may think. We keep saying that it is big, and that it is. We found that once you get into a flow of assembling it, it does come together relatively quickly, but in addition to the supplied tools, you'll find it useful to have a screwdriver.

Building the BBQ is an intermediate level. If assembling things is something which you tend to shy away from, then this is not going to be for you. You'll need to decide if it's going to be worth your time because there are plenty of other good gas BBQs available to buy, which may / may not have all the bells and whistles of the Gen sis 355, but it'll be much easier to start with.

Before you can use it for the first time, you'll need to get a gas canister, which is available from general hardware stores or petrol stations. This is another consideration because it's likely that you'll either need a car to collect it or arrange for delivery. Without this, you won't be able to use it, so it's pretty essential.

First impressions

Once you get the BBQ all set up, and you take a step back to marvel at your new outdoor cooker, you realise just how much of a serious piece of kit it is. The finish quality is fantastic, using high-quality stainless steel in all the key places.

The chunky dials leave little room for error - there’s nothing fiddly about them. The bonus rear light features around the dials add a bit of pizazz to the patio.

Following the chunky, well-built theme, the weight of the grill lid adds to the build quality and further reassurance at just how well engineered the BBQ is.

Despite the size, the BBQ is easy to move around. It’s guided by four chunky trolley-style castors with an easy-to-use foot operating mechanism.

What's it like to use?

Under the hood, in the main grill area, are three Proprietary PUREBLU high-heat burners which are designed to produce the most efficient, even flame for consistent, precise heat and reliable ignition. There's also an extra-large sear zone, which enables you to sear multiple food items simultaneously, giving you ultimate control and flexibility for whatever you are cooking, be it from a lightly smoked fish to a sizzling sirloin steak. A feature which brings even more flexibility is the side burner, which will enable cookware such as pots and pans to be introduced to further expand the range of cooking options.

The electronic ignition makes lighting the burners super easy. So far, it has worked every time. It's powered by supplied batteries, which do exactly what they are supposed to do, taking the stress out of constantly trying to light a BBQ. It's really quick to heat up - we were cooking on gas within 10 minutes.

We found that the digital thermostat is an absolute godsend because you know exactly what is going on inside the grill. It even comes with an attachment for using as a meat thermometer probe, which is essential for longer cooks on larger pieces of meat

There's the option to have direct heat, indirect heat and a generous-sized warming rack. These can be used in this way all at once, thanks to the expandable top cooking grate. You can have a burger sizzling, veggies roasting and corn on the cob on the upper rack. This is a new feature for the GENESIS grill, which provides extra room to cook appetisers, sides, or main course dishes.

When preparing food to cook and serve, we found the extra-large prep and serve table mega useful. Our kitchen is fairly compact, so being able to take food out and assemble it on a plate ready for tucking in to saved a lot of toing and froing, as well as space.

I've read that the prep and serve table accommodates more trays and dishes than previous Genesis models, and although I don't have hands-on experience with these, I am grateful for the extra space.

We really like that the dials are quick to respond and they are lit by LEDS, so when cooking in low-light levels, we can still see clearly. There are also under-the-lid LED lights, which illuminate the entire barbecuing surface - from the side table to the grates. This lighting system is perfect for barbecuing any time of the day, although we preferred the evening.

We (also) really like the built-in storage. It's really useful. It's a good place to keep the manual (until you're confident using it) as well as utensils, gloves and pots and pans. You can't lock it, however, so just don't leave anything valuable in it if this is something which is going to play on your mind.

We're looking forward to using wood chips at some point in the near future to add that smokey flavour, and to cook a thin crust pizza. We've also found a recipe for a beer-can chicken that we are excited to try when we next get a good spell of weather.

Other features

One of the biggest selling points of the Weber Genesis EPX-335 is that it is smart. It has Integrated WEBER CONNECT Technology, which promises to create the perfectly grilled food through real-time food temperature alerts, reminders, and flip and serve notifications at the barbecue or directly to your smartphone. To take advantage of all that this tech has to offer, you'll need to have the WEBER CONNECT app downloaded onto your device.

It's a complete game-changer which enables barbecue-goers to stay connected to their barbecue while taking care of guests, watching the game, or enjoying a drink. But we couldn't pair the device with the app on the first attempt. This is something which we’ll try again (and again) when we next get the opportunity - we'll just need to boost the WiFi, or something.

Cleaning the Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue

Cleaning is never going to be easy with a big BBQ like this, as there is only one place to go. However, there is a really useful catch tray for all the juices at the bottom, and Weber has designed all of the components to be removable for cleaning.

You should expect to give the BBQ a quick clean after each use, which will help to maintain it. Scourers and purpose-made scrapers are readily available at all hardware shops and from Weber directly, with prices starting from £6.39 for a 30cm grill brush. This will make scraping off yesterday's dinner a lot easier, and also prevent the flavours of your fish and veggies from tainting today's steak.

In the manual, it's advised that you give the grill a deep clean at least twice a year, but if you use it regularly, then you should be aiming for at least once a quarter. Everything will need to be cleaned, and there are detailed instructions advising how to clean a BBQ, which is all really easy to follow.

Storing the Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue

If you have somewhere to store it during the colder months, then it can be easily moved on the four castor wheels into a sheltered outbuilding. This will help to protect it from the elements and generally prolong the life of the BBQ.

If, like us, you do not have somewhere to store it and need to leave it on the patio, then we would highly recommend you buy the purpose-made cover for £131.99 on weber.com for this model, as it can quickly get dirty following rain and exposure to the sun.

Should you buy the Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue?

If you want to take your grilling skills up a notch and spend more time cooking outdoors, then we can wholeheartedly recommend this BBQ. Unboxing it and putting it together may take a while, but once it's all set up, you won't look back. Each small part adds to the overall quality of the product that the Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue is, and with a warranty of up to 12 years, it's backed by the confidence of the brand, too.

There is no denying that it is expensive. At just shy of £2,000, it is an investment. It will open up a lot of culinary doors, such as smoking and cooking a pizza, not just grilling. Everything you could need - apart from the gas canister - is available to buy on the Weber UK website. There's plenty of support, should you need it, from online chats to user guides and recipes.

The built-in smart tech is what elevates the price, but this is something which should give you the confidence to try cooking new things. There are plenty of recipes to try in the app as well as on the Weber website, and it removes the guesswork of when the food is ready to eat. As well as this smart feature, there are loads of other features such as the meat probe, LED lights and expandable top cooking grate, which make it a top choice.

The Ninja SLUSHi Twist is the newest all-singing-all-dancing best slushie machine machine from the brand. There are now four Slushi machines to choose from, including the original, so there really is something for everyone.

This latest model is unique in its ability to create two different drinks at once. And even more impressive is the simultaneous dispensing that allows you to create dual colour drinks that have the wow factor.

So whether you’re throwing a celebration BBQ with boozy frozen cocktails, or you want fun colourful drinks for a kids party, this is the kitchen appliance to elevate your gatherings. But is it really worth investing over £400 on a frozen drinks maker? Well, I tried it in my own home to find out.

In a nutshell

The Ninja SLUSHi Twist is the latest innovation from the juggernaut home appliance brand that is Ninja. At £420 it’s a huge investment for something that’s only going to be used on occasion. But, if yours is the house that everyone gathers at over the summer, the investment could well stack up. It’ll provide hours of fun, tasty drinks for all the family, and get everyone talking about your hosting skills.

Each vessel can hold up to 1.42 litres of liquid. You can slush anything from milkshakes, to cola, fruit juice to cocktails. And you can create two completely independent slushies, or two complementary slushies that are designed to be combined.

I really enjoyed combining drinks, using the rotating drip tray to create a twisted drink effect is actually quite addictive. And I was impressed that the machine uses sensor technology to slush drinks to the correct texture.

The downsides are that cleaning, particularly after milky drinks, is very laborious. And the required sugar levels in the slushie mixes, makes it easy to consume a lot of sugar when using this machine. Though, the manual does offer directions for using a sweetener instead, if you prefer.

Who tested this Slushi machine?

Unboxing and first impressions

It has to be said that when the box arrived on my doorstep, I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so hefty. I opted to unpack it close to the front door for ease. And thankfully the packaging is all recyclable paper and cardboard.

The SLUSHi Twist comes out of the box fully assembled, but since most parts need washing before use, you have to disassemble it anyway. Washing and drying all of the parts is a faff, but it does help you to get to know the machine and understand how it goes together.

There are two drip trays, the one that spins so you can create twisted drinks, and this is used in conjunction with the slanted spouts. Or, for those times when you wouldn’t combine the two drinks, the straight spouts and the standard drip tray come into play.

The drip tray you’re not using can be stored on the side of the machine, but there's not an integrated storage solution for the spare spouts.

I was a bit overwhelmed by all the parts at first. But once I’d washed and dried them all and had a good read of the manuals, I felt better placed to use and understand this machine. There’s a basic user manual, a quick start guide, and a QR code that takes you to various videos and recipe information. This was all super helpful since I’m new to at-home slushie machines.

My main takeaway upon unboxing and setting up the SLUSHi Twist is that it’s big, bulky, and heavy. So I’d advise taking note of the weight and measurement stats when considering whether to buy. Because even if you don’t intend to have it permanently on the worktop, you’ll need to consider storage space as well as the ease of moving this big beast around.

The other thing worth noting is that the working capacity of each vessel is just 1.42 litres, which isn’t huge. In fact, when compared to the other Ninja SLUSHi models with single vessels, they all have a larger capacity, ranging from 1.9 - 3.31 litres. Although crucially, you can only make one flavour drink at a time in the other models.

Unlike Ninja’s other SLUSHi machines, the SLUSHi Twist doesn’t offer different programs for different types of drink. Instead, it relies on smart sensor programs to figure out the right setting for you, so you really don’t have to do any thinking. Helpfully though, you can use the snowflake buttons to adjust the texture if desired.

As someone who is new to making slushies at home, I wasn’t previously aware that sugar content is an important factor in creating a slushie. As indeed is alcohol if you’re creating alcoholic drinks. Drinks need to contain at least 5g sugar per 100ml and not more than 20% alcohol.

Thankfully, if you’ve got your drink proportions wrong, the clever inbuilt sensors will alert you to add water or add sugar to correct the balance. But a big takeaway for me was that drinks are often quite sugary, which is something to watch if you use it a lot.

To counter the potential sugar problem, the manual offers advice on using a natural low calorie sweetener called erythritol instead, but after googling it and reading about some potential negative side effects, I wasn’t keen.

What is it like to use?

Fruit juice slushies

For my first try, I didn’t want to overcomplicate the drinks, so I chose fruit juices. On one side I added a litre of smooth orange juice, and on the other side I opted for a litre of cranberry and raspberry. This meant I would be able to have a go at making a twisted drink with contrasting colours, but there wouldn’t be as much to lose as there would be if I'd started with a more expensive boozy drink and got it wrong.

I pressed the Dual Slush Assist button to start it up. It then spent about five minutes sensing the drinks to figure out the optimal texture and temperature, which incidentally was different for each side.

It's not as noisy as I thought it might be, registering just 58dB on my noise meter. Make no mistake though, if you plan to leave it on all day, it’ll be a relief for your ears when you switch off the constant drone at the end of the day.

The cranberry side beeped first to signal that it was ready, after just 18 minutes. The orange side wasn’t far behind, taking around 20 minutes. Impressively speedy if you ask me.

The excitement of experimenting with the two colours and creating different styles got the better of me, and I dispensed the whole lot in under 10 minutes of sheer joy!

Making the perfectly twisted drink, like you see in all the promotional images, will take some practice and I didn’t immediately nail it. The act of pulling the dispensing levers down with one hand, whilst also spinning the disc beneath the glass, is a bit like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at first.

I had better success creating a layered drink and also a straight side-by-side drink. It was great fun making all these different creations. Though I should say that while they looked beautiful at first, it only took a few minutes for the two colours to start bleeding into each other and the effect is quickly lost.

I’d highly recommend having a practice go like this when you first get hold of it. I poured all the fruit juice slushies into a jug afterwards and put it in the fridge. This way, I got to experiment without any wastage.

Milk based slushies

I’m a big frappe fan, so when considering milk based slushies, a coffee option was a no brainer. I used Ninja’s coffee frappe recipe. In the second side I made up Ninja’s vanilla milkshake recipe. For both recipes I went with the 4-6 serving option, though I did have to slightly tweak the frappe one to make it the right volume for this particular machine's capacity.

I used the Dual Slush Assist button again and the vanilla milkshake was ready in 20 minutes. The coffee frappe was almost at the max capacity, plus it wasn’t quite as cold as the milkshake mix, nevertheless it was still slushed in 30 minutes.

The coffee frappe was addictive and could easily become a weekend favourite. The vanilla milkshake was almost like one you’d enjoy from a big fast food chain - also very addictive.

What’s more, we had great fun combining the two. But my gosh, these are high sugar recipes and before I knew it, I’d easily consumed more than double the recommended sugar intake for an adult, just in a couple of drinks.

There’s no denying that the drinks were incredibly delicious and I enjoyed them immensely, but I would definitely need to purchase some smaller glasses to force myself into more sensible portion sizes in future.

Alcohol slushies

I couldn’t review this slushie machine without making a frozen margarita. I went in search of a classic recipe though, as I didn’t fancy the mango or strawberry versions in the Ninja recipe book. The one I landed on included tequila, cointreau, simple syrup, lime juice, and sparkling water.

In the second side, for the non drinkers, I put a bottle of sparkling non alcoholic rosé, to make a frozen rosé style drink. That’s one thing about this machine that’s really great, it gives you the option to create drinks that include everyone, so nobody is left out of the fun.

I hit the dual slush assist button again and let the machine figure things out. The frozen rosé was ready first, after just 17 minutes. The margarita took a bit longer, which wasn’t surprising since the bottle of rosé was just 750ml, while the margarita mix was around 1200ml. That said, it still only took 24 minutes.

I left it running for around seven hours on a hot Saturday afternoon and I definitely noticed plenty of condensation on the outside of the vessels, but like I said, it’s thoughtfully designed, so the condensation catcher trays did a great job of collecting all the moisture and my worktop stayed dry.

Of course, both drinks were tasty and enjoyable, real frozen margaritas at home felt so luxurious and I can’t wait to serve them at more gatherings. I did have to adjust the texture a couple of times using the snowflake buttons. It takes a few minutes to get the drink to your desired texture, but it’s worth a short wait for the perfect cocktail.

What's it like to clean?

There’s no getting away from it, cleaning is one of the biggest drawbacks of this appliance. Thank goodness for the rinse cycle. You can add warm water and use the rinse cycle to get rid of most of the drink residues. Then all of the dishwasher-safe parts will need to be popped through a cycle.

The two big vessels are bulky to wash by hand, the two augers are fiddly, and then there’s the drip tray, condensation catcher trays, and spouts, so it feels like a lot of washing up. None of the parts can go in the dishwasher.

After using milk based recipes, you have to be extra thorough to make sure it doesn’t end up with milky residues anywhere. And I found myself double washing some parts to get rid of the greasiness from cream that was in the recipes. The biggest saving grace is that in general this isn’t an appliance you’ll use daily, which takes the sting out of the clean-up effort.

How does it compare to other models?

The original Ninja SLUSHi (£299.99 via SharkNinja) was a hit with our Kitchen Appliances Editor and will definitely fit the bill if you’re likely to make one flavour slushie at a time. What's more, despite being the smallest on offer from the brand, its 1.9 litre max fill capacity is still bigger than the 1.42 litres you can put in each side of the SLUSHi Twist. And at £299.99 it's over £100 cheaper than the SLUSHi Twist.

Alternatively, if you just like the idea of a single serve frappe from time to time, you could opt for something like the Dualit Ice Cream Maker. Not only does it allow you to create delicious ice cream, but the slushie setting does the job for occasional frozen drink too.

Should you buy the Ninja SLUSHi Twist?

Much is made of its ability to creatively dispense two different drinks into the same glass, but I think the biggest and most useful feature is simply that you can slush two separate drink recipes simultaneously. For example, being able to make an alcoholic slushie alongside a non-alcoholic one is a great way to include everyone in the fun at a party.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of fun to be had mixing slushies together and creating cool looking dual colour drinks. The downside is that it’s an expensive, bulky appliance so it’s worth considering whether one of the other Ninja SLUSHi models would meet your needs.

That being said, if you want more fun, more drinks options, and to add extra pazazz to your next gathering, the SLUSHi Twist is a premium slushie machine with all the functionality and wow factor you could hope for!

Vacuum mops have become one of my favourite cleaning gadgets, simply because they cut one of the most time-consuming household jobs in half. I've tested plenty of models, so for it to really impress me, it needs to stand out from the crowd.

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop did exactly that. After putting it through its paces in my family home, it quickly earned a spot among the best vacuum mops I've tested.

In a nutshell

I didn't expect to be quite as impressed with a hard floor cleaner. But after testing the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop around my busy family home, it's saved me so much time - and even made cleaning my kitchen floors feel like less of a chore. Not only does it vacuum, mop and dry floors, but it also does so with minimal effort required on my part. This is all thanks to its powerful self-propelling function, which I'd go as far as saying is the best I've come across (and I've tested a lot of vacuum mops).

I can't fault its cleaning performance either. It cleared up everyday mess from my three children with ease, and even removed beans, flour and a cracked egg in a single pass. My floors were only left lightly damp afterwards, too, so there was no waiting around for them to dry before you could walk on them.

Tefal have really paid attention to the design, too. It feels premium, and features such as the built-in LED headlights and 180° flat-edge design make it super versatile for tackling hard-to-reach areas. There are three modes to choose from - Auto, Max and Eco - and it uses automatic dirt detection, adjusting the suction power and water flow accordingly. It also has an impressive 50-minute run time, which is one of the longest I've come across on a vacuum mop.

It falls short of a 5-star review because it won't fully replace a vacuum cleaner, as it's only suitable for use on hard floors, and at £449 full price it is an investment. The clean water tank also sits on top of the main floorhead, which is a quirky feature, and I found it took a little getting used to, but it's decently sized so you won't need to refill mid-clean. Overall, it's a really impressive, powerful floor cleaner that's perfect for busy households.

How I tested

Specifications

• Weight: 5.98 kg
• Dimensions: 325 x 300 x 1192 mm
• Max run time: 50 minutes
• Modes: 3
• Clean water tank capacity: 600ml
• Charge time: 3.5 hours
• In the box: Wet dry cordless vacuum cleaner, additional soft cleaning roller and filter, charging and cleaning base, cleaning brush.
• RRP: £449.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop arrived in a large, oblong-shaped cardboard box. Although it was slightly awkward to carry single-handedly because of the size, it was noticeably lighter than I'd expected.

I opened the outer packaging to find another cardboard box, this time branded with the Tefal logo and product images. Inside, all the components were neatly secured between a layer of moulded cardboard, and wrapped individually in plastic bags, labelled as '50% recyclable'. I always pay attention to how eco-friendly the packaging is, and while I'll always favour brands that use 100% recyclable material, it's not something I've come across regularly.

The box contained the main vacuum mop and handle, an additional soft cleaning roller, the charging base, a cleaning brush and a user manual.

Assembly was incredibly simple; all I needed to do was insert the handle onto the base and pop it on the charging station to charge before use. And my first impressions of the Tefal X-Clean 7 were positive - it instantly felt premium and well made. It was lightweight too, and I appreciated the fact that the charging station was compact enough not to take up too much room (always a bonus when you're short on storage space!).

Once connected to power, the LED display on the top of the main unit activates, and a voice prompt confirms that it's charging. It took around 3.5 hours to reach full charge, which is fairly typical for a vacuum mop.

Before getting started, I needed to fill the clean water tank. Rather unusually, the tank is located at the front of the main body, just above the floor head, and I won't lie, it did confuse me for a second! It's not something I've come across before, and my first reaction was that the tank wouldn't hold as much water as a typical upright design. But at 600ml, it's on the larger side for a vacuum mop, so it's deceptively bigger than it looks once you remove it.

The tank then clips away from the main unit easily; there's a release button on top of the unit which you press to pull it away. The manual advises that adding cleaning solution is optional, but also comes with a warning not to use any foaming, vinegar or greasy products.

There's also no solution included, and I do think the guidance could be a little clearer, something I picked up on when reading online customer reviews. Personally, I try to stick to natural, chemical-free cleaning products anyway, so I decided to stick to water initially to see how it performed.

The manual advises filling the water tank with clean water between 10°C and 50°C. I found it slightly more fiddly to fill because of its shape, and even though it's described as transparent, I did find myself having to pay attention to how full it was, especially as there's no fill line. That said, there's a flashing icon on the LED display to let you know when the tank is empty, as well as a voice prompt, so it's not a dealbreaker.

Using the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop

The Tefal X-Clean 7 has three cleaning modes: Auto, Eco and Max. When the machine is turned on, it defaults to Auto mode, which detects dirt and automatically boosts suction power and water flow when it comes across messier areas.

To get started, I stepped on the floor nozzle, pulled the handle towards me and pressed the power button. As the unit powered on, the LED headlights on the base lit up the floor ahead, making it easier to spot hidden dirt. I also noticed it sounded louder than I was expecting, probably on a par with my regular vacuum.

I started by taking it for a spin around my kitchen floors, which are all laminated, to familiarise myself with it. Straight away, what I noticed was how smooth it felt to manoeuvre. As soon as I switched it on, a self-propelling motion activated to help the machine glide across my floors with barely any effort needed from me.

I've tested my share of vacuum mops, and I'd easily say this was the most powerful I've come across. I really felt like the mop was doing the cleaning for me, and all I had to do was steer it in the direction I wanted it to go.

I also really appreciated the LED lights on the base of the machine, which illuminate any hidden dirt, and were particularly useful for hard-to-see areas, like under my dining table.

The auto-adjustment worked really well, too. I could clearly hear when the machine boosted its suction, while the coloured ring on the LCD screen gave a visual indication of when it had detected a dirtier area.

The handle also has a 180° flat edge design, which made cleaning under furniture easier. Because of the size of the floorhead, I couldn't reach completely under my sideboard unit, but the flexible design made it much easier to reach underneath my kitchen table - an area I always struggle to clean - without needing to crouch down awkwardly. The voice prompt also lets you know when the machine is cleaning underneath low furniture, confirming that the suction levels have been adjusted. I thought this was a handy feature - although I can imagine the voice updates may feel jarring after a while.

The vacuum mop left a light layer of moisture behind, but this dried within a couple of minutes, so the floor was ready to walk on almost straight away - something I appreciate in a busy home.

To really put its cleaning power to the test (and as part of how we test products at Ideal Home), I cracked an egg on the floor, squirted ketchup and threw a handful flour directly in the vacuum mop's path. This is where it really impressed me.

After switching on the unit, keeping it in Auto mode, I slowly glided it over the mess. It cleared every trace within the first pass. Given the amount of debris in its path, I was genuinely surprised at how quickly it removed everything, with barely any effort on my part. I've carried out this test before on plenty of vacuum mops, and even the most powerful models usually need a couple of passes to pick everything up, so its cleaning performance is definitely one of the Tefal X-Clean 7's standout features.

Immediately after, I emptied the dirty water tank - which pulls outwards from the front of the machine easily - and poured the contents away. As you'd expect, the grime inside the tank wasn't pleasant to say the least, so if you are using the machine to clean up bigger messes, you'll want to empty and rinse it straight away.

This is where the self-cleaning feature comes into its own. After use, I placed the machine on its docking station, and pressed the self-clean button at the top of the handle. I know from testing other vacuum mops that this stage can be pretty noisy, and this was no exception. The roller was automatically rinsed, and all the dirt and debris were flushed into the dirty water tank. The cycle lasts three minutes, after which the dirty water tank was full of filthy water, which I took as a reassuring sign that it had done its job.

Having little ones means I'm constantly mopping up spills, and I had more than one opportunity to see how well the Tefal X-Clean 7 cleaned up large liquid spills, thanks to my one year old's new favourite hobby of throwing milk, water and anything she can get her hands on, all over the floor.

I kept it in auto-mode, and once again, I didn't really need to do much. It suctioned up the puddles with ease, leaving just a light layer of moisture behind. Unlike some models, there's no dedicated 'Dry Only' mode, but I didn't find it made any difference to its performance.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward and made even easier thanks to the self-cleaning function. Before starting the self-cleaning and self-drying cycle, the manual advises emptying the dirty water tank and making sure the clean water tank is full. It's also worth noting that the function won't start if the battery has less than 20% charge.

Beyond that, Tefal manual recommends cleaning the different parts of the machine once a week. There are a few handy illustrations showing how to remove and clean each component, using a cloth and the cleaning brush that's included. This includes removing the filter that sits on top of the clean water tank and rinsing it out.

There's no guidance on how to how often to clean the roller itself, but from experience it's worth doing regularly, as bits of debris can get trapped between the roller and the floorhead.

Thankfully, the manual includes a step-by-step guide for removing and replacing it when needed. Tefal recommends replacing both the roller and the filter every six months. I like the fact that a spare roller brush and filter are included in the box, as it feels reassuring to know long-term running costs should be kept low.

How does it compare to its predecessors and similar models?

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop builds on the strengths of the X-Clean 4, which was awarded a 4.5-star rating by Ideal Home's Content Editor Lauren when she reviewed it.

The biggest upgrades include a new lay-flat design, which makes it easier to reach under furniture, as well as LED headlights to help illuminate hidden dirt. During her testing, Lauren found the X-Clean 4 struggled with smaller spills, whereas the X-Clean 7's automatic dirt-detection felt much more responsive to everyday mess.

It's also worth comparing it to the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner, which really impressed me during testing. Both models have built-in LED highlights, but I think the Tefal has the edge thanks to its more powerful self-propelling motion and hot air self-drying function, which helps keep the roller fresh between uses. It does come with a higher price tag, though.

I've also tested the Kärcher Floor Cleaner FCV3, which I found impressively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. It also has three cleaning modes and is more affordable, making it a strong option for lighter cleaning tasks. But when it comes to overall performance the Tefal X-Clean 7 comes out on top.

How does it rate online?

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop currently holds a 4.5-star rating on the brand's website, from 62 customer reviews. Impressively, 92% of customers recommend the product, with feedback praising the suction power and ease of use. The price point does receive mixed reviews, and one reviewer did highlight the lack of guidance around cleaning solution caused confusion.

Elsewhere, on Very, it has a 4.5 star rating from 58 reviews. Although it's worth noting that a good proportion of the reviews were collected as part of a promotion. Feedback was similar, with users commenting on the impressive power and overall cleaning performance, but listing the affordability as a drawback.

Verdict: Should you buy the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop?

For busy households who regularly vacuum and mop hard floors, and are looking to cut down on cleaning time, I really couldn't recommend the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop enough. There's no shortage of hard floor cleaners on the market, and this one does have a high price tag, but its incredible cleaning performance, powerful self-propelling motion, 50-minute run time, edge cleaning abilities and flexible handle make it really stand out from the competition.

As long as you're happy emptying the tanks and keeping on top of basic maintenance, it takes much of the hassle out of cleaning floors. My only really niggle is that I wish I could use it on carpets, too!

I put the Bedsure Cooling Duvet to the test in a heatwave, and I'm impressed. This cooling cover definitely gave the best duvets on the market a run for their money in the cooling stakes.

In a nutshell

It’s generally accepted that it’s very difficult to sleep in a heatwave. Duvets are probably the last thing you want to think about when you’re in the midst of another record-breaking run of hot days. But if, like me, you're eager for a cooler sleep, I was really pleasantly surprised by the Bedsure Cooling Duvet, which is currently fairly reasonably priced at under £50 for a double on Amazon.

I’m a sleep-product reviewer, and I’ve made a career out of finding the best duvets on the market to suit all preferences and budgets. This Bedsure Cooling Duvet is hard to beat. The cool-to-touch casing is complemented by rayon and bamboo filling. These weighty fillings actually help you stay cool by regulating your temperature and wicking away sweat.

I found sleeping under the Bedsure duvet a genuine pleasure. I found the combination of the cooling sleep surface, plus the comforting gentle weight and silky drape of its fabric and filling helped me sleep better and for longer than I usually do during a heatwave.

Specifications

• RRP: £40.99 / £51.99 / £61.99 / £65.99
• Sizes: single / double / king / super king
• Tog rating: n/a
• Materials: outer: nylon, elastane, rayon, bamboo
• Care: machine wash on cool, delicate cycle, tumble dry on low
• Manufacturer sleep trial: none

Feel

On unpacking, what I immediately noticed about this duvet was how cool to the touch it felt (more on that in a bit), and also how pleasantly weighty it felt in my hands.

When it’s hot, I often struggle to sleep without a duvet, because I find the weight of a duvet helps me to relax. However, as temperatures soar, I’m torn between wanting the heft of a duvet and the fact it overheats me. So I was delighted by this duvet, which offers a gentle weight and drapes really nicely over my body but also keeps me cool.

The outer casing of the duvet is silky and soft, meaning you can use it as a coverless duvet if you want. It feels quite similar to a sleeping bag, in that it’s slippery – but thankfully not as sweaty.

The stitching on the duvet is in curves. This looks nice, yes, but in practical terms, it will also keep the filling from slipping around.

The Bedsure Cooling Duvet comes in four solid colourways: grey, blue, green and white. There are also tabs on each corner in case you prefer to tie it to the inside of a duvet cover.

Overall, I was really impressed by the premium feel and smart design of this duvet.

Temperature regulation

In the summer, I usually sleep under the 4.5 tog Scooms Hungarian Goose Feather and Down Duvet. However, I tested the Bedsure Cooling Duvet during a record-breaking heatwave in June, and it was definitely too hot for my usual 4.5 tog duvet. I’d been resorting to sleeping under a Piglet in Bed linen flat sheet – but I was finding even that was too hot.

All this is to say, I wasn’t sure I was up for testing a duvet in the current circumstances. It was only the lure of that 'cooling' promise that got me to consider slipping under any form of cover, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting to be that impressed by those cooling claims. However, I was wrong.

I unpacked the Bedsure Cooling Duvet as interior temperatures in my house were around 30ºC. Bedsure claims that this duvet will instantly cool your body by 4º – for fact fans, this means it’s Q-Max > 0.4. I was intrigued by this idea, and not just because I desperately needed to rescue my sleep quality in the heatwave.

As a sleep-product reviewer, I know that a drop in core body temperature before bedtime sends a signal to the brain that it’s time for sleep. So this duvet could ultimately help me sleep better if its cooling claims worked.

The duvet itself is filled with rayon and bamboo, which are fabrics associated with good thermoregulation. They allow better airflow around your body, allowing cool air to circulate around you while also wicking away sweat. Although it sounds grim, having your sweat wicked away is essential to helping your body feel cool.

So in practice, did all of this stack up? I was surprisingly thrilled to report that yes – I found this duvet’s temperature regulation brilliant. I slipped under the duvet on a boiling-hot night in the hottest room in the house, and I felt actively cooled. It honestly felt like magic.

My husband initially mocked me for lying under a duvet during a heatwave, but I invited him to touch the duvet, and even he had to admit he was impressed by how cold it felt.

The one downside? Those cooling powers were less effective if I put a duvet cover on the duvet. It was the silky surface that really offered the most cooling against my hot skin. And that does mean you'd need to wash the entire duvet to freshen it up, rather than just a duvet cover.

Ease of care

The care label instructs that the Bedsure Cooling duvet can be machine washed at 40 on a gentle cycle. You can also tumble dry the duvet on low.

The duvet filling is quite flat and dense, but that means it doesn't require any shaking out or 'refluffling' like my usual feather and down duvet. However, this does mean it looked slightly flat on my bed, which might be a minus point for people who care about aesthetics.

Sleep trial

The one downside of this duvet is that there's no sleep trial available. That means that, unlike some duvets, you can't test it out on your bed and return it if it isn't suitable for your needs.

However, it is at least quite reasonable priced, which I think makes taking a punt on this cooling cover a lot less risky. More on its price point below.

Value for money

Although this is a mostly synthetic duvet (bamboo aside), I'm still impressed with its low price point. A single costs around £40 and a double £50.

According to my research, the Bedsure Cooling Duvet is also often reduced at Amazon, which makes its budget-friendly price tag even lower.

The quality of the Bedsure Cooling Duvet is outstanding - as good as duvets I’ve tested that are 10 times the price (this will be to do with the price of the fillings though). It feels durable and made to last.

I double-checked how it was rated by other owners online, and was pleased to note that they were also thrilled by how cooling this duvet was in a heatwave.

There were a few people who said it didn’t work for them long term through the night, but I do wonder if they used it with a duvet cover on, which I found did make the cooling experience a little less impactful.

How I tested

I tested the Bedsure Cooling Duvet for 10 days during a record-breakingly hot June. Temperatures reached around 30ºC in my bedroom, and at night it didn’t cool much.

I had the bedroom windows open and a fan on me constantly – my usual set-up during very hot nights – so I was able to compare the duvet side by side with both a linen sheet and my usual 4.5 tog feather and down duvet.

I monitored my sleep quality using an Oura Ring 4, which gives me an almost overwhelming amount of stats. It had been chastising me for the lack of sleep I was achieving in the run-up to the testing period, but my sleep under the Bedsure Cooling Duvet seemed to satisfy my Oura Ring somewhat.

Other things I factored into my testing were the feel and quality of the duvet, how easy it is to care for, and, of course, value for money is always part of the duvet testing process at Ideal Home. I compared this duvet to similar options on the market, and considered how its performance compares to its price point. I was impressed on all fronts by the Bedsure Cooling Duvet.

Cooling appliances have never been more sought after, especially when we've faced multiple heatwaves in relatively quick succession.

If you weren't lucky enough to bag one of the best portable air conditioners before they sold out across the board, then you'll be pleased to know that the Devola DVACO9C portable air conditioner is back in stock.

But with an RRP of £440 for the 9,000 BTU model, you'll want to know if it's the right fit for your home before you commit.

To help, I've been testing it in my own home for the last couple of weeks to see how it performs in a real home environment. This is how I got on with it.

In a nutshell

After selling out once already this year, Devola's DVAC09CW 9000 BTU portable air conditioner is back in stock, but be warned, it's likely to sell out fast. While it might not look and feel as sophisticated as some other models I've tested, if you need an effective cooling solution for a smaller room, then the Devola model is worth investing in.

As with most portable air conditioners offering cooling, fan and dehumidifier functionality, in the case of the Devola, the cooling function is by far the star of the show.

While it's perfectly capable of effectively cooling a room up to 28m2, it does lack some finesse in the design department that would make it even better, including automatic louvres, a top air outlet, and improved buttons on the remote control.

Specification

• Cooling capacity (BTU): 9000BTU
• Recommended room size: 10-28m2
• Noise levels in cooling mode: up to 68dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 35 x 70 x 34.8cm
• Weight: 24kg
• Wattage: 1003W in cooling mode
• Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
• Other features: App control, sleep mode
• Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

At 24kg, the Devola portable air conditioner was not light to manoeuvre into my living room from the doorway, but fortunately the industrial strength plastic bands around the packaging helped be to gentle walk it from the front door. It's best to leave these on until you have the AC in position where you want to unpack it, as once they are removed you won't be able to lift the box as they are what holds the box sides to the base.

Fortunately, I was able to unpack most of it by myself as the accessories, like the window kit and exhaust hose were positioned on the top, and then the sides of the box lift off with ease. I'd definitely recommend having a second pair of hands available to help remove the appliance from the base packaging.

Once the packaging was removed, the castors made it really easy to move into position over my hard floors, although it required a little bit more effort to move it over rugs and carpets. The most difficult part, and this goes for all portable air con units, was getting it up the stairs. It's heavy and bulky, so it's definitely not something you should attempt solo.

My first impression of the appearance of the Devola portable air conditioner was that it has nice narrow proportions, which means that it would fit quite neatly in both my home office and my bedroom. The control panel is easily accessible on the top of the appliance, and it has quite a simple design. I tested it in the white colourway, but it also comes in black if that would better suit your home's aesthetic.

The design of the main appliance and the remote control feel a little basic, especially compared to other portable air conditioners I've tried, but as long as it cools my space down effectively, that's definitely not a major concern.

In terms of set-up, I needed to use the flexible window kit (which is included, alongside a kit for sash windows). This involves adding Velcro strips around the window frame and casement that you want to vent it out of. This only takes about 10 minutes, but it can be a bit fiddly.

I also tried to connect it to the app for an additional mode of control (the appliance needs to be within 5m of the router, so definitely attempt this before you lug it upstairs). Unfortunately, for me, this proved quite a frustrating experience, and after multiple unsuccessful attempts, I gave up. Fortunately, I was happy enough to use the two other control methods, and can always attempt the app connection at a later date.

As a final step, I just needed to attach the exhaust hose to the back, which was easy, and vent it out of the window. It was at this point that I really appreciated the 1.8m length hose, which was plenty long enough to reach the window.

What’s it like to use?

In terms of controls, the fact that I struggle to connect the appliance to the app wasn't too much of a hardship as it was still easily controlled by the on-board panel or the remote. It's worth checking the instructions for each mode's symbol to ensure you have it set up in the correct way.

While both the on-board control panel and remote were clear and straightforward, I preferred using the control panel on the appliance itself. This was down to the design of the buttons on the remote control that required a couple of presses to get the command to stick.

Then I moved on to testing the different modes.

Cooling mode

First up I tested the portable air conditioner's primary mode — cooling. This isn't the default mode, so I pressed the mode button on the on-board control panel until I saw the snowflake symbol on the display screen. I then turned the target temperature down to 18°C (although I had the option of choosing anything from 16–32°C).

Before I turned on cooling mode, the room was at a rather toasty 26.2°C. At first, the air doesn't come out ice cold, but after a couple of minutes, it was blissfully fresh. I then left the room and returned 20 minutes later to see it was down to a much more comfortable 22.8°C.

The air outlet is located on the front of the appliance, rather than the top, and so when I was sat at my desk with it on in cooling mode, I could feel the cold air being directed more at my waist than up into the hottest part of the room. It is possible to manually adjust the louvres both horizontally and vertically, but it does feel a shame that these are not automatic to help circulate the cooler air.

But over time, the cool air does reach around the whole room, lowering the overall temperature, just not as quickly as those with louvres on the top.

In terms of noise level, I clocked the Devola DVAC09CW at 68dB in cooling mode (top wind speed), which isn't quite as quiet as others I've tested. In the lower fan speed it comes down to 63dB, which is the equivalent of a chat with friends. Fortunately, if that sounds like it's going to be problematic, you can use the timer function to turn it on and cool the space before you need to use it.

There is also a Sleep function, that dims the control panel and switches to the lower wind speed setting. After an hour, the preset temperature will increase by 1°C, and again after the next hour.

Fan mode

In fan only mode, there are two speed settings, both of which felt powerful and effective, albeit a bit noisy (I didn't find it much quieter in fan mode than I did in cooling mode). While this mode is decently powerful, it's not quite as beneficial as a pedestal or tower fan that offers more wind speed options combined with automatic oscillation.

Dehumidifier mode

The Devola DVAC09CW also has a dehumidifier mode, but as my home doesn't tend to suffer with excess moisture, this isn't a mode I can see myself using often. In the Dry mode, any water extracted from the air isn't stored in the appliance for emptying later, so you'll need to attach the drainage hose and have a container ready to capture the liquid.

As with most portable air conditioners I've tried, the cooling function is by far the best, with any additional functions nice to have bonuses rather than of equal standard.

Running costs

Using 1003W, the Devola DVAC09CW costs roughly 26p per hour to run based on the July energy price cap figure of 26.11p per kWh.

This is somewhere in the middle of the range of energy consumption based on the portable air conditioners we've tested.

Cleaning and maintenance