Last summer, I noticed a small gadget sitting on almost every outdoor restaurant table while I was on holiday. It was a fly fan, and after seeing just how well it keeps insects away from everyone's food. I was so impressed, I ordered a couple while I was still there.

So when I spotted Aldi launching its own Ambiano Bug Repellent Fan for just £2.99, it immediately caught my eye as I'll probably pick up a few more when they arrive in stores on Thursday, 9th July. Having used fly fans last summer, I can safely say they are a genius little gadget that keeps flies and other flying insects away from food, making outdoor entertaining pest-free.

If you love hosting BBQs, garden parties and alfresco lunches, having one or two of these is definitely a must. And at that affordable price, I don't think they'll stick around for long!

After watching these fans in action day after day on holiday, I was convinced they were worth trying myself. I bought two and use them near our outdoor kitchen setup and on the outdoor table.

They work brilliantly at keeping flies away from food without relying on citronella candles or sprays. Of course, they don't create a bug-free garden, but they do make a noticeable difference to where food is prepared and served, which I think is pretty important when entertaining.

If you're wondering how something so small can keep flies away, it's actually surprisingly clever. The fan's soft, flexible blades spin to create a gentle stream of air that disrupts a fly's flight path, making it difficult for them to hover or land on your food.

At the same time, the blades feature reflective holographic patterns that catch the light as they spin. Flies' compound eyes are particularly sensitive to movement and flashes of light, so the constantly shifting reflections make the area appear threatening, encouraging them to steer clear (which is a lot like the disco ball hack we covered recently).

Best of all, it does all this without chemicals, sprays or strong-smelling citronella candles, making it a simple, food-safe solution for eating outside.

While I mainly use mine for BBQs and garden parties, they're also great for picnics and camping trips. Their compact, battery-powered design (some are USB rechargeable) means you can pop one into a picnic basket or camping box to help keep flying bugs away from all sorts of delights wherever you're eating outdoors. And of course, you can use them indoors too, as we all know, flies love to visit us indoors in the summer.

And at £2.99 (which is way cheaper than others on the market), Aldi's version is fantastic value, making it really easy to recommend if you're looking for a simple way to make outdoor hosting that bit more enjoyable.

Shop fly fan alternatives

Having relied on fly fans throughout last summer, I know just how effective they can be. Aldi's £2.99 version is an absolute steal, so I'd be quick if you want to get your hands on one (or five).

I’d say it’s rare that a garden soiree doesn’t carry on into the evening, which means the majority of us benefit from quality outdoor lighting. And if you’re looking for something that truly takes you from day to night, then Lidl’s Parasol With Solar LED Lights (£39.99) is exactly what you need.

Of course, the most important thing the best parasols should do is offer shade and protect you from the sun. But thanks to the clever addition of lights, they're now starting to become an essential garden lighting idea too.

With the inclusion of LED solar lights, Lidl is offering a seamless transition into evening entertainment. Landing in stores on Thursday (9 July), here’s everything you need to know about the Lidl LIVARNO Parasol with Solar LED Lights.

Lidl’s parasol has been reduced from £59.99 to £39.99, making it one of the more affordable options available on the market.

It has 36 LED lights on the canopy struts, designed to provide soft overhead lighting when the sun sets. It has three adjustable light colours - warm, neutral and cool white - which you can control at the touch of a button.

The parasol itself has an automatically-locking crank to ensure easy usage, and it provides adequate UV protection, in accordance with UV standard 801. For optimal shade, you can adjust the parasol into three different positions,and the shade is ventilated to enhance airflow - which I’d argue is a must on hot, sweaty days.

Once charged, you can expect four hours of illumination time from the LED’s and the parasol comes with a removable cover to keep it protected when not in use. One thing the parasol doesn’t come with is the stand. However, its 38mm pole should fit this Amazon Heavy Duty Patio Umbrella Holder (£21.99).

The main draw of Lidl’s parasol is its dual functionality. It offers both shade and light. This dual function means it's particularly well-suited to small gardens or patios, where you may lack the space for both a parasol and one of the best garden floor lamps.

However, if you have a small space and already own a parasol, you can easily upgrade your parasol to have the same dual function. You can purchase parasol lights (like this £19.99 attachment from Amazon) which attach to your parasol and offer the same effect - so you don’t need to rush out and buy a new one for the sake of it.

Lidl’s LED solar parasol will only be available in-store and while stocks last. So, I’ve rounded up a few more affordable options you can purchase online.

If you’re looking to make the most of your garden this summer, then an LED parasol can ensure you stay enjoying your space as day transitions to night.

If there’s one thing that all this hot weather calls for, it’s a delicious tub of homemade ice cream. And no, you don’t need the Ninja Creami (£169.99, Argos) to do this, as Aldi has just dropped a similar alternative for just £69.99.

Over the past few years, the best ice-creams have become the ‘it’ appliance of any kitchen, even overtaking air fryers in terms of viral popularity. But they can be expensive appliances – until now, at least.

Landing in stores on 16 July, the Aldi Premium Ice Cream Maker is dropping as part of the supermarket’s latest Modern Kitchen range. Here’s everything we know about this star buy so far.

Having been writing about Aldi for a few years now, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t waiting for Aldi to drop an ice-cream maker. Yes, there may have been an Aldi ice cream maker to hit the shelves before, but I’ve been on the lookout a slightly fancier gadget.

And my prayers have been answered, as their new premium ice cream maker is a dead ringer for the Ninja Creami.

More than £100 cheaper than the Ninja Creami Deluxe (£249.99, Ninja), the Aldi Premium Ice Cream Maker allows you to create delicious homemade ice cream, sorbet, milkshake and even frozen cocktails. It’s easy to operate with a self-cleaning function, has an adjustable blade and dishwasher-safe accessories, making clean-up an equally easy job.

There’s not much detail on how the machine operates, however it does look as though it will be easy to use via a simple dial, and we predict that, like the Creami, you’ll need to freeze your ice-cream mixture first. With a Ninja Creami, this is around 24 hours, so bear in mind that you might need to account for some freezing time when preparing your frozen treats.

'Of all of the Ninja Creami rivals that have been released recently, including the cleverly designed NutriBullet Chill and Russell Hobbs' version, this ice cream maker from Aldi is by far the cheapest,’ says Molly Cleary, Kitchen Appliances Editor at Ideal Home.

‘At £69.99, if it works well, it's a total bargain. It has the same 'slot in and mix' design of the Creami and looks like it's aiming for similar functionality with the ability to whip up ice cream, milkshakes, sorbets and other sweet treats. After testing the Ninja Creami Deluxe, I can safely say that this type of appliance is one you'll have a lot of fun with, and though I haven't got my hands on Aldi's version yet, I'm sure it's about to be a hit with those looking to spend a little less!'

Due to the fact that it is under £70, I’m inclined to believe that it won’t be quite as good as the original. However, if you want to try an ice cream maker or have a tighter budget, it’s a good starting point and worth a try.

However, we do think this ice cream maker will sell out like soft serve on a hot day. So, if you can’t track one down, here are a few more affordable options you can shop online.

With 2026 on track for a scorcher of a summer, what better way to cool down than with a delicious, homemade ice cream?

Aldi is launching a stylish LED solar fountain that will add both ambience and style to your garden this summer. It looks so good; I can’t believe it’s only £12.99.

There’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the soft tinkling of a water feature. It’s often a simple addition to your garden, yet the best water feature ideas can transform your outdoor space into a chic and calming environment.

This year, micro ponds and DIY fountains have been doing the rounds on TikTok and Instagram; however, for the cash-strapped, less creative among us, Aldi has come to the rescue with its solar LED fountain, landing in stores on Thursday (9 July). It will make a serene addition to even the smallest of gardens and patios.

This isn’t the first solar fountain from Aldi to impress us. The viral mosaic solar water fountain is a middle aisle favourite and is coveted by a couple of members of the Ideal Home Team. While I do love the Mediterranean look of this fountain, Aldi’s new Solar LED Fountain is a sleeker alternative that’s perfect for evening entertaining.

The latest solar fountain not only has a sleeker bowl-like appearance that will look gorgeous nestled amongst your container garden ideas, but it is fitted with twinkling LED lights to provide a soft, ambient glow in the evening.

The solar fountain has an external solar panel to ensure it flows beautifully throughout the day and glows when the sun sets. It’s available in three neutral colourways, and you can choose from a smooth or riffled finish - I personally think the Anthracite colour in the smooth finish looks the most stylish, and way more expensive than its £12.99 price tag.

I haven’t found any alternatives to this Aldi fountain that are both space-saving and this affordable. I’d go as far as to say it’s the most affordable water feature I’ve seen this year. La Redoute’s Outdoor Solar-Powered Round Ribbed Ball Water Fountain (£79.99) is the closest in style, but far more expensive.

You can try to DIY your own mini solar fountain with a solar-powered attachment, pebbles and a plant pot. However, even that can easily cost over £30 if you need to buy a new planter for it, and here, Aldi has done all the hard work; this LED fountain is a shortcut to achieving the must-have water feature of the summer.

Alternatively, a patio pond is an affordable and wildlife-friendly option. Combine Thompson & Morgan’s Pond Flowering Kit (£24.99) with this Amazon Solar Water Fountain (£8.34), and you’ll have a stunning, naturalistic display that also attracts birds, bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Here are a few more stunning solar water features you can shop online if you can't get to an Aldi.

If you’ve been looking for an affordable yet attractive water feature to add to your garden, Aldi is where you want to head this week.

When planning how I wanted my tiny urban garden to look, I took inspiration from my favourite London and Parisienne cafe. They managed to turn small outdoor spaces into a pocket-sized oasis with simple bistro sets and pretty table lamps, and Aldi is dropping the perfect set of solar table lamps for under £5 this week.

Cafe-gardens have become an emerging garden trend. This trend is all about turning any outdoor space you have into a version of your own at-home coffee shop/wine bar. It's a look made for small garden ideas, as it romanticises the humble bistro set as the perfect spot for a quiet morning coffee or an intimate glass of wine in the evening.

An outdoor table lamp is an essential part of elevating a bistro set. You'll see them on the tables of most chic cafes or wine bars, casting a lovely, romantic glow in the evening. I've been on the hunt for one, and Aldi's mushroom lamps are not only chic but the most affordable I've come across.

The Aldi table lamps launch in-store on 9th July in two different styles. There is the mushroom lamp, my particular favourite, with its conical shape and a circular design that will cast out more light from the sides. Both of them are available in black, white/beige and sage; however if is the sharp black version that caught my eye as looking the most expensive and sophisticated.

Both styles of lamp are priced at £4.99, which is also a great reason to buy them. Most rechargeable outdoor lights will cost you around twice that price. However, there is another star reason to buy them: they're solar-powered rather than rechargeable, so as long as you leave them out in a sunny spot, they can be left to do their thing without plugging into a charger every few days.

The most similar solar lamp I've come across in terms of look and price to the Aldi version is this Solar Black Metal Table Lamp at Habitat, on sale for £9.60.

These table lamps aren't the only gems in the Aldi specialbuy drop this week. In the middle aisle, you'll also be able to find the Solar Penzance Candle Lanterns for £8.99, which are perfect for elevating the romantic feel of a garden. I'm also very tempted by the solar decorative string lights for £7.99 that have a similar chic and simple design to the table lamps.

The best planned garden lighting ideas are all about creating layers and pockets of illumination. That is as simple as stringing up some lights along the fence for ambience, adding task lighting with a table lamp on a bistro set, and finally dotting in decorative lanterns as accent lights to illuminate planting.

Alternatives

Aldi's lights will only be available to purchase in-store, so I'm having to go on a dedicated shopping trip on the 9th to hunt a pair down. However, if you don't have a store near you, here are a couple of other affordable garden lamps I've been considering to get the cafe-garden look.

Will you be elevating your garden dining set with a new table lamp this summer?

Having just escaped the sweaty embrace of one heatwave, already another is on the horizon, which is why I’m using this week to ensure I have all the cooling solutions I need in place. And Aldi's new portable cooling range is making this so easy.

I’m sure you’re probably already well aware that the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans have pretty much sold out everywhere, with many brands not restocking until later this month.

While there are still air coolers available on Amazon, what attracted me to Aldi’s range is the incredibly affordable prices and small but mighty nature. Perfect for home working, spaces and taking on the go, here’s everything you need to know about Aldi’s new cooling range.

As someone who is both short on space (I have a small, one-bed flat) and works from home a lot, let me tell you the past heatwave was genuinely horrific. It reached 36 degrees inside, making both working and sleeping a near-impossible task.

My singular tower fan sadly wasn’t up to the job of keeping me cool, which is why I’ve vowed to buy an air conditioner as soon as they come back into stock. In the meantime, I’m torn between buying Aldi’s £14.99 Air Cooler and the XTTANK Portable Air Conditioner (£56.55, Amazon) to keep me cool.

As I’m not blessed with space, bulky appliances and tall pedestal fans are a bit of an inconvenience. Yet, Aldi’s air cooler is compact enough to sit on my desk. Available in three different blue colourways, it is compact and stylish, and most importantly, won’t take up loads of space.

The air cooler has three speed levels and built-in LED motion and colour-changing modes. It has a removable water tank and can be used both indoors and outdoors. For the same reason, we love the Shark HydroGo Misting Fan (it’s portable); this air cooler is great for taking on the go, whether that’s relaxing on your patio, taking to a BBQ or even on a camping trip.

Also up for grabs is the Globe Fan with Multi-direction (£39.99), which is very similar to the Meaco 1056 Desk Fan (£100, Argos). This Aldi fan has three modes: natural wind, sleep and drying mode, 10 speed settings, and claims to circulate a cold breeze throughout your entire room. You can also set it to a timer for up to eight hours. While the Meaco fan has almost 500 glowing reviews, it is currently out of stock - so it might be a good idea to test out Aldi’s desk fan.

Alternatively, here are a few more well-rated, in-stock cooling products to buy before the heat hits again.

If heatwaves past are continuing to haunt your memory, Aldi’s affordable cooling range could be exactly what you need to prepare you for the next one.

Given that the weather has felt positively Mediterranean this past week, it feels rather fitting that Aldi has a new affordable range of citrus trees up for grabs in-store this week.

If the most recent heatwave has left you inspired to try out a few Mediterranean garden ideas, let me tell you, it wouldn’t be complete without a lemon or lime tree.

Retailing for £19.99 per plant, Aldi’s citrus trees are on sale right now and are a pretty good deal if you want to add one of the trending plants to your garden. So, if you’re looking to add some of the best fruit trees to your garden, I suggest you run, not walk. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’ve been dreaming of growing a lemon tree and giving your garden the essence of an Italian Summer, let Aldi’s £19.99 citrus tree be your starting point.

Choose from a classic lemon tree, Calamondin (also known as Philippine lime) and Limequat (a hybrid of key lime and kumquat).

The trees come in a 21cm pot. At this size, the plants are large enough to add impact to your garden ideas in their first year. However, lemon trees are typically better suited to growing indoors in the UK. But with the recent bursts of hot weather, they can be moved outside to frame your patio.

It is a good idea to grow your citrus tree in pots, so it can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse when the temperatures plummet during winter.

I’d also take the opportunity to invest in a terracotta pot to really nail the Mediterranean aesthetic. Not only will this look miles better than the standard plastic pot they’re sold in, but I’ve found a 21L terracotta pot for just £12 at B&Q.

To keep your citrus tree happy, you should water it freely during the summer months, and you should feed it once a month using a good quality plant feed. I’ve found the Zopper Citrus Feed on sale at Amazon for £9.99. It typically takes a year for a citrus tree to establish, but by next summer, you should be able to enjoy your own fresh home-grown fruit.

Alternatively, here are a few more citrus trees I’ve found for an affordable price online.

If you want an affordable citrus tree, head to your local Aldi while stocks last.

It’s getting seriously hot, record-breaking levels of heat, and if you’re struggling with the most recent heatwave, imagine how your pet feels. If you’re looking for ways to help keep your furry friends cool this month, Aldi’s best-selling pet cooling range has returned to the middle aisle, offering affordable cooling products that work.

The Aldi pet cooling range is becoming a middle aisle favourite, returning again for 2026. With prices starting at just £1.99, these handy cooling buys are back by popular demand after rapidly selling out last year.

Dogs, cats and all manner of pests are part of our families, which is why we invest in everything from the best vacuums for pet hair to the comfiest beds and squeakiest toys. Now, you can also ensure your pet stays cool during what is currently the hottest week of the year.

Returning to the middle aisle this year is Aldi’s pet paddling pool (£8.99), which was a sell-out last year. Based on the forecast alone, we think this is going to be another sell-out, which is why I’ve also found the Outpaws Cooler Paddling Dog Pool (£15.99, Argos) and the Crufts Pet Paddling Pool (£22, Dunelm) in stock and available to shop online.

You can choose between a playful watermelon and pink striped print or classic blue and green pool shades. The paddling pool itself is foldable, making storage easy when not in use, and small garden-friendly.

You can also expect it to be durable, too. In the past, I’ve used a normal paddling pool for my pooch, only for her nails to scratch the lining, causing leaks. Specially designed pet pools are made from tougher material to prevent popping and scratches.

As well as the collapsible, Aldi is also dropping a £12.99 pet cooling bed, which is available in four colourways and two different sizes. These beds are designed to provide a soothing, cool environment to help pets sleep. There isn’t much information on how Aldi’s cooling mats work, but FurDreams Pet Cooling Mat (£49.99, B&Q) works by absorbing your pet’s body heat, keeping them seven to nine degrees cooler than their surroundings. It re-cools automatically after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use.

Also, to catch my eye was Aldi’s Cooling Dog Toy (£2.49), which offers dogs something cool to chew on, helping to regulate their temperature while they play.

‘Pets are part of the family, and we are always looking for ways to help our customers keep their four-legged friends happy and comfortable, especially during the warmer months. Our Pet Shop range has been designed to offer fun, practical solutions at unbeatable value to help keep dogs cool all summer long,’ said Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK.

We expect Aldi’s pet cooling range to sell out fast. So, I’ve found a few alternatives you can shop online.

Heatwaves can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for our pets. Are you prepared to keep them cool?

When I bought my first home with a garden, I immediately started having visions of summer movie nights outside, and Aldi has finally given me the means of making those dreams a reality with their £50 projector.

This month, Aldi has launched all the kit needed to make an outdoor cinema: a £50 projector and a £60 inflatable movie screen. The launch also comes just in time to get your friends round and watch the World Cup on the big screen without squeezing into an already rammed pub.

Both items are sold separately, but work as a dream team together if you have space for the large inflatable structure. Since I'm working with a small garden, it was the petite £50 projector that caught my eye, a fraction of the price of many other projectors, such as the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector, £200 on Amazon.

The small portable projector can fit a screen size from 40 to 130 inches and is powered by Android 11 OS to stream directly from your favourite apps. It has a built-in speaker to deliver sound and promises an easy setup.

It's a small stand that allows for easy adjustment to cast the image in the right place in your garden; however, you will need to manually adjust the focus. It's the compact style that won me over, as I can easily move it around my home, from the bedroom to the garden.

Of course, for £50, this projector is going to have some drawbacks compared to more expensive versions, such as the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector, £200 on Amazon. This projector isn't as dinky or neat as Aldi's, but it is well-reviewed for being simple and easy to use with access to streaming apps like iPlayer and Netflix. It also has auto focus and keystone adjustment, along with a higher resolution than the Aldi projector.

However, if you're dipping your toe into the world of projectors and plan to use it occasionally, Aldi's version is a good starting point before upgrading.

If you want to complete the experience, Aldi's inflatable movie screen has already drawn alot of fans. It has a built-in air pump for easy set-up and stands at 8ft tall when inflated. The white screen is attached with velcro to the black structure to create a massive 108-inch screen.

When not in use, the whole screen folds down into a bag not much bigger than a small tent or sleeping bag. Personally, this screen is too large for my garden, and I'd be much more content to use a plain white wall or a hung-up bed sheet. But if you have the space, the inflatable screen will be the centre-piece of any World Cup viewing party.

Alternatives

Unsurprisingly, the projector and outdoor screen are already proving a hit with shoppers. If you've not been able to track one down in store, here are three alternatives you can buy online with stellar reviews.

Thank goodness sunny weather is back on the weather forecast, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, as Aldi is dropping a stylish green garden umbrella - I can’t believe it’s only £12.99!

The best garden parasols are not only a practical garden shade idea, but can help make your garden look miles more stylish if you opt for the right one. As one would expect, the best-looking garden parasols often come with a higher price tag - until now, that is.

Landing in stores today (11 June), Aldi’s Belavi Garden Umbrella (£12.99) is perfect for giving your garden a resort look. Its green scallops are the effortlessly stylish garden upgrade you need this summer.

Aldi’s gorgeous new parasol is available in either pink or green. Both are two-toned, with the darker shade making up a pretty wave along the bottom of the umbrella. The pink colourway in particular looks fairly similar to John Lewis’ £150 Scallop Wood-Effect Wind-Up Parasol on Bon Bon Pink, while the green is a little more similar to the Wayfair Market Parasol (Was £220.99, now £139.99).

What’s clear, however, is that the Aldi garden umbrella is an absolute steal in comparison to similar alternatives. Lidl’s chic garden parasol aside, it is rare to see a garden umbrella look this good, at such a budget price. But considering a garden parasol, at its core, is a budget-friendly way to shade a garden, I’m not complaining.

The green and pink colourways on offer wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique hotel. I can just picture them by the sunlounger of some boujee resort in the South of France or Italy. That chic, hotel-look has been trending this summer, too.

This Aldi garden umbrella is a sure way to achieve this look. The parasol is approximately 1.8m in height and has a three-position tilting function. The height is also adjustable, so you can tailor it to your needs. Aldi claims it has excellent UV protection, too, stating it has SPF80 per UV.

Plus, also on sale at Aldi today, is a rectangular parasol base (£19.99). It weighs 25kg to keep your parasol secure and has an adapter to suit a range of parasols, which means it will suit the garden umbrella nicely. It’s also made from polished granite to complete the hotel look.

For such a good price, I can’t imagine the Aldi parasol will stay on the shelves for long. So, I’ve rounded up a few more stylish options you can shop online.

You can always count on Aldi to deliver style on a budget. And if you're looking for affordable garden upgrades this summer, Aldi’s middle aisle is a great place to look.

It probably hasn’t escaped your attention that coastal garden decor is everywhere right now, and Aldi’s new rattan planters nail the trend - they’re an easy garden upgrade to make your outdoor space look more expensive.

I’m calling it, coastal garden ideas are having a comeback. Everywhere I turn, I’m seeing plenty of rattan garden furniture, soft-blue hues and Mediterranean planting schemes.

But it’s never been so easy to give your garden an affordable upgrade as Aldi’s rattan planters are just £14.99. Landing in stores on Thursday (11 June), here’s how you can use them to instantly elevate your outdoor space.

An attractive planter can instantly make your patio ideas look more expensive. But the catch-22 is often that good-looking planters can be expensive. But for just under £15, Aldi is offering an on-trend planter that won’t break the bank, yet none of your guests will believe it came from Aldi.

Available in light brown or grey, this coastal-look planter is approximately 27.5cm x 33cm in diameter and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They have small feet on the base of the planter to keep it steady, and a plastic lining for ease of cleaning.

Rattan is a key feature of any coastal-style garden, and I’ve been seeing more of it within garden decor. Most recently, I fell in love with Garden Trading’s £500 Rattan Water Butt, which is one of the most stylish water butts I’ve ever seen.

What’s so great about using rattan in your garden is that it marries natural texture with the lush greenery of your plants beautifully. In the home, it’s well-suited to monsteras (£16.99, B&Q) or fiddle-leaf figs (£18.99, B&Q), while in the garden, I would recommend positioning these wicker planters on your patio or under a pergola, and filling them with lavender (£7.99, Crocus) or agapanthus (£29.99, Gardening Express) for a soft coastal look.

Even if you don’t have a coastal-themed garden, these rattan planters will still look stylish. Imagine them filled with bursts of yellow primrose (£7.99, Thompson & Morgan) or vibrant cornflowers (£1.69, Thompson & Morgan) in a cottage garden. Or, even packed with rosemary, sage or basil for a beautifully scented mini herb garden.

Aldi’s planters are hard to beat on price. But this is why I think they may sell fast. So I’ve rounded up a few alternatives you can shop online.

Alternatives

If you want your garden to look effortlessly expensive, Aldi’s rattan planters are an affordable upgrade that also nails the coastal garden trend. Run, don’t walk, to snap yours up.

It's always a good time to invest in cookware that works hard for your kitchen, but if you're on a budget then it's an even better time right now with the re-launch of Aldi's £14.99 Honeycomb Hex pans.

Available in stores now while stocks last, this range is back to make a bid for the best non-stick frying pan on a budget. I covered the debut of the Aldi tri-ply pans last year, which featured a frying pan and a saucepan, and looked remarkably similar to Gordon Ramsay's favourite HexClad's pans, most notably the exceptionally popular Hybrid Pan (£169 at HexClad).

I've been testing the HexClad bestseller recently, and I've been so impressed by it, so much so that it won the Ideal Home Kitchen Award for the Best Frying Pan. So, with the return of Aldi's affordable version, I thought I'd take a closer look at how the premium and budget pans stack up.

There are some similarities in the specifications between these two pans. Both are oven-safe, with HexClad's pan able to withstand heat up to 480ºC compared to Aldi's version, which can withstand heat up to 220ºC.

Both are also suitable for all hob types, including induction, and dishwasher-safe, which will be welcome news to anyone who loves a quick clean-up process after dinner.

While the detail on Aldi's 'honeycomb' patterned pans is a little sparse, there's plenty to learn about HexClad's TerraBond ceramic non-stick coating. It's a ceramic-based material which keeps food from sticking whilst also avoiding the use of PFOAs and uses those trademark hexagonal shapes in order to create a valley of ridges that food doesn't stick to when cooking.

The HexClad also features stay-cool handles and has great heat distribution across the bottom of the pan – something that I've definitely found in my recent day-to-day tests.

The other big bonus of both of these pans is the fact that they're safe to use with metal utensils without fear of the coating peeling off. If you can be a little haphazard with remembering to use wooden or silicone utensils, then this will save you worrying when cooking.

While the pan in Aldi's Honeycomb range unfortunately doesn't come with a lid, the saucepan does, and the two together would make a great pair for anyone getting into cooking. Like the pan, the saucepan is oven safe up to 220°C.

While I haven't been able to get my hands on Aldi's Honeycomb collection just yet, at £14.99, I'm sure it's going to be a hit with anyone who likes to peruse the middle aisle for cookware finds.

However, I can vouch for the exceptional quality of HexClad's products and their durability, despite the much higher pricetag. If you are a keen cook who wants a pan that is going to last, I've saved up for the Hexclad version. However, if you're just dipping your toe in, then you can't go wrong with taking a look at Aldi's alternative.

Alternatives

BBQ season is upon us, and as a result, I've been indulging in so much social media content of mega outdoor kitchen set-ups and gigantic gardens, but sadly, that's not my reality. Faced with a small garden and a modest budget, I was thrilled to stumble upon this £40 tabletop gas griddle in Aldi's middle aisle.

It often feels like the weather for alfresco cooking and dining creeps up on us, and if you don't already have your BBQ or outdoor kitchen set-up down to a tee, spending lots of money on a whim (especially pre-holiday season) can feel daunting. The good news is that you don't have to spend a lot to benefit from the joy of cooking outdoors this summer.

Here's why you should jump at the chance to grab this Aldi tabletop grill before it goes.

I've landed on a somewhat niche side of the internet - Blackstone grill content. These flat grills are huge in the US where people are grilling all sorts outside - from breakfast spreads (pancakes included) to quesadillas and typical BBQ food.

While they offer a similar premise to a standard gas BBQ, the flat plate is so much more versatile for cooking all kinds of different foods. So when I saw Aldi's tabletop gas griddle, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to try out this cooking style for less.

Originally priced at £49.99, it has been reduced to £39.99 which makes it a little more palatable as an affordable and (slightly impulsive) buy.

It's also a genius outdoor cooking alternative if you have a small garden or even a balcony. You'll need the most amount of space for a gas cannister, but you can choose a smaller cannister if space is at a premium.

While it's not replacing a standard gas BBQ in my garden, it heats up in a mere few minutes, so it's already proved useful for off the cuff dinners for two and breakfasts that are better spent alfresco.

The speed of how long it took to heat up is really what has wowed me with this tabletop gas griddle. It would be perfect for taking on camping trips or down to the beach with a portable gas cannister as the speed ensures you won't be waiting for your dinner for hours.

The beauty of the size of this Aldi tabletop gas grill is that you can easily store in a cupboard during the winter months. Having a BBQ in a small garden or balcony means that it needs to sit outside when not in use, whereas this style is no issue to find storage space for.

For just £39.99, I couldn't be more thrilled with the investment. What started as a middle-aisle whim purchase is turning out to be the most used appliance in my garden this summer.

Shop more tabletop gas grills

If you're looking to expand your outdoor cooking set-up this summer, the best pizza ovens will be the perfect accompaniment to a tabletop gas grill.

This week, Aldi relaunches its cooling bedding range in-store, and after a week where Britain saw temperatures soar to over 30C, I don't think there could be any better timing.

Whilst many of us are probably only too happy to enjoy the sunshine during the daytime, the hot and humid nights can be a very different story.

Most people are eager to find ways to stay cool in bed during hot weather, and with prices starting from just £3.99, Aldi's cooling bedding collection aims to be an affordable way to do so.

The Aldi collection features numerous cooling solutions. There are breathable and lightweight muslin duvet covers priced at £24.99 and available in three colourways of white, sage and beige.

And then there's the £7.99 Cooling Fitted & Flat Sheet and £3.99 Cooling Pillowcase 2 Pack that Aldi says are 'designed to draw moisture away from the body for a fresh and restful night'.

The budget-friendly retailer is also stocking a £12.99 Silentnight Thermal Regulating Pillow. This features 'heat sensor technology that helps to regulate temperature, by absorbing extra body heat, wicking away any moisture, and keeping bodies at the optimal temperature so shoppers can sleep soundly'.

That certainly sounds like exactly what I've needed these past few nights when I've been using every trick in the book for how to keep a bedroom cool.

I already have the space-saving Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad and the larger Silentnight Cooling Gel Body Pad, which I pop in the fridge before bed on the unbearably hot nights so it can cool down my sheets before I get in.

But when it comes to how to sleep better in hot weather, it's your whole sleep setup that needs thinking about.

Thankfully, there are lots of bedding materials that can help you sleep cooler, from breathable linen duvet covers, to temperature-regulating wool-filled duvets and cooling mattress toppers that can save the day if you have a synthetic or memory foam mattress that's causing you to overheat.

That said, whilst opting for bedding made from natural fibres has been game-changing for me as a hot sleeper, they are an investment. Although, to my mind, it's an investment worth making, as temperature plays *such* a big part in how well we sleep.

And, like most women, my temperature fluctuates throughout the month much more than most men's, so having bedding that supports the way my body operates has resulted in far deeper and less disrupted sleep.

That's also been the case for every woman I know who's switched to wool bedding and natural-fibre bedlinen, such as cotton or linen sheets.

By the looks of it, Aldi's cooling bedding range fixes a mix of natural fibres and synthetic fibres.

Many sleep experts do warn that synthetic fibres, such as polyester, can become 'sleep thieves' due to their less breathable make-up, but the bonus is they are very easy to care for (you can usually wash and dry polyester bedding in the same day) and they are *much* more affordable.

So if you're headed to Aldi to stock up on cooler bedding, simply check the care label to see which fibres it contains and if it delivers what you're looking for from your sleep setup.

And if you can't get into an Aldi store any time soon, I've rounded up some alternatives below that can help create a sweat-free sleep space that's ideal for hot and sticky heatwave nights.

Shop alternatives

Aldi is selling a misting fan for less than £3, and it’s a quick, easy way to keep you cool on the go.

Now that we’ve had the hottest May day on record, I’m thinking about investing in the best fans and portable air conditioners sooner than I had anticipated. But luckily for me (and probably you, too), Aldi is dropping a helpful range of cooling products on Thursday (28 May).

And amongst the airy summer bedding and portable air cooler, I spotted this handy little misting fan. This is why I think it’s essential for your handbag or car this summer.

If you’ve been wondering whether misting fans are worth it, Ideal Home editors definitely think so. From Aldi’s handheld Mister Fan to the viral Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo, these clever fans mimic how an air conditioner works.

Misting fans actively cool the air, rather than just moving it, making them more effective than a standard fan. Combining airflow with a very fine spray of water, misting fans work as when the water droplets hit the warm air, they evaporate, cooling the surrounding air. This is a process called evaporative cooling.

Plus, the fine mist can also have a cooling effect on your skin - perfect for when you get hot on the go, or using public transportation.

While Aldi’s Ambiano Misting Fan is nowhere near as sophisticated as the aforementioned Shark model, nor their latest ChillPill, I was immediately intrigued by the Aldi mister fan.

At just £2.99, Aldi’s mister fan is easily one of the cheapest I’ve seen. Quite simply, a fan attached to a spray bottle, this fan is both compact and lightweight. Aldi claims it is ‘refreshingly effective’, and I agree that you will be able to find some short-term relief.

All you have to do is fill the 350ml tank with cold water, turn the fan on and simply squeeze the lever to enjoy a cooling mist. The fan also comes with a screwdriver and batteries to get you set up straight away, and you can choose from blue, green, purple or pink colourways.

Now, I don’t think this mister fan will magically cool your home, but I can see it being a great pick me up whilst on the go. When I go to Ideal Home HQ, my commute consists of sweaty, overcrowded trains, and a small, handheld mister fan, such as this one, would be amazing in the summer months.

Alternatively, here are a few more handheld fans we love.

If you struggle to keep cool during busy days, a handheld mister fan can be an absolute game-changer. I can’t wait to try Aldi’s version!

We’ve officially hit the hottest May day on record, and it is sweltering. If you’re struggling to stay cool, Aldi’s £39.99 Air Cooler is returning to stores this Thursday (28 May), and it’s a great budget alternative to the best portable air conditioners.

Compared to other countries, the UK feels poorly equipped to deal with the heat. Our homes don’t tend to have air conditioning (although experts say it is worth installing air conditioning), so we often rely on the best fans and portable air conditioners to keep us cool when the temperatures are scorching.

Now Aldi’s air cooler is back (and cheaper than last time), so you can rest assured it is possible to keep cool on a budget. But you’ll have to be quick, as I predict this Specialbuy will sell out fast.

If you’ve been debating between getting a portable air conditioner vs an air cooler, you’ll probably already be aware that the former is on the pricer side. But what actually is an air cooler?

An air cooler uses evaporative cooling to cool a room. This means it uses a fan to pull in hot air and then passes it through moistened pads. This means it expels cooler air, helping to lower the room's temperature.

Aldi’s Air Cooler has a 5.5L water tank and includes four casters, four ice packs and a remote control. It has three speed levels and oscillating inner blades to ensure the cool air is expelled evenly.

You can set the cooler on a timer of up to 12 hours, so it is possible to run overnight if you’re struggling to keep your bedroom cool. Plus, with an LED light display and remote control, it’s really easy to use and operate.

It’s also worth mentioning that air coolers tend to be quieter than portable air conditioning - something we can all appreciate. It may not be the prettiest unit to put in your home, but it is an effective way of keeping cool.

However, as with all Aldi Specialbuys, when it’s gone, it’s gone. So, if you like what you see, don’t hesitate to head to your local Aldi, as we think this will sell fast. Alternatively, here are a few more well-reviewed air coolers you can shop online.

With the majority of portable air conditoners sold out, will you try an air cooler instead?

Sorry, garden parasols, Aldi’s sleek sun sail is the stylish shade solution that’d be perfect for small gardens and courtyard spaces.

If you’ve been looking for stylish garden shade ideas, yet have a small or courtyard garden, a sun sail can be a practical solution whilst still looking good. And, if this sounds like you, you’ll be pleased to learn that Aldi’s sun sail is launching in stores today (21 May).

Perfect for creating an oasis of shade this summer, here’s everything you need to - plus where to snap up a sun sail for even cheaper than Aldi!

The best garden canopy ideas will protect you from both rain and shine - something you will definitely get both of during British summertime. And the latest Aldi sun sail does just that.

The Belavi Garden Wing Tarp (£14.99 is a durable garden wing tarp built to protect and perform in any weather. You can choose from a triangle or rectangular shape, depending on your garden's size and your preference. It’s also available in either warm grey or dark slate.

The sail is easy to fold and therefore store, making it a practical choice if you also have a small shed or lack garden storage space. Plus, it’s also quick and easy to install; you just need something to tether it to, such as your garden fence or a tree.

At £14.99, the Aldi Garden Wing Tarp is a bargain price. However, it’s not the best price I’ve seen as Amazon’s Green Bay Sun Shade Sail is just £11.95 and comes with hundreds of reviews singing its praises.

‘Very happy, quick postage and exactly what I wanted. I had one before in grey and left it out in all weathers, lasting over 2 years before I had to replace it… If you take it down when summer's over (like I should have), it will last a lot longer. Good material and sturdy metal bits, had cheaper versions (not that much cheaper) that just rip and don’t have good quality metal or material used, this one is Great, and for the price you can’t go wrong,’ said one.

‘Great garden sale, excellent quality, great choice of colours, shapes and sizes, delighted with purchase,’ said another.

The Green Bay Sun Shade Sail is available in eight stylish colourways, covering a surface of 2x2x2m. It protects against rain and UV, making it a perfect choice for summer hosting. So much so, I’d choose this cover over Aldi’s.

Alternatively, here are a few more highly recommended and reviewed sun sails you can shop online.

If you lack space, a sun sail often trumps a garden parasol as you don’t have to worry about finding space for its chunky bases. Plus, they’re a more affordable option, too. It’s a win-win!

If you're short on garden space, the vertical planting trend is the key to packing as much greenery into your garden as possible. This style of gardening has always been a practical method; however, this year I've seen it take off as a way to turn even a tiny courtyard garden into a verdant oasis, and Aldi is making it even easier with the launch of their affordable Wooden Planter with Trellis (£22.99).

If you’re looking for your garden to follow the biggest garden trends of 2026, then vertical planting is a must. Making the most of your vertical space, this planting technique allows those of us with small gardens to fill every inch of available growing space with an abundance of flowers, fruit and veg.

Landing in stores on Thursday (21 May), the Belavi Wooden Planter With Trellis is perfect for growing some of the best climbing plants, filling small gardens with beautiful flowers and fragrance.

Vertical planting is not a gardening microtrend that will fall out of favour by next growing season. It's a classic growing technique that is currently enjoying the spotlight, but one that is always a smart way to turn your courtyard garden ideas, patio or balcony into a gorgeous screened private oasis. You can add the best climbing plants, such as star jasmine or grow sweet peas up them to fill your garden with fragrance.

The Belavi Wooden Planter with Trellis is available in two colourways - a soft grey or a natural wood finish.

The planter comes with a liner included and is approximately H135 x W45 x D30cm, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces. As well as growing your favourite climbing plants, you can also hang pots by hooking them to the trellis. I love this £12.99 mint option from Crocus, which has a built-in hook, making it easy to attach to a trellis.

Fill the pots with herbs for a vertical herb garden, or with trailing plants like strawberries or ivy for a waterfall of greenery. I've even seen them used next to BBQs as a storage wall to hang BBQ tools or watering cans from.

This small-space-friendly planter has multiple uses, which will turn even the smallest space into a verdant oasis.

I love an Aldi special buy, my home includes many things I've snapped up from the middle aisle during a weekly shop. However, when I was considering recommending the new bargain Aldi robot mower to a friend, I was warned off it by Ideal Home's robot lawn mower tester, who recommended the budget Bosch VISIMOW at B&Q instead.

At Ideal Home, we've recently tested out a whole load of the best robot lawn mowers, and after gaining hands-on experience and interviewing a number of industry experts, we've learned a lot more about robot mowers since we first covered Aldi launching the Yard Force robot mower in 2025.

Initially, I was impressed by the bargain price of Aldi's option. At £199, Aldi's robot mower is one of the cheapest models on the market; it's even £92 cheaper than the same Yard Force robot mower model sold on Amazon for £291. However, while we haven't tested the Aldi mower, it was the product description that made our robot mower reviewer and Garden Editor Sophie King sceptical about how good a buy it actually was.

She spotted lowdown in the product description that the Aldi robot mower uses a boundary wire, a feature that made her visibly shudder.

Sophie has tested all the latest robot lawn mowers at Ideal Home, and would personally never recommend choosing one with a boundary wire. A boundary wire is a physical cable you have to lay around the edge of your lawn to define the operating area for the robot lawn mower. They're part of why early robot mowers had a reputation for being quite a faff to set up.

'There definitely seems to be a shift away from robot mowers with boundary wires, with more and more brands releasing wire-free models that use GPS tracking and smart cameras to navigate a lawn,' explains Sophie. 'I've tested lots of robot lawn mowers without boundary wires, and they're so much simpler - setup is fuss-free, super simple, and a lot quicker than those that require wire installation.'

If the low price is the most important factor to you and you're not bothered by the prospect of a wire installation, you can give the Aldi robot mower a go. However, if you're after something that's a tried and tested easy-to-set-up robot mower, Sophie recommends the Bosch VISIMOW, which she gave 4 out of 5 stars in her review. The Bosch VISMOW can be picked up for £354 at B&Q right now, so it's around £150 more expensive than Aldi's

'For faff-free setup, the Bosch VISIMOW is well worth the extra £150 - it's ready at the press of three buttons, it gives grass a smooth cut, and its camera technology is so intelligent for the price,' Sophie explains.

The Bosch VISMOW is designed for smaller lawns up to 100m², while the Aldi one is suitable for lawns up to 400m². There isn't an app for it to connect to like more expensive mowers like the Eufy E15 that can map your lawn. However, it is quiet, compact and easy to set up for beginners testing the waters with a robot mower.

If you are looking for something a little more sophisticated, these are the two other boundary wire-free robot mowers we'd recommend.

Aldi is selling a new £15 garden tool that can burn weeds, light BBQs, strip paint and varnish and even loosen adhesives or plastic welding - so I asked a fire expert how you can use it safely.

Now, flame weeding is not a new technique. Flame weeders, such as Aldi’s new Weed and BBQ Burner (£14.99), can be an effective way to get rid of weeds, as well as lighting your best BBQ and completing other garden jobs.

If you’re debating snapping up this multi-tool when it lands in Aldi’s middle aisle today (7 May), here’s how an expert recommends you use it safely.

Available to shop now, the Aldi Weed and BBQ Burner is a multi-tool that uses fire to complete a variety of garden jobs. Powered by electricity, it is a chemical-free method to get rid of weeds, and is a more environmentally-friendly method compared to others, such as getting rid of weeds with bleach.

This electric tool uses thermal heat to destroy weeds within five seconds. It has a stainless steel heating pen to allow you to target weeds without making your lawn go brown. It has three temperature settings: 80℃, 450℃, 650℃ (approx.), so it can be adjusted to your needs.

While Aldi says the tools have ‘overheating protection’ when working with temperatures this high, it’s really important to consider the risk of these types of tools and use them safely.

‘People often underestimate just how intense these kinds of tools are. You’re dealing with a naked flame that can easily reach temperatures well over 1,000 degrees, so it’s not just the weeds you’re affecting. Dry grass, wooden fencing, decking and even small bits of debris can catch without much warning,’ says Jonny Smith, fire risk assessment expert at Crusader Fire.

Of course, the biggest risk when using fire is that you can risk setting areas of your garden and property on fire - especially in hot, dry conditions. This is why Jonny says it’s important to be extra vigilant when using one of these tools.

‘The safest approach is to treat a weed burner with the same level of care you’d give a barbecue or bonfire. Start by checking the area properly. Clear away dry leaves, paper, or anything that could ignite easily, and avoid using it near sheds, fences, or anything combustible,’ he says.

‘Always have water nearby, whether that’s a hosepipe or a watering can filled and ready. It’s also worth working in short bursts rather than holding the flame in one spot for too long.

‘Another big one is timing. Avoid using them during hot, dry spells or when there’s any kind of wind. Even a mild breeze can carry heat or embers further than you expect. And once you’re finished, don’t just walk away. Give the area a proper check to make sure nothing is still smouldering.’

After use, you should allow it to cool completely before putting it away. You also ensure your own personal safety, with gloves (like these heat-resistant gloves, £14.99, Amazon) and ensure you keep the tool away from children and don’t light it near your face.

This clever multi-tools isn't the only garden gadget to drop in the middle aisle; Aldi is also selling an Aldi robot mower for 2026.

Now there's no excuse for an unruly garden this summer.

Having a hot tub in your garden is an easy way to make you the preferred (and best) host within your friendship group. And right now, it’s also an affordable option, as Aldi’s hot tub is back for 2026 and is priced under £250.

Typically, adding one of the best hot tubs to your garden is a luxury. The most affordable of our best-rated inflatable tubs, the Lay-Z-Spa Miami Airjet, is £309.99 at Amazon, meaning that these luxury items don’t come cheap.

So, when a deal like the Aldi hot tub rolls around, it is wise to take it up. Here’s why the Aldi Spa Pool is a worthy investment this summer.

Having landed in stores on Sunday (3 May), I have a strong feeling that this spa pool will be popular amongst shoppers. So, if you want one, it would be wise to get your skates on and head to your local Aldi as soon as possible.

But if you can get your hands on the pool, it is worth it. At £249.99, Aldi’s spa pool is one of the most affordable on the market, sharing many of the same features as its higher-end alternatives.

Aldi’s portable spa is designed to sit two to four adults comfortably. It can heat water to 40 degrees (although outdoor temperature must be a minimum of 10 degrees to do this), and has 100 high-powered bubble jets.

Plus, the pool has convenient holders for drinks and phones, alongside an all-in-one control unit, so you can elevate your hosting and relaxing experience. I also think this inflatable spa pool is a great fit for small gardens. It’s not fixed to one place, and you can deflate and fold it away when not in use. This also means it won’t take up too much space in your small shed when storing it over winter.

‘This spa pool is a brilliant budget-friendly way to enjoy relaxing soaks al fresco without the commitment of a permanent hot tub. It may be compact and perhaps not as high spec as others on the market, but it delivers exactly what you want from a hot tub. Its portable, easy-to-store design is perfect for small space garden living,’ comments Jenny McFarlane, Ideal Home’s Senior Digital Editor, who has experience testing hot tubs.

Now, if your local Aldi has already sold out of its hot tubs, don’t worry, I’ve tracked down a few more inflatable, affordable hot tubs you can shop online right now.

The spa pool isn't the only big special buy Aldi has bought back for the summer, they are also selling an Aldi robot mower for under £200.

If you want to upgrade your garden on a budget this summer, it's worth stocking up in the middle aisle.

Aldi’s incredibly affordable pizza oven is returning for 2026, and this year it's received a stylish green update. At just £69.99, it’s £230 cheaper than the Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven.

The best pizza oven has really changed the game when it comes to outdoor hosting in recent years. Fresh, authentic Italian-style pizza, cooked in just a few minutes, is a sure way to impress guests. So, it’s a no-brainer that pizza ovens are as essential as the best BBQ’s.

Returning to the middle aisle on Thursday (30 April), Aldi’s latest pizza oven not only looks so chic, but it’s a great starter oven for those looking to enter the world of pizza ovens. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Aldi Gas Pizza Oven has everything you need to get to grips with using a gas pizza oven this summer. It has a ceramic pizza stone and an integrated thermometer to help ensure every slice is cooked to perfection.

I'm also a big fan of its new green colourway, which looks so chic. Green is largely considered a 'new neutral', and especially in a garden, will pair well with any style.

Aldi says there is a 10-minute cooking time and the oven is large enough to cook 12” pizza’s, too. Compared to other pizza ovens, such as the Ooni 12 and the Gozney Arc Lite, this is a pretty slow cook time. The Ooni Koda 12 may take 15-minutes to heat up, but only takes 60 seconds to cook each pizza - perfect for firing out delicious pizza to large groups.

The Aldi Gas Pizza Oven reaches scorching temperatures of 900 degrees, and has a double wall to retain heat inside the cooking chamber, so you can definitely expect to achieve delicious, crispy pizza every time.

At £69.99, Aldi’s pizza oven remains one of the most affordable pizza ovens I’ve ever seen, even trumping Lidl’s pizza oven from last year on price. However, Aldi’s pizza oven is definitely best-suited to beginners.

It’s an entry-level oven, so don’t expect it to be of the same quality as Gozney and Ooni ovens. In fact, if you can afford it, the Gozney Arc Lite (£349.99, John Lewis) is best suited to beginners, according to Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor, Molly Cleary.

If your Aldi sells out of gas pizza ovens quickly, or your local store doesn't stock them, here are a few alternatives.

Don’t sleep on the pizza oven trend. They really are a game-changer when it comes to summer hosting and mid-week treats for you and the family. Aldi’s model is the perfect entry point to this delicious, home-cooked craze.

Listen up, because I bring good news. Aldi’s ever-so-popular mosaic water feature is returning to stores this week, and this year, it has received a sunny new update.

If you weren't lucky enough to snap up the cult Specialbuy last year, make sure you head to your local Aldi this Thursday (23 April) for a second chance. The £50 water feature is not only a fab price, but an incredible way to nail your Mediterranean garden ideas and make your outdoor space feel like a holiday-eque oasis.

If you’re looking for a fresh, affordable water feature idea, look no further than your local middle aisle. But be quick, as this is likely to sell out fast.

For 2026, this mosaic, Marrakech-inspired water fountain has had a pretty blue and yellow update. Gone are last year’s blue and red tiles, and now you can expect to find irregular, blue and yellow mosaics making up the image of a sun.

I’d argue this looks even more summery than the previous design and is perfect to add a little pop of colour to your garden. Just bear in mind that it is quite small, which is to be expected considering the price, but it is a lovely addition to your garden seating area, creating a relaxing ambience with its tinkling water.

At £50, I’m keen to point out that this water feature is a steal. With water features often costing over £100, one of the closest affordable options I could find was Smart Garden Solar Aragon Wall Garden Water Feature (£104.99 at B&Q), which is still almost £55 more than Aldi’s.

The Belavi Solar Mosaic Water Feature (£49.99) is an ideal choice for anyone seeking to create a calming garden. It relies on solar power to pump water, and as there are no running costs or mains wiring, it is quick and easy to install, too.

Don’t just take my word for it. Molly Cleary, Kitchen Appliance’s Editor here at Ideal Home, has first-hand experience of using the fountain.

‘My sister bought this solar-powered fountain from Aldi after we featured it in Ideal Home last year. It's quite small (but considering it's just £50, that adds up), but it totally transformed the little corner of her garden it lives in,’ she said.

‘It's so easy to set up, and last summer I loved sitting out next to it on a sunny morning and having my coffee listening to the relaxing sound of the water. I think it makes a stunning addition to a garden!'

Now, I’m fairly certain that this water feature will sell fast. So, I’ve had a look and found three somewhat affordable options you can order online.

Alternatives

If you like what you see, don’t delay heading to your local Aldi to snap it up. As with all Specialbuys, when it’s gone, it’s gone

This is not a drill! Aldi’s cult Kamado BBQ is returning to stores, and this year it’s even cheaper than Lidl’s.

Landing in stores next Sunday (3 May), Aldi’s Kamado Egg BBQ is now retailing at its lowest price yet: £244.99, and is more than £1,200 cheaper than the cult Big Green Egg’s large egg model (£1,494). While Big Green Egg is one of the best BBQs you can buy, and favoured by celebrity chefs, it is undeniably expensive.

If you adore Big Green Egg BBQs but are less keen on the price, the Aldi Kamado BBQ is one of the most affordable alternatives I’ve seen. It’s even beating the Lidl Egg BBQ on price this year! If you’re looking to up your grilling game, here’s why the Aldi Kamado BBQ is a worthy choice.

At £249, I thought Lidl’s was the most affordable egg BBQ I’d spotted this year. But Aldi seems determined to pip them on price, offering their Kamado for just £244.99. And to really up the supermarket stakes, Habitat’s 16” Ceramic Kamado BBQ is currently reduced from £275 to £220. But sadly, this won’t be on sale forever, so I’d snap this up now if you like the look of the well-reviewed model.

Back to Aldi, and it is worth your attention. The budget BBQ has been making waves since its launch over five years ago, with shoppers keen to snap one up every time it returns to the middle aisle.

The grill is a solid choice for newbies and seasoned barbecue enthusiasts. It’s fully equipped to smoke, chargrill and sear, featuring a durable stainless-steel grill rack and built-in temperature gauge. It also comes with built-in folding side tables for extra serving space and a food prep area.

Aldi’s Kamado BBQ has many of the same features as higher-end models, such as Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe. While I can imagine the quality won’t be as good as these top-of-the-range products, this is not to say Aldi’s version isn’t worth it. I swear by a lot of Aldi Specialbuys in my own home, from their Everyways pans to their candles. While you shouldn’t expect an exact replica of Big Green Egg, you will have an affordable entry point into the world of egg BBQs, plus tasty food to impress your guests this summer.

You should note that this BBQ is charcoal, so if you’d prefer one of the best gas BBQs, I’d suggest giving this Specialbuy a miss. At £244.99, Aldi’s BBQ isn’t exactly cheap either, but it is considerably less expensive than most egg BBQs.

However, I have done some digging, and here are a few more affordable options to shop now.

Kamado egg BBQs are expensive. Period. But if you’re looking for superior flavour and cooking capabilities, they are an amazing choice, and Aldi is providing an affordable entry point to this world.

How often do you vacuum your mattress and upholstery? I’ll bet it’s not nearly as often as you should (no judgment, I’m guilty, too). But if you want to combat dust mites and allergens this spring, it is an important chore you shouldn’t skip, made all the easier by Aldi’s new Mites Vacuum Cleaner.

If you’ve spent a lot of money on one of the best mattresses, you don’t need me to tell you to look after it. But vacuuming your mattress is a good idea if you want to rid your bedroom of allergens and clean your mattress this summer

Having landed in the middle aisle today (16 April), Aldi’s new Mites Vacuum Cleaner, £24.99, is perfect for removing dust and allergens on your upholstery - something your best vacuum might miss. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Ambiano Mites Vacuum Cleaner is designed to remove dust and dirt from your mattress and upholstery. It even has a UV germicidal lamp, which is designed to kill bacteria as the machine moves without using any chemicals.

It’s not the first mattress vacuum we’ve encountered. Lakeland’s Handheld Mattress Vacuum with UV Light (£49.99) did a good enough job to convince the Ideal Home team that mattress vacuums are worth it.

At just £24.99, the Aldi mites vacuum is an incredibly affordable entryway to mattresses, allowing you to test the benefits without breaking the bank. While a standard vacuum is not suitable for vacuuming upholstery, many of the best handheld vacuum cleaners have upholstery attachments, so you should weigh up whether this is better suited to your household, too.

‘Most people aren’t vacuuming their mattresses and upholstery as often as they should be, and spring is the perfect time to give them some TLC - especially if you struggle with allergies and want to keep dust mites out of the house,’ says Lauren Bradbury, Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor and Ideal Home Certified Expert in Vacuums.

‘After all, a dedicated mite vacuum like this can remove these nasties better than any regular vacuum cleaner can, thanks to the addition of the UV technology. For £24.99, this really is a bargain, and it won’t take up too much space in your cleaning cupboard either!’

The Ald Mites Vacuum is on sale right now, so I’d advise heading to your local store ASAP if you want to get your hands on one. Alternatively, here are a few more highly-rated vacuums that work similarly, and you can shop online.

If you struggle with allergies, a dust mite vacuum, as well as one of the best air purifiers, can be really beneficial. Would you give it a try?

Aldi's kitchen range is always coming up trumps with small, affordable problem-solving buys. The next example that deserves its moment in the sun (or the air fryer) is the supermarket's new dedicated range of accessories for everyone's most time-saving appliance – all priced at just £2.99 each.

Available in store right now, this line of accessories for the best air fryers is going way further than previous iterations thanks to its versatile set of designs, including liners without sides.

These flat-laying inserts are the perfect buy to pick up if you've previously despaired over how to master cookies or pizza in liners with raised sides or if your existing inserts have lost their non-stick coatings after years of use. Here's a closer look, as well as alternatives you don't have to rush to the Specialbuys aisle in order to nab.

The flat liners are the star of the show here for me, especially after my many failed attempts to bake cookies in my air fryer and immediately having them break as I try to lift them out of the basket.

Aldi's version has a raised helper grip on one side to make them easier to lift off an air fryer plate, which can also help when reheating pizza or pita breads. But it's not just the ability to properly cook flat foods that people are loving this type of liner for.

In the reviews of versions from John Lewis and Dunelm, it's clear that many customers are using these liners as a stand-in for their old air fryer trays (which is the insert that sits in the bottom of the basket).

After you've had an air fryer for a few years, these elements can lose their non-stick coating, especially after countless washes or turns through the dishwasher, and these affordable liners are offering people an easy alternative to getting a whole new appliance.

'Because the plates on my ninja are no longer non stick they make a very good alternative,' reads one review of the Dunelm liners, while another says that 'These are amazing products. Saves my plates getting broken'.

John Lewis' air fryer liners are slightly different, with two mesh liners and two silicone within the multipack. These can be cut to the exact size of your dual-zone air fryer, which is great if you don't have a massively popular model, so that you can customise them to your needs.

Unsurprisingly, Aldi's versions are the cheapest on offer, and it's not just the flat liners that they've designed either. If you've got a sweet tooth, you might be tempted by the waffle and doughnut maker moulds instead, which are also priced at just £2.99.

The waffle version is available in two different sizes, in case you only have a very compact air fryer. Or if you'd rather stick with the traditional air fryer liner design (as they're great for self-contained foodstuffs, like a lasagne or a cheesy pasta bake) then there's some size choice available to you there too.

If you're yet to try out an air fryer liner and your appliance is in need of a bit of a refresh, then I'd definitely recommend trying out a reusable one rather than the disposable versions. They're better for the planet and for everyday use!

I’m going to let you into a little secret. Nearly every spotless garden will have invested in a decent pressure washer to make garden cleaning jobs, in particular, patios, a breeze. But don’t worry, it won’t cost the earth, as right now, Aldi is selling a small, portable pressure washer for just £34.99.

The best pressure washers can really make a difference in how you clean your driveway, patio slabs, and even your home’s exterior.

Available to shop from Aldi’s middle aisle right now, the Ferrex Small Pressure Washer 1400W (£34.99) and the Ferrex Patio and Wall Cleaner (£19.99) are affordable must-haves for a squeaky-clean outdoor space this spring.

You can always trust stores like Aldi to bring out affordable products that truly make a difference to our outdoor cleaning routines. While our best-rated pressure washer (and the one I would recommend) is the Kärcher K 4 Power Control Home Pressure Washer, it does retail for around £239.99. If you’re looking for a more affordable entry point to the world of pressure washing, Aldi’s pressure washer is an excellent starting point. And it does have a few standout features that impressed us.

The Ferrex small pressure washer cleans surfaces quickly and effectively, with a high flow rate of 390 litres per minute. It has a powerful 14000W motor and has a wide working radius thanks to its 3m high-pressure hose. In short, it’s small but pretty mighty, and is perfectly capable of tackling your patio. Use it to blast off all the moss, algae and grime which accrue over winter, giving your patio ideas a facelift, and making it a more enjoyable space during the summer.

The washer weighs just 5kg, making it easy to manoeuvre around your garden and not too heavy either. It also has a Quick-Connect system, which is designed to help you change attachments quickly and make the process less fiddly.

Don’t forget to pick up the patio and wall cleaner attachment, which is just £19.99. It will attach to your small pressure washer, and it will help effortlessly remove grime from walls, patios and more. It has a 200ml tank for detergent, splash protection and two rotating high-pressure nozzles for speedy and effective cleaning.

The washer is currently on sale in Aldi, and due to its highly affordable price, I can’t imagine it will be on the shelves for long. So, if your local Aldi has sold out, or if you don’t have a store near you, I’ve tracked down a few more highly-rated models you can shop online.

All you need now is one of the best patio cleaners to pair with your pressure washer and allow your outdoor space to shine. It really is that easy.

If there is one thing Aldi Specialbuys are known for - air fryers aside - it is delivering delicious scents at purse-friendly price points. And back on the shelves right now are Aldi’s Hotel Collection Parisian Candles, which smell just as good as they look!

With many of the Ideal Home team proud owners of various Aldi’s Hotel Collection fragrances, we’re not at all surprised that the supermarket frequently ranks among some of the best candles and best reed diffusers you can buy.

Right now, a new drop of beautifully fragranced candles has arrived in stores with prices starting at just £2.49. So, I’ve looked through the latest buys, and have decided that these patisserie-inspired scents are worth parting with your cash for. Here’s why.

The Hotel Collection Parisian Candles draws inspiration from free classic French patisserie treats. Choose from Le Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat and Kir Royale - three classic cafe choices, with each offering a slightly different scent experience.

Le Croissant is described as smelling like a ‘freshly baked croissant with creamy butter baked into each layer of warm, flaky golden pastry.’ You don’t need me to explain how good freshly baked goods smell coming out of the oven - Aldi has found a way to bottle that scent.

Similarly, Pain Au Chocolat has ‘sweet gourmand butter notes’ and hints of vanilla and chocolate. It’s a great choice if you love sweet scents.

Lastly, the Kir Royal scent (inspired by the creme de cassis and champagne cocktail) smells of red berries and violet flowers. It’s a fruity alternative to the two bakery-inspired fragrances.

As well as smelling good enough to eat, I’m also a big fan of the packaging for these candles. With a gingham lid, these pretty candle vessels remind me of a Bonne Maman jam jar. At £2.99, these candles are a great price, and at 170g, they are big enough to scent small rooms and areas of the home - just don’t expect anything on the scale of the Aldi hurricane candle.

What I will say from my experience of using Aldi candles in my home is that they can be prone to tunnelling, but if you learn how to fix candles from tunnelling, this rarely becomes a problem.

The candles are on sale right now, so head to Aldi ASAP to avoid disappointment. However, if you don’t have an Aldi local to you, or yours has already sold out, I’ve tracked down a few more similar scents to shop online.

If you want your home to smell as good as a fresh pastry tastes, Aldi is the only place you need to head this week.

Aldi's garden specialbuy drops are currently in full swing, but their recent enchanted garden lighting range is one of the best yet. Landing in stores on 29th March, the new collection is packed with playful outdoor lighting ideas that are perfect for adding some whimsy to your outdoor space.

With the sun finally shining this spring, more and more of us will be thinking about getting out and enjoying our outdoor spaces. If you have plans to transform your garden on a budget, I’d highly recommend scheduling a trip to Aldi's middle aisle this week.

With prices ranging from £7.99 to £9.99 for the solar lighting collection, I'd recommend acting fast as these purse-friendly picks won’t be on the shelves for long.

My standout from the latest Enchanted garden range is the Solar Grass Flower Stake Lights (£9.99), which will illuminate your garden with pretty flowers. Available in either blue, pink or yellow, these statement lights will add a magical flourish when positioned along pathways or within your flower beds to give your garden a ‘fairytale’ look. They are made from metal and glass, so they will require a little care when choosing where to place them.

These more playful, dare I say novelty solar lights are set to be a big garden trend this year. I've seen no shortage of hot air balloon solar lights and mini toadstool lights in the outdoor lighting collections this year.

Aldi is following this trend with their own range of hot air balloon solar lights, whimsical mushroom stake lights, LED animals (including a statement flamingo) and an enchanting solar fairy house. I’m also a big fan of the solar iridescent bulbs (£7.99), which will add a pastel glow to your garden.

Alternative enchanted lighting

Aldi's Enchanted Garden lighting range will only be available to buy in-store. If you don't live near one, I’ve tracked down some ethereal-looking outdoor lighting alternatives you can shop online.

Are you a fan of the whimsical outdoor lighting trend?

I didn't know how much I'd use my stand mixer until I first used it for a batch of blueberry muffins. Now, I drag this hefty appliance out of my pantry at least once a week, and I can truthfully say that it makes baking (especially with a toddler in tow) a lot more convenient.

If you're looking for the best stand mixer to level up your baking, I imagine your dream buy is a KitchenAid stand mixer. However, one of these capable gadgets can set you back £100s. In fact, it's a challenge to find a decent stand mixer under the £100 mark. Which is why I was shocked to spot that Aldi has bought back its stand mixer for under £40 in two pretty colourways.

The Aldi stand mixer is an appliance that returns to the specialbuy aisle every year, and this year it will be available to buy from 19th March. However, in the past, it has always been priced at £39.99. But this year, not only does it have £10 off, but the Ambiano Classic Stand Mixer is now available in two pastel shades, including pastel pink and butter yellow.

The Ambiano Stand Mixer gets top points for its design, but do its features stand the test, too? Ideal Home's Digital Editor Rebecca Knight picked up an Aldi stand mixer three years ago, and is impressed by its ability to quickly whip up a banana bread or battenburg. However, while she does use it to knead bread, she flagged that it does jump around the worktop in the process.

Fitted with a 5L steel bowl, it's a great size for the £30 price tag, and it has all of the add-ons a £100+ machine would boast. It lifts to remove the bowl, it has a handy splash guard (which even some expensive models don't come with), and its screen is easy to read. It's wrapped in a 3-year guarantee, too, so you can buy with peace of mind.

If you can't get to your local Aldi or are worried your store might have sold out, then I come with better news: the Salter British Bakes Stand Mixer is a hearty mix of the Ambiano Stand Mixer and a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, and this comes in yellow, pink or cream — plus it's on sale with 25% off at Amazon.

Aldi pastel mixing bowls

The standmixer isn't the only thing landing in Aldi next week. For keen bakers, Aldi is selling lookalikes for the iconic Mason Cash mixing bowl for less than £10.

For those not in the know, Mason Cash are the 'it' mixing bowl. You will find them in the Great British Bake Off tent, Mary Berry's kitchen and basically any baker worth their salt will have one of these ceramic mixing bowls.

However, a Mason Cash bowl is an investment piece, costing around £30 for the original Cane Mason Cash mixing bowl on Amazon. Aldi has replicated the look of the prettier meadow collection, with a floral design in four pastel shades: pink, green, lilac or blue.

All of them are dishwasher safe, and there is also a batter bowl available in the four colours for £9.

The whole collection will only be available in Aldi to shop from the 19th March.

It's the season to celebrate your lawnmower. And as much as I love to hate mine, you can't deny their convenience — and when you find one that's easy to use, you'll truly never switch. If yours has packed up recently or you're investing in your first lawnmower, then I'm here with some good news: Aldi is launching a £50 electric lawnmower, landing in stores today (12th March).

At just £50, there's no denying that it's a steal — but is it actually worth the £50, or are you better off spending a little more and getting one of the other best lawnmowers we've tested instead?

I've tested a host of garden tools in my outdoor space, from mowers to the best pressure washers and best strimmers. And with a toddler and a dog crawling around my feet as I tackle these jobs, I can confidently tell you exactly what you need in a new lawnmower if you want one for ease of use — and for a quick job.

Let's delve in and see what else you actually get for its £49.99 price tag. And to find out whether it's worth the trip to the middle aisle to hunt one down.

The Aldi lawn mower is electric, and it's corded. It boasts a cutting width of 44cm, while you can choose from 7 cutting heights. Aldi claims it's lightweight, making it easy for those who are less able to mow their lawn using something cumbersome. It's also said to be easy to steer and a better choice for smaller to medium-sized lawns.

This £50 mower comes with the grass bag included, and you'll also get a 3-year warranty with your purchase — impressive! Its design is foldable, so its handle flips over the main part of the mower, and it has a handle for easy carrying into your shed. Claiming that this lawnmower is "proof that green-fingered shoppers don’t have to fork out a fortune," Aldi is confident that this budget buy will sell out fast.

There are 2 other models that it's worth comparing this Aldi lawn mower to, both of which are highly-rated by Ideal Home that we've tried and tested.

Alternatives

I currently own a lawnmower from VonHaus, which boasts a very similar design to this new Aldi lawnmower. In my VonHaus Cordless 40V Lawn Mower review, I rated it 4.5 stars out of 5, mostly because of its affordable price (£165 right now at The Range!) and its dummy-proof design. It's also foldable for storing and, like the Aldi version, it's lightweight.

The major difference between these two mowers is in their power — my VonHaus model is battery-powered, which makes it cordless and super convenient. It has a smaller cutting width, at just 33cm, but this didn't bother me at all. It only benefits from 5 cutting heights instead of 7, but again, this didn't affect me at all.

It has a grass bag, but you can use it without it, if you prefer the mulchings to be scattered back onto your lawn. Better yet, this grass bag is 30L, so it rarely gets full. Guarantee-wise, the Aldi comes with a 3-year guarantee, and the VonHaus is for 2 years, so both are covered.

I've used this lawnmower more times than I can count, and it makes a very quick job of something that, in my eyes, is quite boring. It does sit at £180, which is £130 more than the Aldi model.

There's also our top-rated lawnmower in our buying guide, which is rated 5 out of 5 stars. The Husqvarna Aspire LC34 P4A review talks about all things design and power, while it mostly focuses on the machine's handy cordless design. This lightweight machine, overall, is very similar to the VonHaus mower with a 2-year warranty, 4 cutting heights and a 34cm cutting width. It folds nicely and is small enough for storing away in a tiny shed. It also has a 30L grass box, too. However, it does come in at £279 at Husqvarna, which is £229 more than the Aldi Electric Lawn Mower.

If you are on a budget and owning a cordless mower is very important to you, then the VonHaus mower is the one to choose simply because of its affordable price — it's around £100 less than the Husqvarna model. If a cord doesn't bother you and you'd rather save your pennies, then the £50 Aldi Electric Lawn Mower is your best bet.

If you’re someone who’s dreamed of owning one of Le Creuset’s Petal Cast Iron Casserole dishes, then I have something for you. Aldi is selling almost identical alternatives for just £19.99 - saving you more than £350 pounds.

Le Creuset is responsible for producing some of the best cast iron cookware around, but it is a pricey investment, which is why we’re always on the lookout for Aldi Le Creuset alternatives. Their latest petal drop is a belter.

Available to shop right now as part of Aldi’s Mother’s Day Specialbuys, I can imagine these stunning casseroles won’t be on the shelves for long. You know the drill: run, don’t walk.

Browsing my local Aldi, I was so excited when I spotted these petal casserole dishes being loaded onto the middle aisle. I practically raced over to get a look and feel of the design. Available in a deep blue shade and pale pink, I promise these dishes look beautiful in person. Like most cast iron cookware, it was quite weighty to hold, but I had expected this.

The Aldi cast iron petal casseroles are suitable for use on glass ceramic, halogen, electric, gas, induction hobs and ovens. They can be used in temperatures up to 250°C and come with a five-year warranty. The main downside is that they are not suitable for a dishwasher, so they will need to be washed by hand.

Already, these pans are gaining traction on social media, with shoppers excited to snag them in-store. Not to mention, the Le Creuset versions of these pans are highly collectable, so I believe these Aldi dead-ringers will sell out fast.

‘I got one today, it's such good quality. Can't wait to use it. I got a pink one and the colour is lovely 😍,’ read one comment on the Aldi Specialbuy Instagram account.

‘OH MY GOD they’re beautiful 😭,’ said another.

They’re not the only fans of this stunning petal shape. Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor, Molly Cleary, was a fan of the original Le Creuset Petal Casserole, and is now eyeing up Aldi’s version.

‘There's always a lot of love for Aldi's casserole dishes, but I've got a feeling these affordable petal versions will take the excitement to another level,’ she said.

'It was Le Creuset who originally had the genius idea to turn the lids on casserole dishes into a flowery display, and they've been collectable items ever since. The brand even just released a petal casserole in their brand new colour Bleu Riveria. Whether you go for Le Creuset or Aldi, a dish of this shape will always get so much use in a keen home chef's kitchen!'

When deciding how to choose cookware, Le Creuset is one of the best you can choose, if you can afford it. They’re incredibly high quality and come with a lifetime guarantee. But if out of budget, affordable alternatives like Aldi are not to be sniffed at. Ideal Home’s Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight, has used her Aldi pans for the past five years, and still rates them.

I expect the Aldi petal casseroles are selling fast, and if you’ve missed out, don’t worry, as I’ve tracked down a few more affordable alternatives.

If pretty cookware is your bag, don’t hesitate to head to your local Aldi now!

For a long time, I’ve always thought of cast iron as the gold standard for cookware, but Aldi’s new aluminium pans are seriously making me reconsider. Lightweight and affordable, they're an ideal alternative to your trusty cast iron.

There’s no denying that the best cookware, in particular the best cast iron cookware, can often be an investment. When you don’t have the option to spend hundreds on new cookware, budget supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl really come into their own.

Landing in stores on Thursday (26 February), the Aldi Cast Aluminium Assortment is affordable, lightweight and durable. Here’s everything you need to know.

Aluminium has been gaining traction as an affordable, yet quality cooking material for some time. Retailers like Dunelm have produced cult favourite pastel options, while Ideal Home’s most clicked pan was the M&S £30 All In One Saucepan, which also happens to be made out of aluminium.

Aldi is offering three aluminium cooking products: a £9.99 saucepan, a £11.99 frying pan and a £14.99 casserole dish - all fantastic prices. Plus, these cooking essentials are all available in three different colourways. With cream, sage green and black on offer, there is something to suit every kitchen colour scheme.

The pans are suitable for all hobs, including induction, and both the saucepan and pot come with a lid that is oven-resistant up to 150 degrees. However, the biggest draw of aluminium cookware is that it has excellent heat conductivity, is durable and incredibly lightweight - perfect if you struggle to lug about heavy cast iron.

‘The trend for cast aluminium over cast iron is having a bit of a moment, and I can see exactly why. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a cheaper alternative to big-name cast-iron brands and has the added benefit of being super lightweight and therefore much easier to manoeuvre,’ explains Molly Cleary, Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor and resident expert on cookware.

‘Wrestling your cast iron pot onto the hob or into the oven can be a serious task, but with cast aluminium you won't feel the same strain. I love the look of this Aldi version - it has that all-in-one pan shape that's been so popular in the last few years, especially in the green colour. You could even call it a lookalike for my favourite Our Place pans in terms of shape!'

Aldi’s aluminium cookware is the cheapest I’ve spotted. And take it from me, I do think it’s good. I’ve been using Aldi’s Everyways Pan every day for the past six months, and I have no complaints - so don’t let the low price put you off.

However, if you don’t have a local Aldi or if your store isn’t stocking these pans, here are a few more affordable options you can shop online.

If cast iron can feel clunky and heavy, you will probably benefit from a lightweight option like aluminium. Will you be making the switch?

It’s finally time to start thinking about planting and growing for your season ahead. And if your seedlings need a little extra protection, Aldi’s new £11.99 growhouse is the perfect solution - especially if you have a small garden.

Just because you have a small garden or even a balcony, it doesn’t mean you can’t have the garden of your dreams. Perfect for growing your own this summer, this new greenhouse idea from Aldi allows you to get the most out of your outdoor space, no matter how small.

Landing in stores today (22 February), run, don't walk to get your hands on the Aldi Growhouse.

Last year, we were incredibly excited to see the return of Aldi’s mini greenhouse, and this year, I’d argue that the growhouse is even better suited to the needs of small and courtyard gardens.

A growhouse is a popular gardening tool, due to its ability to offer a controlled environment, extend the growing season, protect plants from pests and frost and cultivate delicate seedlings. A compact, or mini, growhouse, such as Aldi's, means anyone can achieve this regardless of outdoor space.

‘Aldi's Growhouse has everything you'd need to grow in a small space: ample room for plants, a pest-protective cover and shelter from late winter frosts. It's ideal if you're short on planting space and want to make the most of a patio or balcony,’ says Sophie King, Ideal Home’s Gardens Editor.

Plus, savvy gardeners will already know that February is the best time to sow slow‑growing seeds like chillies, peppers and carrots. Or, you can snap it up now ahead of your March planting to-do list.

The growhouse comes with a UV-resistant cover and ground pegs for added stability, so you don’t have to worry about the weather. Its compact size means it takes up minimal space and is suited to any garden type. You also have the option to choose between two mini growhouses, a greenhouse, and a grow bag variant, depending on your needs.

However, if your local Aldi isn’t stocking growhouses or you simply don’t have one local to you, I’ve tracked down a few more you can shop online.

If you're kicking off the growing season right now, a growhouse such as Aldi’s can be a great investment to protect and nurture your new plants.

If there is one thing Aldi Specialbuys are known for, it’s their air fryers, and the latest offering to land in stores has a charming vintage look that wouldn’t look out of place in the 1950s.

You’ll be pressed to find a kitchen that doesn’t have one of the best air fryers on its countertops in this day and age. They’ve revolutionised our ability to cook tasty, healthy meals at home, but what I will admit is that they can be big, bulky and a little unsightly.

If you’re not a fan of bulky kitchen appliances, you’ll be pleased to know that pretty air fryers are gaining popularity, and Aldi’s Retro Air Fryer (£29.99) is the latest to join the list. Here’s how it shapes up.

Although available to shop right now, Aldi first teased news of the air fryer in an Instagram post on Tuesday (3 February), with the caption ‘time travel, but make it cute’.

This perfectly sums up the retro air fryer, which looks like it came from an era where air fryers didn’t even exist.

It’s available in both cream and baby blue and looks fairly similar to the Swan retro air fryer. Aldi’s retro air fryer has a 4.5L capacity which is a standard air fryer size and means it is suitable for cooking for around three to four people at a time. It has a detachable frying rack, a timer of up to 30 minutes, an adjustable temperature between 80ºC and 200ºC and a detachable frying rack.

The air fryer itself is pretty basic when you compare it to the best Ninja air fryers, which often come with different cooking modes. But if you don’t need any fancy features, this air fryer is a pretty and affordable option.

At £29.99, there’s no denying that this air fryer is a great price. Aldi air fryers frequently impress us with price, and because of this, make great first-time air fryers. Plus, the distinctive retro look of this air fryer makes it a stylish choice, too.

I predict this Aldi air fryer will be a big hit, so don’t hesitate to head to your local store if you want to get your hands on one. However, if you don’t have a store local to you, here are a few more pretty air fryers to browse online.

Aldi is proving that pretty air fryers don’t have to break the bank - it's the perfect solution if you don’t like ugly appliances.

Landing the middle aisle today (5 February), Aldi is selling affordable kitchen cupboard storage solutions that will whip your kitchen into shape in no time, and prices start at just £2.99.

I’ll hold my hands up, I’m not the best at organising my kitchen cupboards. As much as I’d like to have neatly organised shelves, spices arranged alphabetically, and a Tupperware drawer that isn’t about to explode at any given moment, I haven’t yet mastered the skill of keeping it tidy.

Until now, that is. On my mission to become one of those people who always have tidy kitchen cupboards, I stumbled across Aldi’s latest range of kitchen cupboard organisers. Here’s why I think they’re a storage must-have.

The first to catch my eye were the kitchen cupboard door organisers (all £2.99). Suitable for all kitchen cupboard doors that have a thickness of 2cm, choose from a hanging basket, set up two hooks or a towel rail.

The storage is available in chrome or black and will make the most of the vertical space inside your cupboard door. I think they are great for under-sink cupboard storage, where (at least in my small kitchen) cleaning products are typically flung inside. I’d use the hanging basket to keep my go-to cleaning products and sprays, and the hooks and tow rail to hang extra cleaning cloths and tea towels.

These hanging storage solutions also come with scratch protection, so you don’t have to worry about your cupboard doors getting damaged.

Aldi is also selling wire cabinet organisers for just £3.99, and these, I’m really excited about. I'll personally be racing to my local Aldi to snap up the pan organiser, which I’m hoping will help transform my pan cupboard from chaos to calm as it aids in neatly stacking saucepans and frying pans.

Last, but by no means least, are Aldi’s new magnetic organisers (£3.99). Opt for hooks, a long basket, a kitchen roll holder and a cutlery organiser, all available in either black or white for a sleek look. These magnetically attach to metal surfaces - such as your fridge - to make the most out of unused spaces. This helps free up counter space, which can easily become cluttered.

While Aldi has some seriously helpful storage solutions, not all of us have a store local to us. So, I’ve rounded up a few more storage heroes to shop online.

Good storage doesn’t need to be expensive, and Aldi is offering everything you need to tidy kitchen cupboards on a budget.

I have a feeling this weekend is going to be a good one. Not only is it pay day for many of us, but Aldi also has a big storage event hitting its middle aisle - and I’m super excited about their clever new bamboo desk organisers.

I’ll be the first to admit that knowing how to organise a desk can really help boost your productivity, whether you’re working from home or in the office. I’ve always thought that a tidy, well-thought-out set-up signals that the owner of said desk is just as organised and thoughtful in their work.

If a more productive 2026 is on the cards for you, Aldi’s new desk organisers are the budget-friendly (and stylish) solution you need to improve your home office desk ideas.

Landing in stores from 8 February, Aldi’s bamboo desk organisers are both stylish and practical, well-suited to your organising needs, whether you're setting up a family command centre, bringing some calm to your home office, or providing your teens with a productive space to revise for exams.

There are four bamboo storage options on offer, which cost £4.99 each. Choose from a desk caddy, an in-tray, a magazine holder and a storage box to help keep all your stationery in order and in one place. I’m a big fan of the use of bamboo over plastic, as not only does it look smarter, but it’s a more durable and sustainable option, too.

Personally, I find I am at my most productive when working in a calm, tidy, organised space. It makes me more efficient, as I know where everything I need is, and I can access it easily. This is why storage solutions such as Aldi's are such a tidy home office essential.

My standout is easily the desk caddy. It has three slots, where you can slide Post-its, notebooks, and flash cards in with ease, as well as a built-in pen pot for stationery. It’s compact, simple in design and looks great, too.

I also rate the storage box, which has the capacity to hold extra notebooks and paperwork. But I also think it can double up as a laptop stand whilst working. The in-tray and magazine holder are two desk storage classics, which look great with a bamboo upgrade.

Also part of Aldi’s WFH event are home office pillows, headphones, keyboards, cable storage, and even reading glasses.

However, not all of us are lucky enough to have an Aldi store close to us. And if this is the case, or if your local store sells out before you can get your hands on them, I’ve rounded up a few more options that you can shop online.

A tidy desk equals a more productive workspace. And Aldi has all the budget-friendly products to make working a more enjoyable experience.

I'm finding excuses wherever I can this January to reward myself to a little treat to get me through the month and the next thing on my wishlist is Aldi's £12.99 mini heart cast-iron ramekin dish. Available from the 29th of January in store, I reckon these tiny casseroles are bound to be a hit with shoppers.

Many regard the best cookware to be made from cast iron, a material that's recognised as a kitchen essential by professional chefs and casual cooks alike, but the price tag of brands such as Le Creuset can understandably put people off. So if you've been wanting to dip your toe into the cast iron way of cooking, these mini dishes are a great place to start.

From single portion pies to souffles and dips, mini ramekins are one of my kitchen essentials especially when paired with one of the best air fryers. If your old Gü pots are no longer cutting it, these adorable heart shaped Aldi buys might be just the thing for you.

According to Aldi, these mini cast-iron pots are suitable for all stovetops and ovens and in terms of variation, there's two choices: either the round or heart shaped versions in pink or red.

Though Aldi claims that these mini dishes are 94% cheaper than Le Creuset's version, that is slightly disingenuous due to the fact that the French heritage brand hasn't released any mini heart coccotes as part of its Valentine's Day collection this year. Its full sized heart shaped casseroles will set you back £225 (via Le Creuset) but seeing as these are full-sized as opposed to petite, it's not the fairest comparison out there.

Nevertheless, one of these mini cast iron buys is a worthwhile thing to add to your kitchen if you're looking for versatility with what you can cook in single portions. Not only do they look great for serving when friends come over but for puddings for one, they're just the right size. I've been using ramekins in my air fryer for years but these heart shaped versions are too cute to pass up on.

Will you be getting into the Valentine's Day spirit with a trip to Aldi's Specialbuys aisle?

Aldi’s Big Clean Range is returning to the middle aisle this month, and with it, a £16.99, handheld vacuum cleaner whose price is not the only thing to impress us.

When searching for the best vacuums, the last place you’ll think to look is Aldi. But if you don’t know, get to know, as their middle aisle gadgets can be super helpful for cleaning appliances. I predict their new hand-held vacuum cleaner will be no exception.

Perfect for sucking up small messes such as sofa crumbs and worktop mess, the Aldi Portable Vacuum Cleaner is cordless, lightweight and a great addition to your cleaning routine.

The best handheld vacuum cleaners are a practical cleaning solution for any home. These convenient machines are ideal for small spills and unexpected messes, allowing you to deliver swift, effective cleaning throughout the day - without the need to lug a large vacuum around.

Now I don’t think Aldi’s new model will be as powerful as other models on the market. But at just £16.99, this is one of the most affordable handheld vacuum cleaners I’ve seen, perhaps second only to Lakeland’s mini countertop vacuum cleaner.

Aldi’s Big Clean Range will be landing in stores on Thursday, 22 January, and I predict this vacuum will be popular, especially considering how affordable it is. Not to mention how handy it is to own a handheld vacuum cleaner. Perfect for worktops, your car, sofa and hard-to-reach areas, any cleaner will tell you hand-held vacuums will make chores easier.

‘I think every home needs a handheld vacuum. They’re portable, easy to use and perfect for quick clean-ups when you don’t want to get the big vacuum out,’ says Lauren Bradbury, Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor.

‘But while a big-branded model like our five-star rated Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum will set you back hundreds, Aldi’s model is an absolute bargain at under £17. Of course, this means you’ll have to sacrifice some power and run time compared to more expensive options - but for a price like that, I think it’ll pay for itself in convenience in no time.’

Now, we think this hand-held vacuum is going to be popular. So, if you don’t manage to get your hands on the Aldi model, or don’t have a local store, I’ve rounded up a few of the handheld vacuum cleaners we recommend.

I’ve been meaning to get my hands on a handheld vacuum for a while, and Aldi’s is the perfect chance to test one out without breaking the bank.

As a seasoned purveyor of Aldi's Specialbuy aisle, there's nothing I love more than spotting the best cookware nestled in there that can add functionality to my kitchen on a budget.

As Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances & Cookware Editor, new gadgets come across my desk all the time, but I was all ears when I found out about the viral Aldi cutting board, which dropped in December. For just £7.99 via Aldi in-store, you can bag this chopping board and its attachments and find food prep much easier as a result.

I snapped one up and have been using it non-stop ever since. It's safe to say I'm obsessed. But its affordability isn't the only reason why I think this kind of buy is about to be big in 2026. Here's why I love it.

I am a notoriously slow cook, forever taking half an hour to complete a 15 minute recipe because of my insistence on cleaning as I go along. When I peel an onion or grate garlic, I feel compelled to dump the skins in the bin before I carry on using my chopping board, which leads to many lost minutes.

The compartmented design of this board has put a stop to that. The concept behind it is simple: there are three dishwasher safe trays which you can lift out of the board when they are full of either scraps or cut ingredients as well as a colander version which is perfect for washed fruit and veg to dry off on.

The board itself is quite nifty too, with a raised underside that you can easily grab in order to manoeuvre it around your kitchen. It's a lightweight buy too, so if you've been put off by the heft of a solid butchers block, this might be a better fit for you.

Friends who have spotted my new chopping board in my kitchen have assumed that it set me back far more than its pricetag and so far, I'm thoroughly impressed with this Specialbuy. As with all of Aldi's limited-time releases, you can only snap this up as long as there's stock in stores so if you like the look of this one, then nab it while you can.

If you're intrigued by the design of this board then you might be interested to know that back in November, I trialled celebrity chef Tom Kerridge's versatile 2-in-1 Wooden Butcher's Block version. Retailing via M&S for £50, it has a similarly streamlined design, features a channel for meat juices whilst carving and is crafted in a stylish checkerboard design. For an elevated take on Aldi's board, it's a winner.

I'm sure that these clever multifunctional buys are going to take over the humble cutting board in 2026 – these are the cleverest ones I've spotted so far.

If you can see the merit in multi-functional boards like this one from Aldi but can't get to the Specialbuys aisle, then there's plenty of different designs out there to choose from that aren't on a limited run. Just make sure the one you pick matches your food prep style!

This year, I’m doing my best to embrace the cold, January weather and dark evenings, and right now, I’m finding it pretty easy with Aldi's latest batch of winter warmers - and these Specialbuys rival those of The White Company.

I’ve always found Aldi my go-to for affordable yet quality products, especially during January, which can feel like the longest month of the year, financially speaking. And the supermarket’s latest drop of Specialbuys includes their takes on the best heated airers, best dehumidifiers and even heated mattress pads.

But what’s caught my eye is the long hot water bottle (£5.99), which is a stunning alternative to The White Company’s Super Soft Faux Fur Long Hot Water Bottle (Was £45, now £36). But like all Specialbuys, you’ll have to be quick if you want to get your hands on them.

Currently on sale, you can pick up Aldi’s long hot water, returning foot hot water bottle and heated blankets for bargain prices compared to their competitors. And while I’d admit you can pick up a hot water bottle for a couple of quid at any supermarket, it’s Aldi’s shape that makes it worth it.

The long hot water bottle is shaped like a long rectangle, holding a whopping 2L of water. Not only does this mean it will stay warm for longer than the standard shape, but it will also keep a greater proportion of your body warm at one time.

While the best electric heaters certainly serve their purpose, sometimes using the principle of heating the human, not the room, can be just as effective without impacting your energy bills.

What’s more, Aldi’s heating essentials look fabulous, too. The long hot water bottle is available in cream or brown, two equally cosy and neutral colourways. It’s made with a plush, fluffy material for extra comfort.

At £5.99, this hot water bottle is almost £40 cheaper than The White Company’s (although it is currently on sale). The White Company’s long hot water bottle is made from a silky soft, faux-fur material and is designed to lie across the length of your body or bed, distributing heat evenly.

While admittedly, Aldi’s looks a little less chic, I am clutching at straws, and it is pretty difficult to tell the two apart. It’s simply the plushness of the material that gives it away. However, for just £5.99, I don’t think you can argue with Aldi’s prices.

However, if your local Aldi has already sold out, or if you don’t have a store near you. I’ve found a few more alternatives to try instead.

Snuggling up with a hot water bottle during the winter months is one of life’s small luxuries in my book, which is why I’ll be heading to Aldi ASAP to get my hands on one.

If you've been wondering about investing in a SAD lamp but are put off by the price tag, Aldi has come through with an impressive bargain version. The budget supermarket brand is dropping a £20 'wellness lamp' later this month, and it could be the secret to helping ease your winter blues this January.

While Aldi has called it a 'wellness lamp', it is essentially a SAD lamp, or a daylight therapy lamp, as some brands call them. The lamp lands in-store on the 25th January, and I'm fairly confident that it is going to sell fast.

The lamp is a fraction of the price of other big-name daylight lamp brands, including Beurer and Lumie, despite looking almost identical and offering very similar product specifications. But how does it actually work?

SAD refers to Seasonal Affective Disorder; around 2 million people in the UK suffer from it, according to Brainworks Neurotherapy. The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but many believe it is linked to reduced exposure to daylight in winter. SAD lamps are one of the ways you can try to combat SAD in winter. The efficacy of these lamps is still unclear, but some research suggests that they do alleviate symptoms in the short term.

However, they do have to meet certain criteria to help with winter low moods in terms of light output. This light is quantified in the number of lux, which should be 10,000 for an SAD lamp to mimic natural daylight.

Aldi's wellness lamp claims to have a 12,000 lux, making it more than equivalent to more expensive daylight lamps. However, in the product description, it is not clear at what distance the lamp needs to be from you to deliver this amount of lux, which is also an important number to note.

To get the most out of a daylight lamp, you should use it within an hour of waking up for about 20 to 30 minutes. It should be about an arm's length away from you and angled towards your eye. The Aldi lamp has a built-in timer you can set for up to 60 minutes, which is perfect for timing each light dosage.

While I haven't personally tested out the Aldi wellness lamp, I use the Lumie Dash, priced at £137 at John Lewis, at home, and as I said in my Lumie Dash review, I do notice a difference in my energy during the day and sleep when I use it.

I love the look of the Lumie Dash, and I have it perched on my dressing table so I can use it when I'm getting ready in the morning. However, it is an investment, and if I didn't already have a daylight lamp, I'd definitely consider giving the Aldi version ago.

The Aldi version is only available for purchase in-store. If you don't live near an Aldi, here are three others worth considering.

If you're still struggling to catch up on the backlog of Christmas washing, then you need to get down to Aldi this weekend. Aldi has bought back its sellout heated airers and is also selling a dehumidifier, which will dry clothes in record time, despite the freezing temperatures outside.

A combination of the best heated clothes airer and the best dehumidifier can halve clothes drying times; however, most tiered heated clothes airers and good-sized dehumidifiers will easily cost over £100 each. That is where Aldi comes in. You can pick up the upright heated airer for £69.99 and the midi dehumidifier for £89.99, in-store from 11th January.

Aldi heated clothes airer

Aldi's upright heated airer sells out most winters when it's back in stock. While they are also selling a winged heated airer for £34.99, I think the upright heated airer is the best deal, despite it being more expensive.

You can find winged heated airers at Robert Dyas and Amazon for under £30, but with the upright heated airer, Aldi is the cheapest I've come across. The only exception I've found so far is at Argos, where the Argos Home 3-tier heated airer is on sale for £69.99, reduced from £105.

But it isn't just the deal aspect; I also personally find the upright, tiered heated airers more practical. The winged heated airers take up alot of space for the amount they dry. In contrast, the Aldi upright heated airer uses three tiers to dry more clothes with a smaller footprint.

If you do invest in one of the heated airers, my top tip would be to buy a cover to go over it to speed up drying times further. You can pick one up at Dunelm for £16 that will cover a 3-tier heated airer, but check the dimensions first.

Aldi dehumidifier

In the debate over whether a dehumidifier or a heated airer is best for drying clothes, the overall consensus is that they work best as a team because the dehumidifier sucks the moisture out of the air, which in turn helps to speed up drying time.

We haven't tested the Aldi dehumidifier, but from the specs, it looks to be a great value buy for the size at less than £90. Especially if you're on a budget and want to dry clothes faster and battle condensation at home.

The Aldi Midi dehumidifier is £60 cheaper than the best value dehumidifier we've tested at Ideal Home, the Dryzone Dehumidifier, which is £149 at Amazon. Both dehumidifiers have a similar extraction rate and water tank capacity. However, the Dryzone has a dedicated laundry drying mode and doubles as an air purifier, two features the Aldi version doesn't have.

Both the heated airer and dehumidifier are only available to purchase in-store; however, if you can't get in-store, here are a couple of other smart budget buys that will dry clothes faster.

Alternatives to speed up drying clothess

Don't forget to mark 11th January in your diary if you want to snap up Aldi's bargain heated airer and dehumidifier.

In honour of the New Year, and the many resolutions made, committing ourselves to a healthier lifestyle, Aldi has launched its healthy kitchen range - and amongst the goodies, I spotted a 6.5L air fryer for under £35.

One of the best things about owning one of the best air fryers is that it makes healthy cooking so easy. Negating the need for oils, air fryers produce crispy, tasty food without the extra calories - ideal if you're using the New Year to kickstart a diet or healthkick.

On sale now, it’s no secret that the Aldi air fryer is one of the supermarket’s most popular specialbuys. And it’s for this reason that I think this bargain kitchen hero will sell out fast.

Given the popularity of air fryers, they have become more accessible over the past few years, with shoppers now able to pick up some of the best air fryers for under £100. However, what Aldi is offering is a 6.5L capacity air fryer under £35 - and that is pretty impressive.

We’re not only pleased that this cult air fryer is returning to stores because of its price. Its huge 6.5L capacity makes it larger than most supermarket budget air fryers (which are normally around 4L), and means it’s big enough to handle cooking for large, busy families without fuss.

Not to mention, it has temperature control ranging from 40 to 200 degrees and 11 preset functions to choose from, so you can use this appliance for everything from roasting a chicken to baking brownies - although of course, not at the same time.

As you would find on higher-end models, this air fryer also has a sleek touchscreen for ease of use and an impressive keep-warm function to stop food from going cold. It also has a detachable non-stick frying rack, again increasing the number of different meals you can create.

As well as the air fryer, Aldi is also selling Air Fryer Liners (£3.49) to make clean-up even easier. These silicone liners slot happily into your air fryer, preventing sauces, marinades, batters and crumbs from making a mess of your appliance. They are much easier to clean than the air fryer baskets.

Aldi’s air fryers are always popular when on Specialbuy, so I don’t think these will be around for long. So, if your local store has sold out, or you don’t have one local to you, these are the affordable air fryers we recommend.

If you haven’t yet invested in an air fryer or are looking to replace an older model, for £34.99, Aldi is certainly worth a try!

While a chopping board is a kitchen utensil we probably spend little time thinking about, the right one can be a game-changer when it comes to prepping meals quickly and efficiently. And it is with this in mind that I’d like to share that Aldi’s viral 4-in-one chopping board is landing in stores this Thursday (18 December).

With Christmas Day almost a week away, dinner preparation has been the talk of the Ideal Home office for some time now, with the team only recently bowled over by M&S x Tom Kerridge’s clever 2-in-1 chopping board (which keeps selling out by the way).

Now Aldi has caught our eye, offering the Crofton Cutting Board for just £7.99, making it one of the cheapest batch cooking essentials I’ve ever seen, rivalling the likes of M&S and even Hexclad. Here’s why I think it’s an essential buy ahead of Christmas Day.

When this Aldi chopping board was released across the pond in the US, it quickly went viral, with shoppers impressed by the board’s removable inserts, which made chopping veggies even easier than on a standard board.

The Crofton Cutting Board is available in two different designs, either with removable inserts or trays to help you separate chopping jobs on the board.

The inserts have me most interested (and are the design I will be checking my local Aldi for) as they are such a simple yet brilliant idea. You get three different coloured inserts which slot into a gap in the chopping boards and means you can chop and slide your fruit and veggies directly into the tray, ready to be added to your pan or best slow cooker.

It even comes with a handy grater, which is the same size as the inserts for easy storage. I also think you could use these trays to catch waste such as onion or carrot peelings, keeping your space neat and tidy as you work.

The second design consists of three removable trays (which are neatly stored under the board). These are each designed for a different cutting purpose, such as meat, fish and vegetables, and fit perfectly on top of the wooden board to prevent any cross contamination, and mean you don’t have to keep washing your board as you go.

Both styles are BPA-free, but only the trays are dishwasher safe, so it’s best to hand-wash the board.

At £7.99, this clever chopping board is one of the most affordable I’ve ever seen, so I predict it won’t be on the shelves. However, we haven’t tested it, unlike the Tom Kerridge chopping board, which our Kitchen Appliance Editor, Molly Cleary, found to be very impressive.

But for £7.99, I completely believe it’s worth trying this board. After all, anything that can make meal prep easier and more efficient is a win in my book.

It's the most wonderful time of the year indeed, when Aldi's range of Specialbuys can double up as the perfect Christmas gift as well as being a total bargain.

I personally think there's no better choice from the supermarket's limited edition range than the new Espresso Maker for the coffee-lover in your life which will set you back just £49.99 and is available from this Sunday the 7th of December in stores.

Sure this compact espresso maker probably isn't going to make it into our list of the best coffee machines but for anyone who wants to see if an appliance like this will actually be worth the investment in their kitchen, it's a great place to start. Here's the full details on this coffee maker.

This compact espresso machine might be hundreds of pounds cheaper than top-rated alternatives like the Sage Bambino but what can it offer in terms of features?

Well it's kitted out with what Aldi call 'touch panel control', single and double shot options, hot water and steam functionality and a built-in milk frother wand. The drip tray under the wand and the portafilter can be removed for you to clean.

There have been so many coffee machine launches this year, including popular machines like the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series and even the under £100 Salter Professional Espirista Coffee Machine – both of which we've reviewed here at Ideal Home. This version from Aldi is by far the cheapest one I've seen, though I can't speak to the quality of this particular Specialbuy.

As with all of Aldi's one-off kitchen appliances, like the brand's under £25 hot chocolate makers, which are also back this week, this espresso machine is very much a limited edition buy, so make sure to be in store on the 7th of December if you want to grab one.

If you don't manage to swoop at the right moment, there are plenty of other quality bean-to-cup coffee machines in our guide, all of which I've tried and loved as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor. Below you'll find my favourite pick (and it's under £150).

Are you picking up a coffee machine as a gift this Christmas?

It’s the perfect weather for a cosy hot chocolate, and right on time, Aldi’s sell-out hot chocolate maker is returning in stores this week, and it’s an excellent alternative to Smeg’s Multi Milk Frother (£161.10 at John Lewis).

Landing in stores on Sunday (7 December), Aldi’s Hot Chocolate Maker is just £24.99, a bargain price compared to other models on the market, and an appliance the Ideal Home team was very excited about after spotting it at the Aldi Specialbuy Christmas preview.

Either a brilliant budget Christmas gift, or a must-have appliance to warm your cockles through the winter months, I predict this Aldi hot chocolate maker won’t be on the shelves for long. Here’s everything you need to know.

I’m always pleasantly impressed by Aldi’s kitchen appliances. Always affordable, they often offer surprisingly good quality, too. For example, I use my Aldi Everyways Pan every day, in place of an Our Place Always Pan (£99 at Amazon), although I will admit the Our Place Pan is still high on my Christmas wish list.

So, if you’ve been lusting after Smeg's gorgeous milk frother and hot chocolate maker, Aldi’s version is a solid, affordable and stylish alternative. This year, the Aldi Hot Chocolate Maker has received a stylish update, available in retro cream and sleek black colourways.

It has two pre-programmed settings, is dishwasher safe, and has a large 450ml capacity. Choose between warming and frothing milk to create delicious hot chocolate to your preference.

Either add hot chocolate powder or grated chocolate flakes to the appliance, and let the machine do the rest. While the idea is to create barista-worthy hot chocolate, we haven’t tested the Aldi Hot Chocolate ourselves, so we cannot vouch for how close it comes to your favourite coffee shop hot chocolate.

What we have tested, however, is the Salter Chocolatier, which is almost as affordable as Aldi’s hot chocolate maker. When testing the original Salter Chocolatier (was £29.99, now £24.99 at Amazon), we found it to be an excellent alternative to high-end models such as Hotel Chocolat’s iconic Velvetiser (£120 at Amazon).

Our only qualm was that it was a little small; however, with the launch of Salter’s Chocolatier to Share 4-in-1 Hot Chocolate Maker (£39.99 at Amazon), this is no longer an issue. This hot chocolate maker has a huge capacity of 500ml as well as temperature control and a built-in heater, frother and foamer. It delivers luxury hot chocolate on a budget.

It has an LED screen and can be used as a standalone milk frother to complement your cappuccinos, making it a great appliance to own alongside one of the best coffee machines.

While Aldi is providing a great, affordable hot chocolate maker, I do believe that Salter pips it to the post on this one. Which one would you invest in?

Aldi has just launched a £34.99 sofa bed, and although it does come with a catch, this bargain piece of furniture could make Christmas hosting *much* easier.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past four years putting the best sofa beds on the market to the test, and one thing I can tell you for sure is that I've never come across a sofa bed as cheap as this before.

Generally speaking, the most affordable sofa beds on the market start around £250, and a model with all the bells and whistles can cost upwards of £3000.

In comparison, Aldi's £34.99 sofa bed is a complete steal. The catch?... This sofa bed is inflatable! But here's why I think that could be a real plus point.

Available in stores from 20^th November, the Aldi Inflatable Pull Out Sofa may not be a permanent piece of furniture, but that could be a good thing.

The festive season sees all sorts of things occurring that don't take place the rest of the year, such as multiple friends and family descending on your home all on the same day.

Yes, a sofa bed can be a great solution, but if you don't use it for the rest of the year, that's a big piece of furniture taking up a lot of real estate in your home. An inflatable sofa bed can simply be deflated and packed away until next year.

Plus, as I've mentioned, 'real' sofa beds are expensive. If your Christmas gatherings involve lots of young children or teenagers, then you *might* not want them sprawled all over your brand new seating, or to be worrying about sticky fingers on your new upholstery.

Opting for this Aldi inflatable offers extra seating with the peace of mind that you can wipe it clean as many times as needed during the festivities, and just like one of the best air beds, it can be transformed into extra sleeping space that the littlest ones in your Xmas gathering will love. After all, what kid doesn't love a campout in the living room!

And although Aldi isn't the only place you can buy this sort of inflatable multifunctional furniture, it is the cheapest. Argos sells the Intex Flocked Inflatable Pull Out Camping Sofa for £75, and Amazon has the same Intex Inflatable Sofa Bed on sale for under £55, as of writing. At full RRP, that's nearly twice the price of this Aldi bargain.

That said, you don't have to go inflatable, of course. There are affordable sofa beds out there if you'd rather host your Christmas guests on something a little sturdier. I've included my top recommendations below for comparison.

Shop alternatives

Sometimes you can’t beat the real thing, and if a real Christmas tree is on your list this year, then I suggest you head to Aldi, where you can pick one up from £13.99 - and the brand is claiming these are the cheapest real trees you can buy in the UK!

Now I’m not saying the best artificial Christmas trees don’t have their merit. They can be used every year, don’t shed pine needles and some you’d need superhuman vision to tell they weren’t real. However, sometimes you can’t beat the real thing - the smell of fresh pine and that cosy, traditional feel real trees evoke.

Landing in stores on Sunday (23 November), Aldi’s medium and large real cult Christmas trees are back by popular demand. But as always, with these Specialbuys you’ll need to act fast - as when they’re gone, they’re gone.

I was very happy to discover that Aldi's real Christmas trees were returning to stores this year. Even more so, seeing they offered such tree-mendous value for money (I’ll see myself out).

Priced at £13.99 for the medium tree and £19.99 for the large tree, Aldi’s trees are excellent choices for any budget Christmas decorating ideas.

Aldi’s Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees were grown in Scotland, reaching at least 10 years old before being cut down. The brand has assured customers that these trees came from sustainable plantations where 2.5 trees are planted for every one cut down on average.

The medium Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree stands between 160cm and 180cm, or between 5ft2 and 5ft9, while the large Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree is between 190cm and 210cm, or between 6ft2 and 6ft8.

Aldi’s real trees are no small and straggly affairs. They’re the ideal size for filling your living room with festive cheer. However, if you're limited on space, you might be better off looking into more space-saving options, such as IKEA’s peg tree.

Aldi has claimed that these are the cheapest real Christmas trees in the UK this year, and to that I am a little sceptical. Although looking at the supermarket’s competitors, I’ll admit I am pushed to find a better deal.

If you're getting ready to put up your Christmas tree this weekend, here are a few essentials you'll need that can be with you, ready to decorate the Christmas tree next week.

If you have your heart set on a real Christmas tree, then Aldi is one of the best places you can pick one up on a budget. What do you prefer? Real or artificial?

Aldi has launched a brand new cast iron collection where every item comes in under £20 - and what makes this even more special is that the cookware comes in three timeless colourways that rival those of Le Creuset.

In the run-up to Christmas, it’s a good idea to invest in some of the best cast-iron cookware to ensure you can cook the best possible Christmas dinner. However, I can appreciate that cast-iron pots and pans can be incredibly expensive, which is where a solid Aldi Specialbuy always comes in handy.

This time, they look stunning, too. Landing in stores today, Aldi’s cast iron range is more affordable than ever, and available in orange, green and beige. These pretty colourways carry the same timeless appeal as higher-end brands.

Aldi cast iron cookware frequently lands in the supermarket’s middle aisles, often in pretty, seasonal shades. But what I like about this launch is that the colourways look timeless and traditional.

The rich orange hue is very similar to Le Creuset’s Volcanic, which has been celebrated this year with a stylish update in the brand’s new Modern Heritage collection. The beige and green colourways are also sublimely neutral, designed to suit any kitchen style. As much as I’ve loved previous Aldi colourways such as lilac and pink, I’d argue the beige and soft green shades are more likely to stand the test of time, rather than become dated as colour trends change.

These new colours first popped onto our radar when Digital Editor Rebecca Knight spotted the new cast iron range at Aldi’s Christmas Specialbuys preview. She even said this new range was her ‘favourite colourways to date.’ She's owned an Aldi cast-iron set for five years and uses it weekly, saying she’s been impressed by its durability and quality.

Another big draw of these pots and pans is that they all come in under £20. Pieces start at just £1.99 for cast iron accessories, including a long spoon, spoon rest or trivet (available in beige, orange and green). Roasting dishes are £8.99, cast iron skillets and frying pans are just £99.99, and a 22cm Dutch oven is just £16.99.

Meanwhile, a 31cm shallow cast iron casserole and a 26cm cast iron Dutch oven are just £19.99, which I’m sure you’ll agree is an incredible price.

These prices, coupled with timeless, sleek colourways, mean these Specialbuys are not to be missed. Cast iron cookware should be found in any home chef’s kitchen, and Aldi provides affordable yet high-quality pieces. However, if you do not have an Aldi local to you, here are a few more inexpensive brands we recommend.

Which colour is your favourite?