Latest from Ideal Home in Home-appliances

Blueair’s brand new handheld fan is a super quiet solution for on-the-go cooling, with a quirky design for table top use too

Sarah Handley — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

In a nutshell

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

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

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

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

Blueair

AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan - Cloud Linen

Easy to use, effective and quiet, there's a lot going for this portable handheld fan. It also looks good and has a tiltable head so you can rest it on a desk and use it hands-free.

Specification

(Image credit: Blueair)

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

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

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

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

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

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

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

What's it like to use?

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

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

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

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

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

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

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

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

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

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

Running costs

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

Cleaning and maintenance

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

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

Who should buy this fan?

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

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

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

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

Dyson’s first sub-£100 fan is by far the most powerful handheld model I’ve ever tried, but that power comes at a noisy price

Sarah Handley — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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

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

In a nutshell

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

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

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

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

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

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

Dyson

HushJet Mini Cool Fan

Given Dyson's history of innovation, it comes as no surprise that their handheld fan offering is cleverly designed and powerful.

Specification

(Image credit: Dyson)

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

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

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

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

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

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

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

What's it like to use?

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

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

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

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

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

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

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

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

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

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

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

To charge it up again, it took three hours.

Running costs

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

Cleaning and maintenance

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

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

Who should buy this fan?

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

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

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

I thought I’d wasted my money on a robot vacuum until I realised I’d been skipping this vital step – experts say it’s necessary for a reliable and consistent clean every time

Lauren Bradbury — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

I may be Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve only recently come to love and appreciate robot vacuums. For many years, I thought they were overpriced and over-hyped, and the models I tested just weren’t giving me the results I expected for such a high-ticket appliance.

But after trying more of the best robot vacuum cleaners and talking to engineers and brands over the past year, I have realised that - for the most part - the problem wasn’t the robot vacuums themselves. Instead, it was the way I was using them, and the state of my house, that resulted in subpar cleaning capabilities.

Since then, I’ve learned that a little prep can go a long way when you live in a normal, everyday home that has shoes on the floor and wires cluttering up the space. And decluttering before using my robot vacuum has drastically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of my new favourite appliance.

Of course, whether a robot vacuum is worth it typically depends on its features. And in today’s modern world, most (but not all) robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with high-tech navigation technology and obstacle avoidance that allow them to clean their way around a house almost completely unaided.

But the reality is that even the most advanced robot vacuums can’t clean under the items on your floor. This leaves gaps in the cleaning cycle that can build up over time and leave your floors looking dirtier and dirtier.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Young)

This is echoed by Katie Lillywhite, Small Appliance Expert at AO.com. She says, ‘While robot vacuums are designed to navigate around everyday household furniture, decluttering floors before each cleaning cycle can significantly improve their performance. A clear floor allows the vacuum to follow its route more accurately.’

This is something I didn’t do when I first started using robot vacuums - often because I have to test their navigation skills and obstacle avoidance as part of how we test robot vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home. But I also didn’t tidy up beforehand because I didn’t see these items through the eyes of a robot vacuum cleaner.

After all, as an organisation obsessive, I like to think that my home is pretty tidy. I try not to leave clothes on the floor, and I don’t have any kids who leave toys on the floor.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

But I’ve since learned that smaller, less obvious types of clutter - like charging cables and extension leads, shoes, the occasional loose change and my dog's food and water bowls - can also impact a robot vacuum cleaner’s cleaning ability and lead to unreliable, ineffective results. It can also damage the robot vacuum if you’re not careful.

Katie adds, ‘Without decluttering, objects can obstruct the vacuum's progress or become caught in moving parts. This can lead to missed sections of flooring and interrupted cleaning cycles, making the robot vacuum less effective.’

However, it’s important to note that you don’t have to have a whole-home declutter to get the most out of your robotic investment. Before I put my robot vacuum on to vacuum and mop the floors in my home, I spend two minutes walking its route to pick up clutter that would have normally disrupted its cleaning cycle.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Jenny McFarlane)

If it’s a permanent addition, like my dog’s food and water bowls, I’ll pop them on the kitchen worktop and place them down again later. If it’s temporary clutter that shouldn’t be there, I either rehome it immediately or place it in my clutter bucket to deal with when I have more time.

My only warning with this is that you need to set a deadline for clutter buckets. For example, I give myself until the end of the day to put clutter back in its home, as you’re at risk of creating even more clutter if you ignore it for days on end.

And the beauty of decluttering before using a robot vacuum is that the more you do it, the less time it takes. I’ve become more aware of what I’m keeping on my floors, and I find I’m finding less and less clutter now that I know this is a no-go area. Now, I spend 30 seconds max tidying up my home before my robot vacuum works its magic.

Plus, my floors have never been cleaner, as my robot vacuums can work to the best of their ability with no interruptions!

Woodluv

Seagrass Stair Basket with Handle

Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, influenced me to buy this stair basket after she raved about its usefulness in her family home. It's ideal for popping things in before you run your robot vac.

Eufy

Robot Vacuum Omni E25

I've crowned this model the 'best overall' robot vacuum in my guide, and I've yet to find one that tops it in terms of power, navigation, ease of use - and that all-important obstacle avoidance. You can read my full review for more details.

Argos Home

Argos Home 2 Shelf Stackable Shoe Rack - Solid Pine

I've popped this shoe rack in my hallway, and it's allowed me to tackle shoe clutter that got in the way of my robot vacuum. It's nothing fancy, but it's incredibly cheap and gets the job done.

So, take this as your sign to spend two minutes decluttering before you use your robot vacuum.

With one click, I turned Miele’s new cordless vacuum cleaner into a mop for my filthy floors – but is this 3-in-1 appliance worth the hefty price tag?

Rebecca Lawton — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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

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

In a nutshell

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

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

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

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

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

How I tested

Specifications

(Image credit: Miele)

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

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

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

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

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

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Using the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua

As a vacuum

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

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

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

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

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

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

Using the attachments

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

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

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

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

As a mop

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

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

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

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

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

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

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

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

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

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

Future / Rebecca Lawton

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

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

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

How does it compare to its predecessors and similar models?

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

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

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

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

How does it rate online?

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

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

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

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

Verdict: Should you buy the Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua?

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

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

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

I’m on a mission to replace my ugly home appliances – and Shark just dropped the ultimate ‘luxe’ upgrade to the robot vacuum I use every day

Lauren Bradbury — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Shark has just dropped four ‘Luxe’ colourways of its uber-popular PowerDetect UV Reveal Robot Vacuum (£1039.99 at Shark). And as the proud owner of the OG black colourway, I must admit that I’m a little jealous of this chic, aesthetic upgrade.

This handy, hands-free model has already staked its claim in my best robot vacuum cleaner guide thanks to its impressive suction power, squeaky-clean mopping ability, and the ridiculously smart UV Reveal technology that uncovers hidden stains on your floors. But while I’ve used it every day since testing it, the black colourway has always been a bit… meh.

These four new colourways are designed to fight back against the traditional black-and-white appliance trend, though. They will work with your home decor and will suit those who want their appliances to be a showpiece in their home - and I think they clean up very nicely.

Shark

PowerDetect Luxe UV Reveal 2-In-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum – Evergreen

This 'Evergreen' colour is just one of the four new colourways, but you can toggle through on the Shark website if another one takes your fancy.

Adding Evergreen, Espresso, Dove, and Deep Harbour colourways to the roster, Shark has broken away from the ‘ugly’ and ‘boring’ home appliances we’re used to. And luxurious upgrades like this are something I’ve rarely seen in my time as Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums. Most of the time, robot vacuums are an addition to the home, rather than a well-thought-out inclusion.

And while I gave the PowerDetect UV Reveal Robot Vacuum an almost perfect 4.5-star review for its mess-busting performance, one of my biggest niggles was that the black colourway was a magnet for dust and dirt. As a lover of colourful, chic home decor, it was also impossible to tuck in the corner without it sticking out like a sore thumb.

However, the brand describes this new Luxe Collection as ‘Elevated design meets exceptional performance - now in a premium finish crafted to live beautifully in your home.’

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

This is a smart move on Shark’s part, as it’s difficult to hide a robot vacuum cleaner at the best of times. But it’s even harder when a robot vacuum clashes so much with your interior decor. So, offering customers the chance to choose a colour that forms part of their interior decor opens up a whole new world of cleaning capabilities - without compromising on style.

And the good news is that Shark has used an existing robot vacuum cleaner to experiment with this new ‘Luxe’ look, instead of launching an entirely new model. This means that expert vacuum testers like myself have already tested its cleaning power and rated it pretty positively, and customers have already had their chance to independently review it, too.

The bad news is that those people (like me) who already own the black or white colourway are now stuck with these monochromatic colours. Plus, the ‘Luxe’ colourways also come at a premium price and will set you back an extra £40, taking the price point over £1,000.

(Image credit: Shark)

This means it's really an investment piece rather than a throwaway purchase, but one of the things I’ve learned while testing robot vacuum cleaners is that if you buy cheap, you often buy twice. Premium models typically offer more in terms of functionalities, quality, and overall cleaning power, and the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal Robot Vacuum is one of them.

Just be warned that every appliance has limitations, and Shark robot vacuums famously offer a very basic app with basic floor mapping. Personally, I find the app to be refreshingly simple compared to overly complicated competitors, but the brand does cut out customers who want to clean both levels of their homes by not offering multi-floor mapping. Even luxurious colourways can’t make up for that.

But even if a robot vacuum doesn’t work for your home, Shark also has ‘Luxe’ colourways in their cordless Shark PowerDetect Speed Vacuum Cleaner, too. I gave this full-size vacuum cleaner an impressive 5-star review - and the new colourways are slightly different, so may suit your home better.

My vote is that ‘Espresso’ will be the ‘it’ colour of the year....

I tested Dyson’s very first auto-empty vacuum cleaner – this is how it won me over (and where it fell short)

Lauren Bradbury — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Meet the tester

(Image credit: Future)

I'm Lauren, Ideal Home's resident floorcare expert and Certified Expert in Vacuums. I tested the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum and Auto-Empty Dok in my three-bedroom home for two weeks, using our dedicated vacuum cleaner testing process to assess its capabilities.

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

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

In a nutshell

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

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

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

Specifications

(Image credit: Dyson )

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

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

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

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

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

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

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

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

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using the attachments

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

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

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

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

Cleaning and maintenance

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

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

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

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

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

How does it compare to similar models?

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

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

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

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

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

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

Fan, misting fan or portable air conditioner? I’m a hot sleeper who has tried all three, and this is how I’d rank them

Sarah Handley — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

As a hot sleeper trying to get some well needed shut eye in what looks to be the hottest summer on record, I have never been more grateful that my job includes testing the best cooling appliances on the market.

From the best fans, through to portable air conditioners, and even fitted air conditioning, I've tried it all.

But while trying out all these options, I've learned two important lessons. One is that what works for me during the day, may not be my top pick for use while I'm trying to drop off in the hottest room in the house. And the second, is that one appliance can't do it all.

Here I've rated each of the three appliance types and ranked them by which I found the most effective and comfortable to have in the bedroom.

3. Fan

The Duux Whisper Flex 2 smart fan is uber-quiet which makes it a dream to use in the bedroom (Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

I like to have a fan in my room all year round, and for most of the year the fan is exactly what I need. I'm a big fan of the Duux Whisper Flex 2 (sadly it's currently sold out) as it's super quiet, doesn't take up too much space and gets the job done. But when the temperature really ramps up, even on the highest speed setting, it's not enough to make my bedroom cool enough to sleep in.

I've even tried sleeping with two fans in the room, one blowing towards the bed and one facing out the window to help push the warm air out and draw cooler night air in, which, again, is effective, until it remains excessively warm overnight.

2. Portable air conditioner

The Dreo 318s portable air conditioner is one of the quietest I've ever tried, and is the most effective cooling without a doubt. But my bedroom layout means it feels a bit cramped with such a bulky appliance near the window (Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

I had thought my cooling appliance of choice for in my bedroom would be a portable air conditioner. After all, it's essential in my home office to keep me cool while I'm working. And it is undoubtedly the most effective at cooling to a comfortable temperature.

But, despite the fact that I've tested some of the quietest portable air conditioners you can buy, including the Dreo portable air conditioner and Meaco Cirro, the bulky size of appliances like this, combined with the layout of my bedroom (including the position of the window), means they feel like clutter. And for me, that's not conducive to a good night's sleep.

However, on night's when the humidity is high, the my portable air con is definitely my appliance of choice, clutter be damned.

1. Misting fan

I'll use the misting fan in my living room on a hot day, then take it upstairs to keep me cool at night (Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

Over the course of this very warm summer, I've been surprised that my favourite cooling appliance to use overnight has been my misting fan (the Dreo 765S misting fan, in stock at Amazon, to be precise). I'll even use it downstairs and carry it upstairs each night. And when it's roasting hot, that's testament to how much I enjoy it!

Not only does it fit neatly in the corner of the room, and offer very impressive wind speeds in fan mode, but the mist itself is so ultra fine that it creates a cooling breeze (that sits half way between a fan and a portable air conditioner), that does manage to make my room a lot more comfortable on hot nights, without leaving my room feeling damp.

The only time I found my misting fan less effective was on a couple of humid nights. This is a downside of misting fans in general, as they work better in dryer climates than humid ones due to existing moisture levels in the air and how that affects the misting process. Fortunately, those humid nights have been few and far between, and so I have been enjoying the misting fan most nights.

Could one appliance have done it all?

If you'd asked me a couple of years ago, I would have said that having a decent fan was all you needed to have a comfortable night's sleep. But given an increasing frequency in heatwaves, and this summer reaching record breaking temperatures, I now think you need an arsenal of goodies if you want to stay cool while sleeping.

I think a good, ultra-quiet fan is a must, or a misting fan that offers decent and quiet wind speeds in fan mode with the addition of a cooling mist. If your budget will stretch (and you can find one in stock), then a portable air conditioner is well worth investing in, especially when we are likely to see these uncomfortably hot temperatures more often.

If you don't have a portable air conditioner, make sure you boost the cooling potential of your fan for maximum impact.

It's also worth stocking up on a summer stash of bedding, like a lighter tog duvet, a cooling mattress topper and pillow to see you through the hot nights.

Dunelm

Fogarty Cool Duvet 4.5 Tog Summer Duvet

Making sure you have a light tog duvet is essential for summer, and the good news is they are nice and thin which means they are easy to store over the cooler months.

Simba

Hybrid Pillow

Featuring Stratos 'Cool-Touch' Technology, this pillow helps you stay much cooler at night. It's cool to the touch, and draws away heat, leaving you comfortable enough to sleep well all night.

Silentnight

Airmax 5cm Mattress Topper - Single

Add a breathable layer to your mattress with a topper that is designed to help air flow around your body as you sleep, keeping you cool.

How to make portable air conditioner window seals look more attractive — 4 easy ways to make them look better from both inside and out

Sarah Handley — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

If you've managed to get your hands on a portable air conditioner this summer, you'll know that, in order for it to work most effectively, you'll need to install a window kit.

After all you need to vent a portable air conditioner outside so that it can expel hot air, and the seal works to keep this hot air out, which means your appliance can work in the most energy efficient way possible. But let's be honest, these window kits don't always look the best.

So how can you make them look more attractive? I asked the experts for their best tips.

1. Make sure you use the correct seal for your window type

(Image credit: Getty Images)

First up, it's important to use the right seal for your window type. Many portable air conditioners come with two types of seal: one that is a rigid and slides to fit gaps in sliding windows, and another universal kit that includes a fabric seal, with a zip through the middle and a roll of hook and loop tape to help attach it to the window frame.

The rigid vent is arguably the better looking out of the pair, but is only suitable for sash windows where you can easily eliminate any gaps that could let hot air back in the room.

I've seen people on social media using these rigid vents vertically in a casement window (and that may be an option if you rent and can't apply the hook and loop tape to the window frame for a fabric seal), but this won't create the most effective seal.

2. Take your time applying the window seal

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If a fabric seal is the most suitable for your window type, then taking the time to apply it carefully will help keep it looking neat.

'Most of the complaints about fabric seals looking messy come from loose fitting, excess material hanging down or gaps around the edges, so take time to measure the window properly, pull the fabric seal tight before attaching it and make sure the zip opening around the hose is snug,' says Rhys Powell, Director of Operations at WarmZilla. 'A well-fitted seal looks much more intentional and also works better because it stops warm air leaking back into the room.'

Over the summer, when my window seal isn't in use, I leave it attached to the window but fold it on on itself so that it's not visible from outside. Then once the summer is over, I remove the seal and fold it away for next year. I leave the hook and loop tape in place as it matches the colour of the window frame so is barely visible.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

3. Try a DIY alternative

If you love a bit of DIY, then you could always make your own fabric seal, using material that better suits your home and tastes. But remember your choice of fabric will impact the effectiveness of keeping the heat out when the window is open and the appliance is in use. Fabric seals included with most portable air conditioners tend to be made from a tightly woven polyester that has been coated to weatherproof it.

But fabric isn't your only option.

'A made-to-measure clear acrylic panel is a much neater alternative because it creates a clean, almost glass-like finish rather than covering the window with fabric,' explains James Bryant, Founder of Cut My, that offers cut-to-size acrylic air conditioner window seals, with an opening sized specifically for the exhaust hose.

'Acrylic or polycarbonate can be effective for a DIY seal, but accurate measuring is essential,' he says. 'A badly fitting panel can leave gaps, put pressure on the window frame or become unstable.'

It's also important that any DIY option like this is still fitted properly and safely. 'People should avoid permanently altering rented windows and make sure the panel does not interfere with hinges, locks or safety restrictors,' adds James. 'The hose should follow the air-conditioning manufacturer’s guidance, remain unobstructed and be kept as short and straight as reasonably possible. Never use ordinary glass or brittle offcuts, as these are harder to cut safely and may break.'

While social media might provide inspiration for other DIY seals, it's important you focus on effectiveness as a priority, as Rhys explains: 'A homemade seal needs to create a proper barrier around the exhaust hose without putting strain on the window or creating gaps where hot air can escape. What you're seeing on Instagram might look good in photos but fail in practice because it has small openings that allow warm air back into the room. If you're making your own solution, prioritise a tight seal and safe installation over appearance. A portable air conditioner will only perform properly if the hot air it removes is directed fully outside.'

4. Vent through a wall

The Dreo portable air conditioner I tested comes with both a rigid and fabric window kit, as well as a wall vent if you want to bypass the window altogether (Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

Another option is to avoid venting your portable air conditioner out of a window and vent it through the wall instead. I recently reviewed the Dreo portable air conditioner which came with a wall vent included. This is a permanent option, so likely won't be suitable for those who rent, but it will feel a lot more discreet that a window seal.

Unless you are competent with DIY like this, it's a job left for a professional, as it's vital it's done correctly so that it's effective.

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I’ve spent years telling people that robot mops aren’t worth the money – the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra is the first one to change my mind

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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

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

In a nutshell

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

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

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

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

Specifications

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

(Image credit: MOVA)

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

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

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

Future PLC/Caroline Preece

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

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

Future PLC/Caroline Preece

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

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

Ease of use

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

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Preece/MOVA)

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

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

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

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

(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Preece)

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

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

Cleaning and maintenance

This is where the P50 earns back the space it takes up. After each run, the robot empties itself into a 3.2L bag in the dock, good for around 75 days of debris, then washes its own pads with 75°C water and detergent before drying them with warm air. That means no sour mop smell, which is a normal failure point for cheaper models.

The clean tank, dirty tank and detergent compartment are all easy to remove, fill and rinse, which sounds like faint praise until you've wrestled with a model where they aren't.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Preece)

My only regular job was tipping the dirty water away, and even that didn’t come around every time (depending on how much mopping you're asking of it).

You will need to buy replacement dust bags, filters and eventually mop pads, which comes to somewhere in the region of £40 to £60 a year with moderate use. That's normal for the category rather than a MOVA quirk, but it's a running cost to factor in, and it's worth registering your purchase so the three-year guarantee is straightforward if you need it.

How does it rate online?

Owner reviews of the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra skew strongly positive, particularly from people who bought during a sale. On Amazon and in robot vacuum Reddit communities, the recurring praise is for the mapping, the mopping and the dock automation, and there's a consistent line of reasoning that goes something like: flagship Roborocks and Dreame models may be marginally better, but not by enough to justify the gap in price.

There have been scattered owner reports of front wheel failures on early P50 Pro units, with at least one person describing two units going the same way within weeks. That appears to be an anomaly rather than a pattern, and MOVA has reportedly revised the part since.

How does it compare to similar models?

The obvious comparison in this price bracket is the Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25, which Ideal Home rated a perfect five stars. That model uses a rotating roller mop rather than dual pads and hits harder on raw suction, so if your home is largely carpeted, it could be the better buy. The MOVA takes the edges and corners more convincingly, and the removable-pad trick is something Eufy doesn't offer.

Verdict: Should you buy the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra?

(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Preece)

If your home is mostly hard flooring, yes, and I say that pretty enthusiastically. The mopping ability is the reason to buy the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum, and I don't say that lightly given where I started. Two spinning pads, real tanks, hot water washing and an arm that reaches the edges add up to a machine that actually cleans a floor rather than giving the illusion of being helpful.

But I'd measure your floor space before you commit. The dock is a substantial object, and no amount of clever design gets around 47cm of depth in a small flat. I found a corner in a one-bedroom basement, so it can be done, but it took some negotiating.

Next just dropped the prettiest laundry basket that will make your washing routine faster and more efficient – it taps into the year’s biggest trend

Kezia Reynolds — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000

I can't say I’ve ever paid much attention to the aesthetics of a laundry basket until I spotted Next’s Natural Bow Laundry Sorter (£90). Its pretty design is proof that functional items can and should be beautiful.

When it comes to laundry, most will choose functionality over looks, but what if you could have both? Next’s stylish new laundry basket is not only perfect for sorting and separating laundry, but will make your utility room, bathroom or bedroom look better, too.

If you’re looking for small upgrades that will make your home look effortlessly cool, a statement laundry basket is a good place to start. But given that Next’s pretty storage solutions tend to sell out fast, get a wriggle on if you like what you see.

Natural Bow Laundry Sorter

This statement laundry basket is as practical as it is pretty. It's slim design means it suited for small spaces and you have the convienience of two sections to seperate washing.

I’ve been burned by pretty Next products selling out fast before. When the Pink Stripe Frill Storage Drawers (£36) first dropped, they sold out faster than I could get my hands on them, and I’m not making that mistake again.

If you’re a fan of the bow trend that has been a huge home decor trend for a few years now, you’ll love this laundry basket. Its large, statement woven bow is what makes this basket a star. If you’re looking to add more characterful pieces to your home, a statement laundry basket like this will make your home look that little bit more whimsical.

While bows are trendy, let’s be honest, a little oversaturated now, I do think this laundry basket is a fun update on the look. Instead of adding pretty pink bows to candlestick holders, glasses, cushions or crockery, which is starting to feel a little tired, the oversized woven laundry basket bow is different. I’ve not seen it before. It’s a refreshing take on an existing trend.

(Image credit: Next)

And while it is very pretty, I also rate the Next Natural Bow Laundry Sorter due to the fact it is both space-saving and will make laundry easier. I immediately noticed how narrow in width the basket is, making it ideal for small households or homes that lack space.

The basket has two-sided sorting compartments - like the Joseph Joseph Tota Laundry Basket (£95) - which makes it a breeze to separate your washing. I also like how the basket is 100% paper and not plastic, which can make woven designs look quite cheap.

Right now, Next has loads of stunning laundry baskets on offer. Here are a few more of my favourites.

Natural Biscuit Laundry Bag - Size One

I love these buiscuit embellishments. It's perfect for a kids bedroom or a even a fun adult!

Natural Corner Hamper Laundry

Another stylish, space-saving design so your laundry can stay tucked out the way. Boucle is a classic choice and always looks good.

Pink Sorter Scallop Wicker Laundry Basket - Size One

If you're looking for something a little more subtle than a giant bow, this scalloped basket is a lovely alternative.

Now I know pretty laundry baskets are a possibility, you best believe I’m investing in one as part of a mission to make my home look more fun.

Can a robot vacuum ever replace a normal vacuum cleaner? I tested this theory for myself, and this is why the ‘one-size-fits-all’ myth has got to go

Lauren Bradbury — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000

As Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, you could say that I’m a little obsessed with floorcare. I’m also lucky to have a regular rotation of vacuum cleaners to test in my house (yes, this really is my job), which means I’ve gotten hands-on with vacs of all makes and models.

But the best vacuum cleaners aren’t a one-size-fits-all appliance. From cordless vacuums to cylinder and upright models, you can even buy vacuum mops to tackle dry and wet messes. Plus, there’s the hands-free option of the best robot vacuum cleaners.

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a robot vacuum cleaner convert, but until recently I’d only ever really used my robot alongside my regular vacuum. So, I decided to ditch my hands-on appliance in favour of a fully hands-off approach for an entire week. And this is what I learned along the way.

Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum RV3000XEUK

This is the robot vacuum and mop I used for the week. I wrote a full review of it in May, but I praise it for its ease of use and impressive cleaning power.

1. They're a help, rather than a hindrance

I created a whole testing criteria for robot vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home, as I only ever want people to buy appliances that will positively serve them and their homes. And one thing I definitely learned over a solid week of only using a robot vacuum was that they are a massive help.

There’s something so satisfying about watching something else do a cleaning task for you, and across the week I set mine to vacuum AND mop while I was working from home or taking the dog for a walk. And the bonus is that this consistency rarely wanes, as these robots thrive on planned routes, cleaning schedules and routines.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

However, there is a caveat: this isn’t the case across the board. And after testing countless robot vacuums, I can confidently say that more expensive models with enhanced features always do a better job, as cheaper models often struggle with obstacles and navigation, making them more of a hindrance.

That’s why I’d always suggest buying a robot vacuum as an investment, rather than a cheap model off the cuff. Sure, the same goes with regular vacuums, but the truth is that there’s less risk, as you can often pick up a cheap cordless vacuum that gets the job done extremely well without the same fluctuations in effectiveness and efficiency.

2. They’re a hands-free hero if you're short on time

Due to what I thought was poor planning on my part, I timed my week-long robot vacuum cleaner marathon with the week before moving house. But while I was spending every free moment boxing up my belongings and dismantling furniture, I was able to perfectly test the hands-free nature of robot vacuums compared to regular vacuums.

Aside from filling and emptying the clean and dirty water tanks, I didn’t have to touch the robot vacuum at all during testing. I set schedules on the app to clean at certain times, chose my cleaning settings (something you need to consider if you’re buying your first robot vacuum) and let it loose in my house.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

It vacuumed and mopped without any further input from me, emptied its debris, cleaned itself, and charged itself without me needing to do anything. And in the end, I was still able to benefit from clean floors - just as I would have if I’d used my regular vacuum to clean by hand.

Because of this, robot vacuum cleaners can really be a game-changer for parents or shift workers who just don’t have much time to dedicate to cleaning. However, just be warned that robot vacuums can’t clean everything - and they won’t be able to clean tight corners, stairs, or targeted messes.

3. I could probably get rid of my regular vacuum, but I won’t

As you can probably tell, my week-long stint with a robot vac made me fall in love all over again. And if I swapped my regular vacuum for a powerful handheld, I do think the robot, coupled with this smaller cleaning tool, will cover all the bases a robot alone might miss. However, I’m not going to get rid of my regular vacuum just yet.

That’s because floor cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all task; it's a very personal choice, and I like to have options when cleaning my home. For me, I like to clean my floors using a full-size vacuum, a handheld vacuum, or a robot vacuum cleaner - or all three. This allows me to mix up suction levels, tools, ease of use and accessibility.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

Plus, my regular vacuum still has plenty of power left, so there’s no point in getting rid of it, given how long vacuum cleaners last. But if your vacuum is nearing the end of its life, it’s definitely worth considering your floor-cleaning options and deciding whether a robot vacuum has a place in your home.

In my opinion? I still think robot vacuum cleaners are worth it, and as someone privy to industry secrets before the general public, I can also tell you there are some very exciting new features and models on the horizon.

Alternative robot vacuums that I rate

Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25

Crowned the 'best overall' robot vacuum mop I've tested so far, this model delivers 20,000Pa of suction power (most only have 4,000-6,000Pa) and is ideal for a whole-floor clean. You can read my full review for more details.

Roborock Saros 20 Robot Vacuum and Mop

If you want a robot vacuum that will thrive on hard floors, this is the one for you. I found the rotating mop pads to be incredibly impressive during testing, and the app is extremely customisable to suit your cleaning needs, too.

Hoover HG2 Turbo Slim Hydro Robot Vacuum Cleaner

While I always think it's worth paying more for more features, I appreciate that some people want to test whether they like robot vacuums before committing. This budget model proved it was the ultimate entry-level option when I tested it.

Will you be adding a robot vacuum to your cleaning line-up?

I just tried my first air cooler, and these are the 3 things I think everyone should know before buying one

Sarah Handley — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

With the UK on track for it's hottest summer on record, it's no wonder that cooling products are selling out all over the place.

But while the best portable air conditioners are sold out and unlikely to be restocked over the rest of the summer, people are having to turn to alternative solutions like air coolers to keep comfortable when it gets hot.

So I followed the advice of my Ideal Home teammate Jenny and have been trying out an air cooler for the first time. I opted for the Morphy Richards Flexi Freeze 1l Rechargeable Travel & Desk Top Mini Personal Air Cooler, which is more of a personal cooler than a unit that can impact the whole room. Perfect for my first foray into the world of air coolers.

And after trying it for a couple of weeks, during a significantly warmer-than-average July, I wanted to share my experience so that, if you are thinking of investing in one, you have a clear understanding of how it works and the results it will achieve.

1. It doesn't release a mist, despite having a water tank

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

Before I dug a bit deeper into their differences, I thought air coolers and misting fans worked in the same way. After all, both have water tanks.

However, while a misting fan releases a fine mist to help cool the air, my air cooler doesn't. Instead it has a honeycomb shaped cooling pad filter that absorbs water from the tank. The cooler then draws warm air in through the filter, which causes the water to evaporate and cool the air, which is then pushed out the front of the fan.

For the sake of my frizz-prone hair, and the fact that you need to be in relatively close proximity to the personal air cooler to feel it's benefits, I wasn't too disappointed not to be misted at close range.

2. It doesn't have the cooling power of a portable air conditioner

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

I've been a bit spoiled when it comes to cooling power, after testing both portable and fitted air conditioning units in my home. So my expectations are high when an appliance claims to offer a cooling function.

I'll admit I was expecting the cooling power of the air cooler to be more intense and instantaneous, akin to a portable air conditioner. But once I understood more about how air coolers work, I realise that my expectation was a little misguided.

Portable air conditioners contain refrigerants that rapidly and drastically cool the air they draw in, which means their can achieve really chilly temperatures and effectively lower the ambient temperature of an entire room.

Air coolers, on the other hand, don't contain any refrigerants, and so aren't capable of achieving the same level of cool.

However, air coolers do have the edge over portable air conditioners when it comes to noise level and where they can be positioned. The Morphy Richards air cooler I've been testing is much quieter than even the ultra quiet portable air conditioners I've used, which may mean they are a more suitable option for those with any noise sensitivities.

Another bonus is that air coolers don't need to be vented out a window like portable air conditioners, which means you have much more flexibility over where you use them in your home. My little portable air cooler was also super each to move around, and especially up and down stairs due to it's compact proportions.

3. Water alone won't create the best cooling effect

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

Playing with my air cooler, I tried lots of different options to see how I could achieve the best cooling effect.

Just using cold tap water meant that I could tell little difference between the fan mode and cooling mode. Chilling the water in the fridge before topping up the air cooler had a better result, but the best result for me was adding ice cubes to chilled water.

It doesn't generate an Arctic blast by any stretch, but when combined with a decent fan speed, it does create a comfortable cool breeze that does take the edge off in a hot room. And in a heatwave, that can be worth it's weight in gold.

Shop in-stock air coolers

Morphy Richards

Flexi Freeze 1l Rechargeable Travel & Desk Top Mini Personal Air Cooler

I've been trying out this Morphy Richards personal air cooler in my own home over the last week, and while I'm enjoying it, it's not quite what I expected.

Swan

Oatmeal 5l Nordic Air Cooler

With a stylish Scandinavian-inspired design, this 5L air cooler not only looks good but also has 24 wind speeds and oscillates through 360°.

RIKASM

Evaporative Air Cooler

The #1 bestselling evaporative cooler on Amazon, this model has a 15L capacity and comes with a remote control and two ice packs to help maximise it's cooling potential.

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I used Tefal’s vacuum mop to clean tomato sauce, flour and a cracked egg from my floors – as a busy mum of three, it's made speedy clean-ups so easy

Rebecca Lawton — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Vacuum mops have become one of my favourite cleaning gadgets, simply because they cut one of the most time-consuming household jobs in half. I've tested plenty of models, so for it to really impress me, it needs to stand out from the crowd.

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop did exactly that. After putting it through its paces in my family home, it quickly earned a spot among the best vacuum mops I've tested.

In a nutshell

I didn't expect to be quite as impressed with a hard floor cleaner. But after testing the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop around my busy family home, it's saved me so much time - and even made cleaning my kitchen floors feel like less of a chore. Not only does it vacuum, mop and dry floors, but it also does so with minimal effort required on my part. This is all thanks to its powerful self-propelling function, which I'd go as far as saying is the best I've come across (and I've tested a lot of vacuum mops).

I can't fault its cleaning performance either. It cleared up everyday mess from my three children with ease, and even removed beans, flour and a cracked egg in a single pass. My floors were only left lightly damp afterwards, too, so there was no waiting around for them to dry before you could walk on them.

Tefal have really paid attention to the design, too. It feels premium, and features such as the built-in LED headlights and 180° flat-edge design make it super versatile for tackling hard-to-reach areas. There are three modes to choose from - Auto, Max and Eco - and it uses automatic dirt detection, adjusting the suction power and water flow accordingly. It also has an impressive 50-minute run time, which is one of the longest I've come across on a vacuum mop.

It falls short of a 5-star review because it won't fully replace a vacuum cleaner, as it's only suitable for use on hard floors, and at £449 full price it is an investment. The clean water tank also sits on top of the main floorhead, which is a quirky feature, and I found it took a little getting used to, but it's decently sized so you won't need to refill mid-clean. Overall, it's a really impressive, powerful floor cleaner that's perfect for busy households.

How I tested

Specifications

(Image credit: Tefal)

Weight: 5.98 kg
Dimensions: 325 x 300 x 1192 mm
Max run time: 50 minutes
Modes: 3
Clean water tank capacity: 600ml
Charge time: 3.5 hours
In the box: Wet dry cordless vacuum cleaner, additional soft cleaning roller and filter, charging and cleaning base, cleaning brush.
RRP: £449.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop arrived in a large, oblong-shaped cardboard box. Although it was slightly awkward to carry single-handedly because of the size, it was noticeably lighter than I'd expected.

I opened the outer packaging to find another cardboard box, this time branded with the Tefal logo and product images. Inside, all the components were neatly secured between a layer of moulded cardboard, and wrapped individually in plastic bags, labelled as '50% recyclable'. I always pay attention to how eco-friendly the packaging is, and while I'll always favour brands that use 100% recyclable material, it's not something I've come across regularly.

The box contained the main vacuum mop and handle, an additional soft cleaning roller, the charging base, a cleaning brush and a user manual.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Assembly was incredibly simple; all I needed to do was insert the handle onto the base and pop it on the charging station to charge before use. And my first impressions of the Tefal X-Clean 7 were positive - it instantly felt premium and well made. It was lightweight too, and I appreciated the fact that the charging station was compact enough not to take up too much room (always a bonus when you're short on storage space!).

Once connected to power, the LED display on the top of the main unit activates, and a voice prompt confirms that it's charging. It took around 3.5 hours to reach full charge, which is fairly typical for a vacuum mop.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Before getting started, I needed to fill the clean water tank. Rather unusually, the tank is located at the front of the main body, just above the floor head, and I won't lie, it did confuse me for a second! It's not something I've come across before, and my first reaction was that the tank wouldn't hold as much water as a typical upright design. But at 600ml, it's on the larger side for a vacuum mop, so it's deceptively bigger than it looks once you remove it.

The tank then clips away from the main unit easily; there's a release button on top of the unit which you press to pull it away. The manual advises that adding cleaning solution is optional, but also comes with a warning not to use any foaming, vinegar or greasy products.

There's also no solution included, and I do think the guidance could be a little clearer, something I picked up on when reading online customer reviews. Personally, I try to stick to natural, chemical-free cleaning products anyway, so I decided to stick to water initially to see how it performed.

The manual advises filling the water tank with clean water between 10°C and 50°C. I found it slightly more fiddly to fill because of its shape, and even though it's described as transparent, I did find myself having to pay attention to how full it was, especially as there's no fill line. That said, there's a flashing icon on the LED display to let you know when the tank is empty, as well as a voice prompt, so it's not a dealbreaker.

Using the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop

The Tefal X-Clean 7 has three cleaning modes: Auto, Eco and Max. When the machine is turned on, it defaults to Auto mode, which detects dirt and automatically boosts suction power and water flow when it comes across messier areas.

To get started, I stepped on the floor nozzle, pulled the handle towards me and pressed the power button. As the unit powered on, the LED headlights on the base lit up the floor ahead, making it easier to spot hidden dirt. I also noticed it sounded louder than I was expecting, probably on a par with my regular vacuum.

I started by taking it for a spin around my kitchen floors, which are all laminated, to familiarise myself with it. Straight away, what I noticed was how smooth it felt to manoeuvre. As soon as I switched it on, a self-propelling motion activated to help the machine glide across my floors with barely any effort needed from me.

I've tested my share of vacuum mops, and I'd easily say this was the most powerful I've come across. I really felt like the mop was doing the cleaning for me, and all I had to do was steer it in the direction I wanted it to go.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

I also really appreciated the LED lights on the base of the machine, which illuminate any hidden dirt, and were particularly useful for hard-to-see areas, like under my dining table.

The auto-adjustment worked really well, too. I could clearly hear when the machine boosted its suction, while the coloured ring on the LCD screen gave a visual indication of when it had detected a dirtier area.

The handle also has a 180° flat edge design, which made cleaning under furniture easier. Because of the size of the floorhead, I couldn't reach completely under my sideboard unit, but the flexible design made it much easier to reach underneath my kitchen table - an area I always struggle to clean - without needing to crouch down awkwardly. The voice prompt also lets you know when the machine is cleaning underneath low furniture, confirming that the suction levels have been adjusted. I thought this was a handy feature - although I can imagine the voice updates may feel jarring after a while.

The vacuum mop left a light layer of moisture behind, but this dried within a couple of minutes, so the floor was ready to walk on almost straight away - something I appreciate in a busy home.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

To really put its cleaning power to the test (and as part of how we test products at Ideal Home), I cracked an egg on the floor, squirted ketchup and threw a handful flour directly in the vacuum mop's path. This is where it really impressed me.

After switching on the unit, keeping it in Auto mode, I slowly glided it over the mess. It cleared every trace within the first pass. Given the amount of debris in its path, I was genuinely surprised at how quickly it removed everything, with barely any effort on my part. I've carried out this test before on plenty of vacuum mops, and even the most powerful models usually need a couple of passes to pick everything up, so its cleaning performance is definitely one of the Tefal X-Clean 7's standout features.

Immediately after, I emptied the dirty water tank - which pulls outwards from the front of the machine easily - and poured the contents away. As you'd expect, the grime inside the tank wasn't pleasant to say the least, so if you are using the machine to clean up bigger messes, you'll want to empty and rinse it straight away.

This is where the self-cleaning feature comes into its own. After use, I placed the machine on its docking station, and pressed the self-clean button at the top of the handle. I know from testing other vacuum mops that this stage can be pretty noisy, and this was no exception. The roller was automatically rinsed, and all the dirt and debris were flushed into the dirty water tank. The cycle lasts three minutes, after which the dirty water tank was full of filthy water, which I took as a reassuring sign that it had done its job.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Having little ones means I'm constantly mopping up spills, and I had more than one opportunity to see how well the Tefal X-Clean 7 cleaned up large liquid spills, thanks to my one year old's new favourite hobby of throwing milk, water and anything she can get her hands on, all over the floor.

I kept it in auto-mode, and once again, I didn't really need to do much. It suctioned up the puddles with ease, leaving just a light layer of moisture behind. Unlike some models, there's no dedicated 'Dry Only' mode, but I didn't find it made any difference to its performance.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward and made even easier thanks to the self-cleaning function. Before starting the self-cleaning and self-drying cycle, the manual advises emptying the dirty water tank and making sure the clean water tank is full. It's also worth noting that the function won't start if the battery has less than 20% charge.

Beyond that, Tefal manual recommends cleaning the different parts of the machine once a week. There are a few handy illustrations showing how to remove and clean each component, using a cloth and the cleaning brush that's included. This includes removing the filter that sits on top of the clean water tank and rinsing it out.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

There's no guidance on how to how often to clean the roller itself, but from experience it's worth doing regularly, as bits of debris can get trapped between the roller and the floorhead.

Thankfully, the manual includes a step-by-step guide for removing and replacing it when needed. Tefal recommends replacing both the roller and the filter every six months. I like the fact that a spare roller brush and filter are included in the box, as it feels reassuring to know long-term running costs should be kept low.

How does it compare to its predecessors and similar models?

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop builds on the strengths of the X-Clean 4, which was awarded a 4.5-star rating by Ideal Home's Content Editor Lauren when she reviewed it.

The biggest upgrades include a new lay-flat design, which makes it easier to reach under furniture, as well as LED headlights to help illuminate hidden dirt. During her testing, Lauren found the X-Clean 4 struggled with smaller spills, whereas the X-Clean 7's automatic dirt-detection felt much more responsive to everyday mess.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

It's also worth comparing it to the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner, which really impressed me during testing. Both models have built-in LED highlights, but I think the Tefal has the edge thanks to its more powerful self-propelling motion and hot air self-drying function, which helps keep the roller fresh between uses. It does come with a higher price tag, though.

I've also tested the Kärcher Floor Cleaner FCV3, which I found impressively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. It also has three cleaning modes and is more affordable, making it a strong option for lighter cleaning tasks. But when it comes to overall performance the Tefal X-Clean 7 comes out on top.

How does it rate online?

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop currently holds a 4.5-star rating on the brand's website, from 62 customer reviews. Impressively, 92% of customers recommend the product, with feedback praising the suction power and ease of use. The price point does receive mixed reviews, and one reviewer did highlight the lack of guidance around cleaning solution caused confusion.

Elsewhere, on Very, it has a 4.5 star rating from 58 reviews. Although it's worth noting that a good proportion of the reviews were collected as part of a promotion. Feedback was similar, with users commenting on the impressive power and overall cleaning performance, but listing the affordability as a drawback.

Verdict: Should you buy the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop?

For busy households who regularly vacuum and mop hard floors, and are looking to cut down on cleaning time, I really couldn't recommend the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop enough. There's no shortage of hard floor cleaners on the market, and this one does have a high price tag, but its incredible cleaning performance, powerful self-propelling motion, 50-minute run time, edge cleaning abilities and flexible handle make it really stand out from the competition.

As long as you're happy emptying the tanks and keeping on top of basic maintenance, it takes much of the hassle out of cleaning floors. My only really niggle is that I wish I could use it on carpets, too!

Shark just solved the biggest (and most expensive) problem I have with air purifiers – and this new model is set to be my new summer must-have

Lauren Bradbury — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Shark has just dropped a brand new appliance into its lineup: the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier (£269.99 at Shark). And as someone who tests air purifiers for a living, it’s got me pretty excited.

Of course, Shark has already proved it has what it takes to produce some of the best air purifiers on the market, understanding that UK homes crave an appliance to tackle dust, odours, and other airborne nasties that can affect our air quality.

But this new model solves the biggest (and most expensive) problem I have with this summer essential: how often you have to change your air purifier filter. And as the name suggests, the BreatheClear with NeverChange6 filter doesn’t have to be replaced for a whopping six years…

Shark

BreatheClear With NeverChange6 Air Purifier - Dove

This Dove colourway is a more traditional air purifier colourway and would blend seamlessly into any room of the house.

Shark

BreatheClear With NeverChange6 Air Purifier - Charcoal

This charcoal colourway is perfect if you want to go bolder with your design aesthetic - and it'll really stand out from the crowd.

Shark impressed me last year when I tested the predecessor to this new model, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier. With this older appliance, Shark had designed a reactive, powerful, and incredibly easy-to-use model.

The new Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier, however, takes what I loved about the NeverChange5 and supercharges it, offering a larger recommended room size and air changes per hour (70m2 with 1 air change per hour and 14m2 with 4.8 air changes per hour).

This makes it suitable for medium-sized rooms if you’re wondering how to choose an air purifier for your home. It also comes with an anti-odour cartridge to enhance the benefits of air purifiers, and it is available in two colourways to suit your home and style.

Personally, I still can't decide if I like the overall modern design or if it’s a bit too robotic for me. But that's all personal preference.

(Image credit: Shark)

But the real selling point is that the advanced HEPA filter, which captures 99.98% of particles, doesn’t need to be replaced for 6 years. And this will save you a lot of money, as most air purifier filters need to be replaced regularly - costing you an extra chunk of money at least once or twice a year.

To calculate just how affordable that is over six years compared to other air purifiers, you can use the following formula: the price of the air purifier + (the price of the filter × 12). This is based on the assumption that you should generally change your air purifier filter every six months. However, it’s important to note that the exact lifespan depends on your usage.

But if you don’t want to do the maths, I’ve worked out a few examples below that compare the cost of the new Shark BreatheClear Air Purifier with the Blueair 3250i, which is Ideal Home's best overall air purifier, and our top budget model, the COWAY Airmega 50.

Model	Price of the air purifier	Price of the filter	Filter replacement cost over 6 years	Overall cost after 6 years
Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier	£269.99	N/A	N/A	£269.99
Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier	£169	£35	£420	£589
COWAY Airmega 50 Air Purifier	£79	£21.99	£263.88	£342.88

(Image credit: Shark)

So, while it’s fair to say that you’ll have a higher upfront cost with the new Shark air purifier, it works out even cheaper than a budget-friendly model in the long run.

However, it’s important to note that this comparison only compares the air purifier's price and doesn’t account for its features and specifications. It may be that a different model will better suit your specific air quality requirements, so I’d still suggest doing your own research, depending on whether you want an air purifier to stop dust, tackle cooking smells, combat hay fever symptoms, or reduce pet dander.

But if you’re basing your air purifier purchase on price alone, I do think Shark’s new model is a worthy contender and my new unexpected hero of the summer.

Will you be snapping one up?

Forget handheld fans, this is the cooling device every editor I know is wearing during meetings to keep cool when working from home

Rebecca Knight — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

If you'd told me I'd be considering buying a neck fan two summers ago, I would have laughed you out of the room. However, the humble neck fan is undergoing a renaissance as I've spotted numerous editors I work with sporting them around their necks when working from home.

Alongside the best fans, they have become this summer's new ultimate must-have (just behind the cult John Lewis fan). They offer hands-free cooling when you're out and about, or as my team has discovered, when you're at home, so you don't have to keep moving a desk fan around. The best part is that many of them are also still in stock, unlike many of the best portable ACs and fans we've tested.

For those who haven't seen one in action, a neck fan looks a little like a set of 90s-style headphones draped around your neck. However, instead of the foam ear pads, you have two little fans propelling air at your pulse points to cool you down. Many of them now also have full surround airflow to cool you down quickly.

These little pieces of kit have undergone a stylish reinvention; many of the versions you find on Amazon or other retailers look so sleek I had to do a double-take to work out what my editor was wearing around her neck during a recent meeting. I have tracked down some other versions I'd happily wear in public.

JISULIFE

Portable Neck Fan 3 - Blue

Available in grey and white this clever neck fan delivers 360° air flow around the front and back of your neck to keep you cool.

Morelax

Morelax Neck Fan

This neck fan has a slightly chicer look with the rose gold detailing. It also has all around air flow, and also includes 3 different speeds including a natural breeze function.

kuggty

4000mah Portable Neck Fans Rechargeable

If you're not looking to spend much more than you would on a portable fan, this neck fan also comes in pink!

'While the intense heat we've experienced so far seems to have let up (for now) it's still warm enough to need a fan to keep you comfortable. Not only will it help air circulation in your home, but the air movement across your skin will help to cool you down,' says Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's portable AC and fan expert reviewer.

'While pedestal and tower fans are great for bigger rooms, and desktop fans are ideal for small spaces, it's a good idea to invest in something portable that you can take into places you don't have a fan, like your bathroom or garden, to ensure your personal comfort wherever you are.'

As the heatwave shows no signs of letting up, I'm stocking up on any portable cooling option I can get my hands on to follow me around my home, and right now, a neck fan is top of my list.

This Devola portable air conditioner is easy to use, suitable for smaller spaces and offers effective cooling, and better still, it’s back in stock

Sarah Handley — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Cooling appliances have never been more sought after, especially when we've faced multiple heatwaves in relatively quick succession.

If you weren't lucky enough to bag one of the best portable air conditioners before they sold out across the board, then you'll be pleased to know that the Devola DVACO9C portable air conditioner is back in stock.

But with an RRP of £440 for the 9,000 BTU model, you'll want to know if it's the right fit for your home before you commit.

To help, I've been testing it in my own home for the last couple of weeks to see how it performs in a real home environment. This is how I got on with it.

In a nutshell

After selling out once already this year, Devola's DVAC09CW 9000 BTU portable air conditioner is back in stock, but be warned, it's likely to sell out fast. While it might not look and feel as sophisticated as some other models I've tested, if you need an effective cooling solution for a smaller room, then the Devola model is worth investing in.

As with most portable air conditioners offering cooling, fan and dehumidifier functionality, in the case of the Devola, the cooling function is by far the star of the show.

While it's perfectly capable of effectively cooling a room up to 28m2, it does lack some finesse in the design department that would make it even better, including automatic louvres, a top air outlet, and improved buttons on the remote control.

Devola

DVAC09CW Portable Air Conditioner

The white version has since sold out, but it is still available in the black colourway.

Specification

(Image credit: Devola)

Cooling capacity (BTU): 9000BTU
Recommended room size: 10-28m2
Noise levels in cooling mode: up to 68dB
Dimensions (W x H x D): 35 x 70 x 34.8cm
Weight: 24kg
Wattage: 1003W in cooling mode
Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
Other features: App control, sleep mode
Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

At 24kg, the Devola portable air conditioner was not light to manoeuvre into my living room from the doorway, but fortunately the industrial strength plastic bands around the packaging helped be to gentle walk it from the front door. It's best to leave these on until you have the AC in position where you want to unpack it, as once they are removed you won't be able to lift the box as they are what holds the box sides to the base.

Fortunately, I was able to unpack most of it by myself as the accessories, like the window kit and exhaust hose were positioned on the top, and then the sides of the box lift off with ease. I'd definitely recommend having a second pair of hands available to help remove the appliance from the base packaging.

Once the packaging was removed, the castors made it really easy to move into position over my hard floors, although it required a little bit more effort to move it over rugs and carpets. The most difficult part, and this goes for all portable air con units, was getting it up the stairs. It's heavy and bulky, so it's definitely not something you should attempt solo.

My first impression of the appearance of the Devola portable air conditioner was that it has nice narrow proportions, which means that it would fit quite neatly in both my home office and my bedroom. The control panel is easily accessible on the top of the appliance, and it has quite a simple design. I tested it in the white colourway, but it also comes in black if that would better suit your home's aesthetic.

The design of the main appliance and the remote control feel a little basic, especially compared to other portable air conditioners I've tried, but as long as it cools my space down effectively, that's definitely not a major concern.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

In terms of set-up, I needed to use the flexible window kit (which is included, alongside a kit for sash windows). This involves adding Velcro strips around the window frame and casement that you want to vent it out of. This only takes about 10 minutes, but it can be a bit fiddly.

I also tried to connect it to the app for an additional mode of control (the appliance needs to be within 5m of the router, so definitely attempt this before you lug it upstairs). Unfortunately, for me, this proved quite a frustrating experience, and after multiple unsuccessful attempts, I gave up. Fortunately, I was happy enough to use the two other control methods, and can always attempt the app connection at a later date.

As a final step, I just needed to attach the exhaust hose to the back, which was easy, and vent it out of the window. It was at this point that I really appreciated the 1.8m length hose, which was plenty long enough to reach the window.

What’s it like to use?

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

In terms of controls, the fact that I struggle to connect the appliance to the app wasn't too much of a hardship as it was still easily controlled by the on-board panel or the remote. It's worth checking the instructions for each mode's symbol to ensure you have it set up in the correct way.

While both the on-board control panel and remote were clear and straightforward, I preferred using the control panel on the appliance itself. This was down to the design of the buttons on the remote control that required a couple of presses to get the command to stick.

Then I moved on to testing the different modes.

Cooling mode

First up I tested the portable air conditioner's primary mode — cooling. This isn't the default mode, so I pressed the mode button on the on-board control panel until I saw the snowflake symbol on the display screen. I then turned the target temperature down to 18°C (although I had the option of choosing anything from 16–32°C).

Before I turned on cooling mode, the room was at a rather toasty 26.2°C. At first, the air doesn't come out ice cold, but after a couple of minutes, it was blissfully fresh. I then left the room and returned 20 minutes later to see it was down to a much more comfortable 22.8°C.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

The air outlet is located on the front of the appliance, rather than the top, and so when I was sat at my desk with it on in cooling mode, I could feel the cold air being directed more at my waist than up into the hottest part of the room. It is possible to manually adjust the louvres both horizontally and vertically, but it does feel a shame that these are not automatic to help circulate the cooler air.

But over time, the cool air does reach around the whole room, lowering the overall temperature, just not as quickly as those with louvres on the top.

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

In terms of noise level, I clocked the Devola DVAC09CW at 68dB in cooling mode (top wind speed), which isn't quite as quiet as others I've tested. In the lower fan speed it comes down to 63dB, which is the equivalent of a chat with friends. Fortunately, if that sounds like it's going to be problematic, you can use the timer function to turn it on and cool the space before you need to use it.

There is also a Sleep function, that dims the control panel and switches to the lower wind speed setting. After an hour, the preset temperature will increase by 1°C, and again after the next hour.

Fan mode

In fan only mode, there are two speed settings, both of which felt powerful and effective, albeit a bit noisy (I didn't find it much quieter in fan mode than I did in cooling mode). While this mode is decently powerful, it's not quite as beneficial as a pedestal or tower fan that offers more wind speed options combined with automatic oscillation.

Dehumidifier mode

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

The Devola DVAC09CW also has a dehumidifier mode, but as my home doesn't tend to suffer with excess moisture, this isn't a mode I can see myself using often. In the Dry mode, any water extracted from the air isn't stored in the appliance for emptying later, so you'll need to attach the drainage hose and have a container ready to capture the liquid.

As with most portable air conditioners I've tried, the cooling function is by far the best, with any additional functions nice to have bonuses rather than of equal standard.

Running costs

Using 1003W, the Devola DVAC09CW costs roughly 26p per hour to run based on the July energy price cap figure of 26.11p per kWh.

This is somewhere in the middle of the range of energy consumption based on the portable air conditioners we've tested.

Cleaning and maintenance

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

When it comes to cleaning, keeping the Devola DVAC09CW portable air conditioner as dust-free as possible will help it work most effectively. Every couple of weeks, you will also need to clean the air filter, which can easily be removed from the back of the appliance. The instructions recommend ensuring it's unplugged from the socket before you remove the filter. Then you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust build up, then run it under the tap and leave it to dry fully before reattaching it.

However, if you use the dehumidifier mode, then you will need to attach the included drainage hose so it can continuously empty the water it extracts from the air.

Who should buy this product?

If you are looking for a simple-to-use portable air conditioner that'll work in rooms up to 28m2, then the Devola DVAC09CW is worth investing in. Its cooling mode is effective, its dimensions compact enough to work in a smaller room without getting too in the way, and it offers three functions in one.

However, it's basic design does have it's limitations, and if you want something with automated louvres to boost it's impact, then the Dreo 365S portable air conditioner also faired well in our tests.

For something more affordable, but with a similar look and functionality, then the Vonhaus portable air conditioner is a budget-friendly alternative.

If you want a portable AC for the bedroom, then quietness is going to be a deciding factor, and the Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner is the quietest I've tested.

Forget John Lewis' sold-out cult fan, this high-power handheld fan is going under the radar and still in stock – run don’t walk before it sells out too

Kezia Reynolds — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:10:00 +0000

This heat doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and with cooling appliances flying off the shelves, a big part of my job is tracking down quality fans still in stock. John Lewis’ High Power Handheld Fan with Aluminium Casing (£25) is one of them.

I’m not exaggerating when I say the best fans, desk fans and portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere. And while we can expect a few air cons to come back into stock this month, they will sell like hot cakes once again.

During hot, sticky heatwaves, it’s important to keep yourself cool, and a handheld fan is an easy way to do this if you still have a busy life to lead, regardless of temperature.

John Lewis

John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan With Aluminium Casing, Black

This sleek hand-held design offers powerful cooling at the touch of a button. It is a little noisy, so bear this in mind if you're sensitive to loud sounds.

It’s not much of a secret that Ideal Home editors love a John Lewis handheld fan. The £12 viral buy has had all our editors in a chokehold during previous heatwaves, and while that model is currently out of stock (surprise), the John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan reads like it’s a more powerful older sibling - so, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade?

Despite its compact size, John Lewis promises this fan packs a serious cooling punch. It has four speed settings that you can choose from its digital screen, has 15 hours' worth of charge, can be charged via a USB cable and has a handy wrist strap for when you’re on the go.

It also has an aluminium outer shell, which means you can expect it to be durable, handling inevitable knocks and drops. Coinciding with a two-year guarantee, I expect it to be fairly tough.

However, due to the power of this fan, reviews do comment that it can be very noisy.

(Image credit: John Lewis)

‘Purchased before travelling on a 14 hour flight - it's certainly powerful enough, to a point it could be as good as my hairdryer!’ one reads.

‘However, it's a little noisy, so I'm not sure if I would get away with using it on its highest setting in public without turning a few heads. The lowest setting however still gives a decent breeze.’

While a noisy fan can be a little irritating, unfortunately, this is a compromise you’ll have to put up with if you want a high-powered hand-held fan. As this fan is something you will hold near your face, it will be noisier.

While noise doesn’t bother some in the quest to stay cool, if you are noise-sensitive, that’s completely valid too, and models such as Amazon's Rechargeable USB Desk Fan (£25.99) and the FAPPEN Mini Handheld Fan (£13.99, Amazon) offer a quieter cooling experience.

Like most fans, I expect the John Lewis High Powered Fan will sell fast. So I’ve rounded up a few more hand-held fans that are still in stock.

FAPPEN

Fappen Mini Handheld Fan,

Reviews say this fan offers five speed settings and excellent cooling performance. It also promises to be quiet, with a long-lasting battery life.

Warmco

Warmco 2 Pack Mini Portable Handheld Fan

Need a fan for you and a partner? This two-pack has thousands of positive reviews praising it's power and cooling capabilites - even in 35 degree heat.

Rafada

Rafada Mini Portable USB Rechargeable Fan

Another fan with thousands of glowing reviews, customes say this one is well-made and powerful for its size, with long-lasting battery life. It even arrives fully charged!

My kitchen was feeling hot and stuffy, so I swapped one of the lightbulbs for this viral £15 ceiling fan — it took seconds to fit and is surprisingly effective

Sarah Handley — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:50:00 +0000

I'd spotted this affordable ceiling fan all over my Instagram feed, and was intrigued by the fact that it could be connected to an existing light fitting without needing to call an electrician. So I knew I had to give it a go in my own home, but I'll be honest, I wasn't convinced it was going to be any good considering it cost just £15.

I'm always looking for ways to keep my south-east facing home cool, especially when a heatwave hits. I've relied on the best fans and portable air conditioners, but sometimes, floor-standing appliances aren't always appropriate, and you might not want to clutter surfaces with a desk fan. That's where ceiling fans can come into their own. But while some ceiling fans will require professional installation, that's not always the case.

With minimal assembly needed, this £15 Kouamor ceiling fan from Amazon is essentially installed like a lightbulb, and once in place offers three different wind speeds, as well as different light tones and brightness levels.

Kouamor

46cm Ceiling Fan Light

This ceiling fan connects through a light bulb fitting, and offers both warm and cool lights at varying degrees of brightness, as well as three different wind speeds.

So how did I get on with it in my home? Set up was quite easy. I simply needed to push the fan blades into the base (I had to use a bit of force to ensure they were seated properly, and fortunately Up and Down was written on the blades so I knew I was fitting them the right way up), and slot the lamp holder to the lamp body.

Once that was done, I just removed the existing light bulb and lampshade in my kitchen diner (making sure the power was off), and attached the ceiling fan. If you are thinking of buying one, make sure you check the type of light fitting you have. B22 is your standard bayonet fitting, while E27 is your standard screw fitting. If you do find you have the wrong one and can't or don't want to send it back, you can buy either a B22 to E27 adapter or E27 to B22 adapter from Amazon for around £5 for a pack of two.

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

Once I'd attached the ceiling fan, I flipped on the light switch and then used the remote control to select my desired setting.

The light it gives off is a decent brightness, and I liked that I could choose between cool, neutral or warm light, and select the brightness level I wanted. I often work from my dining room table, so the natural light function was ideal.

Turning the fan mode on, I was initially a bit concerned as it seemed a little wobbly (my fitting is at the end of a cable, not fitted into the actual ceiling) but after a couple of seconds it stabilised and created a lovely downwards breeze. I felt most of the effects sitting directly beneath it, or at least close by, and while I could hear a gentle whirring sound, it wasn't distractingly noisy.

The remote is easy to get to grips with too, although there is a button with a moon and star, that despite pressing it, I have no idea what it actually does.

Alternatives

GoodHome

Szilard Modern Led Ceiling Fan Light

If you want something more stylish, this wood finish ceiling fan and light from B&Q will keep you cool and adds a bit of warmth and texture to your design scheme.

Argos Home

Manhattan Ceiling Fan - Satin Nickel

More a more modern look, this sleek satin nickel ceiling fan from Argos will help circulate the air from above, without taking up any valuable floor space.

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Can't get your hands on a portable air con? Try these 5 tricks to supercharge your fan's cooling power in the heatwave

Sarah Handley — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000

As we experience the third heatwave of the year, seeing temperatures exceed 30°C across much of the UK for days on end, it's no wonder that portable air conditioners have sold out left, right and centre. And summer isn't over yet, which means we could see more heatwaves hit before autumn rolls around.

If you've not managed to get your hands on one of the best portable air conditioners, but do have one of the best fans going, then now is the time to supercharge your fan's cooling capacity to get the most comfort you can from it.

But where do you start? I spoke to the fan experts to find out.

1. Be tactical about fan placement

To give your fan's cooling power a boost, strategic fan placement is crucial, especially if you want to create a wind chill effect.

'Effective indoor cooling is often less about turning fans up to maximum power and more about improving airflow circulation and creating a fresher, more balanced ventilation environment,' explains Olivia Xu, Chief of Marketing at DREO.

While at the hottest parts of the day, you'll want to have the fan positioned near to you so it can help cool you down, but when it's cooler, tactical placement will help you turbo-charge your home's ventilation.

'To get more out of a standard fan, position it near an open window to draw in cooler air from outside and push the warmer air out,' says Olivia. 'Better still, if you have windows on opposite sides of a room or home, open them both to create cross-ventilation. This encourages a natural airflow path that pulls cooler air through while pushing the heat out.'

Just make sure you avoid the places you shouldn't put a fan, so you're not inadvertently making your home warmer.

2. Turn your fan on before you get hot

After cooling down a bit overnight, your home might feel perfectly pleasant to be in during the morning without the help of a fan. But this could mean you're missing a trick to keep your home cooler later on.

'Fans work best as a preventative cooling method rather than a reactive one,' continues Olivia. 'If you wait until you already feel overheated, your body temperature has already risen, making it harder to cool down quickly.

'Instead, turn your fan on early to maintain a steady airflow and prevent heat from building up in the first place.

'During hot evenings, balanced cooling and consistent airflow also tend to create a more comfortable environment for rest compared with constantly switching between overheating and aggressive cooling.'

3. Combine fan use with other body-cooling methods

Sometimes a fan can only do so much. But if you combine a fan with other methods of cooling your body down, you can trick your body into thinking your fan is much more effective. Olivia explains: 'On particularly hot days, don't forget about your body temperature too - simple steps like cooling your wrists, neck and ankles can help regulate heat more quickly.'

Anxicer

Large Foot Bath Spa Bowl

I have this bowl myself, and when I dunk my feet, it takes seconds for the rest of my body to feel cooler, allowing me to appreciate the air flow my fan is creating.

BOSTEU

Reusable Gel Ice Neck Cooler

Cooling around your pulse points is the quickest way to cool your entire body, and I love the fact that this neck cooler is reusable.

YUYU

Ice Pulse

Fill this wrist cooler with water, pop it in the freezer, then use the strap to attach it to the inside of your wrist for quick cooling.

4. Keep track of the temperature inside and out

One of the biggest fan mistakes people make is not paying attention to air flow. And in a heatwave, to get this right, you need to understand the temperature both in and outside of your home. If you don't have one, it's worth investing in a digital thermometer, like this one from Amazon, for accurate measurements.

When it's cooler outside than it is inside, that's the time to open your windows, get some cross ventilation going, and use your fan to draw in some of that cooler air. But when it's cooler inside when it is outside, you should do your best to keep the heat out. 'Keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, then open your windows as the evening cools and use a fan to help draw fresh air through your home,' explains Guy Fridja, founder of AirCraft Home.

DREO's Olivia continues: 'Once sunlight enters a room, it quickly heats surfaces like walls, floors and furniture, which then continue to radiate heat long after the sun has moved. Over the course of the day, this gradual build-up can make indoor spaces feel increasingly warm, even before peak afternoon hours.

'To help manage this, it is important to limit direct sunlight entering living spaces during the brightest hours of the day.

'In addition, by blocking out direct sunlight before it has a chance to settle, you're essentially preventing your space from storing heat in the first place. This helps keep indoor temperatures more stable throughout the day and reduces the workload on cooling devices, making them far more effective when you do need them.'

5. Turbocharge your fan with ice

If you're fan feels like it's just blowing hot air at you, then it's time to pull out the big guns. Ice.

And there's a reason this fan ice hack is so popular on social media. As the ice melts and evaporates in front of the fan, the cool vapour gets blown around the room, making the air feel much fresher, and you much cooler. In fact it's very similar to how air coolers and misting fans work.

Whether you put a bowl of ice in front of your fan, freeze water in bottles, or use one of these fan attachments, you'll definitely be grateful for it in a heatwave!

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My gym opted for an air cooler over an air conditioner – after working out with one blasting cooler air, I'm genuinely impressed

Jenny McFarlane — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If you've been debating whether air coolers are actually any good in these heatwaves, I may have found the best real-life test. My gym has never had air conditioning, but even during the sweatiest workouts, it's surprisingly comfortable, thanks to one large air cooler.

With many of the best air conditioners (and the not-so-good) and even the best fans selling out during the latest heatwaves, it's becoming increasingly hard to get hold of any unit, let alone a good one. If that's left you wondering what an air cooler actually is, my gym has convinced me they're far more effective than many people realise.

Here's why it actually worked to keep us all cool while working out.

The large air cooler unit in my gym (Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)

My gym is based in an old warehouse where windows can't be opened, so a traditional portable air conditioner unit isn't an option, as there's nowhere for the hot air to vent out. Instead, a big old air cooler blasts a refreshing stream of air across the studio.

As someone who's tested plenty of cooling appliances for Ideal Home over the years, when I first locked eyes on the air cooler in my gym, I was curious to see it in action in such a sweatbox. Because let's be honest, a studio full of people exercising is hardly an easy place to keep cool because there's constant movement, body heat and very little chance for the room to cool down naturally.

However, this bad boy is managing to take the edge off. And my thinking is if it can make a noticeable difference in a room packed with people working up a sweat, I'd say that's pretty solid evidence that a smaller air cooler is more than capable of keeping a typical UK room feeling comfortable.

(Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)

Ok, so it doesn't create the icy blast you'd expect from air conditioning, but that's not really the point. Instead, it gives off a cooling breeze and standing in front of it between sets gave instant relief.

Unlike a fan that simply circulates warm air around, it draws air through water-soaked cooling pads before blowing it back out for a cooler, fresher feel, with the option to slot ice packs into the unit for an extra chill factor. And while a portable air conditioner is designed to lower the temperature of an entire room, an air cooler provides more targeted cooling, which I feel is a good halfway house if air conditioning just isn't an option.

Shop in-stock air coolers

Midea

5L Air Cooler with Remote Control

With a 7L water tank and included ice packs, this oscillating air cooler features six auto-adjusting fan speeds, five modes (including sleep and baby), remote control and a 12 hour timer.

Bush

6.5L Vortex Blade Air Cooler

Ideal for rooms up to 25m, choose from 3 speeds and 3 easy modes, with triple air inlets and a Vortex fan blade which drives a punchy 6.5m/s airflow.

Heinner

Evaporative Tower Air Cooler

With an ultra-low 45W power consumption, this oscillating air cooler features a 4.5L water tank, an included ice box, three fan speeds, and three modes (including a soft baby mode and sleep).

Evapolar

Evachill Personal Portable Air Cooler and Humidifier

This smaller unit cools a smaller space, like the size of a desk, bed or sofa, with a working time of up to four to six hours. It also features a night light.

DREO

40“ Evaporative Air Cooler

This silent, 35db air cooler blows cold air around a room with its 80° oscillating bladeless fan. It includes a removable 4L water tank, ice packs, a remote control, four speeds and a 7-hour timer.

Bush

4L 2-in-1 Air Cooler and Humidifier

Featuring three speeds, a seven hour timer and a four litre water tank, this oscillating air cooler has a 1.8m cable so you can move it about easily wherever you need cooling most.

Saying that, it won't make a huge space like my gym feel ice-cold the way a fitted AC unit or a portable air conditioner does, but it's definitely been helping me feel cooler by creating a slightly less stuffy environment, which is not to be sniffed at. And after a few sweaty sessions lately, I think it's doing pretty well.

The unit, of course, is far larger than anything you'd buy for your own home. But that's also why I think a smaller air cooler makes a lot of sense. If one industrial-style model can provide cooling relief in a packed studio, a smaller unit should provide some cooling relief for you in your living room, bedroom or home office.

From seeing this one in action, I'd happily recommend an air cooler as an affordable way to stay cool this summer, especially since there are still quite a few in stock! Stay cool out there.

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I got my hands on the sell-out Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner, and it’s super quiet mode is an utter gamechanger for hot summer nights

Sarah Handley — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

As we're experiencing the third heatwave of the year (so far), it's no wonder that appliances to help keep us cool and comfortable are selling like hot cakes.

While the best portable air conditioners are selling out left, right and centre, I have heard from industry insiders that more stock of Meaco's Cirro range of portable air conditioners will be available at the likes of Currys, AO and John Lewis over the next couple of days.

And with the range starting from £500+ it's helpful to know whether it's going to suit your home before you buy. Fortunately, I've managed to get my hands on one and have been testing it in my home over the last few days. This is how it fared.

In a nutshell

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Meaco)

Launched back in June 2026, the Cirro range of portable air conditioners from Meaco includes six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, in either cooling only or cooling and heating models. A huge draw of this particular range is that it operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

The recent heatwaves have meant that suppliers have seen unprecedented demand for these products, so if you see them in stock, it's best to act quickly because they are definitely worth the money.

Portable air conditioners have, historically, built up a bit of a reputation for being obnoxiously loud, but in the case of the Cirro range, it's noticeably quieter than its predecessors. It even has a super-quiet mode that is ideal if you want to use it to cool your bedroom at night. It's not whisper quiet though, so if you are a light sleeper, you might want to get some ear plugs.

But from a cooling perspective, it's hard to fault the Cirro's capability. It cools quickly and effectively, taking rooms from stifling to comfortable in minutes. But the cooling mode is definitely the star of the show. While it also offers a dehumidifier and fan only mode, you might find that it's a bit of a compromise compared to dedicated fans or dehumidifiers.

Meaco

Cirro 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (Cooling Only)

Also available in 14000 and 16000 BTU options, as well as heating and cooling versions, the Meaco Cirro range is selling out fast. If you don't manage to get your hands on it at first, it's worth waiting for.

Specification

Meaco

Cooling capacity (BTU): 12,000BTU
Recommended room size: 20-30m2
Noise levels in cooling mode: 58-62dB
Dimensions (W x H x D): 43 x 72.2 x 35.8cm
Weight: 28.45kg
Wattage: 1350W in cooling mode
Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
Other features: App control, sleep mode
Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

When it comes to any portable air conditioner, it's best to have two people on hand to get it set up thanks to their heavy weight and bulky dimensions and the Meaco Cirro is no exception.

Initially, I was concerned that the wrong model had been sent through as the packaging states that it's the MeacoCool Pro, but fortunately there are notes on the website that confirm that regardless of what the packaging says, it's the Cirro model inside.

It arrived well packaged with industrial strength plastic straps wrapped around it that made it easier for me to manoeuvre it into my living room to unpack it. While I could do most the unpacking single handedly (the accessories sit at the top of the box, and then once the plastic straps are cut, you can slide the sides of the box over the top of the appliance, so it's just left sitting in the polystyrene and cardboard base).

I found I definitely needed some help to remove it from the final bit of packaging around the base. Once it was out though, I could move it around on its castors (this is really easy on hard floors, but a little more difficult on carpet or rugs). There was also no way I'd get it up the stairs by myself, so if you want to use it in your bedroom, definitely make sure you have some able-bodied reinforcements ready to help with the heavy lifting.

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

In terms of looks, as far as portable air conditioners go, the Cirro is attractive. It's got a contemporary matte exterior, which feels like it would be unobtrusive in any room scheme. It's also packed with thoughtful design details, from the easy-to-read front display for when you're not close enough to see the control panel, to the pop out cable tidy and the arrows on the duct machine adapter than ensure you fix the exhaust hose to the back of the appliance in the right way. It's also a sizeable bit of kit, so if you are using it in a smaller room, you may need to clear a bit of space. It fit well in my home office, but given the layout in my bedroom, it does feel a little more in the way. But if it cools the space down to a comfortable temperature in the height of summer, then I can deal with that.

When it comes to set up, it's relatively straightforward, although the window kit was a little fiddly to install. I don't have sash windows, so I needed to use the universal fabric one (and the Velcro) that's included.

Once the window kit is set up, the rest of the portable air con is simple. All I needed to do was attach the exhaust hose (which at 1.8m in length was plenty long enough) to the back of the unit, vent it out the window, and it was cooling ready.

What’s it like to use?

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

There are three ways to control the Meaco Cirro — by using the on-board control panel, the remote, or via the Meaco app. While I've had no previous trouble connecting to the app with my Sefte Pro desktop fan, I couldn't seem to get the Cirro to connect to the app. But really, it was no bother, as I was happy to use the remote control or the control panel on the unit itself instead. If I were hugely concerned about the App, I am certain that Meaco's customer service would have been able to resolve the issue.

The Cirro is pretty straightforward to use, and the display screen clearly shows which mode you are in (be it cooling, fan or dehumidifier). As the screen sits on the top of the appliance, it can be difficult to see if you're not up close, but it does show the ambient temperature (and the target temperature when in cooling mode) on the front of the unit, which I found helpful.

I found it intuitive to use the controls (and the instructions are very clear and jargon-free, which I always appreciate), but if you've never used a portable air conditioner before, make sure you read the instructions as the correct set-up will depend on the mode you are using.

But as the temperature in my home office had reached almost 28°C, despite having the window and curtains closed all morning, I knew I was all about the cooling mode.

The Cirro portable air conditioner is definitely significantly quieter in cooling mode than the very first portable air conditioner I tried that sounded like a dustbin lorry. I clocked the Cirro at a maximum of 62dB when it was in active cooling mode, dropping to 59dB in super quiet mode. It gets even quieter (around 53dB) when the room reaches the target temperature, and the compressor turns off.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

Those decibels might not mean much to you on the face of it, but it's the equivalent of gentle background noise. For me, it's comparable with a fan on one of it's higher speed settings. I could hear that it was on, but it wasn't so loud that I couldn't work, watch TV or sleep with it on. For those who need silence when trying to get to sleep or when they are concentrating, some ear buds may be needed.

In terms of it's cooling power (I tested the 12,000 BTU model, which is suitable for rooms between 20-30m2), it made quick work of cooling my home office from 27.8°C to 25.6°C in just ten minutes, getting to the target temperature of around 22°C in about 25-30 minutes. Within the first minute of turning it on in cooling mode, I could leave a lovely cool breeze coming out, and I put the louvres on swing to maximise the reach. When I left the room, with the door closed, and came back 10 minutes later, it felt like walking into a supermarket during a heatwave — it was blissful, instant cooling relief. Once it reached the target temperature, the compressor turned off, which made it even quieter, and when the temperature rose again, the compressor kicked back in to keep things cool.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

The Meaco Cirro also has a fan only mode, but I'd definitely say this should be considered a bonus mode rather than the primary function. The fan is fine, but after testing other fans from Meaco, including the Meaco Sefte pedestal air circulator, the fan mode on the Cirro isn't a patch on it's range of dedicated fans.

The same can be said for the dehumidifier mode. While it's a nice to have, it doesn't feel as effective as a dedicated dehumidifier. But as I'd want a portable air conditioner for it's cooling properties above all else, and live in a house that fortunately doesn't suffer with excess moisture, this wasn't too problematic for me.

Running costs

Using 1350W of power in cooling mode, the Meaco Cirro will cost roughly 35p per hour to run based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

While it's not as cheap to run as a fan, there are ways that you can ensure you are using it in the most energy efficient way. Firstly, make sure you buy a suitably powered model for the size of room you are looking to cool, and keep doors and windows shut when it's in use. Trying to keep the sun out of the room will also mean your appliance doesn't need to work as hard to cool the space down, which can mean it uses less energy.

Cleaning and maintenance

There is a little bit of maintenance required when using the Cirro portable air conditioner, which may depend on the mode you use.

In cooling mode, there's not much needed. It's a good idea to keep it as dust-free as possible, check and clean the filters regularly, and look out for a full tank symbol on the display screen after long periods of use, which means the tank needs to be emptied.

If you use it in dehumidifier mode, it will need to drain continuously, so you will need to attach the drainage tube to the corresponding port on the back and have a container ready to capture the water.

Who should buy this product?

The Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner will be ideal for those looking for a quiet and effective cooling solution. With models ranging from 12,000 to 16,000 BTU, there's something in the range to suit any size room. I tested a cooling only model, but there are models in the range that offer both heating and cooling, which is well worth trying if you want maximum value for money.

If the Cirro is out of your budget, and you are prepared to wait for stock to be replenished, then the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner is a good alternative, with similar noise levels.

4 common portable air conditioner mistakes that are making your appliance unsafe, less energy efficient and at greater risk of fire

Kezia Reynolds — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Given that portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere, I think it’s fair to say that many of those reading this article will have a new shiny appliance at home, keeping them cool during the UK’s ‘third heatwave’.

The best portable air conditioners have proved their worth this summer, if sales are anything to go by (and Meaco’s bestseller has just come back into stock, FYI). These powerful cooling appliances are brilliant at making sweltering temperatures bearable, but if you don't use them the right way, they can not only be unsafe but also pose a fire risk.

As with any electrical appliance, there are a few safety concerns to be aware of when using your appliance. Here are four portable air conditioner mistakes safety experts have spotted this summer.

1. Plugging your appliance into an extension lead or overhead socket

First of all, if your air conditioner is currently plugged in via an extension cord, then you’ll need to unplug it. Portable air conditioners are powerful appliances, and extension cords are not designed for them.

(Image credit: Getty Images/ onurdongel)

‘This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Portable air conditioners draw significant power, and extension cords and multi-outlet adapters are not designed to handle that load,’ adds Anton Neike, Energy Expert and CEO at Taupia.

‘Using one can cause the cord to overheat, melt, or spark, and in the worst cases, even start a fire.’

2. Using it in a wet room or bathroom

Just as you shouldn’t use a dehumidifier in a bathroom, you definitely shouldn’t use your AC in one either. It’s quite simple. Water and electricity don’t tend to mix well.

(Image credit: Future PLC / Philip Lauterbach)

‘One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that because an air conditioning unit is portable, it can be used anywhere in the home. Portable does not mean suitable for every room,’ says James Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms and qualified plumber.

‘A standard portable air conditioner should not be used in any bathroom or other wet, steamy room as a quick cooling fix. Bathrooms combine water, steam, and electricity, which is why they have stricter electrical safety considerations than bedrooms or living rooms, and most portable AC units are designed for dry living spaces, not splash zones, wet floors, or heavy condensation.’

3. Leaving your air conditioner unattended

If you have errands to run this week, you’d be forgiven for wanting to return to a cool home, especially seeing as temperatures are soaring outside. But leaving your appliance unattended is another big no-no.

(Image credit: Getty Images/ onurdongel)

‘Portable air conditioners should never be left running in an empty home. Electrical cooling equipment, if poorly maintained, can overheat and cause a fire when used continuously for long periods,’ says Anton.

‘Always turn the unit off and unplug it before leaving the house. It’s also wise to check your model against any active product recalls, as shorter compressor power cords can lead to arcing and fire.’

4. Placing it too close to curtains, towels, bedding or furniture

Where you position your portable air conditioner is really important. You don’t want to block airflow, so it’s important to avoid areas of clutter or even your curtains.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

‘Portable AC units need clear airflow around the vents. If the air inlet or outlet is blocked by curtains, towels, bedding, walls or furniture, the unit will be less effective and may have to work harder than it should,’ says James.

‘It should be placed on a stable, level surface with enough space around it for air to circulate properly.’

Beat the heat

While most portable air conditioners are sold out, here are a few in-stock and well-reviewed cooling appliances that can help beat the heat.

Honeywell

Honeywell Turboforce Power Fan

This small but powerful fan is great for keeping you cool while working from home.

DREO

Dreo 40“ Evaporative Air Cooler

If you can't get your hands on a AC, an air cooler is a great alternative. These use evaportaive cooling, to cool the air.

DREO

DREO TurboCool Misting Fan

This powerful misting fan releases a cooling mist that instantly feels cool on the skin. The mist is so tiny, you don't have to worry about feeling drenched.

Portable air conditioners are brilliant but do need to be used safely. So, do take these four mistakes into consideration when you use yours.

Meaco's ultra-quiet portable air conditioner is coming back into stock this week, so act fast if you want one

Sarah Handley — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:10:00 +0000

Meaco's brand new Cirro portable air conditioner is coming back in stock this week after unprecedented demand saw the range sell out in record time.

Despite only launching last month, the new Meaco Cirro range which includes six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, has already sold out once, but some retailers are due to get more stock over the next few days. But with temperatures set to exceed 30°C again this week, and demand for the best portable air conditioners still high, it's going to sell out fast.

Another huge draw of this particular range is that it operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

Meaco Cirro 12000 BTU Super Quiet Smart Portable Air Conditioner - Cooling Only

The cooling only 12,000 BTU version came back into stock on 8 July but has already sold out again. But all is not lost as I've listed where more stock is expected over the next few days.

While Meaco's stock has sold out again, I've also spotted the Meaco Cirro range will be available at John Lewis from Tuesday 14 July.

Meaco has also announced that it's expecting fresh stock of certain models to arrive with Currys and AO (where you can currently sign up for a stock alert) from around 10 July, but that it can't be sure exactly when that new stock will be available on the retailer websites.

Once this stock is sold out, however, Meaco says it won't be replenished again until late September (for the MeacoCool and Cirro Cooling and Heating models), and 2027 for the Cirro Cooling Only models. According to a video shared on Instagram by Meaco's founder Chris Michael, despite ordering 40% more stock than in 2025, the heatwaves we've experienced in the UK so far in 2026 have seen stock fly off the shelves.

If you don't manage to get your hands on one of the last remaining portable air conditioners, a misting fan like the Dreo TurboCool Misting Fan 765S (£199.99 and in stock at Amazon) is a good halfway house between a fan and a portable air conditioner.

DREO

Turbocool Misting Fan 765s

If your fan feels like it's blowing hot air around, this Dreo misting fan will leave you much cooler thanks to it's ultra fine mist that won't leave you or your furniture soggy.

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Shark just dropped a ‘fun-sized’ carpet cleaner that’s perfect for smaller homes – no huge storage space required!

Lauren Bradbury — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Shark has a few carpet cleaners to its name, but the brand's newest release, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner EX500UK (£179.99 at Shark), definitely stands out from the crowd as it's officially their lightest model to date.

Of course, you probably don’t need me to tell you that the best carpet cleaners are big, bulky and heavy. This often makes them difficult to manoeuvre and even more difficult to store - especially in smaller homes where cupboard space is limited. And while renting a carpet cleaner is always an option, Shark has made buying one more accessible than ever.

The Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is designed to be compact, lightweight, and seriously convenient, delivering full-size power in a ‘fun-size’ form that’s easy to use and store. At just £179.99, it also takes the cake as one of the cheapest carpet cleaners I’ve come across.

Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner EX500UK

This carpet cleaner also comes with a starter bottle of the 350ml Shark Deep Clean Ultra formula to aid your carpet cleaning.

Coming in at just 6.9 kg, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is officially lighter than any other full-size carpet cleaner in my guide - and it even comes with a removable wand that makes it smaller to store in tighter spaces.

In fact, my number-one-rated model, the VAX Platinum SmartWash carpet washer review, weighs 8.9kg, and the hefty Rug Doctor Deep Upright Carpet Cleaner comes in at a whopping 14.25kg. And while some of them do fold down, they are nowhere near as compact as Shark’s new model.

(Image credit: Shark)

But while I’d initially questioned whether a lighter, smaller carpet cleaner could successfully clean carpets, Shark claims that the CarpetForce offers up to six times deeper cleaning than traditional vacuuming, using its DirtDistrupt brush roll to get deep into carpet fibres and lift, loosen, and remove all kinds of debris.

The 3.8-litre clean water tank capacity is also what you’d expect from a full-size carpet cleaner, and it’s compatible with Shark’s Deep Clean Pro Formula (£14.99 at Shark), which is specifically designed to refresh carpets and remove odours from pets or even smoke.

But if that doesn’t quite suit your carpet-cleaning needs, it’s also compatible with the Shark Deep Clean Ultra With Stain Guardian (£19.99 at Shark), which is for more targeted spot cleaning and for protecting against future staining.

(Image credit: Shark)

And while we all know that the most annoying part of cleaning carpets is waiting for them to dry, Shark’s Express Clean Mode supposedly offers a 50% faster dry time compared to the Deep Clean Mode. This means you can get on with your day much quicker.

On paper, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner definitely has a lot of perks - most notably the sub-£200 price point. But I always like to test these claims for myself, so keep your eyes peeled for a full review coming soon.

I do already love the idea of a compact, lightweight carpet cleaner though...

VAX just added a self-cleaning carpet cleaner to its lineup – and this never-seen-before feature meant I barely had to clean it afterwards!

Rebecca Lawton — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

With daily spills, muddy footprints and the general chaos of family life, my carpets rarely stay clean for long. So when the new VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner promised hassle-free cleaning, larger water tanks and a self-rinse function, I was keen to see whether it could give my carpets a much-needed refresh.

I tested it on everything from well-trodden carpets to sticky ice-lolly spills to see whether it could compete with the best carpet cleaners on the market. Here's what I found.

In a nutshell

The VAX Platinum SmartWash XL is a carpet cleaner that gets the essentials right. It's fair to say it had its work cut out in my busy family home, and it did an excellent job of lifting everyday dirt and reviving my tired-looking carpets. While the transformation wasn't always dramatic, I was impressed with how much better-maintained my surfaces looked after testing.

There's no denying it's a big machine, but carpet cleaners aren't exactly known for being lightweight and compact. That said, its design feels practical rather than excessive. The large water tanks meant I wasn't constantly stopping to empty or refill them, and the self-rinse storage tray is a standout feature that helped to take some of the hassle out of post-cleaning maintenance.

It also includes a hose and hand tools, allowing it to double up as a spot cleaner. I found these especially useful for tackling upholstery, stairs and targeted stains, and I even used them to clean my toddler's buggy, which came up noticeably cleaner. While I can't see it replacing my dedicated spot cleaner, I can see the appeal of having one machine to handle multiple cleaning tasks around the home.

It isn't perfect, though. Its size means it's not the easiest to lift up and down stairs or to find storage space for. I also found its performance was strongest on everyday dirt, general refreshes and fresher stains, rather than deep-set marks that had time to settle in. Even so, for keeping carpets looking clean, fresh and well-maintained, it's an impressive all-round performer.

Specifications

(Image credit: VAX)

Weight: 9.4kg
Number of modes: 3
Clean water tank capacity: 3.8L
Dirty water tank capacity: 2.7L
Cord length: 9m
Dimensions: 44D x 32.6W x 109H centimetres
In the box: 2.5m hose, 2-in-1 antimicrobial tool, (bristle attachment and rubber attachment) SpinScrub^™ hand tool, accessories bag
RRP: £379.99

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The VAX Platinum SmartWash XL arrived at my doorstep in an unmistakably large, branded box. I wasn't expecting it to be lightweight, and it did have two carry handles on either side, which made lifting it easier, but it's worth noting that if you have mobility issues, you might need a hand.

Opening the box, my initial reaction was slight overwhelm at the number of components inside. Everything was securely packed and neatly organised, although most parts were wrapped individually in LDPE 4 plastic, which typically can't be recycled through normal household collections.

I've previously tested the VAX ONEPWR Cordless Compact Carpet Cleaner, and comparatively, the packaging did feel more eco-friendly, with all the parts wrapped in paper rather than cardboard.

The contents included a hose extension, 2-in-1 antimicrobial tool, (bristle attachment and rubber attachment) SpinScrub^™ hand tool, accessories bag and user manual.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Set up was really straightforward. The main unit arrives in three parts, so the first thing I did was assemble it, which took less than a minute. All I needed to do was insert the handle into the main unit - which clicked into place easily - before placing the clean water tank onto the main base.

Once assembled, it was obvious it's not a lightweight, compact machine. At 9.4kg, it falls within the typical weight range for a full-sized carpet cleaner, but its generous dimensions make it one of the largest models I've tested.

Before plugging it into power, I took a couple of minutes to properly take in the design. It takes up more floor space than I was expecting, but the size feels practical rather than excessive. The floorhead and clean and dirty water tanks are very generously sized, suggesting they're designed to tackle large cleaning jobs with few interruptions for emptying and refilling. The two large wheels on either side of the machine are also prominent features, making manoeuvring easier.

It's a corded machine, but the cord length is probably the longest I've come across at nine metres, so you don't need to worry about switching sockets mid-clean. While I wouldn't describe it as sleek or stylish (or most carpet cleaners, for that matter), its robust, purpose-built design made me optimistic that it would be up to the task of cleaning my tired-looking carpets.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

Using the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner

To get started, I removed the clean water tank and filled it with warm water up to the indicated fill line, as instructed in the manual. There is a bottle of cleaning solution included in the box, though if you fill the water tank to capacity, it will use up most of the solution. As soon as I added the solution, the water immediately turned cloudy.

I also underestimated how big the tank was until I'd filled it and noticed how much heavier it felt. That said, it was still easy to secure it back in place on the machine.

To activate the machine, you first need to press the handle release pedal located on top of the left wheel, and then press the power button at the top of the handle. This took a little getting used to, as the cleaner won't start unless the handle is reclined before the power button is turned on.

There are three cleaning modes: the default 'Wash Dry' setting for everyday cleaning, 'Spot' for tackling stubborn stains and spills, and 'Dry Only', which is designed to leave carpets dry in as little as one hour.

I started by giving my living room carpets a general refresh. While I try to keep on top of spills, because I live in a busy household, it doesn't take much for them to start looking tired. With no specific stains to target, I opted for the 'Wash Dry' mode for an overall clean.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

There's no denying the machine is loud - noticeably more so than a regular vacuum - but that's fairly typical for a full-sized carpet cleaner. Using it like a vacuum, I began by making slow forward and backwards passes across the carpets. It felt much heavier than the VAX Compact Cordless, but it was still manageable to manoeuvre and smoother to push than I was expecting.

The SmartWash Motion Sense technology automatically senses whether you are pushing forward to dispense solution or pulling back to extract. As I moved the machine forward, it released the cleaning solution onto the carpet, and the LED display read 'Wash'; pulling it back switched the display to 'Dry' as it vacuumed up the residue.

While I generally try to limit the use of harsh chemicals where possible, one of the first things that struck me was how fresh my carpets smelled almost immediately. It was also incredibly satisfying (not to mention embarrassing) to see just how much was being extracted. After only a couple of passes, the carpets looked noticeably cleaner, brighter and fresher. My usually very unobservant husband even commented on how much better they looked afterwards, before I'd even pointed it out!

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Despite the carpets in my toddler's nursery being the newest in the house, they were looking worse for wear after a late-night Calpol mishap. Admittedly, I didn't tackle it straight away, and the spill had become trodden in, leaving behind a sticky, dark patch that I was desperate to remove.

I sprayed the affected area with the pre-wash solution that's included in the box, and left it to soak for five minutes. I then turned the cleaner on, switched to 'Spot' mode, and made a few passes over the stain. The patch looked noticeably better almost immediately, but it was clear that a deeper clean would be needed to lift the remaining residue. Rather than continuing to soak the surrounding carpet, I decided to switch to the hose attachment for more targeted cleaning.

The hose compartment is neatly concealed behind a cover on the front of the machine, which pulls down to reveal the connection port. As I was focusing on a stubborn stain, I opted for the SpinScrub hand tool attachment. It was straightforward to attach; I connected the tool to one end of the hose and inserted the opposite end into the machine's connection port.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

The 2.5m hose length felt generously long, so I was able to comfortably reach the stain without repositioning the machine. After switching on the power, I pressed the trigger on the forward stroke to release the solution. The spray pattern initially took me by surprise, as the water sprayed outward in both directions rather than directly ahead, so I had to adjust my positioning to make sure I covered the area.

As its name suggests, the SpinScrub tool rotates continuously, so I didn't have much to do other than guide it over the stain. The rotating brush helped lift more residue from the carpet, noticeably improving the appearance of the affected area. While it didn't completely remove the stain, the remaining mark was subtle enough that it would be difficult to spot unless you knew where to look.

The testing period also coincided with the recent UK heatwave, so a blackcurrant ice-pop spill on my carpets was aptly timed.

Unlike the Calpol stain, I tackled this straight away using the SpinScrub brush attachment, and the results were much more impressive. After the first pass, most of the spill had already disappeared, and I didn't need to apply any pressure or scrubbing. It also left my carpet only lightly damp.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

As part of how we test carpet cleaners at Ideal Home, we carry out a number of controlled tests. One of these involves squirting tomato ketchup onto a carpet sample to assess how well the carper cleaner can remove it. For this test I left the ketchup to sit for a good hour before tackling it.

Using the SpinScrub brush attachment, I could see the solution was making a difference, although the results were not as immediate as they had been with the fresh blackcurrant stain. I needed to apply more pressure, and spend a couple of minutes scrubbing the area before most of the ketchup lifted.

The carpet sample was also noticeably wetter as a result of repeatedly spraying the area. After around four hours it was completely dry, but although it was lighter, the stain was still fairly visible. I suspect a second treatment would have improved the results further, but it did suggest that the Platinum SmartWash XL performs better when stains are treated as quickly as possible.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

I was also keen to see how it tackled upholstery, so I used the 2-in-1 antimicrobial tool on my sofas, which were in need of a general refresh. It attaches via the hose in the same way as the SpinScrub tool, so all I had to do was swap over the attachment. My sofa easily shows marks as it's a light-coloured fabric, and there were a couple of visible marks I wanted to tackle.

The results genuinely surprised me. I wasn't expecting the difference to be as noticeable as it was with the SpinScrub, but the attachment glided effortlessly over the fabric. Once dry, the sofa looked fresher, brighter and generally much cleaner than before.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Finally, I used the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL to tackle a job I'd been putting off - cleaning my toddler's buggy. As well as looking generally grubby from everyday use, there were a couple of chocolate marks on it so I was keen to put it to the test here.

As I was dealing with specific stains, I initially used the SpinScrub tool. However, the buggy's awkward fabric and crevices made it difficult to extract much of the cleaning solution, so I switched to the 2-in-1 hand tool instead.

This proved to be a better option. It was much easier to manoeuvre around the buggy's different surfaces, and into tighter spaces, and it successfully removed the chocolate marks. Once dry, I was impressed with how much cleaner and fresher the fabric looked, and the buggy as a whole felt more revived.

Cleaning and maintenance

One of the features that sets the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL apart from its competitors is its self-rinse and storage tray, which flushes hair and debris from the brush roll. It's something many vacuum mops have, and I've always found it to be a genuinely practical and useful feature - especially when it comes to keeping maintenance to a minimum.

Naturally, I was keen to see how it worked on a carpet cleaner. Before running the cycle, the dirty water tank must be emptied as usual, and the clean water tank must be filled with warm water. I did get caught out at this stage, as I'd underestimated how much cleaning solution would remain in the tank, so I had to pour half of it down the drain, which felt quite wasteful.

The machine slots onto the plastic storage tray, at which point the 'self-rinse' indicator light illuminates on the LED screen. I pressed this to activate the cycle. It is incredibly loud as the rollers are rinsed and dirt and debris are flushed into the dirty water tank, and the process lasts around three minutes before the icon switches off once the cycle is complete.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Some additional manual maintenance is required to keep the Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced performing well. While the self-cleaning cycle does a good job of cleaning the system after each use, after a few cleaning sessions, I noticed a build-up of debris and dirt in the floorhead nozzle. Thankfully, cleaning it is simple - it unclips from the front of the machine and can be rinsed under warm water.

I also occasionally needed to remove bits of debris caught in the brush rolls. They detach easily enough from the floorhead, although I found refitting them slightly fiddly. The end caps need to slot in first before brushes can be aligned on either side.

How does it rate online?

The online feedback for the Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced is among the best-rated I've seen for a product review. On the VAX website, it holds an impressive five-star rating and has 24 customer reviews. Customers praise its ease of use and performance, with the majority of users impressed by the results. The self-cleaning function is also noted as an additional useful feature.

It's a similar story on Amazon; there are 17 customer reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Although many users point out its large size, it doesn't seem to be a drawback, with the majority noting how easy it is to use.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

The Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced builds on previous popular VAX models, including the VAX Platinum SmartWash and the VAX Spotwash Home Cordless – which our Ideal Home reviewers awarded 5 stars and 4.5 stars respectively. The biggest difference comes down to convenience - the Platinum SmartWash XL features larger tanks and a spot mode for boosting cleaning power when tackling stubborn stains.

It's also worth mentioning the ONEPWR Compact Cordless Carpet Cleaner - the most notable difference being that it's cordless (the UK's first cordless carpet cleaner, in fact). The ONEPWR Compact Cordless is much lighter, making it easier to manoeuvre and move between rooms, but the trade-off is that the water tanks are smaller and it lacks the self-rinse function and storage tray. In terms of performance, they deliver similar results on targeted stains, but the Platinum SmartWash XL has the edge for general refreshes.

I've previously tested the Rug Doctor Deep Upright Carpet Cleaner, which feels quite comparable in overall size, though at over 14kg, it's still heavier than the Platinum SmartWash XL. It does have the edge when it comes to performance.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

Verdict: Should you buy the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner?

If you're looking for a carpet cleaner that can revive tired-looking carpets, the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice. It delivered consistently good results through testing, lifting everyday dirt and leaving carpets looking noticeably cleaner and fresher. The large-capacity tanks also make it well-suited to bigger cleaning jobs, as you won't be constantly stopping to refill or empty water.

One of its biggest selling points is its versatility. The included hose and hand tools mean it can tackle upholstery, stairs and spot-cleaning jobs as well as whole-room carpet cleans. While I still prefer using a dedicated spot cleaner for stubborn stains, if you're looking to invest in a single appliance that handles a range of cleaning tasks, the Platinum SmartWash XL makes a strong case.

For homes with limited storage space or for anyone with mobility issues, a more compact, lightweight option might be better suited. It's a sizeable machine, and carrying it between floors can be a bit of a workout. There are also more effective carpet cleaners if you need something to tackle deeper stains.

Overall, its strengths lie in routine carpet maintenance and larger-scale refreshes, rather than intensive stain removal. If that's what you're looking for, the Platinum SmartWash XL offers plenty of useful features and delivers impressive results.

Ideal Home’s air conditioning expert has just convinced me to snap up this misting fan instead of a portable AC – it’s one of the few left in stock that we rate

Kezia Reynolds — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Since the last heatwave proved that my home really struggled to keep heat out, I’m currently putting cooling measures in place already for the next one. One of the biggest investments I'm planning to make is a new cooling appliance, and Ideal Home’s resident air conditioning expert recommended the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan (£199.99, Amazon) as one of her preferred ways to keep cool when the mercury spikes.

Right now, the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans are sold out everywhere. And with manufacturers stating that stock may not be replenished until later this month, I’m looking for high-quality cooling appliances that are still in stock for next week’s high temperatures.

The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is not only recommended by Ideal Home’s cooling expert Sarah Handley, but it also has over 100 positive reviews online. Here’s everything you need to know.

DREO

Dreo Turbocool Misting Fan

This powerful misting fan uses special technology to ensure no residue is left from the mist. It can also be controlled via an app on your phone, and promises to drop room temperature by six degrees in sixty seconds.

If you’ve struggled to find a portable AC in stock, a misting fan is a pretty good alternative. These release a fine mist of water, which makes you feel instantly cool and refreshed. You can snap up handheld models (like this rechargeable Amazon bestseller), which are a lifesaver on sweaty commutes, while larger models use evaporative cooling to cool a room.

Misting fans work by spreading a steady stream of air alongside the ultra-fine spray, which evaporates in the warm air, cooling it in the process. As the droplets are so fine, you don’t have to worry about you or your home feeling wet.

This DREO model uses ultrasonic atomization to produce 17μm ultra-fine mist. This means it delivers practically moisture-free cooling, but unlike a typical fan, which blows around warm air, it will feel cool. DREO claims this fan can reduce perceived temperature by six degrees in just one minute.

It has a 6L tank to enable up to seven hours of turbo cooling, or 30 hours on a low speed. The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan actually offers three-in-one functions, integrating cooling, a fan and humidifying.

The fan can be controlled via an app on your phone or a remote control. (Image credit: DREO)

‘This Dreo TurboCool 765S misting fan easily bridges the gap between a fan and a portable air conditioner, creates a lovely cooling breeze and won't leave your furniture soggy,’ says Sarah.

Sarah’s currently in the process of testing it, so you can expect a full review soon. However, the DREO misting fan’s online reviews have been equally positive.

‘This is one amazing product! Really quiet, dry water vapour, it gets the job done. I've got a 4m x 8m bedroom, and it keeps the room nice and cool. The water tank is a good size and doesn't need constant topping up. I keep it on a low setting,’ says one.

‘I'm giving this 5 stars because, although it was a little expensive (the price fluctuates regularly) it does what it's designed to do. However, be aware that if your air is already quite humid, like it can get sometimes in the UK, then if you use misting, which adds more moisture into the air, then it can start to feel quite tropical. The instructions describe when not to use the misting, and the display shows how humid the air is currently. Basically, it's not an air con, but it is a good fan, and the product quality is good,’ says another.

Amazon is currently saying that the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is usually dispatched within two to three days, so in the meantime, you can turn your current fan into a makeshift air conditioner using a bowl of ice or Amazon’s clever misting attachment. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling appliances I’ve found in stock and online.

Shark

Shark Flexbreeze Pro Mist Cordless Indoor & Outdoor Fan

This fan may be expensive but it does work very well. It's portable, offers a 20m cooling reach and has a run time of 24 hours.

Shark

Shark Chillpill 3-In-1 Fan, Mist & Instachill System Fa022uk Carbon

The Shark ChillPill is another fan on my wishlist. Perfect for taking on the go, it has a misting attachment, cooling plate and offers 10 different fan speeds.

EasyAcc

Easyacc Portable Air Cooler

This affordable misting fan has lots of good reviews. It's quiet, has a huge 7L capacity, long-lasting battery life and is capacble of cooling large rooms such as bedrooms.

If you’re still scrambling to find a good fan in stock, we have tried and vouch for the DREO TurboCool Misting fan

I’m buying Aldi’s new £14.99 air cooler for the July heatwave – its compact design makes it the best choice for my small flat

Kezia Reynolds — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000

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.

AMBIANO

Portable Air Cooler With Led

I can't get over how affordable this air cooler is. It's such a bargain, that I will definitely be picking one up to see how it works.

XTTANK

1200ml Portable Air Conditioner With Remote Control

This is the air cooler I was planning on buying while the best portable AC's are out of stock. Its large tank offers six to eight hours of usage, and it has three speeds and three mist modes. Reviews say it is quiet and effective.

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.

(Image credit: Aldi)

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.

Midea

Midea 7l 3-In-1 Air Cooler

This air cooler's massive 7L water tank and included ice packs means itprovides rapid cooling quickly and quietly when the heatwave hits. Reviews not it doesn't take up too much space, as well as wprking effectively.

Duux

Duux Mist Air Cooler

While a little bulkier, this model is perfect for cooling open plan areas or even patios thanks to it's huge 5.5L water tank. It has a night mode, three different speeds and a has a timer which you can set between 1-9 hours.

Honeywell

Honeywell Turboforce Power Fan

Ideal for working from home, this fan won't take up much room on your desk yet offers a powerful blast of cool air. Reviews praise this Amazon bestseller for its compact size and powerful cooling performance.

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.

I’ve used this electric mop over 100 times, and this is how I honestly feel about it eight months after my first review

Lauren Bradbury — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

As Ideal Home’s House Manual Editor, it’s literally my job to test cleaning products. And as I test so many, it’s become pretty hard to impress me - let alone create a product that I’ll willingly use in my own home for months on end. But Philips did just that when they launched the Philips OneUp 5000 Series Electric Mop (£149.99 at Amazon) last year.

For years, the best mops have been fairly repetitive in terms of design and delivery. And while I wouldn’t use the word ‘old-fashioned,’ I do think the mop world needed to be shaken up. This happened when this battery-powered model thrust me into my electric mop era eight months ago.

I was impressed back then, but I’m not someone who continually recommends something without following up. So, as I’ve used this electric mop multiple times a week for the past eight months (I worked out that I’ve used it over 100 times, in fact), I thought I’d share what I love - and the things I don’t love - about this viral floorcare product.

Philips OneUp 5000 Series Electric Mop

This set comes complete with the electric mop, a USB charger, mop pad, and a bottle of the cleaning solution.

1. The water tank drains quite quickly (but the cleaning solution lasts ages)

The main USP of the Philips OneUp Electric Mop is, unsurprisingly, the patented OneUp technology that continuously pumps clean water onto the floor while simultaneously sucking up the dirty water it leaves behind. And while the 281ml clean water tank is fairly large, I have found that it empties quite quickly.

Philips claims that one tank should be enough to cover 125 square meters, and I personally find it suitable for a quick once-over of my three-bedroom home. For deeper, weekly cleans in the winter, however, I often needed to top up the tank to clean all my hard flooring.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

Despite this, a positive is that very little water is wasted during the mopping process, which is a nice change from traditional mops and buckets - especially as I’m on a water meter and extremely conscious of how much water I use.

And while I may have to fill up the tank a little more than I’d like, I love that the cleaning solution lasts ages. Philips says each cartridge offers up to 40 cleans, but I’ve found I can stretch that further by lowering the dosage for my lighter cleans. So, I’ve only just had to buy a replacement for the bottle that originally came with the electric mop.

Philips OneUp Floor Cleaning Solution - Pack of 2

It's easy to buy replacement cleaning solution bottles, and I'd suggest you do. It doesn't have that much of a scent, but it definitely adds a freshness to a just-mopped room.

2. The run time surprised me (in a very good way)

On paper, the Philips OneUp 5000 Electric Mop has a runtime of up to 70 minutes, depending on the setting you use (and there are two to choose from). But just like how a washing machine lies to you, I’ve found that the run time of the Philips OneUp also surprised me.

On one occasion, I managed to rack up 79 minutes of cleaning time on one charge. And while I don’t want to make false promises or suggest you’ll be able to do the same, I’ve personally thought I’d have to charge it way more than I have.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

I also think the 4-hour charge time is pretty respectable, as I’ve never had an occasion when I needed to mop my floors within four hours of cleaning them the first time. I’ve also rarely had to use it for more than 15 minutes at a time, so I’ve found that I can go a couple of weeks without charging it.

The Philips OneUp 3000, which is slightly cheaper, does have a shorter battery life of 50 minutes - but even that would be enough if you’re willing to charge it more often. Just be warned that it also has one fewer power setting and takes twice as long to charge.

Philips OneUp 3000 Series Electric Mop

The 3000 series isn't as high-tech as the 5000 series, but it could still be worthy of a place in your home if you have a smaller budget.

3. The mop head is quite sturdy (but not invincible)

I’ve tested so many mops over the years, and one thing I will tell you is that choosing a mop with the right mop head matters a lot. Some are incredibly flimsy during cleaning, which makes it harder to get into nooks, crannies and corners, and this also makes it harder to clean a mop head.

However, the mop pad of the Philips OneUp 5000 is sturdy and solid - though, I guess it has to be to encase the components required of the OneUp technology. And because the mop pads are reusable, I haven’t noticed any reduction in cleaning quality or mop functionality while I’ve been using them, as they’ve stayed solid throughout.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

In fact, the only problem I’ve encountered over the past eight months is that these mop pads aren’t invincible. While they can be washed in the washing machine, there are limitations to this - and I haven’t found my experiences to match up with Philips’ claim that one mop pad can last up to six months.

I’ve found that it lasts around four months before it starts to disintegrate in the washing machine, most noticeably when the blue foam comes off in tiny pieces. This is a little annoying, but I love the mop so much that I’m willing to overlook it and buy the replacement pads when needed. This is something to consider if you don’t want to shell out £35 every few months, though.

Philips OneUp Replaceable Pads - Pack of 2

Coming in at £17.50 a piece, these mop heads are expensive - but it's cheaper when you buy a pack of two, rather than a singular mop pad.

4. It’s expensive (but I do think it’s worth it)

As part of my job, I test so many different floorcare tools - from regular mops and buckets to the best vacuum mops. And while there’s no denying that the Philips OneUp Electric Mop is on the premium end of the price spectrum, I do think it’s worth it. After all, I wouldn’t still be using it in my own house if I didn’t.

And while I’d always recommend those with a bigger budget to splurge on a proper vacuum mop for more efficient, multi-purpose cleaning, I do think the Philips OneUp offers a nice middle ground for those who find that regular mops just don’t offer the results they’re after.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

The battery power and OneUp technology allow it to clean floors effectively (without leaving them too wet) while ensuring that all dirt is removed. This is a major step up from some non-electric mops that can simply spread dirty water around the floor without actually combating the issue.

I’ve also tested the similar Kärcher EWM 2 Electric Wipe Mop, which has a higher RRP than the Philips, and still found the Philips OneUp to be superior. It’s easy to use and easy to maintain, and it offers the clean you’d expect from a product at this price point.

Yep, I'm still firmly in my electric mop era...

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I tested a sub-£200 vacuum cleaner built for pet parents – this is how Hoover’s newest model fared in a real home covered in pet hair

Lauren Bradbury — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Meet the tester

(Image credit: Future)

I'm Lauren, Ideal Home's resident floorcare expert and Certified Expert in Vacuums. I tested the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Cordless Vacuum Cleaner in my three-bedroom home over the course of two weeks, with the help of my dog, Barney.

Hoover is an iconic brand within the vacuum cleaner space, regularly dropping new models to tackle specific problems. And the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Vacuum Cleaner? Well, this new cordless vacuum is competing to become one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

This new model promises to tackle all the cleaning problems pet parents face on a daily basis, but at a price point that works for every household. So, Barney (my dog) and I decided to test these claims for ourselves. And this is everything we found out along the way.

In a nutshell

Retailing at just £199, the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is one of the cheapest pet vacuums on the market - but it doesn't scrimp on cleaning power. Like many other cordless vacuums, this model is ideal for grab-and-go cleaning, but it has the added bonus of being one of the lightest I've ever tested at just 2.5kg.

Offering 150AW of power, its suction power was more than enough for everyday cleaning in my pet hair and dander-filled home, and the 0.7L dust bin coupled with the 30-minute runtime in Standard mode (or 60 minutes in Eco mode) allowed me to vacuum my small three-bed Victorian terrace without running out of juice or having to empty it mid-clean.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

Of course, this might not be enough for those who want more suction power or for larger homes that struggle with tougher messes. For the everyday UK household, though, I do think it ticks a lot of boxes. Plus, the additional attachments - including the pet tool that I used almost daily - allow for more targeted cleaning when needed.

The only real downside is that you are buying a cheaper model, so you can't expect it to be perfect. It's also on the louder side of the sound spectrum (92dB in Standard mode), which is something you should definitely consider if your pets are scared of louder appliances.

Specifications

Weight: 2.5kg
Suction power: 150AW
Run time: 60 mins (Eco mode), 30 mins (Standard mode)
Charge time: 4 hours
Bin volume: 0.7L
Modes: 3 (Eco, Standard and Turbo)
Noise level (tested by us): 92dB in Standard mode
In the box: Main unit, pet hair removal tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, wall mount and charger
RRP: £199.99

(Image credit: Hoover)

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

I test a lot of vacuum cleaners in my role as Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, so I’m used to big, bulky boxes landing on my doorstep. As a result, I was pleasantly surprised by the lightweight box the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean came in.

In fact, at just 2.5kg, it’s one of the lightest models I’ve ever received - and it’s on par with the extremely popular (and lightweight) Dyson V12 cordless vacuum cleaner, which is significantly more expensive than the Hoover.

Because of this, it was easy enough for me to carry over the threshold myself, and everything was encased in a solid cardboard scaffold to protect the smaller components from damage. My only niggle here was that they were also individually wrapped in LDPE 04 plastic, which is not widely recycled in kerbside collections. Instead, I had to take it all to the supermarket to dispose of it.

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

Despite this slight delay, I then got to work assembling the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean, which took just a few seconds. I simply slotted all of the components together and kept the tools separate to test out later.

I then popped it onto charge before using it for the first time, and took a step back to assess both the design and the feel of the cordless vacuum - and I was impressed. It feels lightweight yet not cheap (despite its affordable price point), and I loved the sleek black-and-gold colourway.

One thing I also appreciated was that it stood up on its own without needing to be propped up against a wall. However, the dust bin did look a little small to me, so I was eager to see how it would fare during testing.

Using the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

As part of how we test vacuums at Ideal Home, our process is twofold. First, we conduct tailored tests to assess a vacuum cleaner’s ability to pick up debris. Then, we use it as naturally as possible in our homes as our everyday vacuum cleaner.

So, to start, I threw some rice, flour, porridge oats, and pet hair on the hard flooring in my three-bedroom Victorian terrace home. And as you can see from the video, it picked up every speck of debris within one forward and one backstroke of the vacuum. You can even see the pet hair being sucked into the floorhead before it even touches it.

I then repeated the process on carpet, and it was just as impressive. This is all thanks to the 150AW of suction power, which puts it on par with top-rated models such as the Dyson V8 Cyclone and the Shark PowerDetect Speed - the latter being the model that I choose to use in my home when I’m not testing another vacuum.

After it passed this test with flying colours, I took the Hoover HF3 Pet for a spin around my home, using it to vacuum both the downstairs (all hard flooring with some rugs) and the upstairs (fully carpeted). One thing I really loved was the white lights on the floorhead, which allowed me to see invisible dust and hair that couldn’t be seen to the naked eye.

As it’s so compact and lightweight, it was also incredibly easy to manoeuvre around corners and between rooms. The Double Edge Cleaning feature also meant that every edge received the same treatment as the rest, and I was able to clean right to the edges of the skirting and baseboards.

On carpet, I was genuinely impressed by the floorhead's ability to remove embedded pet hair from my woollen carpets - which typically hold a lot of hair between the fibres. I could see from the dust bin that it was not only filling up quickly with my dog’s hair, but also my own longer, blonde hair.

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

And while I was initially concerned about the 0.7L size of the dustbin, I thankfully managed to vacuum my entire house without needing to empty it halfway through. It was full by the time I’d finished, but I’m used to emptying it after every use anyway - so this suited me perfectly.

However, I will admit that the run time could be an issue for some. Although it has a maximum run time of 60 minutes in Eco mode, I tended to use Standard mode most, which only allows 30 minutes. This was enough to vacuum my small house, but those with larger family homes may struggle with that timeframe.

Another niggle I have is the noise level of this vacuum cleaner; at 92 dB, it’s significantly louder than other models I’ve tested.

This isn’t a dealbreaker for short cleaning bursts, and because Barney is used to me testing vacuums, but I did find that my dog was more scared of this model than he has been of other vacuums. So, you might want to be cautious if your pets are particularly sensitive to noise.

Using the attachments

It may seem like the Hoover HF3 only comes with two attachments, but the third - the dusting brush - is hidden within the vacuum itself. It’s revealed when you transform it into handheld mode, and I found this tool particularly handy for more delicate cleaning tasks like dusting my blinds and even my laptop keyboard.

As the crevice tool is fairly standard with every vacuum cleaner, there wasn’t anything too remarkable about this - but it’s still a great tool to have for those smaller nooks and crannies.

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

My favourite tool, however, was the pet hair removal tool. I love it when a pet vacuum cleaner comes with a separate motorised tool like this, as it allows for more targeted cleaning where pet hair is worse. In my house, that’s my carpeted stairs, a footstool and a sofa bed that my dog has claimed as his own.

The pet tool made light work of the footstool and the stairs, and while I’ve definitely had better results with other tools on my velvet sofa bed, it still removed almost all of the hair, dirt and pet dander. So, it’s a worthy inclusion.

Cleaning and maintenance

Like most cordless stick vacuums, the Hoover HF3 Pet relies on a one-touch emptying system to expel the debris from the dust chamber. And while this technically made things cleaner, it still resulted in a dust plume that hit me in the face as I emptied it into the bin. I also often found that some hair had got caught in the chamber, so I had to reach in to pull it out.

However, this is a common problem I often face with cordless vacuums as a pet parent, so I won't hold it against them too much. The bin filters are also removable and can be washed every month for easy maintenance.

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

This model also comes with a wall mount for easy storage and charging, and it even has space on the mount for the tools - which keeps them neat and tidy and stops them from going AWOL. The 4-hour charge time is also relatively average for this type of vacuum cleaner.

It’s worth noting that while it is also a freestanding model, Hoover only recommends parking it this way temporarily. If you are going to leave it unattended, the brand suggests storing it on the wall mount instead.

How does it rate online?

Despite being a relatively new addition to the Hoover lineup, the HF3 Pet DynamicClean already have many glowing reviews on the Hoover website. At the time of writing, there are 21 reviews, with an average star rating of 4.75 out of 5.

For the most part, customers love how lightweight and easy to use it is, and appreciate that it’s still powerful despite its affordable price point. Many pet owners have praised the floorhead and the pet tool for picking up more hair than they expected.

On the negative side, some have complained about the short runtime in Standard mode and noted that it’s much louder than models they have owned in the past.

Verdict: Should you buy the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

For £199, I really do think the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean is a worthwhile choice. It’s seriously affordable, but it’s not cheap. It still feels high-quality, offers impressive suction power for everyday cleaning, and is practical for storage and maintenance.

As it’s designed to be a pet vacuum, you’ll be happy to know that it’s also extremely effective at removing embedded pet hair from carpets and rugs, and the motorised pet tool helps you tackle smaller, more targeted cleaning jobs.

Just be warned that it’s not the most powerful model on the market, and it is incredibly loud, which may scare some pets if they’re used to quieter models.

Dyson quietly dropped a new smart fan that ‘follows’ you around the room – it’ll keep you consistently cool and comfortable during the heatwave

Lauren Bradbury — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Let’s be honest: Dyson is kind of a big deal. This appliance brand has created products to tackle everything from our dirty floors to our wet, unstyled hair, but it’s also known for its impressive, high-quality fans and air purifiers. And the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool (£549.99 at Dyson) is the latest model to be added to that lineup.

Merging one of the best air purifiers with the best fans, Dyson quietly dropped the Dyson Find+Follow last month. But with minimal marketing and the excitement of the handheld Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool Fan launch overshadowing it, it seems as though the Find+Follow hasn’t been given the attention it deserves. So, allow me to explain - especially as fans are in short supply right now.

On the surface, this air-purifying fan looks very similar to other Dyson models. But this new release is smarter than ever, and solves the biggest problem I have with fans. Namely, the fact that fans don’t account for the ‘pockets’ of hot air you have to deal with when you move around your house.

Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool

Controlled via an app, Dyson's new smart air purifying fan comes in a classic white and gold colourway and the brand's iconic bladeless loop design.

Dyson has designed this new purifying fan to automatically track your movements in a room, so it can ‘follow’ you and ensure the cooling, purified air is always pointing towards you.

And if you share your space with others, the air projection system will detect this and automatically adjust the oscillation up to 350° so that the same purified air is shared between you, as long as you’re not in a space larger than 27m².

When it notices that you’ve left the room, it will stop moving and wait for you to return. And if you don’t return within the hour, it’ll switch to Auto mode to maintain the room’s comfort and air quality. Of course, throughout it all, you also get the benefits of using an air purifier during a heatwave, which is a little-known hack to cope with rising temperatures.

(Image credit: Dyson)

And as someone who tests air purifying fans and believes they are wholeheartedly worth it, I’m lucky to have a few in my house right now - especially with temperatures soaring and my husband’s hay fever wreaking havoc on his entire being.

However, one problem I’ve always had with fans is that they’re quite restrictive to where you’re sitting or standing in that moment, considering they don’t actually cool a room in the same way portable air conditioners do. And while an oscillating fan is always better than a static fan, oscillation isn’t exactly accurate.

Instead, you just have to hope that the oscillating breeze catches you exactly where you are at the time, distributing the ‘wind chill’ they produce in a way that makes you feel cooler. If it doesn’t, you’re thrust back into a pocket of hot air that UK homes are known for during the hotter months. But that’s where the Find+Follow can help.

(Image credit: Dyson)

Naturally, you may have concerns associated with smart AI technology that uses a camera and 17-point user detection to ‘track’ you around your own house. But to quell one of the biggest concerns I had when I heard about this new appliance, Dyson has confirmed that it is cyber-safe.

The brand explains, ‘Dyson’s Find+Follow AI vision system never identifies anyone and only detects presence. Images are processed instantly within the machine, deleted and never leave the device.’ So, you don’t have to worry about any images or personal data being shared elsewhere.

(Image credit: Dyson)

Despite all of the perks and tech features, though, it’s hard to ignore that an appliance like this comes in at a premium price. At £549.99, it’s not cheap, and it is definitely possible to find an air purifying fan for a lot less.

But if you already think Dyson fans are worth it, and you love new technology, unlike anything you’ve ever seen, it could be an investment worth making. If not, here are some other air purifying fans I’d recommend.

Russell Hobbs RHBLDL12 Bladeless Tower Fan

I tested this air purifying fan last year, and I raved about it so much that I inspired my mum to buy one too! It has an oscillation feature and integrated filtration to help you breathe easier, too.

Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 (TP11)

If you don't like the Find+Follow feature, the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 is a great alternative. It offers very similar air-purifying properties but doesn't include the AI technology. Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, loved it during testing.

Blueair ComfortPure 3-in-1 T10i Air Purifier

If space is limited, this air purifying fan offers a more compact design. It will also serve as a heater in the winter, but just be warned that it is an air purifier first and foremost. Our tester loved it and gave it a 4.5-star review.

What do you think of Dyson's new air purifying fan? Could it be your new heatwave hero?

Amazon is selling a clever gadget that will turn your fan into an air conditioner for under £6 – it's a quick fix for cooling down on sweaty days

Kezia Reynolds — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

This year, I’ve made the fateful mistake of waiting too long to purchase an air conditioner, and now that the best models have sold out, I’ve been scrambling for ways to achieve a similar cooling effect in my own - and this £5.44 Amazon Fan Mister Attachment is what I’ve settled on.

It’s my own fault, I know. As summers are becoming increasingly hot and muggy, the best portable air conditioners are ever increasing in popularity - so much so, this week we’ve been tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners.

If you don’t have one of these appliances, or a refreshing misting fan to hand (such as the Shark FlexBreeze, £149.99, Currys), here’s how this affordable fan attachment from Amazon can help.

Amazon

Mister Attachment for Fan

Simply clip onto your fan and enjoy. As the air blows over the ice, it creates an icy 'air conditioning' effect.

Now, this mister attachment won’t exactly turn your fan into an air conditioner, but it will mimic the feeling it provides. It’s essentially any easy way to complete the viral DIY air conditioner hack, which consists of putting a bowl of ice in front of a fan.

This popular cooling hack works because, as the fan blows air over the ice, it evaporates and cools the air, creating an air conditioning effect. While it certainly doesn’t have the power of an air conditioning unit, it will provide the same relief.

The Amazon misting fan attachment works in a similar way. Included, you get a case to hold your ice, and four containers, where you can add water and freeze. The case attaches to your fan via a hook, and cold air blows directly over the ice.

Amazon states it offers four to six hours of consistent cooling. It also says it has a ‘frostbite-proof’ handle, and it is double-sealed to prevent leaks. The attachment is suitable for use on round, square and mesh fans.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Now, this isn’t going to cool your bedroom or living room - it’s simply too small. But if you work from home, or are looking for some personal relief, it is great for attaching to a desk fan and cooling yourself down.

I’m also keen to mention that, obviously, electricity and water do not mix. If you plan to use a mister attachment on your fan, you need to ensure that you are attaching and detaching it when the fan is switched off and unplugged to prevent any potential shocks. If you do get water in your fan, it is advised that you don’t try to use it.

Alternatively, you can use a misting fan. These spray fine droplets of water to help cool you down, without making you or your home feel wet. Then the moisture droplets will create a wind chill effect on your skin as the fan blows against it. Here are a few misting fans that are in stock, and you can shop online.

Shark

FlexBreeze HydroGo Pro Fan

Homes editors swear by this powerful misting fan. It has 5 speeds and is completely portable so you can take it anywhere. It's fine mist is also really cool and refreshing.

Shark

Shark Chillpill 3-In-1 Personal High-Speed Fan

If you want to stay cool on the go, we love the Shark ChillPill. It offers different attachments including a cooling plate, high speed fan and misting setting. It has 10 speeds and 10 noise settings so you can adjust it to your needs.

NebulaFlow

Nebulaflow Mist Fan, 2026

This misting fan has a huge 4L capacity water tank to support hours of continuous fine mist. Reviews say it is quiet, yet powerful, with adjustable oscillation and speed setting for comfort.

If you haven’t got a portable air conditioner, will you be testing this mister attachment instead?

It's not an air conditioner, and it's not a fan – this affordable cooling appliance is the one I'm recommending to everyone this week

Jenny McFarlane — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

In case you've been living under a rock (which would be cooler than where I am sitting right now), temperatures are soaring into uncomfortable territory, and lots of portable air conditioners are either sold out or carrying eye-watering price tags.

I've found myself recommending a different cooling appliance to friends and family this week: an air cooler. In fact, the Midea 5L Air cooler became an Amazon bestseller as we were all looking for a way to beat the heat, but on a budget, and I can see history repeat itself. With features like three speeds, 75° automatic oscillation, a 7h timer and minimal noise output, it's clear that it offers sweet relief from hot and humid weather.

If you've never come across one before, I'll give you a little explainer on them and how they differ from the best air conditioners and fans. Sitting somewhere between a fan and an air conditioner, air coolers are an underrated appliance that seem to fly under the radar until a heatwave arrives.

But after testing quite a few cooling appliances over the years at Ideal Home, I think they're one of the most affordable ways to stay comfortable when the mercury rises. Here's more on what they are and why you should get your hands on one, quicksnap.

Midea

5L Air Cooler with Remote Control

What is an air cooler?

Unlike a standard fan, which moves warm air around a room, an air cooler uses water to help create a cooling-feeling breeze.

Emma Coleman, seasonal buyer at Robert Dyas, explains that unlike a fan, an air cooler releases cool air instead of circulating warm air, which will have a more noticeable effect on the temperature.

You fill an internal tank with cold water (and sometimes reusable ice packs), and as hot air passes through the appliance, it is cooled before a fan inside the unit circulates it around your room. In fact, it works a lot like this effective fan ice cube hack.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Kate Korolova)

'This temperature will also be felt across the whole room, instead of the focus point that a fan cools. Some also have a heating function, making them useful in the winter as well,' explains Emma.

It's important to be clear, though, that an air cooler isn't a portable air conditioner by any stretch of the imagination. It won't dramatically reduce the temperature of an entire room in the same way a fitted AC unit can.

However, it will make the air blowing towards you feel cooler and fresher than a standard fan, which can make a huge difference on hot, sticky days.

Shop these in-stock air coolers

We haven't tested any of the models below; however, we have based our selection on brand reputation and shopper reviews.

If you see an air cooler that will suit your home, I wouldn't wait around for a deal, as I expect these coolers are going to sell out fast.

Morphy Richards

Flexi Freeze Air Cooler With Remote Control & Ice Packs - White

Featuring three speed settings to match your preferred airflow level, a nine-hour timer so it can switch off automatically, and three cooling modes, the Flex Freeze will help you stay cool all day. Plus, it includes ice packs for extra chill factor.

Duux

Mist Air Cooler Stone

Easier on the eye than others on this list, this air cooler comes from one of the best cooling brands we know, Duux. With its advanced evaporative cooling system, it delivers a refreshing breeze, effectively cooling spaces up to 50m2. Duux states it's actually ideal even for outdoor patios as well as indoors.

Black+decker Bxac65001gb Portable 2-In-1 Air Cooler

This affordable option can be used as either an air cooler or a fan. It comes with ice blocks which the reviews say are essential to getting the perfect level of cooling.

JML

Chillmax Air Cooler, Portable Fan and Humidifier

This air cooler cools, purifies, and adds moisture to the air. It's a handy space-saving size for desks or smaller spaces and runs for 10 hours per fill.

Midea

5L Air Cooler with Remote Control

This air cooler was an Amazon bestseller last year during Amazon Prime Day. It features three speeds, 75° Automatic Oscillation, a 7h Timer and produces minimal noise.

Bush

6.5L Vortex Blade Air Cooler

Ideal for rooms up to 25m, you can pick from 3 speeds and 3 easy modes, with triple air inlets and a Vortex fan blade which drives a punchy 6.5m/s airflow for fast, feelgood cooling.

The biggest advantage is their affordability. While many portable air conditioners cost £300 to £600 or more, a good air cooler can often be snapped up for under £100. They're also much easier to live with, with no bulky exhaust hose to hang out of a window, no complicated installation, and they tend to be quieter and more energy-efficient than portable AC units.

Saying that, if you're expecting a more dramatic cooling effect, you'll probably be a bit disappointed, but if you're just looking for a way to cool yourself down during a heatwave, it's an option well worth considering, since there are a lot still in stock right now.

With more spells of hot weather forecast and air conditioners increasingly hard to get hold of, it's the cooling appliance I'll be recommending to friends and family for some quick relief.

If you're struggling to find an in-stock air conditioner, you can sign up for stock notifications for our best air conditioners on sites like Argos and AO.com. Or if you want a budget cooling alternative for right this second, a compact air cooler could just be the sweet spot.

It won't necessarily cool down your room like an AC, but it can make you feel a lot more chill, and I think that's what really counts in the middle of a muggy UK summer.

The little-known appliance that keeps me comfortable during a heatwave – this is why I can’t sleep without it

Lauren Bradbury — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

It’s a bit hot, isn’t it? And while sales of fans and portable AC units are going through the roof this week, I thought it only fair that one of my favourite appliances received some love, too. After all, I swear by this little-known air booster during a heatwave.

Of course, spring and summer are already the most popular months for the best air purifiers. But while many people shove them in the cupboard in favour of a fan or portable air conditioner when temperatures start to soar, I’m here to make the case that they undoubtedly do belong in your hot-weather toolkit.

However, I should preface this by saying that standalone air purifiers can’t cool down your house, and you’ll still need an air conditioner if you want to actively reduce the temperature. But it can make your house feel more comfortable, and choosing the right air purifier can almost certainly make you feel better - especially at night. So, this is how an air purifier can help during a heatwave.

Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier

This is the top-rated air purifier in our guide, and it's ideal for rooms up to 48m² to filter. It doesn't have any cooling properties, but it's well worth using it alongside an air conditioner or fan.

Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 Powerful Cooling Purifier

Our reviewer gave this purifying fan a glowing 5-star review, and the powerful air circulation combined with the air purifying properties makes it a heatwave must-have.

Pro Breeze OmniAir 41" Bladeless Tower Fan with Air Purifier

While we haven't tested this air purifier fan, it's a great price and is still in stock for next-day delivery - despite the fact that only a few fans and air conditioners are still in stock.

1. It continually circulates the air

(Image credit: Future/ Jenny McFarlane )

One thing you might not know is that fans don’t cool a room, either - only air conditioners do, as they have internal refrigeration components to actively push back against hotter temperatures. But a fan helps you feel cooler by continually circulating the air and creating a breeze (or ‘wind chill’ effect) that replaces the stuffy air with fresh air. And an air purifier works in the exact same way.

This is especially helpful during a heatwave when people often shut blinds and curtains to keep the warmer air out and the cooler air in, as an air purifier can continue to circulate the air even when there’s no fresh air coming in. This alone can make a room feel less stuffy and more comfortable during the hotter weather.

Of course, an air purifier doesn't have the same power as a fan, so I’d suggest using them together for the best results. Johnny Liang, Air Purifier Specialist at Levoit, also says that air purifier placement is key. He advises, ‘Leaving 30–50 cm of clearance around the air inlet and outlet helps ensure good circulation and prevents “short-circuiting,” where cleaned air is immediately drawn back into the unit without mixing into the room.’

2. It tackles indoor pollutants

(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)

The summer months also bring many airborne pollutants into the home, from tree and grass pollen to excess dust and even BBQ smoke. In fact, Lars Dunberger, Technology Development Manager at Blueair, says, ‘We spend around 90% of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside.’

And while there are so many unexpected uses of air purifiers, their main purpose is to capture these indoor pollutants and improve your home’s air quality. And this can make you feel more comfortable during a heatwave, too, as they remove irritating particles and release cleaner air that reduces a room’s stuffiness and makes it feel less stagnant. You should be able to notice this, too.

This is particularly helpful at night if you struggle to sleep during a heatwave. After all, a lack of pollen or dust can help you breathe easier, which will help you fall asleep quicker - and stay asleep for longer too. This is one of the reasons air-purifying fans are worth it: they can help you feel both cool and comfortable during the day and at night.

3. Multi-use air purifiers can do it all

(Image credit: Future / Heather Young)

Air purifiers aren’t a one-size-fits-all appliance. In today’s day and age, air purifiers come in so many different forms - from standalone air purifiers to sunrise alarm clock air purifiers, air purifying fans and even air purifier and dehumidifier combos. And if you opt for one of these multi-use air purifiers, they can really help you out during a heatwave.

I’ve already spoken about the benefits of air-purifying fans, but you can also buy appliances that solve your year-round temperature problems. This includes 3-in-1 purifying, heating, and cooling appliances such as the Blueair ComfortPure T10i Air Purifier and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Purifying Fan Heater.

If you struggle with the humid, sticky air, an air purifier and dehumidifier combo like the MeacoDry Arete Two can combat stagnant, thick air by lowering the humidity and removing nasty pollutants - all while circulating the air at the same time. So, they’re well worth the investment.

To summarise, an air purifier won’t make your house cooler during the hot spells, but it’s still a worthy addition to your appliance roster as it can combat many of the other negative effects associated with the hot weather.

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Where to position your fan to create a wind chill effect – experts say this quick and easy hack will cool your home fast

Kezia Reynolds — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The UK is experiencing a massive heat wave this week, with record-breaking temperatures expected in some parts of the country. Already, the best portable air conditioners are selling out, so if you're getting by with just a couple of fans, you'll want to try this expert-approved trick for creating a DIY wind chill effect at home to cool your home down fast.

With many of us struggling with the heat, it’s absolutely no surprise that the best fans and portable air conditioners are selling out. But this fan positioning hack, when used correctly, can help cool a room quickly and effectively.

This DIY wind chill hack uses two fans to create a cross breeze in a room, which has a greater cooling effect than how you’d typically use a fan. Disclaimer: You will need to have one fan facing out of the window. Here’s how it works.

How to create a wind chill at home

Unless you have an effective misting fan (such as the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan, £99, Amazon), it can feel like your fan is blowing hot air around your room, which doesn’t exactly have the cooling effect you’re seeking.

To create the wind chill effect you’re looking for, you’ll need two fans to create a cross breeze. This hack works by creating a funnel of cold air, rather than just circulating warm air around your room.

(Image credit: Future PLC)

'Airflow is the key to creating a wind chill effect. Essentially, you need to use a fan to recycle the air. To do this, you need to place one fan facing out a window on the hottest side of the house to act as an exhaust. At the same time, open windows or doors on the opposite, shadier side of the house. The air being pushed out will be replaced by the cooler air being pulled in. You can use a second fan pushing the fresher air in to increase the effect,’ explains Meaco's co-founder Chris Michael.

‘This activity is best done late at night or early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler air outside.’

This hack is ideal if you already have a couple of fans to hand. Its main drawback is that it relies on the air outside being cooler than the air inside, so it is best done early in the morning or evening. For an even greater cooling effect, you can also add a bowl of ice to the mix.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Joanna Henderson)

‘For a further cooling effect, place a bowl full of ice cubes or frozen water bottles in front of the fan blowing toward you. As air passes through the ice cubes, it carries away some coolness before hitting you, providing a cooling effect, especially before sleeping,’ adds Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘A very common mistake when faced with a heatwave is to try cooling down the whole house. Of course, without an air conditioner, this will be extremely difficult. You need to concentrate your efforts on forming a special 'cool zone' in the coldest room in the house.'

Cooling essentials

Silentnight

Silentnight Airmax Pro360 Pedestal Fan With Remote Control

We love this whisper-quiet fan for it's affordabitlity and well as its effectiveness. It's powerful yet quiet, making it great for evening use.

Amazon

Mister Attachment for Fan

The handy attachment fixes to your fan. Mke your ice in the included cups and add to the attachment. This ensure cold air is blown through your fan as the ice evaporates.

Igenix

Igenix Ig9703 Portable Air Cooler With Remote Control and Led Display

This air cooler is a smart alternative to a portable air conditioner. It has three fan settings and a seven-hour timer. It's an Amazon bestseller, with reviews stating it is easy-to-use, effective and portable, although it can be a little noisy.

Will you try creating a wind chill at home to help you see out the heatwave?

Lidl is selling a portable air conditioner for less than £150 to help beat the heatwave – everything you need to know about when it's landing in stores

Kezia Reynolds — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I’m really struggling to keep my home cool. The best portable air conditioners are practically all sold out, and with temperatures set to reach record highs, I’ve been desperately seeking good news - and I’ve found it. Lidl’s affordable portable air conditioner is coming back to the middle aisle!

This week, the Ideal Home team has been diligently tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners and believe me, they’re selling like hot cakes. If you haven’t managed to find a good deal online, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 Air Conditioner (£149) is landing in the middle aisle tomorrow (25 June).

While only available to shop in-store, based on its popularity last year, we predict it will sell out fast. Here’s everything you need to know before you rush out and buy.

Lidl

Tronic 3-in-1 Air Conditioner

Many homes are ill-equipped to handle the extreme heat we’ve experienced over the last few years. While you may be considering whether installing air conditioning is worth it, a portable AC offers many of the same benefits at a more affordable price point.

At £149, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 air conditioner is unbelievably affordable. It has three operating modes: air conditioning, fan cooling and dehumidifying. It also has two fan speeds and transport wheels, making it easy to move around your home so you can cool a bedroom in the evening and keep your living space cool in the day.

The model looks very similar to the portable air conditioner Lidl dropped last summer. So, I expect it will also work best for rooms between 30 and 45m³, like the previous air conditioner. Last year’s air conditioner’s dehumidifying function was able to collect up to 1.5L in a room that’s 30 degrees with an 80% relative humidity, so again, I would expect this year’s model to do the same.

The Dreo 318s Portable Air Conditioner (£399.99 at Amazon) is one of the few portable AC's left in stock that we've tested (and approve of). (Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

I will say that Lidl’s portable air conditioner is likely to be a more basic model, compared to the higher-end products such as DREO 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (£599, Amazon), or the Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner (£375, Argos), which is also happens to be the last air con unit in stock at Argos.

However, I do think it is worth testing. I often find Lidl’s middle aisle is a bit of a treasure trove, and I’ve picked up plenty of miscellaneous items from cookware to gym equipment and been impressed each time. I’ve also made the mistake of waiting too long to invest in a portable air conditioner, so you can expect to see me in my local Lidl tomorrow looking for the unit!

As well as the portable air conditioner, Lidl is also selling a £14.99 air cooler, a selection of fans and cooling bedding. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling options that you can shop online.

DREO

Dreo 7500 Btu Portable Air Conditioner

Offering air conditioning, a fan mode and dehumidifer, this a great portable air conditioner. It's also nice and quiet, making it great for bedrooms and you can even adjust your preferred temperature via the app.

Shark

Shark Flexbreeze Hydrogo Pro Fan

This misting fan is a popular choice amongst the Ideal Home team. It sprays a delightfully cooling mist, that doesn't make your feel wet, to keep you cool and comfortable. You can even take it on the go!

Bush

Bush 9K Air Conditioner

This the last portable air conditioner in stock at Argos. It has a sleep mode and a 24-hour timer, and two different speed settings. It's racked up five star reviews from customers who say it is great at cooling a room.

Duux

Duux Mist Air Cooler

A great alternative to an air conditoner, this air cooler is suitable for cooling huge rooms and even your outdoor patio. It effectively cools spaces up to 50m2, has three speeds and a night mode, so you can use it in your bedroom, too.

JML

Jml Air Cooler, Portable Fan and Humidifier

Perfect for desks, this air cooler is what every person working from home this summer needs! Reviews say it is effective and great value for money.

AirCraft

Aircraft Lume Midi Quiet Air Circulator Fan

This quiet fan uses 360° airflow to push cool air around the whole room rather than straight ahead. It has a backlight and can be operated via a remote control.

I believe that the Lidl portable air conditioner will sell out fast. So, if you’re keen to get your hands on one, run, don’t walk.

My home office gets unbearably hot in the summer, but this surprisingly quietDreo portable air conditioner has been an utter gamechanger

Sarah Handley — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:10:00 +0000

With summer heatwaves more commonplace, it's no wonder that more and more people are looking for the most effective ways to stay cool at home.

And one of the most effective has to be a portable air conditioner. But when these appliances can set you back hundreds of pounds, it helps to have a deeper insight into how well it works, what it's actually like to use, and ultimately whether it's right for your home.

I've tested the Dreo 318S Portable Air Conditioner in my own home over a few weeks, including during a heatwave. This is how I got on and whether I think it's worth your money.

In a nutshell

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

It's hard to beat a portable air conditioner when it comes to cooling your home, but not all portable ACs are created equal, with size, noise, looks and cooling capacity all varying between brands.

Fortunately, the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner ticks multiple boxes, which makes it a very good buy indeed. With a cooling capacity of 7500BTU, it's best for smaller spaces (up to 20m2) and as such it's quite a compact for a portable air conditioner. It's really effective too, quickly dropping the temperature in my home office from 24°C to 20.5°C in about 20 minutes. It also does it relatively quietly too. Portable ACs are not whisper quiet like some fans are in their lower speeds, but the Dreo 318S is definitely quieter than portable ACs I've used in the past, that sounded like a bin lorry in the house.

My only niggle really, is the length of the exhaust tube that you use to vent it out of the window, it felt a touch too short and so it was a bit tricky to get it effectively vented out of the window.

Dreo

318S Portable Air Conditioner

Suitable for rooms up to 20m2, this smart 7500BTU portable air conditioner makes quick and easy work of cooling down a room. While it's cooling capacity is it's biggest draw, it also offers dehumidifier and fan-only modes.

Specification

(Image credit: Amazon)

Cooling capacity (BTU): 7500BTU
Recommended room size: Up to 20m²
Noise levels in cooling mode: 62dB
Dimensions (W x H x D): 38.5cm x 63cm x 35.5cm
Weight: 22.5kg
Wattage: 800W
Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
Other features: Timer, 'night' mode, remote control
Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

With a weight of 2.5kgs, it was tricky to manoeuvre the package from the front door further into my house, especially as I was by myself when it arrived, so I'd definitely recommend waiting until you have an extra pair of hands. Fortunately, I have laminate flooring and managed to push the box upright into my living room.

I loved that the cardboard packaging had instructions on the outside of exactly how to unpack it safely. Once I'd removed the heavy duty plastic bands, I opened the top of the box to remove the accessories, and then I just needed to lift the cardboard sides away from the base. That's all very easy and requires no heavy lifting. But you will need to lift the appliance out of the base packaging (which is polystyrene and cardboard), and that is not easy to do single handedly, especially when you need to keep the portable AC upright.

There is plastic packaging included, which can't be recycled at home, which is a shame.

Once the portable AC is out of the packaging, that's half the battle won. Then it was time to set up the window kit. You get two window kits in the box, one for sliding windows and a universal fabric one that should work on most other types of window. To set this up takes a bit of time as you have to stick Velcro all around the window frame and again around the casement. I'm very glad I set this up before the heatwave hit as it takes about 10 minutes. Then I needed to attach the fabric to create the window seal, which probably took me another 10 minutes or so.

I then moved the portable AC into position (it's on wheels so this is really easy if you have hard floors, although it's a little bit more difficult on carpet). If you want it upstairs, definitely do not attempt to do it alone. I set it up in my home office, which measures roughly 12m2. When the exhaust hose is attached, it doesn't sit flush against a wall (you need space around it for adequate air flow, so you'll need to clear a suitable space for it to do it's thing). As you need a window kit in order to vent it out of the window, if you want to be able to move it from room to room, you will need to move the window kit along with it. It's relatively easy to move from room to room on the same floor, but it's heavy to take up and down stairs, so I found it easier to leave it in a specific room.

Once in position, I used needed to attach the exhaust hose to the back of the unit, and vent it out through the window seal (although there is also some accessories to vent it through the wall if you would prefer, although remember this is a permanent change. This should have been easy, but the length of the exhaust hose, combined with the height and depth of my window cill, meant that it only just reached to the window.

What’s it like to use?

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

Once the window kit and exhaust hose were set up, I decided to hold off on setting up the app control and instead went straight in with the remote control to get it up and running. The remote control is pretty easy to use, although I did find it helpful to have the instructions nearby to start with.

I tried it in fan mode first, which is fine, but not a patch on the best fans out there. There are four speeds (low, medium, high, auto) and I found that if you have the louvres on swing mode, it'll feel like a natural breeze. It's not quite though, even in the lower speed. But realistically, I view this as a bonus function that I'm not likely to use that often. I have other fans that are quieter and more compact, and they would be by go-to for air circulation.

The pièce de résistance is definitely the cooling mode. When I first switched to this mode, I was a bit confused as it defaulted to Fahrenheit which, to be honest, does not compute in my brain. Is 75°F hot or cold? Who knows? While it wasn't initially obvious how to switch it to °C, it fortunately does explain how to do it in the instructions (long press the + and - buttons). I found it best to do this on the remote as when I did it on the unit itself, it went back to °F when I changed a setting. But doing it on the remote changed it to default to °C.

I'd put the portable AC in my home office, and measured a temperature of 24°C, and turned on the cooling mode with a target temperature of 18°C. I then shut the door and left the room for about 20 minutes. When I went back, my thermometer was showing 20.5°C and it felt much cooler and fresher in there. I'd left the louvres on swing too which I think helped distribute the cool air more effectively. It was blissfully cool.

Once I'd got the settings to my specific liking, I appreciated that the unit remembered them when I came back the next day and turned it on again.

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

I was initially surprised by how quiet the Dreo 318S was (bin lorry being my yardstick), it's not silent, but it's definitely not obnoxiously loud. Using my decibel reader, I clocked it at 59dB in the lowest fan speed, and at 62dB at top speed, which is the equivalent of between gentle background noise and a chat with friends. I could definitely cope with that in a bedroom setting! It also offers a sleep function in cooling mode, which not only mutes all beep sounds, turns off the display and decreases louvre swing to reduce noise, but also gradually increases the temperature to compensate for body temperature lost during sleep (which you can customise in the app).

In addition to fan mode, this portable air con also has a dehumidifier mode. But given I'm fortunate to not suffer with moisture issues in my home and it wasn't particularly humid when I was testing, this isn't a mode that I would use often. However, if your home does struggle with excess moisture, then the dehumidifier mode that can extract 2.5L per hour, will be right up your street. In that mode, it does require continuous drainage, so bear that in mind.

After using it for a couple of weeks via the remote control or on-board control panel, I decided to set it up for app control. It was easy enough to download and register on the Dreo app, taking only a minute or so. You can do exactly what you can do on the remote through the app, with the added extra of being able to set up schedules.

Running costs

Using between 800W and 2.2kW of power, this Dreo portable air conditioner will cost you between 21 and 57p per hour to run, based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

To help reduce running costs, the appliance does have a customisable Eco mode, where you can adjust the compressors start/stop frequency from 10-30% to reduce energy consumption. Bear in mind though that this will affect it's cooling capacity.

Cleaning and maintenance

To keep the Dreo318S in good working order, it's important to keep it as free from dust as possible. Wiping over the exterior with a dry cloth regularly is a good start, and the instructions state how to clean the air filters and remove any build up there.

Maintenance will largely come down to the removal of excess water which will vary depending on the mode you use. If you only use it in cooling mode, then DREO's patented algorithm, sensors and pump evaporate excess water automatically eliminating the need for drainage in environments of up to 90% humidity. This was great for me as I only really need to use it for cooling purposes.

However, if you use it in dehumidifier mode, you will need to drain it continuously whenever that mode is selected.

Who should buy this product?

If you're looking to keep a smaller room cool in the heat, then the Dreo 318S will be ideal. It cools quickly and effectively and is easy to use. While it's not exactly whisper quiet, it's quiet enough to be used in a home office or bedroom with ease, and the Sleep Mode will help reduce any overnight distractions.

It's a good option too if you want an air conditioner and dehumidifier in a single unit.

However, at 7500BTU, this portable AC won't suit you if you are looking to cool a larger space. Fortunately, the DREO 516S portable air conditioner (£599.99 at Amazon) offers all the same functionality in a 12,000BTU powered unit, which can serve rooms up to 37m2.

While the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner is near the low-mid point in terms of price range, if you want something more affordable you could consider the Vonhaus portable air conditioner. Although for a lower price, you will have to make a bit of a sacrifice on quietness.

Councils in England are offering ‘cool spaces’ if your house is too hot – how to find your nearest one

Kezia Reynolds — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Local councils across England are offering ‘welcoming spaces’ or ‘cool spaces’ to help you stay cool in this heatwave.

Even when you’ve invested in the best portable air conditioners and best fans, with temperatures expected to rise close to 40 degrees in some parts of the UK, it is expected that our homes are going to feel too hot.

And if you’re struggling to cool your home, many councils across the country are offering cool spaces, where you have access to air conditioning and fresh water. If you’re struggling to keep cool, here’s how a welcoming space may help.

What are 'cool spaces'?

Even though I’ve tested out plenty of cooling hacks, and my fan is pretty much constantly running, my third-floor flat is not equipped to deal with extreme heat. It retains heat incredibly well, which I’m always grateful for in winter, but during a heatwave it feels like a furnace.

I’m lucky that my local pub seems to have super-charged air conditioning, so when it gets too much, I can escape there for an ice-cold Diet Coke. However, it was looking at my local council website (Bristol City) that I saw they offered third spaces to help keep cool - and it meant I would be saving a small fortune in soft drinks!

Cool spaces that are free to use are often set up in parks, libraries and community hubs during a heatwave. They frequently offer quiet, air-conditioned spaces where you can relax and cool off, if cool spaces are not available to you. They are also places where you can access a toilet or drinking water.

(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)

Cool spaces operate at your council’s discretion. The Mayor of London has issued a Stay Cool map for Londoners to access their cool spaces. Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) have an online directory of cool spaces, as does Rochdale Council and Leeds Council.

If you’re interested in accessing a cool or welcoming space for yourself or someone you know, it is best to check your local council's website for more information. Alternatively, you can also speak to your local library or community hub directly to see what services they offer during a heatwave.

Alternatively, here are a few more affordable home buys that can help cool you down.

John Lewis

John Lewis Handheld & Foldable Desk Fan, 4 Inch, Lilac

The Ideal Home Editors genuinely swear by this hand-held fan for staying cool. It's perfect for working from home, and taking on the go.

JML

Jml Air Cooler

An air cooler is a great affordable alternative to a portable air conditioner. This one has 4-Speed Settings with Dual Mist Spray Jets and 10 hours of run time per fill.

JML

Jml Chillmax Cooling Pillow

If you're struggling to sleep, a cooling pillow can be really helpful. This one absorbs your body heat to support a restful sleep during hot weather.

It is important to note that these cool spaces are not medical care alternatives if you or someone you know is overheating. They’re also not spaces designed to support vulnerable people during heat. What they do offer is a place of respite during extreme heat.

This is the best place to buy a budget-friendly Shark robot vacuum cleaner this week – my favourite model is over £400 cheaper

Lauren Bradbury — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll probably know that it’s Amazon Prime Day this week. But as a Floorcare Editor who has covered these sales events for the past five years, I can tell you that Amazon isn’t the be-all and end-all of discounts. In fact, if you were looking to buy a Shark robot vacuum this week, I’d recommend shopping at Argos instead.

And right now, Argos is having a huge sale across its appliances, including the robot vacuum I’ve been using in my own home for the past few months - the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop (was £999.99, now £549.99 at Argos). Yes, that really is a £450 discount!

The beauty of the best robot vacuum cleaners (aside from their incredible ability to clean your house for you) is that they’re available at countless retailers across the UK - both online and in-store. And while Amazon and Shark are typically among the most obvious places to buy Shark robot vacuums, alternative retailers also slash prices year-round, including Argos and John Lewis.

Stock is moving quickly in light of this epic deal, but this robot vacuum is also price-matched at John Lewis if there's none left at Argos. View Deal

While I don’t claim to know everything (if only), it is quite literally my job to review robot vacuum cleaners. So, I’d like to think I know my hands-free appliances. And Shark's PowerDetect UV Reveal Robot Vacuum impressed me so much during testing that I had to give it an almost-perfect 4.5-star review.

One of the things I didn’t like, however, was the price tag, so the fact that it’s now on sale at Argos for almost half price is a major win in my book. Especially as the black colourway I have at home isn’t on sale for the Amazon Prime event, and it’s not on sale at Shark, either, as it’s completely sold out due to high demand.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

However, it’s worth noting that the white colourway is on sale at Amazon for £489.99 if you’re looking for an even bigger discount. But as someone who has tested white robot vacuum cleaners before, I would always willingly lean towards black to try and hide the inevitable scuffs and marks that appear during cleaning. Both colourways are identical in perks and features, though.

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal has a runtime of 180 minutes, will also mop your floors while vacuuming, and comes with an auto-empty dock that can hold up to 1.51L of debris - making maintenance as minimal as possible.

As with all the best Shark vacuum cleaners, it’s also ridiculously easy to use and perfect for beginners who are buying their first robot vacuum. The pièce de résistance of this model, though, has to be the UV reveal technology, which uncovered so many hidden stains on my hard flooring (and left me feeling rather embarrassed).

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

But I wouldn’t be telling you to ditch Amazon and Shark for Argos on the basis of one robot vacuum cleaner deal, though.

That’s because Argos has also slashed the prices of other Shark robot vacuum cleaners, including the bargain Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Cordless Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop (was £285.70, now £199.99 at Argos).

Alternatively, you could opt for the Shark ThermaCharged PowerDetect Robot Vacuum Cleaner (was £900, now £499.99 at Argos).

I haven’t tested either of them as there are simply too many robot vacuums and only one of me, so I would advise you to do your own research and read independent reviews.

Alternatively, you could snap up some Amazon Prime Day deals for other robot vacuum cleaners I have tested, which I’ve added below.

Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25

This robot vacuum has been crowned the 'best overall' robot vacuum I've ever tested, and while it's certainly an investment, it's one that goes down a lot more smoothly when it's on sale for Amazon Prime Day. You can read my full 5-star review for more details.

Hoover HG2 Turbo Slim Hydro Robot Vacuum Cleaner

My top budget-friendly buy is now even cheaper on Argos right now, and while it proved that it's not the most impressive robot vacuum out there during testing, it's a good entry-level model for those who just want to dip their toe into the water.

Roborock QV 35S Robot Vacuum With Mop

If you have a tighter budget but still want a high-tech robot vacuum cleaner, this one impressed me during testing - especially when it came to mopping hard floors. It's now under £300 on Amazon, which is a discount I can definitely get behind.

Will you be snapping up a robot vacuum this year? Now is the time to do it!

I’ve found one of the last remaining air conditioners in stock at Argos, and it’s rated five-stars – be quick, it’s definitely going to sell out

Kezia Reynolds — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere. But, I have found an exception - the Bush 9K Air Conditioner (£375) is still in stock at Argos - and it’s already reaping five-star reviews.

This week, the Ideal Home team is tracking stock levels for the best portable air conditioners, revealing where you can still buy them in real time in our Portable AC live stock watch. Given the week’s forecast, it is unsurprising that these brilliant appliances are practically flying off the shelves.

Hence, it is unusual to see a relatively affordable and well-rated model such as the Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner still in stock. Likewise, Argos also has a number of the best fans still in stock, including the five-star Duux Whisper 3 Grey Pedestal Fan (£140), and the bestselling Bush White Desk Fan (£22).

Alternatives:

The Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner has sold out (as of 24 June 2026). So, here are a few alternatives to shop instead.

Duux

Duux Whisper Flex 2 Smart Fan

A rare Amazon deal on this fan, don't miss the opportunity to snap up this Duux Whisper Fan. If you want a quiet cooling appliance, this fan is an excellent choice with a dedicated sleep mode. It also has WiFi connectivity and is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, 30 speed settings, multiple oscillation presets and can be adjusted into a desk fan.

DREO

Dreo 7500 Btu Portable Air Conditioner, 3-In-1 Cool/fan/dry

This portable air conditioner and fan is also still in stock at Amazon and compatible with Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It can cool and dehumidify, creating a comfortable environment. You can even set the temperature of your room between 16 and 30 degrees if you want a specific room temperature.

BLACK+DECKER

Black+decker 5,000 Btu Smart Air Conditioner

This three-in-one air conditioner is great for cooling small rooms. It can be noisy, however due to it's affordable price point, this is to be expected.

First things first, portable air conditioners are worth it. Period. Offering the same benefits as a fitted AC, without the installation or start-up fee, these handy appliances are brilliant at keeping a room cool during a heatwave. And with the UK expected to reach record temperatures this week, I don’t know about you, but I need all the cooling help I can get.

The Bush 9K Air Conditioner offers to take the edge off the heat with auto, cooling, fan and dry modes to keep you comfortable. It has an easy-to-read LED display, and you can control it via the panel or a remote control - so you don’t have to move from your bed or sofa!

It has a sleep mode and a 24-hour timer, while its auto-restart feature will remember your preferences. The machine operates at a sound level of 64dB, which may be a little loud, so bear that in mind if you were hoping for a whisper-quiet appliance (like the new Meaco Circo).

It also has an energy efficiency rating of Class A and uses 1,000W of power. If you’re worried about the cost of running a portable air conditioner, most models are between 1,000 and 1,300 watts (W), with 1,000W costing 26.11p per hour to run, according to the recent July Price Cap.

(Image credit: Bush)

We haven't tested this portable AC, but so far, this portable air conditioner has received six five-star reviews on the Argos website, vouching for the appliance’s credibility.

‘I bought this the day before this heat wave in June started, and it’s brilliant! Now that I have found a way to install it in the window without leaving a gap, it works perfectly at cooling the room down in a matter of minutes. It’s the difference between a comfortable night's sleep and no sleep at all. It’s light and easily mobile, so I can move it from room to room,’ said one.

‘I live in a mobile home that gets very warm when it's 30 °C plus, so eventually bought this air con unit, it does make a noise, but I suspect most would, but it's not a deafening noise and i did get used to it but the best thing is that it works it's made my home cool so would definitely recommend,’ said another.

If you’re yet to snap up a portable air conditioner, now is the time to do so - they are selling really fast.

I tested Eufy's budget-friendly C10 robot vacuum cleaner – this bargain buy is the perfect entry-level option for easy cleaning

Rebecca Lawton — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:30:00 +0000

Eufy has built a solid reputation for making reliable robot vacuum cleaners at a range of price points - from budget-friendly entry-level cleaners to more high-tech, premium machines. And the brand's Omni E25 model is currently crowned Ideal Home's best robot vacuum. The eufy Robot Vacuum C10 with Self Empty Station sits at the opposite end of the range, promising a more compact and affordable alternative.

As a mum-of-three, I've come to rely on a robot vacuum cleaner to keep on top of everyday mess, so I was curious to see whether a more back-to-basics model would compromise on performance. After testing it in my busy family home for two weeks, I found it's a capable maintenance cleaner - providing your floors are relatively clutter-free.

In a nutshell

The most notable difference between the Eufy Robot Vacuum C10 with Self-Empty Station (which I'll refer to as the Eufy C10 throughout this review) and other robot vacuum models I've previously tested is that it's a compact vacuum-only robot that's designed with simplicity in mind. So while it wouldn't be fair to compare it to more premium models, there are a few areas where it does fall short.

Its 4,000Pa suction performance falls within the typical range for a robot vacuum, but I found it better suited to light maintenance rather than deep cleans. It generally picks up messes in its path, but its obstacle avoidance isn't particularly reliable, which becomes especially noticeable if you live in a busy household. During testing, it frequently bumped into objects and struggled to navigate around them, making it less effective in cluttered environments.

That said, it's incredibly straightforward to use, while still offering plenty of functionality through the detailed app - such as multi-floor mapping and scheduling cleaning sessions. Its compact size is, in my opinion, its biggest selling point, allowing it to reach under furniture that many other robot vacuum cleaners can't access. The small self-empty station doesn't take up much floor space, and it also helps to keep maintenance to a minimum.

The price is a sticking point for me. At its £399 RRP, there are robot vacuum cleaners that offer stronger cleaning performance and more advanced navigation features for a similar price. However, the Eufy C10 is frequently discounted, which makes it a much more competitive option.

Specifications

Dimensions: 42.5L x 33.5W x 19.2H cm
What's included: C10 robot with dustbin, auto-empty station, quick start guide, safety document
Weight: 5.56kg
Suction power: 4,000Pa
Run time: 120 minutes
Mop function: No
Multi-floor mapping? Yes, up to 5 maps
Disposable Dust Bag Capacity: 2.5 litres
RRP: £399.00

(Image credit: eufy)

How I tested

Unboxing the product, setting up and first impressions

The first thing that struck me was how light and compact the packaging for the Eufy C10 was. It was clear even before opening that this model was much smaller than any other robot vacuum cleaner I'd previously tested.

Inside, I found an illustrated quick-start guide resting on top of the contents. I find this quite reassuring when I'm unboxing a product as it gives you an immediate sense of what to expect. I was pleased to see the set-up looked relatively straightforward, and while there was no printed manual, the quick-start guide featured a QR code linking to the full instructions, app download and support videos.

The actual box contents were minimal, consisting of the C10 robot, dustbin, auto-empty station, the quick-start guide and safety document. Everything was neatly packed and easy to identify, which made a refreshing change.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Each component was wrapped in plastic packaging, labelled LDPE 4. While this type of plastic can be recycled at specialist collection points (such as larger supermarkets), it can't generally be recycled through household collections, so would need to be disposed of with general waste.

There were also a couple of small foam inserts securing the robot vacuum in place, which weren't recyclable. While I'd have preferred to see more eco-friendly packaging used throughout, the compact size of the vacuum meant I wasn't left with a huge amount of packaging to dispose of once everything was unpacked.

Although the quick-start guide included a series of illustrations, I tend to find videos and written instructions easier, so I used the QR code to access the full user manual and set up videos. I appreciated having both options available.

The auto-empty station doesn't have a mop function, so there are no water tanks to accommodate, making it noticeably more compact than other robot vacuum cleaners I've tested. The dust bag needs to be inserted into the station, which slotted easily into place using the cardboard tag.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

I then popped the lid on top of the station, before positioning it next to a plug socket in my kitchen. The instruction manual advises placing it against a wall and avoiding high-pile carpet, which wasn't an issue in my home - my biggest challenge was keeping it away from curious little hands!

The last step was to insert the dustbin, which sits underneath the robot. After turning it upside down, it clicked into place easily. Generally, I wouldn't describe the set up and assembly process for robot vacuums as particularly quick, but the Eufy C10 felt really straightforward. Before I'd even moved on to the app set-up, it already felt like a beginner-friendly model.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

I then docked the robot onto the station, at which point a voice prompt confirmed it was charging. There's also a small indicator light at the top of the station which illuminates during charge, so there's not really any second-guessing.

With the robot docked, I could fully appreciate the overall look and feel of the Eufy C10. And I was pretty impressed. The white colourway gives it a clean, modern appearance (although it is also available in black), and its build and quality feel more premium than I'd expected at this price point. As someone who doesn't have bags of floor space, I also appreciated its compact size, although I did wonder whether such a small robot would be capable of tackling obstacles and everyday mess in my busy family home.

I then moved on to connecting the Eufy C10 to the app. As I've previously tested a Eufy robot vacuum, I had the app already downloaded and an account already set up. If you are new to the brand, however, you simply need to download the app from your App Store and follow the instructions.

Within the app, I tapped the '+' symbol in the top-right corner, selected the model from the 'Robot Vacuum-C Series', and then connected it to my WiFi. Once paired, the robot appeared on the app's homepage as 'online', allowing me to start cleaning, adjust settings, check progress and create maps of my home.

Ease of use

Although the Eufy C10 robot vacuum is very straightforward in design, it is controlled through the very detailed Eufy app. It's definitely worth taking some time to explore the options, but it means you can really customise the robot's cleaning routine.

While there aren't as many settings to tailor as the more advanced Eufy robot vacuums, you can still modify the suction strength by choosing between quiet, standard, turbo and max.

I especially appreciated the child-lock feature, which can be activated to prevent curious little hands from pressing anything, as well as the 'Do Not Disturb' mode, which keeps the robot silent and prevents it from performing auto-return cleaning during set hours. The app even has an 'Accessory Services' section, where you can easily check the remaining lifespan of components like the side brushes and sensors, as well as when you need to manually clean the filter or water tanks.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Future. / Rebecca Lawton

You create a floor plan from the base station, so the first thing I did was let the robot vacuum loose around my downstairs rooms, letting it map out the kitchen, conservatory and living room. It initially registered the entire area as one room, but the app lets you customise the floor plan by splitting, renaming and organising rooms. You can also set no-go zones, which I found useful. It took about 20 minutes to explore the floor and create a map of the space.

You can also set up a cleaning schedule, which I found really handy. I programmed it to run each morning once the kids were at school, and again in the evening once they were in bed. After each session, the app generates a cleaning report, complete with a map of the areas covered and the total cleaning time.

You can also create up to five different maps with the multi-mapping feature. Mapping my upstairs wasn't as thorough as the initial downstairs run. The robot missed one room entirely on its first pass, and the resulting map wasn't as detailed, although in fairness there were more obstacles to contend with. You can merge and edit rooms, though, once the mapping is complete.

Performance

The Eufy C10 has a 4,000Pa suction power - which is fairly typical for a robot vacuum - but if I'm honest, I was expecting to see more noticeable results. I usually rely on my Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI, which has a 6,000Pa suction but delivers visible carpet lines after cleaning.

One thing that became immediately obvious was that its obstacle avoidance wasn't great. I live in a busy household so there's often the odd toy left on my floors, but the robot didn't seem to recognise objects in its path most of the time. It either pushed them further along the room or tried to climb over them.

It also crashed into the chair legs at my kitchen table whenever it cleaned that area, and took at least 30 seconds to navigate away, which slowed down the cleaning session.

What impressed me about the Eufy C10, though, is its slim design. At only 2.85 inches tall, it's the only robot vacuum that has been able to fit under my sofas. In fact, every time it cleaned the living room, it completely disappeared underneath them, much to the amusement of my one-year-old!

It didn't always find its way back out from under the sofas, so I did need to pull it out and reposition it.

Despite its compact size, the C10 handled changes in flooring well. It glided effortlessly from the hard floor in my kitchen to the low-pile rug in my conservatory.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

As part of how we test at Ideal Home, we put appliances through a series of controlled tests. As I'd already seen how it handled obstacles, I jumped to the vacuuming test. I scattered some chocolate crumbs on my carpet and placed the robot nearby to see how it would respond.

Rather than detecting the mess immediately, it rotated around in a circle and moved straight past, only picking up a small fraction of the crumbs before disappearing under my sofa. I did have to manually return it to the area, but this time the cleaning performance improved hugely. Within a couple of passes it had collected the majority of the mess.

One thing that became clear after the first few cleaning sessions was that I didn't feel confident enough to leave the Eufy C10 running when I wasn't around. It would often get stuck, and I'd regularly hear the voice prompts alerting me that the robot was no longer touching the ground. More often than not, this meant I had to track it down and manually reposition it before it could continue cleaning.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Cleaning and maintenance

While it doesn't have a full-sized docking station, the Eufy c10 does include a self-empty station, which is designed to reduce the level of hands-on maintenance. During my initial testing, I expected the station to empty after each run, so it's worth noting that the auto-empty frequency can be adjusted in the app.

By default, it's set to empty every 30 minutes, so I changed this to 20 minutes, but if you want it to empty after each run, you'll have to activate the 'Empty Dust' function each time in the app.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

When the machine does empty the dust, it is loud - but most self-emptying docks are very obvious when they activate.

Overall maintenance is relatively straightforward. The filter and dustbin need to be removed and cleaned regularly, and the self-empty station reduces how often you'll need to empty the dust bag.

It's worth checking this on a regular basis - particularly if you're using the robot every day. It was less than half full when I checked after a week, but I noticed a build-up of debris around the opening where the bag connects to the station, which needs clearing by hand.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

You can track the lifespan of various components within the app, with most of the maintenance intervals ranging between 30 and 180 hours of use. The dust bag has by far the longest lifespan - when I checked, it had 1438 hours remaining, making it incredibly low-maintenance.

The other parts to keep on top of are the roller brush and side brush. The roller brush is really easy to remove thanks to two release tabs that unlock the brush guard. When I took it apart, I found a stray cardboard tag that had got caught between the brush and the robot, which could have slowed down performance. I haven't needed to clean the side brush yet, but any clogged hair or debris can be removed by unscrewing it.

Thankfully, Eufy provides an online step-by-step video, and the process looks straightforward.

How does it rate online?

The Eufy C10 has a 4.5-star rating on the brand's website, out of a total of 56 reviews. Customers praise its overall compact design, ease of use, and in-app features including mapping abilities.

On Amazon, there are over 13,000 reviews, and it has a 4.4-star rating overall, where many customers describe it as a good-value option.

Interestingly, a recurring theme among reviewers was the importance of buying at a discount, with several users commenting it reflected a better deal when bought on sale. That largely mirrors my own experience - while I found it mostly capable of handling daily upkeep, its performance felt more in line with a lower price tag.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

The Eufy C10 launched in late 2025 and is positioned as a more affordable vacuum-only model within the brand's robot vacuum cleaner lineup.

I've previously tested the Omni 28, which sits further up Eufy's range. The Omni 28's 15,000 Pa suction power delivers noticeably stronger cleaning performance, and it also offers mop functionality. Both offer the same detailed app controls, including multi-floor mapping, but I found obstacle avoidance to be a weak point for both.

It's also worth mentioning another Eufy model, the Omni E25, which is currently crowned Ideal Home's best robot vacuum cleaner overall. Its 20,000Pa suction power makes it a clear step up from the C10, but it does come at a significantly higher price.

I've also previously tested the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI, which sits at the premium end of the scale - its obstacle avoidance is the best I've seen, but it takes up much more space and comes with a considerably higher price tag.

If you are considering similarly priced alternatives, the Hoover HG2 is another entry-level option worth looking at. It includes mop functionality for a similar price, but its navigation and obstacle avoidance are also inconsistent.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

Verdict: Should you buy the eufy Robot Vacuum C10 with Self Empty Station?

The Eufy C10 is best suited for anyone looking for a straightforward robot vacuum cleaner that can take care of day-to-day maintenance with minimal fuss. Its slim design means it can reach under furniture that many robot vacuum cleaners can't access, while the compact self-empty station makes it a good option for small homes or households who are tight on storage space.

However, I think its appeal depends heavily on the price. It retails at £399 at full price, but at that price I would expect stronger performance and reliable obstacle avoidance. During testing, the robot regularly bumped into furniture and stray toys on the floor, which makes it less suited to households where it would need to navigate around clutter.

I've seen it discounted to £159, which, if I'm honest, feels a far more reflective price point. If you can pick it up on sale and use it primarily for light maintenance cleaning in a relatively tidy home, it's a solid choice. For busier households, I'd be inclined to invest in a model with more advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Where to find portable ACs and fans still in stock – the only places you can buy cooling devices ASAP to see you through the heatwave

Sarah Handley — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Portable AC and Fans in stock

(Image credit: Future)

Jump to...

Portable air conditioners in stock
Fans in stock
Live updates

As temperatures soar today to the mid 30s degrees in parts of the UK this week, we're all desperately seeking cooling solutions for our homes. The best way to genuinely lower the temperature in your home is with the best portable air conditioners, but they are increasingly hard to come by, flying off the virtual shelves in record time. In fact, many of the top-rated models we've reviewed have been out of stock for days. And it looks like the best fans are also becoming like gold dust.

Luckily we know exactly where to look to discover the few remaining portable air conditioners, air coolers and misting fans still available to buy. These models may not have gone through the Ideal Home testing process, but we still know the spec to look for, and which offer good value for money.

We're sharing our recommendations for products you can still get your hands on, as alternatives to AC and fans that deliver similar results at a cheaper price. Plus we've been busy testing out cooling hacks that will tide you over until your new cooling appliances arrive.

Portable air conditioners in stock

Appliances Direct: steady stock levels of a range of portable AC stock
Amazon: steady stock of portable ACs, including a Dreo model
Currys: only Toshiba fitted air conditioners are still in stock
Maeco: air conditioner restock coming soon, sign up for notifications.

Our expert Sarah just reviewed this model that is still in stock at Amazon, which she's called 'effective, easy to use and surprisingly low noise'. You'll just have to wait a couple of weeks for delivery.View Deal

This is one of the few portable air conditioners you can buy today for delivery tomorrow, so if you can't cope with the heat any longer, snap it up before it sells out. We haven't tested this one but it gets a 4.6 star rating and positive reviews from happy buyers.View Deal

This portable AC has earned exclusively 5-star from shoppers and is the last one in stock at Argos right now. It features a sleep mode and has wheels for easier transport across your home throughout the day.View Deal

While we've not tested this slimline and compact AC yet, it is available for delivery from Friday and has a slimline design for anyone short on space.View Deal

Fans in stock

Amazon: fast delivery on a range of powerful fans
Argos: next-day delivery on Shark and Bush fans
AO.com: Dyson tower fans are the only ones left now
Currys: Dyson and Shark still in stock
Debenhams: savings on Pro Breeze fans.
Very: range of tower, pedestal and desk fans
John Lewis: Dyson, Meaco, Duux and Philips fans

This Dreo TurboCool 765S misting fan easily bridges the gap between a fan and a portable air conditioner. Our expert Sarah is currently testing it and 'can confirm it creates a lovely cooling breeze that doesn't leave you or your furniture drenched.'View Deal

The Shark ChillPill is the fan of the summer and has been the heatwave saviour of our expert Sarah who said in her review it's 'surprisingly powerful'. This is the lowest price we've seen it at and you get the travel kit thrown in.View Deal

We haven't tested this exact model, but we have been very impressed by other EcoAir fans, and this option has the same quiet yet powerful DC motor and efficient energy usage of just 3.5 watts per hour.View Deal

If you want a stylish and whisper-quiet fan for the bedroom, then the Duux Whisper 3 is currently under £100 if you have a Prime account on Amazon. View Deal

This is a small discount, but after it is currently the cheapest place you'll find this fan on sale today. It was already rated our top fan under £100, so right now it's even more affordable. View Deal

We're a huge fan of Meaco fans, and the whisper-quiet MeacoFan Sefte is £30 cheaper than usual. It comes with a storage bag, too.View Deal

Battery-powered and super lightweight, the Duux Rize can literally be used anywhere, and it's easy to adjust it from a desk fan to a short pedestal as our reviewer Sarah found during her tests. And it's got £30 off for Prime Day too. View Deal

Live updates

June 22, 2026 – 11:50 AM

(Image credit: Dreo)

Misting fan alternative

If you're not able to get your hands on your chosen portable air conditioner just yet, or they are out of your budget, then it's definitely worth considering a misting fan, especially if it feels like your fan is just blowing hot air.

With an integral water tank, they spray an ultra-fine mist as they blow out air, which results in a very cooling breeze for those in its path. It's not likely to lower the overall temperature in a room like a portable air conditioner, but it'll feel like a cooler breeze than a normal fan, so it's a good middle ground.

I've been trying out the Dreo 765S TurboCool misting fan, available at Amazon for a few weeks now, and it definitely creates a cooling breeze and doesn't leave me soggy.

June 22, 2026 – 12:14 PM

(Image credit: Future)

Buy now or wait?

So should you buy a portable air conditioner now or wait? After all, these appliances aren't cheap, with even the most budget friendly models costing in excess of £250.

If you need a portable air conditioner to be able to get through the next few days, then if you find a portable AC that will suit your needs and it's in stock, then definitely don't wait to snap it up. Stock is moving very quickly, so if you don't you could miss out.

However, if you have a very specific model in mind, like the new super-quiet Meaco Cirro, then if you can hold on for a few more days, you may be able to get the one you want, with more stock due in early July. It's worth checking back daily too. In the last few days, I’ve seen portable air conditioners come back into stock and sell out again on the same day.

June 22, 2026 – 12:46 PM

Where I'd go to buy a portable AC in stock this evening

Appliances Direct tends to have a steady stock level of portable air conditioners, including a range of ElectriQ air conditioners. The ElectriQ 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner we've reviewed is currently out of stock, but you can still pick up the ElectriQ Slimline 7000 BTU Small Portable Air Conditioner for £449 at Appliance Direct.

While we haven't tested this particular model, but we rate ElectriQ's products. Run, don't walk.View Deal

June 22, 2026 – 1:17 PM

(Image credit: Future)

Duux Whisper 3 alternative

I've spotted that the Duux Whisper 3 (which is a brilliant fan for a bedroom, thanks to its ultra-quiet operation), which was discounted as an early Prime Day deal, is out of stock.

Fortunately, if you had your heart set on it, its sister model, the Duux Whisper Flex 2 is in stock for less than £150 on Amazon. It's identical in terms of bedroom suitability and looks just as good. The biggest difference is that the Whisper Flex 2 can be controlled via an app and has two different height options, while the Whisper 3 isn't smart and offers more height variations between desktop and full pedestal height thanks to its telescopic stem.

This smart and super quiet fan, which I've also tested and loved, is reduced by £30 in the early Prime Day sale.View Deal

June 22, 2026 – 1:48 PM

When might portable air conditioners come back in stock?

While the best portable air conditioners we’ve tried have temporarily sold out, you might be wondering when they might be back in stock.

While we’re checking stock levels daily (and checking in with our industry insiders), the level of demand for these appliances has been huge, so it’s a bit of a scramble to get them back in stock.

We do know that the brand new Cirro portable air conditioner from Meaco is due back in stock in early July, and we’ve spotted numerous brands, like Meaco and Devola, encouraging you to sign up to be alerted when your favourite model is available again. I’d recommend doing so, and even bookmarking your favourites (or our buying guide) so we can let you know as soon as stock is replenished.

June 22, 2026 – 2:15 PM

(Image credit: Future)

Portable vs fitted air conditioning

As Ideal Home’s resident expert on all things cooling, a question I’m often asked is whether you should go for a portable air con or opt for fitted air conditioning instead.

The answer will largely depend on where you live and your budget. Portable air conditioners are more affordable than fitted AC, can be moved around your home (although you’ll need help to move one up and down stairs due to its weight) and are non-permanent, which means they are renter-friendly too.

It is, however, hard for a portable unit to beat a wall-mounted one when it comes to quiet and clutter-free operation. The downside is that a fitted option is more expensive to install and can’t be moved from room to room. You’ve also got to have an indoor and outdoor unit permanently installed too.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

June 22, 2026 – 2:46 PM

(Image credit: Future)

How our Sleep Editor keeps cool at night without an AC

'I swear by the best linen bedding all year round, but this breathable fabric is especially important during high temperatures. It’s perfect for combatting hot and humid British heatwaves. My Duux Whisper fan, available at Amazon has also seen me through five years of hot summers in my south-facing bedroom - I love its natural breeze setting.'

Amy Lockwood, Sleep Editor

June 22, 2026 – 3:21 PM

I'm signing off now to head upstairs and open up my bedroom windows now the air's a little cooler – I'll also blast my fan to try to shift some of the hot air and allow fresh airflow through the house. On really hot nights, I forgo my duvet altogether and opt for a top sheet instead. And in this heatwave I have one more trick up my sleeve – I fill my hot water bottle with cold water (and a couple of ice cubes from this ice cube tray) and pop it into my bed five minutes before I climb in.

With Amazon Prime Day kicking off tomorrow, our Editor Becky Knight will be back bright and early shortly after 7am with a stock update and to share any deals that have dropped overnight. We predict any bargains will sell out fast, so if a portable air con is top of your wishlist, bookmark this page now and we'll see you in the morning!

June 23, 2026 – 2:27 AM

Morning, we're back for another day of helping you to find where you can still buy a portable air conditioner or a fan alternative to help you through the heatwave. I'm Becky Knight, Editor on Ideal Home, and this is my third year of tracking down portable air conditioners and fans before they sell out. I've become a pro at where to look online for hidden stashes of stock and where to go for the quickest delivery, too.

Right now, the temperature in London, where I'm based, is already 20 degrees, and set to soar into the 30s. So to help you survive the heat until you can get your hands on a portable AC, our team of experts will also be sharing their top cooling tips, and heatwave buys you can snap up on Amazon in the Prime Day sales this week.

June 23, 2026 – 2:38 AM

(Image credit: Future)

To kick things off we've tracked down a Dreo Portable Air Conditioner at Amazon. Our portable AC expert reviewer, Sarah Handley, has been testing this model over the last couple of weeks and a full review is coming soon. However, right now it's one of the best tried-and-tested portable AC's we've found in stock.

Relatively quiet and compact, and very effective at cooling a sweltering room, this Dreo portable air conditioner can be operated by the on-board controls, remote or the Dreo app. View Deal

June 23, 2026 – 2:50 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Rare deal alert!

This portable AC from Morphy Richards is currently reduced by £100s in the Amazon Prime Day Sale. We haven't tested this particular model, but reviews on Amazon say it looks good and keeps a room cool, but they do all warn that it is very loud.

With a cooling capacity of 12,000BTU, this Morphy Richards portable air conditioner can comfortably cool rooms up to 24m2, and doubles up as a dehumidifier, extracting up to 40L of moisture a day. View Deal

June 23, 2026 – 3:27 AM

Portable Air Conditioners still in stock at Amazon

Today marks the kick-off of Amazon's biggest sales event of the year, Amazon Prime Day, but you'll be extremely lucky to find any portable ACs on offer this week. However, you can still benefit from the Prime membership with free delivery on any of these portable ACs that are still in stock at Amazon.

June 23, 2026 – 3:57 AM

(Image credit: Future)

How to keep a room cool during the day without an AC

'I have a south-facing bedroom that gets absolutely scorching, so I’ve been keeping my thermal curtains closed during the day. I always thought thermal curtains worked best in the winter, but they’re just as effective for keeping rooms cool during the summer months, too! I have the Blake Thermal Curtains from Dunelm and swear by them.'

Lauren Bradbury, Floorcare and House Manual Content Editor

June 23, 2026 – 3:59 AM

I'm signing off now and handing over to Molly Cleary, our Kitchen Appliance expert who will be keeping an eye on portable AC stock levels and deals on fan alternatives, plus sharing her top tips for keeping cool in the kitchen.

June 23, 2026 – 4:24 AM

Morning! I'm signing on to keep track of where top-rated portable ACs are still in stock so that you have the best chance of buying one.

As Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, my first order of the day when it's this hot is making an iced coffee – a task that's made much easier with my favourite XL ice cube tray (£9.99 at Amazon). Let's see where we can find some in-stock cooling must-haves.

June 23, 2026 – 4:53 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Spotted at Amazon!

The Shark Turbo Blade fan (which our reviewer awarded 4.5 stars to in her review) is a perfect match for partners who don't agree on fan settings, as each side can be customised. It's sold out at most other retailers but we've found a stash at Amazon.

If you are in need of a fan to keep both you and your partner cool at night, this is the one for you. Both sides can be customised so you both can benefit from the cooling breezeView Deal

June 23, 2026 – 5:31 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan on sale

You can get £10 off this handy personal fan today thanks to Amazon Prime Day. It's been on my wish list since it came out but now seems like the best time to invest, especially for those hot days on a commute.

Our reviewer Sarah said that it had 'put an end to her heatwave anxiety' when she awarded it 4.5 stars recently.

This isn't just a handheld fan, it also has a misting attachment as well as a cyro plate for your pressure points.View Deal

June 23, 2026 – 6:06 AM

(Image credit: Future)

How our News Writer has been keeping things cool

'I've been using the Salter Slushie Maker (£179 via Amazon) to make ice cold smoothies and slushies to help cool me down.

I also hang a damp bedsheet over my bedroom window to help make it a more comfortable place to sleep. I’ve never been bothered by the heat before but these extreme temperatures this year have convinced me to save up for a portable AC.'

Kezia Reynolds, News Writer

June 23, 2026 – 6:17 AM

I'm handing over to Heather Young now, Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, who has the latest on portable AC stock and where you can find it as well as must-have deals and advice.

June 23, 2026 – 6:35 AM

Hi, I’m Heather, Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief and I’m taking over the reins of the live blog for the next couple of hours, sharing details of our best-rated portable ACs that are still in stock, along with other brilliant products and top tips to help you stay cool over the heatwave.

I know it’s not strictly a product for your home, but I just snapped up this portable neck fan for my other half while it’s discounted on Amazon – he doesn’t deal with the heat well and this is my attempt to minimise the moaning so really it’s a selfish purchase!

June 23, 2026 – 6:52 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Need to cool down fast? Get your portable AC by tomorrow

Here's where you can still snap up a portable AC with next-day delivery to beat the heatwave:

Appliances Direct: delivery options from tomorrow
AO.com: free next-day delivery within a four-hour time slot
Argos: the last few Bush air conditioner units are available for next-day delivery
Amazon: free delivery for Prime members – and this is model with a next-day delivery option

June 23, 2026 – 7:14 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Spotted at Argos!

Our News Writer just alerted me to one of the last remaining portable ACs in stock at Argos, and it’s rated five-stars. With stock of well-rated models dwindling at an alarming rate, it's a rare find. We think this is going to sell like hot cakes (sorry, couldn't help myself!) so if the reviews impress you as much as they have us, I'd snap this one up straight away.

Bush

Bush 9K Air Conditioner

I can't believe this portable AC is still in stock. It's a relatively affordable price compared to other models, and offers multiple modes to cater to your needs. In other words, it does the trick!

June 23, 2026 – 7:54 AM

Cooling sleep hacks when you don't have AC

I'm always swayed by a first person recommendation, and our Senior Digital Editor Jenny McFarlane just told me how much she loves her Meaco Sefte fan so I'm eyeing it up right now. She uses it alongside some other trusted cooling sleep solutions (she hasn't joined the portable AC club yet).

'I have my Meaco Sefte fan blowing in my bedroom, sleep on a silk pillowcase (more for my crazy hair) and I take an ice-cold face cloth for my head for bedtime that I have prepped in my freezer,' she says. 'If I wake up during the night, I switch it out for a fresh one. I do the same for my littles. It’s also very 2023, but I use my massive Stanley cup and pack it with ice and cool water to stay hydrated.'

June 23, 2026 – 8:00 AM

That's my shift done for now, and I'm handing over the baton to the very capable Lauren Bradbury, our House Manual Editor. She'll keep you bang up-to-date with the latest stock updates on top portable air conditioners and high-performance fans, along with her tips and tricks for keeping cool while the mercury soars.

June 23, 2026 – 8:25 AM

Thanks, Heather! I’m next up to help you beat the heat on this hot Tuesday. I’ll be keeping you updated on any fan or portable AC deals that I spot along the way, and helping you weed out the real deals from the duds.

As I’ll be stuck at my desk for the next couple of hours, I’m using my GoodHome Remote Controlled Table Fan to keep me cool while I’m typing away. Sadly, It’s not available for delivery, but you can collect this £39 bargain in-store at B&Q in as little as 15 minutes.

June 23, 2026 – 8:56 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Stock check!

I’ve just spotted that the Meaco Sefte Pedestal Fan that our editors love has already sold out at Argos - but it’s still available on Amazon, and could be with you on Thursday if you order within the next few hours.

It’s not on sale unfortunately, so it might not suit you if you have a smaller budget. But if you want a highly rated fan that’s height-adjustable and has a night mode for easier sleep, I’d suggest snapping it up before it sells out everywhere else.

MeacoFan Sefte Pedestal Fan

This fan can be used as a pedestal or desk fan, so you can use it in any room of the house. It's also Quiet Mark certified, and we found that the noise levels ranged from just 39-56dB. That's super quiet!

June 23, 2026 – 9:30 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Fans vs air-purifying fans

I may be biased as Ideal Home’s resident air purifier expert, but I think every home should have one of the best air purifiers. And if you’re searching high and low for a fan deal right now, it’s well worth considering whether air-purifying fans are worth it - as branching out can solve many of your heatwave problems.

After all, the summer months aren’t just hot and sticky. They’re also a hotbed of airborne pollutants such as pollen, dust, dander and even smoke from BBQs. This can then have a knock-on effect on your health and your sleep. However, an air-purifying fan allows you to reap all the cooling benefits of a fan while also utilising the purification qualities of an air purifier to make your home as healthy (and pollutant-free) as possible.

Some air-purifying fans also go the extra mile by offering a heating element, so you can use them year-round without needing three separate appliances. This saves on purchase costs and storage space in smaller homes. Our tester particularly loved the Blueair ComfortPure T10i Air Purifier when she reviewed it, and I’ve just spotted it on sale for Amazon Prime Day!

This 3-in-1 appliance should keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and sniffle-free year-round. View Deal

June 23, 2026 – 9:55 AM

That’s me for today! The ice cream van is calling, so I’ll hand you over to our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane, who will keep you updated on the portable ACs and fans still in stock.

I’ll be back tomorrow, as long as I don’t melt before then. Fingers crossed for my ice cream, too...

June 23, 2026 – 10:39 AM

Thanks, Lauren! I’m next up to help you tackle your hot weather woes. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled and sharing all the best fan or portable AC deals that I spot. I'll give you advice on how to choose the best AC and any alternatives that you can get your hands on now to beat that heat without spending a fortune.

I've currently got my trusty Meaco Sefte table fan blowing on my desk, and I can't recommend it enough. It's whisper-quiet, versatile and portable, so it can be used indoors and out. It comes with a handy carry handle and bag so you can easily take it on picnics, camping trips and to the beach!

June 23, 2026 – 11:04 AM

(Image credit: Future)

How to choose the best portable air conditioner for your home

With the best portable air conditioners flying off the virtual shelves every time a heatwave hits, it's worth doing your homework before you buy one. At Ideal Home, our reviewers have tested portable ACs in real homes and know the right model can transform a sweltering room, while the wrong one can leave you with higher energy bills and no real respite from the heat.

As I've tested a few in the past, here's what I'd recommend you always check before buying:

BTU rating: Match the cooling power to your room size, because, believe it or not, bigger isn't always better.
Noise levels: This is particularly important if it'll be used in your bedroom or home office. I learnt that the hard way.
Portability: Look for wheels and handles, as most units can be heavy!
Extra features: Dehumidifier modes, sleep settings, timers and WiFi controls are all super handy additions.
Window kit: These kits are essential for venting hot air outside and getting the best performance from your AC.
Running costs: Choosing the correct size and an energy-efficient model will help keep bills in check, so look for the wattage and find out how much it costs to run an AC before hitting the 'buy' button.

June 23, 2026 – 11:37 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Air coolers are a seriously clever alternative to an AC, and here's why

If you've been trying to buy a portable air conditioner right now, you've probably noticed that stock is disappearing fast! The good news is that air coolers are a brilliant stopgap. Models like the Midea 5L Air Cooler use evaporative cooling, blowing air over cold water and ice packs to create a much fresher, cooler breeze than a standard fan can offer. They're also cheaper to buy, quieter to run and don't require a window hose, making them ideal for bedrooms, home offices and smaller living spaces.

While an air cooler won't lower your room temperature as dramatically, it can make you feel significantly more comfortable during a muggy UK heatwave. If you've missed out on buying an AC or simply want a budget-friendly way to stay cool, an air cooler could be the sweet spot this summer.

Here are a few alternative picks I've found that are still in stock.

Dreo 40“ Evaporative Air Cooler

This slick and compact air cooler has a 4.2 rating on Amazon, and is essentially a tower fan that blows out cold air. You can freeze the included ice boxes and put them into the tank for maximized cooling.

Black+decker Bxac65001gb Portable 2-In-1 Air Cooler

This affordable option can be used as either an air cooler or a fan. It comes with ice blocks which the reviews say are essential to getting the perfect level of cooling.

JML

Air Cooler

This air cooler cools and adds moisture to the air. It's a handy space-saving size and runs for 10 hours per fill.

June 23, 2026 – 12:00 PM

(Image credit: Future)

That’s me for today! I'm about to head to my patio with my Shark outdoor misting fan, which is just one way you can keep your patio cool in a heatwave.

I’ll hand you over to our Managing Editor, Thea Babington-Stitt, who will keep you updated on the portable ACs and fans still in stock.

So stay cool, stay hydrated, and I'll be back with more heatwave tips and deals this time tomorrow, assuming I haven't turned into a puddle by then. But before I go, here's a great deal on another portable, indoor/outdoor fan from a brand we trust, Morphy Richards.

Over and out.

You can use this portable fan everywhere, including on the go and enjoy up to 17 hours of operation on a single USB charge. Perfect for lying about in the garden or at the park. View Deal

June 23, 2026 – 12:16 PM

Thanks, Jenny – great point with the air coolers, I think they’ll be most people’s best bet right now. I’m hopping in now to keep an eye on any deals (or, let’s face it, available) cooling products that I spy this evening.

I’m desperate for a Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo and miraculously it is still in stock on Amazon. That said, it’s not discounted for Amazon Prime Day and some colors are actually more expensive than I’ve seen them before – a timely reminder to make sure you’re not paying over the odds!

June 23, 2026 – 12:46 PM

(Image credit: Future)

How to position a fan for maximum cooling power

Finding the right spot for your fan can make just as much difference as the model you buy. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of yours this heatwave.

Face it towards an open window: If the air outside is cooler than indoors (usually early morning or late evening), positioning a fan to help push hot air out of the room can encourage better airflow and help flush out built-up heat.

Create a cross-breeze: If you can open windows on opposite sides of your home, use a fan to help move air between them. This creates a cooling breeze that feels far more effective than simply circulating stagnant air.

Don't tuck it into a corner: Fans need space around them to move air efficiently. Placing one behind furniture or in a cramped corner can limit airflow and reduce its effectiveness.

Avoid pointing it at heat sources: Positioning a fan near sunny windows, radiators or heat-generating appliances can simply circulate warmer air around the room rather than helping you feel cooler.

Use height to your advantage: Warm air rises, so elevating a fan slightly or angling it correctly can help move hot air away and improve air circulation throughout the room.

June 23, 2026 – 1:45 PM

(Image credit: Future)

Premium fan deal worth a look

If you're after something a little more design-led than a standard pedestal fan, I've spotted a deal on the Dimplex FlexBlade Bladeless Fan at Amazon.

We haven't tested this model at Ideal Home, but its feature list is certainly impressive. Unlike most tower fans, the FlexBlade can pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, while its dual vents can direct airflow in two different directions at once – a clever feature if you're trying to cool a larger living space or more than one person. It also promises quiet operation from 36dB, making it a potential contender for bedrooms.

Alongside its unusual multi-directional airflow design, it offers five speed settings, 90° oscillation, a timer, remote control and airflow that can reach up to 20 metres.View Deal

June 23, 2026 – 1:57 PM

That's me done for today! I'm off to panic order either some reflective film or foam to help offset the direct sun into my flat and lower the temperature – I'll update with the results.

I'll hand you over to our Sleep Expert, Amy Lockwood, who'll no doubt be letting you in on all her trade secrets of how to get some shut eye in this heat, as well as tracking which cooling products are still in stock.

I'll be back tomorrow with more cooling tips, stock updates and heatwave-friendly buys.

Until then, stay cool!

June 23, 2026 – 2:07 PM

Thanks, Thea! And yep, in my opinion, the very worst part of any heatwave is the hot and humid nights, so as we head into the evening, I'm here to share some sleep-expert-approved tips and tricks for cooling down at night.

Alongside that, I'll also be keeping an eye out for any cooling fan and AC stock alerts that you need on your radar.

June 23, 2026 – 2:28 PM

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Duux)

First up, I have to share this Duux Whisper Flex fan deal on Amazon. I have the older version of this pedestal fan, and it's singlehandedly helped me survive sleeping in my *very* hot bedroom during the past five years' worth of heatwaves.

Yes, it's expensive, but it really is worth the money compared to other fans. Firstly, because the air it expels does actually feel cool when it hits your skin, unlike so many others I've tested, which simply move about hot air. And secondly, because it totally lives up to its name and is whisper quiet, so it's perfect for cooling you down whilst you sleep.

I also find a pedestal fan is your best bet for a bedroom, as it's the right height to hit your body with the breeze, and there's no need to faff about finding a surface to sit it on.

This Duux pedestal fan has a nice discount this Prime Day. And even better, it's still in stock!View Deal

June 23, 2026 – 2:43 PM

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Ditch the duvet.

Next up, when it comes to how to beat the heat, I recommend ditching the duvet. My bedroom is currently over 30°C, and it's absolutely too hot for even the lightest and most breathable summer duvet.

I've found that this Bedsure Cooling Blanket or a muslin throw, like the 100% Cotton Muslin Throw from Bedsure are good duvet alternatives for hot weather. You can also sleep under a flat linen sheet, like this linen-blend option from Piglet in Bed.

But if you don't have another option to use right now, don't worry. Simply take your duvet cover off your duvet and sleep under the duvet cover without the insert. If you have a cotton or linen duvet cover, choose these breathable natural materials over a polyester or polycotton cover, which will trap the heat.

June 23, 2026 – 3:08 PM

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: James French)

Freeze your pillowcase.

For a quick blast of coolness that can help you drift off to sleep faster, pop your pillowcases in the freezer about an hour before bed.

This works best with a cotton pillowcase that you could also dampen slightly, and you could freeze your bedsheets too (although this is a bit of a faff).

I've also tried both this Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad and the larger Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad, which work well for that quick hit of cool, but they do take up more room in your fridge and freezer, plus you have to store them when they're not in use.

June 23, 2026 – 3:35 PM

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future PLC/Philip Lauterbach)

Embrace the ice.

If you have access to a freezer, I also swear by these reusable ice packs during a heatwave. You can snap up various types at Amazon for not that much money. Pop them in a pillowcase and take them to bed to stay cool.

Or, if you have a hot water bottle, you can also fill that with cold water and ice cubes to cool down your body in bed.

June 23, 2026 – 3:52 PM

(Image credit: Future / Meaco)

I'm about to sign off for the night and attempt to get some sleep myself, but if you're awake and googling cooling fans, I'll leave you with one last star buy before I disappear.

Meaco makes some of *the* best cooling fans I've tested. They're powerful, quiet, easy to use, and sturdily built. I've owned the older and currently out-of-stock Meaco 1056 Air Circulator for the past five years and still absolutely love it. However, it's now gone to live at my parents' house to keep them cool in the heatwave, so I'm going to invest in the newer Meaco Sefte Table Fan.

I'm expecting models to start selling out fast as the heatwave continues, but the Meaco Sefte fan is currently still in stock at Amazon, and John Lewis has several versions of the Meaco Sefte that are battery-operated, so you can use them anywhere in the room without needing to be near an electrical socket.

This powerful fan has twelve speeds, three oscillating ranges, a remote control, and it's super quiet.View Deal

Do your best to stay cool and calm during this hot night, and we'll see you in the morning for more heatwave-busting updates.

June 24, 2026 – 2:28 AM

Welcome back!

Hi, I'm Becky, the Digital Editor at Ideal Home, and I'll be helping you track down any portable AC still in stock and the best fan alternatives this morning. Today's is about to get seriously hot, with red weather warnings across the UK, and temperatures set to hit 34 degrees this afternoon! I've left my home to take shelter in the air-conditioned office, but to ensure I don't come back to a baking hot house, I've left all my curtains closed to keep as much of the heat out as possible.

June 24, 2026 – 2:39 AM

Arrives ASAP

I'll kick things off with an air conditioning unit you can buy now and have by Friday 26th June. The Belaco 9000 BTU Air Conditioning Unit is currently £699 on Amazon. It is on the expensive side for a portable air conditioner but it includes fan and dehumidifier moders and a window kit for easy set up. We haven't tested this model, but it has been well reviewed by customers.

Reviews all praise this AC's ability to cool a room and its easy set-up. However, many also pointed out that it is relatively noisy.View Deal

June 24, 2026 – 3:09 AM

Portable AC stock update

The stock of portable ACs has been decimated across many retailers. Argos is now down to only one portable AC still left in stock, and at Amazon, you now have to wait a couple of weeks to get your hands on some of the best portable ACs still available. Appliances Direct still has a healthy level of stock, but they have now sold out of the electriQ portable AC we were recommending yesterday. They are still offering delivery from tomorrow on many of their models.

Akai

Slimline 7000 Btu small Portable Air Conditioner

We've not tested this slimline and compact AC, but it is available for delivery from tomorrow.

Argos

Bush 9K Air Conditioner

This portable AC has glowing reviews from shoppers and is the last one in stock at Argos right now.

DREO

Dreo 12000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner

We have tested this model that is still in stock at Amazon. It is relatively quiet and compact, and very effective at cooling a sweltering room. However, you will have to wait a little longer for delivery.

June 24, 2026 – 3:32 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Keep cool on the go

'I want to stay cool wherever I am, and I loved the Shark ChillPill portable fan when I reviewed it. It comes with three different heads that offer three different cooling experiences - fan, mister, and my favourite, the cooling plate that is designed for direct contact with the skin. It’s deliciously cool!'

Sarah Handley, Reno and Home Energy Editor and cooling expert

The Shark ChillPill is usually priced at £129.99 (without the travel kit), so this deal on Amazon makes it the cheapest you'll find it anywhere right now.View Deal

June 24, 2026 – 3:55 AM

(Image credit: Shark)

Portable AC alternative: Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo ProFan, £127 at Amazon

If you can't afford any of the portable ACs still in stock right now a misting fan is an ideal alternative and I love the Shark FlexBreeze. It is rechargeable so you can use it inside and outside. This week it's been following me around the house.

June 24, 2026 – 4:05 AM

That's everything from me today, I'll be handing you over to Molly Cleary, our Kitchen Appliance Editor, who will be sharing her tips for keeping cool in the kitchen and the latest updates on portable AC and cooling fans you can still find in stock. Keep cool!

June 24, 2026 – 4:15 AM

Thanks, Becky! I’m staying hydrated today with my supersized water bottle whilst also trying to avoid cooking wherever possible.

As Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor I get to test a huge range of gadgets and one of my favourites year-round (but especially in a heatwave) is a rice cooker. You can cook entire meals in one Nigella-style – no standing over a hot stove necessary.

June 24, 2026 – 4:44 AM

(Image credit: Future)

I managed to keep cool last night with my trusty Dyson fan (£449 via Amazon) which I got many years ago but still works as well as the day I unboxed it – so if you’re wondering whether a Dyson fan is worth it, my answer is definitely yes. It also doubles as an air purifier which means it gets plenty of use in the winter months too.

Here are some other places I’ve found Dyson fans still in stock:

Amazon: find top-rated models of all sizes available to buy

John Lewis: shop the Hot+Cool fan, which you’ll be thankful for in the winter, too

AO: shop desk and tower Dyson fans, all in stock now

June 24, 2026 – 5:20 AM

(Image credit: Future)

In-stock portable AC: DREO Portable Air Conditioner, £399.99 at Amazon

Our review of Dreo's still-in-stock portable AC just went live and it's won a wholehearted recommendation from our expert Sarah.

The headline speaks for itself with this top-rated, Ideal Home approved buy: 'My home office gets unbearably hot in the summer, but this surprisingly quiet Dreo portable air conditioner has been an utter gamechanger.'

If you've been on the fence about buying one of the remaining air conditioning units in stock, a read of Sarah's review might just win you over.

June 24, 2026 – 5:43 AM

(Image credit: Future)

On my search to find fans still in stock (which was quite the challenge) I saw that Amazon is one of the only places to have Shark’s TurboBlade Fan (£249.99) available.

You can twist its vents in order to cool two places at once and it’s very sleek, so it’s easy to hide at home. Our expert Lauren said it’s perfect for couples who run at different temperatures in her review.

June 24, 2026 – 6:01 AM

That brings an end to my shift as I pass over to Sara Hesikova for more updates on where you can find those invaluable portable air conditioning units in stock.

June 24, 2026 – 6:29 AM

Thanks Molly! Hi everyone, I'm Sara, Ideal Home's Room Decor Editor. I'm taking over the live blog for the next couple of hours. I'll be sharing tips on how to stay cool during this ridiculous heat and I'll be updating you on any stock changes on fans and ACs, as well as on any deals I find.

Even in this heat I want to keep my home looking stylish and I've realised that none of my living room throws are heat-appropriate. That's why I'm adding this chic cotton muslin throw from Yard to my basket as it's currently on offer with 31% off at Amazon. The only thing left to figure out is what colour to go for...

June 24, 2026 – 6:58 AM

(Image credit: Future)

This Morphy Richards fan is rated as the best desktop fan in our best fans guide. And not only that Amazon still has it in stock, it's currently on offer with 17% off.

If you're working at a desk during this heat thena desktop fan like this one is a must. And thanks to this Prime Day offer, Amazon has it in stock at the best price.View Deal

June 24, 2026 – 7:25 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Fitted air conditioning vs portable AC

These super hot summers are likely to become increasingly common, so before pouncing on a portable AC it might be worth considering a longer-term solution like fitted air conditioning. Our fan and AC expert Sarah Handley, had air conditioning installed in her living room last year and hasn't regretted it for a minute.

'I absolutely think fitted air conditioning is worth it. I had mine fitted through BOXT, and I'm so glad I did. I work from home and have a dog so being able to have a room where we can escape excessive heat and still be able to function at work has been very beneficial,' she says.

However, she does point out there are downsides. 'It's not a feasible option for those who rent, due to the changes needed to install the kit. It's understandably going to add to your energy bills too, ' she says. 'Plus, you do have to compromise by having a permanent unit installed both inside and outside. They're not pretty by any means, but for me, being cool is worth the sacrifice.'

June 24, 2026 – 7:47 AM

(Image credit: Future)

I've been talking about investing in linen bedding for ages as it's known to keep you cool during hot summer nights. But I'm finally doing it since my favourite linen set from La Redoute - which also comes highly recommended by Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood as one of the best linen sheets she's tried - is currently on sale with 44% off if you use code BOOST at checkout.

June 24, 2026 – 8:00 AM

That's it from me! I'm handing over to our House Manual Content Editor, Lauren Bradbury. She'll keep you updated on AC and fan stock levels and deals. And she'll be sharing her clever cooling and air quality tips, too.

June 24, 2026 – 8:27 AM

Afternoon all! I’m taking over the reins for the next couple of hours, and I am absolutely MELTING as it’s 34°C where I am right now.

So, I’m finally going to bite the bullet and order a portable air conditioner for myself before they sell out completely (although they're not far off). This is the model I have my eye on, and it should arrive on my doorstep on Friday.

AKAI Slimline 7000 BTU Small Portable Air Conditioner

We haven’t tested this particular model, but this slimline AC unit looks ideal for my small home. Just beware that it’s only really suitable for rooms up to 20 sqm, so it won’t suit larger, more open-plan spaces.

June 24, 2026 – 9:01 AM

(Image credit: Future)

It’s my job to test air purifiers at Ideal Home, and I also get to test air-purifying fans. The next model on my to-do list is the Dyson Find+Follow PC3 Cool Air Purifier (£549.99 at Argos). This is Dyson’s newest release, and the Find+Follow air projection tracks you as you move around your room so you always have direct cooling purified airflow flowing towards you. Pretty nifty, right?

As I haven’t tested it yet, I can’t give you my full recommendation, and I'd advise you to review the specs to see if it’ll work in your home. But so far, the reviews are pretty good. One wrote, ‘Low noise, very efficient at keeping air clean, and makes a tremendous difference to the air in the room.’

However, if you’d prefer one that I have reviewed, I’d suggest the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Purifying Bladeless Tower Fan (£549 at Very) instead. I gave it a 4.5-star review when I tested it.

Dyson Find+follow Pc3 Cool Air Purifier

Suitable for rooms up to to 27m² in size, and offering a HEPA filter and 10 speed settings, this air purifying fan also comes with a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee.

June 24, 2026 – 9:29 AM

(Image credit: Future)

How to get more from your fan

Whether you’re snapping up a fan deal this week or you’re just looking for tips on how to get more from the fan you already own, I’m here to remind you that cleaning is key!

Fans rely on clean filters, blades and grills to efficiently circulate the air in your home, so it’s well worth taking some time today to wipe them all with a clean cloth to remove any lingering dust or debris. You could even use your vacuum’s dusting tool to make it easier.

Regularly cleaning fans can prevent unnecessary motor strain and ensure consistent cooling. So, make sure you grab your microfibre cloths add it to your to-do list - but always turn it off before you start cleaning.

June 24, 2026 – 9:56 AM

That’s all from me, folks! I'm off to buy this SONGMICS Countertop Ice Maker from Amazon, because my ice cube trays just can't keep up with the amount of cold drinks I'm guzzling this week.

But I’m passing the baton to our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane, who will be keeping you up to date on the latest AC and fan news.

June 24, 2026 – 10:26 AM

Thanks, Lauren! I'm back on shift and keeping a close eye on all things cooling as the heatwave continues. Whether you're trying to work from home or stop your bedroom from becoming a greenhouse, I'll be sharing the best deals and nifty ways to stay comfortable during the hottest days we've had so far this year.

One product I've got my eye on is the Duux Mist Air Cooler. Unlike a standard fan, it combines a cooling air flow with a mist to help take the edge off. What I really love about it is that it's portable and powerful enough to use outdoors.

So if you're planning on spending some time on the patio or balcony this week (hats off to you), it's a smart cooling buy. It also looks way easier on the eye than some of the other chunkier models I've spotted. With some money off it right now on Amazon, I'd recommend snapping this one up quickly.

June 24, 2026 – 11:03 AM

(Image credit: Future)

External shade can keep a room cool during a heatwave

When temperatures soar, we all focus on keeping our homes cool from the inside with fans and air conditioners. But one of the most effective ways to keep a room cool is actually to stop the sun's heat from getting in the first place.

Creating external shade can make a noticeable difference to the temperature of a room, especially if it faces south or west. Simple structures such as a large parasol, pergola or shade sail, like this waterproof triangle shade sail from Amazon, positioned outside sun-facing windows or patio doors, can help you block direct sun before it hits the glass.

If you're looking for a quick fix, I've picked out a few easy shade options that are easy to fit and can make an immediate difference during the hot weather.

VonHaus

Banana Parasol 3m

This large parasol is ideal for popping up and creating shade on your patio, and this offset base leaves your patio doors unobstructed by a central pole.

Outsunny

4 X 3(m) Metal Outdoor Pergola With Retractable Roof

Looking for a budget-friendly pergola with a retractable roof? Look no further. Not only will it be an attractive addition to your garden, but it also has a strong powder-coated frame.

Primrose

6m X 4.2m Triangle Waterproof Sun Shade Canopy

Available in lots of different colours, this shade sail is incredibly easy to install. Simply attach to a wall, fence, or connect to a steel pole for instant shade.

June 24, 2026 – 11:38 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Air coolers vs portable air conditioners and fans

With portable air conditioners becoming increasingly hard to come by during this week's heatwave, air coolers are emerging as an affordable alternative when we're all slowly melting. While they won't lower a room's temperature in the same way a portable AC can, they use cold water and ice packs to create a cooler, more refreshing breeze than a standard fan.

For the UK's short-lived heatwaves, I actually think they're a nice option for cooling you down during the day and overnight when you need quick relief. Aside from their affordability, they're easy to set up and store away when temperatures return to normal, making them a space-saving solution for occasional bursts of hot weather. Fitted air conditioning is the creme de la creme of home cooling, but if you don't have this set up this time round, these coolers could help you through the worst sleepless nights.

Midea

5L Air Cooler with Remote Control

Bush

6.5L Vortex Blade Air Cooler

Dreo 40“ Evaporative Air Cooler

June 24, 2026 – 12:04 PM

That's all from me for now. I'm off to find the coolest spot in the house and keep testing cooling gadgets in the name of journalism, or better yet, I'm tempted to just stick my head in the freezer.

Speaking of which, these cooling face masks are on offer right now and might be a slightly more practical way to cool down before bed. I'll leave you in the very capable hands of our Managing Editor, Thea, who'll keep you updated with more heatwave tips, cooling buys and deals this evening. Stay cool out there!

June 24, 2026 – 12:12 PM

Thanks Jenny!

I've spent the past few days experimenting with every cooling trick I can find. My latest test? Applying reflective insulation foil to my bedroom and living room windows before heading into the office this morning.

The theory is that it should reflect solar heat before it enters the room, helping to keep indoor temperatures lower. Whether it actually works is another matter entirely, but I'll be reporting back when I get home this evening.

In the meantime, I'll be sharing the cooling products worth your attention, the ones I'd skip, and plenty of expert-approved tips to help make this heatwave a little more manageable.

June 24, 2026 – 12:32 PM

(Image credit: Future)

If the few remaining portable AC feels a little out of budget, I've spotted a great priced Air Cooler at Amazon.

If you're struggling with the heat and want something more effective than a standard desktop fan without stretching to the cost of a portable air conditioner, this could be a useful halfway-house solution.

This compact air cooler combines fan, air cooler and humidifier functions in one portable unit. Its small footprint means it's best placed on a desk, bedside table or next to a sofa where you can feel the airflow directly.View Deal

June 24, 2026 – 1:25 PM

(Image credit: Future)

Can a dehumidifier help cool a room?

With ACs thin on the ground, it’s time to get creative with how to cool a room, and I’ve had more than one person ask me if their dehumidifier could be of any help. The answer is yes – but probably not in the way you're hoping.

A dehumidifier doesn't actually lower a room's temperature like a portable air conditioner. Instead, it removes excess moisture from the air, which can make a room feel more comfortable, particularly during humid weather.

Before relying on a dehumidifier to beat the heat, here's what I'd keep in mind:

It tackles humidity, not heat: A dehumidifier won't produce cold air or actively cool a room, but reducing humidity can make sticky conditions feel much more manageable.

You may feel cooler even if the temperature doesn't change: High humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate from your skin. By removing moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can help your body's natural cooling process work more effectively.

Running costs are relatively low: Most dehumidifiers use far less energy than a portable air conditioner, making them a cheaper option if humidity is your main issue.

It can work well alongside a fan: Combining a dehumidifier with a fan is often more effective than using either appliance alone, helping air feel fresher and less stuffy while improving airflow around the room.

If your home feels damp, sticky or tropical during a heatwave, a dehumidifier could help. Just don't expect it to replace an air conditioner if your goal is to lower the actual room temperature.

June 24, 2026 – 2:00 PM

That's all from me for this evening.

I'm heading home to what is hopefully a slightly cooler flat thanks to the reflective foil I've attached to my windows. If it has genuinely made a difference to the indoor temperature, you'll be the first to hear about it when I'm back on the blog tomorrow.

For now, I'll hand you over to our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood, who'll be taking you through the evening with her expert advice on keeping cool at night.

Until then, keep those curtains closed, stay hydrated and make the most of any evening breeze that comes your way.

I'll report back on the window foil experiment tomorrow!

June 24, 2026 – 2:14 PM

Fingers crossed you get home to a cool flat, Thea! And yep, we have another hot and humid night ahead, so I'll be sharing some ways to stay cool(er) as we head into the evening.

But first up, a stock watch report. As predicted, with most portable air conditioning units in the country now very nearly sold out, fans are the next cooling device to start disappearing from the shelves. However, there is still some fan stock available if you know where to look. I'll share some of my 'secret finds' in my next few posts.

June 24, 2026 – 2:29 PM

(Image credit: Future / Meaco)

First up, the Meaco Sefte Pedestal Fan. After testing multiple Meaco products for Ideal Home's guide to the best fans, best portable air conditioners, and best dehumidifiers, I think Meaco is one of *the* best air quality brands in the UK. So no one was sadder than me to find that its bestselling pedestal fans are now almost out of stock.

But, there is still one place to shop for the Meaco Sefte 10" Pro 3-in-1 Pedestal Fan, and that's Amazon, where you can still get delivery by Saturday, 27 June. Yes, that means it will be delivered after the hottest peak of the heatwave, but I have a feeling the heat will return, whereas more fan stock may not (or at least not for a few months, perhaps).

Plus, you can also pre-order the Meaco Sefte 10" Pro 3-in-1 Pedestal Fan at John Lewis, with delivery from 29 June 2026.

It's expensive, but this is a great fan, and I 100% recommend snapping it up whilst it's still in stock if you're looking for a powerful, quiet, easy-to-use, and robustly-built pedestal fan.View Deal

June 24, 2026 – 2:57 PM

(Image credit: Future / EcoAir)

Next up, a cooling brand you may never have heard of: EcoAir. Well, I hadn't heard of it at any rate, that is, until I tested the EcoAir Kinetic Fan for Ideal Home's best fans guide a few years ago and was super impressed by its build quality.

Yes, this fan is heavy and bulky and doesn't have the stylish good looks of other models, but it's also robustly built, *very* easy to use (unlike so many high-tech versions which I found super fiddly), very quiet (thanks to its DC motor), extremely energy efficient, and has powerful cooling performance. It's also still going strong and in regular use three years after I first tested it.

The EcoAir Kinetic Fan now appears to be out of stock at most places except EcoAir itself, where, handily, it also has a nice discount, reducing it from £129.99 to £99.99. But there's now also the more affordable EcoAir Equinox Fan to consider, and this is available at a few more retailers, including via Amazon.

This fan has a quiet yet powerful DC motor, oscillation for wide area cooling, a remote control and auto-shutdown function, plus, it uses just 3.5 watts per hour.View Deal

June 24, 2026 – 3:35 PM

(Image credit: Future / Meaco)

And finally, I've found some more Meaco cooling gems. Alongside the pedestal fan mentioned below, Meaco also offers a great range of table-top fans. But, alas, these too have flown out of stock overnight at most retailers.

However, I have found some remaining in-stock units, both direct from Meaco's own website, and via Meaco's Amazon storefront. Depending on which retailer you shop at, you can choose from the compact bedside-table-friendly 6" model, the larger 8" desk top version, or the sizeable 10" fan.

Amazon currently has both the £99.99 10" table fan and the £69.99 6" Meaco table fan in stock with delivery by Saturday, 27th June.View Deal

June 24, 2026 – 4:03 PM

I'm logging off now to go open some windows and look for a cool breeze on the other side. But, as a reminder, if you're in need of an artificial breeze to get you through this heatwave, these are the three in-stock fans I recommend snapping up tonight before they become out-of-stock fans. Sleep well.

This table-top fan comes in various sizes, all of which have quiet DC motors, are easy to use, and are capable of creating some welcome airflow.View Deal

This is another quiet fan with a powerful DC motor. It's also very energy efficient, using just 3.5 watts per hour. Plus, I think its current price tag makes it a great deal.View Deal

Meaco's pedestal fan can be adjusted to three different heights, plus, it has both horizontal and vertical oscillation to bounce air around the whole room.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 2:25 AM

Prep your home now to keep cool this evening

Welcome back to another seriously hot day! I'm Becky, the Digital Editor and while I'm waiting to get my hands on a portable AC to make sure I don't suffer another hot sleepless night I'm prepping my home this morning with the following tricks:

Opening windows for an hour this morning while it's still cool outside
Positioning my fans in my bedroom and kitchen to help create a wind chill effect to cool the rooms down
Finally, I'm closing all the windows and curtains in my house from 8 am onwards to keep the heat out.
Popping my cooling Avene water spray (available on Amazon) in the fridge to spritz all over myself when it heats up later today.

June 25, 2026 – 3:07 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Sleep easy tonight

If you're having trouble sleeping in the heat right now, it might be worth trying the Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad, £30 at Amazon. It is a larger version of Silentnights Gel pillow, £11 at Amazon, both of them work by absorbing excess body heat. You can use it straight out of the box, or you can pop it in the fridge for half an hour before bed for a cooler sleep. However, our sleep editor, who has tested out the gel pads and was impressed, warns that straight from the fridge, these pads are truly ice cold!

Silentnight

Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad

The 60 x 90cm cooling mattress gel pad is large enough for one sleeper. It has sold out at most other retailers, so I'd be quick if you want to pick one up for the weekend.

Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Pillow Pad

The smaller 'pillow pad' measures 40 x 60cm, and it is sold out at most retailers, so be quick if you want to pick one up in stock.

Silentnight

Silentnight Restore Cooling Blanket

Our reviewer called this blanket 'magic' in her review. It feels cold to the touch, and was so effective pre-heatwave she actually found it too cold to sleep under.

June 25, 2026 – 3:42 AM

AC for next-day delivery spotted!

Portable ACs have now vanished from more popular retailers such as Argos and John Lewis, but I've spotted the DeLonghi PAC EM82K in stock for £799 at Marks Electrical with next-day delivery!

We haven't tested this portable AC, but it looks powerful with 10,000 BTUs. It is suitable for a room volume of 80 m³, and has a noise level of 63 dB, which is equivalent to the sound of a quiet office. It also includes a dehumidifier function.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 4:03 AM

Too early for an ice cream break?

I've just prepped two tubs of ice cream with my Ninja Creami to enjoy later today to keep cool. Speaking of which, I'm now handing over to Molly, our Kitchen Appliances editor, who has tested some of the best ice cream makers, so she has all the lowdown on the ultimate frozen treat makers to keep you cool during the heatwave. So, alongside all the latest updates on where to find a portable AC and fan still in stock, expect some cooling kitchen tips.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Knight)

June 25, 2026 – 4:08 AM

Thanks, Becky! I resorted to the trusty ice cubes in front of my fan hack last night which worked a treat for my sleep.

This morning I’m going to be checking across the board to try and find some portable ACs that you can buy online as the weather seems set to continue for the next few days at least. I'll also be sharing all of the ways I'm avoiding turning on my hob in this heat.

June 25, 2026 – 4:34 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Lakeland Mini Rice Cooker: £34.99 at Amazon

It might seem superfluous but once you use a rice cooker at home, there's no going back. And it's an appliance that really comes into its own when it's this hot, as there's no standing over a hot stove required and you can make entire meals in one.

This mini Lakeland one I've tried is just perfect if your kitchen is already packed quite full.

June 25, 2026 – 5:01 AM

Lidl's air conditioner lands in stores today

You can shop Lidl's £149 portable air conditioner in stores from today but that's only if you can find one in stock. The Lidl website has a handy availability check tool so you can pop in your postcode and see what your chances are of snagging this bargain AC unit.

If you're not able to get to a store, then I think the best alternative AC you can buy online that we've tested is this one from Dreo. I've tried a few of this brand's air fryers and always find them to be of great quality for the price point. Our expert reviewer Sarah put this one through its paces in her review.

Dreo

7500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Our reviewer found this AC to be surprisingly quiet and the smart controls are another positive feature for easier day-to-day use.

June 25, 2026 – 5:27 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Lakeland's Freeze Pods: £7.99 via Amazon

Another thing that's saved me throughout this heatwave is having a freezer stacked full of leftovers that are easy to reheat in the microwave. That's thanks to these Lakeland Freeze Pods which I've been testing, which are an ultra-affordable alternative to Souper Cubes.

They're made from silicone, so the pre-portioned meals are so easy to pop out and defrost. Or, if you make something like a lasagne in them you can just put the entire pod straight into the oven and feed the whole family.

June 25, 2026 – 6:00 AM

That's all from me today – I'm off to make another iced coffee and restock my freezer with ice cubes from this supersized silicone tray (via Amazon for £9.99).

I'm handing over to Heather Young, Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, who always has the best tips and tricks and will be finding all of the cooling must-have products still left in stock.

June 25, 2026 – 6:10 AM

The last air con on Wayfair for next day delivery

Thanks Molly! I’m jumping straight in because I've just spotted an AC still in stock at Wayfair with next-day delivery available. While we haven’t tested this one ourselves, it gets a very good 4.6 star rating with positive comments including ‘powerful cooling for my little room. In few minutes you can feel it.’ and ‘great for cooling a small room or taking the edge off the heat in a larger room.’ Plus it costs under £200 which makes it a more affordable option.

I can see that Wayfair also has a decent stock of fans too, so could be the perfect time to upgrade your cooling system!

This is one of the few portable air conditioners you can buy today for delivery tomorrow, so if you can't cope with the heat any longer, snap it up before it sells out.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 6:44 AM

Pre-order now so you're prepped and ready for the next heat spike

With air con stock at such low levels, options for next-day delivery limited, and the temperatures predicted to drop over the next couple of days, it's time to start thinking ahead and prepping for the next heatwave.

Avoid the panic-buying stress next time (plus save yourself hot, sleepless night), and get the best portable air con and fans pre-ordered now. Our top-rated pedestal fan is currently on pre-order at John Lewis with delivery from Monday so you don't even need to wait that long.

Meaco is one of our favourite air treatment brands, and while all the air conditioners in the Meaco range are currently out of stock, we have intel that 'coming soon' means a July restock, so bookmark them now.

Our Home Energy Editor Sarah loved this fan when she reviewed it – she was particularly impressed with the fact it was both quiet and powerful – a win win when it comes to fans.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 7:18 AM

(Image credit: Future)

If predictions of more regular heatwave events are correct, should we actually be considering taking the plunge and getting fitted AC installed? The biggest factor when considering fitted vs portable AC is the cost and the aesthetic impact on your home. But you swerve some of the disadvantages of portable ACs, such as venting and the bulky size.

Ideal Home's Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson is feeling pretty smug right now, having had AC fitted to her new-build home when she moved in with her young family (see her living room below). I can say that she looked considerably fresher than me in our video call yesterday! And our Renovation & Home Energy Editor Sarah is still loving her fitted AC one year on. Definitely something to seriously consider.

(Image credit: Future / Emma Jackson)

June 25, 2026 – 7:54 AM

I'm passing the live updates over to the brilliant Holly Cockburn, our Kitchens & Bathrooms Editor, who'll keep you updated on AC and fan stock levels and share her genius tips for staying cool without an AC.

Over the heatwave I've been going to bed with a hot water bottle filled with cold water and ice cubes (I use this ice cube tray from Amazon, which is designed to make cubes that fit in water bottles), and I've just upgraded it from a nighttime cooling hack to one to use during the day while I'm wfh. I'm hugging it right now and it's definitely making me feel a little more comfortable!

June 25, 2026 – 8:36 AM

Thanks, Heather! Hi everyone, I'm Holly, Ideal Home's Kitchens and Bathrooms Editor. My focus is on making these practical areas of our home as pretty and functional as possible - so I'll be sharing tips on how to handle the heat with style in mind. I'll also be keeping an eye on fan and AC stock levels, as well as any deals I find.

Just like Becky, I have suffered through five London summers now in a top-floor flat of a Victorian terraced house, so I've had to find some nifty tricks to cool down that can be easily stored.

I'm counting down until I can whip out the GreenPan Frost Ice Cream Machine this evening - I have been testing it for a few weeks now and I've just about perfected my vanilla soft serve recipe. It makes sorbets, milkshakes and slushies in just 30 minutes too, so it's a no brainer for this heatwave.

June 25, 2026 – 9:02 AM

(Image credit: Future)

At this stage in the game, there aren't many fans left in stock with next day delivery, but this won't be the last heatwave, so it's a good opportunity to get ahead and buy one of the best fans now.

I invested in a DREO tower fan when I first moved to the city, and every summer I'm so glad I did. When positioned next to my bed, it does an excellent job of cooling the room so that I can still sleep with a duvet on (I know it's weird, but I always want a duvet).

You might think it's too big to store in a small home, but I find it easier to tuck away in a corner or a cupboard than a standard desk fan, as it's long and slim.

This model is an upgrade on the one I own, but I'm considering investing purely for the WiFi capabilities. By selecting fast delivery you could have this in your possession by Saturday, so it's not too long to wait.

This oscillating fan has 4 modes, a 1-12 hour timer and it can even be connected to an app via WiFi, so you don't even have to move from your bed.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 9:27 AM

(Image credit: Future)

I don't make a habit of discussing the merits of ice cube trays as a conversation starter - so you can guarantee it's good when I do. The whole Ideal Home desk got hooked on these Nespresso ice cube trays last summer, and it's been the highlight of my morning every day this week.

There's nothing I hate more than struggling to get ice cubes out of a tray, but the silicone case makes it so simple. They're also larger than a standard ice cube tray, so you only need a few in a cold drink.

I've been pairing it with my Nespresso Iced Coffee Tumbler - it's available on Amazon if you want it quickly but you'll find it £11 cheaper direct from Nespresso. I was complimented on mine on my journey into the office this morning, which will make sense once you see how cute it is!

June 25, 2026 – 10:03 AM

(Image credit: Future)

While my London flat doesn't have any outdoor space, I'm lucky enough to escape to my partner's house in the countryside at the weekend - don't tell him, but the main pull is the ice bath that he's recently bought for the garden.

I've been a fan of hot and cold water therapy for a while now - the benefits of saunas and cold water dips are huge. Trust me, it's not just a wellness fad; the endorphins you feel after a cold plunge will be enough to prove otherwise.

Not only is it a great way to start your day on the right foot, it also doubles up as a handy plunge pool in a heatwave. If this weather has encouraged you to try out the trend, then this Amazon Ice Bath Tub is a great place to start - it's only £37.99 in the Prime Day Sale and miraculously, still in stock!

If you already know and love ice plunges, I would recommend one that can be used with a chiller, like this Lumi ice bath from John Lewis. This keeps the water at the desired temperature even when the weather is warm, but you can supplement the Amazon option with a hose and ice to get you started.

On that note, I'm passing over to the lovely Sophie King, Ideal Home's Gardens Editor, for all of her top tips related to our outdoor spaces.

A quick dunk is all you need to cool down your internal body temperature - this simple ice bath tub will fit in most gardens or patios and is a great way to try out the wellness trend.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 10:12 AM

(Image credit: Future PLC / Sophie King)

Thanks, Holly! I’m Sophie, Ideal Home’s Gardens Editor, and I like to spend as much time outside as I can – even in a heatwave!

For the next couple of hours, I’ll be sharing my top tips for staying cool outdoors, so you can enjoy the summer weather without overheating. Plenty of water, shade and sun cream is a must, of course – but since it's so hot, even under cover, I'll be taking a closer look at the more advanced measures you can take to keep your garden cool.

I’m thankful for the loquat tree in my garden, which is not only providing us with plenty of fruit right now, but also lots of shade. When the sun moves, though, we’re back to square one – so to make up for it, I’ve got my eye on this Habitat 2m Water Repellent Garden Parasol, which is currently 20% off at Argos.

June 25, 2026 – 10:37 AM

(Image credit: Future)

The trouble with this weather is that there’s little relief anywhere outdoors. It's breezy today, but the shaded parts of my garden are still toastier than ever.

After searching for ways to keep my patio cool, I discovered that some air coolers work outdoors – and that’s exactly what the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor and Outdoor Pedestal Fan does. With a range of up to 20 metres, you can either use it as a dry fan, or make the most of the misting setting for an even cooler experience (especially if you add ice!). Plus, once the day is finished, you can bring it indoors.

At the moment, I’m making do with ice packs from my housemate’s food delivery – so I’m very close to adding a Shark FlexBreeze to my basket.

Shark

Shark Flexbreeze Pro Mist Indoor and Outdoor Fan

June 25, 2026 – 11:15 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Keeping you and your plants cool

I’d never considered a misting system as a way to keep a garden cool in a heatwave, but you can actually buy patio mister system kits from Amazon which allow you to customise a cooling network around a pergola or parasol, for example.

I’m keen to try one – I bet it’s really refreshing – but I’m also won over by the fact that it’s a brilliant way to keep plants cool, too. My pea plants have been struggling in this heat, and I've been thinking about investing in a small irrigation system to keep them hydrated.

It would certainly make watering my crops easier – and with a timer like the GARDENA Water Control Select, my plants would stay happy while I'm on holiday, too!

I'm a huge fan of GARDENA's products, and this micro-drip irrigation kit is ideal for raised beds. You can grab one for 43% less as part of the Amazon Prime Day deals.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 11:55 AM

I’m logging off for the day – time to settle down with an ice cream and an ice pack! I'm actually thinking about switching out my housemate's food delivery ice blocks for a FlexiKold Ice Pack so I'll have a cold lap blanket while I work from home.

Hopefully, things will cool down a little this evening. Stay hydrated, and as cool as you can, and I’ll be back with more garden cooling tips tomorrow afternoon.

For now, I’m handing over to Thea, Ideal Home's Managing Editor, who’ll be sharing more ways to navigate the heatwave indoors.

June 25, 2026 – 12:10 PM

Hi, I'm back again! With temperatures remaining high, I'm continuing my quest to find the cooling products, hacks and deals that are actually worth your time and money.

Over the past week, I've become slightly obsessed with finding ways to keep my flat cool without resorting to buying a portable air conditioner. Between strategically positioning fans, keeping my blinds closed and opening windows at precisely the right time of day, I've tried just about every expert-approved trick in the book.

June 25, 2026 – 12:37 PM

I've found a surprisingly effective way to keep my flat cooler

As someone without air conditioning, I've spent this heatwave testing every cooling hack I can find. The one that's impressed me most so far? Reflective insulation foil on my windows.

I bought a roll on Amazon and installed it on Wednesday morning, covering the large south-facing windows in my bedroom and part of a west-facing window in my living room. The foil works by reflecting the sun's rays away from the glass, helping to prevent solar heat from building up indoors.

I fitted mine inside the windows (I'm on the third floor and didn't fancy leaning out), although it's generally considered most effective when installed externally.

While it hasn't transformed my flat into an ice box, I noticed a genuine difference overnight and again this morning. The biggest endorsement came when a friend popped round today. After climbing several flights of hot stairs, they immediately commented on how much cooler my flat felt than they were expecting.

You'll definitely still need fans and other cooling measures, but for a relatively cheap and quick DIY fix, I'm impressed so far.

(Image credit: Future)

June 25, 2026 – 1:02 PM

Not just for iced coffees…

Portable air conditioners might be flying off the shelves, but plenty of air coolers are still in stock. And if you're using one to get through the heatwave, I've spotted a deal that could make it work even harder.

Many air coolers perform best when they're filled with very cold water or ice, helping to create a cooler-feeling airflow as warm air passes through the unit. That's where this countertop ice maker comes in…

This compact machine can produce ice in as little as six minutes, meaning you'll have a steady supply ready for cold drinks, reusable ice packs and topping up your air cooler's water tank throughout the day.

Of course, it's not an essential purchase, but if you're finding yourself constantly buying bags of ice or waiting for freezer trays to catch up with demand, it could be a handy heatwave upgrade. And when temperatures finally cool down, you'll still have it ready for cocktails, iced coffees and entertaining.View Deal

June 25, 2026 – 2:24 PM

That's all from me for today.

Before I sign off, one product that's caught my eye is the new Meaco Sefte Pro 10-inch 3-in-1 Pedestal Fan, which is currently available to pre-order at John Lewis. Meaco fans have built up an excellent reputation among our team over the years thanks to their strong airflow, energy efficiency and quiet operation, so it's definitely one I'll be keeping an eye on as reviews start to come in.

For now, though, I'm handing over to the rest of the Ideal Home team. Whether you're relying on a portable air conditioner, a trusty fan or every cooling hack you can find, I hope you're managing to stay comfortable in the heat.

I'll be back tomorrow with more stock updates, cooling advice and heatwave-friendly finds.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and don't forget to make the most of those cooler evening temperatures while they last.

June 25, 2026 – 2:29 PM

Wow, just when I thought it couldn't get any hotter, it got hotter.

The good news is temperatures look set to drop after tonight (at least a little). However, in order to make this evening as bearable as possible, I'm here with some sleep expert-approved tips for lowering your body temperature tonight.

I've also rounded up the best of the in-stock fans still available. No, they won't arrive in time to help us out tonight, but who knows what the rest of the summer holds, so I think they're definitely worth investing in now while stock is still available.

June 25, 2026 – 2:32 PM

After testing multiple fans for Ideal Home's best fans guide, I always recommend investing in a fan with a DC motor rather than an AC motor.

A DC motor will generally be more expensive, but the cooling effects are far greater. Plus, DC motors are generally super quiet (in contrast to the loud whining you have to endure with a cheaper AC fan), and they're very energy efficient, which means that although the upfront cost to buy the fan is greater, the cost to run the fan is far less.

I've rounded up some of my top-rated in-stock recommendations below.

Meaco

Meacofan Sefte 10" Table Air Circulator

This desk or bedside table fan has a powerful yet quiet DC motor, it's easy to use, and energy-efficient, using between 8 and 26 watts depending on which of the 12 speed settings you use.

EcoAir

Equinox Standing Fan

A more affordable DC fan, the EcoAir Equinox is even more energy-efficient using as little as 3.5 watts to run. A pedestal fan can also be a great option for the bedroom if you don't have space on a bedside table or chest of drawers.

John Lewis

Meaco Sefte 10" Pro 3-In-1 Pedestal Fan

This pedestal model offers three adjustable height settings, and benefits from a rechargeable and replaceable battery. That means you can use it anywhere without relying on a nearby plug socket.

June 25, 2026 – 3:00 PM

(Image credit: Future)

But how to sleep if you don't have a fan or air con? First up, cool your body.

In order to cool down your body before bed, sleep experts recommend taking a lukewarm (but not cold) shower, or at least dampening your feet and hands to cool down your extremities.

'In a heatwave, I recommend people spray their hands and feet with water before bed,' says Sam Sadighi, sleep therapist at Get Laid Beds and founder of Easy Sleep Solutions. 'This trick is effective because it simulates sweating. As the water evaporates, it cools you down and helps to pull the heat from your core.'

'Alternatively, you can put your hands and feet under cool water without drying them off before you get into bed,' says Sammy.

Or, for the full effect, 'a lukewarm shower before bed can help lower your core body temperature without the shock of cold water,' advises Kerry Davies, aka The Sleep Fixer from The Fine Bedding Company.

June 25, 2026 – 3:32 PM

(Image credit: Future)

However, don't sleep naked.

Of course, you're free to sleep however you like in the privacy of your own home, but if you're considering ditching all covers and sleeping naked to combat the heat, sleep experts advise against it.

As Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, sleep therapist and resident sleep expert at MattressNextDay, explains, 'sleeping without a cover can actually make us sweatier and stickier throughout the night, causing us to wake up'.

'Removing or sleeping on top of your duvet may feel like a logical decision in a heatwave, but the problem is when you replace it with nothing,' says Natalie. 'As body heat and sweat build up during the night, moisture can sit directly against the skin and mattress instead of being absorbed and released through breathable fabrics.'

'I advise replacing your duvet with a lightweight, breathable layer instead of sleeping completely uncovered,' says Natalie, and these breathable layers are just what the sleep expert ordered.

Piglet in Bed

Ivory Kemptown Stripe 100% Linen Flat Sheet

A flat linen sheet is the perfect lightweight and breathable layer to sleep under in hot weather.

Dunelm

Reversible Muslin Cotton Throw

Or you could opt for a breathable cotton muslin blanket. The loose weave offers good airflow.

Shades of Cool London

Dohar

A hot-weather essential used by Indian royalty for hundreds of years, a dohar is a super-lightweight, triple-layered fabric that's perfect for hot and humid nights.

June 25, 2026 – 3:52 PM

It's nearly time for me to log off and go investigate what today's hot winds have done to my poor garden plants (or maybe I shouldn't look).

But I'll leave you with three of my personal top buys for sleeping cooler below. It may be controversial, but I'm choosing to use one of these under £10 Amazon buys instead of turning on my portable air con unit during this heatwave.

These gel packs freeze quickly and stay frozen for much longer than your average freezer item. But if you don't have an ice pack on hand, a bag of frozen peas will do the trick. Just pop it in a freezer bag and a pillowcase to cool down your bed and body. A hot water bottle filled with cold water and ice cubes works as well.

Neo-G

Hot and Cold Therapy Ice Pack

NatraCure

Flexikold Reusable Gel Cold Pack

Schone

Mega Ice Blocks

Do your best to stay cool, and we'll see you tomorrow morning for some more heat-busting tips.

June 26, 2026 – 2:22 AM

Morning, I'm Becky, Editor at Ideal Home, and I'm here to help you not only track down any last remaining portable ACs, but also help you decide if you should hold off and wait to invest in one of the best portable AC's when stock has been replenished.

Today in London, where I live, temperatures are set to hit another scorching 34 degrees around midday. I'm currently airing out my home this morning, using a fan to circulate the hot air out and cooler air inside. Over the heatwave this week, the Duux Whisper Fan, which I've had for four years, has been my best friend. It felt like a splurge buying a fan over £100 four years ago, but the super quiet and powerful fan has been worth every penny! Right now, you can pick up the latest model, the Duux Whisper 3 Ultra Quiet Pedestal Fan for £139 at Very.

June 26, 2026 – 3:03 AM

(Image credit: Nepresso)

One thing that the Ideal Home team has not been able to live without in this heat has been ice-cold drinks. I've lost count of the number of iced lattes and iced matchas I've consumed this week. Even Sara, our Room Decor Editor, who loves the heat, says homemade iced drinks are her non-negotiable.

'I don’t get bothered by the heat all that much. But one thing that I need in the heat is for my drinks to be icy cold. For that, the Nespresso Barista Ice Cube Tray has been a gamechanger as is the Nespresso Travel Tumbler, which lets me take my iced drinks everywhere I go.' - Sara Hesikova, Room Decor Editor

June 26, 2026 – 3:36 AM

To wait or not to wait?

I have yet to invest in a portable AC myself, but with the hot summers becoming more common in the UK, I'm planning to invest in one. However, rather than rushing to buy one this week, I'm waiting for the Meaco Cirro® 12000 BTU Super Quiet Smart Portable Air Conditioner to come back into stock later this summer. We didn't get a chance to test this brand-new Meaco model before the heatwave. Still, it promises to be twice as quiet as our current top-rated portable air conditioner, the MeacoCool MC Series Portable Air Conditioner. Noise is one of the biggest issues with ACs, so this is a huge selling point.

(Image credit: Meaco)

June 26, 2026 – 3:51 AM

Appliances Direct restock!

Appliances Direct has remained the retailer with the healthiest stock levels throughout the heatwave. Yesterday, they were down to three portable ACs in stock; however, this morning, a range of alternative models has been re-added to their lineup. You can now find a range of models, including DeLonghi and Woods, starting at £499 for the Woods 12000 BTU Smart Quiet Portable Air Conditioner with HEPA Air Purifier. However, alongside the caveat that we haven't tested any of the available models, for many of the newly restocked ACs, you will need to wait four weeks for delivery. However, the AKAI Slimline 7000 BTU Small Portable Air Conditioner, £649, is still offering delivery from tomorrow.

June 26, 2026 – 3:58 AM

That is everything from me today! I've just ordered a couple of water mists on Amazon, to pop in my handbag and in the fridge to keep me cool while out and about. I'm now handing over to Molly, our Kitchen Appliances editor, who will be helping you through the next couple of hours of heat and will be keeping you up to date on where you can still find a powerful fan or portable AC in time for the weekend.

June 26, 2026 – 4:07 AM

Morning! It's a little cooler where I am today but I've never been so grateful for my linen bedding over the past few nights – I've been sleeping with this flat sheet from Piglet in Bed (which is over 50% off right now in all sizes).

I know how thin on the ground stock of air con units is right now as I'm looking to pick one up for a relative, so I'll be right there with you trying to source one. For now, I've set my alerts for when sold-out ones become available to buy again – I've found you can do that very easily at AO, John Lewis and Dunelm. It pays to be prepared for when the next heatwave strikes!

June 26, 2026 – 4:39 AM

(Image credit: Shark/Future)

Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan: £249.99 at Amazon

This clever multi-directional fan from Shark is still in stock over at Amazon, though the delivery is delayed until at least the 11th of July. But, it'll stand you in good stead for the next heatwave is our expert Lauren's review is anything to go by.

June 26, 2026 – 5:08 AM

If you're not perusing the Specialbuys every time you pop to Aldi, can I recommend that you make a special exception next week? They have more cooling solutions landing in store from Thursday 2nd of July and I predict they'll be very popular. You can't buy them online, but on the website you can see when you'll be able to buy them in-store.

Our News Writer Kez has written about the supermarket's £40 air cooler, but there will soon be an even cheaper £14.99 version which is perfect for your desk.

June 26, 2026 – 5:35 AM

I was lucky enough to test out all sorts of frozen treat makers last year during a very hot summer and I can tell you they're a great thing to have on hand for some light relief during a heatwave. This one from Cuisinart is absolutely perfect if you don't want to do any prep before you get stuck into making soft serve ice cream – you can do so in under 30 minutes.

I tried a version of this that was released last year but it was updated in time for my freelancer to try it this season and she awarded it 4.5 stars in her review.View Deal

June 26, 2026 – 6:06 AM

That's all from me today as I hand over to our Content Editor Holly Cockburn who's going to be looking out for all the cooling buys still in stock that you can snap up.

June 26, 2026 – 6:32 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Thanks, Molly! Hi everyone, I have to say I'm really missing the office aircon today as I struggle through the heat in my kitchen.

While I'm parked next to my DREO tower fan right now, I'm looking ahead to this evening when I travel up to Birmingham to see Lily Allen perform. While it's bound to be a fun night, train travel in this heat is no joke, so I'm wishing I had thought ahead and bought a neck fan.

Ideal Home's Content Director, Lindsey Davis, recommends this neck fan from Amazon for under £35. She bought it for her partner and noted not to use it when chopping onions, but at least that means it works!

I will have my trusty John Lewis handheld fan with me, so hopefully that will be enough to keep me cool.

June 26, 2026 – 6:59 AM

Get ahead for the next heatwave

If the last few summers have taught us anything, it's that these heatwaves will become the norm. While you might have been caught out this time by the very extreme weather, you can get ahead by signing up to be emailed when some of the best portable ACs become available.

John Lewis has one of the easiest methods I've seen to keep on top of stock levels - you can create an account and then easily hit 'email me when available' next to the model you're interested in.

The MeacoCool MC Series Portable Air Conditioner is included in John Lewis' AC line-up, which comes with a best-in-class rating from Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's pro cooling-tech reviewer.

June 26, 2026 – 7:33 AM

(Image credit: Future / Amazon)

Yesterday, I was waxing lyrical about Nespresso Barista Ice Cube Tray that has everyone on the Ideal Home team hooked. I don't see myself parting ways with it anytime soon, however, I've got my eye on an upgrade.

This nifty, and very cute, ice cube maker is in the same colour palette as my beloved Nespresso tray and cup, so it would fit perfectly into my kitchen. It also has a genius push-down mechanism that releases the ice automatically into the tray beneath, leaving you with an abundance of ice whenever you need it.

I like how this option doesn't take up too much room, as I have a small kitchen. It's also only £14.99, so I don't even feel the need to wait until payday.

June 26, 2026 – 7:59 AM

I'm about to pass over to one of our cooling tech experts, Lauren, who has reviewed countless fans in her time on Ideal Home.

Before I do, I wanted to remind you that while many air conditioners are out of stock now, there are some fans still available to buy. We haven't tested it, but this tower fan from Amazon has almost 100 4 star reviews and is available for delivery tomorrow. Tower fans are super effective and I would definitely be investing if I didn't already have one.

June 26, 2026 – 8:29 AM

Thanks, Holly! I’m taking over for the next couple of hours, keeping you updated on the best cooling deals and tips to beat the heat.

This week has taught me that I just can't cope with temperatures like this in my hot Victorian home any longer - especially at night - so I’m going to snap up this affordable DREO 7500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (£399 at Amazon). Our Cooling Expert, Sarah, gave it a 4-star review when she tested it.

As portable AC stock is basically nonexistent right now, it won’t be delivered for a couple of weeks. But I know future me will be very grateful that I’m thinking ahead.

June 26, 2026 – 8:56 AM

(Image credit: Future)

I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do in this heat is clean my house. And with summers set to get even hotter as the years go by, my hot-weather hack is to invest in cleaning tools that do the work for you. My top pick? A robot vacuum!

I’ve tested the best robot vacuums out there, and I can honestly say that this hands-free appliance is a godsend when temperatures soar. And instead of getting hot and sweaty vacuuming or mopping my floors, I just let my robot do it for me. In fact, I haven't lifted a finger this entire week...

The good news is that some of my top-rated models are now also on sale, so it's well worth snapping up a deal before they go back up to full price.

Eufy Omni E25 Robot Vacuum and Mop

I gave this robot vacuum and mop combo a perfect 5-star review when I tested it, as it offers 20,000 Pa of suction power (the average is normally around 5,000-7,000Pa) and is high-tech without being complicated.

Hoover HG2 Hydro Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

If you're new to robot vacuums or just want to snap up a bargain, this model may suit you better. It's a great entry-level robot vacuum and mop that's hard to get wrong, although it's not as powerful on the cleaning front. I gave it a 4-star review.

Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum

This is the robot vacuum I'm currently using in my home after it impressed me during testing, and like all Shark robots, it's so easy to use. The UV Reveal technology will also make you realise your floors aren't as clean as you thought (or at least it did for me).

June 26, 2026 – 9:25 AM

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

My home office is HOT today, but thankfully I have my trusty Russell Hobbs Bladeless Tower Fan on to help me stay cool while I type away.

It’s actually an air-purifying fan, which means it has a filter to combat rising pollen levels, dust, and even odours. And I’ve just spotted it’s available at Amazon for delivery to your door by Tuesday or Wednesday next week. For now, anyway...

Russell Hobbs Bladeless Tower Fan with Remote

With 10 fan speed settings and a purification feature, this tower fan is dual-purpose. It's also Quiet Mark approved if you're worried about it keeping you up at night.

June 26, 2026 – 9:57 AM

That’s me done for the day! I’m going to go and stick my head in the freezer for a few minutes, but I'm handing you over to Ideal Home's Gardens Editor, Sophie, who will be helping you (and your garden) stay cool this weekend.

June 26, 2026 – 10:19 AM

Thanks, Lauren! It’s another scorcher today, and as I work in my very hot kitchen (which, unbelievably, is one of the coolest rooms in the house), I’m back for the next few hours to share some more outdoor cooling tips.

Before I start nattering on about the garden, though, I need to celebrate the fan that’s been keeping me cool indoors. So far, nothing is topping the Vornado Compact Whole Room Air Circulator Fan I inherited from my old housemate. It’s a brilliant desk companion, and I can’t imagine working from home without it!

June 26, 2026 – 10:53 AM

(Image credit: Future)

We can water our plants all we want, but they're often just as vulnerable to high UV levels as we are – and if your beds, borders or containers are positioned in full sun, there’s a good chance that they’ll struggle this week.

Enter, plant shades: the unsung heroes of a summer garden. They’re the plant equivalent of our parasols, blocking out the day’s strongest sun rays. Products like this Seedzbox plant shade netting make brilliant windbreakers, too. You’ll just need to remember to remove them during the milder parts of the day to make sure they’re receiving enough sunlight.

There are lots of other ways to protect potted plants in a heatwave, too, from using pot feet for increased airflow to adding watering spikes for extra hydration.

CHSEEO

Plant Watering Devices

These clay watering spikes provide container plants with steady hydration.

IOAOI

IOAOI Garden Shade Sail

A shade sail can be used to shield you and your plants from the sun.

Outdoor Plant Umbrella

These outdoor plant umbrellas are so sweet!

June 26, 2026 – 11:19 AM

(Image credit: Future)

Here’s something interesting I learned this week: a pond can actually cool your garden down.

Garden ponds already have so many benefits, attracting a huge range of insects, amphibians and other wildlife to your space. According to experts, the evaporation process cools the air around a pond– so if you’ve been thinking about adding one to your garden, now is the perfect time to position one by a seating area.

You can buy preformed ponds like this Pisces Modena Preformed Rigid Garden Pond to make installation easier, or even hop on the micro pond trend and make one in a bucket. Apparently, adding moving water with a fountain (this LAWOHO Solar Fountain Pump is an eco-friendly option) can boost its cooling effects.

Who knew?!

Grab this bestselling solar-powered fountain pump for a smidge over £8 before Amazon Prime Day ends tonight.View Deal

June 26, 2026 – 11:56 AM

Right, that’s me finished for the day! Time to go and lie down next to my fan, I think. I’m tempted by a handheld one that I can take with me on the train next week (everyone in the office is talking about this John Lewis one)…

I’m handing back to the lovely Thea, who will be continuing heatwave-talk for the next couple of hours.

June 26, 2026 – 12:13 PM

Thanks Sophie!

If you were following along yesterday, you might remember me as the girl who covered her windows in reflective foil in the name of journalism. (Spoiler: I'm still testing the results but it’s looking good!)

With another hot evening ahead, I'm back on cooling duty, hunting down the fan and portable air conditioner deals that are genuinely worth your money, keeping an eye on what's still in stock, and putting more heat-beating hacks to the test.

June 26, 2026 – 12:42 PM

(Image credit: Future)

If there’s one item I genuinely cannot imagine surviving hot weather without, it’s the John Lewis Handheld Foldable Desk Fan.

I first picked it up because I wanted something small enough to throw in my bag during hot commutes, but it's quickly become one of those products I use almost every day when temperatures climb. It's not going to cool an entire room, of course, but if you're looking for affordable personal cooling, this is one of the products I've genuinely used and would recommend to friends and family.

John Lewis

Handheld & Foldable Desk Fan

What I love most is how versatile it is. It works as a handheld fan when I'm out and about, but the handle also folds down into a stand, turning it into a mini desk fan. Top tip - it also works brilliantly on a bedside table if you’re struggling to cool down in bed.

June 26, 2026 – 1:04 PM

(Image credit: Future)

The coolest spot in your home might not be where you think

If you're anything like me, you've probably spent the last few days chasing the coolest seat in the house. But it turns out every home has its own natural cool-down corners – and knowing where they are can make a surprising difference during a heatwave.

In general, north-facing rooms tend to stay cooler because they receive less direct sunlight, while rooms on the ground floor are often noticeably cooler than upstairs, where heat naturally rises. Areas away from large windows or direct afternoon sun can also offer a welcome escape when the temperature peaks.

Sometimes the best cooling solution isn't buying another gadget – it's knowing where to sit.

June 26, 2026 – 1:49 PM

That's all from me for today!

I'm off to continue my mission of keeping my south-west-facing flat at a vaguely habitable temperature (wish me luck), while handing the live blog over to our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood.

Now my final decision is whether to finally buy my dream Shark FlexBreeze or wait until after pay day and hope they come back in stock….

June 26, 2026 – 2:12 PM

Thanks Thea! And, phew! Where I live last night was definitely the hottest and most humid night yet, and I, for one, am *overjoyed* that we've nearly made it to the point in the week where the mercury drops.

June 26, 2026 – 2:38 PM

(Image credit: Meaco)

My trusty Meaco Sefte fan definitely deserves a big shout-out for wicking away the sweat as it formed last night and keeping me feeling so much cooler than I would have been without it. It's an investment, but it's been worth every penny.

The 10" Meaco Sefte Tabletop Fan I own is currently sold out at multiple retailers, although you can sign up at John Lewis to get a notification when it's back in stock. However, the smaller £69.99 6" Meaco Sefte and £79.99 8" Meaco Sefte Tabletop fans are still in stock at Meaco, and Amazon still has stock of the powerful £199 Meaco Sefte Pedestal Fan.

June 26, 2026 – 3:14 PM

(Image credit: Meaco)

If the heatwave has convinced you to invest in air con, then, as well as top-rated fans, Meaco also makes some of the best portable air conditioners on the market.

They're currently all out of stock (of course), but, although Meaco has let us know that there won't be any more incoming stock of its popular Pro Series air con units this summer, the brand says that there *is* stock of the new Meaco Cirro Portable Air Conditioner models coming in early next month.

The Meaco Cirro will be available directly from Meaco as well as the brand's retail partners, John Lewis, Love Shopping, AO, Curry's, and Hughes Electrical.

June 26, 2026 – 3:51 PM

I'm also planning on looking into ways to shade the exterior of my home ahead of the next heatwave.

Stopping the sun from hitting the windows in the first place is the best way to keep a home cool in the heat, but until the UK catches up with other European countries, such as Spain and Germany, which block out the sun with external window blinds, and France, which uses external window shutters to keep buildings cool, this £39.99 Christow Half Parasol from Amazon with UV 30+ protection looks like just the ticket.

Its flat back means I can push the parasol flush against my south-facing patio doors to keep the inside of the house shady and cool next time the sun is so strong. But for now, I think I just felt the first cool breeze of the week come through my window, so I'm off outside to cool down!

June 27, 2026 – 2:23 AM

That's everything from us! I hope our tips over the last week have helped you keep your cool in the heatwave and hopefully helped you track down a portable AC or fan. The temperatures look to finally be going down (fingers crossed), and portable AC stock levels should hopefully be replenished in July so you can get your hands on one ahead of the next heatwave.

As ever, keep cool this weekend!

If you want a stylish and whisper-quiet fan to complement your bedroom aesthetic, this Duux smart fan gets my vote

Sarah Handley — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If you're like me and hate a noisy fan when you're trying to get to sleep, then trust me, you're going to like this one.

While I've been testing the best fans and best desk fans around, I've come across many that offer comfortably quiet operation, but nothing quite as deliciously quiet as the Duux Whisper series. As part of that offering, I've put the Duux Whisper Flex 2 through it's paces in my home.

This is how it fared and whether I think you should buy it.

In a nutshell

Here at Ideal Home, we've reviewed multiple fans from the Duux Whisper range and have always been impressed with just how quiet they are. So I was delighted to test the bestselling Whisper Flex 2, and I've got to say, I'm not surprised people love it so much.

It's smart, which means you can control it from your phone (which is just so easy), and it's a really good looking fan. But where this fan really stands out is in it's noise levels. It's so, so quiet. I could get through the first six speed settings before I could really hear it make any noise, and even then it definitely could not be described as noisy. It also oscillates really well, circulating air quickly and effectively.

It can also be switched between a pedestal and desktop configuration, and while it has multiple thoughtful design elements, adjusting the height was sometimes a little tricky, although this may well be something that eases over time.

Duux

Whisper Flex 2

Suitable for every part of your home, from an office to a bedroom, the smart Duux Whisper Flex 2 is ultra-quiet, simple to operate and effective at cooling you down in a really comfortable way.

Specification

(Image credit: Duux)

Type of fan: Pedestal (but adaptable to desktop)
RRP: £179.99
Weight: 4.2kgs
Dimensions (W x H x D): 34 x 92 x 34cm
Wattage: 1-19W
Wind speed (metres/second): 1.3-4.3m/s
Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing): 0.02-0.47p
Number of fan speed settings: 30
Noise in dB: 34-72 (based on own measurements)
Smart features: App control, compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Dual functionality: None
Oscillation: Multidirectional (30°/60°/90° horizontal, 45°/90° vertical)

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

I was very impressed by the packaging for the Duux Whisper Flex 2 as there's not a stitch of plastic in sight. The parts are encased in molded cardboard and compostable packaging, which is a bit tick in the sustainability column.

The Whisper Flex 2 does require a little more assembly than other fans I've tested, and I found it easier to follow the assembly video that I accessed via the QR code on the instructions than to follow the instructions themselves.

I was initially frustrated that I needed a screwdriver to remove the protective cardboard from around the blades in the fan head, but then I discovered that there was an allen key with Philips head screwdriver end hidden in the base. This is a really thoughtful touch and made assembly a breeze. All in all, it took me about 5 minutes to get it all set up. There's another nice design element in that there is a little marker on the top of the base that indicated where the power cable goes in. I've not see that on any other fan I've tested.

While it's possible to run the fan off a battery or via mains power, the battery is an optional extra that is sold separately. But if you want the flexibility of cordless operation, you can buy a battery separately (for about £60)

Setting up the app control was incredibly quick and easy, which has not always been my experience with smart fans, so I was relieved this process was so painless.

In terms of looks, the Duux Whisper Flex 2 is incredibly stylish. I got it in the largely monochromatic stone colourway, which I think is ideal for people who want their fan to fade into the background rather than stand out. On the back of the fan head, there is also a handle that makes easy work of moving it around. I loved that it was a proper handle rather than just a slot to put my fingertips as it made me feel like a had a much surer grip on it.

What's it like to use?

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

The Duux Whisper Flex 2 is incredibly straightforward to use, despite the fact it has 30 wind settings, various levels of oscillation and multiple wind modes.

I really liked having the choice of either operating it via the on-board controls (which are positioned on the base), the remote control or the app, but during testing I definitely gravitated more to using the app. It's really clear to use and I found it super easy to switch between the speed settings, adjust the oscillation and to toggle between normal mode (which offers a consistent wind speed) and natural mode, which varies the speed to mimic a real breeze. I also loved that I didn't have to reconnect the fan and app after it had been unplugged. I've had to do that before and it's a real faff if you've only got one brilliant fan and want to move it around the house with you.

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

The control panel on the base of the fan is also clear and intuitive to use, but if I was using the fan in pedestal mode and it was on the floor, it felt very bizarre to crouch down to adjust the settings. My dog also managed to turn the fan off when she was sniffing around it. I managed to solve that by turning on the child lock.

Similarly, if I had it in the desktop configuration and had it on a table top across the room, it was difficult to see the control panel, but fortunately, with the remote and app control, I didn't ever really need to use the control panel.

When it comes to the wind speed, it goes from a very gentle and comfortable 1.3m/s up to a breezy 4.3m/s. The lower speeds not only feel lovely on the skin and don't feel like they are drying your eyes out, they are also whisper quiet. I genuinely can't hear it until about speed 6 and even then it's still very quiet. Because of that, I loved using this fan at night as I was falling asleep, especially in the natural wind mode, which is just so relaxing.

However, when I was measuring the wind speed of the different settings using an anemometer, I found that there was very little if any difference between some of the speeds. That's not to say that the scope of speeds is narrow, just that maybe take the number of speed settings with a pinch of salt.

Beyond that though, the multidirectional oscillation is lovely, and will at times even point directly at the ceiling and I could feel the air bouncing off the walls and ceiling, which helps to make the whole space feel cooler.

There's also a night mode, which dims the lights on the base and mutes any beeps that happen when you adjust the settings, so it's ideal for those who are sensitive to noise or lights while they are trying to sleep. Although for me, the lights on the display were never a problem. Whether the fan was on the floor or my bedside table, the location of the control panel meant that I couldn't really the lights anyway.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

I did find it a bit tricky to switch the Duux Whisper Flex 2 from a floor standing fan to a table top one, and back again, despite it seeming very simple to do. To remove a pole, there's a button to push in, then you should be able to simply pull the two pieces apart, but to begin with, it felt like the two pieces had created a vacuum which made them a little challenging to pull apart. Then if you are trying to remove a piece from the base, you need to squeeze a release mechanism on the underside of the base, and then pull the pieces apart. This may get easier over time, but those with any dexterity concerns may struggle with this part.

I tended to use this fan a lot in desktop mode, although it's just as lovely in pedestal mode. However, if you do want to use it as a desk fan, the base is quite large, so I found I did need to clear a bit of space to make it fit.

I've also been testing the Duux Whisper 3, which is a very similar looking fan (I have it in grey) and is just as quiet with very similar settings. The main difference is that the Whisper 3 isn't smart so it can't be controlled by your phone, and rather than adjusting the height by removing a pole from the stem, it has a telescopic pole that offers a few more height variations between the lowest and highest (and is much easier to change between them).

Running costs

Based on the April 2-26 energy price cap figure, which was in place at the time of writing this review, the Duux Whisper Flex 2, is incredibly inexpensive to run, costing between 0.02-0.47p per hour, which is miniscule.

Cleaning and maintenance

As with most fans, there's really not much needed in terms of cleaning or maintenance. It's always best to keep them as dust-free as possible so an occasional wipe with a dry cloth may be all that's needed.

Who should buy this fan?

If you are looking for an uber-quiet smart fan, then this is the one to buy. However, if you aren't fussed about the smart features and want something easier to adjust the height of, I've also been testing the Duux Whisper 3, and found that just as quiet and just as good looking, but much easier to tweak in terms of height.

If you're after a fan with a more powerful breeze, then the AirCraft LUME is the most powerful I've tested, with a top wind speed of 5.3m/s, very closely followed by the Meaco Sefte 10'' pedestal air circulator, with a top speed of 5.2m/s. But if you find that level of power uncomfortable, then the Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan is much more gentle.

This is the one home appliance I'd never wait to buy in the Amazon Prime Day sale this week

Rebecca Knight — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

I've become an expert when it comes to bagging a deal in the Amazon Prime Day sales after writing about it for the past six years. As a homes journalist, my job involves tracking sales prices and the stock levels of home appliances all year round, so I know exactly what products to buy in the sale and what to hold off on.

The Amazon Prime Day sale kicks off next week, one of Amazon's biggest sales events of the year. I would typically recommend waiting until then to invest in a high-ticket home appliance, but the last two years of covering the event have taught me there is one appliance you absolutely should not wait until Amazon Prime Day to buy: a portable air conditioner.

The best portable air conditioners have shot up in popularity over the last few years, thanks to a series of exceptionally warm summers. But stock levels aren't quite matching the demand, especially during a heatwave.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This means two things if you're in the market for a portable air conditioner:

1. It is incredibly unlikely you'll find a major deal on a portable air conditioner in a summer sale like Amazon Prime Day.

2. They sell out exceptionally fast.

Over the last two years, I've seen firsthand how fast they can sell out. I've had to launch 'stock watch' feature on portable AC's during the last two Amazon summer sales events to track down any remaining units online.

This year, thanks to the heatwave at the end of May, stock levels on portable ACs are already depleted, and if you want to get your hands on one for the summer, I wouldn't wait even a week, let alone for a sale, to click buy.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘Thanks to an unseasonably toasty end to May, the demand for portable air conditioners has already seen some models sell out before summer even hits,' explains Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's Renovation Editor and portable AC expert who has been monitoring this years stock levels.

'While I’ve spotted that brands like Meaco are due to replenish their stock at the beginning of July, others may not be restocked at all this summer. All is not lost though and there’s still a decent number of options available. But all it takes is another heatwave and they could sell out quick, so if you want one, definitely snap it up when you see it in stock.'

‘I’ve been testing the Dreo 318s portable air conditioner, which is still in stock on Amazon, which I would recommend,' adds Sarah. 'I’ve also spotted options from household names like Morphy Richards and Bosch also in stock on Amazon. Appliances Direct is another option that seems to have a steady stock supply of portable air conditioners, even when a heatwave hits.’

If you want to beat the heat this summer and invest in a portable AC over the best fan, then I'd buy now, or regret later, especially with another heatwave on the way.

Portable air conditioners in stock

DREO

Dreo 7500 Btu Portable Air Conditioner

Our expert reviewer, Sarah, is currently in the process of testing this portable air conditioner and has found it effective, easy to use and surprisingly low noise.

AEG

AEG Comfort 6000 Air Conditioner

This is one of the most powerful portable air conditioners we've tested. It's easy to use, relatively quiet and can cool down a room fast.

VonHaus

Vonhaus Air Conditioning Unit 9000 Btu

Not only is this air conditioner still in stock, but it is also one of the rare ones you'll find for under £300.

It’s basically impossible to find a good vacuum cleaner under £100 – but I’ve just spotted this top-rated Henry at the lowest price it’s ever been

Lauren Bradbury — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

As Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, my primary job is to test the many (many) vacuum cleaners on the market. But I also spend a huge part of my day looking for the best vacuum cleaner deals - like the Henry Quick Corded Vacuum Cleaner, which is just £99.99 at Argos right now.

Of course, the best Henry vacuum cleaners are generally the most affordable vacuum cleaners out there anyway, but the fact that you can buy any vacuum cleaner for under £100 still astounds me - especially when my other top-rated models will typically set you back anywhere from £250 to £800.

But the good news is that I’ve tested the Henry Quick Corded Vacuum Cleaner already, and can vouch for its effectiveness. And while I would have nothing against anyone paying the regular RRP of £159.99 for this model, the £60 discount Argos is offering right now is just the cherry on top of a very delicious cake.

Henry Quick Corded Vacuum Cleaner

Offering the famous smiley face and corded power, this vacuum cleaner is an absolute steal right now.

In fact, I gave the Henry Quick Corded a very respectable 4-star review when I tested it at home and praised it for its extremely long 10m cord, which meant I could almost vacuum the entire downstairs without having to unplug and plug back in.

The fact that it’s corded also means that you can make the most of unlimited run-time and a power boost that you don’t often get with the best cordless vacuum cleaners.

And unlike the traditional Henry cylinder vacuum, this one offers a practical stick design that’s perfect for grab-and-go cleaning - and storing a vacuum cleaner if you’re looking for a vacuum for smaller spaces.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

It still has the classic Henry dust pod, though, which means that you can empty it without getting a plume of dust in your face. Plus, Henry claims that the 1L self-sealing dust pod can hold up to a month’s worth of debris before it needs to be replaced - something I can confirm was the case during testing.

Of course, the elephant in the room is that this model is corded - which is a slightly divisive topic within the vacuum cleaner industry. And while some may see that as a negative, I predict that corded vacuums will be just as popular as cordless vacuum cleaners by the end of 2026 - so I see that as a positive.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury)

That's because corded models offer more consistent power, which is something I appreciate in a home with pets - and if you want to make the most of the handy crevice tool and 2-in-1 combi tool without losing suction.

However, I won’t say that it’s the perfect vacuum cleaner. During testing, the floorhead struggled with larger debris, and the location of the wound cord makes storage a little fiddly. But, overall, I do think you’re getting a bargain for under £100.

There are so many other amazing vacuum cleaner deals available right now, too. So, if the Henry Quick Corded doesn't meet your needs, I’ve picked some of my other top options below.

Dyson V8 Cyclone Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson's budget-friendly vacuum cleaner is now even cheaper, and I seriously rate this cordless vac. It doesn't have too many bells and whistles, but I still gave it a rave 4.5-star review.

Bush Bagged Cylinder Corded Vacuum Cleaner

Super cheap and affordable, this bagged cylinder vacuum has now been discounted even further. I haven't tested it personally, but it has a 4.6-star review on Argos.

Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro

I retested this Shark vacuum recently to ensure it's still one of the best on the market - and it is! This one always sells out during the peak sales period, too.

But if these aren’t quite the right deals for you and you’ve decided to wait for the upcoming Amazon Prime Day sales to snap up a vacuum cleaner, make sure you sign up for Amazon Prime now so you don’t miss out.

I’ve tried both a £180 and £50 fan — this is how they really compare and whether the more expensive one is really better

Sarah Handley — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If the heatwave the UK experienced at the end of May this year is anything to go by, we are in for a toasty summer.

And if the temperature hitting 30°C and above has highlighted that you need to upgrade to one of the best fans around, then it's important to understand what you get for your money. After all, many fans now have price tags well over £100.

But is it worth spending more on a fan or are you just paying more for the sake of it? I've been testing a whole host of fans with a range of different price tags for the last three months, and this is how a more affordable fan compares to a more expensive one.

How does a £180 fan compare to a £50 one?

While there are some products where you might pay more for a certain brand but when it comes down to it, you can't really tell the difference between the expensive one and the budget version. But in my experience, that is not the case when it comes to fans and there are definitely features that are worth investing in.

And that's not to say more budget friendly fans aren't good and won't get the job done, just that after testing a range of fans myself, I do notice a difference in how they get the job done in direct relation to their purchase price.

To illustrate my point, let's look at the most expensive and the most affordable that I have tried. Both are pedestal fans and come with a remote control and neither have smart features that alone would be enough to warrant a higher price tag.

Meaco

Sefte 10" Pedestal Air Circulator

The Sefte pedestal fan from Meaco has an RRP of £180 and is the most expensive of the pedestal fans that I've personally tested. For more details, check out my full Meaco Sefte pedestal air circulator review.

Vonhaus

16'' Pedestal Fan

This Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan has an RRP of £64.99, but at the time of writing this article, it available at a few retailers for under £50. For more details, check out my full Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan review.

On the face of it, these fans pretty much do the same thing, but yet they have wildly different price points.

But dig a little deeper and you'll see there's more difference than you might think, which can be really important when it comes to choosing the right fan for your home. So how do these fans actually compare?

I've tried both of these fans in my own home for at least three weeks so I have a really good understanding of what they offer and how they perform. This is how they differ on key factors like wind speed, noise and design features.

Wind speed, air flow and reach

Wind speed is an important consideration when buying a fan. But not all fans are capable of reaching the same top speeds.

For example, using an anemometer (a device designed to measure wind speed) I recorded a speed of 5.2 metres per second when I was testing the Meaco Sefte pedestal air circulator (which feels like a strong breeze at the top of a hill).

However, on the more budget-friendly Vonhaus, I measured a speed 3.7 metres/second, which is still breezy, but not as strong as the Meaco version.

For the strongest wind speeds possible, you'll easily need to pay over £100. However, as time goes on, and technology advances, higher wind speeds may be available on a tighter budget.

Beyond wind speeds, the more expensive Meaco fan shouts about its powerful air flow, and the fact that it 'moves air that can be felt 32m away - that’s the same distance as the length of a Boeing 737!'. That advanced technology is likely a key factor in the higher price tag.

Not everyone wants a strong fan though, and if you are after something more gentle, you may prefer on that offers lower wind speeds, and you may be more likely to get that on a budget.

Noise

There's also a clear correlation between the price of a fan and how quiet it is. In general, fans at the more budget end of the scale tend to have AC (alternating current) motors, which are typically louder and less energy efficient. DC (direct current) motors tend to be quieter and more energy efficient, but are more expensive and therefore tend to be seen in fans with a premium price tag.

Both the Meaco Sefte and Vonhaus pedestal fans have a DC motor, and are very quiet in their lower speed modes getting louder as the wind speed increases. However, there is a marked difference in the the wind speed in those lower settings. So if we compare the noise each fan makes when running at a similar speed, we'll get a more accurate impression of their noise levels.

In it's lowest power setting, the Meaco Sefte offers a wind speed of 2.4 metres per second, while the Vonhaus pedestal fan reaches 2.4m/s in speed setting 9. In this speed setting, I recorded the Vonhaus fan at 59dB, while the Meaco produced a sound of 39dB running at the same speed. So if quietness is the most important factor for you when choosing a fan, it is definitely worth paying a little more if you can afford to. (If these speeds differ from the manufacturer's claims, it's likely that they measured sound levels in a lab setting that can remove a lot more background noise than I can in my home. However, I record the noise levels for every fan I test in exactly the same way so that they are still comparable.)

A quieter fan may not be a deal-breaker if you plan on using it in your living room, but it may become a more important consideration if you want a fan for the bedroom or if you have any kind of noise sensitivity.

Design features

The remote control for the Meaco Sefte is magnetic so you're less likely to lose itFuture PLC/Sarah Handley

The Meaco Sefte can be easily adapted to a desk fanFuture PLC/Sarah Handley

The Meaco Sefte pedestal air circulator has a more contemporary look than the more traditional VonhausFuture PLC/ Sarah Handley

The Meaco Sefte fan will show the ambient temperature in the room when it's plugged in which is a handy extraFuture PLC/Sarah Handley

The Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan is height adjustable, but it can't double up as a desktop fanFuture PLC/ Sarah Handley

The control panel for the Vonhaus is pleasingly simple, but basicFuture PLC/ Sarah Handley

The Vonhaus pedestal fan looks more like a traditional pedestal fan thanks to it's large and thin fan head grillsFuture PLC/ Sarah Handley

Design features will also vary depending on the price tag of a fan. At the budget-end of the spectrum, you will likely find a traditional looking fan that oscillates from side to side only, with a simple control panel and possibly a remote control.

On more premium-priced fans, you tend to find more sophisticated features, such as app control, ambient temperature sensors and night-friendly features like dimmable lights and beep silencing. You're also more likely to see thoughtful design touches like glow in the dark or magnetic remote controls, as well as improved adaptability where you can use the fan as both a pedestal and desk fan. Generally, more expensive fans will use less electricity than budget versions (the Meaco Sefte uses 8-26W while the Vonhaus uses 30W) which means they are cheaper to run.

How the fan moves may also be more noticeable depending on how much the fan costs. Budget-friendly fans tend to move side to side only, with a narrow amount of tilt achieved through manual adjustment of the fan head.

At higher price points, you tend to move into the world of air circulators which offer multidirectional oscillation to reach all the corners of the room, bouncing air off walls and ceilings as well as it blowing it forwards which can supercharge the affect it has on the room.

How much should you really spend on a fan?

How much you should spend on a fan will depend on your budget, but it's worth paying as much as you can afford for the best results possible.

'Investing in a more premium fan can be worth it, but only if the specifications warrant it,' says air treatment expert Katie Lillywhite at AO.com. 'Higher-end fans tend to be quieter, making them ideal for bedrooms or home offices. They are also typically designed to circulate air more effectively throughout an entire room as opposed to just blowing in one direction.

'More expensive fans may also offer better energy efficiency or useful features like sleep modes, timers or other smart controls which are ideal when you’re using it for longer periods of time.'

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Are portable air conditioners really worth it? I review them for a living and these are the pros and cons everyone should consider before buying

Sarah Handley — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

With predictions rife of record heatwaves this summer, it's no wonder more of us are prepping to keep our home's as cool as possible when the heat hits.

A popular and effective option is to invest in one of the best portable air conditioners, but as these appliances can cost hundreds of pounds, it's important you understand their pros and cons before you commit to spending the money. In many cases, they will be a very worthwhile addition to your home, and will give you the summer comfort you crave. But there are some cons that should be considered before you buy.

I've tried and tested multiple portable air conditioners myself, and roped in the experts to help you decide whether a unit like this is the right choice for your home.

Is portable air conditioning a good idea?

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Having one of the best fans is a bit of a no-brainer during a heatwave, but with summers seemingly getting hotter every year, it's becoming more apparent that fans are brilliant at moving the air around which can make you feel a bit cooler, but they won't actually lower the temperature in a room. That's where air conditioning comes in.

When it comes to AC, there are two choices, fitted or portable. Fitted air con is more expensive to purchase upfront and requires professional and permanent installation, which means it won't be suitable for everyone.

Fortunately portable air conditioners are more readily available than ever before. And if you have struggled with the heat in more recent years, then a portable air conditioner can definitely be worth it.

However, it is crucial that you understand the benefits and drawbacks of an appliance like this so you can be sure you're making the best choice for your home. Let's look at the pros and cons.

Pros of portable air conditioning

Effective cooling. When it gets hot, it can feel that fans are just blowing warm air around, but a portable air conditioner will quickly lower the ambient temperature in a room. 'AC units actively lower room temperature using a refrigeration cycle,' explains Noel Fok, CEO and co-founder of EcoAir, ‘Warm air is drawn in and cooled over a refrigerant-filled cooling coil, before being released back into the room, with any remaining heat and moisture extracted from the air vented outdoors via an exhaust hose.’
Can be moved from room to room. Most portable air conditioning units are set on castors meaning they are easily to move from room to room on the same floor.
Non-permanent. Beyond the expense of a fitted air con system, not everyone is able to opt for a built in solution. Portable air con requires no permanent alterations to the property so it's ideal for those who are renting or live in a designated area where permanent alterations may not be permitted.
Doesn't need professional installation. Another pro is that anybody can set up a portable air conditioner, there's no special skillset required.
Relatively affordable. Portable air conditioners can vary in price from around £200 to close to £1,000, so some are more affordable than others. But all are more affordable than fitted air con that can cost close to £1,500 for installation in a single room.

Cons of portable air conditioning

(Image credit: Getty Images)

They're heavy. While it's quite easy to move a portable air conditioner between rooms on the same floor, the same can't be said for moving one up and down the stairs. That's definitely a two person job.
Some set up required. 'To get optimal results, it’s crucial to get the set up right;' explains Katie Lillywhite air treatment expert at AO.com. 'Portable units need to be properly vented through an open window to expel the hot air. Failing to do this means the performance will drop off significantly.' Many portable air conditioners come with a universal window kit, but not all do, so it's important to check whether you need to buy one separately. A word of advice here, don't wait until it's roasting hot to set up the window kit. It can be a bit fiddly and that's not something you want to tackle when you're baking.
Can be noisy. Portable air conditioners can be quite noisy when in cooling mode, although as technology improves, they are getting quieter. But while you can get fans that are whisper quiet, the same can't yet be said for portable air conditioners.
Bulky to store when not in use. You're not likely to use air conditioning all year round (although if you choose an appliance than also works as a dehumidifier, then you might), so you'll need to think about where you can store it. It'll need to somewhere warm and dry, but the dimensions and significant weight can limit your options.

What else should you consider before buying a portable air conditioner?

Once you've weight up the pros and cons, there are other considerations that will impact how effective and affordable a portable air conditioner will be in the longer term.

Firstly, you need to ensure you choose a suitably powered portable air conditioner for the size of room you want to cool. 'Each air conditioner is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units),' explains Katie Lillywhite. 'Essentially, if the unit is too small it’ll struggle, or too large and it’ll cycle off inefficiently.

'To calculate what you need for your home, think of the space you want to run it in. Room specifics matter, so think of your ceiling height, insulation, windows and even the number of people in your given room. For instance, a sunny loft room will need far more power than a shaded ground-floor lounge.'

She adds: 'You’ll soon know if your air conditioner is too small for purpose as it’ll run constantly, attempting and failing to reach the target temperature. This is a waste of energy and can lead to higher energy bills. As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to size slightly up rather than down.'

You should also think about ongoing running costs, especially with energy prices going up by 13% in July 2026. Based on the appliances we've tested here at Ideal Home, portable air conditioners can use anywhere between 780-2600W, which based on the July 2026 energy price cap, means they can cost between 20p and 68p per hour to run.

'While they do come with a much higher upfront and running cost, most users consider this a small price to pay for the sake of additional comfort in peak summer,' concludes Katie. 'A portable air conditioner can pose as an upgrade, providing a targeted solution when temperatures really spike and cooling grows more essential as opposed to just a ‘nice to have’.'

If you're convinced that a portable AC is the right choice, then take a look at our top-rated, in-stock picks below.

VonHaus

Air Conditioning Unit 12000 BTU

The 12,000 BTU Vonhaus portable air conditioner is still in stock, and our reviewer rated it highly after testing it in her home.

AEG

Comfort 6000 Portable Air Conditioner

This AEG portable air conditioner is one of the most powerful that we've tested, plus it's WiFi compatible and easy to use.

FAQs

When is the best time to buy a portable air conditioner?

The best time to buy a portable air conditioner is in advance of a heatwave rather than during. When temperatures spike, impulse buying often means that portable air conditioners sell out across the board. We've seen this happen over the last couple of summers, so if you want one and you want to have your pick, don't wait for the heatwave to hit.

If you want to bag a bargain, then it's worth checking out upcoming sales, like Amazon Prime Day, to see if any highly-rated options are discounted. It's wise to shop around as lots of retailers will have their own discounts or offer price matching. Just remember to factor in any delivery costs when comparing prices.

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Meaco has dropped a new portable air conditioner that is twice as quiet as its predecessors - act fast, I predict a sell-out!

Sarah Handley — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:20:00 +0000

Meaco has just added to it's collection of air cooling products with a brand new portable air conditioner range that claims to make half the noise of its previous range.

The new Meaco Cirro range will include six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, with variants that offer cooling only, or those that offer both cooling and heating. A couple of models have launched already, while the rest is expected to drop at the end of June/beginning of July. A huge draw will be that the Cirro range operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

The launch of the Meaco Cirro collection comes as the UK has just experienced its first heatwave of the year that saw many of the models in our round-up of the best portable air conditioners sell out, highlighting the huge demand for portable cooling products to help keep homes cool when temperatures spike.

Meaco Cirro 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner & Heater

The cooling only 12,000 BTU version is already showing as sold out on the Meaco website, with more stock due at the beginning of July. However, at the time of writing, the cooling/heating version is available, and will give you year-round use.

Meaco Cirro+ 14000 BTU Inverter Portable Air Conditioner

If you have a larger sized room that you want cooling then the 14,000 BTU cooling-only version is also in stock right now. But be quick as these look like they will sell out in a flash.

'Portable air conditioners are often bought when the weather is already uncomfortable, but people increasingly want products that do more than just cool a room,' says Meaco Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer Chris Michael. 'They want something quieter, easier to live with and more efficient to run.

'With Cirro, we wanted to directly address the main frustrations people have with portable air conditioners. The range delivers the cooling performance people need, but with up to half the noise of our previous portable air conditioner range.'

That noise reduction is achieved through an advanced Dual-Wrapped Compressor, with layers of cotton wool and silicone insulation used to help absorb vibration and reduce sound, all while maintaining cooling power.

As well as being much quieter to run that it's predecessors, the larger powered appliances feature inverter technology. This means they can adjust their output as the room cools, which not only helps to maintain a comfortable temperature, but also helps to reduce their energy consumption. This will be especially important to those on their suppliers standard variable tariffs who are facing a 13% increase in energy prices from 1 July 2026 when the new energy price cap comes into effect.

Prices range from £519.99 for the 12,000 BTU cooling only version to £659.99 for the 16,000 BTU cooling and heating version. All models come with two window kits (a standard one for sliding windows, and a flexible fabric one for hinged, casement and other window styles), a 1.8m (15cm diameter) duct and 65cm drainage hose.

If you're in the market for one of these appliances, I'd act fast as they won't be on the shelves for long. In fact, our live air con stock watch is showing very few portable air conditioners in stock at all at the moment.

But don't worry, there are still cooling solutions you can shop now, such as these (far cheaper) air cooler options. They might not offer the same cold chill as an air conditioner, but they can help ease the heat by blowing air over cold water and ice packs to create a fresh, cool breeze.

They're also cheaper to buy, quieter to run, and don't require a window hose.

Dreo

40“ Evaporative Air Cooler

Black+Decker

Bxac65001gb Portable 2-In-1 Air Cooler

JML

Air Cooler

This budget-friendly Vonhaus fan will be ideal for those who prefer a more gentle breeze to a powerful gust

Sarah Handley — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

With a run of mild weather and the first heatwave of the year signalling a warmer summer to come, it's been the ideal time for me to put the Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan through its paces.

I've been testing various models from a whole range of brands and price points in my own home so I can help you choose the best fan for your home.

This time, it's a budget-friendly pedestal fan offering from Vonhaus. But can this affordable option stand up against its more expensive competitors?

In a nutshell

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

If you want a pedestal fan and are on a tight budget, then the Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan will be well worth investigating. It's height is great if you prefer a taller fan (it's the tallest fan I've tested with a max height of 128cm), and it offers a decent scope of wind speeds, from ultra gentle to a more significant breeze. If you find the wind speed of some fans to be too strong, then the lower speed settings of this one will be right up your street. In addition to being really comfortable on the skin and not drying your eyes out, the lower speed settings are pleasingly quiet.

But if power is what you are after, then you may be disappointed. Even out of 24 wind speeds, it's top speed is more like the middle speed of other fans I've tested that have a more premium price tag. With a more affordable price tag, you may also have to make a compromise when it comes to how loud the fan is at higher speeds. If you aren't bothered by noise then this won't be an issue, but if you are, this may be a deal breaker.

Vonhaus

16'' Pedestal Fan

This budget-friendly Vonhaus fan is less powerful than other fans I've tested, which will suit those who find stronger wind speeds uncomfortable.

Specification

Type of fan: Pedestal
RRP: £64.99
Weight: 5.4kgs
Dimensions (W x H x D): 42 x 110-128 x 42cm
Wattage: 30W
Wind speed (metres/second): 0.8-3.7m/s
Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing): 0.74p/hour
Number of fan speed settings: 24
Noise in dB: 37-81dB
Smart features: N/A
Dual functionality: None
Oscillation: Horizontal (80°), manual vertical tilt (+7/-15°)

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Future PLC/ Sarah Handley

The Vonhaus 16'' Pedestal Fan arrived in a cardboard box, with the pieces wrapped in recyclable plastic and molded cardboard forms.

There's a little bit of assembly required (you'll need a little screwdriver), which was largely manageable, but I did find the instructions for assembling the fan head a little confusing. However, with a little trial and error, I managed to get it together. All in all assembling the fan took me just under 10 minutes.

Once put together, I just needed to plug it in and then it was ready to go.

My first impressions on looks were that this was taller than other fans I'd tested, which I liked (this may be down to the fact I'm quite tall myself, but my friend had also recently explained to me that she needed to invest in a new fan for her daughter who has a taller bed and the existing fan meant she didn't feel any of the benefit of it). I also noticed that the fan blades were transparent, which I'd not seen before.

What's it like to use?

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

The Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan is quite intuitive to use via the on-board controls or simple remote control. By default the fan starts on speed 10 (of 24) which you can adjust easily using the plus and minus buttons on the remote, or repeatedly pressing the wind icon on the fan itself. I found it easier to use the remote as your can cycle up or down the wind speeds, while the control panel only allows you to cycle upwards.

I like that there are different modes, from comfort (which maintains a consistent wind speed), natural (which varies the wind speed to mimic a natural breeze), and night mode (which gradually reduces speed as you fall asleep). You can select these on the remote control or the control panel, and there's a little icon that displays to show you which mode you are in.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

The fan has 24 wind speeds in total, which range from ultra gentle (which will appeal to those who struggle with fans being too powerful) — speed 1 is very gentle indeed, so much so that it didn't register on my anemometer (which measures wind speed), but I could feel a gentle fluttering of air across my skin. According to my readings, speeds vary from 0.8-3.7 metres per second between speeds 2 and 24. By default, the fan always starts on speed 10 when you turn it on, which is a nice soft breeze. The lower speed settings will be ideal for those who find more powerful wind speeds uncomfortable.

As there are so many wind speeds, I found it really handy that there are two buttons on the remote which allow you to jump to a mid-point (speed 15) and top speed (24) rather than increasing the levels one by one.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Sarah Handley)

However, as you increase the speed, the fan does get noisier, and by the time you reach top speeds, it's definitely louder than other fans I've tested. I clocked it at 81dB at top speed which my decibel meter says is the equivalent of a noisy street, so I definitely didn't use this setting when using it at night. In fact, I rarely used the top speed setting, even in the heatwave, because I have the luxury of having other fans that have faster top speeds at a quieter noise level. Similarly, while the natural mode feels lovely, you can hear the motor speed up and ease off as the wind speed changes, which wasn't that problematic when I was watching TV or listening to music, but it was noticeable when I was working and didn't have any other noise going on.

I tried this fan in different room sizes (from my 12m2 bedroom up to my 21m2 kitchen diner), and despite it's large fan head, I'd say it's best in medium sized rooms. Something more compact, or even one of the best desk fans may be better in small rooms that are short on floor space. When using this fan in my kitchen diner, I put it at one end of the room and I stood at the other (about 5m away) to see how it felt. At top speed, I could only feel a slight breeze, so I'd definitely say you need to be within 3.5m to feel the benefit of the breeze this fan creates.

In terms of oscillation, the Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan can oscillate side to side, which allows it to get more air flowing, but any vertical movement is manual. Fortunately, it's very easy to tilt the fan head to your chosen position.

When it comes to portability, it's definitely possible to move this fan around the house with you, but doing so at its full height is a little cumbersome. I'd adjust it to its lowest height before taking it up and down stairs. However, if you are much shorter than me (I'm 5'10''), this might be a little trickier.

Running costs

At 30W, and like most fans, this fan won't cost you a fortune to run. Based on the April 26 energy price cap of 24.67p per kWh of electricity, which was in place at the time of writing this review, the Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan will cost you 0.74p per hour to run.

Cleaning and maintenance

A regular dust with a dry cloth will keep this fan in good working order, and you can dissemble the fan head if you see dust starting to accumulate on the blades. I'd also say it's worth holding on to the box for storing the fan during the winter months to prevent any inadvertent damage.

Who should buy this fan?

If your primary requirements are for a tall pedestal fan with a softer breeze for an affordable price, then the Vonhaus 16'' pedestal fan could definitely fit the bill. While it has an RRP of £64.99, I have seen it on sale for under £50, which may cement your decision further.

However, if you can stretch your budget a little further, then the Silentnight Airmax Pro360 Pedestal Fan is quieter and more powerful with multidirectional oscillation, but still under £100.

If a strong wind speed is what you are after, then the AirCraft LUME fan is the most powerful I've tested, reaching 5.3m/s at top speed. It too is quieter and comes with an integrated ambient backlight. Those features do command a higher price though — the LUME has an RRP of £149. The Meaco Sefte 10'' Pedestal Air Circulator (which I've crowned the best fan overall in our round-up) comes a very close second at 5.2m/s.

For an ultra-quiet fan that is ideal for the bedroom, the Duux Whisper 3 lives up to its name and is whisper-quiet. Or you could opt for the smart version the Duux Whisper Flex 2, which you can operate from your smartphone.

I test vacuums in a tiny house with limited storage – these are the vacuum brands that have nailed the small-space-friendly design

Lauren Bradbury — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

As Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, my home doubles as the ultimate vacuum cleaner testing ground. And while there are some serious perks to this (a very clean home being one of them), there are also some downsides. The main issue? My home is tiny, and some vacuum brands just aren’t suited to smaller spaces with limited storage.

Yes, it’s fair to say that the best vacuum cleaners come in so many different shapes and sizes. And while bigger models typically offer larger dustbins and increased suction power, they make it much harder to hide a vacuum cleaner in smaller homes where cupboard space - and even floor space - isn’t a given. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a smaller, less effective vacuum.

After spending 400 hours testing vacuums in my tiny Victorian terrace, I’ve come to realise that some vacuum brands have nailed the small-space-friendly design better than others. And if you’re on the hunt for a new model that doesn’t take up valuable storage space, these are the vacuum brands I’d recommend.

A quick list

If you’re short on time and want to get to the nitty-gritty quickly, these are my winners. But you can read on for my more detailed assessment of vacuum cleaners for smaller homes - and the specific models I’d recommend.

Winner: Shark
1st runner-up: Henry
2nd runner-up: Dyson
Honourable mention: Miele

1. Shark

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

The best Shark vacuums are widely considered among the best on the market today, and I have to admit that my own testing experience has been very positive - especially in recent years. This vacuum brand seems to have really upped its game by creating practical-but-powerful vacuum cleaners that also suit smaller homes.

My top pick for small-home dwellers is the iconic Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which has been my top-rated model for the past few years. It’s not as high-tech as newer models, but it offers great suction for everyday cleaning, a Flexology wand to clean under furniture, and it folds down for easy storage. In fact, it’s tiny when it’s folded down.

For those who don’t have hidden storage space, another option is the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum, which comes with a compact auto-empty dock that is now my go-to vacuum in my small home. And if you don’t have cupboard space, you’ll be happy to know that it now comes in a variety of ‘luxe’ colourways so you’ll actually want to have it on show.

Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap Plus Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IZ420UKT

The perfect grab-and-go cordless, this Shark vacuum folds up for easy (and small-space-friendly) storage. It also comes with two batteries, offering up to 140 mins of run time.

Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT

Yes, small spaces can have auto-empty docks, too. It won't suit every small home, but I've come to love the convenience of a proper home for my Shark vacuum - especially as it does a lot of the work for me.

Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

If you're on a tighter budget, this compact Shark pet vacuum still offers a lot of power - without taking up a lot of real estate. It folds under furniture and in on itself for storage.

2. Henry

Future

Future/Molly Cleary

Future

I know what you’re thinking: Henry cylinder vacuums are huge, aren’t they? Well, they can be - but that doesn’t mean that the whole brand is unsuitable for smaller homes. In fact, many of my small-home-dwelling friends swear by the best Henry vacuum cleaners when storage space is limited.

Cylinder models like the affordable Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner are much more compact than larger models (I’m looking at you, Henry XL Plus) and come with onboard tool storage, so you don’t need to worry about storing any unexpected items. Plus, they have large dust bags and a super long corded reach - meaning you may be able to vacuum an entire flat without needing to unplug.

If you prefer the best cordless vacuum cleaners, there’s also the compact and lightweight Henry HVB160 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which takes the typical cylinder design and makes it battery-powered. Or, you have the very popular Numatic Henry Quick - a stick vacuum that’s small in size and weighs just 3.2kg.

Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner

Cheap and cheerful, this budget Henry vacuum can still suit smaller homes despite offering the cylinder design. It's compact, the hose can be disconnected, and the tools are stored on board.

Numatic Henry Quick

This stick Henry is small and convenient, and perfect for those with limited storage space. Especially as it still offers the same bagged design we know and love.

Henry HVB160 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

It looks like a classic cylinder, Henry, but this model is cordless and offers up to 30 minutes of battery power. It still offers the onboard tool storage, too.

3. Dyson

Future/Lauren Bradbury

Future

Dyson is my second runner-up, and I’m a huge fan of its vacuum cleaners. And while I won’t lie and say they’re all small and lightweight (some are very hefty), there are a few models that are the perfect mix of cleaning power and small-space-friendly practicality.

The first is the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute, which is undoubtedly one of the lightest cordless vacuum cleaners I’ve ever tested at just 2.2kg, making it ridiculously easy to move around smaller homes. As the name suggests, it’s also very slim and comes with a wall-mounted docking station, so it can be tucked away in a cupboard without encroaching on too much space.

Another option is the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute, which also weighs under 3kg. This model also comes in either the dry or wet+dry version, which means it could also double up as one of the best vacuum mops to vacuum and mop your floors at the same time. So, this’ll free up space too.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute

Sleek and slimline, this small-space-friendly Dyson vacuum can be mounted on the wall without taking over your home.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute

Very similarly-sized to the V12, this model offers up to 60 minutes of run time and comes with a wall dock for easy storage.

Dyson V8 Cyclone

If you have a slightly smaller budget, this cheaper Dyson vacuum can still suit smaller homes. It's not as high-tech, but it's basic in its brilliance.

4. Honourable mention: Miele

Future/Lauren Bradbury

Future PLC/Lauren Bradbury

While the three brands above are my top choices for vacuum brands that suit smaller homes, I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn't at least acknowledge Miele too. So, this brand is my honourable mention, as I believe it also has a lot to offer small home dwellers.

In fact, the Miele Duoflex HX1 Cat & Dog is currently my top-rated vacuum in our best vacuum cleaners for pet hair guide, as I rate it so much. And considering Miele is typically known for its larger, cylinder vacuums, this cordless stick model is a welcome addition to a premium brand.

With onboard storage for the tools, everything can be kept neatly together, and the lightweight design is both easy to manoeuvre and to store out of the way. Or, if you’re feeling creative, you could build your own vacuum cleaner storage to hide it out of sight.

Miele Duoflex HX1 Cat & Dog

This cordless, lightweight stick vacuum is extremely powerful and tackles pet hair with ease. The onboard tool storage is a nice touch, too.

Miele Guard M1 Cat & Dog Flex

If you have a bit more space, this cylinder model is also a great choice. I loved that I could keep the tools inside the cylinder while testing.

Miele Triflex HX3 Aqua Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

We're going to be testing this new Miele model very soon, as it's ideal for small home dwellers. Not only is it a compact vacuum, but it's got a swappable wet mopping floorhead, too!

I hope this is proof that you don't need to sacrifice a good vacuum just because you live in a smaller home!

Forget expensive (and bulky) carpet cleaners! I tested a £70 spot cleaner that tackled everything from sofa stains to toddler spills

Rebecca Lawton — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Beldray is a well-known name in the affordable spot cleaner space, and its new Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner promises to scrub, spray and vacuum in one, so I was keen to put it through its paces in my busy family home.

I used it to tackle everything from fresh spills to older, stubborn stains on sofas and carpets for two weeks to see if it deserves a spot among the best carpet cleaners. Here's everything you need to know...

In a nutshell

The Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner is a compact, lightweight spot cleaner that keeps things refreshingly simple. There are no complicated settings to figure out - within minutes of unboxing, I was tackling stains around my home. While it doesn't have the bells and whistles you'd find on a more expensive model, the straightforward design makes it a reliable choice for everyday cleaning.

Over two weeks of testing, I used it on everything from a dried tea stain hiding under my sofa to liquid spills on my kitchen floors. It was the latter that surprised me the most. With a toddler who seems determined to tip water on the floor at any given opportunity, I was impressed at how quickly the Spot Lift Pro sucked up liquid, often saving me from reaching for the mop.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

Another standout feature is its long hose and cable. I've tested my share of carpet cleaners, and it's rare to find one that can clean an entire staircase in one go without needing to unplug and move it. The Spot Lift Pro managed it with ease, and the lightweight design meant carrying it around the house didn't feel like an effort.

That said, its simplicity does come at the expense of a few extras. There's only one cleaning mode, no steam function and no self-cleaning feature for the nozzle. But if you're looking for an affordable spot cleaner that's incredibly easy to use, easy to store, and capable of handling everyday spills and stains, the Beldray Spot Lift Pro is a worthwhile buy.

Meet the tester

Specifications

(Image credit: Beldray)

Weight: 4kg
Dimensions: 41.7 x 19.5 x 31.4cm
Wattage: 450W
Clean water tank capacity: 1 L
Waste water tank capacity: 0.7 L
Power cord length: 4m
Hose length: 1.65 m
What's included: spot cleaner hose, brush head, instruction manual
Price: £69.99

Unboxing, assembly and first impressions

The Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner arrived well-protected in an additional plain cardboard box, and it was light enough to carry by myself from room to room.

Inside, everything was neatly packaged beneath a cardboard insert and wrapped individually in plastic, including the manual. From an eco-conscious perspective, I would have preferred to see less plastic packaging. The plastic was labelled 'LDPE 04,' which I know from previous reviews is recyclable, though it typically needs to be taken to a specialist recycling point rather than disposed of with general household waste.

I've got to say, the overall unboxing experience was refreshingly straightforward. Inside the box was the main spot cleaner unit, the extendable host and brush head, a storage holder and an instruction manual.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

The user manual included diagram instructions to assemble, but thankfully the setup was fairly self-explanatory. I connected the brush head to the end of the hose - which clicked into place easily - before securing it onto the main unit.

The first thing I noticed was how long the hose felt; a promising sign that there would be plenty of flexibility for cleaning awkward areas. There's also a small plastic clip, which slots onto the back of the spot cleaner and is used to wrap the hose firmly in place between use.

There are a few things that I think immediately make a model stand out - and this one ticked a lot of those boxes. It's lightweight, easy enough to carry around the house, and compact enough to store without taking up too much space. The midnight blue finish also adds a stylish, modern feel to it. Overall, it felt more premium than its price tag suggests.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

Before getting started, I removed the clean water tank - which lifted out of the main unit without needing any force. With a one-litre capacity, it sits on the smaller end of the scale, but for quick spot-cleaning jobs it still felt more than sufficient, and I didn't expect to need to stop and refill it frequently.

The water tank opens via a screw cap at the bottom, and the manual instructs to fill it with warm water and diluted detergent. Annoyingly, it doesn't include any cleaning solution, and the guidance around what to use is quite vague. The manual instructs users to use a 'low-foaming' solution, which I can imagine may leave some users unsure which products are actually suitable.

I used a carpet cleaning solution I already had at home, filled the tank, then clicked it back into place easily on the machine.

Using the Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner

One advantage of the Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner is that it's incredibly straightforward to use. There's only one mode, and turning it on is as simple as pressing the main power button on top of the machine.

The manual recommends pre-treating the area first by spraying the surface and leaving the solution to sit for five minutes. While I was tempted to dive straight in, it made sense to give the detergent time to soak into the stain before cleaning.

It did take me by surprise slightly when I first sprayed the nozzle, as the water seemed to shoot out in both directions. It did take a little getting used to, but once I adjusted my technique, it was easy to control and apply evenly over the area.

To clean carpets

The first place I was keen to put the Beldray Spot Lift Pro to the test was on a dried tea stain on my carpet. I'd spotted the mark in an area that would have otherwise been really easy to miss. As I had no idea how long it had been there, I wasn't sure how easily the machine could remove it.

I pre-treated the area and left the solution to soak into the carpet for five minutes before tackling it. After a few passes with the cleaner, I was pleasantly surprised to see the stain beginning to lift. The flexible, long hose came in really handy here, as it gave me plenty of reach and meant I didn't need to worry about lifting the machine to tackle the stain.

Although it didn't completely disappear, the improvement was significant, and the area looked noticeably cleaner by the time I'd finished.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

Having seen how well it handled the tea stain, I decided to put it through a tougher test using a fresh nail varnish stain on my carpet. It's worth noting that spot cleaners aren't specifically designed to tackle stains as tough as nail varnish, and as I'd tried various other methods beforehand, I wasn't expecting miracles. Still, I was keen to see if it could lift any of the stain at all.

After pre-treating the area, I switched on the machine and got to work moving the brush forwards and backwards over the stain. As expected, the stain didn't budge much, but it did make the surrounding carpet noticeably cleaner and fresher.

While the results weren't enough to completely remove the mark, I didn't feel this reflected a weakness of the machine so much as the challenging nature of the stain itself.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

To clean sofas

As it's also designed to clean upholstery, I used it to give my sofas a refresh. The armchair of one sofa was covered with chocolate fingerprints, which provided the perfect testing ground.

As before, I pre-treated the area and left the solution to soak for a few minutes before going over it. Almost straight away, the stain lifted, and I didn't need to apply much pressure. I actually found the Spot Lift Pro really effective on upholstery, possibly because the fabric's texture made it easier for the brush to work the solution in.

The area was only lightly damp afterwards too, which was an added bonus.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

To clean stairs

I'm yet to find a spot cleaner that has a cord long enough to tackle my entire stairs in one go. This is where the Spot Lift Pro really delivers. With a generous cable length of 4m and a flexible hose of 1.65m, I was able to plug it in at the bottom of the stairs, and it easily reached the top step without needing to change sockets.

One drawback I did notice was that the nozzle cover isn't clear, which makes it harder to see exactly how much water and dirt is being lifted as you clean. I also found that because there's only one mode, the results felt more gradual than dramatic on a light refresh clean.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

To mop up spills

The Spot Lift Pro is also designed to mop up spills on hard floors. With a toddler whose new favourite game is to throw her water all over the floor, I'm not exaggerating when I say I feel like I'm constantly mopping.

I've used spot cleaners to clean liquid before, and I'll be honest, I've never been completely convinced of their convenience. Until now. Instead of reaching for a mop, I simply turned on the machine and ran the nozzle over the water. The spill lifted almost instantly, and within a couple of passes the floor was dry.

(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)

Across each of these tests, the dirty water tank didn't fill particularly quickly, even after tackling various spills and stains. However, given the spot-cleaning nature of the machine and relatively small treatment areas, it was hard to gauge exactly how much moisture was being extracted at any one time.

Combined with the dark nozzle cover, this made it harder to assess its performance in real time. That said, the results on carpet were impressive overall.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

There's very little cleaning and maintenance involved for the Spot Lift Pro, and the guidance in the manual is quite top-line. There's also no self-cleaning function for the nozzle, a feature I've seen on similar models. Instead, maintenance relies on manually rinsing the hose and brush after each use, which thankfully is fairly straightforward.

The dirty water tank didn't fill up as quickly as I'd expected, but I still got into the habit of emptying it regularly. Inside the tank, there's an internal float mechanism, which detaches easily for cleaning. There's no reference to this in the manual, but it's worth removing and rinsing, especially as I found this is where debris tended to build up.

Future / Rebecca Lawton

On the main unit, beneath the dirty water tank, there's also a small sponge filter. From testing similar spot cleaners, I know that this can be removed, gently rinsed under cold water and left to dry before refitting. However, without any mention of it in the manual, it would be easy to overlook this step if you weren't familiar with how spot cleaners are maintained.

I've already mentioned how lightweight and compact the Spot Lift Pro is, and as someone who struggles with storage space, I like that it doesn't take up much room. The hose wraps neatly around the unit, the cleaning head clips into its holder, and the power cable sits securely around the built-in hook. As it doesn't have any other attachments, it's easy to pop away without worrying about losing any parts.

How does the Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner compare to similar models?

The Spot Lift Pro is the latest addition to Beldray's line-up of spot cleaners. It's probably most similar to the Spot Buster Pro, offering a similar spray, scrub and suction approach to tackling carpets and upholstery, but in a more compact, simplified design focused on ease of use.

I've also tested the Gtech Koala Spot Cleaner, and it holds a few similarities in terms of its compact, lightweight build and single operating mode. The Koala does have a self-cleaning feature, which makes maintenance noticeably easier, but the hose length and power cable aren't as generous.

If you are looking for a more capable, premium model, the Bissell Hydrosteam Spot Cleaner is currently rated Ideal Home's best spot cleaner. It offers steam cleaning and multiple attachments, but it comes at a much higher price point.

It's also worth comparing to a couple of VAX models. The VAX Spotwash Home Cordless has the clear advantage of being cordless for convenience, but it is pricier and bulkier overall. The VAX Spotwash Duo is also available, but it's not as lightweight, although it does offer two brush heads, giving it a slight edge when it comes to cleaning versatility.

How does it rate online?

There aren't many reviews online for the Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner, besides two five-star ratings on the brand's own website. Those customers were impressed with its performance and highlighted its lightweight, compact design. It's worth noting that both reviews were incentivised.

Verdict: Should you buy the Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner?

If you're looking for an affordable, easy-to-use spot cleaner for tackling everyday spills, stains and accidents, the Beldray Spot Lift Pro Carpet Cleaner is a strong contender. Its compact size and lightweight design make it particularly well suited to smaller homes, or anyone who wants a machine that's easy to carry, store and grab at a moment's notice.

The generous cord and hose length make reaching awkward areas, such as stairs, much easier, which is an advantage if you need something more manageable than a full-sized carpet cleaner.

The single cleaning mode and lack of multiple attachments mean it's one of the most straightforward models to use. That said, if you are looking for more advanced features such as steam cleaning, multiple settings or a self-cleaning function, a more premium model would be better suited.

While it performed well on everyday stains and spills during testing, it isn't designed for deep-cleaning large carpeted areas. If that's your priority, it's worth investing in a larger, more feature-packed model instead.