The Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer is a compact appliance designed to quickly prepare a variety of meals. 

Its slimmer design saves countertop space and allows it to fit kitchens of multiple sizes. Its five-in-one functionality means you can air fry, bake, broil, roast, and reheat many foods, and the appliance heats up impressively quickly. 

The built-in programs are easy to use, and with its dishwasher-safe components, cleanup is quick and simple, too. All in all, the Vortex is a highly versatile air fryer that can save you time on meal prep while still delivering excellent results.  

What I Thought of the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer

I was very impressed with the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer’s overall performance. Its compact design means it takes up minimal counter space and was able to fit underneath my kitchen cabinets. While its capacity is limited to a four-pound whole chicken, I found that it was still versatile enough to prepare dishes for smaller families, or side dishes for larger meals. 

The air fryer was impressively easy to use. It features a knob and touchscreen controls, and its five program settings make it versatile enough to air fry, bake, broil, roast, and reheat foods. The simple operation makes it a user-friendly device that’s ideal for first-time air fryer users, and it consistently performed well during my tests. 

While its capacity is a bit limiting and there was an unpleasant plastic smell that gradually dissipated with repeated uses, the air fryer was overall impressive. I think it would be a great choice for those looking to save on space or for those with small kitchens. It’s also a good choice for smaller families or individuals who don’t need a large air fryer.

Product specifications

Model name: Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer

Dimensions: 12.01” L x 15.31” W x 12.72” H

Weight: 7.8 pounds

Capacity: 6 quarts

Voltage: 120 volts

Wattage: 1700 watts

Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

Setting Up the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer arrived double boxed and in excellent condition. Rather than using Styrofoam to hold the interior box in place, the packaging features air pillows, and the interior box was fully wrapped in a protective plastic. 

The air fryer and its components were all securely in place within the box, and while there was foam on top of and underneath the air fryer, most of the packaging consisted of cardboard. 

It was easy to unbox and unwrap the air fryer, the basket, the cooking tray, and the packet containing instructions and one recipe. After washing the basket and cooking tray, I inserted them in the air fryer and plugged it in. The whole process took less than 10 minutes. 

In addition to a recipe card for wings, the air fryer includes a 25-page user manual. The manual includes step-by-step instructions for setting up and using the air fryer. It also includes details about each of the smart programs, their temperature ranges, and suggested foods to cook with each program. 

The manual instructs you to perform a test run before using the air fryer to cook food. The test run’s purpose is to verify that the machine is working correctly. The process is simple, including turning the air fryer on, choosing the air fry program, selecting a 400-degree cooking temperature, and letting the program run for 18 minutes without inserting food into the basket. 

While performing the test run, I found that the air fryer produced a strong plastic smell. While the smell gradually dissipated after repeated uses, and I never felt that it affected the taste of the food, it was somewhat unpleasant during the first few times when I used the machine. 

Using the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer

Program Settings

The Vortex features a touchscreen and a single dial. By using the touchscreen and the dial, you can choose from the five programs. Once you select the program, you can change the temperature using the dial, and then can use the dial to adjust the time. Pressing the “Start” button on the touchscreen starts the preheating process. 

The air fryer preheats very quickly, and I found I started to prefer it over my oven or toaster oven because of that fast preheating time. While the exact preheat time varies depending on the temperature that you’ve set it to, I found the air fryer was consistently preheated in three to four minutes. 

Once the air fryer has preheated, it beeps, signaling you to add food to the fryer basket. The clock also starts to count down at this point, though it’s easy to pause the clock or add time to it by turning the knob. 

About halfway through the program, the air fryer beeps again, signaling that it’s time to turn the food over. When you remove the basket to turn the food, the fan and clock stop, and then they immediately start up again once you’ve reinserted the basket. The design is convenient, because you don’t have to worry about pausing the program or affecting the remaining time on the clock. The air fryer takes care of all of that for you. 

I used the air fry setting to prepare frozen French fries and mozzarella sticks. The fries were crispy and evenly cooked, and I prepared them three different times, consistently getting excellent results. They resembled the fries you’d get in a restaurant, rather than the semi-soggy fries I often get when I bake them in the oven. 

The mozzarella sticks also turned out very well. I prepared them twice and found that they were thoroughly cooked all the way through without being burnt. Some of the cheese oozed out and down through the cooking tray, but once cooled, I was able to just pull it out when cleaning the tray.  

The roast function performed very well. I roasted a deconstructed pork and vegetable shish kabob dish. I was guessing on the temperature and time and may have left it in a little bit too long, but everything was well-cooked. 

I also used the roast function to roast two chicken breasts. I was surprised at how juicy the meat was, and was pleased to find that once again, the meat was evenly cooked. 

I wanted to use the air fryer to roast a whole chicken, but its capacity is limited to a four-pound chicken. I wasn’t able to find a chicken that small in local grocery stores. 

The air fryer can also be used to bake foods, like desserts. I baked brownies. Since the basket is large, the brownies were quite thin, and I was surprised to find that they took longer to bake in the air fryer than they do in my conventional oven. 

Once baked, the brownies had a puffy top to them, but that gradually collapsed back down as they cooked. The cook was even throughout them, and the edges didn’t develop that tough, chewy texture that they often get when baked in the oven. 

I tried the broil function by making nachos and melting cheese onto them. This program worked well, and the cheese melted fairly evenly without becoming hardened or tough. Some of the cheese stuck to the cooking tray, but again, I was able to remove it fairly easily once cooled.  

The reheat function on the air fryer is particularly convenient, mainly because of how quickly the machine preheats. I reheated slices of frozen pizza which I’d previously cooked in the oven. I reheated the pizza on the cooking tray and found that it didn’t get soggy. Instead, it was some of the best reheated pizza that I’ve had. 

Cleaning the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer

Both the cooking tray and removable basket are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. They feature a non-stick coating, so it’s important not to use metal utensils when cleaning them. I hand washed them both during all of my testing and found them to be very easy to clean. I also appreciated that the cooking tray has a metal hook that you can use to pull it out of the basket, which makes it easy to remove. 

The manual recommends cleaning the cooking chamber with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. Since the air fryer is relatively small, this is somewhat difficult and inconvenient to do. The manual states that you can spray the cooking chamber with a baking soda and vinegar mix to remove baked-on grease and food residue. 

Additionally, the manual instructs you to clean the power cord with a soft, damp cloth or sponge.

Is the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer Right for You?

The Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer is a compact, easy-to-use air fryer with 5-in-1 functionality. You can use it for everything from air frying to baking to roasting, so it could potentially replace several appliances, saving you extra space. As a result, it’s well-suited for kitchens with limited space, and would be a great choice for apartments and smaller homes. 

While its space-saving design is a perk, it means that the air fryer isn’t ideal for large families with significant meal preparation needs. Its capacity is limited to a four-pound chicken, so this isn’t a device that you could use to make large meals, unless you’re only using it for side dishes. 

That said, this air fryer is easy to use and clean. The touchscreen makes for a simplified operation, and this would be a very user-friendly introduction for anyone who hasn’t owned an air fryer. With its quick preheating and overall simple use, I could see the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer being a handy addition to many kitchens. 

How We Tested the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer

Instant Pot sent me the Instant Vortex Slim 6 Qt. Air Fryer and I tested it for a month in my home before writing this review. I used these criteria when testing the air fryer: 

Unboxing: I evaluated the packaging used, including the air fryer’s condition when it arrived and how well the packaging protected the appliance. I considered whether the packaging included sustainable and recyclable materials, like cardboard, instead of styrofoam. 

Cooking options: I reviewed the available cooking programs, their temperatures, and the machine’s overall versatility. I considered the air fryer’s size, the different types of foods and preparation methods that it supported, and the benefits it offered to your typical kitchen. 

Cooking quality: I tested all of the air fryer’s programs using a variety of foods. I looked at factors like the preheating time, the process of using each mode, the thoroughness of the cook, and the overall results of each dish. 

Ease of use: When testing the Vortex, I considered how easy it was to learn about and use the air fryer. I considered factors like the included instructions, the assembly process, and how easily I was able to select from different programs, temperatures, and times. 

Ease of cleaning: I evaluated the Vortex’s cleaning process, too. I reviewed which components were dishwasher-safe, as well as whether any foods stuck to the components. I considered how easily I could clean the entire appliance, too. 

Is the LG StandByME, a large, portable tablet, the new stationary TV? Renters, you just might feel inclined to say "yes". 

Rather than struggle with minimal room or a landlord who won't permit you to mount anything to the wall, why not opt for a portable tablet to eliminate these headaches? Plus, being able to move it from room to room is nothing short of delightful. (A movie screening and bubble bath does sound pretty perfect, right?)

So, are some of the best smaller TVs not actually TVs at all? Is this another way to cut the cord? You'll have to be the judge.

See the super-cool LG StandByME on Amazon

Ideas for a portable tablet began a-brewin' when Amazon Home's Instagram account recently showed off the ease with which one shopper moves her device throughout the house. No need to hide a TV on the wall. Bulky TV stands don't need to be part of the living room furniture. Perhaps there's a solid point to be made?

The portable tablet in question, an LG 27-Inch Class StanbyMe 1080p-Portable Touch-Screen-Monitor, has received 4.5/5 stars on Amazon and has been described by reviewers as having a clear picture, fantastic sound, and a sleek design. One customer even said how it perfectly fit in her small living room: "I wanted a small tv that I didn't have to rearrange my living room to accommodate and that I could store in my closet when I wasn't using it."

If this isn't enough to deter you from mounting a TV on the wall, some of the other features will: its touch-screen display, rotatable screen, and AirPlay, NFC, HDMI, and USB support. Perhaps the only deterring feature of this portable tablet is the price, as it is more than the average flatscreen. 

Similar options include the ApoloSign 32-Inch Portable Smart Screen on Amazon for $899.99 and the CNBANAN 22-Inch Portable Touch Screen Monitor on Amazon for $699.99.

If you're not quite convinced that a large portable tablet is the way to go for your space, don't worry. We'll help you figure out where to put a TV in a small living room. 

Wait! Before you move into your new place, you're going to need some space-saving products for all your clothes, makeup, and more. Fortunately, we've rounded up functional and clever products for every part of your abode — furniture for small spaces, dual-purpose pieces, and everything in between. (Thank us later!)  

As studio dwellers, apartment renters, and college students know well, space isn't always a guarantee, so you're going to have to find ways to get creative. Making your new home functional yet comfortable can seem like a tall order, but this is why we're here folks, we're ready to assist with recs and hacks!

While you're mixing and matching throw pillows and mentally prepping that gallery wall you'd like over the couch, don't forget to get your hands on these practical items, too. (We know, we know...) 

The best space-saving products for every room

Whether you're trying to make room for your culinary gadgets or you're searching for a place to keep all those serums, moisturizers, creams, and whatever else you nabbed from Sephora, we've got you covered. We've divvied up a few of our favorite finds for the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. We particularly love that these pieces get the job done and look good while doing it.  

And now that you've got the whole space-saving thing on lock, we'd be remiss not to instill good cleaning habits in you. Stay on top of this expertly crafted apartment cleaning checklist. 

Frequently asked questions

How we chose

While it isn't always possible to test individual products, so in this instance we highly-rated items with excellent user feedback.

Where to buy

Looking for even more storage and organization products? See our list of the best retailers.

• Amazon space-saving products
• Target space-saving products
• Walmart space-saving products
• Wayfair space-saving products

If you're on a pretty tight budget but still want to pick up some space-saving gadgets, check out our fave organizers under $20 for some real bang for your buck.

In the market for some new kitchenware? If you’re reading this piece and your big or small kitchen appliance has gone kaput, you may wanna replace that bad boy a li’l sooner. But if you can hang on and wait for the best times of year to buy them, I def recommend doing so.

I absolutely love to grab a bargain and am forever scouting out websites for deals whenever I shop (look, I’m not buying those heels full price, period). Rather than rushing to buy things, taking the time to wait and find a good discount is a great way to save yourself some serious dollar in the long run. Y’know, so you have extra cash to buy those heels.

I’ve sought out expert advice to find out why doing this is important, the right times of year to buy appliances, as well as top tips for getting a bargain. So yes, everything you need to know is right here.

Scroll on down and get ready to make a load of calendar reminders… 

Why is it important to choose the right time to buy appliances?

Okay, so you might actually be wondering why it’s such a big deal. All questions are good questions here, folks. “Manufacturers and retailers promote different appliances at different times of the year based on usage patterns,” explains Justin Reinke, VP of marketing at Beko Home Appliances USA. “This way, consumers can save considerably if they plan their appliance shopping around this schedule.” Makes sense, right?

Best times of year to buy small kitchen appliances

As a general rule, cooking and food prep are associated with the holiday season. “This is why retailers will likely promote ovens and ranges in October and November,” explains Reinke.

The same goes for smaller kitchen appliances. “For air fryers, toasters, electric kettles, and bullet blenders specifically, it’s hard to beat Black Friday for the best deals when manufacturers and retailers are most willing to cut prices,” he adds. “Since most Black Friday sales now start well before the Friday after Thanksgiving, some of the best deals in small appliances can be found in early November or even before Halloween.” Get ahead of the game and you’ll win the savings game.

Reinke also says that small appliances have because a big focus on Amazon Prime Day, which has grown to be a two-day event in July. “If July or November doesn’t work, look for discounts around the President’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day holidays — although these deals likely won’t be as significant as Black Friday or Prime Day.” Those two are pretty major dates for buying, JS.

In terms of “healthy eating” appliances like bullet blenders and air fryers, Reinke advises looking around January, when manufacturers and online retailers go big on the “new year, new you” market. I’m absolutely guilty of being part of that crowd every year, so this makes complete sense to me.

Best times of year to buy cleaning appliances

Traditionally, laundry appliances have been promoted in late summer and early fall, with a focus on Labor Day before the back-to-school clothes-cleaning crush. Luckily nowadays, you don’t just have a window of a couple of months. Phew. “Most cleaning appliances (such as vacuums, mops, and steam cleaners) now have popularity spikes in April, after tax refunds in the USA, and in July, September, and November prompted by July 4th, Labor Day, and Black Friday sales, respectively,” says Reinke. Keep an eye on these dates for retailers pushing value-for-money deals.

Top tips for buying appliances

Reading this and eyeing up your kitchen, thinking how good a shiny and new appliance would look in there? As well as choosing the right time of year, there are other important factors to think about. Here are Reike’s insider tips:

• Use manufacturer websites to really learn about what type of products are right for you based on your individual needs. For example, if you use a lot of dishes then a larger dishwasher may be right for you.
• Check out home media websites as they often publish holiday-specific promotions. We at Real Homes cover all the major holidays, so keep an eye on our site around times like Prime Day and Black Friday for round-ups of the best deals.
• Visit your local independent appliance retailer who can support you with the level of appliance expertise you likely won’t find at a big box. You should plan to shop the independents to get ideas even if you don’t plan to purchase. Most buyers are surprised at what they can learn — and how much they can save — at a specialty retailer.
• Consider purchasing an open-box or floor model for larger appliances. You can usually get a much better price and avoid supply chain backups by purchasing appliances on the floor. FYI: Open-box appliances are those that someone else has bought and returned and are sold at a discount.

Now you have all the info you need to snatch a deal, as well as scout out any additional info you may need before purchasing. Your bank balance will thank you for following this advice, trust.

If you live in a relatively modern home or are super particular about your space's style, you know the things you have on show matter. It has to work with your interior taste, right? Some people might think this sounds ever-so-slightly superficial, but if it's not good enough for the 'gram, then I don't want it. 

Whether it's an air fryer you'll be putting on your kitchen counter or a portable heater you want sitting by the couch, the design can make a difference. Which is why I just can't get enough of the Dreo space heater. Yes, it's a practical piece of kit, with the purpose of providing some extra warmth — but it looks good, too! It's slim, stylish, and quite compact, making it perfect for small homes and their residents who want to save on their energy bills.

Style aside, it's also pretty powerful and very quiet. Using ObliqueAirlow Technology to reduce the noise of airflow, this heater delivers warm breezes 11% quieter than other space heaters. It comes with a remote that gives you access to a great range of pre-sets, including an eco setting. Dreo is known for finding the perfect balance between design and functionality, and the Dreo space heater seems to be no exception.

TLDR: What I thought of the Dreo space heater

I personally am obsessed with this heater, which may seem weird to say (who becomes obsessed with a heater?). But it's true. I care about the things I put in my home, and how they look. When it comes to add-ons you'll have on display like a heater, portable fan, or even an air fryer, it can be hard to find small appliances that fit in with the rest of my decor. 

The Dreo space heater looks the part. It's small and cylindrical in a black and gold color, though the brand also has a silver option. Its compact design makes it ideal for placing on the desk, beside the bed, by the couch, or pretty much anywhere else I need it. Oh, and it has this handy carry handle that doesn't get hot. 

While it's great that it looks the part, if the performance doesn't square up, then it's not worth the buy. But I can confirm, it's one of the best heaters I used. I've been reluctant to put my heating on as much as I'd have liked — UK readers, you'll know why — and this heater has been great for putting on in the mornings when I'm getting ready for work. There's nothing worse than having to get out of bed on a frosty morning.

Testing the Dreo Space heater 

The techy stuff 

• Size: 5.9"D x 5.9"W x 15.8"H
• Weight: 4.63 lbs.
• Power: 700 to 1500 W
• Features: 70° oscillation, 1 to 12 hour off timer
• Settings: H1, H2, H3, ECO, Fan
• Temperature: 41°F to 95°F
• Control: Touch and remote control

Unboxing the Dreo space heater 

The cute cardboard packaging and light weight instantly gives this appliance a great first impression. It's simple and effective, you know what you've ordered without any printed cardboard or plastic. Upon opening, the plug socket, wireless remote, and user manual were wrapped in plastic, which is to be expected, unfortunately. Otherwise, the heater comes assembled with cardboard cushioning in the box. After taking it out, removing any protective stickers, and having a quick flick through the guide, it was good to go. 

How to use the Dreo space heater 

I have to admit, I didn't read the instruction manual first. But that's because I didn't feel the need to. This heater is super simple to use, and if you have a bit of common sense you can work out which buttons do what. All of the same symbols on the remote are replicated on the top of the heater, which is a touch screen. The functions are as follows: power/on, plus and minus to select a specific temperature, a pre-set option, a mute button (to pause), oscillation, and a timer function. I had a play-around first to figure out each feature before reading the manual to confirm. Backward, I know! 

Test 1: Using the pre-sets 

Testing the pre-sets: I love it when a piece of tech has pre-set. Call me lazy, but if the manufacturer has made recommended settings, then I'm going to use them. Rather than me fiddling around with different modes, temperatures, and speeds, I can click one button and get what I need. The pre-sets provided by Dreo are great. You can choose from H1, H2, H3, eco, and fan. I'll go into the eco and fan setting later, but as for the H modes, (which I presume stands for heat), they are different levels of power. HI gives 900 watts, H2 provides 1,100 watts, and H3 is the most powerful with 1,800 watts. You can then change the temperature up or down if you need. It's worth noting all powers are the same when it comes to sound, too. Usually the higher the power, the louder the appliance. Impressively, the Dreo space heater is just as quiet at its lowest setting as it is at its highest. 

Test 2: Eco setting 

Eco setting: When I learned this heater came with an eco mode, I was quick to test it out. We can all appreciate an energy-saving setting at the moment, and the eco option for the Dreo space heater is great. In fact, it's the pre-set I use most, if not all the time. In eco mode, the heater will automatically select its optimal heating power, depending on the set temperature and the ambient temperature. When the outside temperature reaches the set temperature, the heater will turn off automatically. When the ambient temperature drops below the setting, the heater will then turn back on, operating on a medium (H2) power. You get the idea. I usually have the temperature set at 23°C when working from home, and it didn't take long to heat up my home office.

Test 3: Fan setting

Fan setting: The fan setting is something I think you could do without — at the moment anyway. Having understood this as a heater mainly, I didn't expect it to come with a fan setting. As of yet, I've not used this setting to its full potential. It seems to work fine and gives the blast of cold air you may want when it's warmer out. But without any additional fan settings or choice of speeds, I probably wouldn't recommend buying for the fan function only. That being said, come summer I know I'll get my use out of it since it will save me from purchasing yet another appliance that will take up space. I'll update you on my experience in a few months' time when the weather gets hotter. 

Is it right for you? 

If you want a smart appliance that won't look out of place in your apartment then this heater will fit the bill. It works well, nothing I can fault, and will keep you and your space warm during these cold winter months. It won't heat large homes, and might not do the job in an open-plan space, but if you want something to sit beside you while you're working, relaxing on the couch, or getting out of bed, then this cute portable heater is ideal. 

I'm yet to mention the cost, mainly because I believe it's reasonably priced. No, it's not cheap, but it doesn't cost you hundreds either, like the Dyson Hot+Cool, for example. For $99.99/£99.99, you're getting a chic appliance that does what it claims. It's yet to break or even collect as much dust as I thought it might. Of course, I'll update you if things change. For now, renters, small space owners, and work-from-homers who love a modern look will find it's a no-brainer. 

How does it compare to switching my heating on? 

Unwillingly, I have started to switch my heating on, but it's on a timer for the morning and at night, not during the day. My roomies and I are rarely there during the day, and it doesn't make sense to rack up our energy bill if we can help it. On the days I work from home, I have felt the frosty temps though. Using the Dreo space heater has been one of the best energy-saving products I've bought. But it's worth knowing how it actually compares to turning my heating on. 

Having spoken to experts, I've found we can save 7% in energy with every degree lower we set our thermostat. To calculate the cost of the Dreo space heater, with an average power of 1100 W, or 1.1 kwh (which is the mid-setting), you need to multiply by the electricity rate pence/kWh unit. In the US, this would be 1.1*0.12 = $0.13, putting it at 13 cents per hour in December 2022. In the UK, this would be 37 pence per hour. 

It may sound a lot compared to an electric blanket, for instance, but you're still better off using this than putting your heating on, particularly during today's economic climate. It also has a timer function, which I find particularly useful. You can control how long your heater is on, helping to avoid it being on longer than necessary. 

More top picks 

About this review and our reviewer

Louise is the ecommerce editor at Real Homes and has been testing out her fair share of small appliances, bedding, and anything else you can think of for your home. As a renter with roommates, she's eager to find any products that won't cost a lot, nor take up too much space. Any energy-saving buys? She's quick to test out where she can save.

She tested the Dreo space heater over the month of December (or so) — arguably the coldest month of the year in 2022, during work-from-home days and evenings relaxing in front of the TV. Dreo gifted her this appliance and she has been allowed to keep it for personal use: yay! 

If there’s one place where you should be able to feel comfortable, it’s at home. With rising energy costs and frequent talk of future grid failures, the world seems to be filled with uncertainty right now. While many things are, naturally, out of our control, there are some ways that you can instill more confidence in your own environment. Especially as we are rapidly headed towards winter, taking the reins on your home’s power supply seems timely to say the least.

The cost of energy is one thing but what these resources are costing the environment is also cause for concern. As we’re all looking for innovative ways to be more budget and eco-friendly, considering a portable power station to effectively backup your home’s energy supply in a sustainable way means that you’ll have a little more peace of mind this winter, and beyond. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

1. Enhancing everyday living 

Designed to efficiently power your home, from running appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine to heating water for a shower, even in an outhouse or cabin, portable power stations are the future and can give households more control of their energy supply and expenditure.

Choosing a model like EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 1kWh will see your home is fully functional and comfortable in no time. Complete with a 1024Wh capacity in itself – and able to be combined with previous models for optimised energy also – the DELTA 2 offers a superior solution to many repercussions of the energy crisis. With 13 outlets, it gives households more energy freedom. Whether you need to boost everyone’s phone on a last-minute trip or simply run your coffee maker, a power supply that delivers safe usage is indispensable. Thanks to the Delta 2’s X-Boost technology, you can rest assured that you’ll get the most out of everyday high wattage appliances, without overloading them – making it a brilliant addition to modern households. 

2. Offering sustainable solutions

Gone are the days of ‘backups’ not showing up, now portable power supplies are revolutionary on all levels, from charging, to run time. DELTA 2 is both powerful and quick to charge for unparalleled reliability. Able to fire up to 80% in under an hour (50 minutes to be precise), no matter how busy and demanding your household may be, the DELTA 2 will be able to provide a reliable solution to power needs big or small.

Plus, with greener living now just as much of a priority as staying on budget, having a portable power supply that can deliver optimum performance in a way that is kind to the environment, is a big plus. A model like the DELTA 2 was built to offer a reliable but also renewable energy solution. It uses LFP batteries which are a more stable and longer-lasting alternative to traditional batteries – a major development in the energy sector –  and it can actually be charged using EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels. Taking 500 W solar output, in just three to six hours of energy-saving charging, your power supply can be ready to use. 

3. Designed to suit you on every level

With all that power, you may expect something bulky and unsightly. However, choosing a discreet portable power station like EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 that is seamless in design to suit, if not even enhance, every modern home, means you won’t have to compromise on your home’s style or sacrifice too much space either.

Built for busy lifestyles, there’s an EcoFlow app that you can use to control your DELTA 2 over Wi-Fi, or even using Bluetooth should you go off-grid. Whether you want to check charging data or customize settings to adjust the charging speed, you can do so with ease. Plus, with 1-3kWh expandable capacity, you can grow your storage depending on your household needs.

EcoFlow says that you’ll enjoy 10 years of daily use from the DELTA 2 thanks to the LFP battery chemistry allowing for 3000+ cycles, which is 6x the longevity of alternatives. Available with a 5-year warranty, investing in a revolutionary product to keep your home’s power supply not just afloat but fully functioning, from a company that’s making waves in the sustainable energy world, is a move that makes complete sense.

What's more, late October EcoFlow is launching its RIVER 2 Series featuring even more portable and affordable options. Full details will be revealed on EcoFlow websites from October 25th. 

EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace of mind to customers in over 100 markets through its portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories. EcoFlow's mission is to reinvent the way the world accesses energy by creating quiet, lighter, and longer-lasting renewable batteries. EcoFlow's products are now available in all countries and regions across Europe, supported by a network of over 800 local retailers.

It's almost October, which is normally our favourite month of the year, but since the recent news of energy price rises, it has been a month we – like most people – have been dreading. Luckily, we're to help. Not by telling you to turn your heating down by 1°C (though that might actually save a few pennies), but we've rounded up some energy-saving products that will help lower your energy bills in the long run. 

From air fryers that cost 44p to run for an hour, to an energy-saving kettle that can boil to a set temperature and keep your water hot so you needn't re-boil, it's all here. 

We've grouped together as a team and revealed the top buys we can really recommend, to help you save money (and energy) at home this winter. From our Real Homes to yours. Our team is made up of apartment dwellers, flat sharers, period home owners and everything in between. Here's what we're buying to keep costs down come October, November, December and beyond. It means spending a little, but cumulatively, we hope it saves you a lot.

Find nine top buys just below, from budget-friendly picks to more expensive investments that will surely be worth the money when the temperatures outside are in the minus numbers. Afterwards, while you're waiting for your deliveries, you can read our guide on more ways you can reduce your energy bill without spending any money at all.

9 top energy-saving products to help you save money

Take a look at some of the items that will help you economize on fuel costs this winter. Check out our Black Friday energy saving deals to get them for the best price.

What else can I replace in my home to keep warm?

There's an abundance of things you can replace in your home if you want to stay warm this winter without extra heating, but the question is: do they really need replacing, and do you have the money to do it? If you answered yes for both, then here are some suggestions from us, and from the experts over at PlumbNation.

1. A warmer duvet
Depending on the tog of your current duvet, a new winter one shouldn't go amiss. Go for something over 10 tog to keep warm as you sleep throughout the low-temperature months.

2. Thermal curtains and blinds
Speaking with PlumbNation, they recommend that “keeping your curtains closed, or investing in a thermal curtain lining can likewise help to prevent warm air from escaping – this trick alone can reduce heat loss by up to 25%".  The Deconovo Blackout Thermal Curtains from Amazon have almost 50,000 positive reviews if you're looking for a suggestion.

3. Efficient LED bulbs
It might be a given, but switching all of your lights to LED bulbs is also an easy way to save money and energy, and it might sound obvious, but using lamps instead of your main lights won't just save money but it adds ambience too.

4. Draught excluders and blockers
“Using a draught excluder is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to keep your home warm, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from leaving under your doors" we were told by PlumNation, too. If chimney draughts cause you issues, check out the Chimney Sheep from Amazon which blocks breezes, but allows ventilation.

5. Rugs and carpet
More expert advice has us looking at buying a new (and stylish) rug for each room of our house. "If you have a carpeted home then it will naturally help to boost insulation; however, if you have hard flooring investing in some good quality materials, such as a plush rug, will help to prevent heat from being lost". Head to Ruggable for high-quality rugs that you can wash time after time.

6. Cleaning your radiators
Something as simple as your cleaning routine could also save you heaps on your bills, as explained by the experts. "A buildup of dust can affect your health, allergies and your heating bill. Layers of dust in your radiator can prevent heat from escaping effectively, meaning your radiators will have to work harder to warm your room." See our guide on the best cleaning products to use at home for inspiration.

7. Clothes airers
Invest in a heated clothes airer and stop using your tumble dryer or radiators to do this, say the experts. "We would recommend that you stop using your radiators to dry your clothes. The clothes that you place over the top of your radiators prevent the heat from escaping and heating your room, meaning that your boiler has to pick up the slack and work at a greater rate – increasing costs".

8. Remove or change your radiator covers
This one is unfortunate because we love a radiator cover as much as Mrs Hinch does but it's also recommended "if you have a radiator cover make sure to check that it is a good conductor of heat" yes, go and check right now! "Radiator covers made from materials such as wood are poor conductors and can prevent heat from being dispersed effectively – wasting energy and money. Also, if your radiator cover has a solid top then you may be losing even more heat, as it will be absorbed by the top of the cover".

How can I delay turning my heating on?

We've been speaking with the experts and as well as recommending products to reduce your bills, we've also got things you can do to prevent the need to put your heating on, safely.

Chatting with Jordan Chance, a heating expert from PlumbNation, we discovered several ways to help delay the inevitable and to save a little bit of money this winter. 

“Turning on your central heating is notably one of the sure signs that winter has arrived. Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating on, many aim for the time when clocks go back, falling this year on October 30th" says Jordan. 

So, if you can, we say to use some of the above products to try and hold off on switching it on until the beginning of November. Though bear in mind that even when it is on, some of the rumours you might hear are false. “It is also important to note that leaving your heating on low all day does not reduce your heating bills!" he claims. "Having the heating on only as and when you need it, is the best way to save energy. Using a thermostat with a timer offers a simple and speedy solution to controlling your heating effectively.” 

Another reason to buy a Tado Smart Thermostat, then! And don't forget that turning your heating down will make a difference. "By turning your heating down by just 1°C, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill. The typical heating range is between 18–21°C… so why don’t you see how low you can go?".

We are tempted to put our heating on when the temperature drops rapidly between August and October, but as temperatures go, it is still relatively mild in the UK until late October. So, we hate to sound like your parents, but put a jumper on before reaching for that thermostat.

If you live in a period home, then see our dedicated guide on 20 ways you can save energy.

There aren't many things in life that sound more idyllic than cuddling up with the family in your backyard and watching your favorite movies, and portable projectors like the BenQ GS50 can make this a reality. Although full-specced models might cost an arm and a leg, the more affordable portable options offer more flexibility.

We wanted to try out the BenQ GS50 to see whether it could perform both inside and outside and whether it really was suitable for taking on the go. As one of the more visually appealing options out there, we were doubly curious about its potential.

You can read on to see our full thoughts on the device and, if you want to see how it measures up against the competition, you can take a look at our guide to the best outdoor projectors.

BenQ GS50: the important stuff

• Resolution: 1080p Full HD
• Brightness: 500 ANSI Lumens
• Speakers: 2.1-Channel w/ 10W subwoofer
• Smart TV: Android, AirPlay, Chromecast
• Contrast ratio: 100,000:1
• Min distance: 6.9ft
• Max screen size: 100"
• Dimensions: 18.6 x 15.4 x 14.6cm
• Weight: 2.3kg

Our experience setting up the BenQ GS50

The first thing you might notice when unpacking the BenQ GS50 is the carry case included in the box. This attractive grey fabric container is a great added extra from BenQ and, despite being projectors designed to be portable, not many competitors offer something like it. Inside the case, you'll find the projector, a streaming stick, a charging cable, and a remote.

The first thing you need to do is charge the projector. This took much longer than expected, so make sure you've left enough time before you want to use it. Once the battery life has been topped up, you'll get around 2.5 hours of battery life.

If you want to keep it plugged in, the projector uses 65W – costing approximately $0.02 / £0.06 for 2.5 hours of use.

Another great thing about the BenQ GS50 is the included streaming stick, which connects via the HDMI port underneath the removable panel on top of the projector. You can use the short cable provided to connect it to the power.

How does the BenQ GS50 perform?

To test out the BenQ GS50, we first set it up in the lounge. On a cloudy day, we could enjoy an episode of Grey's Anatomy with the curtains open but had to admit that we might have had a better view on our TV on the other side of the room. What we were really impressed by, however, was the projector's auto focus and keystone correction, which worked brilliantly to offer the best image whenever you moved the device, even an inch in any direction.

You can also manually adjust the picture using the remote, which allowed us to straighten things up when the projector was slightly skewed to one side. Overall it's a really seamless experience and means you'll have the ideal focus and alignment within a minute of turning on the projector.

Battery life
The promised battery life of 2.5 hours bore out in reality, as we were able to fit in a lot of playing around with settings, a few YouTube videos, and two 40-minute episodes before the battery life started flashing at us.

Audio
The GS50 has a better sound offering than other portable projectors at this price point, too, with a 2.1-channel speaker, a pair of 5W tweeters, and a 10W subwoofer offering good bass levels and clarity. Audiophiles might still want to connect their own high-end speaker, but most people will be happy with the built-in offering.

Streaming
The big downside for the BenQ GS50, though certainly not something insolated to this projector, is the lack of native Netflix support. Unfortunately, the streaming giant has been less than forthcoming with permissions for portable projectors like this, and so users are left searching for workarounds instead.

Streaming support is otherwise excellent, with Android TV for your basics and the ability to connect your own streaming stick or cast using AirPlay or Chromecast. If you really, really can't live without Netflix content, then you can cast it from your PC's Chrome browser to the projector. The phone app isn't compatible.

Brightness
With only 500 ANSI lumens, the BenQ GS50 isn't the brightest projector on the market. That said, it's not bad for a portable model, and its contrast ratio of 100,000:1 is above average. As said, watching indoors was perfectly acceptable, but we also tried out the projector in the garden.

During the day, the image was barely visible and would be no good for daytime viewing. At night, however, it was a different story. While there's no doubt that the GS50 would be best used in a completely dark environment, it works well as a way to host a movie night in the backyard. Just keep the surrounding light to a minimum.

What do we think of the BenQ GS50's design?

As portable projectors go, the BenQ GS50 is gorgeous. With its green and orange casing and leather-style carrying strap, it beats out any competition in the looks department. It may be slightly oversized if you intend to take the projector on trips, but the fabric carry case does its best to bypass that issue.

There are also a few nice touches in the build of the GS50, including an adjustable stand at the front of the base, which can be released to adjust the angle of the lens when you find yourself with a surface that's not quite high enough. This stand is a little fiddly in practice but does the job.

BenQ GS50 vs BenQ GV30

We previously tested the BenQ GS50's younger sibling, the BenQ GV30, giving it average marks for its top-notch sound, picture quality, and style. However, our criticisms were similar to those of the GS50, with a lack of brightness (at 300 ANSI lumens) and the absence of Netflix, without a workaround.

That said, the GS50 sports a higher Full HD resolution than the GV30's 720p and the design of both devices is unique and attractive. This is certainly the brand for good-looking projectors, even if they don't have the highest specs.

Our verdict after testing the BenQ GS50

The BenQ GS50 might not be our top choice for an immersive cinema experience but, as a portable outdoor option, it's one of the best out there. As such, brightness could be improved, but its contrast ratio and impressive sound really do compensate for this shortcoming. Its water-resistant and drop-proof qualities also make it a great choice for taking on camping trips or vacations, and its lovely design also gets points.

About this review

All reviews on Real Homes are based on real-life testing from our writers, with testing being done in their own homes to ensure that recommendations are as reliable as possible. The BenQ GS50 was provided for review purposes and tested at various points over several months in the reviewer's living space and garden. To find out more about our process, you can read our guide to how we test products.

The Kodak Luma 350 is a palm-sized projector that’s great fun to watch just about anywhere. It has a two-hour battery life, can be connected to a Blu-ray player or computer, and has the leading apps built in. It’s also easy to set up and has Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning you can enjoy your favorite shows projected on virtually any flat surface.

It has an 854 x 480 resolution, which, while HD isn’t as pixel perfect as some portable projectors, can still manage to cast a screen up to 150 inches. The software is based on Android OS, which helps make navigation around menus and setting up simple.  

At a mid-range price, it is also much cheaper than many of the best outdoor projectors, but how much does the added affordability impact performance, and how does it compare to other available models? We loaded up a movie or two to find out. 

Kodak Luma 350: key product specs

• Type: DLP
• Resolution: 854 x 480p
• Brightness: 200 lumens
• Max screen size: 150"
• Sound: 1 x 3W
• Dimensions: H2.8 x W11.2 x D11.2cm
• Weight: 0.34kg

Kodak Luma 350: set-up

As we’ve come to expect from modern ‘smart’ gadgets, the set-up of the Luma 350 was quick, simple, and relatively painless. However, the projector’s onboard controls are a bit fiddly, so we’d recommend using the supplied remote control for most things, or you can download the smartphone app and control everything using that. It’s a minor gripe, but we wish the remote control had batteries.

When you first turn the projector on, you’ll need to adjust the focus manually, but it’s easy to do with a gentle twist of the dial. Most portable projectors have autofocus, but it isn’t a big deal – and no doubt helps keep the price low – and the screen is super sharp with the menus easy to read.

Navigating with the remote control or app is easy and intuitive, with everything in the right place. We love that the home screen has settings, source, and streaming apps all clear, so there’s no having to deep-dive menus to find what we need.

Once connected to Wi-Fi, you can start streaming from your chosen app. Netflix, Prime, YouTube, and others are already loaded, so you simply need to input your password. Yes, it’s a faff, but it only takes a couple of minutes.

One quick tip: if you have a wired USB mouse, you can plug it into the projector and use it to navigate around, making things super simple, especially when inputting passwords. 

It’s also worth remembering that this kind of projector is useful for people doing work presentations or talks. Once you’ve plugged in a laptop via USB, it is straightforward to mirror the laptop screen to play from PowerPoint or other software. It’s also tiny, so it easily fits in a work bag.

Kodak Luma 350: performance

Being able to create a huge cinema screen from such a tiny little box is remarkable. It’s super versatile and fun to use just about anywhere. For example, we projected a screen onto the splashback in the kitchen so we could follow a YouTube recipe and even inside a playhouse with some ecstatic eight-year-olds.

But it is a little disappointing when it comes to being a serious projector for watching movies. The picture is fine at smaller screen sizes (under 30 inches), but when you supersize the screen, the projector struggles with resolution and brightness. You’ll need to keep curtains closed and lights off if you want big screen entertainment, which sadly rules it out as a viable garden projector. 

It is acceptable for casual movie viewing, but the bigger the screen, the less defined the picture will become. 

We do love the fact it is battery-powered, though, although, at just two hours, you may need a charger handy if you plan on a movie marathon.

With just one 3W speaker, the sound isn’t especially impressive, but that’s hardly surprising given the size of the unit. There is an aux-in socket, so you can use headphones or plug in a separate portable speaker.

Kodak Luma 350: design

We love the size and look of the Kodak Luma 350. It’s cute, easy to transport – it even fits in this reviewer’s pocket – and super simple to use.

It looks like many palm-sized projectors, but thanks to built-in Android, it can do much more, especially when downloading apps and streaming content. 

It really is a go-anywhere design, and we had no issues chucking it in a bag and taking it away with us camping, but it does need dark conditions if you want a big screen. If you have a blackout tent, though, the kids will love it!

How sustainable is the Kodak Luma 350?

The Kodak Luma 350, like most portable projectors, has a fixed bulb, so you can’t easily replace it. That said, the bulb has a very long rated lifetime of 30,000 hours, which should more than outlast the life of the projector itself.

If carefully looked after, we imagine the projector will last for years, but it is worth noting it only comes with a one-year warranty.

It’s disappointing to see Kodak still using foam in its packaging, but most of the box is easily recyclable.

Kodak Luma 350 vs Kodak Luma 150

While shopping for projectors, you may well come across the Luma 150, an almost identical-looking design from Kodak that costs around £100 less. It looks like a bargain and can be used to stream content, but the Luma 350 is in a different class.

Brightness is significantly better; the speaker has double the power and HD resolution. But the biggest difference is Android OS and streaming apps built-in, making it significantly more user-friendly. Spend the extra, and you won’t be disappointed. 

Kodak Luma 350: our verdict

Simple to use, easy to transport, and undeniably impressive given its size, the Kodak Luma 350 is a lot of fun if you want an affordable way to enjoy big screen action just about anywhere.

It is battery-powered and comes loaded with streaming apps, including Netflix and Prime, which elevates it above many of the similar-looking palm-sized projectors, which are predominantly designed for work presentations rather than cinema nights. The Luma 350 can also work hard for you during the day but has the added versatility of streaming built-in.

It’s affordable compared to most of the competition. Still, the payoff for value and a compact footprint is this sound quality and distinct lack of brightness which hampers its performance in anything but the darkest of conditions.

There’s no denying that we love to talk about the weather in the UK, it’s a hot topic – heatwave or not. With that in mind, the yo-yo between shorts weather – usually anything above 15 degrees... that is, until the more historic 37+ degree heatwave we saw in July – and cooler periods, can make it tricky to keep our homes comfortable. 

Whether you’re finding it hard to keep a converted basement warm or if your home office is always feeling stuffy, it may come as a surprise to know that installing an air conditioning unit could be the perfect solution.

Air conditioning units have come a long way and can actually help both cool and heat rooms when needed. They boast plenty more positive features that will contribute to a more balanced living space all around also. Here are five brilliant reasons to invest:

1. Combining cooling and heating

Air conditioning units don’t just cool a room, they can heat it too. These dual-purpose units can therefore keep rooms at a constant ambient temperature throughout the day, in all seasons. This makes them just as ideal for warmer areas – think conservatories and home gyms – where a cool breeze is usually welcome, as for cooler spots often needing added warmth like a basement or a north-facing room.

2. Energy-efficient and quiet as a whisper

Creating the perfect working and sleeping atmosphere, many air conditioning units are surprisingly quiet and use less energy, delivering up to A+++ energy efficiencies. They have consistent, low noise levels, providing constant comfort, day and night.

3. Cleaner, purified air indoors

These air conditioning units are multi-functioning and can filter the air to provide cleaner, fresher air inside your home. Offering state-of-the-art filtration, the units are able to neutralise pollutants such as pollen, dust, pet fur, mould, viruses, bacteria and other microscopic irritants down to PM2.5, helping to improve indoor air quality for the whole household.

4. Streamlined and stylish designs

Gone are the days of only being able to choose bulky white units. Ranges now include streamlined models that can be wall or floor mounted to fit in with your decor, with colours like red and black available, too. Whichever colour you go for, you’ll be able to let yours blend into the background or become a design feature in its own right. Plus, to ensure you get the look you want, Mitsubishi Electric has even developed the MEView3d app which lets you see the units in situ.

5. Low-cost cooling

The rise in energy bills is a worry for many households, but you can rest assured that Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning units run efficiently on lower power consumption, which means lower running costs. Easy to operate, Wi-Fi enabled and compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant too, there is an air conditioning unit for almost any budget and household need to streamline your day-to-day further.

To find out more about its range of home air conditioning units, visit the Mitsubishi Electric website.  Note that in the Premium range, the built-in Plasma Quad technology also inhibits SARS-COV-2 by 99.8%.*

* Derived from and subject to test results, for and on behalf of Mitsubishi Electric, conducted at the Microbial Testing Laboratory, Japan Textile Quality and Technology Center, Kobe, Japan.

Investing in something to help you cool down this summer? Enter: the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04. This versatile smart home gadget can heat or cool a room, all while purifying air at the same time. Moreover, it's as smart in looks as it is in technology. With a sleek, bladeless design to match its seamless features and functions. You can even control it using your smartphone, an Alexa device or by its easy-to-use remote control. Yes, this means you can turn it on to cool down your house before you arrive home. Genius.

I've been using the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 at home for the best part of three years now. Bearing in mind I have two pets, both of whom are serious fur shedders, I've never even had to replace the filter. I've cleaned it, of course, which is proof to me that it's working. To say that I couldn't live without this fan/purifier/heater combination would be an understatement. As a top notch fan, it has rescued me in the heatwave yet come winter, it means I can heat up just one room without having to turn my heating on throughout my entire flat.

Because this is an investment buy, we decided to review it all those years ago in hopes it would stand the test of time and surprise surprise: it did. So, if you're looking to invest in something to help control the temperature and clean the air inside your home, then let this be it. Read on to find out more about this clever little buy, then, check out our best air purifiers guide afterwards, if you like.

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 specifications

• Recommended room size: 800 sqft
• Smart?: Yes
• Works with: Alexa
• Noise: 54-81dBs
• Filter: HEPA
• CADR: 80
• Speeds: 10
• Dimensions: H30.1 x W9.7 x D9.7in
• Weight: 12.4lbs

Who will the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 suit?

Anyone and everyone, no matter the size of their home. It's great used as a fan in a hot bedroom at night, or if your living room is feeling nippy and you don't want to turn the heating on all over the house. It's a great buy for smartphone owners, too. While the Hot + Cool remote works perfectly well, the app you can download onto your phone is even better, allows for more functions, and is easier to use.

Moreover, since testing this fan we gained a furry addition to our household. He sleeps in our room, on the floor. Even then, he still sheds an incredible amount of hair, and with another being breathing while we sleep, we've really noticed how helpful the purifying aspect of this device is.

Does the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 need assembling?

The machine arrives fully assembled, bar the filter inside, the only part which needs to be set up. The filter comes in two different parts – one (blue) made from activated carbon to trap gases, and another (purple) HEPA filter to remove allergens and pollutants as small as 0.1 microns. 

When it's time to change your filter, you'll be informed via the app; they usually have a life of around one year, depending on use. You can check the remaining life on your filter in the settings on the app, too.

How easy is the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 to use?

Using the machine is pretty straightforward. I could probably do it with my eyes closed now. You can power it up by pressing the button on the device, on the remote, or via the app on your smartphone remotely.

After that, the Dyson HP04 begins purifying, expelling either hot or cold air. In cold months, you can set your required room temperature and the fan will maintain it; during warmer months, you can use the fan mode to set its speed to suit your preference. 

And, you can see room temperature and air quality stats displayed on a circular screen below the power button, too. We explain more about these below.

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04: performance

In terms of cooling, it's worth remembering that a fan's job isn't to lower the temperature of a room, but to shift air onto you, creating a cooling effect. The fan function does a pretty good job of it, and we did find that having the cooling mode on at fan speeds five and six quickly made us feel cooler.

As for heating a room, it does a rather spectacular job in a short space of time. Our living room is around 6m x 5m and is well insulated; within just 10 to 15 minutes of use, the Dyson HP04 had got it to our preferred temperature – and, thanks to the insulation, that's all we needed all evening. 

Let me give you an example: at 23:03, I turned the heater function on, setting the desired temperature to 25°C (toasty). The room temperature at that point was 22°C and the PM2.5 (air pollution, more on that below) at 44. Within four minutes, we began to feel the heat and the PM2.5 had dropped by four (below right). 

At 23:12, just nine minutes later, the temperature had risen to 24°C and PM2.5 was down to 34, a healthy level (below left). At 23:15, the room had reached our desired temperature of 25°C and the PM2.5 went down by 13 (below right). 

Let's talk air purifying: unlike basic fans, which just move air about, the Dyson HP04 purifies the air. We've recently had our living room painted and it shows up on the VOC (volatile organic compounds – particles that enter the air as a result of 'gas off' from paint, cleaning products and even new furniture) stats after a day or two of not having our back door open. With doors open and before having the room painted, the stat was at one; just after the decorating, it had reached four. After a couple of days of us being out at work and doors and windows being shut, the Particulate matter (PM2.5) number was up to 15; after a half-hour of using the air purifier function, it was back down to two.

What about air-purifying and cooling together? One morning, I set the machine to purify and cool our (15 sqm) bedroom. At 8 am, our bedroom was 22ºC (the window had been shut all night and we'd been hot), the PM2.5 was at 87 (35 and under is good) and the PM10 (dust, mold, and pollen) bar was full, while the VOCs were low (see picture, below right). At 8:17, I sprayed some deodorant and perfume in the room, causing it to change to 'Extremely Poor', with 166 PM2.5, causing the screenshot (below right). You can see that the VOC rating shot up immediately by a few bars, as well as the PM2.5. 

After leaving the fan to do its thing for 17 minutes, the machine managed to get the PM2.5 and PM10 ratings down by quite a lot (see, at 8:34, below left); the PM2.5 dropped from 166 to 28, which is classed at good. However, the VOC rating persisted to stay the same, causing the overall air quality to be rated as fair until 08:49. This means the fan took 49 minutes to change the air quality in our bedroom from 87, with a deodorant-induced hiccup in the middle, to 18 – that's a decrease of 69. Not too shabby.

It's also worth noting that during this time we had no windows or doors open.

How else did we use this machine? We live in a flat and don't have a tumble dryer, so we dry clothes inside while we're out at work. The built-in purifier works a treat and the relative humidity stats are extremely helpful.

What else did we like? While it can be moved around with the remote, you can also direct the airflow up and down by hand to suit your needs. 

Using the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 remote control

Still, to this day, we don't use the remote control (pictured above) very much as we mostly control the Hot + Cold through our phones or via Alexa, which we found more user-friendly. However, it's pretty simple to use. There's a power button at the top and an information button next to it, which changes the stats displayed on the machine's mini-screen (you can see all the stats listed below). 

You can use it to control airflow speed, ranging from one to 10, and set room temperature between 1°C and 37°C degrees. The auto button will turn the machine on to a speed that's right for the room (pre-set by you). 

The blue dot enables cool mode. The two arrows turn oscillation on and off – you can choose between it moving 45, 90, 180, or 350 degrees. There's an airflow direction button, and you can choose for the airflow to be pushed out the front or the back of the machine. The timer button allows you to set the fan to run for 30 minutes, or one, two, four, or eight hours, after which it will turn off automatically. The night mode sets the Hot + Cold to quiet mode and dims the LCD screen.

Last but not least, the compact and slim remote control is magnetic, and can be attached to the top of the machine to ensure it doesn't get lost. Handy.

Using the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 app

An extremely easy-to-use piece of software, the Dyson app is one we couldn't fault. Simply download the app, then pair it with your Hot + Cold; you'll be greeted with the home screen (see the green screen, above right). 

Once you've input your location, you can see the AQI (Air Quality Index) outside: low being the best and very high being the worst. You can also see the outdoor temperature, the outdoor humidity, and pollen levels displayed. The data collects the dominant types of pollen in your region (mine was tree and grass pollen). It then shows whether the count is low or high.

Below that, in a highlighted house-shaped box, you can see what the air quality is like inside your home. The scale ranges from severe to extremely poor, very poor, poor, fair, and good. The latter means there are very low levels of microscopic particles and VOCs in your home. 

Underneath the AQI you will see temperature, humidity, and PM2.5. Then, there's the display of daily and weekly averages of all stats so you can easily compare.

To the bottom left of the screen, there's a button to open up the smartphone remote. The remote (black screen, above left) has all the same functions as the physical remote, but it's easier to use – and the timer can be turned on for nine hours instead of only eight.

At the bottom right of the screen, you can schedule the Hot + Cold to turn on and off. This is where it gets (even more) interesting. As long as your Dyson HP04 is plugged into the wall, it can control itself once you've scheduled it to run at certain times on certain days. You can choose from morning, evening, night or all day and then the days of the week, the start and finish time. You can control its every move with the app, not just timings but right down to choosing whether you'd like it to be on Night Mode, how you want it to oscillate and what direction you'd like the air to flow.

*UPDATE* The app is still exactly the same, and easy to use as ever.

Using the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 with Alexa

Say 'Alexa, turn Dyson Purifier on', and it will. You can line up Alexa to change any of Dyson's settings, too, such as to enable oscillation, increase temperature, set a target temperature, and more. 

Another thing you can do is ask your Alexa-enabled device for feedback from the fan. It can then tell you what the air quality is like both indoors and out, as well as the humidity level and other stats.

You can also ask Alexa (and this is one of our favorites) how long the filter has left before it needs replacing. How smart is that?

Alexa isn't just useful for controlling the machine, but also useful for when there's a problem with it. Simply say, 'Alexa, ask Dyson if there's a fault', and you'll get the info you need.

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04: the stats explained

• Air quality index (AQI): a suggestion of when to activate your machine. Air quality will be rated from severe to very good, and when on auto mode, the machine will do everything it can to get you from worst to best. 
• Indoor temperature: shown in degrees Celsius, this is room temperature. 
• Relative humidity (RH): the amount of water vapor in the air. 
• Particulate matter (PM2.5): how many microscopic particles smaller than 2.5microns are in the room, whether it be from smoke, bacteria, or allergens. Ideally, you want between 0 to 35, with 251 and over being classed as severe. 
• Particulate matter (PM10): the amount of microscopic particles found up to 10 microns in size. This includes dust, mold, and pollen. Ideally, you want between 0 to 50, and 421 plus is severe. 
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): harmful odors found in cleaning products, paint, or new furnishings; 0 to 3 is classed as good, while anything over 9 is very poor. 
• Nitrogen dioxide and oxidizing gases (NO²): harmful gases released into the air by combustion, for example burning gas from cooking and vehicle exhaust emissions; 0 to 3 is good while 9 and over is poor. This will also depend on whether the area you live in is heavily polluted. 

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04: design

Unlike many other fans, heaters, and purifiers, the Dyson HP04 looks pretty swanky. It's also quite small at just 76cm high, making it ideal for those who don't fancy having a huge towering machine in their bedroom or living room. It is, however, a bit bulky in comparison to Dyson's other models, such as the AM07. 

Maintaining the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04

We've had the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 in our bedroom for rougly three years now. And apart from a regular dust and a wipe down with a damp cloth, we've had no issues with it. This really does prove that you get what you pay for, as it has been super low maintenance.

We have never been told by the app to change the filter, or even to clean it, but we did do this recently just for peace of mind. To do this, I took off both covers (as seen below) and took them to my bin. I held them over my bin and scraped the dust off of them, and they look pretty much as good as new. Easy peasy!

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

Dyson makes a huge range of fans, heaters, humidifiers and purifiers. However, this is the only model they make that heats and cools, as well as purifies. Here's how the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 compares with other models.

In the UK
The Dyson Pure Cool™ purifying fan is taller and thinner than the HP04. It does everything other than heat a room, however, it is only controllable by remote, not by app. It retails at £349.99.

The Dyson Cool™ tower cooling fan only cools, it doesn't heat nor purify the air. It's designed for larger spaces and much like the model above can only be controlled via its remote. This machine's RRP is £349.99.

The first ever Dyson Pure Hot & Cool retails at £399.99. This offers the same features as the HP04, though it;s not smart so you can only control it via its remote control.

In the US
You'll find more models of the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool in the US. They've got the HP01, HP04, HP07, and the HP09. 

The HP01 is the predecessor of this model and is the cheapest at $499.99. It can heat, purify and cool a room and can be controlled via a remote. It's not smart like the HP04 and cannot be controlled via a phone or Alexa device.

For comparison purposes, the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 comes in at £349.99/$549.99, too. So, in our opinion, you might as well get something that can do three things in one, and something that can be controlled by your phone.

Our verdict of the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04

The Dyson HP04 works really well, it makes itself invaluable by doing more than just expelling cold air, and the smart capability makes it just that bit more user-friendly. We loved being in the kitchen and asking our Alexa Echo Show to turn on the fan so that our bedroom temperature would be just right for bedtime.

You need the Dyson app if you want to get the best out of this fan/heater/air purifier. Plus, it's pretty pricey. That being said, it does do three jobs in one neat package.

Overall, we totally think it's worth the price tag especially considering its quality and design. We would buy one for each room if we could!

Ever been frustrated by the lack of physical photos in your home? In the days before Instagram and Facebook, it seemed we all had a case of old snaps we could pour over with friends and family from time to time, but, in the digital age, these have become a thing of the past. However, companies like Canon are heroically trying to bring back the physical print with devices like the Canon SELPHY Square QX10.

The Canon QX10 could be described as a less well-known competitor to HP's Sprocket range, which offers the same pocket-sized aesthetic and photo-focused printing. However, the QX10 is slightly different in producing those pics, using dye sublimation technology instead of thermal printing. It's a little more advanced method that should make for better quality photos in the long run. 

We tried out the QX10 on our own snaps to see if it could really get us to put evidence of our treasured memories somewhere other than Instagram (or the back of our phone's photo app). You can read our thoughts on its pros and cons below, and to see how it measures up against other models, head over to our guide to the best small printers.

Canon SELPHY Square QX10: Key specs

• Type: Photo printer
• Printing speed: 43 seconds/photo
• Resolution: 287 x 287dpi
• Photo size: 2.7 x 2.7in
• Tray capacity: 10 pages
• Printer dimensions: H5.6 x W4in
• Weight: 1lbs

Canon SELPHY Square QX10: Set-up

Included in the box for the Canon SELPHY Square QX10 are the printer, paper cassette, user manual, and USB charging cable. Our sample came with the ink cartridge already installed, but you can easily do this yourself via a slot on the side. Paper is loaded from the top of the device.

The first thing you will want to do is charge your printer, and this is very easy with the USB cable provided. Once this is done, you can print photos at your leisure from wherever you want. There are two lights – 'charge' and status' – on the front of the device beside the power button that will let you know when you can disconnect and go about your business.

The most significant part of the set-up is downloading the SELPHY app, where you will choose and customize your photos. Get this, register, and select the QX10 from the menu to add your printer to the account.

Canon SELPHY Square QX10: Performance

As mentioned, the SELPHY Square QX10 is a dye sublimation printer, which works by heating ink and transferring it to the page. For those who haven't seen this type of printer in action, it might be slightly disconcerting when your images first come out bright yellow – this is just the first of three stages, adding yellow, red, and blue in sequence to eventually create a full-color photo.

Before this, however, there were seemingly endless ways to customize your snaps, whether adding virtual stickers, frames, or text. It makes the whole thing a fun, creative activity rather than just a way to immortalize your Instagram feed.

We had fun choosing which pictures in our photo reel would get the SELPHY treatment, and the results were great quality prints. The paper also has a sticky underside if you want to use your pictures for scrapbooking or something similar.

On a subsequent printout, however, the Canon SELPHY Square QX10 jammed, forcing us to abandon the ink cartridge included in the package. This would have meant that we would need a replacement very early on, which would have set us back in the range of $15 (they are £15.99 in the UK) for a replacement pack of paper and ink. It was a slightly disappointing end to our testing process.

Canon SELPHY Square QX10: design

The Canon SELPHY Square QX10 looks pretty functional but still smart. It's also available in four colors – black (which we tested), white, pink, and minty green. Unfortunately, there's no display to see how your prints are doing, so you'll need to rely entirely on the app on your phone screen. For a mobile printer, that's not really a big drawback. 

It's really a very simple device that will serve as a relief for those who don't want a million features to contend with. The QX10 has been designed with casual users in mind, which is appropriate.

Canon SELPHY Square QX10: cost & sustainability

While the Canon SELPHY Square QX10 is reasonably priced for a mini portable model, keeping the printer running is another matter. As previously mentioned, the replacement package of paper and ink (we could not find them being sold separately) costs around $15 and includes enough for just 20 prints. That works out to 75c per photo, so you better choose carefully. 

Canon SELPHY Square QX10: our verdict

The Canon SELPHY Square QX10 is a great device for those who want to be able to print out their photos, but don't want to compromise on the technology used to do so. It's fun to use and saves a trip to the printers but might end up costing a pretty penny once you factor in replacement ink and paper. This is something to consider if you have already embraced the photo printing apps that do your prints for free and only demand postage.

It won't be any good for those who want full-size prints or something other than images, but if you like the small size and stickable paper, it's ideal. We can see it being great fun for hosting a photo booth at a wedding or baby shower.

About this review, and the reviewer

Caroline is the smart home editor for Real Homes, spending her days trying and writing about anything from the latest smart speaker to home office essentials like small printers. Operating from home herself, she has a pretty good handle on what remote workers want and need from their technology and applies that first-hand experience to her reviews. A sample of the Canon SELPHY Square QX10 was kindly provided for testing purposes. For more on our testing process, you can take a look at our guide to how we review.

The BenQ GV30 offers an altogether different take on the classic dull movie projector. The look of the GV30 is closer to a wheel of cheese – complete with holes over the speakers – compared to a traditional square projector. Nevertheless, it’s a cute battery-powered design. Moreover, it comes loaded with clever features designed to make it easy to enjoy movies on the big screen virtually anywhere you can find a flat white surface.

As well as 720p HD resolution and a maximum screen dimension of 120”, the GV30 has powerful 2.1 stereo sound, a super simple setup, and an Android TV streaming dongle to get you bingeing box sets in your backyard in no time.

But with so many great home projectors already available for around the same price, does the GV30 have the performance to back up the eye-catching design? Take a look at our guide to see how it measures up against the other best outdoor projectors, or keep reading to see how the GV30 fared during testing.

BenQ GV30: key specs

• Resolution: 720p HD
• Brightness 300 nits
• Screen size: 30"–120"
• Streaming: Android 9.0 TV streaming dongle included
• Projection angle: 135° with Auto Focus and Vertical Keystone
• Sound: 2.1 stereo
• Battery life: 2.5hrs
• Smart? Google Assistant voice control

BenQ GV30: set-up

If you buy a cinema-quality projector, the correct set-up is vital to create the best possible image. It takes skill and knowledge to get it right, but thankfully portable projectors have been (mostly) designed with ease of use in mind. The BenQ GV30 is an excellent example of a plug-and-play projector that had us up and watching Amazon Prime in less than five minutes.

Paper instructions were clear but minimal and required us to pop off the back of the device and insert the supplied Android streaming dongle inside. It’s a bit of an odd decision by BenQ, but it only took a minute.

Once connected, rested on its stand, turned on, and pointed at a wall, the onscreen menu – which will be instantly familiar to anyone who has used an Android smartphone – takes you through the various logins for your Wi-Fi, YouTube, Amazon Prime, etc. It’s all nice and straightforward, even if you need to enter a few passwords using a small remote control.

As for screen set-up, the GV30 virtually sets itself up, tweaking the focus, alignment, and keystone adjustments depending on its position. Tilt the projector up, and the sensors will adjust the screen size and shape accordingly. This is where the round ‘cheese’ design works brilliantly, meaning you can change screen position without having to stack it up on a pile of books, as is often the case.

As well as using the Android 9.0 HDMI dongle to stream wirelessly from phones, tablets, and computers using Chromecast and AirPlay, you can also plug in your laptop, Blu-ray, or games console into the separate HDMI socket, plug into the USB-C socket, and stream with compatible devices, use headphones via the minijack socket or stream music via Bluetooth.

BenQ GV30: performance

Once up and running, the GV30 was enormous fun to watch. We enjoyed big screen breakfasts in the dining room, a lazy Sunday morning watching terrible zombie movies in the bedroom, and Jedi fun in the garden with a white sheet and Obi-Wan Kenobi from Disney+.

It's portable, versatile, and easy to use, but it isn't perfect. Firstly, at 2.5hrs, the battery life is a little lacking, especially if someone wants to watch the latest superhero films and doesn't have a plug close by. Of course, these films are arguably too long in the first place, but that's not the point.

The second issue was that the image quality suffered in natural light. Even at dusk, the black tones were all but washed out. You can still enjoy the content, but it isn't as engaging as a TV would be, even if the screen is 90" wide. It's a shame as the 500 ANSI Lumen rating is higher than most and looks fabulous in a darkened room.

The fact it only has 720p resolution rather than 1080p or 4K isn't that much of an issue here, and we never experienced any pixelation, even when we stretched the screen size. Of course, images can look a little smoothed off around the edges rather than crisp, but we shouldn't expect pixel perfection on the patio. Fast action sequences also tend to blur, but this is true of most portable designs. 

The sound quality, however, was really impressive, with the 2.1 stereo speakers (including an 8W subwoofer) delivering remarkable results, helping enormously to create an immersive atmosphere, with loud action sequences and conversations both crystal clear. They're also suitable for music streaming, with plenty of punch.

Irritatingly Netflix has not yet got round to making their services fully available on portable projectors like this, so if you want to watch the streaming platform, you will need a workaround. Again, these are an irritation, but you can plug your laptop or phone into the HDMI or USB-C port and stream that way, use Apple AirPlay, or in this case, sign up for the preloaded app which has access to Netflix. Annoyingly you will also need to use BenQ's Smart Remote app to control it, which is another faff, but you can get there in the end.

BenQ GV30: Design

The round design of the GV30 stands it out from the rest. It’s certainly more eye-catching than most, but a projector isn’t really designed to be looked at. The round design and supplied stand do, however, make adjusting the screen position straightforward. It’s a great example of where form and function happily collide.

It’s a bit too big to stash in your hand luggage - you need the Anker Nebula Capsule for that – but for at-home use, the 1.6kg design is easy enough to carry from room to room. We left the GV30 on a side table, and visitors commented on its design but assumed it was a Bluetooth speaker, not a projector. In reality, if we owned the GV30, we would keep it safe in the supplied protective case until needed.

BenQ GV30: sustainability & longevity

Projector power usage varies greatly, with the smallest designs using just 50W and the larger home cinema options pulling a whopping 800W. On the other hand, the BenQ GV30 uses just 65W power consumption (average), which is excellent.

The LED bulb used has a quoted lifespan of 20,000 hours in ‘normal’ mode and 30,000 hrs in ‘eco’ mode. This is pretty standard for a small LED bulb, and BenQ offers a warranty on their bulbs limited to 1 year or 2000 hrs (equivalent hours), whichever comes first. So chances are you won’t need to replace the bulb, but BenQ does offer a repair service if something goes wrong.

As is typical for small electricals, the GV30 is made in China. As a result, all the cardboard boxes can be recycled, although some unnecessary plastic will be heading to the landfill. We like that the robust storage box doubles as shipping protection instead of using more plastic. 

BenQ GV30 vs GV1: a comparison

BenQ’s original, affordable portable speaker, the GV1, has a super compact design with an innovative tilting head. Unfortunately, despite costing less, it no longer keeps pace with its bigger brother. On the other hand, key aspects of the GV30 are significantly better, with higher resolution (720p up from 480p), brightness (300 ANSI Lumen instead of 200), and greater connectivity. 

The GV1 is brilliantly compact, however, and offers a slightly longer 3hr battery life using only 23W of power, but if we had to choose, the GV30 would win hands down, even though it costs a little more. 

BenQ GV30: our verdict

Stylish, reliable, and fun, the GV30 has been a pleasure to test. It rarely missed a beat, and the online menu system is refreshingly familiar as it mainly relies on Android. Furthermore, with Google Assistant built-in, we could just ask for content, which played instantly, which is a nice bonus.

There are loads of major streaming services available using the supplied Android dongle, and if you really need Netflix, you can find a workaround, even if it isn’t that straightforward. What is easy, though, is positioning the projector just about anywhere. The easily adjustable circular design and auto-adjust feature make the set-up brilliantly simple.

The only major issue we had with the GV30 is its performance in anything but darkness, with the image often looking washed out with even a crack of natural light in the room. It’s still a fun watch and great in the dark, but it would become irritating if you were thinking of swapping your TV for this particular projector.

About this review, and the reviewer

Chris is a UK-based freelance writer for Real Homes, providing a range of reviews and product roundups based on extensive testing in his own home. He has written for a huge array of titles, including WIRED, T3, Ideal Home, Tesco Magazine, and many more. A sample of the BenQ GV30 was kindly provided for review purposes. You can read more about our review policy in our guide about how we test products.

When summer kicks in, it can get a little stuffy indoors — especially if you live in a tiny rental, dorm, or your parents' loft. Fortunately, you don't need to invest in a household air conditioner just yet. Aside from picking up a handy household fan or getting in on the portable fan trend, there's one long-term but affordable solution: the portable air conditioner. 

Consider this a must if your space is especially hot. Why? Because at a certain point, a fan just ends up blowing hot air around the room. A portable air conditioner, however, takes the hot air from the room and releases cooler air. Here, you can splash out on something fairly substantial or indulge in myriad cheap but effective options out there. This might mean a unique personal cooler that uses ice cubes or more of a traditional, hosed design.

Quick Menu:
1. Portable air conditioners
2. Small portable air conditioners
3. Cheap portable air conditioners

It can be tricky terrain finding the right appliance or mini appliance for your needs. That's why I've spent hours poring through options on the web, ensuring you get only the best. Indeed, these were highly rated by shoppers, earning big compliments for their functionality and cooling qualities. Sure, picking out an AC is hardly the most glamorous part of interior design, but my picks are some of the sleekest, most elegant you'll find. Now, let your cool girl summer commence, and let's finally cool down that room of yours.

The best portable air conditioners to buy

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing.

Portable air conditioners

Unlike your typical household air conditioning system, portable ones can be moved around to suit your needs. This makes them a great option for who have decided not to turn the AC on at night. Moving back in with your parents after college? Perfect. Heading to a new apartment? No problem. These designs follow your lead.

Small portable air conditioners

After a daintier option that you can transport with even more ease? Say no more. These mini ACs are just what you've been looking for, and they're even cheaper. Get involved. 

Cheap portable air conditioners

Look, you're already saving a whole lot of money by opting for a portable air conditioner, but that doesn't mean you can't lessen the price more. Yep, these unspeakably affordable designs provide major air-conditioning credentials without skimping on performance. All under $50.

FAQs

Where to buy a portable air conditioner

Still trawling the web for your perfect portable air conditioner? Take a leaf out of our book, and check out the top retailers below.

• Amazon portable air conditioners
• Target portable air conditioners
• Walmart portable air conditioners
• Wayfair portable air conditioners

How we chose these portable air conditioners

We whittled down our list of the best portable air conditioners on the criteria of practicality and style — both in equal measure. By closely examining the reports left by reviewers and customers, we were able to build a strong roster. While we haven't been able to test each and every product just yet, we're confident these will please. All of them earned a minimum of four stars — not to mention kind words aplenty.

Okay: You're probably reading this because you need to get cool, stat. Your home is hot, you've broken out your best cooling fan, and it just doesn't seem to be doing anything. That's the worst, TBH.

Intense heat can make the air in the house super warm, which means that even when you have a fan on, you can feel like you're just blowing around desert-hot air. Which basically defeats the point of having the fan on in the first place, right?

Luckily, there's a range of ways to make the most out of your fan, even if you don't have a fancy AF fan that does it for you. These hacks are all super low-budget, so you don't need to buy any fancy equipment and can try them right away.

Scroll on down for the best ways to get your fan to blow cold air ASAP...

Five amazing hacks for making your fan blow cold air

1. Position the fan on the floor

Hot air rises, while cool air always stays closer to the ground. That's science, people. So, if you position your fan on the floor, it's more likely to blow cooler air than if you were to put it on a desk or table. 

2. Fill a bucket with ice and water bottles

I've used this hack countless times and can confirm that it really does work. All you need to do is grab a tub or bucket, fill it with ice-cold water (add ice to keep it cold), and put some bottles of ice-cold water inside the bucket. Then, direct the fan at the bucket with the water bottles. This will result in the fan blowing around cooler air around your room. Pretty smart, right?

3. Air dry laundry and point the fan at it

Want to know the good news about a heatwave? You can stop using your tumble dryer for the duration of it. And, not only will your clothes dry faster inside your home, but you can also use the laundry as a cooling aid for your fan. Simply direct the fan at the drying laundry to achieve cooler air. BTW, this is even better if you're washing large items like bedding and towels. 

4. Direct your fan outside the window

This may seem counterintuitive, but trust me, directing your fan out the window instead of in your room will help you cool down the space better. This sucks the stale air out of the room, while fresh air is drawn in from the other window. By doing this, not only will you improve the air quality, but you'll ensure fresh air is circulated quickly around the room. Love it.

5. Place a box fan in the doorway

Got a box fan? They're super easy to carry around any home, and you don't need to worry about them falling over. By placing yours outwards in the doorway, you can create an exhaust effect that will push warm air out of the room, and then draw in cooler air from other rooms. Super smart. This is also a great solution if you're wondering whether you should turn the AC on at night or not.

FAQs

Up next: 10 easy ways to cool down a hot room 

Photo prints have returned to our otherwise digital lives and are here to stay. At least that’s what Canon hopes for with its modern and versatile SELPHY CP1300 photo printer, designed for fast and easy home printing.

We have an ever-growing collection of digital photos on our smartphones and computers, so it can be fun to see them come alive with tactile prints and postcards. Viewing life’s memories on a screen is one thing, but holding special moments in hand or adding to a family album can become a more satisfying experience. 

To see if taking the photo lab home is more than just a short-term pastime, we test-drove the Canon SELPHY 1300 with various paper formats. And, if you want to see how it measured up against other models, hop on over to our guide to the best small printers.

Overall, we can see the longevity in having a modern photo printer that is compact, user-friendly, and prints good quality photos without having to order from a photo lab – convenience is key for home printing, after all.

Canon SELPHY CP1300: Key specs

• Print technology: dye-sublimation
• Screen: multi-language 3.2in LCD tilt-up 
• Max print size: 4 x 6in
• Max resolution: 300 x 300dpi
• Connectivity: WiFi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, USB, SD
• Power: Mains, optional battery (sold separately)
• Colors: Black, white, pink
• Dimensions: L7.1 x W5.4 x H2.5in (without a paper cassette attached)
• Weight: 1.9 lbs 

Canon SELPHY CP1300: Set-up

Our Canon SELPHY CP1300 came preloaded with ink, but installing it is as easy as opening up the side compartment and inserting the ink cartridge. Unlike a traditional printer,  SELPHY CP1300 doesn't have a tray to load the paper and uses a paper cassette instead. It attaches to the front of the printer with the blank paper sheets enclosed, and the printer ejects all printed photos on top of the cassette. 

You will also notice some paper packs have different ink cartridges, so you will need to switch between them if you alternate between paper sets. It may also seem wasteful to have a plastic ink cartridge that lasts 108 prints at most, as is the case for the postcard-sized kit, while the sticker paper set only holds ink for 18 sheets.

Once you have attached the paper cassette, the next step is to connect to your device – WiFi connection is likely the universal way to connect using different devices. Still, you can also use Mopria Print Service, which easily connects Android devices to certified printers, or opt for AirPrint if you use iOS. If you have any photos on a USB memory stick or an SD card, you can use those directly on the printer.

We were impressed with the ease of setup no matter what device we used to print from. Of course, this could make it a perfect choice for social activities such as family events, wedding receptions, or kids' birthday parties where a group of people can connect and print memories to take home or entertain the guests. 

Canon SELPHY CP1300: Performance

This is a small, portable printer that prints well. The colors were mostly vibrant and reasonably accurate, and even black-and-white photos had deep blacks and crisp whites. In addition, the dye-sublimation print technology Canon SELPHY CP1300 gives images you can handle right away – you won't have to worry about accidentally smudging the colors.

When you print for the first time, don't be surprised to see the first time paper comes out, it only has yellow dye. The printer applies color in four stages, and for each one, the paper comes out at the front before it's finally ejected when printing is done.

We noticed the printer doesn't show current ink levels on the screen, which means you're left guessing, especially if you use several packs of paper and ink without keeping track of how many prints you've done so far. 

The different print options, like ID printing, collages, photo-booth prints,  and others, make it a good choice for general family use and crafts. Still, you could also use it for printing plain postcards and general photo keepsakes. The same goes for paper choices – if stickers are not your thing, simple postcards or 4x6in paper packs may be the better choice.

Printing even the simplest digital memories is tremendous fun, and it's easy to go through a whole pack of prints quickly. The price per print comes out comparable to a consumer photo lab. Hence, while you're not saving much money by printing at home, it is still a more personal and enjoyable experience than heading to a photo kiosk.

One issue we ran into was getting some dust or pet hair either onto the paper cassette or ink cartridge. The prints came out with minor visual imperfections akin to analog film that sometimes get scratches or dust, but if you handle the printer with care, it should not be a regular occurrence.

Canon SELPHY CP1300: Design

Not as small as simpler Polaroid-style printers, the Canon SELPHY 1300 is still portable and easy to store away in a drawer or cupboard when not in use. You can pick from a black, white, or pink design, with the latter two likely popular for family use. 

Though our test unit came with a battery pack, sadly, if you want to use it on the go, you have to buy the battery separately. We stored the printer on the corner of our home office desk but be mindful that when in use, the paper cassette will add to its size at the front.

The tilt-up screen is a nice touch, so you can see the printer menu without having to stand up if you print at your desk, but it's not a touch screen, so you still have to navigate using the buttons.

From a distance, the printer does not look too dissimilar to a retro CD or cassette player, which could fit a specific room aesthetic. Still, if you want to keep it dust and pet hair free (and avoid it getting inside the paper cassette), it may be an excellent choice to store it away when not in use.

Canon SELPHY CP1300: Our verdict

Having used printers with fewer functions, the Canon SELPHY CP1300 stands out as a tiny powerhouse that can print anything you need, from passport-style ID photos to family album prints. It doesn’t quite rival results from a professional photo lab, but it’s an adequate alternative to consumer labs. 

Suppose you like to tinker with creative ideas, enjoy collecting photo memories, or have children in the family. In that case, the printer will be a great, entertaining alternative to ordering online, even if it does work out to a similar price per print. 

About this review, and the reviewer

Anete is a freelance writer and product reviewer in the tech industry, ranging from photography software to home living products for a modern lifestyle. As a self-taught photographer, she is always on the lookout for user-friendly smart home and business devices that don’t take a genius to figure out. When she is not working at her desk, Anete can be found creating artistic projects and looking for ways to make her home smarter and more organized. 

The Tower Xpress Pro Combo air fryer is not the does-it-all air fryer that you'll see in our best air fryer guides. Instead, it meets quite a specific requirement for those with limited kitchen access, a shortage of cooking space, or a rubbish oven that makes substandard roast dinners. 

Bridging the gap between the American-style toaster oven and the conventional air fryer, this 10-in-1 countertop cooker not only circulates hot air to cook food from all angles, but it also comes with attachments that can be used to grill, air fry, rotisserie, and roast a variety of different foods. 

I put the Tower Xpress Pro Combo to the test for over a month, making roast vegetables, rotisserie kebabs, bacon, and air-fried chicken burgers to see how well it held up in a busy kitchen.

While I don't think I'll be swapping out my air fryer any time soon, it certainly offers some added cooking functions that you won't find anywhere else. It's not the most tactile, and I struggled a bit with handling the inserts. Regardless, it's a versatile choice that could put your oven out of a job. 

Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer specs

• Capacity: 11 litres
• Size (cm): H33.9 x W32.4 x D38.2
• Settings: Air fry, dehydrate, rotisserie, grill, and roast
• Comes with: Rotisserie fork and handle reversible chargrill and pizza plate, 3 x air flow racks, 10 x rotating kebab skewers, non-stick oil tray, multi-function wire rack, heatproof finger mitts
• Power: 2000 watts
• Cost to run this air fryer (per hour): 68p
• RRP: £139.99

Setting up the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer

The Tower Xpress Pro Combo came, predictably, packaged in mostly single-use and non-recyclable packaging. A lot of the component parts came wrapped in what felt like unnecessary plastic, and there was polystyrene at the top and bottom of the air fryer itself. 

Once out of the box, I was struck by the size, which is tall but not too wide, and quite hefty. The Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer claims to have an 11-litre capacity, but this wouldn't be a fair comparison to drawer-style air fryers, where you can stack a lot of food inside one basket. On the Tower Xpress Pro Combo, you need to use different levels and stack your food in one layer across the whole cooking shelf, so you won't get the full 11-litre capacity of cooking space. 

This air fryer comes with a lot of parts. There is a plate that can be heated and used for grilling and searing, a shelf that can toast multiple slices of bread at once, a rotisserie for chicken or other cuts of meat, and a kebab shelf that rotates and will (in theory) fit 10 kebabs at once. 

I got the most use out of the three cooking shelves, which have an open-grid design that allows air to circulate while cooking your food from all angles. You also get a non-stick drip tray that needs to sit at the bottom of the air fryer while it cooks. This is essential, so use it with every dish you cook. 

A drawer air fryer will allow you to open and close the cooking basket with a handle, meaning you won't burn your hand when cooking. With an air fryer like the Tower Xpress Pro Combo, you will have to handle the hot shelves like you would in an actual oven, so Tower gives you some mini oven gloves to keep you from hurting your hands. Cute! 

It's worth noting that the handle can be a little stiff, and this level of rigidity should be noted if you're using it for the first time. While you shouldn't expect to slam the door closed, the lever mechanism might feel inflexible initially but nothing to ruin the cooking experience.

Roasting vegetables

The first thing I made in the Tower Xpress Pro Combo was roasted vegetables. Unlike a 'traditional' air fryer, where you will typically need to add all of your vegetables to one basket, the Tower Xpress Pro Combo allows you to spread your veggies across multiple levels.

This meant I was able to roast potatoes, carrots, and sprouts all in the same machine, but independently. A big win for families with picky eaters or foods with different cooking times. So if you were one of the naysayers that thought air fryers were exclusively for beige foods — we've totally dispelled that myth; air fryers are a healthy resource to have in the home (providing what you put in it is nutritious).

I was able to fit a lot of food into the Tower Xpress Pro Combo. I actually used it to cook the trimmings for a Sunday roast, so it had a crowd to feed! I chose to roast my vegetables for 25 minutes, checking halfway to see how they were doing. After the 25 minutes, I decided they needed a little longer and put them in for an added five.

It seemed that this pushed the top shelf of potatoes over the edge. They were pretty burnt, while my carrots and sprouts were still lacking the crispiness I was looking for. I suspect that this was because the potatoes were at the top of the oven — which was closer to the heating element — so I would recommend moving the cooking shelves around in the air fryer to get an even result.

Air frying burgers in the Tower Xpress Pro Combo

Air fryers circulate hot air around food as it cooks, giving a crispy finish from all angles. Despite this, you will often still need to flip your food midway through cooking to give an even and crisp finish. 

I cooked a vegetarian breaded chicken burger in the Tower Xpress Pro Combo to see how well it could crisp up breaded food and cook from frozen. 

I would expect an air fryer like the Cosori air fryer to cook this chicken burger in as little as 10 minutes, but the Tower Xpress Pro Combo took an additional seven minutes to reach a crispy texture. I did have to turn midway through. When I did, I noticed that the underside was a little wet, which is a sign that the air is not circulating fully inside the air fryer. 

One of the good things about the Tower Xpress Pro Combo is its interior light, which enables you to look inside the air fryer as it cooks without having to open the door. This came in handy when I was checking on my burger as it cooked. 

You'll notice if you buy the Tower Xpress Pro Combo that it is quite noisy, but this is no louder than the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer. There are quieter models out there — I recommend the Instant Pot line of air fryers if you are worried about noise.

After the full 20 minutes, my chicken burger was fully cooked. While it was crispy, I'd compare its texture to that of an oven-cooked burger, and not an air-fried one.

Air fryer vs. deep fat fryer, you're of course using a lot less fat, but don't expect that crunchy texture and golden exterior that would result from the latter.  

Making kebabs

Something that sets the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer apart is its kebab rotisserie, so I decided to give this I go. I marinated my chicken and vegetables and began assembling them on the included metal skewers. I then went to insert them  onto the circular end pieces. 

This was definitely fiddly, especially because I was handling marinated chicken, which can be a little slippery. Once everything was in place, I used the included rotisserie fork to insert the skewers. To do this you need to make sure that the square end base of the rotisserie stick is in place at the left hinge inside the air fryer. This is the part that turns to create that true rotisserie effect.

Our advice? Have a running tap to hand to swill your hands of marinade and raw chicken. You'll also want a couple of thin blue cleaning cloths at close proximity so that a saucy crust doesn't dry on your machine.

When spinning in the air fryer, the kebabs were quite wobbly, and I was worried that they would become dislodged. You can see in the image below how lopsided they looked, and that they dragged slightly along the bottom. I would expect this process to go a lot better if I were making koftas from shaped minced meat or just making a whole rotisserie chicken. 

Although the process was fiddly, I was impressed by how evenly the food cooked. My chicken became charred, with no pink centre and the vegetables cooked very evenly throughout. 

The included gloves were particularly useful for this recipe because it was quite hands-on. I was happy with the results, but I do think I would've had less trouble cooking in an oven and flipping halfway or grilling the chicken. 

When finished, all my attachments went straight into the dishwasher. They were also small enough to store in my cutlery drawer when I was done. 

Cooking bacon in the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer

Recently in our test kitchen, my team and I tried to sizzle a few rashers of streaky bacon. The first observation we made was that there was no drip tray for the fat to land on. Instead, we had four choices: use the metal shelf or the bottom tray 'naked' or foil 'em up. So, for the sake of an easy life, we covered the shelf with a sheet of aluminum. Six minutes at 180°C seemed ample time to bring home the bacon.

So in our porky strips went, with the internal light on to keep watch. Annoyingly, the air motion curled the slices and impacted the evenness of the cooking. After the initial time was up, I felt like they needed a minute or two longer for optimum eating.

Trialling Quorn nuggets in the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer

The majority of Real Homes reviewers are flexitarians, which means that while we eat meat, we're conscious to reduce our intake where possible. Quorn (or mycoprotein) nuggets come pretty close to their battered poultry pieces, so we didn't bat an eyelid when it came to cooking these meatless chunks.

All in all, a unison of nods showed that these veggie-friendly finds were cooked to a satisfactory standard. This proved that the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer is great from a WFH perspective when you want a quick lunch without turning on the oven.

Cleaning the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer 

On the whole, the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer is pretty easy to clean. As a recap, if you use foil — and put all the accessories in the dishwasher — you can cut your post-cooking clean-up time in half.

The door, however, is the biggest pain, because once it gets something on it, it becomes more and more burnt-on; you can't see inside to clean the mechanism more thoroughly.

How other users get on with the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer

As a small appliances expert, I've got no shortage of cooking appliances to make use of in my kitchen. I'm by no means the ideal customer for the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer, which is an excellent stand-in for those without a product. 

Our tech editor Caroline Preece also has the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer, so I was keen to find out about her experience of the machine.

She said: 'I bought the Tower Xpress Pro while living in a rental property that had a less than desirable oven situation, and it has allowed me to cook a huge range of things that would have otherwise been off-limits.

Basically a mini-oven with easy-to-use temperature controls, three racks for cooking multiple things at once, and a rotisserie attachment, it's been used to cook perfect chips, small joints of meat, and even a few single-serve pasta bakes.'

Preece has also used the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer for over a year, which is an indication that it's a long-lasting and well-built appliance that can stand up to heavy and regular use. 

Should you buy the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer? 

If you're someone who lacks oven space or who needs a mini-oven to serve smaller portions of food, the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer could be just the appliance for you. It's incredibly versatile with an almost-intimidating number of attachments to choose from. However, with this attachment selection comes pretty hefty storage requirements. 

I would be reluctant to call the Tower Xpress Pro Combo Air Fryer an air fryer. It's more of a mini-oven, with the ability to rotisserie or grill different foods. It behaves very much like an oven too, with removable shelves that can be layered to cook different foods at once. 

If you're living in a smaller home or you can't justify turning on the oven to cook meals for one — this is a very smart choice. 

About this review and the reviewer

Millie Fender is an ecommerce editor at Real Homes, specialising in small appliances and all-things cooking. She loves putting new products to the test, whether they're air fryers, blenders, or even pizza ovens, and her family and friends love eating the results.

Millie has a constant stream of new products waiting to be reviewed in her kitchen. It's a little snug, so if she thinks anything deserves to stay there, you know it's something special. 

Here at Real Homes, we're all for home accessories that make day-to-day living that little bit easier – and, more fun.

So when we heard about IKEA's newly released smart pendant light, we were all ears! Especially given that the brand sells some of the best smart home tech around.

The stylish NYMANE smart LED pendant lamp is the latest addition to the Swedish company's smart light range, and we reckon it's the perfect way to finish off almost any space in your home. 

IKEA's NYMANE smart lamp

IKEA's newest smart lamp is round in design, and perfectly rides the line between stylish and functional – arguably, the very thing that IKEA do best.

The pendant lamp has been inspired by the KLANG light, a product IKEA sold in the 1960s. We're yet to find any pictures of the lamp, but we quite like that this new accessory has come from deep in the archives of the classic and affordable home brand.

The NYMANE light has been fitted with a built-in LED, which allows you to dim, and turn the light on and off, wirelessly – e.g. from your phone, or an app.

Handily, there are three different color light settings to choose from, including a warm glow, for creating nighttime ambiance, a warm white, for day-time, and a cool white, if you need to be able to see something (such as your meals) super clearly.

The pendant lamp measures at 38cm in diameter, and comes in both a white colorway and a black option.

IKEA advise hanging the light over your dining table or kitchen table for an on-trend industrial style kitchen look – or, placing it closer to your ceiling as your main light source in a room. We agree that this kind of pendant lighting generally looks best in kitchen and dining areas –  it would also be a perfect addition hung over a kitchen island.

In order to use the NYMANE lamp, you'll need to get your hands on the TRÅDFRI gateway, which allows you to connect all of IKEA's smart home products.

From there, you'll need to download the IKEA Home app onto your phone or other device in order to control and dim the light. Or, you can purchase a smart remote from IKEA with which to control the lamp.

Will you be adding one of these smart lamps to your next IKEA haul?

With an EZVIZ C6 Smart AI Camera, getting back to life in an office or attending social events will be so much easier, allowing you to check on your pets or your home remotely. Helping to eradicate those worries that can cloud your day when you're not at home, this camera puts technology to good use, to help you feel more connected at all times.

If you adopted a puppy or a cat during lockdown, you might be struggling to adapt to daytimes without them, which is where the EZVIZ C6 can step in to help. With this advanced smart camera, you'll be able to make use of plenty of helpful features and feel more reassured. Here are just a few reasons that we think the EZVIZ C6 is a worthwhile investment for keeping that feeling of connection at all times.

3 ways the EZVIZ C6 Camera helps you stay connected

1. You can parent your pets from afar 

Separation anxiety is a real problem for both pets and owners – especially post-WFH. With the EZVIZ C6 you can soothe yourself and your dog (or cat!) from afar. The brilliant AI technology embedded within this camera means this device can recognize the shape of a human, cat or dog and deliver images of your loved one to you in 2K+ video quality. That means the picture you'll see will be sharp and clear, allowing you to check your pet is doing okay.

Aside from delivering you live video of your pet at home, you can also enable notifications to alert you every time your pet walks by, so you don't miss a moment. Plus, if you have a puppy still growing out of their teenager phase who is being looked after by a relative, then they can stand and wave in front of the camera in order to initiate a call with you, and stop them from testing their teeth on your new sofa...

2. You can stay in touch with any family members at home

If you're getting used to spending lots of time outside the home again, the technology embedded within the EZVIZ C6 can also help you stay afloat of what's going on within your home, which can be especially useful for new parents or those caring for relatives. With one wave, your family members can start up a video call and check in with you throughout the day. 

Once you're on a call or if you're just checking up on the situation, you'll also have everything you need covered with the impressive camera. With razor sharp 2K+ definition and an automatic zoom to follow moving objects, you'll feel like you're right there in the room with your family.

3. You'll have peace of mind – at all times

If your mind can run away with you sometimes, especially when it comes to home security, then an indoor camera can do a lot to wipe out excess anxiety. For example, the feature which allows you to be notified upon noise levels changing will also give you a heads up if a siren sounds, so that you can assess the situation. The same applies to when work or servicemen might be inside your house when you're not there – to give you total control over the situation. 

As far as peace of mind is concerned, your own privacy is also super important. That's why the privacy protection mode on this camera is so wide-ranging. Unlike other indoor cameras which allow you to dim the view, you can turn off the lens, with the camera being physically covered whenever you need it, and put the camera into sleep mode too, for extensive privacy in your space. 

The EZVIZ C6 Smart AI Camera is available to buy at Amazon for $129.99 and at other selected retailers.

Husband and wife duo Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt are known for their hit HGTV show 100 Day Dream Home, in which they design and build their clients' dream homes from the ground up. The experienced home renovators have revealed one thing first-time homeowners shouldn't neglect when it comes to home maintenance.

Brian and Mika explain why it's crucial to give your HVAC system regular attention to avoid headaches. A bit of TLC can save you money in the long run, too.

Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt's heating tip

'Get your HVAC systems checked regularly, so you can stop worrying about if they work and relax when at home,' say Brian and Mika. Whatever type of heating you have, it's important to get your system serviced by a professional once a year. 

This will not only help to identify any problems, but as the HGTV stars say, it'll also give you peace of mind. The 100 Day Dream Home stars say that replacing the air filters of our HVAC systems is another thing we shouldn't neglect.

'Swap out your air filters every 30-90 days,' Brian and Mika add. This will help you save energy at home, and could save you up to 15% on your monthly energy bill. 

There's no manual to prepare us for handling the unexpected costs involved with maintaining your own home. Getting your heating checked and replacing filters regularly are two simple steps you can make to keep things in working order.

A new survey of 2,000 American homeowners showed that 64% admitted to knowing nothing about how to perform ongoing maintenance on their HVAC or other systems in their homes. 

The same study revealed that homeowners underestimated the total maintenance costs in their first home. On average, they spent about $2,700 within the first five years on repairs and replacements.

There are lots of common home repairs you can fix yourself, from fixing creaky stairs to draft-proofing your windows. But if you'd like more help, head to Brian and Mika's Homeowning 01’s second semester.

On their free online course, they share some tips for first-time homeowners to help offset maintenance costs and save money in the long term. Good luck!

Far from an unnecessary gimmick, investing in the best smart bulb for your home is an option worth considering if you're looking for the ultimate mood lighting or even an easy home security add-on.

Since smart lighting isn't the cheapest solution (though it is becoming more and more affordable), you'll want to ensure that you're spending your money in the best way you can. And, whether your motivation is to set schedules that give the impression that someone is home – even if they're not – or to create an unrivaled ambiance over your next dinner party, our honest guide is here to help you choose the best product.

Keep scrolling for our take on the top-rated products or, for more on how you can introduce automation to your smart home, take a look at our guide to the best smart plugs.

The best smart bulbs in 2022

The best smart bulbs are the Philips Hue Smart Bulbs, which come complete with a bridge that allows you to connect them to the rest of your smart home setup.

Philips Hue White Smart Bulbs produces stunning, warm white light which can be easily adjusted to suit the desired ambiance – options range from super cozy hygge, through to interrogation room. Want to benefit from colored lights too? You'll need the Philips Hue Coloured Smart Bulbs, which allow you to completely customize the color and intensity of your lighting.

Perfect for giving the impression that someone's home, even if they're not; controlling hard-to-reach bulbs; or allowing you to turn the lights off without getting up, there are a range of benefits to controlling your lighting from your smartphone. And Philips Hue makes that super easy.

Yes, these bulbs are a little more pricey than your average, but with a lifespan of up to 25,000 years, they're sure to save you money in the long run. 

Whether you want to program your smart lighting to rouse you, gently, from your sleep in the morning, alert you when you need to take your dinner out of the oven, start dimming your lights as you wind down for bed, this – and more – is available with Philips Hue.

Still not sure? We've also written a handy guide on how to use Philips Hue with Alexa, so you won't have to worry about getting set up.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the Philips Starter Kit

Next up on our list is the LIFX A19 thanks to its ease of use and customizable functionality. 

The choice of over 1 trillion colors (yep, really) makes this model the most customizable in our round-up. Whatever your mood, you're sure to find a hue that suits. Plus, it's super easy to adjust the warmth and intensity of white light, if you're not so into colors lighting.

Similar to the bulbs from TP-Link, the LIFX doesn't require a bridge or hub to work. Instead, it connects directly to your WiFi for smart home integration.

Use the connected app to control your smart bulbs from any location. That means setting schedules – perfect if you're away from home and want to give the impression that someone's home, even if they're not – as well as turning off the lights if you forget to when leaving the house.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of LIFX smart lighting

Edisons and bayonets are pretty par for the course, but what if you have a more complex space with more complex needs? The Philips Hue LightStrip could be what you've been looking for. 

Looking to illuminate an awkward space? Don’t worry about expensive built-in lighting – you can get the same effect in alcoves, shelves, and other nooks and crannies with the Philips Hue LightStrip, a smart strip light that is second-to-none for creating ambiance on cozy evenings in. 

Create a Hue account, and you can control these lights from anywhere using the buddy app or your browser – in fact, you can control up to 50, so whether you decide to go for lots of these little beauties, or a combination of bulbs and strips, there’s none better for a wide-ranging, fully customized lighting scheme. 

You can cut them to fit wherever you please whether it be around your kitchen cabinets or around a cupboard ceiling, and they're compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the Philips Hue Lightstrip

Next on our list is the Hive Active Light Starter Kit. And it isn’t just because of its versatility now, but its potential for smart home expansion later on. 

Whether you're looking to wind down in the evening or feel more alert in the morning, it's super easy to control the dimness of your bulbs according to your requirements.

As well as boasting an A+ energy rating, these smart bulbs are also designed to encourage users to reduce their energy use. How? Well, by allowing you to control your lights from any location and alerting you should any lights be left on when you're away from home.

Looking to build a wider Hive smart home system? Whether you're interested in smart thermostats, home security systems, or something else, opting for Hive smart bulbs will make it super easy to connect up your entire system in the future. We're not saying that this is essential – most brands are inter-connectable – but it may make life easier if you're new to the world of smart home tech.

Real Homes rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the Hive Active Light Starter Kit

• Related: build a great home office in a compact space with our pick of the best small printers

If you like the idea of smart bulbs, but don't want to have to commit to buying a bridge – or something similar – to connect them to your smart home system, the TP-Link LB130 is an option worth considering. 

Choose from a wide range of bulbs hues to suit your mood – or the atmosphere you're looking to create. All controlled directly from your smartphone.

Much like the other smart bulbs in this list, the TP-Link LB130 connects to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, making it super easy to control your entire lighting system using nothing other than the sound of your voice. Genius. 

As we've already mentioned, another perk of the TP-Link LB130 is that it doesn't require a bridge or hub to connect to your smart home system. This not only drives down the cost but requires fewer wires and bulky boxes around the home.

Another feature we're seriously impressed with is the TP-Link LB130's circadian mode, which is designed to dynamically adjust light intensity and temperature to successfully mimic natural light patterns. This can be super helpful if you struggle to wake up in the morning or wind down in the evening.

• Read next: the best Wi-Fi extenders for a better connected smart home

How to choose the best smart bulb for your home

Not sure where to start when it comes to buying the best smart bulbs? We'd recommend considering the following factors before making a purchase:

Will you need to buy a bridge?

Some smart bulbs require what's known as a 'bridge' in order to connect them to an existing smart home system. Models that require a bridge are usually more costly but are also (generally) better quality, so that's a decision you'll need to weigh up. 

If you're buying smart bulbs for the first time, you'll need to consider whether a bridge is required as, in some cases, you won't be able to simply plug in your bulbs and get going.

Are you interested in colored lights?

If you're interested in using smart lighting to enhance a home cinema experience – some models will interact with audio to create a more dynamic audiovisual experience – or change the atmosphere in a given space, it's worth investing in smart bulbs that change color. However, this won't be necessary for everyone.

Will your light bulbs be on display?

Are you planning on having your smart bulbs on display – perhaps as part of a pendant light fitting – or will they be hidden behind a lampshade? If the former, you may want to think about the aesthetic appeal of your bulbs. There are now a whole host of filament-style bulbs designed to fill this purpose. If you're less concerned, opt for something less stylish and more functional.

What is the best smart bulb?

The best smart bulbs are Philips Hue, thanks to their simple, stylish design and ease to set up. Adjust lighting depending on your preference – options range from hygge to interrogation room for maximum versatility – as well as setting up lighting schedules, sequences of events, and more.

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Starting a dishwasher filled with a full load of dirty dishes to find that it’s not filling with water is super annoying. Who wants to haul them all back out again to wash by hand? And what’s the problem with the dishwasher anyway?

The answer could be one of a number of issues ranging from the easy to fix – the door wasn’t shut properly – to the more technical. 

To find out what the reason your dishwasher’s not filling with water might be, and whether and how you might fix it, we’ve put together a guide. We’ve asked the experts to weigh in with their advice as well to help you out.

Dishwasher not filling: causes and fixes

The fact that your dishwasher isn’t filling can be baffling as there are a number of possibilities to do with the plumbing but also electrical issues. Use our guide to understand what could be causing your headache. 

1. The dishwasher door’s not properly shut

You checked this, right? But just in case we’ll include the possibility that the door isn’t completely closed among the reasons why the dishwasher is not filling with water. If the door isn’t shut properly, the dishwasher won’t operate. So double check the door is closed before moving on to other potential issues.

2. The door switch is faulty

If you checked to make sure the door was shut, but the dishwasher isn’t filling with water, the problem could be a faulty door switch. The on/off mechanism of the door switch ensures the dishwasher won’t fill when the door is open – for obvious reasons. But it can go wrong.

Checking the door switch requires a multimeter and knowhow about working with electricity, so you might want to call in a pro.

3. The water inlet valve is dirty or defective

A dishwasher’s water inlet valve ensures the appliance fills with the right amount of water. A faulty valve can prevent water from entering the machine, and the same can happen if it is clogged with debris. If you’re confident to do so, you could check the valve.

To inspect the dishwasher water inlet valve, it’s important to unplug the dishwasher and disconnect the water supply. You then need to find the valve (check the manual) and look for problems. ‘Check the filters on your valve to see if they are blocked or clogged with food residue,’ says home improvement expert Michael Dean of Pool Research. If that’s the case, clean out the debris without taking the valve apart.

If this doesn’t solve the problem and you are confident in working with electricity, you can then focus on the solenoids. Use a multimeter or ohmmeter to check the terminals. A reading of infinity means a faulty solenoid.

If this is the case, a new water inlet valve will be needed, but note that other faults are possible even if the solenoids pass the test. For further testing, call on a pro. As for replacement of a faulty value it is feasible to order a new water inlet valve and do this yourself, but getting in a professional will be preferable for many.

4. There’s a problem with the water supply

If the dishwasher is not filling, there may be an issue in the water supply line.

‘Examine the lines for kinks first,’ says Ray Brosnan, plumbing and property maintenance expert at Brosnan Property Solutions. Not the problem? ‘Have a look under your sink and examine your hot water valve, ensuring this is fully opened,’ Ray continues.

5. The float switch is malfunctioning

When the dishwasher fills a float rises until it gets to a set level. At this point the float switch shuts off the water at the inlet valve so the appliance doesn’t overfill. If the float switch becomes defective, the dishwasher might not be filling. 

To check a float switch, it’s necessary to test it with a multimeter, which we’d advise is generally a job for a professional.

6. The drain solenoid is broken

The drain valve of a dishwasher works with a solenoid which, if it becomes faulty, can stop the drain valve working correctly with the result that the dishwasher doesn’t fill with water.

Checking a dishwasher drain solenoid is generally a job for a pro and a faulty solenoid will need replacement.

How do I know if my dishwasher water inlet valve is bad?

A dishwasher water inlet valve can cause a variety of problems with the appliance. ‘The signs that your inlet valve is bad include the dishwasher filling with water when it’s not running, not filling all the way when it is running, or not filling at all,’ says Melanie Musson, a home appliance expert with Expert Insurance Reviews.

Got a leak? ‘An inlet valve issue may also cause leaks outside of the dishwasher, which requires immediate attention,’ says Zac Houghton, CEO at Loftera.

How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve?

Replacing a dishwasher inlet valve costs an average of between $75 and $150, according to Fixr.

In the UK, the average call-out cost for dishwasher repair is around £85, according to Checkatrade. The replacement valve can vary in cost from around £10 to £75 which would be added to your bill along with further time taken on the repair as required after the initial call-out.

What causes water inlet valve failure?

‘The inlet valve stops working when the electrical components stop functioning correctly,’ says Melanie Musson. 

Often, the solenoids in the water inlet valve fail. If you are confident, you can check them. After disconnecting both power and water to the dishwasher attach an ohmmeter or multimeter to the terminals. A reading of infinity means a solenoid has failed.

Has your dishwasher begun to do just half of its job? Yes, it’s still cleaning the load you put in there, but everything is still really wet. If that’s the case, you’ll be left asking why is my dishwasher not drying.

Normally, tidying away a clean load is just a question of putting it all back in the right place, but when you’re left having to dry everything before it can be put away, it’s a far more onerous task – and it shouldn’t be happening. Especially if you've invested in one of the best dishwashers around.

So, what could be going wrong, and what can you do to fix it? These are the possible causes when a dishwasher isn’t drying, and what you can do about them with advice from the experts.

Fix a dishwasher that’s not drying

There are a few different reasons why a dishwasher is not drying properly. Some are super simple to fix and won’t cost you anything at all, while others will mean a repair – and an accompanying bill.

1. Plastic and Teflon don’t dry like other materials

Is it the whole load that’s not drying properly or just those items made from plastic or Teflon? If that’s the case, the dishwasher hasn’t gone wrong, it’s just an issue caused by these materials.

To understand what’s going on, you need to know that many modern dishwashers use condensation to dry dishes. After the final rinse, which uses hot water, the items in the machine retain heat. The stainless steel walls of the dishwasher don’t retain as much and so the moisture that evaporates from the wash load condenses on the dishwasher’s walls. Plastic, though, doesn’t retain as much heat as other materials so it can stay wet when the rest of the load is dry.

With Teflon, characteristics of the material mean the water evaporates less well, leaving it wetter. 

If either of these are the problem, there isn’t a fix although it’s worth noting that it’s generally recommended that Teflon kitchenware be washed by hand.

2. The dishwasher is poorly loaded

It’s worth going back to basics on your loading technique if your dishwasher’s not drying. Are you putting too much in? Are dishes tilted correctly? Perhaps they are touching one another or the parts of the dishwasher that move? Are items falling over and filling up with water?

Check the manual for your dishwasher model if you’re not sure about the correct way to load it (you can find it online if you’ve lost the one that came with the machine), and always gently spin the spray arm before starting a cycle to check it isn’t colliding with anything. 

3. The rinse aid has run out or the dispenser is faulty

Checking the easy things first is a good tactic, so take a look to see if the machine has run out of rinse aid if it’s started leaving dishes wet. If necessary, refill the reservoir.

If the dispenser is filled with rinse aid, it could be the case that the dishwasher’s not drying because the rinse aid isn’t being dispensed properly due to a buildup inside the dispenser. This can be remedied as part of the process of cleaning a dishwasher.

Just take off the cap of the dispenser, use the suction of a turkey baster to remove rinse aid left in there, then place 1 cup (250ml) of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. Run a full cycle on the hottest setting (there shouldn’t be any dishes in there). Refill the rinse aid dispenser once the machine is clean.

4. The heated drying option isn’t activated

Some dishwashers dry via a heating element in the bottom of the tub although this is more likely to be the case if yours is an older model as the appliance uses more energy to dry dishes this way rather than by condensation. 

However, if your dishwasher does have a heated drying feature and it’s failing to dry, this could be because you need to activate the drying manually. Bear in mind also that while it might be an automatic feature of some cycles it may be necessary to turn it on for others. Check your model’s manual for details.

5. The cycle you picked doesn’t have a final rinse with high heat

If your dishwasher dries via condensation, as we saw above, a hot final rinse is necessary. It’s therefore worth checking the manual to make sure this is what’s happening on a particular cycle if you find the dishwasher isn’t drying items adequately.

6. Your hot water heater is the problem

Many newer dishwashers heat the water to the right temperature before they start, but if that’s not the case with yours, check the settings of your hot water heater. The water going into the dishwasher needs to be between 120 and 150ºF (49 to 66ºC).

Make sure you are timing dishwasher cycles right, too. If everyone in your home has just taken a shower, your dishwasher might not have the hot water it needs.

7. The door isn’t open after the dishwasher has drained

If your dishwasher dries by condensation, dishes that were dry can get moist again as the air cools inside the appliance. Opening the door after the cycle can avoid this, letting the humid air out so it doesn’t condensate on the dishes themselves. 

You’ll find some modern dishwasher models open the door automatically for this reason – useful if you run the machine after you’ve gone to bed.

8. The heating element is faulty 

If your dishwasher has a heated dry option then a problem with the heating element could be the reason dishes aren’t drying. You can check it yourself with a multimeter if you’re confident of working with electricity and using one of these. You’ll need to unplug the dishwasher and open the bottom panel. Heating element not working? Call in a professional to replace it.

A high heat thermostat that’s faulty and turning off the heat too soon could also be a reason why the dishes aren’t dry. Call in a pro to advise.

Why does my dishwasher not dry dishes anymore?

‘A dishwasher's failure to dry dishes is often caused by improper loading,’ says Zac Houghton, CEO at Loftera. ‘When you overload the racks with dirty dishes or put incorrect items in the wrong racks, the airflow will be restricted, causing items to stay wet. Additionally, a dishwasher won’t clean well if it is overloaded because water and detergent will not reach all items.’

Of course, there could be a fault. ‘The heating element may also not be functioning properly,’ says Noral Mitchell, a household decor and appliances expert and editor-in-chief of Household Advice. 

How much does it cost to replace the heating element in a dishwasher?

‘A new heating element will cost between $100 and $300,’ says Imani Francies, a home maintenance expert with Clearsurance. In the UK, expect to pay from around £95 to £140, according to the experts at Checkatrade.

You might want to weigh up whether repair or replacement is the best option. ‘Consumer Reports states that about 30 per cent of new dishwashers need a repair within their first five years of use,’ says Zac Houghton. ‘Rather than attempting to repair a dishwasher a decade old, you might consider replacing it.’

Does rinse aid help dry dishes?

Surprising as it may seem, rinse aid does help dry dishes. ‘Rinse aid breaks the link between water molecules and dishes, allowing water to flow off of them,’ says Imani Francies. This means dishes will dry faster – especially in a dishwasher that uses condensation drying.

Thought rinse aid was there to avoid spots on glasses? It does that, too.

Wondering which sustainable home improvements are worth pursuing to make your home more energy efficient and eco-friendly?

Building new eco homes is a sure-fire way forward for a lower carbon footprint, but what about existing homes? With the recent scrapping of the Government's Green Homes Grant, it's now on us to improve our own abodes' energy efficiency and in turn, futureproof our homes.

Paula Higgins from HomeOwner's Alliance explains more, 'We don't often think about sustainability when we are considering home improvements. But we should.'  

'Undertaking a loft conversion or kitchen extension will naturally improve the energy performance of your home because higher building standards will need to be met and this will mean better windows, more insulation and an efficient heating system.' 

'But it also makes financial sense to look beyond the initial project and go beyond the minimum requirements. Tradespeople are allowed to charge 5% rather than 20% VAT when installing energy savings products.'

'Besides cutting your bills and making you feel more comfortable you can also make your property more valuable in the longer run by future-proofing it. The government has already banned landlords from letting properties with an EPC rating below C and is considering doing something similar for those selling their home.'

We don't need any more convincing... Read on for our round up of innovative ways to improve your home's sustainability and make for an energy efficient home to boot.

Sustainable home improvements for an energy efficient home

'There are plenty of ways to create a more sustainable home, for big budgets and small. For those with the money, you might want to consider generating your own energy, either through solar panels, heat pumps, or a biomass heating system,' says Nick Stockley, Design Director for Resi.co.uk.

1. Add insulation to your home's walls

If your home's poorly insulated, your heating (and money) will be going straight out the... erm, walls.

Sustainable building expert Tim Pullen on Homebuilding & Renovating explains, 'Thermal efficiency is a core element of any eco home and insulation is a key component of that. Focus on getting the insulation as consistent as possible on the whole envelope.'

Plus by adding insulation, you could save around £275 a year in energy bills, says the  The National Insulation Association.

With a wide range of natural and recycled materials available, from sheep's wool to cellulose insulation, it's relatively simple to insulate lofts and cavity walls. 

Insulating sold walls is a little trickier. Thermal lining can be used inside your home and you could add a layer of insulation to the outside, covering it with render. However, if you're adding insulation to a period home, you'll need to make sure the breathability of the building fabric is retained to avoid any risk of damp. 

It’s trickier to insulate solid walls. Internally you could apply thermal lining. Externally, a layer of insulation can be fixed to existing walls and then covered in render.

2. Install a thermostat for energy efficiency

By installing a thermostat to your home, you'll be reducing your carbon dioxide emissions but you'll also be saving money on your heating bills by using your controls efficiently.

The Energy Saving Trust say you could 'save £60 and 310kg of carbon dioxide a year by turning the room thermostat down by one degree.' And by 'installing and correctly using a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves, you could save £75 and 320kg of carbon dioxide a year.'

With a thermostat, you can schedule your heating and hot water to go on and off when needed. And if you opt for room thermostats, you can select areas of your home to heat and the required temperature for each room, rather than heating the whole house at the same temperature.

The Energy Saving Trust explain more, 'You can upgrade or install heating controls without replacing your boiler, and it’s a particularly good idea to think about this if your controls are more than 14 years old. Room thermostats, for example, are much more accurate now than they used to be.'

You could go one step further and invest in a smart thermostat like a Google Nest, which means you'll be able to control your heating from anywhere. 

3. Choose bamboo flooring 

With the same look and feel as hardwood, bamboo is fast becoming the biggest eco-friendly material for flooring. Not only is it light and inexpensive, but it's also really strong which makes it an alternative method to concrete and has a greater tensile strength then steel.

The Bamboo Flooring Company explain more, 'As bamboo is a fast growing, self-regenerating grass, it is much more sustainable and environmentally friendly than more traditional hardwood flooring options. For example, bamboo takes around five years to reach maturity, whereas a hardwood tree could take decades to grow until it is mature enough to be harvested.'

'To make sure that you purchase truly sustainable bamboo flooring you will need to look out for an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certificate.'

4. Place solar panels on your roof

Solar is a green, renewable energy and because sunlight is free, once you've paid and installed your solar panels, your electricity costs will drastically reduce, and so will your carbon dioxide emissions. 

Plus, if you live in the UK and do happen to generate more electricity than you use, you may be eligible to receive payments for the extra energy you generate. Bonus. You'll find more info on the Smart Export Guarantee on Solar Energy UK.

Generating electricity, solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems don't need direct sunlight to work so you'll still generate electricity on a cloudy day. You'll just need to make sure you attach them to a roof or wall facing south.

The Energy Saving Trust explains more, 'As your PV system will be working at its peak during daylight hours, it’s a good idea to think about reorganising domestic activities such as washing, dishwashing and ironing.'

'If you’re home most of the day, then this will be easier to do, but if you work during the day then try setting up timers for your dishwasher and washing machine.'

According to the Trust, PV systems are classed as permitted developments which means there's no need to apply for planning permission. Although it's always a good idea to double check with your local authority before installing in case there are any limits or restrictions.

5. Plant a green roof for eco friendly insulation

To add even more insulation to your home (more cooling in the summer, than heat in the winter) and increase the biodiversity of your garden, you could install and grow a green roof.

Not only will it look pretty, a green roof will also absorb carbon dioxide, heat from the sun, a large proportion of rain water and even noise. 

Living Roofs explains more, 'The combination of soil, plants and trapped layers of air within green roof systems can act as a sound insulation barrier. Sound waves are absorbed, reflected or deflected. The growing medium tends to block lower sound frequencies whilst the plants block higher frequencies.'

Critically though, they also encourages biodiversity, says Living Roofs.

'Green roofs can provide important refuges for wildlife in urban areas. Research in Switzerland and the UK has demonstrated that green roofs can provide important refuges for rare invertebrate populations.'

 We recommend purchasing a guide likeLiving roofs’ DIY guide to green roofs.

6. Decorate with eco-friendly finishes for a more sustainable home

With so many amazing home decor brands making sustainability their core focus and ethos, it makes more sense than ever to decorate green. 

Hilary Gibbs, Co-Founder of LIVDEN, an innovative tile company that's putting sustainability at the forefront with their stylish recycled tiles, explains:

'Using sustainable building materials creates a design that’s lasting: the inherent durability of eco materials leads to longer material life cycles, less material replacement, and a lower impact on the environment.'

'While sustainable materials might have a slightly higher price tag than their traditional equivalents, you’ll recoup that investment over time by not having to replace or repair these materials as often.'

If you're repainting a room, why not give the much-talked-about eco paints like Lick a whirl. All of their paint is both water-based and low VOC (volatile organic compound) which means they omit fewer harmful chemicals, making them a more easily biodegradable end product. Their paint collaboration with Made.com is to die for too.

Check out these sustainable furniture brands too.

7. Lay underfloor heating 

As one of the most energy efficient ways to heat your home, underfloor heating is a more natural form of heating and requires lower flower temperatures due to the radiation in an increased surface area. 

Unlike central heating with traditional radiators which uses convection (heat air that travels around the home), underfloor heating has a mix of heat radiated from the floor and convection, creating a snuggly constant temperature between the floor and ceiling. 

The Centre for Sustainable Energy explains the two different systems:

'Wet systems can be run using a conventional gas, oil or solid fuel boiler, or with a biomass boiler.' 

'Other renewable technologies can also be used, particularly heat pumps, which are more efficient at the lower temperatures underfloor heating systems operate at.'

'Dry underfloor heating uses electric wires that heat up when electricity is provided, and will either come as ready-made mats or lose wires that need to be fitted.' 

'Dry underfloor heating should also be connected to individual room thermostats, so that each room or area can be adjusted independently.'

As with most home improvements, installation costs vary quite a bit depending on what system you choose, the size of your home, how many rooms you want to heat and whether you're installing it in a new build, extension or a period home. Oh, and not to mention what type of flooring you've got to work with.

With all this in mind, it's best to speak to a pro to decide what system is right for you.

8. Fit an air heat pump

Unlike more traditional gas and oil boilers, air heat pumps give out heat at lower temperatures over longer periods. They require electricity to run, but because they are extracting renewable heat from the environment, the heat output is greater than the electricity input.

You'll not only be lowering your carbon emissions, but you could also lower your heating bills and if you live in the UK, installing an air heat pump could act as a little side hustle with the UK government’s Renewable Heat Incentive .

When thinking about fitting this type of heat system, it's essential to note that you'll also need a existing central heating system for a heat pump to work. 

You'll also need to make sure you factor in how good your insulation is and whether it would be wise to install underfloor heating to make sure the system is working as efficiently as possible.

And do you need planning permission? The Energy Saving Trust explains more:

'While air source heat pumps don’t take up too much outdoor space, the unit will be visible from the outside of your property, so it’s best to check with your local planning authority first, to find out if you need planning permission. As the unit is above ground, it will produce a noise similar to that of an air conditioning unit, which could be bothersome to you or your neighbours.'

How can a house improve sustainability?

Nick Stockley, Resi's Design Director says, 'Households are responsible for about 27% of the UK's carbon emissions and almost a third of the nation's total energy consumption. By making smart changes to both your design and fittings, you can help better protect the environment we all need and love.'

What are some sustainable house features?

'Even if you don’t go down this (sustainable) route, you should at the very least be conserving as much energy as possible with proper insulation. Insulating a home can be done on a variety of budgets. You might choose to seal up the gaps around your windows and doors, or you may have the cash available to deck out both your loft and basement (which are very prone to letting in drafts),' explains Stockley. 

'As with all good design, you should also be thinking about how the way you live your life influences the design of your household. For instance, if you’re the sort of person who really values living an eco-friendly lifestyle, how can your home help this?'

'You might consider getting your architect to add…

What are examples of sustainable materials?

Stockley says 'To be a true eco-warrior, you’ll not only insulate your home but use materials that are good for the environment. Materials like…

'If you’re building a home from scratch, or simply adding on a new extension, the materials you choose here can also make a big difference. You might choose to explore woodcrete, an alternative form of concrete. It is much better for the environment due to its manufacturing process, which replaces some of the more energy-intensive components of normal concrete with recycled wood. This is then either used in place of normal concrete.'

'Cork is not only useful for plugging up bottles of bubbly, it is also a versatile construction material notable for its sustainability and eco-efficiency. Cork’s use in construction varies due to its mix of properties. Its unique structure, filled with air pockets, make it a great insulator of sound and heat, which has seen it used as insulation in ceilings, walls and flooring.'

Brewster has finally arrived in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with his coffee shop The Roost now part of the museum. One of the special gifts that our old pigeon friend will give you is the recipe for a Roost Sablé cookie, which is the treat he gives to those that are too young for coffee - like the snotty, turnip-selling Daisy Mae. 

Not only can you make them in the game with the recipe Brewster gives you, but you can also make them in real life too!

A Sablé cookie is just the name for a French shortbread, so it's actually very easy to make your own Brewster biscuits at home. The hard part is just shaping them!

Ingredients

Roost Sablé Cookie ingredients

For the biscuits, you'll need: 

• 50 grams of icing sugar
• 100 grams of salted butter, cubed and left out at room temperature
• 3 Egg Yolks - at room temperature
• 175 grams of Plain Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder

Method

Roost Sablé Cookie method

1. First, preheat your oven to 160C/325F/Gas Mark 3. Prepare a baking tray lined with a baking mat or greaseproof paper. I like to grease both a little with butter to make sure it doesn't stick. 

2. Then, separate your egg yolks from the whites. You can freeze the whites to use later, as you won't need them for this recipe. 

3. Cream together your eggs and icing sugar in a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer on medium speed for around two minutes or until they're light and fluffy. 

4. Then, turn your mixer down low before adding your egg yolks one at a time, allowing each yolk to fully mix in before adding the next one. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula if needed. 

5. When all the yolks are incorporated, sift in your plain flour and baking soda. Mix it in on a low speed but stop as soon as the dough comes together. 

6. Place the dough between two sheets of baking paper. Roll the dough between the two sheets with a rolling pin. The dough should be about 0.5cm to 1 cm / 0.2inch to 0.4 thick.

7. Now you'll need your Roost cookie template. We made our template by making a version of the in-game cookie in Photoshop, printing it off, and cutting it out on card. We then used that to make the right shape in our dough, before using cookie tools to make the right indents for Brewster's glasses, beak, moustache, feathers, and wings. You can also buy a cutter on Etsy if you'd like, as the clever community has already made a few. 

Here's a high-res version of our template if you'd like to use this for your cookies.

8. Once you've made your Roost Sablé cookie shape, use a spatula to lift your cookie onto your lined baking tray. 

7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, then carefully place the cookies on a cooling rack until completely cool. 

8. If you make more than one, these cookies keep in an air-tight container for up to 3 days - if you can make them last that long.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise puts you in charge of designing a plethora of vacation homes for individual villagers. With the power to choose their house and even the season, we’ve got plenty of responsibilities when it comes to crafting their dream homes. With so much to think about, here are our essential tips for designing a room around the statement pieces that your vacationers love so much. Whether it’s weird and wacky or just somewhere ultra cosy for an Animal Crossing villager to relax, here’s our guide to making their Happy Home Paradise abode the best it can be. 

1. Check the theme

Unless you’re building a room for a special character you’ve invited via an Amiibo, your new vacation home owners are always looking for a specific theme with key items. This means you’ve got a framework to go by, be it an ideal snowy paradise or somewhere to do DIY and craft. So unbox those red-wrapped items - remembering that some of them might be outside - and you’ll be able to understand the assignment and see the kind of style they’re looking for. The good news though is that because this is Animal Crossing, they’re never going to tell you that they don’t like the house. As long as their favourite items are in there, you could surround them with desk fans and they would be over the moon. But that’s not why you’re here. You want things to look good so it’s all about thinking about related items to enhance the necessary furniture and finding decor to match. 

2. Look for orange dots

Thankfully, Happy Home Paradise makes finding matching decor a little easier by adding specific new items to the furniture selection that will look good with statement pieces. Keep an eye out for orange dots next to furniture items that indicate they're a recent addition to the library and you’ll see plenty of related items. This might be a ski wall for a snowy home or a piece of antique furniture for a grand library. Whatever it is, if there’s an orange dot on there, pop it in the room to take a look and see if it fits in with the style. And remember, this means wall decor, floors, lighting, and rugs too, so explore the furniture menu properly to find as many orange dots and new items as possible. This is also a great way of finding items that you didn’t know were available so you can hunt them down for your own house on your home island.  

3. Keep customising furniture

Once you’ve placed your key items and some other themed furniture, it’s always important to remember that you can always customise the majority of the other items to fit with your theme. Tables come in all different colours of wood and if you’re looking for wall decor, most of the framed prints have different frames and content to make sure that everything matches. And you don’t always need to customise an item from the furniture menu. If you have an item placed and quickly want to see how it will look in different colours, highlight it and you can press X to switch between the different customisation options. Remember too that Happy Home Paradise adds a number of furniture sets from older Animal Crossing games so you’ll definitely always find a theme to suit even the oddest of vacationer requests. 

4. Partitions and feature walls 

Happy Home Paradise comes with a stack of new home design options that means you no longer have to use well-placed climbing walls and camera trickery to make it look like you’ve got a dividing wall. The addition of partitions mean you can really make a room look unique and add divided living or sleeping areas for vacation roommates. Add in some pillars and your creations can look Selling Sunset-levels of impressive. Always remember too that you can use feature walls to make your furniture pop or just when you can’t decide between two equally brilliant designs or colours. Spin the room with the wall you’d like to accent in front of you and then hit X and you’ll set a feature wall. Handily, partitions positioned against that wall will also change to that wallpaper or paint colour, you just can’t put any wall decor on them.     

5. Play with lighting, sound and polish effects 

And finally, bring your statement pieces to life by putting them, quite literally, in the best possible light. The lighting menu is a great place to completely change the atmosphere of a room with a range of colours. You can even change the intensity of the hue to create just the right mood. The soundscape menu is equally important. Here you can bring in the soothing sound of the ocean, a jungle or even the reassuring patter of rain to suit your vacationer’s dreams. Away from this menu too, it’s always worth checking which polish effects you have unlocked. Making furniture sparkle is only the beginning. You can bring furniture items to life with electricity or water effects and you can even design your own. The things we do for the needs of our vacationers… Lottie would be proud.   

The themes for Winter 2021-2022 are set to help us transistion into the new year, with plenty of focus on nurturing natural connections through plant life and other greenery - regardless of the colour trend. Interestingly, that has influenced the interior colour trends too, with plenty of more natural colours like deep blues and terracotta paving the way for this season. 

Thankfully, all of the winter trends play incredibly well with the range of furniture and accessories in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, especially since the free Update 2.0 dropped a tonne of new items for the game. Plus, these interior trends are great for guiding you when creating homes for your clients in the new Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC. 

Read on for the five biggest in-style home interior colour schemes to use this Winter in Happy Home Paradise.

WILDERNESS HUES

Building on the idea of focusing on the natural and organic is our first interior trend - wilderness hues. Deep blues are the focus here, but with your furniture adopting more sandy, earthy neutrals to really accentuate that blue. It's an incredibly good combo for a balanced room, and the colours are all geared towards creating a calming space.

COLOR BLOCKING

After the year or so we've all had, it's no wonder the colour block trend has become increasingly trendy, with bright colours always set to lighten our mood. Plus it looks super fun! Use variations on the primary colours - red, blue, and yellow - to add vibrancy to your rooms, and don't be afraid to use bold pops of pattern to add a little diversity. Combine this with slightly more muted tones, like white, to really make the blocking pop too. 

MOSTLY MUSTARD

Carrying over from the shades of autumn leaves into the winter interiors is the obsession with mustard. Always a warm and uplifting shade, mustard was a key colour for many a recent runway show, but has since dominated the interior trends for this winter. It's a versatile colour that can be used as the dominant colour, or as accessories to bring life and warmth to a darker room. 

WARM ORANGE / TERRACOTTA

Focusing in on that theme of the earth and the outdoors for the winter trends, is the love of the colour orange, or the more natural hues of terracotta. Combined with more organic materials like wood, rattan, or wicker, the earthy hues of orange and terracotta are the perfect way to feel like you could be somewhere more sunny and tropical. 

GOLDEN GLIMMERS

While too much gold can feel tacky and overwhelming, this season the trend of subtle gold accenting is blowing up. With nods to the classic Art Deco style, look to add hints of gold in accessories like ceiling lights, mirrors, frames, and other detailing, while don't be afraid to dabble a little by integrating it into larger items like your sofa too, where it makes sense. Nothing says tasteful opulence like a well-placed golden hue.

Want an answer to the question 'how do radiators work'? Understanding how your radiators work is important for two reasons: you'll be better equipped to fix a fault, and you will know why your home heats up the way it does. 

Radiator heating is still one of the most common forms of heating used around the world today. Radiators form a part of the traditional home central heating system – they are reliable and efficient at heating your home. Here's what you need to know about the way they do this.

How do radiators work?

Understanding how radiators work is all about understanding that they are part of your central heating system, with the center being the type of boiler you have. The boiler, whether it's powered by electricity or gas, heats up water that then travels around your pipes and enters into your radiators, which is how they heat up. In older homes, this water is converted into steam as it's heated up; then, when it eventually cools after heating up your radiators, it condenses back into water to be heated up by the boiler again. In newer homes, the water is not converted into steam. 

It's important to understand that water does not stay inside your radiators all the time but travels in and out through radiator valves. Water only stays inside the radiator when you want it to heat your home. Because of this back-and-forth action, radiators are prone to getting air trapped inside them, which can lead to uneven heating. Knowing how to bleed a radiator is essential to keeping them working well. 

But how do radiators work to heat my home, you may wonder? Gerald Carpenter, a professional plumber in the third generation and consultant on Sanitary Review, gives the simple explanation that 'radiators work based on the convection principle. When the radiator is filled with hot water, the surrounding air gets hotter too and starts circulating around the room by displacing cold air. It's a closed cycle process that allows radiators to heat your home effectively.' 

While the heat rises from your radiator in the form of air, the water inside becomes cooler and eventually returns to the boiler to be heated. This process is repeated as long as is needed and is typically regulated with a thermostat. The best radiators are not necessarily the biggest ones – even small ones can heat your home well because they are made from metal such as cast iron, which is a very good conductor of heat.

Because the hot water that travels through the system will be at its hottest when it enters the radiator closest to the boiler, and cooler by the time it reaches the radiator that is the furthest away, it is necessary to perform something that is called balancing. Balancing is essentially the adjustment of how fast the water flows through each radiator. The radiators that are far away from the boiler need to have water flow through them at a slower pace to allow them to heat up as well as those nearer the boiler.

What are the two valves on a radiator for?

These are the valves that control water flow in and out of your radiator. As Carpenter explains, the valves 'are required for water flow adjustment. The upper valve lets you control how much water flows inside, while the bottom valve controls how much water goes out. By adjusting both valves properly, you can achieve the desired constant radiator temperature.'

Does it matter which way the water flows inside a radiator?

Yes, and it always works the same way. Carpenter explains that 'the water in a radiator always enters through the top valve and quits it through the bottom valve. The reason for that is simple – hot fluid always rises, while cold water always sinks.'

How do electric radiators work?

Electric radiators heat your home in exactly the same way as traditional radiators, by convection. However, unlike conventional radiators, they don't use hot water. Instead, they are permanently filled with a thermodynamic fluid called glycol. This liquid heats up when an electrical current passes through it. Unlike traditional radiators, electric radiators don't require balancing or bleeding and are energy efficient so ideal if you're trying to save energy at home. However, they are significantly more expensive to run. 

If a baby monitor is one (of the many) things on your list to buy for a new arrival then our Nanit Pro review is worth a read.

I’ve been using the Nanit Pro with a floor stand for several months since my daughter arrived and although, admittedly, it took some getting used to, I couldn’t be without it now. The day and night vision has to be up there as one of the best you can get, along with all the handy functions such as two-way talk and background audio. I’m still using it, and will probably continue to use it until she sleeps through the night every night (which will be the dream) so until that point I’ll keep you informed on how the camera performs for mine and my family's needs.

If that doesn’t speak enough for how much I vouch for this camera then keep scrolling to hear more about how I’ve found the set up and using it, from day ‘til night. Whilst you’re here you may as well stop by our best baby monitor guide, to compare against more top buys. 

Nanit Pro specifications

• Video resolution: 1080P HD
• Power supply: Mains
• Subscription: 1-year subscription to the Nanit Insights app

 Who does the Nanit Pro suit? 

• Expectant parents: it’ll be on the list
• New parents: for more confidence when you’re putting baby in their crib
• Family and friends wanting to buy a (generous) gift: they can be added to the app so they can keep a watchful eye on baby, or for easy use if they get tagged in to babysit.

The setup

I’ve been testing out this baby monitor with a camera on the accompanying floor stand, so setting up the hardware was pretty intuitive and I didn’t need to get out the toolbox (hurrah). The stand has three legs and slots together in three sections, which ends up making it stand 68cm (approx) in height above the crib. The camera head – the hub of all footage, sleep tracking and temperature and humidity – then slots on to two pins.

The magic then comes once the app is downloaded onto your smartphone. The app is available on iOS, Android and Amazon Echo Show. I have an Android phone so I have only used the app on this device, but I’m sure that across other smart devices there is no differences to the user-experience. There is no parent unit with this baby monitor so you’ll need to ensure that your existing smart device is always charged and near you. When you’re watching the live stream, your device shouldn’t ‘time out’ so you’ll always have baby next to you (so long as you keep your device to hand).

With the app installed on your smart device you can start to use this smart baby monitor. To start with you’re asked to enter your child’s name, gender, due date and date of birth. This information is used for memories which are automatically stored in a digital baby book that you can share. You’ll also receive personalised messages to your inbox (from Nanit) which offer words of encouragement, guidance and ideas once a week or so, if you opt for this. 

You can add multiple users, too. Ours, for example, has Mom (that’s me) and Dad on our plan. If you upgrade your subscription for a fee, you could have up to a whopping 50 parenting team members. You may have noticed here that I snuck some English-American language in (Mom), because that’s what is used in the app. This is something which you can’t change, but what you can change are the units used for temperature, weight and length to something you’re more familiar with as imperial and metric options are both available.

Using the Nanit Pro

It's simple. And is (pretty much) all done on the app. There are a few elements to the Nanit Pro which makes it all work as a package. You can even buy accessories separately so you can build your own, if you like. They all bring something different so to make it easier to digest I'll rally through my findings in separate chunks.

The camera
When baby finally falls asleep in their crib you’ll receive real-time notifications of movement or sound. You can adjust the sensitivity (frequency) of these notifications as and when something is detected. These are useful if you’re not watching the live stream as they’ll come as an alert on your phone. Less useful are notifications on the temperature and humidity in the bedroom, which you’ll only get when using the floor stand or wall mount. The temperature is pretty accurate and aligns with the GroEgg (RRP £27.99 at Amazon) but the humidity levels are pretty far out with scores in excess of 70 per-cent most nights – our bedroom surely can’t be more humid than the Amazon rainforest, right?

If baby wakes up, two-way audio is mega useful for talking to baby, or your partner if it’s their turn to soothe. If that doesn’t work? There’s a bank of background music such as waves, white noise and birds which is there to help soothe (although this caused more confusion than anything else), along with a light and the ability to take a photo of your view of the crib.

We have noticed that when watching the live stream whilst sat in our 120 year-old home that we lose connection. We’ve tried various gadgets and gizmos to increase the wi-fi strength throughout the home but, alas, it still drops out. Nanit say that it’ll all still work if our internet goes down, which is great, but if the wi-fi strength isn’t there all the time there’s not too much that can be done – keeping patient helps, though.

I’ve checked all over the camera, the stand and in the app – even mistaken the reset button for the switch – and there doesn’t appear to be an on / off button. I’ve been turning it on / off at the mains as I didn’t want it running when we don’t need it.

Floorstand
I opted for this because I wanted to be able to move it around. You can, however, choose the wall mounted version if you prefer to keep floor space clear.

It was easy to set up since it can all be slotted together. And there has been some great effort made to have some level of cable management with the floor stand. Plastic tubes wrap around the wires which can be slotted together so little hands can’t easily get hold of it and put in the mouth. I’ve found that how we’ve positioned the floor stand (in the corner of our room between our bed and baby's bed) means the cable management gets a little confined in the space causing the tubing to easily become detached. I guess this isn’t also helped by the three legs which take a bit of navigating around with the furniture that surrounds it. 

And on those legs are glow-in-the-dark feet which would be useful if the stand was stood in the middle of the room, or elsewhere which would be more of a trip hazard. I have mistaken these for a dummy when I’ve dropped one on the floor during the night…!

It’s not overly sturdy, either, so just be careful when manoeuvring it. It is top heavy with the camera in situ, and you really don’t want to damage it. 

Accidents do happen though so if the stand breaks then you can get buy the floor stand separately over on the Nanit website. 

Breathing band
This comes in the box with the Nanit Pro. It's in the small size which Nanit say is suitable for 0–3 month olds. Every baby, and parent, is different so this may or may not be useful to you. 

Personally, I have not tried this so cannot vouch for its effectiveness, etc. She kept scratching at it and didn't easily settle on each attempt so, I'm afraid to say, it didn't work out for us. We didn't let our daughter out of our sight for the first few months. She wasn't even in her own room until we were seven months in.

However, what I can say about it is that it feels good quality. It's made from cotton which is naturally breathable. There's a Velcro fastening. And there are no cables, hook-ups or anything. Just an eye pleasing black and white pattern which is the only colourways babies can see for the first few months, or so I'm told. It's this pattern that the Nanit camera will monitor for any changes to your baby's breathing pattern, alerting you when they need you.

If you enjoyed using the breathing band which comes with the Nanit Pro, the larger size is available on the Nanit website.

Other breathing wear
I was also sent the Nanit swaddle to try out. It's made from the same soft material as the breathing band and is suitable for babes who can't yet rollover. It does rely on your baby being comfortable swaddled, however. My child, for example, really didn't like it.

I can totally see the benefits of the swaddle for any new parent, but I  would personally wait to see how your baby responds to being swaddle, before splashing out £49.99.

The Nanit pyjamas look good. They too have the unique pattern, are made from your same cotton material and are suitable for up to nine month olds. They've even been designed with a zip fastening which is a godsend when desperately trying to change a nappy quickly at 3am.

Multi-stand
This takes up less space than the floor stand but does need something sturdy to perch on close to the cot. And it doesn't have the same level of analytics available as the floor stand, just live streaming. You'll also need to re-add the camera to the app when using another Wi-Fi. All other settings will stay the same though.

It comes with its own plug so its ready to grab when you need, but doesn’t come with a carry case – this can be bought separately.

What’s the difference between the Nanit Pro and the Nanit Plus? 

Although you may be hard pushed to get your hands on the Nanit Plus, you may be curious to find out what the key differences are between the new and old models.

The image quality is perhaps one of the most significant upgrades with the Nanit Pro featuring a 1920×1080 pixel resolution, which is a marked upgrade from the 1280x960 pixel resolution of the Nanit Plus. This also allows for a much improved night vision which is pretty crystal clear, until you properly zoom in on the little one's face (for example!)

Nanit Pro’s new night light is stronger and gives off a warmer glow than the previous model’s. And the status light – a completely new feature to the hardware – indicates different functions such as power cycling, Wi-Fi connectivity and pairing with a flashing blue LED light. A physical reset button (which I originally mistook for an on/off button) now replaces what once was a pinhole on the original model, too.

Ordering and delivery

The Nanit Pro camera is available at nanit.com, as well as some of your favourite online and in-store shops including Amazon, John Lewis, Mamas & Papas and more. Depending on the retailers delivery promises, you could have this smart baby monitor all set up the day after ordering.

Don’t love it? There’s no need to worry. On Nanit’s website it clearly states that they have a 45-day happiness guarantee which means that you’ll get all your money back if returned within this time period.

Don't just take my word(s) for it...

A John Lewis customer echos how highly we rate the image quality, and the ability to speak to baby. They bought it as a gift and feel that it’s a really excellent piece of equipment.

And a customer at Mamas & Papas have found that it’s ‘very user friendly’, and we concur.

Over at Amazon, there are 1,268 global ratings (and counting) with 81 per cent five star ratings and eight per cent four star ratings. It takes a bit of filtering to find out what customers think about the camera since there’s a lot on there commenting about the multi-stand but, in a nutshell, users have found it really easy to use, were impressed with the picture quality and how you can have more than one user on it. Any negatives were to do with the extra charges of a subscription and that the multi-stand didn’t work as expected (insights and breathing wear).

Real Homes verdict: is the Nanit Pro for you and your family? 

This is, without a doubt, one of the more expensive baby monitors with a camera. It costs in excess of £299 but what it has to offer rivals the majority of its competitors. We’re particularly impressed with the HD video, two-way talk and alerts when motion or sound is detected. 

It was super easy and quick to set up, and the app is equally easy and quick to navigate. In fact, it’s the app which steals the show because it’s the hub of where you can not only live stream but also engage with your baby, track sleep, read milestone messages and manage settings. It is pricey, yes, but it’s worth it for everything that comes with it. 

About this review – and our reviewer

Jennifer is our Appliances Editor across the homes titles at Future. This means that she spends her days working with brands to ensure that you get the best products for your home. She lives in a Victorian terrace which is undergoing an unintentional renovation so whilst stripping back walls, ceiling and floors (etc!) she visualises how the space can be best used with a suite of gadgets, gizmos and home comforts to make home life that little bit more streamlined.

As with all our reviews the Nanit Pro has been tested first-hand in our home, using it just as you would so you know exactly what you are buying. The products are given to us free of charge and we test them for as long as it takes until reporting back to you, our readers. In this instance, the Nanit Pro is still in use at home so we'll continue to test it and update this review should there be anything worth noting.

In the almost two years that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been on the market, the community has showcased some insane creativity when it comes to custom designs. From various intricate pathing designs to wallpaper patterns that fit perfectly with the latest design trends and even the most inventive ways to use Simple Panels, if you can think of it, someone in the community has probably already made it. Or... you could.

We'll guide to through the best way to use the Custom Designs Portal, how to use QR codes, and break down exactly how to download, make and share custom designs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

You can use the links below to jump to what you want to see by section.

1. Download using the Custom Designs Portal
2. Download using QR codes
3. Make custom designs in game
4. Turn your photos into designs
5. Share using the Custom Designs Portal
6. Show off your designs in the Able Sisters

Download using the Custom Designs Portal

Visiting the Able Sisters is by far the simplest way to download new custom designs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The Able Sisters store is not there from the start and needs to be unlocked. Once you've done that, head to the bright pink touch screen at the back right of the shop and you can connect to the internet and interact with the Custom Designs Portal. It’s here where all your dreams of intricate paths, fancy decking, and artsy wallpaper can come true.

Originally when the game first launched, you needed to know either the design ID or the creator ID of the items you were looking for. But now, you can simply do a Criteria Search to find anything that's been named a similar thing to what you're searching for, like stone path or vine panel design. You can also just search by design type too, such as a Face-cutout standee for a quick photo opportunity or the latest sweater designs. 

Of course, if you know exactly what you're looking for already, you can still search by creator code or design ID. A nine-digit number prefaced by MO is the design ID, while MA is the creator code and you’ll then be able to see everything they have created. You can even flick between regular custom designs and Pro versions that have been crafted with a specific clothing item in mind.

The best places to find creator codes are Reddit, Instagram, and even Twitter where you can search #acnhdesigns or #acnhpattern. Always keep in mind though that some more complex designs such as decking or even paths will require more of your design slots so download wisely. Thankfully, the number of design slots available has increased dramatically since launch, so you'll have plenty of space for custom creations.

Also, if you are switching out an existing design, make sure you don’t have it anywhere else on your island as the new art will fill any area occupied by the previous creation. You don’t want a bed decorated with decking, do you?  

Download using qr codes 

So, the Able Sisters is closed for the night and you’re still hungry for a custom design or six. Never fear. Using your real NookPhone instead of your ingame one, it’s possible to scan QR codes which you can then download into the game. The first thing you’ll need to do is download the Nintendo Switch Online app onto your real life smartphone. Then, for the first time since you started playing Animal Crossing, load up the game and don’t just press A to start. Instead hit the minus button to bring up the settings menu. Here Tom Nook gives you the option to enable NookLink.

Once NookLink is turned on, log into the Nintendo Switch Online app with the same account you are using on your Switch with Animal Crossing. This will then allow the game to appear under your ‘Game-Specific Services’ menu on the phone app. Tap it and your very own NookLink will appear with a handy keyboard option to type at lightning speed, and that all-important Custom Designs app. Using this you can scan a QR code that has been created by a previous Animal Crossing game or ACPatterns.com, which we talk about a little further down the page. Once you have scanned the code with your camera, you can then open the designs app on your Switch and press the plus button to download the design.

Make custom designs in game

It’s easy to download new innovative and creative designs but don’t forget that you have the power to craft your very own pixelated masterpieces. It takes a bit to get used to the Custom Designs tool in your NookPhone but the expanse of different palette and shape options means that spending some time just playing with all the different options means you’ll have a better chance of creating something special in future. 

Just keep an eye on how things will look in the boxes on the left hand side. Unfortunately, you can’t edit designs you have downloaded from the internet so if you want to get creative with someone else’s work you’ll have to start from scratch.

A great place to feel like a design master is by switching to the Pro Designs tab and crafting clothing. Here you can choose from a range of six different tops, six dress styles and three hats to fully customise. Each segment can then be designed separately to make sure you have the perfect custom threads to wear around your island.

Turn your photos into designs 

If hand drawn pixel style isn’t quite enough to sate your design appetite, there is a way to bring your real photos and art into the game too. ACPatterns.com is already an excellent way to design on a bigger screen, but it also has an option to convert your existing pictures into pixel format. On a desktop computer, you can select your image, choose the colour scale or even whether you want to go moody and monochrome, and the site will then produce a QR code for you to download into your game using the NookLink QR scanner. The innovative free tool even allows you to choose segments of the image that would let you paste pictures of KK Slider here in a multi-panel mural across your floors or walls. It’s OK to miss him during the week.  

Share using the Custom Designs Portal

So you’ve created your art and now you want to share it with the world. Well it’s time to head back to the Custom Designs Portal in the Able Sisters. Here you can register as a creator and you will be given your own ID which you can then share on social media and with friends. It’s important to note though that when you register you are adhering to the Nintendo Code of Conduct and thus have a duty not to upload any designs that other players might find inappropriate. Once you have uploaded your creations, other players who know your codes will then be able to download your masterworks to their own islands. Yes, you can feel smug.

Note: To share and download designs, players will need a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription. 

Show off your designs in the Able Sisters

Finally, you’ve gone to all that hard work so what better way to show off your custom creations than with official merchandise in your shop? Approach the back wall of the Able Sisters and you’ll find a collection of pre-made designs hanging on the wall. Interact with wherever you would like to show off your own fashion label and Mabel will ask if you would like to look at the top or bottom level. Choose your slot and she’ll then ask which design you would like to display instead. Select your item of clothing and voila, there it is in all its painstakingly-designed glory. 

The best thing about sharing your custom clothing designs here isn’t just appreciating them every time you go shopping or even your friends being able to download them to wear, but the fact that your villagers will randomly strut their stuff in your freshly designed togs. Nothing says ‘job well done’ like Tangy wandering around in a new jumper.  

The home design offerings in Animal Crossing: New Horizons already felt like a wonderful set of tools but the arrival of the Happy Home Paradise DLC means anything feels possible. Just because you are building dream vacation cabins for all kinds of characters doesn’t mean that they can’t be on trend for winter 2021 and 2022. The customisation options and huge selection of furniture on offer means that even your Animal Crossing homes can look straight out of a catalogue. We’ve looked at the home decor trends of 2022 and gathered 5 of the top design trends to use this winter in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise.  

1. Golbincore

If you’re a regular browser of #Goblincore on TikTok or Pinterest you won’t need any introduction to this rather unlikely trend. Goblincore celebrates the appeal of the dirtier side of the natural world. This means animal skulls and bones, snails, worms, and mushrooms are hot Goblincore commodities. Ideal if you’ve been through a Fall season in Animal Crossing and are looking for a way to put all those mushroom recipes to good use. Consider this to be a darker, mossier version of last year’s Cottagecore trend. To make the most of the look in your vacation homes in Happy Home Paradise, make sure you have unlocked the ability to use your own homemade items in your designs. Then choose sparingly to make those pieces shine in their surroundings. Think dark fairy tales and swirling patterns and you’re on the right mossy track.  

2. Yellow Accents

It’s time to bring some warmth to your Animal Crossing vacation homes with some yellow accents. When used selectively, these welcoming tones can bring brightness to your Happy Home Paradise abodes without being overwhelming. Choose your accent pieces well and Raymond and co will be clamouring to live in these spaces. Just remember to check the variations available on your furniture pieces and choose colours that compliment one another. An ideal accessory to brighter colours is the monochrome wave rug and if you’re feeling bold, you could always build a yellow accent room around a bright feature wall. Then it’s just a case of adding more subtle additions such as colourful cushions or table decorations to make things truly pop. Poki and style points, what else do you need?   

3. Plants and Natural Fibres

Looking ahead to 2022, using more natural decor has never been more in fashion and there are plenty of ways to make the most of more of these textures in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise. There are full suites of rattan and log furniture as well as plenty of natural patterns ready made for decorating with greenery if you choose the customise option. The addition of accent walls also means you can opt for a more rustic feature wall to bring in some different textures. Make sure you check the wall hanging section too when you’re in full decorating mode. Not only are there a selection of customisable plants, but also shelving units with different colours of wood to stop things becoming too uniform.  

4. Maximise Vertical Space

2021 living has often meant making the most of limited space as we work and play within the same four walls and of course, home design has followed. Winter and 2022 decor trends then are all about maximising the space we have, be it with vertical storage or making rooms multipurpose. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise lets us do both. The addition of partitions that you can unlock are a great way of dividing up rooms and there are plenty of different furniture options to make the most of vertical space. The tension-pole rack is a particularly stylish minimalist shelving unit and you can customise the colour of the wood. There’s even space for an item of your choice on the lowest shelf. 

5. Colourful outdoor design  

Again, after a year of more static living, we’ve really grown to appreciate our outdoor spaces. This is reflected in future design trends which focus on making the garden feel more like an extension of our living areas. This means plenty of outdoor furniture and bright colours to celebrate our new garden existences. Patio design is even easier in Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise as we can customise vacationer gardens with the same tools as inside their homes. With a press of a button you can turn every outdoor space into a grid for intuitive management and speedily add different trees and furniture for them to enjoy. Remember to use the vast selection of patterns to customise cushions too.  

There's an almost overwhelming array of new items available in Animal Crossing: New Horizons nowadays. Between major updates throughout 2020, and now the huge Update 2.0 combined with the Happy Home Paradise expansion, there are so many options when it comes to designing your island home. But where exactly should you start?

Step in Real Homes’ Laura Crombie to solve all of your home woes with this room-by-room guide packed with expert design tips. Whether you want to know how to make the most of your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, Laura has the perfect solution for you, not to mention some good tips for designing IRL.

Laura outlines exactly what you’ll need in each room to make sure that it can fulfil its true function. For example, those who have already brushed up on their kitchen know-how will be well up to speed on the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ theory. For the rest of us, this means positioning your sink, fridge, and cooker for peak productivity in the kitchen - perfect for working your way through the new cooking recipes that arrives with Udpate 2.0. 

Bedroom wise, you’ll want to add seating areas and matching accessories once you’ve got your storage solutions out of the way. And, when it comes to your perfect bathroom, Laura’s also got some great tips for how to make a true relaxation zone, not to mention how to hide those pesky toilet rolls. Check out the video for all the details.

Also read:

• Top 5 Design trends to use this summer, recreated in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Top 10 most popular wallpaper patterns recreated in Animal Crossing

It's never been easier in Animal Crossing: New Horizons to create an island that feels like home. With all the new items and features that have been added to the game since launch, particularly with Update 2.0 and the Happy Home Paradise expansion, there are more ways than ever to really customise your island and make your little house feel - and look - like a home away from home.

But there is someone that sneaks into your little sanctuary ever week and has the cheek to judge your home, and sometimes even give you a trophy for your efforts. Did you know that there's actually a secret system that governs the score that the Happy Home Academy gives your abode every Sunday? It's not just about colour themes and using items from the same series. It's actually mostly based on the ancient art of feng shui.

Like the many Animal Crossing games before it, New Horizons offers its own take on the ancient Chinese practice. This time around, it informs the game’s judgemental eye on your interior design via its Happy Home Academy grading system, and even appears to help boost a player’s in-game luck. So what exactly is feng shui, and how can island dwellers make the most of it? We sat down with feng shui expert Priya Sher, in order to find out.

“The principals of feng shui maintain that we live in harmony with our environment,“ explains Priya. “Its aim is to achieve balance and harmony in our living spaces and maximise our potential for success in all areas of our life. When the energy of your space is balanced then there is more harmony in your life. Ultimately, your space is a reflection of you, so when you look after every area with love and care, this will enhance your wellbeing.”

We’re feeling more enlightened already. As you might expect, Animal Crossing’s version of feng shui is a tad more simplistic than the real thing. The two core tenants of feng shui are cardinal directions and cardinal colours. Whilst there are usually four directions and 14 colours, Animal Crossing’s latest outing uses only using three cardinal directions – south, east, and west – and three cardinal colours – red, green, and yellow.

With the eye-watering loans Tom Nook had us paying off, you can be darn sure we’re ready to maximise our potential for success. With that in mind, here are Priya’s top tips to help you balance your home and achieve enough harmony to raise that Happy Home ranking to an ‘S’.

Pimp your Front door and adorn your entrance with plants 

“The front door relates to wealth. Ensure it’s in perfect condition and opens smoothly so that money can enter unobstructed. Pay attention to the paintwork. Always ensure nothing blocks the door as that will be reflected in a blockage of your finances. Place a healthy green plant either side of the front door to attract positive energy to enter.”

While of course the hinges and locks are outside of your control in New Horizons, coating your door with a  fresh lick of paint and adorning it with plants on either side of the entrance seems like an easy way to bring balance to the force. Er, we mean your home – sorry.

Tom Nook now has more customisation options for your home than ever too, letting you pick from various overall house designs, siding choices, different front doors, and roof types too. More ways to make sure that everything is in perfect condition. 

Be careful with the furniture placement in the Living Room

“Ensure that furniture for the living room is in proportion to the space. Do not block any doors with furniture, and position the main sofa against a wall to provide the occupants with support. Avoid sitting under a beam. If you have a beam then place a voile on it to soften it. To activate wealth energy, place a healthy round-leaved green plant in the corner diagonally opposite the living room door.”

Treat yourself to a Dining table 

“From a Feng Shui perspective, a dining table is a very important consideration as it relates to your health and provides a space where you can concentrate mindfully on what you are eating. Always keep fresh fruit on the table to enhance the energy of this space. The shape of the table can be round, oval, rectangular, or square. However, it should not have sharp edges as these send negative energy. If a table has sharp edges then cover it with a tablecloth.”

You heard the lady, it’s time to take down that weird bug collection and replace it with a nice smooth dining table.

 Keep your Bedroom looking calm and clutter-free 

“Make this a sacred space for you to recharge your ‘Qi’. Keep it clutter free and decorate it in a calm and simple manner so that it can support your wellbeing. Avoid heavily patterned geometric shaped wallpapers as these can overstimulate the energy, which needs to be relaxed in the bedroom. If you are well-rested then you can perform to your optimum capabilities.”

“To encourage a restful sleep the bedroom must be a light neutral or soft pastel colour, “ adds Priya, “The bed must have a headboard and be positioned with the headboard against a solid wall. Ideally, the bed must not be in line with the bedroom door or have a window behind it.”

“Place bedside tables either side of the bed to provide support. Allow room on both sides of the bed. For romance, place curvy lamps, lightly fragranced candles and rose quartz crystals on the bedside tables.Avoid placing large mirrors in the bedroom especially opposite the bed. Mirrors can make the energy too active, thus, large mirrors or ones where you can see your reflection whilst you’re in bed are not conducive for a good night’s sleep. Keep electrical items to a minimum, the bedroom should be a space to recharge our energy, not our phones!”

Carefully consider the placement of your  kitchen and its appliances

“The ideal location for the kitchen is towards the back of the house, it’s energy is that of privacy. The east and southeast are great orientations for a kitchen. The kitchen is a vital space as its energy represents nourishment and also relationship harmony for the occupants. Ensure that you don't place the sink and cooker opposite each other as that can lead to arguments between couples, as it creates a water and fire crash. The colours in the kitchen are also an important consideration- avoid too much black and red as that also causes a fire and water crash. Neutral colours and green shades are ideal.”

“The position of the cooker is important for the nourishment of the occupants,” Priya continues, “Ensure it is not positioned under a window or directly opposite the kitchen or front door. Place three fresh herb plants in the east or southeast of the kitchen to support nourishment of the occupants.”

Bathroom plants are the key to getting that ca$h mon£y

“This is the area where wealth may get drained (depending on calculations) so introduce some plants in here, as plants soak in water which slows the flow of wealth draining away. Fern is a great plant for the bathroom.”

Home study/office – your desk should always have a good view of the room

“In the study, position your desk in the control position which is the position almost diagonally opposite the office room door. The chair at your desk should have the support of a solid wall behind it and you should have a good view of the full room. Keep your desk organised and place a peace lily plant on it to soak up electromagnetic stress. Place a lamp in the corner diagonally opposite your office room door. This position is a pulse point so never put a dustbin or any clutter here.”

Keep your front garden looking lush and tidy

“ The front garden represents your future so ensure it is always kept beautiful. Plant beautiful flowers and plants and always keep it tidy. If you have a driveway, then always reverse park your car to protect the house and ensure you don’t block the front door.”

Looks like we might have to move our giant garden Godzilla statue then… 

Invest in garden furniture in order to get the most from your back garden

“The back garden represents both health and wealth for the occupants - so ensure it is always kept in good condition. Place garden furniture so that you use this space, as by using it you activate its energy and by activating its energy you enhance your wellbeing. The boundaries must always be well maintained to provide support to the occupants. To enhance wealth, place a water fountain in the southeast of your garden.”

There you have it - nine expert tips that will help transform you dreary domicile into a harmonious home. Ahhh, I think I’m feeling more balanced already. Yet, if you’re a fairly new player, there may be one question that is eating at you like a glaringly clashing colour scheme -- how do I get hold of all this beautiful furniture? Unfortunately dear reader, the answer here isn’t as pleasing as Priya’s interior design insights. As with all other items in Animal Crossing, furniture is randomly generated, distributed between the make it yourself DIY recipes and the new wares that appear in Nook’s Cranny and the Happy Home Paradise planning office each day. In other words, if you want these for yourself, you’ll just need to play the game. A lot.

Like redecorating a real house, creating your perfect Animal Crossing home takes time and dedication. Luckily, putting in the hours here is a ton of fun. Happy home tweaking, villagers.

Our kitchen appliances are what we rely on to keep our homes clean and our families nourished. But for many years they have had the opposite effect on our planet, spilling poisonous plastics into the environment and damaging gases into the atmosphere, as well as draining precious natural resources.

When a washing machine is run, its wastewater carries with it more than 700,000 microscopic plastic fibres from synthetic clothing (according to research at Plymouth University). That plastic gradually makes its way into our waterways, seas and oceans, where it can poison or starve the wildlife there.

Then there is the energy that a washing machine and tumble dryer use to heat up the water, run the wash cycles and dry the clothing. The bigger and heavier the machine and load, the more water and power is needed. Not all the electricity used to make the machines work comes from renewable resources, instead it comes through burning fossil fuels, releasing greenhouse gases into the air.

It is the same issue with ovens, whether they use gas, electric or a mix of both. Both rely on fossil fuels, gas using it directly to deliver heat while electricity is generated by the burning of these precious fuels. As electric ovens generally take longer than gas, this extra cooking time means more power is needed and more fossil fuels are burnt to produce it.

Buy green for a healthier planet

But these appliances are essentials to our lives, so we strive to find sustainable ways to offset some of the damage they can cause.

We can begin by looking at how they are made, and actively seek out appliances that are made from recycled materials – things that can’t bio degrade easily in landfill but can be rescued and reused instead to create new products. The UK's leading kitchen appliance manufacturer Beko has successfully developed products which do exactly this – specifically using discarded fishing nets, thread waste and plastic bottles.

Abandoned fishing gear makes up around 10 per cent of the debris in the ocean. Dubbed ‘ghost gear’, it is an unseen and deadly hazard that entangles sea life and damages coral reefs. But fishing nets, instead of being left to pollute the water and threaten the lives of the majestic marine mammals and birds, can be repurposed and used instead to make components for the manufacture of ovens. *Beko’s RecycledNet™ built-in ovens can make any meal taste that little bit sweeter when you know it is helping to clean up the oceans and save at-risk marine wildlife and habitats.

Plastic drinks bottles that are used once before being carelessly tossed into landfill, can take 500 years to decompose in sites that are releasing greenhouse gasses and harmful chemicals into the water and soil. Instead of this rubbish being wasted, **Beko has developed technology so they can be converted into a durable high-performance material used to make washing machine and tumble dryer drum tubs.

Boost your budget through energy efficiency

When it comes to powering appliances, it is time to be smart and invest in ones that proudly proclaim their eco credentials. Home appliances account for around 45 per cent of your annual household electricity bill. If energy is used more efficiently, it could save you money in your pocket as well as the planet. For example, tumble dryers are expensive to run, but are a necessity during winter weather when hanging washing out to dry simply isn’t an option. Switch to a tumble dryer like the EcoSmart by Beko, which has an A++ rating, and you could save more than £400 a year. Always look at the energy labels of the appliances. The label rates products from dark green A+++ (most efficient) to red D (least efficient) The lower the kilowatt hours, the less energy it will use. Aim for appliances that have an A rating and above as being the most eco-friendly and energy efficient.

About Beko

Beko, the Uk’s No1 Leading appliance manufacturer, is committed to doing what it can to save the planet for both present and future generations. To do so, it has found ways to use more recycled materials in the manufacture of its products. *Beko’s RecycledNet™ Built in oven range is helping to clean up the oceans. The door décor plastic, display cover and inner display cover of RecycledNet™ ovens are all made from recycled fishnets and thread waste. While **Beko’s RecycledTub™ washing machines and washer dryers use up to 60 recycled plastic bottles in their tubs, being kinder to the planet without compromising on durability and performance. Shop these ground-breaking, earth-saving, sustainable products at Beko at AO.com

If you want lower energy bills it pays to know what uses the most electricity in a home. And who would say no to paying less – as well as reducing the impact on the planet? Yup, we’re pretty sure, the answer is no one.

In order to save, you’ll need to find out what appliances use the most electricity, as well as which other features of your home account for a big proportion of your utility bills.

With the help of the experts, we’ve put together a list of the biggest electricity guzzlers along with tips on how to save energy at home, so you can reduce your consumption and your spend.

What uses the most electricity in a home?

You might be surprised by the list of what uses the most electricity in a home, but it’s not just interesting information. Being aware of what appliances use the most electricity can help you prioritize the energy-saving strategies you adopt for maximum savings. 

Here, you’ll find our top 10 energy users along with the advice you need so you can use less energy.

What uses the most electricity in your house?

Number one in the list of what uses the most energy in a home is space heating appliances. While individual costs vary dependent on the types of heating, typically these account for 31.3 per cent of your consumption, according to Fixr, which used information taken from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual energy outlook report 2021 to calculate the percentage of total gross end-use energy consumption each month in single family households. 

‘The biggest energy consumers in homes are heating devices,’ says Adam Graham, construction industry analyst at Fixr.

At number two? We’re still talking heating. Your water heater accounts for 13.6 per cent of consumption, according to Fixr’s calculations.

Space cooling is also responsible for a large proportion of your spend at 10.7 per cent, the site reveals.

What appliances use the most electricity in a household?

Aside from home heating and cooling, when we’re talking about what appliances use the most electricity, it’s refrigerators that account for the largest share of bills: that’s 4 per cent of electricity consumption, according to Fixr’s calculations.

These are followed by dryers, accounting for 3.2 per cent.

Lighting also makes its impact on your bills at 2.8 per cent.

And pay attention to the influence of the TV and other home entertainment equipment on energy use, which equals that of lighting at 2.8 per cent.

Computers and related equipment, meanwhile, account for 1.1 per cent. 

Wondering about where clothes washers fall in the list of what uses the most electricity in a home? They account for 0.5 per cent of consumption.

Dishwashers use slightly less energy at 0.4 per cent.

What makes my electricity bills so high?

HVAC systems use the most electricity in a home, so these have a major effect on bills, but you can see that other appliances can also be making a contribution worth paying attention to.

‘The best way to determine what is using the most energy in your specific home is to do a home energy audit,’ says Bailey Carson, Home Care Expert at Angi. ‘You can do this yourself or hire a pro to check more specifically where your home is using up the most energy and provide recommendations on how to improve its energy efficiency.’

How to cut down on electricity use – and save money

Now you know what uses the most electricity in a home, for lower bills try these strategies:

1. To save on space heating good home insulation is key. ‘A key solution to cutting down on energy use from heaters is to fully insulate your home, seal up any gaps around windows, doors, and other penetrations in your walls, replacing your windows or updating your existing heating system for newer versions,’ says Adam Graham.

2. As for water heating, swapping to a different system can be the answer. ‘It is best to use a tankless water heater to save on energy, as it heats water as and when it is needed, as opposed to other options that heat water continuously throughout the day,’ he says.

3. To save on air conditioning, the US Department of Energy recommends home cooling strategies that require less energy. ‘A combination of proper insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, daylighting, shading, fans, and ventilation can often keep homes cool with a minimum of energy use in all but the hottest climates,’ the department advises.

4. To reduce the impact of both refrigerators and dryers on bills, buy smart when you replace. ‘Energy star rated appliances are the best way to cut down on energy consumption when it comes to refrigerators and clothes dryers,’ says Adam Graham. ‘Homeowners can also opt for line drying whenever possible to avoid electricity dependency.’

5. Lighting is high on the list of what uses the most electricity in a home, but you can address this by switching to LED or CFL bulbs, says Bailey Carson. ‘While they cost more to buy, LED and CFL bulbs will last longer and use less up to 75 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs, lowering your monthly bills.’

6. Pay attention to what are known as ‘vampire products’, too, to make savings. ‘You can save 10 to 15 per cent on your energy bill by unplugging devices and appliances when they’re not in use,’ says Bailey. 

‘Vampire products are sucking energy even when they’re not in use, so unplug everything before you go on vacation or when you’re done using it. This includes toaster ovens, coffee makers, computer monitors, and DVR and cable boxes. Once you’re done using these products, unplug them completely. 

‘Other vampire products include your phone and computer. Once these devices are fully charged, unplug them or turn off their power strip to avoid sucking unnecessary energy from your home.’

While it can be a blessing to have the kids back at school, or to be returning to the office again, these shorter autumnal days leave us all with less and less time to get those everyday tasks done. We would all rather be out on crisp walks or gathered around a cosy fireplace when we do get a minute to spare, but without a clean and clutter-free home to come back to, seasonal gatherings will simply leave you feeling more stressed.

Replacing your appliances is always an investment, but opting for LG Smart Appliances will bring more style and functionality to your kitchen – just in time for some indoor entertainment. 

Perhaps your washing machine has given up the ghost, or your fridge is at full capacity and unlikely to make it through a food-filled season... No matter what your reasons are for wanting to upgrade, choosing LG’s smart appliances could be what your household needs, now more than ever.

Five reasons to invest in LG smart appliances 

1. Cut down on the laundry pile

The new LG V11 F4V1112WTSA Wifi Connected 12Kg Washing Machine is the answer to all your laundry day prayers. While it has the standard dimensions of most washing machines, it offers an upgraded 12kg capacity to fit all your sports kit, sheets, towels, and uniforms in one go. By fitting in more laundry with every load, it will cut back on your number of weekly washes and leave you with more time to enjoy autumn walks and hearty roast dinners. What’s more, the speedy wash cycle will stay on top of any spills or splashes meaning that your favourite walking socks or the kids’ Sunday best will be good as new within the hour. Not only will that save you time, but by running fewer cycles to wash the same volume of laundry, it will also cut down on the amount of water and electricity you’re using to do your washing. 

2. Keep food fresher for longer

It's an added expense to keep having to throw away food that’s gone bad in the fridge, but it’s also bad for the environment. Investing in the LG InstaView™ ThinQ™ GSXV90BSAE Wifi Connected American Fridge Freezer will deliver all the freshness you crave from your food using NatureFRESH™ and LINEARCooling™. This delivers a consistent temperature that will stop any condensation, keeping maris pipers fluffy for roasting, and cabbage fresh for braising.  

3. Stylish design

The fridge is the heart of any kitchen, so there is every reason to make sure it is packed with smart tech and finished off with a sophisticated design that you’ll enjoy for years to come. The LG GSXV90BSAE American-style fridge freezer also has an InstaView™ ThinQ™ panel. This sleek-looking fridge freezer allows you to see what’s in your fridge with a simple knock. Jam-packed with high tech, and with no need to open the door, it keeps the cold air locked in. 

As for the LG V11 F4V1112WTSA washing machine, it also comes with a modern design that delivers on functionality. It will look the part in any laundry room, and when it comes to laundry day, a steam-enabled cycle will remove 99.9% of allergens from your clothes and sheets, as well as reducing wrinkles to cut back on ironing. 

4. Precise, time-saving power

If you regularly find yourself looking for ways to speed up everyday tasks, switching to an LG smart appliance could help take your timekeeping to the next level. Designed to cater to busy families, elements such as the TurboWash™ 360° washing machine will completely wash and rinse a last-minute load in just 39 minutes, leaving you with more time to work in a trip to the park, or a well-deserved cup of tea to catch up on your favourite show. 

The LG V11 F4V1112WTSA washing machine also takes the guesswork out of adding laundry detergent. It uses an EZDispense™ system to fill up with one full bottle of detergent, which it will automatically dispense for 35 washes. No need to measure and pour in a capful for each wash, just choose your mode and let the machine do the rest. 

5. Designed with families in mind

We all want to find ways to make our homes cleaner and more hygienic. LG has fitted its GSXV90BSAE refrigerator with a UVNano™ water dispenser, which will give off UV light every hour to kill off 99.9% of bacteria so you can rest assured that your family will be well protected.

Head over to AO.com now to shop LG and receive up to £250 cashback on selected products. AO also goes the extra mile to make replacing your appliances easy and stress-free, offering 100-day returns on select products. 

AO is the best destination when it comes to updating your home goods, with 250,000 five-star reviews from happy customers on TrustPilot. Buyers are protected by AO’s price match promise, which compares prices daily, you can be confident that you're always getting the best price at AO.

What's more, you can choose seven-day delivery and select from a range of delivery options to suit busy homeowners. When you buy from AO.com you can choose a morning or afternoon delivery time slot, and receive a text to let you know when your new LG appliance is four hours away. That means there's no risk that you'll miss your delivery, and you can get your new appliance up and running in hours.

• Shop LG Smart Appliances at AO.com 

There's one thing we have all felt over the past 18 months, and that's a heightened connection with our living spaces. Whether you own a home or rent, ensuring you feel comfortable on all fronts is major. And, with comfort must come security and safety. There are so many home security devices on the market nowadays that it can seem like a minefield to find the right one that will suit your needs.

No household is the same but something most have in common is the want to keep our home, loved ones and belongings protected, in a stress-free and simple way. Enter Hive HomeShield: the must-have smart home security solution that's able to provide intelligent insight on your home's protection, instantly report incidents to the police and give you all-round visibility on your home's security 24 hours a day – in a way that suits you.

It's convenient, reliable and uncomplicated, so with rave reviews, we thought we'd put the Hive HomeShield to the test with one of Real Homes' expert bloggers and DIYer: Jo Lemos.

Jo lives in a 1930s semi detached house that he spends a lot of time DIY renovating – in a beautiful way. With a strong presence on social media, Jo shares lots of his before and afters on Instagram to the public, which naturally comes with some security considerations.

Not to mention that with the ease of national lockdown restrictions, Jo and his partner are – like many of us – spending more time away from home. Be that to go to an office or on holiday, it was the ideal time to enhance what was their traditional home security setup with something more tailored to their modern home and lifestyle.

With pets at home a lot of the time and, with neighbours that aren't always so receptive to alarms... Jo and his partner faced many of the same home security needs and setbacks as the rest of us. Taking their home security to the next level with Hive HomeShield made total sense.

Jo tested the Hive HomeShield for two weeks and this was his experience:

Supporting a phased return to normality

'For the last 18 months, my partner and I have been working from home during the pandemic. With things opening more and restrictions being lifted we are now on a phased return to the office. Also the ability to see more of our family and friends means we are increasingly spending less time at home.

As we knew we would not be spending as much time at home we have been on the lookout for a new smart security system and HomeShield by Hive is the perfect fit for us.'

'We moved into our 1930s semi detached in November 2019 which has an existing traditional security system. The system was made up of motion sensors in each room with a siren mounted to the front of the house. However, as we have a 4-year old dog called Lola who stays at home while we are out we couldn’t use the system as she would set it off. The existing security alarm was also not connected to any alert system so we wouldn’t know the alarm was going off anyway and alarms tend to be ignored by neighbours.'

'Now that we are going back to the office there were a few things that we were looking for in a new security system:

• Smart security system with an app for real time updates
• Dog-friendly
• Something simple and easy to use that you don’t need to think about'

Pet-friendly on all fronts

'With the HomeShield system by Hive we have managed to find a good solution for what we needed. The big draw for us in particular was the pet-friendly motion sensor which is able to determine if it’s a cat/dog moving around the house – rather than a person. This was all the more important to us with the arrival of our new puppy Olive in July which meant there would be two dogs in the house while we were out.'

A fine-tuned and perfectly designed system

'The starter pack includes sensors for the front and back door, keypad for setting the alarm, siren, outdoor camera and the pet-friendly motion sensor. The camera for me is one of the best parts of the system. It notifies you of motion or noise of whatever is in its field of view.'

'We live on a relatively busy residential street so initially we were getting notifications any time a car or person passed the house. However, I was able to tweak the settings to only detect people and set up a zone that only detected people that came onto our driveway.'

'I had the fright of my life when I woke up after the first night of having the system and had a notification to show someone was on our driveway at 4am. Having watched back the footage I realised it was the milkman that I’d never actually seen before!'

Ease of setup and communication

'You can also communicate with anyone through the two way speaker and with the HomeShield subscription you also get 30 days of video footage backed up.'

'The other feature I love is that you or anyone in your house can set the alarm from your phone. We often leave the house and forget to set the alarm and it's really convenient that you can arm or disarm it from your phone.'

'We can give our dog walker guest access as well as our family and friends, meaning you don’t have to worry about anyone knowing your code.'

Built to suit your needs

'On the app you get notifications if the alarm is going off or if it sees something suspicious so you can react to it there and then. You can also add to the security system at any time with additional cameras and sensors – without having to pay for someone to come and install or service it.'

'So far the system hasn’t missed a beat and the best thing I can say about it is that I don’t have to think about it as it works quietly in the background.'

Over the last 18 months we’ve all spent more time at home than ever before. And as a result, our relationship with our homes has changed beyond recognition. The same four walls have been our home offices, study areas, workout studios, cinemas and so, so much more.

Consequently, many of us have spent hundreds if not thousands of pounds on home renovations, home improvements and generally ensuring our homes are the safe and stylish havens we've needed them to be during this difficult period. 

Now that we're slowly returning to work, booking holidays and looking forward to what the 'new normal' means, we'll need to make sure that we don't drop our guard when it comes to looking after our home, as well as we have our health.

Regardless, we know that millions of us are more attached to our homes than ever before, and products like Hive HomeShield can play a pivotal part in protecting what we should consider our safe space.

Why the Hive HomeShield is a must-have solution

1. Contact emergency services via the app

In the unfortunate event of a home intrusion taking place, you can ensure officers are there as quickly as possible, even if you aren't at home – all with a touch of a button.

Hive HomeShield technology works with your local law enforcement and home insurance company to provide a crime report extract, so you don’t need to fill out any extra paperwork or describe foggy details.

This includes a time log of what happened with camera stills and footage. An incident report can even be shared across social networks including Facebook, NextDoor and your road's WhatsApp group so that your next-door neighbours can be vigilant in their homes too.

Burglaries can trigger feelings of distress and concern, long after they've been carried out, so the Hive HomeShield technology can be integrated with victim support groups to call should you need emotional support following an incident.

2. Deter potential intruders with a camera siren

While we dread the thought of calling upon the police to report a break-in, the reality is that sometimes making this phone call is inevitable for many of us. But rather than waiting to get home and see the evidence of the crime, you can take instantaneous measures to deter trespassers with a camera siren.

This will alert them that you have protective measures in place and will discourage them from trying to force entry into yours and other homes in the neighbourhood.

3. Receive intelligent reports on your home

There are a multitude of reasons why customers invest in Hive HomeShield technology. Whether they've had a neighbour whose had a recent intrusion, have a young family they want to protect, or just don't want to miss an important delivery.

British Gas take an empathetic approach to each and every household they cover, knowing that family circumstances and dynamics are different from door to door.

Whatever your reason, ultimately, you'll want a comprehensive breakdown of what the technology covers and how it compares to similar offerings. In today's world where many of us are time-poor, there simply isn't enough time to sit and watch out of your window.

So they’ve designed the app to provide comprehensive, intelligent reports – all included in your affordable package. Because no one should be priced out of peace of mind.

4. Arm and disarm using your smart technology devices

With HomeShield, you can arm your home from your smartphone, tablet and even your Apple Watch. It has three modes, Home, Sleep and Away to give varying levels of smart notifications depending on the level of communication you want to receive at any given time of day – even when you're on holiday!

So whether you're in a busy meeting at work, or putting baby down to sleep, or can't hear anything over the sound of home renovations, rest assured Hive has your work and life interests at heart.

Learning from their experiences of heating homes across the land, British Gas understands that you want a traditional and human approach, providing reassurance, support and a family-orientated common sense approach.

5. Instantly alert family and trusted contacts

If you're a lover of routine, we understand how stressful unexpected events like a burglary or an unknown visitor surveying your home can be. So you shouldn't be losing sleep wondering whether your property presents itself as a potential target for thieves.

That's why, the Hive HomeShield team provide you with proactive help with tech you can trust. The app will notify you and trusted contacts with an automated phone call through notifications, so that you don't have to do any investigative work.

What's more, each family member gets their own security login, so you know exactly who has entered the home.

6. Check on your home in real time or retrospectively

While the safety of your family is paramount, it's hard to put a tangible price on the protection of your loved ones. And many home security providers can take advantage of this.

As part of their comprehensive package, British Gas will provide customers with multiple Hive devices as part of the HomeShield service as well as 30-day video playback home security service for a subscription fee of just £9.99 for premium features.

Of course, each and every customer has different plans and schedules so British Gas can provide a no-obligation quote at a time that suits you – not the other way round.

How to get Hive's HomeShield technology

Whether you've heard about this home security solution from a neighbour, locksmith or local paper, Hive HomeShield is the ‘go-to’ gadget to keep your home securely monitored with intelligent smart devices.

Visit the Hive website directly, or via one of their trusted retailers to buy HomeShield online or in-store.

The transition into autumn can be marked not only by the falling leaves, but by the momentous day we decide to turn on the central heating.

It's a concession that summer's truly over, and no amount of piling on the layers can beat the comfort of warmth in every room where there's a radiator.

As that time is approaching as quickly as Christmas, now is the moment for pre-winter checks to make sure that everything is working as efficiently as possible, ready for cooler times ahead.

You want to avoid the rude awakening of a chilly room in the morning and have the reassurance of a cosy space to come home to at night. And you want to rely on there being enough hot water for the whole family to use as you get ready to face the frosty day.

Get your boiler checked

The first place to begin is with the boiler. It should be seen every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer, this is to prevent issues arising but also to ensure its longevity. 

Engineers can carry out two types of checks. The first is a safety inspection where they will check the connection to the gas supply and test that the boiler is functioning properly and safely. A  faulty or incorrectly fitted boiler can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, or in the case of a gas leak, it could potentially cause a fire.

The second is servicing the boiler, and it makes financial sense to get this and the safety inspection done at the same time. Regular servicing will help to maintain the boiler's performance levels, which can drop over the years, finding and replacing any worn parts. Your boiler operates more efficiently which reduces its fuel consumption and saves you money on bills – it’s also better for the environment!

Time for a replacement?

Though regular servicing can prolong the life of your boiler, after a decade or more it can start to show its age and become unreliable. Too-frequent calls to the repairman may mean it’s uneconomical to hang on to it and a replacement is in order. It is better to plan ahead and invest in a new one during the warmer months – when you are using it least – before the old one finally breaks down at the most inconvenient time for you and your family.

A combination boiler, known as a combi, is an efficient water heater and a central heating boiler in a single unit. Switching to one of these means you can do away with the separate hot water cylinder that used to be a feature in old houses, cocooned in its lagging jacket in the airing cupboard. Without the need for a cylinder, a new combi can free up space where the water heater used to be, and help you realise your dreams of an expanded bathroom with shower in place of the old cupboard. The combi can also help you streamline the space where the old boiler was, if it replaces a much bulkier older model, and can be hidden away in a kitchen unit to match the rest of the room.

It would cost around £1,700 for a new E-Tec Plus boiler from Alpha Heating Innovation, including installation, depending on the model, output (which can be from 28kW and 33kW to 38kW) and geography. They come with a 10-year warranty, which can be increased to 13 if it is fitted in an advanced wall-mounting jig with built-in magnetic filter that helps to protect it from being damaged by debris in the heating.

Stay gas safe!

Gas Safety Week takes place from September 13-19 to promote gas safety within the home. Here are the warning signs that a boiler isn’t working properly:

• Lazy yellow flames on gas appliances rather than a crisp blue one.
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Excessive condensation on windows
• Unusual dark marks or staining around or on gas appliances
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (including headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Always fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm, available from most DIY stores. If you smell gas or suspect a problem with any gas-fired appliance, call the National Gas Emergency helpline free on 0800 111 999.

Alpha Heating Innovation 

Alpha Heating Innovation has been providing energy efficient domestic boilers for more than 50 years. It is part of the Immergas Group, one of Europe’s leading heating appliance manufacturers.
Alpha offers market leading warranties on its range of boilers. Their E-Tec combi,
system and regular boilers are supplied with a seven-year warranty as standard,
while the E-Tec Plus comes with a 10-year warranty.
Alpha’s high-quality products and expert, friendly service has earned it a rating of ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.  
Follow them on Instagram on @alphaheatinginnovation

The security-conscious will already have thought of security cameras and alarms as ways to keep their home safer, but the best smart locks are fast becoming the next big thing in home security.

Not only do they allow you to control better who comes in and out using just your smartphone, but they can also supplement existing security features already installed around the home. 

Smart locks allow homeowners to keep their properties safe from intruders but grant access to those who need it, such as cleaners, babysitters, or even Airbnb guests, without leaving your home open to unwanted visitors. But, of course, it also means that you won't be locked out the next time you forget your keys!

We've taken a look at some of the best and most popular smart locks available right now, rating them on their reliability, connectivity, and design.

Keep scrolling for honest reviews of our top-rated products or if you need more comprehensive security, then check out our guide to the best home security systems.

The best smart locks: our top picks

eufy is known for its reliable and budget-friendly smart home products and has added a high-end smart lock to its offerings. The eufy Security Smart Lock Touch gives users several ways to unlock their door - via the smartphone app, the fingerprint sensor, or a passcode - adding to peace of mind and security.

The big selling point of the eufy smart lock is its fingerprint sensor, which works brilliantly once set up. The programming process is the same as for the fingerprint sensor on a smartphone (pressing and lifting your finger several times until it gets a good reading). Once it knows you, you'll be able to open the lock in double-quick time simply by pressing your finger to the interface.

This is also useful for viewing the history of the lock (available through the app), as it knows exactly who has been in and out based on the fingerprint used. Each user can also be given a unique passcode.

The only real drawback we found with the smart lock is the tricky installation process. It should be expected given how many things eufy's product allows you to do but, despite the detailed instructions provided, it is more labor-intensive and time-consuming than we anticipated. That said, once we did it, the result was sleek and solid enough to justify it.

The eufy Security app allows you to adapt settings to your requirements, including sounds the lock makes and granting temporary access when someone outside your household needs to enter. It's also straightforward to set schedules and add users quickly.

Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

If you're looking to give an existing lock system smart capabilities, the August Smart Lock Pro could be your option. We'll admit that it's pretty pricey, but if you're looking for a top-of-the-range solution that you can fit retrospectively, it's more than worth the investment. Here's everything you need to know.

It's easy to fit this smart lock retrospectively, transforming an existing lock system into something with smart capabilities. This is perfect if you don't like the idea of replacing your entire lock system or are looking for something slightly more on the subtle side.

If you're concerned about home security or want to keep an eye on who's coming in and out of your house – be that cleaners, babysitters, or anyone else – this smart lock will allow you to do so. It's never been easier to lock, unlock and control keyless access from any location.

Perfect if you want to keep a close eye on an elderly or vulnerable friend or family member, check whether or not your front door is locked from any location.

Thanks to Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant compatibility, it's possible to control your smart lock system using your voice. Connect the two, and you're away.

Looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the August Smart Lock Pro? While it’s still not what we’d call budget, the August Smart Lock is slightly more purse-friendly and offers many of the perks of the August range. Here’s everything you need to know.

Connect your smart lock to your smartphone, and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting your keys again. Plus, it’s easy to control who comes in – and out – of your home.

Perfect for those looking for a smart lock that can be fitted retrospectively, this model attaches to your current lock system easily and will be ready for use in a matter of minutes.

If you want to let someone in on a one-off basis – perhaps a cleaner, delivery man, or Airbnb guest – you can rest safely knowing that their temporary key will expire as soon as you wish it to.

Next up on our list is the Yale Keyless Conexis L1 Smart Door Lock which has an innovative design and is easy to use. Here's everything you need to know about it...

One of the biggest draws of this smart lock from Yale is the ease with which you can control it from your smartphone. Thanks to its mobile key option, you'll never have to worry about forgetting your keys again. Instead, tap your smartphone and gain access with ease. 

Want to let a friend, babysitter, cleaner, or Airbnb guest into your home? First, send them a smart key. Then, delete it once they're gone.

Not sure about using a smartphone to access your home? Concerned about losing charge? There's also an option to enter your home using a key card.

Thanks to its functional, wireless design, this model is also easy to install. You'll need 4 AA batteries, and you're good to go.

Perfect for those concerned about people trying to gain entry to their homes, this model also promises to notify users if it senses a lock being tampered with.

One of the main benefits of opting for a smart lock from Yale is that it connects to their broader – and equally reputable – smart home security system. Once connected, this can all be controlled from one app.

The Yale Keyless Connected Smart Ready Door Lock offers the best smart lock technology and a more traditional keypad lock system. It's also recently won our Real Homes Awards, so you know you're onto a winner. Here's everything you need to know about it.

This mirror-finish smart lock looks a little more traditional than many of the other options on this list, which may be a good thing when deterring would-be sneaks, not to mention that it looks exquisite indeed. 

There's also a tamper alarm for extra peace of mind and easy fitting over your existing night latch, making this a great option whether you're keeping it simple or bumping up the smart security.  

This model allows users to switch between the two easy to make the most of both manual and intelligent lock systems.

Can your smart lock be fitted retroactively?

If you want to ensure minimal damage, or disruption, to your front door – perhaps you’re a renter – you may wish to opt for a smart lock that you can fit retrospectively. These models will attach to your current deadbolt, giving it smart capabilities.

These options tend to be a little more expensive, so it may be worth opting for a whole new lock system if you’re already considering replacing your front door or lock system.

Can I grant temporary access?

If you’re looking for a smart lock because you want babysitters, cleaners, Airbnb guests, and whoever else to be able to enter your home with ease, you may wish to opt for a smart lock that offers temporary key passes to visitors. Then, once your visitor has been and gone, you can prevent them from gaining access to your home again by simply canceling their key.

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In 2021, we simply have no time or patience for slow WiFi. If your internet connection is unreliable, it could be down to the fact it's too close to a kitchen appliance many of us use every day - the microwave.

Your best microwave oven - and a handful of other common household items - could be at the root of your WiFi woes.

According to some new research by Zen Internet, many of us (75%) are unaware of how the location of our router can affect our internet. In a nutshell, the location of your WiFi box significantly impacts your download speeds and connectivity - not to mention WFH stress levels.

By simply moving your microwave or router, you could avoid painfully slow internet and freezing on video calls. So, you've created a little distance between the two, now what? 

If it's still bad, try moving any of the following items: baby monitors, stereos, speakers, TVs and halogen lamps. If the internet continues to be unreliable, it might be time to look at the best broadband providers in the UK and consider switching.

'The adage "a place for everything and everything in its place" certainly applies to where your WiFi router should live – and that is not next to your microwave!' says Stephen Warburton. The Zen Internet Managing Director says to avoid putting it in the kitchen at all, if you can.

He says that the electromagnetic waves from a microwave can interfere with the WiFi signal. 'Place your router as close as you can to the centre of a home for a consistent connection,' says Stephen. 

'Radio waves generally spread out and towards the ground, not up, so it’s worth considering mounting it on the wall,' he adds. Positioning the router on the wall will also help to keep it out of reach of pets and children. 

Not only is it a hazard, but there are several wires and buttons that could get broken by placing the router on the floor. Stephen also recommends putting it on the second floor if you live in a two-storey house.

We're glad we now know about the other items, like your TV or speakers, that could be affecting our connection. At a time when we're so dependent on our internet, let's spare a thought for our routers and find them their own special place in the home.

IKEA is now selling a battery charger that looks just like a book, freeing up space in our overflowing man drawers. The sleek IKEA TJUGO battery charger is not only a handy battery organization idea, but it should also make the more eco-friendly option of rechargeable batteries a little more appealing for the uninitiated.

Traditional black and bulky battery chargers fall into the wholly 'functional' category of items in our homes, and certainly aren't objects we would ever want on display. IKEA's new offering, on the other hand, looks cute tucked on a shelf or on a desk with other books.

The charger, which costs $17.99, comes in a pale blue-green shade and has a textured spine similar to that of a book. It's much more aesthetically pleasing than standard battery chargers - one reviewer even described it as the 'best-looking charger I’ve seen.'

Enough about looks - does it work? The product charges AA and AAA batteries, and you can charge up to eight batteries at a time. This sounds very satisfying, particularly for those of us with an assortment of loose batteries in a kitchen drawer and no idea whether they're brand new or depleted.

It also lets you charge an odd number - handy if your regularly-used cordless devices, from fans to torches, take three batteries. The TJUGO charger is also great for those who want to reduce the amount of waste they create at home - i.e. everyone - and saves you money on panic-bought replacement batteries for your alarm clock.

Batteries can be stored in the charger when it's not actually on, as it shuts off when the batteries are fully charged. A red LED light will indicate if a battery is defective and needs to be taken to the recycling center.

Check out the TJUGO battery charger on the IKEA website. IKEA also sells LADDA rechargeable batteries ($7.99 for a pack of four) so you can buy both in one go if you're thinking of making the switch to renewable batteries.

Investing in one of the best power banks will also stop your phone running out of juice at festivals and on day trips. Eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing and an effective way to reduce clutter, what's not to love?

The scorching hot weather has hit and many of us are struggling to keep cool while working from home and trying to get to sleep at night. Having the best fan is key when the mercury soars - but are you using yours effectively?

An expert has shared some simple tips, and explained why you might be using your fan wrong, preventing you from feeling the full benefit.

Most of us tend to point our fans directly towards us so we can feel the breeze that makes us feel a bit cooler. However, Chris Michael from air conditioning system company Meaco recommends placing them more strategically.

'Having a fan blow directly onto your face is fine for a short period of time but is unpleasant if done for too long, and does not help to share the effect with anyone else in the room,' says Chris. 

'Using an air circulator that bounces the air off the walls and ceilings gets all of the air in the room moving and ensures that the cooling effect is shared out.' So while it may be tempting to position your face perilously close to the blades because it's just so hot, you're far better off placing it more centrally in the room.

No one wants to spend time in a hot room with zero airflow, so try to use your fan to circulate the air around the entire room. To really reduce the temperature of a room, Chris has a handy trick. 'You will need two windows in the room and two fans,' he says. 

'Point one out of one window to exhaust the hot air and one pointing into the room in the other window to circulate fresh cool air. This works best when the outside temperature is cooler than the indoor temperature and is also a great way of staying COVID safe when meeting friends indoors.'

Leaving windows open when the air is warmer outside than it is inside can actually make things worse, so shut blinds and windows at the hottest point of the day. If you've tried everything and still have a hot and stuffy room, find out how to cool a room down fast with our tips.

Simply too hot to sleep? Here's how to sleep in heat to help you get some shut-eye. Some suggest putting a box of ice cubes in front of your fan to help circulate cool air - either way, having your fan too close to you isn't the way to go.

Web notifications can be a really convenient way of keeping up to date with the latest news and deals offers or simply enjoying great quality content. We use them here on RealHomes.com to share things we're excited about with our audience. We love to talk about interiors to whoever loves to listen, and our web notifications are perfect if that is you.

But, we get that sometimes people change their mind about wanting web notifications and that's not a problem. We have all accidentally clicked 'allow' on autopilot, so we aren't offended if you want to switch them off and digest our content in your own time. 

So, we've pulled together a super simple guide to how to turn off web notifications, whether you're using Google Chrome, Safari or Android. 

Want to unsubscribe from a particular device? Jump to it:

• How to turn off web notifications in Google Chrome
• How to turn off web notifications in Safari
• How to turn off web notifications in Firefox
• How to turn off web notifications on Android
• How to turn off web notifications on iPhone

How to turn off web notifications in Google Chrome

Use the steps below to help you turn off web notifications in Google Chrome. While the process should be fairly simple whether you're working from an Apple Mac, Windows PC or Android phone, the process may look a little different from device-to-device.

• Open Google Chrome
• Locate the button with three vertical dots – this should be on the top right hand side of your screen.
• Select 'Settings' from the drop down.
• On the left hand side of the screen, you should see the 'Advanced' option. Click on this.
• Navigate to 'Privacy and security' option
• Choose 'Site settings' from the list of options
• Navigate to 'Notifications'
• You should find a list of 'blocked' websites and a list of 'allowed' websites. Find the website you'd no longer like to receive notifications from in the 'blocked' list.
• Click the three vertical dots to the right hand side of the website. 
• Select 'block.'

How to turn off notifications in Safari

If you tend to use Safari as your search engine, you'll need to adopt a slightly different approach to unsubscribe from notifications. It's super simple though and shouldn't take more than a minute or two.

• Open Safari
• In the top left hand corner of your screen, you should see the word 'Safari,' click this.
• Select 'Preferences' from the list of options
• Then, navigate to 'Websites' – this should be one of the options in the banner running across the top of the window
• Select 'Notifications,' from the list on the left hand side
• Identify the websites you'd like to stop receiving notifications from and change the option from 'allow' to 'deny'.

How to turn off notifications in Firefox

Firefox user who's receiving web notifications? Don't worry, we haven't left you out (even if you are using a super old school browser). Find step-by-step instructions for unsubscribing, below:

• Open Firefox.
• Enter about:preferences#privacy into the URL box.
• Scroll down to 'Permissions'.
• Select 'Notifications'.
• Navigate to the 'Settings' option.
• Here, you will be met with a list of websites that you currently allow to send you notifications. Locate the website you'd like to unsubscribe from.
• You'll notice that its status is 'Allow'. Click this and change the status to 'Block'.
• Makes rue you hit 'Save Changes' at the bottom of the page.

How to turn off web notifications on Android

Receiving web notifications directly to your Android Phone? They can be a super useful way of keeping up with news, deals and other interesting content while you're on the go. But, here's how to turn them off if you've decided they no longer serve you:

• Tap the web notification as seen as you see it in your notification tray.
• This should open up a 'Site Settings' option. Click this.
• Choose 'Clear and Reset'. 
• Confirm your reset.

How to turn off web notifications on iPhone

Currently, there is not an option to receive web notifications directly to your iPhone. Should this change in future, we'll be sure to update this section.

Want web notifications back?

If you change your mind and decide you'd actually quite like your web notifications back, simply follow the same steps that we've detailed for unsubscribing. But, instead of removing or blocking the site, you'll need to allow it.

It's always a good idea to have a look for better offers to save money on your bills,  and with some of the best broadband deals usually advertised to new customers, Plusnet's current promotion is no different. This is your sign to switch broadband provider now.

You can bag Plusnet's  Unlimited Fibre Extra broadband and pay just £24.99 a month across the 18-month period with no set-up charges insight. The best part? You'll get an £80 Plusnet Reward Card for free.

With average speeds of 66Mb, this package offers a superfast performance that is perfect for busy, large households. And while the monthly rate may not be the cheapest fibre broadband price available right now, with that £80 voucher - exclusive to Real Homes - it works out as the best value for money currently.

You can spend this £80 Reward Card both online and at most high street shops – just about anywhere accepting Mastercards. What are you waiting for?

Claim this exclusive Plusnet broadband deal:

The Plusnet Reward Card comes preloaded with £80 to spend online and in most high street stores that display the Mastercard logo, and can be claimed once you have got your broadband up and running. 

Can't get Plusnet broadband in your area?

Type in your postcode below to find the best broadband deals in your area. 

Read more:

• Save money with the best BT broadband deals - our #1 provider
• Discover who else sits in our best broadband providers list
• Get what you paid for and do the broadband speed test

Are landline phones a relic of the past, or do they still have a place in today’s homes? The answer is overwhelmingly ‘yes’ if you take into account the many features modern landline phones now have that will give your mobile phone a run for its money. Besides, in the age of increased homeworking, a landline connection can provide an invaluable backup connection source for those days when your Internet connection doesn’t want to play ball. We explore the reasons why you should still have a landline phone in 2021 with the help of BT. 

1. Modern landline phones have a tonne of helpful features 

Landline phones have come a long way from when they had just a set of buttons and an answering machine. These days, a phone such as the BT Premium Phone can store 3,000 phone numbers and remember the last 30 callers for an easy redial. It can also sync to your mobile phone and receive mobile calls for you, which is especially useful if you have coverage deadspots in your house. 

2. They can block nuisance callers

Nuisance calls, or cold calls as some people refer to them, are annoying and distracting, but a modern landline phone like the BT4600 can block up to 1,000 numbers. All you have to do is block a number you don’t recognise or don’t want to answer once by pressing a button; the phone will then remember the caller and block them automatically, so you won’t even be aware that they tried your number. 

Don’t want to receive calls from anyone at all on a particular day? Some models even have a ‘Do Not Disturb’ button that will mute calls so you can enjoy peace and quiet.

3. A landline is a lifesaver for homeworkers

Working from home can present a unique set of challenges, many of them to do with a patchy Internet connection. Some people moved during the pandemic only to discover that their wi-fi coverage in their new home or area isn’t that great – which is why the landline really comes into its own. Bad Internet day? Your Zoom calls don’t need to freeze on you anymore – just get an Ethernet cable. It will allow you to connect your computer or another device directly to your router, ensuring a stable Internet connection. 

You can explore the full range of BT phones and their helpful features in the online BT phone store.

A sense of total wellbeing at home has never been so important. And, Mitsubishi Electric is dedicated to developing the best products to help you live better in your own space.

When it comes to the layout and decor of our homes, we’ve adapted accordingly to suit a new way of living. From your home office setup – that might be in a garden room – to more indoor greenery and new tech additions, it all plays an important part in making time at home fun, comfortable and functional. And like with most things, there is always more you can do...

Air conditioning doesn't seem like a must-have for the home, especially in the UK. That’s not to say that we don’t love the fresh, crisp feel of a perfectly air conditioned space, but we often associate actual air conditioning units with holidays abroad, coffee shops and as solely reserved for business settings. 

So who’s to say that you can’t and shouldn’t enjoy this luxury in your own space?

The latest Mitsubishi Electric home air conditioning range proves that it is possible to bring all that air conditioning now has to offer, into your own home – without compromising on style. From air cooling and purifying features to seamless connectivity, it may come as a surprise just how far air conditioning has come. These are our favourite features.

1. Regulated temperature

We’ll start with the fundamentals here. A house that maintains an optimal temperature all year round – be that in the lounge, your new office garden room and/or she shed – will create a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone.

Remember stepping into a cool office after a hot lunchtime walk? You can still enjoy that same sensation. Whether you work from home or not, the weather still remains unpredictable, so having precise technology on hand, as is present in the Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning range, to balance out different weather conditions will ensure you are equipped for all unexpected fluctuations in temperature. Whether your space needs a blast of cool or warm air.

2. Energy efficiency

Before you panic about increasing your bills and overall energy consumption by bringing an air conditioning unit into your home, think again.

Mitsubishi Electric A+++ models offer exceptional performance with low power consumption to ensure that your budget stays just as comfortable as you.

3. Improved air quality on all fronts

Mitsubishi Electric Premium and Zen Series air conditioning systems not only regulate temperature but they will help purify the air also. Meaning that those with allergies, asthma and hay fever will breathe easier, especially over trigger months like in the summertime. It’s the dual barrier coatings and Plasma Quad Plus technology that gets in the way of air borne particles, filtering and ridding the air of irritants like pet dander, dust and bacteria. Leading to a cleaner environment for everyone.

4. Silent sleep-filled nights

A good mattress is important but so is a restful and healthy environment. Cleaner air will make your sleeping space calm and you won’t need to worry about an air conditioning model interrupting you mid-deep sleep either (infuriating to say the least). The Mitsubishi Electric home series is designed with ultra low noise levels, making all models the most silent of sleeping companions and, not to mention, ideal working from home partners.

5. A seamless addition to your home

Mitsubishi Electric offers its latest series in a selection of cool, contemporary hues to suit all modern homes and different interior design schemes. 

Choose from Onyx Black for a chic finish, Ruby Red for a fiery bright addition and Natural or Pearl White for neutral decor and let it blend into your space as it suits you.

From seamless styling to simple functionalities, you can operate Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning units using Wi-Fi controls and you can even pre-programme yours through the MELCloud App, to create the perfect stress-free atmosphere. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and easy to pair with your home's Google Assistant– that's modern air conditioning for you. 

As our lives once again become busier, the best Bluetooth speakers can make listening to music, podcasts, and anything else you want more convenient and keep up with a hectic lifestyle.

We don't need to tell you why wireless and portable speakers offer more flexibility than your standard wired sound system, but you may not know how much. As smart home features become more accessible, many Bluetooth speakers can offer the same upgrade as the best smart speakers without the high price tag.

And that's not all - kit your home out with multiple Bluetooth speakers, and you can create a multi-room sound experience, playing the same playlist or audiobook throughout the house, so you're never far enough away to miss something. Or, if you're planning an outdoor get-together this summer, many speakers on our list let you take the tunes outside.

The best Bluetooth speakers open up so many possibilities, and while there are some high-end options, they tend to be quite affordable, with a range of designs that fit different styles.

Scroll down to see which wireless speakers we rated top, as well as some advice on choosing the best speakers for your needs.

The best Bluetooth speakers: tried and tested by us

The iconic design of Marshall speakers has always been a unique selling point, especially for the brand's relatively affordable smart and Bluetooth speakers. The ultra-portable Emberton is one of the company's key forays into outdoor offerings.

What we like

The speaker promises portability and is lightweight and small enough to fit into your hand and carry from room to room. This also makes it ideal for taking out and about with you, for the day or on longer trips. Waterproof, the Emberton will withstand less-than-perfect weather, too.

The battery life is impressive at 20 hours, and you can get a full charge in just 3 hours. While testing, we could stretch a single charge across several afternoons of work, playing music or podcasts at around half the volume. The 360-degree sound helps the audio compensate for the speaker's size.

You have a choice of Black, Black & Brass, and Cream (we tested it in Cream) finishes, which all look superb. Each variation has a brass control knob on top, which you use to turn on the speaker, change the volume and skip forwards or backward. There's also a light beside this indicating the remaining battery life, which was helpful to see when we were running low instead of waiting for it to switch off from an empty battery.

What could be better

Though the sound quality is by no means terrible, some understandably expect the best of the best from Marshall products. With 20W audio power, the Emberton will do fine for occasional use or for something you can take with you, but it won't take the place of your primary sound system.

That said, with ours placed at the base of a monitor in the home office, it's hard to argue with something so convenient with good - if not excellent - sound quality.

Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

If you like your technology to have a more retro feel and design, the Audio Pro T3+ should be one of your first stops.

What we like

A good wireless speaker in its own right, with clear sound and Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity, what stands out about the Add-On T3+ is its good looks.

Available in a few different colors, we were able to test the grey model. With rose gold accents (love!) and a lovely leather handle, it does look the part and would look fantastic on any shelving unit. It's also designed to be taken out of the house with an incredible 30 hours of battery life - the best stamina for a speaker on this list.

What could be better

The speaker's weight does hinder the portability claim of the T3+, which is a shame when you factor in the stylish and functional carry handle. Of course, it won't break your arm, but you don't want to carry it long distances, either.

It's also not water-resistant, which could be a problem if you plan to take the speaker on a camping trip or leave it in the yard during a family gathering.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Many speakers claim to be portable, but the JBL Clip 4 means it. With a handle that will attach to almost anything and impressive sound for its small size, the speaker is the ultimate outdoor (or indoor) companion.

What we like

The little Clip 4 has only 5W of power, but you wouldn't know that to listen. There's a slight lack of depth, but the bass is strong enough to give a good overall feel. It's also straightforward to use, with large obvious controls that mean you can find them even if you're halfway up a mountain or have wet hands from washing up.

The biggest thing to recommend the JBL Clip 4 is its versatility. While the brand probably wants to position it as a speaker you can take on hikes or camping trips, it's also terrific to have around the house. Of course, given the waterproof rating, our first instinct was to take it in the shower with us, and, as expected, it held up against the soap and water being thrown its way.

What could be better

The large controls we praised will also turn some people off, as the fabric and rubber aesthetic of JBL devices isn't to everyone's taste. The Clip 4 does come in various colors, however, so you might be able to find one you like. The model we tested was dark green with purple and mustard (pictured), and we'll say that the finish is high-quality and attractive in real life.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The best Bluetooth speakers: more top picks

A fantastic portable speaker for garden parties, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 lands on this list for its compatibility with other speakers alone. Add in rich, crisp sound that maintains its quality even at top volume, and it can still be called one of the best Bluetooth speakers out there right now.

We especially love the range of bright, funky colors available, including a Unicorn version that would be great for maximalists. You can also buy a charging dock (sold separately or as part of a bundle) that ensures you're never caught out, even when away from a power source.

The Bluetooth range is super impressive, so you'll stay connected up to 146ft away, and the speaker boasts top-class water, dust, and drop-proof specifications.

It may not seem like the most impressive Bluetooth speaker on our list, but the JBL Flip 5 is still one of the best wireless speakers you can buy, and it won't put too much of a dent in the wallet either. Weighing in at just 1.1lbs, the product is very lightweight, making it easy to transport.

But don't be fooled into thinking this means shoddy construction - the 40mm drivers pack a punch, and the bass sound incredible. In addition, the IPX waterproof casing is ideal for outdoor use, whether at the beach or under uncertain weather conditions. The Flip 5 can withstand a lot, so you're protected come rain or shine.

It's also our recommendation for music and parties, with the PartyBoost feature enhancing the audio when you need it loud.

The Bose Soundlink Color 2 has been around since 2017 and has become a firm favorite for many. The fact that it still hits the mark makes it worthy of a spot on our list despite competitors with more modern features.

The Soundlink Color perfectly blends sound quality, style, and connectivity. In addition, the unique design (an oval rather than a tower shape) ensures it won't spoil the décor when placed on a mantelpiece, shelving unit, or even outside during a garden party.

The sound quality is good, though some have complained it is a bit heavy on the bass, thanks to its dual passive radiators and high-efficiency transducers. But, overall, it proves that being small doesn't mean compromising quality.

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

All product reviews on Real Homes are based on hands-on testing in the writer's own home. When deciding which of these devices and products are featured in our buying guides, we consider a number of things, including our experience of using them, and how many of our readers we believe they would suit. Real-world testing ensures that these recommendations are as fair and accurate as possible. Read our rundown on how we test for more.

Choosing the best Bluetooth speaker for your home

When buying the best small Bluetooth speaker to suit your needs and budget, a few factors are worth considering. These include:

Battery life

A significant consideration when choosing a Bluetooth speaker is that the battery life needs to be good enough for your speaker to go from place to place without needing to be plugged in. The portability of a wireless speaker becomes completely redundant with less-than-ideal battery life.

So if you're planning on using your speaker for camping or beach trips, you will want to opt for something with as long battery life as possible. Just want something to play music at home? It's less of a priority.

Design

Probably due to Bluetooth speakers' popularity amongst younger generations, they tend to be available in various colors and designs. This means you can choose between something bright and outlandish or a more muted style, depending on your taste.

Water resistance

For those residing in areas or parts of the world not known for their excellent weather, it may be wise to look for a wireless speaker with at least a little water resistance in case of a sudden downpour during your barbeque/cookout.

Then again, if you're lucky enough to enjoy your fair share of sunny, warm weather, it can also be helpful for a Bluetooth speaker to withstand splashes from the pool or beach. But, again, many options range from water-resistant to completely waterproof.

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The Tado smart thermostat is one of several options for those looking to gain more control over their heating. In short, it pairs with an app, allowing you to remotely change the temperature in your home, create heating schedules and see your energy usage. Taken to its full capability though, it can be used to control temperatures room by room, automatically switch off the heat should you leave a window open, warn you about heating system issues, and generally take all of the guesswork out of getting your home to a comfortable temperature.

Like all of the best smart thermostats, Tado kit connects to your smartphone and is controlled via an app. It can then be connected to your smart speakers and other home assistants to give you maximum control of your heating with minimum effort. Forgotten to turn the heating off when you left for work? Turn it off from the office (if you pay extra it will automatically turn off for you). Want the house warm and cosy for your return? Tado will work out a schedule that sorts, then use geofencing to work out when you will be home and what time to whack the heating on to get it to your desired temperature.

If some of these functions sound familiar from your experience of other smart thermostats, you might be wondering why Tado is the one for you. We wondered this too, having heard great things and been impressed by its tidy look and ever evolving capabilities. So when we were offered the chance to review it, I jumped at the chance to put it to work in my Victorian mid-terrace. With just two bedrooms, I chose to add the smart thermostat to my lounge and use one smart radiator thermostat in my bedroom. I was sent the wireless thermostat so I could set it up away from a plug socket, but I also needed an extension kit to allow the smart thermostat to 'talk' to my boiler. Here I will explain the set up, but as the specific bits of kit you need will be particular to you and your home, the focus is on the smart thermostat and the app control. Find out how I got on testing the Tado smart thermostat last winter.

Tado Smart Thermostat starter kit specifications (wired and wireless options):

• Connectivity: comes with internet bridge that connects via radio network
• Setup: wired and wireless options
• Sensors: temperature and humidity
• Power: wireless is battery powered, wired – bridge connects to mains via USB plug
• Max number of tado° devices per home: 25
• Max number of Home app users: 100
• Control: app, website and can be connected to your smart speaker. Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, IFTTT compatible
• Subscription fee: €24.99/year for Auto-Assist capability

What I tested:

• Tado wireless smart thermostat – room thermostat
• 1 x Smart Radiator Thermostat V3+ – controls individual radiators
• Boiler extension kit/wireless receiver – connects your boiler to the smart thermostat

Setting up the Tado smart thermostat

Before doing anything, you register on the Tado website. This gives you full access to the set up instructions which can be followed on your laptop/phone browser or in conjunction with the app on your phone. Note that some parts (like adding the extension kit) were only available to me via the main website. Though the app did walk me through other parts of the set up, you can't install with app alone – so, just a note to have web access to hand in some form.

After putting in a few details about your home, and downloading the app for your phone, you are ready to go.

Tado should be easy enough for any competent DIYer to install. The products come with quite limited instructions (great for saving paper), allowing the web app to do the work. This is great, but if like me you didn't know your heating system well enough to know you would need the extension kit too, it does mean you find yourself some way through the process before having to abort mission to get what you need. Not Tado's fault – definitely a user issue – but some brief written instructions might have saved me the 30 minutes or so I spent getting to the stage that I realised I needed something for the boiler to 'speak' to the thermostat. 

Once I had the extension kit, it was time for attempt two. Again, the set up is in theory very easy. The web app explains each step, customising the instructions based on your boiler and heating system. From my experience last time, I figured I would need to do the trickiest part first – connecting the wireless receiver (aka extension kit) to the boiler. Sadly, 4pm on a Sunday afternoon in winter is not the best time to be trying this. You will need to turn off power to the boiler as you are going to be fiddling with the electrics and if you are like me, you like to turn off all power – just incase. What does this mean? No lights (I am really paranoid about electrocuting myself) sitting in the dark, hotspotting your phone for internet connection while attempting to remove the cover from your boiler. Not ideal. Abort mission for a second time.

Finally, I watched a couple of videos – berated myself for not choosing professional installation which would have been much faster – and checked how to turn off power to my boiler while maintaining lighting and power to my router. 

I won't go into details too much, as set up at this point depends on what boiler you have and whether the controller is integrated or not. All this is explained by the web app with you being able to select the right instructions by inputting your boiler manufacturer, model and controller name – this should be on your boiler. In some instances, Tado might not have full instructions in their database and you have to send a support request, meaning their engineers will create some bespoke instructions for you in the next couple of days. The support really is forthcoming for those who need it.

Once your extension kit is wired in and the power is on, you just need to use the internet bridge provided, to pair the device. Time to connect the smart thermostat itself. Mine was going to live in my lounge where it acts as a temperature sensor and controls the temperature of any radiators in my home that I have not fitted with a smart radiator valve. This is far less faff that the extension kit – you simple pair to the internet bridge, add the device to the app all guided by the Tado website. You can wall mount this or buy a bracket to stand it on a shelf or table. 

The final step for me was fitting my smart radiator thermostat. I opted for one in my bedroom as the lounge would be set by the main thermostat and the only other room with controllable valves is my spare room which I don't use as often. I might get one down the line for this very reason as Tado is great for flexing around your heating needs.

The process was also nice and easy – pair the device to the internet bridge and app, then it needed attaching to the actual radiator. First I had to remove the existing valve before I could add the new smart valve using a new mounting bracket supplied with the kit. I was able to screw the valve mounting bracket directly onto the valve, then just had to screw the smart radiator thermostat into place. This was quick and the app confirmed once I had finished this stage correctly. If you have further valves to add smart radiator thermostats to, you can add each one room by room, pairing and adding to your app as you go.

With set up complete, I was looking forward to getting stuck in to some of Tado's famous features.

Using the Tado app to control your heating

Set up may have taken me some time and a few attempts, but the app really is simple and time saving. So what does it do?

Scheduling
Firstly, you can use it to build schedules for your heating. The scheduling sits under Home mode meaning if people are home, it follows your preferred schedule. In the opposite – Away mode – it follows a different schedule that is suited to an empty home.

One of the very clever things about Tado is that rather than telling it what time you want your heating to go on and off, you tell it what time you need it to be a certain temperature and it works out the rest. So, before I used Tado, I set my central heating to come on at around 6am as I am starting to get up, meaning it could be some time (usually once I had left the house back in my commuter days) before rooms were a comfortable temperature. Now, Tado works out when my heating needs to come on to get up to my desired temperature at the time I want. It reacts to external temperatures and comes on earlier if needed, so I never get out of bed to a chilly room.

The app scheduling offers simple choices of weekdays and weekends, the full week or lets you specify a different schedule for each day. These options make it very easy to use, but also give you plenty of flexibility to optimise your heating. Instead of backstop temperatures, you can also turn the heating off altogether at certain times with frost protection meaning the heating kicks in if the temperature gets too low – great for when you head off on your hols.

Geofencing
Because of geofencing Tado does much more than just using a schedule. You can define settings for when you are away from the home too, because Tado knows when you have left and when you are on your way back. When the last person leaves home for the day, the app knows to remind you to switch to Away mode to avoid heating an empty home. Then when you set off home, it reminds you to turn the heating on to make sure it will be warm for your arrival.

You can add multiple users to the account. This is recommended so that they can all download the app and synch to the account so it knows when they have left or returned. 

Open window detect
There is a host of features on Tado that are – in short – designed to stop you from wasting energy and keep you warm. One of these is open window detection. If you leave a window open, Tado will tell you to shut it or turn your heating off. With the paid for version of the app (more on this below), it turns the heating off automatically if the window remains open.

Weather adaptation
As mentioned before, Tado can work out when to put the heating on to reach your preferred temperature by the time you have set on the schedule. It does this by using weather reports to help it know how much oomph the heating will need and how early. On top of this, it checks the weather and helps you make smarter choices about your heating use to match.

Air comfort
Another thing the app can do is use the humidity monitors of the smart thermostat to tell you about your indoor air quality. Mould is a big cause of respiratory problems, but Tado can help prevent mould forming by warning you about high condensation and humidity levels. If it thinks a room is getting a bit stuffy, it will advise you to open a window. This is great, but as someone who lives in a Victorian terrace which struggles with condensation and has no opening windows in the lounge, it can start to feel like it it telling you off for something you can't control. Still, this is a problem for me and not the many – and it is usually right...

And it isn't just the air inside your home either. Last year, Tado added pollen reports to the app – great for the hayfever suffers among us to prepare for the day. Or to warn us to shut the windows and load up on antihistamines. 

What is Tado Auto-Assist?

Most of what Tado does comes for free in the app. However, for €24.99 a year you can really make the most of Tado's smart capabilities. This is called Auto-Assist and as the name suggests, it automates a lot of what Tado tells you to do. For example, geofencing is great, but the free version just sends you a push notification – usually when you are driving and can't act on it – telling you to turn the heating off because everyone has left home. 

The same applies for window detection. With the free version, Tado tells you a window is open and you should turn off the heating to avoid energy wastage. Auto-Assist just does it for you (turn off the heating, not shut the window that is...). 

If you are thinking the difference between being told to turn off the heating and it doing it itself is not worth €24.99 a year, then the final paid for feature might sway you. Care and protect – which is not available on the free version at all – helps monitor your heating system for problems. It can even spot a developing problem before it becomes a full on breakdown and can save you costly boiler engineer call out charges. Yep, it even tells you how to solve some common issues by yourself before you ring for help.

I am yet to test the subscription part of the app, but other users think it is well worth the money for added automation and heating assistance.

What happens to my heating if my internet connection drops?

Something that had put me off smart heating for a while was just this. I have slightly unreliable internet and was worried that one big rainfall could mean I was without heating when I really need it. I didn't want to be at the whim of my shoddy web connection.

However, Tado does have a fallback for this – you can override the app and control your heating manually should you need to. This is a good safety net that put me right at ease.

How much energy can you save with a Tado smart thermostat?

Tado stats say that their customers save an average of 22 per cent on their heating each year. This could mean savings of up to £400 each year for the average home. 

I found that my app was telling me I had saved an average of 24 per cent in the colder months, but as much as 32 per cent in March. It is worth noting that my stats are based on me having been working at home full time for the last year and barely leaving home due to various lockdowns. As Tado works so well by turning off your heating when you aren't home, I have probably missed out on some of these saving opportunities by being stuck in the house. Expect an update when we return to normality.

What else do we love about Tado?

Once you have everything set up, you barely know it is there. Aside from the odd radiator valve noise which I noticed initially in the early hours when my heating came on, the devices are very discreet in look and operation.

I could go on more about how much nice the devices are to look at than other smart thermostats – especially if you have the wireless build – but it is the app that really shines. It has everything you could expect and I particularly like the energy savings section that tells me how much energy I have saved each month, as well as other stats like how many hours of sunshine we have had, how much time I have spent away from home (barely any at the moment of course) and how often my heating has switched to energy saving mode.

What don't we love about Tado?

The set up was a drawback for me as it took several attempts and was more involved than I thought it would be. However, it is worth noting that this won't be the case for everyone and if you already have wireless heating control, it is much easier to integrate. What's more if you don't want to set up, you can get it installed professionally and can make this decision partway through the set up process (which I did consider...).

Also, you only have to set it up once, so the time it takes is worth it in the end for all the benefits of heating savings and easy use.

How does it compare to other smart thermostats?

Tado's main competitors are the Nest Smart Learning Thermostat and Hive Active Heating kit. The first thing most people compare them on is price. The Tado smart thermostat itself is slightly cheaper than the Hive and Nest kits, but to really get the full advantage of Tado, you will want to add on some smart radiator valves to control room by room. These cost from £55 each so you will soon be paying more than you would for the competitors even if you only control one or two rooms independently.

I also had to get the extension kit to control my boiler remotely. This currently costs around £100 by itself. So the cost is starting to look stacked against Tado, but we do advocate this kind of buildable system that you can grow when you need to.

However, you really are paying more and getting more. Nest is generally preferred for its smart learning. You begin with a fair bit of adjusting, but it starts to learn your preferences and schedules. Over time, it is probably the most hands off and unlike Tado, you aren't paying extra for automated heating turn off with Auto-Assist – it just learns and does it. However, it doesn't offer quite as much control and we think Tado really is a great retrofit option that functions like quite expensive, fully integrated automated heating systems you tend to get in very modern luxury homes.

Hive is comparable to Tado when it comes to zoning. You can make it part of a multi-room system, controlling each room as required. But what Hive lacks is the smart radiator valve function that allows you to have full control room-by-room.

We think Tado is the best option if you want a more advanced smart heating system with lots of flexibility. You can keep it simple with just the thermostat if you want simple on and off heating, or up your heating game by adding a smart valve to every radiator you can – costly in the short term, but it really does save you a lot of money over time.

About this review and our reviewer

Lindsey Davis is Editor in Chief of Homes Ecommerce at Future. That means she is tasked with making sure our audience get the very best in product buying advice, and works with her team of product experts to find the right buys for your home. She has worked in homes journalism for nearly ten years and has a particular interest in anything that will make the planet a little healthier.

At Real Homes we think the only way to test products is in the homes they are designed for. That is why we make sure our reviewers have them for at least two weeks, though in this case the Tado smart thermostat was tested over several months. Items we review are usually gifted, free of charge and we are allowed to test them for as long as needed. In this case, the reviewer was able to keep the units meaning further updates to this review over time. After all, we want to know how the product delivers not just in the first month, but those to come, too.

This is the first smart heating device Lindsey Davis has tested in her home, though she has hands on experience of Nest and Hive products in the homes of others. She would describe herself as welcoming of smart home technology, so long as it genuinely makes life easier, which is exactly what she tests it for. She lives in a two-bed Victorian cottage with a fairly new central heating system and a mix of single glazed, secondary glazed and double glazed windows. The small rooms heat quickly, but regulating the temperature to be comfortable throughout can be difficult. 

Thinking of upgrading your car for an electric version? You’re not alone. Sales of electric vehicles and hybrids are expected to rise from two per cent of the new car market today to 25 per cent by 2030. And it's no surprise when research shows the total cost of owning an electric car is now less than a comparable gas vehicle, with fuel savings alone almost $5,000 / £3,600 over the first seven years. 

But investing in an electric car also means taking the time to think about how you'll charge it. The most common method is an electric car charging point attached to your home's mains power supply. In fact, adding an electric vehicle (EV) charging point to your house is one of the green home improvements guaranteed to give your home's value a boost.

This article explains everything you need to know, from where to locate your home charger to how much it'll cost, the grants available and design considerations.

• Keep reading: Home insulation - How to improve energy efficiency in your home

Why do I need a dedicated home charger for my electric car?

You can use a domestic plug socket to give your electric car 2.3kW of power, but this is very slow and should only really be used in an emergency situation. 'Most drivers prefer the convenience and speed of installing a dedicated fast charging point at home,' says Rob Mouser, Executive Chairman at Andersen EV premium electric car chargers.

A standard socket will charge your car at about six miles per hour, so a long-range Tesla – which has a 379-mile range at full charge – would take a whopping 63 hours to charge. And who has got time to wait for that?

Green energy expert David Hilton says most dedicated home electric car chargers have a 7kW power supply, which allows them to charge at more than double the rate of a standard domestic plug. 

If you have three-phase power supply to your home – or want to upgrade to one – you can get up to 22kW of charging power. A 22kW charger would charge at about 43 miles per hour, making it a much better choice for that Tesla.

It's really important to make sure a home charger isn't going to overload your home's electrical supply – so always check with a qualified electrician or specialist installer before having anything fitted.

Where should I locate my electric car charger?

This might sound obvious, but your car charger needs to be as close to where you normally park your car as possible. This is usually on the front wall of your house or on your garage. You'll need an electricity supply to whichever location you choose, with a dedicated connection on your home's consumer unit to provide enough power.

Always check the length of cable that comes with the charger you're considering buying, and make sure it will reach the charging point on your car. You don't want to be pulling the cable taught or parking your car at a weird angle to get it to plug in.

Finally, consider where the cable will be while the car is charging. Try to avoid having it trailing across an area where you walk regularly as it'll be a trip hazard, especially at night.

Gone are the days when chargers had to be a bit of an eyesore, there are now premium home chargers that come in all kinds of colours and finishes, from oak clad ding to on-trend anthracite grey, so you should be able to find an option that complements your home.

How can I charge my electric car if I don't have a driveway?

If you live in an apartment or don't have a private driveway, then electric car charging options at home are currently quite limited. The situation is improving, especially in cities, where private accommodation car parks are now being fitted with chargers and on-street charging is becoming more prevalent, but costs are still higher than traditional home chargers.

If your office has charging points, then you could charge your vehicle while you work, but this depends on how many hours you're in the office.

How much does a home electric car charger cost to install?

Costs for the charger itself and installation depend on everything from the location you choose and electricity supply you have to the colour of the finished unit. Costs typically start at around $670/£500 for a basic unit and go up to many thousands for designer units. 

There are various grants available that you can apply for to help mitigate costs. In the US, federal grants vary by state, so you'll need to check locally.

In the UK, there’s the OLEV grant, which allows electric vehicle drivers to claim up to £350 for a home charging point. For those who live in Scotland, there’s also an additional £300 Energy Savings Trust (EST) grant.

'You can claim one charge point per eligible vehicle and up to two eligible vehicles per household in the UK, which can make a real difference to the purchasing and installation costs,' adds Rob Mouser, Executive Chairman at Andersen EV. 

How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?

The cost of charging your car at home will depend on your electricity tariff and how far you drive, but will almost always be cheaper than using public charging stations.

To work out how much your car will cost to charge, you'll need to do some basic math and know roughly how many miles you drive a month, say the car experts at Kelley Blue Book. Use a recent energy bill to work out how much you pay per kWh for your electricity.

Here's an example of how to calculate the cost of charging an electric car at home for somebody who drives 540 miles each month. Most electric cars get three or four miles per kWh, so divide 540 by three and you'll see you'll use 180kWh per month. Multiply this by your cost per kWh, which is usually about 12 cents/ 9p, and you'll see it'll cost  $21.60/£16.64 each month to charge your electric vehicle.

Smart home chargers are a great option as they allow you to monitor electricity and how much you're spending charging your car using using an app.

How quickly will my electric car charge at home?

Charging speeds vary depending on the size of the battery and the speed of the charger you have. Most home chargers charge at a maximum of 7kW, which will typically be slower than public chargers. 'Expect a 7kW charger to give you a charging rate of about 14 miles per hour,' says green energy expert David Hilton.

As a general rule of thumb, expect a full charge at home to take seven to 12 hours, which is why most people choose to charge their cars overnight.

Do home chargers work with all types of electric car?

It depends on the charger you choose, so always check. Even if a charger isn't suitable for your car, you'll usually be able to buy adapters to make it work. 

'Our chargers are compatible with all electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles, so if you switch your car, it will still work perfectly with your new car, making it future proof,' explains Rob Mouser, Executive Chairman at Anderson EV.

I chose an electric car to be more eco-friendly – should I worry about where the power to my home charger is coming from?

If sustainability is the main driver for getting an electric car, then yes, says green energy expert David Hilton. 'It should make us ask the question why we are using low emission vehicles but generating the electricity from coal. That said, there is a growing percentage of green electricity and zero carbon nuclear in the grid mix, so the situation is improving.'