Outdoor kitchens have had a serious boom over the past few years, so much so, that some people don’t even cook inside anymore. But if you have a small outdoor space or you’re on a tight budget, you might not want to clutter your garden or balcony with too many appliances.

I’m lucky to have both a barbecue and pizza oven in my garden, but they do take up a lot of room. While I use both consistently throughout the year, I tend to use my pizza oven for a lot more than just pizza, so being able to combine a barbecue and pizza oven together is something that would save me space while offering multiple ways of cooking outside.

If you have a Masterbuilt barbecue, I just found a handy accessory that can convert your existing grill into a pizza oven – and it’s pretty affordable, too. The Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Attachment is a grill insert with a pizza stone that slots into your barbecue so you can make pizzas on the grill.

The Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Attachment looks like most pizza ovens on the market, except it doesn’t have any controls. Instead, you use your barbecue’s controls to fire up the pizza stone so you can cook pizzas in as little as five minutes while still getting that authentic flavour.

You don’t just have to use the Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Attachment for pizzas, either. It can also cook bread, steak, cookies and even lasagne – see 9 surprising foods you can cook in a pizza oven for more details. The mouth of the pizza oven is wide and spacious, so it can fit up to 12-inch pizzas inside.

When used with a Masterbuilt barbecue, the Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Attachment has 360° airflow so it whips around your food while it’s cooking to give you a consistent cook without you having to rotate it. It’s made from stainless steel and porcelain that looks premium, and matches Masterbuilt’s line-up of barbecues.

The Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Attachment is compatible with most of its gas, pellet and charcoal barbecues, including its Gravity Series. The bad news is if you have the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 – which we gave five stars in our review – you won’t be able to use the pizza oven accessory.

The Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Attachment is available to buy for £179 at Masterbuilt and select retailers like BBQ Land and Pro Smoke. Barbecues and pizza ovens come with a pretty hefty price, so if you’re on a tight budget, a pizza stone accessory like this one from Masterbuilt means you get two exciting ways to cook outdoors in an affordable and convenient way.

Much to many people’s dismay – including my own – AI is slowly but surely becoming the norm in many households. AI features come in many forms, including the voice assistant in your smart speaker or mapping and navigation in your robot vacuum cleaner.

More recently, AI has expanded into kitchen appliances, including fridges, ovens, air fryers and coffee machines. Depending on the brand or device you’re using, this can be as simple as an appliance with app control so you can use your machine remotely, to more advanced where AI can adjust your settings to chill or cook food more accurately.

While AI appliances are still considered a luxury for many, more and more brands are introducing AI to their range of kitchen gadgets. Personally, I think AI appliances are just making us lazier, despite these features offering some value around the home.

How AI appliances add value to your home

How AI is used in appliances varies from product to product. In most cases, AI is integrated in the appliances’ hardware or software, and is designed to take care of household tasks for you so you can get on with other things.

AI laundry appliances are a great example of this, but it’s still a ‘newer’ way to use AI that’s only really been explored by the likes of LG and Samsung, two brands that are way ahead in the AI game. AI is used in washing machines and tumble dryers via sensors that weigh your laundry and its soil level before adjusting the machine’s cycle and dispensing the right amount of detergent.

Not only does this ensure you’re washing your clothes efficiently, but it keeps your energy and water usage down to help you save money in the long term. This is another handy use case for AI appliances, especially for laundry and fridges, as AI tracks your habits and makes changes in accordance with your usage.

Speaking of fridges, a smart fridge with AI features is the only appliance I’d actually consider adding to my home. Most smart fridges have built-in cameras that recognise food and monitor your fridge’s contents.

Whether it's via the fridges’ accompanying app or the fridge door’s touchscreen, the AI works to track your food’s expiration dates and will warn you when something is going off. It can have some failings – pre-made meals in tupperware are trickier to monitor than other foods – but AI smart fridges cut down food waste, give you recipe ideas, and can adjust your fridge’s cooling during peak usage.

Are AI appliances actually needed?

With a lot of kitchen appliances, there’s a certain amount of manual operation that still needs to be done, like putting food on a baking tray to put in your oven or selecting a pre-set programme on your air fryer.

Simply put, not every appliance needs a Wi-Fi connection, a voice assistant or AI features. Where I think AI has truly lost the plot is in ovens. As mentioned, there’s still some manual intervention needed to use your oven, but there are some newer models which use internal cameras to scan your food and adjust the oven’s timing and temperatures.

Unless you’re cooking something very simple, I worry about how accurate your cooking will come out. What’s more, by the time you’ve prepped your food and put it into the oven, how much more taxing is it to switch your oven on and set the temperature? It’s hardly saving you very much time, and feels like something that won’t be used very often once the initial appeal has worn off.

Many AI appliances are luxury upgrades. As you can imagine, a smart AI fridge freezer is going to set you back at least £2,000, if not more. In my opinion, if your current appliances are still doing a job well done, you don’t need an AI version, and it’ll set you back a fair amount of money anyway, despite their ongoing financial savings.

Lidl is bringing a number of household cleaning products to its middle aisle this week, including a 2-in-1 vacuum from Beldray. It arrives in stores this Sunday and will cost just £29.99, making it a very tempting middle-aisle find.

Beldray is a reliable yet affordable household brand, with several of its models earning strong reviews. In fact, the Beldray Airfinity earned four stars in our full review last year and subsequently made our shortlist for the T3 Awards 2026.

The model arriving at Lidl features cyclonic technology and can quickly convert into a handheld vacuum, which isn't bad at all for a vacuum costing just £30. I've also had a look around, and the same model is priced at £39.99 at Robert Dyas and Amazon, so you're getting a lower price than normal too.

Now, I want to be clear that you shouldn't expect the same performance you'd get from one of the best vacuum cleaners. There are a few compromises here, including a relatively small 600ml dustbin and the fact it's corded. The build also looks a little on the cheaper side, which isn't exactly surprising given the price.

However, one thing that really stands out to me is its 600W power, which is impressive for any vacuum, let alone one that costs just £30. You also get a spare washable filter, as well as a crevice tool and brush tool for more versatile cleaning.

Again, don't expect this to deliver the same experience as a premium vacuum. However, coming from someone who spends a lot of time reviewing vacuum cleaners, I think this is worth a trip to your nearest Lidl if you're after an affordable everyday cleaner.

Braun has introduced its newest electric shaver series, and it includes its ‘finest engineering achievement to date’. The new Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver features AeroTouch and Smart Processor technology to take your grooming to the next level while taking care of your skin – but be warned, it’ll cost you a fair few bob.

Braun’s latest shaver, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver ticks off many firsts for the brand. The shaver has a first-of-its-kind ultra-gliding foil head that works alongside AeroTouch technology which makes the Nevo the first of Braun’s shavers to use this technology.

What AeroTouch technology does is it allows the shaver to come into close contact with the skin lightly and while minimising friction. The shaver gives a close, professional shave that takes care of the skin underneath your facial hair.

I’ve covered grooming tools for a while now, but as you can probably tell from my author bio, I don’t have much experience using electric shavers (since I’m not able to grow facial hair!). But one of the most impressive features I’ve learnt about since expanding my knowledge on electric shavers is its sensors.

As smart tech has advanced over the years, most electric shavers come with sensors that allow the shaver to adapt better to your facial hair. The Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver does this via its Smart Processor which automatically changes its power output to better suit your beard’s density.

Aside from adapting to your beard, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver has an adaptive head and a built-in Long Hair Trimmer, so you can shape your beard and sideburns, while also getting into hard-to-reach areas, like around your jaw and under your chin. These settings and real-time insights show on the shaver’s smart display.

Another first for Braun, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver has been dubbed the only shaver in the world that has a surgical stainless steel unibody. It comes with 250 diamond sharp blades, is 100% waterproof and has a 60 minute battery life.

To make your grooming maintenance even easier, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver comes with its Nevo Care 7-in-1 system which automatically cleans and charges your shaver while prolonging the life of the blades. The shaver also comes with a travel case, shaver cleaning cartridge, cleaning brush and charging cable.

The Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver has an RRP of £739.99 but at Braun, you can get it for £369.99. It’s also available at select retailers, like Boots.

Over £700 for an electric shaver is pretty expensive but this tends to be the case with Braun shavers – its Braun Series 9 Pro+ which is one of its most advanced and popular models is around the same price. The good news, however, is it’s fairly unlikely you’ll ever have to pay full price as Braun shavers are often on sale.

Looking for a shaving upgrade? You’re in luck as there are tons of Philips shaver deals at Amazon right now, including this half price deal on the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series.

Shop the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series deal

Despite not actually being able to grow facial hair, I’m somewhat of a beauty and grooming expert, having covered the best electric shavers for years. Philips makes some of the best shavers and trimmers on the market, and the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series is no exception.

Originally priced at £139.99, the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series is now just £59.87, saving you 57% on this premium shaving tool. I’ve done some price checking, and the last time the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series was this cheap was back in 2023, so now is definitely the time to snap up this offer.

As an entry-level shaver, the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series is a great option for those new to electric shavers, or who want a simple yet effective shave. Designed for both wet and dry use, the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series has a five-direction pivot head that expertly and carefully trims your facial hair while following the unique shape of your face.

The Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series is best suited for a clean shave as the blades and head get very close to the skin. In fact, it has 27 self-sharpening PowerCut blades that cut right above skin level, offering a close shave that’s smooth and comfortable.

In terms of battery life, the Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series takes an hour to charge for up to an hour of shaving. It’s easy to travel with for shaving on-the-go, and it even has an ergonomic handle so it’s comfortable to hold and maneuver.

If you want my advice on a good entry-level and budget-friendly electric shaver, this Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series deal is the one I’d choose.

Homey has received Matter 1.5 certification for the Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini and Homey Self-Hosted Server, making it one of the most advanced Matter-compatible smart home platforms available today.

The update means supported devices already connected to Homey can now be exposed to other major smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant, through Homey's Matter Bridge app.

The certification is effective immediately, so Homey users can start taking advantage of the latest Matter 1.5 capabilities from today.

Matter 1.5 arrived last November as one of the more significant updates to the smart home standard in recent years. The new version introduced support for several long-requested device types, whilst also giving manufacturers more tools to build and certify new Matter-compatible products.

Homey's certification now puts it among a relatively small number of smart home systems running on the latest version of the standard. For comparison, Amazon Alexa currently supports Matter 1.0, whilst Apple and Google are on Matter 1.4 and Home Assistant is on Matter 1.3.

Philips has launched its first-ever LED face mask, featuring a clever 3-in-1 design that lets you treat the full face, eye area or neck individually. The Philips ReAura LED Mask also has a lightweight design that adapts comfortably to different face shapes, whilst soft eye cushions provide gentle support during each treatment.

It uses a combination of red, blue and near-infrared LED wavelengths, designed to support the visible reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and redness. There are three targeted modes to choose from – Age Care, Blemish Care and Daily Glow Age Care – making it easy to select the treatment that best suits your skincare needs.

The Philips ReAura LED Mask will be available to buy from 1st August in the UK, Germany and France through the Philips online store and exclusively via Amazon. It's priced at £349.99/€399.99.

Many of the best LED masks launched with a single use design, particularly in their earlier generations. Brands such as Silk'n and CurrentBody have since started introducing more flexible models with features such as neck and chin coverage, so it's impressive to see Philips entering the market with a such a versatile design.

The ReAura also has a portable design, allowing you to enjoy up to eight sessions per battery charge, with each treatment lasting around 10 minutes.

I'll be reviewing the mask in due course, so keep an eye out for my full thoughts coming soon.

The past few months has seen the UK be hit by heatwave after heatwave. Personally, I’m not moaning as I love the summer sun, but where I will complain is when I’m trying to sleep.

Just last night, I had the worst night’s sleep I’ve had in weeks because I was massively overheating – despite having two fans pointed directly at me. But I think I’ve found a way to avoid this, and that’s with the Simba Hybrid Pro, its five-star cooling mattress which is now 25% off.

Shop the Simba Summer Sale

Right now, Simba is running its Summer Sale which has up to 25% off its range of mattresses, duvets, pillows and other sleep accessories. The best deal I’ve found is on the Simba Hybrid Pro which we gave five stars in our review, and commented that it’s “a premium mattress that promises premium comfort.”

What makes the Simba Hybrid Pro so cooling is its Stratos ‘cool-touch’ cover. The mattress itself has a hybrid construction which is made of springs and foam, but its Stratos cover features a wool layer and graphite-infused Simbatex foam which stops the mattress from trapping heat, and allows maximum airflow to cool you down while you sleep.

If you don’t want to replace your entire mattress, investing in a mattress topper will do the trick. Simba’s latest topper, the Simba Cool Foam Mattress Topper is a must-have for hot nights, and it’s got a small 10% discount that you can take advantage of right now.

For more Simba deals all year round, check out these Simba mattress deals, sales and discount codes.

Roborock has launched the Qrevo 2 Pro in the UK, combining powerful cleaning, smarter automation and a redesigned dock that's designed to reduce the amount of hands-on maintenance. It joins Roborock's wider Qrevo range, which already includes the recently reviewed Qrevo S Pro.

The Qrevo 2 Pro comes with 25,000Pa HyperForce suction, a Dual Anti-Tangle System, smarter carpet care and improved corner and edge cleaning. The redesigned multifunctional dock can also store up to 65 days' worth of dust, meaning you won't need to empty it anywhere near as often.

The Qrevo 2 Pro is currently available for £529.99, reduced from £649, giving you £120 off when buying through Roborock's online store or Amazon. However, the offer is only available until 9th August, so you'll need to be quick if you're tempted.

One of the standout features is Auto Mop Removal, which sees the robot automatically detach its mop before heading onto carpets and then reattach it afterwards. This means your carpets can stay dry whilst the robot continues cleaning across different floor types.

Roborock has also improved its corner and edge cleaning, allowing the Qrevo 2 Pro to cover up to 30% more corner area, whilst its FlexiArm Edge Mopping system extends the mop to clean as close as 1.85mm along edges.

The multifunctional dock now features an upgraded one-piece tray alongside a new Soaking Mode that's designed to wash the mops more thoroughly. Once cleaning is complete, 75°C high-temperature mop washing helps tackle dirt and reduce odours, whilst 45°C warm-air drying helps keep the mops fresh and the dock more hygienic between cleans.

Despite covering smart home technology for several years now, I’ve never really gotten the appeal for indoor security cameras. I’ve tested a few in my day, but as soon as I’m done, I tend to give them to people in my life who have pets and kids who they want to check up on while they’re away.

But after seeing the new Tapo TC72 Pan/Tilt AI Home Security Wi-Fi Camera, it might have convinced me to give indoor cameras another try. This pocket-sized model may be small and cheap, but it packs some serious smarts under its hood.

Starting with video quality, the Tapo TC72 offers 2K 4MP QHD resolution, so it captures every detail clearly. It even has enhanced night vision, so you can see clearly in low light and dark conditions, with a visibility of up to 30 feet.

Thanks to its small and inconspicuous size, the Tapo TC72 can comfortably sit on shelves in your home without being too much of an eye sore. It has a pan and tilt design which offers 360º horizontal and 114º vertical coverage to cover all areas of your home. When it detects motion, the camera will even follow it so you don’t miss anything.

Speaking of detection, the Tapo TC72 has smart AI detection. It can detect humans, pets, vehicles and even babies crying, so it’s a handy device that can double as a baby monitor if needed. When it detects these events, it’ll send you quick notifications.

Other notable features include a built-in microphone and speaker so you can talk to people in your home with two-way talk, and a sound and light alarm which can scare off unwanted visitors. The Tapo TC72 is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can use it with voice commands.

In terms of storage, the Tapo TC72 stores footage on a microSD card with a maximum capacity of up to 512GB. Alternatively, you can sign up to Tapo Care to use cloud storage, but if you want to keep things subscription-free, you’ll have to use a microSD card which you can buy separately.

The Tapo TC72 is available to buy for £39.99 at Tapo and select retailers, like Amazon.

IKEA has launched a new battery-powered table lamp as part of its latest outdoor lighting collection. The new Hjulmöjaled table decoration is made from frosted glass and produces a flickering glow designed to mimic the warmth of a real candle flame.

It's the perfect addition to an outdoor setup, particularly if you're looking for an easy way to upgrade your garden for less. It's also the first product in the new Hjulmöjaled range, so there's a chance we could see more similarly styled lighting arrive in the future.

The Hjulmöjaled table decoration costs just £3 in the UK and $6.99 in the US, and it's available to buy in IKEA stores or through the IKEA website.

One thing I particularly like is that the lamp comes in two colour options – grey and white. IKEA often keeps its cheapest lighting products fairly simple, so having a choice of two finishes is a nice touch.

The lamp also has a built-in timer, which is set to stay on for six hours before automatically switching off for 18 hours, after which it will turn back on again. That said, it's worth noting that the timer resets if you switch the flame effect between the steady and flickering modes.

As mentioned, the Hjulmöjaled is battery-powered and requires three AAA batteries. IKEA also says it's compatible with its Ladda rechargeable HR03 AAA 1.2V batteries, which could be a good option if you don't want to constantly buy disposable batteries.

July has been an intensely hot month – the perfect summer, if you ask me! The latest men’s fragrances from July have been a fun mixture of bright and musky scents for your next summer holiday and the upcoming autumnal season (if we can even talk about that yet).

July has been a busy month for fragrance launches, including new bottles from the likes of Dior, Rabanne, Calvin Klein, D.S. & Durga, and more. You can expect notes of florals, tropical fruits, sea salt, and amber, so there’s something for everyone. Here are the best nine new men’s fragrances from July 2026 that you should add to your collection.

MEN’S FRAGRANCES FROM JULY 2026

It's no secret that building a smart home is an ongoing process. What starts with one smart speaker or a single security camera can quickly turn into dozens of devices, multiple apps and an increasingly complicated web of automations.

I've spent years adding, testing and reviewing smart home gadgets, and whilst I'm happy with the setup I've ended up with, there are plenty of things I'd approach differently if I were starting again today.

So, if I could wipe the slate clean and build my smart home from scratch, these are the five things I'd prioritise from day one – and a few mistakes I'd make sure not to repeat.

1. Invest in solar-powered smart security

Solar-powered security cameras are often overlooked, largely because of concerns about how reliable they can be in the UK's unpredictable climate. I used to have the same reservations, but after paying more attention to the solar options available, I've now found myself avoiding wired cameras altogether.

In fact, not making the switch sooner is one of my biggest smart home regrets.

The obvious benefit is that solar cameras don't add to your electricity bill, but I've found the biggest advantage to be how convenient they are. As long as the solar panel gets enough direct sunlight, you have far more freedom over where you can install the camera, and many models offer a range of mounting options.

The Tapo C660 Kit has been one of my favourite solar security additions. Since installing it last summer, I've never seen the battery level drop below 90% – even through the middle of winter. It's not positioned in an especially high-traffic area, as it mainly overlooks the bottom of my garden, but it still alerts me when it detects movement, and that's really all I need from it.

It's one of the easiest and most reliable smart home additions I've made, and if I were starting my smart home again, I'd have prioritised solar security much earlier.

2. Put more focus on smart garden gadgets

The garden wasn't exactly a core part of my smart home setup when I started building it, and I completely underestimated how much enjoyment I'd get from bringing smart technology outdoors.

Smart outdoor lighting has been brilliant for summer evenings and hosting, but there's one category I wish I'd discovered much sooner – smart bird feeders and bird houses. Birdfy's models have brought me an enormous amount of joy in recent weeks, and if you enjoy spending time in your garden or like seeing the wildlife around your home, I think you're missing out if you haven't considered one.

The Ebony Nest Ebony Bird House and Ebony Lite Bird Feeder have been the focus of my recent garden upgrades. Both provide somewhere for birds to feed or nest, whilst also incorporating a camera that can film and identify the birds that visit. The Birdfy app can then notify you when birds arrive, tell you what species you're looking at and even let you watch them live.

Both models have built-in solar panels, so once you've set up the camera, it can start charging immediately. You don't have to worry about constantly removing the camera to charge it indoors, although that's still an option if you want to position the feeder or house somewhere covered and away from direct sunlight. I've mounted mine on different walls around my garden, where they get plenty of sun whilst giving me a great view of the birds visiting.

I just wish I'd discovered the Birdfy gadgets sooner. My smart home is no longer limited to the four walls of my house, and that's made the whole experience much more enjoyable.

3. Don't abandon smart lighting

Smart home security has evolved dramatically in recent years, and as a smart home reviewer, a huge amount of my time is spent testing the latest security cameras, video doorbells and motion sensors. The downside is that I've found myself putting smart lighting to one side, which is something I wish I hadn't done.

Yes, smart security helps protect your home and keeps your smart home working in the background, but smart lighting can do far more than simply make a room look nice.

You can use schedules to mimic natural daylight throughout the day, automatically turn lights on and off when you're away, or even use certain models as visual timers for things like cooking, working or getting ready for bed.

I wish I'd built more of these automations into my setup from the beginning. Security might be the most obvious place to start when building a smart home, but lighting is arguably where you'll notice the benefits every single day.

4. Stick to one brand for security devices

As I've mentioned, I have security cameras and other gadgets from multiple brands spread across my smart home. Whilst I have plenty of favourites – including Reolink, Tapo and Aqara – sticking to fewer brands is one thing I wish I'd done differently from the start.

On paper, having cameras from different manufacturers doesn't sound like a big deal. I can view and control many of them through my Echo Show 8, which acts as the central hub in my smart home. When I'm at home, I can simply ask Alexa to show me a specific camera feed, and it works well.

The problem becomes more obvious when I'm away, and when I want to quickly check multiple cameras from my phone, I often have to jump between different apps. That's not exactly difficult, but it's unnecessarily frustrating when all I want to do is quickly see what's happening at home.

It's one of those lessons you only really learn after you've built your smart home over time. Having the latest and greatest camera from every brand might seem appealing, but sometimes consistency is more valuable than having the "best" individual product.

5. Make Matter a priority from the beginning

Finally, and probably my biggest regret of all, is that I didn't prioritise Matter from the beginning.

Matter is becoming increasingly important to the smart home, giving compatible devices a common standard that helps them work across different platforms and ecosystems. With support from major names including Google, Apple and Amazon, it's also a standard that's designed to make smart home devices more interoperable as the industry evolves.

Smart home gadgets aren't always cheap, and the last thing I want is to spend money building a setup that becomes increasingly difficult to integrate as my needs change. Buying Matter-compatible products can help give you more flexibility in the future, particularly if you decide to switch platforms or introduce devices from different manufacturers.

There are also important benefits around privacy and security, including local control in supported setups, although the exact features depend on the individual device and ecosystem.

If I were starting my smart home from scratch today, I'd make Matter compatibility one of the first things I checked before buying anything. It might not be the only factor I'd consider – device quality, features and ecosystem support still matter – but I'd want to know that whatever I buy has a better chance of fitting into my smart home for years to come.

When you spend all day comparing robot vacuums with ridiculous suction power, more AI features than you can count and endless app settings, it's actually quite refreshing when something like the iRobot Roomba Mini comes along.

Launched in March as one of the smallest robot vacuums the world has seen, the Roomba Mini still has plenty of the features you'd expect from some of the best robot vacuum cleaners around.

Naturally, I couldn't wait to put it to the test and find out whether this half-size robot could still deliver a full-size clean.

Price and availability

The Roomba Mini is available in the UK and Europe for £379 and €399, respectively, and comes in four colours – black, white, pink and mint green. It's currently not available to buy in the US.

You can pick it up from iRobot's online store, as well as Amazon.

Design and features

The Roomba Mini is iRobot's smallest Roomba robot yet, measuring just 24.5 x 24.5 x 9.2cm and weighing around 2kg. iRobot claims it offers 2 x more cleaning coverage in tight spaces, whilst the robot itself is around half the size of a full-sized Roomba.

Despite its compact size, the Roomba Mini features what iRobot describes as 70x more Power-Lifting Suction, alongside a single-action brush designed to pick up everyday dirt, dust and crumbs. It can also vacuum and mop, with the mopping function activated by attaching a disposable mop pad.

The box comes with 30 disposable mopping pads, giving you a fresh pad for each clean. You can also replace these with compatible third-party disposable wipes if you don't want to stick with iRobot's own pads.

Navigation is handled by ClearView LiDAR, which can map your home in under 10 minutes and helps the Mini navigate around furniture and obstacles. It also features Carpet Detect, which automatically avoids rugs and carpets when mopping.

You can schedule and customise cleaning through the Roomba Home app, use voice assistants or simply press the button on the robot to start a clean. It can even begin cleaning without a Wi-Fi connection.

The AutoEmpty Dock automatically empties the robot into an AllergenLock bag, which can hold up to three months' worth of dirt. The dock itself measures 21.2 x 17.8 x 28.5cm and takes up 33% less floor space than standard robot vacuum docks, making the whole setup particularly well suited to smaller homes.

Performance

The Roomba Mini is a fun addition to the robot vacuum market, and it certainly holds its own when it comes to features. I found the suction to be absolutely fine, particularly on hard floors, and it's great that mopping is included, even if it's via a simple mop pad.

I also really like that features you'd normally expect to find on a much larger model, such as the AutoEmpty Dock, Carpet Detect and ClearView LiDAR, are all included here. It helps the Roomba Mini feel like a properly developed robot vacuum rather than a rudimentary version.

When I first started testing, I was also impressed by how quickly it mapped my home and got to work. It scanned the rooms efficiently, and the map appeared in the app within seconds. I've used the iRobot app before and have always found it straightforward to navigate, so it was nice to have that familiar experience here. The Mini's compact size is another major advantage, and I can see it being a particularly good fit for anyone living in a smaller home or flat who doesn't have the space or need for a huge robot vacuum.

I also enjoyed integrating the Roomba Mini with Alexa, as it meant I could control the robot using voice commands, whilst the iRobot app made it easy to create cleaning schedules and manage its settings.

However, after six weeks of testing, I couldn't quite shake the feeling that the Roomba Mini is a little gimmicky in some areas. The suction is perfectly adequate on hard floors, but it isn't particularly impressive on carpet, where I found it struggled more with picking up debris. The mop pad is also fine for dealing with crumbs, but I often found that stains were left behind after multiple passes. It's certainly better than having no mopping function at all, but I wouldn't rely on it for a particularly thorough clean.

I also ran into some frustrating connectivity issues during my testing. The Roomba Mini disconnected from the app several times without any obvious reason, despite the robot remaining plugged in. Each time, I had to remove the vacuum from the app and reconnect it, which unfortunately meant losing my saved map and cleaning schedule. I then had to set everything up again from scratch. This happened three times over the six-week testing period, and it was easily the most frustrating part of using the Roomba Mini.

Verdict

The Roomba Mini is a likeable little robot vacuum that has an impressive number of features within its compact design. It's particularly well suited to smaller homes, but the weak carpet cleaning, basic mopping and frustrating connectivity issues mean it doesn't feel like the complete package. If you mainly have hard floors and want a small robot vacuum that can handle the basics, there's a lot to like here, but I'd be hesitant to recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful all-round cleaner.

Alternatives to consider

The obvious alternative to consider is the SwitchBot Mini K10+, which is very similar in size. Both models use LiDAR mapping and offer mopping via disposable pads, but main difference is suction power. The Roomba Mini offers significantly more than the SwitchBot, which could make it the better choice.

If you don't mind having a larger robot and want to stick to a similar budget, the Roomba Max 705 is another model worth considering. It's currently half price at £279 and offers many of the same features as the Roomba Mini, but adds anti-tangle Dual Rubber Brushes, an Edge-Sweeping Brush and 180x more Power-Lifting Suction.

As I’ve gotten older – and tested more and more sleep-related products for T3 – I’ve really come to value a good pillow. I’m very particular about what I lay my head on at night, especially as I’m a side sleeper, so I need extra cradling and structure for my neck and shoulders. This search led me to Groove Pillows.

I tried the original Groove Pillow back in 2023, and in all honesty, I didn’t get on with it very well. Rather than relieving my neck pain, I found its firmness to be too much for me. However, my husband loved it and still uses it every night to this day, and I rarely hear him complain about neck and shoulder aches.

After my first test a few years ago, I concluded that Groove Pillow was a marmite-type of situation, where you either love it or you hate it. But I was willing to give their new Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow a try to see if my opinion had changed – here’s what happened.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: price and availability

The Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is available to buy for £45 / $85 at Groove Pillows. On the website, you can get a bundle deal where you get two pillows for £80 / $125.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: design and features

The Groove Adjustable Pillow has a similar shape and design to the first Groove Pillow I tried in 2023. It has a long rectangular shape with high sides and a dip in the centre which is designed to cradle the neck and head. It's made of layers of memory foam, including a 100% PU bamboo memory foam ergonomic foam upper, and 2cm thick memory foam adjustable layers.

To separate the ‘main’ pillow from the four layers, the Groove Adjustable Pillow has an inner and outer cover. The inner cover is made from poly-cotton and the quilted outer layer is made from bamboo and stretch polyester.

Measuring 60cm long and 35cm deep, you can remove the memory foam layers of the Groove Adjustable Pillow to get a petite, regular or tall height. Petite height is between 4cm - 9cm, regular height is 6cm - 11cm, and tall height is 8cm - 13cm. To remove the layers, you simply unzip both the outer and inner cover and remove one or all of the memory foam layers.

This adjustability is designed to adapt to your body, frame and sleeping style. The Groove Adjustable Pillow is said to help ease shoulder and neck pain, and while aligning your spine to relieve pressure while you sleep. It has five combinations to choose from to suit you.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: performance

The Groove Adjustable Pillow came rolled out very tightly in a box, much like a bed-in-a-box mattress. It immediately expanded to size and it didn’t have a strong off-gassing smell so I could start using it right away. As mentioned, I still have a Groove Pillow as my husband sleeps on it, and I did notice a difference between it and the Groove Adjustable Pillow in terms of material.

My first Groove Pillow is three years old, so it’s only natural for its material to be a bit faded, but the fabric of the Groove Adjustable Pillow felt nice and springy to the touch. It’s still a very firm pillow at all heights, so it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and may take time to get used to.

I sleep on my side, and found the dip of the Groove Adjustable Pillow to be extremely cradling around my neck and head. I found it to be most comfortable on my side but not so much on my back. The raised edges did come in handy with my alignment. I tend to sleep curled up like a pretzel, but I did notice less strain on my back when using the Groove Adjustable Pillow.

Adjusting the Groove Adjustable Pillow was very easy if a bit fiddly. I preferred using it as its tallest height rather than at its petite height. With the latter, I experienced some neck pain. Putting the layers back in was a little fiddly, too but it’s nice to have an option to change the height of my pillow.

In terms of neck pain, I didn’t notice much difference between using the Groove Adjustable Pillow and the pillow I was using before. It didn’t cause me any neck pain, but while I was using it, I did hurt my neck from whipping my hair a bit too aggressively at a wedding! I was hoping the pillow would help ease this pain but I still woke up with an achy neck and shoulder a few days after it.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: verdict

The Groove Adjustable Pillow is definitely an improvement to its older pillows, but I still think it’s not for me. I prefer a medium or softer pillow, and even at its smallest, I felt that the Groove Adjustable Pillow was a bit too firm for me. It was great for cradling my neck and shoulders, though, which was an issue I had last time.

Being able to adjust your pillow is especially handy, so I’m sure lots of people will enjoy using the Groove Adjustable Pillow. Its materials feel very luxurious, breathable and cosy, and it’s an affordable option, too. My husband will definitely love it but for me, it was a bit too firm and fiddly.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: alternatives to consider

If an adjustable pillow is what you’re after, the Fine Bedding Company Honeyfoam pillow lets you add or remove hexagonal foam clusters to create your perfect height and firmness. It’s also made from sustainable materials, and it’s a softer option than the Groove Adjustable Pillow if you’re like me and don’t like firm pillows.

A medium-firm memory foam option, the DreamCloud pillow is a great option for side and back sleepers. It’s quite thick and can’t be adjusted, but DreamCloud is a luxury, reliable brand and this pillow offers good support and cooling qualities.

Another memory foam pillow we love is the Soak&Sleep Shredded Memory Foam pillow which is affordable, supportive and doesn’t give that sinking feeling you get with memory foam.

The Dyson Supersonic Travel has appeared among Amazon's deals page after launching back in April. It's part of the retailer's limited-time deals, with 15% off taking the price down to just under £212.

We gave the Supersonic Travel an impressive five stars in our review, and I was particularly impressed by its compact design, universal voltage and compatibility with existing Supersonic attachments.

So, if you spotted it when it first launched but weren't quite ready to take the plunge, you can now pick it up for even less.

This is the first time the Supersonic Travel has been discounted on Amazon, and it's currently not reduced anywhere else, making this a particularly good time to buy.

At the time of writing, just 7% of the available deal stock has been claimed, so I reckon this offer will stick around for a little while longer. However, once the stock allocated to the deal is gone, it's gone – so it's worth grabbing one whilst you still can.

If you’re headed to do your weekly shop in your local Lidl, the global supermarket chain has just added its own version of the Ninja Crispi air fryer to its stores. The Silvercrest Glass Air Fryer has four pre-set programmes, two glass containers, and an affordable price tag of just £59.99.

Glass air fryers have taken the kitchen by storm since Ninja debuted its Crispi air fryer in 2025. Having a glass cooking and storage container instead of a ‘normal’ air fryer compartment means you can see your food’s progress without having to open the drawer and disturb your cooking.

Since the Ninja Crispi launch, many brands have made their own versions including Cuisinart, Dreame and Salter. Now, Lidl is trying its hand with this air fryer style with the Silvercrest Glass Air Fryer that just arrived in stores. It looks almost identical to the Ninja crispi with its ‘pod’ cooking system that clips on to the glass containers.

With 1500W of power, the Silvercrest Glass Air Fryer heats up quickly and cooks from 60°C to 200°C. The controls are on the top of the ‘pod’ and includes a dial and buttons for quick and easy operation. Users can choose between air fry, roast, keep warm and re-fry pre-sets for even quicker use that’s ideal for air fryer beginners.

The Silvercrest Glass Air Fryer uses little to no oil when cooking, and Lidl states that it’s also handy for baking and grilling. It comes with two heat-resistant glass containers, including a small one with a two litre capacity, and larger one with a four litre capacity.

The glass containers can be used for cooking as well as storage. They come with cool-touch handles and leak-proof lids so you can take the containers with you on-the-go. The Silvercrest Glass Air Fryer also comes with a trivet which is dishwasher safe, just like the lids and containers.

The Silvercrest Glass Air Fryer is available to buy in select stores for £59.99. If you’re a Lidl Plus member, you can get it for £49.99. Compared to the original Ninja Crispi which is priced at £149.99, the Silvercrest Glass Air Fryer is 60% cheaper so if you’re on a budget, it looks like a good choice for your kitchen.

If you have a first generation Google Home device, like the Google Nest Mini or the Google Nest Hub, you can now use Gemini Live. Thanks to a recent update, Gemini Live is now available on these older devices but there’s a slight catch – you’ll need a Google Home Premium subscription.

Google finally launched its new Google Home Speaker this year after six years of no new speakers or displays from the company. But while Google has its Nest Mini and Nest Audio after this new launch, users who still have these devices just got a handy update which means they don’t have to replace their gadgets any time soon.

As of 23rd July 2026, Google has given access to Gemini Live to its first generation smart speakers and displays. What’s better is Google has also increased Gemini’s conversation memory window to 15 minutes so you can ask Gemini follow-up questions within this time frame and the voice assistant can carry on the chat and understand the context.

But there is a bit of a catch with this new update, and that’s that you’ll need to have a Google Home Premium subscription, and be part of the Gemini for Home early access program. Prices on the Google Home Premium plans start at £8 / $10 a month for a standard plan or £16 / $20 a month for an advanced plan.

If this is all set-up for your old Google Nest devices, then you should be able to start using Gemini Live. All you have to do is say “Hey Google, let’s chat” to try it out.

Google has also introduced other upgrades and improvements to its Google Home app. Firstly, automations are now easier to create as you can save them without any starters. App navigation has also been improved so when you click on a device set-up or settings, you’ll be taken directly to the right page.

Other improvements include better labels for smart blinds, and passcode reminders for smart locks if you remove a member. Google has also fixed playback error updates for iOS users of the Google Home app, as well as video playback issues and missed battery alerts.

Google is clearly working hard to fix any issues which is a blessing to both old and new users, as even the new Google Home Speaker recently experienced some problems.

Nanoleaf has launched a new Smart LED Monitor Stand, expanding its ambient RGB lighting portfolio. Created in partnership with Fantaqi, the stand combines a practical monitor riser with customisable RGB lighting, as well as Matter compatibility, voice assistant control and touch controls.

The brand's Pegboard Desk Dock won Best Smart Light at the T3 Awards 2025, combining customisable lighting with practical storage in a space-saving design. The new monitor stand has a similar approach, putting the focus on keeping your desk tidy whilst adding a more immersive lighting setup.

The Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand is priced at £179.99/$169.99 and is available via the Nanoleaf online store.

The stand itself features a solid wood base with a natural walnut veneer top, measuring 100 x 22.5 x 12.1cm. It can support up to 28kg without the central support column and up to 70kg with it, providing users with plenty of flexibility.

Nanoleaf has used dual-flux lighting technology to combine independent front-facing task lighting with an ambient rear light. There are 102 individually addressable LED zones in total, with the front task lighting delivering up to 550 lumens and the rear ambient lighting reaching up to 480 lumens.

You can also adjust the colour temperature from 1,700K to 6,500K, allowing you to switch between warmer lighting and cooler illumination depending on what you're doing.

Aldi has just added two new LED beauty gadgets to its stores, a.k.a the last thing I ever thought I’d see Aldi sell. Featuring a face sculptor and hairbrush, the LED collection uses red light therapy and vibrations to enhance your skincare and haircare – but I’m not convinced you should buy them.

Aldi has gone beyond just selling groceries and toiletries. Over the past couple of years, the global supermarket chain has become known for its middle aisle which has become packed full of kitchen appliances, garden furniture and even barbecues.

But this latest launch has surprised me more than all the others, as Aldi has just introduced an LED Face Sculptor and LED Hairbrush to its stores. This isn’t the first time Aldi has branched out in LED skincare, as it has previously launched an LED face mask and LED wand which are also returning to Aldi stores this weekend.

Among the new launches is the LED Face Sculptor which uses red light therapy and vibrations to tone and lift your skin. It looks similar to the Shark FacialPro Glow which glides across the face to cleanse, hydrate and depuff the skin.

I imagine the Aldi LED Face Sculptor offers a similar action but in a much simpler way. Where the Shark FacialPro Glow comes with multiple attachments for different treatments, the LED Face Sculptor is just a single device. Price is also a major difference as the Shark FacialPro Glow is £300 whereas the LED Face Sculptor is £12.99.

The other new launch from Aldi is the LED Hairbrush which is also priced at £12.99. Like the LED Face Sculptor, the hairbrush uses red LED lights and gentle vibrations to stimulate the scalp to encourage hair growth and healthier locks. This might sound odd to some, but red light has been found to be beneficial for hair and to enhance the scalp’s blood flow.

These two launches join Aldi’s LED Face Mask which has seven light settings to reduce fine lines and redness, and the LED Wand which precisely tackles these problems in tool form. Both cost £12.99, making Aldi’s entire LED beauty collection the same cheap price.

Now, I love Aldi and I love a good bargain, but if you were to ask me if you should buy these LED gadgets, my answer would be no. LED skin care is expensive for a reason, and skin isn’t something to mess around with, especially not for the low price of £12.99.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with buying cheap gadgets. In fact, I use the Silk’n LED Face Mask 100 as part of my weekly skincare routine, and it’s the most budget-friendly LED face mask you can buy (albeit it’s still £150). But an LED mask or sculptor that’s only £12.99? This raises some concerns for me.

When buying an LED skincare product, it’s important to look for ones that are FDA-approved, meaning it has passed rigorous testing for safety and efficiency. I can’t see that written anywhere on the LED range from Aldi and as these products come into contact with skin and hair, I’m not sure I’d completely trust them.

But if you still want to try them for yourself, the LED beauty line-up is available in select Aldi stores from 26th July.

Smart home tech that's easy to use, install and monitor is always a big win in my book, so when the Reolink Argus MagiCam arrived, it couldn't have been more up my street.

Unlike most of the best security cameras, the Argus MagiCam has been designed with portability and flexibility in mind rather than permanent installation. It's an excellent option for renters, but it's equally suited to anyone who wants hassle-free home security without getting the drill out.

You'll find my full thoughts below, but if you couldn't tell already, I was seriously impressed by this small-but-mighty camera.

Price and availability

The Argus MagiCam is available in a 1-pack (£49.99), 2-pack (£94.99) or 4-pack (£169.99), all of which can be purchased directly from Reolink's website. The 1-pack and 2-pack are also available on Amazon.

I actually think it's very competitively priced, especially if you're planning to cover multiple areas of your home. Opting for the four-pack brings the cost down to just over £42 per camera, making it excellent value if you're building out a wider security setup.

Unboxing and setup

As with any Reolink camera, getting the Argus MagiCam set up is incredibly easy, with the whole process guided through the app. You simply connect the camera to your Wi-Fi, follow the prompts to pair it with your account and, within a few minutes, you're ready to start using it.

The camera itself comes with multiple mounting options, but as I've been using mine to keep an eye on my puppy, I mainly relied on the magnetic back to attach it to his crate. The magnetic connection is strong, although because it's positioned on the bottom half of the camera, it can sometimes swing around rather than staying perfectly in place. I ended up using a cable tie as a bit of extra security, just in case my puppy decided to knock it off.

If you're installing it somewhere more permanently, I'd recommend using the included magnetic mounting pad. It gives you a little more flexibility over where you position the camera and keeps it securely in place, whilst still allowing you to remove the camera whenever you need to. For me, the built-in magnet has been ideal because I regularly move the camera around.

Design and features

Measuring just 68 x 68 x 28.9mm and weighing only 108g (without batteries), the Argus MagiCam is one of the smallest cameras Reolink has ever produced. It has a neat rounded-square design with softly curved edges, whilst the front houses the 2MP Full HD camera, infrared LED, PIR motion sensor, ambient light sensor and microphone.

As mentioned, the Argus MagiCam also comes with a magnetic mounting pad that lets you attach it to almost any flat surface in minutes. If you've already got a metal surface available, you can snap the camera straight onto it.

Reolink also includes a rotary mounting bracket with 360° horizontal rotation and 180° vertical adjustment, and its IP67 weatherproof rating means it's equally at home indoors or outside.

It records in 1080p Full HD with a 132° diagonal field of view, whilst a 120° PIR sensor detects motion up to 10 metres away. Smart detection can distinguish between people, vehicles and animals to help reduce false alerts, and you also get infrared night vision, two-way audio and time-lapse recording.

Connectivity comes via dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, with footage stored either locally on a microSD card (up to 256GB) or through Reolink Cloud.

Rather than relying on a built-in rechargeable battery, the Argus MagiCam uses replaceable AA lithium batteries, which Reolink claims can last for up to nine months, depending on usage. However, if you'd rather leave it in one place permanently, you can also power it continuously via USB-C.

Performance

The biggest thing I noticed during testing is just how easy the Argus MagiCam is to live with. For a relatively affordable camera, I was also impressed with the overall image quality. The 1080p footage is clear enough for keeping a close eye on what's happening, and features such as colour night vision and AI detection are a particularly welcome bonus at this price point. As I already use other Reolink devices, I also opted for Reolink Cloud storage, as it works best for my existing setup and means I can easily access footage alongside my other cameras.

The one area where I did come up against a slight issue was battery life. Reolink claims the Argus MagiCam can last for up to nine months, but in reality, how long it lasts will depend heavily on how much movement the camera is picking up.

During my first week of testing, I positioned the camera within my puppy's crate, which is a fairly high-traffic spot with plenty of movement. With the motion sensor constantly being triggered and regular notifications coming through, the batteries lasted around six days.

For the second week, I decided to turn off motion detection and notifications, and the battery life almost doubled, lasting around 13 days. Based on my experience, I can't quite see the camera lasting for nine months in a busy area with regular activity, although I can imagine this being much more achievable if it's positioned somewhere with very little movement.

Thankfully, the Argus MagiCam can be powered via USB-C, making the battery life much less of a concern. I wouldn't personally do this with my puppy, as having cables around him isn't exactly ideal, but if I ever change how I use the camera in the future, this is the option I'd choose.

Verdict

Overall, the Argus MagiCam has been a really pleasant little camera to use. It's incredibly simple to set up, easy to move around and offers strong image quality in a tiny package. The battery life could be better for high-traffic areas, but the ability to switch to USB-C power gives you plenty of flexibility. For such a small and affordable camera, that combination of portability, simplicity and useful features is what ultimately pushes it into five-star territory for me.

Alternatives to consider

The TP-Link Tapo C425 is probably the Argus MagiCam's closest rival. It also offers a wire-free magnetic installation, although it steps things up with a 2K QHD resolution. Instead of replaceable batteries, it uses a built-in 10,000mAh rechargeable battery, which TP-Link says can last for up to 300 days on a single charge.

Another alternative is the EufyCam C35, which also features a magnetic mounting system. However, our reviewer found it only really comes into its own when paired with the HomeBase Mini.

I’ve tested many coffee machines in my time as T3’s Home Editor, but I’ve never seen an espresso maker like this before. The Flair Classic was originally launched in 2016, but as of late 2025, Flair has updated it with a pressure gauge, a stainless brew cylinder, and two portafilters.

Dubbed the first lever espresso maker, the Flair Classic works in a similar way to an Aeropress but on a larger scale. Unlike the Aeropress which has a small, cylindrical design, the Flair Classic looks like something out of a DT classroom, with a simple yet innovative lever system that requires a little bit of elbow grease.

Made from cast aluminium and stainless steel, the Flair Classic espresso machine makes barista-style espresso using a manual lever system – no electronics required. To ‘pull’ a shot of espresso, you simply add ground coffee to a portafilter before adding it to the brew base. Next, you add the brew cylinder on top and pour in boiling water.

Now for my favourite part – and the reason why I’m desperate to try the Flair Classic – you insert the piston and pressure gauge before pushing down the lever to extract your coffee. This should make a 40ml shot of espresso with crema. All the parts are removable from the main brewing head or base, so it’s easy to use and clean afterwards.

One of the main updates to the upgraded Flair Classic is its portafilters. It now comes with a bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter and a flow control portafilter to offer users more control over their coffee. The former comes in black and is designed for advanced baristas, and the latter is red and is for use with pre-ground coffee, making it better suited for beginners.

As I said before, I’ve tested my fair share of coffee machines, including bean-to-cup, pod, drip and more, and the Flair Classic is the most intriguing espresso maker I’ve ever seen. While it might look a bit too high tech at first, the Flair Classic is easy to get on with, and is a fun change from all the automatic and semi-automatic machines on the market.

The upgraded Flair Classic is available to buy for £169 / $159 at Flair.

Shark Beauty has upgraded its award-winning CryoGlow LED face mask, adding improved LED coverage and better battery performance. The new CryoGlow Plus features 560 LEDs compared to the original's 480, whilst battery performance has been optimised as well.

The new Shark CryoGlow Plus also arrives in two fresh colourways – Pastel Berry and Pastel Dusk. Following this launch, the mask will be available in eight different colour options, which fits with SharkNinja's usual approach of offering its products in a wide variety of shades.

It isn't available to buy just yet, but it will launch for £339.99 via Shark's website and selected retailers, with deliveries starting from 29th July. For comparison, the original model is now available from around £250, making it a cheaper option if you don't need the latest upgrades.

The original Shark CryoGlow achieved five stars in our full review back in 2024 and went on to win Best LED Face Mask at the T3 Awards 2025, so expectations are high for this updated version.

Aside from the new features, the CryoGlow Plus remains very similar to the original model. It still includes the same Better Ageing, Blemish Repair and Skin Sustain LED modes, alongside Shark's InstaChill Cold Technology, which uses three adjustable cooling levels to soothe the under-eye area.

Watch out, Echo Hub – Shelly has just launched its new smart wall display to the UK market. The Shelly Wall Display X1i is a centralised smart home hub in the form of a 4-inch high-resolution colour display which is easy to install and can even replace your home’s light switches.

Founded in 2018, Shelly is still a relatively new smart home brand, but it’s seriously expanded into all categories within the sector. Its range of sensors, switches, dimmers, smart plugs and more offer an affordable way to upgrade your home into a smart one.

Having a centralised smart hub for all your devices is paramount to keeping your home running smoothly. While you can achieve this by apps, a smart speaker or display, sometimes a dedicated hub makes things that much easier, and this is what Shelly has become known for.

Shelly previously launched its Wall Display XL in late 2025. Measuring 6.5-inches, it was a pretty sizable device that took up a lot of wall space. Shelly’s newer model, the Wall Display X1i offers much of the same features and functionality but in a smaller 4-inch size.

Available in black or silver, the Shelly Wall Display X1i is designed to fit standard European flush-mount wall boxes so it’s easy to install and doesn’t look like an eyesore. It can even replace your traditional light switches, which is especially helpful if you have smart lights already set up around your home.

The Shelly Wall Display X1i connects your smart home devices together and keeps them in one central place. Powered by an ultra-fast quad-core processor, it has a built-in relay for direct control of lighting and appliances, and it responds quickly and smoothly.

Within the Shelly Wall Display X1i are proximity, luminosity and gesture sensors, so the hub responds naturally to you and what’s happening around your house. For example, it can trigger automations when it notices changing conditions in a room, like temperature fluctuations.

The display itself is all colour, and the home screen can be personalised with shortcuts. Aside from customising your devices, the Shelly Wall Display X1i also monitors your energy consumption to help you save on your household bills.

Alongside its new smart control panel, Shelly has also launched the new Shelly BLU Motion ZB, its latest smart sensor. Both devices can be used together to make your smart home automations more seamless.

As a wireless motion sensor, the Shelly BLU Motion ZB detects movement and ambient light levels using PIR technology. This allows the sensor to respond quickly to changes and notify the display which then makes adjustments or starts automations if necessary.

The Shelly BLU Motion ZB comes with Bluetooth and Zigbee connectivity, and it’s powered by a CR2477 battery which allows it to operate for up to five years without needing to be replaced. It can sit on surfaces or be mounted on walls via its mounting pad, so installation is easy, too.

Both smart devices are available to buy now, with the Shelly Wall Display X1i priced at £162, and the Shelly BLU Motion ZB costing £18. The former is a similar price to the Echo Hub which goes for £169.99, so there’s not a huge cost difference.

However, if you don’t fancy diving into the Amazon ecosystem just yet, the Shelly Wall Display X1i is a great – and simpler – alternative.

Amazon has issued an update to its Alexa+ assistant that will allow it to connect with more smart home devices than ever before. The update expands Alexa+'s compatibility with products from brands including Bosch, Delta, Ecovacs, Sonoff, Govee, iRobot, Twinkly, Yale Home, Whirlpool, Tapo and Eufy, with the AI assistant also able to automatically route requests to the right device.

With the new update, customers can simply describe what they want to do, and Alexa+ will map the request to the relevant device and feature. Alexa+ will also learn your preferences and suggest Routines that make better use of your connected devices.

The update comes just days after Amazon rolled out Alexa+ via Alexa.com in the UK, allowing users to access the assistant directly from their browser. Together, these updates are expanding both who can access Alexa+ and what it can actually do.

Alexa+'s ability to interact with third-party services is also set to improve. Since Amazon launched its revamped AI assistant earlier this year, its integrations have been relatively limited, with existing support for services including Ticketmaster, OpenTable, Uber, Thumbtack, Expedia, Yelp, Square and Angi.

Now, Amazon is looking to expand those capabilities by adopting the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that allows AI models to connect with external systems and tools. This should make it easier for more companies to build integrations with Alexa+, with Canva, Headspace, Priceline, Lyft, Cengage, Virgin Atlantic and Weekend, among others, expected to launch support later this year.

Finally, Alexa+ is getting an update related to payments, with Amazon Wallet allowing customers to check out using the payment method already saved to their Amazon account. Brands including Atom Tickets, Cengage, Fandango, Priceline and Taskrabbit plan to build task-completion experiences with Amazon Wallet this year.

Kapten & Son has launched its lightest backpack to date, combining a packable design with enough protection and storage for everyday technology.

Founded in Münster in 2014 and now headquartered in Cologne, Kapten & Son is a German lifestyle brand that began with minimalist watches before expanding into backpacks, luggage, eyewear and clothing.

The new Åre Daypack Lite weighs 700g, meaning it is less than half the weight of the current 15-inch MacBook Air, which tips the scales at 1.51kg.

Despite that difference, the backpack has a padded compartment large enough to accommodate Apple’s portable computer.

The bag is not only spacious, but its soft construction also allows the Åre Daypack Lite to pack flat inside a suitcase.

This makes it particularly suitable as a secondary bag for holidays and work trips, providing something more substantial than the flimsy drawstring bags often sold as packable daypacks.

The 13-litre main compartment is accessed through a fold-open front panel, while two mesh bottle pockets provide additional storage.

There are also several internal compartments, including mesh and zipped pockets for organising smaller items.

Light work

Although Kapten & Son describes the Åre Daypack Lite as ultralight, there are lighter hiking backpacks available.

Patagonia’s similarly sized Terravia Pack 14L, for example, weighs approximately 471g.

However, the Åre includes several features normally found on heavier commuter and travel bags.

These include a breathable padded back panel, adjustable padded shoulder straps, a chest strap and an integrated sleeve for securing it to a suitcase handle.

A concealed anti-theft pocket provides somewhere to keep a passport or wallet, while an included rain cover offers additional protection when the water-repellent outer material encounters heavier downpours.

The backpack is constructed from 90% recycled PET and 10% polyester, and measures 42 x 28.5 x 13.5cm. Kapten & Son also describes the design as vegan.

The Åre Daypack Lite is available now at Kapten & Son for £99.90 / €99.90 (~$114 / AU$163) in All Black, Taupe and Muted Rose colourways.

I've tested plenty of Philips air fryers over the years, from compact stacked basket models to dual-zone designs, but this latest one takes things in a different direction. The Philips Airfryer 5000 Series Megabasket is the brand's largest air fryer yet, combining a huge 10-litre capacity with a flexible design that can be used as one large basket or split into two.

With 3-in-1 cooking functionality and enough space to tackle much bigger meals, I was keen to see whether the Megabasket could offer something different.

Price and availability

The Philips Airfryer 5000 Series Megabasket has an RRP of £259.99 and is available to buy from Amazon.

For comparison, the original 5000 Series Dual Basket launched at the same RRP, although it's now available at a reduced price from a number of retailers, having been on the market for more than a year.

Design and features

As mentioned, the Philips Airfryer 5000 Series Megabasket comes with a generous 10-litre cooking capacity that can be used as one large Megabasket or divided into two separate 3-litre and 6-litre zones. This gives you the flexibility of a dual-basket air fryer when you're cooking different foods, whilst allowing you to combine the two compartments when you need more space for a larger meal.

That said, it measures around 44.4 x 38.3 x 35.5cm and weighs approximately 8.75kg, so you'll probably want to give it a permanent home on your kitchen worktop rather than moving it in and out of a cupboard.

The Megabasket features a 3-in-1 cooking system, combining traditional air frying with steaming and SteamFry. The standard air-frying function uses hot air to cook and crisp food, whilst the steam function introduces moisture during cooking. The more interesting option is SteamFry, which combines hot air and steam to help keep food moist on the inside whilst still achieving a crisp finish on the outside.

The air fryer also uses Philips' RapidAir Plus technology, which we've seen across many of the brand's more recent air fryers. This circulates hot air around the food to promote more even cooking, with the aim of delivering that crispy texture you'd normally associate with deep frying.

You can also adjust the cooking temperature between 40°C and 200°C, giving you plenty of flexibility depending on what you're making.

The Megabasket has a digital touchscreen display on the top front, giving you control over the cooking settings and access to 12 ingredient presets. However, as mentioned, you can still manually adjust the temperature and cooking time when needed.

One of my favourite features is Automatic SteamClean, which uses steam to loosen cooking residue inside the cooking chamber. Whilst you'll still need to give it a wipe down, it makes the entire process so much easier.

Performance

During testing, the 5000 Series Megabasket delivered the kind of cooking results I'd expect from Philips, and they were very similar to what I'd previously experienced with the 5000 Series Dual Basket. Food cooked evenly and the results felt really consistent with each meal I made. After trying the 4000 Series Stacked Basket Air Fryer, which I found a little more unpredictable with its cooking, it was nice to return to something that felt more reliable.

The whole experience also felt very familiar if you've used a Philips air fryer before. The controls are intuitive, and the cooking process doesn't take long to get used to it. I also quickly remembered how much I love the SteamFry function, particularly for roasting vegetables, which come out beautifully cooked without drying out.

One of my favourite things about the Megabasket has to be its size. It's big enough to cook larger joints of meat, which is something I couldn't always say about my previous air fryers. Pork belly roast is a firm favourite in my house, but I've always cooked it in the oven because of its size. Having the Megabasket means I can now cook it in the air fryer instead, which has drastically improved the meal altogether.

The Automatic SteamClean function is also worth a strong mention, and I don't think I'd want an air fryer without it now. It's particularly good at loosening hardened fats and burnt bits, which usually take a lot of scrubbing to remove. Instead of putting all removable parts in the dishwasher, now all I need to do is give everything a quick wipe, rinse it in the sink and leave it to dry. Considering the size of the Megabasket, this is a huge advantage.

Speaking of, one thing to be aware of is just how big the Megabasket really is. It has an unusual handle design that sticks out from the side of the main body, which I'm not sure is necessary, as a more conventional front-facing handle could have kept things more compact. I therefore recommend measuring up before you buy, as this is one air fryer you won't want to underestimate the size of.

Verdict

The Philips Airfryer 5000 Series Megabasket is a brilliant choice if you want an air fryer that's big enough for larger meals without sacrificing flexibility. Its 10-litre capacity and excellent cooking make it a pleasure to use, whilst the Automatic SteamClean is a game-changer for cleaning. It's certainly not the smallest appliance and smaller households may find it excessive, but if you've got the room, this is one of my favourite Philips air fryers yet.

Alternatives to consider

The closest alternative to the Megabasket is probably the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer. Not only are the two similarly priced, but the Ninja also features a large 10.4-litre removable drawer, alongside a divider and two crisper plates, making the overall concept very similar.

If you'd rather stick with Philips, you also can't go wrong with the original 5000 Series Dual Basket. The cooking results are similarly impressive, and its more traditional dual-basket design makes it a more suitable option for smaller families.

Expanding its ever-growing line-up, Ring has just announced two new outdoor security cameras with its simplest installation yet. The standout from the new launches is the Peephole Camera 2K which can be easily set-up on your existing peephole without any drilling required, an option that renters are sure to love.

Starting with the Ring Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen), this new model has 2K video resolution and up to 6x Enhanced Zoom, a feature Ring is slowly but steadily adding to its range of cameras and video doorbells. Available in wired and battery versions, the Ring Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) has a wide angle lens that covers 140 degrees horizontally and 85 degrees vertically for enhanced views.

The Ring Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) keeps its 2K resolution throughout the day and into the night, so you can clearly see who’s at your property, even in low light. For low light conditions, the camera shows everything in true colour and automatically switches to black and white night vision when it gets dark.

With similar looks to the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus, the Ring Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) can be installed anywhere with its mount. This camera also comes with the usual Ring features like live view, two-way talk, motion detection and privacy zones which are available in the Ring app.

The second – and in my opinion, the most impressive – launch from Ring is the Ring Peephole Camera 2K. If you live in rented accommodation or a flat, this camera gives you the chance to add technology and an extra layer of security to your front door without any fussy or permanent installation.

The Ring Peephole Camera 2K looks like a video doorbell with its long triangle shape, and it kind of acts like one, too. It has a camera at the top with Retinal 2K resolution and 6x Enhanced Zoom, and a button just beneath it which visitors can press to talk to you, thanks to Ring’s live view and two-way talk features.

The best part of the Ring Peephole Camera 2K is its easy to set up. There’s no drilling required or cables required as it’s a wireless model with a quick release rechargeable battery. To install it, you just unscrew your existing peephole and install the camera – that’s it!

When you move, you can just reverse the installation and take the Ring Peephole Camera 2K with you to your next place. It’ll need to be ‘compatible’ with your existing peephole which Ring states needs to be from 12mm to 14mm in size, and for doors between 32.5mm and 60mm.

The Ring Peephole Camera 2K also comes with motion detection and 140 degree horizontal and vertical views, so it should be able to see down to your doorstep.

The Ring Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) is available to pre-order now at Amazon for £99.99 with expected shipping dates from 12th August. The Ring Peephole Camera 2K arrives slightly later on 19th August and will cost £79.99. As of writing, US pricing hasn’t been announced, but the prices are usually quite similar.

Philips Hue could be about to launch a giant smart lounge table, despite initially being revealed as an April Fools' joke. According to Fabian from Hueblog, the massive lounge table has appeared multiple times in video footage from Capital Markets Day 2026, where the rumoured Hue Play Screen Sync Camera was also spotted.

From the few glimpses we've seen, the lounge table appears to be designed for outdoor use, with a power cord clearly visible in the footage. That means it won't be portable like the standard Hue Go 2.0, but it's a small detail that adds more credibility to the rumours. After all, why would Philips Hue include a visible power cable on a product that was supposedly only intended as a joke?

Signify has since edited the video, removing almost all of the sections that showed products that haven't yet been officially announced. However, the image used as the cover for the article is still online, whilst another brief glimpse of the product can also be spotted for just a second in the video.

Fabian has also reportedly heard that the launch was originally planned for spring but was later postponed. Hopefully, we'll get some more concrete information in September at IFA, where Philips Hue is expected to unveil several new products.

IFA 2025 saw one of the biggest Philips Hue launches in years, including the long-awaited Hue Bridge Pro, so it remains to be seen whether this year's event will be quite as exciting. However, if the giant smart table does make an appearance, it would certainly be one of the more unexpected products we've seen from the brand.

Welcome to T3's review of the Braun Series 9 Pro+, a flagship electric foil-based shaver for all types of facial hair.

Electric shavers save a huge amount of time first thing in the morning while you're rushing to get out of the house. There's no need for the painstakingly slow rigmarole of slapping shaving products all over your face while being tied to the sink, because you can quite literally be shaving while you read your morning emails, sort your clothes out for the day or make a cup of tea.

We've been so impressed by the Braun Series 9 Pro+'s overall performance that it's shot straight to the top of the list in our guide to the best electric shavers. Here's the full lowdown for your perusal.

Braun Series 9 Pro+ review: price and availability

The Braun Series 9 Pro+ sits firmly in the premium end of the electric shaver market, though there is a bewildering number of model variants and bundles to choose from. The entry-level package as reviewed here includes the shaver, charging cable and travel case, while moving up the range adds Braun’s excellent SmartCare cleaning station, PowerCase charging case, replacement cleaning cartridges and even beard trimmer and body grooming bundles.

Expect to pay around £240 for a basic UK model and upwards of £700 for the full monty set. In the UK, the Series 9 Pro+ is widely available from Braun, Currys, Boots, John Lewis & Partners and Amazon.

In the USA, the Series 9 Pro+ is stocked by Braun ($399.99), Amazon ($319) and Walmart ($459), depending on the specification and accessories included.

Braun Series 9 Pro+ review: design and features

It’s no easy task shopping for an electric shaver. For starters, there are about six main brands on the UK market – Braun, Philips, Panasonic, Remington, Manscaped and Wahl – and each one of those brands lists a bewildering range of models in a wide variety of variants. Take the Braun range for instance. I stopped counting when I reached over 50 different models in various combos and price bands.

Now, I can’t speak for Remington, Manscaped, Panasonic or Wahl but I have tested models from Philips and Braun, and while Philips produces a sterling range of three-headed rotary shavers, I always find myself gravitating towards the Braun catalogue.

Visually, the Series 9 Pro+ is instantly recognisable as a Braun flagship model, with a clean, functional, utilitarian design that prioritises practicality over aesthetics. While there are some subtle cosmetic tweaks compared to previous Series 9 models and even the Series 7, the overall shape and ergonomics remain largely unchanged. And who cares, since Braun has spent years refining a design that just works.

Construction quality is expectedly high, with a housing that combines rigid plastics with textured rubber panels on the rear. These rubber strips provide plenty of grip, even when used with wet soapy hands. At just over 200g (204g to be precise), the Series 9 Pro+ feels chunky in the hand without becoming cumbersome during longer grooming sessions. The body, meanwhile, is fully waterproof, allowing for both dry shaving and use with shaving foam or gel.

Cleaning under a running tap is also very straightforward – simply press the sides of the head and it pops off to expose the inner foil and the connectors on the main body. The product comes with a brush to help release any trapped hair dust that inevitably always remains even while the shaver is being rinsed under a tap.

Not one to shy away from using a raft of promotional buzzwords to help sell this shaver’s various features to the masses, Braun has pulled out all the stops for this particular model. Let’s kick off with the 5+1 head, which combines five synchronised cutting elements along with a rear-mounted, flip-up surgical-grade stainless steel Precision ProTrimmer for detailed trimming of sideburns and beards.

According to the blurb, each cutting element performs a specific role. The two OptiFoil cutters capture short stubble close to the skin, the titanium-coated ProLift blade is designed to lift flattened hairs before cutting, the Direct&Cut element deals with hairs growing in different directions and the SkinGuard bar helps reduce skin contact and irritation.

The Series 9 Pro+ also features a ProSensoAdapt system which allegedly measures beard density 300 times a second, automatically adjusting motor output to maintain optimal cutting performance. I can’t say I’ve noticed any change in motor speed during my time with it but then I haven’t got a heavy beard to deal with. But, hey, it’s good to know it’s there.

Crucially, all parts of the Series 9 Pro+’s foil system move independently like a car’s suspension. Couple this with a shaving head that pivots through 40 degrees and you have a shaver that maintains superb contact across the changing contours of the jawline and neck without excessive wrist movement. Nevertheless, if you prefer no movement from the head itself, you can simply lock it off and choose from five different static positions up to a limit of 20 degrees each way.

Heading to the battery department, the Series 9 Pro+’s lithium-ion battery provides around 60 minutes of cordless operation, while a five-minute quick charge delivers enough power for at least one full shave if you've forgotten to recharge it.

A clear LED display indicates battery and foil status plus travel lock activation. However, I personally would have much preferred a USB-C charging method to save having to remember to pack the bespoke charging plinth when going away for a long period.

Despite the Braun’s raft of tantalising features, not every design decision here is quite on the money. For instance, the integrated flip-up trimmer’s cutter extends from the rear of the grip rather than sitting flush within the body. If you naturally grip the shaver high up near the head (something I tend to do), the protruding trimmer’s cutter presses into the inside of the index finger, making the otherwise comfortable handle feel, er, less comfortable.

Likewise, because this model is also available with a cleaning station, there are two small but noticeable steel charging studs that you can also feel if holding the shaver near the head. I hasten to add that if held the way the designers intended with the thumb on the textured front plate, you won’t have any of these tactile issues.

On the plus side, I do love the smooth spring action on the rear trimmer which is activated by touching a tiny button and moving the thumb up and down to engage and disengage the cutter.

Braun Series 9 Pro+ review: performance

The Braun Series 9 Pro+ delivers exactly what you'd expect from a flagship foil shaver – an exceptionally close, remarkably comfortable shave that almost rivals the feel of a traditional wet razor.

I've been using the Pro+ for the past few weeks and have been exceedingly impressed by how well it has handled my middle-aged visage. I don't have the thickest of daily hair growth, specifically around the lower neck, but the Pro+'s two OptiFoil cutters and clever ProLift trimmer have successfully captured neck hairs growing in different directions without requiring endless passes over the same area. Yes, the shaver struggled a bit during a recent heatwave when the humidity index was sky high but then that's the case with all electric shavers in damp and sticky atmospheric conditions.

I've been especially impressed by the flexibility of this model's shaving head which pivots 40 degrees, allowing the suspended cutting elements to follow every contour of my slim, angular bone structure like an Olympic skier at a mogul event.

For me, comfort is where the Series 9 Pro+ really shines. Even when used daily, it has remained exceptionally gentle, with no pulling or snagging and positively no post-shave redness. In fact, I have felt zero skin irritation since the first day of using it.

I've mostly used this model dry for time-saving effectiveness but it also provides a fast, fuss-free and extremely smooth morning shave when paired with shaving foam or gel, thanks in no small part to its fully waterproof design.

The integrated precision trimmer, too, has also performed well when tidying up sideburns and I can imagine it's just as efficient at defining a beard line or trimming around a moustache. However, as I've mentioned above, I do wish the sharp cutter head of the trimmer didn't protrude quite so much when it's not in use since I can feel it against the inside of my forefinger when shaving. It's not a deal breaker because the unit is supposed to be held lower down the grip where it is exceedingly comfy. That said, I still find myself subconsciously holding it nearer the foil head because that's the way I've been holding my older Series 7 model. But, hey, that’s my problem.

Minor anomalies aside, the Braun Series 9 Pro+ is a truly outstanding product, combining speed, comfort and consistency with a level of refinement that makes shaving feel less like a chore. For most users, it's about as close as an electric shave currently gets to the smoothness of a razor blade while being significantly kinder to the skin. Also, the battery lasts for weeks on a single charge.

Braun Series 9 Pro+ review: verdict

The Braun Series 9 Pro+ is a stupendous electric shaver that justifies its flagship status with exceptional shaving performance and impressive comfort. This one delivers consistently close results with minimal irritation, making it one of the finest foil shavers I've ever used.

Its only ergonomic flaw is the protruding rear precision trimmer which can dig into the index finger if you naturally grip the shaver high up the body. But fortunately this minor design oversight is easy to forgive when the shaving results are this darn good. If outright performance is your priority, I think the Series 9 Pro+ is one of the very best electric shavers currently on the market.

During the height of a UK heatwave, I was very kindly invited to the Summer of Indulge Garden Party with Russell Hobbs. To say I had a great time sitting outside, listening to music and snacking on charcuterie would be an understatement, but I also got to see Russell Hobbs’ new Indulge collection in action.

The new Indulge line-up from Russell Hobbs features its bestselling kitchen gadgets in its stylish stone colourway. The neutral shade works perfectly in any kitchen, and they’re packed full of handy features to make your daily life easier, as well as your summer hosting.

As mentioned, I got to see and try the new Indulge appliances for myself, and I was thoroughly impressed. Starting with coffee, I tried the Russell Hobbs Cafe Genie Espresso Machine, and was immediately caught by its design.

Coffee machines have gotten bulkier in size and stature, but Russell Hobbs Cafe Genie Espresso Machine is surprisingly petite, and sat proudly on the event’s coffee bar. It has a touch control panel sitting at the top of the machine where you can adjust your settings and click through popular drinks, like cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and more.

The Russell Hobbs Cafe Genie Espresso Machine has a built-in milk system that automatically steams and froths milk when you pick a milk-based drink. But I was more interested in trying its espresso which I did in the form of a non-alcoholic espresso martini.

With its 20-bar pressure pump, the Russell Hobbs Cafe Genie Espresso Machine pulled coffee in little to no time, and it had a deep, rich flavour. Of course, a lot of this is to do with the quality of the coffee beans of which the machine is compatible with loose coffee grounds or Nespresso Original pods.

For £229.99, the Russell Hobbs Cafe Genie Espresso Machine isn’t too expensive either, compared to other coffee manufacturers. Having tried it, I’d say it’s good value for money, and it looks and feels like a high quality product that’ll definitely find its way into many kitchens.

The next appliance I tried was the JuiceLuxe Juicer. I’ve been wanting a juicer for a long time, and I think the JuiceLuxe Juicer might have won me over. It features a 62mm juicing tube at the top where you insert your fruit and vegetables, and it has a non-drop sprout to dispense your juice.

I can’t get enough of ginger at the moment, so I got a ginger, orange and carrot juice and was impressed by how fast the JuiceLuxe Juicer turned everything around with its 400W motor. It tackled hard carrots and oversized oranges with no problem, and I was surprised by how tidy it was, as normally juicers can get messy.

Last but certainly not least, I made my way over to the ice cream station to see the Chillluxe Ice Cream Maker in action. Sadly for me, I’m lactose intolerant so couldn’t try any of the ice cream but I did get to see the ice cream maker at work.

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was when in operation. Of course, I was at an event with a lot of people and a DJ playing, but the Chillluxe wasn’t too loud. While you still need to pre-freeze your mixture the night before, the Chillluxe whizzes up ice cream, sorbet, gelato and more in a matter of minutes.

Again, I didn’t try the finished product, but I saw lots of happy people with creamy, almost soft serve-consistency ice cream, and it looked delicious! With so many ice cream makers on the market right now, it can be hard to pick the right one for you, but the Chillluxe from Russell Hobbs is a great budget choice at £159.99.

The UK government has announced that plug-in solar panels will be legal in the UK from next month, following years of waiting for the rules to change. According to research conducted by the government, the move could help homeowners save around £70-£110 a year on their energy bills.

That said, there are a few requirements to note. Plug-in solar setups must be limited to 800W of output, and they can't currently "import electrical energy" from your home to store and use at a later date. The government has also said that you shouldn't need professional installation or planning permission, making these systems much easier to set up and potentially a great option for renters.

We're still waiting to see exactly when companies will start launching their plug-in solar kits in the UK, but after a quick look around, a few manufacturers have already got products on the way. I've listed the ones I've got my eye on below.

As mentioned, the current rules don't allow you to import energy from your home and store it for later use, suggesting battery storage could hopefully be the next big step for plug-in solar.

Aaron James Darvill, Strategic Sales Director at Anker Solix, explained that "Plug-in solar generates the most electricity during the day, but most households use the most energy in the evening. Without battery storage, consumers can't store surplus energy to use when they need it most, limiting the savings and flexibility the technology can deliver."

Anker Solix launched its Solarbank 4 E5000 Pro in Europe a few months ago as a combined solar and battery storage system. This makes it one of the more interesting options that isn't quite legal under the current UK rules, but hopefully that will change in the near future as plug-in solar becomes more widely adopted.

2026 is shaping up to have the hottest summer on record for the UK. We’ve been hit by multiple heatwaves, and the only thing that’s got me through being outside in the sun is a handheld fan.

Handheld fans have been around for years, but it feels like 2026 has seen a huge surge in popularity for them. Instead of cheap, flimsy portable fans that are usually on the market, higher end brands have launched their own models this year, including the likes of Shark and Dyson.

If you’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and buy yourself a handheld fan, here are the five best handheld fans on the market right now for on-the-go cooling.

Best handheld fan overall

1. Shark ChillPill

The handheld fan that started the revolution has got to be the Shark ChillPill. This 3-in-1 fan launched in March 2026, offering portable cooling in a stylish design. Featuring fan, mist and InstaChill attachments, the Shark ChillPill can be used indoors and outdoors, and at just 11.2cm height and weighing just 0.35kg, it’s easy to take with you on commutes, day trips and more.

The best part of the Shark ChillPill is its high-speed fan which has 10 speeds and a maximum velocity of 7.5m/s. It’s intensely cooling albeit a little loud, but that can be ignored because of its great versatility and power. It also has an ultra-fine mister which releases micro droplets to cool you down, and its InstaChill cooling plate lowers skin temperature by up to 9°.

Read our full Shark ChillPill review for more details.

Best premium handheld fan

2. Dyson HushJet Mini Cool

A month or two after the Shark ChillPill came out, Dyson launched its very own – and first ever from the brand – handheld fan, the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool. While it looks like something that stepped out of a sci-fi film, the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool has a lightweight, slim design that’s comfortable to hold and comes with easy controls.

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is extremely simple with just an on/off button and speed controls, which is a surprise from a premium brand like Dyson. It gets a bit loud, but the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool can handle any intense temperature and its projection power is hard to beat. The cheapest product from Dyson at £99.99, it still gets our vote for the best premium handheld fan due to its high quality and durability.

Read our Dyson HushJet Mini Cool review for more details. If you can’t decide between Dyson and Shark, check out our comparison on the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool vs Shark ChillPill.

Best budget handheld fan

3. JML ChillMax ChillMate

If you’re on a tight budget, the JML ChillMax ChillMate is £14.99 / $19.99 so it won’t break the bank. It might be cheap but it’s certainly cheerful with three fan speeds, a base stand for hands-free cooling, and an up to six hours runtime.

Where the JML ChillMax ChillMate really stands out is its built-in cooling plate. Located at the centre of the fan, this plate can be placed directly against your skin to cool you down quickly and effectively. It works best on places like your wrist, temples and back of your neck where heat builds up.

Best handheld fan for battery life

4. Blueair AlwaysCool

Launched in June 2026, the Blueair AlwaysCool fan ticks lots of boxes. Firstly, its design features an LCD display that shows speed and battery settings, and a tilting head which adjusts its airflow. It has 100 speeds to choose from, and uses AeroSilent technology to operate at a maximum noise level of 46dB.

The Blueair AlwaysCool fan exceeds all expectations with its battery life. It has a 5200mAh battery and can be used for up to 32 hours on a single charge which is significantly more than other brands on this list. Users will need to have it on its lowest settings to make the most of the battery life, but it’s impressive anyways.

Best misting handheld fan

5. Aecooly Cold Air Ultra

Misting is quite a tricky thing to add to a handheld fan as they have a small size and need constant refills. But the best misting handheld fan I’ve found is the Aecooly Cold Air Ultra. It has a wide mouth water tank which gives up to eight minutes of misting with one refill.

The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra has a digital display which easily flicks through its misting and fan settings. It generates speeds and projection of up to 82ft/s and is seriously cooling. It’s slightly bulkier than the other models on this list but it’s easy to hold and travel with.

Dimplex has just launched its new eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ, and I think it could win over even the most traditional barbecuers. With its generous cooking space and high temperature range, the Dimplex eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ can cook just about anything – even a full rotisserie chicken.

When I first started testing barbecues for T3, I came up against one major issue – I didn’t have a garden. This was during the pandemic, so it was hard to get outside anyway, but I did have a small balcony which I used to my full advantage.

Despite my small outdoor space, I was pleased that between 2020 - 2022, electric barbecues finally started to get popular, despite barbecue purists' annoyance. One issue some people have with electric barbecues is they can struggle to get really hot which is what you want to get those authentic barbecue flavours and smokiness.

But the Dimplex eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ seems to have sorted this problem. This compact, portable electric barbecue can reach temperatures over 300°C to get that perfect sear, and its high hood with a warming rack means it gets hot and big enough to cook whole birds and large cuts of meat.

Using infrared technology, the Dimplex eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ has two 1100W carbon fibre infrared elements which allow it to get up to this high head. It gets up to temperature very quickly, and as there’s no flames involved, it produces less smoke, making it great for smaller gardens, balconies and patios.

The Dimplex eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ has a large 2772cm² grill area, so you can cook for plenty of people. Thanks to its heating technology, the cooking surface stays consistently hot across the entire grill for even cooking. It also comes with a built-in meat probe for more accurate cooking.

The design of the Dimplex eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ is simple yet effective, with its all-black colour with silver accents. It has a digital display at the front which allows you to adjust its settings and see the grill’s real-time temperature.

Compared to other electric barbecues, the Dimplex eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ has quite a high price tag, but it’s currently on sale. The Dimplex eXtreme Electric Infrared BBQ is available to buy for £499 at Dimplex. As of writing, it’s discounted to £349, saving you £150.

De'Longhi has launched a new bean-to-cup coffee machine, combining three dedicated brewing methods – espresso, drip coffee and cold brew – with a menu of 20 different recipes.

The Magnifica Duo arrives just a few days after the Rivelia Start, a more compact and affordable version of De'Longhi's original Rivelia, which first launched in 2024. It seems the brand is contributing to a growing demand for coffee machines that are easier to fit into smaller kitchens, whilst also coming in at a slightly more accessible price.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Duo is available to buy now from the brand's website, priced at £699.99 in the UK and $999.95 in the US.

The Magnifica Duo uses different brewing methods depending on the type of coffee you're making. For espresso, high-pressure brewing with pre-infusion is designed to create a bold and intense flavour. For drip coffee, lower pressure and no pre-infusion allow the coffee grounds to bloom. The cold brew setting takes a different approach again, using ambient-temperature water and very low pressure to steep the grounds for longer, resulting in what De'Longhi describes as a smooth, sweet and refreshing flavour.

It also features De'Longhi's popular dishwasher-safe LatteCrema Hot and LatteCrema Cool technologies, giving you the option to create both hot and cold milk-based drinks with adjustable foam levels.

For households with multiple coffee drinkers, the Magnifica Duo offers three dedicated user profiles, allowing everyone to customise and save their favourite drink settings. Through the intuitive 2.4-inch digital display, you can choose from five drink sizes, four intensity levels and three temperature settings, making it easy to adjust your coffee exactly how you like it.

Philips Hue has confirmed that it will replace a select number of Hue Bridge Pro units affected by a recent firmware update issue, after users reported that their devices became completely unresponsive.

At the time, Philips Hue advised affected users to get in touch and apply for a replacement under warranty. Now, the company has confirmed that it will replace every affected unit free of charge, regardless of its warranty status.

Philips Hue hasn't yet provided a specific timeline for when the free replacement units will be sent out, although it continues to process affected cases as more reports come in.

Philips Hue told Ars Technica that the issue appears to be limited to users who had switched off automatic updates and were running older firmware for some time. The problem was reportedly triggered when an update that had already been downloaded to the Bridge was manually installed more than 10 days later, outside the device's usual update window.

Unfortunately, getting a replacement won't necessarily make the whole process seamless. Anyone affected will still need to set up their best Philips Hue lights, scenes and automations again from scratch, which could be a headache if you've spent a while building your setup.

It’s been extremely hot in the UK over the past few months, so now is as good a time as any to upgrade to a solar security camera – and these five options are sure to be the perfect fit.

Instead of using electrical wiring, solar security cameras use a built-in or accompanying solar panel to convert sunlight into electricity. Not only is this a more natural and renewable source of energy, but your security camera is powered 24/7, even on cloudy days and dark nights.

If you already have a security camera installed, most home security brands offer add-on solar panels, so you can buy one separately and incorporate it in your set-up for constant battery life. There are plenty of solar security cameras on the market right now, and I’ve rounded up our five top picks from the likes of Eufy, Arlo, Tapo and more.

Best solar security camera overall

1. Eufy SoloCam S220

Starting off strong, the Eufy SoloCam S220 is an excellent security camera with a built-in solar panel at the top. It only needs three hours of sunlight a day to keep the camera up and running, so you don’t miss a thing happening outside your home.

Despite its low price of £99.99 / $99.99, the Eufy SoloCam S220 is packed full of impressive features, including 2K resolution, AI human detection, and infrared LEDs for night vision. It’s easy to set up, has a wire-free design and is completely subscription-free. Read our five-star Eufy SoloCam S220 review for more details.

Best solar security camera with set up options

2. Tapo C660 Kit

Tapo offers a full range of solar-powered security cameras, but our personal favourite is the Tapo C660 Kit. It’s not as inconspicuous as the Eufy SoloCam S220, as the Tapo C660 Kit has a large rectangular solar panel extended on top of the main camera – but it’s low maintenance and can be connected directly to the wall mount or fixed separately.

The Tapo C660 Kit offers an impressive security experience, including 4K resolution and colour night vision, thanks to its built-in spotlights and sensors. It even has 360 degree AI tracking so when it detects movement, it follows it and identifies humans, pets and vehicles – not bad for just £129.99 / $119.99. Read our Tapo C660 review for more details.

Best premium solar security camera

3. Arlo Ultra 2 with Solar Panel Charger

Compared to the other options on this list, the Arlo Ultra 2 – as well as its Ultra, Essential and Pro siblings – has a different solar panel set-up. Rather than being built into the camera or integrated in the overall design, you’ll need to buy an Arlo solar panel charger separately.

The one downside to this is that the cameras with a solar panel can get expensive. But once you have everything installed, it really is a valuable investment. The Arlo Ultra 2 with Solar Panel Charger especially is one of the best home security systems you can buy, and it comes with 4K video clarity, colour night vision and an easy-to-use app.

Best budget security camera

4. Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam

If you’re on a tight budget, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is a great choice at just £99.99 / $109.99. It looks similar to Blink’s Outdoor cameras, with its main cube-shaped camera in the centre that’s flanked by two spotlights, but its solar panel is what’s most impressive.

Using SolarEase technology, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam only needs an hour of sunlight to power the camera all day. The solar panel still delivers a charge in low-light conditions, and when its 7,800mAh battery has a full charge, the camera should last for up to three months without solar input.

Best quick-charge solar security camera

5. Swann EVO 2K Solar Security Camera

If you liked the look of the Eufy SoloCam S220 but want a quicker charge, the Swann EVO 2K Solar Security Camera is a good alternative. It only needs 45 minutes of sunlight to generate enough power for daily use, and the camera can withstand extreme conditions, including heat, rain and snow.

The design of the Swann EVO Wireless Solar security camera keeps everything compact with the solar panel built directly into the top of the camera – just like the Eufy in spot one of this list. It also has 2K HD day and night resolution, two-way talk and it only costs £99.99 / $129.99.

Solar security cameras: do they actually help with battery life?

Despite having nothing but glorious sunshine over the past few months, the UK is known for its grey and gloomy weather. Due to this, it’s unsurprising that not many households have upgraded to a solar security camera just yet.

However, this is a major misconception about solar security cameras – that it has to be intense or direct sunlight that charges them. Instead, solar panels use photovoltaic cells that absorb daylight rather than heat. Yes, they perform best with sunlight, but they still produce power without it as they respond to all natural light.

In terms of battery life, solar panels take in this light and convert it into direct current electricity. This power is stored within the security camera’s battery which is why your camera stays up and running during the nighttime. These types of cameras and panels also have a controller that regulates and manages power, so your camera stays consistently charged at all times.

So yes, solar panels do make a major difference to your battery life. What’s even better is you don’t have to worry about any power outages with a solar security camera, unlike if you had a wired security camera. See 3 reasons why you should switch to a solar security camera for more details.

Philips Hue could soon be launching its own TV backlight camera, according to a new report from HueBlog. Rumoured to be called the Philips Hue Screen Sync Camera, it's expected to make its debut at IFA 2026 alongside several other new Hue products.

Govee has long dominated the TV backlight camera market, with several popular models that use a camera mounted on top of the TV to mirror on-screen colours with compatible smart lights. Whilst Philips Hue already offers an impressive entertainment setup with the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, it relies on an HDMI connection, making it less flexible than a camera-based system..

Pricing and an official launch date are still unknown, but if HueBlog's report is accurate, IFA in September is expected to reveal all.

From the single leaked image, the new accessory appears to clip onto the top edge of a TV or monitor, where it uses a built-in camera to monitor what's happening on screen. It then analyses the image and sends colour data to compatible Philips Hue lights, extending the action beyond the display and into the room.

TV backlight cameras have been a huge success for Govee in recent years, so it'll be interesting to see how Philips Hue's take compares. Personally, I think it could be a fantastic addition, especially for anyone looking to create a more immersive home entertainment setup without relying on an HDMI Sync Box.

Expanding its E line-up, JURA has just launched a new version of its E10 bean to cup coffee machine. This upgraded model comes with 36 drink options, as well as hot, cold and light brew and sweet foam functions – but as a luxury brand, the JURA E10 will set you back.

The original E10 debuted back in 2004, but 22 years later, the new and improved JURA E10 is finally here, and it combines four coffee modes in one premium appliance. JURA is one of the main coffee machine brands that have jumped on the cold brew bandwagon, and the JURA E10 is no exception.

As a 4-in-1 coffee machine, the JURA E10 can make hot brew, cold brew, light brew and sweet foam drinks at the touch of a button. It uses JURA’s Cold Extraction process which it’s introduced to many of its other coffee makers, including the Z10 which we gave five stars in our JURA Z10 review.

Using freshly ground coffee beans, the JURA E10 makes rich cold brews by pulsing cold water at a high pressure to extract the right flavours without any dilution. Its light brew is a new addition to JURA’s coffee machines, which brews drinks at a 60°C temperature for smoother and lighter coffees that are ready to drink straight away.

Sweet Foam is for milk-based drinks which – you guessed it – froths milk foam and gives it a subtly sweet taste. This, as well as its hot, cold and light brew functions, can be used on all its 36 drink options, which include latte, cappuccino, cortado, espresso and flat white to name a few.

Another new and impressive feature of the JURA E10 is its Coffee Timer, which allows you to schedule your coffee ahead of time. Available via the touchscreen, you can select what coffee you want and when you want it made, and the JURA E10 will have it ready for you when you want it – an incredibly handy feature for busy mornings.

The JURA E10 is almost identical to its other E coffee machines, although it only measures 27cm wide so it's much slimmer. Available in an onyx black colour, the JURA E10 has a 3-5-inch colour touchscreen display with side buttons for easy controls.

While it might look intimidating at first, the JURA E10 is an automatic bean to cup coffee machine, making it ideal for beginners as the machine does all the work for you. The JURA E10 is available to buy now for £1,425 at JURA.

Ninja has finally launched its Double Stack XL Air Fryer in its popular Stone Gold colourway. The shade first became a huge hit when it launched on the Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, with people loving its neutral tones.

The Double Stack XL Air Fryer launched back in 2024 and quickly earned an impressive four-star review from us. Since then, we've seen other brands take inspiration from the same vertical approach, with the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer being one example.

The good news is that the Double Stack XL in Stone Gold is already reduced on Amazon, taking the price from £289.99 down to £249.99. It's not a huge saving, but if you've already got your eye on one, it's definitely worth grabbing at a lower price.

That said, if you think you'd prefer the Foodi MAX, the good news is that it's still reduced too, with the price dropping from £229.99 to £178. That's an even bigger saving, so it could be the better deal if you don't need the Double Stack XL's more compact footprint.

It’s peak festival season right now, so if you’re headed to see some live music, you might want to take these new noise-reducing earplugs from Audio-Technica with you. Best known for its audio equipment, Audio-Technica has released two acoustic earplugs with effective noise reduction, comfortable fits, and insanely affordable price tags.

The new launches from Audio-Technica include the AT-ERP3 and the AT-ERP5. Both sets of earplugs have been thoroughly tested and are compliant with EN and ANSI hearing-protection standards. They’re also made from a soft silicone material that’s comfortable to wear, and mould to the ear to stay securely in place.

The standout from the new launches is the AT-ERP5 which are specially designed for festivals and concerts. While wearing these earplugs, users can still experience live music while protecting their ears from the higher volumes.

The AT-ERP5 earplugs have dual-layer filtering dampers that preserve the sound quality of what you’re listening to, while reducing excessive levels of noise to protect the ear drum. They reduce noise by 21dB SNR, and fit snugly in the ear so you can dance around with them without them dislodging.

Easy to take on the go, the AT-ERP5 come with a stylish travel case. Available in black or gold, they have metallic accents for extra style, but they also don’t stick out while you’re wearing them. What’s even better is that they’re only £22, which is significantly cheaper than other noise-reducing earplugs on the market.

For something better suited to everyday, the AT-ERP3 is a great choice. They work to reduce everyday environmental noises to help with concentration, and are recommended for use in offices and commutes, similar to the Loop Switch.

The AT-ERP3 limit noise to 26dB SNR and have high-isolation eartips that gently reduce sound. They’re available in black or grey, and are the cheapest out of the two launches at £17.50.

Audio-Technica’s range of noise-reducing earplugs are quite similar to Loop’s collection. Where they massively differ is the price, as with Loop, you’re looking to pay up to £59.95, depending on the model you choose.

It looks like Audio-Technica has taken its audio knowledge and expertise, and flipped it on its head to make non-audio focused earplugs – but how will they fare? We’ll have to try them to let you know.

The best smart locks make it easier than ever to secure your home, automating access as you come and go. If you've decided Yale is the brand for you, choosing the right model can still be tricky, as its range caters to different homes, budgets and security needs.

Whether you're a renter looking for a simple retrofit solution or want the latest smart home features, these are the three Yale smart locks worth knowing about before making your decision.

Best renter-friendly option

1. Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite

The Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite is a great choice if you're after something discreet and easy to install, making it particularly well suited to renters. It retrofits onto the inside of your existing door in just a few simple steps, with no drilling or permanent modifications required.

One of its standout features is the KeySense button, which lets you press once to lock the door automatically after a short delay as you leave. You can also share digital keys or PIN codes with family members and guests, as well as track who comes and goes via the activity log in the Yale Home app.

Best advanced option

2. Linus Smart Lock L2

The Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 is the brand's most advanced smart lock, offering a range of features designed to make everyday access even easier. DoorSense Technology lets you check whether your door is open, closed, locked or unlocked, whilst Smart Unlock detects when you're approaching and automatically unlocks the door for you.

It's slightly larger than the L2 Lite but is just as straightforward to install, mounting onto your existing lock and running on a removable rechargeable battery pack.

Best budget option

3. Keyless Connected Smart Lock

If you already have a nightlatch, the Yale Keyless Connected Smart Lock is probably the one for you. Whilst it's not as advanced as Yale's newer Linus models, it offers a simple way to secure your home using a PIN code, key tag or remote fob instead of a traditional key.

Powered by four AA batteries, the lock warns you when power is running low and also features an 80dB tamper alarm that sounds if someone attempts to interfere with it. Through the Yale Home app, you can lock and unlock the door remotely (or locally via Bluetooth), manage virtual keys, view access history and receive real-time notifications.

Over the past couple of months, the UK has been hot, hot, hot! Due to the intense heatwaves, almost every fan on the market has been out of stock, but I’ve finally found a good quality fan that’s both in stock and on sale.

Right now at Currys, the Beldray 3-in-1 Fan has been given a 37% discount, taking it down to an ultra-low price.

Shop the Beldray 3-in-1 Fan deal

Originally priced at £54.99, the Beldray 3-in-1 Fan is now just £34.99, saving you £20 on this cordless, adjustable fan.

Whether you plan to use it in your bedroom or home office, the Beldray 3-in-1 Fan can be adjusted to sit on your desk, stand in the corner, and you can even mount it on your wall via its base.

The Beldray 3-in-1 Fan is already an affordable fan but this £20 price cut makes it much cheaper. But don’t let the low price put you off – the Beldray 3-in-1 Fan has plenty of features that can help you get through the hot summer and the next heatwave.

The Beldray 3-in-1 Fan has three speed settings to choose from, and it oscillates to spread cool air around the room. Aside from being height adjustable from 114mm to 900mm, the Beldray 3-in-1 Fan can also have its head tilted and pivoted for better cooling angles.

As a cordless fan, the Beldray 3-in-1 Fan comes with a rechargeable battery which can work for up to 12.5 hours at a time. It can be used throughout the night, and you can also use it to set the mood in your home, thanks to its LED ring light.

If you fancy a fan from another brand, we’ve made a list of every fan and air conditioner currently on sale.

Today’s air fryers do so much more than just air fry. Most models you find on the market also come with steaming, roasting, baking and grilling options – but the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer takes this one step further.

As it says in the name, the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer is designed to make delicious fresh and frozen pizzas in as little as eight minutes. The best news, though? It’s now 30% off in this limited time deal at Amazon.

Shop the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer deal

Originally priced at £99.99, the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer is now just £69.99 at Amazon, taking this premium supersized air fryer down to its cheapest ever price.

If you’re looking for an energy-efficient way to cook or an alternative to your oven, the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer is a great choice, and it offers a huge amount of cooking space – more on this below.

Air fryers have just gotten bigger and better over the years as many people prefer to cook with them rather than using their ovens – despite some air fryers almost being oven-sized now! The Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer is a pretty sizable model, measuring 12.5cm in height, 23cm in length and 34cm in width so you’ll need a good amount of countertop space.

Once it’s in place, though, the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer can cook almost any meal you can think of, including pizza, chicken, chips, vegetables and more. It comes with eight pre-sets, and a dehydrate function which you can select via the digital controls at the top.

The control panel is easy to use, and you can use the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer manually, by adjusting time and temperature. It’s even got my favourite air fryer feature which is a viewing window at the front of the basket so you can check your food’s progress without interrupting the cooking.

According to Amazon, this is a limited time deal so if you like the look of the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza Air Fryer, you’ll need to be quick so you don’t miss this 30% discount.

When you're looking for one of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, it's easy to get carried away by the premium models. The most expensive machines often promise more features, smarter technology and a longer list of drinks, but do you really need to spend that much to get a great cup of coffee at home? Not necessarily.

As a result, I've been looking at some of the more affordable options from big-name brands and found that you can get an impressive coffee experience without paying top prices. I've already covered the three affordable De'Longhi coffee machines I'd buy, and now it's time to look at Sage.

Why don't you always need to buy the most expensive coffee machine?

Sage is a brand that really leans into premium coffee machines, with more advanced features and added convenience the further up the range you go. That's why two of the three more affordable options in my list above don't come with built-in grinders. However, that doesn't mean you can't get a really high-quality coffee machine from Sage without spending a fortune.

One thing I also want to mention is that not everyone realises Sage and Breville are essentially the same brand. Sage products are sold under the Sage name in the UK and Europe, whilst Breville is the name used in other markets. As a result, you'll often find very similar machines and technology across both brands, although product names and specific features can vary depending on the region.

So, if the Sage options above are still outside your budget, I'd recommend taking a look at Breville models available in your market. They could be a great alternative if you're after a similar coffee-making experience without the premium price tag.

Having a smart plug in your house is invaluable, especially if you’re just starting out with creating your own smart home. But there are some gadgets you should never use with a smart plug – here’s why.

Plugging non-smart appliances into a smart plug means you can use them remotely, set timers, and turn things on and off using your voice. Most importantly, you can add smart technology to your home in an affordable way, without having to replace all of your devices.

Despite being fairly underrated, many people tout smart plugs as someone you can use all over your home. However, there are definitely appliances that they work best with, like lights if you haven’t upgraded to smart bulbs yet, and TVs if you want to save energy by taking it off of standby.

But there are five appliances you should never use with a smart plug – some because it isn’t safe, and others where there isn’t much point and you’re having to do more work to use them in this way.

1. Coffee machines

I’ve tested a few smart plugs for T3, and the main appliances I found to not work well with them are bean to cup coffee machines and kettles. Of course, it’ll depend on the type of coffee maker or kettle you have, but in general, you still need to manually select a drink or temperature in order for your machine to work.

In this instance, a smart plug can ‘wake up’ your coffee machine and kettle, so when you get downstairs in the morning, you can simply tap your drink of choice, and push down your kettle’s lever. But this really isn’t saving you very much time. Instead, you can get coffee machines and smart kettles that come with their own apps and Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can use them remotely in a more cohesive way.

2. Toasters

If you want my advice, I’d avoid using smart plugs with any kind of kitchen appliance, especially toasters. Similar to kettles, toasters still require manual assistance as you need to add your bread and push the lever down. Some may put bread in the toaster the night beforehand, but there’s still that manual action required to get the toaster to actually toast your bread.

3. Blenders

Again, depending on the type of blender you have, there’s still some manual operation needed for it to make your morning smoothie. Regardless of whether you add your ingredients the night before and attach it to your blender, some models require you to press buttons and in the case of Nurtibullets, you have to physically push down the blender to activate the blade.

4. Heaters

If you take any advice from this list, it’s that you should never use a heater with a smart plug – or any kind of appliance that generates heat. Heaters use a large amount of electricity, and this can exceed smart plug limits. In fact, heater manuals strictly dissuade users from using them in extension cords or smart plugs.

The main safety concern here is if the electricity and wattage between a heater and smart plug isn’t compatible – more on this below – this can cause the smart plug to short circuit which can cause an electrical fire.

5. Appliances over 1500W

Most smart plugs are rated between 10 to 13 amps, so any appliance that exceeds this limit shouldn’t be used with a smart plug as it becomes a safety concern. I’d recommend avoiding plugging anything into a smart plug that uses over 1500W of power, especially large appliances, like fridges, washing machines, tumble dryers and air conditioners.

Watch out, Shark – Dimplex has launched its DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan, and it looks strangely familiar. Dimplex’s new DuoCool fan has a cordless, adjustable design, app control and an impressive battery life – if you’re looking for a Shark FlexBreeze dupe, this is the one I’d recommend.

This summer is shaping up to be the hottest on record, so unsurprisingly, many people are looking to manage the heat with the best fans. But with so many brands to choose from – and the majority of models being completely sold out – it can be hard to narrow down your options.

A brand I’ve recently become acquainted with is Dimplex – and just at the right time, too. Dimplex is best known for its heating and cooling products, and for summer 2026, it launched a range of new fans and portable air conditioners, ideal for the intense UK heatwaves which have hit in the past couple of months.

The standout in the range is the Dimplex DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan. A cordless, portable fan, the Dimplex DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan can be used both indoors and outdoors – thanks to its IP54 rating – and can be adjusted from a pedestal to a desk fan and back again.

As mentioned, it looks almost identical to the Shark FlexBreeze, and it acts in a very similar way. It has a handle towards the back of the main fan so you can carry it around from room to room for instant on-the-go cooling. It can project air up to 20 metres, so it can be used for full room coverage.

The Dimplex DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan comes with five speeds, including a turbo mode for intense cooling. It also comes with Wi-Fi and an accompanying app so you can adjust its speeds, and set timers and schedules remotely. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Home.

But the best feature of the Dimplex DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan is its battery life. On a single charge, the fan offers up to 45 hours of battery life. This is definitely impressive, although this is on the lowest speed.

I’ve called the Dimplex DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan a Shark FlexBreeze dupe, which it undoubtedly is as they both have a similar design and features. However, the Dimplex DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan isn’t much cheaper than the FlexBreeze with it being priced at £179.99, compared to Shark’s £199.99 – but if you want to save some money, it’s a solid choice.

The Dimplex DuoCool Smart Cordless 2-in-1 Fan is available to buy for £179.99 at Dimplex, and select retailers like Amazon and Currys.

Reolink's second-generation video doorbell has launched, following the arrival of its first 2K 4MP Battery Doorbell back in 2024. The new model brings a pretty significant upgrade to battery life, using Qualcomm's QCC730 micro-power Wi-Fi technology, which Reolink claims can extend runtime by up to 50% and deliver as much as 10 months of battery life.

That's particularly good news because battery life was one of the few things that let down the original model. The Reolink Battery Doorbell earned four stars in our full review last year, impressing us with its 2K resolution and subscription-free approach. So, seeing the brand focus on battery performance with its second-generation model is a welcome change.

The Reolink Video Doorbell 2nd Gen has an RRP of £119.99/$149.99 and is available from the brand's online store, where launch discounts are currently available.

The new doorbell keeps the original's 2K 4MP Head-to-Toe View, alongside on-device smart detection that can identify people, vehicles, animals and packages. This means you can keep an eye on what's happening outside your home and receive real-time alerts without relying entirely on cloud processing.

It also retains two power options, so you can either run it from the battery or connect it to compatible 8-24VAC doorbell wiring if your home already has the necessary setup.

The doorbell also remains subscription-free, with footage stored locally on a microSD card of up to 512GB, keeping your recordings under your control. There's also an optional cloud storage plan if you'd rather have your footage backed up online for a monthly fee.

Apple could be preparing to launch multiple new smart home devices next year, according to AppleInsider. After years of rumours and only whispers of an updated HomePod, it would certainly be welcome news for anyone invested in the Apple Home ecosystem.

According to the report, Apple is planning to refresh both the HomePod mini and Apple TV as early as 2027, whilst the long-awaited Apple Home Hub is expected to make its debut later in the year. If true, it would mark Apple's biggest smart home push in quite some time.

As with most Apple rumours, nothing is confirmed just yet. September's iPhone keynote could give us our first hints, although AppleInsider's Wesley Hilliard believes the announcements are more likely to arrive during a Mac-focused event in October, where Apple Home could get its own dedicated segment.

The rumoured Apple Home Hub is expected to launch as a standalone smart display that can be paired with a range of accessories, including speakers, wall mounts and articulated arms. Last year, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also reported it would be priced around $350 or £300, though Apple is apparently still exploring ways to reduce costs before launch.

For now, it's all speculation, but we'll be keeping a close eye on Apple's upcoming events. With just a few months until keynote season begins, hopefully we won't have long to wait before learning what the company has planned.

Watch out, Dyson Airwrap – Shark has expanded its FlexStyle hair styling range with its new FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler. Dubbed its most powerful multi-styler yet, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is specifically designed for curly hair, although UK customers will have to wait to get their hands on it.

Multi-stylers have taken over the haircare market, and Shark is one of the big name brands within this space. Its FlexStyle collection offers versatile drying and styling for all hair types, and its line-up of hair tools are some of the best we’ve tried – see our Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Dryer review for more details.

The latest addition to the FlexStyle range is the new Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler. As the name suggests, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is all about curly hair, although it can work across all hair types and textures.

But if you have curly hair or you want to create your own curls, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is the best styler to do it with. Using Ion Smooth technology, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler dries and styles hair while minimising frizz and making curls look bouncier, shinier and more defined.

The Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler acts in a similar way to the Dyson Airwrap a.k.a the hair tool that put everyone on to this type of styling. It uses CoandaBoost technology (like the Airwrap) which uses a concentrated airflow to automatically wrap the hair around the tool to create curls and waves.

Measuring 11.24 inches in height and 1.49 inches in length and width, the main body of the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is surprisingly compact and weighs just 1.5 pounds. It has power, speed and temperature buttons on the handle, and you can tilt the top of it to turn the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler into a hair dryer.

To set your hair, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler has an Airset button which expels cold air to keep your style in place. It also comes with multiple accessories, including two Auto-Wrap Coanda curlers, a FrizzFighter High Shine Polisher, a Styling Concentrator and Oval Brush.

Hair stylers like the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler come into close contact with hair and the scalp. To protect hair, this styler has a scalp shield mode which instantly adjusts temperatures when it gets too close to your head, so your hair isn’t damaged from extreme heat.

I haven’t had the best luck with hair stylers, as no matter what product I put in or on my hair, it just doesn’t want to hold any styling! But the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler may have convinced me to give this type of styler another try, and I love that it comes in a pretty lilac colour.

Sadly for me, though, I’ll have to wait until it arrives in the UK, as it’s currently only available in the US. The Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is available to buy for $349.99 at SharkNinja. As of writing, UK customers can sign up for it under SharkNinja’s Coming Soon page.