Danielle Amato - Lifestyle and consumer reviews writer

Danielle is an experienced reviewer and lifestyle journalist whose publishing career spans over a decade. She has been testing consumer products for six years and is passionate about all things home and garden. Before joining the MailOnline, Danielle worked across a multitude of websites and national magazines as a writer and editor. These include Expert Reviews, Woman¿s Own and At Home Magazine. Danielle is also NCTJ accredited and has an MA in Multimedia Journalism

Coverage: Home and Garden

MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM DANIELLE AMATO

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Caravan goers reveal their top travel must haves for taking away across the UK

01/02/26 08:00

Having the right tools to hand can transform your holiday experience and mean that rather than making do, you can actually enjoy your mini home away from home to the full. We asked a couple who frequently holiday their caravan for their top travel must-haves....read

Stop over-spending! These tried and tested home buys are proven to help you to save more and spend less
29/01/26 09:47
From energy bills to coffee trips, the everyday costs are the ones that add up the fastest - and as someone who travels a lot for work, I'm all too aware of the cost convenience.
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I am very particular about my kitchen from the decor to the appliances - these are the expert approved items for a top class kitchen
25/01/26 08:30
As an experienced product reviewer, I have cooked with dozens of frying pans, sipped my way through countless coffee machine tests and put over 60 air fryers through their paces.
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I've been reviewing expensive products for years - here's my tip to get homeware, fashion and beauty at a discounted price
24/01/26 08:30
While most of us love to pick up a bargain in the big sales from the likes of John Lewis and M&S, there's something I think people always sleep on.
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Aldi's best selling cordless vacuum lands in the middle aisle to rival popular Dyson and Shark models - plus more budget hoover recommendations
22/01/26 11:52
Aldi's sell-out vacuum is back as part of the brand's latest Big Clean range. The cordless vacuum, along with an electric window cleaner and portable vacuum are available for a limited time
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Don't waste your money - here's how to get a fancy kitchen all the middle-class mums would approve of, without the expensive price tag
18/01/26 08:30
I'm here to tell you that you don't need to spend thousands of pounds. You don't need all matching appliances. And you certainly don't need to replace appliances that already work perfectly.
- 87 comments
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Best stainless steel pan: After hours of testing, these are the uncoated, induction-friendly pans that made the final cut
16/01/26 08:27
The best stainless steel pans will provide you with even heat distribution, be oven-safe up to high temperatures and ideally have solid construction that is either disk bottom or full clad
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Are monster air fryers taking over? We look at these worktop hogs and reveal if they are really necessary in YOUR home
11/01/26 08:30
What's going on? Do we really need our air fryers to be this big or has madness taken over? We look at the benefits of a big air fryer and if they're necessary for your kitchen.
- 127 comments
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Expert reveals why NOW is the best time to upgrade your kitchen with smart new appliances
06/01/26 12:34
From end of line discounts to price drops on last year's models, this is the month when upgrading your air fryer, toaster, frying pans and more makes the most financial sense.
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I've spent hours scrolling the John Lewis January home sale for appliances, kitchenware and more - here are my top picks you don't want to miss, as offers end THIS WEEK
04/01/26 08:30
The John Lewis home sale is here for just a few more days and even more must-have products have been heavily discounted or reduced to clear. Now is the perfect time to shop.
- 34 comments
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Forget Smeg, if I was to start my kitchen from scratch in 2026 these are the products I'd be getting instead
02/01/26 03:12
If I was building my kitchen from scratch or wanted to upgrade, there are some brands I would probably avoid and some I would recommend to people over and over again.
- 301 comments
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Can a £20 casserole dish from Aldi really match Le Creuset's iconic £300 luxury pot? We reveal the results in our head to head review
31/12/25 02:16
I've got my hands on both brands and have reviewed them side by side. This is how Aldi's much talked about Crofton dish compares with a Le Creuset classic.
- 252 comments
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Winter sales on at John Lewis, AO, Argos and more have amazing deals on top rated kitchen and home products - here are my expert picks
26/12/25 01:00
If you're anything like me, you'll be scouring the big retailers throughout January, in the hopes of picking up that special something that didn't make it under the tree this year. Shop my top picks now.
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Expert reveals common Christmas dinner mistakes to avoid - and the recommended kitchen products you need for next year
26/12/25 09:00
Christmas dinner is a high pressure event involving too many dishes, too little oven space and at least one relative who insists on giving unhelpful advice while holding a mince pie.
- 54 comments
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Best non-toxic cookware: I'm on a mission to make my kitchen chemical-free - these are my tested plastic-free pans, air fryers and utensils
25/12/25 09:00
As awareness grows around chemicals used in manufacturing and food preparation, many of us are looking more closely at so-called non-toxic kitchen products and what that label really means.
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The big Christmas checklist: Don't forget these key buys, from guest must-haves to the cooking gadgets that will make your life easier (and if you order now they'll come in time for Christmas)
22/12/25 08:59
While most of us have already started stocking up for Christmas, there's always something that gets forgotten about amidst the chaos. Have YOU got everything you need for the big day?
- 21 comments
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Are fancy coffee machines really worth the spend - or the hassle? Our expert puts trendy £1000+ bean-to-cups head to head with £100 pod machines to find out
20/12/25 09:00
Both pod machines and bean-to-cups offer the allure of convenience. But the two are marketed very differently and sit at opposite ends of the price scale - so which is best?
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Smeg espresso and cold brew coffee machine review: I tested Smeg's luxury cold brew espresso machine - it looks stunning in my office but the price put me off
17/12/25 09:54
Smeg's espresso and cold brew machine is a simple affair with a retro design and small steam wand for milk-based drinks.
- 9 comments
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Swanky coffee machines are an essential in a middle class kitchen - but are they really worth the price?
16/12/25 04:07
How much do you actually need to spend to get a decent cup of coffee at home? And can you really get the same quality cup from a cafetiere or should you buy a fully integrated bean-to-cup?
- 37 comments
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Is it time to upgrade your air fryer? The tell-tale signs your appliance is just too old and the dangers that could be lurking within
13/12/25 09:00
Many of us are still using models that are years old and showing worrying signs of wear. If you have noticed strange smells, slow cook times or loud noises, it might be time for a new air fryer
- 11 comments
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The best cafetieres tried and tested to make fuss-free French press coffee at home - plus expert advice on how to get the smoothest brew
12/12/25 11:42
If you're a dedicated cafetiere fan, even the greatest bean-to-cup coffee machines and easy to to use pod coffee machines won't sway you from this traditional brewing method.
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How dirty is your home? The seven things you need to clean NOW in time for Christmas - and the affordable products that actually work
10/12/25 09:59
From the dirty air fryer drawer collecting crumbs in unusual places to the washing machine seal quietly growing its own ecosystem, these are the cleaning tasks you need to tackle today.
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Best non-toxic air fryer: Is YOUR air fryer toxic? Our expert recommends these models to minimise exposure to harmful plastic and chemicals
09/12/25 10:40
The term non-toxic air fryer has gained popularity among the health-conscious who want to minimise their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
- 16 comments
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The best frying pans revealed - we put expensive and budget buys to the test to see which brands are really up to scratch
08/12/25 01:47
I've been professionally testing cookware for years now, meaning I know exactly what to look out for when choosing a pan. From budget buys to lifetime pans, these are my top recommendations.
- 29 comments
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Best bean-to-cup coffee machine: The tried and tested automatics I recommend for a fuss-free brew, even if you're a complete beginner
04/12/25 12:57
If you're a coffee lover that values convenience, quality and time, these are the tested bean-to-cup picks that I recommend to everyone. From espresso to frothy cappuccinos, these machines do it all.
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Best dehumidifier: Here's why every home needs a dehumidifier right now - and the tried and tested models that are worth investing in.
03/12/25 09:56
I've tried and tested a range of dehumidifiers suitable for UK homes. Whether you just need something for a room or want to bring humidity levels down across your home.
- 9 comments
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Cyber Monday 2025 UK deals live: The best offers still on after Black Friday on big-name brands
01/12/25 05:36
Cyber Monday 2025 LIVE: The best and latest deals and sales from brands including Amazon, Boots and John Lewis handpicked and price-checked by shopping experts.
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I used this pod coffee machine for years and it's under £50 - it's one of the best Black Friday deals I've seen
28/11/25 11:24
The L'OR Barista Sublime has regularly been available for under £100. Right now is the time to buy though because it's just £45 for Black Friday .
- 2 comments
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Black Friday 2025 deals RECAP: The best offers on big-name brands revealed as they come in
27/11/25 05:37
Black Friday 2025 LIVE: The best and latest UK deals and sales from brands including Amazon, Apple and Boots handpicked and price-checked by shopping experts.
- 71 comments
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Lavazza's first ever bean-to-cup coffee machine is one of the best-looking automatics I've reviewed - but it's not going to make my top ten. Here's why
25/11/25 12:26
The Lavazza Assoluta is the brand's first ever bean-to-cup machine and it's fully automated. This means it grinds, doses, tamps and deals with the pucks for you.
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Stacey Solomon swears-by the Cricut Joy Xtra craft cutter for an organised home - it's now my favourite way to declutter (and it has £80 off for Black Friday)
24/11/25 10:34
When I got the chance to try out the Cricut Joy Xtra - the same model Stacey uses - I had to give it a go. It's safe to say I'm officially sold, this compact cutting machine can make some amazing crafts.
- 2 comments
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The best gift-worthy home and kitchen products I've tested this year - from cocktail glasses to coffee machines
22/11/25 09:00
I can't quite believe just how many amazing products I've tested this year - from kitchen essentials to impressive beauty tech, there's been a lot of new and innovative things to explore.
- 22 comments
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Best casserole dish: Do you really need to spend hundreds on a pot or will a budget buy suffice? I've tested dozens of dutch ovens over the years to bring you a definitive guide to the best
21/11/25 04:14
Even if you don't use your dutch oven all year round, it's still worth investing in a good one but do you really need to spend hundreds of pounds on the perfect pot?
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Best heated clothes airer: I've tested top models from Lakeland, Dunelm and Minky - these are my favourites that dry laundry fast
19/11/25 10:16
Drying clothes indoors takes a long time and creates excess moisture at home, especially in winter. While a dehumidifier can help to tackle this, a heated airer is a quicker and easier way.
- 9 comments
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Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat review: This Shark 2-in-1 fan heater is a cheaper Dyson alternative but can it really compete with the best? I review it to find out
18/11/25 10:13
The Cool + Heat has a multitude of speed settings and modes for work and sleep. This latest iteration adds a vent between the arms, allowing you to heat a room up to 32 degrees celsius.
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I'm a deals expert and these are the Cyber Monday deals to expect after Black Friday (and the discounts you should avoid)
14/11/25 10:49
Black Friday might be over but that doesn't mean the deals are. This is what I predict is worth buying over the Cyber weekend and Cyber Monday.
- 6 comments
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Experts reveal five fridge-freezer organisation hacks to make Christmas food last longer - as major supermarkets open Christmas delivery spots
13/11/25 10:04
With a bit of careful planning, you can make the most of your fridge freezer space and ensure everything, from the turkey to the cranberry sauce, has plenty of room to breathe.
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Best SAD lamps: Do sunrise lights REALLY work or are they just a fad? We test five top brands to find out
12/11/25 01:29
For some, seasonal affective disorder - or SAD as it's commonly known - can make it extremely difficult to function normally during the darker months.
- 7 comments
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Bagged vs bagless vacuums: Is a high-tech Dyson REALLY better than the trusty Henry? We examine cleaning power, cost and more to find out
11/11/25 11:47
The way vacuums collect and contain dust makes a difference to day to day use, as well as long term costs and the general experience of cleaning your home.
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How to get rid of mould and stop it coming back - we speak to an expert with over 40 years experience
08/11/25 09:00
Signs of mould are a scary concept for any homeowner or renter but the good news is that most mould problems can be managed with a few simple steps and the right equipment.
- 154 comments
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The only home deals I recommend for Cyber Monday as a reviews expert - discounts on tested coffee machines, air fryers, robovacs and more
06/11/25 12:36
I've been genuinely impressed at some of the deals I've seen this year with places like John Lewis , Currys and Boots offering discounts on brand new products.
- 39 comments
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Best pod coffee machine: We've put fan favourites Nespresso, Lavazza and L'OR to the test - here's what gets my vote in 2026
05/11/25 12:33
In order to find the best pod machines, I've put a number of brands including Nespresso, L'OR and Lavazza through a series of real-world tests. This is my definitive roundup.
- 3 comments
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The best big brand sales still on after Black Friday: John Lewis, Currys, Argos and more continue to slash prices into the New Year
31/10/25 05:27
If you missed out on Black Friday (or prefer to avoid the shopping madness) but still want to find a great deal, some brands and larger retailers are extending sales up until Christmas.
- 16 comments
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Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ robot vacuum cleaner review: This high-tech robot vacuum mops your floors and lets you watch it clean in real time but is it worth paying over £1000?
31/10/25 10:22
Samsung 's Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI +, which, for everyone's sake, I'll refer to as the Jet Bot Combo AI+ going forward, is the brand's latest and greatest robot vacuum cleaner and mop.
- 2 comments
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Is Black Friday really the best time to get a brand new coffee machine? Deals expert reveals when and where to get the cheapest offer
30/10/25 09:02
Typically, sales periods like Black Friday and Prime Day offer good savings on a variety of different coffee machines - but it's not always the best time to buy.
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Do air fryer cleaners actually work? I pit two popular grease-busting brands against each other with mixed results
29/10/25 10:18
If you've let your appliance get past the point of no return, a dedicated air fryer cleaner promises to help with potent grease destroying ingredients that claim to get the job done.
- 71 comments
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Nespresso's hugely popular coffee advent calendars are back for 2025 - get them before they sell out again
27/10/25 09:00
Both calendars feature 24 specially selected pods for your coffee machine , including three festive blends, with the Vertuo version costing £43 and the Original £39
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Splatter screens, strawberry pickers and 'magic' tin openers - reviews expert reveals the the kitchen products you didn't know you needed
25/10/25 08:00
While I tend to pass on a lot of these, there are some kitchen products I can't live without and some that I've reviewed that I wish I still owned.
- 29 comments
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Best flask 2025: I've tested over 20 insulated mugs, thermos flasks and cups - these are the must-haves for hot and cold drinks
24/10/25 08:00
Whether you're commuting, camping or just want to keep your drink warm while working from home, finding the best flask can keep you toasty and even help you minimise energy usage.
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How much does an electric blanket REALLY cost? Our experts weigh in on how long it takes to recoup the price of a heated throw and whether they're really worth it
22/10/25 08:04
Touted as 'lifesavers' by those who own them, heated blankets can deliver targeted warmth for just a few pence an hour - but how much do they really cost against putting on your central heating.
- 37 comments
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Shark vs Dyson: From vacuum cleaners to hair stylers, which brand actually deserves your money?
21/10/25 10:44
While Dyson has built its reputation on innovation and precision with a premium price tag to match, Shark has become the go-to choice for those who want performance at a more realistic price.
- 9 comments
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Best heated blanket: These 7 tested heated throws are seriously soft and will save you money this winter
20/10/25 11:31
We've done the maths and can confirm that many of the best heated blankets and throws cost as little as 2 or 3 pence to run an hour. This is a lot cheaper than putting on your central heating.
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The common household spills that could DESTROY your vacuum cleaner - expert reveals what to do instead
19/10/25 08:00
Whether it's a small splash of tea or a puddle from a leaking plant pot, moisture can quietly ruin your cordless, upright or robot vacuum from the inside out.
- 8 comments
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Struggling to dry clothes indoors? These are the most cost-effective ways to dry your washing quickly and reduce damp without using a tumble dryer
17/10/25 09:30
Without the right setup, damp laundry can take days to dry and lead to condensation. Fortunately, there are effective and affordable ways to speed up drying time and protect your home from damp .
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Shark StainForce cordless spot cleaner review: I tried Shark's latest spot cleaner - it's smart, powerful and great for small homes
16/10/25 02:57
With the release of the StainForce cordless spot cleaner, Shark is aiming to build on the success of its previous carpet cleaner - the StainStriker.
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Lidl launches cheap dehumidifier that's half the price of the best budget models and it has a dedicated mode for quickly drying clothes
16/10/25 08:08
The Lidl Tronic dehumidifier will be in stores from the 14 October until stocks last and costs just £74.99. Impressively, it comes with a dedicated function for drying clothes.
- 9 comments
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How to choose a coffee machine: We reveal everything you need to know before you buy a coffee machine - from budgets to must-have features
15/10/25 09:03
If you've never owned a coffee machine before, finding the right one can be a challenge. There are so many models and price ranges. Knowing which one suits your lifestyle makes all the difference.
- 23 comments
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Do I need a dehumidifier? The tell-tale signs your home is too damp and why a dehumidifier could be the best solution to mould and condensation this winter
14/10/25 09:46
If your home often feels damp, smells musty or shows signs of mould, you might be wondering if a dehumidifier could help. Before you buy one, it's worth understanding if you really need one.
- 17 comments
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The lifetime cost of a Nespresso machine: Read this before you buy a Nespresso pod coffee machine - we break down how much your daily coffee habit really costs
13/10/25 09:01
Nespresso machines can be a great way to make quick tasty coffee that's a step up from instant stuff. Before you invest, it's worth understanding what the real long-term costs look like.
- 36 comments
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Heated clothes airer vs tumble dryer: As energy bills soar and temperatures drop, which should you use to actually save money?
11/10/25 04:00
Both can help you keep on top of the piles of washing through the colder months but with rising energy costs, it's worth understanding what option is more economical and practical for your home
- 38 comments
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Shark FacialPro Glow and Depuffi review: Shark's newest at-home hydrafacial device is an absolute dream to use - and it's going to save me over £1000 a year on treatments
10/10/25 10:43
The FacialPro Glow is Shark's latest offering in the tech beauty space and what an entrance it has made. I was lucky enough to get my hands on it before launch.
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Amazon's Prime sale might be over but I've found a premium coffee machine with 30% off - it's the perfect addition to any home
09/10/25 08:50
If you happen to have missed out on the Prime sale, it's not the end of the world - there are still a few good deals ready to be snapped up before prices rise in the wake of Black Friday .
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Save energy and money as Amazon slashes price of Lakeland's best-selling heated clothes airer for Prime Day - it only costs a few pence to run
08/10/25 11:26
Lakeland's 3-tier cult-favourite heated clothes airer has been reduced to £188.96 as part of Amazon's October deals event and comes bundled with a cover, extra shelf and pegs.
- 5 comments
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As a professional product reviewer, these are the coffee machines I'd recommend buying in Amazon's October Prime sale - and the brands you should definitely avoid
08/10/25 08:43
I've put together a small but perfectly formed list of all the coffee machines that are not only a great deal but are ones I've tested myself, so I know they're great performers, too.
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These are the only air fryer deals worth buying in Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event - I know because I've tested them
07/10/25 08:49
Another day, another Amazon Prime deals event - and while you might have a case of deal fatigue, I'm here to let you know that there are still some discounted air fryers worth considering
- 2 comments
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Amazon October Prime Day 2025: We reveal all the best deals as they come in, with offers from Apple, Ninja, Shark, Dyson and other big-name brands
07/10/25 04:07
SHOPPING: Daily Mail experts track the hottest Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (October Prime Day) offers. Follow our live blog for the best deals and biggest savings today.
- 76 comments
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Karcher RCV 5 robot vacuum review: This robot has the features of a model twice its price - it stunned me in performance tests
06/10/25 05:12
Karcher might be best known for its pressure washers and steam cleaners, but did you know the brand also dabbles in robot vacuum cleaners?
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Air fryer vs oven: Is your countertop appliance REALLY cheaper to run than an oven? We do the sums to find out the real savings on your energy bill
03/10/25 08:30
It's a common assumption that air fryers are cheaper to use than standard convection ovens. They heat up faster meaning they should use less energy overall. But is it really that simple?
- 103 comments
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The energy-efficient home products that will actually SAVE you money this winter (and the one's that won't) - as energy price cap rise kicks in for billpayers
02/10/25 09:34
The new October energy price rises are now in effect and a growing number of home products claim to be energy-efficient - but how truthful is this?
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Expert reveals exactly what you need to know before splurging on a new vacuum for your home - from how to choose the right model and when to buy for the best deal
01/10/25 08:40
Finding the right vacuum cleaner isn't just as simple as buying the biggest, most expensive or most powerful model. Instead you must take your living space and specific needs into account.
- 32 comments
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Bosch Series 6 air fryer review: I didn't think I'd like Bosch's first ever air fryer but after testing it for two weeks, I was proven wrong
30/09/25 08:00
The Bosch Series 6 is a stylish, compact air fryer with a 7.1L capacity. Rather shockingly, it's Bosch's first ever foray into the world of air fryers.
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Sage Oracle Jet vs Ninja Café Luxe Premier vs De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: These coffee machines look strikingly similar but which one should you actually buy?
29/09/25 08:06
Here I'm looking closely at three tried and tested models available right now, all at varying price points: the Sage Oracle Jet , the Ninja Café Luxe Premier and the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch .
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Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum cleaner review: It's expensive but Dyson's next level anti-tangle tech blew me away
26/09/25 01:41
The Dyson V16 Piston Animal is a compact, cordless vacuum cleaner. It comes with 3 attachments, laser light for easy cleaning, a dust compactor and the best anti-tangle tech I've seen.
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Best fan 2025: Our tried and tested roundup of the best fans for your desk, bedroom and more
25/09/25 08:00
While the UK isn't known for its hot weather, we've been experiencing more heatwaves over recent years, making a good fan essential. Our tried and tested list has something for everyone.
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How often do you clean your vacuum? Our expert explains how to clean it effectively and what to do if it starts to smell
24/09/25 08:00
A vacuum cleaner is one of the most used appliances in a home, but it's often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Your vacuum spends hours cleaning but how often do you clean it?
- 19 comments
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L'OR Barista Absolu coffee machine review: This top-rated pod machine is back with a cold twist on an old classic but is it still worth buying at full price?
23/09/25 02:49
The L'OR Barista Absolu is a compact pod coffee machine and the follow up to the brand's popular Barista Sublime, which you can read more about on our best coffee machine buying guide.
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Our Place launches limited line of butter yellow cookware in an unusual collab, proving it's still the must-have colour of the season
23/09/25 07:54
The launch, available from 23 September, brings some of the brand's best-known products together in a new pastel finish, reflecting the growing popularity of butter yellow.
- 2 comments
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Still not bought an air fryer? Here's how to choose the best one for your needs
22/09/25 08:36
Air fryers have probably become the most popular kitchen appliance in recent years. They promise crispy, crunchy results with less oil, quicker cooking times and small energy savings.
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I'm a professional product reviewer and these are the items I couldn't live without in my kitchen (and the ones I could): DANIELLE AMATO
21/09/25 08:00
These are the products I use either every day or more than once a week that are now a permanent fixture in my home.
- 63 comments
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De'Longhi Magnifica Evo coffee machine review: If you're ready to ditch the instant coffee and pricey takeaways, this is the fully automatic model I recommend
19/09/25 09:00
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is a capable fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine with milk frothing. Being an automatic means there's .no barista skills neededl
- 10 comments
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