How we conduct evaluations or checks
A savvy buyer's guide
Welcome to our platform, your one-stop shop for expert opinions and in-depth reviews of all the latest technology, appliances, and essential furniture items. From the latest air fryers to comfy mattresses and high-performing vacuums, our team of trusted testers has got you covered!
Navigating the market can be a headache, with so many new developments and features that it's hard to know what's best. That's where we come in! Our team of geeks, parents, pet owners, sleep enthusiasts, gardeners, DIYers, and household wizards have decades of testing under their belts, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
100+ years of know-how
Trust is essential for us, so what makes our team of experts worthy of your trust? We've been doing this for over 100 years! Since our launch in 1920, we've been providing sound advice for your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and more.
Aside from our in-house testing team, we've gathered a group of industry experts in their respective fields, including bakers, sleep enthusiasts, pet owners, and more, ensuring our testing criteria always meets the most up-to-date buying needs.
Our Testing Process
We believe every product should be easy to use, look great, and function flawlessly—working exceptionally well and standing the test of time. Every product featured in our guide is put through its paces, with several weeks of testing at our testing center or in our testers' homes to ensure they're up to the everyday challenges they'll face in real-life settings.
We're constantly working on even more stringent testing criteria to directly compare products across various categories and product types, using expert-led methodology for robust, quantifiable data.
Mattress Testing
When it comes to mattress testing, our team spends several weeks in their homes testing each mattress. They adjust to the new surface and get used to any changes in firmness, providing a real-life temperature regulation test from season to season. Our testing process for mattresses is very thorough, so you can be sure you're getting the most accurate information.
Air Fryer Testing
Every air fryer in our guide is tested by a member of our team for at least two weeks, using a standard recipe for air-fried chips and bacon. We test a wide range of models, including dual-zone and hybrid models that can steam, air fry, and bake at the same time. We also consider ease of cleaning, value for money, size, and ease of use to ensure you have the complete picture.
Vacuum Testing
We test every vacuum in our buying guides, at home for up to two months, or at our testing center in Reading, where we compare different brands side-by-side in test conditions. Our approach is comprehensive, checking for suction power, debris pick-up, accessories, ease of use, and value for money.
Meet Our Experts
Amy is our Certified Expert for Sleep, having spent over 1,000 hours testing bedding and furniture products. She is well-versed in various mattress materials and brands, equipping her with the knowledge to find the best recommendations for our readers.
Molly is our Certified Expert for Appliances and Cookware, putting air fryers and various kitchen appliances through their paces. She frequently tests new buys for our home, often at our testing facility in Reading.
Jullia has spent over 60 hours testing vacuums, working towards her goal of becoming a certified expert. She's gotten hands-on with vacuums from leading brands like Dyson, Shark, Henry, Gtech, and Bosch.
Sara is our Certified Expert for Furniture, having tested countless sofa models for our best modular sofas guide. She's also an expert in room decor and trends, making her well-rounded and knowledgeable in all aspects of home design.
Helen is a freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of home and kitchen appliances for various publications. She tests kitchen appliances from the comfort of her own Berkshire home, offering valuable insights into various small and large appliances.
Linda is a freelance journalist with over 20 years of experience reviewing home tech, gym equipment, garden tools, and even mattresses. She uses her wealth of experience to give fair, well-rounded reviews that focus on product value for money.
Lauren is another skilled reviewer who focuses on larger home appliances, partnering with brands to test new products and provide detailed, unbiased reviews.
Rachel is a freelance contributor with a passion for interiors and kitchen appliances, who specializes in testing various small and large appliances. She approaches each product with enthusiasm and attention to detail, ensuring her reviews offer valuable insights for our readers.
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- Our team of experts include sleep enthusiasts, appliance specialists, and household wizards, testing various home-improvement products such as mattresses, air fryers, and vacuums as part of their fields, ensuring our guides provide informed decisions in home-and-garden lifestyle and technology.
- In our comprehensive air fryer testing, our certified appliance expert Molly tests a wide range of models, including dual-zone and hybrid models, while considering factors like ease of cleaning, value for money, size, and user-friendliness to deliver a clear picture of the best options for home-improvement and technology enthusiasts.
