Homes and Gardens

Fancy a piping hot cup of water in three seconds, yes three seconds, then this could be for you. Of course it’s up to you to decide if you want water, tea, coffee, soup or many other beverages this just heats the water very quickly.

Another rather nice 32inch Digital TV this one from LG. Called scarlet simply because the back of the unit is err scarlet. It has an intriguing hole below the screen but above the stand, place your finger in it and it turns the unit on/off from/to standby.

Just over two years ago I reviewed a coffee machine from the people who made the coffee Nescafe. Now there is a new version and this is from the people who make the machine Krups. It’s still the same coffee but the machine is even better.

If like our house you have remote controls coming out of your ears, but never the right one then this little box could be just the thing for you. As well as controlling up to four separate devices it will also completely power them down - saving you money, batteries and the world resources.

A light-weight, powerful and versatile cordless drill from Bosch making use of the latest in battery technology.

If like me you are of mature years you will remember pressure cookers and I am sure today such objects would be illegal. This however is very unlike what was on offer it is just a rapid method of one pot cooking.

DAB Radios have appeared in various shapes and sizes with a range of features including a model that is at home in the kitchen.

Rice is something that’s lots of people struggle to cook well. So maybe a device designed for the job is something that can help you get rice as good as your local Chinese or Indian restaurant or take-away.

A great little dustbuster vacuum cleaner for your car which runs off the car battery and has a pivot nozzle to reach awkward places.

Video projectors are not new although they have only recently started started to appeal as an option for those (with the room) that want the full cinema experience in their own home. With the advent of high-definition, new projectors are required, spurring Sony to announce the VPL-HW10.

Freesat is a digital television service that has come about as the result of a co-operative venture between the BBC and ITV.

Tefal have teamed up again with Jamie Oliver to give us the fantastic Advanced Silicone Bakeware. Their claim that "unbelievable cakes will pop out!" is well and truly justified with a range of baking moulds to make you smile.

It's a relief to find a vacuum cleaner that relies on how well it does it the job more than trendy looks. The Sebo Automatic X4 Pet is a high technology vacuum cleaner designed for pet owners and allergy sufferers. It's ppowerful 1300-watt motor, sealable filter bags and filtration system has earnt it the British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval.

As in many areas of technology the humble digital picture frame, a fresh idea only a couple of years back, has evolved to take on more functions.

As part of its recent updating of its product portfolio, Polaroid has added to its range of digital photo frames.

First an Energy Reducing Kettle and then a power saver device Audio Visual Standby. This is the third of my reviews from the Marks & Spencer Christmas In July event. The first two were of reasonably priced useful items, here I am less sure.

If you want something a little different for party food and fun - have a look at the Giles & Posner table top Candy Floss machine.

While this is a hand blender it can also be used as a mini grinder or even with a whisk attachment to beat cream, make mayonnaise etc. So I suppose this is really three tools in one.

The Dyson Baby DC22 Allergy is a cylinder vacuum cleaner designed to tuck away into the smallest of storage spaces whils still giving a performance clean.

The Rowenta Ultrasteam is a hand-held steamer that will quickly remove the worst creases and wrinkles from clothes.

This lovely looking kettle from Kenwood has been designed to give up to 35% energy savings over standard design kettles.

Photos are meant to be seen which probably explains why digital picture frames are among popular purchases.

If you like Alessi you'll love this iconic statement piece - it'll also make it easy for you to open that bottle!

There are digital picture frames that will enhance your enjoyment of your digital images and then there are other digital picture frames that do little in this respect.

Boiling a cup of water is quicker than boiling a full kettle so saving on time and energy consumption. That's the idea behind the Tefal Quick Cup.

Giving my trusty old electric kettle a holiday, allowed me the opportunity to check out a new stainless steel model from Rowenta.

To describe this as a hand blender is a vast underestimate. Not only is it that but with the various containers it becomes far more with the ability to be quickly attached to turn it into a variety of useful kitchen gadgets.

Giving your table lamp a helping hand is easy and possible with a product available from Prezzybox.com.

Not as you may think power tools but a couple of high powered torches and then all you need to keep stuff cool or warm providing you have a cigar lighter socket nearby so ideal for days out in the car.

I must confess that ironing does not rank near the top of my list of favourite tasks. In fact, if truth be told, I would position this particular job somewhere near, if not quite at, the bottom of those jobs I would be happy to tackle.