Homes and Gardens

This is a pull along unit, however unlike most other cleaners on that type this still packs enough punch to actually lift a fitted carpet and therefore the dirt and dust has no chance.

This is far more than just a Microwave as it also has a grill and a convection oven. If like me you have had a microwave for 30 plus years what is on offer today bears no comparison.

We all want to do our bit for the environment - but it pays to ask questions and not accept manufacturers claims at face value. Here we look at the FreeLoader that offers to power your gadgets for free using the power of the sun. How does it measure up? You may be surprised!

I worked for many years in the networking industry, seeing first the widespread use of big thick COAX cable to network computers, then thinner twisted pair wiring into centralised switching rooms. Wired technology was never widely adopted in the home for obvious reasons, but the idea of making use of the existing mains power cabling was often anticipated.

Over the last couple of months we've reviewed a number of coffee machines, across a wide price range and with distinct capabilities and characteristics. We're just about coming down from our caffeine high so now is a good time to offer a summary!

For those of you that like espresso, but often just want a jug of warm coffee then Krups have combined both functions in a single unit.

In our continuing series reviewing the world of home coffee machines we're taking a look at a stylish espresso machine from Illycaffè.

Continuing our series reviewing the array of coffee machines available, this time we take a look at a well made espresso machine from Kenwood.

We've had a big focus on kitchen gadgets in the last month, and here's a neat little idea from Tefal and Jamie Oliver. In such a very small box, roughly the size of just one medium casserole dish, we received a 6 piece set of aluminium non-stick pans. This is the Jamie Oliver Survival Kit, and it's a fabulous range of cookware for anyone with limited space – perhaps those in their first studio flat, or students at uni.

Continuing our series on up-market coffee machines, today we're reviewing the elegant 'Le Cube' from Krups.

We're all aware of the impact of carbon dioxide on the environment causing global warming, climate change, flooding and worse is to come. We can reduce that impact by reigning in the release of CO₂ into the atmosphere. The boffins are looking at some very clever ways of doing that, but in practice this means using less energy! As we enter "Energy Saving Week" we're looking at a little gadget that may help you change your energy burning habits.

If you've got a BlueTooth enabled phone (or computer) stuffed with photos you never look at then Parrot have just the frame for you.

A compact food processor for basic food preparation tasks around the kitchen.

Here I am looking at superior luggage for you and for your notebook (up to 17inches) nothing gaudy or flashy just quality luggage.

Ever met a true cybersecurity expert? Meet Koushik Pal

An efficient, good looking, easy to use and clean juicer with citrus and centrifrugal attachments to handle citrus fruits, hard fruit and vegetables.

A time saving, easy to use, easy to clean food processor with a multitude of uses to bring the fund back into cooking, and all for just under £100.

Versatile toaster for bread, a wide range of bakery products and filled sandwiches and ciabattas.

Continuing with our review of up-market coffee machines, today I'm reviewing the Nespresso DeLonghi Lattissima. Having worked my way through the various combination of options on this machine I'm a little worried that sleep may elude me this evening!

A smoothie maker that makes it easy to get your 5 a day - no mess, no fuss, just simple smoothing!

What is there to look for in an iron? Well really just that it does the job - and this one does.

New from the chocolate fountain people, Giles & Posner. Think Johnny Depp and Juliet Binoche in Chocolat for this one - and hot chocolate has never tasted so good!

Think fast and easy food preparation, and then leave the slow cooker to it's own devices for tender and tasty food just when you need it.

A neat and compact toaster that warms croissants and has single and both side toasting functions.

It doesn't sing or dance, but here is a bin that opens it's lid as you approach it - I had to give it a whirl.

Gadgetspeak drinks from the cup of the UK's most popular coffee machine. Compact and easy to use, winner of Product of the Year 2007, as voted in a survey of 10,000 households

A splashproof 'poolside' radio, although with the summer we've had so far the splash is more likely to be from up-above as everyone dashes indoors!

Now this is a strange little gadget and one which could prove useful if you need to do what it says in the instructions - cut flexible materials up to 6mm!

Bored with the 'standard' jug kettle? Want a kettle that adds to your kitchen rather than being something you really want to hide in a cupboard? This might be just the thing for you!

Bill Wyman caught the treasure hunting bug back in the late 60s but it wasn't until the '90s that his interest took him to invest in a metal detector, and he's been hooked ever since.