Andy Shaw

Andy Shaw finds the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro exceptionally effective on carpets, hard floors and pet hair, with a convenient self-emptying and charging station and useful automatic suction adjustments. Its main weaknesses are a disappointing real-world battery life, an imprecise battery indicator, a relatively small onboard dustbin and one instance of debris blocking the station. It is best suited to smaller homes; the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251UKT is recommended for larger properties.

Shark’s Detect Lift-Away XL vacuum delivers strong carpet and hard-floor cleaning, effective anti‑tangle rollers, useful attachments and simple controls, offering high, reliable performance despite its weight and cord limitations. Its Lift‑Away mode improves handling for stairs and hard‑to‑reach areas, and the model includes surface detection and a large 2.5‑litre bin. While the bulk of the bin restricts reach under low furniture and cord management is less convenient than cordless options, its cleaning power, versatility and five‑year guarantee position it as a top-performing corded vacuum at its price point.

A series of electric grass trimmers were tested across battery life, power, usability and cutting performance on lawn edges, weeds and undergrowth. The Stihl FSA 50 was rated the best overall for control and flexibility, while the Mac Allister MCI1198GGT stood out for value. Bosch’s AdvancedBrushCut excelled in heavy-duty clearing, and the Flymo SimpliTrim 230 Plus was recommended for small gardens. Additional models from Mac Allister, Einhell and Makita were assessed for varying strengths in power, affordability and battery systems. Guidance was provided on sustainability, tool maintenance, safe operation and protecting wildlife during garden trimming.

Eight video doorbells were tested for detection accuracy, video quality, ease of use and subscription costs, with Google’s Nest Doorbell emerging as the top all-round performer. Blink offered the strongest budget option while Eufy stood out for providing subscription-free local storage. Other models from Aqara, Ring, Yale and Tapo offered useful features but fell short due to issues such as poor apps, slow notifications, weak audio or limited motion detection. Guidance on installation, storage options, smart assistant compatibility and device longevity is provided, alongside advice on how to repurpose or recycle old doorbells.

A detailed comparative review of electric lawnmowers tested across a variety of garden conditions identifies top-performing cordless, corded, self‑propelled, and robot models. Battery life, cutting quality, ease of use, storage, and value for money are assessed, with the Makita DLM432PT2 rated best overall. Additional guidance covers mower types, maintenance, sharpening, rental options, grass‑clipping management, and disposal of old equipment.

Several pressure washers were tested on patios, decking and vehicles, comparing power, build quality, attachments and ease of use. The Ava Go P40 was named best overall for design and durability, while the Kärcher K 2 Classic led on affordability and the Stihl REA 60 Plus excelled among cordless models. Nilfisk’s Core 140-6 offered strong adjustable pressure, and the Kärcher K 4 provided the best accessory package. Additional models from Bosch, Ryobi, Titan and others were assessed for value, power and convenience, with considerations such as hose quality, portability and appropriate pressure levels for different cleaning tasks.

Fifteen cordless vacuums were tested on carpet and hard floors using flour, cat litter and pet hair, with performance, suction, battery life and ease of emptying evaluated. The Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251 emerged as the top overall option, with Vax’s HomePro Pet-Design named best budget choice and Dyson’s V15 Detect Absolute scoring highest for deep cleaning. The Henry Quick Pro offered the cleanest emptying system, while Eufy’s Robot Vacuum E20 provided a versatile robot-and-stick hybrid. Additional models were assessed for niche strengths and weaknesses, and key considerations such as battery life, suction, filtration, attachments and environmental impact were outlined to guide buyers choosing a cordless vacuum.

A series of vacuum cleaners are tested across real‑world scenarios involving flour, pet hair and cat litter to determine the best performers in categories such as corded, cordless, pet‑specific and deep‑cleaning models. Shark leads both the corded and cordless categories, while Henry Home is highlighted as the best budget option and Vax excels in pet‑related cleaning. Dyson’s Gen5detect stands out for deep cleaning despite its high price. Additional models from Miele, Eufy, Tower and Numatic are assessed but do not make the top list due to performance or value limitations.

Experts outline preventive maintenance measures to extend vacuum cleaner lifespan, including regular emptying, filter cleaning, hair removal from rollers and avoiding problematic debris such as plaster dust, glass or small hard objects. Proper cord handling and periodic professional servicing are recommended to prevent damage and costly repairs, with clogged filters identified as the most common cause of motor strain and failure.

Dyson’s PencilVac Fluffycones is a lightweight hard‑floor vacuum designed for quick cleanups, offering strong performance with dust, debris and everyday messes thanks to its omnidirectional Fluffycones head and effective dust‑detecting lights. Its compact design, easy emptying system and maneuverability make it appealing, though it struggles with larger debris such as cat litter and clumps of pet hair. It performs best as a supplementary cleaner rather than a replacement for a full‑size vacuum, making its £429.99 price tag a luxury for homes with extensive hard flooring.

Dyson’s V16 Piston Animal introduces a new dual‑cone floor head and improved battery life but performs worse than previous models in cleaning tests, leaving flour, cat litter and debris behind and struggling in corners. While its features such as automatic surface detection, dust illumination and increased bin capacity offer convenience, its cleaning performance fails to justify its £749.99 price. Older models like the Gen5detect and V15 deliver stronger results at lower prices, making the V16 difficult to recommend.

A tester reviews electric leaf blowers and garden vacuums after gathering enough leaves to run comparative trials. Measurements include battery life, airflow and leaf displacement, with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower performing best overall, while Bosch and Stihl models excel in specific uses. Additional newsletter sections highlight recommendations for morning routines, winter beauty products and sleep tips.

A comprehensive comparison of 10 cordless leaf blowers and garden vacuums evaluates power, battery performance, ease of use and value, identifying top choices for different needs including best overall, budget, small gardens and combination models. Additional expert guidance explains how to repurpose collected leaves for mulching, leaf mould, composting and lawn care.

Seven window vacuums were tested for performance, usability and value, focusing on moisture removal, battery life and tank design. Kärcher models ranked strongest overall, with the WV2 chosen as the best all-round option and the WV1 highlighted for small spaces. Tower’s TWV10 was identified as the top budget choice. Other models from Amazon Basics, Kärcher’s WV6, Beldray and Titan offered specific advantages but were marked down for issues such as poor sealing, edge cleaning limitations or higher cost.