Cat Ellis

New UK permitted-development rules specify where plug-in solar panels may be installed without planning permission. They are not permitted on wooden balconies, walls, fences, gates, or other timber surfaces; on pitched roofs when they project more than 20cm beyond the slope; on flat roofs when they rise more than 60cm above the roof; or on walls when they protrude more than 40cm, reduced to 20cm beside a highway. Homes in conservation areas or World Heritage Sites cannot have wall-mounted panels next to highways without permission. Renters and flat residents may also need approval from landlords or building management companies, and violations can result in fines and removal orders.

TechRadar certified barista Cat Ellis recommends three electric milk frothers for making lattes and cappuccinos at home. The Dreo Baristamaker is the top pick for versatility, with dedicated settings for dairy and several plant-based milks, although it is expensive and produces foam less suitable for latte art. The Smeg Mini Milk Frother is compact, stylish and easy to operate, with reliable 140°F/60°C heating, but is primarily designed for full-fat dairy and creates thick foam. The Philips Baristina Milk Frother is quiet and works with various milk types, but produces consistently stiff foam and lacks texture controls or a pouring spout.

TechRadar Homes Editor and SCA-certified barista Cat Ellis recommends three compact espresso machines for small kitchens: the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Evo capsule machine, the Philips Baristina bean-to-cup brewer and the De'Longhi Dedica Duo manual espresso machine. The Lavazza is the smallest and simplest option, though its plastic pods can be difficult to recycle. The Philips offers straightforward fresh-bean brewing and easy cleanup but lacks a built-in steam wand. The De'Longhi provides portafilter brewing, manual milk steaming and cold-extracted espresso in a compact, well-built design.

A hands-on comparison of five rechargeable handheld fans priced from about £16 to £130 finds that the John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan offers the best balance of airflow, design and value. Dyson’s HushJet Mini Cool is the most powerful and polished premium option, while Warmco provides a solid low-cost alternative. The very cheap Tunise model performs surprisingly well and adds hands-free use through a neck cord. Shark’s £129.99 ChillPill offers useful attachments, including misting and a replaceable battery, but is heavy, loud and insufficiently powerful for its price.

A hands-on test of Panasonic’s Mini Bread and Ice Cream Maker finds that its unusual combination of bread-making and ice-cream-churning functions works well. The appliance produced crisp, springy bread and light, flavorful ice cream and frozen yogurt, while its mochi paddle adds another useful capability. The piece also tests Panasonic’s 4-in-1 Air Fryer Combi Microwave Oven, which quickly prepared baked cheesecake and crisp, fat-free chicken, and briefly discusses the company’s new multi-cooker. The bread-and-ice-cream machine is ultimately judged the standout appliance.