Vacuuming is effective, especially on hard floors, and mopping is impressive thanks to the dual circular mops. The small dock design will suit even smaller homes, and mapping through the app is quick and easy.

Unfortunately, it struggles to pick up hair and bumps into some obstacles with some force (so mind your legs), but overall, I think this is a great mid-range option. To find out more, you can keep reading this full Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Specs

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Price & availability

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is available for $799 on Amazon U.S. and £1,199 on Amazon U.K. This is a mid-range robot vacuum that’s pretty small, but I think you get a lot of bang for your buck considering the cleaning performance.

It’s a little more expensive than the Roborock QV 35S, which is available for $749, but this vacuum only has a suction power of 10,000Pa, whereas the Qrevo 2 Pro has 25,000Pa. It also performs better than the Roborock Qrevo Curv, which costs $999, although they look very similar. If you have mostly hard flooring in your home and need more reliable mopping, I would recommend the Qrevo Pro 2.

The Ecovacs Deebot T30S is $300 cheaper at $499 and provides an excellent clean. It even does well at picking up pet hair, so this could be a better option for pet owners, as the Qrevo 2 Pro doesn’t do the best job picking up hair.

It’s worth keeping in mind that if you have a lot of pets that shed fur or children running around, you may want something a little more heavy-duty. For this, I’d recommend splashing a few extra bucks and picking up one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair, such as the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete for $1,699 or the Roborock Saros 20 for $1,599.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Design

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro, like most other Roborock products, looks sleek and will suit any home. It comes in black or white, so there’s an option for whatever your interior decor looks like. I tested the black colorway, and it looked good next to the rest of my home appliances. The dock measures 19.5 x 17.7 x 15.8 inches, making it compact as far as robot vacuums go. Together, the dock and vacuum weigh 37.3 lbs.

The Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 ($299) is another robot vacuum with a small dock, but this one only has a max suction power of 6,000Pa, meaning it’s only really good for hard floors. It’s great to see the Roborock incorporating high suction power into a dock with a smaller design.

The robot vacuum measures 13.9 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches, the same as the Roborock QV 35S, which isn’t too invasive. The Qrevo 2 Pro has a front bumper that is very reactive when it moves into furniture. Underneath the robot, there’s a side brush that rotates to kick up dust at the side of the room. On this model, the brush is also reversible, so it can, in theory, pick up more dust from the corners of the room.

At the back of the robot vacuum, there are two circular mops. I much prefer circular mops, as they agitate the ground more, instead of wiping over it like the flat mop on the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 ThermaCharged NeverTouch ($1,199).

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: App

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is controlled via the Roborock app. This is free to download on iOS and Android devices. This isn’t my first time using the Roborock app, as it’s what I use to control my Roborock Saros 20 at home, so I’m familiar with the controls. But if you’ve never used it before, you get a walkthrough when you set up the device for the first time.

The app is easy to navigate. Vacuum controls are at the bottom of the screen where you can dictate the strength of the suction, the amount of water used by the mops, and how many passes the vacuum makes over the room. You control mapping at the top of the screen and can send the vacuum back to the dock with the click of a button.

You can watch the route the vacuum has taken on the app, where a line is tracked around the room. It also lets you know how many square meters it has cleaned and how long it’s been cleaning for, but unfortunately, it doesn’t tell you how much time is left in the routine.

Although I usually decline notifications from new apps, I recommend turning them on for the Roborock app because if anything happens to your robot, such as it becoming stuck, you’ll receive a handy notification so you know it needs a helping hand.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Mapping

The first thing I did when I set up the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro in the app was map the first floor of my house. This is done through the quick mapping setting in the app.

The robovac uses LiDAR navigation to create the layout, and this was very accurate. The LiDAR was so effective that it even mapped into the backyard.

The mapping took around 10 minutes to complete for four rooms. This process was a lot quicker than when I recently used the Dreame app. During this time, it noted obstacles such as chairs and marked them in the app with a small traffic cone icon so it knew to avoid them in the future.

My only issue here is the obstacle avoidance. The robovac has a bumper at the front, but it would crash pretty hard into things like sofa legs and the dining room table. It didn’t do any damage. But I found myself jumping a little each time it crashed.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Cleaning

I found the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro to perform best on hard floors, though it struggled to pick up hair on all surfaces. The vacuum has a maximum suction power of 25,000 Pa, the setting I used to conduct my testing. This is good for a mid-range vacuum, as the Roborock QV 35S has a maximum suction power of 10,000Pa.

Vacuuming

I tested how good the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is at vacuuming by carrying out our standardized testing criteria. This involved setting out quantities of hair, cereal and flaxseeds in a six-by-three-foot grid on both hardwood floor and carpet and measuring the amount of pickup during a standard cleaning cycle.

Hardwood floor:

I was generally happy with how the robot vacuum performed on the hardwood floor. Robovacs tend to do a better job cleaning hard flooring, but I was a little disappointed by how much hair it failed to pick up. It seemed to be completely skipping over it, and some got trapped in the wheels. Pet owners will probably want to skip this robovac, as you’ll be left with fur on the floor.

That said, it was clear the reversible side brush did a great job collecting the small seeds from the sides of the room. The vacuum performed far better than the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 and was a lot more reliable for daily cleaning.

Carpet:

I was less impressed with the performance on carpet; since this is a mid-range vacuum, we should expect a middle-of-the-road performance. It struggled even more to pick up hair here, but thrived when picking up regular debris such as Rice Krispies.

Although these scores aren’t the best, when using the vacuum in my home over the course of a few days, I’ve been happy with the results. It left crisp vacuum lines in the carpet, and every room looked clean. I think the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is a good choice for everyday cleaning; it’s just not reliable for deep cleaning.

Unfortunately, for deeper cleaning from a robot vacuum, you will need to spend more money. If you live in a carpeted home, I would recommend the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete. Although it’s pricier, the result means you’ll spend less time following up with a handheld vacuum to deal with pet hair stuck in the carpet.

Mopping

To test how well the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro performs when mopping, I carried out my usual tests: soy sauce, mayonnaise and mud.

The robot vac did a great job of cleaning up every last drop with two passes of the room. More expensive flagship models feature heated mopping, but I think the Qrevo 2 Pro did a good job of getting my floors sparkling, even though it took a little longer since it had to do two passes to fully clean the floor.

After mopping, the dock will also clean and sock the mop pads at 167ºF before quietly drying them with 113ºF warm air. This is a feature I’m familiar with from flagship models, so it’s great to see it in a mid-range option. You don't get this luxury with the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2, as you need to remove the mop pads and wash them yourself.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Storage & maintenance

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro can maintain itself for up to 65 days, depending on usage. After each clean, the onboard dustbin empties into the dustbag in the dock. This bag has a capacity of 2.7 liters.

On top of the Roborock dock station are two four-liter tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. Both can be removed for refilling and emptying. Once removed, they expose a hatch, which is where the removable dustbag can be found. It’s easy to access these components, and they’re not too heavy even when full, thanks to the handles.

The four-liter clean water tank is used for cleaning the mops and for refilling the robovac’s onboard water tank. The dirty water tank needs to be emptied regularly, but it can be left for up to 65 days. I prefer to empty it more regularly to avoid any unwanted smells.

The Qrevo 2 Pro is a lot smaller than flagship models, making it a great choice if you’re short on space in your home. You just need to make sure you have a power outlet nearby to plug it in and that the robot has enough space to reverse back into the dock.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Verdict

I think the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is a good choice for its mid-range price tag and effective vacuuming. The mopping performance is also good with circular rotating mops that scrub the floors to lift away all the grime.

The smaller docking station is ideal for smaller homes, and maintenance is still easy with up to 65 days of storage in the self-emptying dustbag and water tank. Mapping is also accurate and easy to set up in the Roborock app.

Unfortunately, the vacuum doesn’t do the best job when dealing with hair and has a tendency to bump into some obstacles with force. For anyone with hard floors who wants something to help with daily cleaning, the Qrevo 2 Pro is a good option because despite its flaws, it’s still great value for money.

In reality, those extra buttons are unassigned channels waiting to streamline your home access.

Rather than juggling individual remotes for secondary doors, driveway gates, or compatible outdoor lighting systems, a single setup process allows you to consolidate multiple entry points into one pocket-sized device.

Understanding what those extra buttons can do

Think of a three-button garage remote as a master key for your property's access points.

The most immediate upgrade is managing multiple bays: if you have two or three separate doors, assigning one to each button stops you from swapping remotes or blindly mashing buttons on the driveway. But its utility extends past the garage.

Systems from brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain are built with cross-device compatibility in mind. With the right receiver, those extra buttons can operate automated driveway gates, trigger security lighting, or sync with smart home lighting modules.

Because each button transmits on an independent signal, you have complete control over how your setup functions.

Program your remote in minutes

Pairing your devices is straightforward, though exact steps vary slightly by manufacturer. Start by climbing up to your main garage motor unit and locating the "Learn" button — it is typically situated on the back or side panel near the hanging antenna wire.

Pressing this Learn button places the unit in pairing mode. Immediately press the unassigned button on your remote. The motor unit will flash its lights or beep to confirm the sync.

Note that while this method works for standard openers, older models may require matching internal manual switches, and smart setups are paired through a mobile app instead.

Repeat this process for any secondary doors or compatible receivers. For specific multi-brand setups, consult your opener's manual or reach out to customer support to confirm your frequency compatibility.

Make your garage remote work harder for you

Instead of letting two-thirds of your clicker sit idle, map out a configuration that streamlines your daily entry.

A practical setup might assign Button 1 to your main garage door, Button 2 to a driveway gate, and Button 3 to your exterior security lights. If you manage a secondary home or vacation property, Button 3 can easily handle that garage door instead.

Taking five minutes to configure those extra channels turns a basic piece of plastic into a consolidated remote that cuts clutter from your visor and key ring.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your garage door is wasting energy and driving up your heating bill — here's how to fix it
• 7 car cleaning tips to make yours look brand new
• Stuck in a dead zone? 3 free Google Maps alternatives that work with zero signal

So, whenever I spot a cleaning hack promising to slash my chore time, I’m the first to try it out.

My biggest cleaning nightmare is tackling my bathroom, and a recent Tom’s Guide poll proves I’m far from alone. While 7% of you actually enjoy cleaning (you’re welcome at my house anytime), 43% voted the bathroom as the worst room to clean, leaving even the kitchen in the shadows.

If you haven’t already cast your vote, go ahead and complete the poll below.

Take the hard work out of cleaning a bathtub

The good news? I’ve discovered a cleaning hack that will cut your time scrubbing your bathtub. Here it is to help making cleaning the bathroom just that little bit easier for you!

I searched online for the best way to clean a bathtub using vinegar and dish soap — here’s the recipe I tried:

1. Take one cup of white vinegar and gently warm it in a microwave. But be warned, vinegar has a much stronger smell when it’s heated, so ensure you’re in a well-ventilated room.

2. Pour the warmed vinegar into a spray bottle.

3. Add one cup of dish soap, preferably Dawn, to the bottle. I’m in the U.K. and can’t get hold of Dawn dish soap, so I used my regular brand.

4. Gently mix the ingredients together.

5. Spray the solution onto your bathtub and relax for 15 minutes.

6. Using a cleaning pad and give your bathtub a good scrub. I instantly noticed how much smoother my bathtub felt, and I saw that the solution had lifted the grime.

7. Finish by rinsing your tub. I have a shower over my bath, so I used the shower hose to rinse off the solution.

If you’d prefer not to leave the solution to soak, you could add it to a dish-wand soap dispenser, such as this Scotch-Brite non-scratch version, which comes with 7 refill pads, for $11 at Amazon.

My biggest bathroom nightmares

Bathrooms present many challenges. Beyond the usual soap scum, the constant mix of heat and moisture makes it the ultimate breeding ground for stubborn grime — which is undoubtedly why it topped our list of the most hated rooms to clean.

For me, the biggest headaches are keeping my shower glass streak-free, battling limescale on my fittings (and inside my toilet), and constantly removing mold that’s crept into caulk. That's a lot of challenges in one room!

What makes cleaning your bathroom such a nightmare? Add a comment below and share your biggest struggle.

More from Tom's Guide

• I sprinkled baking soda around the base of my toilet — here's why you should too
• Cleaning pros share how often you should clean your toilet — and you'll be surprised
• I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it's thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds

So, while it grinds, doses, tamps, and brews without any input from you (aside from you clicking the shot button), you also have to empty the portafilter. Isn’t that the worst part of any manual machine? The coffee grounds always get stuck to my hands. Anyway, if you’re after an espresso machine that does most of the hard work for you, the Baristina could be ideal.

However, the espresso does taste pretty mid, and the price is about $200 more than I’d expect. So, could it be one of the best espresso machines? Hm. I don’t think so. But want to find out the full story? Keep reading this Philips Baristina review.

Philips Baristina review: Specs

Philips Baristina review: Price & availability

The Philips Baristina is $449-$529 from Amazon U.S. and £299-£379 from Amazon U.K. While this price is reasonable enough in the U.K., I would not recommend paying $529 if you’re in the U.S. You don’t even get a built-in milk frother — it looks and feels like a Nespresso Aeroccino standalone milk heater/frother. You can’t customize milk texture at all.

Even though I think the Baristina is overpriced, it’s an automatic machine, which means it’s always going to be pricier than manuals. However, I would wholeheartedly recommend spending just a little more for a genuinely decent machine.

Instead of spending $529 on what is effectively an espresso maker and a separate (cheap-feeling, one-trick-pony) milk frother, I’d spend $699 on the Philips 2300 Series, $799 on the KitchenAid KF2, or, heck, even $379 on the Nespresso CitiZ + Aeroccino. It’s a pod machine, sure, but honestly? It makes a better brew.

Philips Baristina review: Design

So, I’m not a huge fan of how the Baristina looks. I think it looks incredibly cheap, like something that costs $200 rather than $530. When I found out how much it costs, I actually gasped.

While it doesn’t look bad, it does look cheap. Whether this is a dealbreaker will depend on your preferences. For me, I’d rather spend a little extra on the KitchenAid KF2 or just get a bog-standard manual like the $300 Breville Bambino.

You get a “portafilter”. I say “portafilter” because, yes, it’s technically a portafilter in that it has a handle and a basket where the coffee goes. But you can’t use it like a traditional portafilter — you don’t dose and tamp manually. All you have to do is push the portafilter over to the grinder side at the start of the brew and then sit back and relax.

While, yes, I loved watching the portafilter snap back into place after the grinder finished (it’s the simple things), I think this is more of a style gimmick than actual function. If you’re after a truly automatic machine, it might even be a major con. Yes, you have to empty and clean out the portafilter yourself.

Philips Baristina review: Espresso

If you’re an espresso aficionado, you won’t want to read this. However, if you’re someone who prioritizes speed, ease of use, and simplicity, you’re the perfect candidate for a Baristina.

As it’s a bean-to-cup automatic — despite having a “portafilter” — you have very little input. Pour your beans in, press the espresso button, slide the portafilter to the grinder side (which is super fun), and you’ve done all the work. The machine snaps the portafilter into place hands-free, and, yes, this is mesmerizing to watch. I don’t care how lame that makes me; I enjoy watching a portafilter careen across a coffee machine like a stone from a slingshot. It’s novel. Sue me.

In terms of espresso flavor… it’s okay. It tastes incredibly average. I tried the machine with both artisan Ethiopian beans and your generic “strong” dark roast, and it tasted better with the latter. I’d recommend using cheaper, darker beans on this machine, as the excessive 16-bar pressure and the tiny (40mm) pressurized portafilter destroys any nuance anyway.

As you can see, this espresso shot is foamy and aerated, which means it was extracted under too much pressure. The crema is fluffy, but it dissipated within seconds. The first Ethiopian beans (which usually taste divine) were overly sour and astringent. However, the second generic Illy-brand beans resulted in a stronger, more palatable coffee taste. Of course, this won’t impress coffee nerds, but this isn’t a machine for coffee nerds.

Even so, I struggle to recommend this machine wholeheartedly considering you can get much better machines for just a little extra. The Philips 2300 is a modest stretch at $699; the KitchenAid KF2 is $799. Considering these machines have built-in milk preparation and zero user input, I’d recommend them if you’re after a totally automatic machine. The espresso tastes much nicer.

Philips Baristina review: Grinder

While the Philips Baristina does have a built-in grinder and therefore demands a standalone ‘grinder’ section, this is going to be extremely short.

The grinder is not adjustable. Yes, you heard me correctly. Not adjustable. The grinder grinds to one size and one size only. Want it finer? Not possible. Coarser? Oh, again, you guessed it, not possible.

Other automatic machines such as the De’Longhi Rivelia have an adjustable grinder, and also the $699 manual bean-to-cup De’Longhi Arte Evo. If you’re interested in actually playing and experimenting with coffee, I’d recommend the Arte Evo over the Baristina. You’re paying an extra $150, but it’s often discounted to $599 (so just $50 more), and you get all the bonuses of a manual machine with the ease of an assisted tamping system.

Philips Baristina review: Milk

As mentioned earlier, the Baristina comes in two variants: with milk frother and without milk frother. If you order the cheaper model, it won’t come with the frother.

Those familiar with something like the Nespresso Aeroccino will recognize this milk frother: the Philips model is essentially just your standard countertop model. It’s not particularly unique or innovative, but damn, it works. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix, right?

Here’s a photo of a milk drink made. Notice how I said “milk drink” rather than latte or cappuccino — the Baristina can only make one type of milk. No wet lattes or dry cappuccinos here. Milk or no milk only!

As you can see, the milk is extremely thick. Don’t get me wrong, the texture is satisfying, with well-distributed, evenly sized bubbles. However, this isn’t going to impress people who are used to barista-crafted beverages. It cannot make microfoam; therefore, drinks like lattes and flat whites are out of the question. You can only make cappuccinos.

Philips Baristina review: Storage & maintenance

Although 15 inches tall, the Philips Baristina feels a lot smaller. This height is solely due to the grinder hopper — its main body is more compact. Of course, you’d need to ensure you have space under your counters for the hopper, but the machine should take up less space than you think.

Due to this size, the machine has a teeny-tiny drip tray. I always recommend cleaning out your drip tray after every use, but in this case, it’s definitely a necessity. If you don’t clean it out every day, it’s going to overflow before you know it.

As with the rest of the machine, the drip tray is incredibly plasticky. This is one of my biggest complaints — a design this plasticky is pretty inexcusable when you’re charging $549 from an aesthetic and longevity perspective.

Speaking of longevity, you get a 2-year warranty as standard, which is the same as Breville, Ninja, and De’Longhi.

Philips Baristina review: Verdict

While I don’t think the Philips Baristina is the worst espresso machine I’ve ever used, I can’t recommend it wholeheartedly. Only a very specific user base should get this machine. If you can’t stretch to $699 for a Philips 2300 Series, you don’t mind mid-tasting espresso, you’re happy with one-size-fits-all milk texture, and you’re happy to spend $200 more than I think you should, then yes, this would be the machine for you.

All other people, though? You’d either be better off with the $699 Philips 2300 Series, the $799 KitchenAid KF2, or even venture into the world of manual bean-to-cups with the fantastic De’Longhi Arte Evo.

As I said earlier, if you want simplicity and ease of use over anything else, I’d even go as far to say you’re the perfect candidate for a Nespresso CitiZ + Milk.

If you've not yet taken the plunge on a solar generator then there are plenty of affordable alternatives to get you started, but I can't fault the usefulness of the Jackery Explorer and plan to make it a mainstay of future camping trips.

At a buck shy of a grand without the solar panels you’re going to want to accessorize it with, the Jackery Explorer 2000 is something of an upfront cost. Amazon sells the 200W panels for $429 each, so buying both together will set you back $1,428. The retailer is also is selling a bundle of the power station with two panels for $1,639 — which saves you a bit of cash if you want to double up. But leaving that aside, Jackery also has a range of different power stations with varying capacities at different price points. For example, the Jackery Explorer 500v2 is a more wallet-friendly $399 (discounted to $359 at time of writing).

These prices may give you reason to pause. But, like any form of renewable energy, it’s an investment rather than a sunk cost. For example, campsites in the UK will charge you anything between £5 and £15 extra per night for a pitch with an electrical hookup. So over the course of a three-day weekend, I could save up to £45 ($61) just by bringing the Jackery Explorer instead. If I do this three times over the summer, that’s up to £135 ($184) saved.

And even when I’m not using it for camping, like my colleague Tom, it’s providing additional power to my garage for free. Okay, so all that is a bit of an oversimplification, but Jackery’s batteries are slated to last up to 10 years with 80% remaining after 4,000 full charge cycles. So there’s a good chance that over the course of a decade, you’ll make your money back. Eventually.

What you get

I packed the Jackery Explorer 2000 into the car for a three-day trip during the height of summer. We were in the middle of a UK-wide heatwave, with temperatures sitting around 32°C (89.6°F) and just a few wispy clouds populating the sky. So, it was the perfect testing ground for a portable solar power station.

The Explorer weighs 39.5lbs (17.9kgs), which is impressive for the 2042Wh capacity but still prohibitive for carrying large distances — so keep that in mind if you park the car a long way from where you pitch camp. Jackery does say the Explorer 2000 is “41% lighter and 34% smaller than conventional 2kWh LiFePo4 portable power stations” as it uses the same CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology you’ll find in the best electric cars. There’s a very helpful carry handle, and I was able to bring it easily back and forth between the inside of my tent and the seating area we’d created to socialize.

I tend to travel light, so the only electronics I really needed to worry about were a pair of smartphones, a Bluetooth speaker, an electric kettle and a pump for inflating a mattress. The phones and speaker were serviced by the two USB-C ports (one 30W and one 100W) and one USB-A (18W) port, while the kettle plugged into one of the two AC 2,200W sockets on the front. High-wattage devices like that kettle are going to empty the battery quickly, but more on that later. My British model has two AC sockets, but the American version packs three — bonus points to Uncle Sam. Finally, the pump could be plugged into the DC 12 V input as if I was using my car’s cigarette lighter.

The controls on the Jackery Explorer 2000 are extremely simple to use. Hold down the power button for a few seconds to wake it up, and then the remaining buttons let you toggle between the AC and DC outputs. There’s also a built-in LED light with three modes: Low Light, High Light and SOS. Meanwhile, the LCD display tells you the current percentage, input/output power and your remaining charge time. It’s all remarkably simple to use, which is exactly what you want when you’re struggling to get a campsite set up in time for dinner.

How I used it

Over the course of two nights, I kept all the phones topped off and used the pump three times (I need a new air mattress) while I boiled the kettle at least six or seven times. At around 9pm, I switched on the LED light and kept it up for a couple of hours until it was bedtime at around 11pm.

I started the weekend with a full charge of 100% and when it was time to pack up and go home, I was down to 42%. I kept the Explorer 2000 topped up for a few hours here and there, but mostly I relied on the accumulated charge from the mains that I put into the battery before leaving the house.

As mentioned, the only real draw on the power was the kettle, which was pulling pretty much the full 2,200W output to run and easily dropping the battery down several percentage points each time I used it.

If you’re looking at a multi-day trip with energy-hungry devices like one of the best electric bikes or electric stoves, you’re going to run out of power far quicker than I did.

What’s more, I didn’t have anything like a fridge continuously running from the Explorer 2000 — I just pulled it out when required. If you’re powering a portable refrigerator at 90W, you can expect to get about 15 hours of runtime. My usage was relatively tame, but if you’re planning more adventurous multi-day trips, you’re going to need to get the most from your solar panels.

Charging: solar vs the mains

You don’t necessarily have to buy the official Jackery solar panels, but if you opt for a (cheaper) third-party option from Amazon, you’re going to need an adaptor. Jackery’s 200W solar panels connect via an included DC8020 solar charging cable that plugs directly into the side of the power station and it begins charging right away. A side note here is that it does so very quietly — if you get right down next to it, you can hear a faint whirr. But I’d bet the average hiker could leave this running next to them and fall asleep without being disturbed.

The good news is that, like the power station itself, the solar panel is extremely easy to use. All you need to do is unfold it, pull the kickstands away from their velcro fastening and connect them to the power station.

At a full 400W solar input from two panels, Jackery says you can charge the Explorer 2000 up in five-and-a-half hours. I, meanwhile, had only a single 100W panel with me. The good news was, as mentioned, it was a very sunny weekend, and I was easily able to get the full 100W input from the panel. Generally speaking, you get around four to six peak sun hours per day. At 100W, it'd take me around 20 hours to fully charge the power station, which probably equates to around four days of charging.

On the other hand, connecting it to the mains juices the power station from empty to full in just 1.7 hours. You can enable emergency charging via the Jackery app to cut that down even further to 1.33 hours — or from 0-80% in 52 minutes.

So, yes, solar is free, but it’s also time-consuming and heavily reliant on where you are. Despite this summer’s efforts, the U.K. is not known for sunshine, and if you’re staying somewhere with a lot of cloud cover or underneath foliage, this option won’t be as readily available to you. My advice would be to opt for a 200W solar panel if you can stretch to it, to maximise the amount of energy you can harvest when the sun does come out.

You’re always going to lose some energy through conversion and thermal dissipation when you’re pulling power from the sun. So you need to be mindful of not wasting the opportunity to power up when you can. The distinct benefit of having such a portable solution means it's not a chore to set up, even for an hour or so. I was able to get the panels out of the car and have the power station topping up (albeit slowly) in under thirty seconds.

One thing to add is that Jackery's panels are IP68 water and dust-resistant, so you don’t have to treat them with kid gloves during a weekend in the wilderness.

Final thoughts

There’s a lot more to the Jackery Explorer 2000 than I’ve gone into here. Things like the durability testing, the rigorous battery management system and the five-year warranty are all worthy of praise. But the main thing I found was that the system was reliable and easy to use for someone with almost no prior knowledge of portable power beyond the best battery packs you get for your phone.

That’s important because although it’s great to have portable power to keep your iPhone charged up on a camping trip, portable generators can go much further. When Hurricane Beryl knocked out power for my colleague Anthony Spadafora back in 2024, he was able to give his mother-in-law a portable generator to keep her freezer and lights running for awhile in the ensuing power outage. It may be 2026, but power outages are not a thing of the past and if you’ve got a device like the Jackery Explorer 2000 on hand, it gives you a measure of protection to keep vital services powered on.

And that’s an investment that’s worth making right now. Even if it spends most of the year keeping the Bluetooth speaker in your garage topped up.

More from Tom's Guide

• Expert reveals the one solar panel mistake costing you money — and how to fix it
• I just tested this portable solar panel to charge my phone — and it works a lot better than I thought
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With Aussie spring just around the corner, if your dad loves his garden or going camping, then Father's Day is a great time to get him some new outdoorsy gear. Whether he's an avid gardener, outdoor chef or just a guy who enjoys sitting out in his yard in the sunshine, I've sorted 12 of the best outdoor Father's Day gifts below.

All of these items come with 4-star reviews on Amazon, and same-day or fast delivery, so your gift will arrive perfectly on (or before) the big day. So scroll on to find the best Father's Day gardening and outdoor gifts for dad this year.

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Normally, “gaming furniture” means angular plastic monstrosities, aggressive neon accents and enough RGB lighting to signal passing aircraft. But Ikea tied up with Xbox to take a completely different direction — focusing on muted tones and light wood finishes, and simple functionality.

All of it tucks subtle splashes of Xbox green away, and it’s all designed to let you transform a living space into a gaming setup, while cleaning and hiding it all away.

The star of the show: The thumbstick stool

Xbox and Ikea actually used the original 3D design files for the Xbox controller’s analog stick to get the proportions and seating curve just right for the $50 thumb stick stool. But the most fascinating part to a fidgety person like me is that it actually moves.

The base is curved so it tilts in all directions while you sit on it — perfectly mimicking the movement of a real thumbstick. That being said, there is a legitimate benefit to this in being the ideal chair to lean into the on-screen action when you’re locking in.

And that textured grip around the edge of the joystick actually helps stop you from falling off. I’d be nervous if Xbox had gone for convex joystick heads at this moment!

Lounging around: The lounge chair and the d-pad cushion

If you’ve ever tried to fit a massive, racing-style gaming chair into a dorm room or shared apartment, you know it instantly takes over the entire space. Instead, Ikea has focused on low-profile comfort and stealthy utility.

The lounge chair ($120) uses a cantilevered bouncy frame that’s designed to flex with you — just the right angle to lean back during comfy gaming sessions, while not leaning you back too much so you can lean forward and lock-in to that high-stakes multiplayer match.

On top of that, there’s a hidden storage pocket right underneath the seat to stash your controllers, and the fabric cover is completely removable and machine washable.

Then there’s the D-pad cushion completing the setup ($18). This plush throw is molded directly after the faceted Xbox directional buttons, and the perfect companion piece to the lounge chair… But not for the way you think.

You see, it’s definitely sneaking a subtle “if you know, you know” piece of gaming iconography into your decor, but the X shape is pretty ideal for resting on your lap for an ergonomic elbow stand for playing on a controller.

Stealth storage and clever upgrades

And for anyone dealing with a cramped space, the stealthy storage options here are brilliant.

Whether it’s the rolling TV stand mounted on casters to moving your gear around ($150), the sleek wooden $35 toolbox that neatly stores all controllers and cables (but doubles as a laptop stand too), or the $18 D-pad platter — a stainless steel serving tray molded perfectly into the sunken cross shape of the directional buttons — you’ve got all you need to make the most of any space.

But in particular, shout-out to the neat coffee table organizer that is also on wheels, but has a nice homely feel to it to hide away your gaming peripherals.

Verdict & availability

But the best part about this drop (as you’ve probably seen throughout my piece) is that the pricing remains remarkably down to earth. The YXSTABY collection hits Ikea stores and online starting October 1.

If you’re tired of sacrificing your living room to an RGB gaming den, this is the exact compromise you’ve been waiting for.

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I watched the wheels deteriorate faster than the rest of my luggage, and I realized I was watching my investment wear out prematurely. Then I discovered a surprisingly simple solution that travelers use: wrapping the wheels with adhesive tape before each trip.

It takes only two minutes and protects one of the most vulnerable parts of your suitcase. The tape creates a barrier between your wheels and all that dirt and debris, making cleanup easier when you get home.

Choose durable tape

Not all tape performs equally on suitcase wheels. Duct tape is your best friend because it resists moisture, handles friction, and stays put during travel. It will leave a sticky residue, though.

Self-fusing silicone tape works too, as it sticks to itself and creates a flexible layer without leaving excessive sticky residue. Painter's tape and electrical tape are also a good choice.

Avoid masking tape, which tears easily when exposed to moisture and rubbing. Skip electrical tape as well; it's often too thin and shifts with temperature changes.

The investment in quality tape is minimal compared to replacing worn-out luggage wheels. Durable tape ensures your protection lasts throughout your entire trip without falling apart mid-journey.

Clean your wheels and apply the tape

Start by cleaning each wheel thoroughly with a damp cloth and letting it dry completely. Any remaining dust or moisture prevents the tape from adhering properly.

Once dry, wrap one or two layers of your chosen tape around just the tread —the part that actually rolls on the ground. This is crucial: keep the axles, sides, and swivel mechanism completely free of tape.

Covering those areas restricts the wheel's movement and defeats the purpose of having luggage that rolls smoothly. Wrap firmly but not so tight that you strain the wheel. The tape should spin freely with the wheel, not bind it.

Remove the tape and inspect when you return

As soon as you arrive home, remove the tape carefully from your wheels. The tape will likely look damaged or dirty, which is exactly what you want. It protected your wheels instead of them taking that abuse directly.

Clean off any adhesive residue with a cloth or gentle rubbing before storing your suitcase. Regular inspection after each trip helps you catch problems early.

This quick post-trip routine keeps your luggage in better condition and lets you plan wheel replacement before it becomes urgent during a future vacation.

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I'm a mediocre cook. My girlfriend is a tremendous cook. Together, we spent a year testing the Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 pellet grill and smoker to see whether it was the right tool for our outdoor cooking needs.

After more than 365 days of smoking, searing, rotisserie cooking and basic grilling, I can say with 100% confidence that this Recteq grill offers enough versatility to handle everything a seasoned grill master could throw at it, while still being easy enough for someone of my less-skilled nature to handle.

The versatility comes at a fairly high cost, but compared with other pellet-based grills from brands like Traeger and Weber, the price doesn't feel unreasonable.

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 review: Price and availability

The X-Fire Pro 825 is available from a wide range of high-end grill retailers, including directly from Recteq's website. It's $1550, which may sound shocking compared with a basic propane grill from your local hardware store, but it's very competitive with other big brands like Traeger and Weber.

You can also get the grill as part of a bundle. Two bundles are available, and one includes the rotisserie, which I highly recommend to complete the cooking experience this grill offers. It also comes with lots of accessories, sauces, rubs and pellets to get you started.

However you buy it, I think the price is right around what it should be for a grill of this caliber.

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 review: Design

The grill itself is built like a tank, so you don't need to worry about leaving it on your porch. And it's a good-looking grill, too.

Like many high-end grills on the market, this pellet model offers more precision and temperature control while delivering that smoky flavor. You can fit 20 pounds of pellets into the hopper, which is plenty to smoke those delicious meats for hours without needing to top off the grill.

The cast iron cooking surface is 840 square inches, so you can fit large items or a massive quantity of smaller grilled meats like chicken breasts, hot dogs or burgers.

The left side of the grill has basic controls and probe spots for tracking meat temperatures (it comes with two probes that also display the temperature in the app and alert you when your food reaches the target temperature).

Four knobs adorn the front of the grill (along with the cool horn-style handles)— there's the smoke and grill mode knob, the grill control options for the left and right burners, and the sear control knob, which opens up the fire to get that nice crust we all love on our grilled meats.

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 review: Cooking performance

I can't find anything wrong with the grilling performance of the Recteq X-Fire Pro 825. We used it for low-and-slow smoking at 225 degrees for food like chicken wings, candied bacon, ribs and just about anything else you can think of. My girlfriend smoked a turkey breast for Thanksgiving, and it gave me a brand new respect for how good turkey can be.

Using the app and connected features makes smoking incredibly easy. All you need to do is set the grill to your desired temperature, set the probe temperature and then go about your business (assuming you're not cooking something that requires turning). As I've said over and over, I'm not a good cook, but even I was able to smoke some quality food with the Recteq X-Fire Pro 825.

We also did high-temperature grilling with burgers, hot dogs and more basic grill fare, and everything was consistent and delicious. Like any grill, you won't simply set it and forget it, as you will need to watch for over-searing and burning, but that's part of the fun of being the grillmaster.

The optional rotisserie really shouldn't be optional. You can make some absolutely mind-blowing dishes with it as long as you're patient and willing to let the process happen. I've always loved rotisserie chicken, and being able to throw a bird on and make one at home has been a game-changer.

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 review: Living with it

So now we need to talk about what it's like to live with the X-Fire Pro 825 for a year. It's one thing to grill with it for a bit and then move on, but we've spent a full year with it as our only grill — we ditched our basic propane model in favor of this beast.

I learned a lot about grilling during this time; I still consider myself a poor chef, but the recipes in the Recteq app have helped tremendously. I feel comfortable making a variety of dishes, and my girlfriend can confidently make just about anything, though she doesn't follow the recipes as much.

Cleaning the grill isn't overly difficult, but it is a process that you need to do to keep the grill running at its best. Since you're burning pellets and not just running propane, there's some buildup that needs to be taken care of every so often. Most importantly, as I've learned through experience, is emptying the fire pots regularly. Recteq recommends cleaning the cooking surface with a brush after every cook, and I tried to stay on top of this, but there were definitely times I didn't, and it hasn't had any long-term negative effects yet.

Overall, it's been a great year. I really like the X-Fire Pro 825, and I'm proud to have it as my only grill (besides my Ooni pizza oven, but that's another story). We've had large gatherings with more than 50 people and had no issues with having enough space to keep everyone fed and happy.

I did have one instance where the grill ran out of pellets, and the temperature dropped. For whatever reason, I didn't get a notification that the grill's heat levels were dropping, which the app usually does. If this happened often, I'd be concerned, but since it only happened once, I have to assume there was some user error (maybe I missed the notification or accidentally turned on Do Not Disturb).

After that, I purposely let the grill run out of pellets to see whether it would alert me that the temperature was dropping, and it did so without issue.

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 review: Verdict

I love almost everything about the X-Fire Pro 825. Recteq seems to have thought of everything before putting this grill out. The seamless smart features that let you track the grill and food temperature are easy to use, and they make cooking foods that take several hours much easier (smoking, as delicious as it is, tests one's patience).

While I wish I could see the temperature in grill mode (if for nothing else than to brag to my guests about my grill hitting 1,250 degrees, that gripe hardly keeps me from recommending this grill to anyone who will listen. I also wish Rectec sold a pizza accessory for this specific model (the company's pizza kit supports the Deck Boss, Backyard Beast, Flagship, Flagship XL, BFG, RT590, RT1070 and RT1250; the X-Fire Pro 825 isn't on the list), but that's a pretty minor gripe as this is meant to be a grill and not take the place of one of the best pizza ovens.

Simply put, if you want a flexible pellet grill that can smoke and cook at ultra-high temperatures (and why wouldn't you want that?), this is the one to buy. Sure, Recteq doesn't get as much hype as Traeger and the other premium brands, but the people who know about the quality the brand offers are fully on board, and I'm now happily among that crowd.

I posed the question to Bob Mulvihill, lead ornithologist at the National Aviary, to learn more about hummingbirds’ behavior.

Hummingbird's are creatures of habit

“Like many migratory birds, hummingbirds navigate to the same spots each year for breeding and wintering,” explains Mulvihill.

“Banding studies prove that some hummingbirds even find their way to the same rest spot along the migratory route.”

And it turns out that hummingbirds have excellent spatial memories, which is why they can return year after year.

For us, this means that if you welcomed hummingbirds into your backyard last year, it’s highly likely that the same birds will appear this year. Hummingbirds are creatures of habit.

“People often report seeing hummingbirds in early spring hovering at the exact spot where the hummingbird feeder hung the year before,” says Mulvihill.

So what happens if you change your habits? Fortunately, it won’t throw the birds off course.

Mulvihill explains that if you decide to move your hummingbird feeder, or even if a person has moved on and there’s no longer a feeder around, it won’t cause much distress.

Hummingbirds find feeders easy to spot.

It seems that if you do move your feeder to another place in your backyard, your regular visitors will still be able to find it. The bright color makes it easy to identify.

Mulvihill explains, “Because the color red is so attention-getting — especially against a spring or summer green background — hummingbirds have an easy time finding feeders and flowers wherever they may be, and wherever they may pop up tomorrow!”

3 ways to make life easier for hummingbirds

Although Mulvihill says hummingbirds won’t be put out if the previous hummingbird feeder they relied upon for nectar has been moved, there are steps you can take to improve the life and well-being of these tiny creatures.

1. Keep them fed and watered

“Hummingbirds will benefit greatly if everyone would provide flowers and clean feeders filled with fresh sugar and water from spring through to fall, and, if possible, a source of flowing or misting water for them, too,” he advises.

You can make your own hummingbird nectar using a simple water-and-sugar combo, mixing one part sugar with four parts water.

The nectar can be added to a hummingbird feeder, and if you want to catch them in action, you could invest in a smart hummingbird feeder. However, a standard red feeder with yellow nectar ports that replicate a flower is ideal.

Don’t forget about the power of plants. Aside from providing sugared water, hummingbirds will flock to your yard if it’s planted with nectar-rich flowers, like the cup and saucer vine.

Apart from providing calorie-rich nectar, hummingbirds will welcome a regular source of water. They particularly like misting devices, as traditional bird baths are too deep for their tiny frames. The fine spray will help them stay hydrated and act as a shower to keep their feathers clean and their bodies cool.

2. Avoid window collisions

Hummingbirds are frequent victims of bird-window collisions, so to help them spot a window before it’s too late, Mulvihull recommends making your window panes bird-safe.

One way to prevent hummingbirds from cascading into your windows is to add barriers or marks to your glazing. The International Hummingbird Society, suggests adding lines or shapes, which are at least 1/4inch wide in light or high-contrast colors. And it recommends spacing them no more than two inches apart horizontally or 4 inches apart vertically.

You might also want to try opaque window film, such as the Collidescape white bird film, $29 at Amazon.

Finding the ideal spot for your hummingbird feeders will also help. Mulvihull suggests positioning your feeder at least 25 feet away from any windows.

3. Be pet aware

Nesting season for hummingbirds, which varies by region, is a prime time for predators. So, if you own a pet, Mulvihull advises being extra vigilant during this time.

And he suggests keeping your cat restrained or indoors. Hummingbirds will avoid nesting in an area that’s patrolled by predators — and to them that includes your cat or dog.

Unlike other birds, hummingbirds won’t nest in birdhouses; instead, they build their nests in tree limbs and on other horizontal surfaces. The National Audubon Society suggests maintaining shrubbery and planting small deciduous trees in your backyard to provide hummingbirds with a safe nesting place.

More from Tom's Guide

• Don’t make this hummingbird mistake — why you need to think beyond the color red
• This one plant is the secret to attracting hummingbirds to your yard in September
• 3 easy steps to protect visiting hummingbirds from the summer heat

We could finally be there with robot lawnmowers. I’ve been using the Segway Navimow i215 in my yard for the last few months, and a few exceptions aside, I haven’t thought about mowing my lawn for a long time. But is the Navimow i215 the best robot lawnmower for your yard? It depends on a lot of factors, such as the size and slope of your grass, but there are a few universal takeaways I found from testing this, as well as several other robot lawnmowers.

Read on to see how well the Navimow i215 performed for me, and if I’d pick it over other models.

Picking the right size

When I first talked with Segway about reviewing one of its lawnmowers, I initially requested the Navimow X4, the company’s top-end device that costs $2,500, can tackle just about any terrain, and has independent wheels that allow it to make zero-degree turns. It’s a truly impressive mower — and it proved to be too much for my yard.

The main reason I requested the X4 is that my front yard, despite being very small, is on a bit of a hill that in the past proved too daunting for some robot lawnmowers. However, after running the X4 for a while, I noticed that it would repeatedly skip over certain sections. Confused, I talked with Segway, which said that because my lawn was so small — we’re talking less than 500 square feet — it had trouble taking care of it properly.

Segway then sent me the Navimow i215, which costs about $1,000 less, and is more suited for mid-size to smaller yards.

Price and availability

The i215 is the newest of Segway’s mid-tier robot lawnmowers. It came on the market in 2026, costs $1,599, can cover up to 0.37 acres, and uses both LiDAR and vision systems to map and navigate your yard.

It’s a bit more sophisticated than the i210 AWD ($1,299, 0.25 acres) and the i206 AWD ($999, 0.15 acres), both of which have obstacle avoidance, but lack LiDAR.

An easy — but not trouble-free —setup

Like most new robot lawnmowers, the Navimow i215 has everything it needs built right into the mower, so there’s no need to install a tower or a boundary wire around your property. I simply set up the base station where the robot docks to recharge, and then followed the instructions in the Navimow app to connect it to my home Wi-Fi network.

As part of the setup process, you can send the mower out to automatically map your yard, or you can perform this task manually by driving the bot around the perimeter.

Even after creating the map, it still required some tweaking, as the i215 kept nose diving off one corner of my lawn; I would have hoped its Lidar would have recognized the dropoff. However, all I had to do was go into the app and re-draw the map to shave off a few inches. After those adjustments, I rarely encountered an issue with it going astray.

Obstacle avoidance and mowing performance

The Navimow did a good job at avoiding objects. It successfully navigated around a small soccer ball, as well as a plastic child’s toy, but ran right over an orange ball the size of a baseball; perhaps it felt it was small enough that it wouldn’t be a problem.

However, unlike the Sunseeker X3, which I tested last year, Segway’s mower and app doesn’t mark on its map that it encountered an obstruction. The only indication I got was that the app showed a spot of the lawn that was unmowed.

After scanning your yard, Segway’s mower will also plot the ideal direction to mow your lawn most efficiently. In my case, it was a diagonal line along the long axis. Taking this route also meant it was able to avoid driving directly up the steepest part of my lawn. I still worried about it creating divots in my lawn; more than once, I saw it spin its wheels in place on some of the steeper sections, which tore up the grass a bit.

Within the Segway Navimow app, you can adjust the direction of the mowing, but unlike most other robot lawnmowers we’ve tested, Segway’s app doesn’t let you mow patterns, such as a crosshatch or diamond. Some companies’ mowers will even let you mow shapes, like hearts. While I think that’s a little frivolous, I do wish Segway would offer a little something more in terms of letting you control how the mower cuts your grass.

Smart home and security features

Even the least expensive robot lawnmower will cost upwards of $500, so some sort of security feature is warranted, so that someone doesn’t simply walk away with your mower as it’s making its rounds.

Segway built two protections into the Navimow to keep would-be thieves from absconding with your stuff. Within the Segway app, you can set a geofence boundary around your property, so that if the bot is moved beyond a certain radius, it will sound an alarm. You can set it anywhere from a 33-foot to up to a 164-foot radius; obviously, if your yard is larger than that, you might want to disable this feature.

Should the alarm not be enough of a deterrent, the Navimow i215 is also equipped with Apple FindMy, so you can locate the mower if it goes missing.

Finally, the i215 also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smart speaker of choice to command the mower to start working, or connect it to your other smart home devices and routines.

Bottom line

I was initially skeptical that the Segway Navimow i215 would be able to negotiate my front yard, but the little machine defied my expectations. While it’s not quite as smart as I hoped — it drove itself right off one of my retaining walls — it ultimately performed well over the long run.

I also liked the i215’s security features, but there are still a couple of things I wish were included. For example, the Worx Landroid has an edge-mowing feature, and the Sunseeker S4 will show in the app any objects it encounters in your yard. And, both of those models — which cost less than the Navimow — also let you mow your yard in specific patterns.

So, while Segway has made a very capable robot lawnmower, there are still others that are a cut above.

So, next time you're cleaning and removing water from your aquarium, be mindful of the fact that this stuff is essentially liquid gold for gardeners.

There are some dos and don'ts, of course, but the water from most freshwater fish tanks can be a great, mild, and natural fertilizer not just for your garden, but also for indoor plants such as herbs. Interested? Now considering buying some fish? Me too, actually. Here's what else to know...

How exactly can fish tank water help plants?

Here's the very simple reason why: old fish tank water contains fish faeces, which is mainly ammonia. This waste converts from ammonia into nitrite, all thanks to either the filter or gravel in the tank. And as we all know, nitrogen is a form of plant fertilizer. So, not only will this water hydrate your plants, but they'll get a much-needed fertilizer boost at the same time.

It goes without saying, but we'd only suggest giving this water to plants that are in need of fertilizer. Avoid pouring this water on plants that you've recently tended to — because excess nitrogen can harm plants, causing very rapid growth that may threaten the quality of your produce.

If your fish tank is placed rather close to the exit to your backyard, you're winning — this makes it a less stressful job of worrying about spilling this smelly water on your floors.

Better yet? This gardening hack doesn't just mean more water for your plants, but it means you're throwing away less water each time you clean your tank. Instead of throwing it down the drain, pour it into your watering can and make good use of it in your backyard.

Which plants to focus on the most when working with fish tank water? If we're thinking of the ones that will get the most benefit, then focus on herbs like basil, mint, parsley, coriander and rosemary. When it comes to vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, and cucumbers will love fish tank water. Your fruit plants needn't miss out either: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and citrus plants will all love this extra nitrogen boost.

Produce isn't the only thing that you can use this gardening hack for. If you have a rose bush or plant, then you're winning. The same goes for hydrangeas, lavender, marigolds, and geraniums.

Maybe now you can rethink the kids asking you for a pet once a week!

Final thoughts

It should be noted, though, that this isn't the rule with all fish tanks. Only freshwater ones. Saltwater aquariums don't follow the same rule, so we wouldn't use this for watering your plants since the salt makes it harder for the roots to absorb water.

Be mindful if you've recently added any chemicals or medication to your tank. If you have, check whether what you've added claims to be "plant safe". If you're still unsure, then it's best to avoid using it on your plants until you're sure it won't hurt them. Definitely avoid using the water if you've used any copper-containing treatments in your tank recently.

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• Spraying vinegar on keys: why it's so widely recommended and what it's used for
• 7 easy ways to make homemade fertilizer
• Do you have a ‘drawer of doom’? IKEA’s latest report casts a light on the clutter busters in our homes

Standard mopping often pushes dampness deeper into these unsealed gaps, leaving behind concentrated uric acid crystals and bacteria that release a stale odor every time the room gets humid.

Artificial air fresheners merely mask these trapped odors with perfume without breaking down the floor-level buildup. Applying dry baking soda along the base provides a direct solution, drawing out trapped moisture and chemically neutralizing the odor compounds at the floor line.

The science behind the hack

Unlike scented aerosol sprays that float a temporary perfume over a smelly room, baking soda permanently stops odors through a direct chemical reaction. The primary culprit behind persistent toilet base smells is uric acid, an acidic compound left behind as splashes dry out.

Because baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild base, it chemically reacts with acidic odor molecules on contact, neutralizing the uric acid into harmless, odorless salts. Beyond acid neutralization, sodium bicarbonate is amphoteric, meaning it can also neutralize basic odor molecules.

Its fine crystalline structure also acts as a natural desiccant, drawing trapped humidity out of floor seams and grout lines so odor-causing bacteria can no longer thrive.

Have a tip for stubborn bathroom smells? Drop your favorite hack in the comments below!

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• My toilet seat kept sliding everywhere — here’s the quick fix that locked it in place
• How to get rid of drain flies — follow these 7 steps
• 'I can't remember the last time I cleaned this' — 5 hidden dirt zones in your house and how to clean them

Well, I am here with a clever key-cleaning hack for those bundles of keys (like mine) that are screaming out for some attention. And it's not harsh; it doesn't require a lot of your time, and you probably already have what you need in your cleaning closet.

Interested? Here's what to do — and what to ensure you keep doing once a month, now, for clean keys and peace of mind that these are no longer a greasy, dirty addition to your handbag.

What exactly is the vinegar on keys hack?

Yes, you might have guessed it: vinegar is the genius ingredient when it comes to cleaning your keys the proper way. Why, you ask? Well, this multipurpose cleaning ingredient, though pungent, is a miracle worker when it comes to light rust, which may very well be hiding on your keys, especially if they are old.

White vinegar also cuts through invisible layers of skin oils and sweat, which you know will be straddling your keys post-gym session. And spraying it directly on your keys means that it will soak its way through the grooves and gaps to cover each nook and cranny.

Best of all? Vinegar is non-toxic, meaning that it's not going to leave anything bad behind — so if you're often handing your keys over to your little one for entertainment, there's no need to worry about chemicals.

How to use it? Simply spray your keys with a light coating of white vinegar and leave them for a few minutes for the vinegar to work. During this time, it will loosen any dirt, ready for you to wipe clean with a dry paper towel.

Final thought

Don't forget to thoroughly dry your keys after cleaning them with vinegar. Leave them out in the sun, too, if you have the time.

Don't use this cleaning method with electronic keys, obviously, as these have a chip inside that can be damaged by excessive moisture.

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• I've got a fly infestation — here's the hack I found to tackle the problem for good
• People are mixing coffee with Diet Coke (yes, really) — I'm an ex-barista, and I tried the viral 'fridge cigarette'
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Not only are they seriously annoying, but they're also disease spreaders, can multiple very fast, and some of them even bite (depending on the species).

So, when I realized that the fly situation in my home was getting a little out of hand, I wanted to make sure I did something about it. Fortunately, my social media algorithm must've heard me talking about the flies because it started popping up with solutions.

And there was one TikTok in particular that caught my eye. Here's the hack I've been using to keep flies away from my home – and it's a real treat to hear no more incessant buzzing.

How it works

Influencer @mrsclarehoops has over 250k followers on her TikTok account where she posts a variety of easy, thrifty and helpful crafts and DIY tips and tricks.

And she posted a video titled: "Today yrs old when you found this natural fruit fly repellent," where she holds up a little bundle of helpful, natural and eco-friendly kitchen staples.

Using mint, lavender, and rosemary, she creates a small bouquet to place around the home, especially in areas where you'd find food sources like the kitchen.

Flies hate all three of these items because they produce strong-scented oils and aromas that these particular insects don't like. Even better? It's also a great deterrent for mosquitoes, ants, moths, and spiders!

You may well have these in your home already, but if not, it's a great excuse to go foraging, ask friends or family, or head to the nearest grocery shop.

Other ways to get rid of flies

Using this TikTok hack is certainly not the only thing you can do to get rid of flies in your home though. Most importantly, you'll want to make sure that all your food is covered, your bins and any trash are sealed properly, and cleaning up any crumbs is kept on top of.

If you let organic waste litter your home, flies will come to feed on it. Take away their food, reduce the chance of them coming in looking for it.

Removing all of these things should do the trick, but there's always the little bundles of mint, rosemary and lavender to use as an extra layer of defense. And there's other kitchen staples to deter flies that you can try, too.

If you notice the natural route isn't quite working for you, there's always specific fly sprays and pesticides that you can turn to, if you want.

Ultimately, if you put in preventative measures in the first place, the flies won't come. It's only if you allow them into your home and don't do anything about it that you'll begin to notice them spreading fast. And I for one certainly don't want that.

More from Tom's Guide

• Expert shares clever ice cube hack that could banish flies from your yard this summer
• I finally banished fruit flies for good using this $7 gadget from Amazon
• House flies ruining your summer? Keep them out with these plants

Let me put you onto something weird: the "Fridge cigarette." I've seen this term used to refer to a cold, crisp can of Diet Coke, but recently, another meaning has arisen: Diet Coke + espresso. As director of The Coffee Lab and coffee nerd, I had to try this out. What do you mean, people are mixing coffee and Diet Coke? How can that possibly taste good?

To make it, I bought a simple can of Diet Coke and made a shot of espresso using my Breville Bambino. Then, I mixed them — simple as that. No fiddling with measurements or layering cream on top like Starbucks's Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

So, is the "Fridge cigarette" worth your time? Let's get into it. If you want me to try out more weird recipes, comment them down below, and I'll be sure to include them in the next Coffee Lab video.

How to make a 'fridge cigarette'

As I said earlier, making a fridge cigarette is super easy.

How does it taste?

It doesn't look appealing, but the fridge cigarette actually tastes... good?

If you like Espresso Martinis, you'll love the fridge cigarette. It took me a moment to identify the flavor — at first I thought Guinness, but then realized that wasn't the specific flavor I was tasting. It's sweet and vanilla-y, with a rich, malty afternote rounding it out.

I mean, it's not massively shocking. Diet Coke = vanilla. Espresso = coffee. Espresso Martini = vanilla, coffee. All the same flavors are going on here.

What about caffeine content? I mean, if you're super exhausted, this might be a way to bring you back to life. As soon as I drank about half, my hands started shaking, and I was acutely aware of the fluorescent lights in the studio. This isn't a drink I'd recommend if you're sensitive to caffeine. This is only for hardened caffeinators.

As always, let me know if you have any questions or if there are any other weird coffee drinks you want me to taste-test next. Stay tuned for the next episode of The Coffee Lab, landing at a YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram near you.

More from Tom's Guide

• Overwhelmed by coffee jargon? Here are the 5 key espresso terms you need to know
• I'm an ex-Starbucks barista — you can make the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at home for a fraction of the cost
• I tried Lelit's brand-new 'entry-level' espresso machine — and I wish I had $2,000 so I could buy it

Take it from me and tackle them now before it's too late. Don't let them grow wild, as it makes the job twice as hard. You should see my front patio — untameable is an understatement, and I just keep putting it off because truly, I don't have the right gear to get it done fast.

That was until I spotted Martha Stewart's gardening line at QVC. Filled with pretty necessities for any gardener, the weeding tool is truly what my garden toolset had been missing.

It's not too large to store in my busy shed; it's easy to handle and best of all: it's super versatile. So much so that Martha herself owns several; she proudly claims.

So, what exactly is the Martha Stewart weeding tool?

You can find everything from patio furniture to gardening gloves and more in the Martha Stewart Outdoor Living section at QVC.

This cultivator tool is similar to most other handheld ones; however, its versatility makes it stand out and is the real reason Martha loves it so much.

Martha explains that its design originates from Japan and its unique shape allows it to not only dig into the ground, but it can also be used to scrape weeds. It has a sturdy wooden handle which makes it easy to grip tight, too, for when you're working with tough roots or extra dry soil.

Martha continues to add that it's her absolute "favourite hand tool of all", claiming that it's super versatile. "I have one of these in every garden bag," says Stewart to QVC.

How to use the Martha Stewart weeding tool?

Much like any other cultivator tool, this is recommended for use to dig weeds out of soil. Its sharp point allows it to pierce into the ground, whether hard or soft at the time, and to scoop out deep-set weeds with ease.

Thanks to this sharp edge, you can even use this tool between tight paving slabs. It also works wonders in loosening weeds, not only digging them out.

This tool is easy to use one-handed, meaning it doesn't require a lot of elbow work, while it makes a quick job of de-weeding a space.

Once you're finished, go ahead and turn it over to its flat edge and use this to scrape these weeds into a pile. Handy for moving debris across your patio and out of your way, plus it won't damage your floor or surface.

Another way to use it? For seeding! Reviewer Dorothea claims it "works great for weeding and making rows for seeds".

JSYK: It might be worth considering which is your dominant hand, as this tool will be more convenient to use if you are right-handed due to its design and shape.

Don't just take it from us — reviewers love this handy tool, too. "Since receiving this tool I have used it non stop when working in my yard. Works great at up rooting my weeds--worth every cent!", claims shopper FLNonny. Another happy reviewer, glassiegirl, adds, "Where has this been all my life??".

There's more where this de-weeder came from, too, as shopper KS Girl raves, "Best garden tool I own. I won’t buy from anyone else that sells garden tools. Please bring us more Martha!". Yes, you can also buy a Martha Stewart 4-piece Trowel Set from QVC, plus a 6-set of Gardening Gloves, and 3 Garden Soil Scoops.

Would you buy this de-weeding tool for yourself or a friend? It'd make the perfect gift for a budding gardener.

More from Tom's Guide

• Stop fighting the climate: Expert-approved tips on how to plant for hotter summers
• 7 expert tips to make your lawn look amazing this summer
• Don't make a costly mistake: 7 signs your yard isn’t suitable for a robot lawnmower

Much like the Herman Miller Vantum gaming chair, the Coyl is the brand's first desk engineered specifically for gamers. It features a customizable modular setup, and while you can buy the base desk on its own, adding the optional cable tray and metal shroud completes its signature aesthetic. The shroud also opens up a pegboard-style ecosystem for extra accessories like controller mounts.

I’ve been using the Coyl Gaming Desk as my daily driver for a month for both work and play. It offers a spacious work surface, rock-solid three-stage legs, and replaces standard height-adjustment buttons with a slick rotary dial. However, it only comes in a single size, and installing the shroud prevents you from clamping a monitor arm to the back.

My Herman Miller Coyl Gaming Desk review will help you decide if it deserves a spot among the best gaming desks as well as the best standing desks — and whether its unique features justify its premium price.

Coyl Gaming Desk: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A premium, dual-motor electric standing desk.
• Who is it for? It’s designed for gamers but works just as well in a home office setup.
• What does it cost? The Herman Miller Coyl Gaming Desk costs $1,095, but you can also get it with a cable trough for $1,475 or with a cable trough and a shroud for $1,635. It’s worth noting that the desk is currently 25% off, which brings the price down significantly.
• What do we like? Using the rotary dial to adjust the desk’s height, the included surge protector’s coiled cable, the wide and easy-to-access cable management tray, and the three-stage legs.
• What don’t we like? The premium price, that the cable trough isn’t included with the base desk, that you can’t use a monitor arm with the shroud installed, that the desk only comes in one size, and how overpriced the accessories for the shroud are.

Coyl Gaming Desk: Specs

Coyl Gaming Desk: The Ups

From its modular design to its unique control scheme, the Coyl Gaming Desk has a lot going for it. However, it’s how these separate systems come together that really makes this desk shine.

Just a splash of red

At 60 x 28.5 inches, the Coyl Gaming Desk offers more than enough room for one of the best gaming PCs, a giant monitor or a multi-display setup, and all of your accessories. While it’s also available in white, walnut, and ash, most gamers — myself included — will likely opt for the all-black version.

Even if you go with the base desk without any of Herman Miller’s optional accessories, you still get an under-desk surge protector to plug in all your devices, complete with that iconic red cable true to the desk’s namesake. It adds just a splash of color to let you know that yes, this is in fact a gaming desk. Plus, no matter which desktop finish you pick, that coiled cord always comes in red.

For the optional cable trough, the felt front is either dark or light gray, depending on the finish, and its handles match the power cable’s shade of red. It’s a small but welcome touch, though you won’t notice it much while seated. When the desk is raised to its max height of 48.5 inches, though, those red accents really pop.

It’s also worth noting that the Coyl’s red accents, while slightly darker, are a close match to those on Herman Miller’s Vantum gaming chair — perfect if you’re thinking of pairing the two as a set.

On its own, the Coyl looks fairly similar to many of the other standing desks I’ve reviewed. Adding the cable trough and shroud is what really elevates the desk’s aesthetic. They aren’t strictly necessary, but without them, the only extra hardware features you’re getting are the inward-facing cable hooks on either side and the rotary dial.

Speaking of which...

Dialed in

Most electric standing desks feature an edge-mounted control pad with up and down buttons alongside several preset keys, though I’ve tested some desks that opt for touch panels instead, like the Branch Four Leg Desk. With the Coyl Gaming Desk, Herman Miller’s Devin Tran went in an entirely different direction.

To adjust this desk’s height, you place a finger inside the designated groove of its spring-loaded rotary dial and turn it. When you hit your preferred height, you simply let go, and the desk does the rest.

A small black-and-white OLED screen displays the desk’s current height in inches. Pressing in on the dial acts as a button to bring up the menu. From there, you can save up to three height presets, switch measurement units, lock the desk’s height, or set custom upper and lower height limits.

If you’ve been using a standing desk as long as I have, you start to memorize your exact sitting and standing preferences. What I really like about the Coyl’s dial is how effortless it makes those tiny micro-adjustments. On other desks, I often struggle to lock in precisely 28.5 inches — but with the Coyl, fine-tuning down to a tenth of an inch comes much more naturally.

Soft front, industrial back

If there’s one accessory I consider an absolute must when using an electric standing desk, it’s a cable management tray. That way, you don’t have to worry about your computer or monitor coming unplugged if their cords get snagged when the desk moves up or down. While I would have liked to see a basic cable tray included with the base desk, Herman Miller went above and beyond with the design of its optional cable trough.

From the front, it’s very inviting with soft-touch felt and red fabric straps — which serve as handles — that attach magnetically. Inside, however, the cable trough’s frame is constructed from sturdy metal, making it exceptionally solid.

Another thing I really like about the cable trough is that it spans the entire width of the Coyl Gaming Desk. This gives you more than enough room for the included surge protector and several bulky power bricks. There are also cutouts on either side and in the middle, allowing that coiled red cable to route down cleanly and stay as close as possible to your nearest wall outlet.

Given how easy it is to open and close, along with all of the space it provides, you could even use the cable trough for extra storage. With a mini PC, a soundbar, a Nintendo Switch 2, and a monitor on top of the desk, I only used about a third of the cable trough’s total capacity for the surge protector and their power adapters. I could easily put that extra space to good use storing items I occasionally use, like a spare mechanical keyboard.

Just like the rest of the optional accessories for the Coyl, the cable trough comes at a premium. However, compared to the metal shroud at the back of the desk, I found it to be far more functional and less purely aesthetic.

Coyl Gaming Desk: The Downs

The Coyl is certainly well-designed, and a lot of thought went into making it a more subtle gaming desk. However, it’s not without its faults — which include having to drill a few extra holes during assembly and the shroud’s functional shortcomings.

Not entirely pre-drilled

The Coyl Gaming Desk arrived in three large boxes alongside a few smaller ones because I tested the desk alongside all of its optional accessories. Everything was exceptionally well-packaged.

Unboxing left me with the desktop, cable trough, metal shroud, two motorized legs, and all the hardware required for assembly. Building the desk was fairly straightforward — right up until I needed to route the cables connecting the rotary dial and leg motors to the control box at the center.

Herman Miller pre-drills most of the holes on the underside of the Coyl. However, I noticed there weren't any pilot holes for the plastic cable management clips. On a budget desk, this is par for the course — but on a setup that can reach over $1,600 fully loaded, I expected every single screw location to be pre-drilled.

After mapping out my cable paths, I grabbed my power drill to drill a few pilot holes before screwing the clips in. Given Coyl’s price tag, I was also surprised to find a standard laminate desktop rather than solid wood or a premium veneer. In this case, though, the laminate worked in my favor — it’s one of the easiest materials to drill into, even if nobody buying a luxury desk expects to need power tools to finish the build.

A few pegs short

One trend gaining traction across both office and gaming desks is integrated pegboards for modular storage. However, unlike the Corsair Platform 4: Elevate — which features a tall, full-sized pegboard that extends well above your display — the Coyl’s metal shroud stops short. Very short.

I will give Herman Miller credit: installing the shroud is completely tool-free and ridiculously simple. You slide it over two metal mounting posts at the back of the desk and hand-tighten two bolts on either side. Once installed, however, it rises a mere three inches above the desk’s surface.

Beyond hiding cable clutter and serving as an aesthetic backdrop, the shroud is designed to host a line of proprietary plastic accessories that mount directly to its top edge. Herman Miller offers four options, ranging from a display stand to a round planter bowl.

The accessories function as advertised — I used one for the controller for my monitor light bar, one for my phone, and another for a gamepad. The issue is that on a 28.5-inch-deep desk, you really have to reach to access them while seated. Worse, they aren't included with the shroud; they're sold individually at a steep premium given their basic plastic construction.

You can use the shroud on its own, though, and I found its steel construction great for magnetic cable clips to keep charging cords within reach.

Then there's the Coyl's biggest dealbreaker: the shroud completely blocks rear-mounted monitor arms. Using one of the best monitor arms instead of the stand that comes in the box is standard practice for gamers and WFH professionals looking to free up desk space and give their screens that floating look.

While you can technically clamp an arm to the left or right side of the desk, doing so makes it almost impossible to center your monitor, as most arms lack the reach to extend all the way to the middle.

Coyl Gaming Desk: Verdict

The Coyl Gaming Desk is an exceptionally well-crafted piece of home office furniture with just the right amount of gamer flair for a subdued, modern battlestation. It offers rock-solid motor stability, sturdy three-stage legs, and a unique rotary control mechanism that makes fine-tuning your sitting or standing height effortless. While a single desktop size limits its appeal for smaller spaces, the finish options let it fit seamlessly into almost any room decor.

Where the Coyl falters is in its optional accessory ecosystem. The cable trough and shroud — alongside the signature coiled cable — are what give this desk its iconic look, robust cable management, and modular expansion. At a baseline price exceeding $1,000, it’s a tough pill to swallow that the cable tray isn't included standard, and that adding the shroud prevents you from clamping a monitor arm to the back.

If you have the budget and want a luxury, design-forward standing desk that elevates your space, the Coyl is an impressive performer — especially if you already own a Herman Miller chair to match. However, if you rely heavily on monitor arms or want a fully feature-packed modular desk out of the box without paying extra for basic add-ons, you may be better served by more versatile alternatives like the Corsair Platform 4 or 6.

I know what you’re thinking: boiling water solves everything! And I thought the same. I’d boil the kettle for a tea and sling the leftovers down my sink hole. But as it turns out, using this convenient ingredient to clean your pipes isn’t as clever as you might think.

In some cases, particularly for those with plastic pipes, boiling water can do more harm than good. “Boiling water might seem like the obvious solution, but it’s not always the safest option for your plumbing,” claims Ryan McNicholl, product advisor at Spares Direct.

Even if you’re dealing with drain flies, which are common this time of year, McNicholl advises against boiling water and recommends an alternative ingredient instead. “You could have a perfectly clean kitchen, but inside the drain there can still be a layer of organic build-up that attracts flies,” he claims.

So, exactly why shouldn't I be using boiling water down my sink holes?

It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. “Many modern homes use plastic pipework and fittings, which aren’t designed to repeatedly deal with sudden extreme temperatures,” explains McNicholl. “Over time, excessive heat can put extra stress on seals and joints, potentially contributing to leaks or damage,” he adds.

So it’s not a never-say-never situation, but if you’re doing it daily, then we’d suggest stopping ASAP.

If it’s flies that you’re worried about when it comes to your drains, McNicholl explains that “the moisture, warmth and trapped residue inside pipes create exactly the type of environment they look for, especially during the warmer months”. So adding more warm water won’t actually prevent flies from gathering. Instead, it’ll encourage them.

What to use instead? Switch your expensive, specialized drain cleaner for a sprinkle of biological laundry detergent, McNicholl recommends.

How to use biological laundry detergent to clean your drains

A small sprinkle goes a long way. “Biological washing powder contains enzymes that are designed to break down organic materials, which is the same type of residue that can build up inside drains,” explains McNicholl.

"Using a small amount with warm water can help loosen some of that grime and keep drains clean, helping to remove some of the build-up that attracts drain flies,” he adds. Plus, there’s obviously the added benefit of scent. Your kitchen will now smell lovely and fresh!

Before you start scooping or sprinkling, you’ll want to ensure that any debris like food leftovers is out of your sink and that it’s clean. Grab a tablespoon and pour 1-2 spoons of powder down your drain.

Then comes the waiting game — 30 minutes later, check back and see how things are looking. This should be long enough for the enzymes in the powder to work. Warm water is your best friend at this point (not boiling!) as you’ll need to flush your drain with lots of it. This really removes loosened residue.

Don’t think of this as a once-a-year cleaning job! “The key is being consistent with it. Waiting until you’ve already got flies appearing around your sink means the build-up has likely been there for some time,” says McNicholl.

Let us know if you try this drain cleaning hack — and your thoughts in the comments below!

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 pests that come up through your drains and expert tips on how to prevent them
• 7 things you should never put down the drain
• 13 things you should never put in the garbage disposal

If pulling the perfect shot or calculating the grind size yourself is simply too much hassle, then a machine like Nespresso's Vertuo Pop could be the right fit for you. By removing the complexities of coffee bean selection and the excessive cleaning that comes with owning a manual machine, Nespresso's capsule system takes the guesswork out of barista-made cups at home, providing consistent cups with the simple touch of a button.

And right now, Nespresso's Vertuo Pop machine is down to just AU$88 — that's 62% off RRP. This price is exclusive to the Pacific Blue, Lilac, Coconut White and Liquorice Black colourways on Amazon. You'll also need to act fast to score this stunning coffee machine, though — this deal’s only available while stocks last.

It's worth noting that this machine is rather fuss-free, and it's as simple as plugging it in, filling the water tank and hitting the button before sipping on your first brew. More often than not though, standalone Nespresso machines come with a sample pack of pods to try, but they don't always include a milk frother or extras to get your perfect sip sorted.

That said, plenty of Nespresso Vertuo models are sold in bundles, which include Nespresso's Aeroccino3 milk frother and, in some cases, a Nespresso-branded mug or tumbler.

If your budget can stretch to AU$179, you might want to consider nabbing the Nespresso Vertuo Pop and the Aeroccino 3 milk frother, with all the bells and whistles, in a fun Candy Pink bundle. This bundle also has the viral Nespresso Travel Tumbler, which typically retails at AU$42, and a fun canvas carry bag.

Not a fan of the Vertuo Pop's design? You might like the latest Vertuo model, the Up, which is discounted to AU$299 in White or Grey colourways. The Up also includes the Aeroccino milk frother and the sample pods.

I've popped both deals below if you're ready to upgrade your morning routine with this one-touch convenience.

Although I’m considering digging up some of my lawn and replacing it with a dry gravel garden, all is not lost. If you take this one action in August, you could be enjoying a green lawn in time for fall.

Don't give up — your lawn will survive

When I walk on my lawn right now, I feel sand between my toes and hear a crackle as the brittle blades snap. I’ve never known a year when my lawn has suffered so much.

However, by following this one lawncare step, you’ll be surprised how quickly your lawn can be transformed from an unattractive patch to a lush expanse of green.

But right now, you may also be questioning whether your brown, yellowing lawn will bounce back when it seems there’s no chance of survival. Jonathan Davis, grass expert at Lawnsmith, says don’t give up hope. “Most brown lawns are in fact dormant, and haven’t completely died back yet.

“When moisture is low, grass focuses its energy on protecting its root system, the beating heart of the lawn, so this is why color drains from the visible sward above the soil.”

And he explains that the lawn will begin to flourish once it receives adequate hydration. However, because the soil is parched, intervention helps to ensure water reaches the roots. If not, water will pool on your lawn and won’t be absorbed into the soil.

That’s where this lawn hack comes in; it helps your lawn absorb the essentials to bring it back to full health

Start by aerating your lawn

So the one task you can do this month to help your lawn absorb moisture is to aerate your lawn, and all you need is a garden fork. During the drier months, your soil has become compacted and needs to be broken up to improve airflow, water absorption and nutrient access.

Inserting a garden fork or lawn aerator into your soil creates many small holes that act as channels, allowing water, oxygen and nutrients to reach the soil and strengthening the root system.

Aerating your lawn with a garden fork

If aerating your lawn manually with a garden fork, Luke Taylor and Marc Kerr, in their book ‘Lawns: An uncomplicated guide’, $15 at Amazon, recommend following these three steps:

1. Insert your garden fork roughly 6 inches deep into the soil.

2. Push forwards as you remove the fork from the soil. They explain that this will help make the holes slightly larger, create additional cracks for aeration, and allow you to remove the fork easily.

3. Continue this process, spacing the holes around 5-6 inches, until you cover the whole surface of your lawn.

In addition to a garden fork, you can also use a lawn aerator, designed specifically for the job.

Test your lawn for compaction: Try the screwdriver test

If you want to ensure your lawn is compacted before you insert a garden fork across it, Laura Bradbury, head of e-commerce at Vonhaus, suggests trying a hack using a screwdriver.

She says, “Push a long screwdriver gently into a few different sections of the lawn. If it goes into some areas easily but meets much more resistance in others, particularly where furniture, paddling pools or heavy footfall have been over summer, the soil may have become compacted.”

And Bradbury adds that the screwdriver test gives homeowners a quick way to compare different parts of the lawn before committing to a larger job.

More from Tom's Guide

• Can you remove stubborn lawn weeds during a heatwave without ruining grass? A lawn care expert reveals all
• Want to keep your lawn alive in a heatwave? This clever landscaping trend could be the answer
• Don't let the heatwave destroy your plants — expert shares 3 top tips to do right now

While a sudden influx might make you think expensive chemical treatments or professional exterminators are required, effective management tools are likely already in your home. With simple household items and properly shielded traps, you can clear out lanternfly clusters quickly and safely.

Here's my DIY approach that'll help you protect your trees and reclaim your outdoor space.

More from Tom's Guide

• What plants attract spotted lanternflies? Avoid these 5 for a pest-free yard
• Are your tomatoes in crisis? Here's how baking soda and vinegar can save your crop
• This tiny pest causes the biggest damage to your plants — here's how to stop thrips

You must agree that for some reason, your nightstand is always insanely dusty, even though this surface gets touched frequently (read: the mess gets moved around) and used a lot, so how does that happen?

We all know dust settles more in the summer, mostly thanks to the extra air circulation and the best air conditioners working overtime. But there are ways that you can prevent heavy dust settling on your surfaces in the summer. So that you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the sun.

As discovered by Gemma Henry from Bensons for Beds, there's one decor item in your bedroom that could be the main culprit if you're struggling with heavy dust accumulation, especially in your bedroom.

And while I love a Sunday reset as much as the best of us, we can't all be hours cleaning our bedrooms once a week. So, here’s one way you can reduce dust in your bedroom.

What exactly do I need to remove to prevent dust build up in my bedroom?

Apparently, having a bedroom rug is one of the main offenders of dust buildup in a bedroom. And most bedroom rugs, although used for aesthetics or to cover old/ugly flooring, are placed underneath the bed — meaning that there are large areas of them that are rarely getting vacuumed. We don't have to tell you that this allows for plenty of dust to build up and allergies galore.

"Rugs, throws, upholstered furniture — all of these add a nice and cosy feel, but they are remarkable dust collectors. If you're dealing with serious issues or allergies, it might be time to rethink your textiles," says Gemma.

If you do really want a bedroom rug, it'd be smart to ensure it's either small enough to drag downstairs and shake frequently, or machine washable.

What else helps?

Keeping on top of cleaning in your bedroom is the main thing that will help when it comes to dust buildup. I know, as a busy parent, that this is easier said than done. So if you can't reach for your duster several times a week, here are some things to try instead:

Ensure that you clean your bedding frequently
Bedding needs to be cleaned once a week, especially in the summer. The same goes for cushion covers on your bed, bed spreads, and other soft decor on your bed frame. If it sits there often and is still, it's getting dusty. Don't forget about your mattress protector, too!

Remember your other upholstery
If you darken your room with help from curtains instead of blinds, then be sure to add these to your frequent cleaning list. Curtains harbour dust and each time they are opened or closed, dust will fall from them, landing on your floor or elsewhere.

Clean your mattress often
Every few times you change your bed sheets, it's worth grabbing your handheld vacuum and giving your mattress a clean. Since this sits in the same position all day, every day, it's a total magnet for dust.

Invest in an air purifier for bedroom use
Not only can this reportedly help you sleep better, but these are great for allergy sufferers, dog owners, and if your bedroom is carpeted. Mine is switched on all day, every day in my bedroom and helps a lot!

More from Tom's Guide

• From stained to spotless: The ultimate guide to removing coffee spills on clothes, carpets and more
• SharkNinja’s AquaReach just reinvented wet-dry vacs with an extendable wand
• I ditched my office chair for a week to test 3 'active' chairs — here's the one I'd recommend

So, when I discovered this genius weed-killer hack and quickly realised I already had the one ingredient it required under my kitchen sink, I felt like I'd mastered the game.

Usually, I tackle my weeds with a mix of white vinegar and boiling water. Admittedly, this method works, but it takes a few tries. It's great because it's completely pet-safe, but weeds do return rather fast.

I'll still be using this for my yard where there are larger patches of weeds, and where my dog often visits, but at the moment my front porch patio is out of control, so instead of vinegar and boiling water, I'll be giving biological laundry powder a try.

Yes, this recently viral weed killer hack isn't just convenient, but it actually works!

So what exactly is the biological laundry detergent weed killer hack?

Not only can this magic powder prevent weed growth, but it also adds a pleasant scent to your paving slabs. "Biological washing powder is something a lot of us already have at home, yet very few people think to use it outside," claims Bill Jarvis, an expert and co-founder of patio paint supplier Premium Paints.

"It can be a handy option for weeds growing in the joints between paving slabs, especially if you catch them before they become established," he adds.

This is a genius gardening hack for those narrow gaps in your yard where you've noticed weeds normally thrive. This way, you can easily stay on top of your tidy patio, and you won't find yourself panic spreading weed killer before hosting a family barbecue.

How to use laundry powder on your weeds

The first part of this task is simple. Sprinkle a scoop of powder over the weeded area and water it lightly. Leave it a few days to settle, and then dig out your (probably dirty, let's be honest) gardening gloves.

Then, you're going to need to get your hands a little dirty and go ahead and yank out those smaller weeds. "If you deal with weeds while they are still small, they are much easier to manage. Waiting until the patio is completely overgrown usually means a much bigger job," says Jarvis.

Once removed, give this area a good sweep to push away any debris, leaves, or even lost seeds.

"A lot of it comes down to timing", adds Jarvis. Don't let weeds get too big or you'll struggle to remove them and keep them at bay. This means that you need to treat those problem areas frequently.

This bio laundry weed killer hack might not be the be-all and end-all for larger patches of weeds. But it will be a game-changer for filling the cracks in between your paving slabs, to help prevent those pesky weeds from growing back rapidly.

Just don't forget to brush fresh weeds away as they form, as leaving them can spread them fast, and sweeping these hot spots can prevent deep roots from forming.

Let us know in the comments if this hack worked on your weeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 tips to banish weeds from your lawn that won't harm the grass
• This aluminum foil hack keeps birds away from grass seed — and it actually works
• 5 easy tips to fix bare patches on your lawn this spring

After having my two cats test this open-top litter box for several months, I can tell you it does far more than clean up after them each time. It uses an integrated camera and leans on AI to not only identify each cat, but to also flag subtle changes in their daily habits.

It’s honestly one of the best robotic litter boxes they’ve tested — and for a limited time, it’s $100 off on Amazon.

Open-air design makes it inviting

For the past six months, my cats were accustomed to Whisker’s Litter-Robot 5 tucked in the corner of our living room. But after I swapped it for the Petlibro Luma and placed the Litter-Robot 5 nearby three months ago, I quickly noticed that my cats were choosing the Luma far more often.

I think the primary reason is its spacious, open-air design, which feels much more inviting than the capsule-like drum of the Litter-Robot 5. Thoughtful touches like a removable step and a generously deep basin also make it effortless for them to hop in and out.

From a maintenance standpoint, it’s significantly easier to detach the litter box container from the base for regular cleaning — a welcome change compared to scrubbing out the fully enclosed globe of the Litter-Robot 5.

Built-in camera and tracking habits

With a built-in camera and the companion Petlibro app, the Luma does more than log my cats’ visits — it lets me keep close tabs on their health. This is what sets it apart from other robotic litter boxes I’ve tested: it actually identifies each cat individually and logs their weight after every visit. It’s so smart that when my cat Andy stopped using it for a week, the app sent an alert to notify me.

The camera isn't just there to tell my black cats apart or provide a live video feed, it also tracks their behavior, recognizing whether they're doing a #1 or a #2.

If you subscribe to Petlibro’s AI Standard plan ($9.99/month), you unlock in-depth AI waste analysis along with seven days of cloud video history. When using an ordinary litter box where waste is hidden or quickly scooped, subtle health changes can easily go unnoticed — making that proactive monitoring surprisingly valuable.

Air-purifier cleans up the smell

Another standout feature is odor control: it’s the only smart litter box I’ve tested that includes an integrated air purifier to actively neutralize smells after every visit. Small details like this go a long way, promoting continuous use rather than turning my cats away with lingering odors.

The air purification system kicks on right as the unit prepares for a cleaning cycle, doing an impressive job of keeping the surrounding room fresh. However, the compact design comes with a trade-off: the waste drawer is noticeably shallow. In a multi-cat household, I find myself emptying the bin more frequently than I would with larger models like the Litter-Robot 5.

Even so, my cats continue to use it daily. And with the current $100 off promotion, its discounted $499 price point is far more attractive than the $799 you’d spend on a Litter-Robot 5.

Not only are they lovely to look at, showing off their unique flying moves from hoovering in midair to flying backward, but they're also great pollinators, boosting your garden's ecosystem for the better.

But, while I've figured out the type of feeder I need, designed to hold liquid sugar water with flower shapes to suit their long beaks, I've also discovered that there's a sweet spot on where you should hang them – and fortunately, it's pretty simple.

So, if you're like me and are eager to attract hummingbirds to your outside space, here's everything you need to know about exactly where it should go for the best chance at attracting these feathered friends.

Where should I hang my feeder?

When hanging your hummingbird feeder, it turns out it's the height that's really important. For this, you want to aim for about 6 feet off the ground. This is a sweet spot for hummingbirds as it's high enough to stay away from predators (namely cats) so acts as a safe space for them to settle down and eat.

But, you want to make sure you're not placing it too high. This would put it away from natural food sources in your yard like flowers and shrubs, as well as opportunities for water.

They also won't be looking for a feeder up that high, especially if it's away from where they'd usually travel. As well as height though, there's a couple of other things to consider when hanging up your feeder.

Keeping it away from windows so they don't crash into the glass is also important, as well as putting it in a shaded area with a touch of sun so that the nectar stays fresh. If you leave it in direct sunlight, the nectar can spoil and make the hummingbirds sick.

Something even better you can do? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends growing specific plants to attract hummingbirds to your yard: "Hummingbirds prefer to nest near a ready supply of nectar and other food like insects, so you can encourage them to live in or near your home or business by maintaining some shrubbery and deciduous trees in which they can seek protective cover."

"As seasons change, it can also help to leave any leaf litter on the ground as it becomes important habitat for many of the insects and spiders they also eat."

What to put in your hummingbird feeder

Yes, hummingbirds like to eat leaves, spiders and flowers, but that's not what you should be putting in your feeder.

If you're wondering what you to put in them instead to lure in these little birds, there's plenty of advice online, but TikTok helped me out once again with some top tips. Creator @hiddenacrehome has shared a simple recipe with almost 80 thousand views and counting that seems like an easy solution.

All you need is a 4:1 ratio mix of water and sugar. So, with 4 cups of water, add 1 cup of sugar. Give it a good shake and use it to refill your hummingbird feeder whenever needed.

A sweet treat paired with a sweet spot should hopefully attract more hummingbirds to your yard, but you'll still need to have a little patience and be sure to keep the noise levels down. They scare easily.

More from Tom's Guide

• Don’t make this hummingbird mistake — why you need to think beyond the color red
• This one plant is the secret to attracting hummingbirds to your yard in September
• 3 easy steps to protect visiting hummingbirds from the summer heat

Although you can do something similar with one of the best standing desks by switching between sitting and standing, you might not be ready — or even want — to swap out your current desk. Plus, given a good entry-level, dual-motor standing desk costs around $500, that’s a big investment if you just want to be a bit more active while working.

To that end, I decided to try out three active chairs for a week to see how well they supported my body and my workload. Unlike a traditional seat, active chairs encourage small, continuous movements and micro-adjustments throughout the day. Not only does this keep your core engaged and improve circulation, but it can also sharpen your focus and help fight off mid-day drowsiness.

Here’s what it was like ditching my office chair for a wobble stool, a saddle stool, and a kneeling chair. While this experiment was originally supposed to last just a week, it’s now been two — and of these three active chairs, I’ve found one I’m sticking with long term.

Bended knees, better posture?

As the oddball of the bunch, I decided to try out the kneeling chair first. Although this design was invented in the late ’70s and first rose to prominence in the ’80s, it’s seen a massive resurgence recently as more people work from home and look for alternatives to traditional office chairs. Even as someone well versed in home office furniture, it took me a few minutes to figure out how to sit on it properly.

With a kneeling chair, you sit on the top cushion while your shins rest on the two smaller pads below. Doing so drops your thighs from the standard 90° angle of an office chair down to a 60° or 70° angle. This shifts part of your body weight onto your shins rather than dumping all of it onto your tailbone, which helps reduce lower back pressure and prevents slouching in the process.

I learned the hard way what happens when you slouch on a kneeling chair: doing so absolutely kills your shins. After that painful lesson, I made a conscious effort to push my glutes back, straighten up the small of my back, and use the balls of my feet to keep the rest of my posture accountable. This made working in the chair a whole lot more comfortable, though I found myself focusing just as much on my posture as I did on the task at hand.

Many kneeling chairs feature a curved wooden base like the model I tested. This made sitting upright easier while allowing me to rock back and forth to burn off extra energy— a fun mental reset whenever my work got tedious.

While I had hoped the kneeling chair would be my favorite, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. Still, if you struggle with lower back pressure and want an active way to force better alignment, it could be the right alternative seat for you.

Constant motion, fixed focus?

If you’ve ever seen someone sitting on an exercise ball at work, a wobble stool is the more professional (and much safer) alternative. While the kneeling chair gives you some limited movement, a wobble stool is designed to keep you moving continuously. It features a rounded, weighted base that tilts, swivels, and sways a full 360° — for better or worse.

A word of warning, though: a wobble stool is best paired with a standing desk, as they typically have a higher starting height than a traditional office chair. For instance, with the Secretlab Magnus Evo standing desk I used for testing, I had to raise the desktop up to 33 inches just to use the wobble stool comfortably.

Since you have to engage your core, lower back, and leg muscles to stay balanced, using one is a lot more physically taxing than a kneeling chair. If you’re wondering how wobble stools made the jump into home offices, they actually grew out of physical therapy and sensory education in the early 2000s. They are frequently recommended for people with ADHD or high energy, as the continuous micro-movements help channel extra energy into better mental focus.

Once I got my desk raised to a height where my forearms and monitor were in an ergonomic position, using the wobble stool felt far more natural to me than the kneeling chair. I really liked being able to rock back and forth or sway side to side for quick breaks while typing. I also found the weighted base to be a surprisingly comfortable spot to rest my feet, even if maintaining an upright, backless posture required more core stamina while doing so.

The wobble stool wasn't without its flaws, though. My rear got sore after prolonged stretches, forcing me to take a break every 40 minutes to an hour. Then again, taking routine breaks is something we should all be doing at our desks anyway, and after a quick stretch, I was ready to jump right back on. I also loved its space-saving footprint — it slid right under my desk out of the way and was light enough to move around my office effortlessly.

Saddle posture, perfect perch?

Although it’s a single seat, what makes a saddle stool like this one stand out is that there are actually two ways to sit on it: like you're riding a horse or in a perching position. While this makes it the most versatile option of the bunch, you do lose out on some of the dynamic motion you get with a kneeling chair or a wobble stool.

Just like those other alternative seats, the saddle stool has an interesting history. Back in the 1970s, a doctor noticed that equestrians didn’t suffer from the same back pain that office workers routinely deal with. However, it wasn’t until 20 years later that saddle stools became the gold standard for dentists, surgeons, and others in the medical field who need high mobility without a bulky office chair.

When using one of these chairs in its default saddle position, your spine is instantly aligned, which prevents slouching or rounding your lower back. Sitting astride the cushion automatically tilts your pelvis forward, locking your spine into a natural S-curve without needing a backrest. Like the wobble stool, though, you’ll need an adjustable desk since you have to raise your desktop higher to accommodate its taller height. When used in a perched position, a saddle stool offers more rear cushioning, but you have to engage your core and back muscles to sit upright with good posture.

Although I initially tried using this saddle stool as intended, I quickly switched to a perched position to give my glutes extra support. This turned out to be surprisingly taxing on the rest of my body. Even though I wasn’t in constant motion like I was on the wobble stool, making a conscious effort to keep my core engaged and stay upright wore me out fast.

When I swung the seat back around into the saddle position, everything clicked. Sure, my rear wasn’t quite as cushioned, but with my spine locked into a natural S-curve, the whole experience felt much more comfortable overall — mainly because I didn't have to strain so hard to maintain good posture. As for movement, saddle stools do offer some range of motion, but it is noticeably more limited. While I couldn’t sway side to side, I could rock back and forth ever so slightly. Still, the saddle stool’s instant posture fix more than made up for its subtle motion.

Wobbling won me over

When I first set out to conduct this experiment, I really thought the kneeling chair was going to be my top pick. Of the three, it looked the most comfortable and I had seen it getting the most attention online. On the other hand, I actually built and tried the saddle stool first, so I was already familiar with its design and limitations, though I hadn’t spent much time using it as my daily driver.

The wobble stool surprised me the most. Its seat is very traditional — we’ve all sat on similarly shaped stools before — but what really won me over was the total freedom of moving in a full 360-degree circle. When I was deep in focus on my screen, I could lean all the way forward without tweaking levers or knobs like I would on a standard office chair. Then, when I needed to sit back and look at the big picture, I could lean all the way back just as easily. That complete flexibility of movement felt incredibly freeing for someone tethered to a desk all day.

As you might have guessed, the wobble stool takes the top spot. I don’t plan on completely ditching my office chair now that this week-long experiment has stretched into week two, but I’m certainly not done with the wobble stool either. Thanks to its compact footprint, I plan to keep it stored right under my desk so I can pull it out to break up the day between sitting and standing.

These were the three alternative seats I had on hand after Uplift Desk sent them over for testing. If there’s an active chair you swear by or one you’d like to see me try next, let me know in the comments below.

As for me, I think it’s finally time to wheel the next ergonomic chair into my home office and give my core a well-deserved break.

More from Tom’s Guide

• I tried the Sonic the Hedgehog office chair — and it actually makes ergonomics fun (and fast)
• I ditched my office chair for the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen and it finally sold me on gaming chairs
• I’ve spent a year testing LiberNovo’s viral Omni office chairs — here’s my final recommendation

Yes, the experts at Premium Paints have found that mosquitoes, as well as being driven by scent, are also attracted to their prey by color. So if you’re constantly being bitten indoors, it might be time to try another method of repellent.

Basically, a fresh lick of paint in your bedroom could be the key to bite-free summer nights and a restful sleep.

It has been proven that these flying bugs are drawn to certain colors over others, so if you’re fed up with getting bitten all summer long, here’s what you need to know before buying any new paint.

So what exact colors do mosquitos love?

“While mosquitoes primarily rely on scent and body heat to find hosts, color can also influence what catches their attention," explains Billy Joe Jarvis, co‑founder of patio paint supplier Premium Paints.

He goes on to explain that mosquitoes tend to go for dark colors, “Shades such as black, navy blue and deep reds tend to absorb more heat and create stronger visual contrast, making them more noticeable to mosquitoes," he says.

What to opt for instead? This might be music to most people’s ears, but white is a great option. “White is one of the least attractive colors to mosquitoes because it reflects light and heat rather than absorbing it,” he adds.

He goes on to explain that lighter shades are a great choice, because they are less noticeable to insects.

Not too keen on basic, white painted walls? Don’t you worry. "If white isn’t your style, other light shades such as cream, beige, pale blue, and soft pastels offer similar benefits,” says Jarvis. “These colors can help create a fresh summer look while being less attractive to mosquitoes than darker tones.”

Now I think about it, my newly painted dark green en-suite (which I coated in Nomad by Coat Paints) seems to be the one room in my home that attracts spiders. Yet the rest of my home, which is more neutral (painted in Pampas by Coat Paints,) doesn’t seem to attract any small beasts at all.

What else in your home decor can help repel mosquitos?

We all know to stock up on citronella candles for outside and to invest in some decent lawn spray. But what else truly helps in peak season? "Paint color won’t stop mosquitoes on its own, but it can complement other preventative measures. Removing standing water, keeping outdoor spaces tidy, and using appropriate repellents will still have the biggest impact on reducing mosquito activity around the home,” claims Jarvis.

Try these two picks for some extra indoor and outdoor protection from these pests:

More from Tom's Guide

• There’s a surprising reason why your yard could be attracting mosquitoes — according to the experts
• I've been keeping my orange peels to repel mosquitoes — here's how
• How to banish 7 common summer pests without killing them

And all of that is before we discuss the launch of the long-rumored, much-hyped foldable iPhone Ultra — Apple's first attempt at a foldable phone. It's not clear when the device will actually launch, but at the very least, its reveal is almost certainly right around the corner.

In all, Apple is expected to launch up to eight different devices, from the expected new iPhones and upgraded Apple Watches to several new smart home-focused products.

Here's what we expect to see at Apple's 'Surprise and shine' September event, and when it's kicking off

When is the iPhone 18 event?

Apple has officially confirmed its "Surprise and shine" event will be held on Wednesday, September 9 at Apple Park. Although Apple normally holds its events on a Tuesday, the Labor Day weekend means it's being moved forward to Wednesday.

This has happened in the past, and the reasoning is that Apple doesn't want to ask attendees to travel on a holiday weekend. For example, the iPhone 14 launched on Wednesday, September 7, following Labor Day on Monday 5, and that'll likely be the case this year too.

The event is set to take place at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST and will livestreamed on various social media platforms as well as Apple's own site.

iPhones usually go up for pre-order the Friday following the Apple event, but this year that's September 11. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that pre-orders will be pushed to Saturday, September 12.

This year's edition will be hosted by incoming CEO John Ternus, and it looks like his tenure will start with a bang.

New iPhones

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

This year, Apple is expected to launch only its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. The entry-level iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Plus reportedly won't debut until next spring alongside the iPhone 18e model.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are both tipped to feature Apple's new 2nm A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island and Apple's new C2 modem. And both phones should get larger batteries.

However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max might have some exclusive upgrades, including a variable aperture camera and longer zoom. For more see our iPhone 18 Pro vs Pro Max comparison.

Unforutnately, analysts have predicted that the new iPhone 18 Pros could cost between $200 and $350 higher than the iPhone 17 Pro family.

iPhone Ultra

The biggest announcement of the Apple event is sure to be the debut of the foldable iPhone Ultra.

Leaks have suggested that it will have more of a wider shape, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with a 7.8-inch foldable display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. It could measure between 4.5 and 4.8mm when unfolded, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever.

It's rumored to sport a 4,883 mAh battery, the A20 Pro chipset, Apple's in-house C2 modem, and a Touch ID fingerprint scanner in the power button. The rear is expected to come with a pair of 48MP cameras, horizontally positioned like the back of the iPhone Air, alongside two separate 24MP selfie cameras — one for each screen.

Apple reportedly delayed releasing a folding iPhone until it could eliminate the crease in the display, but whether it's accomplished this remains to be seen. Even Samsung and Oppo, despite their long lead time, have only had moderate success.

One downside is that the iPhone Ultra could be very expensive, costing anywhere from $2,000 to 2,500. And a recent leak suggests that iPhone Ultra may not be immediately available, with only "extremely limited" availability.

Just keep in mind that the iPhone Ultra could have a number of trade-offs versus the iPhone 18 Pro, including the lack of a telephoto zoom.

AirPods Ultra

These ones are a little surprising as based on a previous Gurman report, we weren't expecting the AirPods Ultra until 2027 at the earliest. However, rumor aggregator AppleTrack just reported this week that the Ultra version of AirPods will launch at the iPhone event.

The big change with these headphones is they will allegedly feature a camera that will feed into Siri to allow it to "see" the world.

It would utilize a version of Visual Intelligence to let you ask Siri questions about your surroundings or get turn-by-turn directions from the more powerful AI Siri releasing this fall.

The AirPods Ultra has also just appeared in a leaked video buried within the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate, and it shows how they'll help you identify objects in the real world.

Apple Watch 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4

Unlike the iPhones, we know a bit less about the next Apple Watches. We are expecting two new models in the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

The leaks have been sparse, but Apple is reportedly not bringing many upgrades this year. The biggest change might be a new kind of band attachment. This does mean that your old bands might not be compatible with the new watches.

Reportedly, Apple could offer a ceramic case option for the first time in years. It should also sport new health and fitness-related upgrades. We already know that watchOS 27 will bring new AI features, an updated Workout Buddy and more useful data tracking. Plus, it should feature better integration with the upgraded Siri AI which we've already seen in the iOS 27 beta.

Smart Home

Apple's smart home ambitions and the rumors surrounding them need to be taken with a massive grain of salt. Leaks have suggested Apple is planning on introducing a suite of smart home devices starting with a revamped HomePod and an AI-powered Apple TV 4K streaming device.

Those rumors have existed for more than two years and largely feed into the company's promises around the AI-powered Siri.

However, this year with iOS 27, Apple may finally have the chatbot that was promised. If it actually releases and works as pitched, this year could actually be the start of Apple Home.

HomePod Home hub

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, long a reporter of the rumored HomePod updates, believes that a new HomePod mini could launch this September alongside the rumored HomePod Home hub.

Several different iterations of this device have been rumored, including one with a $1,000 robot arm. The most common version involves a wall-mounted touchpad or a HomePod speaker with a touch display about the size of an iPad mini.

This device would have a FaceTime camera for video calls and presence sensors to initiate smart home routines.

HomePod mini 2

A new HomePod mini might also debut, but it might not be as big of an upgrade as the Hub. Most rumors suggest that it will feature a new chip and audio improvements.

To be clear, this one feels even more far-fetched than the Hub; the HomePod mini 2 has been on our rumor radar since at least 2023. The current version debuted in 2020, and like the next device, is long overdue for an update.

Apple TV 4K 2026

Like the HomePod series, Apple hasn't released a new version of the Apple TV 4K since 2022. We're long overdue for an upgrade — even if it's only a more powerful chip for stronger performance.

Previously, it was suggested that a new Apple TV could feature the A17 Pro chip, but it's more likely it'll get the new A20 or, to save some money, last year's A19. The device should also get the rumored N2 chip for better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Outside of chips, the big upgrade would be Siri AI, which could let you connect the Apple TV as a hub for smart devices. One rumor suggested that Apple might release a set-top box with a camera, which would allow for FaceTime calls and gesture-based controls.

Will you be tuning in to Apple's event next month? Let me know which device you're most hyped for in the comments.

What we don't expect to see

Even with a huge event like this, there are still going to be devices that won't make an appearance. Due to staggered release schedules and supply-chain timing, Apple is spreading its hardware roadmap across multiple release windows over the next year. As a result, the following devices are unlikely to make any sort of appearance at the event.

• iPhone 18: Apple is reportedly holding back the base model until early 2027 to drive early demand toward the Pro models.
• AirPods Ultra: Rumored AirPods with cameras for Siri AI context are reportedly delayed until 2027 due to software and supply-chain bottlenecks.
• New Macs: Upgraded M6 MacBooks and touchscreen models are typically saved for dedicated computing announcements in October or later.
• OLED iPad mini: The next refresh of the compact tablet is slated for an October arrival rather than competing for stage time with the new iPhones.
• Apple Watch SE (4th gen): The entry-level wearable update will sit out this event, with Apple likely to focus on the Series 12 and Ultra 4 instead.

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Ultra leakers reveal new details around release and 'extremely limited' availability
• The 5 accessories that transformed my iPhone 17 Pro Max for under $50
• Ultimate back to school guide 2026: Laptops, Chromebooks, headphones and more

Better yet? You might just have some secret rust repellent hiding in your pantry. Rumor has it that dark molasses — or even robust molasses — can break down rust. Yes, this is the same ingredient that you’d put in your gingerbread come December.

This bittersweet syrup is a non-toxic way to revive metal garden furniture this summer. And if you already have a jar in your pantry, then it won’t cost a cent to try.

How do we know it works? Jon Saeed, co-founder and managing director at Lighting Legends, told us: “Things that contain acids are generally the best cleaning agents for this issue as acidity is what helps break down the rust, making it easier to scrub away.”

So, what exactly is the black treacle hack for rust?

We all know how easily rust forms on metal garden furniture, whether it’s from rain or moisture. And with that comes the difficulty of removing rust. “Rust on garden furniture can be a real nuisance and can instantly make chairs, tables and benches look old and unclean,” says Saeed.

Luckily, there are a few kitchen staples you can use to clean your rusty furniture. And apart from ketchup, dark molasses, more commonly known as black treacle, will also do the trick.

“Whether or not it’s easy to clean will depend on how long it’s been there for and how much of it there is,” says Saeed. “A light layer of rust can usually be removed with a wire brush or abrasive sponge, but anything that’s been left longer can be a lot more stubborn to remove.”

How to remove rust with black molasses

“Surprisingly, treacle works a treat, but it tends to work best for furniture that you are able to dismantle and soak,” explains Saeed.

When using black treacle or dark molasses to treat rust on cast iron or steel, it’s best to mix one part treacle with eight parts warm water. Give it a good stir and submerge the rusty parts of your furniture in this solution for a good few days — or even a week if you think necessary. After that, you should be able to scrub the rust away.

You might find that an abrasive sponge works well at this stage. Once the rust has gone, be sure to completely dry the piece of furniture before reassembling.

Who says this hack is just for furniture? You can also use it on pans, grill grates and more!

Citric acid will also work

"If you can’t dismantle your furniture, then creating a thick paste with citric acid is a better option,” adds Saeed.

He recommends adding 50-100g of citric acid to enough water to form a thick paste. This can then be applied to the rusty area and then covered with Saran Wrap. Leave it for four hours, then scrub it with a wire brush. Ensure that it’s totally dry, too.

Have you tried this rust hack on your metal furniture (or anything else)? Let us know in the comments below.

More from Tom's Guide

• This expert hack easily removes rust from your garden tools — and it costs less than $1
• 7 tell-tale signs that your patio furniture needs replacing
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Anyone who knows anything about coffee has heard of Moccamaster. The Moccamaster (specifically the KBGV Select) is the most famous drip machine in the world, and there's very little competition. Few brands can go head-to-head with Technivorm's industrial, hardy stalwart, arguably the best coffee maker of all time.

Mostly unchanged since its 1969 release, the Moccamaster does what many other coffee brands wish their flagship could: it has the best reputation in coffee. Whether this is from the industry-leading after-purchase care or the indestructible machine itself, I'm not sure. But people seriously love this thing. It's irrefutably "cult".

So enter the zippy young upstart — Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer. This model launched at the end of last year and was rolled out in 2026. What's the Plastic-Free Brewer got that the Moccamaster hasn't then? Well, the clue's in the name — it's not about what it has, but what it hasn't. Simply Good Coffee uses zero plastic in the brewing process.

Sure, this is all well and good — but what about taste? Let's find out which one makes a better brew.

Moccamaster KBGV Select & Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer: What's the difference?

While at their cores, the Moccamaster KBGV Select and the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewers are both drip/filter coffee machines, there are a few key differences.

These differences reside in two main areas: design and accreditation.

Obviously, the SGC Plastic-Free Brewer is that: plastic-free (well, low plastic). No hot water touches plastic anywhere in the brewing process — but it does have medical-grade silicone tubing in the water lines. Even so, I don't class this as "plastic" as it's not the kind of polymer that leaches into water or breaks down over time.

The SGC has plastic on the exterior to prevent burns. Seriously, imagine if it were completely steel. You'd need to go to the ER if you accidentally brush up against it after brewing.

Now, the Moccamaster KBGV Select has a plastic filter basket and a plastic destratification tube in the carafe. I personally don't mind this plastic — Technivorm (which makes Moccamaster) is a Dutch company, and the EU has seriously strict regulations on plastic. It's high-quality, non-leaching, BPA-and PFA-free — all the adjectives.

So what else separates them? The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) accreditation. Now, I don't think this is the be-all and end-all. There are more important things than an SCA accreditation. Taste, feel, emotional connection, secret ghosts inhabiting your coffee maker — whatever floats your boat (stews your brew? No. That's terrible. A career in stand-up comedy is clearly not for me).

If you do care about SCA accreditations, as I know a lot of coffee lovers do, you'll be more inclined to go with the Moccamaster. The KBGV Select has been SCA-accredited since the latter's advent in 2017, but the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer isn't yet accredited.

Moccamaster KBGV Select & Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer: So how does it taste?

The Moccamaster KBGV Select and Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer both make a rich, comforting, delicious brew with zero silt or bitterness. I would have no qualms recommending either of these machines for serious coffee lovers or newcomers alike.

There are a few main differences in flavor, though. Take a look at these two photos.

The SGC Plastic-Free Brewer has a "Bloom" function, whereas the Moccamaster does not. In simple terms, this function steeps the coffee in water before pushing more water through for a full brew. This allows the coffee to grow more complex and can bring out nuanced flavors in the beans.

As a result, the SGC flavor is a little more juicy and what I would describe as "coffee-snob" territory. The Moccamaster tastes divine, don't get me wrong, but it brews a cup I would associate with "I'm a real coffee drinker because I drink my coffee black" memes.

I know people take water distribution seriously, so here's a comparison shot of the Moccamaster and Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer filter baskets post-brew.

Honestly, there's no better or worse here. Both machines brew a delicious cup. I would be happy with either of these in my apartment. The Moccamaster is pure, classic coffee, and the SCG is a little more pure, classic coffee wearing a beanie hat and a flannel.

I would choose the Moccamaster over the SCG purely for the lifetime repairs (and, well, because the SCG isn't actually sold in the U.K. yet), but you wouldn't be disappointed with either.

Which brew appeals to you? Moccamaster or SGC? Let me know in the comments and stay tuned for next Monday's The Coffee Lab, on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

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But as you step out the front door, panic sets in — what about the backyard? After five months of feeding, weeding and watering your garden, you’ve neglected to plan how to nurture it while you’re away. Will it still be blooming when you return?

Here are four tips to ensure your garden will look just as lush as the day you left.

4 holiday garden mistakes to avoid this August

Beyond covering your patio furniture and packing up your beloved grill, there are a few extra jobs to tick off in your yard before heading on a vacation. Take it from me: I recently returned from a two-week vacation to discover a yard full of wilting flowers and overgrown weeds.

So, if you don’t have a trusted neighbor to step in, here’s how to hydrate your perennials the smart way this August, according to David Denyer, florist and garden expert at eflorist.

1. Don't leave your potted plants in direct sunlight

Even if you’re working with plants that thrive in the summer sun, consider moving them to a shady spot before you pack up the car. This way, they won’t dry or even possibly wilt while you’re out of state. “The extra heat and intense sunlight could dry them out fast,” says Denyer, so it’s best to be safe than sorry.

2. Don't forget to deadhead

Arguably one of the most important things you can do in your garden, especially if your vacation is longer than a few days, is to identify any flowering plants before you head off.

“Plants can grow at a rapid rate at times, and after some time away, we can return home to what seems like a jungle,” says Denyer.

If any blooms are faded or finished, go ahead and snip them off, always using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to avoid spreading disease.

This way, while you’re away, your plant can focus on the important things — like growing new seeds and buds.

3. Don't forget to give your garden a big drink

Giving your plants a generous watering the day before your trip will put them in a great position before you head off. So even if you can’t rely on a neighbor, you’ve got peace of mind that they’re hydrated.

Got any plants with saucers underneath their pots? Fill these with a little water for some bonus points! But be careful: “Soggy roots and overwatering can be a cause for concern, and potentially cause fungus gnats to appear,” explains Denyer.

4. Don't overlook self-watering globes

Self-watering globes are clever pieces of kit designed for a good reason — to drip-feed your plants water over a longer period of time. They come in different sizes depending on how long you’re away from home, but I always say the bigger the better, as the larger the globe, the more hydration your plant is guaranteed.

“Simply fill them up and pop them into the soil just before you leave, and they’ll do the watering for you while you’re on holiday,” says Denyer.

However, he says they are more helpful for indoor plants, as the size-to-soil ratio is more ideal. For outdoor use, he suggests making your own.

How to make your own self-watering globe

You can make your own self-watering device using a water bottle; Denyer recommends using a glass rather than a plastic bottle to avoid placing any microplastics in the soil.

“If you’re going to use this method to water your plants while you’re away, the best way to do it is with a clay spike or cone attached,” he explains.

“Simply screw or secure it onto the top of the bottle, flip it upside down, and stick it into the soil. By adding this, it means the clay will only let water out when the soil’s dry enough to actually need it, so your plant gets a drink only when it’s thirsty.”

You can also simply poke some small holes in the bottle cap instead, and the water will slowly drip out over time to allow for continuous hydration.

Gardening essentials we love

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Fortunately, I know that would be excessive, but that doesn't stop me from bringing some of them inside. Cutting fresh flowers from my garden and moving them into vases around my home is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. After all, why would I spend money on bouquets when I've got my own flower shop waiting in my garden?

But, I've learnt some hard lessons along the way, mainly when it comes to inviting bugs into my home riding the petals and stems of the flowers I want to enjoy. To avoid common mistakes, here's 5 top tips for bringing fresh flowers indoors.

1. Choose the right time of day

While you can cut fresh flowers from your garden at any time of day, there's definitely moments that are better than others. First thing in the morning or in the late evening are two of the best opportunities you have and there's a couple of reasons for that.

Firstly, you're doing it before it gets too hot or when the sun is cooling down. This way you're giving them a better chance of not wilting too quickly from the loss of water.

Secondly, insects aren't as active as these times of days so it's less likely that you'll be bringing them indoors.

2. Do as much of it outside as possible

When it comes to cutting fresh flowers, of course you'll be doing it outside at first, but you'll want to spend a bit more time out there then you might initially think.

This tip is a catch-all for the other tips I'm about to cover, too, meaning you should do pretty much all of the work outside. This will ensure you give any insects and pollen time to drop off in the best place – rather than inside your home.

3. Strip the lower leaves away

As you'd do with any shop-bought flowers, it's best to strip away the lower leaves from each stem. When you buy them, doing this avoids the leaves stagnating and rotting in the water.

When you're cutting them from your garden, this is also the case but with the added benefit of getting rid of any insect stragglers clinging on or any messy soil that could dirty up your home.

4. Give them a good shake

It's also a good idea to give your flowers a little shake, emphasis on the little. You don't want to destroy the flowers or risk shaking off the lovely petals, but you also want to give any insects the chance to jump ship.

It's best to do this with the flowers facing downwards as insects can easily hide inside the petals and leaves that are curled upwards.

5. Soak them in cold water

It's especially handy to have a bucket of cold water by your side when you're cutting your fresh flowers to soak them in. This will help give them a quick wash to remove any excess soil, insects, or anything else you don't want inside your home.

If you've had enough time outside, you can also put the bucket in your bathtub or even run some water into the bath to clean them for around 30 minutes before putting them in a vase. Then, you can enjoy your outdoor flowers without worrying about extra visitors in your home.

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Standard washing often leaves behind sweat and detergent residue, locking that gray layer into the fibers. Once I stopped relying on boiling water and harsh chemicals and switched to one easy pre-soak step, the transformation was incredible.

Here is the exact pre-treatment method I use to get them bright white again, without damaging the fabric.

Why white socks turn gray in the first place

White socks don't fade to gray from normal wear. They accumulate a layer of detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, dead skin cells, and mineral deposits from hard water. This combination sits on the fibers and creates that dingy appearance.

The fabric itself is still white underneath, it's just been suffocated by layers of buildup that regular washing cycles can't remove. That is why athletic socks that absorb sweat regularly, or any socks washed in hard water, are particularly vulnerable.

How to get white socks white again

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The secret to keeping your look locked in place comes down to how you prep your skin. From weightless base layers to sweatproof product swaps, here are the simple steps I use to keep my makeup fresh and let me spend my time in the sun with confidence.

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Fortunately, I married a plumber who's not only good at what he does, but he also has the mindset to fix almost anything around our home.

And while he might be fed up of me asking questions, I just can't stop. I've asked him to share his expert insight on 3 costly mistakes you could be making and he's given his advice on whether dish soap can fix your clogged drain, but there's plenty more to tap into.

Recently, after noticing the water wasn't coming out of our shower head as well as it used to, I asked him: "How often should you clean your shower head?" And he had some very interesting things to say about it. Here's his expert advice, shared without the housecall fee.

Why you need to clean your shower head

As I mentioned, I felt compelled to ask this question when I noticed the shower head wasn't expelling water out of all the holes. Or, if it was, some of them were spraying in a totally different direction.

When I asked him why, he explained: "The waterways are small, so they get scaled up easily and water doesn’t come out.”

And, if they're only partially blocked with debris and built-up limescale, that can easily lead to the waterway not working at all, or spraying out incorrectly rather than straight down.

But, while I asked if it was a problem with the actual pressure, he said it was unlikely: "Pressure and flow rate are different. The pressure doesn’t fluctuate like the flow rate does.

"Pressure is the force of the water through the pipe and the flow rate is how much water comes out. If you’ve got a shower head with 100 holes but 50 of them are blocked, your pressure is still the same but your flow rate is half what it should be."

How often should you clean your shower head

With these things in mind, it was clear I needed to clean my shower head thoroughly. After all, it had been a while since I had. So, I asked him, how often should I be doing it?

He advised: "It depends on whether you live in a notoriously hard water area or not as that changes how often you should be cleaning it. If it’s a hard water area, do it more regularly. And if you notice it’s getting blocked up, that’s the best sign to clean it.”

This means the answer can range from every couple of weeks to more like every month or so, but generally if you notice it getting clogged up then it's definitely time to give it a clean.

My plumber husband recommends Viakal or a white vinegar and water solution (which he backed up when I tried out this TikTok shower head cleaning hack) to give your shower head a good clean.

But, that doesn't always mean the problem will be solved, he says: "If you’ve cleaned it and the flow rate is still poor, it could be scaled up inside and will need replacing."

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Tomatoes thrive in slightly acidic soil, and if your pH drifts too far out of range, root systems lock up. You don't need to wait days for a digital meter or laboratory mail-in kit to figure out if your soil is off.

With two basic kitchen staples, you can run a quick, reliable test in under five minutes to diagnose what is happening beneath the surface.

How kitchen staples expose your soil's chemistry

Before altering your garden bed, you can use simple acid-base reactions to get a clear directional read on your soil's chemistry. Collect two clean containers and gather fresh soil samples from about three inches below the surface near your plant's root zone, removing any stones or mulch.

In the first container, pour half a cup of household white vinegar directly over the soil sample. If it fizzes or bubbles immediately, your soil is alkaline (pH above 7.0), reacting to the acid in the vinegar.

If nothing happens, take your second container, moisten the soil sample with distilled water until it becomes muddy, and sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda on top. Vigorous bubbling here signals acidic soil (pH below 6.0).

If neither sample reacts, your soil sits comfortably in the neutral range.

Why extreme soil pH starves tomato roots

Tomatoes require a specific pH sweet spot (ideally between 6.0 and 6.8) to efficiently uptake nutrients from the soil. When your baking soda or vinegar test produces an aggressive reaction, it indicates a significant pH imbalance.

Even if your soil is rich in compost or fertilizer, high alkalinity or extreme acidity chemically binds essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron. In alkaline soil, for instance, calcium and iron become insoluble, causing young leaves to yellow while leaf veins stay dark.

What looks like a dying, diseased tomato plant is often just a severe nutritional bottleneck caused entirely by the surrounding soil pH.

How to adjust your soil before applying fertilizer

Once your DIY test identifies which way your pH is leaning, you can take the best course of action rather than blindly adding fertilisers that might worsen the problem.

If the vinegar test fizzed, your soil is too alkaline. To pull the pH down toward the ideal range, you will need to work elemental sulphur or acidifying organic matter like pure peat moss into the topsoil. Ordinary leaf compost or straw won't be strong enough to break the alkalinity.

If the baking soda test reacted, your soil is overly acidic. You can safely correct this by mixing in garden lime, which raises the pH gradually without shocking the root zone, though small, careful top-dressings of wood ash can also work in a pinch.

While this kitchen hack provides a yes-or-no signal rather than an exact numerical reading, it gives you an immediate, actionable diagnosis so you can stabilise your root zone before long-term damage sets in.

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The Power Core costs less than $100, yet provides incredibly impressive performance and is easy to use. The large capacity means you can work in large batches, and the maintenance of the blender is really simple too.

Unfortunately, it’s extremely loud, and the motor creates a lot of airflow in your workspace. The limited speed settings could also put some users off, but I think it’s more than enough for home use. To find out more, you can keep reading this full Nutribullet Power core review.

Nutribullet Power Core review: Specs

Nutribullet Power Core review: Price & availability

The Nutribullet Power Core is available from Amazon U.S. for $99 and Amazon U.K. for £99. This is an incredibly affordable blender, but that's not unheard of from Nutribullet. In fact, they make some of the most affordable high-performance blenders, including the Nutribullet Smart Touch for $99 and the Nutribullet Pro 900W for $84.

If you want the option of smaller capacity blends, look at the Ninja Detect Power Pro with BlendSense for $179, which, like the Power Core, holds 72 ounces but comes with a 24-ounce single-serve cup.

For more control over blend speeds, check out the Tribest Backspin for $499, which has 12 speeds, or the Vitamix Ascent X2 for $549 with 10 variable speeds. In short, if you want more control, you need to pay more because you only get three speeds with the Nutribullet Power Core. That said, for everyday use, this is enough.

Nutribullet Power Core review: Design

The Nutribullet Power Core is a blender that will look good in any kitchen. It only comes in matte black, so if color matching all your appliances is a dealbreaker for you, this may not be the one (unless everything you own is black). But for most people, the simplistic design will be a win.

The jug has measurements up the side, so I found it easy to measure my ingredients as I went. The lid also has a small measuring cap that can be removed to add more ingredients, such as seasonings, as you blend. This was great for making things like dips.

Because of the large handle, the jug is very easy to hold and pour even when it’s full and heavy. Also, the spout makes pouring accurate, and I didn’t have any issues with spilled smoothies.

The blender uses a six-point stainless steel blade, and this was very effective even on tough ingredients like dates and seeds.

Controls

The Nutribullet Power Core is very easy to use. All of the button controls are at the front of the machine, and since it’s so cheap, it’s very basic. For me, this is great because I don’t think blending needs to be complicated.

The power button is in the middle, and to the left you’ll find a smoothie preset and a pulse button. To the right, there are three buttons for low, medium, and high-speed blending.

Nutribullet Power Core review: Blending performance

To test the blending performance of the Nutribullet Power Core, I carried out my usual tests and made a smoothie, sorbet, and hummus. When blending, the noise level reached a high of 101 decibels. This is around the volume you can expect from a lawnmower, and according to Hearing Loss USA, “anything above 85 decibels can damage the small hair cells in your ears and affect your hearing health.”

This is very loud, even for a large blender. In comparison, the Vitamix Ascent X2 reaches about 81 decibels. I would seriously recommend using a pair of Loop earplugs if you’re using this blender often.

That’s not the only thing — the motor base also creates a lot of wind. If it wasn’t for the powerful suction cups keeping it stable on my countertop, I’m pretty sure this thing would have taken flight. It blew around containers and papers on my countertop, which was just plain annoying.

Also, since the jug is so big, it would have been great to have a tamper so ingredients could be directed toward the blades when it wasn’t as full. I ended up having to push the sides down with a spoon intermittently.

Smoothie

I added a bag of berry smoothie mix, dates, sunflower seeds and oat milk to the blender and used the smoothie preset for blending. This did a great job of quickly dealing with frozen ingredients and mincing the sunflower seeds finely.

I was most impressed by how the blender handled the dates, as their naturally sticky texture often clogs blender blades and leaves chunks behind. There was some texture from the fruit seeds, but I was left with a smooth drink, and the blades didn’t clog. For $99, this is an extremely impressive blender.

Sorbet

Next, I blended up a sorbet. This allowed me to see how the blender would perform with frozen ingredients without adding liquid. I added a bag of frozen mango that had been thawed for 10 minutes. I used the medium-speed setting, stopping to push the mango down from the sides intermittently.

Since this is a thicker consistency than the smoothie, I spent a lot of time getting the mixture off the side walls of the blender. The mixture was mostly smooth with a few rogue chunks of mango, but it was good enough for what I needed.

Hummus

Finally, I whipped up a quick hummus — and I mean quick. I added two cans of chickpeas, lemon juice and some seasonings to the blender and used the pulse setting as I slowly added extra virgin olive oil. This only took a couple of minutes.

I was very impressed with the results. I had a mostly smooth dip with only a few whole chickpeas. For the price, I couldn’t ask for more.

Nutribullet Power Core review: Storage & maintenance

Taking care of the Nutribullet Power Core couldn’t be simpler. Everything is dishwasher-safe apart from the motor base. This meant I could just pop the whole jug and lid into the dishwasher and give the motor base a quick wipe down with a cloth. To clean the jug by hand, use detergent and a soft sponge, but be very careful with the blades at the bottom.

You need to be prepared for it to take up a lot of space on your countertop, or potentially a whole shelf in your cupboard. It measures 15.5 x 7.8 x 7.5 inches and weighs 7.5 pounds. The 72-ounce jug detaches from the motor base for cleaning and easier storage.

Nutribullet Power Core review: Verdict

The Nutribullet Power Core is an incredibly affordable blender that delivers impressive performance for under $100. This easy-to-use blender made mixing up large batches of my favorite smoothies, sorbets, and dips an absolute breeze. It completely blended even the toughest ingredients like dates, seeds and frozen fruit, leaving no chunks behind. It’s a must if you need a big blender on a budget, and it’s dishwasher-safe, so very easy to maintain.

However, you’ll need to protect your hearing with some earplugs because it gets incredibly noisy. I’d argue it’s louder than should be possible for a blender. The motor also generates a lot of air, making the surrounding workspace insanely windy.

With only three speeds, some users may feel limited, but for casual blenders, this is more than enough. For reliable and impressive results on a budget, this blender is a great choice.

It has some of the best features I’ve ever used on a robot vacuum, including extendable mop arms and a side sweeper, climbing technology, plus onboard cameras for enhanced object detection and even pet photography.

My only qualm would be the large size of the base station, which may be problematic if you’re short on space. But to find out more about why I love this fantastic robot vacuum, you can keep reading this full Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: Specs

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: Price & availability

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is available for $1,699 from Amazon U.S. or for £1,299 from Amazon U.K., where it’s called the Dreame X60 Pro Ultra Complete. You can pick up this vacuum in Black or White. This is the most expensive robot vacuum cleaner you can buy from Dreame, as it’s the flagship model with the most advanced features.

I’ve also tested a few other robot vacuums from Dreame, including the D10 Plus Gen 2, which is much cheaper at $299, but still offers impressive performance.

In the same price range as the X60 Max, the Roborock Saros 20 costs $1,599 and leaves floors absolutely spotless. For ease of use, I’d recommend the Saros 20, but the X60 Max offers more premium features.

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller than the X60 Max and the Saros 20, consider the Roborock Qrevo Curv, priced at $1,799, which features smart home compatibility and high suction power.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: Design

The X60 Max has the most futuristic look of any robot vacuum I’ve tested — and I’ve tested a lot. The docking station is large, but that’s a testament to its power. It measures 15.7 x 18.0 x 15.4 inches and weighs 23.4 pounds. It can automatically fill the robot’s water, empty it, and auto-empty the dust collection bin. It also washes the mops after use and dries them with hot air afterwards.

There are many robot vacuums out there with base stations that can take care of themselves. But these are premium models, including the Roborock Saros 20 and the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 ThermaCharged NeverTouch ($1,199), so you’ll always be paying a premium price for such features.

The X60 Max’s vacuum measures 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.5 inches and weighs 10.4 pounds, which is around the same as most other robot vacuums on the market.

The robot has a detangling rotating brush and two circular mop pads at the back, which clean using hot water. Much like other robovacs, the Dreame has a side-sweeping brush. But it stands out from the crowd because it can extend to 12cm and get into hard-to-reach places. The mop pads also extend to 18cm to hit corners with ease. This is the most thorough mopping I’ve achieved with a robovac.

It also has small wheels that extend underneath to lift it over obstacles. These include stairs or other immovable objects up to 10cm. This was impressive to witness in action.

The vacuum also comes with a small brush. At first, I thought this was to clean the robot vacuum — I pictured Monica in Friends, when she cleans her large vacuum with a handheld one. But alas, I was wrong: it’s for something far cooler. This small brush attaches to the vacuum’s arm to clean baseboards as it moves around the edges of the room. So I no longer have to follow up vacuuming with dusting. A real win.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: App

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: the DreameHome app is one of my favorites. When you initially set up the device, you get a walkthrough of all the functions — and this vacuum has a lot. But everything felt digestible, and it didn’t overwhelm me at all. With help from the app, this feels like an accessible robot vacuum for all experience levels.

From the app, you can control cleaning routines, patterns, suction power and water flow. Mapping is also set up within the app, and it’s easy to manage rooms by naming them, plus you can have multiple maps for different floors in your house.

The app is free to download from the App Store on Android or iOS.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: Mapping

Mapping on the X60 Max is very efficient. When setting up the vacuum, I chose the quick mapping option, and it took 10 minutes to draw up detailed maps of my home. This was easy and virtually silent.

I also like the mapping technology you get with Roborock devices, but the Dreame app is more user-friendly.

The Dreame robot uses ultrasonic technology to map the room and could even identify what type of flooring is in each room. This meant it knew where to mop and where to only vacuum, so I didn’t have to set zones manually.

Object detection and avoidance are also impressive. The X60 has a bumper but also uses dual 120º AI cameras to map its surroundings. You can also use the robot vacuum for video calls to check on your pets while you’re away, and it will automatically capture pictures of your pets while cleaning.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: Cleaning

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete performed best on hard floors, but I was very impressed with its performance on carpet too. It has a maximum suction power of 42,000Pa, which is very impressive. For example, the Roborock Saros 20 has a suction power of 36,000Pa. However, it’s worth noting that the 42,000Pa suction power of the Dreame is only active when you manually select the highest suction in the app.

Vacuuming

I tested the vacuuming capabilities of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete using our standardized lab testing criteria before testing at home. I was very impressed with its performance throughout — a testament to the 42,000Pa suction power.

Hardwood floor:

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete managed to pick up everything I threw at it. From hair to tiny seeds, the powerful suction proved that this vacuum really is worth the price tag.

I think the reason the vacuum was able to get every last bit of debris was the extendable sweeper arm, which made sure everything was rounded up from the edges of the room.

Carpet:

It even performs well on carpeted flooring. It suffered a very small reduction in performance with hair and larger debris, as is to be expected on carpet, but it still makes them look clean.

I was mostly impressed by how well it performed when picking up hair. When I tested the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2, it only picked up 40% of the hair from the carpet; it’s well worth splurging on the flagship X60 if you have pets who shed a lot of fur.

Mopping

To test the mopping capabilities of the robovac, I put soy sauce, mayonnaise and some mud on the floor and left them to dry. The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete did an excellent job. I couldn’t see any mess left on the floor, and when I touched the floor, there wasn’t any sort of sticky feeling that some mopping vacuums can leave behind.

The combination of the Dreame multisurface cleaner and the 104ºF water does a great job of cleaning the floor. Using hot water to clean kills more bacteria and makes it a lot easier for the mops to lift grime from the floor.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: Storage & maintenance

Since the base station of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is on the larger side, you need somewhere for the vacuum to dock that won’t cause a hindrance in your home. But it also needs to be near a power outlet, since the cord is only 3.9 feet long. This wasn’t an issue for me, but if you don’t have an outlet nearby, it will be tricky to set up the vacuum.

The X60 is very easy to maintain and can look after itself with self-emptying, cleaning, and drying for up to 100 days, depending on usage. The top of the base station lifts to reveal a clean and dirty water tank, and the bottom front panel can be removed to reveal the dust bag along with a small pot for detergent. It’s very easy to change the water and refill the detergent, so upkeep was a breeze. The bag is also easy to swap out with a few clicks.

On the robot vacuum, the anti-tangle brush worked well, and I didn’t have to manually clean off any hair from the rotary brush. It’s easy to change the mop pads just by clicking them into place.

The robot vacuum comes with replacement parts, including a rotary brush, sweepers and mops so you can keep the X60 Max looking brand new.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete review: Verdict

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete has become my new gold standard when it comes to robot vacuums. It provides exceptional vacuum performance and impressive mopping skills that can be modified in the user-friendly app to suit your home’s daily needs and schedule.

The smart features on the robot, like the built-in camera, enhanced object detection, extendable arms, and heated water mopping, make this a worthwhile purchase for anyone who needs an extra pair of hands around the house. My only issue is that the dock is on the larger side, but the size supports up to 100 days of self-maintenance, so it’s a good trade-off.

Where other robot vacuums feel like a useful addition to the home, this one feels like a necessity.