During this scorching heat, what’s a home baker to do? Having the oven switched on to satisfy a craving for sponge cake will have your air conditioning on overdrive, or your fan blowing around powdered sugar. But I won’t let the high temperatures stop me from baking, so I put aside my reservations and tried to make some cupcakes in an air fryer.

Could this countertop appliance that I rely on for crisping fries and grilling burgers bake a decent cake? The answer is a resounding yes, but you will have to make some changes.

Here’s exactly what happened when I baked a batch of lemon cupcakes in my air fryer, along with expert advice on mastering the countertop bake.

How I made lemon cupcakes in an air fryer

Lemon cupcakes are the ultimate refreshing summer treat and happen to be one of my family’s favorite go-to sweet treats.

I often search online for recipes, and I found an Easy lemon muffin recipe at BBC Good Food. What’s brilliant about this particular recipe is that all of the batter ingredients can be tipped into a single bowl and mixed in one go. You can do this by hand or with one of the best stand mixers; either way, as long as your butter is soft, you won’t break a sweat.

The recipe calls for a muffin tray, which is a non-starter for my compact Cuisinart Clearview Air Fryer. To improvise, I doubled up my paper cupcake liners for extra stability. Luckily, they held up well when I spooned in the batter.

After preheating the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for four minutes, I then carefully placed the cupcake cases into the glass basket, but I could only bake five at a time.

Knowing that air fryers run hotter and faster than conventional ovens, I selected ‘Bake’ mode, at 160°C (320°F) for 15 minutes — 20°C lower and 15 minutes shorter than the original bake time.

I had a massive advantage during this bake thanks to my air fryer’s design. Because of its glass viewing window, I had a full view of the action. Unlike standard air fryer models, I didn’t have to pull the basket to see how the bake was progressing.

At the 11-minute mark, I noticed the tops had started to brown. By 15 minutes, I was satisfied they were perfectly cooked.

What I noticed when cooking cupcakes in an air fryer

Although you can cook cupcakes in an air fryer, I did notice a few differences between this method and using a traditional oven.

1. You have to reduce the cooking time and temperature.
2. Forget about making a big cake.
3. The final shape is a little different and may need disguising with icing.
4. The bake was just as moist.

I’d be happy to continue baking in an air fryer, although I won’t be taking on any elaborate challenges. But be warned, even though they didn’t look as appetizing as when baked in a traditional oven, they still tasted delicious.

What do the professionals think about air fryer baking?

I was able to prove that you can bake a cake in an air fryer, though many factors differ from using an oven. To help you navigate them and ensure a perfect bake every time, I reached out to some baking pros for their insider advice.

Can baking a cake in an air fryer deliver the same results as an oven?

You can definitely bake a cake in an air fryer, but experts say it’s not a straight swap.

“The result is not that air fryers bake worse; it is that they bake differently,” explains Andreas Hansen, founder at Fritaire. “Dense, moist batters like brownies, banana bread, pound cake, and lava cakes perform genuinely well. Tall, delicate sponges that depend on a slow, even rise are where a conventional oven still wins.”

Isaac Bernal Carbajo, executive chef, explains, “The moving air shoves loose batter around before it can set, which is why delicate sponges and anything chiffon-adjacent are a bad bet. What you do get is speed, no long preheat, and a lovely crust on sturdier bakes.”

Minoo Mahdavian, founder at MinooMakesStuff, says, “Many people treat an air fryer like a multipurpose ‘little oven’, when it’s actually closer to a wind tunnel with a heating element parked right above your cake.”

How an air fryer actually works

It helps to know how an air fryer works to understand why it produces different results from a conventional oven. Hansen explains the three main differences.

Proximity to heat: “The heating element sits much closer to the food, which is why tops brown fast.”

Aggressive airflow: “The fan moves air more aggressively in a smaller chamber, which can pull moisture from the batter surface before the crumb sets.”

Rapid heat recovery: “The small cavity means temperature recovers very quickly when you open it, which is actually an advantage: you lose less heat checking on a cake than you would in a full-size oven.”

Are there any differences that would make the bake better or worse?

Because air fryers work differently from conventional ovens, if you follow the same baking temperatures for standard recipes, you won’t necessarily get the same result.

“The fan sets and browns the top long before the middle catches up, so you pull out something that looks gorgeous, cracks hard down the center, and is still gummy in the bottom third,” says Mahdavian.

Carbajo suggests making a few changes: “I usually lower the temperature slightly compared to the oven recipe, about 15 - 20°F. Start checking on the cake a few minutes early. Every air fryer behaves a little differently, so I suggest practicing once or twice to get the feel of it."

Apart from size, are there any other limitations?

As soon as you start baking in an air fryer, you’ll realize that your conventional baking tins won’t fit. When I made the lemon cupcakes in my air fryer, I had to swap from my habit of making a larger loaf cake and opt for individual paper cases instead.

Apart from downsizing your bakeware, what else do you consider?

Pan clearance and airflow
“The cake pan needs space around it for air to circulate,” says Hansen. “A pan that fits snugly will bake unevenly because you have effectively blocked the convection that the appliance depends on.”

Carbajo adds, “Even if a pan technically fits, if it’s crowding the walls or sitting too close to the element, it won’t bake evenly. I use a 6-inch round, anything wider and I’m just making a burnt frisbee.”

No bottom heat (in most models)
The lack of heat at the bottom of the air fryer can also cause issues with some bakes. Hansen says, “Cakes that need a strong base set, like some cheesecakes and fruit-heavy batters, can end up with soft bottoms.”

Batter height
If you’re hoping to bake a nice tall fruit cake or deep sponge cake, think again. “Anything that rises tall gets close to the top element and browns or burns before the center cooks,” says Hansen, “Low, wide bakes beat tall, narrow ones in an air fryer every time.”

When using an air fryer makes sense
Baking in an air fryer undoubtedly limits the scope of what you can make. However, on hot summer days, when you don’t fancy turning your kitchen into a sauna, an air fryer makes a good swap.

It’s also an ideal solution if you’re only baking for one or two people and won’t eat your way through a whole cake.

Air frying baking tips

To successfully transition from oven baking to air fryer baking, the experts recommend these five key adjustments.

1. Lower the temperature
Drop the temperature about 35°F (20°C) below the conventional oven recipe. “The compact chamber and close element run effectively hotter,” says Hansen.

2. Tent with foil
As air fryers can dry out a cake, Carbajo suggests covering the top with foil once it starts to brown to prevent moisture from escaping.

3. Go low and wide
Hansen says to go low and wide, and adds, “Two shallow layers bake far better than one tall cake, and you can stack them afterward.”

4. Don’t overfill
Air fryer bakes need more headroom than oven bakes, for this reason Hansen recommends to fill pans halfway to two-thirds, and no more.

5. Let it rest
“Let the cake sit in the residual warmth for a few minutes after the cycle ends,” says Hansen. “The small chamber holds gentle heat that finishes the center without further browning.”

6. Experiment
Be prepared to experiment and find out what works with your air fryer. Mantiri says, “Just like how ovens can behave differently depending on the brand, how old it is, or even the altitude you’re at, a similar thing goes for air fryers.”

More from Tom's Guide

• I discovered how to make homemade bread in my air fryer — here's how
• I’ve never given a product a 5-star rating — here’s why KitchenAid’s new stand mixer won me over
• Watch out KitchenAid! Ooni’s launching its second stand mixer, and at $599 its price matches the Artisan Pro

I love my Moccamaster. It's one of the best coffee makers in the world, by a mile. It brews consistently delicious coffee with zero bitterness, minimal silt, and looks darn cool while doing it.

However, not everyone gets on with Moccamaster as well as I do — and that's the nature of life. Some issues are integral, which means those people would likely be better off with an alternative. But some are super easy fixes — and two of these three issues are incredibly easy fixes.

Last week, I troubleshot three other Moccamaster problems: "too much plastic," "horrible water distribution," and the "hot plate burning the coffee." This week, I'm teaching you how to prevent the Moccamaster from "scaling easily," dealing with the Moccamaster's "high price," and my favorite question of all: Does the Moccamaster come in a single-serve model?

You said the Moccamaster "scales easily"

I loved receiving this question — because it's so easily fixed! The Moccamaster will scale up. Everything that touches water will scale up. Pretty much all water contains minerals, which create limescale.

However, this is super easy to deal with.

And there you have it! Super easy. Didn't I tell you?

You said the Moccamaster is "too expensive"

I wasn't surprised when I received this question. The Moccamaster is expensive. Personally, I think the Moccamaster is the perfect example of "buy it nice or buy it twice". I would rather spend $370 on the Moccamaster than buy a $100 coffee maker three times — but I know that's not realistic for some people.

Moccamaster also offers a 5-year warranty and lifetime repairs, which no other coffee machine brand has matched yet. Again, personally, I would invest in the Moccamaster due to this after-purchase benefit — but I know that's not realistic for some people.

Here are some coffee makers with a lower initial cost.

But Moccamaster also make a cheaper alternative...

You said the Moccamaster should make a "single-pot version"

This was my favorite question to receive because I have a definitive answer for this: Moccamaster makes the Cup-One, too! I reviewed the Cup-One last year and loved it. It's exactly the same as the standard Moccamaster KGBV Select — but smaller.

I recommend the Cup-One to anyone who wants the consistent, stress-free performance of the Moccamaster without being obligated to brew an entire carafe.

So that brings us to the end! I've answered all the questions you asked me. Any more? Leave them in the comments and I'll get back to you shortly.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Coffee Lab. I release a video every Friday on our Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried the new Nespresso summer flavors — here's my favorite
• Non-plastic coffee makers are trending — and this low-plastic Ratio model is my favorite for coffee snobs
• I tried Lelit's brand-new 'entry-level' espresso machine — and I wish I had $2,000 so I could buy it

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus does the one thing I know most new home baristas struggle with: dialing in. Ever wondered why nothing is coming out of your espresso machine, or it’s coming out like water from a newly unblocked pipe? It’s because you haven’t dialed your coffee in yet.

But Ninja said ‘No more!’ No longer do you have to waste precious coffee on figuring out optimal grind size’ The Luxe Cafe Mini Plus has auto-grind-size calibration that tells you the precise “click” you should grind your beans at. This is genuinely so helpful for newbies.

So, is this enough to make the Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus one of the best espresso machines? For beginners, totally. Say goodbye to coffee-related headaches (unless you’re slamming double espresso after double espresso, but that’s a completely different type of headache). Want to find out more? Why wouldn’t you? Keep reading this Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review.

Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review: Specs

Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review: Price & availability

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus is $499 from SharkNinja U.S. and £499 from Amazon U.K.. Although this looks like an objectively large amount of money, I can assure you this is actually reasonable for an espresso machine with a built-in grinder.

Ninja also makes the Luxe Cafe Mini ($459). The Mini doesn’t have automatic milk frothing. On the Luxe Cafe lineup is the Luxe Cafe Pro ($749), Luxe Cafe Premier ($599), and then you’ve got the eye-watering AutoBarista Pro ($949).

The cheapest setup I’d recommend is the Casabrews 3700 Essential ($129) and the Timemore C2s Chestnut ($60), which works out to $189. However, this is a hand grinder, so it might not be best for those who have no desire to spend ten minutes turning a crank (me included — I make my boyfriend grind my beans).

When you get into bean-to-cups, the price increases dramatically. You’ve got the Casabrews Marenza ($349), the cheapest bean-to-cup I’ve ever reviewed, but there’s a catch — the grinder hopper smashed after the second use, so I wouldn’t recommend it for longevity.

You’ve also got the Breville Barista Express ($699), one of the most iconic bean-to-cups ever made, and the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo ($699), the best-value bean-to-cup I’ve reviewed. The Luxe Cafe Mini Plus undercuts both by some margin.

Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review: Design

Just like the Ninja AutoBarista Pro I reviewed last month, the Luxe Cafe Mini is effectively a big plastic square. The machine gets the job done, but I don’t think it’s as pretty as the Breville Barista Express, De’Longhi Arte Evo, Lelit Mara X3, or the Fellow Espresso Series 1.

Of course, though, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you may totally disagree. That’s fine! Ninja knows what works, obviously; it wouldn’t keep releasing espresso machines with the same functional aesthetic otherwise. It must work.

What separates the Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus from the Luxe Cafe Pro or AutoBarista Pro is pretty obvious — its size. The Luxe Cafe Mini is 3 inches narrower, half an inch slimmer, and 1 inch lower than the Luxe Cafe Pro. I’d recommend it for small spaces any day.

There’s an LCD screen on the front of the machine: you can see your grind size and coffee settings here. It’s easy to change said settings: just twist the knob and press the buttons. They’re all labeled, and it’s practically impossible to go wrong here.

Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review: Espresso

As this is a bean-to-cup, I’ll discuss grinder and espresso here. I’ll go through milk performance later. The grinder operates at 71 dB, which is around the same volume as a running shower or a flushing toilet. As it only grinds for a few seconds, I’d say this is pretty quiet, all things considered.

Grinder

Unfortunately, you can’t set the grinder to whatever step you please. As the machine recommends you a grind setting, you can’t just go rogue and do what you want. As a result, I was only able to do a portion of my “normal” grinder testing. Obviously, if you’re making “drip”, the machine will suggest a much coarser grind size.

You get a dosing collar that slots into the grinder mechanism to prevent mess, too.

Normally, I would go through every fineness: Turkish all the way to cold brew. Here, though, I was only able to test the espresso-fine 12-step.

Here’s my standard uniformity testing. I’m looking for big jumps here: I want 0% to 90%. This proves the grinder is uniform, as all the grounds are the same size.

I would have liked to do more testing — but as I said, the machine only lets you grind on its recommended size!

As you can see, the grinder isn’t overly uniform. However, dialing in is super easy, as the machine does everything for you. No weighing or dosing or adjusting the grind. The machine takes care of all that headache.

Espresso

The Ninja’s espresso tastes fine. It’s not delicious, but it’s not disgusting, either. If you’re the kind of person who puts syrups or flavoring in your coffee, you probably won’t notice the taste flavor at all — but isn’t that kind of the point? The espresso tastes like coffee. Not massively nuanced or bright coffee, but coffee. It tastes like Starbucks.

As you can see, the shot is a nice caramel color with a layer of crema. The crema isn’t as creamy as I’d like, but it still tasted good. There was no nuance or complexity to the shot: it tasted like chain coffee. However, this is still good enough for most people — and without the dialing-in headache. It brewed 34g of coffee in 26 seconds.

I will note that the portafilter is tiny — just 53 mm. This means you likely won’t be able to get much aftermarket stuff in terms of accessories, but, again, I’m not sure that’s who this machine is aimed at. You do, however, get a dosing collar and a spring-loaded tamper as standard.

As I mentioned earlier, while the grinder isn’t “technically” perfect in the same way you’d expect from a standalone grinder, it’s fine for casual coffee drinkers who prioritize ease of use over coffee snobbery.

Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review: Milk

The Luxe Cafe Mini has two milk steaming modes: automatic and manual. You can choose from three levels of foam: low, medium, and high. Weirdly, the “medium” foam level is more like a cappuccino. It took 1 minute 49 seconds to heat a jug of milk to drinking temperature, which is longer than the Breville Bambino Plus’s auto milk frothing time.

Manual milk steaming works the same as any other espresso machine. I was surprised to see the Luxe Cafe Mini Plus has a super strong steam wand — much stronger than Casabrews alternatives I’ve tested. It’s around the same strength as a De’Longhi Arte Evo.

Here’s a photo of automatically frothed milk.

As you can see, the texture is okay. It’s not perfect, but it’s soft enough to achieve some latte art. There was a disconnect between the milk and froth, which resulted in a dodgy pour. I’d recommend serious home baristas foam their own milk, but newbies might find this super helpful.

Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review: Storage & maintenance

As the Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus is, well, mini, it’s a better option for smaller spaces. Although it’s not as small as a standalone espresso machine, it’s smaller than alternative bean-to-cups. Let’s get our comparison caps on! N.B.: the last model, Breville Bambino, is a standalone espresso machine. This is just for a baseline comparison as the Bambino is the small machine of choice for many. I’m aware they serve slightly different audiences.

As you can see, the Luxe Cafe Mini is considerably lighter than the other bean-to-cups. It’s also shorter and slimmer than all the others, but the De’Longhi Arte Evo is narrower.

I have no qualms about recommending the Luxe Cafe Mini to those who need a smaller espresso machine but don’t want to sacrifice a built-in grinder.

In terms of longevity, Ninja offers a 2-year warranty, which is the same as Breville and De’Longhi, so pretty standard. As the machine doesn’t come with cleaning products, you’d need to get backflush tablets and descaler yourself. These are $34 for a 4-month supply directly from Ninja. It does come with a water filter, though, which is nice!

Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus review: Verdict

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus is a fantastic first espresso machine. I won’t impress coffee snobs, but it will hit the spot if you value ease of use, simplicity, and consistency. The automatic dial-in process is perhaps the best thing for newbies. No stressing over why no coffee came out or why your coffee tastes like sour bean water. You do get a decent shot of espresso every time.

No, there’s no nuance of complexity in the shot. I use the same beans for all my testing, and they tasted like Starbucks rather than the snobby shop down the road. But is that a bad thing? Starbucks is popular for a reason. People love coffee that tastes like coffee. I personally wouldn’t get this machine, but I’m a coffee snob. Take what I say with a pinch of salt.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, you’re definitely the target audience for the Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus. It helps you make consistent espresso and milk. Coffee lovers looking for a one-ticket route to consistently great coffee? Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus.

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? Well, it is — and what better way to celebrate than by making your own delicious frozen treats? Not only will you effectively have an infinite supply of ice cream, gelato and sorbet on tap, you'll save a fortune in money that would have been spent at the supermarket too.

For this article I've picked out a selection of nine of my favorite ice cream machines from top brands like Cuisinart, Chefman, Dash and more.

All of them are available to buy right now from Amazon, and some of them have money off, too, so you can make even more savings. National Ice Cream Month ends next week, but with your own machine you can enjoy frozen treats whenever the mood takes you.

Your home should be a place where you can relax in comfort, but that can be difficult in the summer if you're struggling with allergies. One way to make things more comfortable is by investing in a good quality air purifier. These devices, as the name suggests, improve the quality of the air in your house, using filters to trap pollutants, pollen, and pet dander so you can breathe easily. As a nice bonus, they also improve the smell of your house by eliminating unwanted odors.

Air purifiers come in a range of price points and are available from brands like DREO and Dyson. I've rounded up some of the best that are currently available on Amazon, starting with a couple that come in well under $100 before moving on to more feature-packed options. If you want to freshen up your house, this is a great way to do so.

The Dualit Classic Kettle is a decent option for anyone looking to buy one of the best electric kettles and who wants a sleek design in their kitchen. It’s very quick to boil water and has great heat retention. The shape of the spout means that pouring is always reliable too, which is a real perk if you’ve ever experienced the annoyance of spilt boiling water.

However, it’s a bit pricey, and paying $249 for a kettle when you can pick one up for less than $30 from Walmart is a tall order. I also found the chrome finish picked up all kinds of watermarks and fingerprints, which was annoying, and it’s heavy to hold when pouring.

To find out more about my experience during testing, you can keep reading this full Dualit Classic Kettle review.

Dualit Classic Kettle review: Specs

Dualit Classic Kettle review: Price & availability

The Dualit Classic Kettle is available from Amazon U.S. for $249 and from Amazon U.K. for £159. The kettle comes in a variety of colors, including Chrome, Sandstone, Sage, Matt Black, Brass, Copper, Eucalyptus, Evergreen, Shadow and Damson. To check out all of these colors, you can head to the Dualit online store.

This kettle is on the pricier side, but it boils water impeccably quickly and has an undeniably sleek look. The Cosori Electric Glass Kettle is nearly ten times cheaper at $27, but it struggles with leaks while pouring, which the Dualit does not. I think it’s worth spending more on a kettle you know will be reliable to avoid any spillages.

If you want more control over your boiling to get the perfect temperature for your tea or coffee brewing, check out the Ninja Precision Temperature for $89. And for more control when pouring for things like pour-over coffee when using a Chemex, the $165 Fellow Stagg EKG gooseneck spout kettle is the way to go.

Dualit Classic Kettle review: Design & features

The Dualit Classic Kettle is more of a fashion statement than a home appliance. It’s incredibly eye-catching because of the intense shine from the polished chrome finish. But you need to love looking at yourself because while watching the water boil, I had a very clear reflection for company.

It measures 11.1 x 9.3 x 6.1 inches, so it’s the size of a traditional kettle, but a little taller than the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle. The Dualit weighs 3.5 pounds, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but when it’s filled with water, it gets heavy to hold.

The hinged lid at the top is very sturdy and takes a bit of a pull to open it. I didn’t experience any issues with leakage around the lid when pouring. The plastic window on the side is BPA-free and is clearly denoted with measurements in cups on one side and in Liters on the other.

The pour spout has a removable, washable limescale filter on the inside to make cleaning a little easier. There’s also a useful downward-facing lip to prevent drips from running down the body and making a mess.

The base of the kettle has a 3-foot power cord, which is a great length as it doesn’t get in the way on the counter. The base itself is quite chunky but looks very cohesive with the rest of the kettle. To prevent overheating, the kettle has a boil-dry safety cut-off.

Dualit Classic Kettle review: Performance

Overall, I was impressed with the performance of the Dualit Classic Kettle — you’d like to think so too, given the $249 price tag. The kettle has patented Whisper Boil for quieter operation, but at 63dB, it was around the same volume as the Fellow Stagg EKG and the Ninja Precision Temperature.

I was impressed by how quickly the kettle boiled water. When compared with the Cosori, it was much quicker. I tested the U.K. version of the Dualit Classic Kettle, which is rated at 3kW power, but the U.S. version is rated at 1.5kW, so boiling time may vary across the regions.

Immediately after boiling, the temperature read 210ºF/99.3ºC, just shy of the 212ºF needed for brewing a good cup of tea. I also took a reading of the water 30 minutes after boiling and was impressed by the 172ºF/78ºC result. This means the kettle can hold heat, so it requires less energy if you need to reboil soon after your initial use.

The kettle is accurate when pouring, and the shape of the spout avoids any drips or splashes. However, I found the kettle hard to hold when full, so it was a little difficult to manage when pouring, but when filled with only two or three cups, it wasn't too bad.

Dualit Classic Kettle review: Storage & maintenance

The Dualit is generally easy to maintain. You’ll often find yourself wiping down the exterior of the Dualit Classic Kettle with a cloth, since the polished chrome finish shows every fingerprint and watermark. I found this annoying as it made the kettle look a little unkempt.

If you live in a hard water area, you’ll also need to clean limescale out of the kettle regularly. You can use descaling tablets for this, or take a more natural approach with lemon juice. The limescale filter of the kettle is removable and washable, making it easy to clean regularly.

Dualit Classic Kettle review: Verdict

The Dualit Classic Kettle is a decent option for anyone with a modern kitchen looking for a fast way to boil water with a sleek design. The spout shape also means every pour is reliable with zero spills. I appreciate the heat retention of the kettle too, as it means I use less energy and spend less time waiting around if I need to reboil.

But some people (well, most people) are going to be put off by the $249 price tag when you can get comparable kettles that perform just as well for under $100, like the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle, so you’re paying for looks with the Dualit. Then again, those looks aren’t all that since you’ll spend a lot of time cleaning it because the chrome marks so easily.

The Moccamaster is one of my favorite coffee makers. No, I'd actually say it's my favorite. It has everything I like: a cool vibe, easy functionality, and consistent taste. Oh, and the best part? The lifetime repairs and 5-year standard warranty. Honestly, there's nothing I don't like about the Moccamaster.

But I know some of you have questions about the Moccamaster, and I'm here to answer them! I got tons of comments on TikTok, so I'm answering the three most-commonly asked questions.

So, if you want to know how I'd fix the Moccamaster having "too much plastic," the Moccamaster's "horrible water distribution," or the Moccamaster "hot plate burning the coffee," buckle in.

1. You said the Moccamaster has "too much plastic"

I both agree and disagree! Yes, it has a lot of plastic, but due to E.U. regulations, the Moccamaster only uses virgin, BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic, so none of this plastic will leach into your coffee. You also need to remember that Technivorm makes the Moccamaster in the Netherlands, and shipping a completely glass/metal coffee maker across the Atlantic would cost a pretty penny... and the Moccamaster already costs a pretty penny.

However, if you want as little plastic in your kitchen as possible — I don't blame you — then you might be a little more interested in the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer. I reviewed this coffee maker a month or so ago and I loved it. As it has a bloom feature, it makes a juicier, fruitier coffee, more attuned to what I'd describe as "coffee-snob coffee".

Although the SGC Brewer still has silicone and plastic on the exterior to prevent burns, it's much less plastic than the Moccamaster.

2. You said the Moccamaster has "horrible water distribution"

I also agree and disagree with this one. The Moccamaster does tend to "funnel" — where the water goes down the center of the filter basket and the coffee grounds climb up the side, resulting in overextracted and underextracted flavors.

However, this is less a Moccamaster issue and more a drip coffee maker issue. If you want drip, it's an occupational hazard. I've yet to use a drip coffee maker with zero funnelling. Even the "coffee-snob-approved" SGC Plastic-Free Brewer doesn't manage to distribute the water as evenly as a well-poured pour-over.

You can easily mitigate this, though. You need to grind all your coffee evenly using a good grinder. I'd recommend something like the Baratza Encore ESP if you can afford $199 or the Timemore Chestnut C2s if you don't mind hand grinding and you only want to spend $60.

Next: make sure your grind isn't too fine or too coarse. A coarser grind may be more inclined to funnel as there's more surface area for the water to burrow under. Too fine will create blockages.

Finally, this is what I would do after exhausting all other options. When you brew, don't put on the filter basket lid. Manually "bloom" the grounds. This means add a little bit of water, then stir, ensuring the water has saturated the grounds. Then, let the machine drip as normal. See the difference?

You said the Moccamaster hot plate "burns the coffee"

And I agree with you! The hot plate does burn the coffee. I never use the hot plate feature on mine. I always make a half batch if I'm brewing just for me, or make sure everyone gets a cup while it's fresh.

If you want to keep your coffee hot without burning, I'd recommend checking out Technivorm's thermal carafe, which is $84 from Amazon.

So, that's everything you asked me this week! Next week, I'll be answering more questions about the Moccamaster.

I release new episodes of The Coffee Lab every Friday on our TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and also here on Tom's Guide.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried the new Nespresso summer flavors — here's my favorite
• Non-plastic coffee makers are trending — and this low-plastic Ratio model is my favorite for coffee snobs
• I tried Lelit's brand-new 'entry-level' espresso machine — and I wish I had $2,000 so I could buy it

Having covered the Cuisinart’s Clearview air fryer when it was first released in May, I was keen to get my hands on the new release to see whether it’s as smart as it looks. With a clear bowl and open viewing window at the top, it’s no surprise how the company came up with the name.

However, my first thought wasn’t how well it would cook, but how dirty the clear bowl would get with regular use. If the appliance is kept on your countertop, which is bound to be the most common scenario if you use an air fryer regularly, would it start to look grimy after a few uses?

So far, it hasn’t been a concern, and I’ve really valued having a clear view of what’s going on inside the bowl without needing to pause to check.

Here I delve deeper into the Clearview’s performance and give you my verdict on how it stacks up.

Cuisinart Clearview review: Price and availability

I tested the Cuisinart Clearview 4-quart air fryer, which costs $139 at Amazon. You can also pick it up for $139 direct from Cuisinart. Cuisinart also produces a 9-quart version, but it has a slightly different design, and the cooking drawer only has a clear front. However, despite its larger capacity, it is a mere $20 extra, selling for $159 at Amazon.

How does the price compare with the Ninja Crispi? Although the MSRP is $179, you can currently pick up the Cyberspace Gray and Sage colorway versions of the Ninja Crispi for $159 at Amazon. That’s a pretty good deal, since you also get an extra 6-quart bowl included in the box.

The Clearview is still more expensive than the Cosori 9-in-1 Turboblaze Air Fryer, which is currently discounted to $89 at Amazon and features a 6-quart bowl and plenty more functionality.

Cuisinart Clearview review: Design

Although I have previously compared Cuisinart’s Clearview with the Ninja Crispi, they're not exact duplicates. Apart from the sloping front on the top, the Clearview takes on a similar form to most air fryers — you slide the basket inside. By comparison, the Crispi's heating pod is placed on top of the cooking bowl.

Glass basket
The air fryer comes with a square glass bowl with two handles on either side. I found having two side handles, rather than one central handle (like most air fryers), made it easier to manage when sliding and removing it from the base unit.

A PFAS-free ceramic nonstick crisper plate sits neatly at the bottom of the bowl, but it can be removed if you’re heating something like a pasta bake or using it to store leftovers.

Of course, if you use your air fryer every day and also tend to store leftovers, you might need to invest in another glass bowl. Although spare bowls aren’t available right now, Cuisinart has told me you'll be able to pick one up in August.

Controls and functionality

Controls and functionality
The digital control panel is pretty intuitive to use and easy to access. It doesn’t have as much functionality as other air fryers, but offers air fry, roast, grill, bake, recrisp and keep warm, which is enough for most standard needs.

However, I did miss the preheating and proofing functions I enjoyed using with the Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer. Although it lets you set two favorites, the temperature doesn’t go below 212º F (100°C), which is too high to proof dough.

Noise
For each cooking mode, I selected the highest temperature setting and monitored the noise output. The top temperature for air fry, roast, grill, and bake was 400ºF (200°C), and 300ºF (150°C) for keep warm.

The average noise level for air fry and roast was 67 dB (72 dB max), reducing to 64 dB for recrisp, and 56 dB for grill and bake. Keep warm measured an average of 41 dB.

I don’t think the Cuisinart Clearview air fryer is particularly noisy, and it sits in a similar range to the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, which takes the top spot in our buying guide.

Let there be light
There is one standout element about this air fryer that really captured my interest and got my husband talking. Having a clear view of what’s cooking cancels out my grumble about the lack of settings. There’s no need to keep pulling out a basket to check how your food is cooking and wasting heat since you can instantly see the progress.

What’s more, apart from the almost panoramic view of the bowl, you can also view through the top window and illuminate everything. Press the 'light bulb' button, and the internal light will stay on for 45 seconds, unless you remove the basket.

Apart from the standard food selections I cooked in this air fryer, I also baked cupcakes (I’ll be reporting on this soon), and it was here that the viewing window and clear basket really made a difference.

Cuisinart Clearview review: Performance

Meatballs

Meatballs are a regular on my family’s meal plan and are easy to cook in an air fryer. I placed 17 meatballs into the glass basket and selected ‘Air Fry’ mode on the control panel. On my U.K. model, it automatically sets to 180°C (350ºF) and 12 mins, but you can adjust the temperature and time by pressing the buttons on the left and right. The temperature can be altered in 5°C increments, and the time by one-minute increments.

You’ll also notice that the ‘Shake Reminder’ lights up and beeps when the cook is halfway through; if you’d prefer not to use it, just press the button to turn it off.

I adjusted the time to 10 mins, but kept the temperature at 180°C. I gave the meatballs a shake at five minutes, and they looked quite cooked, so I put them back in and adjusted the time to three minutes. I then checked their internal temperature with my Thermoworks meat thermometer to ensure they were cooked through, and then changed the setting to ‘Keep Warm’ until my pasta and sauce were ready.

Croissants

There’s nothing worse than a soft croissant, so I placed three decent-sized croissants in the basket and selected ‘Recrisp’. The automatic setting is 10 minutes at 180°C, but I reset it to three minutes to avoid a charred mess.

When the three minutes were up, I noticed slight charring on the tops of the croissants, but they were perfectly crispy and even more delicious when I added a generous helping of butter!

Crispy potatoes and fries

Potatoes are one of the regular carbs that I cook in an air fryer. With my first batch, I cut the potatoes into small chunks, leaving the skin intact, then lightly coated them with sunflower oil. I then placed them in the basket and selected ‘Air Fry’, leaving them to cook at the automatic setting — 180°C (350ºF) for 12 minutes.

At halftime, I gave them a shake and noticed that they still had some time to go; it was only at nine minutes that I saw that they’d started to crisp. After 12 minutes had passed, they were still uncooked, so I increased the temperature to 200°C (400ºF) and cooked them for a further six minutes. At this point, they still lacked the extra crispiness that I prefer, but they were cooked inside.

It’s a case of adjusting the setting to suit your preferences. I do also think that preheating the air fryer would help to speed up the cooking.

I also cooked some frozen fries, straight from the freezer. For these, I followed the cooking results on the food packet and set the air fryer to 200°C for 15 minutes, giving them a shake midway through. The fries came out hot and perfectly crispy.

Having become more accustomed to how the air fryer works, I decided to preheat it to 200°C before cooking some chicken pieces coated in breadcrumbs. And this was exactly what the cooking instructions suggested. I then set the air fryer to ‘Air Fry’ at 180°C for 12 minutes. There was no need to increase the timing, and I could see the benefit of preheating

Roasted vegetables

Just in case you’re worried about my diet and think I only eat carbs and protein, I chopped up some zucchini and peppers. I then gave them a light coating with oil and placed them in the air fryer on ‘Roast’ for 10 minutes at 200°C — the standard setting is at 180°C for 25 minutes.

I gave them a shake at 5 minutes and, at the 10-minute mark, added an extra two minutes of cook time. They came out slightly charred and soft without being overcooked.

Cuisinart Clearview review: Verdict

Having eyes on what you’re cooking is the standout feature of this air fryer, and it’s not just a gimmick. It really helps you check on the progress of what you’re cooking without constantly removing the bowl, releasing heat and interrupting whatever else you’re doing in the kitchen. I also loved the light that illuminates your food, and while it’s not intentional, it added a bit of fun to using the air fryer.

If you have a family, you may find the bowl too small for your needs. If so, you can size up to Cuisinart’s 9-quart ClearView, but the sightline isn’t quite the same. However, overall, it’s a good little air fryer. And despite my early reservations about keeping the bowl clean, it’s been easier to keep spotless than my standard air fryer basket. It may not be as cute as the Ninja Crispi, but it gets the job done.

Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. Black coffee. A good cast iron. A classic kettle BBQ — maybe, say, the Weber Master-Touch. Do you need any more?

Where I live, in the U.K., with our tiny gardens, small houses and very reserved cuts of meat (the spirit of rationing lives on), at least compared to the States, the classic kettle is the default grill. Obviously, in the land of eagles, pick-up trucks and Traegers, everything is a little larger: bigger gardens, houses and, of course, grills. On the ‘freedom’ scale, the Weber Master-Touch might look like a “my first BBQ”.

But what if you only have a small amount of space and need a compact BBQ? Could Weber’s latest kettle, with its reasonable price and fairly small cooking surface, still be the best grill for you? I think so. Keep reading my full Weber Master-Touch review to find out more.

Weber Master-Touch review: Specs

Weber Master-Touch review: Price & availability

The Weber Master-Touch is a fairly affordable grill, starting at $289 / £289 for the base 22-inch (57cm) model. The larger 26-inch (67cm) model, meanwhile, starts at $499 / £475. So, if you can’t afford to splurge $2,000 on our favorite charcoal grill, the Kamado Joe kettle, the Master Touch will still give you the bare essentials at a fraction of the cost.

You do literally get the “bare essentials” though. There’s no app, no electricity, no automated temperature control, no temperature food probes included. It’s simple and honest, and I find that kinda fun. I actually prefer using the Master-Touch to my tricked-out Weber Searwood XL 600 ($1,199) precisely because I have to do everything myself — plan heat zones, keep tabs on temperature, and carefully manage grill space. It feels like actual cooking, not just waiting for something to do the cooking for you. Still, if you do want more features, the Masterbuilt AutoIgnite Series 545 is only a dollar more expensive than the 26-inch Master-Touch, at $500.

Customization

A neat feature of the Master-Touch is the ability to customize it at checkout. You can choose from a range of different colors, including slate blue (which I chose) and a gorgeous burnt orange, among others.

You can then customize the color of the ash tray (or “One-Touch” cleaning system, to give its glorified name), which is a waste of money if you ask me; add premium stainless steel grates with a 5-year warranty (I tested these); and bolt on some accessories like a low-n-slow kit, accessory hangers, chimney starters, and more. I like that you can make the Master-Touch your own, especially as Weber kettles are so common where I live. It’s not something we see from other brands, like Kamado Joe or Traeger (although, in fairness, those grills come loaded with everything in the first place).

Weber Master-Touch review: Fuel

The Master-Touch is a charcoal grill, so fueling is pretty simple. Load up some briquettes or lumpwood charcoal according to your desired heat zones, fire up, and 20-minutes-or-so later you’re cookin’. I’ve also been adding small wood logs for extra smokiness.

While it lacks the immediacy of gas/electric or the fancy-pants-ness of pellets, charcoal is much cheaper than both. But it has one other key advantage, especially here in the U.K. — it’s incredibly easy to source. If you run out of fancier fuels, it can be tough to get more at short notice. I’ve run out of pellets mid-cook before on long smokes, leading to a nervous wait for an Amazon next-day delivery. And, recently, I had to do a frantic dash around several local gas stations to get propane for an upcoming pizza oven review (there are often summertime propane shortages where I live).

Charcoal, meanwhile, can be bought from every gas station, large grocery store or garden center here in Britain. That means, if the sun comes out suddenly and you find yourself without fuel, you can quickly grab some from down the street for an impromptu BBQ.

Weber Master-Touch review: Design & features

The Weber Master-Touch uses the classic round kettle design. I tested the 22-inch / 57cm barbecue, which is fairly compact versus larger, rectangular grills and smokers. This means it’ll fit on a moderately-sized balcony or in a small yard. I was able to position the Master-Touch in a small space between my lawn and shed, where it fit perfectly and didn’t overload our already tech-filled patio. 22 inches gives you easily enough space for at least a family of four, although I’d buy the larger 26-inch model if you’re planning on bigger cooks.

The main kettle lid features a slide-back rail, allowing you to flip the lid 90 degrees while cooking, to turn food or let off some heat if things are too hot. In the lid is an old-school analog thermometer giving you ambient temperature readings, although for more accurate measurements (especially when smoking or grilling large cuts of meat) you’ll want to invest in food probes. The upper handle features a heat shield, which is a nice safety feature, while the front handle has inlaid notches for hanging accessories — very useful.

Under the main kettle sits an ashtray, which employs a sliding vent system. This is called a “One-Touch” cleaning system, although it’s far from single-touch. The vent has two benefits: it’s part of the ventilation system for controlling your heat and flames, but also helps sweep fallen ash into the tray below. Under that is a storage shelf that doubles as a brace for the legs and wheels — I put my weatherproof Weber storage box under there, where I keep my probes, cooking utensils and heatproof gloves.

Build quality is mostly pretty good. The kettle itself, handles and trim, grates, and ashtray all use premium metal and black plastics, which feels high-quality and sturdy. The legs are made from lightweight aluminum, but they don’t feel weak at all.

The only things letting the Master-Touch down are the wheels. They’re super light and cheap-feeling, and don’t attach as securely to the legs as I’d like. They shake and bend a lot when wheeling the grill, meaning the Master-Touch is actually quite difficult to move over anything but perfectly smooth terrain. I get this grill is in Weber’s budget range, but the wheels still feel way too cheap for me — like something from a crappy $30 grocery store grill.

Assembly

You’ll need to assemble your Weber Master-Touch once it arrives. Mine arrived well packaged — the grill was free of marks or damage even though the box had been dented and squashed by the courier.

The assembly took me around 45 minutes, although I was going slowly as I was constructing outside during a heatwave here in the U.K., in 102°F / 38°C. Everything was clearly labelled and the instructions were very easy to follow. There’s a plastic hex key included, which will essentially cover your whole build. It’s a bit slow, so I got out my motorcycle tool kit and used a ratchet. Weber advises against using power tools, as these make it very easy to overtighten and ruin nuts/bolts.

Weber Master-Touch review: Controls

The Master-Touch is a basic BBQ with equally basic controls, so it’ll suit newcomers to grilling. You’ve got a vent on top and a vent at the base, which you use to control airflow and heat. It’ll take a bit of trial and error to figure out how to use these for consistent heat, and a lot of that will be down to fueling, but that’s all part of the fun. As I mentioned above, there’s an ambient temperature gauge on top which is extremely useful for regulating heat. The temperature dial is very responsive too, and moves quickly as the internal heat changes.

Unlike other Weber grills, like my Searwood XL 600, the Master-Touch has no electrical components and therefore no wireless connectivity and heat control. This is the one thing I really missed. I love controlling my Searwood from inside the house or, yes, the pub, using Weber’s fantastic companion app. But the Master-Touch simply isn’t that kind of grill.

Weber Master-Touch review: Performance

The Master-Touch is a kettle grill, and it performs like, well, pretty much every other kettle grill. It’ll happily get up to 750F/400C or higher if you fuel it accordingly, making it a monster for those quick, powerful sears.

If you’re just cooking on high heat, it’s a very straightforward and competent grill. The 22-inch cooking surface was enough space for me to simultaneously cook around 2lbs of chicken wings, several slices of pork belly, two burgers, two veggie skewers and two corns. Admittedly, space was a little tight — I had 4.5lbs of chicken in total, which had to be done in two batches — but I managed.

I arranged the fuel half-and-half for direct/indirect heat underneath the cooking grill. I had direct heat on one half at around 480-525F / 250-275C, with a lower indirect heat on the other half to slowly cook through the riskier meats. The fuel grate is positioned at the ideal level below the main grate — you only need a single layer of charcoal to get to 480F / 250C and higher under the cooking grate, enough for strong sears.

22 inches is (just) enough cooking space to let you get creative with your charcoal layout and create different heating zones. This is especially important for smoking, where you can use various layouts (like the charcoal snake method) to channel the fuel burn along a route, creating lower heat and smoke for longer. If you’re going to be smoking more, the 26-inch model will give you more space for your layouts, and is what I’d recommend.

The ambient temperature dial on the top of the kettle is also a great help for smoking, letting you keep an eye on temperature, although again, you’ll want meat probes to smoke accurately.

For any serious smoking, though, I would advise investing in a dedicated smoker like the Searwood XL 600, Kamado Joe, or Traegar Woodridge Pro ($999). Although pricey, these have features to make smoking much more accurate and consistent, while giving more control over taste — I’m talking real-time handling of fuel burn, smoke levels and temperature, etc. They also have apps, so you can control everything from afar. However, if, like me, you only smoke food occasionally, but mostly use a grill for searing, the Master-Touch is more than adequate.

Weber Master-Touch review: Storage & maintenance

As I mentioned earlier, as far as grills go, the Master-Touch is fairly compact, making it easy to stash away in a neat spot on your patio, or under cover in your shed or garage. Weber gear is designed to withstand being kept outdoors, and indeed my Searwood has lived outside, uncovered for around a year, with only a modicum of rust showing up. Ideally, though, you’d want to store the Master-Touch (or any grill) under a cover to shield it from the elements.

The Master-Touch benefits from Weber’s generous warranty: 10 years on the bowl and lid; 5 years on the ash tray system and plastic components; and 2 years on everything else. Opt for the upgraded stainless grates, though, and those come with a 5-year warranty.

Maintenance is easy — another benefit of small grills. Clear the fuel out, dump the ash using the “One-Touch” system (which you’ll need to slide back and forth… around 10-15 times), then remove and clean the grills with BBQ cleaner, before repeating on the kettle and lid. I use Weber’s wire brush to remove large debris from the grill, then give it a good spray and wipe. For tougher-to-shift muck, I’ve put the grills in my dishwasher, which they can stand up to due to being stainless, but will discolor them over time (I don’t care, though, as they get blackened during cooking anyway). It took me around 10-15 minutes for a quick clean when I knew I was cooking again the next day, and around 30 minutes for a deeper clean.

Listen, I’m not moaning, because this was an easy grill to clean. But as you can see, to call it “One-Touch” is incredibly ambitious, to say the least.

Weber Master-Touch review: Verdict

Like I said earlier, there’s value in simplicity. The Weber Master-Touch is a simple kettle grill with a few quality-of-life features. That means it’s not going to wow you with modern features, but it also makes it difficult to go wrong.

The Master-Touch cooks great, is customizable, and easy to both store and maintain. It gives you just enough space to get creative with fueling, allowing different temperature zones and smoking. And it gets super hot to put beautiful sears on food. Sure, the wheels feel a little flimsy, but the rest of the grill is built extremely well, and besides, the Master-Touch is an affordable grill.

I've been using the Master-Touch all summer here in the U.K., where we've had a heatwave (reaching up to 102F). Cooking inside in such conditions is awful (we don't have AC in our homes here), and I've really appreciate having the Master-Touch — its small size, quick heat up and ease-of-cleaning has let me cook al-fresco quickly and easily.

If it’s a compact, affordable but quality grilling solution you’re after for this summer, the Weber Master-Touch comes highly recommended by me.

If you live anywhere in the Northeast, you've probably already noticed the hazy skies and lingering campfire smell when you step outside. This is due to the unfortunate wildfires currently happening in Canada.

With smoke continuing to drift into the region, there's now an air quality alert in effect in many areas. This can be extra concerning for those with allergies or respiratory issues — which is why I've been on the hunt for the best air purifier deals to keep indoor air as clean as possible.

Our team of home experts have tested some of the best air purifiers on the market — and many of our top picks just so happen to be on sale at Amazon now. In fact, popular brands like Blueair, Shark and Coway have deals starting at just $74. Plus, you can get a free Coway Aim ($149 value) when you purchase an eligible air purifier at Coway. Keep scrolling to check out our favorite air purifiers that can help you breathe a bit easier.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon air purifier deals
• Coway Aim: free w/ select Coway purchase @ Coway
• Levoit Core Smart Air Purifier 200S-P: was $89 now $74
• BlueAir Blue Pure 511i Max: was $139 now $99
• Shark Never Change Air Purifier: was $179 now $148
• Coway Airmega AP-1512HH: was $229 now $168
• Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier MAX: was $329 now $229
• Windmill Air Purifier: was $399 now $299
• Blueair Blue Signature: was $449 now $337

Best Air Purifier Deals

More Deals

Is there anything better than that first morning cup of coffee? A great cup of joe will wake you up and get you ready for the day ahead, all while tasting delicious. But if you're a serious fan then you'll know how borderline impossible it is to get a decent cup from shop-bought instant coffee.

That's where investing in a coffee machine comes in. A good espresso machine or drip coffee machine is an instant upgrade. They're also a great way to save money that you'd otherwise spend at your local coffee shop.

If you're looking to add one to your kitchen, then now is a great time to buy. De'Longhi is one of the best brands on the market and loads of its machines are on sale right now at Amazon. Check out the nine picks below, from good value budget offerings all the way up to feature-packed high-end models.

I have a strong feeling that how we use microwaves is about to change forever — and when I mention the name Ninja, you probably won’t be surprised.

The brand, known for dominating our countertops with some of the best air fryers, blenders and coffee machines, has never entered the microwave market, that is, until now.

Today, Ninja is once again shaking up modern cooking with the U.S. launch of the Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer, available for $449 at SharkNinja. It’s the anchor product behind the brand’s new summer product lineup, which also introduces the Ninja Crispi DualZone and Ninja Multipot.

Putting an end to "soggy" microwave meals

It’s a significant leap for Ninja and one that I’ll be closely watching to see how it impacts the microwave market, including whether other kitchen appliance brands follow suit.

To put my interest into context, I’m a child of the ‘70s. I vividly remember my family’s awe when we got our first microwave. While my mom tried to cook everything in this ‘miracle’ oven, including roast chicken and meringue. I can clearly recall the artificial browning she used to color the pale chicken and the black carbon bottoms of her failed meringues.

Unsurprisingly, I’m far more conservative with my microwave adventures, and like most of us, I use it for simple tasks, such as defrosting, softening butter and warming up food.

But according to Ninja, those days are over, and the “soggy microwave problem we’ve accepted for years has officially been solved,” without sacrificing speed or texture.

The tech behind the appliance

The secret behind Ninja’s appliance is FusionCrisp Technology — combining microwave speed with superheated, cyclonic air at temperatures up to 450°F.

So how exactly does this work? The Ninji Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer starts by microwaving the food from the inside, then switches to air frying to produce a crisp texture, resulting in a cooking time 50% faster than a conventional oven.

Apart from giving crisp results, it offers 14-in-1 functionality. The 8 microwave presets include popcorn, potato, defrost, beverage, soup, frozen dinner, frozen vegetable, and soften butter. There are a further 5 air fry presets, including max crisp, crisp, air roast, air bake and air broil, each with FusionCrisp Technology.

Ninja ditches the traditional turntable

Instead of the traditional rotating turntable, Ninja opted for a flatbed design, which it claims offers 40% more space than a standard turntable microwave. That’s plenty of capacity to hold the 5.5-quart glass basket that comes with the appliances, which is capable of holding an 8lb chicken, four pizza slices or a 9 x 11-inch casserole dish, feeding up to 8-10 people.

Although the Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer is now available in the U.S., U.K. readers will have to wait until mid-August for it to land.

I’m looking forward to testing and reviewing the Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer and will report back as soon as I get my hands on it.

In the meantime, I’ll have to rely on those of you in the U.S. to see how this exciting new product performs and whether you think it will shake up the microwave market. If you've tried one, leave a comment below with your thoughts.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the Ninja Crispi for a week and it made me rethink everything I knew about air fryers
• The Ninja Creami makes it so easy to make ice cream, it’s dangerous
• Best microwaves in 2026

There's no denying it, we're having a heatwave heavy summer in the U.K. But, while we're all struggling to keep cool, there's something else we need to worry about in this heat — our fridges.

I do my weekly online shop at Tesco, but I recently noticed I wasn't able to get some items because the fridges weren't working. And I'm sure I'm not the only one that's noticed the melting chocolate bars on the shelves. So, if the supermarkets aren't coping, how are our fridges going to keep up at home?

Well, if you've got an older fridge, it might be bad news. According to Dr Alan Foster, a refrigeration expert who spoke with the BBC, a lot of appliances were: "designed decades ago in a much cooler world."

Most were manufactured to cope with temperatures of up to 32C, and with temperatures rising, they're struggling to function. Some owners may even find their fridges stop working entirely.

If the current weather has got you considering a replacement fridge, here are the three things you should consider, according to an expert.

3 things to consider when buying a new fridge

Buying a new fridge can be a pretty overwhelming purchase. There are so many to choose from and what works for your household might not work for someone else's. Fortunately, we spoke to Ilaria Castagnoli, Product Trainer at SMEG USA to find out her top tips for buying a replacement.

1. Check the energy efficiency

Unsurprisingly, if you're buying a replacement because your fridge can't handle the heat, you'll want to prioritise whether a newer model is Energy Star rated. Castagnoli says: "These units will be the most energy efficient options on the market, not only decreasing your energy use but also helping you save on your utility bill in the long run."

2. Look at different configurations

A fridge isn't one-size-fits-all and if you're combining it with a freezer, you've really got to think about what works for you and the other people in your household. "It's also important to think about the type of food you buy and the layout of the unit that will be easiest for you to manage on a daily basis," Castagnoli advises.

This means taking into consideration whether a bottom or top freezer works best for you, whether you'd prefer a side-by-side unit for easier access, or as Castagnoli also recommends: "Families who like to include ice in every beverage, or access filtered water regularly, should opt for a side-by-side or bottom freezer French door configuration." It all comes down to personal preference and needs.

3. Prioritise features for food freshness

If you're replacing an older fridge, chances are it hasn't got the features that are available on today's market, which are abundant especially when it comes to food freshness.

Castagnoli recommends: "Crisper drawers that offer independent temperature and humidity controls are an important consideration because fruits and vegetables often require higher humidity than the main cavity of the refrigerator provides, and different types of produce require different levels of humidity."

Additional features Castagnoli suggests looking out aside from food freshness include LCD lighting, adjustable shelving, and even whether a model offers a holiday mode.

More from Tom's Guide

• Fridge struggling in the heat? Homeowners urged to make one change to stop food from spoiling
• Beat the heat: How to stop your fridge from overheating this summer
• People are putting a piece of paper in their fridge to see if their home is heatwave-ready — and it makes more sense than you think

Air fryers are an increasingly essential addition to any kitchen. Compact and versatile, these miniature convection ovens are ideal for everything from roasting vegetables to cooking fries, and reheating food. And because they need less oil than conventional fryers they can be a – slightly – healthier option too.

If you've been planning to buy one then we have some good news for you: there are loads on sale at Amazon right now. For this article I've concentrated on bigger brands. Most of these air fryers are from Ninja, Instant Pot, and Chefman. These are top-rated products that you can rely on – and they've all got great savings attached to them, with reductions of up to 39% off.

Ooni is strengthening its position in the stand mixer market with the imminent launch of its second mixer — the Halo Core. Look out, KitchenAid, you’ve got some serious competition!

The brand behind some of the best pizza ovens is once again treating pizza lovers to an all-round experience by developing technology to make the perfect dough.

Having just launched the debut Halo Pro in April 2025, I can only imagine the engineers at Ooni were back on the case as soon as the brand’s first stand mixer left the factory.

Perfecting dough for home bakers

So, what’s so special about Ooni’s stand mixer offer, and how does the Halo Core differ from the first rendition?

Rather than the stand mixers we’ve become accustomed to, which use a planetary mixing design, Ooni has developed a spiral mixing technique traditionally reserved for professional kitchens and artisan bakeries. But what does this really mean?

Rather than the bowl staying put and the attachments spinning, Ooni’s bowl rotates.

Ooni claims the engineering “delivers exceptional gluten development and dough quality, helping bridge the gap between everyday baking and bakery-quality results.”

And Ooni adds: “Home bakers have blamed themselves for dense loaves and failed rises. The real culprit is the mixer. Planetary stand mixers, largely unchanged since their invention, were never built for dough. They stall, overheat, and can’t develop the gluten structures that separate a good bake from a great one. Ooni Halo Core changes that.”

KitchenAid has some tough competition

When you see the stand mixer for yourself, you’ll instantly notice its professional look and heft! Although it’s not the size of a mixer you’d find in a professional kitchen, despite its pro appeal, it’s surprisingly compact. When I placed it next to the KitchenAid Artisan Pro, there was little difference in size; in fact, the KitchenAid is taller.

And that’s where the Halo Core differs from its older sibling, the Halo Pro: It’s 20% smaller and 30% lighter. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s easy to maneuver; it’s still 23.2 lbs.

What’s more, where the Halo Pros aimed at serious bakers and semi-professionals, the new Halo Core is targeted at home bakers.

Breadmaking and more besides

The price is still on the high end, at $599 (£499), hitting the exact spot where the KitchenAid Artisan Pro sits in the market, but you are getting an exceptional machine — which I’ll be reviewing over the coming weeks.

But what exactly does the Halo Core offer? You get a 4.7-quart stainless steel bowl with a silicone lid and pouring shield, 20 speed levels with up to 300 rpm and 1,000 rpm when using the geared whisk, an LED speed indicator and LED bowl lights.

And with all of that comes a spiral dough hook and removable breaker bar to create a dual-kneading action that stretches and develops dough for a strong gluten structure.

But even though the Halo Core is designed to mix over 6lbs of dough, enough for 10 12-inch pizzas or three large sourdough loaves, it's not only designed by bread makers. It also comes with whipping and beating attachments.

But before you get too excited and race out to buy the Ooni Halo Core, it won’t be dropping in stores until 4 August, although you can join the waitlist to ensure you don't miss out.

More from Tom's Guide

• KitchenAid vs Cuisinart: Which stand mixer is best?
• Smeg’s newest retro stand mixer gives KitchenAid a run for its money — here’s why it won me over
• I tested Ooni's new Rotating Stone — and it's your ticket to perfect pizza at home

It's been several years since I lived in a dorm — but if I were shopping for back to school season today, I'd be super excited about the latest appliances from Ninja and Shark. From portable smoothie makers and misting fans to cordless vacuums and multifunctional hair tools, these space-saving essentials make dorm life simpler.

If you're gearing up for the new semester, I recommend grabbing some Shark and Ninja appliances — especially right now since Amazon is knocking up to 40% off select models. For instance, the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is currently over $50 off and is perfect for keep you cool while hanging out, studying or sleeping in the dorm.

There's plenty more convenient devices for back to school season below — and they start at just $79. Keep scrolling to check out all my favorite Shark and Ninja appliance deals on Amazon.

Quick Links

• shop all SharkNinja deals
• shop all SharkNinja deals at Amazon
• Shark Steam Pocket Mop: was $99 now $79
• Ninja Blast Max: was $99 now $79
• Ninja Iced Coffee Maker: was $129 now $99
• Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo: was $149 now $99
• Ninja Mega Kitchen System: was $219 now $149
• Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer: was $179 now $159
• Shark FlexStyle: was $349 now $259

Ninja/Shark Deals

We just got a new puppy — her name is Nelly, and she’s not yet housebroken. That means we’re cleaning up puppy puddles pretty regularly. In the past, that would mean getting out the swiffer or the mop. But the Dreame Aero Pro Steam does a better job more quickly and with less fuss.

It’s not just for those easy little puddles either. The Aero Pro Steam can tackle sticky messes in the kitchen, like the maple syrup and honey I drizzled all over my vinyl plank flooring during testing.

While it’s a pricey unit, the Aero Pro Steam offers tons of versatility and an efficient, quick clean that makes it worthwhile. Plus, the long runtime means you can mop up the whole house, too — which are all the qualities needed in a best vacuum cleaner. Find out what happened when I put it to the test.

Dreame Aero Pro Steam Wet Dry Vacuum review: Price and availability

The Aero Pro Steam costs $600 and is available for purchase now on Dreame’s website. You’ll get free shipping within 2-5 business days of purchase, along with a 30-day return policy. Additionally, Dreame offers a 2-year warranty on the Aero Pro Steam, too.

Dreame Aero Pro Steam Wet Dry Vacuum review: Design

Visually, the Aero Pro Steam closely resembles the standard Aero Pro model. While the latter lacks the steam functionality, this steam-enabled version takes on a slightly more substantial profile, though it remains impressively compact given the added tech.

There are four modes: Smart, Steam, Suction, Turbo, and Eco. If you’re unsure which one to use, simply switch to Smart and let the Aero Pro Steam decide for you. It does not use cleaning fluid, just a clean water tank, and that water gets heated up for cleaning.

I was impressed at how quickly it heated up to 716 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to the high-power instant boiler. When using the steam mode, that steam is powered through 6 outlets at 300mg/min. The SaunaClean design lends a 392-degree steaming temperature during cleaning.

That’s complemented by 28,000 Pa of suction, which Dreame says is industry-leading. Between those functions, the Aero Pro Steam provides a 100% allergen reduction in the rooms you clean.

To recognize various mess types, the Dreame Aero Pro Steam uses multispectral sensors, which identify gunk and goo through color temperature and brightness. Should hair get wrapped around the roller, the TangleCut 2.0 Resilient Scraper ensures you don’t have to get your hands dirty removing it.

The 3.88-inch Ultra-Slim Body is low-profile enough to get under the furniture or in tough-to-reach spaces. Plus, the Aero Pro Steame also has a 180-degree lay-flat body, so you can lower it all the way to the ground to get well underneath the trickiest chairs in the house. The body also features Triple Edge Coverage, which means the roller cleans all the way to the sides and front of the body.

Once you’re done cleaning, you can put the Aero Pro Steam back on the dock and engage the hands-free self-cleaning function. You can do a 5-minute quick dry of the roller after that, or a 30-minute deep-dry to ensure you get no odors emanating from the unit. The 203-degree hot wash removes all residues, and the steam function gets rid of other messes without hassle and in short order.

You’ll control the unit from the two-button LED display on top of the handle. It’s super easy to use and to navigate between modes. Plus, you can activate or deactivate a voice prompt that lets you know what mode you’re in, too.

Accessory-wise, the Aero Pro Steam comes with a cleaning brush and replacement filter.

Dreame Aero Pro Steam Wet Dry Vacuum review: Performance

The first time I used the Aero Pro Steam, I stuck with the Smart mode and gave the kitchen and living room a scrubbing. Those two rooms get the most traffic in my house, as well as the most messes.

With the new puppy around, the Aero Pro Steam got a lot of workouts, cleaning up accidents in the kitchen and living room and easily gobbles up wet messes. But unlike the Aero Pro, the Aero Pro Steam does not use any cleaning solvents.

During this use, using the Aero Pro Steam was akin to using the regular Aero Pro, which, in my mind, is a good thing. It’s simple to use, cleans effectively, and makes quick work of polishing up my vinyl plank flooring.

I don’t have to think about anything; I just run the vac and swab away. It’s easy to get underneath the kitchen table, and even the living room chairs, since the Aero Pro Steam folds down completely.

I did find the voice prompts annoying, though, and I ended up turning them off. I did the same thing when I tested the regular Aero Pro. For context, the voice is loud, but sometimes difficult to understand, and it’s just as easy to use this vacuum without it.

This is both a pro and a con. The pro is that you don’t need to use any harsh chemicals to get a deep clean. Just let the steam do the work. The con is that if you’re not using the steam setting, you’re relying only on water to do the cleaning, and that can leave some residues and odors behind.

Such is the case with the dog puddles I found myself cleaning. In the Smart cleaning mode, the Aero Pro Steam cleaned up the puddles easily and quickly, but sometimes there was a smell left behind.

This is, of course, easily solved by using the Steam mode. The high-temperature water does a deeper clean than the other settings, and I didn’t notice any smell after cleaning up dog puddles in this mode.

In fact, the Steam mode really makes this wet dry vac shine. It does a great job cleaning up all sorts of messes; we had used a puppy pad for early potty training, which uses adhesive strips to secure itself to the floor. When I removed the pad, the strips had left adhesive messes on the vinyl flooring that I couldn’t easily mop up by hand. The Steam mode on the Aero Pro Steam vac removed it with just one swipe forward and back.

Next, I dumped several condiments on the floor to see how the Aero Pro Steam stacked up. I used Hoisin Sauce, honey, maple syrup, and vegetable oil. The Aero Pro Steam gobbled it all up pretty quickly, though it did end up spreading around a bit before I got it all cleaned. The steam mode made sure to leave no stickiness behind, too.

Overall, the Aero Pro Steam cleaned up every mess I made with ease. It does leave some streaks behind, but the level of clean you get from it is pretty impressive, and it’s super easy to use.

Dreame Aero Pro Steam Wet Dry Vacuum review: Ease of cleaning

Perhaps one downside after cleaning is getting a pretty gnarly smell — but it wasn’t from the roller. It was from the dirty water tank. You’ll want to make sure you empty and clean that tank after every use, or every other use. Once you’ve sucked up enough muck and filth, the tank will start stinking even if the roller doesn’t.

Fortunately, if you leave the voice prompts on, you’ll be reminded to empty the tank after you perform a self-clean. That process takes about five minutes, but then the base will dry the roller for up to 30 minutes.

Dreame Aero Pro Steam Wet Dry Vacuum review: Accessories

There aren’t really any accessories to use with the Dreame Aero Steam beyond what’s included in the box — the base, the cleaning brush, and the extra filter.

However, you can order replacement parts, like rollers, but otherwise, everything you’ll need is already included.

Dreame Aero Pro Steam Wet Dry Vacuum review: Competition

There are several Wet/Dry Vacuums with steam functions, most of which easily best the Dreame Aero Pro Steam on price. But those competitors also tend to be larger, with more accessories to contend with, and with only middling self-cleaning results.

One such competitor is the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam. It costs $350 and offers a steam cleaning feature. It also uses various detergents to clean, unlike the Aero Pro Steam.

But online reviews state that despite using the instructed cleaning procedures, the Bissell can still give off a musty odor, whereas the Dreame does not, as long as you use the self-cleaning mode and empty the dirty water tank regularly.

In terms of usability, the Dreame is also smaller and lighter, and will clean underneath furniture more effectively.

Dreame Aero Pro Steam Wet Dry Vacuum review: Verdict

Dreame has so far impressed me with their wet-dry vacs I have tested so far. The Dreame Aero Pro Steam is compact, easy to use, offers great run time, and picks up just about any mess I could throw at it with ease.

Plus, the self-cleaning function means no musty smells — as long as you’re mindful about emptying the dirty water tank regularly.

While it does leave some streaks after cleaning on my vinyl plank flooring, I was still impressed overall with the results. The steam cleaning function is ideal for tough stains, and the auto function is great for simple set it and forget it cleaning. It doesn’t use any detergents to clean your floors, but if you’re looking for a unit that can do that (or for a clean scent), I’d recommend the Dreame Aero Pro without the steam function.

Cleaning my oven is one of those jobs I always put off. It just seem so laborious that I end up delaying cleaning it at all, which only makes it so much worse. I've found myself staring at oven cleaning products, unsure which one to choose and worrying about how toxic they are or how much elbow grease I'll need to put in to actually achieve results I'm pleased with. Unsurprisingly with all this overthinking, I end up giving up before I've even started.

But, then I saw a TikTok hack that suggested I would only need to use two items which I already happen to own (and it's likely you do too). With just a bottle of Cif and some cling wrap to hand, it seemed like a very affordable way to get my oven clean and the video I saw also made it look so simple. But... is it really that easy? Here's what happened when I tried it.

How does it work?

TikTok page, @cleanipedia_uk, posts expert cleaning hacks and tips by Unilever to its almost 70k followerss. But, it's this specific oven cleaning hack (featured above) that really caught my eye.

Using just Cif and some cling wrap, both of which are budget-friendly, it demonstrates that your oven can go from caked in built-up grease to completely clean (apparently). And all it takes is just five simple steps.

To follow this hack, you can:

• Apply Cif Cream to your oven door
• Cover with cling wrap and spread the cream underneath
• Wait for around an hour
• Remove the cling wrap and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge
• Wipe away everything with a damp microfibre cloth

While users in the comments were worried that the Cif would leave a smell, Cleanipedia replied: "Just make sure you wipe and rinse properly!" And some users suggested you should just be cleaning your oven whenever you use it.

For me, as much as I want to be a person that remembers to clean their oven every time it gets used, I'll never remember to go back after it's cooled down. Inevitably, my oven just keeps getting dirtier. So, a hack like this seems like a good alternative.

Here's what happened when I tried it

Armed with my bottle of Cif, some cling wrap and a dream, I thought I'd give it a go. Now, I'm aware that my oven is a bit of a mess, hence needing a TikTok hack like this to hopefully save me. And following five steps seemed simple enough – and it was.

I applied my Cif Cream and covered it in cling wrap, which took about 1 minutes (2 when wrestling with the cling wrap tube) and I decided to leave it for an hour, as recommended.

After an hour, I went back to my oven and I was a little concerned that it didn't look like the Cif was infiltrating the grease the way the video had shown. As Cleanipedia suggests though, the longer you leave it the better, so I left it for another hour before returning to give it a scrub.

I'll start by saying I was surprised about how much elbow grease was still needed to clean off the grease, but I was ultimately still impressed that it took away a lot of the grease from the main part of the door.

As you can see from the picture above though, it didn't tackle the caked-on grease nearly as well as I'd hoped. But, I'm not done trying this method. I'll leave it on for much longer next time and I'll make sure my sponge is a little more ready to scour.

It's definitely something I'll be trying again and I loved how easy it was. I also felt more comfortable leaving the Cif on the oven door for a length of time when I knew it was covered up. It was easy to forget about and if I'd forgotten about it for longer, maybe I would've gotten better results.

More from Tom's Guide

• Skip the baking soda and vinegar — I used this non-toxic substance to clean through my oven's grime, and I'm speechless
• This vinegar steam trick will rid your oven of grease and grime — here's how to do it
• How to remove oven glass stains without leaving a single scratch using this one natural solution

The Nespresso Vertuo Up is the newest Nespresso machine as of July 2026. It brings back the iconic Nespresso plug-and-play brew style with an added “Over Ice” mode and app functionality. Yes, this coffee machine connects to my phone, and I’m actually not mad about it.

But is this enough to make it one of the best Nespresso machines you can get? Heck, yeah! I loved testing this machine. It’s as easy as pie — or, as easy as Nespresso — and doesn’t look particularly hideous while doing it. Of course, it’s not as premium as the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista, but it’s also $400 cheaper.

I had a great time testing this machine, and so did my colleagues. One of my colleagues drank four cups of coffee in one day during my testing period — that’s how good it is. Want to find out more about the new Nespresso machine? Why wouldn’t you? Keep reading this Nespresso Vertuo Up review.

Nespresso Vertuo Up review: Specs

Nespresso Vertuo Up review: Price & availability

The Nespresso Vertuo Up is $229 from Amazon U.S. and £179 from Amazon U.K.. Nespresso makes two lines of machines: original and Vertuo. Of the Vertuo collection, the Up is the most premium. If you want similar performance for less, you’d be looking at the $189 Vertuo Next or the $129 Vertuo Pop+.

Vertuo machines are generally cheaper than original Nespresso machines. This is because Vertuo pods are patented, whereas original Nespresso pods are not. Ergo, Nespresso charges less for the initial machine, but more for the pods… so you might end up paying more over time.

The Nespresso CitiZ ($265) is my favorite original Nespresso machine, but you can still get the three-year-old Nespresso Pixie ($229). Of course, neither of these machines have app connectivity, so you can’t adjust the heat or size of your drinks.

Nespresso Vertuo Up review: Design

The Nespresso Vertuo Up, like other Nespresso machines, is compact and ideal for small spaces. As it’s just 4.7 inches wide, I was able to fit it in my kitchen with zero stress.

However, it’s worth noting that it needs a decent amount of overhead clearance — the pod release comes up 5 inches, giving it an overall height of 15.9 inches. Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend putting it under low-lying cabinets.

One of my favorite design features is the rotating water tank. Unlike other Nespresso machines (CitiZ), the water tank can fit on the back or on either side, so you can adapt the machine to fit your space rather than the other way around.

Of course, the Vertuo Up is relatively plasticky. It is a Nespresso machine, after all. If you want a more premium aesthetic, I’d recommend checking out the eye-wateringly expensive Vertuo Creatista ($699).

Another “it is a Nespresso machine, after all” design feature is the minimal on-machine controls. Instead of levers, buttons, and dials you might find on espresso machines like the De’Longhi Stilosa ($149) or Breville Bambino ($299), the Vertuo Up has just two buttons: “Ice” and “Go”. Those aren’t the official names, of course, but they explain what I mean well enough.

If you’re using “Over Ice” pods (like I was), you’ll need to press the “Ice” button before “Go”. Otherwise, you’ll get a hot drink. Obviously, this is great if you want to stick it to the man and brew a hot coffee using “Over Ice” pods, but, as I experienced, pods designed for iced drinks don’t taste great hot.

Unlike Nespresso original machines, you can’t choose between an espresso or lungo shot. Each Vertuo pod has a specific dosage volume: for example, the Coconut & Vanilla is a 230ml “mug”, whereas the Yuzu & Vanilla is an 80ml “double shot”. You can kind of adjust volumes with the NespressoSmart app (more on that later), but you can’t do it on the machine itself. This is a little frustrating, and I’d like to see Nespresso utilize on-machine buttons to correct this in the future, as not everyone wants or needs the Nespresso app on their phone.

Nespresso Vertuo Up review: Performance

The Nespresso Vertuo Up is supremely easy to use. I’ll say it for the third time: it is a Nespresso machine, after all. These things are revered for their ease of use and simplicity.

All you have to do is insert the pod of your choice and press “Go”. That’s it. The pod starts spinning like an errant hair caught in a plughole, and thirty seconds later, you’ve got a fresh coffee.

I will say that the Vertuo Up is incredibly loud: it peaked at 70.9dB. It was so loud, in fact, I had colleagues come up to me and say things like, “Oh, that’s a bit of a screamer, isn’t it?” Yes. Yes it is.

Even so, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me. I’m using the machine for, what, a minute? I can put up with 71dB for a minute in exchange for fresh coffee.

Taste is tricky to evaluate because different pods taste different, and different people have different palates. I tested the Vertuo Up with the Yuzu & Vanilla, Coconut & Vanilla, and Oatly Barista Edition Over Ice pods. They all tasted great, with zero burned or bitter notes (except once).

Let me elaborate. I’ll preface this by saying this is purely user error. This is simply advice to you — not an issue with the Vertuo Up at all. I mistakenly brewed the Yuzu & Vanilla pod hot rather than “Over Ice”; it tasted super bitter, with a really frothy crema. It was, put simply, not good. So learn from my mistakes and follow the instructions on the pod packaging!

The only real con I have with the Nespresso Vertuo Up is its tendency to leak before extraction. After inserting a pod and pressing “Go”, the machine leaks around half a teaspoon of coffee into the cup, presumably leftover coffee stuck in the dispensing nozzle from the previous brew. Kinda gross. Although I’m sure this didn’t majorly impact the flavor of my subsequent coffee, it’s worth noting. I’d like to see Nespresso rectify this for the next model, whenever that may be. There’s no “clean” option between drinks.

Nespresso Vertuo Up review: App

I’m usually an app hater, but I really like the NespressoSmart app. It actually benefits the user experience.

As you can see, the app is clean, easy to use, and user-friendly. I can see even the most technophobic person on the planet being able to make the most of this app. You can change the volume of your pods, change water temperature, run cleaning cycles, run water emptying cycles, and look up instruction manuals.

Of course, I would like to see some on-machine controls for these settings as not everyone wants or needs to download an app to use a coffee machine, but as far as apps go, this is a decent one.

The only downside is that the app asks you for full contact information while signing up. You have to put in your full name, email, full address, and phone number. Why? Why does the app need this info for me to customize my espresso? I just wrote “No” in all the address boxes, put a random zip code, and a fake number and it let me make the account, but this is still annoying.

Nespresso Vertuo Up review: Storage & maintenance

As this is a Vertuo machine, replacement pods are only available from Nespresso’s official Amazon store and Nespresso direct. This is disappointing. I wanted to buy some extra pods and visited my local grocery store (a large store with tons of products, including Nespresso pods), but it only stocked original pods. After a quick Google, I discovered that I could only buy these specific pods online.

Therefore, you’ll need some pre-planning to ensure you don’t run out of pods. The price of pods is also quite different from original Nespresso pods. A 30-pack of OG Nespresso pods retails for $27, working out to $0.90 per pod. Vertuo pods are $40.50 for the same sized pack, $1.35 per pod. The pods I personally tested with were around $1.25-$1.55 per pod.

So while the Vertuo machines are cheaper from the off, you might actually spend more money over time. Let’s quickly do some coffee math. Say you’re spending $13 extra a month (if you drink one a day). There’s a $36 price difference between the Vertuo Up and the Citiz. After 3 months, you’ll have spent that extra $36 on Nespresso’s patented Vertuo pods.

Personally, I would always buy an original Nespresso machine for this reason, but of course, the decision is up to you.

Cleaning the machine is straightforward: there are detailed instructions in the app and you can start cleaning cycles from your phone. You can also buy cleaning kits directly from the app: a descaling kit is $10.99 for two sachets.

Alright, last but not least: pod recycling. Of course, not buying single-use pods is inherently more environmentally friendly than buying single-use pods, but at least you can recycle Nespresso pods. You can either get a recycling bag direct from Nespresso, return your pods to Nespresso stores, or drop off your pods at select convenience stores.

Nespresso Vertuo Up review: Verdict

The Nespresso Vertuo Up is a really great Nespresso machine. It’s beyond easy to use, looks pretty good, and the app is genuinely useful. While it’s not perfect, hence the 4-star rating, it’s bound to make any hands-free coffee lover happy. My colleagues all remarked on its ease of use and pleasant coffee flavor.

Sure, I’d appreciate some on-machine controls for the next gen and I’d appreciate more pod options, but if you want to save that initial cost with a Vertuo, this is a pretty good one to get. It can make iced and hot coffees in seconds, and never made a bad brew (except my experiment).

I recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Up for anyone interested in upgrading an old Nespresso machine, anyone who particularly likes having smart control features on their coffee machine, or, simply, anyone who wants hot (or cold) coffee and wants it now.

As summer temperatures soar, staying cool isn't just a priority for us — it’s a struggle for our appliances, too. Even the best refrigerators are working overtime right now to keep our food chilled.

Fortunately, an appliance expert has shared one small tweak you can make to your fridge settings to prevent food from spoiling during a heatwave.

Here, Matthew Glynn, senior product marketing manager at Hisense, shares the essential rule to keep your fridge working efficiently and your food safe to eat.

Go down a few degrees

“When temperatures rise during a heatwave, your fridge has to work harder to keep the inside temperature stable because the surrounding air is warmer." explains Glynn.

“The surrounding warmer air also means the internal temperature of your fridge is likely to warm up quicker when the door is open, meaning food can spoil much more easily.”

To ensure your food is kept safe, Glynn suggests temporarily lowering the temperature setting on your fridge. “I’d recommend dropping it towards the colder end of its range, around 2°C [35.6°F] if your appliance allows,” he says.

So, how does this small drop in temperature help? Glynn explains, “This gives your fridge more capacity to cope with the warmer ambient temperature and helps prevent the internal temperature from creeping up when the door is opened.”

Effectively, this reduces the temperature and protects your food from spoiling, as bacteria need warmth to grow.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends setting your refrigerator to 40°F or below, with an ideal temperature of 37°F. In the U.K., the Food Standards Agency recommends a temperature between 3°C and 5°C.

If you’re not sure what temperature your refrigerator is set to, Glynn recommends using a fridge thermometer.

4 ways to keep your fridge cool in a heatwave

Aside from reducing your thermostat, there are other measures you can take to help your fridge work more efficiently in the heat.

1. Keep the door closed as much as possible
Every time the door opens, warm air enters and cold air escapes, forcing the appliance to work harder to bring the temperature back down.

2. Don’t overfill your fridge
Leave sufficient space to allow cold air to circulate without being hindered to help maintain an even temperature.

3. Leave food to cool
Allow hot food and leftovers to cool before placing them in the fridge. Large amounts of warm food can temporarily raise the internal temperature and put more pressure on the cooling system.

4. Get tidy
Take advantage of adjustable shelves and storage compartments to keep your fridge tidy, leaving sufficient airflow. It will also allow you to access items quickly without leaving the door open any longer than needed.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just upgraded to a smart fridge — here's how it's helping me save money
• Don’t make these 7 refrigerator mistakes
• I just added a whole new shelf to my fridge, and all it took was this $5 add-on from IKEA

Nespresso always seems to be cooking up something exciting. So what's happening this summer 2026? Not only have we got the brand-new Nespresso Vertuo Up, one of the best Nespresso machines, we've also got...

Summer Nespresso flavors! I tried three of the new flavors — Yuzu & Vanilla Over Ice, Coconut Vanilla Over Ice, and Oatly Barista Edition. I didn't get a chance to try out the new decaf French Lavender & Vanilla, but this is a super fun flavor. Usually, decaf drinkers don't get as many options, so it's great to see Nespresso remember our non-caffeinated brethren.

So, which of the new Nespresso summer flavors is worth it? Does it actually taste like yuzu? Don't fear, because I'll answer all your questions and more. I made all of these drinks on the new Nespresso Vertuo Up.

Flavor 1: Yuzu & Vanilla Over Ice

First up is the one I'm most excited for: the Yuzu & Vanilla Over Ice. This pod makes 80ml, a "double espresso", and I served it both black and with milk. While milk brought out a creamy, almost cheesecake-like flavor, just water tasted light and clean.

The first photo is black, the second is with oat milk.

The flavor: The yuzu flavor is really subtle. If you're worried about it being a wall of citrus, don't be. The coffee, vanilla, and yuzu notes are complementary, rather than battling one another for dominance. It tastes more like a coffee with a whisper of lemon than anything else.

If you like juicy, fruity drinks, like African coffee beans or Starbucks Pink Drink, you'll probably like this a lot.

Flavor 2: Coconut & Vanilla Over Ice

Next is Coconut & Vanilla Over Ice. This pod is a little different as it makes a 230ml "coffee" rather than an 80ml "double espresso". You don't need to add anything except ice.

Here's a photo of the Nespresso Coconut & Vanilla Over Ice.

The flavor: Just like the Nespresso Yuzu & Vanilla Over Ice, Coconut & Vanilla is subtle and delicate. You might not even know it's supposed to be vanilla flavored without reading the packet. I like the caramelly mouthfeel — the drink is smooth and warming even though it's completely iced — and the coconut does well to round out the coffee.

I'd say this tastes more like an iced batch brew with a little brown sugar than a coconut milk coffee. I was worried it would be too coconutty, but it's not. This coffee is better for people who want a subtle toasty flavor rather than a coconut milk latte. I really enjoyed it, but I think I would prefer a bolder coconut taste.

Flavor 3: Oatly Barista Edition

As an oat milk fanatic, I was surprised and pleased to see an Oatly Barista Edition Nespresso pod. Those who know me will know I go through a carton of the stuff every few days.

This pod brews an 80ml "double shot" and is designed to be made iced.

Here are two photos of the Oatly Barista Edition over ice. The first photo uses oat milk and the second was made with dairy milk.

The flavor: This was my favorite of the three by far. This pod has a strong, malty coffee flavor. The beans are rich and caramelly with zero bitterness. There's no whisper of yuzu or coconut. It tastes like coffee — in the best way possible.

This would be the best pod if you like flat whites or cortados.

My rankings

Alright, after much deliberation, I've finally settled on my Nespresso pod ranking.

1. Oatly Barista Edition
2. Yuzu & Vanilla
3. Coconut & Vanilla

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried this ridiculously cheap bean-to-cup espresso machine so you don't have to — and it's a total head-scratcher
• Non-plastic coffee makers are trending — and this low-plastic Ratio model is my favorite for coffee snobs
• I tried Lelit's brand-new 'entry-level' espresso machine — and I wish I had $2,000 so I could buy it

I love my kitchen, but there are some days when I want to replace every single utensil I own. I'm talking mismatched cutlery and crockery, a hard-to-clean stainless steel pan, and some ageing kitchen scales that have served me and my baking skills well over the last few years.

Upgrades like these are ones I've been putting off, simply because I don't have the means to replace everything. And I'm sure most of us would agree that it's easier to shove an old can opener or chipped plate back into the kitchen drawer than try to find a replacement.

Thankfully, it's Prime Day, and I've found 24 discounts on kitchen accessories, utensils and small appliances that will upgrade your kitchen for under AU$150 on Amazon. Granted, there's one item on this list — namely, the Corelle Portofino 18-piece dinner set — that is a bit above this price, at AU$159.20; however, I've had my eye on it for a while, and it's finally within my reach at AU$40 off RRP. And for an 18-piece set, that's only AU$8.80 per piece, which is a big win in my books.

Another great deal I've spotted is on Shark's Cordfree Handheld vacuum, now AU$135.85. While it may be a bit odd to put on a kitchen deals round up, I swear by my handheld vacuum for all the teeny crumbs and coffee grinds in my kitchen. Trust me, it is life-changing.

Don't just take my word for it, though — all these products come with 4+ star ratings, including those of my colleagues at Tom's Guide. Better yet, these deals are exclusive to Prime members, and if you're not signed up already, you can get a free 30-day trial here. You'll need to act fast to nab any of these kitchen deals, though, as they will expire on Monday, July 13, at 11:59pm.

As a kitchen and home appliance reviewer, there's no denying the infatuation I have with Ninja Kitchen. I have loved every product I've tried from the brand, from fun, novelty gadgets to actually practical, borderline normal gizmos. Late last year, Ninja's glass air fryer, the Ninja Crispi, launched in Australia, and I immediately got my hands on it.

After using mine for the past six months, I can honestly say that I swear by the Ninja Crispi every night for easy and deliciously crunchy dinners. And right now, my favourite air fryer is discounted by 37% on Amazon to just AU$188.

What really takes the cake with this discount is that it's the lowest price I've ever seen for the Crispi, undercutting the AU$196 rate on Christmas Day 2025. Better yet, this discount is for all three colourways: Cyberspace, Sage and Stone.

But the Ninja Prime Day discounts don't stop there, as the latest evolution, the Ninja Crispi Pro, is also discounted by 32% to just AU$341.05. The new air fryer only debuted last month in Australia, and this is the first discount I've clocked for the device.

Do note that these discounts are exclusive to Amazon Prime members – and you'll likely need to act fast, as the Prime Day sale ends on Monday, July 13.

In our Ninja Crispi review, we gave it a massive 4.5 stars, as it was super quiet and delivered surprisingly crispy results. Our reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the device, and found the gadget "reinvented the traditional air fryers" they've used in the past. As for the Crispi Pro, we gave it 4-stars, as we found it was a bit pricey to justify at full cost. However, this tidy 32% discount nips that in the bud.

While I haven't used the Crispi Pro as much as I'd like, I've really appreciated the simplicity and convenience that come with the Crispi. It's become an integral part of my daily routine — from frying up chicken tenders to roasting salmon perfectly, I've enjoyed every meal and side I've made with my Ninja Crispi. But something I've appreciated even more than the tasty results is the fact that I can pop a lid on my leftovers and chuck them in the fridge almost immediately.

Both of these sentiments easily extend to the Pro, as in my short time of having the device, I've thoroughly enjoyed making larger portions of my favourite dishes and using the Pro to help with meal prepping for the week ahead.

The key differences between the air frying pair are that the Crispi Pro comes with three borosilicate containers instead of two, and uses a sliding mechanism to slot into the base, rather than using the Crispi base as a lid. Further, the Pro offers more control over temperature settings, whereas the Crispi has four preset modes to choose from. The timer on both the Crispi and Crispi Pro can be adjusted in minute increments, and you can also add or reduce your cooking time.

But no matter what model you choose, let the Ninja Crispi be the airfryer for you.

ICYMI, it's Amazon Prime Day, and that means all the best deals can be found at the e-commerce retailer. Prices have been sliced across almost every category, including some of the best coffee machines.

Now, I don't necessarily consider myself a coffee snob, but I cannot begin to express how vital it is to start your day with a good cup o' joe. What's even more important, though, is having an excellent machine that does the job — and does it well.

Whether you prefer a fully automatic machine, with a built-in grinder and steam wand, or something a bit more manual, I've got you covered with my handpicked Prime Day coffee machine deals below. I've even listed some top-rated pod machines for those who prefer that one-touch convenience in the mornings.

Personally, I cannot live without my Ninja Luxe Cafe machine, and while it is currently out of stock, during Prime Day, it reached an all-time low price of AU$799.99 AU$524.20 in the Stainless Steel colourway. There's also a huge 62% off the beloved Nespresso Vertuo Pop in Mango Yellow, bringing it down to just AU$88.

I've also spotted some nice discounts on coffee-focused accessories, like a tidy 34% off a Le Creuset French Press, and 31% off Breville's Pro Control coffee grinder. If none of the deals below tickle your caffeine-fuelled fancy, make sure to check out our live Prime Day coverage to find more of the best coffee machine bargains available.

You'll need to act fast to secure these discounts, though, as Prime Day will come to an end on Monday, July 13, and these deals won't stick around long after.

Best coffee machine deals

Best coffee machine accessories

• Back to the top ⤴

Back to school season means checking off a long list of essentials — and if you're moving into a dorm, small appliances deserve a spot at the top. Whether you need a fan to beat the heat or a coffee maker for early classes Amazon has plenty of dorm room deals to help you kickstart the school year (without overspending).

Top brands like Keurig, Dreo, Ninja and Shark are discounting best-selling small appliances that will make dorm-life simpler. And the best part is, I've rounded up my top picks — and they're all under $100. Keep scrolling to check out all the back to school appliances that are sure to come in handy this upcoming semester.

Quick Links

• shop all back to school deal at Amazon
• Cosori Electric Kettle: was $27 now $25
• Swiffer PowerMop: was $29 now $26
• Keurig K-Mini Mate: was $89 now $59
• Dreo Smart Fan: was $79 now $62
• Ninja Blast Max: was $99 now $69
• Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer: was $129 now $69
• Shark Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner: was $89 now $79
• Bissell Little Green Mini: was $99 now $89
• Nespress Vertuo Pop+ by Breville: was $129 now $99

Appliance Deals

Of all the annual chores I have to perform around my house, one of my least favorite is installing window AC units in the early summer, and taking them out in the fall. While most of the ones in my house are fairly small, the one we use to cool the first floor — the LG Dual Inverter window air conditioner — is a monster. I always feel like I’m going to either throw my back out or somehow drop the entire unit out the window.

That’s why Dreo’s new 740S Portable Air Conditioner looked so intriguing to me — I wasn’t going to risk a herniated disc trying to keep my house cool. And, because this unit uses inverter technology, it’s a lot more efficient than older portable ACs.

So, I set up the Dreo 740S in my house to see how it compared to the best smart air conditioners, and if it could genuinely replace my trusted — but heavy — window unit.

Price and availability

Dreo has six portable air conditioners in its lineup; The 740S, which went on sale in the late spring of 2026, costs $699, and is the most expensive model. However, some of the other models in Dreo’s lineup are more powerful, have many of the same features, yet cost less. So why is that?

It’s because the 740S uses an inverter to cool air, whereas all of Dreo’s other models use older compressor technology. As a result, the 740S is far more efficient than Dreo’s other portable air conditioners.

While the 740S isn’t as efficient as, say, the Midea U or the LG Dual Inverter (15 and 14.7 EER, respectively), it’s pretty close.

Design

The Dreo 740S air conditioner itself looks rather sleek. It’s about the size of a mini fridge and has curved edges that taper gently towards the top which has two louvers. The front of the AC is clean, except for a large circular display and some touch controls beneath. The controls were easy to read and use, as was the display.

Even more clever: On the top of the unit, just behind the louvers, is a small flat surface that’s magnetized; here, you can place the Dreo’s remote, which will remain securely in place.

As someone who’s heaved their share of air conditioners in and out of windows, I really appreciated the casters on the bottom of the Dreo, which let me roll it wherever I wanted, as well as the handles on the side of the unit.

It’s around the back of the Dreo where things get a little messy. There are two large circular vents — one for exhaust air intake, and one to expel the hot air. To these vents, you connect large accordion-style hoses, which attach to a plastic insert that goes in your window. The insert can expand or retract to fit windows from 20 to 53 inches wide, and can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. Each hose is about six inches in diameter.

If I lived in a modern house with windows that extended all the way to the floor, it would be easy to conceal these hoses and have the AC sit closer to the window. However, because my window sits about two feet above the floor, I have to extend the hoses up and out. Not only is it far less attractive, but it also means that the air conditioner sits about two feet into the room.

Of course, this is a problem endemic to all portable air conditioners, so perhaps I might be knocking Dreo a bit too hard, but it's still a major consideration if you're choosing

By comparison, the window unit I’ve used for the past few years extends less than a foot into the room, making it far less obtrusive.

Like most air conditioners, the Dreo also needs to expel condensation; it has a built-in evaporator, so it should be able to handle most water on its own, but it does have two drain plugs on the back: one at the bottom, and one in the middle of the unit. The company includes a small drain hose, so if you’re in a high humidity environment, you can let the Dreo drain itself.

However, as with the vent hoses, I had no easy way to route the drain hose outside of my house. Fortunately, even though I live in a pretty humid area, I have yet to need to drain the air conditioner myself.

Performance

The 740S did nearly as good a job cooling the bottom floor of my house as the 14,000-BTU LG Dual Inverter air conditioner that I’ve been using for nearly eight years. It was able to bring the temperature down on the ground level of my house in a relatively short amount of time, and keep it there. It took slightly longer than the LG unit, but that's to be expected given its smaller capacity.

At full power, I recorded a noise level of 54 dB from 10 feet away from the air conditioner; the ambient room noise was 33 dB. That’s a bit louder than I’d like, but once the temperature hit the right level, the AC ramped down, and was much quieter.

On one of the hotter days of the year, when the temperature reached the upper 90s, the Dreo kept the temperature on the ground floor of my house (a few hundred square feet) at around 79 degrees F. Over the course of seven and a half hours, it used 3.54 kWh of electricity, according to the Dreo app.

I also like that you can adjust the angle of the Dreo’s louvers (using either the app or the remote control) so you can better direct airflow throughout your room.

Smart Home and app

Dreo’s app is well-designed and easy to use. Devices are grouped by rooms, which gives you a quick overview of its status; a tap then brings you into the settings for that device. For example, tapping on the AC’s temperature opens a screen where you can adjust its temperature, cooling mode, fan speed, and more.

I also like that Dreo lets you turn off the AC’s display and sounds, so that it’s not distracting if you’re using it in the same room as the one in which you’re sleeping.

The Dreo works with both Alexa and Google Home, but surprisingly, is not Matter-compatible, which was a bit of a disappointment, considering some of Dreo’s other smart home devices use this new universal standard. Still, I was able to easily create a smart home routine that turned the Dreo on to a set temperature if another sensor noted that things were getting too hot.

Verdict

As far as portable air conditioners go, the Dreo does a good job at keeping things cool. I also liked that I could easily roll it around, and didn’t have to worry about draining it. However, the aesthetics of having two large tubes extending out your window isn’t great, nor is the fact that it takes up a lot more space than a window air conditioner.

And while it’s far more efficient than other portable air conditioners, you’ll pay for the privilege. A comparable LG 10,000 BTU dual-inverter window AC unit (with a higher SEER rating of 15) costs $499 at Amazon. Yes, it weighs 62 pounds, but my spouse is game to help me.

If you happen to have a window whose openings are closer to the floor, then you can better hide the Dreo’s large exhaust vents, and make the whole thing look more aesthetically pleasing — and take up less space in the process. Until I can remodel my house, though, I’ll have to remember to lift with my legs.

The IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro is the best portable espresso maker I’ve tested so far. I’ve used pretty much everything Wacaco makes, and if you’re a camping aficionado who wants the best trail coffee possible, it’s gotta be the IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro.

While pricey, if you want the best of the best, you may as well invest. The Kapo K2 Pro can make six shots of espresso on one charge and has a customizable flow rate and pre-infusion time (if you get the app). If I were on a desert island with only the Pixapresso or the Kapo K2 Pro, I’d choose the latter.

Although you don’t get as golden a crema as my coffee-snob heart would like, you can’t really ask for the world from a portable espresso maker. If you want to find out more about this surprisingly excellent espresso maker — why wouldn’t you, it’s great — then keep reading this IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review.

IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review: Specs

IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review: Price & availability

The IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro is $199 from Amazon U.S. and £170 from Amazon U.K. Curiously, the machine itself is embossed with ‘CERA+’, another coffee company. IKAPE’s representative has confirmed to me that Cera and IKAPE collaborated on this product, but they are two separate brands. Cera+ sells its own portable espresso machine for $139 at Amazon — and if the machines are manufactured by the same company, it might be worth getting the cheaper option.

However, Cera+ and Kapo K2 Pro differ in some key ways: the Cera+ can use both Nespresso pods and ground coffee, and the IKAPE only ground coffee. However, the IKAPE has an array of coffee-snob-approved features like a bottomless portafilter and comes with a grooved tamper.

$199 is pretty expensive for a portable espresso maker; the Wacaco Pixapresso is $159, the non-self-heating Wacaco Pipamoka and Wacaco Picopresso are $49 and $129, respectively. I see the OutIn Nano portable espresso maker everywhere — this is $159 from Amazon.

None of these alternatives have app compatibility, which means you won’t be able to customize pre-infusion and flow rates.

You can also buy the IKAPE stand, which is $42 from Amazon.

IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review: Design

The Kapo K2 Pro looks pretty darn cool. It’s very simple, with a gray plastic exterior and a one-button system. You only have to press the button once for the machine to do its thing. Unlike Wacaco’s complex, convoluted portable espresso makers, the IKAPE is so easy that a toddler could do it (but obviously don’t give it to your toddler…).

There are only a few moving parts: the bottomless portafilter, the dosing collar, a tamper, a water tank lid, and a drinking cup. Each part feels well-made — the dosing collar has (relatively weak, but still present) magnets, and the bottomless portafilter screws smoothly into the maker body. The tamper is particularly impressive; it’s spring-loaded with a grooved circular impression, which just makes me feel so fancy.

I have nothing bad to say about the build at all. Sure, if you’re upset by plastic, you might want to go for the 9Barista Espresso Machine Mk.2, which is constructed from nickel-plated brass, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, silicone, PTFE plastic (Teflon), and PEI plastic. However, the 9Barista is… — checks notes — $699… At that point, just get a Breville Bambino ($299) and a generator. I jest, I jest, but that’s a lot of money for a manual coffee maker. Our reviews editor Pete Wolinski has also taken the 9Barista camping, and had this to say: “Honestly, it’s more trouble than it’s worth.”

IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review: Espresso

It took 3 minutes and 21 seconds for the Kapo K2 Pro to make one shot of espresso. This is wildly faster than the Wacaco Pixapresso, which labored for 9 minutes before finally giving me an espresso.

The battery life on the IKAPE is also far superior — I made 6 shots of espresso before needing to recharge it, whereas the IKAPE died after 2 ½ (yeah, the half is the real kicker there, because not only have I wasted my time, but also my expensive coffee).

Alright, now let’s get into what really matters: espresso taste. I use the same Ethiopian beans for 90% of my coffee testing, which is what I used here.

Take a look at this espresso. This was made using 18g of finely ground coffee (using my Mazzer Philos, $1,500, of course) and 50ml of water.

As you can see, there isn’t much crema. The espresso doesn’t have the same gorgeous caramel you might expect, and it definitely looks worse than the Wacaco Pixapresso. However, quality of life on the IKAPE is far superior — it just depends on what you value.

Taste-wise, though, the espresso was good. It’s definitely better than drinking instant while on camping trips, but I’m not going to throw away my Breville Bambino Plus any time soon. The espresso was rich and satisfying, with some juicy notes in iced lattes. Americanos were balanced and not bitter, with a pleasant mouthfeel. It wasn’t the best coffee I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely good enough for camping trips.

I didn’t experience any scalding issues with the Kapo K2 Pro. It dispensed hot espresso into the provided drinking cup without spilling anywhere.

IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review: App

I was surprised to find the Kapo K2 Pro came with an app, and I worried it wouldn’t be worth it. However, it’s actually got a huge range of niche features. It’s called ‘Happy Go Cera+’, and the eagle-eyed amongst you will realize that’s the same company that also co-manufactured the Kapo K2 Pro itself.

You can do a whole load of things on the ‘HappyGo Cera+’ app. You can customize pre-infusion time, customize “standby” time (I assume this means the coffee has been saturated before pressurized extraction), and customize flow rate. I played around with this and found that a long pre-infusion and slow flow rate provided a lovely juicy flavor profile for my Ethiopian beans.

IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review: Storage & maintenance

As the Kapo K2 Pro is relatively small — just 10 inches tall and 3 inches wide — it will easily fit in backpacks for camping trips. At 1.8 pounds, it’s around the same weight as the Wacaco Pixapresso.

Cleaning was also super easy. All the main parts are removable, which I washed in warm soapy water. The only thing you can’t remove is the water tank, but as this only touches water, it probably doesn’t need soap anyway. If you’re worried, just run fresh water through before brewing up.

IKAPE offers a 1-year warranty, which is the same as Wacaco’s. Even so, I’m not entirely impressed by this — if I’m spending $199 on a coffee maker, I want at least two years.

IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro review: Verdict

The IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro is the best portable espresso maker I’ve ever tested. As much as I enjoyed testing the Wacaco Pixapresso, the IKAPE version is much, much better. For starters, it can brew six shots rather than two on one charge, it comes with really weighty, high-quality accessories, and it’s much easier to use.

Of course, the IKAPE is more expensive. You’re looking at $200 rather than $150. While I wish the IKAPE was cheaper, if you’re a serious coffee lover looking to upgrade your camping coffee setup and you don’t care how much you spend, then I’d recommend the Kapo K2 Pro over the Pixapresso.

For those looking for the best of the best, go for the IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro. It’s the best portable espresso maker I’ve ever tested, and, while pricier than alternatives, if you want the best, you gotta pay for it — right?

I don't really need an excuse to enjoy an ice cream or frozen drink, but I think the sun shining is a perfect one. Sure, buying shop-bought varieties of frosty treats is easy, but once you start making them at home, you realize how much fun you can have with flavors, toppings and textures.

While buying an ice cream maker or frozen drink maker might seem like a big investment, if you use it enough you'll end up saving money. Plus, you can bring it out whenever you're hosting family and friends over the summer months. Or, just if you fancy some ice cream. Here are the 15 I'd recommend buying, from single slushie cups to premium ice cream machines.

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• IKEA's new wireless charger looks like a donut and costs $9, but it's surprisingly capable
• I just upgraded my home with these 5 IKEA items
• How to paint your IKEA furniture for a flawless finish — decorating experts share their top tips

When it comes to some of the best vacuum cleaners, Dyson remains a top-tier contender. And since I test vacuums for a living, I've always been impressed by its unrivaled suction power, innovative features and eye-catching design.

The new Dyson V16 Animal cordless vacuum cleaner is one of the latest models in its arsenal and comes with a few notable upgrades. First of all, its signature trigger-power operation has been replaced with a simple on/off button (no more cramped fingers).

Additionally, it comes with a conical brush bar to adapt to different surfaces without damage, and an anti-hair-tangle mechanism, which is perfect for pet households.

It also comes at a premium price, which, in a competitive market, begs the question of whether it’s truly worth the expensive tag.

I put the Dyson V16 Animal to the test in my home for a few months to find out. Here’s what happened.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A premium cordless vacuum cleaner with a Fluffy Cones floor head to tackle both carpets and hard flooring, and an anti-detangling feature for pet hair.
• Who is it for? People with pets or who prefer a non-trigger power operation for easy use
• How much does it cost? $979 / £749 at Amazon
• What do we like? The sturdy and lightweight build, power-on button, dust-detecting laser light, and the fact that it vacuums very well. Connectivity to the MyDyson app.
• What don’t we like? The edge-to-edge cleaning could be better, and the lack of extra accessories or a self-emptying dock makes the price seem overly dear

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless: Specs

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless review: Price & availability

Priced at $979 at Amazon or £749 direct from Dyson UK, the V16 Animal sits at the higher end of the market. As one of the newest entries in the brand's arsenal, it commands a premium price that mirrors its top-tier standing.

It also comes at a premium price, which, in a competitive market, begs the question of whether it’s truly worth the expensive tag, especially since it lacks extra accessories or even a self-emptying dock (unlike the new Dyson Konical).

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless review: Design

At first glance, the V16 resembles the Dyson Gen5Detect, but comes with a few notable upgrades. First, it has an All Floors ‘Fluffy Cones’ floor head, designed to auto-adapt from hard floors to carpets without the need to swap out heads.

Rather than the separate brush roller and fluffy heads, its conical-shaped swivel head combines two conical brush bars. It also comes with an anti-detangling mechanism and a dust-detection laser light, which is always handy for showing any hidden dustballs.

While the bin capacity might appear limited at first, it features a clever internal compressor. This mechanism compacts debris effectively, allowing for increased storage and far fewer interruptions to empty the trash.

Perhaps the more notable change is the absence of a trigger-button operation, which has been replaced with a tiny (yes, it really is tiny), on/off button at the top of the LCD screen. Underneath that is another button to set your cleaning modes — Eco, Auto and Boost.

I like that you simply press the button and it’s ready to go, which effectively eliminates the hand fatigue often caused by holding down the trigger on trigger-based models.

Included accessories are a combination brush and funnel for upholstery, crevice tool, and the Hair Screw Tool 2.0, which is ideal for pet hairs and tackling stairs.

Overall, the V16 looks sleek and premium with its eye-catching copper-and-Prussian-blue finish.

I also like the fact that it’s lightweight, at just 3.4 kg, which makes it easier to lift and carry around the home single-handedly.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless review: Cleaning performance

Since I have different types of hard flooring, I’m constantly whizzing around my home with a vacuum to deal with the inevitable accumulation of daily dirt, stray crumbs, and household debris.

First, I passed the V16 across my living room's wooden flooring and through the kitchen and dining area tiles. Even when operating in Eco mode, I was impressed at the suction power to quickly pick up dust and loose particles. It even tackled those annoying bits of debris wedged deep within the narrow gaps of my floorboards.

Similarly, in Auto and Boost modes, the power ramps up to give it an even deeper clean.

Another favorite feature of mine is the dust-detection laser light that’s built into the floor head. I find this incredibly useful to spot where the hidden dust is lurking, especially under my sofa, bed (which is usually untouched and has tons of dust balls), and other low-rise furniture.

Plus, its "lightsaber" illumination adds a layer of contentment to the chore (it’s always good to know you haven’t missed any spots); even my son found himself eager to tackle the dust balls in his own bedroom. So that’s a win-win!

Perhaps one slight frustration I encountered was its tendency to struggle with larger debris, like stray cereal or gravel. I often found myself needing several passes over the same area to ensure the floor was left entirely spotless.

Another disappointment is that it struggled with edge-to-edge cleaning, as I still observed the odd dust line along the skirting boards. However, this wasn't a major deal breaker and was easily resolved with another pass over.

Carpet cleaning

Although my home is mostly hard flooring, my carpeted staircase constantly highlights every bit of stray hair and accumulated debris.

Even though I’m not a pet owner (you would think I do), I’m constantly dealing with my own long hair shedding across the house, which tends to get stubbornly embedded in my beige carpeting.

In fact, it looked so dull that you wouldn’t be able to tell what color it originally was.

Set to Auto mode, I was equally impressed that the V16 could tackle these stubborn hair strands, thanks to its anti-detangling function. Moving on, I put the V16 to work on my carpeted staircase.

By switching to the handheld mode and attaching the hair screw tool, I was able to efficiently remove those deep-set particles and stubborn hair fibers that often cling to the treads. Impressive results. For that reason alone, I’d recommend this for pet parents, who would certainly benefit from the pick-up power.

Unlike the hard surface results, the V16 performed better when it came to tackling larger debris on carpet. And once the suction ramped up on Auto, my carpets were left spotless.

Battery

I was impressed with its long-lasting battery life. Given how often I grabbed it for a bi-daily sweep of my living spaces, I only needed to reach for the charger once every fortnight.

However, this longevity likely stems from my reliance on Eco mode, only shifting into Auto for more grimy spots.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless review: Cleaning and storage

Since the compressor bin is designed to hold up to 30 days' worth of dirt (thanks to the innovative internal compressor), I found myself making far fewer trips to the trash can than expected. I found this handy, especially when I was in a rush and didn't always have the time to empty out immediately.

However, one minor caveat is the messy "dust cloud" that often erupts when you trigger the release mechanism — which can be a bit of a nuisance when emptying the bin.

Despite that, the V16 is easy to maintain, and its slender build means it won't take up too much space in your storage closet.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless review: Verdict

The V16 Animal Piston is a welcome upgrade to its predecessors and doesn’t disappoint in power. During my testing, it proved exceptionally capable, making light work of varied types of debris across both my hard floors and carpeted staircase. Plus, its power-on button and lightweight build make it easy to use and maneuver.

Although the unique 'Fluffy Cones' floor head took some getting used to, I grew to really appreciate the sheer versatility. To transition seamlessly between different floor surfaces without pausing to swap out tool attachments is a definite time-saver.

I also found the handy swivel feature and dust-detecting light useful when trying to get into those awkward spots. However, the edge-to-edge cleaning results could have been a little better.

Considering the V16 lacks extra add-ons like the Dyson Submarine’s mopping head or a convenient self-emptying base station, its premium price tag feels particularly steep.

However, if you simply want convenience and unrivaled power to tackle all floor surfaces with ease, the Dyson V16 certainly delivers on its promise.

Most people assume mold is a winter problem. Cold, damp basements and steamy bathrooms, right? Wrong. Summer heatwaves actually create the perfect conditions for AC mold growth.

While outdoor temperatures soar, your air conditioning unit constantly cycles cool air over warm, humid air, creating condensation inside your ductwork. Add dust, pollen, and organic debris to that moisture, and you've built a breeding ground for mold that circulates through every room in your home.

Here's how to stop AC mold before it becomes a health hazard.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 surprising things making your house hot (and how to fix them for free)
• 'I can't remember the last time I cleaned this' — 5 hidden dirt zones in your house and how to clean them
• 3 AC mistakes that are quietly spiking your energy bill — and how to fix them

One day, I aspire to have a really, really nice espresso machine. Don't get me wrong, I love love love my Breville Bambino Plus, but at some point, I want a machine that pulls out all the stops. I'm talking dual boiler or heat exchanger, walnut flourishes, 58mm portafilter, commercial-level steam wand, custom everything.

So when I tested the Lelit Mara X3, I thought I'd died and gone to coffee heaven. This beautiful prosumer machine has it all, and more. Did you know you can customize water temperature, steam pressure, and pressure? And it looks that good while doing so? Oof, sign me up.

The Mara X3 is definitely one of the best espresso machines I've ever tested. And, luckily for the Americans reading this, it's finally out across the pond! As of July 1st, the Mara X3 is available for purchase from Seattle Coffee Gear and Lelit direct, for the very — checks notes — "reasonable" price of $2,000. So... is this $2k espresso machine worth it? Let's get into it.

Hidden coffee nerd settings galore

As you might expect from a machine that costs almost double my monthly rent, the Lelit Mara X3 is replete with high-tech coffee-snob-approved features.

The Mara X3 has three main standouts: 1) custom steam pressure, 2) Pagaia pressure paddle, and 3) water temperature control.

It doesn't take a genius to guess what all these features do. The steam pressure can be increased or decreased depending on your preference (so you could practice with lower pressure before ramping up to commercial-level pressure). I kept this on 'Max' to mimic commercial espresso machines.

There's also a temperature switch hiding under the drip tray — this is for different coffee roasts. Light roast requires a higher temperature, dark roasts a cooler, and medium, well, medium.

The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed I omitted the 'Pagaia' paddle — fear not, because that requires its own section.

Pressure paddle for perfect performance

When you start getting into espresso aficionado territory, you start hearing things like "pre-infusion". Pre-infusion is when you saturate the grounds at low pressure before ramping up the pressure for a normal espresso extraction.

Varying this pre-infusion can bring out different flavors in your coffee. If you're using great artisanal beans, you'll start noticing things you've never noticed before. Cherry, biscuit, whiskey, lime — coffee can and does taste like all these things. I promise you.

Of course, you need to experiment with this to get the best performance. No, you're not going to start tasting bubblegum in your coffee on your first try. You really need to play with it.

You can customize pre-infusion on Breville machines — Bambino, Barista Express — but the Pagaia paddle takes it up a notch. You can put the machine on low pressure, then high pressure, then low pressure again. It's what coffee is all about — having fun!

I had a whale of a time playing with different pressures and noticing all the unique flavors in my espresso. Trust me — you'll get obsessed. The Mara X3 makes seriously delicious espresso.

So... is it worth it?

Ugh, I hate this. But yes. Yes, it's worth it.

However, I know I'm never going to have $2,000 to spend on an espresso machine, and that's fine. I've made my peace with that. Although I want one of these gorgeous prosumer models, unless I win the lottery or fall into a pile of cash, I know it's not going to happen.

But if you do have $2,000 lying about and you're extremely into coffee, then you should definitely buy the Lelit Mara X3. You will not be disappointed at all.

Obviously, the Mara X3 is gorgeous. I mean, just look at it. Everyone in the office made oohs and aahs when they walked past. The walnut flourishes are eye-catching, the cream body screams high-quality, and the overall aesthetic is simply perfect.

I'll leave you with this: When you're scrolling coffee YouTube/TikTok/Instagram, just look at what machine most influencers have. Yep, it's the Lelit Bianca. This brand has a cult following for a reason — and the Mara X3 is one of the cheapest ways to be inducted.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried this ridiculously cheap bean-to-cup espresso machine so you don't have to — and it's a total head-scratcher
• Non-plastic coffee makers are trending — and this low-plastic Ratio model is my favorite for coffee snobs
• Do you need a WDT tool for barista-quality coffee at home? I put the controversial coffee tool to the test

With an impending heatwave across much of the States, we’re not the only ones overheating.

It turns out that the heat is putting an extra strain on our household appliances — especially if we’re running our cooling fans and air conditioning units for longer than usual to keep comfortable.

But if you notice an unusual or ‘fishy smell’ inside your home, an expert has warned that this should never be ignored. This is because it could be an early indicator that your electrical components are overheating and need immediate attention. And if left unresolved, this can risk sparking a hazardous electrical fire or permanently ruining your equipment. Here’s everything you need to know this summer.

Why can I smell a fishy smell?

According to an expert, an unusual smell could be an early indication that household devices, outlets, or internal wiring are currently overheating. But why does this often cause a metallic or fish-like scent?

“A fishy or metallic smell throughout your home may seem unpleasant yet harmless; however, you shouldn’t ignore it,” advises Ben Rawson, Electrical Heating Expert from Electric Radiators Direct.

“When electrical components such as wires or outlets overheat, the smell produced can often be fishy. This smell indicates potential overheating and, in worse cases, electrical fires.

“During periods of hot weather, when many households are relying on fans and cooling appliances for longer periods, it’s especially important not to ignore this smell.”

What’s more, during a heatwave, any extra warmth generated by your household devices makes cooling down your living space much more difficult.

For top tips, check out these appliances you need to unplug right now to cool down your home in a heatwave.

What should you do to fix this?

Whether you notice a metallic odor, or simply want to take preventative measures, what are the first steps to follow?

“To avoid electrical fires, turn off and unplug any appliances that were recently in use as a first step,” advises Rawson. “Following this, avoid using outlet sockets, switches or extension cables that feel warm to the touch.”

In addition, if you suspect electrical faults or damage, always call in a professional to do the relevant checks or fix any issues — instead of attempting a dangerous DIY fix.

“Don’t attempt to fix the electrical issues yourself,” adds Rawson. “Call a qualified electrician to diagnose the problem and make repairs.

“Smells are often overlooked in the home; however, they can be one of the earliest warning signs of serious problems. Acting quickly and putting preventative measures in place not only protects your health and safety but can also save you from costly repairs down the line.”

So if you ever notice a ‘fishy’ aroma wafting through your home — assuming you aren't preparing dinner — you might well want to have an expert inspect your household devices this summer.

More from Tom's Guide

• Frozen bed sheets and cold spoons — weird tips for how to sleep cool during a heatwave
• 5 ways to prepare your AC for a heatwave
• How to cool down a room in a heatwave — 10 essential tips

Best Buy's massive 4th of July sale continues — and today we're rounding up some fantastic savings on a range of home appliances.

On this page I've rounded up everything from air fryers to washing machines, air conditioners and fridges. Really, this is one of the best selections of savings that I've seen in a while, with a lot of trusted brands here like LG, Shark, GE and more included. If you've been planning to upgrade your home then this is a great time to do so.

We're still a few days away from the big day so, for more amazing deals, make sure to keep an eye on our guide to the best 4th of July sales for even more great savings.

The Ooni Karu 2 is a compact outdoor pizza oven, capable of cooking up to 12-inch pizzas and using three different types of fuel. Formerly named the 12G, the Karu 2 is one step up from the entry-level Karu 12. It gives newbies and intermediate pizza makers everything they need, wrapped up in a compact, foldable design and with the versatility of multiple fueling types.

It isn’t the cheapest, but its premium build makes up for that; and when using charcoal or wood the temps can get a little variable, although nothing that a few pizza’s worth of experience won’t let you handle.

Is this the best pizza oven for you? Find out in my full Ooni Karu 2 review.

Ooni Karu 2 review: Specs

Ooni Karu 2 review: Price & availability

The Ooni Karu 2 costs $449 at Amazon and Ooni, while in the U.K. it costs £349 at Amazon. This model (the 2026 variant) just dropped to $349 during Amazon’s Prime Day sales in June 2026, so I’d recommend holding out for sales to scoop up a discount.

The MSRP and feature set make the Karu 2 an mid-range pizza oven, although it’s very similar to the entry-level Karu 12 ($349), which doesn’t feature a glass door and burns fuel a little quicker (otherwise, the specs are virtually the same). The Karu 2 kinda straddles that border between (pricey) entry-level and mid-range.

The Karu 2 is priced similarly to the Gozney Roccbox ($499), which is also a multi-fuel oven, although the Gozney can't technically use charcoal.

There are more affordable alternatives, like the Big Horn 12-inch Multi-Fuel pizza oven ($169). But the Big Horn lacks that premium polish of Ooni and Gozney ovens — you’re paying big-name prices for the Karu 2, but getting a premium product in return.

Note that you’ll need some accessories, especially if this is your first time cooking pizza. This will add to your overall spend and I’ll cover it more in the Accessories section below.

Ooni Karu 2 review: Design

Before you can do anything with the Karu 2, you gotta build it. There’s usually some assembly required with pizza ovens, although the Gozney Arc and Tread are mostly just a case of sliding in the stone and doing a pre-cook burn.

The Karu 2 is a little more in-depth, but not complicated. It comes half built: you basically just install the door and add the chimney. There are instructions included, which I found clear and easy to follow. There’s a video walkthrough online, although it’s a little misleading and caused some owners to damage their ovens. I just followed the included instructions and didn’t go wrong. After building, you get it up to temperature for 30 minutes to burn off any residual coatings from manufacturing.

I love that the hex key you use to build the oven stows under the rear leg once you’ve finished assembly, simultaneously locking the leg into place for safety. Very handy.

Assembled, the Karu 2 feels like a premium product. I love the matte black housing and brushed metal trim, and the whole product feels generally high quality and built to last. The pizza stone itself is reassuringly thick and engraved with the Ooni logo, plus there’s a glass door — both adding to the premium feel.

The Karu 2 measures 30 x 16 x 28 inches, making it a fairly compact oven when compared to beasts like the Gozney Dome XL Gen 2 ($2,799).

At 33lbs, I found the Karu 2 relatively easy to carry around, too, although it’s not exactly ‘lightweight’. Thankfully, the legs fold down and the chimney is easy to remove, which stops it being an awkward shape to transport. Theoretically the Karu 2 is designed to be suitable for taking out on the road, but if it’s sheer portability you’re after, I’d recommend the smaller and lighter Gozney Tread ($499)

Fuel

The Karu 2 is an outdoor oven, running on either gas, wood or charcoal. This makes it highly versatile: if you’re out of gas, just head down to the store and pick up some lumpwood charcoal or (cook safe) wood kindling. The Gozney Roccbox is multi-fuel, but isn’t technically capable of using charcoal, making it a little more restrictive. The larger Ooni Karu 16 ($799) is more versatile, though, as it can also use pellets.

Controls

There are no complicated controls on the Karu 2, only an ambient temperature gauge on the right-hand side and a chimney dial to change air flow and bring flames over the top of the pizza. As such, it’s very simple to use. Just add fuel to the fuel tray via the hatch at the back, light it up and go.

Ooni Karu 2 review: Accessories

As I mentioned above, if you’re new to pizza ovens or pizza-making in general, you’re gonna need some accessories. The basic accessory you need is a pizza peel, to assemble on and then “launch” your pizza into the oven. These come in metal or wood, but for beginners I’d recommend wood peels as they’re easier to launch from.

I tested Ooni’s 12-inch Bamboo peel ($40); the Ooni Turning Peel ($65) for turning the pizza while cooking and removing it; and the Ooni Infrared Thermometer Gun ($65) for measuring the stone temperature (the Karu 2’s temperature gauge only measures ambient temperature, which doesn’t tell you when the stone is ready to cook). These are all high quality, although as you can see, they’ll cost ya. If you want to use the Karu 2 with propane, you’ll need to drop another $112 into the gas adapter.

I also tested Ooni’s folding metal table ($249), which is fantastic. It‘s designed to have the oven on top, but with its smooth stainless steel surface, I preferred using it for prep and dough stretching — as an ex chef, working on it was like being back in a commercial kitchen. It also has three hooks that can be fitted to either side for hanging accessories. I put the oven on a folding camping table instead, which was possible thanks to the Karu 2’s relatively low weight.

Ooni offers various bundles, which are also often on sale, so keep an eye out for those. Of course, you can grab way more affordable alternatives to all these accessories online.

Ooni Karu 2 review: Performance

I’m very impressed with the Karu 2’s performance. It isn’t perfect, but this thing will still give any newcomers the pizza bug. It’ll also give more experienced pizza makers like me everything they need. It’s extremely versatile and capable of producing fantastic pizza. The only major limitation is its fueling, which leads to some variable results. I’ll cover this below.

With a full tray of fuel, the Karu 2 took around 10-12 minutes for the stone to get up to 750F/400C, which was the temperature I needed for neapolitan style pizza. I used a combination of lumpwood charcoal and beech pizza logs to cook, and this combo seemed to get things really hot, really fast. The Gozney Arc Lite ($399), meanwhile, took 15-20 minutes to heat up on gas.

The charcoal I used provided a constant and lasting base of intense heat. By adding chunks of wood before each pie went in, I created intense spikes of heat and a flame over the top to cook toppings. This is easy: just open the rear hatch and drop fuel in as needed. For 5 pizzas, I needed 2-3 handfuls of lumpwood charcoal and 5-6 small logs — not much, but this will add up over time (although fuel is always something you have to factor in).

Because you’re adding fuel by eye and need to top up constantly as you cook, heat levels are variable in a way you won’t see from a gas-fed oven like the Ooni Koda 16 ($599) or Gozney Arc Lite. This means you’ll experience variations in temperature. This could be between cooks, meaning one pizza takes longer than another; but it can also be intra-cook, as fuel runs out and temperatures drop, leading to one side of your pizza crust rising more than another. Of course, you can simply buy the gas adapter to fix this.

This was my only major issue with the Karu 2, though, and wasn’t a big deal in use. I just had to keep a close eye on my pizzas as they cooked and adjust fuel accordingly. Sure, I got a couple of oddly risen pizzas and a few burnt crusts, but it’s all part of the fun. (Anyway, I kinda like a burnt crust.)

I primarily cooked Neapolitan style pizzas on my Karu 2, and whatever I made came out super tasty. Some highlights were an Ndjua pizza which I then added a whole burrata to after cooking (this went so fast I didn’t get a chance to take photos); fennel sausage and red onion; and an artichoke and roasted red pepper pizza for my wife, who is vegetarian. I also made the typical slew of old favorites: margherita, ham and mushroom, marinara, etc.

When cooking for a group of friends, I was able to deliver five pizzas in a row and keep everyone happy. For larger groups, though, I’d look at an oven capable of cooking multiple pizzas at once (like the Gozney Dome XL) or larger 16-inch pizzas (like the Ooni Koda 16 or Gozney Arc XL).

When cooking for a group, I used the oven’s dropping temperature to pitch towards low’n’slow style pizzas, like New York style, cooking margheritas at lower heats for longer, to get that properly browned mozzarella on top. Delicious.

I also used the oven to cook side dishes, like charred red pepper and tenderstem broccoli. So it proved to be a great all-in-one solution for group meals outdoors (although, I spent all the time manning the oven, rather than sitting with my friends).

Ooni Karu 2 review: Storage & maintenance

While the Karu 2 is mostly rainproof, you can’t leave it outside exposed to the elements, as temperature changes can cause the stone to crack. At the very least, remove the stone if you’re going to do that. But ideally use a cover (Ooni sells one for $50), move it under shelter or stow in a garage/shed.

As I mentioned earlier, the Karu 2 is fairly easy to move, so I had no issues returning it to my garage after each use. A full cooldown takes around 60-90 minutes once you’ve removed the fuel tray, at which point you can clean and move the oven.

The Karu 2’s cook heat is high enough that it’s effectively self-cleaning. Just wipe down the stone with a dry cloth after use to remove loose debris, and wipe the soot from the inside of the case once cooled. For any tougher burnt remnants on the stone, simply fire up the oven to max temperature and burn everything off. Never get your stone wet while its hot, and avoid wetting it altogether otherwise.

Ooni Karu 2 review: Verdict

If you want a versatile little pizza oven, perhaps as your first upgrade from using your kitchen oven, look no further than the Karu 2. It isn’t the cheapest on the market, and its fueling can lead to unstable temperatures.

However, it heats up fast and makes excellent pizza, while the temperature variations can be managed easily through experience or by adapting the oven to gas). It’s a premium product that feels built to last, is easy to maintain and fairly easy to store, too. It’s just the ideal oven for first-timers, and I’m kinda sad my time testing it has now come to an end.

Prime Day may be over, but it seems like the savings on Ninja appliances are still going strong. With 4th of July sales happening now, it's the perfect time to take advantage of discounts — especially if you're hosting a backyard barbecue or holiday celebration.

If you're getting ready to fire up a new grill, the Ninja FlexFlame Propane Grill is down to $999. Need a new cooler to keep those beers and sodas ice cold? The Ninja FrostVault 30QT is sporting a $50 discount. And if you're looking for an all-in-one blender to assist you in prepping dips, drinks, desserts and more, the Ninja Kitchen System is now 41% off.

Ninja has everything you need to cook (and host) like a pro this 4th of July — and the devices start at just $69. Keep scrolling to check out these summer deals.

Quick Links

• shop all Ninja deals at Ninja
• shop all Ninja deals at Amazon
• Ninja Blast Max: was $99 now $69
• Ninja Professional Blender: was $109 now $89
• Ninja Iced Coffee Maker: was $129 now $99
• Ninja Air Fryer 5-in-1: was $179 now $109
• Ninja Mega Kitchen System: was $219 now $129
• Ninja FrostVault 30QT: was $279 now $229
• Ninja Slushi Max: was $349 now $299
• Ninja FlexFlame Propane Grill: was $1119 now $999

Ninja Deals

I drink coffee every day of the week. Whether I'm using my drip machine or moka pot, not a day goes by when my apartment doesn't smell like a coffee house. Plus, now that studies indicate drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee can be beneficial to your health — I have even more reasons to enjoy that cup of joe.

Prime Day ends tonight, but I'm still seeing a lot of amazing deals on coffee makers, accessories, beans, and more. Some items are at their lowest price of the year. Below I've picked out all of my favorite Prime Day coffee deals so that you too can enjoy a nice cup of joe without having to pay full price. (For more personal recommendations, check out our last-minute Prime Day deals live blog).

Coffee Machines

Coffee Accessories

It's the final day of Amazon's big sales event, which means you only have a few hours left to take advantage of the Prime Day deals. We've got a fantastic one for you here, though, centered on one of the most iconic and coveted homeware brands in the business: Le Creuset.

This prestige brand has been making world-class pans, skillets, and dishes for more than 100 years. Le Creuset is famous for its tough and stylish cast iron cookware in a range of beautiful colors that add a touch of class to any kitchen.

Now, these are undeniably quite pricey pieces, but you're buying quality that, with proper care, will last a lifetime. And with Prime Day now on, this is a perfect opportunity to make some massive savings.

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals

There's nothing worse than spending $200 on a coffee machine just for it to croak a few years later. Who's got the time and money to research and buy a new coffee maker more often than the World Cup? Not me, that's for sure.

A wise man once said, "Buy it nice or buy it twice" — and in the Technivorm Moccamaster's case, truer words could not have been spoken. At $370 full price, the Moccamaster is in no way the cheapest coffee maker you can get. But right now it's down to $239, which means it's a little more attainable for us common folks.

But the temporary discount isn't the most appealing part — Technivorm's best-in-class aftermarket care is. Unlike every other coffee brand, Technivorm offers a 5-year warranty and lifetime repairs as standard. So... does it actually make more sense to buy the Moccamaster over a cheaper alternative without this post-purchase treatment? To help you decide which coffee maker to make a part of your family, I've done the math — so let's get into it.

The initial cost

Getting a brand-new coffee maker is inherently expensive. Let's run through some of my favorite models.

Coffee maker math

Now, let's do some coffee maker math. For your ease, I put all this information into a nice little table.

Hm, I don't think it takes a Harvard Math graduate to work out that the Moccamaster has the best warranty by far. Technivorm is an industry leader here — no other manufacturers come anywhere near as close.

Let's toss around some possible future scenarios.

Now, these are all just possibilities. I am in no way saying these machines will break at any point — they may last five years, ten, twenty. I am also not claiming these companies have to follow these rules. Each warranty has fine print. This is just a hypothetical scenario.

Scenario 1

• You buy the Bonavita 5-Cup. It's got the lowest initial cost of any SCA machine and you can't be sinking $300 into a Technivorm or Breville right now (relatable).
• However, on day 366 of usage, the Bonvita says RIP.
• You can't claim anything under warranty, as it's been more than 365 days.
• You have to buy it again.
• Overall cost: $149 + $149 = $298

Scenario 2

• You buy the Breville Luxe Brewer. It's $350, but it's a gorgeous machine and you have been saving up for a year.
• You use it for a year and it breaks.
• Breville send you a new one as it was under warranty!
• You use it for another two years and the new one breaks.
• You can't claim anything under warranty, as your two years are up.
• Overall cost: $349 + $349 = $698 (yeouch!)

Scenario 3

• You buy the Technivorm Moccamaster. Again, it's expensive, but that warranty looks appealing.
• After two years, it breaks.
• You get a new one from Technivorm as it was under warranty.
• After twelve years, it breaks!
• Technivorm repairs your Moccamaster for a fee.
• You don't have to buy a new coffee maker!
• Overall cost: $239 right now, $369 full price

Again, these are all completely hypothetical scenarios. In no way am I suggesting any Ninja, Breville, Bonavita, or Simply Good Coffee machine will break after a few years. It's just an example.

Offering a 1- or 2-year warranty for a coffee machine is, if you ask me, pretty poor going. Do these brands not have faith in their products, or is there some other reason for it? If zero manufacturers offered a 5-year warranty or lifetime repairs, we'd be able to excuse it with, "Well, no one else is doing it."

But Technivorm is doing it. I'd like all these major brands to follow suit, learn from the masters, and offer customers better after-purchase care. Customer relationships don't end when you press "Checkout". They don't end — ever. I'm using that coffee maker every day, and the longer each product lasts, the more trust grows.

The bottom line is this: if you buy it nice, you don't have to buy it twice. If I were buying a new coffee maker, I know which one I'd choose: the Moccamaster.

And my decision would be instant.

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals

Here at The Coffee Lab, I'm always trying to find the best coffee maker. With so many options out there now — Moccamaster, Ninja 12-Cup, Breville Luxe Brewer, Aarke Coffee Maker — it feels like finding a coffee granule in a haystack.

Thankfully, Simply Good Coffee literally put it in the name. This week, I've got the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer on the dissection table, so let's get stuck in. You guys hate plastic in your coffee. Personally, I'm not vehemently anti-plastic. While I was researching for this article, I discovered that BPA plastic is not banned in the U.S., which explains a lot. European food safety standards are pretty robust already — BPA plastic has been banned in the EU since 2025. Of course, minimizing plastic usage is the best course of action for the environment as a whole, so we should all be consciously choosing the eco-friendly option.

Simply Good Coffee is trying to make one of the first "truly" plastic-free coffee makers... and it's kind of succeeded? I say "kind of" because the Plastic-Free Brewer has a plastic-coated exterior (for health and safety to prevent burns) and silicone tubing in the water lines. Are these dealbreakers for you, or would you still get the Plastic-Free Brewer? Let's get into it.

Low plastic, not no plastic

Let's just get this clear: the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free brewer is not plastic-free. As I mentioned earlier, it has a plastic coating on the exterior to prevent burns and the internal water lines have medical-grade silicone tubing.

However, no hot water touches plastic at any point during the brewing process. The heating element, water tank, carafe, filter, and destratification tube are all made from stainless steel or glass. Water obviously touches the silicone in the water tubing, but this isn't hot yet. And, it's silicone. It's not plastic in the traditional sense. Do you consider silicone a dangerous plastic, or not?

There are some key differences between the SGC and Moccamaster: the latter has a plastic filter basket, a plastic destratification tube (yes, that's its real name), and a plastic water tank. Let's look at a side-by-side.

It would be completely inaccurate to claim the Moccamaster leaches plastic into hot water, though. Technivorm is based in the Netherlands, a country with strict plastic laws. Every Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands using "virgin plastics in key components". Technivorm uses virgin plastics rather than recycled to "ensure structural consistency, long-term durability, and full traceability of materials." Don't worry — even though BPAs aren't explicitly banned in the U.S., all Moccamaster's plastics are "BPA, BPS, phthalate, and BPF-free."

There's no one correct answer, and I'm not going to pretend there is, or tell you what to believe. You should get whichever machine you feel more comfortable with.

But how does the coffee taste?

The Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer makes delicious coffee. In my 4-star review, I wrote, "I never made a bad batch on the Simply Good Coffee Brewer. Every pot tasted clean, fresh, with zero bitterness and a pleasant, well-rounded finish. This coffee tastes just as good as the Moccamaster’s, and I’m sure any Moccamaster transplants will be satisfied with this flavor."

Of course, you can experiment with flavor by adjusting grind size, water-to-coffee ratio, and bloom time. The SGC Plastic-Free Brewer has a bloom button; you can switch it on or off depending on preference.

"I tried every dose from 56g (the minimum for a full pot) to 72g (the maximum for a full pot), and found anywhere between 60g-72g to be perfect," I wrote in my review. Usually, I'm a rigid ratio stickler, but I enjoyed the SCG flavor at pretty much every ratio.

Unfortunately, the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer isn't SCA-accredited yet, but the company claims the Brewer adheres to the SCA's guidelines.

What's your main takeaway?

Would you be willing to try the Simply Good Coffee (Mostly) Plastic-Free Brewer? Or would you rather stick with your old faithful Moccamaster, Ninja, Breville, and the like?

It's worth noting that Simply Good Coffee does not offer a 5-year warranty or lifetime repairs like Technivorm, but "a two-year warranty as standard and a five-year warranty if you enrol in the Coffee Quality Assurance Programme (costs $120…), which gives you free shipping, filters, and cleaning products."

I honestly think I would be happy with either the Moccamaster or the SGC Plastic-Free Brewer. Looks-wise, they're both a bit of me. I love that modern, functional, industrial, yet sleek vibe.

Let me know in the comments which machine you'd rather buy! Be sure to check back next Friday for the next episode of The Coffee Lab brewing on our TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried this ridiculously cheap bean-to-cup espresso machine so you don't have to — and it's a total head-scratcher
• Non-plastic coffee makers are trending — and this low-plastic Ratio model is my favorite for coffee snobs
• Do you need a WDT tool for barista-quality coffee at home? I put the controversial coffee tool to the test

TL;DR Woolworths’ Fissler cookware promotion promised shoppers they could earn and redeem credits for free cookware, but tempers are flaring online over missing stock and credits that can’t be redeemed.

I asked Woolworths if there was even one store with stock I could call. They never got back to me, and now the entire stock locator is offline.

So I headed down the rabbit hole looking for answers — and ways to cash in before time runs out.

Update note: I've added new details and a timeline showing just how early complaints started.

Promo and stock timeline

• Week 1 – March 18: Promotion starts
• Week 6 – April 25: Complaints start about lack of stock
• Week 6 – April 27: Complaints start about accuracy of stock locator
• Week 7 – May 4: Media reports start on redemption/stock frustration
• Week 8 – May 12: Halfway point
• Weeks 9 to 13 – Ongoing stock/rdemption complaints on social media
• Week 14 – June 21: Cookware display first reported removed
• Week 14 – June 23, 11:59 PM: Credit earning period ends
• Week 15 – June 24, Midnight: Redeem-only period begins, Woolworths adds warning majority of stores are out of stock
• Week 15 – June 25: Woolworths says almost no stock anywhere and takes stock locator offline
• Week 16 – July 7, 23:59: End of promotion
  ⁤
• Jump to sources.

Fissler or fizzle?

On June 23, Woolworths’ stock checker told me I could redeem Fissler promo cookware at my local store.

When I arrived, however, there wasn’t even an empty cookware display. While you could still earn cookware credits, it turns out you can’t actually cash them in.

That was my first clue that my plan for a How to best claim your Woolworths cookware credits before they expire article was not going to be as simple as I thought.

To recap: the latest Woolworths purchase promotion is a Fissler cookware offer built around a straightforward deal. Customers earn credits by doing little tasks, like buying certain brands or products, signing up for the rewards app, or simply remembering to scan their rewards card when doing their regular shopping.

Those credits could be used to ‘buy’ any (or all) of a set of six Fissler-branded cookware items, and there was even a two-week ‘redemption only’ period (which officially started on June 24 and ends on July 7) to make sure anyone earning credits in the last few days or weeks of the promo wouldn’t miss out.

There’s always a catch

The warning signs were all there: back in April, over two weeks before the halfway point, complaints were already showing up on Reddit about the lack stock for redeeming cookware.

We get it. Who among us hasn’t made a few mistakes when running a national cookware campaign?

Fortunately (at least from Woolworths’ perspective), there was a failsafe in the terms and conditions: the promotion would only run ‘while stocks last’ and could be ended early at any time.

But when shortages became apparent, Woolworths didn’t bow out gracefully, or even take a pause – at least not publicly. They continued on, leaving customers increasingly frustrated.

My journey into cookware madness begins

On the final day of credit earning, I headed into my local store to see how full the cookware display was, trying to get an idea how it would hold up for the two week redemption only period.

But there wasn't any cookware. The entire cookware display, which should have at least held some stock, had already been dismantled and removed.

All that was left were banners urging me to buy the right brands to earn more bonus credits to redeem for cookware that was nowhere to be seen.

I naively asked a staff member in the self-serve checkouts where I could find the cookware.

There wasn’t any.

I said the app told me there was stock.

I got a look of pity.

I tried to leave, but the exit barriers refused to open. I awkwardly stumbled past them and hurried away, too embarrassed to look back and see if I had done something wrong.

Where's the stock?

Safely back in the digital realm, I found another store with stock and gave them a call.

No cookware.

The staff member told me the store hadn’t had any for weeks.

I kept trying stores where Woolworths’ app cheerfully insisted products were available, but I couldn’t find even one that actually had any cookware.

Part of the problem, I realised, was that Woolworths’ website and AI chatbot stock checkers didn’t always agree and directed me to different stores.

There are more than 1,000 stores, Australia-wide, so I’m sure some had stock. There just didn’t seem to be a way to figure out where they were.

Things only got weirder that night as the clock ticked from June 23 to June 24, and the customer-friendly two-week redemption-only period started.

At the stroke of midnight, Woolworths slapped a new warning on the cookware promo stating:

“Due to high demand, stock is now exhausted in the following areas: Sydney & Wollongong areas, Melbourne metro, Brisbane metro, Adelaide metro and Northern Rivers.”

I did the maths. By my count, that out-of-stock area covers around 60% of Woolworths stores Australia-wide.

Yet somehow that mighty stock shortage wasn’t worth warning about one minute earlier, or a day, a week, or a month before, while customers were still being openly encouraged to hustle to earn a few more credits.

Yeah, I had questions about that.

No really, where is the stock?

I reached out to Woolworths and cut straight to the point.

Why, I asked, did “while stocks last” appear to line up so neatly with “while customers were still spending money to earn credits” but not “while customers could redeem those credits”?

Woolworths politely dodged the question and suggested customers could use the stock locator to find places to redeem their credits.

I even asked if I could get the location of just one store with stock. Somewhere, surely, there had to be a store where staff would be overjoyed to receive a call from someone who wanted the bounty of cookware overflowing their shelves.

Woolworths said they’d check and get back to me on that.

They didn’t.

A day later, the entire Cookware stock checker was taken offline, and Woolworths released a statement that the majority of stores Australia wide were out of stock.

Customers could earn credits less than two days before and still had 12 days left to redeem them. But Woolworths hadn't ordered stock to actually honour that.

Fissler flop

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are clearly a lot of happy customers, and Woolworths has said that more than 1.8 million cookware products have been claimed. That’s impressive.

But why had stock started drying up less than halfway into the promotion?

Why wasn't enough stock ordered to cover the redemption only period in the terms and conditions?

Woolworths, of course, declined to comment.

In hindsight, it turns out the promotion’s cheery “First come, best served!” slogan was actually a warning.

And that leaves a bad taste not even a secret stash of Fissler cookware could fix.

Woolworths Cookware Claiming Compendium

So, where does that leave anyone still holding credits? Is there a way to redeem them?

If you happen to live somewhere that still has stock, then you might have a chance. With the stock locater offline, your only option is to call around and see.

Unfortunately, that probably doesn't include anywhere in the Sydney & Wollongong areas, Melbourne metro, Brisbane metro, Adelaide metro and Northern Rivers much at all really, Australia wide.

If you’re a glutton for punishment, I suggest using the web or app stock checker, as while it was still wrong every time I tried, it's a less hopeful, more up-to-date kind of wrong.

And make sure to call the store before you go, but be nice to the staff – it’s not their fault.

Updated advice: good luck, as you're going to need it!

Timeline sources

These are the earliest reports about stock and other issues I can find so far.

April 25 ~6 weeks in — earliest social media complaint we have seen about stock issues in the comments on this Facebook reel from Woolworths. A follow up comment on April 27 flags the stock location issue – saying: "I’ve tried 4 stores today, 3 said in stock and not there."

April 27 ~6 weeks in — this Reddit post has further claims about lack of stock, as well as one user saying (on April 29) that the stock locator is not accurate.

May 4 ~7 weeks in — Nine News story covering the early stock problems and customer frustrations.

June 21 ~14 weeks in — a user adds a comment on a Reddit post noting that their stores cookware display had been removed that day.

Woolworths terms and conditions PDF that includes promotion dates.

Other sources and discussion:

• Everyday rewards discussion group — Facebook
• What’s the point exactly? — Reddit
• Woolworths non-existent cookware promo — Reddit
• Hi, I’m not complaining but… — Reddit
• PSA: Claim Fissler cookware from Woolies before 7 — Reddit
• Don’t let your credits go to waste post — Facebook
• Don’t let your credits go to waste video — Facebook
• Got Cookware Credits built up? — Facebook
• Looking for your free premium cookware credits? — Facebook
• Leftover credits discussion — Facebook group

Still unhappy about your unredeemable cookware credits?

We hear you. Woolworths seems determined to try to ignore the whole fiasco, but that doesn't seem very likely, considering our tools show Google searches for Woolworths cookware credits have jumped up over 400,000%.

This is especially bold considering Woolworths is currently waiting to find out the outcome of an ACCC misleading-discounts case that was heard in April and May.

Plus, there's extra scrutiny right now from regulators, as from July 1, 2026, new laws banning supermarket price gouging go into effect to protect Australian shoppers.

Does saying "while stocks last" make it OK for cookware to run out before the end of the promotion?

In the terms and conditions PDF, Woolworths states: "The Promotion runs from 00:01 AEDT on 18 March 2026 until 23:59 AEST on 7 July 2026 or until stock of Cookware is exhausted".

Only a court can decide if the promotion was actually misleading, but I would certainly feel misled if Woolworths kept encouraging customers to earn more credits past the point they could reasonably redeem them.

Woolworths can see (or reasonably should have checked) customer credit balances and remaining stock numbers and thus know when outstanding customer credits were enough to redeem all the remaining stock.

That's when I would say that, yes, cookware is exhausted, and Woolworths should have stopped credits from being earned and focused on helping customers redeem cookware.

Or, just order more stock!

Even just allowing customers to redeem credits online and have the products shipped directly to them would have helped prevent any backlash.

But was the promotion actually misleading? We'll have to see if the ACCC weighs in to find out.

Make a complaint

Woolworths doesn't have a published complaints handling process I can see, so your best bet is to reach out through one of the contact methods or use the feedback and enquiry form online.

If that doesn’t get you anywhere, these are the official places to try next.

ACCC — report a consumer issue: lodge a report here if you think Woolworths’ lack of cookware stock is an issue that should be investigated. Reports about these types of promotions is how the ACCC knows when there is a problem.

For state specific help:

NSW Fair Trading — general complaint form: NSW customers can lodge a general complaint if they’ve already tried to resolve it with Woolworths.

Consumer Affairs Victoria — resolve your problem: Victorian customers can use this page to work out whether to make a general complaint and what information to provide.

Queensland Office of Fair Trading — make a consumer complaint: Queensland customers can use this page to start a complaint after trying to sort it out with the business.

SA Consumer and Business Services — online forms: South Australian customers can use CBS’s online form to complain about a business or product.

WA Consumer Protection — complaints: Western Australian customers can use the complaint form for a problem with a product or service.

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Tasmania — complaints: Tasmanian customers can use this page to work through the complaint process and contact CBOS if needed.

Access Canberra — get help with a consumer issue: ACT customers can use this page for consumer-protection help and complaints.

NT Consumer Affairs — consumer conciliation request: Northern Territory customers can use this free conciliation service to ask for help resolving a dispute with a business.

Woolworths' response

I asked Woolworths a lot of questions about the Fissler cookware promotion, none of which were directly answered. They did give me a little bit of background information, but not anything that I am allowed to quote, or that answered my questions in a meaningful way.

Here are some of the things I asked:

• Could customers rely on the online and app stock locator, why was it showing stock at stores that said they had none, and why was the locator later shut down?
• Were customers expected to call stores directly to check stock, and what official advice did Woolworths have for finding remaining cookware?
• Which stores still had stock, how much stock was available, and were stores still receiving cookware deliveries?
• How much stock did Woolworths expect to have available during the two-week redemption-only period?
• Why did stock appear to have dried up so far ahead of the end of the promotion?
• What steps did Woolworths take to ensure customers who earned credits before the end of the promotion could redeem them during the redemption-only period?
• Why did Woolworths continue encouraging customers to earn bonus cookware credits when stock appeared difficult or impossible to redeem?
• Why did Woolworths not end, suspend or modify the promotion early when stock shortages became apparent?
• Why were customers only warned about exhausted stock in major areas after the earning period had ended?
• Would Woolworths extend the redemption period, offer online redemption, provide rainchecks, or otherwise help customers who could not find stock?
• How many cookware credits did Woolworths expect would go unredeemed?
• Did Woolworths receive supplier funding, placement fees, advertising contributions or other commercial benefits from participating brands?
• Did commercial agreements with participating brands influence Woolworths’ decision not to end, suspend or modify the earn period before June 23?
• Did Woolworths consider the promotion transactional, and how did it characterise the value of credits customers had already earned?
• Has Woolworths ended the promotion itself, or only shut off the stock locator?

Statements from Woolworths

Woolworths made a number of public statements, which I have included below.

Woolworths’ first statement

“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our latest cookware program, with customers bringing home over 1.8 million pieces to date.

“While we try to predict demand as accurately as possible, the love for this specific range completely exceeded our expectations. We understand how disappointing it is to miss out on a piece you've had your eye on, and appreciate everyone's understanding.

“While the Fissler range is strictly ‘while stocks last,’ we want to help customers redeem their credits on the remaining items. Before heading into a store, we highly recommend checking the live stock locator in the Woolworths app to see what is available nearby.”

Woolworths’ updated statement

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our latest cookware program, with customers bringing home over 1.8 million Fissler cookware products to date.

“While we tried to predict demand as accurately as possible when ordering these products based on previous collectables campaigns, demand in the final weeks of this promotion was genuinely unprecedented.

“Stock is now very limited, but we do still have some items available across our store network.

“We understand the frustration from some customers who missed out on their preferred items, and we thank our community for their enthusiasm and patience as our store teams distribute the final remaining pieces of stock.”

Woolworths’ latest statement

After Woolworths shut down the online and app stock locator, the company provided another statement:

“The final rush for this collection was huge, and it means we've now run out of stock in the vast majority of our stores.

“We want to thank all of our customers who participated in the campaign and collected over 1.9 million Fissler cookware products. We understand it's disappointing for those who missed out on their preferred items, and we really appreciate everyone’s understanding.”

We review a lot of coffee makers and espresso machines at Tom's Guide, so it takes a lot to really win us over, but Ninja did just that with the Ninja Luxe Café Pro. When we reviewed it last year, we praised features like its tamping arm, multiple presets, and massive jug for making two lattes at once.

At $749, it was priced as a premium product, along with your DeLonghis and Brevilles. However, for Prime Day, the Luxe Café Pro's price has dropped to $599 at Amazon, making this all the more attractive.

• shop all Ninja deals at Amazon from $44

In our Ninja Luxe Café Pro review, Millie Fender, our tester, loved the hot water dispenser, something that was sorely lacking in the original Luxe Café Pro, and will be welcome for those who love making Americanos.

She was also impressed with the grinder — not only does it use a weight-based system that was "shockingly accurate," but the machine can also recognize when you change filter baskets, and it also purges some grounds when you change the grind size, to ensure things remain consistent.

The machine was also great at foaming milk, and it comes with a very large steaming jug, so you can make more than one latte at a time.

The Luxe Café Pro's drip tray is removable, which lets you place larger travel mugs under the group head; it's a handy feature, but the one tradeoff is that you'll have to empty the drop tray more often.

I'll let Millie sum things up:

"As a seasoned espresso snob, I didn't expect to enjoy this machine as much as I did," she wrote. "Ninja has put a lot of thought into every element of this machine, from the automatic purging when you change grind size to the storage space for your spare baskets. And the inclusion of a tamping arm is a smart one, allowing you to still feel like you've crafted your coffee, but with less mess and more precision."

I never thought I'd be so excited to talk about a dishwasher deal. Maybe I'm just getting old, and things that would have done nothing for me have suddenly become the highlight of my day.

Sure, I still love great golf deals as much as I ever did, but this Bosch 800 Series dishwasher for $1,349 at Best Buy has me jumping for joy more than anything.

I tell everyone who's in the market for a new dishwasher to buy this one, even at its full $1,500 price. But at $1,350, I'm going to have to start banging down my friends' doors to tell them to buy one.

• shop all appliance deals at Best Buy

5 reasons I love the Bosch 800 Series

I needed a quick way to gather my thoughts and explain why I like this dishwasher so much, and what better way than a list? I could have probably listed 20 things I like about the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher, but that would probably be overkill.

Plus, it's more fun for me to try to pick just five, as it forces me to zero in and not just gush about how great this thing is.

1. Smart features: The whole reason I got this dishwasher was because I wanted to try a smart appliance — I've never owned one before. At first, I thought it was a little gimmicky until one of my kitchen utensils fell and blocked the main spray arm. With a normal dishwasher, it would just run through the whole cycle, cleaning ineffectively, but I got a notification in the Bosch app and ran over and fixed the problem, saving a bunch of energy in the process.
2. It cleans effectively: The most important part of a dishwasher is how well it washes dishes. It's literally the name of the product. It's not called a "dish moistener that leaves stains and residue" or a "dish holder until you get frustrated and wash them by hand." The Bosch 800 Series has been flawless in every cleaning, and I've tried to make it fail with weird dish layouts and stacked large pans, but the dishes still come out clean every time.
3. Adjustability: If there's a bowl, pan, plate or cup you want to wash (and that's dishwasher safe), you can probably adjust the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher to accommodate it. And if you can't, it's probably just too big to fit in any dishwasher.

4. It actually dries well: I'm coming from an older dishwasher that did a terrible job of drying dishes, but I've owned modern models in previous homes, too. I can say with 100% confidence that this is the best dishwasher I've ever used at churning out dry loads. Clean is great, but if I need to spend 15 minutes hand-drying the dishes every load, I might as well just wash them by hand. The only things that don't come out bone dry are products with weird lips that hold water, but nothing is going to suck the water from the lip to dry them, so it's not a knock on the Bosch that those need a little air drying.
5. It's quiet: This isn't super critical for me as I'm not washing dishes in the same room I'm usually hanging out in, but if you are, this thing is quiet. In fact, I'm not sure whether I actually clicked start because I can barely tell it's on. Thankfully, I don't have to walk back to the kitchen to check because I can use the smart features mentioned above to check.

We're on the penultimate day of Amazon's big sales event and the Prime Day deals are showing no sign of slowing down – which is handy for me, as I need to stock up on a few outdoor essentials.

I'm planning on spending a lot of time in my garden this summer, enjoying the balmy weather. The only trouble is, well, it's a bit of a mess. There's weeding to be done, a fig tree that desperately needs pruning back and, of course, a lawn to be mown.

I've got some of the tools I'll need to tackle this project, but there are definitely a few holes in my arsenal. That's why I've pulled together this selection of Prime Day deals, which includes a few personal favorites as well as some items that I'm adding to my cart as we speak...

HOME APPLIANCES

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals

De'Longhi has spoiled us this Prime Day. The De'Longhi Arte Evo, one of the best affordable bean-to-cups and a machine capable of holding its own against Breville, is just $399 right now. This is such a good price for a machine with a built-in grinder.

Many espresso machines with a built-in grinder can set you back nearly a grand. The Breville Barista Express is the exception to that rule — its MSRP is $699 and but it's currently discounted to $499 at Amazon for Prime Day.

In most cases, grabbing the $399 Arte Evo is actually cheaper than buying a separate espresso machine and one of the best coffee grinders. To prove it, I've selected my competitors: two cheap De'Longhi machines, Breville's cheapest machine, and Baratza's best budget espresso grinder — so let battle commence!

The competitors

Now allow me to introduce some of the competitors. We've got the De'Longhi Stilosa ($99 right now), the De'Longhi Dedica Duo ($199 right now), and the Breville Bambino ($299 right now).

The grinder? The Baratza Encore ESP, my favorite beginner-friendly espresso grinder.

So, let's break it down.

• De'Longhi Stilosa, $99: A small, super-cheap machine with a Panarello frother.
• De'Longhi Dedica Duo, $199: A narrow, pastel machine with a standard steam wand.
• Breville Bambino, $299: An entry-level yet coffee-snob-approved machine.
• Baratza Encore ESP, $199: The best budget/mid-range coffee grinder for espresso.

Versus the De'Longhi Arte Evo, $399.

The math

Let's do some coffee math.

Let's say you buy the De'Longhi Stilosa and the Baratza Encore ESP.

That's $99 for the machine and $199 for the grinder, bringing your total to: $298. This is cheaper, but the Stilosa's steam wand can only make cappuccino (froth) milk, not soft latte foam.

If you buy the De'Longhi Dedica Duo and the Baratza Encore ESP, that's $398. The same price as the Arte Evo.

The Breville Bambino + Baratza Encore ESP = $498. So that's $99 more than the Arte Evo.

Of course, some coffee snobs will tell you not to buy an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, and I half agree. If you want to make coffee into a hobby, then you should not buy an espresso machine with a built-in grinder. You'll want a dedicated grinder for experimentation purposes, and you'll want to invest in a better grinder than those present in bean-to-cups.

However, if you're just getting started and you want to explore being a home barista, you can absolutely get a bean-to-cup and still make great coffee. The machine does a lot of the work for you, not to mention saving you buying a separate grinder before you know you want to take this seriously.

As the Arte Evo is a blindingly affordable $399 right now, I would recommend grabbing it instead of a separate grinder. If you're not a coffee snob. Coffee snobs, look away. You go check out The Coffee Lab instead.

For beginners, the Arte Evo is the perfect machine. It can make espresso just as well as any other De'Longhi, it looks charming, and it can make cold brew. Not only that, but the steam wand is super powerful — I got some of my best latte art while testing this machine — and it has a built-in temperature control for consistently delicious brews.

So, what will it be? Have I convinced you, or are you looking at any other machines? If you have any coffee questions at all, leave them in a comment and I'll get back to you ASAP.

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals

We're right in the thick of Amazon's big sales event. That means we're enjoying another day of amazing Prime Day deals across everything from home appliances to outdoor decorations, mattresses and lots more besides.

Summer isn't just about BBQs, vacations, and enjoying the warm weather – it's also a great time to fix up your home and embark on all those DIY jobs that you've been putting off. If that's on your to do list then you may want to invest in a few useful tools – and that's where this page comes in handy...

Here, I've pulled together 15 versatile tools, all of which are currently available as Prime Day deals. There's everything from putty knives to drills, saws and router tables here and all with deep discounts.

HOME APPLIANCES

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals

My attitude to any sale is that if it’s not already on your wishlist, it’s not a bargain. The item that only sparked your interest because it’s $40 off is actually a loss rather than a gain.

One of the key questions to ask yourself is, would you buy that product at full price? If that answer is yes, you have yourself a good deal.

There are definitely many kitchen appliances that I would pay full price for, such as one of the best stand mixers. I’d also pay full price for my Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer. I use it every day, it’s a fantastic product, and I gave it a 4-star rating in my review.

What’s more, although I’d gladly pay out $119 for the air fryer at full price, you can grab it now for $85 at Amazon. That’s what I call a Prime Day sales bargain.

Why I recommend the Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer

There are many reasons I’d recommend the Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer. It has nine functions, which give you all the usual air fryer modes, plus extras such as pre-heat, dehydrate and proof.

And being a baker, I love that I can prove my dough at a consistent temperature without having to wait what seems like hours for the essential stage to complete.

What’s more, the deep 6-quart basket enables you to roast a large chicken, which really is a game-changer. It will save you from switching on your oven and filling your house with extra heat in the summer.

It also does a pretty good job at air frying potato chips, roasting vegetables and grilling protein. And I haven't even mentioned the TurboBlaze technology, which delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450°F. In air fryer terms, that means crisper, juicy food at speed.

Cosori's TurboBlaze air fryer delivers a lot of functionality for the price, and with a 29% discount it’s a worthy product to add to your basket.

As Amazon's big sales event continues we're seeing more and more Prime Day deals across a huge range of different products. If you've been keeping an eye on the weather lately, however, there's probably one thing on your mind: the heat!

Temperatures are soaring across the UK and Europe and it seems likely that the United States could be the next to feel the heat. If you want to get prepared then now is the ideal time to pick up a new fan or two.

On this page I've selected 12 Prime Day deals across a range of fan types, from handheld portables to industrial strength shop fans. All are discounted at the time of writing and, what's more, they all have 5-star user reviews on Amazon.

HOME APPLIANCES

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals

I don't need to tell you how uncomfortable it is to be stuck in a room with temperatures climbing past 30°C / 86°F and no air conditioning. We're only a couple of weeks into summer but Europe (where I am) is in the grip of a heatwave with temperatures hitting over 40°C / 104°F this week.

Things are no different in the United States. According to data shared by the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center (CPC), more than half of the country should brace for temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the coming days. And that's not even taking into account the humidity.

Naturally, the response is to crank up the A/C to stay cool. But if you don't already have one of the best smart air conditioners at home, it can be expensive and time-consuming to get one installed. The solution is to pick up a portable unit right now in the Amazon Prime Day sales. Not only can you save some cash, but chances are you can have it delivered and ready to go before the heatwave really hits.

I've scoured Amazon and found a few options worth considering if you've finally decided that the personal fan you bought weeks ago just ain't cutting it.

US portable A/C deals

UK portable A/C deals

Unfortunately, finding deals on portable AC units in the U.K. is proving tough right now. Given the current state of the country — with a severe heat warning in place — many units are selling out fast.

While I haven't been able to find any specific deals worth your time, here are some units I've found that are still in stock. Although there's no telling how long they'll be available for so you'll need to be quick.

What to know before buying

The main thing you want to look at before buying a portable air conditioner is the BTU rating. That stands for British Thermal Unit and indicates the cooling capacity. In effect, how much heat it can get rid of in a room over the course of one hour.

The higher the number, the more powerful the cooling. Anything that's rated 5,000 BTUs and above will be more than sufficient to cool a small-to-medium room. The only trade-off you need to be aware of is noise levels, particularly if you plan to run the air con while you sleep. Anything over 65 decibels is likely to become a disturbance during the night.

We're tracking all the best Prime Day deals

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series is one of the best espresso machines, without a doubt. We reviewed the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro last year and loved it. But even discounted from $799 to $599, the Ninja is still pretty pricey. If you want a machine that can do pretty much all the same things for less, let me introduce you to the $399 De'Longhi Arte Evo. Both espresso machines can make delicious espresso and cold brew in minutes.

When I reviewed the De'Longhi Arte Evo, I received the pictured yellow version. The yellow version is not included in this deal as, unfortunately, it's a U.K. exclusive. Even so, the function of the machine is exactly the same — and I only have photos of the model I tested, naturally!

If you have $599 to spare and want a machine that can do it all, then you should consider the Ninja. However, if you want to spend as little money as possible, you might be better off with the De'Longhi.

Both the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro and the De'Longhi Arte Evo have their perks: they're both attractive coffee machines with powerful steam wands and a huge array of functions.

In our review of the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro, Millie wrote, "Another cool feature that I’ve never seen before is the fact that the machine automatically detects when you change filter baskets. I’m not even sure how it does that, but it never failed in the pretty frequent switches I was making between the luxe basket and the double filter."

I've tested 49 coffee makers and I've never seen this feature either. The Ninja holds your hand during the brewing process, ideal for beginner home baristas or if you simply can't be bothered to figure out grind size before your morning espresso.

If you're more of a hands-on barista, you might be more interested in the De'Longhi Arte Evo. This machine has a built-in grinder and an easy tamping system to prevent coffee grounds mess.

The Arte Evo can't make drip coffee like the Ninja, but it can make cold brew. While it's not "true" cold brew (it's not steeped over 16 hours... obviously), it tastes pretty darn good. This is a feature on all of the La Specialista series, of which the Arte Evo is the cheapest.

Of course, the Arte Evo has a powerful steam wand (you can check out my review for picture proof!) and looks a treat while doing so.

Both espresso machines are great, but if you want to save as much money as possible this Prime Day, I'd recommend the Arte Evo. It's jsut $399 right now, which is stupidly cheap for an espresso machine with a built in grinder. Grinders alone can cost $200+!

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals

I was so excited to see some of the best espresso machines get major discounts this Prime Day — and De'Longhi has seriously pulled through. The Arte Evo is down to $399, which makes the bean-to-cup actually cheaper than Breville's entry-level espresso machine.

Not only did De'Longhi understand the assignment, but Technivorm, too. The iconic Moccamaster KGBV Select is now just $239, down from its eye-watering MSRP of $369.

But there's one major brand strangely absent from this year's Prime Day sales. Breville. The Bambino Plus is still $499, the Bambino still $299. Yes, the bean-to-cup Barista Express is $499, but De'Longhi's pipped it to the post with the $399 Arte Evo. In lieu of Breville actually treating us to some meaty discounts, I've selected my favorite alternative deals, including the cheapest bean-to-cup I've seen so far, the iconic Moccamaster, and a super fun Fellow espresso machine.

Best Prime Day coffeemaker deals: Quick links

• Technivorm Moccamaster KGBV Select: was $369 now $239 @ Amazon
• De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo: was $699 now $399 @ Best Buy
• Fellow Espresso Series 1: was $1,499 now $1,299 @ Amazon

Best Prime Day coffeemaker deals

Some Breville machines are discounted, though!

We're tracking all the best Prime Day home appliance deals