From super-fast cell phone chargers to clothes steamers that heat up in less than 30 seconds, there are plenty of gadgets designed to simplify your life and save you time in your daily tasks.
And our rigorous lab testing gives you all the information you need to make sure you don’t waste your time buying duff.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of time-saving products recommended by experts.
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1. fast charger for smartphones
These devices work by delivering more watts (W) to your phone, which allows the battery to charge faster. The higher the wattage, the faster the charge. If your busy schedule keeps you on the go, a reliable fast charger can be a smart investment.
Terminology varies by brand, but here’s an overview of the charging speed categories:
- “Slow” or “Standard” charging Refers to phones with a charging capacity of 5W to 10W.
- “Quick charging” Mobile phones can be charged at approximately 25W.
- “Super fast charging” Often refers to something faster than about 40W.
Some brands, such as Oppo and OnePlus, offer even faster charging, sometimes over 100W.
To find out how much of a difference a fast charger can make, our experts conducted several tests.
We found that charging the iPhone 14 for 15 minutes with a standard 5W charger left only 10% of the battery remaining.
Using a 20W fast charger increased it to 31% over the same period. The fast charger also reduces the time it takes to reach a full charge from zero, from 3 hours 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
Do you need a fast charger for your phone??: We explain how they work, where you can buy them, and what to avoid.
Our experts say:
“Our tests have shown that fast chargers can significantly reduce the time it takes to charge your smartphone. But think about whether it’s really worth the expense to buy a super fast charger. We believe 20W to 25W is optimal.
“If you choose a higher wattage, purchasing a ‘too fast’ charger will make your purchase somewhat future-proof and may be able to be used to power other devices depending on functionality.” ”
Amy Axworthy, Cell Phone Expert
Please refer to our guide. best power banks and portable chargers.
2. Air fryer for quick cooking
a Which one? Best Buy Air Fryer It could be a revelation in the kitchen. Meals can be prepared in a fraction of the time compared to cooking in the oven.
Air fryers cook food rapidly by blowing hot air around the cooking chamber. It’s also much smaller than an oven, so it cooks faster.
If you want to know more about how an air fryer can help you with hassle-free cooking, read the following article: simple kitchen goods.
To compare air fryers and built-in ovens, our experts cooked a variety of foods in both, including roast chicken, potato chips, jacket potatoes, and cakes, and measured energy usage, energy costs, and cooking results along the way. I measured it.
For example, we found that preparing a roast chicken takes 76 minutes and uses more energy in the built-in oven, compared to 53 minutes in the air fryer.
To check the results of the cooking comparison test, Air fryer vs oven guide.
Our experts say:
“Our research reveals that air fryers can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to built-in ovens, especially when preparing small quantities.”
However, the energy savings decrease if you have to cook in multiple batches. Air fryers have less cooking space than standard ovens, so if you’re cooking large meals in batches, an oven can be a more cost-effective option. ”
Steph Kipling, Science Team Leader
Talk to our experts air fryer reviews Need detailed advice on which model is suitable for you.
3. Robotic lawn mower helps you take care of your garden
Robotic lawn mowers may not be able to mow your lawn as quickly as manual models, but you can save time by offloading the job to an AI-powered assistant. Rather than collecting grass, mowers chop it up into small pieces and leave it on the lawn as mulch.
These smart machines move within areas defined by perimeter lines, and many use onboard sensors to avoid obstacles. Some models can hold more than 5,000 square meters, making them suitable for those with large plots.
However, robot lawn mowers are not cheap, so you need to spend your money wisely. Most models cost over £500, but some can cost over £1,000. And our rigorous testing proves that high price doesn’t necessarily guarantee quality.
- The best robot lawn mower we tested Produces a great finish on lawns of all heights and in all conditions. Plus, it’s easy to program.
- The worst robot lawn mower we’ve tested Since the blade cannot quickly detect objects in front of it, there is a risk of colliding with the object while the blade is still rotating.
Check out our guide to see which models fit your budget. best robot lawn mower.
4. A high-scoring kettle that can be filled quickly
We measure the speed of every kettle that arrives at our test lab so that you can choose the best model according to your budget. In fact, speed accounts for 20% of the total review score.
Test each kettle three times to get an average boiling time and temperature. We found that the fastest model can boil a liter in 2 minutes and 18 seconds, while the slowest model takes almost twice as long.
In addition to speed, we also test ease of use, noise level, and quality of the limescale filter.
- The best kettle we tested The minimum filling volume is 272ml and boils within 1 minute.
- Worst kettle we tested Very slow, it takes 5 minutes to boil 1 liter of water. It will then continue to boil for another 17 seconds before turning off.
Our experts say:
“As an avid tea drinker, I understand the importance of choosing a kettle that boils quickly. I work closely with laboratories to ensure that all kettles are tested to the same high standards. We are confirming that there is.
“Most kettles now have a wattage of 3kW, but we’ve found that kettles of similar power levels don’t always boil at the same speed. To ensure fast delivery, be sure to read our reviews Please.”
Fran Roberts Thornton, Senior Researcher/Author
Get your drink faster with our guide to best kettle.
Boiling water taps are also worth considering
Considering you can pour tea into a mug with the push of a button, you might find a boiling water faucet to be a faster and quieter alternative to a kettle. It also helps you save water and free up space on your kitchen counter.
However, hot water faucets are not cheap. Prices start from a few hundred pounds and go up to over £2,000. Our research shows that installation can also be a hassle, so you may want to hire a plumber.
Check out our advice on . best water heater and boiling water faucet.
5. dehumidifier to dry laundry
If you don’t have a tumble dryer and it’s too cold or wet to hang your clothes outside to dry, you can use a dehumidifier to dry your clothes indoors.
In our tests, we found that using a dehumidifier on a large load of laundry cuts drying time by almost half. The device sucked approximately 2 liters of water from the air. See article for more details Can I use a dehumidifier to dry laundry?
However, not all dehumidifiers are the same, so you should consult expert reviews before choosing a brand.
- The best dehumidifier we tested Rapid water extraction is possible at normal room temperature. Energy efficiency is also highly praised.
- Worst dehumidifier we’ve tested They will have a hard time in cold rooms such as unheated greenhouses.
Our experts say:
“We put our dehumidifiers through a series of rigorous scientific tests to find them that excel in key areas, including water extraction, quietness, ease of use, and humidifier accuracy.
“During the test, we also measure the energy consumption of each dehumidifier at normal room temperature while conducting water extraction tests.”
patrick gallagher, rresearcher/writer
We tested dehumidifiers like Meaco, Ebac, and Pro Breeze. Please refer to our guide. best dehumidifier.
6. A smart speaker to manage your day
Making smart speakers a part of your daily life can save you time. For example, you can set a timer to ask for information immediately without having to track your phone or perform a web search. Plus, you can easily add items to your shopping list using your voice, and access that list on your phone when you’re on the go.
You can also use voice-activated speakers to control other Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets around your home. A variety of systems like Alexa and Google Assistant allow you to create custom routines, so you can simply say “good morning” to your speaker and use multiple lights and other Wi-Fi devices (like your coffee machine, smart blinds, heater, etc.) can be turned on.
If multiple devices are linked to the same Alexa account, you can use the Broadcast feature to make announcements. In other words, you don’t have to jump up from the couch to deliver a message to someone in another room.
In our test lab, we review smart speakers to see how good they sound, which music streaming services they’re compatible with, and whether they support parental controls.
Our experts say:
“Most people have only scratched the surface of what smart speakers can offer. Your device can easily host trivia games, play songs, and act as a handy kitchen timer. But it also does a lot more.
“Smart speakers are currently available for just £50, but keep an eye out for sales and you’ll get half the price.”
Oliver TrebilcockMain researchers/writers
Check out our advice on best smart speakers Or browse all of our Wireless, smart, and Bluetooth speaker reviews.
7. Clothes steamer to remove stubborn wrinkles
Choosing a Best Buy garment steamer provides a faster and more convenient alternative to ironing.
With a steamer, you don’t have to pull your ironing board out of the cupboard and set it up, just hang up your clothes and start steaming. Steamers also typically heat up faster than irons, which is good news if you’re in a hurry.
We tested handheld garment steamers from popular brands such as Argos, Philips, and Tefal. Our Best Buy selection includes steamers that are excellent at quickly and effectively removing wrinkles from a variety of materials. What’s more, it’s easy to use.
- The best clothing steamer we tested I’ve had near-perfect results when removing wrinkles from cotton, linen, and silk.
- The worst clothing steamer we tested The plastic case shattered after just one drop during a durability test, rendering the product unusable.
Our experts say:
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“To find the best clothes steamer, we buy the most popular models and run a variety of tests. Our reviews feature wrinkle removal, ease of use, build quality, and durability. We also measure the heating time and steam amount of each model. Please refer to the reviews and choose wisely.
Sabrina SahotaMain researchers/writers
please discover best clothes steamer Our tests will help you deal with wrinkles easily.
