Switched On · 53 guides
Buying guides
What to look for, what it costs to run, and the products we’d pick.
Newest · Energy & Smart Home · 2 min read
Heaters Buying Guide: Which Type Is Cheapest to Run?Fan, convector, oil-filled or infrared? Which heater is really cheapest to run, why controls matter most, and how to choose — with picks.Read the guide
Electric Blankets Explained: Types, Safety & Running CostUnderblanket vs overblanket, sizes and dual controls, safety features and running cost — electric blankets explained, with picks.
Dehumidifiers for Condensation: Your Autumn & Winter GuideWhy condensation worsens in winter, what size dehumidifier you need, the features that matter, and our top picks.
Power Stations for Sheds, Farms & Off-Grid JobsHow to size a portable power station for sheds, farms, off-grid jobs and power cuts — capacity, output and solar — with our picks.
Outdoor Tech for Rural Life: Power, Tools & RoboticsPortable power for outages, robot lawnmowers for big gardens and staying connected — the outdoor tech worth having for rural life.
Range Cooker Buying Guide: Dual Fuel, Electric & GasDual fuel, electric or gas, widths from 60cm to 110cm, and the features that matter — how to choose a range cooker, with picks.
Best Ovens for Baking: Fan, Pyrolytic & Steam ExplainedFan vs conventional, steam baking, pyrolytic cleaning and accurate temperatures — how to choose an oven for baking, with picks.
Stand Mixers Explained: Which Is Right for Home Baking?Tilt-head or bowl-lift? Bowl capacity, power, attachments and build explained — plus KitchenAid and Kenwood picks for home baking.
Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines: A Complete Buyer's GuideHow bean-to-cup machines work, what to look for in grinder, milk system and cleaning, and whether they're worth it — with our picks.
Soup Makers & Blenders: Easy Batch Cooking for AutumnSoup maker or blender for homemade soup? What each does best, plus capacity and power to look for — with our picks.
How to Choose a Washing Machine for a Busy FamilyCapacity, fast spin, quick wash, stain programmes and efficiency — how to choose a washing machine that keeps up with a busy family.
Best Tablets for Note-Taking and Study in 2026Stylus support, screen size, battery and storage — the best tablets for digital note-taking and study, with iPad and Galaxy Tab picks.
How to Choose the Right Iron or Garment SteamerSteam iron, steam generator or garment steamer? What each does best, plus the features to look for — with our picks.
Best Headphones for Studying and WorkingNoise cancellation, comfort, battery and mic quality — how to choose headphones for study and working from home, with our picks.
Wireless Earbuds Buying Guide: Fit, Battery & SoundFit, battery life, noise cancellation, water resistance and call quality — how to choose wireless earbuds, with our picks.
Best Power Banks for Electric Picnic and BeyondWhat capacity, fast charging and ports to look for in a festival power bank — plus our top picks for Electric Picnic.
Kettle & Toaster Buying Guide: Style, Speed & Energy UsePower, capacity, energy saving, slots and style — how to choose a kettle and toaster, plus matching designer sets.
Best Coffee Machine for Your Morning Routine: A Buyer's GuidePod, bean-to-cup, manual or filter? Match a coffee machine to your morning — speed, quality, ritual or value — with our picks.
Gaming Laptop Buying Guide: What the Specs Actually MeanWhat the specs mean in a gaming laptop — GPU, CPU, RAM, storage, refresh rate and cooling — for smooth frame rates without overpaying.
How to Choose a Cooker Hood for Your KitchenChimney, canopy, island or downdraft, ducted vs recirculating, extraction rate and noise — how to choose a cooker hood.
Microwave Buying Guide: Solo, Grill & Combi ExplainedSolo, grill or combi? What each microwave type does, plus capacity, power and features to choose the right one.
Tablet Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026iPad vs Android, screen size, storage, connectivity and accessories — how to choose the right tablet, with picks for every user.
Action Cameras Explained: How to Capture Your SummerHow action cameras work and what to look for — resolution, stabilisation, battery and mounts — plus gimbals and drones, with picks.
Best Portable Speakers for Summer: Beach, Garden & FestivalWhat waterproofing and battery you need in a portable speaker for beach, garden and festival — with picks for every setting.