October’s colder, stormier weather encouraged readers to focus on cosy home comforts while also preparing their wardrobes and beauty routines for the party season. Among the most popular products were electric heaters, casserole dishes, coffee machines, clothes steamers and a vitamin C serum.
The Dreo fan heater was highlighted for warming a chilly room within seconds while operating at a maximum noise level of 46dB. Its power rating reaches 2kW, but testing found it considerably quieter than other fan heaters assessed.
For cooking, Habitat’s 5.3-litre cast iron casserole dish stood out for its heat retention and comparatively low price. The oven-safe pot is also available in an autumnal orange finish. The Dreamfarm Garject garlic press proved another reader favourite, with its peel-ejecting design helping to avoid time-consuming chopping.
Coffee drinkers turned to the De’Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.60, a bean-to-cup machine that prepares espresso, black coffee, cappuccino and hot water. Its five-star review praised its straightforward operation and practical design for everyday use.
The Philips 1000 Series handheld steamer was selected as a budget option for removing creases from cotton clothing and linen trousers. Testing found it less suitable for large piles of laundry and somewhat prone to spitting on silk, but effective for lighter use. The Salter Aspen egg steamer also attracted attention, offering the ability to boil up to six eggs or poach two at a time.
In beauty, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum was praised after its use was associated with a brighter-looking complexion within a week. Hair+Me’s hair-regrowth subscription was another prominent choice, offering clinician-prescribed treatments including minoxidil and oral medication.
Fashion purchases reflected a move towards autumn and evening dressing. The Albaray pencil skirt combined classic tailoring with an elasticated back waist and side pockets, while Arket’s silk organza shirt was presented as a versatile piece for wearing over a tank top during the day or with more revealing layers at night. The shirt was reduced to £54 in all sizes at the time of the original article.
For families, the Munchkin Kids’ bento lunch box was chosen as the best option for children after testing 40 products. Its separate silicone seals, included spoon and fork, and durable construction were among its strengths, although replacement cutlery was not available.
The list also included Apple’s iPhone 16e, described as an affordable option within the iPhone range at £599. It has a single rear camera and lacks MagSafe, but was praised for its performance and battery life. The original review suggested watching for potential Black Friday discounts.
Sources: The Guardian Technology.