Ideal Home

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• Bee garden ideas – 8 expert tips to create a bee sanctuary in your garden
• These are the most viewed properties on Rightmove in 2021 so far
• Simba mattress deals – save 30% with our exclusive Simba mattress discount code
• Best microwave 2021: our top 10 solo and combination microwaves
• Diet coke is giving away a free limited-edition Smeg fridge every day this month
• Conservatory cleaning tips – 11 expert hacks from Lynsey Queen of Clean

Bee garden ideas – 8 expert tips to create a bee sanctuary in your garden Posted: 01 Sep 2021 07:00 AM PDT Help save the bees by creating a bee garden with lots of great ideas from bee-friendly plants to building a bee hotel. Britain's declining bee population has become an increasing worry – these poor little creatures have lost 97% of their grassland habitats in the past 60 years. With so many gardeners incorporating wildlife garden ideas in their gardens, it’s prime time that we focus on our bees. Gardening expert, Matt Jordan at The Greenhouse People explains, ‘Bees play a critical role as part of the food chain and are hugely beneficial to the ecosystem – it's estimated a third of all food we eat relies on pollinators. Without them, British-grown fruits such as apples and strawberries could become extinct within 25 years.’ ‘Native plants and wildflowers rich in pollen and nectar are the best for enticing bees, providing a floral buffet for them to feast on.’ ‘Supplying bees with a variety of flowers will also boost your garden's growing potential. As more bees flock to your garden, they will fertilise your plants and ensure seeds are produced.’ In order to help save the bees try these simple ideas that will help save Britain's bee population. Bee garden ideas Image credit: Dobbies 1. Plant flowers year round There are lots of jobs to do in the garden when it gets colder and one of them should be to sew Mahonia and Honeysuckle seeds. You'll spot the honeybee on the Mahonia and Honeysuckle plants during the winter months. When you are doing your planting remember to provide them with nectar and pollen rich flowering plants (which will be needed for the bees to build strong colonies in the Spring). Extend the flowering season by having something always in bloom from February to October. Wool carder bees are one of the UK's largest solitary bees. They get their name because they collect hairs from plant leaves and stems for their nests. Provide hairy plants for them by including Lambs' ears and Mullein as garden edging ideas. Image credit: Mark Bolton 2. Grow plants with nectar and pollen This may seem pretty obvious but it's important to grow a range of plants that will provide continuous flowering, especially from March to September. It’s worth planting plenty of single flowers too, as many plants make the pollen and nectar hard to get to for bees and other pollinators. Richard Petrie from Thomas Sanderson says, ‘Filling your garden with plants which are high in nectar or pollen is important as they are important food sources for many species including bees.’ ‘Herb plants like lavender are high in nectar and entice bees with their fragrance. Also, it's thought bees can see the colour purple the most clearly so not only will your garden look and smell great, it will be more appealing to bees too.’ These ten herbs are specifically known to attract bees so create a little herb garden and watch them flock. Image credit: Natural Collection 3. Create a bee nest A bundle of hollow canes could make a great home for bees. Some bumblebee species will take up residence in bird boxes, or an upturned plant pot (with holes) located in a secure, shady area. This ceramic nester, £24.99 from Natural Collection has excellent frost resistant properties, so even when temperatures get completely inhospitable this makes an ideal home for a vole, mouse or a bumble bee. Even though you are unlikely to be able to make a home for the honeybee colonies keep an eye out for other solitary bees that you could accommodate in your garden. Image credit: Roundup 4. Don't use pesticides Avoid using chemical pesticides in the garden if you can. To help save the bees try natural methods of pest control – such as putting up bird boxes, blasting aphids with water and getting rid of wasps safely. Richard explains, ‘Pesticides can be great at keeping unwanted pests away from bee hives but they can also kill bees at the same time therefore as a general rule it is advised you do not use them in your garden.’ ‘If you need to use pesticides, it is advised that you do your research into which is best for you and that you use them in the evening hours.’ Image credit: Amazon 5. Build a bee hotel Investing in a bee hotel is a great way to boost bee diversity in your garden, by attracting solitary species. Position bee hotels in full sun and over time, solitary bees will  lay their eggs in bee hotel cavities. The eggs then hatch and larvae emerge from the hotel. Find out more on how to make a bee hotel. Gardening expert, Matt Jordan at The Greenhouse People says, ‘To invite more bees into your garden, you could also install bee hotels. Although we typically think of bees as part of a hive, some bees are solitary and will lay their eggs alone in tunnel-like nests. Bee hotels are simple to make or can be bought for under £10.’ Richard Petrie adds, ‘Whilst some bees nest in thick grass, others make nests in bird boxes or trees. It's easy to create a bee hotel in your garden, all you need is a wooden box open on one side. Fix it securely to a fence or wall and fill it with either blocks of wood or sticks.’ Image credit: Spike Powell 6. Don’t weed too much It may come as a surprise but many plants we consider weeds are actually great for wildlife. Dandelions, clovers and daisies attract bees and provide pollen and nectar so try to relax on the weeding. Or at least leave areas of the garden untouched to let nature do its thing. Richard Petrie from Thomas Sanderson says, ‘Weeding is a job many people dislike so some might be glad to hear that weeds are good for bees. Buttercups, daisies and clover are all fantastic plants for pollinators but are regularly destroyed by a lawnmower.’ ‘You could leave an area of your garden natural so these weeds have the chance to flower and not only will it save you time and effort, it will also provide food for bees.’ Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole 7. Give water Providing water in your garden not only quenches the thirst of birds, bats and other mammals. It will also help the bees in your garden too. Richard Petrie from Thomas Sanderson says, ‘All living things need water to survive and bees are no exception. As well as drinking water, it is often used for controlling the humidity of a hive.’ ‘You can help by providing fresh, clean water in a container along with twigs and leaves which prevent bees from drowning. Also, If you see a tired bee, a simple solution of sugar and water will help revive it.’ Image credit: Simon Scarboro 8. Provide shade for bees We mentioned earlier to set a bee hotel in your garden in full sun but it’s also thought that honey bees prefer warm shade. Take note of these garden shade ideas to keep both you and honeybees in a lovely shady spot. Richard Petrie explains, ‘Many beehives are in the sun but it is thought that honey bees in particular love the shade where they can still feel the warmth but are not in direct sunlight. It's important to have the right balance of shade and sun in your garden if you want bees to stick around.’ What is a bee garden used for? The purpose of a bee garden is to help in the conservation and reproduction of bees by creating a welcoming habitat. You can make a bee garden by using a careful selection of plants. These include trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide a source of nectar and pollen. As well as adding a fresh water source, lots of sun and shade and a lovely place for them to nest. And creating a bee garden will also assist other insect pollinators.  Melissa Richardson from JamJar Flowers explains more, ‘Since World War II, we have lost 97% of our wildflower meadows in the UK.’ ‘Without flowers, we lose our insect population; not just the bees but all flying and creeping creatures. Insect depletion impacts on our native and migratory birds who feast on the pollinators as well the grasslands, hedgerows and water meadows they inhabit.’ Is it good to have bees in your garden? Bees are beneficial to the environment as a whole. They pollinate wild flowers which enhances the biodiversity and beauty in landscapes and gardens. Wild flowers also provide food to a wide variety of insects, birds and animals that constitute nature. Not only do bees pollinate flowers and food crops, many trees are pollinated by bees too (and other pollinating insects). Without wild plants and trees, these animals would disappear. And there would be no milk, meat and other important foods we get directly from animals and birds. We would also lack oxygen as plants give out oxygen to the atmosphere and take in carbon dioxide. Bees also produce honey that has antibacterial properties and has a vast amount of health benefits when eaten. Richard Petrie adds, ‘Bees are vital to the planet as they pollinate both the food we need to survive and some medicinal items needed for our health.’ The post Bee garden ideas – 8 expert tips to create a bee sanctuary in your garden appeared first on Ideal Home.

These are the most viewed properties on Rightmove in 2021 so far Posted: 01 Sep 2021 04:00 AM PDT Who doesn't love a good old snoop around the nation's homes? Whether it’s to get some new kitchen ideas, some living room decor inspiration or purely to find out what you can (or can’t) afford, there’s nothing better than some online house hunting. Leading property website Rightmove has revealed the Rightmove most viewed properties that have piqued the interest of would-be buyers in 2021 to date, clocking up the highest number of views. Let’s take a look at the top five. Rightmove most viewed properties 2021 Star status in Essex Image credit: Rightmove This five-bedroom, six-bathroom luxury estate in Chigwell, Essex, is set over 52 acres of private land and comes in at a cool £15,000,000.  If that impressive exterior with its globe-style water fountain, glass frontage and whopping chandelier don’t impress you, then you might be interested to learn that there’s also an American barn-style stables, cinema room and Equestrian Centre with Olympic-sized riding area, amongst a host of others impressive features. Did we mention the spa area with sauna, steam room, swimming pool and jacuzzi? Or the 10-car underground car port with car lift and turntable? See more on this jaw-dropping property here. Downton Abbey vibes in Devon Image credit: Rightmove History buffs will love Chanters House in Devon, which is steeped in character and dates back to the 14th century. Step into the grand reception hall with its solid oak flooring and large period fireplace, or go through to one of the reception rooms – perhaps the Cromwell Fairfax Room where it is believed Civil War was declared in the 17th century. The centrepiece of this home, however, is The Great Library, which is home to around 22,000 books, and is the largest library west of Salisbury. Ten bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool within a walled garden, and tennis courts all add to what is a really spectacular and unique mansion. Up for sale at £5,950,000, you can see more on Chanters House here. Stately style in Surrey Image credit: Rightmove Now this £30,000,000 Surrey mansion looks like it’s straight out of the set of James Bond movie. Set in Godalming in over 30 acres, the mansion also comes with a stunning flat and two self-contained cottages – should you fancy a change of scenery! In the main house there are 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, along with an indoor swimming pool with spa, gym and treatment room, a double-height party room, and even a bowling alley and home cinema. Have a look at this property in more detail here. A Cornish waterside wonder Image credit: Rightmove Dreaming of a coastal escape? Then this £2,500,000 detached home in Cornwall should fit the bill. With panoramic views over Restronguet Creek near Truro, you can enjoy those sunsets from the garden-facing windows, two balconies or landscaped garden. There’s access to the waters via a jetty below and this five-bedroom house includes a workshop, gym and a hot tub. Not surprisingly, it’s the first time this house has ever been up for sale, as it was built about 20 years ago on one of the South West of England's most coveted roads. Make your coastal dreams a reality by finding out more here. Lake district home with a view Image credit: Rightmove In the heart of the Lake District you’ll find this £2,400,000 pad with unbelievably beautiful lake views to Coniston Old Man and the Langdales from all of its main rooms. Originally constructed in the 1930’s, the five-bedroom house has its own jetty, too, so you can enjoy that waterside location all year round. Elegant and spacious, the house also features a stunning kitchen and conservatory, four bathrooms and attractive, generous gardens. You can find the listing for this breathtaking property here. Rightmove most viewed properties 2019 Glitz and glamour in Essex Image credit: Rightmove This nine-bed detached property is set over one acre of landscaped gardens and features an annexe games room with two bedrooms amongst its amazing features. Spread over 8,000 sq ft this spacious home also boasts a cinema room, huge open plan bespoke kitchen-family-breakfast-room complete with an electric Aga and integrated appliances by Miele and Gaggengau, including two dishwashers and a coffee machine. Set behind large gates and along a pretty drive, this stunning home feels secluded and private, whilst being within easy reach of Debden, Chigwell and Loughton tube stations. This property is listed for sale with John Thoma for £4,999,995. The waterfront wonder in Cornwall Image credit: Rightmove This spectacular five-bed waterfront home lies on Restronguet Point – a prominent ‘millionaire’s row’ – and has panoramic views across the Carrick Roads and Restronguet Creek, and features slipway offering access to some of the UK’s best sailing waters. Standout features include a triple-aspect library, 60-foot long entertainment room with a bar and cinema and annexe with large sitting room, double bedroom and en-suite shower room. This property is listed for sale with Lillicrap Chilcott for offers over £3.75 million. The £30million Kensington mansion Image credit: Strutt & Parker Spread over five floors and 6,520 sq ft, this unique 7-bed family home is located in the Kensington’s uber-exclusive Phillimore Estate – close to both Holland Park, Kensington Gardens and Kensington High Street. Off street-parking, a generous dining room overlooking the garden and opulent interiors throughout all add to this property’s appeal. This property is listed for sale with Strutt & Parker for £30 million. The home featuring it’s very own spa Image credit: Rightmove This 7-bed arts and crafts home is situated on a 1-acre private plot and is located close to the charming Cheshire village of Prestbury – a popular celebrity haunt. It comes complete with a indoor swimming pool and hot tub, gym and games room featuring a cinema. The open plan David Lisle living-dining-kitchen with snug area also acts as the heart of this plush property. This property is listed for sale with Gascoigne Halman for £3.95 million. The Grade I listed country manor Image credit: Rightmove Downton Abbey fans prepare to fall in love. Canonteign Manor is a beautiful 10-bed, Grade-1 listed property set within ten acres of private countryside. Steeped in 400 years of history original features have been beautifully preserved, while modern touches – such as LED lighting – have been added to key living spaces. Spread over 11,000 square feet this period property boasts log burners in all rooms, a staff apartment and swimming pool among it’s impressive features. This property is listed for sale with Fine & Country for £3.95 million. Which is your favourite home from this list? The post These are the most viewed properties on Rightmove in 2021 so far appeared first on Ideal Home.

Simba mattress deals – save 30% with our exclusive Simba mattress discount code Posted: 01 Sep 2021 01:30 AM PDT Need a new mattress? Then check out these Simba mattress deals, which mean you can save hundreds on products from one of the leading mattress brands. Made in Britain using British and recycled materials wherever possible, buying in a Simba mattress sale means you can save money and help save the planet while you’re at it. But that isn’t the only reason to make the most of a deal on one of the best mattresses around. We have tested every mattress in the Simba range, from their crowd-pleasing Simba Hybrid, to the new 10-layered Simba Luxe – and we highly rate the lot with 4.5 and 5 star ratings. As the ‘Hybrid’ in their names suggests, all Simba mattresses use a combination of foam and springs for the ultimate in support, cooling and comfort. Their signature Simba Pure layer is an upper layer of open cell foam that moulds to your body, accompanied by a breathable sleep surface that regulates temperature. Best Simba mattress deals So what can you expect from the latest Simba mattress sale? Save 30 per cent on mattresses when you shop the Simba site before Sunday 5th September with our exclusive deal. From the crowd-pleasing Simba Hybrid to the next level sleep experience of the Simba Luxe, we highly rate everything on offer in their mattress collection – just choose the best one for your needs and budget. See some top offers below. Save 30% on mattresses | Shop with code SIMBA30SEPTEMBER If you need a new mattress then this exclusive offer can’t be missed. Prices start from £454.30 for a single and it is a great chance to save as much as £635.70 on a super king Simba Hybrid Luxe if you are looking for a really good night’s sleep. Ends 11:59pm Sunday 5th September 2021 Save 30% on mattresses Simba Hybrid King Size | Was £999, now £699.30 This might be Simba’s entry level mattress, but it has won no less than 12 industry awards (including one from us). It has a combo of foam and titanium Aerocoil springs for the most durable comfort, plus a breathable topper that means you won’t get too warm. View Deal Simba Hybrid Pro Double | Was £1,239, now £867.30 Though not Simba’s most expensive mattress, the Hybrid Pro certainly is a premium buy. And with a massive £430 discount, you can now upgrade to this 7-layer sleep dream for less. It includes a wool layer and double Aerocoils for supreme comfort. View Deal Simba Hybrid Luxe King Size | Was £1,909, now £1,336.30 We are currently testing this mattress and WOW! With three layers or up to 6,000 Aerocoils plus a bamboo wool layer and the softest and most breathable top layer, this buy is the best night’s sleep guaranteed (and if you disagree you have a risk-free 200 night trial). View Deal Why should you buy a Simba mattress deal? We all know how important sleep is, but many of us are not giving ourselves the best chances of a great night’s sleep by using a mattress that is old, worn or unsuitable for our sleep position. With experts recommending we replace our mattress every seven years, lots of people should consider an upgrade when a mattress sale presents itself. This should be particularly pertinent if you are suffering any form of back or joint pain that your mattress could be contributing to. The Simba mattresses are well designed for supporting those with these types of problems, offering a combo of springs and foam that keep the spine well aligned, while giving softness for hips, knees and shoulders. As this level of engineering can be pricey, looking for the best mattress deal is a great way to take care of yourself without breaking the bank. You can also take these Simba mattress deals as a chance to upgrade other bedding items. Better pillows, a duvet that is better for temperature regulation or a mattress protector to protect your new mattress are all worth investing in. You should also look at Simba mattress toppers too if you are not in market for a new mattress itself, but want to improve comfort of your current bed. They are great for sofa beds, too. Find out more in our guide to the best mattress toppers. What else to consider when buying a mattress in a sale Panic buying can set in when you see something is on offer, but making time for a bit of research into finding the right mattress for you is key. Read reviews of any mattresses you like the look of, taking note of comments from people with similar sleep issues to you if required. Next look for companies like Simba who offer free trials of their mattresses. Simba offer 200 nights risk free – if you find this isn’t the mattress for you, they will let you return it and refund what you paid, no questions asked. Different brands offer different trial lengths, so make a note and remember that if you buy in the sale, you will be refunded the sale price you paid, even if you return when the mattress is back at full price. The post Simba mattress deals – save 30% with our exclusive Simba mattress discount code appeared first on Ideal Home.

Best microwave 2021: our top 10 solo and combination microwaves Posted: 01 Sep 2021 01:30 AM PDT Choosing the best microwave for your kitchen will mean you always have access to quick and easy meals. Whether you want to get a jump-start on a jacket potato or reheat last night’s dinner for a speedy lunch, the best microwave will always heat your meals evenly and get the job done in a matter of minutes. There are a range of microwaves to choose from, so we’ve featured all of the best solo microwaves and combination microwaves in this guide. That means there’s guaranteed to be a microwave for under £100 to slot into any budget, as well as some grill microwave combos that will cook crispy bacon and toast your pitta bread as well as reheat soups and pasta bakes. For more cooking essentials, take a look at the best air fryers We’ve tested some of the best microwaves from Panasonic, Beko, Swan, Russell Hobbs, Sage, and more top brands to bring you this complete top 10 times. Small microwaves will sit pretty on your kitchen counter and still leave you space to prep your food, but we’ve got some seriously large capacity combo microwaves in this guide too, which will help you stay on top of those large gatherings and feasting family meals. Best microwaves 2021 1. Swan Nordic Digital Microwave Best microwave overall Type: Digital Capacity: 20 litres Features: Defrost, express, auto cook, advance timer Reasons to buy: It looks the part and does the job Reasons to avoid: The controls took some adjusting to The Swan Nordic Digital Microwave can be spotted (by the eager-eyed among us) in the Great British Bake Off kitchen. It comes in this striking forest green, but there’s also white, blue, and grey to choose from. The nordic style works well with a range of other swan appliances and the dimensions are well suited for small kitchens. The microwave has fully adjustable strength settings, which is done by adjusting the micro power button. The dial can be used to scroll through timings, up to one hour, and the soft-touch finish also matches the door handle. The front of the microwave is mirrored but did not attract smudges when testing. With only 800 watts there are more powerful microwaves out there, but the Swan Nordic Digital Microwave is a top pick for those who have a little more than £100 to spend on a microwave that looks the part and performs well. Ideal Home's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Read our full Swan Nordic microwave review 2. Russell Hobbs Inspire Microwave Oven Best microwave for under £100 Type: Standalone Capacity: 17 litres Features: Three colour options, five power levels, defrost setting, mirror door finish, easy clean exterior Reasons to buy: It’s super affordable Reasons to avoid: Fingerprints leave marks You can expect the best microwave for under £100 to be lacking in combination features, but we loved how easy to use the Russell Hobbs Inspire Microwave Oven was when we put it to the test. It has six settings: Low, Defrost, Medium Low, Medium, Medium High and High. It’s also surprisingly compact for a larger capacity option, with dimensions of 34.5 x 45.2 x 26.2 cm. We did dock the Inspire Microwave half a star because the front leaves fingerprint marks which can mean more frequent cleaning, but found that its defrost and high power settings were brilliant for day-to-day use. The timer goes up to half an hour which is convenient for the defrost mode especially, and the non-slip feet meant it stayed secure through testing. You can also pair this microwave with the Inspire toaster and kettle for some added coordination. Ideal Home's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 3. Hotpoint Curve MWH 1311 Best microwave for corners Type: Corner, standalone Capacity: 13 litres Features: Space-saver, four cooking levels, memo button, safety lock Reasons to buy: A top compact pick Reasons to avoid: Its small internal capacity This compact microwave (no combi grill or oven) has a curved back designed to fit into a corner, the front facing out in any direction. It's a clever design because corners are the least useful bit of any kitchen worktop. You can however put it anywhere: it's a great space-saver full stop at just 39cm wide and 35cm deep (but pretty tall at 36cm because the brains are all under the cavity). Capacity is just 13 litres but it somehow manages to fit a 28cm glass turntable in there, so it can handle a dinner plate. We loved its simplicity. You can microwave cook at four power levels (700W, 500W, 350W and 160W) or defrost by time or weight. Despite 700W being a bit low-powered, we found it could cook a respectable large jacket spud in 10 minutes. Features are basic but include clock, kitchen timer and child-safety lock. Controls are self-explanatory. Press the plus and minus buttons to select cooking time or just press Start to cook on full power for multiples of 30 seconds. The memo button lets you save a favourite program. Ideal Home's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 4. Panasonic NN-DF386BBPQ Best freestanding combi microwave Type: Freestanding, oven and grill Capacity: 23 litre Features: Pull-down door, wire grilling rack, metal crisper plate Reasons to buy: Multi-functional Reasons to avoid: It has a large footprint This freestanding, 23-litre, 1000W microwave combi thinks it's an oven and it's not wrong: it does a good job of oven and grill functions. So much so that by Christmas you'll wonder how you ever survived without the extra cooking space. It boasts an oven-style, pull-down door and a flatbed design rather than a turntable, so you get 30% more useable cooking space. It comes with a wire rack for grilling, a full-width enamel tray for oven cooking, and also a Panacrunch pan (metal crisper plate) which is heated by microwaves to quickly cook the underside of dishes – for example, pizzas no longer have a soggy bottom. Controls are straightforward, plus there are seven automatic programs to cook popular foods by weight. A handy sticker in the door reminds you of them. Although if you read the instruction manual there are lots more recipes and tips. Features include a clock, a timer delay and a child safety lock. Cooking results are both outstanding and precise. Defrosted bread was fresh, not soggy, while a large jacket potato cooked using microwave-grill combi was surprisingly crisp-skinned yet fluffy inside, cooking in just 13 minutes. Ideal Home's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 5. Sage Quick Touch Crisp Best microwave for smart features Type: Microwave-grill combi Capacity: 25 litre Features: Large capacity, smart menus, "A Bit More" button Reasons to buy: Very smart controls Reasons to avoid: An expensive microwave The Quick Touch Crisp boasts impressive foodie menus and handy shortcuts. When the door's closed, you have the usual controls for commanding microwave, defrost and grill cooking. Plus there are lots of smart menus for cooking various dishes and ingredients – the Sage's large, detailed display makes them easy to navigate. Ten buttons hidden inside the door offer popular shortcuts. And they're not all junk food: there are buttons for caramel, melting chocolate, softening butter and more. This is a microwave that makes it quick and easy to be a foodie. Features-wise, the Sage is a 1000W microwave-grill combi but not an oven. It has a 25 litre capacity and an 31cm turntable, big enough for even the grandest dinner plates. The crisper plate has a clever design with three legs that fold up: use it high for grilling and low as a crisper. We used it up high for cheese on toast (a shortcut button) and were impressed: you can cook up to three slices at a time and the results are delicious. Last but not least, the "A Bit More" button is perfect for when a dish needs longer but you don't want to have to set the program all over again. Ideal Home's rating: 4 out of 5 stars 6. Whirlpool Fusion AMW 848/IXL Best built-in microwave Type: Integrated Capacity: 40 litres Features: Large capacity, auto-sense programs, built-in recipes Reasons to buy: Great for family kitchens Reasons to avoid: It needs to be built-in If you're designing a new kitchen, consider an integrated microwave. You get a bigger, better appliance while freeing up valuable worktop space. This microwave, grill and oven combi genuinely serves as an oven – you get a 40 litres of extra cooking space, perfect for family meals. It comes with wire grill rack, full-width oven tray, large plastic steamer, crisper plate and an oversized 36cm glass turntable for the microwave. Its programs, intelligent auto-sensing programs and 30 built-in recipes make good use of all these features. Or just touch the arrow on the right to zap at full power (900W) for 30-second bursts, perfect for heating up a cold cuppa. Oven cooking is quick and precise. Grilling uses the round grill rack on the turntable for even cooking. And we loved the crisper plate – not just for stuff like pizzas, but also as a quick, fat-free way to cook oven chips, "fried" eggs, halloumi and more. The controls are intuitive and easy to grasp. When you're done, it beeps and offers the option to cook at the same power for longer. We found the glass a bit fingerprinty, but otherwise it's impossible to fault. Very impressive and can be teamed with the AKZM 6692/IXL oven, designed to match not just its design but also its touch controls, menus and recipes. Ideal Home's rating: 5 out of 5 stars 7. Swan SM22090 Best microwave under £100 Type: Small microwave Capacity: 20 litre Features: Five power levels, quirky look, matching appliances available Reasons to buy: Even cooking and matching accessories Reasons to avoid: The style won’t be for everyone The copper hue of this 800W Swan microwave is easy on the eye and has a timeless appeal. The colour is interesting but subtle. The copper looks superb teamed with the mirror-finish glass door. It's compact and simple: microwave only, no combi. It has a relatively small 27cm turntable, so beware if you have large dinner plates. It boasts five microwave power levels. You can cook or defrost by time or weight. There are eight programs for cooking popular foods, including popcorn, pizza, drinks and potatoes. You can also quick-start cook for multiples of 30 seconds. The Swan isn't just a pretty face: it cooks evenly and we thought the features impressive for an affordable microwave. It does more than the basics and the controls are straightforward. But most of all, it's affordable but looks great. Swan offers a range of co-ordinated copper electricals to match, including three styles of kettle, five toaster designs and kitchen scales. You can even buy accessories like a pan set and a knife block in the same copper finish. Ideal Home's rating: 4 out of 5 stars 8. Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B Best for contemporary looks Type: Freestanding microwave Capacity: 23 litres Features: Fits large dishes, looks sleek, does the job Reasons to buy: Space-saving design Reasons to avoid: Low in power Don't buy an unbranded supermarket microwave when for a little more you can buy this. The Russell Hobbs "Solo" looks great and it cooks well, too. The design draws ideas from more expensive microwaves. For example, it has a flatbed interior rather than a turntable, which means you can make more effective use of its 23-litre capacity. You can therefore fit in square plates and oversized casserole dishes. The purpose of turntables is to move food around, so cooking is more even. But the theory is that the Russell Hobbs' bumpy walls – sorry, "diamond cavity" structure – reflect microwaves in various directions, which leads to more even cooking. We found that it cooked and defrosted evenly enough – and fast enough, despite only offering 800W of power. And cleaning is easier with a flatbed than a turntable. The outside has a nice, modern design too, with a black, mirrored door, large handle and discrete digital controls. Cleverly, the display is behind the glass door but shines through it. Opening the door also reveals a list of the microwave's eight built-in programs. Other features include kitchen timer and child safety lock. Ideal Home's rating: 4 out of 5 stars 9. Bosch HMT75M451B Best small microwave Type: Freestanding microwave Capacity: 17 litres Features: Built-in programs, small size, five power settings Reasons to buy: A compact pick for small homes Reasons to avoid: Basic offerings for the price This has the smallest capacity (17 litres) and turntable (24.5cm) of the microwaves on test, but as a result it has a tiny footprint, just 46cm wide and 29cm deep. What's more, you can either sit it on the worktop or mount it on the underside of a kitchen wall cabinet to reclaim worktop space for food preparation. It's therefore a good buy if space is at a premium. It won't fit a large dinner plate, but it does a fine job of the microwave basics. It has five power settings (800W, 600W, 360W, 180W and 90W) and there are separate buttons on the front for each one, so you can immediately select any power. You can cook by weight or time (up to 60 minutes) using the pop-out knob at the top. Features include a small number of built-in programs, a memory button for your favourite setting and a kitchen timer. We liked the Bosch's space-saving design and also its simplicity. Some microwaves require you to read and memorise an instruction manual: this is straightforward. It's basic but good quality, with a brushed stainless steel finish on the outside. Note that the inside is white though. Ideal Home's rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 10. Beko 32L Combination Microwave Best combination microwave oven Image credit: Beko Type: Combination oven Capacity: 32 litres Features: Convection, grill, 5 power levels Reasons to buy: Immense capacity Reasons to avoid: It’s a pricey choice The Beko 32L Combination Microwave is a top pick for those who want a microwave that can also act as a grill or even a convection oven when need be. It’s got a huge capacity of 32 litres, which translates into its somewhat bulky dimensions: 41 x 51.3 x 30.7 cm. As for power, it’s pretty much as powerful as a microwave can get, with 1000 watts of grill power, 900 watts of microwave power, and a massive 2300 watts of convection power. There are six buttons, which makes it easy to choose a setting for your cooking, and with specific modes for defrosting, microwave grilling, and convection microwaving, you won’t get lots with fiddly or vague controls. A buyer’s guide to microwaves Before you make your final choice, make sure you’ve take these key features into account. Image credit: Richard Gadsby Do I want a combi? If you have a small kitchen or you're on a tight budget, a microwave-only model may be best. But otherwise a combi is well worth it. Your microwave doubles as a grill and/or oven, giving you extra cooking space (plan ahead for Christmas dinner) and the best of both worlds: cook a jacket potato quickly (microwaves) yet with a crispy skin (oven). What's a crisper plate? The latest, high-end combis often come with extra accessories like grill rack, oven tray, steamer and something new called a crisper plate. Forget everything you were told about not putting metal in microwaves: these large, non-stick metal dishes are heated quickly by microwaves to become a hotplate. Cook stuff like pizza fast and with no fear of a soggy bottom. You can even "fry" stuff like eggs and bacon with no oil. We love them. What if I don't have room for a microwave? New, small microwave-only models are surprisingly compact – there's space in front of them for food prep. You can also get microwaves designed to be wall-mounted under a cabinet and ones with curved backs that fit neatly in the dead worktop space in a corner. Or if you have plenty of cupboard space but not much worktop, consider an integrated model. How much should I spend on a microwave? Budget £100 for a microwave that will serve you well. We think cheaper, supermarket own brand ones are a false economy. Budget up to £300 for a larger combi with all mod cons. And double that for integrated, but then you get much more cooking space and an appliance that genuinely doubles as a proper oven. Microwave power – does it matter? Image credit: Whirlpool Microwave power is measured in watts – the higher the figure, the faster it should heat your food. The average is 800-900W. However, as microwave technology has improved, simply going for the most powerful model isn’t a guarantee of a better-performing oven. What capacity microwave do I need? Want to cook a whole chicken in there? You'll need a decent capacity – anything over the 30-litre mark should take a family-sized bird. Smaller households will be better off with a model that takes up minimal space on the worktop, so exterior dimensions will be more important. Most microwaves have turntables to ensure even cooking. But some newer designs have taken their lead from commercial kitchens and ditched them completely. These flatbed models use the latest technology to distribute the microwaves evenly without the need to turn the food. This frees up lots of space inside for big dishes, such as casseroles, and makes them easier to clean. If your microwave does have a turntable, keep in mind that the given capacity in cubic litres may not account for the space it takes up. Measure from the turntable up before you buy to make sure your dishes will fit. Some microwaves also have shelves that allow you to cook on two levels. You'll need to increase the normal cooking time or move dishes around, but it's handy for preparing large quantities of food simultaneously instead of in stages. What auto programmes and presets do I need? Not sure how long or at what power level you need to your penne or potatoes will need to cook? Don't worry, your microwave will tell you if it's got the relevant auto programmes. Most have them for the likes of popular dishes such as pasta, fish and vegetables. The cleverest can even weigh your food and work out the cooking times to the second. Auto-defrost and reheat functions are also worth investing in, as are one-touch shortcut keys for melting butter or chocolate (saving you from using the hob) or a quick boost of power. Sage microwaves have presets for, among other things, porridge, soup, fish and baked beans. Ding, indeed! Other features to consider One big way newer models excel is with sensor technology. This measures the humidity inside the oven and then adjusts the cooking times to prevent food from over-baking and drying out. For ultra-even heating and defrosting, look for a model with an inverter. It will control the power flow for consistent results – rather than pulsing high power on and off. A clean machine is more efficient. However, how easy your microwave will be to keep clean will be affected by its interior finish. Stainless steel, enamel and acrylic are relatively easy to keep sparkling with a regular wipe down. Pyrolytic cleaning functions (which incinerates mess completely at high temperatures) and low-hassle catalytic liners (which burn off any grease and food that's on them) are usually only found on combination microwaves. The post Best microwave 2021: our top 10 solo and combination microwaves appeared first on Ideal Home.

Diet coke is giving away a free limited-edition Smeg fridge every day this month Posted: 31 Aug 2021 11:00 PM PDT When it comes to our dream kitchen appliance a Smeg fridge is definitely up there on our wish-list of kitchen ideas. However, with a hefty price tag, the iconic fridge is out of reach for many of us…until now. Diet Coke and Smeg have collaborated to create a limited-edition Diet Coke Smeg fridge that they will be giving away for free. Starting on the 6th of September Diet Coke will be giving away one fridge a day until the 10th of October. That’s 34 fridges up for grabs in total, we quite like those odds. The limited-edition Smeg FAB10 fridge has been specially designed to celebrate the Diet Coke break first coined in the iconic 1995 advert. Now that many of us are working from home, and often glued to our screens for hours at a time Diet Coke believes there has never been a better time to embrace the break. Image credit: Diet Coke / Smeg ‘In our always-hustling culture, it's high time we championed taking a break from work; whether that's spent scrolling through memes, listening to music or catching up with friends,’ says Omar Sadiq-Baig, Brand Manager at Coca-Cola GB. ‘There's never been a more perfect moment for two icons of chill to come together, than now. Just for the chill of it.’ The outside of the fridge has been coloured in grey to reflect the iconic packaging and emblazoned with the Diet Coke logo on the front. The Smeg FAB10 fridge is usually priced at £930 at Currys. So to pick one up for the price of a pack of Diet Coke is an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. The FAB10 is a petite fridge, just 1 metre high and 54 cm wide making it ideal as a smart small kitchen idea or for stashing your diet cokes in your home office. Despite its small dimensions, the FAB10 still offers all of the usual features expected from the original Smeg FAB refrigerator with the 'E' rating energy class. Image credit: Diet Coke / Smeg ‘At SMEG, we have had the pleasure of working with some amazing partners over the years. We're delighted to have joined forces with superbrand, Diet Coke. Mirroring many of our own values, what better way to celebrate than to enjoy a chilled Diet Coke from your very own limited-edition Smeg drinks fridge!’ says John Davies, Head of Marketing for Smeg UK&I. The competition will be running throughout this month, to enter all you need to do is scan the QR code on a promotional pack of Diet Coke. Time to put that Diet Coke addiction to good use at last. The post Diet coke is giving away a free limited-edition Smeg fridge every day this month appeared first on Ideal Home.

Conservatory cleaning tips – 11 expert hacks from Lynsey Queen of Clean Posted: 31 Aug 2021 08:00 AM PDT It’s pretty much a given that over time, your lovely conservatory will accumulate a considerable amount of grime over time. These conservatory cleaning tips will make sure you get gleaming results after all the effort it takes to give it a good scrub down. Conservatories make a great addition to your home – you get all that extra room, a great view of the garden and added value to your home. However, they can require a fair bit of upkeep so you can really make the most of the light-filled space. Mould, mildew, dust and prolonged exposure to the elements can quickly make even the nicest of conservatories look dull and run-down. And depending upon the size and shape, when it comes to cleaning a conservatory, it’s a good to know how to best approach the task and invest in the right cleaning equipment to keep it looking its best. Marketing Director, Alex Hewitt from Ultraframe explains, ‘The roof and side frames of your conservatory should be washed down every four months with a soap water solution to remove grime and atmospheric deposits.’ ‘Maintaining your conservatory is vital if you want to prevent it from falling into disrepair and ensure it continues to add value. Check the inside of your conservatory for moss or mould, too. If it is poorly ventilated, this could be a problem.’ So follow these tips to cleaning a conservatory to keep yours in tip-top condition and sparkly clean. Conservatory cleaning tips Image credit: Vivafolio 1. The best way to clean a conservatory Working your way upwards can leave your clean areas exposed to dirt and water dripping down from higher up and ruining all your hard work. Lynsey Crombie Queen of Clean recommends, ‘Always start at the top and work your way down. Start by knocking off cobwebs, use a ladder or step and get up high. A conservatory is a full of spiders and daddy longlegs and you can't always see them.’ 2. What you need to clean a conservatory If your conservatory has high windows and you have hard to reach areas, you’ll probably need a reliable ladder, a telescopic brush, preferably one you can connect to a hose-pipe, a bucket, sponge, a brush and a good cleaning product. In some areas a pressure washer can be used, although with caution (see below). And to clean the glass you’ll need to use a squeegee and a good quality micro-fibre cloth. Image credit: Vale Garden Houses 3. Cleaning a conservatory roof Figuring out how to clean a conservatory roof isn’t all that hard – all you’ll need is a ladder, a telescopic brush and a little caution. Climb up the ladder along the outside of your conservatory, and use a brush (mixed with your choice of window cleaning solution) to reach every corner of the roof. Marketing Director, Alex Hewitt from Ultraframe says, ‘Don't put yourself at risk of injury by making shortcuts. Instead, use a ladder to climb up to roof level, use a brush to sweep away any dirt and then use your telescopic window cleaner to reach up to the roof and give it a good wash down.’ To be extra safe, ask someone to hold the ladder to keep it steady. If your extension features self-cleaning glass then it will require less frequent cleaning than standard glazing. At least once a year is recommended. Image credit: Westbury Garden Rooms 4. Polish up conservatory glass It’s important to know how to clean windows in your conservatory so you don’t ruin the lovely view of your garden. Cleaning both sides of the window panes is really important to make your conservatory sparkle. And when it comes to deciding whether to do the inside or outside first, Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean says, ‘For the glass clean the outside window panes first so you can see how much grime you have removed. Then clean the inside. Never clean the glass on a really sunny day as this will cause streaks.’ ‘The best solution is warm not hot water and then buff the glass dry with a good absorbent microfibre cloth. For the outside windows you could use an all-purpose car cleaner, as this creates a good waterproof barrier for rain water to run off.’ This all-purpose car cleaner from Amazon should do the trick. And if you’ve already got a winning conservatory blind idea in your space, make sure you protect them while you clean the inside panes. Image credit: Resi 5. Clear the gutters Lynsey Crombie also recommends cleaning the gutters while you’re at it. Weeds, debris and standing water can get trapped in your drainpipes and gutters. Aside from creating an eyesore, trapped debris can also interfere with their functioning. Alex Hewitt from Ultraframe explains more, ‘Gutters can easily become cluttered with leaves and moss, so make sure you give these a good clean out – especially in autumn when the leaves are falling. Your conservatory will last longer and look more aesthetically pleasing this way.’ The good news is that gutters are usually low maintenance and only require being cleaned out twice a year. If you come across blockages don't try and tackle them yourself, get a plumber out to clear the way. Image credit: Future PLC 6. Best method for cleaning the inside of a conservatory Conservatory cleaning doesn't just involve scrubbing the outside – the inside matters just as much – especially if you’re revamping the space with one of these conservatory interior ideas. Mould and mildew enjoy moist conditions so keeping this at bay is paramount, especially if your conservatory isn’t well ventilated. Treat your conservatory with a solution to remove any moss and black mould that might have built up after you have swept and washed your structure. Lynsey Crombie says, ‘If you have any mould and mildew patches, treat them with white vinegar.’ This will hopefully help prevent any future build-up. 7. Clean little and often Cleaning your conservatory is no small feat so making the job go as smooth as possible is probably your first priority. If you don’t have a weekend spare to really scrub it down, don’t fret. Doing smaller tasks over time such as wiping down your window frames and windowsills regularly will mean the big clean won’t be as big an expedition. Image credit: Thomas Sanderson 8. Be careful when cleaning It goes without saying but be safe when cleaning. Most conservatory roofs are not made to bear heavy loads and the glass panels are not designed to take your weight so climbing isn’t an option. To avoid a disaster, invest in an extendable cloth or brush that will help to wipe away excess cleaner and use a hose that can reach up easily. 9. Wipe down the exterior and interior frames You can tackle your exterior and interior conservatory framework with warm soapy water and a sponge. Be sure to only use soapy water on the window framework and not the panes because using it on window panes will create unsightly streak marks. Clean the window frames first before tackling the conservatory window glass to prevent any residue from falling onto freshly cleaned window panes. Use a duster or an old paintbrush to loosen any debris, dirt or dust that has collected around the frame. After you've removed the looser dirt you can get to work on those more stubborn bits of grime. When you've finished the window frames, give your windowsill a good thorough wipe down and vacuum up any debris that’s made its way to the floor. Forked out on a gorgeous new conservatory flooring idea? Lay down an old towel or sheet to further protect your sparkly new floor. Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean adds, ‘If you have a white PVC frame you’ll know that this can get discoloured and stained very easily.’ ‘Use a cream cleaner or white toothpaste to clean & brighten and for any stains use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. For wooden frames brush with a small brush and treat using an orange oil based product.’ Image credit: Future Plc 10. Use cleaning products that work If you've not cleaned your conservatory for a while then it's likely you'll need a little more than just soapy water to do the job properly.  You could give your conservatory a good going over with a non-caustic product like Dirtbusters from Amazon. This type of conservatory cleaner is safe to use on all the various surfaces without worrying about damaging window seals or the uPVC. 11. What not to do when cleaning a conservatory Now you know how to clean your conservatory with gleaming results. It’s also worth noting what not to do to avoid any mistakes that could damage your conservatory structure. Try not to use harsh chemicals or spirit-based cleaners as they can damage your conservatory's uPVC. Metallic or abrasive sponges or brushes can mark or damage plastic. Although it’s tempting to blast off the dirt, using a pressure washer can damage the seals on your conservatory. Avoid getting any oil-based products on your conservatory's rubber seals or sliding doors. The post Conservatory cleaning tips – 11 expert hacks from Lynsey Queen of Clean appeared first on Ideal Home.

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