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I usually hate cleaning, but the Roborock F25 Ace wet-dry vacuum made it kind of satisfying

7:35 am | March 31, 2025

Roborock F25 Ace: Two-minute review

If you’re someone like me whose home features predominantly hard floors, then investing in a wet-dry vacuum cleaner can be a godsend as it drastically reduces the amount of time it takes to clean, while also delivering excellent results.

The Roborock F25 Ace is the second wet-dry vacuum cleaner I’ve personally tested and after using it twice a week for four weeks straight, I’ve retired the previous one I had into storage.

Not only is the F25 Ace ludicrously simple to set up for first-time use, it’s left my floors looking cleaner, and I can’t feel any dust or grit underfoot after a session, something I’ve previously experienced with other such floor washers. It feels especially well built too, and I have every confidence in its reliability for years to come.

The F25 Ace is the range-topping model in Roborock’s latest F25 series of wet-dry vacuums. How many models it sits above depends on where you live. In the US, for example, there are four other models below it and a separate F25 Ace Combo that adds a vacuum cleaner attachment for soft flooring – much like the Tineco Floor One Switch S6 that I’d been using before this. Australia gets just two F25 models, with the Ace sitting just above the standard F25. At the time of writing, this series isn’t available in the UK but I’ve had confirmation it’s “coming soon”.

Roborock F25 Ace vacuum cleaner — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

What does this range-topping model offer over its lower-specced siblings? A more informative display (in comparison to other models, anyway), app connectivity and a few other notable cleaning features, including power-assisted wheels and an automatic detergent dispenser, both of which ultimately provide a more convenient and thorough cleaning experience.

What made my time using the F25 Ace particularly joyful was the fact it can maneuver around corners and furniture with ease thanks to a pivoting cleaning head, and the ability to lie completely flat to help get to hard-to-reach places, like under furniture. This maneuvrability, combined with its excellent cleaning results, make it a strong contender to be one of the best wet-dry vacuum cleaners.

The self-clean cycle is especially effective and, with the right settings activated, quiet too. It was a good job the hot self-clean cycle was effective, as the F25 Ace returned plenty of dirty water following each cleaning run around my home. The amount of dust and debris on my wooden floors was invisible to my eyes, but the Roborock machine was able to pick it all up and then some! Both the clean and dirty water tanks are simple to remove, clean out and refill, and depending on how large your home is you may not need to refill the clean tank after every use. In my case, it held enough water to complete two full cleans and two self-clean cycles.

There is plenty of customization on tap via the app, and you’re able to make just as many adjustments – the amount of water used during cleaning, the amount of detergent released, how thorough of a self-clean you want the machine to perform and more. There’s quite a lot to get your head around and certainly more than I’ve been used to from a vacuum cleaner, but they’re features I certainly appreciated.

At $549.99 / AU$999.99 it’s competitively priced compared to its closest rivals. It is still a decent chunk of cash, however, so I would say only people whose homes are virtually all hard floors should consider buying it. If you have a mixture of hard and soft flooring, then the aforementioned Tineco machine may be better suited to your needs, or two separate, more affordable vacuum cleaners.

Roborock F25 Ace review: Price & availability

Available since mid-February in US and late March in Australia; currently not sold in the UK
List price $549.99 / AU$999
Available directly from Roborock and authorized retailers, including Amazon

The Roborock F25 Ace made its official debut at CES 2025 in January and was available to buy in the US by mid-February. It’s currently enjoying a staggered launch around the world, with Australians able to purchase the appliance since late March 2025. At the time of writing, it’s been confirmed for launch in the UK, but pricing is still to be announced.

The F25 Ace is listed on Roborock’s US store with a list price of $549.99, while in Australia it’s available for AU$999.99. This puts it in the upper mid-range price bracket based on our experience and in direct competition with other wet-dry vacuum cleaners such as the Dyson G1, which costs $699.99 / £599.99 / AU$999, and the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro, which tops our list of the best wet-dry vacuum cleaners and costs $799 / £599 / AU$1,299.99. The latter can regularly be picked up at a discount however, especially during major sales events.

There are several other models within the F25 series depending on where you live. The US store also lists the F25 Alt, which misses out on smart dirt detection, the extra-informative LED display and app connectivity. There is also an F25 Ace Combo for $749.99, which adds a separate stick vacuum cleaner for cleaning carpets and other areas in handheld mode.

Roborock says the filter and roller head should be replaced every 12 months at the latest. A spare filter is supplied, but not a roller. The company has listed pricing for official replacement parts, but third-party options are available, the cost of which depends on where you live. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of replacement bottles of the floor cleaning solution, which you can get from the official Roborock store. The company says you should only use its own solution with the F25 Ace.

Value score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: specs

Roborock F25 Ace review: Design

Roborock F25 Ace roller head — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Lightweight and easy to maneuvre
Lie-flat design for hard-to-reach areas
LED display is good, but not great

There’s minimal effort required to get the F25 Ace up and running. Once you remove the pieces from the box, all you need to do is clip the handle into the main unit, then snap on the roller head. There are various pieces of protective packaging to remove but, otherwise, that’s all there is to it.

You’ll want to plug the charging dock in and place the machine onto it immediately for two reasons: to make sure there’s power before you use it for the first time, and connect it to the app via your home Wi-Fi network. There aren’t any other attachments included with the F25 Ace, aside from a small brush to help clean the filter and dirty-water tank, a small bottle of cleaning detergent and a spare filter.

Roborock F25 Ace clean-water tank removed — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

The Roborock F25 Ace follows a similar design language to floor washers from other brands, such as our current favorite wet-dry vacuum cleaner, the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro. Both are sleek grey-and-white units with the dirty-water tank on the front and a long, non-adjustable handle with a few control buttons for power, cleaning mode selection and self-cleaning. The S7 Pro does, however, come with a spare roller head, something not included with the F25 Ace.

Where the design of these two machines differs, and what is one of the F25 Ace’s key selling points, is that its clean-water tank is at the base of the machine, placed over the roller head beneath. On the Tineco Switch S7 Pro, the clean water tank is at the rear, which prevents it from tilting too far back.

Having the clean-water tank positioned towards the base of the machine, says Roborock, allows it to have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to move around your home and lay it flat to push under furniture. It also provides added weight to ensure the roller head remains in constant contact with hard floors to help improve its cleaning efficiency.

The dirty-water tank is on the front of the machine, as is the case with similar models from other brands. The capacity remains the same across all models within the F25 series at 720ml (the same as with the Tineco S7 Pro). The clean-water tank maxes out at 740ml, which is less than the S7 Pro’s 850ml capacity. It’s also smaller than other models in the F25 series, which get a larger 870ml water tank. Despite that, I was able to regularly get two full mopping runs from a single fill across a cleaning area of approximately 120 sqm / 1,300 sqft in my apartment.

Where Roborock says the F25 Ace differs from other floor washers is the design of the roller head. It features what the company calls JawScapers – 141 3mm-long comb teeth – positioned behind the roller. Not only is this said to prevent hairs getting tangled, but it also claims to squeeze dirty water out of the roller and into the tank, to prevent water marks appearing on the floor during cleaning sessions.

Roborock F25 Ace LED display — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

The F25 Ace has an LED display that shows you its battery life, the current cleaning mode and a small colored bar to indicate its dynamic performance facilitated by a proprietary DirTect Smart Sensor on the rear of the machine. This sensor detects the amount of dirt in the water it’s mopping to automatically adjust water-flow rate and suction power, while the roller head remains spinning at the same speed. For the majority of my testing, the bar (thankfully) remained blue, indicating my floor was a ‘normal’ level of dirty, although there were the occasional bits that pushed it into the red and nothing was needed on my part – the F25 Ace did what was needed by itself.

The LED display is clear to see, but compared to models from other brands, I found it to be a little uninspiring. It conveys information via icons only, which took me a few uses to wrap my head around. If voice prompts are on, it will tell you what mode you’re in, but there’s no extra information to tell you what each mode means and the user manual isn’t much help. This doesn’t affect the machine’s cleaning prowess, but it does mean the user experience isn’t as good as I’d expected.

The display on the Tineco S7 Pro on the other hand is a lot better at imparting information, using images, words and more colors to tell the user what’s going on. You’re also able to adjust settings better on the S7 Pro thanks to buttons on the handle – something the Roborock doesn’t have and requires you to use the app, which isn’t ideal if you need to tweak a setting on the fly and your phone is in another room.

The Roborock F25 Ace (along with the F25 Alt in the US) benefits from a few proprietary technologies that sets it apart from other models in the F25 series. These include SlideTech 2.0 Automated Wheels to add motorized assistance to reduce the effort it takes to push the F25 Ace around your home.

Roborock F25 Ace detergent dispenser lid — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

You can adjust the level of motorization in the app between Mild, Moderate and Intense. I left this setting on the default Moderate mode and appreciated how the vacuum didn’t want to take me for a walk around my home, as was the case with the Tineco Floor One Switch S6 that I’ve previously reviewed. The Intense setting, however, will pull you along for a ride.

The added motorization makes the machine feel lighter than its 4.7kg weight would suggest. Robrock does say the wheels “intelligently detect the user’s push and pull strength and adjust the power assistance in real time,” but I couldn’t tell if that was actually happening during my testing.

Another feature found on the F25 Ace is an automatic detergent dispenser. The 100ml compartment is next to the clean-water tank, both of which sit within a removable clear plastic unit on the roller head. You’re able to set the ratio of detergent to water to one of three settings within the app, and the appropriate amount of detergent gets automatically sprayed directly onto the roller during a cleaning run. I stuck to the default setting of Daily for the majority of my testing and that was enough to occasionally leave some soap suds on the floor. Another swipe over these areas took care of the remaining suds.

And, a small niggle, but the previous Tineco machine had an auto-stop feature when the handle is returned to its starting position. The Roborock machine doesn’t have this feature, and I found I missed it as it made pausing, cleaning and moving the machine to another room a bit easier.

Design score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Performance

Powerful performance leaves floors clean
Exclusive features work well
Some setting tweaks may be required for best results

The F25 Ace is my first Roborock review, but I have tested similar wet-dry vacuums before. I was already quite impressed by the Tineco Floor One Switch S6’s mopping, cleaning and drying capabilities, and our reviewers have always rated other Roborock machines, like the Roborock Dyad Pro, very well. So my expectations from the F25 Ace were high going into testing and it didn’t disappoint.

Thanks to the aforementioned SlideTech wheels, I found it incredibly easy to move the machine around my home. The cleaning head has a 70º angle of pivot (35º left and right), making tight turns possible.

Roborock F25 Ace lying flat — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

I also found that thanks to its ability to tilt backwards by 180º, cleaning the floor under my dining table, for example, was easier than with other vacuum cleaners and I barely had to move the chairs. Instead I was able to weave the F25 Ace around the chair and table legs with ease with a light push with one hand. Do note that when the machine is totally flat, the cleaning head loses the ability to pivot, but any angle smaller than 180º allows it to remain agile.

Where I found the lay-flat ability most useful was getting underneath my bathroom vanity unit, an area that’s been ignored because no other vacuum or floor washer I’ve tried could get under it.

Similar to when I tested the Tineco Switch S6, I was surprised by just how much dirty water was collected after one run throughout my home. I was also impressed with how much debris was collected, especially as much of it wasn’t clearly visible to my eyes before the cleaning run. The F25 Ace has 20,000Pa suction power, so was evidently able to vacuum even the smallest of particles. Combined with a roller that rotates at up to 450rpm, and gets cleaned by scrapers within its housing unit on each turn, my floors felt much cleaner underfoot once I’d finished a session.

The design of the roller head on the F25 Ace ensures it can get closer to edges. To test this, I poured some milk along the edges of my kitchen cabinets to see how much would be cleaned up. It performed exceptionally well, mopping up the entire spillage in just one run. It wasn’t quite the same story with dry debris, as it did miss a few grains of rice I poured on the floor.

But, for dry spills in the center of the floor, I have zero complaints. I poured generous helpings of rice and coffee beans onto my floor and with one push over either spill with the F25 Ace cleared it up entirely.

Compared to the Tineco machine I’ve previously tested, the Roborock F25 Ace’s default water-rate flow is higher, meaning it uses more water for mopping. This really isn’t an issue as the roller is very effective at mopping, leaving no puddles behind. If the floors remain too wet for your liking, you can reduce the water-flow rate via the app.

That said, if you are going to use the detergent – and Roborock strongly suggests you use only the one it provides or recommends – you might see soap suds not fully disappearing with each swipe. This happened to me on occasion and I had to run the roller head over those areas a couple of times more to ensure no soap scum accumulated on my floors.

Roborock promises that the F25 Ace will leave floors streak-free, but I don’t completely agree with that claim. While my floors were certainly clean after going over them, when I viewed them in the right light, I could see some noticeable streaks where the roller head and wheels had passed over. They’re not so noticeable that it bothered me too much, but it’s not exactly fulfilling the promise.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Maintenance

Self-clean cycle is effective
Time and temperature settings can be adjusted
Dirty-water tank will need extra cleaning

Once placed back in the dock after a cleaning session, a voice prompt will instruct you to perform the self-clean cycle, which you activate by pressing a button on the handle or within the app.

Roborock says the whole cycle – cleaning and drying – should take approximately five minutes using a combination of hot water and 90ºC / 194ºF hot air. While that’s more or less true, I found it can be closer to 10 minutes in the Quiet Drying mode.

During self-cleaning, the roller head spins in both directions while it’s blasted with hot water to help remove as much dirt and bacteria as possible, with all dirty water being collected in the tank. You’re able to choose between ‘High’ and ‘Room Temperature’ water settings in the app – naturally, hotter water will be more effective for cleaning. Roborock doesn’t say how hot this water is, but does claim it uses 90ºC / 194ºF hot air as it hits the roller head, which is quite good as many robot vacuums with self-cleaning cycles use 75ºC air for drying.

Roborock F25 Ace JawScrapers — The JawScrapers help remove debris from the roller head during cleaning. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Considering how much dirty water was collected after each run around my home – indicating how dirty the floor was – the roller head looked surprisingly clean. The quality of the roller itself also seems to be very good because, even after several uses. It does have a limited lifespan, though, and you will need to replace it at some point – Roborock recommends changing it once every six to 12 months, depending on your use case.

The washing part of the self-clean cycle is quite noisy. I used a decibel meter app on my phone and recorded a maximum reading of around 75dB. The drying, however, registered a pleasant 55dB that Roborock calls “Quiet Drying”.

Using this drying mode will lengthen the time it takes to complete the self-clean cycle, so you can choose a quicker option. You can track the progress of the self-clean cycle in the app – it was how I realized the drying process took longer when quiet.

Roborock F25 Ace dirty-water tank — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

A voice prompt will inform you once the self-cleaning cycle has finished and instruct you to empty the water tank. Of course, this is only if you can hear the prompt. I had the F25 Ace stored in my laundry room towards the back of my apartment, and with the door closed, I could barely hear them. I would have liked a phone notification too, giving me a greater chance to ensure the dirty-water tank is cleaned out promptly. You can empty the dirty-water tank while the roller head is drying to save on time.

Once the tank had been emptied and debris collected in the filters washed away, I left all the pieces to air dry before returning them to the machine. The majority of debris came off under a tap, but Roborock supplies a long brush to help agitate any particularly stubborn pieces.

I did notice when cleaning the day after mopping up the milk spillage that milky water was being collected in the dirty-water tank, suggesting that the roller head wasn’t completely cleaned during the previous self-clean cycle. It didn’t have any effect on the cleanliness of the floor.

Maintenance score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Software

Plenty of customization
Remote access when away from home
Pop-up notifications would be a nice feature

As I’ve already alluded to, the F25 Ace can connect to an app to open up a good selection of customization options. App connectivity is only possible on the F25 Ace and F25 Alt models, which I think is a shame as I think the other models in this range would also benefit from that extra control.

I was pleasantly surprised that the app gives me remote control over the F25 Ace’s settings when away from home. Not only can you make adjustments, you can also start a self-clean or drying cycle. While I don’t think it will see much use, I think this feature is handy if you’ve had to do an emergency quick clean before running out the door in the morning, letting you start a self-clean cycle while you’re on the road or in the office.

Screenshots of the Roborock app showing cleaning mode and self-clean cycle of the F25 Ace. — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

One feature I found utterly superfluous was the remote control mode. It asks you to lay the F25 Ace flat on the floor (there’s a small wheel in the handle to ensure it remains level), after which you can move it around your home using the remote control buttons on your phone. It doesn’t work well at all during my testing, where the machine either had a significant lag between command and action or didn’t register the button presses at all. While the roller turns when being remote controlled, I didn’t see it doing any cleaning at all.

Then there are the voice prompts that let you know what the machine is doing – when you switch cleaning modes, instructing you to perform a cleaning cycle or to tell you it’s finished. You can change the language of the voice prompts within the app or adjust the volume level. If you want to switch them off, as I did after testing them for this review, you just mute them by moving the volume slider all the way down.

I didn’t find the voice prompts too useful as they were unclear most of the time and, as I mentioned earlier, I would have appreciated additional pop-up notifications on my phone, particularly when the dirty-water tank needed emptying.

Software score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Battery life

Good battery life, but may not suffice for larger homes
Up to 60 minutes in Eco mode; 40 minutes in Auto
Recharge time can take a while

The Roborock F25 Ace has a 4,000mAh battery that the company says is good for up to 60 minutes of use in Eco mode or 40 minutes in Auto mode. However, this is only really relevant for anyone with a particularly large surface area to clean as the machine recharges whenever it’s on the charging dock.

I never had any battery issues when cleaning my apartment with the F25 Ace, which has an approximate total cleaning area of 120 sqm / 1,300 sqft, as I was able to complete a full clean in roughly 10 minutes wherein I used just 15% of battery. For context, Roborock says the 60-minute runtime in Eco mode should be enough to cover a 410 sqm / 4,413 sqft space.

However, when I returned the F25 Ace to the charging dock to self-clean, I noticed the battery level continued to drop by as much as another 10%. I assume the power required to complete the clean uses up more battery than it receives from the dock.

Battery life score: 5/5

Should you buy the Roborock F25 Ace review?

Buy it if...

You want an easy, thorough clean

The F25 Ace can be moved around with little effort and its cleaning performance is stellar, leaving you with clean floors in no time at all.

Your home has hard-to-reach areas

Thanks to its ability to lie flat, the Roborock F25 Ace can get into more places than a large number of similar machines, meaning more of your floors will be cleaned.

You like to take control of your appliances

There are numerous customization options with the F25 Ace via the app, covering cleaning and maintenance. You may find the default settings don’t work for you, so you can easily change them.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

Your floors are carpeted

It may seem obvious, but the Roborock F25 Ace only works on hard floors. If your home is predominantly carpet, you’ll want to look at other vacuum cleaner models. View Deal

You have a limited budget

I think the F25 Ace is worth the money, but the fact remains there are cheaper alternatives available, like the Shark HydroVac Cordless, which can also work on low-pile soft floors.View Deal

Roborock F25 Ace review: Also consider

Tineco Floor One Switch Pro 7

Our favorite wet-dry vacuum for a reason, this powerful machine cleans incredibly well, can get up close to edges and has a gorgeous, interactive LED display. It costs more at full price, but can now regularly be picked up at a discount.

Read our full Tineco Floor One Switch Pro 7 reviewView Deal

Shark HyrdoVac Cordless

If your budget is tight, this Shark machine is a great option, especially as it can also be used on low-pile carpets, making it a more versatile proposition.

Read our full Shark HydroVac Cordless reviewView Deal

How I tested the Roborock F25 Ace

I tested this wet-dry vacuum over a period of about a month in my apartment, using it to clean at least twice a week. I experimented with the various settings adjustments within the app to see what effect they had on the overall cleanliness of my floors.

To really test its mopping and vacuuming credentials, I spilled milk and scattered grains such as rice on the floor to see how much was vacuumed up.

I made a note of how well the brush roller head was washed and dried after each cleaning run around my home and assessed how much clean water was left in the tank (and how much dirty water was collected).

This is the first Roborock vacuum cleaner I’ve tested, but I have previously tested the Tineco Floor One Switch S6, which is a similar wet-dry vacuum cleaner, but which also has extra attachments for cleaning carpets and other soft floorings.

Testing Samsung’s new AI-powered vacuum taught me that I don’t really need my vac to be know the difference between every single surface

3:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: AI | Comments: Off

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra: two-minute review

The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is a cutting-edge cordless vacuum with a self-empty dock, companion app, and AI-powered suction automation. I tested a model ahead of its launch to see how it compares to the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market, and if it manages to justify costing more than any other vacuum we've tested at TechRadar.

To the untrained eye (and honestly, the trained eye, too), the AI Jet Ultra appears a lot like a regular cordless stick vacuum, albeit a high-quality model that's solidly built and comfortable to use, with an extending telescopic wand and ergonomic handle. However, under the hood it boasts advanced AI smarts that enable it to detect exactly the kind of floor it's on and adjust its suction and brushroll speed in response, to deliver an efficient clean that won't waste battery or make the vacuum too difficult to push.

That's the theory, anyway. On test, the AI adjustments proved a little unreliable. I could hear a change when shifting from lino to carpet, but it overlooked more subtle changes in floor type, and didn't adjust when cleaning the edges of rooms, either. Interestingly, it did sometimes adjust when encountering large spillages, even though it isn't advertised as being able to detect differing dirt levels.

That's not to say the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum doesn't offer excellent cleaning power – it does. It aced all my suction tests. But there are a number of vacuums I've tested that have also achieved great results in these tests; the point of difference here is the AI, and I think there's still a bit of work to be done in this regard.

I was more impressed with the auto-empty dock. This isn't unique to Samsung – today's best Shark vacuums also come with their own empty stations – but the unit here is particularly stylish, and ultra-convenient, too. It might benefit allergy-sufferers who don't want particles escaping back into the air, or anyone with a large home and lots of dust or pet hair. The latter will also benefit from the extensive potential runtimes offered by the two swappable batteries. There's also a companion app, although this doesn't feel terribly necessary.

A big sticking point for many will be the price. At £1,199.99 (US and AU price TBC) I'd want this vacuum to be pretty much perfect, and certainly for those advanced AI features to work correctly and make a noticeable difference to performance. However, I'm not sure the price is justified.

That's the short version. Read on for my full Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review, and to find out if it might be the best vacuum for you.

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in reviewer's home — (Image credit: Future)

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: price & availability

List price: £1,199.99 (US and AU pricing TBC)
Launch: UK pre-order from March 2025, on sale 22 April (US / AU TBC)

At list price, the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra costs £1,199.99 and will available to pre-order from late March 2025, for an on-sale date of 22 April. I'm awaiting pricing and launch info for the US and Australia, but that UK price is equivalent to around $1,550 / AU$2,450. The price puts this vacuum firmly in the premium price bracket; in fact, I think this is the priciest vacuum we've ever tested at TechRadar.

However, chances are you might not have to shell out that list price. During deals events we often see hefty discounts on Samsung appliances, and I predict that this will be the case for the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, too.

In comparison, Dyson's most advanced model at time of writing is the Dyson Gen5detect, with list prices from $949.99 / £769.99 / AU$1,549. That model doesn't have the auto-empty dock or companion app, though.

At time of writing, Shark's top vacuum is the Shark PowerDetect Cordless. That one does have an auto-empty dock, although overall feels far less premium than the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra. With the base, it costs $499.99 / £549.99 / AU$999.99.

Samsung's previous model in the lineup – the Bespoke Jet AI – has a list price of $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,499.

Is it worth it? I'm not sure. While the build quality is solid and the performance good, I think much of what you're paying for is those advanced AI features, which on test didn't quite work as advertised. They also didn't result in a noticeably more efficient clean than other, AI-free vacuums I've tested. If you do decide this is the vacuum for you, I'd definitely hold out for a discount.

Value for money score: 2.5 out of 5

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra specs

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: design

Stick vacuum with telescopic wand and ergonomic handle
Comes with self-empty dock that can also diagnose any problems
Various attachments including two floorheads and mini-motorized Pet Tool+

The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is the third generation model – you can read about this vacuum's predecessors in our Samsung Bespoke Jet AI review (2023 launch) and Samsung Bespoke Jet cordless vacuum review (2022 launch).

Under the hood, this Ultra model certainly sees some improvement over the Bespoke AI Jet. For example, this new version offers 400W of suction power (compared to 280W), and it comes with a new "spinning cyclone" (although there's no info yet on what this does). The addition of AI is also an upgrade, improving the vacuum's detection capabilities. So, while the previous model could differentiate between carpet, hard floor and mats, and be aware that it's been lifted up, the new model can do all that, but is also able to detect long-pile / dense carpet, and corners. Used in AI mode with one of the two main floorheads, the vacuum has been designed to optimize suction power for an effective, battery-efficient clean.

Alongside the AI smarts, the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra arrives with a companion app and the ability to self-diagnose any maintenance issues, such as blockages.

Vacuum

The vacuum itself is a fairly standard-looking stick vac, if a little dramatic with its matte off-black finish. The main motor mechanism is on the larger, heavier side, but the handle has an ergonomic grip and rest for your index finger, making it secure and comfortable to hold. Above the handle you'll find an "On" button, plus and minus buttons, and a small screen for displaying information.

You can use the plus and minus buttons to cycle through the five different power modes: Min, Mid, Max, Jet and (if you have one of the main floorheads attached) AI. The screen will display which mode you're in, and how much cleaning time you have left on the battery in that mode.

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Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum — A screen provides info about suction mode and remaining runtime (Image credit: Future)

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Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra information screen showing blockage message — It'll also inform you of any issues (Image credit: Future)

It will also show maintenance information: when to clean the filter; when the dock dustbag is full; and if the brushroll is blocked, for example. The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra has diagnosing powers, too. It told me when the floorhead was blocked (when it had tried to suck up my bath mat) and even displayed a graphic showing me what to do to clear it. Today's best Dyson vacuums can also self-diagnose and provide specific fix instructions.

The AI Jet Ultra also makes it possible for you to display any messages and calls to your phone on its screen. I guess that might be useful if you're concerned about missing any important calls/messages as a result of the noise of the vacuum, but it seems more like a gimmick to me.

Filters from Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra cordless vacuum — There are a couple of filters within the dustbin section (Image credit: Future)

Remove the dustbin and you'll find a small, washable filter. The main filter (behind a metal mesh) sits inside the dustbin, and can be accessed by twisting the plastic cover to unlock it. There's also a paper filter hidden behind a grille, but I couldn't figure out how to access it for cleaning purposes. New to this model is HEPA filtration – the most effective filtering found in commercial products.

Rather unusually, this vacuum ships with two different-sized batteries. Both fit on the vacuum, with one designed to last 100 minutes, while the other will last up to 60 minutes.

The wand and floorhead / detail tools clip on, with a clever addition being a slider on the main wand that allows it to extend. At minimum height the vacuum's reach is pretty short (I'm 5ft 8in and needed to extend it a fair way to use it comfortably), so I think part of the motivation behind this is that it means the dock doesn't need to be super-tall. However, being able to adjust height to suit the user does make it more comfortable to use.

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra with pivoting joint attachment — A hinge attachment allows you to angle your detail tools (Image credit: Future)

Samsung also provides a joint attachment that can be angled at around 45, 90 and 135 degrees. This sits at the bottom end of the wand, extending its reach even further. It's designed for up-high cleaning with a detail, too. You can't use it with any of the motorized cleaning heads (so the two floorheads and the mini Pet Tool+). Shark's equivalent feature sits at the top end of the wand and allows it to pivot forward to 90-degrees, for easier cleaning under furniture – arguably, a slightly more useful setup.

The previous model had an optional mop attachment, but this isn't a feature here – or, at least, I didn't have one included on my review model.

Dock

This stick vacuum comes with a large dock that both charges the machine and empties the onboard dustbin. It takes the form of a dramatic-looking black cylinder with a base.

The vacuum slides in the top, prompting anything in its onboard bin to whoosh out and into a larger dust bag in the base. There's a discreet Start/Stop button, to manually control the emptying if required, and the process can also be managed via the app. To access the larger dust bag, you remove the black, plastic cover and open a second hatch behind.

Dust bag hidden in dock for Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum — Inside you'll find a 2L dustbag (Image credit: Future)

Overall, I think Samsung has done a great job of making the dock look as stylish as possible, given that it has to be a fairly awkward size and shape to do what it needs to do. It's certainly more high-end looking than Shark's big, white, Toblerone-shaped auto-empty docks (see our Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum review for an example). While Shark's machines can be purchased with or without a dock, the Samsung dock is included as standard.

Accessories

Samsung provides a wide range of detail tools to help you tackle different cleaning tasks. They are as follows:

Active Dual Brush floorhead
Slim LED Brush+ floorhead
Pet Tool+ mini-motorized head
Combination tool
Extendible Crevice tool

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Detail tools for Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum — The vacuum comes with various detail tools (Image credit: Future)

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Underside of two floorheads for Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum — There are two main floorheads (Image credit: Future)

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Detail tool holder next to main dock for Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum — An accessory tree provides somewhere to store everything (Image credit: Future)

Your main floorhead looks to be the Active Dual Brush, which has a small fluffy roller and a larger one with bristles. I assume this is for use on both hard floors and carpet. There's also a Slim LED Brush+, which has just one large fluffy roller. It's designed for hard floors specifically, since the soft roller can get nice and close to the floor without scratching it.

The Pet Tool+ mini-motorized head is meant for covering larger, not-flat surfaces such as sofa cushions. Samsung has supplied a kind of accessory carousel that has space to house all five of the attachments, with the main floorheads clipping on and dangling downwards.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: performance

Comfortable and fairly maneuverable, but can be hard to push on carpet
Suction excellent, but AI adjustment doesn't always seem to work
Self-empty dock is a big effort-saver

Upon switching the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra on for the first time, the screen took me on a whistle-stop guide of the vacuum – and I mean whistle-stop; each bit of information barely stayed on-screen long enough for me to read it.

To test performance, I used the vacuum to clean my whole flat, putting all the different attachments through their paces, measuring my experience against Samsung's performance claims. I also ran a series of suction tests on hard floor and carpet.

Comfort & usability

First up, I have to commend Samsung for the ergonomic design of the vacuum's handle. It's a simple thing but often forgotten (I'm looking at you, Dyson) and really does improve comfort in use. That's especially important when the vacuum is on the heavier side, as this model is.

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in handheld mode in reviewer's home — The vacuum is comfortable to hold, thanks to an ergonomically shaped handle (Image credit: Future)

The main Jet Dual Brush floorhead seems to pivot pretty well – although it isn't as nimble as a Dyson – but on test I found it difficult to change direction and get the vacuum moving again on carpet. This was a complaint our reviewer had with both the previous iterations of this vacuum; it seems Samsung might have stuck with the same design here. It's much better with the Slim LED Brush+ on hard floor, though.

Many vacuum brands have built anti-tangle features into their floorheads, but sadly, the Jet Dual Brush is lacking here; it quickly becomes tangled with my long hair when used on my carpet.

Hair wrapped around Active Dual Brush floorhead — The main floorhead quickly became tangled with hair from my carpet (Image credit: Future)

Both of the main floorheads feature LED headlamps, which are on by default. These do help light the way, but there's a marked difference between these kinds of white lights and the green laser used by Dyson. The former will really only help illuminate dingy corners, while the latter shows up dirt that's near-invisible to the naked eye.

Cleaning performance

The AI mode can be used with either the carpet or hard floor floorheads. Samsung says the vacuum can sense hard floor, carpet, long-pile carpet, mats, corners, and when it's been lifted up. It will then adjust suction and brushroll speed to deliver equivalent cleaning power to being used in Mid mode, but while saving battery and being easier to push, due to less resistance.

It's all quite complicated, but Samsung provided me with some graphics to show the science behind it all – and, in theory at least, it seems to make sense. (Although I will state for the record that in my opinion, I do think that "AI" is being thrown in purely as a buzzword here.)

It's worth flagging that the dock needs to be plugged in with the vacuum connected via Bluetooth for the AI to work, and this mode only works with the two main floorheads.

On test, I found this auto-adjustment a little hit and miss. I could hear the power shifting as I went from hard floor to medium-pile carpet – and I'd receive a notification on-screen saying that the vac was "Optimizing for environment". It also dropped to a lower-power mode when I lifted it up.

However, when I laid out my bath mat (medium thickness, thin, looped pile) on my carpet, it didn't adjust for it; it repeatedly tried to eat it. It also failed to adjust when cleaning the edges / corners of rooms – a feature that has been specifically added to this model.

Large debris suction test on carpet using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — Power seemed to sometimes adjust for debris on the floor, although this isn't an advertised feature (Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, the vacuum did occasionally (not always) adjust for high levels of dirt: for example, when clearing up the spilled oats or cleaning an especially dusty area. Dirt detection isn't something Samsung advertises as an AI feature, although this is the main focus of competitor vacuum brands' automation efforts.

Dyson (with the V15 Detect and Gen5detect) and Shark (with the Detect Pro and PowerDetect cordless) offer their own automation features. Models from both brands can adjust suction based on whether they're cleaning hard floor or carpet, and the level of dirt is detected. Shark's models even adjust when cleaning the edges of rooms. In general, I've found these models more reliable, plus I think adjusting cleaning power based on dirt rather than floor type is a more logical priority.

Suction tests

To get a more objective view of how well the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum performs, I ran TechRadar's standard suction tests. It was possible to see this vacuum's powerful suction because after running it around my flat, the bin had collected quite large quantities of grey fluff. I can only assume this is dirt off my carpet (which is 3+ years old and past the shedding stage).

On with the tests. I started by emptying a teabag onto my carpeted floor, to see if the vacuum could clear it with the Active Dual Brush floorhead attached – and it did so extremely well. I tackled one side of the mess using AI mode, the vacuum clearing it in a single forward pass. On the other side I used the vacuum in Min mode, and everything was gone in one forward and backward pass.

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Pile of tea on carpet, ready for fine debris suction test using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — Tea on my carpet, before the suction test... (Image credit: Future)

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During fine debris suction test on carpet using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — ... and during (Image credit: Future)

I then ran the same test using oats, to see how well this floorhead would cope with larger debris. Again, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra cleared everything without any issues, even when I switched from AI mode to Min mode. Neither did the oats ping around, as can happen with larger particles.

During both tests, I also tried pulling the floorhead backwards over the spillage, and was pleased to see there was no pooling of debris behind the floorhead.

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Oats on carpet, ready for large debris suction test using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — Oats on my carpet before the test... (Image credit: Future)

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After large debris suction test on carpet using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — ... and after (Image credit: Future)

I sprinkled oats along the side of my fireplace, too, to gauge the efficiency of this vacuum's edge cleaning. I was disappointed not to hear the power ramping up here, especially since edge detection is a new addition for the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra. Nevertheless, the vacuum did manage to suck up most of the mess, leaving only the oats closest to the carpet's edge; but it did ping some around through the process. The Crevice tool cleared the rest with no issues.

Edge cleaning test on carpet using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — Edge cleaning was decent, although suction didn't adjust as it should have done (Image credit: Future)

Attaching the Slim LED Brush+, designed for use on hard floors, I then repeated the same tests on my kitchen lino.

I found the Samsung cleaned up the tea leaves fine, but did cause them to pool behind the floorhead when approached from behind. However, this seems to be a common occurrence with this type of floorhead, because I have encountered the sae problem with the Dyson counterpart.

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During fine debris suction test on lino using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — Tea on my lino floor before the suction test... (Image credit: Future)

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Before fine debris suction test on lino using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — ... and during (Image credit: Future)

When I ran the test with the oats, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra cleared them well when approached from the front, but on the reverse stroke the debris again pooled and was pinged around.

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During large debris suction test on lino using Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra — Oats on my lino floor before the suction test (Image credit: Future)

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Oats pooled behind Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra floorhead on lino — Oats pooled behind the floorhead when it was pulled backwards over the spillage (Image credit: Future)

In general, the soft Slim LED Brush+ seemed to struggle to pick up hair and debris off lino flooring around edges of the room. I assume it's really designed for fine dust, but it's very difficult to tell how it's managing that.

Attachments & handheld mode

Like most modern stick vacuums, the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra can be converted into a handheld machine by removing the wand and adding a detail tool. In use, while it felt a little heavy used in this way; it was fine in general, with the ergonomically shaped handle helping with grip and maneuvering.

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in handheld mode on reviewer's sofa — This vacuum can be transformed for use as a handheld (Image credit: Future)

The Pet Tool+ mini-motorized head worked well on my sofa, although it did quickly become tangled with hair. (This is an issue Dyson has managed to solve by swapping out a parallel roller for a conical one.)

Hair wrapped around small motorized attachment — The Pet Tool+ worked well but became tangled with hair (Image credit: Future)

Samsung has made its Crevice tool extendible, although be aware that it does become wobbly when extended. My only other minor complaint with the attachment-swapping process is that upon removing the main floorhead following my suction tests, I found some oats fell back out onto my floor – they obviously hadn't quite made it to the bin.

Emptying

The Samsung vacuum's auto-emptying worked as advertised, clearing almost everything from the bin on its "short" cycle, and leaving only a bit of fluff and few hairs wrapped around the central filter. It was a little noisy, but nothing too offensive.

I appreciate that Samsung has included an option to turn the lights off on the dock and vacuum screen – charging LEDs that blink in the night are a perpetual irritation to me.

However, you can't turn off the auto-empty, which in my opinion is an oversight. I found it annoying when using the vacuum for just quick cleanups, when there was barely anything in the bin. There are also occasions where you won't want the disturbance – say the dock lives near a child's bedroom, and you've used the vacuum elsewhere in the evening; you'll need to be quick on the Stop button when adding it back onto its perch.

Although I don't particularly mind having to manually empty my vacuum's bin, the automation is super convenient. It might also appeal to allergy sufferers, because it means fewer chances for allergens to escape back into the air once they've been sucked up. You will have to factor in the ongoing cost (and minor hassle) of buying dust bags, though.

App

You can control aspects of the vacuum's settings via the Samsung's SmartThings app. It will display charge status, and when the dustbin was last emptied. You can also direct for the dustbin to be emptied, if the vacuum is docked. However, since this happens automatically when you dock the vacuum, it feels a little unnecessary... although I guess it might be useful if it hasn't fully emptied, and you don't want to get up and press the button on the machine itself.

Screenshots from SmartThings companion app — Screenshots from the SmartThings companion app (click to expand) (Image credit: Samsung / Future)

You can also adjust the time allocated to emptying the dustbin – shorter, if you know you aren't picking up much on a general clean; longer, if you're dealing with mountains of pet hair – and set the default suction power. It's on AI as standard, but you could pick a different mode, if you prefer. And it's also possible to switch off all the vacuum's lights while it's docked. Note that none of this functionality is essential, though, so you could get by just fine without the app.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: battery life

Comes with two interchangeable batteries
One lasts 100 mins, the other 60 mins
Theoretically up to 2hrs 40 mins cleaning in Min mode

Unusually, my Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra came bundled with two batteries – one big (in size and capacity) and one small.

Samsung quotes a maximum runtime of 1 hour 40 minutes for the larger battery, and 60 minutes for the smaller. Anything over an hour's runtime is exceptional, although obviously we're talking about that being achieved on the lowest powered mode, plus that's not standardized from machine to machine.

One unit will charge in the vacuum on the dock, and there's a separate small charge dock supplied to keep the second battery juiced up. All this means you can hot-swap them, to get up to 2 hours 40 minutes of cleaning.

Battery life score: 5 out of 5

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: alternatives to consider

Dyson Gen5detect
This is Dyson's most advanced model at the time of writing. It's premium in price but still a lot cheaper than the Samsung. The floorheads contain sensors that detect dust and debris, adjust suction in response, and report back in real time on-screen. The hard floor floorhead also has a laser than can illuminate near-invisible dust. There's no auto-empty dock, however.

Read the full Dyson Gen5detect review View Deal

Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty System

This is Shark's top model at the time of writing. It's significantly cheaper than both the Dyson and the Samsung, although it does also feel less premium. It can auto-adjust suction based on dirt levels, floor type, and if it's cleaning near the edge of a room. There's an optional auto-empty dock, too.

Read the full Shark PowerDetect Cordless review View Deal

Should you buy the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra?

Buy it if...

You have a big home and are serious about cleaning
The dual-battery setup and auto-empty capabilities come into their own in larger homes with higher levels of dirt.

You suffer from allergies
The auto-empty dock has benefits for allergy-sufferers, because there are far fewer chances for particles to escape back into the air.

You love a cutting-edge gadget
Not many vacuums these days use AI or come with a companion app. If you want the most modern floor cleaner around, Samsung's new vac is up there.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is the most expensive vacuum we've tested by some margin. There are plenty of alternatives that offer similar performance and features for a much lower price.

You have a smaller home with one floor type
The AI features are the main reason for investing in this vacuum, and if your home has only one floor type throughout, you won't see most of the benefits.

How I tested the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra

I received a pre-launch sample of the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, and was only able to keep it for a week. During this time, I used it to clean my entire flat, testing out all of the detail tools as well as using both floorheads. I also ran TechRadar's standard suction tests to get an objective idea of how it performs in practice. I tested any features and claims made by Samsung, and compared my experience to other vacuums I've reviewed – in particular, the Dyson Gen5detect and Shark PowerDetect stick vacuum.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed February 2025

I’ve used Blink devices for years, and its latest video doorbell is one of the best (and cheapest) around

6:00 pm | March 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Comments: Off

Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2: two-minute review

Want to talk to whoever comes to your front door no matter where you are in the world? Then you will need a video doorbell. While Amazon-owned Ring is generally acknowledged as the market leader, another Amazon-owned company, Blink, offers a cheaper and, for some, more attractive option.

Now available with the company’s Sync Module 2 (a compact home hub), the Blink Video Doorbell can be used as part of a wider security system comprising several Blink cameras, or by itself without the sync module. However, its functionality without the sync module is restricted to live interactions including viewing recordings up to 60 seconds after they have taken place. If you want to watch and listen to recordings after this then you will either need to pay for a subscription starting at £2.50 a month or use the sync module with up to 256GB USB storage for storing recordings locally (sold separately).

Blink Video Doorbell mounted on doorframe — The Blink Video Doorbell can be used with the Sync Module 2 to create a larger ecosystem including extra Blink cameras (Image credit: Chris Price)

What I like about the Blink products is that they are generally easy to install. The Blink Video Doorbell is no exception. Two decent Energizer Lithium AA batteries are provided for wire-free connectivity. Alternatively, you can connect the video doorbell to your existing doorbell wiring, including a legacy doorbell chime (providing it's rated between 16 and 24 volts).

Unfortunately, the Blink device doesn’t come with its own chime. This means if you are using the device wirelessly you will need to use either a Blink Mini 2 camera as a chime, or connect to an Alexa-compatible device such as an Amazon Echo Show, Echo Dot or Amazon Fire TV stick via the Alexa app (support isn’t provided for Apple HomeKit and Google Home products). A speaker is also built into the video doorbell, though this may not always be loud enough to hear indoors, especially if you live on a noisy street.

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Blink Video Doorbell components laid out on table — The doorbell is easy to install and takes two AA lithium batteries (Image credit: Chris Price)

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Blink Video Doorbell open to show batteries — The doorbell is easy to install and takes two AA lithium batteries (Image credit: Chris Price)

Provided with the Blink are two mounting options: a standard mount for placing on a flat surface, and a wedge mount for a door architrave. We installed ours using the standard mount and the provided screws and wall plugs, which took about five minutes to complete. The video doorbell simply clips into the mount although if you want to remove it you will need to use the metal ‘key’ provided. This springs the unit out of the mount from underneath and helps to protect it from getting stolen.

As with all video doorbells, installation requires downloading the app and scanning the QR code on the back of the device (or entering its serial number manually) before pairing with your home’s Wi-Fi. Support is provided for 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, but it lacks the 5GHz connectivity of some other devices. Once installed, you can customise the camera to suit your needs. Options are provided for adjusting the video resolution of the camera, ranging from ‘saver mode’ to ‘best’ (1080p HD during the day, infrared HD night vision after dark). However, you will need to replace the batteries more often if recording in ‘best mode’

Other actions you should take include editing ‘motion zones’ so you only record footage of people coming to the door, rather than people walking past or even cars driving by. As with all video doorbells, it seems, the Blink is a little overly keen to capture everything going on outside so it’s worth turning down the sensitivity. Not only will this help preserve your device’s battery, it will also help preserve your sanity as you really don’t want to get pointless alerts every time a dog-walker goes past your garden gate.

Finally, you can also adjust settings for the video doorbell itself, including the speaker volume (the speaker is located on the bottom of the device) and the ‘dingtone’ – the sound that the doorbell makes when you press it. For UK readers, this sounds remarkably similar to the Moonpig ad.

If you have an Amazon Echo speaker or Firestick it’s also advisable to connect the Blink app to Alexa so you can get additional chimes to choose from. These include clock sounds, jingle bells and even a funeral march – perhaps not the most welcoming chime for guests to hear when they come to your house.

Blink video doorbell with Sync Module in black supplied by Screwfix.

Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2: subscription options

Blink Basic Plan: £2.50/month per device or save and subscribe via Amazon for £24.99/year.

Blink Plus Plan: £8/month for unlimited devices or save and subscribe via Amazon for £80/year

Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2: price and availability

How much does it cost? Blink video doorbell and Sync Module $69.99/£59 (about AU$110)
When is it available? Available since November 2024 with Sync Module 2
Where is it available? UK/US

As with other Blink home security products, the Blink Video Doorbell represents very good value for money with a retail price of only $69.99 / £59 (even cheaper without the sync module but that’s probably a false economy). That works out at about AU$110, though it's not currently available in Australia.

It doesn’t offer the same range of features that more sophisticated doorbells offer, including those from Ring. Video resolution isn’t the highest, and it doesn’t come with its own chime. However, for most people it is more than adequate, especially if you use it in conjunction with other Blink home security products (the company makes some of the best home security cameras if you're on a budget).

Blink Video Doorbell attached to angled mounting plate with button illuminated — The Blink doorbell comes in black and white, so you can choose the option that looks best (Image credit: Chris Price)

It’s also quite a convenient option if you don’t want to remove the doorbell camera for charging every couple of months, or wire into your old doorbell system. And while functionality is limited to live alerts without paying a subscription, there is the always the option of storing video footage locally using a USB stick connected to the Sync Module 2 to avoid monthly costs.

Subscriptions start at $3 / £2.50 a month, which is much less than many video doorbell manufacturers charge (Ring’s cheapest plan is currently $4.99 / £4.99). This includes 30 days of cloud storage as standard in the UK (60 days in the US), person detection and photo capture (images are captured frequently for more coverage). Alternatively, for $10 / £8 a month you can get support for an unlimited number of devices as well as some additional functionality such as Moments, where multiple clips from several cameras are automatically grouped into one video.

Value score: 4.5/5

Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2: design

Easy-to-install mounting bracket
Lightweight
Compact

While some of the best video doorbells, such as the Yale Smart Video Doorbell, are quite chunky, the same can’t be said of this Blink model. Available in a black or a white finish to suit your décor, it’s quite a lightweight and compact model – bigger than a standard doorbell, but not much bigger. It also comes with an IP54 rating which means that it offers protection against limited amounts of dust and water splashes but isn’t completely waterproof.

Opening Blink Video Doorbell with tool — A release key allows you to open the doorbell to change the batteries (Image credit: Chris Price)

Supplied are two mounts (one for placing on a door architrave and one for mounting flat) which can either be screwed or drilled into the door frame. The doorbell then just clips into the mount.

As with other devices, the Blink video doorbell features the camera on the top of the unit so it’s important not to mount the device too high. Around 1.5 metres off the ground is probably ideal. Underneath the lens is a microphone and beneath that is the actual round doorbell button. This boasts a stylish blue LED light around it that glows when pressed (it can also be set to glow when it senses motion).

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Blink Video Doorbell angled mounting plate on door frame — The doorbell comes with an angled plate (Image credit: Chris Price)

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Blink Video Doorbell mounting plate on doorframe — There's also a flat plate, so you can choose the one that suits your door (Image credit: Chris Price)

In terms of design that’s pretty much it, apart from a small speaker and the release key on the base of the unit for when you need to change the batteries. At the back is space for housing two Lithium AA batteries (supplied), screws for connecting doorbell wires if needed and a reset button. There’s also the QR code to scan with your phone after installing the app.

Design score: 4.5/5

Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2: performance

Image quality not the best (especially in saver mode)
Stable video connection
Overly sensitive camera

If you're looking for the ultimate in video doorbell performance, then expect to be disappointed. While the Blink Video Doorbell is more than adequate, it’s not the best unit out there by a long way. Firstly, it lacks the functionality of some other devices, most notably the lack of support for Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

Footage from Blink Video Doorbell in iOS app — Image quality isn't the sharpest, but will be fine for most users (Image credit: Chris Price)

Images aren't quite as sharp as those from higher-end doorbells, either. Maximum resolution is 1080p, and that's in ‘best' mode, rather than standard mode, which Blink recommends in order to preserve battery life. The camera is also quite sensitive to motion, which means it has a tendency to record too much footage unless you turn the sensitivity down and limit the active areas to around your front door.

That said, I didn’t have too many complaints during testing. It only took around 5-10 minutes to set the video doorbell up properly and once set up the doorbell maintained a strong connection with the wireless router. Throughout the testing process, I was also able to get a relatively quick connection when talking to someone at the door which has proved to be a problem in the past.

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Blink Video Doorbell setup instructions in iOS app — Setting up the Blink Video Doorbell is quick and easy (Image credit: Chris Price)

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Blink Video Doorbell Plus subscription details in iOS app — You can access extra features with a Plus subscription (Image credit: Chris Price)

And while not having a chime to hear the doorbell indoors could certainly be an issue for some, I found it easy enough to connect the doorbell with Alexa in order to play doorbell sounds through my Amazon Echo speakers.

In summary, the functionality of the Blink Video Doorbell might be a little limited but, considering its very low price, performance is quite good.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2?

Buy it if

You already have Blink cameras

The software makes it easy to use the video doorbell as part of a Blink home security system comprising indoor and outdoor cameras.

You're on a shoestring budget

Costing just $69.99 / £59 with the Sync Module 2, the Blink video doorbell is one of the cheapest and easiest to install models on the market

Don't buy it if

You need a separate chime indoors

The Blink doesn’t come with a chime so you will need to turn up the volume of the device or rely on either a separate Blink camera or connect to Alexa-enabled devices.

You don’t want to buy expensive batteries

If you opt for wire-free installation, you will need to buy two Lithium batteries every few months – much more expensive than standard alkaline batteries.

Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2: also consider

Not sure whether the Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2 is right for you? Here are a few other options for you to consider.

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus

Amazon-owned company Ring has firmly established itself as the ‘go to’ company for video doorbells and now has several including this wire-free model.

Read our full Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus review

Arlo Video Doorbell

An affordable wired video doorbell, the Arlo device offers a lot of useful features, but you will need to pay for a subscription to benefit from many of them.

Read our full Arlo Video Doorbell review

Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime

A solidly built video doorbell, the Yale device offers good image and sound quality. However, streaming recorded content and speaking to people at the door can be a little slow.

Read our full Yale Smart Video Doorbell review

How I tested the Blink Video Doorbell and Sync Module 2

I used the doorbell every day for two weeks
I installed it myself
The doorbell was set up on the front door facing towards the road

To test a video doorbell properly you really need to use it as part of your home system for at least two weeks, which is what I did. Obviously, this isn’t long enough to test all aspects of the product, such as its battery life, which Blink claims to be up to two years (having used Blink products for several years it’s probably more likely to be around six months). However it is long enough to give me a good idea of the product’s functionality and performance.

On many occasions I was able to speak to people at the front door (usually the postman) and I recorded lots of footage from the front door that was stored both in the cloud and locally via a USB stick without any problems. I was also able to link the device successfully to the Alexa app to get alerts/view footage via my Echo devices, though it’s worth noting some people have reported problems with this.

Finally, I tested both white and black versions of the video doorbell to see how each looked when it was installed on the doorframe. Personally, I thought the white version looked much nicer, but it is largely a matter of taste.

First reviewed March 2025

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt is a quick, easy and affordable way to control your blinds from your phone – no DIY necessary

8:00 pm | March 29, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Tags: DIY | Comments: Off

SwitchBot Blind Tilt: one-minute review

Smart blinds can be set to open and close remotely on a regular schedule, or when triggered by an event, via an app or using voice controls. However, they’re pretty expensive – which is where the SwitchBot Blind Tilt comes in. Like many of SwitchBot’s products, it’s designed to be retrofitted, and means you can make your existing blinds "smart" rather than replace them. It offers the ideal solution for renters or homeowners on a budget.

The Blind Tilt works with venetian blinds, using a motor to twist the wand to open and close the slats completely, or open them partly to control the amount of light allowed into the room. It’s a very simple idea, but one that SwitchBot has executed well. Having installed a unit to one set of blinds, I found myself wanting to fit the Blind Tilt to every window in my home.

Operated via the SwitchBot mobile app, you can set the blinds to open and close remotely, or – even more helpfully – make adjustments to them on a schedule. If you don’t mind the sound of the motor, the Blind Tilt is an affordable alternative to one of the best wake-up lights for rousing you with natural light in the morning.

SwitchBot devices are also compatible with all the main smart home ecosystems, and the Blind Tilt worked almost seamlessly with Google Home in my tests. It wasn’t quite as responsive as a smart light, but integrating it into my smart home was a piece of cake. Best of all, it's a far more affordable solution that having to invest in a whole smart blind, and can be set up in about 10 minutes.

SwitchBot Blind Tilt: price & availability

Much cheaper than buying a whole smart blind
Bundle discounts and frequent sales
Requires an additional Wi-Fi hub

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt launched in 2022, and is available to buy direct from SwitchBot and major retailers including Amazon. It has a list price of $69.99 / £69.99 (about AU$110), with discounts available if you buy a set of two, three, or four units. SwitchBot also runs regular sales, with discount codes on its website that are applied to products in your basket automatically. You'll find all today's best prices below.

Even without discounts applied, the Blind Tilt costs far less than a full motorized smart blind. For comparison, the SwitchBot Adjustable Smart Roller Shade launched in early 2025 comes in at $199.99 / £169.99 (about AU$320) for the smallest size without a solar panel.

To use either the Blind Tilt or the Adjustable Smart Roller Shade, you'll need a SwitchBot hub, whose prices start at $39 / £35 (about AU$60).

Value score: 5/5

SwitchBot Blind Tilt: design

Quite chunky, visually unattractive
Can be fitted in 10 minutes
Very simple to install and remove

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt doesn’t require any drilling, and can be installed in about 10 minutes using the 3M adhesive pads included in the box. These hold the unit firmly in place (I’ve had one installed for several weeks without any sign of movement), but can be removed easily if necessary.

Replacement pads are available to buy directly from SwitchBot, so you can take the Blind Tilt with you when you move house.

SwitchBot Blind Tilt components on table — The SwitchBot Blind Tilt comes with all the fittings you need, but you'll need to buy a Wi-Fi hub (shown on the left) separately (Image credit: Future)

The Blind Tilt has several different components that have to be positioned in exactly the right place for the blind wand to rotate correctly, but it comes with templates that make this a piece of cake. There’s no need to use a tape measure or a level – just follow the instructions to the letter (there are printed directions included in the box and videos are available online), and you can have the whole system working in about 10 minutes.

Before installing the Blind Tilt, you’re instructed to make sure your blind header and wand are cleaned using the alcohol wipe included in the pack. With that done, you use a small plastic guide to measure the rough circumference of your blind wand and choose an appropriately sized connector. If your wand is on the cusp of two sizes, choose the larger one to ensure the connector clamps around it fully.

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Measuring pole for SwitchBot Blind Tilt — Use the measuring tool included with the SwitchBot Blind Tilt to choose the correct sized adapter (Image credit: Future)

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Using measuring template to fit SwitchBot Blind Tilt — The Blind Tilt also comes with a cardboard template that helps you position everything correctly in relation to your blind wand (Image credit: Future)

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Fitting SwitchBot Blind Tilt to blind using template — The motor unit slides into a connector that adheres to the blind rail (Image credit: Future)

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Attaching SwitchBot Blind Tilt to blinds — Once you've fitted the small, medium, or large adapter to the blind wand, this gray piece with cogs clips over the top (Image credit: Future)

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SwitchBot Blind Tilt to blinds — The main motor unit clips onto the cog piece, allowing it to rotate the wand (Image credit: Future)

The main part of the Blind Tilt is a white, cylindrical unit containing the motor and battery, which slides onto a connector stuck onto the header of your blinds. You’re provided with a cardboard guide that helps you position this at the correct distance from the wand, whether you want to fit it on the right or the left. Once that’s done, just clamp the main motor unit onto the wand, and you’re ready to start.

You can recharge the Blind Tilt via USB-C, but if your window gets enough sunlight, it will be far easier to use the solar charger included in the box. This attaches to your windowpane using 3M tape, and plugs into the Blind Tilt using a short cable. It isn't a particularly attractive solution, but it’s effective and will be mostly obscured by your blinds when you’re indoors.

SwitchBot Blind Tilt attached to blinds — The Blind Tilt is quite large when fully assembled (Image credit: Future)

The Blind Tilt isn't the most elegant solution, but that's the price you pay for retrofit smart home devices. If you want something more discreet, you'll need to part with more cash for a purpose-made motorized blind.

Design score: 4/5

SwitchBot Blind Tilt: performance

SwitchBot app works flawlessly and is attractively designed
Blind Tilt is easy to control using third-party smart home platforms
Motor is quite noisy, and may be too loud to use as a wake-up light

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt is very easy to use and should be compatible with almost any venetian blind. I attached it to a small blind on a door leading to my balcony without much space to maneuver, and it worked perfectly.

In order for the Blind Tilt to work, you need the SwitchBot Hub, which uses Bluetooth to connect the Blind Tilt (and other SwitchBot devices in your home) to your Wi-Fi network. Note that this isn't included in the box; it's a separate purchase. You might get one as part of a bundle if there’s a deal running; but otherwise, you’ll need to pay at least $39 / £35 (about AU$60) for the SwitchBot Hub Mini.

The SwitchBot Hub Mini with Matter compatibility costs a little more, and the SwitchBot Hub 2 is pricier still, but has a screen, physical buttons, and supports more devices than the other two models.

Setting up SwitchBot Blind Tilt within SwitchBot app — Connecting the SwitchBot Blind Tilt to the SwitchBot app is super simple. Just press the button on the motor unit and the app will locate it within a few seconds (Image credit: Future)

Linking the Blind Tilt to the SwitchBot Hub Mini via the SwitchBot app is straightforward. Just hold down a button on the motor unit to put the Blind Tilt in pairing mode, and the Hub Mini will find it automatically.

The trickiest part of the whole experience is "teaching" the Blind Tilt the degree to which it needs to rotate the wand to open and close your blinds. To do this, rotate the wand manually as prompted and the app will record how far it needs to twist, and in which direction. Just be careful not to turn the wand the wrong way – or you’ll need to restart the calibration from scratch.

The SwitchBot app is attractive and simple to use, with your devices organized into rooms. There are quick access buttons for opening and closing the slats (up or down), or you can use a slider to make minor adjustments. The app also lets you create a schedule (which is very useful) or set the blinds to open or close on a delay (less so).

Controlling SwitchBot Blind Tilt in SwitchBot app — You can adjust the angle of your blinds using a slider in the SwitchBot app, open or close them fully with a tap of a button, and set schedules (Image credit: Future)

Adding the Blind Tilt to Google Home was straightforward, too. Log into your SwitchBot account through Google Home, and you should be able to see your SwitchBot devices, add them to rooms, and control them using the app or a smart speaker.

The experience of using the Blind Tilt through Google Home didn’t feel quite as polished as operating it through the SwitchBot app (if you use the slider to open and close the blinds, there will be a noticeable delay before the change registers on-screen), but it integrated easily with the rest of my devices and was simple to open and close with spoken commands. You can even link it to a smart bulb so the blinds lower when the light is turned on.

Controlling SwitchBot Blind Tilt with Google Home — The Blind Tilt is operated the same way as a smart light bulb in Google Home, although it's a little slower to respond (Image credit: Future)

Other than the lack of a hub included in the box, my only real complaint is that the SwitchBot Blind Tilt is rather loud in operation. My husband could hear it in the next room, and having three working in sync to open all the blinds in a room simultaneously creates quite the cacophony. I like the idea of waking to natural light in the morning, but I’d have a hard time sleeping through it.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the SwitchBot Blind Tilt?

Buy it if

You're renting

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt doesn't require you to make any permanent changes to existing fittings, plus you can remove it easily and re-use it in your next place.

You're on a budget

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt is much cheaper than investing in a whole motorized blind.

Don't buy it if

You don't have venetian blinds

The Blind Tilt doesn't work with roller blinds, or shades that don't have a vertically hanging wand.

You're picky about aesthetics

This isn't the most attractive device in the world. If you want something clean and neat-looking, you'll need a purpose-made smart blind.

SwitchBot Blind Tilt: also consider

Not sure that the SwitchBot Blind Tilt is the right solution to your window-dressing needs? Here are two other options to consider.

SwitchBot Roller Shade

SwitchBot's smart roller blind comes in a wide variety of sizes, and you can replace the fabric with one of your choice. It's one of the cheapest smart blinds around, and works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or SwitchBot's own nicely designed app.View Deal

SwitchBot Curtain 3

If you have curtains rather than blinds, this little bot will slide along the rail or pole to open and close them. It's more expensive than the Blind Tilt, but cheaper than a whole motorized curtain rail. View Deal

How I tested the SwitchBot Blind Tilt

I installed the SwitchBot Blind Tilt on the blinds in my bedroom at home, and used it for several weeks. I started out controlling it via the SwitchBot app, then connected it to the Google Home app and operated it via the Google Home app on a Google Pixel Tablet.

I used it with the SwitchBot Hub Mini, which was in the same room about four meters from the Blind Tilt.

First reviewed March 2025

The Shark TurboBlade fan can blast out blades of cool air in any direction, but it’s its breeze-inspired mode that really won me over

11:00 pm | March 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

View or buy at Shark US

Shark TurboBlade: two-minute review

My 105-year-old house lacks insulation and has a sub-par air-conditioning system, so often I suffer from a stuffy hot home – which is why I was excited to test the Shark TurboBlade. Launched in January 2025, the Shark TurboBlade improves on the tower fan design thanks to two multi-directional blades with vents that can be adjusted in height, direction and angle to push air in all directions for complete cooling coverage.

On test, I found it very effective. It could cool a room in no time at at all, with the blades of air shooting up to around 28ft from the fan (a little short of Shark's 30ft claims, but very respectable nonetheless). There are 10 speeds, a timer, and the option to oscillate airflow, but I was most enamored by the speciality modes.

Sleep Mode kept me at the perfect temperature overnight, with the quieter operation mimicking soothing white noise. Natural Breeze Mode was my favorite though – the gently fluctuating airflow felt like a cool breeze, outside in the fresh air, rather than the blast of a fan.

While I was surprised – given the premium price – that the Shark TurboBlade doesn't come with app control. It does, at least, come with a remote, even if you're slightly limited by what you can adjust remotely.

The Shark TurboBlade is without a doubt a pricey fan but it's stylish, somewhat compact, and does an exceptional job at cooling thanks to its versatile and innovative design. It's well worth the price in that regard. Keep reading to see exactly how the Shark TurboBlade performed during testing and whether or not it might be the best fan for you.

Shark TurboBlade fan in reviewer's home — (Image credit: Future)

Shark TurboBlade review: price & availability

List price: $249.99
Launch date: January 2025
Availability: Currently only available in the US and Canada

The Shark TurboBlade launched in January 2025 with a $249.99 price tag. As of now, it's only available in the US, to buy direct from Shark. No word as to if / when the TurboBlade will become available in the UK or Australia, but Shark has a presence in both of those territories, so we're hopeful. It may also come to third-party retailers like Amazon.

There's not really another fan on the market similar to this one. However, the best comparison are tower fans which can cost as little as $40 and as much as $370.

While $249.99 seems like a high price for a fan, its ingenious design, which allows customers to adjust the angle of the fan and push air up to 80 feet at 360-degrees, is well worth the premium price. You get far more coverage with this fan and a lot more customization in terms of the speed, air bursts, and air flow angle. Shark is also no stranger to sales, so if you buy at the right time you could avoid paying full price.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark TurboBlade specs

Shark TurboBlade fan review: design

Multidirectional blades pivot and twist for 360-degree coverage
Tower oscillates 180 degrees on adjustable telescopic pole
Remote control can only adjust speeds and modes

Upon removing it from its packaging, I found the Shark TurboBlade was a bit larger than I expected (it's worth scrolling through the press photos to ones with people in to get a feel for the size of this fan – it's easy to assume it's more compact than it really is). That said, its adjustable and versatile design can make it feel more compact in your home. Specifically, you can turn it into one tall tower, which can sit in a corner, with a relatively small footprint.

It took me about five minutes to set it up. I really didn't need to use the instructions to assemble it, though I was thankful that everything was clearly labeled, and an instruction pamphlet was provided in case of confusion.

The Shark TurboBlade is similar to tower fans in that it has a base and a vertical design (here's more on tower fans vs pedestal fans, if you're not sure). This is in fact a bladeless fan – there's no visible, spinning section, but the 'Blade' in the name refers to the blades of air emitted by the two pivoting arms.

These arms sit atop the main pole, which is telescopic, so it can be raised or lowered. You can move the blades to the right or left, until they lie horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Both vents can be directed in the same direction, or you can move one of the vents in the opposite direction.

That means you can direct blasts of air in specific directions, and they can be focused on two different areas at once. It's an especially clever design when you consider that fans don't actually lower the temperature in a room; it's the feel of the moving air that makes you feel cooler.

You'll have to plug the Shark TurboBlade into a power outlet for the fan to work. The base is designed to oscillate 180 degrees. This can be done with the remote control. Shark provides two batteries so you can use the remote immediately.

The remote control is compact and can be stored on the top of the fan, with a magnet to hold it in place. Instructions are printed there as well, so that you don't need to have the manual to hand at all times.

With the remote, you can adjust the fan speeds, oscillation, set a timer, change the horizontal angle of the base, and choose one of the three specialty modes – Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost, and Natural Breeze Mode. On the front of the base, there are five blinking lights that indicate the fan speed. One of the biggest drawbacks to the design is that you can't adjust the vents or the blades with the remote.

At 15lbs, it's easy enough to move the Shark TurboBlade between rooms. As of now, there are no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity options, though I hope to see Shark offer that option in the future. I'd much prefer to control the fan with my phone than a remote.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark TurboBlade fan review: performance

Airflow detectable from around 28ft, but best at <20ft away
Fast and efficient at cooling a room, thanks for adjustable vents
Natural Breeze mode is a revelation – brings the outdoors in

After running a variety of tests, I can say that the Shark TurboBlade is very easy to use and will keep you cool on hot days. Most of the time, I used the remote control to adjust the settings of the fan. However, for the sake of testing, there is a button on the front of the base. I could use it to turn the fan on or off and adjust the fan speeds by holding down the button. The fan speed is indicated by a chime and five flashing lights above the power button. (I preferred disabling the chime.)

Unfortunately, there were a few things I could not adjust with the remote control. If I wanted the blades to be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, I had to move them by hand. I also could not adjust the direction of the vents with the remote.

I was able to turn the fan on and off and adjust the settings with the remote from about 30 feet away. Shark advertises that the fan can push air up to 80 feet, however, when I set the TurboBlade on the highest fan speed of 10 (the speed can be adjusted between 1-10), I could barely feel the airflow at 30 feet. The airflow was more noticeable at 28 feet. If you want to feel the breeze of the fan on your skin, it's better to be 0-20 feet from the Shark TurboBlade.

Though my house was a bit warm during testing, I didn't usually need to adjust the fan speed any higher than five. Most of the time, I set it at 3 as I found this level quite sufficient in circulating the air and blowing a cool breeze on me. The lowest fan level has a 39 dB sound rating, while the highest fan level comes in at 65 dB.

The fan can oscillate at 45, 90, or 180 degrees. It's also possible to use the remote to adjust the direction of the blades by small degrees. So if I moved from one side of the room to the other side, I could use the remote to 'move' the fan to face my new position in the room. Be mindful that when the blades are placed in the horizontal position, they can hit the wall or furniture. There aren't sensors in this product that will stop the blades from hitting an object.

Most of the time, I had the vents facing the same way so I could maximize the airflow toward me when I was sitting in a room. However, my kitchen can warm up quickly when I'm using the oven and the stove, so when I placed the Shark TurboBlade in there, I adjusted the blades vertically or diagonally and then moved the vents so they were facing opposite directions. From there I would oscillate the fan 180 degrees, which allowed the air to flow in all directions at the same time. The kitchen stayed exceptionally cool when I did this. No more sweating over the stove for me!

I should mention that if the blades are horizontal, you can adjust one of the vents toward the ceiling and keep the other facing forward. I'm not sure in what situations such angles would be beneficial, but at least you have the option. It would be nice to be able to place the vents in opposite directions (forward and backwards) in the horizontal position, but unfortunately, you can't.

With the timer, I was able to set the fan to run for 1, 2, 4, 8, and/or 12 hours. Sometimes I would set the timer so that it would cool the room down and then turn off around the time I planned to go to the gym so I could save some energy when I was out of the house.

Special modes

There are three specialty modes – Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost, and Natural Breeze Mode. BreezeBoost is the highest fan setting you can choose and has a dB rating of 66 dB. The amount of cool air that blows through on this setting is significant. I don't think I'll need BreezeBoost except during triple-digit (Fahrenheit) temperatures in summers.

My favorite setting is the Natural Breeze Mode. The fan randomizes the airflow to simulate natural winds. As someone who loves to sit outside and enjoy a breeze, it was really amazing to have this wind simulation indoors. I don't particularly love air blowing directly on me but appreciate the natural ability of a breeze to cool me down, which is why Natural Breeze Mode is my favorite mode.

Sleep Mode is, as the name implies, best used at night while you're sleeping. In Sleep Mode, the chime is muted, the lights on the front of the machine are dimmed, and the fan speed is lowered. The lower speed was perfect for me: I don't like to be cold at night, but I also appreciate some air circulation. While I could hear the fan, it's not very loud in Sleep Mode (about 49 dB), and almost sounds like comforting white noise. It's no louder than my ceiling fan.

The Shark TurboBlade can be tucked away into a corner when the blades are positioned vertically. The charcoal color is fine, though the white color option that is expected to drop next would definitely look better with my house's color palette. There really isn't much maintenance required except occasionally dusting the dust defense panel that covers the motor.

My only real complaint with the design is that I found the cord a little short. It's six-foot long, and I wish it was closer to 10 feet. My outlets in my historic home are in odd places, like halfway up a wall, so a six-foot cord isn't as long as I need it to be to move the fan into the best position.

Overall, the Shark TurboBlade is a really fantastic fan, one that will keep you cool thanks to all the ways in which you can adjust the direction and speed of the airflow. I hope in the future Shark might release a new version that can be controlled via an app, but as a first iteration, the TurboBlade is excellent.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark TurboBlade fan?

Buy it if...

You want to cool a large space

You can not only adjust the direction of the vents but also the direction of the blades, so that you can actually feel the airflow without having to stand two feet in front of the fan.

You want a fan for nighttime

Set the Shark TurboBlade on Sleep Mode, and you'll barely hear the fan as you fall asleep at night. Best yet – it'll keep you cool as you sleep. You might even opt for the Natural Breeze Mode which simulates natural breezes, making it feel like you're sleeping outside.

You struggle with overheating

With the remote, you can turn the Shark TurboBlade on and off, change the speeds, set specialty modes, and make the fan oscillate. This allows users to move around their house and adjust the fan at far distances.

Don't buy it if...

You want app control

The Shark TurboBlade is not a smart fan that can be controlled via an app on your phone. Considering its versatile design and the price, you might expect it to have some Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities, but alas, it does not.

You want to do everything remotely

The remote can control a lot of things – the speed, modes, oscillation, timer, and even the angle of the airflow. Unfortunately, it can't adjust the directions of the vents or the angle of the blade (in terms of being horizontal, vertical, or diagonal). This is something you have to do by hand.

You're on a budget

The Shark TurboBlade is one of the most expensive fans on the market with a price tag of nearly $250. If you don't want the innovative features, you could probably find a cheaper alternative that keeps your space equally as cool and comfortable.

How I tested the Shark TurboBlade

I tested the Shark TurboBlade for one week in my 105-year-old home in Texas. Testing occurred in March, that in-between time when my heater and air-conditioning weren't being used. On particularly warm days, my historic home became pretty warm (about 75 degrees F / 24 degrees C). I tested the Shark TurboBlade mostly in my living room, kitchen, and bedroom. This included using the Sleep Mode overnight, to get a sense of how well the fan circulated air and kept me cool as I slept.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2025

I spent several weeks reviewing this massive 27-inch digital art frame – this is the reason I think it’s worth that high price

3:54 pm | March 24, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Comments: Off

Netgear Meural Canvas II review

The Netgear Meural Canvas II is a premium 27-inch digital photo frame that will allow you to show off your photos at a huge size. But that’s only half of its talent: it's also an art frame designed to screen a wide variety of visual art, offering an optional subscription that will unlock access to over 30,000 artworks. This will likely make it appealing to those who want to show off photos of their family, and also enjoy art by a range of artists from Katsushika Hokusai to Gustav Klimt.

Getting started with the Netgear Meural Canvas II is straightforward… for the most part. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll navigate to the Canvas tab, then click to add a new device. Scan the QR code that displays on the Canvas II’s screen and you’re good to go. However, it isn't always totally foolproof. On one occasion, I was forced to set up the frame again – after resetting the Canvas II, every time I scanned the QR code, it threw up an error about not being able to connect to the Wi-Fi. Eventually, I resolved the issue by connecting it via an Ethernet cable for initial setup; but it’s worth being prepared, just in case you experience similar setup gremlins.

Adding photos to the Meural Canvas II is a breeze. Select "upload" from the app and you can send either individual shots or even link whole albums, letting you easily add all your snaps of Ibiza 2022 in one go. Meanwhile, you can buy individual artworks from the Meural app for $3.95 / £3.99, or access over 30,000 free with a Meural membership. Again, adding these is as simple as selecting the artwork in question and tapping "Send to Canvas".

Once you’ve set up and loaded your Meural Canvas II with photos and art, the first thing you’ll likely notice about it is that substantial display, which can rival any of the best digital photo frames can offer. Netgear’s digital art frame is gargantuan – at 27 inches, it exists right on the nexus between a photo frame and the Samsung Frame, the gorgeous art-focused TV screen. Not only does this mean it will show off your favorite snaps and paintings at a large size, butunlike much smaller frames, it doesn’t look swamped by space when you mount it on your wall.

The Netgear Meural Canvas II in vertical orientation, showing a black and white photo of a rocky valley. — (Image credit: Future)

While such epic screen estate is a definite plus, it does have an impact on detail levels. Stretching its relatively modest 1920 x 1080 resolution over such a large area does mean the Meural Canvas II has a relatively low pixel density of just 80ppi. Compare this to the super-crisp 212ppi density offered by the Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, and you can see that you won't be getting the sharpest picture on the market. However, to put this in perspective, this is no worse than a mid-market 4K 55-inch TV such as the LG C4 and, given the frame is designed to be viewed across the room, you’re unlikely to notice too much blurriness unless your face is basically pressed up against its display.

This was absolutely my experience living with the Meural Canvas II. Even on that expansive screen my photos looked crisp from most vantage points. Monochrome shots of the grand ceiling of the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba showed off the intricate filigree of its vaulting in exquisite detail, while a color macro photo of the head of a thistle displayed the fine threads of its wispy thistle-down. When it comes to art, Blossoming Acacia Branches by Vincent van Gogh looked so detailed that his daubs of thick yellow oil appeared three dimensional.

Color reproduction is also impressively accurate. Whether I was displaying snaps of fireworks exploding into a haze of violet sparks and smoke, or blooming rhododendrons in a riot of reds and amber, every hue was faultlessly replicated. Meanwhile, Hilma af Klint’s Altarpiece No. 1 showed every color and tone of her prismatic pyramid flawlessly, never causing them to become oversaturated. I honestly couldn't spot the difference between the images on my iPhone 16 Pro’s camera and on the Meural Canvas II, which is a definite compliment given the iPhone’s almost slavish commitment to precise color reproduction.

At 300 nits, the 27-inch model I tested also felt plenty bright enough, without losing the impact of its blacks. Rocky outcroppings and distant valleys in my snaps of Fuerteventura displayed impressive levels of contrast, perfectly balancing the bright sunlit highlights with the dark shadows. And the screen's brightness is sufficient to continue to enjoy your artwork in direct sunlight. Don’t get me wrong: the sun does dull the image slightly, but its ambient light sensor boosts the brightness to compensate and that matte, anti-glare finish assures there’s very little in the way of reflections or glare.

The Netgear Meural Canvas II showing a close up of its menu. — (Image credit: Future)

The Netgear Meural Canvas II’s beauty goes beyond that screen, though. Its overall design is gorgeous; the perfect blend of minimal chic and authentic materials. Those thick white bezels make a convincing mount for your images, further reinforcing its artistic cred, while the range of finishes in which it's available – matte black, matte white, dark wood and light wood – make it super easy to complement your decor.

When it comes to your mounting options, the Meural Canvas II doesn’t come with a stand, which is perhaps understandable, given I’m not sure I’d trust a plastic stand to support its substantial bulk. I wasn’t able to test out its wall-mounting system – I rent and can’t quite justify losing my security deposit in the spirit of journalistic curiosity. Nevertheless, its mount seems easy enough to use, and for $49.95 / £45.99 can be upgraded to a swivel mount that will allow you to spin the frame’s orientation without removing it from the wall.

When you’re not using the app, you can control the frame using hand gestures, swiping through the air in front of it to change between your artwork, view metadata providing additional info on artwork and photos, or to navigate through menus. It’s all very Minority Report… if Tom Cruise had spent half that film frantically waving his hands and getting increasingly bewildered like a technophobic relative trying to use TikTok. I’m being only slightly hyperbolic here: occasionally, the frame would pick up the return stroke of my gestures, recoiling in the opposite direction – this was fine when just navigating artwork, but occasionally became quite irritating when trying to tweak complex settings buried down in multiple submenus.

Ultimately, aside from the odd UI quirk and the slightly lower pixel density, the Meural Canvas II is a fantastic picture frame. But the big stumbling block for most people will likely be that price. Starting at $599.99 / £649.99, it isn't going to meet anyone’s definition of cheap, particularly when you factor in the optional $8.95 / £8.99-a-month art membership. So if you can’t afford this kind of outlay, you might be better off with one of the best digital photo frames. However, if you can stretch to it, the Merl Canvas II is a thoroughly worthy purchase, offering a window to a world of art in your living room.

The wood effect frame and white mount of Netgear Meural Canvas II. — (Image credit: Future)

Netgear Meural Canvas II review: price & release date

From $599.99 / £649.99
Announced ‎September 6, 2019
Meural membership costs $8.95 / £8.99 a month or $69.95 / £69 a year

First announced back on September 6, 2019, the Netgear Meural Canvas II retails for the not-insignificant sum of $599.99 / £649.99 for the 21-inch version or $699.99 / £822.99 for the 27-inch version. However, right now it’s reduced down to $399.99 and $499.99 respectively on Netgear’s US site right now.

For context, the Canvas II’s closest rival for the title of the best premium digital photo frame for art fans is the 27-inch Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas, which retails for £490 (around $620). That means even the smaller sized 21-inch Canvas II is pricier.

Meural membership is an additional cost. Costing $8.95 / £8.99 a month or $69.95 / £69 a year, it offers access to over 30,000 artworks, expands cloud storage from 4GB to 20GB, allows you to push images to multiple Canvas products, and offers up to 60% off premium content. However, if you’re happy just displaying your own photos and artwork, you’re by no means obligated to upgrade, so you shouldn’t necessarily let this put you off.

The reverse of the Netgear Meural Canvas II showing its fixtures and power cables. — (Image credit: Future)

Netgear Meural Canvas II review: specs

The wood effect frame of Netgear Meural Canvas II, showing a foldout section containing an SD card port. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Netgear Meural Canvas II?

Buy it if…

You want a huge digital frame
At 27 inches, the Meural Canvas II is the biggest digital photo frame you’ll find – at least without buying a full TV screen. If you really want to show off and make a statement with your photos and art, it really can't be beat.

You want easy, ethical access to art
Yes, you’ll need to pay an additional subscription to access the Meural’s full library of official artwork. But with a catalogue of more than 30,000 pieces and a scheme that remunerates artists fairly for their work, it’s a great way to celebrate art and artists in your home.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to save some money
The Netgear Meural Canvas II is unashamedly costly. While I’d argue it gives an adequate return on your investment, it’s one of the most expensive frames we’ve seen – and the 27-inch version even comes at a similar price to the $799.99 / £799 4K 43-inch Samsung Frame TV.

You just want to show off a few holiday snaps
As mentioned above, this is a premium art frame and comes at considerable cost. That means that if you’re not that excited about its art-displaying functionality, nor desperate to see your photos at maximum size, plenty of smaller frames will probably suit you just fine.

Netgear Meural Canvas II review: also consider

Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas
The Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas is one of the strongest arguments we can think of against buying the Canvas II. It’s similarly bright, crisp and colorful; it also comes with a 27-inch screen, yet is available for considerably less money. There are a few image cropping quirks that the Canvas II doesn’t experience, and there’s no membership that offers unlimited art access here. But you can buy pieces to display from around £4 ($5 / AU$9) each and there are plenty of free images available. Read our full Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas review.

Aura Walden
If you don’t necessarily need a massive 27-inch display, the Aura Walden is your best choice for a premium digital picture frame. Measuring 15 inches, it’s super crisp and bright; it has a gorgeous yet understated design; and its app is both easy to use and allows friends and family to share their snaps to your frame. Read our full Aura Walden review.

How I tested the Netgear Meural Canvas II

Tested the product over multiple weeks
Tried it out with a variety of photos and artwork
Have many years of experience working with photography

I tested the Netgear Meural Canvas II over a period of several weeks. I uploaded a wide variety of my own photos using the Meural app and also loaded a range of artworks onto the screen.

I made sure these images covered a wide variety of subjects, both portrait and landscape, and everything from monochrome landscapes to vibrant pictures of blossoms and leaves. I tested the frame in multiple positions to assess its performance in different lighting conditions, as well as trying it in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

I have extensive experience in photography, whether that’s the years I spent shooting on my Canon DSLR, or the snaps I now take on my iPhone 16 Pro. I’ve taken around 40,000 photos in the past and I’ve also got around a decade of experience preparing images for print, which has given me a lot of insight around spotting issues with image resolution and color reproduction.

First reviewed: March 2025
Read more about how we test

If your kitchen is as small as mine, the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch is one of the best espresso machines you can buy

5:00 pm | March 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: US | Comments: Off

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: two-minute review

The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is one of the best espresso machines for those taking their first steps into the world of coffee and wanting a guiding hand along the way. It's one of the most affordable models around with a built-in grinder, and is surprisingly compact considering just how many features are on offer. Don't let its small plastic chassis fool you – this is a seriously good coffee machine.

De'Longhi's Smart Bean system helps tailor brew settings to suit your preferred beans, without the need for any specialist knowledge, while the smart dosing and tamping system will see you create a well-measured, even puck without any channelling or cracking, which can lead to poor extraction.

The results are reliably excellent, and tinkering is encouraged once you've built up some confidence, with room for nine custom drinks alongside the extensive menu of customizable options.

The steam wand is another standout feature, with options for manual and automatic milk texturizing. Its integrated temperature probe helps new users avoid overheating their milk when steaming freehand, and the auto frother includes options for both dairy and plant-based milk.

The only real drawbacks I found concerned cleaning and maintenance. After a while, the grinder started to feel a bit sticky when dialling in settings, but De'Longhi's manual and instructional videos don't show how to disassemble and clean it (they only show cleaning the exterior). There also doesn't seem to be an option to flush the group head after brewing an espresso.

The cold brew function is fine, but doesn't produce such a well-rounded and full-bodied drink as the Jura J10 I reviewed recently. However, this machine is a fraction of the price of the J10, and aimed at a very different user. If you're considering investing in your first coffee maker, the La Specialista Touch is definitely worth your consideration.

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: price and availability

Launched in March 2025
Costs £699.99 / $1,099 (about $900)
Not yet available in the US

The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch launched in March 2025, and has a list price of £699.99 / AU$1,099 (about $900). At the time of writing, it isn't yet available in the US.

The price puts this coffee machine in the middle of the La Specialista range, costing less than the La Specialista Opera and Maestro, but less than the La Specialista Arte, Arte Evo and Arte Compact. As the name suggests, what differentiates this machine from the others is its touchscreen, which makes it super easy to operate and especially well suited to beginners.

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine on kitchen counter — The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is surprisingly small, and won't dominate your kitchen counter (Image credit: Future)

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: specs

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: design

Compact and lightweight, with a metallic-finish plastic case
Large touchscreen and user-friendly interface
Includes tools to assist with dosage and tamping

The De’Longhi La Specialista Touch is compact for such a fully featured semi-automatic coffee machine. In fact, it’s the smallest in the La Specialista range, measuring just 17.5 x 15 x 14.6 inches / 44.5 x 38 x 37cm. I should note that the photos in this review were shot in TechRadar's roomy test kitchen, not my small apartment. Its case is made mostly from plastic with a metallic silver finish, which keeps the weight down considerably compared to stainless steel, and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

It’s operated via a vivid 3.5in color touchscreen, which is responsive and surprisingly resistant to fingerprints. The interface is well designed, with menus supported by diagrams and illustrations, and additional information available at every stage via a "Help me" button, which gives new users extra guidance without adding visual clutter.

Selecting bean roast on De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — The machine is operated via a bright 3.5in color touchscreen (Image credit: Future)

The water tank slots neatly onto the back of the unit, and the machine is supplied with a testing strip so you can configure it to suit the hardness of water in your area (this is important, because limescale build-up can affect the performance of the probes that detect the water level in the coffee machine’s boiler). The tank is easy to fill and carry thanks to its built-in handle, but you’ll need a long-handled brush to clean inside; it’s too narrow for all but the smallest of hands.

The portafilter handle feels reassuringly weighty in the hand, and I particularly liked the knurled metal at the end. It’s supplied with two non-pressurized, single-walled baskets: one for single shots and another for doubles.

Water tank removed from De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — The water tank has a capacity of 1.8qt / 1.7 liters, and slots onto the back of the machine (Image credit: Future)

Unlike some other machines in this price band, the La Specialista Touch doesn’t have a pull-down tamper that will add just the right amount of pressure to your coffee grounds. You have to take things into your own hands, but there’s a set of tools to make that less daunting for new users.

These include a dosing and tamping guide that attaches above the basket before grinding to funnel grounds neatly into the basket; a rubber tamping mat that sits on your work surface and keeps the filter handle steady; and an "advanced tamper" that lets you see when you’ve achieved the perfect dosage, and whether you need to add or remove some ground coffee. If you need to remove some, there’s a handy dose adjustment tool that you can place on top of the basket and twist to take a little off the top.

Accessories for De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — You get a set of accessories to help you dose your coffee consistently without using scales (Image credit: Future)

It’s a smart system that reduces the risk of user error by eliminating the need to weigh anything, although it’s also worth noting that you can’t use the grinder without the guide in place.

The La Specialista Touch is designed to accommodate different-sized cups, with a little platform that you can place on top of the drip tray when using espresso cups. This helps to avoid splashing and preserve the crema as you pull your shot.

On the right-hand side you’ll find the steam wand, which has both manual and automatic settings, and is partnered with a temperature probe to help new users avoid creating custardy, overheated milk. There are automatic settings for both dairy milk and plant-based substitutes, which is a welcome addition. Things are changing, but some machines are still set up exclusively for dairy.

Drip tray from De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — The drip tray is thoughtfully designed and practically impossible to spill when you're carrying it to the sink (Image credit: Future)

The only accessory I'd have appreciated is a knock-box for disposing of used pucks, since new users can easily knock the basket out of the handle and into the bin – but that’s a small wish. Everything supplied here feels solid and dependable.

The drip tray is also particularly well designed. It’s mostly enclosed until you choose to disassemble it for cleaning, with a pouring spout at the back for easy emptying.

Design score: 5/5

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: performance

Guided brewing with auto adjustments for different beans and roasts
Milk texturizing is excellent (manual and automatic)
Rinsing and cleaning features could be better

The De’Longhi La Specialista Touch guides you through the process of brewing a perfect shot of espresso one step at a time, helping you achieve the consistent results that are the hallmark of a good coffee maker. The Bean Adapt Technology system automatically recommends ideal grinding and dosing settings to suit your chosen coffee, and takes the mystery out of setting up the optimum brewing process.

After loading your beans into the hopper, you’ll be asked a few basic questions about what you’re using: arabica or robusta, and the roast. The machine then uses this information to adjust the water brewing temperature and pre-infusion length (how long the grounds are allowed to soak before the shot is pulled).

Using grinder on De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — Twist the tamping guide onto the portafilter and push it underneath the grinder to dispense your coffee without mess (Image credit: Future)

Many other machines stop there, but the La Specialista Touch goes further, giving you a hand with dosing your beans as well. When you’re ready to start, twist the tamping guide onto the basket, then push it under the grinder until it hits a button at the back of the machine and hold it still until grinding stops automatically.

Once the dose has been dispensed, you’re prompted to use the "smart tamper" to press down evenly (using the rubber mat for stability) and make a note of where the guide line ends up. If it reads +1 or +2, you have too much coffee and need to use the dosage adjuster to trim a little off the top. This twist-on tool is excellent, and allows you to remove just a few grounds without disturbing the whole coffee bed.

Image 1 of 2

Using smart tamper from De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — The tamper lets you see whether you have an appropriate dose of coffee, or if you need to add some more or trim a little off the top (Image credit: Future)

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Coffee puck prepared using De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — It's easy to produce a perfectly even bed of coffee (Image credit: Future)

If the smart tamper reads "OK" then you’re ready to proceed to the next step, and if it reads -1 or -2 then you need to top it up a little. Push the handle under the grinder again to dispense some extra coffee, then tamp again. Dosing beans by volume rather than weight seems strange if you’re used to using scales, but it’s a valid method of dosing and the tools supplied with the La Specialista Touch make it pretty foolproof.

When you’re done, just enter the name of your beans using the on-screen keyboard, and you’re all set. Experimenting with different beans is part of the joy of coffee-making, so I appreciate the ability to create multiple profiles for different beans.

The machine’s grinder has 15 settings, and when brewing each drink, you’ll be prompted to dial it in. Your preset options are:

Espresso
Cappuccuno
Cold brew
Latte macchiato
Latte
Flat white
Hot milk
Long black
Americano

The machine can also dispense hot water, and in addition to customizing any of the presets, you can also create profiles for nine personal recipes. You’re not bombarded with options, but you are encouraged to tinker and experiment with brewing times and grind sizes to achieve the taste you prefer.

I was curious to test the cold brew function, particularly after experiencing the impressive results of the Jura J10, which was able to create a drink with a strikingly similar flavor profile to coffee brewed cold the traditional way, overnight.

Before starting the cold brew process, the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch will run cold water through its circuit to bring the temperature down (a sensible choice), then the water is passed slowly through the freshly ground coffee at low pressure. This machine doesn’t use the same "pulsing" brewing method as the J10, as you can see from the steady dripping in the video below.

The resulting cold brew americano (in this case) was smooth, but didn’t display the richness of the same drink made using the J10, with a thinner mouthfeel. It was okay, but not on the same level as traditionally cold-brewed coffee.

However, milk texturizing was excellent, with the Auto LatteArt system preparing your milk according to the drink you’ve chosen from the menu. Simply fill the pitcher to between the "maximum" and "minimum" lines, then select the option for dairy or an alternative. Next place the pitcher under the wand, adjust the wand to the angle marked "A" and you’re ready to begin. The wand will automatically incorporate air into the milk, then heat it to the correct temperature.

Foaming milk using De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — The Auto LatteArt system works well to create different milk textures (Image credit: Future)

Achieving different textures for different drinks can be tricky, and I was impressed by how well the Auto LatteArt system managed to create different proportions of foam and steamed milk for various drinks. I’d say that the foam on my latte macchiato was a bit too aerated for my liking, but cappuccinos and caffe lattes turned out consistently well.

I also appreciated the temperature probe for manual steaming. Strictly speaking, it isn't necessary (I usually just use my hand on the side of the pitcher to judge temperature), and there will always be a degree of latency before temperature changes in the pitcher register on the machine’s display. Nevertheless, it’s a thoughtful addition for a machine designed to give new users a helping hand.

The only area where the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch seems to be lacking is maintenance. After some time I found that the grinder was becoming trickier to adjust – a sign that it had started to collect debris and coffee oils, and therefore required cleaning. De’Longhi’s instruction manual and cleaning video only describe cleaning the hopper and outside of the grinder using the brush supplied with the machine, so I’ve contacted the company to find out whether it’s possible to disassemble the grinder to access the burrs. I’ll update this review once I’ve heard back.

Having browsed through all the menus, I also haven't found a setting for rinsing the groupset between brews, and there’s no button to purge old grounds from the grinder if you’re changing the grind size – both of which are surprising.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch?

Buy it if

You're looking for your first espresso machine

The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch will help you brew great espresso, even if you're a complete beginner. Using it you'll develop your coffee-making skills so you can move to the next level. It's a machine that can grow with you, or let you stay in your comfort zone.

You're a little intimidated by technicalities

It's not fully automated, but the La Specialista Touch doesn't assume prior knowledge and makes brewing espresso a simple process.

You have a small kitchen

A fully manual machine such as the Gaggia Classic will take up even less space, but if you want a semi-automatic espresso maker then this is one of the most compact models available today.

Don't buy it if

You're time-poor

Dosing correctly using the smart tamping tools takes time, so if you want your coffee as quickly as possible then a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine would be a better choice.

You already use a coffee grinder

If you're already happy dialling in, grinding, and dosing your coffee, then you won't need all the features offered by the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch.

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch: also consider

Breville Bambino Plus

You'll need a separate grinder, but this is one of the best small espresso machines around. In fact, it's the one the trainer recommended when I completed my SCA training. Note that Breville products are branded as Sage in the UK.

Read our full Breville Bambino Plus review

Breville The Barista Touch Impress

A more premium semi-automatic espresso machine, the Barista Touch Impress is larger and pricier than the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch, but gives you even more of a helping hand to create the perfect drink thanks to its Impress puck system. One of the best coffee makers around.

Read our full Breville The Barista Touch Impress review

How I tested the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

I used the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch with my favorite Burundi and Panama Winter Blend from local coffee shop Mokoko, fresh that week. I tested the water in the TechRadar test kitchen (hard) and configured the machine accordingly during the startup process. I used fresh water each time I began using the machine, and emptied the tank at the end of the day.

I used the Bean Adapt Technology system to configure the machine for my coffee, and dialled in the grinder so an espresso shot was extracted in about 28 seconds.

Latte prepared using De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine — (Image credit: Future)

I tested the milk frother using unhomogenized whole milk, freshly bought the same day and fridge-cold.

First reviewed March 2025

I tested Gtech’s first ever straightener, and it’s a promising start from the vacuum king

10:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Tags: UK | Comments: Off

Gtech StyleOnic: two-minute review

In the hunt for the best hair straighteners, Gtech may not be a brand that immediately jumps to mind. However, with the launch of the StyleOnic Turbo ION hair straightener (and Gtech DryOnic hair dryer alongside) the brand known mainly for its excellent vacuum cleaners has moved into haircare.

Designed to reduce frizz, boost shine, and make styling easy, the StyleOnic uses ionic technology and ceramic plates to create smooth, sleek results, and soft curls. It also features an LED display that shows each of the 10 precise temperature controls, ranging from 140 C / 285 F to 230 C / 445 F, making it suitable for a wide range of hair types and styles.

In testing, the StyleOnic performed well at straightening my long, fine, naturally-curly hair; heating up quickly and gliding smoothly without snagging. It wasn't as smooth as other straighteners, like the GHD Chronos (learn more in my GHD Chronos review), but still impressive. The beveled edges make it easy to create curls or waves, although the results were often inconsistent – largely because I often had to squeeze the 1 in / 2.5cm plates together harder than I would have liked to make sure the whole hair strand was evenly styled, which caused my hand to ache.

I liked the lightweight, slim dimensions of the StyleOnic. It weighs 8.4oz / 239g and measures 9.8in / 25cm and these dimensions, coupled with its heat-protective case, makes it great for travel or storage. However, the styler itself has a cheap-looking build, caused by its mix of materials and colors. Elsewhere, it's difficult to press the temperature button because of where it's positioned on top of the styler. I often struggled to get enough purchase to change the setting without the plates hitting together.

I feel like these flaws are a sacrifice you make for the StyleOnic's price, though. Gtech isn’t trying to compete with salon-grade brands like GHD or Dyson, but instead offers a practical, relatively affordable alternative with a focus on convenience. This makes it a worthwhile option if you prioritize portability and ease of use over high-end design and flawless performance. Just don't expect miracles.

Read on for my full Gtech StyleOnic review...

Gtech StyleOnic Turbo ION Compact hair straightener — (Image credit: Future)

Gtech StyleOnic review: price & availability

List price: £99.99
Available: UK only
Launched: January 2025

The Gtech StyleOnic costs £99.99 and is only currently available in the UK direct from Gtech, or a range of third party retailers. Gtech is yet to confirm if, or when, it will be sold in other regions. For this price, you get the styler, a protective heat glove and a storage bag.

The Gtech StyleOnic sits alongside other lower mid-range models including the BaByliss Hydro-Fusion and Bellissima Italia Creativity Infrared. One of my favorite stylers, the mdlondon STRAIT, is marginally more expensive at £109 but is one of the closest like-for-like models in terms of design, features and specs.

In the STRAIT's favor are its longer plates – 11cm vs the Gtech's 8.9cm. This makes them better suited to different hair lengths and make it great for curling. It also offers 11 temperatures versus the Gtech's 10 settings. Beyond this though, both the StyleOnic and STRAIT are very similar with digital displays, swivel cords, auto-shut off features and a range of colors.

The Gtech StyleOnic slightly takes the edge against the BaByliss model by offering twice number of temperature settings. BaByliss doesn't have a digital display but everything else is near-on identical, from its ceramic plates, ionic technology, shape and size.

The Bellissima model is a better option if you have damaged hair. The infrared technology – one of the biggest hair trends of the moment – styles the outer layers of the hair without stripping moisture from the inside. The rest of its settings are the same, although the clunky design of the Bellissima leaves a little to be desired.

All this considered, the Gtech StyleOnic is good value for money in terms of the range of settings and features it offers, and the safety extras you get as standard. Little separates it from other straighteners in its price bracket and it's not reinventing the wheel, but it's a solid debut nonetheless.

Value score: 4 out of 5

Gtech StyleOnic specs

Gtech StyleOnic review: design

1 inch wide, ceramic-coated plates
10 different heat settings
Longer-than-usual plates

Having recently reviewed the Gtech DryOnic hair dryer, and been really impressed with its classy, premium design, I was a little disappointed with how the StyleOnic looks.

I tested the Oyster model and while I liked the satin finish of the cream-colored areas, and the gold accents on the plates and controls, they were let down by the black, glass band found on the top – which houses the LED display. This mix of materials makes the StyleOnic not only look cheap, but feel cheap in the hand.

At the base of the styler is a 2m / 6.5ft cord. This is shorter than the 3m average, and while it'll be fine if you have a power outlet positioned near your dressing table area, it'll get annoying quickly if you don't.

Above the display, where the black glass meets the cream plastic are two thin buttons – one turns the straighteners on and off; the other is used to cycle through the 10 heat settings. Rather than having specific styling modes, the StyleOnic Turbo ION relies on you knowing which heat setting best suits your hair type. This is great in terms of versatility, but can take some experimentation.

The 10 temperature settings are:

140 C / 284 F
150 C / 302 F
160 C / 320 F
170 C / 338 F
180 C / 356 F
190 C / 374 F
200 C / 392 F
210 C / 410 F
220 C / 428 F
230 C / 446 F

If you have thicker or longer hair, or your hair has been damaged from chemicals or over-styling, you'll get much more use and benefit from having such a wide temperature range. I've never needed such a wide range because my fine hair is pretty malleable. However, I welcomed the ability to drop or increase the heat as and when needed.

It takes over a minute to heat up to the maximum 230 C / 445 F, which is more than twice the length of rival stylers from the likes of GHD and T3. However it should be noted, the 30-second heat-up time of these alternative stylers takes their respective plates to ~185 C / 365 F, which is considerably cooler than Gtech's model.

To switch the styler on and adjust the temperature, you need to apply a fair amount of pressure to the buttons for them to register. However, because these buttons are positioned on the outer side of the top plate, it’s difficult to get enough grip to do so. To apply the necessary pressure, you first have to squeeze the plates together to prevent the styler from shifting and becoming a safety hazard. Or you have to place your fingers on the underside of the arm, which can feel dangerous when the plates are on.

You can see when the straightener reaches your chosen temperature via the LED display and even though I don't love how big the display is, from an aesthetic point of view, it does make it quick and easy to see the setting at a glance.

The plates are the standard 1 in / 2.5cm wide and 3.5 in / 3.8cm long but the StyleOnic is noticeably lighter and more compact than other straighteners I've tested. It weighs just ‎8.4oz / 239g and measures 9.8 x 1.5 x 1.5" / 25 x 3.8 x 3.8cm. This makes it compact and light enough for easy handling and for packing in a suitcase or bag, without being too small to work on longer hair.

I also appreciated other smaller touches which helped to alleviate some of my design disappointment. Namely the travel lock, which helps keep the plates closed when not in use; a 30-minute auto shut-off; its travel case and safety glove.

Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Gtech StyleOnic straightener review: performance

Wide range of temperatures suit multiple needs and hair types
Beveled edges great for curling
Smooth but inconsistent styling

Given Gtech’s reputation for practical, well-designed home appliances, I was hoping the StyleOnic would follow suit. While it can't quite compete with more expensive straighteners I've tested, the StyleOnic still does a good job of creating frizz-free, smooth styles. Albeit with some caveats.

The straightener isn't the fastest. Not just in terms of heat-up time, but in how long it took to style my hair. I found I needed to make multiple passes at times to fully straighten sections, even on higher settings. This increased styling time (to an average of four minutes) as well as the potential heat damage.

The StyleOnic also isn't the smoothest flat iron I've tried (that prize goes to the GHD Chronos), but its ionic technology and ceramic plates do smooth and seal the hair well. While the styler's beveled edges make curling easy, allowing for waves and movement without leaving sharp creases.

Across the board though, performance varied and these results were inconsistent. That's largely because of the way the plates are positioned.

Both plates 'float' within their respective arms, which means they move slightly to follow the flow of your hair. However, they sit closer to each other at the tip of the styler than where they meet at the hinge. This is deliberate, to allow you to create different sized curls, but it also means the pressure on the hair isn't consistent all the way down the plates. I found the best way to guarantee a more even finish was to squeeze the arms harder than normal, but that caused my hand and wrist to ache.

If you get the pressure and temperature just right, the style not only looks great but it lasts for hours, though. Curls that would usually drop stayed defined and in place until I got home from a night out. Plus, the swivel cord gives plenty of room and movement, and the weight of the straightener is balanced enough that it helped relieve some of the aching from gripping the plates together.

As my hair is naturally curly, I usually only use a flat iron to knock out this frizz rather than straightening it completely. Super sleek, straight styles tend to leave my thin hair looking limp and flat, and this was the case with the Gtech StyleOnic. This says more about my hair than the styler itself, though. If anything, for people with thicker, coarser hair or for those looking for super sleek styles, this may be a positive, and exactly what you're after.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Gtech StyleOnic?

Buy it if...

You like or need precise heat control

The StyleOnic's 10 temperature settings, which can be seen at-a-glance using the built-in LED display, cater to a range of hair types and needs.

You want a practical, affordable styler

The Gtech StyleOnic offers practicality and function for its price, even if this does mean it lacks premium build quality.

You value safety features

Its 30-minute auto shut-off and travel lock give extra security and peace of mind when using the StyleOnic.

Don't buy it if...

You want a premium look and feel

The mix of materials on the StyleOnic makes it feel and look less high-end than some rivals.

You need ultra-fast styling

It takes longer to heat up, and style your hair, using the StyleOnic compared to other competitors.

You find fiddly controls frustrating

The power and temperature control buttons require firm pressure and are awkwardly positioned, making them poorly suited to people with mobility needs or similar.

How I tested the Gtech StyleOnic

Tested a range of temperature settings
Created a range of straight and curly looks

For my Gtech StyleOnic Turbo ION hair straightener review, I spent two weeks using it as my main hot styling tool. I created a series of looks for different occasions including straight, curly and wavy styles and put the range of temperature settings to the test. I timed how long the styles took to complete, how well they lasted and monitored the finish and condition of my hair.

First reviewed: February 2025

I tested the Sage Oracle Jet for a month, and it delivers top-notch espresso with minimal effort

8:47 pm | March 17, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Europe | Comments: Off

Sage Oracle Jet: two-minute review

The Sage Oracle Jet is a serious contender in the world of high-end espresso machines, offering an impressive mix of automation and precision. Designed to cater to both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts, this high-tech machine helps simplify the often-fiddly process of making high-quality espresso, offering consistent results with minimal effort.

One of the Oracle Jet’s standout features is its high-precision burr grinder. With 45 settings, it allows for ultra-fine adjustments to the grind size so that you can get the consistency you need from your coffee beans. This is a really valuable feature, especially since I’ve found many of the best espresso machines require a lot of trial and error to get this right, which wastes time (and coffee). Sage’s latest model really doubles down on this, providing real-time feedback on extraction, and guiding you in getting the perfect shot every time.

Cup of coffee made using Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

While the automatic tamping system serves up a uniform coffee puck time and time again, I did find that the grinder could be a little messy, occasionally leaving stray grounds on the portafilter and even on the worktop around the machine, but nothing a quick wipe won’t sort out.

The machine makes up for this minor inconvenience with its sizeable, intuitive touchscreen, which makes the entire brewing process not only feel super premium, but truly effortless. It walks you through drink selection, grinding, extraction and milk frothing in a really fluid and enjoyable way, making it almost impossible to get a bad coffee. And the Auto MilQ steam wand automatically textures milk to the right consistency for your drink of choice, even adjusting settings based on whether you're using dairy or plant-based alternatives – a rare but certainly welcome feature in the world of home espresso makers.

Person using touchscreen control panel on Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

Despite its many conveniences, Sage’s impressive machine does have some drawbacks. It’s quite bulky and heavy, so you’ll need ample kitchen worktop space. And the lack of simultaneous brewing and milk steaming can slow things down a bit, especially when making multiple drinks. And, of course, the £1,699.95 / $1,999.95 / AU$3,199 price tag makes it a serious investment.

Still, for those who want top-tier espresso without the hassle, the Sage Oracle Jet delivers. It offers barista-level quality at the touch of a button, making it what I believe to be one of the most advanced and user-friendly coffee machines on the market today.

Sage Oracle Jet: price and availability

Available to buy now, priced at £1,699.95 / $1,999.95 / AU$3,199
Sold as Breville outside Europe
More expensive than most competitors

Sold under the name Breville outside of Europe and Sage in the UK, the Oracle Jet launched in October 2024, priced at £1,699.95 / $1,999.95 / AU$3,199. Available from the brand's official web store as well as John Lewis and other major retailers, it comes in Truffle Black and Stainless Steel in the UK, while buyers in the US and Australia get an additional Sea Salt White option.

Compared to Sage’s other high-end models, the Oracle Jet sits between the Barista Touch Impress (£1,199 / $1,499 / AU$2,299) and the flagship Oracle Touch (£2,099 / $2,799.95 / AU$3,699), making it a solid high-range option.

When stacked up against rival machines, the Oracle Jet holds its ground well. There’s the Ninja Luxe Café ($499 / £400 / AU$750), which offers a semi-automatic espresso setup with some smart features at a fraction of the price, but lacks the same precision and customization.

Meanwhile, the ProCook Barista Elite Bean to Cup Espresso Coffee Machine (£599 / $775 / AU$1,225) is another alternative, offering a very similar experience at a much lower cost, but it doesn’t feature the same level of automation, grind adjustment or cold brew functionality as the Oracle Jet.

Value score: 4/5

Sage Oracle Jet: specs

Sage The Oracle Jet: design

High-end build with sleek finish
Intuitive touchscreen for easy navigation
Clever built-in features like hidden wheels

The Sage Oracle Jet is a serious piece of kit. Right out of the box, everything about it screams premium, and just shy of £2,000, you’d like to think so, too. With a brushed stainless steel finish, it has a sleek, pro feel that will certainly look the part in any kitchen, given it’s got the space for it. That’s the thing – this isn’t some compact coffee maker you can tuck away in the corner of your kitchen. It’s just under 50cm wide and 40cm deep, so you’ll need plenty of free worktop space to fit this beast in comfortably. It's also pretty weighty, weighing in at over 12kg, so you might even need someone to help you lift it out of the box.

Once you've got it set up and pride of place, it’ll be hard not to immediately fall in love with the 5-inch touchscreen, which dominates the front of the machine, and for good reason – it’s your guide through the entire coffee-making process. Whether you’re brewing a classic espresso or frothing milk for a cappuccino, the Oracle Jet serves clear, easy-to-follow instructions through text and images. It even has light and dark modes, which is a nice touch depending on your kitchen lighting. The interface is smooth and responsive, which is a relief since the screen on Sage’s last machine, the Barista Touch Impress, was frustratingly sluggish. It now works as expected, making swiping between different drinks options a dream.

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Touchscreen control panel on Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

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Sage Oracle Jet coffee machine touchscreen — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

One of the Oracle Jet’s most, let’s say, thoughtful features is the front-fillable 2.3L water tank. If you’ve ever had to awkwardly shuffle a big ol’ espresso machine around just to access and refill the tank, you’ll definitely appreciate this design feature, as it means you can just fill it up via the access point on the top with a jug straight from the tap. There’s also a window just above the tray so you can peek at the water level, which is always welcome.

Another handy feature is the addition of hidden wheels. Given its size and weight, you might expect the Oracle Jet to be a hassle to move, but a simple swipe of the lever under the drip tray lifts the machine onto its 360-degree wheels, making it incredibly easy to reposition. It’s a small detail, but one that shows Sage has really considered its usability for its customers.

The grinder and portafilter system also boast brilliant build quality, with automatic grinding and tamping, which take the guesswork (and the effort) out of making espresso, but I’ll talk more about that in the performance section. The 58mm portafilter is barista-standard for even extraction, but it also feels well-built and weighty in the hand, like it should.

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Portafilter handle for Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

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Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker drip tray removed — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

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Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker water tank — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

The Auto MilQ steam wand is another standout. It automatically textures milk to the consistency required for whichever type of drink you’re making – and the neat thing here is that you can input which type of milk you’re frothing, whether that’s your standard dairy or plant-based alternatives like soya, oat or almond. Coffee-brewing control freaks will be pleased to hear they still have the option to steam manually, too.

However, the machine’s biggest drawback is perhaps that you can’t brew and steam at the same time. If you’re making multiple milk-based coffee drinks, you’ll have to wait for one process to finish before starting the other, which can seriously slow things down. This is due to the machine’s single ThermoJet heating system. Unlike dual-boiler machines, which have separate boilers for brewing and steaming, the Oracle Jet uses one heating element for both tasks. If it’s a dealbreaker for you, Sage’s slightly pricier (but not quote as smart) Oracle and Oracle Touch machines are the firm’s only espresso makers that feature a dual heating system, so it might be worth considering those.

Design score: 4.5/5

Sage The Oracle Jet: performance

Automatic grind and tamping give top results, time and time again
Fast heating and smooth espresso extraction
Cold brew and iced coffee options

The Sage Oracle Jet is built to take the hassle out of home espresso, and after using it for just over a month, replacing my usual espresso maker, I can confidently say it delivers on that promise. From grinding to milk frothing, almost everything is automated, making it ideal for anyone who wants great coffee without the faff.

Let’s start with the grinder. It has 45 settings, which means you can seriously fine-tune your grind size to whatever beans you're using. The smart thing about this is that the machine even tells you if your shot is under- or over-extracted, so you know whether to adjust the grind next time. This is a game-changer if you’ve ever struggled with dialling in a manual espresso machine and haven’t been able to nail the extraction.

The automatic tamping system also works really well here as it means you don’t have to worry about pressing too hard or too soft – you can just let the machine do the work. That said, it does have a habit of leaving a few stray coffee grounds behind, which isn’t a huge deal but does mean a bit of extra clean-up.

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Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker bean hopper — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

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Person using dial on side of Sage Oracle Jet coffee maker — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

When it comes to pulling a shot, the dual ThermoJet system heats up almost instantly, so there’s no waiting around like with cheaper machines. I found espresso extraction to be smooth and consistent, with rich, balanced flavours – whether you’re using high-end beans or just grabbing something from the supermarket. I used Lidl’s Deluxe range Colombian Supremo beans at one point (costly just over £2 per bag) and these proved equally satisfying in my morning coffee, offering a lovely full-bodied and smooth taste. I suspect this was down to the machine making the most of how they were brewed.

The real-time shot timer on the touchscreen is also worth a mention. It’s probably one of my favourite features on this machine—turning green if your shot is timed perfectly and red if something’s off, giving you immediate feedback. It’s so impressive!

The Auto MilQ steam wand also adds to the top performance experience of the Oracle Jet. The milk textures it produces are always silky smooth, and ideal for making latte art if you’re into that (not that I could produce anything worth looking at, but that’s certainly down to my lack of skills). While manual milk frothing is an option, most people will probably prefer the automatic setting and it will produce great results.

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Sage Oracle Jet coffee machine on kitchen counter — (Image credit: Lee Bell)

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One of the more unique features on the Oracle Jet is its cold brew and cold espresso modes. Cold espresso is perfect for iced lattes, keeping the flavours bold without melting the ice too quickly. The cold brew function isn’t quite the same as traditional overnight steeping, but it still produces a smoother, less acidic coffee in a fraction of the time.

Cleaning is another area where the Oracle Jet makes life easy. Despite the mess the grinder can make, it has automatic cleaning cycles for the steam wand and internal components, so there’s not much hands-on maintenance. You’ll still need to rinse the portafilter and wipe down the drip tray, but overall, it’s much lower effort than most espresso machines, I’ve found.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Sage Oracle Jet?

Buy it if

You want barista-quality coffee without the effort

The Oracle Jet automates most of the process, ensuring consistent results every time

You’re happy to pay extra for a top quality appliance

If you’re one for appreciating the finer things in life and don’t mind paying extra for the privilege of a well-built and stylish machine, then you’ll be right at home with the Oracle Jet.

You love cold coffee
The cold brew and cold espresso functions are rare on machines of this type.

You want smart guidance

The real-time extraction feedback and grind adjustment tips help you master espresso-making and makes you feel like a pro with very minimal effort.

Don't buy it if

You’re on a budget

At nearly £1,700, the Oracle Jet is certainly not a casual purchase. It’s an investment that will last you years to come, so definitely more aimed at those who are serious about creating a barista-quality coffee at home.

You need a compact machine

It’s large and it’s pretty heavy, so not ideal for smaller kitchens or those tight on space.

You want to brew and steam at the same time

The single ThermoJet system means you have to wait between brewing and milk steaming, so not ideal for those who want to make a swift cup of coffee before dashing off to work.

Sage The Oracle Jet: also consider

Ninja Luxe Café

Price: £400 / $499 / AU$750

A more affordable bean-to-cup option that still offers some automation, including guided espresso pulls and an automatic frother. However, it lacks the fine-tuned grind settings and high-end build of the Oracle Jet.

Read our full Ninja Luxe Café review

Sage (Breville) Barista Touch Impress

Price: £1,199 / $1,499 / AU$2,299

A slightly less expensive alternative from Sage with many of the same automation features, including Auto MilQ milk frothing and guided espresso adjustments. However, it lacks the cold brew and cold espresso options and the digital display just isn’t quite as swift as that on the Oracle Jet.

Read our full Sage (Breville) Touch Impress review

De’Longhi Eletta Explore

Price: £999.99 / $1,899.99 / AU$1,799

An accomplished bean-to-cup coffee machine that’s perfect for coffee lovers who don’t have the time to maintain an espresso machine. Plus, it can make both hot and cold beverages and comes with everything you might need for a fully operational caffeination station.

Read our full De’Longhi Eletta Explore review

How I tested the Sage The Oracle Jet

I used the Sage Oracle Jet for just over a month at home, making two coffee drinks per day using a mixture of high quality Lavazza decaf and fully caffeinated coffee beans. During testing, I noted flavors, consistency, temperature, time to brew, and noise levels. Beyond drinking the espresso and coffee black, I tried the different milk frother presets with both dairy and plant-based milk, observing the foam levels and differences between settings. In the end, I tested almost every setting on the machine and observed how it performed during every step.

First reviewed: March 2025

I tested the Sage Oracle Jet for a month, and it delivers top-notch espresso with minimal effort

8:47 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Europe | Comments: Off

Sage Oracle Jet: two-minute review

Sage Oracle Jet: price and availability

Available to buy now, priced at £1,699.95 / $1,999.95 / AU$3,499
Sold as Breville outside Europe
More expensive than most competitors

Sold under the name Breville outside of Europe and Sage in the UK, the Oracle Jet launched in October 2024, priced at £1,699.95 / $1,999.95 / AU$3,499. Available from the brand's official web store as well as John Lewis and other major retailers, it comes in Truffle Black and Stainless Steel in the UK, while buyers in the US and Australia get an additional Sea Salt White option.

Compared to Sage’s other high-end models, the Oracle Jet sits between the Barista Touch Impress (£1,199 / $1,499 / AU$1,999) and the flagship Oracle Touch (£2,099 / $2,799.95 / AU$3,699), making it a solid high-range option.

When stacked up against rival machines, the Oracle Jet holds its ground well. There’s the Ninja Luxe Café ($499 / £400 / unavailable in Australia), which offers a semi-automatic espresso setup with some smart features at a fraction of the price, but lacks the same precision and customization.

Meanwhile, the ProCook Barista Elite Bean to Cup Espresso Coffee Machine (£599 / $775 / unavailable in Australia) is another alternative, offering a very similar experience at a much lower cost, but it doesn’t feature the same level of automation, grind adjustment or cold brew functionality as the Oracle Jet.

Value score: 4/5

Sage Oracle Jet: specs

Sage The Oracle Jet: design

High-end build with sleek finish
Intuitive touchscreen for easy navigation
Clever built-in features like hidden wheels

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Design score: 4.5/5

Sage The Oracle Jet: performance

Automatic grind and tamping give top results, time and time again
Fast heating and smooth espresso extraction
Cold brew and iced coffee options

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Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Sage Oracle Jet?

Buy it if

You want barista-quality coffee without the effort

The Oracle Jet automates most of the process, ensuring consistent results every time

You’re happy to pay extra for a top quality appliance

If you’re one for appreciating the finer things in life and don’t mind paying extra for the privilege of a well-built and stylish machine, then you’ll be right at home with the Oracle Jet.

You love cold coffee
The cold brew and cold espresso functions are rare on machines of this type.

You want smart guidance

The real-time extraction feedback and grind adjustment tips help you master espresso-making and makes you feel like a pro with very minimal effort.

Don't buy it if

You’re on a budget

You need a compact machine

It’s large and it’s pretty heavy, so not ideal for smaller kitchens or those tight on space.

You want to brew and steam at the same time

The single ThermoJet system means you have to wait between brewing and milk steaming, so not ideal for those who want to make a swift cup of coffee before dashing off to work.

Sage The Oracle Jet: also consider

Ninja Luxe Café

Price: £400 / $499 / AU$750

Sage (Breville) Barista Touch Impress

Price: £1,199 / $1,499 / AU$2,299

Read our full Sage (Breville) Touch Impress review

De’Longhi Eletta Explore

Price: £999.99 / $1,899.99 / AU$1,799

Read our full De’Longhi Eletta Explore review

How I tested the Sage The Oracle Jet

First reviewed: March 2025

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