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This window cleaning robot proved a major effort-saver, but I won’t be cancelling Matt the window guy just yet
5:00 pm | June 7, 2025

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

Hobot S7 Pro: two-minute review

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot that clings to your window and cleans dirt away using dual cleaning pads and a fine spray mist. It can be used indoors and out, and is suitable for framed or frameless windows. The large size is well suited to big windows; note that if the pane is too narrow, it won't clean it at all.

On test, I found this bot did a great job of cleaning lightly dirty glass. It's easy to use, navigates accurately, and doesn't miss any spots. However, it struggles with tougher dirt, which is probably true of most window bots. When I used it on the outer panes of my large patio doors, with some water marks and general grime accumulated from being exposed to the elements, the results were a little streaky. In contrast, my indoor glass partitions were left perfectly clean with no smears at all (and the bot accurately detected the frameless edges, which impressed).

The design of the S7 Pro is largely effective, with a few downsides. At time of testing, app support wasn't available, which meant I had to rely on the remote control. This requires you to point the remote directly at the robot, which is sometimes awkward. I also found the voice prompts shrill and irritating – and there's no way to switch them off. During my extensive testing period, the bot did once fall off a window.

Price-wise, the S7 Pro is an investment, but roughly in line with the wider market. You won't be saving much time by opting for this bot and, unlike a robot vacuum, you can't leave it to do its thing unattended – you need to be around to move it from pane to pane. However, in a home with lots of glass, or glass that needs regular cleaning, it could be a big effort-saver, and worth the investment. That's the short version; read on for my full Hobot S7 Pro review.

Hobot S7 Pro review: price & availability

  • List price: $439 / £329
  • Available: US / UK
  • Launched: 2025

The Hobot S7 Pro is available in the US and the UK, with a list price of $439 / £329. Solenco – the brand behind Hobot – also has a presence in Australia, but at time of writing, the S7 Pro wasn't available there. You can buy it direct from Solenco in the UK, and via Amazon in the US, although I suspect it will become more widely available as time goes on.

The S7 replaces the S6 in the Hobot range. Unfortunately, I can't find the pricing for that model anywhere, and nor can I discern the exact differences between the S6 and S7 models. (I've requested the information and will update this review when I hear back.)

A major competitor in this market is Ecovacs with its Winbot line. Models range from around $230-$700 in the US or £300-£500 in the UK. In general, though, the models closest to the S7 seem to be roughly the same price.

The Hobot S7 Pro isn't an especially cheap alternative to manual window cleaning, but it could be worth the investment if you have a lot of glass to clean, or if your windows get dirty quickly.

  • Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro specs

Size (W x D x H):

10.5 x 10.2 x 3.5in / 26.7 x 26 x 9cm

Tanks:

2 x 80ml

Max suction:

4,800 Pa

Total charge cable length:

21ft / 6.4m

Hobot S7 Pro review: design

  • Square-shaped bot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads
  • Sprays fine mist from two small water tanks
  • Controlled via remote control – app support advertised, but unavailable

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads. It clings to your window and makes its way across its surface to clean it, with the aid of "AI-powered navigation". This bot is suitable for both framed and frameless windows, as well as patio doors and mirrors. While the following isn't addressed in the literature anywhere, previous reviews suggest the S7 Pro is only suitable for perfectly vertical surfaces.

Size-wise, the bot is rather large, so better suited to big windows (in fact, it refused to clean a 12.6in / 32cm wide window, I think due to lack of maneuvering room). The brand makes a range of smaller window bots, shaped like elongated ovals, which might be a better option if your windows aren't sizeable.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on wooden deck next to patio doors

(Image credit: Future)

On the upper side of the unit is a grip handle for attaching and removing the bot to a surface, plus an on/off rocker power switch and a start/pause press button. On either side are two small, 80ml water tanks, sealed with a rubbery stopper. These can be filled with water and/or Hobot's own (supplied) cleaning solution; they're detachable with the aid of a screwdriver. Attached to each one is an "Ultrasonic nozzle", which sprays a very fine mist into the path of the bot as it moves around the surface. These are apparently extremely sensitive and not to be touched under any circumstances.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot flipped upside down to show mop pads

(Image credit: Future)

Flip the robot over and you'll find two rubbery caterpillar belts and two removable, washable cleaning cloths. These have rectangular sections cut out of the middle, to leave the suction area the bot uses to cling to the glass free. The cloths are mounted on separate plates, and vibrate vertically in towards each other. Hobot says this simulates the motion of a human hand scrubbing, although with up to 600 "wipes" per minute, it's rather more frenetic than any window cleaner I've met.

On the edges are bumpers to protect your window frames. This model also includes patented Edge-Leakage-Bumper (ELB) sensors, which are designed to make this cleaner suitable for edgeless glass. These sense if there's a loss of suction as a result of a gap, or if the bot reaching the edge of a pane of glass, and change direction rather than continue over it, breaking the main suction seal and dropping off.

Close up of ultrasonic spray nozzle spraying window

(Image credit: Future)

The device needs to be plugged into the mains to work. Thankfully, the cable is nice and long, but you might still need to make use of an extension cord for awkwardly placed outside windows. You'll also need to keep the backup battery charged, in case of a power outage – this will keep the bot attached to your window for up to around 20 minutes without power.

A safety cable is provided as a further backup if you're cleaning windows up high. I was pretty lax about attaching this until the bot fell off one of my windows. This only happened once during my extensive testing period, and luckily I was close enough to catch the rope before it hit the ground outside, but I learned a lesson about being diligent with attaching the rope.

Remote control for Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot

(Image credit: Future)

Control is via remote. This offers a few different cleaning cycles – with the one you'll probably want to use helpfully colored in blue – plus options to turn the spray on and off, or manually direct the cleaning path if required. Unfortunately, you need to be pointing the remote directly at the bot for it to register, which can sometimes be tricky to achieve. Ideally, I'd have used the companion app; app support is advertised for this model, but didn't appear to be available at time of writing.

The bot will also provide information by yelling at you in a rather shrill voice, accompanied by various loud beeps. It needs to be loud to be heard over the suction of the machine, but that doesn't make it any less irritating, especially given it repeats the same safety instructions every time you turn it on.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro review: performance

  • Navigates accurately and doesn't miss any spots
  • Excellent for maintenance cleans, but can smear dirtier windows
  • Not especially speedy, but does save on effort

The Hobot S7 Pro's dual pads vibrate in a reciprocating (linear, side-to-side) motion to clean and buff your windows. The water tanks apply a fine mist onto the surface of the glass, but this is by no means a wet cleaning setup – after cleaning three large floor-to-ceiling windows, the pads were only very slightly damp around the edges.

It's easy to get started, although if you're unfamiliar with window-cleaning robots, you might need to watch a video or two to understand how it will work. You need to hold the bot against the window and switch it on manually – at this point the suction will kick in, along with a loud voice prompt, and you can let go.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's patio door window

(Image credit: Future)

Then you can start the cleaning run. Unlike, say, a robot vacuum, there's no need to map anything first: just set off your preferred cycle and the bot will do the rest. I found the S7 Pro navigated my windows accurately, turning after it had bounced lightly against the window frame or sensed a gap in the glass. Route planning is apparently aided by AI, although each of the buttons on the remote launches a specific cleaning pattern, so I'm not exactly sure where the AI comes in.

The water tanks spray jets of mist – from the side the bot is moving towards – at regular intervals (it isn't "continuous", as some of the literature on the bot states). Filling the tanks to max gave me enough liquid to clean one side of one pane on my patio door, plus a bit more; but you'll still have to top these up quite regularly.

The cleaning coverage is excellent: the S7 Pro left only a small margin around the edges of my framed windows. Previous Hobot window-bots have used two circular cleaning pads; the squared-off design here seems much better suited to regularly proportioned windows.

The ELB (Edge-Leakage-Bumper) sensors are designed to make this bot suitable for edgeless glass (explained more in the Design section). I tested it on some indoor glass partitions that have a 1.5in / 4cm gap at the sides, and the feature worked exactly as advertised – the bot stopped short of the wall and changed direction.

In terms of cleaning results, I'd give it a middling score. For lighter, maintenance cleans, it performed very well. Using it on relatively clean windows indoors, the results were excellent, with no smearing.

However, when faced with the dirtier outside panes of my patio doors, the S7 Pro struggled. While windows were left significantly cleaner than they had been, the results were streaky. I could see the path the bot had travelled, and the occasional caterpillar track-mark. Don't expect the bot to be able to clean off caked-on dirt or bird poo, either.

Overall, I'm not sure that the ultra-fine mist is sufficient to tackle tougher dirt; I think a little more liquid would help. In addition, when using the S7 Pro outside, I could see that much of the mist was getting blown away in the breeze rather than landing on the window.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's window, photographed from inside

(Image credit: Future)

On dirtier windows, Hobot suggests you run a no-spray cycle first, to buff off surface dirt. I also found a brand video that recommended drizzling a little bit of cleaner solution on clean pads before starting, to help with grip. I found both of these tips improved the results on dirtier windows.

As as side note, the S7 Pro was also an unexpected win for cleaning behind the safety railings on some second floor, floor-to-ceiling windows; an area that's extremely awkward to clean any other way.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's patio door window

(Image credit: Future)

Generally, the bot adhered well to my window, and felt securely attached when giving it a little tug after pausing operations. However, it did once fall off a window, seemingly for no reason.

In terms of timings, Hobot advertises that it will clean an area of 1 square meter in 2 minutes 36 seconds. In practice, a complete, standard cleaning run takes rather longer than that – in my tests, it cleaned a 1.3 square meter pane of glass in around 7 minutes 30 seconds. So you're not saving a ton of time by opting for this method of cleaning, but you are saving on effort.

In general, like most robotic home assistants, the Hobot S7 Pro doesn't do as good a job as a human would do with a manual tool. It's designed for maintenance cleans that can be supplemented by the occasional proper window-wash, rather than to replace humans entirely. Also note that you can't leave it to clean unattended – you'll need to be present to move it from pane to pane.

  • Performance score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Hobot S7 Pro?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Not an especially cheap solution, but in line with similar bots on the market.

3.5 / 5

Design

Square-shaped bot with effective dual reciprocating mop pads and ultrasonic spray. Remote control is a little too sensitive, and app control is absent. Voice alerts annoying.

4 / 5

Performance

Easy to use and navigation accurate and complete. Results are excellent on lightly dirty windows, but can smear when encountering more challenging dirt.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a lot of large windows
The large, square shape of this window bot makes it a good choice for big expanses of glass. Those with smaller windows will get away with a more compact bot.

Your windows get dirty fast
This bot won't do as good a job as a human, but it will make a noticeable difference to how clean your windows look – which makes it ideal for regular maintenance cleaning.

You don't need a pristine result
My windows were left much cleaner, but the results were slightly streaky. If that's acceptable to you, it will be a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

You want a pristine, smear-free result
If you're seeking perfectly clear windows, you'll be better off taking care of the task manually.

You want something that can operate unattended
Unlike a robot vacuum, you'll need to stick around while the S7 Pro cleans, to move it from pane to pane.

You want something app-controlled
At time of writing, there was no app support for this window bot.

How I tested the Hobot S7 Pro

I used the Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot to tackle various floor-to-ceiling windows, both inside and out. I tested its different cleaning modes, as well as the remote control option. I focused on how clean it left windows, if it missed any spots, and if it could achieve the advertised streak-free finish. I also assessed how easy it was to use, its noise level in operation, and if there were any design features that proved troublesome.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed June 2025
This powerful, smart and versatile upright vacuum was more than a match for my parents’ neglected carpets
11:22 am | June 5, 2025

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

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum: two-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

US: Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade AZ407UPG1

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Bagless Vacuum With Ultimate Cleaning Tools AZ407KT1

UK: Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner AZ3900UKT

AU: Shark PowerDetect Corded Upright AZ3900

For this review, I tested the AZ407UPG1 version. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.

The Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum is one of the most versatile upright vacuums on the market. Like other Shark vacuums, it's outfitted with a Detect mode that adjusts the suction based on the floor type and how clean it is. You don't have to worry about unseen dirt because the vacuum can sense debris, dust, and dirt, and increases the suction as required to clean it up.

While you could use the three manual modes (hard floor, carpet/low pile, and thick carpet/area rug), with the Detect mode, the vacuum informs you when the floor is clean with lights on the vacuum head that turn from purple (i.e. dirty) to white (i.e. clean).

During testing, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum performed wonderfully on various floor types, especially when it came to picking up fine materials like tea and hair. Though it missed a couple of large oat clusters on a single pass, it's still a top-tier vacuum, with suction capability that's well above average. It's one of the very best upright vacuums I've tested, as well as one of the best vacuums for carpet.

Sure, the vacuum head is a bit bulky, and the cord may get in the way, but Shark made this upright vacuum as versatile as possible. You can remove the pod (which holds the dust bin) from the wand, allowing you to use it as a stick vacuum to reach under couches and beds or in conjunction with one of the three accessories to clean tight spaces. If you need something less bulky, there's a stick vac in the same range – read about it in my Shark PowerDetect Cordless review, or head to TechRadar's best Shark vacuums guide to see other options, some of which have similar features.

All in all, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum is a great choice for those who have homes with carpet and/or lots of rugs as it does a stand-up job with deep cleaning.

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum review: price & availability

  • List price: from $549.99 / £399.99 / $699.99
  • Launched: Announced September 2024
  • Available: Worldwide, including US, UK and Australia

In the US, there are a couple of different PowerDetect Upright options – the one I reviewed is the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade, and it's priced at $549.99. There's also the Shark PowerDetect Upright Bagless Vacuum With Ultimate Cleaning Tools, which costs $449.99. The base model is the same, but the different bundles come with different cleaning tools. In the UK and Australia, there's just one Shark PowerDetect Upright, with a list price of £399.99 / AU$699.99.

At full price, that puts this vacuum in the upper-mid or premium price bracket. However, at time of writing, there are significant discounts available in all territories, taking this vacuum down more firmly into the mid-range market.

I think it's good value for what you're getting here. There are cheaper upright vacuums on the market, but this one has a flexible design and several advanced features that help set it apart from the competition. As you might have gathered from the above, this brand isn't averse to a discount either, and I expect more price drops to appear as time goes on.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum specs

Weight:

17.6 lbs / 8 kg

Bin size:

2 qts / 1.3 L

Cord length:

30 ft / 9 m

Cleaning path:

12 in / 30.5 cm

Flexible hose length:

1.9 ft / 0.6 m

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum review: design

  • Corded vacuum with LED lights and a 12in cleaning path
  • Detachable dust cup lets you use the wand with the three specialty tools
  • Four cleaning modes including an automatic mode

The Shark PowerDetect Upright is a corded upright vacuum that can be used in various configurations for different cleaning tasks.

Although typically I prefer the freedom of a cordless stick vacuum, I do understand the appeal of a corded upright – in a battle of upright vs cordless vacuums, the former tends to last longer, will never run out of juice, and almost always deliver more powerful suction too.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum broken apart into all of its component parts

(Image credit: Future)

The cable here is fairly generous at 30 feet / 9m long – that's not the longest on the market, but it should still enable you to clean a decent-sized space before having to unplug and replug.

Similarly, at 17.6 lbs / 8kg, it's not the lightest vacuum but it's not overly heavy either. The vacuum head is a bit bulky, but comes with useful design features like a self-cleaning brushroll which means the vacuum can pick up pet and human hair easily without it tangling on the brush, and LED headlights to make it easier to see in dark corners. In fact, you'll notice a lot more lights and indicators on this vacuum than most, plus an odor neutralizer capsule designed to prevent bad smells and keep your floors smelling fresh.

Close up of buttons on Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

The handle has five buttons: a power button and four cleaning mode buttons (Detect mode, Hard floor, Carpet/Low pile, and Thick Carpet/Area rug. When using the Detect mode, this upright vacuum senses the floor type and adjusts the speed of the brushroll and the suction power to clean. Upon sensing dirt, the LED indicator light on the vacuum head turns purple. When the light is white, users know that section of the floor is free of dust and dirt.

Close up of floorhead on Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

The vacuum is outfitted with two other Detect modes. With Edge Detect, arrows on the top sides of the vacuum light up when the vacuum moves close to an edge of a room, and the suction increases on the relevant side of the floorhead to clear any dust that might have gathered there. There's also Direction detect, which is designed so that the vacuum cleans just as well on the reverse stroke as it does when it's pushed forwards.

The dust cup on this PowerDetect vac has a capacity of 2 quarts / 1.3L, which is on the smaller side for an upright vacuum, but is still far bigger than the bin you'd find on a cordless stick vacuum.

For greater flexibility, this dustbin section can also be removed and held in the hand. A flexible hose connects the wand to the dustbin, and from there you can reattach the motorized vacuum head to the wand, to allow you to reach under furniture without the dustbin getting in the way.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum with dust cup removed and held in the tester's hand

(Image credit: Future)

You can also attach one of the detail tools, to tackle awkward or hard-to reach areas. Exactly what tools are included depends on which bundle you opt for. The review model I tested here came with a Duster crevice tool, Pet multi-tool, and HairPro Self-cleaning pet power brush.

As far as sound goes, the vacuum has a dB rating between 77-83, which is dependent on the mode being used or the increase in suction by the vacuum when it senses dirty floors.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum review: performance

  • Excellent edge and reverse cleaning
  • Accessories make it easy to clean furniture, ceiling, and tight spaces
  • Great at detecting dirt and adjusting suction on various floor types

The Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum took only a couple of minutes to assemble. When I first tried to use it, the machine wouldn't turn on despite pressing the power button and having it properly plugged in. Eventually, I realized I didn't have the hose connected all the way. I love that the vacuum 'protects' the user from accidentally turning the vacuum on and sending dust and debris they've just vacuumed back into the room.

On test, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum did not disappoint. I have historic hardwood floors, laminate floors, and low pile rugs in my house. On my first go, I cleaned my entire house with the vacuum, jumping between the Detect mode and manual surface modes (hard floor, carpet/low pile, and thick carpet/area rug) to get a feel on how each one worked.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum being used by reviewer in her home

(Image credit: Future)

I've tested a number of Shark vacuums, and I'm a huge fan of the Detect mode, which detects unseen dirt on the ground. I love when the lights turn from purple to white, indicating the surface is dust-free. So many vacuums lack this feature and it's truly a shame, because it's difficult otherwise to know if my floors are actually clean.

No matter the mode, I felt like the vacuum picked up dirt, dust, and debris on all my different floor types wonderfully. The only drawback I observed was that the vacuum head wasn't able to fit into tight spaces. Not to mention, I was unable to reach under my couch or bed because the dustbin got in the way. (There is a workaround this; keep reading.)

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum cleaning deep pile carpet

(Image credit: Future)

During my testing period, I had the opportunity to take the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum to my parents' home and test it on the carpet in their bedrooms. I was stunned by how much dust and dirt it picked up from the carpet. When using the Detect mode on their carpets, I found myself vacuuming over one strip of floor about six times before the light turned from purple to white indicating it was clean. (According to my dad, they hadn't deep cleaned their carpets in a while…) Anyone who has carpet in their home would do well to have this vacuum on hand.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum with wand and detail tool attached to flexible hose

(Image credit: Future)

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this upright vacuum is the ability to break it down and use the detail tools provided. The main pod (which holds the dust bin) can be removed from the wand, and the wand can be removed from the vacuum head. This allowed me to attach the duster crevice tool to the end of the wand and clean the corners or my ceiling.

Granted, I had to hold the pod in one hand and the wand in the other, but there aren't too many upright vacuums that offer this feature, and it's very useful. I was also able to use the wand and the vacuum head to clean under my couch and bed without the pod getting in the way.

The only drawback to breaking down the vacuum is that it's not easy to move the unit around the house in that mode. I'd have to pick up the pod in one hand and hold the wand in the other and walk to a new spot. Sometimes, I'd have to go back and grab accessories or the vacuum head or make sure not to get the hose tangled in the cord.

Close up of detail tools housed on back of Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

I don't have pets so I used the Pet Multi Tool and HairPro Self-Cleaning Pet Power Brush to remove my own hair from my couch. Compared to other vacuums that offer similar accessories, I thought they performed slightly better – although that might be more to do with the fact that the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum has a more powerful suction. Nevertheless, it's worth putting this model in the mix if you're looking for the best vacuum for pet hair.

Maintenance isn't too much of a hassle. When I was done cleaning, I removed the dust bin and placed it over a trash can before opening the latch, allowing the dust and debris to fall in. Because the dust cup is much larger than you'd find on most cordless vacuums, you shouldn't have to do this too regularly. The only other required maintenance is cleaning the pre-motor filters every month, the HEPA filter every year, and hand washing the soft roller as needed. Sensors must also be occasionally cleaned, and blockages must be checked for in the hose, wand, and nozzle. The squeegee bristle strip has to be cleaned or replaced occasionally too.

Suction tests

I went on to run a few standardized tests so I can get an even better look into the suction power of the vacuum and how it compares to other models. To do that, I placed loose leaf tea and oats on one of my rugs and on the laminate floor in my kitchen. From there, I used both the Detect mode and the manual modes of Hard Floor and Thick Carpet/Area Rug to see how well the vacuum sucked up the debris.

One update on this Shark range is 'Direction direction' tech, where the vacuum is designed to vacuum just as well when pushed forwards as when it's pulled backwards (some previous Shark vacuums tend to pool debris behind the floorhead when reversing). I also kept an eye on this aspect in my tests.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum performing suction tests on hard floor

(Image credit: Future)

When it came to the loose-leaf tea, the vacuum performed perfectly on my laminate floor and area rug. No matter if I vacuumed forward or in reverse, or what mode I used, it sucked up every single piece of the fine material in a single pass.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum performing suction tests on hard floor

(Image credit: Future)

Now for the oats test… When it came to vacuuming oats on my laminate floor, the vacuum did a pretty good job. It looked like the vacuum had picked up all the oats in a single pass. However, I later found that the vacuum missed five clusters. Compared to other models I've tested, this is still impressive. Most vacuums push the oats forward or I find that the oats get trapped behind the wheels. The Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum didn't do that. Sure, it missed a couple of oats, but they were quite large clusters and only needed one more pass to remove them from my floors.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum being used by reviewer in her home

(Image credit: Future)

For the carpet/rug test, the results were slightly different. No matter the mode, the vacuum suctioned oats perfectly when vacuuming in reverse. Oddly, it missed a few of the larger clusters of oats when vacuuming forward. It took me two to three swipes of the vacuum to remove all the oats from the rug. Again, this is not as big of a drawback as it seems. Most vacuums struggle with picking up x-large clusters of oats, no matter the floor type.

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum performing suction tests on hard floor

(Image credit: Future)

With its Edge detect feature, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum senses when it's near the edge of a room, where dust can collect, and boosts suction on the relevant side of the floorhead to clear it. To test this feature, I sprinkled loose leaf tea along a wall. The vacuum head picked up every bit of the fine material in a single pass. I give the edge cleaning a perfect rating.

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Sits in the upper-mid / premium price bracket, and while it's not the cheapest upright option, the flexibility and features justify the cost.

4.5 / 5

Design

An upright corded vacuum with four cleaning modes and sensors that detect edges, vacuuming direction, surfaces, and dirt. Versatile design that can be broken down into different configurations.

4.5 / 5

Performance

In addition to superb edge and reverse cleaning, it excels in cleaning all floor types, especially carpet. It may miss extra-large debris on a single pass but still outperforms most battery-powered vacuums.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You have carpet or lots of rugs

Carpet and rugs hide a lot of dust and debris, but this exceptionally powerful upright vacuum can grab even the finest materials like tea.

You're a pet owner

The suction on this vacuum is excellent, and that combined with useful detail tools and a large dust cup make it well suited to those who need something that can cope with lots of pet hair.

You want more assurance that your floors are clean

The vacuum is outfitted with a Detect mode, which informs you when your floors are clean or dirty with lighting cues.

Don't buy it if...

You don't like to be limited by cords

While corded vacuums are not limited by battery life, they do limit how far you can go from an outlet. Not to mention, a cord can get in your way or get tangled.View Deal

You don't want to mess around with different configurations

The bulky vacuum head doesn't fit in tight spaces and the dust bin can prevent you from reaching under furniture. Although you can break down the vacuum to clean hard-to-reach areas, it will take you some time to do so and can be a bit of a hassle to move everything from one spot to the next. For ultimate freedom, try one of the best cordless vacuums instead.

You only have hard floors
Those with hard floors don't really need the power of an upright vacuum. Something lighter like the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum will perform just as well.

How I tested the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum

I tested the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade over the course of two weeks. Not only did I use the numerous cleaning modes on my hard floors and low pile carpets, but I also took the vacuum to my parents' house and tested the vacuum on the high pile carpets in their bedrooms. As part of my review, I ran two vacuum tests with fine and thick materials on two different floor types to see how well the vacuum picked up the items on the lowest suction setting.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

  • First reviewed May 2025
The De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is one of the best bean-to-cup coffee makers I’ve ever used – and one of the most expensive
6:00 pm | June 1, 2025

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

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic: two-minute review

The De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is a premium bean-to-cup espresso machine that’s a pleasure to use, brewing exceptionally well-balanced coffee and giving you a huge array of ways to enjoy it.

Once you’ve tailored your espresso to your liking, the Primadonna Aromatic presents you with an enormous menu of hot and cold drink options so you can enjoy it any way you like. You don’t need to worry about being blinded by choice, though, because the machine will ‘learn’ what drinks you enjoy and when, and will bump them to the front of the queue depending on the time of day.

The interface is thoughtfully designed, with a chatty tone, step-by-step instructions, and diagrams and animations to walk you through everything from brewing a macchiato to cleaning the brew unit.

Iced latte macchiato made using Primadonna Aromatic coffee maker

(Image credit: Future)

For me, there are only two drawbacks. The first is the Primadonna Aromatic’s sheer size. I've tested some big coffee makers over the past few years, but this is definitely one of the largest.

Width isn’t much of an issue because the water tank can be removed from the front, making it possible to push the machine up against a wall and only move it out for occasional cleaning. The problem is the height. At 16in / 46.3cm this is a seriously tall appliance, and if you position it on a counter under a wall cabinet, you might struggle to open the bean hopper on top when it's time for a refill. Make sure you measure your space carefully before investing.

The second issue is the price. This is one of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines I’ve ever tested, but also one of the most expensive. In fact, only the Jura J10 is pricier. You’ll need a household of coffee lovers with varied tastes to get the most out of the Primadonna Aromatic.

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic coffee machine

(Image credit: Future)

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic: price and availability

  • Costs £1,549.99 (about $2,100 / AU$3,300)
  • Launched in the UK in April 2025
  • Not yet available in the US (but likely to arrive soon)

The De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic launched in the UK in April 2025, priced at £1,549.99 (about $2,100 / AU$3,300). At the time of writing, it’s not yet available in the US, but I anticipate a wider release soon.

It’s one of the more expensive coffee machines in De’Longhi’s fully automatic series, sitting between the De’Longhi Primadonna Soul (which only brews hot beverages) and the top-end De’Longhi Maestosa (which has dual bean hoppers and a special milk carafe that can combine ingredients like cocoa powder).

The Primadonna Aromatic is definitely at the upper end of the price scale when it comes to home coffee makers. However, if you’re a fan of chilled espresso-based drinks, it’s a more affordable option than the Jura J10, which is also great for hot and cold drinks, but has an eye-watering price tag of £1,795 / AU$3,990 (about $2,300).

The Primadonna Aromatic is easily one of the best coffee makers I’ve tested this year, but there’s no avoiding the fact that its price will be beyond the budget of many coffee aficionados.

  • Value score: 4/5

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic: specifications

Name

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic

Type

Automatic bean-to-cup

Dimensions (W x H x D)

10.3 x 16 x 18.2in / 26.2 x 40.7 x 46.3cm

Weight

28.7lbs / 13kg

Water reservoir capacity

2.3 quarts / 2.2 liters

Milk frother

Automatic, hot and cold

Bars of pressure

19

User profiles

4

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic: design

  • Very large, but stylish
  • Five-inch touchscreen and intuitive interface
  • Two-carafe system for hot and cold milk foam
  • Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components

The De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is a large but stylish espresso machine, with a brushed metal finish and black accents. Its most striking feature is a 5in color touchscreen that displays the menu options (there are 35 customizable hot and cold drinks to choose from), which is supplemented by four buttons: power, profile selection, hot drinks, and cold drinks.

The coffee dispenser on the front can be moved up and down to accommodate different-sized cups and has a magnetic cover that’s easy to remove when you want to clean the nozzles.

The Primadonna Aromatic comes with two milk carafes – one for hot milk and one for cold – that push into a connector on the left of the coffee dispenser. Each carafe has a dial on top that allows you to pick from three foam textures, from creamy to thick. Turning the dial all the way to the right will select cleaning mode, which you should run before returning the carafe to the fridge (the machine will remind you to do this if you forget).

Milk carafe connecting to Primadonna Aromatic coffee maker

The two milk carafes push into a connector on the front of the machine, and can be stored in the fridge between use (Image credit: Future)

Both carafes have lids to keep the milk fresh while it’s refrigerated. When it’s time to give them a deep clean, they can be easily disassembled and cleaned in the top drawer of a dishwasher, or left to soak in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes and rinsed.

The water tank is also nicely designed. It has a generous 2.3 quart / 2.2 liter capacity, and unlike some others, it's large enough to get your hand inside when you want to clean and dry it. There’s also a lid with a funnel-shaped hole for mess-free filling, and the machine comes with a water hardness testing strip that helps you set it up correctly, plus a water filter that screws inside.

Water tank removed from Primadonna Aromatic coffee maker

The large water tank slides into the machine from the front (Image credit: Future)

The Primadonna Aromatic will alert you when it’s time to replace the filter. New ones can be purchased directly from De’Longhi for £15.99 (about $20 / AU$35), but at the time of writing, they are discounted to £8.54 (about $10 / AU$20).

In addition to the main hopper, the Primadonna Aromatic has a chute you can use to add a scoop of pre-ground coffee when you want to drink something different from your usual beans. It’s a great feature that you’ll find on most De’Longhi machines, and is ideal if you want to switch to decaf in the afternoon.

Primadonna Aromatic coffee maker bean hopper

There's a large-capacity bean hopper on top, or you can use a scoop of pre-ground coffee if you want to switch to something different (Image credit: Future)

My only real issue with the Primadonna Aromatic’s design is its height. This mighty machine stands an imposing 16in / 407mm tall, which means there’s not much headroom between its lid and my wall cabinets. That usually wasn’t a problem, but it made refilling the bean hopper trickier than I’d like. I was just about able to remove the lid (which has a soft seal to keep your beans fresh) and slip scoops of coffee inside. It’s well worth measuring the space you have available to make sure this impressive machine will fit.

The good news is that you don’t need much room on the sides. The water tank is located on the right, but slides out from the front of the machine. If you position the Primadonna Aromatic right against a wall or cabinet (as I did), you’ll only need to move it out approximately once a month to clean the brew unit.

  • Design score: 5/5

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic: performance

  • Produces well-extracted, balanced espresso
  • Hot and cold milk frothing both work very well
  • User profiles provide smart recommendations for multiple users

The De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is a joy to use, and manages to nail both the fundamentals and the details.

First (and most importantly), it can brew an excellent espresso. The machine’s standard settings appear to be configured for medium roast arabica beans, because it produced a delicious, sweet, well-rounded espresso first time using my preferred beans. If the taste isn’t quite to your liking, you can delve into the Bean Adapt tool, which is accessible via a link above the main drinks menu.

Just select the type of beans you’re using, either through the machine’s touchscreen or De’Longhi’s Coffee Link mobile app, and the machine will automatically adjust its brewing settings accordingly, including the grind size. If the resulting espresso doesn’t meet your expectations, you can tinker with the options manually to achieve the optimum extraction.

Once you’ve perfected your espresso, you can take your pick from a selection of hot and cold drinks.

Primadonna Aromatic coffee maker pouring espresso

(Image credit: Future)

One of the Primadonna Aromatic’s main selling points is its ability to ‘learn’ which drinks you like at different times of day. This excellent feature helps you avoid scrolling through the vast menu every time you want to make a beverage, and is great for households with more than one coffee drinker.

User profiles for coffee machines sometimes feel a bit superfluous (after all, who’s actually replacing all the beans in the hopper when they want to brew a drink for themselves?), but with the Primadonna Aromatic, profiles are an integral part of the experience. When you first set up the machine, you’ll be asked to provide names for all the people who’ll be using it, and given the option to set different-colored profile icons. I set one for myself, and a second for my husband. You can switch between these profiles at the press of a button, and the menu will rearrange itself with that person’s preferred drinks listed first for quick selection. I test new coffee machines every month for TechRadar, and this is the first time I’ve found user profiles in an espresso maker genuinely useful.

The LatteCrema hot milk frothing system is excellent and produces some of the best results I’ve seen from an automatic espresso machine. De’Longhi advises that you’ll get the best results with whole dairy milk or plant milk, and during my tests, I found that dairy and oat produced the thickest, most stable foam. Push the milk carafe into place, tilt the dispenser so the nozzle is positioned over your cup, turn the dial to the position described on the machine’s screen, and you’re ready to begin.

Latte macchiato made using Primadonna Aromatic coffee maker

(Image credit: Future)

Another of the Primadonna Aromatic’s key features is its ability to make tasty cold-brewed drinks. These aren’t a tacked-on extra, and are given just as much prominence in the menu as hot beverages. There are even quick-access buttons beside the touchscreen that let you filter the drink menu by temperature.

The machine comes with a silicone ice cube tray, and after selecting a cold drink, you’ll be prompted to add a certain number of cubes to your cup or glass (at least six for an iced latte macchiato, for example). For milk-based drinks, you’ll then be asked to connect the cold carafe (the one with the white lid), which should be filled with either skimmed dairy milk or a plant-based alternative for the best results.

One of the biggest drawbacks of most automatic espresso machines is the cleanup, which sometimes takes so long that I think I’d be better off making my coffee manually. The De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is different. It rinses itself automatically after brewing and prompts you to rinse the milk carafe, but both processes only take a couple of seconds and seem to require very little water. I tested the machine for several weeks and never noticed any change in the taste of my drinks, so this system clearly works.

When it’s time to give the machine a deep clean, the Primadonna Aromatic provides step-by-step instructions to help you disassemble and wash the coffee dispenser components, and remove and rinse the brew unit. I found a small build-up of coffee grounds in the hatch containing the brew unit, but these were easy to wipe up with a damp cloth.

I was a little nervous about cleaning the plastic milk carafe components in the dishwasher, but they came out sparkling. Washing by hand is fine too, but it's reassuring to know they've been cleaned at a high temperature to remove residue that might harbor bacteria.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic?

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic: score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

It's a brilliant machine, but there's no escaping the fact that the Primadonna Aromatic will be beyond the budget of many coffee lovers.

4/5

Design

Smart and stylish, with a super-intuitive interface and dishwasher-safe components to make maintenance a breeze.

5/5

Performance

Brews consistently well-balanced and tasty espresso. Both hot and cold milk foaming work well, and user profiles that 'learn' your preferences are extremely handy.

5/5

Buy it if

You enjoy cold drinks regularly

The De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic makes excellent iced espresso drinks, and its cold foam is particularly impressive. Use skimmed or plant-based milk for the best results.

You have a generous budget

This is one of the most expensive espresso machines I’ve tested. It’s a joy to use, but there’s no escaping the fact that it’s seriously pricey.

Don't buy it if

You have just a couple of favorite drinks

The Primadonna Aromatic learns your drink preferences, but if you only drink cappuccinos and double espressos (for example), most of this machine’s functions will be superfluous. There are over 30 drinks to choose from, and sticking with one or two would be a real shame.

You’re the only coffee drinker in your house

This machine’s smart user profiles are one of its best features, and if you don’t share your coffee machine with anyone else, you might be better off with a simpler machine that doesn’t offer such depth of customization.

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic: also consider

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

If you don't have the space or the budget for the Primadonna Aromatic, this compact semi-automatic machine from De'Longhi is well worth a look. It can automate the trickiest parts of making espresso-based drinks, or let you take control. It's much smaller than you'd expect, and very reasonably priced.

Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Touch review

Jura J10

If money is no object and your coffee orders are so complicated they give baristas a headache, the J10 could be the espresso machine for you. Like the Primadonna Aromatic, it does an excellent job of brewing hot and cold (with only one milk carafe needed), and it can even infuse foam with a flavored syrup of your choice.

Read our full Jura J10 review

How I tested the De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic

I used the De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic for two weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of freshly roasted Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans. I set up a separate user profile for my partner to test the smart recommendations, and we both used the machine to brew a variety of hot and cold drinks throughout each day.

Coffee beans beside De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic coffee maker

(Image credit: Future)

I tested the hot milk frother with whole dairy milk and oat milk and used the cold milk frother with skimmed dairy milk and oat milk, as instructed by De'Longhi. All milk was bought fresh and used cold from the fridge.

First reviewed May 2025.

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer made the most delicious green beans I’ve had from an air fryer, and it’s big enough to feed a whole family
7:03 pm | May 28, 2025

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Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: one-minute review

Since Philips introduced the world to the first air fryer back in 2010, the market for this health-conscious kitchen appliance has boomed. Manufacturers like Ninja dominate best air fryers lists, but British Philips continues to improve upon its patented Rapid Air Technology, and its most recent offerings, like the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer, are increasingly impressive.

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer NA150X isn't quite on par with the 5000 and suffers from some of the same issues around ease of use, but it's also considerably cheaper at £133.99. For that price tag, you get a well-performing air fryer with plenty of room and a handful of useful features, such as a shaking reminder and sync cooking, without bombarding you with a bunch of extras.

When the 1000 Series works well, it's excellent: chicken is succulent with just enough crispiness on the skin, muffins are soft inside without being dry, and chips (homemade and frozen) are golden and fluffy inside. I found the presets are mostly accurate and provide top-notch – though you do need to keep an eye on cooking at times – and the recipes provided in the accompanying Home ID app (though limited) are delicious.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer control panel

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

Frustratingly, you have to rely on that Home ID app a lot, especially at the start. Like the Steam Air Fryer, this appliance comes with a limited physical user manual. You need to download the Home ID app to access the full digital manual that gives clear instructions on each button's functionality and the food tables listing recommended weights and food types. While these tables are helpful, they aren't as thorough as others we've seen and don't cover some commonly air-fried foods. For example, I need to know what weight and settings to use for individual vegetables, like carrots and broccoli, more than I likely need to know the weight to cook meatballs with baked gnocchi.

However, once you get to grips with how the air fryer works, the digital interface is straightforward to use. You have the option to cook in one 7.1L XXL basket or to add the provided divider to create two individually programmable baskets – these can also be set to sync and finish cooking at the same time or to have matching settings. This air fryer is surprisingly compact (compared to its competitors) given its capacity, and the deep baskets are deceptively spacious, with a handy Max line indicating how much you can fill each.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer basket

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

The XXL basket and crisping plates are dishwasher friendly (though we always advise against this), and their non-stick coating makes them straightforward to clean – in theory. The XXL basket is cumbersome to clean, especially in a sink, and even if you just use one side, the entire basket needs to be removed and washed. Similarly, if you are cooking two foods at once and need to shake one side, you inadvertently remove and shake the other at the same time.

Ultimately, this is a great air fryer with an affordable price tag, even if the user experience isn't ideal. You may just need some patience (like with many air fryers) to find the optimal settings and weights for foods not listed in the table.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: price and availability

  • £133.99 at Philips (roughly $181.45 / AU$281.43)
  • Available in the UK, but not in the US or Australia currently
  • Available at third party retailers like Amazon, but cheaper from Philips directly

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer is a budget to mid-range appliance at £133.99 (roughly $181.45 / AU$281.43). At that price, it's worth considering if you don't want to shell out £200+ on a premium air fryer like the Ninja Double Oven and Dreo ChefMaker. While it does come with fewer bells and whistles than more premium options, including the excellent Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer, it gets the job done. While the results aren't always as consistent, this is a solid air fryer for this price tag.

At the time of writing, the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer NA15X is only available in the UK as the NA150/09 (the Australian model has seemingly been discontinued). In the US, the closest model to the one we tested appears to be the Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer, which costs $199.99.

You can pick up the model we reviewed from third-party retailers like Currys or Amazon for £159.99, though you'll save some cash purchasing from Philips directly (£133.99).

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: specifications

Review model

NA15X

Number of baskets

2 (with divider), or one XXL basket

Number of cooking functions

6 presets, plus three extra functions

Cooking functions and modes

Presets: Frozen Fries, Steak, Chicken Drumsticks, Mixed Vegetables, Cake/Muffin, Reheat

Extra functions: Copy (apply same settings to both baskets), Time (syncs cooking times), Shaking reminder

Smart control

No

Rated power

2,450W

Capacity

7.1 liters

Temperature range

40C-200C / 104F-392F

Time range

Up to 60 minutes

Dimensions (including handles)

17.23 in (L) x 11.87 in (W) x 11.61 in (H) / 437.69mm (L) x 301.43mm (W) x 294.91mm (H)

Dishwasher safe

Yes

Weight

12.79lbs / 5.8kg

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: design

  • Black modern design
  • Fairly compact for an XXL air fryer
  • Spacious 7.1L capacity
  • Clear digital LED interface
  • Cumbersome to hand wash
  • Full user manual is digital only

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer has a matte black body with a black digital LED interface on the top, a glossy black plastic strip around the middle, and two large handles. The XXL basket is pulled out using the handles, like a drawer, and has two crisping plates inside, with each drawer also showing two maximum fill lines, one indicating the max capacity for frozen potato snacks and the other for other food types. A plastic divider is provided, which slides into slots between the two plates, creating two individually programmable, smaller baskets rather than the one XXL basket.

Max fill line in Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

Given its 7.1 liter capacity, this air fryer is much more compact than others we've tested of similar size, measuring 17.23 in (L) x 11.87 in (W) x 11.61 in (H) and weighing 5.8kg. So, while it will take up some room in your kitchen, it's nowhere near as chunky as the likes of the Russell Hobbs Satisfry 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer. If you've kids at home, you'll be pleased to hear it's cool to the touch when on, with the airflow temperature out the back (on XXL cooking) averaging around 43C, and it's not too intrusive volume-wise either, averaging around 60 decibels (again on XXL cooking),

The digital LED interface is clear and easy to use, with minimal clutter on the screen. However, to understand how to use its various presets and functions, you need to download the companion Home ID app using the QR code on the front of the appliance. The physical user manual provided mostly consists of confusing illustrations that try to explain how to use the air fryer, but the digital user manual accessible through the app is much more thorough.

t's extremely frustrating that you can only read the 918-page user manual on your phone as a sort of PDF, though, and if you don't have a smartphone to download the app, you're snookered. This is a recurring issue with Philips air fryers we've found, but at least the QR code on this one works, and the app's recommended recipes are actually pretty tasty.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer mobile app with recipes

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

The digital user manual provides clearer instructions on the air fryer's presets and features, and how to use them, alongside food tables which recommend the weights and settings to use for certain food types. While these tables cover common food types like fries, chicken breast, and muffins, they could be more detailed – and some of the times listed in the tables are slightly different than the presets on the appliance. Instead of recommendations for cooking turkey roulade and veggies, a clear table on the settings for individual vegetables would be much more useful or what type of vegetables to use for the Mixed Vegetable preset would be much more helpful.

Another annoying issue I found with this appliance was cleaning it. While the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer's basket and crisping plates can be put in the dishwasher, and I successfully did, we typically advise not to use a dishwasher to clean anything with a non-stick coating (as this has) to ensure it doesn't wear away over time.

You may have difficulty dishwashing the basket on this one anyway because it's pretty cumbersome and will take up a lot of room in your dishwasher. The entire XXL basket comes out as one and therefore the whole thing must be cleaned, even if you only use one of the baskets within it. While it cleans easily with dish soap and water, it can be a bit tricky to get it in the sink and give it a thorough clean.

While it's a shame Philips has dropped the ball again when it comes to a clear, physical user manual (which would benefit older, less savvy users), once you do get to grips with this air fryer, it's straightforward and convenient to use.

  • Design score: 4/5

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: performance

  • What it cooks well, it does brilliantly
  • Six presets, mixed accuracy
  • Time function to sync cooking
  • Copy function to match basket settings
  • Quality of life features, like shaking reminder

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer comes with six cooking presets (Frozen Fries, Steak, Chicken Drumsticks, Mixed Vegetables, Cake/Muffin, Reheat) and three extra functions (Time, Copy, and a Shaking reminder).

When the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer works well, the results are impressive. I started my testing with frozen chips, adding 400g of frozen steak cut fries to one of the smaller baskets and selecting the Frozen Fries/Potato Snacks preset. This automatically adds the Shaking reminder (which can also be selected manually), which sees the appliance chirping about halfway through cooking to indicate when to shake or turn your food.

Frustratingly, this does mean you need to shake the whole basket, whether you want the other half shaken or not. The results were excellent, with the chips cooked pretty evenly (though some were a tad more done than others) and crispy outside but fluffy inside. I had similar results when cooking homemade fries, following the food table instructions, though I had to pull the chips out a few minutes earlier than the recommended time to prevent them from becoming overdone.

The results for chicken wings and muffins were perhaps the best I've had from an air fryer yet. Into the XXL pan, I added six full-size wings coated in a Louisiana dry rub and selected the Chicken Drumstick preset (the food tables have no chicken wing recommendation).

Apart from turning the wings when prompted, I made no changes, and the resulting wings were perfectly crispy outside and juicy inside without being too much of either. Likewise, using a Ninja (sorry, Philips) blueberry and lemon muffin recipe with the Muffin preset in the XXL basket resulted in perfect muffins: soft and fluffy inside but not too dry.

While the recipes in the Home ID app are somewhat limited, at least for my specific appliance, they have stellar results. When you sign up for the app, you choose your appliance and are offered recipes that are suited to your specific air fryer. To start, I tried a green bean recipe that was simple but resulted in the most delicious green beans I've ever had from an air fryer: not too soggy, just perfectly cooked.

The spicy drumstick recipe was even more impressive and produced eight piping-hot drumsticks from the XXL basket that tasted and smelled amazing. Again, they weren't "grab a napkin, quick!" juicy and had just the right amount of crisp on the skin.

But not every food test worked out this well, and I found a lot of my issues boiled down to the food tables not being detailed enough. I'm always intrigued by an air fryer steak preset and have yet to find one that produces pan quality. The Philips 1000 Series has a Steak preset, but the food table only gives a rough weight for the steak and doesn't recommend the type of steak to cook or if the recommended weight (150g-200g) is per steak or total. I opted for two medallion steaks weighing 340g total and added them to one basket.

The food table recommends one basket can fit four steaks, but I seriously doubt it, as I would have struggled to add more than two. How you like your steak is a personal preference, and with no notes on timings for specific doneness, I left the steaks in the full preset time and was left with two leather-like chunks of meat. They were like chewing on old shoes. One side of each was nicely seared, and the other wasn't, and they were drier than the Sahara. This is something you could probably experiment with to get the right level of doneness, but my advice is this: just don't cook steak in an air fryer.

I also had disappointing results with mixed veg. Again, the food table wasn't clear on what type of mixed veg it recommends or whether to add oil, but it does state timings may vary due to preference and to cut the veg roughly. I added the recommended weight in broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower to each basket and selected the Mixed Vegetable preset – making use of the Copy function to match the settings for both baskets. When I shook the veg halfway through the 20-minute cooking time, I saw my cauliflower and broccoli had browned on top, but, on tasting, my carrots weren't cooked properly.

Vegetables cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

This could, like the steak, likely be rectified with some experimentation, but without clear instructions on what individual vegetable cooking times are recommended or what to include in your mixed vegetables, it's difficult to know off the bat what the best approach is.

Overall, this Philips air fryer is a solid appliance, and it provides great results more often than poor ones. If you've never owned an air fryer before or don't have the patience to get the most out of some of its peskier presets, you may struggle with it. But if you're a seasoned air fryer user or don't mind a few failed attempts before getting optimal results, it's worth the time, money, and potential effort.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Great value for a solid air fryer, but don't expect the consistency and high quality of more premium appliances.

4.5/5

Design

A sleek and fairly compact air fryer given its spacious capacity. The XXL basket can be divided into two separate programmable baskets, which are easy (but cumbersome) to hand wash. But Philips has dropped the ball with its user manual and instructions, so you'll need to use the Home ID app for thorough instructions.

4/5

Performance

What this air fryer does well, it does brilliantly. It has produced some of the best air-fried food I've had in all my testing. However, the user manual food tables could have more detail on optimal preparation and the settings to use for more common foods, as the results with some of the presets were thoroughly disappointing.

4/5

Buy it if

You want a spacious air fryer that isn't massive

This air fryer offers good capacity but isn't huge and bulky. It will still take up some counter space, but it's relatively small given its size.

You want an air fryer for under £150

This air fryer may have some pesky issues, but it's great value at £133.99 and offers a much higher quality than others we've seen in this price range.

You want an air fryer for simple, day-to-day meals

While mixed veg was a mixed bag, I found it easy to cook common air fryer foods in this appliance, like chicken, chips, and muffins. If you want a convenient air fryer that will cover the basics well (with some adjustment), this is a good option.

Don't buy it if

You have a small sink or dishwasher

While this air fryer's components can be cleaned easily thanks to their non-stick coat, the act of cleaning it can be a pain. The XXL basket is chunky and a struggle to clean, even in our fairly large Belfast sink. That's mainly because it's cumbersome and you need to clean the whole basket even if you just use one side of it. It's dishwasher safe if you have the room, but I advise against it to ensure the longevity of your components.

You want clear, physical instructions

The physical user manual provided with this air fryer is pretty useless and doesn't cover what its functions and features are or how to work them. You can access a digital user manual via the Home ID app, but if you haven't got a smartphone or struggle reading smaller digital print, this may not be the air fryer for you.

You want a heap of extra features

This air fryer doesn't come with a bunch of extra features, functions, or smart control – it sticks to the basics. So, if you do want extra functions like steaming, dehydrating, or grilling, this isn't the appliance for you.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: also consider

Ninja Double Stack

If you don't have space for a full-width two-drawer air fryer, the Double Stack is the appliance for you. It's deeper and taller, but much narrower than the Russell Hobbs Satisfry or the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone, and in our tests it produced evenly browned, crispy fries every time.

Read our full Ninja Double Stack review

Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone

If you live outside the UK where the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer isn't available, this is two-drawer air fryer is a great alternative. It looks smart, and produces consistently good results (though we'd appreciate a reminder to shake to food for even cooking).

Read our full Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone review

How I tested the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

I used the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer for a week, cooking a wide variety of foods including fries, chicken drumsticks, steak, fresh vegetables, and muffins. I tested all the air fryer's various modes and cleaned the air fryer in line with the instructions provided in the manual. For more details, see how we test.

First reviewed May 2025.

I tested the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer and was blown away by how easy it makes precision styling at home
11:14 am | May 22, 2025

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

Dyson Supersonic r: two-minute review

The Dyson Supersonic r began life as a professional-only hair dryer, but is now available to the general public. It looks unlike any other hair dryer on the market; there's no barrel to speak of, but instead the handle curves to a right angle, so the whole thing looks like a pipe – or a lower case "r", if you like.

I tested the model to see how it compares to the rest of the best hair dryers on the market, and overall I was impressed. It's lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the unusual shape makes it super-easy to direct the airflow with precision, even in awkward spots such as the back of your head. As I'd expect from Dyson, it's also impressively powerful, making speedy work of rough-drying hair.

The compromise of the design is that in order to achieve the ultra-streamlined shape, Dyson has shifted some of the mechanics into the plug, which in turn is so chunky, it likely won't fit into some sockets. I also found the controls – which are small and positioned on the back of the handle – slightly fiddly to use, and a little too easy to accidentally press while styling. It feels like a design that would work just fine for professionals, who have a clear view of the buttons as they hold the dryer in front of themselves; but it's a little awkward for drying your own hair.

The magnetic attachments are thoughtfully designed and work well. Sensors enable the dryer to recognize which attachment is snapped on, and automatically adjust to your last-used temperature and airflow settings, which helps streamline the styling process.

Price-wise, it will come as a surprise to no one that we're in ultra-premium territory here. While the Supersonic r's build quality is impeccable, and the design innovative, some customers might find themselves more inclined to spend that amount on the Dyson Supersonic Nural, with its hi-tech Scalp Protect mode and ability to auto-pause when it's put down (both of which are absent from the Supersonic r). Most of the Supersonic r's appeal is in that lightweight and streamlined shape, and on that front it really is a standout option, and unique on the market, too.

That's the short version; read on for my full Dyson Supersonic r review.

Dyson Supersonic r review: price & availability

  • List price: $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799
  • Launched: April 2025 (consumer version)
  • Available: Worldwide

The original version of the Dyson Supersonic r hit the market in February 2024, but it was available to professional hairstylists only. The consumer version reviewed here launched in April 2025.

At list price it costs $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799. That's firmly in the premium bracket for hair dryers, and one of the priciest on the market right now – possibly beaten only by Dyson's other dedicated dryer, the Supersonic Nural, which comes in at $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749.

However, the outlay is perhaps a little easier to justify with the latter, because the Nural offers several features not found in other models on the market, whereas the Supersonic r, for the most part, is simply a very efficient hair dryer.

As I'd expect from Dyson, build quality is top-notch, and there's plenty of meticulous research and engineering that's gone into the development of this dryer. It looks and feels premium, and as mentioned, it's incredibly well suited to precision styling. Nevertheless, if the outlay is too much, there are plenty of excellent dryers available for a far lower price.

  • Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r specs

Wattage:

1,700W

Dimensions (L x H x W):

9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm

Weight:

Confirming

Airflow settings:

3

Temperature settings:

3 + cool shot

Extra modes:

None

Cord length:

9.2ft / 2.8m

Dyson Supersonic r review: design

  • Lightweight, with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape
  • Some mechanics have been shifted into the plug, which is enormous
  • Magnetic attachments with setting memory

The Dyson Supersonic r looks nothing like the Supersonic that helped cement Dyson's status in the haircare market. In fact, it doesn't really look like a hairdryer at all – it looks like a pipe. It's tubular in build, with a top end that curves to a stubby right-angle.

The only difference compared to the professional version is that the cable is shorter. It's now 9.2ft / 2.8m, which is still up there with the longest on the consumer market.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with Powerful air attachment

(Image credit: Future)

That diminutive build is made possible by some redesigned mechanics. On the inside you'll find a more streamlined air heater than the one found in the regular Supersonic hair dryers. Ten heater foils follow the curve of the dryer, apparently to offer more consistent temperatures, with no hot or cold spots. That sits alongside a Dyson Hyperdymium motor (unconfirmed whether this is the same / a version of the Hyperdymium motor that powers today's best Dyson vacuums).

Plug for Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Dyson has also redesigned the plug socket, which now "incorporates primary electronics" that would otherwise have been inside the dryer itself (it looks very similar to the one included with the Dyson Airstrait.) That shifts extra weight away from your arm, but it does mean the plug is now pretty chunky – the main part measures 4.8in / 12.2cm (excluding the wrap at the top of the cord), with a part that protrudes downwards from the pins and lies flat to the wall. If you have power outlets that sit close to the floor or above protruding baseboards, it might not fit.

There's a removable filter cage, with a flashing yellow LED to tell you when it needs cleaning.

Close up of filter cage on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer

(Image credit: Future)

The consumer Supersonic r is one of the first Dyson haircare gadgets to introduce the brand's new colorways (currently being rolled out across the full range). Rather than the tropical tones we're used to seeing, it's available in the more delicate Ceramic Pink and Jasper Plum.

Controls

In terms of settings, there's a rocker switch to increase and decrease temperature, and another for windspeed. There are three levels for each, indicated by lights. There's also a separate power button. All can be found on the rear of the handle. Round the front, beneath the curve of the dryer, is a cool-shot button.

Close up of control buttons on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Attachments

In terms of attachments, there's an impressive selection. Compatible attachments include a Professional Concentrator, Powerful Air Attachment, Gentle Air Attachment, Flyaway Attachment, Smoothing Nozzle, Diffuser and Wide-Tooth Comb. Beware, though, what's included in the box varies by region.

Personally, I'm a fan of the way the model is being offered in the UK: just as with the Dyson Airwrap i.d., you can choose between a Curly+Coily Supersonic r and a Straight+Wavy one. Both have a Powerful Air Attachment, Professional Concentrator and Flyaway Attachment, then the one for curls adds a Wide-Tooth Comb and Diffuser, and the other swaps in the Smoothing Nozzle and Gentle Air Attachment. That means you don't end up with a bunch of attachments that aren't suitable for your hair type, gathering dust.

Attachments supplied with our review model of the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer

(Image credit: Future)

As is standard for Dyson haircare products, the add-ons attach via magnets. And like the Supersonic Nural, they contain RFID sensors, which means the Supersonic r knows which one is attached. The recommended settings will kick in as default, and if you change them then the hair dryer will remember your preferences next time you snap that attachment back on.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r review: performance

  • Comfortable to hold and incredibly easy easy to direct airflow
  • Controls a little fiddly and can be pressed accidentally
  • Attachment setting memory helps streamline the styling process

Dyson describes the r as being geared towards "fast, precision drying", with the unusual design making it easier to reach areas that would otherwise be tricky to tackle – namely, the back of your head. On test, that absolutely held true. It's comfortable to hold and extremely easy to direct; perfect if you want to be able to dry with precision. My only slight complaint is that I found the handle a touch too short.

Airflow is nice and powerful, drying my hair quickly; a rough-dry won't take long at all. However, the Supersonic r is really geared towards more complex styling tasks, where its light weight and easy-to-direct airflow come into their own.

The Supersonic Nural has a feature where it will automatically drop into low-powered mode if you put it down. That' isn't present here, and I missed it, although I will concede that it's a nice-to-have rather than an essential.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with Pro concentrator attached

(Image credit: Future)

Moving on to the controls, the design of which I was a little less sold on. The switches to adjust speed and temperature are tiny and a little fiddly to use, and the positioning on the back of the handle means they proved fairly easy to press accidentally. I feel like they're better suited to professional use – where the person drying the hair can easily see the buttons; they're a little fiddly if you're trying to dry your own hair.

I was far more impressed with the cool-shot button, which sits on the inside of the handle, where it's comfortable to depress for setting your style.

Close up of cool shot button on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Attachment performance

All the attachments are well designed and good quality, and the magnetic connection feels secure in use. Usefully, all the attachments have areas that stay cool, so you can comfortably remove them immediately after using if switching to another, for example.

Attachment memory is a welcome addition. It helps streamline the drying process, and means less fiddling about with controls as you dry. It will prove most useful for people who use multiple attachments throughout their styling routine. I guess it might also help with hair health, if it makes you less likely to default to "hot and fast" for everything.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with diffuser attached

(Image credit: Future)

Curly haired users might miss the two-part Wave+Curl Diffuser, which was introduced with the Supersonic Nural but is absent here – you're just getting the standard all-in-one option instead.

A special shout-out should go to the Flyaway Attachment, which uses the Coanda effect (the same thing that makes the Airwrap work) to attract and smooth your locks once you've finished styling. It's unique to Dyson's dryers, and it made a noticeable difference to the sleekness of my hair.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson Supersonic r?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Very much a premium buy, and while the quality is outstanding, the list of special features is relatively short.

3.5 / 5

Design

Lightweight with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape and a wide range of well-designed attachments. Plug is very bulky, though.

4 / 5

Performance

Powerful airflow that's extremely easy to direct, while automatic attachment recognition saves time. Buttons are a little fiddly.

4.5 /5

Buy it if...

You spend lots of time styling
The lightweight-yet-powerful Supersonic r will really come into its own for those with long, thick hair and/or spend a lot of time styling as they dry.

You want precise control
It's incredibly easy to direct the airflow from this dryer, even in tricky areas such as the back of your head.

You want a luxe option
The Dyson Supersonic r looks and feels ultra-premium, and comes with a price tag to match.

Don't buy it if...

Your plug sockets are near to the floor
The scaled-up plug protrudes downwards, which means that depending on the placement of your sockets and what's going on beneath them, you might not actually be able to plug in the hair dryer.

You need something for travel
The voltage of the Supersonic r will match the country of purchase, and Dyson warns that it shouldn't be used abroad.

You're concerned about scalp health
The Supersonic Nural has a Scalp Protect mode that adjusts the temperature based on how close the machine is to your head, meaning you can get right up close without burning your head. The Supersonic r is missing this mode.

Dyson Supersonic r: alternatives to consider

Dyson Supersonic r (reviewed)

Dyson Supersonic Nural

Laifen Mini

Wattage:

1,700W

1,600W

1,100W

Dimensions (L x H x W):

9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm

10 x 4 x 3.1in / 24.5 x 9.7 x 7.8cm

8.6 x 3. x 2.5in / 22 x 7.7 x 6.3cm

Weight:

Confirming

1.9lbs / 680g (with cord)

0.7lbs / 299g (no cord)

1.1lbs / 482g (with cord)

Airflow settings:

3

3

2

Temperature settings:

3 + cool shot

3 + cool shot

2 + cool shot

Extra modes:

None

Scalp protect

Child mode, auto-temperature cycle

Cord length:

9.2ft / 2.8m

8.5 ft / 2.6m

5.9ft / 1.8m

Dyson Supersonic Nural

The Nural is Dyson's other dryer option. It's heavier and bulkier, but has an innovative Scalp Protect mode that's absent on the Supersonic r. It will also automatically drop into low-powered mode when you put it down.

Read our full Dyson Supersonic Nural review

Laifen Mini

Laifen's original dryer was a blatant Supersonic dupe, but the newer Mini version is more unique. While not as streamlined as the Supersonic r, it's still super compact and lightweight, with a stylish matte design and some cool specialist modes, including temperature cycling. It's not as widely available as Dyson's dryers.

Read our full Laifen Mini review

How I tested the Dyson Supersonic r

I used the Dyson Supersonic r as my primary hair dryer for over a month. During this time, I tested all the settings and explored the different attachment options. I paid particular attention to how easy it was to use, and how efficient it was at drying and styling my hair. I compared my experience with other hair dryers I've used.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed May 2025
The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next took me some time to master, but the delicious espresso it makes was worth the wait
11:04 am | May 5, 2025

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

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next: Two-minute review

The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is an upgraded version of the Magnifica Evo we reviewed back in 2021, further expanding the Italian brand's range of Magnifica automatic bean-to-cup coffee machines. As a brewer of coffee, it’s excellent, delivering a delicious espresso with a lovely crema.

It can make a comprehensive selection of coffee-based drinks, each of which can be personalized and saved to profiles to ensure you get your perfect cuppa each and every time. It also uses De’Longhi’s LatteCrema milk frothing technology for making cappuccinos, macchiatos and other milk-based coffee drinks. But, despite an increasing percentage of the world’s population turning to plant-based milks, there aren’t any separate profiles for these dairy alternatives.

Day-to-day use of the Evo Next should be simple for most people, particularly those who are familiar with how fully automatic coffee machines work, although anyone new to coffee making might have to overcome a steep learning curve to get to grips with it. I was coming to the Evo Next as a user of either Nespresso pod machines or manual espresso machines, so it took me a few uses to figure out exactly how to extract the best from the Evo Next. If you’re in a similar position or have never used an automatic bean-to-cup machine before, let it be known you’re likely going to pour a few bitter espressos before you find your ideal cuppa.

The combination of the machine’s clearly laid-out buttons and bright, colorful display, however, made navigating through menus and settings a piece of cake. The only setting that did cause me some initial trouble was adjusting the grinder. I assumed I could adjust it whenever I wanted, but De’Longhi says it should only be moved when it’s in motion, which is counter to previous machines I've tested. I would have liked this instruction to have been a bit clearer. I also think the user manual could be a little clearer with regard to the effect changing the grind setting even just one increment can make on the resulting espresso. Those well-versed in coffee machines will likely already know this, but newcomers may struggle.

It’s not the smallest nor the quietest automatic coffee machine ever, nor is it even the quickest to pour an espresso shot, but once you’ve learned your way around it, the results and generous selection of available drink choices go some way to making up for these foibles, putting in contention with the best bean-to-cup coffee machines currently available.

Also helping its cause to be your next coffee machine is its low cost in comparison to similar models from other brands – although, perhaps not in the US at the time of writing.

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next review: Price & availability

  • List price $999.95 / £499.99 / AU$1,149
  • Cheaper than comparable competitor models
  • Can already be found with discounts

The price of the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next varies across the globe. In the UK, its list price is £499.99, in Australia it costs AU$1,149, but in the US it’s more expensive than a currency conversion or tariffs would suggest at $999.95.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen an inflated price for US customers, with the De’Longhi Eletta Explore – also an automatic coffee machine – priced higher in the US than its UK and Australian equivalents would suggest, and that’s from long before any tariff announcements were made.

When compared to the similarly specced KitchenAid KF6 ($1,199 / £1,299 / AU$1,799) though, the Magnifica Evo Next still represents remarkable value. The KF6 is much quieter in use and offers some extra maintenance features akin to professional espresso machines, but doesn’t include a milk carafe as standard, instead leaving you to place a tube into a jug or cup (or pony up for the official optional one).

  • Value score: 5/5

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next review: Specs

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next review: Design

  • Side water tank for easier refilling
  • Color display helps with navigation and setting changes
  • Space needed above for pouring coffee beans

The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is a smart-looking coffee machine in a matte silver-and-black colourway. It’s the same size as other models in the Magnifica Evo range, including the Magnifica Evo, at 44 x 36 x 24cm (W x D x H), making it pretty big by espresso machine standards. I had it set up next to my trusted Nespresso Vertuo Pop pod coffee machine throughout the testing process and the difference in size was, well, sizeable, even on my relatively large kitchen counter. You will, therefore, need to make sure you have the space on your countertop to accommodate it.

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine on a kitchen counter, next to a Nespresso Vertuo Pop.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is significantly larger than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

As with other models in the series, the beans container is on the top, so you’ll need to allow for a bit of extra space above to comfortably pour in coffee beans. With wall-mounted cabinets sitting directly above the machine in my setup, there was just enough clearance to pour a 1kg bag into the hopper. Ultimately though, as the machine's hopper isn’t airtight, I settled on storing my coffee beans in a separate container and scooping them in as needed. If you’re only making a few (or less) coffees a day, I’d recommend putting in just enough for each use to preserve freshness.

There is also a small chute that accepts ground coffee, if you don't have access to whole beans – although freshly ground beans make such a huge difference that using pre-ground with a machine of this caliber is, frankly, a huge waste.

A manual control wheel for the 13 grinder settings is nestled within the beans container. It’s labelled 1 to 7 – 1 being the finest and 7 the coarsest – with increments going up by 0.5 in between. De’Longhi says the default setting of 5 should be fine for most users, but if you want to adjust the grind setting, you should only do so when the machine is grinding to avoid damage to the burrs. De’Longhi adds that you should pour at least two coffees after you’ve made any changes to make sure that they’ve taken effect.

This, coupled with the five intensity settings available for each drink (which I’ll talk about more in the performance section), can make finding the perfect combination for your own tastes quite tricky and will likely require some experimentation during your first few days of use.

Coffee bean hopper of the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

If you want a home espresso machine that reduces the grinding guesswork, the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch’s Bean Adapt Technology system recommends ideal settings based on your chosen drink, although the machine on the whole requires more manual input than the Evo Next.

I experimented a fair amount with grind settings and found that when I had it set to the finest setting of 1, the machine wasn’t able to pour coffee. Instead it displayed an error message and then dumped out the ground coffee into the internal waste container. Returning the dial to its default setting of 5 gave me much better results.

Coffee is poured from two nozzles that can be physically raised or lowered to accommodate a variety of cup or mug heights, and it can be used to pour two espresso shots at once. The drip tray that sits underneath your cup(s) slides out smoothly, and also pulls out the separate internal waste bin where used coffee pucks are collected.

Image 1 of 2

A small glass under the spouts of the .De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine

The spout can move up and down to accommodate a range of cup and mug sizes. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Image 2 of 2

A large mug under the nozzles of the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

The Magnifica Evo Next comes with a large 60.9 fl oz / 1.8L water tank on its right-hand side, and slides in and out of the front of the machine like a book from a bookcase. This makes refilling the tank incredibly easy when compared to models from other brands that put the tank on the rear of the machine.

However, I have also used manual coffee machines such as the Sage/Breville Oracle Jet which has an integrated water tank that you simply fill up using a jug of water via a hole in the top at the front, a method I ultimately prefer.

De’Longhi also supplies a water hardness testing strip so you can determine which water hardness setting to choose during the initial setup, as well as a water filter that screws into the bottom of the tank.

The Magnifica Evo Next comes with both a hot water spout and a 9.4 fl oz / 280ml milk carafe to froth milk using the company’s LatteCrema system. Both of these attach to a small connection slot on the front left of the machine, and you can only use one at a time. If you want to make a milk-based drink or a tea, for example, you’ll need to factor in time to swap the attachments around.

The milk carafe and its various parts are easy to remove and clean. They’re dishwasher safe, too, to make things even easier.

Image 1 of 3

The water tank of the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine removed half way.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Image 2 of 3

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine with its milk carafe attached.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Image 3 of 3

Hot water spout attachment for the .De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

You control the machine via an array of soft-touch buttons along the top, each of which has a symbol for a specific drink. There are also a couple of arrows that are used to adjust the size and intensity of your drink and an OK button to confirm your selections.

If you want to customize a drink, your options are extensive. Not only can you set a preferred intensity, but you can override the standard volumes poured for each style and size of coffee, including milk. This feature is accessed by pressing the ‘my’ button on the touch panel, and allows for three user profiles per drink.

When creating a custom profile, the machine will begin and continue pouring coffee until you tell it to stop when it reaches the desired level. The same goes for milk. With your settings saved, the next time you come to make the same drink, you’ll see ‘my’ listed next to the size. Press OK and the Evo Next will pour to your exact specifications.

Image 1 of 3

Drink selection menu on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Image 2 of 3

Drink choices on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Image 3 of 3

Drink choices on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Your selections are displayed on a clear, central 2.4-inch TFT screen that provides a good range of information, including color images of what your coffee can expect to look like once it’s finished pouring. It also gives you remarkably polite written feedback, including telling you you’re becoming a pro after you’ve poured a large number of drinks.

As I’m based in Australia, I found some of the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next's drink names slightly unfamiliar, as they reflect the brand’s Italian heritage. For instance, my usual choice of a flat white isn't a standard Italian coffee and so isn’t an option. The closest alternative available is the Cappuccino Mix, which provides frothed milk, though it's less foamy than a traditional cappuccino.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next review: Performance

  • Extensive selection of customization options
  • Delicious espresso with good crema
  • Noisy in use

As I’ve already mentioned, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next will consistently produce great-tasting coffee, but only after you’ve figured out which settings are best for you. I experimented a fair amount with grind and intensity settings – initially with poor, unusable results – but once I found the best settings for my taste, there was no stopping me from making excellent coffee after coffee.

Espresso coffee in a glass

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

I was happy with the thickness of the crema produced, and I think it will suit most coffee drinkers. If, however, you like a particularly thick crema on your espresso or coffee, then you may want to check out the KitchenAid KF6 instead.

The Magnifica Evo Next can make 11 different coffee-based drinks, each with its own options for customization, such as the strength, temperature and volume. The options offered are:

• Espresso
• Cappuccino/Cappucino+
• Coffee
• Long
• Americano
• Doppio/Doppio+
• Latte Macchiato
• Cappuccino Mix
• Espresso Macchiato

You can also dispense hot water and hot milk from the machine; however, unlike some other newer espresso machines we've tested, there’s no option for cold brewing.

During my testing, I found the default settings for my preferred cappuccino mix drink weren’t as strong as I would have liked – the intensity was set to 3, on a scale of 1 to 5. I had to increase it to the maximum 5 and this returned a much more flavorful brew.

The higher intensity setting refers to the fact that more beans are ground and packed into the internal puck, resulting in a stronger, more potent espresso.

There aren’t any settings to adjust the foam level or milk temperature, although the type of milk you use will dictate the level of foam returned. For example, I drink oat milk in my coffees and found that attempting to use standard (i.e. non-barista) oat milk produced disappointing results.

That’s not to say the results weren’t foamy – in fact I was impressed with what the Evo Next could muster – but it produced a thicker foam when I switched to a barista brand with higher fat content.

While I’m quite easygoing when it comes to milk, users who are particular will likely need to experiment with different milk types and brands yo achieve the desired results.

I was less enthused with the way the milk comes out the spout, though. It’s more a ‘spit out’ than a ‘flow out' – not something I’d expect from a more premium machine like this.

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine main logo.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

For time-conscious coffee drinkers, you’ll want to know that pouring an espresso at intensity level 5 – which grinds the largest amount of beans – took around 40 seconds. Larger drinks, such as my cappuccino mix, took longer at nearly 1 min 30 seconds, including dispensing milk. This time is on par with the Magnifica Evo automatic coffee machine, but there are faster machines that are cheaper, so it's a slight shame that De’Longhi hasn’t been able to speed up the brew time with this model. If you want your coffee fast, a Nespresso machine can cut those times down considerably – my Vertuo Pop, for example, takes around 30 seconds to pour a 150ml pod.

I also found the Magnifica Evo Next quite noisy in use. It bothered me so much that I took a reading with the Decibel X app on my phone and, when placed next to the machine, it reached 82dB when grinding beans (nearly 20dB louder than the Quiet Mark-certified KitchenAid KF6), 72dB when tamping and emptying the coffee puck, and 66dB when pouring a coffee.

Coffee brewing progress bar on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Where the Magnifica Evo Next makes less of a fuss is maintenance. After each milk-based drink, the machine asks you to run a quick-rinse cycle, which uses water from the tank to flush any buildup from the carafe’s spout. You’ll also be notified on the display when it’s time to empty the drip tray and grounds container.

For more thorough cleaning, a dedicated Maintenance menu can be found in the settings, with options to run water through the machine to rinse it and run a descaling cycle (the machine will let you know if a descaling is necessary). You can also check the status of the water filter, run a more thorough cycle for the milk carafe when it’s connected, and drain any water from the system if you’re planning to transport it.

Finally, a panel on the right-hand side of the machine, accessible when you remove the water container, houses the brewing unit. This detaches easily with a pinch of the two red-colored clips and can be run under a tap to remove any buildup of coffee.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next

Buy it if

You want some control over your coffee

While it’s automatic, the Magnifica Evo Next still gives you plenty of options for personalization, which can all be saved to multiple user profiles.View Deal

You enjoy a variety of coffee-based drinks

With 11 drinks to choose from, most coffee connoisseurs should be catered to, or it can even help you discover something new. View Deal

Don't buy it if

You’re short on counter space

The Magnifica Evo Next isn’t the biggest automatic coffee machine ever, but it certainly can’t be called compact.View Deal

You drink plant-based milk

This machine doesn’t discriminate against plant-based milks, but there aren’t any specific foaming or temperature profiles for dairy alternatives either.View Deal

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next: Also consider

Smeg BCC13

This is our favorite bean-to-cup espresso machine due it being a joy to use. It’s truly automatic, delivers tasty coffee and looks the absolute business.

Read our full Smeg BCC13 reviewView Deal

De’Longhi La Specialista Touch

If you’re tempted by a manual bean-to-cup machine instead, the La Specialista Touch from De’Longhi is a great option, especially for beginners. It’s semi-automated but with the option for better manual control and helps guide you through the more complex processes of espresso brewing. Plus, it’s cheaper than the Evo Next.

Read our full De'Longhi La Specilista Touch reviewView Deal

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next: How I tested

I used the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next at home with the same supermarket-brand coffee beans that we use in the TechRadar Australia office (in a Breville Oracle Jet), so I’m already familiar with the flavor. I followed the setup instructions by first testing the water hardness (hard) and configured the machine accordingly, which included needing to insert the supplied water filter.

I used the machine to pour a variety of the available drinks to assess the crema, flavor and time required. I also used the LatteCrema carafe to froth fridge-cold oat milk, of both the barista and non-barista varieties.

First reviewed May 2025

This odd-looking hair dryer is cheap and powerful, but ultimately disappointing
9:00 am |

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

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer: two-minute review

The Revlon Airflow Control Dryer sports an innovative design and comes in at an extremely affordable price, but on test proved a bit of a disappointment. The USP is a head that rotates 90-degrees, enabling you to twist between locked vertical or horizontal positions to help you reach tricky angles. This head is then tapered, meaning it acts like a built-in concentrator – albeit an overly large one. With its bright red color, this dryer stands out but, in my opinion, not in an especially classy way.

At the rear of the dryer is a removable lint filter and a hanging loop, which make it easy to maintain and store. Inside, there's a 2000W motor and ceramic tourmaline technology that it promises to reduce frizz and add shine – although not very effectively, based on my tests.

Even with its powerful and directed airflow, this dryer left my long, naturally curly hair consistently frizzier than normal. In fact, I was repeatedly disappointed with how my hair looked and felt when using this dryer, and this was the case regardless of which of its three heat settings, or dual speed options, I tried. Some marketing materials position it as a travel dryer, in which case the fact it doesn't fold up for easier packing feels like an oversight.

On the plus side, the dryer's cold shot button – which actually feels cold, not just cool – is great at setting styles. And the inclusion of a diffuser attachment makes the Airflow Control dryer more versatile, opening it up to a wider range of different hair types.

Price-wise, it sits firmly in the budget price bracket, although I do feel you get what you're paying for – it really can't compete with the best hair dryers on the market right now. If you want something affordable and quick for everyday use, it’s a decent choice, but for anything more involved you'll need to invest a little more. Read on for my full Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review: price & availability

  • List price: £35 / $38
  • Available: UK, US
  • Launched: August 2024

With a list price of £35 in the UK, and $37 in the US, the Revlon Airflow Control dryer sits firmly in the budget hair dryer category.

Within this category, the Airflow Control's closest rivals include Conair's $40 InfinitiPro dryer and the $35 BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium.

The Conair model ships with a concentrator and diffuser and is the classier, but larger, of the three, with its matte black finish and gold accents.

The BaByliss Pro Nano is closer to the Revlon in terms of its size, making it a good option for traveling, but it only ships with a concentrator and is missing the diffuser. It's also half as powerful (1000W vs 2000W) as Revlon's model.

All things considered, the Revlon Airflow Control dryer is good value, especially when you factor in the rotating head, built-in concentrator and diffuser included as standard. Other touches like the removable lint filter help too, yet you largely get what you pay for in terms of performance, as I'll get to shortly.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer specs

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review: design

  • Rotating head helps direct airflow, but feels gimmicky
  • Built-in concentrator is a nice touch but limits styling flexibility
  • Powerful, yet bulky and bold design

The Revlon Airflow Control Dryer has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd, but having used it for the past month, I have mixed feelings about most of them. The headline is its rotating head, which lets you switch the nozzle between vertical and horizontal positions by sliding a small lock button near the base, and twisting the head into place.

It’s a feature that's designed to reduce wrist strain and make it easier to style at different angles. It also doubles up as a built-in concentrator, which means there are no loose parts to clip on, or lose. For the most part, I like this feature. It definitely helps when you're drying the back of your head or using a brush, and its tapered design helps deliver a strong, focused airflow thanks to the 2000W motor.

However, in practice, it feels over-engineered for what it does. The concentrator is wide and fixed in size, and you can’t swap it for a narrower nozzle when you want extra precision for smoothing or root volume. As a result, once the novelty wears off, it starts to feel more like a design flourish than a game-changer. Especially when most detachable concentrators can be twisted and achieve similar results with less bulk and limitations.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of bulk, the dryer measures 22.8cm x 27.9cm x 8.9cm, and the proportions make it feel larger in the hand than necessary. It's sometimes pitched as a travel dryer, and while it's not overly heavy (30.6oz / 870g) the fact it can't fold means it'd be rather cumbersome to pack. All this, combined with the sporty design, means the Airflow Control doesn’t feel as premium as I’d hoped.

The diffuser snaps easily to the front of the barrel using magnets, although this attachment is huge and adds to the overall bulk. Elsewhere, the removable filter on the rear is a nice touch for keeping the dryer working to its best, the 1.8m (5.9ft) cord is a decent length too– although many models come with longer cables, I felt I still had enough freedom to move around the room.

Controls & modes

In addition to the lock button on the side of the barrel, there are two slider switches on the handle of the Airflow Control dryer – one to control its three temperature settings (cool, warm, hot), and one for its two speed settings (low, high).

These are well-positioned and easy to reach without knocking accidentally. More premium dryers will tend to offer more setting options, but this range and combination of controls is fairly standard, and well suited to a range of different hair types and styles.

Above these slider switchers is a cold shot button that also works well to set styles at the end of a blow-dry. Like with the slider switches, you can't accidentally activate this mode; you have to make a deliberate long press to turn it on, and this is welcomed.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

CONTROLS

Aesthetically speaking, I'm not sold on this dryer. The red and black colorway gives it a bold, sporty look. This may appeal to some, but I personally prefer something more minimalist, or neutral.

In summary, the rotating head and built-in concentrator sound great on paper but fall short due to their bulk and lack of flexibility. If you blow-dry your hair a lot and want a comfortable grip with no attachments to juggle, it could work well. But if you’re looking for a sleeker, classier design, customisable attachments, or a more travel-friendly option, the design of this dryer won't be the best fit.

  • Design score: 3 out of 5

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review: performance

  • Dries hair quickly, even on low settings
  • Cold shot works well for setting styles
  • Finish was consistently disappointing and frizzy

Performance-wise, I was pleasantly surprised by the Revlon Airflow Control Dryer. At least at first.

On the highest heat and speed settings, it dried my hair impressively fast. I could get my long hair about 80 per cent dry in under three minutes, before taking around a minute more using a blow-dry brush to attempt to smooth out the top. Even on the lower settings, the airflow feels strong and consistent, and the built-in concentrator helps direct this power and airflow well. You can't fault the dryer for its efficiency, and it does its main job – getting moisture out of the hair – as well as any.

The cold shot button is another feature that performs well. Unlike some dryers where the cool setting just feels lukewarm, this one gives a genuine blast of cold air. With its button positioned conveniently above the sliders, you can easily press it with your thumb while styling, and it works quickly to cool down sections and lock in shape.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

With extended use, though, things started to fall apart for me. While the drying time was quick, the finish just wasn’t there. At all. No matter what combination of settings I used – hot then cool, low speed for control, brushing in sections, even towel-drying beforehand – my hair always ended up looking frizzy and undefined. Even with the promise of the built-in concentrator and ceramic tourmaline coating, and even if I followed my drying session up with the cold shot, the result was consistently disappointing.

So much so, the time I saved on drying was lost by needing to go back over everything with straighteners or a hot brush just to get a polished finish.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Similarly, when using the magnetic diffuser on my natural curls, I was hoping for a soft, voluminous finish, but again the results were underwhelming. It dried my hair quickly, but didn’t enhance definition or reduce frizz. If anything, it made my hair puffier.

Given its budget price I wasn't expecting miracles with the Airflow Control, but considering the marketing specifically says it'll reduce frizz and boost shine, I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer?

Buy it if...

You want fast drying time

With a powerful 2000W motor and strong airflow, the Airflow Control dryer will get your hair dry nice and quickly.

You're on a tight budget

Not everyone can (or wants to) spend a small fortune on a hair dryer. This is one of the cheapest options around, and if you have basic styling needs it'll do the job just fine.

You struggle with wrist strain when styling

The rotating head helps adjust airflow angles without needing to twist your arm or strain your wrists. The built-in concentrator is also convenient and means there’s nothing to lose or clip on.

Don't buy it if...

You want a sleek, frizz-free finish

Despite its ceramic tourmaline coating, the Airflow Control dryer consistently left my hair frizzy.

You need styling flexibility

The concentrator is built-in and oversized, so you can’t swap it for more precise nozzles.

You prefer compact or folding tools for travel

The dryer is bulkier than expected and doesn’t fold, meaning it's not the best choice for slinging into a suitcase or backpack.

How I tested the Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer

For a month, I used the Revlon Airflow Control Dryer as the main dryer for my long, naturally curly and fine hair. During testing, I used all the different heat and speed settings, timed how long it took the combinations to rough-dry my hair from wet to dry, and I tested how well the cold shot and diffuser performed. I paid close attention to how easy it was to use day-to-day, including how it felt to hold, button placement, and whether the rotating head actually made a difference.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed March 2025
This odd-looking hair dryer is cheap and powerful, but ultimately disappointing
9:00 am |

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

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer: two-minute review

The Revlon Airflow Control Dryer sports an innovative design and comes in at an extremely affordable price, but on test proved a bit of a disappointment. The USP is a head that rotates 90-degrees, enabling you to twist between locked vertical or horizontal positions to help you reach tricky angles. This head is then tapered, meaning it acts like a built-in concentrator – albeit an overly large one. With its bright red color, this dryer stands out but, in my opinion, not in an especially classy way.

At the rear of the dryer is a removable lint filter and a hanging loop, which make it easy to maintain and store. Inside, there's a 2000W motor and ceramic tourmaline technology that it promises to reduce frizz and add shine – although not very effectively, based on my tests.

Even with its powerful and directed airflow, this dryer left my long, naturally curly hair consistently frizzier than normal. In fact, I was repeatedly disappointed with how my hair looked and felt when using this dryer, and this was the case regardless of which of its three heat settings, or dual speed options, I tried. Some marketing materials position it as a travel dryer, in which case the fact it doesn't fold up for easier packing feels like an oversight.

On the plus side, the dryer's cold shot button – which actually feels cold, not just cool – is great at setting styles. And the inclusion of a diffuser attachment makes the Airflow Control dryer more versatile, opening it up to a wider range of different hair types.

Price-wise, it sits firmly in the budget price bracket, although I do feel you get what you're paying for – it really can't compete with the best hair dryers on the market right now. If you want something affordable and quick for everyday use, it’s a decent choice, but for anything more involved you'll need to invest a little more. Read on for my full Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review: price & availability

  • List price: £35 / $38
  • Available: UK, US
  • Launched: August 2024

With a list price of £35 in the UK, and $37 in the US, the Revlon Airflow Control dryer sits firmly in the budget hair dryer category.

Within this category, the Airflow Control's closest rivals include Conair's $40 InfinitiPro dryer and the $35 BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium.

The Conair model ships with a concentrator and diffuser and is the classier, but larger, of the three, with its matte black finish and gold accents.

The BaByliss Pro Nano is closer to the Revlon in terms of its size, making it a good option for traveling, but it only ships with a concentrator and is missing the diffuser. It's also half as powerful (1000W vs 2000W) as Revlon's model.

All things considered, the Revlon Airflow Control dryer is good value, especially when you factor in the rotating head, built-in concentrator and diffuser included as standard. Other touches like the removable lint filter help too, yet you largely get what you pay for in terms of performance, as I'll get to shortly.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer specs

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review: design

  • Rotating head helps direct airflow, but feels gimmicky
  • Built-in concentrator is a nice touch but limits styling flexibility
  • Powerful, yet bulky and bold design

The Revlon Airflow Control Dryer has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd, but having used it for the past month, I have mixed feelings about most of them. The headline is its rotating head, which lets you switch the nozzle between vertical and horizontal positions by sliding a small lock button near the base, and twisting the head into place.

It’s a feature that's designed to reduce wrist strain and make it easier to style at different angles. It also doubles up as a built-in concentrator, which means there are no loose parts to clip on, or lose. For the most part, I like this feature. It definitely helps when you're drying the back of your head or using a brush, and its tapered design helps deliver a strong, focused airflow thanks to the 2000W motor.

However, in practice, it feels over-engineered for what it does. The concentrator is wide and fixed in size, and you can’t swap it for a narrower nozzle when you want extra precision for smoothing or root volume. As a result, once the novelty wears off, it starts to feel more like a design flourish than a game-changer. Especially when most detachable concentrators can be twisted and achieve similar results with less bulk and limitations.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of bulk, the dryer measures 22.8cm x 27.9cm x 8.9cm, and the proportions make it feel larger in the hand than necessary. It's sometimes pitched as a travel dryer, and while it's not overly heavy (30.6oz / 870g) the fact it can't fold means it'd be rather cumbersome to pack. All this, combined with the sporty design, means the Airflow Control doesn’t feel as premium as I’d hoped.

The diffuser snaps easily to the front of the barrel using magnets, although this attachment is huge and adds to the overall bulk. Elsewhere, the removable filter on the rear is a nice touch for keeping the dryer working to its best, the 1.8m (5.9ft) cord is a decent length too– although many models come with longer cables, I felt I still had enough freedom to move around the room.

Controls & modes

In addition to the lock button on the side of the barrel, there are two slider switches on the handle of the Airflow Control dryer – one to control its three temperature settings (cool, warm, hot), and one for its two speed settings (low, high).

These are well-positioned and easy to reach without knocking accidentally. More premium dryers will tend to offer more setting options, but this range and combination of controls is fairly standard, and well suited to a range of different hair types and styles.

Above these slider switchers is a cold shot button that also works well to set styles at the end of a blow-dry. Like with the slider switches, you can't accidentally activate this mode; you have to make a deliberate long press to turn it on, and this is welcomed.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

CONTROLS

Aesthetically speaking, I'm not sold on this dryer. The red and black colorway gives it a bold, sporty look. This may appeal to some, but I personally prefer something more minimalist, or neutral.

In summary, the rotating head and built-in concentrator sound great on paper but fall short due to their bulk and lack of flexibility. If you blow-dry your hair a lot and want a comfortable grip with no attachments to juggle, it could work well. But if you’re looking for a sleeker, classier design, customisable attachments, or a more travel-friendly option, the design of this dryer won't be the best fit.

  • Design score: 3 out of 5

Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer review: performance

  • Dries hair quickly, even on low settings
  • Cold shot works well for setting styles
  • Finish was consistently disappointing and frizzy

Performance-wise, I was pleasantly surprised by the Revlon Airflow Control Dryer. At least at first.

On the highest heat and speed settings, it dried my hair impressively fast. I could get my long hair about 80 per cent dry in under three minutes, before taking around a minute more using a blow-dry brush to attempt to smooth out the top. Even on the lower settings, the airflow feels strong and consistent, and the built-in concentrator helps direct this power and airflow well. You can't fault the dryer for its efficiency, and it does its main job – getting moisture out of the hair – as well as any.

The cold shot button is another feature that performs well. Unlike some dryers where the cool setting just feels lukewarm, this one gives a genuine blast of cold air. With its button positioned conveniently above the sliders, you can easily press it with your thumb while styling, and it works quickly to cool down sections and lock in shape.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

With extended use, though, things started to fall apart for me. While the drying time was quick, the finish just wasn’t there. At all. No matter what combination of settings I used – hot then cool, low speed for control, brushing in sections, even towel-drying beforehand – my hair always ended up looking frizzy and undefined. Even with the promise of the built-in concentrator and ceramic tourmaline coating, and even if I followed my drying session up with the cold shot, the result was consistently disappointing.

So much so, the time I saved on drying was lost by needing to go back over everything with straighteners or a hot brush just to get a polished finish.

Revlon Airflow Control Dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Similarly, when using the magnetic diffuser on my natural curls, I was hoping for a soft, voluminous finish, but again the results were underwhelming. It dried my hair quickly, but didn’t enhance definition or reduce frizz. If anything, it made my hair puffier.

Given its budget price I wasn't expecting miracles with the Airflow Control, but considering the marketing specifically says it'll reduce frizz and boost shine, I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer?

Buy it if...

You want fast drying time

With a powerful 2000W motor and strong airflow, the Airflow Control dryer will get your hair dry nice and quickly.

You're on a tight budget

Not everyone can (or wants to) spend a small fortune on a hair dryer. This is one of the cheapest options around, and if you have basic styling needs it'll do the job just fine.

You struggle with wrist strain when styling

The rotating head helps adjust airflow angles without needing to twist your arm or strain your wrists. The built-in concentrator is also convenient and means there’s nothing to lose or clip on.

Don't buy it if...

You want a sleek, frizz-free finish

Despite its ceramic tourmaline coating, the Airflow Control dryer consistently left my hair frizzy.

You need styling flexibility

The concentrator is built-in and oversized, so you can’t swap it for more precise nozzles.

You prefer compact or folding tools for travel

The dryer is bulkier than expected and doesn’t fold, meaning it's not the best choice for slinging into a suitcase or backpack.

How I tested the Revlon Airflow Control hair dryer

For a month, I used the Revlon Airflow Control Dryer as the main dryer for my long, naturally curly and fine hair. During testing, I used all the different heat and speed settings, timed how long it took the combinations to rough-dry my hair from wet to dry, and I tested how well the cold shot and diffuser performed. I paid close attention to how easy it was to use day-to-day, including how it felt to hold, button placement, and whether the rotating head actually made a difference.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed March 2025
The Philips Barista Brew espresso machine is good-looking and well priced, but it’s challenging to master (and a bit messy, too)
6:30 pm | May 4, 2025

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

Philips Barista Brew: two-minute review

The Philips Barista Brew is an espresso machine that can either hand-hold you through brewing espresso by automating part of the process, or leave you to do everything manually once you’ve built up your confidence. It’s a nice idea that should help smooth out the typical learning curve.

The machine heats quickly, and has a useful pressure gauge on the front that lets you see whether you’ve achieved the optimal pressure while pulling a shot of espresso. The controls are simple to understand and use, and although the Barista Brew takes longer to master than some other machines I’ve tested recently (such as the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch), once accustomed to its idiosyncrasies, you’ll be able to create consistently good coffee with minimal fuss (and only a scattering of grounds on your kitchen worktop).

For me, the Philips Barista Brew had two main drawbacks: the automatic dosing and the tamper. Both issues are solvable, though; but they do mean that this is a good coffee machine rather than a great one.

On its default settings, the Barista Brew ground far too much coffee for a double shot of espresso, and I needed to reduce the grind time by half to get an appropriate dose. Changing settings isn’t too difficult using the instruction booklet, but I can’t help but feel that the presets should be better configured, since making big changes to the standard settings may be outside the comfort zone of people new to coffee-making.

Pressure meter on Philips Barista Brew coffee maker

I found it hard to achieve the optimum pressure using the Philips Barista Brew with its "calibrated" tamper, and my coffee tended to extract too quickly – even when very finely ground. Swapping to a conventional solid tamper solved the problem, however. (Image credit: Future)

My other issue was the tamper, which is spring-loaded and limits the amount of pressure you can put on the coffee puck. Despite the coffee being finely ground, my shots often poured too fast, and the pressure gauge on the front of the machine showed that it was failing to reach the optimal nine bars.

I found a few solutions. Grinding the coffee more coarsely means it takes up more space (imagine the difference between a bucket full of sand and one full of rocks), with it usually resulting in a faster pour because water will find its way through the grounds more quickly. But here, if you dial the grinder just right, you may be able to tamp hard enough to cancel out that effect.

Another option is to simply grind more coffee, so there's more for the tamp to compress; but this feels like a waste of beans. As with any espresso machine, add too much to your basket and it will make contact with the brew head when you insert the handle, which will stop the water passing through properly.

Philips Barista Brew coffee maker

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, you can stick with your preferred grind size and dose, and use a simple third-party tamper to compress the puck rather than Philips' spring-loaded unit. While this one feels nice in the hand, I can’t help but feel it’s over-engineered.

Nevertheless, it’s important to bear in mind the price of the Barista Brew when you’re comparing it to others in the same category. Although I found the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch easier to master, the Barista Brew is much cheaper at its currently reduced price when you buy direct from Philips. If you don’t get along with the "calibrated" tamper, you can buy a good-quality unit separately and still pay a lot less.

It’ isn't perfect, but the Philips Barista Brew is very good for the price, and is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a compact, all-in-one espresso machine that won’t break the bank.

Philips Barista Brew: price and availability

  • List price $649.99 / £580.99 (about AU$1,000)
  • For sale in US and Europe
  • Dual-hopper version also available

The Philips Barista Brew launched in January 2024, with a list price of $649.99 / £580.99 (about AU$1,000). However, it can often be found at a discount if you shop around – for example, at the time of writing, it’s available direct from Philips for £449.99. You’ll find all today’s best prices below.

That’s about average for a semi-automatic espresso machine of this type, and is almost exactly the same price as the similarly specced De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo. If you want a machine that will hold your hand with features such as automatic milk texturizing or a color touchscreen (like the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch), for example, you should expect to pay a little more.

This version of the Philips Barista Brew comes with a single bean hopper, but there’s also a model with a dual hopper that can hold two different beans at once and switch between them on-the-fly. That model is slightly more expensive at $699.99 / £624.99 (about AU$1,100) before discounts.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Philips Barista Brew: specs

Philips Barista Brew: design

  • Stylish-looking and compact
  • Easy-to-use controls for coffee and milk
  • Grinder is messy to use

The Philips Barista Brew is quite compact compared to most of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, and surprisingly light, too. This is largely down to its chassis, which is made mostly from black plastic, with brushed stainless steel only on the front. It’s a stylish appliance, and will look quite at home in a modern kitchen.

The machine is operated using a series of buttons found along the front, with a dial on the side for dispensing hot water and steam. There are three drink options (single espresso, double espresso, and americano), and you can adjust the brew time and coffee dosage manually by following the clear guidance in the instruction booklet.

Control panel on Philips Barista Brew coffee maker

(Image credit: Future)

The version of the Philips Barista Brew I tested comes with a single bean hopper, but there's also a version with a two-part hopper that allows you to switch between different beans on-the-fly – a welcome feature for those of us who prefer decaf in the afternoon. The dual-hopper version is only a little more expensive, and is well worth considering.

The hopper sits on top of a ceramic burr grinder that offers 15 grind settings, which are adjusted by rotating the hopper. The burrs move smoothly, and dismantling the grinder for cleaning proved straightforward. The machine comes with a small cleaning kit that includes a brush for this purpose.

Philips Barista Brew coffee maker grinding coffee into portafilter handle

Even with the powder ring fitted on the handle, coffee tended to fly out of the grinder (Image credit: Future)

The grinder can be set to dispense a timed dose of coffee, or operated manually by pushing the portafilter handle against the back of the machine (tilting it slightly upwards to hit a switch).

The water tank sits on the back of the Philips Barista Brew, and is easy to lift off using its robust handle. Some other reviewers have called it narrow and difficult to clean, but it’s actually wider than those of many other coffee machines I’ve tested this year, and it was perfectly possible to get my hand inside with a cloth and towel. The only downside is that it isn't supplied with a water filter.

Philips Barista Brew coffee maker

Look behind the drip tray to find a nicely designed pin tool for clearing the steam wand (Image credit: Future)

The steam wand has a good range of motion, and can be adjusted using a cool-touch silicone handle. Should it become clogged, you’ll find a double-ended pin tool for clearing any blockages tucked away behind the drip tray, where it’s unlikely to be found by children, or become lost. The sharper end of the pin even has a safety cap to protect your fingers.

The Barista Brew comes with a 48mm portafilter and four filter baskets – single and double-walled, for single and double shots. The double-walled (pressurized) baskets are more forgiving if you haven't quite nailed your coffee-making technique just yet, and make it easier to make a consistently well-extracted shot.

Philips Barista Brew coffee maker

The calibrated tamper feels nice and weighty in the hand, but limits how much pressure you can put on the puck (Image credit: Future)

The portafilter handle has a rubberized area at the front of the basket, which makes it easy for you to stabilize it on the edge of your kitchen counter while tamping, without the need for a separate mat. It also has a powder ring that twists onto the basket that’s intended to keep things tidy during grinding, although I found it didn't prevent grounds flying out.

You also get the usual stainless steel milk pitcher, which is perfectly well made, and a "calibrated" tamper that only lets you compress the ground coffee a certain amount. It's an interesting idea, but in practice I struggled to get a properly extracted coffee because it wasn't tamped down hard enough.

Finally, the Barista Brew has a cup-warmer on top – something I always appreciate, but which is usually missing from espresso machines in this price bracket.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

Philips Barista Brew: performance

The Philips Barista Brew is fundamentally a very good coffee machine, and once you’re familiar with its quirks you’ll be able to make consistently good espresso. However, its guided brewing features aren't quite as straightforward as it might first appear – and in some cases, it’s easier to do things yourself.

The Barista Brew heats quickly, and its set of clearly labelled buttons are intuitive to use once it’s up to temperature. The standout design feature is the large central pressure gauge, which lets you see how well your coffee is extracted before you even taste it. Some higher-end coffee makers I’ve tested will determine whether the pressure was too high or too low and offer feedback on a color touchscreen, but the analog pressure meter does the job just as well.

The machine’s pump is quiet in operation, too, averaging 60dB during use (about the same as a dishwasher or normal conversation). Some coffee makers can reach up to 70dB, so the Barista Brew definitely sits towards the more comfortable end of the scale.

Philips Barista Brew coffee maker portafilter with powder ring attached

The powder ring is a nice addition, but doesn't fully prevent coffee spraying out during grinding (Image credit: Future)

My main issues with this machine involve grinding and tamping. The Philips Barista Brew offers a grind time setting to help with dosing. Just turn a dial on the front of the machine to decide how much coffee to dispense, hold the grind button to toggle between single and double shots, and tap it again to start grinding. Unfortunately, even when turned down to one of the lowest settings, the machine ground far more beans than I actually needed – even though I was using one of the finest grind sizes. I had to scoop out a good portion of grounds before I could consider tamping them down.

It was much easier to ignore the dosing button and do things the old-fashioned way: use a digital scale to weigh the handle, zero the scale, push the handle against the back of the machine until the dosage looked right (about 18g for a double espresso), weigh it again, and make any tweaks to achieve the correct weight.

Espresso made using Philips Barista Brew coffee maker

The Barista Brew can pull a well-balanced espresso, once you're used to its quirks (Image credit: Future)

The grinder was also a bit messy. The Philips Barista Brew has a powder ring that twists onto the top of the basket before grinding, which should direct ground coffee inside. However, in use I found that ground coffee still had a tendency to shoot out onto my work surface and the rest of the machine. Coffee grounds were particularly prone to accumulating on the funnel directly below the grinder, which needed wiping after every use. It seems this issue is likely caused by static electricity.

According to Philips, the spring-loaded tamper is calibrated to help you create a perfect puck; but during my tests, I found it didn’t apply as much pressure as I'd like. As a result, water ran through the grounds too quickly, and the machine failed to reach the optimum nine bars of pressure, even with very finely ground coffee (as shown on the pressure gauge).

Therefore, the resulting drinks were often under-extracted and a little sour-tasting –something verified by my colleague Peter Berenski, the resident coffee-buff at TechRadar’s sister site, Tom’s Guide. The video below shows a typical under-extracted double espresso pouring in just 15 seconds rather than the ideal 28 seconds.

You can get around this issue by using a third-party 58mm tamper; the "calibrated" unit supplied with the machine feels like a solution in search of a problem. The machine would be better with something simple. You can also try grinding your coffee more coarsely, so that the same weight of grounds take up more space, or simply use more beans – but this feels like a waste.

On a happier note, the machine’s steam wand is excellent. You don’t have precise control over the pressure (the dial on the side of the machine simply lets you choose between steam and water), but once it’s up to temperature, it maintains good pressure for the length of time it takes you to texturize your milk.

Automatic milk systems can be a nice touch for new users, but a manual wand delivers more flexibility, letting you adjust your technique for dairy or non-dairy milks.

  • Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Philips Barista Brew?

Buy it if

You’re looking for an affordable espresso machine

The Philips Barista Brew is often available at a healthy discount, and is one of the most affordable bean-to-cup machines you can buy.

You’re already comfortable with the fundamentals

If you already know how to dose, tamp and steam, the Philips Barista Brew will be a piece of cake to use.

Don't buy it if

You’re intimidated by manual controls

The Philips Barista Brew offers guided brewing features, but in my experience it works best when you take coffee-making into your own hands. If you want more assistance, a model such as the Ninja Luxe Café may be a better option.

You want to keep your kitchen pristine

The Philips Barista Brew’s grinder has a tendency to propel coffee across your worktop, and grounds accumulate around the chute. A barista towel will be invaluable.

Philips Barista Brew: also consider

De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685

If you’re on a tight budget, this little manual coffee maker is one of the best you can buy. You’ll need a separate grinder, but that will deliver greater flexibility because you can choose one with a wider range of grind settings.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 review

Breville Barista Touch Impress

Want an espresso machine that offers more of a helping hand than the Philips Barista Brew? The Barista Touch Impress (branded as Sage in the UK) will assist you in creating the perfect puck, with a lever-operated smart tamping system. It’s much pricier than the Philips machine, though.

Read our full Breville Barista Touch Impress review

How I tested the Philips Barista Brew

I put the Philips Barista Brew through its paces for a week, using both the pressurized and single-wall baskets to compare the results. I dialled in the grinder to achieve good extraction, and used both the automatic dosing system and manual grinding options. I used fresh arabica beans from a local coffee roaster, and chilled whole milk bought immediately before testing.

I compared coffee made using the Philips Barista Brew to coffee made with my own Gaggia Classic manual espresso maker and Dualit ceramic burr grinder.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.

First reviewed May 2025

Paired with my usually ineffective AC, this circulator cooled down my house phenomenally quickly
9:00 am | May 2, 2025

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

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S: two-minute review

As someone who has a house that's over 100 years old, my A/C and heater struggle to heat or cool down my rooms and it usually results in high bills at the height of summer or winter. I've tried many different ways to fix this problem – and I think I've finally found the answer in the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S.

Despite the name, the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S is more accurately described as an air circulator. While it has nine different wind speeds and can blow air long distances, it's not the best fan I've tested when used on its own. However, its ability to horizontally and vertically tilt 120-degrees makes it an outstanding tool for circulating cool or hot air from an air-conditioner or a heater around a room.

I used this air circulator in my house, running a number of tests to see how well it works, and I was beyond impressed. When paired with my air-conditioning, the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S cooled my living room faster than the air-conditioner could work. In fact, in less than 10 minutes, it cooled the living room down by five degrees – which I know because I monitored the temperature of the room in the Dreo app where I can easily control the various settings of the fan.

Beyond its air circulating powers, the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S offers more features and settings than most other fans or air circulators on the market. With five different specialty modes and ambient lighting with customizable color and brightness settings, it more than justifies its $119.99 price tag. Tack on the fact that you can schedule the fan, create custom specialty modes, and adjust the oscillation degrees, and this Dreo product feels slightly underpriced.

Read on for a fuller picture of how the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S performed during testing.

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S in reviewer's living room

(Image credit: Future)

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S review: price & availability

  • List price: $119.99 / £129.99
  • Launched: April 2025
  • Available: US, Canada, UK

The Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S was part of an April 2025 launch of summer cooling products by Dreo. It's priced at $119.99 / £129.99 for all three color options. It can be purchased direct from Dreo, but it's also available on Amazon (although make sure you're buying the model you want here – the product codes are rather well hidden, and a lot of this brand's fans look very similar).

Considering this air circulator fan is stylish, can be controlled within an app, has ambient lighting, and vertical and horizontal oscillation, I would say the price is reflective of the features. I've seen fans with less features and cooling capabilities that cost more.

How does it compare to the competition? One of TechRadar's best-rated fans is the Shark FlexBreeze, which costs $199.99 / £199.99. That model does some things the 508S can't – it can be used cordless or taken outside, and has a misting function, for instance – and it's also more powerful as a standalone fan than the 508S.

Also highly rated is the MeacoFan 1056P, which costs $189.99 / £149.99. This is perhaps a better comparison point because, like the 508S, it can oscillate horizontally and vertically to circulate air. This starts to look poor value for money compared to the Dreo model – there's no app control with the Meaco option, and the vertical and horizontal oscillation range is smaller.

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S specs

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S review: design

  • Modern pedestal fan / air circulator with vertical and horizontal oscillation
  • Outfitted with ambient lighting in different colors
  • Controllable through display buttons, a remote, app, and voice control

The Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S arrived in a few pieces that were easy to put together, even without the instructions provided. It took all but a few minutes to assemble the fan.

While I tested a white colored Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S, it comes in two other colors, silver and gold. The fan sits on a pole that goes into a round base. The pole itself is adjustable, and according to Dreo, it can be adjusted 0-5 inches. Oddly, I measured the full extension with a measuring tape, and found the pole extends up to nine inches for a maximum fan height of 40 inches.

On the pole, there is a digital screen that displays the different settings and fan speeds, indicated by the numbers 1-9. Below the display are a variety of touch buttons – power, fan speed/timer, ambient light, ambient light color, vertical oscillation, and horizontal oscillation/child lock button.

Close up of control panel on Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S

(Image credit: Future)

The fan itself has what Dreo calls 3D oscillation, which basically means that the fan head tilts 120 degrees vertically and 120 degrees horizontally. This is why the fan head feels a little loose around the area where it connects to the pole – to allow for movement.

In addition to the touch buttons, a remote control is provided, as well as a holder for it that clips onto the pole. The remote has the exact same buttons as is found on the fan itself.

Close up of control screen and remote control on Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S

(Image credit: Future)

The Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S also connects to the Dreo app, meaning you can control the fan within the easy-to-navigate app. It has also the same buttons found on the fan and the remote, as well as a few others. For instance, in the app, you can adjust the vertical and horizontal oscillation degrees to anything between 0 and 120 degrees. You can also turn off the panel sound in the app and see the temperature of the room. In fact, the ambient temperature from the last 24 hours and past 30 days are recorded.

This fan is outfitted with five different specialty modes. While you can set the Turbo mode with the remote or the display buttons, you must use the app to set the fan on Normal, Auto, Sleep, or Natural mode. You can also create a custom mode that lets you set an ambient temperature goal and oscillation degrees. Users also have the ability to schedule the fan to turn on and run for a certain amount of time.

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S in reviewer's living room

(Image credit: Future)

Equally as interesting is the amount of control you have with the ambient lighting. Not only can you adjust the brightness level of the light, but there is a gradient that lets you choose up to 1500+ colors, so you're not limited to just a set number of colors. You can even adjust how the light presents itself on the fan. There's the Constant setting – which means the light will remain constant. The Breath setting results in a breath-like pulse of light that can be set on low, mid, or high speeds. With the Circle setting, the ambient light changes cyclically in a set sequence at a low, mid, or high speed.

This is perhaps one of the quietest fans I've ever tested. I barely hear it, even when it's on Turbo mode. For reference, when placed on fan speed 1, it has a 40dB rating, while on Turbo mode, the sound rating is 67 dB.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S review: performance

  • Extremely effective as an air circulator used with air-con or a heater
  • Good airflow power, but there are more effective standalone fans
  • Tons of convenient control options, but voice assistant support unreliable

As mentioned above, my air-conditioning unit and heater struggle to cool and heat my house. I've had many technicians tell me that I could benefit from a second unit and more vents. I make do with what I have, but unfortunately, my house has little insulation, and the cool or hot air tends to seep out the ceiling, the windows, or the walls, and my units run longer and ultimately cost me more.

I think I've found a solution in the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S and I couldn't be more ecstatic. Before I explain how phenomenally this air circulation fan worked, I'm going to break down my use of a variety of other features it offers.

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S in reviewer's living room

(Image credit: Future)

I typically alternated between using the remote and the app to manage the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S, as it really didn't make sense for me to walk over to the fan and use the touchscreen buttons. I was able to use the remote 30 feet away as long as the remote was in the sight line of the fan. Maybe it would work at farther distances, but this is as far as I could go based on the design of my house.

Most of the time I used the app, since you can't access all the settings with just the remote or display buttons. The Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S can be voice controlled with Google Assistant and Alexa too. I tested this out by connecting to Google Assistant on my phone. It only took a few minutes to do within the app, though it was a little confusing, so if you're not tech savvy, you might need to rope in a tech-forward friend to help you out.

With voice commands, I was able to turn the air circulator or the oscillation on and off, increase or decrease the fan speeds, change specialty modes, and check the temperature of the room. While I was able to turn the ambient lighting on and off, Google Assistant couldn't change the color of the ambient lighting for me. There was also a point where I asked it to increase the fan speed to 5 and it increased the fan speed to 4. Clearly, there are some limitations to Google Assistant and Alexa. At least, Dreo provides voice command examples in the app, so you know exactly how to change the settings.

Close up of fan head on Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S, showing red ambient lighting

(Image credit: Future)

I didn't use the ambient lighting feature often, except at night when I placed the fan in my bedroom. I'd turn on the ambient lighting, sometimes switching to colored lights for the fun of it. It doesn't light up a room, but it kind of works like a soft night light. While this is not a necessary feature for me personally, I think it definitely adds value to the product.

Now to the most important feedback – is the air circulator actually effective? The answer is yes. Before testing the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S, I hadn't turned my A/C on yet as it wasn't quite hot enough outside to warrant it. That said, my home had grown pretty warm. In fact, it had reached 82F (28C) inside my living room. I know this because the fan can read the temperature in the room it's located, and you can see that temperature reading within the app.

I decided to turn on my A/C and set it to 72F (22C). I wanted to see how long it would take the air circulator fan to cool down my living room that much. I turned on the fan and set the vertical and horizontal oscillation degrees to 120 degrees and the fan speed to 9.

The A/C and the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S had only been running for one minute when the temperature in my living room dropped one degree. I felt the room cool almost immediately.

This is even more impressive when you consider the layout of my house. The dining room and the study are connected to the living room, and there are large walkways (like six feet of space) between them. The air circulator was placed in a corner of the living room. Because I didn't shut off the living room from the dining room or the study, the air circulator was probably working double time, and still the temperature dropped quickly in the living room.

Within seven minutes, the temperature had dropped by four degrees to 78F (26C). At the 15-minute mark, I decided to turn the fan on Turbo mode. After thirty minutes, the living room temperature had dropped to 74F (23C). It took 45 minutes for the living room to cool to 72F (22C), although when I checked my house's thermometer, it said that the house had only cooled to 76F (24C) in that time.

I was thoroughly happy with these results, and I could imagine all the benefits of using the air circulator in the future. In the winter, I'll put it in my bedroom before I go to sleep and use it to circulate hot air from the heater and effectively warm up the room quickly so that it's nice and cozy before I get under the bed covers. This summer, I'm definitely going to use it to circulate the A/C's cool air in the kitchen, so I don't overheat when I'm cooking dinner.

Dreo PolyFan 704S in reviewer's home

(Image credit: Future)

I can't say this for sure, but I think the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S could save me some money. For instance, rather than lowering the A/C, which will be expensive, I'm planning to set the A/C in the high 70s. That will still give me enough cool air for the air circulator to circulate the cool air in whatever room I'm sitting in and make that room cooler for me. I don't really care if the rest of the house is cool, only if the room I'm in is cool. Money saving idea? I think so!

If you don't have an air conditioner, the TurboPoly 508S can still be used a standalone fan. When it's set on the Turbo speed level, I can feel the airflow 29 feet away, and 12 feet away when it's set on speed level 1. However, I've recently tested three other fans (the Shark HydroGo desktop fan, and the Dreo Smart Tower Fan 519S and Shark TurboBlade tower fans), and I found their airflows much more effective at cooling.

I'll say this – there are times of the year when I don't have my air-conditioning or heater on but I'd still like a fan to cool me down. The Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S will work just fine until I turn on the A/C or heater. But I wouldn't necessarily buy it with the plan to only use it as a fan. It's best designed to circulate air in a room, and I think I've explained above why I love this product for having that capability – and in fact, it assists in keeping me overall cooler or warmer than any fan actually does.

For the most part, I used the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S on Normal or Turbo mode. Sometimes I adjusted the oscillation so that the fan would direct airflow right on me, but as I said, most of the time, I used it as an air circulator.

Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S in reviewer's home

(Image credit: Future)

I'm a big fan of the Natural mode, because it simulates the feel of a breeze. This is nice when I'm not super-hot but I just want some light air movement across my skin. The Sleep mode also worked fantastically. Like other Dreo fans, when in Sleep mode, the fan speed decreases once every 30 minutes, stopping after the second decrease. For instance, if I set the fan speed at 7 while on Sleep mode, the speed would reduce to 6 after 30 minutes and then 5 after another 30 minutes. It would remain on 5 the rest of the night.

The Auto mode is a smart feature that is super helpful. When set, Auto mode will increase the fan speed until the room temperature lowers. Once the room reaches a comfortable level (which is noted in the app), the fan speed decreases, maintaining that comfortable temperature. I used this feature sometimes, because it was nice not having to monitor the temperature reading within the app.

I didn't schedule the air circulator often, except when using the Sleep mode at night. Usually, I'd schedule the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S to turn on about 30 minutes before I went to sleep so that the air in the room could circulate and cool down before I went to bed.

A cool addition is the option to create your own custom mode, which essentially lets you choose temperature blocks and oscillation degrees. I like that I had the option to customize a mode, but I didn't really find much use for it, at least not at this time. Perhaps in the future, when I've used the fan for longer, I'll see how a specific custom mode might benefit me.

  • Performance score:4 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S?

Buy it if...

You want a to boost your air-con

The Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S is an air circulator fan, which means it's designed to circulate hot or cold air around a room, heating or cooling down a space faster than an A/C unit or heater could do on its own. This is all thanks to the vertical and horizontal oscillation capabilities of the fan. As an air circulator, the 508S is phenomenal.

You want a fan with smart features

Although it comes with buttons and a remote control, this Dreo fan is most conveniently controlled within the Dreo app. The app has so many customizable settings, from the color of the lighting to a scheduler and custom mode creation. Not only that, but it has some smart features like voice command with Alexa and Google Assistant and an Auto mode that increases or decreases the fan speed based on the temperature of the room.

You love cool lighting features

The Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S doubles as a nightlight thanks to ambient light color settings. Not only does it have a white light that you can turn on at night, but in the app you can choose from over 1,500 colors within a color graph.

Don't buy it if...

You want a powerful standalone fan

I've tested a number of fans, and if it's a standalone fan you're after, there are more effective options than the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S. While it does have high fan speeds and a Turbo mode, it isn't the most powerful fan or the best on the market to keep you cool without combining it with an A/C.

You want a fan with 180-degree horizontal oscillation

This fan can oscillate vertically and horizontally 120 degrees, which is impressive. However, there are fans that oscillate 180 degrees horizontally, if you're worried the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S's oscillation won't be enough.

You're on a tight budget

There are some air circulator fans on the market that cost less than $100/£100. While they lack many of the features of this Dreo fan – like a wide range of speeds, specialty modes, app connectivity, smart features, and lighting – they still do a decent job at circulating air in a room, if you're happy to keep things simple.

How I tested the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S

Testing of the Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S occurred in April 2025 in my house in North Texas. I used every specialty mode, the different fan speeds, and tested how far away I could feel the airflow. Not only did I test the fan in different areas of my house, but I used it in conjunction with my air-conditioning unit to see its effectiveness in circulating cool air around a room and how that impacted the room's temperature.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed April 2025
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