There are some brilliant gadgets around at the moment that are designed to make your home life that little bit more fun and manageable. Here are four of the best.
By Laith Abou-Ragheb
Nutribullet
www.nutribullet.com
Don’t make the mistake of dismissing this as just another bog-standard blender. The Nutribullet is actually a powerful “nutrition extractor” that shreds fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds down to their most absorbable state, without losing any important vitamins and minerals. The version pictured is the top-of-the-line, 1,700-Watt Nutribullet RX which packs a 2.3 horsepower motor.
The Bottom Line: The world has gone crazy for the Nutribullet, with millions sold worldwide. Expect to see one in your kitchen soon.
Price: $200
Dyson Small Ball
www.dyson.co.uk
This vacuum cleaner has the same cyclone technology found in full-size Dysons, but weighs just 5.5 kilograms and has a retractable wand that uses up to 30 percent less storage space. Plus, it’s 30 percent quieter and can now be used on all types of surfaces, including hard floors.
The Bottom Line: All that Dyson vacuum technology in an even more compact package. What’s not to like?
Price: $450
The Sage by Heston Blumenthal The Oracle
www.sageappliances.co.uk
Endorsed by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, this imposing stainless steel, bean-to-cup espresso machine is fully automated and comes with an integrated grinder with no less than 18 settings. It’s also built like a tank, which means it will probably still be whipping up cappuccinos and lattes for years to come.
The Bottom Line: If The Oracle is good enough for the master of molecular gastronomy, it’s good enough for us.
Price: $800
Sonos Play: 1
Sonos have long been synonymous with app-controlled, multi-room hi-fi systems. The Play:1 might be the entry speaker in the Sonos range, but thanks to two very capable Class D amplifiers, 3.5-inch mid-woofer and a single tweeter, it still punches well above its weights in terms of music quality.
The Bottom Line: Even if you’re on a budget, you can start with a single Play:1 and gradually add more to create a truly seamless listening experience around your home.
Price: $200
