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Unexpected gadgets?

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  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited December 2021
    I have USB charge lights like this too, they have an on/off/motion sense switch. But the colour is quite harsh - blue/white. The Ikea ones are quite warm/yellow light that isn't a shock in the dark, when it comes on.


  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited December 2021
    You can get motion sensor light bulbs that you can screw into regular lamps or into regular ceiling fittings. I haven't tried one, but it's intriguing. Maybe good for a shared hallway or office bathroom...  or porch - as a security light.




  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
     the vacuum insulated electric kettle - saves loads of energy.


    @StephenSouthwest Can I ask what brand of thermal kettle you have? I can't see many types out there. Thanks
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    Using some xmas vouchers, i treated myself to a humidifier for my tropical house plants.
    I'm almost hypnotised by it, as i watch the led display rise and fall as it operates. Simple things for simple minds.  :)
    Sunny Dundee
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    edited January 2022
    Fire said:
     the vacuum insulated electric kettle - saves loads of energy.


    @StephenSouthwest Can I ask what brand of thermal kettle you have? I can't see many types out there. Thanks

    I bought a Hubimex V4 - I've been really pleased with it - wastes less power when heating, keeps water surprisingly hot, runs at lower power (which means it uses a higher proportion of solar), I can choose what temp to bring it up to (90 degrees is plenty for tea or coffee) and the outside is cool. The only downside is that it is a little heavier than an uninsulated kettle...

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've never heard of that @StephenSouthwest. Are they readily available? Apologies if you've said.
    I've just ordered a new kettle, but there's a delay with it. Not really a problem, but the one I have is a bit dodgy. Can't be without my tea  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I tried a Duronic "eco kettle" but it isn't. I ran a test again my current bog standard Russell Hobbs kettle and the Duronic was slower even though it's supposed to have an eco "rapid boil". I think Duronic is suffering from eco-guff.

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited January 2022
    Not gadgets but unexpectedly useful things are

    Silver cloths. Great for jewellery or musical instruments. You can just polish up silver rings or nickel to a high shine. No silver polish, no need to bring to the jewellers. Works a treat and has no scent, unlike silver polish which I loathe.

    Magic erasers. Not eco but good for removing scuff marks off walls, removing crayon, or cleaning grouting.  A little goes a long way.
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202610502183

  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    My air fryer has been a game changer for me. ( Other brands are available ) I’d been thinking about one for a few years, but finally took the plunge a year ago. Previously, we had a gas oven, but since we redid the kitchen, now have an electric fan oven. I went for the version which has two chambers, which can be run at different temperatures and different cooking times, but has a synchronisation feature which means both finish cooking at the same time. I had no idea I would use it so much, the main oven only goes on once a week, if that. It means OH can have chips rather more than is good for him, but at least I don’t have to put the main oven on. Great for just the two of us, I can cook chicken pieces or fish in one compartment, and chips, roast potatoes or similar in the other. If grandsons were old enough to be heading off to uni or similar, I’d be buying them one for their digs. Wish I’d got one sooner. Sorry if I’m sounding like an advert, but I’m so pleased with it!


  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I hear people rave about air friers. They are new to me. I should look them up.
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