I'm a PC gamer and I wish I knew about these 5 Steam apps to boost my gaming setup
This article is part of Tom's Guide's inaugural Gaming Week, an entire week of content dedicated to all things gaming. From insights into the latest hardware, guides to the best games you can play today, to the essential accessories we can't play without. Tom's Guide Gaming Week will guide you through the world of video games in 2025.
There's more to PC gaming than just downloading one of the best PC games and plunging into hours of gameplay. I mean, that's what I've done for years, but there's frame rates, streaming, storage and an element of style to think about once you invest in a PC gaming setup.
There's more to Valve's essential Steam than just games, as there are many tools (free and paid) that will not only give your gaming laptop or PC a makeover, but will also help improve gaming performance, save precious space, make navigation around multitasking easier and even improve streaming capabilties — and that last one's for free.
We've gone through the hidden features on Steam you should know about, but what of the apps on Valve's popular gaming platform? Here are the tools you should check out if you're looking to give your gaming setup a boost.
If you haven't heard of Lossless Scaling before, now's the time to learn about it. Even though there are Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs with DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Gen, we've seen how those GPUs come at an awful high price. With this Steam app, however, you can essentially triple frame rates in PC games for less than $10/£10.
Using a variety of scaling options, Lossless Scaling can enhance your native PC gaming experience and bump up frame rates for much richer, smoother gameplay. We've noted that the app's frame gen isn't as fine-tuned as other big-brand companies like Nvidia's DLSS or AMD's FSR, but for single-player experiences in massive titles like Cypberpunk 2077, there is a negligible difference here.
We recommend using the 'LSFG 2.2.' frame generation option, then select the 'X2' option in the 'Mode' tab.
If you're looking to seriously upgrade your desktop's look, chances are PC buffs will point you straight to Wallpaper Engine. This isn't just some basic wallpaper app; it's a powerhouse backed by a massive community of artists churning out thousands of eye-popping themes and live wallpapers.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Want to tweak them to perfection? Go right ahead. Plus, it's got all the bells and whistles to turn your favorite static pics into slick animated backdrops.
While it might not be the ultimate gaming companion compared to some others out there, for anyone who loves tricking out their PC with awesome visuals, Wallpaper Engine is the way to go.
If you're just getting started on streaming all the game you play, OBS Studio is a fantastic way to start. Why? Well, for livestreaming or video recording all the one-of-a-kind headshots you pull off, it's completely free.
Really, it's a great way to record gameplay videos to save to your hard drive to share with anyone, but it also offers a simple way to mix and match all your captured content and share it on multiple popular platforms, whether it be YouTube, Twitch, TikTok or whatever.
It's extremely versatile, with support for hardware encoders for different GPUs, audio and video mixers that can be used from multiple sources captured and it also boasts a simplistic interface to make getting to grips with it accessible for all.
Who said scrolling on your mouse was just for, well, scrolling? It may be the simplest app around, but JustScroll does everything it says it does, and that's to easily control your PC's volume but scrolling with your mouse. Simple, yet effective, no?
Whether you're gaming away or watching the latest shows and there's just a little too much noise coming from those speakers that your neighbours would be upset by, all you have to do is press the Windows Key and scroll. You can also hover over the Windows taskbar and scroll up or down to your heart's content.
That's it. There's a demo available, and while spending $2/£2 is a tad annoying just to have the feature active, all in all, it isn't much if you're looking for an easy way to adjust your volume with ease.
There's many a gaming laptop that doesn't have fast-reaching volume control buttons without pressing a function key or something of the like. But if you want to put your best gaming mouse of choice to good use, this app will do the trick.
This one's for the old-school gamers. Whether I'm running Return to Castle Wolfenstein or X-Men Legends, some games (understandably) aren't well optimized for modern systems. That's where Borderless Gaming comes in, as it forces games to deliver that borderless, fullscreen experience on your PC no matter what the application.
Yes, many modern games come with a fullscreen option, but not all the classics comes with this option. If in doubt, this app will help you out. It can even hide the irritating taskbar if classic titles don't get rid of it.
Plus, if you're a multitasker that often uses Alt + Tab, you can lock your mouse cursor to the game window just in case you accidentally press something outside the game. Even better, there's the option to mute games in the background while you go about scrolling through the web for guides (what I do) and more.
Are you always looking for extra space on your gaming PC? Well, if you play AAA gaming titles on the regular, you always will be. No matter your gaming PC and how big your storage is, there's only so much space to fit titles like Doom: The Dark Ages at 100GB, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at 55GB and The Last of Us Part II Remastered with 150GB.
That's where CompressorX comes in. This Steam app will compress gaming apps on Steam and shave off precious gigabytes on those large gaming files. I wrote about how the Steam app saved me 100GB of storage by compressing my gaming files (some better than others), but it's also come under scrutiny for just using New Technology File System (NTFS) compression that's already on Windows 11 (which is free to use).
I got in touch with the developer of the app, and this is what he told me:
"CompressorX is based on an earlier version of our LLM Compressor, which was developed at my AI lab in Tokyo. The model is specifically designed to minimize empirical risk across a large dataset while being lightweight enough to operate efficiently on a CPU.
"For transparent compression, we apply a 'hot patch' technique to modify parts of Windows, allowing us to replace functions within the existing compression layer. If CompressorX determines that its results would be inferior to a native algorithm like LZX, it defaults to using that instead. This is achieved by running both algorithms concurrently and comparing their outcomes. You can explore a database of these results here.
"An updated version of the model is currently in use by our enterprise clients for compressing data on their cloud storage. My goal is to release this improved model on Steam once I complete development of the background service functionality and add support for non-gaming applications, which I anticipate finalizing in Q3."
If you want to check out CompressorX, it will save you on storage space. However, there are other ways to achieve this for free, like using compressions tools on Windows or CompactGUI.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
3 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I spent hundreds of hours cooking to test the best kitchen scales — these are the 7 scales I recommend
I've been baking ever since I could see over my mom's kitchen countertop, and I've continued to whip up plenty of tasty treats and hearty meals for my own now grown-up family. So, with more than enough experience behind me, I know what makes a good pair of kitchen scales. I selected a comprehensive mix of kitchen scales, from those with bowls to those with pull-out digital displays and even some with smart features. I then put them to the test. Each kitchen scale reviewed for this guide has undergone the same testing criteria, starting with measuring calibrated weights to verify accuracy. I've also used each scale for everyday cooking to test its performance in terms of ease of use, evaluating the controls, display, and practical aspects of using the bowl (if included), as well as how easy it is to clean and store. Here are the results. Best overall This kitchen scale is slim, sleek and compact, with the simplicity of one touch control positioned on the front edge of the scale and the display integrated into the measuring platform. Don't be fooled by its minimalism, because it's a great more below Best budget The Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale doesn't win on looks, unless you opt for one of the color-popping versions, but it's a great performer and accurate when weighing precise weights. The weighing platform is a little small, but it's a smart budget more below Best with bowl This kitchen scales offers a lot of bang for its buck and provides a generous bowl to measure ingredients. It's also exceptionally accurate and quick. The only drawback is its looks, but functionality pips appearance with this one. Read more below I'm a staff writer on the Homes team at Tom's Guide, and I take care of selecting, testing, and writing about the kitchen scales we review and recommend. My expertise comes from years of experience in the kitchen and knowing how accuracy, ease of use, cleaning, and functionality are all key aspects when making a purchasing decision. I researched online to find a mix of kitchen scales to test, finding those with and without bowls and added functions, such as precision weighing. From this, I selected 9 kitchen scales to put through their paces. Weighing them upThe main test was to check the scales for accuracy, and I used a set of calibration weights based on grams, including 1g, 2g, 10g, 20g, 50g and 100g. I started by using a 1g weight and increased the amounts. I also moved the weights around the scales to see if the measurement remained the same whether they were placed in the center or outer part of the scales. I finished by adding 171g in testing the weights I also noted how quickly the scales responded to the change when the weights were added and removed. I also checked how long the display stayed fixed before it went into auto-off, and whether this aligned with what was mentioned in the manual. Design and practicality Additionally, I considered the overall design and how easy the kitchen scales would be to store to ensure they wouldn't become damaged in a cupboard. Another element included how the bowl fitted (if relevant), and whether it was secure once on the base. Ease of useYou don't want to buy a kitchen scale that is difficult to navigate, as you want to get on with the job in hand, so I worked my way around using the controls, and checking the ease of replacing the battery or using the charging cable. FunctionalityMost of us probably won't need many bells and whistles when buying kitchen scales. Still, for those who want added functionality, I observed what additional features were on offer, such as smart features or a smaller scale for precision measurements. CleaningEven when I start with good intentions, I get messy in the kitchen, and my kitchen scales do too. Therefore, it was essential to see how easy the scales were to clean – checking if any cleaning products should be avoided and whether they took more effort than others. Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. Our expert review: I have an overwhelming need to stroke this kitchen scale. It's particularly sleek, slimline, and smooth and is incredibly compact if you're short on space. But don't let its basic look deceive you; it's an exceptional scale, and I might be sneaking this one into my kitchen cupboard rather than returning it to the Tom's Guide product testing room. Don't tell! The scale is incredibly flat, takes on a rectangular form with curved corners, and is lightweight at just 1.76 lbs. It does have a super reflective finish, which is prone to sticky finger marks, but a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth will sort it. Rather than having to insert batteries, which can be difficult to find when needed, this Zwilling kitchen scale is powered via a USB port, conveniently positioned on its side. What's more, I didn't need to charge it before its first use — it was ready to go. Everything is kept to a minimum, and the on/off touchpad button, located on the front edge, also serves as the tare function. But, if you want to swap the measurements from metric to imperial, you'll find the tab on the underside — although this isn't ideal if you're mid-measure. Just like its fuss-free design, the scale is easy to use and even has a sneaky function that allows you to press the tare button again after adding a second ingredient to see the combined weight. The display is also clear despite the highly reflective surface. However, you may need to be careful about the size of the bowl you add on top, as it could obstruct your view. If you are looking for precise accuracy for measuring yeast or coffee beans, I would recommend KitchenAid's dual scale. Our expert review: I have to tell you a secret. I've been using a budget kitchen scale for years, and it's seen me through a ton of ingredients without any issues. Sometimes, simple is best. It's one reason why I love Escali's Primo Digital Kitchen Scale. It looks fairly basic, and it doesn't have a cutting-edge design, but it works. And if you do want to ramp it up, you can choose something other than Chrome — how about Lavender, Pumpkin Orange, Tarragon Green, or Warm Red? It came out on top in terms of accuracy and registered a 1g weight, whereas many of the other kitchen scales failed. Have I convinced you? Unlike some other kitchen scales included in this guide, Escali concentrates on manufacturing kitchen scales, thermometers, and timers, so it certainly knows a thing or two about precision. However, the main downfall is the size of the weighing platform, finding a bowl that doesn't obscure the display, and the issue that the platform has a raised lip. I get the feeling that this might knock the accuracy if your bowl overhangs the edge. But, saying this, unless you're using a bowl from a stand mixer, like I sometimes do, it's perfectly manageable. The control buttons are positioned on either side of the display and are sealed to protect them against accidental spills; this also makes the scale easy to clean, as you can give it a quick wipe-over. Another advantage is that the material is not overly shiny and doesn't attract fingerprints like other highly reflective kitchen scales. I do think this kitchen scale misses a trick on the design front, but you can't ignore its accuracy and budget price. Our expert review: The Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale might not look very pretty, but it scores well on accuracy and functionality. For a budget kitchen scale under $20, your money is well spent and saved! I was impressed with the scale's accuracy when weighing 1g, as other scales in this guide didn't register this small weight. Plus, when using all weights, it measured them without fluctuating by a gram or two before settling on the final measurement. The bowl is another great advantage, as it is so big and deep, meaning everything stays inside. I work quickly in the kitchen and can be a bit clumsy, but the high-sided bowl keeps the ingredients where they should be, rather than sprinkled about my countertop. The control buttons aren't as simple to use as some kitchen scales, as there's a timer to negotiate too, but if you check the instructions, you'll soon know how everything works. The LED display is clear to read and covers imperial and metric measurements, and as an extra, you'll also be able to see the current temperature. It is a plus if you are making bread and intend to prove dough. Although this scale is shiny, it is easy to clean, so grab a microfiber cloth if you want to banish fingerprints. Also, it's not as small as some kitchen scales because of the bowl, so consider if storage will be an issue before you buy. Overall, it makes a great budget kitchen scale for the price. Our expert review: My first impression when I saw the KitchenAid dual scale was how much I liked the design. It's fairly simple, but with that comes a compact, sleek-looking scale — a must-have for many small kitchen owners when storage is at a premium. Another advantage is its dual scale, which wins me over because I love multi-functional appliances. My son was also impressed, but from another perspective, he's a coffee aficionado who loves grinding his own beans. Finally, he could use an incredibly accurate scale to boost his coffee-making prowess. One thing you don't get with this scale is a bowl, but I never see this as a problem, you just have to remember to reset the tare button if you place your own bowl on the scale. What's more, the scale is intuitive to use, and it won't take you long to work out how to switch the measurements from imperial to metric and vice versa. In fact, the hardest part is removing the battery cover on the reverse of the scale, which you hopefully won't have to do too often! The smaller scale measures up to 16oz (500g) and gives a reading with three decimal places for ounces and two decimal places for grams. When I weighed a small amount of coffee beans it measured 0.170oz/4.84g. The larger scale measures up to 11 lbs (5kg). I also found the scales to be very accurate, with the larger scale picking up a 1g calibrated weight where other scales I have tested failed. I also found the LED clear and easy to read, despite my limited photography skills portraying otherwise! Our expert review: I wasn't wowed over with the design of the OXO Good Grips food scale, although, overall, it offers a sleek and compact design. However, I was impressed with its functionality and the benefit of having a pull-out display. And, although they are on the pricier end of the kitchen scales I reviewed, at around $55, this feature alone could win you over. The pull-out display allows you to place large pots or bowls onto the platform without the measurement being obscured — a big win if you tend to batch cook and weigh large quantities. The scale was slightly off with the accuracy test, but only by 1g or 2g, but if you're not looking for a precision scale to weigh fine amounts of yeast or small quantities of coffee beans, this shouldn't put you off. The scale was easy to use, and the buttons soft to press, with the reading appearing quickly. Changing between grams and ounces was also fast, along with resetting the scale using the tare function. What's more, unlike some scales that go into standby mode after about two minutes, these stayed fully functioning for five minutes before they dulled out, and they didn't turn off completely for another 10 minutes. If you're a distracted cook, and often get called elsewhere, this is a useful feature that will get you back on track without having to reweigh your ingredients. Any scale featuring stainless steel will be a bit of a pain to clean, as the shiny metal will show sticky fingerprints and watermarks, and this design is no exception. However, there could be a potential cleaning issue getting between the base of the scale and the weighing platform. But, fear not! OXO has designed the platform to be removable, meaning that you can give the metal platform a hygienic clean, while also getting underneath and wiping over the plastic base. Our expert review: I must admit to being a little bit scared when I first tested the Cosori Smart Nutrition Scale. I'm used to using a range of kitchen scales to weigh ingredients for recipes, rather than to track the food's nutritional content. However, I like the idea that apart from monitoring calories, you can also see the nutritional breakdown of what you weigh; this is much more insightful and a big bonus for those following a training program or a specific diet where you need to keep certain elements to a minimum or boost others. The only thing you'll need to do is download the free VeSync app, which enables you to view the fine details. I've been accustomed to following this procedure when using numerous meat thermometers, including Cosori's Smart Thermometer, and it's extremely easy, even for someone who doesn't crave technology. However, the only downside is that it doesn't come with a great deal of instructions, but don't let this dissuade you. I really liked the design of this smart scale. It's extra sleek with a large display (which is needed to display all the nutritional details), and it's a winner when it comes to cleaning. Simply wipe over with a damp cloth, and you're done. There's no chance of food residue getting stuck in any crevices. When it comes to accuracy, and I'm talking small amounts, this scale is not the best, so I wouldn't rely on it for measuring 5g of dried yeast. But, I'm missing the point because this scale is a nutritional scale and not designed for bakers. Our expert review: If I were choosing a kitchen scale for looks alone, I wouldn't add the My Weigh scale to my shopping basket. But here, I'm ignoring my own advice — don't let looks deceive you. Although it's a bit of a monster, it really means business. Apart from weighing close to 18 lbs, it's incredibly baker-friendly, which is why I recommend it as the best scale for bakers. Unlike any of the other kitchen scales I've tested, it has a Baker's Percentage function. This feature enables breadmakers to scale a recipe up or down according to fixed ratios. It's not for everyone, but it's a handy function if you've got a home bakery going on at home. The scale did find it tricky to pick up the first gram or two, but it proved to be reliable, registering weights quickly and without any fluctuation. It also features a clear LED display, positioned at an angle for easy visibility. You'll also find it has a cover that protects the display. The idea is to shield the display from flour and other ingredients, but while the display is covered, you can't access the buttons. For instance, you'll need to lift the cover to press the tare function. I found it a bit of a nuisance, but this is easily remedied, as you can lift and slide the shield across to remove it. I'm not a fan of plug-in kitchen scales, as when I'm baking, I already have enough clutter on my countertop, but with the My Weigh you get the option to plug in a cable or insert batteries. It's good to have this dual option. Not all of the kitchen scales I test meet the requirements to gain a place among my top recommendations. However, they still have worthy attributes, which might be what you are looking for in a kitchen scale. SMEG Contemporary Kitchen Scales (★★★★☆)This kitchen scale is majestic and will stand out on a countertop, but I found the internal bowl was difficult to remove and I didn't feel it warranted the high price point. However, SMEG enthusiasts will love it, and the scale performed well on the accuracy test. Plus, it's charged with a USB cable, so if you can never find any batteries and you're looking for an aesthetic kitchen scale, this one could tick the box. Read my full SMEG Contemporary Kitchen Scale review Joseph Joseph SwitchScale (★★★½★) This is a neat scale with a bowl that can flip over for compact storage, but I found there is a flaw in the design. When the bowl is in use you'll have to step back and view the display. I also found that the bowl is small with shallow sides, which can cause a flurry of flour, and isn't ideal if you tend to way large amounts of said, SwitchScale does give you the option to use the scale without the bowl. Read my full Joseph Joseph SwitchScale review My training and experience has been grounded in classical French cuisine, from pastry to butchering, from purchasing and receiving, from garde manger to running a kitchen brigade, everything I have done in my career has pointed me towards teaching others how to cook professionally. I'm the head chef, recipe creator, writer and photographer behind The Forked Spoon, where you'll find family-friendly recipes for the everyday cook. For over 14 years, I've been crafting and sharing more than 1200 recipes, blending flavors with practical kitchen tips and expert culinary advice. I started Maricel's Kitchen in 2017 to help others cook Asian food with confidence and joy. My love for bold, fresh ingredients began in my Lola's kitchen in Manila. Since then, I've shared that passion on Hulu, PBS, and Food Network — and now through my cookbook, Maricel's Simply Asian Cookbook, filled with approachable recipes for every home cook. AccuracyThere's no point in using a scale if it's not accurate, so be sure to invest in a kitchen scale that's reliable and gives precise readings. MeasurementsAlthough you probably prefer working in either metric or imperial measurements, your favorite recipes will undoubtedly combine both. As Jessica says, 'I don't want to do manual conversions if a recipe is in either.' For this reason, your scale of choice should have a selection of measurements and be easy to switch between options. Tare function A tare function is an essential feature. It allows you to zero out a container's weight during a recipe, but it can also be used to reset the scale if you are measuring more than one item into your bowl at a time. CapacityApart from a scale that can measure a decent amount of weight, Michael says to look for one that can accommodate the size of bowl you usually use in your recipe preparation. But do remember to press the tare button before adding your ingredients. He also advises that your scale should handle the maximum weight needed for recipes while being able to measure the smallest weight too, 'whether that is a portion of an ounce or micrograms.' DisplayLook for a clear and easy-to-see display, with a good clearance from the bowl, with Michael suggesting, 'A pull-out display option is helpful for use with larger bowls or containers.' Jessica also advises to choose a scale with a digital readout for accuracy. Cleaning Consider how easy the scale will be to clean. Are there lots of nooks and crannies that ingredients can get caught under, or will it be easy to wipe clean? Auto-OffAn auto-off function will save on battery life, and will stop you having to think about turning it off when you're busy in the kitchen. It's worth taking care of your kitchen scales to keep them in good working order. Jessica recommends always keeping them in a dry place and avoiding exposure to heat, as extreme temperatures can affect their accuracy. And when storing your scales, Maricel recommends keeping them flat, with nothing on the weighing platform. With this in mind, Michael warns against overloading the scale and not exceeding the scales maximum weighing capacity. Maricel has a handy trick when using her scales to avoid too much mess accumulating on them, 'I cover my scale platform with saran wrap or parchment paper— it makes cleanup easy, and ensures that you are working on a sanitary surface if you are weighing dough or something raw.' And when it comes to keeping them clean Jessica says, 'Clean the scales regularly with a soft damp cloth to remove any food debris or spills. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging them in water, as moisture can damage the electronic components.' Jessica advises that you can use objects of a known weight, such as a preweighed calibration weights to test the accuracy of your scales. I used the same set of calibration weights during my testing, and the pack contained a 1g, 2 x 2g, 5g,10g, 20g, 50g, and 100g weight. However, if you don't want to purchase a set of calibration weights Maricel recommends using something from your kitchen cupboards, but removing the packaging beforehand. She favors using a pound of butter, but says flour can work too. However, you'll need to check that the bag isn't ripped and flour has leaked. Alternatively, Michael suggests using your spare change, advising that new pennies weigh 2.5g and nickels weigh 5g. If you're still experiencing accuracy issues, he suggests, 'Remove the batteries from the unit, wait a few minutes and then re-install the batteries. Replace the batteries if the issue persists.' It's also worth ensuring that the scale is on an even surface. 'Some units may have a re-calibration procedure, and these steps should be available in the owner's manual. Some units may also have a factory re-set function, as well,' Michael adds. You might wonder whether dual scales are worth it or whether you should have two — one for standard measurements and another for precision weighing. Michael Handel, says opting for a dual-platform scale may be helpful, but it depends on your needs during recipe preparation. 'A regular kitchen scale will be able to weigh ounces and increments of an ounce. A larger platform scale will show conversions of pounds and ounces to whole grams.' However, he adds, 'If you need to weigh ingredients in increments smaller than a gram, say tenths or hundredths of a gram, then a dual-platform scale would be very helpful. You would then have the option to do several types of weight calculations on one unit.' The tare function on scales resets the display weight back to zero. Therefore, if you place a plate or bowl on top of your scales, before adding ingredients, you can reset the weight, so that you start from zero. You'll also find it helpful if you like to add all of your ingredients into a bowl in one go, for instance when making a cake batter using the all-in-one-method. This will allow you to reset the weight every time you want to add another ingredient. I'd prefer to opt for a dual-scale, as it's more space-saving than having two, however, Maricel isn't a fan of multi-use items and has a large scale for items over a pound and a smaller scale for smaller measurement. It comes down to individual choice and what you are measuring.
Engadget
5 hours ago
- Engadget
Black Myth: Wukong is getting an Xbox port on August 20
Black Myth: Wukong is finally coming to the Xbox Series X|S, one year after it was released for the PlayStation 5 and for Windows PCs. Its developer Game Science will roll out the Xbox version of the game on August 20, but you'll be able to pre-order the game starting on June 17 at 12PM Eastern time. If you place your pre-order before July 10 12PM Eastern, you'll be able to get the typically $60 title with a 20 percent discount at $48. The action role-playing game is inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West , adapting its universe, as well as its characters and their backstories. You'll take control of a monkey protagonist based on the novel's main character, Sun Wukong, who uses a staff as a weapon. The staff shrinks and extends in combat and has several possible techniques that provide you a variety of moves to choose from. It's considered as China's first true AAA game and broke Steam's concurrent players record for a single-player title just a few hours after it became available. In addition to announcing that the Xbox version of the game is coming out in August, Game Science has also launched a promotion for all platforms. Starting on June 17 at 12PM until July 2 at 12PM Eastern time, the standard and Deluxe PS5 editions of the game will be 20 percent off at $48 and $56, respectively. The PC version will be priced the same, though the sale will begin on June 19, 1PM and end on July 10, 1PM Eastern time on Steam, WeGame and the Epic Games Store.
Tom's Guide
7 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
This home beer dispenser is the one gift your Dad will actually want on Father's Day — and it's 20% off right now
At the end of the day, all your dad probably wants on Father's Day is to spend a little time with you, preferably over a nice cold beer. So, the PerfectDraft Machine could be the only gift he'll actually want come June 15th — and the good news is that it's currently discounted in both the U.S. and the U.K. Right now, you can get the PerfectDraft Machine for $50 less at PerfectDraft, which brings the price down to $349. Over in the U.K., the same discount applies and you can pick up the PerfectDraft Phillips Machine for £199 instead of its usual £250 at Amazon. The PerfectDraft Machine lets you bring the bar to your own home with compatible kegs offering 18 beers (202oz) poured at your preferred temperature between 32° - 53°F thanks to the improved insulation of the machine that measures roughly the size of a home coffee machine with a 11.5-inch width, 17.5-inch height and 20.3-inch depth. The machine weighs 33.71 lbs, and there's a handy drip dray that'll make sure any overflows don't stain your countertop. The PerfectDraft Philips Machine sits on your countertop and chills a six-litre keg of beer down to a crispy 3°C. The LCD display shows the current volume and when your pint has reached the target temperature. Beer stays fresh for up to 30 says and the compact measurements (286mm width, 444mm height including the handle and 493mm depth) means it'll fit easily in your kitchen or man cave. There are more than 50 beer brands available throughout the year in compatible kegs. If your dad is anything like mine, you'll have had some of your best chats in the backyard while dinner is cooking on one of the best grills and you've got a glass of frosty beer in your hands. The only drawback is that those beers often come from cans or bottles, meaning multiple trips to the fridge or cooler and a lot of unnecessary waste. The PerfectDraft Machine uses compatible kegs (there are over 50 different beer brands available) to give you a bar-like experience at home. Each keg is good for 202 fluid ounces of beer — that's 10 pints if you're drinking in the U.K. — and keeps your drink at yours (or your dad's) preferred temperature. The beer stays fresh for 30 days so you can enjoy a cold one every weekend for a month, if you so choose. Because it's 2025 and everything has to have an app, there's the PerfectDraft app that lets you manage all the aspects of your machine. You can monitor keg levels, change temperature and receive exclusive discounts. And because we also can't do things without a celebrity endorsement, I'm told David Beckham himself uses this machine at home for his own enjoyment. Thankfully, there's a discount of $50/£50 you can take advantage of right now and, if you order promptly, you'll have it ready for your old man to test drive next weekend. A word of warning though; in the U.S., you'll need to enter your zip code to confirm availability in your area and I had no luck for Tom's Guide HQ in New York. If you're reading this in the U.K., you can order through Amazon to any location. Meanwhile, if you're looking for more gift ideas, check out these eight best Father's Day gift ideas from my colleagues.
