Latest news with #AndrewLaughlin
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day
Plus, expert tips on how to use your dishwasher properly IN A SPIN I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BOUGHT the wrong dishwasher? You'll soon know about it. Instead of sparkling dishes, you might end up with streaky glassware, sky-high bills, and a heap of dirty cutlery. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Which? has revealed the best dishwashers to buy Credit: Alamy Even worse, some models end up needing fixing every few months, leaving you out of pocket. We spoke to the testing expert at Which? and two leading UK engineers to find out which dishwashers come out sparkling, and which ones will leave you with a sink full of regrets. The Which? verdict Andrew Laughlin is the Which? dishwasher expert, which means he's well-versed in how poor they can be. He said: 'Buy a bad dishwasher and you'll end up having to fall back on washing up by hand, or you'll have to run the dishwasher again, wasting more time, energy and money.' Which? tests dozens of dishwashers every year at its in-house lab, running thousands of dirty plates, glasses, cups and cutlery through each machine. Its experts dirty a range of crockery and cutlery, then score how well the machine cleans, how dry everything is at the end, and whether it leaves watermarks behind. It also checks how easy each machine is to load and use, tests how often the filter needs cleaning, and measures the energy and water used on both auto and eco programmes. Energy and water use are then turned into running cost calculations. Dishwashers that perform well in cleaning, ease of use and efficiency can earn both Best Buy and Eco Buy status. An Eco Buy could save you more than £30 a year in energy. Mum issues urgent warning to 'check fire alarms now' as she shows devastating results of running her dishwasher at night Best buys Miele G 7191 SCVi AutoDos, £1,048, Which? Score: 82% 3 This more expensive dishwasher is well worth the cash This top-of-the-line fully integrated dishwasher boasts automatic detergent dosing, ComfortClose door, Miele@Home connectivity, and whisper-quiet operation at just 43dB. It's rated B for energy use, consuming just 0.64kWh and 8.4 litres per eco cycle, with annual energy and water costs of around £66. This means it's not only efficient, but long-term affordable. It's currently available for £1,048 at Appliance Centre – a discount of over £500 off the RRP. Which? verdict 'Flawless cleaning. Although the price tag will put a dent in your wallet, this high-quality Miele will put a lean, mean, cleaning machine in your kitchen. "If you want a premium integrated dishwasher, look no further.' Pros - Flawless cleaning Cons - Nothing of note Bosch SMS4EMW06G, £549, Which? Score: 80% 3 This Bosch dishwasher came second in Which?'s rankings This freestanding Bosch model balances performance and features at a mid-range price point. It includes Home Connect smart features, SpeedPerfect Plus for faster washes, and Extra Dry for added hygiene. Rated C for energy, it uses 0.79kWh and 9.5 litres per auto cycle – working out to annual running costs of around £69.23, according to Which?. Available to buy at Which? verdict "Lean, mean, dishwashing machine. Although its price is rather high, overall this Bosch dishwasher is worth the investment. "It combines Best Buy cleaning and drying, with simple usability and Eco Buy efficiency.' Pros - Good cleaning Cons - Noisy Best to avoid Hoover HDPH 2D1049W-80 – £249, test score 39% This slimline Hoover model is one of the cheapest on the market – and unfortunately, one of the worst performing too. Which? verdict 'Avoid. A bargain this is not. It fails to clean everything, leaving dried-on dirt on many dishes. "If it was wonderfully energy efficient, we might be able to excuse this, but it's not. "It actually uses more energy than most (doing what, we don't know). "Add on that it's noisy and tricky to use, and we have no option but to make it a Don't Buy.' Pros - It's cheap (and that's about it) Cons - Really bad at washing, inefficient with energy CDA CDI6242 – £455, test score 43% This integrated, full-sized dishwasher may seem affordable, but its low Which? score and serious performance flaws make it one to avoid. Which? verdict 'This dishwasher cleans and dries so poorly we've made it a Don't Buy. As such, it's one to avoid at all costs.' Pros - good energy and water efficiency Cons - poor cleaning, dismal drying, noisy Which? expert tips for using your dishwasher properly Don't rinse the plates – Most dishwasher programs pre-rinse your dishes, so you won't need to waste water (and money) by running them under the tap. Don't bother with the detergent dispenser – Logic dictates that the detergent dispenser will release your dishwasher tablet at the optimum moment during the wash cycle. But you can just chuck it straight into the body of your dishwasher and not sweat about it. It will still work. Don't skip maintenance – That means topping up your rinse aid and salt, regularly cleaning the filter, and periodically maintaining other aspects of the machine, such as the spray arms and door seals. You should also leave the door ajar after a cycle from time to time, as this will circulate air into your dishwasher, stopping the build up of mildew, mould and bacteria. Stack like a pro – Stack plates and flat items facing inwards so they are well covered by the spray jets, while pots, pans, deep bowls and other such items should face down. Make sure no large items are placed in a way that will block the spray arm. Anything that needs harder cleaning, such as baking trays or pots and pans, goes on the lower rack where the water pressure is higher whereas more delicate items, including glasses, mugs and cups, go on the upper rack. The same goes for plastic items and containers, as well as large utensils. Leave enough space between items for the water and detergent to spread around – alternating larger and smaller plates in the rack will help with this. Watch out for spoons 'nesting' in the cutlery basket – when this happens, there's no space for the water to circulate. To avoid this, place some facing upwards and some downwards. Make use of the adjustable racks – The upper racks on most modern dishwashers are usually adjustable, meaning you can lower the rack to accommodate taller items, such as a long-stemmed wine glass. The engineer's verdict Steve Neale, founder of repair business The London Spin Doctor, has seen the worst of and dishwashers and warns that buying cheap, usually means buying twice, and more quickly than you might think. He said: 'If you buy a dishwasher for £200, it's going to last you less than five years. "If you spend around 400, 500, you should have the machine for at least 10." When it comes to picking a good machine, he said brand is important, as is ease of repair. He said: "Every machine in the world is going to break, but you want one that's cheaply repairable. That's the key. "So, I always recommend Bosch machines simply because they're quiet. They're really well-built and they're always repairable.' Steve's brands to buy: Bosch Beko (best on a budget) Neff Siemens Steve's brands to avoid: Indesit Hoover Candy Hotpoint AEG When it comes to upkeep, Steve said that many of the callouts he gets could have been avoided with better use. He said: '90% of the dishwasher repairs that I do are down to user error rather than mechanical failure. "Which means basically they've they haven't scraped their plates. So, for example, sweetcorn, eggshell, fish bones, chicken bones. "You have to scrape them off your plates because the dishwasher can't break those things down.' He added that another common is blocking one or both of the spray arms, for instance by having a long spatula poking through the top. This stops the dishwasher from cleaning properly. Key features to look for in a dishwasher Rado Domev, CTO at appliance repair company Domex, said choosing the right dishwasher for your needs is not just about brand – it's about smart features and long-term usability. For instance, he tends to recommend models with higher capacity. He explained: 'Full size dishwashers could vary from 12 to 16 place setting. Higher capacity allows you to wash more dishes per cycle, saving water and electricity in the long run.'. His other must-have features include: Half Load Option: A half load setting offers great versatility. If you only have a few items, you can run a smaller, more efficient cycle, avoiding wasted water and energy. Separate Cutlery Tray: Dishwashers with a separate cutlery tray at the top often provide superior wash results for your silverware. Plus, it frees up valuable space in the bottom rack for larger pots and pans. for larger pots and pans. Flood Protection: This is a crucial safety feature. Models with flood protection can prevent significant water damage to your property in case of a leak, offering peace of mind. What not to overspend on Rado warned not to obsess over efficiency ratings alone. He said: 'Don't let energy efficiency ratings be your sole focus. "While important, the real-world running cost difference between an A and B rated model might only be around £10 per year if used daily. "The upfront cost difference for a slightly more efficient model often doesn't justify this minimal annual saving.' He also recommended ditching models with limited wash programmes. He said: 'Avoid models with only 3 or 4 basic programs. "A poor choice of programs might force you to use longer, more intensive cycles for lightly soiled dishes, wasting time and resources. "Look for dishwashers with a variety of settings to match different cleaning needs.' Rado's top maintenance tips To ensure your dishwasher performs at its best and lasts longer, follow these maintenance tips: Always Use Dishwasher Salt : This is critical, regardless of the type of dishwasher tablet you use. Dishwashers require salt to regenerate their water softener resin, which prevents limescale buildup and ensures effective cleaning. : This is critical, regardless of the type of dishwasher tablet you use. Dishwashers require salt to regenerate their water softener resin, which prevents limescale buildup and ensures effective cleaning. Set Correct Water Hardness : Adjust your dishwasher's water hardness setting to match your local water supply. This optimises the performance of the detergent and softener. : Adjust your dishwasher's water hardness setting to match your local water supply. This optimises the performance of the detergent and softener. Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to regularly clean the filters and degrease the appliance. This prevents blockages, maintains wash performance, and extends the life of your dishwasher. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day
BOUGHT the wrong dishwasher? You'll soon know about it. Instead of sparkling dishes, you might end up with streaky glassware, sky-high bills, and a heap of dirty cutlery. Even worse, some models end up needing fixing every few months, leaving you out of pocket. We spoke to the testing expert at Which? and two leading UK engineers to find out which dishwashers come out sparkling, and which ones will leave you with a sink full of regrets. The Which? verdict Andrew Laughlin is the Which? dishwasher expert, which means he's well-versed in how poor they can be. He said: 'Buy a bad dishwasher and you'll end up having to fall back on washing up by hand, or you'll have to run the dishwasher again, wasting more time, energy and money.' Which? tests dozens of dishwashers every year at its in-house lab, running thousands of dirty plates, glasses, cups and cutlery through each machine. Its experts dirty a range of crockery and cutlery, then score how well the machine cleans, how dry everything is at the end, and whether it leaves watermarks behind. It also checks how easy each machine is to load and use, tests how often the filter needs cleaning, and measures the energy and water used on both auto and eco programmes. Energy and water use are then turned into running cost calculations. Dishwashers that perform well in cleaning, ease of use and efficiency can earn both Best Buy and Eco Buy status. An Eco Buy could save you more than £30 a year in energy. Mum issues urgent warning to 'check fire alarms now' as she shows devastating results of running her dishwasher at night Best buys Miele G 7191 SCVi AutoDos, £1,048, Which? Score: 82% This top-of-the-line fully integrated dishwasher boasts automatic detergent dosing, ComfortClose door, Miele@Home connectivity, and whisper-quiet operation at just 43dB. It's rated B for energy use, consuming just 0.64kWh and 8.4 litres per eco cycle, with annual energy and water costs of around £66. This means it's not only efficient, but long-term affordable. It's currently available for £1,048 at Appliance Centre – a discount of over £500 off the RRP. Which? verdict 'Flawless cleaning. Although the price tag will put a dent in your wallet, this high-quality Miele will put a lean, mean, cleaning machine in your kitchen. "If you want a premium integrated dishwasher, look no further.' Pros - Flawless cleaning Cons - Nothing of note Bosch SMS4EMW06G, £549, Which? Score: 80% This freestanding Bosch model balances performance and features at a mid-range price point. It includes Home Connect smart features, SpeedPerfect Plus for faster washes, and Extra Dry for added hygiene. Rated C for energy, it uses 0.79kWh and 9.5 litres per auto cycle – working out to annual running costs of around £69.23, according to Which?. Available to buy at Which? verdict "Lean, mean, dishwashing machine. Although its price is rather high, overall this Bosch dishwasher is worth the investment. "It combines Best Buy cleaning and drying, with simple usability and Eco Buy efficiency.' Pros - Good cleaning Cons - Noisy Best to avoid Hoover HDPH 2D1049W-80 – £249, test score 39% This slimline Hoover model is one of the cheapest on the market – and unfortunately, one of the worst performing too. Which? verdict 'Avoid. A bargain this is not. It fails to clean everything, leaving dried-on dirt on many dishes. "If it was wonderfully energy efficient, we might be able to excuse this, but it's not. "It actually uses more energy than most (doing what, we don't know). "Add on that it's noisy and tricky to use, and we have no option but to make it a Don't Buy.' Pros - It's cheap (and that's about it) Cons - Really bad at washing, inefficient with energy CDA CDI6242 – £455, test score 43% This integrated, full-sized dishwasher may seem affordable, but its low Which? score and serious performance flaws make it one to avoid. Which? verdict 'This dishwasher cleans and dries so poorly we've made it a Don't Buy. As such, it's one to avoid at all costs.' Pros - good energy and water efficiency Cons - poor cleaning, dismal drying, noisy Which? expert tips for using your dishwasher properly Don't rinse the plates – Most dishwasher programs pre-rinse your dishes, so you won't need to waste water (and money) by running them under the tap. Don't bother with the detergent dispenser – Logic dictates that the detergent dispenser will release your dishwasher tablet at the optimum moment during the wash cycle. But you can just chuck it straight into the body of your dishwasher and not sweat about it. It will still work. Don't skip maintenance – That means topping up your rinse aid and salt, regularly cleaning the filter, and periodically maintaining other aspects of the machine, such as the spray arms and door seals. You should also leave the door ajar after a cycle from time to time, as this will circulate air into your dishwasher, stopping the build up of mildew, mould and bacteria. Stack like a pro – Stack plates and flat items facing inwards so they are well covered by the spray jets, while pots, pans, deep bowls and other such items should face down. Make sure no large items are placed in a way that will block the spray arm. Anything that needs harder cleaning, such as baking trays or pots and pans, goes on the lower rack where the water pressure is higher whereas more delicate items, including glasses, mugs and cups, go on the upper rack. The same goes for plastic items and containers, as well as large utensils. Leave enough space between items for the water and detergent to spread around – alternating larger and smaller plates in the rack will help with this. Watch out for spoons 'nesting' in the cutlery basket – when this happens, there's no space for the water to circulate. To avoid this, place some facing upwards and some downwards. Make use of the adjustable racks – The upper racks on most modern dishwashers are usually adjustable, meaning you can lower the rack to accommodate taller items, such as a long-stemmed wine glass. The engineer's verdict Steve Neale, founder of repair business The London Spin Doctor, has seen the worst of and dishwashers and warns that buying cheap, usually means buying twice, and more quickly than you might think. He said: 'If you buy a dishwasher for £200, it's going to last you less than five years. "If you spend around 400, 500, you should have the machine for at least 10." When it comes to picking a good machine, he said brand is important, as is ease of repair. He said: "Every machine in the world is going to break, but you want one that's cheaply repairable. That's the key. "So, I always recommend Bosch machines simply because they're quiet. They're really well-built and they're always repairable.' Steve's brands to buy: Bosch Beko (best on a budget) Neff Siemens Steve's brands to avoid: Indesit Hoover Candy Hotpoint AEG When it comes to upkeep, Steve said that many of the callouts he gets could have been avoided with better use. He said: '90% of the dishwasher repairs that I do are down to user error rather than mechanical failure. "Which means basically they've they haven't scraped their plates. So, for example, sweetcorn, eggshell, fish bones, chicken bones. "You have to scrape them off your plates because the dishwasher can't break those things down.' He added that another common is blocking one or both of the spray arms, for instance by having a long spatula poking through the top. This stops the dishwasher from cleaning properly. Key features to look for in a dishwasher Rado Domev, CTO at appliance repair company Domex, said choosing the right dishwasher for your needs is not just about brand – it's about smart features and long-term usability. For instance, he tends to recommend models with higher capacity. He explained: 'Full size dishwashers could vary from 12 to 16 place setting. Higher capacity allows you to wash more dishes per cycle, saving water and electricity in the long run.'. His other must-have features include: Half Load Option: A half load setting offers great versatility. If you only have a few items, you can run a smaller, more efficient cycle, avoiding wasted water and energy. Separate Cutlery Tray: Dishwashers with a separate cutlery tray at the top often provide superior wash results for your silverware. Plus, it frees up valuable space in the bottom rack for larger pots and pans. Flood Protection: This is a crucial safety feature. Models with flood protection can prevent significant water damage to your property in case of a leak, offering peace of mind. What not to overspend on Rado warned not to obsess over efficiency ratings alone. He said: 'Don't let energy efficiency ratings be your sole focus. "While important, the real-world running cost difference between an A and B rated model might only be around £10 per year if used daily. "The upfront cost difference for a slightly more efficient model often doesn't justify this minimal annual saving.' He also recommended ditching models with limited wash programmes. He said: 'Avoid models with only 3 or 4 basic programs. "A poor choice of programs might force you to use longer, more intensive cycles for lightly soiled dishes, wasting time and resources. "Look for dishwashers with a variety of settings to match different cleaning needs.' Rado's top maintenance tips To ensure your dishwasher performs at its best and lasts longer, follow these maintenance tips: Always Use Dishwasher Salt: This is critical, regardless of the type of dishwasher tablet you use. Dishwashers require salt to regenerate their water softener resin, which prevents limescale buildup and ensures effective cleaning. Set Correct Water Hardness: Adjust your dishwasher's water hardness setting to match your local water supply. This optimises the performance of the detergent and softener. Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to regularly clean the filters and degrease the appliance. This prevents blockages, maintains wash performance, and extends the life of your dishwasher. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Daily Record
Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster
Experts have urged UK households to heed their warning. Cyber crooks are taking their vicious acts to a whole new level as experts warn UK households with smart toasters that their devices may be susceptible to being hacked. If the scammers are successful, they will be able to access your home network. And it's not just smart toasters that are at risk of cyber attacks, other smart devices such as fridges and thermostats are also vulnerable. Experts have warned that these appliances could allow hackers to gain control over other devices in your home. This warning mainly applies to older hardware which hasn't been updated or is no longer monitored, reports the Express. This is because it is easier for hackers to take advantage of the weaker security to gain access to the home network. Evgeny Goncharov of the cybersecurity company Kaspersky, told The Times: "When having access to one device, you have the ability to connect to the server and then communicate with your other devices, and sometimes take control over them. The problems are many." Andrew Laughlin from Which? also added that zombie products - which are devices that keep working but aren't supported - leave items vulnerable to data breaches and compromises. From October last year, Google began withdrawing support for its Nest smart thermostats from 2011 and 2012. Experts say that this decision is a reminder that many devices in our homes can become a security threat as they continue to age and no longer have the required security support. Alan Woodward, professor of cyber security at the University of Surrey, said: "In some ways it might not matter that your toaster doesn't get updated." He went on to explain that if devices with a vulnerability remain connected they can be a stepping stone for cyber crooks to get into the home. Just last year, the National Cyber Security Centre issued an urgent warning that 260,000 devices from across the globe, including webcams, had been hacked by a company which has links to the Chinese Government. Many well-known retailers have also recently been subjected to cyber attacks. Marks and Spencers was the first to be targeted around Easter weekend, with online orders still being paused until the issue is resolved. Bosses from the popular retailer have now said that the fallout from the cyber attacks is expected to continue until July and is estimated to cost the company around £300 million. Customer personal data, which could have included names, email addresses, postal addresses and dates of birth, was also taken by hackers in the attack, which has resulted in Thompsons Solicitors filing a multi-million pound class action suit against the company. This was followed by the Co-op and Harrods being forced to shut down their IT systems and restrict their internet access to try and ward off further attacks. On May 2, a Co-op spokesperson revealed ongoing "sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access" their systems. They also said it was "a highly complex situation" following reports that the same cybercriminals had taken responsibility for both breaches. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued to UK households over kitchen appliance that could be hacked
Cyber experts are warning that hackers could exploit weaknesses in technology, including smart toasters, to access home networks and take control of other devices UK families have been issued a cybersecurity alert about the potential risks of smart toasters being exploited by hackers to infiltrate their home networks. According to specialists, various smart appliances, including fridges, toasters and thermostats, can be easily targeted for cyber assaults that may permit unauthorised control over other gadgets in the household. This threat is particularly pertinent for older hardware devices which may not receive regular updates or are no longer under observation, with cybercriminals exploiting feeble security measures to slip into domestic networks undetected. Cybersecurity expert Evgeny Goncharov from Kaspersky brought this issue to light, speaking with The Times: "When having access to one device, you have the ability to connect to the server and then communicate with your other devices, and sometimes take control over them. The problems are many." Which?'s Andrew Laughlin highlighted the dangers of so-called 'zombie products' - outdated yet functional items that lack support - making them susceptible to breaches and compromises. Recently, Google disclosed its decision to halt updates for its early Nest smart thermostats from 2011 and 2012 starting October this year, signalling to authorities that numerous smart gadgets pose a significant security risk as they become obsolete and lack protection against digital threats, reports the Express. Alan Woodward, University of Surrey's professor of cyber security, commented on the issue saying: "In some ways it might not matter that you toaster doesn't get updated", signifying that even overlooked vulnerabilities in these supposedly insignificant devices could serve as gateways for hackers into the private sanctum of one's residence. Last year, the National Cyber Security Centre sounded the alarm that a company with ties to the Chinese government had commandeered 260,000 devices globally, including webcams. Recently, high-profile retailers fell victim to cyber attacks, including Marks and Spencer, which was initially targeted by cyber criminals just days before the Co-op and Harrods were compelled to disable some IT systems and limit internet access to ward off comparable assaults.
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Perth Now
Smart toasters may be used to spy on people
Smart toasters could be used to spy on people. As tech firms ditch security updates for old devices that are connected to the web via Wi-Fi, it gives people the perfect opportunity to hack into the products. It comes as cyber attackers launched a "zombie army" of internet-connected devices in 2016, which resulted in them shutting down large parts of the web. Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity professor at the University of Surrey, added that non-protected devices act as a "stepping stone" for hackers. He is quoted by The Times as saying: 'In some ways, it might not matter that your toaster doesn't get updated. 'But actually if it's on your network and somebody discovers a vulnerability, that vulnerability is never going to be fixed. "If it remains connected and it's just kind of ignored, then it can be a stepping stone." Andrew Laughlin, from consumer choice brand Which?, told the publication: "This is a pattern that we see time and again as companies drop support for their smart products, sometimes after as little as two years."
