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The Guardian
5 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
I tested 42 water bottles to find the best for leaks, looks and sustainability: here are my favourites
If you think a water bottle is just a water bottle, it's time to wake up. In 2025, there's a lot riding on your choice of drinking vessel. The heady combination of worrying about the planet and, on a more day-to-day level, staying hydrated has made reusable water bottles a must-have. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Once the preserve of hikers and gym-goers, water bottles have become a small but significant act of environmental virtue signalling. Not all bottles are created equal, though. Some are insulated, some leak, some weigh as much as a toddler, and some even infuse your water with hydrogen (more on that later). The choice is dizzying. It's time to lock in, reader. I've dedicated months to finding the best water bottles. I've bored my friends and family with tales of weight v capacity. I've thrown water bottles around my garden. Join me in the quest to stay hydrated and vaguely hopeful about the planet – and find your perfect water bottle along the way. Best water bottle overall:Owala FreeSip Best budget water bottle:Ion8 stainless-steel water bottle Best stainless-steel water bottle:Frank Green ceramic reusable water bottle Best water bottle for kids: Yeti Rambler Jr kids' water bottle Best sustainable water bottle:Ocean Bottle Go water bottle I've been testing products professionally for more than four years. I've assessed so many things, from tablets and trampolines to slow cookers and SPF. My family has become used to rating anything they come across out of five (not so welcome when it's my cooking that's being rated, if I'm honest). I've tested kids' water bottles and cups before, and I'm also on a quest to better hydrate myself after several medical professionals told me I'm so dehydrated that I'm virtually desiccated (they didn't use that actual term). In that quest, I've experienced school bags filled with water, mouldy water bottles that are impossible to clean and straws that melt in the dishwasher. Here, I've included only water bottles that went through my rigorous testing and came out on top. Life is too short to suffer a rubbish water bottle. I spent two months testing water bottles, trying out 42. I recruited my family as co-testers, and let my three children put the kids' water bottles through what feels like the ultimate test: a day at a British primary school. During testing, I weighed the water bottles when empty and full. I dropped them from waist height on to a hard floor to see how they withstood the impact. I also put each water bottle on its side in a bag and hung them from my washing line for 30 minutes to see if they leaked. If the water bottles were insulated, I checked how quickly the liquid warmed over a few hours. As well as performance, I did a deep dive into sustainability. I wanted to see which water-bottle brands were all mouth in the eco-friendly stakes – what initiatives did they have beyond creating a reusable water bottle? And how durable and recyclable were the bottles? After testing the water bottles, I donated them to charity for resale. Here are the nine water bottles that performed best in my tests. I challenge you to get through a TikTok doomscroll without coming across an Owala FreeSip water bottle. It's been the 'it' water bottle for a while, and it actually deserves the gen Z hype. The bottle comes in three sizes: 24oz, 32oz and 40oz. In my opinion, the 24oz (just over 700ml) is a perfect size: it fits in cup holders yet doesn't need refilling every hour. The stainless-steel design is triple insulated and has a one-handed flip-lid opening. What sets the FreeSip apart is the spout – you can sip your drink through a straw or gulp it from the free pour. Why we love it This is the water bottle I went back to during and after testing. A FreeSip is sitting next to me as I type this. Owala sells this bottle in a fun range of colours, so you can find one that fits your style. It's also practical: the FreeSip doesn't weigh much considering it offers decent insulation (it keeps drinks icy for hours, even in a heatwave). The FreeSip is also easy to clean – its lid screws off and the bottle is wide enough to really get in there and blitz it. The rigid straw is easy to scrub using a bottle brush, and so is the spout. There's a removable silicone seal, which I haven't found harbours any mould; I give this a soak and find it's an easy job. Most importantly, I can chuck my FreeSip in any bag and be confident it won't leak – I'm even happy to throw it in a bag with my laptop, which I'd be wary about with most other water bottles. It also survived the drop test, and I'm confident it's built to last. During testing, many of my friends remarked on my FreeSip and then went out and bought their own, becoming converts themselves. OK, it's more pricey than other bottles on this list (especially when you take into account shipping costs), but you'll never get water-bottle envy again. It's a shame that … the shipping costs and taxes on these water bottles are so high. Dishwasher safe: lid, yes; bottle body, hand-washBPA free: yesSizes available: 24oz (710ml), 32oz (910ml), 40oz (1.2l)Weight empty (710ml): 390g Weight filled (710ml): 1.07kg The Ion8 water bottle offers much of the same functionality as others on this list, but at a fraction of the price. It's stainless steel and has a flip-lid spout, with a carry hook in the lid. It's not thermally insulated, though, which may account for why it's more affordable. Ion8 produces this water bottle in an array of colours, so you're sure to find something you like. At 400ml capacity, it can be slipped easily into most bags. Why we love itThis bottle passed most of my testing criteria with flying colours. Perhaps most importantly, it didn't leak in a bag when laid flat for an extended period. It's lightweight too – it offers less capacity than many bottles on this list, but it's great for the commute and chucking in your bag on the run. My kids also liked it for taking to school and sports clubs. I appreciated that it fitted in my car's cup holder – so many water bottles I tested didn't. It remained unfazed by the drop test, too, so it's durable. As it's a tip-and-pour bottle rather than a straw water bottle (there's an optional straw included, but I went without), it's easier to clean. I personally found the carry handle uncomfortable to use, though: the loop is small and got stuck on my fingers. It's a shame that … Ion8 says this is a one-handed opening flip lid, but I found it clunky. I needed two hands to open the bottle, and I usually like to think of myself as fairly dexterous. Dishwasher safe: yes, on a cool cycleBPA free: yesSizes available: 400ml, 600ml, 1lWeight empty (600ml): 259g (including straw) Weight filled (600ml): 676g I'd heard about how indestructible Frank Green water bottles are, so I was keen to see how they fared in my own tests. They're customisable right down to the colour of the lid, bottle and style of straw. There was a menu of 17 bottle colours at the time of writing, from pretty pastels to utilitarian navy and khaki. The bottle I tested had a flip-straw lid, but there are five lid options to choose from. You can open the flip-straw lid with one hand, with the spout flicking open for you to sip from. It also comes with a flexible carry handle that's big enough to be useful, plus impressive triple-walled insulation. Why we love it It's perhaps superficial, but I found the colours on offer appealing. My mint-green water bottle is easy to spot in my Mary Poppins-style tote bag without looking garish. And, during its time in residence at the bottom of said bag, I was pleased to find it didn't leak a drop. The bottle also performed well in my drop test, looking as good as new despite plummeting on to a hard floor from a height. The mechanism on the flip-straw lid is smooth, even after several washes. Frank Green lines its water bottles with a ceramic coating, which it claims prevents that weird metal-tainted water taste you sometimes get. It's hard to test this against rivals, but I never noticed a metallic taste. The straw inside is made from metal, which felt more durable – I'm all for less plastic in general. It's a shame that … even the smallest (595ml) bottle becomes heavy when filled, perhaps because of the heavy-duty insulation. Dishwasher safe: lid, yes; bottle body, noBPA free: yesSizes: 595ml, 1l and 2lWeight empty (595ml): 340g Weight filled (595ml): 870g Yeti specialises in heavy-duty apparel, and no one needs a heavy-duty water bottle more than kids – specifically my kids. Everything about this insulated water bottle is robust, from the (slightly stiff) screw-on lid to the large, tactile carry handle. And adding to the utility feel, the bottle's opening is wide – great for jamming in loads of ice, if you want. The double-walled insulation kept my kids' drinks icy for about three hours, even on hot days. The Rambler Jr comes in nine bright colours, which will make it easy to spot in the classroom. Why we love it One of the most important tests for kids' water bottles, if you ask me, is the leak test. Too many times I've seen my kids' reading books end up in a pool of water in their bags. Thankfully, the Yeti Rambler Jr passed this test. It's easy to open one-handed, even for younger hands with less developed fine-motor skills. A rigid straw flicks up when you exert pressure on the tab. And this spout survived my kids knocking it around on the playing field at school, and didn't seem to suffer any bite marks either. I liked that this bottle comes with two straws; it's always nice to have a spare. And, as a time-poor parent, I was happy to find that the whole thing washes well in the dishwasher. It's a shame that … there isn't a wider selection of designs. Dishwasher safe: yesBPA free: yesSizes: 355mlWeight empty: 500g Weight filled: 855g Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion As far as reusable water bottles go, Ocean Bottle goes above and beyond in terms of sustainability. It's a certified B Corp, and makes impressive pledges with every bottle you buy. As well as its eco credentials, I loved using the Ocean Bottle Go. It's lightweight, has a flip-lid cap and a silicone straw inside. These bottles come in a range of shades and have a coating on the outside to stop them slipping through your fingers. Why we love it The Ocean Bottle Go is brilliant for use on the go. It's lightweight and small enough to slip into most bags, while the anti-slip coating means it doesn't become slippery even when wet. It's insulated as well, and kept the ice in my drink icy for almost 90 minutes – and pleasingly cold for a lot longer. This bottle passed my leak test with flying colours, too. As well as this, Ocean Bottle says revenue from each bottle sold funds the collection of 11.4kg of plastic – the equivalent of 1,000 plastic bottles – that would otherwise be bound for the ocean. Using near-field communication and an app on your phone, you can track how many times you've refilled your bottle. From here, you can monitor your hydration, and if you're using an iPhone, it will also transfer this info to your Health app – although you can switch this off. Each time you log a refill in the app, Ocean Bottle funds the collection of an additional five ocean-bound plastic bottles. You can see your 'impact progress' in the app. I found this feature a faff, as you have to wave your bottle near your phone every time you refill, but I loved seeing my hydration and impact clocking up. It's a shame that … for the price, the capacity isn't larger (Ocean Bottle does offer larger sizes of its Original bottle, though). Dishwasher safe: yesBPA free: yesSizes: 500mlWeight empty: 287g Weight filled: 752g Best for: hydration obsessives I first learned about hydrogen water bottles this year, and I was a sceptic. I mean, look at the price tag – are people really paying that for a water bottle? Then I got the Echo Flask in for review, and was converted. You plug your water bottle into the wall (I know, but stick with me here …) and charge it up. You then use the touchscreen on the water bottle to start a 10-minute cycle of releasing hydrogen into the water inside. There is a school of thought that introducing more hydrogen into your water reduces oxidative stress, improves your athletic performance and shortens recovery time. Some studies have been done to prove this theory, including one on rats. The jury remains out on exactly how amazing hydrogen water is for humans. It's impossible to test these claims as I am just one person without access to a lab, but here's my anecdotal experience: I drank from this water bottle every morning and noticed I didn't get dehydration headaches, and never suffered a hangover. As you may expect for the price, the bottle pairs with a smartphone via Bluetooth and gives you lots of data to keep you motivated, if that's your thing. This includes how many 'flasks' you've consumed v the goals you've set, the length of your goal-meeting streak, and how much water and hydrogen you've consumed. It will also send you reminders on your phone for you to drink, should you forget. It didn't make the final cut because … the price made me balk. And the lid leaked during testing. Dishwasher safe: No, but it mostly cleans itself. There's a self-clean cycle you can select onscreen – for a deep clean, add a drop of white wine vinegar to the clean free: yesSizes: 12oz (350ml)Weight empty: 487g Weight filled: 793g Best for: drinking on the go The beauty of this bottle is its simplicity. There's no Bluetooth connectivity or dual spouts here. So, if your water-bottle preference is free pour rather than straw, Chilly's Series 2 is a great option. It's well made and durable. The spout is curved to prevent spillages when on the move or in a rush, and I found it comfortable to drink from. It's easy to clean, too. The metal bottle is double-wall insulated, and it kept my drink cold for hours. I liked the rubber base, which gave it a soft landing and protected it from bumps. A simple carry strap can be used, which I found useful (often on water bottles, I've found the straps superfluous to my needs). It didn't make the final cut because … it's pricey for a simple water bottle. Dishwasher safe: noBPA free: yesSizes: 350ml, 500ml, 1lWeight empty (500ml): 302g Weight filled (500ml): 805g Best for: those who hate water Mark my words, this water bottle (which has enjoyed premium status in tweens' lives for a good few years) is for kids more than adults. The idea is that you attach a scented ring-shaped plastic pod around the straw, and your mind is tricked into thinking the water is flavoured as you sip. I'm not convinced by this functionality. It works for a sip or two, but then my brain quickly realises it's being tricked. However, my kids loved the concept and all the many child-friendly flavours the pods come in. All the scents are made from natural flavours extracted from fruits, spices and herbs. It's worth bearing in mind that the pods need replacing when they lose their scent, and they cost from £4.99 for a pack of three. I liked that the lid stays attached on the Click – previous versions didn't offer this. Now kids can't lose the lids in the school playground. Honestly, anything that gets my kids to drink water at this point is a win. It didn't make the final cut because … it didn't pass the leak test. Dishwasher safe: yesBPA free: yesSizes: 600mlWeight empty: 170g Weight filled: 770g Best for: working from home When staying hydrated crosses over into a personality trait, many people – particularly gen Z – seem to reach for a Stanley Quencher. Make no mistake, the Quencher is a style statement. It comes in an array of shades and limited editions with cutesy names such as 'hydrangea' and 'dried pine'. The 1.8l bottle I tested is enormous – my heart sank when I had to take it out of the house, despite the massive handle on it. It honestly took me back to the days when I used to carry a toddler on my hip, such is the size and weight. However, at home I was deeply into the Quencher. I found it brilliant during the working day as I didn't have to refill it as often. There are three positions for the lid – covered, straw or sip. I tended to opt for the straw, but it's not leakproof, so if you're on the go, you'll have to make do without it. Stanley says it keeps drinks cold for 12 hours – but I noticed my drink slightly warming after about four hours in my tests. It didn't make the cut because … it's impractically big, and therefore lacks the versatility of other bottles on this list (but it does fit car cup holders). Dishwasher safe: yesBPA free: yesSizes: 590ml, 890ml, 1.18lWeight empty (1.18l): 658g Weight filled (1.18l): 1.8kg The key features are capacity and lid or spout style; make sure these fit your preferences and lifestyle. If you'll be taking your water bottle out with you a lot, you'll need to balance capacity against how heavy it is. You'll also want something that's reliably leak-free – look at the lid design and check the seals. Insulation is worth considering. Having used an insulated water bottle, I could never go back. Why suffer tepid water if you don't have to? Most insulated water bottles are made from metal, which means they're typically recyclable, durable and, importantly, BPA free. BPA (bisphenol A) is a synthetic chemical used in some rigid plastic food containers, and repeated exposure may cause health problems. Always look for BPA-free water bottles – all the ones on this list are. Take your time to find a water bottle you love, and you shouldn't be tempted to replace it; this will not only serve you well, but the environment too. Ideally, you should opt for sustainable water bottles that are made from recycled materials and designed for long-term use. Regular cleaning helps prevent bacteria and mould from building up in your water bottle. To keep your bottle hygienic, you should clean it properly at least once a day. That means taking it apart and giving it a good wash in warm, soapy water – a quick rinse under the tap won't cut it. Soak your bottle for 10 minutes, then rinse with more hot water. It's best to let it air dry rather than drying it by hand. Stick to environmentally friendly washing-up liquid if you're keen to reduce your environmental impact. If your bottle is dishwasher safe, you can pop it in there instead. Reusable water bottles are undeniably better for the environment when compared with their single-use plastic counterparts. In the UK alone, an estimated 35.8m plastic bottles are used every day, and just 55% are recycled. Producing a reusable bottle requires more energy upfront, but that impact is offset over time. The key is repeated use: an MIT study estimates that a reusable bottle needs to be used between 10 and 20 times to break even with the carbon footprint of a single-use bottle. The more durable the bottle, the better. A water bottle that has a fully stainless-steel body is best, despite the carbon footprint involved in producing it. Stainless steel lasts longer, has a lower impact over its lifetime, and is easier to recycle at the end of its life than plastic alternatives. Zoë Phillimore is a journalist with 20 years of experience. She's tested many things, from mattresses to makeup, and she's slightly obsessed with finding small new businesses to spotlight. Aside from this, Zoë loves travel, being outside – especially on the beach – and finding screen-free things to keep her three very active children busy, as well as sharing her finds on her social media accounts
The Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
The best air coolers for your home: eight energy-saving alternatives to aircon, tested
Air coolers are not the same thing as air conditioning. Rather than extracting moisture from the air to cool your room down by multiple degrees, evaporative coolers use water to cool the air they blow towards you – like a sea breeze taking the edge off summer heat – and they use a fraction of the electricity of air con. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. A typical portable air conditioner uses 1,000W (watts) of electricity (costing about 26p an hour to run, based on the current price cap). By comparison, the evaporative coolers I tested use between 26W and 87W; you could run my favourite model, the Swan Nordic (26W), for 38 hours and it would still use less electricity than a single air con unit running for an hour. When we're suffering from heatwaves caused by the climate crisis, it makes sense to use less energy by choosing energy-efficient products that are effective and built to last. So I've tested eight air coolers to help find the best for you, assessing them in terms of size, noise, power use and, of course, how much they cool you down. It's worth considering a fan too: they don't actively cool air down, but the improved air circulation they contribute helps your sweat to evaporate faster, cooling down your body – and they're even more energy efficient. It's a personal choice: a powerful fan feels immediately cooling, whereas an evaporative cooler actually lowers the temperature. Personally, I favour evaporative coolers that have powerful fans built in. Most can be used as stand-alone fans without the evaporative function enabled, although the effectiveness varies. Note that evaporative coolers (sometimes known as swamp coolers) humidify your air, so they're not a good fit if you have damp and mould problems. They're designed to be used with doors open and fresh air coming in. Best air cooler overall: Swan Nordic air cooler Best budget air cooler:JML Chillmax Air Tower Plus Best for cooling power:Symphony Diet 3D 20i Best for the garden:Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist FA300UK I'm triply qualified to test these evaporative coolers. First, I'm an award-winning consumer tech journalist with decades of experience testing gadgets of all shapes and sizes. Second, I have a degree in mechanical engineering. Last, but not least, I'm a menopausal woman in her 50s, as I pointed out while testing fans; I honestly can't remember the last time I felt cold. I chose eight evaporative coolers, each from a different brand. For the scientific side of this test, I used a power meter to measure how much electricity (and therefore money and carbon) they use. From one metre away, I used a digital thermometer to measure the change in air temperature and the Sound Meter app to measure the noise. I also measured each evaporative cooler's size. Subjectively, I took note of everything from how cooling each evaporative cooler felt, how annoying the noise was and how easy the controls were to use. I also considered how they looked and how small they pack away for the winter, as well as the price tag. Any evaporative coolers that weren't collected by manufacturers were donated to Furnishing Futures, a charity that fully furnishes the empty social housing in which women and children are placed after surviving domestic abuse. Currently out of stock This evaporative cooler isn't just good-looking, it's effective. I've tested it before for our fans test and retested it here: I found it just as good, and it came out slightly quieter in my tests this time. It's on castors with a rear drawer for water, and comes with two ice packs to cool the water. There's a slot to store the remote control. Unusually, rather than oscillating or having a swing function, the grille at the front slowly turns to alter the breeze, which is a bit hypnotic. Why we love itThe Swan cooled the room well, by 1C in an hour, and put out a wide, cooling breeze. There are 24 fan speeds, and you can select them via the remote control. The breeze is powerful, and its energy consumption is modest. It's great to use as a fan, with or without the evaporative cooling, depending on the temperature. It's also one of the quietest on test; I could definitely sleep with it running. It's good value and good looking, with a coffee-coloured 'oatmeal' finish and wood-effect detail. This makes a nice change from the monochrome of most models. It's a shame that … there's no bung on the bottom for draining the tank at the end of summer. Instead, you have to use it until nearly empty, then tip it out – although this is only once a year. Dimensions: 29 x 24 x 71cm (WDH)Water tank: 5lNumber of speeds: 24Remote control? YesPeak noise level on test: 40dBPower use on top setting: 26W At its current lowest price of £59.99, this is a bit of a bargain – think of it as a tower fan with the added perk of evaporative cooling. It's tall and thin, with a round base rather than castors. Indeed, the 29 x 29cm listed in the specs below includes the base, while the tower itself is just 15cm wide by 19cm deep. It comes with an ice pack, and you can also take the grille off the front, remove the filter and pre-soak it (by running it under the cold tap) for faster cooling. I did this for the test, which may help explain why it was so effective. To fill it, you have to pour the water into the rear drawer with a jug; you can't detach it. This means that emptying it requires you to tip it over the sink. Why we love itThe JML cooler does a good job of putting out a cooling breeze, feeling almost like a tower fan. In fact, this cooler oscillates, turning from side to side, rather than having a swing function. Features include a timer (two, six, eight or 12 hours) and you can choose whether the lights are bright, dim or off – both features are handy at bedtime and welcome to find at this price. Cooling was fast and fairly effective. The JML cooler took the room temperature down by 0.6C within half an hour, and remained steady after that. There's no fan-only setting, but the machine works fine without water in the tank, which effectively makes it a fan anyway. A great product for the price, this cooler performs as strongly as many tower fans, with the added bonus of the cooling functionality. It's a shame that … there's no remote control. Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 94cm (WDH)Water tank: 3l Number of speeds: 4 Remote control? NoPeak noise level on test: 55dBPower use on top setting: 77W This evaporative cooler is bulky and imposing, but it sits on castors and is easy to move around. There are smaller models available, but the AirconCentre team recommend sizing up: get a model designed for a larger space than you need, to make it even more effective. The control panel on top tilts up, so you can usefully see it from the other side of the room. Low down at the front, there's a flap that opens like a letterbox for filling with water. There's also an inlet at the back so you can attach a hose for automatic water filling. To be honest, I can't see anyone in the UK plumbing in their cooler: maybe in a hotter, drier country where you have to use the cooler all day, every day. It also means you can't open a drawer to tip out excess water, but there's a plug at the bottom to drain it fully – ideal at the end of summer when you need to dry it before packing away. Why we love itThis Symphony unit cooled the room more than 1C within half an hour, faster than any of the other air coolers on test. This was despite not coming with any ice packs: it's so powerful that it clearly didn't need them. The result was strong and refreshing, like a sea breeze. It was loud, but you'll probably be willing to overlook that on a very hot day. On cooler days, you can also use it as a tower fan, which is quieter. Capacity is huge, at 20 litres, and it demanded that I add at least four litres before it would start. It used this up in a relatively speedy 1hr 15mins, which wasn't altogether surprising given that it used the most energy of all the coolers on test. I can see, then, why they've included the option to connect a hose, but given 20 litres will last you more than seven hours, it's not too taxing to just fill the tank. The power use (87W on max) is more than triple the Swan's (26W), but it still costs only pennies to run (and it's a small fraction of the power use of air conditioning units). You can manually adjust vertical louvres to decide on the angle of airflow, and there's a swing setting that moves them to shift the breeze from side to side. This was good at creating a breezy effect. There's also a timer for up to seven hours, but it's too loud to use when sleeping unless you're a fan of white noise. It's a shame that … it's loud at 60dB, equivalent to a washing machine. Dimensions: 30 x 32 x 83cm (WDH)Water tank: 20lNumber of speeds: 3Remote control? YesPeak noise level on test: 60dBPower use on top setting: 87W This is not technically an evaporative cooler. It works in a similar way, but you can't use it to cool indoors with water. Instead, it's designed to cool you outdoors by spraying a fine mist of water directly into the air in front of the fan. I found it really effective for cooling while I was sitting on the patio. The fan is slim and elegant, with a slightly wider 35 x 35cm circular base. The big carry handle on top can be used to angle it up and down, and the fan oscillates from side to side. You can choose from three angles of oscillation or use the left and right buttons on the remote control to turn the fan. Why we love itThe Shark is very good at cooling you down outdoors. There are three levels of mist, and it's the kind of wet wind you get straight off the sea, making everything slightly damp but very welcome in hot weather. It's perfect for a barbecue on a summer's day. It claims to reduce temperatures by up to 6C, although I can't give a test figure because the water spray made my digital thermometer stop working. But what I can say is that it cooled me down fast. You quickly see why the water mist is for outdoors only: my clothes became slightly damp, and a small puddle formed in front of the Shark. I made a note not to use my laptop near it: it's not for WFP (working from the patio) days. I liked that it's rechargeable, easy to carry around the house by the top handle, and even convertible; you can take off the tank to use it as a fan indoors and take off the pole to convert it to a desk fan. The cordless run time is quoted as two to 24 hours, depending on fan speed, and charging time is five to six hours. I found that I could use the fan at the same time as charging it for later use. And power use was impressively low: 14W on the top fan setting, 7W to charge the battery and 21W to do both at once. This gives many fans a run for their money. It works well as a fan, with five speeds, of which the first two were silent. It's pricey but convenient since it's cordless. I'd buy it for indoor use and enjoy the misting for outdoor entertaining on hot days. It's a shame that … you can't use the misting indoors. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 93cm (WDH) Water tank: 5l Number of speeds: 5Remote control? YesPeak noise level on test: 55dBPower use on top setting: 21W Currently out of stock Best for: silent cooling The Honeywell performed well in my tests, cooling the room by a degree in an hour (it was slightly quieter and used slightly less power than when I tested it as part of our fans group test; a normal variance). It's fairly quiet, albeit with a slight audible hum and gurgle. You can use it as a fan without evaporative cooling, although it's not as powerful as many other fans I tested. It sits on castors, making it easy to move around, but doesn't come with ice packs (but you could add ice for even more cooling). There's a filling drawer at the back, with a plug underneath for draining. I liked the large capacity, but I was less keen on the way it looks. It's not my favourite, but overall it's not a bad buy. It didn't make the final cut because … others performed better as coolers and fans, and are more attractive. Dimensions: 31 x 30 x 75cm (WDH); water tank: 10l; number of speeds: 3; remote control? Yes; peak noise level on test: 25dB; power use on top setting: 43W Currently out of stock Best for: year-round use This is the only evaporative cooler on test that doubles as a fan heater. While fan heaters aren't the most energy efficient, it at least means this gadget needn't sit gathering dust during winter. It's compact with a sleek, boxy design on castors. There's a filling drawer and also a flap for filling from the top. It's not as loud or annoying as some: the sound is mannered, and I was able to sleep when using the quiet setting. Unfortunately, however, the breeze is mannered too. It felt mildly cooling, but the temperature didn't measurably drop, even when using ice packs. I liked the swing function, at least, because it made me appreciate the breeze more. The heater worked well, but it uses a lot of power: 2kW on top mode, 1.4kW on the lower setting. It'll warm you while WFH, but I prefer to use an electric throw: they're cosy as well as being more efficient. It didn't make the final cut because … it's not cooling enough. Dimensions: 27 x 30 x 60cm (WDH); water tank: 6l; number of speeds: 3; remote control? Yes; peak noise level on test: 30dB; power use on top setting: 74W Currently out of stock Best for: air freshening The Pro Breeze's party trick is that you can add aroma to the air it kicks out: there's a little drawer on the front for a pad, which you scent with a few drops of essential oil. Sadly, though, I didn't find the room was particularly filled with lemon scent when I added my lemon oil. Cooling was a letdown, too: the temperature didn't measurably decrease, despite adding ice packs in the rear water drawer. The lowest mode is quiet enough to sleep to, at least, and there are two sleep modes that gradually reduce power. I also liked the swing function, which blows side to side. I preferred this to the breeze mode that switches between each of the three fan levels. The breeze just wasn't strong enough, however, no matter which mode it was in. The unit is tall and slim with no castors for moving it around, reminiscent of a tower fan. The tower itself is just 19cm wide by 24cm deep (with a wider, circular base as specified below), so it's fairly narrow visually. It didn't make the final cut because … it's expensive and doesn't cool enough. Dimensions: 31 x 31 x 103cm (WDH); water tank: 5l; number of speeds: 3 remote control? Yes; peak noise level on test: 30dB; power use on top setting: 46W Currently out of stock Best for: using as a fan This cooler was easy to use. To fill, I could simply pull the rear drawer half out to fill it with a jug, or easily unclip the tubes to take it to the sink. It's also easy to check the water level from the front. Sadly, it didn't measurably cool the room in my tests, despite the ice packs. It did put out a good breeze, though. I tried the thermometer in a neighbouring room to check if the temperature was otherwise rising: at best, the Black+Decker had cooled things by 0.3C. Overall, I still quite liked it, but more as a fan than as an evaporative cooler. It put out a nice breeze, with a sleep timer, a swing function and a natural mode that varies the strength to feel like a natural breeze. It didn't make the final cut because … it's not cooling enough. Dimensions: 30 x 31 x 76cm (WDH); water tank: 7l; number of speeds: 3 remote control? Yes; peak noise level on test: 40dB; power use on top setting: 63W Evaporative coolers use water from a reservoir to cool the air that blows at you, like a sea breeze takes the edge off summer heat. They don't always produce a powerful wind like a fan, but they're designed to cool the room and are much more energy efficient than air conditioning. They cool the room only a little, though, so don't expect them to drastically alter the temperature like aircon. They're most effective in dryer environments as they make the air more humid, effectively acting as humidifiers while cooling. Most fans oscillate, moving side to side by swivelling on their base, whereas evaporative coolers tend to achieve a similar effect via a swing mode, which turns the vertical louvres at the front, moving the airflow from side to side. I found this effective for variety, but the angle is narrower than an oscillating fan. Meanwhile, breeze and natural modes cycle between different fan speeds to mimic the variety of a natural breeze. Also look out for a sleep timer, which gradually reduces the power overnight. I'll set out the maths. For each evaporative cooler on test, I measured its power use on the top setting, in watts (W). Electricity costs are in kWh (kilowatt hours). If, for example, you were using a 30W evaporative cooler for five hours, it would use 30 x 5 = 150Wh or 0.150kWh of energy. The energy price cap for 1 July to 30 September 2025 is 25.73p a kWh. So that's the price to use 1kWh of energy. Multiply 25.73p by 0.150kWh and you'll discover it costs just below 4p to run your evaporative cooler for five hours, or about £14 to run it this much every day for a year. Evaporative coolers are very cheap to run, then, and they'll keep you cool enough that you can dodge air conditioning. Air con uses significantly more electricity: pounds a day, not pennies. Broken tech is also awful for the environment. The evaporative coolers featured here have a one- or two-year guarantee. Longer guarantees are better: the makers are more likely to have built the product to last. Searching for a fan that will keep you cool on the move? Read our guide to the best handheld fans Caramel Quin is a journalist specialising in consumer technology. She prides herself on real-world testing and plain English. Her pet hates are jargon, pointless products and overcomplicated instruction manuals. Caramel is an engineering graduate who has won awards for communicating hi-tech subjects to normal people. When she's not testing gadgets, she's feeding pets (16 beasts at the time of writing) or pottering at the allotment
The Guardian
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
‘Your nether regions will know if you've skimped': 16 summer cycling essentials
Cycling is one of the most rewarding activities around. It's good for your physical and mental health, offers a carbon-free way of getting from A to B, and can often be the quickest and most cost-effective form of transport – particularly if you live in a city. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Once you're hooked, there are a few bits of kit that will improve your experience immeasurably, whether that's comfortable clothing to curtail chaffing, or a water bottle to help you hydrate without stopping. In summer, the longer days and generally favourable conditions mean you can forgo additional accessories such as bike lights, mudguards and head-to-toe waterproofs – although they can't be avoided forever if you become a year-round, all-weather rider. Another bit of good news is that while cycling has a reputation for being an expensive pursuit, it doesn't have to be, and many of my favourite bits of kit have more affordable price tags. In the almost three decades since I set off stabiliser-free for the first time, I've dabbled in all types of cycling – from a teenage fling with BMXing to inner-city commuting and ultra-distance off-road escapades. In that time, I've tested all manner of clothing, tools and accessories, pushing them to the limit during races, events, training rides and the daily grind. Here's my favourite gear that I reach for before setting off on a summer ride. Although it performs a similar function to a generic sports base layer, a jersey is the first 'proper' bit of cycling gear worth investing in because of the additional comfort it offers. Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, a jersey will wick away moisture from hotspots, while a full-length zip means you can 'ventilate' on the go. Three rear pockets store essentials such as food, tools and a phone, and unlike a running or gym top, the cut is slightly longer at the back for extra coverage when riding leant forward. My favourites, which perform well without breaking the bank, are Italian-designed Sportful SRK, which includes an extra zipped compartment for keys; the 100% recycled Rapha Core; the DHB Blok and its women-specific range, Moda; and the sub-£40 Madison Flux, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Rapha Core women's jersey Sportful men's SRK jersey DHB Moda women's short-sleeve jersey 2.0 DHB Blok men's classic short-sleeve jersey Madison Flux men's short-sleeve jersey Bib shorts might seem like an indulgent (and expensive) purchase, but you get what you pay for – and your nether regions will let it be known if you've skimped. Fitted with a saddle-shaped section of foam in the crotch (known as a chamois), the shorts add an extra layer of padding beneath your perineum that keeps the area dry and cushioned on long rides. Just don't wear underwear, as this can negate the benefits. The straps may make the item resemble a wrestler's singlet, but they keep the shorts in place more comfortably than a waistband, which can dig in over time. As the male and female anatomy are quite different down there, it's worth opting for a gender-specific set. Albion's ABR1 are my go-to for ultra-distance exploits, arriving with handy pockets on each thigh and one at the rear for extra storage. The Gregarius Essential from Q36.5, meanwhile, are soft and supportive against the skin, and breathable too. And for women, 'Petrichor Projects' PP002 offer unbeatable comfort, with a cargo pocket, easy-pee design and sleek aesthetics,' says Katherine Moore, author of Gravel Rides South West England, who also recommends Velocio's Luxe line for all-day epics. 'They're made from a super-soft, compressive material with a built-in base layer front and lovely raw-finish leg hem. A thicker-style chamois pad is the go-to for longer rides.' Albion ABR1 men's pocket bib shorts Q36.5 Gregarius Essential bib shorts Petrichor Projects PP002 women's bib shorts Velocio women's Luxe bib shorts If you'd rather cover your modesty with a normal set of shorts, then opt for a pair of undershorts instead. Secured at the waist, rather than the shoulders, this padded set from Endura will soften the sting of any terrain (as I found out when mountain biking in Colorado), while the stretchy mesh fabric minimises the buildup of sweat, even when worn under non-technical clothing. Endura men's padded Clickfast liner shorts Endura women's padded Clickfast liner shorts Cotton caps were originally designed to protect bare heads from the sun, although today's peloton professionals will rarely wear one. Since you're unlikely to be chasing every watt on your commute, though, a cycling cap under your helmet is a good way to shield from the sun or take off the chill on cooler mornings, all while adding a splash of colour to your riding wardrobe. Prendas specialises in vintage cotton caps, with the Mapei design of the 90s and early 00s team one of the loudest around. The Giro d'Italia-inspired cap from the General Classification is a bit more subtle but oozes style. Mapei retro cotton cycling cap Tour of Italy cotton cycling cap Helmets are a source of contentious debate, but if you want a model that goes above and beyond the EN1078 European standard (which every cycling helmet sold is required to pass by law), the ARO3 Endurance by Oakley is a good choice. It includes an internal Mips (multi-directional impact protection system) layer, which can move independently of the outer shell in the event of a crash, helping to protect the brain. Its 19 vents keep the air flowing even on the warmest days, and the antimicrobial liner minimises odour, ride after ride. Oakley AR03 Endurance Mips helmet Although your feet are fairly static when riding a bike, all of those revolutions will soon have you working up a sweat inside your shoes. Any sports sock will do the job, but a cycling-specific pair will be much more comfortable, providing ventilation on the tops of your feet and padded toes to support every pedal stroke. Like caps, socks can enable you to add a splash of personality, and the fluoro finish of Aussie brand Maap's training sock is sure to get nods of approval at the traffic lights. Maap training sock Oversized sports sunglasses are a must-have fashion accessory this summer, but if you're more interested in conquering hills than the catwalk, you should prioritise a set that provides good coverage against sun, rain and unsuspecting insects – as well as ventilation to prevent you from fogging up. Decathlon's Van Rysel brand is renowned for its premium products, and its RoadR 900 shades can stand up to models from Oakley for a fraction of the cost. This pair comes with a photochromic, UV-filtering nylon lens that automatically adjusts depending on the sun's intensity, meaning no need to swap between lenses and cover them in grubby fingerprints in the process. The lens has also undergone an oil-repelling treatment that helps rain and road spray run from its surface. Decathlon Van Rysel RoadR 900 Perf sunglasses Most riders will need to drink at least 500ml of fluids an hour when cycling, and even more if it's hot. You can use any water bottle, but a bidon comes with an easy-to-open valve that allows you to refresh as you ride, so you don't need to stop to unscrew any lids. The Camelbak Podium is a time-honoured design that can carry up to 710ml, allowing you to ride for longer without running dry, and its insulated version keeps contents cold. Camelbak Podium water bottle Road cyclists take pride in their tan lines, but protecting your skin is more important than chasing a golden glow. A sports-specific sunscreen will handle sweat better than an everyday cream, and Ultrasun's Sports Gel does the job without leaving any greasy marks on your clothes. The fast-absorbing gel is easier to apply than a spray, and means you can quickly see whether you've covered all your exposed skin before setting off. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Ultrasun sports gel SPF30 Instead of forking out for a dedicated cycling computer for navigation and tracking, your phone can perform a similar function if you arm it with the right apps (see below). To keep an eye on directions or distance covered, you'll want to attach it to your bike front and centre with a mount on your stem (the part that joins your handlebars to your fork). Quad Lock's offering might look simple, but its twist and dual-lock system means you can trust it will hold your phone in place, and the included cable ties will fix it firmly to your bike. Quad Lock Bike Mount Pro stem mount Quad Lock Mag case for iPhone Cycle enough and you'll eventually come a cropper with a mid-ride mechanical. A puncture is the most common culprit, so it's a good idea to arm yourself with the tools and knowhow to fix one. Tyre levers and a pump are a must, and carrying an inner tube or two that are the same size as those installed on your wheels will be the quickest fix. A puncture-repair kit is always a good backup too. For other issues, such as loose fittings or a broken chain, Crankbrothers' pocket-sized F16 multitool has the hex bolt bits to get you out of most scrapes. If you have any carbon fibre components, Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ includes a torque gauge to stop you overtightening (and damaging) your bike. Crankbrothers F16 Multitool Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ Pedro's tyre levers Decathlon inner tube repair patch replacement kit Lezyne V2 ABS pressure-drive hand pump A solid pair of shorts will go a long way to helping you avoid saddle sores, but applying a layer of chamois cream to the area pre-ride is a belt-and-braces approach. You need to apply only a small amount of this cooling, rehydrating formula from Assos to keep everything supple and chafe-free – even after 12 hours in the saddle. Assos chamois creme There's a cycling bag for every type of ride – from panniers perfect for the daily grind to the office, to big bikepacking setups that could survive a round-the-world expedition. For everyday exploring, though, you can't beat a handlebar bag. The 3.4l Lil Presto Barrel Bag by Wizard Works can comfortably carry a waterproof layer, nutritional provisions and a multitool, and its hard-shell Cordura construction will keep contents protected from the elements (with the rigidity making it easy to unzip on the go). Wizard Works Lil Presto barrel bag The cafe stop is a sacrosanct staple of any bike ride, and can sometimes be the sole motivation for saddling up. But cycling longer distances will require you to refuel well before you can tuck into your cappuccino and cake. Sports gels deliver a convenient, compact and easy-to-digest hit of carbohydrates, with a dose recommended every 20-30 minutes. Veloforte's energy gels are half the size of those from most other manufacturers, while the use of concentrated fruit juice rather than flavourings means you won't suffer from the flavour fatigue of more synthetic-tasting alternatives. Clif Bloks are a good option for those who prefer a more solid sugar hit. Veloforte Primo natural energy gel Clif Bloks Energy Chews Looking for some local ride inspiration, or planning something farther afield? There are a host of navigation apps that can suggest tailored tours based on duration, distance and difficulty, and their cycling-specific nature means you're rarely led astray (or on to a dual carriageway). Komoot is great for finding off-road-leaning trails and has its own easy-to-use route planner that includes user-recommended highlights. And if you already subscribe to Strava, in addition to tracking and displaying your speed and distance, the app has a route tool that can generate a loop based on the most popular roads and paths. For those who prefer printed guides, Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes books are a brilliant resource and offer well-researched routes with accompanying downloadable directions. Komoot Strava Lost Lanes Southern England Pounding the pedals can leave you with sore muscles, so ramp up your recovery with a massage gun. Theragun's third-generation Mini packs an almighty punch considering its size, and is small enough to stow in a pannier if you're out on a multi-day adventure. Its three-head attachments can delve deep into aches and pains in your quads, calves and lower back, and its guided routines are handy for those new to knot-busting. Theragun mini third generation For more, read our roundup of the best massage guns Charlie Allenby is a health and fitness journalist who puts running and cycling gear through its paces on increasingly ridiculous endurance challenges
The Guardian
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Jess Cartner-Morley's June style essentials: from treat-yourself dresses to high-street bling
I try to be realistic about what people will spend when I do these edits. When we're shopping and see something we like, the first thing almost all of us do is look at the price. What with money not growing on trees and all that. If I see something nice in a shop, then check the tag and find it to be out of my budget (or just overpriced), I move swiftly on. By the same logic, if I spot a contender for this monthly roundup but then discover it's prohibitively expensive – which happens a lot these days, 'sticker shock' being a familiar syndrome in an era of fashion hyperinflation – I am not inclined to include it. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. But we can't be sensible all the time. I don't need to remind you that it's better to buy fewer good, long-lasting things than loads of cheap tat. Then there's the fact that, sometimes, an object is worth spending money on not because it's objectively worth a lot of money, but just because it's worth a lot to you. Plus, June is my birthday month, so you have to indulge me, OK? So, there's a couple of splurges in here, should you be in the market for a dreamy dress or two. But also: the £46.75 swimsuit that's in every chic holiday luggage, and some utterly brilliant earrings for less than £20. Because, that's real life. Cut-out strap sandals £28 at River Island I'm a huge fan of this particular shape of flat sandal, which I find to be sufficiently aesthetic to wear with a dress for a nice holiday dinner, eliminating the need to pack any heels. The key is that the upper of the shoe doesn't cover your toes, and doesn't extend too close to where your foot bends at the ankle. Straps across the front of the ankle rarely look good without a heel. Dismiss anything with a kitten heel (impractical), anything with a dividing post between the toes (blisters) and anything with metal touching your skin (hot). These are pretty perfect, in tan suede or chocolate leather. Crystal maxi skirt £155 at Odd Muse This is a two-in-one to introduce you to a useful concept (the party skirt) and a useful brand (Odd Muse). A really fancy long skirt – think pearls or fringing or feathers – looks chic for a daytime summer do (white shirt, flat sandals, sunglasses) and will be perfect with a neat sweater and kitten heels for winter parties. This maxi skirt comes in white, mint and black (now almost sold out in the latter). Odd Muse is one to keep an eye on. I hummed and hawed and missed out on the Odd Muse piece I coveted this season – the pearl-dotted Ultimate Muse Embellished Midi Dress, £165, now sold out in most sizes – but the skirt is equally fabulous. Domino earrings £15.99 at Zara These earrings hit that perfect sweet spot of being novelty enough to be interesting and a bit of a conversation-starter without ever suggesting that you're anything less than sophisticated. J'adore. Elizabeth dress £595 at Reiss£595 at Next There are two ways of looking at the £595 price tag on this Reiss dress. The first, obviously, is that almost £600 is a lot of money for a dress from a high-street store. But the second is that this dress genuinely passes for top-dollar designer fashion, and a dress with this level of detailing – the pearl and amber teardrop beads at the shoulder cut-out are divine in closeup – would cost five times that from a fancy label. A fellow fashion editor wore this dress at an extremely snazzy fashion dinner in Italy, and it not only passed as designer but was much complimented. Printed silk-trimmed mini dress £345 at the Outnet When I was in my 20s, I had a Pucci dress. God, I loved that dress. When I read that Marilyn Monroe was buried in her favourite Pucci dress, that made perfect sense to me. Anyway, that didn't happen, because I wore that dress on so many nights out – including one where I fell in a swimming pool – that eventually the jersey lost its spring and the colours faded. I still miss it and I still obsess over Pucci, so I hereby point you to the Outnet, where you can often find some summer treasures, like this mini dress with distinctive swirly epaulettes, which is snazzy-beach-lunch perfection and reduced from £690 to £345. Rhodes cup-size bikini top £52 at BodenMatching classic bikini bottoms £36 at Boden Speaking of Pucci. I'm generally a black-or-navy swimwear gal, but I've fallen hard for this structured Boden bikini top and matching classic bikini bottoms in the joyful, Amalfi-coast-lunch blues, yellows and reds of the Wildflower colourway. Also available in navy and white stripes if you're feeling sensible. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Lab-grown diamond solitaire studs From £180 at Fenton We're hardwired to love diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds – which are very much real diamonds – are disrupting the industry. Fenton is a small, female-founded British jewellery brand using pioneering solar diamonds, grown using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. A pair of diamond studs, with solid 14-carat gold, starts at £180. Never going to go out of style. Iphi top £39 at Blacktogrey No self-respecting Jane-Birkin-in-Provence is complete without a barely-there superfine T-shirt. Blacktogrey is a sustainable label making simple pieces designed with end-of-life recycling in mind. (Send your worn-out piece back, and Blacktogrey will do the recycling for you.) The boat neck detail elevates this top. Las Flores swimsuit £46.75 at John Lewis John Lewis tells us that this one-shouldered swimsuit has been a huge hit: customers love it because the shoulder detailing and sturdy, non-transparent fabric make it perfect for wearing as a top, so it does double duty on holiday. A smart buy. Carpenter straight-leg trousers £32.50 at M&S Poor old M&S has had a time of it, hasn't it? At the time of writing, online orders are still paused. A silver lining for me has been that when I've nipped into M&S to buy things I couldn't order online, I've spotted a few nice bits that I'd missed on the website. These Carpenter straight-leg trousers have little touches of utility styling that make them feel weekendy – deep pockets at the hip, a hammer loop, robust fabric that turns up easily when needed – but a sleek outline, and belt loops if you want to smarten them up. Jacquard weave dress £37.99 at H&M Let's end on a steal. I love this H&M jacquard weave dress for two reasons. First, the fabric, which is nubbly and tactile and looks way more expensive than it is. Second, the fit, with soft gathers at the waist and a slight scrunch to the side, well-thought-out details that blur the details of your outline in a graceful way. The pale pink is sold out in most sizes, but the ivory is cute too.
