Tapo Matter Bulb (E27)
We've been using the Tapo Matter Bulb – E27 and it's been a game-changer in our daily routine. The ability to control our lighting remotely via smartphone adds a layer of convenience we didn't know we needed.
Setting schedules has streamlined our evenings, and integrating it with Home Assistant allows for dynamic lighting scenarios triggered by various events.
Whether we're at home or abroad, having control over our lighting setup provides both comfort and security. It's a smart addition that seamlessly fits into our lifestyle.
What We Love
- No special bridge required
- Connects to Google Home, HomeKit and Home Assistant amongst others
- Great app with very helpful features
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
We’ve been cooking with the Always Pan 2.0, and it’s quickly become our go-to in the kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile, handling everything from stir-fries and steaming vegetables to braising meats.
The ceramic non-stick surface is smooth and heats evenly, making cooking simple and enjoyable. It retains heat brilliantly, ideal for dishes that need precise temperature control. Cleaning up is straightforward, although it’s strictly hand-wash only.
It’s important to use silicone or wooden utensils, as metal can damage the coating. We did have one pan replaced after it began sticking prematurely, but customer services were great and replaced it immediately.
What We Love
- Versatile, replacing multiple cookware pieces
- Smooth non-stick surface makes cooking easy
- Optional steamer basket is a plus
Brabantia Retractable Washing Line
We've been using the Brabantia WallFix Retractable Washing Line and it's transformed our laundry routine. Its fold-away design is perfect for saving space, and the installation process is straightforward, thanks to the included drilling template. The protective cover is a thoughtful addition, keeping the lines clean and dry when not in use. The build quality is impressive, with corrosion-resistant materials ensuring durability.
The WallFix offers 24 metres of drying space, accommodating a full machine load, including larger items like sheets and towels. The outer lines are 120 cm long, providing ample room for various laundry sizes. Its one-handed operation makes it easy to unfold and fold away, although securing it under the cover can be a bit fiddly at times.
Brabantia's commitment to sustainability is commendable. For every WallFix sold, they plant a tree in partnership with WeForest. Additionally, the product comes with a 5-year warranty, reflecting the company's confidence in its quality.
What We Love
- Space-saving fold-away design
- Easy wall installation with provided template
- Protective cover keeps lines clean and dry
Our Place Perfect Pot
We've been using the Our Place Perfect Pot in our kitchen for a while now, and it’s quickly become one of our favourite pieces of cookware. Much like the Always Pan, it fills that gap where you want something that's simple, reliable, and genuinely multi-functional. We love that we can start by sautéing on the hob and then seamlessly move it into the oven for braising or roasting without needing to switch pans.
The nonstick ceramic coating works beautifully – everything from stews to pasta dishes just slides out, and cleaning it is effortless. It’s also a comfort knowing it’s PTFE- and PFOA-free, keeping things toxin-free in our cooking. For bigger dishes, it’s our absolute go-to, whether that's a Sunday roast or a big batch of soup.
The only downside is its size – the pot is fairly large (5.2L capacity), which can make it tricky to fit anything else in the oven alongside it if you're cooking multiple things at once. That said, if you're doing a one-pot meal, it's absolutely perfect.
What We Love
- Brilliant versatility: sauté, steam, bake, braise, roast
- Easy to clean thanks to its nonstick ceramic coating
- Toxin-free, no PTFE or PFOA
