THE CLAIM:

Save Energy, Save Time, Save Money, Save Water. Performance mixed with high quality design and environmental focus rocketed the Prestige 1.7 litre Eco kettle to the Which? best buy, June 2012.

The Prestige is a kettle full of style, elegance, power and efficiency. It highlights the exact volume you require, so you never have to heat that extra unused cup of water again.

HOW DOES IT WORK:

Using a powerful 300W heating element, water contained in the large 1.7 litre core is rapidly heated up giving you boiling water in under a minute. Using a state of the art temperature measurement system, the prestige switches off just at the point of boiling, ensuring that no pointless electricity is expended. The kettle also sits upon a base that allows full 360-degree rotation, making it the perfect kitchen appliance for the left or right-hander

HOW DID IT WORK FOR ME:

I can’t live without my cup of coffee in the morning; this means that my kettle gets quite a lot of use. I began to get concerned when I started noticing and taking into account the amount of excess water I seemed to be boiling each time I flicked the kettle on. Therefore I decided to purchase a kettle that told me exactly, to the cup, how much water I required.

This is where the Prestige came in with its environmental focus. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I found the kettle had more in its ‘Eco locker’ than just an illuminating volume measurer. With its devilishly modern good looks, rapid boiling time and instant switch off as soon as the water boils, there was no looking back and it soon took pride of place in my kitchen (next to my Prestige toaster). On top of the Eco features there is also the added safety of a boil-dry safety cut out as well as it being lightweight and sturdy, winner winner chicken dinner.

Therefore gone are the days of endless, gormless stares at old kettles chugging their way to 100oc, to then find you only use half the water anyway, now with a flick of a switch I barely have time to get my mug out before it completes its task.

THE CLAIM:

This tumble dryer claims to provide you with 9 kg of dry clothes, not only quickly and quietly, but also efficiently with a staggering A+++ rating. This makes it one of the most all round, energy efficient tumble dryers out there.

HOW DOES IT WORK:

This condensing tumble dryer aims to lessen the environmental impact of drying your clothes. Due to the condensing nature of the product, there are no restrictions on where it can be placed. Unlike vented dryers, which require a vent in order for the condensation to escape, the Aqualtis has a water vapour collector within, which is simply removed once full.

HOW DID IT WORK FOR ME:

The other month I decided to buy a tumble dryer. Now previously I have been put off by the extent to which they use electricity. Obviously I thought this would have a detrimental effect on both my wallet and the environment. However, I recently saw this Hotpoint Aqualtis and along with being fed up of walking into batches of wet clothes drying 5 feet in the air, I decided to go for it.

I was firstly surprised at how quiet and still it is during the drying time, essential, as it seems I’m always drying my clothes when the football comes on (we all know how important the commentary is). Aside from this, the efficiency of the Hotpoint is remarkable and with 16 different settings and variable heat control, everything is covered.

From my calculations, drying a load three times a week will only cost me £35. A pretty good deal for both my wallet and the environment.

The claim

Standard batteries are not energy efficient, while most rechargeable ones are expensive and a pain to charge. This product is, obviously, the same size as standard AA batteries and can be charged by flicking open the top to reveal the USB port connector. In as little as 5 hours these batteries charge to 90%, compared with other rechargeable batteries having to be on charge overnight.

How does it work?

Most rechargeable batteries have to be plugged into a mains socket for over 8 hours in order to gain maximum charge. However, these clever batteries have inbuilt USB port connectors that allow you charge them through laptops and other devices with a USB port. When the battery runs out, all that is required is to flip open the top revealing the USB port connector and plug it in.

How did it work for me?

As a self confessed hater of batteries, as mentioned in my review of the Eton Soulra XL iPhone/iPod Solar Charged Speaker, I love seeing anything that doesn’t require the constant and environmentally harmful, replacing of dead batteries. Therefore when I came across the USB Cell Rechargeable Batteries I was shocked that this idea had not been in fruition earlier. The idea is simple yet effective. While it does the same job as standard rechargeable batteries, it does not require extra parts essential for charging. All that you need to do to charge up the batteries is to flip open the lid to reveal the USB connector port and plug it into any electrical item. I tend to plug it into my laptop and find it charges 100% in a little over 7 hours, but 90% in 5.

The claim

A small generator, with electronic power regulation, charges a battery pack that has a USB port as you cycle. The generator fits in between the rear wheel and the bike frame and is easily fitted to bikes with quick-release wheels. A USB cable can be used to charge your electronic device while also charging the battery pack at the same time.

How does it work?

The revolutions of the rear wheel, caused when on a commute or longer weekend cycle rides, power a generator that provides charge to a separate battery pack. This battery pack has a USB port that allows you to plug in and charge your smart phone, camera or other electrical gadget on the go. Otherwise you can use the battery pack to charge your phone after you stop as the charge will remain.

How did it work for me?

Still in process, this product is certainly one to look out for as the potential positives are numerous.

The claim

The Eton Soulra XL is a speaker system that uses an inbuilt solar panel to prolong the battery life while in use and also recharge the internal battery when not connected to the mains. The battery takes around 5 hours to charge through the solar panel compared with 2 via the mains charger. However when in use, exposing the solar panel to the sun will give the speakers an extra 3 hours play time, taking it from 5 to 8, of use and makes it idea for any prolonged outdoor activity or camping expedition.

How does it work?

Once fully charged via the mains, the 72 square inch solar panel helps boost the potential battery life of the speakers and allows extensive use away from power sources. While the battery life lasts up to 5 hours without the solar panel it lasts 8 with it, making it feasible to take with you on your outdoor travels. The solar panel can also be used to trickle charge the inbuilt rechargeable battery, however this takes significantly longer than the mains charger. The speakers also have a protective shield that covers the iPhone or iPod from splashes or sprays that occur during everyday standard use.

How did it work for me?

I get very frustrated when, during the very few hot days we have here in Britain, iI have no way of playing my favourite songs while in garden or during  camping expeditions. In the garden I have, in the past, resorted to miles upon miles of extension cables running through various rooms and out through the garden and into my iPod dock. I also refuse to have a battery powered device due to the fact i end up drowning in batteries, not knowing if they are dead or not. Therefore when i saw this solar panelled speaker system from Eton, I jumped at the chance to give it a go.

Using the AC adaptor the inbuilt rechargeable battery reachers 100% in a couple of hours and then allows me to listen to great quality sound audio for hours after. After flipping the solar panel down and exposing it to the sun, it does indeed give you extra playing time. However I found that the length of time taken to charge the battery purely off the solar panel is quite long and seems to require a cloudless day for maximum efficiency.

However, having said that this is a fantastic product that has given me much enjoyment, both in the garden and camping. The protective shield has also saved me from a broken iPod on a couple of occasions.

The Claim?

The E2 is a comprehensive energy monitor, with a whole range of functions that let you better monitor your energy use. It boasts a high wireless range and lots of display options so that you can choose exactly how you wish to view your data and you can even upload the data to your computer for storage and detailed viewing.

How does it work?

The E2 Classic 2.0 follows the same style as many energy monitors. A sensor is placed next to your electricity meter, and the data this collects is wirelessly transmitted in real time to a small gadget that you can view the consumption on. This model however, has a range of additional functions: a range of up to 70 meters from the sensor, viewing in KWh, cost (with a range of 5 currencies) or CO2, historical data stored for months and software that lets you upload the data to a pc or mac and view the data in a number of forms.

How did it work for me?

This really is supposed to be one of the most comprehensive energy monitors out there. So it is great to be able to put it to the test. The installation is fairly straight forward and the interface looks fairly similar to other energy monitors, but it was pretty cool to be able to switch between the different outputs.

Where this gadget really comes alive however is when you upload the data to your computer. You can view all your data stretching back to when you first switched it on, in a number of innovative graphs and charts. It really brings the raw numbers to life and lets you get to grips with where you really use your energy.

There is also an alarm function on the device that lets you set targets for your energy use. When you go over the limit, the alarm will sound. It’s the sort of thing you can use to try and challenge yourself to use less.

So how well does it work? It seems to be a pretty reliable monitor, and I would certainly take this over some of the cheaper monitors, which lack accuracy and reliability. It also boasts a better than 90% accuracy, which is fairly good for a monitor like this, considering that measurements are indirect, unlike the electricity meter, which takes a direct measurement. It’s certainly good enough to get a really good picture of your energy use.

The claim

Extreme and durable, this multi purpose tool includes a radio, torch, bottle opener and USB port for charging electrical devices. Through man power or simply the sun’s energy, charge is supplied to run the various functions of this product.

How does it work?

This product has an inbuilt rechargeable battery that can be charged through a solar panel or a fold out handle. A tough outer shell protects it from the rugged outdoors and makes it extremely durable while making it uncomfortable to carry or use. It also has an indicator that shows the level of battery available, allowing you to maintain power manually, using the hand cranked turbine, during periods of darkness.

How did it work for me?

Loving the outdoors often comes at a cost, not only do you get cold, wet, bitten and thoroughly miserable, but you often lose contact with the rest of the world, fall down holes and walk into rocks. All of this because the smart phone, battery powered torch and radio you purchased at great cost have all run out of battery. So when I came across the Eton Scorpion, I thought all of my dreams had come true.

This extremely durable beast not only charges your phone, plays the radio, lights the path and opens your refreshing beer at the end of the day, but does this without the need for batteries! The solar panel charges the inbuilt battery throughout the day effectively, although perhaps considering its size it feels like it should charge quicker than taking several hours. However any extra charge needed is easily added through the manual hand crank, which starts the radio in a little as two cranks, and held two hours charge after only a few minutes cranking!!!

The Claim?

The footswitch is a really simple device that cuts off electricity to all of your media devices when you hit it with your foot.

How does it work?

The footswitch trailing socket allows you to plug in several appliances to one power outlet, just like any other multi-socket adapter. But with the footswitch, you can turn them all off with one press of the foot on a large heavy-duty switch. This is ideal for those places in the home where the power socket isn’t easily accessible.

How did it work for me?

This is a really simple device that doesn’t really cost much more than a normal 6 way socket adapter. I wanted to try this to compare it to the other Efergy product – the Media Standby Eliminator.

It really is a compact, yet sturdy little device, and it doesn’t really take up much space near your plugs. The only criticism I have is that you really have to turn the tv or your dvd player to standby before you hit the switch, as I don’t really want to cut the power while they are on – maybe this is just my personal reservation. The Eliminator in comparison puts everything off in stages, from on to standby to off, which I feel more comfortable with.

This switch will work equally well on any socket with a number of devices attached however. You could use it on a computer or even on kitchen appliances.

The claim

This multipurpose solar charged torch is the perfect gadget for the environmentally conscious person. With an added bike clip and bell, it can also be used both on and off the bicycle and provides a powerful output lasting up to 4 hours and lighting a distance of 50 feet.

How does it work?

This torch uses the power of the sun to charge an internal rechargeable battery, which then can power the torch for up to 4 hours after the sun has gone down and a button on the back has been pressed. It also has an inbuilt bell for added safety on the road and a bike clip that allows a quick and firm installation onto the bike.

How did it work for me?

As a keen cyclist I am constantly trawling through gadgets to improve my bike. In terms of lights, I have recently been using a USB based number that requires charging every so often, annoying when on the road for long periods of time. Therefore when I saw the Solar Bike Light, I jumped in my saddle at the opportunity to try it out and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.

The light itself is easily fixed on the bike and I haven’t, in the 500 or so miles I have ridden since I purchased it, had any difficulties with it falling off. The amount the internal battery charges throughout the day more than adequately accounts for any distance covered in dusk and dawn and the added bell feature increases the potential safety factor of the product.

The claim

A clever shower radio that, when linked in line with the shower hose, uses the power of the water flow to charge an inbuilt battery and produce high quality sound audio.

How does it work?

The pressure of the water traveling through the shower hose turns an inbuilt micro turbine that charges an on-board battery. This battery then powers the radio to play, renewably sourced but powerfully performing, sound audio.

How did it work for me?

I can think of little else better that singing in the shower, although perhaps I can also think of a few people that live with me that would disagree! Blowing the cobwebs away with a cheeky power ballad gets me in the perfect frame of mind for work in the morning. However, with shower radios that I have used in the past the batteries tend to corrode relatively quickly. Therefore I was obviously excited when I heard about the H2O Powered Shower Radio. Using the power of my shower to blare out the tunes or news in the morning sounds ideal, and with no batteries to corrode this must be a durable product.

For me the radio fitted perfectly, however I advise that you check your shower as some may come across difficulties. When it was installed, it worked perfectly providing a strong and clear sound while not negatively influencing the heat and pressure performance of the shower.