As October brought serial storms and earlier sunsets, Guardian readers shifted their spending toward indoor comfort and preparation for the upcoming holiday season. The month’s most popular purchases reflect a desire to stay warm, simplify kitchen tasks, and refresh wardrobes for autumn events.
Quiet electric heaters and kitchen essentials
The overall winner in the Guardian’s electric heater tests was praised for its speed and silence. Pete Wise, who led the testing, noted that the unit made a chilly room feel cozy within seconds. On its highest setting, the heater reached 2kW of power, yet it operated at a maximum of 46dB. Wise described it as far quieter than other fan heaters he had tested, allowing users to enjoy warmth without the usual racket.
Kitchen tools also dominated the list, with a specific garlic press emerging as a reader favorite. Stuart Hatcher recommended the tool in a roundup of everyday items, noting that it ended his time-consuming chopping routine. The press joined other practical picks like wrist wraps for weightlifting and a portable air pump for inflating beds.
Cooking enthusiasts turned to casserole dishes for autumn meals. Habitat’s oven-safe pot, priced at £47.50, was highlighted for its excellent heat retention and autumnal orange finish. Sophie Wyburd, who reviewed the category, noted that the pot costs about a fifth of the leading Le Creuset model while delivering similar performance. The dish allows home cooks to prepare meals like beef shin ragu with minimal effort.
Coffee machines remained a staple for readers adjusting to darker evenings. Sasha Muller gave a five-star review to the De’Longhi Magnifica Start, praising its ability to make espresso, black coffee, and cappuccinos. He described the machine as simple to use and sensibly designed, making it a strong choice for everyday drinkers seeking a reliable caffeine fix.
Beauty and fashion for party season
Skincare routines shifted toward winter maintenance, with a vitamin C serum becoming a standout purchase. Zoë Phillimore reported being astounded by the results after one week of use, with people commenting on how glowy her face looked. She purchased the serum after reading Danielle Wilkins’ guide to the best options, hoping it would help her skin survive the grey winter months.
Hair care also saw increased interest, particularly for age-related thinning. Sali Hughes highlighted a treatment from the subscription service Hair+Me, which dispenses proven medications like minoxidil. The service allows clinicians to tailor treatments, including oral options that reduce risks to pets, addressing a common concern for many readers.
Fashion choices leaned toward versatile pieces suitable for both work and evening events. The pencil skirt returned as a favorite, with Melanie Wilkinson noting its timeless tailoring and elasticated back waist. The style proved so popular that the size 14 sold out quickly. Sheer silk shirts were also in high demand, with fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley suggesting they can be worn over a tank top during the day and paired with more daring outfits for the evening. One specific shirt was reduced to £54, making it an attractive option for party season.
For those avoiding ironing, a lightweight handheld steamer from Philips was recommended as a budget-friendly entry into iron-free living. Zoë Phillimore found it effective for cotton and linen, though she noted it was a bit spitty on silk. It is not powerful enough for large piles of laundry but works well for quick touch-ups.
Practical items for families and tech users
Family life was supported by an affordable egg cooker that can boil up to six eggs or poach two at a time. Reader Amanda Nieurzyla-John chose it as an everyday item that removes guesswork from cooking. She stated she did not know how she had cooked all those years without it, highlighting its utility for busy mornings.
Children’s lunch boxes saw a surge in sales, with a colorful plastic caddy emerging as the best option for kids. Zoë Phillimore tested 40 boxes and selected this model for its durability and silicone seals that enclose each compartment separately. It includes a spoon and fork, though replacements are not currently available for purchase.
In the tech category, a new iPhone model was noted for its affordability despite a £599 price tag. Thomas Deehan reviewed the device, noting that it offers great performance and battery life for its cost. The phone has only one rear camera and lacks MagSafe, but it remains a viable option for iOS users amid rising phone prices due to memory chip shortages. It is expected to feature in upcoming Black Friday deals.
Source: The Guardian
