Alex David
As Head of eCommerce, Alex makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. After graduating from Cambridge, Alex learned the tricks of the trade at the Good Housekeeping Institute, testing everything from vacuums to washing machines to dog toys to exercise bikes. He then moved to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, where he got into the weeds to discover the best gardening tools, machinery, and wildlife products. At a time when it can be tricky to know what's what, and when budgets are tighter than ever, helping readers to find the right products to make their lives a little easier is a genuine passion.
When he's not scouring the internet for the latest and greatest homeware products, you can find Alex on a run, reading, or obsessing about the mighty (honestly) Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Latest articles by Alex David
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How we test blenders – our experts' step-by-step process
If you're intrigued in how we test blenders to decide which models are the best on the market, here's where to look. We'll explain the whole process.
By Alex David Last updated
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Best grill deals – I just found the biggest discounts on the most highly-rated grills for barbecue season
I just found the best grill deals. As an expert product tester, these are the only grill deals actually worth buying.
By Alex David Published
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Japanese gardening tools are worth the investment – and I've put hundreds to the test to find the best ones
The best Japanese gardening tools can revolutionise your gardening. After testing hundreds, these are the very best.
By Alex David Published
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Where can I place outdoor lights? The laws you need to know to avoid 'light trespass'
Light trespass can be a huge nuisance. I spoke to a legal expert about where you can place your lights to stay on the right side of the law
By Alex David Published
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'A big safety risk' – 4 reasons why it's rarely safe to grill under a gazebo
It seems like a great idea, but grilling under a gazebo is unsafe
By Alex David Published
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Who actually owns my fence? Advice from a real estate attorney on how to get clued up on the law
It's not clear who owns a fence dividing two yards. I spoke to a legal expert about how to tell the difference and protect yourself from disputes
By Alex David Published
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When is it antisocial to use a sprinkler? Expert advice on the timings and potential rules to watch out for
Sprinkling at the wrong time of day can irritate your neighbors. Experts reveal the best time of day to run your sprinkler for community harmony
By Alex David Published
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This is the single-serve coffee maker that the experts use – Morning Coffee Maker review
The Morning Coffee Maker single-serve machine offers minute precision that other machines can't match. It's loved by the experts, but is it for you?
By Alex David Last updated
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Can I have a fire pit under a gazebo? Experts advise against this common backyard mistake
It's tempting to put a fire pit under a gazebo, but it can be dangerous. I two asked experts if it's safe to put a fire pit under a gazebo
By Alex David Published
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When should you grill with the lid closed? Expert chef advice
After speaking with chefs - and years testing grills - I learned the golden rule for grilling with the lid closed
By Alex David Published
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Have you heard of the potato trick? Discover how to make a grill non-stick using a kitchen leftover
I asked expert chefs how to make a grill non-stick, and they gave me a cheap trick with a potato, as well as some other simple grilling tips
By Alex David Published
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Can you build a pergola next to a neighbor's fence? 6 rules from legal experts
Building a pergola next to a neighbor's fence can cause a lot of arguments, and they can get litigious. I spoke to legal experts for advice
By Alex David Published
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Gazebo vs patio umbrella – which is best to beat the heat?
With millions trapped under the heat dome, it's smart to weigh up gazebos vs patio umbrellas to create some much-needed shade
By Alex David Published
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Gozney vs Solo Stove: which pizza oven is best in 2024?
I pitched Gozney vs Solo Stove to see which pizza oven brand is the champion. Our tests found Gozney is better, but very expensive
By Alex David Published
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Ooni vs Gozney: which pizza oven is best in 2024?
I put Ooni vs Gozney in a head-to-head to see which pizza oven brand comes out on top. Our tests found Ooni is better, but not by much
By Alex David Published
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Ooni vs Solo Stove: which pizza oven is best in 2024?
I put Ooni vs Solo Stove in a head to head to see which pizza oven brand comes out on top. Our tests found Ooni is better, but not by much
By Alex David Published
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Are wire grill brushes dangerous? Experts advise against this grill accessory and offer a clever alternative
Wire grill brushes can be dangerous, but grilling experts gave me an alternative you already have lying around in your kitchen
By Alex David Published
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Chefs reveal the best temperatures for grilling perfect chicken, burgers, and brats
This the best temperature for cooking pizza according to expert chefs and pizzaiolos. These exerts gave me a foolproof method
By Alex David Published
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I just found hundreds of dollars off grills and pizza ovens in Wayfair's Anniversary sale
There are plenty of cheap grills and pizza ovens in Wayfair's Anniversary sale. I went through hundreds of deals to find the very best
By Alex David Published
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How do pizza ovens work? Insight from the experts
I spoke to an expert food scientist about how pizza ovens work, to learn the science behind a perfect pizza
By Alex David Published
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What else can you cook in a pizza oven? Tips and ideas from the experts
I spoke to pizza chefs about what else you can cook in a pizza oven
By Alex David Published
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Experts reveal the best temperature for cooking pizza – for a perfect al fresco dinner
This the best temperature for cooking pizza according to expert chefs and pizzaiolos. These exerts gave me a foolproof method
By Alex David Published
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Can you use a coffee grinder to grind spices? Experts advise
To get the bottom of using a coffee grinder to grind spices, I spoke to coffee experts and professional chefs. In short, you can, but they don't advise it.
By Alex David Last updated
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Is it better to buy or rent a pool vacuum? Advice from the experts
I spoke to a pool expert about whether it's better to buy or rent a pool vacuum. This is all you need to know about the pros and cons
By Alex David Published