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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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
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Why isn't my pool shock working? An easy fix from a pro
I spoke to a pool professional about a near-certain fix when your pool shock isn't working. This is the best way to clear up your pool
By Alex David Published
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Why is pool shock so expensive? Experts warn it could be a 'lingering effect of the pandemic' – but there is a way to save money
Pool shock is more expensive than ever, so I spoke to two experts about why - and how to save a little money
By Alex David Published
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What's the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?
The difference between a gazebo and a pergola could leave you high and dry. I spoke to garden specialists about the crucial difference
By Alex David Published
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Manual pool vacuum vs robot pool vacuum – which is best?
The choice between manual pool vacuum vs robot pool vacuum could save you thousands of dollars. I spoke to a pool expert about which is best.
By Alex David Published
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Inground vs plug-and-play hot tubs – which is best?
I spoke to a pool expert about plug-and-play vs inflatable hot tubs. This is everything you need to know about these luxurious spas
By Alex David Published
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Plug-and-play vs inflatable hot tubs – which is best?
I spoke to a pool expert about plug-and-play vs inflatable hot tubs. This is everything you need to know about these luxurious spas
By Alex David Published
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The best grill and pizza oven deals
I've combed through the prices to find the best grill and pizza oven deals. These are top discounts on tested grills and ovens
By Alex David Published
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Best cold plunge 2024: top tubs for sports recovery
I've worked my way through thousands of products to find the best cold plunge for your backyard. These are the best-value cold plunge tubs
By Alex David Published
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Can you clean a pool without chemicals? A swimming pool expert weighs in
This is all you need to know about cleaning a pool without chemicals. I spoke to an expert about whether it's worth ditching chlorine
By Alex David Published
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Why isn't my pool vacuum working? Troubleshooting advice from the pros
This is why your pool vacuum isn't working and how to fix it. I spoke to pro pool cleaners about the most common issues and how to solve them
By Alex David Published
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Keurig vs Nespresso – which coffee maker is best for taste, variety, and your wallet
The two companies dominate the market, but when it comes to Keurig vs Nespresso, which is better? I delve into our reviews to find which brand you should buy.
By Alex David Last updated
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What's the difference between pool shock, chlorine, and bleach?
I spoke to an expert about the key differences between pool shock, chlorine, and bleach - nearly identical products with very different uses
By Alex David Published
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How to clean a smoker – follow our expert advice
If you're new to smoking, it can be difficult to work out how to clean a smoker. Here are all the expert insider tips for cleaning a smoker
By Alex David Published
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What do you need to know before you buy a hot tub? 6 key considerations
Hot tubs are great, but there are hidden costs and issues that marketers won't tell you. This is all you need to know before you buy a hot tub
By Alex David Published
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Is grill smoke unhealthy? Expert medical advice
I spoke to doctors to find out if grill smoke is unhealthy. Inhaling grill smoke can be painful, but is it more dangerous than it seems?
By Alex David Published
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California's small engine ban: all you need to know to mow
This is everything you need to know about the California small engine ban
By Alex David Published
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What is a pellet smoker? We ask the experts
If you're wondering what a pellet smoker is, this is all you need to know. As a product tester, this is a straightforward guide
By Alex David Published
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Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven review – it's fun, but a little frivolous
I tested the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven for a week and found a cheap, fun pizza oven, but one that isn't much different from a kitchen oven
By Alex David Published
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Can a regular grill work as a smoker? Advice from the experts
If you're wondering whether a regular grill can work as a smoker, you're not alone. Before you drop $1000 on a Traeger, I spoke to chefs for a workaround
By Alex David Published
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Can a HOA really tell you what to do about your grill smoke?
HOAs can have lots of arbitrary rules, and bans on grill smoke are one of the most controversial. This is everything you need to know about HOAs and grill smoke
By Alex David Published
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Best fuel for pizza ovens - wood vs gas pizza ovens
There's a lot to consider when it comes to the best fuel for pizza ovens. As an expert pizza oven tester, I asked chefs which is the best - wood vs gas pizza ovens
By Alex David Published
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14 things you can make with a food processor – and what should you never use one for
If you're wondering 'what can a food processor do?' we've got the answers for you, from shredding and grating, to dicing, kneading, and more
By Alex David Last updated