The Recommended
type: channel
link: https://www.therecommended.com
description: Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
date: 2023-09-26T14:56:57.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The best electric blankets to keep you warm this winter
items: The best luggage locks to keep your belongings safe while you travel
items: The best luggage scales to help you avoid excess baggage fees
items: The best camping chairs for festivals, garden parties and camping staycations
items: The best camping stoves, recommended by outdoors experts
items: The best outdoor rugs to spruce up your garden
items: The best fans to help you beat the heat
items: The best dog crates for all types of dog, recommended by animal experts
items: How to get rid of mould (and stop it from coming back)
items: The best dog beds, recommended by top animal experts

The best electric blankets to keep you warm this winter
type: item
date: 2023-09-26T14:30:08.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Heating
subject: Winter
description: Cold winter nights are just around the corner, so now’s the perfect time to invest in an electric blanket to keep you warm at night without having to keep the heating on.
encoded: As the temperature begins to drop and the nights draw in it's now time to put BBQs and picnics behind us and start to think about staying cosy and warm inside. However, with the price of energy bills, it can now be a struggle to keep comfortable during the winter months without splashing the cash on heating. If you're looking for a cheaper way to stay snug at home during the cold then an electric blanket could be the answer. On average, an electric blanket costs around 3p an hour which is much less than the average central heating cost of around £2.70 an hour (for gas). Unlike your radiator they are transportable, you can bring them to bed, and they are perfect for nights on the sofa. So, if you're on the market for an electric blanket we've curated a list of the very best to keep the shivers away this winter. We've got everything from traditional undersheet electric blankets to dual-zone control blankets designed for couples and even wearable electric blankets. We've also broken down approximately how much each electric blanket costs to run per hour. For more information on how we calculated this, and how to calculate how much any electric appliance costs to run, check out our explainer at the bottom of this article. The best electric blankets at a glance: Best double electric blanket: Premium Comfort Double Electric Blanket, £44.99, at Amazon Best electric blanket for couples: Homefront Electric Blanket Double Size Dual Control, £94.95, at Amazon Best single electric blanket: Cozytek Single Electric Blanket Single, £29.99, at Amazon Best-fitted electric blanket: Dreamland Organic Cotton Double Heated Mattress Protector, £124.99, at Lakeland Best king-size electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket King-Size, £45, at Argos Best wearable electric blanket: Electric Heating Pad for Back Neck and Shoulders, £29.99 at Amazon Best electric blanket throw: Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw, £69.99, at John Lewis Best budget electric blanket: Cosy and Warm E…

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The best luggage locks to keep your belongings safe while you travel
type: item
date: 2023-09-01T10:00:14.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: The Recommended's specially curated list of the best luggage locks in a variety of designs to suit every need.
encoded: If you've ever had items stolen from your luggage, you'll know that nothing ruins a holiday quite like it. It's one of the worst feelings in the world to open up your bag and see it's been tampered with or have it trundle towards you on the luggage belt and see the zip has been torn open. Luckily, to avoid this heart-dropping ordeal, there is a solution: luggage locks. These largely inexpensive security items can be the difference between returning to your belongings to find them safe and undamaged or a holiday nightmare. Luggage locks come in all shapes and sizes, from high-tech smart locks to your classic lock and key design. There are hundreds of variations on the market, but with so much choice, how do you find the best luggage lock to suit your needs? Well, that’s where we come in. The Recommended has found the best to keep your stuff safe. With family packs, combination locks, and some helpful added info, we’re here to help you crack the code to optimal luggage security (see what we did there?). The best luggage locks at a glance: Best basic lock: ZHEGE Combination Lock, £7.99, at Amazon Best combination lock: Diyife TSA Luggage Locks, £10.99, at Amazon Best for families: Temu 10 Mini Luggage Locks, £22.49, at Temu Best key lock: GoTravel Glo Key Locks, £7, at Boots Best cable lock: Go Travel Retractable Cable Luggage Padlock, £9.99, at John Lewis Best smart lock: ENER-J Fingerprint Padlock Black, £29.99, at Robert Dyas Best small lock: Mountain Warehouse Twin Locks, £7.99, at Mountain Warehouse Best versatile lock: Master Lock 1534EURD, £18.53, at Amazon The best luggage locks Best basic lock: ZHEGE Combination Lock Cost-effective security This durable combination lock is reliable and affordable with a classic design. Its four-number combination makes it much more reliable than the classic three-number style lock (if you can trust your memory). It is made with a durable zinc alloy and hardened steel for weatherproof and saw-resistant security. It also comes i…

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The best luggage scales to help you avoid excess baggage fees
type: item
date: 2023-08-31T12:00:25.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: We scoured the internet to find the best luggage and collated all the baggage information you need to help your airport check-in experience be as stress-free as possible (you’re welcome).
encoded: An overweight bag can make or break your holiday and quickly dampen your time away before you've even left the airport. Going over your allowed baggage could see you charged up to £18 per kilo, so your travel fund could be taking an early hit if you mistakenly pack too much. Luckily, this airport travel mistake can easily be avoided by investing in a luggage scale. Buying a luggage scale won't break the bank, can keep your mind at rest before heading off on holiday, and (most importantly) leave you with some extra cash to spend at the poolside bar. The handy tool comes in a variety of different designs, from classic to manual scales and sleek to digital. Finding the right scale for you is the best way to avoid the added expense, but with so many to choose from, where do you start? Well, that’s where we come in. The Recommended has curated a list of the best luggage scales on the market to help you find the best one. We’ve also thrown in some key information on how to use luggage scales and what the most popular airlines' baggage fees are to keep your airport experience as stress-free as possible. The best luggage scales at a glance: Best for over-packers: Etekcity Luggage Scale, £11.99, at Amazon Best digital scale: FREETOO Luggage Scale, £18.59, at Fruugo Best floor scale: Smart Weigh Heavy Duty Scale, £82.87, at OnBuy Best compact luggage scale: Salter 9500 Luggage Scale, £19.99, at Boots Best manual luggage sale: Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale, £12, at Amazon Best-designed luggage scale: Faithfull Portable Electronic Scale, £15.05, at Building Materials Best value luggage scale: Ossian 2 in 1 Luggage Scale, £6.99, at Amazon Best easy-to-use luggage scales: Lifeventure Digital Weighing Scales, £19.99, at Sportfish The best luggage scales Here are our top picks of the best luggage scales: Best for over-packers: Etekcity Luggage Scale For everything but the kitchen sink This digital luggage scale has an innovative design and convenient features tailored to those who…

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The best camping chairs for festivals, garden parties and camping staycations
type: item
date: 2023-08-18T11:00:47.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Camping
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: Getting ready for an outdoors adventure or just look for some extra garden seating? We've picked some of the best camping chairs you can buy online, and pulled together a buyer's guide to help answer some commonly asked questions.
encoded: If you've ever gone camping and forgotten a chair you'll know just why this piece of equipment is essential for an enjoyable trip away. Whether you’re heading to a music festival, embarking on a backpacking adventure or escaping on a caravanning holiday, there's nothing worse than sitting on the wet, dirty, and often uncomfortable ground. So, along with a camping stove and suitable tent, a camping chair should be an essential component of your kit list in order to avoid misery on the floor. You might think that buying a camping chair is simple but there's actually more to consider than you might first think. Weight, lumbar support, and size, are all factors worth thinking about to ensure that you choose the right camping chair for your plans. To help you find the best camping chair for your next outdoor adventure, The Recommended has done the hard work and found the best camping chairs out there. We’ve also shared some tips on what you should look for depending on where and how you plan to use your camping chair. The best camping chairs at a glance: Best portable camping chair: Trekology Chair Ultra Lightweight, £85, at Millets Best cushioned camping chair: Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair, £22, at Go Outdoors Best shaded camping chair: Alpha Camp Chair With Shade Canopy, £39.99, at Amazon Best supportive camping chair: Regatta Forza Adults Camping Chair, £53.95, Decathlon Best large camping chair: Outdoor Revolution Tubbi XL Chair, £99, Halfords Best two-seater camping chair: Kelty Low Loveseat Chair, £120, at Mountain Warehouse Best circular camping chair: KingCamp Moon Chair, £69.99, at Amazon The best camping chairs Here are our top camping chairs: Best portable camping chair: Trekology Chair Ultra Lightweight Great for hiking This camping chair from Trekology is ideal for hiking. It weighs just 960g and packs down into a small storage bag that can be packed away in a rucksack. The Trekology Chair features a high-strength aluminium frame, polyester fabric seats de…

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The best camping stoves, recommended by outdoors experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-17T14:20:48.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Camping
description: A camping stove is an essential accessory for every camper, trekker and adventurer. But with hundreds to choose from, all suited to different applications, which should you choose? We spoke to outdoors experts to find out.
encoded: Amongst tents, sleeping bags, and warm clothes, a dependable camping stove is a crucial piece of equipment for campers to have in their arsenal. Whether you’re a solo camper eager for a cup of coffee or a parent faced with a family of hungry campers, you won't regret investing in a reliable stove. With countless options available, from two-burner gas stoves to electric hobs and wood burners to induction, it can be hard to choose the right stove for your needs. To simplify your selection process, we've got the insights of two camping experts to help assist you in your camping stove purchase. They have shared their recommendations on what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a camping stove. Armed with their advice, we've also compiled a list of the best camping stoves for you based on their tips. The best camping stoves at a glance: Best two-burner camping stove: Campingaz Folding Chef Stove, £70, at Argos Best electric camping stove: Vango Sizzle Double Induction Cooker, £144.99, at Very Best for remote trips: Fire-Maple FMS-X1 Camping Stove Gas System, £55.95, at Amazon Best single burner stove: Campingaz Camp Bistro 2, £29.99, at Decathlon Best for windy conditions: MSR WindBurner Sauce Pot 2020 camping stove, £200, at Cotswold Outdoor Best lightweight camping stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove, £55, at Decathlon Best multi-functional stove: Campingaz Party Grill Gas Stove, £109.99, at Robert Dyas Best wood-burning stove: REDCAMP Camping Wood Burning Stove, £21.99, at B&Q The best camping stoves Here are our best camping stoves chosen with the help of our experts. Best two-burner camping stove: Campingaz Chef Folding Camp Stove Lightweight and compact With two gas burners and a toaster function in the base, our experts say this foldable camping stove is ideal for keen campers and adventure enthusiasts. Housed in a lightweight folding case, this camping stove is compact and portable. It is also compatible with Campingaz 904 and 907 gas cylinders, a popular …

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The best outdoor rugs to spruce up your garden
type: item
date: 2023-08-17T10:00:24.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Furniture
subject: Garden
subject: Summer essentials
description: We’ve scoured the internet to find the best outdoor rugs to inject some colour and comfort into your garden, as well as share some top tips for keeping them clean.
encoded: If you're looking to elevate your outdoor space then you'll need some accessories which can boost the aesthetics no matter the size or style of your garden. Outdoor rugs can do exactly that. Whether it's a patio, a balcony, or a garden the size of a football pitch, outdoor rugs can help add a burst of colour and personality to any space. What's more, unlike indoor rugs, most garden rugs are crafted from durable materials that equips them with waterproof, stain-resistant, and UV-resistant properties, ensuring they can effortlessly withstand rain, drink mishaps, grass stains, and the sun. To aid you in finding the ideal rug for your outdoor space, The Recommended has meticulously scoured the online market to curate a collection of top-tier outdoor rugs available for purchase. Plus, we've got a handy buyer's guide to help you clean your rug, safely store it to prevent mould, and the perfect places to position it. The best outdoor rugs at a glance: Best overall outdoor rug: Green Decore Nirvana Outdoor Eco Rug, £80, at Robert Dyas Best design: Habitat Meadow Haze Boho Woven Outdoor Rug, £28, at Argos Best tree-themed outdoor rug: Paco Home Indoor & Outdoor Rug Jungle Carved, £102, at Wayfair Best range of colours: Pop Outdoor Rug, £55, at Dunelm Best reversible outdoor rug: Zoe Geometric White & Grey Outdoor Rug, £22.99, at Debenhams Best outdoor rug for summer: Aztec Indoor and Outdoor Rug, £50, John Lewis The best outdoor rugs Best overall outdoor rug: Green Decore Nirvana Outdoor Eco Rug Great all-rounder This patterned rug from Green Decore has an elegant geometric pattern and comes in a range of eight tasteful colours to suit any style. The rug is available to buy in six sizes and is UV protected, so it shouldn’t lose its colour after being exposed to the sun. It is also mould-resistant, pet-friendly, odour-free, and reversible, which means that if you stain it, you can flip it over until you have time to give it a thorough clean. Best design: Habitat Meadow Haze B…

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The best fans to help you beat the heat
type: item
date: 2023-08-16T11:45:28.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
description: We've done our research to find the best fans to help you keep cool, and pulled together some top tips on how to make the most out of your new fan.
encoded: When the temperatures begin to rise, having a fan becomes the most important home accessory to help us through daily life. Whether you need to stay cool while working at your desk or want to sleep better at night, electric fans become the solution to those sticky summer days. If you're currently looking to buy a fan, there are tons of options on the market, which can make it hard to choose the right one. From affordable classic pedestal fans to fancy smart models, there's a fan for everyone, so which ones are the best? Here at The Recommended, we've done some digging to find this out for you. We have a list of all the top fans for all situations – whether you're into bladeless tower fans, USB-charged rotors or fans that you can easily transport. We've also got a buyer's guide to help you choose the right fan for you, how to position your fan correctly, and common mistakes when using a fan. Jump to the best fans: Best powerful fan: Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan, £30, at Argos Best handheld fan: John Lewis Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan, £12 at John Lewis Best quiet fan: Dreo 106cm Tower Fan, £89.99, at Amazon Best desk fan: SMARTDEVIL Desk Fan, £15.99, at Amazon Best pedestal fan: Pro Breeze 16-Inch Pedestal Fan, £74.99, at B&Q Best smart fan: Princess Smart Tower Fan, £100.99, at Debenhams Best affordable fan: Scandi Tower Fan, £35.99, Wayfair Best purifying fan: DYSON Pure Hot+Cool, £399, at Curry's Best bladeless fan:ANSIO Tower Fan 30-inch with Remote, £79.97, at Amazon The best fans Best powerful fan: Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan Packs a punch This small, portable fan proves that size isn’t everything, with cooling power that can be felt up to seven meters away and a 90-degree oscillating head. The versatile fan can be used on various surfaces, from floors to desks, and promises to keep you cool without keeping you up due to its discreet, quiet design. This fan allows you to customise your comfort with three variable speed settings to suit every situation. Be…

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The best dog crates for all types of dog, recommended by animal experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T15:00:20.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: When it comes to buying a dog crate, there's more to consider than you might think. We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look for and what to avoid when buying a dog crate for your furry friend.
encoded: If you own a dog you'll know that they tend to take over the home and if they're not asleep on your washing you can often find them mucking around on your sofa, dirtying the carpets, or attempting to steal food from the table. Whilst you might feel like your dog has free roam of your house they do still need a place they can call their own where they can go to sleep at night and feel secure during the day. That's where a dog crate comes in. Dog crates often house your dog's bed and give your pup privacy and security. The majority of dog owners have crates and crate training is an important part of welcoming a new pooch to the family and can help your new addition with toilet training and separation anxiety. When looking to buy a dog crate for your pet, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where we come in. The Recommended sought the opinions of three leading animal experts and got their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when finding the best dog crate for your four-legged friend. In line with their advice and recommendations, we put together our list of the best dog crates to keep your furry friend happy and content. The best dog crates at a glance: Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo dog crate, £35.99, at OnBuy Best dog crate for puppies: MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Crate Starter Kit, £88.74, at Amazon Best space-saving dog crate: Double Door Dog Crate, £54, at Argos Best dog crate for travel: MOOL Lightweight Fabric Crate, £39.99, at Amazon Best fabric dog crate: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, £66.26, at Amazon Best dog crate for cars: Easipet Folding Sloping Car Crate, £26.99, at B&Q Best wooden dog crate: PawHut Wooden Pet Crate, £85.99, at Robert Dyas Best chew-proof dog crate: Kelixu Heavy Duty Dog Crate, £179.99, at ManoMano The best dog crates Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo Dog Crate Versatile and built to last A real all-rounder, this dog crate speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. With a removable tray base and a durable steel st…

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How to get rid of mould (and stop it from coming back)
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T13:03:54.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Burda
subject: Cleaning
subject: Kitchen
description: Need help to get rid of mould in your home? We've broken down the best ways to banish mould, and included tips on how to stop it returning.
encoded: If you’ve ever had mould in your house or bedroom, you’ll know it’s an uncomfortable experience which can affect more than just the smell in your home. Mould has several physical health implications, so avoiding the growth of fungi is paramount. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to avoid mould growing in your house or sleeping area. If these fail, or you’re reading this, and mould is already festering on your walls, there are also various ways to fight mould and thwart it from returning. To give you the knowledge you need to go to battle with mould, we’ve got this guide. Here you can learn how to get rid of mould and stop it from coming back so it only returns on fancy cheese or out-of-date bread. How to get rid of mould If you discover mould in your home, then it's crucial to act quickly and fight it before it becomes a problem. There are some great DIY methods which can help you do this. While DIY methods can work for small-scale mould issues, knowing your limits is essential. If you're dealing with extensive mould infestations or toxic mould, it's best to hire a professional mould remover. Here’s how best to fight mould: 1. Safety first Before you begin any mould removal, you have to ensure your own safety. Start by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a mask, gloves, and eye protection. This will protect you from inhaling mould spores or having direct contact with them. 2. Isolate the area and improve ventilation If possible, isolate the affected area to prevent the spread of mould spores to other parts of the house. Seal off the area with plastic sheeting and tape. Then open windows and use fans to improve ventilation in the area. 3. Remove mouldy materials Any porous materials heavily infested with mould, such as drywall, insulation, or carpets, should be removed and properly discarded. Bag the materials in plastic and dispose of them following local regulations. 4. Scrub mouldy surfaces and apply treatments For non-po…

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The best dog beds, recommended by top animal experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-10T13:30:04.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look out for, and what to avoid when buying the best dog bed for your furry friend.
encoded: If you have a dog, you'll know that amongst walks, treats, toys and tummy rubs, one of their favourite pastimes is sleeping. On average, dogs sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, with puppies and senior dogs averaging a sleep time of 18 hours up to a whopping 20 hours a day. With so much time asleep, it's important that our dogs get the best bed so that when their heads are on the pillows, they feel comfortable and secure, so they can get quality rest. Having the right bed is essential for supporting your dog through a happy and healthy life, but with so many options on the market, how do you know which dog bed is best? To help you work this out, we've got rid of the guesswork and spoken to three animal experts who gave their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when buying the best dog bed for your pooch. From the perfect puppy-proof bed to memory foam havens for your golden oldies, we’ve covered all bases with our expert lead recommendations of the best dog beds. The best dog beds at a glance: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed, £109.99 at Amazon Best chew-proof dog bed: Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed, £40.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for puppies: Vet Fleece Bedding, £18.73 at Wayfair Best orthopaedic dog bed: Silentnight Orthopedic Pet Bed, £85 at Argos Best anti-anxiety dog bed: Silentnight Donut Dog Bed, £40 at Boots Best durable dog bed: Topology Luxury Dog Bed, £110 at Omlet Best memory foam dog bed: JoyElf Memory Foam Dog Bed, £57.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for large dogs: Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed, £55 at Pets at Home Best travel dog bed: OneTigris Travel Dog Bed, £32.99 at Amazon The best dog beds: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed Smart and sustainable This bed speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. Prioritising superior comfort and ease of use, PetFusion Dog Bed works to improve your dog's health, mobility, and energy. The Petfusion is great for all shapes and sizes, and larger beds can easily support larger dogs over 50kg. With a solid 10cm memo…

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