The Recommended
type: channel
link: https://www.therecommended.com
description: Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
date: 2023-10-02T10:01:09.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The best hooded blankets to keep you comfy and warm this winter: Oodie, Kuddly, Snuggy and more
items: The best draught excluders to keep your home warm and cut down your energy bills this winter
items: The best electric blankets to keep you warm this winter
items: The best travel pillows for planes, trains and car travel
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 luggage straps to help keep your belongings safe while you travel
items: How to get rid of flies in your home: top tips, homemade traps and the best products to help
items: The best camping chairs for festivals, garden parties and camping staycations
items: The best camping stoves, recommended by outdoors experts

The best hooded blankets to keep you comfy and warm this winter: Oodie, Kuddly, Snuggy and more
type: item
date: 2023-09-28T13:30:42.000Z
creator: Ruairidh Pritchard
subject: Household
subject: Winter
description: Stay warm this winter without having to put the heating on with our selection of the best hooded blankets.
encoded: As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s no better time to invest in some cosy loungewear to see you through the cold nights ahead. A hooded blanket is one of the best pieces of clothing you can buy for keeping warm this winter and ensures both comfort and toastiness. In recent years, these oversized, fleece-lined hoodies have gone from being a mere internet oddity to a winter wardrobe must-have, offering levels of wearable comfort that make them ideal for staying warm in colder weather without having to turn your heaters on. Some hooded blanket brands have even become household names - Oodie, anyone? - but look a little deeper online, and you’ll find a plethora of hooded blankets available to buy - but which is the best? That’s where we come in. The Recommended has scoured the web to find the best hooded blankets you can buy online, from the premium original Oodie to more affordable Oodie alternatives and hooded blankets for kids - we’ve even included options for dogs - to help keep you and your family comfy and cosy this winter. To further assist your hooded banket search we've answered some of the internet’s most asked questions about hooded blankets at the bottom of this page - to help you keep your new favourite wardrobe essential in top-tip condition all year round. The best-hooded blankets at a glance: Best for premium comfort: Oodie, £89, at theOodie.co.uk Best Oodie alternative: Kudd.ly Hoodie Blanket, £89, at Kudd.ly Best hooded blanket for kids: Lushforest Blanket Hoodie, £19.99, at Amazon Best affordable hooded blanket: Sienna Hoodie Blanket, £12.99, at Amazon Best luxury hooded blanket: Snuggle Blanket Hoodie, £80, at The White Company Best extra-long hooded blanket: Sienna Extra Long, £16.99, at Debenhams Best stylish hooded blanket: Dreamscene Camo Plush, £24.99, at Robert Dyas Best zip-up hooded blanket: Dreamscene Tie Dye, £16.99, at The Range Best for superhero fans: Marvel Hoodie For Men, £38.99, at Debenhams Best hooded blanket …

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The best draught excluders to keep your home warm and cut down your energy bills this winter
type: item
date: 2023-09-27T10:11:26.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Cats
subject: Heating
subject: Winter
description: There’s nothing worse than a cold chill making its way into your home, so we’ve rounded up the best draught excluders to help you insulate against the element and keep warm this winter.
encoded: It doesn't get much worse than a cold breeze making its way through the gaps, windows and doorways of your home during the winter months. A good draught excluder will sort you right out, and is an efficient way to save on energy bills by keeping the chill out and the warmth in. In a study conducted by the Energy Saving Trust, it’s estimated that the average UK home could save over £60 on their household energy bills per year by installing simple draught-proofing measures, including draught excluders on windows and doors. Here at The Recommended, we've pulled together some of the best draught excluders on the market to help you find the most effective, affordable and easy-to-install ones for your living space. From stylish, patterned designed, to personalised and child-friendly options, we've got you covered with something for everyone. Plus we've included a handy buyer's guide for all the top tips and tricks you need to know when it comes to draught-proofing your home. The best draught excluders at a glance: Best doorway draught excluder: John Lewis Diamonds Draught Excluder, £30 at John Lewis Best unique draught excluder: Personalised Draught Excluder, £41.56 at Not On The High Street Best stylish draught excluder: M&S Velvet Draught Excluder, £19.50 at Marks and Spencer Best patterned draught excluder: Scandi Floral Draught Excluder, £14 at Dunelm Best budget-friendly draught excluder: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=therecommended-4904&awinmid=3769&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunelm.com%2Fproduct%2Fstormguard-rubber-foam-weather-strip-35m-white-1000218663%3FdefaultSkuId%3D30846826%26branchCode%3D0115%26ds_c%3DHome%2BDecor_Draught%2BExcluders%2Band%2BDoorstops_%255BGOO-LIA-HOMEDECOR-DOORSTOPS%255D%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote8UyMk9a3uBFp22glr1lF7rY1whMzQ2s8wNdAXjaIKIINA2mI8vWB4aAnsdEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Stormguard Rubber Foam Weather Strip, £6 at Dunelm Best draught excluder for kid’s bedrooms: The M…

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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 travel pillows for planes, trains and car travel
type: item
date: 2023-09-01T10:00:29.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Sleep
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: Whether you’re flying abroad or catching a train cross-country, ensure you travel comfortably and sleep well with our guide to the best travel pillows.
encoded: Made it through the airport, boarded the plane and ready to hit the hay? If you’ve not quite made it to first class, sleeping on a plane is no easy feat. You’re hot then cold, and there are legroom issues, maybe other passenger issues, and a lack of neck support on your seat. Adding a travel pillow to your packing list should be the top of your priorities to make travelling and sleeping a little more of a breeze. A travel pillow can make all the difference to your comfort on a flight - not only will it help you sleep better, but it can help prevent neck pain and avoid awkward sleeping positions. They’re also great to use for long-haul car journeys or train journeys or when travelling cross-country on a night bus. For more useful tips on journeying in the air, check out our tips for air travel: the most common mistakes to avoid. We’ve also got you covered with the best carry-on luggage and the best luggage straps to help keep your belongings safe. So, which type of travel pillow is the best for you? To help you answer that, The Recommended scoured the internet to find the best travel pillows on the market to ensure you have a good night's sleep, regardless of how you travel. We’ve also put together a handy buyer’s guide to answer your most commonly asked questions, which you can find at the bottom of this page. The best travel pillows at a glance: Best for neck support: BCOZZY Neck Pillow, £39.97 at Amazon Best budget travel pillow: Streetwize Travel Neck Pillow, £13 at Argos Best travel pillow for side sleepers: Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow & Neck Pillow, £25.54 at Amazon Best compact travel pillow: Boots Deluxe Travel Pillow, £25 at Boots Best accessories: Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow, £24.99 at Amazon Best portable travel pillow: SNUGL Travel Pillow, £29.95 at Amazon Best for long journeys: Go Travel 2 Memory Dreamer Pillow, £19.99 at John Lewis Best for comfort: Huzi Store Infinity Pillow, £39.99 at Amazon Best supportive travel pillow: Memo…

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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 luggage straps to help keep your belongings safe while you travel
type: item
date: 2023-08-31T11:47:14.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: We searched the internet to find a selection of the best luggage straps for securing your bags when flying.
encoded: Keeping your luggage safe and secure when on the move is a top priority. From luggage locks to luggage tags, adding simple and relatively inexpensive travel accessories to your belongings can make a big difference. Luggage straps are a great way to keep your bags in check - they’ll prevent your belongings from spilling out in the event of zippers breaking, and they’ll also help you to identify your luggage when at the airport carousels. There are plenty of options out there - some come with locks, others are extra long, and some are super bright! Don’t know where to start in picking the best one for your bags? Lucky for you, at The Recommended, we’ve scoured the internet and put together a super handy guide on the best luggage straps available on the market. Plus, we’ve also included some useful advice on why you should use a luggage strap, the features to look for and how to fasten them correctly to your suitcases and bags. Read on for the full rundown. The best luggage straps at a glance: Best overall luggage straps: BlueCosto Luggage Straps, £8.99 at Amazon Best secure luggage strap: GoTravel Sentry Luggage Strap, £13 at Boots Best lockable luggage straps: Santrest Travel Luggage Strap, £32.56 at Amazon Best classy strap: Nere Luggage Strap, £9.99 at Nere Best extra-long luggage straps: TRIWONDER 4 Pack Luggage Straps, £12.99 at Amazon Best colourful strap: Status Luggage Strap, £3 at Dunelm Best personalised straps: The JetRest Personalised Combination Luggage Suitcase Strap, £17.99 at Amazon Best for fastening extra bags: Vigorport Add A Bag Luggage Strap, £13.99 at Amazon The best luggage straps Best overall luggage straps: BlueCosto Luggage Straps A great all-round design These heavy-duty luggage straps have a secure buckle for fastening tightly to your bags and suitcases. These straps extend to fit suitcases between 46 and 78 inches in width or height and are 2 inches wide. They are available in a choice of six colours - black, grey, navy, green, pink and si…

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How to get rid of flies in your home: top tips, homemade traps and the best products to help
type: item
date: 2023-08-18T13:14:05.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Pest control
description: Say goodbye to pesky insects flying around your home with our handy guide.
encoded: Flies can be real bug bearers in the home. Whether houseflies, fruit flies or buzzing gnats, they can become a real nuisance in your personal space. Especially during hotter summer months, they have a way of infiltrating our homes and overstaying their welcome. But fear not. We have done our research and put together some useful tips to help prevent flies from entering your home, as well as effective home remedies to get them out should they make it in. We’ve also included some of the best products you can buy to deter these unwanted guests. Read on for the full low down for a fly-free home. For tips on preventing other creepy crawlies from taking over your home, check out our helpful guides, including tried and tested tips to help keep spiders away from your home and how to stop ants from coming into your home. Five tips to stop flies entering your home First things first, let's try tackling the task of keeping flies away. Follow these preventive measures to help reduce the risk of these pests entering your home: Cover food: Always keep food covered and sealed to prevent flies from being lured in. That includes bowls of fruit, plates with leftovers on, or slightly opened cereal boxes or partially filled pots in the kitchen. The smell and crumbs of food are tempting to flies. This also goes for pet food. Avoid rotting fruit: Rotting fruit is a breeding ground for houseflies. The moisture it produces is irresistible to them, and larvae can hatch within eight hours at room temperature. Ensure you regularly inspect your fruit bowl to prevent this from occurring. Overly ripe fruit should be stored in the fridge to prevent their sweet aromas from attracting flies. Maintain cleanliness: Keep surfaces in your house clean, such as your kitchen worktops - wipe down once you have finished using them to eliminate any temptation of potential food sources for flies. Remove any crumbs or food debris from your table as well as this will attract them. For tips on how to keep your h…

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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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