Russell Hobbs RHMSM3002 1500W Steam Mop Review

The Russel Hobbs RHMSM3002 is a hand held steam mop with a triangular floor head that uses micro fibre cloths (2 are included). It has a one piece tubular metal handle that you add to the steamer part and it functions as a mop. Take the metal handle off, and hey presto, you have a handheld steamer.

There are a range of attachments including a window tool for mirrors, tiles and windows; a micro-fibre upholstery tool for curtains, mattresses or furniture;  an angled nozzle for those awkward areas; a crevice brush for bathrooms and tiles; a round brush for sinks and hobs; a jet nozzle for direct steam, and a scraper tool of stubborn dirt.

It is slightly disappointing and a small oversight that Russell Hobbs didn't think to include a small back or case in which to store all these attachments. It's easy to misplace a tool and a bag would have been so helpful.

The Russell Hobbs Steam and 11-in-1 cleaner is light and easy to handle whether its as an upright mop or as a handheld steamer. It appears well built although it looks quite plasticky.

Using the Russell Hobbs RHMSM3002 Steam Mop

There is a small water tank that needs to be filled before you can use the mop/steamer. The fill hole is quite small and I would have preferred it to be slightly larger to make it easier to fill without mess. A replaceable anti-scale filter is included too.

To turn the 11-in-1 steam cleaner on, you just plug it in. There is no on/off switch or any steam level controls. The water will get the steam ready in approximately 15 seconds with a promise of 15 minutes steam time before a refill is required.

When you are ready to clean, press the trigger button on the mop to trigger the steam. At the first go, there are a few click-clicks before the steam will be ready - just hold it for a minute to get it steaming - the official time is 30 seconds.

The triangular floor head is suited to cleaning the hard floor and getting into the corners due to its shape. Its easy to manoeuvre and doesn't feel like hard work.

However, with the carpet glider attachment, it does a good job of lifting dirt and dust, but the steam levels seem slightly timid. I found I was pressing it more to give it an extra oomph.

It easy to change from floor to hand held cleaning. By un-clipping the head and the handle, you add the jet nozzle adapter and whichever tool you want to use, then simply twist it onto the nozzle.

If you expect a big burst of steam, you will be disappointed. The levels of steam again seem slightly timid, although it is just enough to get the job done.

Summary

The Russell Hobbs RHMSM3002 is easy to use, and is a breeze to handle and manoeuvre. Although, it does a satisfactory job cleaning a variety of surfaces around the home and killing those pesky germs. However, I expected slightly more oomph from the 1500W motor and just feels slightly lacklustre in its overall performance.

Quirky Queen Verdict:

Buy Russell Hobbs RHMSM3002 1500W Steam Mop from Amazon

Zendure A2 6700mAh Power Bank Review

The Zendure A2 power bank is something of a mini marvel. It's small size betrays a solid construction with a 6700mAh power reserve. You can expect to receive around 80% efficiency.

This Zendure looks tough which is thanks to its dual-moulding design and shock-absorbing capabilities. It is made from tough Polycarbonate material.

The Zendure has one USB output rated at 2.1A which means fast charging times, with enough juice to charge your phone between 2-3 times. However, Qualcomm's Quick Charge technology is not supported.

You can recharge the Zendure power bank in approximately 4 hours which is handy, and means less waiting time for you. The Zendure will also hold its charge for up to 6 months/180 days so you don't have to worry if you haven't re-charged it or used it for a while.

My favourite feature is that the Zendure supports pass-through charging which is an excellent feature. This allows you to charge the power bank at the same time you are recharging your phone.

The Zendure A2 has one button, very minimalist! It uses four LED lighting system to let you know how much power is left, each light represents quarter battery life.

The Zendure A2 automatically starts charging as soon as you plug your device in, which cuts down any work for you. Simply plug in and watch life seep back into your device. You don't have to do anything more!

The Zendure A2 is supplied with a soft carry pouch and a Micro-USB cable with reversible USB connector is included too. A better than average 18-month warranty is included if anything goes wrong.

Quirky Queen Verdict:

Buy Zendure A2 6700mAh Power Bank from Amazon

Lavazza Jolie Coffee Machine Review

If I could use one word to describe my first impression of the Lavazza Jolie Coffee Machine, it would be "compact". This coffee machine will suit those of you who are struggling for space in their kitchen. Put an oven glove on it, and the Jolie will be hidden from view!

The Lavazza Jolie is available in a variety of colours, including blue, green, red and white. The colours are fun and vibrant, and you can either match it to your existing decor or add a splash of colour around the kitchen and brighten it up.

Lavazza Jolie Design and Features

This little Lavazza coffee machine is well designed. It seems obvious that someone at Lavazza gave some thought to the design before production went ahead. The internal compartment has two parts, there is a container and a drainer and which are independent of each other. This allows you to throw liquid from the used capsules into the sink, then throw the used pods into the bin. This is quite helpful as I hate the idea of a soggy bin.

The cup platform can also be removed so you can use larger cups and mugs too.

The Lavazza Jolie has one button that has multi-functions depending on what you want it to do. It can be used to switch the coffee machine on/off, or start/stop dispensing. There is an opening into which you can drop your capsules too.  The chrome bar can be rotated to lock the capsules securely into place and to release it after its been used.

There is a 600ml water tank at the rear of the coffee machine which is just the right size for the Jolie. Another feature is that after 9 minutes of non-usage, the Lavazza Jolie  coffee machine will shut itself down automatically.

Using the Jolie Coffee Machine

The Jolie is easy to fill with water and doesn't take long at all due to the small 600ml tank and the fact that the lid can be detached to make it even easier to fill.

Drop an A Modo Mio coffee pod into the shaped recess at the top, rotate the chrome bar forward to lock the pod into place. The Jolie will reach optimal coffee making temperature in approximately 15 seconds.

The Lavazza Jolie will dispense around 150ml of coffee in one go. It is not the quickest machine at dispensing and seems quite slow. Once this is done, rotate the chrome bar backwards, and this will release and drop the capsule into the internal bin.

Make no mistake, the Lavazza Jolie makes an incredible cup of coffee in my view. I loved the aromatic and inviting coffee it brewed. However, the lack of a preset in dispensing coffee means that you have to work out how much you need to get that espresso just right if you have an acquired taste.

Summary

The Jolie does not have a milk function and the milk needs to be frothed separately. However, this is a beautifully simple coffee machine, and makes a gorgeous cup of coffee with the supplied pods.

Quirky Queen Verdict:

Buy Lavazza Jolie Coffee Machine from Amazon

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Digital Video Monitor Review

There are a wide range of baby monitors available, including baby monitors that have added extras like music to soothe your baby. However, this Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature monitor is back-to-basics and is aimed at those that want a monitor that will simply monitor their baby, without sacrificing quality or essential features.

The Tommee Tippee monitor is easy to set up. It's simply a case of plug in and away you go. The different settings are clearly marked and is not taxing by any means.

Tommee Tippee Digital Monitor

The Tommee Tippee Digital Monitor is equipped with a 3 inch colour screen on the parental unit. The images are very clear and you can see exactly what is happening. However, after 20 seconds or so, the screen will switch itself off and come back to life as soon as anything is detected. I quite like this feature, as you don’t have to constantly view the screen to see if there is any change.  There is also a two-way communication function so you can reassure your baby to make them feel safe through the sound of your voice. Another handy feature is the inclusion of a room thermometer, so you can keep a track of room temperature to ensure that it is neither too hot nor too cold.

Tommee Tippee Camera Unit

The camera unit (which is what you put in your baby's room) has an infrared night vision camera (with a zoom function too), and the lens can be adjusted to get the viewing angle just right for you. There is also a night light that can be controlled and adjusted to provide different levels of brightness.

I loved the fact that the unit only sends out noises to the monitor when there is actually a noise to broadcast. This means that it isn’t constantly broadcasting "white noise".

Sensor Pad

A movement sensor pad is also included, and which can be placed between the cot and the mattress. This allows you to monitor the baby's movement and breathing. If there is no movement detected for 20 seconds, then an alarm will sound on the parental unit to alert you to go check your baby. It’s an additional feature, and you don't have to use it if you don’t want to.

In normal use, the battery lasts for just over 8 hours. Tommee Tippee have even gone that extra step to ensure that the camera unit will still function when there is no plug socket nearby. So if you find yourself in a fix, you can just use 4 AA batteries to power up the camera unit.

Quirky Queen Verdict:

Buy Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Digital Video Monitor from Amazon

Rhino Fruit Infuser Water Bottle Review

Drinking water and keeping hydrated has a huge impact on your health. It's often said that most people don't drink enough water, and I am guilty of that too. Sometimes, I need a reminder as to why drinking water is important.

Rhino Water Bottle Colours

This brings me to the Rhino Fruit Infuser Water Bottle. The first thing that struck me are the vibrant colours. The words that came to my mind were "zesty yellow" and "tangy orange". I don't think that's what they are named, but the yellow bottle just seemed to be screaming for a fresh lemon slice to go with it! Other colours include blue, green, red and grey.

Rhino Design

The Rhino Infuser holds up to 650ml of your favourite cold drink. It is not designed for hot drinks.

Here is a fun fact for you: Rhino's need a lot of water for hydration and to cool themselves. A Rhino's territory will always contain water. I think that's where the reference to the Rhino logo on the bottle comes in.

The bottle itself has a frosted effect with the bottom area (where you put the fruit) is see-through. This is quite handy as it allows you to see the goodness of your favourite fruit infusing the water, and makes water more appealing to drink. You can see the goodness seeping through, and knowing that it's healthy and not infused with any added chemicals or calories. It will save you money too as you don't have to pay for expensive flavoured water anymore. The water bottle is finished off with a chromed lid and a coloured carry handle that matches the colour of the bottle. It's a very stylish bottle and well designed bottle.

Using the Rhino Infuser Water Bottle

You just put your favourite fruit in the bottom compartment, screw the section back on. The more you screw the top section, the greater the infusion into the water. It's simple, effective and lets you control how much extra "zing" you want!

At first glance, it seems like there are too many parts, but once you've used it, there is nothing to fear. It really is leak-proof. I even gave it a few shakes to make sure it didn't leak.

The water bottle has a wide mouth which is easy to drink from, and even allows for some ice to be dropped in on an especially hot day. However, if you prefer a spout/sports top, which is handy when you're out and about and doing physical exercise, then this bottle may not be for you.

The plastic is BPA free, and is easy to clean and re-usable. It is dishwasher safe too.

Quirky Queen Verdict:

Buy Rhino Fruit Infuser Water Bottle from Amazon

Vax Air Cordless Switch H85-AC21-B Review

The Vax Air Cordless Switch is a lightweight vacuum that weighs in at an incredibly low 3.8kg. The Switch definitely makes an impression of a quick clean up tool, even Vax themselves describe it as "perfect for any quick pick-up around the home".

The Switch offers you the versatility of switching between upright cleaning, or as a handheld by un-clipping the main body, hence the name I think. It's a handy feature as you can whip out the handheld tool to vacuum up those pesky little spills or even take it with you to give the car a quick clean up.

The LithiumLife battery clips to the rear of the motor housing, and is not heavy at all - which makes the Vac Switch very easy to handle. The battery promises 15 minutes-20 minutes cleaning time on a single charge. Here's a random fact for you: apparently 43% of people globally spend less than 30 minutes vacuuming (Source: Vacuum trends from across the globe). The battery can be recharged through the charger dock. However, my main concern is the 10 hours it takes to charge the battery fully from flat - That's a long time and in practise it means an overnight charge to have it ready to go the next day.

The main head has LED headlights to help you see in those dark areas around your home. There is a removable brush bar for easy cleaning and a crevice tool(for getting into those corners and awkward areas) and charger dock (for recharging the battery).

Vac Cordless Switch Cleaning Action

The Switch benefits from what Vax calls WindTunnel2 technology that provides two channels of suction for powerful cleaning to help you remove deep down dirt across both hard floor and carpets.

In use, the Switch is surprising effective at picking up debris. The rotating brush is quite effective at loosening dirt within the fibres of the carpet, and then swallowing it inside its tummy to leave your carpet much cleaner. However, I found that on areas near the skirting, especially where the floor is uneven, it needs a little more work before it will get the area spotlessly clean.

The Vax Air H85-AC21 is quite effective on hard floors. You can switch off the rotating brush bar (from the handle) and it will pick up dust and debris to leave your hard floor so much cleaner.

You can unclip the vacuum to make it into a handheld tool. When you do this, there is a noticeable loss in suction (when compared to it being a normal vacuum). However, it is more than adequate for cleaning up light dirt and spills and is light and easy to use.

The one thing to bear in mind with the Vax Switch is the tiny bin, it's only has a capacity of 0.35 lites, which means frequent emptying.

Summary

The Vax Air Cordless Switch H85-AC21-B (it's full name) is more a handy tool to help you dust and clean quickly and offers incredible versatility and handling due to its low weight. However, I don't think it can replace a "proper" vacuum on a full time basis, but will gladly work alongside another vacuum to keep your house clean and tidy.

Quirky Queen Verdict

Buy Vax Air Cordless Switch from Amazon

Nutri Ninja Personal Blender BL450 Review

With all the pressures of work and a hectic home and social life, it can be hard to eat healthy, and even more so to get more fruit and vegetables into your diet.

This is where the Nutri Ninja BL450UK steps in, as it offers you a way to pack more vitamins and minerals into your diet by making drinkable smoothies with less hassle.

The Nutri Ninja promises to blend all of your chosen fruit and vegetable, including those bits that you can't use in a juicer. It means more fibre, vitamins and minerals in every sip.

Nutri Ninja Design

The Ninja has quite a small footprint and looks tiny and compact, like a little ninja waiting in the shadows to shred all manner of fruits and veg into pieces! It will easily hide under most cupboards even with the cup on it.

There are 2 cups included: 500ml or 650ml, 2 resealable lids and a single extractor blade. There is a handy recipe book so you can experiment with new flavours and different ideas if you need any inspiration. Don't forget to add water to each blend as its not really made for dry blending.

A big selling point is that the only parts you need to clean are the blade, cup and lid, which is helpful and means you don't have to spend too much time on cleaning. Although everything is dishwasher safe, do remember that the included cups are not microwave safe.

Using the Ninja BL450

The BL450UK is extremely easy to use, there are no buttons for a start. Once you've filled the cup, and put the lid, all you have to do is put the cup into the base, turn it clockwise and push down, this automatically starts the blending at a speed of 21,000rpm - super easy! You have to keep it pressed down to keep the 900w motor running, and once you take the pressure off - the Ninja knows it's time to stop. If you keep taking the pressure off and re-applying it - you get a pulsing motion.

If the Ninja gets too warm it will stop itself from overheating. I found that normally by around 45 seconds or so, there is something ready to drink if you're using easy blendable ingredients like bananas, berries, spinach that sort of things. However, it was obvious that the longer you blended your recipe the smoother it was - too little blending time meant small noticeable chunks! Some fruits and vegetables will take longer to blend.

This is not a quiet Ninja by any standards like the name suggests, it is loud and makes some noise whilst it's working!

Summary

The Nutri Ninja is small and easy to use. If you want a starter to blender to get you going with all those healthy recipes you have then it's just right. It can be used for desserts, soups, dips, dressings, marinades and even meals so it does offer you a range of uses too.

Quirky Queen Verdict:

Buy Nutri Ninja BL450 from Amazon