What a recommendation is based on
We don't run a test lab, and we never say we've tested something we haven't. Every pick rests on:
- At least two independent expert reviews of that exact model, from publications that test products themselves. We read them in full and report what they found in our own words, with links.
- The manufacturer's own specifications for facts like battery life, capacity and weight. Where a maker's claim differs from what reviewers measured, we say so.
- Prices we saw ourselves at major UK shops (never Amazon's), with the date. We never estimate a price.
If we can't find enough independent evidence for a product, it doesn't go on the page, however popular it is.
Facts and opinions
Specs, prices and test results are facts, and each links to where it comes from in the "How we reached this" section of the guide. Our verdicts, badges ("Best value", "Best for hard floors") and "who it's for" advice are our editorial opinion, based on those facts. We try to make it obvious which is which.
Price levels, not price tags
- Prices change daily, so instead of an exact price each product shows a price level (Budget, Mid-range, Upper mid-range, Premium) and the range it sat in, for example £200–£250.
- The level comes from prices we saw at major UK shops within the last 60 days. Without a recent check, we show no level at all. It's never an Amazon price.
- "Today's price" takes you to the shop, where the current price is the one that counts. We never show stock levels, discounts we haven't seen, or "deal ends soon" pressure.
- Budget guides only include products we saw selling under the budget at a major shop.
Cheaper alternatives, fairly
An alternatives guide always starts with what makes the original worth wanting, and always says who should still buy it. A cheaper product is only on the page if it does the job well enough for most people; we spell out what you give up.
What we don't use
- Star ratings, review counts or customer reviews from Amazon. We link to Amazon so you can check the price, but we don't use its content to make or describe our picks.
- Manufacturer photos or logos we don't have permission to use. Where we have no licensed photo, you'll see a drawn illustration instead.
- Payment for placement. Brands can't pay to appear, rank higher or change a verdict.
How affiliate links fit in
When you buy through some of our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It's how the site is funded. We choose products first and look for a link afterwards, and many of our sources and comparisons link to shops that pay us nothing. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Keeping guides current
Every guide shows when it was last updated. We re-check prices and recommendations regularly, and when a product is replaced or a better option appears, we update the guide rather than leaving an old answer up.
Spotted a mistake?
Tell us at our contact page. We correct factual errors quickly and note significant changes on the page.