Home & smart home

A properly strong foot massager with washable covers; he would want one at home.

Cooks the bread evenly and gives a noticeably crunchier result, but only scored a strong 6 out of 10.

Flexible enough for four normal slices or two massive ones and toasts quickly, earning about a 7 out of 10.

An ergonomic chair that improves posture and is comfortable too, scoring 7 out of 10.

The over-the-top $5,000 massage chair won the comfort contest with a perfect 10 out of 10.

A pointless physical button for reordering that cost more than Subscribe and Save and fell foul of consumer law.

The $20 knife has a much sharper blade and cuts the orange easily.

The $1 stainless steel knife cuts the orange without destroying it, which is an improvement on plastic.

The $50 Japanese carbon steel knife has a good rosewood handle and slices with almost no effort.

A premium steam rice cooker that gives distinct, individual grains; a subtle improvement, rated seven.

A simple idea for cooking and eating from one vessel, held back by the cable and awkward handle.

Cool as a piece of art with obvious limits such as 1080p and a picture-versus-transparency paradox; 7/10.

Lovely reflections from the glass, but cheap LEDs, a remote and a dead rotation motor; 4/10.

Slick software and good for people without a trainer, though the 'personal trainer replacement' claim is overblown; 8/10.

Foldable forearm rests that help keep arms at the right angle and feel comfortable.

An active-sitting wobble stool that stops him slouching and nudges him to take breaks.

Annoyingly expensive for what it is, but the best balance board he has used for making standing more bearable.

A slightly gamer-styled desk that he sticks with for its solid steel build, smooth height adjustment and clever magnetic cable management.

Now sees it as the desk lamp done right, with front and bias lighting and adjustable colour temperature, though the remote is a bit finicky.

Poorly presented and discoloured, but fine as a reading chair rather than a desk chair.

Despite poor packaging and a farm smell, the most useful product of the haul, genuinely refreshing with iced water.

Solid feel, with USB-C input and output and a wireless charger that works well, and it suited the corner perfectly.

Large, cheap light with plenty of output that fits neatly under the desk.

Not bad for the price, though the exposed circuit board and remote control are unimpressive.