Struggling in the heatwave? These are the affordable gadgets to keep you cool
We don't know about you, but we are sweating in places we never knew we could.
Now, we don't mean to complain about the heatwave taking over the UK, but we're not quite as equipped for it as our beloved European destinations. But our shoebox flat is not fitted with air con like an Ibiza villa, and opening the windows only lets in petrol fumes and smog rather than that delicious sea breeze.
So, it's unsurprising Google has seen searches for 'how to keep cool in hot weather' skyrocket by 550% in the last seven days – we're guilty.
Just to prove we're not the only ones struggling to commute, work, sleep and merely breathe in the scorching temperatures, AliExpress has also found sales for cooling appliances has increased tenfold.
If you've tried fans of all types, sitting in an ice bath, slipping freezer packs under your armpits or in your bed, we have found some other cooling props for your home and to take on the go – aside from the all-important SPF.
If you are commuting, travelling, enjoying a day at the beach, or need a mini fan to cool you down at the desk, this design is ideal. It is compact enough to fit in your bag, or hold, but it also folds so it can perch upright too. It is a cordless design, but when it needs to be recharged it is via a USB port. BUY NOW FOR 74p (WAS £11.93) – save 93%
If your home, office, or home office is a sauna then investing in this Portable Air Conditioner unit is a worthy investment. It functions as an air con unit as well as dehumidifier, so it is great to use in the home all year. It has two speeds and an adjustable temperature gauge ranging from 15 to 31℃. The appliance sits on wheels so it is easy to move throughout the home. BUY NOW FOR £279.65 (WAS £875.49) – save 68%
This may just be the best invention ever. The Mini Air Cooler not only functions as a fan to give you a blast of air on a humid day, but it features a compartment to put water or ice in that is released as a fine mist alongside the fan to cool you down in an instant. It is also a nightlight and dehumidifier – is that all your household essentials in one? Plus, it is compact and has a top handle so you can move it from room to room or sit on your desk. BUY NOW FOR £5.52 (£17.82) – save 69%
Whether you are working out outside, at a picnic or the beach, this Cold Towel may be your saving grace.Though it's not to be confused with your bog standard bath sheet or beach towel. This creation has been crafted from polyester, which is super absorbent. It can be used as a towel to dry off, lay on, or pat your sweat dry post workout, and even worn as a bandana. It is compact enough to roll into a small ball-like container for easy carrying. Available in three colours, and 10 colours. BUY NOW FOR 74p (WAS £3.51) – save 80%
It is paramount you stay hydrated all year, especially in a heatwave. This litre bottle can store your cold or hot beverage and maintain its temperature for hours on end. BUY NOW FOR £7.39 (WAS £16.07) – save 54%
Who doesn't love a chilled rose in the summer? This nifty gadget will keep your beverages, and food, chilled for hours. The case is fitted with clean gel water that doesn't spill or leak. Simply put the case in the freezer, pack with your bottle of bubbly and carry to your picnic or beach day to keep your bottle chilled for hours. BUY NOW FOR £0.74 (WAS £10.80) – save 93%
So now there's no excuse to even think about saying 'it's so hot' outloud.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
MORE: I'm a shopping writer and here's what I'm buying this week – from Berghaus to Skin Rocks
MORE: Struggling to sleep at night? These are the best fans to keep you cool in a heatwave
MORE: 13 cheap and practical ways to keep your home cool during a heatwave
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Stunning DAZN reporter goes braless in slinky dress at Club World Cup as fans say ‘what a bombshell you are'
The popular reporter is dating an AC Milan and Italy star 'STUNNING' Stunning DAZN reporter goes braless in slinky dress at Club World Cup as fans say 'what a bombshell you are' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOOTBALL fans have lauded DAZN reporter Eleonora Incardona for her on-screen work at the Club World Cup. Eleonora, 34, has been covering the stateside tournament this summer as Fifa's club centrepiece nears its conclusion. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Eleonora Incardona has impressed with her reporting on DAZN during the Club World Cup Credit: instagram @eleonoraincardona 10 Eleonora has been travelling across the USA covering the tournament Credit: instagram @eleonoraincardona 10 The 34-year-old sported a brown dress as she was pitchside for one game Credit: instagram @eleonoraincardona 10 Eleonora wore a three-piece pantsuit for another game Credit: instagram @eleonoraincardona 10 The TV star is a law graduate as well as a former model Credit: instagram @eleonoraincardona 10 Eleonora has been lauded by football fans Credit: instagram @eleonoraincardona Usually a touchline reporter for DAZN's coverage of Serie A, Eleanora has leant her European football knowledge to the global tournament this summer. And fans have been just as impressed with her outfits as they have with her impressive reporting. Most recently she shared snaps of a one-strapped brown dress and a three-piece pantsuit that she sported on the coverage, leading her fans to shower her with compliments. One wrote: "What a bombshell you are". WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN While another added: "Eleonora, you look stunning with this outfit". And a fourth chimed in: "Nice outfit". And a fourth lauded her reporting skills, posting: "You are so talented". Eleonora, who is a law graduate, doesn't just get the pitchside scoop from her reporting, but also the inside knowledge of the game from her Italian international boyfriend Samuele Ricci. Ricci, 23, has just sealed a £20m move to Serie A giants AC Milan from Torino. Lifting the lid on how Ricci helps her with her job, Incardona told TuttoSport: 'I trust Samuele's opinions a lot so I ask him before a match for some ideas that could be useful. 'Our relationship is really special and we talk about everything, we are very good friends. 'For me it's irrelevant (his job), it has no impact on my career. In fact we are very keen to keep our professional and private areas separate. 'I really admire his commitment and talent but my career goes forward without interference. We share our dreams but with a healthy balance.' 10 Eleonoras' boyfriend is Italy star Samuele Ricci Credit: Instagram @eleonoraincardona 10 Ricci just sealed a £20m move to AC Milan Credit: Getty 10 Eleonora hosts some of the biggest games in Italy Credit: Rex
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The 3 best privacy fences to buy for your garden – including stylish B&Q buy that will last winter
Plus, everything you need to know about installing a new fence FENCY THAT The 3 best privacy fences to buy for your garden – including stylish B&Q buy that will last winter Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT seems that everyone and their nan is talking about privacy fences this year. Long gone are the days of talking to your neighbours while sunbathing, now we'll do anything to keep them out. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 We tried three of the best privacy fences to keep nosy neighbours out Credit: supplied But with over 40 million videos of privacy fences on TikTok alone, it can be hard to navigate which way is the best. So Fabulous Reporter Leanne Hall and Associate Editor Rebecca Miller decided to put three of the most popular methods to the test. While Rebecca has an 80ft fence in her back garden to take care of, Leanne has a front garden on a main road in London - both are subject to prying eyes they'd rather keep out. Ivy Trellis 7 The fake ivy was a cheap and effective method Credit: supplied The ivy trellis has become a popular way to give fences an update without forking out thousands on new fence panelling. The one I picked from AliExpress has a flexible backing which is perfect for me as it's easy to hang on the iron bars of my fence using cable ties. I bought three packs of the Dark Green Grape privacy fence panels in a 50x200 size, each pack of two cost £5.28. This made covering my side of the fence cost just £15.84 - a bargain if you ask me. Fed up with passersby and dreaded Lime bike users watching my every move in the garden, I was eager to get the privacy panels up. It's a simple job and only needs one person to complete. The ivy is super light, making it easy to hold on to while you secure it with cable ties. While you can tell the ivy is fake, it still looked pleasant for the price and with some extra plants potted around, it looks perfect in the summer. Most importantly, it kept neighbours out from seeing inside my garden. 7 You can't see through from the outside either Credit: supplied I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 Bamboo Screening 7 The picket fence offered no privacy for either garden Credit: RM Another popular budget-friendly fence covering is using bamboo screening. Rebecca decided to use the B&Q's Bamboo Split Slat Fencing Screening Rolls for Garden Outdoor Privacy which did the job effortlessly. The privacy screen is 4x2m and costs £44.99, but comes in a variety of heights, making it suitable for all gardens. Rebecca used two screens to cover her side of fence making the hack cost just under £90. To get it up, you'll need long screws and mushroom caps to attach the screen to the existing picket fence every foot or so along. Because of its size, you'll need an extra pair of hands to get it done; one to screw and one to roll it out and hold it tight. After 10 minutes, both screens were up. Rebecca adds: "As for how it screen isn't entirely opaque; there are tiny gaps between the bamboo rods that let some light through. "So unless you and your neighbour have a staring competition, you can't see them. "Plus, when the sun hits it, it leaves a beautiful dappled effect across the grass. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looks." It also comes with a one-year guarantee to make sure it lasts through winter. 7 The finished result! Now I can potter around my garden freely without my neighbours looking Credit: RM How high can a garden fence be? Despite what many people think a garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission for any fence taller than 2m. Any fence under 2m does not need planning permission. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft. You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant. Shower Curtains 7 Putting it up was super easy and took just five minutes Credit: supplied So I decided to take matters into my own hands and buy a shower curtain from Amazon for just £10. I went for a design that featured luscious, thick greenery and a gorgeous lake in the centre so I could attempt to feel like I was on Lake Como while in the heart of London. While many people who have shared the hack online have used a staple gun to attach it to their fence, I had to opt for a different method. Because my front garden has iron bars - I used the hooks that came with the shower curtain and put them through each of the holes. It instantly blocked out the stares from passersby and was much more pleasant to look at than the line of Lime bikes outside my house. Although it can pass as looking quite nice in pictures, in real life it looks like exactly what it is - a shower curtain in your garden. But if you're looking for a quick, cheap and effective method this might be the one for you.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
The 3 best privacy fences to buy for your garden – including stylish B&Q buy that will last winter
IT seems that everyone and their nan is talking about privacy fences this year. Long gone are the days of talking to your neighbours while sunbathing, now we'll do anything to keep them out. 7 But with over 40 million videos of privacy fences on TikTok alone, it can be hard to navigate which way is the best. So Fabulous Reporter Leanne Hall and Associate Editor Rebecca Miller decided to put three of the most popular methods to the test. While Rebecca has an 80ft fence in her back garden to take care of, Leanne has a front garden on a main road in London - both are subject to prying eyes they'd rather keep out. Ivy Trellis 7 The ivy trellis has become a popular way to give fences an update without forking out thousands on new fence panelling. The one I picked from AliExpress has a flexible backing which is perfect for me as it's easy to hang on the iron bars of my fence using cable ties. I bought three packs of the Dark Green Grape privacy fence panels in a 50x200 size, each pack of two cost £5.28. This made covering my side of the fence cost just £15.84 - a bargain if you ask me. Fed up with passersby and dreaded Lime bike users watching my every move in the garden, I was eager to get the privacy panels up. It's a simple job and only needs one person to complete. The ivy is super light, making it easy to hold on to while you secure it with cable ties. While you can tell the ivy is fake, it still looked pleasant for the price and with some extra plants potted around, it looks perfect in the summer. Most importantly, it kept neighbours out from seeing inside my garden. 7 I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 Bamboo Screening 7 Another popular budget-friendly fence covering is using bamboo screening. Rebecca decided to use the B&Q's Bamboo Split Slat Fencing Screening Rolls for Garden Outdoor Privacy which did the job effortlessly. The privacy screen is 4x2m and costs £44.99, but comes in a variety of heights, making it suitable for all gardens. Rebecca used two screens to cover her side of fence making the hack cost just under £90. To get it up, you'll need long screws and mushroom caps to attach the screen to the existing picket fence every foot or so along. Because of its size, you'll need an extra pair of hands to get it done; one to screw and one to roll it out and hold it tight. After 10 minutes, both screens were up. Rebecca adds: "As for how it screen isn't entirely opaque; there are tiny gaps between the bamboo rods that let some light through. "So unless you and your neighbour have a staring competition, you can't see them. "Plus, when the sun hits it, it leaves a beautiful dappled effect across the grass. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looks." It also comes with a one-year guarantee to make sure it lasts through winter. 7 How high can a garden fence be? Despite what many people think a garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission for any fence taller than 2m. Any fence under 2m does not need planning permission. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft. You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant. Shower Curtains 7 So I decided to take matters into my own hands and buy a shower curtain from Amazon for just £10. I went for a design that featured luscious, thick greenery and a gorgeous lake in the centre so I could attempt to feel like I was on Lake Como while in the heart of London. While many people who have shared the hack online have used a staple gun to attach it to their fence, I had to opt for a different method. Because my front garden has iron bars - I used the hooks that came with the shower curtain and put them through each of the holes. It instantly blocked out the stares from passersby and was much more pleasant to look at than the line of Lime bikes outside my house. Although it can pass as looking quite nice in pictures, in real life it looks like exactly what it is - a shower curtain in your garden. But if you're looking for a quick, cheap and effective method this might be the one for you. 7
