Alex David
As Head of eCommerce, Alex makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. After graduating from Cambridge, Alex learned the tricks of the trade at the Good Housekeeping Institute, testing everything from vacuums to washing machines to dog toys to exercise bikes. He then moved to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, where he got into the weeds to discover the best gardening tools, machinery, and wildlife products. At a time when it can be tricky to know what's what, and when budgets are tighter than ever, helping readers to find the right products to make their lives a little easier is a genuine passion.
When he's not scouring the internet for the latest and greatest homeware products, you can find Alex on a run, reading, or obsessing about the mighty (honestly) Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Latest articles by Alex David
-
Can I have a fire pit under a gazebo? Experts advise against this common backyard mistake
It's tempting to put a fire pit under a gazebo, but it can be dangerous. I two asked experts if it's safe to put a fire pit under a gazebo
By Alex David Published
-
When should you grill with the lid closed? Expert chef advice
After speaking with chefs - and years testing grills - I learned the golden rule for grilling with the lid closed
By Alex David Published
-
Have you heard of the potato trick? Discover how to make a grill non-stick using a kitchen leftover
I asked expert chefs how to make a grill non-stick, and they gave me a cheap trick with a potato, as well as some other simple grilling tips
By Alex David Published
-
Can you build a pergola next to a neighbor's fence? 6 rules from legal experts
Building a pergola next to a neighbor's fence can cause a lot of arguments, and they can get litigious. I spoke to legal experts for advice
By Alex David Published
-
Gazebo vs patio umbrella – which is best to beat the heat?
With millions trapped under the heat dome, it's smart to weigh up gazebos vs patio umbrellas to create some much-needed shade
By Alex David Published
-
Gozney vs Solo Stove: which pizza oven is best in 2024?
I pitched Gozney vs Solo Stove to see which pizza oven brand is the champion. Our tests found Gozney is better, but very expensive
By Alex David Published
-
Ooni vs Solo Stove: which pizza oven is best in 2024?
I put Ooni vs Solo Stove in a head to head to see which pizza oven brand comes out on top. Our tests found Ooni is better, but not by much
By Alex David Published
-
Are wire grill brushes dangerous? Experts advise against this grill accessory and offer a clever alternative
Wire grill brushes can be dangerous, but grilling experts gave me an alternative you already have lying around in your kitchen
By Alex David Published
-
Chefs reveal the best temperatures for grilling perfect chicken, burgers, and brats
This the best temperature for cooking pizza according to expert chefs and pizzaiolos. These exerts gave me a foolproof method
By Alex David Published
-
I just found hundreds of dollars off grills and pizza ovens in Wayfair's Anniversary sale
There are plenty of cheap grills and pizza ovens in Wayfair's Anniversary sale. I went through hundreds of deals to find the very best
By Alex David Published
-
How do pizza ovens work? Insight from the experts
I spoke to an expert food scientist about how pizza ovens work, to learn the science behind a perfect pizza
By Alex David Published
-
What else can you cook in a pizza oven? Tips and ideas from the experts
I spoke to pizza chefs about what else you can cook in a pizza oven
By Alex David Published
-
Experts reveal the best temperature for cooking pizza – for a perfect al fresco dinner
This the best temperature for cooking pizza according to expert chefs and pizzaiolos. These exerts gave me a foolproof method
By Alex David Published
-
Can you use a coffee grinder to grind spices? Experts advise
To get the bottom of using a coffee grinder to grind spices, I spoke to coffee experts and professional chefs. In short, you can, but they don't advise it.
By Alex David Last updated
-
Is it better to buy or rent a pool vacuum? Advice from the experts
I spoke to a pool expert about whether it's better to buy or rent a pool vacuum. This is all you need to know about the pros and cons
By Alex David Published
-
Why isn't my pool shock working? An easy fix from a pro
I spoke to a pool professional about a near-certain fix when your pool shock isn't working. This is the best way to clear up your pool
By Alex David Published
-
Why is pool shock so expensive? Experts warn it could be a 'lingering effect of the pandemic' – but there is a way to save money
Pool shock is more expensive than ever, so I spoke to two experts about why - and how to save a little money
By Alex David Published
-
What's the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?
The difference between a gazebo and a pergola could leave you high and dry. I spoke to garden specialists about the crucial difference
By Alex David Published
-
Manual pool vacuum vs robot pool vacuum – which is best?
The choice between manual pool vacuum vs robot pool vacuum could save you thousands of dollars. I spoke to a pool expert about which is best.
By Alex David Published
-
Inground vs plug-and-play hot tubs – which is best?
I spoke to a pool expert about plug-and-play vs inflatable hot tubs. This is everything you need to know about these luxurious spas
By Alex David Published
-
Plug-and-play vs inflatable hot tubs – which is best?
I spoke to a pool expert about plug-and-play vs inflatable hot tubs. This is everything you need to know about these luxurious spas
By Alex David Published
-
The best grill and pizza oven deals
I've combed through the prices to find the best grill and pizza oven deals. These are top discounts on tested grills and ovens
By Alex David Published
-
Best cold plunge 2024: top tubs for sports recovery
I've worked my way through thousands of products to find the best cold plunge for your backyard. These are the best-value cold plunge tubs
By Alex David Published
-
Can you clean a pool without chemicals? A swimming pool expert weighs in
This is all you need to know about cleaning a pool without chemicals. I spoke to an expert about whether it's worth ditching chlorine
By Alex David Published