0:00:05 > 0:00:08Hello and welcome to the Trafford Centre in Manchester
0:00:08 > 0:00:12for the show that asks the top professionals what you should be
0:00:12 > 0:00:16spending your money on.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21I am Cherry Healey, and throughout this series,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24I have been travelling the country asking the UK's leading experts
0:00:24 > 0:00:27to help you shop like a pro.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29So where better to end our retail odyssey than here -
0:00:29 > 0:00:32one of the UK's largest shopping centres.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Tonight...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37SHE WOLF-WHISTLES ..we are putting one of the biggest-selling
0:00:37 > 0:00:41appliances of last year to the test.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43We spent ?191 million on cordless vacuums.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46But are they worth it?
0:00:46 > 0:00:49There are lots of little biscuit particles still in the carpet.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Yeah, if anything, on some of it, it has actually broken
0:00:52 > 0:00:53it up further.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Coffee machines have never been more popular,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59but can the cheapest ones compete with those at the top of the range?
0:00:59 > 0:01:02I would be gutted if I had to drink that every day.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Also on the programme, reporter Naga Munchetty channels
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Top Gun to discover how robust modern luggage is.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Oh, dear!
0:01:11 > 0:01:15And more industry insight with our tricks of the trade.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18If you want the inside track on the latest products
0:01:18 > 0:01:22from the people really in the know, then look no further.
0:01:22 > 0:01:32This is What To Buy And Why.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37MUSIC: The Talking Fish by Ibibio Sound Machine
0:01:37 > 0:01:39With over 2 million square feet of retail,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41dining and leisure space,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Manchester's intu Trafford Centre is the biggest of its kind
0:01:43 > 0:01:45in the north-west.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Each year, more than 30 million people come here to spend
0:01:49 > 0:01:57their hard-earned cash in more than 200 outlets.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01And tonight, we are offering more top tips to ensure that you leave
0:02:01 > 0:02:11places like this with stuff that's really worth having.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13MUSIC: 1969 by The Stooges
0:02:13 > 0:02:15First up, an appliance that has been
0:02:15 > 0:02:18a must-have 'in every home for decades.' But long gone
0:02:18 > 0:02:20are the days of lugging about a heavy beast like this.
0:02:20 > 0:02:28Vacuum cleaners have gone space age.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32The latest innovation is the cordless machine.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33They are extremely popular, with sales going up
0:02:33 > 0:02:38by 75% last year.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41They may be selling by the bucket-load, but do they do
0:02:41 > 0:02:43a good enough job to guarantee value for money?
0:02:43 > 0:02:46To find out, I have enlisted the help of the Good Housekeeping
0:02:46 > 0:02:52Institute.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Verity Mann is the deputy head of consumer testing.
0:02:54 > 0:02:55So cordless vacuum cleaners.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57They seem almost too good to be true.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59They are extremely convenient, but there are some issues,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03still, that people do talk about, such as the battery life not been
0:03:03 > 0:03:06long enough, and also the suction - whether it is as good
0:03:06 > 0:03:11as a full-size vacuum.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15MUSIC: The Next Episode by Dr Dre Feat.
0:03:15 > 0:03:16Snoop Dogg
0:03:16 > 0:03:18So, to find out just how well they perform,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21we are going to test three models from across the price range.
0:03:21 > 0:03:31The Hoover Flexi Power, the Vax Air, and the most expensive we could find
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- the Dyson V6 Total Clean.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Now I know what you're thinking - "It's a mall, there is no
0:03:40 > 0:03:41carpet to hoover."
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Don't worry, we are on it.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47SHE WOLF-WHISTLES MUSIC: Surfin' Bird by The Trashmen
0:03:47 > 0:03:48Carpet laid,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50time to add a sprinkle of special ingredients.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Healthy amounts of cereal, crumbs, and that old vacuuming nemesis
0:03:52 > 0:03:53- pet hair.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55How will each of our three machines cope?
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Let the suction commence.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59I have got two kids, this is a regular occurrence
0:03:59 > 0:04:00in my house.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01So let's see how it does.
0:04:01 > 0:04:10Let's go.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12The cereal is quite big, so relatively quickly...
0:04:12 > 0:04:13Is that full?
0:04:13 > 0:04:15So it is already full.
0:04:15 > 0:04:15It is true.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19It has pushed a lot of it forward and backwards as opposed to actually
0:04:19 > 0:04:20suctioning it up, which isn't good.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21Shall we empty the cylinder?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Yeah, let's give it a go.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Lift it up, it does feel like the container is very small.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Yeah, that is the problem with a lot of stick vacuums.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35Their capacities aren't brilliant.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38I mean, it was very lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41but it really did push the debris out of the squares.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Next, the Vax.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48This costs over ?100 more and is closer in design
0:04:48 > 0:04:50to a regular-sized upright vacuum.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52That is just so much better.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55It has got a much, much bigger capacity.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58The brush bar, you can tell it has really helped suction up,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00but it is noticeably heavier than the previous model.
0:05:00 > 0:05:10And, finally, the Dyson.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15It too is a stick design, but has a much more powerful engine,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17although, once again, a smaller capacity than the Vax.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21That is full.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24One easy empty, though, and Verity is back on track.
0:05:24 > 0:05:24OK.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25Power seems amazing.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29I mean, you could just feel it - when it was on the carpet,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31it had a really good suction onto it.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32And how lightweight is it to use?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Oh, it feels far more lightweight than the others,
0:05:35 > 0:05:36more flexible as well.
0:05:36 > 0:05:37Crumbs.
0:05:37 > 0:05:43It's round two.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45MUSIC: Magic Carpet by High Fidelity
0:05:45 > 0:05:47OK, so, there are lots of little biscuit
0:05:47 > 0:05:48particles still in the carpet.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Yeah, if anything, on some of it, it has actually broken it up further
0:05:52 > 0:05:53and made it a bit more embedded.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59Will the Vax fare any better?
0:05:59 > 0:06:03It has still ground some bits into the pile slightly, but...
0:06:03 > 0:06:04Yeah, not too bad.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05And, finally...
0:06:05 > 0:06:11..the Dyson.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13OK.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Again, the best out of the three without a shadow of a doubt.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19That is a good result there, yes.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21But, how will they cope with round three?
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Pet hair.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Yes, it is a tough test.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31I mean, I don't know what animal has been rolling around on this carpet,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33but it had some fun.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34Initially, the Hoover does seem to do well.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38It is when you get to the closer inspection, you can see the strands
0:06:38 > 0:06:39here and there.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42I don't know about you, Verity, but I wouldn't be happy
0:06:42 > 0:06:43with that result.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44No.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47How does the Vax get on?
0:06:47 > 0:06:49That has done well, hasn't it?
0:06:49 > 0:06:52It picked that up relatively quickly as well, from the start.
0:06:52 > 0:07:02And, finally, the Dyson.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Very quick and painless.
0:07:07 > 0:07:08Yeah, that has done well.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09I am impressed there.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10And totally hair-free.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Yeah, it felt very easy.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15The suction, the grip that it had with the carpet was very impressive.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19After three tests, is our cheapest machine, the ?95 Hoover,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22a good deal?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Well, the power obviously wasn't brilliant.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27It hasn't picked up anything perfectly.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31It is the cheapest of the range, but it is still nearly ?100, so...
0:07:31 > 0:07:36Still not cheap.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39So, overall, how do you think our mid-priced vacuum cleaner did?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Well, I think seems to have gotten better the further it
0:07:42 > 0:07:43has gone along.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45The debris that it's picking up, like pet hair, it's done
0:07:45 > 0:07:48really well on.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Is our most expensive vacuum, the Dyson at ?430, our top choice?
0:07:51 > 0:07:55So, at this point, which do you think is in the lead?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57The Dyson.
0:07:57 > 0:08:03Yeah, it does feel a bit like it.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07But will it still be the best value after we have put the three machines
0:08:07 > 0:08:10through our shopping centre assault course?
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Do the batteries last long enough to vacuum your entire house
0:08:14 > 0:08:17without a recharge?
0:08:17 > 0:08:27We will find out later.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34More tricks of the trade now as top industry professionals
0:08:34 > 0:08:42share their ingenious tips to make the stuff you buy last longer.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I'm Amanda.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48About ten years ago, I decided to start my own cleaning business.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50A brilliant way of making your whites whiter and your colours
0:08:50 > 0:08:53brighter is to use half a cup of bicarbonate of soda
0:08:53 > 0:08:56in your washing machine with your detergent.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59It is a much cheaper option than any of the specialist colour powders
0:08:59 > 0:09:04or stain removers that you can buy, and it works every bit as well.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06I'm Glynn, kit manager for Leeds Rhinos.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09If you want to keep the colours locked into the clothes,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13as soon as you have bought them, simply add salt to cold water,
0:09:13 > 0:09:18soak the garments overnight, wash as normal, and this will stop
0:09:18 > 0:09:22the colours from running.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25A simple way of getting grease marks out of your shirt collars is to use
0:09:25 > 0:09:26a bit of shampoo.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31Put a bit on the edge...
0:09:31 > 0:09:34..rub it in, put it in the washing machine and it will come out looking
0:09:34 > 0:09:39good as new.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Still to come...
0:09:41 > 0:09:47We splashed out ?730 million on coffee last year,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50but how much do you need to spend to recreate that unique barista
0:09:50 > 0:09:52style at home?
0:09:52 > 0:09:56But first, more people book holidays at this time of year than any other.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00So which type of suitcase is the best value for money?
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Naga Munchetty investigates.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08You might be surprised to know that the contents of the average
0:10:08 > 0:10:10British holiday-maker's luggage costs more than the cost
0:10:10 > 0:10:12of the holiday itself.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16And get this - we often take around ?2,500 worth of stuff every time
0:10:16 > 0:10:22we go abroad!
0:10:22 > 0:10:24So, if you're going to be packing precious cargo,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28what kind of luggage offers the kind of protection you need?
0:10:28 > 0:10:34Most domestic suitcases are made from one of four types of material.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37So we've given ourselves a budget of ?130 to buy some medium-sized
0:10:37 > 0:10:41cases made from each type.
0:10:41 > 0:10:51We have...
0:10:57 > 0:11:00ABS- our only soft case - good old-fashioned nylon.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02To find out which is toughest, we're going to push them
0:11:02 > 0:11:03to the extreme.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05First, using the most fragile of all payloads,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08we're going to recreate the worst possible scenario for your case
0:11:08 > 0:11:10at the airport.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13So, I'm roughly at the height of a Boeing 747's cargo hold.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16So it's the perfect place to find out how these suitcases will fare
0:11:16 > 0:11:23if they were dropped from here.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37Oh, dear!
0:11:37 > 0:11:38I'm shocked!
0:11:38 > 0:11:41These cases are 130 quid!
0:11:41 > 0:11:46'On this evidence, I wouldn't trust ANY of them 'to protect my precious
0:11:46 > 0:11:50things in a major fall!' No, there is definitely not one...
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Ahem!
0:11:51 > 0:11:54..box of eggs undamaged in here at all!
0:11:54 > 0:11:56None of them protected the eggs.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58The lesson?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00It seems obvious - carry your best stuff
0:12:00 > 0:12:04with you when you fly.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07So, soft or hard, modern cases aren't impact-proof,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10but do they last?
0:12:10 > 0:12:13On average, we don't replace our luggage for ten years,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15which brings us to our next test.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17I have this car, I have those cases.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21It's time to put them through their paces.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24We want to see how each material withstands a decade's worth
0:12:24 > 0:12:26of wear and tear.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31Now, I don't have a time machine, so this will have to do.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35But we aren't done yet!
0:12:35 > 0:12:43If the car hasn't pushed our cases to the limit, this certainly will.
0:12:43 > 0:12:52ENGINE ROARS
0:12:52 > 0:12:55So, what's the damage?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Our ABS case has severe dents, scuffing and cracks,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02along with a big hole.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04And although the nylon is structurally intact,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08it has suffered heavily, with rips and tears.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11But the polypropylene and the polycarbonate prove to be
0:13:11 > 0:13:18equally durable, surviving with only minor scratches and scrapes.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21So, in our view, if you want a case that will last,
0:13:21 > 0:13:30go for the polycarbonate or choose polypropylene.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34Back in Manchester, it's coffee time.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37We Brits love it.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40We drink more than 70 million cups a day and spend ?400 each
0:13:40 > 0:13:43in cafes every year.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46And this enthusiasm continues at home.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50One in five households now own a coffee machine.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54But making the perfect cup of coffee at home can be expensive.
0:13:54 > 0:14:02Some machines can set you back over ?3,000!
0:14:02 > 0:14:06But do you really have to spend that much to make your own
0:14:06 > 0:14:09quality barista-style coffee?
0:14:09 > 0:14:10Hello!
0:14:10 > 0:14:19Hello.
0:14:19 > 0:14:27To help me find out, I've enlisted Paul Meikle-Janney,
0:14:27 > 0:14:28professional coffee consultant and roaster.
0:14:28 > 0:14:29What are we going
0:14:29 > 0:14:30to be testing today?
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Primarily, espresso machines that can take your own coffee.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34What do you need a coffee machine to do well?
0:14:34 > 0:14:37It needs to have the power to push the water through the coffee.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41A lot of the money that you're spending is on the pump that drives
0:14:41 > 0:14:44that water to ooze out all the good stuff that you get from the beans.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48So we can properly put these devices through their paces,
0:14:48 > 0:14:53I've set up my own cafe right in the middle of the shopping
0:14:53 > 0:14:54centre.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Coffee's a whole series of different flavours that
0:14:56 > 0:14:58are dissolving into our water.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02We'll be judging the machines based on how well each creates
0:15:02 > 0:15:05We'll be judging the machines based on how well each creates
0:15:05 > 0:15:06We'll be judging the machines based on how well each creates
0:15:06 > 0:15:07that
0:15:07 > 0:15:09professional diverse taste.' It's fruity, zesty flavours.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10The sort of sugary, roast-like flavours.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12And we get bitterness in coffee as well.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15And we want a balance of all three of those.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17And to make sure it's fair, we'll be using the same beans
0:15:17 > 0:15:21and grinder that Paul has brought from his own roastery.' OK,
0:15:21 > 0:15:22OK,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25let's make some coffee.
0:15:25 > 0:15:31We've got three devices to test...
0:15:39 > 0:15:41We start with our most expensive, the Ascaso.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42More switches
0:15:42 > 0:15:43should be like that.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45It's like the start of the Millennium Falcon.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46It's a nice-looking machine.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49And there, we've got our coffee sort of oozing out.
0:15:49 > 0:15:56Let's see how this machine's offering goes down with the people
0:15:56 > 0:15:56of Manchester.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57There we go.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58Ooh!
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Hello!
0:16:00 > 0:16:00Hello!
0:16:00 > 0:16:04To ensure they're judging the coffee in its purest form,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06they'll taste it without milk or sugar.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07I normally
0:16:07 > 0:16:08have black coffee.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10So you're used to this kind of taste?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13And they have no idea this was made by our most expensive machine.'
0:16:13 > 0:16:15What do you think of that?
0:16:15 > 0:16:16It's quite nice.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17It's strong.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18Slightly bitter.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20I don't mind this as a shot first thing in the morning.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22I do like that one.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23OK.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25So, what does Paul, our expert barista, think?
0:16:25 > 0:16:26There's some sweetness in there,
0:16:26 > 0:16:27but it's a little bit
0:16:27 > 0:16:30under-extracted and I would look for a deeper texture and flavour out
0:16:30 > 0:16:31of that coffee.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Not a bad start, so on to our next machine.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34The mid-priced De'Longhi.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36It doesn't seem to have the same power
0:16:36 > 0:16:39in the pump to drive it through, it wasn't driving the water
0:16:39 > 0:16:41through the coffee.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Will our coffee-loving Mancunians spot the difference?
0:16:44 > 0:16:46That's better.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47Very roasty.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49That one's not good.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I think this one's a bit more subtle.
0:16:51 > 0:16:52It's not the best, that.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57Not your favourite?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Sour.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02That's a sign of under-extraction, that we're not pulling as much
0:17:02 > 0:17:05as we desire out of the coffee.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08It's not got the sort of more complex, sort of,
0:17:08 > 0:17:09sweeter sort of flavours.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Which one tastes more sour?
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Definitely this one.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Uh-huh.
0:17:19 > 0:17:25Our final option isn't like other coffee machines.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29It's known as the AeroPress.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30Essentially, it's like a big syringe.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32And it pushes the water through the coffee.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I've never seen anything like it!
0:17:34 > 0:17:35Let's see how good the coffee is.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Right!
0:17:36 > 0:17:37That's really the test.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42OK.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45The pressure that is exerted by the electric pump is done
0:17:45 > 0:17:48by our muscles with this one.
0:17:48 > 0:17:58Slowly and steadily sort of squeeze down.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05How will our volunteers rate it?
0:18:05 > 0:18:07That's nice. I like that one.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09It took a while for the taste to come in.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Much better.
0:18:10 > 0:18:11It's very nice.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13You don't like that one at all?
0:18:13 > 0:18:13No.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15What about you?
0:18:15 > 0:18:16That's been my favourite one, that.
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Yeah?
0:18:17 > 0:18:18Tasty coffee.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20A little bit more round, a little bit more sweet
0:18:20 > 0:18:22in its sort of style there.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24It's not as sharp as the other ones.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25That's lovely.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29The coffee machine that made A is ?450.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31The coffee machine that made B is ?180.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33The coffee machine that made C is ?25!
0:18:33 > 0:18:34Wow!
0:18:34 > 0:18:35See?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37So which machine would you spend your money on?
0:18:37 > 0:18:38C, definitely.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39C, yeah.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42I would be gutted if I had to drink THAT every day!
0:18:42 > 0:18:43I would drink that.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45I think mine would be the ?25 one.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47I would still go for the expensive one.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49I don't think I'd spend ?450 for it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51I would actually spend on the cheaper one.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52Probably get the A one.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Have we converted you to coffee now?
0:18:54 > 0:18:55If it was C, yes.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56Really?!
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Yeah, I think I would take C.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59OK.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02That was so interesting!
0:19:02 > 0:19:04So, even though there's a massive price difference,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06A and C were kind of neck and neck!
0:19:06 > 0:19:08It doesn't really surprise me.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11If you're going on flavour alone, C is a great-flavoured coffee.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15I think you've got to spend even more than our top one here to get
0:19:15 > 0:19:19something that's comparable to your high street espresso.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22So, in Paul's opinion, none of our machines compete
0:19:22 > 0:19:26with the high standards set in professional cafes.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30However, for a high-quality caffeine fix, you may not need a traditional
0:19:30 > 0:19:33coffee machine at all.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36As the expert, what would you spend your money on?
0:19:36 > 0:19:38I would spend ?25 on the AeroPress.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40You are on a winner there.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41Tasty coffee.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Yeah, go with that.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46In response, both Ascaso and De'Longhi point out
0:19:46 > 0:19:49the versatility of their machines, which both make lattes and
0:19:49 > 0:19:54cappuccinos as well as espressos.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58Ascaso defends the quality of the extraction, whilst De'Longhi
0:19:58 > 0:20:01says the Dedica is designed as a first step into
0:20:01 > 0:20:02home pump machines.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06I have drunk so much coffee today that I'm just
0:20:06 > 0:20:14going to fly back home.
0:20:14 > 0:20:22It is a lot of coffee.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Throughout this series, we have brought you money-saving
0:20:24 > 0:20:27insights from people who know their industries
0:20:27 > 0:20:33inside out, and here is our final batch.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37I am Naveen, I followed my mum into the business, so you could say
0:20:37 > 0:20:38I'm a chip off the old block.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Roller trays are a pain to clean.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46People end up leaving them and they end up like this.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49To avoid that, get a black plastic bag, put it over your brand-new
0:20:49 > 0:20:54roller tray, and then pour your paint in there.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Voila, your roller tray will stay clean.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02I am Will, I am a furniture restorer.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Before you splash out on a professional cleaner,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07open up your kitchen cupboard and get out a bottle
0:21:07 > 0:21:08of white vinegar.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10It is fantastic at getting out stubborn stains
0:21:10 > 0:21:13without ruining your upholstery.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Apply the vinegar to the fabric with a cloth and work
0:21:16 > 0:21:17it into the stain.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Then clean off with soapy liquid.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24And when it dries, the stain will be gone.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27I am Tim, I am a fourth-generation shoemaker, and I have been making
0:21:27 > 0:21:29shoes for the last 30 years.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31We all wear canvas shoes in the summer.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Rather than putting it in the washing machine,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35which can lead to the soles eventually falling off,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I prefer to use a dilute solution of washing up liquid or detergent,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42brush the dirt with an old toothbrush or a nailbrush.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Afterwards, wash with plain water, put newspaper
0:21:45 > 0:21:49on the inside and leave it to dry overnight naturally.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51I am Carlos.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54My parents have run these stalls for as long as I can remember,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57so I guess fruit and veg are in my blood.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00If you've got some berries going a bit soft, it is really
0:22:00 > 0:22:02tempting to throw them away.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03Don't waste them.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Pop them in the freezer and take them out whenever you want to make
0:22:06 > 0:22:16a delicious smoothie.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24MUSIC: The Talking Fish by Ibibio Sound Machine
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Back in Manchester, we're getting ready
0:22:26 > 0:22:28for round two of our
0:22:28 > 0:22:30cordless vacuum test.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35Earlier we discovered that only our most expensive option,
0:22:35 > 0:22:40the Dyson, could rival the suction power of ordinary plug-in machines.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45But there is another factor to consider before you buy.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48When you are plugged in to the wall, you're never going to run
0:22:48 > 0:22:49out of juice.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52But now the cables have gone, how much vacuuming can you actually
0:22:52 > 0:22:56do before they conk out?
0:22:56 > 0:23:0250% of us say it takes at least half an hour to fully vacuum our house,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04so are the batteries on these cordless machines able
0:23:04 > 0:23:06to last that long?
0:23:06 > 0:23:10To find out, I have recruited three helpers from the Trafford Centre
0:23:10 > 0:23:14customer service team to go head-to-head.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Joseph will be trying our cheapest, the Hoover Flexi Power.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Joe will be using the Vax.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26And Danielle has the priciest option, the Dyson.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Casting her expert eye over proceedings is Verity Mann
0:23:30 > 0:23:35from the Good Housekeeping Institute.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39In front of you, you have a living room slalom.
0:23:39 > 0:23:40You each have a vacuum.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41Please start your engines!
0:23:41 > 0:23:47Three...two...one...
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Go!
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Each is fully charged and will do laps until it can't vacuum no more.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58This is going to be one clean carpet after this,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00I would eat my dinner off this carpet.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01I wouldn't.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Yeah, I don't blame you.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Yeah, me neither.
0:24:06 > 0:24:14At first, all three machines suck away very happily,
0:24:14 > 0:24:15each manoeuvring around our obstacles.
0:24:15 > 0:24:16Nine minutes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Crikey.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19They are still going strong.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21They all still sound quite powerful as well.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22They really do.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24I quite like the lights on the Vax.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Yeah, that's good for when you go under furniture and such.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28You can see what is under there.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30But, after a quarter of an hour, our first battery
0:24:30 > 0:24:31casualty.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32Done.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34First one to go.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36The Dyson died.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37So that was 16 minutes.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40First one out.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44So, our most expensive vacuum is out first.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46And it is swiftly followed by another.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Mine is dead.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49So the Hoover's gone.
0:24:49 > 0:24:50Aww.
0:24:50 > 0:24:5417 minutes.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57If most people take over 30 minutes to get round their home,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01on this evidence, both these vacuums would die before the job is done.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04What about how long they each take to recharge?
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Well, the Hoover takes a whopping 16.5 hours to charge from empty.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Whoa.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Followed by the Dyson at three-and-a-half hours.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15A long time to wait if you are only halfway through.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18The Vax however, which is designed to be more like a conventional
0:25:18 > 0:25:22upright vacuum, has no such issues.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25The Vax takes three hours, and luckily comes with a spare
0:25:25 > 0:25:26battery, which is quite good.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28That is fantastic.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29Yeah.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33So as soon as one runs out, charge it and you have
0:25:33 > 0:25:42still got a working vacuum.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44When it does eventually die after 36 minutes...
0:25:44 > 0:25:49Done.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51..after a quick battery swap, we can carry on.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52Will it ever end?
0:25:52 > 0:25:53I don't know.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55We could be here for a while.
0:25:55 > 0:25:56We should set up camp.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Can we get some tea?
0:25:57 > 0:25:58LOUDER: Can we get some tea?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01After our assault course challenge, we have a very clear winner.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04The Vax is our battery champ, and earlier on, the Dyson
0:26:04 > 0:26:07was our suction king.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09So, in the end, which should you buy?
0:26:09 > 0:26:14Over to Verity for her verdict.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15What did you think of these machines?
0:26:15 > 0:26:19What about this one, the cheapest of the three, the Hoover?
0:26:19 > 0:26:22The Hoover did struggle quite a bit on collecting the different food
0:26:22 > 0:26:24that we had out, the different debris.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Very lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, however,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29and you can fold the handle down as well, which makes it
0:26:29 > 0:26:30compact for storage.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32But are you really getting value for money?
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I don't personally think so.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38The main point of it is that it does suction up the dirt
0:26:38 > 0:26:41that is on the floor, and I didn't feel that it did
0:26:41 > 0:26:42that as best it could.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44OK, so what about the mid-price vacuums?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46The Vax, it did do slightly better at collecting debris
0:26:46 > 0:26:49than the Hoover, but it was just noticeably very bulky, very heavy.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53As big as a full-size vacuum, but the suction power isn't as good.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56OK, so last but not least, the Dyson.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Great suction, it picked up straightaway, very quickly,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01almost in its first sweep.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04You could really feel the grip it had on the carpet as well,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07and I like the fact that it had a trigger button, so you are only
0:27:07 > 0:27:12actually using it when you need it, which preserves the battery.
0:27:12 > 0:27:18So, after all our tests, which one should you buy and why?
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Personally, for me, definitely the Dyson.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23The whole point is they are light, they are convenient,
0:27:23 > 0:27:24they are quick to push around.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26It is a lot of money.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28There are cheaper models in the Dyson range, which is worth
0:27:28 > 0:27:30considering, but the suction for them wins hands down.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33So even though it is more expensive, you still think
0:27:33 > 0:27:35it is worth the money?
0:27:35 > 0:27:39That is the thing, they are all not cheap products, but you might
0:27:39 > 0:27:41as well spend your money on something that is actually
0:27:41 > 0:27:44going to do its job and be worth the money in the long-term.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46In response, Hoover says the Flexi Power is specifically
0:27:46 > 0:27:52designed for quick pick-ups and for cleaning difficult-to-access places.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Vax pointed out that their machine also has a power boost mode designed
0:27:55 > 0:28:01to improve suction.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03And Dyson suggested the reason the V6 battery failed after 16
0:28:03 > 0:28:06minutes was that our course was 100% carpet, which uses up more power
0:28:06 > 0:28:10and isn't representative of a typical home.
0:28:10 > 0:28:17I think in this case, you really get what you paid for,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19and without a doubt, the Dyson really cleaned up.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20Agreed.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24That is it from Manchester and for the series.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27SHE SCREAMS
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Now you know what to buy and why, hopefully you will be
0:28:30 > 0:28:33getting better value for money next time you hit the shops.
0:28:33 > 0:28:51# Love, love will tear us apart again
0:28:51 > 0:29:00# Love, love will tear us apart again...#