We try before buy
Our editorial team tests 5 lifestyle products
It’s teeming with exciting new products out there. But for which ones is it really worth hitting coal on the head? Our editorial staff checks five products for suitability every month: This time we tested a teapot, a vacuum robot and spice pastes, among other things.
Tea love – loose or in a bag
Product: 1.5 liter glass teapot from Doli Bottles
Price: 37.90 euros
Application: Pour delicious loose tea directly into the pot or a few bags. The pot has a capacity of 1.5 liters – and can also be used for delicious water creations.
Result: The spiral in the spout and the fine-mesh stainless steel sieve of the teapot are excellent at keeping loose teas where they belong: away from the rest of the liquid. The strainer is also easy to remove and dishwasher safe. So does the rest of the teapot made of handmade and fireproof borosilicate glass. An absolute plus for me! It also seems quite sturdy so far despite its looks, and the ergonomic handle stays cool when the contents are hot.
I am a big fan of this versatile pot and use it every day for a wide variety of drinking creations. Instead of loose tea, some ginger and lemon slices can be put in the strainer to use as an infuser. And in summer I look forward to delicious water with a fruity taste.
Cooked quickly
Product: EASY PEASY seasoning pastes from Ankerkraut (chili, bolo, goulash and curry)
Price: 6.99 to 7.99 euros
Application: Chop fresh ingredients and fry, add coconut milk, tomato passata or red wine, stir in the paste, simmer for five minutes – done.
Result: I like to cook and I also have a well stocked spice rack, but sometimes things have to be done quickly. For example, when it’s time to meet up with friends in the evening after a day’s work. The green Thai curry is just the right thing – everything is ready after 20 minutes. Smells seductive, looks good – and everyone likes it. Also great: the goulash at the hut. What I also really like: All six pastes contain only natural ingredients and no artificial flavors, flavor enhancers or other additives. The pastes are vegan, but not gluten-free. Conclusion: The EASY PEASY seasoning pastes from Ankerkraut are delicious, save a lot of time and are also great for people with little experience to cook deliciously.
When you get hungry
Product: Organic Flapjack Peanut Chocolate by KORO
Price: 1.25 euros
Application: Tear up and taste.
Effect: I wasn’t expecting that much when I bought the little bar and was all the more surprised at how delicious it is. Crunchy peanuts and chocolate chips are simply unbeatable in combo. But the consistency and sweetness are also convincing across the board. After sport or just as a small snack – I really like the vegan, juicy, soft oat-based muesli bar. By the way, all the ingredients come from organic farming. Anyway, I have a small stock. My kids like the bar too.
Great (suction) strength, some weaknesses
Product: MEDION SW X50
Price: 449.95 euros
Application: The home vacuum robot can be set up – and controlled – with an app. The assembly is very easy, as is setting up the app, although the operating instructions are no longer up-to-date on this point and you should strictly follow the instructions on the mobile phone.
Result: On the one hand, the MEDION SW X50 is a practical device. When it first “drives away”, the robot scans the entire apartment, and the app can then be used to target specific rooms for future vacuum cleaning campaigns. It even has a wiping function, but you should be careful with this if there are carpets in some rooms. What is less practical is that the robot, like pretty much all home vacuum robots, does not get into the corners. For an approx. 80 square meter apartment, it also needs at least four hours and two full charges – but for very few people such a part is a device for moments when things “have to be quick”. Conclusion: It’s a nice thing, but for so much money, home vacuum robots may just not be far enough.
The caffeine kick for tired eyes
Product: Q+A Caffeine Eye Serum 15ml
Price: approx. 7.79 euros
Application: Apply eye cream and leave on.
Result: The eye serum from Q+A promises an invigorating and moisturizing care for the eyes, which gives more elasticity and tightens the skin. I’ll try that out. I’m skeptical at first as I have very sensitive skin. All the creams and tinctures I have used for the eye area so far have caused me to burn, tear or redden. Application is child’s play, as the serum comes with a practical roll-on. Lo and behold, my eyes don’t tear. Which is already a big plus. The eye care is vegan and smells like nothing. That also appeals to me a lot. The cooling and caring effect is given. I haven’t noticed much of a tightening and more elasticity of the skin around the eyes. So far I haven’t really seen any lightening either. My conclusion is: The serum keeps its promise of cooling and care, especially if you store the tube in the fridge.