Caramel Quin
Caramel Quin is an award-winning journalist and professional nerd who tests technology for newspapers, magazines and online. She has written for Ideal Home since 2012. She prides herself on real-world testing and translating geek speak into plain English. Her pet hates are jargon, pointless products and over-complicated instruction manuals. Caramel is an engineering graduate who has won multiple awards for communicating hi-tech subjects to normal people. She understands the acronyms and tech specs so you don’t have to. As well as writing on tech, Caramel has appeared as a technology expert on the BBC, Sky News and GMTV, and done countless radio and podcast interviews. Caramel lives in east London with her two children, dog, three cats and 10 rescue chickens… all of whom assist her in destruction testing home electricals for us.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where’s your happy place?
I have an allotment just five minutes’ walk from home, with a secret gate from the forest. It’s more shabby than chic, but it’s my peaceful place, whether I’m digging or sipping coffee while staring at nature.
What’s your home addiction?
Storage. I find it easier to build ever more storage than to have a clear-out. My nickname when I’m old will be Caramel “ten sheds” Quin. Only the hens in the garden prevent me having too many sheds right now!
What is your next home project?
I’m about to build my first standing desk and make a new workspace. Though, as with all jobs, there’s some tidying to do first…
Latest articles by Caramel Quin
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How to service a heat pump - key components the engineer will check and how you can help to move the process along
Find out what's involved with servicing a heat pump, how much it costs, and what maintenance you can do yourself
By Caramel Quin
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Replacing a roof - everything you need to know
Replacing a roof might sound intimidating, but our easy-to-understand expert guide will help you get it right
By Caramel Quin
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Glass wall design ideas - all you need to know about glass partition walls
Bring light into your home by swapping solid walls for stylish designs that incorporate glass
By Caramel Quin
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Air source heat pump disadvantages and problems
Air source heat pumps cut our reliance on fossil fuels and exposure to skyrocketing energy bills, but beware these common disadvantages and problems
By Caramel Quin
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Considering a ground source heat pump? The disadvantages and problems to know about
Ground source heat pump disadvantages explained. They cut our reliance on fossil fuels, but they’re not right for all
By Caramel Quin
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How much do heat pumps cost and are they worth it? Experts explain what you need to know
Heat pump cost explained. Is it worth it in the long term? We give you the low down...
By Caramel Quin
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Heat pump grants – what help is available in the UK?
If you're considering switching your heating system here is everything you need to know about heat pump grants
By Caramel Quin
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Ground source heat pumps - why it's worth considering this heating alternative
An expert guide to everything you need to know about ground source heat pumps, so you can decide if one is right for you
By Caramel Quin
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A guide to air source heat pumps - the cost-effective green alternative to boilers
These green alternatives to the traditional boiler could be the key to lower bills and a more planet-friendly home
By Caramel Quin
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Need a little Help to Buy? Scheme proves popular with buyers under 40
New research reveals that seven out of 10 buyers under the age of 40 intend to use the government's Help to Buy scheme to buy a property
By Caramel Quin
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How to change your WiFi password – and why you should
Ensure your home tech is always secure by updating your private access controls regularly
By Caramel Quin
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How to connect an HP printer to WiFi – a step-by-step guide
If you're wondering how to connect an HP printer to WiFi, we've got you covered in this simple step-by-step guide that explains all
By Caramel Quin
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Four easy home refreshes for spring and the Local Heroes who can help
Promotional feature with Local Heroes
By Caramel Quin
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Polti Vaporetto Smart 100_B PTGB0077 steam cleaner review
Our writer put the Polti Vaporetto Smart 100_B to the test
By Caramel Quin
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Kärcher SC 2 Upright EasyFix 15133470 review: a powerful and sturdy steam cleaner
Kärcher is better known for its workhorses, including large cylinder-style steam cleaners and pressure washers. Our writer put the slimline Kärcher SC 2 Upright EasyFix steam mop to the test on filthy floors.
By Caramel Quin
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Bissell PowerFresh SlimSteam 2234E review: a quick and nimble steam cleaner
This unusual, stick-style steam cleaner has a love-it-or-loathe-it design with the weight in your hand. Our writer put the Bissell PowerFresh SlimSteam through its paces cleaning floors, furniture, fittings and more.
By Caramel Quin
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Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C review: a truly marvellous steam cleaner
If you want a steam cleaner that’s a great all-rounder, look no further.
By Caramel Quin
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Hoover Steam Capsule 2 in 1 CA2IN1D review
Hoover is the iconic vacuum cleaner brand but how about steam cleaning? Our writer put the Hoover Steam Capsule 2 in 1 through its paces to see if it lives up to the name.
By Caramel Quin
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Black and Decker 10-in-1 Steam Mop FSMH13E10 review
The Black and Decker 10-in-1 Steam Mop weighs half as much as some rivals, thanks to a clever, pared-down design. Our writer tested it and found that it’s no lightweight when it comes to steam cleaning performance.
By Caramel Quin
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Best wet and dry vacuum cleaners – our top picks for your home
We've reviewed the best wet and dry vacuums to tackle any cleaning challenge
By Caramel Quin
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Best clothes steamers – 9 buys to de-crease your clothes with ease
The very best clothes steamers as tried, tested and loved by the Ideal Home team. From Philips to Tefal and Fridja, all of the best models are right here.
By Caramel Quin