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Get excited for Black Friday outdoor and garden deals happening this month

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December 2024 Issue – out now

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Get 20% off the Ooni Volt 12 this Black Friday 2024 for delicious pizza all-year-round

Once you’ve finished in the garden for the day, there’s a tendency to just put everything away in your :a[garden storage]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/garden-storage-ideas/' } and forget about it till next time. But your shed could be home to lots of valuable items such as :a[lawn mowers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-lawn-mower/' }, hedge trimmers, bikes and furniture. These things are not cheap, so it makes sense to keep them as secure as you can, and a garden shed alarm could be just the protection you need.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on protecting your :a[garden shed]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/best-garden-sheds-uk/' }, and it could help to deter potential burglars and alert you in the case of any break-in attempts. Alarm systems come in many different forms, from basic shock alarms to systems that will integrate with your home security set-up and send alerts to your phone or other connected virtual assistants like Alexa. They provide a valuable additional layer of security as thieves are more likely to target homes that appear vulnerable or lacking in security features.

**• Best alarm for comprehensive protection:** Yale HSA Essentials Alarm Kit - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yale-YES-ALARMKIT-Essentials-Alarm-Kit/dp/B07SQ1XZ4N/tag=qmgarticle136-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**• Best police-approved shock alarm:** Defender Shock Contact Alarm - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Defender-Wireless-Shed-Alarm-Burglar/dp/B019CNLT2S/tag=qmgarticle136-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best battery-powered alarm:** KERUI D121 Door Alarm - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/KERUI-Wireless-Contact-Control-Security/dp/B097QT9G3S/tag=qmgarticle136-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

So, what type of alarm do you need to protect your shed and its valuable contents like important :a[DIY tools]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/best-garden-tools/' }? Here are some reasonably easy-to-install solutions to beef up your garden shed security.

## How we chose the best shed alarms {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-folding-garden-chairs}

All of these shed alarms have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the range of coverage, ease of use, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of outdoor alarms to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News, and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

## What to look for when choosing a shed alarm:

If you are going to fit an alarm into your garden shed or :a[tool shed]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/best-tool-shed/' }, there are a number of things you may want to consider before making your choice.

**Type of alarm:** Would you prefer a wired or wireless system? Wired alarms require the installation of wiring and sensors, while wireless alarms can be installed more easily and can be monitored remotely.

**Sensors:** Choose an alarm with sensors that are appropriate for your shed. For example, motion sensors will detect movement inside the shed, while door sensors will detect when a door is opened.

**Sound:** Consider the loudness of the alarm’s siren. You want an alarm that is loud enough to deter would-be intruders and be heard from inside your home.

**Price:** Consider your budget when choosing an alarm. Prices can range from just a few pounds to hundreds of pounds depending on the features and capabilities.

**Compatibility:** If you have a smart home system or other security devices, consider choosing an alarm that is compatible with your existing system.

## What to read next: {#h-what-to-read-next}

:a[Best solar lanterns for the garden]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/decor/best-solar-lanterns/' }

:a[Best garden mirrors to brighten up your outdoor space]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/decor/garden-mirrors-uk/' }

:a[The best garden water features in the UK]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/decor/best-garden-water-feature-uk/' }

**Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space.** Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. **:a[View our latest subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/modern-gardens-magazine?utm_source=moderngardensmagazine.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_moderngardens&amp;utm_content=affiliates_button' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}** to save on shop prices.

_:a[Alex Boyd]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/alex-boyd/' } is a Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens specialising in Power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music._

Best shed alarm for added security

The best garden multi-tool is an ingenious invention that can handle the jobs of a number of essential :a[garden tools]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/best-garden-tools/' }. This space-saving solution can offer as many as five different functions, ideal for anyone who doesn't have the budget to invest in five different tools or anyone who doesn't have the :a[outdoor storage space]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/garden-storage-ideas/' } to store them.

Multi-tools are comprised of a single handle and power source, be that a petrol motor or rechargeable battery, and come with various clip-in attachments so you can switch from strimming to sawing in a matter of seconds, covering the average gardener for most everyday tasks.

## Best garden multi-tools at a glance: {#h-best-garden-multi-tools-at-a-glance}

• **Best garden multi-tool overall:** BU-KO Long Reach Petrol Multi-Functional Garden Tool - :a[View on B&Q]{href='https://www.diy.com/departments/bu-ko-52cc-long-reach-petrol-multi-functional-garden-tool-strimmer-hedge-trimmer-pruner-chainsaw-1m-extension-pole/5065015655015_BQ.prd' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
• **Best heavy-duty garden multi-tool:** Hyundai Petrol 5-in-1 Multi-Function Garden Tool - :a[View on Travis Perkins]{href='https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/pole-saws/hyundai-52cc-petrol-garden-5-in-1-multi-tool-hymt5200x/p/156608' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
• **Best five-in-one garden multi-tool:** Dealourus 5-in-1 Multi-Function Garden Tool – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dealourus-Function-Strimmer-Chainsaw-Extension/dp/B085FWM4JS?tag=qmgarticle356-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

Depending on how many landscaping jobs you need to tackle, we have five-in-one, four-in-one, and more affordable two-in-one multi-tools for you to peruse as you plan your gardening to-do list. Find out which one will best suit you - and your budget - in our savvy selection below…

## Best garden multi-tools to save you space {#h-best-garden-multi-tools-at-a-glance}

## How we chose the best garden multi-tool

All of these garden multi-tools have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered attachments, power and price points in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching garden multi-tools to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

## Choosing the best attachment for the task at hand {#h-choosing-the-best-attachment-for-the-task-at-hand}

It's all well and good investing in a swanky garden multi-tool, but it's important to understand how the different attachments can help you ace your gardening jobs.

### Chainsaws versus hedge trimmers {#h-chainsaws-versus-hedge-trimmers}

A chainsaw should be your go-to tool for removing branches from trees and larger shrubs. Pole chainsaws, like the ones we're featuring, are great for reaching higher growth without the need for ladders. Such tools can also cut down sticks for kindling and even tackle firewood.

:a[Hedge trimmers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/hedge-trimmers-uk/' } are a high-tech alternative to :a[garden shears]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/best-garden-shears-for-trimming/' } and the ideal option for keeping your hedges, bushes, and shrubs looking neat. Their primary use is to skim along the edges of growth to keep it neat, but can also be employed for more advanced topiary projects.

### Brush cutters versus strimmers {#h-brush-cutters-versus-strimmers}

If you have larger areas of ground to clear, especially any that has established weeds and bramble, a brush cutter is more robust than a trimmer or strimmer, with strong metal blades to get through the growth.

:a[Cordless strimmers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-cordless-strimmer-uk/' } are a great choice for grass work, for tidying up the edges of your lawn, and for areas that are too compact for a full-size lawn mower to access.

:a[Stylish and practical ankle wellies for gardening and walking]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/projects/planting/best-ankle-wellies/' }  
:a[Best DIY tools for your garden projects]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/the-best-diy-tools/' }  
:a[The best gardening aprons for work and leisure]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/projects/planting/best-gardening-aprons/' }

**Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space.** Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. :a[View our latest subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/modern-gardens-magazine?utm_source=moderngardensmagazine.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_moderngardens&amp;utm_content=affiliates_button' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} to save on shop prices.

:a[_A_]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/amy-mae-turner/' }_:a[my-Mae Turner]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/amy-mae-turner/' } is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis._

Best garden multi-tool for getting multiple jobs done

Using the best patio scrubbing brush to tackle unsightly grime in your patio or decking is a surefire way to keep your outdoor space in top condition. If you’re not looking to make a splash with a :a[pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-garden-pressure-washers/' }, a manual, hands-on approach might suit you better. After all, we can’t see any reasons as to why you shouldn’t go back to basics. We’ve found the best outdoor brushes to help.

To help scrub your way to success, it’s likely that you’ll need a decent :a[patio cleaner]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/how-to-patio-cleaner-solutions/' }. No matter how big our decking or patio is, a patio cleaner will make this chore a little more bearable – and way more effective. We’re certainly not discounting your skills when armed with a brush, but an easy-to-apply patio cleaner will take minimal effort and with a scrub, will have fabulous results.

## Best patio scrubbing brush at a glance:

Keeping your patio clean and tidy is something we strive to achieve. For all of us outdoorsy people, the patio is our go-to space to catch up with friends, play with the kids, relax, and even work during the warmer months. All the more reason to keep it looking its best. Something like a :a[patio pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/pressure-washers/best-pressure-washer-for-patio/' } may get the job done faster, but using a garden brush to tackle your filthy patio will make the end result feel much more deserved. Just like gardening by hand, it evokes a great feeling.

So, we’ve found the best patio scrubbing brush for your outdoor space. For those of us who prefer to rely on ourselves to get the job done – as opposed to some garden tech like a :a[cordless pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/pressure-washers/best-cordless-pressure-washer/' } – a garden brush will do the trick. Though it may take a little more time to get the decking sparkling, you’ll be feeling all the better for it – and you will have saved some dosh, too. Result.

## Best patio scrubbing brush {#h-best-patio-scrubbing-brush}

## How we chose the best patio scrubbing brush {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-folding-garden-chairs}

All of these patio scrubbing brushes have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the style, materials, and, of course, the number of pockets in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of scrubbing brushes suitable for your patio to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

### How to use a patio brush? {#h-how-to-use-a-patio-brush}

Thanks to Deborah Eaton at :a[Simply Paving]{href='https://www.simplypaving.com/advice-centre/how-to/how-to-clean-a-patio/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, we have a guide on how to clean a patio – with your lovely (and new) patio brush. So, get scrubbing. After all, summer is here – and the unsightly grime on your patio is making an appearance after months of wind, frost and heavy downpours.

Before you start scrubbing, make sure to remove all furniture and brush any debris off your patio.

Apparently, you don’t need fancy products to clean a patio without a pressure washer, says Simply Paving, who claim that the “most effective patio cleaning products is good old-fashioned washing-up liquid mixed with warm tap water.” So, the method below doesn’t involve any patio cleaner.

Requirements: Bucket, warm water, washing-up liquid, hard-bristled brush

After adding washing-up liquid and warm water to a bucket, you need to start from the corners of your patio and work your way in. Simply “splash a little water, grab your brush and scrub,” says Deborah. Here, the dirt and debris will begin to lift as you rinse away as you go. She has a top tip on your scrubbing method: “scrub diagonally; this will be gentler on the jointing compound.”

Repeat this routine as you work your way into the centre, covering the entire patio. If your patio is a whopper, you may need to top up your solution a few times. When finished, you need to use a fresh bucket of clean water to “clear the dirty water away… into a drainage point.” Now, you must check between the slabs and add a jointing compound to your shopping list if any has come loose.

Lastly, wait for the patio to dry before popping the furniture back on.

Could white vinegar be the most versatile cleaning compound out there? Quite possibly. Found in just about any supermarket, this solution is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and is not full of chemicals. You can use white vinegar instead of the washing-up liquid from the last method.

However, Deborah says: “you shouldn’t use this method on limestone pavers as the acid will permanently damage their surface.” If your patio is not limestone-based, then you need to mix a 1:1 ratio of warm water to white vinegar. This method involves pouring the solution over the patio slabs and covering them for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, follow this up with a bucket of clean water.

No scrubbing brush technique is needed, in fact. This is a :a[budget pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-budget-pressure-washer/' } solution.

Simply Paving recommends cleaning your patio once a year and claims that a “small amount of maintenance… year-round” is great practice. Deborah suggests regularly brushing “your patio, especially during the autumn months” as this can prevent any leaves from causing displeasing stains.

They add: “You might want to consider a patio sealant. This helps to prevent weathering and is also effective at preserving the colour of patio slabs – a good option if you have recently laid dark slabs.”

:a[Best electric pressure washers to tackle dirt and grime]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-electric-pressure-washer/' }

:a[Best Kärcher pressure washers for a powerful yard clean]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-karcher-pressure-washer/' }

:a[Best pressure washers under £100]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-pressure-washers-under-100/' }

_:a[Piper Huxley]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/piper-huxley/' } is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens Magazine, an all-rounder. When she’s not writing about houseplants, she’s tending to her own growing collection…_

Keep your paving spotless with the best patio scrubbing brush

If you are on the hunt for amazing gardening and outdoor products, there are plenty of deals to look forward to this Black Friday 2024. Whether you are looking for a gift or hoping to invest in products for year-round, we have got you covered. Black Friday is the time of year that retailers look to shift seasonal stock, ready for the next year's shipments, so there are bargains to be had and we're on the case to find them.

Because of the seasonality of garden products, you'll find major retailers, including Amazon UK, Argos, B&Q, and Robert Dyas all offering huge discounts. Whether you're looking to invest in a :a[hot tub]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/garden-furniture/best-hot-tubs/' }, sort a :a[BBQ grill]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/best-outdoor-grills/' } out for next summer, tidy your garden for winter with a :a[lawn mower]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-lawn-mower/' }, or simply upgrade your :a[garden furniture]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/garden-furniture/the-best-garden-furniture/' }, there will be deals to be had. Last year we saw popular products with as much as 50% off, with literally thousands to be saved on really big ticket items.

## Best Black Friday deals: {#h-best-black-friday-deals}

• **Argos:** :a[Save on gardening and DIY]{href='https://www.argos.co.uk/events/garden-diy-offers?tag=ar:browse:plp:lawnmowers:m053:garden-diy-offers' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Amazon:** :a[Today's deals]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/deals/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ref_=topnav_storetab_gb/?tag=qmgarticle57-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
• **John Lewis:** :a[Deals on garden furniture and BBQ deals]{href='https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/special-offers/home-furniture-offers/garden-furniture-bbq-offers/_/N-nt23' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
• **Appliances Direct**: :a[Save on appliances]{href='https://www.appliancesdirect.co.uk/sale' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **B&Q:** :a[Best deals on now]{href='https://www.diy.com/offers#garden' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
• **Homebase:** :a[Save on home and garden]{href='https://www.homebase.co.uk/garden-outdoor.list' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Very**: :a[Deals on Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs]{href='https://www.very.co.uk/home-garden/swimming-pools-spas/spas-hot-tubs/e/b/118911.end' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Wayfair:** :a[Discounts on outdoor living]{href='https://www.wayfair.co.uk/garden/cat/outdoor-sale-c527448.html' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Robert Dyas**: :a[End of year sales]{href='https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **The Range:** :a[Outdoor living deals]{href='https://www.therange.co.uk/black-friday/#in_stock_f=true&amp;sort=relevance&amp;page=1&amp;lpp=24' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

### Check out our other deal pages {#h-check-out-our-other-deal-pages}

If you're looking for something specific in your garden, make sure to visit our expertly handpicked deals pages to snap up the remaining deals around the biggest shopping event of the year.

:a[Best Black Friday deals on lawn mowers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-deals-on-lawn-mowers/' }

:a[Best Black Friday deals on pressure washers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/pressure-washers/best-deals-pressure-washers/' }

:a[Best Black Friday deals on hot tubs]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/garden-furniture/best-hot-tub-deals/' }

:a[Best deals on BBQ grills]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/best-bbq-deals/' }

This huge Black Friday event originated in America, with tech and electronic goods such as smart TVs going on sale right after Thanksgiving to entice customers to begin their Christmas shopping.

Now that it’s moved over to the UK, you’ll find massive discounts on everything, and it is the biggest event of the year for retailers. There’s another chance to snag a good deal in December with the Boxing Day sales. While we wait, here are the best gardening and outdoor living deals to check out in the meantime.

## Best gardening and outdoor living deals ahead of Black Friday 2024

### Add this page to your favourites {#h-add-this-page-to-your-favourites}

To stay in the loop, don't forget to bookmark this page so you'll have all the best gardening and outdoor living deals in one place during November. It'll save you valuable time searching for deals and will allow you to get a hold of the best deals before they disappear.

### Sign up for newsletters and updates {#h-sign-up-for-newsletters-and-updates}

Another tip is to ensure you sign up for the newsletter from your favourite online retailers. When you sign up for marketing emails or download their shopping apps, make sure you enable push notifications, so you are in the know about new deals going live during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

With so much choice, Black Friday sale shopping can be very overwhelming. So, it is a good idea to spend some time deciding what is a must-have priority for you. It can be very tempting to see all of the discounts, so make sure you note down what you really need to keep in your budget.

### Set up online accounts {#h-set-up-online-accounts}

When it comes to online shopping on Black Friday, the checkout is usually the most stressful part of the transaction. Making an account beforehand will help you swiftly move through and purchase your item without having the stress of filling out all your details.

If you choose to sign up to :a[Amazon Prime]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/amazonprime/ref=as_li_ss_tl/?tag=qmgarticle57-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} before Black Friday, you can get a 30-day free trial which means you'll get free next-day delivery. You can always cancel it afterwards if you do not feel like you will benefit from the service in the long run.

:a[The best Amazon garden and outdoor deals]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/garden-outdoor-deals/' }

:a[Luxurious inflatable hot tubs for all budgets]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-designs/best-inflatable-hot-tubs-uk/' }

:a[Garden gazebos to entertain come rain or shine]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-designs/best-garden-gazebos-uk/' }

_:a[Ellen Kinsey]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/ellen-kinsey/' } is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature._

Get ready for some exciting Black Friday 2024 garden and outdoor deals

This electric :a[home pizza oven]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/outdoor-pizza-ovens/' }, the Ooni Volt 12, promises Neapolitan-style pizza without the need for an enormous garden. You can use it on a patio, balcony, and even indoors. But does it live up to the hype? I put the Ooni Volt 12 through its paces to see exactly how it worked and if it garnered equally as delicious results as the :a[Ooni Karu 12G]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/ooni-karu-12g-pizza-oven-review/' }, for example.

Better yet, Ooni has officially launched its :a[Black Friday sale]{href='https://uk.ooni.com/collections/black-friday' } so you can save a huge 20% on the Ooni Volt 12, as well as other pizza ovens in the range. And, if you need to stock up on some pizza-making essentials like Ooni flour, dough balls, or pizza peels, you get a 20% off discount there too.

This offer is live NOW until Monday 2 December, so make sure to shop now for juicy deal and even more delicious pizzas to come.

The Ooni Volt 12 is not a small package - it arrived in hefty and (mostly) plastic-free packaging. It was well-secured in the box, and I appreciated the simplicity of setup—just pop in the ceramic stone, plug it in, run it once for 20 minutes at full heat and you’re ready to go. I loved this easy start, no fiddling about with assembly. I guess I’m a lazy pizzaiolo.

Let’s talk about the size. This oven is bigger than I expected, likely due to the need for substantial insulation to reach those 450 degrees Celsius high temperatures. It looks fantastic and feels well-made - my son called it ‘a serious piece of kit’. Unless you’ve got a big kitchen, it’s better off as a pulled-out-for-the-occasion appliance. I tested it in November and didn’t fancy running cables outdoors, I’m not quite that brave. But for indoor use, it’s impressive as long as you’ve got a bit of extra countertop space.

Once plugged in, the Ooni came to life with a series of beeps and piano-style tones that made me feel like I was powering up something special. The controls are straightforward, with a timer, a heat dial and an additional dial for top and bottom heat, unfortunately, I did find myself flipping back and forth between the text and images in the instruction manual a bit more than I’d like. Still, once you’ve got the hang of things, it’s surprisingly easy to get comfortable.

The oven heats up in about 20 minutes, and there’s a “boost” feature to quickly bring the stone back up to temp between pizzas. My son—who’s learned everything from YouTube—insisted that for a true Neapolitan pizza, you only need the top heater. It sounded good in theory, but I’d soon learn there’s a real art of balancing the heat and ignoring your children’s YouTube chefs.

## The cooking test: Three pizzas in 10 minutes

Let’s just say this one was a bit of a mess! I made the classic rookie mistake of building the pizza on the peel, and when it came time to slide it into the oven, it was practically glued in place. After some creative manoeuvring (shoving), I finally got it on the stone. Despite the rough start, it actually cooked nicely, with the crust rising beautifully. My son ate it up, calling it a win and the best pepperoni pizza he has eaten this side of our local pizzeria Mario’s, which is regarded to be one of the best this side of Naples.

Now we were cooking! After warming up the oven and carefully placing the pizza on the peel this time, I slid it into the Volt 12 and turned it every 30 seconds or so. The crust puffed up, the mozzarella melted to perfection, and in just under two minutes, I had a picture-perfect pizza. My daughter, ever the critic and a huge margarita fan, declared this one a success.

My own pizza, by which time the stone had cooled a bit. I’d kept the bottom heater too low after listening to the YouTube tips, which meant my pizza was golden on top but slightly undercooked on the bottom. Lesson learned! Even so, it tasted great, and I could tell with a few more tweaks, I’ll be turning out pizzas to rival Mario.

## Beyond pizza: An oven for all seasons?

The Ooni Volt 12 has plenty of space to handle other foods, from roasted veg to chicken and even cookies, so it’s not a one-trick pizza pony. I’m looking forward to experimenting further with it, and I think it could earn a spot as a go-to oven for dishes that need a high and even heat. Since I tested the Ooni indoors, I placed it near our extractor fan, which I highly recommend. The oven lets out a bit of smoke each time you open the door, and while our smoke alarm didn’t go off, it was good to be prepared.

After we finished, the cleaning was simple. The stone just needed a dry wipe, and the glass door wiped clean easily. There’s no self-cleaning function, but honestly, with minimal residue left behind, it wasn’t an issue. You just need to flip the stone and next time you cook any left-over residue will be burned away.

Let’s face it: the Ooni Volt 12 is an investment. But for anyone serious about their pizza (or who simply wants the convenience of a plug-in option), it’s worth it. We used Ooni’s excellent pre-prepared dough balls and Mutti Pizza Sauce, which were a treat. The dough balls are a bit pricier than making your own, but having them on hand is a win for those nights when only pizza will do, and you want minimal fuss. Tip: make sure you get them out of the freezer well before you need them so the dough can defrost and then rise.

## Final verdict: Is the Ooni Volt 12 pizza oven worth it?

The Ooni Volt 12 has delivered on the promise of high-quality, homemade pizza with minimal hassle. It’s a sleek, substantial oven giving you the ease of electric cooking and excellent heat control. It takes a little trial and error to nail the perfect pizza (expect a few mistakes on that first attempt), but once you get the hang of the settings, it’s as close to a true Neapolitan experience as you’ll get at home.

For anyone who loves pizza nights and wants an oven without the wood or gas fuss, the Volt 12 is a fantastic choice. You’ll need a bit of space for it, and if you plan to cook indoors, some ventilation is a must. But with its quality build, quick preheating, and impressive performance, the Ooni Volt 12 has nailed it. For me, it’s made “pizza night” a whole new experience, and I’m genuinely excited to see what else I can cook up in it. Sorry Mario, I’m going to be practising and we might not be back for a while.

:a[The best Ooni pizza ovens explained]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/ooni-pizza-ovens/' }

:a[Our pick of the best budget pizza ovens, all under £170]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/best-budget-pizza-oven/' }

:a[Best outdoor pizza oven table for sure-fire stability]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/outdoor-pizza-oven-table/' }

**Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space.** Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. :a[View our latest subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/modern-gardens-magazine?utm_source=moderngardensmagazine.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_moderngardens&amp;utm_content=affiliates_button' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} to save on shop prices.

_:a[Stuart Adam]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/stuart-adam/' } has been with Bauer Media for 17 years, working across motorcycling, golf, and automotive brands. Outside of work, Stuart enjoys family time, experimenting with new recipes, and playing golf with his son._

When it comes to choosing a :a[lawn mower]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-lawn-mower/' }, you want a machine that combines ease of use, reliable performance and durability while delivering a neat, even cut. Testing the Bosch Rotak 36R electric lawn mower, I wanted to see if this budget-friendly, lightweight mower could handle regular maintenance of a small lawn without compromising on efficiency or comfort.

Bosch is a household name in both garden and DIY tools, with its lawn mowers praised for being compact and affordable. With different :a[electric lawn mowers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-electric-lawnmower/' } available for different cutting heights and widths, it's a worthy contender against competitors including Flymo and Ryobi - fellow big names in the :a[cheap yet cheerful lawn mower]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-budget-lawn-mower/' } market.

As the owner of a 40 sq m garden (and a flourishing lawn thanks to the climate), I put the Bosch Rotak 36R through its paces over the course of a month to see how it faired.

## Testing the Bosch Rotak 36R Electric Lawn Mower

When it came to putting together the Bosch Rotak 36R, the instructions provided sadly weren't that clear for the claim of ‘easy assembly’ - I even resorted to watching videos on YouTube but all those I viewed had been assembled with the handles the wrong way! The picture on the box acts as the most useful guide. It’s also worth bearing in mind this is a two-person job. That being said, the overall build quality was good, if a little flimsy, but felt sturdy enough for a lightweight mower of just 12kg.

It’s a simple case of adjusting a lever at the front wheel to pick your cutting height and starting the mover is equally as easy. Just press a button on the central console on the handles with one hand, while holding in another button on the inside of the console with the other hand, and away you go.

It does live up to its description of being comfortable and easy to use, though I can’t comment on whether or not it’s easy to adjust to get the perfect mowing height of the user; after the epic effort it took to navigate putting it together, I left it be at how we initially set it up!

It did mow close to the lawn edge against our decking, but a :a[garden strimmer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-cordless-strimmer-uk/' } was still needed to complete the look. And speaking of the cut, although we had it on its lowest setting of 20mm, which seems to be the industry standard low setting for many mowers in the general consumer market, it didn’t look as though it had trimmed the grass sufficiently short enough, which was probably my biggest disappointment with it.

The 40L grass-cutting box felt a little on the flimsy side but was simple to attach and stayed on. For our smallish lawn you can easily mow in one sitting without the need to empty and when done, the case easily detaches to dispose of the lawn clippings either in the compost bin, green bin or even to use as mulch.

One of its key features is that it’s designed for easy storage, with foldable handles that create a compact shape to suit small garden sheds or storage spaces. While this is true, it is a bit of a faff having to loosen the handles each time and could become a bit tiresome during peak season, when mowing is a more frequent job.

The Bosch Rotak 36R has an RRP of £144.99 but is available online from various stockists, including Amazon for less. It's a budget-friendly option compared to competitors, though you don't mind a shorter cutting width, you can get the :a[Bosch Rotak 34R]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Rotak-Electric-Rotary-Cutting/dp/B00GZLFPRG/ref=asc_df_B00SBN19J4/?tag=qmgarticle432-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} for even less.

## Overall verdict: Is the Bosch Rotak 36R lawn mower worth it?

The Bosch Rotak 36R is a budget-friendly electric lawn mower designed for small to medium gardens. While it’s easy to use and compact for storage, making it a solid option for those seeking a simple mower, it lacks the robustness and performance expected from higher-end models. Overall, it's a fair choice for smaller lawns, especially at its affordable price point.

## How I tested the Bosch Rotak 36R lawn mower

I had the Bosch Rotak 36R on test for a month, and during September, which probably isn’t really either the ideal time of year or length of time to really put the mower through its paces. Nonetheless, thanks to our current climate of lots of rain and good bursts of sun, there was still a need to use the mower at least weekly, so it did get put to good use.

Our lawn is not large – about 40 sq m – and is near to an electric point, so the cable length of 10m was plenty long enough.

We just didn’t have the opportunity to really investigate all the features, such as whether the rear roller for a striped lawn effect was useful, or really have the chance to try it on different cutting heights.

:a[Best cordless lawn mower for eco-friendly mowing]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-cordless-lawn-mower/' }

:a[Best electric lawn mower under £500]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-electric-lawn-mower-under-500/' }

:a[The best lawn mower for small gardens]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-lawn-mower-for-small-gardens/' }

**Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space.** Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. :a[View our latest subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/modern-gardens-magazine?utm_source=moderngardensmagazine.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_moderngardens&amp;utm_content=affiliates_button' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} to save on shop prices.

_:a[Kathryn Lovelock]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/kathryn-lovelock/' } is deputy group production lead for Bauer Media’s Gardening and Sport titles and production editor of Garden News. In her spare time, her passions include her pet labrador, travel, music and gardening, with a particular love for hydrangeas and hostas!_

Bosch Rotak 36 R Electric Lawn Mower review

Bosch Rotak 36R electric lawn mower review: a budget-friendly mower for small-medium gardens

Unwrap the magic of your winter garden with the December issue of Modern Gardens magazine…

PLUS! The most beautiful plants you can buy now, our pick of the best novelty Christmas lights, get the on-trend festive Scandi chalet look, 6 easy projects with glass, fill your garden with dream weaves, enjoy a spot of wild wreath making, what to do in your garden this month to keep it looking good, whip up a cranberry mulled wine, make your own outdoor Christmas tree this weekend, treat your garden to some some festive fun faves, simple gold rings planter upcycle, hold a new year midnight breakfast, share the sea holly love, all you need to know to add a wonderful walkway to your plot, and much more.

Don't forget to join our :a[#10GREENminutes campaign]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/10-green-minutes/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} to boost your mind, body and soul.

If you're looking to entertain in style, you shouldn't look much further than the Ooni Karu 12G :a[pizza oven]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/outdoor-pizza-ovens/' }. As well as being an attractive piece of kit, the Ooni Karu 12G is a multi-fuel pizza oven, meaning you can cook with charcoal, wood and gas. Similar to a :a[hybrid BBQ]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/best-hybrid-electric-bbq/' }, it gives you the flexibility to switch between a care-free, easily controllable cook to woodfired smoky flavours. And seeing as pizza is a crowd-pleaser, we feel like it's going to be a favourite for the summer months and beyond.

Even better, you don't need to pay a fortune for the luxury. With the rise of the pizza oven comes Ooni, a brand that sets the tone for portable, :a[affordable pizza ovens]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/best-budget-pizza-oven/' } in the UK market. Its range of pizza ovens, which continue to grow and innovate, has been made to deliver restaurant-quality pizzas in just 60 seconds, making delicious pizza at home accessible to everyone.

Better yet, Ooni has officially launched its :a[Black Friday sale]{href='https://uk.ooni.com/collections/black-friday' } so you can save a huge 20% on the Ooni Karu 12G, as well as other pizza ovens in the range. And, if you needed to stock up on some pizza-making essentials like Ooni flour, dough balls, or pizza peels, you get a 20% off discount there too.

Enter the Ooni Karu 12G. Built on the back of Ooni's pizza-making experience and customer feedback, it has been designed as an optimised version of the popular Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven. With improved energy efficiency, weather resistance, heat retention and some handy upgrades, I tested one of the latest models from Ooni, comparing it to the :a[Ooni Karu 12 review]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/cooking/ooni-karu-12-pizza-oven-review/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}.

Arriving in a huge box, the Ooni Karu 12G comes well protected in fully recyclable packaging with its components neatly packaged. The pizza oven had easy-to-understand instructions and was really simple to put together - the only thing that required minimal DIY was the door while the other components (such as a fuel basket, chimney and fuel door) just needed to be added onto the main body. The instructions even come with a video tutorial if you need it, but it was so simple I didn't find it necessary.

Even though I knew the pizza oven weighed 15kg, it still came as a shock when I lifted it out of the box. While the main body is quite weighty the pizza stone felt incredibly heavy which and when I added it to the pizza oven, it certainly made it more difficult to carry. As this is described as a portable pizza oven, I'd recommend :a[buying the carry cover]{href='https://uk.ooni.com/collections/oven-covers/products/ooni-karu-carry-cover' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} to make it easier to transport. Without the carry cover, I would struggle to carry the pizza oven so for me it was a necessity. However, even if you're regularly lifting 15kg in the gym, it's still worth considering as it has the bonus of being 100 per cent waterproof and will keep your pizza oven protected from the elements.

The powder-coated shell of the Karu 12G not only looks and feels great quality, but it's also weather-resistant so you can enjoy pizzas in all weathers. The pizza oven feels sturdy on its legs which are foldable for portability - and you can even use the included allen key to lock the back leg in place.

Also, unlike the Ooni Karu 12, the Karu 12G has a borosilicate glass door which is a clever addition. I found it handy to see my pizza baking and was able to monitor the cooking process more closely while keeping the heat locked in at the same time. Overall, I was impressed and I think it goes without saying; it looks like a smart piece of kit you'd want to show off to friends and family.

Day one of my pizza-making adventures kickstarted with charcoal, hardwood and natural firelighters. I bought my supplies from Amazon, though I'd recommend shopping for charcoal in-store as I spotted it much cheaper elsewhere.

To start proceedings, I removed the fuel hatch before adding my fuel to the burner tray and grate. While you can choose to use just charcoal or hardwood, I decided to use a mix; the charcoal would burn for longer, while the wood would deliver a higher flame. Once the natural firelighters were lit and the hatch door was back in position, the pizza oven immediately started to heat up.

To maintain the heat and flame, I regularly added new hardwood pieces, being careful not to overfill (though I did on occasion have older pieces topple out of the tray). This is something you need to keep an eye on; at this stage it was easy but when I got caught up in cooking the pizzas, the flame did die at one stage. However, I managed to recover it easily by adding more fuel. You should also be wearing protective gloves - I went without and while I didn't get burnt, you do experience close flame contact when the hatch is open for which I improvised using a metal rod to get my wood and charcoal in place.

If you'd prefer a more hands-off approach or are trying to entertain at the same time as making pizza, this is where the gas option comes in handy. First off, you can swap out the burner tray and grate by simply removing those, unscrewing the draft defender plate, and attaching the gas burner instead. Then attach the gas regulator to your gas bottle and you're good to go without any problems.

After ignition, unlike the charcoal/wood combo, at this point, you can watch and wait with a drink in hand while the oven comes up to temperature. What I also liked is that despite the Karu 12 and 12G both being very similar, with the 12G you can leave the door closed. I felt this could help quicken the heat-up in the oven which could only mean pizza, quicker. Yes, please.

Thanks to the built-in thermometer, it was easy to monitor the heat of the pizza oven. While Ooni suggests the ideal baking temperature can be reached in as little as 15 minutes, I personally found the Karu 12G took longer to reach the red zone, which was preferable for a Neapolitan-style pizza. The charcoal/hardwood took closer to 35 minutes while gas took about 25 minutes.

It's also worth noting that this thermometer reads the temperature inside the pizza oven, but not that of the pizza stone. Ideally, the pizza stone needs to be up to temperature too, but this can't be measured without a :a[digital infrared thermometer]{href='https://uk.ooni.com/collections/essentials/products/ooni-ir-thermometer' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} which Ooni also recommends you buy separately. I decided to wing it by waiting a little while longer after the oven was at temperature before adding my pizzas. This seemed to work fine but if you’re after precision, it's a purchase you may want to consider.

When cooking the pizzas I was amazed by how quickly the Karu 12G delivered. Ooni says it can cook pizzas in just 60 seconds, but with both fuel types, I swear it was even quicker.

Using the pizza peel (another necessary purchase) took a bit of knack at first - which wasn't helped by my messy pizza-making - hence the light dusting of flour on the Karu 12G which you may spot in some images. However, by day two, I had it down. Once the pizza had slid into the oven, you could close the door and watch through the glass door to see how it was doing. I then took it out, rotated quarterly, and returned to ensure a good bake all-round. Even as a beginner, it was surprisingly easy to do and for me, I found the glass door extremely helpful for watching and for peace of mind.

While I can't deny the process was much simpler and less hands-on with gas, cooking with charcoal, and specifically hardwood, takes the win for flavour. I could absolutely tell a difference, with my pizza efforts from day one having a delicious woodfired, smoky flavour really enhanced the taste. While the gas pizza was also nice, it did lack that depth of flavour and to me, though my family didn't quite agree, had a slight fuel taste.

Something else I found, in both cases, is that you don't need to add many toppings. Typically with an oven pizza, I'm loading it up with toppings to get the best flavour, but with a pizza oven baked pizza, the pizza crust flavour really carries it.

Now when it came to making the pizzas, there was definitely an error on my part on day one. As a complete newbie to pizza ovens, I assumed you could make the pizzas up in advance (I'm sure some pizza pros are shaking in their boots), transfer to your pizza peel, and Bob's your uncle. This is absolutely not the case and as you can imagine, we had a lot of pizza casualties that couldn't be moved to the peel. While we did manage to get some pizzas in, they had to go in on parchment paper which did, thankfully, get burnt off after the first rotation.

What you need to do - and we perfected for day two - is stretch out your pizzas and add directly to the peel. Then you add your toppings before going straight in the oven. After our pizza-making disaster of day one, something that really helped in this instance was the Ooni app.

While I initially thought the app was a bit sparse, the included calculator, instructions and video tutorial proved useful and ultimately something I should have consulted ahead of the first cook. Therefore I'd recommend that you don't make the same mistake I did and do your research first or, use the app as a holding hand throughout.

While I feel like a broken record saying the pizza oven was also easy to clean, it's true. Once the oven had cooled, I brushed out any topping or wood/coal debris and removed the burner tray and grate, adding any leftover ashes to our flowerbeds as a rich source of potassium carbonate. For both fuel types, I then flipped the pizza stone as instructed by Ooni. This would result in the underside being sterilised during the next cook, ready to use again thereafter.

The Ooni Karu 12G retails for £379 and while it is more expensive than its counterpart - the Ooni Karu 12 - I would say it is worth it for the updates Ooni have made. I was very reliant on the glass door and built-in thermometer for example, two features you can't find in the Karu 12, and I personally prefer the powder-coated design of the 12G. However, I will say, it is a bit disappointing that the gas burner isn't included in the price. As it's a multi-fuel oven, you can only utilise wood, charcoal _and_ gas if you spend £90 on this addition. At face value, you don't get access to all your fuel options.

That being said, competitors do the exact same thing. With its portable design, built-in thermometer and multi-fuel options, the Gozney Roccbox (RRP £399) seems to be the closest resemblance to the Ooni Karu 12G. While it comes with the option for gas straight out of the box, you'll need to buy the Roccbox Wood Burner (£100) separately to make it dual-fuel. It also comes with a pizza peel included, unlike the Ooni. Ultimately it depends if you want to prioritise gas or wood/coal in your cooking if you plan to buy the added burner later down the line, but as the Gozney is marginally more expensive, I would opt for the Ooni Karu 12G.

It's also worth sharing that Ooni does :a[bundle offers]{href='https://uk.ooni.com/collections/oven-bundles' } with burners and accessories included at a lower cost if you buy the whole package in one go.

## Overall verdict: Is the Ooni Karu 12G worth it?

Overall, I was impressed with the Ooni Karu 12G, both in its design and how easy it was to use, even as a beginner. It was straightforward to put together, clean and cook with, garnering delicious results every time - though I did prefer the flavour that came with the hardwood/charcoal. That being said, I appreciated the ease of using gas for a more hands-off approach and I feel it would be a fantastic option to turn to if you're hosting friends and family. The fact the Ooni Karu gives you all the options is great for anyone who loves pizza and intends to use it regularly. I also felt the advancements in the Ooni Karu 12G were extremely useful and made the process that much easier.

In terms of negatives, my only real gripe is the cost. The Ooni Karu 12G is good value, but the additional costs start popping up like daisies. You'll need to buy the gas burner if you want that as an option, a pizza peel, along with the recommendation to buy the infrared thermometer and carry case among other things. However, if you're dedicated to your pizza-making craft, I feel it makes up for it over time with truly delicious-tasting pizzas and wonderful times outdoors with pals.

I tested the Ooni Karu 12G over a sunny bank holiday weekend with my family in tow to see how it would perform with many hungry mouths to feed. On the first day, I tested it using charcoal, :a[OOFT mini hardwood logs]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mini-Pizza-Oven-Logs-10-12cm/dp/B093RCLPPX/ref=sr_1_7?tag=qmgarticle392-21' } and :a[Flamers natural firelighters]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flamers-Natural-Firelighters-Woodburners-Barbeques/dp/B007Y4C7S8/ref=sr_1_3?tag=qmgarticle392-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, and on the second day, using the gas burner.

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