Major department store chain slashes price of barbecues by 75 per cent just in time for the heatwave

DEBENHAMS has just made it a bit more affordable to get your hands on a barbecue in time for summer garden parties.
The department store chain has slashed the price of a powerhouse barbecue by a whopping 75 percent.
3
The Berkfield Home Gas BBQ Grill did originally retail for £774, but shoppers can now get their hands on it for only £193.50.
The silver and black barbecue is perfect for putting together an outdoor feast for family and friends, by turning your garden into a second kitchen.
It has a large cooking surface and a heavy-duty hood with a built-in thermometer to display cooking temperature and its inbuilt side tables allow additional workspace.
A removable grease drip container is also included and because it's made of heavy-duty materials, the grill is very durable.
There is also a shelf underneath which provides large space to store cookware and utensils.
It is also easy to move around due to two sturdy castors and the low price comes with a BBQ cover to protect the grill from rain and dust.
The reduced price comes at a perfect time as a heatwave rolls in and people are spending more time outdoors.
But barbecue experts have warned about ensuring people follow laws closely and also keep themselves safe by ensuring their food is cooked well and barbecues kept clean.
Around 240 accidental fires are caused by barbecues each year in England alone, Romford Record reports.
While there's no outright ban on BBQs or bonfires, you might get caught out if they are deemed to be causing a nuisance.
The 2C method which stops flies plaguing your home and ruining your BBQ
This means no excessive smoke, pollution or disturbing the neighbours. Smoke drifting onto roads or lighting up the grill too often could land you in trouble.
It's always worth checking your local council's website to find the relevant laws to avoid any nasty surprises.
Kelly Whittington, property claims director at Aviva, told The Sun: "Barbecues and fire pits are popular features in millions of UK gardens, and they can be a brilliant addition to social events.
Government advice on BBQ safety
The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue:
Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue.
Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan.
Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches).
Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance.
Enjoy yourself, but don't drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.
"But they also come with risks, and if not watched carefully, they can quickly get out of hand with potentially disastrous consequences."
It comes after a property expert revealed four BBQ blunders that anyone can make and get slapped with fines worth thousands.
3

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

BBC News

an hour ago

• BBC News

Wolverhampton mosque-site nursery plan approved

Plans for a two-storey nursery on the site of a Wolverhampton mosque have been approved by the backing comes after confirmation the opening hours at the Staveley House nursery would not clash with the mosque's peak-time use, the authority proposal has also been amended, to make the nursery element of the building on Great Hampton Street was "completely separate from the mosque".Permission was granted subject to conditions, including that the premises should only be used as a nursery between 08:30 and 16:00 from Monday to Friday, and not during weekends and bank/public holidays. There should also be no more than 20 children there at any one time and the number of staff would not exceed four, the authority making its decision to approve the plan, it said it had confirmed the development would be of an appropriate design, scale and appearance "that would not have an adverse impact" on the area's include making sure external materials used in the development should match those of "the existing building in size, colour, form and texture".No construction operations, including site clearance work, delivering building materials and removing waste, should take place other than between 07:00 and 09:30 and 15:00 and 17:30 from Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 09:30 on should be no such construction work on Sundays or bank/public holidays, the council said. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Telegraph

an hour ago

• Telegraph

The best mini chainsaws and powered pruners, tested by a professional gardener

Keeping garden trees healthy and in shape is no easy task and requires regularly removing and trimming their branches, which can also encourage more fruit and flowers to grow. But there is an art to using a handsaw for pruning and a poorly made cut can leave your plants open to disease. A powered pruning saw can make clean cuts quickly and effortlessly, however. Often called mini chainsaws as they feature a chain rather than a blade, these tools can achieve within a few minutes what would otherwise take you hours. They deserve a place in every gardener's shed alongside faithfuls such as secateurs, lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and garden forks. But great care must be taken when using them, so be sure to follow manufacturer safety guidance and instructions closely. Our top pruners, including models from leading brands such as Stihl, Worx and Bosch, range in price from less than £90 to over £200. They are all battery powered, removing the risk of working around cables, too. Here are our best buys, followed by more on what to look for and frequently asked questions: The best mini chainsaws: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose a mini chainsaws When selecting the right pruner for your garden consider the weight and size of the tool. Will it be easy to manoeuvre and light enough to use for the amount of pruning and trimming you need to do? If you are hoping to clear an overgrown garden with mature shrubs then you'll require a tool that has a higher cutting capacity. If not then a lighter, smaller model may be better. If you've never used a chainsaw before then the thought of tensioning and replacing the chain might seem overwhelming. The pruners tested here all offered clear direction about how to do this, just remember that whether it automatically applies oil or you need to do it manually, you must use oil with the machines. It's advisable to wear ear defenders when using mini chainsaws but you can also check level of noise they make. The sound power level, which is the volume the pruner makes independent of its surroundings, and the sound pressure level, which is the noise measured from a distance that factors in the environment where the pruner is used, should be recorded. Neither are exactly what you'll experience but give you an idea of what to expect. Points to check before you buy: Does the weight and balance of the tool match your strength? What thickness of branch can it cut? What is its battery charge time and run time, and how many cuts can it do in that time? What safety features are there? How we test mini chainsaws I am a professional gardener and have a four-acre garden in Herefordshire that is open to the public. It contains an impressive collection of mature trees and shrubs and pruning plays a large part in my daily work throughout the whole year. Over the last month I've swapped out my usual tools to put these powered pruners to the test. Each mini chainsaw reviewed below has been tested and scored for its design, performance, ease of use, power and cutting capability. I was also looking out for value for money, innovative safety features and importantly for a busy gardener, how comfortable they are to use. I wore safety goggles, ear defenders, safety boots and gloves to test out each power pruner, using them during a dry day in the garden. All the manufacturers recommend that you work from the ground and refrain from using the machines while on a ladder or platform. This guide is regularly checked and updated. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Best mini chainsaws 1. Best Buy: Stihl GTA 26 The Stihl GTA 26 is great to use from the start. The box has clear labelling and contains everything you need within the storage bag, which also has pockets for the oil (which is included), battery and charger, making it simple to carry around the garden. The battery is impressively small and unintrusive, fitted more as an extension to the handle rather than a lumped on extra. It lasts for approximately 25 minutes (or 80 cuts), but as with all pruners this can vary slightly depending on the conditions. There's even a clear gauge on the side of the tool that lets you know how much charge is left. The vibration is low when you're using it and the saw cuts through the recommended 4cm branches with ease. It's designed to be used with both hands and it's so lightweight that this tool should be comfortably used by most gardeners. Its reported sound levels go up to 86 decibels (dB), similar to the noise of heavy traffic. Finally, accessing the chain for tensioning and replacement is simple, just turn the large wind nut to remove the covering, no tools required. Overall, it's easy to control, comfortable to handle and powerful enough to make light work of pruning. Key specifications 2. Best Value: Stiga PR 100e Kit Battery Pruning Saw Designed for lightweight pruning, this is a comfortable and easy to use machine thanks to its rubberised handles. Although it's light enough to hold in one hand, Stiga suggests using both for safety, and its bright colour makes it easy to spot at all times. The substantial case helps with both storage and travel, which is handy should you need to lend it to a friend or if you're a self-employed gardener. It even comes with a UK and European plug adapter, and packs away neatly. If you have lots of mature roses and shrubs to prune then its battery offers approximately 120 cuts on branches up to 5cm thick. There is even an option to attach the pruner to a Stiga extension pole if you need to reach more than an arm's length away, and it wasn't noisy enough to upset the neighbours. As for maintenance, it has an automatic lubrication system with an oil tank at the top of the tool and a window to view the level, which is a real bonus, though sadly it doesn't come with oil included. The saw has an easily removable chain cover, and the throttle will only work once you press the throttle lock button. A good all-rounder. Key specifications 3. Best Lightweight Powered Pruner: Worx Nitro WG325E This lightweight, compact cordless pruner is easy to set up. The battery takes up to 60 minutes to charge and lasts long enough to make over 150 cuts of 5cm thick hardwood. It slots on to the end of the handle and has a little red button that you can press to see how much charge is left. It's well-balanced, with a comfortable and rubber handle that was easy to use in a densely branched shrub, thanks to its size and low vibration. Its sound power reaches 94dB (while the more ambient sound pressure level is 84dB) and while this isn't an uncomfortable noise, ear defenders, protective glasses and gloves are still recommended. Its safety features include a blade guard which reduces flying debris and a blade sleeve for when its not in use. You also need to press a side button with your thumb at the same time as the trigger to power it on. As for the chain tensioner, it's straightforward to use; to tighten just turn the orange dial clockwise. While it doesn't come with a bottle of oil it has a transparent tank window that makes it easy to see the oil level when you use it. Overall it's a great choice for a small garden. Key specifications Cutting capacity: 5cm Cutting chain: 12cm bar Weight (with battery): 1.4kg Power source: 20 Volt battery 4. Best for Comfort: Bosch EasyChain 18V-15-7 This is a well balanced tool that would be useful for cutting kindling as well as pruning. It takes 80 minutes to charge up the impressively small charger (it would easily fit into a kitchen drawer) then the Bosch 'EasyChain' makes just over 150 cuts. I found it cuts through 13cm branches with ease, making it a good choice for those with mature gardens and established shrubs. It's designed to be used with two hands and boasts soft gripped handles, while the sound levels are not too disruptive (sound pressure is 80dB and sound power is 88dB) even if ear defenders are recommended. For the chain to run, pull the trigger at the same time as depressing the top thumb button. The blade guard also reduces flying debris. Mounting and tensioning the chain is straightforward and the tool comes with a chain tension aid, so all you have to do is unlock a side panel and tension the chain with a wheel. While there's no mini tank for oil, a small bottle is supplied and you'll find a clear reminder on the guard to reapply it to the chain by hand after approximately 40 cuts. Key specifications 5. Best for Thick Branches: DeWalt XR Brushless DCMPS520 This tool would be suitable for a professional gardener. It's heavier than most but can make an impressive 70 cuts per charge and cut through 15cm of wood. It also has a tip guard on the end of the chain to prevent you from making cuts on branches within a tree that you don't want to remove. This guard reduces the risk of kick back and keeps the end of the chain from getting clogged with soil when cutting on the ground. Having this feature takes a little getting used to but it's a sensible addition for such a high-powered tool. Of all the powered pruners on this list, this one could genuinely double up as a small chainsaw. It's designed to be held with both hands; place your right hand on the rear handle and left on the front one. Both handles give you a strong grip and there's a guard to protect your hand from above. The tool has an automatic oiler and there is a window into the tank to check the level, and a tensioning tool is supplied and clips into the chain guard for safe keeping. Key specifications Cutting capacity: Up to 15cm Cutting chain: 20cm bar Weight (with battery): 2.72kg Power source: 18 Volt battery 6. Best for Balance: Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A If you've already invested in some of Husqvarna's other gardening tools then this mini chainsaw will be a seamless addition. It has a built in storage hook designed to work with Husqvarna's storage system, and you can also attach it to one of the brand's extension poles. It's a well-balanced machine that should be used with both hands and can tackle branches up to 7.5cm wide. I found it easy to manoeuvre, with a full charge allowing for approximately 30 minutes of pruning. There is a simple power button and an LED charge level indicator which warns you when the charge is running low. There's also a catch and pull trigger to start, which is excellent for added safety, and it rather sensibly shuts off automatically after 180 seconds of not being used. Its highest sound level reaches 91dB, about that of a lawnmower. The chain can be replaced tool free, and tensioning was easy to do. There's no oil tank though, so it's important to make a habit of adding oil to the chain. In all, it's a sensible choice if you have a mature garden to care for. Key specifications 7. Best for Holding Branches: Black + Decker Alligator This is a very different looking mini chainsaw, but with good reason. It's designed for heavy duty pruning, with jaws which hold the branch while you cut. Its dual handles make it comparable to using a giant pair of scissors, something I found takes time to get used to as it is an alien movement when compared with other powered pruners. For safety, there is a start trigger on each handle, and both need to be activated to start the chain. This felt slightly unbalanced to use, but again, I got accustomed to it over time. Its metal guards keep the chain covered when not in use and offer added protection when you are using it. However, the pruner must be lubricated after every 10 minutes. As for replacing or tensioning the chain, two nuts need to be removed with the provided tool. To keep the jaw and guard away while working the handles need to be kept open somehow which can be tricky. The jaw collects up sawdust so it needed cleaning with a paintbrush every so often (with the battery safely removed). Expect to make about 150 cuts when tackling small branches before it needs recharging, less when tackling bigger branches. It has a cutting capacity of 10 cm and will be able to handle kindling, and has a higher sound power of 95 dB. Key specifications 8. Best Budget Pruning Chainsaw: Hawksmoor Cordless Mini Pruning Chainsaw This isn't one for regular gardeners, but it's a solid option if you're on a budget. It's designed for one handed operation, but it feels quite large in relation to the size of the blade. The sound is also slightly rattly, topping out at a rather loud 97 dB. The battery, which simply slots on to the end of the handle, charges within 60 minutes. While there was no mention in the instructions of how long it would last or how thick a branch the tool could cut, I found it easily pruned branches of 3cm in diameter. A separate guard covers both the chain guard and chain, which was occasionally tricky to slide off. It also needs to be lubricated before use. Frustratingly, the pruner is supplied with a small, empty oil bottle which would be hard to fill. Accessing the chain is easy, however, making it straightforward to clean or replace, you just unscrew the large green knob. There's also a chain tensioning hex key cleverly slotted in place at the base of the handle for safe keeping. Key specifications Cutting capacity: Unspecified Cutting chain: 11cm Weight with battery: Approximately 2kg Power source: 18 Volt battery Mini chainsaws FAQs Are battery powered pruners better? Battery tools in general are easier and cleaner to use. No fuel is required and it removes the risk of tripping over or cutting through electric cables. They also encourage the gardener to take a break while they recharge which is sensible from a health and safety point of view. Note that battery charging and run times vary depending on the size of branches being cut and the conditions in which the battery is being charged. Cold temperatures are also known to slow down charging time. How do you use a powered pruner? As with all powered cutting tools, safety must be your priority. Before using, ensure that the tool has been set up as instructed and you are wearing the recommended safety clothing (ear defenders, safety googles, safety boots and gloves). Resist wearing shorts to reduce the risk of injury from flying debris and wear tight fitting clothing, avoiding loose scarves. Here are some additional safety pointers to keep in mind: Keep pets and children well away from the tool both when in use and in storage. Don't use it on wet days and only use it for cutting wood. The area should be well lit. Both feet must be placed firmly on level ground at all times and cuts should not be made above shoulder height. Never reach up, stand on tiptoes or work from a ladder. Avoid cutting branches thicker than the tool is recommended for as this will damage the chain. Remember, powered pruners are not suitable for felling trees. Never cut with the tip of the chain as you will experience kick back, and never cut branches on the ground as soil in the blade can also lead to kick back or cause the chain to become blunt. Keep alert and ready for spring back of branches. Replace the chain cover when the tool is not in use and remove the battery. Always do the latter when cleaning, carrying or maintaining the pruner. To keep pruners running smoothly, clean the tool as suggested in the manufacturers instructions. How thick a branch can the pruner cut? This all depends on the make and model of the pruner. Each one has a different cutting capacity. If you exceed the recommended cutting capacity, you are likely to damage the tool. How do you sharpen chains? Don't sharpen chains unless you have experience in doing this. Replacement chains are preferable and can be easily fitted. Always remove the battery before accessing the chain and when removing a chain, wear gloves as they are sharp. Also wait for the chain to cool down before touching as they can get hot. What is the best lubricant for chains? Use an oil sold as 'chain oil' and read the manufacturer's instructions for any further recommendations as the use of non-approved oil may invalidate the warranty. Chain oil is available from most DIY stores. All chainsaw blades need oil, so it is vital that you apply the amount suggested for the pruner to work. On some saws this is done manually and on others it's automatic. It can be easy to forget to lubricate the chain, so try and get into a regular habit of doing so.

The Sun

2 hours ago

• The Sun

The 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer mixing kitchen staple with soap – it works in minutes

EXPERTS have revealed a 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer. Summer is finally here, and according to the Met Office, a heatwave is "likely" to occur this weekend. 2 2 However, although there are so many positives to summer, from warm weather to longer days, it also has its downsides, such as the emergence of irritating pests. House flies can be an incredible annoyance at this time of year, as they sneak in through open doors and windows. Fruit flies are also a real problem during summer, as they are attracted to foods which decay quicker in heat. Chasing them around with rolled-up newspapers and makeshift fly swatters can seem an endless task, and can ruin your summer's evening. However, according to experts there is a simple purse friendly hack you can use to banish the critters. All you need is some big standard washing up liquid and some vinegar. Healthline writes: 'A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can help you trap flies such as fruit flies.' To try out the hack, simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a glass. Then, add a few drops of washing up liquid to the mix. Cover the glass with clingfilm, and then poke some small holes in the top. I'm a plumber and your spider problem could be caused by your toilet 'Flies will be attracted to the vinegar in the glass and will fly through the holes", Healthline said. "However, the dish soap causes the flies to sink instead of being able to land on the vinegar.' Flies are attracted to the scent of the vinegar as it is similar to that of decaying fruit. Vinegar also contains acetic acid, which is a chemical that builds up during fermentation. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. You may already have a bottle of vinegar in the kitchen, but if not, you can pick it up from Sainsbury's for as little as 35p. If you don't want your home to smell of vinegar, This Morning pro, Nancy Birtwhistle, recently shared a sweeter-smelling hack. "They [flies] hate the smell of citrus and they hate the smell of cloves," she said, explaining how easy it is to keep them at bay. With this in mind, she suggested creating a DIY method to deter the pesky insects. All you need to do is cut a few lemons in half and then stick the cloves into the juicy part. Although the fresh scent is lovely for us humans, the flies can't stand it and will find somewhere else to go.