save again and again
It's a special edition of AO at Home because 25 years ago shook hands with a friend on a £1 bet to change the way people bought electricals.
In 2000, if you needed an appliance, you had to go to a store, pay more for less choice and wait ages for it.
AO changed all that for the better.
Today, I’m proud and humbled that we’re UK’s most trusted electrical retailer with a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot from almost 750,000 reviews.
As always, this edition is packed with essentials. From gardening and BBQs to all the tech you need for festivals, camping, and enjoying the best of British sports - as well as great recipe ideas for time with friends and family.
We might even see some summer sun. If so, don’t forget your fridge has to work harder when the mercury rises, that’s why we’ve got plenty of tips to look after yours and if the worst happens, advice to get the most for your money.
Plus, there’s loads of tech ideas for going back to school or uni too.
We're also shining a spotlight on an increasingly popular part of AO – mobile phones – where we've also got an unbeatable range of phones, contracts, SIM-only deals, and unique accessories.
However you’re spending your summer, thank you for continuing to trust AO for your electricals.
John Roberts CEO
Founder
We’re 25!
Can you believe we’ve been around for 25 years?! It’s fair to say we’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings starting off as a £1 bet in a Bolton pub. We’ve spent 25 years building trust and that's why today, we’re the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer with over 13 million happy customers and a Trustpilot rating of 4.9 from more than a whopping 750,000 reviews!
vs2025
Tech back in time
A lot can change in 25 years. Back in 2000, we were playing Snake on our trusty Nokia phones and getting ready to watch the first season of Big Brother on bulky TVs. Music lived on MySpace, not in your pocket, and football heartbreakingly came close to coming home — twice.
Fast-forward
Our tech can do just about anything. Bored? You can stream anything pretty much anywhere. If you don’t fancy scrubbing your oven, then Pyrolytic tech will do it for you. Tired of defrosting your freezer?
Total No Frost tech now helps you give that job the cold shoulder.
KEEP FOOD FRESHER FOR LONGER
Haier’s bespoke food preservation technologies ensure the perfect conditions for keeping your food fresh, preserving its taste and reducing waste.
Sun’s out, fun’s out
We’re here to help you squeeze every last drop out of the sunny season. Whether you’re planning packed days out with the kids, heading off on holiday, pitching up at a festival, or whipping your garden into shape, we've got everything you need to make this summer a scorcher (even if the weather doesn't get the memo).
Win BIG with Bear!
We’ve hidden 5 other Bears in the pages of this brochure. If you think you’ve found them all, tell us which pages you've spotted him on by emailing us at bear@ao.com.
We’ll send 50 lucky winners a Bear through the post! PLUS, 1 of those 50 winners will also win a Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker!* Good luck!
*T&Cs apply. Visit ao.com/bear.
Keep your cool
We’ve spent the first part of the year complaining it’s too cold and now, yep, we’re even complaining when it’s too hot! But there’s no need to get all hot and bothered, we’ve got some great tips, and even greater electricals that’ll help keep you cool this summer.
1. Shut the sun out It might sound counterproductive, but keeping blinds and curtains closed can help keep your home cooler and rooms nice and shady by stopping direct sunlight getting in.
2. Freeze your sheets There’s nothing worse than not being able to sleep if you’re too hot. So, here’s a cool trick to help! Try popping your bedsheets in a plastic bag in the freezer before putting them back on before bedtime. This will help you knock the heat on the head and drift off –even on hot summer nights.
3. Switch up your hot water bottle
Although it keeps us warm in the winter, your hot water bottle could be your best friend in the summer too. Fill it 3/4 full and put it in the fridge or freezer, and voilà! You’ve got something to cool you down whenever and wherever you need.
4. Ready for tech off Don’t leave your lights on!
Tech products in the home, like laptops, tablets, and even lightbulbs, emit heat when on. So, if you aren’t using them, turn them off!
5. Tasty frozen snacks Ice lollies are one of those things you don’t ever think about unless it’s warm and sunny. You can’t beat a fresh and fruity snack on a hot day. So why not try making your own for a tasty treat to fight the heat? Keeping your freezer well-stocked means you'll never overheat.
If you’re planning on jetting off for a jolly holiday in the sun or sticking close by on a staycation, here are a few things you’ll want to think about before setting off.
Philips
Holiday? Check!
Give future you a welcome home present
Coming back to a tidy house will definitely help when you’ve got mountains of clothes to unpack and wash. That’s why you should try to give your home a little spritz before you set off. It’s amazing what a quick clean can do for your mood when you return. Trust us, you’ll love yourself for it.
Freshen
your fridge
It goes without saying that you probably don’t want to come home to a smelly fridge full of spoilt food. That’s why you should make sure to use up everything you’ve got so it’s not all sitting around for a couple of weeks. But it doesn't all have to go to waste, use this as an opportunity to stick stuff in the freezer so you've got food when you get back.
Unplug before you unwind
You’re probably not going to be sitting around watching TV at the hotel while you’re away, so why treat your tech at home any differently? You can save yourself some money on your bills by unplugging all the appliances you won’t be using while you’re sunning yourself by the pool. Make sure you check every room before you leave and turn off everything you can – chargers, lights, kettles, etc. Not only is it good for peace of mind, it means you're not using electricity when you don't need to – which is also much nicer for the environment.
Some other great tips for when you're going away:
Put lamps on a timer or consider smart tech to control them. This will warn off any potential intruders
Reset or turn off heaters and thermostats
Empty the bins around your house
Water any indoor plants generously before you leave
Consider turning off your water at the mains to avoid leaks
Empty fruit bowls to avoid attracting pesky fruit flies
Clean the kitchen sink so it doesn't start to smell while you're away
Change your sheets. It's so much nicer to return home to fresh linen
Safe as houses
Don’t let yourself worry while you’re out and about for the day having a blast. Our handy security gadgets can put you at ease.
Hue Smart Plug
All our electricals are getting smarter these days, including plugs! What makes these so special is that you’ll be able to turn off any device they’re connected to remotely through your smartphone. This comes in handy if you suddenly remember you’ve left the iron unattended by accident.
Ring Stick Up Home Security Camera
These indoor smart security cameras from Ring are a fantastic choice when you’re out of the house and need to check on your pets. Just pop them in any room, and you’ll be able to see everything remotely in Full HD clarity through your iOS or Android smartphone.
This bundle gives you everything you need to keep an eye on things wherever you are in the world. The Ring Video Doorbell Plus records footage in crisp, clear Full HD for a great view of everything that’s going on outside your front door through your smartphone. Meanwhile, the Chime Pro Doorbell lets you have a natter with its 2-way audio tech – perfect for the telling the postie where to leave that package.
Yale Conexis L2 Smart Door Lock
Secure your home the smarter way with a keyless system that’s sure to keep out any would-be intruders. It’s really easy to install and replaces your entire door handle that only you’ll be able to open with a card, fob, or smartphone. There’s also a built-in alarm that sends notifications straight to any device. You can send copies of your key to anyone that needs access. Simple, safe, sorted.
Yale Conexis L2 Smart Door Lock £289
That’s tent-ertainment
Whether you’re having festival fun in a field, or off on a camping trip, we’ve got the must-have portable products to help you camp like a champ.
1 Oral-B iO™ 3 Electric Toothbrush £260 Member price £229
2
Shooting the breeze
with Demi Stokes
Part of the legendary 2022 Lionesses squad, Demi Stokes has enjoyed a glittering career including 70 England caps and 9 domestic trophies with Manchester City. Now with Newcastle United, we caught up with Demi to get her top tips on creating a big match experience at home, and her love of the beautiful game.
Q
How did your love for football begin?
My love for football began in the school yard back in primary school. From a young age I just loved playing and switching off from any worries.
Q
What is it about representing your country, that’s so special?
To represent your country in general is an honour but to be part of such a talented and successful team makes it even better. Especially because we know how long it’s taken the Lionesses to win a major trophy.
Q
What would you tell someone who has never watched women’s football before?
To give women’s football a chance. If you like football, you will like women’s football. I always say football is football and we play some impressive stuff!
Q
Do you have a pre-game ritual?
My pre-game ritual is just a nice, relaxed morning. I usually shower, get ready with the radio on, and then have my pre-match meal which is beans on toast and Lucozade.
Q
What are your top tips for creating a great viewing party at home?
My top tips would to be get the football on the TV early to watch build up, pre match interviews, etc! Make sure you know what channel it’s on, and a big HD TV always helps! And of course, the snacks and food have to be top. Plenty of food and drink – you can’t go wrong!
Set
the
GO BIG ON CLEANING.
From patios, decking and cars to wheelie bins and garden furniture, whatever your cleaning needs, we have the right pressure washer for you.
Garden glory
With the arrival of warmer days and longer evenings, there's no better time to spruce up the garden. But if your outdoor space is looking a little sad, we’ve got a few easy fixes and some great tech that’ll bring it to life again.
3 tips for sprucing up the garden
1. A lick of paint
Whether it’s a garden fence or a bench, new paint adds a crispness to any space, making it look more vibrant and cared for. Colours can boost the mood too, especially if it’s a light, summery colour like green or pale blue.
Having a blast!
Pressure washers are perfect for blasting away grime and leaving you with a patio clean enough to eat off. Check out our top tips and picks for some of the best ones.
Pressure washers are measured in bars which is the unit of pressure. Anything over 100 bars is great for tougher jobs. When you begin cleaning, start on a low setting and patch test a small area first. Keep the nozzle around 12 inches away from the area to avoid damage.
2. Control the weeds
Nobody loves this chore, but it’s a quick fix for creating a space that feels more intentional. This is also a good time to cut back messy climbers and overgrown shrubs or remove dead plants.
3. Add some colour
Drenching your garden in colour is the easiest way to bring joy to the space. Think plant pots and hanging baskets full of bright flowers. If you choose fragrant flowers like lavender, it’s an added treat for the senses.
Shop the Kärcher range at
Let's go outside
Get ready for al fresco dining and BBQing. Summer is here and that means saying goodbye to hibernation and hello to garden gatherings.
Throw the perfect garden party
The ambient lighting
Ambient lighting is a fail-safe way of creating a little garden magic, adding a warm cosy glow or fun party colours. It also means the party can keep on going even when the sun goes down. Consider wrapping these fairy lights around trees or stringing them up across a pergola.
The background music
What's a party without a great playlist? Consider outdoor speakers and think about the vibe you want to create. Relaxing background music or something for a dance?
The watch party
If you’re looking for entertainment, then setting up a projector is a great idea – especially if there’s a big sporting event. Simply grab a large white sheet and attach it to a tree or a fence. Next, grab the cushions, cosy blankets and of course, lots of snacks!
Now you’ve set the scene and created the perfect garden oasis, it’s time for some showstopping food with top-notch outdoor cooking products. Gather friends and family and fire up the BBQ or get creative with homemade pizza.
Boss the BBQ
Food and drink enthusiast
Nikitta Louise loves keeping home-cooked meals simple while never compromising on delicious flavours. Here she shares one of her go-to summer crowd pleasers that’s sure to have all your friends coming back for seconds.
Fuss-free feasting
BBQ pulled pork and potatoes
Delicious get-together grub has never been easier than with this super simple recipe. The Ninja Woodfire outdoor oven is versatile enough to make lots of dishes.
Serves 5
Here's what you'll need
For the pork:
1.25kg pork shoulder joint
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp cumin
A pinch of salt and pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
A handful of finely chopped coriander
For the potatoes:
1kg potatoes, diced into cubes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic granules
2 tbsp olive oil
A pinch of salt and pepper
Optional toppings – cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, red onion
Get social!
Connect with @ao on
Here's how it's done
1 Mix all the ingredients for the pork except for the BBQ sauce and coriander. Brush the mixture over the pork.
2 Fill the smoke box with pellets. For stage 1, set to the Gourmet Roast function at 290°C for 10 mins. Then press the Woodfire button and then Start to preheat.
3 Once preheated, add the pork to the tray and cook.
4 Once stage 1 is complete, remove the joint and wire rack from the tray. Add 200ml of water, then add the joint back in to cook. Set to 150°C for 6 hours for stage 2, checking hourly to add more water if needed.
5 When the pork has 30 mins left, coat the potatoes in the seasoning and oil then cook in the air fryer for 20 mins at 190°C.
6 Once the pork has finished, shred it and mix with the BBQ sauce. Stir through with coriander.
Serves 4
Here's what you'll need...
Greek chicken skewers with tzatziki
What better way to welcome BBQ season than with these simple-to-prep (but super delicious) chicken skewers?
And to really impress your guests, plate them up with warm flatbread, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onion, and feta cheese.
Here's how it's done...
Find Nikitta Louise on Instagram @nikittalouise
7 Serve up the potatoes with cheese, pulled pork, and any other toppings.
Find more ideas, inspiration and recipes at ao.com/cook
For the tzatziki:
300g full fat Greek yoghurt
150g cucumber
1 tsp salt
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp olive oil to drizzle (optional)
For the chicken skewers:
800g skinless chicken thighs
1-2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
To serve:
8 flatbreads
2 large vine tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 large red onion, thinly sliced and mixed with 2 tbsp of chopped parsley
Crumbled feta cheese
1 First, make the tzatziki by grating the cucumber into a bowl and sprinkling with salt. Let that stand for 5 minutes, then use your hands to squeeze most of the moisture out. Mix in the Greek yoghurt, garlic and oregano. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top, then chill until needed.
2 Soak the skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to make sure they don’t burn. Dice the chicken into bite-sized, removing any fatty bits. Put it in a bowl along with the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and red wine vinegar. Mix it all together and season generously with salt and pepper. Leave it to marinate overnight or for at least an hour.
3 Thread the meat onto the skewers. Cook them over a medium-hot BBQ, turning often, until the chicken is completely cooked through. Alternatively, heat a large frying or griddle pan and wipe with olive oil. Cook the skewers over high heat, turning frequently so that they cook evenly. Check the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
4 Serve with warmed flatbreads, the tzatziki, a little sliced onion, tomato and some crumbled feta cheese – delicious!
A BBQ belter
Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven £349 Member price £319
Weber Bar-B-Kettle, 47 cm Charcoal Barbeque £119
Keepingcool things
When it comes to summertime sweet treats, ice cream is at the top of the list. But homemade is always so much better than shop bought. What makes our recipe even sweeter? It’s completely dairy free. Not just that, you can substitute the honey with agave syrup to make it vegan too.
Dairy free
Here’s the scoop
Easy strawberry ‘ice cream’
Here’s what you’ll need…
1 tin of coconut milk (full fat)
400g fresh strawberries
1 medium banana
150g runny honey (or agave syrup if vegan)
Here's how it's done...
1 Trim and quarter the strawberries and chop the banana.
2 Pop all the ingredients into a food processor.
3 Blend the ingredients for a few minutes until smooth.
4 Pour into a freezer-safe container.
5 Freeze for at least 2-3 hours.
6 Serve and enjoy.
Pulse function for the perfect consistency
Let's go bananas!
Banana split ice lollies
Have some family fun with a summertime classic. Our banana split lollies are dipped in chocolate and sprinkles, then topped with cream for a sweet treat that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face — it’ll help you cool down on a scorching day too.
Here's what you'll need...
2 bananas, chopped 400g vanilla ice cream 100g dark chocolate Coloured sprinkles Glacé cherries Ice lolly moulds
Here's how it's done...
1 Put the ice cream into a blender and top with the chopped banana.
2 Blend until smooth. Fill the moulds with a spoon or funnel.
3 Put the covers on top of the moulds and insert the sticks. Pop them in the freezer overnight.
4 Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
5 Pour the melted chocolate into a glass, or other narrow container, to make it easier to dip the lollies in. Dip them into the chocolate and then into the sprinkles.
6 Put them onto a tray covered with baking paper and freeze.
7 Just before serving, whip up the cream. Top your lollies with whipped cream and a glacé cherry.
Tag @ao to show off your tasty creations with us Manual, crush & smoothie modes Find more ideas, inspiration and recipes at ao.com/cook
Beat the heat
As the weather gets warmer, fridge freezers often struggle to keep their cool. Here's some tech to look out for when making your next purchase.
Fresh features
Just because it’s getting warmer outside, doesn’t mean your food needs to spoil quicker. Look out for fridge freezers that’ll rapidly cool or freeze, ready to get new food back to the perfect conditions in no time. That’ll help your choc ices keep their shape after the car journey home.
Innovative tech
Keep your eyes peeled for clever features that’ll make your food last longer – even when it’s scorching out. Frost reduction tech can stop icy buildups from forming, so you won’t need to spend ages defrosting, and your food will stay in tip-top condition. Plus, adjustable temperaturecontrolled drawers let you tweak the settings, creating the perfect environment to keep your veggies green.
Storage solutions
When it comes to arranging your fridge freezer, flexibility helps make sure everything fits inside, especially when you’re stocking up for a garden party. Look out
for adjustable shelves that let you shuffle around the fridge to suit this week’s menu. And salad crisper drawers have a dedicated area to keep your veggies safe from rolling bottles – there’ll be no squashed tomatoes on your plate.
Climate control
A balanced temperature inside your fridge freezer is the key to keeping food fresher when the sun’s shining away. Air flow tech circulates cool air to stop warm spots from building, so everything will be perfectly preserved.
Scan to shop our full range or visit
Things to know before you buy
If your old fridge freezer’s packed in or you just want an upgrade, we’ve put together some tips to help you find the perfect match when you’re shopping.
Eyes on the energy rating
Getting a fridge freezer that’s rated A to C on the energy label could make all the difference. It’ll keep running costs low and won’t struggle as much when the sun comes out.
Capacity matters
Our fridge freezers start at a compact 50 litres, going all the way up to a whopping 700 litres – that’s the difference between 2 bags of shopping and 38! We’ve popped all this info on our product pages, so comparing models is straightforward. 50 litres 2 bags =
A perfect split
A 70/30 or 60/40 split fridge freezer will give you more room for the fridge and less room for the freezer. Use them both equally? Then a 50/50’s for you.
A lot hinges on this
Most built-in fridge freezers need a sliding hinge, which lets you choose which side the door opens. Fixed hinges are stronger, but they’re limited to one side – so, make sure you pick the right one for your layout.
Get the measure of things
Note down the height, width, and depth of your space before ordering to make sure your new fridge freezer will fit like a glove. For built-in models, double-check the inside cabinet dimensions, so it’ll slot neatly into your cupboards with no issues. Measure
Our top tech picks
Turn your old tech into cash!
The average UK household has 11 old devices gathering dust in drawers, so why not turn yours into cash? Head to musicmagpie.co.uk for an instant valuation, send your tech and entertainment to us for free and get paid fast.
Home and away
Moving out can be really daunting, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. If your not-so-little-ones are getting
It’s the little things
Whether it’s a quick slice of toast before you run for the train, or that midnight air fryer snack, everyday appliances are essential for any kitchen. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite small electricals, perfect for any budget.
Tech out yourhomenew
Now that the must-haves are sorted, decide on the must-wants needed for moving out. From easy listening while you’re doing the Sunday clean, to investing in your next TV for the latest binge, we’ve got it all in our huge range.
What’s your type?
Picking out the perfect laptop can be tricky, especially if it's to help with college or uni.
So, we’ve put together a few handy tips and suggestions to help you find the right one.
Chromebooks
Always on the go? A Chromebook might be just what's needed. These nippy machines are built to keep up with busy schedules since they’re really lightweight. They won’t ever feel sluggish either. That’s because most of your files are stored on the cloud instead of cluttering up your storage, not to mention their robust built-in antivirus to keep you safe online.
Windows
Windows laptops are solid all-rounders that are pretty common around homes, schools and offices – if you’ve ever used a computer, it was probably a Windows.
They’re packed with helpful AI features like Copilot, and they let you install just about any app you can think of. So, for work, play, and everything in between, they’re a great choice.
Power up your productivity with an Intel® Core™ i3 processor, 8GB of RAM and a speedy 256GB SSD. It’s ideal for multitasking on-the-go.
Acer 15.6"
Chromebook Plus £429 Member price £409 and lets you enjoy some downtime too with an AMD Ryzen™ 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
HP 15.6" AMD Ryzen 5 Laptop £579 Member price £559
Combines stunning visuals with the GeForce® RTX ™ 4050 graphics card and ray-tracing light mimicking reality for every epic tournament.
Scan to shop our full range of laptops or visit ao.com/laptops Pay your way. With a range of ways to
ASUS TUF 16" Gaming Laptop £899 Member price £859
Extra accessories
Laptops aren't the only thing to think about when sending them off to class, here's some handy accessories that are sure to help.
1
2 JBL Tune 770NC Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones £69
3 Honor Pad X8a 11" 64GB Tablet £139
4 Lenovo Tab 10.1 10.1" 64GB Tablet £149
5 Samsung Galaxy Tab S10
6 Samsung Galaxy Tab S10
7
Always keep in touch
With our range of top-notch smartphones, your loved ones are only a few taps away.
Handy sidekicks
Top up all your tech in a flash with 45 Watts of power and fast charging. Just plug any USB-C device in and watch that bar fill up. In fact, it even has 2 ports and comes with 2 cables, so you don’t have to choose between your phone or your tablet.
AO 45 Watt USB-C Charger £27 Member price £24
There’s no need to worry about flat batteries with this in your pocket. It’s the perfect way to give your compatible tech a top up when you’re out and about, especially as it stores 10000mAh of power and has super-fast charging. Just pop in the USB-C cable and away you go.
Belkin BoostCharge™ Pro 10K Magnetic Qi2 10000mAh Power Bank £79 Member price £74
Scan the QR code to find out more about keeping your kids safe online.
We set the tone when it comes to mobiles
From the best networks, big benefits and the hottest handsets, choosing Mobile Phones Direct for your next phone is a no-brainer.
Why shop at Mobile Phones Direct?
Not only that, you'll save on the best brands and the biggest networks. Whether it's the full package, SIM-only, or a SIM-free phone, you're guaranteed to find what you're looking for.
You can also count on fantastic customer service from a dedicated team. Shop online now at mobilephonesdirect.co.uk or call us on 03301 65 55 55
If you want to stay with your current network: £20 off upfront cost with code AOFAMILY
Getting a new phone doesn’t have to be a hassle. With Mobile Phones Direct, you can keep your existing network and your number – even if it's your first time shopping with us.
The hottest handsets
With holidays on the horizon and social calendars in full swing, there’s no better time to upgrade your phone –especially when it’s such
Deals under £20pm calling…
Mobile Phones Direct believes in finding you the right phone – no matter your budget. Our £20pm and under plans give you the best value phone and data deals without breaking the bank.
As New, as amazing
As New phones are refurbished handsets that have been given a second chance, so they’re a little kinder on the planet. They’ve been restored by the manufacturer and have been fully tested with at least 12 months’ warranty.
For that special someone
We’ve got a range of gift ideas to help turn moments into memories. From birthday bashes to just becauses, there’s an electrical for every occasion.
Reasons to shop with us
Price Match Guarantee
We won’t be beaten on price. If you find your product cheaper, we’ll refund the difference.
Fuss-free installation
7 days a week by experts who really know their stuff. We'll have you up and running in no time.
Free & unlimited delivery
Including next day where available. And for a little extra, you can choose a timeslot to suit you.
Finance options available
There’s a range of ways to pay for your new electricals including AO Finance.
Win this bundle!
Tell us a little bit about the electricals in your home and what you liked about this issue of AO at Home in this short survey - there’s a prize bundle up for grabs! Good luck!
You could win a Lenovo tablet, a Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, and a Babyliss styler!
Scan here to enter
