Caramel Quin
Caramel Quin is an experienced journalist and author who tests technology for newspapers, magazines and online. She prides herself in real-world testing and translating geek speak into plain English. Her pet hates are jargon, pointless products and over-complicated instruction manuals.
A self-proclaimed ‘gadget girl’, Caramel started out as an engineering graduate and has gradually become less techie ever since. After spending the nineties on the staff of various computer and gadget mags, including launching Stuff magazine in both London and New York, she's been freelance for over a decade. In 2006 she won Best Writer in the BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards. And in 2011 she won the CEDIA award for Best Technology Feature, for a piece in Grand Designs magazine.
Caramel’s specialist subjects are gadgets, technology and the environment, often reviewing homeware gadgets including everything from coffee machines to vacuums. Her work appears regularly in publications including the Evening Standard and Ideal Home. She has appeared as a technology expert on the BBC, Sky News and GMTV, and done countless radio interviews. She has interviewed everyone from film stars to Nasa astronauts, and written on subjects as diverse as hi-tech rosaries and Japanese trainer collectors—but her favourite gig was testing ice cream makers.
Caramel lives in east London with her two children, dog, two cats and a number of rescue hens. Even her chicken coop is hi-tech and sits next to the robotic lawnmower. The children and dog are highly skilled at helping her destruction-test home electricals for us.
Latest articles by Caramel Quin
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EarthKind Feather & Down Support Pillow review: an ethical spin on a traditional pillow type
This felt like sleeping on the traditional pillows of my childhood – but the feather and down in this pillow are all recycled.
By Caramel Quin Published
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The Fine Bedding Company Allergy Defence Pillow review: comfy enough, if you suffer from allergies
I tested this synthetic pillow with probiotic surface treatment that protects from allergens, and found the sleep experience similar to regular hollowfibre pillows
By Caramel Quin Published
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Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow review: heritage feel with adjustable thickness
British wool provides a natural and temperature-regulating, adjustable filling that I warmed to by my second night of testing.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Tempur Ombracio Smartcool Pillow review: comfortable and cool, but a weird shape
This X-shaped pillow designed for front-sleepers and pillow-huggers isn't for everyone – after testing, I preferred its more versatile rival.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Luff Sleep The Mayfair Cooling Gel Pillow review: If you want a cooling pillow then look no further
Luff's The Mayfair Cooling Gel Pillow really felt like drifting off to sleep on a foamy pad of ice, even when tested on a hot night.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Silentnight Sleep Therapy Contour Pillow review: an affordable, and very compact, memory foam pillow
The Silentnight Sleep Therapy Contour Pillow offers targeted support and pressure relief with a contoured design so it's ideal for side sleepers. Caramel Quin reviews for all you need to know.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Mediflow Water Pillow review: yes, you really do put water into this unusual pillow
The Mediflow Water Pillow is a quirky choice that lets you control the thickness and firmness by filling it with water. Caramel Quin puts it to the test.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Dreams Tempur Cloud Air SmartCool Medium Pillow review: My 5-star favourite for very good reason
The Dreams Tempur Cloud Air SmartCool Medium Pillow is an expensive option but it's the pillow we'd buy everyone if we could. Caramel Quin, who tested it, explains why.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow review: Finally, a foam pillow I actually like
Sleep posture experts spent years coming up with the Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow. Caramel Quin reviewed it to uncover all you need to know.
By Caramel Quin Published
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The best pillows for side sleepers in 2024, tried and tested by us
The best pillows for side sleepers should keep your head and neck supported, whilst guaranteeing a peaceful night's rest
By Caramel Quin Last updated
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Back in Action Memory Foam Pillow review: Some will love it, others will hate it but I'll recommend this pillow for neck pain every time
The Back in Action Memory Foam Pillow is a unique shape and it won't be for everyone. Find out if it could help ease your neck pain though as Caramel Quin reviews
By Caramel Quin Published
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Slumberdown Super Support Firmer Pillow review: A budget-friendly set suitable for side sleepers
The Slumberdown Super Support Firmer Pillow proves you don't need to spend an arm and a leg on a pillow if you're a side sleeper. Here, Caramel Quin reviews
By Caramel Quin Published
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart review: At just under £200, is this premium toothbrush worth the spend?
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart is a premium toothbrush worth the extra spend. Here, tech and health writer Caramel Quin reveals all the details
By Caramel Quin Published
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Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: A 5-star find for side sleepers
The Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow is a 5-star find for side sleepers, says tester Caramel Quin. Unique in design and made with quality materials, this premium pillow is an excellent option.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Bensons for Beds iGel Side Sleeper Deep Pillow review: A close second favourite on my bed
The Bensons for Beds iGel Side Sleeper Deep Pillow is a wonder find for anyone who only ever sleeps on their side, writer and tester Caramel Quin says.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Dreams Side Sleeper Pillow review: A comfortable 4 stars
The Dreams Side Sleeper Pillow is a must-have if you sleep on your side with its premium feel and comfy filling. Caramel Quin reviews for all you need to know.
By Caramel Quin Published
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Snuggledown Hotel Luxurious Side Sleeper Pillow review: Hotel-level luxe but a bit thin for every night
The Snuggledown Hotel Luxurious Side Sleeper Pillow is hotel luxury at a low price, making it a great buy for the guests in your home
By Caramel Quin Published
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I tried the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Prestige 9900 toothbrush - but is it worth buying with the eye-watering price tag?
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Prestige 9900 is premium by name, nature, and price tag. Here tech expert Caramel Quin reveals if it's worth buying
By Caramel Quin Published
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The best air purifiers of 2024, tested for fresher, allergen-free air
Our expert testers assessed the best air purifiers to discover which were best for removing dust, allergens, and even bacteria and viruses from your home
By Caramel Quin Last updated
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I tried the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic toothbrush - here's why I'll recommend the budget-friendly buy to friends in 2024
The Spotlight Oral Care Sonic toothbrush offers more for your money than some of the big brands, with 30 to 50,000 brush strokes a minute
By Caramel Quin Published
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Opinion: Coming out is complicated, even more so when you’re older
Later in life lesbianism, Lilly for short, is a thing. But why do some women only come out as gay in middle age?
By Caramel Quin Published
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Blueair Blue Pure Purifying Fan review
Cool down and remove pollen in style with this multifunctional Blueair Blue Pure Purifying Fan
By Caramel Quin Published
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AEG AX9 600 Connected air purifier review
Discover more about this AEG AX9 600 Connected air purifier with a striking design
By Caramel Quin Published
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Blueair versus Meaco air purifier
In the race for the title of best air purifier, how do these two brands’ models compare?
By Caramel Quin Published