After what felt like a never-ending summer, I must admit that the quick switch to condensation season took me by surprise. Thankfully, I have a window vacuum that works hard to tackle water droplets covering my windows. But if you don’t have one, let me introduce you to the Amazon Basics Window Vacuum (was £31.45, now £26.72 at Amazon).

I’ve already raved about using a window vacuum to clear the morning condensation in my home, and I am the very proud owner of the Kärcher WV 6 Plus Cordless Window Vac (was £109.99, now £79.99 at Amazon). And while it’s genuinely one of the best gadgets I own and better than any other model I’ve tested so far, I can’t deny that the price difference makes me wish I’d known about the Amazon model earlier.

Admittedly, I haven’t tested the Amazon Basics Window Vacuum myself, but with over 2,000 reviews and an average star rating of 4.1 out of 5, customers seem to be impressed. And it’s a great budget buy if you can’t quite stretch to a premium model like mine – or just want to try one out before potentially upgrading.

During autumn and winter, when the days are wetter and colder, it’s even more important to wipe condensation off your windows. If you don’t, damp and mould can build up around your windows and seals, and it can spread quickly if you don’t tackle it.

To keep a home healthy and moisture-free, actively removing this window condensation as soon as you wake up is the best course of action. And as Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, I’ve tested various condensation-removal methods over the years, but none have been as quick or as effective as a window vacuum.

As I said, I haven’t tested the Amazon Basics Window Vacuum yet (I hope to soon), but it offers all of the features a good window vacuum should have. This includes a cordless design with a rechargeable battery, a 280 mm-wide suction nozzle to glide carefully across window panes, and a water tank to capture moisture. All for just £30.

And while other budget models like the Beldray Cordless Handheld Window Vacuum Cleaner (£28 at Argos) exist and impressed me during testing, the Amazon Basics Window Vacuum also includes a separate spray bottle with a cleaning pad that these affordable options typically don’t have – but my more expensive Kärcher model does have.

It might not seem like much, but this extra spray bottle with a cleaning pad is a lifesaver for year-round window cleaning, since it lets you make the most of a window vacuum’s other unexpected uses. Personally, I use the extra tool to clean my mirrors and shower screen, and to give my windows a quick zhuzh during the dustier summer months.

So, having that included in the £30 price tag is a big win in my eyes, and customers seem to love it, too. One happy window vacuum owner raved, ‘This window vac has been excellent. It quickly sucks up water off the windows and thus prevents more water from evaporating into the air, causing more problems.’

‘It isn’t too noisy, the battery lasts a long time, and I can do six large windows upstairs, three patio doors, a huge window in my sun lounge, a big kitchen window, lounge window, plus two doors with still charge left over,’ they added.

However, it’s worth noting that it’s not perfect – nor should you expect it to for this price point. Another customer wrote, ‘There may be some tiny droplets of water left around the edges of the windows, but they can be quickly and easily wiped away with a cloth or paper towel. The machine can feel a bit heavy if you have strength issues in your wrists and arms though.’

So, just bear that in mind if you’re weighing up your next window vacuum purchase. Personally, I’d always stretch for a Kärcher model because of the build quality, effectiveness, and long run time, but if I didn’t already own one, and only had a small budget, I’d snap up this Amazon alternative in a heartbeat.

Alternatives to shop

I love my window vacuum, but I definitely could have saved myself some pennies if I’d known about this one a few years ago!

There is no better investment for cosy season than a cast iron casserole pot. While Le Creuset used to be the only go-to cast iron pan on the market, in the last few years there has been an explosion in the availability of high-quality and affordable cast iron lookalikes. Now IKEA has just entered the group chat with the VARDAGEN cast iron casserole dishes.

When choosing cookware, every kitchen should have a cast iron pan. They can go from hob to oven to table for cooking up soups and stews. They’re also ideal for baking bread at home for that perfect crisp crust. However, while Le Creuset’s Signature Round Casserole in Meringue will cost you £299 at John Lewis, you can pick up IKEA’s VARDAGEN Casserole with lid for £39 for a 4L size.

I use my own Le Creuset casserole pot several times a week in the cold weather season. Whether for baking bread or cooking a one-pot wonder. It works with all hob types. I use mine from the hob to the oven and then take it straight to the table for serving. The amount I use it means it’s more than paid for itself. However, if your budget is tighter, the IKEA one is a brilliant price point and comes with a whopping 15-year guarantee. So you’ll be using it way into Christmas 2041.

IKEA’s cast iron pan promises even cooking, whether on the hob or in the oven. Plus, it’s a game-changer for one-pot cooking, since it means less washing up afterwards. Its lid is specially designed to collect steam, which drips back into your food to baste it and add even more flavour.

While I’m yet to use this pan myself, I will say that due to its heavy construction and convenient design with two handles and a stainless steel knob, it shouldn’t be hugely different from the OG from Le Creuset. And I know: lots of brands have bought out dupes for the Dutch Oven, but this one is particularly unique because it’s wrapped in a 15-year guarantee.

Do bear in mind, though, that this pot can only be handwashed. And because of its sturdy design, it is heavy, so those who might be less able could struggle to lift it in and out of the sink.

What’s stopping you from buying a few for Christmas presents? Truly, they’ll thank you in years to come when they’re still using this pan, week after week. And you’ll thank yourself come December for being prepared and shopping smart.

Have you already ticked any Christmas presents off your to-buy list?