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Waking up in winter: 8 essentials that help Which? experts tackle cold, dark mornings
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As mornings grow colder and darker, getting out of bed and out the door can feel much harder than it did during the summer months.
If you're finding the seasonal shift a challenge, you're not alone. Many of the Which? team feel a little slower at this time of year too.
We asked our experts which products they rely on to wake up more easily, speed up their routines and start the day on a brighter note.
Lumie Sunrise Alarm
I really need this in the dark winter mornings as I find it hard to wake up when there's no sun outside. It's also helpful to have an alarm clock that's not my phone - that's far too easy to snooze, whereas this chirrups at me from the other side of the room so I can't ignore it.
We like: 30-minute sunrise timer
Watch out for: Takes up space on your bedside table
Wake up more gently with a sunrise alarm clock. It gradually brightens, helping you stir with a soft glow instead of a loud, jarring alarm. Many people find that these clocks can help them finish a sleep cycle, support their circadian rhythm, and wake up 'more naturally'.
Lumie’s sunrise alarm clock features a 30-minute sunrise timer that gradually increases the light level from one to 10. You can also switch on 'sunset' mode to help you wind down.
Find out more about how to buy the best sunrise alarm clock.
Aeropress
Navigating recent health concerns required me to strictly limit my daily caffeine intake to just one single cup of coffee, forcing me to reluctantly part ways with my beloved espresso machine. However, taking the time to manually brew a fresh cup every single morning using this wonderful device has turned into a deeply satisfying, comforting ritual and one that remains surprisingly quick, effortlessly smooth, and completely mess-free.
We like: Small enough to tuck into a backpack
Watch out for: Only makes a couple of cups at a time
If you love coffee but don’t want to spend a fortune on one of the best coffee machines, an Aeropress could be the perfect middle ground.
This compact coffee maker brews smooth, rich coffee in just a few minutes. Simply add ground coffee and hot water, then press down the plunger by hand.
Fridja F10 handheld steamer
I picked up this handheld steamer a few years ago because my joints don’t love my heavy steam generator iron. The Fridja felt expensive, but I use it all the time - in fact, since buying it, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve had to use the big iron. It is lightweight, simple to fill and use, and is excellent at dewrinkling my clothes.
We like: Easy crease removal
We don’t like: May not be as effective on deep creases as an iron
If you’re in a rush in the morning and you don’t have time to set up the iron and its board, a handheld steamer can be a quick fix for removing creases.
Fridja’s handheld steamer has a large tank capacity and comes with a collar press, folding hanger, fabric guard and water bottle adaptor.
Read the Fridja F10 handheld steamer review or see our guide to the best handheld steamers.
Oral B io 9
I've been using the Oral-B iO 9 for about 5 years now, and it has transformed my morning routine. Brushing my teeth efficiently and effectively, I barely need to think about what I'm doing and I'll still leave the house with a sparkling smile.
We like: Seven brushing modes
We don’t like: Pricey
An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor, a two-minute timer and an interval timer will make brushing your teeth in the morning easy. It will get the job done before you’ve even properly woken up.
The Oral B io 9 comes with a magnetic charging stand, a brush refill head holder and a travel case.
Read the Oral B io Series 9 review or see our guide to the best electric toothbrushes.
Journal
Journalling is such an easy thing to do in the morning to get thoughts out and have a good start to the day. There are plenty of prompts online if you don't know where to start.
Buy it now from The Journal Shop (£15)
We like: Take a minute for yourself
Watch out for: Busy lives can make it hard
Starting the day with a clear mind can help you feel more focused and prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Journalling is a simple way to organise your to-do list and set intentions for the day. You might also use it to record your dreams, track your progress or jot down personal goals.
Nutribullet Pro 900
On a cold morning I want to spend as much time in bed as possible. Whipping up a quick smoothie gives me a tasty, energy-packed breakfast to drink before my commute. I like to prepare all the ingredients in the blender cup the night before and keep it in the fridge, so I don't have to do any prep in the morning.
We like: Fresh juice quickly
We don’t like: Doesn’t crush ice
A mini blender gives you a fast, convenient way to make your own smoothies before you head out the door and helps you pack more fruit and veg into your diet.
The NutriBullet Pro 900 can be used to make smoothies and juices; it has a 0.7 litre capacity and won't take up too much room on your kitchen counter.
Read the Nutribullet Pro 900 review or see our guide to the best blenders.
Philips HR1855/70 Spin Juicer
This juicer is speedy to use and easy to clean. It's perfect for making my morning ginger shots (I blend carrot, lemon juice, apple and ginger) - far cheaper than buying them ready made. It wakes me up and it's a good boost for my immune system in the colder months. Just be careful you don't add too much ginger!
We like: Wide chute for fruits
We don’t like: Blenders are better for smoothies
A spin juicer promises smooth, pulp-free juice, unlike a blender, which creates thick smoothies. It works best with fruits like apples and oranges.
You can make about four servings at once with this Philips juicer. In the box, it comes with a foam separator, anti-drip tap and it claims to be dishwasher safe, too.
Read the Philips HR1855/70 Spin Juicer review or see our guide to the best juicers.
Melitta Creamio II Milk Frother
Every morning I start my routine with a non-authentic but very easy latte. I get a big mug and fill it about a third full with coffee and then pour over hot frothy milk. I can add things like cinnamon, creatine powder, even a bit of protein powder and it mixes it all up perfectly. It cleans up reasonably easily so long as I remember to give it a quick rinse immediately after use.
We like: Helps make better hot drinks
We don’t like: Another gadget to store
If you need a hot drink to get ready for the day, a milk frother will help you make café-style drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen, giving you light, foamy milk to add to your lattes, cappuccinos and hot chocolate.
The Melitta Creamio II Milk Frother has a capacity of 150ml for frothing and 300ml for heating milk, and a couple of easy-to-understand buttons control it.
Read the Melitta Creamio II Milk Frother review or see our guide to the best milk frothers.
