Hi, I’m Matthew Smart

My Story

I’ve spent over 20 years working in home and garden maintenance. I started out as a landscape gardener and set up my own business, Smart Gardens, transforming outdoor spaces across the South West. Over time the work naturally expanded into the home as well — kitchens, heating, ventilation, appliances — and the business grew into Smart Homes and Gardens.

Two decades of recommending products to real customers taught me what lasts, what performs, and what gets returned after a month. I also picked up a background in web development, SEO and content creation along the way, which is how BestPicks UK came about: I wanted to combine everything I’d learnt into one honest resource for UK homeowners.

When I’m not researching the next review, you’ll find me at home in Devon with my wife Julia and our three rescue dogs — who are thoroughly unimpressed by robot vacuums but surprisingly fond of warm air from the dehumidifier.

How I Choose What to Recommend

Every product on this site goes through the same process. I dig into the specifications, cross-reference real customer feedback from verified purchases, check independent test results where they exist, and weigh it all against value for money. Each product is scored out of 10 with a clear set of pros and cons — no filler, no hype.

I don’t physically test every product I feature. Where I haven’t personally tested a product, my assessment is based on specifications, verified owner feedback and reputable independent test data (such as Which?). My 20 years in the trade means I know what questions to ask and which specs actually matter in the real world, not just on a data sheet. When a better product comes along, the rankings change.

I currently publish in-depth reviews across 10 home & garden categories:

• Best Hot Tubs UK — 10 products reviewed
• Best Pizza Ovens UK — 8 products reviewed
• Best Robot Vacuums UK — 8 products reviewed
• Best Premium Coffee Machines UK — 10 products reviewed
• Best Robot Lawn Mowers UK — 10 products reviewed
• Best Air Fryers UK — 10 products reviewed
• Best Outdoor Kitchens UK — 10 products reviewed
• Best Portable Air Conditioners UK — 10 products reviewed
• Best Dehumidifiers UK — 10 products reviewed
• Best Pergolas UK — 8 products reviewed

Editorial Independence

My recommendations are based purely on merit. Commercial relationships never influence a product’s score or position in the rankings. If I wouldn’t tell a paying customer to buy it, it doesn’t make the list.