Tested this month
MEACODRY DEHUMIDIFIER
Meaco has expanded its dehumidifier line-up with the Meacodry Arete One. Available in both 20- and 25-litre sizes, the new machine is a sharp looker with streamlined functions following customer feedback. Tank capacity is 4.8 litres and it’ll draw 14 litres of water from the air per day under ideal conditions, while both are quieter than the industry standard at just 38 and 40db. Being a compressor-based unit, the Arete One is best suited to warmer, internal garages and workshops. It has a fresh look and improved ergonomics – finally a tank that doesn’t spill as you empty it! – but some of the operation is confusing. At £259, the 20-litre costs the same as the firm’s marketleading, desiccant-based Zambezi which, with greater functionality and intuitive controls, is still king. GM meacodehumidifiers.co.uk
DIRK DU LONGTIME WAX
The crown jewel in Swissvax’s Dirk Du range is surely its Longtime wax, a high 40% Carnauba-content compound that also contains PTFE. That not only makes for an incredibly slippy, hydrophobic surface to repel contaminants, but also protects against acids. Firm at first, the wax quickly softens when rubbed with the applicator and is laid down almost with the consistency of melted butter. The instructions are simple: buff it out before it dries. It left a silky smooth surface with a deep, reflective shine, with water beading almost instantly. If the long-term level of protection is anywhere near as good as the short-term finish, this is a very accomplished wax indeed. At €195 it isn’t cheap – but neither was your paintwork. GM dirk-du-professional-carcare.myshopify.com
MORGAN X PISTON GIN
Despite the uncomfortable relationship between booze and cars, automotivethemed gin is the latest craze. Morgan’s collaboration with fellow Malvern resident Piston Distillery is particularly interesting, because it has been infused with ash wood in a nod to the car’s timber body frame. It apparently uses off-cuts from the wood used in production, mated to Piston’s award-winning craft gin and produced nine miles up the road. The result is a really distinctive nose and flavour. Traditional tonic leads to a rather astringent taste, but with the recommended ginger ale and fresh blackberries it is truly delicious: the sweetness of the mixer offsets the sharp, slightly smokey gin. It costs £45 a bottle – and a very nice bottle it is, too, with a hefty stainless-steel piston as a lid. AC morgan-motor.com/shop