Don’t let rain stop play

Technology

Don’t let rain stop play Waterproof tech for outdoor entertaining

The British summer is famous for its unpredictability, playing havoc with outdoor entertaining. But with the right gadgets, rain needn’t stop play. Lots of gadgets are either water resistant or waterproof, so for example you’ll often find smart speakers and smartphones described as IPX7, IP67, IPX8 or IP68. Those numbers are important because they tell you exactly how protected the device is: IPX7 can survive being dunked in up to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes; IP67 is the same but also dust-proof. IPX8 and IP68 can go slightly deeper (1.5m) for the same amount of time. Either rating should ensure that your gadget can cope with an unexpected shower or spill. If you’re a barbecue fan, you don’t need to stop cooking just because the weather’s turned: all you need to do to keep your food safe is to keep the lid down. If you know in advance that the forecast is bad you can pre-cook most of your food in the oven for a quick sear in the barbecue at the end, or you can use a Bluetooth thermometer such as the Meater+ to remotely monitor your barbecue, so you don’t get wet or have to open the lid to check on your progress. Just be aware that persistent rain will lower the temperature of a traditional kettle barbecue, so you’ll need more charcoal than on drier days. Don’t bring a charcoal barbecue into an enclosed area such as a garage: the fumes are dangerous and continue even after the fire is out. Fancy a waterproof TV? You can get a fully weatherproof enclosure for TVs up to 43 inches for £891 from TheTVShield. co.uk, rising to just over £3,000 for an enclosure big enough for a 70 to 80-inch display. These enclosures can survive a full hour of being sprayed with a hose, and by having a separate enclosure you can replace the TV with a similar-sized one any time.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

This small speaker delivers surprisingly big sound, and its IPX7 water resistance means you don’t need to panic if the clouds open above your party. £59.99, John Lewis

Meater+

This Bluetooth thermometer with a 50m range means you can stay dry without losing track of your barbecue’s progress, and it’s as useful indoors in the kitchen as it is in a barbecue. £99, meater.com

The TV Shield

Weatherproof any TV with this complete enclosure, which can withstand constant hosing for up to an hour. Sizes range from about 30 inches to 80 inches. From £891, TheTVShield.co.uk

GoPro HERO6 Black

This action camera is waterproof down to 33 feet, so it’s the perfect way to film outdoor fun without worrying about the camera getting dropped. It’s great for extreme sports too. £329, GoPro.com

Sonos Roam

If you’re already part of the Sonos multi-room music family, the Roam is a great way to expand your system to the great outdoors. It sounds great and is IP67 rated for dust and water. £159, sonos.com