What is it?

A cordless handset from BT with premium call blocking features.

There are many certainties in this technological age and repeated nuisance callers is one of them. Step forward the BT8600 Premium Nuisance Call Blocker home phone.

Good Points?

BT Guard – as the primary call blocking feature is called – will allow, block or send calls to voicemail based on your preference. You can also have unidentified callers announce themselves before deciding which of these aforementioned actions to take.

Many cold calling companies – be it those purveying PPI claims or offering post-accident legal assistance – alternate their outgoing display number in a bid to target the same household multiple times.

Knowing who is on the other end and what their intentions are before answering is a blessing for anyone plagued by unwanted calls.

The initial set-up is easy but requires you to enter the telephone numbers of any family and friends you wish to allow through.

You can add up to three additional handsets depending on your needs.

Bad points?

The main handset unit requires a 24 hour charge before use which seems excessive. You are required to have a caller ID enabled from your line provider or every caller will be screened including family and friends.

Best for ...

Those who hate wasting their precious time explaining over and again that they have never been in a motor vehicle accident nor had payment protection insurance.

Avoid if ...

Landline? You haven't used one of those since the 1990s.

Score: 9/10.

BT8600 Premium Nuisance Call Blocker, from £49.99 (shop.bt.com)