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Bathroom
See all Bathroom reviews50 Wirecutter Picks to Glow Up Your Bathroom for $50 or Less
by Wirecutter Staff
Your bathroom deserves to be the best room in your house—and with these under-$50 towels, tub trays, bidets, and more, you can make it happen on the cheap.
The Best Women’s Razors (for Every Body)
by Caira Blackwell
We’ve tested 25 cartridge razors since 2018. We’ve concluded that most people who shave body hair will be happiest with the Billie razor.
The Best Tampons
by Nancy Redd
Most tampons are the same, but some stand out. Tampax Pearl and Pure are our favorites with applicators; O.B. Pro Comfort and Organic are the best without.
Bedroom
See all Bedroom reviewsThe Best Essential Oil Diffusers
by Dorie Chevlen and Shannon Palus
The Urpower 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser has been our favorite diffuser since 2017.
The Best White Noise Machine
by Joanne Chen and Annie Chou
A white noise machine can mask irritating noises that make it hard to sleep or difficult to focus. The LectroFan EVO is the most effective option for the price.
How to Choose a Mattress
by Joanne Chen
We’ve collected all our big-picture mattress-buying advice to help you find a bed you’ll happily sleep on for years.
Cleaning
See all Cleaning reviewsHow to Clean Baking Sheets
by Marguerite Preston
You can restore your baking sheets’ shine with a fair amount of hard scrubbing. But there’s good news: Your dingy baking sheets are actually fine––maybe even better––just the way they are.
How to Clean a Microwave
by Rachel Wharton
This is the easiest method to clean your microwave. All you need is about half an hour and some kitchen staples you likely already have at home.
The Best Upright and Canister Vacuums
by Sabine Heinlein
Only a powerful plug-in upright or canister vacuum can truly deep-clean your carpets and floors. We recommend four.
Closet and laundry
See all Closet and laundry reviewsThe Best Laundry Detergent
by Andrea Barnes
We tested dozens of laundry detergents and found that Tide Ultra Oxi Powder and Tide Free & Gentle Liquid tackled the widest range of stains with ease.
We Tested the $40 Portable Washer That Cleans UConn Coach Dan Hurley’s Lucky Undies
by Rose Maura Lorre
Nobody really needs a tiny portable washing machine. We talked to someone who does—Andrea Hurley, wife of UConn men’s b-ball coach Dan Hurley—and took hers for a spin.
This Hand-Washing Detergent Has Saved Me Thousands on Dry Cleaning Bills. And There’s No Rinsing Required.
by Jennifer Hunter
Just a splash of this magic in a bottle beautifully and safely cleans your delicates with a simple soak.
Cooling
See all Cooling reviewsThe Best Smart Thermostat
by Roy Furchgott
Smart thermostats like our pick, the Ecobee Premium, can make your home’s HVAC more energy efficient without sacrificing your comfort.
Wearing Fans Around Our Necks Has Been More Pleasant Than You’d Expect
by Thom Dunn
We were skeptical—but then we stopped sweating.
Entertaining
See all Entertaining reviewsThe Secret to Making Your Kitchen Great for Cooking and Entertaining: Smart Lighting
by Megan Wollerton
There’s more to a kitchen than just cooking. Smart lighting lets you adjust and optimize the lights for cooking, entertaining, cleanup, and breakfast the next day.
How to Clean Your Grill
by Lesley Stockton
To keep your grill in working order, take time to do some simple cleaning tasks, as well as the occasional deep scrub-down, every time you cook.
The Best Gas Grills
by Tim Heffernan, Lesley Stockton, and Michael Sullivan
We’ve tested eight grills since 2017. The Weber Spirit II E-310 is our top pick for its durability, ease of use, and great value.
Furniture
See all Furniture reviewsThe Best Patio Umbrella and Stand
by Kalee Thompson, Katie Okamoto, and Ellen Airhart
After hours of research and weeks of testing, we think Treasure Garden’s Market Umbrella and Article’s Paima Umbrella Base are the best patio umbrella and base.
25(ish) Wirecutter Picks to Upgrade Your Backyard
by Wirecutter Staff
Here’s a selection of our favorite gear to help turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis, including our go-to string lights, fire pits, patio gear and more.
The Best Patio Furniture (And How to Shop for It)
by Gregory Han, Kalee Thompson, and Daniela Gorny
We spent 50 hours researching what makes good patio furniture. To find the ideal dining sets and outdoor lounge furniture for your backyard, we tested dozens.
Garage
See all Garage reviewsThe Best Bike Storage Ideas
by Christine Ryan
After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand is the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes.
The Best Snow Blowers
by Doug Mahoney
After six winters of testing, the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch snow blower is the first tool we reach for.
The Best Pressure Washer
by Doug Mahoney
New pressure washers are getting smaller and quieter, with plenty of scouring power for outdoor surfaces.
Gardening
See all Gardening reviewsThe 20 Best Gifts for Gardeners
by Samantha Schoech
A selection of lovely and practical gifts for serious gardeners and weekend warriors.
I Saved 2,000 Pounds of Food Waste From the Landfill With This Simple Composter
by Rose Maura Lorre
Think of this no-turn composter like a personal trash incinerator fueled by Mother Nature; just install it on a patch of unpaved ground and feed it your scraps.
The Best Places to Buy Plants Online
by Rose Maura Lorre
If an in-person trip to a local nursery isn’t possible, but you want to get greenery as a gift, we found two standout sites to buy houseplants online.
Home Safety
See all Home Safety reviewsThe Best Water Quality Test Kit for Your Home
by Tim Heffernan
SimpleLab’s Tap Score Advanced City Water Test offers comprehensive analysis of your drinking water with easy-to-read results.
The Best Lockboxes to Safely Store Medication and Cannabis
by Elissa Sanci
Whether you want to stash cannabis and THC edibles away from pets and kids or keep medicine under lock and key, these are the best lockboxes available.
The Best Home Air Quality Monitor
by Tim Heffernan
Get reliable, accurate air quality information with these apps and tools.
Home tools and toolboxes
See all Home tools and toolboxes reviewsThe Best Utility Knife
by Doug Mahoney
The Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage is an ideal utility knife.
The Best Extension Cords for Your Home and Garage
by Doug Mahoney
The U.S. Wire & Cable 50 FT. Extreme All-Weather Extension Cord is the most flexible, durable cord we found, and should last years even in harsh environments.
Smart home devices
See all Smart home devices reviewsThe Best Smart Plugs
by Rachel Cericola and Kathryn Rath
A smart plug boosts the IQ of un-brainy devices such as lamps, fans, or string lights, letting you easily set them to turn on or off on a schedule or on command.
The Best Smart Water-Leak Detector
by Eric Chiu
Water-leak sensors, which keep you in the loop if your plumbing fixtures spring a leak, can prevent a small spill from becoming a big problem.
The Best Smart Security Devices to Make Your New Home Feel Safe
by Rachel Cericola
New homeowners quickly discover that they also have new worries. These smart security devices provide peace of mind whether you’re home or away.
Storage
See all Storage reviewsMy 850-Square-Foot Apartment Would Be a Disaster If Not for These Organizational Hidden Heroes
by Rachelle Bergstein
My tiny living room is a home office, gym and kiddie classroom. It’s a dizzying amount of activity for one 10’x13’ room to handle.
Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Organize My Charging Cables?
by Annemarie Conte
Get your mess of cords in control so you can use the right charging cable every time.
Can You Recycle Styrofoam, Bubble Wrapping, and Other Shipping Packaging?
by Katie Okamoto
Trying to recycle the wrong packaging gunks up the works at overtaxed recycling centers. Here’s what to sort in your bins and what to throw in the trash.
Weather
See all Weather reviewsThe Best Air Conditioner
by Thom Dunn
Our firsthand tests have found air conditioners that will keep you cool, quietly and efficiently.
The Best Emergency Weather Radio
by Thom Dunn
After 36 hours of research and tests of more than a dozen emergency weather radios, we’re confident the Midland ER310 is the best choice for most people.
The Best Dehumidifiers
by Tim Heffernan
We’ve found dehumidifiers that are easy to live with and effectively reduce ambient moisture in your home.
More Home Posts
Do You Really Need Compostable Bags for Your Food Scraps?
by Rose Maura Lorre
You don’t need a “compostable” bin liner for kitchen scraps, and experts say paper bags or no bag at all are the better choice. Here’s why.
The Best Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
by Ellen Airhart
Most microfiber cloths are essentially the same, but after weeks of testing, our cleaning writer liked Fixsmith Microfiber Cleaning Cloths best.
What’s the Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors?
by Sabine Heinlein
Any vacuum can clean bare floors, but some models make it a little easier. We think the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction does an excellent job.
What’s the Best Vacuum for Pet Hair?
by Sabine Heinlein
We recommend six vacuums that have the tools, power, and maneuverability to tackle pet fur in your carpets, on your couch, or in your car.
The Best Robot Vacuums
by Sabine Heinlein
Robot vacuums never get bored or tired, so with little effort on your part, they can keep your floors consistently tidy.
The Best Mattresses for Back Pain
by Joanne Chen
There is no actual “best” mattress for back-pain sufferers, though one that feels medium-firm to you is likely to be the best choice. We have six to recommend.
The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
by Caira Blackwell and Joanne Chen
If you regularly sleep on your side, you’ll likely want a cushy mattress that aligns your spine and offers good support. These are our favorites.
The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
by Joanne Chen
We like these six medium-firm mattresses best for stomach-sleepers because they’ll support and cushion your midsection while still aligning your spine.
The Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
by Joanne Chen
If you prefer to sleep on your back, you’ll probably want a medium-firm mattress to align your spine and keep your shoulders, hips, and lower back comfortable.
The Best Cheap Mattresses (Under $500)
by Caira Blackwell
It takes some effort, but you can find a decent, comfortable mattress that won’t break the bank. Here are five we recommend.
The Best Mattresses for 2024
by Joanne Chen and Caira Blackwell
The perfect mattress is highly individual. We’ve researched and tested dozens of mattresses, in a range of prices, to help you find your best night’s sleep.
The Best Innerspring Mattresses
by Joanne Chen
Shopping for mattresses can be a nightmare, and searching specifically for an innerspring model is its own special hell. Let us help.
The Best Cordless Stick Vacuum
by Sabine Heinlein
Power cords got you wound up? We’ve tested dozens of cordless stick vacuums to find those with the best combination of cleaning power, comfort, and convenience.
The Best Handheld Vacuum
by Sabine Heinlein
Handheld vacs ferret out crumbs from cushions, dirt from car seats, and fur from sofas. We recommend the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit.
The Best Vacuum Cleaners
by Sabine Heinlein
For a dependable, versatile, and affordable cleaner, we prefer a bagless upright, but we have recommendations for other types of vacuums as well.
Think You’ve Got No Use for a Shop Vac? Think Again.
by Rose Maura Lorre
Even if you’re not handy, a wet/dry vac is an incredibly versatile tool. Here are six ways it makes quick work of otherwise onerous chores indoors and out.
Is Dyson’s New, Nearly $1,000 Stick Vacuum Worth It? Probably Not.
by Sabine Heinlein
The new Dyson Gen5detect is long on upgrades but falls short of the maneuverability and overall convenience that a great cordless stick vacuum should deliver.