Cook and clean like a pro with the best home products we tested in 2024

Dimensions: 22.5"D x 22.5"W x 27"H | Fuel type: Charcoal | Burners: N/A | Wheels: Two

For a reliable — and portable! — charcoal grill, it doesn’t get better than Weber’s Original Kettle, which is beloved by customers (over 7,000, and that's just on Amazon), Yahoo staffers and beyond.

It has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat and, according to the brand, won’t rust or peel. The cooking grate is hinged, which makes it easier to add charcoal while you’re grilling. And a generously sized ash catcher makes for easy maintenance.

"It's the platonic ideal of a charcoal grill, with easy-to-clean grates and a large surface area for grilling lots of burgers and franks at once," says Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder of the rolling classic, which is available in black, green and copper.

The Weber kettle grill also comes recommended by celebrity chefs: "I used to work at Food Network Magazine, and both Sunny Anderson and Michael Symon told me they used Weber charcoal grills at home," Dodell-Feder shares. "If that's not a solid endorsement, I don't know what is!"

Dimensions: 24.4"D x 25.2"W x 38.2"H | Fuel type: Electric | Burners: N/A | Wheels: Two

This small-but-mighty electric grill from Char-Broil — available in a chipper red, among other colors — has what it takes to turn any old patio into a charming burger bistro.

It offers 320 square inches of cooking space (enough for 12 burger patties) and is designed with an infrared technology that helps to evenly distribute heat while preventing flare-ups.

“Excellent and durable,” wrote one of the grill’s nearly 3,000 five-star fans. “Warms up in 30 minutes unless you're in cool weather, where it may take longer. Cooks evenly and you can hear a sizzle when meat hits hot grill!”

According to reviewers, the porcelain-coated cooking grates also stand up to rust and other signs of wear. Plus, there’s no need to lug around (or replenish) propane or pellets — just plug in the cord and you’re good to go!

As longtime Lodge skillet owners, we home editors can attest to the fact that the company makes a pan that will last forever, as long as you care for it properly. The brand's Blacklock-edition pan, our top choice for the best cast iron skillet, is lighter and easier to maneuver than the classic version, with slightly thinner walls.

When Schweitzer fried eggs in it, they came away with little effort and crispy edges. Yum! Also of note is the handle — it has Lodge's signature teardrop shape, but is more ergonomic and a little longer, and it feels more comfortable in hand. Schweitzer had no trouble moving the pan from the stove to the oven and back. It's a breeze to clean (as most cast iron skillets are) with nothing more than hot water and a synthetic scrub brush.

Nespresso pods produce tasty, high-quality cups of drip coffee and espresso, and the VertuoPlus makes the experience as easy as possible. It impressed us so much, we also named it our best Nespresso machine of the year. You push just one button to operate it, and there's a mechanism that automatically tosses your used pod into a receptacle inside the machine.

We loved the sleek, stylish look of the VertuoPlus (this model is made by De'Longhi; Breville also makes one with similar specs) and how compact it was for such a powerful machine. It also requires minimal upkeep: Just empty the used-pod receptacle (which holds about 10 pods) and descale (aka deep clean) every three months or 300 pods.

One of the main issues with single-serve machines is the amount of waste they produce. At least Nespresso offers a recycling program for its aluminum pods. You can drop off used pods at 250-plus locations or order free recycling bags with prepaid labels.

Size: 9.65"L x 5.63"W x 45.87"H | Weight: 4 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.55 liters | Vacuum type: Corded featherweight | Anti-allergy (HEPA) filter: Yes | Power: 240 watts

Featherweight vacuums are among the lightest and most compact, with Eureka's hitting the sweet spot in our testing for value, form and function.

The Eureka Featherweight consists of three main pieces: the cleaner head, the body (where the power button and dust cup sit) and a long wand with the handle at top. Everything, including an enclosed crevice tool, clicks into place — no screws or additional setup required.

The dust cup holds 0.55 liters, which is fairly generous for a featherweight vacuum, and detaches easily for handheld use. We also like how it's transparent, so you can see when it's getting full.

We found both of the handles — one on the wand for conventional vacuuming and one on the body for using it as a handheld vacuum — comfortable to hold and maneuver. 

For being so lightweight (only 4 pounds completely configured), the Eureka Featherweight packs a good amount of suction power and proved a solid match for all the materials in our tests. That included sand, which proved a sticking point for other models we evaluated.

In real-life testing, we appreciated the Eureka Featherweight's 18-foot-long cord for skirting around bigger rooms and pieces of furniture. The vacuum is also freestanding, with the cleaner head remaining propped at a 90°-angle for easier carrying.

Cons: Like with some of the other featherweights we tested, Eureka's cleaner head isn't clear so you can't see if something gets caught in the brush with your naked eye. It also wasn't as proficient in our pet-hair test as the Dyson V12 Slim Detect and upright vacuums, and therefore may not be ideal for getting really matted fur out of low-pile carpets. It also doesn't swivel or have an LED light, making it tougher to navigate in darker conditions.

Using a network of sensors, our pick for the best upright vacuum adapts to different environments and zaps everything in sight. For being on the heavier side (a common feature among vacuums with strong motors and sizable dust cups), it proved incredibly agile, with swivel steering and a shallow cleaner head that allowed us to get under and around furniture. LED lights helped with visibility, and the cord measures 30 feet, on the longer side for a vacuum in the upright category.

The PowerDetect proved a match for a wide range of messes, sucking up Cheerios, rice, kitty litter, sand and stubborn pet fur. Its automatic "Detect" mode helped it cruise from bare floors to low-pile and plush carpets swimmingly. This feature was particularly impressive when it came to tackling smaller areas of carpet, like kitchen mats, because it used just enough suction to vacuum effectively without getting stuck or pulling up corners as a result of excessive gripping. Based on our experience, that's not an easy feat!

Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder tested this for the best car vacuums in her compact SUV. Pebbles, crushed leaves, crumbs of all sizes and larger clumps of dirt proved no match for its powerful suction. 

But what really makes this cordless vacuum stand out is its reach. It has a flexible 4-foot hose with a curved nozzle that helped her access the tightest, most awkward spaces. 

"For the first time ever, I was able to get alllll the way under the front seats of my car without having to strain my back or crouch down," she raved.

Topping our list of the best bath towels is this large and cushy, but still breathable, towel that comes in a cornucopia iterations. Woven of long-staple Turkish cotton, it's extremely soft, a feature it maintained even after Granero put it through the wringer (aka five wash-and-dry cycles). Despite being on the thicker and more absorbent side, it also dried fairly quickly. It took about 40 minutes, versus comparative styles that typically took close to an hour.

Last time we checked, this Frontgate towel was available in 27 colors — with or without monogramming — and several sizes. It's meant for the bathroom, but its bold, bright hues would make it a great pool or beach towel in a pinch.

Fabric: Long-staple Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 28" x 55" | Colors: 11 options | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex

For a slightly plusher, slightly heavier, slightly more absorbent towel, I recommend Garnet Hill's Cloud-Loft.

Design and feel: The dreamy towel features a half-inch hem and 2.25-inch dobby on both ends for a look that's classic, though still minimalist. It's woven of soft, long-staple Turkish cotton and feels more like a lofty throw blanket than a towel.

Absorbency: In my absorbency test, the towel held as much as four liters of water at a time, more than any other towel I tested. Despite how much it guzzled, it was out of the dryer in about 45 minutes.

Durability: Garnet Hill's Cloud-Loft retained most of its softness and plushness throughout five wash and dry cycles. The only con is that it did shrink a bit — in this case, down to 51.5 inches in length — but this was fairly typical among the towels I tested. 

It comes in 12 colors (I tested the Sage Green) and is available as a bath towel, hand towel and bath sheet, with or without custom embroidery. (See here for more plush towel favorites.)

Solo Stove's low-smoke fire pits have garnered a cult-like following among campers and beachgoers, with the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 among their most popular models. It's compact, intuitive and versatile. Just take it from Carolin Fuller, director of partnerships at Campspot, an online camping resource and directory. "The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is small enough to fit among the rest of our gear but big enough to throw off plenty of heat during cold nights in camp. It comes in a convenient carrying case, the removable ash pan makes for easy cleanups, and the smokeless design means we don’t have to play musical chairs to avoid stinging eyes.”

Don't forget the Solo Stove fire poker for (safely) maneuvering those wood logs and sticks! And for other recommendations, check out our complete story on the best fire pits.

Size: 18.2"L x 11"W x 8.7"H | Weight: 13 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.95 liters | Vacuum type: Corded canister | Filter: Yes, AirClean | Power: 1,200 watts

With a canister vacuum, the cleaner head, plus hose and wand, are in front, with a wheeled canister (or dust bin) trailing behind or to the side. Miele's Classic C1 Turbo is the most powerful and versatile model we tried. 

How it works: The Classic C1 Turbo comes with a canister containing a dust bag, a long hose, an adjustable wand and two brushes, one for hard floors and one for carpets. It also has three attachments for detailing purposes: a dusting brush, a crevice tool and an upholstery tool.

Setup is easy: You just attach the hose to the canister on one side and to the wand on the other, then click the wand into whichever cleaner head base — or attachment — you'd like to use.

There's a dial on the canister for selecting suction strength, along with power and cord-rewind buttons.

Why it's great: The C1 Turbo managed to suck up all of the materials in our "kitchen sink" test, and though Miele recommends using the hard floor brush, we found the TurboTeq brush more effective with larger materials, such as Cheerios. But where this vac outpaced the competition was in our "passenger pet" test — when we used the TurboTeq brush, it sucked up stubborn pet hair in just a few passes.

We liked how we could customize the suction settings to optimize for not only different surfaces, but different materials in varying heights. When tackling larger piles of Cheerios or sand, for example, we found the vac worked better in lower suction modes, especially in our "carpet course." The lower suction ensured the brush glided along the surface versus hunkering down too intensely.

The adjustable pole allowed us to customize for different user heights and, when fully extended and combined with the hose, allowed for optimal reach when it came to particularly high or shallow areas. This helped when vacuuming under sofas and around kitchen chairs. In total, the vacuum offers a 29.5-foot operating radius.

The attachments were effective, with the upholstery tool among our favorites for getting hair and crumbs out of sofa crevices. And despite its fairly large capacity, the canister was easy to maneuver. It glided along floors behind us and has a handle for transporting it.

This vacuum boasts a three-tiered filtration system, complete with a filter bag with automatic sealing for trapping dirt and hair, a motor protection filter and a separate AirClean filter that, according to Miele, zaps up to 99.9% of airborne debris and other potential allergens. The brand also sells bagless models for those who are ready to leave the bag behind. (Read more in our guide to the best canister and upright vacuums.)

Size: 6.75 quarts | Weight: 12.6 pounds | Material: Enameled cast iron | Max oven temperature: 500°F | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime

After testing eight Dutch ovens, Schweitzer awarded Le Creuset the honor of best Dutch oven overall. She has owned this particular cast iron pot for nearly 20 years, and while it's expensive enough to call an investment, it performs as well as it did on day one. 

This iconic piece of cookware is made in France and comes in a virtual rainbow of colors. Schweitzer has used her pot (in the shade "Flame") for just about every cooking task — boiling, braising, searing — and it has conquered them all. It's also relatively lightweight (12.6 pounds for a 6.75-quart pot).

While $445 is a major splurge, we often see this high-quality pot on sale for about $300 (still a lot!). But if you consider its versatility and how long it will last you, it's worth every penny. Read our review of the Le Creuset Dutch oven for more.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 5.5 oz | Style: Japanese

After slicing and dicing with nine worthy knives, we consider the Global Classic Chef's Knife to be the Goldilocks of this category — it's not too heavy and not too light, and it slices through almost everything as if your food is as soft as Marshmallow Fluff. The knife felt balanced in Schweitzer's hand, was easy to maneuver and the blade was remarkably sharp. It was a pleasure to use, and while not a traditional-looking knife, it has a modern steel design we love. 

What's truly unusual about Global knives is that they are crafted end to end from a single piece of stainless steel (it's called CROMOVA 18, which is a blend of chromium, molybdenum and vanadium metals). The handle features a perforated pattern that's quite comfortable to grip. Read more in our guide to the best chef's knives.

Capacity: 9 cups | Size: 15"W x 8.3"D x 17.2"H | Features: Thermal carafe, programmable, can make a single cup | Warranty: 2 years

Our top pick for the best drip coffee maker is incredibly simple to use, with a single dial that lets you control everything. It costs $230, which is pricey, but it works just as well, if not better than, similar coffee makers that are more expensive.

The instructions are straightforward: You turn the dial to select your brew size and get access to the menu, which lets you change the time, program the wake-up timer and more. Despite the simple design, the machine packs in thoughtful features like a countdown clock that starts once your coffee is done so you know how long it's been sitting. Overall, it's a quiet and quick machine (it took about eight-and-a-half minutes to make a full pot) with a high-tech look. All the removable parts other than the carafe are dishwasher-safe. We had some minor gripes about the carafe; to find out more, read our Oxo Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker review.

Machine size: 15.54"H x 11.39"W x 9.13"D | Water tank capacity: 60 ounces | Brew style: Pod or basket | Servings: 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces, plus carafe option | Modes: Classic, rich, over ice, specialty

This Ninja, our favorite ice coffee maker, offers lots of bells and whistles without taking up too much counter space. It's also really easy to operate, and it works quickly. Brewing a 12-ounce cup of iced coffee took about 75 seconds, the fastest of any model. Also stellar: The integrity of the iced coffee it produces, which was cold and strong with little ice melt or sediment — the closest to what we'd find at a specialty coffee shop. The water reservoir is substantial, and there's a fold-out frother for adding foam to hot or cold beverages. The (mostly) touchscreen display — with graphics — adds visibility while making your kitchen feel like a high-end café. 

We also loved this machine's pod feature; read more in our story on the best single-serve coffee makers.

Water tank capacity: 42 oz. (about 4 cups of coffee) | Machine size: 5.1" width x 12.6" height x 12.8" depth | Colors: Black | Watts: 1,520

Our winner for the best Keurig coffee maker delivers everything you'd want from a single-cup machine and more. It makes four cup sizes (8, 10 and 12 ounces, and a 2-ounce shot), the buttons are clear and intuitive and it offers an "over ice" option that automatically adjusts brew temperature for less-watery iced coffee. Plus, it comes with a bonus for anyone who likes lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-style drinks: an excellent standalone milk frother.

Keurig makes four versions of the K-Café, all of which feature frothers. The Barista Bar is the most affordable and streamlined of the bunch. The frother is incredibly easy to use, whipping up both hot and cold froth that strikes the balance between creamy and cloudlike fluffy. 

Size: 9.8"L x 7.2" W x 9.1"H | Capacity: 1.8 liters | Automatic shutoff? Yes | Max temp: 212°F

The IQ Kettle strikes the perfect balance between form and function — and if you have other stainless steel appliances on your countertop, it will fit right in. The base and handle stay cool to the touch and a "soft top lid" gently releases steam. We like how the five preset buttons allow you to easily select a drink type and temperature, especially helpful for groggy mornings — plus they light up, so you know what's happening.

This kettle reached its maximum temp in about four-and-a-half minutes and the warming function kept it steady for another 20 minutes. Despite the warmer then shutting off, the water still hovered in the 160°F range about an hour later, speaking to the kettle's impressive insulation. Read more about this pick in our guide to the best electric kettles.

Sizes available: 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch | Weight: 2 lbs | Material: Aluminum with removable silicone grip | Oven safe: Yes, up to 400°F | Dishwasher safe: yes | Induction: Compatible | Warranty: Lifetime

Full disclosure: Our resident cookware tester, Lisa Schweitzer, been using a Tramontina nonstick pan for years. She says (and this is a direct quote), "Cooking with this pan is a dream! With only a slick of oil, eggs slide right off the surface and over the flared edge onto the plate." It performed as well or better than the other pans we tested, crisping salmon skin to brown ASMR perfection and cooking golden pancakes without hot spots. 

Cleanup is a breeze and only requires a few swipes with a soapy sponge, even around the rivets that secure the handle. About that handle: The removable silicone grip is a plus, as it keeps the handle cool on the stovetop. It also gives it added grip and makes it extra comfortable to hold. Read more about this skillet in our guide to the best nonstick pans.

Sizes: 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch | Material: 5-ply clad stainless steel | Oven safe: Yes, up to 800°F | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Induction: Compatible | Warranty: Limited lifetime

There wasn't much not to like about our winner of the best stainless steel pan! At 2.25 pounds, it maneuvered well from the range to the oven and felt balanced while Schweitzer seared chicken thighs, sautéed onions and deglazed the pan. She also really enjoyed the handle (which isn't something we had thought much about prior to testing) because it stayed cool on the stove.

This pan is made from 5-ply clad stainless steel layered with aluminum, which helps it produce a deep golden-brown sear on proteins like chicken or steak and ensures it will perform at high temperatures. It's oven-safe up to 800°F, which a home oven can't even reach, but it means that the pan holds up under the broiler. As far as the price, $119 is up there for a single piece of cookware, though it's often on sale for $100. But for a restaurant-quality piece, it's worth it.

Set includes: 8-inch and 10-inch skillet, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid and a steamer insert with lid | Material: Stainless steel | Oven safe: Yes, up to 500°F with silicone grip; up to 500°F for broiler use | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Induction: Compatible | Warranty: Lifetime

Cuisinart is a trusted name in cookware and this triple-ply stainless steel set offers a ton of value — no wonder we named it the best cookware set of 2024. With two skillets, three pots and a steamer insert (hello, broccoli), you're ready for almost any cooking task. And at $300 (when it's not on sale for less) it's truly a steal. All the pieces can go from stovetop to oven and can even withstand a blast under the broiler. They're of medium weight and while not the easiest we've ever maneuvered, they were manageable and felt balanced. The handles remained cool while on the stovetop.

Cleaning stainless steel pans is always more challenging than their nonstick counterparts, so prepare to put in some elbow grease. While this set is technically dishwasher-safe, we suggest you hand-wash and -dry it to extend its lifespan. 

Blade material: High-carbon stainless steel | Handle material: Polypropylene | Blade length: 9" | Wash instructions: Hand wash

Our best carving knife hails from the beloved German brand Wüsthof, which is also Ina Garten's favorite knife maker — and for good reason. This stellar utensil will keep you carving for decades thanks to a full tang (meaning it's made from one piece of stainless steel from end to end) and a triple-riveted handle. It feels comfortable in hand, it's exceptionally sharp, and at 9 inches long, it will help you maneuver around any bone-in roast you cook. The dimples in the blade create space between the blade and the food so that the steel doesn't get sticky during slicing.

The Chef'sChoice 1520 is Ina Garten's favorite sharpener, and we can see why. It's about as foolproof as it gets, with three sharpening sections an abrasives made of diamond (the hardest material on earth — it can sharpen anything). One section is for Western knives, one for Eastern (Japanese) knives and one for polishing/honing all knives. The process is simple: Turn on the power and slowly run your knife from the base of the blade to the tip several times through each side of the Western or Eastern sharpening section. Then run the blade several times through the honing section. 

It comes at a hefty price — $190 — but if you are really interested in keeping your knives in tip-top shape and you have the space and budget for it, this electric knife sharpener is certainly the easiest and best we could find. To learn more, check out our story on the best knife sharpeners.

Size: 12"D x 16.5"W x 12.25"H | Capacity: 6 quarts | Power: 1800 watts | Max temp: 450°F | Style: Single-basket | Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, broil or warm | Care: Dishwasher-safe basket and tray

Topping our list for the best air fryers is this versatile model, which boasts substantial cooking room, requires minimal maintenance and is easy to use, all while looking sleek. It comes pre-assembled, so there's no setup required, and the accompanying instructions are intuitive.

A bright LED interface displays five functions — air fry, roast, bake, broil, and warm — plus five presets. We assessed the air fry function by making french fries, breaded chicken tenders, chicken wings and crab rangoons, using package instructions and the "frozen" preset where there were none. Everything came out right on time and was juicy on the outside and crispy on the inside.

While air-frying was the main focus of our test, we also tried several other functions: Our roasted chicken breasts, baked salmon and broiled steaks cooked to perfection.

Size: 5"D x 7.5"W x 9.5"H | Capacity: 32 ounces | Brewer type: Pitcher with infusion filter | Function: Cold or hot brew

Our top pick for the best cold brew maker is not only easy to use but easy to maintain — all the parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe. At less than 10 inches tall, the pitcher is large enough to yield 1 quart of cold brew coffee yet compact enough for smaller refrigerators, narrow cabinets and traveling. 

The pitcher is shatter-proof, plus stain- and odor-resistant and the lid screws on tightly so your coffee stays fresh for up to two weeks. Unlike other cold brew coffee makers we tested, it's also completely spill-proof — even when you turn the pitcher upside down. Last but certainly not least, the cold brew itself is high quality, similar to what you might expect from a café. 

Material: Tritan plastic or glass bases with plastic lids | Care: Plastic containers are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe (bases and lids) | Quantity: 24 pieces

Topping our list for the best food storage containers is Rubbermaid's Brilliance line, which comes in a variety of sizes, available with either a glass or BPA-free Tritan plastic base. We tested the Tritan plastic and they were durable yet lightweight, the flip-style lids were easy to clean and, when locked, the set proved to be airtight. Based on our experience, the containers are also odor- and stain-resistant, so they still smell fresh and look like new after being used to store saucy foods such as marinara sauce and hot wings.

Unlike some other plastic containers on the market, these containers have excellent clarity. Another biggie: The bases and the lids in both the plastic and glass versions are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe. 

Material: 18/8 stainless steel | Cap: Standard mouth, Wide mouth, Flex straw or Flex chug | Volume: 24, 32, 40 or 64 ounces

The Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle is resilient, practical and — thanks to numerous cap and capacity options — customizable. It was the best insulated water bottle we tried.

The pliable loop on the cap made for agile carrying, while the Flex straw option provided quick access to water. The double-wall vacuum insulation kept our drinks cold for the promised 24 hours, and the entire water bottle proved dishwasher safe. Our tester, Granero, has owned and used Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottles for several years and, despite countless drops and washing cycles, they remain leakproof and look like new.

Size: 6.22"L x 12.05"W x 29.68"H | Weight: 7.1 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.6 liters | Run time: 40 minutes | Filter: Yes | Power: 450 watts

The appeal of this type of vac lies in its agility and sleekness, and none could beat this popular Tineco model, which we crowned the best cordless stick vacuum, thanks to its performance, snazzy features and competitive price. Our tester, senior home writer Kristin Granero, said this 7-pound vac "swivels like a dream" and is "incredibly quiet — enough that it probably wouldn't wake a sleeping baby."

It easily sucked up faux fur, sand, kitty litter, rice and cereal from a variety of flooring types, and it has a run time of 40 minutes, enough to cover most (if not all) of a house. Granero loved the LCD screen that displays important reminders, such as when the filter needs swapping. And did we mention it's WiFi-enabled and connects to Tineco's app?

Size: 10.5"L x 9.8"W x 49.6"H | Weight: 7.6 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.8 liters | Run time: 70 minutes | Filter: Yes | Power: 280 watts | Tube color: Purple

Dyson is famous for its lightweight, high-tech gadgets and none impressed us in our testing for the best cordless Dyson vacuum quite like the Gen5detect. It performed so well, Granero also named it one of the best lightweight vacuums (it weighs just 5.22 pounds, the lightest of any Dyson).

The cleaner brush head can be adjusted to optimize for different surfaces and materials, plus it comes a fluffy optic cleaner brush head that lights anything in its path fluorescent green, allowing for optimal visibility (we felt like real-life Ghostbusters powering this thing!). Because the brush is narrow and shallow, it gets right up against trims and didn’t miss finer materials, such as rice and sand. 

Granero was blown away by the Gen5detect's 70-minute runtime and 280 air watts of suction power, which is more than any other cordless Dyson. And unlike other Dyson stick vacs, you don't have to press down on a button to keep it powered. 

Size: 15.5"L x 11.02"W x 42.2"H | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Bin capacity: 1.7 liters | Vacuum type: Corded upright | Filter: HEPA | Power: 290 watts

This "animal-style" vacuum from Dyson is a powerful force to be reckoned with. No wonder we named it the best vacuum for pet hair! While it might appear intimidating, it's fairly easy to assemble — and even easier to use. Plug in the cord, choose one of three surface settings and press the red power button to operate. 

The vac devoured Cheerios, faux fur, kitty litter, rice and other materials from carpet and hardwood. It also made matted pet fur disappear from low-pile car mats in one fell swoop. In fact, this vacuum was so powerful that we had to hold the mat down for the highest settings.

During testing, Granero took all the vacuums for pet hair to her grandmother's house. Or, more precisely, to her cat Caylee's nesting spot, an area of carpet that had so much embedded fur that it formed a furry veil most vacuums could barely touch. As Granero and her grandmother watched in awe, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 managed to get up every last hair.

Fabric: Long-staple Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 28" x 55" | Color: 15 options | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex; Ecocert Greenlife

If a fluffy, fast-drying towel is what you seek, look no further than this bestselling Pottery Barn pick. 

Design and feel: The first thing I noticed upon delivery was just how soft the Hydrocotton was, made of ultra-smooth, long-staple Turkish cotton. And for a regular towel (versus one marketed as plush), it's pretty thick. Like with my other top picks, I couldn't stop touching it. The design is fairly classic: There's a narrow hem, just shy of an inch, and it has a dobby measuring just over two inches wide.

Absorbency: In my absorbency test, the towel was able to hold two liters of water without dripping, on the higher end for a towel in the traditional (versus plush) cotton/terry category. The clincher: It dried faster than any towel I tested, in only 30 minutes.

Durability: After five wash and dry cycles, the towel was just as absorbent and almost as soft as it was initially, plus it felt fluffier. It shrank to 52.5 inches in length after some use, but maintained its color saturation. 

The towel is not only cozy, but cost-conscious when compared to the other luxury towels, ringing in at about $35 and often on sale. It comes in a generous range of colors (16 total), complete with optional monogramming. 

Fabric: Long-staple Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 30" x 58" | Color options: White, Pebble and Onyx, plus seasonal shades | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex

Brooklinen's Dreamweave reigned supreme in our hunt for the best waffle towel, thanks to its textured yet polished look and "dreamy" feel.

It's designed like a traditional waffle towel in that it has fairly deep, spongy square pockets. What sets it apart is its amazing hand feel. Made of 100% long-staple Turkish cotton that's been prewashed for softness, it was the coziest towel in our initial assessments and remained so after five wash-and-dry cycles. It didn't seem to lose any color (if anything, it appeared a tad more saturated in the end). And it was the fastest drying: When tumble-dried on low, it was ready to go in about 10 minutes, whereas others took 30 minutes or so.

Dimensions: 48"D x 26"W x 57"H | Fuel type: Propane gas | Burners: Two | Wheels: Two

Weber's Spirit II propane gas grill is a compact, no-frills gas grill that gets the job done — and then some. Two stainless steel burners let you carve out hot and cold zones for more targeted results. There's a built-in lid thermometer for gauging temperatures, two wheels for added mobility and two side trays — one of them collapsible — for creating prep space. You'll need a 20-pound propane tank, but it's easy to set up (use the Weber app to access assembly instructions in 3D). For added peace of mind, it comes with a two-year warranty.

Read more in our best grills guide.

Dimensions: 27"D x 53"W x 49"H | Fuel type: Wood pellets | Burners: N/A | Wheels: Four

There's a lot of buzz surrounding Traeger pellet grills for good reason: These dynamos can tackle a lot of cooking functions including smoking, grilling and baking. This roomy model in particular is Amazon's "overall pick," with nearly 1,000 five-star ratings for its large capacity (you can cook up 40 burgers, eight chickens or seven racks of ribs) and durable alloy steel construction. The grill reaches up to 450°F and has an ultra-precise temperature controller that allows for 15-degree adjustments — so everything comes out juuuust right. Bonus: It's WiFi-enabled so you can tweak the temperature using the corresponding app even when your grates aren't in sight.

Read more in our best grills guide.

Size: 16.3 x 21 x 18.6 in. (12.4 x 13.4-in. cooking surface) | Weight: 44 lbs. | Power source: Wood and gas | Warranty: 1 year; 5 years with registration

First up: the Gozney Roccbox, a futuristic-looking pizza oven pod that, according to our experts, manages to strike the perfect balance between performance and convenience. “Its dual-fuel compatibility (gas and wood) offers flexibility, and the built-in thermometer ensures accurate temperature control. I use it both at home and during outdoor events like barbecues and picnics. The quick preheating and easy clean-up make it ideal for spontaneous pizza nights," says Craig Agranoff, founder and editor in chief of WorstPizza.com, a pizza review and directory site that covers restaurants nationwide. “It’s a great option for people who don't have the space for a larger oven like the Dome,” adds Mangieri (more on the Dome to come). “It’s also portable, which makes it incredibly versatile.” 

We tested the Roccbox and can attest to its convenience (it came fully assembled, was quick to start and fired up in about 15 minutes) and versatility (for a smaller oven, it still has enough room to cook a 12-inch pizza, as well as other food items, though we’d advise using a pan for messier sauces and meats). The retractable legs are convenient and safe for propping the oven on a table or taking it on the go.

The oven has a special coating which keeps it from scorching (we were able to touch it lightly without burning our fingers, though, as with any hot device, you’ll want to be careful) and it’s sold in four finishes — from bright Olive to bold Black, including a special-edition Ranger green shade. Each Roccbox comes with a detachable gas burner and a professional pizza peel (worth $85), adding to its overall value.