Best Wood Stains of 2025 (and a Few of the Worst)

We’ve found significant differences from one formulation to another. One year of testing tells you how a stain will do after a year on your deck or about three years of weathering on vertical surfaces (siding or fences), as you’ll see in our wood stain ratings.  Our location in the Northeast exposes the boards to…

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Should You Buy a Car With a Rebuilt Title?

Depending on your state, a salvage vehicle might have special requirements before it can be titled. For example, New York requires a salvage vehicle that is recovered after a theft or rebuilt after sustaining damage to be inspected by the Department of Motor Vehicles before the DMV can issue a new title. Check the current…

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Best MacBook Accessories We’ve Tested and Reviewed (2025)

The MacBook is a powerful machine. Whether you’re using a MacBook Air for web browsing and sending emails or a MacBook Pro for graphics-intensive projects like video editing and 3D design, Apple’s laptops can do the job. But I suggest throwing some accessories into the mix. A slew of peripherals can vastly improve your experience,…

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Will Using a Space Heater Save You Money?

A space heater is economical only if you use it judiciously. That’s because, in general, electricity is pricier than natural gas (which is the most common type of whole-home heating fuel in the northern U.S.). They should be used as supplemental heat, not as a substitute for a thermostat that warms your entire home. Keep…

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Best Battery Lawn Tool Brands

And that’s for good reason. Our tests confirm that battery (or cordless) lawn tools often match or beat the performance of gas models. They also start instantly, run quietly, and have zero emissions at the source.  Emissions from gas-powered outdoor tools are often worse than those from cars, and as a group, gas tools tend…

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Best Diaper Bags of 2025, According to a Mom of 5

I evaluated my top diaper bag picks below based on comfort, functionality, style, and size. I sought to answer questions for every mom who texted me my recommendation as a “veteran parent,” including the best diaper bags for both parents, the best changing mat, diaper bags with accessible pockets, the best style and fabrics, and…

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Best Concentrated Cleaners

There’s a caveat: You’ll have to roll up your sleeves and play amateur chemist by diluting the cleaner with the exact amount of water needed for your particular cleaning job. For most of these cleaners, you’ll either need a set of reusable spray bottles and a few labels to keep everything organized or a large…

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