Compatibility can include the option to stack a pair of machines using a special hardware kit. It could also mean machines sync up with each other to optimize performance. “Pairs come in a variety of styles,” says Allie Chilicki, a CR market analyst. “Most pairs have similar cycles, so if the washer has a casual…
Whole bean or ground? Preground coffee is convenient and tends to brew a consistent-tasting cup. But buying whole beans and grinding them right before brewing will intensify the coffee’s flavor and aroma, says Scott Rao, a coffee consultant and author of “The Professional Barista’s Handbook.” That’s because you’re limiting its exposure to air. This is…
Michael Calore: OK. What is it that you love about it? Leah Feiger: The chaos, the boring, boring chaos. It’s like, for sure, it’s high stakes for these people. These are real people with real lives and real feelings, but it’s, every single episode is like, “I just love you so much, but I don’t…
Both canned and frozen fruit and vegetables can be great options, especially when fresh produce is out of season or too expensive. But there are some key differences between the two preservation methods that give frozen produce a slight edge. A package of frozen fruit or vegetables typically contains just the produce itself, blanched and/or…
In fact, wheelability and durability—how well zippers, handles, fabric, and other features hold up—are the most prized features in carry-on luggage, according to a survey of 8,168 Consumer Reports members who own carry-ons. And among the 23 luggage brands members reported owning, only two—the premium names Away and Briggs & Riley—excelled in both attributes. “Away…
Honorable Mentions Now that the majority of new headphones and earbuds offer at least a modicum of noise canceling, it’d be impossible (and unproductive) to list everything we like above. If you haven’t yet found your fit, here are more favorites worth considering. Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 for $280: These simple-looking earbuds (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are…
Temperatures and leaves are starting to fall in many parts of the country, and new-car discounts are rising. This can be a great time to get a deal on a new car because dealerships are looking to clear out leftover 2025 vehicles to make room for the 2026s—particularly when the ’26 is redesigned. To help…
An air fryer works by rapidly circulating hot air and a small amount of oil to fry foods. The oil and air work in tandem, transferring heat via conduction (the direct contact of the hot oil) and convection (the heavy rotation of hot air). The air-fry function works the same way in a wall oven…
Using heat pumps can be one of the most efficient ways to cool and heat your home. Compared with other heating and cooling devices, they are eco-friendly and could save you money. In cooling mode, they work like air conditioners, extracting heat from the air inside and releasing it outside. In heating mode, they do…
With the improvements in stick-vac performance, we’ve ratcheted up our tests for the category. We’ve made our pet hair tests a bit more challenging, and we now embed dirt in carpeting instead of scattering it on the surface as we used to do. For bare-floor testing, instead of combining all the debris into a messy…