But we wouldn’t be CR if we didn’t get in the weeds and get our hands (and houses) dirty to discover the distinctive differences among these cleaners so that you can make an informed shopping decision. We defaced mirrors with red lipstick, spilled vegetable oil on a stovetop, marked stainless steel appliances with greasy handprints,…
To put a wall oven through its paces, our experts use a combination of calibrated time and temperature measurements that size up how evenly an oven distributes heat for baking, broiling, and self-cleaning. Our test engineers bake over 400 cakes and 2,400 cookies each year, looking for the models that do the best job baking…
Usually, I’d buy the first brand I see, but after testing some popular glues in our lab, I know better. To test 11 multipurpose glues, we glued 88 blocks of wood together. We tested the strength with a force gauge after curing for 24 hours, submerging the glued blocks in water, and exposing them to…
They’re Only for Hard FloorsDon’t mistake a combo vacuum-mop with a dedicated carpet cleaner. In fact, they can’t be used on carpet at all. While vacuum mops do suck up some of the liquid they dispense, the suction power isn’t sufficient to remove all the liquid from the carpet, often leaving it wet. And because…
Car shoppers often face the dilemma of being drawn to an older model or even a high-mileage model that’s otherwise a perfect match for their budget, needs, or tastes. This is especially true in today’s market, where vehicle selection is haphazard and late-model, low-mileage cars are in short supply. So if you have to compromise,…
The Omni looks nice. It’s a step up from your average office chair design, with a bit of class and a design language on the backrest that resembles the spine-like look of the Herman Miller Embody. It comes in Midnight Black or Space Gray (creative names), and my unit is the latter. The company says…
For additional protection, look for a space heater equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug, says Samantha Ostrander, who oversees CR’s space heater tests. These bulky plugs—similar to those seen on hair dryers—safeguard against differences in current and can also protect against a dangerous electrical shock. Like GFCI outlets, ALCI plugs typically feature…
Another purchasing point to keep in mind: Claims about pocket size can’t always be trusted. “More than 30 percent of our tested models claimed to fit up to an 18-inch mattress, but their actual pocket-depth measurements were short even before washing,” says Li Wang, who oversees CR’s testing of sheets. None of the sheets in…
I’m a picky person when it comes to mattresses. Of the hundreds I’ve tested over my career as a certified sleep coach and mattress tester, I have a short list of ones that have exceeded my expectations. At the top of my list is the Nolah Evolution, with the distinct honor of being the mattress…
Phone charger: In addition to bringing a charging cord and power adapter, carry a small battery-based charger in case your car’s battery dies. Basic tools: Carry standard and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, and a compact socket set. Add a small replacement fuse kit for electrical emergencies. Tire tools: Pack an easier-to-use lug or torque wrench, as…
