Best for large rooms		Mila Smart Air Purifier		SEE IT	This all-purpose smart air purifier adapts to room size and comes with a carbon monoxide detector and sleep and white noise modes.
Best HEPA		Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier		SEE IT	This HEPA model features four layers of filtration in a stylish design.
Best for allergies		InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier		SEE IT	Certified to keep you safe from dangerous levels of ozone gas.

Air purifiers suck in pollen, dust, smoke, other allergens, and even viruses—pummeling them and then circulating clean, filtered air. It sounds simple enough, but not all purifiers are created equal, and there isn’t one that’s right for every person. Your particular environment and the size of your home are huge factors in choosing the best option for you. Is allergy season wreaking havoc on your sinuses? Do you live in a smoggy city? Has wildfire smoke been wafting through, blanketing everything in an unnatural haze? In short, even the finest filters aren’t guaranteed to fix all that ails you and your home. But if you’re wondering whether air purifiers are really worth it … we think so. They can help distribute cleaner air, and that’s always a good thing, considering the link between air quality and health. So, read on as we clear the air on what we think are the best air purifiers.

• Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
• Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier
• Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom
• Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
• Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier
• Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
• Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
• Best for smoke: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
• Best portable: WYND Smart Plus Personal Portable Air Purifier
• Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

How we chose the best air purifiers

As pet owners and parents, we’ve experienced our fair share of smells and toxins—and that’s just from inside the house. To create this list of the best air purifiers, we relied on peer recommendations, critical reviews, online research, user impressions, and plentiful personal testing. We also examined what each air purifier claims to eliminate from the air, HEPA square footage, and MERV ratings.

The best air purifiers: Reviews & Recommendations

Pollen, pet dander, smells, smoke, germs, and other airborne goblins are no match for the best air purifiers. This list includes quiet air purifiers, ones that double as humidifiers, and even ones that claim they can help with a majority of airborne pathogens.

Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde

Tony Ware

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This three-in-one smart device automatically adapts to changes in air quality and humidity.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 400 square feet
• Dimensions: 36.66 x 11.02 x 12.23 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 59.8 dB

Pros

• Connectivity with Siri and Alexa
• Three products in one
• Air quality reporting

Cons

• Expensive

Between its TikTok- and Insta-famous Airwrap multistyler to its line of powerful vacuums, Dyson has made a name for itself in sucking—which we don’t mean negatively. The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde proves yet again that Sir James Dyson really knows what he’s doing when it comes to pushing air out and in. This air purifier uses an intelligent sensing system and Air Multiplier technology to purify, humidify, and cool the air. You don’t even need to touch the stylish, distinctive unit—it automatically senses and reacts to changes in air quality and humidity (we’ve watched one enthusiastically spring to life time and time again after a particularly aggressive sauté session in the kitchen). It even features a solid-state sensor to detect and destroy formaldehyde emitted by household items—a boon if you’re in a newly renovated/refurbished space, as fresh carpet and new mattresses are emitting odd things.

You don’t have to worry about airborne baddies getting re-released into the air since the entire purifier-humidifier is fully sealed to the HEPA H13 standard. If you love numbers, neat tech, and data, this machine will tickle your brain when it reports your air quality in real time on the LCD screen and DysonLink app (which you can use to tweak/schedule usage). The filters are low-maintenance and easy to replace, and the machine features a deep-clean cycle to get rid of mineral build-up and bacteria that may be lurking in the water system. Although it’s almost $1,000, you’re getting three devices for the cost of one. Talk about smart.

Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier

Mila

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Why it made the cut: This mold- and carbon monoxide-detecting air purifier comes in different filter configurations for custom air purification.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 1,000 square feet 
• Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 15 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 62 dB but lowers to 24 dB while in room

Pros

• Stylist
• Small
• Carbon monoxide, mold detection, and white noise machine built-in

Cons

• Reviews note excessive air quality notifications

This classy, app-controllable large room air purifier adapts to the size of whatever room it’s placed in. It also looks great in any room it’s placed in. The filter has 45 square feet of HEPA, and with 447 CADR, it’s effective in rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Additional features include a sleep mode and white noise so that it won’t interfere with your sleeping habits. The device also features a carbon monoxide detector. It will monitor your room’s humidity and let you know if it detects any mold. If you’re not a fan of notifications, disable them if you go with the Mila—reviewers note that the Mila app sends lots of alerts.

Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom

Levoit

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Why it made the cut: Take this lightweight, compact air purifier from room to room to experience dual-filter, three-stage filtration in your entire home.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 161 square feet
• Dimensions: 6.69 x 6.69 x 10.43 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 52 dB

Pros

• Aromatherapy
• Dual-filter, three-stage filtration
• Specifically targets hay fever

Cons

• Not for large homes

The Levoit promises to help relieve allergies, congestion, and sneezing and is our pick for the best small air purifier. Although we can’t vouch for the unit’s specific efficacy against rhinitis, we can vouch for the fact that it has three filters (one more than most other units): HEPA for dust, pollen, and dander; carbon for odors; and polyester for lint and hair. One fun additional feature is that this one has an aromatherapy option if you’d like a little lavender to help lull you to sleep at night.

Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max

Tony Ware

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Particles down to .1 microns are no match for this quiet-but-powerful air purifier.

Specs

• Recommended room size: Up to 929 square feet
• Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 50 dB

Pros

• Removes particles down to .1 micron
• Stylish
• App connectivity

Cons

• Reviews note occasional problems with auto-sensing

Blueair makes svelte cylinders with Scandinavian style packed with highly effective electrostatic and mechanical filtration. The Blue Pure 311i Max is HEPASilent but deadly … against microbes in the air. This stylish, small air purifier features five fan speeds and a one-touch auto mode with a fine particles (PM 2.5) sensor to monitor concentration and adjust speed according. This air purifier can clean a 387-square-foot room in 12.5 minutes and a 929-square-foot space in 30 minutes (there are both larger and smaller models, so something for every home). And, it snags all those particles (99.97% of them down to 0.1 micron) all nearly undetected, clocking in at 23 dB on low/night mode—louder than a quiet natural area with no wind but softer than a whisper. And it never runs above 50dB, which makes it QuietMark certified and perfect for a bedroom, TV room, any room … plus it’s only 8 pounds, so it’s easy to move around while you decide between your study and your yoga studio (or realize it’s easiest to buy two).

Is it working? We barely hear it. But we also don’t hear ourselves sneezing and wheezing and complaining about our watery eyes, so we’re going with yes. If we need more confirmation, we can look at a five-color LED that changes according to Air Quality Index (AQI), or we can reference an app that gives insight into indoor vs. outdoor pollution and lets you control mode, tweak LED Brightness, set a schedule, and more (assuming the 311i Max and your phone are connected to WiFi). And if we don’t want it to be working, Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility let us turn it off with voice commands if our phone isn’t convenient. While some reviews note that the auto-sensing feature is not as accurate as they hoped, we’ve observed the Blue Pure 311i Max react firsthand thanks to a low smoke-point cooking oil incident or two. It was lively even from across a loft apartment—and helped with the post-coming odors. And the washable pre-filter fabric cover (shown above in “Stockholm Fog” color, quietly complementing some audio-video gear) meshed effortlessly with the decor to boot.

Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier

Coway

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Why it made the cut: Stylish-meets-powerful with this True HEPA air purifier that features four levels of filtration.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 330 square feet
• Dimensions: 10.5 × 32.7 × 10.7 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 52 dB

Pros

• Real-time air sensing
• Washable pre-filter
• Air quality indicator

Cons

• Noisier compared to other air purifiers

Multiple fan speeds, a timer, an air-quality assessor, and a filter-replacement indicator light make this the best HEPA air purifier—not just quiet and effective, but user-friendly. At just under $200, it’s neither cheap nor exorbitant for an air purifier, and it’s also aesthetically pleasing. Reviewers note that this air purifier is noisier than most.

Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier

Germ Guardian

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Why it made the cut: This quiet air purifier uses CARB-compliant UVC light and titanium dioxide to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 153 square feet
• Dimensions: 10.25 x 6.75 x 21.5 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 61.2 dB

Pros

• Quiet
• Reduces odors
• Pre-filter traps allergens

Cons

• UV light can be bad for the environment

UVC light (the most destructive of all the UVs) in an air purifier works as a UVGI—ultraviolet germicidal irradiation—disinfection method by attacking the DNA of cells floating through the air, like mold spores, viruses, and bacteria. (This means, like all other filters, it cannot do anything for particles that have settled into fabric). An activated charcoal filter reduces odors. The 22-inch purifier filters air four times per hour at maximum speed in rooms up to 153 square feet. The four fan speeds, whisper-quiet operation, and CARB compliance make this air purifier an especially good pick for allergy sufferers. California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliance means you can rest easy about its environmental footprint.

Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier

InvisiClean

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Why it made the cut: CARB compliance plus four levels of air purification equals an exorcism for your sneezes.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 319 square feet
• Dimensions: 12.34 x 6.25 x 17.75 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 55 dB

Pros

• Four fan speeds
• Quiet
• CARB compliant

Cons

• No auto-sensing

The four fan speeds, whisper-quiet operation, and CARB compliance make this air purifier an especially good pick for allergy sufferers. The California Air Resources Board requires purifiers to produce .050 parts per million of ozone or less, so any device with this certification keeps you safe from unsafe gas levels.

Best for smoke: Alen BreatheSmart 75i

Alen

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Detailed air quality indicators, a B7-Pure filter, and a CADR of 347 mean that this air purifier will stop smoke in its tracks.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 1300 square feet
• Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 27 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 51 dB

Pros

• 8 colorways
• Quickly cleans large rooms
• Auto-adjusts based on air quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Little warranty

This is an easy pick for the best air purifier for smoke, thanks to its CADR of 347 (out of 450). Thanks to automatic air-quality detection, when any type of smoke is present, the unit will kick up to turbo. When no irritants are present, the device goes into energy-saving mode. Five air quality colors give you a more detailed visual indicator of air quality—other air purifiers only include three color indicators.

Best portable: WYND Smart Plus Personal Portable Air Purifier

Tony Ware

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Take clean air onto the airplane or into the office with this water bottle-sized air purifier developed by NASA and MIT engineers.

Specs

• Recommended room size: N/A
• Dimensions: 9.57 x 8.62 x 4.33 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 55 dB

Pros

• Small
• iOS/Android app
• Medical-grade filter

Cons

• Expensive for size

This small-but-mighty air purifier designed by NASA and MIT engineers fits in a cup holder and can purify the air in a car in under 15 minutes—that’s eight liters of air per second. And that comes in handy in a world of wildfires and other pollutants you might encounter as you travel—something we know from experience, as one accompanied three passengers in a Honda CR-V through the smoke-heavy American West during fall 2021. And, if you like numbers, the WYND air purifier connects to an iOS/Android app to track real-time hyperlocalized data on dust and other particulates. It also enables you to switch between different purifier presets, like auto and night, control other WYND devices, and alerts you when encountering poor air quality. The included desktop kickstand accessory lets you position the air purifier to direct a clean bubble toward your face (as shown above), giving your nose and lungs instant access to medical-grade filtered air in an office or elsewhere.

Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

Amanda Reed

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This compact air purifier tackles smoke, dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses without hurting your wallet.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 219 square feet
• Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 16.25 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 50 dB

Pros

• Filter life indicator
• Timer
• Quiet

Cons

• Louder than other air purifiers

This cheap air purifier targets smoke, dust, and pollen, along with some bacteria and viruses. Four specialty replacement filters include a pet-allergy option and a toxin absorber for particularly smoky or smoggy areas. Like higher-end air purifiers that are more expensive, this Levoit air purifier features timer settings and a sleep mode. And the display lights can be turned off to ensure a pitch-black room when sleeping. Although the air purifier is louder than some competitors, it resembles a whooshing fan at its highest setting—if you can deal with that, this air purifier is for you.

What to consider when buying the best air purifiers

The best air purifier for you might not be the one your best friend or neighbor loves. You want a HEPA filter with a high MERV rating that’s designed to cover the amount of space you have in your particular room or dwelling. Beyond that, consider whether you want other features like pathogen-killing UV light, smart controls, and/or odor elimination. Do you need the best air purifier for pets or perhaps something portable? Air purifiers for mold or models to get rid of smoke? Air filters work only on airborne particles. To get at anything that’s settled into upholstery or rugs, you’ll need a handy vacuum, a helpful robot, or something else that offers deep-clean suction.

Size of space

There’s an alphabet soup to make sense of when choosing the best air purifier for your home. ACH (air changes per hour) correlates to the airflow of your device. It’s calculated based on the volume of your space, ceiling height, and how many cubic feet per minute the device can cover. It’s independent of other factors, e.g., the filter’s efficacy—to calculate that you need the CADR (clean air delivery rate) rating; because a HEPA filter is more efficient, its CADR rating may be lower, which is deceptive.

The most important thing to note is that an air purifier’s efficacy cannot be calculated based on square footage alone. You can find handy calculators online to determine the proper purifier for your needs, but here’s what to consider with any device: Will it successfully rid your home of odors with carbon or other comparable filters? Is it a good choice for pet owners? Does it feature UV light? Read the fine print.

HEPA

You’ve likely heard of high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters. They are a type of pleated air filter that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of .3 microns.” The smaller the particle, the more penetrating and nefarious it can be. So when you’re shopping for air purifiers, check out their filters’ MERV (minimum efficiency reporting values) rating. The higher the MERV rating, the better it is at trapping the tiniest particles.

Suppose it’s the coronavirus that has you shopping for purifiers. In that case, it should be said that though a HEPA filter should be able to catch a virus of that size, there’s no conclusive proof that an air purifier can kill airborne COVID-19-carrying air droplets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that any room housing a coronavirus patient “should be exhausted directly to the outside, or be filtered through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter directly before recirculation.”

If your main concern about your indoor air quality is lingering food or cigarette smoke odors, make sure the model you’re considering specifically targets fumes and other volatile organic compounds. HEPA filters aren’t good at eliminating odors on their own.

The HEPA filter was initially designed to capture radioactive particles when the atomic bomb was being developed because it can capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as .3 microns, which can evade other types of filters. (This is sometimes referred to as “true HEPA,” as European HEPA standards are required to trap only 85 percent of particles.) It works by ensnaring, sieving, and rerouting irritating particles.

A HEPA air purifier is considered the gold standard, but it does have limitations. Any particle smaller than .3 microns—for example, some viruses and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like aerosols, ammonia, and other toxins—will slip right through. Changing your filter often enough is key. A HEPA filter does a great job of capturing mold. If you don’t change the filter, the purifier can redistribute that mold back into the air.

Allergies

The best air purifiers for allergies depend on what your particular triggers are because different filters work on different-sized particles. Pet hair and pollen are large particles, dust is medium-sized, and smoke is small. A combination HEPA-carbon filter is your best bet for filtering the maximum number of irritants to help reduce your allergies.

The addition of an ionizer and UV light, if you’re comfortable with it, adds a belt to your proverbial suspenders. Because UV light does create ozone particles, we recommend choosing an air purifier with UV light that’s approved for sale in California.

Smoke

Pollutants—like smoke and soot—can aggravate asthma, irritate your eyes, and stress your lungs and heart. An intuitive HEPA purifier with multiple fan speeds, maximum air circulation, and zero ozone output is the best one for allergy sufferers and people who are sensitive to smoke. The best air purifiers for smoke have a higher CADR rating. This means your device will be better at eliminating smoke and its odor, whether you’re talking about cigarettes, cannabis, or wildfires.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best air purifiers

• Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
• Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier
• Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom
• Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
• Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier
• Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
• Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
• Best for smoke: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
• Best portable: WYND Smart Plus Personal Portable Air Purifier
• Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

In almost every category, the best air purifiers have a true HEPA filter and a carbon filter. Together, they get you the most coverage regarding the breadth of pollutants the purifier will attack. Beyond that, the most important qualities are energy efficiency and picking the right model for the size of your room. Everything else—design, whether the device is app-enabled, UV lighting—is just gravy.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best air purifiers for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Summer is just around the corner, meaning backyard cookouts and outdoor parties with family and friends. You can save on the gear you’ll need for more than a seasons-worth of gatherings by shopping the best sales on kitchen items and appliances. From an outdoor pizza oven to a mug that has a basketball hoop, we have you covered.

Ooni Fyra 12 $244.30 (Was $349)

Ooni

SEE IT

Ooni is hosting a 30% off sale on select pizza ovens and accessories for Memorial Day Weekend, and you can score a $105 discount on the entry-level Fyra 12. This pizza oven runs on wood pellets and can reach temperatures of up to 950 Fahrenheit, necessary for cooking a traditional Neapolitan pie in about a minute. The Fyra 12 reaches its maximum temperature in about 15 minutes so that you can get cooking quickly—you don’t want to leave your guests hungry. If you’re not the one hosting the pizza party, the Fyra 12 is only 22 pounds, so you can easily grab it and go with ease. If you’ve been curious about getting a pizza oven but uncomfortable committing to one due to its price and typical size, don’t skip Ooni’s sale. The company even offers a 60-day guarantee, so you can knock out a few pies without making a full commitment.

Here are more Memorial Day kitchen and appliance deals:

Microwaves

• Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven $189.95 (Was $229.95)
• TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo $279.99; $239.99 with Prime member coupon (Was $299.99)

Toasters & toaster ovens

• Revolution R180B Touchscreen Toaster $341 (Was $450)
• Wolf Gourmet Elite Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven $739.99 (Was $949)
• Geek Chef 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots $49.99 (Was $79.99)
• Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster $22.61 (Was $28.99)

Air fryers & pressure cookers

• Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker $114 (Was $169.99)
• Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer $165 (WAs $199.99)
• Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker $129.99 (Was $169.99)
• Geek Chef Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo $129.99 (Was $199.98)
• Chefman 2-Slice Pop-Up Stainless Steel Toaster $24.99 (Was $29.99)
• Chefman TurboFry 2-Quart Air Fryer $42.99 (Was $49.99)
• Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo $124.99 (Was $179.99)
• Chefman Air Fryer 8 Qt with Probe Thermometer $88.99 (Was $119.99)

Blenders, food processors, & stand mixers

• Cuisinart 14 Cup Food Processor $229.99 (Was $249.95)
• Cuisinart SM-50BC Stand Mixer $179 (Was $299.95)
• KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender $49.99 (Was $59.99)
• Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System $159.99 (Was $199.99)
• Bonsenkitchen Handheld Blender $14.44 (Was $24.99)
• Ninja AMZ493BRN Compact Kitchen System $129.99 (Was $159.99)
• Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer $19.99 (Was $24.99)
• Chefman Immersion Stick Hand Blender $24.99 (Was $29.99)
• CHEFMAN Cordless Portable Immersion Blender 5-in-1 Blender Set $79.95 (Was $99.99)

Coffee & espresso machines

• Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, Matte Black $189.49 (Was $219.95)
• Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, 38 ounces, Matte Black $149.25 (Was $199)
• Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker $170 (Was $249.99)
• De’Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System $699.99 (Was $899.95)
• De’Longhi Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15″, Stainless Steel $149.95 (Was $199.95)
• De’Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15″, Black $139.95 (Was $207.95)
• Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker $26.99 (Was $29.99)
• Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker $44.99 (Was $64.99)
• Miele CM 5510 Silence Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Combo $1,599 (Was $1,899)
• Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine $399 (Was $549)
• Famiworths Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and Ground Coffee $46.18 (Was $72.99)
• The Original Glass French Press Coffee Maker by Cafe Du Chateau $24.99 (Was $42.99)
• Miele CM 6360 MilkPerfection Automatic Coffee Machine $2,078.52 (Was $2,799)
• Miele CM 5510 Silence Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Combo $1,599 (Was $1,899)
• Miele CM 6160 MilkPerfection Automatic Coffee Machine $1,700.52 (Was $2,299)
• Miele CM 6360 MilkPerfection Automatic Wifi Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Combo $2,499 (Was $2,799)
• Miele CM5300 Coffee System $1,079.92 (Was $1,399)Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine $399 (Was $549)

Appliances

• Antarctic Star Compact Mini Refrigerator Separate Freezer $149.99 (Was $179.99)
• FRIGIDAIRE EFR372-MINT 3.2 Cu Ft Retro Compact Rounded Corner Premium Mini Fridge $287.60 (Was $328.95)
• Koolatron 12 Bottle Wine Cooler $186.60 (Was $218.49)
• Koolatron 10 Bottle Wine Cooler, Black $195.50 (Was $229.99)
• NewAir Compact Wine Cooler Refrigerator $222.50 (Was $359.99)
• RCA 1.6 Cubic Foot Fridge, Black $135.60 (Was $163.49)

Pots, pans, and utensils

• CAROTE 8 Inch Nonstick Skillet Frying Pan with Lid $19.54 (Was $29.99)
• Ninja C39900 Foodi NeverStick Premium 16-Piece Cookware Set $369.99 (Was $529.99)
• Get 25% off sitewide at Great Jones with the promo code MDW25
• Caraway 13-piece set $395 (Was $545)
• Lodge 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet $19.90 (Was $34.25)
• Meyer Accent Series 6-piece set $179.99 (Was $199.99)
• Mercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12-Inch $25 (Was $43.99)
• Mercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 8-Inch $14.75 (Was $26)
• Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware, 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set $169.99 (Was $199.99)
• Bear 2L Electric Hot Pot $23.79 (Was $31.99)
• bredemeijer Cast Iron Tea Cups Set of 2 Green $18.97 (Was $24.95)

Miscellaneous

• MAX’IS Creations | The Mug with a Hoop $24.99 (Was $34.95)
• Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher $29.09 (Was $38.79)
• Meat Slicer, Anescra 200W Electric Deli Food Slicer $119.99 (Was $139.99)
• Cuisinart CBW-201 Butter Wheel Stainless Steel $20.31 (Was $29.99)
• Cuisinart CBP-116 Sauce Pot and Basting Brush Set $13.50 (Was $15.78)
• Weston Professional French Fry Cutter and Vegetable Dicer, Stainless Steel $79.99 (Was $99.99)
• Toshiba Induction Low Carb Rice Cooker Steamer $139.89 (Was $199.99)
• Toshiba Rice Cooker 6 Cup Uncooked $114.75 (Was $149.99)
• Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill with Locking Lid $31.99 (Was $39.99)
• Ice Cream Scoop $5.59 (Was $12.99)
• Atlas Coffee Gift Subscription $99 (Was $120) 
• Ninja KT200 Precision Temperature Electric Kettle $69.99 (Was $89.99)

The post The best Memorial Day kitchen & appliance deals cook up major savings appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner (MAW08V1QWT)		SEE IT	Midea’s unique U-shaped design, energy-efficient components, and support for smart features make it our top pick.
Best window		LG Dual-Inverter 18K (LW1817IVSM)		SEE IT	The LG LW1817IVSM is powerful enough to cool off a large one-bedroom apartment.
Best budget		Frigidaire FFRE053WAE		SEE IT	The Frigidaire FFRE053WAE will keep you comfortable on a budget.

No one wants to sit at home, sweating, on a sweltering summer day but staying cool can be a challenging and expensive proposition for those who lack an air conditioning system. Luckily, an energy-efficient AC can help you keep your home cool while keeping your utility bills low. Listen. If you’re reading this, it’s probably hot out (or it will be soon). Do yourself a favor and let us guide you through picking the best energy-efficient air conditioners for every person and space.

• Best overall: Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner (MAW08V1QWT)
• Best window: LG Dual-Inverter 18K (LW1817IVSM)
• Best portable: Whynter ARC-14S
• Best design: Windmill AC With WhisperTech
• Best budget: Frigidaire FFRE053WAE

How we chose the best energy-efficient air conditioners

I live on the bottom floor in a small apartment with no central air conditioning. It can get hot in the summer, with temperatures in our bedroom generally hovering around 80 degrees. That’s not conducive to sleep, and even the best portable fans don’t always provide enough respite throughout the place. In other words, my air conditioner is very important. Therefore, I take buying a new one very seriously.

Our selections are the product of hours of research, including personal experiences, peer suggestions, user impressions, and the foundation we used for Popular Science’s previous air conditioner guides, including the best window air conditioners and best portable air conditioners. I have over 10 years of experience covering consumer electronics for Popular Science, CNN Underscored, Gear Patrol, and XDA Developers, among others.

The best energy-efficient air conditioners: Reviews & Recommendations

If you’re in a situation where fans alone cannot keep you cool, it may be time to get an air conditioner. Now that you know how to pick one, let’s talk about the best energy-efficient air conditioners you can buy today.

Best overall: Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner (MAW08V1QWT)

Midea

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Midea U will quietly cool down your space, thanks to its distinctive U-shaped design.

Specs

• Type: Window
• Energy efficiency: 15 CEER
• BTUs: 8,000
• Energy Star certified: Yes
• Estimated noise level: 42 dB (low) – 47 dB (high)

Pros

• U-shaped design
• Quiet operation
• Support for smart features

Cons

• Difficult installation process

Most window air conditioners feature a box-style design. The Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner takes a slightly different approach. It features a slot between its vents and the housing for most of its hardware. The shape lets you close your window and keep most of the air conditioner’s noise outside your home. It also lets you freely open and close the window without the unit falling out.

The Midea U also uses inverter technology, which helps better regulate energy flow to the unit based on demand. It received an extremely high 15 CEER score, which is incredible considering that most efficient units score an 11 or 12. Lastly, the Midea U supports smart home features so that you can set recurring schedules—and it’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to turn the unit on or off with your voice.

Finding an in-window AC unit with great design, intelligent features, and energy efficiency can be challenging. The Midea U hit all those marks, making it a rare and exciting appliance.

Best window: LG Dual-Inverter 18K (LW1817IVSM)

LG

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The LG LW1817IVSM is quiet, energy-efficient, and supports smart functionality.

Specs

• Type: Window
• Energy efficiency: 14.7 CEER
• BTUs: 18,000
• Energy Star certified: Yes
• Estimated noise level: 44 dB (sleep mode) – 59 dB (high)

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Capable of cooling off large spaces
• Smart feature support

Cons

• Pricey

If you need a powerful air conditioner that cools a whole apartment or floor of your home, the LG LW1817IVSM is a high-powered window unit. Like our top pick, it features inverter technology, which makes it especially quiet and efficient for its size. It provides 25 percent more energy savings than the Energy Star certification requirement. It has a CEER of 14.7 and pumps out up to 18,000 BTUs, allowing it to cool spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Meanwhile, it keeps comparatively quiet, hitting just under 60 dB at high power and shushing down to just 44 dB in a specialty sleep mode.

In addition, the LW1817IVSM supports a smartphone app that allows users to set schedules and turn the unit on or off remotely. It also supports Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control. These features make LG’s air conditioner easy to use, allowing you to stay cool effortlessly rather than fiddle around with settings.

Best portable: Whynter ARC-14S

Whynter

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner features a slick design and convenient auto-drain technology.

Specs

• Type: Portable
• Energy efficiency: 11.2 EER
• BTUs: 14,000
• Energy Star Certified: N/A
• Estimated noise level: 56 dB

Pros

• Slick design
• Capable of cooling large spaces
• Auto-drain technology

Cons

• Loud

Portable air conditioners often don’t meet the same specs as window units, but the Whynter ARC-14S comes close. It offers a respectable 11.2 EER rating while pumping out an impressive 14,000 BTUs of cooling power. That makes it one of the best energy-efficient air conditioners on the market.

It also offers some convenient features, including an auto-drain function that recycles captured moisture to create more cool air. This helps your room cool and means you don’t have to worry about emptying out a moisture tank (a common feature on portable AC units). It also features a dual-exhaust design, improving its ability to cool your space. Regarding portable air conditioners, the Whynter ARC-14S hits all the right notes with its design, features, and energy efficiency.

Best design: Windmill AC With WhisperTech

Brandt Ranj

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Why it made the cut: The Windmill AC features an attractive design, an app that lets you control the window unit remotely, and a new compressor that helps keep it quiet.

Specs

• Type: Window
• Energy efficiency: 11.9 CEER
• BTUs: 8,000
• Energy Star Certified: No
• Estimated noise level: 42 dB (low)

Pros

• Great design
• Smart home features
• Easy to install

Cons

• Unable to control the direction of the fan
• Not energy star certified

Air conditioners are generally an eyesore. They’re big … they’re bulky … they’re hanging out of our windows or taking up space in the corners of our rooms. Windmill puts extra care in its AC aesthetics, with rounded corners and a clean, pleasing front vent. Windmill also prides itself on making the unit especially easy to install and comes with step-by-step instructions.

The company has just introduced a new model—available in 8,000 and 10,000 BTU configurations—with a variable speed inverted and linear fan. These two design changes allow the AC to operate at volume levels as low as 42 dB. In our first-hand tests, the technology Windmill calls WhisperTech lives up to its name. We could use this air conditioner regularly without needing to crank the TV or leave our living room to nap. Keeping the air conditioner on eco mode cooled the room as quickly as similarly sized units would on their higher settings despite consuming less electricity. This is because Windmill’s air conditioner sucks air from your room through a vent at the bottom while blowing cool air from the top. This design improves its cooling efficiency.

The Windmill AC also features an app, so you can turn it on/off remotely, set it to one of three different modes, and use your voice with support for Alexa and Google Assistant. Air conditioners have looked the same for several years, and while Windmill isn’t reinventing the wheel, its AC is undeniably easier on the eyes than its competition. The fact that it supports remote control and operates more quietly and efficiently is all icing on the cake.

Best budget: Frigidaire FFRE053WAE

Frigidaire

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Frigidaire FFRE053WAE offers quiet operation, a programmable timer, and impressive energy efficiency at an affordable price.

Specs

• Type: Window
• Energy efficiency: 12.1 CEER
• BTUs: 5,000
• Energy Star Certified: Yes
• Estimated noise level: 50 dB (low) – 56 dB (high)

Pros

• Affordable
• Programmable timer
• Quiet operation

Cons

• Noisy on high

The Frigidaire FFRE053WAE includes everything you need in a basic air conditioner for a small room. It features a programmable timer and remote control. Plus, it’s Energy Star certified and very efficient. The unit is also relatively quiet on low at 50 dB but gets relatively close to our noise limit of 56 on high. And there’s no avoiding the fact that this air conditioner is affordable because it isn’t all that powerful. We don’t recommend going for this one to cool off a big room. If 5,000 BTUs will get the job done, then this is a very strong choice.

What to consider when picking from the best energy-efficient air conditioners

It’s easy to get blindsided when picking a new air conditioner. It’s one of those appliances that we don’t think about too much until they stop working. Before choosing the best energy-efficient air conditioner unit for your home, it really helps to learn the basics—knowing the pros and cons of different air conditioner types and energy ratings will help you make an informed decision about balancing energy consumption and cooling power. We also considered factors like smart features and noise level, which can significantly affect the overall experience. 

One programming note: While central air will definitely keep any home cool, the installation is a very involved process that you should sort out with experts, including a contractor. This guide focuses on in-window air conditioning units and portable air conditioners, which you can buy as a quick and efficient way to cool a room or home without any major installation costs.

Window units vs. portable air conditioners

Window and portable AC units offer roughly the same amount of cooling power for around the same price. However, they operate in different ways, which may determine whether one works better for you. Before making your choice, you should know what type of air conditioner you need to shop for.

An in-window air conditioner must be installed in a window, often using a bracket to keep it from falling out. Depending on the unit, you may be able to leave your AC in place all year round, or you may have to take out and reinstall it every year. Once installed, in-window air conditioners are almost always quieter than portable air conditioners and don’t take up any space in your home.

By contrast, a portable air conditioner usually needs to be near a window but is far easier to move around. Simply plug it into an outlet and install a window kit to vent moisture and exhaust. Many portable ACs vent their exhaust through a hose, potentially giving you the ability to cool down a room with a smaller window that couldn’t hold an in-window model.

You definitely want to figure out whether you have a place to install an in-window or portable air conditioner before picking a unit. All things being equal, we’d usually recommend a window unit over a portable AC, but plenty of logistical factors may lead you to go the other way.

How much power do you need?

Air conditioners come in many sizes, often based on their cooling capacity. To figure out what size air conditioner you need, look at the size of the room or home you’re trying to cool. Measure the space to determine how many square feet you need your AC to cover. Energy Star’s buying guide features a geometry refresher to help people calculate a room’s area specifically for this purpose.

Once you know the square footage, you can determine how much cooling power you need from your air conditioner. Appliance manufacturers measure AC cooling power in British Thermal Units, commonly known as BTUs. According to Consumer Reports, you need 20 BTUs per square foot for the area you want to cool down. The amount of cooling power you need may vary beyond this basic calculation, though, based on room-specific factors such as sun exposure.

A 5,000 BTU air conditioner should have enough power to effectively cool 100-150 square feet, which is more or less the standard bedroom size in homes and apartments. To cool more than a single room, your power requirements climb: Realistically, you want 12,000-14,000 BTUs to cool 550-700 square feet.

Some factors may prevent you from using an air conditioner large enough for your space. For example, your window may be too short or narrow to support a large window unit. While it isn’t always up to you, remember that using an air conditioner that’s too small may reduce its effectiveness. Likewise, a large air conditioner may use more power than necessary when cooling a smaller room. 

Understanding energy-efficiency ratings

No matter what you do, your air conditioner will use a lot of power. We recommend picking an air conditioner with energy efficiency in mind for a variety of reasons, from saving money to minimizing the environmental impact of keeping cool. Air conditioners feature several energy efficiency ratings, which indicate certain thresholds for sipping power rather than guzzling it. For this guide, we’re going to focus on three energy standards: The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER), and Energy Star certification.

The Energy Efficiency Ratio measures the ratio of an air conditioner’s output per hour, as measured in British thermal units (BTUs), to the AC’s power draw, measured in watts (W). The EER measures the system’s overall efficiency, with a higher rating resulting in a more efficient system. For example, let’s say a 12,000 BTU air conditioner is powered by 1,000W. For every 1W of energy provided to the AC unit, we will get 12 BTU of cooling effect in return. That’s better than a 12,000 BTU unit powered by 1,400W, which would result in a less efficient rating of 8.57.

Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) is a standard set by the Department of Energy (DOE) in 2014 that rates the energy efficiency of window-based air conditioners. The ratio shows the cooling capacity output, measured in BTUs, relative to the electricity use and standby/off-mode power consumption.

Some of the best air conditioners also have an Energy Star rating, indicating that they meet federal guidelines for energy efficiency and use 10 percent less energy than an AC unit that isn’t Energy Star-certified. In general, picking an Energy Star-certified air conditioner is the way to go. While window and central AC systems offer Energy Star ratings, no portable units are Energy Star-certified.

How loud is it?

All air conditioners are noisy. There’s no way around it, but that’s all the more reason to try and buy one that’s as quiet as possible. Most air conditioners feature an estimated noise level, measured in decibels (dB), to tell you how loud an AC gets at peak performance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, air conditioners often operate around 60 dB, which is “comfortable” to listen to over a sustained period. That said, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends limiting exposure to indoor noises above 45 dB. Of course, these statistics don’t factor in your personal tolerance for ambient noise. Ultimately, the best advice we can give is that you should look for an AC that runs quietly, especially if you’re buying an AC that you want to last, and avoid any unit that hits above 60 dB.

Are there smart features?

As with many modern appliances, many modern air conditioners feature nuanced controls and internet-enabled “smart” capabilities, such as setting target temperatures and schedules or controlling the device through a smartphone app. These functions make your air conditioner more convenient and more efficient. Of course, these features are considered luxuries, so you may not find them on less expensive units.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best energy-efficient air conditioners

• Best overall: Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner (MAW08V1QWT)
• Best window: LG Dual-Inverter 18K (LW1817IVSM)
• Best portable: Whynter ARC-14S
• Best design: Windmill AC With WhisperTech
• Best budget: Frigidaire FFRE053WAE

As temperatures rise over the summer, air conditioning can be the difference between a comfortable summer and a sticky, sweaty one. Picking one of the best energy-efficient air conditioners requires a little planning, but it’ll be worth it when you don’t have to suffer through a heat wave. Whatever style you choose, the energy-efficient options on our list will help keep you cool and save you money.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best energy-efficient air conditioners of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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For city dwellers, air conditioners humming is an omnipresent summer sound, as familiar as the melody of birds chirping and ice cream trucks chiming. But what if it didn’t have to be like that? For the past few weeks, I’ve tried the latest generation of the Windmill AC with WhisperTech, and this efficient, easy-to-install, WiFi-enabled window unit is a game-changer for anyone who wants to keep cool without getting an earful of white noise while working or trying to sleep.

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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Overview

• Windmill developed WhisperTech, a new technology that offers the same air conditioning performance while making less noise.
• Installation and setup can take as little as five minutes, and the air conditioner is compatible with most windows that open upward and downward.
• The air conditioner’s minimalist look isn’t necessary, but Windmill’s focus on aesthetics and simplicity extends from the hardware to the software, creating a welcome harmony.

Pros

• WhisperTech lives up to its name
• Can be controlled remotely using a streamlined mobile app
• Incentives are there to make the air conditioner eco-friendly

Cons

• Expensive
• The most powerful model only covers rooms up to 450 sq. ft.

Verdict: If your window unit’s sound irritates you, but you still need a way to beat the summer heat, Windmill’s WhisperTech makes its latest AC hard to beat.

The build

What if an air conditioner didn’t have to suck? This seems like the question the designers at Windmill asked themselves during the development of their first-generation model, which was released a couple of years ago. The company has just released a new energy-efficient air conditioner, which builds upon the successes of the original with a new technology it developed called WhisperTech, which makes the AC up to nine times quieter than traditional models, according to Windmill. After listening to what the 8,000 BTU version does, or maybe that should be what it doesn’t do, I can recommend the Windmill AC with WhisperTech to anyone looking to upgrade from an old air conditioner before the summer, especially if you need a unit for your bedroom.

To its credit, Windmill didn’t try to fix what wasn’t broken in an attempt to make this new air conditioner overly complicated to install or use. It has the same minimalist look as the original model (with its auto-dimming LED display), comes bundled with the same accessories, uses the same app, and has an identical installation process. Windmill simply added a welcome feature, and even offers its original air conditioner alongside the new one.

The setup

Installing the Windmill AC with WhisperTech took about five minutes. All you really need is a single- or double-hung window that’s 23-37 inches wide and can open 14 inches (no through-the-wall, no casement, and no slider windows). The air conditioner comes with strips of insulation, which can be placed on the bottom of your window to prevent outside air from getting in and to ensure your air conditioner fits snugly. The AC unit comes in a single piece, and once it was unboxed, I put it into my window, extended its accordion-like arms, and closed the top window sash on top of it. The top frame of this air conditioner has three holes, which you can use to screw the unit into your window to hold it securely. My landlord doesn’t want any more holes in the window and instead uses a fitted piece of wood between the top window sash and frame to hold AC units in place.

Windmill includes a set of cosmetic side panels, which match the top and bottom of the air conditioner to make the unit look even more sleek, but I actually prefer the out-of-box look. The company went so far as to include a pair of scissors with its air conditioner, so you can cut the panels to fit the exact size of your window—this is a nice touch and impressive detail. The second (and technically optional) part of setting up this air conditioner is connecting it to your home’s WiFi network with Windmill’s app (available for iOS and Android). This allows you to control the AC from your phone at home or remotely (there’s also an included remote if you prefer that when in the house). This might sound like it could be tedious, but Windmill streamlined the onboarding process, and I got it on my WiFi router and added to my many smart devices within about 10 minutes. You can also connect the Windmill AC unit to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control.

The performance

So, how does it sound? It’s weird because I’ve never really listened to an air conditioner before. It seemed unnecessary because the assumption was every AC would sound kind of like a tractor in the far distance. Windmill’s WhisperTech has me rethinking my entire approach. I keep the Windmill AC on eco mode (its default), and my Apple Watch’s microphone registered it at about 57 decibels from roughly six inches away. That number dropped into the 40s when I moved to the couch. This number is impressive because it means you could sit right next to Windmill’s air conditioner all day without it causing any hearing loss—in fact, you’re liable to tune it out as I did.

The reason for this air conditioner’s quiet behavior is the switch from a fixed-speed compressor with a rotary fan to a variable-speed compressor with a linear fan. Switching to more adaptable components allows the Windmill to dynamically cool your room, getting a little louder or softer automatically if need be. Practically speaking, turning up the air conditioner’s fan speed to high, or switching from eco to cool mode, increased the noise some. However, the AC is so efficient at cooling my room that toggling those settings never felt necessary. It’s like the highest gear on a car—rarely important, but nice to have when necessary.

It could be tempting to crank this air conditioner to its highest setting (generally quiet) to cool your room down as quickly as possible, but I never felt the need. Windmill’s air conditioner sucks hot air from your room through a vent on the bottom and shoots cold air out the top. This approach makes the AC much more efficient at cooling a room—I could feel the effects within a few minutes—and gets you to your target temperature more quickly. The eco mode on the Windmill AC, which the company says is 35% more efficient vs. the minimum efficiency standard, works as well as the high cool setting on similarly sized models.

The eco mode will also shut off your air conditioner after it reaches your set temperature rather than continually blasting cool air until you ask it to stop. And if you’re in parts of California and New York, Windmill will also incentivize you to keep the air conditioner on eco mode by offering to enroll you in its Eco Rewards program, which automatically adjusts the AC’s settings to be less burdensome to your power grid. You can opt out of Eco Rewards anytime, but sticking with it can earn you up to $10 in cash or a four-pack of activated-carbon filters (a $65 value), which help protect against fumes, odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds.

So, who should buy the Windmill AC with WhisperTech?

Plan to purchase an air conditioner in 2023? The Windmill AC with WhisperTech should be near the top of your list, so long as you plan on keeping it in a room that’s not much larger than 365 sq. ft. Its $399 price tag—tack on an extra $100 if you’d like the larger 10,000 BTU model that covers up to 450 sq. ft.—isn’t cheap, but you’re getting what you pay for. The good-looking, easy-to-install air conditioner won’t interrupt you while you work and can keep you cool all summer long.

The post Windmill Air Conditioner review: Silence sounds cool appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best photoelectric		First Alert SA511CN2-3ST		SEE IT	This smoke detector two-pack from First Alert packs a one-two punch.
Best ionization		First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector		SEE IT	First Alert’s 9120B Smoke Detector brings quick protection to your home.
Best for smoke and carbon monoxide		Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide		SEE IT	Kidde’s combo smoke alarm also protects against carbon monoxide.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in spaces without a smoke detector. It takes minutes for a fire to fill your home with thick black smoke. The critical warning they provide can mean the difference between life and death. If your detectors are broken or very old, you should take the time to replace them. Luckily, even the best smoke detectors are affordable and easy to install.

• Best photoelectric: First Alert SA511 CN2-3ST
• Best ionization: First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector
• Best for smoke and carbon monoxide detector: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide
• Best battery-powered: First Alert PR710 Slim Smoke Alarm
• Best smart: Google Nest Protect
• Best budget: Kidde Smoke Detector (i12060)

How we chose the best smoke detectors

I’ve been renting an apartment with my wife (and dog) for nearly 10 years and, during that time, I replaced our old smoke detector with something new. I regularly test the detector to ensure it’s in working order, and I also monitor the condition of our major appliances, wall heater, and fireplace for potential fire risk. These are just a few small steps necessary in a more comprehensive fire safety plan, which also includes a fire extinguisher and escape route.

When I’m not obsessing over my family’s safety, I’m writing about gadgets and gear for publications like Popular Science, CNN Underscored, and TechnoBuffalo. To make these selections, I consulted fire safety guides from health and safety organizations, including NFPA.org, Ready.gov, and RedCross.org. I also reviewed PopSci’s previous coverage of the best practices for fire safety and consulted expert reviews.

The best smoke detectors: Reviews & Recommendations

Smoke detectors are extremely important for every home. If you haven’t replaced yours in the past decade, buying a new set is time. The best detectors are affordable, reliable, and easy to install. More importantly, they’ll provide you and your family with fire protection and peace of mind.

Best photoelectric: First Alert SA511CN2-3ST

FIRST ALERT

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Why it made the cut: The First Alert SA511CN2-3ST packs powerful interconnectivity and voice alerts to let you know when there’s a fire.

Specs

• Type: Battery-powered (AA x 2)
• Sensor: Photoelectronic
• Interconnectivity: Yes

Pros

• Interconnectivity
• Simple setup
• Voice alert

Cons

• Limited number of location presets

The First Alert SA511CN2-3ST hits all the basic marks we look for in a smoke detector. This UL-Listed photoelectric model features interconnectivity, so you can connect up to 18 smoke alarms across your home. You can also assign it with one of 11 pre-set home locations, so its voice alert can tell you where the smoke is coming from.

Since it is designed to work as part of a larger set, we’re recommending a two-pack of detectors to make it a little more affordable if you decide to replace a full set of smoke detectors. That said, you can always get an individual model as well.

Best ionization smoke detector: First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector

FIRST ALERT

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Why it made the cut: The First Alert 9210B Smoke Detector supports interconnectivity, an easily accessible test/mute button, and a 9-volt backup battery system.

Specs

• Type: Hardwired (battery backup; 9-volt)
• Sensor: Ionization
• Interconnectivity: Yes

Pros

• Battery backup
• Interconnectivity
• Easily accessible test/mute button

Cons

• Hardwired means more difficult installation

The First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector is a hardwired ionization unit that features a single test/mute button and a 9-volt battery backup system. It can also act as part of an interconnected, multi-unit alarm system of up to 12 First Alert smoke detectors, so you have more comprehensive coverage in your home. The 9120B also features a dust cover to keep particles from getting in, a mounting bracket lock for tamper resistance, and smart technology designed to reduce false and “nuisance” alarms. 

Best for smoke and carbon monoxide: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector

Kidde

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Why it made the cut: If you don’t already own a carbon monoxide detector, Kidde’s combination smoke/CO alarm has you covered.

Specs

• Type: Battery-powered (9-volt)
• Sensor: Photoelectric
• Interconnectivity: No

Pros

• Also offers a carbon monoxide detector
• Voice alerts
• Easy battery replacement

Cons

• No interconnectivity

Kidde’s combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is an excellent option if you need to install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The battery-powered combination alarm constantly monitors your home for both smoke and gas, providing specific voice alerts if danger is present. (It also calls out “low battery” when it’s time to replace its 9-volt power source.) Kidde’s combination alarm also features a convenient hush/test button and a battery compartment on the front, making it easy to perform an annual battery change.

Best battery-powered: First Alert PR710 Slim Smoke Alarm

FIRST ALERT

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Why it made the cut: With a slim profile and long-lasting battery, the First Alert PR710 Slim is a great way to protect your home.

Specs

• Type: Battery-powered (lithium-ion)
• Sensor: Photoelectric
• Interconnectivity: No

Pros

• Long-lasting battery
• Very little maintenance
• Slim profile

Cons

• No interconnectivity

If your home is too old for a hardwired smoke alarm, but you don’t want to ever change a battery, the First Alert PR710 Slim is a solid photoelectric smoke detector with a sealed lithium-ion battery guaranteed to last 10 years. Its thin, low-profile design is no-frills—just a single test/mute button, and that’s it. Unlike many of our other picks, it uses a classic siren, rather than voice alerts. It also cannot sync with other alarms. All in all, it’s a great option for apartments and other small spaces where you just need one smoke alarm, and you’d prefer to buy a new smoke detector every 10 years than replace a set of batteries every few months.

Best smart: Google Nest Protect

Google

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Why it made the cut: The Nest Protect by Google provides a multitude of smart features in addition to smoke and CO detection.

Specs

• Type: Battery-powered or hardwired
• Sensor: Split-spectrum
• Interconnectivity: Yes

Pros

• Smartphone notifications
• Supports battery-powered and hardwired setups
• Split-spectrum sensor
• Advanced interconnectivity

Cons

• Expensive

The Google Nest Protect offers traditional smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring, with several convenient smart features. Chief among them, you receive a direct alert through the Nest smartphone when it detects danger. You can also conveniently mute the alarm through that alert. The Protect features a specialized photoelectric “Split-Spectrum” sensor, which uses two LED lights to detect a wider range of smoke particles. According to Google, the Split-Spectrum Sensor adds all the benefits of Ionization smoke detectors, without drawbacks like false alarms (or buying two types of smoke detectors).

Of course, the downside here is that the Nest Protect costs a lot more than any other smoke detector. In many cases, you can buy three standard photoelectric detectors for the price of one Nest Protect. It may be a convenient upgrade if you already have Nest gear at home, but it’s paying a pretty penny for the privilege.

Best budget: Kidde Smoke Detector (i12060)

Kidde

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Why it made the cut: The Kidde Smoke Detector is simple, affordable, and offers powerful interconnectivity.

Specs

• Type: Hardwired (battery backup; 9-volt)
• Sensor: Ionization
• Interconnectivity: Yes

Pros

• Very affordable
• Interconnectivity
• Easily replaceable backup battery

Cons

• Requires professional installation
• Hardwired might work in all homes

If you’re already planning to get some electrical work done, this Kidde Smoke Detector is a very affordable hardwired smoke detector with a battery backup. It looks simple but can sync with up to 24 safety devices, including up to 18 smoke alarms. In addition to a hush/test button on the front, Kidde’s smoke detector also features a tamper-resistant locking pin, a low battery indicator, and a flashing LED, so you know it’s working. Conveniently, the unit also features a front-facing battery door, so you can easily replace the 9-volt battery. Small features like this can make a big difference, particularly if you’re in a space with multiple alarms.

Things to consider when buying the best smoke detectors

A smoke detector, or “smoke alarm,” senses the presence of smoke and blasts a loud alarm in response. While they vary in size and shape, household models typically feature plastic enclosures and are mounted high on a wall or ceiling.

Though smoke detectors seem ubiquitous and interchangeable, manufacturers use a couple of different methods to make them:

• Photoelectric smoke detectors trigger an alarm when smoke enters a chamber and reflects light onto a sensor. They protect better against slow, smoldering fires than fast, raging fires. 

• Ionization smoke detectors feature a sensor with a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates. When smoke enters the chamber, the flow of ions becomes disrupted, activating the alarm. Ionization-type detectors are generally better at identifying fast-burning flaming fires.

Both photoelectric- and ionization-style detectors have advantages and disadvantages, so there is no one obvious choice. For comprehensive coverage, the NFPA recommends using both kinds in your home. Some devices feature both technologies in a single device.

We recommend placing your smoke detectors based on their expertise. Use photoelectric detectors near stoves and outside of bathrooms, where smoke may accumulate over time from a small fire. Put ionization-style units in areas where fires are less likely to start so that they can catch fast-moving flames.

You shouldn’t have to think too much about your smoke detectors. A great one should be easy to install, take little effort to maintain, and accurately alert you when there’s an emergency. After installing a smoke detector, you shouldn’t even notice it’s there (unless it goes off). We considered dozens of options to find the best smoke detector. These factors separated the good detectors from the bad ones.

UL listing

The first and most important thing to look for in a smoke detector is a certification from Underwriters Laboratories, the safety science company that sets standards for equipment like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. All smoke detector manufacturers must meet the company’s most recent standard for smoke alarms, ANSI/UL 217, to place a UL certification on their products. Essentially, the “UL Listed” seal of approval tells you that a detector has been tested to meet strict requirements and will work as advertised. 

Hardwired vs. battery-powered

In addition to sensor technology, smoke detectors vary based on how they receive power. Most detectors rely on disposable batteries but hardwired models that you wire into your home’s power are also an option.

Battery-powered smoke detectors—which usually rely on disposable 9-volt, AA, or lithium cells—offer flexible placement. You can easily install one in any room in your home at any time. They also require slightly more maintenance, as you need to replace their batteries annually to ensure they’re operational. It’s important to note that manufacturers advise against using rechargeable batteries in smoke detectors, as they lose their charge more quickly and have a shorter runtime than standard disposable batteries.

Alternatively, some battery-powered detectors come with sealed-in lithium batteries designed to last 10 years, making it so you never have to worry about replacing a battery. Some states, including California, require you to use this kind of detector to prevent people from taking the batteries out when the alarm goes off. Check your state and city ordinances for the best guidance on what’s required in your area.

Other smoke detectors are designed to get hardwired into your home’s electrical system. This makes it so you’ll never have to replace a battery to keep them operational. That said, installing them is a much more time-intensive process and includes working with electrical wiring. If you purchase a hardwired detector, make sure to buy one that features a backup battery, which will keep your detectors on if your house loses power.

Interconnectivity

If you need to protect a large home with multiple floors, it helps to buy a set of “interconnected” smoke detectors that can sync with each other so that if one detector senses smoke, all of your alarms will go off. In the event of a serious, fast-moving fire, this will ensure that everyone in your home knows to get outside as quickly as possible.

Smart features

Most smoke detectors are relatively basic devices, but there are some newer “smart” models with internet-enabled features. These detectors will often sync up with a mobile app, allowing you to check their status and mute them from your phone. The app also can give you a warning before the alarm goes off, giving you a small window to silence it if you’re cooking or already know it’s a false alarm. Some even offer voice alerts and can tell you which detector senses smoke.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smoke detectors

• Best photoelectric: First Alert SA511 CN2-3ST
• Best ionization: First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector
• Best for smoke and carbon monoxide detector: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide
• Best battery-powered: First Alert PR710 Slim Smoke Alarm
• Best smart: Google Nest Protect
• Best budget: Kidde Smoke Detector (i12060)

A house fire can spread quickly, so every second counts. An early warning from a smoke detector can be the difference between life and death. If your home isn’t properly outfitted with detectors, you should take the time to install them. Your safety depends on it.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best smoke detectors in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’re in the throes of apartment hunting like myself, you know how fun it is to window shop and imagine what cool gadgets you will put in the new crib. If you’re lucky enough to have a place locked down and are moving in, you can turn window shopping into real shopping. If security deposits and pet fees have your wallet crying for relief, find respite in these SharkNinja deals on Amazon.

Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven $209.99 (Was $349.99)

Ninja

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This countertop appliance has 10 presets: air fry, air roast, bake, whole roast, broil, toast, bagel, dehydrate, reheat, and pizza. No offense to your toaster, but can it bake? Exactly. A digital display lets you know exactly what temperature it’s currently at, and a 90-second preheat time means you don’t have to wait around to get a frozen pizza going. I personally have seen someone put at least two dozen chicken wings in this thing multiple times to feed an entire party of people participating in a group Hot Ones challenge. If the price and the capacity don’t sway you to purchase it, then I don’t know what will.

If you’re upgrading your car while you drive boxes over to the new pad—or if you’re picking up an Uber/Lyft side job to help get back on your financial feet after that deposit—we have a completely different recommendation on sale. The Rexing V33 3 Channel 1440p Resolution Dashcam is on sale for $199.99—a $120 savings from the usual $319.99 price. It comes with a front, cabin, and rear camera, and records in 2K resolution. Plus, it comes with voice control and a built-in GPS logger in case of an accident.

Someone else could swoop up that apartment you want, and plenty of people could sell out these deals—snag them before they’re gone. You can also check out our other air fryer recommendations.

Here are more SharkNinja deals to make your new place feel like home:

• Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker $129.99 (Was $169.99)
• Ninja FD302 Foodi 11-in-1 Pro 6.5 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer $129.95 (Was $199.99)
• Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum with LED Headlights $149.99 (Was $249.99)
• Shark CH964AMZ 2-in-1 Cordless & Handheld Vacuum Ultracyclone System $99.99 (Was $149.99)
• Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, Auto-iQ Tea and Coffee Maker $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• Shark AV993 IQ Robot Vacuum $219.99 (Was $299.99)
• Shark HD112GNBRN HyperAIR Fast-Drying Hair Blow Dryer $149.99 (Was $229.99)
• Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV970 with Self-Cleaning Brushroll $219.99 (Was $399.99)
• Ninja BN301 Nutri-Blender Plus Compact Personal Blender $64.99 (Was $79.99)
• Shark HD112BRN Hair Dryer with Alligator Clips and Non-Slip Silicone Mat $164.99 (Was $247.97)

The post Enhance your countertops and carpets with SharkNinja appliances up to 40% off at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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A quality caffeinated beverage can really change the tone of the morning, whether it’s yours or that of a special lady in your life, and Amazon is currently offering 20% discounts on Breville’s high-end Barista-series espresso machines. The entire line offers stainless steel construction and everything you need to make an espresso better than the one that costs $6 at the local coffee shop. They grind, brew, and even steam milk, so there’s no need for extra devices to fuel a morning routine. None of these devices are cheap, but with the price of commercial coffee shops climbing constantly, one could pay for itself in just a couple of months. It all depends on how dependent someone is on those morning shots (we can’t keep the hopper even half full of beans, so no judgment).

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine $879 (Was $1,099)

Breville

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This is the big dog in the Breville Barista pack, and it’s being offered at its lowest price in months. If espresso machines were the Muppets, this would be Kermit. The Breville Barista Touch replaces some analog controls with a handy full-color touchscreen display you can use to choose your favorite drinks. It makes flat whites, lattes, Americanos, and a host of other delicious drinks with names that sound like paint colors you might choose for your understated dining room. It heats up in just four seconds and handles every step of the coffee creation process. Plus, it looks extremely classy.

• Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine $679 (Was $849)
• Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine $719 (Was $899)
• Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine $679 (Was $849)

More deals on coffee and espresso machines

Maybe you’re not ready to spend that much on an espresso machine. We totally get it. Here are some more coffee and espresso machine deals that will leave money in your budget for beans, a fancy insulated mug, and more:

• Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Programmable Coffee Maker with Automatic Milk Frother and 15-Bar Pump $199 (Was $249)
• Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer $69 (Was $99)
• Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer $151 (Was $189)
• Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker $179 (Was $229)
• De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine $119 (Was $155)
• Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker $129 (Was $169)
• Gevi Espresso Machine 15 Bar Pump Pressure, Cappuccino Coffee Maker with Milk Foaming Steam Wand $119 w/ $20 clickable coupon (Was $199)
• Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Maker with Milk Frother Steam Wand $123 w/ $8 clickable coupon (Was $165)
• Geek Chef Espresso Coffee Machine $144 (Was $249)

The post Save up to $200 on pro-grade espresso machines for Mother’s Day at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Imagine it’s summer, and you’re sitting outside drinking your warm-weather drink of choice (mine is the Liquid Death iced tea lemonade that it calls Armless Palmer). Your cup is filled with perfectly soft little pillows of ice that you can chew on without assaulting your teeth and gums. You’ve essentially made yourself a sophisticated slushy because you hit up these Amazon deals on nugget ice makers. Whether you call it nugget ice, pebble ice, or just “the good ice,” it’s like having access to the awesome ice from Sonic in your own home.

Kndko Nugget Ice Maker Countertop $279 (Was $339)

Kndko

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Nugget ice makers don’t simply freeze water into little chunks. Instead, an auger rotates ice, which gets reduced to shavings before it’s compressed into small pellets that are softer and much easier to chew than typical cubes. This countertop ice maker can churn out up to 45 pounds of ice daily, so it’s great for parties. It’s also self-cleaning, which is very handy because cleaning these machines can be a real pain.

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop $299 (Was $399)

Euhomy

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This machine only churns out 30 pounds of ice per day (which is likely still way more than you need), but it measures 17.64″ D x 9.69″ W x 17″ H so that it won’t take up scads of counters space. It takes about 15 minutes to get the first batch of ice once you turn it on, or you can hook it up directly to your home’s water system and have a constant supply of delicious little ice pellets at all times.

GE Profile Opal $629 (Was $679)

GE

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If you’re flush with tax refund cash and want the gold standard of nugget ice makers, you can save yourself $50 on the GE Opal right now. It comes with a one-gallon side tank, WiFi connectivity, and a clever recirculation system that prevents the ice from clumping up (which is an issue with some cheaper and older models).

More ice maker deals

It’s getting warmer out, and Amazon wants to sell you some ice machines. As a result, you can find some very solid deals right now. Here are some more ice machines you may want to check out. Note: Some of these deals require applying a coupon, which involves clicking a checkbox below the price on the product page, so keep a lookout for those.

• Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker With Viewing Window $369 (Was $549)
• AGLUCKY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop $199 (Was $299)
• KBICE 2.0 Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker $339 (Was $459)
• Nugget Ice Maker Countertop – Silonn Pebble Ice Maker Machine with Self-Cleaning Function $224 (Was $279)
• Mueller Nugget Ice Maker Machine $319 (was $399)
• FRIGIDAIRE Gallery EFIC255 Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker $349 (Was $379. This isn’t a huge discount, but this one doesn’t go on sale at all very often.)
• Nugget Ice Maker, Zstar Countertop Ice Maker $269 (Was $359)
• ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker Countertop $219 (Was $289)

The post Treat yourself to a discounted nugget ice machine at Amazon right now appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

It has gotten absurdly expensive to buy a cup of coffee from just about anywhere. The iced coffee I like from a well-known chain now costs $5.58. It’s like paying airport prices repeatedly without leaving the neighborhood. If you or someone you know—for instance, your mom—also feels the squeeze of the coffee price hikes, these deep discounts on Nespresso machines at Amazon should be very appealing. Sure, it’s an upfront investment, but it will save money in the long run, and you won’t have to hear any Enya music playing over the coffee shop PA.

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother $171 (Was $229)

Breville

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For those who are unfamiliar, Nespresso is a pod-based coffee system that makes brewing incredibly simple. Unlike some other pod coffee systems, however, Nespresso creates more gourmet brews and more complex drinks. This machine offers a 37-ounce water reservoir and can brew traditional coffee, pour-over coffee, and both single and double espressos. Each pod will run you roughly $1 to $1.50, depending on what kind you get and how many you buy at one time. They often go on sale, though, so you can sometimes snag a large supply of them at a discounted rate. This model also includes a milk frother in case regular milk doesn’t have enough air in it for you.

More Nespresso deals at Amazon

There are a ton of different Nespresso models on sale at up to 25% off right now, and most of them will still arrive by Mother’s Day if you order soon. Pick the one that fits your budget and your crippling dependency on caffeine.

Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus $487 (Was $649)

SEE IT

If you really want to go for a classy coffee maker, this is the machine you want. It’s a Barista-grade machine that makes both coffee and espresso with a simple, elegant process. It offers durable stainless steel components that are easy to clean and will last for years. Plus, it has a great name that you’ll sound really classy saying. “Would you like some coffee? Let me just make you some here on the Creatista.” How continental.

• Nespresso Lattissima One Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi $298 (was $399)
• Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Single Serve Coffee Maker, Espresso Machine $562 (was $749)
• Breville Nespresso The Creatista® Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel $636 (was $849)
• Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi $149 (was $199)
• Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Milk Frother $486 (was $649)
• Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville $134 (was $179)
• Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville $127 (was $169)
• Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother $171 (was $229)
• Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville $134 (was $179)
• Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi $164 (was $219)

The post Save up to $200 on Nespresso machines and give the gift of caffeine this Mother’s Day appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Robot Vacuum		SEE IT	This cordless, battery-powered robot can clean your pool for up to three hours on a single charge.
Best robotic		Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner		SEE IT	Customize this mostly hands-off machine to clean your pool on your preferred schedule.
Best budget		POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum		SEE IT	This lightweight, ultra-affordable pick is easy to assemble and works well in hot tubs.

When you’re picturing long days spent poolside, vacuuming the pool is probably not top of mind. If you have a pool, you likely spend all winter dreaming of the day you can take a dip. But, along with the benefits (and there are so many benefits) of owning a pool, come the responsibilities of upkeep, which can get out of hand if you don’t have the right tools with which to keep your pool in tip-top shape. Case in point? The pool vacuum cleaner, that all-important piece of equipment that keeps the debris out and the good times rolling, all summer long. So get a head start on summer with our picks for the best pool vacuums.

• Best overall: Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Robot Vacuum
• Best in-ground: Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner
• Best robotic: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
• Best manual: POOL BLASTER Water Tech Catfish Pool Cleaner
• Best for debris: Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
• Best budget: POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum

How we chose the best pool vacuums

When it comes to pools, we’d rather spend more time swimming in them than cleaning them. To find the best pool vacuums, we considered the latest models from top brands, including Aiper and Zodiac. We dove into the specs to find a selection of great products. We then considered our hands-on testing, critical reviews, and peer recommendations to narrow down the options to the best pool vacuums.

The best pool vacuums: Reviews & Recommendations

Our choices for the best pool vacuums are workhorses that can cannonball debris out of your backyard oasis. Here are our recommendations for in-ground, above-ground, manual and robotic options, and more.

Best overall: Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Robot Vacuum

Jen McCaffery

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Why it made the cut: This lightweight, high-tech pool vacuum does all the work for you.

Specs

• Weight: 30 lbs.
• Item dimensions: ‎19.6 x 18.43 x 14.5 inches
• Style: Automatic pool robot

Pros

• Comes with four motors for extra power
• Internal gyroscope helps it map your pool
• Rechargeable

Cons

• May need a manual nudge in some parts of the pool
• Some users say it doesn’t charge well

This rechargeable pool vacuum is so decked out in high-tech features that it barely requires your help to get the job done. Equipped with four motors and a gyroscope, the Aiper Seagull Pro cleans up to 3,200 square feet in the three hours of battery power it gets from each charge. This cordless model’s internal gyroscope provides smart navigation that allows the Seagull Pro to map the floor and walls of a pool. The powerful motors offer 130GPM (gallons per minute) of suction while bottom brushes sweep out leaves, dirt, and other debris. The Seagull Pro also cleans walls and the waterline and it’s programmed to stop near a pool wall when the battery starts to drain. Plus, it only 1.5 hours to charge up. Essentially, all you have to do is drop it in the pool, and watch it do all the work.

Best in-ground: Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Zodiac

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Why it made the cut: Leaves and debris are no match for this vacuum’s suction, easy maneuverability, and side cleaning capabilities.

Specs

• Weight: 6.54 pounds
• Item dimensions: 40.38 x 8.88 x 14.75 inches
• Style: Automatic cleaning robot

Pros

• Automatic
• Cyclonic suction
• Can clean floors, walls, and waterline

Cons

• Can get stuck if the suction isn’t high enough

This small pool robot has the power of a much bigger vacuum, and will quickly traverse the walls and floor of your pool for a flawless clean. Swiveling hoses make for an easy hook-up and assembly, and “cyclonic” suction gives this Zodiac MX6 some serious chops. It easily maneuvers your pool floor using a grooved track design and it can also be used for above-ground pools. Here are some more above-ground pool vacuums options.

Best robotic: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner

Dolphin Nautilus

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This automatic pool vacuum has a scheduling timer, meaning it will run automatically when you want it to.

Specs

• Weight: 19 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 16 x 10 x 16 inches
• Style: Automatic pool robot

Pros

• Scheduling capabilities
• 60-foot cable
• Great at cleaning walls

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy

Want the best robotic pool vacuum? The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is what pool cleaning dreams are made of. Essentially independent, you can program this robot to a weekly schedule, and you’re all set. It’s not completely hands-off, though—you still need to take it out of the pool regularly, if not daily, to empty it and clean out the filters. Also, it weighs 19 pounds, which is quite heavy, and has a 60-foot cable, so it’s not cordless.

Best manual: POOL BLASTER Water Tech Catfish Pool Cleaner

POOL BLASTER

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Why it made the cut: This small pool vacuum works with above-ground and inground pools.

Specs

• Weight: 6 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 8 x 8 x 18 inches
• Style: Manual pool vacuum

Pros

• 45-minute battery life
• Affordable
• Rechargeable

Cons

• Not for deep in-ground pools

Searching for a pool vacuum that can do it all? This small pool vacuum is the ideal piece of equipment if you’re looking for a no-frills, easy cleaning system. Suck up all debris and then recharge for its next use (the battery is designed to run for up to 45 minutes). This model comes with the vacuum head, wall charger, one all-purpose filter bag, and two disposable micro-filter bags. At less than three pounds, it’s also easily transportable. You won’t get the depth of a deep in-ground pool vacuum, or the thoroughness, but you will get a simple, affordable cleaner.

Best for debris: Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum

Poolmaster

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Why it made the cut: This manual pool vacuum is specifically designed to capture pesky leaves.

Specs

• Weight: 1.82 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 15 x 15 x 2.64 inches
• Style: Manual pool robot

Pros

• No batteries required
• Smooth maneuverability
• Durable

Cons

• Hose and pool pole sold separately

It’s back to basics with the Poolmaster vacuum; simply attach this cleaner to your garden hose, assemble the vacuum, and get to work. It should be able to pick up large debris, but smaller leaves or dirt might get left behind. The plus side? No batteries mean no time limit, and no recharging when you’re done.

Best budget: POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum

POOLWHALE

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Why it made the cut: Inexpensive and easy to assemble, this handheld vacuum is perfect for above-ground pools, spas, ponds, and fountains.

Specs

• Weight: 1.2 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 4.72 x 10.43 x 47.24 inches
• Style: Manual

Pros

• Lightweight
• Portable
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Handle feels flimsy

Weighing in at a mere 1.2 pounds, the Poolwhale pool vacuum is probably the most portable vacuum on our list. Because it’s so tiny, it works best with spas and hot tubs, and less well in deep inground pools. It’s easy to assemble, attached to a standard garden hose, and comes with a 6 sections pole of 56.5-inches, making it perfect for collecting stains, leaves, and stones from the bottom of a shallow pool.

Things to consider before buying a pool vacuum

Buying and maintaining a pool is a significant expense. So before you buy a pool vacuum, take into consideration these factors to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.

Type and size of pool

There are pool vacuums that are designed for both above-ground and in-ground pools, and some models will work for both. Look for options designed for your type of pool. Also, make sure you know the size of your pool before you make a purchase. An above-ground pool that’s just 8 feet in diameter and 4 feet deep all around won’t take hours to clean. But if you’ve got a 16-foot by 32-foot lap pool that’s eight feet down in the deep end, you may want to consider a robotic model that can map the surfaces of your pool and that you can program to clean for hours.

Corded or cordless

If you decide to go with a corded option, keep the size of the pool in mind and make sure the pool vacuum comes with a hose that’s long enough. Battery-powered units tend to be lighter, but they might not clean as well as those that plug into an outlet.

You want a balance between a cleaner heavy enough to fight off buoyancy to clean the bottom of the pool but light enough for you to easily lift it from the water. And with cordless models, you’ll also want to figure in how long they clean on a single charge and how long it takes them to recharge.

Suction power

Suction strength is another important measure to consider when purchasing a pool vacuum. Suction power is typically measured in GPM (gallons per minute) or LPM (liters per minute). Look for higher suction strength if your pool collects a lot of debris. Seek out pool cleaners that are easy to clean with a lift-off debris container that won’t drip or drop leaves and other crud back into the water.

Smart features

Do you like to clean your pool manually or do you prefer a unit that allows you to program cleaning times? How about the ability to control it with your smartphone? The ideal pool vacuum will not only clean your pool but fit seamlessly into your life as well so you’ll rarely think about it.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best pool vacuums

• Best overall: Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Robot Vacuum
• Best in-ground: Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner
• Best robotic: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
• Best manual: POOL BLASTER Water Tech Catfish Pool Cleaner
• Best for debris: Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
• Best budget: POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum

Long, loungy days spent by the pool are arguably the best way to experience summer, and a pool vacuum will only make those days that much more enjoyable. Find the best pool vacuum for you by figuring out your priorities—price, efficiency, or technological innovation—and your pool care will be set for years to come.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best pool vacuums for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		KitchenAid Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer		SEE IT	This all-in-one kitchen helper can make nine dozen cookies, cut pasta, and spiralize veggies.
Best for professionals		Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer		SEE IT	Wolf Gourmet’s High-Performance Stand Mixer would be the powerhouse of any baker’s kitchen.
Best budget		Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer		SEE IT	Cuisinart’s stand mixer offer most of the performance as its competition at roughly half the price.

Whether you’re a budding baker or an experienced enthusiast, a stand mixer is a must-have in your kitchen. Stand mixers have evolved over the years from burdensome appliances used solely for mixing dough to multi-use devices with attachments to make everything from pasta to ice cream. The best stand mixers not only look great displayed on your kitchen counter, but they are highly functional pieces of equipment that seriously cut down the amount of time it takes to make a cake or whip up a batch of whipped cream. 

A great stand mixer can be a hefty investment, so it’s important to do your research before you bite the bullet. We compiled a list of the best stand mixers in every category so you can find one that your inner baker (and your wallet) will enjoy for years. 

• Best overall: KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
• Best for professionals: Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer
• Best small: KitchenAid Artisan Mini Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 3.5 Quart
• Best style and design: Smeg 1950s Retro Style Stand Mixer
• Best for bread: Kenmore Elite Ovation 5-Qt. Stand Mixer
• Best budget: Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer

How we selected the best stand mixers 

There are more than a baker’s dozen stand mixers worth considering, and the search can feel exhausting and overwhelming. You want to ensure you’re getting the best value for your dollar, but you also don’t want your stand mixer to die on you after just a couple of years. 

We researched the highest-rated stand mixers available in a variety of price ranges and designs to come up with our list of the best stand mixers in six distinct categories. We considered capacity, size, bulkiness, price, design, color options, versatility, and durability when making our list. Finally, we did hands-on testing with some models to determine whether their performance was up to snuff. Whether your top priority is affordability, aesthetics, or function, we have a recommendation for you.

The best stand mixers: Reviews & Recommendations

The best stand mixers should save you time and prevent hand cramps in the kitchen. They should be simple to use for novices, but powerful enough for pros. After carefully researching and testing a bevy of stand mixers, we’ve slotted them into easy-to-understand categories to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best overall: KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

KitchenAid

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Why it made the cut: The longtime leader in stand mixers delivers a high-quality, long-lasting appliance in a variety of stylish colors.

Specs

• Accessories included: coated flat beater, coated dough hook, 6-wire wire whip, pouring shield
• Capacity: 5 Quarts
• Dimensions: 14.3 x 9.3 x 14 inches (LxWxH)
• Weight: 26 pounds

Pros

• 10 speeds
• Ample color options
• Ability to transform the mixer into different kitchen tools
• Large 5-quart capacity bowl

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy and bulky

KitchenAid is synonymous with “stand mixer,” and there’s a good reason for it. The original stand mixer back in 1919, KitchenAid changed the game for home bakers everywhere by automating the manual, labor-intensive processes of baking. The company has maintained many of its original values including mixers that last for decades if properly cared for. 

The Artisan Series mixer features 10 speeds for every level from mixing to kneading. The 5-quart stainless steel bowl has the capacity for up to 9 dozen cookies at once. The paddle rotates in a 59-point pattern (called a planetary pattern) that allows it to cover the entire bowl for complete integration. The tilt-head design makes it easy to add ingredients and clean the bowl and attachments. The bowl is dishwasher-safe, and the comfort handle allows for ease of use that some older models lacked. Another perk is the rainbow of colors available: no matter what your style or wallpaper color is, you’ll be able to find a KitchenAid mixer to match. 

The innovative hub design allows for 10 different attachments, making your Artisan Series mixer an all-in-one kitchen assistant. From a pasta cutter to a veggie noodle spiralizer, these additions will make your life easier in the kitchen from dinner to dessert. The Artisan Series mixer clocks in at a whopping 26 pounds, and it’s larger than some other options, which is important to note if space is a concern.

Best for professionals: Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer

Brandt Ranj

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Why it made the cut: The built quality and performance of Wolf Gourmet’s Stand Mixer cannot be bested, and it’s a must-have if you’re a daily baker.

Specs

• Accessories included: coated flat beater, coated dough hook, 6-wire wire whip, pouring shield
• Capacity: 7 Quarts
• Dimensions: 17 x 10.5 x 17.63 inches (LxWxH)
• Weight: 35.6 pounds

Pros

• Durable build quality
• Rock solid performance with all recipes
• Top-notch design

Cons

• Price

Let’s be clear: High-Performance Stand Mixer is the best-looking, highest-performing, most durable option on the market today, and nothing comes close. We’ll be honest, this is a serious piece of kitchen equipment that will look a little intimidating on a kitchen counter. It’s the largest stand mixer—in size, weight, and capacity—that we’re recommending, so you’ll need a fair amount of space to accommodate it. That said, the larger size allowed Wolf Gourmet to use bigger, higher-powered components, which made a big difference in our tests.

We used this mixer to make bread dough, cookie dough, whipped cream, cake batter, and everything in between. In each case, the recipes we made turned out flawlessly, and we began to push our luck by making double, triple, or quadruple batches of certain ones to push the mixer to its limit. It never caved—its motor never strained, the attachments never bent, and the mixer never shook around violently even when bread dough was being knocked against the sides of its bowl.

For such a luxe piece of equipment, Wolf Gourmet made its stand mixer extremely simple to use. There’s a single red dial with speed settings between one and 10 with half intervals denoted with a dot. The mixer’s bowl fits into a slot at the bottom, then gets raised when you turn it clockwise to be closer to the attachment. When your recipe looks ready, you turn the knob to 0, turn the bowl counterclockwise, detach your attachment, and pull the bowl away.

Every piece of equipment that comes with this stand mixer, from the mixer itself to its accompanying bowl and attachments, is extremely well made. There were no signs of damage after months of baking, and each attachment was easy to clean either by hand or in a machine. Wolf Gourmet’s High-Performance Stand Mixer would be the centerpiece of any home baker’s kitchen, but it’s not perfect.

We’ve decided to name this stand mixer the best choice for professionals because it costs nearly $1,000, which puts it out of reach for most home chefs. You’re absolutely getting what you’re paying for—this is an appliance that should last a lifetime (or more if you pass it down to someone else)—but it’s a big up-front investment. That said, if you’re an avid home baker who wants the stand mixer, this is the obvious choice.

Best for small kitchens: KitchenAid Artisan Mini Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 3.5 Quart

KitchenAid

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Why it made the cut: The compact version of the classic KitchenAid mixer is cheaper and lighter.

Specs

• Accessories included: flex edge beater, coated dough hook, and 6-wire whisk
• Capacity: 3.5 Quarts
• Dimensions: 14.3 x 9.3 x 14 inches (LxWxH)
• Weight:18 pounds

Pros

• Lower price than the original KitchenAid
• Smaller footprint on your counter
• Lighter weight at 18 pounds
• Same durability and high performance as the original

Cons

• Small capacity bowl
• No splatter shield

You want the quality and durability of the KitchenAid mixer, but you can’t fit it in your small kitchen. The KitchenAid Artisan mixer comes with all the bells and whistles of the original, at a 25% lighter weight while taking up 20% less space on your counter—meaning you don’t have to choose between your stand mixer and your microwave. 

Just like the original, the Artisan Mini Series features 10 speeds from a light knead to a brisk whip, with a powerful, 250-watt motor. The mixer also includes the iconic tilt-head design for easy access and a comfort handle on the dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowl. The mixer provides the same opportunity to use any of the 10 optional hub-powered attachments. The Artisan Mini comes in several colors, including honeydew green and aqua sky blue, so you can get creative with your kitchen style. 

It’s slightly more affordable than its bigger sibling, though still pricey when compared to other options on the market. It’s a reliable, durable choice for those with limited space who don’t need a large-capacity mixer. At 18 pounds, it’s still rather heavy, but much lighter than the original. 

Best style and design: Smeg 1950s Retro Style Stand Mixer

Smeg

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Why it made the cut: Stylist and powerful stand mixer for those who pride themselves on sleek decor.

Specs

• Accessories included: steel wire whisk, flat beater, dough hook, pouring shield
• Capacity: 5 Quarts
• Dimensions: 15.75 x 8.75 x 14.9 inches (LxWxH)
• Weight: 19 pounds

Pros

• Sleek, retro design in several colors
• High wattage with more power
• Large capacity bowl
• Non-stick accessories

Cons

• Expensive
• No optional add-on accessories

Folks who believe that style comes first can’t go wrong with a Smeg stand mixer. The attractive retro design comes in several neutral and pastel colors, including pink, red, blue, and green. The stylish design comes at a high price point, but the impressive features don’t disappoint, either. 

With a 600-watt motor, it’s also the most powerful mixer on our list, making it a better choice if you’re frequently making things like stiff bread doughs. It features a planetary mixing movement that makes for a smooth, complete combination of ingredients. The 10 variable speeds give KitchenAid a run for its money when it comes to versatility. A large-capacity stainless steel bowl can hold up to 5 quarts for bigger baking projects. With a tilt-head design and several different accessories, this stand mixer provides agility in the kitchen. 

Additionally, the accessories come with an all-new coating to make them non-stick and easy to clean. On top of that, they’re also dishwasher safe. If you can swing the cost, the Smeg stand mixer will not only look great in your kitchen, but it will put in the work as a solid stand mixer with a long life expectancy. 

Best for bread: Kenmore Elite Ovation 5-Qt. Stand Mixer

Kenmore

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Why it made the cut: Kenmore’s innovative stand mixer design prevents flour from flying, which is a big boon for bread bakers.

Specs

• Accessories included: steel wire whisk, flat beater, dough hook, egg separator, grater
• Capacity: 5 quarts
• Dimensions: 14.75 x 13 x 9.5 inches (LxWxH)
• Weight: 30 pounds

Pros

• 360-degree splash guard prevents messes
• Pour-in top design actually works well
• Relatively compact

Cons

• Shakes under a heavy load

Bread is one of the deepest categories in all of baking, which is ironic considering the core of many recipes is a combination of four simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. Kenmore’s Elite Ovation is the right tool for bread baking because its innovative design makes dough-making less messy. Many of our stand mixer recipes come with a plastic guard, which prevents dry ingredients from flying everywhere as they’re first combined with wet ones, but Kenmore went a step further.

A removable splash guard fitted into the top of the mixer fits perfectly on top of the mixer’s bowl to create an enclosed environment. There’s a hole open at the top, which allows you to pour ingredients into the mixer’s bowl while it’s working, but we’ve never had dry ingredients fly out of it during our tests. This was true whether we were making banana bread—an admittedly wet dough made with the paddle attachment—hamburger buns, a standard loaf of white bread, or even fresh pasta dough.

The ability to pour extra liquid or flour in through the top of the mixer as it was working was a huge help. We could course-correct recipes on the fly without wasting time turning the machine off and on again. Amateur bakers who are scared of making a mess will appreciate this as much as pros who’ve had the unfortunate experience of getting a face full of flour at the start of bread baking.

Our sole complaint with the Elite Ovation is that it’ll shake if you’re mixing a thick dough at high speeds. If you have it set on a kitchen island, it may rattle your other kitchen tools and appliances. This isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, just something to keep in mind if you’re not going to keep your stand mixer on a solid countertop. This wasn’t an issue when we used this mixer to make thinner doughs or batter, but bread bakers should be aware.

Best budget: Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer

Brandt Ranj

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Why it made the cut: Cuisinart’s stand mixer offers many of the same features as our premium picks at a far lower cost.

Specs

• Accessories included: steel wire whisk, flat beater, dough hook, pouring shield
• Capacity: 5.5 quarts
• Dimensions: 15.75 x 8.75 x 14.9 inches (LxWxH)
• Weight: 19 pounds

Pros

• Easy to use
• Supports lots of accessories
• Price

Cons

• Slightly worse look and feel

The biggest impediment for many bakers who want to go from a hand mixer to stand mixer is cost, but this is one of the few appliances where it pays to spend more money. Stand mixers are complicated machines with powerful motors, so getting an extremely inexpensive one means running the risk of having it break down after a couple of years. If you’re budget conscious but still want a stand mixer that’ll go the distance, your best bet is Cuisinart’s SM-50BC, which can be had for well under $200.

In our tests, the SM-50BC handled typical recipes like chocolate chip cookie dough as well as the more premium picks we’re recommending. It also had some little creature comforts, like making a clicking sound when the mixer’s head was tilted all the way up. Other little features, like how easy its knob was to turn, also stood out. There was definitely a little hit to the overall look and feel of this stand mixer compared to our recommendations, but not in a way that hurt its performance.

For common recipes—cookie dough, cake batter, whipped cream—this stand mixer will offer similar results to one that costs roughly double the price. If you’re looking for a way to cut down your cooking time with those recipes while adding some more complicated ones into your repertoire over time, this stand mixer will help guide you through that journey.

Speaking of journeys, we only used this stand mixer with the included attachments, but we’re pleased by the fact that Cuisinart is expanding its functionality with a wide assortment of accessories. This includes everything from a pasta extruder to a meat grinder. It’s worth noting that these accessories are also a lot less expensive than the ones available for a KitchenAid mixer.

If you’re looking for an entry-level stand mixer to take your baking to the next level, Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer should be the first one to consider.

What to consider when shopping for the best stand mixers

Before you decide on a stand mixer, you’ll need to decide what you actually want to use it for. A basic stand mixer will mix up things like cookie dough, cake batter, and whipped cream. But, some stand mixers are equipped to work with accessories to make things like burgers, pasta, and ice cream. It’s also important to consider how often you’ll use it. Many stand mixers are built to last a lifetime, but those typically come with a higher price tag. 

When choosing a stand mixer for your kitchen, keep in mind your counter space. These machines are typically heavy and a bit bulky, so size may be a consideration for apartment dwellers. Even if you have space to store it, moving it in and out of a cabinet can be a hassle if it’s too heavy. 

Here are some of the most prudent questions to ask yourself as you hunt for your ideal stand mixer: 

Attachments and accessories

If the idea of making pasta from scratch sounds like more effort than it’s worth, then you probably don’t need to worry about getting a stand mixer that allows for all kinds of fancy attachments. A basic stand mixer will meet all of your needs as a baking companion, including whipping, mixing, kneading, and creaming. If you’re looking for an all-in-one kitchen assistant, spring for a stand mixer that has the ability to add on cool accessories. Just make sure to factor the cost of those extra gadgets into your budget. 

Capacity

Stand mixers come in various sizes, so it’s worth considering what kind of capacity you want yours to have. If you’re a professional baker who will be whipping up large batches of batter, cream, and dough every weekend, a 3-quart mixing bowl might not cut it. Working in small batches can get frustrating if you’re in a time crunch and have a lot of work ahead of you. Alternatively, if you’re a hobby baker who whips up a few dozen cookies once a year for the holidays, a huge bowl and paddle may be a hindrance.

Design and footprint

Between your rice cooker, air fryer, toaster, and blender, your kitchen counter might be getting a bit crowded. Consider where you’re going to store your stand mixer before you go for a large-batch mixer. Many folks opt to display their stand mixer on the counter for aesthetic purposes, and because that sucker can be heavy to lug out every time you need it. If counter space is an issue, cabinet or pantry storage is another option. Luckily, there are some great compact options for those who live in close quarters. Some of the options on this list weigh more than 25 pounds and stand well over a foot high. 

FAQs

A final word on the best stand mixers

• Best overall: KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
• Best for professionals: Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer
• Best small: KitchenAid Artisan Mini Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 3.5 Quart
• Best style and design: Smeg 1950s Retro Style Stand Mixer
• Best for bread: Kenmore Elite Ovation 5-Qt. Stand Mixer
• Best budget: Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer

Whether you’re an occasional baker or an aspiring professional, the best stand mixer will make a huge difference in your kitchen. With proper care, these versatile devices can pump out cakes, cookies, bread, pasta, and more for decades to come.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best stand mixers of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best upright		Midea Upright Freezer		SEE IT	This upright model fits in tight spaces and comes with LED lights to help you organize.
Best Energy-Efficient		Whynter Energy-Star Mini Freezer		SEE IT	This affordable model saves space and energy.
Best Budget		Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer		SEE IT	This option provides 5 cubic feet of storage space at a budget-friendly price.

With more people preparing food at home while trying to space out their trips to the grocery store, buying in bulk is becoming a new normal. This makes freezer chests an increasingly attractive and practical addition to the home. But PopSci, don’t chest freezers require a lot of space and energy? Not anymore! You can find freezer chests that suit your living space, storage needs, and even save energy. No matter your situation, you won’t be left out in the cold if you need a deep freezer.

• Best large: Kratos Refrigeration 69K-749HC Solid Top Chest Freezer
• Best upright: Midea Upright Freezer
• Best energy-efficient mini-freezer: Whynter Energy Star 1.1-cubic foot mini freezer
• Best outdoor or garage freezer: Midea 7-cubic foot chest freezer
• Best budget: Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer

The best freezer chests: Reviews & Recommendations

Best large: Kratos Refrigeration 69K-749HC Solid Top Chest Freezer

Amazon

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Featuring adjustable temperature controls and a power-on indicator light (which is handy if you live in an area that is susceptible to power outages), the Kratos chest freezer is also lockable and has adjustable feet in case your floor is uneven. 

Best upright: Midea Upright Freezer

Amazon

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The Hamilton Beach upright freezer has an adjustable hinge door that can open right or left, as well as adjustable legs to ensure no wobbling. The adjustable thermostat makes it easy to change the temperature to desired levels, and five wire shelves and bright LED lighting make organizing and accessing items easy. 

Best energy-efficient mini-freezer: Whynter Energy Star 1.1-cubic foot freezer

Amazon

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Requiring less energy than a standard light bulb, the Whynter freezer is a great option for those who don’t need a lot of extra storage and are concerned about energy costs. It’s also lockable and has a manual defrost option. 

Best outdoor or garage freezer: Midea 7-cubic foot chest freezer

Amazon

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The Midea Chest Freezer is a forced-air garage freezer unit that weighs just a hair under 75 pounds and is sturdy enough to withstand being housed in a garage or even outdoors. It also boasts an adjustable thermostat, removable baskets for easy cleaning, and a top door that can raise from 45 degrees to 75 degrees for easy access to its vast storage space. 

Best budget: Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer

Amazon

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At just over $200, the Koolatron freezer is a surprisingly big model at such a low price point (its 5 cubic feet of space is just a nudge above a “compact” or “mini”). It weighs just about 65 pounds and while it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, it’s not a bad choice if you’re not looking to spend a lot. 

What to consider when buying the best freezer chests

Deep freezers have come a long way. Not only don’t they require you to keep enormous blocks of actual ice somewhere in your living space, but they also aren’t powered by ammonia and sulfur dioxide like they were in the 1830s (until someone realized that that combination was, to put it mildly, lethal). General Electric popularized the modern domestic freezer in the 1920s, and it’s been evolving ever since. Of all your kitchen appliances, deep freezer chests—whether they be upright freezers, large chest freezers, or even outdoor freezers—can be among the most cost-effective and life-changing. Having a quality deep freezer chest changes the way you shop, the way you cook, and even the things you eat. They can save families (especially large families) significant time and money by allowing them to plan meals without fear of wasteful spoilage or annoying repeat trips to the supermarket. 

Modern freezers use 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, which does not deplete the ozone layer or cause toxic poisoning, and is considered safe for use in the home. Most freezers store food at -18 degrees Celsius and it is at this temperature that food will remain safe and viable indefinitely. Some freezers can go as low as -34 degrees Celsius. You have a wide range of size options as well, so they can handle whatever your kitchen refrigerator overflow requires. Here are our suggestions for the best freezer chest for any circumstance. 

Related: The weather’s nice, so let’s pull some meat out of the freezer and get to grilling with these tools 

Things to consider when looking for a large freezer chest

If you’re in the market for a freezer chest, you might think bigger is better. But it’s important to consider your space and how much storage capacity you need to make sure you get the model that works best for you and your family.

The large freezer chest you buy should be based on the size of your family and the size of the space you have to accommodate a spare appliance. Most appliance manufacturers estimate that you should dedicate 1.5 cubic feet of freezer space for each family member, and most commercial freezer chests come in four basic size ranges: Compact (5 cubic feet), Small (6 to 9 cubic feet), Medium (12 to 18 cubic feet) and Large (18 to 25 cubic feet). You’ll also want to consider your lifestyle: Do you buy frozen food and meat in bulk? Do you keep a lot of frozen snacks on hand year-round? You can easily store 35 pounds of food in one cubic foot of freezer space.

What to look for in an upright freezer

When you’re in the market for a standalone freezer, one of the biggest considerations overall is how much space you have in your home to dedicate to such a large appliance. The upside is, unlike standard refrigerators, freezers do come in a few more size and style options. 

When choosing between a chest freezer or an upright freezer, consider that each style has its advantages and disadvantages. Because it’s less reliant on shelves, for example, a chest freezer has greater capacity than an upright and can easily handle food items of odd sizes and shapes. However, you do run the risk of having items fall to the bottom of a chest freezer never to be heard from again, which is not a problem with a more easily accessible upright model.

Because of its low profile, a chest freezer can be placed under a window, where an upright needs a bit more wall space (and ceiling clearance). If you have narrow walkways and doorways, an upright is also easier to maneuver. 

Looking for a mini freezer?

While limited space is likely your main consideration when considering a mini freezer, you should also think about other factors, such as how much you need to store and how much you’re looking to spend. Maybe you don’t have a large group to feed and just need a little ancillary freezer for a few precious items (or just a handy supply of ice), or maybe you need something temporary to supplement your regular fridge. 

Another thing to consider is cost—not just for the unit itself, but the money saved by purchasing a smaller, more energy-efficient model. Energy ratings can vary widely per model. For example, if your freezer comes with an ice-maker, that requires both additional energy reserves, as well as a connection to a water source. Some small freezer chests come with a flash-freeze option that will bring the temperature in the freezer down quickly when you load it up with food, which can also require more energy.

How about an outdoor freezer?

Once again, the space you have to work with is only part of the equation when shopping for an outdoor freezer or garage freezer. Not only do you have to take into consideration the durability of the unit—since it will be exposed to the elements—you also have to know if its cooling system can be as effective in your cold, winter garage or yard as it is when those areas become stiflingly hot in the summer. 

There are two kinds of cooling systems: forced-air and cold plate. In a forced-air system, a hidden cooling unit—usually a compressor—cools air and then circulates it through the cabinet, leading to much more consistent temperatures throughout the unit. If your freezer is jam-packed with food, it will restrict the airflow and the unit will struggle to lower and maintain temperatures (not to mention that the appliance will have to draw massive amounts of power). The more room you have between items, the easier it will be to cool. Also, glass vs. metal shelves can affect the evenness of the internal temperature. 

Cold plate refrigeration, also called static cooling refrigeration, is a method of cooling that uses a dedicated cooling element at the back of the unit’s cabinet to pull heat out of the freezer. Contents near the back of the freezer may block the flow of cold air, which can result in inconsistent temperatures. Additionally, contents directly touching the cold plate are more likely to ice or frost over. Point being: It’s not just about having more space, it’s about using it efficiently. And the placement of your freezer chest (whether it’s backed up against a wall, exposed to the elements, etc.) may inform the best system for you.

On a budget?

Since standalone freezers are designed in a variety of shapes and sizes, they also come at a range if price points. You can find options from as little as $150 to as much as $1,000, but you will likely sacrifice size, efficiency, and flexibility as you move from the biggest top-of-the-line models down to the budget options. 

But if you are just looking for something basic to store a few items, there are quality options that won’t break the bank. Your biggest concerns will likely be size, energy use, and noise level—because you want something that’s going to be effective without causing you more problems than it’s worth. 

FAQs

Related: Gifts for the home cook who already has everything

The last word on the best freezer chests

Chest freezers can be extremely convenient and cost-effective, especially for large families or shared living spaces. They help reduce food waste and can ensure year-round access to seasonal foods or scarce items. When buying the best freezer chest for you, it’s important to consider how much capacity you need, what you want to store, the space you have, where you want to keep your freezer, how accessible it should be, and the climate you live in. Each of these factors can affect how much you’ll need to spend. But overall, the best freezer chests are a solid option for most homes.

The post The best freezer chests of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer		SEE IT	Enjoy the same crispy textures and delicious flavors with up to 85-percent-less fat.
Best budget		Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer		SEE IT	The wide temperature range allows you to either gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp.
Best multifunction		Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker		SEE IT	An 11-in-1 functionality allows you to air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, rotisserie, toast, and more

Air fryers are all the rage these days because of their ability to simulate deep frying without having to actually submerge food in oil, as a standard deep fryer would, giving people the ability to enjoy healthier fried food right at home. These small kitchen appliances are essentially small convection ovens, which work by radiating heat from the cooking chamber and using a fan to circulate the hot air around the food. Air fryers also typically cook food faster. Though they vary, the best air fryers may reduce cooking time by 20 percent or more when compared to traditional ovens.

In addition to health and convenience, air fryers also shine when it comes to versatility. When the uninitiated think of air frying, they may conjure images of perfectly crisped tater tots and appetizers from the freezer section of your local grocery store. But there’s so much more than that. Air fryers are also great for cooking main dishes, from whole chickens and steaks to fresh vegetables and tofu, depending on the size of the fryer. You also absolutely cannot do better for reheating tricky leftovers such as pizza and french fries than the different types of best air fryers.

Air fryers can perfectly cook such a wide variety of food because most models have temperature and timer adjustments that allow more precise cooking, in addition to other intelligent features that vary by model. If you’re feeling overwhelmed just thinking about these options, we’ve compiled our best air fryer reviews to help you narrow down what’s on the market today. Let’s get frying!

• Best overall: COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer
• Best large: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
• Best Instant: Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
• Best for most: Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
• Best budget: GoWISE USA 2.75-Quart Air Fryer
• Also consider: Ultrean 8-Quart Air Fryer

How we chose the best air fryers for convenience and flavor—without the grease

In deciding on which products to feature on this list, we examined a variety of appliances with a diverse range of features that would accommodate consumers with average to advanced needs and understanding of the product. We researched 25 to 30 of the best air fryers on the market, taking into consideration personal experience, peer suggestions, critical reviews, and user impressions before settling on the six we chose. The basic criteria we looked at were quart capacity, cook and temperature settings, added-value special features, safety, and accessories.

Though prices have dipped in recent years from when air fryers first began growing in popularity, the downside is that now the market is more inundated with options than ever before. As such, it can be challenging to determine at face value what constitutes the real deal and what is just a cheap imitation.

The best air fryers: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer

Cosori

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Why it made the cut: Customize and save up to a dozen of your favorite settings for each of the 10 one-touch cooking presets on the bright, easy-to-read LED display.

Specs

• Capacity: 5.8 quarts
• Weight: 12.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 11.78 x 13.87 x 12 inches

Pros

• 12 different cooking functions
• Personalized shake reminders
• Nonstick square basket

Cons 

• Nonstick coating wears off eventually
• Operation could be quieter

The COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer is all about practical touches, which is why it was named one of the 2021 iF Product Design Awards winners. Enjoy the same crispy, delicious foods with up to 85 percent less fat using any one of 12 different cooking functions. In addition, the digital LED display and touch panel allow you to customize and save your favorite settings, which are angled toward you, so you won’t have to bend down to operate the machine. 

This device also comes with other helpful features, such as personalized shake reminders, which allow you to add an optional reminder to any cooking preset to flip or shake foods halfway through cooking. Learn to cook over 100 recipes with the included recipe guide, which is perfect for those still learning the ropes of air frying.

The removable nonstick square baskets are designed to fit a variety of foods and are also dishwasher safe, PFOA-free, and BPA-free. However, a few users noticed that the non-stick coating starts to wear off after regular use, so you may want to handle and wash with extra care. Another slight downside is that the air fryer can be loud. But thankfully, it doesn’t take long to cook your favorite healthy and delicious meals, so any noise will always be kept to a minimum.

Best large: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: If you’ve got a hungry family and need to fill some plates but have a lot already on your plate, the DualZone Technology of this Ninja Foodi air fryer lets you prepare multiple parts of a meal simultaneously.

Specs

• Capacity: 8- or 10-quart models
• Weight: 17.86 pounds – 19.8 pounds
• Dimensions: 13.86 x 15.63 x 12.4 inches – 13.9 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches

Pros

• DualZone technology allows two independent baskets to operate simultaneously
• Match Cook lets you double the capacity of a single food
• 6 cooking functions
• Easy to clean

Cons 

• Takes up sizable countertop real estate, plus requires room to vent
• No shake/flip reminder, and no automatic pause when drawer removed

Sometimes you want to prepare a balanced meal but with minimal juggling. And with the Ninja Foodi air fryer, you can cook both your protein and vegetables, or multiple sides, or simply enough fries to feed an army, all within one countertop contraption. With two easy-to-clean nonstick baskets (each a 4-quart or 5-quart capacity, depending on model), the Ninja Foodi can whip up its rapid heaters and cyclonic fans so you can whip up dinner, faster with less fuss.

Featuring a temperature range of 105- to 450-degrees Fahrenheit and six selectable programs (Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate), this 1690 watts air fryer can handle any menu. Admittedly, every air fryer takes some getting used to in order to find the perfect temp and time configuration to maximize crispiness. And if you want to make sure a single-drawer air fryer finishes its cycle at the exact same time as something you’re simultaneously cooking in the oven, well, that’s an extra challenge. The Foodi works to take some of that guesswork out of the equation with Smart Finish, which intelligently synchronizes the two drawers, even if they’re operating different modes. This means you no longer have to have something sit while you back-to-back cook two foods.

Deeper than they are wide, the drawers do require learning optimal positioning for airflow. But you’ll quickly be surprised by the combinations you’re crafting. Nuggets and fries, sure. Reheating last night’s fava bean falafel on top of a frozen piece of Trader Joe’s garlic naan, all under four minutes? Even more exciting. Both the baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, adding to the ease of this appliance, though handwashing will prolong the life of components. Pro tip: To avoid overcooking (because who wants dry fries), reduce the recommended temperature by 25 degrees and the time by 1/3. Also, leaving room behind the Foodi is a must for venting, otherwise your wall can be discolored/damaged by hot exhaust.

Best Insant: Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot

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Why it made the cut: With 11 functions, including air fry, broil, roast, rotisserie, toast, the limitations of what you can do with this multipurpose gadget are up to your imagination.

Specs

• Capacity: 8 quarts
• Weight: 26.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 15.35 x 12.57 x 14.78 inches

Pros

• Impressive 11-in-1 functionality
• Customizable cooking programs
• Evencrisp technology uses 95 percent less oil

Cons 

• Large size makes it difficult to store
• Dual lids are also cumbersome

Minimalists will love the Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, which allows you to replace up to 11 kitchen appliances so you can air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, roast, broil, dehydrate, and more with just one machine. Though, with the size of this beast, you may need to get rid of some other gadgets just to make room for it on your counter. To dictate your favorite recipes, it also comes with five fully programmable settings.

Two interchangeable lids make it easy to switch between the pressure cooker and air fryer functions. However, the extra lid can be cumbersome to store, but it delivers all the crunch and tenderness of deep-frying with 95 percent less oil using Evencrisp technology.

For all your cooking needs, the pot also comes with standard includes accessories such as a stainless-steel multi-use steam rack, a nonstick multi-level air fryer basket with a stainless dehydrating/broiling tray, and a heat-resistant protective pad and storage cover. So you and your family will sleep well at night knowing that the safety features protect against overheating, steam, splashing, and more. If you’re loyal to the Instant Pot brand but want a dedicated air fryer, the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart 6-in-1 is also recommended.

Best for most: Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer

Ninja

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Why it made the cut: Choose between four programmable cooking functions to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate a wide variety of different foods on a budget.

Specs

• Capacity: 4 quarts
• Weight: 10.58 pounds
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 12.1 x 11 inches 

Pros

• One-touch control panel
• Four programmable cooking functions
• Wide temperature range up to 400 degrees

Cons

• Cooking area can be difficult to clean
• Plastic or chemical smell hard to remove

For straightforward air frying without all the extra bells and whistles, the Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer lets you choose between four programmable cooking functions: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. The roast setting is ideal for casseroles and roasted veggies, while the reheat option is optimal for reviving leftover pizza, fries, wings back to crispy perfection. Or choose the dehydrate setting to make homemade dried fruits, veggie chips, and jerky and save even more money.

This air fryer also puts the “fry” in frying, as the four-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate are the perfect size to cook up to 2 pounds of french fries. With a wide temperature range from 105 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you can either gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat on manual settings.

The only design flaw is that the interior cooking area, particularly the rubber tabs on the bottom grate, can be challenging to clean. So it might be a good idea to have a dedicated sponge for cleaning the air fryer. A chemical or plastic smell may linger out of the box, so you should thoroughly wash the basket and all components with warm, soapy water before using.

Best budget: GoWISE USA 2.75-Quart Air Fryer

GoWise

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Why it made the cut: This air fryer’s miniature size and compact shape leave plenty of room on countertops for other small kitchen items and appliances.

Specs

• Capacity: 2.75 quarts
• Weight: 2 pounds 
• Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 5 inches

Pros

• Easy-to-use controls
• Nonstick frying pan and basket
• Uses little to no oil

Cons

• Accessories and steamer papers not included
• Automatically turns off when finished cooking

Not everyone needs an air fryer big enough to feed a family, which is why this mini-sized GoWISE USA 2.75-Quart Air Fryer is the perfect choice for singles and those who live in small apartments or dorm rooms. With rapid air technology, you can enjoy your favorite fried foods without the extra calories using just a tiny amount of oil or none at all. For healthier eating in no time, choose from seven cooking presets, including fries or chips, meat, shrimp, cake, chicken, steak, and fish.

Easy-to-use controls allow the time and temperature to be set from 175 to 400 degrees, or up to 30 minutes with the push of a button. An alarm will sound when the cooking is finished, and the timer will automatically switch to standby mode. Though some customers wish there was an option to add another minute or two before the fryer stops cooking.

The air fryer also comes with a nonstick, PFOA-free air fry pan and basket with a cool-touch handle and button guard to prevent accidental detachment. Unfortunately, the fryer doesn’t come with many accessories or steamer papers, but you can purchase a kit separately that includes an insert rack, skewers, toasting and warming rack, and more. Prefer a less retro look and a bit more capacity? GoWISE makes many models, such as this 3.7-quart fryer and several 5-quart options that still don’t take up much counter space.

Also consider: Ultrean 8-Quart Air Fryer

Ultrean

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With a high-capacity output and durable ​​stainless steel design, this air fryer is perfect for large families and those who frequently entertain guests for dinner.

Specs 

• Capacity: 8 quarts
• Weight: 16.37 pounds
• Dimensions: 13.35 x 15.75 x 13.58 inches

Pros

• Durable stainless steel design
• Easy-to-use LCD touch screen
• Preheating feature saves even more time

Cons

• Touchscreen can be finicky
• Difficult to change the temperature

The whole family will be eating healthier and cleaner when you’re cooking with the Ultrean 8-Quart Air Fryer, which eliminates the messy oil splatter of traditional frying. It’s also easy to operate with eight standard preset cooking functions that cook everything from french fries and bacon to chicken, fish, steak, and whole roasts. Then, when you’re finished, the detachable air frying rack and basket make cleanup a breeze.

The stainless-steel design also makes it more durable compared to comparable air fryers, while the compact, square shape makes it convenient to store when not in use. This air fryer also comes with a handy preheating function to help you save even more time. Simply press the “P” button and then preheat at 400 degrees for three minutes for even faster cooking.

Though a few users have noted, one minor drawback is that the touch screen display can occasionally be finicky, making it difficult to change the temperature. However, those complaints are definitely exceptions to the rule, as this high-quality air fryer consistently gets high marks from customers across the board.

Things to consider before buying one of the best air fryers

Capacity

For the reasons we’ve already laid out, shopping for an air fryer can be daunting. So in deciding which air fryer is the right pick for you and your family, first consider your basic needs for an air fryer. For example, how many people will you be feeding on a regular basis? For obvious reasons, singles and couples can get away with having a standard, smaller quart-capacity air fryer. On the other hand, larger families, particularly kids, may opt for a workhorse that can produce snacks and meals for the whole family daily or multiple times per week.

Uses

Another thing to ask yourself is what type of cooking you plan to do with an air fryer. Likewise, if your main goal is to throw pizza rolls and fries into your air fryer for the big game or movie night, your needs may be different than someone who plans to regularly cook entire meals, main dishes, sides, and veggies with it. As such, the former air fryer user can probably get away with a more budget-friendly air fryer with standard features, whereas the latter may want to invest in a model that also doubles as a pressure cooker or a toaster oven.

Space

Space is another significant consideration, as air fryers tend to take up a not-insignificant amount of real estate on kitchen counters. Do you have somewhere to store an air fryer? However, if you’re considering a combination air fryer, you also may be able to get rid of a few excessive kitchen gadgets, which could be a good trade-off. Heck, you might even end up with even more counter space when all is said and done!

FAQs

Final thoughts about the best air fryers

• Best overall: COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer
• Best large: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
• Best Instant: Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
• Best for most: Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
• Best budget: GoWISE USA 2.75-Quart Air Fryer
• Also consider: Ultrean 8-Quart Air Fryer

There are so many models and features to consider when dealing with air fryers that it can be difficult to even the playing field. That’s why our favorite air fryer is a Ninja model (the brand also makes one of our favorite smart ovens), such as the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer. In addition to being one of the best-rated air fryers on this list (another Ninja, the Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer, actually gets the distinction of top air fryer in popularity), the Foodi comes with features making it versatile enough to handle mains, sides, or a combination. However, larger families and those who plan to be using their air fryer heavily may want to consider a higher-capacity model such as the COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer or Ultrean 8-Quart Air Fryer. The best air fryers all just depend on how you plan to use them and how many people you’re feeding.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best air fryers of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill		SEE IT	The familiar face of the best backyard burgers.
Best budget		Fire Sense Black Notebook Charcoal Grill		SEE IT	A cheap, portable camping grill that works anywhere.
Best for large parties		Royal Gourmet CD2030X Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ Smoker		SEE IT	A perfect large charcoal grill and smoker.

The grill is an icon of the American backyard and it’s more popular than ever. The best charcoal grill is an affordable way to cook mouth-watering meat and veggies. With better temperature controls and smoking options, charcoal grills are becoming the cooking device of choice for serious outdoor eaters. The smokey flavor of charcoal briquettes or hardwood lump charcoal infuses burgers and chicken with distinct summer magic. These grills are easy to use, so even if you are a terrible chef, you can still cook up impressive food. Vegetables, hotdogs, pork chops, ribs, and more will all taste better when you cook them with these dependable, high-quality charcoal cookers.

• Best overall: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
• Best for experienced grillers: Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill
• Best for large parties: Royal Gourmet CD2030X Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ Smoker
• Best for gas grill lovers: Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
• Best budget: Fire Sense Black Notebook Charcoal Grill

How we chose the best charcoal grills

We grilled the best charcoal grill contenders based on reviews, recommendations, personal testing, research, and user impressions. We also looked at material, size, weight, and built-in features like thermometers to narrow down the list.

The best charcoal grills: Reviews & Recommendations

While there are small differences between various models, the basic science and design remain the same. More robust temperature controls and smoking options can bump up the price, but these can be well worth it for serious outdoor chefs. With a budget in mind, look for the options that will make your grilling experience easier and the food tastier.  

Best overall: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Weber

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Why it made the cut: With a 70-year legacy behind it, this charcoal grill is proof that good design is timeless and durable.

Specs

• Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches
• Weight: 32.3 lbs.
• Material: Porcelain
• Built-in temperature gauge: Yes

Pros

• One-touch cleaning system
• Durable
• Heat shield on handle

Cons

• Instructions unclear

For over 70 years, the Weber kettle charcoal grill has cooked perfect burgers and deliciously smokey chicken. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Weber charcoal grill is an easy-to-use, basic grill that can comfortably cook 13 burger patties on its 363 square inches of grilling space. The handle on the lid doesn’t get too hot thanks to the shield, so you won’t fling the lid into the pool in anger. And ashes collected in the bottom bin are easy to remove. This is a great grill for cooking dinner every day. It’s consistent. It’s dependable. And it will last a long time.

Best for experienced grillers: Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller

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Why it made the cut: An insulated design brings—and seals—the heat for juicy meats and smoky vegetables.

Specs

• Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 47 inches
• Weight: 97 lbs.
• Material: Alloy steel
• Built-in temperature gauge: Yes

Pros

• Temperature control
• Fuel-efficient
• Large grill space

Cons

• Expensive

The Char-Griller charcoal grill is a powerful backyard beast. The 447-square-inch cooking surface makes this one of the best large charcoal grills. It’s more expensive than a basic charcoal model, but you’re paying for temperature control and even cooking. The grill can reach temperatures of 700 degrees to sear big steaks, but can just as easily maintain a cool, smokey 200 degrees for ribs. The adjustable top and bottom dampers give you more control over the heat and smoke. The folding side shelves offer a helping hand when moving food to a serving tray. This large model is designed for those who want absolute power over the heat and smoke, to fine-tune the flavor profile of any grilled food.   

Best for large parties: Royal Gourmet CD2030X Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ Smoker

Royal Gourmet

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Why it made the cut: Two build-in side tables and large cooking racks mean there’s enough room to grill and serve everything at once for a backyard party.

Specs

• Dimensions: 58.66 x 28.74 x 50.39 inches
• Weight: 70.3 lbs.
• Material: Porcelain-enamel
• Built-in temperature gauge: Yes

Pros

• Built-in paper towel holder
• Ample grilling space
• Height-adjustable charcoal pan

Cons

• Large

It looks like a gas grill, but the Royal Gourmet cart grill uses charcoal to cook anything on its spacious 764-square-inch surface (511 square inches of cooking space and a 253-square-inch warming rack). A side crank raises and lowers the coals for better temperature control. The smokestack makes it easy to keep air circulating without smoking out the chef. Even though it’s bigger than others, it’s easy to move and maneuver around a backyard. And a charcoal cart grill has more storage options with shelves and side tables ready to support the grill master’s tools.

Best for gas grill lovers: Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Weber

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The touch-and-go propane-powered ignition system gives you the feel of a gas grill with the smokiness of charcoal.

Specs

• Dimensions: 8 x 48 x 43.5 inches
• Weight: 91 lbs.
• Material: Porcelain-coated steel
• Built-in temperature gauge: Yes

Pros

• Removable LCD cook timer
• Extra space compared to base model
• Touch ignition

Cons

• Screws for lid holder can interfere with grate removal and replacement

If you want the power and ease of a gas grill but the flavor of a charcoal grill, the Weber Deluxe Charcoal Grill is the best of both worlds. The touch ignition uses gas to get coals cooking instantly. The deluxe version also comes with a handy side table that doubles as a charcoal bin for easy access and storage. The shelf underneath adds even more storage space. Plus, it’s a fantastic Weber grill made of high-quality materials. Is it worth the extra money to opt for the deluxe model over the basic? If you want easy ignition and extra space, it’s money well spent. 

Best budget: Fire Sense Black Notebook Charcoal Grill

Fire Sense

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This portable tabletop grill is ready for tailgates, camping, and small backyard get-togethers.

Specs

• Dimensions: 17.53 x 11.82 x 14.18 inches
• Weight: 8 lbs.
• Material: Alloy steel
• Built-in temperature gauge: No

Pros

• Portable
• Carrying case included

Cons

• Not for large cookouts

What can you get for $30? You can get a pretty great tabletop charcoal grill. The Fire Sense is the best budget charcoal grill, perfect for camping or setting up in a stadium parking lot. The 18-inch by 13-inch by 13-inch portable grill folds up and is easy to carry or stuff in a camping bag. This is a small charcoal grill, so don’t expect to feed 50 guests unless they don’t mind taking turns. But you can fit four burgers on the grill with room left over for veggies and hotdogs. Plus, this mini grill is easy to set up, fill, and light. For being a budget model, the Fire Sense is the best grill for the money.

Think the concept of a portable BBQ grill/fire pit is … lit? If you’re looking for a step-up, check out the Front Runner, a more durable/aesthetically oriented option than the Fire Sense thanks to its rust/corrosion-resistant stainless steel design. It packs flat for easy transport and after a quick 30-second setup can be filled with charcoal and/or wood for cooking or keeping warm post-grilling on a chilly night.

What to consider when buying the best charcoal grills

If you’re still using an old grill that’s more rust than a cooking appliance, it’s time for an upgrade. Today’s modern charcoal grills are as stylish as they are useful. And with the right grilling know-how, you’ll be hosting gourmet backyard parties and family dinners all season long. 

Gas grill vs. charcoal

Gas grills are easier to use, easier to clean, and cook food faster. So why would you ever want to ditch the gas grill and opt for a charcoal cooker? Simple answer: The best charcoal grills are cheaper and the food tastes better. But there’s more to these grills than just an attractive price point. 

Yes, the charcoal grill creates ash that must be cleaned. And yes, it can take a few minutes to get the charcoal hot and ready for cooking. But the flavor is unmistakable and delicious. The smokey charcoal penetrates burgers, chicken, and steak with a taste that screams hot-weather fun. And charcoal grills are also more affordable. For a reasonable price, you can have a great backyard grill that will last for years. Setting up a charcoal grill is simple since the device itself is simple: Three or four metal legs, a pit for hot coals, a metal grill for the food, and a dome lid to contain the heat and smoke.  

And best of all, there’s something to be said for the ritual of charcoal. Everything takes a little longer but feels more important and sacred. From starting the coals to dumping the ashes, it’s a time-honored tradition and a quasi-religious experience. (Or maybe it’s just a cheap way to make burgers taste yummy.)

Cart vs. kettle charcoal grill

When you think of charcoal grills, you probably imagine a kettle grill. These charcoal grills have the classic design of a circular surface with a rounded dome lid. They’ve been around for nearly 100 years, so clearly the design works. They are smaller than gas grills, but that’s a good thing for getting the right temperature without wasting heat and space. They are also easy to assemble and easy to store in a garage or shed during the off-season. 

A charcoal cart grill looks more like today’s gas grills, with a rectangular grilling surface and boxy shape. They may also come with a handy side tray and storage shelf underneath. Cart grills are typically bigger than kettle grills, and that means you’ll need more charcoal to heat up the large area. Getting up to the right heat is critical for charcoal, so a bigger model can be more hassle if you’re only cooking a couple of cheeseburgers. But for big parties and big families, a large charcoal cart grill does an amazingly efficient job. 

Direct vs. indirect charcoal grilling

There are two ways to cook on a charcoal grill: With direct heat or indirect heat. For burgers and hotdogs, you want the heat directly under the food to give it a blast of cooking power and sear the surface of the meat. Chicken should be cooked with indirect heat, meaning the hot coals are pushed to one side of the grill and the meat rests on the other side. This lets the chicken heat up to the right temperature slowly and evenly without drying out. 

Charcoal grills can also be used to smoke meat over a long period of time. With strategic placement of the charcoal, you can smoke a rack of ribs in an afternoon. Simply shifting the charcoal position provides a whole new cooking option.

Temperature control

The biggest drawback to charcoal grills is cooking time. Unlike a gas or electric grill that is ready to start cooking at the touch of a button, charcoal grills need extra love and support to get the coals hot enough. 

The best grill accessory for a charcoal grill is a charcoal starter or charcoal chimney. These metal tubes ensure all the briquettes are red hot. Put newspaper at the bottom and load your bricks to the top. Light the bottom and the charcoal will start working together to get each brick hot enough. When you start to see flames at the top of the chimney, the coals are ready. Carefully remove the chimney and spread out the coals. (A charcoal rake is another great accessory to have on hand.) The whole process shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. Yes, that’s a lot longer than clicking a gas grill starter. But good things come to those who wait. Patience is part of the process. 

If you don’t have a charcoal chimney, you can still stack the bricks in a pyramid formation and hit it with the lighter fluid to get things burning. But the chimney really does make things easier and more consistent.

Speaking of the best charcoal grill accessories: Temperature control is a big part of any grilling process. Many come with built-in thermometers, but these are notoriously inaccurate. It’s always best to use a trusted meat thermometer to make sure the food is properly cooked.

Types of charcoal

Charcoal is basically wood that’s been through a rough couple of years. But there are two types of charcoal to pick from. Charcoal briquettes are the trusted old friend of traditional suburban backyard grills. These evenly shaped bricks are usually made of sawdust plus a binding agent to keep everything in the right shape. They are cheap. They are consistent. They are available in any grocery store or hardware store. The downside is flavor and heat. Because they are not 100-percent wood, they lack the smokey depth of lump charcoal. And they can struggle to get up to the proper temperature quickly. However, they are fantastic for slow and low cooking, such as smoking a rack of ribs for several hours. 

Hardwood lump charcoal is exactly as the name says: 100 percent hardwood. They are not in a uniform shape and size, so they can’t cook food evenly. But they do get very hot, very fast. The biggest benefit: They give burgers, hot dogs, and any meat you’re cooking a deliciously distinct seared flavor. Hardwood lump charcoal will be more expensive, and they aren’t ideal for long, multi-hour cook times. That said, for foodies and backyard chefs who demand top-quality cooking materials, hardwood lump charcoal can’t be beaten.

And you can always go for the best of both worlds by throwing a handful of hardwood lump charcoal on your traditional briquettes. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best charcoal grills

• Best overall: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
• Best for experienced grillers: Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill
• Best for large parties: Royal Gourmet CD2030X Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ Smoker
• Best for gas grill lovers: Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
• Best budget: Fire Sense Black Notebook Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills are easy to use and affordable. For half the price of a gas grill, you can equip your backyard with a high-quality charcoal grill. Food tastes better when cooked with charcoal and with flavorful lump charcoal, you can experiment and give backyard food an extra special kick of charred goodness. While charcoal grills do take longer to cook, it’s not too much time. The fifteen minutes it takes to get it going is a thoughtful time for you to reflect on the cooking process or stir up some secret BBQ sauce. And it’s worth the wait. There’s no better way to grill meat and vegetables.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best charcoal grills of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		NewAir Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler		SEE IT	NewAir’s AB-1200 can chill 126 cans of your favorite beverage.
Best for beer		Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator		SEE IT	Keep your cold ones frosty with this Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator.
Best for wine		Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler		SEE IT	Store your wine at the perfect temperature with Ivation’s Wine Cooler.

A well-stocked beverage cooler can turn any room, garage, or basement into an upscale lounge. Not only does a dedicated fridge for drinks free up some space in the kitchen, but many dedicated bar fridges or “beverage coolers” offer features that allow you to maintain more consistent temperatures to ensure you and your guests always have a supply of icy cold beer and chilled wine. Whether you’re an IPA-lover, a burgeoning sommelier, or simply like soda, these are the best beverage coolers for your home bar.

• Best overall: NewAir Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
• Best undercounter: Aaobosi Beverage and Wine Cooler Dual Zone
• Best for beer: Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator
• Best for wine: Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler
• Best mini: NewAir Mini-Fridge Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
• Best budget: Frigidaire EFMIS129-RED Mini Portable Fridge

How we chose the best beverage coolers

Brandon Russell has been writing and recommending gear for over 10 years for publications like CNN Underscored, Gear Patrol, and Popular Science. During that time, he’s recommended a number of devices for home tech, from the best energy-efficient air conditioners to the best carbon monoxide detectors.

To find the best beverage coolers, Brandon and fellow refreshment aficionado Dan Bergstein researched the best-selling models at major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Best Buy. They also read editorial reviews and user impressions, using the expertise of specialty publications like Liquor.com and our sister publication, Saveur.

Why do you need a beverage cooler?

The kitchen fridge is fine for storing groceries and stashing leftovers but, unlike most beverage coolers, they don’t allow users to set the temperature precisely. Having greater control over temperature is ideal for a drinks fridge because certain beverages, whether you’re drinking beer or wine, are better if stored at specific temperatures (more on that later). For wine, specifically, a dedicated wine fridge allows you to store your bottles horizontally so that the liquid can hydrate the cork. You don’t want crumbly bits of cork in your special bottles, do you?

Space is also a serious consideration. Real estate inside the kitchen fridge is at a premium, and giving all cans and bottles a new home frees up space for that Thanksgiving turkey, a big casserole dish, or that industrial jar of mayonnaise.

The best beverage coolers: Reviews & Recommendations

Pick your beverage of choice and find the cooler that fits your home and budget. Wine drinkers will want to pay close attention to temperature controls and vibrations. Beer and non-alcoholic beverage fans can be a little less picky.

Best overall: NewAir Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler

NewAir

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: With a modern stainless steel design and the ability to store up to 126 cans, the NewAir AB-1200 is the perfect beverage fridge for hosting neighborhood gatherings.

Specs

• Dimensions: 18.9 x 18.4 x 32.4 inches (WDH)
• Weight: 65.9 lbs
• Storage: 126 cans (12 oz)
• Reversible door: Yes
• Defrost type: Manual
• Cooler type: Freestanding
• Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 37 – 64 degrees

Pros

• Ample storage for cans
• Reversible door
• Stainless steel design

Cons

• Door can be difficult to reverse

With excellent interior capacity, seven custom temperature settings, and adjustable shelves, NewAir’s freestanding AB-1200 can chill many drinks. It features a classic glass door design, so you can see what drinks you have stored, and can chill up to 126 12-ounce cans of beer, soda, or whatever combination works best for you. The door is also reversible, giving you more flexibility when choosing where to put it.

Best undercounter: Aaobosi Beverage and Wine Cooler Dual Zone

Aaobosi

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Why it made the cut: With dual climate zones and a front-facing vent, Aaobosi’s beverage fridge fits in nicely under any bar or counter.

Specs

• Dimensions: 24.4 x 22.6 x 34.2 inches (WDH)
• Weight: 134.5 pounds
• Storage: 18 wine bottles, 57 cans (12 oz)
• Reversible door: No
• Defrost type: Automatic
• Cooler type: Built-in
• Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 35.6 – 50 degrees (left zone), 41 – 64.4 degrees (right zone)

Pros

• Dual-zone design with separate storage for cans and bottles
• Separate temperature controls for each section
• Stores 18 wine bottles and 57 cans

Cons

• Expensive

This dual-temperature cooler is more expensive than your average bar fridge, but it’s tough to beat a two-chamber design if you love beer and wine. Keep your 18 bottles of wine a little warmer and the 57 cans of beer and beverages a little colder thanks to intuitive, programmable temp controls. It features a front-facing vent, so it’s ready for in-counter installation. For basement bars and garage lounges, this is the perfect chilly bartender-in-a-box.

Best for beer: Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator

Antarctic Star

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Why it made the cut: With removable shelves, LED lighting, and a temperature display, the Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator makes it easy to chill your favorite beer at the right temperature.

Specs

• Dimensions: 17.7 x 16.9 x 29.1 inches (WDH)
• Weight: 44.1 pounds
• Storage: 100 cans (12 oz)
• Reversible door: No
• Defrost type: Manual
• Cooler type: Built-in
• Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 40 – 61 degrees

Pros

• Adjustable feet
• Temperature display
• Removable shelves

Cons

• Door isn’t reversible

A step up from the teeny-tiny micro-fridges you see in college dorms, the Antarctic Star beverage cooler looks cool and keeps your beer cold. Storing about 100 cans or 24 wine bottles, it features adjustable temperature controls with an easy-to-read display. The shelves are removable, making it easy to convert it from a beer fridge to a wine fridge if you want (or make room for 2-liter bottles of soda). It’s also surprisingly quiet and doesn’t rattle. Throw in a lock and blue LED lighting for ambiance, and you’ve got a swanky little bar fridge.

Best for wine: Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler

Ivation

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Ivation Wine Cooler features a UV-resistant glass door and a lock to protect your collection.

Specs

• Dimensions: 13.5 x 17.7 x 30.3 inches (WDH)
• Weight: 43 pounds
• Storage: 18 bottles
• Reversible door: No
• Defrost type: Automatic
• Cooler type: Freestanding
• Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 41 – 64 degrees

Pros

• UV-resistant glass door
• Door lock
• Sleek design

Cons

• Door isn’t reversible

For storing wine, the Ivation wine cooler is the next best thing to having your own wine cellar. The 31-inch chest stores up to 12 bottles of wine in an easy-to-control cooler that you can set to the perfect temperature. Its tinted glass door protects aging bottles against UV light, and its quiet, vibration-free operation won’t disturb them. The lock keeps your prized bottles safe and secure. When it’s time to drink, the soft interior light won’t blind you when you open the door like a kitchen fridge. It’s the best wine cooler for both sophisticated drinkers and those who toss back glasses of grocery-store wine.

Best mini: NewAir Mini-Fridge Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler

NewAir

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The NewAir Mini-Fridge can store up to 60 cans and features adjustable shelves for the ultimate dorm-room accessory.

Specs

• Dimensions: 18.9 x 16.7 x 19.7 inches (WDH)
• Weight: 45 pounds
• Storage: 60 cans (12 oz)
• Reversible door: No
• Defrost type: Manual
• Cooler type: Freestanding
• Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 37 – 64 degrees

Pros

• Compact size
• Sleek design
• Great storage capacity for its size

Cons

• No light in the fridge

NewAir’s mini-fridge is the perfect beverage cooler for dorm rooms and offices. It features a glass door (so you can easily admire your collection), enough space for 60 (12-ounce) cans, and an adjustable temperature from 37 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The fridge’s shelves are also adjustable to chill any combination of tallboys (16-ounce cans) and regular 12-ounce cans. If you want the “true” college experience, you must have a mini-fridge in your dorm, and the NewAir is tough to beat.

Best budget: Frigidaire EFMIS129-Red Mini Portable Fridge

Frigidaire

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Frigidaire EFMIS129-RED Mini Portable Fridge is small, affordable, and the perfect option for an office or dorm room.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7 x 10 x 10 inches (WDH)
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Storage: 6 cans (12 oz)
• Reversible door: No
• Defrost type: Automatic
• Cooler type: Freestanding
• Temperature range (Fahrenheit): Up to 32 degrees below ambient temperature

Pros

• Affordable
• Vintage design
• Small but can still chill six cans

Cons

• Won’t make your drinks super cold

The personal Frigidaire is more a mini-fridge than a “beverage cooler.” It doesn’t offer precise temperature controls and, in fact, only chills its six-can compartment by 20 degrees. For less than $40, it’s a compact, stylish little fridge to ensure you always have a soda handy at work or in a dorm room. If you don’t need to blast-chill your beverage, this is a handy and eye-catching little cooler that will do an adequate job.

Things to look for in the best beverage coolers

A dedicated beverage fridge should be easy to control, easy to access, and small enough to fit in most spaces. Before adding one to your space, you should also know what you plan to drink, as there are fridges optimized for beer or wine. Knowing what you want to store will also help you navigate the logistical differences between beverage coolers, including their sizes, shapes, and cooling systems. Here’s what you need to know to pick the best beverage cooler for any home.

What are we drinking?

You have a few options for a beverage fridge, including models designed for wine, beer, or both. Wine coolers–the appliances, not the cocktails, are better at holding bottles and often include specific features for keeping your collection at an optimal 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you’re looking to all-in on beer, you’ll need something more flexible. The ideal temperature for your fridge will change depending on the type of beer you bring home. Beer connoisseurs will often argue about the right beer temperature but, generally speaking, a can or bottle of beer should be warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below 55 degrees. Some manufacturers will make a recommendation right on the bottle or can.

If you’re thirsty for beer and wine—and maybe some other stuff, like a soda, or a bottle of water—you’ll want a beverage cooler that accommodates all kinds of beverages. These dual-unit fridges tend to be larger, especially those that feature a storage compartment for wine bottles and one for beer (and other things). On the plus side, a high-end dual-unit beverage cooler may have separate temperature control for each section.

Size and venting

Most beverage coolers are designed for convenience and can fit into tight spaces. A smaller 18- by 19- by 18-inch cooler (WDH) with 1.5 cubic feet of interior space can comfortably hold 60 cans or 17 bottles of wine. A mid-sized 24-inch beverage cooler can hold 120 cans and more than 30 bottles of wine. Remember, though, that your appliance gets dramatically heavier and harder to move as it gets bigger.

Freestanding bar fridges can live anywhere you put them, but there’s a certain appeal to installing a fridge to live under a counter or bar. If you choose to install a beverage cooler, make sure to buy one that’s meant for that purpose. Built-in beverage coolers can slide under bars or into tight cabinetry because they have front-facing vent channels that release heat out of the front. By contrast, most freestanding coolers direct their heat to blow out the back. If there’s no room in the back for air circulation, your fridge will overheat and break, so make sure you have an installation plan before bringing a fridge home.

Noise and vibration

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a whisper produces about 30 decibels (dB) of sound. The compressor of a beverage fridge can generate about 40 dB. While that may not sound like a lot, the humming may be distracting if you put a beverage cooler in a quiet office, bedroom, or home theater. By 70 dB, ambient noise starts actively annoying us.

Wine drinkers may also want to pay attention to vibrations caused by a louder than normal fridge. It may alter the taste if the fridge kicks up enough wiggle and wobble to disturb the sediment in a bottle of wine. While this won’t be a deal breaker for most beverage cooler customers, those looking for a dedicated wine fridge will want a quiet unit that sits still.

Extras

While we primarily value storage capacity, noise, and defrost type, we also appreciate beverage coolers that offer additional features like reversible doors and safety locks. You can install a reversible door to open to the left or right, giving you more flexibility when finding a place to put it. A safety lock, or child lock, allows you to lock your beverage fridge so nobody raids the beer and wine fridge when you aren’t around.

Finally, beverage coolers feature different defrosting options. A self-defrosting unit requires less maintenance, as heat coils within the fridge occasionally melt away the icy buildup. A manual model needs to be defrosted when the buildup becomes about 1/4-inch thick. You must either chip away at the ice with a tool or let it sit until it melts. We don’t consider automatic defrosting a must-have feature, but it’s definitely convenient. Be aware, however, that models that offer it are more expensive.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best beverage coolers

• Best overall: NewAir AB-1200 Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
• Best undercounter: Aaobosi Beverage and Wine Cooler Dual Zone
• Best for beer: Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator
• Best for wine: Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler
• Best mini: NewAir Mini-Fridge Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
• Best budget: Frigidaire EFMIS129-RED Mini Portable Fridge

There are multiple ways to keep your drinks cold. Wine coolers ensure your reds and whites never get too cold or too warm. A beer cooler provides quick access to well-chilled cans and bottles. And dual-temperature coolers give you the best of both worlds. Be aware of the noise level and keep an eye on your budget. And if you plan to place the cooler under a cabinet or against a wall, make sure the compressor has room to breathe. With that in mind, you’re ready to transform your kitchen, den, or garage into the neighborhood’s hot (and cold) spot.

Why trust Popular Science

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now. 

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio, to video games, to cameras, and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to. 

The post The best beverage coolers of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’ve spent time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen influencers using the Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 ice cream maker. It’s a seemingly magical machine that turns a frozen protein shake, fruit, milk (or nut/oat “milk”), and anything else you can cram into a pint-sized container into perfectly smooth ice cream. It’s one of the few viral kitchen gadgets that truly delivers on its lofty promise, and Amazon has it for $159 right now, a huge discount from its typical $229 price.

Ninja CREAMi, $159 (Was $239)

Ninja

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If you’ve ever used an at-home ice cream machine, you know how frustrating the process can be. You typically need salt and tons of time for it to churn. Then it freezes too hard, and you don’t want to eat it, so the whole process was a waste. The CREAMi is different. You freeze your sweet concoction in the included pint-sized container for 24 hours. Then, you lock the container into the machine, and a precisely shaped spinning blade mashes its way through the solid block, turning it into a smooth ice cream, smoothie bowl, or sorbet.

It can take a little tweaking to get your recipe and your process just right, but I’m absolutely infatuated with it at the moment. I typically add a single Fair Life protein shake and a few tablespoons of dry peanut butter, or some regular Fair Life milk and some Oreo-flavored Ghost protein. The whole process takes roughly two minutes and, while it’s absurdly loud, it truly delivers on its promise. If you regularly eat Halo Top or other lower-calorie ice creams at $6 a pop, this thing is a total game changer.

More kitchen deals from Amazon

Maybe you don’t need an ice cream maker, or you’re already part of the CREAMi Crew (an online group I just made up for people who like to eat mashed-up frozen protein shakes). That’s cool. Amazon has several other kitchen deals ready to clutter up your countertop in the best way possible:

• NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Blender Combo 1200 Watt $103 (Was $149)
• Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender, Professional-Grade, 48 oz. Container, Slate $289 (Was $349)
• Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade, Self-Cleaning 64 oz Container $379 (Was $549)
• De’Longhi EC885M Dedica Arte Espresso Machine,35 Fluid Ounces $249 (Was $399)
• De’Longhi La Specialista Arte EC9155MB, Espresso Machine with Grinder $494 (Was $699)
• De’Longhi Magnifica Evo, Fully Automatic Machine Bean to Cup Espresso Cappuccino and Iced Coffee Maker $599 (Was $758)
• De’Longhi EC9355M La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine $699 (Was $899)
• Get up to 50 percent off kitchen tools and utensils from KitchenAid

The post Save $70 on the Ninja CREAMi at Amazon and become an ice cream influencer appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		LG DUAL Inverter Smart Air Conditioner		SEE IT	Keep any room cool with this model that you can operate with voice controls.
Best dual-hose		Whynter ARC-14S Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner		SEE IT	This pick offers not only high-powered cooling capacity, but also a fan, dehumidifier, and activated carbon filter.
Best for small rooms		BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner		SEE IT	With remote control capabilities, a portable design, and easy-clean filter, this pick will keep small rooms cool and comfortable.

An easily portable air conditioner is one of the unsung heroes of the appliance world. For many people who can’t install a window unit or that have a system that’s controlled by the (seemingly random) hand of a building super or management company, a moveable air conditioner let you take back control of your body temperature. The best thing about a compact portable unit is that it does what it says: provides all the frigid satisfaction of an AC but requires zero installation; plus, you can reposition it from room to room. The downside: Most portable air conditioners are not cheap, sometimes they can be noisy, they’re most effective in small spaces, and they likely will not compare to central air or window units. Having said all that, if you live someplace where the heat gets unbearable and actually affects your quality of life—you can’t sleep, you can’t get comfortable, you have to take constant cold showers—the best portable air conditioners are a wise investment that’ll serve you for years to come.

• Best overall: LG DUAL Inverter Smart Air Conditioner 
• Best for small rooms: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
• Best quiet: De’Longhi PACEM370 WH Penguino Portable Air Conditioner
• Best dual-hose: Whynter ARC-14S Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner 
• Best budget: Honeywell HJ5CESWK0

How we chose the best portable air conditioners

Popular Science has expertise in vetting home appliances and explaining the technology behind how they work. Except for a couple people who are van-lifers, we live in traditional dwellings—apartments to single-family homes—and like them to be comfortable, so we’re always trying out new gear. In making our recommendations for the best portable air conditioners, we considered the portable AC units available from leading brands, such as LG, Honeywell, and Black+Decker. We also weighed the design of these mini air conditioners, their reach, how energy-efficient they are, how easy they are to install and operate, longevity, and cost.

The best portable air conditioners: Reviews & Recommendations

Using a portable air conditioner as opposed to central AC can help you save energy and money. That said, these models vary in power, coverage area, functionality, and price. Here are our picks to help you keep your cool when picking the best portable air conditioners.

Best overall: LG DUAL Inverter Smart Air Conditioner 

LG

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Specs

• Dimensions: 18.1 inches D x 19.41 inches W x 30.43 inches H
• BTUs: 14,000
• Power: Corded electric

Pros

• Powerful
• Quiet
• Works with smart home assistants

Cons

• Expensive

The LG DUAL Inverter Smart Air Conditioner uses the latest technology to allow you to control the climate in your home, making it our best overall pick. An oscillating air vent in this 10,000 BTU LG portable air conditioner circulates cool air efficiently, and dual-inverter technology is powerful but not loud (it operates at 44 decibels). An installation kit and hose make it easy to set up, and it won’t take up much room at 19.41 inches by 18.11 inches by 30.43 inches. A trio of modes—Cool, Fan, and Dry—gives you the option of controlling humidity in addition to temp. And smart home-assistant compatibility (Alexa, Hey Google, plus LG’s ThinQ) is a cool feature when things heat up. 

Best for small rooms: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Air Conditioner 

BLACK+DECKER

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Specs

• Dimensions: 16.5 inches D x 26 inches W x 11.5 inches H
• BTUs: 8,000
• Power: Corded electric

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Filter you can clean
• Energy-saving timer

Cons

• Not as powerful as other models

If you’re for a small portable air conditioner to cool without wasting energy, the Black+Decker portable air conditioner is a solid choice. Designed for small rooms under 450 square feet (about 15 feet by 20 feet), this 8,000-BTU portable air conditioner has an adjustable fan speed that can cool down to 6 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s easy to set up and features an LED display and energy-saving timer. You can choose between cool, fan, and dehumidifying modes. And when you’re ready for bed, it goes extra quiet in sleep mode.

Best quiet: De’Longhi PACEM370 WH Penguino

De’Longhi

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Specs

• Dimensions: 13.6 inches D x 16.7 inches W x 27.6 inches H
• BTUs: 11,500
• Power: Corded electric and two AAA batteries

Pros

• Quiet
• Optional white noise feature
• Easy to move

Cons

• Some reviewers say it’s hard to return

Cooling your living space can help you get to sleep on hot nights, but not if the unit is loud. The De’Longhi PACEM370 WH Penguino can take care of both. This 11,000 BTU comes with an optional quiet night mode that doubles as white noise for all the insomniacs out there. It also features a remote control, energy efficiency, multiple settings (including quiet), and an easily washable filter. Operating at about 53 decibels, this unit covers up to 500 square feet and is designed with casters that make it easy to move it from room to room.

Best dual-hose: Whynter ARC-14S Dual-Hose Air Conditioner

Whynter

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Specs

• Dimensions: 16 inches D x 19 inches W x 35.5 inches H
• BTUs: 14,000
• Power: Corded electric

Pros

• Acts as a dehumidifier as well
• Energy Star-certified
• Doesn’t use chlorofluorocarbons

Cons

• Heavy
• Some users say the unit doesn’t cool the air significantly

If you’re looking for a unit that cools fast and cleans your air to boot, consider the Whynter ARC-14S Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner. Its dual-hose design allows the unit to recycle, cool, and dehumidify up to 71 pints of air per day. This portable AC operates at a powerful 14,000 BTU, and you can choose from three modes: air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier.

For people interested in sustainability, this dual-hose portable air conditioner is designed with a carbon filter that helps air quality. The unit’s R-32 refrigerant is free of potentially toxic chlorofluorocarbons, and it’s also Energy Star-certified, with a maximum power consumption of 1,300 watts.

Best budget: Honeywell HJ5CESWK0

Honeywell

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Specs

• Dimensions: 18.9 inches D x 15.4 inches W x 30.7 inches H
• BTUs: 10,000
• Power: Corded electric

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Energy-saving timer
• Comes with kit

Cons

• Noisy
• Some users say the tube does not connect correctly

This portable model from Honeywell is used, making it a great pick if you’re looking for a cheap air conditioner. This model is designed to cool rooms up to 450 square feet and comes with a window kit for easy installation of the tube. It comes with a washable filter (to weed out pet hair, dander, and dust) that extends the life of this 10,000-BTU option (just run the filter under the tap to clean it). You get three fan speeds, sleep and auto-wind modes, and a 24-hour energy-saving timer. And a remote is included.

Things to consider buying the best portable air conditioners

With electronics and appliances, including small portable air conditioners, people tend to fall in love with one or two brands and outfit their homes with as many of that company’s gadgets as possible. If you’re a brand-loyal gearhead, you’re in luck: Many of the biggest names in tech, from Black+Decker to Whynter, have some of the best portable air conditioners around. Here are the factors to consider when making your decision.

BTUs

BTUs, short for British Thermal Units, quantify the energy needed to remove heat from the air in one hour. An air conditioner should have 20 BTUs for every square foot of the area you are looking to cool, according to Consumer Reports. While it may be tempting to buy a unit with the highest BTUs, keep in mind the space that you’re looking to cool and promoting energy efficiency and savings.

Energy efficiency

Cooling your home by targeting certain spaces as opposed to a whole-home system should help you to save on your electricity bills. Energy Star recommends seeking air conditioners that allow you to schedule cycles, turn the appliance off remotely, and track your energy usage. Several models also come with 24-hour timers that allow you to schedule when the unit is on.

Installation

Many portable air conditioners are designed with an exhaust hose or two that goes through a window to release hot air. Most come with window installation kits that include an adapter and bracket, but you’ll want to ensure that the kit will fit the window in your home before making a purchase. If you don’t have a window next to an outlet, you can also potentially vent through the ceiling or chimney, but that could require the assistance of a professional.

Types of systems

Single-hose systems draw hot air in from a room and then expel it through an exhaust hose, typically through a window. Dual-hose systems are designed with both and exhaust hose and an intake hose that cools down the air within the machine, generally resulting in more cooling power and energy efficiency. 

Brand

A quick review of brands and what they represent: LG, which has been around since 1958, promises “innovation for a better life.” Honeywell, founded in the Midwest at the turn of the 20th century, is best known for thermostats but has also dipped a toe in aerospace engineering and PPE manufacturing. Italian brand De’Longhi probably makes your favorite coffee maker or toaster oven, and Whynter is, as you could probably guess, all about keeping things the perfect temp, whether that’s with outdoor fridges, portable freezers, cigar humidors, intelligent ovens, or ice cream makers. Black+Decker is one of the most trusted names in kitchen appliances, in addition to making portable ACs. (And there are, of course, loads of other manufacturers that make portable ACs, like Toshiba, Haier, Hisense, Frigidaire, and GE.)

FAQs

Final thoughts on buying the best portable air conditioners

• Best overall: LG DUAL Inverter Smart Air Conditioner 
• Best for small rooms: Honeywell HJ5CESWK0
• Best quiet: De’Longhi PACEM370 WH Penguino Portable Air Conditioner
• Best dual-hose: Whynter ARC-14S Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner 
• Best budget: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner

Take a hard look at your current cooling situation and your electric bill. If you live somewhere sweltering and have no AC, you live somewhere with adequate air but are looking to lower your bill, or you live somewhere so small that one portable unit will get the job done, investing in the best portable air conditioner can be pretty cost-effective. A small portable air conditioner could be your hot-weather game changer.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best portable air conditioners in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

For the better part of two weeks, I’ve made lunch and dinners almost completely from scratch without neglecting my work or partner. This sudden burst of culinary creativity came courtesy of Tovala, an appliance maker and meal delivery service that’s just released its Smart Oven. I’ve tried the $249 countertop multipurpose oven, and it’s the first kitchen gadget that’s reliably got me out of a takeout or thrown-together dinner rut, though not without some compromises.

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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What is the Tovala Smart Oven?

If you look at the Tovala Smart Oven from the outside, it looks like any ordinary countertop smart oven—because it is. The Smart Oven has Toast, Bake, Broil, Air Fry, and Reheat settings, along with buttons that allow you to select the time and temperature of your cook (a Pro edition adds in a steam function, as well as an additional cost). The Reheat button, which has become standard on newer countertop ovens, will set the Smart Oven to 400 degrees for 10 minutes—a perfect way for me to enjoy the warmed jelly donut shown above. At its heart, the Tovala Smart Oven is a 5-in-1 device that wants to fill your stomach with delicious meals while it empties your kitchen of other appliances—maybe not my stand mixer, but countertop ovens feel almost as essential at this point. Still, the Tovala is far from the only multipurpose oven on the market.

None of the Smart Oven’s features are remarkable except for the top-most function button, Scan, and that button makes all the difference. Pushing the Scan button turns on a scanner that reads QR codes printed on recipe cards. These cards are bundled in a small package along with individually wrapped preportioned ingredients that, when assembled, allow you to cook a single-serving meal in roughly half an hour with minimal effort.

Tovala is so confident in the quality of the meals developed by its chefs that it’ll slash the Smart Oven’s price from $249 to $99 if you order meals six times (you pay for the oven upfront when you set up your subscription). Having made roughly a dozen Tovala meals, the Smart Oven is a straightforward gadget to recommend if you’re concerned about eating more healthily, saving money (compared to dining out), and fighting against the choice paralysis that comes with meal planning. Tovala’s system isn’t perfect, but it beats the sinking feeling of realizing you won’t have time to cook as planned.

Setting up the Tovala Smart Oven

The Smart Oven may have a neat trick up its sleeve, but it’s a Wi-Fi-enabled countertop oven at the end of the day, so setting it up doesn’t require much time or technical know-how. After removing the oven from its packaging, I installed the crumb tray into a slot beneath the door, then slid its wire rack into the middle position. Tovala also includes an air fryer rack and baking tray, which can be used if you cook using those functions. Sometimes, the baking tray will be necessary to cook Tovala’s meals. The Smart Oven’s functions are all clearly labeled. The same is true of the appliance’s time and temperature setting buttons.

Once the oven was set up, I downloaded Tovala’s app (iOS and Android), created an account, entered my credit card information, and ordered some meals. It’s important to note that most of Tovala’s meals aren’t pre-made dishes you’re simply heating up. Each is a mini meal kit with fresh ingredients that can be unboxed, prepared, scanned, and put into the oven in about two minutes.

Tovala’s meals start at $9.99 but can balloon to nearly $18 if you choose a premium entree with an optional extra. To keep things fresh, Tovala offers a rotating list of 25 options that appeal to many diets—whether you have a food restriction, allergy, or want to keep track of your calories. You can instantly see which of the meals Tovala offers will fit within your diet by tapping a button under the “meal type.” You can order between four and 16 meals per week and change the number you get each week. You also have the option to skip weeks if necessary or cancel your Tovala meal subscription entirely with no penalties. Tovala will e-mail you about its new menu a few days in advance so you don’t feel rushed when making your selections. If you don’t choose the meals you want by 6 pm CT, Tovala will choose the meals for you.

Using the Tovala Smart Oven

If I had to give Tovala credit for one thing, it’s that the company has perfected the process of getting its meals from a raw state to your plate in under half an hour while requiring virtually no effort. Each meal kit comes in a small paper box with an easy-to-read label (featuring ingredients, weight, and expiration date), a simplified recipe card, and pre-portioned ingredients. There’s no chopping, cutting, or marinating required. Instead, putting together a Tovala meal is a matter of assembly: Remove your protein from its vacuum-sealed plastic bag, place it inside a disposable foil tin, cover it in a sauce, cheese, or other condiments, and similarly prepare a side dish. Once the meal has been assembled, hitting the Smart Oven’s Scan button will allow it to read the QR code on the meal kit’s recipe card and automatically set the correct time and temperature for that recipe. Hitting the Start button will begin cooking your food, and you’ll hear a ding (and get an app alert, in case you’re out of earshot) when the meal is done and ready to be removed.

This plug-and-play cooking style may irk some home chefs who are used to the flexibility of tailoring a recipe to their taste—Tovala does include an optional ingredient with some meals to offer some variability—but the focus here is on sheer efficiency. The truth is that while I love cooking, using Tovala’s Smart Oven to make fresh meals twice a day was refreshing. I didn’t have to plan my lunch hour around meal prepping something for dinner or worrying about whether I was missing an ingredient that would require an inconvenient trip to the store. All the common mishaps that can derail dinner plans were taken care of.

None of this would matter if Tovala’s meals tasted terrible, but that was typically far from the case. The from-scratch meals were very good, including a BBQ Cheddar Chicken Sandwich, Italian Meatballs & Penne in Marinara, Chicken Parmesan, Gyro-Spiced Chicken Breast, Lemon Garlic Rice & Toasted Carrots, and the Kung Pao Chicken & Fried Rice Bowl. In all of those cases, I was impressed with how well-seasoned the meat was, the amount of additional flavor provided by the sauces, and the fact that both the main and side dishes were cooked simultaneously without one element being over or underdone. My only disappointing Tovala meal was its Beef Lasagna, which came preassembled and only needed to be unwrapped and heated up. In this case, the food looked (and tasted) like a leftover rather than something cooked that night.

Tovala’s approach combines the convenience of heating a frozen dinner with the taste of fresh food while requiring no additional kitchen tools or cooking skills. This combination is successful as long as you continue to order food from Tovala, but what happens when you don’t? It turns out Tovala has accounted for this in a few ways. The first is making the Smart Oven compatible with thousands of frozen food items from dozens of companies. A full index of compatible meals is available in the Tovala app, which we recommend reviewing before considering the Smart Oven. If you have a recognized meal, you can scan its barcode using the Smart Oven’s QR reader to set its time and temperature automatically. This is the same behavior you’d get when cooking one of Tovala’s meals. In my tests, the Smart Oven successfully cooked a handful of relatively healthy frozen items from Whole Foods with no fuss.

If you’d like to use the Smart Oven to cook your own concoctions, Tovala’s app contains recipes from the company’s chefs. You can use this digital cookbook to make everything from chicken wings and pigs in a blanket to brownies and roasted shishito peppers. The ingredient list for all of Tovala’s recipes is always reasonable, and the directions are incredibly easy to follow. Most steps are only one sentence long; you can read the entire recipe without scrolling. Just assemble the ingredients, put your dish in the oven, and hit start in the app. It’s clear that the Smart Oven was designed with Tovala’s meals in mind, but this appliance needs to be just as useful if you’ve paused your subscription.

So, who should buy the Tovala Smart Oven?

Waking up with the desire to cook—only to have the traffic report, a long meeting, an unexpected phone call, or some other unforeseen circumstance—derail your plans can be very disappointing, especially if you spend twice the money on takeout and or end up having to throw out spoiled ingredients. Tovala’s Smart Oven can help save you time in the kitchen and cut down on food waste even if you only order four meals per week. If you pause your subscription but later find more time, gather your ingredients or run by the store for your favorite frozen feast. Tovala’s Smart Oven will heat up faster than your full-sized one, and Tovala’s recipes can inspire you on what to cook. Countertop ovens have never been better, but Tovala’s unique approach helps its appliance stand out as a kitchen gadget I’d add to my favorite smart home devices. If you’re a frustrated home cook, the Tovala Smart Oven may help get lunch or dinner onto your table instead of reaching for the delivery app on your phone.

The post Tovala Smart Oven review: Cooking up a winner? appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		FoodSaver VS2150 Vacuum Sealing System		SEE IT	Easy to operate, with all the all the tools you need.
Best for heavy use		FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer		SEE IT	A one-button automatic process that’s easy to sue, and the durability to handle all of your needs.
Best for sous vide		Anova Precision ANVS01-USOO		SEE IT	A cooking app helps this serve as a hub for sous vide cooking.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 1/3 of available food in the U.S. goes uneaten every year. The average family of four wastes $1,500 on uneaten food. Much of this food waste stems from purchasing more food than can be consumed in a timely manner, which results in spoilage. 

Using a vacuum sealer, which wraps food in plastic and removes air from inside the packaging, can help keep food from spoiling so it can be safely stored for longer. Sealing your food, rather than simply wrapping it, limits exposure to oxygen, which causes most food to start breaking down. We found the best vacuum sealers that preserve food longer, with features that will make the process as easy as possible.

• Best overall: FoodSaver VS2150 Vacuum Sealing System
• Best budget: Geryon Vacuum Sealer   
• Best for heavy use: FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer 
• Best for sous vide: Anova Precision ANVS01-USOO  
• Best with food saver settings: Nesco VS-12 Deluxe  
• Best handheld: Zwilling Fresh & Save

How we picked the best vacuum sealers

 As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for publications including CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Bob Vila. These recommendations are based on personal testing, extensive research, recommendations from fellow critics, and user impressions. 

The best vacuum sealers: Reviews & Recommendations

The best vacuum sealers come in different shapes and sizes that cater to different people, depending on why they want to seal up their food. Whether you’re using it for long-term storage or cooking, we’ve got you covered.

Best overall: FoodSaver VS2150 Vacuum Sealing System

FOODSAVER

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Why it made the cut: The FoodSaver VS2150 has the best mix of features to make it the right choice for most people.

Specs

• Weight: 6.7 lb
• Dimensions: 17.7 x 9.8 x 7.5 inches
• Automatic: Yes
• Price: $170.08

Pros

• Built-in roller storage
• Cutter bar
• Removable drip tray
• Accessory hose

Cons

• Expensive

The FoodSaver BS2150 has all the tools you need in a vacuum sealer. It’s easy to operate, with both wet and dry modes for meats, veggies, beans, nuts, and bakery items. You can also use it for sous vide cooking and to seal non-food items. Its built-in bag roll and cutter make it easy to make custom bags for each sealing. The removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray makes cleaning incredibly easy. There’s even a hose attachment to remove the air from canning jars or vacuum containers. 

The FoodSaver BS2150 comes in black, white/silver, and black/silver. With the starter kit, you get some useful supplies, including an 11 x 8-inch vacuum seal roll, two quart-sized vacuum-seal bags, and 2 gallon-sized vacuum seal bags. 

Best budget: Geryon Vacuum Sealer 

GERYON

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Why it made the cut: This lightweight vacuum sealer lets you go automatic on a budget.

Specs

• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 2.56 x 5.5 x 14.4 inches
• Automatic: Yes
• Price: $50.99 ($40.79 with an Amazon coupon)

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Compact
• Starter kit comes with bags

Cons

• Not as much suction as higher-priced models

The Geryon Vacuum Sealer shows that you don’t have to break the bank to get a good vacuum sealer. It’s fully automated and easy to use, with intuitive digital buttons and LED lights. The vacuum sealer can be used for both moist and dry foods, making it ideal for meats and fish, fruits, veggies, and cookies. It can also be used for sous vide cooking.

At only 2.6 pounds and is 14 inches long, the Geyron is easy to store when you aren’t using it. It’s also convenient to clean thanks to a removable base. The machine includes a starter kit with a suction hose, five 7.8 x 11.8-inch heat seal bags, and one 7.8 x 78-inch roll of sealing plastic. It may take a little longer to finish sealing, but that’s an acceptable trade-off for a sealer that costs less than $50.

Best for heavy use: FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer

FOODSAVER

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Why it made the cut: The FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 is big.

Specs

• Weight: 10 pounds
• Dimensions: 18.8 x 9.5 x 10.6 inches
• Automatic: yes
• Price: $239.99

Pros

• Combo: handheld and standard
• Generous starter kit
• Pull out drip tray
• Sturdy

Cons

• Bulky
• Expensive

If you plan on vacuum sealing a lot of food on a regular basis, the FoodSaver V4840 is durable enough to easily handle all of your needs. It has a one-button automatic process that makes wet and dry sealing incredibly easy. You can also seal food in sous vide mode for cooking. It features a machine-washable drip tray, making cleaning easy as well.

There’s also a retractable handheld sealer stored conveniently in a pocket on the side, which you can pair with an optional FoodSaver Jar Sealing kit accessory to seal mason jars with homemade sauces or jams.

The Foodsaver V4840 includes a generous starter kit with one 11 x 10-inch vacuum seal roll, three 1 quart vacuum seal bags, two 1 gallon vacuum seal bags, three 1 quart vacuum zipper bags, and two 1 gallon zipper bags.

As the more heavy-duty option, however, the FoodSaver V4840 may have some drawbacks for new users. It’s a large, heavy countertop model, which may be problematic if you aren’t prepared to make room and keep it out all the time. Second, it costs $239.99, considerably more than most of the other models on our list. It’s a great option if you already use a vacuum sealer and need something ready to go at all times, but may not be a great fit for beginners.

Best for sous vide: Anova Precision ANVS01-USOO  

Anova Culinary

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Why this made the cut: The Anova Precision ANVS01-USOO’s pulse vacuum setting makes it an especially good choice for chefs who want a sealer specifically for sous vide cooking.

Specs

• Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 16.73 x 4.8 x 3.14 inches
• Automatic: Yes
• Price: $59.99

Pros

• Pulse vacuum setting
• Anova app
• Starter kit

Cons

• No drip tray
• No separate wet and dry sealing options

If you’re interested in using a vacuum sealer to prepare food for sous vide cooking using a water circulator, you’ve probably heard of Anova. The company is well known for making some of the best sous vide cooking machines, so it makes sense that it also makes vacuum sealers, as they’re often used together. The Anova Precision ANVS01-USOO is fully automatic with a one-touch vacuum and seal button. It also has a pulse vacuum option for liquids and delicate foods, which makes it a great choice for both sealing and sous vide cooking. 

Though it doesn’t really impact the sealer, Anova also has a cooking app that serves as a hub for sous vide cooking. The app comes with over 1,000 free sous vide recipes for cooks at every skill level.

Best with food saver settings: Nesco VS-12 Deluxe  

Nesco

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Why this made the cut: The Nesco Vacuum Sealer lets you choose the best settings for small and large food items.

Specs

• Weight: 6 pounds
• Dimensions: 15.75 x 8 x 4.5 inches
• Automatic: Yes
• Price: $119.99

Pros

• Bag cutter
• Various settings
• Storage
• Countdown timer

Cons

• Bulky

Some people just want to press a button and start sealing, but some of us would prefer to have a wider range of options. The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe provides a range of settings—including dry, moist, and double-heat seals—which is handy for when there will be a lot of liquid in the bag. There are also canister and marinate settings. You can even choose between either normal or gentle vacuum pressure, which helps keep soft foods intact.

It offers built-in bag storage so you can keep your materials with the sealer, and it has a cutter so you can easily make custom sealer bags. It also has a viewing lid, which lets you check in on the process while the bag seals. The starter pack includes two rolls of sealing plastic.

Best handheld: Zwilling Fresh & Save

ZWILLING

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Why it made the cut: Avoid the learning curve with this simple, handheld vacuum sealer.

Specs

• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 13.3” x 9.25” x 5.67”
• Automatic: No
• Price: $79.99

Pros

• Easy to use
• BPA Free Glass
• Reusable containers

Cons

• Not automatic
• Can only seal items when you have free containers

The Zwilling Fresh & Save Vacuum Sealer is extremely easy to use, especially for a handheld vacuum sealer. Rather than using sealing plastic, the Fresh & Save works with reusable sealing bags and storage containers with a locking mechanism that connects to the sealer. While that means you’ll only be able to seal things when you have free containers (or buy extras), that means you don’t need to worry about cutting bags or throwing out tons of plastic.

The BPA glass containers are also oven proof and the bags can go from the freezer to the microwave to the dishwasher. And there’s even a Zwilling Culinary World app to help you track your food storage and determine when it will spoil.  This 6-piece starter set includes one large glass container, two medium zip-seal vacuum bags, and 2 small zip-seal vacuum bags. (There are versions with plastic containers instead of glass, if you prefer.)

What to consider when buying the best vacuum sealers

“When choosing the best vacuum sealers, I find that you really need to know what you’re going to be using it for,” said Crystal Reinwald, a personal chef in Greenwich, Conn. Although vacuum sealers can help cut down or, hopefully, eliminate food waste, some savvy consumers use them to prep and store food items in bulk.

And if, for example, if you plan on sealing a lot of liquids or wet items with marinades, she recommends splurging on a chamber machine (we found some starting at $300 and also some over $1,000—but are not including them in this article). “They are best for sealing liquids—definitely more expensive, but you can sometimes find them second-hand.”

For the average household chef, who probably doesn’t need to seal hundreds of liquid items at a time, a home model should suffice. So what should you look for in a vacuum sealer? Here are some things to keep in mind:

Automatic or handheld vacuum sealers

“It can be difficult enough figuring out what you can and can’t seal, and when you need to seal it, you don’t want to worry about all of the ins and outs of how to seal it too,” said Christina Russo, creative director and chef at The Kitchen Community. She said the most important feature to her is automatic sealing, which makes activating the device a one-button process.

However, some people may enjoy the level of control offered by handheld models, which require you to use the pump to take the air out yourself. Handheld vacuum sealers also tend to be less expensive.

If you can’t choose, some companies make a combo vacuum sealer that includes both automatic and handheld sealing.

Bag storage

 A vacuum sealer with built-in bag storage will cost extra, but Russo said it’s worth every single cent. “It makes life infinitely easier, and you can just pull a bag off the roll, cut it to whatever size you need, and you’re ready to start sealing.”

Many sealers also feature a cutter, which automatically slices the bag for you. While it sounds convenient, it’s not a huge loss if you get a model without one. “It’s OK but not necessary,” Reinwald said. “I buy rolls of bags so that I can have whichever size that I’d like, but it’s just as easy to cut it with scissors.” 

Easy cleaning  

Vacuum sealing can get messy, so you want something that is quick and easy. To cut down on spills, leaks, and mess, Russo recommends a vacuum machine with a removable drip tray so you can easily transport all of the mess to the sink. 

“When you’ve finished sealing whatever you need, or want to, just remove the tray, pour out or empty the contents, wipe it down, and you’re ready to start sealing again,” Russo said.

“Nobody likes cleaning, it isn’t therapeutic, it isn’t good for the soul, and it won’t make you a better person,” Russo said. And I certainly agree with everything she said! 

Accessories

Some vacuum sealers come with accessories, such as a jar attachment that lets you create an airtight seal on the jar. Not every accessory is especially useful, but it’s always a good idea to check whether the manufacturer sells accessories separately, and make sure the sealer has an accessory port.

Is it easy to use?

They may seem intimidating, but most vacuum sealers aren’t especially complicated devices. That said, Reinwald noted that vacuum sealers have a small learning curve for new users.

“It does take a little bit of practice and can be frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing,” she said.

To give you a sense of the process, here’s an overview of the process with an automatic sealer. It takes a few button presses to create a bag, vacuum it and seal it. Handheld sealers require a little more work. Typically, you select your mode, connect the hose from the sealer to the bag, then select “vac,” and the sealer will suck the air out. 

Keep in mind that these are general examples to explain the process. The actual instructions for each individual vacuum sealer may vary, so you should always consult the owner’s manual.

Keep in mind that the sealing process requires a fair amount of counter space. Unlike self-contained appliances like coffee makers and toasters, a vacuum sealer will usually require at least an additional foot of space for the items you’re sealing, bags, etc. You probably won’t have room to have a permanent sealing station.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best vacuum sealers

A vacuum sealer can be a game-changer if you find yourself frequently cleaning rotten food out of the fridge. Companies claim that vacuum sealing can preserve food for up to 5 times longer. Even if these claims are exaggerations, the ability to preserve food even 2-3 times longer can cut down food waste dramatically.

If you don’t already seal food or use sous vide, the most important question to ask yourself before buying a vacuum sealer is whether you will actually use it. Even the best vacuum sealer won’t make a difference if it collects dust in a kitchen drawer or cabinet. The FoodSaver VS2150 is easy to use, making it an ideal choice for the average person. However, if you don’t want to keep up with purchasing and disposing of bags, the Zwilling Fresh & Save eliminates both.

The post The best vacuum sealers of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro		SEE IT	Breville’s smart oven has actual smart home functionally that doesn’t futz with its ability to cook.
Best smart oven air fryer		Ninja DCT401		SEE IT	This smart oven’s dual-door design isn’t just a flashy gimmick.
Best budget		NuWave Bravo XL		SEE IT	The NuWave Bravo XL is big, powerful, inexpensive and has some really handy features.

Smart ovens simplify and speed up cooking. These convenient countertop ovens feature cooking modes that make them highly versatile, including air frying, reheating, dehydrating, and even steaming. You’ll also find units with extra “smart” features to save you time, like the ability to reorder food as you use it or digital thermometers that alert the oven to turn off when a dish is done. In other words, the best smart ovens can help a lot in the kitchen if you find one that fits your cooking workflow. 

• Best smart oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
• Best with subscription: Tovala Smart Oven
• Best smart countertop oven: Brava Smart Oven
• Best smart convection oven: Wolf Gourmet Elite
• Best smart toaster oven: Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven
• Best smart wall oven: Samsung 30-inch Built-in Single Wall Oven
• Best smart microwave oven: TOSHIBA ML-EM34P Smart Countertop Microwave
• Best smart oven air fryer: Ninja DCT401
• Best budget smart oven: NuWave Bravo XL

What is a smart oven?

Though it sounds catchy, “smart oven” is a somewhat nebulous term. Smart ovens are multifunctional cooking devices that can heat food in many different ways. Whereas a toaster oven may be able to bake and broil, a smart oven may also feature convection-based heating, microwaving, or other techniques specific to certain kinds of foods. Many also have features that allow you to monitor and/or control your cooking more easily throughout the process.

Though there are full-size ovens that replace a stovetop or wall oven, many companies and home cooks use the phrase to refer to countertop ovens, so that’s what this list covers. These smaller convection ovens offer the benefit of often heating up faster than stovetop and wall ovens. It might be best to consider these as amped-up toaster ovens or more versatile air fryers. (That said, we threw an appliance-sized oven in there, just in case.)

Despite invoking the “smart” motif popularized by smart home devices like security systems and speakers, connecting to Wi-Fi or a smart home ecosystem is not a core feature among countertop smart ovens. Ironically, it is more common among full, appliance-size smart ovens.

How we picked the best smart ovens

I’ve tested and reviewed kitchen and home products for five years for sites like Business Insider, Tom’s Guide, and Reviewed. To choose the best smart ovens, we thoroughly researched and considered approximately 50 different models, including popular options like the June Smart Oven, Brava Smart Oven, Tovala Smart Oven, and WLabs Smart Oven. To find the best, we considered each design’s physical size, capacity, power, temperature range, and additional helpful features, like Wi-Fi connectivity and digital thermometers. Of course, we weighed each oven’s feature set against its price to see which ones offered the best value.

The best smart ovens: Reviews & Recommendations

With smart ovens becoming so popular, there are more options to choose from than ever before. You’ll have your choice of brand, with different oven sizes, features, and price points. Having lots of options is great, but can make finding the right option a challenge. Our selections for the best ovens span seven categories and a wide range of culinary needs. Whether you’re looking for a smart microwave, a smart air fryer, or the most versatile smart oven, there’s something for everyone.

Best smart oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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Why it made the cut: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro features a compact design and 10 smart cooking functions.

Specs 

• Dimensions: 21.5 x 17.5 x 12.7 inches
• Weight: 38 pounds 9 ounces
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Toast, bagel, bake, air fry, broil, roast, pizza, cookies, proof, reheat, slow cook, keep warm, dehydrate
• Wattage: 1800W
• Price: $319.95

Pros 

• Smart features encourage you to cook
• Large LCD display is easy to read
• 13 cooking functions

Cons

• Expensive

Of all the smart ovens we’ve tested, Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the one that truly lives up to its name. This smart oven works with a companion app that can send you alerts when the oven is preheated and let you know how much time is left on your cook. Having this information at a glance is helpful, and I checked the app often during longer bakes—looking at you, banana bread.

The front of this smart oven is packed with dials and buttons, which may give the impression that it’s complicated to use. We never found this to be the case. Each knob serves a single important function—cook time, temperature, setting select—while buttons handle standard functions like turning on the oven’s light or changing the temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius. It’s a lot easier to have these functions mapped to a physical knob or button rather than a touchscreen, in our experience.

Regarding performance, Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro worked flawlessly. French fries, croissants, the aforementioned banana bread, and anything else we put inside came out correctly without any intervention. Eventually, we began trusting this smart oven as much as our full-sized oven—which it could easily replace for most functions.

One of the problems with kitchen tools is that we buy them intending to cook more but often never use them to their full potential—if at all. The Breville Joule App (available on iOS and Android) is packed with step-by-step recipes courtesy of the team at ChefSteps. The site’s staff sweats all the small details, so their recipes always turn out. Many ovens come with a physical recipe book that’s easy to lose or cast aside, but you’ll spend enough time within the Breville Joule app that one of them will likely catch your eye.

Many smart ovens don’t live up to the promise of that lofty adjective—this one is an exception to that rule.

Best with subscription: Tovala Smart Oven

Billy Cadden

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Why it made the cut: For the ultimate convenience, you can order chef-prepared meals through a subscription service developed to be cooked in this smart oven. 

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.32 inches D x 18.5 inches W x 11.75 inches H
• Weight: 24.9 pounds
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Air fry, steam, bake, broil, reheat and toast
• Wattage: 1525W
• Price: $269.99

Pros

• Six cooking settings, including air fryer and convection oven
• Programmable with more than 100 presets 
• Option for affiliated meal service subscription 

Cons

• Smaller cooking space

Tovala’s smart oven comes equipped with six cooking modes: air frying, steaming, baking, broiling, toasting, and reheating. But what sets this option apart is what you can pair with it. The company has a subscription service called Tovala Meals that allows users to order chef-prepared meals through their smartphones (for a separate fee). You get a $50 credit for three to five meals with the purchase, but the subscription service is separate. 

The app also comes with more than 100 presets and allows users to scan popular foods for cooking instructions that are transmitted to the countertop oven. The oven also features a basket for air frying and a sheet pan, though some users have noted that the cooking space is smaller than they would like.

Best smart countertop oven: Brava Oven Starter Set

Billy Cadden

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Why it made the cut: The small but mighty Breville Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ can toast four slices of bread and cook an 11-inch pizza with minimal counter space.

Specs

• Dimensions: 17.3 x 16.4 x 11.3 inches
• Weight: 54 pounds, 14 ounces
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Toast, slow cook, reheat, dehydrate, rice cook
• Wattage: 1800W
• Price: $1,295

Pros

• Ten preset functions
• Multiple heating zones
• Growing recipe list

Cons 

• Price

Once you get over the initial sticker shock of Brava’s smart oven, you can begin to understand why it’s the most powerful, versatile option for serious home cooks. The oven has 10 functions and can be controlled via a touchscreen atop the oven or through Brava’s mobile app. You can also use the screen and app to cycle through a growing list of recipes, searching for ones that feature a certain ingredient or fit under the restrictions of a particular diet. Part of the Brava’s appeal is its ability to adjust the intensity of its heat in three different zones, so sets of ingredients that cook at different rates will be finished simultaneously. This means you’ll need to be cognizant of where you’re putting inertness on its tray, or else you risk having over or undercooked food. This shouldn’t be an issue, but it’s something to consider.

We recommend the Brava Smart Oven because of its consistent performance, made possible by its heating elements, which can reach their maximum temperature in seconds. We made s’mores, and they went from raw ingredients to ready-to-eat in about three minutes. Any home cook who values their time will appreciate what this smart oven offers. On the other hand, it also has some fun, techy extras, like cameras that allow you to monitor your food as it cooks. The Brava Smart Oven is the most interesting, fully-featured item in its category. Still, its high price may make it hard to justify unless you’re making a serious kitchen upgrade.

Best smart convection oven: Wolf Gourmet Elite

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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Why it made the cut: Wolf Gourmet’s Elite smart oven is one of the best-constructed kitchen tools we’ve ever used, and the results speak for themselves.

Specs

• Dimensions: 22.4 x 16.7 x 12.5 inches
• Weight: 46.6 pounds 
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Proof, warm, roast, bake, broil, toast/bagel
• Wattage: 1800W
• Price: $749.95

Pros 

• Ample cooking space
• Premium look and feel
• Comes with a lot of accessories

Cons 

• Price

Let’s get one thing out of the way: This smart oven was designed for home chefs looking to create their dream professional kitchen, and its price reflects that reality. That said, we can’t imagine a single serious home cook that would be disappointed by the machine. Every detail—from how the oven door opens to the click when cycling through settings—feels premium. The Elite oven looks simple compared to many of our other recommendations, but focusing on usability is necessary for this type of device.

We couldn’t find any fault with how Wolf Gourmet’s Elite performed. There was enough space to roast an entire chicken or reheat leftovers and sides simultaneously. The oven’s temperature probe—one of many accessories Wolf Gourmet includes—made it easy to assess meat’s doneness without poking at it or relying exclusively on visual and recipe clues.

The Wolf Gourmet Elite is a premium piece of kitchen gadgetry, and it’s only worth the investment if you’re set on replacing your full-sized oven for day-to-day baking and cooking. If you’re not cooking for a big crowd frequently, this countertop oven will likely become the workhorse of your kitchen.

Best smart toaster oven: Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven

Cuisinart

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Why it made the cut: With space for nine slices of bread and “always even” toasting, the Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven speeds up breakfast and lunch quite a bit.

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.42 x 16.93 x 20.87 inches
• Weight: 32 pounds 
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Bagel, waffle, pizza, sandwich, roast, dual cook
• Wattage: 1800W
• Price: $299.99

Pros 

• “Always even” toast control
• Comes with pizza stone, cooking racks, baking and broiling pan
• 15 cooking functions for versatile, precise cooking

Cons 

• Extremely heavy
• Expensive

Most ovens can serve as a toaster, but the Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven puts toasting first. It can heat up to nine pieces of bread at a time and features unique cooking functions for sandwiches and quick convection cooking. When toasting bread, the Chef’s Convection Toaster has a feature called “always even” toast control, which allows you to tune your toaster based on what shade of golden brown you prefer. It’s a level of granular control you won’t find on most toasters or smart ovens.

Though its toasting duties come first, the Chef’s Convection Toaster works well as a general smart oven, too. Its 15 cooking functions make it one of the most versatile ovens. It also has more accessories than your typical smart oven, including a pizza stone, two cooking racks, and an enamel baking and broiling pan. With its 0.95-cubic-foot capacity, it’s a larger oven that can cook a pizza or a whole chicken. While it does cost more than our top pick, the Breville Smart Oven Pro, this oven’s toasting precision makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for an oven that truly doubles as a quality toaster. 

Best smart wall oven: Samsung 30-inch Built-in Single Wall Oven

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: The Samsung 30-inch Built-in Single Wall Oven features a large capacity, Wi-Fi compatibility, and intuitive digital controls.

Specs

• Dimensions: 28 3/16 x 29 ¾ x 26 ⅝ inches
• Weight: 130 pounds 
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Bake, broil, keep warm, bread/proof
• Amperage: 20 amperes
• $1,299

Pros 

• 5.1-cubic-foot capacity
• Full-touch display for easy use
• Pairs with the SmartThings App for control from your phone

Cons 

• Expensive, especially compared to traditional built-in ovens
• Black stainless steel finish costs nearly $100 more than stainless 

Unlike most of the ovens on our list, the Samsung 30-inch Built-in Single Wall Oven is a conventional oven rather than a secondary appliance made to sit on your counter. By connecting it to Wi-Fi, you can control the oven with your phone via Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem. That means you can preheat your oven or adjust its temperature from another room.

We also appreciate that it’s Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, meeting certain specifications around maximum high-forward reach for controls, one-handed controls, and safety measures without tight grasping or twisting. These specifications make it possible for anyone to use the oven.

Unsurprisingly, the exceptionally well-made smart oven with connected features costs considerably more than a traditional wall oven. Compared to other smart wall ovens, however, it isn’t poorly priced. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Wi-Fi connectivity, self-cleaning options, and ADA compliance set it apart from most competitors.

Best smart microwave oven: TOSHIBA ML-EM34P Smart Countertop Microwave

Amazon

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Why it made the cut: Smart features allow you to create presets and activate all of the features of this Wi-Fi-enabled microwave.

Specs 

• Dimensions: 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 inches
• Weight: 35 pounds 
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Popcorn, Kitchen timer, Eco mode
• Wattage: 1100W
• Price: $143.99

Pros 

• Pairs with Alexa for easy voice operation
• Powerful
• Affordable

Cons 

• Requires an external Alexa device for voice commands
• Not as powerful

Toshiba’s ML-EM34P offers an updated approach to microwaving food. Instead of cooking preset buttons, you can press a button to ask Alexa to operate the microwave with commands like, “Reheat 8 ounces of rice.” You need an external Alexa device to use those commands, but you also have the option to operate it using an app if you don’t have one yet.

At $179.99, this 1.3-cubic-foot capacity microwave is right in the middle of the pack price and size-wise, but it has features our other recommendations lack. Our only complaint is that at 1100W, it’s a little less powerful than some of the larger ovens. That’s par for the course for a microwave, but something to consider.

Best smart oven air fryer: Ninja DCT401

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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Why it made the cut: The Ninja DCT401’s dual-door design is no gimmick—it’s genuinely useful.

Specs 

• Dimensions: 16.39 x 21.5 x 13.26 inches
• Weight: 31 pounds 
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Dehydrate, air fry, air roast, whole roast, pizza
• Wattage: 1800W
• Price: $329.99

Pros 

• Can cook multiple dishes simultaneously
• Compact design
• Easy to use

Cons 

• May be too small for some applications

We’re generally wary of kitchen gadgets built around a fancy-looking design. It’s easy for a company to choose style over substance to catch your eye while compromising performance. Thankfully that isn’t the case with Ninja’s DCT401.

This is the only smart oven with two doors, a niche feature you’ll only see in a handful of full-sized ovens. Pushing a button on the handle will open the top door while pulling the handle without the button will open both. It’s an incredible-looking party trick, but once you get over the “oohing” and “ahhing,” you’re in for the real treat. The DCT401’s chambers can be operated independently, meaning you can set their time and temperature individually.

If you’re cooking protein as your main dish and starchy vegetables as your side, you can time your recipes so that they finish simultaneously. Dual-chamber air fryers have been around for a bit, but this is the first time we’ve seen that concept in a smart oven, and we hope the trend continues to grow. The 401 was smart enough actually to heat both chambers appropriately, and the recipes we tried turned out. Now, the downside to this oven is that Ninja had to split up the vertical space of this smart oven into two sections. This means you won’t be able to cook as much in the bottom as in a single-chamber smart oven.

We think this tradeoff is worthwhile given the feature you’re getting, but it’s something to consider if you plan to rely more on a countertop appliance than your full-sized oven. We’d argue that the Ninja 401’s design is more efficient for many applications and could replace a pair of appliances rather than just one. All you need to know is that this smart oven isn’t just a flashy-looking tool; its performance matches its pretty face.

Best budget smart oven: NuWave Bravo XL

NuWave

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Why it made the cut: The NuWave Bravo XL features a three-speed convection fan and a large capacity perfect for evenly cooking pizzas, whole chickens, large roasts, and more. 

Specs

• Dimensions: 23 x 19 x 14 inches
• Weight: 24.6 pounds 
• Noteworthy cooking modes: Air fry, dehydrate, grill, frozen, slow roast, yogurt
• Wattage: 1800W
• Price: $177.75

Pros 

• Adjustable heating elements for precise cooking
• Digital temperature probe
• Wide temperature 50 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Huge interior

Cons 

• Weighs nearly 25 pounds

The NuWave Bravo XL smart oven is primarily a convection oven but can do much more. Its three-speed convection fan ensures an even and thorough cook, but it also features top and bottom heating elements that you can adjust independently. It also has a built-in digital temperature probe that automatically ends the cooking cycle when your food reaches the right internal temperature. 

The XL in the name isn’t just for show. The Bravo XL’s cubic-foot interior can accommodate six slices of toast and even a 10-pound chicken. In comparison, the Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven has a 0.60-cubic-foot interior, while the Emeril Power AirFryer 360 has a 0.53-cubic-foot interior. And it has the power to match. Most countertop ovens feature temperature ranges from about 120-450 degrees Fahrenheit; the NuWave Bravo XL Smart Oven features a range of 50-500 degrees F.

That spacious interior and wide cooking range come at the expense of space: It’s also a big oven and weighs almost 25 pounds, so it’s for larger kitchens only.

Things to consider before buying the best smart oven

Smart ovens are a relatively new kitchen gadget, but they’re rapidly gaining popularity. Even for cooks with an oven, the increased range of cooking types adds versatility to most kitchens in a single package. Meanwhile, they also offer presets that cater to cooking specific types of food, which can take some guesswork out of meal preparation. With plenty of smart oven brands and models, it can be tricky to tell which option is best. Here’s how to ensure you choose the best smart oven for your kitchen.

Oven size

Smart ovens come in many sizes, so it’s important to consider what you’ll need and what will fit in your space. Consider whether the smart oven will replace an appliance in your kitchen, like a toaster oven or air fryer, then figure out how much room you have to spare. Remember that, depending on what you hope to cook, you may not need the biggest possible oven. Bigger isn’t always better: While you want an oven that can handle the dishes you prepare most often, larger ovens can take longer to heat up. It’s best to look for a smart oven large enough for your typical cooking needs and no bigger.  

Cooking modes

A smart oven is a utilitarian appliance that usually offers many kinds of cooking. Basic oven features like baking, broiling, toasting, and reheating are all common options. Some more advanced models offer seven or even 10 cooking modes in a single device, though, including reheating, air frying, roasting, and pizza making. Those more advanced models tend to be bigger and more expensive, so you may have to compromise between getting the features you want and the smart oven that makes the most sense for you and your home.

Automated features

Smart ovens set themselves apart from conventional countertop ovens with automated features, which allow you to prepare foods without having to monitor the oven as intensely as you need to watch a traditional oven. For example, many ovens feature automated settings that will bring the oven to the correct temperature, then monitor and adjust that temperature throughout the cooking process. They may also automatically turn down the temperature after cooking and switch to a warming setting so the dish is ready to enjoy without getting overcooked. These capabilities are often accompanied by features like oven cameras that you can access from your smartphone to check the dish’s progress from another room. Some ovens even learn which settings you use most often and automatically select them to save you more time.

Extra features

You can also look for a smart oven with extra features that enhance its performance and ease of use. Options like an in-oven camera let you keep a close eye on your food without opening the oven door, a must-have for sensitive foods like a souffle. Some ovens even feature the ability to cook two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. Others feature generously sized touchscreens that you can use to watch videos or check your social media. Remember that while these extra features are fun, they can increase the oven’s price. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart ovens

• Best smart oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
• Best with subscription: Tovala Smart Oven
• Best smart countertop oven: Brava Smart Oven
• Best smart convection oven: Wolf Gourmet Elite
• Best smart toaster oven: Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven
• Best smart wall oven: Samsung 30-inch Built-in Single Wall Oven
• Best smart microwave oven: TOSHIBA ML-EM34P Smart Countertop Microwave
• Best smart oven air fryer: Ninja DCT401
• Best budget smart oven: NuWave Bravo XL

Combining a lower price point with plenty of versatility and a more compact design, smart ovens like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro greatly expand the range of things you can do with a countertop oven. If you’re looking to simplify your cooking workflow and consolidate appliances like your toaster oven and air fryer into a single device, a smart oven may make sense for you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best smart ovens of 2023: Tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Air purifiers aren’t a gadget many of us thought much about until a few years ago, but they’ve become nearly ubiquitous because they filter dust, some bacteria, and smells that might irritate our noses and lungs. If you’re looking to pick one up or upgrade from an older model you got when options were sparse, Coway has discounted a whole bunch of its latest air purifiers. The home goods company has even thrown in a few bidet deals to keep you as clean as your environment.

Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS $222.52 (Was $299)

Coway

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While the deepest discount is 51% (nearly $400) off the Coway Airmega 400 True HEPA Air Purifier, that might be too much air purifier/cost for many people. So we’re highlighting the Coway’s Airmega AP-1512HHS, which has all the features you could want from a compact connected air purifier. The WiFi-enabled model allows you to adjust its settings and monitor your air quality through an app on your iPhone or Android device. It even supports Amazon’s Alexa, so you can control it with an Echo or other compatible smart speakers. Coway says this air purifier’s filters can reduce 99.999% of pollen, pollutants, and other allergens up to .01 microparticles in size.

An LED on top of this air purifier will let you check the air quality of your room at a glance. The Airmega AP-1512HHS was designed to be used in rooms up to 788 square feet and clean all the air inside within a half hour. If you’d like it to filter air continuously, you can set the air purifier to run for one, four, or eight hours. Don’t miss this deal if you have allergies or a room that always smells slightly funky.

Here are other air purifier and home deals to keep your place so fresh and so clean:

• Coway Airmega 150(K), $124.59 (Was $152.38)
• Coway Bidetmega 400R, $363.62 (Was $599)
• Coway Airmega 400, $363.85 (Was $749)
• Coway Airmega 250, $219.87 (Was $286.86)
• Coway Bidetmega 200R, $297.38 (Was $449)
• Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, $198.99 (Was $229.99)
• Coway Airmega 240, $239.40 (Was $299)
• Coway Tower True HEPA air purifier, $202.39 (Was $229.99)
• Coway Bidetmega 200E, $328.94 (Was $449)
• Coway Bidetmega 400E, $539.99 (Was $599)

The post Take hundreds off Coway smart air purifiers at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Maintaining a clean dryer vent is an underappreciated household task. Not only will ensuring smooth airflow between your machine and the great outdoors help your clothes dry faster, but it will also reduce your fire risk. Trust us: a couple hours of your time (at most) is a small price to pay for avoiding a lint-fueled blaze.

When to clean your dryer vent

Guidance varies on how often you need to clear out the ol’ dust pipes, but most recommendations fall between every three months and at least once a year. You’ll probably need to do it more if you dry lots of laundry, and less if you live alone.

But if your clothes are taking increasingly longer to dry, your machine gets surprisingly hot to the touch, or (red alert) you notice a burning smell when the dryer is on, you should clean the vent and ducts immediately. There are about 3,000 dryer fires each year and neglected cleanings are the leading cause, the US Fire Administration says.

What you’ll need

At minimum, you’ll need a vacuum with a hose or otherwise tubular attachment. Depending on the length of your dryer duct, your desired cleanliness level, and how everything is connected, you may also want a long-handled brush, a face covering, a power drill, and/or a screwdriver.

How to clean a dryer vent

1. Unplug your dryer. Disconnecting the power supply should be the first thing you do when working on any electrical appliance, and your dryer is no different. If you have a gas-fueled machine, find the supply line and turn the gas off too.

2. Locate both ends of the dryer vent. This should be relatively easy: one end is at the back of your dryer and the other is on the outside of your home.

• Note: If you live in multi-family housing, you may not have access to the exit vent, so check with your property manager or landlord to see if they or you are responsible for cleaning the vent.

3. Remove your exterior vent cover. This cover prevents animals and debris from entering your home, and taking it off will make cleaning easier. It may be fastened with screws or it might slip on and off.

4. Move your dryer away from the wall. Give yourself enough space to access the vent connection in the back so you don’t bend or damage the ducts. If you have a gas line, be extremely careful not to bend or break it. You absolutely do not want a gas leak.

5. Disconnect the duct from the back of your dryer. Fasteners vary, so you may see tape, a screw-tightened steel hose clamp, or some kind of clip. When your machine is free of all restraints (except for any a gas connection), you can move it to wherever is comfortable for the rest of the job. 

6. Clean the dryer. If you haven’t done so already, take the lint trap out and clean it. You should be doing this after every load anyway—it’ll reduce the amount of lint that makes it into your duct, keeping it cleaner for longer. Then brush and vacuum out the lint trap area. Next, use your brush and vacuum to clean out the vent in the back of the dryer.

7. Disconnect the duct where it enters your wall. You might not be able to do this, but if you can, it will make cleaning easier. It likely connects to the outside-bound ductwork the same way it fastened to the back of your dryer.

• Pro tip: If one end of your dryer duct is higher than the other, clean from that side if possible. This will ensure that debris does not fall onto you while you work, and tumbling dirt might loosen up other grime as it falls.
• Note: If you’ve been cleaning your lint trap or have a short distance between your dryer and the outside, you might not have to do much, but this can also be a dirty job. Flexible ducts, for example, are more likely to bend and clog.

9. Clean up. Vacuum or sweep up any dust and debris that’s on the floor or piled up outside where the vent exits the house. Any lint left behind the dryer may be sucked into the machine when it turns on. If you removed your exterior vent cover, don’t forget to put it back on—you don’t want a bird or small mammal moving into your dryer duct.

10. Reconnect your dryer. As you put everything back together, make sure nothing got damaged during the cleaning process. Put it back in place, plug it in, and (if necessary) turn the gas back on.

• Pro tip: If you’re taping your duct, use foil tape instead of standard duct tape. Foil tape won’t dry up and fall off.
• Warning: Do not fasten ducts with screws or other sharp fasteners. They can puncture the ductwork, causing leaks and catching lint.

11. Test the dryer. To ensure there are no air leaks and your setup works smoothly, run the empty dryer for about 15 minutes on a low setting.

How to prevent lint buildup

Future cleanings will be easier and your dryer will work better if you make it hard for lint to build up in the first place.

• Clean the lint trap. We mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: make sure this removable screen is clear of lint before and after every load. Dryer sheet residue can also get stuck in the mesh, so try putting some water on it. If it doesn’t flow through, clean it with a brush and warm soapy water, then dry it with a towel.
• Regularly clean around your dryer. Simply put, the less dust your machine can suck up from its environment, the better.
• Hang heavier items out to dry. The heavier your dryer load, the harder your machine works. Stick that bulky duvet cover outside if you can, and your machine will thank you. You can also build yourself a handy wall-mounted drying rack if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Consider replacing your duct. Because flexible dryer ducts are more likely to clog than solid metal ones, they are also more fire-prone. They may also be against building code in your area. If you have one, check with your local building code office to see if it’s OK. Even if it is, straight ducts are easier to clean.

The post How to clean your dryer vent so it doesn’t catch on fire appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Weber Genesis Smart EX-335		SEE IT	This traditional at-home propane grill offers both power and sensible smart features to the home cook with outdoor space.
Best for camping		Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove		SEE IT	This mini, two-burner grill is prepared to take you from breakfast to dinner.
Best budget		Coleman RoadTrip Party Basic Propane Grill		SEE IT	Coleman packed a surpring amount of features into this inexpensive, ultra-lightweight grill.

Propane grills offer a few advantages over their charcoal-powered counterparts. They heat up faster, don’t create leftover ashes, and offer the ability to heat specific areas of the grill precisely. They don’t require a learning curve to cook up a couple burgers. A propane grill is also a lot easier to reignite if you realize you need to cook more food, and there are no briquettes to discard once you’re done grilling. The best propane grills are easy to use, clean, maintain, and transport, which makes them friendly to both newer cooks and old pros.

• Best overall: Weber Genesis Smart EX-335
• Best portable: Cuisinart CGG-306
• Best for camping: Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove
• Best countertop: Pit Boss Grills Single-Burner Tabletop Grill
• Best budget: Coleman RoadTrip Party Basic Propane Grill

How we chose the best propane grills

Everyone’s grilling needs differ (not everyone needs the glorious grilling overkill of a Traeger Ironwood XL), so we’ve made versatility the guiding light for our recommendations. Our evaluations are based on a thorough canvassing of all the best and latest gear from well-known companies to fit any grilling needs. Of course, there’s a recommendation for those who want a reliable way to grill at home while the weather’s nice, but we found portability particularly interesting to many readers, too.

With the ability to use compact compressed gas canisters, a smaller propane grill can go camping or cook on balconies in some city apartments. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a sliver of space, you’ll find a propane grill below that suits your environment. Naturally, smaller grills require less propane, so you can stretch out your supply longer by using them. Durability was paramount in our selection of propane grills because they’ll likely be left outside (covered) for some portion of the year. You’ll find a majority of our picks are made from stainless steel, which won’t rust quickly like lesser metals.

Whether shopping for your first grill or jumping from charcoal or natural gas to propane, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

The best propane grills: Reviews & Recommendations

The grilling scenario you find yourself most often will determine the best propane grill for you, and with that in mind, we’ve selected five options to cover all the major bases. Be mindful that some of the grills below may suit a scenario—home or camping, for example—in which case it may be worth prioritizing one or getting both.

Best overall: Weber Genesis Smart EX-335

Weber

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Specs

• Burners: Four
• Cooking area: 787 square inches
• BTU per hour input: 39,000 BTU
• Weight: 197.6 pounds
• Material: Stainless steel

Pros

• Primary and side burners
• Digital temperature gauge
• Supports the Weber Connect app

Cons

• Not designed for portable use

If you looked up the term “propane grill” in the dictionary, you could easily see a picture of Weber’s Genesis Smart EX-335, and for a good reason. The 200-pound four-burner grill has all the features any home cook would need to cook outdoors easily. The main chamber has three burners—plus a specific knob that raises the temperature between the second and third so you can get extra-high heat for a hard sear. A propane-powered side burner can cook side dishes. The side burner is especially helpful if you’d like to grill up vegetables or bacon, which require constant attention and have more telling visual indicators for doneness than a big hunk of meat.

Equally useful is the Smart EX-335’s right-hand side panel, which features a digital temperature reading that’s easy to read when cooking in the dark, and a couple of slots for meat probes. If you elect to use the meat probes, you can sync your phone to the grill using Weber’s Connect app—available on iOS and Android—to get a notification when it’s done cooking. The app will even tell you when to flip your meat if necessary. We’re always skeptical about smart features making their way into product categories that have been fine for years, but Weber’s make sense.

The Smart EX-335 is a full-sized grill, which means it’s big, heavy, and designed to be used exclusively in one place. Once it’s set up, you won’t easily transport it to another location. The grill’s wheels make it easy to move around a porch or patio with minimal effort, but you can’t put it in a car and go. If you’re looking for an at-home propane grill, you’re not going to find a better one than this.

Best portable: Cuisinart CGG-306

Cuisinart

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Specs

• Burners: Two
• Cooking area: 275 Square inches
• BTU per hour input: 10,000 BTU
• Weight: 28.66 pounds
• Material: Stainless steel

Pros

• Hits the sweet spot between portability and cooking area
• Two full-sized burners
• Stainless steel grates

Cons

• A little heavy for a portable grill

Cuisinart’s CGG-306 is fully capable of being the at-home grill for a four-person household, but it’s also small and light enough to be taken on the road. At 30 pounds, you’ll certainly feel its weight when taking it and out of your car, but that discomfort is temporary, and the pros far outweigh the cons.

The biggest feature the CGG-306 has going for it the combination of is its relatively large cooking area and two full-sized burners. You can make a two-zone grilling space with enough room for plenty of protein and sides. If you walk the middle path and use both burners at the same temperature for a uniform heating surface, all the better. Most portable propane grills—including all of our other recommendations—either have two smaller burners or a single larger one. In this way, the CGG-306 is more of a shrunk-down full-sized grill than a souped-up portable one.

One of the seemingly-small-but-surprisingly-important design choices Cuisinart made was outfitting the CGG-306 with stainless steel grates. This will allow you to keep the grill outdoors for extended periods of time without the risk of opening it up to find a rusty mess. Positioning its analog thermometer on top of its lid was another wise choice, as it’s easy to spot so long as you have enough light.

If you want a portable propane grill with plenty of power, Cuisinart’s CGG-306 is the one to get.

Best for camping: Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove

Coleman

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Specs

• Burners: Two
• Cooking area: 130 Square inches
• BTU per hour input: 20,000 BTU
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Material: Synthetic

Pros

• Two burners
• Retractable drip tray
• Fuel efficiency

Cons

• Synthetic materials

Space is always at a premium when you go camping, and this grill’s penchant for portability makes it a very solid choice. It’s our lightest recommendation at well under 10 pounds, but it still has a two-burner cooking system—albeit one that’s a lot weaker than the one you’ll find in the Cuisinart model we mentioned earlier. Still, what this grill lacks in size, it more than makes up for in ease of use.

For instance, the area beneath its main burner is open, which allows fat and other drippings to fall directly onto a tray, which can be pulled out and cleaned after every cook. You’ll still need to wipe down its non-stick grates, but this is far less hassle than cleaning other propane grills. This grill’s secondary burner has raised grates and is designed for a coffee pot or pan rather than allowing you to cook directly on top of it.

Coleman bundles its grill with a griddle, which can be placed over its larger burner and is perfect for everything from pancakes, eggs, and bacon to smash burgers and stir-fried vegetables. It’s nice to see Coleman make the most of this grill’s small form factor. It even built windscreens on the right and left side to keep cooking consistent during inclement weather. Similarly, Coleman says the Perfectheat technology it invented makes this propane grill more fuel efficient.

If you need a quick propane grill to throw into the back of your car for a camping trip, this is the one you want.

Best countertop: Pit Boss Grills Single-Burner Tabletop Grill

Pit Boss

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Specs

• Burners: One
• Cooking area: 322 Square inches.
• BTU per hour input: 10,000 BTU
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Material: Stainless steel

Pros

• Surprisingly large cooking area
• Two layers of grill grates
• Stainless steel grill grates

Cons

• Single burner

If you can get over the fact that it only has one burner, you’ll find much to like about Pit Boss Grill’s Single-Burner Tabletop Grill. This is especially true of its 322-square-inch cooking area, which is more space than our favorite portable grill, even though it’s roughly 10 pounds lighter. Part of the reason this grill has so much cooking space is that it has a top rack in addition to its main grate. This will allow you to toast hamburger buns while you’re cooking the patties or finish off a more delicate piece of meat off direct heat. In this sense, you can create a quasi-two-zone cooking area—but that comes with far less control.

We were pleased that Pit Boss opted to make both of its grates out of stainless steel, which matches this grill’s exterior. Smart design choices, like having its legs contract when it’s not in use, serve to improve its portability. Similarly, this grill has an easily-accessible slip-out grill tray to clean out drippings before they become a fire hazard. Interestingly, Pit Boss designed this propane grill with a dedicated push-button starter rather than building that functionality into its temperature knob. This isn’t good or bad, but a feature we’d only expect to see in a full-sized grill.

Suppose you want a tabletop-friendly propane grill with plenty of space and are confident enough in your cooking skills to work a single-burner grill with consistent results successfully. In that case, you’ll be very happy with Pit Boss Grill’s Single-Burner Tabletop Grill.

Best budget: Coleman RoadTrip Party Basic Propane Grill

Coleman

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Specs

• Burners: One
• Cooking area: 122 Square inches
• BTU per hour input: 8,000 BTU
• Weight: 6.65 pounds
• Material: Alloy steel

Pros

• Compact design
• Lightweight
• Price

Cons

• Not as powerful

The Coleman RoadTrip is an ultra-lightweight single-burner propane grill costing under $100. It’s the perfect tool for a cookout on the beach or in a park. Despite its space limitations, you can still cook four or five hamburgers or a full handful of hotdogs simultaneously. Coleman includes a grate, griddle, and wire rack, so you could just as easily cook breakfast foods, sauté vegetables, or use the grill with a pot or pan. This versatility is welcome from such a small grill. The Coleman RoadTrip might not be as powerful as our other recommendations, but it’s still a solid pick if your propane grill needs are relatively basic.

What to consider when shopping for the best propane grills

Number of burners

The number of burners a propane grill has is important for several reasons. The first is that having more burners will allow the grill to heat up more quickly, which is helpful if you’re on a time crunch. Secondarily, having more burners gives you greater control over the hot and cold parts of your grill. Sometimes, you’ll want to create a two-zone grilling area to sear food in a hotter section and cook it through in the cooler one to avoid burning or overcooking.

Cooking area

A propane grill’s cooking area denotes how much space you have for your food. This unit of measurement is helpful because it’s different than the total width and length of a grill, which takes into account the gap between its grates and frame, plus the frame itself. If a grill has an upper grate—primarily used to keep food warm rather than directly heat it—this space is also counted.

BTU (British Thermal Units)

You’ll find this unit of measurement in the description of every grill, but it isn’t a measurement of heat—though the two are directly related. A propane grill’s maximum BTU denotes how much energy is required to heat the grill to a specific temperature. This is analogous to acceleration in the car world: It’s the time it takes to get a vehicle from 0 to 60 miles an hour rather than a measure of distance. In any event, most of our propane grill recommendations top out at 10,000BTU, which is standard for smaller grills.

Weight

If you’ve decided to get a portable propane grill, weight is the most important factor to consider. Most of our recommendations weigh less than 30 pounds, with some options weighing in at 10 or less. For comparison, our best overall pick, which was designed exclusively for home use, weighs nearly 200 pounds.

Material

A majority of the propane grills we’re recommending are made out of stainless steel, which means they’re not going to rust if they’re exposed to moisture—either directly from drizzling rain or humidity. Stainless steel will begin to get damaged if it comes in contact with liquid for extended periods of time, which is why you shouldn’t grill during rain storms with any frequency.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best propane grills

• Best overall: Weber Genesis Smart EX-335
• Best portable: Cuisinart CGG-306
• Best for camping: Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove
• Best countertop: Pit Boss Grills Single-Burner Tabletop Grill
• Best budget: Coleman RoadTrip Party Basic Propane Grill

Propane grills are popular because of their versatility and ease of use, which is especially helpful for less experienced home cooks just getting the hang of cooking outdoors. You’ll need to be mindful of how much propane is left in your tank and to store it properly for safety reasons, but beyond that, they’re pretty plug-and-play. There’s no wrong fuel when it comes to grilling; we like them all, but propane is beginner friendly. Just make sure to have the right grilling tools before your outdoor cooking to avoid getting burned or losing your food between the grates.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best propane grills in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Your New Year’s resolutions to get healthy fell apart weeks ago. Maybe even months ago. It’s OK. It happened to me, too. And while we can come up with all excuses we want, the real reason is clearly that we didn’t have a fancy enough blender for making protein-laden, algae-tinted, spinach-ruined smoothies. Now, Amazon has Vitamix blenders for more than $200 off, so there’s never been a better time to try and rejoin the healthy shakes crowd. Or, just fill them up with vitamins and shout, “Look, I’m literally vitamixing!”

Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. Low-Profile Container $399 (Was $629)

Vitamix

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While lots of appliances and devices make users navigate every function with a touchscreen, this professional-grade blender still relies on dials and switches that will hold up much better over many years. The 64-ounce container has a set of hardened steel blades in the bottom that will easily chop through even the most freezer-burned berry cluster you can throw at it. It offers 10 variable speeds and several specific mode settings to match your desired texture. Plus, it’s self-cleaning, so you don’t have to live out your Final Destination fears by reaching inside to scrub it out.

This is a truly pro-grade piece of kitchen equipment that will be making smoothies well into Phase 8 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (that’s 2033) and beyond.

Vitamix A3300 Ascent Series Smart Blender, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. Low-Profile Container $349 (Was $549)

Vitamix

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If you want something a little more gadget-like, the A3300 offers a control dial and a touchscreen display for selecting your blending modes. In addition to the screen, it also offers built-in wireless connectivity that allows it to recognize other Vitamix containers and automatically adjust its blending performance to match it. This blender is every bit as burly as its siblings, so go ahead and chuck a whole squash in there. It won’t even flinch.

More kitchen deals

Once you’ve sorted out your blender situation, check out some of Amazon’s other kitchen deals. You could save money while turning your kitchen into a full-on gourmet restaurant. Or at least you can make pretty good soup.

• PHILIPS 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/LatteGo, Black $699 (was $999)
• Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine, 61 Fluid Ounces, Stainless Steel $375 (was $499)
• Breville BES840BSXL Infuser Espresso Machine, 61 oz, Black Sesame $449 (was $599)
• Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine $599 (was $749)
• Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine $879 (was $1,099)
• Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Sesame $599 (was $749)
• Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine, 2 liters, Brushed Stainless Steel $679 (was $849)
• Breville Infuser Espresso Machine, 61 ounces, Brushed Stainless Steel $449 (was $599)
• Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine, 67 ounces, Black Truffle $679 (was $849)
• Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine, 2 Liters, Brushed Stainless Steel $719 (was $899)
• Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel $142 (was $229)
• Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel $202 (was $269)
• Breville Smart Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel $149 (was $199)
• Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine $159 (was $229)
• COMFEE’ Retro Air Fry Toaster Oven, 7-in-1, 1500W, 19QT Capacity, 6 Slice, Air Fry, Rotisseries, Warm, Broil, Toast, Bake, Convection Bake, Black, Perfect for Countertop $105 (was $199)
• Up to 50 percent off kitchen essential tools from KitchenAid

The post Save more than $200 on Vitamix blenders today at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best budget		XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner		SEE IT	You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality above-ground pool vacuum.
Best overall		Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum		SEE IT	Two scrub brushes demolish grime in your pool.
Best battery-operated		Pool Blaster Max		SEE IT	Clean small pools or hot tubs in a flash with this rechargeable pool vacuum.

Above-ground pools are a popular and relatively affordable way to bring warm-weather fun to your yard, but they still require routine maintenance to ensure hygiene and longevity. Unlike inground pools, which feature integrated underground filtration system installation, above-ground pools rely solely on passive external filtration and removable electric pool vacuums to remove the debris that invariably, well, pools, in the water. The best above-ground pool vacuums are essential pieces of pool cleaning equipment designed to quickly and efficiently sweep or even scrub the inside of a pool without requiring draining, making them perfect for folks who want to automate their swimming pool maintenance and save money on cleaning services.

• Best overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum
• Best automatic: Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
• Best electric: Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
• Best battery-operated: Pool Blaster Max
• Best budget: XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner

How we chose the best above-ground pool vacuums

We’re well-versed in aquatic accessories and have conducted past research on the best above-ground pools. Based on that, we know what an above-ground pool vacuum needs to meet the demands of above-ground pool ownership. We looked to critical reviews, peer recommendations, user impressions, and personal preferences to dive into our choices.

The best above-ground pool vacuums: Reviews & Recommendations

Like any outdoor accumulation of water, natural or otherwise, pools are subjected to a variety of elements—from temperature fluctuations to direct sunlight, as well as interactions with plants, wildlife, people, and a host of other environmental factors. Proper and frequent swimming pool maintenance is key to staving off buildups of algae and dirt in your above-ground pool that can stress your filtration system or develop into more stubborn muck that requires a harsher, more labor-intensive deep cleaning.

When shopping for the best pool vacuum, environmental factors such as pool size and location are key considerations to keep in mind. A suction model that connects to your pool’s filtration system will require no extra electricity to operate but will move randomly and offer less scrubbing power, which can translate into longer cleaning times. If your home has ample power in proximity to your pool, an electric model is by far the most efficient and easy-to-use option and will offer fully automated cleaning with a simple one-plug operation.

If your home has ample power in proximity to your pool, an electric model is by far the most efficient and easy-to-use option and will offer fully automated cleaning with a simple one-plug operation.

Best overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum

DOLPHIN

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Why it made the cut: Schedule when you want the Dolphin Nautilus to run, and let the automatic pool vacuum do the rest.

Specs

• Weight: 19 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 16 x 10 x 16 inches
• Style: Automatic

Pros

• Automatic scheduling
• 360-swiveling
• Two hours of cleaning time

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

The Dolphin Nautilus is one of the best pool vacuums for above-ground and inground pools alike thanks to its easy one-cable operation and an automatic scheduling function that allows users to adopt a hands-off approach to pool cleaning. The Nautilus above-ground pool vacuum robot sports two scrubbing brushes for deep removal of grime, a large twin-cartridge filter to capture debris of every size, and a 60-foot tangle-free cable equipped with 360-degree swiveling for uninhibited travel. An onboard scanner reveals the most efficient path of travel in your specific pool to the Nautilus, allowing for thorough cleaning to take place during its two-hour cycle.

Best automatic: Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

Baracuda

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Why it made the cut: A deflector prevents this pool vacuum from getting caught on steps, ladders, and corners

Specs

• Weight: 15 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 16 x 9.5 x 40.5 inches
• Style: Automatic

Pros

• Quiet
• Deflector wheel
• Side travel capabilities

Cons

• Can’t operate in pools deeper than 6 feet

The Ranger from Zodiac is a skimmer-powered pool vacuum designed for safe and skid-free performance in above-ground pools, including designs with dished-out bottoms up to 72 inches in depth. The vacuum is equipped with a unique deflector wheel that’s designed to prevent the unit from getting stuck on steps, lights, and other features in the pool, and its base disc allows for smooth gliding along the bottom surface, as well as travel in tight areas and up the sides. Because it only operates with one moving part, it’s incredibly quiet and doesn’t suffer from the banging or flapping noises commonly associated with this design, making it one of the best automatic pool vacuums in its class.

Best electric: Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

DOLPHIN

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: There are no messy bags to worry about when operating this pool vac.

Specs

• Weight: 14 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 22.44 x 17.8 x 13 inches
• Style: Automatic

Pros

• Hypergrip tracks
• High suction rate
• Smart navigation

Cons

• Pops wheelies when it changes directions

The Escape pool cleaner vacuum from Dolphin is one of the best electric pool vacuums on the market thanks to its feature-packed design and relatively affordable price point. Its wheels are equipped with hypergrip continuous tracks for unparalleled traction and easy maneuvering underwater, and it sports a lift-off top filter for easy cleaning access without the need for bags. Active scrubbing, smart navigation, and a 4000-gallon-per-hour suction rating round out this model to deliver an incredible level of above-ground pool cleaning in a form factor of no more than 14 pounds.

Best battery-operated: Pool Blaster Max

POOL BLASTER

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Why it made the cut: A handheld mode lets you clean up debris while enjoying the fresh, crisp pool water.

Specs

• Weight: 5.5 lbs
• Item dimensions: 15.5 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches
• Style: Handheld; manual

Pros

• No need to connect power supplies or suction feeds
• Easy maneuvering
• The battery holds an hour of charge

Cons

• Harder to clean lower flow areas and rounded corners because of design

The Pool Blaster Max features a removable vacuum head for whole-pool cleaning and a small nose cone for collecting the small, stray debris, making it one of the best battery-operated pool vacs available. Its lithium-ion battery provides up to one hour of continuous cleaning on a single charge and the entire unit attaches to any standard pool pole for easy maneuvering. The small stature of this unit also makes it ideal for cleaning smaller pools or hot tubs quickly without the hassle of connecting power supplies or suction feeds.

Best budget: XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner

XtremepowerUS

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Why it made the cut: Get a clean pool hassle-free for under $100.

Specs

• Weight: 12 lbs.
• Item dimensions: 40.5 x 5.5 x 17.5 inches
• Style: Automatic

Pros

• Easy to use
• No electricity required
• Can clean a large surface area

Cons

• Takes a long time to completely clean your pool
• Tricky to get the weight system balanced

This wall-climbing automatic suction vacuum from Xtremepower is one of the best cheap above-ground pool vacuums thanks to its simple design and easy-to-use construction. No tools or electricity are required, as this pool-cleaning equipment is powered using your pool’s own pump and is designed to move about the pool at a rate of 8 to 12 feet per minute, delivering waste and debris to your pool’s filtration system without the need for extra wiring or power. This pool vacuum is ideal for basic cleaning of pool floors and lower walls, but it doesn’t scrub surfaces or plan its route, so you’ll have to leave it in the water for longer durations to achieve ideal results.

What to consider when buying the best above-ground pool vacuums

Efficient as it is, a passive pool cleaning filtration system is not an end-all-be-all solution to keeping water free of leaves, twigs, bug carcasses, etc. Continuous filtration systems are great for removing small objects and particulates from pools on an ongoing basis, but an automatic pool vacuum is much better suited to collecting larger waste, like leaves and trash, in a controlled and designated manner. This is particularly true in cases when foreign objects become submerged and stick to the bottom or sides of the pool, as traditional filter systems rely upon gentle water currents that may not be robust enough to dislodge stuck material.

Some of the best above-ground pool vacuums also offer the unique ability to physically scrub the floors and the walls of your pool, which aids in the removal of small dirt and debris that, if neglected, could build up on those surfaces. Booking a thorough manual pool cleaning with a professional crew requires the water to be fully drained—an expensive, time-consuming—so an automatic pool vacuum can be a worthwhile swimming pool maintenance investment for any above-ground pool owner.

In the pool vacuum world, the majority of designs are either propelled using the pool’s pump and suction system or by a low-voltage electrical current. Water-propelled designs tend to be more affordable, but since they require feeding the collected debris through the pool’s filtration system, more filter cleanings are required after use. Electric pool vacuum cleaners and pool robots tend to cost more upfront, but they operate independently of your pool’s water system and are able to actively scrub things away in addition to vacuuming.

Automatic vs. manual

Unlike manual sweepers, automatic pool cleaners operate on a set-it-and-forget-it basis, allowing pool owners to simply hook up the cleaner, drop it into the water, and come back later to collect it. Performed on a regular basis, this passive form of cleaning keeps pools free of buildup for longer stretches. When shopping for the best automatic pool cleaner for your above-ground pool, consider a suction-powered model if affordability and simplicity are high factors on your list of requirements.

Suction-powered automatic pool cleaners and pool vacuums connect to your pool’s existing filtration system and are powered by low-speed pumps for a slow yet deliberate automated cleaning. The best automatic pool vacuum designs in this class feature tight suction against the pool’s surfaces to deliver maximum cleaning pressure, often using a flexible rubber disc or comparable design to ensure a snug fit. Look for a design that uses soft materials to ensure that your pool cleaner leaves the floors and walls of your pool free of scratches.

Related: Waterproof gear for the pool

Electric vs. battery-operated

Electric pool vacuums are well-suited for larger above-ground pools, as well as long-term installations, as they offer predictable and consistent results thanks to features including active scrubbing and timed cleanings that are unavailable in purely water-powered designs. Although electric models usually cost more than suction-powered designs, their deep feature sets and the enhanced level of control they provide may be ideal for you depending on your needs and routine.

When selecting the best electric pool vacuum for your above-ground pool, consider a model that offers a smart navigation feature to deliver active pool cleaning for the sake of efficiency. This feature utilizes onboard scanners to plot the best route for your electric pool cleaner and automatically detect walls and obstacles. Unlike water-powered cleaners, electric pool cleaners with this feature won’t amble at random, which translates to a shorter cleaning duration overall.

Many electric pool vacuums also have the ability to actively climb and scrub the walls of your above-ground pool, resulting in a depth and level of cleaning unparalleled by non-electric models. Because walls are no less susceptible to harboring the growth of algae and other debris, choosing a wall-climbing pool vacuum can offer a much more comprehensive cleaning than that offered by water-powered models.

Pool owners who prioritize ease of storage and portability may want to consider a battery-operated pool vacuum in lieu of, or in addition to, a traditional above-ground pool vacuum. These designs operate on suction and feature debris collection chambers. While there is a generous measure of manual steering required to operate these designs, they’re nearly unparalleled when it comes to spot-cleaning and super-quick cleanup of small areas because they don’t require any water or electric hookups to take place.
When shopping for the best battery-operated pool vacuum, go with a design that features interchangeable heads for switching between cleaning wide swaths of the pool and accessing small hard-to-reach areas like corners and the bases of steps. Battery-operated pool vacuums are designed to perform easy user-controlled cleanings, so it’s important that the design be maneuverable and relatively lightweight. Choosing a model with a battery life of at least an hour ensures a continuous cycle without stopping to recharge.

Budget

Finding an effective above-ground pool vacuum on a budget can be somewhat difficult due to the niche nature of pool-cleaning equipment, but there are still some great options if you know what you’re getting into. Electric models are largely off the table when shopping for the best cheap above-ground pool vacuum due to their bulk, power, and automated nature, but a suction-powered design can make for a cost-effective alternative if you’re open to compromise.

Hose length, as well as base materials, are the main considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the best cheap above-ground pool vacs for your needs. Hoses that are too short will prevent a cleaner from traveling the length of the pool, and hoses that are too long can easily become tangled and prevent proper movement. Softer base material will ensure proper contact and suction against the pool bottom, with some designs even allowing extra flexion to occur against the base of the pool walls for some small measure of wall cleaning to occur.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best above-ground pool vacuums

• Best overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum
• Best automatic: Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
• Best electric: Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
• Best battery-operated: Pool Blaster Max
• Best budget: XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner

Keeping a  pool clean on a continuous basis is no easy task, but the best above-ground pool vacuums on the market can get the job done in style and with relative ease. An automatic pool cleaner is an ideal choice for those who prefer to save their energy and come home to a clean pool, while a battery-operated pool vacuum may be better for folks who need a way to quickly spot-clean their smaller pool or hot tub on an as-needed basis. No matter the size or depth of your above-ground pool, choosing the best pool vacuum is key to keeping your water sparkling clean.

Related: How to maintain a pool

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best above-ground pool vacuums of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.