Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Exterior

23 Winter Emergency Supplies You Should Always Keep in Your Car

When you're driving on the coldest, most blustery days of winter, stow these items in your car and you'll be ready for just about any problems the weather may bring.

Hand Tools

Amazon Drops Hand Tools Up to 45% for Early Black Friday—Save on Screwdriver Sets, Wrenches, Multitools, and More

Get a head start on gifts from Klein, DeWalt, Fiskars, and more, with discounts on everything from stocking stuffers to mechanics sets.

Tools & Materials

The Best Single-Stage Snow Blowers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Nimble single-stage snow blowers are sized just right for clearing moderate snowfall from driveways and sidewalks.

Generators

The Best Quiet Generators for a Peaceful Power Supply, Tested

A backup generator doesn’t have to create a racket. Find out what happened when we tested a range of top options all advertised as being quiet.

Appliances & Cookware

Weber Slate 22-Inch Griddle Review: A Rust-Resistant Tabletop Griddle With Precise Heat Control

Weber’s largest tabletop griddle offers ample cooking space and is built to last. But is it worth it?

Appliances & Cookware

Bluevua Ropot RO System Review: Trustworthy Tap-to-Table Taste

With five-stage filtration, a sleek glass carafe, and live TDS monitoring, this countertop unit is one of the most reliable ways to enjoy pure, pristine drinking water.

Deals

Amazon Is Clearing Out Portable Power Stations Ahead of Black Friday—Save Up to 47% Off Anker, Bluetti, and More

Save up to 47% on backup power from Bluetti, Anker, Jackery, and DJI, with options for keeping devices charged or running larger appliances during an outage.

Pests

How to Get Stink Bugs Out of Your House

Stink bugs often head indoors when temperatures drop. Here’s how to evict these unwelcome squatters and keep them out.

Power Tools

Ace’s Early Black Friday Deals Drop DeWalt Tools Up to 52% Off—Save on Drills, Drivers, Saws, and More

Shop drill-and-driver bundles, a $99 pruning saw, and workshop accessories, with extra Ace Rewards savings on select deals for your projects or gift list.

Interior

The Right Types of Christmas Lights for Indoor and Outdoor Holiday Displays

Ready to light up your house for the holidays? Learn which types of Christmas lights, bulb sizes, and colors work best in all your interior and exterior spaces.

Fireplaces & Chimneys

15 Things You Should Never Burn in the Fireplace

It may seem OK to toss things like driftwood and cardboard into your fireplace, but doing so can smoke up your house, and even cause chimney fires.

Heating

This is the Best Temperature Setting for Your Thermostat in Winter

There's a sweet spot between comfort and savings on your thermostat.

Tools & Materials

The Best Oil for Snow Blowers of 2026, Expert-Picked

Keep your snow blower ready for the next snowfall with one of these quality motor oils.

Tools & Materials

The Best Nonstick Sprays for Snow Blowers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Don’t let clogged snow blower chutes and augers slow you down. Prepare for big storms with a nonstick spray that keeps passageways clear.

Power Tools

The Home Depot Is Clearing Out DeWalt Tools for Early Black Friday—Save up to 53% on Tools, Kits, and Batteries/Chargers

Shop $99 drill kits, discounted batteries, and tool bundles with up to $370 off for your next project or a favorite DIYer.

Painting & Finishing

3 Winterization Projects That Are as Easy as Painting

Take care of these painting and sealing jobs to protect your outdoor furniture, walkways, and structures before winter hits.

Holiday Decorations

The Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations of 2026: 15 Festive Picks for Your Porch and Yard

From nostalgic roofline lights to a mailbox made for letters to Santa, these tested outdoor decorations bring holiday cheer to porches, yards, and entryways.

Everyday Essentials

The Best Lunch Boxes for Construction Workers, Picks from Our Editors

Soup, sandwich, salad, leftovers—whatever you pack will stay fresh if you have the right lunch box. These top options provide easy access to their contents and are durable enough for rugged jobsite environments.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Hydroponic Systems of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Hoping to enjoy fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables year-round? We tested some of the most popular indoor hydroponic systems to help folks find the ideal option for growing produce at home.

Deals

Lowe’s Early Black Friday Deal: Get a Free Kobalt Jigsaw or Reciprocating Saw With a $299 Combo Kit

Buy a Kobalt 24V four-tool combo kit for $299 and choose a free jigsaw, reciprocating saw, impact wrench, or other tool worth up to $169.