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In our experience, the best home essentials earn their keep. From quiet stick vacuums that tackle dust in every corner to smart humidifiers that keep indoor air comfortable, the right tools and appliances simplify daily chores and make home maintenance more manageable. And as you know, time back can be hard to put a price on.
Over the past year, we’ve put hundreds of household products through hands-on testing for comfort, convenience, and efficiency. These 16 left big impressions, thanks to their top performance, ease of use, and overall value. We’re still talking about them—each comes highly recommended by the Bob Vila testing team.
The Dreo HM306S Smart Humidifier is a compact, ultra-quiet 3-liter unit that delivers a fine, consistent mist without leaving moisture on nearby surfaces. Over our 2-week test, it not only did an excellent job easing dry-air discomfort but also added cozy ambient lighting and relaxing essential-oil diffusion. The Dreo app lets you adjust mist levels, monitor humidity, and switch between settings, and the top-fill design makes refills quick. For small- to mid-size spaces, it’s an affordable, convenient, and high-performing smart humidifier.
What our tester says: “The Dreo emits an incredibly fine mist that humidifies the air in the room with soothing moisture. Even when I ran it for 8 hours straight in the same spot, it didn’t leave any droplets anywhere. It has a nice contemporary design: The bottom housing is opaque, and the top is clear plastic, making it easy to see the water level at a glance.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Dreo humidifier at Amazon or Dreo, starting at $49.99.
Culligan’s Aquasential Smart High Efficiency Water Softener is a salt-based system built to handle moderately to extremely hard water. Our executive editor tested it on her home’s well water, which measured very hard at 20 grains per gallon (GPG), and it delivered noticeably softer water, reduced mineral buildup, and improved skin and hair feel within days. Its companion app sends alerts for low salt levels and system issues, and Culligan’s Aqua-Sensor technology automatically adjusts salt use for more efficient regeneration. If you have hard water, the Aquasential is a reliable, long-term solution backed by strong service and support.
What our tester says: “When I replaced my 15-year-old water softener, I didn’t anticipate how much more efficient and intuitive this new model from Culligan would be. Even after only a day, my hair was softer, my skin was less dry, and best of all, no white spots on my dishes and no soap scum buildup.” —Stephanie Cronk, Executive Editor
Get the Aquasential water softener at Culligan, ranging from about $2,500 to $5,500, depending on location, tank size, accessories, and installation costs.
Shark’s TurboBlade Cool + Heat tower offers whisper-quiet heating and smooth, bladeless fan cooling in one sleek unit. We tested it in both modes, and it evenly warmed our 200-square-foot room and provided versatile airflow with 180-degree oscillation. Its magnetic remote and Thermo IQ temperature control make operation simple, while the slim design fits neatly in any space. Ideal for small- to medium-sized rooms, this dual-purpose unit is perfect for year-round comfort without the clutter of multiple appliances.
What our tester says: “Space heaters are usually noisy and boxy, while tower fans rarely move enough air. Shark’s TurboBlade Cool + Heat is the rare combo that does both well.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Shark/Ninja fan and heater at Amazon, Best Buy, or Shark/Ninja, starting at $299.99.
The Tineco Pure One S70 topped our best stick vacuums guide for its powerful suction, headlight for spotting hidden dust, and EdgeSense technology for thorough baseboard cleaning. It adapts automatically to dirt levels, works on hardwood, rugs, and carpet, and stores neatly in its vertical charging stand. In terms of high-performance, easy-to-use cordless vacuums that can handle everyday cleaning as well as tough messes, this Tineco is an easy favorite.
What our tester says: “I’ve tested dozens of vacuums, but the Tineco Pure One S70 is the model I reach for again and again. The suction is top-notch, and it does just as well on my hardwoods as my carpet. It’s well worth the cost.” —Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Tineco stick vacuum at Amazon for $569.
The BugZooka is a battery-free, chemical-free insect vacuum that makes it easy to catch and release stink bugs and other pests without squashing them—and dealing with odors and stains that follow. When our editor-in-chief tested it during a stink bug invasion, it reliably sucked targeted insects into its extendable and removable observation tube without requiring her to get too close. If you’re squeamish about hands-on encounters with insects, the BugZooka is an effective and humane way to get rid of intruders before they become an infestation.
What our tester says: “Bugs tend to make my skin crawl—particularly the jumpy ones—so I particularly appreciate that the nearly long vacuum extends my reach by 16.5 inches, putting a little extra distance between them and me. The old ‘catch them in a tissue’ method doesn’t tend to afford this luxury.” —Kathleen Corlett, Editor in Chief
Get the BugZooka bug vacuum at Amazon or Walmart, starting at $32.95.
The Fenix PD36R V2.0 earned the top spot in our best flashlights guide for its exceptional brightness, long runtime, and rugged build. The dual-switch design is easy to use, and its IP68 weather-resistant construction, USB-C charging, and two-way clip add real convenience. It has five brightness levels plus a strobe feature, intelligent memory, and runs for up to 482 hours on low, and its 1,700-lumen output and impressive 396-meter beam distance make it perfect for outdoor use and everyday carry.
What our tester says: “This is the kind of flashlight you buy once, take care of, and keep using for years to come. It has everything you need for camping, emergencies, or everyday use.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Fenix flashlight at Amazon or Fenix, starting at $99.95.
Brisk It’s Zelos-450 is a smart grill and pellet smoker with a built-in AI assistant, Vera, that guides you step by step through the process of smoking meat and vegetables. With 450 square feet of cooking space, a 12-pound pellet hopper, and a temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, it handles low-and-slow or high-heat cooking almost entirely on its own. In our tests, it delivered juicy, smoky treats with minimal effort, making it an ideal tool for anyone who wants to do more with their day than constantly attend to their smoker.
What our tester says: “I’ve used the Brisk It several times over the past month for pork, chicken, and even vegetables, and everything’s turned out juicy, tender, and smoky. I never had to hover or fuss with dials—I just check my phone now and then while Vera keeps everything on track.” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Brisk It smoker grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Brisk It, starting at $329.99.
The Sans Whole Home Air Purifier combines medical-grade HEPA 13 filtration, activated carbon odor control, and UV-C sanitization for medium-to-large rooms up to 1,854 square feet. Our tester has been using it for nearly 2 months in a home with kids, pets, and nightly cooking, and it has reliably removed everything from dust, allergens, and airborne germs to smoke and odors. Lightweight, portable, and easy to use, the Sans purifier is fantastic for allergy sufferers or anyone wanting cleaner, healthier indoor air.
What our tester says: “It seems like I’ve been seeing ads for this purifier everywhere, which made me wonder if Sans put more into marketing than making a quality product. I’m happy to say I was wrong; it’s a very well-made machine that has better purification and more user-friendly features than many of the models I’ve tested.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Sans air purifier at Amazon or Sans, starting at $329.99.
The Midland ER310 is a versatile hand-crank emergency radio that offers AM/FM channels, NOAA weather alerts, and multiple power options, including a hand crank, rechargeable battery, solar panel, or AA batteries. During testing, it delivered clear, loud audio and up to 32 hours of runtime. Its durable build and easy-to-use design, plus added features like a flashlight, SOS strobe, and phone-charging ports, make it an essential tool for providing reliable information and power when it’s needed most.
What our tester says: “The Midland ER310 hand-crank radio provided crystal clear audio, access to NOAA weather alerts, and AM and FM radio channels. The built-in flashlight, multiple charging options, phone charging ports, and durable construction provided everything I could ask for in an emergency weather radio.” —Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Midland hand-crank radio at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Best Buy, starting at $69.99.
Frigidaire Gallery 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Allergy Filter and Wi-Fi
Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at FrigidaireThis 50-Pint Dehumidifier from Frigidaire is a high-capacity, Energy Star–certified unit that removes up to 50 pints of moisture per day and covers spaces up to 4,500 square feet. In our tests of eight popular dehumidifiers, it took the top spot for its quiet operation, compact footprint, and convenient Wi-Fi and voice control via the Frigidaire app, Alexa, or Google Home. The wheeled base and foldaway handle make it easy to move, while advanced filtration helps purify the air, making it ideal for large, humid spaces.
What our tester says: “This smart dehumidifier wasn’t the only high-capacity model we tested, but it stood out from the rest for a few reasons. Remote monitoring and control saved us countless trips up and down the basement stairs, as did setting it up to continuously drain into the basement sump. After assembly, the only time we had to touch it was when it was time to pack it up and test a different unit.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Frigidaire dehumidifier at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Frigidaire, starting at $395.
The Moen Arbor MotionSense touchless kitchen faucet combines sleek design with practical convenience, making tasks like washing dishes or filling pots easier and more enjoyable. After 6 months of daily use, our tester’s favorite features were its responsive motion sensor, spot-resist stainless finish, smooth handle operation, and flexible power options (it works with either six AA batteries or an AC adapter). He found it easy to install and maintain and appreciated that its modern touchless functionality and durability come at a lower price than many competing models.
What our tester says: “For the past six months, this touchless faucet has been a key part of my daily kitchen routine. As someone who loves to cook (and inevitably makes a mess), having a faucet that responds with just a wave of my hand has made everyday tasks so much easier.” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Moen faucet at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Wayfair, starting at $392.99.
Thanks to its fast filtration rate, durable stainless steel build, and advanced dual carbon and fluoride filters, the Waterdrop King Tank filter system was our favorite gravity water filter. It reliably reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and fluoride while delivering up to 4 gallons of fresh water per hour. This simple system is perfect for families seeking safe, great-tasting drinking water without the need for constant refills, providing practical performance for everyday hydration.
What our tester says: “In addition to producing great-tasting water, I really love how quickly this model works and how much it holds. Our family drinks a lot of water, and with one fill in the morning and another in the afternoon, we always have plenty on hand.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Waterdrop gravity water filter at Amazon or Walmart, starting at $199.99.
The DeLonghi Dragon Digital is a sturdy, oil-filled electric heater that delivers quiet, consistent warmth for small to midsize rooms. In testing, it heated gradually but effectively, providing comfortable radiant heat without drying out the air. Its digital controls, 24-hour timer, and Eco mode—which automatically adjusts power based on room temperature—make it a convenient, energy-conscious choice. It also operates almost silently and comes mounted to caster wheels for convenient portability.
What our tester says: “The Dragon takes about 10 minutes to heat up and then radiates warmth without drying out the air in the room like other heaters can. The digital controls and 24-hour timer are intuitive and handy, and Eco mode is great for reducing excess energy consumption.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeLonghi electric heater at Amazon for $189.95.
The Breeo Grill Dome is a stainless steel cover designed to pair with Outpost Grill, meaning it’s compatible with X- and Y-series fire pits and the Live Fire Grill. The dome reflects and redistributes heat for even cooking, trapping smoke to enhance flavor and making it easier to sear, brown, or melt foods without overcooking them. The cover’s hinged design lets you check food without losing temperature, while its built-in thermometer adds control and convenience. With the included pizza stone, it doubles as a live-fire oven for versatile outdoor cooking.
What our tester says: “The Grill Dome allows me to cook more efficiently over a wider temperature range and reach a higher, more stable cooking temperature over a lower flame or cooler coals. I’ve also used it as a warming oven with indirect heat and baked flatbread on the stone.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Breeo Grill Dome at Amazon or Breo, starting at $186.15.
The Greenworks Pro GPW3000 is a powerful electric pressure washer that delivers 3,000 PSI at 2.0 GPM—perfect for tough outdoor tasks like cleaning your driveway, deck, or patio. It comes with a 25-foot flexible hose, five spray tips, an onboard detergent tank, and an electric start for easy use. Its wheelbarrow-style frame with large wheels provides stability, and vertical storage makes it convenient for garages.
What our tester says: “I love having the power of a gas pressure washer without having to put up with a loud noise or toxic fumes. It washed concrete better than any other model we tested, getting it clean in about half the time of the next closest performer.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Greenworks pressure washer at Amazon or Greenworks, starting at $444.99.
The X-Sense SC07 Combo Alarm combines smoke and carbon monoxide detection in a sleek, modern design ideal for any home. Its photoelectric and electrochemical sensors provide reliable protection, while the digital display shows carbon monoxide levels in parts per million for added peace of mind. Easy to install and monitor, this alarm performed best in our tests, making it a dependable choice for those seeking clear, accurate alerts in a single unit.
What our tester says: “This device triggered within 10 seconds during testing—an impressively fast response—though it did take a while to silence.” —Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer
