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We Tried It

Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper

The Avocado mattress topper is made with organic latex and cotton and is offered in medium and plush feels.

Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper Features

Eco-Friendly

Depending on the model you choose, the Avocado mattress topper is made with either GOLS and FSC-certified organic Dunlop latex or FSC-certified Pure Talalay latex. Unlike polyurethane foam or memory foam toppers, which are made from fossil fuels, the latex is natural and renewable. This means it’s better for the planet and, most importantly, better for you.

Non-Toxic

The Avocado mattress topper has been granted multiple certifications. It’s Made Safe Certified, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified, Greenguard Gold Certified and Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment. This means that every topper has undergone rigorous testing and isproven to be free from toxic ingredients and pollutants. You can sleep soundly knowing that your topper is free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, phthalates and other harmful chemicals.

Removable Cover

This topper has a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover with a hidden underside zipper. It can be removed, though the brand recommends spot cleaning only. If your cover starts looking shabby, you can purchase a replacement.

Flippable

Avocado recommends rotating and fluffing the mattress topper on a regular basis to help retain its loft. It can also be flipped.

How We Tested It

Our tester,Spencer Kildare, is a side sleeper who appreciates extra support and pressure relief. Especially since he’s been sleeping on the same spring mattress for 16 years. My mattress is very old and worn in. Its probably not the best to sleep on, but I have gotten accustomed to it, he explains. My sleep quality isnt the best, and I sometimes feel like Im 60% to 90% rested.

In hopes of improving his sleep quality, Spencer ordered the 3-inch Talalay latex topper. It costs between $45 and $72 more depending on the size, but it is softer and more plush than the Dunlop latex used in the 2-inch topper. The plush Talalay topper is designed to contour and alleviate shoulder and hip pain, making it ideal for side and combination sleepers like Spencer.

TheAvocado mattress topper arrived in a single box that Kildare could lift and move on his own. The topper itself was folded and wrapped in plastic. According to Kildare, it took a grand total of three minutes to get this mattress topper out of the box and centered on his bed. He did notice a factory smell, which he said was reminiscent of vanilla cake. He notes that the smell isnt bad, but the topper needs a week or more to completely off-gas.

Spencer tested a handful of mattress toppers over the course of several weeks. The Avocado mattress topper was the final topper he tested and it stood out among the rest. “It was the most different, in terms of construction, that I slept on,” he says. “It really has a cakey sort of feel and it mushes when pressure is applied. It provided excellent support to my sides without applying excess pressure.”

After sleeping on this mattress topper for five nights and a handful of mid-day naps, Spencer found that he loved the overall quality and spongey nature of the foam filling. His sleep quality drastically improved and he found himself waking up fully rested more often than not.

Though Spencer gave this topper five stars for comfort and support, he wishes it had corner straps to keep it from moving around on his bed. Straps! Somebody get this mattress topper some straps, he quips. This is a great topper, but those straps are important. Rather than corner straps, this topper relies on well-fitted sheets to keep it in place. Treat yourself to a set of Boll & Branch sheets to keep this topper in place.

Overall, Kildare recommends the Avocado mattress topper to anyone who tends to wake up feeling stiff or sore. It starts at just $199, and given its comfort and quality, your only regret will be that you didn’t buy it sooner.

Pros

Comfortable and supportive
Made of more than 95% certified organic material
Oeko-Tex standard 100 and Made Safe certified
Available in medium and plush
Available in six sizes and two heights
Organic cotton cover can be removed and replaced
Vegan certified

Cons

Doesnt have corner straps to hold it in place
Seems to run slightly large for the stated mattress size

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, we especially value products that enhance the quality of our sleep. We’ve spent countless hours testing some of the best mattresses on the market from brands like Helix, Saatva and Purple. We’ve also tested the best mattress protectors, sheets and toppers. After thoroughly researching the best mattress toppers, we sent the Avocado mattress topper to Spencer Kildare for testing. He put this topper on his 16-year-old mattress and slept on it for five consecutive nights along with a handful of afternoon naps.

During that time, he focused on its overall comfort and performance. He also considered how easy it was to unpack and place on the bed, whether or not it had any odors and its overall value. This is a mattress topper of excellent quality, he concludes. The soft cover of the topper adds to the spongey nature of the foam filling, and the covering is the most cloth-like of the bunch.

FAQ

Which side up should I put my Avocado Mattress topper?

You can sleep on either side of the Avocado mattress topper.

How do I clean my Avocado Mattress topper?

The Avocado mattress topper and cover are spot clean only. The organic cotton cover is removable but must be spot cleaned and laid flat or hung to dry. If it becomes too soiled, you can purchase a replacement cover.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

The majority of reviewers give the Avocado mattress topper five stars. Most say its incredibly supportive yet soft and comfortable. Several reviewers were pleased to find that this topper instantly improved the feeling of their existing mattress, and others give high marks for the products overall quality and effectiveness. Moreover, many reviewers say they did not notice any off-gassing scents whatsoever.

Negative reviews tended to focus on personal preferences. Several users found the topper to be too firm while a few deemed it too soft.

Avocado Mattress Topper vs. Silk and Snow Organic Mattress Topper

If you’re looking for the best organic mattress topper, Avocado and Silk and Snow are your top two contenders. We know because we tested both of them. Both toppers are made with Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex and have a GOTS certified organic cotton cover. Neither mattress topper has corner straps to keep it in place, and we found that both of them tend to slide around on the bed.

The Silk and Snow mattress topper starts at $175 and is machine washable. It comes in one thickness and two firmness levels. The Avocado mattress topper, on the other hand, starts at $199 and must be spot cleaned. You can also choose from a 2- or 3-inch thickness in addition to two firmness levels.

Final Verdict

The Avocado mattress topper is an excellent value. It’s well-constructed using non-toxic, eco-friendly materials and offers plenty of support while you sleep. It even improved the overall feel of a 16-year-old spring mattress. If this sounds like heaven, consider pairing this topper with the Avocado Green mattress.

Where to Buy the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

VIA MERCHANT

$199 at The Company Store

We Tried It

Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper

Our tester noticed improved sleep quality and support while sleeping on the Avocado mattress topper despite using it on top of an old, broken-in mattress.

You can shop theAvocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper ($199-$629) directly fromAvocado, where all toppers ship free and come with a 1-year limited warranty against workmanship defects.

The post The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper Is the Non-Toxic Stuff Dreams Are Made Of appeared first on Family Handyman.

5 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, Tested and Reviewed

Marisa Hillman — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:44:45 +0000

WENDY ROSE GOULD FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Best Overall Cooling Mattress Topper

The Company Store Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Pad

Pros:

Effectively cools
Does not change the feel of your mattress
Lightweight and easy to put on the bed

Cons:

Very thin

If you love the feel of your bed but wish it was a smidge cooler at night, The Company Store’s cooling gel memory foam mattress pad is the cooling mattress topper you’ve been dreaming of. That’s because it keeps you cool without completely changing the feel of your bed.

This topper is made of pressure-relieving memory foam that molds to the shape of your body for ultimate comfort and support. It features a breathable knit top that’s infused with cooling gel to regulate your body temperature all night long. It also has panels that cover the entire mattress and tuck under the corners easily so you can rest assured that it won’t move during the night.

“This mattress topper had a nice cooling effect but it is quite thin,” says our tester Wendy Rose Gould. “It feels more like light pad that you’re sleeping on versus a dense topper. That said, I personally love my mattress so I appreciated that this one didn’t add a lot of excess.”

Gould also appreciated how easy it was to unpack this cooling mattress topper and put it on her bed. The whole process took her about five minutes. She also noted that there were no odors or off-gassing. All she had to do was put it on her bed, add her linen sheets and she was ready to hop in.“You can tell that a lot of technology and thought went into the design,” raves Gould. “It’s comfortable and it effectively cools you at night while providing a thin layer over your mattress.”

The post 5 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Family Handyman.

Brunt Boots Review: I Built a Garage in Brunt Work Boots, And Here’s What Happened

Karuna Eberl — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:18:17 +0000

A couple of months ago, as my partner and I were gearing up to build a garage, I realized my women’s work boots were worse for wear. So when the opportunity arose to test a pair for a Brunt boots review, I jumped at the chance.

I’d been hearing a lot about the brand, which broke onto the scene just a few years ago and has since become a large social media presence. As the story goes, founder Eric Girouard set out to create a relatively affordable boot with an easy break-in time and, of course, all of the necessary safety and convenience features.

Brunt makes several styles. I chose the Marin, one of their most popular models. It has a moc-toe (moccasin-reminiscent) design. Boots with this u-shaped seam on top of the toe box are known for being more flexible and lighter than those with a solid-toe design. That makes for a boot that’s easier to wear all day, especially if your job keeps you, literally, on your toes.

Here’s how my testing went and what to expect from these boots.

What are Brunt Work Boots?

Brunt work boots are a line of safety boots made for construction, agriculture and other job site work. They come in various models: moc-toe, traditional toe, pull-on (cowboy boot) and running-shoe styles.

Brunt makes only one women-specific model, the Marin Women’s. It’s available down to size 6.5. Beyond that, most of their models start at size 7 men (8.5 women), which is limiting for those of us with smaller feet. On the plus side, most of their models are available up to size 16, which is fantastic for those with huge trotters.

The model I tested, the Marin Women’s, has an appealing look tough enough to be taken seriously on a job site but also a tad fashionable. I wouldn’t be surprised if some women keep wearing them after the proverbial quittin’-time whistle blows.

However, the boots’ safety features are much more important than aesthetics: they are waterproof and designed specifically to withstand slick and muddy environments, with slip-resistant, oil-resistant and heat-resistant soles.

The women’s model is only available with a soft toe and in a 6-inch height. The men’s version, however, is available in 6 and 8-inch heights and with added toe-box options, including a non-metallic composite safety toe or their “brunt” toe, which includes a durable rubber reinforcement on the front.

Each pair includes an extra insole, which is removable to accommodate wider feet (up to EE), plus a nylon shank for mid-foot support. They are also made from “barnyard-resistant leather,” which the company claims helps protect them from oleic acid, sodium chloride and ammonium hydroxide, which can damage regular leather.

Their leather is also sourced from Texas steers, which the company claims are “the highest quality hides available.” I’m sure Texans agree, though there are likely some ranchers in my Colorado Valley who would beg to differ! (Also, note that while the leather is from the USA, it’s ultimately made into boots in China, Vietnam and India.)

KARUNA EBERL FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop at Brunt

$145.99 at Amazon

I Tried It

The Marin Women's (Soft Toe)

Pros:

Relatively lightweight
Short break-in time
Good value
Waterproof leather
Safety certifications
Stylish aesthetic

Cons:

Didn't fit my feet in particular
No hard-toe option for women

Brunt Work Boots Features

Brunt work boots were designed with safety in mind. The Marin models include a waterproof and breathable membrane, and the men’s version also comes with a composite safety toe option. The soles are touted as being slip and oil-resistant, non-marking and heat-resistant to 572 degrees. They also have an ASTM electrical hazard rating of F2413-18.

For comfort, they’re made to break in quickly, like in a matter of hours. An internal nylon shank for mid-foot support helps prevent foot fatigue, and polyurethane midsoles provide extra cushion. The insoles have three layers, again for more precise support and cushion, and include an anti-odor treatment. There’s a second insole insert, which can be removed to accommodate wider feet. They are also lightweight compared with many other brands, coming in at 1 lb. 14 oz. for a single boot.

For durability, they have barnyard-resistant leather, heavy-duty eyelets with pass-through and wrap-around lace hooks and double and triple stitching at the various stress points.

How We Tested It

My first impression of the Brunt Marin boots is a little embarrassing. Instead of admiring their burly nature, I thought, “Wow, these are actually kind of cute.”

But, at least for me, aesthetics don’t carry much weight on the job site. I care about how my feet feel after a long day and how well they are protected when I drop a hammer on my toes. To figure out the answers to those, I slipped them on and got to work framing our garage.

First, the boots have a quality lacing system. Thanks to heavy-duty metal eyelets and upper cuff adjustments, including wrap-around lace hooks, it’s easy to fine-tune their fit. The hooks particularly came in handy since my ankle is a little small for the cuff of these boots, so those helped me crank down on the laces to get ample support.

For the first half hour or so, the boots were dastardly uncomfortable. My heel wouldn’t nestle into the pocket, so the heel cup dug into my Achilles. I ended up pulling out the extra insolea design intended to accommodate extra-wide feetand that did the trick. My heels settled down into a much better position. And even though I have pretty narrow feet, the extra width wasn’t entirely annoying.

After that, the boots broke in quickly. Within an hour they were starting to conform to my feet, and at the end of the day, I didn’t have any sore spots to complain about. The slip-resistant soles worked fine on concrete, even after it rained, though I did not test them in an oily environment (that will have to wait until the garage is done and we’ve been fixing our cars in it!). They also kept my feet at a comfortable temperature on warm days, and then also after a cold front came roaring in and we were working in 40-degree weather.

While we were waiting on a materials delivery one day, I also decided to test the Brunts out in the garden. I normally wouldn’t wear work boots for such an occasion, but it felt like a good chance to see how versatile they are, especially with tasks that require a lot of kneeling.

I was pleasantly surprised at how flexible they were. I was up, down and stretched out all over the place, trying to spread mulch on a few dozen plants to protect them from the impending winter. I didn’t feel like I was being held back in terms of range of motion, and the boots held a nice shape: they didn’t buckle or put undue pressure across my toes.

They also didn’t pick up any thorns, burs or dirty splotches, which was way more than I can say for the seat of my pants. While I was at it, I also let the garden hose run on them for a while. Yep, they’re waterproof! The leather got slightly darker, but only for five minutes or so; then it popped back to its original color.

Finally, I gave the Brunts the hiking test. I know that’s not what they’re meant for. But we went camping, so I figured I’d give that a shot, too. As it turned out, that was not such a great idea. Although they are lightweight, they lack padding and really aren’t comfortable enough to walk long distances in, at least for me. The tread pattern also doesn’t grip well enough for proper scrambling around on rocks. I guess that’s why hiking boots are for hiking and work boots for working.

Sadly, I only ended up wearing the Marins for a week. Ultimately, they were too boxy for my feet, and that clunky feeling caused me to stumble a few times. I prefer a more nimble shoe, which is why I often choose hiking boots over work boots in general, especially on lighter-duty projects (and since Brunt doesn’t make a women’s work boot model with a protective toe box, I wouldn’t choose these for tougher job sites anyway).

Beyond that, the Marins also didn’t fit well overall, which isn’t unusual for me and my footwear. I’ve never been able to stand wearing a pair of Nike’s, either. Unfortunately, that means I didn’t get to test them for longevity and durability.

But I did talk to someone who switched to Brunt Boots a few years ago and has had success with them lasting a long time. “When choosing boots, I consider the price point, durability, weight and overall appearance. Brunt is a great choice as it meets all these criteria,” says Glenn Gracey, President and Founder of Glenn Gracey Plastering in Pennsylvania.

In the end, though, I do like my Brunts enough that I’ll definitely keep them around for those occasions when I have to get particularly mucky or when I need to look like a fashionable handyperson.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve been testing and recommending precision footwear for over three decades, starting when I became a professional ski boot fitter at age 16. I have tested everything from leather and hard-shell mountaineering expedition boots to hiking boots, trail-running shoes and even flip-flops. While I have personally gone through a number of work boots during my home construction projects over the years, for this review, I also enlisted the expertise of mountaineer and avalanche forecaster Brian Raffio and construction worker/Brunt boot enthusiast Glenn Gracey.

FAQ

Can you only buy brunt boots online?

No, besides being sold on Brunt’s website and other online shopping sites, Brunt boots are available in several retail stores as well.

Who owns BRUNT Workwear?

Brunt Workwear is a privately held company based in Massachusetts. It was founded by Eric Girouard, who is still the CEO, and financing is made possible by venture capital backers.

What to look for in a work boot?

Fit is one of the most important considerations when buying a work boot. “Your work boots should feel snug but not too tight,” says Brian Raffio with Climbing Kilimanjaro. “Ensure there’s enough room for your toes to wiggle and that your heel stays in place to prevent blisters and discomfort during long hours.”

He also recommends paying attention to boot height, material (whether leather, synthetic or combo), waterproofing, traction, insoles, toe protection, lacing system, weight, breathability, insulation and price. “Before making a decision, try on several pairs and walk around in them to assess comfort and fit,” he says. “Keep in mind that the right boot for one person may not be the best for another, so select the pair that suits your individual needs and preferences!”

The other vital consideration is safety. “Wearing the right work boots can mean the difference between a safe day on the job and a debilitating injury,” says OSHA spokesperson Danisha Braxton. “Strong, durable footwear not only protects workers’ feet but also supports long-term health and productivity.”

When purchasing work boots, OSHA recommends considering protection, including:

Metatarsal guards,
Toe guards,
Combination foot and shin guards,
Electrical hazard, safety-toe shoes or boots, and
More, as detailed in this bulletin, as well as this one about protective footwear requirements.

What Others Had to Say

Reviews of Brunt work boots range from rave reviews about their comfort and price to those who find them a bit uncomfortable and to wear out faster than expected.

Adam Beasley of the blog Lazy Guy DIY was pleased with their quick break-in time. “I had them on for maybe 20 minutes before I felt that comfort level hit while digging holes,” he writes. But ultimately they didn’t fit him well, plus he received a number of comments from readers about their (lack of) durability. “Sometimes it’s hard to pick through jaded ambassadors, legit reviews and review bombers. So I’ll leave it at that,” he writes.

An unidentified writer on Iron Pros was overwhelmingly positive about the boots, writing, “Overall, the BRUNT Marin is a game-changer for me. They’re the most comfortable work boots I’ve ever worn, and they seem built to withstand the daily grind of construction work. If you’re looking for a top-notch boot delivered straight to your door, the Brunt Marin is absolutely worth checking out.”

Glenn Gracey, President of Glenn Gracey Plastering and a consultant on this article, is a “massive fan of the Brunt boots,” which he switched to from Red Wings a few years ago. “Overall, I appreciate the price point,” he says. “Additionally, Brunt boots are lighter than Red Wings, providing protection and comfort without the extra weight. A common misconception is that big name brands are the only quality options. These brands often come with a higher price tag, but Brunt offers the same quality and functionality without the premium price.”

Brunt Work Boots vs. Timberland Pro Boots

Which is better: Brunt or Timberland? It depends since both companies offer a wide variety of options. However, in general, both companies offer models that are price-competitive and which feature composite toes, waterproofing and electrical hazard ASTM ratings. Timberland offers a superior variety of women’s models, while Brunts tend to be lighter weight. In the end, the best boots to buy are those that feel the most comfortable on your foot since everyone’s feet are shaped a bit differently.

Final Verdict

Overall, I found the Brunt Marins to be of decent quality, with plenty of desirable features like waterproof leather, reinforced stitching and safety certifications. On the plus side, they are relatively lightweight and take no time at all to break in. They are also a great price, especially for how stylish they look. But, in the end, they just don’t fit my feet. Because of that, I couldn’t wear them long enough to test their durability.

Where to Buy the Brunt Work Boots

KARUNA EBERL FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop at Brunt

$145.99 at Amazon

I Tried It

The Marin Women's (Soft Toe)

Depending on the model, Brunt work boots range in price from around $140 to $269. The Marin Women’s, which we tested in this article, costs $140. The largest range of choices concerning style, height, color, toe box protection and waterproof options can be found on Brunt’s website (you can also buy Brunt Workwear clothing there). Otherwise, Brunt boots are available online on Amazon and Zappos.

The post Brunt Boots Review: I Built a Garage in Brunt Work Boots, And Here’s What Happened appeared first on Family Handyman.

Maytag Washer and Dryer Review: Made Like They Used to Be

Caroline Lubinsky — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 02:21:55 +0000

They always say that appliances aren’t made like they used to be. I disagree, especially after testing the Maytag washer and dryer with a 16-hour fresh hold (they sure didn’t have that feature on a 1950’s washer/dryer set).

After testing this set for the past three months, I’ve seen how it performs with dark clothing, hairy pet beds, extra-large comforters, and smelly workout clothes. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Maytag washer and dryer?

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Maytag

$848 at Home Depot

$849.99 at Best Buy

Maytag Front Load Washer with Extra Power and 16-Hr Fresh Hold

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Maytag

$728 at Home Depot

$649.99 at Best Buy

Maytag Front Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power and Quick Dry cycle

The Maytag Front Load Electric Washer with Extra Power and 16-Hr Fresh Hold and Front Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power and Quick Dry Cycle are complementary stackable models with large capacity, an Energy Star certification and a variety of settings and features. The washer can connect to Wi-Fi through a Maytag app.

The direct drive motor and stainless steel wash basket are covered by a 10-year limited parts warranty. Similarly, the dryer has a 10-year limited parts warranty on the drive motor and drum. Both the washer and dryer are available in three colors: volcano black, white and metallic slate.

Maytag Washer and Dryer Features

The front-load, 4.8-cubic foot capacity washing machine offers 14 cycles for your load of laundry. These include an assortment of settings, including specialty options for towels and bulky items. Use the ‘Quick Wash’ cycle for small-scale loads that are slightly dirty. Thanks to extra-high spin speeds, they will be clean in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the ‘Sanitize’ cycle uses ultra-hot water temperatures to remove 99.9% of household bacteria.

Extra Cleaning Power at the Push of a Button

An ‘Extra Power’ button in the middle of the cycle display provides increased cleaning power. It boosts stain-fighting capability on any wash cycle with a unique dual-temperature wash. Press the ‘Wash Cycle’ Knob to activate the ‘Extra Power’ option, which activates a cold prewash cycle before the main cycle starts. When ‘Extra Power’ is started, the ‘Wash Cycle’ Knob will illuminate, and the run time remaining on the display will increase.

Unique Washer Options

With just a touch, you can activate additional wash options and features. These include:

A Fresh Hold setting keeps clothes from getting musty by periodically tumbling them while circulating air from an internal fan. Clothes will stay fresh for up to 16 hours after the original wash cycle ends.
A Steam option adds additional soak and wash time with a steam boost to many cycles, providing added cleaning power to remove tough stains. A built-in heater helps maintain perfect wash temperatures.

The Wi-Fi Connect option allows you to use the Maytag app to connect your washer to your home WiFi network. Features include remote start/stop from anywhere, cycle notifications and the ability to schedule wash cycles. There are also smart tips, a stain guide and more.

Sturdy and Built to Last

The 4.8-cubic foot capacity provides enough space to clean 30 towels at once. The direct-drive motor has the power to handle large loads, and the stainless steel basket is designed for many years of washes and built with rugged materials to last.

A Dozen Cycles

The front loading 7.3-cubic foot capacity dryer has 12 cycles covering everything from delicates to bulky items. Like the washer, a sanitizing cycle uses extra-hot drying temperatures to remove up to 99.9% of common household bacteria. Theres also a steam refresh cycle that can spruce up your tired clothes without having to wash them. Meanwhile, the Quick Dry cycle allows you to dry a small load fast. When you combine it with the Quick Wash cycle on the washer, you are able to get some clothes ready to wear in quick order.

Get Extra Power to Dry Faster

The Extra Power option can be used with both Timed Dry and Sensor Cycles. Press the Cycle Control knob to activate the Extra Power option, which provides an additional 10 minutes of cycle time. When Extra Power is activated, the Cycle Control knob will illuminate, and the estimated time remaining on the display will show 10 additional minutes.

More Drying Options

The Wrinkle Prevent option is useful if you are not able to immediately remove a load. By touching the Wrinkle Prevent button, you get up to 150 minutes of periodic tumbling to help reduce wrinkling.

The Reduce Static option tells the dryer to automatically tumble, pause and introduce a small amount of moisture into the load to help reduce static and cut down on cling. This option adds approximately three minutes to the total cycle time.

The Steam option adds steam to the end of certain Sensor Cycles to help smooth wrinkles. It can be used with high or medium heat settings and adds approximately 15 minutes to the total cycle time.

Stackable

To accommodate tight spaces, a washer-dryer stacking kit can be used to place the dryer on top of the washing machine, freeing up extra room in your laundry area. To stack the machines, you need to purchase a stacking kit (approximately $50-60) that corresponds with your exact models. Whirlpool makes specific kits for its Maytag line of appliances.

The kit includes all the parts needed to safely support the washer and dryer, as well as detailed installation instructions. Maytag says installing the kit will require basic hand tools and novice repair experience, but having them installed by a professional might be worthwhile if you think youd be unable to lift the bulky dryer onto the washer.

How We Tested It

I washed two small dog beds, which used to cause trouble in my old machine. The beds would never come out fully clean, and I would have to use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe out the washer and dryer afterward because they would be filled with dirt or fur. That was not the case this time. There wasnt a bunch of gook left in the washing machine., and I didnt have to use a lint roller to get the fur from our long-haired dog off.

When I put the dog beds in the dryer, I once again used the Bulky Items setting and let it rip. At the end of the cycle, the dog beds were dry and free of dirt and dog hair. Any stray dog hair landed in the lint collector, which was easy to remove. I was highly pleased that I did not have to clean out the inside of the washer or dryer, as Ive had to do with previous machines!

Cleaning a Comforter

I also wanted to wash a new king-sized comforter before using it because it was smelly. It fits with ease inside both the washing machine and dryer, and it couldnt have been easier. Previously, when I washed comforters or heavy blankets, the washing machine would tilt and stop working — requiring a reset. And with the dryer, multiple cycles were needed to get the comforters or blankets dry. This time, the comforter handled the wash cycle flawlessly. I think the lack of an agitator on the front loading machine allowed a better washing function.

Things did not get off-kilter, and the comforter came out fresh and clean. It took one cycle to dry it in the dryer, and it turned out perfectly warm and dry. I was so gleeful about it!

Washing Dark Clothing

For the next load, I washed a variety of dark clothing, including black leggings and black dress clothes. With our old machine, when I would wash dark clothes, they would come out covered in lint and/or dog hair. There was nothing that frustrated me more when that would happen. I cant tell you how many things were ruined. With the new machine, I set the clothes to the normal setting. At the end of the cycle, when I pulled everything out, I was so thrilled not to have anything stuck to my clothes. The washing machine delivered with flying colors.

Workout Gear

Next, I wanted to do a load of workout gear that had been sitting in the laundry basket all week. Everything was dirty and smelly when it went in, and it came out clean and fresh. The extra power buttons are fantastic: I honestly wasnt sure if they were necessary, but its a great feature. Be sure to add extra detergent to the extra power compartment.

Front-Loading Washer vs Top-Loading Washer

Lets talk about what its like to have a front-loading wash machine versus a top loader. Ourprevious washer was a traditional top-load machine with an extra-large capacity. The size was nice, and you could select a pre-soak button that would fill up the machine halfway and then let your stained clothes sit in the water and detergent to get some extra attention. But, as I mentioned earlier, our old machine would tend to freeze up with bulky loads. It would also make a lot of noise. And when the load was finished, I usually had to stand on my tip toes to get things out of the bottom of the drum.

With the front load machine, there is no pre-soak setting. I suppose you could stick everything in the bin, start a wash and hit pause to create the same effect. But maybe its not necessary with all of the great settings on this machine. Plus, Ive seen a number of comments from experts online that suggest your laundry will touch the laundry soap and water more often on a front-loading machine than it would on a top-loader that uses an agitator.

After using the front-loading washer for a while, I feel that its hard to tell when the machine is full. Maytag says the washer can handle 30 towels at once, but well before you get to that number, you start to feel like youre piling up pancakes on the breakfast plate and wonder if the syrup will make it to the bottom of the stack. But theyre right. Ive overstuffed the machine multiple times with two weeks of clothes, and everything is getting clean!

Pros

Stackable or side-by-side
Steam setting
Comes in multiple colors
Extra power feature gets clothing very clean
16-hour fresh hold
10-year warranty
Available in electric or gas

Cons

Hard to hear end-of-load alerts
Some buttons are similar or duplicative, which is confusing

FAQ

What is the advantage of leaving the door open on the washer when its not in use?

You need to leave the door open all of the time when not in use so it doesnt develop mold or mildew.

Can I do a full load on a quick wash and quick dry?

No. The settings are not meant for that. Quick Wash and Quick Dry should be used for small loads.

The dryer has both a ‘Regular’ and a ‘Normal’ setting. Whats the difference?

Though they sound similar, they are slightly different. The Regular setting lasts for 57 minutes on the second temperature setting out of four. The Normal setting uses hotter temperatures and lasts longer. It goes for 1:27 and uses the third temperature setting out of four.

Is Maytag made in China?

Though the various parts for the machines might be sourced from around the globe, these washers are assembled in Clyde, Ohio, and the dryers are assembled in Marion, Ohio.

Who owns Maytag now?

Maytag was a standalone company for more than 100 years before it was acquired by Whirlpool in 2006. In addition to washers and dryers, the Maytag brand makes refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and microwave ovens. Other Whirlpool-owned brands include KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana.

What other reviewers/experts had to say

The dryer is as nice as the matching washer, said a verified Best Buy reviewer. It auto senses dampness and dries accordingly. It is also quiet, perhaps even more so than the washer.

Steam is nice, as is the wrinkle guard, said a verified Best Buy reviewer. The dryer seems to actively adjust the time remaining based on sensors and usually ends up drying faster than anticipated.

We have had this washing machine and the matching dryer, both on pedestals for the last month, said a Maytag reviewer. They are FANTASTIC.

Final Verdict

This Maytag washer/dryer combo delivers everything you would want for a large or small household. These machines can easily handle bigger jobs like comforters, dog beds and jumbo loads of towels. They can also pivot to smaller loads, delicates, or a quick wash of clothes if needed on short notice. This dynamic duo does an amazing job at everything I throw at them.

You will not be disappointed in the washing machine’s cleaning power or the dryer’s drying power. These good-looking machines are also stackable, so they can fit into a smaller space. I highly recommend them.

Where to Buy the Maytag Washer and Dryer

This Maytag washer and dryer set is available at Maytag, The Home Depot, and Best Buy. The washer is just under $900, and the dryer is around $800.

The post Maytag Washer and Dryer Review: Made Like They Used to Be appeared first on Family Handyman.

Fiskars Pruners Review: We Tried It and Got the Most Bang for Our Buck

Marisa Hillman — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:04:38 +0000

When it comes to pruning your garden, one thing is certain:the best pruning shears will help keep everything neat and tidy. Most of these heavy-duty plant scissors are designed to snip and snap stems up to one-inch in diameter and are a must-have item for every gardening shed. In order to find the best shears for your tree trimming needs, we put 11 pairs to the test. We were especially impressed by these Fiskars pruners.

These universal pruners can be used on everything from harvesting fresh flowers and veggies to trimming rogue stems and dead wood. During testing, our team appreciated the fact that they were easy to grip and produced clean cuts. And the best part? They are super affordable. Here’s everything you need to know about the Fiskars pruners before adding them to your cart.

What are Fiskars Pruners?

When it comes to scissors, Fiskars is a household name. The brand is known for its quality crafting tools and school supplies as well as its line of pruners and loppers. In other words, the maker of these Fiskars pruners knows a thing or two about powerful and precise blades.

The Fiskars pruners feature a cushioned grip for safety and comfort. They measure 8.75-inches long and have a 5.25-inch handle spread. Theyre equipped with a curved bypass blade made from alloy steel and have a one-inch cutting capacity. They are suitable for right- or left-handed use and have replaceable blades.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$24.99 at Amazon

$29.98 at Lowe's

We Tried It

Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears

These budget-friendly pruning shears feature a cushioned grip, replaceable blades and can be used either right- or left-handed.

Fiskars Pruners Features

Left-handed Compatibility

According to our testers, the locking mechanism on these Fiskars pruners is positioned to be used either left- or right-handed. This worked out well for our testers as one of them is right-handed while the other is left-handed.

Replaceable Blade

The manufacturer’s website states that the blade on this set can be sharpened for long-lasting value. Or you can simply replace the blade for continual cutting performance.

Softgrip Touch Points

The upper handle, where you rest your thumb, has a cushioned grip. The bottom handle is plastic.

How We Tested It

During testing, our team focused on cut quality, the amount of force required and the consistency of the pruners’ performance across all plant types. They were also be on the lookout for signs of hand fatigue as they evaluated the pruners’ ergonomics and overall comfort.

Backyard Testing

After noting the Fiskars pruners weight, measurements and callout features, associate product testers Sheri KazandDylan Fischer took these Fiskars pruners into Sheri’s backyard for testing. They had gathered three sizes of wooden dowels, three sizes of deadwood branches and stems and three sizes of greenwood branches and stems, including cherry wood and an asparagus plant.

Before they began cutting, our team noticed that the handle spread didn’t fully open without a little help. “The spring is a little sticky and doesn’t spread entirely on its own,” notes Kaz. Although they noted that the Fiskars pruners were easy to grip, the sticky handle led to initial concerns about performance and hand fatigue.

Quarter-Inch Stems

The first test was with a series of 0.25-inch stems. Both Sheri and Dylan attempted to cut through a green tree branch and wood dowel. The Friskars pruners cut through the green tree branch with no issue whatsoever and left a nice, clean cut. Next up was the dowel. Sheri needed two hands to complete the cut while Dylan was able to do it with one hand. The wood was a bit squished at the end, but overall it was a neat cut.

Half-Inch Stems

Our testers moved onto 0.5-inch stems for the next test. The pruners easily cut through a piece of green cherrywood. However, Dylan had to use two hands to cut through the dowel and the deadwood, calling the task “pretty difficult.” Moreover, the ends of the dowel were squished rather than clean cut.

Three-Quarter-Inch Stems

For the final test, Dylan used the pruners to cut through a 0.75-inch dowel, deadwood branch and asparagus. He was unable to cut through the dowel or the deadwood, but had less trouble cutting through the asparagus. “It cut through easily, but we were struggling a bit to fully fit the stem in between the blades,” he explains. “The packaging claims it can fit 1-inch branches and stems, but we’re not entirely sure how true that is.”

After cutting a variety of stems, our team agreed that although the Fiskars pruners feel a bit stiff and tight compared to others they tested, they are a good value. “Because the spring action is so tight, it could cause fatigue after constant use, but for the price and performance, we recommend the Fiskars pruners as the best budget buy,” says Kaz.

Pros

Produces clean cuts
Affordable
Replaceable blades
Cushioned grip
Can be used right- or left-handed

Cons

Spring is stiff and uncomfortable to use

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, our goal is to help you find quality products that will enhance your life and your space. In order to help you shop with confidence, we personally test the products we recommend. From electric pruning shears to pruning saws, our expert product testers have gotten up close and personal with hundreds of items.

For this article, our product testing team spent 45 hours examining and testing 11 pruners. They performed 14 tests on each pair and collected roughly 300 data points overall. Out of the 11 we tested, only 7 made our list of recommended pruners, including these Fiskars pruners. We will never recommend a product we don’t love regardless of a brand’s popularity or price point.

FAQ

Where are Fiskars pruners made?

Many Fiskars products are designed, manufactured and tested in Finland. Others are produced in the United States.

Can you sharpen Fiskars pruners?

Yes. The blade on these Fiskars pruners can be sharpened or replaced.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

The Fiskars pruners are a beloved product with over 37,200 five-star ratings on Amazon. Overall, users are impressed by the pruners’ quality, value and performance.

Amazon user Lokiamus calls these pruners a good quality tool that will deliver on performance. “Ive been using them for a few weeks now and have been cutting through a variety of woody, and non-woody stems measuring maybe an 1 inch or less diameter with ease: small/underdeveloped tree branches (elm, bougainvillea & crape myrtle), vines (smilax/greenbriar/wisteria/morning glory) and any other undesirable growths that have sprung up,” they write. “I have small hands and weak wrists so I appreciate the light weight and not having to apply a great amount of force when cutting.”

And while our testers found the spring on these pruners stiff and uncomfortable, Lokiamus insists that they “function smoothly like shock absorbers on a car.”

Gretty’s Gadgets Galore, another verified Amazon user, calls the Fiskars pruners the perfect pruning shears for any gardener. Gretty especially appreciates their cutting power, comfort, durability, precision and value. “In summary, the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are an excellent choice for both amateur and experienced gardeners. They combine cutting efficiency, comfort, and durability in a way that makes gardening tasks more enjoyable and less of a chore,” writes Gretty. “I highly recommend these shears to anyone looking to upgrade their gardening tools. Five stars!”

And LaLa credits these pruners for their abundant tomato harvest. “I came across a YouTube video suggesting I aggressively prune tomato plants to make more fruit grow. Mine weren’t doing well this season, so it was the perfect time to experiment,” writes LaLa. “I bought these clippers and went to tomato town. I clipped all the leaves and branches that didn’t have any fruit. (That was a lot!) Within one week, I had more tomatoes growing than I did all summer. I found these shears easy to use with one hand (I have small-ish hands). The blades don’t seem to be dull after using these for a couple months. Very happy with these and with my yield.”

Fiskars Pruners vs. Felco 2 Pruners

In addition to the Fiskars pruners, Kaz and Fisher also tested the Swiss-made Felco 2 pruners. Both pruners are easy and comfortable to use and provided clean cuts. When tested on branches and stems 0.5-inches or thicker, both pruners required the use of two hands and a considerable amount of force. In fact, neither set of pruners were able to cut through our testers’ 0.75-inch dowel or deadwood branch.

While both pruners performed similarly, they are priced quite differently. The Fiskars pruners have an MSRP of $23.50, making them our tester’s top budget pick. The Felco 2 pruners retail for around $70.

Final Verdict

According to our testers, the Fiskars pruners are a great choice for gardeners on a budget. They offer a solid performance at an affordable price and you can’t beat that.

Where to Buy the Fiskars Pruners

The Fiskars pruners are available on Amazonand Lowe’s. They have an MSRP of $23.50 but we have seen the price range from about $15 to $30.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$24.99 at Amazon

$29.98 at Lowe's

We Tried It

Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears

Because of the price and performance, our testers recommend the Fiskars bypass pruners as the best budget buy.

The post Fiskars Pruners Review: We Tried It and Got the Most Bang for Our Buck appeared first on Family Handyman.

I Tried the New Battery-Powered Toro Leaf Blower, and Here’s How It Went

Tyler Graham — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:37:19 +0000

I tried the all-new Toro leaf blowerthe Toro 60-volt Max 900-CFM 165-MPH leaf blower, to be exactand I was (literally) blown away. This was my first experience with the Toro leaf blower, and I am quite impressed.

I have used dozens of leaf blowers in my day and can confidently say I’ve experienced a wide range of performances from blowers. I started my leaf blower journey with the classic handheld Stihl BG86C blower. Since then, I have personally owned and tested five handheld gas blowers, nine backpack leaf blowers (both battery and gas), three handheld corded electric leaf blowers, and 11 handheld battery-powered blowers.

What Is the Battery-Powered Toro Leaf Blower?

When Toro designed their new battery leaf blower, we were shocked to see how much thought went into the design and the performance. You can easily tell that the team that pulled this blower together included people like me, who have used dozens of blowers and knew that Toro needed to push the envelope to stay competitive in the battery-powered leaf blower space.

I admit that I was skeptical when I first received this blower. Toro, a brand with an amazing reputation for providing some of the most powerful zero-turn mowers, has long been known for its success with golf course management tools and a wide range of commercial products. However, they have only recently begun to dip their toes in the battery-powered space, starting with their classic lawnmowers, which I have come to know and love.

TYLER GRAHAM FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Acme Tools

I Tried It

Toro Flex-Force 60-volt Max 900-CFM 165-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower

Toro Leaf Blower Features

The blower boasts a whopping 900 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and 165 MPH air speed, both of which are at the top of the game in the leaf blower world. You can reach the maximum airspeed by using the “Turbo” button, which is meant for temporary blasts of air that help remove wet leaves and grass from surfaces.

This blower also comes with a concentrated nozzle, which helps further focus air and increase overall air speed for targeted clean-up. The Toro battery-powered blower also comes with several easy-to-control measures, including a textured grip, a well-balanced body, variable speed and cruise control so that you don’t tire out your hand, and an aggressive design that helps hold the blower down and forward.

You can use the 60-volt battery on the Toro leaf blower on other 60V Max products from Toro, which saves you money on buying new batteries for these tools in the long run. As Toro continues to build out the 60V Max lineup, this can result in huge savings for the average homeowner who doesn’t have to buy a new battery with each tool.

How I Tested the Toro Leaf Blower

Assembly

The new Toro battery-powered leaf blower was very simple to put together. It comes in two or three pieces that easily snap together. I quickly snapped the nozzle onto the base of the blower and excitedly rushed out the door to start eviscerating leaves.

Job Site Test (Commercial Landscaping)

I used the Toro battery-powered blower on the job site first. Having recently re-started a landscaping company, I had about eight lawns back-to-back on my first day with the Toro blower. I was excited to see how it would perform relative to other handheld battery blowers. My first stop was mowing my friend Chase’s house. He lives in a nice neighborhood with lots that are about acre or less.

This presented the ideal opportunity to see how the Toro blower would perform on a typical lawn. Another positive of using the battery-powered Toro blower is that Chase has two small kids that I knew napped at various points throughout the day. My gas-powered backpack blower could wake the dead with its high noise levels, so having an electric tool was great for making sure I could maneuver around their home without waking the kids.

I will also caution that most handheld battery leaf blowers aren’t used for commercial landscaping purposes. They aren’t designed to last all day, and I knew that going into this round of testing. Other blowers, including electric ones, are designed to go with you on the job site. Toro designed this blower for residential homeowners looking to crush leaves and debris in their backyard, put the battery back on the charger and get on with their life. That doesn’t mean I am not going to push the blower to its limits and use it however I can.

Home Test

I used the Toro on my yard after the first time mowed again after a week straight of rainfall here in middle Tennessee. The grass clippings were still a bit moist. If you have ever used a leaf blower after mowing a moist lawn, you will understand that this situation is headache-inducing. Wet grass sticks to concrete like nothing you have ever seen. In order to get it off, you generally have to either wait until it dries, use a push broom, or have a blower that can somehow lift it off of the concrete.

Most leaf blowers put out about 400-500 CFM. Even some of the most powerful backpack leaf blowers will put out 700 CFM or so of air. At 900 CFM, the Toro 60V Max may be one of the most powerful handheld leaf blowers I have ever seen. The combination of tremendous air volume output with wind speeds of 165 MPH means that very few blowers on the market come close to this amount of power.

So naturally, I had to use this on the famous wet grass clippings to see how it would do. It was an absolute demolition. The leaf blower removed almost every blade of grass from the concrete driveway. I was so impressed that I wanted to ring the doorbell and tell my friend all about it. I have never seen a blower, especially a handheld battery-powered leaf blower, push this much air and perform so well.

Blowing Heavy Debris

I set this blower back in the trailer and moved on to the next house. At the next job, I was looking at a garden bed that had been washed out with water and spread mulch all over the lawn and sidewalk leading up to the front door. The mulch was a shredded hardwood mulch and was mostly dry by this point. Before I mowed the yard, this needed to be cleaned up. It presented a perfect opportunity to give the Toro 60V blower a chance to run wild by blowing mulch in the grass (which is notoriously difficult) and pushing it across a sidewalk.

The blower accomplished both of these. Moving mulch across concrete was a breeze, and I was shocked to see how easily it lifted the mulch out of the thick, long grass and placed it back into the garden bed.

I moved onto the third house of the day, which was just like the first one. The grass was slightly dryer, and the clippings blasted back into the grass easily. At this point, I was texting my wife, telling her I couldn’t believe it.

As a second reminder, this blower was not designed for professional landscapers in the same way that gas-powered leaf blowers are. Those can run all day because you can keep buying and pouring gas into the blower for as long as you need. Toro’s new blower obviously requires you to recharge the batteries.

Long-Term Performance

In my personal use of this blower around my house, which seems to be more and more neglected the more I work on other people’s lawns, I continued to be impressed with the Toro leaf blower. In the course of my normal weekly lawn maintenance, I found the blower to have consistent, extremely powerful performance.

One downside I noticed relatively early is that when you use the turbo button off and on, there is a noticeable drain on the battery life. I expected extremely high power to reduce battery life, but I was a bit disappointed to see how quickly it reduced battery life. Without using the turbo button, I still had more than enough battery life to care for my yard (and then some).

As the weeks passed and leaves began falling from the trees, I retested the Toro battery blower once more. Leaves were absolutely light work for this blower. The blower is an absolute bully for drying leaves, easily launching them across my yard. The turbo button was unnecessary, but I had to use it for the sake of science. It was total and absolute destruction of the leaves.

Pros:

Extremely high power with 900 CFM
Ergonomic grip with easy maneuvering
60V Max battery system used across Toro’s 60V lineup
Finger-saving cruise control function
Much quieter than gas blowers
Turbo button to toggle maximum speed

Cons:

Battery life drains with Turbo usage
Fewer tools in Toro’s battery lineup than some other brands

Why You Should Trust Us

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I have personally tested dozens, if not hundreds, of leaf blowers, including backpack blowers, corded electric blowers, cordless blowers and gas-powered handheld blowers.

As a landscaper, I developed a unique love for lawn tools after using them every day for years. Now, I spend my days testing lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers and more. Much of my time is spent using new leaf blowers and comparing them to see which one reigns supreme.

FAQ

How long does a Toro leaf blower last?

The Toro leaf blower advertises a run time of 120 minutesbut this is generally on a low-speed setting under ideal conditions. In my experience, the blower can run for about an hour for typical use around the house, where you may maximize the power for a longer time. Introducing the turbo button drops the run time to about 30 minutes.

How do you use the Toro battery-powered leaf blower?

The Toro battery leaf blower can be easily controlled using the variable speed trigger, which changes the amount of power coming from the battery. It also has a cruise control function that holds a certain speed in place, allowing your hand to relax and hold the blowerno more cramping.

This is a handheld leaf blower, meaning you simply pull the trigger and point it at whatever debris you want to blow away.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

While the Toro 60V Max Battery-Powered Blower is still relatively new, the few who have used it have agreed with meit rocks. One reviewer at Lowe’s felt similarly, calling the blower a “powerhouse” with “the size and weight of the blower working perfectly to balance the blower when used in turbo mode.” Another reviewer at Lowe’s had the same experience as me, using this blower on “1/2 acre of concrete around their farm” and mentioned that the blower “gets rid of those pesky leaves and grass clippings.”

Toro Battery-Powered Leaf Blower vs. Ryobi Battery-Powered Leaf Blower

I’ve had the distinct privilege of using the Toro and Ryobi battery-powered leaf blowers. The Ryobi battery-powered leaf blower is a great blower. Ryobi’s new Whisper series produces quiet, powerful tools that can be found at The Home Depot for a great price. Ryobi’s Whisper series blower was the cat’s meow when it was released. It had one of the highest CFM and MPH ranges on the market and was advertised as the quietest blower.

Times have changed in the last two years. There are a number of other blowers in a similar power range that also exhibit quiet run times. The Toro battery blower simply outguns the Ryobi blower. I have used both side-by-side, and the Toro is the better blower.

Final Verdict

I can confidently say that this is hands down the best combination of price, power and performance on the market. I am excited that Toro will continue to build out their electric lineup with the 60V Max batteries so that I can achieve better cost efficiency in the future. I also think Toro can keep refining their battery technology so that the batteries last longer.

All in all, this blower has set a new standard for power in handheld electric blowers.

Where to Buy the Toro Battery-Powered Leaf Blower

TYLER GRAHAM FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Acme Tools

I Tried It

Toro Flex-Force 60-volt Max 900-CFM 165-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower

You can grab the Toro battery-powered blower from Lowe’s with the battery for just under $350, and you can use the battery with other Toro lawn tools.

The post I Tried the New Battery-Powered Toro Leaf Blower, and Here’s How It Went appeared first on Family Handyman.

Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree Review: We Tried It, and Here’s What Happened

Mary Henn — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:55:06 +0000

Christmas lights? Check. Stockings? Check. Smart Christmas Tree? Are you unfamiliar? You wont be for long. We tested the popular Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree to see if it’s worth the hype (and the price). Our product testing team at Family Handyman ordered, unboxed, assembled and tested the 7 -foot tree.

Before ordering your Christmas tree this year, heres everything you need to know, especially if you want to create extra holiday magic with an app-controlled, smart Christmas tree.

What is the Twinkly Christmas Tree?

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is a pre-lit artificial Christmas treean Aspen Pine, to be exactwith multicolor RGB lights. The Twinkly app controls the lights and lets you choose and design lighting effects through your phone. The preset lighting effects include options like rainbow, snow and fireworks light patterns.

There are literally dozens upon dozens of preset customization optionsdifferent color combinations, patterns and animations, says Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley. It might be a little overwhelming when you open the app to all the flashing colors and lights. But it’s also kind of fun to go through all the options.

With so many lighting options available, you can select a preset pattern and then, beyond that, adjust its speed and brightness, combine patterns and animations, or completely start from scratch and layer a bunch of different colors and patterns over each other. The possibilities for unlocking peak Christmas magic are endless.

Heres a breakdown of the Twinkly Smart Christmas Trees specific product features.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$839.93 at Amazon

We Tried It

Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree

Pros:

Fast and easy to set up
App-controlled lights and display
390 pre-lit RGB LED lights
Timer functions
Folding metal stand
On/off foot petal
Twinkly Music USB dongle lets you pair display with music
Use smart plug to pair with smart home systems like Alexa

Cons:

Stiff branches may be difficult to style
AC adapters prongs arrived bent but were straightened with pliers

Twinkly Christmas Tree Product Features

Size

The 7 -foot Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is 90 inches tall and 51 inches in diameter. Our product testing team measured the tree at 90 inches and found it to weigh more than 50 pounds despite the product description indicating it weighs just 33 pounds. About 15 inches stand between the floor and the bottom of the first branchplenty of room for presents from Santa.

Setup

According to our testers, setup is conveniently a one-person job. Even moving the box (before opening) is easy. The entire tree took only 15 minutes to fluff! The lighting process is easy, toojust plug in and go.

The Twinkly Christmas Trees quick-set power pole makes assembling each pre-wired section of the tree a breeze, no hassling with extra wiring or messy cords.

Lights

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is pre-lit with 390 smart RGB LED lights. RGB lights combine red, green and blue hues to create millions of color options. So, no color is off-limits when it comes to your holiday tree experience. You can choose classic warm white options with a subtle twinkle or bright rainbow colors with a flashing effect and just about everything in between. You can even sync the lighting display with music. The lights also turn on and off with a convenient foot petal, so Christmas magic is literally just one step away.

Appearance

Our testers described the needles on the tree as a combination of plasticky and papery.

Product Tester Sheri Kaz says, Its a darker green color, which is nice but solid and uniform, so the tree loses a few points for realism there.

The tree is pretty full, Sheri adds. The lights are nice and bright, but it feels like there could be some more spread throughout the middle and bottom sections.

Our team noticed minimal drooping with this tree and very little shedding. They suggest the Twinkly Christmas Tree should hold up for many holiday seasons to come.

Smart Control

The Twinkly app lets you customize lighting effects, sync your display with music, set timers for automatic lighting and more. Let your Christmas creativity shine by designing a custom light show. Build your own animations from scratch or use pre-set templates throughout the season. Using the playlist feature, you can even set up multiple scenes and switch between them.

Take your Christmas party to the next level by syncing your Twinkly lights with music. With the addition of the Twinkly Music USB dongle, the Twinkly app can make your tree lights dance to your favorite holiday tunes.

With the Twinkly app, you can set timers to turn your smart lights on and off automatically. Schedule your Christmas tree lights to turn on with your house lights at dusk or program them to only light up on certain days. Whatever you decide, you wont have to think or worry about manually turning on your tree lights.

How We Tested It

Our product testing team unboxed, assembled and measured the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree in the studio, where they fluffed it until it was full and presentable. That process was timed. Our testers ensured the product was easy to set up while also noting minor discrepancies regarding size between the product listing and real-life measurements.

Our testers also lit the tree, which involved downloading, registering and pairing the tree with the Twinkly mobile app. From there, they tested all the settings and functions to evaluate the apps user-friendliness, compatibility and capabilities. Despite initially being a little overwhelming due to the sheer volume of lighting options, our product testers found the Twinkly app user-friendly and intuitive. If youre looking to set up more than one tree model in the Twinkly app, you may first spend some time setting up the app. Our team did. However, once they got through the initial troubleshooting, the app could easily manage more than one unit.

Our team outfitted the tree with a collar and ornaments to ensure that the branches could withstand standard-size ornaments. They also swept and collected any needles that were shed during the assembly and disassembly process. The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree shed virtually no needles and was easy to put up and take down.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our Product Testing Lab put the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree through rigorous testing and collected approximately 275 data points testing Christmas trees ahead of the holiday season this year. In total, they spent an estimated 60 collective hours testing Christmas trees, including researching, sourcing, intaking and testing. They also spent time photographing the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree so you can see how it looks under real, natural lighting without any photoshopping tricks.

FAQ

How does the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree work?

The tree worksby using the Twinkly app to control the lights. From your phone, you can map the location of each LED light on the tree for custom lighting effects, choose from pre-programmed modes and create your own lighting effects. You can also set timers for your lights, group multiple Twinkly products together so they act as a single display and use voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

How much is the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree?

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree retails for $840 on Amazon.

What Other Reviewers Have to Say

With more than 600 reviews on Amazon, the Twinkly Pre-Lit Aspen Pine Smart Christmas Tree earns a 4.5-star rating.

This is my first ever artificial tree and I have to admit it was a tough choice. Like most, I’ve enjoyed the ritual of going and getting a tree, the smell of fresh pine, and having the feels over a good pick at the tree lot, says verified purchaser Ty Carriere. This year was different. I’m an empty nester now and it didn’t feel the same getting a tree by myself, plus though I love the smell of pine throughout the house, I hate the clean up after. So this year I decided to get an artificial tree and I’m really pleased with this purchase!

[The] light patterns are controlled through presets on the connected box or a phone app and are extremely customizable (no literally, I can draw what patterns I want on the tree and how they are animated on my phone, it’s brilliant), Ty adds. Scheduling when you want the lights to come on and off through the app and even which patterns at what time. Looks great!

I was skeptical getting this tree online at first because of some of the reviews on the lights not working properly when connected, says five-star reviewer Elicia, The app was a bit frustrating to work with at first but once we found the directions everything was a breeze. Im so happy with how you can change the lighting colors and effects from glow to twinkle

Final Verdict

While it is a sizable investment, our testing proves the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is worth the splurge if you want to up your Christmas game this holiday season with a smart Christmas tree. Our team made positive remarks about the Twinkly app, too. In fact, many smart Christmas tree brandslike the coveted Balsam Hill Blue Spruceuse Twinkly for pre-lit, smart options.

Where to Buy the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$839.93 at Amazon

We Tried It

Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree retails for $840 on Amazon.

The post Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree Review: We Tried It, and Here’s What Happened appeared first on Family Handyman.

Corona Pruners Review: We Tried It and Were Not Impressed

Marisa Hillman — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 02:44:15 +0000

Whether you’re a casual gardener or a full blown horticulturist, you need a good pair of pruning shears. Both manual shears and electric pruning shears allow you to trim, cut and shape your outdoor plants with ease. There are dozens of pruning shears on the market so we set out to find the best of the best. We tested 11 pairs of these essential trimming tools, including the Corona pruners.

Designed for larger hands, these Corona pruners are said to be capable of cutting everything fromflower stems to dead branches. In order to determine whether or not these are worthy of pruning for your garden, our testers put them up against a variety of stems, birchwood dowels and dead wood ranging from 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 inches wide. Their findings may surprise you. Here’s everything you need to know before adding the Corona pruners to your cart.

What Are the Corona Pruners?

The Corona Classic Cut Pruners measure 8.5-inches long, have a 6.5-inch handle spread and are designed for larger hands. Theyre equipped with a curved bypass blade made from high-carbon steel and have a cutting diameter of up to one inch. A non-slip textured grip and weight of just 12.5-ounces makes them easy to carry around the garden.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$29.99 at Ace Hardware

$27.42 at Walmart

$29.99 at Tractor Supply

We Tried It

Corona Classic Cut Pruners

These Corona pruners are supposed to cut branches and stems up to 1-inch in diameter. Our testers insist this is overstated.

Corona Pruners Features

Sharpenable Blade

You can sharpen the blades on these pruners, allowing you to use them year after year.

Wire-Cutting Capabilities

These pruners feature a tiny notch toward the base of the blade designed for wire-cutting.

Lifetime Warranty

Corona guarantees that these pruners will be free of material and workmanship defects for the life of the tool. Just be sure to save your receipt as you will need an original proof of purchase for any and all returns.

How We Tested the Corona Pruners

Associate product testers Sheri KazandDylan Fischer began the testing process by noting the pruners weight, measurements and callout features. Right away, they noted how wide and heavy these pruners felt in their hands. They did point out that the brand’s website indicates that these pruners are made for larger hands. However, they worried that these pruners would quickly cause fatigue.

Once they concluded their observations, our testers took these Corona pruners into Sheris backyard for testing. They gathered three sizes of wooden dowels, deadwood branches and stems in various sizes, and greenwood branches and stems, including cherry wood and an asparagus plant, in various sizes.

Our testers ran the first test with a series of 0.25-inch stems. Unfortunately, the pruners did not meet our testers’ expectations. “It took a surprising amount of force just to cut through the smallest dowel,” says Kaz. “We thought that it would at least cut with good force considering how unwieldy it is.” Moreover, these pruners left jagged edges on the stems.

During the second test, these pruners could not cut the birch dowel without maximum force and several tries. “It took a lot of force and two hands to cut an actual dead branch,” explains Kaz. Once the dowel had been cut, our testers noted that the dowel had been split and the sides had been smooshed.

For the final test, Dylan attempted to cut through a 0.75-inch dowel, deadwood branch and asparagus. He noted good cut quality on the asparagus, but it did not cut through the dowel or deadwood. “It couldn’t cut through deadwood or dowel although the specs says it can cut up to 1 inch,” he explains. “The packaging emphasizes getting the branch into the blades are far as you can. But once you have the handles open all the way it’s near impossible to wrap your hand around it, let alone have enough strength to cut through.”

Pros

Priced under $40
Designed for large hands
Packaging allows you to test it in the store
Replacement parts offered on the brand’s website
Lifetime warranty with proof of original purchase

Cons

Poor cutting quality
Handles are too wide
Caused hand fatigue
Overstated product specs
Grip is not cushioned

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, our goal is to help you shop with confidence. This is especially true for gardening tools, which help enhance your home’s curb appeal. Our editors and testers have years of experience testing hundreds of products from pruning saws to tree trimming tools, allowing us to bring you the most comprehensive guides on tree pruners and loppers.

For this series on pruners, our product testers spent a total of 45 hours closely examining 11 pairs, including these Corona pruners. They performed 14 tests on each pair and collected roughly 300 data points overall.

FAQ

How do you sharpen Corona hand pruners?

For best results, Corona recommends using their carbide sharpening tool.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Out of 50 reviews, these Corona pruners received 4.5 stars. Many purchasers are impressed by how sturdy they feel and their overall ease of use.

One verified buyer is especially appreciative of the high quality construction. “They are built to last with a replaceable blade that’s easy to sharpen…The older pair I have is still functional except that the spring and keeper wore out after 5 years of heavy use. No plastic parts in this model!”

“They are strong, sharp and a little heavier than I expected,” writes another verified buyer. “Very useful for small pruning.”

Corona Pruners vs. Felco 2 Pruners

Our team tested 11 pruners including the Corona Pruners and the Felco 2 pruners. Both pruners are almost identical in size and are rated for large hands. However, our testers found the Corona pruners to be unwieldy and cumbersome.

During testing, our team struggled with the Corona pruners. They required two hands and a lot of force to cut through all of the branches, stems and dead wood. And once cuts were made, they were jagged, smooshed or split the wood. Our team found no reason to recommend the Corona pruners, insisting they are going to cause fatigue more quickly than other pruners.

On the other hand, our testers loved the Swiss-made Felco 2. The Felco 2 features an ergonomic form and contoured finger grips for comfort and safety. Better yet, our team described the Felco 2’s cuts as clean, excellent and like butter. And while they cost around $20-$25 more than the Corona pruners, the Felco 2 is the better choice. Read our full Felco pruners review to learn more and see where to buy them.

Final Verdict

Unfortunately, not every product we test is a winner. Such is the case with these Corona pruners. “These are extremely unwieldy for even Dylan’s hands, and this doesn’t even pay off with any kind of heavy-duty performance,” says Kaz. “The only good thing we can say is that the packaging allows you to test it at the store, so you can at least tell right away if your hand is large enough to hold it.”

Where to Buy the Corona Pruners

These Corona pruners retail for $38.99 and are available at Ace Hardware, Walmart and Tractor Supply Co.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$29.99 at Ace Hardware

$27.42 at Walmart

$29.99 at Tractor Supply

We Tried It

Corona Classic Cut Pruners

An unwieldy grip and poor cut quality prevented our testers from recommending these pruners.

The post Corona Pruners Review: We Tried It and Were Not Impressed appeared first on Family Handyman.

Electrolux Washer and Dryer Review: I Can Confirm This Set Works as Great as It Looks

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:27:06 +0000

Im one of those people who truly enjoys doing laundry. Think about it: You throw clothes into a machine, let it do its thing for under an hour, toss the clothes into another machine for under an hour and the end result is clean clothes. Its not like youre actually working for all that time, but the payoff is big. The only downside of my laundry game was that I had an older washer and dryer without too many features or special settings that made the chore even easier. That is, until I got the opportunity to test the Electrolux washer and dryer. And now, its nearly impossible to get me out of the laundry room with this reliable washing machine and dryer. Heres my Electrolux washer and dryer review.

What Is the Electrolux Washer and Dryer?

The Electrolux 600 Series washer and dryer set is made up of the Front-Load Perfect Steam Washer with LuxCare Plus Wash and SmartBoost and the Front-Load Perfect Steam Electric Dryer with Balanced Dry and Instant Refresh (available in gas and electric). Both machines have large drums, making them ideal for anyone who likes to wash their bedding regularly, as well as many cycles and settings to customize the washing and drying experiences.

These machines can be purchased separately or as a set, and you have the option of adding pedestals to your order. The benefit here is that the washer and dryer stand taller for easier use, and you get the added storage for detergent and whatnot without taking up extra room. Both of the machines are extremely quiet, so even though theyre not exactly compact, they could still be considered an apartment-friendly washer and dryer.

CAITLYN FITZPATRICK/FAMILY HANDYMAN

$1870 at Wayfair North America

Shop on Electrolux

Shop on Lowe's

$2396 at AJ Madison

I Tried It

Electrolux 600 Series Washer and Dryer Set

With large drums and many cycles and settings, this set can transform your laundry game.

Electrolux Washer and Dryer Features

The Electrolux washer and dryer can be placed side by side or stacked on top of one another. Both machines are Energy Star-certified, meaning they meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) . Each unit has a reversible door, and the washing machine has a front-load design as opposed to a top-load design.

Standard front-load washers are generally more expensive upfront compared to top-load washers, but they offer better energy efficiency than a standard top-loading washer, potentially leading to long-term savings on utility bills, says Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company.

Here are the features that make this Electrolux set super impressive.

Electrolux 600 Series Front-Load Washer

Specialty wash cycles:
- Optic Whites cycle: prevents the redeposit of dirt and other residues
- 15-Minute Fast Wash: washes items super quickly
- Hand Wash cycle: uses a gentler washing motion than the delicates cycle
SmartBoost: premixes water and detergent before the cycle begins to maximize cleaning power
Automatic water-level adjustment: modifies water levels to the amount of clothing
Perfect Steam: removes tough stains
Sanitize setting: kills and removes 99% of bacteria
Pure Rinse: removes detergent residues and fragrances for sensitive skin
Adaptive Dispenser:designed to accept pods
Extra-large capacity: 5-cubic-foot drum

Electrolux 600 Series Front-Load Dryer

Specialty dry cycles:
- Instant Refresh: removes wrinkles and refreshes items from light wear in 10 minutes
- 15-Minute Fast Dry: dries items super quickly
- Air Dry: uses gentle drying with very low heat
Balanced Dry: prevents temperature spikes to keep fabrics cooler throughout the dry cycle
LuxCare dry system: uses an advanced moisture sensor to prevent over or under-drying
Luxury-Quiet sound system: doesnt make a lot of noise
Luxury-Design lighting: features premium light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
Control lock: locks the electronic controls
Extra-large capacity: 8-cubic-foot drum

How We Tested It

From delivery to washing and drying clothes, I went through each stage with the Electrolux washer and dryer and have tested the set for two months so far.

Ordering and Delivery

Im not going to sugarcoat it: The whole delivery experience was a nightmare. I cant put that on Electrolux, though, because my set wasnt ordered through the brands website. Still, a damaged dryer, a million phone calls and just an enormous headache later made the ordering and delivery process super tough. I cant imagine that this happens with every washer and dryer delivery through this particular retailer, but I think its important to call out.

Once everything was finally sorted, delivered and installed, I couldnt have been happier with how the Electrolux washer and dryer looked in my basement. They are really beautiful appliances and look expensive. Honestly, theyre everything Ive wanted in a washing machine and dryer (because, you know, thats what your dreams become once you hit your 30s).

Washing

As someone who enjoys doing laundry so much, I couldnt wait to fill the stainless-steel drum. Im sure that I was supposed to read the manual, but I wanted to see how intuitive the control panel was the first time I used it.

I had zero issues switching between the cycle options, like Optic Whites, Heavy Duty and even Activewear, but I just went to Normal. Two months later, it’s still the one I use most often. From there, I chose my water temperature (cool), soil level (normal) and spin level (medium).

I placed my detergent pod into the designated slot (which is separate from liquid detergent, liquid bleach and fabric softener) and let the machine do its thing. The Electrolux washer made a clicking sound to indicate the door was locked and off it went.

The very first thing I noticed after the cycle was done in about an hour was that my clothes were spun really well. There wasnt a drop of water coming off my clothes. Thats when I realized that maybe my previous washer wasnt as great as I thought. It wasnt the most powerful at spinning at the end of the cycle, so my clothes took a solid 24 hours (and even longer for thicker pieces) to hang dry.

But with the Electrolux, I can hang up shirts, pajama pants and cardigans up at night, and by the afternoon the next day, theyre ready to put away. As the laundry doer of my home who hangs a lot of the clothing that comes through, I appreciate this to an unfathomable degree.

I havent had the chance to test out every setting on the Electrolux washer. Luckily, I havent had a clothing crisis that required that handy 15-Minute Fast Wash. But when I have a particular piece of clothing to wash, I know Ill have just the right setting to have it handled with care and keep it looking its best.

If Im going to nitpick this washing machine, its an issue that probably wont impact most people. At the beginning of the drum, theres a silicone piece that wraps around the opening. When I do my 2-year-olds laundry, her tiny socks tend to get stuck in there, so theyre pretty soaked when I have to dig them out. This is a very niche problem, of course, so Im happy thats the biggest of my worries.

Drying

The Electrolux dryer has a just-as-easy-to-use control panel as the washer. I dont find myself having to toy with the options very often, and I typically use the Normal setting with a temperature of and dry level of “normal” and the auto-dry time.

Depending on the cycle you turn the dial to, those other settings will automatically change to what it thinks is best, but you can still customize those options, too. Whether Im drying my husbands athletic shorts, our sheets or a pile of towels, Ive found the Normal setting to be sufficient. But there are plenty of options to choose from, including Delicates, Air Dry and Instant Refresh, which are gentler for fragile pieces.

One of the best parts of both the washer and dryer are that the drums are huge, meaning that I can put my queen comforter in both with room to spare. With my previous dryer, I would often take the comforter out of the dryer to see that it got wrapped up into a ball and the inside was still wet. So, I would unravel it and run it through another dry cycle.

Thats not ideal on bedding laundry days, but with Electrolux dryer, theres 8.0 cubic feet for the comforter to bounce around and dry in every section. Plus, with the moisture sensor, the machine smartly estimates how long itll take for the load to dry (and Ive found it to be accurate).

I honestly cant think of a negative aspect of this dryer. It does its job, gives you customizable option so you dont sweat over your most special pieces and looks really nice even in the unfinished part of the basement.

Pros

Many wash and dry cycles and settings
Large drums
Quiet
Side-by-side or stackable setup
Sleek design
Available in titanium and white colors
Steam feature on both washer and dryer
Stainless-steel washer drum
Moisture sensor in dryer

Cons

Very small items could get caught in the front silicone part of the washer’s drum
Water gets into the detergent section and needs to be emptied

Why You Should Trust Me

Ive been an editor and writer since 2014 and working on commerce content since 2017, so Ive tested hundreds and hundreds of products over the years. That includes an outdoor gazebo, a garage storage system, a bed frame and moreand thats just for Family Handyman. So, Im used to taking my time with larger products and taking note of everything from delivery to setup to usage. For this Electrolux washer and dryer review, I put the machines to use almost daily for over two months before sharing my thoughts.

FAQ

What is the life expectancy of an Electrolux washer?

In general, both washers and dryers typically last around 10 to 14 years, depending on usage and maintenance, notes Lewis. To get the most life out of your machine, Lewis suggests doing a monthly cleaning of your washer and cleaning out the lint filter in your dryer in between loads. Also, a professional should help with lint buildup at least every year.

I cannot stress enough the importance of an annual maintenance check on your dryer and even your washer. Doing this service can help prevent your appliances from breaking down at the worst possible time when you need them, says Lewis.

Who makes Electrolux washer and dryers?

The Electrolux Group, with a headquarters in Sweden, owns Electrolux, as well as Frigidaire and AEG.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

This Electrolux washer and dryer set is impressing laundry doers everywhere. Heres what they have to say in their Electrolux washer and dryer reviews:

I am 100% impressed with my new washer. Im very fussy with my laundry, and this machine is supreme! writes Shelley, a five-star Wayfair reviewer. I absolutely love my new dryer. Love all the features, the ease in using and the quiet sound.

Stef817, another five-star Wayfair reviewer, says, Im considered a crunchy mom, so I use all natural laundry detergent. I would have to use SO much for our clothes to smell clean. After getting this matching washer and dry set, Im using less soap AND our clothes feel, look and smell so much cleaner! We got the pedestals too and the storage is so great!!

We purchased this washer and the matching dryer about six weeks ago. These units replaced a washer/dryer pair from another company that we have relied on for years. After multiple breakdowns, we decided to research our options and decided to purchase these Electrolux units. There is no comparison with [these] units being easier to use, built much better and they look fantastic! shares Wayfair buyer, Markb.

Final Verdict

Theres a lot to love about the Electrolux 600 Series washer and dryer set: the smart features, the efficient washing and drying, the sleek design, the optional pedestal storageI could go on and on. There wasnt anything wrong with my previous washer and dryer set, per se. But after testing the Electrolux washer and dryer, I see where my previous set lacked.

My clothes no longer take a whole lot of time to hang dry after being taken out of the washer. I no longer have to put my comforter through a second drying cycle. And now I have more features to play with than I know what to do with (but Im hoping that makes my laundry game that much better!). Overall, Im beyond thrilled with these machines and would recommend them to any friends and family members (yes, at full price).

Where to Buy the Electrolux Washer and Dryer

CAITLYN FITZPATRICK/FAMILY HANDYMAN

$1870 at Wayfair North America

Shop on Electrolux

Shop on Lowe's

$2396 at AJ Madison

I Tried It

Electrolux 600 Series Washer and Dryer Set

The washer and dryer can either be placed side by side or stacked on top of one another to fit your space.

You can shop the Electrolux 600 Series washer and dryer set on the brands website, as well as Wayfair, Lowes and AJ Madison. You can also shop the washer and dryer separately and add the pedestals.

The post Electrolux Washer and Dryer Review: I Can Confirm This Set Works as Great as It Looks appeared first on Family Handyman.

Sifting Through Samsung Washer and Dryer Reviews? Here’s a Homeowner’s Honest Take

Morgan Chaney — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:00:31 +0000

As a childless cat (and dog) lady, one of my biggest pet peeves (pun intended) is piles of pet hair all over my clothes, blankets, sheets and furniture. I sometimes find myself tossing clean clothes in the wash again to get the pet hair off the clean laundry. At Family Handyman, we’ve tested some of the best washer-dryer sets on the market, including sets that focus on the unique challenges those of us with pets face daily. After looking through several Samsung washer and dryer reviews, I knew I needed to test the Samsung Pet Care Solution Washer and Dryer to see if it holds up in a house with multiple pets and if it makes laundry less hairy.

What is the Samsung Washer and Dryer?

The Pet Care Solution Washer and Dryer is Samsung’s answer to the issues pet parents have faced for years. It focuses on giving you clean laundry in any circumstance and removing excess hair and odors that tend to come with owning a pet. It’s a beautiful and sleek machine that looks nice in a laundry room but packs a punch by including integrated SmartThings technology for remote access, specialized wash and dry settings, the ability to steam clothing and more.

MORGAN CHANEY FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$2068 at Samsung

$748 at Home Depot

$747.99 at Lowe's

We Tried It

Samsung Smart Washer and Dryer with Pet Care

Samsung Washer and Dryer Features

Washer Features

The Samsung Pet Care Solution Washer and Dryer is extremely high-tech and has a long list of features for both the washer and the dryer. This washer is geared to remove pet hair and make your laundry experience faster and easier. It has an extra large 5.4-cubic-foot capacity with upgraded filters and water jets to ensure your clothes are extra clean.

The washer comes with the normal pre-programmed washing cycles but also has the ability for a Pet Care Wash Cycle to remove six times the amount of hair of a normal wash. Then there’s the Super Speed Wash Cycle, which can clean an eight-pound load in a lightning-fast 28-minute cycle.

You can connect the washer to the Samsung SmartThings app via WiFi to create your own laundry settings. This also allows you to stop or delay your laundry from the app. The app informs you of your energy usage and any issues your washer may be experiencing. It’s quiet and efficient thanks to the Vibration Reduction Technology+ and Swirl+ Tub Interior, which keeps noise and vibration low while washing. It still draws out water from your clothes despite its gentleness. To help with maintenance, this washer also has a self-clean feature to keep things sparkly, clean and fresh.

Dryer Features

The dryer is equally impressive as the washer and has features that give you fluffy and wrinkle-free clothes with less pet hair. Its large 7.4-cubic-foot capacity can hold large loads and easily fits bulk items like blankets and bedding. It has a reversible door to fit any space, plus an internal drum light so you can better see your clothes. It also has accessibility features like braille and audio assistance.

Like the washer, the Pet Care dryer can also be connected via Wi-Fi to the Samsung SmartThings App to remotely start, stop, delay and troubleshoot issues you may encounter during the drying cycle. Additionally, this dryer has Samsung’s Steam Sanitize+ technology, which was tested* and found to remove 95% of pollen from fabric while relaxing wrinkles and refreshing clothes quickly and without the need for a full wash and dry.

*(Testing based on Samsung internal protocols, results provided to and interpreted by Intertek, individual results may vary)

How We Tested It

Over the course of two months, I tested this washer-dryer combo against pet hair, odor and stains, as well as food stains, gym clothes and other typical laundry messes. I also reviewed the app’s functionality and tested its different settings.

Testing the Washer

When testing a washer, the most important things are how well it washes and whether the extra features are worth the extra money. We did the unthinkable to test its branded pet care specificity and washing ability and washed the dog’s bed blanket. This blanket is COVERED in hair and lives in our dog’s “apartment,” or the space he likes to sleep in under the bed.

With previous washers, I would always take the blanket outside and try to shake off as much hair as possible, but I threw it straight in the washer this time and prayed to whatever higher power that the drain wouldn’t clog. To my surprise, it didn’t clog, and the blanket came out fresh. While there was still a little hair, it was much less than I had anticipated. When I opened the additional hair catchers inside the washer, I found lumps of dog hair and was both grossed out and impressed at how much it collected.

My favorite feature of this washing machine, apart from its ability to catch hair, is its quick washability. This wash cycle cuts a 56-minute wash down to 28 minutes and doesn’t sacrifice its cleaning power and ability. Its use of the spray jets and other technology saved me in a pinch when I got makeup on my shirt and had limited time to wash and dry it before I left.

Testing the Dryer

While the dryer’s features are a little less “fun” to test than the washer, they’re equally, if not more, important. This dryer dries fast and dries well. My partner and I frequently hang dry most of our clothes due to shrinking or damage from dryer heat, but I feel much more comfortable with the addition of the cooler dry cycles and the ability to choose a dampness setting over a time setting for your dry.

The steam cycle is great for items that are mostly clean but need to be freshened up. During our testing, my partner and I went on multiple trips, and instead of dumping my whole bag in the wash as I normally do, I put any clothes I didn’t wear through a steam cycle instead of a wash, and they came out smelling as clean as the ones put through the wash.

Additional Features

The app for this washer-dryer combo was truly what sold this pair for me. The SmartThings app can start, stop, and delay your laundry cycles, as well as send reminders about when your laundry is finished and if there are any issues with your wash.

As someone juggling too many things, throwing clothes in the washer and setting them to finish washing right before I get home or overnight while I’m sleeping is a game changer. The reminders to switch clothes have saved me time and multiple re-washes of clothes that were forgotten wet in the wash.

While I didn’t think I would have any issues while doing my laundry, the washer stopped the wash on my first use of the delicate cycle. It alerted me that the water was hot and may potentially damage the delicate handmade baby blanket I had just finished for a friend. It turns out the hot and cold water lines had been switched during installation, but thankfully, this washer was smarter than the person who installed it.

Pros

Long lasting
Efficient and eco friendly
Impressive smart features and innovative technology
Large-capacity loads
SmartThings App sends alerts and reminders
Removes dog hair and odor 6x better than most laundry units
Quick wash and steam clean settings

Cons

Clogged drain hose is common cause of drainage problems in top-loading washers
Problems may arise with ordering and delivery

FAQ

What is the life expectancy of a Samsung washer and dryer?

A Samsung washer and dryer has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years when well-maintained.

How can I use the Samsung SmartThings App to control a Samsung washer and dryer?

The Samsung SmartThings App can be used to control different functions of the Samsung Washer and Dryer. For both machines, you can pre-set custom wash and dry settings and start, stop or delay the start of a load. In addition, you can have the app send you notifications when your wash or dry has finished or if there are any issues with the cycle.

What Other Reviewers and Experts Had to Say

Overall, reviewers love this washer-dryer combo. Most point out their love of the extensive list of features ranging from smart connectivity to washing ability. Phillips, a customer of Lowes, commented, “If I had known that much pet hair was getting through both the washer and dryer, I would have purchased this a long time ago!”. Experts in the laundry field agree.

Salvador Villarreal, owner of VIP Cleaners and Laundry, highlighted that “the high-heat cycles, odor control features and pet hair filters of the Samsung Pet Care Solution set seem ideal for breaking down pet messes.” He also brought up that “Frequent cleaning of filters will likely be needed, but for specialized performance, the investment may be worth it.”

Samsung vs. LG

We consulted multiple experts on the most reliable washer-dryer brand, and LG came out on top by a mile. But does that mean it’s a better pick over Samsung washers/dryers? It depends.

Both brands offer innovative technology. Samsung’s SmartThings and LG’s ThinQ allow you to control your laundry remotely, monitor your energy usage, and customize your settings. Both also have multiple Energy Star-certified models, though LG seems to have more than Samsung.

Samsung appears to be the budget winner, as their washer/dryers are, on average, less expensive than LG’s. That said, apartment dwellers or those in compact spaces might want to opt for the LG WashTower or one of the company’s other space-saving options. On the other hand, Samsung appliances have deeper loading capacities, which makes them a better option for large families.

The two brands are comparable in terms of washing and drying settings. You will ultimately decide which Samsung or LG washer/dryer works best for you.

Final Verdict

Before giving my final verdict, I’d like to present you with a photo.

While you can’t smell how fresh these pants smelled after a steam cycle this morning, you also can’t see a ton of pet hair. This washer and dryer are beasts at hair removal, and they have been a lifesaver for a house with multiple pets that love to shed.

These smart laundry units have many features that provide a great wash and dry for any type of laundry, keep your clothes safe and make doing laundry easier. While the units are pricier than some standard units, the features are well worth the price.

Using this washer-dryer combo’s smart app integration has helped me lessen the number of loads I’ve left in the dryer, the quick load feature has saved an outfit or two due to a makeup mishap, and the steam sanitize feature has been wonderful to use during the switching of the seasons to freshen up the clothes in the back of my closet instead of washing them as I have in the past. Overall, I’m a huge fan of this set, and I look forward to many more loads of laundry and purchasing a lot fewer lint rollers.

Where to Buy the Samsung Washer and Dryer

MORGAN CHANEY FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$2068 at Samsung

$748 at Home Depot

$747.99 at Lowe's

We Tried It

Samsung Smart Washer and Dryer with Pet Care

You can buy the Samsung Pet Care Solution Smart Top Load Washer directly through Samsung or at home improvement realtors like Lowe’s and The Home Depot. This washer-dryer duo can be bought as a set from Samsung for $1,500 to $2,500 (depending on promotions), which includes shipping, delivery, installation and haul-away services if needed. At Lowe’s and The Home Depot, you can purchase the washer and dryer individually for about $750 apiece.

The post Sifting Through Samsung Washer and Dryer Reviews? Here’s a Homeowner’s Honest Take appeared first on Family Handyman.

We Tested the Avocado Green Mattress and It Was Like Sleeping in a Five-Star Hotel

Marisa Hillman — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:33:15 +0000

A new mattress is one of the best investments you can make if you’re looking to prioritize your sleep. Luckily, shopping for a mattress is now easier than ever, with dozens of options that can be purchased online and delivered right to your door. The Avocado Green mattress is one of the best mattresses in a box.

This organic, non-toxic mattress is so supportive that it’s earned the endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association. In order to see if the Avocado Green mattress lives up to the hype, we tested it for two months. Here’s everything you need to know before ordering one for yourself.

What is the Avocado Green Mattress?

The Avocado Green mattress is a mattress made of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic wool and cotton, plus up to 1,379 individually wrapped support coils. The coils are arranged in seven strategic zones to support your hips, back and shoulders. Each mattress also has a reinforced steel perimeter for consistent edge support.

Every Avocado Green mattress is free of potentially toxic foams, chemical fire retardants and off-gassing materials. They are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and repeatedly screened against known and suspected harmful chemicals including formaldehyde and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Each mattress is handcrafted in Los Angeles and designed to be used without a box spring. It’s available in six sizes and three firmness levels: firm, medium and plush, with profiles ranging from 11 to 15.5 inches deep.

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We Tried It

Avocado Green Mattress

Zoned support, a combination of coils and latex foam and edge support ensure a restful night's sleep.

Avocado Green Mattress Features

Three Firmness Levels

The Avocado Green mattress is available in three firmness levels: firm, medium and plush.

Firm: The firm mattress is made with 3 inches of GOTS-certified organic Dunlop latex. It has an 11-inch profile and is generally considered to be the best choice for back and stomach sleepers.

Medium: The medium mattress has 5 total inches of supportive GOTS-certified organic Dunlop latex. It also has an attached pillow-top which adds another 2 inches of GOTS-certified organic Dunlop latex. This mattress has a 13-inch profile and is recommended for side, back and combination sleepers. A medium-feel Avocado Green mattress costs anywhere from $595 to $850 more than a firm mattress.

Plush: The Avocado Green plush mattress scores a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale thanks to its 6 inches of natural latex rubber foam and attached 3-inch box top. The box top, which is ideal for side sleepers, is made using soft Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified Pure Talalay latex. It is constructed with mohair, wool and silk for an extra luxe feel. The plush mattress features an impressive 15.5-inch profile and costs an additional $1,275 to $1,445 depending on the size.

Back Support

Every Avocado Green mattress has up to 1,379 steel coils. Each coil is individually encased in fabric pockets and arranged in multiple gauges and seven ergonomic zones. This reduces motion transfer, keeps your back aligned, relieves pain, distributes weight more evenly, alleviates pressure points and contours to your bodys natural curves.

Naturally Cooling

According to the brand’s website, organic materials like wool and latex promote air circulation and moisture wicking without retaining heat, while the ergonomic coils ensure adequate airflow. Avocado does not use any special cooling fabric or chemicals.

Edge Support

The Avocado Green mattress has reinforced edging around the perimeter of the mattress, helping it to maintain its structure and provide support without sinking or compressing along the edges.

How We Tested It

Delivery and Unboxing

Our tester, Nancy Snyder, opted to test a queen size, firm mattress atop the Avocado Malibu Platform Bed Frame. The mattress arrived at her door in a tall and very heavy box that Snyder was unable to lift and move on her own. Luckily, she was able to recruit some help and brought the box into her guest bedroom to set it up. “Unboxing was incredibly easy and Avocado has aninstructional video to guide you every step of the way,” she explains.

Snyder points out that Avocado recommends giving it a full day to expand before sleeping on it. However, she found that it only took about 30 minutes for the mattress to fully expand. She was also pleased to discover that there were no odors or off-gassing. And though there were some wrinkles present on the mattress, they disappeared within a few days. When asked for her initial thoughts on the Avocado Green mattress, Snyder had only good things to say. “This is one beautiful mattress,” she raves. “And the four straps there are two on each side are extremely helpful for moving it.” And it wasn’t just the aesthetics of this mattress that impressed Snyder.

“This was my first experience with a box mattress and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and comfort,” she says. “The mattress feels firm andplush all at once! It is extremely comfortable to lay on, adding just the right amount of support while still feeling luxurious like a cloud.”

Snyder also noticed that the mattress was cool to the touch. “I wondered if this would last after the bed was made, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it did remain cool (or at the very least, neutral), which proved very refreshing given the extended warm temps we have been experiencing in Phoenix.”

Sleep Testing

Although she set this bed up in her guest room, Snyder slept on it multiple times over the course of two months. She describes her nights on the Avocado Green mattress as restful and comparable to a five-star hotel. And while the firm mattress is recommended for back and stomach sleepers, she was quite comfortable sleeping on her side. “It wasn’t just ‘comfortable for a box mattress,’ says Snyder. “This might actually be one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever laid on. Our only regret? Getting this for the guest bedroom, as it was more comfortable than our main bedroom mattress!”

The only thing Snyder didn’t love about this mattress was the motion transfer. Though the brand claims that the coils reduce motion transfer, Snyder was able to feel her dog’s every move. “I could easily feel my dog jumping up and moving around on the bed beside me, and many other reviewers noted that they could easily feel every movement from their partner,” she explains. “But while this is important for some, it may not be a deal breaker for others.”

Pros

Comfortable and supportive
Cool to the touch
High-quality look and feel
No odors or off-gassing
Available in three firmness levels
Made with organic materials
Easy to setup
Free shipping

Cons

Expensive
Doesn’t eliminate motion transfer

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, our team of editors and testers are always excited to try new products. We especially love testing products that enhance the quality of our sleep, since a good night’s rest is fundamental to a good day. We sent this mattress to Phoenix resident Nancy Snyder, who slept on it for two months. During that time, she focused on its overall comfort and performance. She also considered how easy it was to unpack, whether or not it had any odors and its overall value. “My nights were restful, similar to that of a five-star hotel,” raves Snyder. “And I love that it’s organic as it makes sense that the place you rest your head every night be made with natural materials.”

FAQ

How long do avocado green mattresses last?

The Avocado Green mattress is designed to last 25 years. It even comes with a comes with a 25-year limited warranty.

Can you flip an Avocado Green Mattress?

No. According to the brand’s website, the Avocado logo should always be right side up. That said, they do recommend rotating your mattress once a month to ensure the top wool layers compress evenly.

Does Avocado Mattress have formaldehyde?

No. Every finished Avocado Green mattress is Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

From over 18,940 reviews, the Avocado Green mattress has earned an average of 4.6 out of five stars.

“We’ve had our mattress for 4 weeks and it is terrific. It’s very comfortable and easy to unpack,” writes verified buyer Natalie L. “We just got an email notification that it is time to spin the mattress 180 degrees (top to bottom — you do that for the first 6 months). Spinning it is easy and it never needs to be flipped, so that is a huge plus!”

Five-star reviewer William W. bought this mattress after reading about it in Consumer Reports and he’s glad he did! “I bought this mattress because of how it was rated in Consumer Reports,” he writes. “The mattress is as firm as it said it would be and for me that is very comfortable. Ive had it for a month now and so far everything is perfect. I did rotate it like it said to do. I started out with a little back problem with it, but after a few days that went away and its now super comfortable. It’s a great mattress and I think Ill be very happy with it. Oh, one more thing. Its extremely heavy.”

And Kristen S. is glad that all of her research led her to Avocado. “I am writing this review bc I read literally hundreds of reviews before buying a mattress and was so overwhelmed! We have a king size Avocado Green mattress with the pillow top. We love it. It is as comfortable, if not more so, than the Stearns and Foster we were replacing,” she writes.

“The materials are high quality, and I am happy that they are organic and that Avocado is so transparent about what is in the mattress and where it comes from. The mattress is soft but firm — kind of like Stearns and Foster’s ‘cushion firm’ but without the toxic materials,” Kristen S. continues. “We sleep trialed a Naturepedic Concerto mattress before this Avocado and it was like a marshmallow, very squishy with little support (it was sent back). Anyhow, both my husband and I love the Avocado pillow top. It’s super comfortable and supportive. And we haven’t noticed any smell like other reviews have stated, whereas the Naturepedic smelled overwhelmingly of latex.”

Avocado Green vs. Silk & Snow

The Avocado Green mattress and the Silk & Snow mattress are boxed mattresses made of organic materials. Both mattresses have a combination of latex foam and coils and are offered in six sizes and three firmness levels. They’re also similarly priced. The Avocado Green mattress is hand crafted in Los Angeles and costs between $1,399 to $4,399. The Silk & Snow mattress is made in Canada and ranges from $1,300 to $3,100.

We tested both mattresses and found that the Silk & Snow’s latex was firmer than we would have liked. Additionally, our tester found that it held its shape versus cocooning her body. And while that may be okay for some, it may be a tad too firm for others. We also found that the Silk & Snow didn’t quite fit our tester’s queen-sized bed frame corner to corner. “You get a peek-a-boo view of the wooden slats of the bed frame if you look closely, even though the mattress is queen-sized,” writes Sabrina Tillman in her full review.

Final Verdict

“My particular mattress is $1999 which I think is extremely worth it,” says Snyder. “You can’t put a price on cool, restful sleep that mimics the comfort and luxury of a 5-star hotel bed combined with safe and natural organic materials.”

Where to Buy the Avocado Green Mattress

The Avocado Green mattress is available on the Avocado website. It ranges in price from $1,399 to $4,399 depending on the size and feel you choose.

VIA MERCHANT

$109.99 at DICK'S Sporting Goods

We Tried It

Avocado Green Mattress

Our tester experienced restful, restorative sleep on the Avocado Green mattress.

The post We Tested the Avocado Green Mattress and It Was Like Sleeping in a Five-Star Hotel appeared first on Family Handyman.

5 Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain, Tested by People with Chronic Back Pain

Mary Henn — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 22:55:12 +0000

FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop at Nest Bedding

Best Overall

Nest Bedding Cooling Topper

Pros:

Ideal for sleepers who want responsive memory foam
Made with eco-friendly CertiPUR-US foam
Made in USA
Soft to medium firmness
Cooling technology
Elastic corner straps
30-night trial and 2-year warranty
Free shipping

Cons:

Spot clean only

The Nest Bedding Topper is my all-time favorite for a number of reasons, says Shopping Editor Mary Henn. Its affordable, USA-made and CertiPUR-US certified, and it has significantly alleviated my chronic back pain more than any other mattress topper or mattress. Time after time, this is the mattress topper I recommend to anyone with aches, pains, soreness or stiffness.

The Nest Topper adds immediate comfort, pressure relief and airflow to your existing mattress. Its two inches thick and covered in luxury cooling fabric. Corner straps help hold it in place.

The topper is made with responsive memory foam, which has superior pressure relief properties for those with back pain. The Nest Mattress Topper has alleviated much of the stiffness I was waking up with before, Henn says. I noticed the stiffness subsiding literally after one night. The Nest foam toppers pressure relief properties soothed the immediate aching and stiffness I experienced while getting out of bed. I also sleep better, and the bed feels cozier. It provides the sink-in experience without swallowing you up. I’ve really enjoyed sleeping on it.

The post 5 Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain, Tested by People with Chronic Back Pain appeared first on Family Handyman.

Want to Strike Gold? Here’s Why You Need the Minelab Equinox 900 Metal Detector

Marisa Hillman — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 22:28:12 +0000

If you’re in the market for a metal detector, opting for a model from an established and reputable brand is your best bet, according to Joanna Jana Laznicka, metal detectorist and founder of Focus Speed.

“Opting for trusted brands ensures you receive a quality product backed by reliable customer support,” she explains. When it comes to trusted brands, there are several that Laznicka recommends, including Nokta, Garrett, Bounty Hunter and Minelab. Our team put 11 metal detectors to the test, including the Minelab Equinox 900.

Our expert product testers paid careful attention to details including how easy it was to assemble, its ergonomics and its overall performance. They even brought it to a local beach and were impressed to discover that this expert-recommended model was able to detect gold from farther away than most of its competitors. Heres everything you need to know about the Minelab Equinox 900.

What is the Minelab Equinox 900?

The Minelab Equinox 900 is the latest model in the Minelab Equinox lineup. According to Laznicka, this upgraded version is a versatile metal detector suitable for beach combing, park searching, relic hunting and gold prospecting. It features an 11-by-6-inch waterproof coil, backlit digital LCD display and rechargeable battery. At just 2.85 pounds, it is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver.

This metal detector is loaded with useful features, including a built-in flashlight, multi IQ frequency setting and vibration feedback for underwater use and hearing impaired users, Additionally, it has multiple terrain-based presets and customizable discrimination patterns.

Priced at $1,149, the Minelab Equinox 900 is the most expensive model we tested. But given its features and overall ease of use, our product testers agree that its worth its weight in gold.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$1149 at Amazon

Shop on Scheels

$1149 at Bass Pro Shops

$1149 at Cabela's

We Tried It

Minelab Equinox 900

This metal detector is loaded with features including gold-specific settings, various terrain-based presets and vibration mode.

Minelab Equinox 900 Features

Waterproof

The Minelab Equinox 900 is fully submersible up to five meters (16.4 feet) and vibrates when it detects something underwater.

Terrain-Based Presets

Choose from park, field, and beach. Each search mode has two search profiles to help you find what you’re looking for.

Gold Preset

According to our testers, the Minelab Equinox 900 is one of the few units they tested with a gold setting. It also has two search profiles.

Vibration

The Minelab Equinox 900 vibrates when an object is detected. This is ideal for underwater use and individuals with hearing impairment.

Custom User Profiles

Create up to four user profiles on the machine for personalized settings and functionality.

Backlit LCD & Built-in LED Flashlight

The backlit digital display and built-in flashlight allow you to use the Minelab Equinox 900 day or night.

How We Tested It

Product testers Annamarie Higley and Sydney Manning began by assembling the unit, a process they described as easy. “All you had to do is attach the head and slide on the arm cuff,” says Manning. After it was fully assembled and on Higley’s arm, our testers found that they liked the adjustable armrest.

They also liked the rubber on the underside of the handle, which made it easy to grip. However, they preferred the more comfortable foam grips found on other models. Additionally, they questioned how comfortable this metal detector would be overall, given that they were unable to get it tight or flush with Higley’s arm. Aside from these observations, our testers agreed that the Minelab Equinox 900 is very well made and they expect it to last a long time.

Our testers began their official testing process with an air test, which is a standard basic functionality test that many companies recommend prior to first use. To perform this test, our team placed the Minelab Equinox 900 on a non-metal surface outside and proceeded to wave a selection of metal items in front of the coils.

These items included a pair of 10k gold earrings, a copper pipe, aluminum foil, pull tabs, bottle caps, a screw and a nail. It was able to detect all of our items from a foot away or less. It detected gold from 8 to 10 inches away. “This is unsurprising because this is one of the few units with a gold setting,” says Higley.

Gold wasn’t the only metal the Minelab Equinox 900 detected. Our team was highly impressed when this metal detector consistently detected various metals from roughly 10 inches away. Moreover, they found that it effectively discriminated against the nail and the screw in one of the terrain-based presets, which most other models were unable to do.

While the overall performance of the Minelab Equinox 900 impressed our team, its depth reader left much to be desired. According to Higley, the depth reader was typically incorrect. That said, it still did a great job picking up items that were deep beneath the ground. “We were really impressed how deep this metal detector could detect items, even through a bunch of big buried rocks,” says Higley.

Additionally, our team determined that the screen was not very intuitive. However, they noted that the manual is comprehensive and walks you through everything well.

The Minelab Equinox 900 will set you back $1,149 but our testers agree it’s worth the money. “Not many metal detectors are fitted out with gold-specific settings, but this one is. In fact, it has two gold settingsone for difficult ground and one for normal ground. The fact that this could identify 10-karat gold from 8 inches away and 14-karat gold from 10 inches away really wowed us,” raves Higley.

Pros

Has gold-specific settings
Nice included accessories
Various terrain-based presets
Smaller secondary coil head
Rechargeable
Vibration mode
Quality construction

Cons

Expensive
Not the most intuitive to read

Why You Should Trust Us

In order to help you decide if the Minelab Equinox 900 is the right detector for you, our product testing experts on the product testing team spent approximately 80 hours in our lab getting up close and personal with 11 metal detectors. Several of those hours were spent actively testing the Minelab Equinox 900.

We performed 13 tests on each metal detector and collected roughly 600 data points overall. We also spoke to Joanna Jana Laznicka, metal detectorist and founder of Focus Speed. Laznicka provided expert insight on what to look for when shopping for metal detectors. She also detailed her experience with some of the best models on the market, including the Minelab Equinox 900.

FAQ

How deep can the Minelab Equinox 900 detect?

The Minelab Equinox 900 is able to detect items that are buried 8 inches or deeper.

Is the EQUINOX 900 good for beginners?

Yes. Higley and Manning are beginners and were able to successfully operate this metal detector. They had no trouble referring back to the user manual which they describe as comprehensive and easy to follow.

Can the EQUINOX 900 find gold?

Yes! The Minelab Equinox 900 has two gold-specific settings. Our team was able to identify 10-karat gold from 8 inches away and 14-karat gold from 10 inches away.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Detectorists love the Minelab Equinox 900. Most reviewers rave about its quality construction, accuracy and ease of use. Here’s what actual users have to say.

Verified Amazon user The Master Dude is a novice detectorist who is glad he opted for the Minelab Equinox 900. “I just started metal detecting in 2024 and I am so glad I purchased the Minelab Equinox 900. I have gone out detecting some old farms in Pennsylvania and this detector has impressed me every time,” he writes. “I recommend you watch some online videos to see how others have tested the Equinox 900. There are some excellent videos where the video person digs multiple depth holes and places coins in the bottom of each hole. I stand by their results because I have witnessed similar findings. I love this detector and plan to continue using it for many years to come. I also purchased an optional 15-inch coil so I can cover more ground. I feel it increases my productivity in the plowed fields.”

Pj, another five-star reviewer, purchased this metal detector as a gift for their husband and it was a huge hit! “I purchased this Minelab 900 detector for my husband’s birthday after he saw someone using one on the beach. He had another older brand that was years old and this one just blew him away for the ease and accuracy of use,” writes Pj. “He has taken the pro find pin pointer by itself sometimes when we go a short drive to the lake. He is still learning on how to use it because he is old school he is not into ‘tech’ stuff but he will have it all down soon enough.”

And Amazon user Lucinda Griffin is delighted to have upgraded to the Minelab Equinox 900. “There is a learning curve to using this, but that’s the same with any detector. Its preset programs are on point, and you can customize the way you want them,” she writes. “This thing is lightweight, making you swing longer without tiring out, and it is so compact when the shaft is slid up into its three sections. I upgraded from a Whites XLT and a V3i. I thought I loved that V3i, but found a new connection with this Equinox 900. I’ve only just begun to use it, and found 3 dimes and a quarter in my yard that I missed with the V3i. Looking forward to many hunts with this Nox900.”

Better yet, Griffin returned to update her review. “Update…this detector hits hard on silver! 11-inch deep dime and 8-inch deep half dollar, among more dimes. Loving it,” she raves.

The Minelab Equinox 900 vs. Minelab Equinox 800

The Minelab Equinox 900 is the latest model in the Equinox lineup. It’s also the most expensive, running $350 more than its predecessor. Is it worth the extra money? You bet, according to Laznicka. “The Equinox 800 has been known to experience waterproofing issues if left in hot cars, which can damage the seals. It also has a tendency for the coil ears to break. However, both of these issues have been addressed in the newer Minelab Equinox 900 model,” she explains.

Final Verdict

If your budget allows for a top notch metal detector, then this Minelab Equinox 900 is a no brainer. Its gold-specific settings and ability to detect items buried deep in the ground are sure to give you a leg up when it comes to finding buried treasure.

Where to Buy the Minelab Equinox 900

The Minelab Equinox 900 is available for $1,149 at a variety of retailers including Amazon, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops and Scheels.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$1149 at Amazon

Shop on Scheels

$1149 at Bass Pro Shops

$1149 at Cabela's

We Tried It

Minelab Equinox 900

The Minelab Equinox 900 is superior at detecting gold and deep items.

The post Want to Strike Gold? Here’s Why You Need the Minelab Equinox 900 Metal Detector appeared first on Family Handyman.

The Bounty Hunter Metal Detector is the Best Starter Unit, According to Experts

Marisa Hillman — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:02:22 +0000

A metal detector is a nifty gadget to have in your home. The best metal detectors provide the opportunity for a fun new hobby or help you find that long lost earring along your property line. You don’t need much to get started and you don’t have to spend a fortune. In fact, you can snag some of the best metal detectors, including the Bounty Hunter Metal Detector, for under $200. And yep. A cheap metal detector can be just as effective as an expensive model, according to Joanna Jana Laznicka, metal detectorist and founder of Focus Speed.

“Success in metal detecting is not determined by the amount you spend on a detector but by the time you invest in learning how to use it,” says Laznicka. “I know expert metal detectorists who solely use and get remarkable finds using the basic Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, which retails for $70 and can be found used for $30. Expensive equipment does not necessarily equate to better performance.”

The Bounty Hunter metal detector is one of 11 models that our expert product testers closely inspected. They paid careful attention to the details, including how easy it was to assemble, its ergonomics and its overall performance. After hours of testing, our team determined that this model is simple and easy to use, making it perfect for kids and beginners. Heres everything you need to know about the Bounty Hunter metal detector.

What is the Bounty Hunter Metal Detector?

The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector is a multi-purpose metal detector that features an 8-inch submersible coil and old-school knob controls along with an analog-style interface. It runs on two 9V batteries (not included), has an adjustable length of 43 to 52 inches and weighs just 2.4 pounds. And while it does have an arm rest, it does not have an arm strap. Our testers found this to be rather strange given that there are slats in which to insert a Velcro strap. Additionally, the Bounty Hunter metal detector does not include any accessories.

The Bounty Hunter metal detector has three modes so you can discern trash from treasure: full discrimination,tone discrimination and all metal modes. It features automatic ground balance which neutralizes the detector’s response to mineral content in the ground but does not have any land type settings.

This entry-level metal detector retails for under $150. According to our testers, it is simple and stripped down. “It’s kind of like a glorified version of the kids’ models,” says associate product testing manager Annamarie Higley. “The analog interface doesn’t really tell you anything, but it’s easy to use if you’re just looking to have fun.”

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$63.99 at Amazon

$119 at Home Depot

We Tried It

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter Metal Detector is recommended by our testers as well as expert metal detectorists.

Bounty Hunter Metal Detector Features

Waterproof Searchcoil

The 8-inch searchcoil is completely submersible for underwater detection.

Three Discrimination Settings

This metal detector has three discrimination settings to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. These presets include:

Full discrimination mode discriminates against most trash items and can be adjusted to be even more perceptive with the disc knob.
Tone discrimination mode activates a “unique dual tone ‘beep'” and automatic iron rejection, which helps you better identify what your targets are from sound alone.
Motion All Metal mode detects all types of metal including iron, steel, aluminum, brass, silver, copper and gold.

Automatic Ground Balance

This feature allows the Bounty Hunter metal detector to work in virtually all soil conditions, regardless of mineral content.

How We Tested It

Assembly

Product testers Annamarie Higley and Sydney Manning led the efforts to see what the Bounty Hunter metal detector was really capable of. They began by assembling the unit. Assembly was quick and easy and our team was able to get straight to work. At 2.4 pounds, this unit is very light and has a padded foam hand grip for comfort. However, the lack of an arm strap makes it difficult to hold.

“It doesn’t come with a strap, which makes it hard to hold,” explains Higley. “By nature, metal detectors have to be held at sort of an awkward angle, so without a strap as a counter, holding becomes very tiring on the forearm very quickly.”

Air Test

Once they managed to get a good grip, our testers performed an air test in all metal mode and then switched to full discrimination mode. Higley explains that this is a standard basic functionality test that many companies recommend prior to first use.

To perform this test, our team placed the Bounty Hunter metal detector on a non-metal surface outside and proceeded to wave a selection of metal items in front of the coils. These items included a pair of 10k gold earrings, a copper pipe, aluminum foil, pull tabs, bottle caps, a screw and a nail. The Bounty Hunter metal detector excelled at detecting aluminum, picking it up from six inches away or less.

However, our testers were disappointed in the performance when detecting gold. “Only a glitchy half-beep sounded, and the earrings needed to be two to three inches from the coils, at that,” explains Higley.

Discrimination Testing

During testing, our team also found that the discrimination mode didn’t do a very good job discriminating against ferrous items, which are metals that contain iron as their main element, or those with low target IDs. Though speaking of target IDs, our team found them hard to determine overall.

“The screen is virtually useless and isn’t at all intuitive,” says Manning. “Whenever we swing a metal item in front of the coil, the gauge that reads from 10 to 1 (left to right) bounces all the way to 1, then immediately back to 10 again. We thought this might be the target ID scale, but it’s impossible to read due to how quickly it moves.”

Overall, our testers agree that this metal detector is a great value for kids, beginners or anyone looking to have fun. Laznicka agrees. “I currently own 22 metal detectors ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models, including fie Bounty Hunters. Two are IV Trackers,” she says. “The IV Tracker, in particular, is an excellent analog detector. I know several fellow detectorists who, despite having the means to purchase more expensive models, choose to stick with the IV Tracker because of how well it does in relic detecting and old coin detecting.”

Pros

Simple and easy to use
Expert recommended
Detected all of our test items
Waterproof searchcoil
Lightweight

Cons

No arm strap
Screen was very hard to read

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, we love helping our readers get the most out of their hobbies. Finding quality products that make your life easier and wont leave you with a bad case of buyers remorse is a big part of that. From metalworking to woodworking to treasure hunting, were here to help. Our editors and testers have years of experience testing products and we prioritize publishing honest product reviews to help our readers make informed buying choices.

In order to help you make an informed buying decision, our product testing experts on the product testing team spent approximately 80 hours in our lab getting up close and personal with 11 metal detectors. Several of those hours were spent actively testing theBounty Hunter metal detector. We performed 13 tests on each metal detector and collected roughly 600 data points overall. Moreover, we spoke to Joanna Jana Laznicka, expert metal detectorist and founder of Focus Speed. Laznicka offered her expert insight on what to look for when buying a metal detector as well as the pros and cons of various models.

FAQ

Will a bounty hunter metal detector find gold?

Yes, the Bounty Hunter metal detector will find gold. During testing, it detected 10k gold earrings from 2-3 inches away.

Can you use the bounty hunter metal detector in water?

The searchcoil is submersible and can be used in water.

How do I use the bounty hunter metal detector?

The Bounty Hunter metal detector is a motion detector. This means you must sweep the searchcoil from side-to-side in order to detect metal. Simply holding the searchcoil over a metal object will not register that a target has been found.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

The Bounty Hunter metal detector has over 9,800 five-star reviews on Amazon. Buyers find that it works well and is a great value.

Five-star reviewer David Whiteley was delighted to score this Bounty Hunter metal detector on sale and used it to locate his property pins. “I had read that this item was light–but it is like a feather! When it was delivered, I couldn’t believe it could possibly be in the box, yet it was,” he raves. “I assembled it in no time. Instructions are a bit vague but if you have any mechanical aptitude you should be able to figure it out.” And while he didn’t like the design of the battery compartment, Whitely was impressed by the detector’s overall ease-of-use, performance and affordability.

Marya Oakes, another satisfied Amazon user, refers to the Bounty Hunter metal detector as a great starter detector. “I wanted something cheap to find a lost item in the backyard,” she writes. “We have had lots of fun with this beyond that use. I watched a YouTube on the best settings to use and to learn the tones. With that knowledge, my daughter and I were able to find lots of items easily with this detector. It’s light and durable. We have not been gentle with it and it has held up great. The batteries last a long time. Most targets it has picked up have been 4 to 5 inches deep or less. I don’t know if it doesn’t pick up deeper targets or we just haven’t run across any.”

And while our testers weren’t crazy about the analog display, Retired Engineer loves it. “Most modern digital detectors generally only have five steps for discrimination and five steps for sensitivity. They work well, but you can’t fine-tune them like this one. You have to live with factory settings,” they write. “That’s why it was great to find this unit. This analog detector has a dial for sensitivity, and a dial for discrimination. In other words, a full range of adjustment! You can actually fine-tune this unit to filter better at specific depths and materials, adjust for different soils, etc. Yes, you’ll need to get the feel of the detector to be proficient, but once you do, you’ll get great results!”

Bounty Hunter vs. Sunpow Metal Detector

Our experts on the product testing team tested 11 metal detectors. TheBounty Hunterand theSunpow metal detectors have comparable features and are similarly priced at about $149 and $142, respectively.

Both metal detectors are lightweight and have waterproof searchcoils. They both run on 9V batteries, have several discrimination modes and produce sounds to alert you that a target has been found. That said, the Sunpow metal detector has two more settings than the Bounty Hunter metal detector.

When it comes to performance, both metal detectors are suitable for beginners and were able to detect gold from just a few inches away. One noticeable difference between the two models is the screen. The Bounty Hunter has an analog interface while the Sunpow has a backlit screen. Our testers found the Sunpow’s screen intuitive and easy to use, especially for beginners whereas they described the Bounty Hunter’s screen as “useless.”

While our testers weren’t head over heels for the Bounty Hunter metal detector, it’s worth repeating that this model is used and recommended by expert metal detectorists. With a little patience, time and practice, we’re confident that our testers would soon get the hang of the Bounty Hunter metal detector and be on their way to finding treasures galore.

Final Verdict

If you want a simple yet reliable metal detector, then the Bounty Hunter metal detector is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a detecting newbie or a seasoned pro, this lightweight model is easy to use and adept at uncovering buried treasure. Best of all, it’s extremely affordable.

Where to Buy the Bounty Hunter Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter metal detector is available at a variety of retailers including Amazon, The Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops.

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$63.99 at Amazon

$119 at Home Depot

$109.99 at DICK'S Sporting Goods

We Tried It

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter metal detector is an affordable, beginner-friendly unit.

The post The Bounty Hunter Metal Detector is the Best Starter Unit, According to Experts appeared first on Family Handyman.

Happsy Mattress Review: This Organic Mattress Changed the Way I Sleep

Cathy Harms — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:04:35 +0000

As I get older, my sleep woes have increased, from tossing and turning to insomnia and wake-ups due to overheating. This year, I added shoulder and neck pain to the list. My first thought was that my morning aches were due to my aging mattress (it had exceeded its expectancy by five years), but first, I tried other remedies. I used white noise apps and blue light glasses. Then, thinking my pillow must cause pain, I upgraded to a latex pillow with a higher loft that didn’t settle like a down-filled pillow. None of those changes did the trick, so I came back to thinking it must be my conventional mattress, which was way past its prime and no longer providing the support it did years ago.

With so many mattress and mattress topper options on the market, I first needed to narrow the possibilities by listing my priorities. Because I’m concerned about chemicals and sensitive to odors, I focused on organic mattresses. Within the nontoxic mattress lineup, I wanted a Goldilocks optionnot too springy and soft, but with firm support, the right amount of pressure relief and a lush top. Simply put, I wanted a mattress that slept like a dream and that I could happily sleep on for many years. The Happsy Organic Latex Hybrid Mattresschecked all those boxes, so I tested it.

Here is what I learned through the course of unboxing and sleeping on the Happsy, plus which sleepers I recommend this mattress for. Spoiler alert: I can’t believe I didn’t make this switch years ago!

What is the Happsy mattress?

Happsy is an online bedding brand that debuted its certified organic natural latex hybrid model in May 2017. Their organic mattress is made with a hybrid design featuring two inches of natural latex for pressure point relief and pocket springs that reduce motion transfer, so you don’t feel the flip-flop acrobatics of a partner while trying to catch your z’s.

Latex has some bounce to it, unlike the sinking feeling of memory foam, and instead of trapping heat as memory foam does, latex allows heat to escape. Latex is also built to last. “All-natural latex mattresses have been known to last for up to 25 years (with 15 years being quite common),” says Derek Hales, founder of NapLab. “Most mattresses may only last 8 to 10 years, so having a mattress with the incredible durability and longevity that latex provides is quite rare.”

A big selling point for me is that these mattresses are free from chemicals such as glue, adhesives, and flame retardants (conventional mattresses can have up to 10 pounds of glue in them). Along with natural latex in the comfort layer, the Happsy mattress is made of certified organic cotton and wool in the cover fabric, batting, and filling. The mattresses have been awarded certifications for using organic materials, meeting strict emissions standards, using fair-trade practices, and prioritizing overall sustainability. Despite being handcrafted in the United States with certified organic materials, this mattress is one of the most budget-friendly organic mattresses. As a bed-in-a-box, Happsy ships straight to your door, and shipping is free.

The outside covering of the Happsy mattress is certified nontoxic and organic by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning it’s free of harmful allergenic materials and odors. Next is a comfort layer of two inches of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic natural latex. Natural latex is a resin extracted from the sap of the rubber tree. Organic latex is expensive, but that extra cost adds value.

The support core consists of eight inches of individually pocketed coils sewn together. The coils help reduce jostling and minimize motion transfer for a more peaceful and comfortable sleep. The coil gauge determines the firmness of the mattress. Happy offers two designs: medium-firm and plush. The medium-firm design has 15-1/2-gauge coils in the center, with 14-1/2-gauge around the perimeter for edge support. The plush design has alternating 15- and 16-gauge coils. The higher the gauge, the softer the mattress.

Happsy comes with a 120-night sleep trial. You can return the mattress anytime during the trial and receive a full refund. Happsy will arrange for the mattress to be picked up from your residence at no extra charge. The bed will either be recycled or donated to charity. Happsy recommends you hold onto the wrapping and the box until you know you’ll keep the mattress to make the return trip easier for all involved.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at Happsy

$899 at Amazon

We Tried It

Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress

Pros:

120-night sleep trial and free shipping/returns
Natural latex and pocket coils deliver support and comfort
Designed to prevent overheating
Nontoxic: contains no flame retardants, glues, adhesives
Solid edge support all around
20-year limited warranty
No off-gassing smell after setup

Cons:

Lack of handles makes moving and flipping difficult
No split sizes for couples, a drawback for couples who want to customize firmness

Product Features: Why Choose an Organic Mattress?

What’s so special about an organic mattress? “Organic mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, making them great for those with allergies or sensitive skin. They emit fewer chemicals,” says Marten Carlson, mattress expert and certified sleep science coach at Mattress Clarity. Carlson adds that organic materials are also more breathable than synthetic ones. “Even if you don’t have sensitive skin or allergies, organic mattresses offer cooling properties for all types of sleepers,” he says.

Kelly Murray, an adult sleep coach, adds that organic mattresses create a healthier sleep environment by eliminating the use of harmful chemicals. Traditional mattresses often contain harmful substances, including polyurethane, VOCs, PFAS, fiberglass, and flame retardants. “These chemicals can off-gas and be inhaled during sleep, which causes the body to become inflamed,” says Murray. “Inflammation triggers cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, to be released in the body in an effort to fight the inflammation. Cortisol is also the ‘alert hormone’ that keeps us awake and is responsible for our fight-or-flight response. As a result, this anti-inflammatory response triggers night wakings, leading to a poor night’s sleep.”

Themattress is known for its chemical and organic materials, with certifications supporting their claims. Here is a breakdown of what each certification means and why it’s important:

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certifies that a mattress is produced with at least 95% organic latex and ensures there’s minimal environmental impact; it also ensures positive social impact, such as fair working practices and wages throughout the supply chain.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies that textiles follow organic production processes such as spinning, knitting, and weaving.
GREENGUARD is a third-party testing program that measures chemical emissions from consumer products.
Organic Content Standard 100 (OCS) certification demonstrates that the organic fiber in Happsy products has been independently verified. OCS only accepts material from certified organic farms and tracks the chain of custody from the material’s source to the finished product.

How I Tested the Happsy Mattress

When the Happsy mattress-in-a-box arrived at my doorstep, I was eager to see how the hybrid mattress would perform. Let me start by walking you through the unboxing process.

The mattress came compressed, plastic-wrapped, and rolled up inside a tall delivery box. The box is heavy, weighing in at 126 pounds for the king-size mattress. Be sure to plan where you are going to put the mattress before unboxing. The mattress can be hard to move, especially without handles on the sides, which makes it challenging to rotate or relocate the mattress. I recommend having a helping hand when moving the mattress to the room you plan to use, especially since it comes without handles. My workaround? Use ratchet straps to create a grip and position the mattress.

Once I got the mattress unpacked and onto my bed frame, I carefully cut away the plastic wrapping. To my delight, the mattress expanded quickly, taking shape before my eyes. The directions mentioned that the mattress would take full shape in 48 hours or less, but it only took a few minutes for me.

One thing that immediately stood out was the absence of any off-gassing smell. As someone with a strong sensitivity to chemical odors and who prioritizes a healthy sleep environment, I was pleased to find that the Happsy mattress lived up to its promise of being free from harmful chemicals and odors.

I’m a tosser-turner, so I need a mattress that can handle all the sleep positions. After a few weeks on the Happsy, I found the medium-firm feel just right for most of my sleep positions but too firm for side sleeping. I needed more softness for my hips and shoulders, so I ordered the optional mattress topper. It gave the mattress two additional inches of soft plushness, with a supportive foundation underneath.

I was concerned about ordering a mattress topper that was not attached to the mattress but was pleasantly surprised to see that it barely shifted position, and it had an added benefitI can easily replace the mattress top (flashback to the time my foster pup had an accident on my new mattress!).

My sleep quality greatly improved during the testing period, and there was virtually no adjustment period once I added the mattress topper. In fact, I was thrilled to discover I wasn’t waking up throughout the night anymore due to overheating or feeling like I was sinking into the mattress.

Why You Should Trust Us

Despite being someone whose favorite pastimes include naps, I am a terrible sleeper. Over the years, I have tested mattresses with a mission to get a better night’s sleep. I’ve evaluated this mattress for feel, firmness, pressure relief, bounce and motion isolation. The mattress I tested is the medium-firm model with an optional topper, but it is also available in a plush design.

I also enlisted the expertise of Nichole Mondshein, sleep product expert at Sleepopolis; Marten Carlson, mattress expert and certified sleep science coach at Mattress Clarity; Kelly Murray, adult sleep coach; and Jill Zwarensteyn, certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. I consulted with Derek Hales, founder and CEO at NapLab. In the past 10 years, he has personally tested 360+ different mattresses.

At Family Handyman, we’re familiar with mattress reviews. We’ve tested everything from the affordable DreamCloud Mattressto the cooling Sealy Cocoon Chilland the Classic Saatva mattresses. We add to our reviews often, assessing whether a new sleep product on the market is worth your time.

FAQ

Is Happsy good for side sleepers?

Latex hybrids are a smart choice for side sleepers because the latex can contour to shoulders and support some weight. The latex-coil combination is also a smart choice for anyone who gets too hot while sleeping. The latex, wool, and cotton are all naturally breathable, and the coil layers also dissipate heat.

Side sleepers generally gravitate toward softer mattresses, which provide deep pressure relief for hips and shoulders. I found the medium-firm mattress provided excellent support and pressure release for my back and stomach sleeping positions, but I found it too firm for side sleeping. I needed a bit of extra cushioning that the mattress topper addition provided. The pocket coils enhance airflow and support for side sleepers.

An additional two-inch latex layer with the optional topper will give you a more plush feel and more contouring for your shoulders and hips if you need it. “A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress is usually best for side sleepers, says Jill Zwarenteyn, certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. “You want something that cushions your hips and shoulders while still supporting your spine. Hybrid mattresses tend to work well since they contour to your body.”

Nichole Mondschein, sleep product expert at Sleepopolis, adds, “Hybrid mattresses are a great option because they have structured support, combined with latex for comfortable cushioning on the hips and shoulders.”

Where is the Happsy mattress manufactured?

According to the manufacturer’s website, Happsy mattresses are manufactured and packaged in their own certified organic factory in the USA, which is used exclusively for organic mattress production, so there is no chance of contamination.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Across the different sites where this hybrid organic mattress is available, most customers have come to the same conclusion: They are happy with their Happsy! The mattress has nearly 2,185 customer reviews and a 4.5-star rating on the manufacturer’s website.

Verified reviewer Eliana says, “The mattress came with no smell at all, which is impressive for a mattress (and as someone who is very sensitive to mattress smells).”

Reviewer Klawdya is sensitive to chemical smells and raved, “This arrived with NO ODOR AT ALL. I’m chemically sensitive and I usually have to wash new products immediately and then put the products far from my bedroom for a few days and wash them again with a vinegar rinse and/or baking soda. This was perfectly non-toxic! I’m so happy with this company.”

Amazon reviewer Lillian Garcia says, “From the first night it was great! Now two months later, I am so happy with my mattress. It’s really comfortable and supports my body in all the right places. Great buy!”

Sorcha was searching for a nontoxic mattress when she found Happsy. “Reading about the toxic off-gassing of regular mattresses was a wake-up call. I didn’t just want a comfortable mattress; I wanted one that didn’t contain formaldehyde and other toxic materials. I’m happy I decided that I deserve a comfortable, safe mattress.”

And verified purchaser Lily says, “This mattress is supportive, but not firm, and the pillow top is very soft, but not squishy. It’s the perfect blend. To us, it’s more comfortable than a conventional mattress and box spring, minus all the smell and toxins! We were nervous about ordering, but were so pleasantly surprised when we opened it up. We also purchased the Happsy foundation, because our bed frame needed it for height, and it’s fantastic as well. Very sturdy, very well-built. Extremely happy with our Happsy!”

Happsy Organic Mattress vs. Silk & Snow Organic Mattress

Both mattresses are designed with certified organic materials, a breathable sleep surface and a pocketed coil support system. The Happsy lacks zoned support, while the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress does, with a combination of soft coils on the outer thirds and firmer coils on the middle thirds.

If you want a firmer mattress with stronger edge support and can stretch your budget, the Happsy may be a better fit. However, if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option with multiple firmness levels (firm, medium-firm, plush), Silk & Snow may be a more suitable option, especially for different sleeper preferences.

Final Verdict

Much to my surprise, my allergies greatly improved while sleeping on the Happsy, which is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. The organic wool and latex naturally repel dust mites, mold and other allergens, making it a great option for people like me with dust mite allergies or asthma.

I am seriously impressed with this mattress’s comfort performance. While I felt incredibly supported, the mattress still provided cloud-like comfort. The biggest bonus: my neck and shoulder pain went away! If you prefer not to sink into the mattress, you’ll definitely want to consider this mattress.

Where to Buy the Happsy Mattress

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at Happsy

$899 at Amazon

We Tried It

Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress

You can purchase a Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress directly from the company’s website, where they offer free shipping and returns, along with a 120-night risk-free trial. The Happsy mattress starts at $900 and is also available on Amazon. Happsy offers discounts occasionally, so be sure to check for promotions like the current 20% off using the code “FALL20” when buying from the Happsy website.

The post Happsy Mattress Review: This Organic Mattress Changed the Way I Sleep appeared first on Family Handyman.

Felco Pruners Review: We Tried It and Got the Cleanest Cuts Around

Marisa Hillman — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 18:55:25 +0000

If there’s one thing every gardener needs, it’s a good pair of pruning shears. These garden essentials are small enough to fit in your hand and allow you to trim, cut and shape outdoor plants with precision and ease. We tested 11 pairs of these handy trimming tools and one pair stood out for its performance and longevity: the Felco pruners.

These Felco 2 pruning shears are universal shear and can be used on everything from fresh cut flowers to dead branches. Our testers were impressed by their intuitiveness, ergonomics and performance, deeming them a worthy splurge. Here’s everything you need to know about the Felco pruners.

What Are Felco Pruners?

After their release in 1948, the Swiss-made Felco 2 pruning shears quickly became a gardening shed staple. Professional and amateur gardeners alike appreciate the ergonomics, precision and durability of these universal shears.

The Felco pruners feature an ergonomic form and contoured finger grips for safety and comfort. They measure 8.25-inches long, have a 6.5-inch handle spread and are rated for large hands.They’re equipped with an angled anvil blade made from hardened steel and have a cutting diameter of .98 inches.

There is also have a tiny notch toward the base of the blade designed for wire-cutting and a micro-metric setting mechanism which allows easy adjustment of the cutting head.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$62.46 at Amazon

$62.46 at Home Depot

$72.56 at Walmart

We Tried It

Felco 2 Pruners

Swiss-made Felco pruners feature an ergonomic form with contoured finger grips and a curved anvil blade.

Felco Pruners Features

Left-handed Compatibility

According to the brand’s website, these Felco pruners are designed for right-handed users. However, our testers determined that they can be used by both right- and left-handed gardeners.

Wire Cutting Capabilities

A tiny notch is located toward the base of blade for wire-cutting. It worked excellently, according to our testers.

Micro-metric Setting Mechanism

The micro-metric setting mechanism allows easy adjustment of the cutting head precisely to your own requirements. At first, our testers were unable to find any information detailing the proper way to make adjustments. They eventually found out there’s a gear on the side which can be adjusted using a wrench and can help realign the blades if one gets crooked. There is also a small tool included for changing the blade.

How We Tested It

Associate product testers Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer were especially excited to put these Felco pruners to the test after receiving a glowing recommendation from Sheri’s local forester, Dennis Fermenich.

“My city forester only recommends the Felco 2,” says Kaz. “In 30 years, he has replaced the spring and the blade. He assures me that the blade stays sharp with an occasional swipe on a sharpening stone and adjustments can be made between the blades to keep the cut clean,” she says.

Kaz and Fischer began the testing process by noting the pruners’ weight, measurements and callout features. Once they wrapped up their observations, our team took these Felco pruners into Sheri’s backyard for testing. They gathered three sizes of wooden dowels, three sizes of deadwood branches and stems and three sizes of greenwood branches and stems, including cherry wood and an asparagus plant.

The first test was with a series of 0.25-inch stems. Sheri, whose hand is an inch shorter than Dylan’s, cut through a dowel, greenwood stem and deadwood branch with her right hand. The pruners provided a clean cut and Sheri found them easy to operate. On a scale of 1 through 5, Sheri gave the Felco pruners a 3 for the amount of force required. “This one wasn’t as easy to cut with as we thought it would be,” she says.

Sheri opted to pass the pruners onto Dylan for the remainder of the tests, since she says she has less hand and grip strength. Dylan, who is left-handed, cut through a 0.5-inch dowel, green cherrywood stem and deadwood branch. “This was painful on the half-inch dowel,” explains Sheri. “Dylan had to give up and reposition and undercut it to get the blades to fully cut through. However, on the real deadwood branch we used that was close to half an inch, the shears cut through it easily.”

For the final test, Dylan used the pruners to cut through a 0.75-inch dowel, deadwood branch and asparagus. He notes that it sliced cleanly through asparagus like hot butter but it did not cut through the dowel or deadwood.

After cutting a variety of stems, our team agreed that the tension on this shear felt good. They also noted that it works nicely and springs back with little effort when cutting small and green stems. However, anything beyond 0.5-inch thickness will likely require the use of two hands and some extra force.

Pros

Good tension
Easy to operate
Makes clean, precise cuts
Can be used with left and right hands
Lifetime warranty
Replaceable parts

Cons

Tougher to use on stems and branches a half-inch thick or thicker

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, our goal is to help you shop for quality products with confidence. This is especially true for gardening tools which help you can keep the outside of your home as beautiful as the inside. Our editors and testers have years of experience testing hundreds of products including electric pruning shears and pruning saws.

Our product testing experts on the product testing team spent 45 hours closely examining 11 pruners, including these Felco pruners. We performed 14 tests on each pair and collected roughly 300 data points overall.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Felco 2 and the 11?

The Felco 11 has an anvil blade that is attached with screws, making it easy to replace. The blade on the Felco 2 is attached with rivets, making it harderthough not impossibleto replace

Are all Felco pruners made in Switzerland?

Yes, Felco pruners are made in Switzerland. Additionally, 76% of Felco’s suppliers are located in Switzerland, with 17% of their suppliers are in Europe and only 7% outside Europe.

What is the best Felco for a vineyard?

Felco has a collection of pruners tailored for vineyards. The Felco 6, 12, 14 and 15 are included in this collection.

What Other Reviewers Had To Say

The Felco 2 pruners have over 11,550 five-star reviews on Amazon. Overall, customers are impressed by their quality, comfort, design and value.

Amazon user Jan Eric Welch calls these Felco pruners the best they’ve ever owned. “The Felco 2 Hand Pruner is by far the best I have ever owned. The quality is absolutely unparalleled; it cuts through anything with ease and has yet to dull, even after extensive use,” writes Welch. “The precision and durability of these pruners are unmatched, making every pruning task a breeze. Im so impressed with them that Ive bought more to give as gifts. If youre looking for top-tier pruning shears, these are the ones to get. Highly recommended!”

NotThatGuy, another verified Amazon user, insists that the Felco pruners live up to the hype. “So far I am loving these. The grip feels natural in my hand and they cut through small trees, thick old rose bushes, roots and everything in between as if it were nothing,” he writes. “The lock will take a little getting used to but that’s not a real complaint…Instead of buying a new pair of cheapies every season…just spend the extra money and get a pair that may indeed last you the rest of your life.”

And SajLib assures prospective buyers that the Felco pruners are worth every penny. “Compared to other brands I’ve used before, this Felco pruner is not as hard on my old hand. It seems slimmer, sturdier, stronger, and more effective at cutting small limbs. Small, yes, but bigger than I would’ve dared with the cheaper counterparts I’ve used in the past,” they write.

“For bigger limbs, I use my lopper,” they write. “The blades haven’t bent, separated or dulled. Only time will tell, but I strongly suspect I’m in for a really good quality, long term relationship with these hand held shears. Oh! And, I love that they’re red. Looks aren’t everything, of course, but it sure makes them easier to find every time I forget where I laid them as I’m working.”

Felco 2 vs. Felco 31 Pruners

Kaz and Fischer tested two Felco pruners: the Felco 2 and the Felco 31 pruners. Both Felco pruners have a cutting diameter of .98 inches, are rated for large hands and are equipped with a steel anvil blade. During testing, both pruners consistently made clean cuts on greenwood and deadwood up to 0.5-inches. However, the Felco 2 had cleaner cuts across the board.

According to our testers, the Felco 31 consistently left slight indents underneath the cut line. When cutting 0.5-inch stems, Kaz and Fischer referred to the cut quality as “just fine.” In addition to the indents that were left below the cut lines, our testers found a small amount of tearing on the green cherry branch, too.

During testing, our team described the Felco 2’s cuts as clean, excellent and like butter. Of the two pruners, we recommend the Felco 2 as the better choice.

Final Verdict

The Felco pruners are a great choice for anyone who values durability and longevity.“The Felco 2 comes with a lifetime warranty and offers a replacement for every single part imaginable. Although it’s a bit more of a cost upfront, you will ultimately save money in the long-run if you’re serious about taking care of it,” says Dylan.

Where to Buy Felco Pruners

Felco pruners are available at a variety of retailers including Amazon, The Home Depot and Walmart. They cost about $70 on average, though we’ve seen the price range from about $60 to $80. These pruners also have a lifetime warranty.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$62.46 at Amazon

$62.46 at Home Depot

$72.56 at Walmart

We Tried It

Felco 2 Pruners

The Felco 2 pruners come with a lifetime warranty and offers a replacement for every single part, making them a smart buy.

The post Felco Pruners Review: We Tried It and Got the Cleanest Cuts Around appeared first on Family Handyman.

Tushy Just Dropped a New Bidet, and It’s the Bathroom Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For

Mary Henn — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:31:21 +0000

Tushy is a leading brand when it comes to affordable bidets that work with your existing toilet. Plus, having installed one myself, I can confidently say they are super easy to set up, even for novice handy people. Tushy just launched the Wave, a non-electric bidet attachment that replaces your entire toilet seat and is easy to cleanplus, itll help cut down on toilet paper costs. (Tushy also just launched the Oasis, a warm-water bidet seat that will keep you warm just in time for winter.)

You dont need to install another plumbing appliance in your bathroom to reap the benefits of a Tushy bidet. Tushy bidet attachments like the Oasis and Wave are simple DIY projects accomplished in under an hour. Here are all the deets about the latest Tushy bidet.

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Product Launch

Tushy Wave Non-Electric Bidet

What is the Tushy Wave?

TheTushy Classic launched the brand into fame, becoming one of the most popular bidet options online. It’s made of tough, durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic and accented with stylish hardware in various colors. Users can choose the water stream strength from light to strong pressure, and the precision angle adjuster makes cleaning quick and efficient.

The all-new Tushy Wave, like the Oasis, is an easy-clean bidet toilet seat. Unlike the prior classic modelwhich is an attachment that fits under your existing toilet seatthe new models replace your toilet seat altogether. The Wave doesnt have an extended console like previous Tushy bidet models, so it can fit in even the tiniest of apartment bathrooms. No more sacrificing spa-like luxuries for apartment living.

With the press of a quick-release button, the seat and lid slide off from the base plate for an extra deep clean. The sleek, gapless seat is also equipped with a soft-close lid and has easy-turn knobs to control water pressure at the front and rear of the seat. The whole thing is designed to fit your standard toilet, and you can select an elongated or round seat based on your toilet bowl shape.

Our Favorite Tushy Bidets

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Product Launch

Tushy Wave Non-Electric Bidet

The clean and modern non-electric bidet seat that replaces your existing toilet seat. Its control knobs are built into the seat, so the device can fit on virtually any toilet or in any bathroom.

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Product Launch

Tushy Oasis Warm Water Non-Electric Bidet

The warm-water, non-electric bidet seat packs the features of the Wave plus a warm water option for a cozy clean on the coldest mornings. Like the Wave, it has an easy-clean seat.

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Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Attachment

Tushys best-selling bidet attachment is affordable and comes in various color/hardware combinations. Its super easy to install and makes a great gift.

Where to Buy the Tushy Wave

You can shop the Tushy Wave at Tushy for $189. Orders should ship out almost immediately, so youll have your new throne in time for the holiday season.

The post Tushy Just Dropped a New Bidet, and It’s the Bathroom Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For appeared first on Family Handyman.

Chasing Paper’s New Cottage Edit Has Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Prints of Our Dreams

Mary Henn — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:25:37 +0000

Cottagecore and Nancy Meyers go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you dont know what that means, Nancy Meyers is the filmmaker behind movies like The Holiday and Somethings Gotta Give and decades worth of cozy, homey set designs, which sparked major decor trends earlier this year. Now, popular wallpaper brand Chasing Paper has launched its ‘Cottagecore Edit‘ inspired by the trend.

Whats the general vibe of the homes featured in Meyers movies? Theyre timeless and, more often than not, feature neutral color palettes and down-home touches. Likewise, the cottagecore trend promotes a simple, vintage design and accents such as floral patterns and plaids. So, soft, floral wallpaper is an obvious choice when picking the best wallpaper for these style trends.

Heres what you need to know about Chasing Papers wallpaper.

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Chasing Paper Cottage Edit Wallpaper

A line of printed-to-order wallpapers with a Nancy Meyers touch

What is Chasing Paper wallpaper?

Chasing Paper was started in 2012 by third-generation printers who sought to create high-quality wall coverings. Whether designing your forever home or sprucing up an apartment, Chasing Paper has peel-and-stick (removable) and traditional wallpaper options. Every order is printed to order, and the brand works with artists to create unique patterns you cant find anywhere else. Plus, all of the wallpaper is made using non-toxic, water-based ink. The brands printed-to-order model allows them to be more flexible and sustainable.

The ‘Cottage Edit wallpaper line includes prints with neutral and muted hues, floral patterns, stripes and plaids. The prints have a serene yet rustic charm suggestive of a countryside setting. Chasing Paper has wallpapers for every room. However, the cottage core-inspired line is ideal for bedrooms, powder rooms or living rooms if you want to achieve a grand millennial or traditional design style that leans toward homey and casual.

Peel-and-stick wallpaperis easy to apply and remove, so you can jump on the cottagecore bandwagon without major commitment. You can also opt for traditional wallpaper if you prefer it to peel-and-stick wallpaper. With whimsical, versatile designs, the Chasing Paper Cottage Edit wallpapers allow you to create a cozy, timeless sanctuary with the timeless allure of cottage living.

Where to Buy the Cottagecore Wallpaper

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Shop at Chasing Paper

Product Launch

Chasing Paper Cottage Edit Wallpaper

A line of artist-designed wallpapers with peel-and-stick options

You can shop the Cottage Edit at Chasing Paper. Peel-and-stick rolls start at $45, but pricing will ultimately depend on the size of the space you plan to cover.

The post Chasing Paper’s New Cottage Edit Has Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Prints of Our Dreams appeared first on Family Handyman.

The Noah Kahan x L.L. Bean ‘Northern Altitude Collection’ is a Love Letter to New England

Caroline Lubinsky — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:12:41 +0000

Founded in Freeport, Maine, L.L. Bean has been a household name in retail and outdoor spaces for over 110 years. However, the brand has only collaborated with public figures and other companies on limited-edition product lines since 2020 (previous collections include Summersault, Blundstone and Todd Snyder, among others).

Most recently, L.L. Bean teamed up with singer-songwriter Noah Kahan on a capsule collection that includes hats, jackets and the beloved Bean Boots. The pieces were released on October 22, 2024. Ready to shop the collection before it sells out? Check it out below:

The Northern Altitude Collection

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L.L. Bean & Noah Kahan Mountain Classic Five-Panel Hat

This hat is made of water- and wind-resistant material (it is also UPF 50+ rated) and features a woven patch touting the collection's name.

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L.L. Bean & Noah Kahan Signature 1933 Chamois Cloth Shirt

Perfect for fall, this soft flannel shirt buttons down the front and has a slim fit throughout.

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L.L. Bean & Noah Kahan L.L. Beanie

The all-black L.L. Beanie can be adjusted, thanks to the rolled cuff, and is made from recycled polyester.

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L.L.Bean & Noah Kahan Hoodie Sweatshirt

Grab this cozy hoodie with the embroidered Noah Kahan and L.L. Bean logo on the front (we give bonus points for the kangaroo pouch).

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L.L. Bean & Noah Kahan Bean Boots

Handmade in Maine, these Bean Boots are built to last, thanks to the rubber outsole and waxed canvas upper.

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L.L. Bean & Noah Kahan Boat and Tote Zip Pouch

This zip pouch fits inside a larger bag (ahem, the Boat and Tote bag), and comes emblazoned with the Noah Kahan patch.

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