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I ranked the best small wine coolers to show you how to easily store wine like a pro, with compact options for both your countertop and under-counter space. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. NewAir - Best Wine Cooler for Beginners KEY TAKEAWAY: A digital thermostat on the outside gives the cooler an extra upgrade. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I read dozens of reviews online before deciding to go with this wine cooler, and I’m so happy I did. The too long didn’t read version [TLDR]: the cooler has a lot of space, is quieter than I expected, has a sleek design, and is the exact amount of functional I was hoping for. Now, onto the details! WHY I CHOSE IT: I wanted to try this for nearly a month before giving my review, so I could be sure it was as authentic as possible. First off, it can fit up to 46 bottles, which is freaking awesome. I knew I wanted a mid size cooler that could stand by itself and had a glass door. I also wanted to make sure that it could fit larger bottles, as I read a lot of these weren’t able to do that. Although there were some negative reviews about this, the positive greatly outweighed it, and I noticed that a lot of them had negative reviews anyways. Overall, this fit the specs I was looking for. DELIVERY CONDITION: The package came well done with a great thick box and extra support and foam inside. In fact, it was over four inches thick inside, and the extra foam protects the more sensitive areas like the wheels and the feet. The exterior of the box had some dents, but because it was so well protected inside, there were zero issues. Overall, I really like how well protected the padding was done. STORAGE SPACE: This cooler was the exact amount of space I was hoping for. If you do a little tetris, it can hold up to forty bottles, which is great. There are two sections, a top and bottom, but there’s a bump for the light on the bottom that makes it so some of them can’t stand straight up, but it’s not a big deal. You can remove the shelves, but you can’t adjust them, so I keep my small bottle in the top, on the bottom rack, and I like that the light on the top doesn’t get in the way of any of the bottles. It’s also a lot deeper than I was expecting, and I can effortlessly fit four larger bottles in the bottom. The center racks can be doubled up, and it might get a little tight, but I had no issue storing all my favorite reds in the middle. NOISE LEVEL: I was a little hesitant about using a compresser cooler, because so many people complained about the noice, but realy this thing is super quiet. I even used a db meter, and found that when the compressor was running, it averaged 20 to the 32 db, but when people walk around or jump, the sound can spike to 40, but this is just me being picky. And remember - all this depends to the model you order, there are several. There’s a little click when it turns on, but my chihuahua makes more sound than this thing. There’s a digital read on the panel and has a really nice bright light. I’d prefer it if the light was adjustable, but that seems pretty standard on these coolers. CONTROL PANEL: The panel has an automatic lock and you have to hold the buttons for a few seconds, but I don’t really mind that. The touch screen itself is on the sensitive side, but I prefer that over pressing it too hard. I can keep the temperatures at a nearly ten degree difference and have zero issues. Obviously when you load wine, it’s going to fluctuate, but it always returns back to what it’s set at. LEVELING FEET: There’re two wheels and two legs that slide around easily and have no issue adjusting, so overall leveling it was really easy. INITIAL SMELL: Some of the reviews describe a bad smell, but once you unpack it, the smell goes away, and I barely noticed it to begin with, honestly. I do recommend following the instructions and cleaning out the inside with a clorox wipe or soap first, but I also just left the door open for a few hours to let it air out and that worked great. Afterwards, you can put in the racks and the smell should be gone. At least that was my experience. OVERALL SATISFACTION: This is a great cooler, and definitely affordable for the quality. It’s quiet, works great, and other than maybe having a little bit of space between the bottles, I have zero issues with it. It’s compact enough to fit under a counter, and yet looks great and can hold about 46 good sized bottles. Ten out of ten, highly recommended. Get it from Amazon now: $799.99 & FREE Returns 2. Velieta - Best Dual-Zone Wine Cooler KEY TAKEAWAY: Dual-zone setup made storing reds and whites easy. DUAL-ZONE STORAGE: As a dual-zone wine refrigerator, you can alter each side of the fridge to keep different drinks at the right temperature. I like having the white wine on one side and the red wine on the other, but I think it’s actually meant to keep wine on one side and regular drinks on the other, but it’s just personal preference. SHIPPING DAMAGE: UPS delivered it upside down which is annoying, and I did find a dent on the fridge. CUSTOMER SERVICE: The product is great, but the customer service makes it spectacular. For once Amazon was kind of useless, but the manufacturer responded immediately. On top of an extended warranty, they offered a discount, which I really appreciated. I think if I’d pushed it a little harder, I could have gotten a full replacement, but it still worked fine. So I didn’t care that much, plus I had a bunch of leftover wine from my wedding that needed to be cooled off ASAP. So I accepted what they offered, and overall think it was a pretty good deal (for a wedding present to myself :)). Now, I want to share another point about customer service. When one of the feet was damaged during shipping, the customer service was phenomenal, and they made sure to send me a brand new one. It was mostly the delivery man’s fault, as the product was packed great. Now just keep in mind that this cooler is on the heavy side n- about a hundred and twenty pounds. You’re most likely going to need two people to move this around. Also, it’s large enough to sit on the ground, but if you don’t want to squat down, you can set it on a table, too. QUIET OPERATION: Overall, it’s pretty quiet, and although there’s a hum, it’s not super bothersome. so I think as far as noise level goes, this wine fridge is a good choice. Again, there's a hum, but it's a quiet hum. So just consider that before you make a decision. Get it from Amazon now: $569.99 & FREE Return 3. NutriChef - Best Slim Wine Cooler KEY TAKEAWAY: Temperature remained steady during testing. TEMPERATURE TESTING: I really went all in with my research with this wine cooler. One of the main things I wanted to research was temperature. Using a high quality thermometer, I found that this wine cooler held the temperature without issue. However, further testing showed that the temperature varied about one to two degrees lower than what it was set at, which didn’t bother me that much. I was more concerned about it being too hot than too cold. DELIVERY CONDITION: This wine cooler was delivered in perfect condition. STAINLESS STEEL FINISH: The material was slick, stainless steel, and I think it goes really well with the whole unit. BOTTLE COMPATIBILITY: I had another cooler and it was a bit wider than this one. The NutriChef holds thin bottles of wine easily, but the wider bottles won’t fit more than one on a shelf. Again, not a really big issue, but that’s just personal preference. INSTALLATION: The instructions were minimal, because it was really just that easy to put together. You do have to set it up for two hours before plugging it in, and you need to make sure that there’s some space on either side for ventilation, so keep that in mind when it comes to picking a spot for it. Also, make sure that you put the wine cooler somewhere where people won’t bump into it. The setup does recommend taking out the gasket to get the handle in, but I couldn’t figure out how to do that. Either way, I didn’t need it. The handle went in perfectly. I remember in a few people's reviews, there were comments on the seal, but contrary to what they said, the seal doesn’t actually need to be removed. You can just pull it to the side when you put in the screws. Anyway, I had it set up in less than ten minutes, and within half an hour, it had already set to the desired temperature I wanted it at. NOISE LEVEL: Every twenty minutes or so, you might hear some sounds, but beyond that, it’s really quiet. CUSTOMER SERVICE: If you accidentally hit the handle, like my daughter did with her knee, it will break the plastic on the inside and you can’t replace that. Despite that, the customer service was top-notch. After this accident, they sent us a completely new cooler free of charge, and didn’t even make me ship this one back. Seriously above expectations! so, yeah, the support of this brand (of which I'd never heard before) was attentive and effective. DISPLAY LIGHT: My only real complaint is the blue display light. It would be nice to have the option to turn it off, but it’s not a super big deal. Plus, the display light is important. It shows the temperature so you don’t have to worry about it changing from the temperature you set it at. Get it from Amazon now: $335.99 & FREE Returns 4. Antarctic Star - Best Countertop Wine Cooler KEY TAKEAWAY: Ended up working quieter than the negative reviews claimed. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: My Antarctic wine cooler was delivered a week after ordering, which was sooner than I expected, so that was nice. TEMPERATURE SETTINGS: The top of the fridge isn’t as cold as the rest of it, but it gets the job done and looks great in the process. For a while, it seemed like it was getting a little warm, so I decided to keep the temperature closer to 52 degrees. I’m going to be aging some bottles so the cooler, the better. DISPLAY LIGHT: The display light is always on, but it’s not overbearing, and serves as a nightlight in my kitchen, which I kind of like when I stumble in half asleep for a cup of water. QUIET OPERATION: I can a hundred percent say that the negative reviews really don’t paint a good picture of this thing. Most of the complaints were about the noise, but this didn’t bother me at all, mainly because all fridges are going to have condenser noises, so it’s pretty much to be expected. My XBOX is louder than this thing lol. WIRE RACKS: The wire racks really bothered me. They was scratching the inside and I was struggling with getting more than four bottles of wine inside. I took them out, and now I can fit at least fifteen. DOOR INSTALLATION: The door is pretty heavy, so just be aware of that, especially if you plan to switch the door on either side. It’s reversible, so that’s cool, and helps with fitting it in tight spots. Just make sure that you line up the door right, otherwise you won’t have a tight seal. The trick is to just make sure that you don’t tighten the screws super tight until you have them in the right spot. CONDENSATION ISSUES: There is condensation that builds up beneath the door, so just keep in mind that you might get a small puddle beneath it. A drip pan could help with this. CUSTOMER SERVICE: I definitely give this five stars, mainly because the customer service was great and they said they’d give me replacement parts for anything that was defective. DESIGN FLAWS: I still feel it's necessary to make clear that there were some flaws to the design. Whoever installed the door originally scratched some of the outside, so that was annoying. The cover over the hinge also had a small thin crack and some scuffing on the exterior. When I was moving the cover for the hinge, the clasp snapped, but fortunately customer service is fixing that for me. BEVERAGE STORAGE: Even though it’s meant for wine, I keep everything from root better to coca cola inside it, and the space is actually really great. I’m really happy for it. VALUE: For the price, I think this is a really good investment, and I definitely recommend it. LONG-TERM SATISFACTION: I did a lot of research before taking the leap, and I’m really glad I did. The quality is solid and durable, and despite the little hiccups, it’s working better than any other brand I’ve tried before. Also, it’s almost packed too well. Take your time getting the cellophane off and try not to get as frustrated as I did. The slower you go, the easier it will be to take it off. Get it from Amazon now: $149.99 & FREE Returns 5. FOVOMI - Best Large Wine Cooler KEY TAKEAWAY: Turned my random wine collection into a beautiful display. WINE COLLECTING: Wine sampling is my new hobby, and although I’ll never become a sommelier, trying out different wines has become a new hobby of mine, one I really enjoy. As a result, I knew I needed a good wine cooler to display my wine collection at home. I recently bought a whole bunch from the wineries from my vacation to Napa Valley. I learned that storage is half the battle, as keeping things on the cooler side keeps the flavors tasting full. FAST ASSEMBLY: It only took about ten minutes to set up, which was really nice. KEY FEATURES: It's near silent, which I love. The touch screen buttons are so easy to use, too. You don’t have to push too hard at all, which is great, so I never have to worry about them breaking. And, in general, touch screen makes everything feel extra fancy. The temperature is adjustable which is really great. There’s a lock on it. Considering I stole alcohol from my parents as a kid, it’s nice to know that my children won’t be able to follow in my footsteps haha. STABLE PLACEMENT: I was worried about it damaging my flooring, but I’ve found that it’s not an issue in the slightest. It’s super stable. I can even use the top of it to set my plants and books on. DESIGN: The design is sleek and somehow manages to go great with my rustic kitchen, even though it’s on the modern side. But it could look great practically in every room in the house. DUAL-ZONE STORAGE: The cooler is dual-zone, which means I can store red wines on one side, white wines on the other. The differing temperatures is great because it maximizes the flavor and intensity in the taste of the wine. So now, each bottle is always at the right temperature. LARGE CAPACITY: It’s massive. It can hold over fifty bottles! It’s about twenty inches wide and super spacious, but somehow doesn’t manage to take up my office either. You can store about five wine bottles per row, but personally, I stack them on top of each other, just because that way I can store even more, so that’s cool! And if you don’t drink wine, you can even use it for water and soda. DISPLAY PIECE: A lot of people talked about the design of this thing, and boy, I can’t agree more. Although it’s listed as a wine fridge, it’s more like its own appliance. So, overall, if you’re looking for a good cooler, wine fridge, or just a secure place to store your favorite beverages, then this is it for you! It’s just a really convenient thing to have, and I’m really happy with the purchase! Get it from Amazon now: $539.99 & FREE Returns 6. SCHMÉCKÉ - Best Small Wine Cooler KEY TAKEAWAY: I loved how little electricity this wine cooler uses. WHY I BOUGHT IT: After always forgetting to drink the wine that gets shoved into the back of the fridge, I decided to splurge on myself for Mothers Day. C’mon, even us mommas need our toys to help us relax! SHIPPING & DELIVERY: I was a little annoyed when I was told how long it would take to ship, mainly because I was so excited to get it, but I was pleasantly surprised when it got delivered four days early! It came packaged super safe with good foam packing and as a result was in great condition. OPERATING COST: It only uses 50 watts to operate, which is better than I expected! I did the math for you, and essentially it only takes just over ten cents a day to run, just to let everyone know–that means it’s worth it! DESIGN: The appearance is so sleek. It’s mirrored, with a 3 inch edging and the LED light is blue, which looks so nice. It seemed a little wobbly at first, but you can adjust the screws on the feet at the base, so I recommend doing that if you find it is a little crooked. It’s super easy to move around and very light weight and the door opens on the left side, which I wasn’t expecting, but don’t really mind. PERFORMANCE FEATURES: After comparing the temperature with a thermometer gauge, it is really accurate, which is great. I also like that it's in Fahrenheit, which is a little detail I liked. It’s so quiet, I don’t even notice it. MINOR CON: I do have allergies though, so the new smell out of the box was a little intense, but that’s just me. If it’s really an issue. I’d recommend opening it with your windows open or on a porch, but that’s just me. OVERALL SATISFACTION: This countertop beverage cooler is exactly the thing that my kitchen was missing. It has a modern design that looks straight out of Barbie’s dreamhouse, except it’s not pink, which is just fine haha. It’s elegant and makes me feel extra fancy when I have friends over for wine and cheese night. I checked out a few other designs that were larger, but ultimately I’m really happy I went with the compact option. It works great, too, the temperature stays the same, the display light is a really nice touch, and the touch screen is a really awesome little user-friendly upgrade. So, overall, I can’t get over how great this thing works, and I’m really, really happy with it. I really like this and plan to tell all my mommy friends that they too need a wine cooler to help them relax after the kiddos go to sleep. Get it from Amazon now: $279.99 & FREE Returns 7. Ivation - Best Compressor Wine Cooler KEY TAKEAWAY: Gave me the closest thing possible to a wine cellar in my humble Florida kitchen. HOME CELLAR: I always wanted a wine cellar in my home, but let’s be real, it’s not plausible when you live in Florida haha! This was the next best thing, and it keeps me from having to trek to a separate place to get my wine. Now I can just fit this right in the middle of my kitchen. Set up went super smooth, and if you’re worried about needing a level to make sure it stays even, you can put a tennis ball on the top of the cooler to make sure it doesn’t roll, that will help you keep it level. COMPRESSOR UNIT: I was really on the fence about whether I should get a wine cooler with a compressor or one that was thermoelectric, but I seriously am so happy I went with this compressor unit. TEMPERATURE CONTROL: After some research, I found that the best temperature is a solid 55 degrees, which is great for wine storage, and it’s almost the same temperature that actual vineyards use in their cellars, which is really cool that this mimics that. I was worried about the temperature staying even, but I had zero problem with it. SETUP PROCESS: Set up was very easy, and I had no problem assembling this. The directions were really easy to follow, I just definitely recommend making sure you’re giving extra space on either side of the cooler to ensure you have good ventilation. So just make sure you’re storing it in an area that has a little extra room and that it’s not pressed up against walls or in a tight space. MODERN DESIGN: This wine cooler is so elegant and modern, and I just love how sleek the design is. QUIET OPERATION: The sound people complained about really seemed exaggerated. It’s not that loud at all, nothing worse than the sounds my ice maker makes, and now it just blurs in with the rest of the kitchen sounds. You’ll hear a few sounds from the compressors, but that’s to be expected. LARGER BOTTLES: While larger bottles like champagne don’t necessarily fit in bulk there, you can make it work if you remove a rack, but I’m using this purely for wine and found it’s not an issue at all. EVERYDAY ENJOYMENT: It looks great, blends in with my appliances, and the temperature is super steady. I’m so pleased with this thing, and now it almost feels like a treat when I buy wine! Get it from Amazon now: $249.99 & FREE Returns 8. AAOBOSI - Best Wine Cooler for Champagne Bottles KEY TAKEAWAY: This is a great showcase cooler if you want people noticing your wine. DELIVERY & PACKAGING: I loved this cooler from the moment I got it. It was packed perfectly, and although it was nearly a hundred pounds, it wasn’t damaged upon delivery. Just be careful when you unpack it, because the box is a tight fit, and I didn’t want to damage it by shaking it out of the box, so I ended up just using a box cutter to free it from its constraints, and it worked great. BOTTLE STORAGE: Now, keep in mind, when it comes to wine, different bottles offer different sizes, depending where you get it from. Wine from California and Chile are larger than wines from France, so you’re not going to get as many bottles in there compared to Bordeaux wine. SHELF LAYOUT: It’s important to also keep in mind that the shelves are different sizes, and you’ll want to keep the longer bottles in the top shelf instead of the bottom shelf. Top top zone is a little cooler and great for whites, while the bottom zone is better for reds as it is warmer. As a self proclaimed wine connoisseur this is exactly what I was looking for. AIR CIRCULATION: I really like that there are four fans in this and that it comes with a filter, although you’ll want to make sure to replace that every year. I really enjoy the LED blue display light. I’m really glad I purchased a cooler that came with a compressor, since the room I keep this in doesn’t have its own air conditioning. I’m pretty sure a thermoelectric option wouldn’t keep this as cool, so that’s nice. HARDWARE QUALITY: There were a couple design flaws that bothered me, mainly the screws. They seem cheaply made and it’s not only awkward to install them, but they ended stripping when I tightened them. Just be careful not to screw them too tight, but even so, it might still rattle a little, but it’s not a big deal. SHOWCASE DESIGN: Overall, it’s a great showcase cooler that can show off your wine collection. There’s some fine details on the front that just make it look like a nice piece of furniture, and the interior is nicely designed, as well. However, just as a cooler, it does seem a little overpriced and small. It’s more of a fancy show piece. If you are more concerned about practicality than showmanship, I’d probably recommend buying two separate coolers for each red and white, but for showing off your wine, and still keeping them cool, this does a good enough job. It’s listed as being able to store Bordeaux size bottles (I didn’t know they were smaller). So for what it’s worth, it does everything it says it’s supposed to, so for that I give it a five out of five stars! Get it from Amazon now: $639.99 & FREE Returns

We tested and ranked the best portable ice makers from the most popular brands, but our no. 1 spot remains unchanged. Read our hands-on insights. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. GE Profile Opal - Best Nugget Ice Maker KEY TAKEAWAY: Quickly produces tasty, crunchable, chewy ice. WHY I BOUGHT IT: I don't know if you’ve ever been to Sonic. If you did, you probably know that they have great roller skates. But we're here to talk about ice, and Sonic's is truly amazing. It's just different. Years later, when I realized that portable ice makers exist and you could make my own ice like this, I became hooked! I knew I needed to get one of these GE ice makers. Since I got it for a pretty good deal, I ended up making sure I got the water attachment, and I’m really happy I ended up adding that on there. I definitely recommend getting it if you’re on the fence. SIDE TANK UPGRADE: If you don’t have the side container, then you’d have to remove the ice basket and fill it up with water from underneath, and yeah, that can be messy. Essentially some of the ice can slip through the holes in the basket. So it’s definitely worth getting it. DRAWBACKS: I’m sure that this doesn’t happen to everyone, but the side tank on mine arrived a little scratched, along with the ice maker lid. I ended up keeping it, but I think I could have probably given it back. The feet of this thing are pretty sharp and they scratched my counter which really annoyed me. It would have been nice if there had been a warning about that, or if they’d put those little furniture covers on them to stop them from scratching things. This isn’t a freezer, so keep that in mind. There’s no holder for the ice scooper which is kind of annoying. If you keep it inside the ice maker, it can get lost in the ice. It’s supposed to just make a little hum, but this thing can get pretty loud. And my apartment is pretty small, so I end up hearing everything regardless of whether I’m in the kitchen or not. Personally, I disagree with the reviews that said it wasn’t louder than my fridge. It definitely is if you ask me. LONG-TERM SATISFACTION: Despite all this, I really love this thing. It’s just one of those simple things that makes life better! Just such a reliable and efficient appliance, and one I officially cannot live without. I use it so often that I end up having to refill the water attachment multiple times a week. I think that as long as you get the side tank, it’s definitely worth it! So if you're on the fence, get the side tank, otherwise it's to expensive for what you're getting. By the way, it performed even better during some testing which Or Shalom covered in her GE profile ice maker review. Get it from Amazon now: $549.00 & FREE Return 2. GoveeLife - Best Smart Ice Maker KEY TAKEAWAY: I loved being able to start making ice before getting home. SMART HOME USE: The best part of having so many smart devices around my house is that I get to come up with all these fun names for them haha. But beyond that, it’s just super nice that I can finally have a working ice machine. I can’t even begin to express how annoying it is to have a fridge that works in every regard except the ice machine. My friends and I are convinced the fridges do that on purpose, don’t know why, but it’s annoying. Never again! So now I’m six weeks into a relationship with this ice maker, and boy, oh boy, what a great partner this little puppy has started to become. Just so nice to be able to turn it on when I’m not even home. REMOTE CONTROL: One of the best things about this portable countertop ice maker is that I can control it when I’m not even home. I’m terrible at making plans in advance, so I can’t explain how cool this is. I can just tell my Alexa to turn on Roxy and then when I get home, my ice is already ready. I didn't mention I live in Florida. In other words, I need ice in my drinks because I essentially live in a sauna. So yeah haha. CLEANING: I also love that Miss Roxy has a cleaning mode that will remind you when it’s time to give her a good scrubbing - and the best part about that? I don’t even have to clean it lol. You just press a button and it runs a cleaning cycle. ICE SIZE: I really only have one issue with this thing… I can’t really tell the difference between the variety of ice cube sizes, but maybe that’s just me. I dunno. I don’t really think it matters either way, though. At the end of the day, it’s a picky thing that really doesn’t bother me that much, because I like the small sized cubes and would probably use those even if the other sized cubes were much bigger. And the small isn’t even that small. I really love this thing. ICE DELAY TIME: While it’s awesome coming home to freshly made ice cubes, it does take about half an hour to get enough ice made to cool down a large cup. In other words, if you forget to get it moving before you get home, you’re going to be waiting a while. THIN ICE: The ice isn’t super thick, so you really need to make a lot of it in order to cool off your drinks so they’re actually, you know, ice cold. DURABILITY: The plastic on the button on the outside has also started to peel a little, which is kind of annoying. It still works perfectly, but if, after six weeks and this is already happening, it does make me question the durability of the product as a whole. SCOOP ISSUE: This one is for the manufacturers: why for the love of God did you not at least put a nail on the outside to hang the ice scoop. Like at the very cheapest, you could have done that. I feel like you’re selling these for a high enough price point that you could have even splurged on a little plastic container connected to the outside to store the scoop…but at this point, I would take a nail hanging outside it to hang the scoop up. That’s how annoying it is to have to store the ice scoop inside the machine and then have to dig through freshly made ice to get it. Yeah…no bueno. OVERALL SATISFACTION: Overall, I like it. But yeah, keep the cons in mind too. I'm a very annoying person who tends to find flaws in just about every product I order. I was trying to give you my hands-on thoughts. Hope it helps. Get it from Amazon now: $159.99 & FREE Returns 3. Frigidaire - Best Budget Ice Maker KEY TAKEAWAY: Produces way more ice than any other ice maker I've owned. WHY I BOUGHT IT: Like most people who ended up getting one of these, I also had issues with my ice maker in my freezer. I feel like those things are meant to break. They never work! And I just didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a new fridge just so I could have some ice. I love having pellet ice in my soda, and since I don’t drink coffee, this is how I get my caffeine fix. HIGH OUTPUT: I pretty much filled up a YETI sized thing of ice, and I knew I wanted this thing so I ended up giving it to myself for Christmas. This thing was already getting to work by 11am on Christmas morning, and it made enough ice that day to feed the whole family! I made so much in fact that I ended up filling up empty bags with it and just stuffing them into my freezer. You can read Holly Nasello's full Frigidaire ice maker review for additional notes (and some photos). COST SAVINGS: I can’t wait for fishing season. This amount of ice is gonna go along way and save me so much money that I would have spent on buying actual bags of ice, and now I can have so many extra bags in the garage, that it won’t even be an issue. USER FRIENDLINESS: Running it is super easy and it’s pretty simple to use. You can drain it really easily and then just wipe it down to keep it clean. I’d guesstimate that it makes about twenty pounds every day. Just make sure you keep emptying the bin when it fills up. Just an awesome product. Definitely going to buy this again! Get it from Amazon now: $99.99 & FREE Returns 4. COWSAR - Best Bullet Ice Maker KEY TAKEAWAY: Worked great with the filtered water I already use daily. FILTERED WATER USE: I’m very sensitive to any minerals in water, and I definitely have a sensitivity to fluoride, so I really hate drinking tap water and definitely don’t like unfiltered water in general. Specifically, I need water that is filtered with reverse osmosis. Brita doesn’t even do that, so I essentially end up having to use bottled water for everything. I use insulated bottles so the ice in this lasts longer, and that's the reason I love this ice maker so much! Although the ice cubes are smaller than I expected, the pellet ice stays in my cups longer than it would otherwise. But it's easier to get smaller cubes into bottles, so maybe that's actually an advantage. COUNTERTOP SIZE: I did a fair amount of research before buying this baby. It’s a little smaller than other ice maker machines I’ve seen, and I actually like that. It fits perfectly on my counter, right below the cabinets. SIMPLE OPERATION: It’s really easy to use. All you have to do is fill up the reservoir with your water, then you just slide the ice bin inside and turn it on! In about six minutes, you’ll get about nine ice cubes, and it will keep producing the ice until it’s full, and the sensor tells you when it’s full of ice. Then when the ice melts, it just drips back the water into the bin and remakes the ice. Pretty nifty if you ask me. I also really like how the ice works in my blender now. The old ice in my freezer took forever to blend up, and this just works so much better. PRACTICAL FEATURES: It’s just so easy to use and I’d say it’s a lot quieter than other ice maker machines I’ve used in the past. I like the handle a lot because it makes it super portable, so you can move it around wherever you want. I also love how easy it is to clean, it comes with a self cleaning feature so you don’t even have to clean it… haha. There’s a plug in the bottom of it that allows you to empty out the unit without having to flip it over. And I really like that it comes with an ice bag, too. All you have to do is just keep emptying the basket into the bag and that stops the ice from melting. EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE: I love that I have this large bag of ice in my freezer now and I don’t have to twist those tiny ice trays anymore. Get it from Amazon now: $69.99 & FREE Returns 5. AGLUCKY - Best Portable Ice Maker KEY TAKEAWAY: Even with the very small size, it pumped out a decent amount of ice. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: It’s been about five minutes since I got this thing, and man have I gotten my money’s worth! This thing makes over twenty six pounds of ice a day, and I love that I don’t have to go out and buy bags of ice now. My fridge isn’t big enough to have an ice maker, so I always knew I wanted one of these, and I’m just so happy I took the plunge and got this thing. COUNTERSPACE FIT: I was a little worried, because my lake cabin doesn’t have a lot of counter space, but to my surprise this thing was actually small enough and fit perfectly on my counter. PURCHASE EXPERIENCE: I did buy it on sale and I’m glad for that. And I’m even happier that I ignored all the negative reviews that complained that this would stop working after thirty days or the reviews that said there was no customer service. It just isn’t true, at least from my personal experience. USER ROUTINE: Haven’t had any issues in all this time buying it, and that’s actually why I waited so long to write this review. I use this thing about one to two times a week and I love it so much. When I’m done, I unplug it, open the lid, and allow it to dry out. WET ICE NOTES: I will say in advance that the ice cubes are on the wet side, they’re not super frozen, but that’s okay if you ask me. They don’t last forever, and if you do put them in the freezer they can clump up together. But you can avoid this if you just transfer them to a gallon bag when they’re done and then lay them flat in the bag in the freezer. All you have to do is shake up the bag to break it into pieces. And then... repeat! OUTPUT: When you fill the bucket once, it makes enough ice in one cycle to fill my freezer completely. When I’m done, I just fill it back up. It’s that easy. Honestly, filling it in bags may sound time consuming, but it’s leaps and bounds better than the idea of using ice cube trays. ICE CUBE SIZE: The ice cubes are on the smaller side, about a third smaller than your typical ice cube, but I love it that way. Gone are the days where I have to shove large ice cubes into water bottles. And the size is great for cocktails too! Get it from Amazon now: $89.99 & FREE Returns 6. VIVOHOME - Best Ice Maker for Families KEY TAKEAWAY: Great for family use if you’re not trying to stockpile ice bags. SETUP: Set up is pretty straight forward. You plug it in, you pour in water, and in about ten minutes you’ll get your first batch of ice. ICE PRODUCTION: This ice machine produces so much ice I can barely keep up! It typically stops creating ice after it creates about seventy five small cubes, and I find that that amount is plenty for my family of four. It’s advertised as making a crap ton more, but it really can only do that if you are continuously emptying out the basket and you really only need to do that if you’re planning on having a party of some sort, but it’s kind of time consuming to continuously move it into bags. Personally, I think it works better as a short term solution that you’re using as it comes, not something where you’re trying to stock ice. CUBE SIZE: They come in two sizes, small and large - it’s basic, remember? I would say the larger cubes are about fifty percent larger than the smaller ones and that the smaller ones are about the size of my husband’s thumb nail. He doesn’t have the biggest hands though, so take that as you will. All the cubes have a hole in the middle, which essentially allows them to melt faster and cool your drinks quicker. SCOOPING ISSUE: It is a compact machine though, so it’s a little difficult scooping the ice out. I end up just using my fingers. CLEANING MODE: The instruction manual is lacking. Not really any info on how to get the cleaning cycle going, but it’s pretty easy to figure out once you understand how it works. You put it in stand by and hold the power button for up to five seconds, and then it turns on, and you let go of the button, and wah-lah! Cleaning mode activated. Remember it’s not making ice when this is happening, and it will keep going until you shut it off. It’s not necessary, but I typically add some vinegar in there when it does the cleaning cycle and then I run it one extra time with filtered water. After it’s done cleaning, I end up making my ice, and it typically takes just under seven minutes to get a nice sized bag. VALUE FOR MONEY: I’m very happy with it. This ice maker serves its function. It's compact, easy to use, pretty much portable, and it has a sleek design. I guess you can find a better one if you pay more, but for the money, this thing is solid. Get it from Amazon now: $249.99 & FREE Returns 7. Igloo - Best Self-Cleaning Ice Maker KEY TAKEAWAY: Solved a lot of the maintenance headaches I had with other models. PREVIOUS ICE MAKERS: After owning two different brands of these portable ice makers, I can officially say that the third time is truly a charm. All the negatives I experienced with my other pellet ice machine are non existent with this one! And I’m convinced it comes down to the self cleaning mechanism, that is really the most important part of these things. If you keep them clean, they will last. And I found that with other models, the self cleaning function definitely didn’t work as well as it was supposed to. CLEANING: With the Igloo, the self cleaning function just works amazingly. Gone are the days where I’m scrubbing with a brush and vinegar, knowing that if I don’t clean it by hand, the ice is going to taste bad. Now I just follow the instructions that explain the right solution and ration, and then I sit back and let it do its thing. HANDLE FEATURE: I love how there is a little handle on top of the machine that makes it easier for me to store it and slide it under the counter. Keep in mind that when you’re draining the ice maker, you have to tilt it to empty it out, otherwise it leaves a pool of water that can create mold when you’re not using it. The handle definitely helps with the tilting aspect, and this was something other models I’ve tried in the past lacked. DURABILITY: My last machine just quit working, specifically the power button just no longer worked, like it short circuited after two years. So far, this product seems to be made much more durable–for example, the power button is in an area that I’m not using often. On other brands and models, the power button was on the lid that you had to keep moving around, and I think that eventually led to its demise. Get it from Amazon now: $94.99 & FREE Returns 8. Frigidaire XL - Best Clear Ice Maker KEY TAKEAWAY: This clear ice melts much slower than normal cubes. BROKEN FRIDGE ISSUE: Like most other reviewers who bought a countertop ice maker, my ice maker in my fridge quit working on me, and there was no way I was going to pay to get it fixed. I love this ice maker and I’m so happy I ended up getting it. I mainly went with it because the reviews were so positive, but I didn’t go in blind. I reviewed all the negative reviews in the process, too. UNBOXING: Packaging came in a really solid box and I had zero issues unpacking it. New and great looking. INSTRUCTION MANUAL: Not great. You’ll figure out more by playing around with the machine than actually trying to understand the poorly written instructions. PLASTIC SCOOP: Kind of odd and awkward and not great for getting the ice out. I ended up using tongs as a replacement. SETUP: I waited an hour before plugging it in (about the only thing I did understand from the manual) and then I used bottled water to fill up the tank. I kept space free behind the exhaust fan as it does expel warm up. Not difficult to set up. SOUND LEVEL: Surprised me just how silent it actually was, and it only runs when it’s producing ice. ICE PRODUCTION: Produces clear sheets that have twenty four ice cubes and the size of each of the cubes is consistent. The ice production is quick and then the sheets fall out into the bin and for the most part remain in their shape and don’t separate from the sheet, so you’ll need to break them up with the tongs. I do like how the ice is clear and they don’t immediately melt. In other words, they last. You can store sheets in the freezer which is super convenient. SENSOR SYSTEM: If your bin is already full, the new sheet of ice won’t always fall all the way down, which is to be expected. Although I did find that sometimes it didn’t register correctly and would stop making ice even if the bin wasn’t full. All you have to do then is just move around the ice in the basket so it reads that there is ice in the basket and then it starts back up again. you have to. One icon alerts you that the bin is full of ice and the other one reminds you to add more water. Any ice that melts will recycle back through it to make new ice which is cool. And, yeah, a timer is there, but it’s kind of pointless if you ask me. TEMP DISPLAY: The temperature displayed has nothing to do with the room temperature and seems like it’s there more for show than anything. PRO TIP: when you’re putting the ice in the bag, make sure you get the air out and keep the ice flat in the bag in your freezer, otherwise you run the risk of it bunching up into a block. Keeping it flat stops this from happening. PARTY USE: I’m a few months into adding this into my life. It already has done great at both my Memorial Day bash and my Fourth of July party. I’m thinking of getting a second one for Labor Day! The ice is clear, cubed, and cold, exactly what I wanted. It's really great for parties. VALUE: It’s a little inconvenient to have to continue to break up the sheets of ice and move the ice around if it mistakenly reads that the bin is full. But for the price, and the amount of money it’s saved me on buying bags of ice…it’s worth it. It really seems pretty durable, but I recommend buying the twenty dollar four year warranty, like I did. Get it from Amazon now: $169.99 & FREE Returns

I tested the most popular barefoot brands. Only these models turned out to be tough enough for rock climbing and trail running. Here's my hands-on ranking. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III - Best Barefoot Trail Shoes KEY TAKEAWAY: I finally stopped slipping on muddy hikes in these things. BREATHABILITY: I usually wear socks on the thinner side and I can actually feel the breeze through them, and I love it. They’re exactly what I wanted in barefoot shoes. I’ve tried out a lot of different brands, and usually my feet go so hot and sweaty that they wear out the insole, but that’s not the case with these things. FIT & SIZING: The fit is just awesome in general. I ended up getting my normal size 12 that I wear with other sneakers and they fit perfectly. Really can’t recommend enough. REPLACEABLE INSOLES: Their insoles are just designed differently. Not only are you supposed to feel the ground, but you can get that broken-in feel. What’s great is that if the insoles do wear, out there’s a cheap replacement for like three dollars. I genuinely think that that extends the life of these shoes–that is, if you actually continue to buy new insoles. EVERYDAY USE: If you don’t, you’re likely going to get about three months out of the insoles if you’re wearing them every day, like I do. I typically keep mine until they’re falling apart, but that’s mainly because these shoes are pretty much the only thing I ever wear. Not only do I run in these, but I lift weights, do yard work, and run errands. They’re great for both indoor and outdoor use. I love them so much that I ended up getting a second pair in a different color. Oh, and I love them so much I end up using these instead of my work boots at work. TRAIL STABILITY: I’ve had zero issues with slipping inside these like some people have reviewed, so no idea what they’re talking about. I used to live in my sneakers, but I would end up slipping in those almost immediately, and these are the first shoes I’ve ever worn where that’s no longer the case. I even wear these during my trail hikes and I’ve had zero issues slipping even on the muddy banks. I just feel so grounded when I’m on my hikes, I can actually feel the rocks and roots beneath me and I feel like I can connect to the earth more, without worrying about getting splinters haha. COLOR OPTIONS: My only real complaint is that the dark gray color is not really that dark, and I wanted something closer to black without being black, but that might just be me being picky. LONG-TERM SATISFACTION: Overall, I love how they’re designed and I definitely want to keep wearing them. Get it from Amazon now: $150.00 & FREE Returns 2. Belleville Mini-Mil - Best Barefoot Hiking Boots KEY TAKEAWAY: Comfortable for rough terrain and snow. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I rarely write reviews on products unless I really hate them or I’m obsessed with them, and yeah, I can officially say I’m obsessed with these. There’s so much ankle support and the soles are so comfortable and flexible, while also having a solid grip that allows me to hike vertically up slopes and get down safely. PERSONAL BACKSTORY: It’s taken me the better part of the summer to transition to minimalistic shoes, and I’m so happy I finally ended up going this route. I live in the Midwest and wanted something that could take the rugged terrain, while also handling the cold winter and the boots I had beforehand that were similar just weren’t that great when it came to the quality of their soles. VALUE: The price seemed a little high, but I think that’s for a reason, and I’m ultimately really happy that I went with it and decided to get these, mainly because they’re so well made. BREAK IN PERIOD: You can see how well made they are, and while there is some breaking in periods where you might experience some mild discomfort, I figured out the trick: don’t tighten them like regular hiking boots. In fact, don’t tighten them at all. They’re meant to have room to move. Once I did that, my pain went away completely. LACING TIP: Make sure you weave the shoelaces through the anchors so that when you tighten the shoes, you’ll get that extra ankle support. COMFORT: They’re a lot more comfortable than I was expecting, so much so that I can wear them about ten hours a day and not feel any pain. I did read some negative reviews about how the feet can get sore from them, but that hasn’t been my experience. I tend to walk/hike about ten miles a day, and not only can these shoes handle the terrain, but my feet don’t hurt, even with a ligament tear, it doesn’t bother them. WINTER USE: I took them with me on a trip to Alaska. They’ve held pretty well when it comes to walking around in the snow and the grip on ice. I ended up walking through the snow and found that my feet remained dry and warm, although I do recommend getting a good pair of waterproof wool socks if you’ll be doing this. Also, the traction is good, and I like how the water beads up on the leather exterior. RETURN POLICY: There is a 100 day return policy which I appreciate, but so far I like these enough that I’m not going to return them. LONG-TERM DURABILITY: Durability is always a concern when you spend money on things like this, but I can tell that the stitching of the leather is legit, more so than a standard boot, and over all, I’m really happy with them - mostly because I think they're going to last for years to come. I’m even going to get the low tops for when it's warmer out. I’ll update on how long they REALLY last. But so far, I'm happy. Get it from Amazon now: $182.00 & FREE Returns 3. Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5 - Best Barefoot Shoes for Beginners KEY TAKEAWAY: My feet stopped feeling cramped while running. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: As a travel writer who reviews shoes for extra cash, this is the first time I’ve bought minimalistic shoes to test out. And wow, Vivo really did it this time. The pattern is awesome, and these shoes fit like a glove, and you can tell the materials are super durable. I was not expecting them to be as comfortable as they are. FIT, COMFORT & SIZING: I was always hesitant about getting minimalist shoes, mainly because I assumed they’d hurt my feet. But Vivo proved that this isn’t the case and I didn't end up worrying. I have wide freaking feet, folks, and these things finally have made me like my feet again haha. They fit so well, they actually hug my feet, and it like, allows my toes to move around in my shoes for the first time ever. I personally buy all my shoes about half a size larger. Your feet naturally swell when you’re on them for long periods of time, it just happens. And especially with barefoot shoes you’re going to want that extra space, and I’d say that this does it well in the sense because they have that wide toe. It really allows you to feel more comfortable. WIDE TOE BOX: I love how the toe box of these is wide enough to have a good room for my shoes and overall they just feel so natural and I know it sounds dramatic, but I genuinely feel like these things have improved my life to the point of saving me. Sounds like a lot, but I had so much ankle and knee pain for getting these and now that pain is completely gone. Even if you get these in your normal shoe size, they’re going to feel like they’re on the larger size, but that’s part of it. You’re going to have room for your feet to swell, so it’s definitely important to keep that in mind, and don’t return them without giving them a fair try. The wide toe box is so you can stretch your feet out inside these, and you want to be able to do that in order to feel like you have extra comfort. TRANSITION CAUTION: I’d definitely recommend working your way into these. You don’t want to just go straight from normal shoes into wearing these nonstop. Go slow, and the transition should be gradual, and yeah, it will feel like you’re completely bare foot, so keep that in mind. PRICE & VALUE: They’re definitely not on the cheap side, but I think for the most part, they’re still affordable when you research and compare everything else in the market. They’re reliable, and they’re made to last, I would say at least a year and a half, which if you wear them as much as I do, it’s going to be worth it. Amazon is typically cheaper than department stores so make sure you do your research. SHIPPING: I had zero issues with the shipping and the delivery was super quick. LONG-TERM RESULTS: I loved the fit of these things, and it genuinely feels like I’m floating in the clouds. Definitely ideal for barefoot shoes. Not only is that going to get rid of extra pain but it’s going to let you really get that barefoot feel. I’ve tried a lot of these before and this brand is by far the best out there. I have multiple colors for these too, and even my sister, who is flat footed loves these things. They’re that good. And another thing, I love running in these, because I no longer have any pain of feeling like the shoes are too small. Get it from Amazon now: $124.02 & FREE Returns 4. Vibram FiveFingers V-Run - Best Barefoot Shoes for Water Activities KEY TAKEAWAY: Really good for water sports once you break them in. WHY I BOUGHT THEM: I still have my first pair of Vibrams from years ago and they've actually been hold up, but I knew I wanted a more updated pair. I was so excited and really didn’t want to wait for shipping so just got them through Amazon and they arrived so quickly. SIZING DECISION: I wasn’t entirely sure what size to get for these, all of my shoes have always been a size 12. I knew I wanted to wear these without socks so there was some extra room as other reviews recommended that. I ended up going with a 12 and a half just to give myself that space. And I’m so happy I did. I think the size 13 would be way too big and loose around my ankles. The 12 likely would have been on the narrow sides and I know that with this type of shoes you’re supposed to have the option to splay out your toes. I found that with this specific model, the 12.5 size allows me to do just that. BREAK-IN PERIOD: Now, maybe I jumped in too quickly with transitioning to these but I did end up causing some pain on the outside of my feet. Mainly at the spot where the rubber pressed into my feet. It usually happened when I crouched down to grab stuff. BEACH USE: Just a little forewarning you’re not going to be able to wear these on the beach comfortably unless the sand is wet, otherwise you’re going to get sand and dirt inside the shoes. The lining allows your feet to breathe but can also allow dirt to come in, so keep that in mind. ALL-DAY WEAR: There was definitely a learning streak with these things, in the sense that you have to get used to them. I’m really happy I gave myself a chance to see how they would work. They ended up loosening on their own and getting a lot more comfortable and causing no more pain. It took about a month of warming them up, and now I can honestly wear these all day without any pain at all. I’ve found that my stride in general is just better and I have a lot better balance in general. WATER USE: I love using these shoes for water sports and they’re so light weight and I can tell they’re built to last. They’re definitely designed for feet that are low volume, and I just love that there’s grips on the soles of the feet that give them extra support. OVERALL QUALITY: There’s definitely a lot of extra room in these, and the laces are super long, too. Maybe that’s just how the new model is, I don’t know, but they do seem different than my older pair. Either way, it’s just nice to have good quality shoes again and I stand by their quality. Get it from Amazon now: $139.95 & FREE Returns 5. Xero Shoes Dillon - Best Barefoot Shoes for Winter KEY TAKEAWAY: These actually keep my feet warm in cold weather. WINTER WARMTH: Growing up and living my adult life in the mountains around Utah, I know what cold means, and I write this review fresh off the first snowfall of the season. I was out wearing these shoes in six inches of snowfall and when I came inside, my feet weren’t just good, they were still freaking warm! I’ve had a lot of different brands of shoes, and that’s never happened before. BAREFOOT FEEL: My feet actually stayed comfy and cozy, and the best part about these is that they’re actually lightweight enough that I really don’t feel like I’m wearing shoes when I’m outside. That’s the barefoot feel I crave! I don’t feel like I’m lugging around lead feet! CUSHION & COMFORT: These things have seriously gotten me through the coldest of winters, and although they definitely do a great job at keeping my feet warm, there really isn't a cushion so it does cause some pain to stand on them for a long period of time. They’re definitely on the stiff side material wise. That being said, you get used to it. SECOND PAIR EXPERIENCE: I ended up investing in a second white pair (photo above) and I’m so happy I did. Maybe it’s psychological, but the white model for some reason is more durable and a better fit for working in the snow. WATER RESISTANCE: The bottom is more waterproof than the top, but overall, I think it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. They’re good for winters, but not for those blizzards where you might be stuck outside. I do think they’re functional and water-resistant enough that they could even operate as rain shoes. Not heavy rain, though. I tested them under running water and they still held up! They definitely do great in the slush of melting snow too. However, I have serious rain boots for when it REALLY pours. SIZING & FIT: Keep in mind that these shoes are American sized, and because they’re winter shoes, you’re going to have extra room for warm socks and for some air to breathe in. Plus your feet will swell in them. You really don’t want winter shoes to be tight, either, so I recommend sizing up. I would say at least one size up, because they have a furry liner inside and then your feet are inevitably going to swell either way. DESIGN & LOOK: They do kind of look like clown shoes on me haha but I don’t mind that much. I’m just trying to keep my feet warm, not trying to land on the cover of Vogue OVERALL SATISFACTION: After snow-blowing this afternoon, I knew I had to give a positive review about these things. For winter shoes, they’re durable and they get the job done. So as long as you don’t mind that they might look big, I definitely recommend them! They’re seriously the leading option in the barefoot boot industry for a reason. I’m planning on gifting these to my friends and family for Christmas. I love them that much. Get it from Amazon now: $129.99 & FREE Returns

Cowboy boots are a country classic. They're worn all year round, and they’re proof that Western style is here to stay. Here's my personal ranking. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Ariat - Best Leather Cowboy Boots KEY TAKEAWAY: Wide square toe made these way more comfortable than pointed boots. MATERIALS: Ariat makes some of the best boots on the market today. They are known for using high-quality full grain leather in the construction of both the upper and lower sections of the boots. For those who may not know there are a lot of manufacturers who use leather on the bottom or foot portion and then man-made materials for the upper section. BUILD: These boots are rock solid. Between the leather construction on the boot itself, the tanned leather outsole and the horseman style heel, these boots are incredibly durable, as well as functionable and fashionable. Also, I really like the double sewn look around the outer edge of the sole. First, that makes for a very durable stitching job. You will never have to worry about these boots coming apart. Second, the double line of stitching just gives a nice clean look in my opinion. Ariat also does a great job with the stitching on the foot and upper portions of their boots. Of course, who also wouldn’t love to have a pair of boots showcasing a little bit of American pride also. WEIGHT & FEEL: Given that this boot is all leather it is a bit heavier on your feet. So, if you are looking for a lightweight western boot this may not be the option you wanted to go with. But if the desire is a well-built and extremely comfortable boot this is definitely the option you may want to consider. TOE BOX DESIGN: One feature of the design I like with this boot is the wider toe box area with the square toe design you see. This does make the boot look bigger on your feet, which some people may not want. But with this wider toe area it offers considerably more comfort than the Narrow or pointed toe styles you see out on the market today. For someone like me who is prone to foot pain these make for an extremely comfortable fit and allow for all day wear with no issues. HEEL COMFORT: The heel of these boots is built so whether you are riding a horse or walking around town it is functional and comfortable. Some heels on western boots are so tall, they can make for an uncomfortable experience if you are on your feet all day. Or they can be so short that it makes riding a horse and keeping your feet securely in the stirrups difficult. VALUE FOR MONEY: For the quality of the boot and the price, these are simply wonderful. I personally feel you can never go wrong with a pair of Ariat boots. Get it from Amazon now: $209.95 & FREE Returns 2. Wolverine - Best Steel Toe Cowboy Boots KEY TAKEAWAY: Worked great with my orthopedic insoles right out of the box. ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORT: After serving over twenty years in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Soldier, I have my fair share of feet, knee, back and neck pain. Due to that I find utilizing orthopedic insoles in all my daily wear shoes and boots to be a huge help for all day comfort. I recently had to stop wearing a pair of my favorite work boots due to the discomfort I would be in at the end of the day. FIT & SIZING: These Wolverine work boots are a perfect answer to my situation. These boots are designed to accommodate a removeable orthopedic insole which is awesome. Given that these boots are designed with the idea of utilizing an insole. In addition to being a squarer toed design. There is no need to worry about ordering a half or full size up from what you would normally wear or going with a wide option just to allow for that little extra bit of width. These are relatively true to size boots which makes buying easy. SAFETY FEATURES: These are not just full grain leather, but they are also waterproof and have a steel toe. Two things for construction workers or others in the trades would greatly appreciate. Nobody likes having wet feet all day. And as we know, one thing we cannot control is the weather. The steel toe does add some weight to these boots so if you are not needing that feature then you may want to explore other options. SOLE & TRACTION: Another nice feature of the construction of these boots is the sole and heel construction of the boot. The rubber sole gives you great traction in the mud and muck. With the tread pattern still being one that you can pretty easily clean out with a quick hosing off or scrub brush to avoid tracking a bunch of the outside inside. CUSHIONING: The cushioning in the sole and heel area also adds another level of comfort. The heel is perfect to keep this boot very versatile in the use, fit and comfort of the boot. Now, you take the built-in features of this boot, add an insole of your choosing and you will certainly have yourself a boot that allows for all day wear in virtually any environment with great comfort. VALUE FOR MONEY: These will provide tremendous value for people looking for a long-lasting and well-built work boot. Also, if you're on your feet all day and find yourself outside in the elements needing an additional safety of a steel toe, this is a tremendous option to consider. The price point for these boots also keeps it squarely in the affordable range for most guys. Get it from Amazon now: $140.00 & FREE Returns 3. HISEA - Best Waterproof Cowboy Boots KEY TAKEAWAY: Gel padding made these really comfortable. WORK BOOT FEATURES: This is another example of a great pair of boots that are water resistant and have a steel toe. These features alone make this an excellent boot for workers in the trades to farm and ranch hands. Really anyone who is on their feet all day and in all sorts of different weather. I am a firm believer that for people who are on their feet all day, and mostly outside waterproof/resistant boots is imperative. Warm, dry and comfortable feet can make a break a hard day of work. Of course, the added feature of a protective steel toe is always a great option for those who need that safety feature. UPPER MATERIAL: The upper is constructed with a leather suede, which makes this pair of boots a little easier to break in as opposed to the more traditional heavy weight leather. While you are in that break-in process, you will find considerably more comfort than some other options that may be a bit more of a stiffer all leather construction. SOLE & GEL SUPPORT: The construction of the sole of this boot is hard to beat. This is a very comfortable rubber sole with gel padding in the interior sole. This gel helps considerably with avoiding fatigue when standing or on the move all day. By having this gel insole, it avoids the need to put a different insole into this boot. The height of the heel and the sole construction make this a great boot for all day comfort. GROUND GRIP: I like that the outer sole or tread area is not just aggressive enough to provide good traction while in the elements, but it is also oil and slip resistant. This boot will give you that same sure footing around the farm as it does when you are walking on the shop floor. CUSTOMER SERVICE: As far as support goes, customer service really does seem outstanding. Hisea offers very easy return and exchange option. But for the money, I don't think you'd need to replace them unless you order a size that doesn't fit you right. WARRANTY: On top of easy to deal with customer service they offer a lifetime warranty on the construction of these boots. It is certainly reassuring if they have so much faith in their product that they would put up a warranty such as that. OVERALL VALUE: For the price point, these would definitely be tough to beat. I mean, think about the comfort features, and about the ability to easily exchange these for a different size if they don't fit. So, yes, I highly recommend these boots. Get it from Amazon now: $89.99 & FREE Returns 4. Dixhills - Best Cowboy Boots for Casual Wear KEY TAKEAWAY: Lightweight design works well for everyday wear. MATERIAL TYPE: These Dixhills boots, while offering a really nice option for casual everyday wear, are not all-leather boots. This may be a drawback for some, especially those looking for robust work boots. But the Synthetic leather makes for a really nice-looking boot that would be very easy to maintain and keep looking sharp. TOE DESIGN: These boots also offer a square toe design which makes for a really comfortable pair of footwear for everyday wear. They are still narrow enough to appeal to women as well as those who want the western look but just don’t like the large boxy look of the bigger more work wears focused boots. BREAK-IN: One advantage to synthetic leather over traditional leather boots as far as these are concerned is the break-in time will be considerably less. So, you will have pretty close to an out of the box initial comfort. Sometimes with all leather boots it takes a few weeks to get them broken in, to where they are the most comfortable. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: These boots also offer a lighter weight which is a great advantage to those looking more for fashion than utility. EVERYDAY USE: I do like that the heel of this boot lends itself well to walking and moving in and around your more urban settings. These would be great boots for driving anything from a car or pickup truck to riding a motorcycle or e-bike. The rubber outsole also offers a nice level of slip resistance, but it also maintains a sleek lower profile than what we normally see with western boots. The insole in conjunction with the rubber outsole makes for a very comfortable pair of boots as well. Providing just enough cushion to make these great all day wear boots. VISUAL STYLE: Dixhills is keeping with the classic western themed embroidery on both the upper and lower sections of this boot. They have some great color combinations used in construction and embroidery. The profile and appearance of these boots definitely make them a great option for casual, or even some more formal events where you are feeling the desire to wear a nice comfortable pair of western boots. Get it from Amazon now: $69.99 & FREE Returns 5. IUV - Best Slip-Resistant Cowboy Boots KEY TAKEAWAY: These really don’t slide around on wet floors. INTENDED USE: These IUV boots offer a solid design and build. These would make for some really nice boots if you were looking more for fashion or to add to a wardrobe as opposed to work wear style boots. The heels are extremely comfortable for all day wear around the house, the office or out around town. PROFILE & FIT: The profile of these boots is not as large as what you see with the boots geared more for work. The toe box, while still square, is a bit narrower than the square toe steel boots, or even some of the more robust heavier duty work boot styles we see. This can be a real advantage to someone who wants a little bit of extra foot space but does not want a larger profile boot. So, you get the advantage of some added foot comfort while maintaining that slimmer width. TRACTION: Something I really like about the outer sole of these boots is the rubber slip resistant sole. Generally, for western boots geared more towards fashion the soles are leather. While that is not a bad choice at all it can make for some slipping and sliding while walking outside or especially when you transition from outdoors to indoors. The last thing anybody wants is to walk through the doorway into a grocery store and promptly slip on the wet floor or slip because the soles of your boots are retaining some moisture. This rubber outsole is still thin enough to provide some comfort but again not to the point where it looks more like a work boot than a dressier boot. VISUAL APPEARANCE: The overall appearance of these boots is very attractive as well. IUV has paired some nice colors between the upper and lower portions of the boot as well as the stitching. I like where the heel of the boot also incorporates the same color tones as you see in the overall construction of the boot. They also keep with some of the more classic and timeless decorative embroidered stitching patterns on both the foot and the upper portions of the boot. EVERYDAY WEAR: I may not choose these boots first if I was getting ready to go hit the fields or the shop floor for a days’ worth of work. But I can definitely see these boots on someone looking for a comfortable pair of boots to wear when riding a motorcycle or for wearing to the office or out for an evening social event. Get it from Amazon now: $79.99 & FREE Returns

Whether you’re pulling a trailer, RV or boat, the right tires will help you avoid unwanted issues on the road. Here are the best trailer tires for heavy loads. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Some quick notes before we dive in. First, Amazon actually delivers tires to your home, office, or even a service location. Second, if you're looking for a year-round option, check out my best all season tires review. Now, back to trailer tires. Here's my personal ranking and review, based on my own hands-on testing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Free Country - Best Trailer Tires for Heavy Loads KEY TAKEAWAY: Side scuff guard helps protect trailer tires from curb damage. WHY I BOUGHT THEM: I needed four new tires on my 20-foot, tandem axle ATV flatbed trailer, and I wanted to save some money, so I went to Amazon instead of the national brand store down the street. I found the Free Country Trailer Tires and could not find anything that would stop me from getting them for under four hundred bucks: yes, please! LOAD RANGE: The tires are load range E (10 ply), like my truck tires, which is great, especially for tires bouncing down back roads over rocks and tree roots. The load of ATVs is not heavy enough to need load range E tires, but the strength to survive use is where the load range E got my attention. TREAD DEPTH: The tread depth of eight millimeters over the standard 5.5 millimeters depth will also lend a hand against the rocks and stuff. The tread design is more open than most trailer tires, allowing them to throw out mud and snow better than other trailer tires with more strict highway tread, so that was my clincher on the decision. RADIAL CONSTRUCTION: This tire is also a radial tire, making more tread connections to the road. Using a wider footprint makes the trailer pull and handle much smoother. Most of the trailer tires I have used in the past have been non-radial, and the tread looks like it rounds across the top and does not fully touch as much of the road as possible. SCUFF GUARD PROTECTION: The side scuff guard is another ATV trailer tire plus. The scuff guard is also great for trailer tires that are not ATV-focused, as rubbing the curb with trailer tires is very common. The tread wraps around the tire from the road surface to the corner to make this as close to a performance trailer tire as possible. INSTALLATION: The only hang-up with buying tires from Amazon is getting them mounted and balanced. So I did end up at the tire store so they could mount them up, and that also cost me the recycling fee, but that is the way it is everywhere I could go, so it's not a big deal. The tires mounted right on were super smooth. I think the tire busters did not have much of a fight because I left them in the sun in the back of my truck for about a week. The Utah sunshine and low humidity made them as pliable as Play-Doh, so I should have gotten a discount. LONG-TERM SATISFACTION: So far, the tires hold air like a champ and roll down the road smooth enough that I don’t feel the trailer for the most part. The one thing I forgot was to get some spare tires with the order as well. The spares on my ATV trailer have done nothing but sit on the spare mounts and rot in the sun, so that is the next purchase. Get it from Amazon now: $335.89 & FREE Returns 2. Carlisle - Best Trailer Tires for Highway Driving KEY TAKEAWAY: Heat-resistant trailer tires handled long highway hauls with no issues. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: From buying the ATV tires, he knew that the tires were going to be shipped from China in a compressed and smashed-together crate, so the tire shop would get some experience using all the tricks getting them mounted. INSTALLATION: We discussed using the ether-and-a-match technique, and then decided to use the local tire shop technique. Leaving the tires laid out in the sun for a few days to loosen the rubber and allow some of the compression to relax will make mounting the tires on rims easier. BALANCING PROCESS: As expected, the tires were mounted with some cussing from the tire shop folks, and the balancing was delayed for a couple of weeks. The reason for the delay in balancing was some time spent heating the tires and allowing them to round out for a couple of weeks of hauling the trailer empty on the back road from town. After the two-week break-in period, he took the trailer back to the store, and they balanced them with no problems. Since the balance job, my buddy has nothing but good things to say about this purchase, and recommends them to everyone. HOT WEATHER USE: The Carlisle trailer tire has a high-speed rating, making it better at dealing with high temperatures. I have a friend who lives in southern Utah, and for half the year, that area is as hot as a baking oven, and the asphalt is even worse. After a shopping trip to Amazon, he decided on Carlisle tires. He has Carlisle tires on his UTVs, so getting more of the family involved was like putting them on his ATV trailer. LOAD CAPACITY: The load index for this tire is a D rating, so it has eight ply of protection, which will do for nearly all trailer uses. SIDEWALL PROTECTION: The sidewalls are made with a scuff zone of sorts; it’s the area where the raised lettering sits, so that will rub the curb first and not damage the sidewall as fast. HIGHWAY TREAD DESIGN: The tread is closed, like a highway tread tire. The close tread is quiet and puts much rubber contact on the road. LONG-TERM RELIABILITY: The Carlisle tires pull behind the truck very smoothly and evenly. The close tread design does keep the howl at a minimum, and the extreme heat for the black top in that area of the state has had zero impact on the tires. To this date, he has not had an issue with the tires loading up with mud on the back roads and having the trailer get sideways on the trails. Get it from Amazon now: $142.96 & FREE Returns 3. eCustomRim - Best Trailer Tire & Wheel Combo KEY TAKEAWAY: Cheap combo made getting the old flatbed road-ready easy. WHY I BOUGHT THEM: I gave my neighbor by the cabin an old flatbed trailer to haul his 4-wheeler behind his camper trailer. This old trailer was somewhat of a left; he needed it more than I needed to move stuff around it. As usual with little flatbed trailers, the tires were flat. So, like standard rednecks, we loaded up the air compressor, filled the tires, and hauled them down the road. What we found were tires that were rotted away on the sidewalls and off the rims. Damn, all the bad luck. So, to fix it, we looked online at the local big box store and just about lost breath on the price tag for one tire and rim combo. We took a chance, looked at the stuff on Amazon, and found the deal of a lifetime. TIRE SIZE: The little trailer wears the five-lug 13-inch tires that almost all little flatbeds have. This eCustomRim set has two mounted tires on white rims, which is the standard. They arrived in two days, delivered to the front door. The only thing that we needed to do was get them balanced at the local shop. TIRE PRESSURE CHECK: One thing I have to say is to check the pressure; when these mounted tires are shipped all over the place with different temperatures, elevations, etc., the pressure will be off. MONEY-SAVING TIP: With the price of this pair of tires and rims less than one from the big box store, I would suggest buying two sets and keeping one on the trailer spare mount and one in the shed out of the sun. If possible, get a set of tire and wheel covers to keep the sidewalls from rotting away. I plan to order a few sets to put on the flatbed I use, then put a couple in the shed rafters to save them for later. LOAD RANGE C: The 13-inch tires are rated at load range C and have six-ply of protection, which is standard for small tires. SPEED RATING: They have an M speed rating, so they will fight heat and wear like champions. LIMITATIONS: As with all the pre-mounted tire and rim sets, they are not radial tires but bias ply and will have an around tread section for ground contact. This can lead to a trailer feeling a little squirrely. If the load is light, you will not have a problem; if you need to haul heavy loads, you may want to look into radial tires for more ground contact and a smoother ride. Get it from Amazon now: $165.97 & FREE Returns 4. Free Country - Best Radial Trailer Tires KEY TAKEAWAY: Radial construction made the trailer pull smoother on highways. CARGO TRAILER USE: It's the perfect tire for a cargo trailer. After putting some Free Country on my enclosed cargo trailer, I put a set of these on my ATV trailer. The tread design is great for peeling off water after a rainstorm or melting snow, as we are good here in Utah. Also, they fight the heat from the “oven-like” summers and burn the skin off pavements around here. REAL-WORLD ABUSE: The tread design is great, and Free Country always puts a scuff guard ring on the sidewalls. Whenever I put this trailer on the curb, I still rub the tires on the curb, even with the mirrors out, and use the curved mirrors to keep it off the curb. I never miss. It's my superpower. LOAD RANGE D: The load index is rated as D, meaning this is an 8-ply tire and very tough. SPARE TIRE PLANNING: This time, I remembered to get one for the spare, and now I think I may need to get another one to put two spares on the ATV trailer. The roads that get hauled down will beat the hell out of tires and trailer suspension. I only wish Free Country would make some ATV tires as well. HEAVY USE DURABILITY: The tread style is great for highways as well as dirt roads. The sidewall protection provided is one of the most valuable things I see with this tire for heavy-use trailers. RADIAL TIRE BENEFITS: The tire has true radial construction, putting more tire tread contact with the road, and the way the trailer pulls, it is evident this is the way to go. SPEED RATING: The tire is speed rated at an M-rating, which basically means it is safe to pull the trailer at 80 mph without heating the tire and risking a blowout. Speed ratings on trailer tires are usually overlooked and can lead to some catastrophic failures at highway speeds. Get it from Amazon now: $149.97 & FREE Returns 5. Carlisle - Best Bias Ply Trailer Tires KEY TAKEAWAY: Built for rough back roads, heavy use, and utility trailers. TRAILER COMPATIBILITY: Built more for abuse and rough roads than smooth highway towing. BIAS-PLY CONSTRUCTION: It is a bias-ply tire made to be tough as nails, not smooth as glass, on the freeway. A bias-ply tire will be a bit “bouncy” as it pulls behind the truck. INTENDED USE: If you are looking for affordable tires to sit under your little flatbed, which is used mostly to haul loads to the landfill, then an ATV to the trails, and later help your brother move a refrigerator, this tire choice is great. However, if you need new tires to haul for a distance, lots of highway miles, or with a load that needs to have as smooth a trip as possible, this may not be the choice. CABIN TRAILER USE: I have a small flatbed trailer I keep at the cabin for doing the stuff I talked about, and this tire will work like they were sent from up on high. COST VALUE: Each tire cost just over fifty bucks, so to outfit the trailer with two on the ground and one spare for barely over one hundred fifty bucks. But, the one thing to consider when buying tires from online dealers (Amazon) is that you will need to pay a place to put them on the rim and balance them. Many folks around the cabin area do not balance their trailer tires. I understand saving money, but the wear and tear on tires without balancing will require buying new tires sooner, and that will cost more than balancing at a tire shop. TREAD DESIGN: The tread pattern is designed to put as much rubber contact as possible. The pattern will not do well flinging out mud or snow to haul in bad road conditions; that is not to say they will not work as trailer tires; just be sure you look at the long-term use of the trailer and the tires you decide to put on it. MATERIAL STRENGTH: These tires are made for resisting abuse. The sidewalls are strong, the tread is tough, and they seem to resist the weather rotting better than most. So speaking from my personal experience with these tires, I can confidently say that the sidewalls keep holding up and staying safe. LONG-TERM RELIABILITY: The two horse trailers that live around here have had the same tires for what seems like decades and never had a problem. In another trailer, many folks use this tire on their boat tires. Again, after getting submerged in water, they are hauled home to sit on the RV pad until next year. LIMITATIONS: Remember, this tire is a bias ply tire, not great for cross-country travel, and may have an issue with prolonged temperatures from many miles and high rates of speed. The tread is designed to fight bad weather, almost like a truck tire tread. This tire will not gum up with mud and snow, so that will throw mud and stuff all over the items in the trailer. You will want to tarp the UTV to keep the rocks from pounding it but getting an ATV covered in mud makes it look cool on the way home. OVERALL VALUE: For the price and toughness of this tire, get a bunch of them, then get a bunch of rims, or use the ones on the trailer now. You should be set for nearly a lifetime, avoid the rotted tires and take a chance pulling the trailer somewhere, get a new set, put them on, and go safely to play in the backcountry. Get it from Amazon now: $149.66 & FREE Returns 6. Hykolity - Best Trailer Tires for Boat Trailers KEY TAKEAWAY: Construction really feels built for heavy boat trailer use. BUILD QUALITY: If you need trailer tires that give a retro look, this maker is right on the money. When someone says trailer tires, this is the tire that will auto-pop into your head. The tire will look like a bias ply tire, mostly due to the sidewalls, but they are radial tires. The radial ply is half steel and half nylon. The tires have a scuff area on the sidewall as well. The tread surface is flat and will have great contact with the road. BOAT TRAILER USE: I see most boat trailers wearing tires made this way, and many of those tires are old. This tire will last until it rots away and falls off the rim. With a nylon wrap over the radial belts that cover the entire tread area, it will fight rough roads and sharp rocks for many years. INSTALLATION: With this super stiff design, the tires will be difficult to mount. Even when using the strap around the tread method, they will still be stiff and hard to mount. If you plan on mounting them at home, this tire is not the one to choose. Get them delivered, then take them to the store and have them use all the high-speed mounting gear. You will need to have them balanced at that store anyway, so you may as well get the mount and balance combo deal. VALUE FOR MONEY: They're cheap, so you get what you pay for. There are better options, obviously, even for the same price. But they really are decent tires. I mean, they get the job done. so if affordability is your priority, this is a really good deal. Get it from Amazon now: $74.99 & FREE Returns

Are you in the market for the best all season performance tires? If so, I’ve rounded up the best options for the money. Here's some hands-on reviews. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Before we begin, here are a few tips. When you buy tires from Amazon, you can have them shipped to your home, work, or a selected service center. Also, if your truck is pulling trailers, check out my heavy-duty trailer tires review. With that out of the way, here's my personal ranking of the best all-season tires, along with hands-on reviews. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Fullway - Best Budget All-Season Tires KEY TAKEAWAY: Shockingly smooth and quiet for such cheap all-season tires. WHY I BOUGHT THEM: I went to the local tire shop, and they gave me a heavy price tag for these all-season tires. I have an older car too, and it's heavy and requires some tires that are not standard anymore. I am not saying it is impossible or hard to find; they usually don't have them in the store to make room for the more popular sizes. So like everyone in the world, I went to see if Amazon sells tires, mostly because I was pissed off at the price, and they deliver right to my front door. I have not heard of this brand, but when they want to sell me four tires for the price of two, how can I not take that chance and save that pile of money? DELIVERY: I'm very impressed with the shipping and the delivery. Three days later, the Amazon driver left them in my driveway. INSTALL LOGISTICS: One issue about doing this is I have to take them to the shop that quoted me the higher price and have them mounted and balanced. The other issue is that if I did not have a pick-up to haul the tires to the shop, I would have to take them two at a time so they would fit in the trunk. VALUE: After getting them mounted, I found the tires quiet and handled smoothly. So for the price and the way they perform, get them. They are fantastic! Just make sure there is a way to get them to the shop or change the delivery address. Then let the shop know, and have them delivered to their door. EARLY DURABILITY: After checking out the tread depth, I do not want to get the other brands for the local guys. The smooth nature of the drive makes them my favorite. I have not put many miles on them yet, but they don't look like I have driven to Vegas and back. I need some shiny finish on the sidewalls, which will look brand new again. Get it from Amazon now: $338.93 & FREE Returns 2. CROSSMAX - Best All-Season Tires for SUVs KEY TAKEAWAY: Rode way smoother and quieter than expected. DELIVERY: I had these tires delivered to a shop, and my sister dropped off my dad's SUV to get new shoes. I had the Amazon driver drop them off at the shop, and everyone was sure these were bargain-budget junk. I know that’s what the guys at the shop thought, because that’s what they told her. COST SAVINGS: What we learned, all of us, was that some great deals and products can be bought from Amazon and not only from the tire store. Comparing the prices of Amazon and Shop Tires is about double. The shop wanted nearly twice as much for comparable tires. The thing to consider is the shop will have a well-known name, and the stuff from Amazon is relatively unknown. BUILD QUALITY: I went with the less expensive one for a car that does not leave town and puts on about 500 miles a year. Notice I did not say cheap. The quality of Crossmax tires is fantastic. So far, we have not had any snow to practice in, but for wet surfaces and highway travel, the tires deliver more value than price. RIDE SMOOTHNESS: The technicians at the shop told me to keep an eye out for whatever it's called for the balance. From what they told me, they used very little and sometimes no counterweights and were worried that the car would bounce and wobble all the way home. We drove it home, smooth and glass, then went to the back roads, and the same thing happened. We later took the car on the highway, which was still soft and quiet. Get it from Amazon now: $98.99 & FREE Returns 3. Summit - Best All-Season Tires for Minivans KEY TAKEAWAY: Wet road grip seriously surprised me for a budget minivan tire. WHY I BOUGHT THEM: Since I had such good luck getting it from Amazon, it was time to try another set. This time, it was my mom's minivan. Her van does not haul around a ton of kids all day, so the weight was not a factor to consider. This car gets about 1200 miles a year in a busy year. PRICE: The prices are so much more affordable that every car needing new tires will be an experiment. ROAD NOISE LEVEL: This set was pretty standard for noise. If I had a car that needed to be the company car and lots of phone talk from the front seat, these may not be the answers. WET WEATHER GRIP: The wet road rating in my unscientific testing was remarkable. MINIVAN USE: Note, I'm talking about a minivan, not the car in the photo. So I don't know if it can hold a corner at speed because I don't want to get the mom's hand against the back of my head. BALANCING ISSUES: Unlike other Amazon tire finds, this set is complex to balance. So far, we are on our third visit to get them balanced. At this rate, the price of the shop tires is getting nearer, and Amazon tires do not have a warranty at the shop, so that issue may become a thing later. After a thousand miles, the balance thing seems to be gone. I think they were not round and had to get the high spots worn down; that is my guess. SPEED RATING: A review states that this tire is rated 160+ miles per hour. I will take their word for it; I have zero desire to go that fast in Mom's minivan, and I will not test this claim. COLD WEATHER PERFORMANCE: We are in December now, and the temps are getting cold. From reports from mom, the van does excellent, has no flat spotting feel, and grips like a champ on the way to her volunteer shift at the hospital. That drive is about three miles, and the tires run like a champ before she leaves the neighborhood. Get it from Amazon now: $109.99 & FREE Returns 4. Milestar - Best All-Season Tires for Sports Cars KEY TAKEAWAY: Aggressive tread looks sporty but doesn’t whine on the highway. TREAD DESIGN: These went on the hot road and looked cool no matter what, when the car did not have a muffler or anything that resembled one. On top of looking great, they perform perfectly while looking cool - the best of both worlds. WEATHER PERFORMANCE: As far as weather performance is concerned, these vehicle tires tires work better than the ones worn out at 25K miles, which did not have anything to do with the right foot. I have tires for smoking and doing dumb things, but the cruise tires keep the sheet metal in good shape and don't get tickets from hanging out past the fenders. DELIVERY: Amazon delivered these tires to my door (Prime) with no shipping charge, but since I live in Utah, I did get taxed... Ugh... INSTALL COST: The local shop was as interested in this experiment as I was. They dropped the mount and balance price from 42 bucks each to 18 bucks each, so that was good news. I am sure they may soon have a new line of tires on the showroom floor. GRIP & CONTROL: These tires grip the road up the canyon like glue, much better than the others. Canyon cruising is the best part of hot rodding, in my opinion. Since I have to pay for all the repairs and am too old and fat to crawl around the car, I have learned to look and appreciate, leaving the racing to the ones who constantly have time, energy, and money to fix them. That is not to say that, sometimes, the young in me forgets the price or repairs, and I have to smoke a rice rocket to feel better. LONG TERM PLANS: I plan on getting another set of these and putting them in the garage rafters for later. I don't know if I will wear these out on the hot rod, but if I do, I want the exact same thing going on the rims. The part I like the most is the look of the tread. It is aggressive enough to look tough but not make a whining noise as I move down the road. I only need tire noise to work against the exhaust, and may go nuts. Get it from Amazon now: $143.95 & FREE Returns 5. Hankook - Best Quiet All-Season Tires KEY TAKEAWAY: Made the Navigator ride smooth and quiet like a luxury SUV should. WHY I CHOSE HANKOOK: I had a set of Hankook tires on my Genesis sedan and loved everything about them. So when the expensive tires wore out on the Navigator, I went with what I knew and am very happy. The local big tire shop around here stopped carrying Hankook, and that pisses me off. So I went where everyone goes to find a set and ended up on Amazon, and boom! There they were, so I had a set delivered to my door. RIDE COMFORT: I have this set on my Navigator, and let me tell you, the truck rides like a Lincoln should. The tires are smooth and quiet, and the traction on wet roads is impressive and solid. The truck handles canyon bends and long drives to Vegas like it was custom-designed for that machine. SNOW USE: I can tell everyone that the Hankook tires will handle the snow well. Now, you need to understand this is an expensive car. I drive it like it's expensive to fix, so take my last argument with a grain of salt. I do not have this set of tires on the F350 that I drive in the snow like I have something to prove. And hell-bent on not losing to the muddy roads uphill, this tread pattern is not the one for that truck. BRAKING: Stopping on wet pavement results in straight-line braking. The tires seem to grab the same on wet or dry conditions. I don't have any issues with braking in my car with the 4-wheel ABS, but these tires have never slipped or spun under acceleration, for that matter. LONG-TERM LOYALTY: Since I bought the Navigator, I have put on just over 35k miles. The tires will be replaced, as they were on the car when I got it. I am very happy with the Hankook brand of tires and plan to keep them on this car and my wife's Aviator when the stock tires from the dealer wear out. Get it from Amazon now: $79.54 & FREE Returns 6. Vercelli Strada - Best All-Season Tires for Highway Driving KEY TAKEAWAY: Highway ride stayed smooth even after long Utah road trips. WHY HE SWITCHED FROM PIRELLI: My old boss owns a Porsche SUV. The thing is, he got tired of paying ridiculously high prices for replacement Pirelli tires. So, after seeing the prices on Amazon, he decided to give these Vercelli Strada tires a try. If these wear out, he'll probably buy another set before going back to Pirelli. ALIGNMENT ISSUES: The old boss's family owns the property by my cabin; I know the small world. After a trip down there to check on the property, we think something happened to the alignment on the rear of his car. That thing eats tires, and no one at the shop can find the problem. That is when he started looking into cheap tires on Amazon to have the car working. At the same time, someone eventually found the problem and fixed it. PORSCHE CAYENNE USE: The Porche's tires look very sporty. I think it's called a Porsche Cayenne, but my fingers ache when I spell that, so it will just be referred to as a car. Now, to make a point here, the Vercelli Strada tires are not going to perform and hold up to punishment like the stock tires, but for the price of these tires and no need to street race, they have lasted him quite a time. They will be the go-to for the cheaper tires in that household. DELIVERY SPEED: The tires ship very fast. They arrived here in Utah almost overnight. Well, it's probably two-day shipping, not too shabby. When I had to order tires from the tire shop, they took a week or two to come to the same distance. Again, I had to make a plan to have them put on the car, and so did he; that was the only hang-up in the whole deal. Well, the tire mounting and the broken something that keeps eating tires. SIDEWALL DESIGN: The sidewalls of the tires have a sort of raised decoration on them. In contrast, the ones on the car are a checkered flag-looking thing, so if anyone has a rice rocket, this manufacturer may be right up your alley. WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE: The tires perform nicely and smoothly and do well in the rain. So far, we have not tried them out in the snow, but the tread pattern appears to handle that with no problems. Get it from Amazon now: $101.90 & FREE Returns 7. Lexani - Best Rain Performance Tires KEY TAKEAWAY: Wet highway grip felt almost like driving on dry pavement. DELIVERY: The tires arrived at the tire shop in less than a week; I went to my appointment and had them mounted and balanced. I stopped off to buy some gas, a Diet Coke, and Cheetos (poison and antidote) and headed east to Wyoming; my cigars had been delivered to my brother, and I needed to get them. WET GRIP: This tire lives to perform in the rain. The day these were put on the car, I set out from the tire shop to drive to Wyoming. It began to rain, and it meant it that day. The tires never wavered or lacked performance. The car felt like it was on dry pavement, but now, if the windshield wipers also worked. LONG DISTANCE USE: Along I80, the semi-truck will cause depressions in the road, and water will settle in the ruts. Hydroplaning is a common bugger in the rain, but not with these tires and my grown-up attitude for driving on wet roads and keeping it at about 60mph. When I went off the highway, the surface roads were wet, some corners were tight, and I had new tires to test. WET CORNERING GRIP: When I hit the curves at 35mph, I had to fix the car and pay hospital bills to do anything crazy; they stuck like glue to the wet pavement. OVERALL FEEL: On the way back from Wyoming, the road was dry, and the tires felt and worked the same. The weird thing is, it felt the same; it felt like the road was not wet a few days before. This type of tire had me in trouble when I was younger, and my confidence was bigger than my tire's ability to stick to wet pavement. So, for anyone thinking of driving nuts when they get the rain fighter tires, make sure to leave the kids at home, just in case. The tires have a great, aggressive black wall look and perfectly fit the wheel. Get it from Amazon now: $107.96 & FREE Returns 8. Hankook - Best Long-Lasting All-Season Tires KEY TAKEAWAY: After 10K miles, the tread still barely looked worn. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I did not think an aggressive-looking tread could be this quiet until I tried out the V2. These tires went on a project car my nephew is building, so the size is a bit harder to find sitting on the shelf. But a quick look on Amazon, and there they sat. Now they are on the wheels and getting miles on them. HANDLING LIMITATIONS: The one thing about these grippy and inexpensive tires is that the sidewalls are unsuitable for the street scene. The car feels a little soft in the corners, so that is one thing to consider for a rice rocket hat rod. This set of tires is the way to go for a minivan or a commuter car. DURABILITY: The tires are rolling at about 10k miles, and the wear looks like the week after they were mounted. And that is for a kid that likes to screw around and do some street activities. I am impressed with the wearability of the V2. The noise and traction are great, and they did well in Utah's rainy, wet road season for two weeks. Snow season is coming, and I hope they continue to impress. UNEXPECTED USES: When researching this tire set, I read one review that mentioned someone putting one on his motorcycle. I did not know that was a thing; according to his review, it was his best idea. If this makes sense to anyone, check with the bike manufacturer first to ensure this is safe. If it is OK to do this, I cannot recommend Hankook tires any higher, and I love them. Get it from Amazon now: $99.99 & FREE Returns 9. Goodyear - Best All-Season Tires for Snow KEY TAKEAWAY: Ideal for snowy commutes without needing full winter tires. DELIVERY: Like the remaining Amazon tires, they were delivered within a few days. FACTORY-LIKE FIT: This set of tires looks like they came stock on the car. The car is 12 years old and rides better now that the TBB tires are under it. EVERYDAY TRACTION: This site is not a go-up-the-canyon-to-ski snow tire; it is a get-to-work snow tire and does a fantastic job doing that. The TBB tires have a soft and forgiving ride. They will make an economy car feel like a luxury car and handle it like one. TREAD LIFE CONCERNS: This tire has no mileage guarantee, making me a little suspicious. I hope the rubber is not so soft they wear off in a year or so hard they wear off like a pencil eraser on paper. So far, they look just like all the other tires, dirty and needing a car wash, but the tread still looks excellent. NOISE: The tires roll down the freeway and make little road noise. I'll admit there is some noise, but it's not annoying, and there is nothing a little Chris LeDoux can't cover. LONG-TERM VALUE: Regarding the price and age of this car, I will probably order some new ones when they wear out unless that is sooner than I want it to. Unless the kid down the street comes to buy this car for college, I hope and pray they last for four years so he can focus on school and not the shoes for his car. Of course, I need the lawn mowed and snow shoveled in the winter. Maybe a trade can be made if they wear out too soon. Get it from Amazon now: $181.49 & FREE Returns

I’m a small-town girl who spends plenty of time at the range, so I can’t live without a stack of comfortable hoodies in my closet. Here’s my hands-on ranking. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Carhartt - Best Hoodie for Windy Weather KEY TAKEAWAY: Great fit (and really cool signature logo on the sleeve). SIZE & FEEL: Love this hoodie! I’m a small gal at 5’3’’ but it looks nice on me. Actually better than just 'nice'. Look, I’m a petite woman, The 'S' (small) size was good. It fit really well. That's what I mean. OUTDOOR COMFORT: It's nice to have a good hoodie that keeps me warm, even in strong winds. VALUE: I bought it when it wasn't even on sale, and I wasn’t disappointed. LONG-TERM USE: this hoodie has held up through multiple washes and countless wears outside. It’s really very high quality and works great for me. I'm sure it will feel soft for years to come... (at least, I hope so). Get it from Amazon now: $59.99 & FREE Returns 2. Victoria's Secret - Best Fleece Hoodie for Women KEY TAKEAWAY: Relaxed-fit is perfect for all-day wear. SIZE & FIT: Wasn’t sure whether to get this hoodie or not. Bought one for my granddaughter. It’s great! She has a size Small. MANUFACTURING CHANGES: You can really tell that it’s made in America, which was surprising. However, if you order now, the current batch is not made here... Disappointing! DURABILITY: It’s also surprisingly tough, even in terrible weather and after numerous washes. I live in Minnesota and needed something warm, and this definitely fits the bill without breaking the bank. LONG-TERM DURABILITY: It has held up for a few months and many washes. It’s really very very high quality. So if you’re wondering whether to go for this or not, I think you should just do it! It seems to be quite durable. Get it from Amazon now: $52.95 & FREE Returns 3. Aelfric Eden - Best Graphic Hoodie for Women KEY TAKEAWAY: Really cool look with jeans and sneakers. COMFORT & FEEL: I can’t recommend this hoodie enough, like everything else Aelfric Eden makes. But this hoodie might even be better than what I’ve come to expect from them. It’s great for those cold days, and not too bulky for warm days. GIFTING FEEDBACK: After I got this one for myself, I got one for my sister and another for my daughter. I loved the designs so I got them each one. They both look great in them! ORDER EXPERIENCE: Ordering was really easy and the hoodie was delivered quickly. No issues. Love it. VALUE: They look good and are comfy, soft, and affordable. FAVORITE COLOR: If I buy another for myself, I’ll go for the pale-blue one. I love it! Get it from Amazon now: $67.95 & FREE Returns 4. Ariat - Best Hoodie for Cold Weather KEY TAKEAWAY: Will keep you warm in cold weather. DURABILITY: If you’re in the Northeast or anywhere else that gets really cold, you need this hoodie. Seriously, it’s comfy, durable, and warm. Wear it inside, outside, whatever. WASHING NOTES: You can wash it as many times as you wish without worrying about it shrinking. It really is of solid quality. BRAND IMPRESSION: My whole family loves this brand. Ariat also have really hot cowboy boots that we got. GIFTING FEEDBACK: This hoodie is also makes a great gift. I bought one for my mom without knowing if she would like it or not. She loves it! So if you’re not sure what to get for one of your family members, you’ll have success with one of these hoodies. Get it from Amazon now: $44.95 & FREE Returns 5. The North Face - Best Plus-Size Hoodie KEY TAKEAWAY: Extra-long sleeves are an fantastic plus. VERSATILITY: Can report that these hoodies work for both genders and all different kinds of bodies. I got one for myself and one for my son a few years ago, and both have lasted this long without any issues. FIT: My son is sporty with a thin build and wears an M without problems. I’m a bit bigger and usually don’t feel confident in sweatshirts, but I really like this hoodie. It’s comfortable and looks good on me. LONG-TERM SATISFACTION: No complaints from either of us. Will be wearing these hoodies for hopefully even more years! Get it from Amazon now: $60.00 & FREE Returns 6. Columbia - Best Oversized Hoodie for Women KEY TAKEAWAY: 100% Cotton delivers maximum comfort. OVERSIZED FIT: These hoodies are pretty roomy, especially if you’re a woman. You may want to consider sizing down. I’m usually an L or even XL, but I went for an L on this hoodie and it looks really good. INDOOR & OUTDOOR: I wear it both around the house and outside and love how I look in it. BOUGHT A SECOND ONE: I got another one in brown. They’re on constant rotation in the Nebraska cold. Thanks, Colombia. I love both hoodies. THICKNESS & FEEL: These hoodies are thick enough to be comfortable and warm, but not so thick that they’re bulky and annoying. Get it from Amazon now: $52.80 & FREE Returns

Whether you’re shooting at the range, driving your truck, or just relaxing at home, these are my favorite hoodies for comfort and everyday wear. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Champion - Best Everyday Hoodie KEY TAKEAWAY: The standard-fit really provides all-day comfort. COMFORT & DURABILITY: If you’re like me, you’ve probably been looking for a solid hoodie for some time now. My search is finally over! This is not only affordable and comfortable, but also really durable. WHY I PREFER IT: I have a lot of friends who are big fans of Supreme hoodies, but I personally prefer this one. I’m telling you, this hoodie is great for those cold days where you want to just stay warm while going out. The fabric feels nice and cozy, kind of like a bear hug, and I would recommend this over Hanes or Carhartt. Or even Supreme. Thank you, Champion. You did well. WINTER USE: It’s winter now, and this hoodie is great if you want to keep warm, or just wear it as an extra layer on those really cold days out here in Montana. But I also love it on sunny winter days. LONG-TERM SATISFACTION: I don’t have much to add. I mean, there’s not so much going on with this hoodie. It’s just a hoodie, but it really nails a simple look while fitting perfectly. I can add that I think Champion did a great job, as this is both affordable and durable. That’s why I got a second one, in the same color as the first one. I never change a winning horse. Get it from Amazon now: $50.00 & FREE Returns 2. Carhartt - Best Hoodie for Cold Weather KEY TAKEAWAY: The handwarmer pocket size is just perfect! DESIGN NOTES: Being a tall guy can make looking for clothes a bit of a pain. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Most hoodies just really don’t seem to fit right on my body, and some of them even hurt my ears while I pull them over my head. Thankfully, this hoodie is one that I don’t have any complaints about. It fits, it keeps me warm no matter the season, and it comes with a pocket big enough for all of my stuff. That’s all I can really ask for! I got it a month ago, and I love it. SIZE & COMFORT: The size XL gives me a roomy fit while also making me look slimmer. Should I stock my closet with even more of these hoodies? Maybe if Carhartt gives me a discount on my next purchase. Just kidding. It’s not cheap but it’s really totally affordable. GIFTING NOTES: I really recommend this Carhartt hoodie as the perfect gift. I snagged one for my girlfriend, and she loves it. She kept wearing mine when she was over, so I needed a second. I got her the L size. She says it’s a seriously warm hoodie. She always uses it on those cold days. It’s been perfect so far. DAILY WEAR: We shoveled snow in it while it was 15 degrees out. I was sweating a lot! Yeah, it’s seriously that warm. And my girlfriend was sweating too. It’s also long enough that it will keep you covered when you bend over. So that’s really nice when out in the cold. Personally, I’ve been wearing it with jeans and boots, but you could wear it however. Get it from Amazon now: $64.99 & FREE Returns 3. Ariat - Best Hoodie for Big Guys KEY TAKEAWAY: Different prints and colors are really amazing. FIT & SIZE: I’m pretty tall and lanky, so finding clothing that actually fits me is generally a pretty major challenge. However, this hoodie fit me as soon as I put it on. I mean, it actually fits me. At 6’2’’, the 2XL has just enough room to be plenty cozy. Plus, you really can’t argue with that price. PRINT DESIGNS: I’m a Star Wars fanatic, so I always love crazy prints, even when they have nothing to do with Star Wars. QUALITY: I’m also a big fan of sturdy material. So that's another reason that makes me argue that this is an excellent hoodie. I was initially kind of wary about buying one because of some of the negative reviews, but I’m really glad I decided to give Ariat a try. It has a perfectly sized neck opening and thick, and comfortable material throughout. LONG-TERM USE: It’s been 6 months and I still recommend this hoodie. It’s great if you’re a slightly bigger guy. I’ve also got big shoulders. The 2XL works great for me, and the way it fits me reminds me of those hoodies they used to make back in the day. It’s really warm for how thick it is, and I can tell it’s gonna last a long time. Two thumbs up. Thank you, Ariat - I didn't even know you had hoodies. I also got boots from you which are really awesome, but that's another story. I'll add another update if I'll have more to say. Get it from Amazon now: $63.95 & FREE Returns 4. Niepce Inc - Best Oversized Hoodie KEY TAKEAWAY: Heavyweight but cut in relaxed-fit. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The way I got it and looked it over - listen - I opened up this package as soon as it came because I was so excited to try it on. I was excited about touching that embroidered part and I wasn’t disappointed! QUALITY: Two words: high quality. That’s really all I gotta say. This hoodie is so soft that you can just wear it without a shirt. It really is that comfortable. I’m really happy with it. Hope to wear it for years. It’s super comfortable, and it feels quite durable as well. The embroidered part is really awesome! I love it. FIT & SIZE: Generally speaking, it has a really nice, loose fit. Arms aren’t too long or tight. They feel just right. Looking forward to wearing it any time I need something to warm me up a bit. TALL FIT: This hoodie is pretty much perfect for my body. I’m really tall (6’5’’), and it’s been super hard to find good clothing that I can wear outside and still feel warm in. It’s also not easy to find clothing that doesn’t look like what everybody else is wearing. This finally checks all the boxes for me! I can actually move around like normal without worrying that my skin will get exposed to the elements. LONG-TERM QUALITY: Looking forward to wearing this hoodie for a long time, because I can tell it’s high quality. Give this brand a try if you never have before. I never even heard of it. I've been talking to a lot of people and everybody says it's incredibly durable and that it really lasts for years. Get it from Amazon now: $54.99 & FREE Returns 5. The North Face - Best Hoodie for Hiking KEY TAKEAWAY: Extra long sleeves. OUTDOOR USE: Hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts: listen up. I’ve been around the block when it comes to hoodies, and I can safely say that this is the finest I’ve ever put on. It really does the job when I’m out hiking in the cold, but I can also wear it inside with my family without getting too hot (or looking like I just returned from the woods). HOME USE: Also, if you’re just looking for something soft and comfortable to wear around the house, you can’t go wrong here. The quality and fit are great. LONG TERM USE: Well… I did get another one. And I’m still a big The North Face fan. I’ll tell you why. Their stuff is high quality, and it lasts for a long time. You don’t need to worry about buying something from them and having it wear down quickly. Me and my son are both rocking this hoodie, and it’s been great even in really cold weather. We aren’t big fans of the fact that the hoodie is a bit long, but that’s really our only complaint. Get it from Amazon now: $60.00 & FREE Returns 6. Levi's - Best Big & Tall Hoodie KEY TAKEAWAY: Also available in Big & Tall. FIT & SIZING: If you like to spend time outside or if you just have an athletic build, this is a great hoodie for you. I’m a bodybuilder (or at least I think I am), so lots of clothing doesn’t fit me too well. But this is great for my build (5’11’’, 165 pounds). Don’t worry if you’re a tall guy like me (yes, I consider myself tall, or at least taller than the average). I’ve always had trouble finding hoodies that actually fit me in the arms, but Levi's are great for us big dudes. Your girl will even wanna wear it whenever you’re not. It’s that good. EVERYDAY USE: I also just love how warm and cozy it is. Perfect for the outdoors. Perfect for the gym. Perfect for hanging around my back yard. Even perfect to sleep in. WINTER USE: It’s been freezing out here, so my update refers to cold weather. You know you gotta have layers when it’s cold, right? So this hoodie is definitely good for layering with other clothes to keep warm. QUALITY: If you’ve ever bought anything from Levi's, you already know the quality here. If not, prepare for a nice surprise. Have fun everybody. I got nothing else to add. And Levi's, if you’re reading this, can you please make a hoodie that is 100% cotton and not just 80%? Thank you. Get it from Amazon now: $44.99 & FREE Returns 7. Timberland - Best Work Hoodie KEY TAKEAWAY: Hidden cellphone insert. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: There’s something you should know about me. I’m a bit of a hoodie connoisseur, so I really know my stuff when it comes to hoodies, and I am pretty much always wearing one. That makes me a bit picky. I bought this hoodie just a few weeks ago and I can safely say that Timberland has a real winner here. VALUE FOR MONEY: It’s SUPER affordable, and it manages to work well in all different kinds of weather and temperatures. It also goes amazingly well with jeans, which is what I normally wear everywhere, even around the house. FIT & WEIGHT: It’s been a few months since I got this hoodie, and only thing I can add is that it’s still perfect. Got a size XL and it fits me perfect. For reference, I’m 5’10’’ and about 183 pounds. WORK USE: I wear it while working and it does its job. I work HVAC and switch between indoors and outdoors frequently. It keeps me warm even while it's snowing. Yup. You’ll be happy to have this on. LONG-TERM DURABILITY: Really, for the money, you can’t go wrong here. It’s durable even though it's really cheap (and it even looks great). The quality is awesome. I washed it a million times and it still looks and feels great. This one will probably last for years. Get it from Amazon now: $50.00 & FREE Returns

After way too much research, we ranked the best swing sets on Amazon to help you figure out which ones are worth the space, the splurge, and your kid’s energy. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill Cedar - Best for Younger Kids KEY TAKEAWAY: Low height and enclosed fort make it safer for younger kids. WHY I CHOSE IT: When I first started looking for a swing set, I felt a little overwhelmed because there are so many options out there and the price range is all over the place. I spent what felt like forever comparing different ones online, and this was the only set that really made sense for the price and the quality. I did not expect to like it as much as I do, but the moment we opened the boxes and saw how sturdy everything looked, I felt like we picked the right one. It has that solid feel you hope for when you are buying something your kid will climb all over, and it immediately felt like a good choice for our yard. ASSEMBLY PROCESS: I remember the day we put this swing set together because I thought it would be quicker, and then reality hit once the pieces were all over the yard. We had four people helping and it still took us about six hours including the cleanup. We kept a pretty good pace too, with everything laid out on tarps and separated by the letters on the wood and the numbers on the hardware. That setup helped a ton because it kept everyone calm and nobody had to dig around looking for missing parts. The instructions suggested attaching the little base board to the slide first, but that felt strange to me, so we ended up building the slide first and drilling afterward. It was much easier that way and we did not have to measure or guess anything. KID ENGAGEMENT: My three year old lit up the second he realized it was for him, and he has been out there every day since. The little chalkboard surprised me because the chalk shows up ridiculously well on that plastic surface and I kind of wish all chalkboards were made from that material. The rock wall is small and sweet, perfect for a young kid who is just learning how to climb without getting scared. There is plenty of space for him to hide out in the tiny tower or crawl underneath it and turn it into whatever he wants that day. We added a pirate wheel and a pretend telescope just for fun, and he loves those, but the set is already complete without them. SAFETY FEATURES: The thing I appreciate the most as a parent is that this is not one of those giant swing sets that make you hold your breath every time your kid climbs something. It sits low enough to the ground that I can watch him from the sliding door and not worry about big falls. The slide is short enough that he cannot really get into trouble on it. The whole fort is enclosed with wood bars and mesh, so even when he gets excited and moves fast, there is only one open side and he is not going to tumble backwards. I tried the swing myself, and even though it swayed a little and the wood made a few noises, it held me just fine. I am five foot four and around one hundred thirty five pounds and he loved that I could sit with him in the little fort too. My dad is just under two hundred pounds and even he could sit on the swing comfortably, although he did not really swing, he just tested the weight. It handled him without any issue. AGE RANGE: For the price, this set has been a really good investment for us and I can see kids from around two to seven enjoying it without feeling cramped or overwhelmed. After that age it might start feeling a bit small, but for younger kids it hits a really sweet spot. DAILY USE: After seeing how much my son uses this thing and how well it handles daily play, I feel like we made a really smart purchase. It is sturdy, it fits our yard perfectly, and it has just enough little features to keep him busy without being too much to handle. I really like knowing he can climb, swing, or sit up in the tiny fort with me nearby and I do not have to worry the whole time. It just turned into one of those backyard pieces that makes everyday life feel a little more fun. Buy it on Amazon today for: $499.00 with FREE returns 2. KidKraft Appleton - Best for Small Yards KEY TAKEAWAY: Smaller footprint worked perfectly for toddlers without taking over the entire backyard. BACKYARD FIT: When we bought this swing set for our two boys, who were two years old and eight months at the time, I kind of knew it would be on the smaller side, and that is exactly what I wanted. I was not expecting anything close to a public park setup, just something safe and manageable for toddlers. Anything bigger usually jumps straight into that one thousand five hundred dollar territory, and I was not ready for that kind of backyard commitment. This size felt perfect for little kids who just want something to climb, slide, and hang out on without overwhelming them. AGE RANGE: The whole set is meant for younger kids, and I would say it works best for anyone under four foot six and around eighty pounds. It is rated higher than that, up to one hundred ten pounds, but I have a feeling kids that size are probably inside on their phones anyway. For small children though, it hits the sweet spot, especially if you are working with a smaller yard or you just want something simple that still feels sturdy. BUILD MATERIALS: Everything arrived with all the pieces intact and nothing cracked or warped, which was a huge relief. The cedar wood smelled amazing when we opened the boxes, and even though cedar is considered a softwood, these planks felt plenty solid. I noticed the water beaded off of them, so I am pretty sure the wood is treated somehow, and that gives me some peace of mind. I live in Southern California, so my bigger concern is the sun beating down on it all year. I will probably need to stain or seal it before every summer to keep it looking good. INSTRUCTION MANUAL: The instructions were surprisingly organized at the beginning, which made that part feel less stressful. They walked through the tools needed and showed every wood piece and hardware part, all nicely labeled. The hardware came in individual bags, which was great because it meant less digging around. Each page tells you exactly what pieces you need for each step, although I will say the diagrams can be a little tricky. I looked at one page wrong and accidentally mirrored the whole thing, but it ended up fitting my yard better, so I left it that way. ASSEMBLY PROCESS: It took me and a friend around seven hours total, but part of that was an hour of sorting things and then a long lunch break with a couple of beers, which was definitely not the smart choice for assembly. If you stay focused, I think you can build it faster, but it is still a full day project. The tools you need are minimal, mainly a socket wrench with the five sixteenth and half inch drives, plus a power drill. They give you a Robertson bit and you should absolutely use that because it grips perfectly. Most of the holes are pre drilled, but there was one that seemed off and thankfully I had my drill handy. ASSEMBLY TIPS: One thing I learned quickly is that you need a flat area or everything becomes frustrating fast. Sorting the wood pieces by their number groups made a huge difference. We also paired up bolts with their washers and nuts before starting anything, and that saved a ton of time. Do not tighten anything all the way until the very end because you will need the flexibility when you attach the swing portion to the main frame. It takes a little pushing and pulling to get everything lined up. CUSTOMIZATION: I ended up making a few changes to better suit what my boys like to play with. I added a pirate ship wheel, and to make that work, I screwed in a couple of horizontal supports from the outside of the fort instead of the inside. I also removed the chalk wall and replaced it with a rope ladder to give them another way to climb up and down. It made the whole thing feel more open and more fun for them. DURABILITY: This set has been through super hot days and colder weather too, and it has held up really well. We have lived through extreme heat and also those freezing nights where everything gets icy, and it has never warped or cracked on us. If you hose it down now and then, the color stays pretty nice. It even stays put during big winds as long as you stake it into the ground. LONG-TERM VALUE: Considering how affordable, sturdy, and long-lasting this playset is, I feel good about everything it offers, and my boys love it, which is really the only thing that matters to me. Buy it on Amazon today for: $429.99 with FREE returns 3. Backyard Discovery Beach Front Cedar - Best for Ages 2-7 KEY TAKEAWAY: Full price makes the quality harder to justify. PRICE & VALUE: I usually never write product reviews, but when we were trying to decide whether to spend this kind of money on a swing set, I kept relying on other parents who took the time to share their experience. So here I am doing the same thing because I know how much it helps. We paid around five hundred fifty dollars plus tax for this set, and at that price it felt like a solid buy. Now that I see it listed closer to one thousand dollars, I would have been disappointed if we had paid that much because the quality fits the lower price much better. ASSEMBLY: My husband and my dad put it together in about nine hours, and both of them are very comfortable with tools. They had their own power tools and plenty of experience from building things in the past. We downloaded the Bilt app at first, but the written instructions ended up being totally fine. You definitely need proper tools, so that is something to keep in mind before ordering. Once they finished, the whole set looked exactly like the pictures online, and that was such a relief. REALISTIC AGE LIMIT: It is the perfect size for our two year old son, and I can see him getting maybe four more good years out of it. They say it works up to age ten, but I personally think six or seven is probably the realistic cutoff. WOOD QUALITY: The set is made from cedar, and my husband kept saying cedar should last pretty well as long as you take care of it. It is a little soft though, and they cracked quite a few pieces during the build. Thankfully the ones that split were mainly decorative and did not affect the structure. There was a moment when both of us had to climb up into the little fort together to attach the tarp, and the boards actually held our combined weight, but the creaking made me pretty nervous. Even now, when my son asks me to climb up there with him, the boards still complain a bit, so I am extra careful. YEARLY MAINTENANCE: One thing they mention is water sealing the set every year. It is not a huge deal, just another small chore that comes with owning a wooden play set. I think it is worth doing if you want it to last, especially in places with strong sun or lots of rain. DAILY PLAY: My son absolutely loves this thing. Every morning when I open the blinds, he sees it and immediately asks to go outside. He plays on it constantly, and especially at his age, it feels like the perfect fit for him. Watching him run straight to it with that excited little face makes the whole purchase worth it. PRICE CONSIDERATIONS: We are really happy with the swing set for the price we paid, and it fits our yard and our son’s age just right. I would definitely keep an eye on the price because it changes a lot, and getting it closer to five hundred fifty dollars made it feel like a smart purchase for us. Buy it on Amazon today for: $899.00 with FREE returns 4. Sportspower Augusta - Best for Toddlers KEY TAKEAWAY: Once anchored down, the set felt stable even during very active play. DELIVERY EXPERIENCE: It arrived about a week ago, and the whole delivery experience was smooth from start to finish. The package showed up right on time, nothing was damaged, and the delivery team even called fifteen minutes before arriving so we would be ready when they pulled up. It instantly felt like one of those purchases you get excited about before you even open the box. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The instructions were almost all pictures, and everything came clearly labeled, which was nice. Some of the wooden pieces took a minute to figure out because a few looked too similar, especially when trying to decide which ones were meant for the left or the right side. Once we got a rhythm though, it made more sense. All the hardware bags were labeled too, so nothing ended up lost in the shuffle. ASSEMBLY PROCESS: The actual build ended up feeling like a little puzzle project, and it was fun to do it with a family member. With the breaks we took, it came together in about four to five hours. The instructions were simple to follow, and even when we got stuck figuring out which board went where, it never felt overwhelming. By the time we tightened the last bolts, the whole thing looked great, and it felt like the time spent was worth it. DAILY USE: Both kids took to it immediately. My two year old loves the size, and even my one year old fits on it comfortably without getting scared. The wood feels solid, and the swings are sturdy enough that I do not worry when they start getting excited and pumping their legs. The slide and the swings are sized perfectly for little ones and made from materials that feel safe and smooth. It is one of those sets that looks simple but really pulls the kids outside every day. SAFETY SETUP: We anchored the swing set before letting the kids loose on it, and that made all the difference. Once it is secured into the ground, the whole structure feels solid and steady. It does not wiggle or shift even when the swings get going. With small kids, that stability makes me relax a lot more while they play. PROS: Everything on the wood is labeled clearly, which helped us move faster. The hardware is labeled too, so nothing is confusing. The quality is surprisingly good for the price we paid. It can actually be built by one person in under three hours if you stay focused. CONS: The packaging could use improvement. Ours arrived without issues, but I can easily see how someone might get a cracked piece or two. My sister ordered the same model later, and she said the instructions need an update. Most of it is clear, but she still had around twenty percent that left her confused, especially when she got to supporting pieces after the tower went up, and she deals with blueprints every day. Mine was easier to follow, so something must have changed. The upgraded model she received had a few quality control problems too. Her main swing beam did not have any holes drilled, which would be a big problem if you do not own a drill with the right bit. One of her plastic rock wall pieces also had a blob of extra plastic blocking the screw hole, so she had to dig that out before attaching it. The grounding mounts could be sturdier. MODEL DIFFERENCES: My version of the set has been a great addition to the yard, even with the things to watch out for on the newer model. It feels sturdy, it looks nice in the garden, and the kids use it nonstop. Just keep in mind that there are different versions floating around. The one we bought was wonderful, but the one my sister got had a few more headaches attached to it. Buy it on Amazon today for: $298.00 with FREE returns 5. Sportspower Arcadia - Best Budget Swing Set KEY TAKEAWAY: Foam padding and chain covers make this feel safer than most budget swing sets. BACKGROUND: We live in a housing community with a pretty small backyard, so I needed something bigger than our old baby swing but still budget friendly and fun enough to keep my kids entertained. Space is tight out there, so size mattered just as much as the price. I wanted something simple, something that would not overwhelm the yard but would still make the kids excited to run outside. INSTALLATION NOTES: My kids dad set up the main frame and the two swings in about an hour to an hour and a half. He added the cup shaped swing after that, which did not take long at all. We held off on the slide for a few days because that one looked a little more complicated, and I needed a minute before tackling it. There were no missing parts, everything lined up the way it was supposed to, and I used the stakes that came with the set to anchor everything. Once it was in the ground, it felt sturdy. BUILD QUALITY: For the price, the quality surprised me in a good way. It is not a luxury swing set and it is definitely not built like the giant playgrounds you see in parks, but for an affordable option, it holds its own. What impressed me was the way they added little safety touches, like chain protectors and foam covers on the bars so the kids are not pinching fingers or banging their heads on bare metal. That kind of detail does not show up often in cheaper sets. REAL-WORLD STABILITY: You cannot pile too much weight on it at once. My kids are two and four, and when both of them get really swinging at the same time, the whole thing starts to lift a little or make those bumps that I remember from when I was a kid. It does not feel unsafe for small children, but you can tell it is meant for lightweight use. My two year old absolutely loves the slide and the circle swing, and he sprints to it the second he gets outside, so it has definitely hit the mark for his age. METAL QUALITY: One of my book club friends had a very different experience with the same swing set. She said it was the cheapest metal swing she has ever owned, and she has bought quite a few over the years for her sons and her grandchildren. Her biggest complaint was the thin metal. The center beam bowed when her thirty one pound granddaughter was swinging. The center bar is not one solid tube, it is two pieces bolted together, and she said it makes awful noises when the kids use it. Her slide also started separating before anyone even slid down it. She has had the set for just over a month and is already worried that the middle beam might pull apart. OVERALL VALUE: For us, this swing set turned out to be a good affordable option and my kids really enjoy it. It was fairly simple to assemble and it fits well in our tiny military housing backyard. It feels sturdy enough for small children, but I would never imagine anything close to five hundred pounds on it even though that is what the company claims. The hardware is pretty cheap, and I will be honest about that. Still, I do not think it is terrible. Sometimes people end up with defective parts, and that can happen with any product. For the price we paid, it has been worth it so far and it has kept my kids outside more than ever, which is really what I hoped for. Buy it on Amazon today for: $219.99 with FREE returns 6. XDP Recreation Free N' Swing - Best for Multiple Kids KEY TAKEAWAY: Even after years of weather and heavy family use, it kept holding up. MULTI-AGE PLAY: My grandkids are two, three, four, and seven, and we have already spent so many hours playing on this swing set together. I honestly did not expect to enjoy it myself, but I even went down the slide a few times and it handled my one hundred seventy five pounds without any trouble. It is definitely not meant for adults, so I would not plan on using the swings, but for the kids, it has been perfect. The teeter totter sits low to the ground, so it only really works well for the little ones, especially the two and three year olds. Still, even with that, the whole set has felt worth the price for the amount of fun it brings. SETUP EXPERIENCE: You do need a separate ground anchor set to keep everything sturdy, and that cost us about thirteen dollars. Once we anchored it, the structure felt much more secure. I compared a few different swing sets before choosing this one, and I kept seeing reviews saying the directions were confusing. At first I thought people were exaggerating because the early steps went smoothly, but once we reached the round swing, I realized everyone had a point. You put a few pieces together, think everything is right, and then find out you have to undo part of it to get the next section aligned. ASSEMBLY TIPS: If you take your time, it becomes much easier. The most important part is fastening those first two beams very securely. It helps to tighten each screw just a little at a time, going back and forth between them so the fit is even. Those two beams are the backbone of the frame, so if they are loose, the whole set will feel weak. We treated every step the same way, tightening slowly and evenly, and the result was a much sturdier frame. Even so, you should still check the screws regularly because they do loosen over time. WEATHER EXPOSURE: When we first built the set, I covered it with a big tarp to keep it protected from the weather. That worked, but it also killed the grass underneath and made the dirt messy, so eventually I stopped covering it and let the grass grow back. Three years later, the set is still standing strong, and even a hurricane did not take it down. Now our one year old is enjoying it too, and it has held up better than I expected. LONG-TERM DURABILITY: This swing set is not the strongest option on the market, but for the price, it has held up well and brought a lot of joy to our family. With the right setup and regular checks on the screws, you can easily get several years of fun out of it. Buy it on Amazon today for: $257.95 with FREE returns 7. Backyard Discovery Lakewood Cedar - Worst Build Quality KEY TAKEAWAY: Cracked wood and constant repairs turned the assembly into a frustrating rebuilding project. OVERVIEW: I went into this play set project really hoping it would be a fun addition for my grandchild, and instead I found myself feeling frustrated almost immediately. The very first board I picked up was cracked straight through, and at that point I did not know how many more broken pieces were waiting in the pile. I took a picture of that first one thinking I would ask for a replacement, not realizing that almost every third piece of wood would end up being cracked or completely broken. I did not even have the patience to photograph all of them because I was too upset with the whole situation. WOOD QUALITY: The quality of the wood is nowhere near what I expected. Even the pieces that arrived intact felt fragile, and no matter how gently we tried to put in screws or bolts, the risk of cracking them was always there. We ended up with multiple pieces that had to be glued back together simply to continue the build, and the ones that were actually structural could not be saved that way, so we had to make new pieces ourselves. It became more of a repair project than a straightforward assembly, and that is not something a buyer should have to deal with. FIT & GAPS: Under the counter on the lower part of the structure, the slats that make up the wall do not fit properly. They were either too small or there were not enough of them, leaving a three quarter inch gap that should not be there. Because the design is meant to look like tongue and groove, you cannot just stretch the pieces to fill the space. On the upper deck, there is another gap close to half an inch, and I am already thinking about trying to fill it with caulk even though that should never be part of the job. When I held the door in place to check the fit, it had a gap of about half to three quarter inch between the door and the frame. My husband is going to help me create a new door frame because the one included is not usable the way it is. STRUCTURAL CONCERNS: We are not even done building the whole thing and we have already replaced pieces that were supposed to hold major parts of the structure. Some boards were too broken to glue, and if we had used them as they were, the whole thing would have been unsafe. Even the pieces we managed to glue still should not have needed that kind of repair right out of the box. It leaves me worried about how long this thing will last once a child is actually climbing on it. INSTRUCTION ISSUES: The instructions are only pictures, and you really need a pretty good imagination to figure out some of the steps. There are no written explanations, just drawings, and some of the drawings are confusing enough that you have to stop and try to guess what they meant. There is a lot of room for error, especially if you have never assembled something like this before. SLIDE DESIGN: I have not even gotten to the slide yet, but the moment I laid out the pieces, I felt uneasy. From the photos online, it looked like one solid piece, but in reality the slide is made from three parts. The two plastic sides seem sturdy enough, but the flexible plastic center that forms the sliding surface feels flimsy. I keep looking at it and imagining a kid trying to slide down it, and all I can think is that it looks like trouble waiting to happen. I will update once we finish that part, but right now I do not feel great about it. SAFETY CONCERNS: My biggest concern is whether this set will even be structurally safe for my grandchild once we finally get it all put together. The amount of patching, fixing, replacing, and reinforcing we have had to do makes me question the whole structure. I want it to be solid, and I want it to be something I can trust, but right now I do not feel confident. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS: The company says these sets are tested and certified to exceed standards and that they are suitable for kids up to twelve years old. They also mention a five year warranty, but I could not find anything in the paperwork explaining how to contact them or what steps to take if something breaks. After everything I have seen while building it, those claims feel hard to believe. OVERALL BUILD QUALITY: I am doing everything I can to make this play set safe and usable, but it has taken a lot of extra work and creativity to get there. I really hope it turns out strong enough for my grandchild to enjoy, but even then, I am not convinced it will last as long as the company says it will. Buy it on Amazon today for: $899.00 with FREE returns

Reviewers are raving about these gummy vitamins from Goli nutrition. They are great for weight loss, better digestion, natural detox and clearer skin. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. So, here’s the deal. After going through several surgeries, I can officially say I hate hospitals, but what do I hate more than that? Well, what comes after you head home. The aftermath was anything but pleasant. Dealing with anesthesia and pain meds left me in a not-so-great state, think brain fog and then just a general blahness of not wanting to get up each day, even after that ended and was out of my system, I still felt ick. I had always heard about the wonders of apple cider vinegar. My mom’s mom, my Nan, swears by it. When she came to visit after my surgery, she pushed the idea back to the forefront of conversation, and yet there was one thing that made me hit the brakes hard. Okay, benefits aside, sounds great and all, but the taste? Nope, couldn’t do it. Then I saw a Goli Apple Cider Vinegar commercial - or rather in the middle of a movie we were watching, my Nan put YouTube on it and played the commercial - and finally I caved. I was still feeling the ick pos surgery and thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?’ Well here I am and I can officially say that this was one of the best decisions ever (that, and teaching my Nan how to use YouTube haha!). Gummy Vitamins by Goli Nutrition KEY TAKEAWAY: Helped reduce bloating, improve digestion, and curb appetite. TASTE: They’re absolutely delicious, and my little boy can attest to that haha. They don’t have that weird aftertaste that some gummies have. Instead, they’re sweet and tangy, almost like candy. The texture is just right - not too chewy, but not too soft either. It’s a small thing, but when you have to take them every day, it makes a big difference. It’s like having a little treat each morning and evening. HUSBAND'S RESULTS: I was so impressed that I convinced my husband to try them, too - and he was even more skeptical than I am, but I think he saw how well I was responding to them, and he also just loves Nan, so it wasn’t too hard to give him the final push to give it a go. He's been on the keto diet and struggled with belly bloat and carb crashes. Since adding the Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy to his routine, he’s noticed a significant reduction in bloating and an increase in energy, and I’ve seen it too–if you know what I mean haha. DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Oh, so let’s talk about all of the results. Before trying out the Goli Apple Vider Vinegar Gummy, I had some major digestive issues and only went to the bathroom once a month. No joke, it was actually part of the reason I had to get my surgeries to begin with. And although the surgeries helped, it wasn’t going to be a cure all end all. And yet as soon as I started taking these gummies, I became regular, sometimes even after every meal! Like whaaaaat! Seriously, a problem that effected me my entire life became alleviated from these little magical gummies. And even better, they don’t taste like typical apple cider vinegar you have to chug down. It’s all painless, quick, and clean. My husband even said my stomach looks flatter, and I’ve been taking them for less than thirty days! I know it’s not just about looking skinny, but it is just nice a perk I felt I might notice, because when you break it down, the bloatiness isn’t normal. SKIN & HAIR IMPROVEMENTS: I also have rosacea and stress-related hair loss, and no skincare product has ever made my skin as clear as these gummies have. My hair loss decreased dramatically, I even keep the hair I lose in plastic bags to show my dermatologist. The difference is incredible. My rosacea improved, and the inflammation in my face is almost gone, thanks to these gummies. DOSAGE GUIDE: I did see a review claiming these gummies don't contain enough apple cider vinegar to be really effective. After some googling, I decided to go with the recommended serving size, and I never felt I needed more than that. So if you follow the recommended dosage, you’d be getting plenty of that good apple cider vinegar! DAILY ROUTINE: My routine now is two gummies in the morning, and I take them about thirty minutes before breakfast. My food digests better, and bathroom trips are like clockwork. In the evening, I take one more gummy before dinner. This supplement works wonders for me and most of my family. Just give it some time for your body to absorb the nutrients. I plan to keep ordering these as long as they’re available! Which I hope is forever, or at least the rest of my life. APPETITE CONTROL: I read all the reviews and was skeptical of the hype, and my Nan’s obsession with these things, but if you read my first post, you can probably see that I changed my mind. I think it took about a month of consistency and seeing the effects of these things, and at that point, I finally came back to the website hit that “subscribe and save” button haha. I’m a 41-year-old woman who started the year with the usual goal of getting in shape. Apart from my other health issues, I’m about seventy pounds overweight due to hormonal imbalances and my love for Coca-Cola. I’ve tried every diet out there: Atkins, keto, South Beach, Weight Watchers, even Optavia. I’d lose 10 pounds and then hit a wall, feeling deprived. This year, I started intermittent fasting, eating only between 12 noon and 6 PM. I seriously struggled every morning to wait until noon. Then my Goli Gummies arrived. I took two in the morning with 20 ounces of water. On the first day, I wasn’t hungry and didn’t even realize my eating window had passed. The next day was the same, so I set an alarm to remind myself to eat at noon. That was the first time I ever felt like intermittent fasting was actually sustainable. HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS: Be consistent. I noticed the best results when I took them regularly, morning and night. Also, try to pair them with a healthy diet and some form of exercise, even if it's just a daily walk. The gummies are great, but they work even better when you're taking care of your overall health. Moreover, if you have any specific health concerns or conditions, definitely talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement. It’s always good to get a professional opinion, especially if you're on medication or have a condition that might interact with the ingredients. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: While these gummies have been a Godsend, it’s worth noting that everyone’s body reacts differently. For example, the first night my brother tried them, he freaked himself out, because he took them at 2 AM, and ended up with the worst headache and dizziness. I freaked out, thinking something terrible was going to happen to him. But once the headache passed, he said he was okay. I’m adding that part to let you know that if you’re on seizure medication like my brother, or any other meds for that reason, make sure to check if there are any interactions. I take medication for migraines, and initially thought there might be an issue, but it turned out fine. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to avoid any potential problems. JOINT & MUSCLE RELIEF: I noticed a reduction in muscle and joint pain, which is just amazing because once I hit forty, I really started the aches. I’m not sure if it’s directly related to the gummies, but I feel less achy and more mobile. It’s like a breath of fresh air, especially after dealing with chronic pain for so long. Get it from Amazon now: $74.90 & FREE delivery

If you want to get your lawn in top green shape and you’re looking for an affordable solution, the Sun Joe is probably the best electric dethatcher you can get. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Before trying the Sun Joe Dethatcher, I referred to myself as my wife’s yard man. Well now, I’ve officially been promoted to gardener. The reason I wrote this review was my personal experience with a lawn that's always been a challenge. No matter how well I mowed it, the grass always looked unhealthy. And I’d always ended up with a buildup of thatch - dead grass that got stuck between the soil and the fresh blades. I decided to give this dethatcher a go after my boss tried it out - his yard's always looked awesome - and it was cheaper than I expected, about the same price as renting lawn mower. Worst-case scenario, I thought, I'd return it. Best case, I’d be saving money by not having to return the rental and then buy one. Below is my personal hands-on review. Just keep in mind as you read it that dethatching is only one part of the process. Once you take care of the thatch layer, you still need a quality mower to keep the grass healthy. If you're looking for something cheap yet reliable, I rounded up the best budget lawn mowers on Amazon. Now back to the Sun Joe. Sun Joe - Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier KEY TAKEAWAY: I genuinely had no idea how much dead grass was choking my lawn until I used this dethatcher. BEFORE DETHATCHING: Before getting the Sun Joe, I used a push mower to keep my yard looking neat, and that’s saying a lot considering it’s a quarter of an acre and I live in Florida - aka it rains a lot. Now, I’m not out here winning any lawn of the month awards, but I wasn’t getting any angry emails from the HOA either. In the summer, I’d mulch to keep moisture in the ground (that Florida sun is no joke), and in the fall I’d bag whatever leaves fell. What I’m trying to say is that I did enough. More than enough that I really didn’t think I’d find that much thatch. Well, boy was I wrong. And yes, according to my wife, that’s not something I admit often. DETHATCHING PROCESS: After cutting and bagging the grass in one direction, I went back with the Sun Joe in the opposite direction following my own steps with the dethatching attachment. I ended up not using the collection bag on the Sun Joe. It wasn’t great, I got over it more in the cons, but I liked my way better. I went back over the thatched debris with the lawnmower. Even though I had to do this in both directions, it bagged it up super easily. I considered using my Billy Goat blower but ultimately decided against it, mainly because blowing can sometimes create a bigger mess. And the mowing route worked well. DETHATCHING RESULTS: Overall, it took me about four hours for 9,000 square feet. Sounds like a lot of time, but let me tell ya, it was worth every dang minute. I wish I’d taken photos because the amount of dead grass that came up was disturbing. I knew thatch could prevent water from reaching the soil, but I had no idea I had that much in my yard. Suddenly it makes sense why mulching wasn’t helping the way it should. PROS: It was easy to assemble. The only tool I needed was a Phillips screwdriver. Just make sure you push the handle part of the tube all the way into it. A lot of reviews I read complained about this, but it really is just as simple as shoving it all the way in. You’ll see what I mean when you try it out. I put the rest of the handle together using these large plastic thumbscrews. They were super convenient and easy to use. The height/depth settings were easy to change. All you have to do is push the green t-handle in and switch it to the setting you want. I tried the zero setting first, mainly because I didn’t want to damage the grass. But after a few times, I found that moving it to the five setting worked even better, and still didn’t cause damage. Some parts of my yard have moss and for that I found level ten the best. It worked exactly as described. You might have to do an extra pass or two if your lawn was as neglected as mine, but once it got moving, it's really easy to use. The safety switch is an added perk, too. Now my wife doesn't have to worry if our kids are going to accidentally use it and hurt themselves. Great scarifier function. Works well, effective, doesn't give me trouble. The dethachter and the scarifier were easily swapped back and forth, which I was a little concerned about, so that's nice. Maintenance-free: no gas, no trouble. I love that it's electric. I used to own this big old gas mower, so you can imagine my relief of not having to use gas anymore. COLLECTION BAG LIMITATIONS: The collection bag. Yeaaaa. It’s a joke. They should make it much bigger, but let’s be real. It would take a HUGE bag to make this convenient (remember I have a big yard), and my mower’s bag worked just fine. However, it doesn’t mean it's completely useless. I just left it off and used the bag on my mower to pick up the debris. EXTENSION CORD REQUIREMENTS: Extension cord. This one’s a biggy. If it’s short, you’re going to have problems. Because I have a larger yard, I chose a hundred footer, but I also picked a 12 gauge to make sure it had enough power. The machine kept going and never overheated. Job well done if you ask me. If you’re having trouble keeping it powered as you move around, just tie a bungee cord to the handle. The angle of the power switch can get a little uncomfortable over time, but really didn’t bother me too much. Get it from Amazon now: $159.99 & FREE Returns

I was impressed by the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and its wall-climbing capabilities. It ensures a perfect clean, and therefore worth the investment. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. After installing an inground pool just in time for summer, I knew I needed something to clean it. I went all out with this pool - diving board, slide, even adding a heater, so after all this money I spent, I knew I needed to take care of it. A couple people recommended a pool man, but I was trying to save money for a bit so decided I needed a pool cleaner. My mom dubbed it Mister Scrubber, so that’s gonna be the name I’ll use here. I hope my review helps you find what you're looking for. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus - with Upgraded Smart Navigation KEY TAKEAWAY: This robot paid for itself faster than hiring a pool guy every month. COST CONSIDERATIONS: I started looking locally for a Mister Scrubber, and my goodness, were the prices out of control or what? Like average is two grand! And sure, they did have some advanced aspects like fast turn radius and remote controls, but I didn’t need all that. Some of them were also dressed as animals? That was odd, but you get my point. WHY I CHOSE IT: When I finally found my Mister Scrubber, boy was I happy! I considered a lot of different factors before deciding on this model. I knew I wanted a brand that should there be any issues, I could service it locally, so I eventually narrowed it down to three options, and this is my reasoning for deciding to choose the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. Also, the next day delivery of this unit was free, so, for the price, I figured it was a great value. Moreover, all the positive reviews were accurate, which means they were likely real, which is just a nice thing to know. EASY HANDLING: First, the weight and size of this model were reasonable enough that I wouldn’t have any issues putting it in or removing it on my own. That was important, because I work remotely and the kids are at school while my wife works in an office, I knew I was going to be the only person putting this in and out of the pool. CLEANING FEATURES: The second reason was pretty big. A lot of the pumps I researched required that I get an additional pump to use them, and this one didn’t require that. So, yeah, I love that this cleaner didn’t need another pump and that it managed to clean the ledges, steps, walls, and even the floors without any issue! It also came preassembled which was just a really nice perk. The filters on this one were effortless to remove and clean so that was really nice, too. And I love how the long cord allowed Mister Scrubber to reach all corners of my pool. I also really love how the parts I needed to replace it were available when I needed them. And this included there being a warranty, which was cool. SMART NAVIGATION: One of my favorite factors was the computer chip included in Mister Scrubber. The chip allows Mister Scrubber to map the layout of the entire of the pool so it knows where the edges are, including the steps and ledges. This way Mister Scrubber knows where it has cleaned and makes sure it covers the remaining areas. Best thing is that I've had zero issues so far. The smart navigation has worked better than I hoped it would. CLEANING SPEED: Mister Scrubber cleaned my whole pool in under two hours believe it or not! And then it turned itself off, which was awesome. COSTUMER SERVICE: After ordering Mister Scrubber, he arrived quickly the following day, and I couldn’t be happier! However, after throwing Mister Scrubber into the pool, I was disappointed to find that he wasn’t working. Unfortunately he arrived broken and the wheels didn’t work. I was disappointed to say the least. However, after contacting Amazon back, they not only gave me a return label to ship it back, but sent over a brand new Mister Scrubber the very next day! Oh, and did I mention that they actually picked up the broken Mister Scrubber to make my life easier? Seriously amazing customer service. STAIR CLEANING: When he cleans the stairs, there’s a tiny bit of sand residue, but it’s barely noticeable compared to how well it cleans the rest of it. STORAGE: I would recommend buying the stand for storage although it’s sold separately. It allows you to have a place to safely store the battery, the chord and gives Mister Scrubber a little stand to rest on. How cool! SIX YEAR REVIEW: I’ve gotten a lot of requests for updates on Mister Scrubber, so here it is! Six years later, Mister Scrubber and I are still very much in love. He’s kept my pool clean and sparkling all this time! The power button is wearing down and I have to push on it really hard, but after all this time, considering that’s the only issue, I think that’s to be expected. Get it from Amazon now: $849.00 & FREE Returns