I am thrilled to say that the Halo Core proved me very wrong. It excelled at cake batters, whipping cream, and bread dough, and didn't complain once in the process. It quickly became my favorite mixer, and I was a little torn about passing it off to my mother at the end of testing, wanting to keep it for myself.

This is how I got on with the mixer over my tests, the tiny snags I had (and they really are of little consequence), and why I think the Ooni Halo Core Spiral Mixer may be the best stand mixer money can buy for no-fuss home baking.

Product Specifications: Ooni Halo Core Spiral Mixer

Design and First Impressions

The Halo Core is a compact mixer, in stand mixer terms. It is a lot shorter than my KitchenAid Artisan Plus, which I reviewed a few months ago, making it ideal for smaller kitchens. Besides this, it looks as you would expect it to, with a stainless steel mixing bowl that slots into place by twisting into the base, a tilt-head that unlocks with a simple latch trigger at the side, and a speed dial on the top.

Unlike mixers such as the KitchenAid, the Ooni Halo Core does not have the option for added accessories such as pasta rollers or meat grinders, limiting the machine to strictly mixing. However, for a home baker, this is all you need. It does one thing and does it exceptionally well.

What surprised me most was that the attachments, be it the dough hook or the paddle beater, do not rotate around the bowl like a traditional stand mixer. Instead, the attachment spins, but the bowl rotates around it. This gives the mixer more stability for handling tougher and thicker mixes. For a mixer that is prepped for making bread and pizza, this is perfect.

Because of this, the splash guard attaches itself to the main head of the unit once you have screwed the attachments into place. This worked perfectly well; however, I will note that, unlike the rest of the machine, the guard feels a little flimsy. At first, the hinges would hold the flap open so I could use both hands to add ingredients, but over time it started falling shut every time, making adding flour more difficult.

Performance

To thoroughly test the stand mixer, I tested four of my favorite recipes that would assess the appliance's ability to tackle everything from thick dough to delicate cream:

The Cake Tests

Advertised as 'an everyday all-rounder', I couldn't not test out cake mixes in the Halo Core. I started with a light Victoria sponge recipe (my go-to for seeing how a mixer handles delicate mixes that need to be folded to retain a fluffy texture). The mixer handled this easily. With over 20 precision speed settings, the lowest settings mimicked hand folding pretty well, keeping the batter nice and light. The angled silicone edge beater scraped the bowl continuously as it mixed, too, so nothing was missed. The resulting cake was lovely and light, with no lumps or clumps.

The next cake mix was a much bigger test. The Ooni Halo Core is designed for heavier mixes such as pizza dough, so I wanted to see how it would handle the thickest cake batter of all – fruit cake.

I carted the mixer to my mom's house, where we whipped up a small Christmas cake. We make seven to nine of these a year, all hand-mixed, and our arms are in agony afterwards; however, we have never met a mixer that could withstand the weight of the fruit. The Halo Core changed this.

It beat the mix without complaint, and folded in the fruit evenly as we ladled it in, the head not bobbing or rocking once. While we are yet to eat the resulting cake (we allow them to mature between September and December), we did lick the bowl clean, and the cake batter was the lightest we have ever achieved.

In both instances, decanting the mixes was a little tricky as the bowl does not have a handle. I understand that this is because the bowl rotates on the mixer and it would get in the way, but it is a minor inconvenience I have to note. I wonder if a removable handle would fix this issue, making pouring batter from the bowl to the tin smoother, especially for those with dexterity issues.

The Whipped Cream Test

Quick and easy, every good stand mixer needs to be able to make a light, spreadable whipped cream to go in the center of my Victoria sponge.

The base of the mixing bowl is quite wide, so I worried that the whisks might struggle with the small amount of liquid, but sure enough, it whipped it up with minimal fuss.

The Bread Tests

Now for the real test. Ooni made their name with their portable pizza ovens, so the Halo Core has to handle dough well to be a success. I made two different breads for this test, a high-hydration foccacia and a hearty Dutch oven loaf, and the mixer handled both with grace.

What I love most about this machine is the included breaker bar. This metal stick attaches itself to the mixer head in front of the dough hook, and catches dough before it can climb too high up the hook and into the mixing mechanisms. It was a complete game changer for me, allowing me to knead dough without having to stop and start to push it all back into the bowl.

In both cases, the dough mixed quickly and evenly, although I did spot some flour being left behind on the edges of the bowl in both tests. The head of the stand mixer did not rock or bob once in the process, nor did the motor sound like it was struggling, as some standard mixers often can.

I also loved the included silicone lid, which fits neatly on top of the mixing bowl to make proofing simple. It formed a nice seal, was not difficult to fit, and was easy to clean.

The Cookie Test

Cookie dough was my final test, used to make a small skillet cookie. I was worried at first that the smaller mix would cause issues for the rotating bowl, as the butter and sugar clumped together and stuck against one edge. However, as I let the machine work, it softened everything nicely.

When adding the flour, nothing got stuck thanks to the silicone edge beater, and the chocolate chunks were neatly and evenly dispersed throughout.

After baking, the cookie was a deep golden color and was soft and tender in the center, not too tough or dense. With a scoop of ice cream, it was the perfect dessert.

Cleaning and Maintenance

All of the Ooni Halo Core Spiral Mixer accessories are dishwasher safe, but as I do not have one, I was stuck with hand washing. I am pleased to say that the stainless steel makes this process very easy, with dough melting away from the edges with a short hot-water soak, and releasing from the hook without a battle.

I also particularly loved the shape of the whisks, as without the classic balloon shape the edges were easy to wipe around, with no cream getting stuck in awkward corners. The silicone mixer was also easy to wipe clean, where I have previously had problems with other stand mixer silicone clinging to batter in awkward edges and corners. I didn't dread the post-baking cleanup once with the Ooni.

Storing this mixer is also easier than others. Due to its squat, compact design, it could slot more easily onto a low pantry or cabinet shelf. It is weighty, but lighter than a KitchenAid, making moving it relatively easy if you have the grip.

How The Ooni Halo Core Spiral Mixer Compares

I have tested both the new KitchenAid Artisan Plus and SMEG Forte Stand Mixer's as of late, and while I loved both, the Ooni Halo Core stands out easily, especially as they all sit around the same price tag (at the time of writing)

The KitchenAid Artisan is perfect for home bakers who need absolute precision with baking thanks to its half-fold speed, and it comes with the largest ecosystem of accessories from ice cream making to meat grinding of any other mixer on the market (the color options are also simply luxurious). The SMEG Forte, on the other hand, is a great, powerful mixer that limits concerns about burnout, with a chic retro design for those who want to prioritize aesthetics.

What the Ooni achieved that neither of the other machines did, however, is stable mixing with rocking and bobbing. If you frequently make dough or thick, heavy batters, you need the Halo Core. It does not protest when working heavy loads, and uses motor protection to prevent overheating. The smaller size also makes it a far more convenient option for those who cannot leave appliances on the counter all year round. It also has a lot more speed settings for all sorts of baking tasks.

Should You Buy The Ooni Halo Core Spiral Mixer?

Without a shadow of a doubt, if you bake at home and have the space and budget, you should buy the Ooni Halo Core Spiral Mixer.

This is especially true if you often make bread or pizza at home and need something that can handle tough dough without you fretting that the motor will burn out or the head will snap.

It is compact, easy to clean, and a dream to use, with just one speed dial making it impossible to mess up the settings. It takes baking back to basics and performs exceptionally at every step.

What Else to Shop

As an avid amateur baker, I have rounded up a selection of home baking accessories from Ooni and beyond to make the most of your home bakery setup.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to make your baking setup more professional? We asked professional organizers for their best tips for storing bakeware to keep kitchens tidy.

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A clever combination of French press, pour-over, and espresso, it combines three brewing methods into one for a cup of well-rounded coffee in under two minutes.

It is easily one of the best non-toxic coffee makers I have reviewed so far, with zero guesswork required. The only caveat? The Steel AeroPress is expensive compared to other AeroPress models that brew very similar coffee. Here is how I got on during my tests.

Product Specifications: Steel AeroPress Coffee Maker

Design and First Impressions

The Steel AeroPress uses the same iconic design as every other AeroPress model, with a main brewing chamber, silicone-edged plunger, and screw-on filter cap. It is available in a plain stainless steel and a matte black finish, which is the version I tested. I loved this look, as it prevents the usual smudges and smears that are synonymous with plain steel.

As the name suggests, this iteration is made from professional-grade stainless steel, with a double-wall vacuum-insulated chamber that I am pleased to say does not get hot at all while your coffee is brewing. The other difference with the steel model is the size. It is around 20% larger than a standard AeroPress, with a large 12 oz capacity for larger brews on the go and at home.

The packaging was simple and easy to open, and almost entirely recyclable with the exception of the plastic covering on the filters to keep them clean and dry.

With a quick rinse under plain warm water, it was ready to go.

Brewing Performance and Set Up

Our expert barista, Laura Honey, previously reviewed the original AeroPress Coffee Maker, and the two are not all that different in their brew styles, if at all.

It uses a truly unique brewing method, and while I am usually overwhelmed with the learning curve on new appliances, I am thrilled to say the Steel AeroPress was simple to get to grips with. Once you have done it once, it is difficult to get wrong.

The bottom filter cap unscrews easily, so easily it made me wonder if I had put it on properly, and a single paper filter is laid inside before being screwed back on. Once positioned over the top of the mug, you can add the beans.

After grinding fresh beans to medium-fine, these were tipped in (I used two scoops with the included scoop, as suggested in the instructions), and the AeroPress was shaken slightly to level everything out. From there, it was as simple as pouring in the boiling water to the top fill line (I loved the included markings for easy brewing). The included stainless steel stir stick was a nice touch that made reaching the bottom of the chamber simple.

The instructions do warn that you might hear some dripping right away, and I did. This is quickly fixed by adding the plunger, pressing it down half an inch or so, and pulling it back up to form a nice seal. This method does make it more difficult to get a good coffee bloom.

The AeroPress then sits for at least 30 seconds to brew. This is exceptionally quick, and the whole process felt no more complicated than brewing an instant coffee despite the extra step of grinding. If you have pre-ground coffee, it is just as simple.

Once brewed, I pressed down the plunger. How easy this is to do depends on your grind size. The finer the grind, the more difficult it is to plunge, as I discovered when I accidentally used a more espresso-like grind. This compacted against the filter into a tight barrier, and while it brewed a sweeter coffee, it was more hassle than it was worth, and I feared for the strain the mug beneath went through.

When you have the right grind size, plunging is a lot easier. You want to keep a nice, steady pace for this, pushing until you hear a distinctive 'hissing' noise, signifying your brew is complete.

The resulting coffee was remarkably delicious. My coffee-snob partner went into the experience already skeptical, under the impression nothing could be as good as a machine-brewed nine-bar espresso. However, after his first sip of the Americano, his brows rose, and it earned a coveted 'nod' of satisfaction. From him, that is very high praise.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning coffee makers is usually the bane of my existence, but the Steel AeroPress made this step remarkably easy, too. Once cooled, the filter cap unscrews easily, and the stir stick can be used to dislodge the paper filter if it is stuck on. These are compostable, so be sure to put them in your compost heap if you have one.

Removing the coffee puck is also easy. The plunger is designed to extend beyond the chamber. All I needed to do was hold the AeroPress over my food bin and press against the top, and it slid out with a satisfying 'pop.' From there, it is as simple as rinsing with warm water. That's it.

Storing the Steel AeroPress is also easy, even in my small kitchen, thanks to its compact size. The plunger slots back into the chamber, the cap screws on, and the stir stick and scoop slot into the empty plunger cavity. This stood neatly on my counter without getting in the way, but could just as easily have been tucked into a drawer or cabinet. There is also a dedicated Steel AeroPress Stand, available at Amazon, if you would like to make a more permanent display.

It is also perfectly sized to take on the go, should you want freshly brewed coffee at the office or on trips. It is worth noting, however, that while the steel certainly feels more durable than the original AeroPress, it is around 14 ounces heavier, which is something to consider if you are packing a lightweight trekking bag, for example.

What Shoppers Say

Shoppers are overwhelmingly impressed by the Steel AeroPress. With an average of 4.7/5 stars on the AeroPress site, verified customers comment on how easy it is to use and clean, and the delicious results.

However, many mention that they do not think that the price is worth the cost after upgrading from the original AeroPress. While they appreciate the solid build and the extra capacity, the extra weight and similar brew results come as a hard sell for the over-$100 price point.

The fact that it is plastic-free does win over several, however, which might make the upgrade worth it for many looking to make a kitchen less toxic.

Should You Buy The Steel AeroPress Coffee Maker?

I would absolutely recommend the Steel AeroPress if you are looking for a durable, quality, non-toxic brewer that you can take on the go. The finishing is immaculate, with professional-grade stainless steel that looks as good as it performs, especially in the matte black colorway. The coffee is delicious and full-bodied, and the process is remarkably easy.

That said, if you already have an AeroPress, I would not rush to upgrade. The Steel AeroPress is undeniably more expensive at $169.95 at the time of writing, and brews very similar coffee. The Steel model is two ounces larger and uses a double-wall stainless steel cavity rather than BPA-free plastic, which lends to the premium price point and larger size and weight.

It is certainly a premium pick for those serious about coffee, but if you are regularly on the go, need to pack light, or are working with a tighter budget, the original AeroPress is just as good an option.

How We Test Coffee Makers

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

Once we have researched the best coffee makers on the market, we test at home, as it means we can use the appliance in our regular routines. This helps me uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) I would never discover with a one-hour session in the test kitchen.

After unboxing, we'll let you know whether we get any extra accessories and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here's where we'll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.

Next, we'll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the range of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.

Once we are happy that we've tested everything that we can, we'll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We'll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it's good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

What Else to Shop

From cleaning essentials to countertop organizers, I have rounded up everything you need to flesh out your AeroPress coffee station.

All prices correct at time of publication.

No matter how good your coffee machine is, the bean you pick will have a huge impact on the final taste of your coffee. We have a whole guide dedicated to choosing coffee beans to help find the best roast for you.

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As with all the best cast-iron cookware, the Made In pieces come with the familiar cast-iron learning curve and high maintenance regimen. But they make up for it in their performance, with relatively low-stick surfaces and great heat conductivity, providing crisp and golden results over a range of dishes.

This is how I found cooking with the Made In Seasoned Cast Iron, the minor complaints that docked half a star, and why I think it is ultimately a fantastic choice for those looking to get into cast iron cooking.

Product Specifications: Made In Seasoned Cast-Iron Cookware

Design and First Impressions

As with other Made In products I have received in the past, the Seasoned Cast-Iron cookware came packaged with no plastic, nestled in sturdy cardboard packaging that was easy to break down and recycle.

Both the skillet and the Dutch oven arrive pre-seasoned with a flaxseed oil blend, meaning after a wipe-out to remove any factory dust, they are ready for use. As always, it is recommended to start cooking with higher-fat foods so the oils can contribute to the initial seasoning, avoiding acidic dishes that could damage the metal.

I was enamored by the overall aesthetic of these pieces, especially the Dutch oven. I am used to bright enameled cast iron for these pieces, so the rustic, cast-iron exterior with stamped lid was a nice change. It has the look and feel of a vintage piece but with modern durability and peace of mind. One thing I will note, however, is that it is incredibly heavy. The eight-inch skillet is easy to move around; however, the Dutch oven (especially with the lid) is by far the heaviest piece of cookware I have tested.

For reference, the oven with lid weighs in at around 15 pounds. This is five pounds heavier than the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Dutch oven I reviewed, and two pounds heavier than the Made In Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch oven I reviewed earlier this year. I was recovering from a back injury during testing, and I could certainly feel this added weight every time I stooped to take it in and out of the oven. This is not to mention the way the oven racks bowed under the pressure. It is certainly something to keep in mind before buying.

Cooking Performance

The Made In Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

When testing a cast-iron skillet, I use the same tests to help establish how well they perform in comparison to one another.

Overall, the Made In Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet performed well. It was not as low-stick as some of the other skillets I have tried, but it was far from the worst. Foods cooked and browned evenly, the pan heated throughout, and when food did stick it was usually down to needing more oil. I was generally pleased with the results, cooking with minimal frustrations.

• Burgers: The first thing I cooked in the pan was a burger, using the oils and fats to help break in the seasoning. The patty browned evenly, developing a decent crust; however, it was not quite as crisp as the Victoria Cast-Iron Skillet I was using alongside it, and the fats did burn a little to the base even when cooking on a low heat. I also found that the buttered bun stuck and tore on the surface afterwards, too. Overall, however, the results were commendable, and it made a nice burger quickly with minimal fuss.
• Sausage Hash: This is a go-to quick protein lunch for me, frying up pork sausages with onion (often tomatoes in a non-cast-iron pan), and starchy potatoes. This was another test the skillet passed with ease, with everything browning and crisping nicely. There was some sticky residue on the pan after cooking, however, which proved slightly annoying to remove, but it was far from an excruciating experience.
• Pancakes: I had mixed results with the pancakes, but I believe this may have come down to user error. The first pancake, cooked with plenty of oil, released perfectly, browning nicely across the surface. The second pancake, however, stuck rather badly and I had to scrape it out. I had tilted the pan between pancakes to redistribute the oil as I usually do, but it seems this was not enough. The more oil, the better, it seems.
• Skillet Cookie: A skillet cookie is the perfect test of how a pan performs in the oven. I preheated the skillet before greasing and adding the dough, then baked. The cookie slid out of the pan surprisingly easily after cooking a little, leaving only a few crumbs behind. It had a crisp base and molten center, which is everything I am looking for.
• Fried Eggs: A fried egg is a true litmus test for a cast iron pan. This was one of the last things I tested, after the pan had been used and oiled several times. At this point, the egg cooked quickly and evenly, released with a good amount of oil and my silicone spatula, and developed a crisp skirt. Again, it is not the crispiest I have seen, but good nonetheless.

The Made In Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Being so used to cooking in an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, I was not sure what to expect from a plain cast-iron option. Having only tested one like it before (the IKEA Dutch oven I compared to Le Creuset), I dove in with my usual tests, with the exception of my bolognese, avoiding acidic ingredients to protect the metal:

• Bread: There is nothing better than a quick, home-baked loaf. When baking, I am looking for a quick bake with a good rise and a crispy exterior, and the Made In Dutch oven delivered. After preheating and laying the dough inside, I cooked with the lid on before removing it for the last half to crisp the top. The resulting bread was fluffy on the inside and golden on the exterior.
• Chicken Casserole: I was worried that the skin on my chicken thighs would stick to the rough interior of this Dutch oven, but I am thrilled to say I had no issues with sticking at all during my tests. The chicken crisped and released easily, the vegetables softened without complaint, and the stock bubbled evenly from edge to edge. My only complaint during the cooking process was how heavy the full pot was with the lid. I was worried that my oven rack would snap when I loaded it in, and was relieved halfway through when I removed the lid to crisp the dumpling tops. Overall, the chicken fell easily off the bone, the dumplings were light and fluffy, and the vegetables were tender and buttery. It was everything I would expect.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Cleaning cast iron has never been a task I enjoy, luckily, with the right tools, maintaining the Made In Seasoned Cast Iron was not too difficult. With both pans, residue was most easily removed with a chain mail scrubber, available at Amazon. This is especially true for the Dutch oven, which has a rough surface that would damage or catch fibers from a sponge or cloth.

You have to dry cast iron immediately, which was easy enough for the smooth-milled skillet but proved tricky with the Dutch oven. The weight and size aside, the rough surface tugged the fibers of my dish towel, leaving particles behind. I couldn't find a way around this, either, which was frustrating.

Beyond cleaning, you need to season these as you would any other cast-iron cookware. I chose to use grapeseed oil from Walmart for this, spreading it thinly over the surface before heating on my stove for a few minutes. Generally, I had no issue with this, but once again I found that paper towel chunks caught on the rough Dutch oven interior.

Storing the skillet was easy, as it slotted into my usual pan organizer; however, I would advise storing the Dutch oven on a low, sturdy shelf, as the weight could damage higher shelving or pose a risk when lifted in and out.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Made In Cast-Iron Cookware?

The Made In Seasoned Cast Iron is, all in all, a good option if you want quality, heritage-quality cookware. It did not blow me away in the same way the super affordable Victoria skillet did, nor is it as easy to use as the Made In enameled options, but it delivers good results with minimal fuss.

I can't fault them too harshly, but there are other pans I would personally choose based on price and/or weight that offer the same performance. They look beautiful, however, making them a worthy choice if the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, and making kitchenware into decor, is a concern for you.

The general consensus among shoppers agrees with me. With an average of 4.9 stars over 54 reviews on the Made In site, customers love that it is pre-seasoned, the beautiful design, and the non-stick qualities that improve with time (especially on the smooth skillet).

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

When it comes to cast iron, you need to pay particular attention to cleaning and caring for cookware. To help maintain your new cookware, I have curated a selection of care essentials that I would not live without to prevent rust and ensure these heirloom pieces are still in perfect condition when you hand them down.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not sure if cast iron is for you? We have a complete guide to choosing the best cookware for your home and cooking habits.

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Since 2021, I’ve tested about 30 mattresses, including organic mattresses like the Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress, and the mattress that I sleep on when I'm not testing − the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Mattress. I was familiar with the Avocado brand prior to testing the Luxury Organic Mattress, having reviewed the Avocado Green Mattress in 2023. Avocado mattresses are known for being on the firmer side due to their hybrid organic design, but that wasn't the case with this one. I tested the Plush option for a month and found the surface to be luxuriously cozy and soft, with enough support to allow me to sleep in any position. Although the edge support wasn't as great, at least the mattress was breathable, and the motion isolation was fairly good.

That’s not to say that the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress is perfect. The price tag is hefty, as is the shipping fee, but comfort-wise, it should definitely be considered one of the best mattresses.

The Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress offers a heavenly sleep experience thanks to 17 layers of non-toxic and chemical-free materials that result in a supportive, pressure relieving experience for all sleep styles.

Those who sleep warm or hot will enjoy a temperature-neutral night’s sleep on this organic hybrid mattress. Even its motion isolation is above average, though not as good as, say, the Saatva Latex Hybrid, which also sports better edge support, a more affordable price tag, and free white glove delivery.

That said, the Saatva Latex Hybrid isn’t anywhere near as comfortable as the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress, and takes much longer for your body to adjust to.

Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress: Specifications

The Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress − Delivery, Unboxing and Setup

Avocado only offers white-glove delivery for the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress (with the option of old mattress removal), and it costs a significant fee of $249-$379. This surprised me since most luxury mattress brands and premium-priced mattresses, like the PlushBeds Botanic Bliss Organic Mattress, come with a free white glove delivery service.

Although I’ve tested an Avocado mattress in the past, it was shipped in a box to me, so this was my first time experiencing in-home delivery with this sleep brand. Unfortunately, the experience was among the worst that I've had.

The delivery company contacted me within a week of ordering to schedule the delivery, and they arrived on time. However, they only sent one person to move the King-sized plush mattress into my house, which would have been impossible for any one person to achieve. The delivery driver left, and it took 10 days for the company to set up a second delivery date. On that day, they called to tell me my delivery had to be pushed back another day.

Finally, the delivery team arrived with two people the following morning, and my mattress was placed on my bed frame. There were no off-gassing smells, and it was ready to sleep on immediately, since the mattress was already unfurled.

Upon making my bed, I noticed that my King-sized sheets didn’t quite cover the sides of the mattress. Even worse, my King-size comforter couldn’t hide the sheets underneath. I ordered the mattress in a Plush option, which means the mattress is 14 inches tall. Even if I had ordered it without the Plush pillow top, the medium mattress would have been 13.25 inches high, and the sheets would've still been visible. Deep-pocket sheets and a comforter that's one size bigger are necessary.

What It’s Like to Sleep on the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress

Pressure relief and support: The Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress is without a doubt one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve ever tested. The surface is cloud-like and soft, while also being supportive of my back and hips. Pressure relief was notable, and I fell asleep quickly on this mattress. If I had to give the plush version of this mattress a rating, I'd say it was a six out of 10 on the firmness scale.

I was able to sleep in all three sleep positions; however, sleeping on my back felt the best, followed by my side, then my stomach. I'm not sure if someone over 200 pounds would get the right amount of support by sleeping on their stomach on the plush version. The medium option is slightly firmer, and would offer more support for stomach and back sleepers.

Thermoregulation: Hybrid mattresses, like the Bear Elite Hybrid, and organic mattresses, like the Saatva Latex Zenhaven, are more breathable than memory foam or foam mattresses. Thankfully, the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress is both. It offers a more temperature-neutral sleep experience rather than a cooling one such as you might experience with a "cooling" mattress.

My 30-day testing period fell during the height of summer in Texas. I didn’t wake up hot while sleeping on the mattress, but there were some days where I experienced some night sweats around my neck area. I attribute this to living in a historic house that lacks insulation and has an air-conditioning unit that struggles to keep my house cool during weeks when the daytime temperature is 100-106 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature at night is in the 80s. These night sweats only occurred three times during the hottest nights of July and August during a 30-day testing period.

Overall, I give the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress top marks for breathability and temperature regulation. I would be curious if the Medium version feels more breathable than the Plush or Ultra Plush, which both have a pillowtop. I’m inclined to think so, but I couldn’t say as I only tested the Plush option.

Motion Isolation: The motion isolation is above average, but not the best I’ve seen. Although I usually sleep alone, I tested the motion isolation with another person in the bed. I didn’t feel them move positions at night, so I was surprised when I ran a test, and the results weren’t as impressive as I initially thought. I placed a wine glass in the center of the mattress and dropped a 15-pound dumbbell 25-, 10-, and 6-inches away. The wine glass stood strong at the 25-inch and 10-inch mark but fell over when I dropped the dumbbell six inches away. From this, I can surmise that the motion isolation capabilities of the mattress perform better when two people sleep further apart.

Edge support: I expected the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress to have top-notch edge support since it has two layers of innerspring units and reinforced edges. Instead, I found myself slipping off the mattress when I sat on the corners or the foot of the bed. Thankfully, the side edge support was better. When I placed a 15-pound dumbbell on the edge of the bed, it didn’t roll off and only dipped half an inch.

I ran another test that offered a deeper insight. From the floor to the top of the mattress is 26 inches high. When I sat on the side of the mattress, it sank to 20 inches, meaning I dipped about six inches − for reference, I’m 5’5” and 170 lbs. I tested the plush option of this mattress, which means it has a pillowtop. The measurement from the floor to the bottom of the pillowtop is 23 inches. From that, I gather that the mattress does have pretty good side edge support, as my bodyweight sank past the pillowtop only three inches into the main part of the mattress. This was only made more apparent when I slept near the edge of the mattress and felt the pillowtop dip to a point that my body weight didn't feel supported.

If edge support is of importance to your daily life, I'd recommend the Medium version rather than the Plush or Ultra Plush options of this mattress, as the pillowtop dips considerably.

Weight bearing: I placed a 15-pound dumbbell in the center of the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress, and it sank half an inch. The surface recovered immediately when I removed the dumbbell. Both of these aspects indicate a supportive mattress.

Materials: It's hard to believe that the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress has 17 layers. Most mattresses sport four to six layers.

The medium version of the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress is 13 inches tall, the plush is 14 inches tall, and the ultra-plush is a whopping 15 inches high. That said, 17 layers is slightly misleading as Avocado counts the cover twice and labels the side panels and borders as layers, which other brands do not.

The mattress has an organic cotton cover with needle tufted rosettes made from organic wool. Beneath the cover is an organic wool layer which sandwiches the third layer of natural Alpaca fiber with a fourth layer of organic wool. Layer five is an organic cotton canvas. Two inches of GOLS-certified organic soft Dunlop natural latex makes up the sixth layer, followed by a GOTS-certified organic blend of cotton, wool, and natural silk. Avocado uses organic cotton canvas for the eighth layer. This top section of the mattress, or layers one through eight, is designed to promote airflow and moisture wicking.

Layer nine is a one-inch micro-coil innerspring unit made up of 960 individually wrapped springs that provide durability and isolate motion. Another blended layer of organic wool, cotton, and silk makes up layer 10, while layer 11 is two inches of soft Dunlop latex. Layer 12 is comprised of eight inches of 2,588 fabric-encased coils arranged in seven ergonomic zones and reinforced around the perimeter for edge support. Below the springs is an organic natural hemp pad for support.

As mentioned, the bottom, side panels, and border are labelled as layers by Avocado. They’re comprised of an organic fabric cover as layer 14, and needle-punched wool for layer 15. Layer 16 is organic cotton jersey that holds the organic latex in place, while layer 17 is an organic blend layer of cotton, wool, and natural silk.

The Plush version of this mattress has a pillowtop with two inches of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, while the ultra plush’s pillowtop is three inches of soft FSC-certified Pure Talalay latex. All versions of this mattress have handles which should only be used to rotate the mattress, not move it.

Price: The Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress’ cheapest option, a Twin XL with a edium feel, is $3,999, while the most expensive option, a Split King with an ultra plush feel, is $11,598. The King mattress with a plush feel that I tested is $7,899. These prices place the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress into the premium-priced mattress category. Organic latex and organic hybrid latex mattresses are typically more expensive than memory foam or hybrid mattresses with memory foam, so this price range isn't all that surprising.

That said, it's disappointing that the price doesn't include white-glove delivery service, something that's typically expected for a premium mattress brand. A return fee isn't all that surprising, but it's still not ideal for buyers. What's even more odd is that this mattress only comes with a 25-year limited warranty, when most organic mattresses and mattresses in this price range typically come with a lifetime limited warranty.

Who the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress Would Suit

The Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress is a good fit for combination sleepers who have a sizeable budget. I'd also suggest it to those who like a temperature-neutral sleep and prefer a toxin-free night of rest.

It comes in three different feels – Medium, Plush, and Ultra Plush – ensuring that you can choose the one that best fits your sleep needs. And trust me, it offers the most comfortable and pressure-relieving sleep experience. The Plush and Ultra Plush options are a better fit for side and back sleepers. Some stomach sleepers will be able to sleep comfortably on the plush pillowtop, though most stomach sleepers should go with the Medium feel.

My Verdict After Sleeping on the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress 30 Nights

Sleeping on a Plush-feel Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress for 30 nights resulted in a month of phenomenal and cozy sleep. My body easily relaxed into the soft and cushioned surface, and it didn’t take me long to be swept into a dream state. While I slept most comfortably on my back or side, I felt supported on my stomach too, though I’m inclined to say that the Medium feel would be a better choice for stomach sleepers. I expected this mattress to offer a temperature-neutral sleep, and it delivered on that front.

For a mattress with such a significant price tag, the edge support was lacking along the foot and corners. As for the side edge support, the pillow top on the plush option almost worked against the reinforced steel coils along the sides so that I felt myself dipping and slipping if I slept too near the edge. The motion isolation was above average, though not the best on the market. As long as you’re not sleeping right next to each other, you probably won’t feel your partner move in their sleep.

All in all, I'm glad for the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress’ comfort, temperature regulation, and above-average motion isolation. It makes the high price tag, white-glove delivery service fee, and 25-year limited warranty a bit easier to swallow.

What to Shop

Below, you can shop from a selection of other high-rated mattresses mentioned in this review, along with some Homes & Gardens favorite bedding picks.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Pair your mattress with one of the best mattress toppers for ultimate comfort, and learn more about how we test mattresses in our dedicated guide.

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Having tested the OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Fry Pans out in my kitchen, I can safely say that the non-stick coating is unmatched, making everything from weeknight cooking to slow Sunday breakfasts effortless.

This is how I got on with them, why they are a top contender for some of the best non-toxic cookware, and the tiny niggles I experienced that, while harsh of me, docked just half a star.

Product Specifications: OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Frypan

Design and First Impressions

The pans arrived very simply packaged, in a padded cardboard box and plastic bags protecting the pans from scratches in transit. They were some of the quickest cookware I have unboxed in my time reviewing, which was incredibly refreshing. It took me just a few minutes, if that, to have them opened and out, ready for rinsing and using.

The pans are well weighted, which is a relief as many ceramic pans can be on the heavier side. With the 8- and 10-inch pans to test, I found both easy to hold without making my wrist ache, with a sturdy, ergonomic handle which made maneuvering them a breeze.

The instructions do not baby you, either, which I like. They are simple and to the point, letting you know that they are oven- and dishwasher-safe, and to rinse first before using. With that done, they were ready for use.

Cooking Performance

Ceramic is a top contender for making a kitchen less toxic, as it eliminates PFAS while offering the same degree of non-stick. It is perfect for the everyday home cook who doesn't want to bother with perfectly heating stainless steel or seasoning cast iron.

I am thrilled to say that the OXO Ceramic Professional cookware takes 'non-stick' to the next level. Food and liquids slide around this pan effortlessly, and I had no issues with sticking no matter what I was cooking. The only thing to note is that the base of the pan is smooth, so it slid around on my glass stovetop when I was not holding it firmly with the other hand, and the handles tended to get a little hot closer to the pan. This was more noticeable on the smaller of the fry pans, where the handle is shorter.

I tested the pan with some of my usual recipes to really get a feel for how it compares:

• Tofu: After cutting my pressed tofu into cubes, I found the pan browned each side quickly and evenly, developing a gentle golden edge to each chunk. They were easy to flip, and far easier than cooking with stainless steel, making the whole dinner a dream to prepare.
• Onions: Onions sauteed and caramelized quickly and easily in this pan, with no scorching. I cooked them in slices alongside some bell peppers, frying them off with some garlic before adding in chicken strips for some homemade fajitas. The 10" pan was perfectly sized for the two of us, with the food gliding around but not threatening to spill over the edges.
• Pancakes: The ultimate test for a non-stick pan. I used my regular protein pancake mix for this test, as I do all frying pans, adding in enough to fill the base of the smallest pan before flipping. The pancake bubbled evenly to the edges, and came away easily when flipped with the OXO Good Grips Turner from Amazon. It was perfectly cooked.
• Fried Eggs: Frying an egg was just as simple as cooking the pancake; however, I did notice that the base did not develop the same truly crispy skirt that I can get in my favorite cast-iron pan (the Victoria Cookware Cast Iron Skillet I reviewed). It was a good egg, with a nice golden base, but it could have been just a little more crisp.
• Pork Sausages: Sausages cooked through evenly in this pan, developing a nicely browned exterior. I did find when flipping that the non-stick coating meant they kept rolling around, making it tricky to evenly brown the whole surface, but that is a minor complaint. After cooking, there was a slight fond on the base of the pan where the fat released, but this did not burn and was easy to scrape away with my silicone tongs.
• Sauce: After adding the sauce to my tofu dish, along with chickpeas, the liquid bubbled evenly across the pan, showing good heat conduction. It cooked down nicely, too, thickening and developing a wonderful glaze. One thing to note is that the fry pans do not come with lids, which means you might experience some spitting. If you'd prefer one, the OXO Ceramic Professional Saute Pan might be better suited.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

It should come as no surprise that cleaning and caring for this cookware is as easy as cooking with it. After every meal, I let the pan cool before washing with warm water and non-toxic dish soap (such as Attitude from Walmart).

These pans are dishwasher-safe, a rarity for ceramic; however, I found hand-washing to be easy enough. The non-stick coating meant that oils and debris came away with ease, requiring zero scrubbing with my microfiber sponge. They then air-dried nicely on my dish rack, with no issues with water getting stuck under any rims or rivets.

The OXO Ceramic Professional pans are reinforced with diamond to be scratch-resistant; however, I still decided to treat them with the same care as I would any ceramic pan, using felt pan stackers (from Amazon) between them in storage. This is a quick way to prolong the life of your cookware. They are nice and thin and lightweight, meaning neither pan felt like it would damage my shelving.

How Does the OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Fry Pan Compare?

Having tested a few different sets of ceramic cookware, the OXO Ceramic Professional comes out as one of the top options in my opinion.

Compared to the Zwilling Milano pans I reviewed, the OXO cookware is much lighter and easier to move; it is more affordable, and I did not have the same concerns about longevity. There are fewer color options with the OXO pans, but this is only a minor consideration.

Similar can be said when comparing them to the Our-Place Cookware set, reviewed by Punteha van Terheyden. This extensive cookware set delivers on premium non-stick coating, but it is hand-wash only and is on the heavier side. That said, they were able to achieve crispy bases on a range of dishes and come with glass lids. Again, there are also some more exciting color options.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Frypan?

I think that the OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick cookware is absolutely worth considering if you love the convenience of non-stick, but do not want the stress of stainless steel or cast iron. While you might not get as good a sear as you might with other types of cookware, the even heating and browning, and fool-proof experience makes the payoff more than worth it in my eyes.

With a 10"/30 cm pan retailing at $79.99 at the time of writing, it is not the cheapest option on the market, but it is far from the most expensive. It's worth the price in my eyes, the quality speaking for itself.

Shopper reviews tend to agree, with an average of four stars on the OXO site. Shoppers appreciate the value, how easy it is to work with the ceramic coating, and how hardy the pan feels. A few one-star reviews comment that the pans lose their non-stick over a few uses; however, this is not something I have experienced personally. I will continue to test the pans and update this review should anything change in the coming months.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

From cookware care essentials to non-toxic utensils that complete the set, these are the kitchen must-haves I always keep within reach and wouldn’t want to cook without.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Replacing your whole cookware set? Check out these smart pan storage ideas to help reorganize your cabinets like a chef.

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The complete set covers everything you need, from cakes and muffins to cookies and traybakes, all wrapped up in cheerful colors and finished with a ceramic coating designed to avoid PFAS.

They’re not quite perfect, though. The Caraway bakeware is more delicate than some of the other pieces I’ve tested, and the non-stick performance isn’t quite as impressive as I expected. Still, they come remarkably close and remain among the best non-toxic cookware. Here’s exactly how they performed in my kitchen.

Product Specifications: Caraway Ceramic Bakeware Set

Design and First Impressions

I will start by saying that the complete 11-piece Caraway Bakeware Set is not light. When the complete box arrived at my front door, it was a little daunting, but most of it is packaging. The set comes nestled in the included organizers, in a custom cardboard box designed with cutouts to hold every piece perfectly in place during transit. It is incredibly secure, but be prepared to fill your trash cans with the amount of it. It opens cleverly, allowing you to slide the sets out. This needs a lot of room, so I found it easier to do it on the living room floor than in my small kitchen.

The pieces themselves look and feel fantastic. Each is painted evenly and has a good weight to it, feeling sturdy without being too heavy. The included organizers also help slot everything away, with slots designed to fit each piece and more. They are rather large, so they struggled to fit onto some of my smaller cabinet shelves, but are great for deep cabinets like those in pantries.

One thing I will note is that the storage caddies require stacking some pieces inside one another. This would be fine if they were not ceramic, which is infamously easy to scratch and chip. After unboxing and hand-washing each piece, I decided to use cork trivets between pieces to form an anti-scratch barrier from the start.

Speaking of scratches, the large cooling rack/wire tray was already damaged out of the box, with a black scratch-type mark in the center. The items were so well packaged that I do not see this being a result of damage in transit. I did not cook with this piece, using it only for cooling, but I would be worried about it getting worse if used for food.

Cooking Performance

Cake Tins

I decided to start with the foundation of any baking set, the round cake pans. The set comes with two 9.5-inch round tins, which I used to make a brownie-style cake and a Victoria sponge. The instructions call for a light greasing or flouring before use, so I used a good amount of butter as I would for any other cake tin before adding the batters. On one instance, I also added a round parchment paper cut out to one tin as I would my original non-stick bakeware, to see if there was any difference in result.

In both instances, the cakes cooked quickly and evenly, crisping at the edges, and turning golden across the top and base. I could not fault the performance until it came to turning the cakes out. The ceramic bakeware set promises superior non-stick performance; however, I found on both occasions that the cakes stuck in the tins, no matter how cool they were. I had to use a palette knife to free the chocolate cake, which was not ideal as I was worried about scratching the ceramic, and the Victoria sponge tore, with some chunks left in the pans. The cake with the parchment paper base also stuck.

They performed well in terms of texture and flavor, but were not perfect in terms of presentation. For this, I prefer my usual silicone cake pans.

Loaf Tin

I had a very similar story when using the loaf tin. I baked a lemon drizzle cake, which rose and browned well during its prolonged time in the oven. Usually, in my traditional non-stick loaf tin, I have difficulty with this cake cooking through without overbrowning, but I did not have that with this tin. After removing from the oven, coating in lemon sugar drizzle, and allowing to cool, I tipped the tin, and it stayed stuck (even with a good greasing beforehand). I once again had to use a knife to loosen the edges, and the cake stuck to the base of the tin.

Muffin Tin

The muffin pan was one of the best tins in the collection. I whipped up a batch of cinnamon sugar muffins before a game night with my friends, alternating rows with paper muffin cases and plain, greased holes.

All of the muffins rose evenly, turning lightly golden and cooking perfectly throughout. The muffins baked in paper cases naturally came out very easily, and I was pleased that those baked without released with a gentle twist once they had cooled enough to touch. I gently pinched the tops with clean fingers, rotated slightly, and lifted them away, revealing beautiful, slightly crisp golden bases. These turned out to be my favorite of the batch, and I can see myself doing away with paper cases entirely from now on.

Roasting Tin

The rectangular pan is one of the most versatile in the set, and I have had great success roasting vegetables and baking cinnamon rolls with it.

When roasting vegetables, they all cooked evenly with no uneven burnt spots, and to my delight, they all released easily with a serving spoon when it came to plating up with some couscous. The skins on the eggplants and bell peppers did not stick and rip, making for much easier clean up and no wasted food.

When baking my friend-famous extra-large cinnamon rolls, the tray was the perfect size for them to rise, with each bun baking to perfection. The dough was crisp at the edges but pillowy-soft inside. Once iced and cooled enough to handle, they slotted out on my spatula with remarkable ease, the dough not tearing once.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

The complete 11-piece bakeware set is, as you might have already guessed, rather large. The largest baking sheet with handles is 20” L x 13” W x 1” H, which is actually too large to fit in any of my small kitchen cabinets. The included organizers do make fitting the rest into storage easier, however, keeping them upright and preventing them from slipping all over my shelving. I like the fact that they come with extra space, too, to store any existing bakeware you hang on to, or add later. As I mentioned earlier, I also added cork trivets, from Walmart, between some of the stacked pans to minimize the risk of them scratching one another and chipping the ceramic interiors. I feel like this was maybe a slight oversight when designing the organizers.

Cleaning the pans is relatively easy. They are all handwash only, as a dishwasher can damage delicate ceramic coatings over time; however, they are all easy to hold, and the low-stick coating meant that any debris came off without scrubbing, even after slow roasting vegetables. One thing I will note is that oily foods, such as the vegetables or the drizzle from my lemon drizzle cake, needed a second wash to help remove some of the oils on the coating. I used a little extra dish soap, and they were good as new.

I allowed them to air dry most of the time after washing, setting them on my dish rack. Each of the tins has a very small rolled edge on them, and I found that water collected beneath this, even when the tins were stood on their edges. I would always have to go in with a dish towel afterwards to clean this water away, which is slightly annoying. Otherwise, maintenance was simple.

What Do Shoppers Say About The Caraway Ceramic Bakeware Set?

Overall, the customer experience with this set has been overwhelmingly positive, with an average of 4.8/5 stars on the product listing page.

Top reviews comment on how easy they are to clean and store, as well as the great range of colors to choose from. The weight of the items is also noted, with many appreciating how easy they are to move around even with food on them.

There are some one-star reviews, however, with users reporting that the items have chipped and scratched with only a few months of use, or arrived damaged. While the ceramic pieces in my set were fine, the cooling rack was scratched, so it would suggest that there are a few quality issues with some sets. Although my set has not been damaged with use, I wonder if my understanding of how to clean and care for cookware and using the stacking trivets has helped prevent damage. If anything changes with my set, I will report back.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Caraway Ceramic Bakeware Set?

All in all, I would recommend the Caraway Bakeware Set to any home baker looking to upgrade their old bakeware, those just starting out their collections, and health-conscious home cooks looking to minimize exposure to PFAS in the kitchen. The set comes with everything you need and does what it says on the tin, but you may need to be more liberal with your pre-greasing and be patient removing bakes from the tins.

The pieces are also available individually, should you wish to pick and choose which items you want in particular from the set.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware here at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home. For bakeware, I test pieces using recipes that I have used for years, so I know what results to expect to see where pieces succeed, and where they could be better.

What Else to Shop

If you're feeling inspired to get baking, you can shop from a curated selection of top-rated bakeware and accessories below.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Looking to level up your home baking setup? Check out our ranking of the best stand mixers next.

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Stainless steel does come with a learning curve. From mastering the preheating technique that helps prevent food from sticking to learning how to tackle stubborn residue without damaging the surface, it takes a little more patience than traditional non-stick cookware. This non-toxic cookware set, however, makes the transition surprisingly easy. It strikes a balance between being approachable for beginners and offering the performance more experienced cooks expect.

Here’s what to know as you consider the Hedley Stainless Steel 3-Piece Cookware Set for your everyday cooking needs.

Product Specifications: Hedley & Bennet 3-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware

Design and First Impressions

On first impression, the pans look sleek and professional. I can almost convince myself that I’m more than an amateur cook trying to keep seven mouths fed three times per day. The shiny coating and thin but tight-fitting lid design contribute to the modern aesthetic.

In unboxing the product, I noticed less plastic than other kitchen products I’ve unboxed lately. Yet, the product is well protected and secure. Should someone receive it with defects, there’s a lifetime warranty that can help (but doesn’t apply to typical wear and tear).

Stainless steel pans have some start-up procedures, so I washed with soapy water and a non-abrasive pad, and “seasoned” the pan by warming it on medium/low for a few minutes, then added oil before cooking. It did take a few more times doing this than other pans I’ve tested to get the non-stick surface to work properly.

I did wonder why the saucepan comes with a lid, and the frying pan doesn’t. But overall, first impressions were positive, and I was ready to start cooking.

Cooking Performance

I tested this cookware for over three weeks, using it for everything from weekend breakfasts to a stir-fry dinner. Over time, I learned the best foods to use this set on, and others that weren’t as simple.

Overall, the pans take a bit of time to get to know, but then will become your go-to pans quickly:

• Seared steak: One of my favorite ways to make steak quickly on a weeknight for a family whose preferences range from medium rare to super well done is a frying pan. This stainless steel pan heated up quickly and evenly for the task, and I was surprised to see fit steak chunks for a family of seven. In just minutes, the first round of steak was done, and I continued to rotate the remaining steaks that were to become more well-done. This cooking session was when I really noticed the difference in the flawless heat distribution with this pan. With others, I’d have to rotate the steak closest to the gas flame and further away, but that wasn’t necessary with this pan. The only flaw was having to apply so much elbow grease and a little bit of vinegar to get the pan clean afterward. It was much more difficult than other pans I own.
• Spaghetti: I boiled two small boxes of lentil spaghetti all in the saucepan to find out just how much it could hold. I was surprised that there was plenty of room (I did break the spaghetti in half, which I usually do anyway for smaller mouths). I was able to fill the saucepan up three-fourths of the way with water and still have the spaghetti moving around at a rapid pace with a rolling boil, cooking thoroughly. I liked having a smooth, not-so-clunky lid that I could use as the water warmed up, that fit snugly but could still be removed with one hand easily. In about eight minutes, the pasta was complete, and I had a new favorite go-to not-too-big and not-too-small pasta pot.
• Sauce: After cooking the spaghetti and moving it to another dish, I warmed the pasta sauce in this same saucepan. The sauce bubbles evenly across the top and heats quickly without burning the bottom or edges. The saucepan was only halfway full for my whole family so it could easily hold and heat sauce for a larger crowd without taking up too much real estate on the stovetop. I liked covering it but cracking the lid to allow some heat to escape while I kept it warm until everyone was ready to eat. The pan kept the sauce quite warm without any burning issues during that wait.
• Fried eggs: Frying eggs on a stainless steel pan isn’t my first choice, because it takes a very precise amount of heat and oil that I could never get right with this pan. Though it’s likely operator error, it’s worth noting that if you intend to buy this pan for egg frying, it might be a more difficult process than with traditional non-stick. My eggs weren’t seamlessly gliding around as I’d hoped.
• Pancakes: I like to test the same recipe with many products I try out, which is a “pancake” made of mushier, high-protein ingredients including egg and cottage cheese, mixed with oats. It proved to be a bit difficult on this pan, creating too much of a seared look compared to my pancake griddle, even at lower heats. So, it’s not the best for this type of recipe, or it needs to be done on much lower heat than you’d expect. But it was nice to be moving the pan around with one hand with no glove needed due to the cool handle, and flipping pancakes with the other.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

The website comes with precise and helpful cleaning instructions, including: Allowing the pan to cool before using cold water and hand washing with gentle soap to protect the surface (using a dishwasher is allowed, but they make a note that it may shorten the life of your pans). Similarly, they suggest avoiding metal tools to prevent scratches.

They also recommend boiling vinegar and water in the pan for stubborn residue (this tip is a must, and I had to do this multiple times).

Overall, the product is easy to clean unless you have made something, like the steak, that creates a more difficult-to-remove residue. I found leaving the pan to sit for too long made it much harder to clean than just letting it cool a bit and handling it right then. I did have multiple incidents of residue getting stuck, and overall opted for handwashing for this reason over dishwashing.

Finally, storing the pans is simple, but you might want to use felt pan liners from Amazon, so other pans don’t scuff or scratch the surface during storage.

How Does the Hedley & Bennett Stainless Steel Cookware Compare?

Reviewers called out many of my own favorite features. On the Hedley & Bennet website, one noted that the pans “changed my sauce game,” while another appreciated that there weren’t any hot spots. One did find it to be a favorite for making eggs, which wasn’t my own experience, but I do agree that overall, the product is “worth every penny.”

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Hedley & Bennett Stainless Steel Cookware?

Overall, I think this is a set most cooks would be happy to have in their kitchen, so long as they are willing to take the time to learn how stainless steel works and give it the care it deserves. Stainless steel does have a learning curve, but once you understand how to cook with it, the payoff is clear.

The brand promises it will last “decades, not years,” and based on my experience so far, I can see why. It feels like the kind of cookware you invest in once and reach for every day, whether you are an enthusiastic home cook or a seasoned professional.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

From non-toxic cleaning essentials to smart storage solutions that help protect your pans, these are the tools we wouldn't be without when cooking with stainless steel.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

If you aren’t sure how to navigate the various types of cookware that might be best for your home kitchen, check out our article on how to clean and care for every type of cookware.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

It’s ideal for people who are looking for an easy-to-use appliance that can do more than one thing, though the two plugs are something to get used to.

However, each setting comes with a default temperature setting (400°F for Bake and Recrisp, 425°F for Airfry, and 450°F for Maxcrisp), so if your items don’t fall under these settings, you may have to choose something else as a proxy. The glass pot is easy to clean with soap and warm water, but mind the sharp edges on the crisper dish.

Product Specifications: Magnifique The Combo Air Fryer

Design and First Impressions

The Magnifique Combo Air Fryer came in a box with individually wrapped components, so it only took a few minutes to unpack and set up. The appliance has a small footprint on the counter, especially as a dual air fryer and multi-cooker, and it also came with a metal crisper disk for air-frying, a steam rack, and heat-resistant gloves.

After rinsing the glass pot and wiping down the other elements, I kept the base on the counter and removed the glass pot to clean it as needed. Plus, the glass pot doubled as a serving dish, which meant less cleanup after using it. Both the multicooker and air fryer have different plugs, and the main precaution is not to use both plugs at the same time to avoid overloading your outlet.

The air fryer has four settings (Bake, Airfry, Recrisp, and Maxcrisp), which you can toggle between using the Mode button. Each of these settings has a temperature optimized for its function, but these temperatures cannot be adjusted from one setting to another. The display shows the remaining cook time in minutes, which can be increased or decreased as needed using the “+” and “-” buttons. There was also a start and stop button, and the air fryer also turns off automatically when you turn the lid off.

Overall, I was excited about the prospect of this air fryer replacing the one I’ve had for years, and it was time to put it to the test.

Cooking Performance

Test 1: Fries

Frozen French fries make for an ideal air fryer test. I added them straight from the freezer without defrosting them and cooked them for 10 minutes based on the instructions. The recommended setting for frozen foods is Maxcrisp (450°F), which is what I used.

After six minutes, I noticed that the fries had started to cook, and I was able to take the lid off to stir halfway through. Admittedly, this step was a little awkward because I had to either hold the top of the air fryer overhead or put it on its side, which felt precarious I eventually got used to it, but this is where the typical air fryer design of a basket with a handle is helpful because you can easily pull it out, shake your food, and put it back with very little effort. A few fries got caught on the edge between the crisper dish and the glass pot while stirring, but I was able to take them out with relative ease using a spatula.

I added four minutes to get the fries extra crispy, and the glass pot made it easy for me to monitor the fries during this extra time. I noticed that the fries near the edges and top started to burn first, and stirring halfway through helped the pieces cook more evenly. I also repeated this test many times with tater tots and found that the Maxcrisp setting was ideal for getting crispy potatoes every time.

Test 2: Chickpeas

I usually roast chickpeas in the oven, but I decided to try roasting them in the air fryer instead. After washing and draining my chickpeas, I tossed them in some olive oil, added them to the glass pot, and used the Airfry setting (425°F). Usually, I have to roast my chickpeas in the oven for 22 minutes or so, but I found that they were fully crisp in about 15 minutes in this air fryer. I could also see and hear that they were popping halfway through, which was a visual indicator that they were cooking.

Test 3: Tofu

I wanted to see if this air fryer could handle cooking extra-firm tofu, so I started by draining excess water, cubing my tofu, and tossing it in cornstarch and olive oil so it could get crispy. I started with 13 minutes on the Airfry setting (425°F) and stirred my tofu a few times during cooking, and I was able to watch it get crispy and take it out when it was golden brown. To my surprise, most of the tofu pieces were golden brown, with a few scattered softer pieces.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After cooking something in the glass pot, cleaning it was as simple as scrubbing it with soap and warm water. I needed to do very little scrubbing because there was very little residue left on the pot, so I never felt the need to put it in the dishwasher. The crisper dish has pretty sharp edges, so I recommend wearing gloves or scrubbing very gently.

Once the glass pot was washed and dried, I usually put it back into the multi-cooker base, just to keep all the appliances together. In hindsight, I realized that I could have used the glass pot and AirCrisper on their own and put the multi-cooker away when not in use, but it takes up the same amount of space on the counter either way.

How Does It Compare?

The Magnifique Combo Air Fryer is highly rated for being made of non-toxic materials and for its ability to replace multiple appliances. One review mentions that they replaced their rice cooker, crock pot, and air fryer with this one appliance, which is a definite plus for people with a small kitchen.

If you prefer the typical air fryer design with a handle and drawer, which makes it easier to stir or toss food halfway through, try the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer, which has a 10-quart capacity that’s ideal for preparing larger quantities of food. If you have more counter space, try the Ninja Crispi Pro, which is also made with non-toxic glassware and has a higher capacity option of 6 quarts.

Should You Buy The Magnifique The Combo Air Fryer?

While the Magnifique Combo Air Fryer is certainly an investment, it pays off if you want an effective air fryer and multi-cooker that can make multiple servings of food, and you can monitor while it’s being prepared. It has a small footprint and is easy to store, making it ideal for smaller households or those with limited counter space.

It’s ideal for people who cook in the summer since it doesn’t heat up the house. The main cons are the limited temperature settings, and some reviewers cite that they wish they could buy additional glass pots, something the company is exploring.

Overall, the Magnifique stands out for its thoughtful, non-toxic design and clever glass cooking vessel. While the limited temperature customization may frustrate some, it's an attractive, easy-to-use appliance for anyone prioritizing healthier materials and everyday convenience.

How We Test Air Fryers

When looking at air fryers, we consider several things. Firstly, we look at the materials, looking for potentially toxic coatings, and prioritizing non-toxic products for peace of mind. Then, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers, and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.

Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials' durability, as this is a key criterion for long-lasting, non-toxic items. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

You can go behind the scenes and read more details on our how we test air fryers page.

What Else to Shop

We've rounded up our favorite air fryer accessories to make cooking, cleaning, and caring for your appliance easier while helping you create a healthier, lower-toxicity kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Air fryers are wonderful machines when used correctly; however, some common air fryer mistakes can get in the way of a perfect serving. Luckily, we have made them all so you can learn from our mishaps.

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And it's not just ultra-slim. On coverage, mapping and pet hair, it's one of the best robot vacuums I've ever tested. Even with its circular mops, which have always let me down in the past when testing other models, the Deebot T50 Pro Omni surprised me with its power, and at $399, it's a fraction of flagship pricing.

After four weeks of testing, the T50 Pro Omni lived up to nearly everything Ecovacs promised. Read on for where it excelled, and where it just missed the mark.

Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni: Specifications

Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni: Setup

Even if you've never owned a robot vacuum before, unboxing and putting the T50 Pro Omni together is simple and quick: clip the brush into its holder on the underside of the robot, clip the ramp onto the station, plug the station in, and slot the robot onto the dock to charge. The mopping pads helpfully come pre-installed.

The clean water tank lifts out of the front panel and fills from the tap, the dust bag slots into its own compartment behind a separate cover on the front, and the cleaning solution unit sits alongside it, ready to be topped up with Ecovacs' own Deebot Cleaning Solution, sold separately.

A 1L bottle of cleaning solution costs $24.99, so you'll need to factor that into the overall cost. You can, in theory, use any non-foaming solution, but just bear in mind that it could invalidate your warranty if something goes wrong after using a non-Ecovacs version.

None of this setup needs tools, and the whole process took less than 10 minutes.

The process was slightly slowed down when organizing the smart home setup. Downloading the Ecovacs Home app and pairing the robot is straightforward enough – there's a QR code on the box, robot, and user manual, giving you multiple options. The app then guides you through.

However, my robot needed a firmware update before it would let me start a clean, and that update took considerably longer – a little over 20 minutes – than the unboxing itself. It also drained the battery, so I had to wait for the robot to charge again afterward. If you're setting this up ahead of a specific cleaning session, I'd build in extra time for that step rather than assume you'll be up and running in minutes.

Once the update and charging were finished, the robot ran its initial mapping pass without any input from me, working room to room and building out a floor plan I could see forming in real time on the app. You can easily rename the rooms to make them easy to identify, as well as change where thresholds or furniture are. I didn't need to do the latter because the first map was so accurate.

Once saved, the robot was then ready to begin deep cleaning my home.

Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni: Design and Features

The Deebot T50 Pro Omni is one of the better-looking robot vacuums I've tested, and the slimmest too.

At just 3.19 in (81mm) tall, it's noticeably slimmer than most of the competition, including my go-to Dreame Aqua 10 Roller, without any of the compromises that usually come with shrinking a robot down. It doesn't veer too far away from most other robot vacuums in terms of looks, but some small touches make a big difference.

There's a single power button on the top which lets you switch the vacuum on, restart it if it gets stuck, and send it back to the dock. LEDs around these controls show you when it's on and charging at a glance.

The Wi-Fi status light and the reset button are tucked away under a panel on the top of the robot, rather than on the casing. This panel also hides the robot's dust bin and washable F9-rated filter, rated to trap fine dust and allergens. The station's dust bag adds a second layer of filtration, which is great if you're using this as a vacuum for pet hair or you have allergies.

The dToF LiDAR module sits flush into the body rather than in a raised turret, which is the main reason the robot sits so low. This module handles mapping at up to 10m. The 3D structured light sensor and AI camera on the front edge can then see obstacles at super close range with a 77° vertical, 97° horizontal field of view. These numbers and specifications may mean little on their own, but in real-world terms, it means the robot can easily spot and avoid obstacles, and all of this gives the T50 Pro Omni a sleek and streamlined finish.

Flip the robot over, and there are large driving wheels on either side and a universal wheel at the front. The brush sits to one side, opposite the carpet detection sensor, and the main roller brush, which releases with a single button, sits in the center. At the rear of the robot are the two fabric mopping pads.

Two of these features do the heavy lifting on design: the ZeroTangle 2.0 uses a triple V-shaped brush structure, angled bristles, and a comb to stop hair wrapping around the roller, which is a bugbear I've experienced on cheaper robot vacuums for pet hair.

TruEdge 2.0 then pairs an extendable side brush with a mop plate that holds a 1mm gap from skirting boards and furniture legs. Together, they lead to fewer missed edges than fixed mop plates I've used and are great for finding and clearing hidden dust and debris in corners.

Anti-drop sensors on the underside stop the robot from tipping down stairs or crashing over thresholds, while the carpet sensor detects over 50 carpet types and triggers the mop to lift automatically so you don't smear wet stains on dry floors.

The station is the bulkiest part of the setup, but even then it only measures 13.8 x 11.6 x 21in (35 x 29.4 x 53.3cm), and weighs 16.8lb (7.6kg) empty. It's not small, but it's also not intrusive. For reference, the Dyson's Spot+Scrub AI dock measures 19.3 x 18.5 x 17.3in (49 x 47 x 44cm) and weighs closer to 20lb.

It's also a clean, minimalist white tower. I'd happily leave it out in a kitchen or hallway rather than tuck it away, which isn't something I say about every robot dock I test. On the top of the dock sit the clean and dirty water tanks, and behind a separate cover on the front you'll find the dust bag compartment and cleaning solution unit.

The mop washing tray sits at the base, directly under where the robot docks. Dual-directional scrapers and 70°C hot water handle the mop-washing, while 45°C hot air dries the pads afterwards so you're not left with a station that smells of stale water, a common complaint with older robot vacuum docks.

All of this runs through the Ecovacs Home app, which, again, is one of the best smart home apps I've used.

Everything is laid out simply. You can move between the robot and station settings in a single swipe, and everything sits under clearly labelled menus rather than buried in submenus.

Cleaning modes and the map live on the same page. You can easily set cleaning tasks per room rather than applying one setting across the whole home, or you can adjust suction and water flow by floor, room or target area. This offers a similar level of control to the Dreame Aqua 10 Roller, and the water flow levels option is one of the best parts of the Deebot T50 Pro Omni in my opinion.

Auto-Empty and Do Not Disturb toggle from the advanced cleaning settings screen, and Auto Resume is a setting worth turning on if you have a larger home because it stops the robot ending a clean early to recharge.

Voice control then runs through YIKO-GPT, Ecovacs' own assistant, and this works either as typed or spoken commands through the app, or via Alexa and Google Assistant. There's additionally a live video call feature, using the robot's 960P camera, which lets you check in on pets while you're out. This isn't enabled by default; you need to opt in, but that's a positive thing when it comes to privacy. If you want to check in on your home remotely, you'll enjoy this extra.

Maintenance features are built into the app too. You can check the condition of brushes, filters, and bags, see when parts need replacing, and order spares. Plus, it's a good place to start if your robot vacuum keeps getting stuck or isn't working as it should.

What Is the Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni Like to Use?

The feature that really stood out for me while living with the Deebot T50 Pro Omni, though, was how methodical it is. It covered every inch of every room, getting into corners and edges with an ease that rivals which cost three times as much struggle with. Even on Quick Clean – which is one of three cleaning speed options alongside Standard and Deep Cleaning and where you might assume it would reduce its precision – the Deebot still cleared areas meticulously.

Being a LiDAR-equipped robot, the T50 Omni Pro's mapping accuracy backs this up. Rooms, as well as obstacles like messy cables or shoes left on the floor, were identified correctly and consistently. I never had the trial-and-error moments I've had with other robots like the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai that would confuse large debris with obstacles, or which made it difficult to work out which numbered room matched with which spaces in my home.

I have a high threshold between the Karndean flooring in my kitchen and the solid hardwood floors of my hallway, and the Deebot T50 Pro Omni handled it with ease. Notably, it did this without causing the loud crashing sound as it lands on the wooden floor that most other robot vacuums create. Size matters here too, and the robot easily cleaned under my sofa, under tables and chairs, and even under a dining room unit without getting stuck.

And all of this combines for excellent cleaning performance, one that carries through whether the Deebot is vacuuming or mopping. In fact, having been let down before by circular mopping pads that smear more than they clean, I was taken aback by the T50 Pro Omni. Not only did its mopping pads make a great first pass each time, but its back-and-forth motion meant it kept going over a patch until it was actually clean. This is a feature Dyson promised on its Spot+Scrub Ai but ultimately failed to deliver. Ecovacs manages it easily.

Noise is a mixed picture, but not necessarily a problem one. During a normal clean, the T50 Pro Omni is quiet enough to run while I'm working nearby. The one moment it gets loud is when the dock empties the dustbin, but that's over quickly enough that it never felt intrusive.

It also makes a low hum when it cleans the mop, and that hum lasts for a few hours as the dock dries the mop too, but neither is a problem, and you soon get used to it.

Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni: Vacuuming Tests

To see how the Deebot handles different types of mess, I ran the same tests on a hard floor and carpet, scattering a quarter cup each of sugar, lentils, and cereal, with some pushed into corners and edges.

Sugar stands in for fine debris like dust, lentils cover medium debris, and cereal represents larger crumbs or kibble.

Across the board, the T50 Pro Omni impressed me. Cereal was swept up almost straight away without hesitation or repeat passes. Lentils came up as easily, cleared from both the laminate and carpet without anything left wedged into the pile.

Sugar took a bit more work on carpet and had a tendency to require multiple passes, but on both carpet and laminate I would watch the robot going back and forth until every trace was gone. No manual sweeping required on my part at all.

Pet hair testing went well too. The Deebot T50 Pro Omni cleared it thoroughly from both the hard floor and the carpet, with nothing left wrapped around the roller afterwards. This noticeably cut down on the pet dander that usually ends up on my hands after sitting on the floor too.

For everyday use, the Deebot T50 Pro Omni took over most of the vacuuming I'd normally do myself. I still used my cordless vacuum on carpets and stairs every weekend, but for daily maintenance, the robot handled all of the work. I could even trust it to get into the nooks where debris tends to build up between cleans.

What struck me most was how little of any mess it left behind, even outside the standardized tests. I never once needed to go back over an area it had already covered, and on carpet especially, family and friends commented on how clean it looked and felt.

Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni: Mopping Tests

I tested mopping with the usual two-stains method: a quarter cup of ketchup for the first test, a quarter cup of mustard for the second, both poured onto my laminate floor.

Ketchup cleared brilliantly, lifted almost entirely on the first pass with barely any residue left behind, no stickiness underfoot once the floor had dried, and no tangy, tomato odor.

Mustard posed much more of a challenge and was the only real test where the Ecovacs didn't live up to the expectations it had set for itself. Being thicker, the mustard was smeared across the test area at first rather than lifted straight away. It gathered in the mop pads, and you could see the outline of the circular pads left behind in the stain on the floor.

The Deebot redeemed itself slightly, going back over the area again and again until the mustard was cleared. It even paused its stain removal halfway through, returned to the dock to rinse the mop pads, then came back out to finish the job.

I did still have to manually mop the area afterwards, though, because mustard has a tendency to stain light-colored flooring, and that discoloration was one thing the T50 Pro Omni couldn't lift.

After both tests, there was very little sticky debris left behind in either the main roller or the mopping pads, and the mop washing tray came out clean rather than caked in leftover mess. Even with the best-performing vacuum-mops I've tested, I've usually found clumps of dried ketchup or mustard I've had to rinse off myself with warm water. Not with the T50 Pro Omni.

Mopping is where I was the most skeptical, given how often circular mops have let me down before, but it's where the Deebot surprised me most. It's not flawless; the initial smearing of the mustard is worth knowing about, but the result each time was a floor that was clean, not just damp with mess pushed around.

Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni: Maintenance

Most of the routine maintenance with the Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni is handled by the dock. After each run, it empties the dustbin, washes the wet roller to stop odor, and dries it with warm air automatically. During my tests, the roller always came out clean and dry and never damp or musty.

Hair management is also good, helped by the V-shaped, anti-tangle design. With a dog in the house and my long hair, I still needed to check the brush bar every couple of weeks and pull out the odd wrapped strand by hand, rather than never touching it at all, but this was minimal.

Day-to-day, the clean and dirty water tanks are easy to lift out and refill, and the bin and filter assembly pops up from the panel on top of the robot with a gentle press.

Both the robot's filter and the docking station's filter can be rinsed under a tap and left to dry for 24 hours before refitting. The mopping pads unclip, and the roller can be removed via the release button on the underside of the machine.

Beyond the day-to-day, maintaining the T50 Pro Omni is mostly a case of following the app's prompts rather than remembering a schedule yourself. If something goes wrong, the app will send a notification where the built-in YIKO-GPT assistant chat gives step-by-step troubleshooting help, showing you how to solve maintenance problems.

The app will also tell you when the dust bag needs replacing and let you order replacement parts – because knowing how to clean a robot vacuum is key to extending its lifespan, this is a welcome touch.

Based on Ecovacs' timelines, the washable mopping pads need replacing every one to two months, and the filter and side brush every three to six months, depending on how much use they get. The clean water tank, dirty water tank, and dust collection cabin are all listed as a monthly clean, along with the body and base of the station itself, though in practice I found a quick wipe every few weeks kept things looking fresh without needing to follow the schedule to the letter.

None of this felt like a chore during testing. Compared to the upkeep some robot vacuums demand, particularly ones without a self-cleaning dock, the T50 Pro Omni asks very little of you beyond the occasional rinse and the odd bag swap.

How Does the Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni Compare?

Against the eufy Omni S1 Pro, a longtime favorite of mine in this category, the Deebot's biggest advantage is raw suction, at 15,000 Pa against the eufy's 8,000 Pa, and its slimmer profile gets under furniture the eufy's boxier body can't.

The Roborock Saros Z70 takes a completely different approach to obstacle handling, using a mechanical arm to physically pick up socks, cables, and other small objects rather than avoiding them. It's a clever solution to the problem, especially when it comes to larger debris, and its 22,000 Pa suction outmuscles the Deebot on paper. Although its real-world carpet performance pales in comparison.

For a more direct mopping comparison, the Dreame Aqua 10 Roller offers stronger suction at 30,000 Pa, along with a continuous-clean roller mop. It's been my go-to robot vacuum at home, which says a lot about how highly I rate it, but the T50 Pro Omni may have just pipped it.

How I Tested the Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni

I used the T50 Pro Omni as my main robot vacuum for four weeks, running it across hard flooring and carpet, with a dog, children, and the usual day-to-day mess that comes with both.

Alongside daily cleans, I ran our standardized vacuum tests, scattering a quarter cup each of sugar, lentils, and cereal on both hard floor and carpet to assess fine, medium, and large debris pickup, and setting two stains: ketchup and mustard, on hard flooring to test the mopping function.

I tracked how the robot navigated my home, how it handled the OMNI Station's self-cleaning and self-emptying cycles, and how the Ecovacs Home app held up across day-to-day scheduling, room management, and cleaning history.

Next, learn how to choose the best vacuum for every home and budget.

I’ve been testing mattresses, toppers, bedding, and pillows for the past five years, so I’m well-versed in all things sleep. The Avocado Down Mattress Topper certainly isn’t the first down product I’ve tested, but it was definitely the most luxurious, as it aided in softening my mattress and resulted in a temperature regulated sleep.

Here, I’ll share everything you need to know about the materials, comfort, support, breathability, motion isolation, and edge support of this topper. The premium price tag means it would be a pretty sweet treat for the bedroom. However, if you can't justify shelling out so much cash, our guide on choosing the best mattress topper might be helpful.

The Avocado Down Mattress Topper Review − One-Minute Verdict

Sleeping on the Avocado Down Mattress Topper for 30 nights was a luxurious experience. The down and feather blend was airy and breathable, and added some additional softening and comfort to my supportive mattress.

The flexible design doesn't really contribute to spinal alignment, motion isolation, or edge support, though. For that, you'll need to go with memory foam toppers such as the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt Topper or latex toppers like the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper.

However, if you want to soften your medium-to-firm mattress and feel like you’re sleeping on a luxury hotel bed, the Avocado Down Mattress Topper is a top choice.

Specifications: Avocado Down Mattress Topper

Unboxing and First Impressions: Avocado Down Mattress Topper

The King-size Avocado Down Mattress Topper arrived folded in a clear plastic bag. No off-gassing or smells were present when I removed the topper from the packaging. I placed it on my bed without any assistance in a few minutes.

Straps along the corners kept the mattress topper from shifting during the testing period. I originally placed the topper on a nine-inch-tall PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress and later tried it on the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress, which had a built-in pillowtop, resulting in a 14-inch height.

The straps on the topper were stretched to their maximum with the 14-inch mattress, which is why I suggest it for mattresses that are nine to 12 inches tall.

What's It Like to Sleep On the Avocado Down Mattress Topper?

Pressure relief: Comprised of white duck down and feathers, the Avocado Down Mattress Topper isn’t designed to keep your hips aligned or offer back support like the Nolah Mattress Topper. Instead, this soft, airy, fluffy, and cloud-like topper is a better choice for those who wish to add some softness to a medium or firm mattress. With a three out of 10 on the firmness scale, it's no surprise that my body sank into the topper. It coddled me in its comforting and cozy embrace, though I wouldn't say it offered any significant pressure relief.

Thermoregulation: Down typically adapts to body temperature and is supposed to keep you warm in the colder months and comfortable in the summer. The Avocado Down Mattress Topper is considerably breathable and airy, so I experienced a mostly neutral sleep experience while testing it during June and July in Texas. There were a few nights where I grew slightly warm, but I’m going to attribute that to over 100-degree days, night temperatures in the high 80s, a thick comforter, and an air conditioner that struggles to keep my historic home (that lacks insulation) cool. If you sleep especially hot or use thicker bedding, you may want to pair the topper with cooling sheets and/or invest in a mattress that has great airflow or cooling properties.

Motion Isolation: Unlike mattress toppers made of latex or memory foam, a down topper such as this one lacks any density to contribute to motion isolation. The materials are placed in an organic cotton shell that's loose and flexible, making it look like a very thick comforter.

Because of that, I placed an empty water glass in the center of the topper, and it angled nearly 45 degrees. Any movement on the topper caused it to topple over – which is why I forwent filling it with water. I probably would’ve spilled the glass just trying to set it on the topper.

While I usually sleep alone in my bed, my sister helped me to test out the motion isolation of the topper. I didn’t feel her move positions in the middle of the night; however, I think that had more to do with the fact that my mattress possesses phenomenal motion isolation.

If you need a topper with superb motion isolation capabilities, go for the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper instead.

Edge support: Like with motion isolation, you won't find any form of edge support with the Avocado Down Mattress Topper. When I placed a 15 lb dumbbell on the edge, the topper dipped to the mattress. The topper won't cause you to slip off the mattress, but it’s not going to do much of anything to prevent you from falling off either.

Weight bearing: When I placed a 15-lb. weight in the center of the mattress, it dipped all the way to the mattress beneath. The topper recovered slightly when the weight was removed, but it required fluffing to return to its full height.

Materials: The Avocado Down Mattress Topper has a 400-thread organic cotton shell that holds 650-fill-power of 75% white duck down blended with 25% feathers. The internal baffle design (the square stitching) prevents the down from shifting, while a 200-thread-count organic cotton twill gusset on the bottom helps the topper last longer. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Responsible Down Standard certifications indicate that this topper is toxic-free and that the down was obtained humanely.

Although down and feather products are popular, I must admit that after the first week of use, some of the feathers and down poked through the organic cotton shell and subsequently poked me when I moved positions.

I also experienced a stuffy nose during the testing period, but I can’t guarantee it was from the topper. Living in a historic house during the summer tends to increase my allergies regardless, so it’s unclear whether or not I’m sensitive to the down or not, but I wanted to mention it nonetheless.

Price: The Avocado Down Mattress Topper is fairly expensive; however, in line with other mattress brands of the same name recognition and caliber. I’m not surprised by the price considering the materials are organic and come with sustainability certifications. I’d rather pay this price for a topper that is well designed, breathable, and comfortable, and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and one year warranty.

Who Would the Avocado Down Mattress Topper Suit?

• Luxury sleepers: Avocado suggests their Down Mattress Topper for people who want to elevate their sleep experience to something that feels luxurious and plush – and they’ve succeeded. This high-priced topper is exactly what you’d expect to experience from a bed at a luxury hotel.
• Hot Sleepers: As a breathable and airy mattress topper, you'll enjoy a temperature neutral or cool night's sleep with this topper. Plus, in the winter, it'll keep you warm on cold nights.
• Those with medium to firm mattresses: The Avocado Down Mattress Topper is best suited to those with firm to medium-firm mattresses and are looking for a topper that adds some additional softness. The Coop Retreat Mattress Topper and the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper do the same but have more support thanks to their memory foam and latex filling.
• All sleepers: Any sleep style will benefit from the comfort of the Avocado Down Mattress Topper as long as the mattress beneath the topper offers the kind of support, motion isolation, and edge support they need.

My Verdict

If your mattress has the support, breathability, and motion isolation capabilities you need, and you're only looking to elevate your sleep experience to something that feels like nightly pampering, buy the Avocado Down Mattress Topper.

It may lack the density to relieve pressure or isolate motion, but the down and feather blend and organic cotton shell mean it has great airflow and breathability. Best of all, the cloud-like feel will lull you to sleep night after night.

More to Shop

Below, you can shop the selection of tried-and-tested mattress toppers that have been recommended throughout this review.

Pair your topper with one of the best mattresses for optimal results.

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When I started cooking with the Cuisinart ClearView Glass Basket Air Fryer, these fears disappeared. The PFAS-free glass cooking product allows you to air fry food, along with other cooking functions, in a high-visibility way.

After cooking with the product for my family for multiple weeks, here’s what I want consumers to know about it.

Product Specifications: Cuisinart ClearView Glass Basket Air Fryer

Design and First Impressions

The air fryer arrived fully assembled in a largely recyclable box and only needed a quick rinse before its first use. Although it is fairly heavy, it was easy to move around the counter without feeling unstable.

The design is a little bulky, but comparable to most basket-style air fryers I've tested. That said, the rounded baskets offer slightly less usable cooking space than newer oven-style models, so larger families may find the capacity limiting.

From the outset, I was keen to test its extra cooking modes, particularly the bake and broil functions, to see whether it could replace my oven for more recipes.

The glass baskets immediately felt more premium than traditional non-stick alternatives, and the included recipe booklet was a nice touch. However, it was fairly basic, so I found myself turning to online recipes for more inspiration.

Cooking Performance

In testing air fryers, we consider a variety of tests and recipes, and other factors such as noise and ease of cleaning. You can find more details on this process in our guide to How We Test Air Fryers.

One unique setting is the 'custom fav 1' and 'custom fav 2,' which allow you to save your favorite settings. This is extremely helpful with kids who always use a typical 35-degree ten-minute cycle for a variety of foods, for example. It also allows you to more quickly start cooking.

Overall, batching was the only frustration given the smaller size of the basket. In addition, I was much more careful allowing my older children to use this breakable product compared to some others in which they can easily grab a handle, shake a basket, and put it back to finish cooking. That said, however, it was a joy to use for small features such as the built-in light that illuminates your food inside so you can determine 'doneness.'

Here’s what I tried:

Chicken

I air-fried frozen chicken nuggets on the 'air fry' setting for around 15 minutes, at a higher temperature of around 450 degrees, because my kids love well-done nuggets. They came out crunchy, and it did take the whole 15 minutes, but even the pickiest kid loved their consistency.

The downside was that I had to cook in two batches, as I could not fit more than 7-10 of them at a time without having them overlap too much to cook well. This makes this air fryer ideal for solo cooking, or maybe for two, but not the best pick for a large family or hosting.

Roasted Vegetables

In addition to cooking the vegetables in the air fryer, I also practiced using the 'recrisp' function in heating leftovers, which allowed them to regain that crunchiness you get right out of an air fryer the first time. Both functions worked well, and the vegetables cooked in around half the time of roasting them in the oven, which was helpful.

After the recrisp, they did feel a bit overdone, so I might stick to that function for other types of food in the future.

Corn on the Cob

I baked corn on the cob then followed that by a broil setting to achieve a crunchier outer layer on the corn. The baking was causing a bit of mushiness but the broil setting helped, showing that sometimes adjusting the setting halfway through is helpful. Since the product is glass, you can keep a good eye on how it’s cooking and adjust through the cooking cycle as needed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning was simple, with most components being dishwasher-safe. I also found myself using the glass cooking containers with their lids to store leftovers, meaning I rarely had to wash up extra food storage containers.

As with any glass cookware, food can occasionally stick, but no more than I'd expect. A quick wipe around the base where the glass container sits is all that's needed to keep the appliance in good condition.

Storage is the biggest compromise. The unit is fairly bulky and, because of the glass components, requires a little more care when putting it away. I kept mine on the floor of my pantry, though a sturdy, high-clearance shelf would also work. If you have the counter space, however, it's an appliance you'll likely want to keep out for everyday use.

How Does the Cuisinart ClearView Glass Basket Air Fryer Compare?

The product has earned high reviews, with 97% of the 45 reviewers on the site recommending it, with a 4.8 rating. The review summary shares: 'Customers overwhelmingly praise this air fryer for its transparent glass basket, which eliminates guesswork and prevents overcooking while allowing heat retention. The smooth glass surface cleans effortlessly with no trapped food or crevices, making maintenance remarkably simple.

'Reviewers highlight intuitive controls, helpful features like shake reminders and built-in cooking lights, and reliable performance delivering crispy, evenly cooked results across diverse foods. Quiet operation and compact design appeal to small households.

'A few note the basket slides easily during handling, and one reported early malfunction, but these isolated concerns do not diminish overall strong satisfaction.'

I agree with the sentiments in this summary, though I never had an early malfunction.

Should You Buy The Cuisinart ClearView Glass Basket Air Fryer?

I’ve tested dozens of countertop ovens and air fryers in the last decade as a product journalist, and found it to be highly accurate, quiet, and helpful, especially because I rest assured I’m not using chemicals in the materials heating my food.

However, I find it somewhat slower and less convenient on a daily basis, compared to some others that have a single handle that you grab and shake without completely removing the cooking container. In addition, glass has pros and cons that people should consider.

It does have a good amount of settings, but not so many that it’s overwhelming, which is a benefit compared to some competitors with just too many options. There isn’t as much of a learning curve with the Cuisinart Glass Basket Air Fryer, which is also helpful.

Overall, I highly recommend this product to most home cooks, especially in smaller households: It is high quality, feels safe, and cooks accurately.

I would buy this product if I were worried about other PFAS and more suspect cookware surfaces in other products, as it’s hard to argue with the safety of glass. It helps to have a highly intuitive and not-too-complex settings bar at the top, and that cook times and temperatures felt quick and accurate overall. This would suit most people unless they had kids frequently using the product.

How We Test Air Fryers

When looking at air fryers, we consider several things. Firstly, we look at the materials, looking for potentially toxic coatings, and prioritizing non-toxic products for peace of mind. Then, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers, and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.

Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials' durability, as this is a key criterion for long-lasting, non-toxic items. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

You can go behind the scenes and read more details on our how we test air fryers page.

What Else to Shop

We have rounded up a selection of the best non-toxic air fryer accessories and alternative models to help you set up a new, healthier cooking setup.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Your kitchen should not be the only consideration when detoxing your routine. We have a complete guide to creating a non-toxic home to help you get started.

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The oven operates differently from a traditional standard oven. It works based on the temperature of the food and has functions to prevent overcooking, rather than using a set amount of cook time in an oven or even a microwave.

There are multiple levels for cooking and various trays and surfaces to use, so while there’s a learning curve with the process and settings, it might be worth it for many people who don’t have access to an oven or want more precision in their cooking. It has shaped up to be one of the best non-toxic air fryers − here's why.

Product Specifications: Typhur Sync Oven

Design and First Impressions

I had to get help removing the large product from the box. Not only was it tough to do, but the product itself is quite heavy at 26 pounds. There are also rubber grips on the bottom that make it difficult to relocate once it’s in a certain position, so sliding it wasn’t really an option.

I was happy as I explored the design to learn that the trays slide in and out quite easily, but more importantly, that they remain supported and elevated when they are extended, for the most part. This means that you can work with the food with two hands without having to hold the tray with the other.

At first, I was intimidated by the number of settings and learning the best process for selecting what options to use to cook various foods, especially as I started to think through cooking multiple types of food at once. This is because there is a corresponding number you choose for various foods, such as two or three, and I had to keep looking up which number to select in the guidebook.

As I stepped back, I also realized that the product will only fit on one of my counters, in a corner, or positioned in the middle of the island. This means that those without much counter space might not be able to use this product.

There is a corresponding app that is simple to find, sync, and try, but largely unnecessary; you don’t have to use it to operate the oven. After a simple wash-down of some trays and a bit of a learning curve, I was ready to cook.

Cooking Performance

We test a range of standard foods across our air fryers over a few weeks (up to one month) to judge performance and make comparisons between appliances, as detailed in How We Test Air Fryers.

As a mom of five, I set out to make a full kid-friendly dinner as part of this experiment. Here are the tests I performed and how the food turned out.

French Fries

It’s easy to mess up basic potato wedges or French fries in an air fryer or even a standard oven. Sometimes they come out too crispy on the outside, but mushy on the inside. Sometimes they flop and are just mushy overall.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the oven perform so well on cooking these roasted potato wedges in around half the time of a typical standard oven. However, I did notice a substantial nine minutes to preheat the oven to the correct setting.

Chicken

One of the most basic functions of an air fryer, which this oven serves as, is to cook crispy chicken tenders or chicken nuggets. So, I was shocked to see it outperform both my standard oven and my air fryer by around eight minutes, taking just 10 of the projected 18 minutes to actually finish the job.

Pizza

At first I didn’t think a pizza would fit in this oven, but I was wrong. A large-size frozen pizza did fit, but I ended up cutting it in half just for ease of manipulating it. At the end of the pizza cooking setting, the pizza wasn’t quite done enough, so I moved to a broil setting to brown up the top a bit more. However, during the transition from baking to broiling, the pizza started to burn while preheating. So, this experiment wasn’t the smoothest, though the pizza still turned out to be good and edible.

Overall, I struggled with the mental load of choosing the right setting, determining if I wanted to use the app or thermometer or not, and which type of food was meant to go on which rack. All of these are important considerations that get easier with time, but definitely involve a little time, patience, and even taking some notes on what works best for the foods you usually cook.

But, I was pleased to see I didn’t have to cook in batches on any of these items, though I was feeding a family of seven, which is a feat in itself. In this way, the size of the product paid off, and offset the issues with the overall size and space it takes up on the counter.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the trays on the Typhur Sync Oven was simple. All they need is a simple rinse or wipe down. What I loved most was the crumb catch tray at the bottom of the oven. It is simple to remove and clean out, so you are not spending time scrubbing the base of the main unit after every meal.

Ingredients don’t really get stuck in hard-to-reach places due to this helpful bottom tray, though there was a bit of scrubbing to get some melted cheese off the rack the pizza was on. However, this is to be expected with any oven or tray. The removable parts and even the thermometer are dishwasher-safe, which is a nice convenience after cooking.

Because of its size, storing this oven in the cabinet is likely not an option for most people. But I was able to store it on the floor when I wanted the counter space back for a dinner party.

How Does the Typhur Sync Oven Compare?

I have tested numerous products that perform a versatile number of cooking tasks, including similar ovens and air fryers. I overall found this product to be somewhat harder to use, but with some thoughtful perks such as the ability to pull out the tray without it dropping down, supporting itself while you rearrange something on the tray, and other benefits like quick cooking time. That said, it presented some new issues, such as longer preheating times for some settings, and a significant amount of counter space needed.

A main differentiator is the probe inserted into the food, and how that links to the total cook time. For those that prefer ultra-precise cooking, especially for larger cuts of meat, this will help make a roast, whole chicken, or other meals.

Overall, it is more precise at cooking a variety of foods, but it might be too intimidating or complicated for some users to fully benefit from the product. On the product’s page, over 100 reviewers have averaged a 4.7 rating, with some pointing to its sleek look and durability, and others saying it’s more accessible for some groups than leaning over a full-size oven.

Should You Buy The Typhur Sync Oven?

My verdict is that the oven is well thought out and helpful, solving problems for a variety of home cooks. However, the size and complexity might be a barrier for some.

This oven would suit people who have accessibility issues reaching their full-sized oven. They also might find it helpful if they want to cook multiple types of foods at once, or want more precise, temperature-controlled results in their cooking. But it would be most helpful for those who don’t have access to an oven but want to have the full range of cooking an oven can offer, combined with the benefits of an air fryer. This could fully replace a traditional oven for many.

How We Test Air Fryers

When looking at air fryers, we consider several things. Firstly, we look at the materials, looking for potentially toxic coatings, and prioritizing non-toxic products for peace of mind. Then, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers, and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.

Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials' durability, as this is a key criterion for long-lasting, non-toxic items. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

You can go behind the scenes and read more details on our how we test air fryers page.

What Else to Shop

We have rounded up a selection of the best non-toxic air fryer accessories and alternative models to help you set up a new, healthier cooking setup.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

For many of us, choosing the best kitchen appliances can feel overwhelming. When picking from a small countertop oven, a toaster oven, or an air fryer, check out our guide to the best toaster ovens to find the perfect choice for you.

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It's also cool-to-the-touch, thermoregulating, and boasts excellent edge support for sleepers who struggle to get into and out of bed with ease. That being said, available in only two firmness levels (Soft and Firm), the Firm option may be a little too firm for some sleepers, but it does soften over time and will offer those who suffer from sleep-related aches and pains some welcome relief.

In the running for the best mattress topper, it's a worthy contender.

Specifications: Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper

Unboxing and First Impressions: Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper

The Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper arrived conveniently rolled in a large box, which is great if you live in a small apartment or have a narrow staircase, but it was far too heavy for me to move on my own. My partner, however, was able to carry it down the stairs with ease, so if you're not particularly strong, I'd suggest asking a friend or family member to help maneuver it.

As suggested on the side of the box, my partner helped me to pull the topper out of the box, unwrap it from its plastic, and roll it out on top of my mattress to give it time to expand to its full thickness.

Immediately, I was met with a strong off-gassing smell which took more than a few days to dwindle. This is harmless and nothing out of the ordinary for mattress toppers, particularly those with a foam-based filling, but it is something to note if you're planning on using yours to sleep on straight out of the box.

Instead, I'd suggest unrolling it and letting it expand in another room − preferably an unused guest bedroom if you have one − with the windows open, before moving it onto your bed once the smell has dissipated.

Once the topper had had time to expand fully, I was initially struck by just how thick it is, though I've fortunately had no trouble with fitting my sheets over the top. Lying down on it for the first time, it felt firm yet supportive.

What's It Like to Sleep On the Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper?

Pressure relief (5/5): If anything, the pressure relief on this mattress topper is almost too good for my preferences. Lying on my back, I hardly sank at all, and as a side sleeper, the Firm sleep surface is a little too firm on my shoulder, although it has softened to become more comfortable over time.

That being said, if you prefer a back or stomach sleep position, this topper will be perfectly suited to you, as you'll need firmer support to protect your neck and back as you rest.

This does make me question whether the Soft firmness option would have been better suited to me, but with only two levels to choose from, I was also concerned that the Soft might be too soft.

Instead, my favorite topper, the Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper, which I recently reviewed, is available in only one Medium-soft option, but strikes the perfect middle ground.

Thermoregulation (5/5): Just like my Nolah favorite, the Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper feels cool to the touch and worked to keep me comfortable all night long with optimal thermoregulation.

Therefore, it's a good option for hot sleepers, people who suffer from night sweats, or for keeping a bed cool in summer.

Motion Isolation (5/5): That level of firmness makes for excellent motion isolation. As I moved the 1.5-kilogram weight towards a glass of water in the middle of the topper, it hardly tipped at all, and the same could be said when I doubled the weight applied to three kilograms.

As I share a bed with my partner, I've also never woken up as he moves around in the night, so it's an excellent choice for those who regularly share a bed with a partner, pet, or child.

Edge support (5/5): Similarly, the Firm sleep surface boasts the best edge support I've ever experienced in a topper. This means it's perfect for older people or those with disabilities or limited mobility, who may struggle to get into and out of bed with ease. It's both comfortable to sit and sleep on, right to the very edge.

Delivery (5/5): The Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper arrived conveniently vacuum-packed in a slimline box straight to my door, though it was too heavy for me to move without help. Shipping is also completely free.

Who Would the Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper Suit?

• Back and stomach sleepers: In the Firm option I tested, the level of support will be best suited to back and stomach sleepers. If you tend to sleep on your side, I'd opt for the Soft option instead.
• Sleepers with back pain: It's a common misconception that a firm sleep surface causes back pain. In reality, too soft a surface can cause your spine and neck to bend and become misaligned, worsening the pain. For that reason, this topper is well-suited to those with chronic aches and pains.
• Hot sleepers: The GlacioTex Cooling Cover of this topper offers advanced cooling, while open cell technology in the foam allows body heat to escape for a naturally cooling sleep. I was kept comfortable all night long, even throughout summer heatwaves.
• Couples: Boasting excellent motion isolation, this topper is ideal for couples who share a bed.

What Shoppers Say About the Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper

When assessing a mattress topper, we always take a look at on-site customer reviews to evaluate the common consensus.

The Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper has a respectable overall rating of 4.3 out of five stars, across 40 reviews. One five-star review that particularly stood out to me, written by Victoria, urges, 'Worth the investment. Give it time!

'My husband and I were waking up with back and arm pain, so we bought this topper to firm up our memory foam mattress. It was incredibly firm at first, giving us new aches and pains to the point where we almost returned it. I'm so glad we held out!

'In time, all the aches vanished. It is expensive, but compared to the cost of a new King bed, it's a great value.'

As this firmness has been one of my concerns, I'm now confident that with continued use beyond the 30-night test period, the topper will continue to get more and more comfortable.

Another five-star review, from Tim, a side and back sleeper who tested the Firm option, adds, 'I was constantly waking up with back pain, and now I don't. This is a total game-changer. I am so grateful for this company and this topper. It's truly changed my life!'

There are two verified one-star reviews to speak of, which call the topper 'overpriced,' uncomfortable,' and comment that it 'made the back pain worse,' but these are largely outweighed by the positive reviews. Between the 40 reviews, 28 are five-star, while there are only four four-star reviews, three three-star reviews, three two-star reviews, and two one-star reviews.

My Verdict

In conclusion, I've had an overall positive experience with the Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper and have been impressed with the cooling qualities, pressure relief, edge support, and motion isolation, all of which scored five out of five stars.

I knocked a star off for the off-gassing, quite how firm the Firm option is (though, as I've noted, this is subjective), and the high price point of $660 for a Queen size. This is the most expensive topper we've ever tested here at Homes & Gardens, and I'm not overly convinced it's wholly justified.

For comparison, my favorite AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper from Nolah features that same GlacioTex cooling cover, thermoregulating qualities, and better cradling comfort in any sleep position at just over half the price. Equivalently, we also rated the Viscosoft High-Density Mattress Topper an equal four stars in our Viscosoft Topper review, but that pick comes in at a disparately affordable $234.95, and scored just the same.

That being said, the Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper did perform well, and is a perfect pick for fixing a sagging mattress, and definitely if you're looking to make a mattress firmer. If you do think it will suit you and are planning to purchase one, you should be able to save some money in the mattress sales.

How We Test Mattress Toppers

The process for testing mattress toppers here at Homes & Gardens is a long one − 30 nights of testing to thoroughly assess the practicalities, pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support.

Before testing begins, I match each topper to one of our expert testing panel: Cooling toppers for hot sleepers, supportive toppers for those with chronic pain, and so on. Once matched, testers sleep on each topper for a minimum of 30 nights.

To assess the pressure relief of each topper, we first lie on the topper and switch between positions to find what feels most comfortable. We then note if any positions feel uncomfortable or exacerbate any pain when sleeping.

For thermoregulation, we first note whether the particular topper has cooling qualities, like the GlacioTex cooling cover included here. If it does, we'll assess whether it lives up to claims, and, if not, we'll consider whether it still worked effectively to maintain an ideal sleep temperature overnight. For example, we'll note whether we ever wake up overheating or feeling too cold.

For motion isolation, we place a glass of water in the middle of the topper, and move a weight towards it in small increments, observing how much the glass tips as the weight approaches. The more the glass tips, the worse the motion isolation is. Where possible, we'll also assess how much we're affected by the movement of sharing a bed with someone else, to note whether it's a good pick for couples.

Finally, edge support is assessed by placing a weight on the edge of the topper, noting how much it sinks. We'll also sit in different positions on the edge of the bed (and consider when getting into and out of bed), noticing how much the edge collapses, causing us to slip and slide off.

Then, we'll look at customer reviews to assess the general consensus from shoppers, and consider the ease of the delivery process, warranty, and length of the sleep trial.

As always, we'll then bring it back to the price of the topper to determine why or why not we feel the price point is justified.

What to Shop

If you're interested in browsing more bedding picks, I've curated a selection of favorites to shop below − all of which are sure to elevate your sleep space and provide long-lasting, luxurious comfort.

All prices were correct at the time of publication and refer to Queen sizes where applicable.

Pair your new topper with one of the best mattress protectors, and it will last for years to come.

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When it comes to design, maneuverability, and dust, it's a capable machine with glimpses of greatness as one of the best vacuums. It's one of the lightest and easiest-to-use stick vacuums I've tested, effortlessly gliding across floors. And for such an affordable device, smart features, such as LED lights and a handy lock button that keeps the vacuum running without you having to press the trigger, elevate it closer to more expensive models.

However, when it comes to providing a thorough deep clean, I was disappointed with this cordless vacuum's battery life and ability to tackle large messes. To find out if the Dreame R10 Pro could be the right vacuum model for your home, read on to explore my in-depth review.

My One Minute Verdict

Dreame products so often punch above their weight in terms of price and value, but with the R10 Pro you sadly get what you pay for.

If you have a smaller home or are looking for one of the best vacuums for pet hair that's light and easy to manage day to day, it's not a bad price to pay. Even on the super-quiet, less-powerful Eco mode, it clears fine debris in a single pass, and its Turbo mode is great for getting pet hair out of carpet fibers.

Beyond those everyday tasks, however, its limitations become difficult to ignore. Although Dreame claims up to 65 minutes of runtime, I managed just 25 minutes during mixed-mode testing, and even the brief use of Turbo mode drains the battery quickly. Large debris pickup is inconsistent, often requiring multiple passes and further extending cleaning time.

The vacuum won't stand securely without its wall mount, the modest 0.6L dust cup fills quickly, and debris repeatedly became trapped between the tube and dust cup, occasionally blocking suction. During one test, the dust cup even released unexpectedly, emptying its contents back onto the floor.

For those looking for a cordless vacuum for a larger home and to be able to tackle big cleans, I would recommend exploring options like the Dreame R20, which pairs a 90-minute runtime with a touchscreen display that takes the guesswork out of battery and suction mode, or the Shark Stratos cordless, which handles mixed debris smarter and more consistently.

Dreame R10 Pro: Specifications

Dreame R10 Pro: Design and Features

The Dreame R10 Pro doesn't veer too far from what you'd expect from a standard cordless stick vacuum. Its main unit sits on the top of a metal tube that connects to one of the vacuum's floorheads and attachments, and a transparent dust cup runs down the body of the handheld unit, so you can see how full it is.

You power the vacuum on and off using the trigger button on the underside of the main unit, and switch between the Eco, Med and Turbo modes using a slider switch on the top. A lock button keeps the vacuum running continuously without having to press the trigger, which makes a real difference during longer cleaning sessions, and there's a small LED dot alongside this button that lets you see how much battery life you have at a glance. It's lacking a more detailed display, but at this price point, that's not a surprise.

What was a pleasant surprise, however, was how much the R10 Pro's matte black design with gold accents elevates it well above its price, making it look more expensive than it is. At 3.64 lbs (1.65 kg) for the main unit, it's also on the lighter side for a cordless vacuum without sacrificing too much power.

Rather than a single multi-surface head, the R10 Pro comes with two interchangeable floorheads. The multi-surface brush uses V-shaped bristles and a comb design to grab hair and direct it up the tube rather than letting it tangle around the roller. The soft roller floorhead is added as a dedicated hard floor option, with a roller that picks up fine dust without scattering it across the room. Both floorheads have built-in LED lights at the front to help you see dust and debris, especially under furniture and in darker corners.

Beyond the floorheads, the kit includes a motorized mini-brush for upholstery and furnishings, a wide combination tool that acts as both a dusting brush and a crevice tool, a bendable crevice nozzle for tight and hard-to-reach spaces, and a short extension tube – all of which click on and off at the center of the tube with a button press.

Filtration is then managed by a five-layer washable filter system that Dreame claims captures 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 microns. It's not officially certified as HEPA-grade, but it comes close.

Inside the box is a wall-mounted bracket that stores the vacuum in an upright position. This is a necessity because the vacuum can't free-stand on its own; the floorhead doesn't lock into position and has a tendency to roll away or fall over. You'll also need to install this bracket near a plug as the charging cable doesn't stretch very far. Once plugged in, it takes around 3.5 hours to charge, but you only get up to 65 minutes of battery life on Eco mode (and less than 15 minutes on Turbo).

What Is the Dreame R10 Pro Like to Use?

The R10 Pro is easy to pick up and get going – there's no complicated setup and swapping between attachments is quick enough. The lack of dedicated storage for these attachments is disappointing but expected at this price.

In general cleaning terms, the R10 Pro handled day-to-day messes well, picking up pet hair from hard floors and low-pile carpet without fuss. The soft roller floorhead is quiet and smooth on hard floors, with no sense that it's going to scratch or drag across anything delicate, and it handles everyday debris – crumbs, dust, the odd bit of dried mud – without much effort.

On carpet, the vacuum works harder, and you feel a bit more resistance in the push, but it picks up well, and the suction is good. The anti-tangle design of the multi-surface floorhead largely holds up in everyday use too.

I liked having the option of the two floorheads, but storing the spare is a pain, and I almost exclusively ended up using the multi-surface head because it did the job well enough to not have to switch.

In use, the vacuum is light enough to carry upstairs or use for long periods. It can feel a little unbalanced when you're pushing it round the home because it's quite top-heavy, but this isn't a dealbreaker, and you soon get used to it.

The lock button is also a benefit for long cleans. Taking away the need to keep your finger on the trigger makes it maneuverable enough to get into corners and along baseboards without constantly repositioning yourself, plus the low-profile floorhead gets under most furniture without having to tilt the vacuum at an awkward angle.

What's not a benefit for long cleans is the poor battery life. For a vacuum this affordable, I didn't expect industry-leading runtimes, but I do think being able to do a full pass of my house in one run shouldn't be too much to ask. Dreame claims Eco mode lasts 65 minutes, and that holds true; however, in reality, Eco mode isn't strong enough to make a dent in pet hair or deeply clean. This means you have to ramp the vacuum up to Turbo periodically, and in my tests, I got (at most) 25 minutes switching between the two. For most everyday tasks and quick cleans, this will be ample, but for anything deeper or longer, you'll need to revert to a wired vacuum alternative or wait for the R10 Pro to charge.

The LED lights in the floorheads turned out to be more useful than I thought. They pick out dust along baseboards and under the sofa that I would have otherwise missed, and I found myself cleaning more thoroughly because of them – going over areas I would have assumed were fine and finding they weren't.

On noise, the R10 Pro is quiet enough on Eco, at 62dB, for someone to work comfortably in the next room. Turbo steps up the noise to 71dB on average, but the pitch is low, which makes it more gentle on the ears than I'd expected.

Compared to other cordless sticks I've tested at this price, the R10 Pro is impressive on pet hair in Turbo mode; the quality of the LED lighting stands out.

Where it falls is the lack of a freestanding dock, disappointing runtime, and mixed results between Eco and Turbo modes. Also, during one clean, the dust cup just opened by itself, pouring 10 minutes of dust and dirt back onto my floor.

Test 1: Flour and Sugar

To test how the R10 Pro handles fine debris, I scattered half a cup of flour and sugar in roughly a 50/50 split across carpet, hardwood, and laminate, spreading it over a wide enough area to clearly see the vacuum's path with each pass.

Flour and sugar work well because they mimic the kind of fine debris that builds up on floors between cleans and is often harder to shift than larger pieces.

On carpet, the R10 Pro performed well, pulling the flour and sugar out of the pile without spreading it around. Most of the debris was gone in a single pass, with only a very light dusting of flour remaining in the deeper parts of the pile on the first run. A second pass cleared it completely.

Flour did tend to gather at the edges of the brushroll, but this can be easily cleared away, and it doesn't transfer back onto the floor as you move the vacuum around.

On hardwood, the flour, at times, had a tendency to get pushed slightly ahead of the floorhead on the first pass, but it was quickly cleared on a second pass.

The sugar cleared more cleanly, but getting into the cracks between floorboards took an extra pass with the floorhead angled slightly, and some flour settled into the joins and needed the crevice nozzle to finish the job properly.

On laminate, the results were similar to hardwood, though the smoother surface meant slightly less scattering on contact and the flour cleared more easily across open areas. The edges of the room and the join between the floor and baseboard needed a second pass, but the overall result was clean without needing to change suction mode or switch attachments for the bulk of the test.

Test 2: Pantry

For the pantry test, I scattered half a cup of cereal and red lentils across carpet, hardwood, and laminate. Cereal and lentils represent the kind of debris that ends up on floors every day. For the cereal, we use off-brand Cheerios – which stand in for larger pieces of debris like crumbs and dry food, while the lentils are smaller and have a slightly tacky texture.

On carpet, the R10 Pro picked up the lentils confidently and without flinging pieces around, clearing most of it in a single pass. The cereal took a lot more work. The floorhead largely pushed them or sent them flying around rather than sucking them up. I had to physically lift the floorhead and make multiple passes over each one to remove them, or I had to resort to an attachment.

On hardwood, there was some scattering of the lentils on the first pass, but a second pass over the same area dealt with them, and on laminate, performance was similar to hardwood. The lentils again needed two passes in places, and there was a little scattering on contact, but nothing that required lifting and dropping the vacuum to dislodge pieces or any heavy-handed maneuvering.

The cereal performance proved even worse on hard floors. I was left with just piles of cereal in corners or along the edges, and those that did get sucked in ended up clogging the unit. I had to use water to soften the blockage and then clear it with the end of a spoon, which is less than ideal.

Test 3: Pet Hair

To test the R10 Pro on pet (and human) hair, I ran it across both carpet and hard floors after a typical day with my dog Maisie, without pre-cleaning either surface first.

On hard floors, the R10 Pro handled Maisie's hair well, pulling it in cleanly without spreading it around or leaving trails at the edges of the floorhead. The comb teeth design came into its own here – hair moved through the roller and into the dust cup without bunching. After a full pass, there was little left behind, and what remained was easy enough to catch on a second run. On carpet, the vacuum lifted most of the surface hair well, but the deeper the pile, the more effort was needed.

I did notice on one of Maisie's heavy shedding days, which are common when the weather is hot, that some of her hairs caught at the edges of the roller and had to be removed by hand, so you'll want to check it periodically rather than assuming it's clear.

My hair told a similar story. Longer strands cleared well on hard floors and low-pile carpet, though on thicker carpet strands occasionally needed a second pass to come up fully. The dust cup filled noticeably faster on heavy hair days, which is worth bearing in mind if you have multiple pets or a large home – the 0.6L capacity is on the smaller side, and you may find yourself emptying it mid-clean.

Test 4: Attachments

Swapping between attachments is easy on the R10 Pro. The button release at the collar joint is easy to find and operate with one hand, and nothing feels flimsy or loose once clicked into place.

The motorized mini-brush got the most use outside of the main floorheads. On the sofa, it lifted Maisie's hair from the fabric better than the main floorhead, and on cushions and upholstered chairs it did a thorough job without being rough on the material. The wide combination tool – which flips between a dusting brush and a crevice mode – is versatile enough for lots of different tasks and I used it regularly on baseboards, shelves and around the edges of radiators. It isn't as precise as a dedicated crevice tool, but it covers a lot of ground without needing to swap again.

For the crevice attachment, I sprinkled flour and sugar along the base of a wall, pressing some of it into the join between the floor and the skirting board. The nozzle cleared both the flour and the sugar cleanly in a single pass without spreading the debris outward.

The extension tube adds useful reach for high shelves and ceiling corners but feels unnecessary. The existing tube length covers most situations without it. Of all the attachments, it was the one I put back in the box most quickly and didn't miss.

Dreame R10 Pro Name: Setup and Maintenance

The R10 Pro arrives in a large, fairly hefty box, but unboxing it is straightforward.

The packaging is mostly cardboard with some paper wrapping around the individual components, and little unnecessary plastic. Everything is organized into separate cardboard compartments inside, so nothing is loose or rattling around, and the user manual sits on top so it's the first thing you see when you open it.

The box contains:

• Main handheld unit
• Metal wand
• Multi-surface floorhead
• Soft roller floorhead
• Motorized mini-brush
• Wide combination tool
• Bendable crevice nozzle
• Extension tube
• Wall-mounted storage bracket
• Charging cable and adapter
• User manual

That's a generous kit for this price.

Before you can use the R10 Pro, you'll need to charge it fully, but to do so you'll likely have to install the wall bracket first. This isn't 100% necessary, but the vacuum won't stand by itself, and you'll have to do it eventually anyway. Slotting it into the wall bracket and plugging in the cable takes seconds, and from flat it took around 3 hours to reach full charge – roughly in line with the 3.5 hours quoted by Dreame. There's no assembly required beyond attaching your chosen floorhead, which clicks into place with a single push.

Day-to-day vacuum maintenance is simple too (as long as you don't vacuum up lots of large debris that can block the unit). The dust cup empties with a single button press and the bin itself is easy to rinse out when needed. I didn't think having such an easy release system would impress me so much, but seeing as I always struggle with the systems on Dyson vacuums, this mattered more than I thought. The filter is removable and fully washable – Dreame recommends cleaning it every month or so depending on use – and it's a simple process of rinsing it under cold water, leaving it to dry for 24 hours, and clicking it back in.

The brushroll on the multi-surface floorhead can be removed for cleaning too, and the soft roller floorhead pulls apart easily enough to clear any debris that's worked its way inside. None of it requires tools or any particular effort, and keeping on top of it takes only a few minutes.

How Does the Dreame R10 Compare?

The R10 Pro sits in the middle of Dreame's R-series lineup, above the Dreame R10 and the Dreame R20. If you mainly clean hard floors and don't need the soft roller, the R10 undercuts the Pro on price and covers the basics, but given that the battery life complaints that dog the R10 Pro apply here too, and you lose the soft roller in the bargain, the Pro is the better buy if the price gap is small.

Dreame R20 is $50 / £50 more, but for that extra money you get 190 AW of suction, intelligent dirt detection that automatically adjusts power based on the floor type and debris, a touch screen display, and 90 minutes of runtime.

Against the competition, the Shark Stratos cordless ($499.99 / £399.99) is a significant step up in price but brings Clean Sense IQ technology that senses dirt and adjusts suction automatically, more reliable large debris pickup, and a MultiFLEX wand that folds flat for freestanding storage. It also often sells for much less than its RRP, and if you can get it on sale, it's a much stronger investment. At the other end, the Bissell CleanView XR Pet ($119.99 / £99.99) is cheaper than the R10 Pro and covers the essentials for pet owners and smaller homes, even if it lacks the LED lighting and the soft roller floorhead.

How We Test Vacuums

At Homes & Gardens, we take a detailed and standardized approach to how we test vacuums.

This includes vacuuming set amounts of fine and large debris on carpet, linoleum and hardwood floors to check cleaning performance across different types and surfaces. We test the anti-tangle performance and pet hair pickup as well as using each vacuum around the home to check weight, maneuverability, battery life, dustbin emptying, noise levels, and anything else you might need to consider before buying. Every factor is then weighed against the price when we give it our final mark.

I tested the Dreame R10 Pro for four weeks in my home, where I have two children and a dog. I ran it across carpet, laminate and hardwood floors, tested its noise levels using the DecibelX app and checked how easy it was to use and how well it fit into my life.

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With a built-in conical burr grinder and hands-free milk frothing, it offers everything you need for barista-style drinks without the training.

That said, there were a few small issues that kept it from five stars, but I am being extremely picky. This is how I got on with the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine during testing, and why I still think it is one of the best espresso machines money can buy.

Product Specifications: Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine

Design and First Impressions

The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine arrived well boxed, in mostly sturdy cardboard packaging, with some fabric bags to protect the machine from scratches, and the signature Ninja stickers that held removeable components in place and offered quick tips for easy use. These were mostly easy to remove, but as has been the case with other Ninja products I have unboxed, some leave sticky residue behind. Luckily, we have some great tips for removing stickers if you struggle.

The machine was not incredibly heavy, weighing a little under 19 lbs, with the fabric bag making it easy to lift from the tight cardboard frame to my counter.

The machine comes with everything you need to get started, with a quick start guide and recipe guide, portafilter (with single and double shot baskets), stainless steel milk jug, tamper and funnel, and a complete cleaning kit with descaling solution and water hardness testing strips. Everything felt weighty − a good initial sign of quality.

Brewing Performance and Set Up

Before using the coffee machine, you need to complete some setup steps. Luckily, these are all easy to do.

Beyond cleaning removable components with soapy water to remove lingering factory debris, you need to soak and insert the water filter and perform a water hardness test.

The water filter is soaked in plain water for several minutes, which I did in a clean pitcher with a heavy spoon to hold it down as it tended to float. You finish this step by rinsing it under running water for 60 seconds before fitting it into the reservoir using the included casing, which features a handy dial to set a reminder for when you need to replace it. It's a small detail, but one I appreciated.

The machine also comes with water hardness test strips, making setup refreshingly straightforward. Simply dip a strip into a cup of your tap water, leave it on a flat surface for a few minutes, and compare the resulting color with the included guide.

You can then enter your water hardness into the machine during the initial setup. This allows it to optimize brewing performance and tailor its descaling schedule, helping to improve flavor while reducing limescale buildup over time.

The final step is to run one plain water cycle through your machine to flush out the components. I put the empty portafilter in place, selected the largest serving size with a large mug beneath the spout, and pressed brew. This water was then discarded.

With this complete, you are ready to brew.

Grinding Beans

The first step to making coffee with the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus is grinding your beans. The top hopper can hold up to 250 grams of fresh beans, and has an airtight lid to keep them fresh between brews.

What I loved about this machine is that it weighs your portafilter and decides the best grind size for your coffee, depending on your selected brew type, taking away any guesswork.

The process is remarkably simple. After selecting your brew type from espresso, iced, classic (drip), or rich, and attaching the dosing funnel to the portafilter, place it into the grinding cradle. On the first press of the grind button, the machine weighs the portafilter and automatically calculates the ideal dose and grind size based on your chosen drink and shot size.

It then displays a recommended grind setting on the LED screen. Simply adjust the grinder dial on the left-hand side of the machine to match the suggested number, press the grind button again, and the machine dispenses the correct amount of coffee. It takes the guesswork out of dialing in your espresso, making the process quick and approachable for beginners.

There was one instance where the machine ran out of beans mid-grinding. An orange warning light came on with a beep, so I simply added more and pressed the grind button again, allowing it to complete the programme without fuss.

Tamping is also simple. You leave the funnel attached and press the tamper down until it is flush with the top edge. These are then removed from the filter (and can be stored in a handy recess on the top of the machine).

The grinder grinds consistently, but suffers from retention. After grinding, I pushed the coffee machine backwards on my counter to sit more neatly in the corner, and the vibrations shook a significant amount of grounds out of place, falling onto the drip tray. It also dropped some grounds each time the portafilter was placed into the cradle. It has the potential to be very messy if you need to pull it out to use it each time.

Brewing Coffee

Brewing the coffee is just as simple. The portafilter slots into position as it would on any other coffee machine, lining the dot up with the dot on the machine and turning until the dot is in line with the head of the arrow on the machine. I will note that the machine needs to be held still when you do this, as its smaller size means that it is not quite heavy enough to weigh it down, and it can slide along your counter as you twist it into position.

With a mug beneath the spout, you press the brew button and let it do its thing. This process is the same no matter which brew type you selected before grinding.

I am happy to report that this process is relatively quiet, so much so that when my partner woke up early for work and made his morning coffee, it never disturbed me sleeping upstairs (and our house is on the smaller side, so noise travels). It is quick, too.

The plain hot water setting is a nice touch, but it can splutter in use, splashing coffee onto the stainless steel backsplash, which needs wiping down after. A dial on the right-hand side of the machine switches the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus to hot water only, allowing you to make an Americano drink without needing to boil your kettle. This water comes from a separate spout on the left side of the cup, and tends to splutter and flow unevenly during dispensing. On a few occasions, this splashed water over the edge of the mug onto the counter.

When the water neared the top of our mugs, we often had to stop the hot water cycle early, too, to avoid overflowing.

Beyond that, the coffee it brewed was excellent, with a rich, creamy crema on top of each shot. With our choice of quality, locally roasted beans, my partner hailed it as good as, if not better than, a coffee shop.

I will note that, as the coffee maker is designed to be compact, it does come at the cost of a small water reservoir. Four double shots and three water top-ups using the hot water setting drained it from max fill to below minimum (three Americanos and a flat white). The tank can be removed for refilling, but I found it easier to use a large jug to fill it in situ.

There was one instance when using the hot water function, in which the water dropped below the minimum line mid-brew. The machine seemed to panic at this, and made a loud buzzing noise as it continued to try and draw water it could not find. I stopped the programme manually, and added more water to the tank, and this did not happen again. But it suggests you need to double-check the tank before you press start, as it might not stop to warn you as it does when the beans run low.

Frothing Milk

I have never owned a milk frother before, which is what sets home coffee apart from a quality café. The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus, however, comes with a built-in hands-free milk frother that can steam and froth both dairy and plant-based milks.

As with the rest of the machine, I found this step simple. The included recipe book comes with a general suggestion for the amount of milk you need to create a standard cappuccino, flat white, and latte, so I followed their suggestions.

One small complaint is that the ml recommendations in the guide are not marked in the stainless steel milk jug they included. For a cappuccino, for example, they suggest 150 ml of milk; the jugs etched measurements skip this increment, so it takes a little guesswork. It is not the end of the world, but it does feel like an overlooked detail.

The milk jug is then placed beneath the steaming wand, the desired foam thickness selected with the dial, and the button pressed to begin. I used dairy-based semi-skimmed milk and found that it froths quickly without spitting, and pours wonderfully.

One frothed, you wipe down the wand with a damp cloth and flick it back into its downwards-facing position, where it will automatically purge. There is a drip hole beneath to catch this water for easy clean up.

Be aware when steaming milk after brewing coffee that the handle needs to point outwards, else coffee will drip down onto it.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Whenever I get a new appliance, I dread the cleaning process. Luckily, Ninja has made cleaning the coffee maker a breeze.

The drip tray beneath the appliance can be slid out for easy emptying and cleaning, dissembling into three layers for hand washing with soap and warm water. The portafilter is also hand-washable, and is easy to empty with a firm tap against the edge of a trash can.

The tray needs emptying regularly, I discovered. Luckily, there is an orange floating indicator that will rise when it is getting too full. I suggest emptying it before it reaches the top, as you risk spilling the water as you move to your sink otherwise.

The machine also comes with a long-handled brush for cleaning out the grinder and tamper storage well, as well as some descaling tablets and solution for deep cleaning of internal parts. The conical burr grinder also comes apart for easier cleaning.

What Shoppers Say

The general consensus amongst other uses is overwhelmingly positive, with reviews (at the time of writing) on the SharkNinja site setting the machine at 4.8 stars out of 5.

Shoppers comment on how easy it is to use, the compact size, and the incorporated steamer and grinder, which streamline the process.

One commented in their five-star review, 'I have never had so much fun playing barista in my home using the Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Espresso Machine. This was easy to set up, and the instructions for every step of making so many different coffee House classics were so simple. I love that this machine includes a bean grinder as well as the full press setup for making your espresso or coffee.'

There is one limited one-star review which claims 'The coffee was burnt tasting and underachieved,' however, this is a single outlier, and hardly detailed. I take this as an exception.

We previously reviewed the Cafe Mini's larger predecessor, the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro, and had a similarly wonderful experience. After her review, Lydia Hayman marked the larger machine down only for the sheer size of the appliance, meaning that this mini version is a welcome addition to the lineup for us. It carries with it all of the wonderful features and quality brewing of the previous machine, so which you pick will depend only on the amount of counter space you have available.

Should You Buy The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine?

All in all, I would highly recommend the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine. It is a fantastic, small-space-friendly coffee machine that is largely automated but still fun to use.

It brews wonderful barista-quality coffee, albeit with a little bit of mess, and has greatly improved our home coffees. In fact, I have lost count of how many times my coffee-obsessed partner uttered that he was excited to use his coffee machine in the morning as he got into bed each evening. He's been so excited to show it off to guests, too.

This is perfectly suited to people who love quality coffee from fresh beans, who want some of that authentic espresso experience at home without the faff of weighing their own and calculating the right pressure. You do not need any barista training or even a deep understanding of coffee to master this machine.

It is especially useful for those who have a small kitchen like me, who struggle to keep counters clear of everyday clutter without another appliance getting in the way.

That said, there is a lack of transparency about the materials used in the inner brew path, and I cannot be sure whether it is one of the best non-toxic coffee makers or not. If you are very health-conscious, it might be worth some extra digging.

How We Test Coffee Makers

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

Once we have researched the best coffee makers on the market, we test at home, as it means we can use the appliance in our regular routines. This helps me uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) I would never discover with a one-hour session in the test kitchen.

After unboxing, we'll let you know whether we get any extra accessories and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here's where we'll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.

Next, we'll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the range of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.

Once we are happy that we've tested everything that we can, we'll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We'll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it's good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

What Else to Shop

From cleaning essentials to countertop organizers, I have rounded up everything you need to flesh out your new home coffee station.

All prices correct at time of publication.

No matter how good your coffee machine is, the bean you pick will have a huge impact on the final taste of your coffee. We have a whole guide dedicated to choosing coffee beans to help find the best roast for you.

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I've been a user of video doorbells since we bought our first home almost 10 years ago, with some more permanent fixtures than others. I was excited to try the Tapo D235 Video Doorbell Camera to see how it compared with the other video doorbells I've tested and make full use of the features.

It usually retails for around $190, but I've noticed that it's often discounted, and I've been impressed by how easy it was to install and use, with good video and audio quality. Aside from a screwdriver, it comes with everything you'll need to set it up on the day it's delivered. While it does come with a couple of concerns, I believe it is a worthwhile option to consider to improve your home's security.

My One-Minute Summary

Overall, the Tapo D235 Video Doorbell Camera is a good, reliable security camera that will use AI to detect motion, people, vehicles, pets, and packages. With just some very basic DIY skills, I had it set up within 10 minutes and have been happily testing for 16 days.

I have been particularly impressed by its ability to accurately detect motion and subjects as they enter the 33 ft / 10 m detection range. The color-night vision has been brilliant with no clarity lost too. I have also liked how good the Tapo app is in its ability to add detection tags, draw privacy zones, and access activity in Playback.

However, this storage is an ongoing cost that'll set you back $3.49 per month after the free 30 days. You do, however, have the option to use a 512GB microSD card to avoid these costs. Alternatively, the eufy E340 and the Lorex 2K avoid paying monthly fees.

Throughout testing, the battery has dropped from 100% down to 43%, even though it's expected to last 8 months – and I've decreased the sensitivity. I've also found that the audio hasn't been as crisp and clear as other Tapo video doorbells that I've tested.

I admit, I am more familiar with Ring video doorbells and security cameras because they are a permanent resident at my home address. I much prefer a wired video doorbell because I don't need to worry about recharging, and they are generally more difficult for those up to no good to remove.

That said, if you're a renter and are concerned about the security of your home, then a spend of around $109.99 for a video doorbell is always going to be a smart move on my watch.

Tapo D235 Video Doorbell Camera: Specifications

Installation and setup

If you opt to battery-power the Tapo D235 Video Doorbell Camera as I did, then before you do anything, you'll need to charge the integrated battery. It's estimated to take six hours to go from 0 to 100% charge; reality is closer to seven hours. You don't get notified when the battery is fully charged, so the best way to check this is to add the device to the Tapo app and view the battery levels from there.

Alternatively, if you're hardwiring the D235, then you can skip straight to installation.

The Tapo D235 Video Doorbell Camera arrives in a neat, compact box that contains everything you'll need for installation. Once you've removed the plastic wrapping from around the box and look inside, you'll find the: Tapo Video Doorbell, Tapo Chime, Mounting Template, Mounting Bracket, Vertical Mounting Wedge, Horizontal Mounting Wedge, USB Adapter Cable, Jumper for Existing Chime, Extension Wires (x2), Mounting Screws and Anchors (x3), Hardwire Installation Screws (x2), Doorbell Detaching Pin, Mounting Wedge Screws (x5), 3M Adhesive, Foam Pad, Wire Nuts (x2) and Quick Start Guide.

I installed the D235 to our wooden gated fence using only a couple of essential DIY skills such as lining up screws and using a screw driver, so it was nice and easy. I used the mounting wedge and bracket, and two screws, to adjust the view of our drive by 15° so that I can see who or what is approaching. There are also four tiny screws to fix the wedge to the bracket but note that these really are tiny so you'll need a screwdriver with a small head to screw them into position.

If you're securing to masonry then you'll need the relevant plugs. Equally, if you're hardwiring, then you may need to call in the help of a professional if you're replacing an existing video doorbell and adding a video doorbell to your network of smart devices for the first time.

It's advised that the doorbell be placed 4ft above the ground, and the 15° mounting wedge be used for a more focused view from a specific side.

The Tapo D235 then simply clicks onto the mount. This is then easy to remove, so good for recharging, but not good for thieves. The use of a release pin, such as eufy models, would've made it more of a challenge for those up to no good. However, the design does include an anti-theft release mechanism and tamper alerts to provide an additional layer of security.

If you are concerned about the D235 being removed, then the wired option is an alternative to consider, which is a much more permanent solution to surveilling your front door.

Aside from the charge time, it took sub-10 minutes to install the D235 in a location where I wanted to provide some additional security.

Video Quality

After using the Tapo D235 Video Doorbell Camera for 16 days, I have found the video quality to be consistently good.

Daytime: I could clearly recognize faces, vehicles, and neighbors' pets as they entered the 30ft/10m motion detection range. Equally, I could see large branded packaging once it was delivered to the floor in front of the lens with a focal length of 1.18mm.

However, details on packages were not clear when they came into range – it really needed to be on the floor in front of the doorbell for any branding to be read. This is the same for any branding on vehicles, although these couldn't get close enough to the doorbell for me to read the words, so it was blurred. And number plate detailing was unclear as vehicles were backed onto the drive.

However, the 16x digital zoom of the D235 was good enough to zoom in to some larger branding on packages and vehicles for identifying in 'playback' or live footage.

Nighttime: The video can be in full-color night vision, enabled by two 850-nanometer infrared LEDs to allow the D235 to capture footage in low-light conditions. You can also view footage at nighttime in Infrared Mode to create black-and-white images or Doorbell Mode to turn on spotlights when someone rings the doorbell at night.

Overall, the picture quality was just as good in nighttime as it was in daytime. It could also detect motion, people, vehicles, packages, and pets just as quickly as during the day, which makes it a great security measure for the house.

In both daytime and nighttime, the D235 also survived some torrential downpours of rain and strong winds during testing. It has an IP-66 rating, which means that it is dust-tight and protected from powerful jets of water.

Dynamic light: Our house is south-facing, so it gets direct sunlight throughout most of the day. The D235 has an f/1.8 aperture lens, which lets in significantly more light than video doorbells with a narrower aperture, making it ideal for bright environments.