Drying laundry in bad fall and winter weather is difficult enough, but bed sheets pose a whole different problem of their own. They're often too large to comfortably fit on drying racks, yet when it's raining outdoors and you don't have a tumble dryer, there's little other option.

I recently learned, though, of a simple change you can make to the wash cycle. It cuts down on drying time, even if you are using a tumble dryer, and requires virtually no extra effort or cost.

Here, laundry experts explain why you should implement this easy step when doing laundry, and exactly why it works.

Why You Should Run an Extra Spin Cycle When Drying Bed Sheets

This laundry hack to save time couldn't be easier. As with drying clothes quickly, running an extra spin cycle removes additional excess water before hanging items up to dry.

'An extra spin cycle is one of the ways to cut down on drying time, especially with larger items like bed sheets,' explains Rechelle Balanzat, CEO and Founder of Juliette. 'The spin cycle uses force to pull out extra water from the fabric, so running it a second time helps get rid of moisture that might still be stuck in the sheets.

'The less water left in the fabric, the less time your sheets need in the dryer or on an indoor drying rack. It’s especially useful during months when drying laundry indoors can take a lot longer. Just make sure you’re following the fabric care label,' paying close attention to the laundry symbols, 'with more delicate bedding.'

Alicia Sokolowski, Cleaning and Laundry Expert and CEO and Founder of AspenClean agrees. 'In this case, there is no need for an extra wash or detergent,' she adds. 'It is important to mention that this advice does not mean we recommend turning every single load up to the maximum, especially if you are dealing with delicate fabrics or linen!'

Keep in mind that an extra spin cycle may not be necessary every time when washing bed linen. For example, brushed cotton, silk, or linen sheets will hold on to more water than synthetic types. It's a good idea to open your washing machine after the first wash cycle and check whether they need an extra spin with a simple feel.

'It’s not necessary to use an additional spin in every wash,' explains Enrique Gonzalez, Expert House Cleaner and Founder of Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy. 'If the sheets I take out feel fine and comfortable, I’ll use the dryer, but if they feel wet or too heavy, I’ll use another spin. This is just about the right load. There is no need to take an additional step if you don’t have to.'

Additional Tips to Speed Up Drying Times

Running an additional spin cycle isn't the only way to speed up drying times when air-drying bed sheets.

'I always recommend giving your sheets a good shake before putting them in the dryer or hanging them up,' says Rechelle. This is known as the 'Shake Method. 'Sheets have a tendency to twist and bunch together, which traps moisture and leaves you with those damp patches,' she adds.

Additionally, if you're air-drying indoors, Rechelle suggests spreading your sheets across two drying rack bars, rather than folding them tightly over one. 'Place the rack somewhere with airflow, ideally near a fan or dehumidifier,' such as the DuraComfort Dehumidifier, available at Walmart. Alternatively, simply opening your windows can make a significant difference.

If you are using a tumble dryer (where running an additional spin cycle can still help to save money when doing laundry), it's also a good idea to add wool dryer balls, available at Amazon. 'They help separate the fabric as it tumbles, letting air flow more evenly,' adds Rechelle. 'Avoid overloading the dryer,' which is a common laundry mistake. 'Your sheets need room to move.'

What to Shop

Below, I've handpicked six indoor laundry accessories and favorites to simplify drying laundry indoors during fall and winter.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

'The secret to faster drying isn’t more heat,' adds Rechelle. 'It’s removing as much moisture as possible before the drying process even begins,' and works just as effectively when drying clothes quickly, too.

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I adore homemade bread. When I was a child, my mom would run her bread maker overnight, and I would wake to the delicious smell of a fresh loaf. It was on these mornings that my love for snacking on bread with good-quality butter was born.

Now, I make my own by hand (well, with a little help from a stand mixer), baking it in the oven to perfection. I usually use my best Dutch oven for the task, but I have always wondered if a bread oven, such as the Le Creuset Signature Oval Bread Oven, is worth the investment.

So, I put it to the test and talked to professional bakers to settle the bread oven vs. Dutch oven vs. loaf tin debate. The short answer is that if you have a Dutch oven, you do not need a bread oven, but there are some caveats. Here's what you need to know.

Since getting my Le Creuset Dutch Oven earlier this year, it has been my go-to for baking a simple, crusty loaf. The tight-fitting lid traps moisture while the heritage cast iron retains heat for a great crust. I have never had an issue, so long as I quickly remove the baked loaf from the pot and parchment paper to cool.

Then, I got the opportunity to test out the oval bread oven and personally found it to be a game changer. While I will write up a full review soon, I can share now that the low-profile sides made the loaf easier to manoeuvre without parchment paper, providing a super crisp base. The lid trapped moisture perfectly, and the loaf was one of the best I have ever made.

That being said, professional bakers argue that for the everyday home baker, the separate investment might not be necessary unless you are particularly bothered about the shape of your bread.

Carrie Barnard, Founder and Recipe Developer at Eating on a Dime, explains, 'In general, cast iron bread ovens will not produce vastly different results than a typical Dutch oven. The major difference is simply that bread ovens have a cloche you can remove to more easily get the bread out, whereas a deeper Dutch oven makes it harder to remove quickly.

'The main appeal of a cast iron bread oven is that it effectively traps moisture to brown the exterior of the bread without overcooking the interior, and it can be effectively preheated because cast iron is excellent at holding heat. Dutch ovens share these same features, so if you already have one, there is no real need to get a separate bread oven.'

Where a bread oven really earns its keep is if you do not have a large cast iron pot and have been using a loaf tin, which is better for sandwich loaves when you want a crisp crust, Carrie continues.

'Most loaf tins are made out of aluminum, aluminized steel, or heat-resistant glass, none of which have the exceptional heat retention of cast iron. They will tend to produce a less deeply flavorful bread, so that is one area where you will likely notice a real difference.'

Carrie is not the only one. Desislava Angelova, Baker and Founder of The Bake-Keeper, agrees. 'I bake in a standard enameled Dutch oven and on a plain baking sheet, and I have never owned a dedicated bread oven. A bread oven's shallow base makes it easier to lower the dough in, but if you already own a Dutch oven, your loaf will come out nearly the same.'

The trick? No matter which pot you are using, preheat first, Desi says. 'I preheat the pot for 475°F (245°C) for 30 minutes, then bake for 30 minutes with the lid on and 10 minutes with it off.'

All in all? While I personally love the look of the oval oven and the bread it produces, if you have a quality cast-iron lidded pot as a casual baker, you can skip the bread oven and spend the money on quality ingredients instead.

What Else to Shop

From artisan bread ovens to versatile Dutch ovens and bread-making essentials, I’ve curated a selection of thoughtful upgrades to elevate your home baking, along with gift-worthy finds for the baker in your life.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Want to make baking a little easier on the arms? I suggest one of the best stand mixers to make baking easier and more consistent.

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My closet is tiny, and I wish I were exaggerating. I have one short rail to myself, and a serious shopping problem that is simply not compatible with minimalist living.

With my fall and winter sweaters now taking up three-quarters of that space, I needed a quick fix to double storage space. The answer? These $7 hanger stackers from Amazon. Instead of five hangers on the rail, there are now five stacked vertically.

It’s the perfect way to organize my small closet affordably and quickly.

Despite decluttering my closet twice a year during my spring and fall wardrobe swaps, I still have a silly number of clothes. As I live in a rented home, I don't have the option to expand my existing closet space, so the rail is packed, and getting things in and out is a workout.

The problem is worse in fall and winter when my rail is dominated by heavy knits and thicker materials. I needed a way to organize clothes without donating the lot.

These $7 hanger hooks allow me to stack similar items together in a tiered line, rather than cramming several hooks beside one another.

I am not the only one who loves this quick fix, either. Isabella Flores, Professional Organizer at Sparkly Maid San Diego, explains, 'Connector hangers can be a great space-saving solution, especially for closets with limited hanging space. They allow you to take advantage of the vertical space beneath your closet rod, especially when you use them strategically for matching sets, lightweight pieces, or less frequently worn or accessed items.'

To make the best use of them, Isabella suggests, 'Instead of hanging heavier pieces like a wool coat, blazer, or other structured jacket on a connector hanger, try reserving connector hangers for lighter fall and winter clothes like cardigans, flannel, and long-sleeve shirts and tops or even pants.' This then creates a little more space for thicker materials without them being crushed.

'Always double-check hanger compatibility and weight limits before use (just because a connector hanger can technically hold five hangers, that doesn’t mean you should stack five sweaters!)' she adds.

What Else to Shop

I use a whole host of hacks to help keep my small closet under control. These are some of my favorite organizers for taming clutter and creating order, especially in fall and winter.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Switching over your seasonal clothing? We have some expert tips for storing clothes long-term to prevent damage.

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With temperatures where I live already down to 44 degrees Fahrenheit at night, I've started using my Bedsure 2-in-1 Comforter for the second year in a row.

While I tend to use a duvet insert that's suitable for year-round use, living in an old, drafty home (and generally not being a hot sleeper) can leave me struggling to get a good night's rest once the weather transitions from summer to fall.

The Bedsure 2-in-1 Comforter Set, available at Amazon, however, keeps me warm while I sleep all night long, with a machine-washable comforter and a soft and fluffy blanket that can be cleverly detached once spring arrives.

Layering a comforter and blanket is an easy way to make bedding feel warmer as winter approaches. In my experience, though, it often means waking up to find one layer has slipped off the bed. Tucking everything in too tightly can also become a bed-making mistake, restricting movement and making it harder to sleep comfortably. Both of these issues are solved with the Bedsure 2-in-1 Comforter Set, available at Amazon.

I first tested this set last year and was impressed by how cozy it kept me, even when temperatures dropped to 30°F. The fluffy blanket and pillowcases instantly make the bed feel more inviting, adding warmth to the room and layering comfort without leaving me feeling overheated. And if you tend to sleep warm, you can simply detach the blanket from the comforter and use either layer on its own, making it a versatile choice as temperatures fluctuate.

For such a fluffy finish, it's also conveniently easy to care for. Both layers are machine-washable, and the 2-in-1 design means there'll be space to store this comforter and blanket combo in even the smallest of linen closets.

I have mine in the Cream White colorway, which feels suitably wintery, but it's also available in a whole host of rich tones, from a deep olive green to navy blue and burgundy.

One recent review, written by Bryon, dubs it the 'best bedding [they've] ever bought.' 'This comforter set is everything in the description and more! It washed and dried nicely; both layers are so soft and comfortable,' they explain.

'The snaps are sturdy and well secured [...] The materials are very nice, and they’re lightweight when separate but plush and thick when buttoned together. Great value for the cost.'

Another adds that it's a 'soft, versatile comforter set,' and says, 'In everyday use, the comforter feels lightweight on its own, but the detachable fluffy layer adds extra warmth when needed. I like being able to switch between just the lighter layer or both together depending on the temperature; it makes it more flexible than a standard comforter.

'The material is soft and comfortable against the skin, and it doesn’t feel stiff or scratchy. The pillow shams and pillowcases match well, so everything looks coordinated without having to think about mixing pieces. It also lays out nicely on the bed and doesn’t take much adjusting. Even with the detachable layer, it still fits together in a way that feels simple once it’s set up.'

Paired with the perfect thermostat setting for sleep, it's my favorite duo to reach for when making the bed in colder weather. And if you have friends and family coming to stay over the holidays, it's the ideal addition to keep guests warm.

More to Shop

Below, I've handpicked six more cozy favorites for staying warm while you sleep throughout fall and winter.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You may also wish to move your bed placement to stay warm at night.

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As the holiday gifting season approaches, seasonal sales can be invaluable for finding thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list without breaking the bank. Right now, I’m turning to the Way Day deals for my coffee-loving friends.

Few gifts are as timeless as one of the best moka pots. A pillar of Italian coffee culture, this stovetop classic makes rich, espresso-style coffee without the need for a complicated machine or barista-level skills. The best among them? The Bialetti Moka Express.

Currently under $50 for a limited time, this six-cup coffee maker is one of the most mindful ways to brew a rich, flavorful cup at home. A true heritage classic, it’s the kind of gift you can give once and expect to see used for years to come.

Having tried the induction-safe Bialetti Venus and bought a Bialetti Express Moka for myself, I can safely say that Bialetti makes some of the best non-toxic coffee makers if you are looking to slow down and enjoy a more meditative coffee routine.

The design is stunning, with a classic Moka pot design used for generations to ensure even heat distribution and a heat-resistant handle to keep you safe as you brew. The Bialetti truly set the standard for every Moka pot that followed it.

While the Express does not work on induction, it is safe for all other stovetops, gradually heating a reservoir of water and creating the perfect pressure for brewing stovetop espresso. There are no settings to battle with, and no fretting about getting the perfect pressure. Simply fill, heat, and pour.

My unexpected favorite part? The smell. The slower brewing method fills the kitchen with the scent of fresh, quality coffee, making it a quick way to make a home smell nice while making your morning pick-me-up. I can then use the saturated grounds to eliminate odors in my fridge. It's a win-win.

Full transparency: While Wayfair lists it as a 31% saving, down from $71.99, the six-cup Moka pot usually retails for around $59.95 elsewhere (such as at Williams Sonoma). This rare sale is still a $10 saving, however, making it a great time to snap one up before the holiday season gets busy.

The Bialetti Moka Pot is a gift any coffee lover will appreciate, looking as good on the counter as it does brewing coffee. With several sizes to choose from, there is a model for everyone, be it for a quick morning cup or hosting a crowd.

What Else to Shop

From special-edition moka pots to beautifully designed essentials for your coffee station, I’ve curated a selection of thoughtful upgrades and gift-worthy finds for the coffee lover in your life.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Add to your gifting by choosing the best coffee beans to go with a moka pot.

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I’ll be honest: I’ve had my eye on the Sleep Number bed system for years. I remember playing with the remote on an older relative’s bed, hearing the slight whoosh as my cousins and I inflated and deflated it. That’s why I jumped at the chance to try Sleep Number’s ComfortNext Mattress and fulfill my childhood dreams.

As a somewhat temperamental sleeper, I’ve developed some strong feelings about mattresses. I’ve spent years testing sleep products as a journalist, but my desire to create the perfect, cozy resting spot is personal, too. Between my nightly habit of tucking myself into my bed with a book hours before lights out and a back injury that means a night on the wrong mattress can have me hobbling around for days, I’ve developed a sense of what truly makes a bed great. Factors like support, firmness, thermoregulation, and pressure relief matter to all sleepers to some degree, but I’ve become very aware of how these factors affect my nightly sleep.

I’ve tested a whole host of the best mattresses, both innerspring and foam mattresses, but this product is in its own niche category. I slept on the ComfortNext mattress for 30 nights, conducting experiments to test the performance and keeping track of how I felt each morning − here's how I got on.

The Sleep Number ComfortNext Review

Sleep Number’s standout feature is adjustable air chambers that let you change the mattress’s firmness, with separate settings on each side so couples can personalize their comfort. The ComfortNext line also adjusts support automatically as you move during the night, combining that flexibility with cushioning and cooling materials. Built-in sleep tracking is another perk. We woke up each morning to a report in the Sleep Number app about our sleep quality, duration, and more. While sleep tracking is still an imprecise science, technology is improving all the time.

The Sleep Number ComfortNext Mattress − Specifications

Delivery, Unboxing, and Set-Up

While Sleep Number does offer contact-free delivery and guided self-setup, we opted for the Comfort Service℠ Home Delivery option. This means techs delivered the bed, hooked it up to our home WiFi, and showed us how to use it. Removal of your old mattress is available as well, though we repurposed our previous mattress for one of our kids.

As someone who receives multiple large, tracked shipments each week in the course of my review work, I found the Sleep Number delivery notification and tracking system to be one of the most efficient and easiest to navigate. Once I signed up for a delivery date and enrolled in text alerts, I received timely notifications up until the moment the two techs arrived at our door.

This mattress arrives at its full size and does not come rolled or in a box, so it’s important to plan ahead for delivery. The terrific team of two navigated our tight stairwell, placed the mattress on top of our platform bed, hooked up the air pump system, and showed us how to work everything. There is a remote control, but the companion app gives a lot more data and is easier to use, in our opinion. The techs not only plugged in the bed unit (a small box that sits under the platform of our wooden platform bed), but they also connected it to WiFi and made sure everything was working properly. Once the team left, we had a small issue connecting the remote control, but the Sleep Number website was helpful.

The techs placed an air pump machine, about the size of a standard CPAP [a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, used to treat obstructive sleep apnea], under our wooden platform bed before setting up the mattress. Two plastic hoses snake under our bed to power the adjustable firmness.

Since this mattress was not vacuum-packed, we did not experience any issues with off-gassing or odor. We slept on the bed the first night without issue.

What's It Like Sleeping On the Sleep Number ComfortNext Mattress?

• Pressure relief and comfort: This is where this mattress truly stands out from the pack. Due to the frequent, minor adjustments of the Sleep Number system throughout the night, I found this mattress to be extremely supportive and to provide excellent pressure relief. My partner prefers a less firm mattress than I do, and the dual-side adjustments work great for us.

• Thermoregulation: As a “hot sleeper,” I have tried many sets of cooling sheets, mattress toppers, and even pajamas designed for those of us who sleep hot (or have middle-age hot flashes). I found the thermoregulation properties of this bed to be excellent (on par with the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper, which I reviewed and have loved for the past year). I only had one morning during the testing period where I woke up clammy and sweaty, but the bed itself did not feel hot. Since I sleep with a firmer setting (90 or above), I do not sink into the mattress very much. I did trial one night with the mattress on a soft setting (30), and despite more “sink in,” I did not sleep hotter. I attribute this to the cooling materials used in construction.
• Motion isolation: This is another category where this mattress stands out from others I have tested. I rarely move during the night while my partner tosses and turns. We also have a restless cat who moves around the bed during the night. None of their movements affected me. I found the motion isolation to be great when testing with a hand weight and a glass of water, too.

• Edge support: After several years of using a mattress topper on a traditional innerspring mattress, the edge support of this all-in-one mattress feels like a gift. Mattress toppers are great, but they do seem to reduce the edge support just a bit, in my experience. Even on the lowest firmness settings, this mattress feels solid enough to sit on and put on a pair of shoes (or pet the persistent cat).

• Weight bearing: Given the adjustable nature of this bed, this feature varies depending on the setting each sleeper chooses. Even on the least firm setting, though, the general structure of this mattress feels sturdy and supportive.

• Materials: The ComfortNext line combines adjustable air chambers with cushioning polyurethane foam and built-in cooling materials; the Lux and Ultra models also add small, individually wrapped coils. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it meets standards for low chemical emissions and excludes certain harmful substances, but that certification does not mean the mattress is organic or entirely chemical-free.
• App Support. One benefit of the Sleep Number ComfortNext line is the included app that can be used to adjust the firmness setting as well as track sleep movement. It may sound like a gimmick, but I found the data to be useful and interesting.

• Price: While I pride myself on being a bargain shopper in some cases, I have never thought of mattresses as one of those cases. At just under $3,000 for a Queen, the Sleep Number ComfortNext is a substantial purchase for some shoppers − but for those with significant pain issues or couples who prefer different firmness levels, it’s worth the investment. The 10-year warranty also provides some peace of mind.

Who Would The ComfortNext Mattress Suit?

The ComfortNext is a step beyond most basic mattresses. For a child, teen, or adult without musculoskeletal issues, a more affordable mattress may be fine − but for anyone with old, achy bones, I’d recommend it in a heartbeat. I’ve been testing sleep products for years, and this is the best all-in-one mattress I’ve tried so far. No topper is needed to achieve the perfect sleep nest with the ComfortNext, since the firmness is adjustable.

I realize the price tag on this mattress is more than most, but for those with body pain who do have room in their budget, I believe it’s a worthy investment. I think the Sleep Number ComfortNext would best suit:

• Couples who have different sleep styles. There are only a handful of brands on the market that allow couples to choose different firmness settings for each side of the bed, which is a huge perk. I was concerned about feeling a “wall” down the center of the bed when different settings were chosen, but we felt no noticeable change between each side, even with varied settings.

• Techy sleepers. If you like gadgets and data, the Sleep Number app is an interesting tool for judging how you slept. My partner and I compared sleep scores, noted how a restless night versus a solid night’s sleep affected us the next day, and generally geeked out over the biometric data provided by the bed.

• Sleepers with back pain. Sleep Number markets the ComfortNext collection for personalized support and pressure relief, with the Lux and Ultra models specifically targeting the lower back. However, I found even the entry-level ComfortNext mattress to be great for my lower back injury, which is three herniated discs in my lumbar region. If you suffer from back pain but have some room in your budget, this bed may provide significant relief. The mattress may qualify for HSA or FSA reimbursement with documentation of medical necessity, but buyers should confirm eligibility with their plan administrator before purchasing.

My Verdict

After 30 nights, the Sleep Number ComfortNext has earned its place in my carefully curated sleep nest. I could keep my side firm, my partner could soften his, and neither of us had to compromise − or add another mattress topper to make it work. The pressure relief was excellent for my temperamental back; I stayed comfortable on most nights despite being a hot sleeper, and my partner’s tossing and turning barely registered. The sleep scores were fun to compare over morning coffee, but how I felt getting out of bed mattered much more.

Would I recommend it? If you have room in your budget and have struggled to find the right balance of cushioning and support, I would. At close to $3,000 for a Queen, this is a substantial purchase, and a simpler mattress may meet your needs perfectly well. But for me, being able to fine-tune the firmness without sacrificing comfort made a real difference − and after years of testing sleep products, this is the best all-in-one mattress I’ve tried so far.

Find out more about how we test mattresses for more in-depth information on our thorough process and parameters.

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If there’s one thing I dread about hosting a large group, it’s juggling multiple overflowing pans while trying to get everything onto the table at once. With my annual Friendsgiving just around the corner and Christmas not far behind, I’m already thinking about how to make cooking for a crowd a little easier.

That’s why I’m so tempted by the extra-large nine-quart Le Creuset Dutch oven, currently more than $100 off at Wayfair. The Way Day sale has knocked this veritable hosting vessel down below $460 for the first time in months, making it the perfect time to upgrade my hosting setup.

As some of the best non-toxic cookware, the Le Creuset Dutch oven is an investment sure to stand the test of time, performing year after year, celebration after celebration.

ect time to upgrade my hosting setup.

As some of the best non-toxic cookware, the Le Creuset Dutch oven is an investment sure to stand the test of time, performing year after year, celebration after celebration.

I swear by my five-quart Le Creuset Modern Heritage Dutch Oven, and my Signature Pumpkin Cocotte sits in pride of place on my stove as a practical part of my fall kitchen decorations. However, while both are fantastic for cooking for around four people, when my whole friendship group piles through my front door, the pots end up working overtime.

The nine-quart upgrade is the perfect size for comfortably cooking for nine people or more, be it for holiday celebrations or big family dinners. Just note that, as with any cast-iron cookware, it is on the heavy side, especially at such a scale.

Outside of entertaining, the extra-large capacity is well suited to batch cooking so you master your meal prep, and provides ample space for artisan breads or large roast meats in the oven. Come summer, add some ice, and you have a drinks cooler or punch bowl for added versatility.

It’s a serious investment, but for larger households and frequent hosts, the sub-$460 Way Day price makes it a little sweeter. This is the kind of cookware you can pass down through generations, becoming a treasured staple at the Christmas table year after year.

What Else to Shop

The extra-large Dutch oven is not the only Le Creuset piece on sale this Way Day. I have dug through the discounts to find the best offers for upgrading your kitchen for less.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

There are so many gorgeous colors to choose from when it comes to Le Creuset. Not sure which to pick? Consider my new favorite, Nuit, relaunched for fall 2026 and perfect for sumptuous winter tablescaping.

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With the end of October nearing, my attention has fully turned to getting my home guest-ready for the holiday season. Before fluffing the cushions and lighting a candle, however, there's laundry to be done.

In fact, there are seven things that experts recommend washing in the remaining run-up to November, from curtains to throws, to get your home looking and feeling fresh and inviting.

Here, they share the items to tick off when doing laundry throughout the remaining week of the month − while there's still plenty of time.

1. Curtains and Drapes

This might feel like a big place to start, but washing and caring for your curtains and drapes is a task that shouldn't be neglected.

'Curtains are one of those things people forget to clean because they don’t look dirty,' explains Rechelle Balanzat, Founder and CEO of Juliette. 'But they collect dust, pollen, pet dander, and everyday odors over time. With more people coming into your home during the holidays, freshly cleaned curtains can make a noticeable difference in how your space looks and feels.'

To clean your curtains, Rechelle recommends always checking the laundry symbols or care label beforehand. 'Cotton and some polyester curtains may be machine washable, while silk, velvet, and lined drapes may require professional cleaning,' she says.

Then, remove any hooks and hardware, shake out the dust, preferably outdoors, and wash machine-safe curtains on a gentle cycle with cool water before air-drying to prevent shrinkage and wrinkles. To smooth out any remaining wrinkles, you may wish to use a steam cleaner, available at Amazon, 'provided the fabric is steam-safe,' adds Rechelle.

If your curtains aren't machine-washable, take them to your local dry cleaners to avoid any damage. If you're wondering how often you should wash curtains, experts recommend every six to twelve months.

2. Towels and Bathrobes

Putting a towel into your guest bedroom is an easy way to make a guest room feel more homey. But if they're scratchy and stained, they'll detract from the experience rather than add to it.

'If you’re the type of person who has towels and bathrobes only for guests, you’ll probably need to wash them so they’re nice and fresh before they arrive,' says Alex Varela, Cleaning Expert with Oakville Maids.

Importantly, don't use fabric softener when washing towels: It will coat the fibers, making them hard and rough. Instead, use dryer balls, available at Walmart, for a naturally fluffy feel. You can also wash your towels with vinegar to the same effect.

3. Throw Blankets and Decorative Pillow Covers

'Throw blankets and decorative pillows get used constantly, whether we’re relaxing on the couch, taking a nap, or entertaining friends,' says Rechelle. 'They can hold onto body oils, dust, pet hair, and food spills.

'I recommend refreshing them before hosting season begins, especially if guests will be using your living room or staying overnight.'

Washing, drying, and caring for blankets and throws is simple once you know how, and many are suitable for machine-washing. The same applies to pillowcases, though 'delicate wool, cashmere, velvet, and embellished fabrics may require special care or professional cleaning,' advises Rechelle.

If you are washing any at home, it's always best recommended to use a gentle detergent, like the All Free Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent, available at Amazon.

4. Pillows

Don't neglect to wash your pillows, either. 'It’s a good idea to wash them before November or December because most people don’t really wash their pillows, or at least not as often as they should,' warns Alex. 'And pillows absorb a lot of body oils, sweat, and dust mites.

'That being said, check the care tag first because not all of them are washing-machine safe, like memory foam pillows shouldn’t go in the washer for example. (Most) Polyester pillows or down pillows are washing machine safe, though.

'Always wash two at a time so they’re “balanced” within the drum. If you just add one, it would have too much “free” movement. Run an extra rinse cycle than you normally would and dry on low heat (full cycle). You may need two to three cycles until they’re dry on the inside. I recommend a fragrance-free detergent.'

Something like the Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent, available at Walmart, will work well in this instance. Don't forget about cleaning your throw pillows, too.

5. Guest Room Bedding

Finally, it's not just your pillows that may need your attention − particularly if you're preparing your guest room for a flurry of guests.

As Rechelle says, 'Your guest room doesn’t need to be used every day to need a refresh. Bedding can collect dust and develop stale odors while sitting in a closed room.

'Washing your sheets and mattress protector ahead of time means you’re not scrambling to prepare a comfortable bed when family or friends announce they’re coming to stay.'

Take the time to wash your bed linen according to the care labels, and take extra care when washing a mattress protector to avoid any potential damage, as some may be counted among the things to never put in the washing machine.

Then, 'Store freshly laundered linens in a clean, dry space until guests arrive,' continues Rechelle, to keep them smelling fresh.

What to Shop

Below, I've curated six essentials to get your home looking beautifully guest-ready ahead of the holidays.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'I recommend that you don't wait until Thanksgiving week or Christmas to tackle these items,' reaffirms Rechelle. Start in October, and you’ll have a fresher home before the holiday rush begins,' allowing you more time to spend on perfecting your Christmas decor ideas.

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If holiday hosting is your love language, then there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the mess that materializes as soon as your guests arrive and shed their outdoor layers. While coats can easily squeeze into a closet, it’s the shoes that become a pain – kicked into a chaotic cluster that overtakes your entryway.

This precarious shoe pile is inevitable during holiday parties, but it can happen all year round, too. I know the struggle firsthand – as a frequent host who lives in a tight apartment, my small entryway looks like a dense mountain just seconds away from a landslide anytime I have guests over.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, and lots of holiday parties planned at my place, I decided that it's time to address my entryway dilemma with a creative storage idea. And I have found just what I needed in Wayfair's Way Day sale: this surprisingly spacious and subtly chic cushioned storage bench.

This bench’s stylistic appeal is what first caught my attention. It doesn’t read too utilitarian – unlike a lot of the tiny entryway storage ideas I saw during my search for the perfect one. Instead, it yields a tasteful, modern farmhouse-inspired look with its fluted doors and painted frame. It’s one of those practical furnishings that works overtime to keep your space clean and looking chic.

That said, what sold me was its surprisingly spacious layout. It features three base cabinets, a side pocket, and even an underseat compartment for hidden storage. It’s a true workhorse for any entryway, providing space for shoes, grocery bags, an umbrella, gloves; the list goes on and on. It’ll keep your entryway clear of clutter any time of year.

Boasting a 4.6 out of 5-star ranking at Wayfair, this bench comes highly recommended by reviewers, with some remarking on its easy assembly, its sturdiness, and its attractive look. Plus, its price is hard to beat at less than $130.

While it’s already a stylish storage piece, I think this bench has the potential to be transformed into something even better. I’d reupholster the bench with a chic, durable fabric (Pepper Home’s Hadley Sky Performance Woven is my choice), I’d repaint the exterior in a fresh, inviting color, and I’d even replace its cabinet knobs with more exciting alternatives to give this bench a custom look.

Wayfair’s Cushioned Storage Bench is such a practical solution to make your entryway look nicer. Ahead of hosting season, it’ll give you a defined space for guests’ shoes so that while you’re hosting, a shoe pile will be the least of your problems. And at less than $130, it’s a steal for how helpful it’ll become in your home.

How I'd Style Wayfair's Cushioned Storage Bench

Aside from new upholstery and a fresh coat of paint, here's what I'd buy to make Wayfair's Cushioned Storage Bench a bit more exciting for the entryway.

Shop More Entryway Benches

Wayfair’s Cushioned Storage Bench isn't the only option I considered for my entryway. Below, find three more that are just as chic and practical for eliminating that inevitable shoe pile.

Although Wayfair’s Cushioned Storage Bench is helpful for keeping a cluttered entryway organized any time of year, I just know it'll come in handy during hosting season. But if you're looking for something larger that can benefit both shoes and coats, check out IKEA's NIPÅSEN Coat Rack and Bench, instead. This editor-approved find maximizes small entryways with its many functions and is perfect for organization when hosting this holiday season.

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A mattress protector is one of those purchases you want to make once and then forget about. They work quietly in the background of a busy life (and restful sleep) to keep your mattress looking its best and lasting longer, as long as they're effective.

That is why, as Sleep Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I usually don't suggest scrimping when choosing one for your sleep space. But at just $23.99, the BEDLORE Mattress Protector, available at Amazon, is making me question that rule.

It's proof that the best mattress protectors needn't be expensive, with a one hundred percent waterproof design for protecting guest beds over the holiday hosting season.

Once you've invested in one of the best mattresses, which tend to come with a sizable price tag, it's important to protect your investment with a suitable protector. With the budget-friendly BEDLORE Mattress Protector, available at Amazon, this has never been easier.

With a quilted design to keep the filling evenly lofty without slipping and sliding, and available, unusually, in eight colors, including a pretty sky blue, it's one of the highest-rated protectors I've ever come across.

For example, Samone refers to it as a 'holy grail mattress protector,' explaining that it's the 'most fantastic' protector they've ever used, 'and I've tested a lot.

'It’s super soft yet cool to the touch, makes no noise when you move around, tested and verified 100 per cent waterproof, isn’t bulky, and doesn’t melt in my dryer. It’s also convenient [that you] can get it in other colors to hide stains better over time. Planning on buying for all the beds in my house.'

Similarly, Tracy assures that it's 'the best' waterproof mattress protector they've tried. 'These mattress protectors are absolutely wonderful! We own eight of them between our main residence and vacation home, and we’ll definitely continue purchasing them as needed,' they explain. 'They have a waterproof lining underneath, but unlike so many other waterproof mattress protectors, they aren’t crinkly or crunchy at all. The top even has a light padding to it that makes them really comfortable.

'We’ve had picky sleepers who normally can’t stand waterproof mattress protectors use these with absolutely no complaints! They also wash up beautifully, which is another huge plus. Great quality, comfortable, and practical. I can’t recommend these enough!'

Speaking of cleaning and caring for this mattress protector, it couldn't be easier. It's machine-washable and dirt-resistant, as well as being suitable for the tumble dryer.

You won't need to worry about it popping off your mattress or coming loose in the night, either. With a 360° elastic skirt that's designed to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep, it will stay put, even as you swap sleeping positions, all night long.

With the holidays just around the corner, this is the protector I'd pick up for any guest spaces. It's affordable, effective, and will last for seasons to come.

More to Shop

If you're interested in shopping for more mattress protectors and guest bedroom bedding picks, I've rounded up six more top-rated favorites below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Invest in one of the best mattress toppers to truly elevate your guest bed ahead of the busy holiday hosting season.

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The year has flown by, and with November just a week away, I am already thinking about my Christmas hosting. The first task on my list? Planning the menu and how I am going to cook it.

Nothing motivates me to cook more than beautiful cookware. If something looks stunning on my stove, the hours spent laboring over slow cooks or complicated bakes are instantly more gratifying, not to mention that they are perfect for showing off to guests.

That's why I am so enamored with this year's Christmas collection from Le Creuset. The non-toxic cookware is crafted in rich, jewel tones that are straight out of a holiday fairy tale, with luscious burgundy and sumptuous blues made for expensive-looking festive tablescaping.

The cast iron cookware is decorated with elaborate tree-shaped embossing on each lid and is finished with a wonderfully seasonal star-shaped knob, which is also available separately should you wish to add a festive touch to your existing Le Creuset pieces. On the mini Noel cocottes, the star is even dipped in real gold, for an utterly luxurious finish.

The gold finishes don't stop there, either. The Holly Collection Cocottes and London Mugs are finished with gold leaf, for adding a sparkling shine to your holiday dinner and coffee tables.

There truly is something for every style and budget, perfect for practical Christmas Kitchen countertop decor or as a gift for the special home chef in your life.

Shop The Le Creuset Holiday Collection 2026

Not quite ready for Christmas yet? Don't worry. The Le Creuset Pumpkin Harvest Collection is still available to shop ahead of Thanksgiving.

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With the start of November now just over a week away, I'm beginning to feel ready to transition my home from Halloween to the holidays. Christmas in my home begins on November 1st and, while the tree won't be up until December, my home scenting transitions overnight.

I've tried a wealth of seasonal candles, with notes of spiced orange, fir, and gingerbread, but something that I feel truly captures the holiday spirit is the fresh, peppermint scent of candy canes. This is the inspiration behind IKEA's new VINTERFINT Candle − and it costs just $4.99.

The affordable price, sweet seasonal scent, and nostalgic, playful design make it one of the very best candles to wrap as a stocking stuffer or light in the run-up to the big day.

There are several Christmas candles I return to each November − Diptyque's Sapin, NEOM's Christmas Wish, and Skandinavisk's Fjord, available at Amazon, to name a few. But while a real treat, my yearly rotation is certainly not affordable. Fortunately, IKEA's VINTERFINT Candle is.

With the iconic scent of a sweet and minty scent of candy cane, it's undoubtedly an essential to make your home smell like Christmas. The 20-hour burn time means it will last through plenty of festive days and evenings spent on the couch or hosting friends and family, and for just $4.99, I'd suggest buying a few to place in each room to make your entire home smell nice.

The playful design will look at home among any Christmas mantel decor ideas or maximalist Christmas table decor, particularly if you prefer the classic colors of traditional Christmas decor, with a modernized twist.

I'd pair mine with a similar reed diffuser, like this Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon, to boost the scent throw. Alternatively, use peppermint oil, available at Walmart, in one of the best essential oil diffusers to fill your home with fragrance, without the worry of flames. My favorite is the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe, but if you're on a budget, the InnoGear Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, has the same look for less.

In any case, I'm ordering a handful of IKEA's VINTERFINT Candles for myself, and an additional few for gifting to friends and family this Christmas − they make the perfect stocking stuffers. And once the candle is used up, you can reuse the candle jar (after getting the wax out) for seasons to come.

More to Shop

For home shipping, your IKEA basket must be over $35. I've rounded up some more festive favorites to add in, along with alternative recommendations for burning and gifting this season.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Get organized ahead of time with our new year home fragrance edit.

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It might feel a little early to be thinking about Christmas decor storage – after all, we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet. However, planning your storage solutions ahead of time can save you both money and stress once the festive season is over.

Certified Professional Organizer Jenny Dietsch of Getting It Done Organizing strongly supports this approach, urging, 'Buy your bins before the holidays, before stores run out of the good ones. The success of next year’s setup starts now. When you store décor thoughtfully, you’ll be able to decorate with intention next year instead of just reacting as you pull things out of boxes. Knowing what you have and where it is gives you complete control (and makes the process so much more enjoyable!).'

Shopping early means you can take advantage of peak sales periods to find great prices while getting everything in place before the post-Christmas clear-up begins. Rather than waiting for deliveries during the busiest time of year for mail, you’ll have everything you need to refresh your home storage and pack away the festive clutter as soon as the celebrations are over.

I’ve hunted high and low for the prettiest and most practical storage essentials to help keep Christmas clutter under control, whether you have a spacious attic to fill or need stylish, visible storage that works in a smaller home.

Christmas Decor Storage Tricks

When storing Christmas decorations, there are a few quick tricks and tips that can simplify the process and, more importantly, make decorating easier next year. I spoke to professional decorators and home organizers to learn their three most important tips for reclaiming your home after the holidays and making post-Christmas cleaning less overwhelming:

• Declutter as you go: According to Danica Carson, Professional Organizer and Co-Founder of The Uncluttered Life, 'Decluttering decor when storing things for the season is crucial. It’s also easy and accomplishes two things at once, so I highly encourage it. The end of the season is the perfect time to assess your decor before it’s out of sight and out of mind until next year. Realistically, you aren’t going to be getting out that seasonal decor to sift through it and declutter during the rest of the year, so it’s kind of a now-or-never situation when it comes to decor decluttering.'
• Beware of delicate decorations: When the post-Christmas blues hits, it is easy to fall into the trap of simply tossing items into a bin and calling it a day. For delicate pieces, however, Patricia Derpinski of Hudon Holiday Decor stresses how important dedicated storage is to preventing damage. Rushing the process can feel like a time-saver; however, pressure from stacking can cause cracks while exposing them to dust and moisture. Instead, she shares, 'I recommend using ornament storage boxes like the Sterilite or IRIS boxes [both from Amazon] for safe, organized storage.'
• Take your time: Barbara Brock, Professional Home Organizer, concludes, 'Resetting your home after Christmas takes time. This is the biggest advice I can give − allow enough time to undo the Christmas tree, store it away or discard, preserve strings of light, store ornaments and other things. Get out all the storage boxes, as storing your ornaments in dedicated boxes or in tissue helps preserve them for next year.'

If you want to save money and cut down on waste at home this season, there are plenty of household items you can use to store fragile decor.

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There’s something undeniably luxurious about a silk pillowcase. For a relatively small investment, it’s an easy way to make everyday life feel a little more indulgent, turning your nightly routine into a more relaxing ritual.

Beyond their beautiful look and feel, silk pillowcases are naturally temperature-regulating and can help reduce friction against your skin and hair as you sleep – putting the beauty in beauty sleep. For that reason, silk has long been my pillowcase material of choice, and the Silk Pillowcase from Avocado has quickly earned a place in my regular rotation.

Stitched from pure 22-Momme Mulberry silk, it's a lustrous silk pillowcase worth investing in, or treating a friend or family member to as we approach the 2026 holiday hosting season.

I was first introduced to the Avocado Silk Pillowcase on a recent press trip with the brand to Newport Beach, California. It arrived on my bed, encasing the Avocado Green Pillow, and instantly added luxurious comfort to my sleep space.

Stitched from pure 22-Momme Mulberry silk − widely renowned as one of the finest, strongest silk fibers − the soft and sumptuous feel made my new best pillow even comfier. I've been using both together ever since.

If you're a hot sleeper, silk is one of the materials I'd always suggest for better sleep. It's naturally temperature- and moisture-regulating and feels genuinely cool to the touch, keeping your head and neck comfortable all night without the worry of overheating.

Silk also helps to prevent tangled, knotty hair come morning by reducing friction and retaining moisture, both of which are equally beneficial for your skin, too.

More generally, it's a natural, biodegradable fabric, and it requires less water to harvest than other fabrics, like cotton. The delicate yet durable weave means your investment (as the pillowcase is pretty expensive, at $105 in a Queen size, though currently reduced) will last for years to come, and it's OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100-certified, free of any harsh or dangerous chemicals, too. And, though expensive, it still sits a little more affordably than my other alternative favorite, the slip Silk Pillowcase, available at Amazon, which is $120 for a Queen.

You may have previously avoided silk pillowcases out of worry that it may be difficult to wash, dry, and care for this particular type of bed linen. Rest assured − the Avocado Silk Pillowcase comes paired with an included protective GOTS-certified organic cotton wash bag. Simply place the pillowcase inside and machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle, before hanging to dry out of direct sunlight.

The Avocado Silk Pillowcase boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7 stars on the Avocado site, across 118 reviews.

'When only the best will do,' says Dwight. 'Soft, beautiful color, washes well (follow guidelines). I have about four brands of silk pillowcases, and I am stopping here. Avocado's is the best.'

Another more recent review, from Arisia, adds, 'Keeps my hair sleek. The silk tames my frizz! I recently switched to percale cases while I washed my silk, and was wondering what [...] was going on with my hair. Forgot how much the silk does. Also like the pockets, keeps the pillow tucked inside the case. Need to get another pair soon.'

As we approach the holiday season, I can't recommend buying a silk pillowcase, particularly this one, for any friends and family more. They make a beautiful last-minute luxury gift if you're caught short, and the gift of better sleep never goes unappreciated. Better yet, pair it with a silk eye mask, such as the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask, for a gift that truly goes the extra mile.

More to Shop

If you're interested in shopping for more silk pillowcases and bedding picks to gift this holiday season, browse a handpicked, Sleep Editor-approved collection of six below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You may be wondering, 'Can silk pillowcases stop breakouts?' Scientists assure that there's plenty of evidence to point to yes, but this will depend on your sleep position, as back sleepers will have minimal contact with the material.

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Thanksgiving is, at its core, about slowing down and spending quality time with family and friends. But when your home becomes the gathering place for the holiday, the pressure to get everything looking its best can quickly take away from the joy of hosting.

The good news is that preparing your home for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean deep cleaning or ruthlessly decluttering. A few simple, considered changes can make your space feel more organized, welcoming, and ready for guests, without adding another layer of stress to an already busy season.

We spoke to experts to discover how to simplify your home systems, focus on the areas that matter most, and host Thanksgiving with less effort. The result? A home that feels as warm and inviting as the occasion itself, leaving you more time to enjoy it.

1. Don't Clean The Whole House, Edit It

The secret to an elevated, effortless space is not thorough decluttering and cleaning; it is editing your home. Creating space for the eye to rest, to move without friction, and for your design to stand out can help to make your home feel more considered, with the added bonus of being easier to manage.

The first step is to reduce visual noise, starting in the living room where guests will gather, before working through to other key spaces such as the dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Work with the rooms that you will use, and ignore those guests will not see to preserve time and energy.

'In living spaces, fold and put away extra blankets, magazines, baskets, or other storage vessels that people may bump into (this too will make the space feel a bit bigger),' suggests Dianne O’Connor, CEO of Weston Table, who also recommends giving thought to a pared-back color scheme when using flowers or candles. 'In small spaces, less is always more.'

This might mean employing a few decluttering methods to help tackle piles on surfaces such as coffee tables and entryway credenzas, but keep it minimal. You do not have to declutter your whole house or eliminate all signs of life for one event.

When it comes to the dining space, Kate Rumson, Villeroy & Boch’s Hosting Expert, adds, ‘Let each element breathe; consider candles, seasonal foliage, and a few well-placed centerpieces,’ she recommends. ‘It's about creating a visual feast that complements, rather than competes with, the delicious dishes you're serving.’

If in doubt, ask yourself what you would focus your effort on if you only had two hours before guests arrived, and work from there.

2. Plan Ahead

It pays to plan your Thanksgiving party ideas well ahead of time. The longer you have to work, the less you will have to cram in the days or hours leading up to guests arriving. This means that you will have more time to spend relaxing with your friends and family on the day itself.

Start in the kitchen. Consider your Thanksgiving menu, plan your grocery list, check that your appliances and utensils are in good working order, and create a plan for storing leftovers neatly. With everything laid out, it will be easier to keep a kitchen tidy when cooking Thanksgiving dinner, too.

Wash your fancy dishes, glassware, and serving dishes. To polish cutlery, put some hot water and a few tablespoons of white vinegar in a bowl and submerge your cutlery to soak until the water is cool enough to handle. Then, using a microfiber cloth or tea towel, wipe down each utensil for a streak-free shine.

You can also set the table for Thanksgiving well in advance for effortless on-the-day hosting, suggests Devon Wegman, Design Director and Founder of Devon Grace Interiors. 'Keeping things simple is best. If possible, opt for benches instead of chairs at the table to maximize seating. On the table, placemats will crowd it too much, so opt for chargers under plates instead. Anything else on the table should do double duty as function and decor. Think decorative glasses for water and wine, a decorative pitcher for water, and decorative napkin folding to add texture.'

If you use fresh flowers or yard trimmings, you can put those in closer to the big day.

3. Consider Layout

You will likely have to rearrange furniture before hosting, especially if you live in a smaller home or apartment. You want to create easy walkways for guests so that no one is tripping over anything, while ensuring there is ample room for everyone to sit.

To organize a living room, Mary Jo Contello, Professional Organizer and Founder of Organized by MJ, explains, 'Making sure there is enough comfortable seating is very important, ensuring it is accessible for all of your guests. I then recommend targeting clearing the area of toys, paperwork, and clutter so guests can put drinks and small plates down without items teetering on the edge.

4. Concentrate on the Kitchen

With dinner the highlight of this holiday, the kitchen will become the inescapable heart of your home. Because of this, it is smart to spend time here before the big day so everything runs smoothly and your home appears effortless to guests. This is especially true if you are hosting Thanksgiving in a small space.

To make steady progress before Thanksgiving, experts suggest:

1. Decluttering the counters: It is essential to keep kitchen counters clear to maximize your workspace. Begin by decluttering your kitchen, removing non-essentials from the kitchen entirely. You will be amazed at how even just a quick clear-out can be perfect for making more counter space in a small kitchen
2. Doing a stock check: Di Ter Avest, Professional Organizer and Owner of Di Is Organized, says, 'Over time, pantries can get chaotic with expired food, misplaced items, or lack of organization. Start by taking everything out of the pantry and placing it on a countertop or kitchen table where you can clearly see everything you have. Then, go through each item one by one, discarding anything that has expired.
3. Planning the menu: With your pantry organized, Lauren Saltman, Professional Home Organizer and Founder of Living Simplified, suggests, 'Menu plan early [a menu grocery list pad from Amazon can help] and don't forget that your guests might be around before Thanksgiving, so be sure to have extra snacks on hand. Then, create a detailed shopping list and get to the grocery store before it gets crowded or runs out of an important ingredient.'
4. Dividing your kitchen into zones: Lina DaSilva, Cleaning Expert and Founder of Toronto Shine Cleaning, recommends, 'Divide your kitchen into zones based on activities – prep, cook, serve, and wash. This streamlines movement and ensures that tools and ingredients are at hand where needed. It also helps when it comes to cleaning up after hosting, too.'
5. Preparing cleanup areas: Keeping on top of your washing up over Thanksgiving will reduce your stress levels while hosting, as well as reduce visual clutter and banish bad kitchen smells. Designating a zone specifically for dishes and ensuring you have enough trash bags in advance can make cleanup easier on the day.

5. Edit the Entryway

As the first impression of your home, there is merit in designing a timeless entryway to welcome your guests into your space. The goal is to make this area feel welcoming, not just practical.

Yes, quality entryway storage will go a long way to corralling guest clutter and preventing clutter creep, but focusing on lighting, fragrance, and even the temperature can start your party off on the right foot.

To prepare your entryway thoroughly for Thanksgiving, we suggest:

1. Decluttering: Edit your collection of coats, shoes, and bags to make space for incoming guests' belongings.
2. Adding seating: Seating such as entryway benches is one of the things most organized people have in their entryway, making it easier for guests to put on or remove their shoes without tracking mud through your home. Using multi-functional entryway bench furniture is particularly helpful in small spaces.
3. Boosting storage: Preempt the inevitable rush of shoes, scarves, coats, and more by providing ample storage solutions, such as hooks or storage baskets. The self-adhesive Naittoop, Adhesive Hooks or the Command Medium Designer Hooks are great small mudroom ideas if you're looking to add extra coat space in a hurry.
4. Prioritizing functional decor: With high traffic expected, your decor needs to be minimal to prevent adding to visual clutter. Consider decorating front doors with door mats with seasonal motifs, from Amazon, to add a seasonal touch without cluttering sideboards, for instance.
5. Considering lighting: Tasteful entryway lighting ideas are essential to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider floor or table lamps with soft, warm lighting. This will also make it easier for guests to see what they are doing as they come and go, preventing trips and slips.
6. Finding a fragrance: Our Home Fragrance Expert Ottilie Blackhall reminds us that our homes are often shut up against the cold in fall, trapping musty odors. She suggests using the best essential oil diffusers to scent the space and mask odors from shoes or cooking. Avoid candles, she adds, which could be knocked over in the bustle.

6. Bring Balance to Bathrooms

Guests are unlikely to spend much time in your bathroom, but they will be used at some point throughout the day. You do not need to spend lots of time here in advance beyond your usual bathroom cleaning routine and tidying away personal essentials.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to stock the space with some designer-approved guest bathroom essentials; the idea being that your guests should not have to ask for anything while in your home.

Check the toilet paper stock, and ensure extras are kept in a tidy but obvious location. Swap out your hand towels for some pretty, freshly washed ones, and consider adding in a nice hand soap and a candle or diffuser to help mask odors and make guests feel more comfortable.

7. Don't Forget The Invisible Details

More often than not, making a home more welcoming is not about your design and hosting skills (although these certainly help), but about the tiny, invisible details that contribute to a comfortable home.

First and foremost, consider temperature. No one wants to be freezing cold or sweating while trying to enjoy their dinner. While the best temperature for a thermostat is a contested topic, experts generally recommend somewhere between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit for everyday comfort in fall and winter.

Next, assess the lighting around your home, especially at the dinner table. Dining room lighting for hosting is a tricky balance to get right, begins Artem Kropovinsky, Interior Designer and Founder of Arsight. The room should be lit intimately, but not left so dark that your guests can't see what is on their plate. He suggests starting by lighting candles for a soft, warm light that makes your home cozy for Thanksgiving, and then layer more functional lighting from there.

Scent is next. 'You should never underestimate the power of home fragrance for setting the mood when hosting,' explains our Home Fragrance Expert, Ottilie. 'Making a home smell like fall, with comforting spices and warming notes, can make your home feel more welcoming, while masking any odors that might arise from a closed house, piles of shoes, and cooking dinner. Use one fragrance around the home to build intensity without it becoming overwhelming.'

Finally, consider music, using connected speakers around your home to play calming, seasonal music at a background level. Not only does this help to set a comforting yet elevated mood, but it can help to fill any quieter lulls in conversation.

FAQs

How Can I Make Hosting Thanksgiving Easier?

To make Thanksgiving hosting smoother, remember to ask for help, or never turn down help from guests. Just because you are the host doesn’t mean you have to juggle everything alone; get your guests involved to make the event more communal and bring people together. It could be something as simple as a guest getting the drinking glasses out of the cabinet for you. Any help is a big help.

How Can You Make Thanksgiving Guests Feel at Home?

Caroline Roberts, Professional Home Organizer and Owner of This Simplified Island, suggests ensuring your guests can help themselves as much as possible, especially if they are staying the night.

'Post the WiFi password somewhere visible, place towels in their room, display basic toiletries in the bathroom, put an extra blanket on the bed, and show them where the dishes are and how to make coffee. They will feel welcome, and you will have a little bit less to do.'

It can also be helpful to include a welcome sheet with any additional information, such as the locations of light switches, how to use the climate control and shower, and where to find refreshments in the house. Don't be afraid to lay out some gentle boundaries or rules here, too.

How Do You Plan a Thanksgiving Meal?

Caroline says, 'The Thanksgiving meal can feel overwhelming. Create your menu well in advance and test any new recipes you are considering for the big day.

'Write down the cooking temperatures and cooking times for each item. Note which items can be prepared far in advance and frozen, which items require thawing, and which items can be prepared a day or two in advance. Once you have this information, create a timeline of when things will be prepared and cooked.

'Remember that people want to help! Ask guests to bring sides, desserts, or drinks. You don’t have to do it all yourself.'

If in doubt about where to clean, consider using the guest scanning method to spot dirt spots before they arrive.

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The Deebot X11 OmniCyclone is Ecovacs' bid to do away with dust bags, pairing its first bagless auto-emptying Omni station with its most advanced roller mop yet (and a $1,099.99 price to match).

The bagless dock isn't its only trick. It's great at tackling hard jobs that most entries on our best robot vacuums struggle with, and its AI features make it easy to tailor to your home, even if its vacuuming doesn't always keep pace.

After four weeks of testing, the X11 OmniCyclone delivered on much of what Ecovacs promised. Read on for where it excelled and where it fell short.

Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone: Specifications

Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone: Setup

Setting up the X11 OmniCyclone is easy, even if it's your first robot vacuum and you've not done it before. Once everything is unboxed, click the ramp into the base of the station until you hear it lock in place, then position the dock against a wall on a flat, hard floor. Ecovacs recommends leaving around 2 inches of space on either side and roughly 2.6 feet clear in front. There's then a slot on the back for storing away any excess power cord.

The clean water tank – identified by the empty water droplet icon – lifts out of the station and fills from the faucet. The X11 then has two smaller tanks, beneath where the clean water tank sits, for two different cleaning solutions. You can choose Ecovacs' everyday cleaner ($49.98 for a pack of two), the Ecovacs $29.99 heavy-duty formula designed for greasy kitchen floors, or a pet-friendly Ecovacs solution for $25 a liter. All are sold separately and don't come in the box.

The Ecovacs Home app walks you through connecting it to your Wi-Fi and your wider smart home setup. My robot needed a firmware update before its first clean, which took about seven minutes. Thankfully, the brushes and rollers come pre-installed, so this saves a small amount of time. Plus, none of this needs tools, so the whole process, including the update, took no more than 10 minutes.

Once charged, the X11 set off on its first mapping run, working its way from room to room while the floor plan built up in real time in the app. The finished map wasn't the most detailed I'd seen, but it gave enough to make it useful without being overwhelming.

Each room is color-coded and automatically divided. The app did think my laundry room was a balcony, but the rest of the room mapping was accurate. The map also picks out different floor types, showing tiled and wooden flooring with different textures.

If it can't identify a room type, it lists it as a number instead, but you can rename all in a few taps as well as adjust room dividers, mark thresholds, and add no-go zones if the robot has got anything wrong. The map is saved under its own floor name too, so if you have a second level, you can map that separately, and the robot will recognize which floor it's on.

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

Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone: Design and Features

At just 3.86 inches (9.8cm) tall, the Deebot X11 OmniCyclone is a low-slung, largely understated robot vacuum. Its black and silver design is only slightly broken up by the blue mop and vacuum brush, but the modern design can blend seamlessly into the modern home; the whole design blends seamlessly into the background like all good vacuums should.

Part of the X11's lower height is due to the fact that it doesn't have the raised LiDAR turret found on an increasing number of robot vacuums. Instead, its AIVI 3D 3.0 navigation sensors – which pair LiDAR with a camera to identify obstacles and trace their outlines – sit within the body. This lets it slip beneath sofas and beds that taller rivals nudge against without losing any of the mapping or navigating skills. A front LED switches on in dim rooms to help with this.

For thresholds, the TruePass system uses mechanical lever wheels rather than pre-scanning, climbing single ledges of 0.9 inches (2.4cm) and double thresholds of 1.6 inches (4cm). This should help avoid the usual reasons a robot vacuum gets stuck.

The OmniCyclone station is Ecovacs' first bagless, auto-emptying dock, and it uses 'dual-stage cyclonic separation' to empty the robot into a reusable 1.6-liter plastic container. Ecovacs estimates this saves 25 bags over five years, but the trade-off is that without a sealed bag to trap the dust in, allergy sufferers may have to be careful at disposal.

The top has a brushed, metallic-effect finish, and the station follows suit with metallic panels and a clear, removable cyclone chamber at the front. The clean and dirty water tanks sit on top for easy access and filling and emptying. The station itself stands 18.3 inches (46.5cm) tall and 19.4 inches (49.3cm) deep, including its ramp, so it needs enough room for the robot to maneuver in and out of, but has a relatively small footprint. Especially compared to the bulky Dyson Spot+Scrub's station.

Beyond emptying, the dock soaks and washes the roller mop in 167 F (75 C) water, dries it with hot air, refills the robot, and cleans its own wash tray. The two solution compartments switch automatically between the everyday and heavy-duty formulas, depending on the floor type and cleaning setting. Technically, you can use any non-foaming cleaner for these tanks (I use Zoflora), but Ecovacs does warn that it could invalidate your warranty if anything goes wrong after doing so.

On the underside of the robot is the OZMO Roller 2.0 mop, a nylon cylinder that spins at 200rpm. Eight nozzles rinse it with fresh water as it works, and a built-in scraper pulls the dirty water away into an onboard tank. It's a similar setup to the Yeedi S20 Infinity, from Ecovacs' sister brand, Yeedi, which is slightly cheaper than the X11.

Elsewhere, Ecovacs' TruEdge 3.0 technology pushes the roller up to 0.59 inches (1.5cm) outward to reach baseboards and corners. Ecovacs' Triple Lift System then raises the roller 0.39 inches (10mm) when its ultrasonic sensors detect carpet. These sensors also lift the brushes when the robot is working on wet spills to stop moisture spreading. Finally, a ZeroTangle 3.0 system pairs an anti-tangle side brush with a spiral main brush, which is great for hair and should appeal to anyone battling shedding season.

In terms of battery life, Ecovacs claims the X11 will run for up to 254 minutes in its quietest mode on hard floors, or 207 minutes in Standard mode. A full recharge takes around four hours but, through its PowerBoost feature, the station can restore 6% of the battery in three minutes while the mop is being washed. Ecovacs claims this lets the robot cover roughly 10,700 square feet (1,000 square meters) without a full recharge.

You have a number of options when it comes to controlling the X11 OmniCyclone. There is a small selection of onboard controls, but these are for basic actions like power and returning to the dock.

Everything else is controlled through the Ecovacs Home app or by speaking or typing to YIKO, Ecovacs' AI agent, which learns routines and builds cleaning plans around them and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Matter, meaning it should connect to almost everything in your smart home.

Everything on the app is laid out simply. You can move between the robot and station settings in a single swipe, and everything sits under clearly labeled 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 X11 OmniCyclone, in my opinion. Especially if you want to avoid damaging your hard floors or don't want a swamp in your kitchen.

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 from ending a clean early to recharge.

Maintenance features are built into the app too. You can check the condition of brushes and filters, 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.

Following a recent update, Ecovacs now makes more of its assistant YIKO, turning it into an AI Agent where it didn't so explicitly before. When you select Agent Mode, you can describe your cleaning habits in plain language, and the agent turns them into instructions.

I told it that the corner beneath my kitchen sink gets messy and asked it to vacuum and mop there every day at 9pm. It confirmed the request and saved it as a standing preference. Suggested prompts, such as keeping the robot out of the bedroom after 10pm, give a sense of what else it can handle.

What Is the Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone Like to Use?

As with most robot vacuums I've tested, I did almost everything with the X11 OmniCyclone through the app. There is a button on the robot to start a clean or send it back to the dock, but whether I was setting up a schedule or tweaking how it cleaned a particular room, I reached for my phone.

Changing settings is easy enough. You pick whether you want it to vacuum, mop, or both, then set the suction, water flow, speed, and number of passes. That's a lot of control if you want it. If you don't, YIKO will think for you.

Around the house, the X11 mostly moves in neat, even lines. Now and then, though, it takes itself off on a route of its own before coming back to finish the job. It never missed anything as a result, but it's a bit baffling to watch in the app, and it's not something I saw from the Deebot T50 Pro Omni.

What it never did was get lost. Whether I moved furniture, picked it up mid-clean, or started it from a different room, it always knew where it was. I never had to remap, which I can't say for every robot I've used, like the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai. It was good with obstacles too, steering around shoes, messy cables, and the dog's bowl rather than pushing them across the floor. The only thing that caught it out now and then was a very thin charging cable, but that's true of almost every robot I've tested.

I have a high threshold between the Karndean flooring in my kitchen and the solid hardwood floors of my hallway, and the X11 got over it every time. Its lever wheels push it up and over without any hesitation, and while it does land with a small clunk, it's nowhere near as loud as some robots I've tested. It's also slim, with no LiDAR bump on top, so it slid under my sofa, dining chairs, and even the low dining room unit without getting stuck.

I wouldn't rely on any robot vacuum to deep clean your home, but for keeping on top of things day to day, the X11 does a good job. Crumbs under the dining table, grit by the back door, and the bits of food that end up around the dog's bowl were all cleared without me having to think about it. It's less thorough with fine dust, which sometimes needed a second run to shift completely, but on a daily schedule the floors rarely looked like they needed my attention.

Mopping is where it really earns its place. Floors come up clean and even with no streaks, and they smell fresh afterward rather than of whatever was spilled, which is more than I can say for plenty of robot mops I've tested. When it does come across something sticky, its stain detection sends it back for another go, so I found myself reaching for my own mop far less often. Dyson's Spot+Scrub Ai promises similar but didn't always perform as well as this Ecovacs model. Plus, because the roller on the X11 lifts on carpet, my rugs stayed dry even on combined vacuum and mop runs.

Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone: Vacuuming Tests

For the vacuuming tests, I put the X11 through our standard trio of messes on both laminate and carpet. That meant a quarter cup of sugar, a quarter cup of lentils, and a quarter cup of cereal, spread across each floor, with some deliberately pushed into corners and along the baseboards, where robots tend to struggle most.

Each one tests something different. Sugar mimics the fine dust and grit that settles on floors every day, lentils represent medium-sized debris like rice or dried pet food, and cereal stands in for the bigger crumbs that end up under a dining table.

Unusually, the X11 did its best work on the biggest mess. Cereal was picked up whole almost straight away, on both the laminate and the carpet, with very little of the crushing or flinging across the room I've seen from other robots. Even the pieces I'd pushed against the baseboards were cleared well.

Lentils took a bit more work, especially on carpet. Most came up on the first pass, but a handful were nudged ahead of the robot or left behind, particularly along the edges, and it needed a second run to clear them from the carpet completely.

Sugar took the most work of all. Traces of sugar remained on both the laminate and carpet after two passes. The only way to clear it properly so you couldn't feel it underfoot was on Max suction with the Deep Cleaning setting.

Pet hair testing went much better. The X11 cleared my dog's fur from both the hard floor and the carpet, and thanks to its ZeroTangle brushes, there was very little wrapped around the main brush afterward. I have to vacuum daily when Maisy is molting so this is a weight off my mind.

For everyday use, the X11 took over most of the vacuuming I'd normally do myself. I still used my cordless vacuum on carpets and stairs at the weekend, and I learned to set it to two passes on carpet to make up for its weaker pickup of fine dust. But for keeping on top of crumbs, grit and dog hair day to day, I could leave it to get on with the job.

I could also ask YIKO to do a double run on weekends to make sure the mess from my children was caught and removed.

Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone: Mopping Tests

To put the roller mop through its paces, I created two stains on my laminate floor. One was a quarter cup of ketchup and the other a quarter cup of mustard, which I chose because they behave so differently once they hit the floor. Ketchup is thin and spreads easily, while mustard is thicker, oilier, and prone to leaving a yellow tinge on lighter flooring.

Surprisingly, it was the mustard the X11 handled best. The roller lifted it cleanly on the first pass, leaving few smears or yellow residue and no sticky patch underfoot once the floor had dried. For a stain that has caught out plenty of the robot mops I've tested, including Ecovacs' own Deebot T50 Pro Omni, that's impressive. It's also interesting that between the cereal and mustard, the X11 is best at the harder tasks.

Ketchup didn't go quite as smoothly. On its first pass, the X11 smeared some of the stain across the floor rather than lifting it straight away. Its stain detection soon kicked in, though, and it went back over the area until every trace was gone. Better still, the floor didn't smell of ketchup afterward.

With many robot mops, a faint, tangy smell hangs around long after the stain has disappeared, because the pad simply spreads the residue around. Here, the continuously rinsed roller seems to take the mess away rather than move it around the floor.

After both tests, the roller came back from the dock clean, with no clumps of dried sauce stuck in the nylon, and the wash tray didn't need rinsing by hand. That's not always the case, even with the best robot mops I've tested, and it's a big part of what makes the X11 so easy to live with.

Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone: Maintenance

Once it's set up, the X11 needs very little attention because the dock takes care of most of the upkeep. After every clean, it empties the robot's dustbin, washes the roller mop in hot water, and dries it with warm air. Throughout my testing, the roller came back fresh and dry each time, with none of the damp, musty smell that can build up in cheaper robot mops.

Hair was rarely a problem either. The ZeroTangle brushes did a good job of shrugging off my long hair and my dog's fur, and while I checked the main brush every week or so, there was usually only the odd strand to pull free by hand.

Due to the bagless Omni station, instead of swapping out a full dust bag, you press a release button to lift out the dust container, hold it over the trash can, and press a switch to open the bottom and tip the contents out. Ecovacs says the 1.6-liter container can go up to 60 days between empties, but I found once every few weeks was plenty for my home and meant that any food waste or similar didn't sit and start rotting.

Similarly, I'd recommend emptying the dirty water tank after every clean; otherwise, you're left with rancid water.

Day to day, the clean and dirty water tanks lift out easily for refilling and emptying. The robot's filter and the station's sponge filter can both be rinsed under the faucet, although Ecovacs advises against scrubbing them with your fingers or a brush, and they need to be completely dry before you refit them. The roller mop is simple to remove too. Double-tapping a button on the robot releases the roller unit, and a second button lets you slide the roller out for cleaning.

Beyond that, it's mostly a case of following the app. It tracks the condition of the brushes, filters, and roller, sends reminders when something needs attention, and lets you order replacements directly. If something goes wrong, YIKO can walk you through fixing it. Knowing how to clean a robot vacuum properly goes a long way toward extending its life, so having that guidance built in is a welcome touch.

My only gripe with the in-app alerts is that they're quite dramatic. One alert said: 'Clean water tank error' with a large red exclamation mark, but when I clicked into it, it was just telling me the water was running low.

According to Ecovacs, the roller mop needs replacing every one to two months, the side brush and filter every three to six months, and the main brush every six to 12 months. The dirty water tank and the station itself should be cleaned monthly, while the clean water tank only needs attention every three months. In practice, a quick rinse and wipe every few weeks kept everything looking and smelling fresh.

None of this felt like a chore. Compared to robots that need their bags swapping or their mop pads rinsing by hand, the X11 asks very little of you beyond emptying the container every so often.

How Does the Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone Compare?

At $1,099.99, the Deebot X11 OmniCyclone sits toward the top of Ecovacs' range, and it faces stiff competition, including from within its own family.

The closest rival is the Yeedi S20 Infinity, from Ecovacs' sister brand, Yeedi. It shares much of the X11's hardware, including the bagless Omni station, 19,500Pa of BLAST suction, the OZMO Roller 2.0 mop and PowerBoost charging, but typically costs around $899.99. What you don't get is Ecovacs' AIVI 3D 3.0 navigation or the YIKO agent. If the smart features don't matter to you, though, it's a lot of the same robot for less.

If you'd rather save more, the Deebot T50 Pro Omni costs $399.99 and, in my testing, was a more consistent vacuum. It cleared sugar and lentils more thoroughly than the X11 and covered rooms more methodically. The trade-off is its circular mop pads, which smeared mustard and needed my help to finish the job, whereas the X11's roller lifted it the first time. It also uses a bagged dock, so you'll need to budget for replacement bags.

At the other end of the scale, the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller costs $1,599.99. It's one of the best roller mops I've tested and handled everyday stains brilliantly, but like the X11, it was less consistent on carpet. It also has a larger dock. The X11 matches it on mopping for much less, with the added convenience of no dust bags, so unless you want the Dreame's extras, I'd save the $500.

Ecovacs has since launched the Deebot X12 OmniCyclone, which increases suction to 22,000Pa. If you want the latest model, the X12 is the one to look at, but with the X11 now regularly discounted as a result, it's still likely to be the better value for most homes.

How I Tested the Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone

The X11 OmniCyclone was my household's main robot vacuum for four weeks, cleaning a mix of hard floors and carpet in a busy family home with a dog, children, and all the crumbs, fur, and spills that come with them.

As well as running it daily, I put it through our standardized vacuum tests. For vacuuming, I spread a quarter cup each of sugar, lentils, and cereal across both hard floor and carpet to see how it coped with fine, medium, and large debris. To test the mop, I poured ketchup and mustard onto my laminate floor and watched how well it lifted each stain.

Throughout testing, I kept an eye on how it navigated and moved between rooms, how the bagless OmniCyclone station managed emptying, washing, and drying, and how noisy each stage was, using the DecibelX app. I also tested the Ecovacs Home app for scheduling, room selection, and cleaning logs, and set up routines using YIKO to see whether the AI agent made day-to-day cleaning any easier.

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

As a forever home fragrance fan, I'll be the first to admit that scenting a space can be expensive. My favorite candles cost $90, and my beloved essential oil diffuser tips the scales at $165.

It's affordable products that recreate the same effects for less that truly catch my attention, particularly if they look just as good as the high-end version. And for seasonal scenting or gifting this Christmas, the InnoGear Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, is currently under $26 − and looks just like its premium counterpart.

Included in my guide to the best essential oil diffusers, the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is a tried-and-tested, chic favorite for scenting smaller spaces. But for a saving of over $100, the InnoGear option is ideal for shoppers on a budget who still want to prioritize shopping a stylish option to seamlessly blend with their interiors.

The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, available at Amazon, has long been included in our rundown of favorite essential oil diffusers. It's beautiful, high-quality, and looks like a premium piece of pottery to complement your space − but it is expensive at $129.99 (though currently reduced to $103.99). The InnoGear Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, instead, offers all the same stylish benefits, yet costs just shy of $26 on the current limited-time deal.

Just like the Vitruvi version, it features a handmade ceramic cover, which instantly sets it apart from plasticky affordable alternatives. The cover is also conveniently dirt-resistant and easy to clean.

The diffuser itself features two misting modes: Continuous, with a duration of four to six hours, for switching on when reading, working, or relaxing, and intermittent, with a duration of eight to ten hours, which is perfect for sleeping without the worry of having to refill the tank. If it does empty, though, a convenient auto-off function switches off the diffuser to prevent overheating and keep you safe.

Finally, the light setting offers a comforting glow, perfectly pitched to make a bed look cozy when used on a nightstand and to add warmth to any room, while the compact size, at just 6.81 by 3.93 inches, means you can squeeze the diffuser onto any surface or sill.

'I love this diffuser,' says Martha, alongside a five-star review. 'It’s a nice size, and the stone cover is beautiful. It has a nice output, and the intermittent setting lasts much longer than what I was expecting. The thing that I had looked for in the description, reviews, and videos that I never found was where the plug was located. But I was so impressed with the reviews and videos that I ordered it anyway. I was overjoyed when I unboxed it and found the plug is on the side. That is a feature that I really like, and that alone would be additional stars if I could rate it 5+.'

If you've got a friend or family member who regularly works from home or finds themselves struggling to sleep properly, this is the diffuser I'd gift this Christmas to help create a cozy home office and aid better sleep. As an affordable pick, it's also an appropriate option for buyers on a budget or, equally, for those looking to treat themselves ahead of the busy holiday season.

More to Shop

Below, shop the InnoGear Ceramic diffuser, along with my handpicked selection of five alternative home fragrance favorites − all of which make beautiful gifts (or treats to yourself) as the holiday season fast approaches.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

For more home fragrance and gifting inspiration, browse my curated guides to the best candles and reed diffusers, all of which I've tested in my own home.

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My first air fryer was a dual-drawer Ninja model, and I’ve sworn by the convenience of a double-drawer setup ever since. So, when I heard Ninja was launching a glass version of this kitchen workhorse, I knew I had to try it for myself.

The Ninja Crispi DualZone Glass Air Fryer brings together the convenience of two separate cooking drawers with all the features we loved from the original Crispi Pro. Designed for everything from batch cooking to feeding a family with different tastes, I can safely say that it is one of the best non-toxic air fryers on the market.

After putting it through its paces for several weeks, I’ve found plenty to love, and it’s made a strong case for becoming my go-to air fryer for the foreseeable future. Here’s how it performed in my kitchen, along with the few minor snags worth knowing about before you buy.

Product Specifications: Ninja Crispi DualZone Glass Air Fryer

Design and First Impressions

The Ninja Crispi DualZone Glass Air Fryer looks incredibly chic and, like the Ninja Crispi Pro, solves the main hang-up I had about the original Ninja Crispi we reviewed, with a main head that stays in place, rather than lifting off and on.

Inside the box, you’ll find the main unit, two glass baskets with ceramic-coated crisper trays, and two basket lids that turn the vessels into convenient food-storage containers for leftovers. Everything arrived neatly packaged, although I’d recommend having someone nearby to help lift the unit out safely during unboxing, as the components are heavier than you might expect.

I love the look of this air fryer. While it is a decent size, it didn't feel like it overwhelmed the counter. The glass baskets and lighter colorway I chose meant it didn't feel as blocky or 'heavy' as my old jet black air fryer did. It looks as stylish, which is more than what you can say for most large kitchen appliances.

The two thick glass baskets make this a particularly weighty appliance, so it’s not one you’ll want to move in and out of a cabinet every day. I store mine on a lower shelf when it’s not in use, as I don’t reach for it daily. However, if you have a weaker grip or find heavy appliances difficult to lift, you may prefer to leave it on the countertop.

The baskets slot into the unit easily, settling into place and clicking securely without much adjustment. They’re designed to pull out at an angle, allowing you to reach behind and grip the heat-resistant plastic handles while keeping your hands away from the hot cooking surfaces. I found this straightforward enough, although I felt a little uneasy reaching beneath the heating element while it was still warm. I didn’t burn myself, but it’s something to bear in mind if you’re considering letting older children use the appliance independently.

Once unboxed, it is as simple as wiping out the baskets and plugging the unit in.

Cooking Performance

Using the Ninja Crispi DualZone Glass Air Fryer is simple. Once plugged in and switched on, you select which basket you are using, set the cooking mode, temperature, and time, and press the dial to start.

The match setting turns both baskets on at the same time, while the sync setting allows you to set two different cooking programs and have them finish simultaneously. I loved the sync setting, allowing me to cook two different foods such as chicken nuggets and chips and have them finish at the same time for plating. It really uncomplicates cooking, making convenience food actually convenient.

There’s also a helpful flip reminder, which sounds a single beep halfway through the cooking time to prompt you to turn any food that needs it. The air fryer continues cooking in the meantime, so you can simply ignore the alert if your food doesn’t need turning.

One thing to bear in mind is that the heavy baskets and snug fit mean you can’t shake them to redistribute food as you might with a traditional drawer-style air fryer. I’d recommend keeping a pair of silicone food tongs (available at Amazon) handy instead, so you can turn or rearrange ingredients.

Across all my tests, I found that food cooked evenly and crisped up well, without sticking or burning. The glass-sided baskets also let me keep an eye on everything as it cooked, making it easier to judge when food was ready without repeatedly opening the drawers.

One thing to note is that there was a slightly odd smell on the first use. I washed the baskets and trays as directed, and dried them before use. On the first test, there was a strange odor that didn't affect the flavor, but it did have me opening a window. I assume this was just some factory dust, but if you are concerned, maybe run an empty cycle for a few minutes before putting your food in. The smell disappeared after this first use.

• Chicken Nuggets and Fries: My go-to first test for any air fryer; I put some vegan battered chicken nuggets in one basket and thick potato wedges in the other. I used the sync setting to ensure that everything finished together and pressed start. The air fry setting crisped the nuggets perfectly, while the max crisp function created extra-crispy edges on the wedges that snapped and revealed a fluffy, steaming interior. It's everything you want from an air fryer.
• Roasted Vegetables: I removed the crisper plate and filled one basket with two generous servings of chunky vegetables, tossing them in oil and spices before setting the air fryer to cook for 30 minutes. When the flip reminder sounded, I gave everything a good mix. The result was beautifully softened vegetables with a little char in places, which paired wonderfully with couscous.
  I’d packed the basket quite full, so I was particularly impressed by how evenly everything cooked, with no undercooked or overdone pieces.
• Chicken Breasts: I love to quickly cook some spiced chicken breasts for rice bowls in the air fryer, using foil to catch any juices to pour over the final dish. I made good use of the '+1 minute' button for this, having to add a little time when some of the larger chunks hadn't quite cooked through. It made adjusting cooking times quick and simple. The end result was juicy, well-cooked chicken that shredded nicely.
• Breaded Salmon: Breading has a bad habit of coming loose and flying around an air fryer basket, but I am happy to report that the Crispi DualZone didn't have an issue with this. I placed two salmon fillets I had breaded myself into the basket and watched as they crisped up evenly. I didn't flip these, but the bases crisped too and did not turn soggy as the air circulated evenly. The exterior was crisp, and the fish was flaky. It was perfect.
• Proofing Bread Dough: It is important to note that this feature is not available on the US version of the Crispi Dual Zone. Unique to UK and international units, this feature drops the basket temperature to as low as 77°F (20°C) to help bread dough rise. This ended up being one of my favorite additions, so I am sad to see it not included in the American specification. My dough doubled in size after 45 minutes in the oiled glass dish, and the machine was silent in the process. The resulting bread had a light, airy crumb that I would not have been able to achieve otherwise in my freezing cold kitchen.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The air fryer baskets and ceramic trays are dishwasher safe, but I had no issue hand washing them in my sink once they had cooled down. The plastic handles are easy to hold, and resting the basket against the side made washing them out simple.

The problem came when trying to dry them. The plastic structure designed to hold the basket is not removable, and I found water getting stuck between that and the base of the basket. I could not get a towel into these gaps to dry them out, meaning they had to sit on the counter for a long time to dry completely. This area does not touch food, but I did think it is a design oversight that was rather annoying.

I did like that the baskets came with lids, however. The snap-on plastic means the baskets double as quick food storage, allowing you to transfer food from the counter to the fridge without dirtying another container or dish. The baskets are large, however, so you do need decent fridge space to fit one in, let alone both.

What Shoppers Say

Overall customer reviews for the Ninja Crispi DualZone Air Fryer are overwhelmingly positive, with an average of 4.8 stars on SharkNinja and 4.6 stars on Amazon.

Shoppers appreciate how easy it is to learn to use, the self-explanatory control buttons (I myself did not find myself needing the manual at all), and the Match and Sync cooking settings.

Of the one-star reviews, a few customers say that it stopped working on both or one side after a few uses; however, I am yet to experience any performance issues. I will report back should this happen to me at any stage. Another user was not a fan of the fact that the baskets get hot in use, calling it a burn risk. This is certainly something to consider, especially if you allow children to use the air fryer. I did not have an issue personally, but for those with less stable hands, it might be one to use oven gloves for.

Should You Buy The Ninja Crispi DualZone Glass Air Fryer?

All in all, I would absolutely recommend the Ninja Crispi DualZone Glass Air Fryer. The double basket space makes it the perfect air fryer for couples, families, and batch cookers. The UK model's Proof setting also makes it perfect for home bakers who struggle with cold kitchens.

It brings all of the best features from the Ninja air fryers we already know and love, while doubling the cooking space for increased convenience. It is a little large and can be tricky to dry after cleaning, but these are only minor snags.

At $379.99 at the time of writing, it is not the most affordable air fryer on the market. It is almost $80 more than the standard Crispi Pro model, but I would say that the extra is worth it for the extra basket and increased flexibility. If you love glass air fryer cooking but do not have the budget, however, we tried and enjoyed the smaller, single-basket Cuisinart ClearView Air Fryer, available at Amazon for just $159.95.

I have kept this unit and plan to use it as my main air fryer for years to come.

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

From other gems in the Ninja Crispi lineup to the essential air fryer accessories I would not be without, these are the must-haves to consider for convenient cooking.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Now that you have switched out your air fryer, we have a host of other tips for making a kitchen less toxic.

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Your cookware is just as important as the ingredients you use, and upgrading to pieces that will last a lifetime can feel like a real kitchen rite of passage. I’ve traditionally relied on non-stick cookware, but with so much praise for stainless steel skillets and their versatility and durability, I was keen to put one to the test for myself.

The Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillets are made of NanoBond, which is created by bonding stainless steel to patented titanium, and Hestan claims that this material is 400% stronger than typical stainless steel cookware. This NanoBond material is also chemical-free and resistant to staining and scratching, which are all things you want to hear when you’re buying a pan at this price point. These skillets also have sealed rims, which make them dishwasher-safe.

I put them to the test in my home kitchen to decide if this premium non-toxic cookware is really worth the price. The short answer? Absolutely, particularly if you are a confident home chef who cooks to impress regularly. Here's how I got on.

Product Specifications: Hestan NanoBond Titanium Stainless-Steel Skillet

Design and First Impressions

Upon opening my Hestan package (which included the 8.5-inch and 11-inch Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillets), I was immediately impressed by how shiny the pans looked, though I did notice the absence of lids, which stood out for this price point.

There was also very little additional plastic or packaging material, and the included product guide provided some context about the company. In particular, Hestan Culinary is committed to making highly durable, high-performance cookware that cooks beautifully and lasts for years to come, and all of that feels evident in the design.

With a quick wipe out, they were ready to use.

Cooking Performance

When testing out the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillets, I followed the instructions to heat the pan to medium to medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.

As with any stainless steel cookware, there was a little bit of a learning curve to prevent food from sticking, and I had to experiment to find the right temperature for each item I was cooking. I also watched a few videos about how a stainless steel pan needed to be used, which eased some of the anxiety of using such an expensive pan for the first time.

• Onions: I was able to caramelize the onions by cooking them on medium heat, but some of the onions weren’t as soft as I’d like all the way through. Some of the onions weren’t as colored as I’d like despite stirring every minute.
• Pasta sauce: Using medium heat, I made a homemade pasta sauce with a can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, pasta water, and onions that I had caramelized. It took less than five minutes for the sauce to simmer, and the sauce bubbled evenly across the surface. Nothing stuck to the bottom of the pan when cooking, which was a big plus.
• Steak: To test this, I cooked a rib-eye steak, which I cooked on medium-high heat. Once the pan was hot enough that the water beads slid on the metal surface of the pan, also known as the Leidenfrost effect, I added olive oil. Once I added the steak, I waited until it released from the pan, which took two minutes per side, and it didn’t stick. I also added herb butter to the pan, which I used to baste the steak. The steak was juicy with a nice even crust, and I found it even easier than the non-stick pans I usually use. The handle wasn’t hot, so I was able to touch it while cooking.
• Fried eggs: I used vegetable oil to cook two eggs over easy, which took three minutes. I used the 8.5-inch pan, which was the perfect size. The bottoms of the eggs were nice and crispy with a jammy yolk, and I was able to flip them with most of the egg intact. There also wasn’t much residue left in the pan, which made for easy cleaning, but I did notice that the pan handle was hot to the touch.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

The Hestan NanoBond Titanium skillet was easy to clean when I used hot water and a Scrub Daddy sponge, which was ideal for scrubbing off burnt bits like an egg with a little elbow grease.

The pan is also dishwasher-safe because it has fully sealed rims, which is helpful if you want the benefits of a stainless steel pan without worrying about cleanup. If you start to see discoloration from high heat and oil residue, you can use the Hestan NanoBond® Professional Grade Cleaner, but I didn’t feel the need to use it as long as I washed the pan after using it.

The pans are metal utensil-safe, which is ideal for those looking for the perfect professional chef experience, but it also makes them easier to store as they are scratch-resistant. As with cleaning and caring for any cookware, however, we still suggest pan stackers (available at Amazon) or a cookware organizer to keep cabinets neat and prolong the look and lifespan of such an investment.

How Does the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Stainless-Steel Skillet Compare?

The Hestan NanoBond Titanium skillet comes at a high price point, which may be worth it if you’re looking for a pan that’ll last. If you could forgo the NanoBond material but still want a skillet made with a durable material, try the Hestan ProBond Luxe skillet, which is made of stainless steel and retains many of the design elements that make it ergonomic to use. If you’re looking for a more affordable skillet that’s still versatile and has a low-stick surface, try the Lodge Skillet, which is significantly more affordable.

On Hestan Culinary’s website, the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillet has an average rating of 4.9 across 2,000 reviews, and an average rating of 4 stars across 350 reviews on Amazon. Customers praise the pan for its durability, ease of cleaning, and high-end construction, which makes it a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.

In particular, customers say that they can get a great crust on their steak and fish and that it looks as new as the day they purchased it, even after repeated use. Lower reviews mention that the pan handles get too hot to hold, and that it requires polishing to prevent discoloration.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Hestan NanoBond Titanium Stainless-Steel Skillet?

Overall, the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillet is worth the investment if you’re willing to learn how to use and care for stainless steel cookware. Its versatility makes it particularly useful for recipes that move from stovetop to oven, while its high-heat tolerance adds to its appeal. It’s not the only stainless steel skillet on the market, but it’s a compelling option if the price fits your budget.

The small details are where this pan shines, and it feels like a love letter to the art of cooking. This is evident in the rivets that are flush against the pan to prevent food buildup and ease of storage, flared rims for ease of pouring, and a 20% greater cooking surface than competitors’ skillets.

I’d recommend this skillet to confident home cooks, or anyone keen to develop their cooking skills and willing to get to grips with stainless steel. If you’re used to non-stick cookware, there’s a learning curve, particularly when it comes to preheating the pan correctly so food releases more easily. However, once you get the hang of it, the experience can be well worth the effort.

The biggest drawback is the price, especially as the pan doesn’t come with a lid. Still, if cooking is a passion and you’re looking for cookware built to last, it could be a worthwhile investment. The smaller 8.5-inch skillet is a practical choice for smaller households, although those cooking larger portions may prefer a bigger size, which comes at an additional cost.

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.

We test all cookware in our own homes 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

To help organize pots and pans and prevent damage, I have rounded up a selection of top organizers and care tools to make the most of your new investment cookware.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Still not sure where to start when outfitting your kitchen? We have a guide to choosing the best cookware to simplify the process and ensure your money is well spent.

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Storage cases and underbed storage solutions are nothing revolutionary, helping to organize homes with scarce storage space. It helps that they're also often relatively budget-friendly.

None are more so than the GÖRSNYGG Storage Case, available at IKEA, for just $2.99 while stocks last. With a sturdy shape and generous size, there's plenty of space for all your spare bedding as the seasons change.

It's an obvious way to upgrade your underbed storage ideas for less this fall. And, at just $2.99, I'm shopping three for under ten dollars.

Sitting among the bulkiest of household essentials, storing spare pillows and blankets can often feel impossible, particularly with the holiday hosting season just around the corner. I've always relied on under-the-bed solutions for this, and am a long-time user (and lover) of both the IKEA SKUBB Storage Case and the PÄRKLA Storage Case, also available at IKEA. Now, for just shy of three dollars, I'm adding the GÖRSNYGG Storage Case to my rotation.

Ideal for dust-free storage of spare linens, pillows, and even off-season clothing, it's durable enough to last for seasons to come, and perfectly sized for sliding under my bed and out of sight. The partly transparent, striped design makes it easy to see the contents without having to unzip each bag and dig through (one gripe I must admit I do have with the SKUBB alternative), while the handle allows for easy carrying. This also makes it a strong contender for packing clothes when moving.

With such a versatile design, it's no surprise that shopper Charmaine describes the GÖRSNYGG Storage Case as 'the most convenient storage ever,' explaining, 'These bags are convenient, stackable, squishable, and carryable. They are also the perfect size for extreme multi-purpose storage.'

In fact, Elizabeth is such a fan that she proudly proclaims that she's bought 30. 'Favorite storage bag,' she says. 'This is the most useful storage bag I have ever used. It is the perfect size, it stacks beautifully, it's sturdy, it's see-through, it unzips all the way open, it's stylish, and it is so affordable I bought 30 for my upcoming move. This checks all the boxes plus for my inner organizer.'

Elsewhere, reviewers affirm that it's the 'perfect size for comforters,' 'perfect for storing clothes,' and the 'perfect storage for many items!'

It's not often that we spot 'perfect' storage at such an affordable price point. It's the last chance to shop this solution, though, so don't delay if you're tempted to make a purchase.

More to Shop

You'll need a minimum basket spend of $35 to enjoy home delivery from IKEA, so I've handpicked six more storage essentials for use around the home below. Alternatively, shop 12 GÖRSNYGG Storage Cases to overhaul your storage ideas entirely.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Underbed storage solutions are perfect for saving space, but be warned that this popular underbed storage habit is the leading cause of hidden mattress mold. Luckily, we have all the tips for how to avoid it.

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I've been an admirer of Le Creuset's Signature Roaster for a long time – since childhood, to be exact. It was one of my mother's most frequently used cookware items, responsible for making the beef roasts and baked vegetable dishes my taste buds still remember so fondly.

When I moved into my own place, I decided that I needed a Le Creuset Roaster for myself – if not to aid in the creation of tasty meals, but to remind myself of home. And luckily for me, I had an opportunity to test one for myself. Of course, I questioned if $300 was too expensive for one piece non-toxic cookware; however, I remembered that my mother has had her roaster for nearly 30 years. There must be something good about it.

Having had my Le Creuset Signature Roaster for a few months now, I can confidently say that it has completely changed the way I cook. Before, I struggled with college-era, flimsy cookware that made me feel like an amateur in the kitchen. Now, I feel like a seasoned chef at a 5-star restaurant, cooking all sorts of delicious dishes with confidence and success. Here's why I think you should consider getting one, too.

Product Specifications: Le Creuset Signature Roaster

Design and First Impressions

Oddly enough, I remember the exact moment when my Le Creuset Signature Roaster arrived. I had just moved into a new apartment, and the box was delivered the same afternoon as my housewarming party. Although I had intended to slide it into my closet to open after my guests left, they insisted that I unbox the roaster then and there so we could revel in the beauty of high-quality cookware together. That's exactly what we did.

The roaster was packed very efficiently – placed within a folding box, surrounded with bubble wrap, and packaged inside a larger box for safe transit. The folding box opened to reveal the roaster itself, which fit snug inside, along with a detailed manual explaining how to care for your cookware.

My friends and I took turns passing around the roaster, gawking at its sleek design. Most of us were shocked at its weight – nearly 10 lbs. I knew it would be a heavy piece of cookware, but I was definitely taken aback by how substantial this roaster felt.

The roaster's Shallot color – a cross between lavender and soft gray – made it all the more impressive to me. Although Le Creuset discontinued this color in the beginning of 2026, it's still available at some retailers, including Le Creuset itself. Plus, the roaster comes in over 15 different colors, including the iconic Flame, the evergreen-inspired Foret, and the classic White.

Before even putting it to use, my friends and I all agreed that this roaster seemed well worth the expensive price tag. I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Cooking Performance

After removing the sticker on my Le Creuset Signature Roaster and giving it a thorough wash (which was incredibly easy considering this cookware is dishwasher safe), I was able to put it to work.

I decided to start with something easy – stuffed peppers. Most of this recipe is completed on the stovetop, so I only used the roaster for the final bake. I figured it would be the perfect meal to make to familiarize myself with a new cookware product.

Truthfully, I had a moment of panic when placing the roaster in my oven for the first time – it just fit, with literally no room to spare. However, my New York City apartment kitchen is tiny, meaning my oven is much smaller than standard models. If a Le Creuset Roaster can fit in mine, it can definitely fit in yours. And despite barely fitting into my oven, the stuffed peppers cooked exactly to my liking – hardly sticking to the pan or turning too soggy.

With that easy recipe complete, my next bake was a side dish – roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts. As one of my favorite vegetable duo dishes, I make roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts a lot. I know it can be tricky to get these vegetables to the perfect level of crispiness, but I had little to no problem doing so with my roaster. I seasoned them with oil, salt, pepper, and oregano, left them in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, and they turned out just how I like them. Though some of the vegetables stuck to the bottom, I had no problem scraping them off with a silicone spatula.

Baked ziti was my next endeavor, which, as expected, proved to be incredibly easy thanks to my Le Creuset Signature Roaster. Having previously made this recipe in a cheap baking dish, I was pleasantly surprised to see how simple it was to assemble the ziti in a real, high-quality roaster. Measuring about 12" wide and 3" tall, I was able to evenly fill the roaster with the ziti mixture, ensuring a thorough cook.

My most recent creation with the signature roaster was a baked pesto chicken dish. As someone who doesn't cook chicken often, I was most nervous about how this would turn out. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my roaster performed exceptionally well with cooking the chicken thoroughly and evenly. Using my Thermapen Meat Thermometer to check, the chicken cooked to the perfect temperature – needing no extra time in the oven.

Since I live alone, I don't use the roaster to cook elaborate roasts or bakes. But with Thanksgiving around the corner, I promised to bring this handy roaster to my sister's house to help us meal prep for the holiday.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining my Le Creuset Signature Roaster has been much easier than anticipated. Prior to its arrival, I thought it would require seasoning like traditional cast iron cookware. However, since it's enameled, this roaster can be cleaned like a normal baking dish.

After use, I let it cool down, and then I use warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge to clean it. Because of the weight of the roaster, it can be difficult to clean by hand with just one person. However, it's dishwasher-safe, so if handwashing is too much of a challenge, just place this dish in the bottom rack of your dishwasher for a thorough, easy clean.

The roaster's weight and size influence its storage capabilities. Because I live in an old New York City apartment with a very small kitchen, there's not much space for me to store my Le Creuset Signature Roaster, and it's too wide to fit in my cabinet shelves. So, I've decided to put it to use instead of just stashing it in a closet somewhere. When I'm not using it to cook, my roaster doubles as kitchen storage – acting as a makeshift bread basket on my dining table (as shown above). It helps that the roaster itself is chic – making my bread look elegantly organized.

How Does the Le Creuset Signature Roaster Compare?

For years, I've been using my college-era cookware – that is, baking sheets, roasters, pots, and pans that I bought for nearly nothing at the local hardware store in my college town. Switching from a $20 baking dish to an over $300 roaster was certainly a major change for me, but in my mind, it was exactly what I needed.

Le Creuset's Signature Roaster performs so much better than other baking dishes that there's hardly any competition. For starters, few dishes are as sleek as this roaster – which is available in several different colorways. Plus, its enameled coating makes it easy to clean and extra durable.

I know Le Creuset cookware is incredibly long lasting, too – my mother's 30+ year old roaster is proof. If given a choice between an affordable, questionable-quality roaster that may or may not need to be replaced in five years or a Le Creuset Roaster, I'm choosing Le Creuset everyday.

My Verdict: Should You Buy A Le Creuset Signature Roaster?

After using Le Creuset's Signature Roaster for a few months to make various meals, I can confidently say that this dish is absolutely worthy of a spot in your kitchen.

By no means would I consider myself a great cook, but when I use this roaster, I feel like one. With it, cooking simple dishes becomes even easier, and cooking complex meals feel like a walk in the park. Its heat retention and distribution promises even and thorough results every single time. Even its stylish design makes me feel like I'm a chef at a fancy restaurant while cooking my humble weeknight dinners.

I've only been able to find a few downsides to this roaster: the weight, the clunkiness, and the price. As for the weight and clunkiness, these are things I've gotten used to. Now, I don't mind exerting energy to lift this roaster; I think of it as an unexpected but much-appreciated arm workout. And while the roaster is too big to fit anywhere other than my dining table when not in use, I'm sure it could easily find a home in cabinets of a kitchen larger than mine.

At just over $300, Le Creuset's Signature Roaster isn't an impulse buy. This is a very expensive piece of cookware. However, I expect to have this roaster for decades to come, so in my mind, it's absolutely worth the steep price tag.

What Else to Shop

Looking to spruce up your cookware collection ahead of the hosting seasons? I have curated a selection of the best Le Creuset cookware to elevate your table settings, and some more affordable alternatives if you cannot quite stretch your budget.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to expand your Le Creuset collection ahead of the holiday season? Allow me to introduce you to the newly released Le Creuset Fondue Set – a sure-to-be guest favorite for making cheesy dips or chocolatey treats.

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Fragrancing your home often looks like lighting a candle or switching on an essential oil diffuser. But as I've found out, your cleaning products can actually do the heavy lifting for you instead.

Mrs. Meyer's has long been my product line of choice for leaving my home sparkling without any harsh or toxic chemicals, and the new fall scents − my favorite being the Fall Leaves Multi-Surface Cleaner, available at Amazon − filled my home with fragrance after cleaning, with no extra effort required.

They may not be the most obvious way to make your home smell like fall, but I'm making a case for freshening your surfaces and scenting your space at the same time.

I like (or accept) my cleaning duties as much as the next person, but I've found that using fall cleaning products is an easy way to boost my motivation and make freshening my home more enjoyable. Among the options for 2026, the Mrs. Meyer's collection has quickly found its way into my weekly routine.

This isn't the first time I've trialed the brand. I've previously used the spring non-toxic cleaning collection, and rely on the Mrs. Meyer's rose room spray to fragrance my bedroom. But as fall is probably my favorite time of the year, the new collection has found a place in my heart more than any other.

It sounds dramatic for some cleaning products, I know, but I'm a lover of all things home fragrance, so I appreciate cleaning supplies that do double duty. Once I cleaned my kitchen and bathroom with the Fall Leaves Multi-Surface Cleaner, available at Amazon, it really did make my home smell nice. In fact, I'd even go so far as to say it made my home smell expensive − high praise for a cleaning spray that costs less than five dollars right now.

The products are Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free, made with essential oils, and free of any parabens, phthalates, glycol solvents, phosphates, or artificial colors. This gives me the confidence that my home is left clean, without the concern of introducing toxic ingredients into my space, which is something I always strive to avoid.

The multi-surface spray is also suitable for all non-porous surfaces, while the dish soap cuts through grease to make washing dishes easier than ever.

If you prefer sweeter scents, the Multi-Surface Cleaning Spray is also available in Apple Cider and Acorn Spice, both of which, speaking from experience, smell just as good.

And, to boost your home scenting (and further make your home smell nice without candles), there's also a MRS. MEYER'S Scented Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, to pair with MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Premium Scented Oil in the Apple Cider scent, also available at Amazon. Alternatively, this Acorn Spice Scented Oil set includes both the diffuser and the oil.

I'm not the only fan of these fall-scented cleaning products, either. For example, a five-star review from Sierra on the Fall Leaves Multi-Surface Cleaner says, 'Will be purchasing again! Smells amazing! Does the job!

'I love this Meyers multi-surface spray. The scent smells amazing − clean, fresh, and perfect for fall without being overpowering. The first time I used it, my husband immediately commented on how good the house smelled.

'It cleans countertops really well and leaves no streaks behind. One bottle lasted me about two months, so a little goes a long way...Definitely one of my favorite cleaning sprays I’ve used.'

Another, from Kelsey, adds, 'Fall in a bottle!' 'I don’t live anywhere near a store that sells this brand,' they explain, 'and I always try to snatch up their seasonal line, but this one I’ve never seen or tried before, so of course I had to order [it] when I decorated for fall! When I first unscrewed the lid to smell, it I was almost knocked out by the heavenly aroma of fall! I’ve never been more excited to clean my kitchen [than] that night.

'It not only smells like a high-end fall candle, but it’s very strong and rich in scent. In the best way possible! It doesn’t take much spray to douse your whole space, kitchen, or area with the most amazing seasonal scent. It cleaned like all of my other all-purpose sprays and left no streaks.'

Shop the Collection

If, like Kelsey, you want to shop the whole Mrs. Meyer's fall collection before the start of winter, I've handpicked six favorites below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

As these non-toxic cleaning products prove, you really don't need harsh cleaning chemicals to clean well.

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