Monthly Archives: October 2022

Occupying one point of the kitchen work triangle along with the fridge and the cooktop, the kitchen sink is a prime piece of real estate that’s put to use only when you’re washing dishes, rinsing vegetables or doing some other faucet-focused activity. That’s why our design pros are huge fans of Delta’s new Workstation Sink with its bevy of space-saving accessories, from cutting boards to roll-up dish-drying racks. Available in a range of sizes and configurations, the sink can be retrofitted to just about any layout. It also comes in various materials, including stainless steel and an engineered composite that has the look of natural granite.

Lab Results: Our Lab experts performed a thorough evaluation of the Workstation Sink. They were impressed by the quality of the sink itself, with its high-gauge stainless steel construction and soft-shoed bottom grid. The accessories, including the cutting board and drying rack, were also of top quality and fit neatly into the sink’s integrated ledge. “Especially in a small galley-style kitchen, this sink will be a serious space saver,” one tester noted. Sound-absorbing pads on the stainless stainless version we tested helped minimize noise and vibration, good for a sink that’s sure to see a lot of action.

Quartz has become a favorite countertop material of our experts, thanks to its combination of beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements. Cosentinio’s version, called Silestone, boasts handsome hues and lustrous finishes, and that continues with Sunlit Days, its latest line of Mediterranean-inspired patterns. Cincel Grey, a fine-grained gray, plays to the trend around muted hues in the kitchen, while vibrant Cala Blue and verdant Posidonia Green are bold choices for homeowners feeling a little more adventurous. Beyond the alluring looks, there’s a sustainability angle to Sunlit Days, as the manufacturing process uses 99{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} reused water, 100{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} renewable electric energy and at least 20{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} recycled raw materials.

Lab Results: Sunlit Days proved highly durable in our performance tests, shrugging off scratches, stains and heat. Our product experts also verified Cosentino’s claims around sustainability, like the use of renewable energy and recycled water. As for style, our design experts admired the subtle beauty of the color palette as well as the soft, luxurious feel of the suede finish.

We’d love to see plastic water bottles become a thing of the past. Innovations like the ezH2O Liv from Elkay are another step in that direction. The first ever built-in filtered-water dispenser designed for the home, the device is an ideal addition to a kitchen or mudroom where family members can refill their reusable water bottles before heading out for the day. The ezH2O Liv has a sleek look, thanks to its glass front panel (available in white or black) and brushed stainless steel alcove with LED light for nighttime hydration.

Lab Results: The ezH2O Liv was among the products installed by Fernando Pages, our outside judge, in the laundry room/mudroom of his Nebraska new build. Pages confirmed that the station fit snugly between two wall studs, though he added that it would have been a tricky retrofit, as dedicated plumbing and electrical lines are needed. Once it was installed, he quickly embraced the utility of the station. “It’s the sort of accessory that seems indulgent at first, but after using it, the ease and speed of filling up a quart water bottle make it so convenient,” he said. We also like the familiar “Green Ticker” that counts the total number of plastic bottles kept from the landfill.

Touchless technology is one of the latest innovations to hit the kitchen faucet, enabling users to turn the water on and off with a simple wave of the hand. That’s helpful if your hands are messy from meal prep, though the technology can be a little finicky, as you’ll probably know if you’ve used an airport restroom recently. The Crue addresses the pain point with the use of advanced motion-sensor technology for fast, reliable response times, says Kohler.

Lab Results: We found the hands-free control on the Crue to be very effective. Plus, there’s still a lever handle for those who want to turn the water on and off the old-fashioned way. Based on our engineer’s review of the specs and technical data, we are assured of the quality of the faucet, including solid-brass construction, drip-proof ceramic disc valves and a durable finish. Using just 1.5 gallons per minute, the Crue also carries the EPA’s WaterSense label for water-efficient design.

Some winners from this year’s awards program could save your life; others will just make it easier. The Delta Faucet Glass Rinser falls squarely in the latter category. Do you absolutely need one? No. Is it a clever kitchen sink accessory that lets you speed-rinse everything from water bottles to wine glasses? Absolutely! (No wonder it’s a favorite on TikTok, rinsing everything from glass beakers to empty dog food cans). Available in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel or chrome, the accessory can accommodate containers between 1 inch and 3.6 inches in diameter.

Lab Results: We installed the Delta Rinser in a test kitchen at the Good Housekeeping Institute. We chose a sink that already had a side spray, which allowed us to take advantage of the existing water line. The powerful spray was great at rinsing all kinds of receptacles, including baby bottles and recyclables (though it’s not big enough for a 32-ounce yogurt container). The Rinser cleanly channeled water into the sink, and the stainless steel finish resisted smudges and water spots.

This surface from Crossville combines two popular trends in home design: the use of porcelain (an extremely durable, beautiful and sustainable material), and large-format tiles (which create clean, contemporary interiors with minimal grout lines). Though the panels can be as big as 3.3 by 9.8 feet, they’re incredibly thin (3+ mm for vertical surfaces and 5.6 mm for floors), so they can be installed over existing tile or stone without the need for demolition. The panels come in a range of colors and patterns, from neutral beiges and grays to marble-inspired whites with deep veining.

Lab Results: The porcelain panels excelled in our performance tests, proving extremely scratch- and stain-resistant. Despite their thin profile, they also withstood our tough drop test, designed to measure resistance to dents and chips. Our style experts love the large-scale dimensions of the panels and the diverse design palette should fit a wide range of home styles.

Composite decking has come a long way since its invention in the 1980s. Beyond being prone to fading and damage, the earliest versions didn’t look much like real wood. TimberTech’s AZEK Landmark Collection, seen here in French White Oak, shows the extent of the progress. Though it consists of the same basic ingredients (plastic and wood fibers, mainly), the manufacturing process, with its matte finish and natural color variation, makes it indistinguishable from real wood. Meanwhile, the capped-polymer technology resists fading, staining and cracking.

Lab Results: Our design experts were extremely taken with the beauty of the decking. “Very authentic, and the blond tone is on trend with the trend for lighter decks,” one noted. In terms of performance, the TimberTech proved extremely scratch- and dent-resistant in our tests, though it was slightly prone to staining. Looking at the product’s sustainability, a review of the technical data confirmed that the decking was made from 50{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} recycled materials, including plastic bottles that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill.

Here’s another example of how today’s composite decking combines beauty and performance as never before. MoistureShield’s capped product promises exceptional durability and moisture resistance, while its wood-grain finish and reduced pattern repetition create a more natural look. Choose from three colors: Citadel, a cool gray; Shoreside, a sandy blond; and Mariner, a dark brown. The Citadel and Shoreside lines offer CoolDeck technology, which reduces heat absorption, a nice benefit for homeowners in extremely hot regions.

Lab Results: The Meridian decking aced our tough performance tests, shrugging off scratches, dents and even the nastiest stains; its fire resistance also qualified it to be listed as one of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Approved Products in California. Our sustainability experts like that the decking is made almost entirely from recycled materials. As for design, “while the color choices are limited, they are quite rich and sure to work with a variety of home styles,” says Good Housekeeping Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris.

Shade is a critical component of any outdoor living space, providing protection from the blazing sun, light rain and other elements. The Trenton delivers that all-season functionality, thanks to its sturdy design and removable soft canopy. Constructed from rust-resistant galvanized steel, the 14-by-12-foot pergola serves up nearly 200-square feet of shade. A trio of built-in USB ports and electrical outlets power outdoor lights and electronics while keeping your devices charged.

Lab Results: Our review team went through the installation process and described it as smooth, prompt and professional. “It took their team about two hours in all, compared with the full day, at least, that my husband and I would have needed,” the tester noted. Anchored to stone pavers, the pergola feels sturdy and secure. The removable canopy provides good protection from sun and light rain, but it’s not up to handling more extreme weather. The power port is a nice convenience, eliminating the hassle (and tripping hazard) of extension cords.

The integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces (or “transition rooms,” as these areas are often called) has sparked demand for materials that combine beauty with weather resistance. Caesarstone’s new Outdoor Collection Countertop is a prime example. Made from UV-rated quartz (an industry first, according to the brand), the countertops are designed to withstand sun, rain and snow while boasting the same stain and scratch resistance of interior quartz counters. The collection features three subtle hues—a gray-green called Palm Shade, a speckled beige called Clearskies and a darker gray called Midday.

Lab Results: The Outdoor Collection aced our in-Lab stain, abrasion and dent tests. Our experts also kept several samples outside for several weeks, where they withstood exposure to the elements. “With just one touch, I got a good sense of the material’s durability,” says Good Housekeeping Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris. “The weight and texture feel luxe, and all colors in the collection are timeless. It feels like there’s something for everyone with this product.”

Our experts haven’t seen this kind of innovation in the siding category since, well, James Hardie shook up the industry with the launch of its HardiePlank lap siding product in the late 1980s. Hardie’s Architectural Collection uses the same fiber cement material with its many attributes (durability, fire and rot resistance, range of colors, etc.) but reimagines it as a panel siding product with a decidedly modern look and feel. The panels are also easier to install than traditional siding, reducing labor costs by as much as 50{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9}, according to the brand. The collection is available in five textures: fine sand, fine sand-grooved, mounded sand, sea grass and sculpted clay.

Lab Results: The panels performed similarly in our tests to other fiber cement products, resisting dents in our drop test (a good approximation of hail) and scratches in our abrasion test (which might simulate a tree branch rubbing against the material). Our experts also confirmed the material’s resistance to heat and fire. And the textured finishes were a big hit with our design experts, who agreed that the panels would be a perfect fit for contemporary remodels.

Gutters are key for channeling water safely away from your home, but they can’t do their job if they’re clogged with leaves, pine needles, asphalt roof granules and the like. That’s why gutter guards are so important, especially if your home is surrounded by tall trees. LeafFilter Gutter Protection consists of micromesh screens that allow water into the gutter, but not debris. Besides protecting your home, the guards spare you the time-consuming and potentially dangerous task of cleaning out your gutters several times a year.

Lab Results: Our engineers evaluated multiple sections of LeafFilter in our labs and were impressed by the quality of the stainless steel construction and the added stability provided by hidden support hangers. One of our experts also had the system installed at his home. “The installers were top-notch, professional, prompt and highly capable,” he said. “My entire gutter system is doing a much better job managing rainwater, and I haven’t had to clean the gutters or guards once in the four months since they went in.”

Even before the pandemic, indoor air quality (IAQ) was a growing concern with U.S. homeowners. Installing a digital air monitor is a good way to get a handle on pollutants in your home, many of which are more common (and more preventable) than you might think—for example, cooking fumes and airborne chemicals from household cleaners. The View Plus also detects radon and carbon dioxide as well as climate conditions like temperature and humidity. The data is sent to the Airthings app, enabling users to monitor their homes’ indoor air quality remotely.

Lab Results: Testers found the View Plus easy to set up and receive data. “I liked getting air-quality alerts on my phone, especially with young kids in the house,” said one tester. To assess performance, we checked its ability to detect smoke, chemicals, and humidity under real-world conditions. Our engineers also reviewed all third-party certifications. “Based on those assessments, we’re comfortable recommending the View Plus as a tool for better understanding your home’s IAQ,” says Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

It wasn’t so long ago that if you wanted a home security system, you had to pay a professional installer thousands of dollars and enter into a lengthy contract. Connected technology has changed the industry, leading to a boom in DIY security systems like this version from Ring. It’s dubbed a “whole home security system” by the manufacturer because the kit protects against not just break-ins, but also floods, freezing temperatures, fires and more. It also includes a dedicated Eero Wi-Fi 6 router, which can be used to run all connected devices in the home.

Lab Results: The Ring Alarm Pro is one of the most comprehensive and value-driven solutions on the market. One of our testers took the DIY approach. “While it isn’t difficult, it took a bit of time to get everything up and running,” she noted. “But overall it was a good experience.” Another tester opted for professional installation. After one callback to fix a faulty sensor, she was up and running. “The subscription service for 24/7 monitoring is reasonably priced,” she says, “and the system easily integrates with my Ring doorbell that was previously installed.”

Schlage has been making locks for more than a century, so the brand is well known to our experts, who commend its quality and reliability. With the move to smart locks, Schlage continues to innovate and impress. Its latest, the Encode Plus, is the first smart lock to support Apple’s latest enhancement, dubbed Home Key. This means that Apple users with home keys in their Apple Wallet can simply tap the lock with their iPhone or Apple Watch to lock or unlock the door. The lock comes in contemporary and traditional styles, both available in matte black, satin nickel and aged bronze finishes.

Lab Test: The lock was extremely easy to set up, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi (meaning no extra hub or bridge is needed). Testers liked the Apple integration, saying the tap-to-open technology was far easier than pulling up an app on a phone. A review of technical data by our engineers confirmed the Grade 1 ANSI rating, ensuring that the lock delivers the highest protection against break-ins.

Smart cameras let you keep tabs on your property when you’re away. That brings peace of mind, and it will make burglars think twice about hitting your home. The Solo Cam S40 also adds an integrated solar panel to power the device, along with a battery backup in case there’s too little sunshine. The camera also features an ultra-bright 600-lumen spotlight that switches on as soon as motion is detected, further enhancing your home’s safety and security.

Lab Results: The Solo Cam installed easily in our tests, and connecting it to the Eufy app took less than two minutes. Picture quality was slightly grainy, but good enough to allow testers to clearly make out people and objects, even at night. Testers liked the two-way communication as well as the AI-enhanced people detection. “I was very impressed with how accurately it recognized family members as opposed to animals or cars,” noted one tester. The camera also passed our tough durability tests, which included submerging it in water for several minutes to make sure it was fully waterproof.

Mortise locks, which combine a doorknob and a locking mechanism in one contraption, are the most secure type of lock for your front door and often the most attractive too. The only downside, at least for tech enthusiasts, had been that you couldn’t find mortise locks with connected technology that would enable remote operation and eliminate the need for keys. But that’s starting to change, as evidenced by the SmartEntry, one of the first mortise-style smart locks, available in an array of rich array of trim and finish options with no exposed electronics.

Lab Results: In our tests, the lock was easy to operate through the SmartEntry app, and it offers features like auto-lock and the ability to provide access to guest users. “I like that the technology is hidden,” one tester noted. “So many smart locks have a big touch pad that’s not always very attractive.” A close review of the manufacturer specs by our engineers confirmed that the lock is rated Grade 1 by ANSI, awarded to the most secure locks on the market, able to withstand picking, kicking, prying, hammering and more.

Our experts have watched the luxury vinyl tile (LVT) category get better and better in recent years, combining beauty and durability as well as any flooring material. Armstrong’s Rigid Core Flooring, including Empower, improves on the material again by adding a strong composite core beneath the top wear layer and decorative vinyl layer. The result is an extremely durable, water-proof material that can be installed easily as a floating floor system, without nails or adhesives.

Lab Results: The Empower Rigid Core Flooring was practically bulletproof in our Lab assessment, shrugging off the toughest dent tests (which left other surfaces mottled and pockmarked) and also resisting all kinds of sticky stains such as wine, mustard and chocolate. Our design experts like that the planks come in extra-long lengths, assorted widths and many compelling wood-look patterns, including hickory, oak and distressed hardwood.

Engineered wood flooring is a high-performing alternative to solid wood with many benefits, including durability and water-resistance. Bruce has taken that performance up a notch with its launch of Dogwood Densified Wood, for which heat and pressure are used to double the density of natural wood without employing chemicals or additives, according to the manufacturer. The American-made flooring comes in 14 colors, including hickory, walnut and white oak.

Lab Results: In our tough performance tests, Dogwood lived up to its claims of exceptional resistance to scratches and dents, and it’s also highly stain resistant. Builder Fernando Pagés Ruiz installed it on his project house and reported, “The boards came out of the box straight and true, and the tongue and groove matched up perfectly for easy installation.” Pagés also like the look: “The available colors are very much in style, so the house looks contemporary, whereas a lot of new flooring sold today has a dated look.”

The pandemic changed the way we live in so many ways, but maybe none bigger than spurring the need for better work-from-home accessories. Humanscale’s eFloat One table was designed with the recognition that not everyone has room for a full home office. Balanced on a single column, the 28-by-36 inch bamboo tabletop is more compact than most full-size work surfaces, but still roomy enough for a computer, a phone and other work essentials. Plus the tabletop moves from sitting to standing height with the touch of a button.

Lab Results: Our style experts liked the sleek look of the table, with its clean lines and simple materials. It performed as promised, too. “The pneumatic lift was easy to use and worked smoothly,” one tester noted. “I also appreciate the casters, which made it easy to move from room to room.” One tester also found the eFloat One is ideal for serving breakfast in bed on the weekend, a well-deserved reward after the long, hard work week.

Here’s another table with hidden tricks. The Winston Lift Coffee Table from Mr. Kate has a movable top that can be lifted up and forward by hand, creating a convenient workspace for your laptop as well as a storage area below. The table is made from hollow-core materials with a walnut finish and can be raised by up to 26 inches.

Lab Results: Assembling the table was harder than expected, but once it was put together, the experience was positive. “The coffee table has a nice, simple minimalistic look,” one tester noted. The table also functioned well in our home tests. “I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to raise and lower the coffee table top,” reported one tester. “I can lift and lower it with just one hand and minimal effort.” Another added that “the lifting mechanism works well,” but that in the up position “the table is a better surface for eating than working” because it’s not the ideal ergonomic height for working on a computer.

This unique storage cabinet from Room & Board only looks custom-made, with its quartz countertop, wood frame and built-in refrigeration. Though it’s not inexpensive, you could easily spend two or three times as much on a truly handcrafted unit. It’s available in white oak or walnut, in sixteen different quartz materials, and with either a refrigerator or wine chiller. Choose from three widths: 48, 60 and 72 inches.

Lab Results: Our experts were wowed by the combination of form and function. “This cabinet is an example of American craftsmanship at its best,” says Good Housekeeping Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris. “The design, boasting classic wood finishes, can add style to rooms ranging from dens to dining areas.” Quartz has proven extremely durable and stain-resistant in our tests, and Cambria carries Greenguard Gold certification for minimum chemical emissions. Though we haven’t tested True refrigerators like Cambria’s, its products are 100{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} American-made.

If you’re just slapping paint on the wall, any old paintbrush will do, but for a smooth A+ finish minus splatters and brushstrokes, your choice of applicator matters. Nylon brushes, like this set from Purdy, are best for applying water-based latex paint, the kind used for most home projects. That’s because nylon doesn’t suck up water and go limp the way natural-bristle brushes can. The 2-inch brushes with alder wood handles are designed for cutting in walls and ceilings as well as projects like painting cabinets and furniture.

Lab Results: The Cub Brushes have the tightly packed bristles our experts look for, and the bristles are securely anchored to the ferrule, the metal section at the base of the handle. The ergonomics of the short handle provided good control and cut down on hand fatigue. “Their workmanship is flawless,” says Berendsohn. “I was particularly taken with the nice crisp cut-in capability of the ClearCut Elite Cub, one of the best cut-in brushes I’ve ever used.”

While a crappy chainsaw will only collect dust in the garage, a high-quality one will be put to good year-round use for tasks from clearing brush to harvesting firewood. Based on our tests, this gas model from Troy-Bilt will quickly become a go-to thanks to its easy handling and impressive cutting ability. Though it’s clearly designed for homeowners (as opposed to lumberjacks or tree surgeons), it’s a perfectly capable saw for the DIY set, especially given its affordable price.

Lab Results: We sent the saw to our colleagues at Popular Mechanics, where they put it to the test cutting through a 6-inch hardwood log. “I’m not a big fan of much of the two-stroke equipment coming in from overseas these days,” says Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn. “Frankly, most of it is junk. But not this saw. It started easily, thanks to a spring-assist recoil start, and ran very reliably, making mincemeat out of the test log in the process.” Consumer testers were equally impressed. “Compact, lightweight and maneuverable,” one told us. “In my small yard, it was perfectly capable of taking on a variety of cutting needs.”

A good cordless drill is fine for hanging shelves and assembling furniture, but a combo kit that adds an impact driver is recommended for more advanced DIYers whose project lists might include repairing a deck, since the added torque helps when drilling and driving into tough wood. This Home Depot exclusive from Ryobi, a reliable brand in the power tool space, runs on the same 18-volt platform used for more than 260 Ryobi tools, from leaf blowers to wet vacs.

Lab Results: The combo kit impressed our experts during a battery of light to medium-duty performance tests. “The drill had plenty of power for drilling into drywall and dimensional lumber, and the driver’s extra speed and torque was great for removing large lag bolts,” noted one tester. The interchangeable battery was easy to insert and remove, while the lightweight design and the ergonomic controls minimized arm and hand fatigue.

Oscillating multi-tools are definitely a step up from beginner-level power tools like a cordless drill and a circular saw. But most DIYers, once they own an oscillating multi-tool, soon discover its versatility. This cordless version from Dremel, one of the biggest names in rotary tools, is designed for making plunge or flush cuts through wood, metal, plastic and more. That’s great for all kinds of tasks, like cutting out old grout and caulk from bathroom walls and trimming door casings when putting down a new floor.

Lab Results: Our experts liked the Dremel’s lightweight, ergonomic design, which made it easy to handle and control. It also packed plenty of power across a variety of performance tasks. “We tried the Multi-Max on hardwood, softwood and nail-embedded softwood,” says Berendsohn. “It did well in all cuts.” Though he’d love to see an even wider selection of blades included, he says “the blades that are packed with it will enable a DIY person to tackle a variety of cuts in craft work, small repair jobs, installing thin-plank laminate flooring, and more.”

If you’re not a power tool hound, you might dismiss Worx’s new brushless driver as a specialized device with little use around the house. In fact, it’s a highly versatile device featuring two revolving chucks that allows you to drill pilot holes and drive screws without switching accessories. That saves time on all kinds of projects, including installing shelves, curtain rods and cabinet hardware as well as assembly projects requiring different bits, including Phillips, slotted, square recess and nut drivers.

Lab Results: Our experts were intrigued by the Worx’s unique design—and then suitably impressed by its performance in tests, which included drilling and driving into 2 x 6 Douglas fir boards and ¼-inch-thick steel. “Plenty of spunk,” says Roy Berendsohn, who tested the Worx at the Popular Mechanics workshop. “In fact, for such a small, mid-duty drill, it punches well above its weight class.” Testers also like the high-efficiency brushless motor, which makes good on its promise of longer battery run time and lower maintenance.

If you’re a first-time homeowner (or you know someone who is), a combo kit is a great way to build up a collection of power tools without overspending. This version from Craftsman includes a cordless drill, an impact driver, a reciprocating saw and a flashlight as well as two 20V batteries and a charger. There’s even a durable storage bag to keep the tools in one place. The kit is intended to support DIYers through a range of projects, from hanging shelves to assembling furniture.

Lab Results: Popular Mechanics’ Roy Berendsohn agrees that the kit would make a great gift for any DIYer. “All four tools worked well in our tests of general wood cutting and hole drilling,” he says. The drill can double as an effective power screwdriver, and the reciprocating saw handles the kinds of cuts through construction lumber that DIYers are likely to tackle. “The tilt head work light is a valuable addition for both professionals and nonprofessionals,” Berendsohn adds. “It’s stable and bright, and its rotating head puts the light where you need it.”

The company that first brought fiberglass insulation to market has improved on it in a massive way by eliminating the use of formaldehyde binders and chemical retardants—ingredients that made the original formulation irritating to lungs and itchy to the touch. Our lab analysis of Owens Corning’s new PINK Next Gen Fiberglas Insulation confirmed that the material cuts easily and feels as soft as cotton; a close review of the technical data verified the use of nontoxic ingredients. As for performance, PINK’s tightly woven network of fine fibers means it can achieve a higher R-value (the technical term for insulating power) with a thinner blanket of material.

Lab Results: Our outside judge, homebuilder Fernando Pagés Ruiz, was equally impressed by PINK. Installation at the job site was neat and quick, and he is confident that the material will deliver superb insulation for decades to come. Then there are the significant health benefits. “As an employer, it feels good to know I supplied my workers with a healthful material that would not scratch their eyes, itch their skin and irritate their lungs,” he told us. “I hugged a bunch to my face to convince the workers that they did not need hazard suits to install it.”

Battery storage is one of the missing links in the rooftop solar experience, as it allows homeowners to bank extra energy generated by their home’s solar panels. Think of it as a rainy-day plan for your system, providing a 24/7 source of backup power for the home. In the event of an extended power outage, the SunVault’s 52-kilowatt-hour system can store enough power to keep a typical home running for up to three days. That means you might be able to save on the cost of a backup generator for your home. Plus, thanks to its intelligent design and its intuitive app-based controls, SunVault can be programmed to kick in when electricity rates are highest, saving you money by avoiding peak-time charges.

Lab Results: The SunVault offers the best in battery storage based on our analysis. Our engineers did a complete review of SunVault’s technical data, confirming that it met all relevant UL safety standards as well as local building and fire codes. We were also impressed by the generous 10-year warranty, with no limits on how many times a customer charges their battery; some manufacturers slip a limit to the number of charges, also known as “cycles,” into the fine print. From a design perspective, the sleek, streamlined battery should take up little room in garages.

While our homes are getting smarter all time, electrical panels have pretty much stayed the same. That can lead to major headaches when making clean-energy upgrades, such as installing rooftop solar panels or buying a first all-electric vehicle. Enter the Span Smart Panel. Developed by a team of former Tesla engineers, Span replaces your old electric panel, enabling easy integration with advanced technologies in the home, for maximum savings, efficiency and control. It also delivers a wealth of information to the Span app—for example, how much power is available on a backup battery system and any possible electrical issues with your appliances or HVAC equipment.

Lab Results: We had the Span system installed by an electrician at the home of one of our testers, who then lived with the system for about six weeks. The experience made her home’s entire electrical system much easier to understand. “I also love how much control the app delivers, including the ability to organizes circuits into must-have, nice-to-have and nonessential groups,” she noted. “In the event of a blackout, that ensures that my backup battery system powers essential equipment, like the fridge and the furnace.” And not for nothing, the sleek, Apple-esque aesthetic of Span is a major upgrade from the big, ugly electrical panels of old.

So-called power stations are an alternative to traditional gas-powered backup home generators. Though they’re not as powerful, they can safely be used indoors, as their rechargeable lithium-ion batteries don’t give off toxic fumes. The Yeti 1500X has a built-in solar panel that harnesses the power of the sun to charge the battery. Its seven ports can power a range of devices. Packing 1,516 watt hours on a full charge, it will keep lights and appliances running during a power outage, and it’s portable enough for the campground, a construction site or a tailgate party.

Lab Results: Our testers were very impressed by the performance and usability of the Yeti. “It held a full charge for approximately three months,” one noted. Another added, “From powering my refrigerator for nine hours to charging my phone while I was out in the yard, it’s nice to have a ready source of power without having to drag out a long extension cord or wait for the power to come back online.” One note: A couple of testers had trouble connecting the Yeti to their Wi-Fi, which made it impossible to use the app.

Rooftop solar systems are an ingenious way to harness the power of the sun to generate electricity for your home’s appliances and electronics. The only downside is that the clunky panels can be an eyesore. GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar, billed as the world’s first nailable solar shingle, solves the problem by integrating solar technology into traditional roofing processes and materials. That also makes the installation more cost-effective than rooftop panels, which often require additional mounting mechanisms that make them even more cumbersome.

Lab Results: GAF, a sister company of GAF Energy, is a Good Housekeeping Seal holder, so our engineers have done in-depth reviews of Timberline’s strength and durability. A thorough Lab analysis of the new Solar shingle found the same quality of materials and construction. Our team also reviewed the technical data on the product, confirming that it met the toughest industry requirements related to performance and safety, including wind, fire and impact resistance. The product also achieved UL 7103 certification in 2021, meaning it can be classified as a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roof covering suitable for residential installations.

Bidet toilet seats make it possible to ditch the toilet paper in favor of a cleansing spray without having to replace your entire toilet. While manual bidet seats are available for as little as $100, our experts say it’s worth splurging on an automated model, especially if it’s Kohler’s C3 230 Bidet Toilet Seat. This bidet seats shows off Kohler’s innovation, with its sleek design, continuous warm water flow and adjustable settings, including oscillating and pulsating sprays. The seat even features an automated LED light, helpful for finding your way in the dark.

Lab Results: Though bidet-style cleansing takes some getting used to, testers who tried out the Kohler say they’ll never go back to toilet paper. The adjustable cleansing sprays did the job on all body types and the built-in odor control was a hit. “I thought it might be gimmicky but the odor-neutralizing feature works surprisingly well,” one tester said. Another lauded the ergonomic design, saying: “A lot of bidet seats are steeply angled at the back because of the wires needed, and that can make them uncomfortable to sit on, but the C3 230 is really comfortable.”

These decorative terrazzo tiles were a fave of Monique Valeris, Good Housekeeping’s Senior Home Editor. “I love these!” she said. “It can be a challenge for brands to excel at both sustainability and good design, so I’m impressed that Livden does both well. “The energetic patterns and color combinations — the range of blues and pops of earthy orange tones — are very much on-trend.” Though we imagine the Honeysuckle Collection in a bathroom with a mid-century or art-deco flair, the 12 by 12-inch tiles are suited to any interior wall applications (Valeris loves them as a kitchen backsplash) or light-traffic floor.

Lab Results: The terrazzo tile—a composite building material made from recycled glass, stone and binders—held up to our tough impact and abrasion tests. The slightly porous material was a bit more prone to staining (mustard gave it the most trouble) so our experts recommend vertical applications, or truly low-traffic floors. In terms of sustainability, our engineers reviewed the technical data to ensure that the tile base consists of at least 65 percent recycled material.

Through decades of toilet testing, American Standard has earned a reputation for performance and reliability with our experts. The Champion PRO two-piece toilet is up to the same standard. The 17-inch “comfort height” toilet is easy to get on and off, while its 1.28 gallons per flush is good enough for the EPA’s WaterSense label, awarded to the most water-efficient models. Everything needed for installation is included: tank, bowl, trip-lever, seat with lid, speed connect tank-to-bowl coupling kit, bolt caps and wax ring.

Lab Results: Despite using very little water, the Champion PRO delivered impressive flushing performance in our tough tests, which included colored powder, wads of toilet paper, sponges and even golf balls. The flushing action also did a very good cleaning the bowl, which our testers say should reduce the number of manual toilet cleanings. Like all comfort height toilets, it’s easy to use, especially with the roomy, elongated bowl.

Smart home technology has made its way into bathrooms, where it adds convenience, functionality, safety and more. Case in point: this new high-tech shower system from Kohler. The Wi-Fi connected controls let you program precise temperature settings, which can be operated through the smartphone app, voice control, or through the touchscreen display. The shower system features an array of luxurious sprays, including an oblong showerhead and seven sprays, from deep massage to a full-body mist. Manual controls are available too, if you’re interested in the shower experience, but not the connectivity.

Lab Results: Our design experts praised the fully-customizable configuration of the shower system, which allows for a truly unique walk-in shower experience. They also like the range of finishes—polished chrome, brushed nickel, matter black and brushed brass. The WiFi-connected controls are a neat convenience for high-tech homeowners. Builder Fernando Pages, our outside judge, installed the system successfully, though he cautions that it calls for 1-inch supply lines, unlike the 1/2-inch lines that are common in most homes.

Linear drains bring a sleek, streamlined look to walk-in showers, which have become a preferred feature of luxury bathrooms. The drains are a safety upgrade too since they eliminate the need for a curb; that’s because the floor slopes gently in one direction, rather than from all four sides, as with a center drain. The biggest downside with linear drains is they have to be installed just right or the water won’t drain properly. Enter Oatey’s QuickDrain ShowerLine Linear Drain, an all-in-one kit that includes an integrated PVC drain, pre-sloped shower panels, and waterproofing accessories. The drain cover comes in a range of finishes, from brushed gold to matte black.

Lab Results: Builder Fernando Pages used the Oatey system in his latest new home build. “My tile setter said the pan was extremely easy to install and said he would continue using the product on other jobs,” Pages reported. He also says the feature will appeal to buyers and add to the value of the home. “The pan looks very sharp, with a clean, modern appearance, while the drain cover compliments the other bath fixtures.” Our experts also like that the shower pan and panels are constructed from 100-percent post-consumer plastic water bottles.

Bathroom lighting is easy to get wrong. In many homes, the fixtures are too high up, casting shadows that hamper makeup application, shaving and other grooming. Ideally, the light should be at eye level, which is what’s so ingenious about the Maxstow Lighted Cabinet. The side-integrated LED lighting washes the face in plenty of bright illumination. The mirror also provides excellent storage, with five staggered shelves for short and tall items. There’s even an internal electrical outlet for powering your electric toothbrush, razor or curling iron.

Lab Results: Testers raved over the design of the mirror. “Incredibly sleek and stylish,” one wrote. “I love how the mirrored interior allows me to use my skincare products while the mirror is open, without having to take everything out.” The shelving and power outlet were also big hits. One caveat: the mirror was much harder to install than advertised, because of the complicated wiring involved. We strongly recommend professional installation.