Saturday, December 8, 2018
Apply These 8 Secret Techniques To Improve Vacuum Cleaners
The Best Wet/Dry Vacuums
of 2017
Whether you're getting water out of a flooded basement or picking up spilled metal
Screws in the garage, wet/dry vacs wash where other vacuums cannot. That's by
Layout: Unlike the vacuum you use to clean your carpet, a wet/dry vac keeps its engine
Separate, so it is practically impossible to damage.
But choosing the ideal wet/dry vac is key.
Myth (we'll get to that later), and a few vacuums are a lot easier to use than others.
That is why we evaluated dozens of best selling wet/dry vacs and brought nine to our
Test labs in Cambridge, MA. That's where we put them through two weeks of grueling
Tests to measure power, usability, and flexibility.
After analyzing the results, we've got the skinny on which wet/dry vacs are Perfect for you
and which ones you should avoid.
The Craftsman 12004 was our overall pick for the best wet/dry vacuum because it
Offered the most well-balanced combination of power, usability, and versatility.
While it was not the largest or most powerful vacuum in the lineup, it picked up 1.43
Gallons of water in only 10 seconds--more than any vacuum its dimensions.
The side of the box is basically useless. Like many wet/dry vacs, this Craftsman's output
Is measured in peak horsepower, which only rates how tough a motor works the minute it
turns on. After that split second moves, a peak horsepower measurement is useless.
After that split second moves, a peak horsepower
Measurement is futile TWEET IT
The six-gallon Craftsman additionally backed up its power with smooth operation. The hose
Was easy to attach and remove, but still felt protected even when you used to to drag a
This Craftsman also boasted the easiest to remove filter,
With a screw cap that was more intuitive than the typical twist-and-pull dance we had to
Deal with on other models. (Remember, you should not have the fiberglass filter on when
You are doing wet pickup, so if you are switching between cleaning storm water and
Sawdust, an easy-to-remove filter is crucial.)
extension wands, a floor squeegee for wet pickup, and a utility nozzle. That covers wet
And dry fairly well--but some of the rivalry came with more.
This Craftsman retails for about $50, and is backed by a one-year warranty.
The VacMaster is one of the most popular wet/dry vacs on Amazon, and is our pick for
the best 12 gallon model. While it wasn't the most powerful vacuum, it was the most
versatile.
First off, this vacuum has a detachable motor, meaning it could instantly turn into a
Corded leaf blower that is easy to tote around the yard or use for garage cleanup. It also
Comes with eight attachments, including a crevice tool that makes it easier to clean out
Your car when it is sitting in your garage.
Of water in ten seconds, putting it at the middle of the bunch. Even so, it was still able to
Handle our dirt and heavy debris test. For just $81, you are getting a great value that is
Covered by a two-year guarantee.
How We Tested
Each of the vacuums we chose ranged in size from 6 to 12 gallons, and from 3 to 5 hp. We
Tested them on three important standards: endurance, power, and versatility.
Seconds, if it could pick up heavy large debris including big metal screws, and if
Cleaning up wet sand posed a challenge. We tested usability by switching out filters,
Putting on attachments, and lugging the unit around our offices and labs. Finally, our
Comfort tests looked at how simple it was to save, how long the cord was, and if
It worked as a blower.
Overall winner for raw energy.
Same amount of water. That's not a surprise, as both brands are made by a company
called Emerson Electric. Ridgid is mostly sold at Home Depot, while Craftsman is
mostly sold at Sears, KMart, and Ace Hardware.
While it was a photo finish in the energy department, the Ridgid only came with two
Extension wands and a utility nozzle, so there is no specific attachment for water pickup.
We also discovered the filter tough to remove. Unlike the Craftsman's twist, the Ridgid has
Rubber flaps you need to pull up on while pressing down on a hard plastic button. One
Bit of good news: the Rigid WD0670 is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
The Gigantic 12-gallon WD1270 also comes with a car-cleaning nozzle, Together with the
In real-world cleanup tests, the WD1270 had no issues.
Of mess and discover it available for a lot less than the VacMaster, a limited lifetime warranty
makes this Ridgid worth checking out.
The Ridgid 9 gallon, 4.25 Peak HP wet/dry vac is like a value meal: For 20 percent
more money, you get 33 percent more capacity, 21 percent more horsepower, and one
But after analyzing this Ridgid for two weeks, we found that the increase in power
Didn't translate into real-world operation. Remember, peak horsepower only lasts for
a moment. If you need more capacity, we'd recommend stepping up to the 12 gallon
WD1270.
The Craftsman XSP 12006 was the strongest of the wet/dry vacuums that we
It comes with two
extension wands, a utility nozzle, a squeegee nozzle, and a crevice tool. If that sounds
Overwhelming don't worry--there is an on-board tool caddy so you'll never lose them.
That's a fairly good spread of features for an $80 vacuum.
The significant downside is the bulk. With everything onboard, it weighs nearly 30 pounds
And takes up plenty of space. If you're thinking about keeping it in the garage, that is fine.
But for a crowded workshop or cramped basement, you need to select a less bulky version.
Everyone knows the Shop-Vac brand, and the Provider's mid-priced 5920611 model
Excelled at usability and versatility, with three extension wands and a wet-cleanup
nozzle. They were all easy to slide on and off, as was the twist-off filter.
Limited warranty and is even assembled in the U.S.
However, on the power front, this Shop-Vac didn't clean as well as others we tested.
According to our water suction test, this vacuum just got up 1.07 gallons of water in 10
seconds. It could still pick up wet sand, clear a clogged drain, and clean spilled screws.
But, pound-for-pound, it is not as powerful as the Craftsman of comparable size.
The Shop-Vac 5986000 includes a stainless steel tank, which gives it an industrial feel. It
Also comes with six attachments: three extension wands, a utility nozzle, a wet-cleanup
nozzle, and a crevice tool. Like its plastic stablemate, however, it just is not as powerful
As some of its competitors. In fact, it was about half as strong as our top-rated
Craftsman.
This Stanley was the strangest of the wet/dry vacuums we tested--and not in a good
way. Because it's taller than it is wide, it can be hard to move by its own hose--but a
high-up handle makes it easier to carry. A bag filter that slips over the motor was simple
To remove, but hard to affix. Additionally, it lacked in power, and isn't a wonderful value. We think you
Should only buy this vacuum when you have serious space constraints.
Apply These 9 Secret Techniques To Improve Microwave
The Five Best Steam Ovens
Tis' the season to get fit! The holidays have passed and have left behind the sensation of flub.
For clients looking for a healthy alternative to cooking, why not check out a steam oven.
Steam cooking seems to be garnering a bunch of attention lately, perhaps as everyone
Embraces the need to eat healthy. Most high-end appliance manufacturers have all
Followed suit in introducing their version of a steam oven for their appliance line.
Bosch, Jenn-Air, Miele, Thermador and Wolf have added new products joining
The German manufacturer, Gaggenau.
Gaggenau, Miele, Wolf and Thermador each provide two different versions, all with
Versatility in design to match the specific series given by the manufacturers, whereas
Bosch and Jenn-Air each provide one choice.
Let us see if we can cut through the clutter and help you pick the right oven for you and
Your loved ones.
Why Steam?
Steam ovens are amazing appliances and offer tremendous flexibility; they are
Applicable to many different types of food. Vegetables, fruits, fish and grains are habitual
When using a steam oven, but think outside of the box...with steam you have the ability to
Proof and bake bread, bake and place custards or pudding cakes, reheat casseroles, rice
Dishes and noodles, and so much more.
Holiday gifts, the steam oven can aid in safeguarding your equipment, ultimately removing
The chance of burning yourself with boiling water.
Reabsorb the moisture it dropped after its initial cooking procedure. With that, the Final Result
From reheating in a steam oven is far superior to that of a microwave.
Steam cooking is highly touted for its nutritional benefits and is advantageous
In reheating leftover foods because the use of steam re-hydrates foods that have
Cooking with steam allows the capability to keep all vitamins and
Minerals and requires the use of less oils and fats. It also helps maintain color, texture and
Flavor of your produce because steam is not as agitating as boiling water and doesn't
Provide the intense heat from sautéing in a pan.
Steam ovens work by extracting water from a reservoir or water line; the oven heats it afterward
Feeds it to the oven cavity. When contemplating steam ovens of any caliber, you have the
Option to buy a tank version which you fill manually, or a plumbed version that is
You may be wondering if a steam oven can brown foods. If you are using the
Steam mode, then it doesn't brown food. Remember that steam does not exceed
212˚F. However, on convection or maybe in the combination mode setting, you will be
More inclined to brown food.
Have convection that sears the outside of the meat if it's a turkey, chicken or
even ribs.
Meat and lock in the juices using steam.
The 5 Best Steam Ovens for 2017
Following are the five major steam ovens in the business.
5.
30" Steam Oven with 1.4 cu. ft.
Steam Assist Clean
Non-Plumbed
Genuine European Convection for even baking results on multiple racks
Advanced Circulation System (ACS) allows food to be cooked more evenly in around 30 percent
Less time by optimizing heat circulation
Powerful third heating element that surrounds the convection fan, circulating preheated air
throughout the oven
Perfect Reheating
4.
ft. Capacity,
40 EasyCook Programs
Steam Clean
perfect cooking results
Stainless steel cavity is illuminated with powerful halogen lighting
3. Wolf CSO30PMSPH (convection-steam) - $4,299
30" Steam Oven with 1.8 cu. ft. Convection Capacity
Temperature Probe
Non-Plumbed Water Tank
Flush install
10 Cooking modes; which allow for precision control of heat, steam and airflow to the best
Gourmet mode setting
Option to store individual recipes
2.
24" Combination steam oven with 1.7 cu. ft.
True European Convection Cooking
Temperature Probe
MultiSteam Technology
M Touch Controls
Connects directly to home plumbing
Option to save individual recipes
Auto-rinse feature
MasterChef and MasterChef Gourmet menus provide over 100 foods to cook to perfection.
MultiSteam technology generates powerful, external steam, and distributes optimum steam
Across six (6) inlet vents.
Innovative and revolutionary controls are easy to operate and navigate
1. Gaggenau BS484610 (combi-steam) - $7,999
(Get our free guide for more about Gaggenau)
ft. Capacity
Self-Cleaning
Convection
5 Humidity Levels
Meat Probe
Handleless Side Swing Door
Handle-less door with automatic door opening feature
Convection from 85°F - 450°F at varying humidity levels
Electronic precision temperature controller from 85°F - 450° with automatic boiling point
detection
14 Cooking modes
Removable Meat Probe with automatic shutoff function
Side-opening door opens up to 180° angle.
Option to store individual recipes (like meat probe).
Actual temperature display
Which is Best?
It really depends on what you will cook and how you cook. Yes, the Gaggenau is #1 and
Has all of the modes and attributes; it is THE most precise oven on the market. They also
Enclose a guide for the best cycles for mostly every food. However, the setback to the
Gaggenau is the cost: a modest $7,999.
Thermador, Bosch and Wolf are newer to this product category and all have the ability
To cook a variety of foods with the steam and convection combination. These are all
Excellent steam ovens and will provide a variety of functions. However, They're tank
versions. They will provide more than enough steam if you are the average cook. If you
Plan on doing a lot of cooking or have a large family, then perhaps look at a plumbed
Version to provide continuous flow like Miele or Gaggenau.
Miele's new M-Touch Series can be plumbed, has a very intuitive control panel and is
Very easy to use. Miele is also the most reliable manufacturer in the business. I think you can do
Almost anything in a Gaggenau, but Miele is more easy to use and less expensive to purchase.
All are good steam oven choices, let's face it, they are the best choice for healthy
cooking. Personally, I prefer the Gaggenau and Miele Due to the plumbable option,
The precision of cooking and temperature, the ability to adjust the steam output and the
Addition of the broil element.
Apply These 9 Secret Techniques To Improve Foam Mattresses
An Comprehensive Look at Consumer Latex Mattress Reviews
The latex mattress continues to grow in popularity as customers seek
Natural, wholesome sleep solutions that provide both comfort and value. But, latex
Can be one of the toughest mattress types to research because many
People are not familiar with what to look for, and locating quality options in local
Over 650 people comparing features of all-latex beds to those with latex over
other foams.
Easy-to-read chart for handy comparison. Take a look at what we discovered to see
What features are most likely to yield a decent purchase.
Owner Satisfaction: Natural Latex vs Latex Blend Over Foam
The information in the above chart is based on reviews from over 650 actual
latex mattress owners, collected from diverse and credible sources including
third party verified reviews, product review sites, and consumer forums. We
graded the mattresses on an A-D scale, with A meaning almost all were
Satisfied, B meaning some minor complaints, C meaning a considerable number
Here's the
breakdown of results by category:
Owner Satisfaction
overall.
Satisfaction within the typical range (85%+).
innerspring mattresses have).
Lifespan
The lifespan and durability of the two types show marked difference. Owners
more.
Slightly longer than the general mattress average of 5-7 years.
Back Pain Relief
Pain relief is an important element in the popularity of latex beds. Mattresses
Made from all latex offer pain relief and prevention that is above average for
Mattresses in general. Beds that have latex layered over a base foam offered
Average to below average pain relief, negating a key advantage of the mattress
type.
Natural Materials
properties. However, only 100% natural latex mattresses offer these advantages.
Percentage of natural latex somewhat reducing the chemical footprint, but are
No Off-gassing
Off-gassing refers to the chemical odors that new mattresses and furniture
Produce, typically due to petroleum-based additives. An all-natural latex
Mattress shouldn't have any chemical offgassing, though they may give off a latex
rubber smell. Owners of models that combine latex and other foams report
significant chemical offgassing, which causes serious disturbance or
discomfort to about 15% of people, though many more complain of minor
annoyance with odors.
Doesn't Hold Heat
Latex material tends to hold heat less than other foams due to its composition
And the pincore construction of most mattresses which will help circulate air. In
all-latex mattresses, reports of sleeping hot are rare. However in latex over
foam beds, complaints of trapping heat are more common, with about 10% of
people complaining.
Warranties
Because all-natural latex proves highly durable, these types of mattresses
tend to have longer warranties, usually around 20 years. Blended models or
Those that have poly foam layers tend to wear quicker and thus have shorter
warranties.
Return Policies
Normally, higher-quality beds tend to have more generous return policies as
retailers realize a lower risk and return rate. All-latex mattresses tend offer
longer trial periods and more favorable return policies than blends. Those with
Separate, unglued layers can also provide the alternative of swapping layers
As opposed to returning the entire bed.
Price
Though Both types show clear differences in their features, and customers
report paying prices reflective of this difference. The average price for all-latex
was $2500, while blended was $1500, meaning that the higher quality often
Came with a higher price tag.
Availability
All natural latex beds can be difficult to find in local stores, and are often only
available online. Blended beds and those with latex over foam can be easier
To find in showrooms, which might equate for the price difference. Next, we'll
look at retailers.
Comparison of Latex Mattress Retailers
The above chart compares five online latex mattress retailers: Astrabeds, Life
Kind, Habitat Furnishings, Sleep EZ, and Flow Beds. We considered the
Retailers based on key factors including latex type, cover, flame retardants,
warranty, and more. Based on our comparison, we recommend
Astrabeds.com for all natural latex mattresses. This is based on several
Factors, including using all-natural, certified organic latex, all-latex
Mattress constructions, a variety of comfort options, organic cotton covers,
Natural wool barrier, and the relatively reasonable price. Astrabeds also
features 3rd party verified reviews (from PowerReviews) which means all
reviews are from real customers. With average reviews around 4.7 stars out of
5, each of their latex mattress options receives high marks from owners.
Apply These 8 Secret Techniques To Improve Coffee Machine
Philips owns both Saeco and Gaggia, but the Gaggia Brera beans-to-cup machine looks
The Brera is plastic on the
Top and sides, but metal panels on the front give it a classier atmosphere. We're not so keen on
The plastic main control knob, however, which feels cheap.
You Have to be prepared when using the Gaggia Brera, as if you turn it on it
Flushes the system, so you'll have to have a waste water mug under the spout.
Consumables go in the same place as on the Saeco Xsmall, with water on the remaining
You might
Be able to just about fit two fine porcelain cups underneath the nozzle at one time, but
there's certainly not room for chunky earthenware.
It's easy to adjust the coffee grind using the control knob in the coffee hopper. You can
Also adjust the strength of the espresso with the controller under the power button on the
long coffee.
the two-bean (out of three) strength setting. This resulted in a good, bitter shot of
Espresso, with a cream that was not too white, at a fair temperature of 64 degrees
centigrade. The shot couldn't quite match the sheer oily richness of the best manual
machines' espresso, so wouldn't be our choice for a pure espresso shot, but it made a
Good base for a longer coffee.
An acceptable espresso That's a good base for a longer coffee, but it's not up there with
The best manual machines' shots
The standard of the drinks we could create was helped by the foam wand, which
Produced just the kind of frothy milk we wanted, with tightly-packed bubbles making a
pleasing foam - just right for a latte.
Foam just right for a latte from the Brera's steam wand
We like the Gaggia Brera. The quality of the espresso it produced couldn't quite match
That of the ideal manual espresso machines, but it was close. It's also a compact and
good-looking machine, and there's nothing like a beans-to-cup machine when it comes
to cutting down on mess. If you're after the ultimate in coffee convenience, it's a good
buy.
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