We review hundreds of products a month — these are the absolute best ones we tested this year

Full disclosure: Our resident cookware tester, Lisa Schweitzer, has been using a Tramontina nonstick pan for years. She says (and this is a direct quote), "Cooking with this pan is a dream! With only a slick of oil, eggs slide right off the surface and over the flared edge onto the plate." It performed as well or better than the other pans we tested, crisping salmon skin to brown ASMR perfection and cooking golden pancakes without hot spots. 

Cleanup is a breeze and only requires a few swipes with a soapy sponge, even around the rivets that secure the handle. About that handle: The removable silicone grip is a plus, as it keeps the handle cool on the stovetop. It also gives it added grip and makes it extra comfortable to hold. Read more about this skillet in our guide to the best nonstick pans.

As longtime Lodge skillet owners, we home editors can attest to the fact that the company makes a pan that will last forever, as long as you care for it properly. The brand's Blacklock-edition pan, our top choice for the best cast iron skillet, is lighter and easier to maneuver than the classic version, with slightly thinner walls.

When Schweitzer fried eggs in it, they came away with little effort and crispy edges. Yum! Also of note is the handle — it has Lodge's signature teardrop shape, but is more ergonomic and a little longer, and it feels more comfortable in hand. Schweitzer had no trouble moving the pan from the stove to the oven and back. It's a breeze to clean (as most cast iron skillets are) with nothing more than hot water and a synthetic scrub brush.

Topping our list for the best air fryers is this versatile model, which boasts substantial cooking room, requires minimal maintenance and is easy to use, all while looking sleek. It comes pre-assembled, so there's no setup required, and the accompanying instructions are intuitive.

A bright LED interface displays five functions — air fry, roast, bake, broil, and warm — plus five presets. We assessed the air fry function by making french fries, breaded chicken tenders, chicken wings and crab rangoons, using package instructions and the "frozen" preset where there were none. Everything came out right on time and was juicy on the outside and crispy on the inside.

While air-frying was the main focus of our test, we also tried several other functions: Our roasted chicken breasts, baked salmon and broiled steaks cooked to perfection.

Nespresso pods produce tasty, high-quality cups of drip coffee and espresso, and the VertuoPlus makes the experience as easy as possible. It impressed us so much, we also named it our best Nespresso machine of the year. You push just one button to operate it, and there's a mechanism that automatically tosses your used pod into a receptacle inside the machine.

We loved the sleek, stylish look of the VertuoPlus (this model is made by De'Longhi; Breville also makes one with similar specs) and how compact it was for such a powerful machine. It also requires minimal upkeep: Just empty the used-pod receptacle (which holds about 10 pods) and descale (aka deep clean) every three months or 300 pods.

One of the main issues with single-serve machines is the amount of waste they produce. At least Nespresso offers a recycling program for its aluminum pods. You can drop off used pods at 250-plus locations or order free recycling bags with prepaid labels.

Topping our list for the best food storage containers is Rubbermaid's Brilliance line, which comes in a variety of sizes, available with either a glass or BPA-free Tritan plastic base. We tested the Tritan plastic and they were durable yet lightweight, the flip-style lids were easy to clean and, when locked, the set proved to be airtight. Based on our experience, the containers are also odor- and stain-resistant, so they still smell fresh and look like new after being used to store saucy foods such as marinara sauce and hot wings.

Unlike some other plastic containers on the market, these containers have excellent clarity. Another biggie: The bases and the lids in both the plastic and glass versions are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe. 

This Hydro Flask bottle is resilient, practical and — thanks to numerous cap and capacity options — customizable. It was the best insulated water bottle we tried.

The pliable loop on the cap made for agile carrying, while the Flex straw option provided quick access to water. The double-wall vacuum insulation kept our drinks cold for the promised 24 hours, and the entire water bottle proved dishwasher safe. Our tester, Home & Garden Writer Kristin Granero, has owned and used Hydro Flasks for several years and, despite countless drops and washing cycles, they remain leakproof and look like new.

Featherweight vacuums are among the lightest and most compact, with Eureka's hitting the sweet spot in our testing of the best lightweight vacuums for value, form and function. The dust cup holds 0.55 liters, which is fairly generous for a featherweight vacuum, and detaches easily for handheld use. We also like how it's transparent, so you can see when it's getting full.

For being so lightweight (only 4 pounds), this model packs a good amount of suction power and proved a solid match for all the materials in our tests. That included sand, which proved a sticking point for other models we evaluated.

In real-life testing, we appreciated the Eureka Featherweight's 18-foot-long cord for skirting around bigger rooms and pieces of furniture. The vacuum is also freestanding, with the cleaner head remaining propped at a 90-degree angle for easier carrying.

Using a network of sensors, our pick for the best upright vacuum adapts to different environments and zaps everything in sight. For being on the heavier side (a common feature among vacuums with strong motors and sizable dust cups), it proved incredibly agile, with swivel steering and a shallow cleaner head that allowed us to get under and around furniture. LED lights helped with visibility, and the cord measures 30 feet, on the longer side for a vacuum in the upright category.

The PowerDetect proved a match for a wide range of messes, sucking up Cheerios, rice, kitty litter, sand and stubborn pet fur. Its automatic "Detect" mode helped it cruise from bare floors to low-pile and plush carpets swimmingly. This feature was particularly impressive when it came to tackling smaller areas of carpet, like kitchen mats, because it used just enough suction to vacuum effectively without getting stuck or pulling up corners as a result of excessive gripping. Based on our experience, that's not an easy feat!

Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder tested this for the best car vacuums in her compact SUV. Pebbles, crushed leaves, crumbs of all sizes and larger clumps of dirt proved no match for its powerful suction. 

But what really makes this cordless vacuum stand out is its reach. It has a flexible 4-foot hose with a curved nozzle that helped her access the tightest, most awkward spaces. 

"For the first time ever, I was able to get alllll the way under the front seats of my car without having to strain my back or crouch down," she raved.

Topping our list of the best bath towels is this large and cushy, but still breathable, towel that comes in a cornucopia iterations. Woven of long-staple Turkish cotton, it's extremely soft, a feature it maintained even after Granero put it through the wringer (aka five wash-and-dry cycles). Despite being on the thicker and more absorbent side, it also dried fairly quickly. It took about 40 minutes, versus comparative styles that typically took close to an hour.

Last time we checked, this Frontgate towel was available in 27 colors — with or without monogramming — and several sizes. It's meant for the bathroom, but its bold, bright hues would make it a great pool or beach towel in a pinch.

Woven of long-staple Turkish cotton, this pick "felt more like a blanket than a towel!" said Granero, our resident tester. "It's one of — if not the — plushest and coziest towels I've tried," she added, and it retained those features throughout five wash and dry cycles.

To test absorbency, she dunked each towel in a bucket of water and folded it lightly to see how much it could hold without dripping (for more on our testing, read our full guide to the best plush bath towels). This pick retained as much as four liters of water at a time — more than any other towel she evaluated. Despite how much H2O it guzzled, it dried in about 45 minutes, which is what you typically see with towels that have finer fabrics and less thickness. 

Solo Stove's low-smoke fire pits have garnered a cult-like following among campers and beachgoers, with the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 among their most popular models. It's compact, intuitive and versatile. Just take it from Carolin Fuller, director of partnerships at Campspot, an online camping resource and directory. "The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is small enough to fit among the rest of our gear but big enough to throw off plenty of heat during cold nights in camp. It comes in a convenient carrying case, the removable ash pan makes for easy cleanups, and the smokeless design means we don’t have to play musical chairs to avoid stinging eyes.”

Don't forget the Solo Stove fire poker for (safely) maneuvering those wood logs and sticks! And for other recommendations, check out our complete story on the best fire pits.

This small but mighty electric grill from Char-Broil comes in four colors and can turn a basic patio into a charming burger bistro — just plug in the cord and you’re good to go! It offers 320 square inches of cooking space (enough for 12 patties) and is designed with infrared technology that helps to evenly distribute heat while preventing flare-ups. According to fans of the grill (it has over 2,000 on Amazon alone), the porcelain-coated cooking grates also stand up to rust and other signs of wear.

Read more in our best grills guide.

This futuristic-looking pizza oven pod manages to strike a balance between performance and convenience. "Its dual-fuel compatibility (gas and wood) offers flexibility and the built-in thermometer ensures accurate temperature control. The quick preheating and easy clean-up make it ideal for spontaneous pizza nights," says Craig Agranoff, founder and editor-in-chief of WorstPizza.com, a pizza review and directory site. "It's a great option for people who don't have the space for a larger oven," adds Anthony Mangieri, chef and owner of the Una Pizza Napoletana in New York City and owner of Genio Della Pizza, a frozen pizza line. "It's also portable, which makes it incredibly versatile." 

We tested the Roccbox and can attest to its convenience (it came fully assembled, was quick to start and fired up in about 15 minutes) and versatility (for a smaller oven, it still has enough room to cook a 12-inch pizza, as well as other food items). Each Roccbox comes with a detachable gas burner and a professional pizza peel (worth $85), adding to its overall value.

In addition to four full-length inseams — 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches — Lululemon Align leggings range in size from 0 to 20, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding your fit. They're among our picks for the best leggings with pockets (and who doesn't love pockets?) but our testers say there are more reasons to splurge.

"I didn't get the whole Lululemon obsession until I actually tried a pair, but now I understand — and actually feel confident leaving the house in leggings," said Laura Kenney, Yahoo's commerce editor-in-chief.

Fitness trainer Tammy Foxx is also a fan because of their "exceptional material quality, shape-retaining pockets, and just the right amount of compression for various activities." 

Read our full review of Align leggings.

Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity loves this bestselling tee by Madwell — so much so that we crowned it the best white T-shirt over competitors from Gap, Hanes, Uniqlo, J.Crew and others.

"I have a hard time finding T-shirts that aren't too loose and boxy for my petite frame, and this one has a shrunken fit that hits right at my hip, making it easy to tuck in," she said. She has owned the shirt for over a year and raves about how durable it is. "I've worn it more times than I can count and thrown it into the wash a million times, and it looks like new." Garrity gave it a 4.5 out of 5 on the opacity scale, so you don't have to worry about your bra showing through it, and she hasn't noticed any unwanted stretching or shrinking.

Bonus: You can monogram the top to give it a personal touch!

It doesn't get much more classic than these high-rise, straight-leg jeans by Levi's, which we named the year's best timeless jeans. There are 15 washes to choose from, so you'll find a pair that suits your style, and they hit just above the ankle so your shoe collection can take center stage.

Dodell-Feder calls them the "perfect wide (but not too wide) jeans. They feel timeless and also trendy, which is pretty impressive!" And while she would love to get them in another color, she notes that she would need to try them on because "the fit of Levi's jeans varies wildly by wash, in my experience."

Dodell-Feder also says they're surprisingly comfortable despite having a structured silhouette. "They have a very high waist and button fly, so they are not sweatpants-comfy. But for no-stretch denim, I find them very comfortable, probably because of the wide-legged fit."

Commerce Manager Julia Webb really knows her stuff when it comes to the best cashmere sweaters — she even directly compared three machine-washable options. During testing, she found that this softie from Naadam reigned supreme, calling it flattering, cozy and affordable. While it might not be the softest cashmere she's ever tried, she says it "still feels luxe and it's also not too fragile — it's durable enough I can wear it multiple times a week."

What really makes this piece a standout is how long-lasting and easy to care for it is. It's also under $100, a steal for cashmere, and comes in an impressive 34 colors.

Three staff members listed these L.L.Beans as their go-to boots for winter, and it's easy to see why. Not only are the boots (which come in both men's and women's sizes) incredibly warm thanks to their ​​cozy shearling lining, but they're waterproof, so you can walk through snow and puddles without wet toes. Each pair is hand-sewn in Maine, so they're durable and built to last. 

Schweitzer and Style Editor Rebecca Carhart have both had a pair for several years, and they still look good as new. The boots aren't overly bulky, weighing less than 4 pounds, and they have a rugged rubber sole that prevents you from slipping and sliding. 

While most of the best gym shoes are designed for a particular activity, if you're looking for a well-rounded pair that can handle everything from running to weightlifting, take a look at these Brooks. The knit upper is stretchy and breathable, while the arrow-point pattern in the rubber outsole provides ample traction for wet gym surfaces and outdoor terrains alike.

Julie Lohre, women's fitness expert, IFBB fitness pro athlete and certified personal trainer, calls them "my absolute go-to all-around favorite shoes because they strike the perfect balance between support and responsiveness. They give me a stable base for heavy lifting and enough cushioning for cardio sessions, making them incredibly versatile. The fit is snug and comfortable, which makes me feel secure no matter the workout."

When we polled healthcare pros, they overwhelmingly cited Brooks as a top shoe for nurses because they "offer comfortable and durable shoes in styles that are fun and functional," according to Sarah K. Wells, founder of New Thing Nurse. And the Ghost 15 is the shoe most recommended by the brand for healthcare workers. Along with an APMA Seal of Acceptance, these comfortable kicks boast ultra-lightweight cushioning, a breathable upper and a system of shock absorbers to prevent foot pain. They come in a variety of color combos and widths. 

The No. 1 Amazon bestsellers have racked up over 7,000 five-star ratings, with many from nurses. "I'm on my feet all day. Every other tennis shoe I have tried ended up with my feet aching at the end of a shift or my toes going numb. These are so comfortable and light, and my feet haven't hurt at all," raved one. 

Perhaps best of all, Brooks offers a 25% discount for healthcare workers!

If you've seen a pair of Hokas in the wild, there's a good chance they were Cliftons. These are among the brand's most popular picks, and it's for good reason. "They're absolutely cloud-like," raves Izabella Zaydenberg, deputy commerce editor. "They were the only shoes that didn't exacerbate my plantar fasciitis (especially when I walked for hours at Disneyland)." 

Carhart also owns a pair of Cliftons, and she wears them every time she goes for a long walk, whether on a treadmill, a trail or around town. She says the cushioned sneakers are undoubtedly the most comfortable walking shoe she's tried, with no break-in time. They come in a wide range of colors, so it's easy to find a favorite style (or two). They've even earned an APMA seal of approval.

Check out our other recommendations for Hoka walking shoes.

When we polled experts for their favorite running shoes, both running coaches we spoke with, Carleth Keys and Kim Clark, listed these as their top picks. "This is the most comfortable shoe on the market, ideal for daily training and long runs that don't involve intense workouts," says Keys. Clark agrees: "The cushioning is so plush and soft. It seriously is the most comfortable cushioning underfoot for easy runs!"

The sporty kicks have a breathable mesh upper to prevent your feet from overheating and a durable rubber outsole that offers great traction for everyday runs. There are 14 styles, and they come in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide options so you can find your ideal fit.

Ugg slippers have been in demand since the early 2000s, but this pair is probably the most popular right now. The Tasmans, our picks for best women's slippers, are lined with the same cozy sheepskin as your favorite Ugg boots, but their backless design makes them easier to slip on and off. The rubber soles are also the same as the brand's signature boots, which means they can go both indoors and out with ease. 

These look just as good with pajamas as with athleisure and are good go-tos for quickly letting the dog outside or grabbing the mail. The grippy soles mean you won't be slipping and sliding around, and they're cozy enough for hunkering down at home on chilly days. 

Hundreds of shoppers and podiatrists are fans of this ultra-cushioned pair of sneakers. Dr. Hillary Brenner, a podiatric surgeon, said this pair of supportive slip-ons "is hands down my favorite. They meet all the criteria of a supportive shoe, and I especially like that they make their shoes with the EVA material for shock absorption." 

Not only do the sneakers have the signature Hoka cushioning, but they boast a memory foam heel for added comfort and an elastic band at the ankle that cradles the foot and keeps it from sliding around. They're made from 100% vegan materials and have a mesh upper, making them super-breathable. Plus, they weigh less than 6 ounces.