The year 2024 was incredible for product innovation, and here at the BestReviews Testing Lab, we’ve had the privilege of testing some of the industry leaders. From new tech to time-saving household essentials, these products impressed us with their performance, design and functionality.
As we look back on the year, we’re excited to share our top picks that stood out in rigorous testing. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, upgrading your essentials, or indulging in something new, these products deserve a spot on your radar.
In this article: Conair InfinitiPRO SmoothWrap Hair Dryer, Bissell Revolution HydroStream and Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop
In this recap, we’ll break down our favorites from several different categories: beauty and personal care, home, kitchen, tech and gadgets, travel and tools and outdoors.
Conair InfinitiPRO SmoothWrap Hair Dryer
This hair dryer is a great option for those who want an affordable, lightweight product that’ll get the job done. While it may lack the frills and features of a high-end hair dryer, the price tag is hard to beat.
If you’re looking for a salon-quality hair dryer, look no further. The Dyson Supersonic blew us away as the results were perfect every single time. While the price here is steep, it may be worth it for those who blow dry their hair daily.
Bissell Revolution HydroStream
The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is an exceptional choice for those seeking a deep and thorough carpet cleaning. It’s especially effective for revitalizing older rugs and carpets with stubborn stains that other cleaners couldn’t tackle. Parents and pet owners will also value its powerful cleaning capabilities.
Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop
Bissell’s PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop is a great option for anyone with hard flooring. It glides across all hard floors and the tank capacity is super impressive. Whether you’re in a studio apartment or a large home, this steam mop can help tackle any messes.
Dirt Devil Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
This portable vacuum is great for spot cleaning small messes everywhere. Whether it’s your couch, your floor or even in your car, the Dirt Devil does a great job picking up any crumbs and debris.
The Pilot Max S Tower Fan by Dreo was the top fan we tested this year. There are 12 different speed settings and it has smart home capabilities, which make it incredibly versatile. Because of the many features, this fan works well in rooms of all sizes.
Dyson Gen5detect Absolute Vacuum
We were very impressed by the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute. A powerful vacuum with laser detection that spots microscopic dust and hair, this Dyson is ideal for anyone in search of cleaner floors. The Gen5detect Absolute also works very well in homes with pets.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is perfect for those who want a high-quality stick vacuum with tons of functionality. The laser head allows you to see all debris on your floors and there are several attachments that allow you to use it in handheld mode.
Hoover CleanSlate Portable Carpet Cleaner
The Hoover CleanSlate is a great choice for anyone who needs to quickly remove a stain from their carpet. No matter what the mess is, this portable cleaner handles stains with ease, making it great for those with pets or young children.
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner
Highly effective for deep carpet cleaning, the Hoover SmartWash+ simplifies the process with automatic mixing and drying. Its professional-grade results are impressive, though it’s heavier than some other models.
Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Luxury Air Mattress
This air mattress combines comfort and durability for all sleepers. With its plush top layer and easy inflation system, it’s perfect for guests who visit your space. We also loved its ability to be taken on the go for your next camping trip.
King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress
A great pick for superior support and comfort, the King Koil features coil-beam construction and an integrated pillow, providing a restful sleep experience. It’s super easy to set up and durable enough to withstand scratches and nicks from pets or children.
Highly recommended for chemical-free floor cleaning, the Shark Steam Pocket Mop is lightweight, effective and eco-friendly. It might not work as well on heavily soiled surfaces, though.
A strong contender for pet owners, the Shark Stratos has odor-neutralizing technology and impressive suction power. It’s cordless and convenient, though the battery life might not satisfy all needs.
Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded Vacuum
The Shark Vertex is light, powerful and easy to maneuver. The Vertex is corded, but the design ensures consistent power and it’s a versatile option for tight spaces. Its maneuverable enough to make it ideal for most light to moderate household cleaning
The AeroPress is an ingenious product that produces a single serving of espresso-like coffee in less than 30 seconds anywhere you have access to hot water and medium-fine ground coffee. It is a great gift idea for any coffee aficionado, especially those who travel a lot.
Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Dutch Oven
We were very happily surprised by the Amazon Dutch oven. It performed well at heating up quickly, it retained heat impressively and wasn’t overly heavy. This Dutch oven is affordable and great for your chilis or stews.
Baratza Virtuoso+ Coffee Grinder
Elevate your coffee game with this high-performance grinder that offers 40 grind settings for precise customization. Its digital timer ensures consistent results, making it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking the perfect cup every time. Built to last, it’s a must-have for brewing aficionados.
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 12pc Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
This stylish cookware set combines functionality and elegance with its durable ceramic nonstick surface and even heating performance. The vibrant design adds a pop of color to any kitchen, while the easy-to-clean material makes cooking and cleanup a breeze, perfect for home chefs of any skill level.
BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder
Compact yet powerful, this grinder quickly and efficiently grinds fresh coffee beans with a simple touch of a button. Ideal for small kitchens or on-the-go coffee lovers, it’s an affordable and reliable tool to elevate your daily brewing routine.
Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder
Enjoy barista-quality coffee at home with this sleek, all-in-one espresso machine featuring customizable settings and an intuitive touch display. Its integrated grinder ensures fresh grounds every time, while the automatic steam wand helps you create perfect microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
This fully automatic espresso machine handles grinding, brewing and milk texturing with barista-level precision. It blew us away with its drink-making capabilities, with its touchscreen allowing you to select your favorite espresso drink (even an espresso martini!) The user-friendly interface makes it a top choice for serious coffee enthusiasts who want exceptional results with minimal effort.
Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker
Brew coffee like a pro with this highly customizable machine that offers multiple brew modes, precise temperature control and a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot for hours. Whether you prefer a classic cup or experimenting with settings, this brewer caters to all tastes.
CAROTE 14 Pieces Forged Knife Set
This premium knife set combines sharp, durable blades with ergonomic handles for exceptional control and comfort. The set includes all essential knives, from a chef’s knife to steak knives, ensuring you have the right tool for every culinary task, neatly stored in an elegant block.
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
The Chemex is both an iconic coffee maker and a work of art, known for its elegant design and ability to brew smooth, flavorful coffee. Its unique hourglass shape and specially designed filters result in a clean cup, making it a favorite among coffee purists and design enthusiasts alike.
Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set with Block
This comprehensive knife set is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks, offering a wide variety of tools for cutting, slicing and dicing. Each blade is crafted for sharpness and durability, while the stylish block provides convenient storage and a polished look for your countertop.
Cuisinart Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This versatile coffee maker lets you customize your brew strength and schedule brewing ahead of time for ultimate convenience. With its classic design, built-in warming plate and user-friendly controls, it’s a reliable companion for coffee lovers who value functionality and style.
Compact and easy to use, this grinder is perfect for those who want fresh grounds on demand without taking up too much counter space. Its stainless steel blades ensure consistent grinding, making it a great addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.
Cuisinart Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker
Create delicious homemade frozen treats in minutes with this easy-to-use ice cream maker. Its double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice, making it a convenient choice for creating customized desserts whenever the craving strikes.
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine
From authentic espresso to refreshing cold brew, The De’Longhi offers precision and convenience in one sleek package. Its advanced features and customizable settings make it ideal for coffee enthusiasts looking for variety and quality at home.
Durable and thoughtfully designed, this French press delivers smooth, grit-free coffee thanks to its unique double-filter system. Its sleek glass design offers both elegance and functionality, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers who appreciate a well-crafted brew.
Combining sleek design with superior performance, this French press features double-walled stainless steel construction for optimal heat retention. Its advanced micro-filtration ensures a clean, rich cup, making it perfect for coffee aficionados who demand the best.
Brew your favorite single-serve coffee quickly and effortlessly with this dependable and easy-to-use machine. Its compact design and wide variety of compatible pods make it a practical choice for busy mornings or offices.
Keurig K-Iced Single-Serve Coffee Maker
This innovative coffee maker is perfect for iced coffee enthusiasts, delivering perfectly chilled beverages with bold flavor in minutes. Its compact design and user-friendly operation make it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven 5.5-Quart
A timeless kitchen staple, this cast-iron Dutch oven offers superior heat distribution and retention, making it ideal for braising, baking and slow cooking. Its durable enamel coating and vibrant colors ensure it’s as beautiful as it is functional.
Made In Cast-Iron Half Griddle
This versatile cast-iron skillet delivers exceptional performance, whether you’re searing meats, frying or baking. Its naturally nonstick surface improves with use, making it an essential tool for any home chef.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
With one-touch brewing and a wide range of pod options, this machine offers premium coffee and espresso with minimal effort. Its sleek design and innovative technology make it a favorite for convenience and quality.
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker
Create custom frozen desserts, from ice cream to sorbet and milkshakes, with this versatile and user-friendly machine. Its 11 settings and easy-to-clean components make it a great choice for experimenting with flavors and textures.
Our Place Ultimate Cookware Set
This thoughtfully curated cookware set combines style, versatility and functionality, featuring pieces that are perfect for everything from frying to baking. Its nonstick, easy-to-clean surface ensures every meal is a success, while its modern design enhances any kitchen.
The 10th-generation iPad is great for watching videos, browsing the web and taking notes or working on short documents, making it a great choice for casual users, college students and kids.
The iPad Pro is a media workstation in tablet form and could conceivably be the main device of videographers, musicians, producers and artists. It might simply be overkill for any typical tablet usage and it’s very expensive, but the ability to use a thin tablet to take, edit and encode an entire movie may be a value proposition to some professionals.
Great value for an everyday smartwatch. The Apple Watch SE offers essential health tracking, seamless iPhone integration and a sleek design. It lacks some advanced features of higher-end models, but is an excellent option for most users.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is very impressive for all adventure seekers. It’s super durable, features advanced health tracking and GPS, and the brighter display is a highlight that we loved during testing.
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch Monitor
Perfect for gaming enthusiasts, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor has a high refresh rate, adaptive sync and excellent visuals. It’s durable and ergonomic, and the 27-inch display allows you to take full advantage of your favorite games.
The GoPro Hero 13 is a fantastic action camera for capturing all your adventures. It offers 5K video, live streaming and stabilization in a rugged design. If you’re one who spends time outdoors among the elements and want to capture memories, this is a great option.
Polaroid Go 2 Mini Instant Film Camera
A fun and compact option for instant photography, the Polaroid Go 2 delivers vintage-inspired photos and portability. It’s easy to use, and film can be easily bought online whenever you run out.
The Samsung Neo QLED 8K is not only an exceptional choice, but likely the nicest TV we’ve ever tested. It offers incredible picture quality, HDR and a freakishly slim design. It’s a bit pricey but delivers unmatched, industry-leading visuals that will be the latest tech for at least the next decade.
Samsung Smart Monitor M8 (M80D)
Versatile and stylish, the Samsung Smart Monitor doubles as a TV with built-in apps and vibrant visuals. It’s great for multitaskers and those who want a beautiful design. A nice bonus is that it comes with a remote to control your media.
This speaker is incredible for all audiophiles. The Sonos Era 300 delivers rich, room-filling sound with Dolby Atmos support. It offers exceptional audio quality in a modern design, and can also pair to other devices compatible with Apple AirPlay 2.
AmazonBasics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner Suitcase
With no frills, this bag excels at the basics. It’s super affordable and a great choice for those who travel lightly and need straightforward, durable luggage. The wheels felt super smooth when rolling the suitcase on hard floors.
A reliable travel companion, the Away Bigger Carry-On is durable, stylish and packed with features like USB charging. It’s slightly heavier than some alternatives but worth it for frequent travelers.
Briggs & Riley Global 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner Suitcase
Fantastic for efficient packing, this carry-on offers expandable storage, durability and a sleek design. It’s a premium choice, but excellent for business and frequent travel.
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Checked-Large 28-Inch Suitcase
A dependable option for longer vacations, the Samsonite Omni PC is durable, spacious and scratch-resistant. Its lightweight design is great for those who may have to lug around the suitcase during their travel.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Spinner Softside Suitcase
The TravelPro softside suitcase is also perfect for long trips as it offers expandable storage, premium durability and built-in USB ports. The build quality is among the industry leaders, assuring you’ll get a suitcase that lasts.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Motor 1/2" Drill/Driver
A powerful tool for heavy-duty tasks, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL is efficient, ergonomic and long-lasting. It’s a professional-grade tool, which will complete your home projects with ease.
PowRyte Electric Pressure Washer
An affordable option for outdoor cleaning. The PowRyte delivers powerful performance in a compact size. It’s great for most tasks but might not handle heavy-duty jobs as well as gas-powered models.
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit
The Ryobi Drill/Driver Kit is a reliable choice for all DIYers. It’s lightweight and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for long projects. With a solid battery life and interchangeable batteries among other Ryobi products, this is a can’t-miss tool.
Simpson Cleaning Clean Machine Gas Pressure Washer
The Simpson pressure washer offers incredible power that allows you to remove even the most heavy of messes. There are three nozzles to swap between quickly and there’s a power-adjustment lever on the handle, making it easily customizable for your cleaning jobs.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
We couldn’t love this pressure washer more during testing. We found it to be incredibly powerful, and the various nozzles offer you a variety of cleaning options. This Sun Joe is a must for any homeowner in need of a pressure washer.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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