You see, the best outdoor furniture should be transportative by design. Through both style and comfort, it can have the power to make your backyard look and feel like the most private, 5-star resort. Of course, luxury outdoor furniture doesn't come cheap, especially the styles that look the most resort-like. However, thanks to Lulu and Georgia’s Summer Sale on outdoor furniture, you can get the best and most comfortable pieces at a decent discount.

I’m always eager to turn my backyard into a vacation-worthy retreat. So below, find nine of the most stylish outdoor furniture pieces from Lulu and Georgia’s summer sale to give your patio a resort-like feel that's on trend for summer 2025.

The Lulu and Georgia summer sale only runs until July 7th, so be sure to get the best resort-worthy outdoor furnishings while they’re still available.

Looking for more ways to decorate your patio for less? We’ve got you covered. Find our patio furniture deals – from bar carts to side tables and couch sets, these outdoor deals are worth your attention.

That’s where I come in. As a chef and cookware expert, I’ve tested the best non-stick pans from the HexClad collection to help you figure out exactly which ones will suit your cooking style – and which ones might end up at the back of the cupboard as a waste of money.

For this guide, I’ve highlighted five of the best HexClad pans that will be useful for every home cook. If you're still deciding whether the HexClad brand itself is right for you, start by reading my full HexClad cookware review. There, I break down the pros, cons, and comparisons with other cookware options.

The quick list

Without further ado, let's look at the best HexClad pans – and find the right fit for you. Consider this list your cookware match-making service.

Best HexClad pans 2025

Best for steaks & searing

For sizzling excellent steaks at home, you need a flat, heavy-bottomed pan with low sides for searing. You also need space to get good caramelisation on the steak edges without steaming. Around 12 inches is ideal for two steaks, or if you tend just to cook one steak at a time, you can go down to the 10-inch size.

HexClad's tri-ply construction (stainless steel layers with an aluminum core) gives excellent heat control and distribution, which is critical for searing steak or delicate fish. The rounded edges are excellent for scooping up butter to baste the steak, and the non-stick surface allows for an easy clean-up.

This pan is also great for delicate skin-on fish recipes, like salmon teriyaki, where you want a perfectly crispy skin without sticking or falling to pieces. You can even use a metal fish slice (I use this one from Field Company), without damaging the strong non-stick interior.

It's not ideal for high volume sauces, pastas or chillis, because the sides are too low. You'll want to look at the HexClad Deep Sauté Pan for that.

Best for fried eggs & omelets

For fried eggs and omelets, the 8-inch HexClad Hybrid Fry Pan is the ideal size. In my tests, I thought it offered just the right surface area to cook 1–3 eggs with crispy, evenly cooked bases – or a single fluffy omelet, with enough room to flip or fold without breakage or undercooking.

The slightly flared sides make it easy to slide your omelets out of the pan and onto a plate. Plus, the excellent heat retention of stainless steel means you can cook on medium or low heat without compromise.

What sets this pan apart from rivals is HexClad’s laser-etched hexagonal non-stick. In my tests, my fried eggs released effortlessly, even with minimal oil or butter. So, whether you're whipping up scrambled eggs or sunny-side-ups, this pan is sure to help you get Gordon Ramsay-level results.

Best for stir-fries

If you love making stir-fries and noodle dishes, the HexClad Hybrid Wok will become your new favorite pan. Thanks to the hybrid construction, which combines stainless steel with a non-stick ceramic coating, you get the high-heat searing power of stainless steel without the stickiness.

In my tests, it handled everything from hoisin tofu to vegetable noodles with ease – nothing clung to the surface, even with minimal oil. The HexClad wok's high, curved edges and wide base allow for proper tossing and fast, even heat distribution.

One frustration was that it doesn’t come with a lid (unless you order one separately), which limits its versatility. At this price point, I do think that’s something HexClad should include. Also, it worked well on my induction stove in the test kitchen, but I took it home to try on the gas stovetop in my apartment – it wasn't balanced, fell off the grid easily and frustrated me. Something to bear in mind.

Still, if you're looking for a modern wok that is non-stick and easy to clean, this is hard to beat. It’s not traditional, but for convenience and everyday performance, the HexClad Hybrid Wok is a smart, stylish upgrade.

Best for pasta & curry sauces

The HexClad 3.3 Quart Hybrid Deep Sauté Pan is my go-to for sauces, offering the shape and depth needed for everything from quick weeknight pasta sauces to slow-simmered curries.

The tri-ply stainless steel ensures even heat distribution, while the non-stick material is non-reactive (unlike the best cast iron cookware, for example), which means it’s safe for acidic ingredients like tomatoes or citrus in Italian pasta sauces, Thai green curries, or wine-based reductions.

I also find that the non-stick performance is nice for beginners wanting to layer flavor with ease – from blooming spices to simmering onions, deglazing and reducing – without sticking or burning.

At just over 3 quarts, it actually offers plenty of space for stirring without spilling. However, I'd recommend the small saucepan with taller, narrower sides for gravies or thinner sauces that need less evaporation – and you don't really need an expensive non-stick pan for that task, but they are much easier to clean.

Best for soups & slow-cooking

If you want a HexClad pan that cooks low-and-slow dishes like stews, soups, chillis, and pot roasts, you need a Dutch oven.

I have to admit, I'm a die-hard Le Creuset fan when it comes to slow-cooking casseroles and simmering soup; but the HexClad Dutch Oven pleasantly surprised me.

Compared to a traditional cast iron Dutch oven, I found the HexClad alternative lighter and easier to handle, with the bonus of the hybrid non-stick surface that makes cleanup easier and helps prevent stuck-on bits. This is always handy when starting a dish with simmered onions, garlic, and spices. It is also much cheaper than the rival brands.

The tri-ply construction created a steady heat; I achieved nice browning on my chilli con carne mince, and the classic 5-quart capacity allowed plenty of room for stock, beans, and bunches of kale. Finally, the lid is heavy and fits tightly onto the pot, helping lock in moisture, which is essential for keeping meat tender and juicy.

How I test the best HexClad pans

I’ve tested countless pots and pans in all shapes and sizes to figure out what really suits specific recipes, because not every pan is built to do it all. A pan that’s perfect for searing a steak might be too heavy for everyday egg-frying, and something great for simmering sauces might fall short when reducing quickly. Understanding these differences is what drove my mission to uncover the best HexClad pans.

I use each piece for at around a month, putting it through real-life cooking experience – from simple weeknight dinners to more technical recipe testing. I want to know how it performs not just out of the box, but after repeated use. Too many pans appear very pretty and practical at first, then start to stick, stain, or frustrate you after time.

I deliberately test with tricky, tell-all recipes: fried eggs, paneer, tofu, halloumi, sticky sauces, and high-heat steak sears. These ingredients quickly reveal a pan’s strengths and flaws – especially when it comes to non-stick pans like HexClad. I also take notes on the space in the pan, how easy it is to flip/transfer ingredients, the heat retention, and how comfortable the pan feels in hand.

Finally, I should mention: I have a professional cookery qualification and years of experience as a food writer and recipe editor for brands like Mindful Chef and Deliciously Ella. For me, the best cookware earns its place in your kitchen by making cooking easier, not harder.

FAQS

If you’re inspired by container gardening ideas, and in particular, looking for large pots ideal for trees or large plants, it's worth bearing in mind that the style of the pot you choose will make just as much of an impact as the plant you choose to put in it. Ensuring the aesthetic of both pot and plant work in harmony is essential, and considering large planters take up a lot of space, it's worth investing in the ones you love.

Happily, we have done all the hard work for you, and found nine beautiful large planters and pots ready for summer planting. Here is our edit of the most stylish large planters to invest in right now.

9 of the best large planters to shop now

Deciding whether to buy a plant or a pot first is a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. However, it's worth ensuring the plants you pick will thrive in pots, including taking note of the best trees to grow in pots (certainly not all trees will survive or flourish in pots) and those plants you should never put in a terracotta pot (we're looking at you, azaleas!)

One of the most common container gardening mistakes is selecting the wrong-sized container. A container that is too small will restrict growth and make for a miserable plant. A container that is too large can make certain plants look a little minimized. Crucially, you should consider the mature size of what you're planting to pick the perfect pot, and if in doubt, larger is better.

If, like me, you’re a keen baker who's always hunting for the latest practical yet stylish bakeware, then you’re in the right place. We’ve also called on the help of our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia Hayman, who rigorously tests all manner of cookery products against strict criteria.

From cake pans and measuring cups, to the best stand mixers and beautiful cake stands, here are all the summer baking essentials you’ll need for this season and beyond.

1. Mixers

2. Mixing bowls

3. Measuring devices

4. Pastry essentials

5. Cake pans

6. Cake stands

Sumer baking essentials FAQs

What key appliances do you need for summer baking?

If you’re baking in large quantities, then a stand mixer is a must, plus they usually come with a number of attachments for making everything from our cherry tomato and basil oil focaccia to our light lemon cheesecake tart.

Freshly whipped cream is a staple of summer deserts, so having a good quality hand mixer is important. ‘In summer, I find myself baking fresh, fruity desserts for garden parties, picnics, and family gatherings. My most used tool is probably my Dualit hand mixer, which I use to make whipped cream for layer cakes, meringues for pavlova, and my famous dark chocolate mousse,’ says Lydia Hayman, ‘I also use the blending attachment for homemade fruit compote, which makes a nice topping or layer in a summer trifle.’

While not essential, a food processor can also come in handy, too. ‘I hate making shortcrust pastry by hand when it’s hot, so you’ll find me using my Magimix Food Processor for recipes like fruit tarts or quiches’ says Lydia..

Are stainless steel, ceramic or glass mixing bowls best for baking?

Mixing bowls come in a range of materials including stainless steel, ceramic and glass. All have their place in a baker's kitchen, but the best for you will depend on the baking task in hand.

The professionals tend to opt for stainless steel its lightweight, hygienic and extremely durable, plus it doesn't crack or chip like ceramic can. Stainless steel bowls also have great thermal properties – they can be both chilled and heated and will both retain temperatures and distribute heat evenly. They are ideal for mixing pastry dough then chilling in the fridge or for melting chocolate over a bain-marie. However, stainless steel bowls cannot be used in the microwave. Another drawback is they can slip on surfaces, so look for designs with non slip bases.

While they can chip and crack over time, ceramic bowls like Mason Cash are very durable, plus they are often heavier and easier to grip than stainless steel bowls, which can be advantageous when hand-mixing. Most ceramic bowls are also microwave safe, plus they often come in a range of colors and designs, which look better when left out on display.

Like ceramic, Pyrex glass is durable and microwave save but it also has the added benefit of being transparent – handy for checking whether wet and dry ingredients have combined, or when you are proofing dough. Glass bowls can be heated and chilled but they can scratch over time, especially if used with metal hand mixers.

What kitchen utensils will I need for summer baking?

When kitting out your culinary toolbox, it's easy to go straight for the big appliances but don't forget the small, humble kitchen utensils which are just as important. Keen bakers will want to consider a pastry cutter for working their dough, and a pastry brush like this OXO Good Grips silicone pastry brush from Amazon, for that all-important egg wash on quiches and pies before they go in the oven. A range of spatulas, such as this silicone spatula set at Amazon is essential for getting that last bit of batter out of the bowl, and a regular slotted spatula is useful for removing hot biscuits from the tray onto a cooling rack.

When it comes to the finishing touches, a small sieve or icing sugar shaker is a lovely addition to your baking essentials and a zester is wonderful for both cooking and garnishing. 'A small grater such as this Microplane grater from Amazon is a must for shavings of chocolate and citrus,' Lydia adds.

Where Homes & Gardens' shop for gorgeous summer baking essentials

• Sur La Table: founded in 1972 Sur La Table specialise in high quality stylish cookware
• Williams Sonoma: stylish quality bakeware and stylish stands, servers and kitchen textiles
• KitchenAid: makers of the ultimate in stand mixers, hand mixers and other appliances
• Amazon: a one-stop-shop for all your bakeware needs – just make sure to search well-known brands and lgood quality materials.

So if you're planning to get baking this summer make sure your essentials are in order. It's worth spending a little more to ensure you buy well and buy once, rather than going for cheaper options which need replacing every few years. Your baking essentials should last you for years to come if you choose wisely.

A totally classic print that exists both in my wardrobe and my interiors, it makes sense for me to bring stripes into my outdoor spaces too. And it seems the Wayfair Way Day Sale has arrived at just the right time – as I perused the endless pages of massive discounts on the site, I noticed that, lucky for me, stripes were a recurring pattern featured in the Wayfair outdoor sale.

Being one of the trendiest prints to bring into your backyard this summer, I thought it best to share my findings and create a roundup of my favorite picks from the sale. I've whittled it down to six striped outdoor decor and furniture picks that nail this classic outdoor decor trend.

Shop striped outdoor pieces in the Way Day sale

I was pleasantly surprised at how many chic striped pieces feature in Way Day sale this year. My six favorites feel both timeless and trendy (as stripes always do) and will bring that classic, luxury resort-like feel to your backyard.

If you're on a strict budget but want to level up other areas of your home, we've put together a list of our favorite decor and furniture picks from the Wayfair sale that will elevate any interior of any style.

I’ve been down that road, too. As a health-focused cook and appliances editor, I’ve spent years researching the safest kitchen essentials – including the best non-toxic air fryers – combining hands-on experience in the test kitchen with guidance from medical experts and toxicologists.

Many cookware products, including pots and pans, have non-stick coatings that may contain PFAS (forever chemicals). This makes them cheap to buy, grease-resistant, and easy to clean – but convenience comes at a cost. When scratched or overheated, these coatings can release harmful toxins into the air and your food, and cause major health issues. Experts like Dr. Bruce Jarnot (materials compliance expert and board-certified toxicologist) say, ‘To eliminate PFAS exposure risks in the kitchen, consumers should switch out their non-stick frying pans.’

The good news is, there are some beautifully made, non-toxic alternatives. From restaurant-worthy stainless steel to rustic cast iron, these pieces might ask a little more of you in terms of care and technique, but they give back generously: better cooking results, a longer lifespan, and, above all, peace of mind.

After months of hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons, I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic pans, skillets, and the best non-toxic cookware sets across every category. These are the safest, most reliable choices to invest in.

The quick list

If you can't wait to get cooking, this is the best non-toxic cookware. If you need more guidance, read how to choose the right cookware material for your needs and lifestyle. You'll also find more in-depth reviews on each pan further down the page.

The best non-toxic cookware 2025

Best non-toxic cookware overall

This pan is pure luxury. It’s made in Italy with five bonded layers – stainless steel on the cooking surface, a copper core for incredible heat retention, and a polished copper exterior. You can feel the quality and craftsmanship the second you pick it up. There are no cheap coatings or toxic chemicals here.

I tested Hestan's Copperbond pan at home on my gas stove and in the test kitchen on induction, and it excelled on both. It heats and cools quickly, so you have precise temperature control. My sautéed onions turned out golden and soft. My steak was beautifully seared and medium-rare inside. Even my trickiest test subject, halloumi, flipped without sticking.

The handle stays cool, and feels comfortable and well-balanced. Hestan's pan never felt bulky or awkward to maneuver.

It is surprisingly easy to clean, too. Even when I took my eye off the ball and thought I might’ve overcooked some mushrooms, the brown fond wiped off easily after a short soak. The copper exterior has developed a bit of patina over time, but I actually like that – it makes it feel lived-in and well-loved. There's a 'French-style' charm to the copper look.

The only caveat is the high price tag. But honestly, it was the standout in every test. If you're looking to invest in one beautiful, non-toxic pan that delivers every time – this is it.

Best stainless steel non-toxic cookware

Made In’s stainless steel pan brings professional-level performance to the kitchen. Simply designed and well-priced, it is non-toxic, lightweight, highly durable, and practical.

The wide, spacious surface area gives you plenty of room to cook without overcrowding, ideal for getting crispy edges on pan-seared meat or gyozas (see my picture above). Using medium heat and plenty of oil, everything lifted effortlessly.

In terms of durability, Made In's pan is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and scratching – you can use metal utensils without fear. That said, it’s not entirely fuss-free. Cooking with stainless steel does have a learning curve if you haven't used it before. You need to properly preheat the pan and add oil at the right point to prevent sticking. It’s not as forgiving as nonstick or enameled surfaces (like Le Creuset’s black satin enamel or GreenPan's ceramic pan), but if you’re patient and adjust your technique, it rewards you.

Also worth noting: while the pan is durable, it’s not immune to heat stains or discoloration over time. You’ll want to give it a good soak and polish occasionally. I’ve found that a bit of Barkeeper’s Friend, which you can pick up at Walmart keeps it looking good.

Best cast iron non-toxic cookware

Cast iron is heavier and more high-maintenance than stainless steel or ceramic, so I put off testing it for a while. But Field Company’s No. 8 skillet surprised me – it arrives pre-seasoned with organic grapeseed oil, so all you need to do is clean it, heat it, and give it a light seasoning before first use. Over time, the seasoning builds naturally, creating a non-stick surface without toxic coatings. It’s completely free from PFOA and PTFE.

The skillet is oven-safe and, hands down, the best pan I tested for baked recipes. In my tests, I made a couple of perfect frittatas. The smooth surface made sautéing onions easy (no sticking), and the egg mixture bubbled evenly across the pan – a clear sign of even heat distribution. After baking, the frittatas had crisp, golden bottoms and lifted out cleanly, ready to serve.

Yes, cast iron needs a little TLC – cleaning, drying, and re-seasoning after each use – but it’s absolutely worth it. The non-stick performance improved throughout my month of testing. But if that sounds like too much maintenance for you, the enamelled cast iron Le Creuset pan on this list might be a better fit.

Field Company is more expensive than some cast iron brands I tested, like Lodge. But I preferred the Field by a long way. The surface is smoother, it is noticeably lighter, and has a premium, vintage feel. It is heirloom quality. I brought it home from the test kitchen, and my partner has commandeered it for campfire cooking and fire pit meals.

Best enameled cast iron non-toxic cookware

I love the chic vibe of this enamelled cast iron pan from the Le Creuset brand, known for making the best Dutch ovens (which are also non-toxic, highly durable, and safe to cook in). This pan uses black satin enamel for the interior, which resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking – and doesn't require any seasoning.

The surface actually develops a patina over time, which reduces sticking. While cheap toxic non-stick pans only get worse over time, Le Creuset's Alpine Pan gets better and better.

My tests were proof of its prowess. Using medium-low heat, I got great results on sticky ingredients like tofu and halloumi, which turned out perfectly golden. The pan is very wide and shallow, so I did find it better suited to large dishes. I ended up using it mainly for crepes and paellas to feed the whole family.

It is also nice for serving dishes straight to the dinner table. The food stays warm (thanks to the heat-retentive cast iron), and it looks lovely and rustic (thanks to the wooden handle). There's a hook to hang it up on display, and of course, it is available in Le Creuset's most gorgeous colors.

In terms of maintenance, it's probably the easiest option on this list to clean (bar the ceramic Premiere pan by GreenPan). If you do end up with crispy burnt bits, a quick soak and a gentle scrub with a soft sponge is all you need to loosen them.

On the downside, it is pretty heavy (not recommended if you have mobility issues), and it might be too large for some people or stovetops. It is also pretty expensive, but has a beautiful, heirloom quality that I don't think you'll ever regret.

Best ceramic non-toxic cookware

GreenPan’s Premiere pan uses the brand's bespoke ceramic non-stick coating (Thermolon), which is reinforced with diamond particles (yes, really). It is shimmery, chip-resistant, and apparently tough enough for metal utensils, although they still recommend avoiding them.

The non-stick layer is made from natural, sand-based materials and applied without glue or additives. It’s completely free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium – so it’s as healthy as non-stick gets.

This pan truly shines when it comes to delicate ingredients. I made fried eggs, skin-on cod, and omelettes in my tests, and they all just slid across the surface. It has a weighty stainless steel bottom, but it is super lightweight, really easy to maneuver, and the handle is comfy.

I much preferred it to ceramic rivals I tested, like the original Always Pan. GreenPan's Premiere line just feels more ergonomic, sturdier, and I got crispier cooking results.

My only gripe is that oil tends to pool on the surface, rather than spreading evenly. But on the bright side, you don't need much oil at all. It wipes clean effortlessly and still looks good after a month of use. I’ve passed it to my dad for long-term testing (he fries eggs and bacon daily), so we’ll see how the non-stick holds up over time – and I’ll report back.

Best dishwasher-safe non-toxic cookware

Our Place has created a coating-free, nonstick cooking surface made without forever chemicals. They call this 'NoCo™ technology' – and it certainly works.

In my tests, the Always Pan Pro performed beautifully: food glides effortlessly, making it easy to achieve nice browning without sticking. From sizzling diced onions to browning pork mince and even sticky paneer cheese, the pan easily handled it and required minimal cleanup afterwards. I used it every night for exactly three months, with no concerns about peeling or damage over time. The titanium surface is scratch-resistant and 300% harder than stainless steel.

If you're a busy person, you'll love that this pan is dishwasher-safe. Even after multiple cycles in my dishwasher, the pan still works well. It also comes with a cleaning brush for hand-washing, which is very effective for scooping up leftover fond. Our Place do recommend seasoning after cleaning to keep the pan at peak performance, so it is not entirely maintenance-free.

If you are all about aesthetics, you will also love the polished, professional look: it's lovely on display, just as long as you keep it clean. My pan now has some stains on the exterior, which are a little unsightly.

My main criticism is that the pan is cumbersome, since it is made of tri-ply titanium and stainless steel. I found it way too heavy for tasks like tossing stir-fries or pastas. If you’ve got weak wrists like me, you might prefer something more lightweight, like the Made In stainless steel pan (which is also cheaper and half the weight).

Best non-toxic cookware sets

If you have come to the heart-sinking realization you need to replace a whole set of peeling and unsafe Teflon pans, you are not alone. Here are the only non-toxic cookware sets I recommend. They will stand the test of time.

How to choose the best non-toxic cookware

I have outlined the best non-toxic cookware from my tests above, but you may well be thinking: ok, but how do I actually choose the right material for my needs? Here's some context to help you decide on the best fit for your lifestyle.

Stainless steel is a favorite for professional chefs and keen home cooks. It is safe, lightweight, practical, oven-compatible, and tough enough to handle metal utensils. It excels at browning and building flavor for pan sauces. The material is also non-reactive, meaning it doesn't alter the flavor of acidic foods, like tomato pasta sauces or wine-infused dishes (which can sometimes be a problem with cast iron).

It is almost perfect, but stainless steel cookware does require a little technique, which might be an adjustment for beginners. It needs proper preheating and oiling to prevent food from sticking (I've written a simple guide on how to any any pan non-stick). If you're wondering how to clean stainless steel, hand-washing is best if you want it to stay at peak performance. I can promise you, once you get the hang of it, stainless steel is incredibly versatile, reliable, and above all, safe. It suits most people.

Steel-lined copper is a match for passionate home cooks or pros who want total control. These pans have a stainless steel interior (like we talked about above), but they have copper cores and exteriors, which react instantly to changes in temperature. This is ideal for precision work, like searing scallops, emulsifying butter-based sauces, or gently tempering chocolate. Like stainless steel, there is a slight learning curve. Copper gets hot fast and cools quickly, so it rewards attentive, confident cooking. It's worth the effort. It is, without doubt the most stunning non-toxic cookware you can buy. It has become a real status symbol in kitchens of late. You'll just want to use a copper polish like Wright's Copper Cleaner Cream from Walmart, to keep it looking timeless.

Ceramic non-stick is your match if you’re accustomed to Teflon pans and you're not quite ready to give up that slippery, non-stick performance. It doesn't require any technique at all to get good results. Even though I'm a trained chef (and I love my stainless steel and cast iron pans), I tend to use a small ceramic non-stick pan for delicate fried eggs and skin-on fish. Ceramic non-stick also requires less oil, so it can be a good option for health-conscious cooks. However, they aren't generally thought of as 'lifetime' pans and can be quite expensive purchases for a mere few years of good use. Swings and roundabouts.

Cast iron is a classic culinary icon that people have used for centuries. Your grandma probably has one that she could hand down to you; it's pretty traditional! Cast iron becomes naturally nonstick when seasoned properly, which is perfect for sautéeing and searing. It excels at baking, roasting, and open-flame cooking, so I recommend it to keen campers or anyone with an outdoor kitchen. However, it is hefty and requires seasoning with oil after every use to keep it working. That's easy, but it might not suit more casual cooks. If it's poorly seasoned and not used often, you risk a metallic taste when you cook acidic ingredients or stuck-on food.

Enamelled cast iron is made for fuss-free cooks. It offers the same impressive heat retention as raw cast iron, but with a glossy, easier-to-clean surface that doesn’t require seasoning or regular upkeep. Le Creuset is the most well-known brand for enamel cast iron, famed for its colorful options and excellent results on braised meats. I highly recommend this option to families who love one-pan meals and oven-to-table serving.

Titanium 'No Coating' (unique to the Our Place Titanium Always Pan) is a newer option for cooks who want non-stick effects without nasty coatings. It is basically a grooved titanium surface that’s naturally slick and free of PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE. Unlike ceramic pans, which can wear down over time, or Teflon, which can degrade at high heat, this option is durable. You can use metal utensils, high heat, and even toss it in the dishwasher without compromising the pan's quality. It is a very versatile advancement in the non-toxic cookware world and suits busy cooks who don't want any fuss.

How I tested

The best non-toxic cookware has to check all the boxes: versatility, manageable weight, brilliant cooking performance, ease of cleaning, and crucially, zero toxicity.

First, I researched the market and spoke to toxicologists/medical experts to find the brands you can rely on to be safe and healthy. To create this guide, I took 16 pans from recommended brands to my test kitchen to try them on the induction hob. I took the winners from that initial round home with me for long-term testing on my gas stove.

I used each pan for a month to see how it fares over time. I've owned many pots and pans that have been great out of the box, but after prolonged use, they start to stick and destroy my ingredients. There's nothing worse than this, especially when you've forked out your hard-earned cash and need to buy a replacement.

When I'm testing, I'm looking for a pan that can handle everything: from frying an egg to searing a steak with a perfect crust. It should feel balanced in your hand – not so heavy it’s hard to lift, but substantial enough to retain heat evenly for consistent cooking.

I like to test notoriously sticky or delicate recipes, including tofu and sticky cheese like halloumi or paneer. I assess how these work in the pan and the mess they leave afterwards – because no one wants to scrub endlessly after dinner.

Also, I should mention: I trained at a professional cookery school. I'm now a food writer, product tester and recipe editor, and I've worked with some of the world's leading recipe companies, from Mindful Chef to Deliciously Ella. So, I do have exacting standards.

Meet the tester

Meet the experts

FAQS

So, to break down the bedding buzzwords, I've compiled a glossary of all the terminology I use on a daily basis, arranged A to Z for ease of access. Whether you want to learn more about particular materials or methods of manufacture, I've got you covered.

As the resident Sleep Editor at Homes & Gardens, I spend my days window-shopping the best places to buy bedding, and I spend my nights testing sheets, duvets, and pillows from the comfort of my own bed. I've learned to speak the language of the bedding industry: let me teach you.

Bedding jargon buster – my expert A to Z

From Supima cotton to Merino wool, these are all the words you need to know before you shop the bedding sales. Where relevant, I've linked out to more detailed explainers on each of these topics, so that you can better understand the bedding industry.

• Baffle-box construction: a method of making comforters. A thin strip of fabric (a 'baffle') is stitched between the top and bottom layers of the comforter to create small fabric pockets (or 'boxes'). Instead of slipping and sliding inside the comforter, creating lumps, bumps, and cold patches, the fill is confined to the baffle-boxes for a more even look and feel.
• Bamboo: one of the most popular bed sheet types. Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial to bust the bacteria that breed in hot, sticky environments, bamboo is a great option for hot sleepers and eco-conscious shoppers.
• Bed skirt: a decorative piece of fabric that flows from the top of the bed down to the floor. A great way to disguise box springs or bed frame legs, and keep dust from building up under the bed. Also known as a valance or a dust ruffle.
• Bedspread: a type of bed cover that drapes over the bed and drops down to the floor. A finishing decorative touch and an extra layer of warmth.

• Comforter: a thick, quilted bed covering, filled with down or down alternative and wrapped in a fabric shell. The difference between a comforter and a duvet is that a duvet comprises two parts – the insert and the cover − whereas a comforter is one integrated piece.
• Cotton percale: a crisp, cool weave, the sort you tend to find in high-end hotels. Woven one-thread-over, one-thread-under, cotton percale is breathable and durable, able to withstand cycles in the washing machine, but it doesn't feel as smooth as cotton sateen.
• Cotton sateen: a smooth, silky weave. Woven three-threads-over, one-thread-under, cotton sateen is a tight weave, designed to retain heat. Less suitable for hot sleepers but ideal for winter weather. All those exposed threads catch the light to create a lustrous sheen.
• Coverlet: a lightweight decorative bed covering, thinner than a quilt or comforter. Ideal for hot sleepers and summer nights, or as an additional layer during cooler months.

• Down: the soft, fluffy undercoating on ducks and geese, used as fill for comforters and duvets. Naturally adapted for insulation, so ideal for cold sleepers and winter weather. Plenty of natural loft for a nice, puffy bedspread.
• Duvet: a thick bed covering, filled with down or down alternative. Designed to be used with a separate, removable fabric cover: the duvet case. When it comes to duvets vs comforters, duvets are warmer and weightier, and often more expensive.
• Egyptian cotton: a species of cotton plant, also known as Gossypium Barbadense, which grows exclusively in the fertile soil of the River Nile. Egyptian cotton is made from long, strong, fine fibers which create luxurious sheets.
• Eucalyptus: a popular material for bed sheets. Naturally moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic with a soft, silky texture. Often processed into Tencel.

• Fill power: a number that indicates the quality of down, measured in cubic inches per ounce. The more space down takes up inside a duvet or comforter, the higher the fill power, which indicates greater loft and insulating efficiency. The best warm comforter would have a high fill power, while the best cooling comforter would have a lower fill power.
• Fitted sheet: a sheet that covers the top and sides of a mattress. Often comes with elasticated corners for a secure fit. Also known as a bottom sheet.
• Flat sheet: a rectangular sheet that layers on top of a fitted sheet and beneath a comforter or duvet. An additional layer for warmth or decoration. Also known as a top sheet.
• Flax: a flowering plant used to make linen. Flax fibers are entirely hollow, which makes linen ultra-breathable.

• GSM: a measurement of the weight of a fabric. Stands for 'grams per square meter'. The higher the GSM, the thicker and denser the fabric. The best cooling sheets are lightweight, with a lower GSM, while the best warm bed sheets would have a higher GSM.
• Housewife pillowcase: simply sewn with a straight edge that fits neatly around a pillow. Often features an internal flap to keep the pillow inside the case. Also known as a standard pillowcase.
• Linen: a popular material for bedding. Woven from the strong, hollow fibers of the flax plant, linen is breathable and durable. Word to the wise: even the best linen sheets are prone to wrinkling, but I'd encourage you to embrace the creases as part of linen's natural charm.
• Mattress pad: a cross between a mattress protector and a mattress topper. A thin, padded layer that goes on top of a mattress to guard against sweat, spills, and stains and enhance the look and feel of your mattress.

• Nurse's tuck: a bed-making technique by which the flat sheet is diagonally folded and tightly tucked beneath the mattress, creating a smooth surface. Also known as 'hospital corners' or 'military corners'. If you want to learn how to make a bed the right way, it's worth learning how to do a nurse's tuck.
• Oxford pillowcase: features a fabric border or wide-stitched hem around the edge to make a pillow look larger and fluffier.
• Pillow protector: a removable cover that wraps around a pillow and goes inside a pillowcase. Designed to extend the life of your pillow and protect it from spills, stains, dust, dirt, and dander.
• Sham: a pillowcase used for decorative purposes, rather than practical ones. Often embroidered and open at the back, rather than the end.

• Supima cotton: a brand name for Pima cotton, which is sown and grown in the USA. Supima cotton has extra-long fibers, which hold color well and make strong, soft sheets. Supima cotton is pill-resistant and naturally moisture-wicking, so it's a good option for hot sleepers.
• Tencel: a semi-synthetic fabric made from eucalyptus wood pulp. Thermoregulating and moisture-wicking, with a smooth and silky finish, Tencel is another good option for hot sleepers. The best Tencel sheets feel truly cold to the touch.
• Thread count: a measurement of the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. The sum of warp threads (which run vertically) and weft threads (which run horizontally). Try not to set too much store by the best thread count: often, high thread counts are the results of two-ply or multi-ply yarns, which feel thin and flimsy.
• Tog rating: a measurement of the warmth of a duvet or comforter on a relative scale of 1 to 15. Stands for 'Thermal Overall Grade'. If you want to work out 'what duvet tog do I need?', you should consider your sleep style and the turn of the seasons.

• Quilt: a multi-layered bed covering, comprising a decorative top layer, a durable back layer, and an insulating middle layer (filled with cotton, wool, synthetic fibers, or similar).
• Wool: a fiber that comes from the fleece of sheep, goats, alpacas, or similar. Often used in pillows or comforters as a natural moisture-wicker.
• Weave: the way in which threads and fibers are interlaced to create fabric. The weave pattern is made up of vertical warp threads and horizontal weft threads.

Once you've bought the best bedding, it might be time to make the ultimate upgrade: a new mattress. Don't be caught out by unfamiliar terminology: just use our mattress jargon buster to break down the buzzwords.

First, I browse all the best places to buy bedding, including Brooklinen, Woolroom, and Boll & Branch, to choose the comforters I want to test. Then, I match each comforter to a member of my expert testing team. Together, we represent a wide range of ages and sleep styles and we live right across the country, in all sorts of climates. I'll send cooling comforters to hot sleepers, warming comforters to cold sleepers, and so on.

We assess each comforter against the same criteria: look and feel; cooling; and ease of care. We also consider the practicalities of buying a comforter, from the range of weights and sizes available to the details of delivery and the care instructions, as well as the all-important price. A comforter must score highly across the board or excel in certain areas to rank in our best duvet inserts buying guide.

How we test comforters – our expert review process explained

Our experts sleep under comforters for eight hours a night, seven nights a week, for a minimum of 30 nights before we publish our initial reviews. This amounts to hundreds of hours of testing in real home environments to give you an accurate indication of long-term performance.

Look and feel

Once we've made the bed, we consider the look and feel of the comforter. We're interested in the fill inside the insert as well as the fabric shell.

Some of the best places to buy comforters offer multiple warmth levels: typically, some variation on Lightweight, All-Season, and Ultra-Warm. We want to gauge the weight of the comforter on our body: whether it feels light and airy or warm and fluffy.

Running our hands over the fabric shell, we're feeling for snags from feather filaments or clumps of fiberfill. Some comforters are wrapped in cotton percale, which feels cool and crisp, where others are wrapped in cotton sateen, which feels smooth and silky.

When you buy bedding bundles that include duvet covers alongside flat and fitted sheets, you might find fabric shells made from linen, bamboo, eucalyptus, or any number of materials. Our job is to describe the look and feel of the fabric shell so that you get the fullest possible picture of what it might look like to use this product.

We're also interested in the construction of the comforter: the quality of stitching at the seams and the choice of baffle-box versus box-stitch designs to keep the fill in place. The best comforters feature evenly distributed fill, so there are no lumps, bumps or cold patches.

Cooling

Whether you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes, or you live in a warm climate, or you're shopping for a summer bedspread, you should consider the best cooling comforter.

Conversely, if you live in a cold climate or you want to cuddle up under a winter duvet, I suggest you shop for the best warm comforter.

To assess the thermoregulation of a duvet insert, we switch off our HVAC systems to sleep through all weathers, from heatwaves to cold snaps, noting down any nights we wake up in a sweat.

Both the fill type and the fabric case impact the thermoregulation of a comforter. Down is designed to retain heat to keep birds warm, so it's no surprise that a down duvet insert gets a little stuffy in the summer. Down alternative is a catch-all term, encompassing everything from moisture-wicking wool to heat-trapping microfiber: how hot or cold your comforter feels will depend on the specific type of down alternative. As a general rule, natural fibers are more breathable than synthetic materials, so I recommend cotton, linen, bamboo, or eucalyptus cases for hot sleepers.

Ease of care

We strip the bed and clean the comforter according to its care instructions before making up the bed again. We're assessing washability: how easy the comforter is to wash and dry and whether the look and feel changes after a quick spin in the washing machine.

If we're working with a duvet insert, rather than a duvet comforter, then we want to know easy it is to attach the duvet case. We experiment with corner loops and duvet tabs, documenting how long it takes to strip and remake the bed.

Practical points

Beneath the product listing, we're looking for badges from trusted third parties to certify the quality of materials and manufacture. For a down comforter, that might be the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures humane treatment of animals and workers from farm to factory. For a down alternative comforter, it might be the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) to certify the materials in the fabric case.

We're also interested in the noise levels of a comforter. If you've ever slept with a cheap bedding set, you know what I'm talking about: the rustling sound of the duvet fill slipping around inside the insert. The best comforters are silent when they move.

We consider the practical aspects of shopping for bedding, including the range of colors and sizes available.

Finally, we consider the performance of the comforter against its price to help you determine value for money. I suggest you set a minimum and maximum spend before you start shopping. Personally, I wouldn't spend less than $100 on a Queen-sized comforter. Much lower, and you're likely working with cheap, synthetic materials that will trap heat and sweat. It's worth noting that thicker, winter-weight comforters are often more expensive than summer inserts, because they have a higher fill power.

Only you know what kind of comforter you need: lightweight and airy or warm and fluffy. Before you buy, stop to consider your sleep needs and consult my comforter buying rules to make sure you're getting value for money.

As more homes than ever boast hard floors, these combo cleaners are rightly creeping onto wish lists and why not? Now, one powerful appliance can vacuum solids, clean up liquid spills, mop the floors and even remove dried-on stains.

I'm Homes & Gardens' home tech editor, and my team of product testers and I have so far put 65 of the best vacuums through their paces in our extensive review process, and these the three best vacuum-mops you can buy right now.

The best vacuum-mop combos in 2025

The best vacuum-mop combo

I've spent over 150 hours testing vacuum cleaners, and the Dreame H14 Pro is the best vacuum-mop combo I've ever used. It's hard to ask for more from this kind of cleaner as it never struggled to clean the various messes I threw at it. It's easy to use, is packed full of smart features, and looks sleek and modern in the home.

Milk and cereal is one of the trickier tests for a vacuum-mop, but the Dreame H14 Pro outperformed all others and deep cleaned the floor in just two passes. Other vacuum-mop combos I tested took at least 3-5 passes, and some even struggled to get it all without me having to place the vacuum head on each individual piece of cereal.

This excellence was the case for every cleaning test I put the Dreame H14 Pro through. When cleaning ketchup, mustard and pasta sauce, the vacuum cleared it all in a complete forward-and-backward pass. When tackling a broken egg, it managed it quickly and without any mess leaking out. Other vacuums can get caught out by the egg's thick, greasy consistency, which can occasionally cause a clog and be the reason a vacuum loses suction power.

More generally, the H14 Pro is a breeze to use. You can understand what all the features do in a matter of minutes, and when cleaning it effortlessly glides across the floor without being too slippery to lose control. It can also lie completely flat to reach under furniture, one of the harder cleaning tasks, with a handle that's designed to be used at this angle.

Its self-cleaning function and self-drying cycle are thorough, taking an hour to fully dry the roller after a clean. This is paramount when it comes to preventing the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Other vacuum-mop combos in this guide do a much faster drying cycle which is more efficient, but won't give them the appropriate treatment to dry completely.

Much like the the majority of the best cordless vacuum cleaners, this can run for 40 minutes on a single charge, which is also the standard for vacuum-mops. The only drawbacks I found during testing were that the floors were more slippery after cleaning than other models, and the roller became stained during my mustard test, and neither continuous use nor repeated cleaning cycles removed it. But the rollers are used temporarily anyway and your first replacement is included in the box.

Find more info and videos in our full Dreame H14 Pro review.

Runner-up best vacuum-mop combo

The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro is a comprehensive vacuum-mop that can clean almost as well as the Dreame H14 Pro, just a little slower.

It cleaned up the messes from my five tests easily and mostly effortlessly. It particularly stood out when it cleaned up after the Dyson WashG1 which, when attempting to vacuum the broken egg, became clogged up and leaked dirty liquid all over the floor. I'd attempted to clean it four more times with the Dyson and the same happened each time, but the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro vacuumed the broken egg and all of the buckets of murky water the Dyson had left behind with no fuss whatsoever.

The Dyson also spread mustard across the floor while the Tineco vacuumed it in one pass without leaving any residue behind. The ketchup and pasta sauce were vacuumed from the hardwood floors almost instantly, too.

The solid pieces of the broken egg and cereal posed a slight challenge for the S7 Pro, but it still managed to completely clear all mess after just a few more passes. So while it might not be as efficient as the Dreame H14 Pro above, there's still no mess it can't handle. It does, however, leave the floor much drier than the Dreame after cleaning, which is a bonus.

It also propels itself forward while you're vacuuming, in a way that makes its gliding effortless rather than difficult to control. It has a slick appliance, and even reclines itself with an almost-satisfying smooth motion compared to the clunkier mechanisms of other models. It isn't the most flexible however and doesn't come close to being able to lay flat and get under items that need cleaning.

All the info you need is clearly visible on the LED screen and it even detects what's on your floors so you know when it's done cleaning. Its red 'mess' ring will gradually return to 'clean' blue once you've vacuumed and mopped the floors fully.

With a retail price of $699.99, it costs just as much as the Dreame H14 Pro above. Consider what's more important: more efficient cleaning and flexibility, or drier floors faster?

Find more info and videos in our full Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review.

Value pick vacuum-mop combo

The Tineco Floor One Stretch S6 is the predecessor to the S7 Pro above, and the two vacuums are identical in terms of their LED screens, runtime, charge time and cleaning modes. But where the S7 Pro excels in its cleaning performance, the Stretch S6 shines in its flexibility.

It's called the 'Stretch' S6 because it can lay completely flat, but what separates it from others that do this (like the Dreame H14 Pro), is that it automatically adjusts the power to avoid any loss in suction. Tineco also built the clean water tank into the floorhead so that the water source is uninterrupted when in this position.

The Tineco Floor One Stretch S6 was able to clean every mess I threw at it, just a little less efficiently than the others in this guide. It cleaned ketchup, mustard and pasta sauce after a single forward-and-backward pass, but struggled to vacuum egg shell pieces as quickly. The floorhead opening is narrower than others (see our vacuum jargon buster for more detailed explanation of these terms), which explains why the large pieces need repeated vacuuming so the brushroll can crush them down first.

I found a similar performance with milk and cereal, where the milk was vacuumed immediately but the cereal was pushed around until I eventually lifted and dropped the vacuum on each piece to get the last of it. But even though it can be a bit slow, it can still handle all the things you can clean with a wet/dry vacuum. It's also worth noting that these standardized tests help us find out everything the vacuum's capable of, but might not be reflective of the typical daily floor cleaning you'll be doing at home most of the time.

If you have any back, hip or knee pain, and struggle to bend or crouch down, it's worth knowing this vacuum-mop's water tank is located in the floorhead. You'll therefore need to use your own container to fill up the clean water tank as it can't be positioned under a kitchen faucet.

Otherwise, I'm a big fan of the Stretch S6, and if you want to spend $100 less than the other two top performers in this guide, look no further.

Find more info and videos in our full Tineco Floor One Stretch S6 review.

How to choose the best vacuum-mop combo

Finding the right vacuum-mop combo is a little different to knowing how to choose a vacuum cleaner. It's a relatively new type of cleaning appliance so there isn't as much choice on the market compared to the hundreds of upright, cordless and canister vacuums available.

For the most part, they're quite similar. Your decision will therefore largely come down to the water tank size, the appliance's flexibility, cleaning performance and whether you want smart features or not.

If you have a big home and plan to use the vacuum-mop to clean the whole house in one session, you'll need a large water tank, otherwise you'll be taking breaks to re-fill it. Look for water tanks above 25 fluid ounces; all of the options in this guide are higher than that and I've used them for extensive cleaning sessions without running out.

It's also worth looking at battery life. Unlike the best cordless vacuums that are used for much more (like cleaning curtains and vacuuming furniture), you're only using it on hard floors. I can clean my home's 1100 sq. ft. of hard flooring in under 30 minutes, but if your home is particularity big, aim for 40-60 minutes of runtime.

Flexibility is important if your home has lots of furniture and tight spaces. I can confirm that it's a bit of a nightmare reaching under a table with a rigid cleaner, so look out for easy tilting, easy turning and the ability to lay flat if you'll need to clean under furniture. The Dyson WashG1, while not being the best cleaner, was an absolute breeze to use in this way.

Smart features can range from sensing what's on your floors (akin to Dyson's laser vacuums) to smartphone connectivity. In all honesty, I don't see much value in using an app for a wet floor cleaner, but if you enjoy having greater control over your cleaning modes, it'll help. Floor detection is absolutely worth it if you can afford the luxury, as knowing when your floor is clean and using a vacuum that automatically adjusts based on how dirty the floor is will make cleaning much easier.

Cleaning performance can't be assumed from a product page, as most brands will claim theirs cleans better than the competitors. For this, you'll need to read reviews and see it in action, which is why at Homes & Gardens we run five tests for each and film the results.

How we test

You can read about our complete testing methodology at our dedicated page on how we test vacuums.

We run the same five cleaning tests for every vacuum-mop combo:

• 1 tablespoon of ketchup. Ketchup is a classic household mess that's chemically similar to many of the sauces we regularly spill.
• 1 tablespoon of mustard. Mustard leaves a stubborn oily residue that can make stain removal a nightmare.
• 2 tablespoons of chunky tomato and vegetable pasta sauce. Shows how well a vacuum can handle a combined mixture of liquid and solid matter.
• 1 egg, dropped from 5 feet. One of the toughest tests because of the egg's thick and greasy consistency and the large shell pieces that some models struggle to vacuum.
• 1 cup of milk and cereal. The small, light cereal pieces can easily be pushed or flung around, and this test checks whether you can expect this in your home.

Aside from the cleaning tests, we evaluate each vacuum-mop combo's ease of use, how much effort is required to fill and empty the water tanks, and how effective the smart features are. If a model has unique features like a smartphone app or extra cleaning modes, we assess whether they're luxuries, gimmicks or absolutely worth the spend.

FAQs

Do vacuum-mop combos really work?

Yes, and in my experience as a floorcare appliance tester, they're absolutely worth it. They're not quite multi-purpose enough to replace your traditional upright vacuum or cordless vacuum, but for any home with mostly hard floors, it's a gamechanger. Vacuuming and mopping simultaneously using a machine that does most of the work for you can actually make cleaning fun!

What are the cons of a vacuum-mop combo?

The main drawbacks are cost and versatility. Spending $100s on an appliance that can only clean your floors might feel a little excessive, when you can buy a vacuum cleaner for less that can tackle floors, furniture, curtains, shelves and your car. But as the vacuum-mop market continues to grow, we'll see more budget-friendly options appear, and perhaps some newer features to tackle other surfaces around the house – as we have done with the best carpet cleaners for pets.

Next, discover more smart home cleaning tools, and how to clean floors efficiently with a steam mop.

To lean into these occasions and make them truly special, I reached out to the pros: award-winning chefs like Richard Sandoval, my favorite culinary couple and date-night cookbook authors, Katherine and Randy Feltis, and even my own friendship group of talented, personal chefs. With their help, I’ve curated the ultimate guide to creating a restaurant-quality experience at home.

From the perfect frying pan for sizzling steak and lobster to pretty table decor that sets the mood, here are twelve must-haves to elevate your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) celebration.

Chef essentials for creating a romantic Valentine's dinner

With these chef-approved essentials and a little love in every detail, you’re well on your way to creating a Valentine’s dinner that rivals any restaurant experience.

So, pour a homemade cocktail, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy cooking, dining, and relaxing with your loved ones in the comfort of your own home. I hope it might even become your Valentine's tradition for years to come.

I'm Homes & Gardens' home tech editor, and my team of product testers and I have reviewed 71 of the world's best vacuum cleaners, including more than half of the Miele vacuums currently available (with the rest on the way soon). The vacuums we're yet to review are older models, which have been succeeded by the ones in this guide.

Here, I reveal which Miele vacuum is right for your home based on the results from our rigorous review process, where we put the best Miele vacuums through their paces in our test center, our own homes, and in a local pet shelter with an abundance of fur and pet dander to clean up.

The best Miele vacuum cleaners in 2025

The best cordless Miele vacuum

Despite being the lower-range option in Miele's cordless lineup, the Miele Duoflex HX1 is one of the best cordless vacuums thanks to its almost flawless cleaning performance and more accessible price point.

The Duoflex uses a universal floorhead that allows it to work as a great multi-surface vacuum without having to swap out the attachments each time you pass from one floor to another. I found it worked amazingly in our flour and sugar tests, which can bamboozle some of our most expensive and best robot vacuums. It didn't matter what surface I was vacuuming with the Miele, it excelled same either way.

It also means that you don't have to worry about vacuuming hardwood floors as the brushroll is safe to use on the delicate surface. And surprisingly, the gentle brushes are still effective to deep clean carpets, as it easily vacuumed powders, large debris and pet hair from different-pile carpets in one or two passes, every time.

When I tested the Duoflex in a local pet shelter, it vacuumed up more hair than I could visibly see (as evident from the massive amounts in the dustbin), and more than the Miele Triflex HX2, which is the more expensive counterpart to the Duoflex.

Interestingly, the Miele Triflex HX2 is said to be the step-up from the Duoflex, and its cleaning performance is slightly improved compared to the Duoflex. But it costs hundreds more, and the Duoflex is lighter, more flexible to maneuver, and more effective when vacuuming pet hair. The Triflex did surpass the Duoflex when vacuuming dust, powders and large crumbs, and it does have a more premium feel to it, but I recommend the Duoflex to save yourself some money.

The Duoflex did struggle a little to vacuum large pieces of debris on hard floors without flinging them around, but this can easily be avoided by removing the floorhead and using just the intake nozzle. The suction power is strong enough to clear messes in this way.

Read more in my full Miele Duoflex HX1 review.

The best Miele bagless canister vacuum

One of the major advantages of the Cat & Dog model of the Miele Blizzard CX1 is the extra TurboTeQ floorhead. All Blizzard CX1 models come with the standard AllTeQ (or EcoTeQ if you're in the UK), but the TurboTeQ is designed specifically for carpets and hair – and it works like a dream on both.

This vacuum cleaner has seriously high suction power. Even if it's not on the highest setting, when it's turned on you can feel the pull of air surrounding the intake nozzle. And when vacuuming carpet, you can feel just how firmly it's suctioned to the floor.

The Blizzard CX1 is one of the best vacuums for carpet from our vacuum tests, pulling flour, sugar, dust, dirt, large debris and hair out of different-pile carpets with complete ease.

The performance wasn't quite as seamless on hard floors, notably because the EcoTeQ floorhead isn't wide enough to deal with large amounts of mess. I found that, instead of using it to vacuum large pieces or large volumes of flour and sugar, it worked better by removing the floorhead and relying on the strong suction power coming through the intake nozzle. This always did the trick.

If you're a pet owner, the Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog might be what you've been waiting for. I tested the canister vacuum in a local pet shelter and it worked incredibly well vacuuming pet hair on every surface I used it on, whether low-pile carpet, thick rug, hard floors, upholstery or entrance matting. On hard floors, I saw as hair was being pulled in from inches away from the floorhead.

It is a little expensive however, and if you're not prepared to fork out the $999 for this model, there's a more affordable alternative in the Miele Blizzard CX1 PureSuction PowerLine for $629, but you don't get the TurboTeQ floorhead. Or, I've also tested the Miele Boost CX1, which wasn't quite as capable as the Blizzard CX1, but still a powerful vacuum nonetheless.

Read more in my full Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog review.

The best Miele bagged canister vacuum

Even years after its release, this is still the best of the best Miele vacuums. That also makes it incredibly expensive, and at more than $1,200, this is the priciest non-robot vacuum cleaner we've ever reviewed at H&G.

Any vacuum that uses dust bags has tight filtration, and the Miele Complete C3 is a great way to avoid ever having to be hands-on with the dust particles that you collect. The dust bag provides an extra layer of filtration on top of the vacuum's HEPA filter, as well as a specialized charcoal filter that neutralized odors and traps more than 99.9% of lung-damaging and allergy-inducing particles.

This does, however, mean that you'll be investing in dust bags for as long as you use the vacuum (they typically last around half a year).

The Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog has the highest suction power of any Miele vacuum, utilizing 1200 watts of power on the highest setting. It has six suction modes that you activate using foot switches, compared to other Miele canister vacuums with four modes that you have to stoop down to select using a dial.

This vacuum is generally regarded as one of the best vacuums for pet hair thanks to its incredible suction power. 'It was quick and effective and the lack of motorized brush roll meant that there was no gross job of de-tangling hair afterwards. All of the hair was sucked straight into the bag, and there was no hot hair smell, either,' head of eCommerce Alex David wrote in his review.

Like the Blizzard CX1, it struggles with large volumes of mess, but this is down to the size of the floorhead rather than the vacuum's performance. 'It performed perfectly on wood floors, gliding over the surface and picking up everything easily without pushing it around,' he added. On carpets, the TurboTeQ floorhead cleaned all messes exceptionally well.

Read more in our full Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog review.

How to choose a Miele vacuum cleaner

We have a more general guide on how to choose a vacuum cleaner for your home's needs. But when it comes to Miele vacuums specifically, you need to consider the type of vacuum cleaner, the attachments included, and what exactly you're paying for.

Miele only produce canister vacuums, cordless vacuums and robot vacuums. Their cordless and robot ranges are relatively recent, launching in 2020 and 2014 respectively, while they've been making canister vacuums since 1931.

This is why Miele's lineup of canister vacuums are among the best, and also among the most expensive in the consumer market. Miele is known to be a premium appliance brand and that means their products come with hefty price tags, so it's important to know what you're paying for.

Their vacuums have super-tight filtration, making them some of the best HEPA vacuums for allergies available. They also have a wide range of attachments that you can buy individually across different Miele vacuums (these aren't cheap either), meaning you can pick and choose where to spend your money depending on the cleaning needs of your home.

If your home has pets and/or a lot of carpet, for example, you'll need the TurboTeQ floorhead. If your home is mostly hard floors, particularly delicate ones like wood or tile, the SwivelNeck parquet floorhead will be best to invest in to protect the gentle surfaces.

When you browse all Miele vacuums, it can be confusing understanding the differences between the models. There actually aren't too many different vacuum cleaners available from Miele, the different versions represent a different set of attachments. For example:

• The Miele Boost CX1 is the standard edition, with the vacuum cleaner itself and only the essential attachments: floorhead, crevice tool, upholstery tool and dusting brush. These same attachments are included in every Boost Cx1 model but others have additional ones.
• The Miele Boost CX1 Parquet includes the Twister parquet brush for cleaning delicate hard floors.
• The Miele Boost CX1 Cat & Dog includes the TurboBrush for cleaning carpets and pet hair.

All Miele vacuums follow a similar format, with the standard model including one floorhead and the basic attachments, and all other versions including additional attachments for more specialized cleaning. Once you've found the vacuum you want, compare the attachment sets of each model to see which is best suited to your home.

Miele currently only have three cordless vacuums: the Duoflex HX1, the Triflex HX1 and the Triflex HX2.

The Triflex HX2 is essentially an upgrade from the Triflex HX1, with increased suction power, a power boost mode, and a digital motor that makes it quieter. But otherwise, they're designed the same way in a 3-in-1 configuration (that I cover in more detail in my Triflex HX2 Pro review).

That's also the main difference between the Triflex vacuums and the Duoflex HX1. The Duoflex is more like what you'd expect from a cordless vacuum, with detachable parts, a slim, lightweight design and two suction modes. Like with the canister vacuums, these cordless vacs are available in a range of models that include varying sets of attachments.

We haven't yet tested their robot vacuum cleaner, the Miele Scout RX3, but it's also available in three versions, with the most expensive offering a live image feed of your home.

How we test Miele vacuums

You can learn more about how we test vacuums at our full page. When it comes to testing Miele vacuums in particular, we try to test as many of the lineup as we can get our hands on (presently, that's most of them).

I test Miele vacuums in our test center using standardized amounts of flour, sugar, cereal and lentils, to observe and compare how well each vacuum can handle different-sized particles and common household messes. Flour and sugar also work as a fantastic visual test to see where particles get stuck within the vacuum's parts and to see what it leaves behind, as well as working as a proxy for dust and dead skin.

I also test the vacuums in my own home, using the attachments in real-world environments to vacuum my baseboards, stairs and furniture.

Then, I test the vacuums in a local pet shelter, Bristol ARC, to assess their performance on large amounts of pet hair and the mess found in a busy establishment with lots of foot traffic.

Meet the team

FAQs

What Miele vacuum is the most powerful?

If you're looking at canister vacuums, the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog is the most powerful Miele vacuum in their range. It uses 1200 watts to deliver massive suction power, so much that it managed to suction itself to a linoluem floor during testing on the highest setting.

The Miele Triflex HX2 Pro is the most powerful Miele vacuum in their cordless range, and I experienced this first-hand with some of the best cleaning performance I've ever seen in a vacuum. Despite this superior cleaning performance, our pick of the best cordless Miele in this guide is the Duoflex because of how similarly it cleans for a fraction of the cost.

What is the life expectancy of a Miele vacuum?

Miele appliances are widely praised for their durability. Their vacuums even have 'Tested to last' printed on the box. Online users frequently note how long they've owned their Miele vacuums for without running into problems.

Our very own head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden has owned two Miele vacuums in her life, one for eight years and one for four years, with no issues ever developing in either. She swapped her first for a cheap cordless vacuum and regretted it massively, coming back to a Miele canister vacuum within three months.

Better yet, Miele's best vacuums come with warranties lasting up to three years (depending on the model) on parts and labor.

For more premium floorcare, check out our tried-and-tested guide of the best Dyson vacuums.

Vacuums that are better on carpets might damage the delicate surfaces on wood and tile, while vacuums that are better suited to hard floors might not be strong enough to remove stubborn dirt and hair from carpets.

As H&G's home tech editor, my team of product testers and I have reviewed 56 of the world's best vacuum cleaners on different floor types in our test center and in real-world conditions in our homes. That's how we know exactly which models work wonders on all surfaces, protecting the delicate ones while thoroughly cleaning the stubborn ones.

The best multi-surface vacuum cleaners

The best multi-surface vacuum

The Dyson V15 Detect has two main floorheads: the FluffyOptic and the Motorbar. What makes them so well-suited to different floor types is the FluffyOptic's soft roller, which works incredibly on hard floors, and the Motorbar's sharper bristles that dig dirt out of carpets.

They're not just capable cleaners for each floor type, but they excel when compared to every other vacuum floorhead we've tested at H&G. The FluffyOptic is one of the best methods of cleaning hard floors that we've experienced, using Dyson's signature green laser to reveal dust that the naked eye can't see then effortlessly vacuuming these super-fine particles in a single pass.

The Motorbar floorhead can actually be used on all floors, but it really shines when vacuuming carpets thanks to anti-tangle veins that work like a dream when removing stubborn hair, debris and dust out of soft flooring. This floorhead is one of the main reasons why the V15 Detect is our best vacuum for pet hair, as well as unbeatable performance when vacuuming hair from floors, dog beds and furniture.

Another excellent feature is the vacuum's detection tech, sensing what's on your floors and automatically adjusting the suction to the optimal level. So, when you pass from carpet to hard floor to area rug, the vacuum will change its power to ensure it's cleaning as effectively as possible at all times. I learned at Dyson's labs that this change happens in under a second, and from my own experience, it's virtually instant.

It's also worth mentioning that you can enjoy these same market-leading features for $100 less with the smaller, lighter Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Or, you can step up the suction power (and spend an extra $200) with the Dyson Gen5detect which is the absolute best vacuum we've ever tested. All three are part of Dyson's same flagship range and are the champions of multi-surface cleaning (and cleaning excellence in general).

Read more in our full Dyson V15 Detect review.

Runner-up best multi-surface vacuum

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect's floorhead, called the DuoClean Detect, uses two brushrolls to be able to clean all types of floors. It's a different type of multi-surface cleaning: rather than the Dyson's dedicated floorheads for each floor, you don't have to swap anything out with the Shark's single, multi-purpose floorhead as you pass from soft to hard flooring.

The soft roller can pick up large crumbs and tiny dust particles from hard floors while protecting the surface (which is great for hardwood floors), while the bristled roller can better deal with carpets, effectively digging up hair and preventing it from wrapping.

Like the Dyson, this vacuum senses what's on your floors and adjusts the power accordingly. Suction power can be increased up to 75% when the vacuum detects dirt or carpet, so it does the thinking for you as you clean. It also has a flexible wand that can bend to reach further under furniture while applying less strain on your body.

Tester James Holland found that the cordless vacuum 'picked up everything that it could fit in its floorhead,' when vacuuming samples of cereal, flour, granulated sugar, and breadcrumbs.

'I tested it on carpets, upholstery, and hard flooring and it had no issues sucking up debris and dust,' he said. 'I even used it to vacuum two rooms that had been untouched for a week, but that seemed clean, and found its 0.74qt dust cup to be a quarter full of pet hair, dust, and dirt.'

It's not quite as powerful as the Dyson Detect vacuums, and we also found its suction was weak when reversing. But the Shark Cordless PowerDetect costs less than half the price of the Dyson V15 Detect, so it's an easy way to save on a vacuum that still cleans your floors well.

And for an extra $100, you can get the Shark Clean & Empty System that charges, empties and cleans the vacuum, storing dust for up to 60 days before you have to empty it yourself.

Read more in our full Shark Cordless PowerDetect review.

The best upright multi-surface vacuum

The Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum works similarly to the Cordless model above, sensing what's on your floors to maintain the ideal suction power and performance. It also has two brushrolls in the floorhead, a soft one and a bristled one, to easily deal with all types of flooring without any work from yourself.

A benefit of a upright vs cordless vacuum is its lack of reliance on a battery, granting more power and stronger performance particularly in messy homes and on carpets. The Shark POWERDETECT is the best upright vacuum we've tested, with flawless results when cleaning carpets, hard floors and upholstery.

'It’s able to suck everything up in its path efficiently and proficiently, no matter the debris. And, it’s equally capable regardless of the surface I used it on,' wrote James Holland. 'It took just a single pass with each test for the vacuum to suck up whatever was on the floor.'

'It was just as quick at picking up dust and debris when cleaning hardwood floors and bathroom tile,' he said, and when his carpet was covered in cat fur, it was able to clear it all in one pass, picking up an amount of hair similar to a second cat.

What's more, the vacuum uses an odor-neutralizing puck to leave a fresher scent in the room after you clean. We also love how well it vacuums edges and upholstery, even if the hose is limited at two length. But when vacuuming trickier spots like stairs and cars, you can lift out a detachable pod from the vacuum for more freedom when vacuuming.

Read our full Shark POWERDETECT review for more info.

How to choose the best multi-surface vacuum

The best vacuums for carpets and the best vacuums for hardwood floors differ because of the nature of the different floors' surfaces. Hard floors are smooth, require less airflow to be able to vacuum dust off and can be more easily damaged by a vacuum cleaner. Carpets are stubborn, and thick-pile fabrics can easily trap dust and dirt within the fibers making cleaning more difficult.

To deal with hard floors, a vacuum needs a floorhead with a soft brushroll. From our years of vacuum testing, this has always proved to be the most effective as it can capture those super-fine particles and common household allergens like dust, pollen and dander. It's also the safest choice for protecting delicate surfaces like tile and wood.

For carpets, you need a more agitating brushroll that uses sharp bristles to get deep into the fibers, pulling out dirt and hair that a soft roller wouldn't be able to. Carpets also require more powerful airflow to pull trapped dirt away, so look for a anything above 200 air watts (this is different to wattage, find out more in my vacuum jargon buster).

So, when choosing the best multi-surface vacuum, you need to look out for both soft and bristled brushrolls, and powerful suction that can be adjusted when not needed. All the vacuums in this guide have two brushrolls and floor detection to automatically adjust the power for you when changing floors.

If our picks aren't right for your home, I also recommend the Dyson Ball Animal 3, but you'll have to adjust the power yourself each time you change surface. And, the eufy S1 Pro Omni is the best robot vacuum cleaner if your home has mixed flooring.

Read more general advice on finding the right model for your home in our how to choose a vacuum cleaner guide.

How we test multi-surface vacuums

At Homes & Gardens we thoroughly test and assess every product that features in our buying guides. You can learn more in in our behind-the-scenes look at how we test vacuums, and there's an overview of our principles in our guide to how we test products.

We test vacuums using standardized amounts of flour, sugar, cereal, lentils and hair in our test center. We run the same tests on carpets, linoleum and hardwood flooring, as well as testing the vacuum for weeks in our own homes. For the best vacuums for pet hair, we even test in a local pet shelter.

When it comes to multi-surface vacuums, we compare each vacuum's ability to clean different flooring types. Some will excel on carpets and others can only truly clean smooth surfaces. But some make light work of all floors, with additional features to make passing over different flooring types easy and painless.

We also vacuum with all included attachments to find out how capable each vacuum can handle stairs, baseboards, crevices and upholstery. A multi-surface vacuum should be able to clean your furniture just as well as your floors.

More generally, we also look out for maneuverability, run-time, emptying of the dust bin (or bag), durability smart features, weight, noise levels, and general controls so you know exactly what you are getting for your money.

Meet our testing team

FAQs

What can a multi-surface vacuum clean?

The best multi-surface vacuum should be able to clean carpets as effectively as hard floors like wood, tile, laminate and linoleum. They should be able to pass over different floor types safely to minimize any damage to delicate surfaces when, for example, vacuuming from an area rug to hardwood.

It should also be able to tackle furniture, upholstery, and smaller areas like baseboards and stairs. These are some of the many ways to use your vacuum cleaner around the house that a multi-surface vac can easily handle.

How do I protect my floors when vacuuming?

Understanding how often to vacuum will keep your floors clean as the weeks go by, while limiting how often you're passing over them with a sturdy, spinning brushroll that can damage the surface over time.

Vacuums that are powerful enough are also a vital part of making your carpet fluffy again, using the suction with additional steps to revive the original feel.

Next, browse our tried-and-tested selection of the best Dyson alternatives for cheaper vacuums that still pack a punch.

And now that we're all focusing on our spring cleaning to transform our homes for the warmer months, longer cleaning sessions make all the difference. We also highly rate how effective corded vacuums are in busy homes, particularly upright vacuums.

I'm H&G's home tech editor, and my product testing team and I have reviewed 65 of the world's best vacuum cleaners in our test center and in our homes. These are our three favorite corded vacuums you can buy right now.

The best corded vacuum cleaners

The best corded upright vacuum

Our favorite corded vacuum and the best upright vacuum we've ever tested is the Shark POWERDETECT. It's the latest release from Shark, the brand that's been leading the way in the upright vacuum market for some time now.

The POWERDETECT boasts intelligent features, like sensors around the floorhead that recognize the surface you're vacuuming, how dusty it is, and whether you're vacuuming near edges. It can then automatically adjust its suction power to the optimal level, taking any user guesswork out of the cleaning equation. It also means it's one of the best vacuums for hardwood floors as you don't have to worry about too much power on the delicate wooden panels.

Its 30-foot cord is longer than your average upright vacuum (usually around 20-25 feet), giving you more freedom around the house when cleaning and minimizing how often you have to unplug. Its 12-inch floorhead is also slightly larger than what you'd usually expect, so you can cover more ground as you go.

As far as corded vacuums go, it's hard to find one more powerful than this. 'It took just a single pass with each test for the vacuum to suck up whatever was on the floor,' wrote our expert tester James in his review of this vacuum.

'The carpeting in one room required some deep vacuuming due to being covered in a ton of cat hair from shedding (it’s been hot).

With one pass, James reported the Shark POWERDETECT had 'picked up every visible piece of hair (as well as loose litter near the box) from the carpet, filling the dust bin with an amount of hair equal to a second cat.' He emphasized its flawless performance when vacuuming pet hair and carpets – two of the things our extensive testing has shown us is the most difficult to vacuum.

And, to make cleaning even easier, the POWERDETECT has a Lift-Away feature, allowing you to remove a lighter pod from the main vacuum compartment for more mobility when cleaning stairs, cars, and hard to reach areas.

If you're not fussed about the detection features, but still want Shark's great cleaning performance, Lift-Away and odor-neutralization, consider the Shark Stratos or the Shark Vertex that cost slightly less.

Read more at our full Shark POWERDETECT review.

The best corded canister vacuum

We've reviewed five of the best Miele vacuums and the Blizzard CX1 is our top pick for the best corded canister vacuum. It balances affordability with strong, universal cleaning performance across different floor types – and as the name suggests, it's also one of the best vacuums for pet hair.

If you're a pet owner, you're in luck. I tested it at a local pet shelter and it was excellent at vacuuming pet hair from every surface, restoring thick rugs and entrance mats that were caked in dog hair and hadn't been cleaned in days.

The 'Cat & Dog' edition of the Blizzard CX1 includes the extra TurboTeQ floorhead that, on test, performed incredibly well on carpets and hair. It's the advantage to choosing this model over the basic Blizzard CX1, as the standard AllTeQ floorhead only really works on hard floors.

This floorhead along with incredible suction power make this one of the best vacuums for carpet you can buy. Even if it's not on its highest setting, the suction is so strong that you can feel the air being pulled in around the intake nozzle. When using the crevice tool, dust and dirt is sucked from over an inch away.

It wasn't quite as impressive as a vacuum for hardwood floors however, as the standard AllTeQ floorhead struggled to deal with large volumes of mess. But if you vacuum regularly, this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

It is quite expensive though, and if you're not prepared to invest a huge $999 for this model, there's a more affordable alternative in the Miele Blizzard CX1 PureSuction PowerLine for $629, but you don't get the TurboTeQ floorhead. Or, I've also tested the Miele Boost CX1, which is noticeably less powerful than the Blizzard CX1, but still a worthwhile option.

Read more in our full Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog review.

The best budget corded vacuum

The Shark Rotator is now the most affordable upright Shark vacuum we've tested thanks to it being released so many years ago. But its older age doesn't mean it's a poor vacuum cleaner. It still performed excellently in our tests and makes for an ideal budget alternative to the best Shark vacuums.

Like the Shark POWERDETECT in this guide, the Rotator can neutralize odors and comes with a Lift-Away pod for easier cleaning. The difference however is the Lift-Away isn't powered so it demands a bit more effort to use, which is worth considering for anybody with limited mobility.

'On its carpet mode, the vacuum has powerful suction, and its stiff brushroll pulled lots of dog hair, dirt, and dust out of the rugs in my living and dining rooms,' wrote pro vacuum tester Camryn.

The performance was even more impressive on hard floors. 'My dogs and partner often track small rocks, clumps of dirt, and leaves inside, and the vacuum had no problem sucking up the larger debris,' she added. Its soft brushroll is also great at cleaning up fine pieces of cat litter without shooting them around the floor – a common problem with upright vacuums.

The 25-foot cord grants you plenty of cleaning room, and all of the hand attachments are easy-to-use and effective around the house. 'My favorite attachment was the anti-allergen dusting brush. This cool tool has a swiveling head that you can rotate around to get just the right angle, and it’s lined with fuzzy nylon bristles that trap fine dust particles,' Camryn wrote, adding that it was what she used to deep clean her house before Thanksgiving.

Read more in our full Shark Rotator Pet Lift-Away review.

More corded vacuums to consider

• The Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog is the most powerful canister vacuum we've tested. It also uses a dust bag system, making it an ideal vacuum for allergies while likely giving it a much longer lifespan than the others in this guide. But it's also the most expensive vacuum we've tested at $1,200 and has recurring dust bag costs, so I can only recommend it to those who can afford it.
• The Dyson Ball Animal 3 retails for the same price as the Shark POWERDETECT in this guide ($399.99 at full price, often discounted to $299.99). Both have incredibly strong suction and suitability across different floor types, but the Shark POWERDETECT has extra odor-neutralization and lift-away features. The Dyson is slightly more powerful, though.
• The Miele Boost CX1 is a great option if you're looking for a more budget-friendly canister vacuum. It has weaker suction and less effective attachments compared to the vacuums in this guide, but it comes at the advantage of saving $100s. You can also buy the Miele TurboTeQ floorhead separately that makes the Blizzard CX1 so formidable.
• The Shark Stratos Upright has long been one of our favorite upright vacuums. But Shark released the POWERDETECT with more advanced features for only $50 more, so our vote goes to the POWERDETECT.

How to choose a corded vacuum cleaner

You can find a more detailed tips over on our how to choose a vacuum cleaner guide, but there are a few special considerations when it comes to corded models.

The main benefit of a corded vacuum cleaner is unrestricted power. Cordless vacuums must preserve battery life and will limit how much power they use, so it's rare to find one that can match the performance of a corded vacuum (see the Dyson Gen5detect or Dyson V15 Detect if this is what you're looking for).

This is why corded vacuums are typically upright or canister vacuums. Both types are the vacuums of choice for professional cleaners thanks to their performance and versatility across all floors.

But you can also find corded stick vacuums, that are designed similarly to cordless vacuums. For the most part these are counter-productive, as you lose the cleaning power found in uprights and canisters, but they can still be a good choice if you're limited on space.

They're also among the most lightweight vacuums available due to the lack of battery. Shark produce some of the most popular corded stick vacuums, like the Shark POWERDETECT Ultra-Light or the Shark Rocket Pro.

You can find out about all the features and designs to look out for in our vacuum jargon buster.

How we test corded vacuums

At Homes & Gardens we like to get hands-on experience with all the products we feature. You can learn more how we test products in our dedicated guide, and there's a more specific rundown of our testing process in how we test vacuums.

Vacuums are tried and tested in our test center and in our own homes. When in the test center, we assess each vacuum on carpet, linoleum and wood flooring. We test their suction power with flour and sugar, which is a common kitchen spill, but also a good substitute for naturally occurring particles in our homes such as dust and dead skin.

We also use cereal on different flooring types to see how well each corded vacuum picks up larger debris such as crumbs and small stones. We also use old hair extensions as a debris material, which helps demonstrates during testing how well a vacuum can pick up hair, and whether or not hair gets stuck in its rollers. This gives us a good indication of the level of care and upkeep the appliance will need moving forward.

Many vacuums are also tested in our own homes, often with pets, kids or both to see how they fare against real-world messes. This is also a great chance to test out any hand attachments, clean stairs and crevices, and learn how easy it is to take apart and empty.

For corded models, we get a feel for how practical the length of the cord is, to gauge how easy it is to clean with. Vacuums also manage their cables differently, so we assess how smoothly the cord maneuvers around the house and wraps around the vacuum when in storage.

Meet the team

FAQs

Do corded vacuums have better suction?

Absolutely. Being plugged into the power outlet means you're utilizing the full potential of a vacuum motor, whereas cordless models are restricted by a battery and its limited wattage and capacity.

But vacuum suction isn't only dictated by power. The vacuum's brushrolls, wand or hose design, airflow, and floorhead also influence how well it picks up debris from your floors. So, just because a vacuum has a higher wattage, it doesn't mean it's better at cleaning. Look out for a vacuum's 'air watts' for a true representation of suction power.

How long do corded vacuums last?

Corded vacuums can last as long as 8-10 years while cordless vacuums only last around 3-5 years. It seems that smaller vacuum cleaners and those that rely on batteries or sensors are more likely to break sooner.

What's more, good-quality upright vacuums tend to be more affordable than good-quality cordless models. So you can enjoy the benefit of a cheaper initial cost and more time until the next vacuum purchase.

Next, consider one of the best Dyson alternatives for impressive cleaning at a sweeter cost.

I'm an asthma and allergy sufferer myself, and since investing in a HEPA vacuum my symptoms and general well-being have massively improved. By properly trapping these particles within the vacuum, they don't recirculate back into the home, becoming airborne and even easier to breathe in.

As H&G's home tech editor, my team of product testers and I have reviewed 53 of the best vacuum cleaners in the market. Most of them have HEPA filters, but for those with allergies, I've picked out the best three to say goodbye to stuffy noses and teary eyes.

The best HEPA vacuums for allergies

A HEPA filter is classed as being able to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Dyson's HEPA H13 filters exceed these standards, capturing 99.99% of microscopic particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. That means virtually no allergen will be able to pass through.

These are the top three HEPA vacuums at a glance. Keep scrolling for the complete guide or click the navigation links to take you to each product.

I also recommend learning about allergens and the importance of HEPA filters in the FAQ section below.

Best cordless HEPA vacuum for allergies

The best Dyson vacuums use whole-machine HEPA filtration so that the air released back in the room is as free from allergens as possible. Vacuum cleaners usually have pre-motor and post-motor filters, with the post-motor filter typically being the HEPA one. More on this in my vacuum jargon buster.

Instead, Dyson's HEPA filtration covers the entire appliance for much more effective particle capture.

Not only does the Dyson V12 Detect Slim have an excellent filtration system, it's also a highly powerful vacuum cleaner with intelligent features that transform how easy it is to clean the house. It's the only vacuum I continue to use in my own home after the 12 vacuums I've tested at length for H&G.

Its FluffyOptic floorhead has a soft brushroll to pull super-fine particles from hard floors, as well as a green laser that genuinely reveals dust that the naked eye can't see. The other Motorbar floorhead has anti-tangle veins that, in the six months I've been using it, have never once been wrapped with hair.

It's lightweight and easy to use, and it uses a piezo sensor to count each individual particle that enters the machine. This is a bit of a luxury, giving you useful insight into what parts of your home are messier, but it also allows the vacuum to automatically adjust to the right suction power when it detects a particularly dusty area of the floor.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is the smallest and most affordable part of Dyson's flagship range, that includes the Dyson V15 Detect and the Dyson Gen5detect. If you want a larger dustbin and more cleaning power, it's definitely worth considering paying the bit extra for one of these models as they're the best two vacuum cleaners we've ever tested. The V12 Detect Slim has 150 air watts of suction power, the V15 Detect has 230 and the Gen5detect has 262 (more on what that means below).

Read more in my full Dyson V12 Detect Slim review.

Best upright HEPA vacuum for allergies

Similar to Dyson's vacuums, the best Shark vacuums also use whole-machine filtration to better prevent allergens from being re-released back into your home. But unlike Dyson, only the post-motor filter is a HEPA in Shark vacuums, and the whole-machine filtration is what Shark calls an 'Anti-Allergen Complete Seal' which works in a similar way, but is slightly less effective.

Dyson's HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns while Shark's traps 99.9% of all dust and allergens. It's only a marginal difference, and either way anybody with allergies or asthma will be feeling the positive effects from these tightly-filtered vacuum cleaners.

The Shark POWERDETECT is the best upright vacuum in Shark's range. It boasts their latest cleaning technologies, like floor detection to automatically adjust the power when moving across floor types, dusty areas, and floor edges and corners. It even detects which direction you're vacuuming to optimize the airflow as you clean.

A great feature of the Shark POWERDETECT is its odor-neutralization. If, like me, you suffer from allergies from dust and pets, you'll love that the POWERDETECT can banish those familiar smells after you clean, leaving a fresher scent across your home.

It's also one of the most powerful vacuums we've tested at H&G, cementing itself in our lists of the best vacuums for pet hair and the best vacuums for carpet with its effortless cleaning performance across all floor types. 'It took just a single pass with each test for the vacuum to suck up whatever was on the floor,' wrote our expert tester James.

Read more at our full Shark POWERDETECT review.

Best HEPA vacuum with a HEPA cleaning base

An easy way to avoid exposure with allergens is to limit how often we're emptying our vacuums. Self-cleaning stations have become popular for this exact reason: they store weeks of dust in a tight unit, leaving you to do the emptying yourself once every two months or so.

The Tineco Pure One Station has a three-liter cleaning station (around 101.4 fl oz), meaning you can store dust for up to 60 days until you or your household have to come into contact with it. The vacuum itself uses HEPA H13 filtration, the same as Dyson, and the cleaning station uses five-stage HEPA filtration to capture 99.99% of dust particles down to 0.3 microns in size. That's more than what most HEPA filters can capture.

You'll be glad to know the Tineco Pure One vacuum cleaner is great at picking up hair. During testing, I actually watched as it pulled in strands of hair that were an inch or two away from the nozzle. It also performed pretty well with small and large debris, but not quite as well as the Dyson and Shark in this guide when it came to cleaning between wood panels or the floor's edges. It also struggled slightly with large debris on carpets such as red lentils and large round cereal pieces.

While the vacuum's suction isn't as powerful as the big brands, it does boast smart features like responsive suction power and a detailed control panel with insights into your cleaning and vacuum health. But the real star of the show is the cleaning station. It looks sleek and has tinted glass to conceal the dust contents inside, and it's one of the tightest-filtered cleaning stations we've seen yet. It also cleans the vacuum cleaner as well as emptying it, pulling out dust from the brushrolls and internal parts for you.

If you're looking for better cleaning performance however, I'd recommend the Shark Cordless PowerDetect. It cleans more effectively than the Tineco Pure One but its cleaning station doesn't have HEPA filtration. Or, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is perfect for allergies, but uses a bagged system that incurs running costs (on top of the already expensive initial vacuum cost).

Read more in my full Tineco Pure One Station review.

How to choose a HEPA vacuum for allergies

Choosing the right HEPA vacuum is largely the same as knowing how to choose a vacuum cleaner in general. But there are a few key considerations when it comes to dealing with allergies at home and understanding which is the right type of filter.

HEPA is an official certification, only granted once a filter meets strict standards of being able to trap at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. So if a vacuum cleaner is listed as a HEPA vacuum – you can trust that it can deal with allergens.

But make sure to look out for vacuums that list HEPA-style or HEPA-like filters. The language will be subtle, but there'll be something to show that the filter isn't actually a HEPA filter, and won't be able to meet your cleaning needs when dealing with microscopic allergens.

Vacuums use multiple filters, one before the motor and one after the motor. The best vacuums, like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim in this guide, have whole-machine filtration to ensure that these particles are as contained within the appliance as possible.

Find out more about filters and all other key vacuuming terms in my vacuum jargon buster.

How we test HEPA vacuums for allergies

At Homes & Gardens we like to get hands-on experience with all the products that make it feature in our buying guides. You can learn more in in our behind-the-scenes look at how we test vacuums, and there's an overview of our principles in our guide to how we test products.

Each new vacuum we get the opportunity to review is tried and tested in our own homes, undergoing rigorous testing on a range of flooring and household challenges. We also test vacuums in a dedicated test studio, standardizing our examination across different messes and floor types.

When testing for tight filtration and anti-allergenic features, we look beyond the filter at how likely dust can come out, how messy it is to empty the dustbin, and whether dust falls out of the nozzle after each use.

We test the vacuum cleaners for a number of weeks (sometimes months) so we get a feel for the longevity and durability of each model. In some instances, we are also fortunate enough to keep the vacuum cleaners after writing up the review so we can continue to learn about them and share our findings with you with updates to our original articles.

Meet the team

FAQs

Does a HEPA vacuum help with allergies?

Becoming familiar with exactly what common allergens exist in our homes will help to understand why vacuums need HEPA filters.

The most common allergens in our homes are: dust, dander (skin cells from humans and pets), dust mites and pollen. 'Dust' in general is actually a mixture of all of these allergens and more, gathering all over our homes at all times and triggering allergic symptoms in those who suffer from them.

But when we talk about dust allergies, what we're really referring to is allergies to dust mites, or more specifically the fecal matter left behind by dust mites. Dust mites feed off our dead skin cells, leaving behind waste that triggers allergies.

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed off our skin cells and thrive in warm, dark conditions. Their existence in our homes is one of the main reasons why you should vacuum often, and why you should be regularly vacuuming your mattress.

Just like dust mites, all of these allergenic substances are microscopic, stressing the importance of a vacuum cleaner with tight filtration. As HEPA filters can capture at least 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, they can trap almost all of the common allergens in our homes.

As strong flows of air pass through a vacuum cleaner and out the exhaust, not having a HEPA filter means that these allergens will be re-released into your space. Not only that, but they'll become airborne, and will only be able to be removed from the room using one of the best air purifiers, and not your vacuum cleaner.

How long does a HEPA filter last in a vacuum?

HEPA filters can last anywhere between one to three years, but many of the best vacuum cleaners for allergies have washable HEPA filters that can ensure continued use even past that. I'd recommend choosing a vacuum with washable filters over replaceable ones to keep costs low.

Next, consider one of the best Dyson alternatives or the best carpet cleaners for pets for deeper cleaning.

But their vacuum selection has grown so much in recent years that it can be tricky knowing which is actually the best, and which is the right fit for your home.

That's why, as H&G's home tech editor, my team of product testers and I have tested 13 of the best Shark vacuums. I'm a big fan of Shark as they genuinely make some of the best vacuums in the world, and these are the three Shark pet vacuums I'd recommend for any home.

The best Shark pet vacuum cleaners

These are the best three Shark pet vacuums at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full guide or click the navigation links to take you to each product.

The best upright Shark pet vacuum

There's a version of the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum with a 'TruePet Upgrade' that includes a HairPro Self-Cleaning Pet Power Brush. For pet owners, this is one of the essential vacuum cleaner attachments for removing pet hair from beds and furniture without having to deal with hair getting tangled.

But in all honesty, the Shark POWERDETECT is one of the best vacuums for pet hair even without spending the extra $100 on this upgrade. It's a worthwhile upgrade if you're often needing to clean hair from pet beds, but for general house cleaning, the vacuum is powerful enough as it is. It's our number one pick for the best upright vacuums for a reason.

'The carpeting in one room required some deep vacuuming due to being covered in a ton of cat sheddings. With one pass, the Shark POWERDETECT had basically picked up every visible piece of hair (as well as litter near the litter box) from the carpet, filling the dust bin with an amount of hair equal to a second cat,' our expert tester James wrote in his review.

Not only does it leave floors spotless, it leaves behind a fresh scent thanks to the vacuum's odor-neutralizing puck. It's not an overpowering smell, but one that'll help to reduce those odors left behind by pets that are seemingly impossible to mask.

The vacuum also features floor detection. As you pass from hard floors to carpets, it'll automatically adjust the power and brushroll to ensure each surface is given the proper treatment. It's also able to up the suction power when going over messy areas, floor edges and corners.

Read more in our full Shark POWERDETECT review.

The best cordless Shark pet vacuum

While the Shark Cordless PowerDetect isn't officially labeled a 'pet' vacuum, it's still the brand's best cordless vacuum for pet owners thanks to its powerful suction and pet-friendly features.

'I used this vacuum on the carpet in a room where our cat likes to spend most of her time and it pulled up a good amount of hair out of the carpet that I didn’t even see,' our expert tester James wrote in his review. Cordless vacuums aren't typically the most powerful when it comes to vacuuming pet hair or carpets, so for the PowerDetect to pull hair that wasn't visible shows how powerful its suction is.

Like many Shark vacs, the floorhead has two brushrolls: one soft roller for hard floors and fine particles, and one with bristles that's better suited to carpets and hair. The bristled brushroll is anti-tangle to avoid having to manually remove any wrapped pet (or human) hair.

The PowerDetect comes with a pet multi-tool, and as it's a cordless vacuum, you can easily switch to handheld mode to clean pet hair from your upholstery. During testing, it was able to easily pull cat hair from sofa cushions.

It can also bend at the wand, reaching further under objects and furniture with less strain on your back. These hard-to-reach areas are often ignored while being breeding grounds for common allergens in the house, so this will help to reduce odors and allergies caused by our pets' shedding.

Another useful feature for pet owners is the option of a Clean & Empty System. This is a dock that stores, charges and removes all dust from the vacuum when it's not in use. It has tight HEPA filtration and can store dust for up to 60 days, minimizing how often you're emptying it yourself and coming into contact with allergens like pet dander.

Read more in our full Shark Cordless PowerDetect review.

The best Shark pet carpet cleaner

If your home is a mostly carpeted one, it's worth considering a carpet cleaner. The best carpet cleaners for pets can banish stains and odors that our animals leave behind. As carpet fibers are effectively bacteria magnets, vacuuming only does the job, no matter how often you vacuum carpet. A carpet cleaner goes that step further and actually deep cleans the carpet rather than just vacuuming it.

The Shark CarpetXpert is one of the best we've ever tested, and impressed us so much that we awarded it a rare five stars. It comes with a special pet tool with its own self-contained tank that can clean accidental pet messes directly from the floor while avoiding it passing through the rest of the appliance.

'After just a minute or two of spraying and scrubbing, the machine has picked up the majority of the cat's vomit and the stain it left behind,' tester Camryn wrote in the review.

'Once I finished with stain removal, I decided to use the floor tool to clean the rug, as it was quite dirty from being outside all summer,' she added. 'There were quite a few spots that had old stains or discoloration thanks to dirt, but the CarpetXpert had no problem sucking up all the gunk. I had to use a whole tank of clean water and stop to empty the dirty tank at one point, but in the end, the rug was practically spotless.'

This incredible cleaning performance is paired with a straightforward design. Although there are lots of parts and attachments, it doesn't take long to wrap your head around how it works. Pair it with one of the best vacuums for carpet and your floors will never look cleaner.

Read more in our full Shark CarpetXpert review.

How to choose a Shark pet vacuum

The Shark Pet Cordless and the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro are two examples of Shark vacuums with 'pet' in the name, but that aren't necessarily the best Shark pet vacuums available. Shark will often add terms to their product range to appeal to customer's specific needs, but will usually reflect one or two specific features – in this case, it could be an anti-tangle brushroll or a HEPA filter.

But the best Shark pet vacuums are those with the most powerful suction to handle the tricky nature of pet hair. Their latest PowerDetect range is the best we've tested for pets. They're the most powerful upright and cordless vacuums the brand has ever released, and they adapt to your floors for the right suction at all times.

The essential features to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner for pets are: tight HEPA filtration to trap allergens, anti-tangle floorheads and attachments, strong suction that can pull fur out of carpets, easy maneuverability in tight spaces, and tools for cleaning around the house. All of the vacuums fit in this guide fit this criteria.

When deciding between an upright or cordless pet vacuum, think about what your home needs. Upright vacuums are more powerful particularly on fur and carpets, but they're much less maneuverable, heavier to take up and down stairs, and take up more space. Cordless vacuums are more versatile, easier to use, easier to store, and don't require you to be near a power outlet. Busy homes with carpets will benefit from an upright, but a cordless is ample if not.

Read our vacuum jargon buster to stay clued-up on all the terms when deciding.

How we tested these Shark pet vacuums

The three vacuums in this guide were tested in homes with pets by product testers with years of experience with vacuum cleaners. We test over weeks and sometimes months to get a complete feel for the vacuum's performance.

We assess each vacuum on its cleaning performance, maneuverability, run-time, emptying of the dustbin (or bag), and general controls so you know exactly what you are getting for your money. We also test all tools and features to understand how versatile the vacuum is for our homes' varying cleaning needs.

We test across all floor types and on upholstery, mattresses, and pet beds where necessary. Find out the full low-down of how we test vacuums here.

Meet the team

FAQs

Which Shark vacuum has the strongest suction?

Currently the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum has the strongest suction, based on ASTM F588 and measured at the nozzle. Our tests confirmed this, with effortless cleaning performance across every floor type, pulling up fur from carpet that we didn't even see.

Which is better for pet hair, Shark or Bissell?

Bissell's floorcare range is one of the most comprehensive in the consumer market, covering vacuums, floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, spot cleaners and more. They're best suited to these complete floor cleaning appliances, while Shark is the better choice when it comes to traditional vacuum cleaners. They currently dominate the upright vacuum market.

Next, browse our tried-and-tested selection of the best Dyson alternatives for cleaning excellence at a lesser cost.

But now, the best vacuums span all sorts of designs, including lightweight upright vacs and even lighter cordless sticks that are smaller, easier to carry, and more powerful than ever. They're designed to be intuitive and user-friendly too, to fit the uncomplicated nature of our cleaning needs.

I'm Homes & Gardens' home tech editor, and my product testing team and I have reviewed 56 vacuums of all types. Out of the lightest models we've tested, these are the only four you need to consider, for any budget.

The best lightweight vacuum cleaners

These are the best-on-test lightweight vacuums at a glance. Click the navigation links to take you to each product or keep scrolling for the full guide.

The best lightweight cordless vacuum

The V12 Detect Slim is the smallest, lightest and most affordable vacuum in Dyson's range of Detect vacuums. Including the Dyson V15 Detect and the Dyson Gen5detect, these are the three best Dyson vacuums ever released.

I've tested 12 vacuums for H&G and the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is the one I use in my own home. With such a compact design, I continue to be surprised at how strong its suction power is, and in the six months I've been using it, I've never had to go over the floor twice to clean anything up.

Dyson's Detect vacuums come with the signature green laser that reveals invisible dust. I can confirm that this is no gimmick. In fact, using the V12 Detect Slim has taught me how much dust exists on our floors without us knowing, as the laser reveals what the naked eye can't see.

It also detects what's on your floors and responds with the optimal suction power. If you move onto carpet, or a particularly dusty area, the V12 will automatically up the suction power to clean more effectively. When vacuuming moderate mess on hard floors, the suction power is lowered again to preserve battery life.

A screen shows each individual particle size that it's picked up, counting up to the millions. While this isn't exactly essential, this does give useful insight into the dirtier areas of your home and easily shows when there's nothing left to vacuum. This is helpful when vacuuming upholstery or mattresses where the mess isn't visible.

It also comes with two main floorheads: the FluffyOptic and the Motorbar. The FluffyOptic has the green laser and a soft brushroll for effective cleaning of super-fine particles on hard floors, while the Motorbar has anti-tangle veins that have never once had hair wrapped around them in the entire time I've used it. It's better suited to carpets but works across all surfaces.

Bottom line – this is an incredibly powerful and intuitive appliance, and it's packaged into a lightweight, small, and easy-to-use design that you can hold above your head with total ease. It's about as heavy as a bag of flour.

Read more in my full Dyson V12 Detect Slim review.

The best budget lightweight cordless vacuum

It's very rare for me to recommend any cordless vacuum cleaner under $200. Usually, cheap budget options leave such a noticeable amount of mess after cleaning that you end up having to buy another vacuum shortly after.

But the only brand that I've found to produce good-quality vacuums at a sweet price is Ultenic. I recently tested the Ultenic U16 Flex and was truly impressed by its cleaning performance considering it costs just $149.99. Sure, it's not as good as the best cordless vacuums, but it's hard to find better value-for-money than this.

It's also one of the lightest vacuums we've ever reviewed at just 3.75 lbs. That's about as heavy as a large watermelon. It arrived densely packed into a package no bigger than a shoe box, and as I unpacked it I could feel that each individual component was lightweight. It might not feel as premium as other vacuums but it's a big win for anybody avoiding anything heavy.

You can tell that this is designed as a Dyson alternative with similar aesthetics and features. But surprisingly, it's the only non-Dyson vacuum I've tested that's managed to (almost) recreate the efficacy of the green laser. When testing it in a local pet shelter it revealed pet hair that I couldn't otherwise see, and when using it in our test center, it illuminated dust and flour that I couldn't see before.

The suction power is impressive for the price. Especially on hard floors, the U16 Flex managed to clean debris small and large with ease, even rivaling the performance of other Shark and Miele vacuums I've tested. It struggled a bit with carpets, gaps between wood panels, and edges and corners, but the vacuum's boost mode helps to finish the job.

It also has a flexible wand, just like the Shark Cordless PowerDetect, one of our favorite cordless vacuums. It's powered using a trigger, but unlike the Dyson V15 Detect, the trigger works with an on switch, which is a big help to avoid straining your finger for the entirety of your cleaning session.

As it's a budget vacuum, it's not constructed with the best-quality materials (and it came with a lot of plastic packaging), which is to be expected, but the vacuum might not last for as many years as our other top choices. It's still a seriously impressive budget vacuum that's lighter and more powerful than any other at this price point.

The full Ultenic U16 Flex review is coming soon.

The best lightweight upright vacuum

An upright vacuum with serious cleaning power is never going to be as light as a cordless stick. But as most of the best upright vacuums weigh in at around 17-20 lbs, the Shark Stratos's 16.71 lbs is certainly on the lighter side.

Plus, like many of the best Shark vacuums, the Stratos has a feature called 'Lift-Away.' This enables you to remove a detachable pod from the main vacuum carrier, allowing you to move around the house with more mobility and ease, while carrying a much lighter weight. It's particularly useful on stairs, baseboards and cars.

The Shark Stratos is years old now but continues to be one of the most powerful upright vacuums we've tested at H&G. Our expert tester Camryn was 'honestly shocked' at its performance, filling the vacuum's dustbin with dog hair and dirt from just a single pass over a 9' x 6' area rug.

It also has Shark's classic odor-neutralizer. As the air passes through the vacuum when cleaning, it feeds through an odor-neutralizing puck that leaves a fresh scent around the house. This can make all the difference for homes with pets.

Its performance is just as strong across carpets and hard floors thanks to a dual-brushroll floorhead. The soft brushroll helps to pick up fine particles from hard floors while the bristled brushroll can dig into carpets.

Until Shark released the recent Shark POWERDETECT with floor detection and responsive suction power, the Shark Stratos was our number one pick for the best upright vacuum.

Read more in our full Shark Stratos review.

The best budget lightweight upright vacuum

The Shark Rotator Pet Lift-Away weighs just 14.34 lbs, making it the lightest upright vacuum we've tested. This comes with a sacrifice in power (960 watts compared to the Stratos' 1416), but this is to be expected as the Rotator is now one of Shark's oldest models.

It retails for just $299.99. You can almost treat it as a cheaper and lighter version of the Shark Stratos. It carries many of the same features like an odor-neutralizer, dual brushrolls and a lift-away feature, but the Rotator's lift-away is unfortunately not powered, so demands more effort from you to lift it out from its main carriage.

Still, its cleaning ability isn't to be ignored. 'On its carpet mode, the vacuum has powerful suction, and its stiff brushroll pulled lots of dog hair, dirt, and dust out of the rugs in my living and dining rooms,' shared tester Camryn. 'Despite the suction, it was still easy to push around on the medium-pile carpet, and I like that you can adjust the suction further using the slider on the vacuum’s handle.'

'I was even more impressed by its performance on hard floors. My dogs and partner often track small rocks, clumps of dirt, and leaves inside, and the vacuum had no problem sucking up the larger debris,' Camryn added.

It also comes with a two-foot hose and a set of attachments for other cleaning tasks around the house. Its best is the anti-allergen dusting brush that swivels to get the right angle, and it’s lined with fuzzy bristles that trap fine dust particles.

It isn't the best upright we've ever tested, and for the same price you can buy the Dyson Ball Animal 3 or Shark POWERDETECT which are both stronger cleaners. But it's easily the lightest upright vacuum at this price and a capable one nonetheless.

Read more in our full Shark Rotator Pet Lift-Away review.

How to choose a lightweight vacuum cleaner

In addition to knowing how to choose the right vacuum cleaner for your home, choosing the best lightweight vacuum involves understanding typical power/weight ratios.

Cordless and upright vacuums are the two most common types. Cordless vacuums are the popular choice these days because they take up less space, grant you more freedom around the house, and can be taken apart to switch to handheld cleaning or to better use any of the attachments.

Naturally, they're the most lightweight vacuum cleaner you can find. They're usually made of just a handheld vacuum component, a wand, and a floorhead or attachment at the end. As you've seen in this guide, they can be as light as 3.75 lbs as is the case with the Ultenic U16 Flex.

But cordless vacuums aren't nearly as powerful as upright vacuums. As upright vacs are unrestricted by battery power, they can reach a much higher wattage to pass a stronger airflow through the appliance, which is why they're typically the best vacuums for carpet, or for busy homes with kids and pets.

So, think about your home's needs. If you have a lot of soft flooring, high foot traffic and many mess-creators in your home, it might not be the smartest move to go for a cordless vacuum, even if it is much lighter. Instead, a lighter upright vacuum could be the better option, and those with Shark's Lift-Away feature can make cleaning much easier.

If your home isn't too big and has a lot of hard floors, a cordless vacuum is perfect. I have one in my own home and it's all I need.

When shopping for a new vacuum cleaner, consult our vacuum jargon buster to know the ins and outs of all the confusing terms.

How we test vacuums

At Homes & Gardens, we will only include vacuums in our buying guides which we have had personal, hands-on experience and full testing of. You can learn more about the process in our detailed guide about how we test vacuums. We want to vouch for every product we feature, so that you can trust us to be truthful and critical, where necessary.

My team of experienced product testers and I test vacuums on different floor types, as well as conducting household challenges over a number of weeks. We test them in our standardized test center and in our own homes (and sometimes in a local pet shelter), to learn how they fare against set substances and real-world conditions.

We always assess their weight, maneuverability, suction power, dustbin capacity and battery life. We look for how well all of the attachments work, and how well they perform across carpet, linoleum and hardwood flooring.

We also find out how easy they are to clean, taking note of how easily we can take them apart, clean the parts, and reassemble them. This is a vital factor when considering the longevity of a vacuum cleaner.

Meet the team

FAQs

How many pounds is a lightweight vacuum?

Anything below 7 lbs for a cordless vacuum and below 17 lbs for an upright vacuum can be considered lightweight. A heavy vacuum cleaner can affect how often you vacuum, and considering that many new, lightweight models can match the cleaning power of hefty machines, there's no reason why you should be using a vacuum cleaner that's too difficult to carry upstairs.

What is the best lightweight vacuum for seniors?

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is an excellent choice with its 5 lbs weight, easy-to-use controls, automatic suction power adjustment and anti-tangle brushroll. It may require more emptying than other vacuums due to its smaller size, but otherwise there's very little admin involved. You can even install a wall dock to quickly place it to charge between uses.

Not found what you're looking for? Consider one of the best vacuums for pet hair, or the best robot vacuums instead for hands-off cleaning.

After watching her recent documentary, I couldn’t help but be inspired by how she turns life’s little moments into 'a good thing' with her impeccable style and grace. With that in mind, I've rounded up 12 essentials for channeling Martha's magic in the kitchen. From food processors and wine coolers to organic herb seeds and tasteful oven gloves, these are perfect gifts for yourself or someone you love.

12 essentials for the aspiring Martha Stewart

If you’re looking to infuse your kitchen with Martha Stewart’s signature style and sophistication, this is the perfect place to start. As a Kitchen Appliance Editor and trained cook myself, I recommend these elegant cooking and hosting essentials.

With these 12 essentials, you’ll be ready to create beautiful meals, memorable moments, and a home that feels as curated and polished as Martha’s. Plus, any one of these would make the perfect gift for an aspiring host.

Anybody with pets will know this all-too-well, as mess left on carpets will often leave their mark for months or years. While it's not as easy as mopping a hard floor, deep cleaning your carpets doesn't have to be a strenuous task, and there are relatively affordable cleaners from some of our favorite brands that will transform how clean your carpets stay with pets in the house.

Even if you already have one of the best vacuums for carpet, getting yourself a carpet cleaner for pets will help you clean like the pros. I'm H&G's home tech editor, and since testing two of the carpet cleaners in this guide, I wouldn't live without one now. My carpets look, feel and smell so much cleaner.

The best carpet cleaners for pets

Here's a summary of our tried and tested best carpet cleaners for pets, after testing them in our homes and in a local pet shelter in need of some serious carpet TLC. Read on for more details, or click the navigation links to take you to each product.

The best carpet cleaner for pets

I tested the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam in a local pet shelter to find out how well it handles pet stains – and it exceeded all my expectations. There were stains more than two years old left by a previous owner's dog that were about as tough and dried-on as it can get. The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam was able to clear all of them using its deep carpet cleaning features.

What sets the Revolution HydroSteam apart from other carpet cleaners is its steam function. It can pre-treat stains using hot steam to break down the dirt and bacteria, and then clean using a combination of steam and carpet washing.

Its cleaning power is similar to what you'd expect from a professional. When testing at the local pet shelter, staff repeatedly mentioned how the floors had never looked so clean, and being able to remove two-year-old pet stains with an appliance that's as easy to use as the best upright vacuums is nothing short of impressive.

I also tested old and new stains of red wine, cola and marinara sauce, and the Revolution HydroSteam had no trouble clearing all of it in under 10 minutes. You have the option of using the hose and attachments but the steam power in the main floorhead has everything you need.

If your pets are heavy shedders, I liked that the Revolution HydroSteam captured all of the dog hair within the floorhead. Removing it was as simple as popping off the cover and wiping away the hair, and the rest of the appliance is just as easy to use and clean.

This cleaning power comes at a sacrifice in mobility as the hefty appliance weighs 22.5 lbs – more than any carpet cleaner or upright vacuum we've tested. It's also on the more expensive side, costing $100+ more than the others in this guide.

Read more in my full Bissell Revolution HydroSteam review.

The alternative best carpet cleaner for pets

The Shark CarpetXpert is the only other carpet cleaner we've awarded five stars, owed to its incredible cleaning performance, user-friendly design and reasonable price.

It has a special pet tool, with a 'small, self-contained dirty water tank that captures everything you suck up, stopping pet waste from getting into the main body of the cleaner,' wrote expert tester Camryn. It has silicone nubs that are much easier to clean than bristles, and it was able to clean Camryn's cat's vomit and the stain it left behind.

Camryn also loved the deep clean that the CarpetXpert achieves. When cleaning an area rug, 'there were quite a few spots that had old stains or discoloration thanks to dirt, but the CarpetXpert had no problem sucking up all the gunk,' Camryn noted.

She found similar results when spot cleaning, too, as the hand tool was able to completely remove stains from an outdoor lounger that were older than six months. It only took two rounds of spraying and scrubbing for the material to look as good as new.

Carpet cleaners can be a nuisance to clean after each use, but the Shark CarpetXpert is made of removable parts that make cleaning each individual component a breeze.

Read more in our full Shark CarpetXpert review.

The best value carpet cleaner for pets

As its name suggests, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is a carpet cleaner that's specially designed for our furry friends.

A great feature of the ProHeat 2X is the 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool. You can switch between wet cleaning (with a trigger to spray cleaning solution), or dry cleaning, using the attachment's own dedicated filter to collect any solids like those in pet accidents. It's the ideal all-round spot cleaner for any furniture or small stains.

I tested the ProHeat 2X at the same time as my number one pick, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam. When testing the two carpet cleaners at a local pet shelter, the Revolution HydroSteam was better at dealing with old, dried stains thanks to its steam function. When tackling two-year-old dog stains, the ProHeat 2X was able to clean most of the visible marks, but the Revolution HydroSteam was the only one to clean them completely.

When testing red wine, cola and marinara sauce in my own home, the Bissell ProHeat 2X was able to clear both new and old stains almost as effectively as the Revolution HydroSteam. But while the Revolution HydroSteam is the stronger cleaner, the ProHeat 2X is 5lbs lighter and includes a more comprehensive set of attachments, like the 3-in-1 stair tool and the spot cleaner.

For more general carpet cleaning, the ProHeat 2X should be all you need, and the pet upholstery tool is an added bonus for pet owners who are regularly cleaning up after their pets. It also costs around $130 less than the Revolution HydroSteam.

Read more in my full Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro review.

How to choose a carpet cleaner for pets

Knowing how to choose a vacuum cleaner is a little different to how to choose a carpet cleaner for pets. Carpet cleaners can't typically handle any solid matter so you're looking out for different criteria.

• Suction power: To find out which carpet cleaners have strong suction, read reviews such as the ones in this guide. Frustratingly, brands rarely list suction power on carpet cleaner product pages. They'll occasionally mention wattage but that only represents the amount of power used. This is likely because carpet cleaners rely on much more than suction power, like their brushrolls, cleaning solutions and attachments, but strong suction will still reflect how effectively stains are pulled out of the carpet and how quickly dirty water can be extracted.
• Cleaning solutions: If shopping to help clean up after pets, look for brands that offer specialized pet cleaning solutions. Bissell's Pet Stain & Odor Solution and Shark's Deep Clean Pet Formula are great examples, as they're designed to clean the chemicals found in pet messes and target those specific smells. They're also safer to leave on your carpet with pets around.
• Attachments: Carpet cleaners excel in the many handheld attachments they come with. Like a couple of the carpet cleaners in this guide, you can even get separate tools to handle pet messes directly from the floor. Others include stair tools, upholstery tools and dry tools. If you want your carpet cleaner to handle all-round wet/dry cleaning, look for a solid set of attachments.
• Portability: The carpet cleaners in this guide are better suited to more serious floor cleaning, with tools to handle spot cleaning. If you're only looking for a spot cleaner, instead consider the Bissell Little Green Portable Cleaner or the Shark MessMaster.
• Ease of use: As carpet cleaners can be used for so many tasks, it'll help to have one that's easy to use. This can include a long hose and cord for greater accessibility when cleaning, a light build to help carry up and down stairs, and water tanks that are easy to empty and refill. And as so much dirty liquid feeds through a carpet cleaner, it'll make life easier down the line if you're able to easily take it apart and clean each component.

How we tested these carpet cleaners

At Homes & Gardens, we will only include products in our buying guides which we have tested fully. You can learn more about the process in our detailed guide about how we test vacuums. We want to vouch for every product we feature, so that you can trust us to be truthful and critical, where necessary.

Carpet cleaners are a different breed to traditional upright and cordless vacuum cleaners so the testing criteria changes. To accurately test their performance on pet stains, I tested the two Bissells in this guide at a local pet shelter where there were dog stains on carpets that were more than two years old, and an abundance of general pet stains on all the carpets.

Aside from that, we test carpet cleaners in our own home using specified substances: a quarter cup of red wine, a half cup of cola, and a half cup of marinara sauce. We also test the variety of features on offer; if it has an upholstery tool, we'll test it on upholstery, and if it has a pet tool, we'll test on pet mess.

Meet the team

FAQs

Are carpet cleaners safe for pets?

Not always. You'll know if a carpet cleaner is safe for pets if the cleaning solution is labeled as pet-safe. Many brands offer these (you can find examples in our how to choose section).

To make sure it's safe, always follow the instructions for each carpet cleaner and each solution. It's advised not to mix solutions from other brands and stick to the ones designed for your machine.

What do professional cleaners use for pet accidents?

Pro cleaners will use different techniques to deep clean carpets, depending on the type of carpet, the type of mess, and the equipment they have available. Steam cleaning carpet (or hot water extraction) is one of the most popular methods from professionals as the heat penetrates carpet fibers and breaks down stubborn stains.

The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is our best choice in this guide because it uses steam cleaning to both pre-treat and clean carpets.

You've reached the end of the page. Jump back up to the top, or browse our comprehensively tested guide to the best vacuums for pet hair.

Now, as Kitchen Editor at H&G, I lead research, testing, and reviews on the top non-toxic kitchen appliances – from the best non-toxic coffee makers to non-toxic air fryers. I spend all day every day looking for stainless steel or ceramic appliances, that are safe to use at high temperatures, won't contaminate your food, and will last a long time.

With the help of our expert team of kitchen product testers, I've carefully curated this list of the best non-toxic kitchen appliances. I hope it inspires you to create a kitchen that’s as wholesome and healthy as it is beautiful.

The quick list

If you want a summary of the best non-toxic kitchen appliances on the market, here are the headlines. I'll go into more details of what we found in our expert tests further down the page.

Best places to find non-toxic kitchen appliances

When searching for non-toxic kitchen appliances, look for brands that avoid Teflon non-stick coatings and prioritize high-quality materials. Think: stainless steel, wood, cast iron, and glass. Below, you'll find some reliable options.

• Our Place: Known for their non-stick Always Pan and Wonder Oven, plus non-toxic tongs, wooden spoons, cutting boards and more
• Bella: A new, affordable line of non-toxic air fryers, toasters and blenders made with EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating
• GreenPan: Specializing in ceramic non-stick griddles, slow-cookers and pans using a patented non-toxic coating called Thermolon
• Caraway: A colorful range of ceramic-coated dishes, roasting trays and frying pans for easy, chemical-free cooking
• Le Creuset: Famous for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and braisers, which are naturally non-toxic and non-stick when used correctly
• Staub: More enameled cast iron dishes that are safe, durable and beautiful

Best non-toxic frying pan

I've been testing the Always Pan® Pro in my kitchen every night for a month, and it's totally changed my cooking experience. Our Place have created a coating-free, nonstick cooking surface – made without forever chemicals. They call this 'NoCo™ technology' – and it certainly works.

In testing, the Always Pan® Pro performed beautifully: food glides effortlessly, making it easy to achieve perfect browning without sticking. From sizzling diced onions to browning pork mince and even sticky paneer cheese, the pan easily handled it and required minimal cleanup afterwards. I've used it daily, with no concern about peeling or damage over time.

I also loved the beechwood spatula, which nestles neatly onto the pan lid – and the thoughtful cleaning brush, which is very effective for scooping up leftover fond or grains of food. My only criticism is that the pan is quite heavy – but it is made of tri-ply titanium and stainless steel... and I definitely need to work my arm muscles in the gym.

Overall, this high-performance, non-toxic frying pan is a must-have for any keen cook. You can make many delicious, healthy meals for years to come.

There's more detail in my Our Place Titanium Always Pan® Pro review.

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Best non-toxic air fryer

Known for making the best air fryers on the market, this Ninja model stands out as one of the best non-toxic options – appealing to health-conscious cooks for a couple of important reasons.

The Ninja Combi’s baskets and trays are made from aluminum and coated in non-stick enamel and ceramic (considered safer, non-toxic alternatives to non-stick coatings like Teflon). For anyone looking to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in cookware, options like this are ideal.

The Combi is also impressively versatile, making it a smart choice for the cost. At $179, the Ninja Combi offers enormous capacity and twelve different cooking functions – from roasting to air frying. It heats up quickly and consistently produces perfectly crisped foods, from homemade fries to roasted vegetables. I love the glass window, which lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks, reducing the risk of potentially toxic, burnt food. A stroke of genius, really.

That said, Ninja’s presets may require a little tweaking to avoid overcooking in the first place. But for anyone who wants an air fryer that prioritizes healthy food, versatility and convenience, the Ninja Combi is a worthwhile investment.

You can read more in our full review of the Ninja Combi Multicooker

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Best non-toxic kettle

Many kettles include plastic parts in their design. When these parts come into contact with boiling water, there’s a risk of chemicals – such as BPA – leaching into the water.

Instead, the Aarke Electric Kettle is made from high-quality stainless steel and 4% BPA-free plastic, a non-toxic material that won’t release any harmful chemicals, even at high temperatures. It's on the expensive side, but you can't put a price on peace of mind. It's certainly a safe, healthy choice for heating water every day.

It was actually voted our best electric kettle overall. On testing, we loved the double-wall construction, which minimizes heat loss so your water stays warm longer without needing to be reboiled – ideal for those who want to save energy.

It also has thermoregulating capabilities. Not only does it boil water, but it also maintains warm or simmering temperatures, making it a perfect choice for tea, coffee, or even a comforting warm glass of water in the morning.

Beyond its non-toxic construction, the Aarke Kettle is a beauty on the counter. Though stainless steel can show smudges, Aarke includes a microfiber cloth to keep it looking pristine. What's not to like?

Read our full Aarke Electric Kettle review here.

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Best non-toxic coffee maker

Made from stainless steel, this is a safe, affordable, specialty coffee maker. It’s very simple to use, but don't let that deceive you. This is one of a handful of home coffee makers that still meet the Speciality Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard for brewing.

The OXO quickly earned its spot at the top of our buying guide for the best drip coffee makers for a number of reasons. First, the taste is unbeaten. It delivers consistently delicious and bold cups of coffee, regardless of the quantity being brewed.

We timed the OXO and it took less than six minutes to brew a full eight-cup carafe of coffee. Single cups of coffee were even quicker and still delicious. Plus, rather than use a hotplate (risking burnt or stale coffee) this has a double-walled carafe, which keeps coffee hot for hours and is easy to pour from. The only drawback to the OXO’s simplicity is that it isn’t programmable or customizable – but what it lacks in technology, it makes up for in non-toxic quality.

You can read more in our full OXO 8-cup coffee maker review

Best non-toxic toaster oven

If you're looking for a non-toxic appliance that's unique and stylish, the Our Place Wonder Oven will catch your eye. Recently, I’ve been testing it out in my kitchen, and it's been a refreshing change from the usual gray and black appliances.

The interior is made from stainless steel, while the baking tray is ceramic-coated and free of harmful 'forever chemicals,' so you can toast, bake, roast and steam with peace of mind.

The air fryer basket is made from chromed steel – in our tests, we crisped up fries, tater tots and stuffed peppers. I really liked the steam-baking function for creating light and fluffy food. There are other toaster ovens out there with a bit more precision and more exciting features, but the Wonder Oven delivers solid, dependable results without the worry of toxic materials.

A couple of quirks worth mentioning: it has an old-school analog timer, which makes it tricky to set exact cooking times – an issue when preparing delicate dishes like fish. Additionally, the oven’s racks don’t lock in place when pulled out, so you’ll need to be careful with heavier items. Despite these minor setbacks, the Wonder Oven is a great non-toxic option that brings a fresh, stylish touch to your countertop.

You can read more in our full review of the Our Place Wonder Oven.

The best non-toxic slow cooker

This little pot is non-toxic for cleaner cooking and non-stick for quick and easy food release.

The Omni Cooker boasts a 6-qt. capacity. Which is just enough room to cater for a family of five and braise bigger joints of meat. Even though it's big, it's still the right size to make hearty, healthy meals for your family, and still have some leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.

The non-stick coating is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium to protect and preserve the natural flavors and aromas of your food. While the Omni lacks a few of the bells and whistles of some of the more premium machines in our best slow cooker guide, it can simmer, reheat, keep warm, and cook on low, high, and delay. That might not be everything you want in a slow cooker, but it's probably everything you need.

The Omni is easy to use and quick to clean. Both the inner pot and the tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe, though you might prefer to hand-wash to scrub at spills and stains. As for the outside, all you need to do is wipe it down with a damp sponge cloth, and it should look as good as new.

There's more detail in the GreenPan Omni Cooker review.

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Best non-toxic chopping board

I'm not keen on plastic chopping boards. I’ve used them in the past, only to see the plastic surface chipping and flaking into my food over time. I’ve tried some fantastic Japanese rubber and bamboo cutting boards, but my overall winner is the John Boos block.

A favorite among professional chefs, these wooden boards score thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews from home cooks. Even my culinary icon, Ina Garten, uses these boards in her kitchen.

The one I use at home is crafted from maple, a naturally soft wood that preserves the sharpness of your knives and doesn’t chip away over time. There’s also a ‘juice groove’ carved around the edges to prevent juices from spilling over onto the counter. They are not only practical and durable, but also aesthetically pleasing – I think they bring a touch of natural beauty to the kitchen.

However, like all wooden cookware, these boards require proper care to maintain their longevity. You can’t put them in the dishwasher, and you need to oil the surface about once a month to keep the wood from drying out or cracking. With the right maintenance, this non-toxic cutting board will reward you with healthy, happy chopping for years to come.

Best non-toxic blender

It’s no secret that Vitamix makes the very best blenders on the market, and they’re now available with an even more eco-friendly accessory: the Stainless Steel Container. While the brand has long offered BPA-free Tritan containers, this stainless steel alternative is a game-changer for those who want to combine the power of Vitamix with the benefits of high-quality, stainless steel cookware.

There’s a reason stainless steel is a staple in professional kitchens – it's incredibly durable, versatile, and easy to clean. This container embodies those same qualities, providing a sturdy, long-lasting solution with no risk of plastic chipping or chemical leaching. I find it perfect for storing plant milks, smoothies, or even homemade sauces in the fridge. It’s a great option for those, like me, who are looking to reduce plastic use in food preparation and storage.

The container also features a clear, BPA-free lid – it doesn't come into contact with your ingredients, but hopefully allows you to monitor your blends without disrupting the process. With this stainless steel container, I feel confident that I’m making healthier choices for my kitchen, with less plastic and more peace of mind.

Best non-toxic bakeware

I've been testing these Staub stoneware rectangular baking dishes throughout fall and winter this year, and they're a joy to bake with.

Made from durable stoneware, they are designed to evenly diffuse heat, ensuring that food cooks gently and retains warmth for longer periods, making them ideal for serving dishes straight from the oven to the table.

Unlike some other materials, stoneware will not absorb moisture, which prevents warping or cracking, even with repeated use. The pastel-color finish – a high-quality, porcelain enamel – resists scratching and staining.

Most importantly, the enamel coating is non-reactive, meaning it won’t release harmful chemicals into your food, making these dishes a non-toxic and reliable choice for everyday use. You could even use the mini dish in the air fryer – an excellent investment for any health-conscious kitchen. These dishes will last for years to come.

FAQs

What are toxins in cookware?

When kitchenware brands talk about ‘toxins’, they’re usually referring to PFAS.

First used in the 1940s, PFAS are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. These chemicals are super stubborn, so they’re often found in products designed to be stain-resistant, clean, and dry (like cookware, cleaning products, and carpets).

The FDA says, 'Exposure to certain PFAS types has been linked to significant health issues, such as increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, altered liver function, and increased cancer risk.'

You can find more information in my guide to non-toxic cookware.

Are non-stick appliances toxic?

To explain this one, I'll go back to the beginning. Historically, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was used to create non-stick coating. PFOA has since been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental problems. It has now been phased out of production in many countries (including the United States).

These days, the majority of non-stick cookware is labeled ‘PFOA-free’ and the non-stick coating itself (widely known by the brand name Teflon) is generally considered safe when used properly.

However, Pam Hartnett (Nutritionist and Public Health expert) warns that, ‘Damaged or overheated non-stick coating can cause toxins to be released into the air and food’. Dennis Littley (a fine-dining chef with over 40 years experience in the kitchen) provides more detail: 'Teflon-coated pans can start to break down and release fumes at temperatures above 500°F (260°C).'

To cook safely, it's essential to avoid damaging your nonstick appliances or opt for toxin-free non-stick equipment instead – like the ceramic, enamel, steel and titanium alternatives listed in this guide.

Walmart is a retailer our editors consistently return to for a wide range of affordable homeware. I've sung my praises for its home decor, Scandinavian-inspired furniture, and kitchen essentials, but now it's time to show some love for its bedding department. If you're looking for duvet covers or quilts, you can find them here in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your unique home decor style. I often go for the neutrals and let my decor do the talking, but lately, I've been drawn to subtle floral prints like the one below. There are also tons of sheet and sham sets available at amazing price points. I personally love the satin pillowcases - given the hair and skin benefits of sleeping on satin sheets, it's clear that they're the key to achieving true beauty sleep. Nothing in this shopping roundup costs more than $150, allowing you to curate a luxury environment on a budget. Keep scrolling to shop my favorites, plus a few early Black Friday deals you can shop until 11/17.

Polyurethane foam emits VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which could irritate your skin and airways while polluting the atmosphere. For cleaner, safer sleep, you need an organic mattress topper.

As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I lead a team of expert testers in the search to find the world's best mattress toppers. We sleep on each topper for eight hours a night, seven nights a week, which amounts to hundreds of hours of testing for pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support. Breathable and durable, the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is our reigning champion, but you might find that another one of our tested toppers better meets your needs.

Best organic mattress toppers − 3 non-toxic options, at a glance

Below, you'll find a bite-size summary of each topper, outlining who it suits, how it feels, and what it costs. If you're keen to find out more about a particular topper, keep scrolling, or hit 'read more below' to shortcut to that section. There, you'll find the most important specs, including thickness and firmness, as well as the details of our test experience. Don't worry if you encounter any unfamiliar terms: just cross-check them against my mattress jargon buster.

The best organic mattress topper overall

The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is a leading contender for the title of 'best mattress topper', just pipped to the post by the Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper. The Tempur topper isn't organic, though, and the Avocado one is. Breathable, supportive, and sustainable, it's the best option for eco-conscious shoppers.

'As I laid down on the topper, I could feel the latex conform around my curves to bear my weight,' says expert tester Antonia Santoro. 'With just enough sink to feel supportive, Talalay latex feels a lot like memory foam, only without the heat retention.' Environmentally speaking, it's far superior: there are no nasty smells from the mattress off-gassing. The latex is GOLS certified, the cotton is GOTS certified, and the whole topper is certified Made Safe for sustainable working conditions.

The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper recently relaunched. Now, it's available in two heights and two firmness levels to support various sleep styles. I recommend the Plush (filled with springy Talalay latex) for side sleepers and anyone who wants to soften up a hard mattress. If you sleep on your back or stomach, and you're looking for a firmer feel, I suggest the Medium (filled with dense Dunlop latex).

There's only one thing Antonia didn't like about the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper: the lack of corner straps. There is a grip pad on the underside of the topper, she acknowledges, but 'I've had to get out of bed in the middle of the night once or twice to reposition it.' It's worth learning how to stop a mattress topper from sliding before you buy.

The best organic mattress topper for side sleepers

If you sleep on your side, then you need a mattress topper that's soft enough to cushion your joints but not so soft that you start to sink into the surface. 'Latex offers softness without that sinking feeling you get from memory foam,' says expert tester Kaitlin Madden. 'The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper feels more supportive than a traditional down or cotton pillow top, and more responsive than your average memory foam mattress topper.'

The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper is certified free from VOCs by the eco-INSTITUT. The cotton is Fair Trade certified for sustainable production and safe working conditions. The topper comes with a free carbon offset credit to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

'I had low expectations for the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper in the edge support test,' admits Kaitlin. 'I thought I'd fall right through the plush pillow top and start to slide. When I actually sat on the side of the topper, I found that the support core of Talalay latex managed to bear my weight and keep me upright.' Edge support is especially important if you like to sit on the side of the bed to nurse a baby or get dressed in the mornings.

'I couldn't review the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper without mentioning the price,' says Kaitlin. 'At full price, a Queen retails for $498.66. That's a lot of money to spend on a mattress topper. Even if you're dead-set on organic, there are more affordable alternatives at Earthfoam and Avocado.'

The best organic mattress topper for back pain

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for back pain: everybody holds tension in different places. You might have pain in your hips and lumbar region, or you might feel soreness in your shoulders in the morning. Whether you feel the ache up top, down low, or all over your back, the secret is finding a mattress topper to keep your spine straight.

'What feels right for you largely depends on your sleep position,' explains expert tester Louise Oliphant. 'As a side sleeper, I need something soft enough to cushion my knees and hips, but not so soft that my shoulders start to fall forward, throwing my spine out of alignment. That's the problem I was having on my old memory foam mattress topper. I found the Earthfoam Mattress Topper was a true medium-firm, well-suited for my sleep needs. I'd happily recommend it to back and stomach sleepers who like a little more support.'

'I was a little worried about the Earthfoam Mattress Topper sliding on my bed, since it doesn't come with corner straps,' Louise recalls. 'Turns out, my fitted sheet was enough to keep the Earthfoam Mattress Topper in place.'

Louise acknowledges that the Earthfoam Mattress Topper isn't perfect. Like any latex product, there's a bit of bounce through the topper, which might disturb couples or light sleepers. On the flip side, the edge support is solid: 'the springy, responsive feel of the latex extends all the way around the sides of the bed,' Louise explains.

Best organic mattress toppers – Side by Side

Best organic mattress toppers − honorable mentions

Over the years, our expert team has tested lots of mattress toppers, five of which are organic. My top three represents the best for comfort, cooling, and cost, but I wanted to shout out two more mattress toppers that might meet your sleep needs.

• Saatva Organic Quilted Mattress Topper: 'I can't overstate how well I slept on this topper,' says expert tester Jamie Davis Smith. 'It's soft yet supportive to suit every sleep position and made from organic materials for natural breathability. If I saw the Saatva Organic Quilted Mattress Topper listed for less in the mattress sales, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Still, at full price, I struggle to justify the cost.' Out of all the mattress toppers we've tested, this is by far the most expensive, retailing for $995 for a Queen. For that price, you could skip a mattress topper and buy an affordable mattress instead. I suggest the Earthfoam Organic Mattress, which goes for $999 for a Queen.
• Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper: 'The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper is perforated with thousands of tiny holes, which optimize airflow throughout the foam to keep you cool,' explains expert tester Jamie Davis Smith. 'As a hot sleeper testing through a heatwave, I was seriously impressed with the breathability of latex, which slept far cooler than memory foam. In fact, I'd put it up there with the best cooling mattress toppers and pads.' The reason the Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper didn't make the main list is because of the lack of edge support, which makes it harder to get in and out of bed, especially for people who struggle with mobility.

How we test mattress toppers

I lead a team of mattress testers across the country. Together, we represent a wide range of ages, body types, and sleep styles. We sleep on each topper for a minimum of 30 nights in our own homes to give the best indication of long-term performance. To learn more about how we test mattress toppers, consult our expert guide.

We assess each mattress topper for pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support. To assess pressure relief, we lie on the mattress topper and flip between our back, side, and stomach, considering how comfortable we feel in each position. To assess thermoregulation, we switch off our AC and sleep through all weathers, making note of any time we wake up in a sweat.

To assess motion isolation, we fill a glass with water and set it in the center of the mattress topper. Then, we take a weight and place it on the topper, moving it incrementally closer to the glass. The more the glass moves, and the more water spills, the worse the motion isolation, and the less suitable the mattress for light sleepers and couples. To assess edge support, we sit on the side of the topper and measure how far we sink. The further we fall, the worse the edge support, and the less suitable the topper for anyone who likes to sit or sleep on the side of the bed.

We also consider all the practical considerations of buying a mattress topper, from the length of the sleep trial to the extent of the mattress warranty, as well as the details of delivery. We like to compare our findings against verified reviews to uncover common customer concerns. Finally, we bring it all back to the price of the topper to help you determine value for money.

How to choose an organic mattress topper

An organic mattress topper could set you back several hundred dollars. To make the most of your money, you want to get it right first time. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind while you shop. Follow my mattress topper buying rules and you won't go far wrong.

The current state of your mattress

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I'm often asked when to buy a mattress topper. My answer varies from person to person. It depends on how long you've had your mattress and what state it's in.

If you've had your mattress for seven years or longer, and you can feel the foam deforming and hear the coils creaking, then it might be time to replace your mattress.

If you've only had your mattress for a few years, but you don't like how it looks or feels, then a mattress topper might be able to help. If you feel that your mattress is soft and sagging, you need a firm mattress topper to support your spine (I recommend Dunlop latex). If you feel that your mattress is too hard, then you'll appreciate a softer topper to cushion your joints (I suggest Talalay latex).

Your sleep position

Whether you lie on your stomach, back, or side, your sleep position makes a big difference to your spinal alignment and influences which sort of mattress topper might feel best for you.

The best way to understand how a mattress topper might feel on your bed is to talk in terms of mattress firmness. Some brands rate their toppers using words, from Soft to Medium to Firm, while others use a numerical scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is super-soft and 10 is ultra-supportive.

Side sleepers need a softer surface to cushion their hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles to keep their spine straight. Back sleepers prefer a firmer surface to keep their hips from sinking beneath their shoulders, while stomach sleepers need it firmer still to keep their backs from arching.

Your aches and pains

Whether you suffer from a chronic pain condition, or you deal with everyday aches, you'll likely appreciate a slightly softer topper with pressure-relieving properties. I recommend Talalay latex, which feels supple and responsive, over Dunlop latex, which feels firmer.

Your sleep temperature

If you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes, or you live in a warmer climate, then you should narrow the search to one of the best cooling mattress toppers (or pads). Latex is naturally breathable, and a comfort layer of cotton and wool should work to mop up moisture.

Your budget

I'm often asked how much you should spend on a mattress topper. I normally suggest somewhere between $200 and $400 for a Queen.

When you're shopping for an organic mattress topper, you need to adjust your upper limit. I'd expect to spend up to $500 for organic materials and sustainable manufacture. After all, some of the best organic mattress toppers are seriously expensive: the Saatva Organic Quilted Mattress Topper retails for almost $1,000 for a Queen.

Your values

Here's the good news: it's possible to shop in a way that aligns with your personal values. You just have to be prepared to spend a little more time and money.

If you're vegan, or you prefer to purchase vegan products, then you should look for a mattress topper filled with latex and cotton, rather than wool or cashmere. If you want to support companies that treat their workers fairly, then keep an eye out for the Made Safe label. The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper fits the bill.

FAQs

Which is the best organic cooling mattress topper?

The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is one of the best cooling mattress toppers for hot sleepers and summer nights. Latex has an open-cell structure with plenty of air pockets, so it's highly breathable. Inside the comfort layer, you'll find organic wool and cotton, which are naturally moisture-wicking to control your night sweats.

Which is the best organic soft mattress topper?

The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper comes in Soft, Medium, Firm, and Extra Firm to support all sleep positions. I recommend the Soft for side sleepers, anyone in need of pressure relief, and anyone who sleeps on a firm, inflexible mattress.

A mattress topper should only ever be a short-term solution. If you've had your mattress for seven years or more, and it's starting to lose support, then you'd be better off skipping a mattress topper and buying the best organic mattress, instead. I've ranked and reviewed six of my favorites from PlushBeds, Saatva, Woolroom, and more.

If you have a lot of plant material to remove, shears are the perfect tool. They can snip swathes of unruly hedges into shape, saving you from cutting them branch-by-branch with a set of pruners.

However, there are a lot of cheap, badly made pairs of shears on sale right now. They easily rust, chip, or break, and you can't even fix them with replacement parts. I've tested lots of pairs of garden shears and found the very best. These are the only shears you should ever buy - as tested by an expert.

The best hedge shears you can buy

I've tested plenty of hedge shears in my career, but the ARS KR-1000 stand out as the very best. They're incredibly sharp, lightweight, and comfortable, and every part of them can be maintained and replaced.

Firstly, these are easily the sharpest shears I've ever tested. Straight out of the box, these cut through leaves and stems like they're not even there. They're perfect for both topiary and general pruning. Every cut is incredibly clean with no tearing or mashing at leaves or branches. It's remarkable to watch - these shears prune so precisely that it's almost as if your hedges were laser-cut. With regular sharpening, these should make short work of almost any hedge in the garden.

Secondly, these shears are very lightweight, a few ounces lighter than the other shears I've tried. It was particularly noticeable on the day I put these to the test. After long, hard hours with the other shears on the test, these felt like a revelation. Lifting them up felt almost weightless and they're well-balanced, too. Holding them up at awkward angles was easy because they're so light.

On top of being lightweight, these shears are very comfortable. The rubber handles give a soft, effective grip, and the squishy bumpers reduce the impact on your hands and wrists. Don't get me wrong, after a few hours, your palms will start to rub a little, and your joints will be a little sore, but it's much more comfortable than other shears out there.

But the best feature of these shears is that every part is replaceable. There are a lot of shears out there that can't be fixed. Once you crack a handle or chip a blade so badly it can't be sharpened, that's it - your shears are broken. If any part of the AS KR-1000 breaks, you can fix it. With a little TLC, these are the last pruners you'll ever buy.

However, these shears aren't perfect. The most obvious drawback is that they're much more expensive than other shears. That said, well-oiled, these can last for life, so while it's a larger upfront cost, over the course of your gardening life it's a lower net spend.

A bigger issue is that they aren't great on hardwood. They're stronger than they appear – I found that they can cope with much larger branches than the 0.39" maximum suggested by ARS. However, they struggled a little with thicker branches of laurel. The cut was still clean, but it took a little oomph to get through tougher branches.

Other great options

The ARS KR-1000 are my favorite hedge shears, but the price and struggles with thick hardwood means it isn't always the best option. If the ARS shears aren't for you, consider these other pairs.

How do I find good hedge shears?

First of all, work out the length of blade you need. Short blades - around 6" - are best for close-up topiary; long blades of 12" are best for cutting big hedges in one go.

Gardening expert Thom Rutter says: 'I always found the shorter handled shears ideal to use for smaller, more intricate shaping, as the design gives you more control and makes it more manageable to create the shape you want.' For a mid-length that suits both tasks, look for blades of around 8-10".

Then, work out if you want straight or wavy blades. Wavy blades are best for cutting through larger branches, but they give slightly ragged cuts and they're hard to sharpen. Straight blades give the cleanest cut and are easy to sharpen, but can't always get through hardwood.

Keep an eye out for rubber blade bumpers. These stop the handles from knocking together harshly, reducing the strain on your hands. If possible, avoid bare wood handles, because these can rub uncomfortably on your hands.

Finally, whatever you do, try to buy shears with bright handles, either red or yellow. This color stands out against dark green shrubs and lawns, so if you drop your shears you'll always be able to find them.

Pruning is a delicate task, especially when it comes to trees, hedges, and shrubs. Learning when to prune shrubs and trees can make a huge difference to your plants.

The best air fryer liners not only provide a protective layer to your appliance, they also catch residual cooking oil and crumbs to make cleaning quicker and easier. In my quest to find the best, I tested the most common types of air fryer liners – silicone baskets, paper sheets, and perforated liners. I cooked classic French fries and air fryer dishes that are notoriously irritating to clean, like sticky marinades and melted cheese.

To my surprise, I hated the perforated liners (more on that below) and loved the reusable, silicone baskets the most. Here's a quick list of the winners – you'll find options for your air fryer's size and shape further down the page, so you can find the right fit.

The best air fryer liners 2025

These liners will cover all your air fryer cooking needs. Combined, they make a dream team.

The air fryer lines to avoid

Perforated liners are supposed to aid crispiness, but in my comparison tests, they weren’t any better than silicone liners with grooves.

Flat paper liners were the worst of the bunch. They are incredibly lightweight, so if not weighed down by heavy food, they can float up or cover your food– reducing crispiness and at worst, catching fire. Plus, marinades, crumbs, and oil still leaked through to the basket – I had to clean the air fryer basket after every use.

They do help drain away oil – which may be appealing to some – but if you’re concerned about oil intake, I’d recommend using an ultra-fine spray bottle from Flairosol, and your fryer’s crisper plate as normal to let excess oil drain to the bottom. For an easy cleanup, line the bottom of the basket with a paper basket to catch any excess oil. Simple.

Notes from the test kitchen

Here are the juicy details of my tests, plus my liner recommendations for the unique size and shape of your air fryer. I used the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer, since it is the air fryer I have at home.

1. Silicone basket liners with grooves

I was surprised by how much I loved using the silicone liners. I preferred designs with raised grooves, since they made my fries ultra crispy and it was easy to drain out the collected cooking oil.

The handles are so easy to use – but hot to touch straight away, so you just need to wait a couple of minutes for them to cool quickly. When I removed the liner, the plate underneath was spotless.

They were easy to clean in the dishwasher, but if you wash by hand, you'll need to scrub in between the grooves. For sticky marinades and melting chocolate, I'd recommend paper liners instead.

Shop the best silicone basket liners

Choose these for fries, fish cakes, nuggets, or any crispy breaded food. Make sure to measure your air fryer first to pick the correct size. Here are some recommended options below.

2. Parchment paper baskets

Paper baskets are convenient because they are disposable, making cleanup a breeze for foods like cheesy fries, air fryer s'mores, or cookies. Choose food-safe, unbleached paper like the options below and toss them in the trash after use.

On the downside, they can be tricky to lift out, especially when filled with food. They're not a good option for small portions, because they need to be weighed down by food to stop them floating around in the hot air. If they fly up near the heating element, you'll risk a fire hazard.

Also, paper baskets don't have perforated holes or raised grooves to promote airflow and crispiness, which is why I don't really recommend them for fries or breaded foods, although I didn't notice a huge difference in texture in my tests.

If you're concerned about losing crispiness, I discovered a great hack. You can place a paper basket underneath your crisper plate. You'll benefit from the crisper holes and the paper basket will catch all the mess at the bottom, saving you the effort of cleaning the air fryer basket beneath. Or, just opt for the silicone baskets above.

One last point, since they're not reusable, they could get expensive to buy repeatedly. I'd actually recommend owning an assortment of silicone liners, paper baskets and ramekin containers – then you can just use the paper for very messy meals.

Shop the best paper liners

Choose these for cookies, doughs, sticky marinades, and melting air fryer s'mores. Make sure to measure your air fryer first to pick the correct size.

3. Air fryer-safe ramekins

If you're making single-serve desserts like molten lava cakes, crème brûlée, baked eggs, or smaller portions of dishes such as mini casseroles or soufflés, you'll want to choose a good set of air fryer-safe ramekins.

Their individual size makes portion control easy and they're also great for meal prep. I tested porcelain and ceramic ramekins, as well as silicone molds. I found that porcelain and ceramic withstand high heat and distribute it evenly, so your food is air-baked to perfection. Just make sure to compare the temperature threshold on your ramekin to the temperature required for your recipe, so they're safely compatible. Remember to use oven gloves to remove the dishes, too.

My particular favorite was the adorable Staub cocotte dishes. I used them to bake eggs; they are so elegant to serve guests. I lined the dish with oil, cracked in the egg with a little salt, pepper and parmesan, then the eggs were ready in under 10 minutes.

I also loved the OXO Good Grips Silicone Baking Cups. They were perfect for egg bites and muffins, which popped out effortlessly from the non-stick surface. Plus, I wasn't nervous about their fragility or breakage in the air fryer. They are dishwasher-safe, so cleaning was effortless, too,

Shop the best air fryer ramekins & molds

Choose these for desserts, baked oats, eggs and more. Make sure to compare the temperature on your recipe with the heat threshold of your ramekin, so they are compatible.

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4. Perforated flat sheets

Many people are tempted to use perforated liners, thinking the holes will enhance crispiness and reduce oil. The latter is true – when I tested, I found that a lot of oil slipped away into the bottom of the drawers. This might be healthier, but it doesn't provide the effortless clean-up I'm looking for.

Plus, the perforations made zero difference in crisping up my food. If you're looking to drain away oil, you're better off just using your air fryer’s crisper plate as normal and lining the basket underneath with a disposable paper basket.

I also found the flat paper liners slide around when you shake the basket (posing a safety hazard if they shift near the heating element) and they can end up covering your food. They can’t be easily lifted out, tumbling out amidst the food when you're serving.

The silicone liners I tried were a bit sturdier. They are non-stick, so if you don't have a non-stick air fryer, the silicone flat liners could help if you need to flip food for baking. However, I'd probably recommend using parchment paper baskets above for baked goods – it's a time-tested method for a reason.

All things considered, I'm not sure they are worth the hassle – my top suggestion is to invest in a mixture of grooved silicone and paper baskets, using the hack I have suggested above to create crispy food and easy maintenance on all occasions.

FAQS

Can you use foil in the air fryer?

For the most part, yes. Some air fryer manufacturers warn against using foil, so check your brand's manual first. When placed correctly at the bottom of the air fryer basket, foil can collect grease and breadcrumbs to be disposed of later. However, if not used correctly, foil can have some troublesome side effects.

Can silicone air fryer liners go in the dishwasher?

Yes, most silicone air fryer liners are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a dream. These liners are designed to withstand high temperatures and are made from food-grade silicone, so they can easily be placed on the top rack of your dishwasher for quick and convenient cleaning. Before placing your silicone liner in the dishwasher, double-check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it’s safe for your specific liner.

Where to buy air fryer liners?

Amazon, Target and Walmart have tons of options. You can get all these liners, as well as ramekins and baking molds to fit a wide range of brands, so you can find the right fit for your specific appliance. Plus, they have most of the air fryer accessories I wouldn't be without. Like tongs, spray bottles, and more.

Are air fryer liners safe?

Yes, if used correctly. Parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers are made to handle high temperatures. To ensure safe use, always check that the paper liner’s heat resistance matches your air fryer’s maximum temperature – most are safe up to 425°F (218°C).

Since paper liners are lightweight, you need to place enough food on top to prevent the liner from flying up and contacting the heating element. Never use them while your air fryer is preheating, as this can also pose a fire hazard.

To determine which vacuum is the best for cars, we caught up with some leading, professional car detailers to learn everything they know about vacuuming vehicles. They gave us some useful insight (which you can find in detail at the how to choose section further down the page), and even gave us some recommended options that they've used themselves.

We weighed up these factors along with the results from our own tests on the world's best vacuums to compile this definitive list of the three best car vacuums, to help keep your vehicle as pristine as possible.

The quick list

Here are the three best car vacuums at a glance. The best option is undoubtedly the Shark MessMaster as it's portable, super easy to clean, can remove stains, and can handle wet and dry messes.

But if you'd rather have a more traditional vacuum, we've also included the best cordless option and the best upright option, which would both make light work of cleaning your car while also being a great investment for your home.

The best vacuum cleaners for cars

Explore our run-through of each of the top picks, with details on why they perform so well on cars. For more info, you'll be able to click through to each vacuum's individual review.

The best wet/dry car vacuum