• The air-travel website AirHelp has released a ranking of 133 major airports across the world.
• The airports were evaluated on criteria like customer service, cleanliness, on-time performance, and the food and shopping options available to travelers.
• AirHelp selected airports that are the" best known and most used" for its rankings while leaving out airports for which data was unavailable. 
• Eight of the 10 airports that received the lowest scores are located in Europe.

The air-travel website AirHelp has released a ranking of major airports around the world.

The list includes 133 airports evaluated on criteria like customer service, cleanliness, on-time performance, and the food and shopping options available to travelers. Airports were given an overall score on a 10-point scale, with on-time performance accounting for 60% of the score, service quality accounting for 20%, and food and shopping options representing 20%.

"We chose the airports based on the best known and most used airports - but we exclude airports that we are unable to get data for," AirHelp said in an explanation of its methodology. 

Eight of the 10 airports that received the lowest scores are located in Europe. One airport from Asia and one from North America also made the list.

These are the world's 10 worst airports, according to AirHelp.

SEE ALSO: Frustrated US lawmakers tear into safety officials over the government's slow response to 2 Boeing 737 Max crashes

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10. London Gatwick Airport

Location: London, United Kingdom

On-time performance score: 5.7

Service quality score: 8.0

Food and shops score: 7.9

Overall score: 6.62

9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Location: Toronto, Canada

On-time performance score: 5.8 

Service quality score: 8.1

Food and shops score: 7.0

Overall score: 6.50

8. Porto Airport

Location: Porto, Portugal

On-time performance score: 5.6

Service quality score: 7.9

Food and shops score: 7.6

Overall score: 6.46

7. Paris Orly Airport

Location: Paris, France

On-time performance score: 5.4 

Service quality score: 7.9

Food and shops score: 7.8

Overall score: 6.37

6. Manchester Airport

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

On-time performance score: 5.2

Service quality score: 7.8

Food and shops score: 8.0

Overall score: 6.26

5. Malta International Airport

Location: Malta, Malta

On-time performance score: 5.0 

Service quality score: 7.7

Food and shops score: 7.5

Overall score: 6.05

4. Henri Coanda International Airport

Location: Bucharest, Romania

On-time performance score: 6.0

Service quality score: 6.1

Food and shops score: 6.0

Overall score: 6.03

3. Eindhoven Airport

Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands

On-time performance score: 4.9

Service quality score: 7.8

Food and shops score: 7.1

Overall score: 5.92

2. Kuwait International Airport

Location: Kuwait, Kuwait

On-time performance score: 4.3

Service quality score: 8.0

Food and shops score: 8.0

Overall score: 5.78

1. Lisbon Portela Airport

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

On-time performance score: 4.7

Service quality score: 7.3

Food and shops score: 7.4

Overall score: 5.77

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Nowadays, you won't only find candles at home brands, or pricey specialty candle manufacturers like Diptyque and Byerdo. 
• Even jewelry and lingerie startups like Mejuri and LIVELY are making and selling their own candles, both as a thematic complement to their core business and as an affordable alternative to traditional luxury brands.  
• Though these $30 to $40 candles come from a variety of companies, what ties them together is their ability to create a relaxing atmosphere and draw shoppers deeper into the brand experience. 

You're shopping for jewelry for yourself when you notice your favorite gold delicates startup also sells its own candles. As you move on to browsing lingerie, you get an eerie sense of déjà vu — there it is again, like a hazy mirage inviting you to close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Candles are becoming a popular offering for not only home startups, which naturally revolve around creating a peaceful, comfortable space, but also unexpected companies like jewelry and apparel. 

If your main goal today is to find a set of stacking rings, why would you veer off course to a candle? For Mejuri, an online company whose mission "is to have women embrace a daily dose of luxury," candles are a natural extension of its brand, and it's hoping you'll see rings and a candle as a natural pairing. 

Believing broadly that "luxury comes from the small moments," the founders wanted to introduce a complementary, self-care product that gives its customers the same little thrill as when they put on a beautiful necklace or pair of earrings. 

It sells two varieties of hand-poured, small-batch candles, the A.M. and the P.M., meant to match your changing moods throughout the day. Bedding startup Brooklinen sells a similar concept in its A.M. to P.M. set of candles, which takes you from the fresh, invigorating morning air of the oceanside to the warm, comforting embrace of a nightcap. 

Home startups Snowe also center their candles around different moods rather than describe the scent first. If you want to be transported to your favorite dark, brooding establishment, try the Speak Easy, but if you'd prefer to stay at home, Pillow Talk is a perfect match. 

Lingerie and swimwear startup LIVELY listened to its community in order to arrive at its candle product. It first expanded into beauty in 2018 by launching a fragrance, Jasmine. Sea. Sun. Shoppers told the brand they'd love to see this playful blend of jasmine, sea salt, pear, and sandalwood in a candle, and it was happy to deliver. The scent aims to carry on LIVELY's story of carefree, confident living. 

In the end, everything comes back to making you feel comfortable in your own skin. In that way, jewelry, lingerie, and home brands aren't really so different from each other. 

These candles are a romantic way to keep you engaged with the brand and get a scent-driven dose of luxury, but on a practical level, they're also the more affordable route to take.

Name-brand luxury candles like diptyque and Byerdo cost $60 to $90 — a true splurge. Meanwhile, startup candles of the same size average $35, plus they have the additional benefits of using cleaner, natural ingredients. New companies that specialize in candles and fragrance, like Otherland and Skylar, are also cropping up in the wave of accessible direct-to-consumer alternatives to traditional brands. To add to your candle collection without overspending, try looking to one of your favorite online startups first. 

You can shop candles from a variety of startups below. 

SEE ALSO: 13 startups that make daily rituals like brushing your teeth and taking vitamins more enjoyable

P.M. Candle from Mejuri: 9 oz. and 40-45 hour burn time, with notes of tuberose, violet, and lily

P.M. Candle, $40, available at Mejuri

Shop all Mejuri here

Dusk Candle from Brooklinen: 10.5 oz. and 50-60 hour burn time, smells like a "cozy cabin in the woods"

Dusk Candle, $35, available at Brooklinen

Shop all Brooklinen here

Jasmine. Sea. Sun. Candle from LIVELY: 5 oz. and 35 hour burn time, with notes of Jasmine Sambac, sea salt, crisp pear, and sandalwood

Jasmine. Sea. Sun. Candle, $35, available at LIVELY

Shop all LIVELY here

Pillow Talk Candle from Snowe: 9 oz. and 75 hour burn time, with notes of sandalwood, ginger, and lavender

Pillow Talk Candle, $30, available at Snowe

Shop all Snowe here

Chandelier Candle from Otherland: 8 oz. and 55 hour burn time, with notes of champagne, saffron, and leather

Chandelier Candle, $36, available at Otherland

Shop all Otherland here

Magic Hour Candle from Brooklinen: 10.5 oz. and 50-60 hour burn time, smells like a "sunlit rose garden"

Magic Hour Candle, $35, available at Brooklinen

Shop all Brooklinen here

A.M. Candle from Mejuri: 9 oz. and 40-45 hour burn time, with notes of rose, lilac, and jasmine

A.M. Candle, $40, available at Mejuri

Shop all Mejuri here

Coral Candle from Skylar: 8 oz. and 50 hour burn time, with notes of grapefruit and apple blossom

Coral Candle, $38, available at Skylar

Shop all Skylar here

Kindling Candle from Otherland: 8 oz. and 55 hour burn time, with notes of wood, clove, and smoke

Kindling Candle, $36, available at Otherland

Shop all Otherland here

Isle Candle from Skylar: 8 oz. and 50 hour burn time, with notes of citrus and spiced sandalwood

Isle Candle, $38, available at Skylar

Shop all Skylar here

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Every time I go to my local grocery store, a general home goods store, or Target, I'm surprised at the sheer amount of kitchen gadgets and cooking tools that exist. It seems like there's a slicer, dicer, peeler, and chopper for just about every fruit and vegetable. There are different spatulas and pans for cooking all sorts of things. You can even get machines that are made to only make waffles. 

When shopping for your kitchen, many of these little gadgets and tools may seem frivolous. You may be left to wonder, "Will I actually use that avocado slicer? Or would a regular knife suffice?" 

To help you answer that pressing question, and others like it, we rounded up our favorite handy kitchen gadgets and cooking tools we've come to rely on.

Keep reading for 21 clever cooking tools you didn't know you needed:

A foldable cutting board

Joseph Joseph Foldable Cutting Board, available at Amazon, $12.57

If you do a lot of batch cooking or you tend to prepare meals that require lots of chopping, you need this cutting board. The handle makes it easy to hold and maneuver around the kitchen, and the foldable sides ensure that nothing falls off the board while you do so. — Remi Rosmarin, reporter

A handheld citrus juicer

Cucisina Lemon Juicer, available at Amazon, $5.88

If you frequently cook with lemons or limes, or you just make a lot of guacamole, you need this $7 tool in your drawer. It stops seeds falling into your food and ensures you get every last drop of juice. — Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy for Insider Picks

A hand mixer

Breville Hand Mixer, available at Amazon, $129.95

I don't have the space for a KitchenAid stand mixer in my small New York City apartment, so I opted for a Breville hand mixer instead — and woah, I did not realize how effortless it could be to prepare cookie doughs and cake batters. I especially like this mixer's easy-to-adjust speed control and built-in light. It comes with three different types of attachments and a see-through container to store both the attachments and the device itself. — Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy for Insider Picks

A citrus zester and cheese grater

Microplane Coarse Grater, available at Amazon, $15.70

Whether you're zesting lemons or grating Parmesan cheese or even fresh nutmeg, this is the best possible tool for the job. The top has a little rubber cover that keeps the grater stable on a cutting board, and the handle provides a comfortable grip. It's dishwasher safe, very sharp, and extremely effective. I store mine on a hook for easier access I also really appreciate that there's a built-in loop for hanging. — Sally Kaplan, editor

A fish spatula

AdeptChef Stainless Steel Fish Spatula, available at Amazon, $9

I think I've told everyone I know about this fish spatula. I'm actually a vegetarian, so I don't even use it for fish, but it's designed precisely to be able to handle and flip delicate foods. So yes, it's great for fish (probably) but it's also great for literally anything else you cook in a pan. It's flexible with a razor-thin edge so you can get underneath anything to flip it without dislodging that crispy crust or perfect sear you worked hard to achieve. Throw away your other spatulas and replace them with these — you won't be sorry! And if you need further convincing, here's my in-depth review on this fish spatula. — Sally Kaplan, editor

A splatter screen for frying pans

Williams Sonoma Silicone Splatter Screen, available at Williams Sonoma, $24.95

Williams-Sonoma's splatter screen has helped me crack down on kitchen grease big time. The screen's small perforations let steam escape so that my food never gets soggy, but they keep in all the grease that would have otherwise ended up all over my stove and the areas that immediately surround it. — Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy for Insider Picks

An indoor grill press

George Foreman 4-Serving Grill and Panini Press, available at Amazon, $36.92

Upon learning that my meals mostly consisted of whatever I could boil, my father sent me this handy $40 George Foreman Grill to make cooking full meals — including protein — easier and therefore more appealing. It really has been a lifesaver. It makes a quick healthy meal of chicken and veggies in minutes, and it works as a panini press. The plates are removable and easy to clean, and it's extremely versatile for how affordable it was. It also doesn't hurt that the sloped surface drains about 42% of the fat. — Mara Leighton, reporter

An air fryer

Krups 2.5-Liter Air Fryer, $158.35, available at Amazon

I've used this appliance way more than I expected because it basically acts as a speedy convection oven. I hate cranking up my oven just to re-crisp my leftovers or make a small side dish, and this air fryer is the perfect alternative. It's easy to use and clean, and helps you make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. — Connie Chen, reporter

A detachable grater

Chef'n Tower Grater, available at Amazon, $39.99

This clever tower grater from Chef'n is a new favorite for me. Each of the three sides, which have differently-sized grating holes, can be removed from the base and used on their own. If you keep the tower intact while you grate, your cheese or veggies will stay safely tucked inside. — Sally Kaplan, editor

A potato ricer

UberChef Stainless Steel Potato Ricer, available at Amazon, $18

My time-saving hack for silky-smooth and creamy mashed potatoes is a potato ricer (you also need to add lots of butter and sour cream). You simply place boiled potatoes into the ricer and give it a squeeze, forcing the potatoes through the many tiny holes and into a bowl. It's much less arm work than a regular masher, and the results are 1,000 times better. No lumps, no problems! — Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy for Insider Picks

A miniature spiralizer

Vegetti Spiralizer, available at Amazon, $9.99

Get your laughs out now, everyone. I know the name of this gadget is not great, but it works really well for such a simple tool. Each end makes veggie noodles in a different size, and all you have to do is twist your zucchini, cucumber, carrot, or other long veggie around to create them. It takes up a lot less space than those huge spiralizers, but one thing to watch out for is that you don't catch your finger on the blades inside when you get down to the last little bit of whatever you're spiralizing. — Sally Kaplan, editor

A waffle maker

Krups Belgian Waffle Maker, available at Amazon, $54.99

A waffle maker is one of those single-use tools most people are unsure about, but Krups' has earned its place in my kitchen. It turns out perfectly shaped diner-like waffles in about 10 minutes, and has become a regular part of my weekend routine. Plus, its grates pop off, so you can easily clean it without risking any damage. — Brandt Ranj, reporter

A sous vide tool

ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide, available at Amazon, $199

Sous vide cooking, which uses an immersion technique that involves putting food in sealed bags and cooking it in a water bath, used to be restricted to restaurants because of its expense, but ChefSteps puts that power into the home chef's hands with the Joule. This tool cooks meats and vegetables perfectly by bringing them up to a pre-set temperature, and doesn't let anything overcook. — Brandt Ranj, reporter

We also named the Joule the top pick in our sous vide buying guide.

A utensil holder

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Rotating Utensil Holder, available at Amazon, $19.19

If your kitchen drawer can't easily open or close because it's overstuffed, OXO's utensil holder is the answer. It has three sections, and holds everything from my spatula to my citrus press, and its rotating bottom makes it easy to get at whatever I need. — Brandt Ranj, reporter

A silicon muffin pan

Silpat Silicone Muffin Pan, available at Williams Sonoma, $49.95

I was perfectly content using regular muffin pans until I had the opportunity to try Silpat's. Now I'm ruined. What makes this pan so good is its non-stick material, which allows you to pop out the muffins without letting them cool first or using grease. — Brandt Ranj, reporter

Seconded! Brandt and I are both obsessed with these muffin pans. I threw out my metal one immediately after trying this for the first time. We tested out the Silpat muffin pans together a little while back in case you want a more in-depth review. — Sally Kaplan, editor

A coated cast-iron skillet

Ultimate Skillet, available at Milo, $65

The most used tool in my kitchen is a cast iron skillet, and Milo's is the one I trust the most. Its enameled coating makes it easier to clean that raw cast iron, and it doesn't need to be seasoned regularly. — Brandt Ranj, reporter

A smart speaker

Echo (2nd Generation) Smart Speaker, available at Amazon, $99.99

I'm an amateur cook, and one reason why I don't do it often (and thereby don't get any better) is because I hate having to continually refer back to a cookbook or a recipe on my phone. This lets me ask cooking questions to Alexa without taking my hands off the cutting board or having to pause my podcast or music — since I'm probably already using the Echo to listen. It also helps with the boredom I still feel whilst cooking. — Mara Leighton, reporter

A juicer

Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juice Extractor, available at Amazon, $149.95

I don't know if this counts as cooking, but it's definitely an unexpected key player in my kitchen. It's pretty big and bulky, but it's relatively easy to clean and makes a flawless eight-ounce. cup of juice in only five seconds. — Mara Leighton, reporter

A set of just the essentials

The Fundamentals, $175, available at Material

If you're a minimalist whose goal is to pare down, not add to the clutter of your kitchen, you'll want to take a look at kitchen essentials brand Material. Its Fundamentals Set comprises two knives, a pair of tongs, a wooden spoon, a metal spoon, a slotted spatula, and a wooden base to hold it all together, but my favorite is the tongs. You can lock and unlock the tongs simply by squeezing and flipping with one hand, giving you the power to multitask and the feeling of a pro chef who knows exactly what they're doing. — Connie Chen, reporter

Adhesive hooks

Fufcu Adhesive Wall Hooks (16-pack), available at Amazon, $7.98

Another tool I use to clean up my drawer is this set of adhesive hooks, which line the wall behind my sink and counter. They're the perfect size to hold awkwardly sized utensils, like a burger mold or measuring cups. — Brandt Ranj, reporter

Silicone oven mitts

Honla Silicone Oven Mitts, available at Amazon, $12.97

I tend to take things very literally, so to me, the "hand-iest" tool that I use in the kitchen has to be these silicone oven mitts from Honla. While there is nothing flashy about these mitts, they perform exactly as you would hope a pair of oven mitts should. They slip on and off easy, the silicone exterior provides a solid grip on whatever you may be pulling out of the oven, and they do not let any heat through to your hands. — Danny Bakst, content producer

• If your iPad has stopped charging, there are many potential causes, but they're all easy to test for and fix.
• You should methodically test every part of the charging process, including software, the AC adapter, Lightning cable, and Lightning port.
• The most common problems with iPad charging include a failed USB cable and a USB port that can't deliver enough power.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If your iPad is plugged in and refuses to charge, there's understandable cause for concern.

But before you pack it up and head to an Apple store to get it serviced, there are several things you can try at home first.

It's entirely possible that there's an easy fix and your tablet will be charging again in no time.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

Make sure that your iPad isn’t charging

For starters: Are you sure that your iPad isn't charging? Start by verifying that something is amiss. Connect your iPad to an AC adapter and see if the lightning bolt appears in or beside the battery icon at the top right of the iPad's screen. If the battery is already dead, leave it to charge for about two hours and then check on it.

Restart your iPad

You've probably heard the classic advice (immortalized in the British sitcom "The IT Crowd") that the first thing you should try is to turn it off and back on again. Assuming that your iPad still has some battery life remaining, restart the iPad and then try to charge it again. There's a good chance that the simple act of rebooting it will solve the charging problem.

Don’t try to charge it via computer

iPads draw more current than smaller devices like iPhones, and many — if not most — computers don't have high-power USB ports which can deliver enough energy to charge an iPad. There's no harm in trying — you can't damage your iPad this way — but it's likely that your computer won't be able to charge your iPad competently. You can generally tell if a USB port can't deliver enough juice because you will see a message that says "Not Charging."

Check your charging cable for damage

If you've had iOS devices for a while, you've probably seen your share of broken or frayed cables — they seem predisposed to breaking, such as when the rubberized outer sheath breaks from repeated bending, and the wires become exposed. If your USB cable looks like that, throw it away and get a new one.

But Lightning cables get a lot of abuse, and problems aren't always apparent to the naked eye. Sometimes the wire can break while still inside the sheath. And inexpensive third-party Lightning cables have been known to spontaneously stop working, often because the power regulator chip inside the cable has failed.

There's no good way to see any of this visually, so the best way to test your Lightning cable is to simply try a different one — ideally, a fully-authorized cable from Apple that you're sure works.

Check your iPad's Lightning port

If your iPad only recently started being unable to charge, the Lightning port might be clogged with dust or dirt. While it can happen, it's actually a lot less likely than on your iPhone, which is constantly being forced into pockets and bags.

Inspect the port with a flashlight, and if you see anything in it, you can try to clean the port with a toothpick. You can follow the directions outlined in "How to properly clean your iPhone's charging port when it won't charge."

Try to charge the iPad again. If it still doesn't work, move on to the next step.

Check how the iPad is plugged in

If you haven't already, be sure to check your power source. We've already said that it's likely you can't charge your iPad using a computer's USB port, but if that has worked for you in the past and isn't working now, make sure the computer is fully awake (not in sleep or hibernation mode).

You can also try a different USB port, in case the USB port you were using has failed. Don't try charging from a USB port built into a keyboard or USB hub – connect it directly to a USB port on the computer itself.

Your best bet, though, is to plug the iPad directly into a wall outlet with an AC adapter. If you have been using an AC adapter this entire time, then try a different one — borrow one from a friend or try the one that came with a different USB-powered device. And of course, if the outlet is "switched," be sure the switch is turned on so electricity is flowing to the outlet.

Get your iPad serviced

If none of these troubleshooting steps gets your iPad back up and running, it's likely that there's something wrong with the iPad's hardware. Go to an Apple store to get it serviced or replaced.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Why won't my iPhone charge?': How to diagnose and fix common iPhone charging problems

• How to unlock an iPad you've forgotten the password to (and keep your data)

• How to backup your iPad to iCloud or a computer

• How to delete apps on your iPad (and save their data)

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• I recently made the switch from my Keurig single-cup coffee maker to this 34-ounce Coffee Gator French press. 
• Though it takes a little longer to brew, I'm really pleased my choice. This French press is easy to use, makes a great cup of coffee, and looks nice in my kitchen.
• It's not super cheap at around $45, but its features — like an insulated carafe to keep your coffee hot — make it a worthy investment.

Chaotic weekday mornings happen more often than I'd like to admit. Either the subway is running behind, my hair isn't cooperating, or I need to run back to my apartment for my phone. Despite the unpredictable chaos, one thing is certain — I always have a cup of coffee in hand.

I drink black coffee, meaning a bland brew can't hide under a ton of sugar and cream. Since my early high school days, I've counted on my trusty Keurig machine for my morning coffee fix, and though my colleagues claimed that I needed to "up my coffee game," I was hesitant to make a switch.

After talking to our team's coffee expert, Owen, I finally caved and decided to try a French press. Not knowing anything about how a French press works or what specifications to look for, I resorted to the review section on Amazon. I ended up settling on the large, 34-ounce French press by Coffee Gator. With over 2,400 reviews and an impressive 4.6 stars out of five stars, I was willing to give it a shot.

The design

The Coffee Gator French press comes with three separate pieces — a vacuum-layered stainless steel carafe, a double-layered filter, and a to-go container for grounds (great for camping). You can choose one of five colors for the carafe, and each one is built from military-grade steel. I got the gray one for $42.99 and was pleased with the sleek design, packaging, and the durable feel of the product.

One of the best features of the product is the vacuum-layered carafe that keeps the coffee hot for longer. Most French press devices are single-walled, meaning that the hot water will cool quicker since it has closer contact with the temperature outside the container. The double-layered wall is a strong insulator and keeps the heat sealed inside the container — I noticed that my coffee stayed hot for over an hour, eliminating the need to microwave my second cup (and this size holds quite a few cups). 

As an avid Keurig user, I didn't know how to gauge the quality of the filter, so my coffee-knowledgeable teammate checked it out and agreed with reviewers — it seemed to hold its shape during the drop test and fit flawlessly in the carafe to avoid grounds flowing into my mug.

Brewing process

I'm used to popping a pod into a single-serve brewing machine or going next door to my nearest coffee shop, so I was hesitant about putting in extra time and effort to use a French press. To my surprise, the process was actually pretty simple.

I use the grocery store grinder to grind my coffee beans, but if a grinder isn't available, you'll want to purchase pre-made medium to coarse-ground coffee for best results. You can also grind your own whole-bean coffee beforehand. Once you have the French press and coffee grounds, you'll need to heat water — Coffee Gator recommends using near-boiling water at around 200-degrees Fahrenheit.

Once your supplies are gathered, follow these steps:

1. Measure the grounds and water according to the Coffee Gator recommendations — approximately two scoops (4 TBSP) of grounds per cup of coffee.
2. Add your pre-ground coffee to the bottom of the container.
3. Pour the hot water into the carafe, stir, and cover with the lid (making sure the filter is at the top of the container).
4. Let it sit for four minutes.
5. Open the container, stir the contents, and replace the lid for another five minutes.
6. Push the plunger down slowly and as far down as you can.
7. Pour the coffee into a travel tumbler or mug.

I found that the suggested process worked almost perfectly. The brew wasn't as strong as I would like it to be, but could have been a result of the water temperature, time, size of the grounds, or the water-to-coffee ratio. I tried a second batch with more grounds and my coffee came out much stronger.

Things to consider

The recommended coffee grounds-to-water ratio might not be ideal for everyone, but it's not too much of a hassle to go through some trial and error to figure out what works best for you.

When it comes to the French press itself, I didn't encounter any major issues. At 11.9 inches tall and 5.8 inches in diameter, it might pose a storage issue in a small apartment, but other than size, I didn't have any problem using it.

Some Amazon reviewers claimed that it was difficult to clean and that the filter scraped the interior of the carafe. I didn't find much difficulty cleaning it and the entire process took under two minutes. I simply dumped the grounds from the container, rinsed the carafe with a small amount of dish soap and water, and left the carafe and filter to air dry on a towel for a couple hours.

The Coffee Gator doesn't include a cleaning brush, but I didn't feel like I needed one after a couple uses. After a week's worth of use, you might want to give the interior a scrub with a dish sponge. I don't recommend putting it in the dishwasher because some reviews on Amazon reported that it caused the paint to chip.

Though my experience with my new French press has been pretty flawless, I'll report back after an extended period of time to see if any issues arise.

The bottom line

The Coffee Gator French press seems to be a great option for the price, and I was happy with the detailed instructions and ease of use. The process of brewing a few cups of coffee from start to finish took under ten minutes, and I appreciated the ability to control the strength of my brew — an advantage of using a French press versus a single-cup coffee maker. I would recommend The Coffee Gator to anyone looking for a quality cup of coffee with a minimal investment and minimal hassle.

Purchase the Coffee Gator French Press at Amazon for $42.99

Take a look at some of the best French presses we've tried here, too. 

SEE ALSO: The best espresso machines you can buy

SEE ALSO: The best programmable coffee makers you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

• Adrian Shepherd is a British productivity consultant who's lived and worked in Japan for the past 24 years.
• Through his work, he's kept his own library full of books on what it takes to be successful. It started out as a collection of business and productivity books, but soon it had a wide range of genres.
• While many of his favorites are best-sellers, there are a few excellent books on success that have slipped through the cracks but are worth reading, including "Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols and "The Third Door" by Alex Banayan.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I used to think a library was a place you visited on the weekend to read books or a quiet place to study at school. Jim Rohn, the American business philosopher, taught me otherwise. He used to say, "Every house over $250,000 has a library in it. Why do you think that is?"

That was the day I started my own library.

First, it was a box in my closet. Today, my success library has swelled to over 700 physical books and another 800 online. I didn't limit my studies to just business and productivity, but added books on marketing, copywriting, psychology, linguistic programming, history, and nutrition.

Read more:Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shares the 3 essential traits that great leaders like Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg all have in common

I've got nearly every well-known book, including "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," "The Four-Hour Work Week," and "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." They each sold millions of copies and helped spawn a series that made their authors well-known keynote speakers in every corner of the globe. While these books were game-changers, I'm always on the lookout for those books that slip through the cracks.

Here are five books that didn't really get the attention they deserved.

SEE ALSO: The 25 most influential books ever written about business

"Thick Face, Black Heart" by Chin Ning Chu

Chin Ning Chu isn't an author I'd ever come across in any of my books. If it weren't for listening to a Dan Kennedy seminar, I might never have known about this little gem.

It's an incredibly insightful look into how ancient Eastern philosophy and mindset can help us navigate the treacherous waters of business and life. Considering the recent meteoric rise of China and other Asian countries, I can think of no better book to read to help prepare us for the years ahead than this book. It's become a centerpiece of my studies and a must-read for any company or business person looking to expand into Asia or do business with Asia firms. 

"Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols

I started out focusing on strategies and tactics to help people achieve more. However, the more I study productivity, the more I realized that on a personal level, energy is the key element.

Our body dictates how well we can perform throughout the day, which is why I found "Blue Mind" such an interesting read. Seems I wasn't the only one. Microsoft Research invited Wallace J. Nichols to give a speech in 2016 as part of the Visitor Speaker Series. We all know that our body is 90% water, but Nichols explains why water is much more than simply something to drink.

"Body and Soul" by Anita Roddick

The Body Shop was the feel-good business success of the 80s and 90s. Their all-natural creams and lotions made a splash in the industry and carved out a niche. The Body Shop grew from its humble beginnings to become a multimillion-dollar corporation. Despite its incredible success, few are familiar with its story. Written by the founder of The Body Shop herself, Anita Roddick, the book reveals how she built her empire at a time before such things as sustainable development goals were even mentioned in boardrooms, and set the stage for other companies to follow suit.

"You Don’t Have to Be Blind to See" by Jim Stovall

In his teens, Jim Stovall had a promising career as a football player lined up, but upon graduating high school, he began to slowly lose his vision. A few years later, he was completely blind. Naturally, it was a terrifying event for Jim as it is for anyone in that position. He struggled with depression and feared even going outside for many weeks. However, once he did, he made a choice that he wasn't going to let blindness beat him. He refused to accept what other people told him and went on to achieve great success as an Olympic weightlifter, a bestselling author, and a keynote speaker, not to mention the CEO of the Narrative Television Network. "You Don't Have to Be Blind to See" is his autobiography, and it's a true testament to just what is possible for those willing to work hard and challenge boundaries.

"The Third Door" by Alex Banayan

We all love overnight success stories, but unfortunately, very few are. People do burst onto the scene, but it's rarely an overnight thing. Most successful people write, code, sing, or train before finally making it onto the big stage.

I can think of no other book on the market that encapsulates the concept of never giving up on your mission better than Alex Banayan's "The Third Door." It's a story of how he interviewed some of the most influential people of our time — Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, and Larry King — and spans four years. It shows people exactly what it takes to be a true success story: a whole lot of determination. Considering all the people he interviewed, I'm amazed more people haven't heard of it.

Adrian Shepherd started his career as an ESL teacher in Japan. Today he focuses on consulting with individuals and companies on productivity. His background in education helped him develop The One-Bite Time Management System (TMS), a revolutionary new system based entirely around simplicity: small bites that people can digest easily. Shepherd is based in Osaka, Japan.

• If the US Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, which granted Americans a constitutional right to abortion in 1973, each state would again be able to decide whether their residents are legally allowed to have abortions.
• While 10 states currently have laws on the books that would keep abortion legal within their borders, 18 states have laws that could make it illegal if Roe falls.
• In the decades since Roe, states have also passed laws that have chipped away at abortion access in the US, causing clinics to close and the reality of women's' ability to get one dependent on where they live or whether they have the means to travel hundreds of miles to the nearest location.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

The landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade and subsequent rulings upholding it have granted Americans the right to abortion since 1973, but the reality of that right varies dramatically from state to state.

Since Roe became the law of the land, individual states have found dozens of ways to make it as difficult as possible for patients to actually access the procedure.

From strict regulations on clinics and bans on abortion after a certain number of weeks, to requiring patients to receive counseling and undergo waiting periods, these laws have tested the limits of Roe — with some ending up in federal court.

President Donald Trump has nominated two justices to give the Supreme Court a solidly conservative majority, causing many abortion rights advocates to fear that such a makeup could overturn Roe altogether.

The more likely scenario, according to legal experts, is for the high court to chip away at abortion rights by ruling in favor of the state-level restrictions that reach their docket.

These seven charts and maps illustrate what abortion access in America actually looks like today, and what could happen if Roe fell.

SEE ALSO: 23 ways states are keeping women from getting abortions in the US — that could erode Roe v. Wade without repealing it

DON'T MISS: Roe v. Wade probably won't get overturned — but here's what could happen to slowly chip away at abortion rights if the Supreme Court becomes largely conservative

State laws that would explicitly outlaw or allow abortion if Roe v. Wade falls

If the Supreme Court does overturn Roe, the issue of abortion will go back to the states. Elizabeth Nash, a senior state issues manager at the Guttmacher Institute, explained all the possible outcomes to Business Insider.

Seven states passed "trigger laws" after Roe was decided, which would automatically make abortion illegal as soon as the decision is overturned.

But nine states have pre-Roe abortion bans or restrictions still on their books that are currently un-enforceable because they violate Roe. Unlike trigger laws, Nash explained, these bans wouldn't go back into effect immediately. A government actor like an attorney general or a legislature would have to put them back in place.

Seven states have passed decrees that are "without the force of law" expressing their intent to limit abortion to the greatest extent permitted by federal law if Roe falls, Nash said.

On the flipside, 10 states have laws on the books that ensure abortion stays legal within their borders.

Abortion clinics per state, 2014

In the decades since Roe, individual states have enacted a slew of restrictions to make it as difficult as possible for abortion clinics to operate, such that several states only have one remaining clinic.

Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers, or TRAP laws, impose very specific regulations on clinics. Oftentimes, these restrictions are so expensive that the costs of implementing them cause many clinics to close down altogether.

These include requirements on the width of corridors, the size and equipment of procedure rooms, and mandating that clinics have admission privileges at local hospitals, even though less than 0.5% of abortions result in complications.

Research has tracked the number of abortion clinics dropping after states have passed TRAP laws. Five states now have just one remaining abortion clinic.

Percentage of counties without a known clinic, 2014

The Supreme Court struck down one of the most extreme TRAP laws, Texas' HB2, in a 5-3 vote in 2016. But despite that, over 20 states still have such laws on their books.

A closer look at the county level shows stark disparities in abortion access across the country. There are now 16 states where 95% of counties do not have an abortion clinic.

Percentage of women aged 15-44 living in a county without a clinic, 2014

By causing clinics to close down, TRAP laws have the consequence of making patients further and further to get to a clinic, especially in states that require patients to make multiple trips to the clinic and undergo a 24-to-72 hour "waiting periods."

According to a 2017 study from the Guttmacher Institute, one in five American women have to travel at least 43 miles to reach their closest abortion provider. Between 2011 and 2014, the distance required to reach a clinic increased in seven states.

Researchers found notable increases in distance to a clinic in Missouri and Texas, states that had introduced TRAP laws.

"Increased travel distance means increased costs for transport, overnight stay, lost wages from time off work, and childcare," wrote Dr. Ushma Upadhyay, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California in the Lancent Journal of Public Health.

She continued: "For a woman who is economically disadvantaged, having to travel a long distance could put an abortion out of reach, leading her to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term."

How the phases of pregnancy and fetal development line up with abortion bans

In the past several years, states have made many attempts to restrict patients from getting abortions after a certain number of weeks — oftentimes before a woman even knows she's pregnant.

In December 2016, the Ohio state legislature passed a "heartbeat bill" that would have banned abortions after six weeks, or when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, even though many women don't know they're pregnant until after that point. Gov. John Kasich vetoed the bill and signed a 20-week ban into law on the same day.

On May 7, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp officially signed HB481, a similar "heartbeat bill" into law.

Other states have tried to ban dilation & evacuation (D&E), the method commonly used to perform abortions after 14 weeks. The surgical procedure is usually used in late-term miscarriages and abortions to remove the fetal tissue as safely as possible. They account for less than 0.5% of all abortions.

Prohibiting D&E abortions is effectively a ban on all second-trimester abortions, landing such bans in murky legal territory. 

In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court didn't specify when abortions were legal, deciding at the time to vaguely make it unconstitutional to outlaw them up until the fetus was "viable," since the science hadn't (and still hasn't) determined at the time when that was, medically speaking.

Texas and Alabama's D&E bans have reached federal appeals courts, and the Supreme Court could hear them in the upcoming term.

Percent of adults in 2018 who say abortion should be legal or illegal

While the last decade has seen an explosion in abortion restrictions, Americans as a whole haven't become more anti-abortion in the past 20 year, according to survey data from Pew Research Center.

Currently, 59% of adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 37% say it should be illegal in all or most cases. Those numbers are almost exactly the same as they were back in 1995.

Political party and ideology who think abortion should be legal or illegal

Support for abortion has long been a partisan issue, with support for abortion in all or most cases being highest among liberal Democrats and lowest among conservative Republicans.

But over a quarter of those who identify as conservative Republicans now believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to Pew.

Despite the partisan divides, bipartisan support for Roe v. Wade is at a new high. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll released in July 2018 found that 71% of Americans and 52% of Republicans polled believed that Roe v. Wade should not be overturned.

• The long-awaited TWA Hotel opened Wednesday at JFK International Airport.
• Located in the iconic Trans World Airlines Flight Center terminal building, the hotel makes use of a classic building that's been abandoned since the airline went bankrupt in 2001.
• The hotel has six restaurants, a cocktail lounge in a classic Lockheed Constellation airplane, shopping boutiques, and an infinity pool overlooking JFK's runways.
• Business Insider had an opportunity to tour the hotel during the opening day ceremonies, and it's a dream for any travel geek, aviation nerd, or history buff.

After years of back-and-forth, planning, and negotiations, the long-awaited TWA Hotel finally opened Wednesday at JFK International Airport in New York City.

The project transformed Eero Saarinen's iconic TWA Flight Center — the main trans-Atlantic hub for Trans World Airlines up until it went out of business in 2001. The original building, which sits adjacent to the newer construction that makes up JFK's Terminal 5, is a New York City landmark and a living artifact from the so-called "Golden Age" of air travel.

While the hotel is officially open for business, and most of its 512 rooms and suites are ready for guests, the developers are still finishing up work in the public areas, installing items in kitchens and dining rooms, finalizing the pool, and installing furniture.

Even so, the hotel is already an impressive sight. With retro styling, themed restaurants, and a pool that promises to make kids and adult aviation fans geek out, it's worth a visit the next time you find yourself flying into or out of JFK.

A ribbon cutting was held in advance of the hotel's first-ever 3 p.m. check-in time, and various media outlets, former TWA employees, and aviation history buffs had a chance to walk through the property. Although it's obvious that work is still being finished, read on for a first look at one of the world's most stylish airport hotels.

While the hotel isn't part of any major chain — and isn't bookable through online portals just yet — you can still earn rewards points on a stay by using a credit card that earns bonus points on travel purchases. Be sure to check out our guide to the best travel credit card rewards here.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

Wednesday was opening day for the TWA Hotel.

The TWA Hotel was built in the classic TWA Flight Center, which is next to JFK's newer Terminal 5.

The original Flight Center makes up the hotel's massive lobby, restaurants, and lounges, with guest rooms off in other connected buildings

A prolific feature of the lobby is a vintage-style split-flap sign board — also known as a Solari board, after the company that makes them. While it doesn't show live flight times, it's still fun to watch and helps set the atmosphere.

Over in the "arrivals" area...

You'll find the front desk. There are self-serve kiosks, although the desks will be staffed with attendants as well. These are the original kiosks from when passengers would check in to TWA flights — obviously, the self-service computerized parts on top are new.

There are stacks of blank key cards on top of each kiosk, waiting to be programmed for your room.

There's a conveyor belt for luggage running behind the check-in kiosks. During the TWA days, this took checked bags to the planes. Today, it leads to a luggage storage room for people who are checking in before their rooms are ready.

There are a few boutique retail outlets in the hotel. This stylized newsstand is more for overnight essentials, but there's also a shop around the corner selling TWA merchandise (I wasn't able to access it when I was there)...

A Shinola shop...

...And a Warby Parker boutique.

Towards the back of the building, the "Sunken Lounge" offers a comfortable and spacious place to have a seat, and maybe a cup of coffee or a drink.

The Paris Cafe, run by restauranteur Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is the hotel's flagship restaurant. It's scheduled to open Wednesday night.

There are some smaller eateries and cafes, too, including the London Club and the Lisbon Lounge ...

... with a ton of comfortable seating.

Then, there's the main attraction: The Connie, a 1958 Lockheed Constellation L-1649A that's been converted into a cocktail bar.

You enter the Connie, a restored TWA aircraft in the airline's original livery, just like you would have if you were taking a flight.

At the very back of the plane, there's a full-service bar.

There are a few different seating options, including restored aircraft seats, and regular tables. According to a representative for Gerber Group, which operates the lounge, some of the furniture still needs to be installed ...

... But the airplane seats are a permanent fixture. For anyone wondering why you'd want to sit on a plane when you're not actually flying, keep in mind that these aren't the slimline plane seats we've grown used to. These are comfortable and padded, and a fun throwback to what flying used to be like.

You can also take a seat in the cockpit, which has been left more-or-less as-is.

There's a live radio feed from one of JFK's air traffic control frequencies, and anyone — kids or adults — can sit in the original pilots' seats.

There's TWA memorabilia all over the hotel ...

... including classic uniforms ...

... and reproductions of vintage posters.

There's also 50,000 square feet of event space, including social areas outside of the conference rooms (which were mostly still being painted and furnished).

Sadly, I wasn't able to get access to one of the hotel's coolest novelties, a roof deck and infinity pool overlooking the tarmac.

The hotel has 512 rooms and suites. I toured a standard king room, the base-level accommodation, which looked bright, airy, and comfortable.

While there's definitely still work to be done ...

The TWA Hotel is a creative, fun use of a classic building, and looks like it will be a fantastic place to stay — allowing for any initial bumps as it begins its first operations.

Read more:

• I stayed in the brand-new Waldorf Astoria in Bangkok, and thought it was the perfect respite in a city known for chaos
• AmEx Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card offers superior airport lounge access, according to a frequent flyer
• 26 packing essentials we never travel without — from a $150 mobile WiFi hotspot to a $6 pack of face wipes
• Why this seemingly expensive credit card is worth its annual fee — especially for anyone who travels

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Maelove's Glycolic Acid cream, The Night Renewer ($27.95), was designed as a highly potent AHA cream that's gentle enough for sensitive skin.
• AHA helps create smoother, brighter skin by encouraging rapid cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. It's often used to fade scarring, reduce fine lines and pores, and soften skin. 
• I used The Night Renewer for a few weeks consistently, and it made good on claims of delivering the benefits of a chemical peel without the harsh side effects.

If you — like many of us lost souls — sometimes feel like you've been put on this earth just to complete a seemingly impossible crusade for effective, cheap skin care products, you may have already stumbled across newcomer Maelove. If not, take note: It's a line of skin-care basics meticulously formulated by MIT grads (with the help of some AI) and designed to work for all skin types. Best of all, each product is priced under $30.

Maelove's line is full of standouts, but perhaps most noteworthy is the gentle Glycolic Acid cream, The Night Renewer ($27.95), that took the company two years to accomplish. It's noteworthy because, unlike many potent AHAs, it's not supposed to be too harsh for sensitive skin types to use. The Night Renewer combines 10% medical-grade glycolic acid to slough away dead skin overnight, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate and calm the skin. While AHA breaks down the glue holding tired, dull skin cells together to even tone, stimulate collagen production, and give you smoother skin overnight, ingredients like Vitamin E, Squalene, and Aloe nourish the skin.

In other words, it's supposed to be the secret to locking in the benefits of glycolic acid without paying for it in irritated, dry skin.

When asked by Business Insider which Maelove product was her favorite in February 2019, Maelove co-founder Jackie Kim gave the nod to The Night Renewer. After testing the nighttime cream for myself, I can see why Kim elected this as her all-time favorite, even in a line with a $28 Vitamin C Serum that launched the startup to fame.

I started out using The Night Renewer three times per week as recommended. On application nights, I'd wash my face with my Holy Grail cleanser (a $38 cleansing gel from Dr. Dennis Gross), pat my skin dry, and evenly cover my face with a small dollop of The Night Renewer cream (a little goes a long way). Most of the time, the glycolic acid stung slightly upon application — but, while noticeable, the sting wasn't painful, and the tingling sensation disappeared about 30 seconds post-application. In the morning, I'd swipe my go-to micellar water across my face to remove any residue and proceed with my typical morning routine. 

I've been using it consistently for a few weeks, and my skin is markedly softer, scars are noticeably faded, and fine lines and pores both appear less defined each morning after using. 

When Kim describes The Night Renewer as gentle but effective — two words I grew up viewing as incompatible variables in skin care — she's telling the truth. My pale combination skin often responds to powerful resurfacing agents like glycolic acid and deep clay masks by turning bald-uakari-monkey-red —  like I just moved a couch into a seven-story walk-up. This isn't the case with The Night Renewer. Other than the initial tingling, I don't notice any overt reaction from my skin. 

Despite the transactional mindset (pain exchanged for beauty) we often apply to skin-care, The Night Renewer manages to resurface the skin without requiring discomfort. It makes good on its claims of delivering the effectiveness of a chemical peel without the harsh side effects.

I often recommend Maelove as one of the internet's best-kept secrets. It's radically affordable for the no-nonsense quality, and it's designed to work for all skin types. And if you're looking for a glycolic acid cream that will resurface the skin for a brighter, smoother, more even complexion, I recommend checking out The Night Renewer. 

However, it bears repeating that skin-care is notoriously subjective. Luckily, Maelove also has a 100-day, 100% money-back guarantee — so you're not risking much if you want to give it a try yourself.

Tip: Use the code "TEN" at checkout for 10% off any purchase of two or more products for a limited time.

Buy the Maelove Night Renewer, $27.95

Join the conversation about this story »

• You can zip files on a Mac and compress them into a format that takes up less space on your computer by merging many files together.
• Zipped files are effectively encrypted, and are more secure then standalone files, as they must be unzipped before any single file can be accessed.
• Your Mac comes preloaded with an Archive Utility app that makes accessing zipped files as easy as a couple of clicks.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you have a desktop or folders cluttered up with files that you seldom access yet you don't want to delete, the best way to store those files is to zip them up. Zipping files compresses them, saving you storage space that can be used for other material, and it also folds multiple files together into one archival file, visually tidying up your computer.

Zipped files are more secure than files merely kept in a folder, as they cannot be accessed until unzipped. That said, unzipping files on a Mac is as easy as a few clicks, as the computers come preloaded with the Archive Utility app which, when used, will turn the secure, zip file into a folder with all the previously zipped files again accessible.

How to create a zip file on a Mac

1. Open the folder with the files you wish to zip, or identify them on the desktop.

2. While holding either the "shift" or "command" key, click on each file you wish to add to the zip.

3. Right click on the highlighted files or click the word "File" from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

4. Click "Compress X Items," with X being the number of items you're putting into the .zip file.

A file called Archive.zip will then be created in the same folder where the documents were located or on the desktop — you may want to rename it for clarity's sake.

When you want to open it up to access the files you compressed, just double click the .zip file or right click on it, and hit the word "Open."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to zoom in and out on any Mac computer, using a keyboard or trackpad

• How to uninstall apps on a Mac computer in three different ways

• How to create folders on a Mac computer and organize your files

• How to right click on a Mac computer in three different ways

SEE ALSO: How to 'control+alt+delete' on a Mac computer, and force quit unresponsive apps

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Facial recognition is almost perfectly accurate — here's why that could be a problem

• Parents can make an iPad safe for a child to use by spending a few minutes customizing the parental controls on their device, through a setting called Screen Time.
• Parents can restrict an iPad's online access, choose which apps are allowed, and can even monitor screen time.
• iPad parental control settings are passcode protected, so not just anyone can turn them off — you need the code.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

My son is five-and-a-half years old, and this being 2019, he has an iPad. Okay, he has two, but one was a hand-me-down and now mostly collects dust, while the other is brand new and probably has more processing power than my laptop.

But because this is 2019, there is no way my wife and I are going to let our kid have free reign over a device that can access the web, be used as a communication device, and that can incur charges in all sorts of ways, like through app (or in-app) purchases.

So we took the time to apply the parental controls every iPad comes included with. And here's the good news: it really didn't take much time to do.

Setting parental controls on an iPad requires just a few taps, and once you have your controls customized and passcode protected, switching them on and off takes all of ten seconds.

How to set parental controls on an iPad

1. Launch the Settings app.

2. Tap the "Screen Time" tab.

3. Tap to set a Screen Time passcode, and enter your chosen numeric code (if this is already done, the tab will read "Change Screen Time Passcode," which you may want to do periodically).

4. Tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions."

5. Enter your passcode.

Now you will need to spend some time customizing the allowances and restrictions as you see fit. You should tap "Content Restrictions" and set the ratings you will allow for media (G-rated movies, e.g.), filter web content (no explicit language, for example), and set limits to the types of websites your child can visit.

If you have a young child like we do, I recommend only allowing him or her to visit specifically allowed sites by tapping the "Allowed Websites Only" tab under the "Web Content" subpage.

And don't forget to check which apps are allowed and restricted. You may want to limit your kid's use of FaceTime and the iTunes store, just to name a couple!

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to enable cookies on an iPad to streamline and personalize your web browsing experience

• How to backup your iPad to iCloud or a computer

• How to clear your browsing history on an iPad in three different ways

• How to delete apps on your iPad (and save their data)

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This startup turns 100 non-recyclable plastic bags into a high-end Bluetooth speaker

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the most recommended rewards credit cards, though so is its beefier, premium-geared sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
• While the Sapphire Reserve undoubtedly offers fantastic benefits and outsize value, the Preferred has a few advantages, including a lower annual fee, similar benefits, and no fee to add authorized users.
• Plus, the Sapphire Preferred has a higher sign-up bonus: 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. You can also convert it to a Reserve after your first year, so it could make sense to get the higher bonus, then convert if you decide that the Reserve is better for you.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred was named the best mid-tier card of 2018 at The Points Guy's first annual awards— which is impressive, considering that the card has been available for nearly 10 years.
• Read on for the seven reasons that the Sapphire Preferred may be a better credit-card option for you. Also be sure to take a look at why the Reserve might be better for you, instead.

When Chase released its popular Sapphire Reserve credit card in 2016, the new offering generated a lot of buzz. With a high sign-up bonus, plus an annual $300 travel credit, 3x points on dining and travel, access to Priority Pass airport lounges, and many of the same benefits — in some cases enhanced — as its older sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the card offered more than enough value to make up for its hefty $450 annual fee.

That fee, however, is still a lot of money to have to pay up front. Plus, while the Reserve is excellent, the older Sapphire Preferred is still a useful card with rich rewards and valuable benefits. In fact, there are a few reasons you may want to consider signing up for that older card, the Sapphire Preferred, instead.

Read on to see reasons that you may want to go for the Sapphire Preferred instead of the Reserve.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these two cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards.

When you're working to earn credit-card rewards, it's important to practice financial discipline, like paying your balances off in full each month, making payments on time, and not spending more than you can afford to pay back. Basically, treat your credit card like a debit card.

1. The Sapphire Preferred has a (much) lower annual fee

I often argue that the Reserve's $450 annual fee is actually just $150. That's because each card-member year with the Reserve, you'll get $300 of statement credits on travel purchases. In other words, the first $300 of travel purchases you make, whether one big purchase or a lot of smaller ones, will be canceled out by the credits. It's basically a rebate of $300 of the annual fee.

Still, $150 is still a decent bit of money. And though you'll get value back in the form of travel statement credits, you'll still need to pay $450 for the fee on your first statement, and not everyone has that amount of cash to float or is willing to put up that much.

The Sapphire Preferred, on the other hand, has an annual fee of $95, a relatively standard fee for a rewards card.

Looking at the fees over the first 24 months makes the differences even clearer — you'll pay $900 for the Sapphire Reserve (with up to $600 in statement credits) compared with just $190 for the Sapphire Preferred.

Readmore: 8 lucrative credit-card deals new cardholders can get this month — including up to 75,000 Delta SkyMiles

2. The Sapphire Preferred has a higher sign-up bonus

Though the Sapphire Preferred has a much lower annual fee, it offers a higher sign-up bonus than the Sapphire Reserve— 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. When you have the Sapphire Preferred, that's worth $600 as cash, $750 as travel booked through Chase, and potentially even more when you transfer those points to a hotel or frequent-flyer partner.

For comparison, the Sapphire Reserve offers only 50,000 points when you meet the same spending threshold.

Readmore: 5 reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a powerhouse within the increasingly competitive credit card space

3. The Sapphire Preferred has fewer perks than the Reserve but offers many of the same crucial benefits

The Sapphire Preferred doesn't come with the more premium Reserve's airport-lounge access, concierge service, or a credit to cover the cost of enrolling in Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, but other than that the two cards have almost the same benefits — that's impressive, considering the Preferred's much lower fee.

Both cards offer trip-delay insurance. If you're traveling by common carrier — airplane, train, ferry, bus, and similar public forms of transportation — and your trip is delayed, you can be covered for up to $500 of expenses, including a change of clothes, hotel room, toiletries, and meals. Both cards' trip-delay insurance kicks in when the delay forces an overnight stay, or, if you aren't stuck overnight, the Preferred's coverage kicks in after 12 hours, and the Reserve's after six hours.

Similarly, both cards offer primary rental-car damage/loss coverage, trip cancellation/delay insurance, lost-luggage insurance, and various purchase protections. There are minor differences in some of those benefits between the cards, but for most instances, they're effectively identical.

4. You'll still earn bonus points on dining and travel with the Preferred

There's no question that the Sapphire Reserve's earning rate of 3x points on dining and travel makes it easy to earn points quickly. But you'll still earn bonus points on the same categories with the Sapphire Preferred, even though they won't add up as fast. For every dollar you spend on dining and travel, you'll earn 2x points, and 1x point per dollar on everything else.

These categories are particularly useful because of how broadly they're defined. Dining includes restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, ice-cream shops, fast-food stands, brewery tap rooms, and delivery services like Seamless and Grubhub.

Travel, similarly, includes just about everything, big or small. You'll earn 2x points on taxis, Uber/Lyft rides, subways, commuter trains, parking, tolls, rental cars, airfare, hotels, cruises, and tours.

5. The Chase Sapphire Preferred has access to the same great transfer partners as the Reserve — and offers similar flexible ways to redeem points

As with the Sapphire Reserve, Ultimate Rewards points earned with the Sapphire Preferred can be exchanged for cash back, with each point worth $0.01, or points can be used to purchase travel through Chase. When you do that, you'll get a 25% bonus, effectively making your points worth $0.0125 each (the Sapphire Reserve offers a 50% bonus, making points used to purchase travel through Chase worth $0.015 instead).

Much more value could be gleaned from points, however, by transferring them to one of Chase's nine partnering airline frequent-flyer programs or four hotel loyalty programs. The two cards have access to the same transfer partners.

While this is more complicated, you can generally get more value by booking frequent-flyer award tickets than you can by using your points as cash or through Chase. You can even book flights in business or first class for fewer points than it would cost if you used them as cash or through Chase's website to buy the flights. For example, my wife and I used the points from our Sapphire Preferred cards to fly to Japan in first class for our honeymoon.

You can read more about why transferable points are so valuable here.

6. The card doesn't charge a fee for authorized users

If you're planning to add a partner, a child, a friend, or anyone else as an authorized user on your account, you may be better off with the Sapphire Preferred. That's because you can add as many users as you want to your account free. You'll even get 5,000 bonus points if you add an authorized user and they make a charge within your first three months. The Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, charges $75 for each user you add. Those users will get access to Priority Pass lounges, at least.

7. It's easier to get approved for the Sapphire Preferred

While there's no official publicly available formula for how banks approve credit cards, common knowledge is that the Sapphire Reserve— which is a Visa Infinite card — has higher standards for approval than the Sapphire Preferred— a less-exclusive Visa Signature card. You'll still need a solid credit score for the Preferred, but you have better odds of getting approved if you have a shorter credit history.

The bottom line

Regardless of which card you choose, both offer class-leading value.

Though the Sapphire Reserve is an excellent card — I personally went with the Reserve over the Preferred — the annual fee is a lot to stomach. Depending on your cash flow, how you budget, or how you view these benefits and rewards, the Sapphire Preferred may be a better option for you.

Don't forget to also check out the reasons you may want to consider the Reserve over the Preferred, instead.

$95 annual fee: Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card from Insider Picks' partner The Points Guy.

$450 annual fee: Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card from Insider Picks' partner The Points Guy.

For more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred:

• This is one of the most recommended rewards credit cards — here's why
• Chase's Sapphire Preferred is one of the best credit cards with an annual fee under $100 — the sign-up bonus alone is worth at least $625 in free travel
• The best Chase cards you can sign up for now
• Here are all the amazing ways you can use the points from your Chase credit card
• This is the only rewards credit card most people will ever need to open

SEE ALSO: The best Chase cards you can sign up for right now

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Whether they're just engaged, married or have been in a relationship for years, his-and-hers gifts are a great choice for some couples for a variety of different occasions — think holidays, engagement parties, even housewarmings. Of course, you could get them two gifts, totally unrelated to one another, but his-and-hers gifts are a thoughtful way to show you recognize and value their special bond. 

We looked high and low for clever his-and-hers gifts, and rounded up 20 of our favorites. We covered everything from classy dinnerware that's a more subtle take on the motif to sentimental home decor. Some of these can even be customized as his-and-his or hers-and-hers gifts. 

Keep reading for 20 sweet, thoughtful his-and-hers gifts for couples:

A set of cute campfire mugs for their cozy mornings inside or out

Palms and Paper "Mr. & Mrs." Campfire Mugs, available at Etsy, $36

A decanter set for sharing all of their favorite drinks

Yours, Mine, and Ours Engraved Decanter, available at Uncommon Goods, $65

A dainty set of champagne flutes for the married couple

Kate Spade 'Darling Point' Champagne Flutes, available at Nordstrom, $75

A hook that acknowledges the most important thing in their life — besides each other

Madaus Custom Crafts Leash and Key Hanger, available at Etsy, $14.99

A set of playful mugs that add some charm to their cabinets

Open-Minded Couple Mugs, available at Uncommon Goods, $48

Matching passport covers and luggage tags for two who love to travel

A Bride and Groom Shop Personalized Passport Covers, available at Etsy, $35

A set of sweet pillowcases that complete each other

BoldLoft Couples “Say I Love You” Pillowcases, available at Etsy, from $29.99

A set of cozy felt slippers they'll both love lounging in

Felting Home Handmade Felted Slippers, available at Etsy, $100

A cute piece of decor that takes into account both of their favorite drinks

Teals Prairie Beer Cap and Wine Cork Shadow Box, available at Etsy, $49.99

A charging dock that keeps all of their electronics organized

Left Coast Original His and Hers Charging Dock, available at Etsy, $37.60

A ceramic dish that has just enough space for both of their trinkets

Creative Co-Op Ceramic Dish, available at Amazon, $8.99

A simple yin yang bracelet set to remind them how well they balance each other out

Tina Co Jewelry Yin Yang Bracelet, available at Etsy, $17.99

Minimalist T-shirts that look great when worn together or alone

Boots Tees "His and Hers" Shirts, available at Etsy, from $39.95

Customized aprons for the couple that loves to cook

Glitter Get Up "I Love Cooking For" Apron, available at Etsy, $22 each

Plush, matching bathrobes that are monogrammed to avoid any confusion

Luxor Linens Monogrammed Terry Robes, available at Etsy, from $44.99

Simple hand towels that give each of them a towel to call their own

Luxor Linens His and Hers Hand Towels, available at Etsy, $29.99

Personalized towels that make great gifts for their honeymoon, or any vacation

With Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Beach Towels, available at Etsy, $54.91

A pajama set for the couple that balances each other out

Footsteps Clothing Yin and Yang Matching Pajamas, available at Etsy, $48 each

Cute sleep masks to ensure they both get a great night's rest

Goia Boutique His Hers Sleep Mask, available at Etsy, from $15.95 each

A couple of stamped spoons to make their morning coffee sweeter

Milk and Honey Luxuries Stamped Coffee Spoons, available at Etsy, $28

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Memorial Day weekend tends to usher in a season of sunshine, warmth, and outdoor activities.
• Whether you're throwing a party to mark the unofficial beginning of summer or just decorating your home with patriotic accents, we've got plenty of ideas for you.
• Keep reading for 13 Memorial Day decorations that'll make your home or backyard feel like the best place to be over the long weekend ahead.

Memorial Day, though somber in its origin, marks the unofficial summer. A long weekend and (hopefully) nice, warm weather are the perfect combination for throwing your first soiree of the season. Whether that looks like a backyard barbecue with all the fixings, a pool party equipped with festive floats, or a late-night bonfire with good music and s'mores, it's the perfect time to start summer off with some fun festivities. 

You don't need to plan a huge party to make the most of Memorial Day. But, whatever you choose to do, some Memorial Day decorations can make your weekend feel undeniably more festive. From little things like paper straws to full-blown party sets, we've found plenty of ideas to help you make shopping for your Memorial Day party simple.

Keep reading for 13 festive Memorial Day decorations.

A sparkly metallic garland

Patriotic Metallic Garland, available at Amazon, $9.99

Brighten up the backyard with this funky garland boasting metallic tassels in red, white, and blue. It's pre-assembled, so all you have to do is hang it up. You can even reuse it for your Fourth of July party, too. 

A versatile pack of paper straws

Red Striped Paper Straws, 24 count, available at Target, $4.59

Ditch the plastic straws at your next gathering and swap in these ones instead. The red and white strips bring a festive vibe to your beverages. 

A funny and festive pool float

Tropical Floats Giant Inflatable Watermelon Float, available at Amazon, $16.97

Slices of fresh watermelon are a summer party staple. If you're having a pool party this Memorial Day, grab this fun float that looks just like fruit. It adds some festive flair to the party, and is super fun to lounge in all summer long. 

A set of hand-painted Mason jars

Casa Rustica Decor American Flag Mason Jars, available at Etsy, $24.99

These hand-painted mason jars are a fun way to hold flowers, utensils, party supplies, or snacks. It's a reusable centerpiece that adds a rustic, original touch to any party setting.

A set of rustic stars

Rainbow Handcrafts Metal 3D Barn Stars, 3 count, available at Amazon, $22.99

These metal stars are hand-painted in red, white, and blue with little white stars. The rustic style adds a nice touch to your living room, bedroom, patio, or any space you choose.

A cute and colorful banner

Rocky Mountain Mama Americana Garland, available at Etsy, $18

Red, white, and blue stars bring just the right amount of Americana. Hang it indoors or out for a colorful touch. 

An classic tablecloth

Lamberia Red and White Checkered Tablecloth, available at Amazon, from $21.99

The red and white checkered picnic blanket is a classic sign of summertime. This heavy cotton tablecloth is the perfect for eating al fresco — it's durable enough to make it through whatever messes your summer dinners bring. 

A patriotic party set

U.S. of Yay!, available at Coterie, from $49

Coterie's curated sets of party supplies take all the pressure out of decorating. This patriotic party set is filled with Americana-inspired backyard barbecue essentials, like plates, cutlery, balloons, and confetti. If you want more choose the luxe party set which adds paper straws, party fans, and a custom banner. Coterie lets you pick your party size —between 10 to 50 people — so you can get the perfect amount of goodies for however many people you're expecting at your bash. 

Fun flag toppers for your snacks

Bilipala American Flag Cupcake Toppers, 150 count, available at Amazon, $7.99

Cupcakes, appetizers, or drinks are the perfect vehicle for adding a little decor. With 150 American flag-topped toothpicks, you can pop some patriotic touches onto any of your party snacks. They're affordable, easy to use, and make your homemade treats look even better. 

A set of patriotic photo props

USA Patriotic Party Photo Booth Props Kit, 10 piece, available at Walmart, $14.99

We know they're a little tacky, but we think these signs make a funny addition to any patriotic party. Stock up on props, and guests can pose with them for Instagram-worthy photoshoots of their own. 

A few patriotic pillow covers

Steven Smith American Flag Inspired Pillow Covers, 4 count, available at Amazon, $16.99

Give your patio or living room some seasonality with these pillow cases covered in stars and stripes. Leave them on the couch until Labor Day for a fun bit of decor all summer long. 

A subtle Uncle Sam hat

S-Deal Patriotic Burlap Hat Hanger, available at Amazon, $15.99

Hang this little burlap hat inspired by Uncle Sam on your front door for some easy Memorial Day charm. 

A seasonal gnome

Home Gnome Store Patriotic Gnomes, available at Etsy, from $18

If you'd like to decorate the inside of your home, you can't go wrong with these patriotic gnomes. Year after year you can use them to add some fun and silly flair to your kitchen, living room, or entryway. 

• Google just released a new smartphone: The Pixel 3a, and its bigger sister the Pixel 3a XL.
• The Pixel 3a line is intended as a mid-tier "budget" smartphone, but it's one of the best smartphones I've ever used.
• One of its key features is an absurdly good camera that takes gorgeous photos just as quickly as the far more expensive iPhone XS — and the photos it produces are best-in-class.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google's new phone is an absolute delight to use, and it's got an even more delightful price: Just $400.

At that price — hundreds of dollars less than the least expensive iPhone — you might think that it would make some pretty major compromises. But, in my experience across the last week using the Pixel 3a, it's one of the best smartphones available today.

It nails the three most important aspects of any good smartphone: A sharp screen, speedy internals, and a good camera. In the case of the Pixel 3a's camera, actually, it's better than smartphones that are far more expensive. 

Look no further than these photos for proof:

SEE ALSO: Google took a major shot at Apple's iPhone camera while announcing its new $400 Pixel smartphone

Let's start with the most basic of things: Detail.

As you can see above, the Pixel 3a takes gorgeously detailed photos up close. This falafel sandwich from Nish Nush that I've covered in garish orange amba looks absolutely ridiculous. Light glistens off the sauces and the moisture of the cucumber and tomato salad. Individual specks of parsley are visible. 

This wasn't a carefully rehearsed photo — I snapped it quickly before diving in to lunch. (And yes, it was delicious.)

That's the case for all the photos below as well — I intentionally took them in the same way I would snap any photo: Quickly in the moment. The results have invariably been impressive. 

Let's move into a low-light situation, like this shot of the new One World Trade Center taken from the West Side Highway in Manhattan:

While driving back to Brooklyn last weekend, my partner and I were at a stop light in lower Manhattan along the West Side Highway. I looked up out of the sun roof, and staring back at me was a resplendent view of the new One World Trade Center.

I quickly double-tapped the power button on the right side of the Pixel 3a and snapped a few photos as we started moving. 

Even with the super-bright street light in view, the World Trade Center is detailed and stands in relief to the darkening sky above it. If you look closely at the building along the left side of the photo, you can see people at windows looking out to the world below them. 

This photo was taken at the worst time of day for taking photos; it managed to not only come out beautifully, but to also capture the gradient of the sky above. 

This is my favorite photo that I've taken with the Pixel 3a so far, and it really demonstrates how strong the camera is.

I took this photo at late dusk, as the sunset transitioned to night, and was absolutely shocked by how easy it was to capture such an impressive shot on a smartphone. A photo like this usually takes a good deal of manipulating your phone's camera into taking something worth looking at. In this instance, I simply tapped on the glowing neon sign and snapped away. 

Not only does the photo capture the sign, but it also captures the glow of the sign on the ground below, the interior halogen lights in the deli across the street, and the fading sunset in the sky above. 

Most of all, the photo looks natural. It was a near-perfect reflection of what I saw with my eyes in the moment — perhaps the greatest compliment you can pay a photo.

Things get even better when you've got good lighting and a subject with great color variety:

First and foremost, I can't suggest this fennel and celery salad enough. It's incredibly delicious and looks restaurant-level fancy. 

But also, hey, it makes a killer photo subject!

The color spectrum on just the fennel fronds is incredibly impressive, to say nothing of the popping green of the parsley. Admittedly, this salad looks crazy beautiful regardless of the camera, but the Pixel 3a's camera made it pop in the way it deserves.

The camera also takes great shots while moving, like this photo of the Brooklyn Bridge taken through my sunroof while my wife drove.

The same can be said for moving objects in an otherwise static image — the movement on the cars speeding through Bartel-Pritchard Square, for instance:

From the fading blue hue of the evening sky to the warm yellow glow of the streetlights, I was blown away by this image. The blur of cars careening past where I stood was captured perfectly by the Pixel 3a camera.

That a $400 smartphone captured this image is absolutely ridiculous — this is a level of quality unmatched by most flagship smartphones, let alone mid-range "budget" phones.

You can see individual rain drops in this image!

As I ran from Business Insider's main office to grab steamed dumplings for lunch on Monday, it started raining — of course it did.

Though the sun was creating a surprisingly bright sky, which should've blown out the photo, the Pixel 3a was able to capture individual rain drops as they fell to the earth. The lighting captured looks natural, and the level of detail is absurd. 

Some of the most impressive shots I've snapped have been at dusk, as the light diffuses and images are most difficult to capture.

While walking our dog in Prospect Park last week, sunset gave way to dusk. The lighting was poor, and it was a perfect time to put the Pixel 3a camera to its hardest test yet. 

I positioned myself underneath a dark tree looking out at one of the massive fields in Prospect Park and snapped a few shots. To my surprise, not only did the Pixel 3a camera capture the field, but it also captured a remarkable level of detail of the tree I stood under. I expected the phone to overcompensate for the contrast, darkening the overall shot. Instead, it captured both far better than I expected.

You can tell the camera was struggling with this one, as the shot is far more grainy than the rest — but it still captured a beautiful photo even in terrible lighting conditions.

As you might expect by this point, the Pixel 3a camera shines when conditions are ideal.

As I was walking to the subway the other morning, Brooklyn was in full bloom. I paused on a corner and snapped this shot of 8th Avenue, looking downtown. The sun was just coming up, and the streets were drying from the previous night's storm, and things were just looking very attractive.

All it took was a single shot to capture the beautiful Brooklyn morning as it emerged from darkness.

The same could be said for this shot of the farmer's market inside the Oculus, a transit hub in lower Manhattan.

Due to the layout of the Oculus, the interior is filled with glorious natural light. While visiting our local Apple store for a repair, I stopped and snapped this photo of a temporary farmer's market bathed in diffused natural rays. 

These are peak photo conditions, and the Pixel 3a really shined here. 

The same thing applies here — when supplied with lots of natural light, the Pixel 3a produces best-in-class photos.

Let's not kid ourselves: Even a bad photo of pancakes looks wonderful. 

But this photo — captured at the Lakeside Diner in Stamford, Connecticut — was supplied with a heavy helping of natural light from the diner's massive bay windows. That I took the photo just ahead of noon on a beautiful, bright spring day assuredly didn't hurt.

All of which is to say one thing: When you've got ideal conditions, the Pixel 3a camera is beyond ready to take advantage of them. 

More than just high-quality photos in varying conditions, the Pixel 3a camera is fast and easy to use.

You might think that a $400 "budget" smartphone would be less snappy than the far more expensive competition. I thought so too! I was wrong. 

If you're, say, at a two-year-old's birthday party trying to capture a photo of him being adorable, but he's a two-year-old so you've gotta make it quick? That's totally doable! I haven't encountered a situation yet where the Pixel 3a's processor couldn't keep up with the speed of life.

• The White House has unveiled a new tool for people to report bias or censorship they encounter on social media sites. 
• Before users can provide the material though they must answer this question: Are you a US citizen or permanent resident? 
• The form doesn't say exactly how the information will be used, which in the case of non-US citizens or permanent residents could be potentially dangerous. 
• Currently, President Trump is trying to add a similar citizenship question to the 2020 census, but that decision is still being decided by the Supreme Court. 
• Read more on the Business Insider homepage.

The White House's new online tool for people to report perceived bias or censorship on social media platforms asks users to submit screenshots, links and any other details that could show they were penalized for their political views.

It also wants to know if you're an American citizen.

The online form, launched on Wednesday and officially called the Tech Bias Story Sharing Tool, asks about nationality in the third question, right after users enter their first and last names. 

"Are you a US citizen or permanent resident?" the form asks. 

On the landing page for the tool — which is no more than a simple Typeform — it says that "too many Americans have seen their accounts suspended, banned, or fraudulently reported for unclear 'violations' of user policies. No matter your views, if you suspect political bias caused such an action to be taken against you, share your story with President Trump." 

The problem is that the form doesn't say exactly how the information will be used, which in the case of non-US citizens or permanent residents could be potentially dangerous.  The Trump administration has pushed for stricter immigration laws, and has called for deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally without the usual legal process.

Currently, President Trump is trying to add a similar citizenship question to the 2020 census, but that decision is still being decided by the Supreme Court, which heard arguments for the case in late April. Opponents of adding a citizenship question to the census say that doing so could discourage participation and ultimately impact the allocation of Congressional seats. 

Read more:The White House created an online tool for Facebook and Twitter users to report examples of political bias and censorship

Adding the citizenship question to the new social media bias tool could be a straightforward way for the White House to narrow down the submissions it needs to review. In fact, when selecting that you are not a US citizen, the form does not allow you to move forward and provide a response. It does, however, collect a person's first name and last name. 

The White House did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment. 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I tried the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold and it's impressive for a first-generation foldable phone, though far from perfect

• Millennials think it takes a personal net worth of nearly $2 million to be considered wealthy, according to Charles Schwab's 2019 Modern Wealth Survey.
• But more than three-quarters of millennial respondents said feeling wealthy is more about how they live their lives.
• Multiple experts say that wealth isn't about "being rich" — it's about having a good life.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

How much money does it take to be wealthy?

To millennials, it's an average personal net worth of $1.9 million, according to Charles Schwab's 2019 Modern Wealth Survey, which polled 1,000 Americans about money.

This nearly $2 million target number is roughly 20 times the median net worth of US households — $97,300, according to the Federal Reserve. But it's also lower than what most Americans (ages 21 to 75) believe it takes to be truly wealthy, according to the survey — $2.3 million. 

But most millennials say they don't define wealth primarily as a number — more than three-quarters of millennial respondents said feeling wealthy isn't about the dollar amount but about how they live their lives. 

They might be on to something. Douglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner and the president of Bone Fide Wealth, which offers financial planning and advice to high-net-worth millennials, previously told Business Insider that wealth is relative. "I know many people who make less than $50,000 but consider themselves wealthy because of their health, family, and friends," he said. 

Read more: 'Being rich' is an empty goal, says the founder of a popular finance website — and too many people are completely missing the point of building wealth

And Chelsea Fagan, a cofounder of the personal-finance website The Financial Diet, previously talked to Business Insider about how "being rich" is an empty goal.

Money, she said, should be viewed as a way to facilitate a good life that provides things such as security, comfort, freedom, options, and, occasionally, risks — not as a material to be hoarded.

This isn't the only report to find that millennials view wealth as more than how much money is in their bank account. According to a recent Merrill Lynch Wealth Management report, only 19% of millennials and Gen Zers define financial success as being rich — 60% defined it as being debt-free.

According to the report, 81% of early-adult households carry a collective debt of nearly $2 trillion. "Freedom from debt seems a low bar of accomplishment, yet it's an elusive goal for many early adults," the report said.

When it comes down to it, it seems that for many millennials, being rich is about having enough money to live a life they love rather than a life in debt.

SEE ALSO: Here's exactly what millennials should be doing every five years to become rich, according to a financial planner

DON'T MISS: 5 things rich millennials do differently with their money than the rest of their generation

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: See inside the $2.8 million 'Flintstones' house in California that sparked a viral following and a lawsuit

• Though bartending used to be considered a "seedy" profession because of its association to alcohol, the job holds more prestige today.
• Here's a look at how bartending has changed in the last 150 years, including during Prohibition era and World War II.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, critics said her previous job, a bartender, did not prepare her enough to serve in politics.

Ocasio-Cortez disagreed. The politician said working at a bar allowed her to talk to thousands of people she wouldn't have met otherwise. The harassment and entitlement she experienced from her patrons prepared her for navigating the same dynamics in government, she argued.

Read more:THEN AND NOW: Here's how being a nurse has changed in the last 50 years

"I'm proud to be a bartender — ain't nothing wrong with that," she told a crowd at the NAN Conference in New York City. "There is nothing wrong with being a working person in the United States of America, and there is everything dignified about it."

While AOC may have shined new light to the bartending profession, the industry has experienced significant changes throughout American history. What was once considered a seedy profession due to its association with alcohol, the job now opens doors for men and women nationwide. 

Here's a look at how being a bartender has changed in the last 150 years.

SEE ALSO: THEN AND NOW: Here's how being a nurse has changed in the last 50 years

In the late 19th and early 20th century, bars went from being seedy spots hidden in alleyways to popular gathering spots. Bartenders began dressing up to work and following set recipes.

Source: Alcohol Professor

Jerry Thomas published the country’s first cocktail book, "The Bon Vivant’s Companion," in 1862.

Thomas worked in the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, and nicknamed himself the "the Jupiter Olympus of the bar."

Source: The New York Times

Black bartenders, prohibited from going into white saloons, founded the exclusive “Colored Mixologists Club" in 1898.

Black bartending in white saloons remained uncommon. In 1893, a black waiter was promoted to bartender at the Atlas Hotel in Cincinnati. The decision caused fury among the bar's white clientele, who boycotted the hotel. Louis Deck, the black waiter, was eventually fired and the hotel shut down.

Source: Bitter Southerner

Women, meanwhile, barely worked as bartenders. A rudimentary census in 1895 found just 147 women working as bartenders, compared to nearly 56,000 men.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

In 1919, the Volstead Act prohibited alcohol across the country, which had a damning effect on cocktail culture. Most bartenders changed professions or moved to other countries.

Source: Food Republic

Job opportunities for bartenders became so scarce during Prohibition that thousands of bartenders fled to Cuba.

Americans inhabited many of the 7,000 Cuban bars, according to Difford's Guide. The amount of Americans emigrating to Cuba rose from 33,000 in 1914 to 90,000 in 1928. 

Many Cuban bartenders grew frustrated at the Americanization of Havana's night scene, and formed the Cantineros Club to reclaim their institutions. 

Source: Difford's Guide

Even after the appeal of the Volstead Act in 1933, the craft-cocktail movement languished.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

After men headed overseas to fight in World War II, women picked up shifts. Women worked these shifts in part because they were the only jobs available to them at the time.

Source: Tales of the Cocktail

In the late '40s, however, women lost their jobs after men came back from the war. Some states passed laws barring women from the profession altogether.

 "Some of that is really just about men wanting to be able to take their jobs back, but some of it is anxiety over the breakdown of the family and women becoming too masculine and losing their values," Christine Sismondo in her book "America Walks Into a Bar: A Spirited History of Taverns and Saloons, Speakeasies and Grog Shops."

Source: Tales of the Cocktail

In the 1980s, bartenders, led by "King Cocktail" Dale Degroff, began a revolution to bring back American pubs.

Degroff began mixing "historically inspired" cocktails at the Rainbow Room in New York City, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The Rainbow Room's guests included Tony Bennett and Rosemary Clooney. 

The bartender says before the 80s, bartenders would use soda guns and packages of sour mix to make drinks. His work helped restore "proper, thoughtfully classic drinks" to American bars. 

Degroff has since won two James Beard awards and founded The Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times, First We Feast

While California still had a law barring women from pouring alcohol in 1971, the mid-1970s saw an increase in the number of women behind the bar.

The Wall Street Journal suspects the change occurred after a Holiday Inn chain discovered bar revenues went up when women did the mixing.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Today, bartending usually requires some kind of training, and you must work your way up before you can be employed at prestigious bars.

Many bartenders teach themselves to mix drinks, or learn on the job. Aspiring bartenders have the option of going to bartending school to obtain a state-issued license, but few states require certification and drink standards vary from bar to bar.

The best way to become a bartender is through experience. Bartender Kenji Magrann-Wells previously told Business Insider that new bartenders must get experience before getting into large venues. Many bartenders start as waiters or bartending assistants before getting a gig themselves.

"Experience is key, especially when going for the giant mega-clubs where the atmosphere is tense and the payout is ridiculous," Magrann-Well said. "So take the jobs where you can get them."

Source: HowtoBecome.com, Business Insider

Bartenders across the country earn an average of $8 an hour, according to PayScale, but the gig has also the fastest rate of wage growth this year.

Source: PayScale, Business Insider 

Racial inequality also exists in the role. African-American and Hispanic bartenders are frequently pushed to lower-paying, less visible roles, according to nonprofit Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.

Sources: Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

While women hold more bartending jobs in the US than men as of 2004, gender discrimination still occurs in the form of sexualizing the role. Many female bartenders must wear makeup and risqué clothing, especially to earn more tips.

Source: Stuff Mom Never Told You

Several other misconceptions about the profession exist today. For instance, bartending is not a "dead-end job" — in fact, it can open doors in the hospitality industry and beyond.

Many bartenders go on to become a general manager or open their own restaurant after working for a number of years, Justine Lechner, bartender at New Amsterdam in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania told INSIDER.

"I make more money in less time than most college graduates, and [I have] needed years of training to become great at my work," Lechner said.

Source: INSIDER

• Apple's retail stores are all over the world — the international brand ambassador for Apple products.
• In recent years, Apple stores have abandoned traditional structures like checkout counters and the iconic "Genius Bar" in favor of roaming employees equipped with iPads.
• On a recent visit to get a Mac computer repaired, I experienced firsthand just how messy and disorganized this approach can be. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Years ago, when the iPhone was still a relatively new device, Apple stores were a novel experience. 

They had large, open floor plans paired with the shining beacon of the "Genius Bar," and a subtly tucked away checkout counter somewhere in the back. When you walked in, products were clearly the focus — on display at every table, in distinct sections for iPhones, iPads, and various Apple computers. 

It felt familiar, like a normal retail store experience, but better.

Those days appear to be gone.

SEE ALSO: Angela Ahrendts transformed Apple's stores. But will the changes stick?

Starting in 2016, Apple Stores ditched the Genius Bar and checkout counters.

As Apple has increased in popularity, so have its stores. With that popularity came increased foot traffic, and the Apple store experience suffered. Going to get a cracked screen fixed, even with an appointment, became a far less pleasant experience as you waited for someone to help you.

As the company struggled with accommodating more people in its stores, its signature "Genius" employees — people who were specifically employed to solve issues with Apple's products — were particularly overwhelmed. 

The company's retail leader, former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts, was in charge of the proposed solution: Get rid of the Genius Bar, cut the checkout counter, and empower every employee to help every customer directly. 

It may not be a bad idea in theory, but — as I learned at a recent trip to my local Apple store to get a computer repaired — the concept doesn't always work in reality.

Things started out well enough!

A few years ago, I permanently switched from the iPhone to Android. I still use a MacBook Air personally, and I'm writing this on a MacBook Pro I use for work every day. 

I'm only saying this because, nowadays, I go to Apple stores far less than I did in the past. My memory of going is still rooted in the Golden Era of Genius Bars and best-in-class customer service.

But, this week, I scheduled a repair at the Apple store across from our main office. My mother-in-law has a Mac Mini that was acting up, and needed a look. 

Scheduling the repair on Apple's website was as easy as always. I even had to reschedule it a few times, and the system was extremely accommodating. 

When I actually got to the store, though, things quickly changed.

Entering an Apple store is a completely directionless experience that puts the onus on customers in a bizarre way.

When I walked into the Apple store for my repair, it was completely unclear where I was supposed to go.

Various Apple employees milled about, helping customers at desks or rushing from one part of the store to another. Products were lining the tables, able to be used by interested customers. 

I looked around for any sort of sign that would direct my attention to a repair table or employees who could check me in for my scheduled appointment, knowing I would find none.

Admittedly, Apple stores have never been big on signage, but the flow of the store usually directed customers naturally toward what they wanted. I hadn't come in to browse, or give the iPhone XS Max a shot — I was just there for a straightforward repair.

Instead of going to, say, a repair desk, I awkwardly interrupted two employees who were animatedly engaged in conversation. 

Eliminating the concept of checkout desks and the iconic Genius Bar has turned visits to the Apple store into a free-for-all.

Waiting in lines isn't any fun, I realize, but lines serve a purpose: They visually demonstrate the order in which you'll receive service.

You may be last in line, but at least you know there are X number of people in front of you. There's nothing ambiguous about your position. By replacing service desks with roaming employees, going into Apple stores now is a question of which customer is least polite about demanding attention.

"Where I do even begin?" was the first question in my mind when walking into the Apple store I visited yesterday.

After walking around for a few minutes looking like an idiot (and feeling like an idiot — I write about technology for a living!), I gave in to frustration and interrupted two employees who were talking so that I could move on with my life. 

The help I received was great, I'm glad that Apple has a store across the street that I can easily go to if I need help with Apple products. But the experience in the store was bafflingly disorganized and stood out even more against the history of Apple's stores making retail experiences feel better than ever. 

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• With so many different hair dryers to choose from, it's hard to know which ones won't lead to dried out hair, sore muscles, and buyer's remorse.
• The Rusk CTC Lite is our top pick because it dries hair quickly without damaging it while still being lightweight and easy to hold. It also has seven different heat and speed settings to ensure that your hair looks like it's in a commercial.
• But we have other options as well from Remington, Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer, BaByliss, and Dyson.

No matter how many curling wands or straighteners you have in your arsenal, you need to have a quality blow dryer in the mix as well. It dries hair quickly, can tamp down frizz better than any styling product, and depending on your dexterity, can also help straighten or curl your hair. Hair styling aside, we bet it can also probably make a grilled cheese pretty quickly. 

However, finding a good hair dryer can be easier said than done — especially with all the beauty buzzwords surrounding it. If you're searching for a new hair dryer, you're likely running into words like "ionic," "infrared," and "tourmaline," and you may be wondering if you're participating in a scientific discovery rather than finding a simple beauty tool that'll just dry your hair in a few minutes.

Before you throw up your hands in frustration, we've picked out five of our favorite hair dryers so you don't have to worry about making the wrong choice. We've also broken down some terms that are helpful to know along with all the things you should really be looking for in a hair dryer that go beyond the buzzwords on the packaging. 

Hair dryer terminology

You'll come across a lot of different words when it comes to the marketing of a hair dryer. The trick is to know which ones are legit, which are marketing buzzwords, and which are up for debate when it comes to effective hair styling.

An ionic hair dryer shoots out negative ions that break up the positive ions in water more quickly, preventing frizz and speeding up drying time. Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral that also produces negative ions, though it's n normally used to coat the interior of a hair dryer barrel or grills. This one is potentially tricky — The Wirecutter found little difference in their tester's hair when testing hair dryers that claimed to be "ionic." However, some hair stylists swear by this feature, saying that an ionic dryer does reduce frizz and even makes the hair shinier. 

If a hair dryer is called "infrared," it means that it uses long energy wavelengths to penetrate the hair deeply, making for a faster drying time compared to non-infared dryers. Similarly, ceramic and porcelain dryers are designed to do the same, but these materials can also result in more even heating for a more consistent temperature to protect your hair from damage.

And what about fancy terms like "conditioning beads" and "silk proteins" that claim to be housed in the barrel of some dryers? Some things really are too good to be true. The more outrageous the terms, the more likely they are to be marketing hype. 

The features that matter

All the marketing mumbo jumbo aside, there are features that you'll want in a hair dryer, especially if you plan on using it often.

• Design and weight: You want a dryer that's comfortable to hold, avoiding awkwardly placed buttons if possible. A lightweight dryer is best — especially if you have thick hair that may take a little more time to dry. No one wants to feel like they've just gotten done with a strength training routine after blow drying their hair.
• Multiple speed and heat settings: These are a must because they'll give you more control over the style of your hair as well as help to protect your hair from heat damage (though you should definitely use a heat protectant every time you use a heat tool). While not a necessity, a hair dryer that also has a cool air feature is also a plus, as it helps seal your hair cuticle once your hair is dry, giving your desired style a smooth finish.
• High wattage: A higher wattage motor will have more power and can cut down on the time that you're exposing your hair to heat, which can be damaging over time. That being said, most hair dryers hover around 1,875 watts, so this is a good ballpark number.
• Cord length: To power up your hair dryer, a longer cord length anywhere from 6 to 9 feet is is ideal. You want it to be able to reach from the outlet to wherever you dry your hair whether it's in your bathroom or in front of your vanity. A cord that's too short will restrict your movement, and it's even worse if the cord isn't long enough to reach where you're standing.
• Attachments: Hair dryers that come with extras like a concentrator attachment or a diffuser are especially useful for achieving different looks and styles.
• Warranty: As with any product that you're paying a little more for, a hair dryer with a good warranty will provide you with peace of mind that if something breaks. The manufacturer will be able to fix the issue, or if the brand is really nice, even replace lost or broken attachments. Once you find your favorite hair dryer, you'll definitely want to be able to use it for as long as possible.

The stress of finding the right hair dryer may make the price of beauty seem like a real beast, but not to worry — we've done the research for you. After combing through tons of reviews, we've found five notable hair dryers that stand apart from the rest, so you can choose the hair dryer that best fits your needs and budget.

Here are our top picks for the best hair dryers in 2019:

• Best hair dryer overall: Rusk CTC Lite
• Best affordable hair dryer: Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer with Ceramic + Ionic + Tourmaline Technology
• Best hair dryer for thick hair: Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer
• Best hair dryer for fine hair: BaByliss Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer
• Best high-tech hair dryer: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

Updated on 5/16/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated formatting, prices, and links.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

The best hair dryer overall

The Rusk CTC Lite is a lightweight hair dryer that works on all hair types and dries quickly, leaving you with salon quality results.

If you want to save money with a salon quality blowout at home, or you just want an all-around reliable hair dryer to get the job done, the Rusk CTC Lite is for you.

It can tackle all different hair types. It especially excels at drying thick hair quickly, and its titanium and ceramic coating allows for even heating, drastically cutting down on drying time. If you consider yourself a bit of a control freak, you'll definitely appreciate the seven different heat and speed settings.

Having multiple settings not only gives you control over how you want to style your hair, but you can also choose how much heat you're using. Using the lower settings can help prevent heat damage, especially if you use your hair dryer often. The hair dryer also comes with a diffuser, which is great for drying curly hair, and a concentrator if you're going for a super sleek look.

At 1,900 watts, this hair dryer packs a lot of power. Because it does have more power than the average, some reviewers did find it almost too strong for short hair styles. If you have short hair or fine hair that dries quickly, you may want to lower both the heat and speed settings.

Another reviewer loves how the dryer works overall and found the handle extremely comfortable, but did find the button placement to be slightly awkward if they're switching settings — it's actually possible to accidentally turn off the dryer while you're using it. If you're used to a different type of button, it may take some getting used to.

The Wirecutterput the Rusk CTC Lite to the test and especially appreciated the thought that was put into its design. Out of all the hair dryers the reviewer tested, the Rusk CTC Lite had one of the most comfortable handles. Its comfortable design and light weight are important features too, especially in an appliance that you'll be using often.

While styling your hair should be optional after a workout, it should never be the workout. A hair dryer that gets the job done quickly without leaving you feeling like you've been lifting weights instead of styling your hair is a definite plus.

It's moderately priced and has a decent two-year warranty. Many reviewers found this hair dryer to be worth every penny, and a big step above the typical "drug store" hair dryer. One particular reviewer loved how quickly it dried their hair compared to other hair dryers they've used in the past, as well as the 8.5-foot cord and lightweight design, which is ideal for travel.

Pros: Lightweight, long cord length, ergonomically designed for comfort, seven heat and speed settings, fast drying time, comes with additional attachments

Cons: Some reviewers found it to be too powerful for short hair, slightly awkward button placement

Buy the Rusk CTC Lite on Amazon for $99.95

The best affordable hair dryer

The Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer with Ceramic + Ionic + Tourmaline Technology costs less than $20, but it boasts a ton of features, including a high-end ceramic and tourmaline interior.

While there are many cheap hair dryers out there that are likely to break long before their more expensive salon-quality counterparts, there's a sector of hair dryers that'll give you a decent blowout without sucking your bank account dry. The Remington D3190 is one of those excellent budget hair dryers.

It has a decent amount of power at 1,875 watts, which is nearly as high as our top pick. The ceramic coating on its grill allows for more efficient heating, so your hair will dry quicker and won't have to be exposed to heat for long. It also has a negative ion design, which helps reduce frizz. While the true effectiveness of negative ions in a hair dryer can be debatable, many reviewershave noticed less frizz since they've started using it.

Aside from the damage control features, it also comes with a diffuser attachment for curly or wavy hair textures, as well as a concentrator if you want a straight style. Additionally, the cool shot feature will help seal your style in place after your hair is dried, and the filter is removable for easy cleaning.

Even though the dryer is super affordable, it also comes with a two-year warranty. But because it is a lower price, there are some noticeable differences between this hair dryer and some of the more expensive ones that are available. The cord is on the shorter side at about five feet long. There are also fewer heat and speed settings than you might find on a more expensive hair dryer.

However, most reviewers on Amazon were extremely happy with their purchase, saying the Remington Damage Control hair dryer is an excellent product for the price.  

Pros: Infused with ceramic for even heating, reduces frizz, quick drying, comes with diffuser and concentrator attachments, many features for the low price

Cons: Shorter cord, limited heat and speed settings

Buy the Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer with Ceramic + Ionic + Tourmaline Technology on Amazon for $17.47 (originally $19.84)

The best hair dryer for thick hair

The Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer uses a unique technology to keep more moisture in your hair, reducing heat damage and frizz.

While it may look like a strange weapon from a bad sci-fi movie, the Panasonic Nanoe hair dryer shouldn't be overlooked — especially if you have thick hair that seems to take eons to dry.

The nanoe technology in the name refers to this hair dryer's ability to take the moisture in the air and turn it into particles small enough to penetrate the shaft of your hair. These particles prevent your hair from drying out and help prevent the heat damage that many hair dryers can cause. While we're not sure about the science behind all of this, the reviews speak for themselves. Most users have found that this hair dryer does exactly as promised, making thick hair feel silkier and shinier.

High-tech features aside, the Panasonic Nanoe hair dryer comes with plenty of other perks that make it worth the price. It comes with three different nozzle attachments — one for quick drying, a concentrator for precision styling, and a diffuser for curly and wavy hair. It also has a removable filter for easy cleaning, and a cool-shot button to set your style.

While it doesn't have as many settings as other more high-end hair dryers, it still gives you some control with three heat settings and two different speed settings. While it's great for drying thick hair quickly, those with fine hair also liked this dryer, appreciating the volume and shine it added.

Some reviewers didn't like the awkward shape and found the hair dryer on the heavier side. At a little over one pound, it's slightly heavier than some of the lighter weight hair dryers out there. However, its efficient drying time means you won't have to be holding it for long.

Its long nine-foot rotating cord also ensures that it will reach wherever you need it to and it won't get tangled. At 1,875 watts, you won't be lacking for power, and the two-year warranty is also a plus.

If you don't mind a little futuristic-looking addition to the rest of your bathroom appliances, the Panasonic Nanoe hair dryer is a worthy purchase for anyone blessed with a thick mane of hair.

Pros: Moisture-infusing technology, fast drying, tames frizz and adds shine, comes with three nozzle attachments, long cord length

Cons: Awkwardly shaped, on the heavier side, not as many heat or speed settings as higher end hair dryers

Buy the Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer from Target for $99.99

Buy the Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer on Jet for $99.99

The best hair dryer for fine hair

With six different heat and speed settings, and infrared heat provided by ceramic coils, the BaByliss Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer reduces heat damage and pumps up thin hair. 

The BaByliss name is well-known in the world of professional hair stylists, but compared to many professional hair dryers, it's still affordable for most.

Despite its popularity at salons, there's no beauty school needed to learn how to use the BaByliss Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer in the comfort of your own home. This model features a soft-touch rubberized housing for maximum grip, as well as a super long 10-foot cord so you can dry your hair with ease.

While it works well on thick hair, this hair dryer is especially great if you have fine hair that is prone to damage. The infrared technology and ceramic interior make for efficient and even heating, so you won't have to expose your hair to heat for a long time to get a sleek, frizz-free style. The Pro Carerra2 also utilizes negative ion technology with some reviewers saying that their hair did seem to have less static and frizz after switching to this hair dryer.

The Pro Carerra2 comes with a concentrator attachment for precision styling, as well as a cool-shot button to set your style. It also has a lengthy three-year warranty. Some reviewers have had trouble with the concentrator attachment coming off too easily, which can be annoying and dangerous if it pops off during styling.

This is a 1,900-watt professional hair dryer that packs a lot of power, and as a result, the nozzle can become hot to the touch very quickly, so use caution if you are utilizing the highest heat setting.

Between the ceramic and infrared technologies, it doesn't come as a surprise that The Straight Hair Club has dubbed this hair dryer one of the least damaging hair dryers. The site's experts note how it excels at giving you sleek and straight hair that also has bounce.

If you have fine hair — especially straight fine hair — you're likely familiar with the daily battle of trying to give your hair a little extra "oomph" in the volume department. Think of the Pro Carrera2 as an ally that will have bad hair days waving the white flag of surrender.

Pros: Ceramic and infrared technology for even and efficient heating, multiple heat and speed settings, long cord length, three-year warranty

Cons: Concentrator attachment comes off easily, the nozzle of the hair dryer can become very hot

Buy the BaByliss Porcelain Ceramic Carrera2 Dryer on Ulta for $74.95

The best high-tech hair dryer

It may be pricey, but if you're looking for a high-tech hair dryer that actually lives up to the hype, the Dyson Super Sonic may be for you.

It's not too much of an exaggeration to say that Dyson — the company best known for its vacuum cleaners — has come close to creating the perfect hair dryer. The price is steep, and there are plenty of hair dryers out there that are effective enough for a fraction of the price, but it's worth taking a step back and admiring all the thought and engineering that went into the creation of the Dyson Supersonic.

Those who have taken the plunge have found this dryer worth the high price. For starters, you won't be in danger of exposing your locks to any heat damage. While you're drying your hair, there's a lot taking place inside this futuristic-looking styling tool. The air temperature is measured 20 times every second to keep the temperature under control, and the high-velocity air flow also makes it possible to dry your hair in a fraction of the time.

Gizmodo put the Dyson Supersonic to the test to see if it was worth the money. The tester was impressed not only with how quickly their hair dried but also with how quiet the hair dryer was, thanks to the motor being housed in the noise-silencing handle.

With more weight in the handle, the hair dryer becomes less top heavy and more ergonomic so there won't be any more aching arms as you're drying your hair. In addition to the high-tech specs, the Dyson Supersonic has four heat settings and three air flow settings.

It also comes with three different attachments — a smoothing nozzle, concentrator, and diffuser. There's no danger of any attachments falling off as these attachments connect magnetically and the connection is quite powerful. For the high price, it would be a major miss if this hair dryer lacked a long cord or a cool shot button but luckily it has both, along with a two-year warranty.

Pros: Dries hair quickly, light weight, quiet, comes with three attachments, long cord length, good warranty

Cons: High price point

Buy the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer from Bed Bath & Beyond for $399.99