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I offered to come back from maternity leave 3 days after I gave birth — and my employer said it wasn’t fast enough

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Melissa Petro

  • Melissa Petro is a freelance writer, teacher, wife, and mother living in New York City.
  • She accepted a teaching position when she was pregnant with her first child. When she told her employer the news, she was told that returning within three days wouldn't be soon enough for their demanding student body — and that maybe it wasn't the right time to take the job.
  • Working in the gig economy often means insecurity and financial risks, she writes.
  • A senior staff attorney at the ACLU's Women's Rights Project describes pregnancy discrimination as "distressingly common," and says it remains the ACLU hotline's top complaint.
  • In the end, Petro kept her teaching position — but found herself checking in on the class three hours into labor and responding to students' emails from the maternity ward.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.  

The issue of pregnancy discrimination was thrust into the spotlight earlier this week when media outlets began questioning Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren's claim that she was fired from her first teaching job in 1971 for being pregnant. 

Reporters like Kaylee McGhee of the Washington Examiner say there's no evidence the Senator was unfairly dismissed as result of her pregnancy, concluding that she's "playing the victim card and crying sexism." 

But as someone who's negotiated pregnancy and motherhood, I have little trouble believing Warren's claim. After all, the situation occurred seven years prior to passage of The Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978, the federal law which prohibited employers  from discriminating on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. It was commonplace then, as it is now — 40 years after the passage of the PDA. 

SEE ALSO: My husband paid me $15 an hour to be a stay-at-home mom. Here's what I learned.

Come back ‘another time’

Certainly, it was still an issue two years ago, when I was pregnant with my first. I was an experienced teacher by then, assigned to teach an online class for a new-to-me employer. Fearing it would be a consideration, only after confirming I'd gotten the teaching assignment did I mentioned the fact that I was pregnant, and due to go into labor halfway through the term. I assured the hiring personnel it wouldn't be an issue, and promised that I'd be back online within three days of giving birth. But no, the director of the school described the fact that I was pregnant as a "concern," and said my returning within three days wouldn't be soon enough for their demanding student body. She closed the email by suggesting I teach for them at another time.

Maybe this employer was right, and the weeks just before and after the birth of a child weren't an ideal time for me to be teaching. But, like 59% of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck, so long as my family needs to eat, I need to work. 

Such is my plight as a freelance writer and writing instructor, one of a growing number of people participating in the "gig economy." This is the term used to describe workers such as myself, self employed and hired on demand for single projects or assignments.



The good and bad about the gig economy

For anyone — but for pregnant people and working mothers, in particular — there are obvious advantages to this approach to earning money: Theoretically, I have the freedom and flexibility to take projects that interest me, and work when I want. I can refuse work, and take off hours, days, or even weeks at will. 

But in reality, working in the gig economy often means insecurity and financial risks. As a gig worker, what one earns is proportionate to how hard they work. Sometimes, no matter how hard I hustle, I find myself between jobs. And a lot of my labor — including the hard work of finding work — goes unpaid. 

Above all, working in the gig economy means I'm afforded few to none of the rights and protections offered traditional workers, including those rights outlined in the PDA, which only protect "employees," not "independent contractors" (aka gig workers like me).

Sure, state by state, you may find additional protections. For example, in New York City, where I live, it's against the law to fire or refuse to hire or promote employees because they are pregnant, and employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations.  But a law's existence doesn't necessarily mean enforcement. A report by the National Women's Law Center and A Better Balance, for example, found over 40% of low-wage workers who are pregnant report that their employers don't permit them to decide when to take their breaks; three-quarters of these workers aren't able to choose start and quit times; and roughly half report having very little or no control over the scheduling of hours.

What's more, according to the law, there's an expectation that employers initiate and engage in a "cooperative dialogue" with pregnant employees, so that pregnant employee's needs are met. Pregnant or not, one of the biggest challenges of gig employment is developing relationships and managing multiple employers. The year prior to my becoming pregnant, I had over a hundred different bosses sign my checks. Each of these employers worked differently but I'd describe few, if any, as "cooperative." 

After nearly a decade of freelancing, I know how it works: I either make their lives easier by giving them what they want when they want it, or next time, they hire someone else. 



Pregnancy discrimination remains a top complaint

Gillian Thomas, senior staff attorney at the ACLU's Women's Rights Project, describes pregnancy discrimination as "distressingly common," and says it remains the ACLU hotline's top complaint. Speaking to NPR's marketplace, Thomas said they range from blatant examples to more subtle forms of discrimination, including "sex stereotyping" that happens when someone announces a pregnancy. "Suddenly you're not sent on that big business trip that you were going to be on, because your employer thinks oh, you'd rather be here at home; you'd rather be resting; it's not safe for you to travel." 

In some circumstances, she says, employers mean well, "but they take it upon themselves to decide what is healthy for a woman and her pregnancy." This, says Thomas, has a major impact on women's careers. 

We don't necessarily have evidence of the challenges, but trust me when we say we feel them. With more workers moving towards nontraditional forms of employment, I fear it will only get worse. The fact that women are still the primary caregivers— for children, aging parents and ailing relatives — is a reason we drop out of workforce. Taking time off to give birth and raise infants results in gaps in our employment, and is another reason why women make less money than men. I love my work, and am relatively successful at it. But pregnancy — and, later, motherhood — has taken a toll. 

In the end, I advocated for myself and managed to hold onto that teaching gig. Still, the victory felt bittersweet when I found myself checking in on the class three hours into labor, and leading online discussions and responding to students' emails from the maternity ward. 




The 50 most expensive top boarding schools in America

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pomfret school

Paying for a child's secondary education can be extremely expensive. 

In fact, some of the top boarding schools in the US can end up costing parents upwards of $60,000 per year, more than the annual cost of some colleges or universities. 

Read more:The most expensive college in every state

To find the country's most expensive top boarding schools, Business Insider consulted Niche's ranking of the 100 best boarding high schools in the country and then ranked them according to their tuition cost, which included the cost of housing. 

A majority of the boarding schools on the list were located on the East Coast. However, four out of the five most expensive top boarding schools were located in California.

Here are the 50 most expensive top boarding schools in America according to Niche, listed from the lowest tuition price to highest.

SEE ALSO: The 50 most expensive top private high schools in America

50. Westtown School

Westtown School, located 25 miles west of Philadelphia, is an operating Quaker school in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The school was established in 1799 by the Philadelphia Quakers as a "safe haven" for young Quaker students. However, only 7.2% of students at Westtown School identify as Quakers, and the school admits students of all faiths. Facilities include a tennis stadium with 14 courts, a 25-meter swimming pool, an instructional organic farm, and a 14-acre lake complete with a beach and a boathouse. 

Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania

Tuition: $59,130

Niche ranking: 38



49. The Governor's Academy

The Governor's Academy, located in Byfield, Massachusetts, has been operating for over 250 years. It is the oldest boarding school in New England and sits on a naturally beautiful 456-acre campus just 33 miles north of Boston and five miles south of Newburyport.

Location: Byfield, Massachusetts

Tuition: $59,500

Niche ranking: 86



48. Hackley School

Hackley School instructs students in years K-12 and focuses heavily on global education, diversity, and "ensuring that students learn from the varying perspectives and backgrounds in our community and the world."

Location: Tarrytown, New York

Tuition: $59,575

Niche ranking: 21



47. Saint Andrew's School

Saint Andrew's School is an Episcopal, co-educational boarding school in Boca Raton, Florida. The school teaches students in pre-K through 12th grade and offers both boarding and the option to attend the school as a day student. Boca Raton is home to five miles of ocean frontage and 39 gorgeous parks just minutes from the school's campus. 

Location: Boca Raton, Florida

Tuition: $59,850

Niche ranking: 74



46. St. Albans School

St. Albans School in Washington, DC, opened its doors in 1909. This all-boys school currently houses 30 Upper School students, grades 9-12, from all over the world. As members of the only boarding school in Washington, DC, students of St. Albans School also enjoy a family-style lunch every day with their classmates and faculty members, fostering a stronger sense of community. 

Location: Washington, DC

Tuition: $59,892

Niche ranking: 16



45. The Hotchkiss School

Located in Lakeville, Connecticut, The Hotchkiss School is home to 600 students in grades 9-12. Notable alumni include actress Allison Janney, Columbia Records executive John Hammond, and Olympic Candian Women's' Hockey gold medalist Gina M.A. Kingsbury. 

Location: Lakeville, Connecticut

Tuition: $59,990

Niche ranking: 



44. Portsmouth Abbey School

Grounded in a religious Catholic background, Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is a coeducational boarding school for students in grades 9-12. The school is located on an expansive 525-acre campus along Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay, just a few miles from Newport. The school was rated as the best Catholic high school in Rhode Island of 2020. 

Location: Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Tuition: $60,050

Niche ranking: 73



43. Georgetown Preparatory School

Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Maryland, is the nation's oldest Catholic school and only Jesuit boarding school. Though the boys-only boarding school admits students of all faiths, their core religious principles lie at the heart of what the school hopes to accomplish through service, community, and exceptional education. 

Location: North Bethesda, Maryland

Tuition: $60,280

Niche ranking: 42 



42. The Northwest School

The Northwest School is located in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood and fosters a deep sense of community within its student body. The urban landscape and opportunities of Seattle are only a short walk from The Northwest School's campus buildings, allowing students to explore all that the city has to offer without straying too far from home. 

Location: Seattle, Washington

Tuition: $60,485

Niche ranking: 71



41. Mercersburg Academy

Mercersburg Academy is both a boarding and day school located in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. There are currently 442 students enrolled at Mercersburg Academy. The school has a whopping $297 million endowment and 50% of students receive some form of financial aid. 

Location: Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

Tuition: $60,680

Niche ranking: 63  



40. Annie Wright Schools

Nestled in the naturally beautiful North End neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, Annie Wright Schools offers day programming as well as five-day and seven-day boarding, allowing students flexibility.

Location: Tacoma, Washington

Tuition: $60,700

Niche ranking: 80



39. Episcopal High School

Episcopal High School has been around for more than 175 years and has taken that time to foster a deep sense of pride in the school's community and lengthy history. Boarding students make up 86% of the school student body. Around 440 students from 17 countries and 30 states, including Washington DC, attend Episcopal High School.

Location: Alexandria, Virginia

Tuition: $60,900

Niche ranking: 36



T38. Pomfret School

Located less than an hour from Boston, Hartford, and Providence, and only three hours from New York City, Pomfret School is a boarding and day school of 350 students in grades 9-12. This classic New England campus exudes historic charm, from the ivy-covered brick buildings to the maple trees and stone walls that line the campus. 

Location: Pomfret, Connecticut

Tuition: $61,000

Niche ranking: 31



T38. Salisbury School

Located in northwest Connecticut, Salisbury School is an all-boys private boarding school with "world-class facilities" and a "beautifully maintained campus." The school has an average annual enrollment of 310 students, roughly 36% of whom receive financial aid. 

Location: Salisbury, Connecticut

Tuition: $61,000

Niche ranking: 91



37. The Cambridge School of Weston

Founded in 1886, The Cambridge School of Weston in Weston, Massachusetts, is a progressive day and boarding school where everyone is on a first-name basis, even the head of school. The school values diversity and gives its students ample leadership opportunities to shape their own lives while at school. 

Location: Weston, Massachusetts

Tuition: $61,200

Niche ranking: 70



36. George School

George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania, is attended by 550 students, 53% of whom live at the school as part of their boarding community. The school is co-educational and diverse — 40% of students are people of color and 29% are international students. 

Location: Newtown, Pennsylvania

Tuition: $61,250

Niche ranking: 50



35. The Hill School

The Hill School's beautiful campus covers more than 200 acres of land. The grounds include two artificial turf fields, an eight-lane track, and 11 new faculty homes. Both a boarding and a day school, most students live on campus. The student body is made up of 54% boys and 46% girls, with students from 32 states and 32 countries.

Location: Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Tuition: $61,410

Niche ranking: 39



T34. Lake Forest Academy

Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Ilinois, has an endowment of $30 million and a student body of 435 students. Of those 435 students, 48% live on campus. The campus is made up of more than 30 world-class buildings, including dormitories and athletics facilities.

Location: Lake Forest, Illinois

Tuition: $61,500

Niche ranking: 32



T34. Dana Hall School

Dana Hall is an all-girls boarding school located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. A cluster of four dorms for all grade levels is located in the center of campus overlooking the campus' pond. Larger house dorms feature spacious living rooms and kitchens, where juniors and seniors live and socialize.

Location: Wellesley, Massachusetts

Tuition: $61,500

Niche ranking: 59

 



33. St. George's School

St. George's School may cost a lot on paper, but the school claims to cater to families' financial needs and "is committed to providing admission to talented, motivated students regardless of their family's ability to pay." In 2019, $5.56 million was awarded in financial aid and the average boarding grant was $51,000.

Location: Middletown, Rhode Island

Tuition: $61,550

Niche ranking: 64



32. The Hockaday School

The Hockaday School is an all-girls boarding and day school founded in 1913. Student amenities include spacious dorm rooms and common areas equipped with flat-screen TVs and full kitchens, as well as plenty of places for boarding and day students to socialize around campus. 

Location: Dallas, Texas

Tuition: $61,621

Niche ranking: 18



31. The Loomis Chaffee School

Located in historic Windsor, Connecticut, the Loomis Chaffee School is a renowned New England boarding school located on a 300-acre campus. Around 480 boarding students live in the 13 dorms located on the school's tree-lined campus. In 2019, the Loomis Chaffee School raised $4.5 million from alumni, students, parents, and friends of the school.

Location: Windsor, Connecticut

Tuition: $61,760

Niche ranking: 13



30. Deerfield Academy

Deerfield Academy is a selective boarding school located in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Approximately 40% of Deerfield's student body identifies as US students of color, and while a majority of the school's 655-student community lives on campus, 84 local students from Pioneer Valley attend as day students. 

Location: Deerfield, Massachusetts

Tuition: $61,840

Niche ranking:8



29. Milton Academy

Milton Academy is a boarding and day school in Massachusetts. Of its 730 students, 44% identify as students of color and 12% are international students. Milton is just eight miles from downtown Boston, a huge draw for students who want to experience traditional campus life and explore a more urban metropolis. 

Location: Milton, Massachusetts

Tuition: $61,920

Niche ranking: 14



28. St. Paul's School

St. Paul's School is a co-educational boarding school with a student body of 525 students from all over the world. The historic campus sits on more than 2,000 wooded acres. According to the school's website, some of St. Paul's state-of-the-art sports facilities include a 95,000-square-foot fitness center, an eight-lane indoor swimming pool, two rock-climbing walls, two hockey rinks, squash and tennis courts, a 2,000-meter rowing course with boathouse, and nine athletic fields. 

Location: Concord, New Hampshire

Tuition: $62,000

Niche ranking: 6



27. Emma Willard School

Emma Willard School is an elite all-girls school located in Troy, New York. With an operating budget of $20,335,901 and a huge endowment of $103,690,339, this school has the means to provide the best possible experience for both its boarding and day students. With bowling, hiking trails, and a downtown area just a short walk away, students can enjoy themselves on and off campus.

Location: Troy, New York

Tuition: $62,150

Niche ranking: 27



26. The Lawrenceville School

The Lawrenceville School is located on 700 acres in a historical section of Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The boarding school accepts students in grades 9-12 and has an endowment of $470 million.

Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Tuition: $62,190

Niche ranking: 4



25. Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls middle and high school. Up to 28 students in grades 9-12 live on campus in the school's dormitory. According to the school's website, Forest Ridge is the only school in Washington state with a Catholic, independent, all-girls residential life program.

Location: Bellevue, Washington

Tuition: $62,300

Niche ranking: 77



24. The Putney School

Located in Putney, Vermont, the Putney School has a total enrollment of 232 students, 170 students of whom live at the school. The co-educational school is for grades 9-12, and the average class size is just 12 students. 

Location: Putney, Vermont

Tuition: $62,400

Niche ranking: 93



23. The Taft School

The Taft School is a private Connecticut boarding school founded in 1890. In the 2018-2019 school year, the school raised $4,810,512 for its annual fund. Alumni gave a total of $2,291,955, while current parents raised a record $2,057,855. There are currently 587 students enrolled in Taft. 

Location: Watertown, Connecticut

Tuition: $62,500

Niche ranking: 25



22. Cate School

Located in Southern California, Cate School was founded in 1910 and has a total enrollment of 210 students. According to Cate School's website, 28% of students receive need-based financial aid. The student body is made up of 220 boarders and 60 day students. 

Location: Carpinteria, California

Tuition: $62,700

Niche ranking: 9



T21. The Hun School of Princeton

The Hun School of Princeton is a private, co-educational boarding school for students in grades 6-12. The school is an hour from New York, Philadelphia, and the beach, and it has the following motto: "Our boarding program is big, but our community is small."

Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Tuition: $63,200

Niche ranking: 55



T21. Suffield Academy

Located in the quaint New England town of Suffield, Connecticut, Suffield Academy offers facilities for rock climbing as well as a high- and low-ropes course. The school also has a lifestyle center offering extracurricular activities including yoga, meditation, Pilates, and barre classes.

Location: Suffield, Connecticut

Tuition: $63,200

Niche ranking: 87

 



T20. The Madeira School

The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, is located on 376 acres overlooking the Potomac River. The school has six dormitories, an indoor competition-size pool, and a state-of-the-art turf field. Roughly 52% of the school's student body population lives on campus.

Location: McLean, Virginia

Tuition: $63,250

Niche ranking: 44



T20. St. Mark's School

St. Mark's School is a co-educational preparatory school with both boarding and day students. Founded in 1865, the school is one of the oldest private boarding schools in New England.

Location: Southborough, Massachusetts

Tuition: $63,250

Niche ranking: 24



19. Westminster School

Westminster School has an endowment of $100.5 million. The school has a financial aid budget of $5.86 million and 34% of students receive financial aid. At Westminster School, 75% of students live on campus.

Location: Simsbury, Connecticut

Tuition: $63,485

Niche ranking: 61



18. Northfield Mount Hermon School

Northfield Mount Hermon School is a co-educational prep and boarding school located in rural Massachusetts. According to the school's website, Northfield Mount Hermon's mission is to "engage the intellect, compassion, and talents of our students, empowering them to act with humanity and purpose."

Location: Mount Hermon, Massachusetts

Tuition: $63,500

Niche ranking: 37



17. Avon Old Farms School

Avon Old Farms is an all-boys school founded in 1927. Around 400 male boarding students live on Avon Old Farms' historic campus. 

Location: Avon, CT

Tuition: $63,600

Niche ranking: 96



16. Cushing Academy

Cushing Academy is a co-educational school founded in 1865. The school's student body is 91% boarding students. Notable alumni from Cushing Academy include Bette Davis, Nate Berkus, John Cena, the King of Bhutan, and captain of 2018 U.S. Women's Olympic Hockey Team and gold medalist Meghan Duggan.

Location: Ashburnham, Massachusetts

Tuition: $63,700

Niche ranking: 62



15. Westover School

Westover School is an all-girls boarding school located in Middlebury, Connecticut. It has 189 students in grades 9-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 4-to-1. It was voted No. 3 on Niche's list of the Best All-Girls High Schools in Connecticut.

Location: Middlebury, Connecticut

Tuition: $63,800

Niche ranking: 72



14. Fairmont Preparatory Academy

Fairmont Preparatory Academy is a co-educational private school founded in 1993. The school's website touts that it has won awards as the "Best Private School" in Orange County in Parenting OC's Readers' Choice Awards for four consecutive years.

Location: Anaheim, California

Tuition: $63,895

Niche ranking: 56



13. Oaks Christian School

Oaks Christian School is a private day and boarding school serving grades 5-12. The school's website says that 99% of Oaks Christian School graduates are accepted into college, "often to highly-selective, top-tier schools." The campus is located near mountain ranges and is minutes from the Pacific Ocean. 

Location: Westlake Village, California

Tuition: $64,000

Niche ranking: 83



12. Middlesex School

Middlesex School is just 20 miles outside of Boston and accepts both boarding and day students in grades 9-12. The school, located on a 350-acre campus, has an enrollment of 408 students, 70% of whom are boarding students.

Location: Concord, Massachusetts

Tuition: $64,150

Niche ranking: 10 

 



T11. Berkshire School

Berkshire School's campus is located at the foot of Mount Everett in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Four hundred students are enrolled in the school, and the school's boarding community includes students from across the United States and 30 different countries. 

Location: Sheffield, Massachusetts

Tuition: $64,200

Niche ranking: 57



T11. Blair Academy

Founded in 1848, Blair Academy has an extremely selective acceptance rate of just 18%. The school's endowment is $105 million and roughly 80% of all students live on campus.

Location: Blairstown, New Jersey

Tuition: $64,200

Niche ranking: 40



10. Concord Academy

Concord Academy in Concord, Massachusetts, has a more evenly split population of boarders and day students — 60% of students call the campus home. Despite the high tuition, only 25% of students receive financial aid. However, there is a $5 million budget allotted for financial aid. 

Location: Concord, Massachusetts

Tuition: $64,240

Niche ranking: 17



9. The Masters School

The Masters School offers an exciting boarding experience for its students. On the weekends, students can venture into New York City or hang out on this historic school's beautiful campus.

Location: Dobbs Ferry, New York

Tuition: $64,400

Niche ranking: 51



8. Tabor Academy

As a selective and expensive boarding school, Tabor School takes into account students' ability to pay when making the final decision on whether to accept them. On the school's website, the school claims that the final phase in the selection process is "need-aware," meaning the Admissions Center weighs the student's overall academic and personal strengths against available funds.

Location: Marion, Massachusetts

Tuition: $64,500

Niche ranking: 97



7. Oregon Episcopal School

Oregon Episcopal School is located on a rural 59-acre campus. 870 students in pre-K through twelfth grade attend the school, which is located within a short distance of downtown Portland. Students living on campus enjoy a wide range of delicious food, from vegan and gluten-free options to Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and Thai cuisine. 

Location: Portland, Oregon

Tuition: $65,100

Niche ranking: 34



6. San Domenico School

San Domenico School is a co-educational boarding and day school located on 515 acres in San Anselmo, California, just 35 minutes north of San Francisco. The school has a $12.6 million endowment, and although the tuition price tag is steep, the school claims that 39% of students pay below the top of the tuition index. 

Location: San Anselmo, California

Tuition: $65,610

Niche ranking: 82



5. The Webb Schools

Founded in 1922, the headmaster of The Webb Schools in Claremont, California, touts the school's excellent track record when it comes to students getting into the nation's most selective colleges. "Our college placement into the Ivy League, into the best women's colleges and small national liberal arts colleges, and, in fact, into the top 10 percent of all colleges and universities nationwide, remains remarkable," he says in his letter on the school's website. 

Location: Claremont, California

Tuition: $66,130

Niche ranking: 26



4. The Athenian School

Located in sunny Danville, California, The Athenian School offers an elite secondary school education and a close-knit residential experience. Of the 530 students that make up Athenian's upper and lower schools, roughly 60 students live on campus. Nearly 59% of Athenian students are people of color and the boarding student community is made up of students from 20 different countries. 

Location: Danville, California

Tuition: $67,000

Niche ranking: 28 



3. Stevenson School

Attending Stevenson School in Pebble Beach will cost you a pretty penny. The upper school's tuition falls around $67,500, while children entering the school's pre-K program pay around $17,100 per year. 

Location: Pebble Beach, California

Tuition: $67,500

Niche ranking: 68



2. The Village School

The Village School spans a campus of more than 28 acres and has plans to expand even further. Boarding students are housed in a brand new, four-story dormitory. Each floor of the luxurious dormitory offers a full kitchen, vending machine area, and washer-dryers for student use, while the outside courtyard features a grill station and an entertaining area with outdoor cooking space.

Location: Houston, Texas

Tuition: $67,750

Niche ranking: 47



1. Woodside Priory School

The most expensive top boarding school in the country, Woodside Priory School costs more than $70,000 per year to attend. Day students pay lower tuition on average — roughly $46,100 per year. Residential life at Woodside Priory School is undeniably luxurious. According to the school's website, student-favorite dinners include filet mignon and Malaysian crab. Features of Woodside Priory School dorms include pool tables, ping pong tables, flat-screen TVs, and access to the school's heated swimming pool.

Location: Portola Valley, California

Tuition: $71,975

Niche ranking: 23



Target has a massive selection of high-quality, artificial Christmas trees — from classic to more majestic flocked trees

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  • Target is a destination for everyday essentials, and this holiday season, it's a smart place to shop for high-quality, artificial Christmas trees.
  • Unlike many retailers, Target optimizes the selection process through search customization, allowing you to shop by specific characteristics.
  • To save you time, we rounded up 10 of our top picks based on positive customer feedback and features included. There are options ranging from classic Christmas trees to more majestic flocked beauties.

There's nothing like a freshly cut Christmas tree to set the holiday mood. However, if you're too busy to chop one down, there are plenty of artificial options that resemble the real thing. The selection process can be overwhelming — but Target makes finding the right one seamless and easy.

The go-to destination retailer provides search customization, enabling you to shop by tree type, height, style, shape, features included, and more. You can then place an order online for home delivery or in-store pickup, depending on the demands of your schedule. 

To make your life easier, we've rounded up 10 of our top picks that factor in customer satisfaction and added features. We arranged our findings in order of tree size, so you can get a full scope of Target's selections.

And if you need more Christmas decor inspiration for tree skirts, tree stands, ornaments, and more, check out some of our buying guides: 

Shop all Christmas trees at Target here.

A tiny Christmas tree that's convenient for small spaces

$60, available on Target

This 4.5-foot tree is compact and light, weighing in at just 6.5 pounds. The tree's hinge branches pull down for easy setup — so all you have to worry about is fluffing its tips and adding your favorite decor.

Tree Measurements: 4.5 feet tall, 30 inches wide

Light Count: Unlit

Other Considerations: Four-point stand included

 



A 5.5-foot tree made with cashmere hard needle tips

$100, available on Target

This tree is designed with cashmere hard needle tips that give it an authentic look and texture. It also features pre-attached, pull-down branches, making assembly and disassembly for storage a breeze.

Tree Measurements: 5.5 feet tall, 48 inches wide

Light Count: Unlit

Other Considerations: Iron base included

 



An evergreen twig tree that's inspired by 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

$180, available on Target

Like Charlie Brown's beloved Christmas tree, this twig-designed tree is slim and adaptable. It's carefully wrapped in 102 warm LED lights for bright glow and can be situated indoors or outdoors. 

Tree Measurements: 5 feet tall, 36 inches wide

Light Count: 102

Other Considerations: Metal stakes included for outdoor use

 



A lush tree that mirrors forest foliage

$120, available on Target

This 6-foot option mirrors traditional Virginia pine, adding a lush, authentic look to your living space — minus the inconveniences presented by real trees. And when it comes time for setup and breakdown, you won't need complex tools on hand.

Tree Measurements: 6 feet tall, 44 inches wide

Light Count: Unlit

Other Considerations: Metal base included

 

 



A tree that's constructed of plastic for long use

$60, available on Target

This tree is made of plastic, ensuring its durability and quality over time. It resembles natural forest foliage while incorporating man-made, multicolored lights for dramatic effect. 

Tree Measurements: 6 feet tall, 40 inches wide

Light Count: 250

Other Considerations: Electric and battery power options included

 



A pre-lit tree that resembles lush winter scenery

$265, available on Target

This faux snow-covered tree brings the magic of winter weather into the comfort of your warm home. Its incorporated lights eliminate the need for a ladder.

Plus, when a single bulb goes out, the remaining lights on the strand will stay lit.

Tree Measurements: 6.5 feet tall, 46 inches wide

Light Count: 350

Other Considerations: Electric and battery power options included

 



A tech-savvy tree with remote control clear LED lights

$500, available on Target

This tree features 500 bi-color LED mini lights with color-changing effects. With a simple remote control, you can control your tree's light functions, choosing among warm white, multicolor, steady-on, fading, and alternating options.

Tree Measurements: 7.5 feet tall, 56 inches wide

Light Count: 500 lights

Other Considerations: Pricey — but what you get in return is uncompromised quality



A tree that includes a stackable plug for your tree topper

$500, available on Target

This ingenious tree features a stackable plug in the top section, so you can connect your pre-lit topper without much hassle.

Tree Measurements: 9 feet tall, 57 inches wide

Light Count: 700

Other Considerations: Electric and battery power options included

 



A 9-foot tree with a narrow shape

$200, available on Target

This tree's height and slender pencil shape simplify the decorating process, giving you more time to fulfill other pressing to-dos. Unlike larger options on the market, it's flexible, fitting in both large and small spaces. 

Tree Measurements: 9 feet tall, 32 inches wide

Light Count: 350

Other Considerations: Lights up with either plug-in or battery power



A thick tree that's ideal for large spaces

$290, available on Target

This 9-foot full-body tree is an ideal choice for larger rooms and entry halls. It's pre-lit with clear lights for a warm glow and uses AutoConnect technology to simplify assembly.

Tree Measurements: 9 feet tall, 58 inches wide

Light Count: 700

Other Considerations: Lights up with either plug-in or battery power


 



The best espresso machines you can buy

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  • True espresso only comes from high-end machines, but now you can have your very own espresso machine at home.
  • The semi-automatic Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is the best one you can buy.

Coffee lovers start out innocently enough with drip filters, French presses, milk frothers, and stovetop espresso makers; but then next thing you know, they're browsing Amazon for full-on espresso machines with all the bells and whistles. If you've reached that stage of coffee addiction, don't worry, we're here for you.

We've researched everything you need to know about buying a shiny new espresso machine for your home and we've combed through the details and reviews for dozens of machines so you don't have to. Before we get into the best espresso machines you can buy for your home, let's take a look at all the key terms and information that you need to know to make an informed purchase.

What makes a true espresso?

The Italian Espresso National Institute has very strict standards as to what can be called a true espresso. However, the basic idea is this: Espresso machines force a small amount of nearly boiling water under at least 9 bars of pressure through finely ground coffee to make true espresso.

The result is a thicker, creamier coffee with more caffeine inside. Pressure seems to be the key defining metric of making real espresso, and that's why stovetop espresso machines don't produce "real" espresso, according to the experts (but we still highly recommend them for anyone on a budget).

What kind of espresso machines are there?

There are two kinds of espresso machines in this world: steam-driven and pump-driven. Steam-driven machines come in two types: stovetop espresso makers like the Bialetti Moka Express and pump-less electric machines. Neither are featured in this buying guide, but you can read all about our favorite stovetop espresso makers here.

Pump-driven machines are much more common and there are more varieties that fall under that umbrella, according to CoffeLounge.

  • Manual Lever Pump: It works just like you'd imagine it would — you manually pump the espresso out by hand with no help from electricity.
  • Electronic Pump: With this kind of machine, you set the right temperature and electricity pumps the espresso out for you.
  • Semi-Automatic Pump: Here, you'll grind the beans and tamp them into the filter before turning on the machine. Then, you pump the button to turn it on until the water turns black, at which point you turn it off.
  • Automatic Pump: This machine also makes you grind the beans and tamp them into the portafilter. The machine will automatically turn on to brew the espresso and go off again when it's done.
  • Super Automatic Pump: Finally, a super automatic machine takes everything out of your hands. It grinds the beans, tamps the grounds into the filter, boils the water, pushes it with lots of pressure, and takes care of the waste for you. It's very easy, but it'll cost you a pretty penny.

There are also fully automatic pod machines like the Nespresso, which require zero assistance from you beyond popping in a pod and pressing a button. All of the machines in this buying guide are either semi-automatic or pod machines.

Here are our top picks for the best espresso machines:

Updated on 10/10/19 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated links and pricing. 

SEE ALSO: The best stovetop espresso makers and moka pots you can buy

The best espresso machine overall

The semi-automatic Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine makes top-notch espresso and it includes a burr grinder, tamper, and frothing pitcher.

Most espresso machines don't come with everything you need, so you end up buying a bunch of accessories to actually make your coffee. Not so with the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

It comes with a stainless steel conical burr grinder, a 1/2 pound sealed bean hopper, a 54mm tamper, a steaming wand for frothing your milk, and a frothing pitcher. The only thing you need to buy is the espresso beans. The user manual is very detailed, so you should be able to follow its instructions without too much trouble.

Based on our testing, learning how to use the machine is well worth the effort, and the result is absolutely beautiful tasting coffee. It's actually really easy to use, and you'll have the process down after two or three attempts.

The Barista Express espresso machine uses a 15 Bar Italian Pump and a 1600W Thermocoil heating system to make rich espresso. Since it's a semi-automatic machine, the Breville automatically adjusts water temperature after steam to extract the most flavor out of your beans. The machine also has a 67 fl.oz (2L) water tank with a nice handle for easy removal, and it comes with a replaceable water filter.

The built-in burr grinder is high quality, and you can easily adjust the grind size and amount with a dial on the front of the machine. You can choose to use either a single- or double-wall filter basket, and the grinder will automatically adjust to give you the right amout of coffee grounds for your brew. Reviewers love that it comes with the grinder and praise its quality.

If you push the 54mm stainless steel portafilter into the hands-free grinding cradle, the grounds will go right into the filter. The grinder shuts off when it's done, too, so you don't have to worry about figuring out if you've got the right amount. Finally, the included 54mm tamper ensures that your grounds are evenly pressed, so you get the most out of your beans.

When it comes to deciding how much espresso you want to make, you can choose between two presets for 1 and 2 cup volumes. Alternatively, you can manually override the settings and choose your own amount of espresso.

The Thermocoil heating system controls the water temperature, and you can watch the espresso machine's pressure gauge. If you want frothy milk on top of your espresso, you can use the 360-degree swivel steam wand to whip up some foam in the included milk pitcher. 

A removable drip tray catches any excess, so you don't end up with a huge mess on your hands. You do have to clean that part every day. Breville's machine will also tell you when it needs a thorough cleaning, and it comes with a special cleaning kit. Follow Breville's very detailed care and maintenance guide to keep your machine in working order.

The machine comes with a one-year warranty in case of issues. User reviews on Amazon are very positive, and most people had a very easy time making high-end espresso with the machine. 

Across the web, expert reviewers from Best Products, Digital Trends, Coffee Lounge, Coffee Maker Picks, and Espresso Perfecto all highly recommend this machine.

If you're inexperienced, it's a good machine to learn with, and if you're interested in fiddling around with settings, you can do that, too. It's an all-around great espresso machine, according to several reviews by experts and everyday users. 

The best part about this machine is that it comes with everything you need (except the beans). You don't have to spend an extra $100+ on a good grinder or $25-$100 on a milk frothing pitcher and tamper. You will pay a bit more for it than some other machines on this list, but it's well worth it.

Pros: Built-in burr grinder and frother, makes great crema on your espresso, it's relatively easy to use, lovely design, and a one-year warranty

Cons: Not cheap



The best espresso machine for less than $100

The De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is affordable, but it still makes strong espresso.

Not everyone can afford a top-of-the-line espresso machine, but there are some good options out there for less than $100. The De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is the best of the sub-$100 category with its easy-to-use design and tasty espresso.

It's a basic machine that gets the job done, but it has great Italian design and it's made by a brand that's a household name in Italy.

You get a manual milk frother and a built-in tamper along with the machine, so you do have to buy your own grinder and milk frothing pitcher if you want foam on top. Many reviewers and users complain that the tamper and milk frother aren't that great, though, so you may end up buying those, too.

You can check out our best milk frothers here. Some of you will stick with the machine's frothing wand, but you'll still need a milk frothing pitcher, so we recommend this one from Rattleware. Should you want a better tamper, we recommend this one from Rattleware. To save money on the coffee grinder, you can try this manual Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill, but if you want a high-end one, you may pay more than $200 for it.

Regardless of whether you buy extra accessories, it's still very affordable, and you're really buying this machine for the espresso. The De'Longhi delivers in that regard. It's a 15 bar machine with a self-priming function, so you don't have to go through the hassle of prepping the machine. The 35oz water tank is removable for cleaning and it has a drip tray to catch spills. and a durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler to ensure many years of delicious espresso.

Although the machine may not be entirely stainless steel like the high-end machines on this list, it does have stainless steel where it counts: the boiler. The 3-in-1 filter holder lets you choose between has a holder for one espresso shot, a holder for two shots, or one for an espresso pod.

De'Longhi offers a one-year limited warranty and you can check the user manual for extra details.

User reviews on Amazon are mostly positive and it's the number one best-seller on the site for semi-automatic espresso machines. Experts from Best Products, Coffee Lounge, Fresh Presso, and Coffee Maker Picks all recommend the De'Longhi EC 155 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker as a great budget option.

Even if you end up buying everything we recommend for the De'Longhi, you'd still pay a mere $168.47, which is very affordable for an espresso machine.

Pros: Affordable, relatively easy to use, offers real espresso machine performance for less than $100, and it makes good espresso

Cons: No built-in grinder, tricky to clean, built-in milk frother and tamper aren't the best

Buy the Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill on Amazon for $41.24

Buy the Rattleware 20-Ounce Latte Art Milk Frothing Pitcher on Amazon for $18.75

Buy the Rattleware 53-Millimeter Aluminum Tamper on Amazon for $30.85



The best pod espresso machine

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhitakes all the work out of making espresso at home, and you can get tons of differently flavored pods.

True espresso purists may shudder at the thought of popping coffee in a pod and pressing a button to extract espresso from it, but convenience is king these days. Nespresso made espresso pods popular, and now they're everywhere. If you want to go that route, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi is the best one.

The first thing you need to know is that the pods are expensive. If you buy 30 pods, you'll pay nearly $40 — That's a lot more than a bag of good espresso beans. However, if ease-of-use and convenience are more important to you than money, the Nespresso VertuoPlus espresso machine will be worth its weight in gold. Just don't forget to recycle!

The Nespresso machine takes all the grinding, tamping, and measuring out of the equation. You just turn it on, pop some pods in, and press the button to make espresso. It has a fast pre-heating time, and the pump offers 19 bar of pressure. The water tank has a 40-ounce capacity. 

It's very easy to clean and reviewers on Amazon just love the simplicity of the Nespresso. Espresso experts are less enthused, but they'll still recommend Nespresso as a good capsule machine. Trusted Reviews gave it a good score as did TechRadar

Amazon lists it as the number one best-seller in espresso machines, and it is a good deal. However, you can probably do better with the other options on our list if you're willing to put in a bit of effort for better espresso, and the De'Longhi EC 155 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is actually cheaper.

Pros: You don't have to do anything, pods are easy to buy online, fun flavors, easy to use, and it's inexpensive

Cons: You have to recycle the pods, pods are expensive, and it's not the best espresso you can make at home



The best espresso machine if money is no object

The Breville Barista Touch takes the great design and high-quality espresso of the Barista Express and adds the tech to help you create and save your favorite drinks.

Looking for an awesome espresso machine that leverages the latest and greatest tech to provide an excellent user experience? The Breville Barista Touch takes the Barista Express to the next level, giving you the ability to create and save drinks, and use the touchscreen to control the various aspects of the machine.

The machine comes with a built-in grinder that delivers the right amount of ground coffee for any recipe. It has a super short three-second heat up time, which means you get your shot of espresso that much faster.

Perhaps the best thing about the Barista Touch is how easy it is to use. You can make drinks from a list on the machine or you can create and save your own favorite recipes. The machine does most of the work for you so you get the perfect drink every time.

Breville's beautiful sense of style is evident in the espresso machine's design. The brushed metal look should fit in any home and add a bit of glamor to your countertop.

Expert reviewers and buyers alike love this espresso machine. BravoTV wrote a review explaining why it's worth the money even though it's pricey. Indeed, when you do the math to calculate just how much money you spend over the course of a year on espresso, cappuccinos, and other high-end coffee drinks, you'll see just how much money this admittedly expensive machine will save you in the long run.

And at least it's less expensive than the $2,500 Oracle Touch. — Christian de Looper

Pros: Beautiful design, all-in-one style, excellent quality drinks

Cons: Expensive



The best manual espresso machine

The Flair Espresso machine is the best shot of espresso you're going to pull at home, and you can get the machine for less than $200.

Being a full-blown espresso fiend, my quest for the perfect espresso is never-ending. I've generally been pleased with the $5,000+ machines from which my café shots come, but getting anywhere near that quality at home has been a constant challenge. Sure, I am, on occasion, impressed with my successes while working with my simple stovetop Bialetti Mokka Pot or GROSCHE stovetop espresso machine.

I originally liked the Flair as a potential portable espresso maker for camping, and perhaps for a camper van, but it quickly found a home on my kitchen counter and hasn't left since.

Pulling a shot of espresso with the Flair is something of a chore in the beginning, but it really only takes somewhere between three and five minutes. If you're used to using any type of espresso machine or pot, you'll pick it up quickly. The first piece of advice I'll give you is that an investment in a burr grinder is going to make your life with the Flair a lot better, and your grounds more consistent.

I started out with a regular blade grinder, ground my beans a little too finely after a few shots, and found that I couldn't get it to operate as easily. I pulled a little harder, and then harder still, thinking I might unclog it. At some point I decided, out of curiosity, to put the balance of my bodyweight down on the thing, at which point the copper-colored part of the stand snapped. If I had read the instruction manual or even the little warning sticker on the machine, I would have realized that half of my bodyweight was easily the contraption's limit and well above the pressure required to pull a good shot anyhow.

Since receiving a replacement part, I've been a little more cautious, and ultimately, the issue was that sometimes I was grinding my beans too finely, preventing me from pulling a shot at all. Suffice it to say that investing in a burr grinder was the best move.

The most unique thing about the Flair is that it comes with a detachable brewing head, which you can also buy separately so if you're pulling shots for a few people, you can stack them up and not have to clean and tamp shots between pulling each one. — Owen Burke

Pros: Affordable, produces thick and cream-rich shots, easy to clean, looks beautiful on the counter

Cons: It can be a bit of a pain to reload it if you're making espresso for more than just yourself (but this will more or less be the case with any single-cup espresso machine)



The best lever espresso machine

La Pavoni's Europiccola is a timeless machine that looks great and pulls a perfect shot.

You might be a little intimidated at first: This is your step up from the Flair, but keep in mind that operating this machine and its attached boiler and steamer still requires a bit of work. Your tamping and grinding skills are still at play, and only practice will get you to the point of being able to pull a good shot more often than not.

There are several companies making lever espresso machines, but La Pavoni has been making them for more than a hundred years, and we like to think the company knows what it's doing. La Pavoni lever machines are built like tanks, using hardly any plastic, save for the boiler cap, handle, and steam knob, which can be swapped out for wood. This makes cleaning a cinch, and it also means that these things are built to last. So long as you don't do anything catastrophic, you'll most likely be passing it on to future generations.

But, until you pass your La Pavoni on down the line, it probably won't be doing much moving. At 14 pounds, the best thing to do is pick a convenient, aesthetically-pleasing perch atop a kitchen counter and never really move it. This is not a portable machine by any stretch, and if you're looking for something you can tuck away, this is not it.

In short, take even moderately good care of your La Pavoni and it will likely take excellent care of you and yours for decades to come. — Owen Burke

Pros: A classic design that'll look good in any kitchen, few plastic parts

Cons: Not cheap, takes a little time to perfect pulling a shot

Buy wooden handle, cap, and knob kit on Amazon for $275.00



How to clean your espresso machine

Espresso machines aren't the easiest things to clean. Every machine is different, but CoffeeLounge has some great basic tips for beginners that should apply to most machines.

  • Clean the outside regularly. It's best if you do this before and after each use so that you avoid germs, dust, and other particles interfering with your machine.
  • Clean the inside of your machine by running water through it. Each machine will have a slightly different process, and some manufacturers provide tips and suggestions in user manuals. CoffeeLounge and other suggest mixing 2 oz. of vinegar in 20 oz. of water every now and then to clean out the machine even more thoroughly. After you use vinegar, though, be sure to rinse it three times with water to avoid any lingering vinegar taste in your next espresso.
  • Clean the frothing wand and grinder. You can dust off extra grounds with a brush. Clean both after each use.
  • Disassemble and wash any removable parts and pop them in your dishwasher or sink for a good soap and water scrub. You don't have to do this part every day, but try to do it more than once a month.
  • Follow your machine's instructions. You can also use special espresso cleaners, but be sure to follow all these steps and check the special instructions your machine has in the manual.


Everything you need to make espresso

Some machines come with all the accessories you need to make espresso, but others don't. Check to see if your machine includes any accessories before you buy them. You will need a grinder to have freshly ground espresso, a milk frother or a milk frothing pitcher if you like foamy milk for cappuccinos or lattes, and a tamper to press down the coffee grounds before you make espresso. We explain why you need each one and recommend which ones to buy below.


The best coffee grinder you can buy

If your machine doesn't have a grinder built-in and it doesn't use pods, you'll need to buy a grinder. Burr grinders are best, and you should try to get the most powerful one you can find. It's key to have evenly ground coffee that's meant for an espresso machine. You'll get the most flavor and crema out of perfectly ground beans.

Here's a budget option: Buy the Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill on Amazon for $41.24 

Here's a top-of-the-line option: Buy the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder on Amazon for $139.00


The best milk frother you can buy

You'll need a milk frothing pitcher for most of these machines and a milk frother for others on this list.

If your machine doesn't have a steam frothing wand, you can read our full guide on the best milk frothers here

If your machine has a steam frothing wand but no frothing pitcher, you can buy the Rattleware 20-Ounce Latte Art Milk Frothing Pitcher on Amazon for $18.75


The best tamper you can buy

The tamper is a nifty tool that evenly presses your grounds so you can make the most out of your coffee beans while making espresso.

Here's an affordable option: Buy the Rattleware 53-Millimeter Aluminum Tamper on Amazon for $30.85



Check out our other great coffee gear guides

The best coffee makers you can buy whether you want drip coffee or espresso

A great coffee maker can make or break your brew — and your morning. These are the best coffee makers you can buy, whether you want a drip coffee, French Press, espresso, pour-over, or cold brew coffee maker.

Here are the best coffee makers you can buy:


The best French Presses you can buy

You can brew coffee in a number of ways, but many caffeine addicts swear by the French Press method. Of all the French Presses we researched, these are our favorites:


The best stovetop espresso makers you can buy

After hours and hours of research, testing, and countless ensuing caffeine overloads, these are the best stovetop espresso makers we've found to make strong, delicious coffee right at home:


The best coffee grinders you can buy

Freshly ground coffee is addictive and delicious. If you want to make the perfect brew each morning, you need a coffee grinder. After much research and some testing, we found that these to be the best coffee grinders you can buy:


The best milk frothers you can buy

If you love cappuccinos, you need a great milk frother. After much research and testing, here are the best we've found:


The best tampers you can buy for your espresso machine

If you love to make espresso at home, you need a high-quality tamper to ensure that your grounds are ready to make the best shot of espresso possible.

Here are the best espresso tampers you can buy:



How to set a print area in Google Sheets, so you can print selected cells or sheets

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Woman using Apple Mac laptop over colorful background

You can change the print area of Sheets in one of two ways — by printing only certain cells, or by changing the layout on the page. 

Here's how to do both.

How to print selected cells in Google Sheets

1. Open the Sheets document you wish to print.

How to set print area in Google Sheets

2. Highlight the cells you want to print.

How to set print area in Google Sheets

3. Hit Ctrl + P on a PC, or Command + P on a Mac, or go to File, then select Print at the very bottom of the list. 

4. In Print options, choose "selected cells."

How to set print area in Google Sheets

5. This will only print the highlighted region of the current sheet. Highlighting cells across sheets will not group them together.

How to change the print layout in Google Sheets

1. You can use the same option as above to choose to print only one sheet, or all sheets in the document. To print all sheets in a document, select "workbook" from the print options.
How to set print area in Google Sheets
2. If you're having trouble printing on one page, then you can adjust the Margins to "Narrow," or select "Fit to page" under scale.

If that doesn't work, then you can adjust the scale more precisely by setting Scale to "Custom number" and entering the preferred scale as a percentage number. Larger numbers make the sheet or cell bigger on the page and smaller numbers take up less space on the page.

How to set print area in Google Sheets

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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How to change your country of residence on an iPhone, and make sure your Apple ID still works abroad

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iPhone X iPhone 8

If you move to a different country, you'll want to change your iPhone country settings to make the permanent switch — unlike traveling abroad temporarily.

You can easily change your iPhone's country in the Settings app, where you'll also be asked to change your payment method and billing address.

Before changing your iPhone's country settings, you will want to take measures to make your transition as easy as possible, such as cancelling subscriptions on your iPhone, including cancelling Apple Music. Once you change your country, wait until you've paid your last subscription bills, then resubscribe.

Additionally, you'll want to spend any store credit saved to your iTunes & App Store account, as it won't transfer over with you. You can also go ahead and proactively remove your current credit card, as you'll be prompted to enter new payment information once you select your new country.

You may have difficulty changing your country if you're part of a Family Sharing group. You can find and change your Family Sharing details in your Settings app as well.

Keep reading for instructions on how to change your iPhone's country.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to change the country on your iPhone

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap your name at the top of the page. This will bring you to your account details.

3. Tap on iTunes & App Store. 

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4. The top of the iTunes & App Store page should show your Apple ID. If you're not signed in, tap to sign in at this time.

5. Tap your Apple ID and then tap "View Apple ID" in the pop-up menu. You may be asked to enter your password or Touch ID to proceed.

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6. This will bring you to your Account Settings page. Select "Country/Region" to change your current country settings.

7. Tap "Change Country or Region."

8. Select your new country from the list.

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9. You will then be asked to review and agree to the new Terms & Conditions associated with your new country. Be aware that this form may not be available in English. Tap "Agree" at the top-right hand corner of the screen to confirm your changes.

10. You can then proceed to enter your new payment information and the billing address for your new residence. Once this information is confirmed, you will have successfully changed the country on your iPhone.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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The best juicers you can buy

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  • A great juicer can help you create better eating and drinking habits to ensure you get enough nutrients for the day.
  • The best juicer for most people is the Hurom HP Slow Juicer because it's durable, easy to use, and extremely powerful.

The nutritional benefits of starting your day with fruits and vegetables are undeniable, but so is the financial hit of being a juice bar regular (if you go five times a week, we're talking hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars a year). With a juicer, however, you can offset the cost of your healthy habit by squeezing your own greens at home. 

But, as anyone who has entered the world of home juicer shopping knows, there's a lot to think about. Like, what kind of produce will you be juicing? (Soft fruits? Tough greens? Roots, like turmeric and ginger?) How often — and how quickly — will you want to make juice? And, how much counter space are you really willing to give up? A few more points to consider: 

  • Type of juicer: Slow, or masticating juicers, if you can spring for them, are king. Rather than mulch, obliterate, and ultimately oxidize produce, they slowly pulverize it, leaving a lot of the good stuff intact. Plus, the juice stays fresh longer. Centrifugal juicers are generally cheaper and higher speed, making for faster juicing, but they also produce a slightly lower yield and are noisier than masticating juicers.
  • Noise level: The machinery inside of a juicer can be a little noisy at times, and that's problematic if you're planning on juicing early in the morning before work. You wouldn't, after all, want to wake up your entire household. In general, high-speed juicers with a centrifugal design are the noisiest, while masticating juicers are quieter.
  • Ease of use: If you're just getting into juicing and don't necessarily know if it's a habit you'll keep long-term, you may want to get a juicer that's easier to use rather than a more complex model with advanced features.
  • Warranty: No matter what kind of juicer you're getting, you want it to last. You should always get small appliances with some level of warranty, but normally the longer the warranty, the better. Not only does it show that a company is confident in its product, but it also means that if something does break, you won't have to shell out any extra cash.

No matter what kind of juicer you're looking for, and no matter what your budget is, there's a juicer for you in our guide.

Here are our picks for the best juicers you can buy:

Updated on 10/10/19 by Les Shu: Updated formatting, prices, and links. Added related guides on kitchen appliances.

DON'T MISS: The 25 best kitchen gadgets you can buy for under $25

The best juicer overall

The Hurom HP Slow Juicer is small, quiet, and much easier to clean than most other juicers. It also makes ice cream.

Our previous pick for the best overall juicer, the Omega NC800HDR Nutrition System, is a great model — and a top-notch producer of foods like nut butter, baby food, and ice cream — but, sadly, it's been discontinued (it's still for sale, but we are not sure for how much longer).

Our replacement is the Hurom HP Slow Juicer, for a number of reasons. First, it's tinier, and vertically stacked, so it maintains a much smaller footprint than the Omega. It might be marginally slower than the Omega simply due to its size, but the shoots on the two models have similar dimensions.

It also has a self-cleaning brush that goes to work as the auger — the screw-like device that pulls fruits and vegetables into the juicing chamber and squeezes the liquid out —  is spinning. What does that mean, exactly? Only that a good portion of that pulp you'd be scrubbing out with the (pretty useless) toothbrush tool that most juicers come with will already be gone when it comes time to empty the thing. In other words, you now have one less excuse to avoid using your juicer. Chatelaine agrees.

And while it's debatable whether or not juice is all that great for you in the first place, the Hurom HP's auger spins at 43 rotations per minute as opposed to the Omega NC800HDR's 80 rpms, meaning you'll get higher-quality, less-oxidized juice.

You don't get the same 15-year warranty that Omega offers on most of their juicers (Hurom offers 10 years on the motor), but you do get two years on all other parts (as opposed to Omega's one). — Owen Burke

Pros: Small, quiet, easy to clean, high-quality juice

Cons: Shorter warranty than Omega



The best budget juicer

If you want to cut down on prep time, then the Hamilton Beach 67650A might be the best juicer for you because of its large mouth.

Looking for a juicer that doesn't require you to cut up your fruit into bits and pieces first? The Hamilton Beach 67650A Big Mouth Pro might be the right juicer for you. This juicer, as the name implies, has a mouth that measures an extra-wide three inches, which should be enough room for many fruits and vegetables to go in whole.

The advantages to this juicer don't stop at the big mouth. It also offers a stainless steel cutter and strainer that are dishwasher-safe, and according to Hamilton Beach, it's able to make up to 24 percent more juice than its competitors.

The Big Mouth Pro is also pretty powerful, boasting a hefty 800-watt motor, and it has a large pulp catcher, so you can juice a lot of fruit before having to empty it.

There are some disadvantages to consider, though. For example, the Big Mouth Pro is relatively noisy, and the juice jug is pretty small, coming in at 20 ounces. The juice also oxidizes relatively fast, due to the fact that the motor sucks in a lot of air.

However, most reviewers agree that for a juicer under $100, the Hamilton Beach 67650A Big Mouth Pro is a great deal. CNET gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars and was impressed by how well it handled kale and other tough fruits and vegetables for a juicer in its price range. — Christian de Looper

Pros: Wide mouth, powerful motor, easy to use and clean

Cons: Quite noisy, small-ish juice jug



The best centrifugal juicer

The Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus is a sleek juicing machine with a powerful motor and easy-to-use design.

The Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus is a centrifugal juicer with a long list of great features, including easy assembly (and disassembly), dishwasher-safe parts, and a wider-than-average mouth (meaning you'll spend less time chopping fruits and veggies into tiny pieces). 

Equipped with an 850-watt motor, this model gives users the option of toggling between high and low speeds (whether or not you decide to kick things up a notch probably depends on the toughness of the produce you're juicing). There's also a froth separator, to ensure your drinks go down smooth. 

Of course, the juicer isn't perfect; it's not the best at juicing greens like kale. And while it's less expensive than similar machines, it is still a good chunk of change (Breville does throw in a one-year warranty). 

Good Housekeeping says the Juice Fountain Plus is "as good as it gets" for its price range, while Juicer Fanatics says that it's a great juicer for newbies who don't want to spend a lot of money. The Wirecutter agrees that the juicer is fast and does the job passably well — so long as there aren't greens involved — but warns that it's noisy and you could get a higher quality model by spending a bit more.

Regardless, we think it's a great option because it's adept at squeezing juice out of most fruits and vegetables without any problems and it's relatively affordable for a juicer of this caliber. — Christian de Looper

Pros: Easy to use, easy to clean, two speeds, large mouth

Cons: Isn't the best with kale, still a little pricey



The best high-end juicer

Hurom's H-AI Slow Juicer is quiet, user-friendly, takes up little counter space, and yields the most juice and the least waste of any juicer we've tested.

Before receiving the Hurom Slow Juicer for review, I'd owned a juicer or two in my day. But while I love fresh juice, I looked at them as a nuisance: loud, clunky, counter space hogs that are a pain to clean.

Then a magical device appeared before me, and I've been off to the races ever since. The past few months have seen me juicing just about everything one can juice — and a few things, evidently, that one cannot. Another masticating juicer like our previous top pick, the Omega NC800HDR (no longer available), Hurom's juicer is a less versatile but more powerful machine for the devout juice fiend.

Assembly was quick, which is good because juicers are things that require disassembly and reassembly with every use. I also made note of how little counter space the Hurom H-AI Slow Juicer took up. Because it is vertically built, its footprint is only as large as a tea kettle, which is something even the most limited countertops can bear.

In use, the Hurom H-AI Slow Juicer delights even further. A self-feeding hopper means all you have to do is load the thing up with your selection of fruits, vegetables, and whatever else you'd like to run through it, twist the lid into place, turn it on, and walk away — just make sure that the basin is there to catch your juice first. This saves me a ton of time in my morning routine which would otherwise be spent feeding fruits and veggies into the machine one by one. Plus, if you have any members of the household you don't want to disturb, this is the quietest juicer I've ever heard.

Slow juicers like this one really excel at leafy greens, which can leave behind some tough-to-clean pulp. Pro tip: clear out the pulp and soak your juicer in hot, soapy water the moment your done; cleanup will be exponentially easier if you don't give those juice-scraps a chance to solidify. 

Hurom has been around since 1974, and has had a loyal following since. With the H-AI Slow Juicer, though, the company has outdone itself. CNN Underscored agrees.

There's no denying that the Hurom Slow Juicer is an investment, but this thing pays off in dividends, and using it daily justifies the expense. — Owen Burke

Pros: Convenience, takes up little counter space, extremely quiet

Cons: Expensive



The best juicer for citrus

There's nothing like starting the day with a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice, and the Hurom Citrus Juicermakes every morning feel like Sunday brunch.

There are few methods of getting your daily dose of vitamin C that are more satisfying than downing a large glass of orange juice. And while that bottle of Tropicana in your fridge may serve your juice-craving needs in a basic way, you know it's not exactly the real deal. Alas, getting a freshly squeezed cup of citrus in the morning is generally relegated to tropical vacations or decidedly overpriced runs to your nearby juice bar. Until now.

The Hurom Citrus Juicer is hands down the best way to get every last drop of juice out of your orange, grapefruit, or citrus of choice. That's thanks to the machine's one-size-fits-all finned juicing cone, which leaves rinds practically empty. When you press the handle down, the motor works automatically to mimic the motion of a hand squeezing citrus, while your hands are free to do important things like brew coffee. (Here we should mention that, at $149, the CJ is cheaper than some Keurig machines.) 

Hurom has previously received flak for creating juicers that are a bit hard to clean, but this particular model suffers from none of those drawbacks. There's a drip-stop outlet, which can quickly be flipped open or closed so you can start or stop the torrential downpour of juice at will. As for cleaning the machine itself, the parts quickly disassemble, and the juicer is as good as new after a quick rinse and dry.

Despite the power of the 120V motor, which spins the juicing cone at an impressive 120 RPM, the juicer is extremely quiet. Hurom also claims that your juice can last up to 72 hours — shorter than the shelf-life of store-bought varieties, but longer than similar fresh products. (Although, I'll admit that I've never managed to keep fresh juice around long enough to really test that claim.) 

The secret behind that extended expiration date: the body and filter of the CJ are made of stainless steel, while the juicing cone and chamber are comprised of Styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN), a type of plastic that is known for its thermal resistance. These materials ensure that there is minimal oxidation, so your OJ maintains its natural taste and maximum nutritional value. 

From an aesthetic perspective, the CJ is quite the looker, too. It's currently available in three shades: silver, pink, and pastel blue. While the silver will doubtless blend into any kitchen decor, there's something to be said about the soft and playful pink and blue colorways. — Lulu Chang

Pros: Extremely effective for your OJ, quiet yet powerful motor, relatively inexpensive

Cons: You can only juice citrus with this Hurom offering 



Check out our other kitchen appliance guides

The best ice makers

If you often find yourself needing a little more ice than what your freezer can make, consider a countertop ice maker. From portable, compact units to heavy-duty models, these are the best ice makers you can buy:


The best KitchenAid stand mixers

Whether you're a professional baker or home cook, the KitchenAid stand mixer is one of the best tools you can have. But there are several models to choose from. In our guide, we pick the best options and what type of chef they're great for. Check out the best KitchenAid stand mixers you can buy:


The best KitchenAid attachments

The iconic KitchenAid stand mixer isn't just for making bread and cake. With various attachments, you can turn it into a meat grinder, pasta maker, ice cream churner, grain mill, and more. There are our favorite KitchenAid stand mixe accessories. 


 



How to download games on your PS4 in 2 different ways

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man playing ps4 dualshock

  • You'll need to download games onto your PS4 before you can play them.
  • You can buy and download games on a PS4 through the PlayStation Store, as well download games you've already purchased through your PS4 Library.
  • You'll need to have an internet connection to download any game.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As the gaming industry moves further away from physical game releases, digital copies of games are becoming more and more popular.

However, unlike hard copies of games, digital copies require that you download the game before you can actually play it. 

As long as you have an internet connection and the money to buy your games, you can download PS4 games from both the PlayStation Store and your PS4 Library.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

PlayStation Plus 12-month membership (From $59.99 at Best Buy)

How to download games on your PS4 from the PlayStation Store

If you haven't already purchased the game you want to play, you'll need to purchase and download it through the PlayStation Store.

1. From your PS4's Home screen, navigate to the PlayStation Store app and press the X button to open it.

2. Select the game you want to download and press X. This will pull up a screen with information about the game itself, including its price (if applicable).

3. If you haven't purchased the game, select "Add to cart" and press X. If you've already purchased the game, or the game is free, "Download" will appear instead of "Add to cart" — in this case, select "Download" and press X. 

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4. After you've added the games you want to your cart, select "Proceed to checkout" and press X. You may need to enter your payment information if it's not already saved.

5. After you've entered your payment information, select "Confirm Purchase" and press X. Finally, on the next screen, select "Download" and press X.

How to download games on your PS4 from your PS4 Library

If you've already purchased a game, but don't have it installed, the game will appear in your PS4 Library. You'll need to download the game from your Library before it can be played.

1. From your PS4's Home screen, navigate to the Library app and press the X button to open it.

2. In the left sidebar, scroll down to "Purchased" and press X.

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3. Navigate through the list of games until you've found the one you want to download. Press X.

4. Select "Download" and press X. Your game should begin downloading automatically.

Keep in mind that in both cases, you won't be able to play the full game until it's finished downloading and installing. Your download speed can be affected by various factors, such as your internet speed and the amount of memory the game requires — bigger games will take longer.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

Join the conversation about this story »

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I'm a shy introvert who now operates a multimillion-dollar business — here are 3 tricks that boosted my confidence

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Luisa Zhou

  • Luisa Zhou has built a career around teaching people how to start their own six-figure-plus businesses working for themselves.
  • When she started out on her corporate career, she was an introverted and "unnoticed" employee. But by the age of 30, she was the owner of a multimillion-dollar business. 
  • What helped her the most: She focused on sharing her accomplishments, changing how she thought of herself, and developing confidence as a skill.
  • Click here for more BI Prime stories.

"After working with you for years, I still have no idea if you are actually good at your job." 

A coworker kindly shared that with me a few years into my corporate career.

I was shocked but I shouldn't have been. As a not-so-confident introvert who found it difficult to speak up in meetings, or talk about my accomplishments without feeling like I was bragging, I was at a disadvantage when it came to sharing my wins. It also didn't help that growing up, I'd been taught to be humble and let my work speak for itself.

That moment was a huge wake-up call. I realized that if I didn't want to spend the rest of my life being overlooked, something — namely, me — needed to change. Here are three tactics that helped me develop my confidence and go from an unnoticed employee to the owner of a multimillion-dollar business before 30.

SEE ALSO: I built a multimillion-dollar business in two years. Here are 3 templates I used to make my first $10,000 in 3 months.

1. Show your accomplishments instead of telling them

I once listened to a colleague spend 20 minutes sharing his enthusiasm for his latest project. By the time he was done, everyone listening — including his boss and boss' boss —  knew how passionate he was about his job, what wins he'd achieved for the company, how hard he worked, and how much more revenue his latest project was estimated to drive.

The best part was that he'd done it all without once coming across as bragging.

How'd he do it? He described the process of what he was working on. He shared how he'd come up with the project idea, the obstacles he'd overcome, how excited he was by the wins, and what he hoped to accomplish. No wonder he was promoted to manager at least two years ahead of anyone else his age.

I took this lesson to heart when I was building my first online business. Instead of telling people how awesome I was, I shared the beliefs and teachings that I was passionate about. (For example, I shared why I disagreed with common advice in my industry and what I recommended doing instead.) 

This allowed me to naturally — and easily — showcase my accomplishments and stand out from my competition.

Read more: I went from earning $65 an hour to building a multimillion dollar business on my own in two years. Here are the 4 most important steps I took.



2. Change the story you're telling yourself

Have you ever said to yourself, "That's just not me"? 

I used to all the time, especially as I was building my first business. When I saw other entrepreneurs confidently promoting themselves while I sat on the sidelines, I made myself feel better with, "I'm an introvert. That's them but that's just not me."

As I struggled to grow my business while I watched theirs take off, I realized I had two choices:

I could continue telling myself that the things I needed to do to succeed simply "weren't me" (and accept failure as a result). 

Or I could acknowledge the truth: I was telling myself the story that I was an introvert as an excuse for not doing the uncomfortable things I needed to do to succeed.

Spoiler alert: I chose the second option. I asked myself, "What would I do if I was the confident introvert who felt passionately enough about her work to share it with the world?" Then, I did it.

And that's how I started doing daily livestreams on my Facebook page, posting content daily to my social-media accounts, and pitching myself to potential clients.

As a result of changing the story I was telling myself, I stopped using my personality as an excuse. Making this shift allowed me to gradually start feeling more confident promoting myself and sharing my content, which is the No. 1 reason I was able to build a profitable business.



3. Think of confidence as a skill — and develop it accordingly

I used to think of confidence as a trait that you were either born with, or without.

Gradually though, I realized that being confident is not a characteristic. It's a skill. What's more, like any other skill, it can be developed. Take learning to read, for example: First you learn to read at a first-grade level, then a second-grade level, and so on. 

You can do the same with building your confidence by identifying milestones that help you move from one level of confidence to the next.

At the beginning of my business, it felt impossibly scary to record a video. So I worked my way up to doing that. First, I set myself a goal to write a post and share it on social media. Then I pitched a small blog to write an article for them. Only after I'd done those two steps and built some confidence around sharing my advice did I then record my first piece of video content.

Each time I repeated this process, I built a little more confidence. Gradually, that's how I went from feeling scared of recording a video to being comfortable speaking on live streams that are viewed by thousands.

It doesn't matter what your personality is or how introverted you might be. Improving your confidence is a skill that can be mastered. And once you do, it can truly transform your life.

Luisa Zhou is the creator of the Employee to Entrepreneur system, which teaches people how to leave their day job and start their own six-figure-plus business working for themselves. She's been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, Success magazine, and more. Get her free blueprint forbuilding a profitable online business that frees you from the 9-to-5.



The best space heaters for your home, dorm, or office

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  • A great space heater can make the bitter cold of winter bearable, and the Trustech Ceramic Space Heater is our top pick because it's affordable, programmable, and it heats up quickly.

If you don't have central heating, or do but don't want to use all that energy, then a space heater is a great way to ensure you keep nice and warm during those long winter months. Space heaters will keep you warm in your frigid office, that one cold room in your house, or your chilly dorm room.

There are plenty of space heaters to choose from, so you might have to do a little research to find the right one for your needs. Thankfully, we've done the research for you to find the best space heaters you can buy. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Room size: You'll want to think about the size of your room. Space heaters can often only do so much, and if you're trying to heat a huge room, you may want to consider buying a larger space heater. Likewise, if you're largely going to use the device in a smaller room, then perhaps save some money and energy and go for a smaller space heater.
  • Energy efficient models: Additionally, some space heaters are built specifically to be energy-efficient and buying one of those options means you could save a little money on your monthly energy bill. Plenty of those energy-efficient heaters are high-quality, too, and they will heat your room just as well as any non-energy-efficient heater.
  • Portability: While you may not be taking your space heater out of your house often, you may still need to move it from room to room. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure that it's relatively easy to move.

Last but not least, you'll want to consider what the space heater looks like. Sure, that may not be as important as offering heat, but the fact is that a space heater could well become a piece of furniture in your house, and as such, it should be able to fit in with the rest of your furniture reasonably well.

Here are the best space heaters you can buy:

Updated on 10/10/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated formatting, prices, and links. 

The best space heater overall

The Trustech Ceramic Space Heater puts out warm air within three seconds of being switched on and can be programmed to run from one to 12 hours.

If you've got a cold office, bedroom, or nursery on your hands, when do you want your space heater to get to work warming it up, in a few minutes, or right this very second? While the Trustech Ceramic Space Heater might not be able to help warm things up in one second, give this plucky little unit three seconds, and you'll begin to feel warm air.

Its ceramic heating elements warm up quickly and its built-in fan starts blowing out heated air that can rapidly raise the ambient temperature in a midsized room.

The Trustech space heater can produce air cooled down to 59º Fahrenheit (ambient temperature permitting) or as warm as 85º Fahrenheit, and it can be programmed to run for anywhere between one and 12 hours, or simply left switched on.

Don't worry about it overheating, either, as it has an automatic shutoff feature that kicks in if it reaches too high a temperature. It will also shut down if tipped over. While running, the heater can be focused in one direction or set to oscillate, evenly heating a larger space.

And what's that you say? Your Trustech Ceramic Space Heater must be broken because it keeps on blowing air for 30 seconds after you switched it off? Nope, that's just another safety feature. It blows cool air across its heating element for a half a minute after switched off to ensure minimal risk of injury or fire.

Just note that a few Amazon reviewers did complain about its noisy fan and the less than intuitive temperature control button, which requires cycling all the way up to the top temperature to reach lower temps. — Steven John

Pros: Heats up rapidly, oscillation option, multiple safety features

Cons: Noisy fan, clunky temp control button



The best small space heater

The Lasko 754200 heater isn't just super affordable, it's also easy to use and offers a number of different modes and adjustable thermostat.

The Lasko 754200 heater is all the heater you need. Even though it is small and relatively basic, this tiny space heater can warm an entire room quickly. It's also super compact and easy to store when you're not using it, making it perfect for use in smaller apartments, dorms, and offices. Lasko's heater is so cheap that you could get one for each room in your house if need be and still not pay as much as you would for an oil-filled radiator.

It's a simple looking space heater that should fit in fairly well. At the very least, it's small enough that it won't dominate the room. It's also pretty compact, coming in at only 9.2-inches tall, so it's easy to move from room to room.

In terms of features, Lasko kept it simple. You get variable temperature settings and a variety of heating modes. The power switch doubles as a way to control the different modes and there's also an adjustable thermostat so you can customize the temperature. The different modes include high heat, low heat, and fan only.

Insider Picks guides editor Malarie Gokey tested the Lasko heater in her New York apartment when a major cold snap kicked in, and she loved it. It easily heated up most of her one bedroom apartment and it was the perfect size to use in her tiny bathroom to keep it cozy.

The only downsides are that the heater doesn't offer some of the timing and programming features that you might get from other heaters, and because it's fan-operated, it might be a little loud at times. Other than that, Lasko's heater is a great buy.

Pros: Extremely affordable, easy-to-use basic features, portable, warms up any room or office

Cons: Fan-based so could be noisy, a little basic



The best high-end space heater

The Dyson Bladeless Heater isn't just a great heater and air conditioner — it's beautifully designed, too, so it'll fit well in any room.

Dyson may be best known for its vacuums, but the company makes other things, too – like great space heaters. This heater may, in fact, be the most futuristic heater on the list, boasting an excellent design that will fit well in any room.

The Dyson AM09 bladeless heater uses what Dyson calls "Jet Focus," which pushes air out in a precise and narrow path. In other words, instead of heating the whole room at once, this heater blasts hot air in one direction, so you can point it at you to keep nice and toasty. You can, of course, choose to have it heat in all directions instead, but if you need a quick blast of hot air, you'll have Jet Focus mode up your sleeve. You'll also get a sleep timer, so you can set a time for the heater to switch off on its own.

Perhaps one of the best things about this heater is the fact that it isn't just a heater. It's also an air conditioner, so you can use it during the summer to keep nice and cool, too. According to reviews, while it does produce some noise, it's not overly loud. That's because of its aerodynamic diffuser, which helps cut down on the fan noise.

While the Dyson AM09 heater is a great option, there are a few downsides to consider. For example, it's a pretty expensive heater, and if you lose the remote, you won't have access to some of the features like the sleep timer. Still, it has been pretty highly-reviewed.

Pros: Well-designed, lots of features, included remote

Cons: Expensive



The best space heater that's also a fan

Not only does the Vornado AVH2 Plus offer two different heat settings, it also boasts a cool fan setting.

While you could get the Dyson AM09 for your heater/air conditioner combo, you may not want to spend the money for it. In that case, there's another option: the Vornado AVH2 Plus. This heater not only packs both a heater and a fan, it also has some pretty helpful high-tech features built right into it.

For example, it has automatic climate control, so you can set your ideal temperature, and the device will automatically circulate warm air to match that temperature. It also offers two heat settings, which match 750W and 1,500W outputs. Finally, it has a fan-only option, so you can keep using the device in the summer if you so choose. It even has a timer, which you can set for between 1 and 12 hours.

Of course, there are some negatives to consider. For example, while Vornado promises "whisper-quiet" operating, the fact that it's a fan-powered device means it may get noisy. It's also a tad small.

Pros: Auto climate control, two heat settings, heater and fan options

Cons: Will still make noise, a little expensive



The best stylish space heater

The Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater has a fun modern design that'll look cute in any home.

If you care about design, our top pick may leave you a little cold. The Honeywell UberHeat™ Ceramic Heater is much cuter looking with its round design and cute angled legs. It looks less like a normal space heater and more like a retro speaker or something.

It's also quite small, so it can fit in any room easily. Although it's tiny, it's a 1500 watt heater that will warm your space up fast. It has two heat settings and an adjustable thermostat. Honeywell's heater doesn't have many fancy features, but it gets the job done.

If you worry about your heater becoming too hot, never fear, because Honeywell has included overheat protection and its housing won't get overly warm. The Honeywell heater has a three-year warranty in case anything goes wrong.

Pros: Warms rooms up, portable, affordable, stylish, safety features

Cons: No special features



Check out our other winter gear guides

The best winter boots for women

All too often, women's winter boots put fashion above function and you end up with cold wet feet. We tested dozens of winter boots to find the best ones for warmth, style, and comfort.

To test these boots, we dunked them in a tub filled with icy water and tried to make them slip on patches of ice. We wore them on cold days to see how warm they were and stepped into deep puddles on rainy days to test water resistance. We walked for miles on snowy stretches of sidewalk in New York City and waded through snow banks in Central Park to vet these boots.

Our opinions are also backed up by expert reviewers and actual buyers, so rest assured — these winter boots are guaranteed to keep your feet warm, dry, and happy all winter long and for many winters to come.

Here are the best winter boots for women:


The best winter coats for men

A good winter coat will keep you warm and dry even when the snow is falling and the wind is howling. A great winter coat will keep you warm, dry, and looking good, too.

Here are the best men's winter coats you can buy:


The best beanies you can buy

The word "beanie" is kind of one of those catch-alls that encompasses a ton of different styles, from slouchy cuts to ultra-fitted ones with a variety of embellishments and fabric variations. The sheer number of options is overwhelming. After all, when you can buy a beanie anywhere, how do you narrow it down?

You could do a ton of research on the topic. Or you can read on for our top five favorite picks for men and women from around the Internet.

Here are the best beanies you can buy:


The best places to buy scarves online

Your choice of scarf can make or break your comfort level in the wintertime. Opt for one that's wooly and warm and you'll be toasty. Choose a too-thin fabric and you, well, won't. Scarves are also a great opportunity to infuse a bit of personality into your winter wardrobe. And when you get bored of your outerwear, you can always pick a new scarf to mix things up.

These five brands are your best bet for warm, attractive options that will keep you cozy all winter long.

Here are the best places to buy scarves:



The best dog collars you can buy

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  • Every dog needs a good collar that will keep him comfy on long walks and hold his ID tags.
  • Of all the dog collars out there, the Lupine Original Dog Collar is our top pick with its heavy-duty design, a wide range of colors, multiple sizes, and a lifetime guarantee that even covers chewing.

Picking out a dog collar may seem like a simple task, but there are many options to choose from, and the perfect collar for your dog will depend on several factors. For one thing, you need to think about your dog's age and size, but you must also consider his disposition. Dogs that tend to do well on the leash can get by with traditional nylon or leather collars, while dogs that tend to pull on the leash may require a halter or prong collar. Take some time to think about what purpose you need your dog's collar to serve before you begin shopping.

Not only are there dozens of different types of dog collars, but there is an endless array of choices within each category. So, how do you choose the best collar for your dog? Your vet may be able to give you some insight and you can always find tips offered by other dog owners on the Internet. The American Kennel Club has some good tips on its site. Once you've decided which type of collar is appropriate, all you have to do is find the best one in that category.

Don't worry — you won't have to sift through pages and pages of reviews. In addition to my experience in writing about pet care and pet products, I've done the research to determine our top five picks for different types of dog collars. 

Here are the best dog collars you can buy:

Updated on 10/10/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices. Added related buying guides.

SEE ALSO: The best leashes you can buy for your dog

SEE ALSO: The best dog food you can buy

The best dog collar overall

Few collars offer the durability or longevity of the Lupine Original Dog Collar, which is protected by a lifetime guarantee that even covers chewing.

Although there are many different types of specialty dog collars, most dogs just need an everyday collar you can clip a leash to and pop their tags on. The ideal everyday collar for a dog will be durable but comfortable with options for adjustment. It also wouldn't hurt if it looked good. The Lupine Original Dog Collar fits the bill, and it is the best one you can buy for everyday walks with your dog.

Made from jacquard woven nylon with strong bar-tack stitching and a welded steel D-ring, the Lupine Original Dog Collar offers long-lasting durability. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. If the collar has a pattern, it's woven directly into the webbing, not sewn on, so it'll last longer. The Lupine Pet collar also features a side-release buckle for easy use. Top Review Pro names this collar its number-two pick in a top 10 list of dog collars and Prixie Pets speaks to the quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal of the collar.

Not only does the Lupine Original Dog Collar come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your dog's personality, but the collar is also available in sizes ranging from 9 inches to 25 inches. What really sets this collar apart from the competition, however, is the fact that it comes with a lifetime guarantee that even covers damage from chewing. There aren't many pet product companies that make such an offer, and it gives this collar an added degree of value.

If you're looking for a durable dog collar for everyday use that also looks great and stands up to chewing, look no further than the Lupine Original Dog Collar.

Pros: Jacquard woven nylon is durable, bar-tack stitching for strength, welded steel D-ring, multiple sizes and colors/patterns available, side-release clasp for easy use, guaranteed for life (even against chewing), simple but fashionable design, can withstand multiple washings

Cons: Sizing may run small, may not accommodate very large or giant breeds



The best budget dog collar

Sweet and simple, the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is an affordable dog collar that offers durability and aesthetic appeal.

While there are certainly luxury dog collars out there, many dog owners just want something that will get the job done without breaking the bank. Our top choice for budget-friendly dog collars is the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar. This collar features a classic design and it is adjustable so you can customize the fit to suit your dog.

Made from lightweight nylon with high-density webbing for durability, the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is a budget-friendly option for dog owners. Though the clips and other hardware are made from eco-friendly plastic, the D-ring is chrome-plated metal for added strength. The collar won't stretch like some collars do and tightening the collar correctly will keep it from slipping off to ensure that your dog can't get his mouth around it to chew.

Though it may not be the most long-lasting dog collar on the market, the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is a great option for the price. Top Review Pro and My Pet Needs That both include this collar on their top ten lists, confirming the fact that this collar may not have all the bells and whistles that some collars offer, but it has a simplicity that many dog owners find appealing. The Blueberry collar also has more than 3,800 reviews on Amazon, of which more than 86% are positive.

With several sizes and styles too choose from, all less than $10 (customized options cost a slightly more), the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is a great choice for the budget-conscious dog owner. Choose from twelve different colors or buy one of each – you can also purchase a matching harness or leash.

Pros: Made from nylon with high-density webbing for durability, clips made from eco-friendly plastic, available in various sizes and styles, metal D-ring is chrome-plated, adjustable sizing, affordable

Cons: May not withstand heavy chewing, may not accommodate dogs with necks larger than 26 inches, plastic clip may wear out with frequent use, color may fade over time, sizing may run large



The best leather dog collar

Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar is an Amish-made collar that offers the ideal combination of function and aesthetic appeal.

If you're in the market for a dog collar that looks great and is made to last, try Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar. Amish-made in the United States from real leather, this dog collar features a classic design merged with modern function. This collar is durable as well as comfortable and it comes in five different sizes from 16 to 31 inches, each with options for adjustability to ensure a secure fit for any dog.

Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar is made from high-quality leather right here in the United States. This collar features a beautiful leather exterior with a padded lambskin lining that is comfortable and gentle on your dog's neck. The hardware is made from heavy-duty stainless steel and the whole thing is resistant to the elements and to normal wear and tear.

Named among Here Pup's five best leather dog collars, Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar comes in black or brown leather with a number of color options for the padded lambskin lining. Sturdily but beautifully constructed, this leather collar gets rave reviews from Stop That Dog and Top Review Pro as well. Buyers on Amazon confirm the durability and aesthetic appeal of the collar, though some report issues with sizing and difficulties clipping the collar to a leash.

With five sizes and an array of colors to choose from, Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar is a beautiful and durable leather dog collar. Safe and durable for everyday use, this collar is also very affordable with a price tag ranging from around $10 and up. To make this collar last, keep the leather clean and moisturized with a leather care product.

Pros: Beautifully made from real leather, padded lambskin lining for comfort, durable stainless steel hardware, resistant to wear and tear, available in a wide variety of colors, adjustable sizing

Cons: May not withstand chewing, sizing may be inconsistent, may be too heavy for very small dogs, some owners find it difficult to clip



The best Martingale dog collar

Made with ultra-strong nylon webbing and a nickel-plated steel D-ring, the If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar is designed to military specifications for maximum durability. 

Some dogs have a knack for slipping out of their collars, and it can be very dangerous if it happens on a walk. A Martingale collar, also known as a limited slip collar, is designed to prevent this from happening. These collars tighten when the dog pulls on the leash and loosen when he is walking normally. Our top choice for Martingale collars is the If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar.

Handmade in the US from two layers of thin nylon webbing and a nickel-plated steel D-ring, this collar is designed to military specifications for maximum durability. It measures 1.5 inches in width and comes in three standard sizes with an additional option for custom sizing. Not only is the If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar extremely durable, but it is also aesthetically pleasing with a classic style and ten options for bright two-tone color.

With more than 400 reviews on Amazon, 93 percent gave the product a 4 or 5-star rating. This collar is The Happy Pooch's top pick for Martingale collars because not only is the design aesthetically pleasing, it is also extremely durable. Many users have also found that the color doesn't fade and the metal hardware doesn't rust.

Priced at $32, the If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar may be more expensive than other collars of its kind on the market. Keep in mind, however, that no other collar offers the same kind of strength or durability. This collar is designed to withstand a great deal of wear and tear, plus it is backed by a warranty that covers everything from hardware failure to loose stitching.

Pros: Better control over large and stubborn dogs, nonslip design so dogs can't remove, handmade in the USA, designed to military specs for durability, strong but lightweight nylon webbing, nickel-plated D-ring is rust-proof, covered by a lifetime warranty, available in three sizes and ten colors

Cons: May not withstand heavy chewing, 1.5-inch width may be too much for very small dogs, material may be too stiff for dogs with fine coats



The best head collar

With one loop that goes around your dog's neck and another around his nose, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar gives you increased control over your dog for a more pleasant walking experience. 

Also known as a head halter, a head collar looks almost like a muzzle, but its purpose is very different. Rather than keeping your dog from biting, as a muzzle would, a head collar turns your dog's head as he pulls on the leash, helping to deter this type of behavior. Head halters are not recommended as everyday collars, but they are great for walks. Our top choice is the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar.

The PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar is made from lightweight nylon for maximum durability with a neoprene padded nose loop for all-day comfort. This head-collar comes in five sizes and it is completely adjustable for comfort and to keep your dog from slipping out of it. The Gentle Leaders features a two-loop design, one that goes around your dog's neck and another around his nose, giving you an added degree of control for large dogs and dogs that tend to pull on the leash.

Many reviews for the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar compare this product to another head collar, the Halti. While there are some minor things that lead certain dog owners to prefer the Halti, the Gentle Leader has a higher customer satisfaction rating on Amazon. The Gentle Leader makes it into Heavy's top 10 list for training collars, and The Spruce notes that the collar's simple design is effective for training and it won't prevent your dog from eating, drinking, or playing as he normally would.

Available in five sizes for dogs ranging from 5 to 130 pounds, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar is one of the most versatile head collars on the market.

Pros: Made from durable lightweight nylon, neoprene padded nose loop for comfort, comes with an instruction booklet, naturally deters pulling or lunging, doesn't cause pain or gagging, fully adjustable for both neck strap and nose loop

Cons: Unique design takes some dogs a while to adjust to, may induce subdued behavior in some dogs, may slip over the eyes if size isn't adjusted properly, may not work on short-nosed breeds



What else we considered

Metal prong collar: Should you use it?

A metal prong collar is usually used as a training collar for large dogs, dogs that are difficult to control, and dogs that tend to pull on the leash. This type of collar may look harsh, but it could be an effective tool for teaching leash etiquette — when it's properly attached. The collar consists of blunt metal prongs that tighten around your dog's neck as he pulls, in order to correct the dog's behavior.

But, is it an appropriate collar to use? According to the Humane Society, an aversive collar like this "rely on physical discomfort or even pain to teach the dog what not to do. They suppress the unwanted behavior, but they don't teach the dog what the proper behavior is. At best, they are unpleasant for your dog, and at worst, they may cause your dog to act aggressively and even bite you."

While the Humane Society doesn't advise against this collar, it prefers "positive training methods." Aversive collars should be a last resort option, and if you feel other methods have not worked, the Humane Society still recommends consulting an experienced trainer before using.

In our research, we've seen both sides of the argument. There are professionals who say they are safe to use, there are those who are 100% opposed, and there's everyone in between. Although we previously recommended an option (the Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Training Collar) we now recommend that you consult a veterinarian and professional dog trainers before using one.



Check out our other guides for dogs

The best no-pull dog harnesses you can buy

If your dog doesn't like wearing a collar, a no-pull harness may be a better alternative. It's also a great way to train your dog to walk on a leash, and the best no-pull harnesses provide dogs with comfort. Here are the best options you can buy:


The best puppy gear to make your new dog feel at home

Bringing a new puppy home is an important moment, so make it memorable and stock up on the right gear before it arrives. From a training collar to a bed and chew toy, here are the best items to buy to welcome your new dog.


 



IHG has one of the most underrated hotel credit cards, with benefits like an annual free night and a great sign-up bonus. Here's why it's worth the $89 annual fee

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Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman

  • The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
  • Even without factoring in this welcome offer, the card is worth considering. It offers a strong selection of benefits for a reasonable $89 annual fee.
  • You get an annual free night to use at hotels that cost up to 40,000 points, complimentary Platinum IHG status, and a Global Entry application fee credit.
  • Currently, you'll also earn 25x points on IHG purchases for the first 12 months.

Chase recently increased the sign-up bonus on the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, along with adding a temporary boost to the card's earning rate. While the card's benefits have always been generous, the latest improvements are pretty significant.

If you're unfamiliar with the world of hotel credit cards and wondering whether this card is worth getting, you're in the right place. Below is a breakdown of the IHG Rewards Club Premier Card's features and who will benefit the most from having this card.

Read more: The best hotel credit cards

IHG Rewards Club Premier card details

Annual fee: $89

Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months

Points earning: 25x points on IHG purchases for the first 12 months (then 10x), 2x at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar on everything else

Foreign transaction fee: None

Sign-up bonus

Currently, you can earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

With this bonus, you can earn a minimum of one free night at a top-tier hotel and upwards of 16 free nights at a PointBreaks property. Any good hotel credit card sign-up bonus should offer a minimum of one free night at a top-tier hotel. The IHG Rewards Club Premier card delivers on that front and offers plenty of options for redeeming those rewards.

Redemption ideas

Whether it's an overwater villa in French Polynesia or a Candlewood Suites in the suburbs, there's a wide range of ways to get maximum value out off IHG points. Free nights range from 10,000 to 70,000 points. IHG also releases a monthly PointBreaks list, consisting of hotels that can be booked for as few as 5,000 points per night.

The 80,000-point sign-up bonus from the IHG Rewards Club Premier card could cover one to 16 free hotel nights. That doesn't even include the fourth night free benefit offered to cardholders.

Below are some examples of some of IHG's best hotels you might want to book with your points:

Category bonuses

The category bonuses on the IHG Rewards Club Premier Card have been significantly improved with the current sign-up offer. In addition to the usual earning rate, cardholders now qualify for bonus points during the 12 months of account opening:

  • 40 points total per dollar at IHG hotels for the first 12 months — that's 25x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts for the first 12 months from account opening as an IHG Rewards Club Premier cardholder, plus 10x points from IHG for being an IHG Rewards Club member and 5x points from IHG with Platinum elite status, which is a benefit of this card. After that, earn 10x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts

The card also earns 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

With this current offer, the card is hugely rewarding for IHG stays. Its 2x bonus categories line up with common everyday expenses for many potential cardholders, but 2x isn't a very impressive rate of return considering that The Points Guy values IHG points at just 0.5 cents apiece.

Travel perks

In exchange for its $89 annual fee, the IHG Rewards Club Premier card offers lots of impressive benefits. For starters, cardholders receive a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit of up to $100 every four years. This is a benefit that is usually included on credit cards with annual fees that are more than $450, like the Platinum Card® from American Express and Citi Prestige.

Cardholders also get a fourth night free on point stays of four or more nights. That translates to a 25% savings on four-night award stays. This can help stretch your sign-up bonus from the IHG Rewards Club Premier card even further.

Cardholders also get automatic IHG Platinum elite status. That's the second-highest tier within the IHG Rewards Club program and normally requires completing 40 nights. IHG Platinum members are eligible for room upgrades, 50% bonus earnings on paid bookings, two free Amazon Kindle ebooks per quarter, and a $30 in-room spa and Raid the Bar credits at participating hotels.

To keep cardholders loyal, the IHG Rewards Club Premier card issues a free night each year after your card anniversary. This free night can be used at any IHG hotel worldwide that costs up to 40,000 points per night, making it a terrific value in exchange for the $89 annual fee.

Finally, you can earn 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase at least one day after you spend $20,000 each account anniversary year.

Who should get this card?

Whether or not you're loyal to IHG, the IHG Rewards Club Premier card offers tremendous value. It doesn't take much to get your money's worth out of the card. Aside from the generous sign-up bonus, the recurring benefits make this card a keeper.

The annual free night alone is worth the $89 annual fee, and the fourth night free on award stays can help your points stretch further. Having IHG Platinum status is a nice bonus that can translate to valuable benefits and point earnings on paid stays.

Click here to learn more about the IHG Rewards Club Premier card.

SEE ALSO: All our credit card reviews — from cash-back to travel rewards to business cards — in one place

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NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

Bonobos launched its first-ever collection of Italian-made dress shoes and boots — here's our review

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Bonobos Alpern Chelsea Boot

  • Bonobos recently launched its first-ever collection of high-end Italian-made dress shoes and boots. The collection includes quintessential men's footwear styles like loafers, wingtips, derby shoes, velvet slippers, Chelsea boots, and cap-toe lace-up boots.
  • I tried the Alpern Chelsea Boots and the Percy Wingtips and was pleased with both pairs. Where minor changes to timeless designs can make or break present-day offerings, Bonobos demonstrates a fine eye for classic details without skimping on comfort technology. 
  • At $198 for loafers and slippers, $248 for dress shoes, and $298 for boots, Bonobos' shoes aren't the cheapest on the market, their comfort, quality, and fit make them worth the price.

Bonobos is one of Insider Picks' favorite menswear brands. Beyond our countless stellar recommendations, you have to look to their beginnings to understand how impressive the brand is. The company started in 2007 with the simple goal of making better-fitting pants for men and has since grown to become an all-encompassing menswear brand.

But even after being acquired by retail powerhouse Walmart in 2017 and becoming the largest apparel brand ever to be built online, Bonobos was missing just one thing: shoes.

Now Bonobos is filling the gap with a collection of its own high-end Italian-made dress shoes and boots.

Bonobos Chelsea Boot back

The dress shoes include loafers, derby shoes, wingtips, and even a velvet slipper for formal black-tie events. The boot collection includes Chelsea boots and cap-toe lace-up boots.

I predict that the Chelsea boot will be the most popular style from the release this fall, so Bonobos set me up with a pair to test out.

First impressions

The mere mention of Bonobos making shoes was enough to get me excited about this release, but before getting them in-hand (and on-feet) I was concerned about what would separate them from the countless brands that already make "premium" and "luxurious" shoes for men. It turns out that Bonobos' distinguishing factors are the overall execution in design and the substantial amount of comfort technology.

I say that the execution in design is at a high level because each silhouette is timeless. We've all seen brands abase quintessential footwear styles by making them too wide, too round, too short, or by adding some uncharacteristic color that throws off the aesthetic.

My impression of the Alpern Chelsea Boots is that they look great — the proportions and colors are just right — and they are loyal to the classic Chelsea design. I also got to check out the Percy Wingtip shoe and was similarly impressed.

The shoes come well-packaged in the box, wrapped in plastic bags and packed with tissue paper. Two dust bags are also included. I personally keep all of my shoes in their original boxes to preserve their condition and value, but if you insist on tossing the box as soon as you get them, at least save the dust bags and store your shoes in them. 

What they're like to wear

In terms of comfort, the shoes feature some pretty thick memory foam insoles and padded heels, tongues, and ankle collars (all visible in the picture below). I wore the Alpern Chelsea Boots all day long and was reminded of how comfortable they were with each step. I didn't have to go through toe-crushing, heel-blistering agony just to look good.

I've found so many footwear brands over-dedicate themselves to traditional shoemaking techniques (stacked leather or wooden soles, Goodyear Welt construction, etc.), often to the detriment of comfort and wearability. Here, Bonobos marries classic design and modern comfort.

Bonobos shoes

It's also worth noting that both the boots and shoes run true to size. Bonobos recommends that you order your true shoe size, and I found this to be sound advice.

In the photo below, I'm wearing a black cashmere sweater from Amazon's brand Button Down, a corduroy sherpa trucker jacket from Gap (mine is a few years old and no longer available, but this is their closest style available now), black jeans that I had tailored to be skinny and stacked, and last but not least, the Bonobos Alpern Chelsea Boots. As you can see, these boots are very easy to style and will be in my shoe rotation all throughout the fall. 

Bonobos Chelsea boots

The bottom line

At $198 for loafers and slippers, $248 for dress shoes, and $298 for boots, Bonobos' first shoe collection comes at a price point most of the brand's customers will find affordable. There are without a doubt cheaper offerings from other brands, but in terms of quality, most pale in comparison. Time and time again, Bonobos has proven itself to be a dependable menswear retailer — and this release is no different.

If you're looking for well-made, stylish, and comfortable shoes to complement your wardrobe, then Bonobos' new shoe collection is one to shop. And if the brand's massive apparel selection is any indication of what's to come for footwear, you can expect new styles and colors in the future.

Shop all dress shoes and boots at Bonobos now

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Forbes just revoked Adam Neumann's billionaire status and lowered its estimate of his personal net worth to $600 million — which means his purported net worth has plummeted by $3.5 billion in just 7 months

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Adam Neumann wework billionaire

Adam Neumann is no longer a billionaire, Forbes now estimates.

The former WeWork CEO's net worth has plummeted to $600 million, the magazine estimates, paralleling the plunging valuation of his co-working empire following the company's up-and-down IPO adventure that saw the company whipsaw from a $47 billion valuation to talk of bankruptcy in just 6 weeksForbes' Samantha Sharf also reported that Neumann's cofounder, Miguel McKelvey, has also lost his billionaire status.

The $3.5 billion drop in Neumann's personal net worth was the result of the declining value of Neumann's 18% stake in WeWork, Forbes reported. WeWork was valued at $47 billion in January following an investment from Japanese investment firm Softbank. However, the company reportedly sought a valuation as low as $10 billion in September as public scrutiny over its steep losses and leadership structure threatened its IPO. Forbes now estimates that the company is worth "at most $2.8 billion."

A representative for Neumann declined Business Insider's request for comment on whether Neumann's net worth had fallen below $1 billion.

The Forbes calculation of Neumann's net worth includes:

  • $504 million stake in WeWork, and
  • $500 million he profited from stock sales,
  • minus $380 million in debt disclosed in WeWork's S1 filing.

Read more:The WeWork IPO fiasco of 2019, explained in 30 seconds

Forbes does not believe that either Neumann or McKelvey — who the publication says is now worth $400 million — will likely rejoin the three comma club.

Neumann founded WeWork in 2010 alongside his now-wife Rebekah Neumann and Miguel McKelvey. Concern from potential investors over the company's finances and corporate governance issues pushed Neumann to resign as WeWork's CEO on September 24.

Under Neumann's leadership, the company was plagued by a party culture that included alcohol-fueled company retreats and little work-life balance, Business Insider's Meghan Morris and Julie Bort previously reported.

Have you worked for Adam Neumann or WeWork and have a story you'd like to share? Contact the reporter via encrypted messaging app Signal at +1 (646) 768-4725 using a non-work phone, email at trogers@businessinsider.com, or Twitter DM at @TaylorNRogers. (PR pitches by email only, please.)

Read the full report from Forbes >>

SEE ALSO: WeWork cofounder Rebekah Paltrow Neumann is stepping down from her roles at the company. Meet the former actress, who is former CEO Adam Neumann's 'strategic thought partner.'

DON'T MISS: Meet Masayoshi Son, the Japanese billionaire whose SoftBank mega-fund has been reportedly involved in asking Adam Neumann to step down from being WeWork CEO

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

15 must-have pieces of gear that helped me train for my first half-marathon

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image (21ggg)

  • I've been a runner for six years, and I've spent most of the last three years testing and reviewing hundreds of products.
  • Recently, I trained for my first half-marathon. Below, I round up all the durable, high-performing, trustworthy products I relied upon during training and on race day. 

If you don't want to hate every second of a race, your only option is to prepare. For half- and full-marathons, that ideally includes a good training plan, healthy habits that support your training, and the right toolkit of great gear.

Like most physical activities, the products you use take on heightened importance. In every other area of your day, a sock is an understudy. On a long-distance run, it is just as vital as the shorts that don't chafe, the sneakers with adequate arch support and energy return, and the supportive sports bra.

I've been an on-and-off runner for the last six years, and I recently trained for a half-marathon. For the last three of those years, I've also tested and reviewed hundreds of products for Insider Picks. Below, I've aggregated the tools that I used in my own training, and the ones I trusted on race day. If you're looking for products that won't let you down, I highly recommend any of them. 

Below, you'll find my healthy habit shortcuts and most of my all-time favorite products for running. They deliver on durability and performance best of all the options I've tried yet. 

A breathable, non-chafing singlet

Women's Compass Singlet, available at Janji, $36

This is the singlet I wore on race day, but I also highly recommend the Janji Feather Tee (currently $32) and Under Armour's Tech shirts. If I'm not wearing something from a brand I know and trust like Under Armor or Janji, I look out for a loose style to avoid chafing and keep an eye out for indications it'll be really breathable — including materials like merino wool, cotton, polyester, and mesh paneling. If the price is your main concern, those are good rules of thumb, and you're not likely to go wrong if you shop at major performance retailers like Nike or Under Armour.



Long-lasting wireless earbuds that stay in place

Jaybird Vista Earbuds, available at Jaybird and Best Buy, $179.99

Jaybird's Vista Earbuds are the best earbuds Jaybird has made yet, and I've trusted them for the last three years with my main running headphones. They're comfortable in-ear, never pop out, and deliver on both rich audio quality and great noise isolation. They've got six hours of battery life on their own, and an additional 10 with their charging case. Five minutes in the case equals one hour of playback, and the case itself is light and compact, so you can toss it into the hidden pocket on running shorts. Find a full review here.



A supportive, lightweight sports bra

Under Armour Eclipse High Sports Bra, available at Under Armour, $54.99

I wear a 32DD, and Under Armour's Eclipse Sports Bra is one of the very few that I trust. It's supportive but not stuffy, doesn't cause chafing, and has adjustable straps and a breathable mesh lining. Mine is an older version that's since been replaced by this, but it looks identical. For more personalized options, check out the Insider Picks buying guide for the best sports bras you can buy



Wireless headphones with perforated, removable pads

Project Rock Sport Wireless Train Headphones, available at Under Armour, $249

When I'm not wearing my Jaybird Vistas, I'm wearing these exercise-specific headphones created by Under Armor in collaboration with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

They have ventilated ear cushions for constant breathability, and they're removable so you can pop them off and hand wash them to keep the pads hygienic. They also have an incredible 16-hour battery life that usually lasts me a week of workouts, and five minutes of charge equals one hour of playback. Oversized controls are easy to manipulate, the grippy band material keeps them in place while I run, and there's a good bass-heavy sound courtesy of JBL.

They also fold up so you can stash them in a gym bag. I have this pair, but there's a similar, cheaper pair for sale at Best Buy too. Here's our full review of the UA Project Rock Headphones.



An effective hydrating balm

Homeoplasmine, available at Amazon, $12.95

This is a multipurpose ointment that tourists love to pick up at French pharmacies. It's nongreasy and packed with plant extracts and Vaseline, and it's traditionally used to soothe mothers' nipples during breastfeeding. But it's also gained notoriety among makeup artists. Personally, it's the best and only product that moisturizes my lips after running headlong into wind for an hour. 



Thin, durable running tights with targeted compression

2XU Women's MCS Run Compression Tights, available on Amazon, from $118.68

Hands down, these are the best running tights I own. They're so breathable and lightweight that they feel like a thin second skin. They're also made specifically for runners, with an internal anatomical mapping that forces more blood into areas put under the most stress during a run, like your quads and calves, to help you recover fast and work more efficiently. In other words, it's targeted compression that doesn't feel obtrusive.

Unfortunately, they also have a price to match their quality. And there have been complaints in the past that 2XU tights are see-through. Mine are not, and they've updated the style to add more strategic paneling to avoid any oops-moments. But to be honest, I'd wear them even if they were slightly too sheer. They're that good. Find my full review here

 



Breathable, comfortable running shorts

Janji Women's 3" AFO Middle Short, available at Janji and REI, $60

I've always preferred leggings for runs, but Janji has converted me. These shorts are fantastic. The material is light and breathable, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying. The back pocket is roomy and zippered for security, with a loop you can attach your keys to. There's a moisture-wicking brief liner and a drawcord waistband. But, aside from that, it's also a uniquely cool and functional style — they're short like most running shorts, but the longer back lends a little more security while the curved, shorter front maintains peak mobility. I love running in them.



A hydrating face wash

CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash, available at Amazon, $13.79

When I go for a run after work, I wash the day's grime and makeup away first to avoid blocked pores. To keep from drying out my skin or messing with its natural barrier, I use a gentle and hydrating cleanser. At night, I still use my AHA/BHA exfoliants to slough off dead skin cells



Neutral sneakers

Women's Kinvara 10, available at Saucony, $110

I've tried a lot of great running shoes over the years of testing products. A few of my favorites are Nike's Flyknit Epic React, On Cloudswift, Adidas Pulseboost HD, and these Saucony Kinvaras are the ones I wore on race day. They're neutral. They're a great match for anyone looking for versatility. A dense foam makes them cushiony enough for long-distance runs, but light like a race shoe. The woven mesh upper is breathable and forgettable. In other words, it's the shoe you wear if you want something that stays out of your way. Find a full review of the Kinvaras here.



A towel that cuts down on the hair's drying time and damage

Aquis Lisse Luxe Long Hair Towel, available at Sephora, $35

Running with hair ties in and showering often can be damaging to your hair. To minimize breakage, I keep showers short and wrap my hair in a towel made from a material that's finer than silk and reduces the friction my hair experiences in its most vulnerable state. It also cuts drying time by 50%.

If you're concerned about the impact on your hair, you can also invest in dry shampoo and a shower cap to lengthen periods in between hair washes, get a silk pillowcase, change your shower filter, try Olaplex, and start using hair masks regularly. I also run with a braid in — it keeps the friction and breakage to the ends of my hair, which will be chopped off in my next haircut appointment, rather than the middle that will then need to grow out.



Breathable, lightweight underwear

Performa Thong, available at Athleta, $16

When you're running, everything makes a difference, including underwear. If you're looking for breathability and comfort, it doesn't get better than Athleta's Performa line — and I've tried enough of the internet's best and newest underwear lines to know. They go for $16 per thong, but you can get three or more for $12 each. The Performa material is unbelievably lightweight, and the mesh material is superior in airflow.



Socks with protective blister tabs

Women's Performance Running Ankle Sock, available at Bombas, $16

Does $16 for socks sound ridiculous to you? Well, it probably is. I can't defend the price, but I can say these are the best socks if that's what you're after. Bombas running socks are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and very breathable. They have strategic cushioning for the areas that need it most, and a design that protects you from blistering from the heel or lip of your sneaker. Plus, they donate a pair of socks for every pair purchased. And, while $16 is a lot for a pair of socks, a $5 pair can make $100-plus running shoes unbearable if they're too thick.



Sleepwear that helps your muscles recover overnight

Recover Ultra Comfort Sleepwear Long Sleeve Shirt, available at Under Armour and Amazon, from $42.51

Recover Track Pants, available at Under Armour and Amazon, from $65.99

If you didn't know, Under Armour makes pajamas that use infrared light to help you recover faster while you sleep. A mineral-lined fabric sends infrared energy back to your muscles to improve circulation and muscle regeneration. It's the tech Tom Brady is known to use, and its part of the TB12 Sleepwear line at Under Armour

The pajamas themselves are super soft. They're loose, and the fabric is lightweight, has four-way stretch, and feels cool-to-the-touch. Despite the proposed cheat code of infrared tech, they're also just some of the best pajamas I own. 

I can't measure if these pajamas' infrared tech works. But coworkers and friends and other reviewers at ESPN tend to think they do help. And, even if it's a placebo effect, they make me feel good about having an intentional regimen, which helps me maintain healthy habits that make training easier. I'm more likely to eat well and wake up early when I'm taking steps as granular as wearing a specific pair of pajamas right after a tough workout.  



An exercise app that gives back

Download Charity Miles for free

There are lots of apps that will benefit you during training. Some will help you develop a running habit, build an adaptive training plan, and map your run and track your metrics. And some will simply help you mix it up with other demanding classes on the cheap when you need to get some cardio in but don't want to run anymore.

If you don't have a gym membership because you're using local trails, you may want to look into POPiN for inclement weather. It lets you pay per minute or hour at local gyms.

The apps I used were Charity Miles, a free app that donates to charity on your behalf like any sponsored run, Spotify, and Scribd for all the times I wanted to listen to audiobooks instead.



Healthy grocery delivery

3-4 Two-Serving Meals Plus Snacks, available at Hungryroot, $69

Grocery Delivery, available at Instacart, free delivery on orders over $35

If you're working and training, sometimes heading to the grocery store is a nice break. Other times, it's a chore and your muscles are sore and your hair is wet. For the latter, it may be good to treat yourself to grocery delivery like Instacart.

Or, use a healthy eating meal kit service. You'll give up some autonomy in making your own diet, but it's also unbeatably convenient. My personal favorite is Hungryroot. The ingredients are healthy and fresh, the packaging relatively eco-friendly, lots of dietary restriction options available, and the food is always delicious. 

If you're doing your own grocery shopping, focus on proteins and carbohydrates and keep these rules of thumb in mind

 




21 gift sets and limited-edition beauty products you can get at Sephora this holiday season

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drunk elephant

  • The holiday season is almost here and that means you can already find holiday-ready gift sets at many of your favorite retailers.
  • Sephora always releases a host of value sets and limited-edition beauty products each holiday season. This year, we poured through the sets to find some of the best options, so you don't have to.
  • From skin care to hair tools to funky makeup, keep reading for 21 great holiday gifts sets you can get at Sephora right now.
  • Check out all of our 2019 holiday gift ideas here.

There are so many things to love about the holiday season. Drinking hot chocolate, cuddling up by a warm fireplace, spending time with people you love, and wrapping up gifts you know they'll be so excited to receive, to name a few. 

Whether it's the little pleasures or big festivities, we all have things we look forward to each holiday season. Now, with the holidays coming up soon, it's time to get excited again.

If you're a Sephora-lover, you probably keep your eye out for the brand's holiday exclusives each year. Good news — they're finally here. From limited-edition products to holiday sets wrapped in festive packaging, these exclusives make great gifts for others or sweet treats for yourself.

Keep reading for 21 of our favorite holiday exclusives from Sephora this year: 

Too Faced Christmas Cookie House Party

Too Faced Christmas Cookie House Party, $58 ($353 value)

Filled with sparkly eyeshadows, blushes, Too Faced's beloved Better Than Sex Mascara, and more, this gift set has everything you need for a fun night-out look.



Drunk Elephant Precious Cargo Kit

Drunk Elephant Precious Cargo Kit, $88 ($132 value)

When it's too cold to even think about leaving the house to get pampered, treat yourself to an at-home facial. This kit has everything you need to smooth and hydrate tired winter skin, plus it all comes in a cute travel case so you can take it wherever you go. 



La Mer Merry Little Miracles Set

La Mer Merry Little Miracles Set, $160 ($215 value)

People swear by La Mer's creams and serums, but at $90 for a travel-size moisturizer, these pricey products aren't the most accessible. This gift set lets you try four of the brand's hero products for less than one full size cream, so you can decide if they're actually worth the price. 



Olaplex Holiday Hair Fix Set

Olaplex Holiday Hair Fix Set, $58 ($84 value)

Winter air can be harsh on your hair. This hair-repair system from Olaplex can help. Four nourishing products work together to help strengthen and hydrate frizzy, heat-damaged, and color-treated strands. 



Ouai Glow Your Own Ouai

Ouai Glow Your Own Ouai, $38 ($54 value)

The scrub and oil can be used on your hair and your body to exfoliate and hydrate wherever you need it most. Notes of cedarwood, white musk, rose, bergamot, and lychee will leave you smelling lovely too. 



Sephora Favorites Superstars

Sephora Favorites Superstars, $48 ($137 value)

Sephora stocks so many beauty products, but these are some of the best across the board. This set of nine makeup essentials, including a mix of travel- and full-sized items, will introduce you to some of Sephora's most beloved brands and products. 



Urban Decay Naked Honey Drop Vault

Urban Decay Naked Honey Drop Vault, $115

Urban Decay's Naked Palette is revered for its curation of exciting neutrals. This set features the Naked Honey Eyeshadow Palette as well as primer, plumping gloss, sparkling body powder, and setting spray, for a glowy look that'll last all night long. 



Benefit Cosmetics Gimme The Goods! Customizable Set

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme The Goods! Customizable Set, $29 ($59 value)

Customize your own kit of Benefit's bestselling products so you get the perfect match for your skin tone. These four products are all you need for an effortless, everyday makeup look. 



Sephora Favorites Soko to Tokyo

Sephora Favorites Soko to Tokyo, $40 ($124 value)

This gift set brings the best of South Korean and Japanese skin care together, featuring some of the trendiest products from both countries. 



Laneige Kiss Me Day and Night

Laneige Kiss Me Day and Night, $18

Chapped lips be gone. Treat your lips to the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask at night and follow up with the Lip Glowy Balm in the morning, and your pout will feel pillowy soft in no time. 



Kérastase Power Duo Shine & Strength Heroes

Kérastase Power Duo Shine & Strength Heroes, $50 ($67 value)

Blow-drying hair often can cause heat damage, which can lead to frizz and breakage. These Kérastase products protect your tresses, so your hair looks sleek and shiny post-bow-dry. 



SK-II Pitera Essence Welcome Kit

SK-II Pitera Essence Welcome Kit, $110 ($156 value)

SK-II's Pitera Essence is often referred to as "Mirace Water" in Asia. If you want the chance to try it, and two more of the brand's bestsellers, we suggest going for this value set— it's an easy three steps you can incorporate into your daily routine.



Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Bomb Baby Mini Lip and Face Set

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Bomb Baby Mini Lip and Face Set, $23

Glossy, shiny lips and a radiant highlight are all you need for a sun-kissed glow in the dead of winter. These two products from Fenty Beauty will get the job done, for a radiant look all year long. 



Tarte Lip Ornaments Lip Gloss Set

Tarte Lip Ornaments Lip Gloss Set, $28 ($80 value)

Lip gloss lovers will appreciate the cute holiday packaging, nourishing formula, and fun, sparkly colors that make up this set. 



DryBar The Ultimate Frizz-Free Blow-Dry and Styling Set

DryBar The Ultimate Frizz-Free Blow-Dry and Styling Set, $299 ($489 value)

DryBar has become the go-to spot for sleek blow-outs, so you can be sure its products are worthy of space on your shelf. From tools to serums, this bundle has everything you need to create a salon-worthy blowout from the comfort of home. 



Caudalie Vinoperfect Natural Brightening Stars

Caudalie Vinoperfect Natural Brightening Stars, $79 ($115 value)

The vegan way to brighter, more even skin. Combined, this trio of products from Caudalie fades dark spots and reveals a brighter skin tone, plus it's all cruelty-free. 



Youth To The People The Discovery Kit

Youth To The People The Discovery Kit, $58 ($77 value)

A green juice cleanse and kombucha for your face? Youth To The People makes skin-care products inspired by the same superfoods we count on to fuel our bodies, like kale and ashwagandha. 



Milk Makeup MVPs Set

Milk Makeup MVPs Set, $45 ($109 value)

This lineup of Milk Makeup bestsellers — including a mini mascara, highlighter, serum, and more — is stuffed in a festive makeup bag that's ready to gift. 



Clinique Cheek Pop Palette: Cool Down

Clinique Cheek Pop Palette: Cool Down, $29.50 ($75 value)

From the outside, this glittery compact is super festive. Inside, the three pink hues offer something for every skin tone and look, whether you want a just-pinched look or a full-on flush. 



Anastasia Beverly Hills Power Duo Brow Kit

Anastasia Beverly Hills Power Duo Brow Kit, $25 ($30 value)

Anastasia Beverly Hills is the authority on all things eyebrows. If you're new to the cult-favorite brand, start with this duo — the two products will help you create voluminous, well-shaped brows. 



Tatcha Skincare for Makeup Lovers: Dewy Glow Set

Tatcha Skincare for Makeup Lovers: Dewy Glow Set, $65 ($105 value)

Tatcha's gentle, yet effective product line is inspired by the centuries-old skin-care routines of geisha. If you want to try the some of the brand's bestsellers for less, we recommend this value set that comes with the four products you need for the ultimate glow



The best Instant Pot and electric pressure cookers

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  • Electric multicookers are so versatile, they can make all kinds of meals and even replace several different appliances.
  • The latest multicookers can handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, stewing, and other cooking functions, all in one pot. 
  • Of all the options out there, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker is our top pick because it can perform seven different functions and make all kinds of food.

The mark of perfectly prepared ribs is the meat falling off of the bone. However, if you want that level of quality, you need to keep your slab of pork or beef in a smoker for 12-plus hours, right? Not when you have a modern multicooker.

Electric multicookers are quickly supplanting single-function appliances like rice cookers and slow cookers because of their ability to make dinner in a hurry with little fuss. These countertop multicookers can do a variety of functions, with pressure cooking being the most popular; they can also slow cook, sauté, steam, make porridge and yogurt, and warm, while some can even air-fry.

Pressure cooking isn't a new concept, but electric pressure cookers have made it easier and safer to do. For the purposes of this guide, we are going to focus on electric ones since they are much more popular and functional. You may hear these multicookers being referred to colloquially as an "instant pot," which is in reference to the brand of multicookers, Instant Pot, the darling product that's made pressure cooking popular.

But Instant Pot isn't the only manufacturer (some will argue that Instant Pot isn't even the originator of this type of product, as they've been popular in Asia). You'll find plenty of imitators, but there are also ones that rival an Instant Pot. And, if you are someone who hates cluttering a kitchen with cooking appliances and tools, trust us: the flexibility and efficiency of a multicooker will be worth sacrificing some counter space. 

We pored over hundreds of reviews and ratings from both experts and users, as well as conducted our testing when possible, to determine which multicookers do what they say they can do, provide consistent performance over extended use, and offer great value for your money. Whether it's an Instant Pot or another brand of multicooker, here are the best you can buy.

Here are the best electric multicookers you can buy:

Updated on 10/11/2019 by Les Shu: Updated selections, prices, links, and formatting. We are currently testing the Zavor Lux, a highly recommended multicooker with all the similar features.

SEE ALSO: The best Crock-Pots you can buy

The best multicooker overall

The Instant Pot Duo makes delicious home-cooked meals a cinch, even when you have to work late. It's a great option for pressure-cooking beginners, and the 8-quart version is ideal for feeding large families.

The Instant Pot Duo gives you a fast and easy way to prepare wholesome meals. All you need to do is load the ingredients in the pot, cover it, and start cooking. This multicooker can have juicy pulled pork or falling-off-the-bone ribs ready for you in less than an hour.

Not only does it reduce cooking time by up to 75%, but it also helps the food retain all of the important water-soluble vitamins and minerals. Plus, it is not just a pressure cooker: You can also use it as a steamer, rice cooker, warmer, and slow cooker. You can brown and sauté with it, as well as make yogurt (although that isn't a very popular function, nor is it that great at it).

The USDA and Instant Pot's maker say it's safe to use a pressure cooker for canning select items, but the National Center for Home Food Preservation advises against it. We don't know many people who have used an Instant Pot for canning, nor is it a popular function, so it's not something we would recommend. However, it doesn't make this appliance any less useful.

Pressure cookers, specifically the stove-top variety, have a history of being dangerous, but the Instant Pot Duo has passed strict ULC and UL certification. Clean-up is also simple since the removable, non-stick pot and sealing ring are all dishwasher safe. The lid also comes off entirely, although we recommend hand-washing it. This electric pressure cooker also comes with a soup spoon, rack, measuring cup, recipe book, and a rice paddle.

The Instant Pot Duo comes in three sizes: 8 Quart, 6 Quart, and 3 Quart (affectionately known as Duo Mini). They are all essentially the same except in capacity, but the 6 Quart is one of the most popular. Because it's no longer the newest model, it's now much more affordable, coming in at less than $100 for the 3 and 6 Quart versions.

But don't think the lower price means the Duo series is inferior: Compared with the newer Instant Pots, there are definitely improvements that justify their premium price, like a better control panel and adjustable pressure. But in terms of actual cooking capability, the Duo is still a terrific entry-point into electric pressure cooking or as a gift. The nice balance of price, features, and performance make this Instant Pot the overall best multicooker you can buy.

When Insider Picks first reviewed the Instant Pot Duo, the appliance was the latest rage in cooking, taking the internet by storm. By the end of our testing, our reviewer wrote, "If you're looking to add an appliance to your kitchen, I can think of few that would be of more use than the Instant Pot." He also mentioned that people who want to see their food actually cooking, won't be able to do this since the entire unit is sealed during the pressure-cooking period.

Guides Editor Les Shu is an avid user of the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo. He loves the ease of use and the many recipes available in cookbooks and on the internet, from which he has made many delicious meals: chicken tikka masala, Chinese porridge, sweet corn chowder, Hainanese chicken rice, and the best potato salad ever. But usually, the meals aren't fancy: poached chicken breasts (from frozen), chili, and simple soups, to name a few. It's also fantastic for boiling eggs. The Instant Pot is also ideal for making a large batch of food, either for a family or meal prep. Because everything is cooked in one pot (usually), there's less mess and scrubbing the inner pot is no chore, although the lid can be annoying to clean.

Despite being an older Instant Pot series, the Duo is still the most highly recommended among expert reviewers and users alike. The Instant Pot Duo is still Wirecutter's top pick, and has favorable reviews from The Kitchn, Pressure Cooking Today, CNET, and many others. More than 33,000 Amazon reviewers have given the Instant Pot Duo an average of 4.6 (out of 5) stars.

Read our full review of the Instant Pot Duo

Pros: Easy to clean, safe, stainless steel pot that's easy to clean, versatile

Cons: The gasket tends to retain odors, there is a bit of a learning curve, lid can be annoying to clean



The best budget multicooker

The Instant Pot Lux is a scaled-back and less expensive alternative to our top pick, but it has basic features most home cooks would need.

The Instant Pot Lux was introduced as an entry-level option. The biggest difference is that it has one less use: it does not make yogurt. There are also a few minor differences between Instant Pot's two top models: The Duo has 14 built-in programs versus the Lux's 10, more pre-set temperatures (12 vs. 7), and can keep your food warm for up to 99 hours, while the Lux only does it for 10. If you are willing to live without these features, you can save a little money by choosing the Lux.

The Lux is a capable appliance, and you'll find plenty of bloggers recommending it. Positives include the safety features and the variety of utensils that came with it, and its silent operation. In fact, for most users, the Lux will be just as good as the Duo. You won't miss the yogurt function, as very few people use an Instant Pot for that nor does it do a particularly good job.

So, we isn't the Lux our overall pick? Well, oftentimes, the price difference isn't that big. And when the Duo goes on sale, we've seen it listed at the same price as the Lux, or even cheaper. In this instance, we recommending you opt for the Duo. Other times, when the Lux is much more affordable, we wouldn't hesitate in recommending the Lux either. 

On Amazon, many of the customer reviews are from users who are new to pressure cooking and are happy with the general benefits of the appliance. Yet, there are several reviews celebrating how easy the Lux is to use and what a great job it does with a variety of specific tasks, including hard boiling eggs.

Pros: Most of the same benefits as the Duo but at a lower price

Cons: Doesn't make yogurt, has fewer programs and pre-set temperatures



The best smart multicooker

For slightly more money, the Instant Pot Ultra gives you greater control over your pressure cooking, as well as a fully digital control panel.

If the Instant Pot Ultra was a bit less expensive, it would easily become our overall pick. We think that in terms of price, features, and performance, the Instant Pot Duo is still a terrific buy and is the best multicooker/pressure cooker for most people. With that said, if you're willing to spend about $50 more, the Instant Pot Ultra is a souped-up model that offers a few more features than the Duo.

There are several noticeable upgrades. Unlike the Duo, the Ultra has gone completely digital with its control panel. Now, all settings are adjusted by using a single knob, scrolling through menus on a large LCD. The LCD also shows more info than before. We think If you're not a fan of digital navigation, you're probably not going to like this. Otherwise, it's relatively intuitive. As a 10-in-1 multicooker, you get extra cooking modes.

The Ultra also has a new steam release valve that automatically resets (opens) with the push of a button. For those afraid of turning the valve on a pressure cooker and getting burned from the steam, worry no more. Otherwise, the lid closes and seals like the Duo's.

The biggest advantage is the adjustable temperature, pressure, and altitude settings (the Duo only has two pressure settings). There's also a low-temperature mode for, as Wirecutter puts it, sous vide cooking, where you cook foods at a low but consistent temperature, similar to how immersion circulators work. When food is done cooking, you can turn on the warming mode, which also maintains the desired temperature without fear of burning or overcooking anything.

Wirecutter chose the Ultra as its "upgrade pick," and we agree. Like the Duo, Amazon shoppers also gave the Ultra high scores. For not much money, you get some very useful features not found in the Duo. We can easily see the Ultra replacing the Duo as our overall pick (with the Duo becoming our budget pick). For now, the Ultra is great if you're graduating from the Duo or another basic pressure cooker, while the Duo remains the best for first-time owners or anyone who doesn't care about bells and whistles.

The Instant Pot Ultra is available in 3, 6, and 8 quarts; the 6-quart option is the best for most people.

Pros: Adjustable temperature and pressure, altitude setting, reset button for steam valve, LCD shows more info, a consistent low-temperature mode

Cons: Can be hard to clean, some may be turned off by digital controls



The best combination multicooker

The Ninja Foodi combines two popular appliances — a pressure cooker and an air fryer — into one.

The gargantuan size is what makes Ninja's Foodi so ridiculous looking. It's so big that it may not fit on small countertops. But there's a good reason for its size: It combines a pressure cooker with another trendy small appliance at the moment, an air fryer.

The Foodi looks like an Instant Pot that's had too much to eat over the holidays. The attached lid takes care of air-frying duties, while a separate removable sealing lid is used for pressure cooking. When you're pressure cooking, the air-fryer lid stays open, which makes it look even weirder. When not in use, you'll have to store the pressure cooker lid elsewhere, as you can't fit it on top of the Foodi while also closing the air-fryer lid. A third function is the ability to dehydrate foods, like fruit. There's a basic control panel that's easy to use, although at first glance, it's a bit hard to differentiate what's for frying and what's for pressure cooking.

But once you get over its looks, you'll discover an actually useful appliance that cooks food well. In her review, Insider Picks' Connie Chen said, cooking with the Foodi "is pretty much fool-proof." Wirecutter found the Foodi did well with pressure cooking and "as good a job as any air fryer," but noted that it currently does not recommend any air fryer "since an oven or toaster oven with convection does the same thing and fits more food." Plenty of owners of countertop air fryers would disagree. (Wirecutter did not include the Foodi as one of its top picks, but didn't have anything negative to say about its cooking capabilities.) 

We agree with Wirecutter that the cooking volume is small. Despite its large exterior, its pot only offers 6.5 quarts for pressure cooking (about the same as a 6-quart Instant Pot) and 4 quarts for air frying (via the crisping basket). According to Ninja, that's still enough room for a 6-pound whole chicken. Ninja also offers the Foodi as an 8-quart version with a 5-quart crisping basket, but of course, it's physically bigger. 

One feature we like is something Ninja refers to as TenderCrisp. It's nothing more than just the Foodi's ability to pressure cook food and then crisping it up with the air fryer. Any Instant Pot user who's tried to roast or fry chicken, such as Guides Editor Les Shu, knows what a chore it can be — pressure cooking first, and then transferring it to an oven, broiler, or grill. You also risk having the food fall apart when moved. The Foodi can do both out of one pot, which makes it so much more efficient, especially if you like fried foods or want to add some extra flavor and texture.

Read our full review of the Ninja Foodi

Pros: Three appliances in one (air frying, pressure cooking, and dehydrating), TenderCrisp allows for pressure cooking and air frying in one pot 

Cons: Expensive, very large, cooking volume is small considering its overall size



The best premium multicooker

Breville's Fast Slow Pro is a high-quality multicooker with a unique safety system, auto steam release, and adjustable pressure settings. It has a really high price, but it successfully slow cooks and pressure cooks food in one easy-to-use appliance.

If you're looking to invest in a quality multicooker that is well-made and smart, look no further than the 6-quart Fast Slow Pro from Breville. This is not a knock on Instant Pot, but from our experience in testing and using Breville products, its small appliances are better constructed, and it's apparent in this cooker. The downside is that Breville charges a premium, but if you want longevity, reliability, and backing from a trusted company, Breville is a go-to.

The Fast Slow Pro is elegant in its design, down to the control panel with its LCD screen and cluster of knobs and buttons. The menu system is reminiscent of Breville's smart ovens, which we've never had issues in using. However, Wired found it difficult for most people to use, which we understand: If you have trouble using the buttons on a microwave, then the Fast Slow Pro will seem intimidating. But you could make that same argument for the Instant Pot and other multicookers.

We like the three-way safety system the removable lid employs, giving us more peace of mind; to be fair, we've never had issues with Instant Pot lids and find them to be just as safe. Although CNET has a favorable review, its reviewer found the lid frustrating to use because it wouldn't seal properly (the problem had to do with a loose nut caused by the locking knob). What we also like is the button to initiate steam release. There are plenty of people who freak out about manually releasing the steam valve of an Instant Pot, so this is a nice feature for those folks.

For cooking, the Fast Slow Pro lets you fine-tune the pressure between high and low, as well as altitude, similar to the Instant Pot Ultra. It has 11 preset cooking modes and a manual setting, and there are sensors to automatically determine the best temperature and pressure during the cooking process. The adjustable temperature also makes it great slow cooker, and you can steam, sear, sauté, and reduce sauces. What Wired, which was the most negative of any product reviews site, discovered was that food came out disappointing when following pressure cooker recipes, so users may need to play around with the settings (this is something we've had to do with the Instant Pot too).

In general, expert reviewers liked using the Fast Slow Pro (it's Consumer Reports' top pick), while 68% of Amazon shoppers give it a 5-star rating. The biggest complaint everyone had is the price, which is more than double our overall favorite, the Instant Pot Duo. You can also get many of the same features in the Instant Pot Ultra. Ultimately, despite our love of Breville products, this wouldn't be our first recommendation, but if you like Breville's craftsmanship and its smart features, it's a fine, albeit expensive multicooker.

Pros: Lid with safety system, auto steam release, 11 preset cooking modes, adjustable pressure

Cons: Expensive, available in one size, complex controls



Other multicookers we considered

Since the Instant Pot came on the scene, we've seen the introduction of many electric multicookers. Some are worthy alternatives that will please many home cooks (they just didn't make our list for one reason or another), while the rest just couldn't offer anything different or better than our favorites. We are also a bit shocked by how expensive some lesser-known brands are, costing the same as the Instant Pot Duo. Here are the models we looked at.

Instant Pot Lux, Max, and Smart WiFi

The Instant Pot name doesn't refer to just one product. In fact, the company has many models. The Lux was previously our budget pick, but we removed it from our list because it currently costs the same as the Duo, our overall favorite, and it lacks one of the functions (yogurt making) and has only one pressure setting. However, the Lux could return as our budget pick if the price of the Duo increases.

The Max is the flagship Instant Pot. Insider Picks' Remi Rosmarin reviewed it and found there was much to like. However, she believes she would have had the same experience from any of the Instant Pot models. At $200, it's significantly more than the Instant Pot Ultra, but doesn't add anything radical than what the Ultra offers.

The Smart WiFi is an app-enabled model that lets you control the cooker from a smartphone. You can create custom settings for recipes so that the next time you cook, it's a one-touch affair. You can also control it remotely, which is handy for slow cooking food when you are ready (instead of leaving it on all day). However, we've read plenty of mixed reviews (Wirecutter thought it was more trouble than it's worth) and earlier units were even recalled. If a Wi-Fi-enable multicooker appeals to you, we suggest waiting for a second-generation version (if Instant Pot plans to make one).

Secura 6-in-1 Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker

This Secura pressure cooker was our previous pick as the best multicooker for beginners. It received high marks from several product-review sites. However, it only has six functions, costs as much as an Instant Pot, and had quality-control issues. An Instant Pot is just as easy to use and more reliable, so we removed it from our list.

Elite Platinum EPC-808 Maxi-Matic Electric Pressure Cooker

Our former pick for the best multicooker for big meals, we also removed the unit from Elite Platinum from our list because it didn't offer anything that the Instant Pot doesn't have. Its only highlight was its 8-quart capacity, but for the price, you can get an 8-quart Instant Pot Lux or even a Duo.

Faberware Digital Pressure Cooker

This was Good Housekeeping's number-two and "best value" pick. The Faberware is a 7-in-1 multicooker that offered solid performance, according to GH. It has favorable reviews from buyers, but it doesn't offer anything unique when compared to our favorite Instant Pot, and for the moment, an Instant Pot can be had for the same price. Go with the Instant Pot unless you can find this below $50.

Zavor Lux LCD and Zavor Lux

The Zavor Lux LCD and Zavor Lux (not to be confused with Instant Pot's Lux series) are the two favorites from the cooking and kitchen experts at Cook's Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen. The two models have an extra metal brace that keeps the gasket in place, it said, which help create a tighter seal. The Lux LCD also has useful functions like adjustable temperature and a graph that shows pressure buildup. Most importantly, the testers said foods came out excellent. Note: Zavor is a new brand that was born out of the demise of Fagor, which made multicookers that were popular. Both are priced similarly to Instant Pot models, but the extra-secure lid design makes these models worth considering over. We are currently wrapping up our testing of the Zavor Lux LCD for consideration.



Hugh Hefner's Playboy empire became an iconic part of pop culture, but struggled to keep up. Here's what led to the company's rise and fall.

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  • Playboy's best selling issue sold over 7 million copies and the magazine made $12 million in revenue that same year.
  • Hugh Hefner's empire became an iconic part of popular culture, but later struggled to keep up with new competitors, and failed to pivot online fast enough.
  • Today, Playboy is a shell of what it once was, but is attempting to rebrand itself to appeal to younger generations.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Following is a transcript of the video.

Irene Kim: Playboy used to be everywhere. Its best-selling issue sold over 7 million copies. In the early 2000s, Playboy's logo could be found on everything from jewelry to tattoos, and Bunnies were all over movie screens and reality TV. But Hugh Hefner's gone, the original Playboy Clubs have closed, and magazine sales have shrunk to less than 4% of what they used to be. So, what happened?

In 1953, former copywriter Hugh Hefner saw a demand for a gentleman's magazine. Recruiting 45 investors who cobbled together $8,000, a young Hef was ready to launch what would become Playboy. Originally, Hefner wanted to call it Stag Party, but was challenged by Stag Magazine, so a friend suggested the name Playboy, and it stuck. But Hefner himself came up with Playboy's now iconic logo. He thought a tuxedoed rabbit would be "cute, frisky, and sexy." With no office to work out of, Hef put the first issue of Playboy together in his apartment on the kitchen table. The cover and centerfold featured Marilyn Monroe. But Monroe never posed for Playboy. Hefner bought old photos a struggling Monroe had posed for under a pseudonym, having no idea they would eventually end up as a magazine feature. The star was never paid for her Playboy debut. Regardless, the first issue was released in December 1953. A huge success, the magazine sold out of all 70,000 copies at $0.50 apiece.

Hefner immediately invested his profits back into Playboy, expanding his staff. Circulation grew quickly, partly because of the magazine's lack of competition. But not only was Playboy one of the first to publish colored photographs of nude women, its Playmate concept set it apart from the rest. Each issue featured a "Playmate of the month," starting with Hefner's then girlfriend and subscription-department employee Charlaine Karalus, aka Janet Pilgrim. Hefner described Playmates as women who could be "the new secretary at your office" or the "girl who sells you shirts and ties." In other words, a wholesome woman you could meet in real life, not a distant, professional model. The photo layouts were a seduction, with the Playmate slowly revealing more and more until being fully nude in the centerfold.

By the end of the 1950s, the magazine was selling a million copies a month. And while it was a popular joke to claim that one only bought Playboy for the articles, the magazine did establish a reputation for literary excellence, publishing in-depth interviews with all sorts of cultural icons and excerpts from esteemed writers like James Baldwin. Even when its first true competitor, Penthouse, launched, Playboy stayed on top, with print sales peaking at 7.1 million copies of the November 1972 issue. Playboy made $12 million in profit that year. That's $73 million today. Playboy grew to be more than a magazine; it was a lifestyle. Hefner expanded Playboy Enterprises to include the Playboy Clubs, designed to embody the glamorous and luxurious lifestyle marketed by the magazine. 50,000 members joined the original Playboy Club in Chicago in its first year. Soon, there would be 23 Playboy Clubs around the world.

Bobbie Walters: It was an incredible place to be. It was magical.

Kim: That's Bobbie Walters. She worked as a Bunny at the Playboy Club in New York City and, later, Miami.

Walters: In New York City, there were 100 girls there. There were six different floors. So you could enjoy a show, you could enjoy a gourmet dinner, or you could dance to disco music, or you could just go down into the Playmate bar and have a drink.

Kim: As for what it was like to work as a Bunny...

Walters: The training was one week long. Once we got to the Playboy Club and got on the floor, we learned how to do the Bunny Dip. Tape: OK, once again, let's see the Bunny Dip down just so.

Walters: Which is an extremely ridiculous thing because you're standing on 6-inch heels, leaning backwards, serving liquor.

Kim: Bunnies had to follow strict rules dictated in their Bunny Manuals.

Walters: It told you all about the rules and regulations, how the costume was supposed to look.

Kim: Bunnies also had a specific greeting for guests.

Walters: So, you would walk up to the table slowly, and they would just be looking, "Oh, my God, there's my Bunny," and then you'd just approach a table and say, "Good evening, I'm your Bunny, Bobbie."

Kim: And the Bunnies were what really drew people to the Clubs.

Walters: You could get a scotch and soda anywhere, but you couldn't get a glimpse of a Playboy Bunny.

Kim: But the 750,000 Playboy Club members and 60 million magazines sold yearly wouldn't last forever. Despite their early success, all the Playboy Clubs were closed down by 1986. They had been losing money for years. The changing social and political climate shifted public perception of the clubs. Rather than being daring, they were now seen as degrading to women. And the rise of 1980s video porn was giving the print magazine competition. As magazines like Stuff and Maxim entered the market, circulation continued to decline through the '90s. Playboy also made the fatal mistake of not moving online fast enough. As the internet boomed, online searches for Playboy would literally return ads for their competitors. Playboy tried to offset its losses by licensing out its trademarked logo. Billions of dollars' worth of merchandise with the bunny logo were sold. Playboy merchandise did particularly well in Asia, especially China, despite laws prohibiting the magazine from being sold there. But it wasn't enough. The high sales numbers only returned small licensing revenue for Playboy. Hefner tried to revive his empire with a venture into reality TV. In 2005, he signed up for an E! reality show that followed his life with his then three girlfriends: Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt, and Kendra Wilkinson. "The Girls Next Door" aired in over 150 countries worldwide and ran for six seasons. It made Hef and Playboy a visible part of early 2000s pop culture. Despite its decline, Playboy helped launch successful careers for the likes of Pamela Anderson and Anna Nicole Smith, while stars like Naomi Campbell and Madonna graced its cover. President Donald Trump is particularly proud of his Playboy feature. But by the time the company finally placed its full archives online, it was too late. When Hefner passed away in 2017, Playboy seemed directionless, and investors had been losing money for decades. With circulation at an all-time low and reported losses of $7 million a year, the magazine was scaled back to release only quarterly. But it isn't over for Playboy just yet. In September 2018, the Playboy Club in New York City reopened, complete with waitresses dressed as bunnies, and the magazine is rebranding to appeal to a younger generation. The 2019 summer issue featured not models or actresses, but instead, three activists. Women also now play a significant role behind the camera. It's a clear contrast to Playboy's origins, when women had very little autonomy. Whether Playboy's efforts to be more empowering can save the magazine remains to be seen. A lot has changed since Hugh Hefner started Playboy, and it's unclear whether it'll survive. But there's always the logo, and that's a billion-dollar legacy.

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Kylie Jenner deleted a video showing off a $3 million Bugatti after fans criticized her for flaunting her wealth, but it's only one of her many luxury cars. Check out the billionaire makeup mogul's multimillion-dollar fleet.

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Kylie Jenner

Aside from having nearly 150 million followers on Instagram and a pricey collection of rare Hermès handbags, Kylie Jenner also has an impressive collection of luxury cars. 

Ranging from a new $3 million white Bugatti Chiron to an orange Lamborghini Aventador, the 22-year-old makeup mogul has a car for just about every occasion. ELLE Australia reports that her impressive collection even includes an ultra-rare $2.2 million dollar LaFerrari Aperta and estimates that her entire fleet is worth more than $14 million. 

Read more: The Kardashians are launching a business to sell clothes from their own closets as resale is poised to become a $51 billion market.

And though Jenner recently deleted an Instagram video showing off her luxe new Bugatti, plenty of car photos remain on her feed, proving that the top mogul is also a top car collector.

Keep reading to see which other luxury cars Jenner has collected over the years.

SEE ALSO: From luxury yachts to private beachfront mansions: this is how much it costs to vacation like a Kardashian

DON'T MISS: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are collectively worth over half a billion dollars. Here's a look inside the couple's real-estate portfolio, from their sprawling Wyoming ranch to their $60 million Hidden Hills mansion.

Kylie Jenner has an impressive collection of luxury cars.

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Source: Instagram 



Earlier this week, fresh off her split with Travis Scott, Jenner showed off her new Bugatti Chiron in an Instagram video she later deleted, prompted by massive backlash where fans accused the billionaire of flaunting her wealth.

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CNN reports that the Bugatti Chiron is worth about $3 million. 

Source: Youtube

Read more: Kylie Jenner deleted an Instagram video of her new $3 million Bugatti Chiron after being criticized for flaunting her wealth

 



She also owns an impressive orange Lamborghini Aventador.

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The car is reportedly worth $400,000.

Source: Instagram



She also owns a Mercedes AMG G63. The Sun reported that, in 2018, she had this Mercedes painted bright orange — so it would match the Lamborghini Aventador "just for the summer." (Because why not?)

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Source: Instagram, The Sun



She also has a maroon Mercedes G-Wagon, which was possibly a breakup gift to herself after her relationship with Tyga ended in 2017. (It's not clear whether she still owns this one.)

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Source: Instagram, HollywoodLife



But before they broke up, her then-boyfriend had gifted her a Maybach in 2016, for her 19th birthday.

According to InTouch, the Maybach is worth about $200,000. 

Source: Twitter, TMZ



In December 2018, the Kylie Cosmetics founder made headlines when she showed off a custom-made ice blue Rolls Royce, which she called her "dream car."

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Source: Instagram, W Magazine



Earlier that year, Jenner also posted about her rare LaFerrari, which was gifted to her as a "push present" by her then-boyfriend, Travis Scott, according to People.

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The LaFerrari starts at $1.4 million.

Source: Instagram, People



There are only 210 La Ferrari's in the entire world, according to ELLE Australia.

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Source: Instagram, ELLE Australia



She also owns a black Mercedes G-Wagon ...

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Source: Instagram,  Instagram



... and a white, vintage Rolls Royce.

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It was yet another present from Travis Scott, this time for Jenner's 21st birthday, according to E! News.

Source: Instagram



This black Range Rover has also made an appearance on her Instagram feed.

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Source: Instagram



Jenner is clearly a Ferrari fan. She has a Ferrari 458 Italia Spider, which seems to have originally come in white ...

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Source: Instagram, Best Ride, HollywoodLife



... and this 488 Ferrari Spider. Per The Drive, Jenner got this car at the same time her older sister Kendall got a matching one in 2016, then had it painted over in a chic metallic hue by West Coast Customs.

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According to Life & Style, the 488 Silver Ferrari has a starting price of $280,000. 

Source: Instagram, The Drive



In addition, she has a maroon Rolls Royce.

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Source: Instagram



A red Rolls Royce Wraith has a starting price of $300,000, according to InTouch.

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Source: Instagram, InTouch



She's also shown off a black Rolls Royce ...

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Source: Instagram



... and a blue Rolls Royce.

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Source: Instagram



And a taupe Rolls Royce! (Jenner is nothing if not colorful.)

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It's unclear whether some of these are the same Rolls Royce with a makeover or different cars entirely — Jenner does have a penchant for wrapping and painting her cars when she's in the mood for a change.

Source: Instagram



And finally, another G-Wagon.

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Source: Instagram



I stepped on board a yacht for the very first time, a sleek Champagne-colored vessel for sale at an undisclosed price. Here's a look inside the 150-foot, Bugatti-designed superyacht.

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HOKULANI

  • I recently attended the Monaco Yacht Show, a glamorous four-day event where an estimated 30,000 people came to see more than $4.3 billion worth of yachts displayed in Port Hercules.
  • At the show, I stepped foot onboard a yacht for the very first time.
  • The first vessel I toured was Hokulani, a 150-foot, Champagne-colored superyacht that's for sale for an undisclosed price with yacht management firm Imperial Yachts.
  • The hull and superstructure were built in collaboration with Bugatti.
  • Hokulani can sleep up to 10 guests across five luxurious staterooms.
  • While I was impressed with the yacht at the time, I soon realized it was just a warm-up compared to the some of the absolutely massive and wildly opulent superyachts I would visit throughout the show.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Monaco Yacht Show is a glamorous four-day event held each September at the tiny, wealthy city-state on the French Riviera. It draws an estimated 30,000 yachting industry insiders, as well as customers interested in buying or chartering yachts.

I attended this year's yacht show and stepped onboard a yacht for the very first time. The first yacht I toured was Hokulani, a 150-foot, Champagne-colored yacht designed in collaboration with Bugatti. 

I wasn't allowed to take my own photos, but I got a private tour of the vessel with its captain, Luke.

Here's what it looked like.

SEE ALSO: Here's what it's like to attend the Monaco Yacht Show — in a country where the poverty rate is 0 — when you are not a millionaire

DON'T MISS: I spent 2 days at the Monaco Yacht Show, and never in my entire life have I felt so out of place

At the end of September, I attended the Monaco Yacht Show, a glitzy four-day event that brings an estimated 30,000 yachting industry insiders, as well as yacht owners, buyers, and charter customers, to Monaco, a tiny sovereign city-state on the French Riviera.

My first day at the yacht show, I got the chance to step on board a yacht for the very first time.

I was looking forward to experiencing the sheer opulence of being on a yacht and getting a glimpse at the lavish living quarters and luxe design details.



The first yacht I was able to tour was Hokulani, a 150-foot superyacht with a distinctive, Champagne-colored hull.

The American-made vessel was built by the Palmer Johnson shipyard, which is based in Wisconsin.

The hull and superstructure were designed in collaboration with Bugatti along with Italy-based studio Nuvolari Lenard.

I wasn't allowed to take my own photos of the yacht, but I got a private tour with the captain, Luke.



Launched in 2007, Hokulani has been cruising the waters of the Mediterranean since 2011, Luke told me.

Before that, it was based in Miami, Florida.

Luke told me he's a big fan of its Champagne hue.

"It's so different; every other boat you see is white," he said. "Not everyone's gonna like it ... but when you pull up in Saint Tropez, in Monaco, you've got people queuing up to get photos because there's nothing like it around."



The yacht's main deck is decorated in neutral tones, with new dark-toned wooden floors put in this year.

The yacht has all new TVs, an all-new internet system, and all the latest 4K ultra-high-definition TVs.

"It's got a fantastic IT system because one of the requests of the clients was to have fast internet so he could game live," Luke told me.

The yacht also has a brand-new cinema room installed in 2019.



The spacious master suite comes with a king-size bed with a study area and walk-in wardrobe.



The luxe master bathroom comes with a deep soaking tub.



Hokulani can sleep up to 10 guests in five staterooms. In addition to the master cabin, there are two twin bedrooms ...



... and two identical VIP cabins.

The yacht also sleeps seven crew members, but the crew's quarters were not included in the tour.



The main deck salon and dining area seats up to 12 guests.



A folding balcony offers an additional spot to enjoy the sunshine and look out over the water.



The sun deck has plenty of space for sunbathing, as well as an al fresco dining area.

With its abundance of sun lounging areas and large cabins, Hokulani is "a great all-around family boat," Luke said.



And then there's bridge, where the captain cruises the boat at 20 knots, with a maximum speed of 24 knots.

Hokulani is quite a fast boat, according to Luke.

"You can get from here to Sardinia [or] Corsica very quickly in eight, nine hours," he said. "You can get to Capri pretty quickly, go to Ibiza. This sort of boat, the speed you can do gets you anywhere pretty quickly."



While touring Hokulani, I was impressed with its unique Champagne color and luxurious living quarters.

But as I would realize later that day and the next, the superyachts that I would see next — including Amadea and Tis, two of the largest and most extravagant yachts at this year's show —would be on an entirely different level.



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