• Packing is, frankly, a pretty awful experience that's second only to unpacking.
• The eBags Packing Cubes make the entire ordeal more pleasurable by allowing you to fit more stuff into your luggage.
• See also: The best carry-on luggage you can buy

I often think that I would enjoy packing for vacation a lot more if I had a better system for doing the job. As it stands now, I just toss everything I can possibly imagine needing or wanting on my trip into a suitcase with no real rhyme or reason and hope for the best. This method ensures none of my things are organized very well.

Packing cubes are a great solution for messy packers like myself. Not only do they help you store your things in an orderly manner, they also help you fit more things, which is always of interest to me. Most packing cubes are also made of durable materials meant to withstand wear and tear from rough travel — I wouldn't want to take a trip through an airport baggage claim carousel, would you? — and some even compress down to save space.

If you haven't been traveling with packing cubes but are ready to start, you've come to the right place. Here, I've rounded up the top expert-approved packing cubes that will make your life so much easier on your next out of town journey.

Here are the best packing cubes you can buy:

• Best packing cubes overall: eBags Packing Cubes 6pc Value Set
• Best affordable packing cubes: AmazonBasics Packing Cubes
• Best stylish packing cubes: Away Packing Cubes
• Best light packing cubes: Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Cube Set
• Best compression packing cubes: Eagle Creek Compression Cube Set

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices and formatting. Added a few related links. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

The best packing cubes overall

These no-fuss packing cubes from eBags fit everything you need for a vacation without taking up too much space in your suitcase. 

The eBags Packing Cubes come recommended by just about every travel expert on the internet, and tons of shoppers, too. Their popularity comes down to two factors: versatility and durability. One of the best-rated sets is the 6-piece Value Set, which includes large, medium, and small packing cubes as well as three "slim" packing cubes for just under $50.

These packing cubes will certainly fit in your suitcase for travel, but they'd also be great at-home storage options for off-season clothing or even corralling unruly socks and underwear in a drawer.

The cubes are made of colorful nylon with mesh panels on top so you can easily tell what's inside, and they stack for compact storage. The variety of sizes coupled with a lifetime warranty makes them the perfect choice for frequent travelers.

Insider Picks reporter David Slotnick is a big fan of these cubes, as are writers at The Wirecutter, Trip Savy, BestReviews, and Travel + Leisure. The Value Set has 10,000+ reviews and a 4.8 rating (out of 5 stars).  

"The cubes are deceptively spacious," reads the most helpful review on the eBags site. Another fan says, "These are especially handy if you are staying at multiple locations on a trip."

Pros: Multiple sizes, mesh panels help you see the contents while cube is closed, durable nylon material, lifetime warranty

Cons: Pricier than some brands (but you get variety)

Buy the eBags Packing Cubes 6pc Value Set for $44.99

The best affordable packing cubes

Save money on an effective packing cube set with the AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cubes.

With more than 1,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.6 star rating, the AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set is one of the most popular on the market. It's great news if you want to save some cash, because the entire package is available for only $23. But as the rave reviews suggest, the low price doesn't mean you're missing out on quality.

If you don't travel very frequently you may not want to invest in more luxe packing cubes, in which case, these would be perfect.

As The Wirecutter writer Jack Chance points out, the AmazonBasics cubes are reminiscent of eBags in "size, shape, and design." The quality is not identical, of course, but you get comparable benefits and if you treat the AmazonBasics version well the cubes will likely still last you for a long time. Plus they aren't that expensive to replace.

The AmazonBasics set is also recommended by BestReviews.com, who liked the quality of the polyester material and the color selection but did note the zipper quality left something to be desired.

Pros: Four cubes for under-$20, durable, mesh panels on top, multiple color options

Cons: Experts say quality of materials is lesser than pricier options

Buy the AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set for $22.99

The best stylish packing cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes from luggage brand Away help you store items efficiently in your suitcase without ruining the aesthetic.

Functional packing cubes are all well and good, but they usually leave something to be desired for the fashion-forward. Frankly, they aren't all that cute. Then there are the Away Insider Packing Cubes, those chicly minimalist black boxes that pair beautifully with your nice luggage and don't skimp on practicality.

If you went through the trouble to invest in an endlessly Instagrammable Away suitcase, you don't want to ruin the whole vibe with unattractive packing cubes. Luckily, Away's in-house cubes are really good.

You can opt for a set of four cubes or a set of six, which includes every available size the brand currently carries, or buy them individually. Made of waterproof black nylon, each cube is topped with a panel of mesh that helps you find what you're looking for quickly when on-the-go.

We've featured them here at Insider Picks, and they also come recommended by Men's Journal.

Pros: Stylish, come in three sizes and two widths, waterproof, mesh panel

Cons: Not cheap, smaller than some options

Buy the Away Insider Packing Cubes for $45 (set of four)

The best lightweight packing cubes

If normal packing cubes are too heavy for you, try the lightweight Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Cubes made of breathable, translucent fabric.

For travelers who need to keep their luggage lightweight, there's the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Cube Set. The cubes are made of a slim, translucent and water resistant nylon material that weighs less than most of the competition.

You can still fit a lot of stuff inside the cubes, too. A 3-piece set includes extra small, small, and medium sized cubes. The featherweight fabric of the bags themselves makes this a great option for trips that involve a lot of lugging.

As our own David Slotnick puts it, "the bags are perfect for anything from backpacking to hoping that your checked bag isn't left outside during a storm."

These are also great for throwing in your hand-held luggage or duffle bag for a long weekend away, and we love the fact that you can see through them. The Specter Tech Cube Set also comes recommended by Travel + Leisure and The Wirecutter.

Pros: Lightweight, translucent fabric, water-resistant, stain-resistant

Cons: Only come in three sizes

Buy the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Cube Set for $39.95

The best compression packing cubes

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes pack down to help you fit the most items possible in your luggage. 

I probably first saw compression cubes in an infomercial when I was like 12, and I've always thought they were genius. What a way to save space! The Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cube Set comes with full-size and half-size cubes that compress down and help you fit the mostin your travel bag.

The compression happens courtesy of the two-way zipper, so you don't need any fancy gadgets to shrink the bags down. According to TripSavy, "[t]he cubes can save up to 80 percent packing volume." That's a lot of extra room that you can either fill with more stuff or leave empty for lighter weight luggage.

With 86 Amazon reviews and a 4.5 rating, this is a popular choice with consumers. One reviewer said the cubes helped them pack only carry-on luggage for a three-week trip abroad, and another said "I travel a lot and this is, by far, in the top ten of my best travel purchases."

TravelSavy pointed out that the compression aspect may cause wrinkles in clothing, but I personally think this would cut down on the wrinkling from my preferred method of tossing everything willy nilly into the bottom of your bag.

Pros: Compress down with a zipper to save room

Cons: Only come in two sizes, don't completely flatten, might wrinkle clothing

Buy the Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes for $36.95

Check out our other great travel gear buying guides

The best carry-on luggage

Sometimes you just don't want to check your luggage, so you need a reliable carry-on bag that you can bring onboard the plane. Of all the carry-on bags we've researched and tested, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright is the best with its sturdy wheels, smart compression technology, and lifetime warranty. Here are our top picks for the best carry-on luggage bags:

• Best overall: Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright
• Best for those in a rush: Travelpro Platinum Magna Express Spinner Suiter
• Best for versatility: Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel
• Best for traveling with a laptop: Incase EO Travel Hardshell Roller
• Best for charging your phone: Away Carry-On
• Best for organizer packers: Timbuk2 Co-Pilot Luggage Roller
• Best affordable bag: American Tourister IIite Max Softside Spinner 21
• Best stylish bag: Delsey Chalet Wheel Spinner Carry On

• Snapchat does notify people when you take a screenshot of others' content on the app. 
• The app will send an alert if you screenshot a photo or video, insert the message "You took a screenshot!" into the text if you screenshot a chat, and show a screenshot icon in the viewers section of a user's story. 
• Because the very essence of Snapchat is the ephemeral nature of the media, the app doesn't make it easy to capture screenshots on the sly.
• There are ways to capture an image of a Snapchat photo, video, or chat without notifying the other party – but you might want to question your motives before doing so.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

So you really want to take a screenshot of that hilarious chat or memorable photo on Snapchat? 

Go right ahead, take the screenshot — but know that the other party using Snapchat is going to get a notification saying that you took a screenshot. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10+ (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

iPad (From $329.99 at Best Buy)

Snapchat will notify users when a screenshot is taken for photos, videos, chats, and stories

Snapchat will notify a user when another user has taken a screenshot of their photo, video, chat conversation, or Snapchat story. 

Photo and video screenshots will display a screenshot alert, a chat screenshot will produce the words "You took a screenshot!" in your chat, and a story screenshot displays a screenshot icon in the viewers section of a user's story. 

If you want to take a screenshot on Snapchat without the other person knowing, you have to get clever. 

But make sure you're not being unlawful or deceitful in the process. Just because you can screenshot on Snapchat without someone knowing doesn't mean you should. 

How to get around a screenshot notification on Snapchat

Use another device to screenshot on Snapchat

The easiest way to secretly save a Snapchat screen is to use a different device as your camera. Grab an iPad, a different phone, or a camera and take a photo of the screen.

To get a higher resolution image, you can also mirror the Snapchat app on your iPhone or Android to a computer screen, and then take a screenshot on the computer.

Go offline and clear the cache before taking a screenshot

If you just want to take a screenshot of one Snapchat image, this is your best method. Launch the app but don't click the "New Snap!" you want to screenshot just yet.

Switch on Airplane Mode so your iPhone goes offline.

Now you can open the snap and screenshot it. Next, navigate to the Settings in Snapchat and select Clear Cache, then Clear All.

Now switch Airplane Mode off and get back to snapping as normal.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to see your friends list on Snapchat on an iPhone or Android phone

• How to make a private story on Snapchat that can only be seen by the friends you choose

• How to remove someone from a Snapchat group in 2 different ways

• 'Does Instagram notify you of screenshots?': Here's what you need to know

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How to take full advantage of the iPhone's new dark mode

• If your iPhone won't update to iOS 13, it might be because your device isn't compatible. Not all iPhone models can update to the latest OS.
• If your device is on the compatibility list, then you should also make sure you have enough free storage space to run the update.
• Your iPhone should also be connected to Wi-Fi and fully charged (or charging) to update to iOS 13.  
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

iOS 13, the newest operating system for the iPhone, is officially available for download. Installing iOS 13 can refresh your phone, making even an older model seem new again, and deliver some amazing new features. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

iPod Touch (7th Generation) (From $199.99 at Best Buy)

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

What to do if your iPhone won't update to iOS 13

For most people, the upgrade to iOS 13 should be straightforward, but if you're having trouble, check out these troubleshooting tips to get up and running with the newest version of iOS.

Check to make sure your iPhone is compatible

Not all older models can run the newest version of the operating system. According to Apple, these are the only iPhone models you can upgrade to iOS 13:

• All iPhone 11 models
• All iPhone X, iPhone XR, and iPhone XS models
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE

It's also available for the seventh generation iPod Touch.

Ensure you have enough available storage

If you have a compatible iPhone model, but it still won't update, you might not have enough free space. 

You'll need more than 2GB of free storage. You can see how much storage is available by checking your Settings app.

To see how, as well as how to free up additional space, see our article, "How to free up space on an iPhone that's running out of storage."

Make sure your phone has access to Wi-Fi and sufficient battery life

Your iPhone might not update if it doesn't have a Wi-Fi connection, or if the battery is running low. 

The best way to ensure your device can update is by performing the update at home or in an office where you have access to Wi-Fi and a charger.

Restart your iPhone

If your phone hasn't been restarted in a while, there could be a glitched app or other temporary issue preventing the update from occurring. 

Rebooting a computer can resolve a lot of problems, and your iPhone is no exception to this rule. See our article "How to restart and force-restart any iPhone model" to find out how to restart your iPhone. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'What is Raise to Wake on an iPhone?': How to enable or turn off the feature that lights up your iPhone screen when you lift it

• iOS 13 lets you automatically close tabs in the Safari browser on an iPhone after a set period of time — here's how to do it

• iOS 13 has a new feature that limits the data usage on your iPhone — here's how to use Low Data Mode

• How to copy and paste using gestures on an iPhone with iOS 13, and edit text in an instant

• Older generations have nailed down one aspect of dating apps that millennials haven't: flirting, according to Amy Nobile of New York City-based dating concierge service Love, Amy.
• Because millennials grew up with technology and dislike phone calls, they don't know to articulate flirting, Nobile told Business Insider.
• They've also lost the art of flirting because they tend to talk about their jobs, making conversation transactional, she said.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Millennials may know how to swipe, but they don't know how to flirt.

That's according to Amy Nobile, the 50-year-old founder of dating concierge service Love, Amy. Nobile founded the company in April 2019 as a side hustle, after finding "the love of her life" on Bumble post-divorce and helping her friends navigate their way through dating apps.

Seven months in, Nobile, whose rates will be $1,750 a month for a three-month minimum starting January 2020, has transformed the New York City-based Love, Amy into a full-fledged business: She said she's had 45 clients across the country, juggling six to seven at a time. From wardrobe consultations to photoshoots for dating app profiles, people of all genders, sexual orientations, and generations come to her for dating app help. 

Nobile told Business Insider she mostly sees two types of clients. The first and biggest set consists of millennials who have prioritized their careers over relationships; the second is Gen X and baby boomer post-divorcees who are re-entering the dating world. Nobile said she's picked up on one particular generational difference among them — and it's not about learning how to use a dating app.

Older generations are "100% better" at flirting

"Older generations are 100% better at flirting," she told Business Insider. "My millennial clients envy it."

Ironically, technology has put millennials at a disadvantage when it comes to dating apps: Because they grew up with it, they don't know how to flirt, Nobile said.

"It's a very interesting thing," she said. "Technology has become a primary source of communication, especially with the opposite sex. Millennials don't like to talk on the phone; on text, it's tough to flirt. They don't know how to articulate it."

Nobile helps them by "ghost bantering," or taking over their dating apps and chatting for them. But she's also teaching them how to flirt along the way so they can take these tools with them once they're done working together.

"The flirting part is lost among millennials because they're leading with their resumes," she said, referring to millennials who focus on discussing their jobs on dating apps or dates. "It's making conversation become a transitional dialogue. We need to go back to the old-fashioned way of flirting."

The key to good flirting, Nobile said, is to do it not in a sexual way, but in a warm, charming, or validating way. And when it comes to dating openers, forget a general and obvious line like "Hey beautiful," which can come off as insincere, she said. Instead, try Nobile's go to: "Happy Tuesday!" (or whatever day of the week it may be). According to her, throwing out a paragraph can be too exhausting or needy — keep it simple and just say hi.

For baby boomers and Gen X, on the other hand, once they get the hang of using dating apps, "they are really good at bantering because they know how to do it," she said.

SEE ALSO: Millennials, boomers, and Gen X are all paying one woman in NYC for dating app advice — here's where each generation struggles most to find a partner

DON'T MISS: Newly minted Silicon Valley millionaires don't know how to handle their money and it's ruining their love lives, says an elite matchmaker known as the 'Cupid of Silicon Valley'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.

• You can download apps on an iPhone for free in the App Store, which offers a wide range of free and paid apps. 
• It's easy to locate free apps on your iPhone by going to the Apps tab in the App Store, and then choosing the category for all the top free apps. 
• You can also identify free apps in the App Store by the download button, which is marked "Get" for all free apps (it will instead show a price if it costs money).
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple provides an enormous marketplace to get apps for your iPhone. While many of these apps are for purchase – they may cost anywhere from 99 cents to several dollars – there are a lot of free apps as well.

Some apps are free because in-app purchases are what mainly create revenue for the developer. Other apps rely on advertisements to generate revenue. 

Here's how to find those free apps on your iPhone. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to download apps on an iPhone for free

1. Open the App Store.

2. Search or browse for an app you want to install. You can use the tabs at the bottom of the screen – such as Games and Apps, or Search – to locate apps.

3. To see a roundup of free apps, tap "Apps," scroll down to the Free Apps section, and tap "See All."

The download button to the right of the app name tells you whether it is free, or if you've already downloaded it. You will see one of these indicators: 

• "Get" means that the app is free. To download it, tap "Get." Even though the app is free, you'll be asked to validate the download by entering your Apple ID (or use Touch ID or Face ID, depending upon how your iPhone is configured).   

• "Open" means it's already installed on your phone. Tap "Open" to launch the app.
• A cloud icon means you already own the app. It had been installed in the past and was deleted. You can tap it to download it again. 
• A price indicates that it's a paid app, and it will show how much it costs.  

You can also tap the name of the app to open a page with more detailed information, and download it from there.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to transfer all of your apps onto a new iPhone, using iCloud or the App Store

• How to turn off in-app purchases on your iPhone, so your kids don't accidentally run up your credit card

• iOS 13 has a new feature that limits the data usage on your iPhone — here's how to use Low Data Mode

• The 5 best games you can play on an Apple Watch

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How to use PS4 And Xbox controllers with the iPhone

• With prying eyes around, you may want to want to hide your iPhone photos, which you can do easily in the Photos app.
• But if you went overboard with privacy concerns, you can also unhide photos on an iPhone in a few simple steps. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Whether it's a snooping partner, curious coworker, or nosy roommate, there are plenty of reasons to want to hide some of your iPhone photos.

But there are also plenty of reasons you may feel that you've gone too far when it comes to your personal privacy concerns. 

After all, when you hide a photo in the Photos album, you've banished it, in a sense: You can no longer see those photos in your Moments, Years, and Collections view.

Fortunately, if you feel you've gone too far when it comes to your privacy, there is a way to undo your due diligence — you can unhide photos on your iPhone. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to unhide photos on an iPhone using the Photos app

1. Open the Photos app and tap the Albums tab. 

2. Scroll down to the "Other Albums" section.

3. Tap "Hidden" in the menu.

4. Tap "Select" in the top right corner.

5. Select the photos you want to unhide.

6. Tap the bottom left icon, typically associated with uploading or sharing, that looks like a square with an arrow pointing up.

7. Select "Unhide" from the pop-up menu. 

Read more coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to rename photo albums on an iPhone to keep your Photos app organized

• How to flip a picture on your iPhone using the Photos app in iOS 13, or a third-party app

• 'What is the Clips app on an iPhone?': How to use your iPhone's free video-editing app, and make custom videos for social media

• How to share a photo album on your iPhone using iCloud, and let any of your friends view and add photos to it

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: All the new iPhone iOS 13 gestures you need to know

• You'll need to enable in-app purchases on your iPhone to unlock additional features or content in many apps and games.
• If you find that in-app purchases aren't enabled on your iPhone, the most likely problem is that they've been turned off in Screen Time settings. Open Screen Time to enable in-app purchases.
• If you still can't make in-app purchases, the payment information associated with your Apple ID might be out of date. Correct it in the Settings app.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Some iPhone apps have additional features or content which you can only access by making in-app purchases. 

In general, you don't need to do anything special to enable in-app purchases — just open the app, find the feature or content you want to buy, and complete the in-app purchase according to the instructions in the app. It'll use the payment method connected to your Apple ID account.

If you can't make an in-app purchase on your iPhone, though, it's likely that they have been disabled in the Screen Time settings on your phone. Here's how to enable them again.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to enable in-app purchases on iPhone

1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap "Screen Time."

3. Tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions."

4. If it's not grayed out, tap "iTunes & App Store Purchases." If it is grayed out, then you don't have Screen Time set up and should skip to the next solution.

5. Tap "In-app Purchases."

6. If In-app Purchases is currently set to "Don't Allow," tap "Allow."

7. Tap "Back" and close the Settings app.

You should now be able to make in-app purchases. 

If they weren't disabled in Screen Time, though, or if making that change didn't enable in-app purchases for you, there's one other possibility: Your payment information associated with your Apple ID might be out of date. 

Here's how to check that:

1. Start the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the screen.

2. Tap "Payment & Shipping." You might need to enter your Apple ID password.

3. Verify that your credit card or PayPal information is up to date. If needed, add or edit your payment information. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Why won't my iPhone download apps?': How to troubleshoot your iPhone in 4 ways if apps won't download

• 'Why is my iPhone not sending messages?': How to troubleshoot iPhone messaging issues

• How to see old notifications on your iPhone in the Notification Center, and clear all your notifications at once

• 'Why won't my iPhone connect to Bluetooth?': How to fix your Bluetooth connection in 6 ways

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Extend your iPhone battery life with a new iOS 13 feature

• Halloween draws from both Celtic and Christian traditions.
• While it's always had a morbid, spooky vibe, the festivities have changed quite a lot over the centuries.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Halloween is the spookiest night of the year.

It's also a boon to the retail industry. According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending in the US is projected to reach $8.8 billion in 2019.

And the Halloween fever isn't contained to the States, either. In fact, people around the world celebrate the holiday in many different ways.

But where did all these strange practices come from? Turns out, a lot of these customs date back centuries. The holiday has changed over time, transforming from an ancient tradition to the flashy fright fest we know and love today.

Let's take a look at the origins of some of our favorite Halloween traditions

SEE ALSO: Here's how Easter turned into a holiday with pastel bunnies and chocolate eggs

The word 'Halloween' was first popularized in a poem.

Scottish poet Robert Burns helped to popularize the word "Halloween" with his 1785 poem of the same name.

So where does the name itself come from? According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, it's actually two words smushed together. "Hallow" — or holy person — refers to the saints celebrated on All Saints' Day, which is November 1. The "een" part of the word is a contraction of "eve" — or evening before.

So basically, Halloween is just an old-fashioned way of saying "the night before All Saints' Day" — also called Hallowmas or All Hallows' Day.

This comes from the fact November 1 is All Saints' Day, a Christian feast dedicated to celebrating the faithful departed, including all the saints. In Christian tradition, people start celebrating major feasts the night before they take place — take Christmas Eve, for instance.

The day's morbid traditions go back to ancient times.

Historians have linked Halloween to Samhain, the Celtic festival of the summer's end celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.

According to Celtic mythology, the veil between the Otherworld and our world thins during Samhain, making it easier for spirits and the souls of the dead to return.

People would make offerings of food in order to get on the good side of these spirits and departed ancestors, according to the Mirror.

Allhallowtide, which includes All Saints' Eve, All Saints' Day, and the subsequent All Souls' Day, was initially celebrated in the spring, during the early years of the Church.

Pope Gregory IV switched it to the current date in 837, according to Britannica. His reasons were unclear, although influence from Celtic factions of the church and the fact that it makes sense to commemorate death during the fall are possibilities.

Bobbing for apples used to be more than just a splashy party game.

Halloween has come to be most closely associated with the pumpkin, but apples have played an important role in its history.

After all, apples make numerous appearances in Celtic mythology and are often connected to the Otherworld.

Bobbing for apples remains a popular party game.

The reason? Well, the practice used to be considered a form of divination performed around Halloween, according to NPR. That's right — people would dunk their heads in a vat of water and try to bite into floating fruit in a quest to figure out their future spouse.

Ladies would mark an apple and toss it into the tub. The thinking was they'd be destined to whoever pulled it out of the water.

Jack-o'-lanterns symbolize a fateful deal with the Devil.

If you ever meet the Devil on a darkened road, don't try to trick him into climbing a tree.

Otherwise, you might end up like Irish folk figure Jack O'Lantern.

Modern day, intricately designed pumpkin creations certainly make for impressive decorations. But back in the day, folks in Ireland dubbed their carved, fiery turnips "jack-o'-lanterns" thanks in part to an ominous legend.

One night, a conniving local drunkard named Jack trapped the Prince of Darkness in a tree by hacking a sign of the cross into the bark. In exchange for letting Satan climb down, Jack had him vow to never claim his soul.

Jack proceeded to act like a jerk his whole life. When he died, he sure as heck was not allowed in heaven. So he tried to return to his old pal, the Devil. But Satan upheld his end of the deal, hurling a piece of coal from hell at the dead man for good measure.

Left without anywhere to go, Jack placed the blazing coal in a turnip to use as a lantern. The dead man then set out, doomed to wander until he can find an eternal resting place.

Trick-or-treating has ancient precedent — but the candy part didn't come about until much later.

Modern day trick-or-treating is a confluence of various traditions.

Ancient Celts dressed up as evil spirits in order to confuse demons, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

In medieval England, "soulers" would go around begging rich folk for "soul cakes" on Halloween. Instead of threatening to play tricks, however, they'd pray for peoples' souls in return for the cake, according to "The Compleat Teacher's Almanack."

Throughout medieval Europe, mummering — dressing in disguises and visiting neighborhoods while dancing, playing music, and doing tricks — was popular on major feast days.

TIME reported Irish and Scottish immigrants brought "souling" to the States in the 1800s. But modern day trick-or-treating didn't catch on in the US until the 1920s.

The practice was pretty controversial into the 1950s, though. According to the American Journal of Play's "Gangsters, Pranksters, and the Invention of Trick-or-Treating," many adults raised "stern objections" to trick-or-treating over the decades, as it was often viewed as a form of extortion.

The "Bloody Mary" ritual has unclear origins (and various practices).

Late folklorist and UC Berkeley professor Alan Dundes wrote an article titled "Bloody Mary in the Mirror: A Ritual Reflection of Pre-Pubescent Anxiety" about the various origins and practices of the "Bloody Mary" ritual, also known as "Mary Worth" and "Mary Whales."

Many versions of the ritual include the elements of a girl peering into a mirror (often in a bathroom), darkness, blood, chanting, and the appearance of the cursed "Mary."

Black cats have been associated with the supernatural for hundreds of years.

Black cat costumes are particularly popular on Halloween. 

"In the Middle Ages, black cats were often portrayed as the famliars of witches, which is likely to be the origin of the distrust with which they are regarded in America, where early Puritan settlers rejected anything associated with the Devil and witch," Chloe Rhodes wrote in "Black Cats and Evil Eyes: A Book on Old-fashioned Superstition."

According to History.com, it was also believed in the Middle Ages that witches transformed into black cats to conceal themselves.

• A flat exercise ball is as worthless as that idle exercise machine you currently use to hang laundry.
• If you want a thick-walled exercise ball that holds air well even after it's been punctured, the TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball will deliver.
• See also: The best yoga blocks you can buy
  

Exercise balls have been around for a long time, but not everyone is a believer. After all, how can a big round ball be safe for sitting on or using as an exercise tool that'll help maintain your balance and support your weight? Or maybe you are like me, and every time you see one, you want to let your inner child try to kick the giant ball over the roof of your house.

The truth is exercise balls may look silly, but they work for a host of exercises where you need flexible support. Even though the exercise balls are round, they'll give you a base that's more solid than you might think.

If you can prevent your dog from chasing it or your kids from borrowing it for a neighborhood game of giant dodgeball, you'll be impressed by the benefits an exercise ball can provide.

Even though it may go against everything you've been taught, a round object can provide impressive stability. Your weight compresses the ball to give it a flatter, more stable edge. It certainly isn't as stable as a chair, but it's more stable than you might expect it to be.

Exercise balls are great for everything from active seating in the office to working out at the gym. That's why we've done the research to find the best ones you can buy.

Here are the best exercise balls you can buy:

• Best exercise ball overall: TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball
• Best portable exercise ball: DynaPro Exercise Ball
• Best tough exercise ball: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball
• Best budget exercise ball: Wacces Fitness and Exercise Ball

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices, links, and formatting. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

SEE ALSO: The best foam rollers you can buy to relieve your muscles

The best overall

The TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball holds air better than most exercise balls — even if it's punctured.

One common complaint among exercise ball fans is the inability of the ball to hold air over time. As air ekes out of the ball, it loses its firmness and becomes difficult to use. Luckily, the TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball is one of the thickest-walled balls you can buy, and it holds air longer than most of the competition.

Even if it's punctured, the ball will deflate very slowly, allowing you to finish your exercise session. In its review, the Garage Gym Builder says this patented slow deflation technology is a great feature that ensures your safety while exercising with the ball.

Because the Theraband Exercise Ball retains air so well, you won't have to reinflate it that often, which is a very good thing because this ball does take quite a bit of time to inflate in the first place. In fact, one Amazon buyer says the TheraBand ball is difficult to inflate properly.

The ability of this exercise ball to hold air well and maintain its shape gives it a firm feeling that other exercise balls cannot match, according to one Amazon reviewer, and many other reviewers agree.

The TheraBand ball has just the right type of surface for grip-ability, says The Wirecutter, because it isn't too slippery or sticky. Gym Gear Info also likes the durability of the TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball, which is also latex and phthalate free.

The exercise ball is available in four sizes from 45 cm to 75 cm and it comes in a few colors.

Pros: Maintains its shape and holds air better than other exercise balls, includes a slow deflate technology if the ball is punctured, extremely firm, has a good surface for just the right amount of grip, offered in four sizes

Cons: Takes a long time to inflate, no inflation pump included, only one color per size

The best budget ball

If you want an affordable exercise ball that's also durable, the Wacces Fitness and Exercise ball is a great option.

With some low priced exercise balls, you may feel leery about placing your full weight on them for fear of an exploding ball that leaves you crashing onto the floor. But the durability of the Wacces Fitness and Exercise Ball gives you the peace of mind you'll need to use this inexpensive ball to its fullest.

Even though it's less expensive than other options, this ball is still quite durable and has a good grippy surface. The biggest downside is that it doesn't support as much weight as more high-end exercise balls.

Most buyers really like this exercise ball for its affordable price and say it works quite well. One Amazon reviewer says this ball stands up to constant use for exercise and for sitting at a desk.

In its review, Gym Ventures says its a good durable ball, but it does need to be re-inflated more often than others. However, a few Amazon reviewers say it's extremely difficult to fully inflate it initially.

You can pick between three different sizes, ranging from 55 cm to 75 cm. It's also available in eight colors, including black, blue, gray, green, pink, purple, red, or yellow.

Pros: Extremely low price point, good build quality versus similarly priced exercise balls, surface has just enough grip to prevent slippage, ribs around circumference of ball provide extra grip, offered in eight colors

Cons: Only available in three sizes, difficult to fully inflate it first time you use it, doesn't hold air pressure as well as some models

The best portable ball

The DynaPro Exercise Ball is extremely durable and will hold its air pressure nicely, but it's also portable, thanks to its easy-to-carry hand pump.

When you're looking for an exercise ball you can take with you anywhere, the DynaPro Exercise Ball is a good idea. It ships with a hand pump and inflates faster than many other balls, so you can be ready to use it within several minutes.

The ball is available in four sizes, ranging from 45 cm to 75 cm, and it features slight ribs around the circumference of the ball to ensure a steady grip. You can get it in a few fun colors, including pink, blue, silver, gray, and black.

In its review, Thoroughly Reviewed says the DynaPro ball is great for gym goers because you can quickly inflate it anywhere with the included pump.

Like many exercise balls, you can also use it for active seating in your office. One Amazon buyer says the DynaPro exercise ball is a perfect option for using as a substitute for a desk chair, because unlike most exercise balls, it's available in gray or black, which fits in better with an office setting than a brightly colored ball. 

This is a tough, durable exercise ball, too. The Garage Gym Builder points out that it has a 2,000-pound burst rating. The ball will also slowly deflate if it ever suffers a puncture, allowing you to finish your workout safely.

Many reviewers even favorably compare the DynaPro to the high-quality exercise balls you'd find at an athletic club.

However, the ball cannot be inflated fully the first time you use it. You'll have to inflate it fully after it's had 2-3 days to stretch out. Additionally, a few Amazon reviewers say the DynaPro ball is not as firm as it should be to provide the proper support for exercising.

Pros: Good price point, easy to fill while on the go because of included hand pump, very durable material in the ball, prevents fast leaks when it suffers a puncture, available in four sizes and four different colors

Cons: Cannot fully inflate the ball the first time you use it, firmness level of the ball seems below average

The best tough ball

The Live Infinitely Exercise Ball receives high marks for its durability and ability to stand up to tough workouts.

We don't expect anyone to routinely put 2,200 pounds of pressure on the Live Infinitely Exercise Ball, but if you do, you can feel comfortable that this tough exercise ball can stand up to the pressure.

If you're looking for a tough exercise ball that's also really large, the Live Infinitely model is one of the few that comes in five sizes ranging from 55 cm to 95 cm. You can also choose between five colors, including blue, green, gray, purple, and silver.

In its review, Runner Click liked the durability and high burst weight rating of the Live Infinitely ball, even though it carries only an average price point. This ball stands up well to rough workouts, according to one Amazon reviewer, and performs well under stress.

The ball ships with a detailed exercise e-book, which Empower Moms says is a great feature for helping you learn to use the ball properly. The Lifevest also likes all of the online tools you gain access to when you buy a Live Infinitely ball, as well as the high-quality materials used in the construction of this ball.

As for downsides, a few Amazon reviewers say fully inflating the Live Infinity Exercise Ball is extremely difficult.

Pros: Excellent price point, durable and tough exercise ball that can withstand 2,200 pounds of weight, available in a diameter as large as 95 cm, five color and five size options, includes a large library of online exercise guides

Cons: There is no 45 cm diameter size option in this model, difficult to fully inflate this ball

Exercise ball benefits and features

Exercise ball benefits

Here are some of the primary benefits exercise balls can provide, according to FitWatch, FitDay, and AFPA Fitness.

• Better balance: You'll naturally strengthen your abs and back muscles while using the exercise ball because you must subtly shift your weight to remain balanced on the ball. As these muscles strengthen, your overall balance will improve.
• Core strength: Athletes constantly talk about the importance of having core strength in the body, as it gives you great balance and coordination. Using an exercise ball increases core strength.
• Muscle work: Because you have to continually adjust your weight slightly to maintain your balance on the ball, you'll be using different muscle groups, which benefits your whole body.
• Rehabilitation and flexibility: You'll stretch muscles and joints while moving around. Physical therapists sometimes assign a set of exercises using an exercise ball for people to follow as part of rehabilitating a specific joint or muscle group to gain more range of motion.
• Specific exercises: If you enjoy exercises like Pilates or yoga, you'll gain some additional benefits by incorporating an exercise ball into the routine.
• Spinal support: The way the body and exercise ball interact relieves pressure on the spine when you are sitting on the ball. To use the ball properly, you will need good posture, which also will help your spine and will alleviate back pain.

Exercise ball features

Yes, an exercise ball is a simple, large round ball. Yes, at first glance every exercise ball looks like every other exercise ball. But still, there are several key differences that you can pay attention to when looking to find just the right exercise ball to meet your needs.

• Adding Air: Some exercise balls include an air pump. However, most of these pumps work very slowly. If you want a faster option, you should be able to use almost any type of pump to inflate your exercise ball, such as an air mattress pump, a bicycle tire pump, or even an air compressor. Physio Works says you can determine when the ball is properly filled with air by measuring its diameter. To determine the diameter, go back to your fifth-grade math class: Measure the circumference and then divide by pi [3.14] to determine the diameter.
• Extras: Depending on the model of exercise ball you pick, you may find the ball ships with an air pump, exercise bands, a stability ring, stability legs, a measuring tape, an exercise tip guide, or handles built into the ball. 
• Size: The size of a stability ball is determined by its diameter. As Spine-Health says, common sizes of exercise balls range from 45 cm to 85 cm in 10 cm intervals. (Ten centimeters is roughly 4 inches.) People shorter than 5 feet will have the best results with sitting on a 45 cm ball, 6-feet-tall people will want a 65 cm ball, and those 6-foot-8 and taller will want an 85 cm ball. 
• Supported weight: Exercise balls should offer supported weight limits for static weight and body weight, according to Livestrong. Static weight refers to the weight the ball supports without bursting when the user is not moving. Body weight refers to the weight it can support when the user is exercising. High-end balls may support static weight limits of 2,200 pounds and body weights of 500 pounds. A stability ball placed under too much weight or stress could burst.

• The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), touted as the biggest boat show in the country, will be held October 30 through November 3.
• Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the show expects 110,000 attendees, 1,200 exhibitors, and 1,500 boats on display, according to a press release. It also anticipates over $500 million in direct sales, with purchases ranging from sunglasses to superyachts.
• Seven yachts are expected to make their world debut at FLIBS, including a megayacht with over-the-top amenities like a dance floor and a helicopter landing pad.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Over the course of five days, an estimated 110,000 attendees will flock to South Florida where 1,500 boats will be on display, over 100,000 glasses of beer will be consumed, and $508 million will change hands in the name of yachting.

Now in its 60th year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is known as the biggest in-water boat show in the US. With credentials like that, it's no wonder several boats will be making their world debut at the show, which will take place from October 30 through November 3.

The seven yachts that will be unveiled for the very first time at the boat show emphasize the direction the yachting industry is taking: increasingly technologically advanced vessels that still maintain an air of luxury. Some were designed with jet propulsion mechanisms while others were designed to function in all climates — but all were created with grandeur in mind.

Here are the yachts that are celebrating their world debuts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, listed by size in ascending order.

SEE ALSO: The world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht was unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show. Here's a look inside the game-changing 367-foot vessel concept.

DON'T MISS: Lexus just unveiled its first-ever luxury yacht, a sleek watercraft that'll cost about $3.6 million. Here's a closer look.

7. The PB70 is a vessel that was built just up the coast from the boat show in Palm Beach.

Length: 70 feet

Yard: Palm Beach Motor Yachts

It was designed with comfortable speed in mind, capable of reaching a cruising speed of 32 knots. The bow was built to slice through water rather than bounce atop it, promising a smooth ride with minimal wake.

6. The 84R Open, shown here as a concept, will be an 84-foot motoryacht that promises maximum light, even in the cabins.

Length: 84 feet

Yard: Ocean Alexander

It will also have interior detailing that features satin, with Cambria stone flooring and counter surfaces.

5. LeVen 90 is a Dutch-engineered superyacht that was built using renewable aluminum. It has a nearly silent propulsion system and a special hull allowing it to venture into shallow waters, unlike most vessels of its size.

Length: 90 feet

Yard: LeVen Yachts

The technologically advanced boat is on its way to Fort Lauderdale from the Netherlands, but it was originally designed to be the ideal Bahamas island hopper.

4. At 100 feet, the Marlow Voyager 100 is the yard's largest yacht to date and was specifically designed for extended stays in frigid or tropical climates.

Length: 100 feet

Yard: Marlow Yachts

The yacht was also designed and built in Florida, using carbon fiber and Kevlar.

3. The Hargrave G120 is a motoryacht that can accommodate 10 guests and six crew members and prioritizes speed and long-range efficiency.

Length: 120 feet

Yard: Hargrave Custom Yachts

Galati Yacht Sales specializes in selling to American luxury yacht buyers. They teamed up with Fort Lauderdale-based Hargrave Custom Yachts to design and build a vessel they envisioned would be perfect for their existing clientele.

2. BABA'S is another Hargrave Custom Yacht. At 186 feet, it is the largest yacht the yard has ever attempted and was built out of steel and aluminum.

Length: 186 feet

Yard: Hargrave Custom Yachts

The boat, on the way to Fort Lauderdale from Turkey, is even equipped with a "beach club" lounge on the stern.

1. Madsummer, a 311-foot megayacht built this year, will be the show's largest and most glamorous debut.

Length: 311 feet

Yard: Lürssen

The yacht can accommodate 20 guests, is outfitted with colorful interiors, and has amenities like a dance floor, a gym and spa, a helicopter landing pad, a swimming pool, and beach lounge. The yacht was signed for at the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

• The changing landscape of brick-and-mortar stores is challenging brands to get creative with the way they use physical retail spaces.
• Pop Up Grocer is an example of the new age of storefronts. It's a traveling pop-up grocery store that stocks innovative food and health brands. 
• Below, you'll find 13 of the brands that were featured in the NYC shop. Pop Up Grocer's next installation will be in LA, though the exact location has yet to be announced.

The way we shop is changing. We discover new brands on Instagram, drawn to their aesthetically-pleasing packaging. More and more startups are choosing to forgo physical retail spaces and keep their businesses entirely online. With the advent of features that make shopping online easier and more convenient than ever — like free 2-day shipping and in-store pickup— it can seem like brick-and-mortar stores will become obsolete. 

Yet, as efficient as online shopping is, there's something about getting to touch, feel, and see a product in person. Even in the midst of what's been called the retail apocalypse, most consumers still enjoy shopping in a physical store. The key to encouraging shoppers in a digital-first world to step inside your store? Get creative.

To keep up with the ever-changing needs and desires of consumers, many brands are dabbling in new, innovative physical retail concepts.

Small flagship stores, rotating, highly-curated in-store selections, interactive activations, and in-store services are just a few of the ways stores are creating experiences that not only serve their shoppers but excite them. Many brands are leaning into pop-up shops that not only showcase their products but bring consumers face-to-face with their (often digitally native) brand. 

Pop Up Grocer is shaking up the supermarket scene as we know it, and exemplifying what it takes to go physical in a digital world. The concept is a traveling, pop-up grocery store that stocks hundreds of products from some of today's most innovative natural food brands, like chips made from crickets and yogurt made from coconuts. The shop has announced that its next installation will be in LA, but we don't know where exactly. It was most recently found on the Bowery in Manhattan, and the bright interior was filled with colorful shopping carts, neatly lined, labeled shelves, and even a cute in-store cafe — an Instagrammable space to say the least. If you're in discovery mode looking for clean, natural food and health brands, Pop Up Grocer is an exciting entryway to keep your eye on. 

If you can't make it to the store, you can check out Pop Up Grocer online. Keep reading to learn more about 13 of the exciting brands we found at Pop Up Grocer and where you can buy them online. 

Magic Spoon

Shop Magic Spoon cereal here

Read our full review of Magic Spoon here

Delicious and nostalgia-inducing, there's nothing like a spoonful of your favorite sugary cereal. When you grow up and can actually read the ingredient labels yourself, your childhood breakfast of choice may seem more like a special treat than a nutritious meal.

Magic Spoon is giving those cereals an adult upgrade, taking away the unnecessary sugars and carbs and opting instead for a grain-free, high-protein creation that has all the comforts of the real deal with a lot less of the bad stuff. Plus, the boxes are still cute and even have a maze puzzle to appease the kids-at-heart. 

Banza

Shop Banza pasta and rice here

Read our full review of Banza chickpea pasta here

You may be surprised to find that the best-selling pasta at Whole Foods isn't even a traditional pasta at all. It's Banza, the healthy pasta-alternative made out of chickpeas. Banza noodles have double the protein, three times the fiber, and half the net carbs of traditional wheat pasta. Throw your favorite pesto or red sauce atop the penne, rigatoni, or gemelli, and you won't even be able to taste the difference. Banza has also expanded to boxed mac + cheese and chickpea-based rice. 

Flamingo

Shop Flamingo shaving products here

Read our full review of the Flamingo shaving products here

While it may not be a food product, grocery stores typically stock health and personal care products. So it makes sense that Flamingo — the women's personal care brand launched by men's grooming brand Harry's— was part of the pop-up.

Flamingo sells high-quality razors, shaving creams, and lotions, all at a fair price. The razors are ergonomically-designed to work for those hard-to-shave places, like around your knees and ankles. The body lotion and shave gel are formulated with natural, soothing ingredients your skin will love. 

RightRice

Shop RightRice rice alternatives here

Read our full review of RightRice here

If you can turn cauliflower into pizza crust, you can turn veggies into rice. RightRice is a better-for-you alternative to the traditional grain. RightRice grains are made from a blend of lentil, chickpea, and pea flour, plus a little rice flour for a chewy texture.

If you eat rice often, this veggie-packed option offers more than two times the protein and five-times the fiber, making it a nutritious swap. In addition to the original, you can choose from a selection of delicious, flavored grains, like Garlic Herb and Spanish rice. 

Mush Overnight Oats

Shop Mush Overnight Oats here

Founders Katherine and Ashley Thomas found it hard to find healthy and convenient foods to fuel them during their busy workdays. Instead of just grabbing fast food options, they created Mush — a ready-to-eat oatmeal served up in a convenient container, spoon included. Mush is made with oats soaked in nut milk, then mixed with flavorful fruits, superfoods, and spices. While many grab-and-go snacks are laden with processed ingredients, Mush is non-GMO, dairy-free, high in protein and fiber. The brand even got a deal on the popular show Shark Tank. 

FitJoy

Shop FitJoy protein bars, puffs, and more, here

Protein bars are an easy way to fuel up on the go, though many are filled with not-so-nutritious ingredients. FitJoy was created by active people looking for healthy, on-the-go snacks. Their products — bars, puffs, and pretzels — are free of gluten, artificial flavors and sweeteners, and GMOs. They're low in sugar, but high in protein and fiber to help power you through your next workout or a busy day.

For every snack sold, FitJoy donates a portion of proceeds to help feed children in underserved communities. So far, the brand has donated over 1.5 million bars to children in need. 

Rise Brewing Co.

Shop Rise Brewing Co. cold brews here

Cold-brew coffee is having a moment. If you haven't heard of nitro cold-brew yet, here's what you should know: Rise Brewing Co. infuses their cold brew with nitrogen, which fills the liquid with little bubbles. The bubbles don't dissolve easily, so they stay in the coffee, giving it a thicker, almost creamy consistency. Because of the method used to make it, cold brew tends to be less acidic than regular iced coffee.

If you're interested in the environmental impact, Rise's brews are made from organic beans sourced in Peru and packaged in recyclable cans. If you don't like plain cold brew, opt for one of the sweeter latte options. 

Brightland

Shop Brightland olive oils here

Read our full review of Brightland olive oils here

Whether it's to drizzle on your favorite veggies or crisp up an egg, there's nothing better than the taste of good olive oil. While you may think any EVOO will do, industry insiders say not all olive oil is created equal.

Brightland wants to bring you the best quality oil made from organic olives, hand-picked in California. Everything's packaged in a beautiful bottle that not only will look great on your countertop but is coated to protect the contents from light damage. That means you can enjoy the sharp, fresh taste of really good olive oil for longer. 

Siete Foods

Shop Siete Foods grain-free chips, tortillas, and more, here

After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that forced her to remove grains from her diet, Veronica Garza started making tortillas with almond flour. That idea soon became a family business that has since ventured into creating a variety of grain-free Mexican foods made from healthy, naturally gluten-free ingredients like chia, cassava, cashews, and almonds.

But Siete Foods doesn't want to just make good substitutes— the brand is determined to make products so good they taste like the real deal. Since its inception, the brand has launched tortillas, chips, dairy-free queso, Whole 30-approved hot sauces, and even made it on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. 

Chirps

Shop Chirps cricket chips, powders, and more, here

If you can get past the fact that you're eating bugs, insects are a surprisingly nutritious addition to your diet. Chirps products are centered around an unlikely ingredient: crickets.

Why crickets? The little bugs are high in protein, amino acids, and prebiotics. And they're sustainable — insect farming produces almost 100 times less greenhouse gas than beef-farming does. Cricket powder is the foundation of Chirps chips, cookie mixes, and protein powders, but you probably won't even notice the mild taste. Whether you're looking for a more sustainable healthy snack, or just want to get a little adventurous, give Chirps a try. 

Bada Bean Bada Boom

Shop Bada Bean Bada Boom snacks here

Bada Bean Bada Boom is a more nutritious alternative to crunchy snacks like pretzels, chips, and crackers. Broad beans, which are high in protein, fiber, and a host of other vitamins, are the hero ingredient. They're roasted for a crispy bite and then seasoned in a variety of different ways. Choose from savory flavors like Garlic and Onion or sweet ones like Cocoa-Dusted.

Whether you eat them straight out of the bag for a midday snack or use them as a crunchy topping on soups and salads, Bada Bean Bada Boom snacks are a yummy and easy way to add some plant-based protein to your diet. 

Cosmik

Shop Cosmik freeze-dried ice creams here

Freeze-dried ice cream may sound like an astronauts-only kind of dessert, but Cosmik is changing the narrative. Everyone loves a sweet, delicious scoop of ice cream, but it's not the most portable food out there. The idea was conceived while founder Robert Collignon was traveling cross-country in a camper van. Frozen ice cream melted too quickly, but there was no freeze-dried ice cream that was particularly appealing. Thus, Cosmik was born.

Made with premium, organic ingredients in an unmeltable formula, Cosmik ice creams come in some of your favorite traditional flavors for a sweet pick-me-up wherever you are. 

Partake Foods

Shop Partake Foods vegan, allergen-free foods here

Read our full review of Partake Foods here

For those with allergies, enjoying certain foods can be difficult. Most kids with allergies (and adults, too) want to just be able to eat like everyone else, yet there aren't many pre-packaged, allergy-friendly foods. That's what drove Denise Woodard to create Partake Foods, a cookie brand with products that are free of the top eight allergens. The cookies are also vegan and non-GMO, so people with other dietary preferences can enjoy them too.

Even those without food allergies say Partake's cookies taste just like the real deal. Partake Foods even got a boost from the Chobani Startup Incubator.

• You can gameshare on an Xbox One by changing your account's home Xbox in the settings menu.
• Gamesharing is a feature on the Xbox One that allows you to share your game library with a friend or family member.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Xbox gaming console series is known for its gamesharing features. Gamesharing allows you and a friend to share each other's game libraries, as well as each other's Xbox Live Gold memberships, including Game Pass. It's a great way to play a wider array of games on a budget.

To take advantage of the Xbox One's game sharing features, you will need two Xbox One consoles. You will also need the login information for both your Xbox Live account and your game share partner's Xbox Live account.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Xbox One S (From 249.99 at Best Buy)

Xbox Live 12-month Gold Membership (From $59.99)

How to gameshare on an Xbox One

1. Turn on your Xbox One and sign in to your Xbox Live account.

2. Press the Xbox button and navigate to the far-left side of the menu. Select "Add new" and press the "A" button. 

3. Using your controller, type in your friend's Xbox Live account information (email address, then password) and press "A" on your controller.

4. After you finish reading the privacy statement, select "Next" and press "A" on the controller, then follow the instructions on the next screen to set the preferences for your friend's account.

5. Press the Xbox button again and navigate to the far-left side of the menu. Select the account you just added and press "A" on the controller, select "Sign in," and press "A" again.

6. Press the Xbox button and navigate to the far-right side of the menu. Select "Settings" and press "A" on the controller. 

7. On the next screen, select "Personalization," then select "My home Xbox" and press "A." 

8. Select "Make this my home Xbox" and press A again. 

9. Repeat these steps, only this time, add your Xbox Live account information to your friend's Xbox One, and set their Xbox One as your home Xbox.

Once you have added each other's accounts to your respective Xbox One consoles and properly set up your corresponding home Xboxes, you should be able to access each other's game Libraries and Xbox Live Gold perks.

Tips for gamesharing

• Gamesharing is limited to two people at a time, so you won't be able to add another person into the mix unless you stop game sharing with your original gameshare partner.
• Only gameshare with someone you trust. Your account information is sensitive, and you don't want it to end up in the hands of someone who might use it for nefarious purposes.
• Gamesharing only works with digital copies of games. Unfortunately, you can't gameshare with physical copies, because they can only be used with one Xbox One at a time.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to get free games on your Xbox One through Xbox Live and Game Pass

• How to clear the cache on your Xbox One to make your system run faster

• How to turn off auto renewal on your Xbox One, to cancel subscriptions after your current pay period

• How to appear offline on an Xbox One, and adjust who can see your online status

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 8 prostheses that are changing lives

• The best gifts for college students can make a big impact on their quality of life, not least of all because they're probably juggling their classes and social lives on a shoe-string budget.
• Below, I've rounded up 50+ gifts that, as a recent college grad, I'd wager most college students would love to receive.
• Still looking for gifts for your Class of 2019 grad? We've also put together lists with ideas for college graduation gifts for him, for her, graduation gifts under $100, and plenty more.

If you're looking to make a big difference with a gift, shopping for a college student is a good place to begin. They have classes, internships, second jobs, social lives, and relationships to manage, and they probably have far less money to support themselves than they wish they did.

Useful, thoughtful gifts can make a disproportionate difference in their quality of life, especially when it's something they'll both use frequently and couldn't afford on their own.

As a recent college graduate, I can tell you from experience that the list below is a really good place to start your shopping.

Below are 51 of the best gifts for college students:

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' Class of 2019 gift guides, in one place

An Amazon Echo Dot for hands-free calls, alarms, music, updates on the weather, recipes, and more

Echo Dot (3rd Generation), available on Amazon, $49.99

The Amazon Echo Dot is the most popular Amazon device for a reason — it's compact and has all the capabilities of Alexa (weather updates, recipes, music, news), which is the main reason most people buy an Echo device. The newest version — the third generation — has a speaker that's 70% louder than the second, and comes in a fabric design that better matches home decor. Find an Insider Picks comparison of the Echo devices for fast reference here. 

The world's most comfortable shoes

Wool Runners, Men, available at Allbirds, $95

Wool Runners, Women, available at Allbirds, $95

Startup Allbirds makes wildly popular shoes out of soft, sustainable materials. Their Runners made out of super-soft merino wool have been nicknamed "the world's most comfortable shoes." You can find a full review here. 

Popular wireless over-ear headphones for quality noise-canceling during studying, traveling, and working out

Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones, available at Best Buy and Amazon, $299.95

If there's one thing every college student needs, it's good wireless headphones. They'll use them at the gym, at the library, and commuting to class and internships. This brand-new Beats pair has rich sound, active noise canceling, and up to 22 hours of listening time. And if they let the battery run out, a 10-minute charge converts to three hours of playback. You can also find steep discounts on other Beats headphones now that a new model has launched. 

If they like to study in public spaces, you can't go wrong with Bose's pricey but unbeatable QuietComfort II headphones either. If they're a runner and need something lightweight and in-ear, you should opt for Jaybird Vista. 

The newest version of the most popular Fitbit for fitness and sleep tracking

Childlike cereal for adults

Four Flavors, available at Magic Spoon, $39

Subscription, available at Magic Spoon, $35.10 per month.

Magic Spoon is a new "childlike cereal for adults" that's high in protein and low in sugar — and all four flavors are delicious. Here's one way to show college kids it's completely possible to transition to adulthood without losing all the joy of being a kid. You can read more in a personal review here. 

A great game for a night in with friends

Cards Against Humanity, available at Amazon, $25

Grab a fun card game they'll inevitably end up pulling out to play with friends on the weekend nights and snow days. Check out What Do You Meme, too.

A professional, compact backpack that can go from school to internship

ICON Lite Pack, available at Incase and Nordstrom, $99.95

A backpack is the most versatile bag for a college student that's transitioning from internship or job to classes — but they probably don't want to bring their banged-up JanSport into the office. A plush, faux-fur padded sleeve keeps their laptop safe, and the exterior is professional, sleek, and slim enough to be work- and public transportation-friendly. Find a full review here.

A splashproof portable Bluetooth speaker for messy college events that call for music

JBL FLIP4 Bluetooth Speaker, available at Amazon, $89.95

Beach days, tailgates, outdoor parties of any kind — grab this under-$100 Bluetooth speaker with over 5,500 five-star reviews on Amazon for the many occasions when loud music and a spill-friendly speaker are going to come in handy. 

A savvy suitcase for traveling on holiday breaks

Carry-On, available on Away, $225

Away's hyper-popular suitcases deserve their hype. Their hard shell is lightweight but durable, their 360-degree spinner wheels make for seamless traveling, and the external (and ejectable and TSA-compliant) battery pack included can charge a smartphone five times over so they never have to sit behind a trash can at the airport for access to an outlet again. It's also guaranteed for life by Away. Find our full review here.

A book about capitalizing on the huge choices to make in your 20s

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter — And How to Make the Most of Them Now, available at Amazon, $11.98

The decisions you make in your 20s can greatly impact the rest of your life. The best defense is a good offense and your grad should know now, before any life-altering events crop up, how to get the most out of their "defining decade."

A gift card to ClassPass so they can go to tons of boutique fitness classes without the expense

Gift Card, available on ClassPass, from $50

Boutique fitness classes are expensive. ClassPass makes them less so. With ClassPass, college students can drop into diverse exercise classes at tons of different specialized studios for $15 or less per class (about half their traditional cost). If they like to be active, are looking for a newfound favorite class, or like yoga as much as boxing classes, this is a great gift they'll actually use.

A box of college merchandise for game days, tailgates, and spirit events

College Teams, available at FanChest, from $59

Particularly if they're going to a school with a big sports team, you can be sure they'll both need and appreciate all the fan gear. 

One of the all-time best facial cleansers for a clean and effective routine

Luna 2 Facial Cleansing Device, Men, available at FOREO, $169

Luna 2 Facial Cleansing Device, Women, available at Sephora and FOREO, from $169

FOREO's cult-favorite Luna 2 cleansing device gently and effectively cleans with thin, antimicrobial silicone touch points, and it removes 98.5% of dirt and makeup residue without irritating the skin. Plus, it's 100% waterproof and the battery life lasts for a few months per charge. Find a full review from a female reporter and a male reporter here.

A candle to remind them of their favorite place or hometown while they're away at school

Homesick Scented Candle, available at Amazon and Uncommon Goods, from $27.99

If they're away from family and friends while at school, a reminder of home is a wonderful thing to have around. 

A wireless charging case for their Bluetooth devices

mophie Power Capsule External Battery Charger, available at Amazon, $25.03

This travel-friendly case charges wireless devices on the go — perfect for students with packed schedules and a lot of tech that they love using.

An iPad for Netflix binging in their room, as well as for quick trips home that don't warrant a laptop

Apple iPad with WiFi, 32GB, available at Best Buy, $209.99 with a two-year contract

Budget-friendly: Fire HD 10 Tablet, available at Amazon, $149.99

They won't want to lug their laptop everywhere, and they may either already have a TV in their college house or not have the room for one. A tablet is small enough to be travel-friendly but large enough for convenient Netflix binging or note-taking. If you want more iPad options, find them here. 

A monthly subscription of personalized new makeup, hair care, and skin care samples delivered to their door

Birchbox Three Month Subscription Gift Card, Men, available at Birchbox, $30

Birchbox Three Month Subscription, Women, available at Birchbox, $45

College students like to look and feel good, but tight budgets aren't conducive to trying a lot of new, often expensive grooming products. Birchbox sends samples of new and beloved products once a month, so they can test out new finds and discover products they may want to buy a full size of in the future. It's also just fun to get a monthly gift that's all about them. 

The best electric toothbrush overall

Oral-B White Pro 1000, available on Amazon, from $37.99

We rated this the best electronic toothbrush you can buy overall. If you're looking for something a little trendier, you should pick up a Quip toothbrush.

A Brooklinen gift card for really nice sheets

Gift Card, available at Brooklinen, from $50

Few things sound so nice as comfortable, beautiful sheets that you don't need to buy for yourself. Brooklinen is one of our favorite startups to shop at, and we ranked their sateen cotton sheets (from $129) the best luxury sheets you can buy.

A funny but useful book full of expert and student advice on everything from finances to relationships and dorm life

The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College, available at Amazon, $12.18

For everything from sharing a bathroom with 40 strangers to social network do's and don'ts, this funny but useful New York Times bestseller runs the gamut. 

Framed memories

Gift Card or Frame a Memory, available at Framebridge, from $25

Help them bring some of their best memories to their college home — whether it's from friends now studying across the country, family, or best-loved locales. Framebridge is relatively affordable, but decor is one of the luxuries plenty of college students shirk to save elsewhere — even though it can make their home a much more inviting, happy place.

An inexpensive way for them to get the iced coffee they love at home

The Takeya Cold Brew Maker is an inexpensive, easy way to make cold brew from home — something that can save them hundreds of dollars per year. Find a full review here.

A monogrammed leather shave bag so they can keep all their things in one place that isn't a plastic shower caddy

The dreaded truth of college is that you'll most likely need to schlep your shower belongings to a communal area if you live in the dorms. No one wants to rely on a plastic shower caddy to do that. Grab them a leather shave bag that they'll use for years to come — they probably wouldn't justify the expense on their own, and they'll be grateful to have it. 

If you're looking for a chic aesthetic, Dagne Dover also makes a great neoprene toiletry bag named the Hunter (from $35) that's built to accommodate makeup. If they have a lot of toiletries, you'll probably want to get the large size for $55.

A really nice blazer they can wear to an internship or interview

The Oversized Blazer, available at Everlane, from $170

Bonobos Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer, available at Bonobos and Nordstrom, from $350

Most college students probably don't have a wealth of professional clothing to pull from for high-pressure situations like interviews and a big internship. Help them make a good impression, and see your money go to good use, with a blazer they can use repeatedly and for years to come. We've also created a list of our personal favorite workwear stores— plus the best styles to buy from each one. 

The best portable charger you can buy, which charges an iPhone twice as fast as the original iPhone charger

Jackery Portable Charger 6000 mAh, $32.99

I said before that college students primarily need a good pair of wireless headphones. They also need a portable external charger. This gift is extremely convenient — whether for traveling, stalled subway rides, or nights out trying to connect with friends. It will also give you peace of mind to know the odds of them getting stuck somewhere unfamiliar with a dead phone are lessened.

We rated this model by Jackery the best portable charger iPhone users can buy. It reportedly charges iPhones twice as fast as the original iPhone charger. If you're shopping for an Android user, pick up this one. 

A nice watch they can wear to internships from a popular startup

Gunmetal Sandstone, Men, available at MVMT, $135

Lexington, Women, available at MVMT, $125

MVMT makes beautiful watches for men and women at great prices, and they feel more contemporary to wear than most on the market. It's a versatile, sentimental gift you can feel good about giving because you know they'll feel good — and perhaps more put-together — wearing it. 

A cult-favorite tumbler to keep their drinks just the right temperature for hours spent in the library

Hydro Flask 32 oz.Water Bottle, available at Amazon, $39.95

This HydroFlask will keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours with the lid on. 

A laundry hamper with adjustable straps so they don't need to drag laundry blocks or flights of stairs

iwill Hanging Nylon Laundry Bag, available on Amazon, $11.99

Not all dorms have elevators, and if they have to travel downstairs or across the street to do their laundry, they're not going to want to drag a hamper. 

An Amazon Prime membership

Gift an Amazon Prime membership, $119

An Amazon Prime membership is one of those things that immediately makes life easier and ultimately better. If you decide to gift one, the recipient will enjoy free two-day shipping; access to the Prime Now app, which provides free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items; Prime Video, Amazon's streaming video service; Prime Music; the Kindle Lending Library; Prime Reading; Prime Audible Channels; unlimited photo storage, and more.

If you want to see how Amazon Prime ($119 for the year) actually gives you a lot more than free shipping, you can read our overview of the service here.

Concert tickets to enjoy with friends

Live concert and game tickets, available at StubHub, from $15 per person

A cookbook made for mornings where food is necessary but complicated recipes are absolutely not

The Hungover Cookbook, available at Amazon, $8.95

This cookbook is filled with everything they need to know to assess and improve a hangover, including dozens of comforting recipes. 

The most comfortable lounge pants we've ever tried for lazy weekend mornings

The Lounge Pant, Men, available at MeUndies, $68

The Lounge Pant, Women, available at MeUndies $68

MeUndies is a popular LA startup that makes some of the most comfortable underwear we've ever tried. Their lounge pants, however, are the real hidden gem — perfect for lounging around on weekend mornings or heading to the dining hall, and they're sleek enough to avoid looking too unkempt for the comfort. 

A key-, wallet-, and iPhone-finder

Tile Mate with Replaceable Battery, 4-Pack, available at Amazon, $41.98

Tools they will undoubtedly need and be grateful to own, but likely won't buy themselves

They're going to need tools at some point, and they're probably going to be underwhelmed by the prospect of spending money on such an unexciting purchase. You could also send them off with a First Aid Kit.

The best pillow you can buy

A lightweight, business casual laptop bag

Ryan Laptop Bag, available at Dagne Dover, from $135

Weston Laptop Bag, available at Dagne Dover, from $135

They can take this laptop bag everywhere from class to the library to their office internship without batting an eyelash. Which, considering how much college students juggle, is a big convenience. Find a full review of the laptop bags here. 

An undated planner that uses efficiency hacks to break down a 10-year plan into daily stepping stones

BestSelf Co. Undated Daily Habit Planner, available on Amazon, $31.99

The Best Self Co. Journal breaks down daunting long-term plans into bite-size steps that make forming good habits easy, efficient, and stress-free. College invites you to plan for the rest of your life — and decide all of a sudden what you want to be — and the question can feel ambiguous and daunting. This should help. Plus, it has no dates so you can give it for any occasion — not just the New Year.

Gift a customized Grafomap poster, from $49

Commemorate their college town, hometown, or favorite place in the world with this customizable graphic map so they can keep it with them wherever life takes them.

A five-minute breakfast that will save them money and time

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Maker, available at Amazon, $24.99

This looks gimmicky, but it makes breakfast sandwiches in as little as five minutes and takes up little space in a crowded college house. Find a personal review of it here.

The most comfortable socks they'll own

Ankle-Sock Gift Box, 4-Pair, Women, available at Bombas, $56

Ankle-Sock Gift Box, 4-Pair, Men, available at Bombas, $56

Bombas makes the best socks on the market. They benefit from upgrades like a supportive honeycomb stitch, blister tabs built into ankle-height styles, and a Y-stitched heel and "invisitoe" that minimizes annoying bumps. Even if it seems like socks aren't an exciting gift, comfort is pretty much always a hit in college. 

It was also founded to address that socks are the number one most requested item in homeless shelters. Every time customers buy a pair, they give a thoughtfully designed pair to someone in need. The company has donated more than 8.6 million pairs of socks to homeless shelters since 2013.

A hyper-useful extra-long, reinforced phone charger

Native Union 10-Foot Extra-Long Charging Cable with Leather Strap, available on Amazon, $34.99

If they're going to be tethered to devices, you may as well make it a long leash. Dorms often have sparse or inconvenient outlets, and everything is pushed up against and covering any would-be useful outlets anyway. This long charging cable means no matter where one is, they'll have power — and they won't have to sit at the foot of their bed to reach it. 

A weighted blanket

YnM Weighted Blanket, available at Amazon, from $69.90

A gift card to a popular wine subscription club

Gift Card, available on Winc, from $60

Winc is a personalized wine club — and we think the best one you can belong to overall. Members take a wine palate profile quiz and then choose from the personalized wine suggestions. Each bottle has extensive tasting notes and serving recommendations online, and makes it easy to discover similar bottles.

However, it's worth noting that this works best for students living off-campus. It may not be convenient for students who live in dorms and have to walk far to a campus post office. 

An instant coffee maker for busy mornings

Keurig K55/K-Classic Coffee Maker, available at Amazon, $79

If they drink coffee, they're going to appreciate having easy, fast access to it for the many rushed mornings ahead. A Keurig is intuitive and ubiquitous. If you'd rather steer them away from single-use plastic K-Cups, grab these reusable and compatible cups as an accompanying gift. If you're looking for something with a few more steps, we think the Bonavita 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker ($93.99) is the best you can buy overall. 

A comfy Patagonia pullover they'll rely on a lot

Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover, Men, available at Patagonia, $119

Women's Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece, available at Patagonia, $99

It's a good bet that many of their peers will also have this Snap-T pullover from Patagonia. It and the Better Sweater are long-held favorites, and both are comfortable classics that they'll no doubt come to rely upon. 

A Patagonia sweater is also a particularly good gift for students who are invested in sustainability. The company has been turning plastic bottles into polyester for its clothing since 1993, and continues to do so today.

A gym bag that can transition to a professional setting

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag, available at Nordstrom, from $85

Just like bringing a beat-up JanSport into an office, lugging a multi-colored nylon gym bag in isn't ideal for anyone looking to prove their gravitas despite being the youngest person there. Herschel Supply Co. makes reliable, versatile bags, and this one has a separate compartment for gym or dress shoes. 

A NutriBullet blender for fast, easy smoothies

NutriBullet Pro 13-Piece Set, available at Amazon, $89

Whether they're moving in with roommates or finally moving in alone, they need a NutriBullet. It's convenient, doesn't require a ton of space, and makes fruit smoothies in under 30 seconds. This is particularly great for the health-conscious, or anyone who can't finish fruit or veggies fast enough; if it gets a little too ripe to eat, throw it in a smoothie to avoid waste.

A microwave-safe ramen cooker for the most stressful or time-crunched nights

Rapid Ramen Cooker, available on Amazon, $5.99

There will be plenty of late nights filled with cheap and tasty ramen. If they're going to eat it anyway, at least let them make it quickly and perfectly every time.

A media streamer that transforms a normal TV into a smart one — so it plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming services

Roku Ultra 4K/HDR/HD Streaming Player, available on Amazon, $98

Most college students aren't forking over a monthly payment to cable. This streaming player is the best one you can buy overall, and it transforms an otherwise 'dumb' TV into a smart one that can stream shows and movies from their Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and others all in one spot.  

A super soft throw blanket they'll find themselves cocooned in many times

BEDSURE Sherpa Fleece Blanket, available at Amazon, $23.99

Grab their favorite candy, this sherpa-lined fleece blanket with over 4,400 five-star reviews, and a Hulu gift card to make sure they spend at least a few nights in, relaxing and watching movies with friends. 

Gift cards — perhaps the best gift you can give a cash-strapped college student

What a stressed, broke college student needs most is money and probably a hug. If you're looking for a way to gift maximum convenience, gift cards are a surprisingly thoughtful way to do that — either for their favorite restaurant, transportation, school books, or music to keep them occupied during long library hours. Check out more gift card gifts here. 

Everything: Visa Gift Card / Amazon Gift Card /Gift Amazon Prime Membership

Coffee: Starbucks Gift Card

School books: Amazon Gift Card 

Entertainment: Netflix Gift Card / Hulu Gift Card / Sling Gift Card / StubHub gift card

Transportation: Uber Gift Card

Decoration: Framebridge Gift Card

Furniture: Amazon Gift Card / Wayfair Gift Card

Music: Spotify Gift Card

Sheets: Brooklinen Gift Card

Groceries and food:Whole Foods Gift Card / Chipotle Gift Card

Clothes: Nordstrom Gift Card / Everlane Gift Card

Tech: Best Buy Gift Card

Travel: Delta Gift Card / Away Gift Card

• No matter what kind of DIY projects you tackle at home, you need a good pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• The NoCry Over-Spec Safety Glasses are our top pick because they are extremely comfortable and provide a high level of protection. 

Whether you are performing important tasks around the home or at work, if materials or liquids are flying around, you need to wear safety glasses. From minor irritants like sawdust to extremely dangerous materials like acids and everything in between, safety glasses will keep your eyes protected.

Now for the problem. Most of us don't wear safety glasses when we're working on projects. I liken it to knowing we should all eat vegetables and spend plenty of time exercising every day, yet we're scarfing nachos on the couch and staring at the TV more often than we should.

If you're someone who tends to leave the safety glasses behind when it's time to do some work, we have some good news for you. Safety glasses are more lightweight, comfortable, stylish, and affordable than they've ever been. You don't really have an excuse, and protecting your eyesight is key.

The dangers of not wearing safety glasses include temporary or permanent vision loss from corneal burn, abrasion, or penetration, according to EHS Today. When looking for safety glasses, Safety Glasses USA says you should look for ANSI Z87 certification at the minimum. This provides protection against liquid splashes and impacts.

OSHA, which is part of the US Department of Labor, offers certifications that involve workplace and industrial standards. Many safety glasses that meet OSHA standards are specialty glasses, rather than standard safety glasses made for residential users. OSHA lays out its standards for different types of safety glasses on its website, and if you're using these glasses at work, you may need OSHA certified glasses.

All About Vision highlights some ANSI safety protection markings to look for, including a plus sign, which means the safety glasses have passed a high-velocity impact test; an S designation, which means the safety glasses have special tinting or shading for working with molten metal; and a V mark, which indicates a type of photochromic lens that will darken when used outdoors and remains clear when used indoors.

With that in mind, we've rounded up all the best safety glasses you can buy for any task. Whether you need high-end safety glasses, a pair of goggles, or a more affordable pair of safety glasses, we've got you covered — literally.

• The best safety glasses overall: NoCry Over-Glasses Safety Glasses
• The best inexpensive safety glasses: Bison Life Safety Glasses
• The best goggle-style safety glasses: DeWalt Safety Goggles
• The best stylish safety glasses: Pyramex Avante Safety Eyewear
• The most comfortable safety glasses: KLEENGUARD Calico V50 Safety Eyewear

Updated 10/28/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.

The best safety glasses overall

The NoCry Over-Glasses Safety Glasses offer professional-level protection and they even fit over prescription glasses.

If you're lucky enough not to need corrective eyewear, you haven't had to deal with the hassles of wearing eyeglasses. The sting of that "four-eyes" nickname never goes away. Sure, we're appreciative of prescription glasses, because they give us sharp vision. But the hassles of wearing them are real, too.

Finding just the right safety glasses to accommodate your prescription glasses is another challenge. Over-spectacle safety glasses must fit comfortably over your prescription glasses, while also giving you the protection you need.

The NoCry Over-Glasses Safety Glasses will protect your eyes and prescription glasses (if you wear them) from chemical splashes, dust, and other flying objects. These safety glasses have ANSI Z87 and OSHA certification, so they will work for a variety of jobs.

You can obviously wear these safety glasses if you don't need prescription glasses. One buyer named Kristi says these glasses rank among the most comfortable over-spec safety glasses she has ever encountered.

The Sander Solutions review says these NoCry safety glasses will work with almost any prescription glasses, although some large frames may cause trouble. Even though these safety glasses are designed to fit over the top of your current glasses, they do not cause any distortion like some others, according to The Gear Hunt.

However, a few owners of the NoCry Over-Spec Safety Glasses say these glasses can cause scratches on prescription lenses over time, so it's something to think about.

Pros: Fits well over a variety of types of prescription glasses, will provide protection against a number of materials, does not cause distortion for your vision, offered at a reasonable price

Cons: May cause scratches on the lenses of prescription glasses, don't fit well over large prescription glasses

Buy the NoCry Over-Glasses Safety Glasses on Amazon for $12.99 (originally $11.99)

The best inexpensive safety glasses

The affordable Bison Life Safety Glasses will keep your eyes safe from splashes and most materials.

There are times when you need the sturdiest, most impact resistant safety glasses around, whether to meet the regulations of your workplace or to protect you when performing dangerous work. But there are other times when you just need a simple pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes because you're not working with dangerous chemicals or materials.

The Bison Life Safety Glasses are a great idea for people who just need basic protection on a budget. You'll receive a 12-pack of safety glasses for a very low price. When you need to provide simple safety glasses to a group of visitors or students at a low price, having a lot of pairs on hand is a smart idea.

Now, these safety glasses don't fill OSHA requirements. They are made of polycarbonate, which provides only the most basic level of protection and lacks a lot of comfort, so we wouldn't recommend wearing them for long periods of time. But if simple protection is all you need, why pay a much higher price for higher levels of protection when something simple will do the trick?

One owner who goes by Cycletronic says having several of these safety glasses on hand is a good idea for someone who loses safety glasses regularly. These Bison Life glasses offer clear vision, but they do fog up in some circumstances. Another Amazon reviewer says these Bison Life Safety Glasses are surprisingly comfortable, especially considering the low price tag.

However, another buyer DCDC says several glasses in the set that shipped had defects that affect the clarity of the vision the glasses provide, causing headaches. This Amazon reviewer agrees, saying these glasses cause headaches after long periods of time.

Pros: Extremely inexpensive price for a set of 12 safety glasses, provides basic protection from splashes and simple materials, one size will fit all ages, works well for large groups

Cons: Not made for meeting OSHA standards, can cause headaches when worn too long, glasses arms can be uncomfortable

Buy the Bison Life Safety Glasses 12-Pack on Amazon for $12.79 (originally $12.90)

The best goggle-style safety glasses

The DeWalt Safety Goggles have plenty of air vents to prevent fogged up lenses, and they're very comfortable.

Goggle style safety glasses aren't always going to give you more protection than traditional style safety glasses, but they sure look like they should. If you want to get great eye protection, the DeWalt Safety Goggles deliver.

This pair of safety goggles has a polycarbonate lens for ANSI protection, as well as UV protection. However, these goggle style safety glasses do not meet OSHA standards.

You'll appreciate the injected rubber in the frame of the goggles, which makes them comfortable to wear. It also creates a tight fit that will conform to your face. The goggles have wide vents so your lenses don't fog up.

Power Tools Insider likes the level of protection the DeWalt Safety Goggles provide. One buyer named Joe agrees, saying the tight fit allows you to feel comfortable and know that you'll be protected in all kinds of working conditions.

In its review, the Woodworkers Guild of America says the DeWalt goggles will make your face feel hot, but they give you a clear view of your surroundings in all directions.

One buyer named Summer says the goggle fits comfortably over her prescription glasses, making it a good option for people who wear glasses.

The only downside here is that the ventilation holes are almost too large, and they allow debris to fall into the holes if you're working on something above your head. Additionally, the strap for the goggle can be too tight to fit comfortably on some people.

Pros: Great looking protective eyewear, goggle style allows these glasses to mold to your face for a comfortable and tight fit, polycarbonate lens yields a clear view in all directions, reasonable price point

Cons: Strap can end up fitting too tightly, does not meet OSHA standards, debris may fall in vent holes

Buy the DeWalt DPG82-11 Safety Goggles on Amazon from $9.35 (originally $11.64)

The best stylish safety glasses

If you don't need the highest level of protection and you want some style, the Pyramex Avante Safety Eyewear is the answer.

For safety glasses to work well, they need to be made of high-quality materials that will protect your eyes from debris in the air and from impacts. But they also need to look good enough that you'll actually be willing to wear them. 

You'll love the multitude of lens and frame colors you can choose from with the Pyramex Avante Safety Eyewear. These glasses look more like a pair of sunglasses than safety glasses. The glasses do have UV protection built into the lenses to protect you when you're working in sunny conditions.

The Pyramex Avante Safety Eyewear isn't going to give you a ton of protection, as these glasses don't meet OSHA standards. But for simple jobs, they'll look great while protecting your eyes and giving you ANSI Z87 level protection.

These safety glasses have a rubberized nose pad that make them fit comfortably, according to Best Cheap Reviews. One owner named William Scheidegger agrees, saying these safety glasses are comfortable to wear for a long period of time.

With the UV protection built into the lenses, the Pyramex Avante safety glasses double as very effective and stylish sunglasses, according to one reviewer who goes by the name Character Counts.

However, several Amazon reviewers are disappointed in the lens material, which seems to scratch easily.

Pros: Safety glasses you'll love to wear with multiple frame and lens colors, provides some protection from the sun as well, lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time, good price point

Cons: Doesn't provide a high level of protection, lenses may scratch easily

Buy the Pyramex Avante Safety Eyewear on Amazon from $6.93 (originally $8.38)

The most comfortable safety glasses

If one-size-fits-all glasses never fit, the KLEENGUARD Calico V50 Safety Eyewear comes with interchangeable temples and headbands to create a very comfortable fit.

Most pairs of safety glasses are one-size-fits-all, but that means that some people will inevitably have a bad fit. The KLEENGUARD Calico V50 Safety glasses let you adjust and swap out some parts to get a more comfortable fit.

These safety glasses have adjustable and interchangeable temples and head straps, ensuring you can make them fit just right for your needs. There's also additional padding in the area near your eyebrows, which helps cushion any bumps from the frames. You'll like the vents that allow for air flow to prevent fogging of the lenses.

These safety glasses meet some ANSI, CSA, and EN166 standards, but they do not meet OSHA standards.

The comfort level on the Jackson Safety glasses means you can use these safety glasses in a variety of situations, including on the shooting range, when biking, and for numerous home projects, according to owner Sunbakd1.

Another buyer named Kerry Hale loves using the V50 safety glasses in a workshop because the yellow tint on the lenses yields a sharp focus in your vision for reading the tape measure, and the venting on the frames ensures the glasses won't fog up during use.

Pros: Extremely comfortable fit, includes interchangeable parts that you can use to create a personalized fit, yellow tint can help sharpen your vision in some circumstances, compares nicely to higher priced models

Cons: May not perform well in all cold weather conditions, don't meet OSHA standards

Buy the KLEENGUARD Calico V50 Safety Eyewear on Amazon for $9.99 (originally $10.62)

Key things to know about safety glasses

As Safety Gear Pro discusses, the different types of materials used in the lenses of safety glasses will give you different types of protection.

Safety glasses made specifically for resistance to solvents will feature an acrylic lens. However, acrylic doesn't provide the clearest vision, nor are acrylic lenses overly durable.

NXT polyurethane glasses will have a high price point because the material provides excellent impact resistance and optical clarity. Meanwhile, using glass in safety glasses lenses is great for providing visual clarity and scratch resistance, but glass is very heavy and expensive.

You'll also find polycarbonate lenses in many basic safety glasses for use at home. These lenses are lightweight, provide impact resistance, and protect against UV rays. Polycarbonate doesn't provide the visual clarity of other lens materials, though.

If you work around dust, concrete, building materials, glass, chemicals, molten metal, thermal hazards, bodily fluids, and blood, you need safety glasses, according to the University of Wisconsin's study.

Check out our other home improvement guides

The best saws you can buy to tackle projects at home

If you like to tackle DIY projects around the house, you're going to need a saw or two. We've rounded up the very best saws you can buy whether you need a jigsaw, chainsaw, circular saw, or table saw. In our guide, we've included picks for eight different kinds of saws:

• Best circular saw: Makita 5007MGA Circular Saw
• Best hand saw: Stanley 20-526 15-Inch Hand Saw
• Best Compound Miter Saw: DeWalt DWS780 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw
• Best hacksaw:  Stanley 15-113 12-Inch High Tension Hacksaw
• Best reciprocating saw: Milwaukee M18 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
• Best jigsaw: Bosch JS470E 120-Volt Top-Handle Jigsaw
• Best table saw: DeWalt DW745 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw
• Best chainsaw: Husqvarna 460 Rancher 20-Inch Chain Saw

The best drills you can buy for DIY projects at home

A cordless power drill is one of the most versatile tools you can keep in your home. It works to bore holes, drive screws, and stir mortar, among other tasks. So when seeking the best drill, we'd suggest going with the most versatile power drill, the Makita 18V Cordless 1/2-Inch Hammer Driver Drill.

You should also consider the Bosch 12V 3/8-Inch Drill, the Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill, the Porter-Cable 20V 1/2-Inch Drill, and the Makita 1/2-Inch Corded Drill.

The best tape measures you can buy

No toolkit is complete without a great measuring tape. From the professional contractor's work to the DIY home repair, countless projects call for precise measurements. The QuickDraw DIY Self Marking Measuring Tape is our top choice because its innovative built-in pencil ensures you mark the same spot you measured.

You should also consider the Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure, the WorkPro 100-Foot Fiberglass Measuring Tape, the General Tools LTM1 2-In-1 Laser Tape Measure, and the eTape16 Digital Measuring Tape.

The best basic tool kits for DIY home projects

With a good set of tools, you can repair a crooked cabinet, hang a shelf or picture frame, tune up your bicycle, or fix a leaky pipe under the sink. The Stanley 65-Piece Tool Kit is our top choice because it comes with many tools you'll use all the time, it has only the tools you need, and each item is well-made.

You should also consider the WorkPro Kitchen Drawer 100-Piece Tool Kit, the OUTAD Multi-Functional 100-Piece Tool Kit, the Cartman General Household 39-Piece Tool Kit, and the AmazonBasics 65-Piece Home Repair Tool Set.

The best ladders you can buy for working around the house

From painting the nursery to changing a light bulb or hanging holiday lights, everyday life often calls for a ladder. The Little Giant 22-Foot Multi-Use Ladder is our top choice because it allows for safe use up high, in stepladder configuration, and even on the stairs. We've also included step ladders and heavy-duty ones for outdoor use.

You should also consider the Louisville Ladder FS1508 Fiberglass Ladder, the Rubbermaid RM-3W Folding 3-Step Stepladder, the Ohuhu EN131 Telescopic Extension Ladder, and the Lifewit Multipurpose Aluminum Folding Ladder.

The best extension cords you can buy

From temporary uses like hanging lights during the holidays or powering tools for a home repair project to more permanent applications like connecting a floor lamp to that outlet hidden behind the couch, extension cords are a must-have for modern life. The Coleman 16 Gauge Extension Cord is our top choice because it's durable, flexible, and suitable for just about every application in and around the home.

You should also consider the AmazonBasics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord, the HOLSEM Power Strip Extension Cord, the Watt's Wire 14 Gauge Extension Cord, and the Aurum Cables Extension Cord.

The best hammers you can buy

Sure, hammers have a pretty simple design, but that doesn't mean all hammers are created equal. The advanced anti-vibration handle on the Stanley 20-Ounce FatMax Xtreme Hammer makes it the perfect hammer to handle all kinds of jobs around the house without putting stress on your wrists and forearms.

You should also consider the Vaughan & Bushnell 12-Ounce Soft-Face Hammer, the Stiletto TiBone 15-Ounce Titanium Milled-Face Hammer, the Estwing 25-Ounce Big Blue Framing Hammer, and the Tekton Jacketed Fiberglass Ball Pein Hammer.

• Marc Benioff hosted the fourth Rebels With A Cause Gala at The Water Garden in Santa Monica on Thursday, a representative for USC told Business Insider.
• At the last Rebels With A Cause Gala in 2016, Benioff's friend and former boss Larry Ellison made a $200 million donation to USC; at this year's gala, he was honored for the donation.
• The event raised over $12 million for the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Marc and Lynne Benioff know how to throw a party.

The billionaire couple hosted the fourth annual Rebels With a Cause Gala on Thursday in a Santa Monica office park. The event benefited research at USC's Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine. Ellison — a close friend and former mentor of Benioff's — was there alongside Ashton Kutcher and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Keep reading to take a look inside the event, which is held every third year and always benefits cancer research.

SEE ALSO: A 24-year-old who has shared photos of himself partying with Rihanna and Bella Hadid just became Hong Kong's newest billionaire overnight

DON'T MISS: Jeff Bezos might lose his spot as the world's richest person as Amazon shares tank. Here's how he makes and spends his billions.

The Gala was held in the Los Angeles area in Santa Monica, California ...

... in the courtyard of an office park called The Water Garden.

A gated entrance flanked by security guards kept onlookers from wandering inside.

The glass tables were decorated with silver accessories and white flowers; the event was designed by AOO Events.

Women also walked the event wearing lampshades.

Marc and Lynne Benioff hosted.

Guests included Ashton Kutcher and USC research Dr. David Agus' children ...

... original Fab 5 member Jai Rodriguez ...

... Japanese musician Yoshiki Hayashi ...

... Barry Manilow and Lorna Luft ...

... and Canadian musician David Foster and his daughter, 90210 star Sara Foster.

The elder Foster performed at the event ...

... as did the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

James Corden was the gala's emcee.

The 350 guests were served dinner ...

... and signature cocktails called "Love" and "Hope," inspired by the cancer research the event was planned to fund.

A representative of USC told Business Insider the event's 350 guests paid between $1,000 for a single ticket and $100,000 for a table to attend.

At this year's gala, Ellison was honored for the $200 million donation he made to USC at the last Rebels With A Cause Gala in 2016. He received a standing ovation.

“[He’s] one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met," Agus said of Ellison while presenting the award. "Every day I thank him for his love for discourse to push for knowledge and truth. I thank him for allowing me to learn from him. Cancer continues to affect us all and we’re obligated to think outside of the box. With Ellison’s support and the $12.1 million raised this evening, we’re able to continue developing innovative programs at the Ellison Institute that our patients need today.”

The award itself was designed by Chopard.

Benioff and Ellison have a 30-year bromance that began when Ellison took Benioff under his wing and turned Benioff into a star executive at Oracle.

Source: Business Insider

All in all, the event raised over $12 million for the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.

• When it comes to decking out your home for the holidays, inflatables are a popular choice. But with so many options available, finding the best ones isn't easy.
• We rounded up 19 fun, festive, and durable inflatable decorations, so you can turn your lawn into a winter wonderland.
• If you like to punctuate your holiday decor with a little pop culture, you'll love this holiday-themed "Star Wars" inflatable ($130). Or you can celebrate with something more traditional like this Christmas tree display ($36).

When the holiday season rolls around, many people strive to have the most festive home on the street. Not surprisingly, holiday inflatables are a popular choice. With their creative designs, bold colors, and illumination, these decorations stand out day or night.

However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to select ones that are timeless and whimsical yet high in quality. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that are both durable and versatile — from traditional designs to more unique displays. Many are self-inflating, making assembly and breakdown a breeze.

With your love for convenience in mind, we rounded up 19 of our top picks that are creative and fun, but backed by high value.

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

• Best artificial Christmas trees
• Best Christmas decorations
• Best Christmas tree skirts
• Best Christmas tree stands
• Best Christmas lights
• Best Christmas tree ornaments

A bold Santa Claus who cruises around in style

$59.99, available on Amazon

In contrast to classic jovial depictions of Santa on sleigh, this 5-foot tall inflatable illuminates a cool Kris Kringle on a motorcycle with gifts in tow.

A "Star Wars" duo that will make you say "May the force be with you"

$129.99, available on Amazon

We can't guarantee that the force will be with you this holiday season, but we can vouch that this "Star Wars" inflatable is festive, original, and easy to set up.

A merry Santa and his reindeer

$115, available on Amazon

A timeless display of Santa and his reindeer, this decoration plays on the jolly old elf's ultimate job responsibility: spreading cheer and gifts to families around the world. 

A classic holiday greeting for all who pass by

$95, available on Amazon

Vibrant and fun, this inflatable features traditional hallmarks, which include a candy cane, glossy ball ornament, and of course, classic Christmas tree with lights. 

The gifts that keep giving all season long

$65, available on Amazon

Let's be honest, for many, presents are the best part of Christmas. If you happen to share this sentiment and really want to drive the theme home, you can pair this display with a Christmas tree inflatable or a Santa one if you're feeling especially festive. 

A decked-out candy cane with directions to the North Pole

$34.99, available on Amazon

Offering a fun twist on classic candy cane inflatables, this one features North Pole signage and rotating lights that will brighten up your lawn.

An adorable puppy who's feeling the Christmas spirit

$38.75, available on Amazon

If you like adorable puppies in costume, then you'll love this festive one in a playful pose, and naturally, donning a Santa hat.

A pair of candy canes for under $20

$19.95, available on Walmart

This festive duo plays takes the classic candy cane and dresses it up with a twist — a polka dot and Christmas tree print reminiscent of gift wrap.

A fully decorated Christmas tree for your front lawn

$35.99, available on Walmart

Why not have two Christmas trees this year? This weather-resistant inflatable will make a perfect addition to your outdoor holiday decor. 

A holiday lantern that features a dynamic duo

$113.99, available on Walmart

This festive lantern blends traditional holiday themes, colors, and characters — all highlighted with rotating with multicolored lights.

A sneak peek inside Santa's Workshop

$145.49, available on Walmart

This Santa's Workshop inflatable captures the North Pole's most valuable enterprise. The elf also is an adorable touch.

An interactive Christmas castle

$162.75, available on The Home Depot

The majestic Santa's castle features two towers and an elaborate entrance way, which is ideal for small children seeking adventure. Parents will love its interior lights that provide bright glow throughout the night.

A flying Mickey Mouse who's playing Santa's helper

$59.98, available on The Home Depot

Decked out in Santa gear, this Mickey Mouse inflatable is playful and festive, which will get the whole family into the holiday spirit.

An inflatable that pays homage to "Christmas Vacation"

$86.17, available on The Home Depot

If you're a pop-culture buff, then you'll love this Clark Griswold display. It will remind you of all the good-natured chaos — from Clark's diatribe on Christmas Eve to his unexpected family visitors.

A nativity scene that features the "Peanuts" gang

$149, available on The Home Depot

This Charlie Brown inflatable is animated, fun, and adorable. It's also sure to inspire multiple viewings of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Santa-themed polar bears frolicking on an arctic slide

$149, available on The Home Depot

Featuring Santa-styled polar bears, this illuminated, colorful inflatable brings the North Pole to your neighborhood. 

A Santa-clad Jack Skellington summons "The Nightmare Before Christmas"

$114.29, available on The Home Depot

For those who love Halloween all year round, this Jack Skellington inflatable adds a spooky feel to the holiday festivities.

An inflatable that adds Christmas flair to glamping

$129, available on The Home Depot

Campers and Christmas lovers can agree that this inflatable perfectly captures glamping with a playful holiday twist. It self-inflates upon opening, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy.

A holiday dragon munching on candy canes

$149, available on The Home Depot

Dragons are cool, and a holiday-themed one is even better. This seasonally appropriate dragon has an affinity for candy canes.

• When selecting a blender for your kitchen, you're going to want one that's powerful enough to do whatever job you need, whether it's creating a simple smoothie or crushing ice.
• The Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender is the best one you can buy with its powerful motor, decent price tag, and easy-to-use preset blending functions.

A blender seems like a simple kitchen tool, and for the most part, it is. Blenders give you a variety of settings to help you achieve the consistency you need for a particular recipe.

Even if you don't use it specifically for cooking, a blender is handy to have in your kitchen. When you want to make kale smoothies or homemade vanilla milkshakes, a blender is a must-have tool.

Although blenders all seem to perform the same task, there are a few different kinds of blenders and each version offers unique features. We'll help you figure out which type of blender will give you the performance you want. The most common types of blenders include conventional, multi-purpose, immersion, and personal.

A conventional blender is the most common type for use in your kitchen at home. This type of blender can perform a variety of functions from making soup to blending smoothies. Multi-function blenders are more high-end ones like those you'd find in a restaurant. Finally, there's the personal blender, which is a small blender that makes single servings and may run from a battery for portability. Hand blenders, also called immersion blenders, are a popular alternative to the blenders most people are familiar with, and we have a full guide that you can check out here.

In this guide, we highlight a mix of conventional, multifunction, and personal blenders. When choosing a blender, you should also note that blenders vary in the power they provide, the quality of the components, and the variety of functions available. Think about how you want to use the blender, and you'll have better success in picking one to meet your needs.

The motor is the most important part of any blender, and the higher the wattage, the better the performance. Always get a blender with a motor that's more than 500 watts. If you want to make frozen drinks, you may need one with 1,000 watts of power.

You'll also want to look at the type of blades on each blender. Some blenders have blades made for solid objects like ice, while others make use of a chopping type of blade. Stainless steel blades are best. The size and material of the blender jar are also key factors, as is the tightness of the lid.

Here are the best blenders you can buy:

• Best blender overall: Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender
• Best budget blender: KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender
• Best affordable blender: Ninja Professional Blender BL660
• Best commercial-grade blender: Vitamix 750
• Best vacuum blender: Breville Super Q Blender and Vac Q attachment
• Best personal blender: Breville Boss to Go Sport

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Owen Burke: Updated prices and links.

SEE ALSO: The best immersion blenders you can buy

The best blender overall

True to its name, the Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender automatically senses the correct speed for the ingredients you're blending and can be used for smoothies, dips, and milkshakes.

The Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender has four preset functions, 10 adjustable speeds, and a 1,100-watt motor that automatically senses the thickness of your ingredients. It applies the power necessary so all the manual guess-work is taken out of blending, making it convenient to use and resulting in a great final product whether you're making a smoothie or a salsa.

Having tested this blender myself, I can personally attest to how well it works. Call me a creature of habit, but my morning smoothie is an almost daily ritual — one that's been going on for close to eight years now — so a high-quality blender I can count on is a must.

I put the Calphalon Auto-Speed through its paces, and it's held up well to daily use, resulting in thick, silky smoothies. I can tell you firsthand how unpleasant it is to encounter an unexpected spinach leaf or chunk of banana in a poorly blended smoothie, but that hasn't happened once since I've started using this blender.

The Calphalon Auto-Speed can do much more than make smoothies, which makes it a great multi-purpose tool to have on your kitchen counter. The pulse feature allows for food prep and chopping — and results in a great salsa. There are also four preset functions for dips, milkshakes, frozen drinks, and smoothies as well as adjustable speeds for more hands-on control.

I especially like the addition of the reverse pulse button which helps pull the ingredients further down into the blade if necessary to prevent any jams and resulting in a smooth blend. The 6-point stainless steel blades are both durable and easy to clean thanks to the way they're angled.

Each part of the blender that attaches to the base is also dishwasher safe for further convenience. I've cleaned each of these parts in our own dishwasher multiple times with no issue.

With such a powerful motor, this blender is much quieter than I expected. It's by no means silent, but it's much less deafening than others I've used in the past, making it a little less grating to listen to in the morning if you're a breakfast smoothie fanatic like myself.

When blending, you can either use the 2-Liter pitcher for larger quantities, or the convenient 25-ounce Blend-N-Go Jar for single-serving sized smoothies and drinks. While I liked using the Blend-N-Go Jar for smaller serving sizes, I did find the drinking lid that comes with it slightly awkward to use. It prevented any spills, but the attached cap sometimes was more of a nuisance than anything else.

For this reason, I often used one of my own containers for drinking, but still liked to use the Blend-N-Go jar when blending smoothies and drinks for the simple fact that it meant a smaller container to clean.

As far as quality and ease of use go, I was not disappointed. The lids to both the pitcher and the jar seal tightly, and I had no issues with any splatter or leaking while blending. The blade attachment fits easily onto the base and removes just as easily when you're finished blending.

While this blender is on the expensive side, if it's a tool you know you'll be using often, it's a worthwhile investment that you'll be able to rely on for durability, great results, and ease of use. Presets and speeds are controlled by a dial on the front that's clearly labeled, and you can start, pause, pulse and reverse pulse at the push of a button.

The easy to read digital interface is also a nice touch, showing you how long you've been blending, or counting down to the finish if you choose to use one of the preset functions.

The Calphalon Auto-Speed blender is highly rated on Amazon, and as a result, is labeled as an "Amazon's Choice" product. Reviewers call this an "awesome blender" loving how it looks on their countertop, it's auto-sensor that results in perfect smoothies and shakes, and the high-end features that put it "at the head of the blender pack."  — Kylie Joyner

Pros: 1,100-watt motor that automatically senses ingredients and adjusts for best results, four preset functions, 10 adjustable speeds, easy to clean, features durable stainless steel blades, comes with a Bend-N-Go jar for added convenience

Cons: On the expensive side, lid that goes with smoothie cup is slightly awkward to use

The best budget blender

The KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender is a solid, affordable blender that can make soups and smoothies easily.

Although you certainly can spend hundreds of dollars on a blender, you don't have to if you only want an occasional smoothie, soup, or blended dessert. The KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender costs less than $100 when you get it on sale, and only $100 when it's normal price. I've owned one for several years, and it's still going strong.

The Die Cast Metal Base is sturdy, so it doesn't shake as it blends, which is something that a lot of cheap blenders tend to do. Although it's not as powerful as many of the blenders in our guide, the KitchenAid has a perfectly capable motor that helps the stainless steel blades blend just about anything with little effort.

KitchenAid's Intelli-Speed Motor Control tech ensures that ingredients are blended equally. The 56-ounce BPA-Free pitcher is easy to clean, as is the two-piece lid. Years of use haven't harmed the sturdy plastic pitcher or the lid, which still fits snugly.

Most buyers on Amazon love this blender, too, though some say they received defective units. Expert reviewers praise the KitchenAid blender, too, citing its low price as the main attraction. CNET and Good House Keeping were impressed with it, and Wirecutter also recommends it as the best budget blender. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Sturdy, affordable, makes good smoothies, decent motor, five speeds

Cons: Still more than $70, not as powerful as others

The best affordable blender

The affordable Ninja Professional Blender delivers plenty of power to crush ice and blend a variety of ingredients to create perfect smoothies every time.

If you're looking to create great-tasting smoothies at home, you'll want a blender with plenty of power to ensure the ingredients are well mixed and delivered at the desired texture. The Ninja Professional Blender has the features needed to pulverize ice and create the highest quality smoothies possible.

It boasts 1,100 watts of power with three speeds, a pulse setting, and a single-serve function. Ninja also includes two 16-ounce to-go cups so you can take your breakfast smoothie with you. The blender's 72-ounce pitcher is a good size and it has a form-fitting lid and a nice big handle.

Guides Editor Les Shu has seen the Ninja in action. The multiple sharp blades, while befitting of the Ninja name, look both frightening and ridiculous. When it's running, the blender is jet-engine loud. But it did a terrific job cutting through ice and fresh pineapple for piña coladas.

Indeed, the Ninja blender does a great job with all kinds of blending needs, including crushing and pureeing for smoothies, according to the Healthy But Smart review. It's the perfect versatile blender for people who don't want to spend $300 on our top pick but still need a powerful blender.

In its review, Easy Healthy Smoothie says this blender makes perfect smoothies and it's very affordable, considering the power it offers. One Amazon reviewer agreed, explaining that even though the blender is limited to 1,100 watts of power, it still performs as well as more expensive blenders.

Another Amazon customer says you'll save twice with the Ninja BL660 because it's affordable and you won't have to pay for smoothies anymore.

As for downsides, the Kitchen Gear Pro says the Ninja blender is difficult to take apart and clean, in large part because of the sharpness of the blades. The lid also has some crevasses that are tough to clean properly. But otherwise, this is a great blender for $100. — Kyle Schurman

Pros: Perfect option for creating smoothies at home, blender sold at a good price point, offers many different kinds of blending options, works to crush ice, blends many kinds of foods successfully

Cons: Unit's lid can be difficult to clean, blades are sharp when you take blender apart for cleaning

The best professional-style blender

The Vitamix Professional series 750 offers everything you need in a blender, but its proven longevity makes it worth the price.

We know $600 is a lot to spend on a blender, or anything, really. But if you want the most consistent consistency, and you use your blender on a daily basis, it's easily justified. When you go to a smoothie shop, you're probably paying well over $5 per drink, and if you do so even two or three times a week, that adds up (I'm a writer, so I'll let you do your own math).

The Vitamix 750 is a professional-grade blender built to last the better part of a decade, and Vitamix's 7-year warranty is enough to attest to that. Sure, you may have some 20-year-old anvil of a thing living on your counter that still works, more or less, but I'll bet your smoothies turn out to be laden with large, neglected chunks of your chosen fruits. I'll also bet it's not the prettiest thing in your kitchen, either.

Do you need to spend so much on a blender? No, but if you're willing to spend even $200, you might find that blender cutting out on you within a couple of years, no matter how shiny and stainless-steel-clad it may be.

For those that use their blender only every so often but still demand perfection, the Vitamix 5200 is of comparable quality, just with a less technical interface and no automatic drive for setting your blender to smoothie mode and walking away. But on the other hand, if you're running a smoothie shop or a cafe or B&B with a juicer, it's hard to ignore reasons for the automatic feature.

Around the web, Forbes and New York Magazine stand by the Vitamix 750. Meanwhile, nearly 300 Amazon reviewers give it a solid 4.6/5-star rating. — Owen Burke

Pros: Consistent, powerful motor, strong blades stay sharp, 7-year warranty

Cons: Price tag

The best vacuum blender

The Breville Super Q Blender isn't inherently a vacuum blender, but together with Breville's Vac Q attachment, it becomes one.

Breville's Super Q Blender is a great blender on its own, but when you add the VacQ attachment to it, it becomes a vacuum blender and removes all air from your concoctions.

An 1800-watt motor that drives steel blade tips at 186 miles per hour is not something you want to get your fingers caught in. It is, however, a remarkable feat of technology for blending (and nearly juicing) just about anything you can get your hands on. The Super Q also has five programmed presets that allow you to basically turn the thing on and carry on with any other culinary endeavors you may be juggling.

Insider Picks editorial director Ellen Hoffman and I set up shop at Insider Picks Headquarters (otherwise known as our office kitchen) where we stuffed the Breville Super Q with every fruit and vegetable we could get our hands-on. We ended up with a host of perfectly consistent, sometimes strange-tasting concoctions (through no fault of Breville).

Two things impressed me about this blender in comparison with the Vitamix. Firstly, the Super Q is unbelievably quiet. We were able to carry on with a conversation at normal volume while the motor was whirring away somewhere between a whisper and a barely vocal growl. This is, far and away, the quietest, albeit most powerful blender I've ever put to use. 

What really makes the Super Q a solid buy, however, is the Vac Q, which, unfortunately, comes separately. That's my only gripe with this machine so far. A small-handled vacuum about the size of a coffee mug that you place over the top of the pitcher or smoothie cup, the Vac Q pulls as much air out of the container as would seem possible. This process creates such a tight seal on the lid that it's almost impossible to open without using the depressurizing cap, which reduces oxidation and bubbles.

In short: It makes your juice taste and last better. The more foam and froth in juice, or anything your blending, the more nutrients you lose. Sure, there are many reasons we drink juice, but most of us are taking nutrition into account, too. — Owen Burke

Pros: Extremely powerful, versatile, automatic shut off/hands-free

Cons: Expensive, not as easy to manually operate as a Vitamix if you're getting technical

The best personal blender

For the smoothest smoothies, shakes, and juices, the powerful Breville Boss to Go Sport is your go-to blender.

The Breville Boss to Go Sport is a perfectly sized blender for on-the-go smoothies in the morning or smaller blending jobs. But don't let its compact form-factor fool you: This is a powerful 1,000-watt blender that can pulverize ice and hard fruits.

Besides the powerful motor, the Boss to Go Sport uses what Breville calls a Kinetix blade. The unique curved design of the four blades helps to create smoother foods — great for silky smoothies and shakes, not so much if you like chunky guacamole. And it does things fast, which is great if you're short on time in the morning. As its "upgrade pick," Wirecutter found the blender to be plenty powerful and had no issues cutting up kale or berries.

The blender comes with two travel cups and lids, one 23-ounce and one 15-ounce. There's only one speed, however. But like all Breville products, the Boss to Go Sport looks industrial sleek. 

The Boss to Go Sport is pricey, but like many Breville products, we believe it's a good investment and it's backed by great customer service. You can purchase personal blenders at half the price (or more) of the Boss to Go Sport, like those from NutriBullet (the NutriBullet Pro 900 is Wirecutter's top pick). However, in our experience, NutriBullet motors tend to blow out too easily. We also like the Vitamix S30, which comes with a 20-ounce travel cup and a larger 40-ounce container, and it has adjustable speed control and a pulse feature. But it's even more expensive and the 790-watt motor isn't as powerful. — Les Shu

Pros: Powerful, blends ice and harder foods, two travel cups and lids

Cons: Only one speed, pricey

Check out our other small appliance buying guides

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• The best can openers will last you for years or even decades.
• If you need a new one, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener is our pick because it requires no more effort than depressing a lever to open any can.
• The exterior of the can and the cutting blade do not make contact with the food, and it leaves smooth edges.

For over half a century, can openers have been an essential part of every kitchen. Yet, from your dollar store find to high-end options at department stores, there are a lot of terrible can openers on the market. Fortunately, with a little bit of research, you can find a device that is durable, sanitary, and simple to use.

Most can openers also function as bottle cap openers, and there are a few models that do even more than that, including opening jars. If you are looking for a device that will serve a variety of purposes, take a closer look at the Kuhn Rikon and P-51 can openers.

As part of our research into can openers, we evaluated the ratings and experiences of experts and users alike. We chose our top picks based on their track record of accurate cutting, reliable performance, and price.

• The best can opener overall: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener
• The best manual can opener: Made in USA Can Opener
• The best ergonomic can opener: OXO SteeL Can Opener
• The best versatile can opener: Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener
•  The best can opener for survivalists: P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener

Updated 10/28/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.

The best can opener overall

When you want to open a can with minimal mess, effort, or chance for contamination, the Hamilton Beach 76606ZA Smooth Touch Can Opener is a smart choice.

When you look at the marketing photos put out by Hamilton Beach of the Smooth Touch Can Opener in action, you may wonder why they are using a can opener for a pop-top can. Most people do not clean the exteriors of their cans. Yet, these areas get quite dirty. When you use the pop top, the outside of the can is likely to make contact with the food, which increases the chance of contamination. The Hamilton Beach can opener is designed to keep your food free of contaminants.

The can opener cuts along the side of the can instead of the top, so the lid won't fall into the food. The blade of the can opener, which can collect harmful microbes, doesn't make contact with the food, either.

To operate the Smooth Touch Can Opener, you just depress the large ergonomic lever until your can has made a complete rotation. Then, you remove the top part. The cut leaves smooth edges on both pieces of the can.

Two popular expert review sites rated the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener as the best electric can opener on the market. Consumer Search rated this model highly because of its unique side-cutting that leaves smooth edges and the fact that the blade doesn't come in contact with your food, which is ideal for hygienic reasons.

Heavy also liked that it left smooth edges, works with cans of all sizes, and is user-friendly. However, reviewers found it was hard to use the lid to strain the can's contents due to the sidecut.

Around 81% of the reviewers on Amazon gave the 76606ZA five stars. Buyers appreciated that the top of the can was cut off on the side as close to the top as possible. With other side-cutters, the cut is too low, and liquid from the can may spill out.

Buyers also liked that the magnet holds the can in place securely for an excellent cut. There were some complaints that the cord is too short, but this is likely because many users didn't realize that most of the 26-inch cord is stored within the unit itself. You just pull it out.

Pros: Leaves smooth edges, works for cans of all sizes, strong magnet

Cons: Requires electricity, might have trouble with thick-rimmed cans

Buy the Hamilton Beach 76606ZA Smooth Touch Can Opener on Amazon from $29.85 (originally from $26.99)

The best manual can opener

The Made in USA Can Opener has been providing efficient and consistent cutting since 1954.

For decades, the U.S. Swing-A-Way company dominated the can opening industry. Then, in 2008, the company moved production to China. The result was a less expensive but lower quality can opener. The John J. Steuby Company made parts for the Swing-A-Way, and when Swing-A-Way was sold, the company started creating its own can openers: the EZ-Duz-It and Made in USA Can Openers.

The Made in USA Can Opener features a skip-proof feed wheel, is gear driven, and is made from carbon steel. The gears, wheel, and cutter are all zinc plated and heat treated. It works like a traditional manual can opener: Press the cutting blade on the top of the can along the lip, hold the thick handle pads, and turn the crank until you have almost completed a rotation. Use a butter knife to flip the lid up. Empty the contents, then press the lid down into the can.

Though we didn't find any complaints about this model rusting, we recommend wiping your can opener down with a cloth and hot water or vinegar to clean it. Also, the seller, 4 Peaks Technology LLC, claims it has replaced all the defective openers that have been brought to its attention in the last four years — no matter when they were purchased.

Wirecutter listed the Made in USA Can Opener as the second-best can opener you can buy. The reviewers report that the Made in USA Can Opener is "virtually identical" to the site's number-one-choice, the EZ-Duz-It can opener.

However, the Made in USA Can Opener has much better user reviews on Amazon (4.6-star average versus 4.2-star average) with many of the low ratings for the EZ-Duz-It coming more recently. The main complaint with the EZ-Duz-It is it starts to rust quickly, even within a week of arrival. These complaints are not common with the Made in USA Can Opener.

Around 87% of the reviewers on Amazon gave the Made in USA Can Opener five stars. Many of them were almost embarrassed by how much they enjoyed this can opener's performance. Buyers liked that the device is well built in the United States. One user said the opener slices through can lids like warm butter. There were positive reviews from several individuals who used the opener professionally for countless cans throughout the day.

Pros: Consistent performance, long-lasting, efficient

Cons: Leaves sharp edges

Buy the Made in USA Can Opener on Amazon for $19.18 (originally $14.76)

The best ergonomic can opener

When you have to open several cans to cook a meal, the OXO SteeL Can Opener cuts so effortlessly than it won't tire you out.

What sets the OXO SteeL Can Opener apart from the other models on this list is the large, soft turning knob. Other than that, it is mostly made of sleek stainless steel. The blade is sharp and makes cutting easy to manage, and there is also a built-in bottle cap opener.

Many of the staff members over at Wirecutter use OXO can openers for personal use, and they found that the crank is quite comfortable. However, this model is not among its top choices because the handles' metal coverings slide down, and there were many grooves that collect grit. BuyTheBest10 put the OXO SteeL Can Opener in its top ten back in 2017 because of the OXO's ergonomic design. TBPR Reviews put it at number two on its list because of the opener's durable, comfortable construction.

Around 92% of the Amazon reviewers gave the OXO SteeL Can Opener a rating of four stars or higher. There are several users who have commented that they have had this can opener for 6+ years and have not had any problems. There do not appear to be any complaints of rusting. One user noted that after ten weeks, cans did not seem to stay engaged as easily. Another verified purchaser said they regularly put their opener in the dishwasher, but this is not recommended.

Pros: Feels comfortable in your hands, long track record

Cons: Hard to clean, handle may slide

Buy the OXO SteeL Can Opener on Amazon for $19.99 (originally $18.99)

The best versatile can opener

When you want to streamline the number of tools in your kitchen, consider the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener for a variety of tasks.

The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener opens pop-tops, cans, pull tops, jars, and bottles. Like the Hamilton Beach model, this device is a side cutter that does not come in contact with the can's contents.

You place the tool on top of your can with the two half circles lined up with the can's rim. You twist the knob, and the opener will grip the lid and cut. You will feel less resistance after a full circle. You should stop at this point and remove the top using the mini-pliers push button. If you try to do more than one revolution, you may get slivers or burrs of metal in your food.

Consumer Reports liked the Kuhn Rikon opener because of its multitasking and ability to produce cuts with smooth edges. However, the opener lost points because it was uncomfortable, bulky, and awkward to operate.Wirecutter expressed similar displeasure in its fairly dismissive review. However, SheKnows rated this model the best value of all of the Kuhn Rikon can openers on the market.

The vast majority of reviewers on Amazon liked the Auto Safety Master Opener with 92% of reviewers giving it a positive rating. Users appreciated how easily it opened cans without leaving any sharp edges. One buyer found it was ideal for individuals with injuries, poor motor control, and for those with weak hands. Reviewers were also impressed with this model's ability to open jars and bottles, including two-liter pop bottles.

Pros: Performs a variety of tasks, leaves smooth edges, dishwasher safe

Cons: Requires reading the manual, knob is hard to turn

Buy the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener on Amazon for $19.99 (originally $19.11)

The best can opener for survivalists

If you're preparing for stuff to hit the fan or just want an easy way to open cans while backpacking, the P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener are inexpensive and lightweight options.

Though it is not an official US Army-issued item, the P-38 and P-51 can openers have been used by our armed forces since they were first introduced in 1942. Nicknamed the "John Wayne" and manufactured by the US Shelby Co. in the United States, these can openers get their name for how long they are. The P-38 is 38 millimeters long. The P-51 is 51 millimeters (about 2 inches).

These durable slabs of steel fit on a keychain. There are many websites devoted to celebrating this can opener, and the list of uses is virtually endless. US Shelby advertises the P-38's ability to clean fingernails, clean grooves, open cans, open seams, screw drive, and cut items.

For can opening, you rotate the cutting edge 90 degrees from the stowed position. You then hold the can opener with the blade directed downward and rotate the can with your other hand as you cut the lid off.

The P-38 and P-51 can openers are a little too novel for the expert sites to review. Instead, it is a popular tool among survivalists and veterans. Infinite Power Solutions recommends the P-51 for people looking for a foolproof, robust, indestructible, lightweight, and reliable can opener for emergencies, backpacking, bug out bags, survival situations, hunting, and camping. Best Survivalist Tools rated the P-38 and P-51 as the top survivalist can openers.

Around 93% of the reviewers on Amazon gave these can openers four or five stars. Users said that the P-38 takes about twice as long to open cans as their cranking counterparts. Also, there appears to be a little bit of a learning curve and a need for elbow grease. Yet, users are thrilled with them once they get the hang of these can openers. Many keep their P-38 or P-51 on them at all times and use them as a flat blade screwdriver, to open battery compartments, for cutting string, and for opening packages.

Pros: 75-year track record, compact, inexpensive

Cons: Works slowly, requires a little elbow grease, leave sharp edges

Buy the P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener on Amazon for $4.05 (originally $5.48)

• Every kitchen needs a good refrigerator, and finding one that's energy efficient, budget-friendly, and spacious enough to hold your weekly grocery haul is key. 
• Our top pick is the stylish Samsung 24.6 cubic foot French Door Fridge because it has lots of fun features and looks and performs like a much more expensive fridge.

When I was growing up, my family always had a standard white, freezer-on-top refrigerator. At some point, many of my friends started getting fridges with built-in water and ice dispensers on the door. I was enamored with this high-tech feature and never tired of helping myself to a glass of water.

Of course, refrigerators have come a long way since then. Recently, at Home Depot my eight-year-old daughter and her friend amused themselves for half an hour playing with a futuristic Samsung Family Hub Smart Refrigerator. They used their fingers to draw pictures and make notes on the whiteboard and then recorded silly messages and played them back as other customers giggled. Other high-tech features on this fridge include three built-in cameras so you can see the inside of your fridge from anywhere and the ability to stream music or watch TV right there on your appliance.

It's fun stuff, but smart fridges are expensive, and not everyone needs the advanced features. Most people just want an energy efficient fridge with sufficient storage and a reasonable price tag, which is why our picks range from $700 to $2,000 with plenty of $1,000 to $1,500 options in between.

When choosing a fridge, you should consider which style you prefer.  The most popular style of fridge is one with French doors and a bottom freezer. Other common options include the classic freezer on top, or the side-by-side freezer and fridge.

It may sound obvious, but make sure you measure carefully to ensure that a new fridge fits into your allotted space. You should also measure all doorways and other possible obstructions like kitchen islands to make sure the fridge can actually get into your kitchen. You'll also want to consider how many cubic feet of space are inside so you get enough space.

Most new refrigerators are much more efficient than older models. Still, it's a good idea to look for the EPA Energy Star rating. The ENERGY STAR Product Finder allows you to compare different features among refrigerator models to optimize your purchase. 

Here are the best refrigerators you can buy:

• Best fridge for most people: Samsung French-Door 24.6 cubic foot fridge
• Best bottom-freezer fridge: Whirlpool 18.5 cubic foot Bottom-Freezer fridge
• Best side-by-side fridge: Frigidaire 22 cubic foot fridge
• Best budget fridge: 17.5 cubic foot GE fridge
• Best fridge for $2,000: Whirlpool 25 cubic foot French Door fridge

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides. 

SEE ALSO: The best mini fridges for your college dorm room, office, or home

The best fridge for most people

The roomy 25.5 cu. ft. French door Samsung fridge has many upscale features, a sleek design, and an affordable $1,300 price tag.

Samsung has a reputation for making reliable appliances, and the French Door Fridge is no exception. This stylish fridge has lots of upscale features, including LED lighting, two humidity-controlled crispers, a digital thermostat, and three temperature settings in the pantry drawer (chilled, fresh, and deli).

To keep the fridge affordable, the ice maker and water dispenser are located internally. But the ice maker comes with a convenient oversized bucket, so you can churn out multiple cubes at a time. The internal water dispenser has a nice added touch: You are reminded when it is time to replace the filter.

It's an Energy Star appliance, too, so you can rest assured that this fridge won't consume tons of electricity. The fridge measures 35.8 by 70 by 35.6 inches, so make sure you have space for it.

There are more than 1,700 buyer reviews on Home Depot's website with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Fans tout the sleek design and roomy interior. "Looks great and it's so spacious! I can access everything and rearranging the shelving is easy to set it to your liking," wrote one verified buyer on November 8, 2017.

"The shelves are easy to wipe off, drawers slide easily. The refrigerator runs very quietly, holds its temperature in both the frig and the freezer," wrote another verified buyer on December 12, 2017.

As for downsides, some Home Depot reviewers claim the fridge makes too much noise.

Pros: Well-priced, roomy, sleek design, adjustable shelving, multiple temperature controls

Cons: Some customers claim the unit is noisy

Best bottom-freezer fridge

There aren't a lot of flashy features on the Whirlpool 18.5 cubic foot Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, but if dependability, performance, and easy access are your primary concerns, it should move to the top of your list.

Whirlpool has been making refrigerators since 1955, and it's one of the best-known brands in the world. This simple, but solid fridge offers spill-proof glass shelves, a roomy interior, an ice maker in the freezer, and humidity-controlled bins. There is no water dispenser.

It has the classic fridge look, except that the freezer is on the bottom instead of the top. The fridge measures 29.625 by 67 by 30.875 inches, so measure carefully. Inside, you'll find five fresh-food shelves, six door bins, and two freezer shelves for food storage. Whirpool's fridge also got the Energy Star seal of approval, so it won't consume much electricity.

Across the web, multiple professional reviewers highly recommend the Whirlpool 18.5 cu. ft Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator in Stainless Steel for its sturdy construction and high performance. Consumer Search highlights its great performance and reasonable price point.

There are more than 80 buyer reviews on Best Buy's website, with an impressive average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. "I am thrilled with the shelves on the doors because they are solid, so nothing falls out through the bottom like our previous refrigerator," wrote one reviewer who gave the fridge four stars.

"The refrigerator has much more space inside than I thought it would given it is smaller than most due to our limited space in kitchen," wrote another reviewer. "It is however noisier than I like. The ice maker is great and so far we have all the space in bins we need."

Pros: Affordable, highly-rated performance, roomy interior

Cons: Some users complain that it is noisy, wobbly drawers

Best side-by-side fridge

The snazzy, counter-depth Frigidaire 22 cubic foot fridge has thru-the-door ice, a filtered water dispenser, and a reasonable price tag.

Some folks are still fans of the side-by-side fridges that were extremely popular in the 1990s. Practical advantages to this type of fridge include smaller doors and easy access to the freezer. It measures 33 by 69.625 by 32 inches.

This snazzy, counter-depth Frigidaire fridge with a thru-the-door ice and filtered water dispenser, offers some fun features including a place to store frozen pizzas, wine bottle holders on the door, a meat drawer with its own thermostat, and a "Sabbath mode" which allows it to be used by observant Jews on Jewish holidays.

Frigidaire's fridge is not Energy-Star Certified, so that is something to keep in mind. There is a one-year warranty for parts and labor, so if you run into problems within that period, you're covered.

Pros: Great price for counter-depth fridge, snazzy appearance, wine bottle holders

Cons: Some users complain that the fridge is noisy and that the drawers don't glide open and shut easily

The best budget fridge

If you are looking for a basic, bare-bones unit with a price to match, the GE 17.5 cubic foot fridge is a good deal.

GE refrigerators are well-known for their durability, and this model lives up to its famous name even though it is very affordable. 

Two adjustable glass shelves and two drawers with separate humidity controls provide flexibility in how you store your food. Easy access controls allow you to separately regulate the temperature of the fridge and freezer. The doors do provide features usually only found in more expensive refrigerators: can holders and extra deep bins to hold gallon-sized containers.

For a small refrigerator, there is a lot of usable space. It measures 28 by 67.4 by 32.5 inches in size. This fridge comes with a limited one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Across the web, professional reviewers, including those at the Wirecutter and CNET, call it a bargain. There are more than 1,400 user reviews on Home Depot's website, with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Fans of this fridge rave about the spacious interior, the famous GE dependability, and of course — the low price.

"As a retired couple we no longer need a large fridge. This is perfect for us, nice and quiet and keeps food cold," wrote one verified purchaser.

"We were looking for a basic, no-frills refrigerator and this fit the bill. Lots of interior space, we LOVE the glass shelves, the drawers, and the extra wide storage space on the door. I would have given it 5 stars, except for the controls being right in the front when I open the door. When I try to reach in, I have to be careful not to bang my head on the control center," wrote another buyer.

Critics of the unit frequently claim that it is too noisy.

Pros: Very affordable, roomier than it looks, two adjustable glass shelves, white matte finish doesn't smudge

Cons: Old-fashioned look, no bells & whistles, limited lighting

The best fridge for $2,000

The unique Whirlpool 25 cu. ft. French Door will impress your friends with its external refrigerated drawer and other fun features, and is perfect for families with young children because its sleek stainless-steel finish is fingerprint-resistant.

In January 2017, Whirlpool expanded fingerprint-resistant capabilities to its stainless steel fridges. The result? No longer do families have to choose between beautiful stainless steel or fingerprint-free exteriors.  Just wipe those smudges away with soap and water, and your fridge is like new again.

The fridge measures, 35.63 by 70.13 by 34.63 inches, and it's a very good-looking fridge with an ice and water dispenser on the door. Of course, all eyes are on that extra exterior drawer which helps keep items that are used daily within easy reach. 

Whirlpool's fridge also has its own temperature controls and adjustable dividers. Other high-tech features include LED lighting, adjustable gallon-sized door bins, and exterior tap-touch temperature controls. The measured water dispenser is a handy touch.

There are more than 3,400 buyer reviews on Home Depot's website, and 93% of the reviewers recommend this product. Fans of this fridge continually tout the beautiful look, ample space, and that extra exterior drawer.  

"I couldn't be more pleased," wrote a five-star reviewer from Monroe, Ohio. "It's spacious and it's easy to locate everything. The stainless steel is smudge proof and that is awesome."

Several buyers complained that the stainless steel rusted quickly, that the unit is noisy, and that the large ice maker takes up too much room on the interior of the fridge.

Pros: Sleek styling, extra external drawer, LED lighting, smudge-proof finish

Cons: Some users complain that it is noisy and that the ice maker is too big

Check out our other great guides to kitchen appliances

The best toaster ovens

Toaster ovens serve as a miniature version of the traditional oven, and they offer an array of functions, including broiling, roasting, toasting, and convection cooking. Even if you have a large kitchen, a toaster oven is useful for the heavy-cooking holidays, such as Thanksgiving when you need to cook and warm several dishes at different temperatures at the same time. These are the best toaster ovens you can buy: 

• Best toaster oven overall: Cuisinart Chef's Convection Toaster Oven
• Best small toaster oven: Breville Mini Smart Oven
• Best convection toaster oven: Calphalon Quartz Heat Countertop Oven
• Best budget toaster oven: Oster Digital Convection Toaster Oven
• Best infrared toaster oven: Panasonic Flash Xpress Toaster Oven
• Best toaster oven for cooking: Breville Compact Smart Oven

The best espresso machines 

True espresso only comes from high-end machines, but now you can have your very own espresso machine at home. Here are our top picks for the best espresso machines:

• Best overall: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine 
• Best machine under $100: De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso Maker
• Best pod machine: Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker
• Best machine if money is no object: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine
• Best manual device: Flair Espresso maker
• Best lever machine: La Pavoni Europiccola

The best blenders

When selecting a blender for your kitchen, you're going to want one that's powerful enough to do whatever job you need, whether it's creating a simple smoothie or crushing ice. Here are our picks for the best blenders you can buy:

• Best blender overall: Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender
• Best budget blender: KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender
• Best blender for $100: Ninja Professional Blender BL660
• Best commercial-grade blender: Vitamix 750
• Best personal blender: Breville Boss to Go Sport