A proposed goal: not signed off yet.

Garage

We earn a commission when you buy through some links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

NOCO Boost PlusEssential · $100Good
NOCO Boost PlusA compact, rugged jump starter with strong clamps that starts small to midsize vehicles.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickOther well-backed products sit too close to the chosen ones to be a separate level.

Gooloo 6000-AmpAbsolute · $130Best
Gooloo 6000-AmpPower rated for all gas engines and diesels up to 12 liters, not just 3.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Avid Power CordlessEssential · $66Good
Avid Power CordlessA cordless inflator that stops at a set pressure and runs off the car socket.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
DeWalt 20VUpgrade · $139Better
DeWalt 20VFills heavy-duty truck tires to 80 psi, which the Essential isn't recommended for.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Milwaukee M18Absolute · $153Best
Milwaukee M18Fills a tire to 45 psi in 2:47, about three times faster than the Essential.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon

Basement

Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon

Kitchen

Cosori TurboBlazeEssential · $100Good
Cosori TurboBlazeA six-quart basket that crisps food quickly, with fan speeds set by each cooking mode.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickOther well-backed products sit too close to the chosen ones to be a separate level.

Ninja DoubleAbsolute · $210Best
Ninja DoubleTwo baskets that cook two foods at different temperatures at the same time.See it at SharkninjaWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Victorinox SwissEssential · $48Good
Victorinox SwissA light, sharp everyday knife with a grip that holds even when wet.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Global ClassicUpgrade · $112Better
Global ClassicCleaner, finer cuts on delicate herbs that the Essential left bruised.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
MAC ProfessionalAbsolute · $160Best
MAC ProfessionalGreat results on tough produce where the Essential struggled.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Tramontina SkilletEssential · $35Good
Tramontina SkilletA light 10-inch aluminum nonstick pan that releases eggs and cooks evenly.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
OXO CeramicUpgrade · $70Better
OXO CeramicA pan that also works on induction cooktops.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Made In CookwareAbsolute · $149Best
Made In CookwareA slicker surface that lets eggs slide off without oil.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
OXO Good Grips UtilityEssential · $21Good
OXO Good Grips UtilityA nonslip plastic board with a juice groove that goes in the dishwasher.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
John Boos Chop-N-SliceUpgrade · $87Better
John Boos Chop-N-SliceA wood board that lasts decades with oiling, not a couple of years.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Boardsmith MapleAbsolute · $270Best
Boardsmith MapleNo deep gashes and a still-straight profile after three years of use.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Cuisinart PerfecTempEssential · $117Good
Cuisinart PerfecTempBig pots of hot coffee with strength control and a 24-hour timer.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickSome candidates were set aside.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGVAbsolute · $369Best
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGVMore flavorful coffee, which a tasting panel rated significantly better than most machines make.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Fellow Stagg EKGEssential · $200Good
Fellow Stagg EKGAn electric gooseneck kettle that heats water to a temperature you set by the degree.See it at FellowproductsWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Ninja ProfessionalEssential · $100Good
Ninja ProfessionalA full-size jar that crushes frozen loads to fine snow in seconds.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Cleanblend CommercialUpgrade · $180Better
Cleanblend CommercialFibrous greens fully liquefied with no sediment, where the Essential leaves unblended bits.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Vitamix 5200Absolute · $440Best
Vitamix 5200Fibrous ingredients liquefied even in a full jar, where the Essential struggles with big batches.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
LodgeEssential · $23Good
LodgeAn even-heating skillet that sears meats and releases baked goods cleanly.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Lodge BlacklockUpgrade · $60Better
Lodge BlacklockAbout a pound lighter to lift and easier to maneuver than the Essential.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Photo soonAbsolute · $165Best
Field CompanyCleaner food release than the Essential, from seared meats to baked goods.See it at FieldcompanyWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2Essential · $47Good
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2A pocket-size probe thermometer that reads temperature in two to three seconds.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickOther well-backed products sit too close to the chosen ones to be a separate level.

Typhur InstaProbeAbsolute · Sold outBest
Typhur InstaProbeReadings in under one second within half a degree, versus two to three seconds.Why this one ›
Cuisinart StainlessEssential · $40Good
Cuisinart StainlessDeep stainless steel bowls with snug lids that keep hand-mixer splatter in the bowl.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickSome candidates were set aside.

Chicago Metallic Commercial IIEssential · $25Good
Chicago Metallic Commercial IIAn uncoated aluminized steel pan that browns evenly and resists warping.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickOther well-backed products sit too close to the chosen ones to be a separate level.

Nordic Ware NaturalsAbsolute · $35Best
Nordic Ware NaturalsA lighter aluminum pan that is easier to lift with one hand.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Cuisinart MultiCladEssential · $280Good
Cuisinart MultiCladEven heating across a full range of pots, pans and a steamer insert.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
All-Clad D3 7-PieceUpgrade · $580Better
All-Clad D3 7-PieceGood heat retention at high heat, where the Essential's thinner base can get too hot.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
All-Clad D3 10-PieceAbsolute · $800Best
All-Clad D3 10-PieceMore even heating and less sticking than the Essential.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Get ItEssential · $91Good
Get ItTen tools including three spatula sizes for folding, small-batch mixing and scraping corners.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickOther well-backed products sit too close to the chosen ones to be a separate level.

Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Instant Pot DuoEssential · $110Good
Instant Pot DuoA pressure cooker that also slow cooks, steams, sautes, makes yogurt and keeps food warm.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Instant Pot ProUpgrade · $170Better
Instant Pot ProSous vide water-bath cooking, which the Essential's seven functions lack.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Instant Pot Duo CrispAbsolute · $220Best
Instant Pot Duo CrispAn extra air-frying lid that turns out crisp frozen foods and tender vegetables.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Hamilton Beach 6-SpeedEssential · $28Good
Hamilton Beach 6-SpeedA six-speed mixer with a power boost button for batters and whipping.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Cuisinart PowerUpgrade · $79Better
Cuisinart PowerThe power to get through thick cookie and bread doughs the Essential finds tough.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Breville HandyAbsolute · $160Best
Breville HandyThe strength to mix thick, dense cookie dough with ease where the Essential struggles.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Hamilton Beach ElectricEssential · $152Good
Hamilton Beach ElectricA light, easy-to-lift mixer that handles heavy dough and whipping.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
KitchenAid Tilt-HeadUpgrade · $430Better
KitchenAid Tilt-HeadKneads a double batch of dough into a smooth ball, where the Essential's head bobs.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Photo soonAbsolute · $750Best
Ankarsrum OriginalHandles stiff, low-moisture doughs without moving, where the Essential's head bobs.See it at AnkarsrumWhy this one ›
Panasonic FlashXpressEssential · $150Good
Panasonic FlashXpressA compact toaster oven that toasts bread evenly and faster than any other tested.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Ninja Flip & AirUpgrade · $140Better
Ninja Flip & AirA fan and air fry mode that crisps fries and wings.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Breville Smart ProAbsolute · $270Best
Breville Smart ProA roomier chamber that fits a whole chicken or a quarter sheet pan.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Aroma HousewaresEssential · $37Good
Aroma HousewaresFluffy white and brown rice from a few clear settings, plus a quick-cook mode.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Cuckoo MicomUpgrade · $140Better
Cuckoo MicomParticularly good long-grain rice right out of the bowl.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Photo soonAbsolute · $280Best
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy & WarmerExcellent rice in large batches, where the Essential's turned gummy and mushy.See it at StoreWhy this one ›
Lodge EnameledEssential · $90Good
Lodge EnameledAn enameled cast-iron pot that browns, braises and bakes bread with an even crust.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
CarawayUpgrade · $139Better
CarawayA lightweight pot of about 6 pounds to lift, against the Essential's over 13.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Le Creuset RoundAbsolute · $313Best
Le Creuset RoundA pot about 3 pounds lighter than the Essential, easier to lift when full.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
OXO GoodEssential · $17Good
OXO GoodA manual rotary can opener with cushioned nonslip handles and a built-in bottle opener.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Kuhn RikonUpgrade · $23Better
Kuhn RikonSide-cut lids with smooth edges instead of sharp ones.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Hamilton BeachAbsolute · $40Best
Hamilton BeachElectric, crank-free opening that still leaves smooth edges.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
OXO GoodEssential · $22Good
OXO GoodSturdy serrated shears that grip and cut through tough foods and packaging.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Misen ScissorsUpgrade · $34Better
Misen ScissorsDelicate herb cuts without the bruising the Essential's serrations can cause.See it at MisenWhy this one ›
Shun ClassicAbsolute · $60Best
Shun ClassicPoultry bone cuts that match spring-loaded poultry shears, where the Essential struggles slightly.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Cuisipro 4-SidedEssential · $20Good
Cuisipro 4-SidedA very sharp stainless steel box grater with four sides that all work well.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickSome candidates were set aside.

Bellemain Micro-PerforatedEssential · $24Good
Bellemain Micro-PerforatedA stainless steel footed colander whose tiny holes drain fast and keep orzo in.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

OXO GoodEssential · $47Good
OXO GoodDish rack that folds flat to under two inches for cabinet storage.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
KitchenAid Full-SizeUpgrade · $53Better
KitchenAid Full-SizeA drain board that sends water into the sink, so dishes dry fully overnight.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Simplehuman SteelAbsolute · $100Best
Simplehuman SteelPlate wires spaced to hold thick stoneware upright, plus a dedicated stemware rack.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
TramontinaEssential · $41Good
TramontinaAn even-heating everyday saucepan that is easy to lift and pour with one hand.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickSome candidates were set aside.

TramontinaEssential · $40Good
TramontinaEven, fast heating that browns meat and fish and sautes vegetables.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickOther well-backed products sit too close to the chosen ones to be a separate level.

Pyrex DeepEssential · $28Good
Pyrex DeepA deep glass baking dish with a lid that bakes evenly and handles the dishwasher.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickOther well-backed products sit too close to the chosen ones to be a separate level.

Great JonesAbsolute · $105Best
Great JonesA ceramic dish that can go briefly under the broiler, which the Essential's glass cannot.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Hamilton Beach WithEssential · $70Good
Hamilton Beach WithA food processor that chops, slices and shreds, with a built-in bowl scraper.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
KitchenAidUpgrade · $180Better
KitchenAidSix slicing thicknesses, from thick cuts to paper-thin slices.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Cuisinart CustomAbsolute · $250Best
Cuisinart CustomKneading pizza dough on its own, with no hands-on help or creeping across the counter.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
VictorinoxEssential · $8Good
VictorinoxA light, sharp paring knife for peeling, hulling and coring in hand.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Global ClassicUpgrade · $59Better
Global ClassicAn edge that stayed sharp through months of testing, while the Victorinox dulled 78%.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
WusthofAbsolute · $75Best
WusthofA slightly curved blade that makes mincing a shallot easy.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Mercer Culinary M23210Essential · $16Good
Mercer Culinary M23210A 10-inch serrated knife that slices crusty sourdough, tomatoes and soft cake cleanly.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

Shun ClassicAbsolute · $149Best
Shun ClassicA sharper edge that cuts crusty sourdough with almost no resistance and stays sharp longer.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Zwilling 4-StageEssential · $41Good
Zwilling 4-StageA pull-through sharpener with coarse and fine slots for both eastern and western knives.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickSome candidates were set aside.

Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Made InEssential · $249Good
Made InWide, balanced stockpot that carries comfortably when full and pours cleanly.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon

Living Room

Roku Stick 4KEssential · $56Good
Roku Stick 4KA 4K stick with a simple app grid and a remote that controls the TV.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4KUpgrade · $85Better
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4KFaster app loading and smoother menu navigation than the Essential.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Google TVAbsolute · $140Best
Google TVInstant app launches and seamless switching between apps, where the Essential is much slower.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Hisense U8QGEssential · $998Good
Hisense U8QGA very bright screen with an anti-reflective coating for sunlit rooms.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
LG C6Upgrade · $1,400Better
LG C6Color and brightness that hold up for viewers seated off to the side.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Samsung S95HAbsolute · $2,300Best
Samsung S95HA picture that stays consistent for seats off to the side.See it at SamsungWhy this one ›
Sonos RayEssential · $219Good
Sonos RayA compact bar that widens TV sound and makes dialogue much easier to understand.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Sonos BeamUpgrade · $489Better
Sonos BeamDolby Atmos over HDMI eARC, for fuller, more dynamic film and TV sound.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Sonos ArcAbsolute · $1,075Best
Sonos ArcDeep, impressive bass from the bar alone, without buying a separate subwoofer.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Honeywell HT-900Essential · $19Good
Honeywell HT-900A small, powerful fan that aims a concentrated stream of air at one person.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Shark FlexBreezeUpgrade · $178Better
Shark FlexBreezeWhole-room cooling as a pedestal fan, not just a stream for one person.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Shark TurboBladeAbsolute · $250Best
Shark TurboBlade180-degree oscillation that cools an entire room, not one fixed spot.See it at SharkninjaWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Hisense M2Essential · $1,298Good
Hisense M2A small 4K projector that throws a big, bright, fairly accurate picture.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Hisense C2Upgrade · $2,498Better
Hisense C2Over twice the measured brightness, so the picture holds up in brighter rooms.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Epson LS9000Absolute · $4,499Best
Epson LS9000Motorized lens shift and zoom for a dedicated theater room, where the Hisense isn't ideal.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon

Home Office

Sony WH-CH720NEssential · $88Good
Sony WH-CH720NLight, comfortable noise-cancelling headphones with punchy, detailed sound you can wear for hours.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Sony WH-1000XM5Upgrade · $298Better
Sony WH-1000XM5Noise cancelling that also quiets nearby voices the Essential lets through.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Sony WH-1000XM6Absolute · $458Best
Sony WH-1000XM6Noise cancelling that shuts out nearby voices the Essential lets through, plus transit rumble.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Logitech PebbleEssential · $34Good
Logitech PebbleA compact, lightweight Bluetooth keyboard that switches between three devices.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Keychron Q1 HEAbsolute · $240Best
Keychron Q1 HEA wired cable mode alongside 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
BenQ GW2486TCEssential · $170Good
BenQ GW2486TCA 24-inch screen that charges a laptop and carries video over one USB-C cable.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K ThunderboltUpgrade · $747Better
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K ThunderboltA brighter, anti-glare screen that holds up in bright rooms where the Essential washes out.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Apple StudioAbsolute · $3,248Best
Apple StudioIncredibly high brightness, where the Essential's screen can look washed-out in bright light.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Anker PowerConfEssential · $70Good
Anker PowerConfA 2K webcam with dual mics, a privacy cover and adjustable field of view.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Logitech Brio 500Upgrade · $130Better
Logitech Brio 500Crisp, clear video with autofocus and auto white balance that worked better in testing.See it at LogitechWhy this one ›
Photo soonAbsolute · $200Best
Logitech MXSmoother 1080p video at 60 frames per second, plus 4K capture.See it at LogitechWhy this one ›
Boulies EP200Essential · $220Good
Boulies EP200A breathable mesh chair that stays supportive through full workdays.See it at BouliesWhy this one ›
Branch Ergonomic ProUpgrade · $499Better
Branch Ergonomic ProA seat that held up through two years of testing with only slight fabric pilling.See it at BranchfurnitureWhy this one ›
Steelcase GestureAbsolute · $1,585Best
Steelcase GestureA seat that stays as comfortable after years of heavy use as on day one.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Uplift V3Essential · $808Good
Uplift V3A sturdy electric sit-stand desk with a wide height range and many custom options.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickSome candidates were set aside.

Brother All-in-oneEssential · $190Good
Brother All-in-oneA color inkjet all-in-one that prints, scans and copies with sharp text and photos.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Epson EcoTank ET-2980Upgrade · $285Better
Epson EcoTank ET-2980Ink rated for 8,500 black and 6,500 color pages, versus the Brother's poor ink economy.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Canon ColorAbsolute · $647Best
Canon ColorLaser printing measured at 26.5 pages per minute, where the Epson is slower than lasers.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Dell U3425WEEssential · $799Good
Dell U3425WEA 34-inch ultrawide with a sharp 120 Hz screen and a laptop-charging port hub.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickSome candidates were set aside.

Dell U4025QWAbsolute · $1,399Best
Dell U4025QWA bigger, sharper 5120x2160 screen that fits dozens of spreadsheet columns at once.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›