Every guide on this site follows the same four steps. If a guide deviates from them, it says so.
1. Shortlist from independent testing
We start from the models currently sold on Amazon and in the brands' own stores, and from what independent test labs and expert reviewers have measured, such as Vacuum Wars, RTINGS, OutdoorGearLab and TechGearLab. Models that are discontinued, recalled, or show a repeated failure pattern in long-term owner reports are removed before we compare.
2. Fixed criteria per category
Each category has a fixed set of criteria. Robot vacuums, for example, are judged on carpet cleaning, obstacle avoidance, dock features, height and running costs; air fryers on capacity per household size, cleanup and noise. We compare the same things for every product so that the comparison is fair.
3. Sources we use
Manufacturer documentation, independent lab tests where they exist, and long-term owner reports. We do not display Amazon customer reviews or star ratings, and we do not copy Amazon's product descriptions.
4. Say who it is for
Every pick names the buyer it suits and the buyer it does not. If a cheaper model does the job, we say so.
What we do not do
We do not accept payment from brands, we do not take free products in exchange for coverage, and we do not present research-based comparisons as hands-on tests. Where we have used a product ourselves, the review says so.