What to Consider Before Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

Shopping for a vacuum cleaner can be overwhelming as there are so many different types on the market. Some vacuum models look very similar yet prices vary considerably. This guide should help you decide which vacuum is best for you.

Types of vacuum cleaners

Prices of vacuum cleaners vary considerably by vacuum type and this factor is an important buying decision. The most common vacuum types are:
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Steam Cleaner Buying Tips

McCulloch MC-1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner

McCulloch MC-1275 — A very popular budget steam cleaner.

Steam cleaners (also known as vapor cleaners) are cleaning devices that make use of steam to clean, dry, and sanitize floors/surfaces. Cited as an example of green cleaning since these appliances do not require the use of harsh chemical cleaning solutions.

Steam cleaners are becoming more popular because of their effectiveness and the steam’s ability to kill bacteria. In some cases they even disinfect without the use of chemical disinfectants!
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How to Pick the Right Carpet Cleaner

You can either pay a professional carpet cleaning service for your carpets or purchase a carpet cleaning machine (carpet cleaner) and do the job yourself.

If diy (do it yourself) is your preference, here are some of the essential factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new carpet cleaner:

1. How well can it clean the carpets?

This may seem a very obvious one (and it really is), but the only reason people would buy a carpet cleaner will be the machine’s ability to remove different kinds of stains and dirt from their carpets. Continue reading

A Comprehensive Guide for Toaster Oven Shoppers

Toaster ovens are small electric ovens with a see-though glass door, wire rack and removable baking pan. Toaster ovens are significantly larger than most slotted toasters, and are capable of performing most of the functions of electric ovens. Consumers who wish to make lots of toast will find that toaster ovens have more advantages over slotted toasters, for example, larger toaster ovens can toast up to as many as six slices of bread at a tome whereas slotted toasters can only toast two to four slices simultaneously. Top-rated toaster ovens allow you choose your preferred browning level and feature a bagel setting for optimal toasting. The only drawback is that most toaster ovens won’t toast as fast and evenly as a slotted toaster.
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Jigsaw Buying Guide

Black & Decker JS660 Jig Saw A jigsaw is a power tool that can perform both straight and curved cuts, crosscuts, ripping, beveling, plunge cuts and other custom shapes. Jigsaws can be used to cut a variety of materials, including wood, metals, plastic, ceramic tiles and more. According to professionals, a jigsaw can perform the job of several other power tools, such as a circular saw, scroll saw, band saw and router.

If you’re planning to buy a jigsaw, the following questions & answers will be helpful to get yourself thinking about how you’ll be using your jigsaw and what your needs are: Continue reading

How to Choose the Best Cordless Drill

Black & Decker BDC120VA100 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill Kit with 100 Accessories

A typical cordless drill. This one is Black & Decker BDC120VA100

A cordless drill is a portable power tool fitted with a cutting tool attachment or driving tool attachment (usually a drill bit or driver bit). Cordless drills (also known as cordless drill drivers), can be found in almost any mechanic’s, contractor’s or DIYer’s toolbox, are commonly used in woodworking, metalworking and building/construction projects.

If you’re planning to buy a cordless drill the following guide, in a Q & A format, will provide you with some of the most important information that you will need to select the right model. Continue reading

Chainsaw Buying Guide

Gas or electric chainsaw?

There are two types of chainsaws on the market: gas powered and electric models. Gas powered models (almost always a two-stroke gasoline internal combustion engine) generally provide more power and hence more cutting power. Whereas electric chainsaws offer lower cost and maintenance-free operation since they won’t require users to continuously monitor and fill the gas. Electric models tend to vibrate less than gas models and are quieter and safer to use indoors.

What’s the HP/CC of the motor?

The HP/CC rating of the motor will be the factor that determines the cutting power. What’s more important than the rated HP/CC is the actual cutting performance.
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How to Buy a Power Impact Driver

Power Impact Driver

DEWALT DCF815S2 Impact Driver


A power impact driver is a power tool often used for tightening and loosening fasteners (bolts and nuts). Power impact drivers are capable of delivering a strong, sudden rotational and downward force and the direction of rotation can also be reversed for situations where screws have to be tightened with torque greater than a screwdriver can provide. An example impact driver is shown in the picture to the left — This one is a very popular model by DEWALT DCF815S2 12-Volt Impact Driver.

There are many brands and models of power impact drivers out there on the market. If you only use the tool occasionally, a low-cost (or budget type that costs below $100) impact driver could be enough. Here’s a list of items that can help you buy the right power impact driver: Continue reading

Clothes Dryer Buying Tips

1. Gas or Electric Dryer?

There are two types of dryers: gas and electric powered (however, we will be focusing mostly on electric models as they are dominating the market at the moment and will continue to do so in the future).

The most powerful models will require 240V almost all the time; which makes them very effective but also costly when compared to smaller ones that run on 120V.

2. How long does it take to dry the clothes?

One of the first things the you will want to know is how long a dryer takes to effectively dry a full load of clothes. Continue reading

Washing Machine Buying Guide

Which type of washing machine is right for you?

The very first thing you’ll need to decide from a choice of three different types of washing machines:

1. Traditional top-loading washing machines — These are regular top loaders with center-post agitators. These washers are the cheapest of the 3 types. However, they cost more to operate ‘cos they consume more water and electricity. These washers also hold less laundry (about 12 to 15 pounds) and operate at a much higher noise level.

2. High efficiency top-loading washing machines, which are top loaders without center post agitators. These machines consume less water and electricity than regular top loaders and can hold more laundry (about 20 pounds or higher for models) than regular top loading machines. Continue reading