The USA TODAY shopping team put hundreds of products to the test to find the home and outdoor products that deserve a place in your kitchen, bedroom, backyard and beyond.
Our editors and testers evaluated products across categories like appliances, mattresses, bedding, cleaning products, furniture, outdoor tools, home services, and more to determine which products made the cut as our "USA TODAY Editor's Picks" for "Best Home & Outdoor Products of 2026."
While we had to kiss some frogs to get there, we ended up with more than 100 home and outdoor products that deserve the spotlight.
Without further ado, here are our favorite home and outdoor products of 2026.
Kitchen and dining
All-Clad VIP pan
This versatile pan quickly became a kitchen favorite because it can handle just about everything,
including steaming, boiling, sautéing, roasting and frying. Its smaller size and high-quality construction distinguish it from similar cookware, and it earned a perfect 10 from our tester for its combination of performance and versatility.
Tested by Kate Ellsworth
Buy All-Clad VIP pan now
Caraway coffee maker
This coffee maker pairs beautiful design with impressive build quality, particularly for anyone who wants to keep plastic away from their coffee. It earned top marks for performance and construction. For our tester, its quality and plastic-free brewing made it award-worthy.
Tested by Rachel Cortez
Upgrade your morning coffee now
MACKENZIE-CHILDS Electric Blender, Black-and-White Courtly Check
This blender is designed for people who don't want to hide their appliances in a cabinet. Its standout design looks gorgeous on a countertop, but the appeal isn't purely aesthetic. Our tester found it easy to use, liked its multiple settings and clean display, and thought it performed just as well as other high-end blenders.
Tested by Kasey Caminiti
Buy this Courtly Check blender
GreenPan personal blender
Our tester wanted something quicker and more convenient for smoothies than pulling out my full-size Vitamix, and the GreenPan Spin & Go has been exactly that. She loves that the blending cup doubles as a travel cup, so there are fewer pieces to clean, and the compact design makes it easy to store. It’s also surprisingly quiet while blending, which is a big plus for busy mornings.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli
Buy this personal blender
Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven
This Cuisinart has quickly become the workhorse of our tester's kitchen and has practically replaced her full-size oven for everyday cooking. She uses it for everything from toast and waffles to French fries, reheating pizza and roasting vegetables. She particularly loves the French doors and having so many cooking functions in one countertop appliance because it makes getting meals on the table faster and easier.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli
Buy this air fryer toaster oven
Crock-Pot 10-quart slow cooker
The enormous 10-quart capacity makes this slow cooker especially useful for batch cooking, holiday gatherings and feeding a crowd. Our tester was able to make enough soup to last an entire week and found the cooker easy to use and clean. Its size does require substantial storage space, but that same capacity is exactly what makes it useful for larger households and entertaining.
Tested byJessica Hanson
Buy this slow-cooker for the entire family
Crock-Pot Design Series
This slow cooker delivers the familiar performance of a traditional Crock-Pot in a more attractive package. Our tester found it easy to set up, use, and clean and particularly appreciated the locking lid for transporting food to parties. The color and design make it a pretty addition to your counter, and the perfect appliance to serve Thanksgiving dishes.
Tested by Sydney Bryan
Buy a Crock-Pot that's not an eye sore
Elihome x Peanuts 4-in-1 double-sided color-coded cutting board set
These Snoopy-themed cutting boards manage to be both charming and genuinely useful. Our tester thought they were surprisingly good cutting boards rather than merely decorative kitchen accessories, making the set an especially fun gift for a Peanuts fan.
Tested by Kate Ellsworth
Buy these cute cutting boards
FEPPO food warming mats
My pet peeve? When I cook a meal to entertain and the dishes that came out earlier go cold. These FEPPO food warming pads solved that problem for me, and will be making an appearance on Thanksgiving. They come apart so you don't need to bring out a massive sheet for a single dish, like you would with competitors. My husband and I host monthly game nights, and find they are perfect for keeping appetizers warm all night long.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy these food warming mats now
GreenPan carb-reducing rice cooker
What our tester likes most about the GreenPan Carb-Reducing Rice Cooker is its versatility. Beyond different varieties of rice, she can use it for grains like quinoa and barley, beans and even steel-cut oats, and the touchscreen makes selecting the right setting really straightforward. She also appreciates the carb-reducing option when she wants it, and cleanup is easy since the inner pot and accessories can go right into the dishwasher.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli
Buy this rice cooker
Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 searing slow cooker
The ability to sear meat directly in this slow cooker eliminates one of the more annoying steps in preparing larger roasts and similar meals. Rather than dirtying another pan before slow cooking begins, you can sear and cook in the same appliance, cutting down both prep and cleanup.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this searing slow cooker by Hamilton Beach
Hexclad Hybrid BBQ grill pan
This grill pan makes it easier to cook vegetables outdoors without wrapping everything in foil or running back to the kitchen. It produced satisfying grill marks and fit naturally alongside our tester's existing Hexclad cookware. It's pricey, as Hexclad products tend to be, but our tester gave its performance a perfect 10.
Tested by Trisha Easto
Upgrade your cookware now
KitchenAid Artisan Series stand mixer
KitchenAid mixers have been a staple in my kitchen for years and naturally deserve to join any list of the best home and kitchen products. I've used them to make everything from bread to macaroons, and am obsessed with all the colors, accessories and upgrades you can choose from.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy a KitchenAid mixer now
Lotus Perfectionist air fry and convection oven
Since I got this air fryer and oven, my oven has seen significantly less use. This countertop oven combines good looks with the functionality of an air fryer and convection oven. It's an especially appealing option for households that want to rely more on an air fryer or countertop oven and less on the microwave without sacrificing countertop style.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Give your air fryer an upgrade
MKC Culinary Set
This three-piece set includes a chef's knife, santoku and smaller all-purpose knife, giving home cooks three highly versatile tools. Our tester called them the sharpest knives she'd ever used, effortlessly slicing raw pork, peppers and tomatoes while still feeling balanced and secure in the hand. A handsome leather carrying case also makes the set particularly giftable.
Tested by Roxanne Downer
Buy these knives
Goldie by Sourhouse sourdough starter container
I live in a cold house, so it's so hard to keep my sourdough starter warm enough to ferment properly. This counter beauty solves that problem and keeps sourdough starters at the perfect temperature.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this perfect sourdough container
Pyrex 5-pack Ultimate glass food storage containers with glass lids
I recently decided to throw away all the plastic kitchen storage containers I had, and wanted a quality storage container I could trust. Pyrex has been around for years with storage containers in just about every size. I love how neatly these nest, and there’s a size for pretty much everything.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Upgrade your kitchen storage now
Cole & Mason Grinders
Before I tested these salt and pepper grinders, I thought these gadgets were all the same. Little did I know that I was missing out. The salt and pepper grind so fine that they mix into food incredibly well, and they look stunning on my kitchen counter.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy these salt and pepper grinders
The Cumulus Machine
For serious cold-coffee fans, the Cumulus offers an unusually convenient way to make iced coffee, iced espresso and nitro cold brew without brewing or refrigerating anything in advance. Our tester loved the flavorful coffee, small countertop footprint, and her ability to make nitro at home. The $695 machine and $25 packs of 10 pods make this a definite splurge, but its convenience and novelty ultimately won her over.
Tested by Roxanne Downer
Buy this coffee maker for your kitchen
TempPro TempSwift 0.5 Sec instant read digital meat thermometer
Not every kitchen gadget has to cost hundreds of dollars. My favorite kitchen tool is just $25. This instant read thermometer is as accurate as it is fast, and it has a magnet that holds it conveniently on your fridge.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this instant read thermometer now
Bedding and bath
Amerisleep AS3 mattress
Amerisleep makes a great mattress, and this side sleeper found it incredibly supportive and comfortable. I tested it out for two straight weeks and was so happy that my chronic neck pain had subsided. I couldn't recommend it more for a shopper hunting for a mattress at a mid-range price.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Amerisleep mattresses
Beautyrest Black Collection
This mattress delivered impressive support, strong edge stability, and noticeably better motion isolation for our tester, her partner, plus their pug. It sleeps cooler than the Sealy Posturepedic she previously used and feels supportive rather than plush. Side sleepers may notice some pressure because of the mattress's firmness, but our tester didn't wake up achy and particularly liked it for back sleeping.
Tested by Roxanne Down
Shop Beautyrest Black Collection mattresses
Bliss memory foam mattress
This budget-friendly memory foam mattress impressed our tester with straightforward setup and foam that quickly conformed to her body. Although it initially felt a little firm and required up to 72 hours to fully expand, it performed a step above the cheaper, dorm-style mattresses she'd tried previously.
Tested by Charlotte Maracina
Shop Novilla Bliss memory foam mattresses
Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core sheet set
These sheets lived up to our tester's high expectations with a noticeably crisp, smooth, and cool feel that lasted beyond the first couple of nights. After trying the Brooklinen set, she noticed a clear difference compared to the cheaper alternatives she had used before. The sheets are particularly appealing for warmer sleepers looking to sleep cooler.
Tested by Ashley Achenbach
Shop Brooklinen sheet sets
Bryte Smart Bed
This is far more than a mattress with an app. Our tester found that the smart bed's automatic adjustments made a dramatic difference in back and neck discomfort after just one night. It responds to changes in sleeping position and can also use gentle wave-like motion to help lull the sleeper to sleep.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Bryte smart beds
Cariloha bamboo sheets
I've tested a lot of sheets, and Cariloha sheets are truly the best of the best. They are smooth, cool and even after multiple washings, retain their original feel. I cannot recommend these sheets enough.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Cariloha sheets now
Coccoon blankets
Few products are worth the hype, but Coccoon blankets are. There's a reason these blankets cause disputes in our household. They're exceptionally soft, come in appealing colors, and weigh enough to feel cozy without feeling overwhelmingly heavy.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Coccoon blankets
Company Cotton Classic Smooth Sateen solid bed sheet set
Exceptionally soft 100% cotton gave this sheet set an immediate advantage over our tester's old bedding. She compared their feel to an elevated version of hotel sheets and found them comfortable enough to make getting out of bed harder. One small annoyance is the absence of a label identifying the top and bottom of the fitted sheet, but it wasn't enough to keep this set from earning a perfect 10.
Tested by Faith Wakefield
Shop The Company Store sheets now
Harbor House Cooling Stretch Jersey sheet set
These sheets combine the softness you want from bedding with something that's harder to find: cooling performance that actually lasts through the night. They stayed cool rather than simply feeling chilly when she first got into bed, making them a standout for a hot sleeper.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Harbor House sheets
Helix ComfortAdjust cooling pillow
This pillow lived up to its cooling promise during testing and adds an especially useful feature: adjustable firmness. Our tester found that it expanded quickly, stayed cool throughout a week of use, and made it simple to change firmness using its zipper system. She gave it a perfect 10 and particularly recommends it for warm sleepers.
Tested by Kasey Caminiti
Buy this cooling pillow by Helix
Legends Hotel Best Down Premium pillow, non-gusseted, firm
Our tester called this one of the best pillows she'd ever used. Although fluffy, it didn't collapse too far beneath her head, instead settling into a supportive height that felt just right for her neck. This splurge of a pillow was one of the few products to earn a perfect 10 for comfort.
Tested by Faith Wakefield
Buy this pillow now
Legends Hotel Premium Best Down Light Warmth comforter
Lightweight without sacrificing its luxurious feel, this down comforter impressed our tester with quality construction and even fill distribution. Unlike lower-quality down bedding she'd used, the feathers didn't poke through or settle unevenly. Sturdy baffle-box stitching and tabs for fastening a duvet cover further elevated the design.
Tested by Roxanne Downer
Shop this hotel-style comforter now
Legends Hotel Premium Breathable Washed Linen solid quilt
This quilt added noticeable insulation and comfort without overwhelming an existing bedding setup with too much weight. After enduring plenty of cold New England winters, our tester appreciated another warm layer and said it surpassed his expectations.
Tested by Sean Donnelly
Shop this premium quilt now
Riley Home Four Layer coverlet
Hot sleepers don't necessarily want to give up having a comfortable layer on the bed. This coverlet feels exceptionally lightweight and cool, making it a good match for sleepers like me who tend to sleep hot. It's soft, luxurious, and has calming colors.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Riley Home bedding
SHEEX Nightfall European Style sheet set
Even a tester who's normally skeptical of synthetic bedding came away impressed with these sheets. They're soft and genuinely cool to the touch, keeping both her and her hot-sleeping fiancé comfortable while holding securely to a deep mattress. At $228, they're expensive, but the cooling performance and comfort convinced our tester the investment was justified.
Tested by Roxanne Downer
Shop these luxury sheets
Serta iSeries NXG 3500 Hybrid
After our tester and her husband found themselves waking with back pain and tossing and turning on a relatively new mattress, switching to this Serta made a dramatic difference. She praised its foam and weight distribution and reported that their morning back pain disappeared, earning the mattress a perfect 10.
Tested by Trisha Easto
Shop Serta mattresses
Cozy throws by Purple Nest Design
Of my many blankets, this alpaca version is the one that lives in my office. It's so soft, warm, and lightweight, making it a perfect throw or good for cozying up on the couch with a good book.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop hand-finished alpaca blankets
Madison Park towels
These affordable towels with a resort-style feel surprised me with their quality. They're soft, and the oversized towels are big enough for my husband, who is over six feet tall. At about $50 for a set, I would — and have — bought sets for each of my bathrooms.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Madison Park towels now
Furniture and organization
Acacia drawer organizers
These wooden organizers transformed our tester's desk drawer, with multiple sizes providing flexibility to create a more customized organization system. The wood looks sleek and elevated, though the relatively thick construction takes up enough space that she had to remove some items from her drawer. She'd recommend them, particularly when they're on sale.
Tested by Faith Wakefield
Shop these drawer organizers
Acacia wooden pantry storage container with glass
This pantry container stands out from the sea of look-alike storage options thanks to its slim profile and distinctive design. The narrow shape makes it easy to line several containers up in a pantry while still holding plenty of staples like rice and grains. The glass construction gives it an elevated look, though it naturally requires a little extra care around kids.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy these pantry storage containers
Aurora-Power sofa bed
This power sofa can transform from traditional seating into a chaise, extra-deep sofa, or bed using a smooth, quiet electronic reclining system. Our tester appreciated the soft chenille upholstery, firm-but-comfortable cushions, and luxe appearance, as well as white-glove delivery with full setup. Its ultra-modern design won't work in every room, but extended movie watching convinced her it was comfortable enough for everyday lounging as well as overnight guests.
Tested by Roxanne Downer
Shop Aurora-Power sofa beds
SpaceAid sheet organizers and storage
As a Type A neat freak, these organizers make our tester ridiculously happy. Her sheets always looked messy in the closet no matter how neatly she tried to fold them. Now every set stays contained and organized, and she can quickly see what size she's grabbing, and both making the bed and putting clean sheets away are so much easier. Her linen closet finally looks the way she has always wanted it to.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli
Buy these sheet organizers
Hati Home Margot step stool
This step stool is stylish with a vintage look that draws attention in the best way. Its real-wood construction makes it durable. What I love most are its scalloped edges, which give it so much character.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this step stool at 20% off
Heath accent chair
This isn't an accent chair that trades comfort for style. It's sturdy, genuinely comfortable, and attractive enough to catch the eye of visitors as soon as they enter my home. After disappointing experiences with poorly constructed alternatives, I gave this chair a perfect 10.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this accent chair for your home
Husky storage bins
Sometimes a winning feature really is sheer size. These oversized storage bins provide enough capacity for awkward, bulky household items like outdoor patio cushions and piles of kids' toys.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Husky storage bins
Core E1 UST Projector Media Console
If you're like our family and prefer a projector over a television, then this functional console is worth the splurge. It hides your short-throw projector until you want to watch, and elevates my space like no other. I've gotten a compliment every time a new person enters the living room. Despite its higher price point, it's hard not to recommend.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop the presale for this motorized UST projector cabinet
Vinca Power Swivel nursery glider recliner
This is the nursery glider that everyone, and I mean everyone, needs in their home. Doesn't matter if you're a mom, nana, or just like to recline in front of the TV; everyone could use one of these. I sit and rock my baby for hours and love how comfortable it is. I genuinely don't know what I did before this nursery recliner, but I plan to get a second one for my son's room. I love it that much.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Vinca nursery recliner chairs
Cleaning and laundry
DREAME Aero Pro Wet Dry Vacuum Mop
For a busy household, this wet/dry vacuum tackles two floor-cleaning jobs at once by vacuuming and steaming. With two dogs, two kids, and plenty of muddy shoes coming through the house, it keeps up with considerable everyday mess and leaves floors exceptionally clean.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Dreame wet and dry vacuums
FEPPO Cordless Mattress Vacuum Cleaner
I went into testing skeptical that I needed another household appliance, only to emerge giving this mattress vacuum a perfect 10. Its powerful suction pulled dirt and dust from mattresses and upholstery that I didn't even know was there, outperforming handheld vacuums I'd previously tried. Battery life is relatively short, but cleaning jobs were quick enough that it didn't become a significant problem.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this FEPPO mattress vacuum
Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products
Mrs. Meyer's seasonal cleaning products have become a household staple for our house, particularly when the fall and winter collections arrive. I stock my cupboards with the brand's products and regularly get compliments from visitors about how good my house smells.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop popular Mrs. Meyer's products
Molly's Suds
For shoppers seeking lower-toxicity cleaning products, Molly's Suds laundry detergent stands out because it doesn't sacrifice cleaning performance. The detergent removes tough stains, and the dish detergent pods get my dishes looking clean.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy Molly's Suds
Paradise Cove detergent and fabric spray
This fabric spray freshened clothing and furniture with a light, clean scent that our tester found less overpowering than Febreze. Its price is relatively high for the category, but its fresh fragrance and suitability for everyday use made it an Editors' Pick.
Tested by Jessica Moore
Shop Paradise Cove fabric spray
Puracy dish soap and laundry products
Puracy has become a go-to for my family as I have shifted toward lower-toxicity household cleaning products, particularly around my children. This brand makes it easier to switch to what I consider safer dish and laundry staples -without sacrificing convenience. Plus, you wouldn't believe the stains this spray was able to get out.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop Puracy laundry detergent
Wishing Well Afterglow detergent
A compact pump bottle solves several of our tester's biggest frustrations with conventional laundry detergent. It takes up less laundry-room space, eliminates messy caps and spouts, and makes measuring as easy as counting pumps. The distinctive floral fragrance also feels more elevated than a typical detergent scent.
Tested by Faith Wakefield
Shop this laundry detergent
CHI Collapsible Travel Steamer
Compact enough for travel but useful enough to keep around at home, this steamer has proven its worth in more than one setting. I've used it at home and at weddings, and found it dependable for quickly removing wrinkles.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this portable travel steamer
Air quality and seasonal comfort
Honeywell Allergen Plus™ 3-in-1 HEPA Air Purifier
Quiet operation and fast filtration distinguished this purifier during everyday testing. After a candle irritated a visitor's allergies, our tester moved the purifier into her living room and found that it cleared the lingering odor almost immediately. It's fairly large, but its speed, sleep setting and low noise level outweighed the footprint for her.
Tested by Faith Wakefield
Buy this affordable air purifier
Midea dehumidifier
Our tester has been using the Midea dehumidifier in her basement for almost two years, and her favorite feature is the app. She can adjust the humidity, set a schedule, and monitor the water level right from her phone, and it even alerts her when the bucket needs to be emptied. Since it’s on wheels, it’s also easy to move around the basement whenever she needs it.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli
Buy this dehumifiier
Honeywell QuietSet 8 Tower Fan
Nothing is as quiet and discreet as this tower fan. It cooled down our cabin without air conditioning, and kept us comfortable all night. At such an affordable price, it's a winner.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this room fan
Clorox Air Purifier
Our tester has used this Clorox air purifier in her basement guest room for more than two years, and it’s especially helpful when her family has guests who are sensitive to dust. The lowest setting is quiet enough for a bedroom, and she likes that she can adjust the fan speed, set a timer, and control the nightlight. It’s an easy addition to the room that she can set and forget.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli
Buy this air purifier
Water filtration
PUR Water Filtration System
This heavy-duty filtration system was a substantial upgrade over our tester's basic Brita pitcher. She valued that it's certified to reduce lead because she lives in a more-than-100-year-old row home that may have lead pipes. The filter also eliminated the unpleasant taste of her tap water. Filtration can be slow, but the large reservoir means she and her fiancé only need to refill it every couple of days.
Tested by Faith Wakefield
Buy this water purification system
Rorra Filtered Pitcher
Glass and stainless steel construction distinguish this pitcher from a standard plastic Brita while justifying its premium price. Our tester found that its gravity-fed filter produced clean-tasting water even from Oklahoma's hard tap water. Someone with a functioning refrigerator filter might not need it, but she considered it an excellent standalone filtration option.
Tested by Roxanne Downer
Buy this stainless steel pitcher now
Clearly Filtered universal inline fridge filter
We were surprised by how easy it was to install this inline fridge filter, and even more surprised how much better it made our water taste. While installation does require some DIY knowledge or a plumber if you are not confident with your plumbing abilities, homeowners interested in filtered water should definitely consider this filter.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this inline fridge water filter
Outdoor living, lawn and garden
Kärcher K 3000 E pressure washer
This electric pressure washer surprised our tester with how quietly it operated without sacrificing cleaning power. She thought its performance held up against a gas-powered pressure washer while eliminating much of the noise and hassle. It was easy and even fun to use, although the hose connection can leak when put under strain.
Tested by Maggie Tyner
Buy this pressure washer
Kärcher window washer
Windows are only the beginning for this versatile cleaning tool. I use it on glass inside and outside the house and particularly like it for tackling a notoriously annoying surface: the shower door. We have tough hard water stains, and this thing tackles them.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this window cleaner now
The Spruce Power Wand
The Spruce Power Wand handled both ordinary weeds and stubborn Bermuda grass while being simpler to use than comparable treatments our tester had tried. She particularly appreciated the wand's safety switch, which reduces the risk of accidentally spraying something when unfolding it for the next use. In her testing, treatments were effective enough that she didn't expect to need it more often than about every two weeks.
Tested by Maggie Tyner
Buy the Spruce Power Wand
Quoddy Blend Compost
I do a biannual repotting of my houseplants, and after a few weeks in this compost blend, they are very happy. I've noticed how well it distributes water, and my plants don't look waterlogged at all. My palm plant has never looked happier, and my two other tropical plants are thriving.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy Quoddy blend compost
Solo Stove
We've had a Yukon Solo Stove for years, and I honestly cannot recommend it enough. I love that I can sit by the fire and not get hit in the face with a wall of smoke, and it's big enough to have quite the bonfire.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy a Solo Stove
Vego Garden EZ self-watering home planter
For anyone who chronically forgets to water plants or lives somewhere with punishing heat, this planter takes some of the work out of keeping greenery alive. A reservoir and wicking system continuously provide water, while wheels make the planter simple to reposition. Our tester found it beginner-friendly and credited it with helping revive a palm tree struggling in the Atlanta sun.
Tested by Jessica Moore
Buy this self-watering planter
Vego kitchen composter
This composter made an intimidating household task feel approachable for our tester. Clear instructions, simple tablets, and an airtight seal help simplify the process while containing odors. It's somewhat heavy and can run for up to about 12 hours, but our tester noted that filling the machine takes her considerably longer than a full cycle anyway.
Tested by Kate Ellsworth
Buy this countertop composter
Mill home composter
I am new to home composting, but have been so impressed with this device. It's large, like the size of a trash can, but it has a large capacity to match. We put everything from eggshells to dinner remains. Overnight, it turns our leftovers into compost that my plants love. The most amazing thing? It doesn't smell; in fact, it's odorless.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this home composter
Zevo plant flying insect trap
For homes filled with houseplants, these discreet traps offer a low-effort way to deal with gnats and other small flying insects. Our tester found them extremely effective and easy to manage, only requiring an occasional filter change.
Tested by Kasey Caminiti
Buy Zevo fly traps
Smart home and security
myQ smart garage door opener
This smart garage system lets you control and monitor your garage from a smartphone, adding peace of mind when you're away and wondering whether you closed it up. We have one on both our garage doors, and I love having remote access when we're out of town—especially in case our pet sitter can't get in with a key.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this smart garage door opener
Ring doorbell
Ring helped make DIY home security accessible to households that don't necessarily want professional installation. I love that homeowners can install the doorbell themselves and take a more hands-on role in monitoring their own home. We have a lot of package theft in our area, and since we've installed a Ring, we haven't had any more problems at our address.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy a Ring camera for your front door
Skylight digital calendar
Skylight has become our home hub, the one spot where all our schedules are in a single place. This digital calendar has become a daily reference point in my house. Continued feature updates have made it more useful over time, with favorites including chore checklists, photo personalization, meal planning, and individual profiles for different members of the family.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Digitalize your calendar now
Portable power and utility
ArkPro Ultra
This flashlight combines a powerful beam with sturdy construction that convinced our tester it should hold up for years. She gave it a 9 out of 10 and plans to keep it permanently in her car. Its biggest omission is a more practical way to carry it, such as a wrist strap or belt loop.
Tested by Rachel Cortez
Buy this flashlight
INIU Outdoor Rugged 10000
This rugged portable charger earned top marks for sturdy construction, everyday practicality, and an added carabiner that makes it particularly convenient on the go. Our tester uses it regularly and found it more rugged than other charging bricks she'd owned. She wishes it included built-in charging cables, however, since users still need to carry their cords separately.
Tested by Trisha Easto
Buy this portable charger
INIU Pocket Rocket P50
Compact size is the major selling point here: This is one of the smallest portable chargers our tester owns while still replenishing devices quickly. The built-in USB-C cord adds convenience, although shoppers with other types of devices will need an additional cable.
Tested by Kasey Caminiti
Buy this mini portable charger
Pet products
Helix dog bed
Supportive memory foam, raised sides and a genuinely waterproof cover make this bed practical for both dogs and their humans. Our tester's dogs loved resting their heads against the bolstered edges, while an accidentally spilled glass of water put the waterproof claim to a real-world test. The washable cover makes cleanup even easier.
Tested by Kasey Caminiti
Buy this dog bed
Candles and home decor
Candle warmer
I received this candle warmer as a Christmas gift, and it has become one of those home products I didn’t know I needed. I love being able to adjust the intensity and set a timer, and my candles seem to last much longer since I’m melting the wax instead of burning it. As a mom with small children, I also appreciate being able to enjoy my favorite candles without having an open flame.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli
Buy this candle warmer
Badlnds Motel candle
This candle smells amazing, and not in a way that will give you scent fatigue. I have never been a sweet candle fan, so this smoky, rich scent is right up my alley. It's the perfect candle to light your entryway when guests come over.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this candle
Cappuccino Bistro candle
This candle smells like a sweeter version of a coffee shop without becoming overwhelming, an important distinction for our tester because overly strong fragrances can give her headaches. Its biggest surprise is the heavy-duty, food-safe glass vessel with a pour spout, which she plans to reuse for serving cream.
Tested by Faith Wakefield
Buy this candle now
Pura diffuser
Unlike fragrance devices that quickly become grimy, I've found this Pura diffuser easy to live with, even with regular use over the past year. A subscription supplies seasonal scents throughout the year, while the plug-in design keeps the house smelling fresh without requiring a traditional diffuser sitting out on a surface.
Tested by Jennifer Cicatelli and Alora Bopray
Buy a Pura starter set
Tulip Candle in Cactus Flower
I almost like this candle's container more than the candle itself! The scent is also a major plus. It gives off a fresh floral smell that is light and pleasant. It's perfect for a bathroom or entryway when you have guests.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this candle now
LNDN GRAY Locales: Letters
This artwork is beautiful and built with such quality that I can tell it will last for years to come. I love customizable art, and this canvas with letters you can change to your state is such a cute way to decorate. It instantly elevated our space when we hung them up in our library.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Customize these letters now
Farmgirl Flowers "Lindy Hop" bouquet
This bouquet impressed our tester with fresh, high-quality flowers and a lush presentation reminiscent of her own wedding bouquet. She thought it looked polished enough to serve as a centerpiece for a special occasion while still working as an elevated just-because gift. Like any arrangement of fresh-cut flowers, she only wishes it lasted longer.
Tested by Jessica Moore
Buy fresh flowers now
Health and family
Vicks humidifier
My Vicks humidifier is the superhero of sick days. It comes out of storage every sick season and provides warm, humid air that's particularly helpful around young children. Compatibility with Vicks products gives the family another option for fighting stuffy noses.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this humidifier
GROWNSY SniffEase 3-in-1 Baby Nasal Aspirator
I have two kiddos under age three, which means we get hit with every sickness that dares look our way. This nasal aspirator has been an actual lifesaver. It not only has a spray that loosens up boogers, but its powerful suction can clear a nostril.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this nasal aspirator for your medicine cabinet
Helix crib mattress
I've got a 10-month-old who had been sleeping in a pack and play until I upgraded to this crib mattress. So far, he has slept well through the night, and I feel good knowing that it meets the requirements of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Shop this Helix crib mattress
Braun ExactFit 3 blood pressure monitor
This blood pressure monitor has proved useful across generations in my family. My parents like theirs, and I personally have relied on it when I needed to track blood pressure daily during pregnancy, as I had preeclampsia. It's easy to use and so accurate that it was only a few points off from what my doctor measured when we calibrated it in her office.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this blood pressure cuff
Braun Sensian 5 non-contact thermometer
Taking a temperature can become considerably more difficult when a sick child doesn't want to sit still. I like this non-contact thermometer because it makes parenting a squirming kid much easier.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Buy this thermometer now
Home services
NEAT Method professional organizing services
NEAT Method transformed a cluttered hall closet with generations of accumulated belongings into an orderly, usable space in about four to five hours. The organizers handled the heavy lifting while our tester simply decided what to keep, toss, or donate; then they rebuilt the closet using bins, boxes, and labels. It's not an inexpensive service, but she found the convenience and dramatic results compelling for anyone dealing with a move or major life transition.
Tested by Roxanne Downer
Schedule your consulataion now
Orkin pest control
For our tester, the biggest benefit of year-round pest service is exactly what isn't in the house: rodents, pantry pests and, most importantly, spiders. She finds the combination of monthly pricing and quarterly service worth the investment for ongoing pest prevention.
Tested by Alora Bopray
Schedule an estimate now
Home and outdoor award methodology
Brandssubmitted products for our editorial team to consider for ourUSA TODAY Editor's Picks Best Home & Outdoor Procurts awards, and we put contenders to the test. We cleaned, cooked, decorated, and lay flat on our backs to see how the products performed in real-life situations.
Every product on this list was either reviewed by a member of our team or recommended based on our editors’ firsthand experience. That’s what makes this list special: It’s a curated collection of products we would, and often do, use in our own homes.
We also researched standout home and outdoor products, considering factors such as customer reviews to identify additional contenders. Brands could pay to submit products for consideration, but payment did not guarantee inclusion. Paid submissions were evaluated using the same criteria as products we discovered independently.
Our team of product testers
Our dedicated team of product testers put these products to the test and only recommended the products they would use in their own homes.
- Alora Bopray
- Kate Ellsworth
- Kasey Caminiti
- Rachel Cortez
- Roxanne Downer
- Ashley Achenbach
- Maggie Tyner
- Jessica Hanson
- Faith Wakefield
- Jessica Moore
- Trisha Easto
- Sean Donnelly
- Sydney Bryan
- Charlotte Maracina
Some of this story's product blurbs were produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), but the entire testing process was completed by journalists. We picked the products, coordinated the testing, and completed comprehensive hands-on reviews compiled in an editor-generated methodology testing sheet. Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The 100+ best home and outdoor products we tested in 2026
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
