10Rate

Tips for Vacuuming a Car

By Brittany Rowland

Your car goes everywhere you go. It also picks up an incredible amount of dirt, inside and out. You track in debris on your shoes, and crumbs build up in the seat crevices whenever you snack on the go. Add kids or pets to the mix, and you’ll be amazed at the amount of junk, hair, and food you have to vacuum up.

There are both corded, wall-mounted car vacuums and hand-held vacs that can make your car feel fresh and clean again. The trick is to know how best to use the vacuum attachments to reach all those small, tight crevices.

• Start by removing the floor mats, setting them outside the car, and vacuuming the seats and floors, including the areas between the seats and underneath the pedals. Use an extended nozzle or a crevice tool to reach the narrow spaces between the seats and the console.
• Attach the soft brush to vacuum the dashboard and console. Be careful working around the knobs and vents. Also use the soft brush attachment for the seats; if you have leather seats, take care not to scratch them with the bristles.
• Use a special cleaner or a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water to clean stains out of upholstery. Spray the stained areas and rub it in vigorously with a cloth. Dry the upholstery thoroughly afterward with a dry, clean cloth. Never use paper towels on leather because they can scratch the material.
• Make your dashboard and console shiny again by wiping it clean with a moist cloth and using a bit of polish. Never spray the polish directly on any electronic parts; instead, use a brush or cloth.
• Vacuum the floor mats before placing them back in the car.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Top 10 Stick Vacuum Cleaners

A stick vacuum is ideal for spot cleaning hardwoods, rugs, and thin carpets. You should not expect the performance of a full-size vacuum, however. We chose our top 10 stick vacuums based on the following qualities … [more]

Top 10 Vacuum Cleaners

As we selected the top 10 vacuum cleaners, we looked for models that possess certain features that enhance the suction performance, including 1. Adjustable height for carpets of varying thickness, 2. A brushroll that turns on and off easily for transitioning from carpet to hardwoods, 3. Filters that don’t clog, are easily washed, and trap microscopic allergens… [more]

How the Dirt Devil Accucharge Technology Extends Battery Life

By Brittany Rowland

A common problem with conventional cordless vacuum cleaners is that their batteries eventually wear out, forcing you to replace the battery or replace the vacuum. Neither is a fun solution. Many cordless vacuums rely on a Ni-Cad battery system that is continuously pumped full of juice when it’s plugged into the wall. Even when the battery is fully charged, more power keeps seeping in, heating and damaging the battery cells. Not only does this process waste energy, but it gradually shortens the run time of your vacuum per charge.

Dirt Devil developed a new charging technology called Accucharge that is supposed to save considerable energy and preserve the vacuum cleaner’s battery life. With Accucharge, the smart charger constantly monitors the battery’s power level. Once the battery is fully powered, the charger slows down its energy input to a trickle—just enough energy to keep the battery full of juice. The benefits are great. Not only are Accucharge Dirt Devils Energy Star compliant, but they take less time to charge and maintain their vacuuming power longer per charge.

With this kind of smart technology, we may have a solution to the common hassles of using a cordless vacuum. Finally we can get the performance of a corded vacuum without worrying about wasting energy or wearing out a battery.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Top 10 Stick Vacuum Cleaners

A stick vacuum is ideal for spot cleaning hardwoods, rugs, and thin carpets. You should not expect the performance of a full-size vacuum, however. We chose our top 10 stick vacuums based on the following qualities … [more]

Top 10 Vacuum Cleaners

As we selected the top 10 vacuum cleaners, we looked for models that possess certain features that enhance the suction performance, including 1. Adjustable height for carpets of varying thickness, 2. A brushroll that turns on and off easily for transitioning from carpet to hardwoods, 3. Filters that don’t clog, are easily washed, and trap microscopic allergens… [more]

Top 10 Mini Vacuum Cleaners

Mini hand-held vacuum cleaners are a convenient tool for cleaning up crumbs, stains, and pet hair quickly without lugging out the full-size vacuum. We chose 10 mini vacuums on the basis of the following traits … [more]

Best iPhone and Smartphone Cases

Top 10 Smartphone and iPhone Cases 2025

By Steve Holdgren

There are dozens of manufacturers making protective cases for smartphones of every brand and carrier. We selected our top 10 case makers based on several important qualities, including:

1. A variety of styles, colors, and materials
2. A wide selection of choices for all the major smartphone brands
3. High-quality, durable materials for long-term protection
4. Good customer service and fair prices
5. Open access to all smartphone buttons and ports
6. Easy-to-navigate websites

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Smartphone Accessories Articles

Factors to Consider When Choosing an iPhone 4 Case

If you’ve invested in an iPhone 4 and an expensive phone plan, then you almost certainly want a cover that will protect your smart phone from drops, bangs, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. The last thing you need is an irreparable crack on your screen or, worse, a completely shattered phone… [more]

Applying a Smartphone Screen Protector

If your smartphone case doesn’t come with a screen protector, you can apply your own. Screen protectors are readily available and fairly inexpensive. The trick is applying them without leaving air bubbles … [more]

Personalizing a Smartphone for Your Business

Many smartphone case makers offer options for businesses to personalize their phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. When workers use a company phone emblazoned with a logo or name, they’ll promote … [more]

iPhone Screen Protection

The screen is of the utmost importance on your iPhone. Because it’s a touchscreen, it’s the primary way you use the phone—dialing numbers, navigating menus, texting, and using apps. Apple has made the iPhone screen as durable as it can be, but even so, it will… [more]

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There are a multitude of smartphone accessories on the market that serve a variety of purposes. Because accessories vary in function, we looked for the following basic qualities when selecting our top 10 … [more]

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A smartphone is an incredibly convenient gadget that helps organize your life and keep you entertained. We reviewed 10 smartphones and ranked them based on the following qualities: 1. Responsive touchscreen, 2. Well-designed user interface that’s easy to navigate … [more]

Toasters vs. Toaster Ovens: What to Consider When Making a Purchase

By Brittany Rowland

These days, the traditional two-slot toaster has some heavy competition from bigger, more versatile toaster ovens, which not only toast bread but also bake, broil, and grill various foods. If you’re looking for a new model, you should consider what you generally use the toaster for, how much kitchen space you have, and how much you want to spend. What follows is a breakdown of the pros and cons of toasters and toaster ovens, the considerations you should make when making a purchase decision.

Toasters

Everyone has seen or used a simple two- or four-slot toaster with the push-down lever. These models have always been and remain efficient performers when it comes to making toast. On a medium setting, toast generally takes two to three minutes to finish. Price is another benefit of plain toasters: you can find competent models for as low as $15. The main challenge with toasters comes from finding the right setting to avoid burning the toast.

Generally, if you’re satisfied with simply toasting bread, waffles, or bagels, you’ll be happy with just the toaster.

Toaster Ovens

If you like versatility in your kitchen appliances and have the extra counter space, you’ll most likely be happier with a toaster oven, which offers a range of cooking functions: baking, broiling, defrosting, and grilling. Toaster ovens also come in handy when you frequently entertain guests because the mini-oven can assist you in preparing meals and snacks along with the full-size oven.

Toaster ovens have good to great capacities, capable of holding up to six slices of toast at a time. Some are large enough to bake whole pizzas, roasts, and rotisserie chickens. Some come with a panini press and can easily melt cheeses on your sandwiches with a broil feature. In the summer, when it’s too hot to grill outside, you can always broil steaks or burgers in the toaster oven, saving energy at the same time.

Remember that there are always downsides to every appliance. For all its versatility, toaster ovens are not always as effective or efficient at browning bread as regular toasters. They leave stripes on one side from the rack and usually take longer, sometimes four to six minutes. Toaster ovens are also more expensive, with middle-range models as much as $80 and more expensive ones running at $250.

Making Your Decision

To decide what to buy, think about your cooking habits. Do you need an extra oven to prepare more food for guests or a large family? Do you like having an appliance that makes baking pizzas, toasting bagels, broiling hamburgers, and broiling sandwiches easy? If so, you should spring for a toaster oven. Consumers who buy a good model are frequently very pleased with the wide range of features and effective cooking performance.

If your cooking needs are less demanding and you just don’t have the space for another large appliance, stick with the old-fashioned toaster. Not only is it compact and provides fast results, but it’s highly proficient at making the most common breakfast items.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Top 10 Toaster Ovens

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Best 2-Slice Toasters

A 2 slice toaster is perfect for a household that goes light on the toast. If one or two people are around every morning for breakfast, it is going to be just right. A toaster this size is also going to be great for making toasty sandwiches… [more]

Top 10 Breadmakers

As we looked at a variety of breadmakers from different manufacturers, we had several important factors in mind: 1. Ease of cleaning, with nonstick parts and a removable lid being especially helpful, 2. A variety of baking modes for breads, cakes, jams, baguettes, pasta and … [more]

Wall Ovens vs. Range Units

By Bob Wiley

Traditional kitchens always had a range unit with a stove on top and oven on the bottom, but today, households are increasingly looking into wall ovens paired with stovetops. Wall ovens offer several advantages over the traditional range units, which you should consider if you are buying a new home or upgrading your kitchen appliances.

• Wall ovens can fit in smaller areas and maximize limited kitchen space. Standard sizes include 24”, 27”, and 30”.
• You have greater flexibility in where you place the wall oven.
• Wall ovens don’t require you to bend over to load and unload food. You can also view the food baking more easily because the window is more at eye level.
• Wall ovens offer a stylish, contemporary look.
• Double wall ovens are ideal for large families or people who like to entertain. They allow you to cook multiple dishes at the same time.

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Thermador MED272ES vs. GE Profile PK956DR

The Thermador MED272ES and the GE Profile PK956DR are two double wall ovens rated highly by customers. Both are 27” wide and electric. Both ovens offer great capacity, so if you have a large household and have to prepare large meals, or you simply like to cook, then you’ll find either of … [more]

What Is the Sabbath Mode On My Oven?

As you scan through the list of specifications for various appliances, you may notice some models have a Sabbath Mode designation. We know that the Sabbath is the day of rest for practicing Christians and Jews, but what does that have to do with ovens? In fact … [more]

How to Light a Gas Range in a Power Outage

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Top 10 Electric Ranges

As we came up with a top 10 list of electric ranges, we considered several factors: 1. Number and size of coil/radiant elements, 2. Oven capacity and baking functions, 3. Appearance and style, 4. Ease of use and cleaning, 5. Cooking power of stovetop, 6. Convenient features like delay … [more]

Top 10 Gas Ranges

As we came up with a top 10 list of gas ranges, we considered a number of factors: 1. Number and size of burners, 2. Oven capacity and baking functions, 3. Appearance and style, 4. Ease of use and cleaning, 5. Cooking power of stovetop, 6. Convenient features like delay start, storage … [more]

Thermador MED272ES vs. GE Profile PK956DR

Bob Wiley, reviewer

The Thermador MED272ES and the GE Profile PK956DR are two double wall ovens rated highly by customers. Both are 27” wide and electric. Both ovens offer great capacity, so if you have a large household and have to prepare large meals, or you simply like to cook, then you’ll find either of these wall ovens appealing.

The Thermador oven wins out when it comes to capacity, with 4.2 cu. ft. per oven. The GE oven has 3.8 cu. ft. per oven—still quite spacious. The Thermador model also offers convection baking in both ovens, while the GE model’s convection baking is limited to just one of the two ovens.

You’re paying top dollar for the Thermador oven—$3,999—but it comes with 14 cooking modes and telescopic racks that extend when you open the door. Speaking of racks, there are six adjustable racks for the Thermador oven. The GE, slightly less expensive at $2,056.15, is also generously equipped with five racks.

Style-wise, both the Thermador and GE ovens sport sleek and modern designs, with glass touch controls. Either will add style to a kitchen. As for performance, you’ll likely be happy with either oven. Choosing between them is a matter of determining whether you’re willing to pay extra for greater capacity, double the convection baking, and more cooking programs.

More Ovens Articles

Wall Ovens vs. Range Units

Traditional kitchens always had a range unit with a stove on top and oven on the bottom, but today, households are increasingly looking into wall ovens paired with stovetops. Wall ovens offer several advantages over the traditional range units, which you should consider if you … [more]

What Is the Sabbath Mode On My Oven?

As you scan through the list of specifications for various appliances, you may notice some models have a Sabbath Mode designation. We know that the Sabbath is the day of rest for practicing Christians and Jews, but what does that have to do with ovens? In fact … [more]

How to Light a Gas Range in a Power Outage

An added bonus gas ranges have over their electric counterparts is that you can still light them when the power has gone out in your home. This trick works if your gas range uses natural gas and an electronic ignition. If you aren’t sure which … [more]

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Top 10 Combination Ovens

Features we considered while compiling the top 10 list for combination microwave ovens included convection baking, oven and microwave capacities, adjustable racks, attractive design, size, and, of course, cooking performance. While these units typically run expensive, there are some … [more]

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Wall ovens are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional range units because of their compact size. Most wall ovens are either 24” or 27” wide, and they are powered by either gas or electric. As we examined wall ovens for our top 10 list, we considered many important factors … [more]

Personalizing a Smartphone for Your Business

By Steve Holdgren

Many smartphone case makers offer options for businesses to personalize their phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. When workers use a company phone emblazoned with a logo or name, they’ll promote their business and increase brand recognition wherever they go.

Skin It provides skins and cases with customizable designs. Upload your company name or logo and order personalized smartphone cases for all your members. Fortte is another company that produces smartphone cases in high-quality leather. For an extra fee, you can have your company name or logo embossed on the fine leather, adding an attractive, professional look to your smartphone and other devices.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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Applying a Smartphone Screen Protector

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Smartphones with AMOLED Screens

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Applying a Smartphone Screen Protector

By Steve Holdgren

If your smartphone case doesn’t come with a screen protector, you can apply your own. Screen protectors are readily available and fairly inexpensive. The trick is applying them without leaving air bubbles.

To prepare, clean the smartphone screen with a lint-free, microfiber cloth to get any dust particles or smudges off. If possible, work in a room that has just been steamed, such as by a hot shower, because the steam will reduce the amount of dust in the air.

Keep the microfiber cloth over the smartphone screen while you take out and prepare the screen protector. The cloth will prevent any dust from resettling on the screen. When you’re ready, carefully align the clear film protector over the screen and apply it. To get any bubbles out, gently run the edge of a credit card over the screen to make it fit smoothly.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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Personalizing a Smartphone for Your Business

Many smartphone case makers offer options for businesses to personalize their phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. When workers use a company phone emblazoned with a logo or name, they’ll promote … [more]

Smartphones with AMOLED Screens

Today you’ll see a high demand for AMOLED screens on smartphones, digital cameras, and other devices that play media. AMOLED, which stands for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode, is a display system that uses … [more]

HTC Rezound vs. iPhone 4S

The HTC Rezound for Verizon Wireless and the iPhone 4S for Sprint are both popular smartphones ranked highly by consumers. So how do they compare to each other in terms of design and features? The HTC Rezound is certainly … [more]

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Top 10 iPhone and Smartphone Accessories

There are a multitude of smartphone accessories on the market that serve a variety of purposes. Because accessories vary in function, we looked for the following basic qualities when selecting our top 10 … [more]

Top 10 iPhone and Smartphone Cases

There are dozens of manufacturers making protective cases for smartphones of every brand and carrier. We selected our top 10 case makers based on several important qualities, including 1. A variety of styles, colors, and materials … [more]

Top 10 Smartphones

A smartphone is an incredibly convenient gadget that helps organize your life and keep you entertained. We reviewed 10 smartphones and ranked them based on the following qualities: 1. Responsive touchscreen, 2. Well-designed user interface that’s easy to navigate … [more]

Storing and Serving Red and White Wines

By Brittany Rowland

Wine connoisseurs are careful to store wines at specific temperatures depending on the type. Whites are generally chilled more than reds. Here’s a guide for the optimal storage temperatures for various wines.

If you own a wine cooler, there’s a helpful tip for serving reds and whites. For red wines, put them in to chill 20 minutes before serving. For white wines, keep them chilled and pull them out 20 minutes before serving. As a rule of thumb, no wine should be consumed warmer than 68°F.

Chart information found at Better Tasting Wine.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

More Wine Articles

Tips for Wine Glass Care

Regular wine glasses are designed to stand up to a lot of use. Typically possessing thick glass, they’re easy to throw in the dishwasher with all your other dishware. If you have some fine wine glasses, however, then you want to protect them and keep … [more]

Proper Storage Temperatures for Wine

Many people buy and serve wine for social occasions: parties, holiday get-togethers, and nice dinners. They’re content just to have a handful of bottles at a time. Other people, though, are serious collectors who enjoy holding onto special bottles … [more]

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Top 10 Wine Glasses

You may think that there’s not much to consider when it comes to wine glasses, just as long as they hold wine, but you’d be surprised. We looked at a number of factors as we compiled our list of best 10 wine glasses: 1. Durability, 2. Ease of … [more]

Top 10 Wine Coolers

Wine coolers allow collectors to store bottles at just the right temperature so they last longer and are perfectly chilled when served. As we compiled the top 10 wine coolers, we considered several factors that set the top models apart from the … [more]

Proper Storage Temperatures for Wine

By Brittany Rowland

Many people buy and serve wine for social occasions: parties, holiday get-togethers, and nice dinners. They’re content just to have a handful of bottles at a time. Other people, though, are serious collectors who enjoy holding onto special bottles for years, letting them age over time, and saving them for that very special occasion. Wine connoisseurs know that there are proper and improper ways to store wine, and factors like temperature and light can affect how well the wine holds up over a long period of time.

Temperature

The generally accepted temperature for storing wine is around 55 to 60°F, with fluctuations in temperature of only a degree or so. According to a French wine expert, the practice of storing wines at 55°F goes back hundreds of years in Europe, when people kept wines in underground caverns, which naturally maintain that temperature. It just so happens that those environmental conditions were just right for allowing the wine’s properties to develop harmoniously.

Keeping wine at room temperature or higher significantly speeds up the aging process and can cause undesirable chemical reactions. Even wine stored in very hot conditions, say 90°F or higher, for just a short time can have adverse effects on wine. Overheating wine can give it an off taste and unpleasant odor. Chilling it too much, however, can be just as bad, eliminating the flavors and smells that make wine so appealing.

Opened bottles of wine should be stored in a refrigerator or wine cooler, which will slow down the spoiling process. Vacuum seals are available that can pull out excess air in the bottle and minimize oxidation.

Light

You’ve probably encountered a wine collector who keeps wine in a dark, cool cellar. Wines are preserved longer in dark conditions, safe from damaging ultraviolet rays. UV light degrades the organic compounds in wine that control its flavor, aroma, and essence. Even fluorescent lights give off UV rays. If you’re buying a wine cooler, look for a model that has UV-resistant glass so your wine won’t lose its finer properties.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

More Wine Articles

Tips for Wine Glass Care

Regular wine glasses are designed to stand up to a lot of use. Typically possessing thick glass, they’re easy to throw in the dishwasher with all your other dishware. If you have some fine wine glasses, however, then you want to protect them and keep … [more]

Storing and Serving Red and White Wines

Wine connoisseurs are careful to store wines at specific temperatures depending on the type. Whites are generally chilled more than reds. Here’s a guide for the optimal storage temperatures for various wines … [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Wine Glasses

You may think that there’s not much to consider when it comes to wine glasses, just as long as they hold wine, but you’d be surprised. We looked at a number of factors as we compiled our list of best 10 wine glasses: 1. Durability, 2. Ease of … [more]

Top 10 Wine Coolers

Wine coolers allow collectors to store bottles at just the right temperature so they last longer and are perfectly chilled when served. As we compiled the top 10 wine coolers, we considered several factors that set the top models apart from the … [more]

Recognizing the Different Types of Headphones

By Jack Burden

There are three main types of headphones, and their names relate to how they fit over the ears. Each headphone type has its special attributes and drawbacks.

• Supra-Aural
  • Also Called: On-ear, open-back, open-air headphones
  • Sit over the ears with soft padded ear cups.
  • Don’t block ambient noise.
  • Leak music for others to hear.

• Circumaural
  • Also Called: Closed-back, around-ear headphones
  • Create a seal around the ears, blocking out a lot of ambient noise.
  • Don’t bleed music to the outside.
  • Higher sound quality.
  • Usually heavier, bulkier, and less comfortable to wear for extended periods.

• In-ear
  • Also Called: Earbuds, canal headphones
  • Sit inside the ear, either at the outside (earbuds) or inside the canal.
  • Canal headphones create a tight seal within the ear, improving sound quality.
  • Vary in how well they fit and stay in place.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

More Headphones Articles

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Active vs. Passive

You’re settling in for a long flight and you want to listen to music to help you relax. The ear pads fit right over your ears, but the roar from the engines overpowers the sounds coming from the headphones. That’s the frustrating situation Amar Bose found himself in back in 1978; within 10 years … [more]

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Top 10 Headphones

If you’re an audiophile who wants to enjoy the full richness of sound, then you need a good set of headphones. We looked at a number of headphones and selected our 10 favorites based on several factors … [more]

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Active vs. Passive

By Jack Burden

You’re settling in for a long flight and you want to listen to music to help you relax. The ear pads fit right over your ears, but the roar from the engines overpowers the sounds coming from the headphones. That’s the frustrating situation Amar Bose found himself in back in 1978; within 10 years Bose had developed the first noise-canceling headphones that block out ambient noises.

Passive

Headphones can passively muffle sounds by virtue of their heavy materials that block sound waves. With circum-aural headphones fitted over the ears, outside noise is dampened by about 15 to 20 decibels. That’s not bad if you’re riding a bus or walking down a street, but if you’re on an airplane, you’re still competing against the engines, which typically run at around 80 decibels. Passive noise-canceling headphones just won’t cut it in that case.

Active

Certain headphones can actively cancel out ambient noise. Like passive headphones, their very structure creates a barrier against high-frequency sound waves. However, they also erase lower-frequency waves by creating their own sound waves that cancel out incoming noises.

Confused? Think of ocean waves, the way they have crests, or high points, and troughs, or low points. Sound waves work in much the same way. Noise-canceling headphones create sound waves that match the incoming sound waves in frequency and amplitude, but the crests and troughs are inverted. The dueling sound waves essentially cancel one another out. This process is called destructive interference, but don’t worry—the only thing the headphones are destroying is the ambient noise around you.

The Costs

Are noise-canceling headphones perfect? No. They reduce ambient noise by about 70 percent, which is generally enough for airline passengers to focus on the music they want to hear. But the headphones can also muffle some of the sounds of your music, too, so you may not experience the best sound quality.

The Benefits

While noise-canceling headphones can’t completely block out ambient noise, they come pretty close. There’s really no other way to enjoy music or some peace and quiet on a noisy trip. You can wear the noise-blocking headphones even without music just to muffle all the sounds coming at you. Too much low-frequency noise for extended periods of time really wears you out. And if you’re wearing headphones, fellow plane or bus passengers are less likely to disturb you.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

More Headphones Articles

Recognizing the Different Types of Headphones

There are three main types of headphones, and their names relate to how they fit over the ears. Each headphone type has its special attributes and drawbacks. Supra-Aural – Also Called: On-ear, open-back, open-air headphones … [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Headphones

If you’re an audiophile who wants to enjoy the full richness of sound, then you need a good set of headphones. We looked at a number of headphones and selected our 10 favorites based on several factors … [more]

Best Mini Vacuum Cleaners

Top 10 Rated Mini Vacuum Cleaners 2025

By Brittany Rowland

Mini hand-held vacuum cleaners are a convenient tool for cleaning up crumbs, stains, and pet hair quickly without lugging out the full-size vacuum. We chose 10 mini vacuums on the basis of the following traits:

1. Lightweight and easy to maneuver
2. Easy to clean out the bag/dust container and filters
3. Powerful suction and thorough cleaning
4. Relatively quiet operation
5. Long power cord or a long battery life
6. Onboard attachments like a crevice tool and brush

Mini Vacuum Cleaners Buying Guide

Buying a Mini Hand-Held Vacuum: Cordless vs. Corded

A hand-held vacuum cleaner is a convenient alternative to lugging out a heavy full-size vacuum when you have just a few spots to clean. Hand vacs also come in lightweight, easily portable models, allowing you to use them in the car, and on stairs, windowsills, and upholstery. You’ll see both corded and cordless hand-held vacuums; each kind cleans well but also has specific advantages and disadvantages.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Stick Vacuums Articles

Features That Make Vacuuming Easier and More Effective

Everyone wants clean, plush carpet and slick hardwood floors. However, vacuuming can be a cumbersome, time-consuming task when it involves tugging around a bulky vacuum, untangling the power cord, and switching outlets multiple times. Luckily, there are new vacuum cleaners that make the task less of a hassle… [more]

Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuum Cleaners: The Pros and Cons

As you search for the perfect vacuum cleaner, you should know that whether it has a bag or a dust canister has little effect on its suction performance. The choice just depends on your personal preference. There are advantages and disadvantages to both styles… [more]

8 Tips For Better Vacuuming

Vacuuming the house can be a tedious chore, but there are practices that will improve the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner and maybe cut down the number of times you have to pull out the device. 1. Vacuum areas with heaviest foot traffic most frequently. To … [more]

Tips for Vacuuming a Car

Your car goes everywhere you go. It also picks up an incredible amount of dirt, inside and out. You track in debris on your shoes, and crumbs build up in the seat crevices whenever you snack on the go. Add kids or pets to the mix, and … [more]

More Vacuum Cleaners Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Stick Vacuum Cleaners

A stick vacuum is ideal for spot cleaning hardwoods, rugs, and thin carpets. You should not expect the performance of a full-size vacuum, however. We chose our top 10 stick vacuums based on the following qualities … [more]

Top 10 Vacuum Cleaners

As we selected the top 10 vacuum cleaners, we looked for models that possess certain features that enhance the suction performance, including 1. Adjustable height for carpets of varying thickness, 2. A brushroll that turns on and off easily for transitioning from carpet to hardwoods, 3. Filters that don’t clog, are easily washed, and trap microscopic allergens… [more]

Best iPad Cases

Top 10 Rated iPad Cases 2025

By Steve Holdgren

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities:

1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing position
2. High-quality material that looks attractive and offers protection
3. Convenient features like a stylus loop and an elastic strap
4. Supports sleep mode with a magnetic cover
5. Interior material doesn’t scratch the iPad
6. Exterior material is comfortable to grip
7. Lightweight yet durable design; not too bulky
8. Good value for the price

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Featured iPad and Tablet Articles

5 Tips for Choosing an iPad Case

Are you a student or a professional that needs a slim, lightweight yet functional case for your iPad 2? Consider a folio-style case which opens like a book and automatically powers up the device. This style case typically folds back to form a stand for viewing media or comfortable typing….[more]

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 Waterproof iPad Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Best Android Tablet

The iPad is no longer the boss in the tablet arena – the increasing popular Android OS tablet is a huge competitor that is taking over the market. With a super sleek interface, frequent updates, a plethora of apps, unlimited customization, and more – this makes any tablet running Android a very good alternative the stale Apple OS on the iPad… [more]

Best 7″ Tablets

Saving in price but not sacrificing features – 7” tablets allow a more portable experience. Hold your tablet with one hand, put it in your back pocket, bring it every where. Pay less too. They’re some hot hitters this year and these are our top 10 – 7” tablets of 2012…. [more]

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

LG BD670 vs. LG BD630: Comparing Two LG Blu-Ray Players

By JB Burden

The BD670 and BD630 are two popular LG Blu-Ray players available on the market. Both players display full HD 1080p video, but the BD670 has the distinction of being 3D. To view movies in 3D, of course, you also need a 3D-enabled HDTV, 3D glasses, and an HDMI cable with bandwidth speeds up to 10.2 Gbps. The LG BD670 is more of an investment, costing $109.99, but it also possesses more features. With Smart TV, you can browse through 100s of apps, social networking sites, and video streaming services. The streaming options on the BD630 are limited to Netflix, CinemaNow, VUDU, and YouTube.

The LG BD630 may not have 3D or DLNA like the BD670, but it’s more affordable at $59.99 and offers great picture quality and video streaming options. Like the BD670, it also lets you access your personal videos, photos, and other files by connecting a USB storage device directly to the Blu-Ray player. And the BD630 gives you a Bonus View picture-in-picture option and a SimpLink remote control that operates all your HDMI devices.

Both the LG BD630 and BD670 up-scale standard DVDs to near HD quality. While the BD630 doesn’t have DLNA capabilities, it still streams videos well and has great HD quality. And if you’re willing to spend the extra cash, the BD670 offers stunning 3D movie viewing and full web browser searching.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

LG BD630 Review
LG BD670 Review

Tips For Properly Cleaning Your Iron

While the iron is a commonplace household appliance, not everyone knows how to properly clean and maintain the iron to keep it in good shape for longer. Not only does keeping the iron clean of buildup and clogs prolong its lifespan, but it also improves the ironing performance and efficiency.

• Minerals from the water in a steam iron can cause a scaly buildup in the vents. While some irons offer a self-cleaning feature, you can also effectively clean the vents by hand. Use a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner to wipe out the residue and not a hard, sharp object that could scratch or damage the iron’s base.
• Vinegar is a common household ingredient that doubles as a convenient cleaning solution. Pour some on a clean, soft cloth and wipe down the iron periodically.
• Sometimes you’ll find a waxy coating on the soleplate after ironing certain fabrics. When that’s the case, simply turn the iron up to the highest heat and run it over newspaper to get the wax substance off.
• Use ammonia to clean oily residue off the soleplate. Then rinse or wipe the ammonia off with water.
• You should clean the water tank on a regular basis or when the steam output starts to wane. Use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to fill the tank and set the iron to steam for about four minutes. Let the tank drain for at least an hour. Before you use the iron again, fill the tank with pure water and repeat the process to get all the vinegar out.

Finally, this tip is obvious but bears mentioning: Be sure that the iron is turned off and cool before handling and cleaning it.