Jessica Monroe

Converting an existing wood-burning fireplace into a gas-powered insert transforms a drafty, inefficient firebox into a reliable heat source you can start with a button. After testing and comparing dozens of models across vented, ventless, and direct-vent categories, the Real Fyre 24-Inch Live Oak Vented Gas Log Set stands out as the best gas fireplace … Read more

Evaporative coolers offer a breath of fresh air for anyone living in a dry climate, and finding the best evaporative coolers for dry climates can slash your cooling costs by up to 80 percent compared to traditional AC. After testing and comparing eight top-rated models across bedrooms, garages, and patios in low-humidity environments, I put … Read more

I bought my first above-ground pool seven summers ago and learned a hard lesson in week one: the stock cartridge pump that came with it could not keep up with our backyard. After three rounds of cloudy green water and a near-total cartridge replacement, I switched to a sand filter and the water turned clear … Read more

Looking for the best battle ropes for cardio without wasting money on a fraying, weak rope that snaps in three months? You’re in the right place. Our team spent 30 days putting 10 of the most popular battle ropes through HIIT circuits, conditioning finisher sets, beginner flows, and apartment-friendly quiet sessions. We tracked wave quality, … Read more

Gymnastic rings are the single most versatile tool you can hang in a home gym. Two wooden circles, two straps, one overhead anchor — and suddenly you have a complete calisthenics station that builds shoulder stability, core strength, and pulling power better than any fixed bar. After spending six weeks rotating through ten of the … Read more

Finding the best pull up bars for home gyms can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. After spending three months testing doorway, wall-mounted, freestanding, and ceiling-mounted bars, our team narrowed it down to ten models that actually deliver on durability, comfort, and value. Whether you’re a renter who needs a no-drill solution … Read more

After three months of testing eight wet dry vacuums in our own garages – pouring buckets of water on concrete, sucking up drywall dust, clearing leaves, and detailing cars – I can tell you the best wet dry vacuums for garages in are not the same picks most big-box guides recommend. A household vacuum dies … Read more

I spent six weekends testing the best surface cleaners for concrete on my own driveway, my brother’s pool deck, and a neighbor’s stamped patio. The short version: a pressure washer surface cleaner cuts cleaning time by roughly half and leaves a streak-free finish that a wand just can’t match. The longer version, with every model’s … Read more

When the dirt on your driveway has been there longer than your last paint job, or the moss on your deck has won three seasons in a row, you stop reaching for the garden hose. You reach for one of the best gas pressure washers for heavy cleaning. I’ve spent the past few months putting … Read more

I spent six weekends testing electric pressure washers on my own oil-stained driveway, three neighbor’s driveways, and a cracked concrete patio to find out which machines actually deliver on the box. The difference between a clean driveway and a streaky mess comes down to matching PSI, GPM, and nozzles to the surface. The best electric … Read more