Irons, scales, robotic vacuums recommendations
New reviews: Irons, Bathroom Scales & Robotic Vacuums
Over the last few weeks, we've published buying guides for the best cheap irons, robotic vacuums, and scales. Here are some of the highlights:
Our guide to best cheap irons showed that some of the cheaper varieties perform just as well, if not better, than the pricier models. The most sought-after features were ironing speed, consistent steam, and flattening power. A top pick was the T-Fal Ultraglide Easycord FV4379 (starting at $39.88), chosen for its effortless and quick gliding across the fabric. Sputtering and dripping, loss of steam, and clothes staining were some of the cons consumers found in products like the Smartek ST2000 Cord/Cordless, which went into the Don't Bother category.
In trying to find the best cheap robotic vacuum, Cheapism discovered that reviews were scarce and the ones out there were largely negative, even for pricier products. It seems that the technology has not developed to its full potential yet. Our new cheap product guide for vacuums found several for under $300. The ones with the higher price tag come with more bells and whistles, like dirt sensors. The best one on the list, the iRobot Roomba 510 (starting at $279.99), was good at detecting dirt and not falling down stairs, but had no home base for charging itself.
Onto a category people often cringe at: weight. As nice as it is to have a scale say you're five pounds lighter than you are, according to our new buying guide for cheap bathroom scales, consistent accuracy is what customers want. Inexpensive scales weigh in under $30, and the best are digital and track in 0.2-pound increments for best accuracy. Customers wanted durable devices, so metal and glass were favored materials over plastic. Gripes came down to inaccuracy, error messages, and issues with sturdiness. The best cheap scales, the EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale (starting at $28.95) and Elite ESC9008X Home Electronic Personal Bathroom Scale ($24.99), also had auto on and off and large, clear screens.
