Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Home Renovation Awards

Induction technology has been popular in restaurants for decades, but it’s only just taking off in home kitchens, especially in places where gas appliances are on the way out. While emissions-free cooking is one benefit of induction, our testers also like its speed and precision. It keeps the kitchen cooler too, since the electromagnetic energy directly heats magnetic cookware instead of heating an element or creating a flame. This 48-inch version from Fisher & Paykel adds an ultra-sleek form factor and expansive cooking capacity, including double ovens (the main one roomy enough for a 32-pound turkey) and a six-element cooktop.

LAB RESULTS: We installed the Fisher & Paykel in our Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab, where our experts could appreciate its solid build and stylish steel-and-glass accents up close. Performance-wise, it lived up to expectations, bringing water to a fast boil and holding a steady simmer. Cookies from the oven came out evenly browned, and the broiler produced juicy steaks with a nice char. Testers did note a clicking sound coming from the cooktop elements — as the brand explained, this is a safety feature designed to prevent users from inadvertently energizing an element, as any magnetic metal will generate heat from the cooktop’s electric currents.

Given the sink’s prime location in the kitchen, wouldn’t it be great if it could be used for more than washing dishes and rinsing vegetables? Delta’s Workstation Sink answers that call with its bevy of space-saving accessories, from cutting boards to roll-up dish-drying racks, that greatly expand the functionality of the space. The ready-to-install undermount sink, available in white, gray or black, is made of a composite granite that’s both durable and low-maintenance.

LAB RESULTS: Our Lab experts were impressed by the quality of the nonporous sink and how neatly the assorted accessories fit into its integrated ledge. Boston-based contractor Marc Savatsky, who installed the sink in his own home, noted the attention to detail of the design, “down to the offset drain, which remains unobstructed even when dishes pile up.” The accessories are what really set the Delta apart, and they succeeded in turning his sink space into a true multifunctional workstation. “The drying rack feature is a personal favorite,” Savatsky said. The nonporous composite granite fends off stains, and its sound-absorbing qualities reduce noise — helpful given how much action now happens at the kitchen sink.

With hundreds of makes and models across dozens of brands to choose from, the kitchen faucet is one of the hardest decisions on a home remodel. Yet it’s critical given that you interact with it all the time, and it’s a big focal point of the kitchen. Kudos to Kohler for pulling together a curated selection of stylish, high-performing faucets in its new Components Kitchen Faucet Collection. There’s enough variation in the mix to let you find something special, but not so much that you’ll be overwhelmed. Plus, every faucet in the collection features an innovative sweep spray that’s ideal for cleaning.

LAB RESULTS: These faucets have all the markings of solid construction our engineers look for, like ceramic disc valves and physical vapor deposition (PVD) finishes that resist scratches and stains. To gauge real-world performance, one of our experts installed a single-handle model with an extended-reach spout in her kitchen. Hookup was straightforward, and the faucet delivered excellent cleaning power despite using an efficient 1.5 gallons per minute. “The water pressure is a million times better than that of my old faucet,” our expert reported. “It practically power-washes my dishes clean, so I barely have to do any scrubbing by hand.”

Quartz and porcelain are two of our favorite countertop materials because they’re beautiful and hard-wearing and their nonporous construction makes them impervious to stains without the need for periodic sealing. Caesarstone’s newest collection brings the two materials together with a curated selection of colors and designs, making it an excellent choice if you’re planning a kitchen remodel. One of these highly durable countertops will be with you for a long, long time — no small thing considering that you’ll be interacting with it every single day, multiple times a day.

LAB RESULTS: If your goal is to design a timeless kitchen, you can’t go wrong with this collection. “The colors are far from sterile,” says GH’s home design director. “They have a sense of character, and there’s a veining option to suit any style, whether you lean to the minimalist side or prefer to make more of a design statement.” The collection is among the more expensive countertop materials we’ve tested, but you get quality construction and a comprehensive lifetime warranty. Plus the Caesarstone surfaces are Greenguard certified to meet stringent indoor air emissions standards.

Baking with the addition of steam is a rising trend in food prep, because it’s fast and helps lock in moisture. Gaggenau’s 400 Series steam oven allows you to experiment with this cooking function, or you can simply use it to bake and roast. The beautiful built-in unit is available in 24- and 30-inch widths that will complement any chef’s kitchen. With five humidity levels and temperatures up to 450°F, the oven can handle a slew of recipes on top of dishes you’d typically braise, like short ribs, or you can spritz breads with water before baking for added crispness.

LAB RESULTS: We installed one unit at the Good Housekeeping Institute and another in the Colorado home of an avid chef and entertainer. The oven is unique in that it requires its own water line and drain; that simplifies use and care, though of course the plumbing hookups need to be available. Testers found the interface complex at first, but they ultimately got the hang of it. Lab tests produced tender vegetables and juicy fish. Our home tester liked the ability to take on “other cooking techniques that can’t be done with most conventional ovens, like sous vide.” He added that the oven “stunningly displays food while cooking — great culinary theater for dinner guests who wander into the kitchen.”

High-traffic areas of the home like the kitchen need a paint that can take lots of abuse and also be hit with a scrub sponge without losing its shine. This Sherwin-Williams water-based enamel paint was formulated with those requirements in mind. Our paint tests find that durability is often achieved with harsh chemical additives, but the Scuff Tuff is a low-VOC paint that is Greenguard certified for low chemical emissions. It can be tinted to just about any color in the Sherwin Williams ColorSnap Palette, or you can have it color-matched at the store to the hue of your choice.

LAB RESULTS: True to its name, the Scuff Tuff shrugged off 750 passes with fine-grit sandpaper in Lab testing without any sign of surface damage. It also earned high marks for stain resistance. According to one consumer tester who applied the paint to a busy hallway in her home, the paint is hard-wearing and completely odor-free. “You would have never guessed we’d just painted,” she said. There was a bit more shine to the eggshell paint than she expected, something we also noticed during our Lab tests, but that’s a result of the exceptionally durable finish.

Undercabinet lighting adds an essential layer of task lighting to the kitchen, and adjustable versions can double as a source of soft mood lighting, say, after the dishes have been cleared. The Cync Reveal delivers those benefit and then some. It’s the industry’s first Wi-Fi–connected undercabinet fixture, meaning hassle-free wireless installation along with the ability to control the light by voice command or through the smartphone app. The lights are available in 12-, 18- and 24-inch bars or 3-inch pucks, all with a slim profile and the ability to be strung together in groups of up to 10 fixtures.

LAB RESULTS: All five expert testers who installed the Cync Reveal gave it five stars for color, brightness and overall quality. “Extremely easy to install!” one reported. The fixture’s smart capability was another favorite feature. “I like that I can change the light color depending on the desired ambiance,” said a reviewer. The Cync app makes it easy to set schedules, including programming the lights to turn on and off when you’re away from home to deter would-be burglars. A few testers noted that the connections for the fixtures were a bit chunky, so if you’re going for an ultra-clean look, you might want to install a valance, or decorative trim, along the bottom edge of your cabinets.

Four-door refrigerators are a newer configuration in the category, featuring French doors on top, a middle drawer, and a bottom freezer. Like most, Hisense’s version offers temperature control, adjustable from 27°F to 41°F, on the middle drawer so it can serve as extra fridge space, a chilling drawer for beverages or a soft freezer for ice cream and other treats. The 36-inch-wide refrigerator has a claimed capacity of 25.6 cubic feet and offers many smart storage features that make it feel even bigger, including gallon door bins and adjustable shelves.

LAB RESULTS: Our market analysts were quick to point out that the Hisense costs hundreds less than other four-door fridges. Independent testing reviewed by our engineers showed solid temperature control throughout the fridge’s three compartments. Several months of in-home testing found the same. Home testers also liked the storage features. “I love that a section of shelf can slide back to allow tall for tall items,” one tester observed. Another added that the controls were so intuitive that her 10-year-old had mastered them in no time. She also liked the Wi-Fi connectivity and the companion app, which sends helpful maintenance reminders, such as one advising when the water filter needs to be replaced.

Doing something different with kitchen counters usually means spending more and waiting longer for a custom installation. Here’s the beauty of Wilsonart’s Thinscape Performance Tops. With their ½-inch profile (about half that of traditional countertops) and luxurious stone patterns, the countertops have a European-inspired elegance, but the engineered product can be measured, made, and installed in a few short weeks for as little as $35 per square foot, which is about the cost of other entry-level countertop materials like laminate, tile and solid surfacing.

LAB RESULTS: Our design experts were smitten with the color and patterns of the countertops. “The slabs look beautiful and timeless,” said GH’s associate lifestyle editor, noting the subtle veining of the faux-stone designs. The expert tester who installed Thinscape in the kitchen of her home in New Jersey commended the speed and professionalism of the process. She opted for the Soluna marble with a diagonal edge treatment, called a sharknose. “The thin countertops lend an elegant look to the kitchen,” she reported. “Plus, it’s been easy to keep the surface clean.” Our experts also like that the material carries Greenguard’s Gold Certification for minimal impact on indoor air quality.

Looking for something more high-tech in your next kitchen faucet? Hands-free operation is the latest of the available bells and whistles, and manufacturers continue to improve its responsiveness, which could be a little finicky in the early days. Delta’s Trinsic Touch2O is a single-handled fixture with a high-arc gooseneck design that swivels 360 degrees for maximum reach. Another innovation that caught our eye is the temperature-indicating LED light, which changes from blue to magenta to red as the water gets hotter — a nice safety feature in homes with small kids.

LAB RESULTS: Though the Trinsic Touch2O is loaded with technology, its clean lines and classic finishes play well in any style of kitchen. Our engineers noted the quality construction, including a powerful magnet that keeps the pullout sprayer securely docked when not in use. Testers loved the hands-free control for its hygiene, ease of use and efficiency. “There are so many times when I don’t turn off the water because my hands are covered in egg yolks or chicken juice,” explained one tester. “Now I can just wave my hand under the faucet.” For good measure, the Trinsic Touch2O features automatic shutoff after 4 minutes, since we’ve all been guilty of forgetting to turn the water off when leaving the kitchen.

It’s often true with remodeling that what goes around comes around. In the case of high-end bathroom design, that means a resurgence in freestanding tubs, which bring a sculptural form and a spa-like experience to the space. BainUltra is a leader in the handcrafted-tub category, and the Libra Stella is the newest addition to its collection. Measuring 70″ x 38″ x 25″, the oversize soaker boasts a bevy of luxurious features, including integrated arm rests and hot-air jets for deep-massage treatments.

LAB RESULTS: GH’s home design director is a big fan of freestanding tubs, especially those as fully featured as the Libra Stella. “From the heated backrest to the aromatherapy option, this tub is just what you need to turn your bathroom into a true retreat,” she said. “At once modern and luxurious,” added our associate lifestyle editor. Our engineers, meanwhile, liked how function meets form in the Libra Stella, such as in the extra-wide tub deck users can sit on when getting in and out — a nice safety and accessibility feature for people of all ages and abilities. The nonporous finishes should help ensure a hygienic bathing experience with minimal care and cleaning.

The popularity of shower filters has soared in recent years, especially with consumers who live in homes with hard or heavily chlorinated water — conditions that can be tough on hair and skin. Most of the filters we’ve tested are bulky attachments that remove minerals and chemicals from the water before it flows from the existing showerhead. Kohler’s solution is a filter and showerhead in one, delivering a more streamlined look. The fixture is available in several handsome finishes, including polished chrome, matte black, brass and brushed nickel.

LAB RESULTS: Cinq earned perfect scores with our panel of testers for its superb water pressure, solid construction and quick installation. “The whole hookup process took under 10 minutes,” reported one user. The five-filter design delivered on its health promises. “I deal with dry skin on my scalp and face, and using the filtered showerhead for a few weeks made a huge difference,” said another consumer tester. The sleek design was universally loved. “Most shower filters are big and clunky,” explained our expert. “The Cinq is the perfect size — not too big, not too small — with a nice finish and clean lines that add to its sleek look.”

The evolution of the humble commode has hit warp speed in recent years with the introduction of high-tech features and cutting-edge designs. German manufacturer Duravit has helped lead the way, partnering with design innovators like Philippe Starck and even coining a new name for the category — the “shower toilet.” The Sensowash Classic, the brand’s flagship model, is a toilet-bidet combination that uses fresh water to deliver the highest possible cleansing performance and adds such luxuries as a heated seat and an automatically opening and closing lid. The seat can be paired with traditional one-piece toilets from Duravit or wall-mounted models that make for a particularly space-efficient design.

LAB RESULTS: The shower toilet impressed our experts with its bevy of smart features, including its built-in odor extractor and intuitive remote control. Awards judge and contractor Marc Savatsky installed the system with a wall-hung toilet from Duravit’s Darling New line. “The sleek design will elevate any bathroom,” he said, adding that the toilet is “incredibly easy to clean” and offers “an abundance of features and functionalities.” Customer support is especially important with newer technologies, and in this respect Savatsky was just as effusive about Duravit, calling the service “easily accessible in case of any issues, ensuring a seamless experience for homeowners seeking assistance.”

Pull-down sprayers have been a common feature of kitchen faucets for more than a decade, but the convenience has only recently found its ways into the bathroom — much to the joy of fastidious types who don’t like the sight of toothpaste, shaving cream, face stubble and other messes left behind by the morning routine. This two-handled version from American Standard features a swivel spout with a 150-degree radius, allowing you to reach every corner of the sink. Choose from matte black, polished chrome and brushed nickel finishes.

LAB RESULTS: The faucet features all the hallmarks of quality construction our engineers look for, including ceramic valves for added durability. Its WaterSense certification means it uses a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute compared with the 2.2 gallons per minute of standard faucets. For real-world assessment, we sent a unit to outside judge and Boston-based contractor Marc Savatsky. He gave it top marks for ease of installation, highlighting the convenience and simplicity of its “speed connect” mechanism, which allows it to snap together for a watertight connection. As for the faucet’s design, Savatasky opined that it “strikes a perfect balance between modern and traditional styles, making it a versatile fit for any bathroom decor.”

Bidet toilet seats have gone from niche to mainstream in the U.S. market. Most consumers who experience the refreshing (if at first a little tickly!) effectiveness of the built-in bidet say they’ll never go back to toilet paper. That’s certainly the case with the Kohler PureWash, which adds such luxuries as a heated seat, air-drying and adjustable water controls so you can get the temperature, pressure and directional spray just right. There’s even a motion-activated night light to help you find your way in the dark.

LAB RESULTS: Testers found the bidet seat easy to install and smartly designed. “The lid is not too bulky or obstructive,” one noted. “It looks better than similar bidets I’ve seen at other homes.” The bidet’s cleaning performance was what really won our judges over. “I thought I wouldn’t like the heated seat, but it’s a true luxury,” admitted one panelist. Another concluded, “This bidet has made me quite spoiled and has definitely made water my preferred method of cleaning.” About the only upgrade our experts would like to see is the ability to turn off the auto-opening feature via the remote rather than having to download the app to do so.

Tankless water heaters are an energy-efficient alternative to conventional tank-type models, saving the average household about $100 per year in energy costs. Plus, they deliver on-demand hot water, so no more standing in a towel on cold winter mornings waiting for the shower to heat up. One drawback of the technology is its ongoing maintenance requirements in areas with hard water. A.O. Smith’s new tankless water heater removes that pain point with its “zero lifetime maintenance” promise, driven by its patented scale-prevention technology, which keeps the system running smoothly without annual descaling by a professional — saving an additional $250 per year on average.

LAB RESULTS: Our engineers commend the unit’s industry-leading UEF (uniform energy factor) of .95, meaning just 5% of energy is wasted during the hot-water delivery process. Our two professional home builders, both of whom installed the unit on 2024 projects, gave it perfect marks. “The one-gallon-per-minute internal recirculating pump ensures fast delivery of hot water to fixtures,” said Boston-based contractor Marc Savatsky. Houston’s Fernando Pages called the scale-prevention technology a true game changer, because “it means no more annual maintenance just to keep the warranty valid.” The Wi-Fi connectivity and the easy-to-use app are added bonuses, allowing for remote monitoring and control of the water heater.

Though the cost of rooftop solar continues to fall, reduced further by generous tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, the typical system is still beyond the reach of many homeowners, averaging around $22,000. That’s why we like so-called solar-as-service models, whereby homeowners lease rooftop panels and all the accessories (mounting rack, inverter, electrical cables, etc.) through a solar company that also handles the installation and maintenance. Sunrun invented the concept in 2007, and it’s still the market leader, having helped nearly 1 million homeowners across 19 states go solar, providing more than $1 billion in energy savings.

LAB RESULTS: Our analysis confirmed that roughly 20% of solar installations in the U.S. are Sunrun systems. From a sustainability standpoint, the 7 billion kilowatt hours of solar energy produced by these systems in one year is the equivalent of taking 4.3 million gasoline-powered vehicles off the roads for a year. Sunrun’s rooftop solar systems have a 90% guaranteed capacity, meaning the panels will still be generating 90% of their power output after 25 years. Our sustainability experts also like the add-on components available through Sunrun, including backup battery storage and a smart electrical panel that gives homeowners even more ways to reduce their energy usage.

Only about 15% of U.S. homes use a heat pump for heating and cooling, but given the many benefits of the technology over conventional systems, we expect the rate of adoption to pick up in a hurry. Friedrich’s Breeze Universal Heat Pump demonstrates the potential of the technology. With its 18.0 SEER2 Rating, it can cut energy bills by up to 50%, depending on what kind of system it’s replacing, and the inverter technology delivers pinpoint temperature control and whisper-quiet operation. The system is versatile too, as it can replace an entire heating and cooling system or be paired with an existing gas furnace for hybrid dual-fuel operation. And many generous rebates apply, including a federal tax credit covering 30% of the cost up to $2,000.

LAB RESULTS: Home builder Fernando Pages tested the system on a home in Houston, where it delivered on Friedrich’s claim of easy installation. “I wish I had known how easy it was before agreeing to my installer’s price!” Pages joked. (All kidding aside, our experts say you should leave this project to the pros.) Pages calls the high SEER rating “a very nice number that promises to lower my bills while increasing comfort.” The unit’s compact housing, especially compared with that of his old condenser, is the cherry on top. “Not sure yet what to do with the touch more area in my side yard, but it pleases me immensely,” he said.

Husqvarna brought the first robotic lawn mower to market back in 1995, and it’s been a category leader ever since. The Automower 450XH EPOS demonstrates that commitment to innovation — for example, by using GPS technology to eliminate the need for perimeter wires. From a sustainability standpoint, we like its unique Rewilding Mode, which automatically leaves 10% of any lawn unmowed, making room for a meadow that can support bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. It’s a small touch, but on top of the emissions-free mowing and quiet operation, it shows how Husqvarna is still paving the way.

LAB RESULTS: Sustainability aside, the Automower 450XH EPOS is a superb feat of engineering. “The coolest lawn mower I’ve ever used,” said veteran lawn care enthusiast Tyler Graham. During months of testing, he noted the intuitiveness of the app and how easy it was to set mowing zones. Built-in sensors did the job of steering the mower around objects in the yard. The Husqvarna cut evenly across most terrain, depositing clippings back onto the lawn, where they could function as a natural fertilizer — another sustainability feature of a product that is filled with them.

A big reason why heat pumps aren’t more common yet in the U.S. is that the equipment can struggle in frigid conditions. That’s starting to change with the development of CCHPs, short for cold-climate heat pumps. The XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump stands at the vanguard. Its variable speed compressor and refrigerant-cooled inverter ensure peak performance and reliability in all regions, while its polycarbonate top and all-aluminum coils fend off corrosion. Trane is focused on developing heat pumps that can operate in any climate. They entered a prototype of the XV20i into the U.S Department of Energy’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge, where it successfully heated (and cooled) a home in Boise, Idaho for two years, reducing energy use by 15 to 20 percent.

LAB RESULTS: Our experts oversaw the installation of the Trane heat pump at a home in New York prior to the 2023-2024 winter heating season. The equipment came through without a hitch, delivering constant and consistent heat even when outside temperatures dipped into the single digits. With its industry-leading 20.5 SEER 2 Rating, the heat pump “saved us a couple hundred dollars in heating costs,” the homeowner reported. The Trane Home mobile app added peace of mind and savings throughout the year, she added, “since it meant we could monitor and adjust the heating and cooling system remotely.”

It wasn’t so long ago that battery-powered mowers were limited to lightweight mowing tasks. But thanks to improvements in lithium-ion battery technology, including faster charging and longer run times, the best electric-powered mowers now rival their gas counterparts. Exhibit A: Toro’s eTimeMaster mower, with a 65-minute run time that can handle two-thirds of an acre on a single charge. Convenience features include LED headlights and a washout port to keep the underside of the deck clean.

LAB RESULTS: The walk-behind lawn mower with a 30-inch deck delivered excellent grass cutting, mulching and side discharging in our extensive field tests. “After reviewing hundreds of battery-powered mowers over the past few years, this Toro is one of the best, if not the best,“ said lawn care professional Tyler Graham. The mower’s solid construction, including an all-steel deck with welded bar rails and beefy aluminum blade spindles, promises years of service, even over rough root-ridden terrain. We also like the Toro’s space-saving design: When you’re done mowing, simply fold down the handle so it’s level with the deck and hang the machine on the wall of your shed or garage.

Pruning is essential to a healthy yard, but if you have a lot of trees and plants to tend to, all that squeezing can lead to serious hand fatigue. Enter the power pruner: This battery-powered tool from Milwaukee makes it easy to prune branch after branch with precision cuts every time; a single charge can deliver up to 1,000 cuts of 1/2-inch branches, the brand says. The power pruner is more expensive than manual shears, but if you have a large property or an expansive garden, our experts say it’s well worth the investment.

LAB RESULTS: The Milwaukee earned flawless scores for pruning performance, comfort and ease of use with the trio of expert testers who put it through its paces. “Really impressed with this tool,” said landscaping professional Tyler Graham, who used it on thick branches that would normally have called for manual loppers and a good deal of physical force. Remodeling expert Fernando Pages praised the durable design; the brushless motor “enhances [the tool’s] efficiency and longevity, providing consistent power without the need for frequent maintenance,” he said, adding, “The ergonomic design minimizes user fatigue, even during extended use, and the compact size allows easy maneuverability in tight spaces.”

If you have a variety of yard work to deal with but are tight on storage space for all the equipment needed, this combination power tool from Stihl is worth a look. The battery-powered device works with 14 attachments, including a lawn edger, leaf blower, a cultivator and a pole pruner. “Multiuse tools like this one offer great value, since the accessories tend to cost less than full-size equipment,” observed one of our Test Engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute prior to testing. The Stihl also features a maintenance-free brushless motor.

LAB RESULTS: Our expert tester evaluated the combination tool over the course of four weeks. Setup was simple, with attachments easily mounting to the main power head. An adjustable front handle allows for 360-degree rotation. During testing of the lawn edger attachment, cutting performance and handling proved excellent. The tool’s open-guard design allowed for smooth cuts and reduced clogging, while the control wheel provided accurate handling. “I also like that the tool has a variable-speed trigger and that the equipment can be dismantled into two parts for easy transportation and storage,” our product expert noted.

Not all power tools run on battery power or gas. This clever construction jack is manually operated but can generate some serious lifting power, up to 300 pounds with a simple squeeze of the trigger. It’s designed for construction sites to lift and support heavy materials, but our experts say it’s also a very useful tool for experienced DIYers who occasionally need assistance lifting or leveling cabinets, windows, doors, large appliances and the like.

LAB RESULTS: Our experts used gym weights to confirm the Quick-Lift’s ability to hoist 300 pounds up to 10 inches, several inches higher than similar devices we’ve evaluated. Outside judges put the lift to work on live job sites during the installation of large kitchen appliances and cumbersome doors. “The trigger drop allows precise lowering of the load by a quarter of an inch at a time, while the release button lets you lower the jack immediately without any hang-ups,” said home builder Fernando Pages. “Having this tool in your arsenal is like having a dependable backup plan ready to go whenever you find yourself in a pinch,” noted contractor Marc Savatsky.

Segway is best known for its two-wheeled personal transporters, but in recent years, the brand has expanded into the robotic mower category, which our experts see as an increasingly viable alternative to traditional walk-behind mowers. One pain point with early robotics was the hassle of installing perimeter wires to keep a mower from leaving the property. The Navimow i Series is totally wire-free, instead using an AI-enhanced vision system to map the yard and avoid objects including small children and pets. It comes in two sizes: the i105 model for mowing up to 1/8 acre and the i110 for mowing up to 1/4 acre.

LAB RESULTS: Three expert testers got hands-on with the mower for several months. Some tech savviness and a few calls to customer support were needed for them to get up and running. But once the Navimow i Series was set up, it performed capably. “I’ve grown quite fond of the mower,” said remodeling expert Fernando Pages. He liked that the robot followed a different pattern each time, to avoid creating ruts in the lawn. There’s also an anti-theft accessory that triggers a loud alarm and cell phone notification if the mower moves beyond a set distance from the property.

As homes take on more connected devices, including smart TVs streaming 4K and 8K content and video game consoles with big bandwidth demands, a basic Wi-Fi router from the cable company doesn’t always cut it. Upgrading to a mesh system is the best way to blanket an entire home in fast, buffer-free Wi-Fi, especially if you choose one as reliable and robust as Netgear’s Orbi 770 Series Tri-Band Mesh System. The well-priced package includes four interconnected antennas with the capacity to support up to 100 devices, which should be more than enough for even sprawling households (up to 8,000 square feet, according to the brand) with busy connected lives.

LAB RESULTS: Our Internet experts are consistently impressed by Netgear (the Orbi 970 has been our top pick for running 4K videos on multiple devices at the same time). The 770 costs hundreds less but is every bit as fast as its predecessor, with a more streamlined design. With speeds up to 11Gbps and multiple wireless bands, “I could actually feel my Internet working faster when playing video games or streaming movies,” our expert tester reported. We also like that the Orbi 770 offers automatic firmware updates and allows for separate guest Wi-Fi networks for added security.

Water damage is one of the most common reasons for property insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and cleanup can be costly ($5,000 on average for a single leak!). That’s why we love First Alert’s smart detector, a device that can identify a water leak or a frozen pipe before the problem becomes catastrophic. The battery-powered detector connects directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Place several of the sensors in areas of your home that are prone to leaks, such as in basements and near sump pumps, water heaters and washing machines.

LAB RESULTS: During extensive Lab tests, the First Alert proved easy to set up and pair with the First Alert smartphone app, which you can also use to control other Honeywell Home Wi-Fi–enabled devices. In a mock leak test, the alarm went off as soon as water touched the device or temperatures in our test chamber dipped below freezing. Consumer testers who evaluated the leak detector over several months in their homes found it equally responsive and user-friendly. “I like that the app shows the current temperature and humidity in my home as well as the battery life,” one noted, praising the peace of mind having this detailed information brought him when he was away from home.

Looking for a way to keep an eye on the comings and goings of visitors and the arrival of deliveries? Our experts recommend getting a doorbell camera, which can also help ward off package thieves and burglars. The smart device will send you an alert when someone arrives at your front door. It can also record photos and videos you can access through an app. This model from Ecobee is hardwired, so you won’t have to replace or recharge batteries for it. It offers a wide 175-degree vertical field of view, allowing you to clearly see packages pushed up against the door.

LAB RESULTS: We like that this doorbell camera is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, allowing you to set it up so your smart speaker or phone will announce when someone is at the door with a chime. You can also communicate with whoever is at the door through the device’s two-way audio (including through the app on your phone if someone comes when you’re away from home). Professional builder and smart home expert Marc Savatsky said he found the Ecobee app “highly intuitive” to use while a consumer tester praised the camera’s “expansive viewing angle” and “excellent video quality.”

The best protection again home power outages used to be a gas backup generator. These get the job done, but they have their shortcomings, starting with the fact that portable versions need a ready supply of fuel and need to be operated outdoors to protect against dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. That’s what makes a whole-house battery backup system, like this one from Anker, such a game changer. The portable power station boasts a 3.84 kWh battery capacity, enough to power several major appliances, systems and electronics, and more batteries can be added to take its capacity up to 53.76kWh for true whole-house backup power — all emissions-free and with very little noise.

LAB RESULTS: Developer and home builder Fernando Pages installed the system at his home in Houston, where weather-induced outages are all too common. He paired it with Anker’s Home Power Panel, which allowed him to program specific circuits to power on automatically in the event of an outage. The project took him and an electrician a full day, but he said the system “worked beautifully” once it was up and running. “The interruption was so short that not even the TV went off in the process,” he said. “The AC was running, and the refrigerators were humming.”

When it comes to smart home technology, a smart lock for the front door, like this innovative version from Adobe, might be the biggest no-brainer. For starters, it eliminates the need for keys — nice if you’re prone to losing your set. It also lets you grant temporary access to your home to approved users like the dog walker or a contractor. Also, this keyhole-free device is impossible to pick, making it one of the more secure smart locks on the market.

LAB RESULTS: Our experts like that Adobe’s smart lock features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to a year on a single charge, addressing a common pain point for smart lock users. The Bluetooth keypad with a fingerprint reader adds a layer of convenience and security, offering multiple ways to open the lock effortlessly. Additionally, the geolocation feature enhances usability by enabling automatic locking and unlocking based on the user’s proximity. “I would highly recommend this smart lock to friends and family due to its user-friendly interface and practicality for daily use,” said Boston-based developer Marc Savatsky. “Overall, it stands out as one of the most convenient and valuable pieces of home technology, especially given how frequently you interact with it at the front door.”

If you’ve ever tackled a home remodel or even just walked through one, you know how much dust gets kicked up during the project. Then there’s the chemical off-gassing from building products like solvents and adhesives. The BluDri AirShield 550 1/3 is a heavy-duty air purifier designed with that harsh environment in mind. It’s equipped with a powerful motor and an advanced 3-stage filtration system, all contained in durable plastic housing that can easily withstand errant blows from dropped hammers or steel-toed boots.

LAB RESULTS: First, our judges gave the BlueDri big points for innovation. As homebuilder Fernando Pages put it, “I’ve never owned or seen a jobsite air purifier, which makes this one of those ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ products.” In Lab tests, our experts liked the true HEPA filtration, which removes 99.97% of particles equal to 0.3 micrometers. The pre-filter catches larger particulates, and the carbon filter helps neutralize odors. The air purifier also has a lot of handy features, like sm on-board GFCI outlet that lets you daisy-chain up to three units together — or charge your phone if you are short on wall outlets. An LED filter indicator light tells you when it’s time to change the filter.

Though window air conditioners relay on fairly basic engineering, our experts have seen some key innovations in recent years. One is inverter technology, which this 8,000-BTU unit from TCL boasts. The inverter replacers the conventional compressor on standard window ACs, and it allows for more precise temperature control, improved energy efficiency and quieter operation. The TCL is also easy to maintain, thanks to its washable air filter, and the Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote operation via an app.

LAB RESULTS: Lab tests confirmed the unit’s superb temperature control and quiet operation, and its Energy Star label attests to its low energy consumption. In-home consumer testing revealed that the AC was extremely easy to install, a result of its lightweight design and preassembled frame. “Super quick and easy,” said one reviewer, adding that the AC was “extremely quiet compared with any other window air conditioner” they had ever had. The TCL app was easy to set up, and it’s compatible with most smart home ecosystems, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can also control the AC by voice command with a smart speaker from any of those brands.

The quality of indoor air is at least five times as bad as that of the air outside, and it can be as much as 100 times as bad, according to studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The good news is an air purifier can dramatically improve your home’s indoor air. A number of newer models, including this GermGuardian, are equipped with multilevel filtration systems that capture not only contaminants but also cooking fumes, dust mites and pollen, among other particles.

LAB RESULTS: GermGuardian has a reputation with our experts for producing excellent air purifiers at competitive prices, and the Airsafe+ is the latest example. We put the machine through a battery of at-home tests in the New York City area during several air-quality alerts and it earned mostly five-star reviews for effectiveness at reducing contaminants and odors. Consumer testers described the product as easy to use, discreet and slim — nice if you have a small living space. “I also love that its built-in sensor monitors particulate matter in the air and adjusts the fan strength accordingly,” one expert tester said. “My neighbors smoke, and the smoke often comes into my apartment. The GermGuardian did a good job of removing that odor.”

For all the benefits of smart thermostats — energy savings, increased comfort, the ability to adjust the temperature when you’re away from home — less than 20% of U.S. homes have one. If you’re ready to make the upgrade, you can do no better than the Honeywell Home T9. The sleek, well-designed device includes additional room sensors for more precise temperature control throughout the house. It also boasts many other innovations our experts like, including geofencing, which you can use to set the heat or central AC to automatically kick in when you’re a certain distance from home.

LAB RESULTS: Though smart thermostat installation is often marketed as easy, our experts recommend hiring a pro, especially if you live in an older home. That’s what we found was best with the T9; even professional builder Fernando Pages brought in an electrician for the job. (“That’s a darned good thermostat,” the tradesperson remarked. “I wish I had one at my house.”). Once it was installed, all testers found the thermostat easy to program both through the app and manually with the device’s interface. Consumer testers liked that the app provided monthly energy reports, allowing them to track their heating and cooling trends and compare their energy usage to that of similar homes in their areas.

A ceiling fan is the energy-efficient way to cool any room. The best versions also illuminate a space with an integrated light fixture and add visual interest to a room with a unique design. Dreo’s new ceiling fan checks all those boxes, then goes one step further with its Wi-Fi capability, enabling users to operate it by voice control or via a smartphone app. Intended for large areas up to 400 square feet, the fan is so smart that it can even adjust its speed based on the room’s temperature. Its airflow power of 6,040 cubic feet per minute (CFM) puts it up there with the mightiest ceiling fans on the market.

LAB RESULTS: All three testers who installed the fan at their homes said they would buy it again and recommend it to friends thanks to its sleek look and superb cooling performance. “The 52-inch scalloped blades move quite a lot of air,” said one Institute expert, adding that the fan was “extremely quiet when running.” The voice control and “very intuitive” app were welcome smart features. And everyone raved about the styling of the fan. “It looks like an art piece, but with a ton of functions that far exceed those of ceiling fans I’ve owned in the past,” one said. Another agreed, saying, “This is definitely a statement fan.”

Multi-slide doors are another way to achieve the “moving glass wall” effect in your home, creating a transitional space between inside and outdoors. Simonton’s vinyl-framed option comes in a variety of standard sizes, which helps keeps the cost down, with starting prices at $5,000 (custom sizing is also available, up to 10 feet high and 30 feet wide). Choose from one-, two-, three-, four- and six-panel options in various configurations, including pocket panels that slide into a wall recess for maximum opening and bypass panels that can slide from one side to the other, stacking when fully opened. Colors can be mixed and matched too — white, almond and clay for the interior and exterior, as well as exterior-only options of bronze and black.

LAB RESULTS: Simonton is a GH Seal holder, so our engineers can attest to the construction quality of its vinyl windows and doors. We also verified third-party performance tests of the multi-slide door, including Missile D-level impact resistance and High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) certifications. Glazing options include packages with insulated glass and low-E coatings, making the door Energy Star–qualified. We like that the brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and brass finishes all feature advanced physical vapor deposition (PVD) treatments, which our tests have found offer optimal corrosion and scratch resistance.

One of the wellness trends our experts have been tracking closely in recent years is so-called “circadian lighting,” whereby artificial lighting is used to mimic natural sunlight , promoting sleep, productivity and more. Hunter Douglas brings the concept to window treatments with its Aura Illuminated Shades. The innovative three-in-one system features a traditional room-facing shade, a room-darkening liner and programmable LED strip lights that provide varying degrees of ambient illumination throughout the day and night. Choose from three styles for the front panel: Vignette Modern Roman Shades, Designer Roller Shades and Sonnette Cellular Roller Shades.

LAB RESULTS: Hunter Douglas is a leading window treatment brand with our judges appreciating its quality products and top-shelf customer service. “The company has a strong network of professional installers, which adds to the overall positive experience,” said professional builder Marc Savatsky, who has worked with the company for many years. While the integrated LED sets the system apart, the foundational shade is both stylish and functional, and we like the intuitiveness of the smartphone app that’s used to program light levels and shade positions.

Awning windows usually have a supporting role in a home’s window plan; they are often installed in a bathroom or basement or above a fixed picture window to help bring in fresh air. But with the launch of Miter’s new pass-through awning windows, they’re suddenly the star of the show. The windows are designed for kitchens with an adjacent outdoor living area, making it easy to pass drinks, dishes and the like between the two spaces while enhancing the visual connection to the outdoors from inside. For homeowners whose budget doesn’t allow for a moving glass wall, this new awning window is the next best thing.

LAB RESULTS: The engineering behind the pass-through window is as innovative as the concept itself, our experts found. A continuous hinge and pressurized gas struts allow the window to be opened to a full 90 degrees with a gentle push. Our engineers reviewed independent durability tests in which the window opened and closed without incident through 7,000 cycles and was left in an open position for 14 days without any sign of sagging. We also like the window’s ample dimensions (it comes in widths from 24 inches to 96 inches and heights from 36 inches to 60 inches), since that means it can be designed to be high enough in the open position to keep people outside from accidentally walking into it.

Bifold patio doors are another way to blend your home’s indoor and outdoor environments. These movable glass wall systems open like an accordion, flooding interiors with fresh air and natural light. When open, they offer an unobstructed view of the outdoors — a nice feature if your patio overlooks the water or other scenery. Once a niche trend, bifolding patio doors are now offered by most major brands. Made of strong fiberglass, Marvin’s Elevate Bi-Fold Door resists fading, dents and cracks. The pine interior can be painted in the company’s factory or stained in your home to match your interiors.

LAB RESULTS: Marvin is a legacy window and door brand, headquartered in Minnesota since it first opened shop in 1912. Our engineers found the fiberglass exterior extremely weather-resistant and easy to maintain, a finding supported by independent certification from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). We also like that the unit features dual-pane glass with Low E coatings and argon insulating gas for optimal energy efficiency. The door comes in 28 configurations and with up to seven panels, making it capable of fitting openings up to 22 feet wide. The exterior comes in a variety of finishes, such as ebony, bronze, cashmere, stone white and more.

The multi-panel movement we’re celebrating twice over with this year’s awards wouldn’t exist without the traditional patio door, which given its value and functionality is still the best choice for most homeowners who are looking to open their homes to the outdoors. Window World’s Premium Sliding Glass Patio Door is available in two-, three-, and four-panel configurations, with optional sidelites, transoms and grids to complement a variety of architectural styles, from French to contemporary to classic. Color options abound too, including 11 interior hues and another 19 for the exterior.

LAB RESULTS: Window World is a longtime GH Seal partner, and its products have been thoroughly vetted for performance and efficiency by our engineers. Its American-made Premium Sliding Glass Patio Door lives up to the same high standard, meeting tough industry standards that are designed to ensure durability, safety, efficiency and overall quality. We also like that the company is a full-service exterior remodeler, so you’ll receive exceptional support every step of the way, from design consultation to installation to ongoing service via the patio door’s limited life warranty.