When you review products for a living, you’re never really “off-duty”. While our writers and editors formally test dozens of products for The Filter every month, from blenders to augmented-reality glasses, we’re also testing when we’re out there just living life: fixing our hair, making our morning coffee, and even when we’re going to sleep.
In What We’re Loving, a monthly glimpse behind the scenes into the life of a reviewer, the Filter staff will share the outstanding products that make a difference in our lives, and that we’d recommend for yours. From fashion and beauty to outdoors and fitness to home and tech, and pretty much everything in between, here’s the best stuff we used this October.
Christopher Allbritton
Are Apple’s AirPods 3 any good as hearing aids? After a career as a war correspondent left him with hearing damage, Christopher Allbritton turned to them as an over-the-counter solution, which we’ll share in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here are some of his other must-haves.
OXO Good Grips Prep Y-Peeler
I love a well-designed, single-use tool that does one thing well. The Oxo Good Grips Prep Y-Peeler is one of these kitchen tools you’ll reach for again and again if you do any kind of vegetable peeling.
There’s nothing fancy about the peeler, but its silicone handle just feels right in your hand, and the Japanese stainless-steel blades never rust and seemingly never dull, either: I’m still using one I bought about 10 years ago. I am often tempted to see how long a skin I can peel from an apple in a single pass – OK, I actually try this – and Oxo’s peeler hasn’t let me down yet.
Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife
It’s said the best tool is the one you have with you. With the Victorinox Classic SD, you’ll always have something useful. My partner swears by hers. It’s smaller than a car key, weighs less than an ounce, and packs seven functions into a package so unobtrusive you’ll forget it’s there – until you need to trim a loose thread, tighten a screw on your sunglasses or open a package without hunting down scissors.
The blade is made from Swiss stainless steel that holds an edge, while the scissors actually cut cleanly instead of mangling whatever you’re trying to trim. What’s most impressive, though, is how little has changed since Victorinox invented this knife more than a century ago. The spring tension on her knife is still crisp after years of daily pocket abuse, and the blade opens and closes with the same satisfying snap it had when new. You get a lifetime warranty on every knife, and reviewers routinely report using the same knife for 10, 15, even 20 years. At just $24, it’s the kind of thing you buy once and carry forever.
Bormioli Rocco Fido Canning Jars
I’ve reached the stage in my life where I have opinions about storage jars. Especially once I realized how much money I was wasting on stale pasta, oxidized coffee and old flour. I love the Bormioli Rocco Fido jars, which keep food from going bad long after opening the original packaging.
These Italian-made glass clasp jars have been popular for 50 years, and for good reason: The glass itself will outlast you if you don’t drop it, and if the rubber gasket ever deteriorates, you can simply spend $9 on a six-pack of new ones instead of throwing away the jar. The wire clamp closure creates an airtight seal to keep our oats, rice, and flour fresh for months instead of weeks. We also use them to store our homemade yogurt and granola.
Bormioli Rocco makes these in 11 different sizes, from tiny 4-ounce spice jars to massive 5-liter containers, so you can standardize your entire pantry with a system that actually seals properly.
Deuter Aircontact Core 70+10 Trekking Backpack
About Some 12 years ago, I found myself traveling the world and living out of a backpack: a Deuter Quantum 70+10 blue and black number that I still have to this day and use whenever I go camping. It’s one of the best-designed pieces of hiking and camping gear I own.
Deuter sadly doesn’t make the Quantum anymore, but the Deuter Aircontact Core 70+10 is an excellent replacement, if it ever came to that. The Aircontact back system with Y-shaped frame keeps weight close to your center of gravity while the sliding torso adjustment and hip fins distribute the load properly. The J-shaped front zipper means you don’t have to empty your bag to get gear near the bottom. At 5lbs 12 ounces, it’s not ultralight, but it’s built from 600-denier polyester that can survive a decade of trail time.
Deuter backs this all up with a lifetime repair promise: Any damage, any reason, any age, they’ll fix it for free. Do the math: $295 for 15 years versus $120 packs that die in three? Easy.
Jon Chan
Textile expert Jon Chan helped us find the best bath towels with a battery of rigorous tests, and now he’s scouting out affordable alternatives to the viral (and expensive) Lola blanket.
Harry’s Taming Cream
People often ask me: “Jon, how do I get hair like an Asian Adonis like you?” The short answer is that you can’t, because unlike me, you’re not him. However, one product I do recommend is Harry’s Taming Cream.
A barber once told me that when you have longer and thicker hair, you should go with as light a styling product as possible. For example, if you use a lot of gel, the effect is going to be a hair helmet that’s not going to protect you. Harry’s Taming Cream lets me style my hair while keeping its natural bounce, and it has an understated citrus scent.
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier
The NeverChange part of the Shark NeverChange HP152 refers to the fact that you only need to change the filter every five years. That’s in a room that’s 300 sq ft or less, and only if you run the device for up to 12 hours a day, but it’s still impressive considering many manufacturers want it done annually.
I especially appreciate it because the HP152 can deal with pet odor and fine dust particles in equal measure. And, if you’re into scents, there’s also a plug-in air freshener that can perfume 600 sq ft to make your home feel fresh – though I’d rather go without the smell, thank you very much.
Contigo Byron Travel Mug
I use my Contigo Byron Travel Mug every day. The volume of 16 ounces is perfect deskside, or for short hikes. Generally, I fill it up in the morning with cold water, and it stays chilled all day long.
Contigo claims this travel mug is also rated to keep liquid warm for up to six hours. I put this to the test using wireless thermometers and found that it loses about 2.2F per hour, so most people should be pleased with the Byron’s insulation. Overall, I’d recommend it for its sturdy construction and well-sealed insulation.
Philips Hue bulb
The Philips Hue bulb was a game-changer for me. It’s a smart bulb that can display an entire rainbow of colors. Not only does it help establish the perfect ambience in all types of lamps and light fixtures, but it also aids me in getting a better night’s sleep.
The accompanying app not only has a library of fun scenes to try out, such as Dreamy Dusk, Island Warmth and Motown, but a gradual turn-on setting can transform the bulb into an alarm clock. I will say from personal experience that being awoken by a soft light is way less jarring than my phone ringing, especially in the dark winter months.
Tobey Grumet Segal
Which phone should you reach for when your eyes start to age? From her home in Brooklyn, Tobey is working on an upcoming comparison of all the major smartphone models to see which one accommodates presbyopia best.
T3 Curling Straightener
I have spent way too much of my precious time attempting to tame my ultra-textured curly hair. So, I’m happy to report that after the dizzying array of devices that have littered my bathroom vanity, this funky hybrid styling iron from T3 holds the place of honor.
Not a straightener, yet not a curling iron, it has allowed me to smooth, crimp, curl and even create subtle, soft waves, all with the touch of a button and a little handiwork. The ergonomic shape makes it easy to wield, and the high 410F heat paired with efficient ceramic plates means you’ll only need a single pass on your locks. Seriously? Anything that will harness my wild hair in rain and high humidity is a tool I can’t live without.
Spanx Corduroy Barrel Leg Jeans
Don’t get me wrong, Spanx shapewear will always hold a place in my heart for smoothing and, ahem, sculpting, especially under closer-fitting outfits. But the brand’s newest foray into classic jeans is a revelation.
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Not only do these five-pocket, button-and-zipper corduroys fit me like a soothing glove, but they still incorporate the company’s tummy control panel and medium compression through the backside to gently hug my curves while keeping me comfy all day long. I love the high-rise style and the super trendy barrel shape. And the fact that absolutely nobody would guess I’m wearing Spanx.
Nike Metcon 10
Resistance training can help counteract the effects of aging in women over 40, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine, which, along with a bum knee, helps explain my current shift to weekly weightlifting. And with those burpees and long runs in the rear view, I also had to switch out my Hokas for a more stabilizing shoe.
Nike’s newest Metcon 10s have been a wonder since I laced them up a few weeks ago. Lighter than its predecessor, this shoe comes with a noticeably wider base for more secure lifting. But it’s also equipped with a bit more foam for better shock absorption. And because it also acts like a cross-trainer, I can comfortably add a few bursts of jumping jacks or skaters to get my heart rate up during my workout. My only complaint? These run small, so if you’re not trying them on before you order online, I’d opt for a full size bigger (I had to return my usual size 9 for a size 10).
Dreame H15 Pro CarpetFlex
Here’s a secret: I hate cleaning my house. So I’m always on the lookout for products that will help me do it quicker and easier. And although I’ve tried my share of wet-dry appliances that claim to vacuum while simultaneously mopping floors, rugs and carpets, this new iteration from Dreame is the simplest I’ve come across yet.
Though this cordless vacuum mop takes up a fair amount of space in its charging cradle, it does tough jobs with aplomb, and I dig the built-in cleaning and drying solution that prevents the roller from getting all smelly. The vacuum’s head isn’t petite, but it will lie flat to get under low-slung furniture, and a retractable squeegee mechanism hugs baseboards. As a bonus, the built-in Hepa filter helps catch pet hair, dust and all kinds of fine particles that trigger my son’s allergies.
Kiki Aranita
A chef-turned-food writer who still occasionally cooks professionally, Kiki wrote our “rice cooker Olympics”, but more recently she’s been heating up her kitchen in pursuit of the best toaster, coming soon.
Terratela Seaweed Sweater
Plenty of companies make clothes from sustainable fibers, but Terratela’s line of T-shirts are made from food waste such as sour milk to soybean hulls. I’m particularly fond of their seaweed shirt, which is breathable enough to wear in a kitchen. It has retained its shape and stretchability through years of wear.
My new favorite product, just in time for cooler weather, is the Terratela SeaFibe cardigan. Impossibly soft without feeling weirdly fuzzy, its cable design has an almost bouncy texture. Perfect for layering or throwing over a button-down shirt on a fall night, the sweater is knit to order in Brooklyn from bamboo and seaweed fibers. And its clever buttons, which you might mistake for plastic, are made from repurposed cigarette butts. In fact, you could say they put the butt in “button”.
Divane Jumpsuit from OddBird
I’m obsessed with finding the perfect uniform for my busy life: something comfortable enough to wear at home when I’m parked in front of my computer four days a week, yet put-together enough to wear at the office or on a business dinner. Of course, it also has to work in any climate or season – hot summers or frigid Pennsylvania winters, and like the rest of my wardrobe, it should be crafted from sustainable fibers, which won’t leach microplastics when washed.
This may seem like an impossible ask, but my first purchase from OddBird ticks all those boxes. I love how the ties cinch my waist so it doesn’t look frumpy, but it also has deep pockets for keys, AirPods, my wallet, lipstick and phone, so I can run out of the house without grabbing a purse. I purchased the jumpsuit a month ago, and I readily admit, I’ve worn it nearly every day since. I’m about to buy another, but first I need to figure out which of the five colors I’m going to choose.
Artifaqt Candles
These strangely exotic and extraordinarily beautiful beeswax candles look unnervingly like the vegetables they’re cast from. Just ask my dog, who has mistakenly grabbed the carrot as one of her treats.
Sure, they’re great for the home and dotted around the kitchen, but I also use Artifaqt’s tomato candles as my go-to hostess gifts. And if you’re looking for something out-of-the-box for your next celebration, it’s a neat way to garner attention. My husband’s birthday cake? Filled with a bushel of Artifaqt candles. Because nothing says “I love you” like blowing out wax veggies.
Chutni Punch
I love Indian food, but preparing it isn’t really in my wheelhouse. Plus, I may be a professional chef, but I’m awfully lazy when it comes to cooking at home. Thankfully, Chutni Punch has me covered with these super flavorful powders that I sprinkle on everything from chicken to tofu, vegetables to rice, and my favorite – popcorn.
This pack of three different spices not only boost flavor but also add a bit of texture to everything you pair it with. The jars happen to be beautiful, and because I subscribe to the philosophy that all holiday gifts should be edible, I like to wrap them up and hand them out when the season turns merry. The Savory Chana, which I refer to as “Indian furikake” is my favorite because I love the unique consistency that comes from its roasted black chickpeas and jaggery.
Tim Stevens
Automotive journalist by trade, frequent traveler by necessity, Tim wrote about true travel essentials for The Filter back in September. These days, Tim and his new puppy are also hard at work on a guide to the best gifts for dog owners, with an eye toward sustainability.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones
If you read my piece on the best gadgets to travel with, you know I like to pack light. That means I typically leave bigger headphones at home and instead rely on a set of tiny, noise-isolating earbuds to save space and weight. Recently, however, I picked up a pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones, and they’ve made me change my tune a bit.
The XM6 headphones sound great, are comfortable, relatively lightweight (245 grams v 386 for Apple’s AirPods Max), will do 30 hours on a charge, and their noise cancellation is so good I feel pulled into another dimension whenever I turn it on. Yes, there’s no denying they are big, but lately I’ve found myself making that extra room in my pack.
Anker Nano Charging Station
We have a charging stand at home where my wife and I cache our various smart devices every night. But over the years, we’ve assembled a second tangled web of chargers next to our sofa to top up smart remotes, game controllers, and whatever other devices need to juice up while we’re winding down.
Anker’s new Nano Charging Station replaced all that with a single, sleek box that features four USB-C ports plus a pair of USB-A ports. It’s even powerful enough to charge a laptop, so when I’m fighting the good fight against my inbox while ignoring some reality schlock on TV, I don’t have to worry about my battery dying. My only complaint? I wish it had a wireless charging pad on top.
Peak Design Charging Locking Motorcycle Bar Mount
When I hop on my motorcycle and go for a ride, I usually want to disconnect from the world. But on longer rides, I sometimes find myself wishing for a little help in the navigation department. The key to this compromise seemed to be finding the right smartphone handlebar mount. I wanted something easy to use that would keep my phone charged, and well, wasn’t ugly.
Peak Design’s Charging Locking Motorcycle Bar Mount hit all the right notes. Installation was easy and, thanks to the integrated mount on my phone’s case, I can basically just drop my phone on the thing and it’s instantly locked in place. When I don’t want the distraction, it stays in my pocket.
CarpodGo T3 Pro
I’m an unabashed fan of older cars. My daily drive is a Subaru that was made way back in 1998. Not only does it come from a time before Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it predates the very concept of a smartphone as we know it today. I was looking for an easy, low-lift way to add Android Auto to my car without having to replace the head unit, and T3 Pro is exactly that.
It’s a widescreen display that sticks on the windshield with a suction cup, then connects wirelessly to my phone. I can get all the power of Android Auto when I need it for longer road trips, or just throw it in the glove box when I want to enjoy the drive.
