Photo: Marki Williams

In our search for the very best microwaves, we warmed, defrosted, cooked, and reheated burritos, butter, chicken breasts, coffee, fried rice, frozen broccoli, mac and cheese, pizza, and more. Yum.

Here’s what we learned: If you only use your microwave casually—to warm cold coffee or make bags of buttered popcorn—any model will do. (Fun fact: Most cheap microwaves come from the same factories anyway.) But if you do any sort of cooking with it, like defrosting frozen foods or making crispy bacon, you’ll get far better results by investing in a good machine.

After our latest round of testing, we have brand-new recommendations→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Photo: Marki Williams

If you’re a beginner to composting, choosing the right bin can be tricky. There’s a lot to consider, including your eating habits and your fridge and freezer space. After our latest round of collecting food scraps in all sorts of vessels, we’ve got some new favorites—including one you probably already have at home.

Plus, how to manage odors→

The very best laptops For back-to-school season and beyond→

Our favorite dishwasher detergents Punch up the cleaning power of even the most mediocre dishwasher→

Vibrators we love Our top pick works as a whole-body massager, too→

Photo: Michael Murtaugh

Speaking of microwaves: We’ve found a few methods for popping popcorn that result in extra crunchy, flavorful kernels. We have some favorite toppings, too: Salt and butter? Delicious. Pepper and olive oil? Fabulous. Day-Glo–yellow movie-theater “butter” squirted from a pump? Incredible.

And some weirder flavor combos we love→

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