Shine Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee & Tea Maker from Tribest Is A FAVORITE Gadget 11 Dec 2023, 3:00 pm

I FINALLY, fully understand it, love it and recommend it.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself, however, so let’s start at the very beginning. For those readers who just can’t wait for the payoff, here is a link to the product in this review.

Cold Brew technology in not new technology. I had a cold brew product more than 10 years ago, but it failed to excite the masses and ultimately failed in the marketplace. One of the reasons for its demise is because the brewing took many hours. That cold brew device was a simple passive dunk tank.

This one is different in every way and that’s a good thing. The category has caught the attention of the public, coffee bars and grocery retailers. But have you checked the prices of each can or bottle of cold brew coffee beverage? It must be nice to not blink at spending as much as $5 or more for just ONE.

Then came the opportunity to try this gadget and I started from scratch again.

**WHY COLD BREW IN THE FIRST PLACE?**

Some studies suggest that cold brew coffee is less acidic than conventional hot brewed coffee, yet with the same caffeine jolt, or lack thereof if decaf is your choice.

DIY cold brew at home allows users better control of the water to grounds ratio as well as the total amount brewed in each batch. Whether making one cup or five, this modern cold brew machine gets the job done in as little as 10 minutes and up to about 45 minutes at the Extra Strong setting. No matter what the setting is, I think most readers will agree that it is the aroma of the whole or ground coffee beans wafting about that makes us love coffee. Having this experience at home or in the office makes us happy.

Getting just right results is more art than science. It’s up to the taste of every consumer, and it has taken several months for me to figure out which whole bean coffee at what grind setting at the Costco machines works best for my palate. When I wasn’t drinking coffee on a daily basis after moving to my new place, I gave away my effective under-$40 Mr. Coffee burr grinder.

The first hurdle I had to overcome falls in the category of unrealistic expectations. I continued to encounter fine grounds at the bottom of the Water Chamber. Could this be right? The marketing materials did not show grounds!

I asked my company contact about it. Without definitive information, I continued to press for answers. The hours of my own research turned into days, then many weeks of back-and-forth emails, not to mention what I spent in my pursuit of coffee that produced minimal residual solids in the bottom of the Water Chamber. I’ll make it easy for you, so please continue reading my story.

I purchased bags of both pre-ground coffee and bags of whole beans that I proceeded to grind in Costco’s machines after purchase. Costco’s assortment provided many options.

Also tried was a bag of excellent coffee provided by the agency that set me up with this machine. Starting with whole beans, the coffee was first ground to optimal size, then sent to me. Quite delicious! Look them up and try this coffee.

I also tried a few others, including a favorite from Peet’s, and then I found one at Costco with a label indicating it is for cold brew coffee. At under $5 San Francisco Bay Cold Brew coarse ground coffee proved to be the best yet, so I bought half a dozen. Unfortunately, this product is no longer carried at Costco, so I lucked out, but it is still available online in smaller bags and at higher cost.

Realistic expectations informed me that some amount of solids is NORMAL! I wish I did not have to go through the learning curve. More on the amount of solids later.

Let’s get on with it.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• Shine Kitchen Rapid Cold Brew Coffee & Tea Machine with Vacuum Extraction Technology
• Coffee & Tea scoop
• Cleaning brush & Tool
• Documentation

**THE SETUP**

READ the manual and follow along until you get the hang of how to be successful. I’m more of a coffee guy than a freshly brewed tea from leaves guy.

Setup is supremely easy. Plug it in. Lift the Chamber Lid. Pour in the freshest, cleanest, best tasting water available. Fill to the line indicating how may cups are to be brewed. Using the supplied scoop, add the amount of coffee into the open Filter Basket. Screw on the lid. Place the closed Filter Basket into the Water Chamber making sure that the Filter Basket’s tube is in its place.

Close the lid over the Water Chamber so it snaps into its closed position. Select the preferred strength and press the button twice. Magic happens while the brewing is going on, which takes from as little as under 15 minutes for Light brew with a cup or two, to about 45 minutes for Extra strong with five cups.

**WHAT IS THE PROCESS?**

First, what it is not. It is not a dunk tank, wherein the coffee (or tea) passively comingles with water to create the cold brew.

This is smart tech using vacuum extraction. See the top of the filter cap, with the downward pointing piece at the rear? Now, see the back of the Water Chamber where the assembled Filter Basket fits into the Water Chamber. That downward pointing piece is a hollow tube. Water from the Chamber is drawn in and forced through the Filter Basket as if vacuuming the water through the grounds and out through the holes in the filter. This process loop is repeated until the preset amount of time has passed for each brew strength setting from Light, Medium, Strong and Extra. Then the machine beeps to alert the user to completion of the cycle.

Next, the locking lever must be moved from locked to unlocked, at which time the contents of the Water Chamber are transferred using the same brew route into the carafe below, through its own little filter that sits atop the carafe. After a final forced vacuum extraction from above, another series of beeps signals an end to the cycle.

With the release lever in the unlocked position, open the lid and the Water Chamber with the Filter Basket can be removed as a unit.

Let’s have a look at the manual.

Now that you have seen how it creates its COLD BREW, it’s time to  . . .

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

• Videos tell the story

• Complex, repeatable, flexible

At the outset, I indicated that I would make it easy for you. And yes, it really is that easy and complex at the same time. Easy to have fun with the settings and with trials of different coffees and both repeatable and flexible depending upon the desired end result.

As for the grounds that remain in the bottom of the Water Chamber as well as what may have passed through the carafe filter and into the carafe, I have learned to simply go with that flow. It’s part of the process. Nothing more. Noting less.

**CONCLUSION**

My favorite daily coffee maker, the Shine Kitchen Cold Brew machine by Tribest, currently $130, is worth your time and attention as a gift for yourself because you deserve it or for anyone.. Cold brewed coffee and tea may be enjoyed cold or hot.

Every day after brewing I pour the cold brew from the carafe into a large cup and store one or two deep in the fridge. When I’m ready to enjoy it, I add some milk and heat it in the microwave oven. Perfection every time.

Let me know what YOU think! Send an email or post to my social media through the links below the review. And as always, thanks for reading.

**WARRANTY**

“We warrant to you, the end-user customer, who has properly registered for warranty upon purchasing a new Shine Cold Brew Machine that the new Shine Cold Brew Machine will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of purchase when purchased in the United States. Warranty length may vary when purchased in other countries to conform to the legal requirements in those jurisdictions. This warranty is valid only if the purchase was made through an authorized Tribest reseller. All warranties are void when purchased through an unauthorized reseller”

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

ZoomBroom Lightweight Cordless Stick Blower Has Power Without the Bulk 21 Sep 2023, 2:00 pm

Perhaps you’ve tried an electric leaf blower. I have! They range from heavy, unwieldy and hefty to anemic, yet still bulky and still heavy. And then there’s ZoomBroom, a breath of fresh-blown, streamlined convenience.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• ZoomBroom

• Battery

• USB-C charger

• Arm rest

• Wall mount kit

• Documentation

**THE SETUP**

Pretty darn simple! Slip the battery into the tube. Snap on the arm rest. You’ll want this in place to help stabilize the ZoomBroom while in use. Go ahead and fire it up and feel the blower power. Try it out. There was enough of a battery charge so I could sample it before charging. Switch from Low to Turbo-boost.

Find a convenient place for the wall mount that is close enough to a wall plug. Route the USC-C cable around the mount in position to plug it into the charging port. Hang the ZoomBroom. Charge it until the charge light goes to green. Remove and enjoy.

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

This is different from all the others I have tried. Some have been less expensive. Some more expensive. I thought I needed a hurricane-strength blower to manage copious amounts of seasonally dropped leaves.

This was true in my former, larger home. That blower was big, heavy and unwieldy, with two big batteries, a loud fan in the charger and dual speeds. And, boy, did it blow! It was not exactly svelte or easy to store, except in the outdoor shed.

Downsizing to my new digs with bushes, not trees, and without the need or space for a shed, there is no place for such a major tool. The single car garage with wall space for the mount is what I have and what I could use.

Charged and ready, it was time to . . . PUT IT TO THE TEST . . .

The winds here blow dirt, dust and leaves to clutter the entryway in the front as well as the driveway and street. At barely two pounds, it’s a pleasure to use and does not fatigue the user. Well, that’s different!

Even on low speed, the power is prodigious. ANY blower has to draw in air before it can blow it out. ZoomBroom draws air in through the vents at the base of the head. There is a short distance to the business end, so in this dusty area, an accumulation of said dust gathers around the outlet. Note taken.

The forearm brace/guide/arm rest is necessary as an assist to stabilize and aim the head where it is needed while the hand on the grip and at the switch completes the picture. ZoomBroom kicks up a storm. Goggles might be a welcome accessory.

Depending upon where it’s aimed it takes practice and more practice to get it just right. For example, blowing debris away from the entryway kicks up a turbulent cloud even on low, but aimed just so, it’s a valuable tool to blow away stubborn debris from the temporary industrial mat leading to the front door.

Moving away and into open areas out to the street, that’s another matter. Low speed did not have enough power other than at close range. This is where the convenient grip and forearm pad really helped both with aim and ease of changing from Low to High speed.

Out into the back yard, leaves and other debris accumulates outside the sliding back door and into the corner there. ZoomBroom blows too strongly even on low speed to make nice with that mess, so I have learned over time to adjust my aim from different angles.

I have had fun learning the ways of ZoomBroom. The more I use it, the better I am at mastering it.

Over the past several weeks, I have become accustomed to the needs of the blower speed and aim to blow the stuff away and into convenient piles for collection into a dustpan and then into the green can. Practice has led to greater success.

The first few weeks of use I did not exhaust the battery. I was mindful of the stated battery life of 30 minutes on Low or 15 minutes on High/Turbo. You know, even 15 minutes is a long time when watching the clock!

It occurred to me that I ought to see if I could drain the battery while completing a work session. My first observation was that regardless of the time spent in use, I did not tire from using it. Its light weight proved its worth.

It took effort to find enough to blow until the battery pooped out. Yes, even a mix of Low and High Speed use found me searching for work to do so I could see just how much could be done until the battery quit. This showed me that ZoomBroom is definitely not an underpowered tool. Respect!

After every work session, there was an accumulation of dust around the “nozzle” that I wiped off. I wanted to keep it clean.

After several weeks it became almost second nature to hang it on the wall mount and NOT fumble to open the charging port, then insert the USB-C plug. I immediately appreciated the USB-C charging end instead of Micro USB charger on other products. USB-C is non-directional. You cannot make a mistake as to which end to place into the port. Micro USB is directional and demands correct insertion orientation. It usually takes me two or three tries to get it right. USB-C is such a welcome and quality change from the many Micro USB products I have around.

**CONCLUSION**

Blows strong, long battery life per charge, wall hanger with charger and USB-C contribute to ease of use and convenience.

In conclusion, where little space, ease of use and strong blowing power are needed, ZoomBroom is a winning combination.

Find it HERE and order with free shipping!

As always, I welcome your comments. Email me – mrgadget at mrgadget dot com.

**WARRANTY**

(From the company Website):

TWO (2) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

The Two (2) Year Limited Warranty applies to purchases made from authorized retailers of ZoomBroom Inc. Warranty coverage applies to the original owner and to the original product only and is not transferable.

ZoomBroom warrants that the unit shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase when it is used under normal household conditions and maintained according to the requirements outlined in the Owner’s Guide, subject to the following conditions and exclusions:

What is covered by this warranty?

1. The original unit and/or non-wearable parts deemed defective, in ZoomBroom’s sole discretion, will be repaired or replaced up to two (2) years from the original purchase date.
2. In the event a replacement unit is issued, the warranty coverage ends six (6) months following the receipt date of the replacement unit or the remainder of the existing warranty, whichever is later. ZoomBroom reserves the right to replace the unit with one of equal or greater value.

What is not covered by this warranty?

1. Normal wear and tear is not covered by this warranty.
2. Any unit that has been tampered with or used for commercial purposes.
3. Damage caused by misuse (e.g., use or storage in wet areas), abuse, negligent handling, failure to perform required maintenance, or damage due to mishandling in transit.
4. Consequential and incidental damages.
5. Defects caused by repair persons not authorized by ZoomBroom. These defects include damages caused in the process of shipping, altering, or repairing the ZoomBroom product (or any of its parts) when the repair is performed by a repair person not authorized by ZoomBroom.
6. Products purchased, used, or operated outside the United States.

How to get service

If your Zoombroom fails to operate properly while in use under normal household conditions within the warranty period, visit zoombrooms.com/product-information for product care and maintenance self-help. Our Customer Service Specialists are also available at 734-545-8071 to assist with product support and warranty service options. We also ask that you have the product on hand when you call, so we may better assist you.

ZoomBroom will cover the cost for the customer to send in the unit to us for repair or replacement.

How to initiate a warranty claim

You must email sales@zoombrooms.com to initiate a warranty claim. You will need the receipt as proof of purchase. We also ask that you have the product on hand when you call, so we may better assist you. A Customer Service Specialist will provide you with return and packing instruction information.

How state law applies

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state. Some states do not permit the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

Innovative MIRAI CURVED Speaker for TV, Computer, Radio, Video Calls – Hear and Understand Dialogue More Clearly 16 Dec 2022, 3:00 pm

Who is it for? This simple, innovative and effective speaker meets the needs of persons with impaired hearing in the mid-ranges. Not a good fit for someone with profound hearing loss.

What is it for? If you, a friend or loved one struggles to hear and understand TV dialogue in the middle ranges of the sound spectrum, this could be just the ticket to a more satisfying TV viewing experience and more.

For more than just TV. The MIRAI speaker can be used to hear TV, Radio, Computer or Video Call dialogue more clearly. Universal compatibility comes from the digital audio Toslink output in addition to the 3.5mm headphone jack audio output.

It’s not fancy. It is not surround sound. It is not a sound bar. It is not wireless. There is no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Connection is simple, wired and straightforward. Perfect for seniors and the technologically challenged.

It is ONE speaker with a unique curved design that delivers sound throughout the room without directionality. The following online video is the best way to demonstrate MIRAI’s effectiveness:

MIRAI video explainer

It is quite effective and takes up little space, yet it is capable of delivering bountiful, crisp and clean dialogue.

Directions are in Japanese. The pictures in the instructions are easy to follow, in my view.

The included Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) allows connection to just about any modern flat TV. It is at its best when connected with the included Optical Audio cable. If you have a modern flat TV, look for the optical cable connection. Connected this way, whatever is on the TV, from whatever source, all the sound is sent through the MIRAI. The rotary control knob can be manually set for a maximum volume while the remote control allows adjustment from low to the maximum setting. Play with it a while to find what is best for the user. And again, note its universal compatibility with other devices and sound sources as stated above.

For computer use, MIRAI can be connected using the computer’s headphone jack with the supplied 3.5mm cable wired directly to the headphone port on the MIRAI speaker. For radios, this same setup using the 3.5mm cable should do the trick.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• MIRAI speaker
• Double 3.5mm cable
• Optical cable
• DAC (Digital to Analog Converter)
• Power supply for speaker and for DAC
• Necessary cables
• Documentation

**THE SETUP**

Unbox, place the speaker where it will be needed. Try the TV first. Unfurl the Toslink/Digital optical cable. Fit one end to the Toslink INPUT on the DAC and the other to the TV. Use the included double 3.5mm cable with one end to the AUX OUTUT on the DAC and the other end to the headphone port on the MIRAI.

Place the DAC in a convenient location where the MIRAI remote control’s aim will hit the IR sensor. Read the DAC instructions. Easy!

Connect both power supplies, one to the MIRAI, the other to the DAC. Insert the included batteries into the wireless remote control.

Press the manual ON button on the MIRAI. Press the Power button on the remote. Press the Toslink button on remote to tell the DAC where the sound is coming from. Aim the infrared remote at the IR sensor on the front of the DAC to do this. A little light will show that Toslink is the active input.

Go into TV settings to select Optical output for sound. Now the TV know to bypass its internal speakers and send sound to the MIRAI.

Choose something to watch on TV, preferably a recording on the DVR or from a streaming service that is known to present a challenge to hear and understand dialogue.

And now, it’s time to . . .

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

There is a perceptible difference! The first impression is of room-filling sound. Music and background sounds including special effect sounds are diminished in favor of dialogue. It is not necessary to ramp up the volume in order to understand dialogue. Fortunately, I have a couple of friends who wear hearing aids and fight the constant battle to understand dialogue. They usually turn on closed captioning to help.

Both of them cooperated in this evaluation.

Both of them said the dialogue was much more easily heard AND understood. I turned off the captions to see if they could comfortably do without them. This is difficult for individuals who are accustomed to watching TV with captions on. It is an adjustment to watch without them.

I placed the remote control in their hands. Each of my friends has different hearing deficits. One of them found that MIRAI was less effective than did my other friend, the one whose hearing loss is not so severe. This was good information.

Many newer TVs are equipped with dialogue enhancement settings. The industry is getting the message that the aging population needs help with sound. Unfortunately, film makers still have not accepted that the need is real. They continue to mix the sound into a muddy cacophony of overlapping dialogue that makes it difficult to follow and understand for even the best ears.

Where MIRAI shines is in its simplicity. On the other hand, there are other products that may be better suited for users with greater hearing deficits. For these individuals, check out my review of another device that is more adjustable – ZVOX AV157.

**CONCLUSION**

Sound is personal. Each listener has different needs and different likes. As such, the individual is in charge. Some users care less than others and some are fanatical. Fortunately, there are buttons and knobs and settings to personalize the experience.

Is this a copout? Hardly. It is simply recognition that each consumer has the power and prerogative to set sound parameters to their liking, within available boundaries. Too often we are told what is right or wrong in these settings. While “experts” with trained ears set standards, it is the end user who ultimately decides what is pleasing and what is not. Think “the emperor has no clothes.”

For those individuals with hearing deficits, matters are complicated. Here is where technology assists in providing sanity to the settings, giving back what otherwise would be lost.

I hope that readers are more aware of options than before reading this article.

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. Reach out to me – MrGadget at MrGadget dot com.

**WARRANTY**

18 month warranty against manufacturing defects.

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

Roborock Dyad Wet/Dry Vacuum with Dual Motors, Three Self-Cleaning Rollers, Adaptive Learning and More 24 Nov 2022, 3:00 pm

Cleaning hard floors is a pain. Use a broom and dustpan for small dry spills?

When there is a large wet mess, we can take out the mop and bucket, then deal with a dirty mop, dirty mop water, then clean mop water and so on. OR, more often, we use old towels to sop up the mess.

I have used Swiffers, both dry and wet. My issue is that the dry ones are good for sopping up a small spill, but not cleaning the floor of the liquid from the spill. For that, I have used a wet Swiffer. After using a wet Swiffer, the floor is wet from either the wet or dried on floor mess or from the wet Swiffer’s cleaning agent. Then, the floor is coated with the Swiffer cleaner solution intermingled with the mess it was supposed to clean up. Highly unsatisfying, but convenient, though the result is not a clean, odor-free, chemical-free floor.

How about the Hoover Floor Mate, Bissell Crosswave and similar products? Nothing special there. Corded products like these are inconvenient to use and to store and their design and size can make it difficult to get into corners as well as along the floor edges.

**As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases through links in MrGadget.com articles. Your cost will be identical.**

None of these clean the grout. Yes, I know, not all floors have grout. Some are sealed hardwood and laminates, or sheet vinyl flooring.

Floor steamers? Steam is the best chemical-free cleaner. We have this floor steamer and it has its place, but, like the others, it is not something any of us would want to use daily. It also uses 1500 Watts of electricity, which means it is possible to throw a circuit breaker from using it as has happened here at Gadget Central. This thing is big and awkward. The time and effort commitment required to use it, not to mention the electrical load renders it a bottom-of-mind idea for daily use. Still, there is a place for steam cleaning floors and grout.

Is there a cleaner both cordless and convenient to use, effective for daily use on small wet and dry messes? OR one that can effectively give a daily once-over to high traffic areas throughout the house?

YES! Enter the $450 Roborock Dyad, which we have used for many months here at Gadget Central. Now, I am comfortable providing a review, confident that we know what needs to be known that can come only from use over time, lots of time. I am not comfortable doing less than complete reviews that beg questions you could ask. Of what value are those?

Roborock Dyad – the Goods Laid Bare

Charged, on its stand, filled with water and a tiny amount of proprietary OMO Roborock cleaning solution it’s always at the ready for daily once over in the heavily trafficked kitchen where spills happen every freaking day! Then, on MY schedule, use it all over the house on bare floors wherever it is needed. Wherever there is a small dry or wet spill, Dyad can vacuum it up and dry the floor. In combination with other vacuuming products, here at Gadget Central Dyad is what we use daily to keep the floors from the front door and through the kitchen clean and mess-free.

Voice prompts let us know when emptying the dirty water is called for, as well as when to add clean water, when the rollers are being cleaned on the charging base and when charging is needed.

Grab it and go, then put it back on its stand. Hit the button to clean the rollers. Empty the dirty water. Keep the clean water tank topped up. Do a thorough roller cleaning weekly at MY convenience or whenever it becomes needed off-schedule.

Roborock Dyad is the only dual motor, multi-roller wet and dry vacuum around and it cleans from edge-to-edge.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• Dyad and all its component parts and pieces, ready to assemble
• Cleaning brush
• Documentation

**THE SETUP**

Follow the instructions, read thoroughly, and assemble Dyad. It’s not difficult, nor is disassembly if needed. I learned more from watching the videos on Amazon than from the documentation in the Dyad box. At the above link, click to watch the video, then discover several other informative how-to videos about Dyad.

Dyad is equipped with a 5000 mAH battery. That’s enough for 35 minutes of non-stop use covering up to 3056 square feet.

The informative LED screen indicates the cleaning mode, battery life and shows areas of a buildup of dirt.

Have a look at the manual.

Charged, ready to go, the clean water tank filled with clean water and a scant amount of the effective and economical Roborock-recommended cleaning solution, it’s time to  . . .

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

Pull her from her perch on the charging and cleaning stand and roll her over to where cleanup is needed. If it’s not so far from the base, I power her on and motor on over. Sometimes, I lift her off the charger and carry her to the cleaning area. There is no rule, but know that there is some heft to the Dyad, so keep this in mind.

Once in place near the mess, power on. Wait a moment for the solution to penetrate the rollers, then go, slowly and deliberately back and forth. If the mess is not immediately lifted, she might automatically shift from auto to higher power, or do this manually by pressing the power button for a moment. Water flow rate and roller speed increase. Then, press and hold the power button for two seconds to enter a short drying mode before she automatically returns to auto cleaning mode.

The cleaning head easily articulates around objects and corners and is easily directed with a lean and twist while in forward motion.

When the task is completed, it’s either back to the docking stand and the roller cleaning mode with its own button OR it’s time to empty the dirty water tank, clean it out and refill the clean water tank.

Auto roller cleaning does not remove hair or fibers that may encircle one or more rollers. In this case, it is necessary to remove the rollers from the head and cut the hair or fibers. If I am doing this, then I also wash the rollers in the sink using dish soap. I also do a thorough job cleaning the head cavity with the rollers removed. This is where I use the brush tool that came with Dyad and that includes a swing out cutter for those pesky hairs and fibers. It’s sort of like a pocket knife. Hey, dirt happens! Knowing that the schmutz is in the cleaning head’s recesses and no longer on the floor tells me that Dyad is doing her job well.

Dyad does not stand on her own away from the charging stand. Instead, there is a pull out prop-stand that lays flat against her body when not in use. The stand also functions as an easy way to get to the bottom, to the rollers and the entire underside.

We all know the saying, “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” Applied here, there is no way to maintain a clean, really clean floor, without hard work.

Dyad is a useful tool here at Gadget Central that is sometimes used more than once per day.

Any Negatives?

Integrating Dyad into our assortment of floor care tools has been both easy and rewarding, even with maintenance requirements.

There is nothing specific to Dyad that we do not like. It is thoughtfully, masterfully designed and built. When thinking about the product, there are no negatives that come to mind by anyone in residence. We are all fond of Dyad and appreciate the job it does.

Dyad Instead of . . .?

Does Dyad replace other cleaning devices? That’s a tough one because of the unique circumstances that exist here. We are blessed with several floor care options due to product testing and evaluation opportunities. Choosing from among resident robot vacuums, corded and stick vacuums, and all the other tools at our disposal, what do we use? What do we choose? What do we recommend? That is the toughest question to answer. Here, it is a mix, depending upon need. For YOU, my best advice does not come easily. For some tech questions, a clear and decisive answer comes to mind. Here? This is not the case. Budget is the main driver. Within your budget, what grabs you? What would serve your need and lifestyle best. Only you can decide. Whatever the choice may be, please share it with me. Email me – MrGadget at MrGadget dot com.

**CONCLUSION**

Roborock Dyad has proven essential for us and for our lifestyle. It has become routine to press her into service every time her capabilities are needed.

Dyad is highly recommended! Get yours from Amazon.

**WARRANTY**

Roborock Dyad comes with the manufacturer’s one year warranty.

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Is THE Top Dog in Robo Vacuums 22 Nov 2022, 3:07 pm

Until there is a new “top dog” in the robot vacuum space, this Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is IT, the one to beat. Now, after many months of hands-on experience, I am confident this article will provide useful insight for everyone interested in how the robot vacuum market has matured and where you could fit in.

This is my long-term review.

What won’t it or can’t it do? It cannot go up or down a step, such as to a room that is one or more steps up or down. It cannot vacuum baseboards or anything else that is above the floor level. It cannot nor should it be sent out to clean anything except bare floors or rugs/carpets that have any pile other than the lowest of the low. That’s not what this or any robot vacuum is designed to do. Its round shape makes it impossible to clean into corners. Finally, it cannot move furniture out of the way. That’s a pretty short can’t do list!

What it CAN do is unlike any other of which I am aware.

First, please, have a look at the extensive product details provided verbatim by Roborock. My comments will follow:

Description

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is a robot vacuum that has been created to make cleaning your floor completely automatic. It is a robot vacuum and mop combo that you can genuinely set and forget for weeks at a time. Its ReactiveAI 2.0 obstacle avoidance system with enhanced hazard recognition keeps it away from hazards, so you don’t have to clear the floor before it runs. 5100 Pa of suction power deeply cleans dust on wood floors and carpets. The unique VibraRise mopping system scrubs your floor at up to 3000 scrubs per minute to eliminate dried-on stains. It can also lift up when carpet is detected, so you can mop floors and vacuum carpets in one run. To top it off, the Empty Wash Fill Dock is self-emptying and holds up to 7-weeks of debris, refills the water tank, and washes the mop, ready for another run so you don’t have to lift a finger!

Features

Roborock’s Smartest Robot Combo Yet.

S7 MaxV Ultra provides a totally hands-free cleaning experience. The Empty Wash Fill Dock handles automatic dust emptying, mop washing, and robot water tank refilling. The dock even cleans itself too. Giving you previously impossible levels of convenience.

Auto Mop Washing.

Every time the robot returns to the dock, a unique mop washing system scrubs the mop clean and squeezes it dry while its water tank is refilled. That means your mop gets cleaned automatically, so you don’t have to do it, and the robot always is ready to go.

Wash Frequency Settings.

Mop washing frequency can be customized in the Roborock app. Options include by time and room.

Self-Cleaning.

The spinning brush of the mop cleaner drives debris and dirty water from the mop as it cleans. Simultaneously, it pushes that grimy water to the drain, where it is drawn into the dirty water tank. Automatic tank cleaning reduces manual cleaning, bacteria growth, and odor.

Self-Emptying.

Auto-dustbin emptying means no more manual robot emptying and up to 7 weeks without changing the dock dustbag.

Self-Refilling.

The robot water tank is automatically refilled when it returns to the dock, giving it a maximum mopping range of 300 sqm (3230 sq ft).

Obstacle Avoidance.

ReactiveAI 2.0 Obstacle avoidance uses a camera for hazard recognition, supplemented by an LED light for accurate recognition day or night.

Avoiding the Unknown.

Equipped with 3D Structured Light obstacle sensing, unknown obstacles are accurately identified and avoided.

Powerful Suction with Precision Navigation.

Clean extra deeply with a maximum suction of 5100Pa in Max+ mode and get maximum coverage with precision LiDAR navigation.

Sonic Vibration Technology.

Mop effectively with sonic mopping that scrubs at up to 3000 scrubs per minute to effectively shift dried-on stains.

Intelligent Mop Lifting.

Automatically lifts the mop up to 5 mm, making it possible to mop floors and vacuum carpets in one run without wetting the carpet. The mop also automatically lifts up at the end of a clean to keep the dirty mop off clean floors.

Multi-Directional Floating Brush.

Multi-plane floating brush keeps the brush close to the floor on uneven surfaces for better agitation.

Real-Time Video Calling.

Video call to anywhere in your home through your robot. See who you are talking to, and hear them too.

Built for Security and Privacy.

ReactiveAI 2.0 does not save a single image used for obstacle avoidance. No images saved means no images to lose. Not only that, S7 MaxV is certified as a safe smart home product by TUV Rheinland and meets ETSI EN 303 645 cyber security standards.

30% Faster Charging.

Charging times have been cut by over 30% (from empty to fully charged), so you can get back to cleaning faster. Off-Peak charging supported.

Have a look at my first Roborock robot vacuum review.

This is no simple point & shoot robovac!

**As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases through links in MrGadget.com articles. Your cost will be identical.**

For small apartment dwellers the S7 MaxV Ultra is expensive overkill. Bare floors are its friend. Carpeting and rugs as a majority of floor coverings are best maintained with a stick vac or an upright, not this or any robot vacuum.

If you prefer going old school for much less money than any robot vacuum and with minimal maintenance cost or time-consuming upkeep, then do that! With no batteries to deal with and, with care, a very long and happy nearly maintenance-free life, there is NOTHING wrong with an excellent corded upright vacuum. I still use mine and would not for a nanosecond think of giving it up. Here is a favorite from Dyson. Fun fact – Not one of my Dysons has broken down since my first Dyson that was reviewed in 1993!

What’s the advantage of any robot vacuum? From the set-it-and-forget-it mentality of marketers, consumers have been groomed towards the robovac trend.

ALL vacuuming requires access to the flooring. Traditional vacuums have to be maneuvered under and around obstacles, right? The move-things-as-you-go model has worked since the dawn of floor cleaning that preceeded vacuuming. And it still does. Except for a pair of large area rugs, a few mats and other items in the way on the floor, the surface here is tile.

Ah, but fully- or semi-autonomous robot vacuuming is at its best when the path is cleared in advance. In my world, this means moving the chairs out from being nested under the dining room table. The robot vac has to negotiate a path without obstructions so it can do its job. The dance of the dining room chairs has to consider that they need to be out from the table yet still allow space all around it for the robot to go between the chair legs, easily run under the table and use the space around the perimeter of obstacles to go on its merry path from room to room.

Here is what I do to prep for S7 MaxV Ultra’s regular work cycle. The chairs around the kitchen table are picked up, overturned and placed upside down on their chair pads on top of that table or the robot vacuum cannot find and clean efficiently underneath and around it.

Kitchen mats and rugs have to be picked up and stowed, usually atop the pile on the kitchen table leaving the floor as clear as possible for both vacuuming and floor washing.

The family room/den presents its own challenges. There is a media couch with electric seating. It’s not going to move for anything and there is no path available to clean underneath, even with the foot rests extended.

There is a pair of electric media chairs that, ideally, need their foot rests extended so a robot can crawl part way underneath and clean.

Also in that large room is a computer desk. The computer chair needs to be moved away for access under the desktop. While there are places at the left and right of the foot area, it is not high enough off the ground for any vacuum to access on its own. Cleaning under there requires a Swiffer or similar device, an improvised mop with a damp rag or a traditional vacuum’s attachments.

But wait, there’s more! The dog’s big bed must be picked up and set aside for access to the flooring.

And what about the very large area rug on the tile floor? It is mostly in the clear, but parts are under the couch and media seating.

There is a step down into the living room that is not accessible autonomously.

There are a couple of rugs from the family room/den in the hall on the way to a door that enters the garage. Make a hard right before the garage to find a powder room. Up comes the mat in front of the sink. Up comes the spare TP rolls holder and a little basket of reading materials from the floor. And the toilet cleaning tools have to go somewhere else during the robot’s prowl. Fortunately, the vanities in all bathrooms, upstairs and downstairs, are wall-hung making for easy robot access underneath.

And there is still more! Getting the picture?

I think we are not alone in finding a time to prep, then turn loose the robot to do its thing. Doing so means that nothing else can comfortably be going on during cleaning. There is a noise associated with vacuuming, any vacuuming, and then there is the possible inconvenience of having the robot working where we live. Yes, our feet moving about become obstacles to a robot’s roam.

I usually set this Roborock to both vacuum and wet-mop the floors. I employ the wet-mopping routine to be executed three times to be assured of not only good coverage, but also of effective cleaning. Roborock makes available a branded cleaning solution to add to the clean water reservoir that, in turn, is filled into the onboard clean water tank on the S7 MaxV Ultra.

I know of no one whose home floors are absolutely obstacle free. With today’s WFH (Work From Home) setups, office spaces often have things on floors that should be off limits to robots and otherwise carefully cleaned with traditional or stick vacuums. Washing those floor spaces takes added thought. In most cases, there will be electrical and computer wires to be left alone.

In the bedrooms, well, use your imagination. There is usually stuff that must be moved. And so it goes.

There are solutions for all the headscratchers above, so keep reading.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and power cord
• Dock with clean water bin, dirty water bin, dust bin with filter
• Documentation

**THE SETUP**

This takes some time and effort. As per usual, RTFM (Read The F*****g Manual)!

Determine where will be the headquarters for the base, the dock for the mother ship.

Put on your patience hat and assemble this masterpiece.

Download the Roborock app from the App Store and/or the Google Play Store. Create an account.

After assembly is completed and the base is plugged in, press the power button on the  S7 MaxV and, assuming there is enough power to turn it on, follow instructions to launch the app and enable Wi-Fi on the MaxV Ultra. Then, place the robot on the charging tabs in the base. Once the handshake has taken place between the robot and the app, look for and approve firmware updates that are sure to be available. Users may also select the robot voice of choice.

Let the MaxV Ultra fully charge.

Become familiar with the app and features. Oh, my goodness, there is so much to learn!

Mapping strategies, from whole house to individual rooms. Cleaning choices, from how many mopping passes over each room or all rooms, to the intensity of the mopping and the intensity of the suction.

.

Camera on or off? See it all on your smartphone in real time and TALK to whoever or whatever is within range!

Set object avoidance parameters to approach but not touch or to nuzzle right up to the walls or objects and let the front sensor “bumper” contact be the method by which she knows to stop and move on. Her smarts are really smart. She will see with her LiDAR eyes what’s around, remember and build a map in 2D, 3D or Matrix.

If there is a pet, users can set, “Pet details”. If selected, “your robot will move in a way that improves obstacle recognition but may slightly reduce cleaning efficiency.”

Select Pin n Go to tap a spot on the created map to set a target for spot cleaning or to send her to that area for further instructions.

Select the Child Lock feature to lock out all the buttons on the robot.

This barely scratches the surface of settings and options.

She’s all set up.

It’s time to . . .

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

The first outing is for overall map creation. Let her see what there is to see and identify furniture and obstacles.

If there are other levels, such as our living room step-down and upstairs rooms, the app can be told there is a second floor. Her smarts prevent her from falling into the living room or falling down the stairs. She senses where she ought not go, feels her way and moves on.

There is plenty of battery capacity for even a large home. However, if she senses low battery, she will return to the dock, do a mop wash, stay put and charge, and then go out again on her appointed rounds.

Here is where I found something to put on my wish list for the next product hardware iteration.

Over the course of extended use, I learned that S7 MaxV Ultra cannot detect when her dust bin is full and requires emptying. On one occasion, the bin was so full and its contents so compressed that the contents could not be extracted by the auto-empty dock. The channel in the dock that takes the bin contents from the S7 Max through and up to be deposited into the bag in the tower was clogged. It took me a while to figure out the problem and to dismantle to the point that I could unclog the passage and move past this incident.

After EXCELLENT tech support calls, I learned there is no sensor for this purpose. I guess I need to clean more often so as to prevent reoccurrence. I am sure it is from dust that sits on the rugs, primarily the large rugs. There is quite a bit of foot traffic bringing in all that dirt.

Another workaround is to regularly vacuum the rugs with a good ol’ corded vacuum or a stick vac, such as our excellent Roborock H7 between S7 MaxV Ultra outings.

I see this as more of a localized, personal issue than one that will be of concern to the average consumer who may have less carpeted space.

Dust bin concerns aside, the S7 MaxV Ultra learns and updates her map and obstacle database with every use.

Roborock provides regular firmware updates to improve AI and other operational characteristics. This, along with the excellent, professional, US-based tech support by phone are both impressive.

With the dock downstairs, I carry the S7 MaxV Ultra for cleaning upstairs. Once I set her down and select the upstairs map, then click “Clean,” she is off and on the job. There is less to do upstairs, so she usually can finish without requiring a mop wash before she’s done, which would necessitate a trip to the dock downstairs with her under my arm.

I view the physically large and large capacity dock as a plus. With an on-board fresh water supply and on-board dirty water bin, this means less hands-on regular maintenance. Add to this the bag into which debris is emptied. The total package requires fewer trips to the sink and garbage. We can go about six weeks before bag replacement. As a matter of course, the dirty water is emptied ever week or two and its bin washed and dried. Clean water with cleaning solution is checked and topped up as required.

There are no concerns that the carpets will get wet. The Auto Lift feature works virtually flawlessly, tucking the mophead up and away when the S7 MaxV Ultra rises to crawl onto and vacuum the rug. However, there are times when she straddles the gap between the rug and bare floor, then seems a bit confused, teetering onto the tile floor, when the other direction onto the carpet. Software updates and experience have taught her to do better and better.

We are a busy bunch! It is usually difficult to regularly schedule cleaning as we would like. This means, for example, the kitchen floor’s traffic results in a greater need for kitchen floor care than regular cleaning everywhere would accomplish. To get the kitchen floor clean, especially in spots where spills occur, and they do occur, we must spot clean or do a wider cleaning just in the kitchen. The same holds true for the entryway where feet bring in dirt and debris from the outside. We sometimes send out our little friend for those jobs OR we rely on another Roborock product, an upright product called DYAD, to roller mop and vacuum those areas. More on this and my review in another post.

The dock effectively cleans the mop, so swapping out a dirty mop with a clean one is not generally needed on this model. The mop is at the front of the S7. For mop cleaning, she must go head first into the dock where the mop can be washed. Watch at the link to see her return to base, clean the mop and then go out again to complete her current cleaning assignment. Here is a video showing what happens at the end of floor cleaning. She returns to the dock, head in, washes the mop, extracts herself from the dock, puts it in reverse again and does a final docking, then charging, and ready for the next floor cleaning outing.

All things considered, this is one impressive and comprehensive robot vacuum, a welcome addition to Gadget Central and a prized member of the tech team at home.

**CONCLUSION**

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is a premium product that includes the robot vacuum and auto-empty dock as one kit.

Her prowess and smarts are unlike any other robot vacuum of which I am aware. I continue to learn her ways and she continues to smartly learn her job around here.

The whole package is perfectly matched for any home, especially those steeped in consumer technology.

For everyone interested in THE ultimate robot vacuum, this is THE one to get!

**WARRANTY**

One year manufacturer’s parts & labor warranty

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

Cangshan TN1 Series 1024838 Swedish 14C28N Steel Forged 6-Piece Knife Block Set, Walnut 20 Nov 2022, 3:00 pm

When I was offered the opportunity to try this Cangshan TN1 Series set here at Gadget Central, I read about them and looked at their design. Retailing for $300 directly from the manufacturer, this set is an ideal starter for any kitchen. These have a modern style, with an unusual open handle. But how comfortable would they be in hand? Could I find and use pinch points? Would they have a balanced feel? Too lightweight or too heavy? All would be revealed once I have them in hand. This brand was new to me.

I’m a sucker for good, sharp kitchen knives. I dedicated two chapters on the subject in my still-relevant 2012 book, The Mr. Gadget Consumer Tech Guide, Volume 1. I also appreciate a good industrial design and quality materials. Both are on display and in hand with this beautiful knife set, featuring all the essentials for a nicely appointed and equipped kitchen.

Here are forged, weighted and balanced, hand-fitting, grip-fitting, pinch-fitting kitchen prep knives for anyone who can not only appreciate their quality but also become dedicated to their care. These are the elements that promote longevity and customer satisfaction that can be handed down to one’s descendants.

Perfectly sharpened out of the box, they are forged from a just-right Swedish steel formula. They require hand-washing care, immediate drying, no dropping, and otherwise delicate handling to assure performance over time with minimal sharpening attention.

The steel is hard and sharpenable, tending to the brittle end of the spectrum, so DO NOT DROP EVEN ONCE. No dishwasher for these babies. Cut ONLY on a designated cutting board that is fine-edge friendly, such as bamboo or polypropylene and never on a counter or a plate.

Have I made my point? Why harp on these things? Simply because I want owners of this Cangshan TN1 Series (as well as other Cangshan cutlery AND all sharp knives) to be happy for time immemorial. I know all too well how some consumers fail to read directions and fail to heed admonishments about use and care of kitchen cutlery, and then grouse, bitch and moan about poor quality, when it is the customer who is defective here, not the materials. Harsh? Yes, by design and intent.

And now, let’s get into this stylish set of kitchen tools!

Each knife is crafted with a super-keen Asian-style 16º double edge. American style knives are typically honed to a 20º bevel. Some Asian knives feature as keen as a 12º edge, but these are nearly impossible to maintain at that angle, so these at 16º provide a good and repeatable balance when it is time for maintain that fine original edge.

They are NSF Certified, which stands for National Sanitation Foundation, an organization all about food safety, especially ease of cleaning as part of the design. These high carbon stainless steel knives are easily cleaned. Unlike knives with wooden handles, there is nowhere for bacteria to hide and grow, which is the qualifier for NSF certification.

Created from one piece, which is not only a visual design element, but also functional. The handle flows into the blade and the open design for modern appeal.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• Solid walnut block
• Five basic and essential styles
• 3.5” Paring Knife
• 5” Serrated Utility Knife
• 7” Santoku with venting
• 8” Chef’s Knife
• 8” Bread Knife (Serrated)

**THE SETUP**

Read the informative pamphlet that focuses on care. Sure, they are sharp so be careful. Hand wash and dry immediately after use and only when dry, place them in their designated slot in the weighty solid walnut block.

All knives were carefully washed and dried before use, as advised in the pamphlet.

Use, repeat! And now, it’s time to …

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

I used the paring knife to cut up some little steamed clam meat for a dip. Sharp, very sharp.

The serrated utility knife was pressed into service for slicing limes and avocados. The Santoku, my favorite style and go-to knife was first used to cut up some meat and veggies for a stir fry. The 8” Chef’s knife easily, thinly sliced a tri-tip roast and some roasted chicken breast. And then, the final trial. The bread knife did a fine job cutting into a nice sourdough loaf so we could enjoy some tapenade, prosciutto and bruschetta. A great bread knife is an indispensable tool.

It was easy for every user to find a comfortable pinch point for maximum and safe control of each knife. No complaints at all.

And so it went and so it goes.

As indicated earlier, use, wash, dry, repeat. We are looking forward to many years of use and value with this set.

**As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases through links in MrGadget.com articles. Your cost will be identical.**

Thinking of sharpening, Cangshan offers their own $20 branded sharpening accessories, neither of which were tested. Both are also available from Amazon here and here.

I prefer, use and recommend Chef’s Choice Model XV exclusively for all my sharpening of non-serrated cutlery. Serrated blades require different sharpening methods. With care, little is needed. To correct minor imperfections in the scallops, I use and recommend a round pointy file encrusted with diamond abrasives, like on the sharpener above. Diamonds cut without heating the metal so there is no risk of overheating, turning it blue and ruining the knife. There is no recovery from this condition.

Here is an example of an effective and inexpensive diamond encrusted file for sharpening serrated edges. All it takes is a light touch! If you don’t like this one, find another with fine to very fine coarseness.

Softer steel, such as what is found in quality cutlery with less of a hardness rating, does not hold an edge as well as these so they require more frequent attention to maintain my preferred “shaving” sharpness. Professionals use softer steel because their knives see more use and are subjected to more frequent quick sharpening. These and other knives made from harder steel require less frequent maintenance. As such, they are ideally suited for a wider group of consumers.

How hard is the steel? These are made from 14c28n steel, with a hardness on the standard Rockwell scale of 55-62 HRC. Here is more information found on knifeuser.com.

After only a brief hands-on, I am pleased to recommend the set for you or your gift recipient. With lifetime and beyond quality, this set represents tremendous value, a certifiable bargain. They will never wear out.

I also learned that Cangshan offers several other products of similar quality and representing the same value to hand down to heirs.

The following information that I am pleased to share is provided by Cangshan about other sets.

“Whether you’re just starting out, looking to upgrade your existing set, or have grown tired of using a piecemeal collection, Cangshan’s 17-piece TC Series knife block set is a worthy investment. This set includes 14 full tang knives forged from high alloy Swedish Sandvik steel, which holds an edge up to five times longer than German steel. This set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch bread knife, 7-inch santoku knife, 6-inch boning knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 5-inch tomato knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 2.75-inch peeling knife, and six 5-inch straight-edge steak knives.

Each knife features a uniquely tapered tang which makes them comfortable to hold, and perfectly balanced for the most precise cutting. Along with a variety of sleekly modern knives, this set also includes a pair of stainless steel kitchen shears, an 8-inch honing steel, and a solid walnut wood block to house the collection.

If you’re more of a minimalist, then the L Series 12-piece knife set is the ideal set for your kitchen. This set features nine essential kitchen knives:  an 8-inch chef’s knife, 5-inch santoku knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, and six 5-inch straight edge steak knives. Each knife is forged from tight-grained German Steel which gives them incredible durability, stain resistance, and edge retention. The knives are then hand sharpened and ready to perform. This set, which is available in black or white, also comes with an 8-inch honing steel, 9-inch come-apart kitchen shears, and a solid acacia wood block for safekeeping.”

**CONCLUSION**

I’m happy to have been introduced to Cangshan! Cangshan TN1 Series forged 6-piece knife block set is Mr. Gadget approved and recommended. Buy from the manufacturer at the link above or at this Amazon link, currently priced at $200.

**WARRANTY**

Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

This does NOT apply in cases of customer error resulting from dropping or improper use as outlined above. This warranty is virtually the same as what is offered by most makers of fine cutlery.

What do you think? Let me know! Please email me. MrGadget at MrGadget dot com.

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

You’ll Want To Read This Essay Before Buying A Robot Vacuum 20 Nov 2022, 1:51 am

The following robot vacuum comments will primarily address Roborock products because I have more experience with theirs than with other makes. I have also had Roombas, so that experience is taken into consideration.

For small home and apartment dwellers, a robot vacuum is not the best plan. Simple, less feature-rich robots could be just what you want or feel you need.

OR, maybe not a robot vacuum, ANY robot vacuum? Let’s see where this takes us.

• Bare floors are a robot vacuum’s friend.
• Carpeting and rugs that represent the majority of floor coverings are best maintained with a stick vac or traditional vacuum.

If you prefer going old school for much less money than any excuse-proof robot vacuum and with minimal maintenance cost or time consuming upkeep, then do that! An excuse-proof robot vacuum is one that the owner doesn’t wish was better, more feature-rich and more expensive. That is, a robovac that the owner does not feel an “excuse” is necessary in answer to the question, “Why do I have this thing?”

**As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases through links in MrGadget.com articles. Your cost will be identical.**

With no batteries to deal with and, with care, a very long and happy nearly maintenance-free life, there is NOTHING wrong with an excellent corded upright vacuum. I still use mine and would not for a nanosecond think of giving it up. Here is a favorite from Dyson, though any similar model will be more than adequate for most homes. None of my numerous Dysons have failed since my first Dyson review in 1993! They are handed down to family and friends.

I am not a fan of corded vacuums other than Dyson. I would not buy nor recommend any other brand. ALL the others just can’t compare or compete. You will read why in the linked Dyson review above.

Many cordless so-called “stick vacs” are also competitive and may be a good choice depending upon the size of your place and the bottom line costs and how much dirt there is in your place. More on this choice later.

Is there an inherent advantage to robot vacuums?

From the set-it-and-forget-it mentality of marketers, consumers have been groomed towards the robovac trend.

ALL vacuuming requires access to the flooring. Traditional vacuums from the very first one must be maneuvered under and around obstacles, right? The move-things-as-you-go model has worked since the dawn of vacuuming and it still does. Except for a pair of large area rugs and a few mats, other items in the way on the floor, the flooring here at Gadget Central is unencumbered tile.

Ah, but fully- or semi-autonomous robot vacuuming is at its best when the path is cleared in advance. In my world, this means moving the chairs out from fully nested positions under the  dining room table. Any robot vac has to negotiate a path without obstructions so it can do its job. The dance of the dining room chairs has to consider that they need to be away from the table yet still allow room all around it for the robot to go between the chair legs, easily run under the table and use the space around the perimeter of obstacles to go on its merry path from room to room.

The chairs around the kitchen table must be picked up, overturned and placed upside down on their chair pads on top of that table or a robot vacuum cannot find and clean efficiently underneath and around it.

Mats & rugs on the kitchen floor have to be picked up and stowed, usually atop the pile on the kitchen table leaving the floor as clear as possible for both vacuuming and floor scrubbing.

The family room/den presents its own challenges. There is a couch with electric seating. It’s not going to move for anything and there is no path available to clean underneath even with the footrests extended.

A pair of electric media chairs needs their footrests extended so a robot can crawl part way underneath and clean.

Also in that large room is a computer desk. The computer chair needs to be moved away for access under the desktop. While there are places to the left and right of the foot area, they are not high enough off the ground for any vacuum access. Cleaning under there requires a Swiffer or similar device, an improvised mop with a damp rag or a traditional vacuum’s attachments.

But wait, there’s more! The dog’s bed must be set aside for access to the flooring. Now, that’s a good dog!

And what about a very large area rug on the tile floor? It is just another item for the robovac to deal with. In the instance of a robot vacuum with its built-in mop, the mop automatically stops washing the floor when it senses the carpet and it tucks itself up and out of the way while vacuuming the rug. That rug, any rug, is a magnet for debris tracked in and on our shoes as well as brought in by our little beastie. All that dust and particulate matter stays on the rug (or carpet) until the robot’s brush or traditional vacuum’s beater, roller and suction excites the particles, then extracts them into the vacuum’s dirt or dust bin. It takes much greater suction to vacuum carpets and rugs than bare floors.

There is a step down into the living room that is not possible to negotiate autonomously. Someone has to pick up the robot and place her in the living room.

Keep in mind that basic robot vacuums move about and attempt to cover an area without mapping or a deliberate plan. Sophisticated robots use some sort of mapping technology to find their way, make note of the terrain, remember it and figure out the best way to do a complete job by approaching the area, room or whole house intelligently in an across fashion as well as in an up and down direction. When manually vacuuming, don’t you vacuum in one direction and then cover the area from the opposite plane, as if going across the grain?

There are a couple of rugs from the family room/den in the hall on the way to the door that leads into the garage. Make a hard right before the garage to find the powder room. Up comes the padded mat in front of the sink. Up comes the spare TP rolls holder and a little basket of reading materials from the floor. And the toilet cleaning tools have to go somewhere else during the robot’s prowl. Fortunately, vanities in all bathrooms, upstairs and downstairs, are wall-hung making for easy underneath robot access.

And there is still more! Getting the picture?

Each bedroom has its own unique layout. One has a king size bed that rests on a raised frame. This one has no access under the bed, so there is no way to clean underneath it. There are other items on the floor, some of which are robot-accessible underneath. One dresser sits on feet with about four inches of clearance and is robot accessible. It’s the same story underneath the end tables, which are also robovac-friendly.

I think we are not alone in having to find a convenient time to prep, then turn loose the robot to do her thing. Doing so means that nothing else can comfortably be going on during robot cleaning. Either we are in the way, she is in the way, or the robot’s sound is too much for working or watching a movie. Yes, I know this is a bit crazy, but home is my work lab, so everything is used here while we live, where we live.

I usually set my Roborock to both vacuum and wet mop the floors. I employ the wet-moping routine to be executed three times to be assured of not only good coverage, but also of effective cleaning. Roborock makes available a reasonably-priced, branded, highly concentrated cleaning solution to add to the clean water reservoir that, in turn, is filled into the onboard clean water tank on the S7 MaxV Ultra and into their cordless wet/dry Dyad vacuum.

I know of no one whose home is free of everything on the floors. With today’s WFH (Work From Home) setups, office spaces often have things on floors that should be off limits to robots and otherwise carefully cleaned with traditional or stick vacuums. Washing those floor spaces takes added thought. In most cases, there will be electrical and computer wires to be left alone.

In the bedrooms, well, use your imagination. There is usually floor stuff that must be moved to provide as much free reign for the robo.

Does your head hurt from thinking and considering if your living space would benefit from the newest robot vacuum technology?

Take a step back and remember that only you can decide if any robot vacuum technology is right for you.

Think clearly. Robot vacuums work most efficiently when they can be set to do large and open areas, if not the entire home. While the robo is off on her programmed rounds, using another, more traditional, manually operated vac can get to work elsewhere.

Summarizing, I am a fan robot vacuums. BUT, the big BUT, they are not for every consumer and I want more than anything else for readers to make informed decisions, not ones based on marketing pressure.

What about stick vacuums as an alternative to corded models? Here is where there are some worthy options, with Dyson still the king at the high end, but at a higher price. Dyson is a big target and the world has studied and copied their best technology and designs, starting with cyclonic head designs from Dyson’s corded models.

Dyson’s superior cordless design provides the best air filtration and the best in washable on-board filters. That’s what I look for, a minimum of maintenance required and little to no consumables. No need to buy new filters. No need to wash or otherwise clean the air path after every use or even after a couple of uses. Not all stick vacs require so little care.

My current go-to stick vac is from Roborock, with a review link coming up. But first, let’s take a look at the lower end.

I recently bought a couple of lower end models just to try them. The first was this ORFELD model for $191 before an instant $50 coupon. Not a bad price! I like its power and that it has a trigger lock. It is ideal for small places. Also in the plus column is the sensor that automatically adjust the power level based on need, though this was not foolproof. The extedible tube was another plus. I missed having a flexible snorkel-like adapter that could be bend and extended as needed. I also was less than thrilled with the need to wipe off the stainless steel filter on the dust cup after each use AND the need to wash out the other filter, perhaps after each use, depending upon how dirty it became. I returned it!

The other recent purchase was an upgrade from the ORFELD. This was a eufy by Anker, HomeVac S11 Infinity for which I paid $164. I chose it because it came from Anker, a name I trust for phone and other chargers. This model, not much more expensive than the ORFELD, has the snorkel I like, it comes with a second battery and is just as easy to use. It lacks the trigger lock. It also comes with two brush rollers, one for bare floors and one for carpeted floors. It’s a keeper and will be ideal for the person for whom it is intended, a young woman moving to her first small, single apartment. Sure, it requires the same kind of care as most of the other inexpensive stick vacs. The roller brush for carpeting needs a haircut after each use. The dust cup needs a wash after a few uses. There are two washable filters that should not need replacement for quite a while, and they are inexpensive. In her small space, she can wall mount the provided holder and keep it there, ready to use always.

If you have not read my review of the Roborock H7 stick vacuum, now is a good time to do so. This is what I recommend and what grab.

Be on the lookout for a long-overdue top-of-the-line robot vacuum review, the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra. I had to get this off my chest first.

What do you think? Let me know! Please email me. MrGadget at MrGadget dot com.

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

Crisp, Clean Sound from Bose Smart Soundbar 600 22 Oct 2022, 8:26 pm

A premier sound product brand since its founding in 1964, Bose is highly regarded for their speakers, noise canceling travel headphones and earbuds and now, soundbars. I still listen to a set of Bose MediaMate computer speakers ca. 1994 and they still sound great.

This new Bose Smart Soundbar 600 falls in the sweet spot under their highly praised model 900 with its separate subwoofer and above the simpler, smaller model 300.

Smart Soundbar 600 features a pair of up-firing speakers under the top grill for the purpose of adding Dolby Atmos virtualized height. Its built-in woofers ported to the rear add an element of bass without the separate subwoofer. All of it, the treble, bass, and all other adjustments, features and available content are found within the Bose Music app for both iOS and Android. The soundbar works in concert with a supplied little battery powered remote control.

Technology includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast compatibility. In addition, find Bose Voice4Video technology and Amazon Alexa built in so users can control the soundbar, cable box, tv or satellite box by voice.

This soundbar targets small environments where there is no room for component separates.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• Soundbar 600 and wireless remote
• Optical digital cable
• HDMI cable featuring Ethernet
• Power cord
• Documentation including Quick Start Guide

**THE SETUP**

Unpack to see a decidedly simple looking product. Then, see the Quick Start Guide’s four simple steps towards success. Place it, connect it to power, download the Bose Music app, and then launch the app to complete setup.

The user’s phone and the soundbar must be on the same Wi-Fi network, as per usual. Before long, a firmware update will be completed, and then it is time to add optional audio sources, including TuneIn and SiriusXM.

The app is the user’s portal to EQ settings as well as whether the 600 will be mounted to the wall, in which case, the sound profile will be adjusted for bass as well as for reflectivity of the Dolby Atmos algorithm’s height virtualization.

TVs equipped with HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) are optimally connected to the 600 in this way, channeling all TV sound through the soundbar.

In my TV setup, however, the optical cable from the TV to the 600 was required because this older TV does not have HDMI ARC. This is how all sound from all TV sources will be available on and the volume controlled from the 600. This is good for users who have a setup like mine, with built-in TV streaming apps, cable or satellite service, an external streaming box, such as Roku as one example. ALL sound is shuttled to and through the 600.

Once the basic & simple set up is complete, it’s time to . . .

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

The first thing that caught my attention was the crispness and clarity of sound. Would anything less be expected from Bose! Starting with streaming video from premium services, I sampled several movies and audio only sources over the next three hours to get a feel for the Smart Soundbar 600’s capabilities. Wherever possible, sources indicating Atmos were selected. Adjusting treble, bass, and height were easily comprehended.

Bass response was good, not great, but subwoofer-like greatness was not expected from a soundbar’s internal speakers when compared to a soundbar with external subwoofer. This is where the Smart Soundbar 600 meets the needs for budget-conscious consumers as well as those who simply do not have a place for an external subwoofer.

Focusing solely on what it can do versus what it cannot do, the perspective allows for an appreciation of its relative diminutive size coupled with that crisp, clean sound described earlier.

Does it have a BIG presence with BIG and room-filling sound? Again, it’s all about perspective. I would not recommend this as the external source from a large and immersive screen beyond 60 inches in a large space, greater than about 12×12. For a large space, more is needed and will be appreciated.

For this space, my space, this soundbar is very nice.

Does it give a true surround sound experience. No, it does not and cannot because there are no rear speakers. The up-firing speaker pair does provide a compelling demonstration of height virtualization.

The more we listen, the more there is to like. The more we tweak adjustments in the app to suit the source, the better we like the performance.

What is it, the ultimate objective of a soundbar in a home theater setup? Why, it is to provide an immersive experience!

Adding accessory Bose wireless surround speakers and/or a Bose wireless subwoofer is possible. Be sure to look for these accessories if they are of interest. They will be required for a true 5.1 surround sound experience.

**As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases through links in MrGadget.com articles. Your cost will be identical.**

**CONCLUSION**

As with so many tech products, value is in the eyes and ears of the beholder. For the purpose for which it is intended, I give this Bose Smart Soundbar 600 thumbs up! Please buy through THIS Amazon link. The price as this is written is $499. There is nothing it is built to do that it does not do well. That is why it passes my value proposition test and why I recommend it.

**WARRANTY**

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is covered against defects in materials and workmanship by the manufacturer’s one year warranty.

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

TickTime Cube Is A Cute Little Count Down Timer Like No Other 19 Oct 2022, 6:00 pm

Here is a little gadget that is not for everyone, because not everyone needs what it offers. Not everyone multitasks day in, day out, and needs to juggle timing throughout the day and night.

Make a call that can last only minutes. Hit the home or office exercise equipment for a price, allotted time. Make another call in a specified number of minutes from now. And what about meal prep? Easily set this super high tech timer for everything in order. And use the built-in magnet to stick it to the fridge (not stainless steel though). Be creative. Have fun with it and recharge as needed. Choose the color that speaks to you.

TickTime Cube has launched on Kickstarter. If the demo at the link doesn’t grab you, then you are not their target audience.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• TickTime Cube
• USB-C to USB-A charging cable
• Documentation/instructions

**THE SETUP**

I must admit that I was a bit flummoxed and intimidated at first. What is this thing? Playing with it and using it for a few weeks, I had my AHA! moment. While the life and lifestyle of this tech reporter and reviewer does not fit their target demo, I like it. A lot.

I charged it up by plugging into one of the many little chargers one tends to accumulate these days.

Powering on with the little dedicated button, and then choosing from silent, vibrate or one of three tone volumes, I did not run it out of power. The loudness and vibration settings for the timer end tone is a good idea, indicative of smart and creative designers.

Then I read and re-read the instructions in the multi-fold pamphlet.

Ready, set, it’s time to . . .

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

Why use TickTime Cube as a countdown timer instead of a smart watch, mobile phone or plain old kitchen timer, many of which have multiple timers on board? That is the question, isn’t it?

TickTime Cube is certainly cuter and an instant attention getter. I polled some of my Millennial friends and family for their take. Right on target! Those who live with fragmented and activity-packed schedules commented on its cuteness and design, and could see its necessity right away. They loved its ingenuity and cleverness. Everyone had a favorite color, though, as can be seen, mine is basic black.

All but one, the one not so into tech, could see its value in their busy, busy, busy daily lives with hectic schedules, including setting the countdown for a wind down and zoning out period during the workday and at the end of the day.

It is as if the TickTime Cube is a life coach and tutor, almost a spirit guide. It is so easy to set, so easy to manage, one reminder at a time.

I have set it to remind me when to be on the listen for the washer and dryer cycles to finish so I would not have to focus on their ending sounds. And using it during meal prep was easy as could be. This is the application that I liked most.

It required a mindset challenge and change because nothing similar has been part of my life. I can safely say that the same would be true for anyone choosing to adopt what TickTime Cube can offer.

Powering on with the little dedicated button, and then choosing from silent, vibrate or one of tree tone volumes, I did not run it out of power. The loudness and vibration settings for the timer end tone is a good idea, indicative of smart and creative designers.

Rolling it over and touching its setting spot, then making fine adjustments has taken some personal adjustments, but I got it and so will you. Watch this different demo. It will make sense, I promise.

How long can it operate on a charge? I charge it every other day when I use it on a daily basis. According to the designers, TickTime Cube can operate for about 20 hours nonstop and up to 180 days of stand-by time.

Pricing? Around $30.

**CONCLUSION**

TickTime Cube countdown timer can be an asset to its target audience.

What do you think?

This cool gadget has won me over. Considering its target demographic and what it can do for any interested party, if you’re salivating over the possibilities, TIckTime Cube should be in your hands sooner than later.

**WARRANTY**

One-year manufacturer’s warranty

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry

Let’s Talk About Awesome Garbage Disposals – NEW, Better, More Powerful 5 Sep 2022, 2:00 pm

Can’t you just feel it? The excitement, I mean.

I acknowledge that 99.99% of you have not thought about garbage disposals unless one was needed, and then I’d bet that you did not shop with the knowledge I am about to impart. Most of you probably left the choice to someone else. And, besides, who cares, anyway?

I want you to care because garbage disposals are pretty cool tools that are not as similar as you may have thought or have been led to believe. Why leave the choice to someone else, such as your plumber or a well-meaning friend or relative? Take charge and be prepared to make an informed purchase decision whenever the need presents itself. It’s not tough.

Prices vary widely, but not only because one may be better than others. Two motor technologies vie for your business and I’m here to demystify all of it. It’s my job to help make your choice an easy one, or at least an easier one.

Who wouldn’t want, that is, NEED a kick ass garbage disposal? Really, if given the choice, would you say, “NO” to an up to 1.25 HP garbage disposal with technology better than the others?

We consumers have been groomed and misinformed on the subject. The result is that most consumers believe that garbage disposals are to be used sparingly, and that most food waste is never to be put in there. Well, friends, that is simply not correct.

Instead of adding stinky food waste to the garbage, grinding it in the right garbage disposal and sending it out with the sewage allows it to be treated through municipal waste treatment plants or in the property’s septic tank, where the ground food waste will be dealt with by the septic tank doing what septic tanks do. A quick and efficient, water-conscious garbage disposal can be at the heart of dealing with household food waste.

Lower powered disposals producing inefficiently ground food waste are not recommended.

A powerful garbage disposal with the best technology is a godsend. Having studied and covered garbage disposal technology since about 2008 and with a wealth of experience, I can say first hand that the answer is out there!

Have a look at my first MrGadget.com article and review of garbage disposals from May, 2009!

Here’s a shocker! Insinkerator, the best known garbage disposal brand and often the highest rated, does not have the best technology, in my opinion and in my experience, and covered in my 2009 article linked above.

What I learned occurred during a compelling trade show demonstration. I was shown the two competing motor technologies. One provides a motor that does not deliver instant, full-torque power as soon as the switch is turned on. The other one does! The GOOD motor is made with what is known as “permanent magnet” technology. Jamming a wooden broom handle into the blades will not prevent it from starting up. With the other technology, that broom handle will easily prevent the motor from starting up.

Can you guess which motor technology is featured in this article? Ding ding! You are correct!

Imagine flooring the accelerator pedal in a conventional minivan. Now, wrap your head around what happens when flooring the pedal in the latest dual-motor Tesla. Instant, shoves-you-into-the-back-of-your-seat raw power. Raw power is almost unstoppable, and that is what is on tap with the right garbage disposal. Food waste is shredded into tiny, manageable pieces, quicky and efficiently, without jamming or clogging the kitchen pipes.

Consumers will notice that the better known brand’s best products with inferior technology usually cost more and are still prone to getting stuck for no reason other than a motor that can too easily jam and stop.

What blows me away and confuses me at the same time is how and WHY Insinkerator disposals continue to be so highly rated, even top-rated, instead of what I believe to be superior products from Joneca and a better value. What am I missing? Their ONLY claim to fame is that they are, to my knowledge, still made in the USA, and with pending new ownership, that may change.

Here is the tell. The ones more prone to stoppage typically spin at about 1800 RPM. The better ones with better motor technology in a high-end product spins at a nearly unstoppable 2800 RPM. So, look for that number. Nearly instant spin-up to as much as 2800 RPM versus a less aggressive, relatively leisurely 1800 RPM. What will best get the job done?

Of course, any garbage disposal is the sum of its parts, and the motor is but one factor. In my view, if all other parts and pieces are top notch, the garbage disposal will have the best chance to do what it is supposed to do without stoppage due to jamming OR clogging.

ALL of this assumes that the disposal is not being fed car parts, cans and metal machinery.

Search online for what so-called experts say should NOT go into a garbage disposal. This is where those incorrect answers will be found and with which I disagree.

The list of permissible foods is long. With care, Mr. Gadget’s and manufactures’ industry “approved” foods for the garbage disposals with the better motor technology includes coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit pits, avocado skins, small bones and so much more, even potato skins, just not all at once. NEVER fill any disposal with food waste first and then turn it on. Be kind & smart. Turn on cold water, then slowly introduce the waste, continuing to flush it all down with a steady flow of cold water that continues for at least 30 seconds after the garbage disposal has finished doing its job.

I know that in many parts of the country there is severe and unprecedented drought. Here at Gadget Central we are also living with this reality, so we are careful about using the disposal with water conservation at top-of-mind.

What are the other important parts of a high quality disposal? Balanced, vibration reducing, stainless steel grinding components, sound dampening insulation, three-bolt mounting that can result in a simple DIY installation for those who do not shy away from such things. I’ve done it, so it can’t be that difficult. If an old, dead garbage disposal already has an “easy mount,” then the replacement with quick-mount design could be a 20-minute project.

Even on good models with less than today’s best, massive 1-1/4 HP motors, the motor still spins at or close to 2800 RPM, so why not get the best technology and move on with your life?

The model featured in this review and other similar power house products are also supplied with a removable splash guard so it is easy to see inside to the chamber, easy to remove items and easy to clean the bottom of the splash guard to prevent odors.

Another popular feature is a Silver Guard® magnetic ring that is designed to catch, hold and prevent silverware that is magnetically active from falling into the garbage disposal. Been there, done that, but with stainless steel and sterling silver flatware that no magnet would have prevent from falling in. Mangling silverware caused me to learn how to re-grind, buff and polish the damaged areas. These were hard lessons learned from my younger years. But, I digress . . .

Who would not want all of this? Home owners would want this, to be sure. Renters might not want to make this investment, though it can come with up to a 12-year product warranty and a LIFETIME corrosion warranty, not available from any other manufacturer. Renters or property owners may decide on a less powerful and less costly. HOWEVER, the lesser models run the risk of less robust performance. I get it. It’s not a simple decision for everyone.

**As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases through links in MrGadget.com articles. Your cost will be identical.**

For home owners who will live where it is used, this is what I recommend and what I did. Until recently, I have had 1.0 HP disposals from Waste King, otherwise known as Anaheim Manufacturing and the parent company Joneca Company, LLC. The Waste King brand was the first of these brands with which I was familiar and the brand of garbage disposal that started me on this journey. Here it is at Amazon.

There are several brands using this same permanent magnet, high speed technology. Some are physically larger with more insulation, ideal where there is plenty of room under the sink. There are slim-line models, as well, for installation where under sink space is slight. All have the same grinding mechanism and internal capacity. More surrounding insulation provides more sound absorption. Not that the slimline models are particularly noisy. They are not. Just a little bit louder. No one at Gadget Central where we tried the slim model thought the sound was intrusive. Again, the slim models are ideal under sinks where there is no room to spare.

The common thread amongst many of these is that they are manufactured by the same company, Joneca. Their garbage disposals are popping up everywhere, and now with power up to 1-1/4 HP.

The featured review product is a brand that is new to me called Smart Choice. Part of Electrolux, which owns Whirlpool, Frigidaire and others, it is also manufactured by Joneca. American Standard also markets garbage disposals with the same technology, including at Costco and Lowe’s, with this same technology and made my Joneca. Ditto for GE, found at The Home Depot, and the Moen brand.

It can be confusing!

Regardless, this 1.25 HP model is a beast in the very best sense of the word.

These are “continuous feed” disposals, which means that with the water on, food waste may be introduced continuously. Just use it as described with plenty of cold water and enjoy it.

**WHAT’S IN THE BOX**

• Smart Choice 1.25 HP Corded Garbage Disposal from Best Buy
• Silver Guard® magnetic collar to help prevent magnetically sensitive items from going down the chute
• Stopper and dishwasher connector
• Documentation

**THE SETUP**

As always, READ the documentation. Then either DIY it or have it installed by someone who knows what to do, perhaps a professional. However, in my experience, this is not a tough job for the handy home owner. If this is part of NEW costrucion in a new or remodeled kitchen, there are other considerations the contractor or builder will know about. Included is a side drain for connection to a dishwasher. If necessary, consult with the boss!

Note that this disposal is equipped with a typical power cord designed to be plugged into a switched outlet under the sink.

A Silver Guard® to catch and help prevent silverware that is attracted to magnetism from falling into the mechanism is also included.

Installed and plugged in, it’s time to . . .

**PUT IT TO THE TEST**

I LOVE this product! Not only does it perform as well as or better than ANY others of which I am aware, it is more powerful than others of which I am aware. That extra 1/4 HP over those with 1 HP may or may not make a difference, but considering that there are basic units with just 1/4 HP, this is at the head of the class. Compare prices and warranties to the others brands using this technology.

You’ve seen that this Smart Choice 1.25 HP garbage disposal costs less than the big brand with which you may be familiar. And that is why THIS product so easily passes my “value equation” test. More for YOUR money. That was easy.

Treated well, with the respect it is due, it should be around and working well beyond its generous warranty period.

**CONCLUSION**

This quiet and powerful Smart Choice 1.25 HP garbage disposal is highly recommended without reservations. Find other models made by Joneca for other brands listed and choose what makes sense for you.

**WARRANTY**

12-year parts and labor product warranty from the manufacturer, plus a lifetime corrosion warranty

MrGadget.com - Consumer Tech, Products & Gadgetry