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Buy It: Crock-Pot 4-Quart Slow Cooker ($42, Bed Bath & Beyond) Related Video

Best Kitchen Deals Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Sauteuse Oven, $240 (was $300) Ninja NJ601AMZ Professional Blender, $95 (was $100) Mr. Coffee Flintshire Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle, $14 (was $20) T-fal Dishwasher Safe Cookware Fry Pan, $32 (was $48) Lodge Pre-Seasoned Skillet, $21 (was $30) M Mcirco Eight-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set, $34 (was $50) Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer Plus, $89 (was $140) Best Home and Cleaning Deals Investing in your home’s air quality is important for your health, and it’s something you can improve without giving much thought....

“Consider if they’re a beginner and you’re introducing them to the hobby or if they’re an expert and you want to give them something as unique as their hobby,” says Katie Dubow, QVC plant expert and trendspotter. A beginning gardener may appreciate a gardening how-to book, a garden journal, or a good starter kit of tools. We like the Garden starter tools and tote bag bundle because it combines a basic set of garden tools and a tote you can continue using in the garden....

According to cleaning expert Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids and a Mop, there are several important things to keep in mind when looking for the best portable carpet cleaners. You’ll want to get a machine that’s lightweight, quiet, easy to use, and easy to clean and put away. “It helps to make a quick list of what you’re looking for—the weight, capabilities, comfort, settings, tank capacity, and more—before shopping around,” Cohoon says....

“Electric blankets are a form of dry superficial heat which can increase blood flow to superficial soft tissue of the body and relax minor forms of tension and tightness,” says Karen Sorbo-Gangola, a senior physical therapist at Pure Healthy Back Troy. To find the best heated blankets, we had 11 testers put 27 electric blankets to the test at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Using a pre-determined methodology, testers evaluated and scored each pick based on seven categories: quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, and value....

“Laminate surfaces are extremely popular but do require special attention if you want to maintain their quality and look,” explains Leanne Stapf of The Cleaning Authority. “Laminate floors specifically are made of wood composite—so it looks just like hardwood flooring but is a fraction of the cost. One thing to keep in mind [is that] you can’t refinish laminate, so you’ll want to take extra care of these floors to avoid costly replacements....

“Patios and other gathering spaces can be as beautifully designed as you please, but if people don’t use them, they aren’t a success,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director and landscape architect at Yardzen. “Because they are [portable], patio umbrellas allow spaces to stay nimble and adapt to different activities, group sizes, and light or weather conditions.” We put 28 of the best patio umbrellas to the test in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, to see which ones held up against weather conditions, sun damage, stains, and more....

Test Kitchen Tip: Be sure the turkey is completely thawed before applying the brine. Buy It: Crock Pot ($17, Target) Related Video

Another way to save money on stylish cabinets is to get creative with your kitchen design. You don’t have to line the walls in your kitchen with cabinetry. Some homeowners forgo cabinetry altogether. If you want a look for less, you’ll love these ideas: Incorporate wire shelving and stainless-steel tables from kitchen supply stores for an of-the-moment industrial look. Use “real” furniture in your kitchen. Antique armoires and dressers make great storage options for the kitchen and have a timeless European feel....

To ensure you never suffer dry chicken again (at least, not when you’re in charge of the cooking), we compiled our Test Kitchen learnings on: How long do you bake chicken at 400 degreesWhat temperature to bake each cut (fresh or thawed chicken)Do you cover baking chicken with aluminum foilHow to store chicken after it’s cooked If you follow our instructions, every piece of chicken you make will be delicious....

What Is a Modular Home, Exactly? A modular home is a prefabricated (also known as prefab) structure that is built off site and assembled on site. They don’t move: They remain on the slab or foundation they’re pieced together on. Modular homes are very similar to manufactured homes, except (among other differences) they are built to different codes. “Modular homes are built in sections in a climate-controlled factory and transported to your land, where a builder assembles the home like building blocks on top of a permanent foundation,” says Bailey Carson, a home care expert at home services finder Angi....

When used correctly, space heaters can be a safe, cost-effective way to keep rooms warm during cold months. These days, they come with safety features that automatically shut off the device when any tipping or water is detected. Space heaters can be used in conjunction with your home’s existing heating system—like radiators or forced air—or as a standalone heating source in a place without any built-in heat source. Here is a look at the pros and cons of the different types of space heaters on the market today....

Which Seeds Need Cold Stratification? The seeds of most annual garden flowers and vegetables require no stratification. However, many trees, shrubs, perennials, and wildflowers will only germinate after their seeds are stratified. Over several weeks’ time, exposure to cold temperatures and moisture helps break down the hard seed coats so the seeds are able to sprout. If you sow these seeds outdoors in the fall, their dormancy needs will be supplied naturally during the winter months....

How to Make a Homemade Peanut Butter Cup I used a small ceramic ramekin (Target) for easier access to the good stuff, but you can use a mug or another small microwave-safe dish. I listed specific measurements here, but this is a forgiving recipe. Go for more of one ingredient to better suit your peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio preference. Made just like the instructions, I found the peanut butter cup super creamy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious....

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To keep your heating bill down without sacrificing comfort, look for alternative ways to warm and weatherize your home in the winter. Permanent measures include installing new windows and checking your attic’s insulation. Quick, inexpensive fixes are things like purchasing a door draft stopper or letting the sun’s warmth in when the sky is blue. Here are some winter hacks designed to help keep the cool air out and the warm air in your home where it belongs....

Use Almost Empty Jars for Sauces When your jar of mayonnaise or peanut butter is almost empty, use it to shake up a sauce for pasta or make a salad dressing so you’ll use every last bit. Bonus: Because you don’t have to get out a bowl, this also prevents more dishes from getting dirty! Put a Cheese Rind in Your Soup The rind at the end of your Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is packed with a salty, umami flavor that can really enhance your dishes....

Whether you’re drawn to calming neutrals or want to go bold with color and pattern, these modern bedroom ideas will help you create the cozy retreat of your dreams. Put a modern spin on cabin style by creating a contemporary rustic retreat, or use contrasting colors for a touch of sophisticated drama. We’ve gathered our favorite modern bedroom ideas to help inspire your own space. Modern Rustic Bedroom Warm wood tones, soft textures, and clean lines give this bedroom a modern rustic flair....

Bacon. Potato tots. Alfredo sauce. Talk about a comfort food trifecta! Package that all in one cozy casserole, and you have a supremely mouthwatering meal to make for a crowd. (Psst…this is also the perfect vehicle to put leftover chicken to great use.) You can use that or rotisserie chicken to hit the “easy” button on this big-batch chicken chili. With three types of peppers—poblano, green bell, and canned chipotle—in the mix, this good dinner for a crowd really packs a punch....

Cutting boards can be used for slicing meat or chopping vegetables. “I recommend having a few different cutting boards that you can use for different items that range in size and materials,” says cookbook author and recipe developer Alexis deBoschnek. To help you figure out which products are right for you, we’ve rounded up 15 of the very best cutting boards on the market right now, including options in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and price ranges....