https://the-gadgeteer.com Gadget news and reviews since 1997! Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:44:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://the-gadgeteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-cropped-wp-icon-gadgeteer-logo-32x32.jpg https://the-gadgeteer.com 32 32 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/26/weddell-duo-shower-filter-review-it-made-my-water-softener-treated-water-even-softer/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/26/weddell-duo-shower-filter-review-it-made-my-water-softener-treated-water-even-softer/#respond Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:00:50 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=495506 REVIEW – The Hill Country Region in Texas, including the city of San Antonio, has very hard water.  A large majority of our water comes from limestone aquifers. We have had a water softener in our homes since 1998, and it makes a huge difference in reducing calcium buildup in our appliances and bathroom fixtures.  […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/26/weddell-duo-shower-filter-review-it-made-my-water-softener-treated-water-even-softer/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/24/clear-drop-soft-plastic-compactor-makes-me-feel-less-guilty-about-online-shopping/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/24/clear-drop-soft-plastic-compactor-makes-me-feel-less-guilty-about-online-shopping/#comments Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:00:53 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=495359 REVIEW Recently I received a package from . It came in a plastic bubble mailer. Inside the mailer, the product was inside another smaller bubble mailer. Inside that, the product was in a plastic bag. Inside that, the product was in another plastic bag. Knowing what we know about microplastics, I didn’t feel great about […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/24/clear-drop-soft-plastic-compactor-makes-me-feel-less-guilty-about-online-shopping/feed/ 2 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/18/dreame-expands-beyond-vacuums-with-a-six-category-smart-home-ecosystem-at-ces-2026/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/18/dreame-expands-beyond-vacuums-with-a-six-category-smart-home-ecosystem-at-ces-2026/#respond Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:11:11 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=495947 Dreame Technology used CES 2026 to announce something bigger than a new vacuum. The company revealed its Whole-home Smart Ecosystem, a unified product lineup spanning cleaning, climate, cooking, personal care, outdoor maintenance, and entertainment. For a brand best known for robot vacuums and cordless floor cleaners, this marks a significant pivot toward becoming a full […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/18/dreame-expands-beyond-vacuums-with-a-six-category-smart-home-ecosystem-at-ces-2026/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/16/ikea-gatebo-the-199-microwave-that-can-replace-an-oven-for-small-kitchens/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/16/ikea-gatebo-the-199-microwave-that-can-replace-an-oven-for-small-kitchens/#comments Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:01:24 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=495877 ARTICLE – The IKEA GÅTEBO doesn’t look like much sitting on your counter. It’s a black box with a dial, some buttons, and a door that swings open to reveal a 26-liter cavity and a spinning turntable. Nothing about it screams revolution. But plug it in, toss in the included air fry grid, and suddenly […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/16/ikea-gatebo-the-199-microwave-that-can-replace-an-oven-for-small-kitchens/feed/ 2 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/02/kismile-air-fryer-review-i-can-actually-see-how-well-it-is-cooking/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/02/kismile-air-fryer-review-i-can-actually-see-how-well-it-is-cooking/#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:02:28 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=494074 REVIEW – I have a large air fryer/toaster oven that sits on the countertop that I have used for several years now.  I use it mainly as a secondary oven and to air fry things like fries and chicken.  I hate using it as an air fryer because it is such a pain to clean.  […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/01/02/kismile-air-fryer-review-i-can-actually-see-how-well-it-is-cooking/feed/ 1 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/12/27/ounin-24l-combo-11-in-1-steam-and-air-fryer-review-versatile-and-compact-cooking/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/12/27/ounin-24l-combo-11-in-1-steam-and-air-fryer-review-versatile-and-compact-cooking/#respond Sat, 27 Dec 2025 16:00:41 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=493129 REVIEW – Since my kids moved out, the oven doesn’t see much action. It’s like using a bucket loader to scoop ice cream – overkill for most cooking tasks. Conversely, the stove top, microwave, and air fryer get most of the mealtime action, so it makes sense to get the most “bang for the buck” […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/12/27/ounin-24l-combo-11-in-1-steam-and-air-fryer-review-versatile-and-compact-cooking/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/12/15/switchbot-candle-warmer-review-wonderful-scents-without-the-flame/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/12/15/switchbot-candle-warmer-review-wonderful-scents-without-the-flame/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:04 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=492645 REVIEW – I like scented candles and waxes, especially around the holidays, but with an active cat, I have always been concerned about the risk of fire. SwitchBot recently surprised me with their Candle warmer, promising luxurious fragrances with a warm glow and safety features an open flame could never provide. ⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons) Price: […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/12/15/switchbot-candle-warmer-review-wonderful-scents-without-the-flame/feed/ 1 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/11/10/ninja-crispi-pro-air-fryer-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/11/10/ninja-crispi-pro-air-fryer-review/#respond Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:00:52 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=488719 REVIEW – Air fryers have evolved over the years, and kitchen appliance company Ninja is hoping to evolve the market once again.  The CRISPi PRO is their latest model, and they are positioning it as a portable cooking system.  Will this new model earn a coveted position in our space-constrained kitchen?  Read on to find […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/11/10/ninja-crispi-pro-air-fryer-review/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/29/hicozy-f3-slushie-machine-soft-serve-ice-cream-machine-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/29/hicozy-f3-slushie-machine-soft-serve-ice-cream-machine-review/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:00:03 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=486182 REVIEW – It’s fall, and that means I’m back at my day gig, teaching and molding the youth of our great nation. That, in turn, means I’m in need of many, many margaritas. The HiCozy F3 Slushie Machine & Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine landed on my doorstep JUST IN TIME! ⬇︎ Jump to summary […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/29/hicozy-f3-slushie-machine-soft-serve-ice-cream-machine-review/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/26/paudin-knife-block-set-eview-solid-value-with-a-few-rough-edges/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/26/paudin-knife-block-set-eview-solid-value-with-a-few-rough-edges/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:00:54 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=484527 REVIEW – If your knives are showing their age, the PAUDIN Knife Block Set promises a complete kitchen refresh at a compelling price: $79 down from $170. That’s a 53% discount for German high-carbon steel blades, but does the quality justify the investment, or will you be reaching for the sharpener sooner than expected? I […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/26/paudin-knife-block-set-eview-solid-value-with-a-few-rough-edges/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/18/brabantia-foldable-laundry-basket-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/18/brabantia-foldable-laundry-basket-review/#respond Sat, 18 Oct 2025 17:43:55 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=483733 REVIEW – We are officially entering a new stage of life, sending our firstborn to college.  Our schedules have now added college visits, coach calls, financial aid forms, and scholarship applications.  Going along with that, we have visited a few dorm rooms and recognize that her space will be very limited for her items.  One […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/18/brabantia-foldable-laundry-basket-review/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/03/ecozy-nugget-ice-maker-dispenser-review-great-nugget-ice-but-not-quiet/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/03/ecozy-nugget-ice-maker-dispenser-review-great-nugget-ice-but-not-quiet/#respond Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:25:51 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=485567 REVIEW – You may remember a line in Real Genius, delivered by Val Kilmer; “Ice is Nice!”. For some reason this pops to the front of my mind anytime I use an ice dispenser. Today’s review is for an ice maker that is also an ice dispenser and a water dispenser to boot. The ice […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/10/03/ecozy-nugget-ice-maker-dispenser-review-great-nugget-ice-but-not-quiet/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/22/vibofrost-slushie-machine-review-a-solid-machine-for-semi-solid-drinks/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/22/vibofrost-slushie-machine-review-a-solid-machine-for-semi-solid-drinks/#respond Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:00:04 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=482189 REVIEW – Like many children of the 80’s, I have many fond memories of visiting the mall and getting Orange Julius slushies. In high school, 7-Eleven became a frequented hotspot for slushies as well. I haven’t had one in years, but the offer to review the Vibofrost slushie machine has renewed my passion for slushies […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/22/vibofrost-slushie-machine-review-a-solid-machine-for-semi-solid-drinks/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/19/the-cosori-gooseneck-kettle-review-can-a-normal-adult-get-excited-over-a-hot-pot/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/19/the-cosori-gooseneck-kettle-review-can-a-normal-adult-get-excited-over-a-hot-pot/#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:21:13 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=482585 REVIEW – I consider myself pretty normal (bold, I know) and I got excited about the COSORI Kettle after the first use. I can justify the emotion if you read on. The COSORI Kettle replaced our old-tech hot pot that would surely boil water, but we don’t usually want it boiled. The COSORI Kettle has […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/19/the-cosori-gooseneck-kettle-review-can-a-normal-adult-get-excited-over-a-hot-pot/feed/ 1 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/18/ohwill-i-be-better-about-recycling-a-trash-can-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/18/ohwill-i-be-better-about-recycling-a-trash-can-review/#comments Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:09:39 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=481505 REVIEW – Someone who didn’t cook designed my kitchen.  I say that because it’s not particularly user friendly.  There is no place for a trash can, so I’ve struggled for years to figure out where to put one, how to handle the recycling, and a million other issues.  OHWILL rolled out a dual can that […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/18/ohwill-i-be-better-about-recycling-a-trash-can-review/feed/ 7 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/16/hicozy-clear-ice-ball-maker-review-great-design-but-is-it-perfect/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/16/hicozy-clear-ice-ball-maker-review-great-design-but-is-it-perfect/#respond Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:06 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=482001 REVIEW – We’re drinking fancy tonight! Meet the HiCOZY Clear Ice Ball Maker. This device is designed to deliver crystal clear balls of ice for your drinks & cocktails like you’ll find in those classy bars & restaurants. How does it work? Is it really crystal clear? Let’s find out. To the review! ⬇︎ Jump to […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/16/hicozy-clear-ice-ball-maker-review-great-design-but-is-it-perfect/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/06/tacray-folding-kitchen-chef-knife-review-an-odd-design-that-works-surprisingly-well/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/06/tacray-folding-kitchen-chef-knife-review-an-odd-design-that-works-surprisingly-well/#respond Sat, 06 Sep 2025 13:22:08 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=478558 REVIEW – I’m murdering onions tonight with the TACRAY Folding Kitchen Chef Knife! Designed for the kitchen and the campground, this beastie folds up for stowing like a pocket knife but boasts full-sized performance for your food prep needs. Don’t feel bad for the onions (they know what they did). To the review! ⬇︎ Jump to […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/09/06/tacray-folding-kitchen-chef-knife-review-an-odd-design-that-works-surprisingly-well/feed/ 0 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/08/10/ecozy-451b-countertop-nugget-ice-maker-review-crunchy-nugget-ice-quick-and-easy/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/08/10/ecozy-451b-countertop-nugget-ice-maker-review-crunchy-nugget-ice-quick-and-easy/#respond Sun, 10 Aug 2025 12:00:19 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=478077 REVIEW – Nugget ice, also known as chewable ice, pellet ice, Sonic ice, or hospital ice, is a soft, porous type of ice made from compacted flakes. Unlike traditional cubes, nugget ice is prized for its unique texture—easy to chew, slow to melt, and highly absorbent of flavor. This is my review for the Ecozy […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/08/10/ecozy-451b-countertop-nugget-ice-maker-review-crunchy-nugget-ice-quick-and-easy/feed/ 0 Home and Kitchen - The Gadgeteer nonadult https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/08/07/inkbird-wifi-sous-vide-cooker-review-quiet-and-easy-to-use-for-a-newbie-like-me/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/08/07/inkbird-wifi-sous-vide-cooker-review-quiet-and-easy-to-use-for-a-newbie-like-me/#comments Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:00:09 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=477649 REVIEW – Sous vide is a cooking method I have never tried before, and it’s time to fix that. Meet the INKBIRD WiFi Sous Vide Cooker, a device that combines precision control with integrated Wi-Fi app management to provide an advanced cooking experience. Let’s learn new things. To the review! ⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons) Price: $109.99 […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/08/07/inkbird-wifi-sous-vide-cooker-review-quiet-and-easy-to-use-for-a-newbie-like-me/feed/ 4 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/07/25/waterdrop-x12-under-sink-reverse-osmosis-water-filter-system-review-quick-clean-water/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/07/25/waterdrop-x12-under-sink-reverse-osmosis-water-filter-system-review-quick-clean-water/#respond Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:58:14 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=476550 REVIEW – I have been looking for a water filtration system for a while, but with so many options, I just couldn’t decide. After Pat, a fellow Gadgeteer, reviewed the Waterdrop X16 reverse osmosis water filter system with high praise, I decided to give the Waterdrop X12 system a try. ⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons) Price: $1,299.99 […]]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/07/25/waterdrop-x12-under-sink-reverse-osmosis-water-filter-system-review-quick-clean-water/feed/ 0 Home and Kitchen - The Gadgeteer nonadult