One clear answer per product, built from what owners report after the honeymoon. Newest first within each category.
The Anova is the only countertop combi steam oven at its price, with app and firmware caveats. Who should buy it, and the Breville Joule that does most of the job for a third of the money.
Our pick: Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro
Owners love the ice and hate the upkeep. What the GE Opal 2.0 needs from you, how long it lasts, and the cheaper machine to buy if you'd rather not commit.
Our pick: GE Profile Opal 2.0
The TK-02 is the best-looking superautomatic you can buy. Owners report milk-system and support problems. What to expect, and the two machines to consider instead.
Our pick: Philips 5400 LatteGo
Vitamix replaced the A3500 with the X5. We checked the old model's three biggest owner complaints against the new one. Which to buy, and when the cheaper Vitamix is the smarter one.
Our pick: Vitamix Ascent X5
The Blackstone 36 is the best-selling griddle for a reason, but owners say it needs babying. Here is who should buy it, who should get the Weber Slate, and why.
Our pick: Weber Slate 36
Owners adore the Classic II and dread the delivery. What happens when 250 pounds of ceramic arrives cracked, and the one way to buy it that makes that a non-event.
Our pick: Kamado Joe Classic Joe II
The Ironwood XL is Traeger's big one. Owners report temperature swings and WiFi trouble at twice the price of the Woodridge Pro. Which one to buy, and when.
Our pick: Traeger Woodridge Pro
Same price, same grinder, two different gimmicks. What owners say about each, which one wins for milk drinks, and the setup that beats both for the same money.
Our pick: Breville Bambino Plus with a Baratza Encore ESP
The Oracle Jet promises one-touch cafe drinks. Owners report leaks and firmware trouble. Who it is right for, who should buy the Touch Impress, and who should go dual boiler.
Our pick: Breville Barista Touch Impress
The Maestro does a lot for $1,300, and owners report grinder trouble. Where the price makes sense, where it doesn't, and the machine that does the same job with fewer complaints.
Our pick: Breville Barista Touch
The Gaggia Classic Pro is the enthusiast's starter machine. One revision had a boiler problem; the newer E24 fixed it. How to make sure you get the right one.
Our pick: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Ninja's all-in-one does espresso, drip and cold brew. Breville's does espresso better. Which to buy depends on one question, and owners of both help answer it.
Our pick: Breville Barista Express
