We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Featured
A new component is quickly emerging as a must-have addition for blenders — the travel jar. Travel jars offer the convenience of blending and enjoying your favorite drinks on the go. With their compact size and secure lids, these portable containers make it easier than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping up with your busy schedule.
April 01, 2024
Bestcovery has tested several blenders over the past few weeks to help you find the best one for your home. If you still don't know which one to get, we’ve got another comparison for you! Below is my honest review and comparison of the Blendtec GO Travel Bottle and Base and the Beastmode blender by Beast. Whether you’re looking for convenience, versatility, or durability, we’ll break down the features of both options to help you make the right choice.
March 22, 2024
When it comes to finding the right blender for your needs, there are many options to choose from. From small compact blenders to high-powered, professional-grade models, every blender has its own features and capabilities. To help you find the perfect blender, Bestcovery put popular ones to the test! Below is my honest review of the Beast Blender, including what I liked, what could be improved, and whether or not I’d recommend it.
March 12, 2024
Most Popular
  • Are you on the hunt for a new blender but having a hard time making a decision? Feeling overwhelmed with choices? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Vitamix and Blendtec stand as major contenders in the blender market, so Bestcovery put them to the test. Check out my honest review and comparison below to determine which one truly reigns supreme in this ultimate blender showdown.
    February 23, 2024
  • In today's fast-paced world full of busy schedules, even essential tasks like oral hygiene can sometimes get rushed or overlooked. The Y-Brush Electric Toothbrush offers a promising solution to this common problem. Unlike traditional toothbrushes that recommend a full two-minute brushing session, the Y-Brush only takes 20 seconds to do the job.
    December 01, 2023
  • There's nothing quite like the feeling of a new pair of leggings, especially when you find one that fits just right. Athleta and Lululemon, two major companies in the athletic apparel industry, claim to have the best leggings. They're both popular brands with thousands of good reviews, but which one is better? We decided to settle the debate ourselves! We tested a pair of leggings from both brands to help you decide which one is worth investing in.
    October 13, 2023
  • The world of adhesive is vast and sprawling, but the king of the hill has to be epoxy. There is a special kind of epoxy for every application from simple, wooden joinery to plugging leaks in boat hulls. Choose the right one and the end result will be a joint or repair that is both strong and astoundingly long lived.We've narrowed down our selections to the most commonly-encountered types of epoxy, though this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of every type of epoxy that exists. Our recommendations take into consideration the overall effectiveness of each best epoxy in 2022, value for money, availability both off- and online, user reviews, and personal experiences with each.The following categories are represented below:Best All-Purpose EpoxyBest Wood EpoxyBest Metal EpoxyBest Plastic EpoxyBest Putty EpoxyBest Waterproof EpoxyWhere applicable, we've included multiple recommendations for your convenience. All of the epoxies selected here are great products, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
    February 03, 2016
Home
  • A countertop water distiller can be a priceless item to have when traveling, or simply for use at home for those who value the utmost purity from their water. These water distillers boil the water to distill it using steam, and then typically pass the water through a filter to further remove any impurities.Although water distillers tend to be fairly pricey, we've selected models striking a good balance between performance and price. We examined build quality to ensure our picks will be durable and some of our selections even feature a distillation process where water doesn’t come into contact with any plastic.While added features are less important, the following best countertop water distillers in 2022 have useful touches such pre-programmed filtration, so you can wake up in the morning to clean water. Finally, each of our picks are easy to use, with little to no assembly or installation required.
    October 22, 2014
  • Since there’s so much variety for the intended use of binoculars, it's difficult to pick just a few overall models to recommend. Although high-end binoculars offer multiple benefits, many users simply want something that will perform well and not cost so much that accidentally dropping them on the ground is a major tragedy.We've approached this list of best binoculars in 2022 with the goal of recommending models that are excellent for general use, while having some that specialize more in one area or another such as stargazing or bird watching, for example. We also ensured each pick offers a clear and bright image, while being easy to use for nearly all levels of experience. Some of our picks offer more durability than others, with varying degrees of weather-proofing. Lastly, each of our selections provides excellent value for their price point.
    October 22, 2014
  • Professional mechanics depend on air tools, especially a pneumatic impact wrench to get their work done. When working on stubborn nuts and bolts, an impact wrench can quickly loosen what would otherwise require massive amounts of effort and sweat (and probably a few busted knuckles along the way). The only drawback with pneumatic impact wrenches is you need a pretty good-sized air compressor to power them. For the rest of us, there are hand impact drivers. These wonderful and inexpensive tools allow you to take hammer force and convert it to rotational force. Attach a socket or bit and you can suddenly loosen that stubborn fastener. Not only that, but since you are applying the hammer to the back of the tool, you are ensuring that the bit or socket doesn’t come off the fastener. One added advantage of using a hand impact driver is the frustration relief provided by being able to hit the fastener that’s giving you so much trouble. It's going to take a good whack to break it loose, so you'll be able to take out all your aggression and frustration on it, rather than slamming the door and kicking the cat. That makes it an all-around better alternative. Because these tools take a lot of abuse, quality is important. While a fairly simple device, if the metal is too thin or not properly tempered, it can break rather easily. Of course, how often you have to use it becomes a factor as well. Deciding on the right tool for you can be a challenge, but we're here to help. Check out our list of the best hand impact driver sets in 2022 no matter what you need one for. These are reliable, durable, and sure to make your job get done faster.
    October 01, 2014
  • A saute pan is one of the most important cook's tools in the kitchen. A good quality saute pan can be used for a variety of dishes. A chef, could get maximum usage for one by using it in the oven, for shallow frying and sometimes baking. The saute pans on this list were chosen because they are oven safe, medium to large sized and very sturdy. These lists of the best saute pans in 2022 will make you wonder how you ever lived without a good saute pan.
    September 13, 2014
  • Of all the types of drill bits available on the market, twist drills are the most common because they can be used for cutting virtually any type of material. Other types of drill bits are specialty bits, used for only certain materials. I’ve decided to limit this list of best drill bit sets in 2022 to standard “jobbers length” or standard size length twist drill bits. There are other lengths available, such as “aviation bits” which are 6 or 12 inches long. However, these are rather rare and quite costly.Twist drills come in three basic size groups: Fractional drill sizes – typically from 1/64 to 1/2 inches in 1/64 inch increments. However, they are also available in sizes up to over 1 inch. Letter drill sizes – used predominantly by machinists, these sizes are essential if you are going to tap threads into the hole. Wire gauge sizes – again, these are predominantly used by machinists.The biggest enemy of drill bits is heat which reduces the temper of the metal and causes the cutting edge to dull quicker. When drilling holes, there are two things that you can do to reduce the heat that your drill bit is creating: Drill at a slower speed. The general rule of thumb is that the harder the material, the slower you should drill. Use a cutting oil that lubricates the drill to substrate contact, reducing heat. If you don’t have an actual cutting oil, any light mineral oil will work.Manufacturers have experimented with materials, in order to create drill bits that will last longer. This is specifically dealing with drill bits that are used to cut metals. The most common materials are: Low carbon steel – Although fine for working in wood and plastic, it won’t hold an edge long for metal. High carbon steel – These can be honed sharper and hold an edge much longer than low carbon. If overheated, they will lose their temper immediately and become dull. High-speed steel – This is a special steel alloy, formulated for drill bits and other cutting tools. It’s much more resistant to heat than high carbon steel. Cobalt steel alloys – These are variations on high-speed steel that contain more cobalt. This allows them to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees. However, they are more brittle. Tungsten carbide (typically called just carbide) is an extremely hard material that can cut in just about anything. Since it is expensive and very brittle, it is normally just welded to the tip of the drill bit, creating the cutting edge. Polycrystalline diamond – This is a man-made diamond, sintered to carbide support. These are the hardest bits, able to cut anything but they are very expensive, generally used only in industry, where taking the time to replace a drill bit might delay a production line.In addition to the materials that the drill bit is made of, many manufacturers coat their drill bits with various materials, providing reduced friction or wear. These drill bits cannot be sharpened as the process of sharpening will remove the coating on the sharpened cutting edge: Black oxide – The least expensive of coatings. This provides for heat resistance, lubricity, and corrosion resistance. Titanium nitride (TiN) – A hard ceramic material. When used to coat a high-speed steel bit, it prolongs the life by two or three times. Titanium aluminum nitride (TiAIN) – Is considered superior to TiN, with the ability to extend a drill bit’s life up to five times. Titanium carbon nitride (TiCN) – Like TiAIN, can extend the drill bit’s life up to five times. Diamond powder – This is the hardest bit coating, creating an abrasive bit rather than a cutting bit. These bits are used for cutting tile, stone, and other very hard materials. Due to the heat generated, it is typical to spray water onto the cutting point, in order to prevent damage to it.For your reference, some of the other types of drill bits available are: Step drill bits – Designed to create a hole with a counterbore or countersink Unibit – Designed to cut a number of different sized holes in sheet metal Hole saw – For cutting larger holes in sheet goods Center and spotting drills – Used for machining to create a starter hole in an exact location or create a place for a center on a lathe Core drill bit – For enlarging existing holes, such as enlarging a cast hole in a metal casting Countersink bit – For countersinking Ejector bit – A hollow design so that water can be run into the hole to remove chips Gun drill bit – Designed to drill deep holes, extremely straight for guns; they come up to 8” in diameter and over 20’ long Left-hand bit – Used predominantly in specialized operations with CNC equipment Spade bits – For boring holes in wood Straight fluted bit – Used for boring in copper or brass, so that the bit doesn’t drag and dig in Brad-point bit – For wood boring, the brad-point provides an exact center location Forstner bit – For boring precise, flat bottomed holes in wood, can go up to 4” in diameter Auger bits – For boring deep holes quickly Masonry bit – Designed more to chip out the masonry, with a flute for removing the dustJust a quick safety note: Always wear eye protection when drilling. Chips, dust, and flakes can be thrown off by the bit, causing damage to the eyes or blindness.
    September 11, 2014
Health & Beauty
  • The right shave soap can really make all the difference when adopting an old style approach to shaving. A soap that works into a thicker, richer lather will result in fewer cuts and nicks and produce a smoother, more comfortable shave. If you are planning on leaving canned foams and disposable razors behind in favor of a more fulfilling and rewarding shaving experience you need to know that finding the right shave soap is essential. You want something that is easy to work, that produces a rich lather, that has a smell that suits you and that isn’t too expensive. Based on overall factors like cost, ease of use and effectiveness we’ve put together this list of the best shave soaps in 2022 available today.
    September 27, 2013
  • Shaving is a rite of passage. Something that all men must take up at some point to look their best for dates, meetings, interviews or just the daily grind. While some men just rush through this part of their daily routine without a second thought, there are others who have adopted the old school methodology and take the act of shaving just a little more seriously. By applying the right shave soap with a high quality shave brush you can turn the simple act of shaving into something more than just a part of getting ready. Applying your shaving cream thoughtfully with your shave brush can not only be almost meditative, it can also help you get a closer and more comfortable shave. The right brush will help lift your whiskers and help properly prepare you for a close and lasting shave. Based on factors like cost, ease of use and effectiveness, we have put together this list of the best shave brushes in 2022 available today.
    September 27, 2013
  • Tanning oils speed up the tanning process, enhancing both indoor and outdoor tanning. Unlike tanning lotions, which are typically creamy in texture, tanning oils are thinner and easier to apply. Skin absorbs tanning oils faster than tanning creams, leaving it extra moisturized and hydrated. Some tanning oils also nourish your skin with vitamins and antioxidants, which condition and protect your skin against signs of aging. Since most tanning oils don't contain over SPF 4 sunscreen, they do not provide adequate protection against the sun's harmful rays. The best tanning oils in 2022 listed below were chosen because they all offer the best bronzing performance and feature the best user reviews.
    September 24, 2013
  • Find the moments of relaxation you crave with luxurious bubble baths. They can help ease stress, soften your skin, and revitalize your body and mind. Bubble baths are available in many different intoxicating scents and can contain essential oils that provide aromatherapy benefits. Fortunately, you don't have to spend much to experience the calming effects of a bubble bath. The best bubble baths in 2022 featured below were selected because they all are relaxing, invigorating, and rated the highest by users. These bubble baths range in price to suit all budgets.
    September 23, 2013
  • Hair treatment masks are deep conditioning products that moisturize and repair. Anyone with dry, damaged, or over processed hair can benefit from using a mask one to two times per week. If you are trying to maintain healthy hair, newsflash: you still need to use a mask once a week, minimum. Many of these conditioning masks utilize various types of oils, butters and proteins to restructure and smooth. Many salon services (Brazilian keratin treatments, coloring, highlighting) require harsh chemicals that can dry out the hair. By using a specialty mask, you can minimize damage and replenish your strands. I chose the following masks based on one simple factor: effectiveness. Each of the following products has that "wow" factor. As a woman with naturally curly, color treated hair, I have tried a variety of masks, from every price point. I keep all five of the following products in rotation in my regimen. For best results, shampoo and rinse hair with warm water. Saturate hair from root to tips with one of the following masks. Wrap hair in a warm towel for 7 to 30 minutes. Rinse well with cold water to seal the hair cuticle and increase shine. I promise, your hair will thank you for the extra TLC! Checkout our top picks for best hair treatment masks in 2022.
    September 12, 2013