The Best Smart Plugs

Using a smart plug is the cheapest, easiest way to remotely control any electrical device in your home. Just plug one into an electrical outlet, and add a lamp, fan, or other on/off device. Then set it up with an app, and—boom—you’re making magic.

We recommend the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) for inside the home and the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (EP40) for outdoor use, since they both work really well on their own and when paired with many other devices.

We also recommend the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300) if you want to be able to plug in and independently control and automate multiple devices.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-switch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Men’s White T-Shirts

A white T-shirt is a blank canvas. Versatile, casual, and classic, it can blend in—or stand out—with just about any wardrobe.

But with hundreds of options out there, finding a favorite can feel anything but basic. With help from a diverse and fashionable panel of testers, we sifted through heaps of tees to find flattering, comfortable and well-made staples that you’ll wear again and again.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-t-shirts-for-men/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

We Hate Ticks, Too. Here’s How to Protect Yourself and Prevent Bites.

The mere thought of ticks makes our skin crawl. These vile little creatures transmit diseases such as Lyme, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the rare-but-fatal Powassan virus, among others. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can range from swollen joints to meat allergies. About 50,000 cases of tick-borne illnesses are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention every year. Lyme, the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the US, is potentially debilitating and can be difficult to diagnose. In March, the CDC reported that Babesiosis, which can present asymptomatically or with flu-like symptoms, has been on the rise in the Northeast and Midwest over the last few years. Since prevention is better than any treatment, here's what to keep in mind as you head outdoors this summer.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/prevent-ticks-lyme-disease/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Gear for Foul-Weather Bike Commuting

Some of us at Wirecutter like our bikes so much that we’ll ride them when it’s raining—or snowing, or sleeting, or freezing, or whatever the weather brings. Thanks to our experiences riding in many conditions through many cities, we’ve accumulated a few pieces of gear we think you should consider if (as we do) you like to show up on a bike when nobody expects it.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rain-gear-for-biking/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Labor Day Deals of 2023

Labor Day weekend is bringing solid deals on a variety of our expert-vetted picks, from camping gear for outdoorsy types to cozy blankets, luxe mattresses, and other sleep- and lounge-friendly essentials for indoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best deals we’ve found so far.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/money/best-labor-day-sales-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Cheap Mini Fridge

We tested five of the most popular mini fridges by stuffing them with dozens of soda cans, measuring temperatures, and chilling drinks, lettuce, and frozen meals for a week. Most of them worked just fine—but if we had to recommend one, we’d say the Midea WHS-65L is the best of the bunch.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-fridge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Best Men’s and Women’s Rain Jackets and Raincoats

As Longfellow might have said: Into each life spent commuting, running errands, or watching a kid’s soccer game, some rain must fall. We spent two and a half months researching 134 raincoats and testing 30—with a panel of six testers in a range of shapes and sizes—to find six of the best rain jackets in a wide variety of sizes, styles, colors, and lengths to keep you dry and comfortable.

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