Vacuum cleaners
Many of the tested vacuums managed to clean carpets effectively, but only a few could also handle pet hair and combine that ability with easy handling. If you’re in the market for a new vacuum, use our free buyer’s guide and check out our ratings of canisters, uprights, and stick and handheld models and sweepers/brooms.
 
Trash bags
We stuffed 16 pounds of jagged wood and metal pieces into 30-gallon Glad ForceFlex and Hefty Ultra Flex bags, then added more weight and shook well to see which bag best resisted tearing. Read the report or watch this video to discover which bag outflexed the other.

Food-storage bags
We went a little easier on the press-to-seal and zipper-lock models we tested, filling them with 4 cups of water before turning them sideways and upside down before dropping them. We also tested which bags, including some whose makers claim can extend storage time, kept strawberries and green peppers freshest in the refrigerator.
 
Interior paints
Manufacturers have succeeded in improving one-coat coverage while reducing the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their paints. In our tests of flat, low-luster, and semigloss finishes, Behr paints (sold at Home Depot) were rated highest for most applications, but as you’ll see in this video, other brands might be better for sunny rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Check our ratings and the many opinions in our paints forum.

Hand mixers
Several models that cost less than $80 made short work of mixing chocolate chips into stiff cookie batter in our tests of hand mixers. A $40 multitasking model from Kalorik that also blends, chops, and juices might appeal if you are on a tight budget or have limited storage space or only a limited need for these capabilities.

—Gian Trotta