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Our Testing Lab’s favorite products from April

Alvina Wang/BestReviews

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Written by Allen Foster


BestReviews loved these products that we tested in April

In April, BestReviews tested scores of products to gain the first-hand knowledge needed for honest evaluations. We looked at carry-on luggageice cream makers and more. Some of our favorites were Away’s The Everywhere Bag and Cuisinart’s ICE30BC Ice Cream Maker.

Shop this article: King Koil Luxury California King Air MattressSamsung HW-Q990D Wireless Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Rear Speakers and Better Homes and Gardens Tower Fan

How the BestReviews Testing Lab works

BestReviews Testing Lab isn’t a clinical lab. We don’t employ scientists or physicists to evaluate products. We hire the people who actually use the items in their day-to-day lives. This way, we know if a model truly holds up to the manufacturer’s promise of what it does and how it performs.

After testing, BestReviews donates all gently used items to places where they will do the most good. For instance, some products that we reviewed earlier this year went to organizations such as InfusionLyrical Opposition and Urban Schoolhouse.

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Best Testing Lab products from April

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

We love that the Spin 714 has a great screen with a comfortable keyboard, which makes it a pleasure to use. It only took seven minutes and 18 seconds to go from unboxing to operating. The long battery life means this Chromebook can be used all day without charging.

Cuisinart ICE30BC Ice Cream Maker

When we tested this model, we found it worked best when the ingredients and the drum were very cold. This allowed us to make a full 2 quarts of deliciousness in only about 25 minutes. The ice cream was smooth, rich, creamy and flavorful. Almost as exciting, the unit is super easy to clean.

King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress

This luxury air mattress has a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. It is extremely comfortable, and we found that the coil configuration helped prevent the mattress from sagging throughout the night. We were especially happy with the side supports that helped keep even active sleepers on the mattress all night long.

Away The Everywhere Bag

Besides being a smart-looking accessory, this bag really lives up to its name. We not only tested it for travel purposes — and loved the trolley sleeve — but found it suitable as a yoga bag as well. It is sizable enough to fit everything we needed for a weekend getaway. Plus, it opened wide for quick and easy packing — two minutes from start to finish.

Samsung HW-Q990D Wireless Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Rear Speakers

TVs don’t offer the best sound out of the box. Luckily, this Atmos system with wireless connectivity fixes that. It features plug-and-listen convenience, excellent audio quality and an immersive sound experience — whether watching movies or playing games. If you have the budget, this is a solid choice.

Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase

If you need a rugged carry-on that is roomy enough to keep you from checking luggage — even on a two-week trip — we think you should consider The Bigger Carry-On. It is chic, has a Transportation Security Administration-accepted lock, durable zippers and smooth-gliding wheels for maximum traveling convenience.

Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt and Sorbet Maker

One thing we like about Cuisinart’s ice cream maker is its ease of use. Even if you’ve never made chilled and creamy treats before, you can do it at the touch of a button. Another feature we appreciate is the large opening to add mix-ins, such as chocolate chips and nuts. But the best thing is the consistently creamy texture of the finished product.

Better Homes and Gardens Tower Fan

This 40-inch tower fan has a sleek space-saving design that makes it suitable for nearly any room. The three modes combine with the three speed settings and the programmable time to give us a much-appreciated flexibility that lets the fan be a top choice in many situations.  

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

Before recommending this, it is essential to point out that it is an attachment for people who already own or are considering buying a KitchenAid Mixer. If this is you, this space-saving option makes up to 2 quarts of ice cream per batch. It is simple to use and is ready to consume straight out of the bowl.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Checked-Large 28-Inch Suitcase

If you are a chronic overpacker, this offering from Samsonite might be the perfect option. We found it to be an incredibly durable, budget-friendly hardshell suitcase that is suitable for long trips. It features everything we were expecting, including a TSA-compatible lock, spinner wheels and a retractable pull handle.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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