How we research
The short version: PickedHouse picks are based on manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner reviews. We do not test products hands-on, and we never publish invented test results, scores, star ratings or prices.
1. We start with the maker’s own documents
For every product we read the manufacturer’s product page and, where available, the user manual and official spec sheet. Each spec in our tables comes from one of those sources, and the sources are linked at the bottom of every page with the month we checked them.
2. We flag disagreements instead of hiding them
Manufacturers sometimes publish different figures for the same product, for example a newer product page and an older manual, or regional versions with different suction or power. When that happens we say so on the page, show both figures where it matters, and tell you which document each came from.
3. We compare like with like
Some numbers aren’t comparable across brands. Robot vacuum suction (Pa) is measured by each maker its own way, and air purifier room sizes are quoted at different air-change rates. We point those out, and we lean on the more comparable figures: CADR, rated dough capacity, stated threshold heights, dimensions.
4. We weigh aggregated owner reviews
Specs don’t tell you everything. Before picking, we look at the overall pattern of owner reviews across large retailers: recurring complaints, durability concerns and common praise. We use that to inform which products make a list and which caveats we mention. We don’t quote star averages, because they change constantly and differ between retailers.
5. We match products to people
Every page has a “who should buy” section, because the right appliance depends on your kitchen, floors, room size or baking habits. A pick is a fit for a situation, not a universal winner.
What we don’t do
- We don’t claim hands-on testing, and we don’t publish lab measurements we didn’t make.
- We don’t give products numerical scores or star ratings.
- We don’t list prices. They change daily; retailer links show the live price.
- We don’t let affiliate commissions decide what we recommend. See our affiliate disclosure.
Updates and corrections
We re-check specs when makers release new models or revise their pages. If you find an error, email hello@pickedhouse.com.