The BestReviews Testing Lab liked these products best in March
The goal at BestReviews is to simplify the purchasing process. We want you to have one place where you can go to make quick, confident purchasing decisions. One way we do that is by testing many common household products every month, so we have firsthand knowledge regarding which models are the best.
For March, we evaluated electric drills, air mattresses and more, and found a dozen favorites, including the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Motor 1/2″ Drill/Driver – Model 2803-20 and the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Luxury Air Mattress.
Shop this article: Makita 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit – Model XFD131, King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress and Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Checked-Large 28-Inch Suitcase
How the BestReviews Testing Lab works
To help you better understand, the BestReviews Testing Lab isn’t a clinical lab with scientists operating in a sterile setting. It’s made up of homes across the country and real consumers. Some testers may actually be experts or professionals who use the products regularly. Others might be novices who have never used the item that they are testing. The goal is to discover if the products hold up to the manufacturer’s promises, making them truly beneficial in real-world applications.
After the test results have been documented, BestReviews donates these gently used items to places where they will do the most good. For example, products tested earlier this year went to organizations such as Infusion, Lyrical Opposition and Urban Schoolhouse. This month’s went to Boy Scout Troop 351 of Fort Worth, Texas, which auctioned them to raise money for tents and other outdoor equipment.
Best Testing Lab products from March
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Motor 1/2″ Drill/Driver – Model 2803-20
If you’re looking for a large, heavy-duty tool that can power through the toughest tasks a homeowner may face, this is the model to choose. It feels great in the hand and is made of quality materials. The top user would be a professional or someone who routinely tackles DIY projects.
Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Luxury Air Mattress
If you have a guest who will stay over for a day or two, this is an excellent option. It inflates in as little as three minutes and 33 seconds and is firm enough for two adults to have a restful night’s sleep. The primary downside is this model can be time-consuming to deflate — it took us roughly nine minutes.
Makita 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit – Model XFD131
The Makita is a rugged drill that comes with a higher price tag than other options. On the plus side, it also performed better, with a battery that lasted over an hour on a single charge. And the impressive power let us drive screws and bore holes in less than five seconds. It is a top choice for hardcore users.
King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress
It would be hard to find an air mattress with as many impressive features as the King Koil. This model inflated in under two minutes, held up to abuse by curious cats and only leaked a barely noticeable amount of air overnight. It is large and impressively comfortable, making it best for in-home use — not camping.
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit – Model P215K
Ryobi is a good brand for the average homeowner. The products are not intended for heavy-duty professional use, but they are rugged enough to accomplish common household tasks. Also, Ryobi tools are affordable. This drill is comfortable, but it requires a bit of force to tackle the tough projects. We like it best for lighter-use applications.
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Checked-Large 28-Inch Suitcase
If you plan on traveling, this Samsonite might be exactly what you need. We easily packed enough for a complete two-week vacation in this model. It was rugged, but didn’t handle quite as smoothly as we hoped. We like the lock, the two-position adjustable handle and the inner mesh that helped secure our belongings.
Kobalt 24-Volt Max 1/2-in Cordless Brushless Drill – Model KDD 1424A-03
This Kobalt isn’t impressive. However, it also doesn’t disappoint. It is a solid electric drill that is suitable for typical light-duty tasks. The battery life is as expected and the power is adequate. If you’re looking for an entry-level drill that doesn’t cost too much, this is a good option.
Intex Dura-Beam Standard Pillow Rest Classic Air Mattress Series
While this single mattress is low to the ground and doesn’t offer the support of a thicker option, it has a wonderful flocked top that makes it super-comfortable. It also held two people without losing more than 10% of air overnight. It is an affordable option that offers value.
Black+Decker 20V Drill/Driver – Model LDX120C
This Black+Decker drill does not have a great deal of power. It is affordable and can handle craft-level tasks, making it an option for a variety of light-duty needs. However, if you are looking for a dependable model that gets you through some tough situations, a higher-priced drill is a better choice.
This air mattress can be set up in a little over a minute, making it the fastest we tested. Unfortunately, it didn’t hold that air very well, and when two people slept on it, it was not very firm — more like a waterbed. However, if you want a mattress that stores easily, that is the only area where this model excels. Otherwise, it’s advisable to stick to a different option.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill – Model DCD999B
This hammer drill is a little overkill for general use. It has bells and whistles, such as a bright LED light and a belt hook. We think the power, the features and the price make it best for a serious user.
Makita 12V MAX CXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit – Model FD07R1
This smaller Makita drill is only suitable for basic home maintenance. It is small, lightweight, features a light and comes with a case and two batteries, making it a good value. Just don’t expect it to impress in heavy-duty situations.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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