Appliances

Is Your Wi-Fi Making You Vulnerable? How to Lock Down Your Network You know, it’s funny. I’ve spent the better part of a decade analyzing industries, looking at market trends, and dissecting data for a living. But when I get home, I’m just like anyone else – wrestling with the everyday stuff. And lately, the everyday stuff has included thinking more and more about our home Wi-Fi. When I renovated my kitchen a few years back, it was a whole saga. New cabinets, countertop installation, the whole nine yards. We upgraded a lot of appliances, and suddenly, I had smart thermostats, a smart fridge, even a smart coffee maker. Add to that the usual suspects: a couple of phones, a tablet for the kids, the smart TV… you get the picture. It’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of it all. ...

Alright, let’s talk home security. Specifically, how to make your place look a little less appealing to the folks who’d rather not be invited in. As an industry analyst who’s spent years digging into the nuts and bolts of how things work (and sometimes, how they don’t), I’ve seen my fair share of clever solutions, and sometimes, the simplest ones are the most effective. Today, I want to share what I consider the oldest, and dare I say, most elegant trick in the book for deterring burglars. ...

Alright, let’s talk about light bulbs. It sounds simple, right? Just twist and screw. But how many times have you stared at a room and felt… off? That beautiful accent wall you painted now looks muddy, or the new sofa just doesn’t pop like it did in the showroom. Nine times out of ten, it’s the lighting. I’ve been in the industry analysis game for over 8 years, and before that, I was knee-deep in my own home improvement projects. And let me tell you, getting light right is a game-changer. ...

Hey everyone, Mike Johnson here! As an industry analyst, I spend a lot of time looking at trends, numbers, and what makes things tick. But at the end of the day, I’m also a homeowner just like you, constantly balancing spreadsheets with sawdust. This time of year, it’s hard to ignore the buzz. Early Black Friday deals have officially arrived, and some of the biggest retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot are kicking off the season with genuinely impressive markdowns on tools, generators, smart home tech, appliances, and home essentials. Whether you’re prepping your home for winter, planning holiday gifting, or finally tackling that lingering home improvement project, these sales are definitely tempting. ...

The Best Boot Dryers of 2025 We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That miserable feeling of squishing around in damp shoes or boots, whether it’s after a rainy hike, a long day on the job site, or just plain sweaty feet. There’s a special kind of relief that comes with getting sloshy footwear off, and frankly, it’s a wonder boot dryers aren’t a more common household appliance. They’re a small investment that offers a huge boost to daily comfort. ...

Hey folks, Mike Johnson here – your go-to guy for all things industry analysis, especially when it touches on the world of home improvement. Every year, around this time, my inbox (and my own project list) lights up with the promise of Black Friday deals. And let me tell you, for us homeowners, it’s not just about holiday shopping; it’s about gearing up for the next big project, stocking the garage, or finally replacing that aging tool. ...

Alright, folks, Mike Johnson here! Been digging through numbers and trends in the industry for over eight years now, and honestly, a lot of what I learn on the job translates right back to our own homes. Because let’s face it, whether you’re analyzing market shares or figuring out how to replace a leaky faucet, it’s all about making smart decisions. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned both professionally and personally, it’s that a well-planned home project can be one of the best investments you make. But it’s also where most of us stumble if we’re not careful. ...

Okay, here’s a blog post written as Mike Johnson, industry analyst with 8+ years of experience, sharing my thoughts and experiences on home improvement and a great deal on a Govee Hygrometer. That Time My Humidor Ruined My Cigars (And Why You Need a Hygrometer) We’ve all been there, right? You invest in something nice, something that’s supposed to protect something else, and then it… fails spectacularly. For me, it was my cigar humidor. I thought I was being all fancy, keeping my precious collection in optimal condition. I even spent a decent amount on a fancy-looking analog hygrometer. Big mistake. Months later, I opened it up to find… a moldy mess. Turns out, that “fancy” hygrometer was way off. That taught me a valuable lesson: don’t cheap out on accurate environmental monitoring. ...

The 20 Best Gifts Under $50, Handpicked by the Bob Vila Team: More Than Just Gifts – It’s About the Project Hey everyone, Mike Johnson here. As an industry analyst with years of diving deep into various markets, I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. But one constant in my personal life, and frankly, in the lives of most homeowners I know, is the endless cycle of home improvement projects. You know that feeling, right? One minute you’re enjoying your space, the next you’re staring at a leaky faucet or dreaming of a brighter living room. ...

Your Home Project Playbook: Navigating Renovations Without Losing Your Mind (or Wallet!) Alright, neighbors, Mike Johnson here! You know me as the guy who crunches numbers and analyzes industries for a living, but when the workday’s done, I’m just like you—a homeowner constantly looking at the next project on the list. My 8+ years in industry analysis has taught me a thing or two about breaking down complex problems, and let me tell you, home renovations are definitely complex problems! ...