Gadgets – SPY https://spy.com Men's Style, Health, Grooming, Tech, Sports Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:27:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://spy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-spy_favicon.png?w=32 Gadgets – SPY https://spy.com 32 32 178930292 Every Student Needs Dashlane Password Protection Heading Back to School https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/electronics/dashlane-back-to-school-discount-1202971913/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/electronics/dashlane-back-to-school-discount-1202971913/#respond Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:01:22 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202971913 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

Spy.com may receive financial compensation from affiliate and advertising partnerships on this page and/or when you make a purchase after clicking through partnership links.

The only way to get through the beginning of a new school year is to stay organized. Keeping science and history notebooks separate is one thing, but arranging one’s digital life is arguably more important. Student ID numbers, portal log-ins, and other essential codes for academic life all need to stay in order, or assignments can pile up fast. This is why all students, young and seasoned, should have Dashlane on their side.

Dashlane is our favorite password and data protection tool because it’s one of the safest and most secure password managers available. Their online manager tool is intuitive and easy to access, and it won’t slow you down when logging on to turn in an assignment last minute.

Sign Up for Dashlane

Safety and Organization First

Writing down that locker combo/student ID/list of log-ins in a spiral notebook for anyone to see is a terrible idea. Instead, store it all in Dashlane, where it’s always at your fingertips but in the safest and most secure manner possible. It’s also easier to transition a list of passwords into adult life when it’s not bound by ink and paper.

Once you’re out of school, of course, that list of essential information you need to recall and protect only gets longer and more complicated. Dashlane can automatically generate random passwords between 4-40 characters for extra security and allows you to create a combination of letters, digits, and characters as well.

If you can remember a randomly-generated 40-character chain without storing it somewhere, you should take that show on the road, or go to Vegas and count cards. But with Dashlane, you don’t have to remember a thing. You can automatically create the safest password possible, and Dashlane will store it for you in a virtually unassailable app. Even Dashlane does not know your passwords due to its zero-knowledge architecture.

Dashlane's interface

Dashlane’s interface is exceptionally well designed — clean and neat and impeccably organized — so your passwords are right there when you, and only you, need them, across all of your devices.

Sign Up for Dashlane

Dashlane’s Top-Tier Encryption and Security

Dashlane protects all users’ passwords and data with AES-256 encryption, which was the first publicly accessible and open cipher approved by the National Security Agency (NSA) to protect top-secret government data. If the guys who watch over our nuclear arsenal and other state secrets approve, you should too.

Dashlane also uses ARGON2, the most powerful and up-to-date cryptography advancements. They’re constantly seeking out and repairing vulnerabilities, and innovating new protection plans faster than wannabe data thieves can create new digital worms, viruses, or other compromising software. The war between hackers and safety experts is never ending, and Dashlane can help you stay on the winning side.

How ahead of the game is Dashlane? It was the first password management tool to deliver passkey support, for one. And as more and more online businesses join Microsoft, Best Buy, eBay, PayPal, and others in supporting passkeys — Apple’s new iOS release coming this fall will also support them — your data will gain yet another layer of protection.

How Expensive Is Dashlane?

Dashlane is affordable, even on a student budget. The basic version is free and offers basic password management for one device. It includes unlimited password storage and secure sharing, and if you divert a few takeout cold brews a month you can bump yourself up to one of these levels of Dashlane:

  • The Advanced Plan ($2.75 per month when billed annually) adds unlimited devices and Dashlane’s outstanding Dark Web Monitoring features, which scans 20 billion records on the dark web and alerts you if any of your information appears there. In that event, Dashlane also provides simple steps to help fix the problem and protect your data.
  • The Premium Plan ($4.99 per month when billed annually), Dashlane’s most popular plan, gives you everything in Free and Advanced, plus a best-in-class VPN for WiFi protection.
  • The Friends & Family plan ($7.49 per month when billed annually) has all the features of the Premium plan for up to 10 individual accounts, managed under one affordable plan.

Sign Up for Dashlane

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The (Excellent) Bruvi Coffee Maker is $100 Off https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/bruvi-coffee-maker-deal-1202970881/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/bruvi-coffee-maker-deal-1202970881/#respond Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:44:18 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202970881 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

You’ve tried Keurig. You didn’t hate it, but you didn’t love it either. The coffee is a little bland. It tastes a bit like… office. But you need a quick fix in the morning and pour over isn’t practical (as much as we all love a locally sourced Guatemalan bean). You’re looking for something multifunctional but not a whole steampunk production that will take over the counter. It seems impossible. It isn’t. And, for the moment, it’s very affordable. The SPY-approved Bruvi coffee maker is $100 off and it’s the best damn coffee maker you’ll ever buy.

What makes it great? It’s a single-serve machine that provides a lot of options.

bruvi single serve coffee maker

Bruvi Coffee Maker


Unlike most Keurig single-serves, the Bruvi can brew both coffee and espresso, hot and cold. And the coffee is good. Try espresso colder and stronger. Try coffee hotter and weaker. Make an Americano, why don’t you? That’s one of the many options on the Bruvi’s touchscreen.

To top it off, Bruvi uses 40% more coffee than pod alternatives. And, get this, all pods are degradable. This means they take only a few years to decompose instead of hundreds.

Coffee is calling. Pick up your Bruvi today in time for the new semester and save $100 doing so with code BRUVI4ALL at checkout. Feel free to thank us later.

bruvi single serve coffee maker

Bruvi Coffee Maker


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This Indestructible Otterbox iPhone Case Is Nearly 90% Off https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/mobile/amazon-otterbox-iphone-case-sale-1202969270/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/mobile/amazon-otterbox-iphone-case-sale-1202969270/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:43:24 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202969270 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

You need a good phone case. It’s essential. It’s only a matter of time before your iPhone takes the dive down a flight of stairs or onto the pavement. Someday, you’re going to be checking Hinge on a ski lift and then, quite suddenly, you won’t be.

Otterbox is the gold standard for sturdy, tough-as-nails phone cases – and they usually cost a pretty penny, but you can get a great deal on a few cases on Amazon right now. Think the price you’d pay at the dollar store for a case that spells “iPhone” like “iFone.” 

Otterbox iPhone Cases are Cheaper Than Ever (Literally) on Amazon

OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Symmetry Series Case – Ombre Spray

If you’re an iPhone 13 user, then you’ve hit the jackpot with today’s deal. This symmetry case is 88% off if you get in the ombre spray color, which just happens to be gorgeous. The symmetry series is one of the most fashionable ones, managing to be durable without looking as industrial and bulky as some more hardcore Otterbox products. 


Otterbox iPhone Cases are Cheaper Than Ever (Literally) on Amazon

OtterBox iPhone 14 & iPhone 13 Symmetry Series+ Case – Clear

There’s also a great clear Symmetry case for iPhone 13 and 14 users, ultra slim, and containing built in magnets to connect to wireless charging pads. A great deal if you want to see the color of the green iPhone you paid extra for, $26 today at a nearly 50% discount.


Otterbox iPhone Cases are Cheaper Than Ever (Literally) on Amazon

OtterBox iPhone 14 Pro Commuter Series Case – Don't Be Blue

You can also score a pretty big discount as an iPhone 14 user, with the similarly slim commuter case coming in at around $20 today. It’s a 40% discount, with the case usually costing around $35 to $40. The discount’s only this steep for the blue one, which is perfect if you’re a fan of the Avatar movies.


Otterbox iPhone Cases are Cheaper Than Ever (Literally) on Amazon

OtterBox Galaxy S10e Commuter Series Case – Black

If you’re not an Apple devotee and swear by your Samsung Galaxy, there’s also a great Otterbox discount for S10e users in black – it’s typically anywhere from $28 to $41, but you can get it for $18 today.


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The Best Small Grills, According to Industry Experts https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-small-grills-1202968906/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-small-grills-1202968906/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:46:03 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202968906 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

Seventy percent of American households own a grill. Eighty percent of Americans live in urban areas, which tend to offer smaller outdoor spaces in which to use and store one. It follows, then, that a small grill is probably the best way for the majority of Americans to partake in the pastime. In the absence of a suburban quarter acre, a small grill can fit snugly on a cozy terrace, in an apartment storage unit, or even on an urban balcony, fire code-permitting. 

Smaller grills have numerous other benefits besides convenience. They’re easier to clean and require less fuel. They’re also less expensive, and the best ones can make food as well as any of their larger siblings. They can afford owners with the opportunity to eat a home-grilled burger on the roof of a skyscraper. In this way, a small grill isn’t just an appliance — it’s a cheat code for a moment of feeling like one has it all.


What the Experts Say

Perhaps unsurprisingly, experts within the industry are excited about small grills because they can bring the hobby to people who otherwise aren’t able to enjoy it. “More and more apartments are allowing or even offering grilling space and storage for their tenants,” says Kell Phelps of the National Barbecue & Grilling Association. “Just about every grill manufacturer makes grills for smaller spaces, and more are being developed, as well.”

“Grilling is more than a cooking method — it’s a passion and a lifestyle,” adds Casey Bumpstead, chef and editor of Ceramic Cookware Review. She maintains that it’s possible for city-dwellers to get an “excellent” grill that fits in a small space — another way of saying that everyone can partake in the lifestyle that so many already enjoy.

Recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill against white background

BEST OVERALL

Recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill

Phelps says that this on-the-smaller-side pellet grill works great in a small space. It features a WiFi-enabled controller, built-in temperature probes, and a chimneyless design that maximizes the cooking area on the grill, which clocks in at just under 600 square inches. That’s enough for 30 burgers or four racks of ribs. Plus, a second shelf bumps the space up to 760 square inches.

The Bullseye is also a great choice for small spaces because it’s a pellet grill that can be used as a smoker, too — a convenience that allows easy entry into the world of smoking, a related but different discipline. Its hopper holds up to 30 pounds of pellets, so it’s easy to be ready to cook without having to store extra fuel, which is a big bonus for people living in small spaces.


George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill against white background

BEST ELECTRIC

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

Whether or not an electric grill can provide a true grilling experience, even if used outdoors, is really a personal preference. Phelps says that those who don’t mind plugging in before grilling will enjoy this smaller electric pedestal grill that’s exceedingly simple to use. Its noteworthy features include nonstick grates, adjustable temperature control, and, crucially for those with nervous landlords or strict management companies, a charcoal-, wood-, and propane-free grilling experience.


Char Broil Commercial Series 2-Burner Gas Grill against white background

BEST PROPANE

Char-Broil Commercial Series 2-Burner Gas Grill

A classic propane grill, but narrower is the raison d’etre of this two-burner propane grill. In that spirit, it doesn’t skimp on features, including an integrated tank gauge, LED-lit controls, a warming rack, and dual side tables that fold up for utility and fold down for easier storage.


Weber Original Kettle Grill against white background

BEST CHARCOAL

Weber Original Kettle Grill

Maybe the most iconic grill in American history, the original Weber Kettle is actually a pretty compact grill, with a grate circumference of just a foot and a half. It’s not as automated as a smart pellet or propane grill, but it does reward the kind of tweaking and experimentation that, for many, is part of the appeal of grilling as a hobby. 


YAK Grill against white background

BEST HIBACHI

YAK Grills

Equally at home on the ground or a non-plastic table, this hibachi grill is extra-compact (the grate is 15 by 7 inches) and a great introduction to charcoal grilling on a much smaller scale. It’s perhaps most adept at cooking skewered foods like yakitori and kebabs, but the YAK grill can also make burgers, hot dogs, and anything else normally prepared on a grill with a much bigger footprint.


Ranger Cast Iron Grill Cooking Bundle 2.0 against white background

BEST FIRE PIT GRILL

Solo Stove Ranger Cast Iron Grill Cooking Bundle 2.0

A grill that turns into a fire pit after dinner has obvious appeal for small spaces, and the Solo Stove Ranger is the perfect pit for the task. Simply add the elevated hub and grilling grate — a flat-top and wok are also available — on top of the stainless steel, wood-burning, low-smoke fire pit, and it becomes a cooking surface accessible from all angles. All in all, it’s a cooking experience as satisfying as grilling over a campfire in the woods, albeit with a lot less smoke.



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The Best Smokers for Beginners, According to Barbecue Experts https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-smokers-for-beginners-1202968823/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-smokers-for-beginners-1202968823/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:13:35 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202968823 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

It’s no secret that outdoor cooking is extremely popular. According to one recent survey, 70 percent of American households own a grill or a smoker. And while it’s tempting to lump grilling and smoking together, they’re actually very different hobbies. Grilling is akin to a jog around the block while smoking is more similar to running a marathon. Smoking is all about “low and slow” — it involves exposing the hero ingredient to relatively low temperatures for many hours to provide enough time for the smoke to imbue it with an impossible-to-replicate flavor.

Smoking is also more intimidating for beginners because it’s a multi-step process. It involves getting a big piece of meat, preparing it with seasoning and/or twine, lighting some form of wood to help the smoker reach the right temperature, and checking on it periodically over many hours, making adjustments if needed. All in all, the financial investment needed to buy a smoker is fairly minimal — they cost a few hundred bucks, on average — but the time investment involved in learning to use one is sizable.

Of course, that investment can pay off handsomely. There’s the satisfaction of perfecting a skill — of knowing when to add more wood, when to adjust the airflow, or, crucially, when to simply leave things alone. And then there’s the joy of seeing friends and family members sitting around a table in the backyard, digging into something delicious made with lots of care and attention. 


What the Experts Say

Experts in the industry agree that pellet smokers are a great choice for beginners. “Not only are they easy to use, but they offer unmatched consistency from cook to cook, which is why a lot of competition BBQ teams like ours are not only using them but winning with them,” says Chris Olds, pitmaster of the Tipsy Brisket competition team. Kevin Turner, CEO of The Grilling Master, agrees: “Pellet smokers are great for beginners because they can work well with minimal attention,” he says.

Kell Phelps of the National Barbeque & Grilling Association also echoes the general sentiment but cautions that a pellet smoker will “never duplicate the flavor you get from charcoal or straight wood from a charcoal grill.” (Why? Pelletized wood just isn’t the same as the stuff right off the tree.)

Rod Gray, president of the Kansas City Barbecue Society, adds that offset smokers, which use a side-mounted firebox that provides indirect heat and smoke, produce “amazing results with a lot of smokey flavor,” though he says that they’re typically expensive. Additionally, it can be difficult for a beginner to learn fire management and temperature control on more advanced models.

The Best Smokers for Beginners, According to Barbecue Experts

BEST OVERALL

Recteq RT-590

Both Gray and Olds identified Recteq as a great manufacturer of smokers for beginners, with Olds mentioning this model in particular. The simple reason? Itt makes things easy, with two included meat probes to monitor food temps, push-button start-up, and a wifi PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) controller that regulates conditions inside the smoker and allows remote monitoring and control via the Recteq app.

Olds adds that Recteq pellet grills are built to last. “Because of the stainless steel construction on all new Recteq models, they never have a problem with rust,” he says. He adds that the brand also offers “incredible customer service” and “one of the best warranties” on the market. In other words, Recteq makes high-quality pellet smokers with low barriers to entry and plenty of post-purchase support — all factors that beginners new to smoking (and buying smokers) will appreciate.


The Best Smokers for Beginners, According to Barbecue Experts

BEST VERTICAL

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Vertical Smoker Package

Going vertical means adding more cooking space while maintaining a minimal footprint — in this case, a circle around two feet in diameter. The PBC, as it’s affectionately known, allows those new to smoking to experiment with hanging meat over the flame in addition to a standard grate for cooking and searing. It can hold charcoal or smoking chips, and it comes with everything needed to make a lot of smoked food.


The Best Smokers for Beginners, According to Barbecue Experts

BEST KETTLE

Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker

Another vertical option, the four shelves in this Masterbuilt smoker have a combined 711 square inches of cooking surface. They’re perched above a removable drip pan and grease tray that makes cleaning easy — a word that can also be used to describe the digital controls that automatically hold the smoker at a consistent temperature, which is crucial for beginners. Turner explains that “precise temperature control comes from years of cooking” and that “beginners need smokers with accurate temperature controls” to produce high-quality results.


The Best Smokers for Beginners, According to Barbecue Experts

BEST KETTLE

Weber Kettle 22 in. Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

The quintessential American grill, with the right wood chips or charcoal arrangement, is also a pretty excellent smoker. The damper allows easy adjustments to the airflow, which in turn affects the smoker’s temperature. Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable ash catcher below and, while it might not need to be said, this thing is also a fantastic grill for weekends where cookouts make more sense than true barbecues.


The Best Smokers for Beginners, According to Barbecue Experts

BEST PORTABLE

Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

For an overnight camping trip or extended tailgate, this portable pellet grill and smoker from the preeminent brand in the industry is hard to beat. It has the digital arc controller and precision temperature control that beginners need, all in a tidy package. Along with its smaller size, the wheels and folding legs make it easy to roll it around and fold it up after it’s cooled down.


The Best Smokers for Beginners, According to Barbecue Experts

BEST VALUE

Pit Boss 2-Series Analog Smoker

For those looking to try out a smoker without spending too much money, this electric option from Pit Boss is a solid choice. It includes an analog meat probe for temperature monitoring and built-in controls that allow temperature adjustment from 100 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit — heat that is well-maintained by the double-walled cabinet construction.


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Passkeys Are the Future of Internet Security, Here’s How Dashlane Can Help https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/mobile/dashlane-passkey-protection-2-1202967863/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/mobile/dashlane-passkey-protection-2-1202967863/#respond Mon, 17 Jul 2023 19:55:06 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202967863 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

Spy.com may receive financial compensation from affiliate and advertising partnerships on this page and/or when you make a purchase after clicking through partnership links.


Dashlane — SPY’s favorite password protection tool — is aiming to rid the digital world of passwords. They’re not trying to run themselves out of business, but rather stay ahead of the competition and embrace the newest and most secure form of online authentication: passkeys.

Dashlane was the first password manager tool to roll out passkey support in the fall of 2022, and as more websites and servers adopt them over passwords, Dashlane’s service will only become more useful.

Passkeys are pairs of related cryptographic keys generated by an authenticator app on a cellphone or a password manager like Dashlane. One key is public, essentially a username that lives in a server and is largely useless for hackers, and one is private. The private one lives on your device, within an authenticator, and is safe from prying eyes.

Every time you try to log in a server will prompt the authenticator for your private key, and you don’t need to worry about remembering or keeping passwords hidden. All you need to do is open the authenticator app on your phone to access your account.

Apple and Google have been using passkeys for data protection for years now, and Apple’s new iOS in the fall will support third-party passkey support. Enter Dashlane, one of the first password management tools that will be offering passkey support for both iOS and Android. This means Dashlane will act as the authenticator, storing passkeys for whenever you need them to access an account.

When you do try and access an account, Dashlane will know which unique passkey to suggest and you can use your device PIN, face scan, or fingerprint to securely verify it’s you and complete the login quickly.



No Memorization Aside, What Makes Passkeys Superior to Passwords?

Unlikely as it may seem, passwords can be guessed by interlopers. Especially if it’s your birthday, your wife’s middle name, or something otherwise publicly accessible. And if you’re like most people, you tend to reuse your passwords, maybe even several times across your websites and databases. So one lucky guess by a cybercriminal can leave your accounts and data exposed.

A passkey cannot be guessed — it’s a FIDO (Fast Identity Online)-standard-based cryptographical combination. And each one is unique to the website it is used for, which means phishing attempts using lookalike or spoofed websites or password requests cannot work. Just hacking into your device will not open the keychain, since Face or Touch ID is required, and they’re only stored there so there are very limited points of access. Even if someone hacked into your device, passkeys stored in Dashlane are protected by your PIN, fingerprint, Face ID, and Master Password.

Nothing is 100% foolproof, but this is about as close as you can get.

You may think your password is a secret, even a well-kept secret, but it’s one that’s shared between at least two places: you and the server you’re accessing. Unlike a password, passkeys don’t share any secret or valuable information with the server. The server only receives the public key and only you open the authenticator with the private key on your device.



So Why Aren’t Passwords Going Away Altogether?

Give it time. Before long, passwords are likely to join the 8-track, the Betamax, and the floppy disk on the ash heap of tech history. There’s no better time to be an early adopter of passkeys and cutting-edge improvements. Imagine living fully password-free, never worrying about needing to reset your account, or getting that dreaded email that there’s been a “suspicious login attempt.”

But change can be slow. Right now, there are only a few websites that support passkeys. Microsoft, eBay, Best Buy, and PayPal are among the early adopters. As data breaches become increasingly common, the evolution of data security is pointed toward a full transition away from passwords and toward passkey technology, and you’ll want to have Dashlane on your side.

Dashlane is prepared to support passkeys as more and more websites begin to use them, and they’ll continue to give the best-in-class service you’re used to getting with their password protection.


Why Dashlane?

Dashlane has been offering in-browser passkey support since September 2022, and they’re one of the very first companies to offer passkey support for both iOS and Android.

Needless to say, Dashlane is fully prepared for the passkey revolution. In the meantime, it is still the best password protection service on the market. Dashlane protects all its users’ personal data, not just passwords, with AES-256 encryption, the first publicly accessible and open cipher approved by the National Security Agency (NSA) to protect Top Secret government data.

Dashlane also uses ARGON2, the most powerful and up-to-date cryptography advancements and automatically updates its users’ vaults with constant improvements. Dashlane is also constantly seeking out and repairing vulnerabilities.

And Dashlane never sees your data. Its zero-knowledge architecture means users’ Master Passwords are never stored on Dashlane’s servers or transmitted over the internet. So even if Dashlane itself were breached, your Master Password would be safe. And in its 14 years of business, Dashlane has never been breached. Whether you’re dealing in passwords or passkeys, you want a data protection solution you can trust.

Dashlane is free for basic password management on one device, including unlimited storage and sharing. They also offer these affordable upgraded plans:

  • The Advanced plan ($2.75 per month when billed annually) adds unlimited devices and Dark Web Monitoring, a feature that scans 20 billion records on the dark web and alerts you if any of your information appears there. In that event, Dashlane also provides simple steps to help fix the problem and protect your data.
  • The Premium plan ($4.99 per month when billed annually), Dashlane’s most popular option, gives you everything in Free and Advanced plus a best-in-class VPN for WiFi protection.
  • The Friends & Family plan ($7.49 per month when billed annually) has all the features of the Premium plan for up to 10 individual accounts, managed under one affordable plan.


Online security is all about staying ahead of the pack, whether you’re talking about hackers or competitors. Dashlane has stayed far ahead of the hackers for 14 breach-free years now, and it’s head and shoulders above the competition in preparing for the advent of passkey technology. Sign up now for deals for new customers and upgrades for Free plan users.

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The Best Grills for Beginners, According to Chefs and Food Scientists https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-grills-for-beginners-1202967129/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-grills-for-beginners-1202967129/#respond Fri, 14 Jul 2023 12:31:14 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202967129 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

Part of the fun of grilling is arguing about the minutiae like whether ketchup belongs on a hot dog or whether propane is an affront to God. What can’t be argued is that grilling is very popular — 70 percent of Americans own a grill or smoker — which means that there’s no shortage of peer pressure to get grilling, as well as grills to choose from for the sad minority whose homes are currently grill-less.

The best grills for beginners are simple to set up and easy to use. It might not be quite as simple as food plus heat equals dinner, but they all come pretty close to that ideal while fostering a practical, working knowledge of the basics of grilling.

Grilling is a fantastic hobby because it’s easy to pick up but offers room for endless experimentation. It’s also a pastime that’s all about creating something that can be shared with friends and family no matter where they gather, from an expansive backyard to a designated grilling area in a big city park.


What the Experts Say

The biggest decision to make when purchasing any kind of grill, according to experts in the industry, is what kind of fuel it will use. The two main options, charcoal and gas, each have their own advantages. “Charcoal grills provide a smoky flavor that can’t be beaten, while gas grills are quick and easy to use,” says Asim Choudhry, a chef, barbecue master, and co-founder of The Halal Butchery.

Food scientist and recipe developer Jennifer Paillan says that after choosing a fuel, the next step is to decide which features are necessary. For beginners, she recommends “a grill with easy-to-use and responsive temperature controls. This often means choosing a grill with a built-in thermometer, adjustable air vents (for charcoal grills), and multiple burner controls (for gas grills).” 

Getting an easy-to-clean grill can also help foster an enthusiasm for the hobby, and both Choudhry and Paillan mentioned removable parts like drip pans and ash catchers, some of which are even dishwasher-safe.

Charboil GAS2COAL 3-Burner Hybrid Grill against white background

BEST OVERALL

Charboil GAS2COAL 3-Burner Hybrid Grill

Hybrid grills allow for beginners to experiment with charcoal and propane grilling in one device. Converting this grill from propane to charcoal takes under a minute and is as simple as taking out the grill grates, placing the charcoal tray on top of the propane burners, replacing the grill grates, and igniting the charcoal using the burners. 

Besides its hybrid nature, this grill has three features — a built-in thermometer, a removable ash pan, and a large cooking surface (enough for around 25 burgers) — that Choudhry recommends for beginners. There are also nice-to-have features like a separate side burner, which is great for preparing non-grillables, and a prep area on the other side that folds down for easy storage.


Blackstone 28" Original XL w/ Hood against white background

SPONSORED

Blackstone 28" Original XL w/ Hood

A griddle is a great choice for beginners because it’s easier to clean and, without grates, there’s no risk of food falling into the fire — the most amateurish of amateur moves. This 28-inch deep propane griddle grill from Blackstone has a cooking surface large enough to fit 102 hot dogs on a compact machine with two side shelves for prepping and resting. The piezoelectric ignition system makes firing up this grill as simple as starting a gas stove. 

And, once it’s going, the three independent heat controls mean it’s possible to grill at different temperatures and even dedicate an area to keeping food warm once cooked. All in all, it’s hard to argue that Blackstone’s isn’t the most versatile, easiest-to-own grill on the market.


Weber Performer Deluxe Slate Blue Outdoor Charcoal Grill against white background

BEST CHARCOAL

Weber Performer Deluxe Slate Blue Outdoor Charcoal Grill

Available in classic black or a gorgeous slate blue, this is basically a classic Weber kettle grill built into a large structure that includes a prep area and, crucially, an electronic ignition system that renders the one of the trickier parts of charcoal grilling — igniting the coals — a thing of the past.


Weber Spirit II E 310 against white background

BEST PROPANE

Weber Spirit II E-310

The Weber Spirit II is to propane what the Weber Kettle is to charcoal: a simple, high-quality grill that is something of a barometer for the rest of the category. Choudry says it’s “a great grill choice for beginners” because of its simple design and easy-to-use controls.

“It has three burners and plenty of cooking space,” he says. “The grill features Weber’s signature ‘Flavorizer Bars’ that help distribute heat evenly and infuse food with that classic smoky flavor.” There’s also a fuel gauge that makes it easy to know how much literal gas is left in the tank.


Recteq Bullseye RT 380 against white background

BEST PELLET

Recteq Bullseye RT-380

While not as ubiquitous as charcoal and gas options, grills that use compressed wood pellets as fuel and fans for circulation are increasingly popular for the versatility and ease of use they offer. Chris Olds, head cook and pitmaster of the Tipsy Brisket competition BBQ team, says that he recommends this pellet grill for beginners and veterans. 

“It’s inexpensive, you can grill and smoke on it, and it’s extremely easy to use because it’s a pellet grill,” he says. “It only takes 10 minutes to heat up and I can do anything from burgers to brisket on it.” Push-button startup and an included temperature probe that can help avoid over- and under-cooking are other features that beginners will certainly appreciate.


Cuisinart CGG 750 Portable Venture Gas Grill against white background

BEST PORTABLE

Cuisinart CGG-750 Portable Venture Gas Grill

If a full-size grill isn’t in the cards — denizens of small urban apartment-dwellers, listen up — this portable gas number is a very clever alternative. It looks like a large lunch box but removing the wooden lid and chopping board reveals a square foot of porcelain enameled cast iron cooking surface over a 9,000-BTU burner powered by a camping-sized canister of propane. It’s great for camping, of course, but also in any other situation that demands grilling far from home.


George Foreman GF03320GM Indoor/Outdoor Gun Metal Electric Grill against white background

BEST INDOOR

George Foreman GF03320GM Indoor/Outdoor Gun Metal Electric Grill

A big part of the appeal of grilling is getting outside, but there’s nothing wrong with a grill that lets you practice your skills on rainy days too. And while the electric heating element might make this grill a bit too easy for aspiring hobbyists, Kevin Turner, founder and CEO of The Grilling Master, says that feature, along with the nonstick surface and temperature controls, make it a good introduction to the world of grilling for those whose culinary challenges run deep.


YAK Grills Hibachi Charcoal Grill against white background

BEST HIBACHI

YAK Grills Hibachi Charcoal Grill

Skewered meats are one of those foods that seem to be present in every cuisine, from Italian spiedini to Turkish shish kebabs to Japanese yakitori, the namesake for this brand of portable hibachi grill. It’s a great choice for beginners because it’s relatively shallow, which means it’s easy to keep an eye on and adjust the charcoal. The burn box comes out for easy cleaning and the charcoal grid ensures a longer burn time. There’s something supremely satisfying about making food on such a small device, whether it’s skewers placed in the built-in notches or other foods sitting on the included grate. 



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Prime Day May Be Over, But Here Are the Best Deals You Can Still Get https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-amazon-prime-day-deals-241560/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/best-amazon-prime-day-deals-241560/#respond Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:00:57 +0000 http://spy.com/?p=241560 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

After two days of deals, deals, and more deals, Amazon Prime Day 2023 has finally come to a close. This year, the event spanned 48 hours of frenzied consumption with as many as 100,000 products purchased per minute and many of the world’s biggest brands participating. Apple moved a truly astonishing number of AirPods. Theragun moved an arsenal of massagers.

The good news? Though some deals are no longer available, many are. In fact, the dirty secret of Prime Day is that many will be available for a day or two after the event, even as the server farms start to cool and media businesses (including this one) resume their regularly scheduled programming. That doesn’t mean shoppers shouldn’t feel urgency. Deals are pulled unpredictably and popular products tend to go out of stock.

Here are the best remaining deals. Some are on perennial favorites. Some are future must-haves. All are worth checking out wile they last.

Apple AirPods Pro, black friday cyber monday deals

TRIED AND TRUE

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

It wouldn’t be Amazon Prime Day if AirPods Pro weren’t on sale. Even post-Prime Day, this 20% makes it a great time to upgrade the dwindling pair you already have. They’re made with noise cancellation, a MagSafe charging case, and adaptive transparency mode as well.


Hanes Essentials Men's T-Shirt Pack

Hanes Essentials Men's T-Shirt Pack

Get back to the basics by saving almost 40% on tees from Hanes. That’s only $3.50 a shirt.


Prime Day May Be Over, But Here Are the Best Deals You Can Still Get

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Beats is offering discounts on a variety of their top-selling headphones for Prime Day. These are equipped with adaptive noise cancelling and have up to 22 hours of battery life on one charge.


Prime Day May Be Over, But Here Are the Best Deals You Can Still Get

Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle

The Kindle Paperwhite is on sale when bundled with a leather cover and wireless charging dock. The Paperwhite’s screen is built for reading with a flush-front design that’s glare-free, and the battery lasts up to 10 weeks on a full charge.


Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid

Quench that thirst at almost 40% off.


Samsung The Frame TV against white background

Samsung 50-Inch The Frame TV

Samsung’s The Frame TVs turn into stunning wall art when not in use with their anti-reflection matte displays and design that hangs flush against the wall. The Quantum HDR display brings even crisper colors and visuals, and it’s over 27% off for Prime Day.


Wyklaus 7D

Wyklaus 7D Head Shaver

Prime Day isn’t just for Amazon devices and rare Apple deals — it’s also a great time to upgrade your grooming repertoire. This head shaver has seven blades built for 360-degree trimming and an waterproof design for easy use in the shower. The battery also lasts for 90 minutes on a full charge.


Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, black friday cyber monday deals

AirPods Max Headphones

Apple’s AirPods Max headphones are $100 off for Prime Day. They have active noise cancellation as well as a transparency mode that mixes your sounds with the world around you. The memory foam ear cushions are comfortable and the knit-mesh canopy band creates a secure fit.


Prime Day May Be Over, But Here Are the Best Deals You Can Still Get

Ruggable Kamran Washable Rug

Ruggable’s Prime Day sale is live on Amazon and bringing discounts on some of their top-selling washable rugs and bathmats including this vintage-looking 2-foot by 3-foot area rug that’s stain and water-resistant. It’s non-slip and perfect for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kids’ bedrooms.


Insignia fire TV

Insignia 43-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV

Save 40% on this Insignia UHD Smart TV right now. It’s built with 4K ultra-high-definition visuals and comes with Alexa voice control as well.


Sauder Boulevard Cafe Lounge Chair against white background

Sauder Boulevard Café Lounge Chair

Finding the right lounge chair to lay back in can be a hard find, particularly in summer when velvet and thick upholstery can be too hot too handle. This scandi-chic armchair has a modern edge that resists overheating, can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and rests your back at an angle that promotes deeper, relaxing breaths.


Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Oven against white background

Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Over with Customizable Smart Cooking Programs

Air fryers are worth the hype. They just are. If you’ve been on the fence Prime Day is a perfect occasion to try one out for a big discount. Instant Pot’s model comes with a large temperature range between 120-400 degrees Fahrenheit and their signature EvenCrisp technology for top-down airflow that cooks everything to a perfect finish.


Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds

OVER 500,000 5-STAR RATINGS

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

Apple’s original AirPods are also on sale for 22% off, even after Prime Day. They’re built for 24 hours of listening time with the charging case and auto-pause with in-ear detection.


Kitchenaid Artisan Plus Tilt Head Stand Mixer against white background

Kitchenaid Artisan Plus Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater

Normally, this stand mixer’s price tag is a bit too large to stomach. Sure, it would look super sleek on the counter but a near-$400 investment seems like a lot. This is where Prime Day pricing hits the hardest. Knocking 20% off brings you down to a perfectly reasonable price point for any avid cook or baker, and the countertop status symbol will still hit the same with all your guests.


GAP Mens Logo Fleece Crew Sweatshirt against white background

Gap Crewneck Sweatshirt

Sometimes, simplicity is key. GAP is selling this crew neck sweatshirt for a price that’s lower than certain drinks at Starbucks. At just $19, it’s practically being given away. The best thing about it though is that it’s just the GAP logo across it. Nothing flash. No funny saying on the back. Just clean and tidy. Layer it over a slightly wrinkled oxford for the full preppy look.


Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Classics 3-Pack Boxer Brief

Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Classics 3-Pack Boxer Brief

Replenish that underwear drawer with a pair (or three) of everyones favorite name in undies: Calvin Klein.


Prime Day May Be Over, But Here Are the Best Deals You Can Still Get

Vitamix A3300 Smart Blender

Vitamix blenders are some of the best kitchen companions around, but they come with price tags to match. This steep of a discount is rare, and we’re labeling this as a definite brand to watch throughout Prime Day. This Smart Blender has a hefty 64-ounce container that’s perfect for families and a programmable timer to help make meal prep seamless. 


man wearing Lacoste Men's Classic Short-Sleeve Pique L.12.12 Polo Shirt

SUMMER STAPLE

Lacoste Mens Classic Chine Polo Shirt

Lacoste’s classic men’s polo shirt is also on sale for Prime Day in a slate of neutral colors. It’s crafted with their original cotton petit piqué fabric sewn to form the iconic two-button placket.


De'Longhi air fryer oven

De'Longhi Premium 9-in-1 Air Fry Oven

De’Longhi’s air fryer is on sale for Prime Day and comes with nine functions in one machine as well as the ability to preheat up to 60% faster than conventional ovens. It’s got nine presets available for specialty baking of pizza or cookies, and it comes with accessories like an aluminum pizza tray and air fryer rack.


Ray-Ban sunglasses

Ray-Ban Caravan Square Sunglasses

Ray-Ban is another classic brand that’s available on Amazon and discounted for Prime Day. These shades have non-polarized crystal lenses, metal frames, and a coating of UV protection.


Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

Prime Day usually churns out a deal or two on Apple’s iPad, and this 9th generation one is 24% off, which brings the price well below $300. This one has a gorgeous 10.2 inch retina display, an A13 bionic chip for high-speed graphics performance, and True Tone that adjusts to the surrounding light temperature for optimal viewing.


DeLonghi espresso machine

SPY EDITOR FAVORITE

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine

SPY Wellness Editor Taylor Galla tested out this espresso machine a few years back and swears by it. It’s used daily in her household and still makes a perfect Americano more than two years later. It’s more than worth its full price for coffee drinkers, and now it’s $200 off.


Shark robot vacuum

Shark AI 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop

Shark has combined the duties of a robot vacuum and mop into one machine that adds convenience with features like a self-emptying dustbin and a 60-day dirt and debris capacity. You can also initiate Matrix Mop in the app to get a 50% better clean in targeted zones throughout the home.


Amazon Fire TV 65" against white background

Amazon Fire 55-Inch 4K Smart TV

Amazon’s larger Fire TVs are also on sale for Prime Day, including this 55-Inch model with a 4K, HD screen.


Prime Day May Be Over, But Here Are the Best Deals You Can Still Get

Beats Studio Buds +

Beats Studio Buds + come with up to 1.6x more active noise cancellation than previous models and come with a Transparency Mode as well for mixing sound with your external environment. The battery life lasts for up to 36 hours on one charge and the voice-targeting mics are designed to filter background noise for crisp, clear audio quality on phone calls.


Amazon basics propane heater

Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Heater

Chilly nights on a patio or in a backyard demand a heat source, and Amazon Basic’s propane heater is enamel-coated, easy to move, and 16% off for Amazon’s largest shopping holiday. It’s built with an auto-shutoff valve for tilt safety as well as a fillable water box for weighing down the base.


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Prime Day Deals: AirPods, Kindles, and Other Tech Sales Under $100 https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/electronics/prime-day-tech-deals-under-100-1202966688/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/electronics/prime-day-tech-deals-under-100-1202966688/#respond Wed, 12 Jul 2023 21:13:20 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202966688 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

You’re a discerning consumer. You’re not easily seduced by paltry 10% discounts on splurge purchases, and you remember a day when Black Friday truly meant something. 

You take the same approach to Prime Day — you go into it with a big-bucks mindset. You want triple-digit prices to drop well below that, particularly on the bite-sized gadgets you wouldn’t spend money on throughout the rest of the year.

Here, we uncovered the best tech deals under $100 this year, including AirPods, wireless chargers, and Amazon products like the Kindle and Echo. Go forth and shop them before time runs out.

Apple AirPods 2nd Generation Wireless Earbuds against white background

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation Wireless Earbuds)

If you’ve been playing a game of chicken with Apple and its AirPods suite, waiting for a pair to slip under $100 — you’re in luck. These are an older version, and not the Pros (so they don’t include noise cancellation), but they’re still an extremely good deal at $89.99. They have a great microphone and sound quality, and offer hands-free Siri access and a decent battery life. 


JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless in-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones against white background

JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless in-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

JBL is no Apple, but the company sells great speakers and headphones — and for Prime Day, the brand is providing another solid sub-$100 option for wireless earbuds, at $40. It’s rare to find noise cancellation, seven hours of battery life (28 with the case), and adjustable EQ for that price elsewhere. 


Google Pixel Buds A Series against white background

Google Pixel Buds A-Series – Wireless Earbuds – Headphones with Bluetooth (Charcoal)

The Google Pixel Buds are a top budget option for wireless earbuds, and only cost about $60 this Prime Day. They’re comfortable, connect to phones pretty seamlessly, and have solid sound quality. This and the JBL Tune 230NC are great deals for people who want wireless earbuds but are destined to lose anything not connected to a wire. 


Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker and Wireless Charger against white background

Belkin Phone-Charging Smart Speaker

Belkin makes one of the best on the market, and it’s just under $100 for Prime Day. Amazon reviewers praise the deep bass, volume range, and compact size. As a bonus, this version offers access to Amazon’s Alexa (another version connects to Google Assistant). 


Blink camera 3-pack

Blink Mini Compact Indoor Smart Security Camera (3 Pack)

If you’re interested in home surveillance, a three-pack of security cameras from Blink is currently 50% off. Each one has motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, and can be controlled via Alexa. Find out whether it’s a human neighbor or a raccoon stealing your fruit of the month boxes for only $15 per camera. 


Echo show 8 and blink mini camera

Echo Show + Blink Mini Bundle

As usual, Amazon is offering great deals on its own tech for Prime Day, including smart home gadgets. Its Echo Show 8 is 56% off and includes a Blink Mini security camera. They’re a great pair, since you can stream footage from the security camera directly on the Echo Show, and the Echo Show can serve as a great centralized base for a network of cameras and smart speakers as well.


Kindle Paperwhite against white background

Kindle Paperwhite

And if you’re more into e-readers than Echos, Prime Day is pretty much the best time to buy a Kindle. Amazon has deals on its whole family of them, but we like the screen, battery life, and storage capabilities of the newest Paperwhite model, which is $90 today. 


iphone plugged into the belkin wireless charger

Belkin Wireless Charger (PSU Not Included), Made For MagSafe

Belkin’s a giant in the charging business. This wireless pad is beloved by many, including a few members of the SPY staff. The cord length is ideal, the clip adjusts easily, and its casing feels durable. 


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Prime Day Deal: This Top Air Purifier Is 30% Off — And a Life-Saver Against Forest Fire Smoke https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/prime-day-airdoctor-air-purifier-deal-1202966651/ https://spy.com/articles/gadgets/appliances/prime-day-airdoctor-air-purifier-deal-1202966651/#respond Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:55:05 +0000 https://spy.com/?p=1202966651 Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.

This summer, millions on the East Coast and in the Midwest got a taste of the kind of air quality that has plagued their western peers for years in the form of apocalyptic skies — and dense mushroom clouds of dust. The Canadian wildfires that spawned it provided a) a rude awakening about climate change, b) a ready-made Instagram aesthetic, and c) an urgent push to buy air purifiers. Why suffer from a smoker’s cough if you don’t even smoke? 

The fires and asphyxiating dust may have abated for the time being, but they’re likely sticking around as a summer hazard — making an air purifier as necessary as an air conditioner or working shower between Junes and Augusts of the future. It’s a tricky purchase because many air purifiers aren’t that good — and the good ones are often pricey. But the well-built ones are a worthwhile buy.

SPY recommends this one from AirDoctor, for instance, which retails for over $600 but is about $200 off for Prime Day this year. 

AIRDOCTOR AD3000 AD3500 Air Purifiers against white background

AIRDOCTOR AD3000 AD3500 Air Purifiers for Home and Large Rooms


A more budget-friendly air purifier for less than half the price this Prime Day is BLUEAIR Air’s Blue 311i Max, which is $160 after its 30% discount. It’s great for a large space, which isn’t often the case for an air purifier this small (it’s about the size of a wastepaper basket). It’s a pro at eliminating airborne particles like smoke, a life-saver in a red-sky scenario, and it does so quietly. 

A good air purifier like this one is also a game-changer for other reasons: it clears up dust in a space and can help with congestion and sleep. So go on — clear the air. The world may look like a Michael Bay movie these days but your apartment doesn’t have to. 

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