Garden DH
Derek Holt
Home & Appliances Editor — Kitchen, Laundry & Small Appliances
9 years experience · Researches every appliance through spec sheets, service manuals and owner reviews before it earns a place in a guide.
Derek runs the home-appliances side of Garden and Home Reviews. He knows how confusing appliance shopping gets once every brand claims to be the best, so he writes the guides he wishes existed when he furnished his own first apartment. His approach is research-first: he digs through spec sheets, manufacturer manuals and the buyer reviews on every vacuum, blender and cleaner before recommending it, with exactly one goal — helping a reader pick the one that will actually hold up at home. Still uses the same stand mixer he bought a decade ago, on the strength of its reviews.
Credentials
Verified Expertise
- Nine years following the home-appliance and small-appliance market
- Researches every appliance through spec sheets and owner reviews
- Cross-checks warranty and reliability claims against verified buyer feedback
Covers Here
Topics Owned
- Vacuums & floor care
- Kitchen appliances
- Laundry & cleaning
- Air quality & humidifiers
- Home organization
- Small-appliance buying guides
Knows About
The entities and topics Derek is recognised for — the same signals our author schema passes to search engines.
Robot vacuumsStick vacuumsCordless vacuumsStand mixersAir fryersCoffee makersWashing machinesDryersHumidifiersAir purifiersSteam cleanersHome organization systemsSmall-appliance reliabilityKitchen appliance researchConsumer appliance reviewsWarranty comparison
Published Work
467 Pages by Derek
Everything Derek has researched and written for us, grouped by the areas Derek owns. More publishes each week as our schedule rolls out.
Small Kitchen Appliances 61
- Air Fryer Electricity Use Answer
- Air Fryer Lifespan Answer
- Best 12 Cup Coffee Maker Buying guide
- Best Air Fryer Buying guide
- Best Air Fryer Brands Buying guide
- Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo Buying guide
- Best Air Fryer for French Fries Buying guide
- Best Blender Buying guide
- Best Blender Brands Buying guide
- Best Blender Food Processor Combo Buying guide
- Best Blender for Baby Food Buying guide
- Best Blender for Crushing Ice Buying guide
- Best Blender for Frozen Fruit Smoothies Buying guide
- Best Blender for Protein Shakes Buying guide
- Best Coffee Maker Buying guide
- Best Coffee Maker Brands Buying guide
- Best Coffee Maker for Iced Coffee Buying guide
- Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker Buying guide
- Best Countertop Convection Oven Buying guide
- Best Drip Coffee Maker Buying guide
- Best Dual Basket Air Fryer Buying guide
- Best Electric Kettle Buying guide
- Best Electric Kettle for Tea Buying guide
- Best Electric Kettle with Temperature Control Buying guide
- Best French Press Buying guide
- Best Glass Electric Kettle Buying guide
- Best Glass Jar Blender Buying guide
- Best Gooseneck Electric Kettle Buying guide
- Best Hand Mixer Buying guide
- Best Immersion Blender Buying guide
- Best Personal Blender for Smoothies Buying guide
- Best Pour Over Coffee Maker Buying guide
- Best Programmable Slow Cooker Buying guide
- Best Single Serve Coffee Maker Buying guide
- Best Slow Cooker Buying guide
- Best Slow Cooker Brands Buying guide
- Best Stand Mixer Buying guide
- Best Stand Mixer for Bread Dough Buying guide
- Best Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker Buying guide
- Best Toaster Oven Buying guide
- Blender vs Food Processor Guide
- Cake in a Toaster Oven Answer
- Clean a Coffee Maker Without Vinegar Answer
- Clean a Toaster Oven How-to
- Clean an Air Fryer How-to
- Coffee Maker Lifespan Answer
- Coffee Maker Wattage Answer
- Deep Clean a Blender How-to
- Descale a Coffee Maker How-to
- Foil in a Toaster Oven Answer
- Foil in an Air Fryer Answer
- Frozen Meat in a Slow Cooker Answer
- Over-the-Range Microwave How-to
- Preheating an Air Fryer Answer
- Refrigerator Water Filter How-to
- Reset a Jammed Garbage Disposal How-to
- Sharpen Kitchen Knives How-to
- Slow Cooker vs Instant Pot Guide
- Stand Mixer vs Hand Mixer Guide
- Tilt-Head vs Bowl-Lift Guide
- Toaster Oven vs Air Fryer Guide
Bedding & Sleep 49
- Assembling a Platform Bed Frame How-to
- Best Bamboo Sheets Buying guide
- Best Body Pillow for Pregnancy Buying guide
- Best Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Buying guide
- Best Comforter Buying guide
- Best Comforter Brands Buying guide
- Best Comforter for Hot Sleepers Buying guide
- Best Cooling Mattress Pad Buying guide
- Best Cooling Mattress Protector Buying guide
- Best Cooling Sheets Buying guide
- Best Cooling Sheets for Night Sweats Buying guide
- Best Down Alternative Comforter Buying guide
- Best Down Comforter Buying guide
- Best Down Pillow Buying guide
- Best Duvet Insert Buying guide
- Best King Size Comforter Buying guide
- Best Latex Mattress Topper Buying guide
- Best Latex Pillow Buying guide
- Best Linen Sheets Buying guide
- Best Mattress Protector Buying guide
- Best Mattress Protector for Bed Bugs Buying guide
- Best Mattress Topper Buying guide
- Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain Buying guide
- Best Mattress Topper for Hip Pain Buying guide
- Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers Buying guide
- Best Mattress for a Platform Bed Buying guide
- Best Mattress in a Box Buying guide
- Best Mattress in a Box for Back Pain Buying guide
- Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper Buying guide
- Best Organic Cotton Sheets Buying guide
- Best Pillow Brands Buying guide
- Best Pillow for Back Sleepers Buying guide
- Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers Buying guide
- Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain Buying guide
- Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Buying guide
- Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Buying guide
- Best Sheet Brands Buying guide
- Best Waterproof Mattress Protector Buying guide
- Best Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux Buying guide
- Best Weighted Blanket for Adults Buying guide
- Do You Need a Protector Answer
- Down vs Down Alternative Guide
- Fixing a Squeaky Bed Frame How-to
- Fluffing a Flattened Mattress Topper How-to
- Protector vs Pad Guide
- Queen Comforter Size Answer
- Topper Lifespan Answer
- Wash a Mattress Protector Answer
- Washing a Weighted Blanket How-to
Cleaning & Laundry 45
- Best All-Purpose Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Carpet Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Carpet Cleaner for Pet Stains Buying guide
- Best Carpet Cleaner for Stairs Buying guide
- Best Cold Water Detergent Buying guide
- Best Detergent for Hard Water Buying guide
- Best Detergent for Odor Removal Buying guide
- Best Detergent for Sensitive Skin Buying guide
- Best Detergent for Whites Buying guide
- Best Detergent for Workout Clothes Buying guide
- Best Free and Clear Detergent Buying guide
- Best Grout Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Laundry Detergent Buying guide
- Best Laundry Detergent Pods Buying guide
- Best Laundry Detergent Sheets Buying guide
- Best Microfiber Cloths Buying guide
- Best Oven Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Robot Mop Buying guide
- Best Stain Remover for Laundry Buying guide
- Best Stainless Steel Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Steam Mop Buying guide
- Best Steam Mop for Hardwood Buying guide
- Best Steam Mop for Laminate Buying guide
- Best Steam Mop for Tile Buying guide
- Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Upholstery Cleaner Machine Buying guide
- Best Wool Dryer Balls Buying guide
- Carpet Cleaner Rental Cost Answer
- Carpet Drying Time Answer
- Cleaning Grout How-to
- Cleaning Hardwood Floors How-to
- Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances How-to
- Cleaning a Dryer Vent How-to
- Cleaning a Range Hood Filter How-to
- Cleaning a Washing Machine How-to
- Cleaning a Washing Machine Gasket How-to
- Cleaning an Oven How-to
- Deep Cleaning a Carpet How-to
- Descaling a Dishwasher How-to
- How Steam Mops Work Answer
- Removing Carpet Stains How-to
- Removing Hard Water Stains How-to
- Steam Mop vs Regular Mop Guide
- Wash Microfiber Cloths Answer
Heating & Cooling 45
- Best Baseboard Heater Buying guide
- Best Basement Space Heater Buying guide
- Best Box Fan Buying guide
- Best Ceiling Fan Buying guide
- Best Ceiling Fan Brands Buying guide
- Best Dual Hose Portable AC Buying guide
- Best Electric Fireplace Buying guide
- Best Electric Fireplace Insert Buying guide
- Best Electric Fireplace TV Stand Buying guide
- Best Energy-Efficient Space Heater Buying guide
- Best Garage Space Heater Buying guide
- Best Oil Filled Radiator Heater Buying guide
- Best Portable AC Brands Buying guide
- Best Portable AC and Heater Combo Buying guide
- Best Portable Air Conditioner Buying guide
- Best Propane Garage Heater Buying guide
- Best Smart Thermostat Buying guide
- Best Space Heater Buying guide
- Best Space Heater for a Large Room Buying guide
- Best Tower Fan Buying guide
- Best Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Buying guide
- Bleed a Radiator How-to
- Ceiling Fan Lifespan Answer
- Ceiling Fan Sizing Answer
- Ceiling Fan Wobble Answer
- Clean AC Condenser Coils How-to
- Clean a Furnace Flame Sensor How-to
- Clean a Window Air Conditioner How-to
- Electric Fireplace Running Cost Answer
- Electric Fireplace Venting Answer
- Install a Ceiling Fan How-to
- Install a Window Air Conditioner How-to
- Install a Window Insulation Kit How-to
- Insulate an Attic How-to
- Portable AC Electricity Use Answer
- Portable vs Window AC Guide
- Replace a Thermostat How-to
- Reverse a Ceiling Fan for Winter How-to
- Seal Leaky Air Ducts How-to
- Smart Thermostat Value Answer
- Space Heater Wattage Answer
- Summer Fan Direction Answer
- Tower vs Box Fan Guide
- Tower vs Pedestal Fan Guide
- Weatherstrip a Door How-to
Outdoor Living & Grills 43
- Assembling a Gas Grill How-to
- Best Adirondack Chairs Buying guide
- Best Cantilever Patio Umbrella Buying guide
- Best Charcoal Grill Buying guide
- Best Charcoal Grill for Smoking Buying guide
- Best Charcoal for Grilling Buying guide
- Best Fire Pit Buying guide
- Best Gas Grill Buying guide
- Best Gas Grill Brands Buying guide
- Best Gas Grill Cover Buying guide
- Best Gas Grill Under $500 Buying guide
- Best Grill Thermometer Buying guide
- Best Kamado Grill Buying guide
- Best Natural Gas Grill Buying guide
- Best Patio Furniture Brands Buying guide
- Best Patio Furniture Covers Buying guide
- Best Patio Furniture Sets Buying guide
- Best Patio Umbrella Buying guide
- Best Patio Umbrella for Wind Buying guide
- Best Portable Propane Grill Buying guide
- Best Smokeless Fire Pit Buying guide
- Building a Deck Planter Box How-to
- Building a Fire Pit How-to
- Building a Patio Privacy Screen How-to
- Building a Paver Patio How-to
- Building a Pergola How-to
- Building an Outdoor Bench How-to
- Charcoal Burn-In Time Answer
- Charcoal Temperature Control Answer
- Cleaning Gas Grill Burners Answer
- Cleaning Outdoor Cushions Answer
- Cleaning a Charcoal Grill Answer
- Cleaning a Gas Grill How-to
- Cleaning a Patio Umbrella Answer
- Fire Pit Distance From House Answer
- Hanging Outdoor String Lights How-to
- Laying a Gravel Patio How-to
- Lump Charcoal vs Briquettes Guide
- Marshmallows on a Propane Fire Pit Answer
- Natural Gas vs Propane Grill Guide
- Putting Out a Charcoal Grill Answer
- Replacing Gas Grill Burners How-to
- Restoring Teak Patio Furniture How-to
Air Quality 40
- Air Purifier Placement Guide
- Air Purifiers and Dust Answer
- Air Purifiers and Smoke Smell Answer
- Basement Dehumidifier Sizing Answer
- Best Air Purifier Buying guide
- Best Air Purifier Brands Buying guide
- Best Air Purifier for Allergies Buying guide
- Best Air Purifier for Dust Buying guide
- Best Air Purifier for Mold Buying guide
- Best Air Purifier for Smoke Smell Buying guide
- Best Air Quality Monitor Buying guide
- Best Basement Dehumidifier Buying guide
- Best Bedroom Air Purifier Buying guide
- Best Bedroom Humidifier Buying guide
- Best CO Detector Buying guide
- Best Dehumidifier Buying guide
- Best Dehumidifier Brands Buying guide
- Best Dehumidifier with a Pump Buying guide
- Best Evaporative Humidifier Buying guide
- Best Garage Dehumidifier Buying guide
- Best Humidifier Buying guide
- Best Humidifier Brands Buying guide
- Best Large Room Humidifier Buying guide
- Best RV Dehumidifier Buying guide
- Best Whole House Dehumidifier Buying guide
- Best for Wildfire Smoke Buying guide
- Clean a Dehumidifier How-to
- Clean a Humidifier How-to
- Cool Mist vs Warm Mist Guide
- DIY Box-Fan Air Purifier How-to
- Dehumidifier Lifespan Answer
- Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water Answer
- Dehumidifier Running Cost Answer
- Dehumidifier Running Costs Answer
- Dehumidifier Setting Answer
- Evaporative vs Ultrasonic Guide
- Humidifier Cleaning Schedule Answer
- Humidifier Placement Guide
- Humidifiers and Dry Skin Answer
- Replace Air Purifier Filter How-to
Furniture & Decor 36
- Anchoring Furniture to the Wall How-to
- Anchoring a Bookshelf Answer
- Are Standing Desks Worth It Answer
- Assembling and Anchoring a Bookshelf How-to
- Best Accent Chair Buying guide
- Best Area Rug Buying guide
- Best Bookshelf Buying guide
- Best Brands Buying guide
- Best Desk Converter Buying guide
- Best Electric Standing Desk Buying guide
- Best Office Chair Buying guide
- Best Rug Pad for Hardwood Buying guide
- Best Sofa Under $1,000 Buying guide
- Best Standing Desk Buying guide
- Best Standing Desk Mat Buying guide
- Best for Long Hours Buying guide
- Best for Lower Back Pain Buying guide
- Best for Sciatica Buying guide
- Best for Tall People Buying guide
- Bookshelf Depth Answer
- Building a Coffee Table How-to
- Building a Console Table How-to
- Building a Floating Nightstand How-to
- Building a Floating Shelf How-to
- Building a Headboard How-to
- Cleaning a Fabric Sofa Answer
- Hanging Curtains How-to
- Hanging a Gallery Wall How-to
- Hanging a Heavy Mirror How-to
- Installing a Curtain Rod How-to
- Living Room Rug Size Answer
- Mounting a TV on the Wall How-to
- Refinishing a Wood Dresser How-to
- Reupholstering a Dining Chair How-to
- Stopping a Rug Sliding Answer
- Styling a Bookshelf Answer
Vacuums & Floor Care 35
- Bagged vs Bagless Guide
- Best Backpack Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Broom for Hardwood Floors Buying guide
- Best Budget Cordless Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Budget Stick Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Budget Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Budget Vacuum for Carpet Buying guide
- Best Central Vacuum System Buying guide
- Best Cordless Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Cordless for Hardwood & Carpet Buying guide
- Best Robot Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Robot Vacuum Brands Buying guide
- Best Robot Vacuum Mop Combo Buying guide
- Best Robot Vacuum for High-Pile Carpet Buying guide
- Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Vacuum Brands Buying guide
- Best Vacuum Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Vacuum Under $100 Buying guide
- Best Vacuum Under $200 Buying guide
- Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Buying guide
- Best Vacuum for High Pile Carpet Buying guide
- Best Vacuum for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Vacuum for Pet Hair on Carpet Buying guide
- Best Vacuum for Stairs Buying guide
- Best Vacuum for a Small Apartment Buying guide
- Cleaning a Robot Vacuum How-to
- Cleaning a Vacuum Filter How-to
- Cordless for Carpet Buying guide
- Cordless for Hardwood Floors Buying guide
- Pet Hair & Hardwood Floors Buying guide
- Replacing a Vacuum Belt How-to
- Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Buying guide
- Stick Vacuums for Hardwood Buying guide
- Unclogging a Vacuum Hose How-to
- Upright vs Canister Guide
Pools & Spas 24
- Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Worth It Answer
- Best Above Ground Pool Brands Buying guide
- Best Above Ground Pool Cover Buying guide
- Best Above Ground Pool Heater Buying guide
- Best Above-Ground Pool Buying guide
- Best Cordless Pool Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Inflatable Hot Tub Buying guide
- Best Pool Algaecide Buying guide
- Best Pool Chlorine Tablets Buying guide
- Best Pool Cover Pump Buying guide
- Best Pool Floats for Adults Buying guide
- Best Pool Pump Buying guide
- Best Pool Shock Buying guide
- Best Pool Solar Cover Buying guide
- Best Pool Test Strips Buying guide
- Best Pool Thermometer Buying guide
- Best Pool Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Robotic Pool Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Solar Pool Heater Buying guide
- Best Suction Side Pool Cleaner Buying guide
- Pool Pump Electricity Use Answer
- Pool Pump Lifespan Answer
- Pool Pump Sizing Answer
- Vacuum a Pool Manually Answer
Storage & Organization 24
- Add Shelves to a Closet How-to
- Best Closet Organizer Buying guide
- Best Garage Shelving Buying guide
- Best Overhead Garage Rack Buying guide
- Best Pantry Organizers Buying guide
- Best Storage Bins Buying guide
- Best Under-Bed Storage Buying guide
- Build a Closet Organizer How-to
- Build a Shoe Rack How-to
- Drawer Organizers How-to
- Garage Overhead Storage How-to
- Garage Pegboard How-to
- Garage Wall Shelving How-to
- Hang Bikes in the Garage How-to
- Install Floating Shelves How-to
- Install a Closet Rod How-to
- Mudroom Bench How-to
- Organize Kitchen Cabinets How-to
- Organize a Chest Freezer Answer
- Organize a Pantry How-to
- Organize a Small Pantry Answer
- Slatwall Panels How-to
- Storage Ottoman How-to
- Under-Stair Storage How-to
Indoor Lighting 23
- Best Desk Lamps Buying guide
- Best Dimmer Switch for LED Lights Buying guide
- Best Dimmer Switches Buying guide
- Best Hardwired Under-Cabinet Lighting Buying guide
- Best LED Floor Lamps Buying guide
- Best Monitor Light Bar Buying guide
- Best Smart Bulbs Buying guide
- Best Sun Lamp for SAD Buying guide
- Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Buying guide
- Install LED Strip Lights How-to
- Install Recessed Lighting How-to
- Install Track Lighting How-to
- Install Under-Cabinet Lighting How-to
- Install a Ceiling Light How-to
- Install a Dimmer Switch How-to
- Install a Flush-Mount Ceiling Light How-to
- Install a Motion Sensor Light How-to
- Install a Pendant Light How-to
- Install a Smart Light Switch How-to
- Replace a Chandelier How-to
- Replace a Light Fixture How-to
- Replace a Light Switch How-to
- Wire a Three-Way Switch How-to
Smart Home & Security 23
- Best DIY Home Security Systems Buying guide
- Best Driveway Alarm Buying guide
- Best Floodlight Camera Buying guide
- Best PoE Camera System Buying guide
- Best Security Cameras Buying guide
- Best Smart Lock for Airbnb Buying guide
- Best Smart Locks Buying guide
- Best Smart Plugs Buying guide
- Best Solar Security Camera Buying guide
- Best Video Doorbell Without Subscription Buying guide
- Best Video Doorbells Buying guide
- Installing a Door and Window Sensor How-to
- Installing a Smart Garage Door Opener How-to
- Installing a Smart Lock How-to
- Installing a Smart Thermostat How-to
- Installing a Video Doorbell How-to
- Installing a WiFi Extender How-to
- Installing a Wired Security Camera How-to
- Installing a Wireless Doorbell How-to
- Mounting Outdoor Security Cameras How-to
- Setting Up Smart Plugs How-to
- Setting Up a DIY Security System How-to
- Setting Up a Smart Home Hub How-to
Pets at Home 19
- Air Purifiers and Dog Smell Answer
- Best Air Purifier for Cat Allergies Buying guide
- Best Air Purifier for Dog Hair Buying guide
- Best Air Purifier for Pets Buying guide
- Best Automatic Pet Feeders Buying guide
- Best Bagged Vacuum for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Budget Pet Hair Vacuum Buying guide
- Best Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Cat Urine Enzyme Cleaner Buying guide
- Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Enzyme Cleaners Buying guide
- Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Pet Water Fountains Buying guide
- Best Purifier for Litter Smell Buying guide
- Best Robot Vacuum and Mop for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Robot for Long Pet Hair Buying guide
- Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair Buying guide
- Cat Pee Smell in Carpet Answer
The Rest Of The Crew