This page explains how HomeIsBeautiful chooses topics, researches products, writes recommendations and keeps guides accurate. It is the standard every guide on the site is held to.
Our principles
- Useful first. Every guide should help a real shopper make a better decision, not just list products.
- Honest about the basis. We say plainly whether a recommendation is based on research or hands-on testing.
- Independent picks. Commissions, brand relationships and advertisers do not determine which products we recommend or how we rank them.
- No invented claims. We do not make up test results, ratings, reviews, expert credentials or specifications.
- Kept current. We update guides when products, specifications or availability change.
How we choose topics
We focus on specific shopping questions people actually have, usually phrased as “Best + product” (for example, “Best dehumidifiers for basements”). A narrow topic lets us define clear criteria and give a direct answer. We prioritize topics where a thoughtful comparison can save readers time, money or a poor fit.
Our research method
- Define the need. We write down who the guide is for, the situation they are in, and the features that matter most. These become the selection criteria.
- Build the candidate list. We identify products that are currently sold to US shoppers through established retailers or manufacturers.
- Gather source information. We review manufacturer specifications, manuals, warranty and support terms, safety listings and certifications where relevant, and recurring themes in owner feedback.
- Compare against the criteria. We weigh each option against the needs defined in step one and note real trade-offs, not just strengths.
- Select and explain. We choose a short list that covers distinct needs and explain who each pick suits, what to watch for, and who should look elsewhere.
- Review and publish. Before publishing, we check product names, key details and links against the sources.
Research labels: what each guide is based on
Every guide carries a label near the headline:
- Researched: recommendations are based on the research method above. Products were not physically tested by us. This is the default for our guides.
- Hands-on tested: used only when we have physically used the products in the guide. The guide will describe what was tested and how.
- Researched + hands-on: used when some, but not all, products in a guide were physically tested. The guide identifies which ones.
How we describe products
- We describe specifications as the manufacturer states them and attribute them where it matters.
- When we summarize owner feedback, we describe patterns (for example, “owners commonly mention a learning curve with the app”). We do not publish fabricated quotes, star ratings or review counts.
- Labels like “best for small spaces” describe fit for a particular need. We avoid unsupported superlatives and do not claim a product is the best for everyone.
- We do not use fake urgency, countdown timers or invented discounts.
Affiliate links and independence
We may earn a commission when readers buy through some links on our site. Affiliate relationships do not influence which products we include, how we rank them or what we say about them. We do not accept payment for placement in our recommendations. Any sponsored content would be clearly labeled as sponsored. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Safety-related categories
For generators, electrical and plumbing equipment, car seats and nursery products, fire and emergency equipment, and accessibility equipment, we pay particular attention to published safety standards, certifications and manufacturer instructions. Our guides are not a substitute for professional advice, local codes or the manufacturer’s instructions.
Updates and corrections
Each guide shows its last-updated date. We revisit guides when we learn that a product has been discontinued, revised or significantly changed, or when a better option appears.
If we publish an error, we correct it. Minor fixes, such as typos or broken links, are made without a note. Corrections that change a fact or a recommendation are noted in the guide. To report an issue, use our contact page.
Use of AI and automation
We may use software tools, including AI-assisted tools, to help organize research and draft or format content. Recommendations, facts and published guides are reviewed against our sources and held to the standards on this page.