This body composition monitor and scale was selected best by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute for its accuracy and features. It uses bioelectrical impedance technology that sends a harmless bioelectric current through the entire body to measure its composition, including body fat percentage, visceral fat level, skeletal muscle mass, resting metabolism, body mass index (BMI), and body age. Panelists were weighed with a beam scale and body mass was measured by hydrostatic testing at the Human Performance Lab at the University of Illinois-Chicago; results were compared to readings from each of the competing models. This model scored highest for accuracy across weight and BMI measurements because it was only 0.11% off the beam scale weight measurement, and, unlike lesser body composition scales that can only measure partial body fat, it was able to measure entire body composition using six sensors--two on the handhold and four on the scale. Selected best for features, the model saves personal profiles for up to four users and up to 180 days of readings. It has a legible, easy-to-operate handheld display that provides a clear readout of weight and body fat percentage in numbers 1 tall. Measures up to 330 lbs. in 0.2 lb. increments. Includes four AA batteries. Extended: 21 1/4 H x 14 W x 12 1/4 L. (5 lbs.).

This is the tower space heater that warms a room more quickly, distributes heat more evenly, and offers more safety features than competing models, thereby earning the best title in testing by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute. The unit's 1500-watt ceramic element raised the average room temperature 19° F in an hour, easily surpassing lesser models that could muster only a 9.6° F increase. Unlike lesser units that dispersed heat inefficiently, creating hot and cold spots, this superior heater has a fan that oscillates 90°, resulting in a variance of only 2.1° F from floor to ceiling. It shut off fastest in tests to simulate overheating (five seconds), and has an additional switch in its base that cuts power in under one second when it is tipped over. Capable of evenly heating 144' sq. rooms, the best tower heater features an integrated thermostat that automatically maintains the desired temperature, a 24-hour timer, electronic controls with a backlit LCD panel, an integral carrying handle, and a remote control (uses two AAA batteries, included). 6' cord plugs into AC. 34 H with 12 diam. base. (7 1/2 lbs.).

This convection oven earned the highest marks from the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute because it quickly cooked pizzas, cookies, and Cornish hens and maintained a constant cooking temperature. During tests, the oven roasted Cornish hens until the skin was golden brown and the meat was tender and juicy. Unlike lesser models that left frozen pizzas undercooked, this convection oven produced crisp pizza that was cooked evenly throughout, and the dual fans circulate air throughout the unit to eliminate hot and cold spots and decrease cooking times. During tests, its internal temperature varied only 5° F, while other units fluctuated by as much as 16.5° F, resulting in overcooked cookies. The 1 1/2' cu. oven was the largest of all models; its rotisserie spit accommodates up to a 12-lb. whole chicken and automatically rotates food as it cooks. The best convection oven reaches 500° F, it has four cooking modes (bake, convection bake, broil, and rotisserie), and a 120-minute timer. Made from rugged stainless steel with a tempered glass door, the oven promises years of reliable cooking. 14 1/4 H x 23 1/2 W x 21 1/4 D. (58 lbs.).

The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute tested the leading warm mist humidifiers and this unit earned the Best title because it quickly improved air moisture and automatically maintained the desired relative humidity. The best humidifier increased relative humidity by 24% in 1 1/2 hours, while lesser units were able to improve air moisture by only 13%. You can select a humidity level between 40% and 80%, and the built-in humidistat automatically turns the unit off once the preferred relative humidity is reached. The best humidifier operated continuously on the highest setting for 13 1/2 hours before requiring additional water, far superior than competing humidifiers that lasted only 6 hours. Scoring highest for features, the unit uses Ionic Silver Technology to prevent microbial growth in the tank, outputs up to 3 1/2 gallons of water per day, and was the quietest of any model tested. The humidifier accommodates rooms up to 650' sq., a rotating spout projects mist in different directions, and the LCD control panel allows you to quickly set the timer, mist output, and humidity level. 13 3/4 H x 8 3/4 W x 15 L. (7 3/4 lbs.).

After rigorous testing by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute, this slow cooker earned the Best rating because it produced tender, succulent corned beef and automatically switches to a warming mode when cooking is complete. The best slow cooker received a perfect score for quality of food; corned beef was tender and juicy and potatoes and carrots were fully cooked yet retained good texture, while lesser units produced overcooked, dry meat and soggy vegetables. The unit simmered beef stew to 150° F after 2 1/2 hours, while other models registered only 137° F--3° F below the minimum internal temperature recommended by the USDA. You can select one of five cooking settings with the turn of a dial and a warming mode automatically activates when the preprogrammed cooking time is achieved, ensuring food doesn't overcook yet remains at the optimal serving temperature for up to four hours. The best slow cooker has a 7-qt. ceramic pot that accommodates up to 10 servings of stew and a 10-minute to 10-hour timer. 10 H x 14 3/4 W x 12 1/3 D. (17 1/2 lbs.).

This germ eliminating UV wand earned the best rating from the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute because it quickly killed 99.99% of germs and had the highest coverage area of any model tested. The wand uses the same UV-C light trusted to sterilize hospital instruments, and tests proved the device destroyed germs, bacteria, mold, and viruses after only 20 seconds--25% faster than lesser models. The unit's bulb measures 8 3/4 long--more than 2 longer than the model that placed second--ensuring faster cleaning of large surfaces like beds, sofas, and countertops. Scoring highest for ease of use, the best UV wand has a lightweight, slim design (1 1/4 lbs. and measures 1 1/8 diameter) for ease of maneuverability, unlike other units that were cumbersome and weighed over 2 lbs. The wand will only operate when the bulb is pointed downward and has a digital timer than can be set to turn off the unit after 5, 30, and 60 minutes. The best UV wand was the only one that did not create harmful ozone, thanks to its superior quartz bulb. Operates for up to two hours after a 12-hour charge. Includes a charging base that plugs into AC. 22 L. (1 1/4 lbs.).

This device converts video content from any video medium to digital format, including VHS tapes, TV shows from cable or satellite providers, camcorders, DVRs, and DVDs. Empowering you to recall any converted video at the touch of a button from its built-in menu, the device plugs into any video device with standard RCA A/V outputs using the included RCA cables. Video is converted to the MPEG-4 encoding standard and archived to your preferred storage medium--USB external hard drive, networked computer, iPod, flash drives, or memory cards--and can be played back on a TV, computer, gaming console, or video iPod. You can replay videos on video-enabled cell phones and video-compatible PDAs equipped with memory card slots. Includes a 4GB flash drive that can store four hours of video. Includes AC adapter. 5 1/2 sq. x 1 1/4 W. (8 oz.).

The same model found in luxury hotels, this shoe polisher has dual buffers that restore a brilliant shine to all your fine footwear without the strain and mess of hand buffing. Its powerful motor spins the buffers at 1550 rpm to effortlessly remove dust, dirt, and excess polish in seconds. Unlike other polishers that use polyester-blend buffers, this one uses 100% lambswool buffers which produce a higher gloss sheen and won't scratch suede. A waist-high center post with a power button enables convenient stoop-free operation and transport. Chrome-plated finish with a black buffer for black shoes and a red buffer for brown shoes. 6' cord plugs into AC. 30 H x 6 W x 17 L. (13 lbs.).

Made in Treviso, Italy by Elektra, manufacturers of the world's finest espresso machines for 61 years, this is the home version of the renowned Belle poque upright espresso makers trusted for years in artisanal cafs in Italy. The copper and brass housing is hand-hammered, welded, and polished with a mirror finish, and topped with a brass eagle. Commercial espresso makers require at least 9 bars of pressure for professional results, yet this machine produces 15 bars to extract rich, complex coffee with a thick crema--the caramel-colored signature atop fine Italian espresso. The machine automatically maintains the correct pressure and temperature for extracting the most flavor from coffee beans, and you can heat the boiler, create steam, and dispense coffee at the touch of a button. The steam tap and copper wand enable rich, thick foam for topping a latt or cappuccino. The boiler is made from the highest quality naval brass, ensuring optimal heat retention for making several consecutive coffees with consistent, barista worthy results. A chrome-plated portafilter has dual spouts and comes with single- and double-shot metal filter baskets. The water reservoir holds 1/2 gallon of water--enough for up to 60 espressos--and is easily refilled by removing the dome. A heated shelf holds up to three cappuccino and five espresso cups, ensuring coffee is always served in a warm cup. Portafilter, drip tray, and filters are hand-washable. Plugs into AC. 27 H x 10 1/4 Diam. (29 lbs.).

This greenhouse assembles anywhere, without tools, in as little as 30 minutes. Similar to setting up a tent, the greenhouse is supported by 10 flexible rods that attach to the waterproof PVC canopy. The unit anchors to the lawn with stakes and tie downs, enabling it to withstand winds up to 60 mph, or it can be set up on a deck or patio. The greenhouse shelters plants from wind, pests, and driving rain, allowing you to extend the growing season into the fall and start seedlings early in the spring when outdoor conditions are not yet optimal. The clear PVC cover keeps plants visible and provides 360° of sunlight. Nine screened windows and a door provide air circulation, or they can be zippered shut to increase the internal temperature and humidity--ideal conditions for facilitating and extending the bloom of annual, perennial, and tropical plants. At 10' high by 9' wide, the greenhouse provides ample space for tables, shelves, or chairs (not included), and it comes with hooks for hanging plant baskets from the ceiling. The entire unit fits in the included bag for convenient storage. 120 H x 108 W. (49 lbs.).