The first time I remember having sticker shock at a grocery store was just after we’d gotten back from a weeks-long trip out of the country. My partner had been dreaming of a ribeye steak, but once he saw the price — $4 more a pound than before we left — he put it back on the shelf.
A few months later, after discovering it on sale for half the price, he bought a 13-pound slab of it to cut into steaks. He also found a solution for how to preserve it without fear of freezer burn: enter the vacuum sealer.
Previously, a vacuum sealer was an appliance we’d only vaguely heard of. Now, it’s one of our most cherished tools. Thanks to it, we not only save money through buying items in bulk, but also through reducing food waste, since we can seal leftovers and unused ingredients.
We also save time by batch cooking meals to thaw out on nights when time is tight — a strategy which also helps us eat healthier by avoiding fast food.
How a Vacuum Sealer Works
Vacuum sealers suck the air out of specialized bags, jars and other containers, then create an airtight seal to keep it out. With the oxygen gone, the food lasts an estimated five times longer, being protected from freezer burn and bacterial growth.
Good food candidates for vacuum sealing include:
Dry goods, like flour, sugar and pantry snacks.
Anything freezable, like meats, soups, cooked meals, berries, peaches, blanched/cooked vegetables and even wine.
Refrigerated goods that you want to last longer without freezing.
Foods that don’t take well to vacuum sealing:
Fruits like bananas, avocados and whole apples.
Veggies like mushrooms, raw onions, potatoes, cucumbers and uncooked leafy greens.
Soft cheeses.
How Much Money Our Vacuum Sealer Has Saved Us
We used to waste the typical amount of food for an American household, roughly $1,500 a year. Now, that number is probably closer to $300. We almost never have spoiled food, partly because we vac seal it, but also because the appliance helped us become more aware of our eating habits. Now we’re better about gobbling up what needs to be eaten and not overbuying at the grocery store. On top of that, we save at least another $500 a year by buying meat on sale, plus items in bulk.
Subtract from that the money we’ve spent on vac sealers and bags during that time, which is about $230 on machines and $130 for bags, and the total amount we’ve saved since we bought our first vacuum sealer in 2019 comes to more than $9,600.
That doesn’t even include the environmental benefits of not wasting food, which are pretty significant when you factor in the water used to grow crops and feed animals, ecosystem contamination from fertilizers and pesticides, and greenhouse gas emissions, which are created from land cleared for farming and grazing, plastics in packaging, pollution from transportation and the creation of methane as food decomposes in landfills.
A Few More Benefits of Vac Sealers
Save space. We also vac seal meals for camping, where we have limited cooler space.
Speed up marinating meats and veggies.
Seal household items to keep dust and moisture out, like decorations and first-aid supplies.
Seal items to keep them from getting lost, like small parts and hardware.
What We Don’t Love About Our Vacuum Sealer
The obvious downside is an overload of plastic, which is likely adding microplastics and chemicals to our food, plus certainly contributing to land, air and water pollution. We at least try to buy BPA-free bags.
Also, keep in mind that vac-sealed food can still spoil, and the bacteria that cause botulism can still live within the anaerobic conditions created in a vac-sealed environment.
Vacuum Sealers We Recommend
We started out with a hand-held model, which just didn’t have enough oomph for most of our applications. Next, we tried the smallest-size edge sealer, which was okay, but still lacking for our needs.
We finally settled on this one by Potane, which has been a workhorse for years. Granted, we have had to do a few repairs to it, but they were simple to figure out and DIY. If that one finally wears out, we’re considering this one by Fresko.
Professional installation adds to the overall cost
When it comes to residential standby generators, Generac is arguably the most recognizable name in the industry. The Wisconsin-based manufacturer has spent decades building backup power solutions for both homeowners and businesses, earning a reputation for dependable performance, an extensive product lineup and one of the largest dealer networks in North America.
That dealer network came up in conversations with every expert we spoke to. Brian Henriquez, founder of Suncoast Power Solutions, says Generac’s widespread adoption has helped it build an unmatched service infrastructure, making certified installers, replacement parts and warranty support easier to find than many competing brands. Matt Kovalik, licensed electrician and founder of NailThePrice, echoed that sentiment, noting that quick access to parts can make all the difference during an extended power outage.
Generac has also continued to modernize its standby generators with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, remote monitoring and automatic self-testing. Brian Northway, vice president and co-founder of Power Solutions Specialist, says the company has invested heavily in improving its controls and overall ownership experience, allowing homeowners (and in many cases their service providers) to monitor generator health and receive fault notifications before small issues become major problems.
Like any standby generator, a Generac system still depends on proper sizing, professional installation and routine maintenance to give you reliable performance over the long term. But with broad nationwide support, readily available parts and a wide selection of models for homes of all sizes, Generac holds its spot as one of the most trusted generator brands on the market.
For most homeowners, we recommend the Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator. It’s one of the company’s flagship residential models, providing enough power to run most essential household systems—and often an average-sized home—during an outage. It also includes automatic operation, Wi-Fi monitoring through Mobile Link and compatibility with natural gas or liquid propane, making it a fitting example of the reliability and convenience that have helped make Generac a household name.
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Kohler
Kohler 20RCA 20kW Home Standby Generator
Pros:
Exceptionally quiet operation
Premium build quality
Clean, stable power output
Excellent long-term reliability
Cons:
Smaller dealer network than Generac
Typically costs more upfront
If you’re willing to invest in a premium standby generator, Kohler has earned a reputation for exceptional build quality, quiet operation and dependable performance. While it doesn’t have the same market share as Generac, Kohler has built a loyal following among installers who value its engineering and long-term reliability.
Henriquez was particularly enthusiastic about the brand, describing Kohler as his preferred choice for larger residential standby systems. “From 20kW to 48kW, I go with Kohler,” he says. He also praised the brand’s “quiet performance, clean power, excellent monitoring and solid, durable construction,” adding that it has been his preferred choice for years.
Kovalik also pointed to Kohler’s quieter operation as one of its biggest strengths. “If a homeowner is fussy about noise, I point them at Kohler,” he says. “It runs quieter and kicks on fast.” Those qualities can make a noticeable difference in neighborhoods where generators may run for days following a major storm.
Henriquez believes Kohler’s long-standing focus on engineering has helped cement its reputation for reliability, noting that the company has historically invested more heavily in research and development than marketing. He also points out that Kohler generators are commonly trusted in demanding environments like hospitals, assisted living facilities and surgery centers, which is a great endorsement of the brand’s reputation for dependable backup power.
The Kohler 20RCA 20kW Home Standby Generator brings those qualities home. Built to restore power automatically during an outage, it delivers enough capacity for many whole-home applications along with the quiet operation, robust construction and premium engineering that have made Kohler one of the most respected names in standby power.
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Cummins
Cummins RS17A 17kW Home Standby Generator
Pros:
Excellent long-term reliability
Great value for the price
Commercial-grade engineering
Durable, well-built design
Cons:
Smaller residential lineup
Fewer dealers than Generac
For more than a century, Cummins has been synonymous with dependable engines. While the company is perhaps best known for powering commercial trucks and industrial equipment, its residential standby generators bring that same engineering expertise to homeowners looking for reliable backup power.
Among the experts we consulted, Cummins stood out as a top value pick. Henriquez says it’s his preferred brand for standby generators in the 10kW to 17kW range, citing its combination of quality and affordability. “They’ve maintained a high-quality product at a lower price point than the competition,” he says. For many homeowners, that makes Cummins an attractive alternative to more expensive premium brands.
Kovalik also ranked Cummins among the brands he trusts most, noting that the generators he maintains continue to perform well year after year with proper care. In his experience, reliability comes down to regular maintenance as much as the badge on the enclosure. “A maintained Generac or Cummins will outlast a fancy unit that got ignored, every time,” he says.
Like the other leading manufacturers, Cummins offers automatic standby generators with features like remote monitoring, automatic exercise cycles and compatibility with natural gas or liquid propane. While its residential lineup isn’t as extensive as some competitors, the brand has earned a reputation for durable construction and dependable performance when it matters most.
The Cummins RS17A 17kW Home Standby Generator is a great showcase for the brand’s strengths. Sized for many mid-sized homes, it provides automatic backup power in a compact package while reflecting the durability and engineering expertise that have made Cummins a trusted name across residential, commercial and industrial applications.
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Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW Home Standby Generator
Pros:
Continually improving technology
Smart diagnostics and remote monitoring
Strong warranty and dealer support
Reliable whole-home backup
Cons:
Smaller market presence than Generac
Fewer long-term track records than some competitors
Best known for its small engines and outdoor power equipment, Briggs & Stratton has also become a serious contender in the home standby generator market. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in refining its generators, improving everything from cooling systems and diagnostics to serviceability and dealer support.
Northway has witnessed that evolution firsthand. “Having worked with earlier generations of their equipment, I’ve seen firsthand how much engineering has gone into the current product line,” he says. “Today’s generators are substantially more refined than they were several years ago.” He also points to improvements in airflow, thermal management and onboard diagnostics that make the latest models easier to own and maintain.
Another area where Briggs & Stratton has made strides is dealer and parts support. Northway says the company has invested significantly in expanding its service network and improving replacement parts availability, resulting in a smoother ownership experience. Still, he encourages homeowners to look beyond the warranty itself. “Ask who will actually perform the warranty work, how quickly service is available and whether replacement parts are readily stocked,” he says. “Those factors often have a greater impact on ownership than an extra year of warranty coverage.”
As with any standby generator, proper sizing, installation and routine maintenance are key to long-term reliability. Northway emphasizes that homeowners should spend as much time evaluating their local installer as they do the brand itself, since the quality of the installation can have just as much impact on long-term performance.
The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW Home Standby Generator is a prime example of the company’s latest advancements with automatic backup power, smart monitoring capabilities and a modern design built for reliable whole-home protection during outages.
While the experts we interviewed focused primarily on whole-home standby generators, one brand consistently stood out for portable backup power: Honda. “For portable and inverter generators, Honda continues to set the benchmark for reliability, fuel efficiency and overall build quality,” says Northway.
That reputation has made Honda a favorite among homeowners, contractors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its portable generators are known for their quiet operation, dependable engines and clean inverter power that’s safe for sensitive electronics. Although they require manual setup and refueling during an outage, portable generators are often a more affordable option for homeowners who don’t need whole-home backup.
The Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Inverter Generator is one of the brand’s most popular models. Lightweight and easy to transport, it delivers clean, efficient power for essentials like refrigerators, lights and electronics during an outage while remaining versatile enough for camping, RV trips and tailgating.
A Battery Brand Expanding Into Backup Power
On Sale
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Lowest Price in 30 daysAnker
Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)
Pros:
Runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas
Smart app monitoring
Integrates with Anker batteries
Electric and remote start
Cons:
New to the generator market
Limited long-term track record
Known for its portable solar power stations and home battery systems, Anker has recently entered the generator market with a tri-fuel portable generator that runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas. While it’s too new for us to make a formal recommendation, it represents a growing trend of battery-focused companies expanding into traditional backup power.
Kovalik is particularly interested in the natural gas capability. “The idea of being able to plumb right into your home’s existing gas line and not have to worry about keeping tanks full is where I think the value of these units is,” he says. However, he notes that connecting a generator to a home’s gas supply isn’t a DIY project and requires professional installation.
Northway adds that portable generators like these are best suited for homeowners who only need to power a handful of essential appliances and don’t mind setting up the generator manually. For those who want automatic backup power with minimal effort during an outage, he says a standby generator remains the better long-term solution.
Types of Generators
Different generators are built for a range of purposes. Understanding the three main types can help narrow your search before comparing brands.
Standby generators
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical system. When the power goes out, they automatically start within seconds, restoring electricity without you needing to do anything.
Henriquez says one of the biggest mistakes he sees is homeowners expecting a portable generator to deliver the same experience. “Standby generators cost more, but for good reason. Fully automatic operation is something no portable unit offers,” he says.
Portable generators
Portable generators provide a more affordable backup power solution for essentials like refrigerators, sump pumps and lights. Because they require manual setup, fueling and connection, they’re best suited for occasional outages rather than seamless whole-home protection.
Traditional models typically run on gasoline, while dual-fuel and tri-fuel generators add propane and, in some cases, natural gas (like the Anker model we mentioned earlier). These options give you more flexibility during an outage, although connecting a generator to a home’s electrical panel or natural gas line requires the proper equipment and professional installation.
Northway notes that portable generators continue to improve, especially when paired with modern inverter technology, making them a practical option for many homeowners.
Inverter generators
Inverter generators are designed to produce cleaner, more stable electricity that’s safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, televisions and medical equipment. They’re also generally quieter and more fuel-efficient than traditional portable generators.
That combination of clean power and efficiency is where Honda’s portable lineup stands out, which is why Northway points to the brand for homeowners who need reliable power for a handful of essentials rather than whole-home backup.
Bigger isn’t always better. Henriquez says many homeowners assume they need the largest generator they can afford, but that’s rarely the case. In his experience, a properly sized system with effective load management often performs better than simply installing an oversized unit.
Kovalik agrees, warning that skipping a proper load calculation is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. “They buy way too much generator and waste money, or too little and it can’t carry the house,” he says.
Think Beyond the Generator Itself
A standby generator is only part of the equation. “Staring at the generator and forgetting the transfer switch and load management” is another common mistake Kovalik encounters. Those components determine how safely and effectively your home receives backup power during an outage.
Research Your Local Dealer
Every expert emphasized the importance of choosing the right installer. “I usually tell them to spend as much time evaluating the local dealer as they do evaluating the manufacturer,” says Northway. He recommends asking who will perform warranty repairs, how quickly service is available and whether replacement parts are readily stocked before committing to any brand.
Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Even the best generator won’t perform reliably without routine care. “The number one reason a standby generator won’t start when you need it is a dead or dried-out battery,” says Kovalik. Regular oil changes, exercise cycles and annual inspections all play an important role in long-term reliability.
Generator Trends in 2026
Generator manufacturers are focusing on smarter controls, improved durability and more flexible ways to keep homes powered during extended outages.
Remote monitoring is now common on many standby generators, allowing homeowners and service providers to receive exercise reports, maintenance reminders and fault notifications. Northway says manufacturers are also investing more heavily in engineering validation, testing and long-term durability.
“Those investments aren’t always visible to homeowners, but they contribute directly to reliability over the life of the generator,” he says.
At the same time, manufacturers are increasing output while reducing the physical size of their generators. However, Henriquez cautions against assuming that a higher-capacity air-cooled model is always the best choice.
“In my opinion, 26kW is the largest air-cooled product manufacturers should be producing,” he says. “Beyond that, homeowners should be looking at liquid-cooled units instead.”
Another notable shift is the move toward more flexible backup systems. Battery-and-generator combinations can provide quiet, instant battery power while reserving the generator for longer outages. Dual- and tri-fuel portable models also give homeowners more options when gasoline is scarce or difficult to store.
“Going into 2026, I’m watching battery-and-generator combos and natural gas or bi-fuel setups, since outages keep dragging on longer,” Kovalik says.
How We Found the Best Generator Brands
To identify the best generator brands, we interviewed three experts who shared their insights and experience with installing, servicing and maintaining residential standby generators.
Rather than evaluating brands solely on specifications, we focused on the factors homeowners care about most: long-term reliability, engineering, customer support, dealer networks, replacement-parts availability, warranties and overall ownership experience.
One theme emerged consistently throughout every interview: the brand matters, but so does everything that comes after the purchase.
As Northway puts it, “A standby generator is often a twenty-year investment. The relationship with the servicing dealer is just as important as the equipment itself.”
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best generator brand.
Generac impressed our experts with its nationwide dealer network, extensive parts availability and smart monitoring features. Kohler earned praise for its quiet operation and premium engineering, while Cummins stood out for delivering commercial-grade reliability at a competitive price. Northway also highlighted Briggs & Stratton’s significant engineering improvements in recent years, and Honda is the benchmark for portable and inverter generators.
Ultimately, the biggest takeaway from our interviews wasn’t about choosing one logo over another.
“The generators that consistently perform the best are installed correctly, properly sized for the home, exercised regularly and maintained every year,” says Northway.
That’s advice worth remembering long after you’ve picked your generator.
FAQ
Which brand of generator is best?
There’s no single best generator brand for everyone. Generac is a strong all-around choice for standby power because of its extensive dealer network and parts availability, while Kohler stands out for quiet operation and premium construction. Cummins offers excellent value in smaller standby systems, and Honda remains a leader in portable and inverter generators. The right choice ultimately depends on what you need to power, your budget and the quality of local service available.
Which company is best for generators?
For many homeowners, Generac is often one of the easiest standby generator brands to own because its products, replacement parts and certified technicians are widely available. However, the installer may matter just as much as the manufacturer. As Northway explains, “The relationship with the servicing dealer is just as important as the equipment itself.”
What’s the longest lasting generator?
A properly installed and maintained standby generator can last for decades, but no one brand is guaranteed to outlast every other. Climate, operating hours, installation quality and routine maintenance all affect its lifespan. Annual servicing, regular exercise cycles and timely battery replacement can help keep a generator reliable for as long as possible.
What brand of generator is the most reliable?
Generac, Kohler and Cummins are all widely trusted for residential standby generators, while Honda is known for reliable portable and inverter models. Still, reliability depends heavily on correct sizing, professional installation and ongoing care. “A maintained Generac or Cummins will outlast a fancy unit that got ignored, every time,” Kovalik says.
What is the 80% rule for generators?
In generator sizing, the 80% rule means planning for your normal running load to use no more than about 80% of the generator’s rated output. That leaves extra capacity for appliances with high startup demands, such as air conditioners, refrigerators and well pumps. For example, you would generally aim to keep the continuous load on a 10,000-watt generator around 8,000 watts or less. It’s a useful guideline, but it shouldn’t replace a professional load calculation. Generac’s technical guidance recommends a target load range of approximately 60% to 80% for standby applications.
Why You Should Trust Us
For this guide, we researched leading generator brands and compared their product ranges, reliability, availability, warranties, dealer networks and access to replacement parts. We also looked beyond product specifications to consider the factors that shape the long-term ownership experience, including installation, maintenance and service support.
To inform our recommendations, we interviewed three professionals who work directly with generators and residential backup power systems: Brian Henriquez, founder of Suncoast Power Solutions; Matt Kovalik, a licensed electrician and founder of NailThePrice; and Brian Northway, vice president and co-founder of Power Solutions Specialist.
Their firsthand experience installing, servicing and maintaining generators helped us identify where each brand excels, what commonly goes wrong and what homeowners should consider before investing in backup power.
Power outages. Roadside emergencies. Camping trips. Late-night hikes. There are countless situations where a flashlight goes from handy to essential. But who carries a big, bulky flashlight everywhere they go?
Sure, I keep a full-size one in my trunk. But do I remember it’s there when I need it? Rarely. And there’s no chance I’m tossing it in my bag every time I head out for the evening.
Still, I’ve found myself wishing I had a powerful flashlight more times than I can count. Like when a hike runs longer than expected and the sun starts to disappear, when walking through a dimly lit parking garage, or when making the trek back to a cabin after dark. And while an iPhone flashlight is convenient, it’s not exactly built to light up a trail.
That’s where the Olight ArkPro comes in. It delivers serious brightness without the bulk of a traditional flashlight. Its flat, slim design is smaller than a Roku remote, and the built-in clip lets you attach it to a pocket, belt or backpack strap without adding extra bulk.
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
I'm Obsessed
Olight ArkPro Ultra
A compact EDC flashlight built for indoor and outdoor use.
Take It Anywhere
Measuring just 4.88 x 1.06 x 0.63 inches, the ArkPro Ultra is shorter than five inches and less than half the size of my iPhone. It slips into a front pocket or clips onto one without feeling bulky or digging into your leg every time you sit down.
It’s also a convenient, portable size for a small hiking pack, running vest or everyday sling where space is limited. You can throw it in and forget it until you need it. If you’re planning to use it for extended periods on a camping trip or overnight hike, I’d recommend packing a small portable power bank so you can charge it if needed.
Durability
The flashlight body is made from Olight’s proprietary O-aluminum alloy, which is designed to be tougher and more scratch-resistant than standard aluminum. That means you can toss it into your pocket with your keys or clip it onto your pack without worrying about it getting scratched up with daily use.
It also resists dents and impacts better than traditional aluminum, making it well-suited for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Dual-Way Clip
The sturdy dual-way pocket clip makes carrying the ArkPro Ultra effortless. Clip it to your pocket, belt, backpack strap, running vest or another secure attachment point for hands-free lighting. It stays securely in place without getting in the way.
Rain Ready
With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the ArkPro Ultra is built to handle rain, snow and accidental drops into shallow water. And you can rinse it off after rugged use without a second thought.
Just don’t take it swimming or diving. It’s designed to survive temporary immersion, not deep, prolonged underwater exposure.
Magnetic Base and Dual Charging
The magnetic base does double duty. It lets you stick the flashlight to metal surfaces for hands-free lighting while also serving as the attachment point for the included magnetic USB charger. The charger snaps into place and keeps the flashlight upright while it charges.
Forgot the magnetic charger? No sweat. There’s also a USB-C charging port on the side, so you can recharge it with a car charger, a laptop, a portable battery or a public charging station.
Since it’s rechargeable, you’ll never have to keep spare batteries on hand or make a late-night run to the store when the flashlight dies.
More Than a Flashlight
The ArkPro Ultra lets you scroll easily between floodlight, spotlight, blacklight and green laser. The ring surrounding the main button cycles through the lighting functions, while a long press adjusts brightness levels. There are four brightness settings for the white light modes and two for the UV light and green laser.
Triple-press the center button to activate the strobe mode. The first time I tested it, I got a slight headache, but in an emergency, it seemed bright enough to attract attention or signal for help in an emergency.
The built-in UV light is a feature you won’t find on every high-output everyday carry (EDC) flashlight. It’s useful for spotting leaks, detecting pet stains, finding fluorescent fishing line or reflective trail markers after dark and more.
The Best EDC Flashlight I’ve Tested
The Olight ArkPro Ultra is one of the most powerful and well-designed EDC flashlights I’ve used, especially for its size.
Whether you’re building an emergency kit, trail running at dawn or dusk, hiking after sunset, fishing, working as a home inspector or simply looking to shrink the footprint of your everyday gear, the ArkPro Ultra delivers without adding bulk.
If you spend time outdoors, a quality flashlight is an essential addition to your basic safety gear. A phone flashlight is fine in a pinch, but it can’t match the brightness, beam distance or versatility of a light like this. (For reference, most smartphone flashlights max out at around 40-50 lumens.) Being able to clearly illuminate a trail, read a sign from a distance, or activate a powerful strobe to signal for help can make a real difference.
Clip it to a fishing vest to quickly locate fluorescent fishing line, toss it in your purse or everyday bag for added peace of mind after dark, or stash it in your glove box or center console so it’s always within reach when you need it.
The ArkPro Ultra is an impressive, versatile EDC flashlight, and I’d recommend it for a variety of situations, from outdoor adventures and minor emergencies to jobsites and beyond.
Olight ArkPro Ultra vs. Nitecore EDC37
If you’re shopping for a premium EDC flashlight, you’ve probably come across the Nitecore EDC37. It’s similar to the ArkPro Ultra, but the two are built with different priorities in mind.
The first thing you’ll notice is the size and weight. The ArkPro Ultra is slimmer and significantly lighter, weighing 4.23 ounces compared to the EDC37’s 7.02 ounces. It also has a flatter profile (4.88 x 1.06 x 0.63 inches versus 4.25 x 1.55 x 1.22 inches), making it easier to slip into a pocket or clip onto your gear without feeling bulky.
Both flashlights offer multiple brightness levels and emergency strobe modes, but the ArkPro Ultra adds a couple of features the EDC37 doesn’t: a built-in UV light and green laser. If you regularly hike, fish, inspect equipment or simply appreciate a more versatile tool, those extras may make the decision.
The ArkPro Ultra also has the edge in durability. Its IPX7 waterproof rating means it can survive heavy rain and temporary submersion in water. The Nitecore EDC37 carries an IP54 rating, making it dust resistant and able to handle splashes, but it isn’t designed for immersion.
Battery life is another area where the ArkPro Ultra pulls ahead. In lower brightness modes, it can run roughly twice as long as the EDC37 on a full charge.
However, when it comes to sheer output, the Nitecore produces a shocking 8,000 lumens with a beam that reaches up to 459 yards, compared with the ArkPro Ultra’s 1,700-lumen floodlight and 800-lumen spotlight with a maximum throw of 205 meters (672 feet).
8,000 lumens is searchlight-level brightness. It’s incredibly bright, generates considerably more heat and drains the battery much faster. For most everyday tasks—walking a trail after sunset, navigating a campsite, searching the backyard or dealing with a roadside emergency—I found the ArkPro Ultra’s 1,700 lumens to be more than enough. In fact, I rarely use its highest brightness setting.
Both are priced similarly, so your decision really comes down to whether you value versatility or raw lighting power.
Choose the Olight ArkPro Ultra if you want the lighter, more compact flashlight with longer battery life, waterproof construction and added versatility thanks to its UV light and laser. And go with the Nitecore EDC37 if your top priority is maximum brightness and beam distance, and you’re willing to trade some portability, battery life and extra features to get it.
Where to Buy
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
I'm Obsessed
Olight ArkPro Ultra
A compact EDC flashlight built for indoor and outdoor use.
Over the years, I’ve interviewed dozens of scientists and safety experts, and all but one has sounded the alarm over the swath of problems plastic causes to our health, wildlife, ecosystems, atmosphere and the communities who live near manufacturing plants.
(The one dissenter, who went so far as to suggest ingesting plastic might actually be good for humans, was a paid lobbyist for the plastics industry.)
But, even though I was acutely aware of the ills of plastic, parting from it felt overwhelming and expensive, and even if I did, what good would actually come from the effort? I mean, plastics have taken over our homes — to the point where we directly ingest the equivalent of two fuzzy hamsters worth of the stuff each year (about 250 grams). And that doesn’t even include the thousands of chemicals embedded into plastics, which leach into our food and skin, or the rash of microplastics intertwined in our soil, waterways and even our meat and vegetables.
But recently, I finally came to the realization that my excuses were poor ones. No, I can’t fix our existential global plastics problem, but I do, in fact, have the power to control it in my own home. Not just the power, but the responsibility, for the health of my family. So I decided to start in the kitchen.
Ahead, I’m breaking down exactly what I swapped, what it cost, and what sort of effort it took to ditch plastic in my kitchen for less than $200.
The Swaps
I started in the kitchen because it felt the most urgent. It’s an obvious place where plastics transfer directly into our bodies. I also thought it would be the easiest, though I soon found plastic lurking in more places than I’d imagined — not just with conspicuous items like utensils, cutting boards and storage containers, but also in single-use coffee pods, tea bags, sponges, nonstick pans, cleaning products and even inside a can of soup.
After tackling each of these, here’s where I succeeded… and failed.
Pots and Pans
I had already dodged the bullet for one of the most serious culprits: non-stick cookware coated with Teflon and its PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) derivates, which can release thousands of micro- and nanoplastic particles into food. Many also contain PFAS, aka forever chemicals.
Note: Some argue that Teflon pans are only harmful when used improperly. In theory, that could be true, but from what I’ve seen, they’re always misused. Once they’re scratched, or exposed to high heat (like to boil water or sear a steak), they’re known to be unsafe.
Luckily, I didn’t have to buy anything new in this department. For years, I’ve cooked primarily with cast iron, stainless steel and glass. But had I not, I would have hit thrift stores and garage sales to find them. Even a 50-year-old rusty cast iron pan can be brought back to life in a few minutes.
My cost: $0 (but I was lucky to already have them)
My exception: I do have a couple of ceramic nonstick pans. These are touted as being a chemically safe alternative to Teflon… but who knows. I’ve recently read that some of them secretly contain teflon, or other chemicals that could be unsafe once the pan gets scratched or the coating starts to break down. So I rarely use these pans anymore. Why risk it?
What I learned: Years ago, when I made the swap from nonstick to cast iron, it took a bit of getting used to. For example, to keep food from sticking, it’s best to fully heat up cast iron before putting anything in it. But now that I’m used to it, I prefer the way cast iron cooks food.
Spatulas
I already had a metal spatula with a wooden handle, for use in our cast iron pans. But, I still had a couple of plastic ones for the ceramic skillets. One was made from black plastic, which is particularly problematic, as those typically contain recycled electronics.
My other spatula was made from silicone. While this material has a reputation for being safer, it can still shed microplastics and leach chemicals, plus it ultimately contributes to plastic pollution in the landfill.
My solution: I first tried using a wooden spatula, which had been in my kitchen drawer for years. It was the kind that comes with those prepackaged sets of wooden utensils. But, its lifting edge was too thick to effectively flip delicate foods like eggs, plus it didn’t scrape under encrusted items very well. Then I found these two on Amazon, which are made of teak (the black “handle” is just stain). I adore them.
Cost for wooden spatulas: $10
My exception: Okay, I’ll admit to it. We still have that gray silicone spatula, too. I don’t use it, but my partner won’t give it up, because he prefers its wider base and slightly thinner lip.
What I learned: I absolutely love cooking with my wooden spatulas, so much so that I often even use them in the cast iron pans. They just feel nice, plus they have a sort of elegant, inviting look to them.
Other Utensils
I didn’t get rid of anything on which the plastic was limited to the handle, like my potato peeler and masher. I didn’t see any sense in creating excess waste and spending cash on replacing items that weren’t directly touching food. I also already had wooden cooking and mixing spoons, so again, no cost there. But if you’re making the switch, you can find a decent set for about $10.
What I did switch out were tongs and measuring cups. We already had a pair of metal tongs for the grill, but I found this set of two walnut tongs for $24. You can buy them for less than half of that from other retailers, but I specifically picked these for their sharpened tips, which are thin enough to scrape under food.
What I learned: It took a few practice runs to get proficient with the tongs, but now that I’m used to them, I prefer their precision to that of metal. They don’t work well with heavy or wide items, like burgers, but they’re perfect for flipping mushroom caps in a skillet or stir-frying veggies.
Cutting Board
There are now plant-based alternatives that emulate the feel of plastic cutting boards, but I prefer using wood. The USDA says wood is safe to use for meat, too, but recommends separate boards for meat and veggies. While cutting boards can run into the hundreds of dollars, but I’ve been happy with these teak ones. I’ve also used bamboo, and like those, too.
Cost for two cutting boards: $40.
What I learned: Thin wood cutting boards are a lot more affordable, but less durable than thicker ones. To get the longest life from them, store them upright so they can dry without warping, and oil them periodically to keep them from splitting.
Food Storage
It wasn’t too expensive to swap out all of my plastic leftover containers for glass ones. This set at Walmart is a particularly good deal, especially for 15 of them. Yes, they have plastic lids, but at least they’re BPA-free. And I think they’re safe enough, since the food is sitting in the glass, not the plastic. But, for a more purist container, you can swing for one with a bamboo lid.
As for replacements for plastic wrap and freezer/sandwich bags, I highly recommend these (theoretically) compostable bags, which are also freezer safe (but cost more than plastic ones). I’ve also tried beeswax wraps and reusable linen, and they’re nice. But to save money, I still try to put most things in glass storage containers.
Cost for glass storage container set: $28
Cost for plastic-free freezer bags: $14
What I learned: I actually often just end up reusing old pasta sauce and mason jars for leftovers. In many cases, I find them more convenient and secure, especially for soups. If you don’t care about stacking leftover containers in the fridge, then this option is free.
My exceptions: I still keep a pack of Ziplock bags around, for when I forget to order the compostable ones, and I haven’t yet sprung for compostable trash bags. Also, I don’t bother to move most items out of their in-store plastic packaging, like berries and milk, though that would be ideal.
Food and Drinks
Here’s where this experiment reaches an impasse. Much of the food we buy is contained in plastic. Even the liners of many aluminum beverage and steel food cans are lined with the stuff.
My imperfect solution: I try to minimize processed foods (though I’m no champion at it, yet) and choose fresh foods that aren’t wrapped in plastic (when I can find them). I also look for BPA-free cans. And I always check my tea bag labels — since most tea bags are made of plastic!
My exception: We still use a pod-style coffee maker, but we buy the mesh pods that are biodegradable. No idea if they’re truly plastic free, but it makes us feel better, at least. A better solution would be a French press or stovetop percolator, neither of which use any plastic.
Bottled Water
I traded in plastic water bottles for reusable ones quite a while ago. Not only do plastic bottles cost more than tap water, roughly two-thirds of bottled water in the US is actually just repackaged tap water. I opted for a vacuum-insulated bottle, which is nice for keeping ice cold.
Note: If you’re worried about the quality of your tap water, check the EWG Tap Water Database, and consider a filter to further remove microplastics in the water supply. A reverse osmosis system is ideal. (We like this one from Waterdrop, but there are less-expensive alternatives, too.) Some water pitcher models also remove a large number of microplastics.
Cost for a reusable water bottle: $12
Cleaning Products
This is where I kind of lost interest. Yes, you can replace all of your plastic cleaning bottles with refillable ones, and get plant-based sponges and bamboo dish brushes (the Plastic Pollution Coalition recommends Blueland, Zero Waste Store and Meliora Cleaning Products). Tackling all of this would be great, especially to curb plastic pollution, and I hope to someday get to it.
But, in the meantime, I did get some Swedish dishcloths, which are made from cellulose and cotton, and ditched the dishwasher pods (which are wrapped in plastic) for powdered detergent.
Cost for Swedish dishcloth: $7
What I learned: There’s a lot of plastic under my sink!
The Verdict on Swapping out Kitchen Plastic
Going into this project, I believed it would be a straightforward task. I already had the correct cookware, wooden spoons, a reusable water bottle, and even canvas shopping bags.
And all of that helped. The total cost was a reasonable $177.
But, the time and effort to research replacement items was a bit more than I initially imagined. This lead me to reconsider my approach, to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Instead of ditching every bit of plastic in my kitchen, I embraced the 80/20 rule, which I’d learned from Stephanie Miller of Zero Waste in DC. The essence of her strategy is this: to create changes that will stick through the challenges of everyday life, don’t focus on 100% perfection, but rather on the 80% of changes that can make the biggest difference. That ended up being a key bit of advice toward success.
I also thought I might miss some of my plastic kitchenwares, but I don’t. Most of the non-plastic ones work just as well or better — plus when I use them, I’m not cringing, thinking about what might be going into my food.
That feels genuinely good. And even better for my soul is that now, when I walk into my kitchen, I know I’ve at least made an effort to reduce the amount of plastics getting into my family’s bodies, and the environment — and that’s empowering, especially in today’s world where many of us struggle with feelings of helplessness.
All in all, the project was absolutely worth the effort. But, it did open a sort of Pandora’s box. Once I started hunting down plastics in the kitchen, I started seeing them everywhere else: in our carpets, our clothes, our furniture cushions, and even our bedspread.
So hey, rest of my the house, I’m coming for you next!
