THE BEST

Sometimes it's not enough for our editors to be instantly impressed by a product. Sometimes we want to push it to the limits in one of our three labs, our own homes, or both to see how it holds up under pressure. We cook, we wear, we smear, we clean. We evaluate and tally. Then we give out the REAL SIMPLE Selects seal. When we put that label on something, that means it's among the 5,200-plus products we've formally evaluated according to strict protocols. On this list: some of our current faves. If you see something you like, scan the QR code and get shopping!

- LISA FREEDMAN

Best Ceramic Cookware

CARAWAY COOKWARE SET

These four pots and pans are as functional as they are pretty. Our cooks loved the comfy handles and wide surface area, noting that food reliably slid out time and time again. "The nonstick quality is great, and the included pan rack and lid organizer make it a fantastic value," a tester says. The pieces are ovensafe up to 550°F and come in a myriad of colors. $395; carawayhome.com 

Best Bath Towel

ITALIC SERENE ULTRAPLUSH AUSTRALIAN COTTON BATH TOWELS

After we evaluated 99 (!) towels in our lab, a tester took the 22 best home for a deeper look. "The Italic towel stood out because it has a dense, weighty feel that alludes to luxury-but it's an absolute steal," she says. In the lab, it earned a perfect score for absorbency, soaking up four ounces of water in 10 seconds and drying in 90 minutes. At home, stains washed right out, and softness lingered without any signs of wear. "It's a true luxury towel that costs less than expected," the tester says. $52 for 2; italic.com

Best Wet-to-Dry Hair Straightener

DYSON AIRSTRAIT