Mei Tanaka
Smart Home & Cleaning Editor
Mei covers smart-home gear, vacuums, and the home gadgets that genuinely earn their outlet — focused on what owners actually rate highly.
Articles by Mei Tanaka
The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair in Small Apartments (2026)
For the fur that never quits, in spaces that have no room to spare. 3 editor-tested picks with live Amazon prices and real ratings.
Dyson V15 Detect vs Shark IQ Robot: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
A close head-to-head on the same floor plan. They solve different problems — and we recommend a different one to ~80% of readers than the popular wisdom suggests.
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum Review (2026): Is It Worth the Splurge?
One of the best-rated cordless vacuums on Amazon — premium pricing matched by premium results. Rated 4.4★ by 1,877 reviewers.
Shark IQ Self-Empty Robot Vacuum Review (2026): Best Value in Cleaning
The self-empty robot we recommend over Roombas at this price. Rated 4.3★ by 27,345 reviewers.
MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-pack) Review (2026): The Best Budget Cleaning Buy
The microfiber cloths that quietly retired our paper-towel habit. Rated 4.7★ by 103,159 reviewers.
Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier: Our Top Cleaning Pick (2026 Review)
The bedroom air purifier we recommend over models several times the price. Rated 4.7★ by 107,232 reviewers.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: Editor’s Choice Smart Home (2026 Review)
The smart thermostat that fixed our editor’s freezing-upstairs problem. Rated 4.5★ by 1,538 reviewers.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: Our Top Smart Home Pick (2026 Review)
The wired doorbell our smart-home editor lives with daily. Rated 4.2★ by 937 reviewers.
Philips Hue White & Color Starter Kit Review (2026): Is It Worth the Splurge?
Our default recommendation when “smart bulbs aren’t worth it” comes up. Rated 4.5★ by 900 reviewers.
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 4-Pack Review (2026): The Best Budget Smart Home Buy
The first smart-home buy we recommend to anyone curious about it. Rated 4.6★ by 7,691 reviewers.
The 4 Best Cleaning Products We Recommend in 2026
Editor-tested cleaning picks for every budget — with live Amazon prices, real ratings, and who each one is best for.
The 4 Best Smart Home Products We Recommend in 2026
Editor-tested smart home picks for every budget — with live Amazon prices, real ratings, and who each one is best for.
Best Smart Home Devices for Apartments & Renters (2026)
No-rewiring, renter-friendly smart upgrades. 4 editor-tested picks with live Amazon prices and real ratings.