HOMEWhat Smart Homeowners Are Picking Up This Spring8 min read

Frozen Drinks Without the Ice Hassle

The Ninja Slushi Drink Machine ($299.99) solves a problem that anyone who’s hosted a backyard party has run into: frozen drinks require ice, ice melts, and the whole thing becomes watery before the afternoon is over. This machine sidesteps that entirely by using an internal cooling cylinder to freeze beverages without requiring ice as an input. The two-part system handles the temperature work mechanically, which means cleaner flavor and more consistent texture in the final drink. At just under $300, it’s priced as a seasonal investment rather than an impulse buy — but for households that regularly host summer gatherings, it’s the kind of appliance that earns its counter space quickly. Reviewers who’ve used it in the first month of ownership report using it frequently, citing both ease of use and speed. It’s worth noting this isn’t a blender disguised as a slushie machine; it operates on a fundamentally different mechanism.

A Washer That Takes Laundry Seriously

Appliance upgrades tend to get postponed longer than they should. The Maytag High Efficiency Top-Load Washer, priced at $721, makes a reasonable case for finally acting on that upgrade. The machine features an Extra Power cycle specifically designed for tough, set-in stains — a meaningful addition for households with kids, athletes, or anyone who works in clothes that actually get dirty. There’s also a Deep Fill option for oversized loads or items that need thorough soaking. Customers highlight the low noise level as a standout feature, along with the large capacity for bulky items. The transparent lid design lets you monitor the wash cycle visually, which is a minor but appreciated quality-of-life detail. High-efficiency top-loaders have matured considerably as a category, and this model reflects that — fewer trade-offs compared to older top-load designs, with meaningful performance at a mid-range price.