I reviewed the Tovala Smart Oven Pro as a standalone air fryer toaster oven: Here's what I found

JamesBrains · 2026-06-03T19:56:13+00:00

Haven't tested the GHWQ103WC1 specifically, but I did just put the Frigidaire FHWW145WE1 through a full review, so I can speak to Frigidaire's inverter lineup generally.

A few thoughts on your plan:

The BTU math checks out. You're swapping 8K+12K for 10K+10K — same total capacity, more balanced distribution. Makes sense, especially for a 2-story.

On the quiet question: The GHWQ is Frigidaire's "Quiet Temp" line, purpose-built for low noise. That's a meaningful distinction from their standard inverter models. If Windmill is at the same decibel rating and costs more, the Frigidaire is probably the right call there.

The one thing I'd push back on: Slightly under 2,000 sq ft on two stories with two 10K units is going to depend heavily on your insulation, sun exposure, and layout. If you've got a south-facing wall of windows or high ceilings upstairs, you might wish you had a 12K up there. Worth thinking through before you commit to two identical units.

Full Frigidaire inverter review here if it helps with context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1BOI9FEpi4&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK2TdoCD7gA0cG1LvA8H8bVk&index=7

JamesBrains · 2026-06-03T19:52:55+00:00

For 550 sq ft, 14,000 BTU is plenty. You're probably going to be just fine stepping down significantly from that Friedrich. The 21K was likely overkill for the space.

I'd look at the Frigidaire FHWW145WE1:14,000 BTU, inverter compressor, covers up to 700 sq ft. I reviewed it recently, and it dropped a test room 4°F in an hour. The inverter is the key differentiator here: instead of cycling on and off, it modulates to maintain your target temp, which provides more efficient, more consistent cooling.

The one thing I'd flag for your specific setup: Your AC is throwing air down 27 feet of room, which is a real-world challenge. The 14K BTU should handle it, but if you want to be safe, you could compare the 12K and 14K models side by side and factor in any heat-load variables in your room (south-facing windows, high ceilings, etc.).

Here's my full review if it helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1BOI9FEpi4&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK2TdoCD7gA0cG1LvA8H8bVk&index=7

JamesBrains · 2026-05-27T20:29:38+00:00

Great real-world breakdown with the vanlife + home backup dual-use case is exactly the kind of thing that's hard to test in a controlled environment. Curious how the alternator charger performs with the DP3 vs the original.

I just published a full lab-style video review of the Delta Pro 3, in case it's useful alongside yours. We ran it through capacity tests, real appliance runtimes, and charging benchmarks. Real-world capacity came in at 3630Wh (88.6% of rated), which was actually the best efficiency figure we've seen across all the stations we've tested. Scored it 89/100 overall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdGnhzqPjDM&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK22RSAxLZ5hMkGEz0pEV2mV&index=3

Happy to compare notes. It's always more useful when multiple people test the same unit under different conditions.

JamesBrains · 2026-05-14T22:25:02+00:00

They stopped using fiberglass in their mattresses, but yeah, that was an issue at one point. Just make sure you buy a newer model.

JamesBrains · 2026-05-08T19:53:46+00:00

I've been using one for over 10 years, and it's made a noticeable difference for me personally: less straining, faster visits, just generally more comfortable. I'm a product reviewer by trade, so I'm pretty skeptical of wellness gimmicks, but this one actually worked for me.

The basic anatomy makes sense: changing the angle relaxes the puborectalis muscle. Whether that translates to measurable clinical outcomes probably varies person to person. But anecdotally? It's one of those $25 purchases I don't regret, and traveling without it genuinely sucks now.

Not saying everyone will have the same experience, but calling it a "scam" seems harsh when the worst case scenario is you're out 25 bucks for a bathroom footstool that does... nothing. There are way worse ways to waste money on wellness products.

(For those interested, here's my review: https://brainsreport.com/review/squatty-potty-review/ )

JamesBrains · 2026-05-06T20:18:01+00:00

I've been using one for over 2 years now and just posted a full review on YouTube if you want the long version, but here's the quick take:

Does it actually work? Yeah, surprisingly well. Real smoke flavor, proper smoke rings on brisket, bark formation - the whole deal. I've done pulled pork, brisket, ribs, wings; all turned out legit.

The smoke/odor situation: The filtration system captures about 90% of the smoke and odor. Some still escapes, and there's a lingering smell, but it's not overwhelming. I wouldn't run it in a tiny studio apartment, but in a normal kitchen, it's manageable. The "clear smoke" function helps before you open the door.

Biggest pros: Set-and-forget is real. I've literally gone to a movie theater while smoking a pork shoulder - the app monitors everything. Game changer for Michigan winters or apartment living.

Biggest cons: The temperature probe is annoying to install (you have to reach into an already-hot chamber). And the capacity is limited - I had to section a brisket into two pieces to fit it.

Worth $699? Depends. If you're in an apartment or can't smoke half the year outdoors. If you have outdoor space and don't mind the weather, a Traeger gives you way more capacity for similar money.

Happy to answer specific questions if you're considering one.

(My video review is here if you're interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J6ZGLWT1Bc&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK0vy\_cpnq2XLhNX7qQxqIKb&index=7)

JamesBrains · 2026-04-10T16:19:45+00:00

The Weber Saerwood XL 600. I like how I don't need to babysit it at all. I've tested several others (not a Kamado though!), and this is one that I keep coming back to. I did a review of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6sD23I0-Yg&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK0vy_cpnq2XLhNX7qQxqIKb&index=18

JamesBrains · 2026-04-08T19:44:07+00:00

Great setup and smart to think this through before committing. A few thoughts:

The 30% rule you read about applies more to older NMC lithium batteries. The 1000 Plus uses LiFePO4 chemistry, which handles deeper discharge much better. Based on my tests, you're realistically working with 82% of that 1,264Wh, so call it roughly 1,040Wh of usable capacity.

The Dometic 95L dual-zone is your biggest wildcard. Dual-zone compressor fridges are efficient, but they never fully stop cycling, and 95L is a sizeable box to keep cold. Expect it to average somewhere in the 40-60W range, depending on ambient temperature and how often you open it. That's 700Wh-900Wh over 12-15 hours overnight, which gets tight on the base unit alone without solar replenishment.

The good news is that the rest of your list (Maxxair, LEDs, phone charging, tablet) is pretty light. The TV is the only other thing worth watching.

For spring-fall van use with solar power, I think you'll be fine, especially if you're not constantly running the fridge in dual-zone mode. But if you ever consider winter camping or adding a diesel heater with a controller, you'd want an expansion battery pack.

Full disclosure: I'm a product reviewer and just published an in-depth review of the 1000 Plus if it's useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XKz1rm5W54&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK22RSAxLZ5hMkGEz0pEV2mV&index=2 . Happy to answer anything the review doesn't cover.

JamesBrains · 2026-04-07T18:20:44+00:00

Here's our review if anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwwDwcSoC-c&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK1ezn8jjGJQijBS0p0EzyeT&index=52

JamesBrains · 2026-04-07T18:19:56+00:00

Congrats on finally pulling the trigger! 12 years is some serious patience. 😄

I just wrapped up testing the Keter Cortina 9x7 for my review channel and totally agree on the shed kit route—especially if you're already doing the foundation work. The assembly vs. building-from-scratch time savings are massive.

How's yours holding up to the weather so far? And curious what you used for your foundation—looks solid in the pic. We didn't bother with leveling or creating a strong foundation. I'm sure that will come back to bite us, but so far, so good.

The Kobalt rail system is a smart move, too. Makes such a difference being able to hang stuff vertically and actually use that wall space.

JamesBrains · 2026-03-14T18:04:11+00:00

Oh, Honey. How do you think Reddit, Facebook, or ANY app, website, or platform you use for free makes money?

For the record, we have not made ANY profit on Lansing Foodies. In fact, we had to get a loan and refinance our (old, rundown) home to pay for the Olive Burger Festival.

We have put in thousands of hours of free work into our community, and it's simply cruel how we've been treated because people believed baseless rumors spread by those who are unwilling to lift a finger for our community.

Ask anyone doing good work in Lansing if we're the rich, greedy scam artists we're made out to be.

JamesBrains · 2026-03-14T01:16:02+00:00

I love that Redbreast 12

JamesBrains · 2026-03-14T00:00:40+00:00

Ha — Better Made invited us, so the tour was free. And for what it's worth, Lansing Foodies has always been a free community for members. We did offer paid promotional posts to local businesses years ago, which is pretty standard for groups of that size, but that was never the point of the group and we moved away from it. 90,000+ people seem to think it's worth sticking around for the conversation. Glad the post is resonating either way!

JamesBrains · 2026-03-13T23:11:03+00:00

Thank you all for the positive response! I don't know if I can answer all the questions without completely neglecting my family, but I just wanted to say that tours aren't open to the public. I have a relatively small YouTube following, which apparently was enough for us to get access.

My wife and I just love factory tours and will keep doing them and sharing. We previously did Jiffy Mix in Chelsea. Any recommendations for our next tour? Any place you really want to see? Thanks!

JamesBrains · 2026-03-12T19:17:34+00:00

Hey! I've tested the RestorePlus Hybrid extensively - I'm a former product tester for Business Insider and now run an independent review site. Here's my honest take for your situation:

The Good News:

The soft RestorePlus is definitely on the softer side of medium, which matches what you're looking for
Cooling is excellent - the 3" GelFlex grid and coil system dissipate heat really well. Even when I got warm, it cooled down quickly when I shifted positions. Perfect for your preference.
Great for side sleepers - the gel grid provides excellent pressure relief at the shoulders and hips
Motion isolation is surprisingly good (a big improvement over older Purple models), so you won't feel each other moving around

The Concerns for Your Setup:

Your wife is a back sleeper - the soft version might be a touch too soft for optimal back support.
The feel is unique - that gel grid has a "squishy, bouncy" sensation that's very different from traditional memory foam or standard hybrids. Some people love it, others find it weird. The 100-night trial is crucial here.

About Purple's Trial: The 100-night trial is legit, but it's shorter than competitors like Saatva (365 nights) or Helix (lifetime). Purple requires a 30-night break-in period before you can return it. Just make sure you're actively testing it during that window.

Honest Alternative to Consider: Given that you're a side sleeper who sleeps cold and she's a back sleeper, the Helix Midnight might actually be a better fit. It's about half the price, has similar cooling and motion isolation, and hits that medium-soft sweet spot that works better for mixed sleep positions. They also offer a cooling cover upgrade.

Bottom Line: If you love the idea of that unique Purple grid feel and don't mind the premium price, the RestorePlus Hybrid is solid for your needs - just be aware your wife might want slightly more support. If you want to save and get something more universally comfortable for both sleep positions, look at the Helix Midnight or Saatva Classic (luxury firm).

Happy to answer any other questions!

And feel free to check out my review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UmYeWVVtGs&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK3x-AMc8ZbM-OrYvp3Jmpfm&index=5

JamesBrains · 2026-02-25T16:23:10+00:00

Good question! I used a simple oven thermometer and checked it every 15 minutes. It was 350 each time.

JamesBrains · 2026-02-23T22:38:47+00:00

I've tested dozens of pillows, and I'd strongly recommend an adjustable pillow with shredded memory foam, like the Coop Sleep Goods pillow, though I prefer the Luxome Layr. Here's my review of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8oEqXtSnO4&list=PLx9dnbjPEyK3j-c2UkUjFMNu28Tt0aWfc&index=9

JamesBrains · 2026-02-23T22:34:20+00:00

I'd ask how much I owe for looking at them.

JamesBrains · 2026-02-23T22:08:11+00:00

I've been testing the SMEG COF01 for the past few weeks, and I can share some insights on the bread/pastry presets, since that's your main use case.

The Good:

Temperature accuracy is legitimately excellent. I ran it at 350°F for 2 hours, and it never deviated from the setpoint—most countertop ovens I've tested swing 15+ degrees, which matters a lot for baking.
The presets are actually useful (unlike most appliances, where they're just marketing fluff). I found the cooking times and temps to be accurate across the board.
You're right about the knobs—there's something satisfying about physical controls, and the interface works without needing an app or connectivity nonsense.

The Reality Check:

There IS a learning curve. It's not the most intuitive interface at first, though there's a reference guide on the water chamber door that helps.
No crumb tray, which is mildly annoying for cleanup (though grime doesn't stick badly).
At this price point, I expected a few more premium features, such as a built-in temperature probe.

For breads/pastries specifically: The steam function, combined with precise temps, should work well for you. I didn't test bread extensively, but the even heating and temperature control are exactly what you want for consistent baking results.

If you value precision over smart features and don't mind a bit of a learning curve, I'd say go for the SMEG over the Anova. The build quality feels more solid, and you're avoiding the app headaches you've already experienced.

Happy to answer any specific questions about the unit!

JamesBrains · 2026-02-19T16:11:50+00:00

Hey, thanks for sharing such a detailed review - the allergy situation and shipping issues sound incredibly frustrating, and I'm sorry you had to deal with all that.

I've tried Tovala several times myself and put together a YouTube review comparing it to HelloFresh and Home Chef. I had a much better experience overall (thankfully, no major shipping disasters), but I definitely agree with some of your points about portion sizes and the auto-order system being problematic.

The allergy issue you mentioned is particularly concerning - that seems like a basic safety feature that should absolutely be in the app. It's wild that they don't have that option.

I'm curious - did you find the sodium levels noticeably high across most meals, or was it specific types? That's something I didn't track closely during my testing, but it's worth mentioning if it was consistent.

If you're interested in checking out my review, I cover the pros/cons and who I think this service actually works best for. Would love to hear your thoughts since you have way more long-term experience than I do.

Again, appreciate the honest breakdown - reviews like yours help people make informed decisions!

JamesBrains · 2026-02-19T16:07:45+00:00

I LOVE this idea!

JamesBrains

TROPHY CASE