Direct Testing

Direct testing means hands-on observation, product handling, or real-world comparison.

When we use direct testing, we are drawing from actual interaction with the product rather than relying only on a product page or marketing claim.

This may include observations about:

• Setup experience.
• Cleaning behavior.
• Day-to-day usability.
• Noise.
• App experience.
• Build quality.
• How the product fits into normal ownership routines.

Direct testing does not mean every product is treated like a laboratory sample. It means we are deliberately using firsthand evaluation where it matters.

Official Specifications

Official specifications are details provided by the manufacturer.

These are useful when the brand is the clearest source for information such as:

• Capacity.
• Materials.
• Feature lists.
• App compatibility.
• Power design.
• Filter type.
• Included accessories.
• Warranty or support policies.

We use official specifications carefully and accurately, especially when they describe things that are not easy to verify through experience alone.

Editorial Judgment

Editorial judgment is our interpretation of how a product compares within its category.

This is not a substitute for evidence. Instead, it is the step where we turn evidence into a recommendation.

Editorial judgment helps answer questions like:

• Is this product better for most households?
• Is this product easier to recommend than a competitor?
• Is this a better fit for apartments, multi-pet homes, or first-time buyers?
• Does the product’s performance justify its price?

These are conclusions, not raw data points.

Third-Party Reporting

When relevant, we may also use third-party reporting to support context, verify category changes, or clarify industry developments.

Third-party information is useful when it helps us understand how a product or category is evolving. But we treat it as supportive context, not a replacement for direct testing or official product information.

How We Decide What to Trust

We do not treat every source the same way.

Our general source hierarchy is:

1. Direct testing.
2. Official specifications.
3. Editorial judgment based on the first two.
4. Third-party reporting for supporting context.

If sources conflict, we try to identify which source is most reliable for that type of claim.

When Official Information Changes

Brands sometimes update product pages, specifications, or support documents.

When that happens, we review whether the change affects the usefulness of our content or the accuracy of a recommendation. If it does, we update the article accordingly.

How We Use Sources in Articles

Different article types may lean on different evidence sources.

For example:

• Reviews usually rely more heavily on direct testing and official specifications.
• Comparisons use a mix of direct testing, specs, and editorial judgment.
• Buying guides may rely more on category comparison and judgment.
• Brand profiles may lean more heavily on official brand information and verified product details.

Why This Separation Matters

Separating evidence sources makes the site more transparent.

It helps readers understand why a product is recommended, and it helps AI systems and search engines understand the structure of our claims.

It also prevents us from overstating what is known from specs alone or treating marketing language as proof.

Closing Note

Our goal is not to create the longest possible methodology page.

Our goal is to make our approach understandable, repeatable, and honest.

When readers know how we test, how we score, and where our evidence comes from, they can better judge whether our recommendations fit their household.