With the rise of working from home in the U.S., this scenario is not uncommon anymore. The demand for flexible working environments and advancement in technology has encouraged companies to offer employees the option to work from home. Additionally, recent developments with the coronavirus pandemic led many companies to shift to an entirely remote team.

In fact, according to a study released by the U.S. Census, 5.2% of workers in the U.S. worked from home full time in 2017, a 3.3% increase since 2000. To put that in perspective, that’s 3.7 million people working from home in 2000, increased to 6.5 million.

Additionally, in 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 23.7% of the U.S. population worked at home for at least some hours.

The big picture: work from home statistics

Before breaking down how working remotely has affected the workforce for both employers and employees, let’s take a look at some of the highlights around working from home.

Although surveys are underway for how Covid-19 will affect these statistics, Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 56% of the U.S. workforce holds a job that is at least partially compatible with remote work, and that 25-30% of the workforce will be working at home for more than one day a week over the next two years.

Sixty-one percent of employees have left or considered leaving a job because it did not have work flexibility.

FlexJobs

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90% of remote workers plan on working remotely for the rest of their careers.

Buffer

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21% of remote workers say that the biggest struggle of working remotely is loneliness, while another 21% said that it was collaborating and communicating.

Buffer

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78% of remote workers primarily work from home, 9% work from an office, 7% work from a coworking space, 5% work from a cafe and 1% work from elsewhere.

Buffer

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78% of remote workers have at least a college degree and 32% are manager level or higher.

FlexJobs

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How does remote work influence productivity?

Old thinking believes that employees must be in the office to be productive, but this mentality disregards the distractions that an office environment comes with. Socializing, unnecessarily long meetings and loud colleagues can slow down a productive employee.

Fewer distractions allow for workers to focus on the task at hand, often completing it quicker than if they were sitting in a cubicle. In FlexJobs’ 2018 annual survey on telecommuting, they uncovered that the top reasons why people believe they are more productive while working remotely: fewer distractions and interruptions, reduced stress from commuting, minimal office politics and a quieter noise level.

Although statistics show that productivity goes up for employees with flexible work options, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported that 62% of remote workers say they’re afraid that their onsite colleagues don’t think they are working as hard as them.

Regardless, results from numerous studies looking into employees who work from home don’t lie. Let’s take a look at more working from home statistics related to productivity.

• 65% of workers said they would be more productive in a home office than in a traditional office space. — FlexJobs
• 75% of people say they are more productive working remotely due to fewer distractions. — Flexjobs
• 77% of millennials report that flexible work would make them more productive. — Regus
• Nearly 2 in 3 survey respondents who work remotely say they are more productive now than when they worked onsite at a company. — SHRM
• 62% of remote workers say they’re afraid that their onsite colleagues don’t think they are working as hard as them. — SHRM
• Around 69% of workers believe technology has made them more productive, but nearly 25% believe technology will replace them in their jobs; and 83% of workers use technology to collaborate in real time, but 78% said technical problems disrupt the collaborative experience. — HR Dive
• 83% of employees feel they do not need an office to be productive. — Fuze
• Two-thirds of employers report increased productivity for remote workers compared to in-office workers. — TECLA

Do remote workers need to compromise on their income?

While some companies may not see the same value of an in-office employee as a remote employee, resulting in pay cuts, this trade-off is not always the case dependent on the skillset and career path of the employee. In a study by Stack Overflow, they found that developers who work remotely can earn as much as 40% more than developers working in an office.

FlexJobs also did some digging, asking recruiters if pay for remote employees is different than for in-office employees for the same role, and their answer was a resounding: no.

There’s absolutely no difference. Whether you’re in-office or remote, total compensation is based on the position as well as performance.

Sound promising for remote employees?

Yes, but Payscale, Glassdoor and Ziprecruiter tells us that it’s industry dependent. In the end, recruiters say that negotiating is key. While remote employees might feel pressured to accept a lower salary due to the flexibility, progressive companies are more apt to compensate based on skills, not on location.

How does remote work affect retention rates?

Stephane Kasriel, the CEO of Upwork, once said “Companies that refuse to support a remote workforce risk losing their best people and turning away tomorrow’s top talent.”

Kasriel has a point. In FlexJobs’ 2018 Annual Survey, they found that 76% of respondents said that they would be more loyal to their employers if they had flexible work options.
Millennial job seekers have said that they weigh flexible work options heavily when it comes to finding a new employer, but flexibility isn’t only desired for the sake of work-life balance. Working from home allows employees to relocate, whatever the circumstances may be, without needing to seek out a new job.

Additionally, given that employers who offer remote work don’t need to recruit in one particular city, the quality of applicants can be much higher. That gives employers the option to be picky, and only hire those who are interested in being a part of the company for the long haul. Therefore, retention rates are typically higher for these companies.
We pulled more statistics that showcase how remote work affects retention rates.

• By 2020, organizations that support a “choose-your-own-work-style” culture will boost employee retention rates by more than 10%. — Gartner
• According to a 2017 study by IT solutions company Softchoice, 74% of 1,000 office workers surveyed said they would leave their job for another that offered the option of more remote work. — Softchoice
• 76% of female tech professionals think businesses offering remote work would be more likely to retain top talent. — Huffington Post

What does working from home do for work-life balance?

While some employers have introduced ping pong tables, beer on tap and bean bag chairs to boost employee morale, it’s just not cutting it. Work-life balance has been the talk of the recruitment and HR community for years, but millennials are defining it differently these days.

Work-life balance and working from home go hand in hand. By encouraging the ability for employees to work remote, it supports employees outside of work. Whether it be to spend more time with their families versus sitting in traffic, or fulfill their travel bucket list, remote work has been proven to promote a work-life balance.

• 97% of the workforce said a job with flexibility would have a huge improvement or positive impact on their overall quality of life. — FlexJobs
• 27% of workers regard their commute as a waste of time. — Regus
• 40% of remote workers were in agreement that a flexible work schedule is the biggest benefit to working remotely. — Buffer
• 81% percent of remote workers have traveled outside of their home city and spent time working during those travels. — Buffer
• Nearly 3 in 4 respondents say the arrangement helps them with work/life balance. More than one-third say they work remotely to care for their children. — SHRM

How does working remote impact stress levels?

Premiere Global Services, Inc. (PGi) reported that 82% of their telecommuters reported lower stress levels. But let’s face it, some remote workers might be hesitant to admit to their boss that they’re stressed for fear of being requested back into the office.

Does that mean that working remote could help lower stress related to work?

We took a look at what causes stress in the workplace and found that an employee’s personality traits can affect their stress level when working remote.

The obvious reasons why working from home can reduce stress are: no commute, comfortable clothing, personalized office space and more. But, there are ways that remote work could increase stress based off of each employees’ personality.

• Minimal socializing. Some employees thrive with human interaction. It’s easy for remote workers to feel a sense of loneliness, especially if they consider themselves an extrovert.
• Working long hours. If you’re working from home, it can be difficult to step away and can’t see the office clearing out at the end of the day. Long hours can lead to stress, and ultimately, burnout.
• Stress goes unnoticed. If you’re in an office, your manager or colleagues will likely be able to tell that you are stressed based off of your physical appearance (like if you haven’t shaved), attitude or behavior. And, if you have a supportive employer, they’ll work towards helping change that. Remote workers must speak up if they’re feeling stressed since they aren’t face-to-face with their manager, therefore, the signs of stress could go unnoticed and be elongated. This could result in higher stress levels than if they were in the office.

For those who are working from home and feeling stressed, it can be first combated by recognizing it. Then, work towards creating a routine, defining boundaries, taking breaks, creating a new work environment or working on other ways to socialize during the work week.

Lower overhead for everyone: employer and employee

Operating costs such as real estate and overhead can come with a hefty price tag for employers. According to MarketWatch, the average office space per employee costs $14,800 in New York, $6,702 in Los Angeles and $6,080 in Boston annually. No matter what city a company is based out of, office space will always cost more than no office space at all.

In the same vein, employees can save on costs when they work from home. Some experts say that it costs upwards of $2,600 on average per year for Americans to commute to work. Studies show that telecommuting saves on costs for both the employer and the employee.

Allowing a worker to telecommute half the time can save an employer more than $11,000 a year.

CNN

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One third of firms report that they expect to see businesses of all sizes opting for flexible work locations rather than fixed term leading contracts.

Regus

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Telecommuting full time brings in more than $4,000 in savings each year thanks to reduced expenses on things like gas, parking and public transit costs and dry cleaning.

CNN

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Companies such as Dell, American Express and Aetna Insurance all have encouraged employees to work remote, which has helped them save significantly on overhead.

In 2016, Dell announced its plans to further expand its telecommuting and remote work initiatives, citing the $12 million in annual savings from reduced office space costs.

DyerNews

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American Express is saving up to $15 million a year in real estate costs thanks to remote working.

SHRM

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At Aetna Insurance, 47% of the workforce works remotely, which saves the company more than $70 million a year in real estate, utility and housekeeping costs.

SHRM

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The environmental impact for those who work from home

According to data from Global Workplace Analytics, if everyone whose jobs are compatible with remote work telecommuted half the time, they’d eliminate 119 billion miles of highway driving each year. It would also reduce the amount of oil we use by 640 million barrels and cut emissions by 54 million tons of greenhouse gas.

Yes, you read that right. Not only does working from home lower oil consumption, but it reduces the need for road repair and parking. However, if you still own a car and leave it in your driveway, we found on our home burglary statistics post that this can deter theft.

Working remote also reduces printing since everything is shared digitally, so waste is reduced significantly at home than in offices. As a result of our digging into the environmental impact of working from home, we uncovered these surprising facts.

• Annually, Xerox teleworkers drive 92 million fewer miles, saving 4.6 million gallons of gas, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 41,000 metric tons and saving over $10 million. — SHRM
• People who are working from home in the United States right now avoid emitting 3.6 million tons of commuting-related greenhouse gasses annually. — FlexJobs
• People who are working from home in the United States right now avoid emitting 3.6 million tons of commuting-related greenhouse gasses annually. — Global Workforce Analytics
• The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reports that telecommuting is part of a climate change solution since using electronics to telecommute saves 9 to 14 billion kilowatt-hours of energy each year. — Lifewire

Overall, giving employees the opportunity to work from home has proved to be positive for employers. Have you asked your employer if you can work from home?

Sources: Statista | Schooled by Science

The post 30+ Work From Home Statistics | Remote Work in 2021 appeared first on Your Best Digs.

• Supplies
• Driving
• Create a space
• Dog-proofing
• Eating and drinking
• Health
• Microchipping
• Pet insurance
• Bonding
• Visitors
• Socializing
• Daily routine

Bringing a new pet home is a big change for you and your family, but you can’t forget that it’s also a stressful adjustment for your new dog. Whether you’re bringing home a puppy or an adult dog, you’ll want to prepare by creating a comfortable environment and routine for them.

Use our complete guide to help your new dog feel comfortable at home and slowly allow them to adjust to their surroundings.

Get the right supplies

You’ll be busy on the day that you pick up your dog, so you’ll want to prepare what you can in advance. Purchase the supplies that will help them feel welcomed and comfortable in your home.

If you can, get in contact with your chosen adoption shelter or breeder to see if your pet has any toys, food or sleeping arrangements that they’re already accustomed to. Keeping something consistent with your dog’s past will help them feel more comfortable in a new setting.

We’ve outlined some must-haves for dogs at different stages:

Supplies for a new dog

You’ll likely be starting from scratch when it comes to training if you’re welcoming a puppy into your home, so there are a few necessities that will help that introduction go smoothly.

• Dog crate: A crate will help keep your puppy or dog safe when you can’t closely supervise them. It’s also a training tool, so it’s important to get a size that comfortably fits them. If you have a puppy and your crate is too large, they could use one end as a toilet, which could hold them back while potty training. If you have a dog breed that’s going to grow out of a crate fast, you can invest in a larger crate and use a divider while they’re a puppy.
• Bedding: Purchase a bed that’s large enough for your dog to stretch out on when they’re laying down. You’ll want it to be part of a comfortable space that they relax.
• Leash, collar, harness and identification tag: Using a collar versus a harness has been long debated, but in fact, both are effective supplies to have during the training process. Your collar should have a license, which is issued by the state, and an identification tag on it for safety reasons. Your harness is best for walks and training. Collars can cause a strain on the neck during walks, especially when your dog hasn’t been trained not to pull yet.
• Water and food bowls: Invest in a metal bowl as they have less risk of breaking and are easy to clean. You may also want to consider a non-slip base to avoid from the bowl moving out of place.
• Pet gate: Your dog will be curious of their new home, so if there is a room that you want to keep them away from, use a pet gate to close off that area. Choose one that’s tall enough for your dog breed since some are known to scale gates.
• Exercise pen: If you don’t have an ideal room for your dog to play in, create a space that’s larger than their crate by using an exercise pen.
• Grooming tools: Be prepared for when your dog’s nails get long and when they start shedding by having nail clippers, a brush and a hair clipper on hand.
• Chew toys: Dogs love to chew, but puppies will want to chew through everything during the teething stage. Choose toys that aren’t too small to prevent choking.
• Dog food: While your dog adjusts to their new home, it’s recommended that you feed them the same food that they’re used to from the shelter or breeder. Once they’re ready, do your research and consult with your veterinarian to find the most suitable dog food option for your dog and slowly mix it in with the food that they’re accustomed to. Note that it may take a few tries until you find one that suits their health requirements and appetite.
• Dog treats: Be prepared with dog treats to reward your dog during training.
• Dog waste bags: Have plenty of these on hand while on a walk to pick up after your dog.

Download and print our checklist before heading to a pet supply store or shopping online so you don’t forget to pick up any necessary pet supplies.

Prepare your car

Amidst the excitement of introducing a new canine friend to your family, it’s easy to forget to ensure a safe way to transport them. Before picking them up, set up your car so you can safely bring them home.

Transport your dog in a crate if you have enough space in your car. If you don’t have enough space, you can place them in the back and tie them to the headrest using a collar and leash. Ensure enough slack to allow repositioning, but not enough to fall off the seat. Give them a toy or a chew bone to keep them occupied for the ride.

My seat protector was the best investment I ever made. It’s amazing how much general dirt and gunk they track with them all the time.

They’ll likely be anxious when transported in a car with new people, so bring wetting pads, stain and odor removers and paper towels in the case of an accident.

Set up their own space

Your home is new territory for your new pet, and their unfamiliarity can be shocking. This change can cause your pet to show abnormal behavior, so it’s important to give them a space that makes them feel comfortable.

It’s common to create this space in a crate since it helps with training and gives them a protected place to retreat to. Try to include as many familiar comforts as you can. Dogs respond strongly to smell, so include an old piece of clothing or a favorite dog toy from their former domain.

Dog-proof your home

Before bringing your dog home, make sure that you create a safe environment for them. They’ll be curious of the new smells, sounds and nooks and crannies of your new place, so don’t underestimate their curiosity.

If your dog encounters a frightening event in your home, it will be difficult for them to feel comfortable in that space again, so you’ll want to avoid the possibility of an accident prior to their arrival.

Use our outline for dog-proofing every room in your home, and then download our checklist at the bottom to make sure that you don’t forget anything in the process.

Bathroom

• Close the toilet: Like you see portrayed in the movies, dogs love drinking out of the toilet bowl. Unfortunately toilet bowls contain dangerous chemicals that could leave your pet sick.
• Use a medicine cabinet: Move your medicine, make up and other small toiletries to a cabinet to avoid from your dog getting into them.
• Install a tall rack in your shower: If you leave your bottles of shampoo and conditioner on the ground of your shower, your pet will have easy access to it. Put all of your in-shower toiletries up high to avoid from them being played with.
• Be aware of hot hair tools: If you use a curling iron, hair dryer, hair straightening brush, or flat iron, turn them off after using them, keep the cords on the counter while cooling and stow them away before you leave the bathroom.

Bedroom

• Keep the door closed: This might seem obvious, but it can take time to become adjusted to closing your bedroom door if you didn’t have a dog before. Your bedroom is full of places for a dog to get into, so keeping the room off limits is the easiest way to avoid an accident.
• Keep garbage empty: If your dog does find a way to sneak into your bedroom, they’ll quickly find your small garbage can. Empty it often to avoid a mess.
• Hide small items: From makeup and jewelry, to shoes and decor, keep your small items out of reach from curious paws.

Kitchen

• Secure drawers and cabinets: Avoid cutlery or other objects from being accessible by putting locks on all of your reachable drawers.
• Turn pot handles inward: When you’re cooking, turn your hot cookware handles towards the backsplash to avoid from any pots from falling on the ground if your dog jumps up.
• Keep anything toxic out of reach: It might feel like second nature to keep all of your cleaning supplies under the sink, but you’ll want to make sure they aren’t accessible to a little explorer. Either lock your cabinet, or move them to a higher cabinet to get them out of reach.
• Secure your garbage: If your garbage can is easy to knock over or get into, secure it in a cabinet or make sure it’s sturdy enough to avoid from your little one toppling it over.
• Don’t use tablecloths: As you can imagine, tablecloths can easily mess up a dinner with a small tug. Avoid using tablecloths around dogs.

Living Room

• Block off stairs and walkways: Restrict your dog’s access to the stairs and off-limit rooms with a quality pet gate that has an effective locking mechanism.
• Tie up window cords: If you have cords dangling from your blinds or curtains, make sure they are far out of reach to your pet.
• Remove small items: Any small items on your coffee table, fireplace mantel or side tables such as decor, candles, plants and picture frames should be removed in the training phase.
• Block the fireplace: If you have an open fireplace, surround the area with a pet gate to avoid from your pet from getting near it, whether lit or not.
• Block exits: If your living room is near the front door, make sure that the doors shut properly and can’t be easily nudged open with a paw or nose.
• Put away children’s toys: If you don’t have a sealed container for toys already, it’s time to invest in one. Your dog will not know the difference between their toys and your children’s toys, so you’ll want to keep them off the ground.

Garage

• Check garage door sensor: Confirm that your garage door discontinues from closing if someone runs under it before it touches the ground. That way, there is no chance for your dog to get caught if they run under it at the last second.
• Stow away hazardous substances: If you have antifreeze, lighter fluid, gasoline, oil or other harmful substances in your garage, make sure to put them out of sight and lock them up. Some of these substances can taste and smell sweet, so you don’t want your pet to get the wrong idea.

Backyard

• Enforce the perimeter: Make sure that your yard is closed off with a fence that is high enough that your dog can’t jump over it.
• Remove items from fence perimeter: If you have a garbage can or supplies leaning against your fence, your dog can use it as a stepping stool to jump over the fence.
• Install a pool cover: If you have a pool, invest in a pool cover that locks so your dog can’t nudge and get under it.
• Don’t use pesticides: If you can avoid it, don’t use pesticides in your yard since it can be poisonous for dogs.

Make sure your backyard is dog proof. If you’re getting a small dog, they can easily get out through little cracks that you wouldn’t even think of.

After you dog proof your home, you’ll feel so much better about bringing your new pet home. Download and print our checklist to make sure you didn’t miss any essential safety-proofing steps.

Help them eat and drink

It’s common for pets to have stomach issues when your dog is changing diets or in a stressful situation. If possible, find out how they were eating prior to bringing them home and slowly transition them from one food to another.

It’s also easy for them to lose their appetite in new surroundings, so it could take time for them to eat a normal-sized meal. If you’re having trouble getting your dog to eat, try mixing their food with high-value food such as cooked shredded chicken or chicken stock. Over the course of several days, eventually wean them off the high-value food.

If they are still having trouble eating after a few days, consult with your veterinarian on alternative steps you can take.

Ensure your dog’s health

Whether you’re adopting or picking up your dog from a breeder, make it a priority to confirm that they get their vaccinations if they don’t have them already. It’s common for diseases to spread from one dog to another in a shelter, so you’ll want to bring them to a veterinarian within one week of their adoption.

If you have a puppy, there are core vaccines and non-core vaccines that your veterinarian will walk you through during your appointment. The common core vaccines are: rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus. There are a number of non-core vaccines that your veterinarian will have you consider based on your dog’s circumstances.

If you have other pets at home, make sure that they’re healthy, are up-to-date on their vaccinations and are spayed or neutered.

Microchip your dog

A pet microchip is a small electronic chip inserted under your dog’s skin that can be used to identify them if they go missing. It’s injected with a hypodermic needle, which is said to be as painful as a regular injection.

If your dog is found, an animal shelter or veterinary clinic can scan your pet’s chip for their registration number, which is connected to your name and number in the registry. Microchipping your dog will give you the peace of mind if your pet is to ever go missing, and if your dog is in a new environment, it’s common for there to be escape attempts.

Consider pet insurance

Although purchasing pet insurance is not a requirement as a pet owner, it will allow you to make healthcare decisions for your pet without worrying or not if you can afford the treatment. Although you might be expecting to cover routine veterinary appointments, there is always potential for unexpected injuries and diseases.

Dog health insurance is your best friend if you own an accident prone dog, a large unhealthy breed, or simply don’t have thousands of dollars in an emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.

Worried about the associated costs? The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s (NAPHIA) 2018 State of the Industry Report indicates dog owners paid an average annual premium of $536 in 2017 for accident-and-illness plans. That equates to about $45 for a dog’s monthly premium.

For many dog owners, paying a monthly pet insurance premium is worth the chance that their pet is hurt or sick.

Spend time with them

One of the most important ways to make your dog feel at home is by spending time with them. As you can imagine, neglect can lead to your dog acting out while seeking attention. The more time you spend prioritizing them, the more comfortable they’ll become.

If you incorporate your dog into your routine, spending time with them won’t feel like you’re carving time out of something else — it will come naturally. These are our favorite ways to incorporate our dogs into our routine.

• Bring them on errands: While you don’t want to keep your dog in the car when you’re running errands, take them along if you’re in dog-friendly stores and restaurants.
• Make them your workout buddy: Swap your time at the gym for something you can enjoy outside such as hiking, running or going for a walk.
• Socialize with your dog: Don’t skip out on time with your friends and family to stay in with your dog. Engage in activities in which you can bring your dog along with you.
• Go to a pet event: There are thousands of pet events that happen around the U.S. annually. Look for meet ups or events in your area that will allow you to socialize your dog with others in the area.
• Groom them yourself: Routinely complete grooming duties such as bathing, cleaning teeth, cleaning ears, trimming nails and brushing them.

Avoid inviting too many visitors over

You’ll likely want to show off your new dog as soon as you get home, but remember how overwhelming the experience can be for them. Wait a few days before inviting too many family and friends over so they have a chance to get accustomed to you and your immediate family.

Every dog has their own personality where some get excited by commotion and others get nervous. Take note of your dog’s behavior within the first few days around your family to determine when it’s a good time to introduce new people to them.

If you wait too long, your pet might become territorial, therefore, give them a few days to get adjusted and slowly start introducing more people.

Socialize and train your dog

Although you don’t want to overwhelm your dog on day one, it’s important that you socialize them with other dogs and people early on. Dogs have a reputation to be social, but their past could affect how they interact with others.

Be ready to get out exercising and do a lot of socialization. Looking up the stages of puppy development can be very helpful for insight on critical development periods over the first few years.

While every dog has their own personality when it comes to connecting with other dogs, it’s important that they are at least accustomed to seeing other dogs for scenarios where they encounter other dogs on a walk or an errand. The sweet spot for socializing a new puppy is between 3 to 12 weeks old.

Start training your dog as soon as you get home and make it part of their routine. If you have a puppy, they’ll have a short attention span, so you should make trainings brief. That said, they’ll be able to absorb obedience commands and potty training from an early age if you routinely commit around 15 minutes to training per day.

On the other hand, if you have an adult dog, it may take time to change their current habits and instill new commands. Although they might not absorb commands as quickly as a puppy, don’t give up. Build on their training with reward-based training methods.

Establish a daily routine

Dogs thrive on a routine, so set regular times that you do the following:

• Feeding: Consult with your veterinarian for the recommended type and amount of food you should feed your dog. Dog owners typically feed their dogs two smaller meals per day versus one large meal. Keep the dog bowl and location and timing consistent for every meal if possible.
• Sleeping: From the start, put your crate in the room that you want your dog to sleep in the long term. Make sure that the space is warm and cozy, and never have your dog sleep in an area that you wouldn’t such as the garage or in an unfinished basement. Try your best to remain consistent on the times that you put your dog in the crate and take them out of the crate every day.
• Daily walk: Keep your first walks short and close to home to help you determine your dog’s behavior when in a new environment and around different distractions.
• Letting them outside: Give your dog access to outside as much as you can, especially in the potty-training phase. Make it a routine that when they’re let out of their crate, they can immediately relieve themselves outside.
• Training: It’s easy to slack on training your dog, but consistency is key. Set up 10 to 15 minutes every day to train them.
• Alone time: You’ll have to get your dog accustomed to being solitary at times. You can do this by not giving them attention or comfort if they whine or bark while they are briefly alone. Only reward them when they are showing good behavior.

Most importantly, be patient. Some adopted dogs will have come from a loving home, while others might have been waiting at the shelter for years. Either way, it will take them time to get comfortable and familiar with their new routine.

Sources: American Kennel Club | American Veterinary Medical Association | VCA | Dogs Naturally

The post Bringing a New Dog Home: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Good news: burglary rates are dropping in the U.S. But, that doesn’t mean you should neglect the potential for a burglary in your neighborhood.

We took a deep dive into the facts involving burglaries in the U.S. to understand more behind the mind of the burglar, and to spread awareness about how homes are robbed and what you can do to best protect yours.

Most shocking home burglary statistics

Get the big picture on burglaries through the round up of the most shocking current burglary statistics below.

Victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $3.4 billion in property losses in 2017. The average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,416.

Bureau of Justice Statistics

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In 2017, there were an estimated 1,401,840 burglaries, a decrease of 7.6% when compared with 2016 data. The number of burglaries decreased 27.4% when compared with 2013 data and was down 37.1% when compared with the 2008 estimate.

FBI

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88% of all burglaries are in residential areas

Reolink

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3 out of 4 homes in the U.S. will be broken into within the next 20 years.

Reolink

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In about 28% of burglaries, a household member was present during the burglary.

Bureau of Justice Statistics

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From 2016 to 2017, the rate of overall property crime declined from 118.6 victimizations per 1,000 households to 108.4, while the burglary rate fell from 23.7 to 20.6.

Bureau of Justice Statistics

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One burglary happens every 22.6 seconds in the U.S.

FBI

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The burglary rate dropped from 23.7 victimizations per 1,000 households in 2016 to 20.6 per 1,000 households in 2017. Overall, property crime decreased from 2016.

Bureau of Justice Statistics

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The average property dollar loss per burglary offense is $2,251.

FBI

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About 75% of burglars revealed that the bedroom was the first place they’d look for things to steal.

NBC New York

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What time of day do most burglaries occur?

Although it may seem like more burglaries would occur when it’s dark at night, in fact, the opposite is found to be true. Burglaries are more common to take place in the daytime.

• Break ins are 6% more likely to occur during the day between 6am and 6pm while people are at work or running errands. — Alarms.org
• Seasonal patterns existed in household larceny and burglary victimization rates. Rates of these household crimes tended to be higher in the summer than during other seasons of the year. — U.S. Department of Justice
• Between 1993 to 2010, burglary rates were highest in the summer and nearly 11% less frequent in the winter months. — U.S. Department of Justice
• The lowest amount of burglaries happen in February. — Alarms.org
• July and August have the highest number of home burglaries. — Jacksonville State University
• 34% of burglars enter through the front door. — Reolink

How many break ins happen daily?

The U.S. Department of Justice released a criminal victimization report in 2017, which found that more than 2.5 million burglaries took place in 2017. That means that nearly 7,000 burglaries occur in the U.S. every day.

• Nearly 7,000 burglaries occur in the U.S. every day. — U.S. Department of Justice

Do burglars return to the same house?

People who have been victimized by burglaries often wonder, could the culprit return? Although victims often take precautions against future burglaries if it’s happened to them before, it’s common for burglars to return to the home. In fact, according to Reolink, as many as one out of every three house burglary victims is a repeat victim.

• One out of every three house burglary victims is a repeat victim. — Reolink
• Nearly 60 percent of repeat burglaries occurred within one month of the initial offense. — Arizona State University
• About 10% occurred during the second month — Arizona State University

The common rationale behind a return burglar is that they’re familiar with the layout of the home, may know where you keep other valuable items that they want to take, and know when you’re likely to be away from the home.

Is my area improving in the fight against burglaries?

According to a 2018 preliminary report released by the FBI, burglary in the U.S. has decreased by 12.7% since 2017, but some region’s rates are dropping more rapidly than others. In fact, the Midwest is dropping the most rapidly at 15.6% less burglaries year over year.

Region	Northeast	Midwest	South	West	Total
Percent Change	-14.9%	-15.6%	-13%	-9.7%	-12.7%

How can you protect yourself from burglary?

The most obvious way to protect yourself is through monitoring your home with a home security system. A study by Parks Associates claims that 22% of households with internet had a home security system in 2017, which is expected to reach around 27% by 2021. Beyond investing in a home security system, there are other precautions you can take to protect your home and your belongings.

• In 2017, 22% of broadband households had a home security system — Parks Associates

Whether you’re going on vacation or want a better way to protect yourself from burglary, use these tips to safeguard yourself, your home and your belongings.

• Keep doors and windows locked: Sounds like common sense, right? Even if you feel safe in your neighborhood and always leave one door open or a window cracked, it can lead to unwanted intruders who have targeted your home. Lock up your home before leaving.
• Don’t let mail build up. Excess mail in your mailbox, driveway or on your front doormat is a telltale sign that no one is home. Have USPS hold your mail or have a trusted friend or neighbor collect your mail while you’re away so it doesn’t appear as if your home is vacant.
• Park a car in the driveway. If you don’t need your car while you’re on vacation, park it in your driveway so it looks like someone is home. If you’re using your car while away, have a neighbor use your driveway as a temporary parking spot. If you work from home, your car will be home much more often, likely deterring theft.
• Install timers for your lights. You can find plug-in light timers for less than $15 and they’re well-worth the investment if you’re going to be away from your home for an extended period of time. If you have lights on at your regular times, it will appear as if you’re home.
• Install a home security system. Don’t let the cost deter you from installing an indoor and outdoor security camera. Just having a security system visible can deter a thief from an attempted burglary. Even better if you put the warning sign in your front yard to advertise that your home has security cameras.
• Tag your expensive items. In the case that your home is burglarized, you’ll want to have a way to identify your items so engrave or embroider (for clothing or handbags) an identifiable marking on them.
• Install a wall safe: In an inconspicuous place in your home, mount a metal fireproof wall safe to a stud in your home to keep your valuables.
• Keep serial numbers on file. Keep a file that includes all serial numbers of expensive items such as your television, bike and other electronics.
• Insure expensive items. Connect with your home insurance provider to see how you’re covered — you may want to insure expensive items separately so they can be replaced if stolen.
• Be careful on social media: It can be tempting, but wait until you return home to post vacation photos so that you’re not advertising that your home is vacant.
• Hide ladders or tools: Don’t make it easier for burglars by leaving tools that aid in break-ins in plain sight, especially if you’re away for an extended period of time.
• Advertise your canine friend: That’s right, your dog can deter a burglar. Even if your dog is harmless, burglars know that dogs could slow them down and draw attention. Even if your dog isn’t home, a “beware of dog” sign could help scare them away.

Should you invest in a home security system?

If you’re worried about a potential burglary, a home security system is a worthwhile investment for a number of reasons:

Deters criminals:
The presence of a home security system alone will discourage burglars from breaking into your home. Keep at least one camera visual so burglars know that they are at risk of being recorded.

Sounds can cause a scare:
Even if your home is victimized by a break in, the sound of your security system could scare away the culprit before they have an opportunity to find and steal any valuables.

Valuable video footage:
Say an intruder does burglarize your home — you’ll have footage to share with local authorities to help find the culprit.

To justify the cost of a home security system, consider the monetary value of items in your home. Would it be devastating to replace some items?

A security system not only gives you the peace of mind while you’re away, but also lessons the chance of a burglary.

What to do if your home was burglarized?

It might be unexpected to become a victim of burglary, but it’s important that you take action right away to increase your chances of recovering your items and finding the burglar.

If your home was burglarized, follow these steps:

• Call the police. As soon as you realize that your home has been burglarized, call the police to report the crime. Filing a report will put it on record for insurance purposes and higher the chances that your items are recovered.
• Take pictures and document everything. Although it might be hard for you to abstain, leave everything as the burglar left it and take numerous pictures of the damage and areas in which the burglar stole from.
• Call your insurance company. Once you receive a reference number from the police, call your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company to file a claim. Depending on the damage and stolen items, you may want to stay elsewhere until the adjuster can assess the state of your home.
• View video footage. If you’ve invested in a home security system, you’re in luck. Share the footage with the police and your insurance company.
• Look for your items. You can help look for your stolen items without putting yourself in a dangerous position by searching through common resellers such as local pawn shops and online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook. Although it may be tempting, it’s ill advised to engage with the burglar and instead, leave it up to the police if you have a lead.
• Notify the neighbors. It’s possible that burglars have had eyes on your home and neighborhood for a while before choosing to burglarize your home. Share the news with your neighbors so they’re aware and can take precautions as well.

Now that you know more about burglary statistics in the U.S. and the precautions you can take to avoid becoming part of them, make sure to protect your home against future burglaries.

The post Home Burglary Statistics in 2021 — Is Your Home Safe? appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Do you get frustrated when trying to fold a fitted sheet? You’re not alone.

Our team tried multiple methods recommended by professional organizers and through much deliberation, we found the best way to keep your linen closet looking organized, fitted sheets included, is to follow the folding technique we’ve outlined below.

All you need is your fitted sheet and a flat surface, such as your bed or a large table, to master the fold. To avoid wrinkles, we found that it’s best to fold your sheets as soon as you remove them from the dryer when they’re still warm.

Step-by-Step to Folding a Fitted Sheet

1. 1. Turn the top corners inside out. With the shorter length of the fitted sheet parallel to your wingspan, flip the corners of the sheet outward.

1. 1. Hold two corners of sheet with elastic band towards you. With the shorter length of the fitted sheet parallel to your wingspan, hold the top two corners of the sheet in your left and right hand with the elastic band facing you.

1. 1. Fold the sheet in half vertically, tucking the corners. Move your right hand to your left hand and fold the corners into each other to create one pocket.

1. 1. Fold the sheet in half horizontally. With both of the top corners in your left hand, use your free hand to hang the next corner closest to you over your right hand. Fold the right corner over the left corner, to create a new pocket over your right hand. The elastic band should be facing you. Fold the left over the right once more so all of the corners meet each other.

1. 1. Lay the fitted sheet on the bed and fold. With the elastic band facing upwards, fold the elastic edge inward lengthwise to make a symmetrical rectangle.

1. 1. Fold into a square. Fold the sheet into thirds until you have a flat rectangle.

Now that you know how to fold a fitted sheet properly, you can keep your linen closet organized. We recommend that you slip the matching pillow cases into the corresponding folded fitted sheet to make it easier to determine the correct sets when you flip each room in your home.

The post How to Fold a Fitted Sheet appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Learn how to clean and maintain your hardwood floors through our detailed step-by-step with expert tips and advice.

What to use to clean hardwood floors

The age-old question is what cleaning products are safe for hardwood floors, but there isn’t a one-size-fits all cleaning solution.

You’ll want to consult with your hardwood floor manufacturer to learn what products are best fit for cleaning your floors specifically. If you’re unable to consult with your manufacturer or a professional, select a cleaning product that is only used for cleaning hardwood floors.

Some homeowners recommend cleaning hardwood floors naturally with vinegar and water, but if you opt to make your own natural solution, try it out on an inconspicuous spot in the corner of a less frequented room or under a piece of furniture that you don’t plan on moving (such as a refrigerator). Vinegar is known to dull some hardwood flooring finishes, so don’t make the mistake of using a product that your floors are new to before testing it first.

If you have waxed wood floors, it’s recommended to avoid any water or solution completely. Instead, regularly sweep or vacuum, and run a microfiber cloth across the floors to remove any fine dust particles.

Step-by-step for cleaning hardwood floors

Be confident that you’re cleaning your hardwood floors the right way to keep them looking as good as new for years.

Pick up loose dirt

Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep your floors against the grain to remove any loose dirt or dust from your floor. If you have pet hair or hard-to-reach spots, you can also use a vacuum for this step, but make sure only to use a soft floor nozzle as carpet beaters can damage hardwood finish.

Mop using a damp rag with cleaning solution

Use a cleaning solution that best suited for your type of hardwood floors and dampen (not soak) a rag and run it along your floor. Cover the entire floor, but don’t allow too much time to pass so it doesn’t dry.

Mop using a damp rag with water

Ring out the rag and dampen with water to pick up the cleaning solution that’s sitting on the floor.

Pick up moisture with a dry rag

Use a dry rag or mop to soak up any excess moisture on the floor. Any moisture left behind could damage the floor.

Repeat regularly

Don’t allow your floors to build up with dirt and grime. It’s recommended to mop floors in high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, living room and family room, on a biweekly basis. You can mop less-frequented rooms on a monthly basis.

How to remove stains from hardwood floors

The last thing you want to do if you have a stain on your hardwood floor is scratch the surface and damage the sealant. Be gentle and take your time with stain removal as your flooring can be delicate.

Watermarks. If you have a watermark on your floor, allow it a couple of days to dry to see if it will clear up on its own. If not, determine how your hardwood floor is finished: with wax, which penetrates the wood or with surface finish, which seals the top layer of the wood.

For waxed floors, lightly rub the stain with #000 steel wool and wax. If this doesn’t work and the stain is deeper, lightly sand the area, then stain, wax and buff the area by hand. If you’re not confident with sanding down your floors yourself or do not have the tools, you may need to consult with a professional who specializes in sealing hardwood floors. If your floor is treated with surface finish, use a cleaner that is specifically used for cleaning that type of finish.

If your hardwood floor is unfinished, consult with your manufacturer as water or hardwood cleaners could damage the wood.

Non-greasy spills. You can typically remove non-greasy food or drinks from surfaces by simply combining dish detergent and warm water and applying it with a cloth in a circular motion. Similar to mopping, make sure to remove the solution with a rag dampened with water and then a dry cloth.

Greasy spills. We get it. It’s easy to spill oil, butter or other greasy properties on your hardwood floors without noticing. If this has happened to you, soak a cotton rag in hydrogen peroxide and allow it to sit on top of the stain for 5-10 minutes. Repeat until the stain has been removed. If you’re unsure how hydrogen peroxide and your hardwood floors will interact, test it on an inconspicuous section of your floor beforehand.

How to protect your hardwood floors

Remove shoes. Create a policy to remove shoes at the door so no one brings in any outside dirt or gravel.

Use tough-bristled doormats. Entering the house with dirty shoes is the main way to track in dirt. If you allow shoes in your home, place tough bristle door mats at every entrance to avoid tracking in too much dirt.

Use floor protectors. It’s recommended to use floor protectors under heavy furniture to avoid from damaging your hardwood floors. If dirt or dust gets under your furniture without protectors, it could aggravate and scratch your floors.

Routinely clean. Clean kitchen floors weekly and other areas of the house every 3-4 weeks to avoid any build up.

Maintain and refinish. If your floors are damaged far beyond what cleaning can improve, you might be due for a refinishing. It’s common to refinish hardwood floors every 3-4 years to keep them in great shape.

Don’t ignore a mess. If you spill something, even if only a drip of water or ice cube, you’ll want to clean it up immediately as added moisture can quickly damage your floor.

Lift heavy items. If you have heavy equipment in your home for a remodel or furniture that you’re moving around, make sure not to drag it across the floor as it can damage your hardwood floors.

Whether you’re redoing a section of your home and have heavy equipment in and out of the house, or have purchased a new piece of furniture for your home, make sure not to drag anything across your hardwood floor as it could cause irreversible damage.

Now that you know how to clean, remove stains and protect your hardwood floors, your floors are bound to remain in great shape for years to come.

Sources: BHG | The Flooring Girl

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Learn more about how you can clean up every type of stain below with our list of 10 carpet stain hacks! From late-night red-wine spillage to a permanent-marker masterpiece that your little one surprised you with, find out how you can make these mistakes disappear.

The post The Best Carpet Stain Removal Hacks appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• The 6 drip coffee makers we tested
• Best overall: OXO – On Barista Brain
• Also great: Bonavita – BV1900TS
• Budget pick: Cuisinart – DCC-3200
• Other products we tested
• How we selected
• How we tested
• Important features to consider
• The bottom line

The 6 drip coffee makers we tested

Best overall: OXO – On Barista Brain

The OXO – On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker won our top pick not only for its simplistic design and usability but also for the quality cup of coffee it produced. Each step of the brewing process from filling the reservoir to enjoying your cup was a breeze. In fact, it is so quiet and easy to use that our team asked if they were using it properly. You need only select your cup amount and wait until the reservoir is empty. Testers appreciated that this machine was simple and fine-tuned in every detail.

The only complaint heard from any of our participants was that you cannot see through the aluminum pot to know how much is left, which can lead to disappointment when the afternoon fatigue hits and there is no coffee left.

While it did have a brew time of 8:37 for a full pot, which is several minutes longer than both the Bonavita and Moccamaster (which came in at 6:15 and 6:12 respectively), there were far fewer flaws in this machine than in the other top contenders.

Top Pick: OXO - On Barista Brain

The OXO - On Barista Brain Coffee Maker is a sleek machine that makes a fantastic cup of coffee while elevating your countertop's minimalist style.

See Price at Amazon.com

The OXO was the only coffee maker to abide by the SCAA rules and keep brewing temperatures within five degrees of 200 °F for five minutes. This resulted in a strong, slightly bitter, and piping hot cup of coffee. The seasoned coffee drinkers in our office were delighted.

In terms of design, the OXO was a crowd favorite. It had the fewest amount of delicate attachments and a sturdy composition that can handle a high volume of use. It also looks incredibly sleek and modern. This is not an unsightly kitchen necessity; it is a welcome futuristic-looking addition.

Key takeaways

• The OXO – On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker brewed coffee according to industry standards for temperature and brew time.
• Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop.
• This was the most user-friendly coffee maker we tested, with only a button and a knob to operate.

Also great: Bonavita – BV1900TS

The Bonavita – BV1900TS was selected as the second-best coffee maker in our testing. We have to qualify this by saying that bitterness was ranked as a negative rather than a positive. If you prefer bitter coffee, the Moccamaster might be a better fit for you.

Overall, The Bonavita brewed a wonderful, balanced and nutty cup of coffee in just six minutes. It came within three degrees of maintaining the temperature recommended by the SCAA. This was likely due to the fact that it had practically finished brewing by the time five minutes had passed and we measured the temperature again.

This coffee machine looks like something you would see in a trendy coffee shop or on a designer kitchen’s counter. Without any bells and whistles, this maker is built with one purpose, delivering a consistent and reliable cup of coffee. Although the individual pieces won’t strike you as built to last, the pared-down design makes it seem like this coffee machine has a long life in it.

A

Also Great: Bonavita - BV1900TS

While it may be a splurge (with some design quirks), it will impress connoisseurs with its brew quality.

See Price at Amazon.com

While the Bonavita did produce the best tasting cup of coffee, there are a few notable concerns that prevented it from being our top pick. Let’s start with filling the reservoir. This seems like a simple task, but if you like to fill the reservoir with your coffee pot, you are in for a mess. Without the lid, the coffee pot spills water everywhere and you will quickly find any nearby items covered in water. We opted to use an extra cup rather than the coffee pot itself.

Next, we have the showerhead and basket. The showerhead is flimsy and mists over coffee grounds that lay in a filter basket. The basket is not attached to anything and becomes a nuisance after brewing. When you go to pour your first cup, you have to remove the filter basket and replace it with the lid. While we did find this to be annoying, we adapted quickly and found that it pressured us to maintain a cleaner coffee maker (since you are forced to empty and clean the filter basket immediately after use).

Overall, this is a pricy option but it did brew amazing coffee and was easy to clean and maintain. It also takes up a very small amount of space and has a portable aluminum coffee pot you can bring to your workspace for easy refills.

Key takeaways

• The Bonavita – BV1900TS’s design is aesthetically approved for most households with its petite, sleek shape.
• The basket in which the grounds are placed are not fixed to the machine, occasionally leading to a scattering of coffee grounds.
• This is a pricy option, but the coffee it brews is top-notch.

Budget pick: Cuisinart – DCC-3200

If you are looking for a quality coffee maker under $100, the Cuisinart – DCC-3200 is a great choice. It came in third place in our taste test and cost only $74.99 when we checked last, which is $100+ less than our top pick and $200 less than our second choice. This is also a great option for an office because it brews a whopping 14 cups at a time, which is significantly more than the OXO’s nine-cup limit.

Budget Pick: Cuisinart - DCC-3200

The Cuisinart is a steal at under $100 for a 14-cup capacity brewer. We recommend this option for large households or an office setting.

See Price at Amazon.com

While brewing a batch of coffee, we really enjoyed the sturdiness of this machine. The handle was the most comfortable to hold and carry.  Although this coffee maker might not have the same sleek design as the high-end Bonavita or Moccamaster, it still looks relatively streamlined and is quiet and compact, especially considering how much coffee it can produce.

In the taste test, several participants noted how great the temperature of this coffee was. If you prefer a piping hot cup of joe, give the Cuisinart a shot.

Surprisingly, this was one of the only machines that actually notified you with a beep when the brewing process was complete. We thought this was a nice touch on a well-thought-out product.

Key takeaways

• The Cuisinart – DCC-3200 is a steal that also brews a whopping 14 cups at a time.
• This machine brewed the hottest cup of joe and even notifies you when coffee is brewed.

Other products we tested

Technivorm – Moccamaster KBT

There was a notable divide in the six coffee machines we tested. Three were built to appease coffee connoisseurs and the other three were built for those who just want a cup of morning joe. The Technivorm – Moccamaster definitely belongs in the former category. This difference was not only evident in cost, but design and taste.

Costing $307 at our last check, this maker has the price tag and delicate design that elevates it from the everyday brand. We really enjoyed using this coffee machine and drinking the coffee it produced. It narrowly missed being named our runner-up because of the bitterness of the coffee it brewed.

The Hamilton Beach – 49980A

Not only is the Hamilton Beach the cheapest coffee maker on our list, but it also offers a single-serve option. The Hamilton Beach came in last place in our taste tests and scored low for the poor strength of the coffee. This coffee maker was not made for satisfying a refined palette; it was made for practicality.

The Bunn – NHS Velocity Brew

None of the other coffee makers had any notable flaws that would prevent us from recommending a purchase other than the Bunn – NHS Velocity Brew. Using the Bunn is the opposite of straightforward.

When you start your day, a complicated coffee maker is the last thing you want to deal with. The instruction manual was practically useless. We had to watch several YouTube tutorials to even get the brewing started.

When first setting up the Bunn coffee maker, we had to fill multiple pots of water into the maker. It’s easy to overfill without warning, which results in water spilling from the bottom. After making a huge mess, we hesitantly hit the start button.

Both filling and emptying the water reservoir is an ordeal. To empty it, you have to pick it up, carry it to the sink and hold the entire machine upside down. This led to our assumption that most Bunn users probably don’t clean their coffee maker often.

The Bunn can brew a cup in three-and-a-half minutes because it is always on and always heating the water that is permanently left in the reservoir.

Although the Bunn is recommended by the SCAA, during our testing we found that it failed to reach proper temperature when brewing the coffee or hold at the proper temperature. SCAA rule states that the brew basket much reaches, but never exceed 197.6-204.8 °F, we found the Bunn only reached 196 °F. Another rule requires the carafe to hold an entire pot of coffee between 176-185 °F for 30 minutes, but at the end of 30 minutes, the Bunn had dropped to a temperature of 168 °F.

How we selected

The massive home-brewing industry includes several substantial subcategories like single-cup coffee makers, percolators, French press coffee makers and drip coffee makers. To narrow down the focus and ensure we were able to test thoroughly, we opted to specifically test the most popular drip coffee makers. We also wanted to take cost, ease of use, and coffee amount into consideration.

Drip coffee makers are the most common household appliances for brewing coffee at home. Consisting of a reservoir, a heating element, a showerhead, a container for grounds, and a tube connecting the heating element to the reservoir, they have a relatively simple composition. This simplicity makes them easy to use, durable, and capable of quenching the thirst for an entire office of coffee drinkers, or just one java lover at home.

We wanted to ensure that a variety of brands and styles were tested, so we took to consumer reports, Reddit, and consumer forums to see what other coffee drinkers were saying. On Reddit, we came across the Bonavita and the Moccamaster, which were mentioned in nearly every thread on drip coffee makers.

We also read hundreds of Amazon consumer reviews. Afterward, we scoured the rankings for twelve coffee makers that had the highest number of five-star reviews and cross-checked other sites.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) was the next step in our elimination process. The SCAA has a list of well-regarded home brewing machines that they recommend. It should be noted that to be considered for their list, you must apply. The SCAA rigorously tests each applicant “on proper water temperature, brewing time, and ability to brew within their Golden Cup recommendations.” There are only 12 home brewers currently certified by the SCAA.

We also consulted the extensive Consumer Reports guide, as well as reviews from Bed Bath & Beyond and Best Buy. We added a Hamilton Beach maker to our list after noting that Consumer Reports highlighted several different models. None of their other suggestions passed the Amazon consumer rating test; they all either had poor ratings or a small number of excellent reviews.

After narrowing down the list to six candidates, we decided to dive into the science behind the brewing process so we knew which elements to test. The science is simple. Fill the reservoir with the desired amount of water, measure the grounds, add them to the filter, and it is time to brew!

The heating element boils the water causing it to bubble and rise through the tube and into the shower. Here, it flows through the grounds and creates the coffee, which drips into the pot. This meant we needed to test water temperature during the brewing process and the amount of time each coffee maker takes from start to finish.

Both the basic construction and process behind drip coffee makers are what make them durable and easy to maintain. No one wants to solve a math equation first thing in the morning. They just want to pour some water, measure some grounds, press a button and enjoy.

Once we were versed in the best coffee makers on the market and knew exactly how they brewed coffee, we were ready to begin testing.

How we tested

We used a combination of qualitative and quantitative tests to determine the best coffee maker. First, we noted practical concerns like temperature, brew time, and cup capacity that came up frequently in product reviews. Then we also called on the team to provide insight into usability and taste.

We invited eight colleagues to use and taste the six coffee makers and provide feedback over the course of one day. The following day we asked eight different colleagues to participate in a blind taste test and took our own notes on usability. This called for several rounds of testing and resulted in a very hyper work environment. Our goal was to test the coffee makers against SCAA standards to see how they matched up.

We used a burr grinder and fresh coffee beans throughout all testing to ensure consistency in taste and grind sizes.

Carafe Capacity

As we mentioned above, cup capacity is a big factor to consider when choosing a coffee machine. If you are only brewing for yourself, a 14-cup carafe may be overkill. In an office of 20, the Bonavita didn’t seem quite sufficient. The Cuisinart has the largest cup capacity of 14 cups. While it was slow to brew, it did maintain temperature, which we’ll delve further into later.

Brew time

The SCAA has set standards for brew time as well. They require that brew time last more than four minutes but no longer than eight. If the brew cycle continues for too long, the resulting coffee can be bitter, and if it’s too short it will not be strong enough to keep you caffeinated.

Brew time varied considerably. We noted that prime performance occurred between the eight- to ten-cup capacity. If more water than that had to be shuttled through the machine, the task simply could not be completed in time.

We performed this test with two iterations. The first time we used exactly eight cups (to match the capacity of our smallest machine), then in the second test we loaded each reservoir with the maximum capacity. In both iterations, only the Bonavita, Moccamaster, and the OXO were able to brew a cup in the prime amount of time.

The Bunn was able to brew efficiently as well, but it has many shortcomings which is why we took it out of the running for this test.

Temperature

According to the SCAA and industry-standard, a coffee machine should reach within five degrees of 200 °F for four to six minutes. We used the Javelin PRO digital thermometer to measure the water temperature when it began brewing and then measured again five minutes later. To ensure that we were getting the water temperature as it hit the coffee grounds, as the SCAA requires for certification, we inserted the Javelin right above the grounds where the showerhead disposes the water.

The SCAA also has relatively strict requirements for temperatures in the carafe after brewing, which we also tested.

Not surprisingly, the three priciest models were the only coffee makers to come close to upholding this standard. The OXO was the only coffee maker to maintain the appropriate temperature for five minutes. The Bonavita and the Moccamaster both came close, passing the first test but losing heat in the second.

Brewing methods

Now we get into the fun stuff. After watching these coffee makers in action for the above testing, we brewed a few pots in each machine for tasting. We opted to do both a blind and an open trial to get feedback on functionality as well as pure taste. The eight of us involved in the taste-testing are coffee addicts who drink multiple cups a day, both home-brewed and from our favorite local coffee shops.

Brew Methods – We did several rounds of taste testing over the course of a few days and brewed with two methods:

1. We brewed according to the SCAA standards which call for approximately two tablespoons of coffee grounds per ¾ cup of water.
2. We followed the recommendations listed in each maker’s manual.

The first round following SCAA guidelines had far more polarizing results. The scores ranged much more dramatically than when we followed each individual manual. The Moccamaster, the OXO, and the Bonavita all required the same amount of grounds as the SCAA standard (which may be why they are all on their list of certified homebrewers). As for the other three machines, the amount of coffee was cut in half.

It is interesting to note that while the range of results was much higher in the test that made use of the SCAA scale, the order remained the same. The OXO came in first and the Bunn took last place.

Each maker also came with a recommended serving amount of coffee grinds per cup of water. The OXO and the Moccamaster both came with their own serving scoops which resulted in the highest-ranking coffee according to our taste test.

Surprisingly, when we followed the instructions in the user manual, the Cuisinart coffee was even stronger. We expected the high-end machines to follow very closely to SCAA standards, which they did, but we didn’t expect the less-specialized makers to recommend the same high amount of coffee. Again, the results followed in the same order with the OXO taking first and the Bunn coming in last.

Taste test results

During both tests, we asked all participants to rank each coffee on a scale from one to ten on smell, taste, strength, and bitterness. We gave them a minute to enjoy each sample and offered water and plain biscuits in between cups to help neutralize their palettes. The floor was also open for any additional feedback.

The OXO took first place overall. It scored third in bitterness in both tests, which we considered ideal as we prefer our coffee to be strong but not overly bitter. When the results were averaged, the OXO won in all versions of the test that we performed. It produced coffee with a pleasant aroma and a strength that will wake you up without the biting bitterness.

The Bonavita came in second place. It ranked highly for both taste and bitterness. If you do not like strong bitter coffee, this is not the machine for you.

The Moccamaster narrowly scored third place, with similar scores that were just slightly lower than the Bonavita. The Moccamaster was notably less bitter than the Bonavita. It was also mentioned by several participants that the coffee this machine produced was not particularly hot.

Cuisinart scored well in strength and bitterness, balancing out the lower taste and smell results. The one positive comment we heard repeatedly was the nice temperature. Our office likes their coffee hot.

Best Tasting Brew: OXO - On Barista

The OXO won first place in our series of taste tests. It scored the highest marks in taste, strength and smell.

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Hamilton Beach is a budget buy that produces mediocre coffee that will keep your office going, but may not have them running back for more.

The Bunn coffee maker was not made for taste; it was made to be efficient. It scored poorly across the board. It lost in strength and bitterness and got the second-worst results in taste.

Cleaning & general user experience

While each machine brewed a drinkable cup of coffee, the user experience was not created equal. Many of these had slightly aggravating quirks that either resulted in a mess or a less than seamless initial brew.

The Bunn was not even part of an initial group test because it took so long to figure out how to get the machine started. All other coffee makers can be operated without really looking at the manual.

With The Bunn, you will need the instructions, YouTube tutorial, and a time machine so you can just avoid the whole experience. You have to pour water in the reservoir, allow that to heat up, and then brew as normal. This may not sound atrocious, but try emptying and cleaning it and get back to us. Aside from the Bunn, none of the coffee machines we tested had any flaws that would prevent us from buying again.

The Bonavita has a reservoir that is slightly difficult to fill, but you will only make this mistake once. It also has a brew basket that only attaches to the carafe, which means fewer pieces; however, you have nowhere to place the wet, leaking basket when you go to pour your coffee.

The Moccamaster has a durable yet lightweight build but also has a lot of loose plastic parts that could easily go missing. It has a cool sensor feature that prevents brewing unless the thermal carafe is placed properly, which helps to prevent spills.

Cuisinart has a lid design that users had trouble with because it had to be removed in order to fill the reservoir. Said reservoir also had a narrow opening that led to several spills.

The Hamilton Beach and the OXO didn’t have any notable complaints.

Price

When it came to price, there was a notable range of several hundred dollars between the most and least expensive models we tested. The Hamilton Beach, coming in at $57.69 at our last check, was the least expensive. On the other end of the price spectrum was the Moccamaster costing a whopping $307.95 which is over one hundred dollars more than the next most expensive coffee maker.

The Hamilton Beach is a cost-effective model that markets itself as two for the price of one because of the single-serve option. While we had several complaints with the single-serve option, this was a solid option for the price (albeit slow to brew).

Important features to consider

Taste: Taste is obviously subjective, but you should take your preferences into consideration. Are you ok with a cup of joe from a fast-food joint or do you prefer going to a coffee shop? Can you distinguish between burnt, nutty or fruity coffee? Do you prefer bitter? All of this comes into play when choosing which coffee maker to purchase. The beans you select play a large role in determining the taste of the coffee, but don’t underestimate the machine. Some are constructed to brew for speed, others for temperature, and some are intended to brew to the SCAA Golden Standard.

Carafe Size (or cup capacity): If you are brewing at home, you may not need a 14-cup carafe, but this could very well be a requirement for an office.

Footprint: If you live in a studio or have a small kitchenette in your office, you may not be willing to dedicate a large amount of space to your coffee machine. So, you will want to consider space when purchasing.

Height: If you plan to put your coffee maker on your kitchen countertop, be sure to measure the height available in your space. Many of the coffee makers we tested required additional space above them to allow room for pouring water into the reservoir.

Ease of Use: A well-designed coffee maker will have a comfortable carafe handle, be easy to pour and easy to fill. It should also be fairly intuitive to use and simple to clean. There shouldn’t be any pools of water around the machine after pouring.

Brew Time: Not everyone will mind if their coffee takes 20 minutes to brew, but some want it to be ready in minutes after they wake up. This is also an important factor if you want a machine that meets SCAA standards. They mandate that water should only be in contact with the coffee grounds for six to eight minutes. If it is taking longer, the flavor will be impacted which can result in a bitter cup of coffee.

Price: There is a huge range in cost for coffee makers. The cheapest machine we tested was the Hamilton Beach coming in around $57.69. On the other end, the Moccamaster cost close to $300.95.

The bottom line

All of these coffee machines produce drinkable coffee, but in our opinion, a coffee maker should be more than that. If you are a caffeine addict like us, you rely on this machine to get you through the day. Investing slightly more for a cup of coffee that makes you eager to get out of bed in the morning is a game-changer.

The OXO not only had us racing to get that first sip in the morning, but it also revamped our countertop. The space is no longer covered in coffee grounds or puddles of coffee from a poorly designed machine. The coffee area is tidy because every part of the OXO is doing exactly what it was designed to do and looks super cool while doing it. To elevate your coffee experience even more, consider pouring out your brewed coffee into a heated coffee mug like the Ember Mug too.

Top Pick: OXO - On Barista Brain

The OXO - On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker will quickly brew a delicious cup of joe with minimal effort with its simplistic and well-styled design.

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