Clear the cord clutter on your kitchen counters with this clever product

Take a look at your kitchen counters, with all the small appliances and perhaps electronics taking up space. In my house, that includes a coffee maker, toaster oven, air fryer, stand mixer, smart speaker and a small TV.

We do our best to keep the power cords tidy and out of view, and it’s easy with the gadgets that always stay in the same spot, such as the air fryer. For others like the stand mixer, we regularly pull it to the front of the counter when using it and then it’s back to its corner.

I get it — keeping “unsightly” cords unseen isn’t exactly one of the major issues of our time, but it does make the space look less messy. This simple product promises to help, but is it worth it?

The Cord Wrapper

Simply called the Cord Wrapper, it’s a patented tool that basically consists of a round piece of plastic you attach to a flat or slightly curved surface with adhesive. Then you just wrap the cord around it, as the name suggests.

Here are a few specs:

  • Constructed of synthetic plastic polymer
  • 3-inch diameter, 1.5-inches tall
  • Stores up to 5 feet of cord
  • Heat-resistant adhesive up to 200 degrees
  • Sold in packs of 2 for $24.99 (choice of black or white)

Besides the kitchen, the Cord Wrapper could be used in bathrooms to manage cords for hairdryers and similar products or organize various cords covering the desk in your home office.

Simple to use

I was sent a 2-pack to review, and there’s not much to putting the Cord Wrapper to use, as described in the instructions on the package lid. Wipe it, peel it, stick, wrap it … and that’s it. Although, you do need to be mindful of what you’re sticking it to, avoiding textured and other surfaces that adhesive tape typically has trouble with.

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Review: Tactical wallet, locking case designed for AirTags

Apple’s tiny AirTag trackers haven’t even been available for six months, yet go to Amazon and you’ll find cases of all shapes and sizes. It can seem a bit overwhelming.

Some have great reviews, while others you should definitely stay away from. Tap or click here for a few affordable options, including a couple of AirTag cases to avoid.

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Review: Smart locks from August, Yale

Just about everything in your home, from your thermostat to your refrigerator and coffee table, has been given the smart home treatment. While many smart home gadgets are meant for convenience, others are designed with security in mind.

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Review: An all-in-one portable projector

The age-old (okay, not really) question: buy a TV with a really big screen, or save some cash and get a projector that throws an even bigger picture. Which do you choose?

For me, it’s been a projector paired with a 100-inch screen for the past eight years and doing so saved me thousands of dollars, even as TV prices have decreased. The trade-off is that the projector is not as bright as a TV and the picture isn’t quite as sharp.

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Review: Philips Hue Bloom table lamp

Lighting technology has certainly changed over the years — and no, I don’t mean the evolution of incandescent bulbs to curly fluorescent options or even LED. Today, it’s all about smart lighting and it goes way beyond bulbs, switches and plugs.

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Review: Vissles V84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

I think back to my elementary school days in the late 80s, and the single computer in the library that students could take turns using. I’m pretty sure it was a Compaq, but what I remember most is the clicky keys you could hear from a classroom or two away.

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Review: SideTrak Solo portable monitor

I remember long ago when having a single computer monitor for work was common. Thinking back, I’m not sure how I was ever productive in those days.

Having at least two monitors has become commonplace at the office. I actually prefer having at least three.

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Review: Novostella smart floodlights

Think about the ambiance added to the outside of your home using landscaping lights or full-fledged floodlights. A nice effect, but historically there haven’t been many choices for custom options and control — until now.

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Review: Flexispot Pro Series adjustable standing desk

You know what’s a pain? Sitting in front of computer screens for eight-plus hours every single weekday. Even as I write this, I realize I should sit up for my posture’s sake.

So it’s no wonder why trendy standing desks have become all the rage over the past few years. While some products convert your existing desk into a standing version, others are full desks designed to go from sitting to standing positions with the push of a button.

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Review: Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid

Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the debut of the world’s very first robotic vacuum? The Electrolux Trilobite was more of a novelty when it hit the scene in 1996, but a lot has changed since then.

For nearly 20 years, iRobot’s Roomba has been the name associated with robotic vacuums, but plenty of other manufacturers have entered the game since then and often at lower price points. That includes Anker eufy and its line of RoboVac cleaners.

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Chrome vs. Edge: Which is the better browser to use on a PC?

When it comes to browsers, you really are spoiled for choice. You can go with Big Tech or smaller independent companies. Is customization important to you? How about built-in safety features like password managers and breach alerts?

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Best tax software to get the job done yourself

There are two things in life that are guaranteed. Death and taxes. Unless you’re an accountant, you’ll likely dread tax season like the rest of us.

The good news is there are multiple programs out there that take the headache out of tax preparation and streamline the process, turning even the most novice employee into a tax professional with the press of a few buttons. Have you been working from home for the past year? Tap or click here for answers to all your WFH tax questions.

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This little gadget promises fast phone charging, but is it worth it?

Charging your phone shouldn’t be a hassle, but now it goes way beyond simply plugging it in. It’s not even just the differences with wireless charging.

It’s about product specs on USB or USB-C cables and adapters, Lightning connectors, charging pads, watts and amps, compatibility issues and how fast you can refuel your phone. Why can’t it be simple?

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Are Anker's affordable AirPods competitor worth the money?

Let me start by saying I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to wireless earbuds and over-the-ear headphones when it comes to premium features like active noise cancellation (ANC). For earbuds, arguably the product that comes up most is Apple AirPods Pro. Tap or click here for nine cool AirPods tricks.

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Review: An affordable outdoor smart plug that ticks all the boxes

Smart homes aren’t limited to science fiction anymore, or just for people with money to burn. Just hook up an inexpensive Amazon Dot smart speaker and connect it to a smart bulb or two on the same Wi-Fi and you’re well on your way.

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HP Pavilion x360

HP’s Pavilion x360 is 2-in-1 laptop that offers the best of both worlds: Good performance at an affordable price. Business News writer Brett Nuckles calls it “the fastest low-cost hybrid we’ve ever tested.”

In essence, this tiny but mighty laptop has a lot to offer. It comes with multiple modes and a flexible hinge that lets you flip the display. It’s well made, nice to look at and gets good battery life. Check out the specs below.

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Razer Blade 15

Game in style with the Razer Blade 15. No PC game is a match for it — this laptop has the strength for them all. Plus, it’s stylish and well-built.

Powerful and stuffed with ports, the Razer Blade 15 is a luxurious gaming machine with a lot to offer. Check out its specs below.

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Google Pixelbook Go

Want a high-quality Chromebook without spending a grand on Google’s previous Pixelbook? Try the Google Pixelbook Go. It has an incredible battery life and a super comfortable keyboard.

It comes equipped with a 1080p webcam and has an excellent overall design. It’s a great entry-level laptop: thin, light and easy to use. Check out the specs below.

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Dell XPS 13

Want something tiny yet mighty? Check out the Dell XPS 13. Bright and colorful, this laptop is lightweight with great battery life. This guy is sleek, light and fast. The backlit keyboard and high-quality sound are big plusses. It can even handle some gaming.

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MacBook Pro 16"

When the 16-inch MacBook Pro 16 first hit the scene back in 2019, tech critics rejoiced. Finally, Apple’s butterfly keyboard design flew away on a breeze. In its place, Apple inserted a ton of user-friendly features. From a more comfortable keyboard to a physical escape key, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 prioritizes your experience.

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