This page explains the standards behind everything we publish. Our guiding principle is simple: every page must help someone confidently choose an American-made product while being honest about what we know and how we know it.
Independence
Manufacturers do not pay for reviews, do not see them before publication, and cannot change a score. Our recommendations are based on evidence, not commercial relationships.
Accuracy over speed
We would rather publish a correct review late than a fast review that is wrong. We verify manufacturing claims before publishing, and every review shows a “Verified” date so you know how current that check is.
How we score
Every product is scored on the same weighted 100-point model — Build Quality (30%), Value (20%), Durability (20%), Design (10%), Warranty (10%), and Made-in-USA commitment (10%). The full breakdown, including what earns a 4.7 versus a 4.3, lives on our review methodology page.
Our three review tiers
Every review is labeled by the evidence behind it: Hands-On Reviewed (we used it ourselves), Research & Evidence-Based (built from specifications, verified manufacturing details, expert reviews, and owner consensus), or Updated with Hands-On Testing (research-based, later supplemented by our own use). We never imply hands-on testing unless it genuinely happened.
Verifying “Made in USA”
We grade manufacturing honestly rather than repeating marketing language: Made in USA (substantially made here from largely domestic materials), Assembled in USA (assembled here with significant imported parts), or US company, mixed sourcing (an American company whose product is made largely overseas). We flag the difference clearly.
Review samples
We purchase or independently obtain the products we review whenever possible. If a manufacturer provides a review sample, we disclose it clearly, and it does not influence our ratings.
Corrections
Products change and mistakes happen. If you spot an error or have verified information that would improve a review, use the “Suggest a Correction” button on any review, or our contact page. We read every submission.