For all its flaws, this is why I still check the Wirecutter before I buy a lot of things. Although they seem to make their picks in part based on what will get them affiliate revenue, you can be sure someone on the staff has actually picked up the product and used it enough to understand how well it works.

I've also found user reviews on Home Depot to be more helpful than most. I'm not sure what they're doing to combat spam, but it seems to be working.