Don't splurge on a fake lawn

Plus: How to build a gaming PC, new sunglasses picks, and more [Should you install artificial grass?]( We understand the appeal of a synthetic lawn. Something that’s low maintenance, saves water, and provides all-season greenery is certainly alluring. But after doing extensive research, we’ve got major concerns about the true long-term value and environmental ramifications of artificial grass—not to mention that installation and maintenance costs remain very high. [This is why we don’t recommend artificial grass for most people](. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Learn More ›]( New picks [The best cheap sunglasses]( Aside from helping you look your best, sunglasses must be able to shield your eyes from the sun. Without proper UV protection, your eyes are at risk for cataracts, degeneration, and cancer. After our most recent round of testing, we’ve added a new pick for Wayfarer-style sunglasses: the [Blenders Sydney](. We also recommend the [Nooz Optics Cruz]( which are the thinnest pair we tried. Our previous picks also still hold up for both style and protection. We loved the striking and unique Blenders Sydney’s frame-and-lens combinations, as well as the unusually tall lenses and keyhole nose bridge. The 0.4-inch-thick Nooz Optics Cruz sunglasses are perfect for travelers, and we appreciated their thin steel arms, which felt comfortable and durable. You can [see other style recommendations in our guide to the best cheap sunglasses](. More this week [How to build a gaming PC with a PC game]( Anybody can build a PC from scratch. All you need is some patience, a helpful guide—like a PC-building video-game simulator—and [a starting point](. [The best cordless phone]( Cordless phones aren't as antiquated as they might seem. [Our picks]( are great for anyone looking for a simple, reliable way of making calls. [The best espresso machines for beginners]( When it comes to making café-quality espresso drinks at home, [you’ll want a machine]( that’s straightforward to set up and pulls rich, consistent shots. [How to clean a vacuum cleaner]( Basic maintenance, [like cutting tangles and cleaning the filter]( can prolong the life of your vacuum and improve its performance. The week’s best deals [OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer]( [Deal price: $12]( | Street price: $15 Use promo code JULY + store pickup A good spiralizer should help you effortlessly create spiralized or ribboned vegetables with ease. After doing more than 30 hours of research—[and spiralizing many pounds of vegetables]( chose this OXO spiralizer as our favorite handheld model. Handheld spiralizers require more effort to use than a hand-crank model, but the noodles are equal in quality. [Buy now from Macy's ›]( [OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk]( [Deal price: $8]( | Street price: $10 Use promo code JULY + store pickup After combing through whisks of all shapes and sizes, and [whipping our way through bowl after bowl of cream, custard, and egg whites]( this is our favorite whisk. It’s flexible but sturdy, and its cushy, rubbery handle was the most comfortable we tried. Note that the handle isn’t heatproof and will melt if you rest it on the edge of a hot pot for too long. [Buy now from Macy's ›]( [OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder]( [Deal price: $]( | Street price: $10 Use promo code JULY + store pickup It’s mostly a matter of preference as to whether you use an oven mitt, a pot holder, or an oven glove to protect yourself in the kitchen. For extra heat protection from a pot holder, this OXO style is our favorite. [We were able to lift a 400 °F cast-iron skillet for an average of 20 seconds]( seconds longer than with a rival mitt. This pot holder is larger than the others we tested, which means it offers more coverage but a bit less agility. [Buy now from Macy's ›]( [View email in browser]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for Wirecutter’s Newsletter. Getting too many emails from us? [Unsubscribe here](. 
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