Hidden Cost Of 'Free' Apps: How Your Data And Decisions Are Monetized
Let's be honest: 'Free' apps such as Robinhood and TikTok are everywhere, shouting out that you can get wealthy or be entertained without spending a nickel. These slick devices and mood-altering effects have fixed tens of millions of people in their shadow. But here's the truth about free stuff: nothing is free. They also profit from your data, push you towards riskier bets and costing people thousands of dollars in losses and nothing to show for it.
Whether you chalk it up to gamified trading and influencer hype, or the endless email promotions, the price of these platforms is finally sinking into the consumer psyche. Robinhood had burst on the scene in 2013, with a sales pitch about commission-free trading and a mission to 'democratize' wealth. The infinite scroll of short, addictive videos on TikTok made it a global phenomenon. Both apps are free to download and use and do not require a subscription. But if you are not paying, then you are the product.
Robinhood made $331 million in 2021 from 'payment for order flow,' a way that market makers pay to process your trades, in order to nudge you to trade more, whether or not it's a bad call. ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, has been accused of sharing user data with advertisers that could be used to employ supremely targeted ads. A 2023 report by the Center for Digital Democracy put TikTok's data driven ad revenue above $15 billion a year.
These apps don't just accumulate information; they drown you in it. Robinhood's app is designed to feel like a game, complete with bursts of confetti when you make a trade and push notifications that encourage you to keep up with the Joneses. It's no wonder many of its users were participating in dangerous options trading as of 2022, according to FINRA, and the vast majority having zero investing experience or knowledge.
TikTok's algorithm also ensures you keep scrolling by serving up more of what hooks you, be that videos that tout 'meme stocks' such as GameStop or AMC. Social influencers are pushing these stocks which results in a buying frenzy. That was also true in 2021, when investor hype on Reddit and TikTok sent the share price of GameStop soaring before the price tumbled and retail investors got 'left holding the bag.'
The problem: real people are the ones paying the price. According to a 2021 CNBC article, Dogecoin's 26,000% surge in six months was driven partly by teens and young adults on TikTok and Reddit, many of whom used apps like Robinhood to trade. The article highlighted that inexperienced investors, often in their late teens to early twenties, were drawn to the 'get rich quick' scheme, with some losing significant sums when the market corrected.
It's important for investors to understand that the algorithms on these platforms privilege what benefits them, not what's best for you. The S.E.C. fined Robinhood $70 million in 2023 for confusingly documenting risks to users. TikTok's been sued over privacy problems, but both just keep getting bigger.
Key Takeaway: "Free" apps come with a catch. They profit from your data, attention, and sometimes your finances. Be cautious and always conduct thorough, independent research before investing, and don't let app nudges or influencer hype drive your decisions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
ClassDojo Fast-Tracks Districtwide Adoption Through New Privacy Agreement with The Education Cooperative
Pre-approved partnership clears legal compliance issues and ensures top-tier student data protections for K–12 leaders SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClassDojo, the leading platform connecting classrooms, families, and school communities, has joined The Education Cooperative's Standardized Data Privacy Agreement (TEC SDPA), a nationally recognized, multi-state framework that streamlines the contracting process for district leaders to adopt trusted edtech tools. This pre-approved agreement, now active in 14 states and growing, gives districts a ready-to-use, FERPA- and COPPA-aligned pathway to launch ClassDojo quickly, confidently, and at scale — with the highest standards of student data protection from day one. The TEC SDPA, built on the National Data Privacy Agreement (NDPA), enables thousands of districts to secure compliant, vendor-signed agreements through a shared legal model. Now part of TEC's network of 1,800+ vetted tools, ClassDojo can be rolled out districtwide across participating states without legal delays or extra negotiation. "District leaders face constant pressure to balance innovation with responsibility," said Chad A. Stevens, Ph.D., ClassDojo's Head of K–12 Engagement. "This agreement gives them both—speed and simplicity in bringing ClassDojo to every school, and the assurance that student data is protected at the highest level. Our goal is to make it easier for districts to focus on what matters most: building connected, thriving school communities." A streamlined path to adoptionThrough this partnership, districts in TEC states can: Access ClassDojo via a multi-state DPA that is FERPA and COPPA aligned Avoid one-off legal negotiations Reduce administrative burden for legal and IT teams Launch districtwide use faster without sacrificing privacy compliance by greenlighting what schools and teachers are already using "District leaders want to adopt tools that families and teachers love—without compromising on privacy," said Stacy Hawthorne, Chief Academic Officer of Learn21, a TEC member, and CoSN Board Chair. "This agreement with ClassDojo shows what's possible when vendors prioritize privacy and proactively partner with the education community." Privacy protections built inThe agreement follows months of collaboration between TEC's legal team and ClassDojo's compliance and district partnership teams. It reflects both organizations' shared commitment to helping districts scale secure, trusted digital solutions. With more than 95% of U.S. K–8 schools already using ClassDojo, this partnership opens the door to deeper, districtwide connections without adding compliance hurdles. What's next for TEC member districtsDistricts in the TEC Alliance can find their ClassDojo agreement in the Student Data Privacy Consortium Resource Registry. No further negotiation is required. For more on ClassDojo for Districts, visit About ClassDojo for DistrictsClassDojo is on a mission to give every child an education they love. Already used by over 45 million families and teachers around the world, ClassDojo helps schools build strong, connected communities. ClassDojo for Districts brings this connection to the whole school system—helping leaders reach every family, reduce absences, improve student behavior, and ensure consistent communication across schools. Districts gain the oversight they need with tools like rostering, SSO, and SIS integration, plus simple ways to celebrate students, share updates, and keep families in the loop—all in a platform teachers already love. And it's free for teachers, schools, and districts. About The Education CooperativeThe Education Cooperative (TEC) supports school districts by streamlining access to high-quality, privacy-compliant digital learning tools through its Standardized Data Privacy Agreement (SDPA). Managed by Learn21, the TEC SDPA serves districts in 14 states, enabling secure, efficient adoption of educational technology. Media Contact:press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ClassDojo Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Massive domino finally set to fall to allow Alexander Isak's Liverpool transfer
Liverpool have had to be very patient with Alexander Isak. Newcastle United have been reluctant all summer to let go of their prized asset. But it has become very apparent that Isak does not intend to stay with the Magpies. LFC x adidas Shop the away range TODAY LFC x adidas Shop the home range today! LFC x adidas Shop the goalkeeper range today LFC x adidas Shop the new adidas range today! In fact, he doesn't want to play for Newcastle again. That has made his situation pretty untenable at the club and it has forced Newcastle's hands. They now need to act in the transfer market in order to replace the Swede. How they go about that is a difficult question. Newcastle have failed to land their first choice targets and have struggled to get deals over the line all summer. In the meantime, Liverpool just have to rely on them to turn things around and wait it out for Isak. 🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range Isak is someone who is well worth waiting for. He's an elite forward and he will take Liverpool to the next level. Now it looks like there could finally be some movement that will kickstart a domino effect and get his move over the line to Liverpool. That's because The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Bloor is now reporting that Amine Adli is closing in on a move to Bournemouth and his transfer should be finalised next week. Why does this matter to Isak to Liverpool? Well, it's a game of dominoes. Adli is coming into Bournemouth to replace Dango Ouattara, who in turn will be joining Brentford in order to replace Yoane Wissa. And well, if you've followed the saga long enough, you'll know that Wissa is joining Newcastle United. So, finally with Adli the domino game will begin, and it will end up with Isak being a step closer to Liverpool. Ideally, Newcastle will want two forwards to replace him. But right now, they don't even have one. Anthony Gordon had to play as a forward option in their most recent pre-season friendly. This is why they know it would be dangerous to let Isak go now. With Wissa though, Newcastle's stance will change. They will have at least one player who can replace Isak, and with the money coming in from Liverpool they should be able to buy at least another forward option as well. So, it all starts with Adli. Finally things are moving, and next week could be the turning point in this saga.
New York Post
32 minutes ago
- New York Post
10 Ninja kitchen products we tested (and now refuse to live without)
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. There's no shortage of kitchen gadgets claiming to 'change your life' — and no shortage of them ending up in your donation pile a month later. But Ninja has managed to build a product line that not only survives Post Wanted's test kitchens but earns a permanent place on our countertops, patios, and even on our camping trips. From blenders that know exactly how to pulverize our acai bowls without turning our chia seeds to dust, to outdoor ovens that crank out wood-fired pizza in under 7 minutes, Ninja's product lineup somehow nails performance, design, and usability across the cutting board. These aren't just gimmicky 'TikTok buys.' They're well-built, thought-through appliances that do what they promise (and then some). Our team put a range of Ninja products to the test. We grilled, blended, churned, crisped, dehydrated, and carbonated. Below, you'll find our honest results: what wowed us, what could be improved, and the details you'll want before adding to cart. Why is Ninja so good? Ninja has built its reputation by doing two things exceptionally well: combining multi-functionality with intuitive design, and delivering pro-level performance at a consumer-friendly price. Unlike brands that focus on one specialty (like just blenders or just air fryers), Ninja excels in nearly every appliance category — from countertop cookers to portable coolers. Their gear often packs multiple functions into a single appliance — air fryers that also roast, bake, and dehydrate; blenders that automatically adjust speed and time; ovens that flip to save space. And crucially, Ninja's control layouts are simple enough for first-time users to master without a manual. The brand also doesn't skimp on build quality: from thick insulation in their FrostVault cooler to metal gears in their blenders, Ninja gear feels sturdy and lasts. Our favorite Ninja appliances Amazon Pros: Custom flavor and mix-in control Creamify Technology for smooth texture Multiple dessert modes Cons: Requires 24-hour base freeze The CREAMi turns pre-frozen bases into creamy, customizable ice cream in minutes. Ideal for dietary restrictions or adventurous flavors, it's as much a creative tool as it is a dessert maker. 'Essentially, the Ninja CREAMi works in reverse from all of the other major ice cream makers because it requires a completely frozen base, whereas the other ones start with a liquid mixture,' explained commerce streaming reporter Angela Tricarico. Instead of freezing your ice cream maker's bowl and refrigerating a base, the CREAMi uses proprietary Creamify Technology to shave away at the pre-frozen block and mix it into the creamy texture we recognize as ice cream. Angela Tricarico 'I've been using the Ninja CREAMi for about three weeks [editor's note: now months!], and in that time, I haven't even wanted to get ice cream from the grocery store or my local ice cream shops. It's that good. As someone who's spent the last few years getting more and more comfortable in the kitchen, I've really enjoyed getting to mix my own bases, creating flavor combos with mix-ins like strawberry cheesecake with graham cracker pie crust, Froot Loops milk with cereal mix ins, cinnamon bun, orange creamsicle, chocolate with Italian rainbow cookies, and my entire family's personal favorite so far: a classic mint chip. Angela Tricarico 'If you've seen any Ninja CREAMi videos on TikTok, you'll already know everything there is to know about the machine by the time it arrives at your door. It's that easy to use. There's no real learning curve. The appeal of the CREAMi, to me, is the ability to get creative with flavors and mix-in combinations. 'It's a steep price, but for people who either need to make customizations for food restriction reasons (dairy and gluten intolerances, for example) or who just want to know what exactly goes into the ice cream they're eating, it's well worth it. Even if you think you'll only be frequently using one or two programs on the appliance, we recommend adding the Ninja CREAMi to your cart.' Modes: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Mix-In, etc. | Capacity: 1 pint Ninja Pros: Makes tofu, veggies, and more come out perfectly crisp without being greasy Easily fits in tight spaces like my New York countertop Fits up to a 12-inch pizza or 4 pounds of ingredients Cons: Gets hot quickly, so handle with care Don't overstuff it with food, or it won't cook evenly Perfect for small kitchens, this space-saving toaster oven/air fryer combo flips upright when not in use. It delivers crispy, evenly cooked results in minutes and offers a variety of functions for everything from quick breakfasts to light dinners. 'As they say, when you enter church, 'skeptics welcome.' That was me when it came to air fryers,' said commerce reporter Emma Sutton-Williams. 'Are they really all that? After watching them go viral during the pandemic, I always assumed the hype would die down. But the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer turned out to be the kitchen upgrade that I'll be using even on extremely hot days, as it made my meals taste so much better. 'The setup was plug-and-play. As someone who has never used an air fryer before, I expected a learning curve or complicated controls. Instead, I found it intuitive and refreshingly easy to operate. I was shocked to discover it preheats in under a minute, so make sure your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you even turn it on. Emma Sutton-Williams 'For my first test run, I air-fried some breadcrumb-coated tofu and broccoli for a quick rice bowl lunch. The tofu came out crispy, not soggy or rubbery like it does when I bake it forever in a conventional oven. 'As a New Yorker living in a small apartment with limited kitchen space, the flip design, which doesn't take up counter space and slides under cabinets, was a chef's kiss. It has 8 functions, including air fry, toast, pizza, broil, bake, and even dehydrate. I'd argue that some of the functions are the same, like 'bagel' is not a function, that fit should fit under the category of 'toast' or 'pizza' under the category of 'bake,' but potato, po-tah-toe.' Functions: Air Fry, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Preheat: <1 min Ninja Pros: Powerful blending Smart sense technology does all the work at the push of a button Simple assembly and ease of use Great value with 3 cup sizes Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup Cons: Large appliance can take up valuable storage space Relatively heavy appliance This isn't your standard smoothie maker — it's an all-in-one blending powerhouse. The BlendSense Technology automatically detects what's in your container and fine-tunes the speed, time, and power to get the perfect texture, whether you're pulverizing frozen fruit for smoothies or blending silky soups. The included 72-oz pitcher is ideal for batch drinks, while the 24-oz single-serve cups are perfect for grab-and-go mornings. 'I'm blown away by the smart technology and power of this blender every time I use it,' Meaghan Roche, commerce SEO manager, said. 'Its BlendSense Technology automatically adjusts power, speed, and time based on any ingredients you toss in, so all the work is done for you with up to 1800 watts cutting through even the toughest ingredients. 'Plus, it comes with a huge 72-ounce full-size pitcher (hello batch made frozen margs) and two 24-ounce single-serve cups (for the green juice you and your partner need post-margaritas). I love using just the single cup for a post-workout treat with less cleanup, but as a bonus, all the containers, lids and even blades are safe for the top rack of the dishwasher.' Motor: 1800 watts | Accessories: 72-oz pitcher, 2× 24-oz cups with spout lids | Dishwasher safe: Yes (top rack) Pros: 6-in1 cooking capabilities No preheating Large capacity Smart cooking with optional separate heating zones Easy cleaning Cons: Larger appliance that may command permanent residence on your kitchen counter The DualZone design means you can air fry salmon in one basket while roasting veggies in the other — and they'll finish at the same time thanks to Smart Finish. The 8-quart capacity is great for family meals, and the no-preheat feature shaves serious time off dinner prep. 'Air frying, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, and more — this Ninja air fryer can replace half of your kitchen appliances while cooking in half the time,' said Roche. My highlights include no preheating time, smart finish capabilities so that your whole meal is ready at once, dishwasher-safe plates, and a large capacity. 'If you've been thinking about finally getting an air fryer or upgrading to a higher-tech appliance, this is the one for you. It's easy to use, while also still having all the impressive bells and whistles that will wow you as much as the tasty dinners you'll make with it.' Capacity: 8 quarts (2 baskets) | Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Dishwasher safe: Yes (crisper plates) Amazon Pros: Two texture modes (drinkable/spoonable) Preset programs for different recipes Handles frozen ingredients with ease Cons: Smaller capacity than full-size blenders Designed for precision texture control, the TWISTi offers drinkable and spoonable settings with targeted presets. It blends thick smoothie bowls as effortlessly as thin sauces, with blades that cut through frozen ingredients without overheating. 'The Ninja TWISTi is a super smooth product to use, pun very much intended,' mused former commerce reporter Sophie Cannon. 'As someone who was very used to smoke coming from my $20 blender every time I tried to crush ice or fruit, this was a dream. The TWISTi knows exactly what is needed from a blender — the ability to create perfect consistencies when blending up a juice vs. a smoothie bowl and a sauce vs. a delicious oil. That's where both the settings and the unique cap come into play. Sophie Cannon 'The blender itself has two different options: drinkable and spoonable. From there, choose an option like extract, smoothie or frozen or go for spread or bowl. Then, the blender knows exactly what to do, with a built-in preset and timer, making for a practically hands-free experience. To put this to the test, I made both a bowl and a drinkable juice to test their 'total texture control' claim on the front of the blender. I was impressed by how well the blades easily cut through a completely frozen block of acai and hunks of ginger, while also knowing not to totally pulverize the chia seeds. 'One more thing to mention: when using the larger 34-ounce high-speed pitcher, the cap at the top twists — maybe a nod to the name TWISTi? — and pushes everything down to the blades to ensure an even blend, leaving no chunks or lumps to be found.' Modes: Drinkable, Spoonable | Programs: Extract, Smoothie, Frozen, Spread, Bowl Amazon Pros: Compact size is perfect for small kitchens Easy to store Removable grill plat and lids for ease of cleaning Even and quick heating Grease catcher reduces mess Cons: Nonstick grill grates can be tough and cumbersome to clean Indoor grilling without the smoke — Ninja's grill delivers even heat from edge to edge, producing juicy proteins and crisp vegetables. The smoke-control lid and removable plates make cleanup easier, and the flat griddle plate expands its versatility for breakfast favorites. 'This is one of my favorite wedding registry gifts that has truly transformed home-cooking in my NYC apartment,' raved Roche. 'Nothing beats fresh-grilled meats and veggies in the summer, and now I don't have to escape the five boroughs to enjoy them. 'Ninja's countertop indoor grill fits enough to feed a family (or meal prep for the week). Its perforated lid controls smoke and messy grease, while the edge-to-edge heating cooks food quickly and evenly. I have yet to use the flat top griddle plate, but I look forward to using it for pancakes and bacon on the weekends. The lid and grill are removable to allow for easier cleanup, but I do recommend getting a small grill brush to scrub off grease and residue.' Cooking surface: Family-size capacity | Functions: Grill, Griddle | Dishwasher safe: Yes (lid and grill plate) Amazon Pros: Woodfire flavor with minimal pellets High heat for charring and fast cooking Multiple cooking modes Cons: Larger footprint for outdoor space From Neapolitan-style pizzas to charred steaks, this outdoor oven delivers real wood-smoke flavor with just a handful of pellets. The wide temperature range supports baking, roasting, and searing — all in one durable outdoor appliance. 'I'm not going to lie, I dove right into trying the Ninja Woodfire. Totally cool, retro-inspired look aside, it has a slew of unique features worth noting,' said commerce reporter Victoria Giardina. 'For one, there are some suggested recipes to follow inside its manual that make the entire package a nice touch, especially for beginner pizza-makers and outdoor grillers. Victoria Giardina 'With a range of 105-700°F, the Ninja Woodfire can add that coveted, authentic wood-fire flavor (making this outdoor appliance aptly named) to anything you decide to divvy into its durably coated frame. Impressively, it does it all with just a 1/2 cup of pellets (which are included upon purchase), thanks to its unique technology. 'It's also compatible to cook a 12-lb turkey, 9-lb pork shoulder, 12-lb prime rib dinner with veggies (perhaps by ordering from our best meat delivery services guide), a full sheet-pan meal, and a standard 8×11 casserole dish. It's pretty incredible — and, as a result, you'll want to have all of your meals outside. And, because of its high temperature threshold, the Ninja Woodfire is said to make high-heat char on steaks in less than seven minutes, helping to make full meals (as you would indoors) up to 40% faster. Victoria Giardina 'Ninja truly thought of everything. In just 30 minutes, I had two filling, fresh, aromatic, and rustic Italian-inspired pies. Overall, the Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Pizza Oven is well worth the splurge. Not only does it enhance your outdoor dining experience tenfold, but it allows you to try your hand at savory, tasty, and truly scrumptious pizza (among other dishes, which I have yet to try).' Temp range: 105–700°F | Fuel: ½ cup pellets (included) | Capacity: Fits 12-lb turkey or full sheet-pan meal Amazon Pros: Multiple cooking styles in one unit Crisping tray for texture control Easy switch between modes Cons: Bulky size The Speedi can crisp fries, steam veggies, or bake a souffle in under 25 minutes. Its simple switch toggles between rapid cooking and air frying, while the crisping tray adjusts for different recipes. 'This device seriously turns up the heat,' commented Cannon. 'Although not literally, as this multifunctional rapid cooker and air fryer phenomenon didn't get too hot to the touch, even when dehydrating fruit for eight hours or grilling up juicy burgers on a high heat setting. That was just the first feature I fell in love with. 'The next was the ease of use, once you understand the mechanics. There is really only one switch, flipping from its air fryer capabilities to the rapid cooker settings, and once you know what you want to cook, the rest is self-explanatory. The only other addition is the crisping tray inside, which can be propped up or flattened down depending on what's cooking. New York Post 'For my tests, I wanted to try as many settings as possible, making sure the fryer yielded crunchy french fries, the steam and bake settings were up to snuff to bake a fluffy souffle and tried my hand at dehydrating just for fun. Even as an amateur chef, I don't think I could have made a more professional-looking (and tasting) souffle if I tried, moreover in less than 25 minutes. New York Post 'The one downside to this machine is simply the sheer size of it. Since it really does replace the need for other appliances like a steamer, a frying pan, a dehydrator, and honestly an entire oven range, I do think it is worth the money, if you can find the counter-space, of course.' Functions: Air Fry, Steam, Bake, Dehydrate, Grill | Capacity: Family-size This heavy-duty cooler keeps ice cold for days while offering a dry compartment for snacks or raw proteins. With rugged construction and lockable lids, it's built for serious outdoor use. Amazon Pros: Dry storage compartment Ice retention up to 5 days Durable build Cons: Pricier than budget coolers 'This cooler offers a separate compartment that keeps select drinks and snacks dry at food-safe temperatures, meaning that you can grab your favorite items hassle-free without opening the cooler lid,' stated Miska Salemann, commerce reporter. 'Upon testing this out, I was very impressed with how cool the items stayed in the dry storage zone, but I should also note that items stay even cooler for longer when placed on ice. Plus, you won't have to subject your hands to digging through freezing ice just to find what you need. Miska Salemann 'This separate area is also ideal for adults looking to keep alcoholic drinks in a separate area for family-friendly use. Or, use it to keep raw protein out of the way. It's exceptionally convenient. The ice storage section holds ice for up to five days. This is ideal for people planning longer trips, as there is no need to worry about constantly changing out the ice. I hardly noticed any condensation or sweating after a day of packing this cooler with ice and drinks. If you're looking for a sturdy cooler that can withstand some blows, tumbles, and drops, you've found it. Miska Salemann 'The Ninja FrostVault Cooler is worth the splurge. You may be spending more money on this cooler than you would for something from Amazon, but you're paying for high-quality, long-lasting materials, durability, convenience, and security. Not to mention, Ninja offers a five-year limited warranty, so you can be reimbursed if you run into any issues. Between that, free shipping, and a surprise gift, this cooler certainly gets the check from me.' Sizes: 30-quart (48 cans) or 50-quart (80 cans) | Insulation: Up to 3″ | Warranty: 5 years Amazon Pros: Adjustable carbonation Mixes flavors during carbonation Multiple drink sizes Cons: Water tank needs chilling before use The Thirsti turns still water into sparkling flavored drinks in seconds, with adjustable fizz levels and mix-in flavor pods. It's perfect for seltzer fans or anyone bored of plain water. 'I've been using the Ninja Thirsti since October, and it's been a lot of fun to whip up new drink combinations quickly and easily,' Tricarico said. 'Because all of the functions are spelled out on the appliance's buttons, it's easy to get it up and running, and there's not much of a learning curve. Angela Tricarico 'The Thirsti gets its water from an attached water tank, similar to coffee makers like Nespresso and Keurigs. Still, the major difference here is that the Thirsti doesn't change the temperature of the water at all. Whatever temperature the water is when you add it to the tank is how it'll dispense after the CO2 and flavoring processes. To combat this, Ninja recommends storing the tank inside your refrigerator or filling it with water and ice. There's a handy indicator inside the tank that turns a bright blue when the water reaches an optimal temperature for carbonation. 'As for the flavors, I find that I like the Vitamins and Hydrate lines best, partly because I try to curb my caffeine intake as the day goes on and because the Splash flavors aren't bold enough most of the time. If I want just the hint of a flavor, I'll use a Splash pod, and it ends up tasting like a flavored seltzer, but most of the time, I want a more substantial flavor. Angela Tricarico 'This, to me, is what makes the Thirsti worth the money; I'm able to customize my drinks on demand by making new flavor combinations. Some of my favorites so far are Orange Tangerine + Summer Strawberry, Watermelon Lime + Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi on its own, and Tart Lemon + Summer Strawberry for a subtly sweet blend. But, for what it's worth, I've also used the Thirsti to make plain, unflavored sparkling water for my seltzer-loving grandma, and she prefers it to the canned stuff now!' Functions: Sparkling, Still, Flavored Drinks | Drink sizes: 4 options | CO2 compatible: Yes How we tested Our Post Wanted team didn't just unbox these Ninjas and call it a day — we put them through weeks (in some cases, months or years) of everyday use, in real kitchens, apartments, and backyards. Each tester was either assigned a product and asked to use it exactly how they would if they'd bought it themselves — no staged recipes, no test-lab perfect conditions — or they actually did buy it themselves (which was generally the case). This meant blenders got fed everything from frozen acai bricks to fibrous ginger, air fryers handled weeknight chicken thighs and last-minute frozen fries, and the Woodfire oven went from homemade pizza to pizza to pizza in a single weekend. We tracked how intuitive each product was to set up, how well it delivered on its promised functions, and whether it actually earned permanent counter or storage space. We also paid attention to the little things: cleanup time, noise levels, countertop footprint, durability of parts, and whether the included accessories were useful or just filler. And because our testers live in a mix of small NYC apartments and suburban homes, we could assess how each appliance fits into different lifestyles — whether that means folding up to slide under a cabinet or withstanding a full weekend camping trip. The result? Only the Ninja products that proved their worth made this list. Check out New York Post Shopping for more content. This article was written by Kendall Cornish, New York Post Commerce Editor & Reporter. Kendall, who moonlights as a private chef in the Hamptons for New York elites, lends her expertise to testing and recommending cooking products – for beginners and aspiring sous chefs alike. Simmering and seasoning her way through both jobs, Kendall dishes on everything from the best cookware for your kitchen to cooking classes that will level-up your skills to new dinnerware to upgrade your holiday hosting. Prior to joining the Post's shopping team in 2023, Kendall previously held positions at Apartment Therapy and at Dotdash Meredith's Travel + Leisure and Departures magazines.
