How we test (and how we choose)
Wild & Well is built for people who want calmer decisions: fewer products, clearer trade-offs, and recommendations you can trust.
The short version
- Define the job: what problem this product solves (and what it can’t).
- Screen for dealbreakers: hidden ongoing costs, vague claims, poor availability.
- Compare alternatives: price, usability, and replacement parts/filters.
- Choose a shortlist: best overall, best budget, best for a specific situation.
- Update: we revise pages as products change or better options appear.
Last updated: January 25, 2026
What “testing” means for us
We’re not a laboratory. Our goal is to answer the questions real people ask before they spend money: will it work in a normal UK home, is it easy to live with, and is it worth the ongoing cost?
When we can’t test every model, we use a consistent evaluation rubric (below) and prioritise brands with transparent specs and replacement parts.
Our evaluation rubric
- Performance: does it do the job it claims to do?
- Safety & transparency: clear materials/ingredients, credible certifications where relevant.
- Ongoing costs: filters, refills, consumables, and realistic replacement schedules.
- Ease: setup, cleaning, daily use, and whether you’ll actually keep using it.
- Value: cost vs what you get (including durability and warranty).
Category-specific checks
Air purifiers
- Room coverage / CADR suitability (we prioritise “right size for the room”).
- Filter type (HEPA + carbon for odours) and replacement availability/cost.
- Noise (especially for bedrooms) and auto/night modes.
Water filters
- Type fit: jug vs under-sink vs countertop gravity.
- Replacement filter costs (often the hidden expense).
- Specificity of claims: “what it removes” vs vague marketing.
Laundry & cleaning
- Fragrance-free options (for sensitive households).
- Concentration and dosing (residue and overdosing are common problems).
- Availability in the UK (easy to repurchase matters).
Supplements & natural remedies
- We focus on general education and common use cases, not medical treatment.
- We prefer clear labelling, reputable manufacturing, and conservative claims.
- We always advise checking with a clinician if you’re pregnant, on medication, or managing a condition.
Updates, corrections, and feedback
If you spot an error, a broken link, or a better option, tell us via the contact page. We keep pages current by revisiting key “money pages” regularly (especially seasonal topics like allergies and winter humidity).
Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never accept paid placements in reviews.