When Consumer Reports recommends that you spend at least 15 minutes in the store trying any mattress you're considering buying, we’re not taking your time lightly. Typically, consumers keep a mattress for eight years or longer and they don’t come cheap. That's why we pay plenty for the mattress testing we do before publishing the results of our tough mattress tests and recommending models that are worthy of your consideration. So, how much is that?

Since we buy everything we test, we paid the going rate for all 48 mattresses in our current mattress Ratings. In fact, we often spend more than you do because you can take the time to haggle and wait for sales while we work on a tight schedule. That adds up to about $1,450 per mattress, averaging in the eight tested models that cost $2,500 or more.

Then comes everything else. Factor in shipping and salaries (for shopping, testing, reporting, and shooting photos and video), and the total comes to $5,335 per mattress. That’s more than triple what we spend per mattress—though it’s still not as much as the most expensive mattress we tested, the $7,595 Duxiana Dux 515 innerspring.

Mattresses Have a High Turnover Rate

Manufacturers sometimes discontinue mattresses—or rename them to pass them off as another product—sooner than we anticipate based on our market research. Once a mattress can no longer be found in stores or online, we remove it from our mattress Ratings. That means we have to act quickly to replenish our supply for testing so that the number of mattresses in our Ratings bounces up, not down.

In the meantime, our subscribers have a growing number of innerspring, memory foam, and adjustable air mattresses to choose from, and we'll be adding 15 new models in the coming weeks.

Top-performing, reasonably priced mattresses from our current Ratings include the $500 Denver Mattress Doctor's Choice innerspring; the $800 Novaform 14-inch Serafina Pearl Gel, a memory-foam mattress sold at Costco; and the adjustable-air Sleep Number c2, $800. If you haven’t shopped for a mattress in a decade, check our updated mattress buying guide.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

We're seeing more smart home automation hubs, such as the Iris Smart Home Management System and the AT&T Digital Life system, that create a totally connected home. You control everything with your smartphone, including heating and cooling equipment and lighting and security.

But if you're not ready to go all in for that all-in-one digital experience, start small with one of the many single-purpose smart products that run off your home's existing Wi-Fi. Some are a little short on practicality—a Wi-Fi-enabled slow cooker, for example.  But others have the potential to truly make life easier—and maybe even save your home and your loved ones from disaster or tragedy.

The video above features four smart home devices we saw at the 2016 Design & Construction Week in Las Vegas. You’ll see a smoke alarm that promises maximum protection, sensors that deliver early leak detection, a front-door peephole that lets you see who’s there from your smartphone, and one of the industry’s first smartphone-controlled room air conditioners.

These smart home products cost a bit more than their nonconnected counterparts. But they’re worth a look if you want to dip a toe in smart home technology.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

The 2016 Kitchen & Bath Show is about fulfilling dreams. With the right products, you can turn your kitchen into a hub for family gatherings and entertaining, or transform your bathroom into a soothing sanctuary. All are vying for your attention and dollars. Some of the thousands of design ideas and products on view can be transformative, others not so much. We walked the miles of aisles to give you a preview of things to consider this season—or not.

The Hits

American Standard Beale hands-free kitchen faucet
Previous versions of hands-free faucets hid the activator toward the bottom or back of the faucet, making them hard to find when your hands are full or messy. Others required you to tap the faucet to get water flowing and then wash the spot you touched. American Standards’ Beale Selectronic puts the activator on the front of the faucet so it’s easy to find. It also offers the option of switching to manual operation by simply sliding a movable panel to cover the sensor. In addition to standard spray and stream modes, the pull-out faucet has power spray/scrub and mist modes. It will be available in May for $575 to $700 depending on the finish.
 
Signature Kitchen Suite from LG
LG is launching a new brand of ultra-premium refrigerators, dishwashers, and cooking appliances. We’ll reserve judgment on whether the appliances are a hit until we get them in our labs for testing. But what really got our attention was their customer service plan for the brand. Buy an appliance and you get a dedicated kitchen concierge to answer your questions and solve your problems for you as long as you own the appliance, which comes with a 3-year warranty compared to the 1-year warranty on many appliances.

Kohler Exhale showerheads
Shaped to resemble the petals of a dahlia flower, these attractive white showerheads have four spray settings that click into place. The head is made of silicone, so it’s easy to grip and turn with wet hands. It’s also easy to rub off mineral deposits in addition to being water efficient. The Exhale is available in 2 gallon per minute (gpm) and 1.5 gpm versions for showerheads and hand-held showers and costs $190 to $220.
 
Halo smoke/CO alarm
Safety made simple. Halo is the only smoke/CO alarm that combines sensing technologies for both fast-burning and smoldering fires with a carbon monoxide alarm. Most combination alarms only have one fire-sensing technology. We’ve long recommended you get both. But until now you had to buy two separate alarms to get all three technologies. When Halo senses fire or CO, it sends a voice alert, the ring of the alarm illuminates, and it sends an alert to your smartphone. It will be available in two versions this spring. We’ll test it and report back.

The Misses

Viking Incogneeto induction warmer
The 15 inch-wide induction burner can be mounted underneath your stone or engineered stone countertop in a drawer and will turn the counter into an induction cooktop with the help of a “Magneeto 2” trivet that comes with the burner and an electrical connection. When induction compatible cookware or bakeware is placed on top of the trivet and you select a temperature, the Magneeto 2 acts as a temperature sensor and wireless communicator. Information is relayed to the unit below the counter to first attain and then maintain the desired temperature. Admittedly, that’s cool, and it would probably be fun to show off at parties. But after the initial wow factor, you’ll probably wonder why you spent $2,000.
 
Electrolux She-Shed
Men have man caves, so women should have a space of their own too for “a personal getaway.” That’s why one of the design ideas from Electrolux was to create a room filled with comfy couches, books, flowers, art, and a matching washer and dryer, trimmed in pink, of course. “What century is this,” remarked one woman. “Oh that pink trim will really help me get my husband and son to do laundry,” said another. It’s kind of like vacuums and Valentine's Day. Each is great on its own, but give a vacuum as a gift for Valentine’s Day and you may not get the reaction you desired.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

More than 110,000 builders, designers, manufacturers, and media professionals descended on Las Vegas last week for the annual unveiling of innovative products, materials, services, and technologies for the home that is Design & Construction Week. There was a new aroma on the floor of the convention center—the smell of yeast from all the freshly baked pizza. And 2016 saw a record number of goggled show goers, whether in the Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard.    

Consumer Reports sent its usual team of editors, market analysts, and product testers to unearth the most compelling remodeling trends from more than 2,500 exhibitors, spread across 1.2 million square feet of convention space. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling the one you have, here are five key trends to consider this year.  

Low Maintenance Meets High Design

The millennial effect is a factor here. In a recent Consumer Reports survey of 18- to 35-year-olds, low maintenance made the list of most desirable home features. Beauty, however, will always rank supreme with homeowners. That’s driving even more interest to quartz countertops, which come in some stunning designs without all the upkeep of marble, granite, and other natural stones. Two favorites from the show: Caesarstone’s marble-inspired Nobel Grey, above, and Cambria’s Roxwell, with its undulating movement of gray dappled with white, black, and charcoal flecks.

Stainless steel is also getting a low-maintenance makeover from several major brands. KitchenAid’s black stainless steel resists fingerprints better than traditional stainless and it’s a softer, warmer finish. GE’s new graphite finish for its Monogram Professional appliances, pictured at top, is made through physical vapor deposition, or PVD, a process that promises exceptional strength and scratch resistance along with a rich luster we haven’t seen before.

Exterior products are getting less fussy, too. If you’re creating a new exterior living space, check out the Trex Pergola, an outdoor structure made from cellular PVC with structural aluminum cores and stainless steel hardware. The easy-to-assemble pergola is available with a motorized canopy, providing instant sun and rain coverage to any deck or patio space.

Luxury Appliance Suites Get Richer

It’s not every year that a major new appliance brand debuts at the show, but 2016 saw the launch of Signature Kitchen Suite, a line of “super-premium” home appliances that includes refrigerators ($5,000-$10,000), cooktops ($1,500), ranges ($5,000), dishwashers ($1,300), and more. Though the brand was developed by LG, it’s being marketed separately by the South Korean manufacturer, much the way Lexus stands apart from its parent company Toyota. 

The Signature Kitchen Suite will compete with luxury brands like Viking, Jenn-Air, and Thermador. The appliances have many high-end accents, including sleek finishes and hefty controls. The big value proposition for consumers is that, in addition to the sleek design, the appliances are loaded with smart innovations, including Wi-Fi operation and a “Kitchen Concierge” service that notifies you if something goes awry with one of the units.

Bertazzoni, the Italian manufacturer known for its gleaming pro-style ranges, also unveiled a new suite of appliances at the show. But whereas LG aimed higher with its Signature suite, Bertazzoni is targeting a more middle-market consumer with the suite. The cabinet-depth refrigerator, for example, sells for $3,000, while the dishwasher starts at $900. The suites are available in three styles—master, professional, and heritage—to coordinate with Bertazzoni's various ranges. The question is: will these freestanding appliances look the part next to an uber-luxe Bertazzoni range?

Restaurant Features Find Their Way Home

Backyard smokers are nothing new, but the Smoker Cabinet unveiled by Kalamazoo takes the experience to a new level, with a gravity-feed charcoal design that many pit bosses swear by. Thanks to its sealed system and heavily insulated box, Kalamazoo claims the dedicated smoker can maintain an ideal 225° F smoking temperature for more than 10 hours on a single load of charcoal. The undercounter unit, which will cost between $10,000 and $12,000, measures 36 inches wide by 30 inches deep, making it compatible with most outdoor cabinetry systems. And its three large shelves should hold enough smoked meat for even the biggest backyard barbecues.

From smoked meats to fresh-baked pizza, GE unveiled its new Monogram Pizza Oven, $10,000, a first-of-its-kind indoor oven that fits into a standard 30-inch wall opening and requires no additional ventilation. GE claims the oven can reach ideal pizza baking temperature of 750° F in 30 minutes. Take a look at our video from the show to see the oven in action.  

Virtual Reality Becomes Practical

Let’s say you're planning a major kitchen remodel. If you’ve done your homework, or you’re working with an experienced designer, you know to come up with a floor plan that promotes good traffic flow. But until you’re actually standing in the space, it’s impossible to know for sure that it works—and by that time it could be too late. Enter the brave new world of virtual reality, which lets you experience your new kitchen (or any room in the house) before the real work gets underway. Lowe’s Holoroom is the most mainstream example, but many smaller companies are coming out of the woodwork, so to speak, and we expect virtual reality to be a major trend in 2016. Watch this Consumer Reports video for more details.

Clever Ways to Save Water

Drought conditions have eased up in some parts of the country, but the market for water-efficient products remains red hot. One of the most innovative show offerings was the AquaBoy Pro II from Aquarius Brands, an atmospheric water generator that produces up to five gallons of purified water, hot or cold, from the air. One caveat: the machine needs the relative humidity to be at least 30 percent, so it might not be an option in some arid regions during the daytime. The AquaBoy Pro II sells for $1,850, with leasing options.

Smart water heaters are another possible source of savings, since they let consumers track their consumption in real time. The Trutankless TR Series smart water, starting at $1,600, incorporates connected capability in a tankless water heater—an inherently efficient piece of equipment, since it only delivers hot water when you need it (unlike traditional water heaters, which maintain a storage tank full of hot water whether you need it or not). The catch with the Trutankless is that it runs on electricity, which is more expensive than gas in most regions. In addition to tracking water usage, the Wi-Fi heater allows users to remotely set the temperature through their smartphone. Rheem and Rinnai, two other water heater manufacturers, also introduced Wi-Fi-enabled models, including both tank and tankless water heaters that run on gas.

In the laundry category, Electrolux’s new Perfect Steam Washer with LuxCare Wash and SmartBoost, which took home the 2016 KBIS Best in Show award, uses an exclusive technology that premixes the water and detergent in a special chamber before the cycle begins, promising a deep clean in all cycles. The new washer also features a 15-minute Fast Wash Cycle, which saves consumers time. Overall, Electrolux says the new washer will save 40 gallons per week, on average, compared with a leading high-efficiency top load washer. We'll confirm those claims when we get the machine into our labs for testing. 

As you're considering these new products and technologies for your remodel, be sure to check out the tried and true from our latest tests of appliances, building materials, power equipment, and more.   

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Multi-cookers are souped-up slow cookers, and perfect if you’re planning your Super Bowl strategy. Early in the day you can brown ingredients in the cooker and then switch to slow cook, with no extra pots and pans to clean up. The keep-warm setting lets you kick back and watch the game. 

Beyond slow cook, browning, steaming, baking, and keeping food warm, some multi-cookers can cook rice. All five multi-cookers recently tested by Consumer Reports were good at what they claim to do, except roasting, which two claimed to be capable of. The differences between the multi-cookers are mostly tied to how quickly the cooker heats the food. The more powerful ones did a better job at searing, browning, and cooking at high heat. 

Here’s a look at the multi-cookers we tested, appearing in descending order of overall performance. We've broken them into two categories: models that cook rice, and models that don't. Depending on the multi-cooker, we cooked stir-fried Kung Pao chicken; slow-cooked beef stew; roasted chicken breasts; steamed broccoli, and made brown rice, white rice, risotto, quinoa, and yogurt. To test speed of heating, we measured how long it took each multi-cooker to bring a quart of water to a near boil.

Multi-Cookers That Make Rice

Both cookers have removable metal pots with nonstick cooking surfaces. The lids are hinged and stay with the cooker. Removable steaming baskets can be positioned above the rice while it cooks. 

T-Fal 10-in-1 Rice & Multi Cooker RK705851, $100
This cooker has a pot with a 2.5-quart capacity. There are 10 preset programs, including slow cook, steam, risotto, oatmeal, browning, and baking. A programmable timer lets you set cooking functions up to 24 hours in advance. The T-Fal was more powerful and offers a browning function that the 3 Squares multi-cooker doesn’t, so it was better at stir-frying and browning the beef for stew. The T-Fal made excellent rice and quinoa, and the yogurt was creamy and delicious, although you have to heat the milk on a stove then add it to the cooker. Warranty is one year.

3 Squares Tim3 Machin3 3RC 3010S, $60
Boasting a 4-quart capacity, this cooker has 10 functions, including a delay timer that can be set for up to 15 hours. The 3 Squares can slow cook, steam, and make oatmeal, yogurt, quinoa, white and brown rice. Our white rice and quinoa were excellent. There’s a quick rice function that can be used when dinner’s ready but you forgot to start the rice. The yogurt turned out thin, not creamy, as it never reached a high enough starting temperature. Warranty is one year.

Multi-Cookers That Don’t Do Rice

These cookers have removable metal pots with a nonstick coating, and glass lids that stay with the pots. 

Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central MSC-600, $159
This multi-cooker was the best in this group at stir frying and making beef stew. It was the most powerful of the three and better at searing, browning, and sautéing. The Cuisinart has a 6-quart capacity. You can slow cook on high or low, simmer or warm up to 24 hours, cook at high heat up to 400° F, and steam food for up to 90 minutes. Warranty is three years.

Black & Decker MC1100S, $130
The pot has a 6.5-quart capacity. You can sear and cook at high temperatures then lower for slow cooking. Temperatures range from 200° to 450° F. There’s a roast and bake function too. Our tests found the Black & Decker was slower at heating and less powerful than the Cuisinart, so the food didn’t turn out as well and took longer to cook. Roasting was disappointing. The chicken was not browned and tasted steamed, since the juices had boiled off. Warranty is two years.

Oster One Pot Multi CKSTSCMC6-SHP, $85
With a 6-quart capacity, functions include steam, bake, roast, brown, sauté, and slow cook. Similar to the Black & Decker, the Oster was slower at heating and less powerful than the Cuisinart so the food took longer to cook and didn’t turn out as well. Roasting was unimpressive and the chicken wasn’t browned and tasted steamed. Warranty is one year.

Stirring the Pot (for more money)
The KitchenAid KMC4241 multi-cooker has the optional Stir Tower KST4054, which is supposed to free you from stirring risotto, caramelized onions, and other stir-intensive dishes. We paid $400 for the pair. Here’s what our past multi-cooker tests found.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

More than one-third of respondents in Consumer Reports’ national homeownership survey of more than 1,500 millennials said they didn’t own a home because they hadn’t saved enough for a down payment. They might be surprised to learn that since late 2014, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the quasi-government entities that underwrite at least half of the country’s mortgages, have offered mortgages that require just 3 percent down, a reduction from the 5 percent down required for standard mortgages.

But a small down payment has its drawbacks. Until your home equity reaches 20 percent, you’ll need to pay mortgage insurance—an annual cost of usually 0.5 to 1 percent of the loan’s value, paid monthly—which compensates the lender if you default. (FHA mortgages require mortgage insurance for the duration of the loan.) You’ll also face larger monthly payments. And a large down payment has an edge with sellers because they perceive the mortgage as more likely to be approved.

More on Home Buying and Selling

• The Real State of Real Estate
• 8 Ways to Boost Your Home Value
• Real Estate Websites Review: Virtual House Hunting
• Is It Harder or Easier to Get a Mortgage?
• 10 Tips for Home Buying and Selling

An obvious tactic is to generate more income with a second job or part-time business and dedicate as much as possible to your down payment. But reaching your loan goal may require additional strategies and sources.

• Find a no-interest loan. States, counties, and even municipalities offer low- or no-interest loans—essentially second mortgages—that can be used toward down payment and closing costs. The assistance could even be a grant that doesn’t need repayment. Those programs are often a municipal strategy to make sure educators, first responders, health care workers, and those in other valued professions­­ can afford to live in the community, or to encourage purchases in certain geographic areas. Search to see whether you’re eligible at downpayment­resource.com, which aggregates from about 2,400 programs nationwide. Rob Chrane, the site’s founder, says the loan amount most frequently found on the site is $10,000; each program has its own eligibility terms. In early January we looked for programs in Union County, N.J., not earmarked for specific professions. We found six for a household of four with an annual income of $100,000; at $101,000 there were just two eligible programs.

• Automate savings. Have your tax refund direct-deposited to a down payment fund. Direct deposit a portion of your paycheck, too. Use the Digit app, which analyzes income and spending patterns, and periodically sweeps a few dollars you won’t miss into an FDIC-insured online Digit account. You can later move the money to an online or virtual bank to earn more interest.

• Tap family members. Those capable of such generosity can give up to $14,000 to an unlimited number of people each year and still face no federal gift tax. For example, parents could each give a son and daughter-in-law $14,000; that’s $28,000 per person, or $56,000 total. Parents or grandparents with means also could withdraw $10,000 penalty-free from their IRAs to fund qualified costs related to a first home, including closing, finance, and settlement costs; each member of a couple could receive $10,000. But unless the giver is close to retirement and won’t need the money, it’s better to leave it invested and growing.

• Crowdfund. Of the more than 600 appeals for help with down payments we viewed recently on the free crowdfunding site GoFundMe, the most remunerative requests involved a family facing hard times or a catastrophe. But one relatively successful appeal that didn’t focus on tragedy was “Need closing $$ for baby’s new home,” by a mother in Euclid, Ohio. She posted an engaging selfie in front of her modest dream house and wrote about working two jobs, bargaining with the seller, and exhausting her savings. In four months she raised $510 of her $1,100 goal.

• Withdraw Roth savings. If you must use retirement savings, withdraw funds first from a Roth IRA. As with gifts from relatives, first-time home buyers can withdraw up to $10,000 from their own Roth or traditional IRAs without penalty for qualified home-buying costs. But such withdrawals from a Roth that has been in place for five years or longer aren’t subject to federal income tax.

• Borrow from your 401(k). The IRS says certain 401(k) plans can let participants borrow $50,000 or up to half of savings—whichever is smaller—from the vested portion of their accounts. Home buyers can stretch out that loan to as long as 30 years. Pluses: A 401(k) loan doesn’t count toward your debt-to-income ratio because it’s secured, usually by your account balance, and you pay the interest to yourself, not a bank. Your 401(k) loan won’t be reflected on credit reports.

But the gambit has risks, and costs. Repayment must be made with post-tax dollars. At retirement, you’ll pay ordinary income tax on distributions, including what you borrowed and repaid. So you’ll be taxed twice on the borrowed sum.

Remember that your borrowings won’t grow along with the rest of your 401(k). The long-term cost of not having that money invested—known as the opportunity cost—can be significant. For instance, a 35-year-old paying back $30,000 over 15 years would have $70,538 less in his 401(k) at age 70 than if he hadn’t borrowed, estimates Michael Chadwick, a financial adviser in Unionville and Torrington, Conn., and Manlius, N.Y. He calculated the historical return of a balanced portfolio of 8 percent, at a 15 percent marginal income tax bracket and a 4 percent interest rate on the loan paid back to oneself. 

Should Parents Play Mortgage Banker?

If you have the resources to help a son or daughter buy a home, you might consider lending all or part of a mortgage, or the down payment. Intrafamily loans, as they are called, can benefit both sides financially. If you loaned your child money at, say, 3.5 percent, you’d get a return exceeding the 2.25 percent that a diversified bond portfolio currently yields. Your child would get an interest rate lower than the national average of around 4 percent that banks are now offering for 30-year fixed mortgages.

What’s more, such loans usually don’t have loan-origination fees, points, mortgage insurance, or other, onerous lender costs. And families can arrange for flexible repayment schedules. Just be aware that the deals must be crafted carefully to avoid IRS scrutiny—and family acrimony.

Mind the Taxes: You’ll need to ensure that any loan higher than $14,000 is not construed as a gift, subject to the hefty federal gift tax of up to 40 percent. So set the interest rate at least as high as the IRS monthly Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), currently about 2.5 percent for long-term loans. You can find the AFR easily at the National Family Mortgage, a service that helps create intrafamily loans. Second, have an attorney draft a detailed promissory note and record it properly under state and local laws. That way, your child can claim a mortgage interest deduction. You will have to claim the interest portion of the mortgage payments paid to you as income on your tax returns.

Avoid a Family Flare-Up: Before you draft the paperwork, make sure all interested parties communicate fully, stresses ReKeithen Miller, a Certified Financial Planner at Palisades Hudson Financial Group in Atlanta. A common scenario he has seen is when a parent discusses the loan terms with an offspring yet fails to include his or her spouse in the conversation. Then when the informed parent dies, the adult child insists that the deceased parent forgave the loan. “Now mom has to decide if her child is telling the truth,” Miller warns. He suggests using caution with such arrangements. “I generally advise clients that they probably shouldn’t loan any amount of money they can’t stand to lose,” he says.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Real estate websites and their mobile siblings are indispensable tools, whether you’re a serious homebuyer, you’re thinking of selling, or you’re just curious about what your neighbors pay in taxes. You can get a sense of how much your home is worth, and arrange for regular updates when properties in communities of your choosing are listed or have a price change.

Three of the real estate websites we’ve researched here—Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow—are portals; they get their information from regional multiple-­listing services (MLSs), ­databases of properties shared by agents and brokers. (Since February 2015, Trulia has been owned by Zillow’s parent company.) A fourth service, Redfin, is not a portal, though you can use it like one to list, search for, and view properties. It works as a real-estate brokerage. If you list with Redfin, your property is posted on MLSs and shared by the portals.

More on Home Buying and Selling

• The Real State of Real Estate
• 8 Ways to Boost Your Home Value
• Is It Harder or Easier to Get a Mortgage?
• How to Fund a Down Payment
• 10 Tips for Home Buying and Selling

All four real estate websites provide the same baseline property information. They allow you to filter searches in a community by price range, and number of bedrooms and baths. You can save and share a listing, and arrange for regular updates on particular searches.

All of the services are free. Because not all MLSs participate with any one site, none of the sites provides a complete picture of what’s currently on the market. So we recommend that you try them all. But because time is valuable, here we’ve pointed out unique and potentially useful features—and drawbacks—for each site.

One tip: Exercise skepticism when using price-valuation tools on real estate websites. Redfin, Trulia, and Zillow can value your home when you type in your address. But we found that the estimates can vary wildly and may not be a reliable prediction of what you’d get if you sold. In a study, Zillow researchers compared selling prices of homes on its database with their original estimates. A third of homes sold at a price within 5 percent of their “Zestimates,” indicating a very accurate valuation; most were further from the mark. For more accuracy, ask a real estate agent for a free, comparative market analysis.

Realtor.com

Coverage: Every state and D.C.

App: For iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (iOS 8.0 or higher); Android (versions vary by device). Realtor Express app is available for iOS 9.

Updates data: 90 percent of listings are updated every 15 minutes; the rest are updated daily.

Unique features: Sponsored by the National Association of Realtors. Users have access to almost 800 MLSs nationwide. The website’s “Request Renovation Report” feature provides home-renovation information gleaned from public records. A new mobile app for iOS 9 has a 3D “flyover” feature for certain areas.

What we liked: You can easily check property records­ for every house on a street. Property pages prominently list upcoming open houses. Local market data is clear and useful. Realtor.com’s mobile app lets you use your fingertip to outline the area you want to focus on and search for homes by school district.

Negatives: Online home search tool was not as robust as those of Redfin and Trulia. For example, it has no for-sale-by-owner listings. A representative told us that a few features would be added in early 2016, including the age of the home, search in nearby cities, additional features such as swimming pools and waterfront properties, and the ability to hide certain kinds of listings, such as pending listings.

Redfin

Coverage: 75 metropolitan areas. Not in AL, AK, CT, DE, IA, ID, KS, MS, ND, SD, WV, or WY; in MN only in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

App: For iPhone and iPod Touch (iOS 7.0 or higher); Android (4.1 or higher).

Updates data: Every 15 to 30 minutes.

Unique features: Home shoppers who want to view a home in person are connected with a salaried Redfin buyer’s agent. If you buy with the agent, Redfin pays you a rebate based on the home price and your responses to a satisfaction survey. If you use Redfin, your total cost is a 4 to 4.5 percent commission, a discount from the 5 or 6 percent traditional in many places. “Last Call” option informs you when competing buyers weigh in with bids so that you can counter. In markets it serves, it offers free homebuying classes.

What we liked: Home search tool is fairly robust; among other features, you can specify fixer-uppers, waterfront homes, and homes with views. If a house you covet is not for sale, type its address and “favorite” it; Redfin will send an alert if it gets listed. With “Price Whisperer,” a potential seller can upload his home’s photos and set a potential selling price with a Redfin agent; the agent then polls up to 250 buyers in the area, asking whether they would buy at that price, and reports the results.

Negatives: Even within states where it operates, Redfin doesn’t participate in every MLS.

Trulia

Coverage: More than 350 MLSs nationwide.

App for iPhone, iPad, and Pod Touch (iOS 8 or later; optimized for all iPhone 6 devices); Apple Watch; Android and Android Wear watch (versions vary by device).

Updates data: Every 15 minutes.

Unique features: Focuses on an area’s lifestyle factors, including proximity of particular stores, restaurants, and cafes, as well as crime statistics. You can set a commute time by auto or public transportation to a specific location; the search tool identifies properties with commute times that fit those parameters. When you’re on the move, you can use the Apple and Android apps to identify nearby open houses that are in progress or about to start.

What we liked: A “walk score” assesses how easy it is to do errands on foot from the home. The site offers deep demographic data, such as where single people in the area live or the prevalence of college-educated residents around a given property. You can limit your search to a particular school district.

Negatives: Trulia won’t provide a home-value estimate until you agree to have your contact information sent to a real-estate agent. 

Zillow

Coverage: More than 350 MLSs nationwide.

App: For iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (7.0 or higher); Apple Watch; Android and Android Wear watch (versions vary by device).

Updates data: Every 15 minutes.

Unique features: Provides deep analytics and data on individual properties and municipalities, including historical trends. Zillow’s Home Value Forecast, for instance, crunches local properties’ Zestimates­­ to project whether local prices will rise, fall, or flatten. Provides a nationwide real estate agent directory that shows how many recent deals each agent has done, as well as customer reviews.

What we liked: A “Price This Home” feature lets potential sellers claim their property on Zillow and select their own “comps”—nearby properties that have recently sold—to create their own private price estimate that’s not published on the site. That way, they can take into account local features that the Zestimate algorithm might not have taken into consideration. “Walk score” similar to Trulia’s assesses how easy it is to do errands on foot from the home.

Negatives: Online search tool not as robust as those of Trulia or Redfin.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Power outages are often the collateral damage of severe snow and rain storms and other acts of nature. After you've experienced a few you're more likely to consider getting a generator to keep your home’s electricity humming. But before you buy think about whether you want to power your whole house or if you can get by for a few days with just the basics. Here's what the pros at Consumer Reports recommend when it comes to choosing the right generator size.

Generators come in two types: portable and stationary, also called standby. Portables cost less to buy and install, but you’ll need to keep it fueled and maintained yourself. A portable also needs to be wheeled outdoors, started, and connected to what you want to power. A stationary model, by contrast, needs to be professionally installed outdoors, which adds expense, but it starts automatically when power cuts off and also performs its own periodic checks—and displays a warning if it needs service. 

What to Know About Wattage

To determine generator size, the easiest way is to add up the wattages of everything in your home you want to power with a generator. But some appliances, such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, and sump pumps, require more wattage (called surge watts) when they’re cycling on. It can also be difficult to gauge how much power certain hard-wired appliances, such as your furnace, require. For these reasons we suggest you consult with an electrician, and select a model with a slightly higher rated wattage that will accommodate additional products you might buy.

Also, figure in a few hundred dollars more to install a transfer switch, which allows easy connections for a portable generator. (Stationary generators often come with one.) This component also keeps utility power from frying the circuits you’re protecting once the power returns—and potentially protects any utility workers who might be working on the line. It also protects your generator.

Our generator buying guide lists what the various wattage ranges of both portable and stationary generators will support. Another option is our wattage calculator, which adds up the wattages from a list of appliances you check off to help you determine the right generator size.

Get Wise About Size

To figure out what generator size you need, follow these simple guidelines. The larger the generator, the more you're likely to pay.

• Just the basics: Small portable (3,000 to 4,000 watts)
  What it powers: Refrigerator, sump pump, several lights, television.
  
• Basics plus creature comforts: Mid-sized portable or small stationary (5,000 to 8,500 watts)
  What it powers: The basics, plus portable heater, computer, heating system, well pump, more lights.
• A larger load: Large portable (10,000 watts)
  What it powers: Everything above plus small electric water heater, central air conditioner, electric range.
• The whole house: Large stationary (10,000 to 15,000 watts)
  What it powers: Same as large portables, plus clothes washer, electric dryer.

Some Top Performers

Here are some recommended models from our generator Ratings of 43 portable and stationary generators:

• Kohler PRO7.5E, $1,400, a 6,300-watt portable that supplied plenty of power, and cleanly, with less noise than many competing models;
• Generac RS7000E, $900, a 7,000-watt model that performed nearly as well;
• Generac 6237, $2,250 (with transfer switch), a stationary generator that delivers 7,000 watts using natural gas and 8,000 using propane; and
• Kohler 14RESAL, $3,700 (with transfer switch), a larger stationary generator that supplied 12,000 watts using natural gas—and 2,000 more with propane.

Whichever generator size you choose, don’t wait until a major storm is forecast to buy it. In addition to facing a more limited selection, you’ll cheat yourself out of the weeks you need to plan your purchase and get it installed before you can enjoy the protection of a generator that will serve you for years to come. 

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Whether your fantasy bathroom includes a soaking tub, whirlpool, or several showerheads and body sprays, they all have one thing in common: Water, lots of it. Bathrooms account for nearly 60 percent of the water used in your house. That has the dream of a spa bath colliding headlong into drought conditions and water restrictions in many areas. So it’s not surprising that many of the newest showerheads, faucets, and toilets shown at the 2016 Kitchen & Bath show tout efficiency along with escapism.
 
“Consumers want to save water and they want the spa experience, even with low-flow products,” says Kohler’s Vicki Valdez Hafenstein. To do that manufacturers are tweaking the technology and introducing more water-saving bathroom fixtures.
 
Kohler’s Exhale showerheads mix air into the water to create large, warm drops, according to the manufacturer. They're available in 2.0 and 1.5 gallon per minute (gpm) versions, $190 to $220. Speakman’s Reaction showerhead, $25 to 66, uses a built-in turbine to concentrate and boost the velocity of water without letting in cool air. In Consumer Reports' tests, staffers slightly preferred the feel of the 2.5-gpm version over the 2.0-gpm model.

Slowing the Flow

Bathroom faucets are also using less water, down to 1.2 gpm for the Townsend faucet from American Standard. That’s compared to 2.5 for standard faucets and 2.2 gpm that meet the EPA’s WaterSense efficiency standards.
 
Toilets are the biggest water hogs in the bathroom. New ultra high-efficiency toilets (UHETs) from Toto promise to use about one gallon per flush, compared to 1.28 gpf high-efficiency toilets and 1.6 gpf standard toilets. The new Toto Promenade II 2-piece toilet will be available this summer at a cost of around $500 to $700. American Standard’s UHET dual-flush toilet (.9 gallons for liquid and 1.28 for solids) will be out in March and cost $479. Can’t wait? Our tests found several water-saving toilets, available now, that use less water without sacrificing performance. For more information, see our full toilet Ratings and recommendations.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Sink your toes into the newest carpet style, called ultrasoft or super-plush carpet, and you might decide that spending twice what you would on an ordinary carpet is worth the treat to your feet. But that comfort might lead to an additional, hidden cost: You might need to replace your vacuum.

Many vacuums that work perfectly well on regular carpets stick to this new kind like a big suction cup. That’s because the plush carpet is so dense that air can’t circulate back into the vacuum’s intake, making the appliance almost impossible to move. Because ultrasoft carpets have become more popular—sales have grown to more than 10 percent of the market in the past five years—carpet makers have begun testing and recommending vacuums for them. (Examples of plush carpet include Caress by Shaw and Karastan by Mohawk.) Vacuum manufacturers are making models specifically for ultrasoft carpets, too.

We bought several square yards of both carpet styles plus two new Kenmore vacuums designed for them, the Kenmore Elite Crossover Ultra 10335 upright, $300, and the Kenmore Elite 700 Series 81714 canister, $400. They both cleaned well and moved easily on the ultrasoft carpet, though we found that they were easier to maneuver on standard (medium-pile) carpet.

We also ran our push/pull tests on some vacuums recommended by ultrasoft carpet makers. We found three that moved fairly easily: the Maytag M500, $300, the Fuller Brush Mighty Maid FBMM-PWCF, $400, and the Oreck Magnesium, $500. But we don’t recommend them because they aren’t top performers overall.

If you have a new plush carpet and you aren’t ready to buy a new vacuum, we can suggest a workaround if your vacuum is sticking. Raise the powerhead on models that come with manual height adjustment; the control is usually on top of the powerhead. If your appliance automatically adjusts height and has suction control, you might try reducing the suction instead. Both of those steps may also reduce cleaning power, however, so you might need to spend more time going over the same spot of plush carpet to thoroughly remove dirt.

For more vacuum choices, including the models that are the best at cleaning carpet, bare floors, and pet hair check our full vacuum Ratings and recommendations.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Pizza deliveries rise by 35 percent on Super Bowl Sunday, with orders spiking when the score is close. But you can skip the tip and the trip to the door by making your own pizza at home in one of two affordable home pizza ovens from Consumer Reports tests. One, the Black & Decker 5-Minute Pizza Oven & Snack Maker, sits right on your counter. The other, the BakerStone Pizza Oven Box, fits neatly in your gas grill. Here’s the score.

Black & Decker 5-Minute Pizza Oven & Snack Maker

As the name suggests, the Black & Decker 5-Minute Pizza Oven, $150, claims to cook fresh or frozen pizza at home in a speedy five minutes. The elements are infrared and the oven heats to temperatures of 600°F or higher. In our tests, it took a few attempts to find the perfect temperature setting for the type of pizza we were cooking—frozen, fresh, or take-and-bake—but once we got it right, the pizza oven turned out pie after pie faster than a conventional oven. It only fits pizzas up to 12-inches wide so you’ll appreciate the quick turnover time when you’re making more than one.

The Snack Maker part of the oven may also come in handy on game day. In our tests, we tried fish sticks, chicken nuggets, and Hot Pockets. But when we put only a few pieces on the ceramic tray, the result was burned bottoms and undercooked interiors. The food cooked more evenly when we filled the tray with snacks, which is perfect when you’re cooking for a crowd.

BakerStone Pizza Oven Box

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the top grilling days of the year. If you’re grilling with gas, try the BakerStone Pizza Oven, $150, which sits on top of the grates. To bake pizza at home, a refractory stone cooking chamber traps hot air, cooking the pie from the top and bottom.

We placed the box on a four-burner gas grill and, after preheating it for 30 minutes, baked eight homemade 12-inch pizzas in quick succession. In four minutes, the box turned out pizza with crispy crusts and nicely cooked toppings. Bakerstone claims you can also cook bread, cookies, roasts, vegetables, and fish in the box. We didn’t try it because we were too busy eating the delicious pizza.

Gotta grill?
While it’s not exactly high grill-buying season, some stores have them on display in out-of-the-way aisles of the store. If you like the pizza box concept, look for a grill with three or more burners. Consider one of the large or mid-sized models from our full gas grill Ratings and recommendations.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Wintry weather brings out an especially cold-hearted scam: the utility bill scam. Someone impersonating an electric and gas company representative contacts you claiming that there’s a problem with your payment—it’s overdue or denied—and if you don’t pay the bill immediately, your service will be disconnected.

Just in the past month, citizens from Connecticut to California have received utility bill scam calls or emails. Phone scammers might spoof caller ID by hijacking the number of a local utility and use utility terminology to seem more believable. Online scammers might email you from what looks like your utility’s website or they might send you a Google Calendar invitation with the subject line “Your electric bill is available.”

Either way, scammers are after your money, your credit card information, or other personal information like your bank account numbers, date of birth, or Social Security number that can be used for ID theft. 

Because local gas, water and electric companies do occasionally contact their customers by phone, it can be difficult to tell a scammer from a real agent. Similarly, fake emails can look eerily similar to the real thing. Here’s what you should know to protect yourself from a utility bill scam:

• Prepaid debit cards are a red flag. If a caller demands instant payment using a prepaid debit card such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit prepaid cards, hang up immediately.
• Don’t cave in to pressure to pay immediately. Utility companies will not send threatening emails to pay your bill. Customers who are behind on their payments receive written notices of a possible disconnection and how to prevent it.
• Keep your utility scam antenna sharp. Look out for these kinds of bills and delete them. Bills that look like your normal bill but are from a different utility company, bills that look different from your normal bills, and bills that ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers. Do not click on any links as they may contain malicious spam.
• Be informed. If you suspect you’ve been a target of a utility scam, call the utility directly to verify whether you owe money. Find out what forms of payment your utility company accepts.
• Never give out personal information. Don’t share your bank account numbers, credit card number, Social Security number or date of birth, even if the person seems legitimate.
• Never allow anyone into your home without an appointment. Scammers sometimes pose as utility representatives claiming they need to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or an appliance. What they really want to do is get into your house and steal money or get your personal information. Even if you’ve requested service, this could be a utility scam. Ask to see proper identification. 

The threat of losing power or heat during chilly weather can be enough to freeze your common sense. Keep your cool. Report any incidents immediately to your utility company, using the official number found on your invoice.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Q. Why does my dishwasher smell funky?

A. Check your filter. Those bad dishwasher smells could be coming from food residue that’s collected there, according to appliance tester Larry Ciufo. European dishwashers have always used a self-cleaning filter to combat such dishwasher smells. But American manufacturers have self-cleaning and manual filters, and not everyone knows that the latter should be cleaned periodically so that you don't get that funky dishwasher smell. Read your owner’s manual to see what kind of filter you have and how the manufacturer recommends cleaning it or dealing with bad dishwasher smells. If you find that the smell lingers, you could try using a dishwasher-cleaning product. We haven’t tested any, so we can’t recommend a specific one.

For buying advice and related information check our Dishwasher Buying Guide.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

February is about more than chocolates and flowers, especially if you're a shopper looking for deep discounts.

There aren't lots of sales promotions this month, according to the National Retail Federation. But Consumer Reports' product-research experts, who track prices all year long, have have found a few items that are typically on deep discount in February.

Upcoming Presidents' Day sales mean you'll be able to score even greater savings on these items. (We've seen the Presidents' Day sales period start as early as the first week in February and last until after the 20th of the month).

Want to know what's on deep discount the rest of the year? Check our calendar of deals.

Sales on Indoor Furniture

Furniture pricetags are slashed this month because stores need to make way for new lines that will arrive after the spring High Point Market (April 16 to 20 this year).

Shopping tips
Where you shop makes a difference. Catalog retailers, for example, including those that are an adjunct to a chain of stores, tend to have the deepest selection. But mass-market retailers, including Ikea, Value City, and Walmart, tend to stress price and offer more savings. Expect a fairly limited fabric selection on upholstered furniture, however.

Size up upholstered furniture like an expert. Follow these steps when examining floor samples when shopping and again when the furniture is delivered, to be sure that the piece that is delivered matches what you saw in the store.

To find the best furniture stores, check this interactive guide, which also includes details on upholstered furniture, styles, and furniture-care tips.

Great Deals on Mattresses

Manufacturers usually modify innerspring mattresses for different sellers, changing the color, padding, quilting pattern, and so forth. Then each seller can call the mattress by a different name. Because such mattresses are at least somewhat different, and the names vary, it's really hard to comparison shop. Look for the deepest discounts around Presidents' Day, when you should expect to find prices slashed at least 50 to 60 percent.

Shopping tips
Take them for a spin. Buy at a store, not online or over the phone, unless you've already tried the identical mattress in a store. A product manager for Tempur-Pedic told us that more online customers return their mattresses than shoppers who buy in a store.

Shop back to front. Stores keep the priciest models up front, so head to the back of the store first. Start out by lying down on the least expensive bed from a few top brands, then do the same thing working your way up in cost. Our mattress buying guide contains lots of additional shopping tips. We put mattresses through tough tests; you can see which ones came out on top in our Ratings.

Discounts on Winter Clothing

We've found winter apparel is usually on deep discount in February as retailers make way for spring lines. But this year's unusually warm fall means retailers are swamped with unsold coats, scarves, and sweaters. So look for sales of 60 to 70 percent off these items, says DealNews. 

Shopping tips
Time your purchase. Shopping on the right day of the week can save you even more. Kohl's fans, for example, should check out the "Gold Star Clearance" racks, where prices are slashed up to 80 percent on weekend nights. Every Wednesday, shoppers who are 60 years old and older get an extra 15 percent off.

At Target, women's clothing is generally marked down on Tuesdays, men's on Wednesdays, and kids' on Mondays. Markdowns at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx usually happen on Wednesday. Your local store may have its own schedule, so ask salespeople when items are typically marked down.

Hit the outlets. We've examined the clothing sold at outlets several times, and although we've detected some shortcuts taken on items made expressly for the outlets (like less expensive buttons or fewer stitches per inch), we've found most of the merchandise is good quality. Just look over each piece of clothing carefully to make sure there are no loose threads, tears, or other faults.

Price Cuts on Humidifiers

Running a humidifier can relieve itchy eyes, sore throat, and cracked skin by adding moisture to dry, heated air. 

Shopping tips
Before you buy, check the features. A humidistat—if it's accurate—can help you maintain relative humidity between the optimal levels of 30 percent to 50 percent.

Put substance over style. Models resembling a radio can liven up your decor but their output might be too low for the area you need to humidify. Some models with a touch of whimsy, however—like this owl model from Crane—also delivered good performance.

Check our humidifier buying guide for more tips on finding the right model in our Ratings. To learn how we test humidifiers in our labs, watch the video below. 

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

It’s time to plan ahead for your Super Bowl party, especially if you’re grilling like so many people do on game day. Super Bowl Sunday is the most popular grilling day of the winter with two-thirds of grill owners firing up theirs for the festivities. Grilling in cold weather takes longer than when it’s warm so check now to see if you have enough fuel on hand. Here are some other tips for cold-weather grilling from year-round grilling pros.

Perform a grill check. In addition to a fuel check, make sure your grill is shoveled out and that the lid and knobs aren’t frozen shut. If they are, move the grill into the garage or a warmer spot to let it defrost—or use a hair dryer. Don’t force open a frozen knob or lid, which can damage the grill.

Put the grill in a safe place. While you want easy access to your grill, don’t place it too close to the house—10 feet away is recommended. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never grill in an enclosed space like a patio, garage, or under an awning. Inspect the burners, jets, and gas lines for blockages that restrict the gas flow. The flame should burn blue not yellow, which indicates clogged air inlets or burners that need adjusting.

Exercise patience. Preheating your gas grill can take up to twice as long in frigid temperatures so factor that in. To keep food from sticking to the grates, the grill should be fully preheated. Position the grill at a 90 degree angle to the wind so the flames don’t blow out on gusty days.

Suit up safely. Bundle up but don’t wear scarves, tassels, or any other item that can dangle over the grill and catch fire. Choose a pair of warm gloves that allow full hand movement so you can easily manipulate your grilling tools.

Keep a lid on it. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes prolonging grilling time. For the grill to retain as much heat as possible, keep the lid closed. If you have an app-connected wireless meat thermometer, use it to monitor temperature and cooking time.

Test meat temps. Cold-weather grilling takes longer so make doubly sure that your meat is thoroughly cooked. Place a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the food and follow this advice from the USDA:

• Cook raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to 145 °F. Allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or eating.
• Cook raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to 160 °F.
• Cook raw poultry to 165 °F.

Plan a quick cleanup. The best time to clean your grill is when it’s still hot so take the time to brush food detritus off the racks, especially if your grill will be sitting idle for the rest of the winter.

Need a Gas Grill?

As grilling becomes a year-round activity, it’s getting easier to find grills for sale in the winter, even if you have to look in the back of the store behind the more seasonal items. If you need a grill for Sunday's game, make sure you have time to assemble it. While some stores offer assembly in warmer months, that task is usually done by seasonal workers who may be off duty now. To see the results of our gas grill tests, see our full gas grill Ratings and recommendations.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

A garden hose, soap, and elbow grease can take care of many a cleanup job—if you want to spend all day on it. But if you have better things to do, a pressure washer speeds up all sorts of onerous tasks, from scrubbing grime and mildew from siding and getting oil stains off a driveway to cleaning a deck or patio, sprucing up outdoor furniture, degreasing a grill, and even washing a car.

Pressure washers use either a gas engine or an electric motor, a pump, and a concentrating nozzle to boost water pressure from your hose connection by 30 to 80 times. Though a garden hose alone delivers water pressure at about 50 pounds per square inch, pressure washers can generate 1,500 to 4,000 psi. That’s a lot of power. And when operated properly, they blast away stains without damaging the surface material beneath.

But despite the benefits, they can cause serious injury—and few consumers may appreciate just how serious. A pressure washer’s powerful spray is hazardous when misdirected, strong enough to damage skin in an instant. Lacerations are the most common injury, followed by bruises, punctures, and eye injuries.

Lee Krause of Alberta, Canada, was using his gas-powered pressure washer to clean his ATV when the spray passed over his hand for an instant. He didn’t go to a hospital, but six years later there’s a scar to remind him to keep his guard up. He was one of the lucky ones.

“The extreme danger with pressure washers is that even with what seems a very minimal skin break, the fluid can get deep into the tissue and spread out and cause bacterial infection,” says Howard Mell, M.D., a spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians. He recalls a patient who was hit in the calf, producing a laceration less than 2 inches across. But internally, there was infection to the muscle. It took a long operation and months of physical therapy for the patient to heal.

Pressure washers are sold with either a set of interchangeable nozzles or an adjustable wand tip, both of which usually allow users to vary the flow of water from zero degrees, the finest, to about 65 degrees depending on the task. (See our guide to nozzles and settings, below.) They’re inherently dangerous no matter which spray tip or setting you’re using. But the unnecessary risk of using a zero-degree nozzle—which concentrates the tool’s full pressure into a single, pinpoint blast—outweighs the utility because the spray can cause severe damage in a short amount of time. And higher-degree nozzles can get the job done.

Rental World in Lancaster, Pa., won’t include zero-degree nozzles when it rents pressure washers. “We warn customers that they’re dangerous even with wider-degree nozzles,” explains Vern Dettinger, the store’s manager.

The Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association notes that a pressure washer’s manual and markings on the products themselves describe safe use, and it stands by the utility of zero-degree nozzles.

“The zero-degree nozzle in this case may be used to extend the reach of the water and thus eliminate the need of a ladder,” the trade group said in a statement. “In addition, it may also be used for etching or removing extremely stubborn debris prior to washing or rinsing using 15-degree or larger-angle nozzles.”

Our Recommendation

An estimated 6,057 people in 2014 alone went to an emergency room with injuries related to pressure washer use, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. And 14 percent of those ER visits led to additional hospitalization. (Not all of the injuries could be attributed to contact with a powerful spray.)

The same kind of cleaning can be done with wider-angle settings; it just might take a bit longer. And many pressure washers let you connect wand extensions to reach higher surfaces without resorting to a zero-degree nozzle.

Based on the potential extreme risk of very narrow nozzles and their limited benefit, we no longer recommend pressure washers that come with nozzles that produce sprays of less than 15 degrees, despite how well they clean.

We have confined our pressure washer recommendations to two products that scored sufficiently well and lack the capability, as sold, to create a zero-degree stream. They are the GreenWorks GPW1951, $190 (a 1,950 psi 120-volt electric-powered washer), and the NorthStar 1573021, $850 (a 3,000 psi 240-volt electric). We tested the NorthStar to see whether you can get the performance of a gas machine with an electric model. You can, but only if you’re willing to pay a premium for the tool and for installing a 240-volt line for it. So it’s likely to be of niche appeal.

If you buy a model that comes with a zero-degree nozzle (it’s red) or you already own one, we advise that you get rid of it to reduce the chance of damaging property or causing injury to you, your family members, or anyone else who might use the sprayer. And if your power washer comes with a zero-degree adjustable setting, we recommend that you not use it.

In addition, wear goggles, long pants, and sturdy footwear—never flip-flops—to protect yourself while using any pressure washer.

To ensure pressure washer safety, we’re asking manufacturers to stop including tips and settings that produce streams finer than 15 degrees. We have also notified the CPSC of our findings and our advice for consumers. If products that meet our performance criteria are updated to comply with our pressure washer safety expectations, we will add them to our list of picks.

Color Coded

0˚ (red)
For removing tough stains and dirt from concrete, cleaning in crevices, and washing second-story siding. But at closer distances, it can cause serious injury. We don’t recommend its use because higher-degree nozzles can get the job done without the unnecessary risk.

15˚ (yellow)
For heavy-duty cleaning of concrete, such as outdoor walks and garage floors, plus stripping paint and grease from hard surfaces.

25˚ (green)
For general cleaning of outdoor furniture, patios, walks, and decks.

40˚ (white)
For more easily damaged surfaces, such as siding and stucco walls, and for cleaning vehicles.

Low-pressure (black)
For cleaning agents only. Attaching this tip reduces pressure, which triggers the pressure washer to draw from the soap dispenser as well as the water supply.  

Before You Buy a Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are easy to rent. You can get a gas-powered unit for about $75 to $100 for a day. But owning one—and being able to use it whenever you want—has become irresistible for many homeowners. (In fact, sales of pressure washers have grown 15 to 20 percent in the past four years.) So if you’re in the market, here’s some guidance:

All models are sold with an indication of the machine’s pressure capacity, expressed in pounds per square inch, or psi. The higher the psi, the more powerful the tool. Many of them will also indicate the gallons per minute (gpm) used. Though that’s not a meaningful indication of power, it can show which sprayers can clean using less water.

Gas models, which range in price from $250 to $500, deliver more pressure, making them the pick for cleaning large decks, siding, driveways, and other large areas most quickly. But they’re relatively noisy and heavy, and their engines require regular tuneups and proper off-season storage.

Corded-electric sprayers, which cost $100 to $250, aren’t as powerful, so they might not be able to remove stubborn stains from concrete and will take more time to clean. But they’re fine for cleaning small decks and patios, furniture, and cars. They’re relatively light and quiet, require little upkeep, and are small enough to be stored indoors without winterizing. 

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

How long do you expect your new washer and dryer to last? Readers debate this in the comments section of Consumer Reports’ online stories and, given that most machines come with a 1-year parts and labor warranty, we asked manufacturers for an answer. Here’s what they had to say.

Every manufacturer stressed that to make your washer and dryer last proper installation of the machines is crucial, as is reading the manuals (especially noting what can’t be washed or needs special attention, such as waterproof items), following garment care labels, loading machines without stuffing them, and using the correct amount of detergent. HE detergent should always be used in HE top-loaders and front-loaders.

For the dryer, you’ll need to remove lint after every load, and clean the vent periodically. The dryer vent should also be cleared before your new dryer is installed. Here's what else the manufacturers had to say about how to make their washers and dryers last.

Kenmore

Consumers can expect 10 to 13 years for washers and dryers, and this is not unique to Kenmore, says Chris Granger, vice president of Sears Home Services, which repairs nearly two million washers a year across brands. He adds that about 40 percent of those repairs do not require parts, and are tied to maintenance and learning how to properly use the machine.

Of the 60 percent of repairs requiring parts, Granger says they do a variety of fixes, including water valves and electronic control boards, but no one part accounts for the majority of repairs. Control board issues they saw 15 years ago no longer exist and aren’t a top failure anymore, he adds. As for electronic touchscreens versus knobs, Granger says Sears Home Services hasn’t seen an increase in service rates even though there are more electronic machines.

What you can do
• Granger suggests that you improve dryer airflow with a straight rather than twisted vent, ideally metal, not plastic, and noted that the shorter the run the better.

• Clean the moisture sensor with a little rubbing alcohol if you use dryer sheets. The fabric softener can coat the sensor with a film buildup making it harder for it to do its job and determine when clothes are dry.

Kenmore couples to consider: Kenmore Elite 41072 front-loader and Kenmore Elite 81072 electric dryer, each $1,000. Kenmore 27132 HE top-loader and Kenmore 67132 electric dryer, each $700.  

LG

Expect LG machines to last 10 years, says Clara Chang, senior manager of LG public relations and communications.

What you can do
• Chang says to perform routine maintenance, such as running the washer’s tub-clean cycle.
• Use a front-loader cleaning solution periodically.

LG duos to consider: LG WM3570HVA front-loader and LG DLEX3570HVA electric dryer, $800 each. LG WM4270HWA front-loader and LG DLEX4270W electric dryer, $830 each.

Samsung

“We design all our products to strict standards expecting a minimum 10 years under normal consumer use conditions,” says Dean Brindle, director of laundry product marketing.

Samsung sets to consider: Samsung WA52J8700AP HE top-loader and Samsung DV52J8700EP electric dryer, $1,000 each. Samsung WF56H9100AG front-loader and Samsung DV56H9100EG electric dryer. Washer is $1,200; dryer, $1,300.  

Speed Queen

“Our primary focus is with commercial laundry and the machines are designed for 10,400 cycles of average life. That’s about 10 years in commercial use and translates to 25 years for the average home doing eight loads per week,” says Jay McDonald, vice president North American Home Laundry Sales. Speed Queen offers a longer warranty—3 years on parts and labor for washers and dryers with mechanical controls, and 5 years for models with electronic controls.

What you can do
• McDonald says to run the washer with a full load as a small load is more prone to become unbalanced.

Speed Queen pairs to consider: Speed Queen AFNE9BSP113TW01 front-loader and Speed Queen ADEE9BGS173TW01 electric dryer. Washer is $1,900; dryer, $1,039.

Whirlpool and Maytag

Washers and dryers are designed and life tested to last 10 years, and the actual life can vary depending on a customer’s usage habits, says Dick Conrad, senior director of top-loader laundry. 

What you can do
• Conrad suggests that you use HE detergent for all washer types.
• Clean washers with Affresh cycle every 30 loads or once a month if washer has this cycle.
• Replace washer inlet hoses every five years.

Whirlpool and Maytag mates to consider: Maytag Bravos MVWB855DW HE top-loader and Maytag Bravos MEDB855DW electric dryer, $1,050 each. Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500DW HE top-loader and Whirlpool Cabrio WED8500DW electric dryer, $1,000 each.

Consumer Reports’ Brand Reliability Survey

Speed Queen top-loaders, and front-loaders made by LG and Samsung are among the more reliable brands of washing machines. LG top-loaders, on the other hand, are among the more repair prone, as are front-loaders made by Frigidaire and GE.

LG dryers are significantly more reliable than any other brand. Fisher & Paykel electric dryers are the most repair-prone brands of dryers analyzed. That’s what we found when we asked over 105,000 subscribers about their experience with a washing machine or dryer bought new between 2007 and the first half of 2014. Click the Brand Reliability tab in the washer and dryer Ratings for details and information on other brands, and email me at kjaneway@consumer.org if you have questions.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

Matching washer and dryer pairs are a popular choice although some don't make a great couple. Their coordinating style makes a statement, but you'll question how a terrific washer and a noisy dryer that's tough on clothes ended up together. Enter the matchmaker. Consumer Reports' tests found pairs that are worth a look.

Now about the prices. The top-rated pairs are expensive. Blame it on rising manufacturing costs, larger capacities, stainless drums, and added cycles and features. Our tests have found that basic cycles can handle most laundry needs. So ask yourself if you want to pay extra for a bedding cycle or one for your jeans. 

The washer and dryer Buying Guides highlight the advantages of each washer type and features. Use the Ratings selector to narrow choices and the Features & Specs tab to compare features. Our Brand Reliability offers helpful information and so do user reviews. If you have questions email me at kjaneway@consumer.org. 

Full washing machine Ratings and recommendations.
Full clothes dryer Ratings and recommendations.

The Quietest Couples

Consider machines that scored very good or better in our noise tests if placing near bedrooms. You'll know they're working but they shouldn't disturb you. Note that wash times are based on the normal wash cycle heavy-soil setting. You'll save about 15 minutes using the normal-soil setting.

Many washers and dryers have a steam setting. We found it slightly improved a washer's stain removal. Steam removed more odors than dryers without steam, but left clothes wrinkled. The dryers highlighted here have moisture sensors, the most important feature. It turns off the machine when laundry is dry—that saves energy and is easier on fabrics. For more details see our Ratings of washing machines and dryers. 

Kenmore set

Kenmore Elite 41072 front-loader and Kenmore Elite 81072 electric dryer
Price: $1,000 each
Here's the deal: The washer is near the top of our Ratings and made our top picks. It has 14 cycles, offers excellent washing, was gentle on fabrics, and has a jumbo capacity—it fit about 25 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.2 cubic feet. The dryer excelled at its job and also has a jumbo capacity. Claimed capacity is 9 cubic feet. 
Consider this: Wash time is 95 minutes. The Accela-Wash option offers comparable performance and saves 15 to 20 minutes. 
Need to know: Each machine is 29 inches wide—2 more than usual—but can be stacked. Gas dryer is Kenmore Elite 91072, $1,100. 

LG duos

LG WM8500HVA front-loader and LG DLEX8500V electric dryer 
Price: $1,450 each
Here's the deal: The washer is near the top of our Ratings and both machines make the recommended list. They have jumbo capacities, each holding about 26 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.2 cubic feet for the washer, 9 for the dryer. The washer was superb at cleaning and gentle on fabrics and has 14 cycles; the dryer aced its job. 
Consider this: It took 90 minutes to do a normal wash on the heavy soil setting, but the TurboWash option offers comparable wash performance in 15 to 20 minutes less time.
Need to know: Each machine is 29 inches wide, two more than usual, but can be stacked. Only available in a graphite-steel finish. Gas dryer is LG DLGX8501V, $1,550. 

LG WM4270HWA front-loader and LG DLEX4270W electric dryer
Price: $830 each 
Here's the deal: Neither made our top picks but both were impressive at their task and relatively quiet. Claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet for the washer, and 7.4 for the dryer. The washer fit 22 pounds of our laundry, was gentle on fabrics, and has 14 cycles. 
Consider this: Normal wash time on heavy-soil setting is 75 minutes. The TurboWash option offers comparable cleaning and saves 15 to 20 minutes.
Need to know:  Machines can be stacked. Each is 27 inches wide. Gas dryer is the LG DLGX4271W, $930. 

Maytag mates

Maytag Maxima MHW8100DC front-loader and Maytag Maxima MED8100DC
Price: $1,400 each
Here's the deal: This recommended front-loader offers excellent washing and held 22 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. It was gentle on fabrics and there are 11 wash cycles. The dryer was superb at its task and among the quietest tested. Claimed capacity is 7.3 cubic feet. Both machines are made in America.
Consider this: The washer took 75 minutes using the normal cycle on heavy-soil setting.
Need to know: Gas dryer is Maytag Maxima MGD8100DC, $1,500. Appliances can be stacked. Each is 27 inches wide. The newly tested white Maytag Maxima MHW8150EW front-loader was even slightly better in our tests and costs $1,350. It can also be paired with the Maytag Maxima MED8100 dryer. Matching white dryer is the Maytag Maxima MED8100DW dryer. 

Maytag Bravos MVWB855DW HE top-loader and Maytag Bravos MEDB855DW electric dryer
Price: $1,050 each 
Here's the deal: The washer made our top picks, delivers impressive cleaning, and was among the most water efficient of the HE top-loaders. It fit about 26 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet. There are 11 wash cycles. The dryer was impressive at its job and claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet. These machines are made in America. 
Consider this: Normal wash time was 80 minutes using heavy-soil setting. This washer wasn't so gentle on fabrics, but that's true for most top-loaders. 
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide; dryer, 29. Gas dryer is the Maytag Bravos MGDB855DW, $1,150. 

Samsung sets

Samsung WF56H9110CW front-loader and Samsung DV56H9100EW electric dryer
Price: $1,450 washer, $1,300 dryer
Here's the deal: These recommended models are top rated, excellent at their job, relatively quiet, and have jumbo capacities. The washer held 28 pounds of our laundry and was among the gentlest on fabrics. Claimed capacity is 5.6 cubic feet for the washer and 9.5 for the dryer. There are 15 wash cycles.
Consider this: Normal wash on heavy-soil setting is 90 minutes. The SuperSpeed option saved about 15 to 20 minutes without affecting cleaning.
Need to know: Each machine is 30 inches wide and can be stacked. The matching electric dryer is shown in the ratings as ending in "EG" to indicate the tested model has an onyx finish; "EW" is white and listed here as it matches the tested washer. Gas dryer is shown in ratings as the Samsung DV56H9100GG, $1,400. 

Samsung WF56H9100AG front-loader and Samsung DV56H9100EG electric dryer
Price: $1,200 washer, $1,300 dryer
Here's the deal: Both made our top picks. The washer has one of the largest capacities tested and fit about 28 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.6 cubic feet. It offers impressive cleaning and was gentle on fabrics. There are 15 wash cycles.The top-rated dryer was superb at drying and has a jumbo capacity. Claimed capacity is 9.5 cubic feet. 
Consider this: Normal wash time on heavy soil setting was 85 minutes, but the SuperSpeed option cut wash time of full loads by about 15 to 20 minutes without sacrificing performance.
Need to know: Each machine is 30 inches wide and can be stacked. Gas dryer is Samsung DV56H9100GG, $1,400.

Samsung WA56H9000AP HE top-loader and Samsung DV56H9000EP electric dryer
Price: $1,100 each
Here's the deal: Both are top picks. This washer has a jumbo capacity and can hold about 28 pounds of laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.6 cubic feet. Washing was impressive and there are 15 cycles. Normal wash time on heavy soil setting was 75 minutes. The dryer aced its job and has a jumbo capacity. Claimed capacity is 9.5 cubic feet. 
Consider this: As with most top-loaders this washer wasn't so gentle on fabrics.
Need to know: Each machine is 30 inches wide. The waterproof cycle prevented the washer from becoming unbalanced when we washed several waterproof jackets. Gas dryer is Samsung DV56H9000GP, $1,200. 

Samsung WA52J8700AP HE top-loader and Samsung DV52J8700EP electric dryer
Price: $1,000 each
Here's the deal: The washer was impressive at cleaning and made our top picks. The jumbo capacity fit 26 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.2 cubic feet. The dryer was excellent at its job; claimed capacity is 7.4 cubic feet. Both machines are relatively quiet. 
Consider this: Wash time was 75 minutes using the normal wash heavy-soil setting. The SuperSpeed cuts wash time by 15 to 20 minutes and cleaning is still impressive. However, the washer wasn't so gentle on fabrics although that's true for most top-loaders. This washer has Activewash, a water jet and built-in sink with ridges that enable you to hand wash and soak stained items before they go into the machine.
Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches, the standard width, yet capacity is very large. When shopping reach into washer to see if you can touch the bottom of the tub. The dryer is Energy Star qualified and using the eco-mode can save you some energy but extends dryer time. Gas dryer is Samsung DV52J8700GP, $1,100. 

Whirlpool pairs

Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU front-loader and Whirlpool Duet WEL98HEBU electric dryer
Price: $1,500 each
Here's the deal: Both have a large capacity. Claimed capacity is 4.3 cubic feet for the washer and 7.4 for the dryer. The washer offers excellent cleaning and was gentle on fabrics. There are 13 wash cycles. Normal wash time, on heavy soil setting, is 75 minutes. That's faster than most.The dryer was superb at drying and among the quietest tested.
Consider this: These machines are Wi-Fi enabled, providing remote control via your smart device that lets you monitor your laundry's progress, start/stop the machine, and more.
Need to know: Made in the U.S.A. Machines have a silver finish and can be stacked. Each is 27 inches wide. Dryer is not available as a gas model.

Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500DW HE top-loader and Whirlpool Cabrio WED8500DW electric dryer
Price: $1,000 each
Here's the deal: The washer was impressive and made our top picks.The dryer excelled at drying. Both are relatively quiet. This washer fit 26 pounds of our laundry and was one of the gentlest on fabrics. There are 26 wash cycles. That's right, 26. Claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet for the washer and 8.8 for the dryer. 
Consider this: Normal wash time on heavy-soil setting was 80 minutes. 
Need to know: Washer is 28 inches wide; dryer, 29. They're made in the U.S.A. Gas dryer is the Whirlpool Cabrio WGD8500DW, $1,100. 

CR Tip

Some HE top-loaders come with a warning not to wash waterproof items, or the manufacturer may suggest using the low-spin or no-spin mode to prevent the load from becoming unbalanced. That can cause the machine to shake too much, even damaging the machine and laundry area. Check the manual before you buy.  

Impressive Pairs for $1,700 or Less

All were impressive at cleaning or drying though most did not make our top picks. The dryers have moisture sensors, a must. Keep in mind that most improvements in performance and efficiency are on washers. If you're set on a matching duo pick your washer and then the dryer. For more details see our Ratings of washing machines and clothes dryers.

Kenmore couples

Kenmore 28132 HE top-loader and Kenmore 68132 electric dryer
Price: $800 each
Here's the deal: The washer is the least expensive and fastest of the top picks. It took 60 minutes using normal wash on a heavy-soil setting. There are eight wash cycles. Cleaning was impressive and the washer fit about 26 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet. This machine is relatively quiet, as is the dryer. The tested dryer was superb at drying. The dryer highlighted here is a similar model and we expect performance to be similar to tested dryer. Claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet.
Consider this: The washer wasn't so gentle on fabrics although that's true for most HE top-loaders we've tested. The dryer is Energy Star-qualified and you will save some energy but extend drying time using the eco-mode.
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide, standard width, and yet capacity is jumbo. When shopping reach into the bottom of the washer to see if you can grab that last sock. Dryer is 29 inches wide.

Kenmore 27132 HE top-loader and Kenmore 67132 electric dryer
Price: $700 washer, $700 dryer
Here's the deal: Neither made our top picks but the washer came close. It performed similarly to the Kenmore above and also has eight wash cycles and a wash time of 60 minutes (normal wash, heavy-soil setting). But capacity is slightly smaller. Claimed capacity is 4.8 cubic feet. We fit about 23 pounds of laundry. The dryer was impressive at drying. Claimed capacity is 7 cubic feet. Both machines are relatively quiet. 
Consider this: Like most top-loaders this one wasn't gentle on fabrics.
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide, dryer is 29. Gas dryer is the Kenmore 77132, $800.  

LG duos

LG WM3570HVA front-loader and LG DLEX3570HVA electric dryer
Price: $800 each 
Here's the deal: They didn't make our top picks but the washer was excellent at cleaning, gentle on fabrics, and fit about 21 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 4.3 cubic feet. There are 12 wash cycles. The dryer aced its job; claimed capacity is 7.4 cubic feet. Both machines were relatively quiet. 
Consider this: Wash time on normal wash heavy-soil setting was 95 minutes. The TurboWash option cut wash time of full loads by 15 to 20 minutes and offers comparable wash performance.
Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches wide and stackable. They have a graphite finish. In the ratings the dryer model name ends with a "W" to indicate that the tested model was white. It costs about $100 less than the graphite finish. Gas dryer is LG DLGX3571W in white or LG DLGX3571HVA in graphite. 

LG WM4270HWA front-loader and LG DLEX4270W electric dryer
Price: $830 each 
Here's the deal: Not on our top-pick lists but worth considering since LG front-loaders are among the more reliable brands and LG dryers are significantly more reliable than other brands, according to our survey of more than 100,000 subscribers. The washer was impressive at cleaning and has 14 cycles. The dryer was impressive at drying. Claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet for the washer, 7.4 for the dryer. Both have large capacities and are relatively quiet. 
Consider this: Normal wash time using the heavy-soil setting was 75 minutes. The TurboWash option cuts 15 to 20 minutes off wash time and cleaning was just as good in our tests.
Need to know: Stackable. Each machine is 27 inches wide. Gas dryer is the LG DLGX4271W, $930. 

Maytag mates

Maytag Bravos MVWB835DW HE top-loader and Maytag Bravos MEDB835DW electric dryer 
Price: $850 each
Here's the deal: They didn't make the top picks but are worth considering. The washer was impressive at cleaning and took 70 minutes using the normal wash heavy-soil setting. You'll save about 15 to 20 minutes using the normal soil setting. There are 11 wash cycles. We fit about 25 pounds of our laundry in this washer. Claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet. This machine is relatively quiet. You'll hear it working but it shouldn't disturb you. The tested dryer was impressive at dryer and among the quietest tested. The dryer highlighted here is a similar model and we expect performance to be similar to the tested dryer. Claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet. The washer and dryer are made in the U.S. 
Consider this: The washer wasn't so gentle on fabrics but that's true for most HE top-loaders tested. Our tests use the normal wash heavy-soil setting. Use the normal wash normal-soil setting and it will be gentler on fabrics.
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide, standard width, but capacity is jumbo. When shopping reach into the machine to see if you can grab that stray sock. Dryer is 29 inches wide. Both machines come only in white.  

How We Test Washers and Dryers

In addition to washing performance Consumer Reports' washing machine tests look at how gentle a washing machine is on fabric as well as its energy and water efficiency. We look at noise and vibration, and note cycle times using the normal wash, heavy-soil setting. As for our capacity scores, models scoring excellent fit 25 or more pounds of laundry; a very good capacity score means the washer fit 20 to 24 pounds, and good, about 15 to 19 pounds. 

In our clothes dryer tests we run the machines with different sized loads and a variety of fabrics. We measure noise, capacity, and convenience. Models that earned excellent or very good capacity scores in our dryer tests can hold large loads as well.

—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

If you’re shopping for a full-size blender, Vitamix has a lot going for it, including power, performance, and prestige. The only strike against it is the steep price, with many Vitamix blenders costing in the range of $500 and up. That can be hard to justify, especially if your kid needs braces or you’re looking to go large with the family vacation this year. But if you do make the splurge, here’s some added peace of mind: In addition to its top standing in Consumer Reports' blender Ratings, Vitamix also tops our reliability estimates, standing out as more dependable than most other brands, based on feedback from nearly 30,000 Consumer Reports subscribers. 

It wasn’t long ago that $50 blenders from the likes of Black & Decker, Oster, and Hamilton Beach dominated the market. Retailers still sell a lot of bargain blenders, but high-performance models have seen a steady rise in sales. The shift started with the smoothie craze, and it’s been spurred further by consumer taste for blended soups, sauces, butters, whole-fruit juices, and more. Indeed, our survey found versatility to be the most important attribute among consumers looking for an upgrade to their current blender, with power coming a close second.

Today, Vitamix blenders join a bevy of other high-end brands in our Ratings, names like Blendtec, Breville, Cuisinart, L’Equip, Waring, and Wolf. Even some entry-level brands are coming out with premium models, like the $300 Oster Versa Performance BLSTVB and the $450 Hamilton Beach Commercial Tempest HBH650.

Vitamix Vital Statistics

As you might expect, consumers who plan to do a lot of blending are willing to spend more on a premium blender. However, Consumer Reports’ tests routinely pick off high-priced duds. Our latest reliability data reinforces that caveat by showing how some of the priciest brands are also the most problem-prone. The one exception, no matter how you slice it, is Vitamix blenders. Here are the specifics:  

• Our findings show that Vitamix is the brand least likely to encounter problems by the fourth year of ownership. Its estimated 6-percent problem rate is significantly lower than what we found with the majority of blender brands. Rates for Blendtec and Breville were 15 percent and 16 percent respectively, making them the least reliable of all analyzed brands. Reported problems for all brands included leaks, broken blade assemblies, and burned-out motors.  

• Because problems experienced in the first year might prove particularly vexing for consumers, we also asked respondents about them. Vitamix blenders led here again with an estimated first-year problem-rate of 2 percent, compared with 4 percent for Breville and 6 percent for Blendtec.

• Our survey also captured satisfaction with reliability, which controlled for such factors as price and the severity of reported problems. Once again, Vitamix blenders placed highest, with 96 percent highly satisfied. Blendtec was second with a 91 percent high satisfaction rate, while Black & Decker’s 77 percent high satisfaction rate was the lowest.

The case for Vitamix blenders is clearly a strong one, especially if you plan to do a lot with your blender. But what if it’s just not in the budget? Based on our latest test results and reliability data, another brand to consider is Ninja. Though it misses our recommended list, the $100 Ninja Professional NJ600 is very good overall, especially at smoothies and icy drinks, plus its problem rate is quite reasonable.

So is there ever a case to buy a super cheap blender? Maybe. For example, if all you’re after is the occasional fruit smoothie (hold the ice and other solid ingredients), the Oster 14-speed 6694-B, $28, should do the job. Just looking for a spare blender to keep at the office or summer home? Consider the Black & Decker Crush Master 10-speed BL10450HB, $40. Think of it this way: Even if you end up having to buy multiple models, compared with Vitamix blenders, you’ll still be up hundreds of dollars—handy for that unexpected orthodontist visit or to tack on a few extra days to your next vacation.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.

If you're waiting for a stylish fitness tracker to lure you into the wearable device game, Fitbit’s latest offering might have you covered. The Fitbit Alta is a couture accessory through and through. It was even unveiled during New York Fashion Week.

This fitness tracker's slim stainless-steel form looks more like jewelry than technology, and its detachable bracelet bands allow for style changes on the fly.

The product arrives only a month after the debut of the Fitbit Blaze smart fitness watch, which coincided with news of the company’s involvement in a class-action lawsuit concerning the accuracy of the heart rate monitors in two of its devices.

The Fitbit Alta lacks a heart rate monitor or GPS, features found in more expensive trackers. Its touch screen scrolls your fitness stats in addition to smartphone notifications for calls, texts, and calendar alerts. (It supports Android, iOS, and Windows Phone). The device tracks sleep, recognizes and automatically monitors workouts, and reminds you to get out of your chair and move around. The Fitbit Alta can last up to five days on a single charge, the company says. We’ll test that claim when we get the product into our labs.

Fitbit obviously recognizes the need for fashionable fitness trackers—Tory Birch-branded Alta bands are coming soon—so this addition to its line isn’t surprising. At $129.95, the Fitbit Alta matches the price as well as the features of the less svelte Fitbit Charge, which implies the older tracker’s days are numbered. Classic fitness bands for the Alta are available for $29.95; leather bands for $59.95; and a (really cool) stainless steel band for $99.95.

Had it been released two years ago, the Alta—a capable fitness tracker that doesn’t scream “calorie counting!”—would have probably turned some heads. But now, many models are sleek enough to wear day and night, and the competition is racing to be more fashion forward. Fossil has its Q series of smartwatches and fitness trackers; Misfit has its upcoming Ray fitness tracker made from black or rose gold aluminum. For the most part, they all perform the same body tracking functions, but we’ll see how the Alta stands up to the competition.

Available for pre-order from Fitbit, the device will ship in the U.S. in March and worldwide in April. 

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.