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Talking Cars with Consumer Reports Episode 11

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Talking Cars with Consumer Reports Episode 11

Episode #11 of Talking Cars with Consumer Reports focuses on hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars—a topic that generates lots of questions on our Facebook page. This show, featuring Auto Test Director Jake Fisher and Senior Automotive Engineers Gabe Shenhar and Tom Mutchler, tries to answer some of those inquiries.

First up, we discuss the recent controversy surrounding the Ford C-Max hybrid fuel economy ratings, and how mismanaged efficiency expectations hurt the image of an otherwise pleasant and efficient car. GM’s eAssist system, battery longevity, and environmental concerns are mentioned, along with economical alternatives for highway commuting. That brings us to our first impressions of the redesigned 2014 Mazda3 and how it might just fit the needs of a first-time car buyer who wants something fun.

Find out what YouTube comment hurt Tom’s feelings (yeah, right) and learn about the Gabe Shenhar School of Manual Transmission Driving.

We’ll have another show in two weeks, discussing test results of the Acura MDX and Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as a first look at the Fiat 500L and Kia Soul.

Also view:
Talking Cars Episode 10 - Track time with Fiat 500 Abarth and Ford Focus ST
Talking Cars Episode 9 - High-scoring Impala, Ram, and Santa Fe
Talking Cars Episode 8 - Our auto experts get fast, furious, and technical
Talking Cars Episode 7 - Tesla battery swap, diesels, and some disappointing test results

Talking Cars Episode 6 - Rapid-fire reader questions
Talking Cars Episode 5 - Life with the Tesla Model S
Talking Cars Episode 4 - Roadsters and the latest test cars, plus answer reader questions
Talking Cars Episode 3 - Tesla, small SUVs, and a sideways track tour
Talking Cars Episode 2 - Highlights from the New York Auto Show
Talking Cars Episode 1 - Car buying advice

Tom Mutchler

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Best energy-saving lightbulbs

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Best energy-saving lightbulbs

They’ve had a good long run, 134 years, but come January most screw-in incandescent lightbulbs will have been phased out because they use too much energy. There’s no need to hoard bulbs. Our tests found that new LEDs and CFLs are light-years ahead of earlier versions.

Standard 60- and 40-watt bulbs are the last to be phased out, though remaining stock can be sold; 75-watt bulbs faded away in 2012 and 100-watt bulbs this year. Their replacement equivalents, compact fluorescent lightbulbs and light-emitting diode bulbs, are bright, use 75 to 80 percent less energy, and can save you $60 to $125 dollars per bulb in energy costs over their life, compared with a traditional 60-watt incandescent. Because homes have about 50 lightbulbs, the savings can be significant.

But so is the investment. LEDs are expensive, up to $60 a bulb for some floodlights in our lightbulb Ratings. Even at that price, an LED can save you about $170 over its lifetime compared with a similar incandescent. Increased competition is helping to lower prices. Manufacturers told us that more $10 LEDs are coming next year, and there are already several bulbs in our Ratings for $20 or less.

Starting at $1.25 per bulb, CFLs are a budget-friendly choice. They’re almost as energy efficient as LEDs but take at least 30 seconds to reach full brightness, don’t last as long, and most aren’t dimmable. Halogen bulbs, a type of incandescent, remain an option but will cost you more than twice as much to power as LEDs and CFLs and don’t last anywhere near as long.

LED technology is evolving rapidly. The Philips L Prize Winner A19 LED, $44, would have been our top 60-watt equivalent but was discontinued shortly after we completed our 3,000 hours of testing, though you may find it in stores and online. The new Cree 60-watt equivalent, $13, instantly provided a bright, warm light in our initial tests. We’ll add it to the Ratings when testing is done.

Such changes have made buying a bulb more challenging. Use our expert advice, plus tips we’ve received from other lighting pros, to find the right bulb for every room, and save money and energy.

Task lighting is tricky in the bathroom. Cool light is often recommended, but it can distort colors when applying makeup. So you may have to choose one characteristic over the other or consider halogen bulbs here. Decorative incandescents, such as some globe lights, aren’t part of the phase-out. Remember that lights over the sink can cast unpleasant shadows on your face; lights on either side of the mirror or medicine cabinet are better. Recessed lights designed for wet areas are fine over the shower.

Shopping tip. Excessive heat can shorten the life of LEDs and CFLs, so check our lightbulb Ratings for bulbs that can be used in fully enclosed fixtures. On/off cycling, common in bathrooms, will shorten a CFL’s life.

Bulbs to consider. The Ikea Ledare, $14, and EcoSmart 6-inch downlight, $25, have the best color accuracy of all the LEDs we’ve tested, though the Ikea is best for ceiling fixtures or fixtures where the bulb is facing downward because it casts most of its light from the top of the bulb. The EcoSmart can be used in wet areas.

Relaxation and romance are key. Dimmers and warm lighting can help, so look for bulbs in the 2700 to 2900 Kelvin (K) range. You’ll see this noted in our Ratings and on the bulb package. Consider cooler lighting, which has a higher Kelvin number, for reading lamps or fixtures. Position those higher than the bed to minimize shadows. Skip CFLs in lamps in children’s rooms, where rough-housing is more likely to lead to broken bulbs. CFLs release small amounts of mercury when they break.

Shopping tip. Reduce noticeable differences in the light color in a room by choosing CFLs or LEDs within a 200-degree Kelvin range of other bulbs in the room. Incandescents usually are 2700 to 2900K. When you’re replacing a few bulbs at a time in fixtures that are side-by-side, such as a row of floodlights, the new bulbs should have the same K number as the bulbs that are already installed.

Bulbs to consider. For lamps and enclosed fixtures the Feit Electric CFL, $2.50, casts a warm light and replaces a 60-watt bulb. The Samsung LED, $30, does too and can be used in a lamp or open shade.

Getting the lighting right in these rooms can be complicated because there are so many activities going on. Standard ceiling fixtures and recessed or track lights provide general lighting. Table and floor lamps deliver task and accent light. If your recessed lights or track heads are adjustable, they also can be used to accent art or concentrate light in a specific area. Aim accent and task lights away from shiny surfaces, such as TV screens and glass-framed artwork, to prevent reflected glare. Remember, most CFLs aren’t dimmable, though halogen bulbs and many LEDs are.

Shopping tip. For the biggest savings, replace the most frequently used bulbs first. Buy just one or two bulbs to try them out. If you like the light, buy more. If you turn that fixture on and off a lot, use an LED. On/off cycling will shorten the life of a CFL.

Bulbs to consider. The Samsung A19 LED, $30, and Great Value 14W CFL, $1.25, sold at Walmart, replace 60-watt bulbs in lamps and ceiling fixtures with open shades. The CFL can also be used in an enclosed fixture. If you prefer brighter light, use the Philips A21 17W LED, $31, in lamps and open shades instead of a 75-watt bulb. The Utilitech CFL, $2.50, sold at Lowe's replaces a 100-watt bulb for lamps and enclosed fixtures. The GE LED, $37, is a narrow-beamed floodlight for recessed or track lights. The Feit Electric LED, $18, has a wider beam.

Instant light is essential, so LEDs are the better choice for general lighting. LEDs are also great for hard-to-reach fixtures, often found in hallways and staircases, because they last for years and years. If you have fully enclosed fixtures, look in the ratings for LEDs that can be used in them; many LEDs can’t because high temperatures can shorten their life. CFLs are fine for accent lighting, say, in sconces. Dark shades absorb light, so consider brighter bulbs.

Shopping tip. Buy just one or two bulbs to try them out. If you like the light, then buy more. Energy Star qualified bulbs meet stringent standards that are independently verified and are often required to get utility rebates.

Bulbs to consider. Among 60-watt equivalents, the Utilitech LED, $20, sold at Lowe's, is claimed to last about 23 years, enough time to put away your ladder for a while. It’s suited for ceiling fixtures with open shades and lamps.

A centrally placed ceiling fixture or recessed lights usually provide general lighting here, supplemented by under cabinet lighting for tasks. A fixture or two over the island and the table boost general lighting, and dimming lets you switch moods and move from homework to dining. If you have recessed lighting, the color of the can’s interior, which surrounds the bulb, affects light output and light color. A shiny metal reflector casts the most light but increases glare. A black interior reduces glare but absorbs light, so you might need a brighter bulb.

Shopping tip. Some CFLs and LEDs are bigger or heavier than incandescents. Bring your old bulb with you when you shop to prevent getting a bulb that's too large.

Bulbs to consider. In addition to the living room choices, consider the EcoSmart LED, $25, for 6-inch recessed lights.

Safety, security, and ambience are important, but you’ll also need to consider climate. CFLs take longer to brighten the colder it gets and may not work in frigid temperatures. Check the packaging. On the other hand, cold temperatures don’t affect LEDs. Use floodlights or spotlights on the eaves or on the ground to illuminate dark areas for added security. Bulbs in the 2700 to 3000 Kelvin range emit a warm light that’s flattering to warm-colored exteriors, and cooler light 3500K or higher complements grays and can appear brighter.

Shopping tip. Save energy with a motion sensor or a photocell that turns lights on at dusk and off at dawn. The lightbulb Ratings show which bulbs work with those features.

Bulbs to consider. The Samsung PAR38 LED spotlight, $55, replaces a 75-watt bulb. The Utilitech Soft White Par38 CFL floodlight, $7.50, is as bright but is very slow to fully brighten.

CFLs and LEDs that make Consumer Reports' list of recommended lightbulbs offer impressive performance after 3,000 hours of testing—that’s almost 3 years of the bulbs being on for 3 hours a day. Compared with incandescent bulbs, CFLs use about 75 less energy; LEDs, 80 percent less. Both last much longer than incandescents. Most of our top picks are Energy Star qualified, but check the Energy Star website for updates. (The Energy Star designation matters if you’re looking for utility rebates.) Use the information here when you're buying bulbs.

CFLs

  • Use about 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent.
  • Claimed life ranges from 7 to 14 years at 3 hours per day.
  • Brighten slowly, especially outdoors in cold temperatures.
  • Most are okay but not great at accurately showing the colors of objects.
  • Frequent on/off cycles shorten a CFL's life.
  • Most don’t work with dimmers, photocells, timers, and motion sensors.
  • Mercury is released when a bulb breaks.
  • Recycle to keep mercury out of the environment.

Halogens

  • Use about 25 percent less energy than a standard incandescent.
  • Can be used in any location or fixture.
  • Instant brightness.
  • Dimmable.
  • Accurately show the colors of objects.
  • Usually white light.
  • Short life of a year or two.

LEDs

  • Use slightly less energy than a CFL.
  • Claimed life ranges from 18 to 46 years at 3 hours per day.
  • Brighten instantly.
  • Many are dimmable.
  • Many work with photocells and timers; some work with motion sensors.
  • Most are OK but not great at accurately showing the colors of objects.
  • Some can’t cast light in all directions.
  • May be bigger or heavier than other types of bulbs.

Higher Kelvin (K) number = cooler light

  • 2700K = warm yellow
  • 3000K = white
  • 3500 to 4100K = bright white
  • 5000 to 6500K = bluer white

Lumens = brightness

  • 450+ = brightness of 40-watt bulb
  • 800+ = 60-watt
  • 1,100+ = 75-watt
  • 1,600+ = 100-watt

Higher Color Rendering Index (CRI) number = truer colors

Ranges from 0 to 100. Choose a CRI of at least 80 for bulbs used inside your home.

 

This article appeared in the October 2013 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Are the claims for cooling towels all wet?

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Are the claims for cooling towels all wet?

Towel-snapping has been taken to a whole new level with a variety of new cooling towels that promise to beat the heat when dampened and draped around your neck. You may have seen the colorful towels used by such athletes as Serena Williams, Dwayne Wade, and Sergio Garcia. Consumer Reports compared two, the EnduraCool and Chill-its, to an ordinary towel and found that some of the claims were all wet.

The instructions for EnduraCool, $22, which the company claims “cools instantly” and has been “field tested,” by Serena Williams, tell you to wet the towel, wring it out and then snap it. Doing so, the packaging claims, cools the towel to 30°  F below the average body temperature. The so-called “proprietary performance fabric” is 90 percent polyester and 10 percent nylon and soft to the touch when wet or dry.

Chill-its, $12, are a little rougher around the edges and so are its ads, which feature construction workers on a hot day. Made of polyvinyl acetate, the towels feel like a soft chamois when wet but when dry look and feel like cardboard. We compared both to a typical smooth-weave dish towel (not terry cloth) that’s 100 percent cotton.

In our tests, Pat Slaven, our resident textile expert, wet all three towels with tap water then wrung them out and snapped them in the air to “activate” them as instructed. Using an infrared thermometer, she measured the surface temperature of the towels and also recorded the temperature of the air and the outdoor humidity.  In multiple tests at various temperatures and differing levels of humidity, all three towels cooled to within one to two degrees of each other.

“It’s the power of evaporative cooling,” Slaven said. “People have been doing this for millennia. It’s not new. It’s science”

Bottom line. All three towels cooled down when wet and can help you cool off on a hot day when relative humidity is low to moderate. They do not work as well when the humidity is high. As our tests show, a common kitchen towel will cool you just as quick but if you want to chill out like your favorite sports star, give a cooling towel a try.

—Izabela Rutkowski

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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An LED lightbulb that's also a flashlight

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An LED lightbulb that's also a flashlight

When the power goes out, the Ascella LED, $15, automatically comes on thanks to a built-in battery. So you don’t have to stumble in the dark looking for a working flashlight. Simply remove the Ascella from the lamp (the bulb stays cool to the touch) and extend the base of the bulb so that it acts as a handle, and you’re good to go.

But the Ascella isn’t as bright as a typical LED flashlight, and its light fades over the three hours it stays illuminated. To have the light automatically come on when the power is out, you have to set the bulb's three-way switch to emergency mode, and the lamp it’s in must be turned on. When the fixture is on, the bulb charges itself. Recharging the Ascella takes three to four hours.

When the Ascella is recharging after being used in emergency mode, it doesn’t produce any light, so you can’t use the lamp for general light. Nor would you want to. The Ascella casts a very dim, bluish light. Although it met its brightness claim of 150 lumens, that’s less than half as bright as many 30-watt lightbulbs, which the Ascella is supposed to replace.

This LED's claimed life is about 18 years (based on usage of three hours a day), but here’s a brighter idea: Know where your flashlights are and check the batteries periodically.

The Ascella LED may be a novelty, but in Consumer Reports' lightbulb tests we found many reliable replacement lightbulbs for both indoor and outdoor fixtures. Seven of our top-rated lightbulbs scored a 99 out of 100, and many more did nearly as well.

—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Redesigned 2014 Mazda3 keeps the fun, ratchets up technology

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Redesigned 2014 Mazda3 keeps the fun, ratchets up technology

The new Mazda3 gets its first true redesign after 10 years and goes on sale in September. That’s a milestone for us, as the outgoing Mazda3 is a staff favorite, as our employee parking lot will attest. Eager to sample this redesigned compact, we just rented a prototype from Mazda. Thus far, it is fun and efficient, but our excitement is tempered by a few potential pitfalls.

The 2014 model is the first 3 based on Mazda’s complete suite of Skyactiv technologies, which we have seen return exceptional fuel economy in the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6. To reduce gasoline consumption, the new 3 weighs about 100 pounds less than the outgoing car (depending on the configuration), and all versions get Mazda’s new direct-injection four-cylinder engines.

The Mazda3 i—with its 155-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder—is EPA rated at 34 mpg overall. The 184-hp, 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine is stuffed in the Mazda 3 for the first time with the s trim, rated at 32 mpg overall. But the new s comes only with a six-speed automatic transmission for now. With the slick manual transmission in the 2.0-liter hatch, we’ve been noticing around 35 mpg average on the trip computer.

Like the outgoing Mazda3, the car is still available as a sedan or a hatchback, though the sedan won’t go on sale until about a month after the hatchback. Both offer a hint more room than before, especially in the rear seat. One of our main complaints with the last Mazda3 was pronounced road noise. After a brief drive, we’d say the new model seems quieter. Ride comfort is also improved. Handling may not be as sharp as in the previous generation, but the 3 is still one of the more athletic among its peers.

So far, so good. Our only reservation: Midlevel and higher versions get a new touch-screen infotainment system that uses a jog-dial controller, à la BMW’s iDrive, in addition to a touch screen. We’ve found most such systems to be cumbersome and distracting to use. The car we’re sampling is a 3i Touring hatchback, without that control feature, so we will reserve judgment.

Connectivity levels are up to date and surpass those in the CX-5 and 6. The system integrates Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher audio streams into the car via smart phone, and it can be updated as technology progresses.

The top-level Mazda3 will now offer a new suite of driver aids, including a heads-up display, lane-departure warning, cross-traffic alert, radar-guided cruise control, and automatic high-beam and wiper controls. Blind-spot assistance is standard on midlevel models, but you have to order a high-level Touring with the technology to get a backup camera. (Learn about car safety.)

Top-level Grand Touring’s will also offer Mazda’s new i-Eloop, a (very, very) mild “hybrid” system that charges a capacitor when coasting. This stored energy can be used to run accessories, such as lights and the stereo, rather than put the load on the alternator. A sunroof is now a stand-alone option on Touring models except the s Touring, where it is not available. And it’s standard on Grand Touring.

Prices start at $16,945, plus destination, for an i SV sedan, and run to $28,000 for a loaded Grand Touring hatchback. The hatchback adds $500 over the sedan’s price across the board.

We will buy our own 3 sedan and hatch when they go on sale and see how they fare against their peers.

Eric Evarts

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Frigidaire's first toasters are top picks

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Frigidaire's first toasters are top picks

More brands associated with big-ticket appliances are eyeing the small-appliance market, where sales have been brisk. Frigidaire, known for major products such as refrigerators, ranges, and air conditioners, is getting in on the act with an expansive line of countertop wares. Based on the results of our latest toaster tests, Frigidaire could give brands such as Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Hamilton Beach a real run for the money.

We rated nearly 60 two- and four-slice toasters in all, and recommended 10 models. Two of those picks are the Frigidaire Professional 2-Slice Wide Slots FPTT02D7MS, $60, and the Frigidaire Professional 4-Slice Wide Slots FPTT04D7MS, $80. Both models popped out very nice full batches of toast, whether you like it evenly browned or a bit on the light or dark side. They weren't quite as effective at one-slice toasting, so if you do a lot of that in the morning, you should consider one of our recommended models from Breville, Calphalon, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, or Magimix.

In terms of features and ease of use, Frigidaire gets a lot of things right with its entry into toasters. The bagel, defrost, and reheat settings are nice conveniences and the countdown timer tells you how long until your toast is done. A lift-out lever lets you remove toasted items without burning your fingertips and the stainless steel housing should look sleek on the countertop.

As for pricing, Frigidaire's toasters are about midrange, which is consistent with the brand's major appliance lines. You can spend less and still get very good toast, and you can spend more for slightly better results and a few more bells and whistles.   

Daniel DiClerico

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Walmart's holiday layaway is back—and it's free

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Walmart's holiday layaway is back—and it's free

Eggnog, office parties—and layaway? You may not think of buy-now, pay-later shopping programs as a holiday tradition, but Walmart is hoping you will. The retailer's holiday layaway program is back, and this time with a benevolent twist: It's free.

Among the key eligible items are electronics and toys, plus small appliances, jewelry, and select sporting goods. New items this year include car audio and infant toys.

Last year Walmart charged a $5 service fee to shoppers to take part in the layaway program. This year the fee has been waived, but you still need to spend at least $50 (with a $15 minimum price per item), and put down a deposit of either 10 percent of the sale or $10, whichever is larger. And there's a $10 cancellation fee, something Walmart didn't impose last year. (Cancellation fees don't apply in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Ohio, and Rhode Island.) Walmart's Ad Match policy will apply to layaway items, so the retailer will match any local competitor’s print ad for an identical item.

Walmart's layaway plan over the years

  2011 2012 2013
Open fee $5 $5 $0
Number of items available (may vary by store) 30,000 34,500 35,500
Down payment $10 or 10%, whichever is greater $10 or 10%, whichever is greater $10 or 10%, whichever is greater
Minimum purchase $15 per item, $50 total $15 per item, $50 total $15 per item, $50 total
Cancel fee $10 $0 $10
Days to pay 60 90 90

Information courtesy of Walmart

The layaway program kicks off Sept. 13 and runs through Dec. 13, but early-bird shoppers can get a two-day head start (Sept. 11 and 12) by becoming a Walmart Facebook fan.

According to Walmart, electronic items from top brands will include:

To take part in the layaway plan, you need to open an account by visiting the Walmart.com services desk in any Walmart Supercenter or Walmart store. Once you've opened a layaway account, payments can be made at any store register for the duration of the program, and you'll get e-mail payment reminders and status updates to keep you apprised of your balances. For larger items too heavy or bulky to carry to a counter, you can just rip off a tear-pad slip near the item and take that to the Walmart.com Service Desk. 

In all, Walmart says 35,500 items will be eligible for the layaway program—1,000 more products than were included in the plan last year. Full details of the Walmart layaway program are available at www.walmart.com/layaway.

—James K. Willcox

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Goshers blind-spot detection system review

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Goshers blind-spot detection system review

A blind-spot warning (BSW) system can reduce both stress and the risk of a crash by helping you keep tabs on vehicles lurking over your shoulder and out of sight. But until recently, the only way to get one was to invest in a new car.

Never ones to miss an opportunity, the ever-vigilant automotive aftermarket has risen to the occasion, and a handful of kits are now available to update almost any vehicle with the technology. And we purchased one to try.

The Goshers Blind Spot Detection system includes a sensor for each side of the rear bumper, a left and right side LED warning display, an audible alarm unit, a controller, and all the necessary wiring to link the whole thing together.

The suggested retail price is $250; we paid $200 from an online retailer. A Premium model with two more sensors for the front is available for $350.

Installation is somewhat complicated. It requires splicing into the car's wiring, holes in the rear bumper for the sensors, and removing and reinstalling various interior trim pieces to route the wires and keep them out of sight.

The company website stresses that professional installation is required, but it does not provide a list of installers or a cost estimate to do the job. Your local repair shop should be able to perform the installation, but get an estimate first if you decide to buy the kit. One of our staff certified automotive technicians needed about four hours to install the system in a Chevrolet Cruze test car.

Overall, we found that the Goshers system works as advertised; it consistently warned us of other cars in the Cruze's blind spots with both an audible and visual warning. If anything, the system was a little overzealous, at least until we set the adjustable sensitivity level to its lowest setting and it gives warnings only when a turn signal is switched on. Without making that adjustment, warnings were pretty much constant, as the Gosher system warned us of guardrails, roadside walls, tunnels, and other large objects.

What cannot be changed is that, unlike a built-in system that typically deactivates below a certain speed threshold, the Gosher kit operates at any speed.  

The Goshers system may not be perfect or have the built-in integration of one from the factory, but if you've been wishing for the added convenience and security of a blind-spot warning system, it might be worth a look. It's a lot less expensive than a new car. But even with this limited technology, these systems are not a replacement for common sense practices of glancing over your shoulder and checking your mirrors.

Jim Travers

Updated: 8/23/13 based on further test findings.

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Why doesn't Consumer Reports factor recalls into car Ratings?

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Why doesn't Consumer Reports factor recalls into car Ratings?

Consumer Reports often gives glowing Ratings to used cars from manufacturers with high recall numbers. Shouldn’t recall statistics be factored in?—David Ramsay, Toronto

We don’t think recalls should be factored in. Though it would be great if cars could be designed without safety problems ever surfacing, we strongly encourage manufacturers to recall cars if need be.

There’s also a big difference in how an owner is affected by a reliability problem or a recall. Reliability problems require an unscheduled trip for repair or at worst, a tow truck. We encourage manufacturers to recall cars when safety issues are uncovered. A recall requires one planned trip to the dealer with no expense to the owner.

To find recalls for a used car you are considering purchasing, check out the latest car recalls, and to make sure you avoid a lemon, consult our used car buying guide.   

—Consumer Reports

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Can I put an LED lightbulb in a closed fixture?

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Can I put an LED lightbulb in a closed fixture?

I’ve heard that you’re not supposed to put LEDs in closed fixtures such as domes because they require airflow to cool them. Is this true? What about a dome that covers the bulb but is open on top, like a pendant? I’ve not seen such a warning on the manufacturers’ packaging.—Joe Cesa Cumming, GA

It’s generally true that LEDs last longer if they are kept relatively cool, and almost all LED bulbs have warnings on the bulb and packaging that indicate where the bulb can and can’t be used. If there isn’t a specific warning against using the bulb in certain conditions or fixtures, then it should be OK. But keep the packaging and receipt should the bulb burn out prematurely and you need to use the warranty.

—Consumer Reports

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Best coupon apps for grocery shopping

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Best coupon apps for grocery shopping

Those big binders might be fine for extreme couponers, but for the rest of us, it’s no way to shop. So we love the idea of coupon apps that automate deals for you. We tried and liked these popular, free ones featured below.

They all can help you save, but some are easier to use than others. And some deliver bigger and better savings than others. Each app works a little differently but has advantages that depend on your shopping style and where you shop. They’re all worth a try. Here are a few things we learned after our reporter spent weeks using each of these apps.

The best app for you may depend on where you live. Different apps offer coupons at different stores, so your success using your smart phone to get coupons will depend on the supermarkets in your area and your shopping list.

Paper coupons still rule. Apps aren’t all about digital deals. Sometimes they point you to online or newspaper coupons that you have to print or clip.

Mobile coupons are similar to paper ones. Digital coupons will help you save on the same products as paper ones will—cereal, paper products, and yogurt are pretty standard.

It pays to be loyal. Digital offers work most seamlessly when they link with your store loyalty cards. You can link the coupon to your card and get the savings when you scan. Pretty cool, huh?

Check our new report on store brands to savor and supermarket buying guide for more ways to save.

Cellfire (Android, Apple, BlackBerry)


Best for:
Instant savings

Description: Cellfire’s focus is to send coupons directly to your loyalty cards. (To add to a card, tap “My cards,” then tap the green bar.) Browse through the deals and tap the ones you want. Poof! They’re saved to your card to scan at checkout. Our only gripe: The list of stores is limited. But if there’s a store near you, it’s definitely worth downloading the app. We found 21 coupons for ShopRite, for example. You can use the app without registering, but members get access to bigger, better deals. Not sure whether you picked up the right item to get the savings? Use the UPC scanner (in “Saved coupons”) to check.

Don’t-miss feature: Enable store alerts and you’ll be reminded about coupons when you walk into a store.

Coupons.com (Android, Apple)


Best for:
Tons of offers

Description: Coupons.com is a giant when it comes to offers for groceries and everyday items, and its app makes it easy to access the deals on the go. Coupon savings arrive in three ways: e-mail that’s printed from your computer, printed from your mobile device (works only with an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch and certain HP printers), or added to your store loyalty card to scan at checkout. It all depends on the deal.

Don’t-miss feature: When shopping for items other than daily basics, users of Apple devices can browse digital coupons from retailers such as Old Navy and Petco, add coupons to their Passbook app (Apple’s mobile wallet that stores rewards cards and gift cards in one place), and show their phone at checkout to get the savings. Easy!

Grocery IQ (Android, Apple)


Best for:
List makers

Description: This app, also from Coupons.com, is best if you tend to stick to the same list week after week. Start by making your list (which is automatically saved) and the app will match items with applicable coupons. Add items to your list by typing them in, scrolling through the master list, scanning a bar code, or speaking them. The coupons come from the same giant inventory that’s used with the Coupons.com app, and you get them in the same ways: by printout and loyalty card. But be warned that it takes a little time to set up.

Saving Star (Android, Apple)


Best for:
Big rewards

Description: The savings really add up here. Register your loyalty cards, then browse the list of exclusive offers. Some are really juicy; we found a good number of $5 offers. See something you want? Tap “I Want This!” then just scan your card at checkout. What’s unique is that the money doesn’t come off your bill; it adds up in your SavingStar account. When you get to $5, you can choose from four payout options: bank deposit, PayPal deposit, Amazon gift card, or donation to conservation group American Forests. The app generally has about 30 deals available at any time and works with lots of grocery chains, including A&P, Kroger, and Pathmark, as well as with CVS and Rite Aid.

Don’t-miss feature: "One or Many" deals let you buy items over multiple trips to hit the required quantities. The deals usually have a big payout, such as $5 off $30 spent on Charmin, Gillette, and Ivory products.

This article is adapted from Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Disaster preparedness: How to be ready for the next big storm

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Disaster preparedness: How to be ready for the next big storm

There’s no telling whether the rest of this hurricane season will bring anything like Superstorm Sandy, which flooded more than 150,000 homes, killed more than 140 people, and left about 8.5 million homes in 20 states without power. A relatively minor storm can also cause major damage if it includes high winds, heavy rain, or tree-snapping ice or snow.

Even a simple blackout can happen at any time and last for days. More than a half-million New Jersey residents were still without power two weeks after Sandy. And if you think most home-insurance policies cover disasters, think again: Flood insurance is just one of the “extras,” assuming it’s available in your area.

This report lays out the essentials you’ll need to help protect your home and the people in it before disaster strikes. (Read "Lessons Learned From Superstorm Sandy" for more information on disaster preparedness.) Here’s where to start:

Check our buying guide and Ratings for generators, chain saws, car insurance, and homeowners insurance.

Cover windows properly. Experts used to recommend taping windows to limit breakage to a few large pieces, rather than many smaller ones. But small and large pieces can be equally deadly. A safer bet: Keep windows shut and close blinds, shades, and drapes. Longer-term, consider impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters (about $40 per square foot), which might also net you an insurance discount.

Secure outdoor items. High winds can turn lawn chairs, potted plants, trash cans, and other outdoor items into deadly projectiles. Move whatever you can into a garage, a shed, or a basement.

Park cars on high ground. Two feet of floodwater can carry a car away. What’s more, driving in water just 8 inches deep can ruin the engine if the water seeps in through the air intake. Park at a high elevation or on a hill—but not beneath trees.

Protect your valuables. Move what you can to higher floors if you expect flooding. Also think ahead by documenting and photographing items you’d include in an insurance claim if lost or ruined.

Build an emergency kit. It should have a whistle to attract help, dust masks, duct tape, a wrench or pliers to turn off water if needed, flashlights and batteries, and local maps. Plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Include moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation. Also consider changes of clothing and sleeping bags or blankets.

Be prepared for injuries. A first-aid kit should be stocked with bandages in various sizes, sterile dressings and gloves, hand sanitizer and antibiotic towelettes, a thermometer, pain medicines, tweezers, and scissors.

Fuel up. Fill all of your vehicles’ tanks, because gas stations could lose power. ­Remember that most gas generators ­require roughly 12 to 20 gallons of gas per day. Also figure on at least a gallon of gas for extensive chainsawing. Store all fuel away from the house.

Have the right phones. Keep at least one corded phone because cordless phones require AC power. Our post-Sandy survey also found that cell phones were more reliable than landline phones, though we lack data on differences for fiber and cable vs.older copper-wire systems. Be sure cell phones are charged. And have an out-of-town contact you can call, because long-distance phone service can be more reliable than local service during and after a storm.

Get the right foods. Frozen food may last two days without power, but refrigerated items can spoil after 4 hours. Keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods such as crackers, whole-grain cereals, and canned foods. And don’t forget the manual can opener.

Check your fire extinguishers. You should have one with a minimum classification of “2-A:10-B:C” on each floor. Check the dial or pop-up pin for adequate pressure each month. Professionally repressurize extinguishers older than six years, and replace any older than 12 years.

Prepare for special needs. Tell your utility and local fire department before a storm if someone in your home uses an oxygen concentrator, ventilator, or medical bed; your power could be restored sooner. And keep a one-month supply of medication during hurricane season.

Tune in. A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will keep you connected if your computer or the Internet is down. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radios are also handy for emergency information.

Have some ready cash. Banks and ATMs could be out of service, assuming you can get to them.

Find the safest place. Stay in a central room without windows. Have kids? Ease the fear factor with books, a toy or two, and if you have power or a generator, some movies and video games.

Avoid electrocution risks. Don’t use any plug-in device if flooding or wetness is nearby. Landline phones can also be a shock hazard in an electrical storm. If you must make a call during a storm, use a cell or cordless phone if possible—or use a land­line phone’s speaker mode to reduce contact with the handset. Avoid baths and showers until the storm passes. And watch out for downed power lines and live wires.

Use cars safely. Obey emergency crews and follow designated routes. If your vehicle stalls in water, shut off the ignition and seek higher ground; the leading cause of Sandy-related deaths was drowning.

Check our buying guide and Ratings for generators, chain saws, car insurance, and homeowners insurance.

Do a mold check. Mold can start in as little as 24 hours after a flood and will keep growing as long as relative humidity stays above 55 to 60 percent. Put soaked items outdoors and save what’s ruined for the insurance adjuster. Run a dehumidifier, and clean affected areas with detergent and water or a bleach solution. You’ll need a mask and protective gloves if you do that yourself. For serious mold, hire a pro.

Inspect heating equipment. If any part of your furnace, boiler, or gas heater was submerged, have a pro check and recondition the equipment before you switch it back on. Internal damage could cause a fire, explosion, or shock hazard.

Check your vehicle. Suspect flood damage? Don’t try to start it until it has been professionally inspected. Salt water is especially corrosive, but even freshwater that’s high enough to reach carpeting can damage computers and other electronics.

Try to make only one claim. One larger claim is better than two small ones because multiple claims within the same year are likelier to get you dropped or reassigned as high-risk.

Based on the ad slogans, you’d think home insurers were everything from good neighbors to lifelong friends sworn to be “on your side” come hell or high water. But of the more than 8,000 Consumer Reports subscribers we surveyed who endured Superstorm Sandy, just 54 percent of those who filed claims were highly satisfied with how they were handled. That’s just a notch above the 51 percent who told us that after Hurricane Katrina.

Knowing what is—and isn’t—covered before the next big storm can help you make sure you aren’t stuck for the bulk of any repairs. Here are some of the most common home-insurance myths, and steps that can help put you in good hands:

Myth

Reality

What to do

A standard home-insurance policy includes disaster coverage.

Coverage for floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes usually costs extra, assuming you can get it. Flood damage was the most frequent problem cited by our Superstorm Sandy survey respondents, yet 30 percent lacked that coverage. And most who had it didn’t have enough.

Ask to see any policy exclusions or limits in writing now. Then consider adding separate coverage for some or all of the risks your policy excludes before the next major storm. Premiums average $600 per year for flood insurance alone. Expect a hefty deductible for, say, earthquakes in a high-risk area such as San Diego, where the amount for a $317,000 house can come to $31,700.

I’ll get my home’s current market value if it’s destroyed.

Most homeowners who suffer catastrophe are underinsured, according to United Policyholders, a San Francisco nonprofit that has surveyed and assisted disaster survivors nationwide since 1991. It’s up to you to boost coverage as needed to be sure you get what your home is really worth, especially when home prices are rising, because insurers compete on lower premium prices.

Ask your insurer for a customized estimate of your home’s replacement cost. You can also run your own check for $8 at accucoverage.com. Then consider checking other insurers to see which offers the most coverage for the lowest monthly premium. And consider buying an extended-coverage rider, which compensates for the surges in material and labor costs that often follow a serious storm.

I can expect a quick and friendly payout like the kind in the commercials.

Be prepared for a fight, especially with large claims. Fully 20 percent of home claims were still pending for homeowners we surveyed six months after Sandy—with almost 50 percent of them for $40,000 or more. You’ll also need plenty of documentation, including details such as cost, purchase dates, and serial numbers for appliances, furniture, and other items.

Get the Know Your Stuff home-inventory app or software for smart phones or computers from the Insurance Information Institute at iii.org/software. We also suggest getting your own contractor estimates for repairs. Another option is a public adjuster, who usually charges 10 percent of the payout but could get you far more. Find one at napia.com, the website of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Still having problems? Try griping to your state’s insurance commissioner—or threatening to. Half of complaints to insurance commissioners through June of this year have related to delayed, denied, or otherwise unsatisfactory settlements.

My neighbor’s insurer pays if his tree falls on my house or car.

Your neighbor’s policy pays for damage to your home only if the tree was obviously rotted or dead before it fell, making it a neglected hazard. Otherwise, your homeowners policy covers your home and your auto policy covers your car, whether the tree was yours or your neighbor’s. Expect to foot most or all of the bill to remove the tree if it’s yours and it simply blew over without hitting anything.

Keep a watchful eye on your neighbor’s trees. Send a friendly e-mail if any look sick or damaged so that you can document the problem for later if necessary. Also have trees on your property inspected at least yearly by an arborist.

My landlord’s policy covers me if I’m a renter.

No dice. A landlord’s insurance policy covers only the landlord’s building and personal liability, not yours.

Buy renters insurance to protect your possessions and cover the extra expense of temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable, along with potential injury and other personal-liability costs.

Check our buying guide and Ratings for generators, chain saws, car insurance, and homeowners insurance.

Here’s how to stay connected to late-breaking news and other essential data. All apps listed are compatible with at least the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (ready.gov). The site has storm-related tips. You can download a free app with tips and a map of FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locations and shelters.

American Red Cross (redcross.org). It assists families after storms and, at safeandwell.communityos.org/cms, helps family members reconnect after a storm. Hurricane by American Red Cross is one of several of its free apps with tips specific to storm type.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov). Its weather.gov website hosts weather alerts searchable by ZIP code. The $3 NOAA Weather Radar app can send weather alerts via push notifications directly to your device.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (flash.org). Its $8 FlashWx Alerts app has GPS-guided weather warnings with notifications in English and Spanish.

Gas Buddy (gasbuddy.com). The site helped users find working stations after Superstorm Sandy. Its free Gas Buddy app lists stations by proximity and price.

You’ll want important documents handy, especially if your home is uninhabitable after a storm. Store the documents here in a waterproof bag in a locked file or a fireproof box (and have extra copies and backup disks in a safe-deposit box or with your lawyer):

  • adoption papers;
  • auto-insurance cards;
  • birth certificate(s);
  • health-insurance cards;
  • Homeowners or renters insurance;
  • life-insurance documents;
  • marriage certificate;
  • mortgage or real-estate deeds;
  • passports or green cards;
  • power(s) of attorney;
  • Social Security card(s);
  • vehicle registrations and titles; and
  • will and living will.

This article appeared in the October 2013 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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The best chain saws can make storm cleanup easier

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The best chain saws can make storm cleanup easier

 

If all chain saws were to cut quickly, safely, and easily, you could simply buy what’s left on the shelves after the next big storm. But the 20 gas and electric models in our chain saw reviews found that some clear driveway-blocking branches much more briskly than others. Weeks of slicing through dense oak beams also show that certain saws are more likely to kick back toward the operator—a major contributor to the about 30,000 chain-saw injuries each year. The details:

Two gas saws are top values. Gas-­powered saws cut quickest and work during a power failure. Speed and balance help make one $230 Stihl model a CR Best Buy and our top saw overall. Also good for less: a $150 Craftsman, which gives up some speed for a much lower price.

Corded electric beats cordless. Electric saws spare you from fueling, pull-starting, and tuneups. A $100 corded Worz model sawed as quickly as some gas models. Battery-powered saws add the mobility of a gas model. But a $400 Oregon and a $200 Ryobi were the slowest we tested. They’re also expensive for their performance. Neither got through more than eight cuts of our 10x10-inch beam before needing a recharge.

Some kick back. All of these saws have the narrow-tipped bar and less-aggressive chain teeth that most consumer models use to help keep the saw from kicking up and back toward the operator while cutting. A Poulan and and Remington, both gas models, snapped back more than the others when we rammed their tips into an oak beam to measure kickback. But like most we tested, both have a brake that stops the chain from spinning if kickback occurs.

The full article is available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers. Sign in or subscribe to read this article.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Store brands to savor

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Store brands to savor

It's one thing to save money by buying store-brand paper towels or trash bags, but do you dare replace a name-brand favorite—Heinz ketchup, say—with a store brand? Sure. Our expert tasters judged 33 of 57 store-brand foods as good as or better than the national brand. (Check our supermarket buying guide for details on ways to save at the store.)

In categories such as ice cream, trail mix, mozzarella, mixed vegetables, and more, we found at least one store brand from the national grocers Costco, Kmart, Sam's Club, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods that was equal in quality to the big name. Every store-brand jar of cashews was better than the national brand, for example; and among frozen shrimp, every store brand was at least as good. To be sure that our results weren't an anomaly, we tested two samples of each brand. (Note that products that are equal in quality don't necessarily taste the same: They may have different seasonings or a different mix of ingredients.)

When we pitted store brands against Heinz ketchup and Hellmann's mayonnaise, we found at least one near-twin for each: Market Pantry (Target) ketchup and Market Pantry, Great Value (Walmart), and Kirkland Signature (Costco) mayos. All are more than one-third cheaper than the name brand. Watch the video below for more details.

Moreover, when we had about 50 staffers who usually use Heinz or Hellmann's do a blind taste-off of their brand against the two Market Pantry brands, 45 percent of staffers preferred Market Pantry ketchup (13 percent had no preference) and 41 percent preferred Market Pantry mayo (4 percent had no preference).

Store brands account for about one of every four products in a supermarket— and they're branching into niches that lack national-brand competition: balsamic vinegar, for instance, or chocolate-covered raisins. Their popularity is understandable, considering that they typically cost 15 to 30 percent less than name-brand counterparts, according to an industry expert. As the table below shows, some of the store brands we tested were more than 30 percent cheaper. The name-brand premium is largely the result of advertising and promotional costs that are passed on to consumers.

Costco, Sam's Club, Target, or Walmart were among the low-price winners in every category. Most of the Sam's Club products were 50 percent or even 60 percent cheaper than the name brands, but you'll need to buy warehouse-size packages.

However, store brands aren't always a bargain. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods usually contended for most-expensive store brand. In fact, five of the 10 tested Whole Foods products—cranberry juice, trail mix, ice cream, shrimp, and nuts— actually cost more than the national brand. That's no surprise to Consumer Reports survey respondents, who have told us that Whole Foods has some of the highest prices of any major chain.

Rising commodity costs may ultimately lead to a narrowing of price gaps between store and name brands, says Neil Stern, senior partner with Chicago-based retail experts McMillanDoolittle. In the meantime, take advantage of the lower prices. After all, if you're not satisfied with a store brand, most supermarket chains will return your money. Based on our tests, though, that shouldn't be necessary.

Price comparison

Product

Cost per serving

 

Name brand

Store brands

Cashews

0.64

0.39 - 0.75

Cranberry juice

$0.38

$0.25 - $0.50

Frozen shrimp

1.54

1.25 - 3.00

Ice cream

0.39

0.28 - 0.43

Ketchup

0.05

0.02 - 0.05

Maple syrup

1.26

0.81 - 1.25

Mayonnaise

0.08

0.03 - 0.06

Mixed vegetables

0.43

0.20 - 0.34

Shredded mozzarella

0.39

0.14 - 0.38

Trail mix

0.38

0.18 - 0.40

Check our supermarket buying guide for more ways to save at the store.

Take-away: With nuts, freshness is key. Emerald fared worse than store brands because some of its cashews tasted slightly stale. The roast level varied slightly among products but not enough to matter. Let price be your guide. A serving of nuts contains about 160 calories and 14 grams of fat. Walmart, Costco, and Kmart have the most sodium, about 115 milligrams; Trader Joe’s the least, 60.

Also-rans: None.

Take-away: Ocean Spray has balanced sweet and tart flavors with some fresh notes; Kmart has good cranberry flavor and fresh notes, and is a touch less bitter—but it costs more. Walmart and Costco are decent and about 30 percent cheaper than Ocean Spray. It’s harder to make a case for the other also-rans, which taste watery, slightly bitter, or pruney. Nutritionally, most juices are similar, with 110 to 140 calories and 26 to 35 grams of sugars per cup. Trader Joe’s, which is sweetened with stevia, has just 40 calories and 10 grams of sugars per cup.

Also-rans: Whole Foods 100% Juice Cranberry Cocktail, Great Value (Walmart), Kirkland Signature (Costco), Market Pantry (Target), and Trader Joe’s Low Calorie.

Take-away: Heinz has a full flavor that balances sweetness, saltiness, and sourness. There’s also a hint of onion powder. Target is remarkably similar; Sam’s Club tastes a bit more cooked and a bit less spicy. Sam’s Club and Target are about half the price of Heinz. We’d steer clear of Whole Foods (thin and dark, with harsh flavors) and Trader Joe’s (low tomato taste, with unbalanced flavors). Per tablespoon, most products have 15 to 20 calories, about 160 milligrams of sodium, and 4 grams of sugar. Sam’s Club has a bit more sodium; Trader Joe’s, slightly less sugars.

Also-rans: Great Value (Walmart), Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s Low Calorie.

Take-away: All of the syrups (medium or dark amber Grade A) are very good and would be delicious over pancakes. But Maple Grove and Target are slightly thicker than others and have bigger, bolder, more complex flavors—caramel, vanilla, and roasted notes, with a hint of coffee. Pure maple syrup is expensive regardless of brand, so let price be your guide. Costco, costing 36 percent less than the name brand, is a good value. All of the syrups have 200 calories, 50 grams of sugars per quarter-cup, and negligible sodium.

Also-rans: Whole Foods 365 Everyday Organic, Great Value (Walmart), Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Trader Joe’s.

Take-away: Hellmann’s is well blended, creamy, slightly sweet and salty, and eggy, with a hint of vinegar. The better store brands are cheaper by at least 25 percent, and you’d be hard- pressed to taste a difference in a sandwich. The also-rans have a big pickle-relish taste or other drawbacks.

Also-rans: Sam’s Club Bakers & Chefs and Trader Joe’s.

Take-away: Birds Eye vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans) are crisp, with fresh notes; Trader Joe’s are even crisper and fresher, as if they’ve been quickly blanched in hot water. And they’re about 10 cents less per serving. The also-rans just tasted a little less fresh. The products have about 60 calories per serving and 20 to 70 milligrams of sodium. All are fat-free.

Also-rans: Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, and Great Value (Walmart).

Take-away: The Sargento is creamy and slightly sweet, with fresh dairy notes. Sam’s Club and Walmart cheeses also taste fresh. Sam’s Club is slightly firmer than Sargento, and Walmart is somewhat crumbly. When melted, even the also-rans are close to Sargento in quality. Sam’s Club and Costco are cheapest—less than half the price of Sargento per serving.

Also-rans: Whole Foods, Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Trader Joe’s.

Take-away: You’d be unlikely to mistake frozen shrimp for fresh, though neither is cheap. Per pound, prices range from about $6.50 (Walmart) to $15 (Whole Foods). Tastee shrimp are soft and watery; Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods shrimp have a firmer, chewier texture and aren’t waterlogged. At $7.25, Costco offers the best mix of price and quality. The products have 75 to 100 calories per 3-ounce serving and about 1 gram of fat. Costco and Whole Foods have the least sodium, about 175 milligrams.

Also-rans: None.

Take-away: The Planters is a flavorful mix of peanuts and some almonds, plus raisins and mild milk-chocolate pieces. The Whole Foods mix should attract lovers of dark chocolate. It also has raw almonds, toasted peanuts, white chocolate, chocolate-covered raisins, and dried cherries. Those as good as Planters tend to be flavorful, with peanuts, almonds, tender raisins, and tasty candy-coated chocolate pieces. Sam’s Club and Kirkland Signature (Costco) are the clear bargains—about half as expensive as Planters and Whole Foods. Per ounce, most products have 150 to 170 calories, 9 to 10 grams of fat, and 25 to 60 milligrams of sodium. Planters, which has no added salt, has just 5 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Also-rans: Kmart Smart Sense Chocolate & Nut and Trader Joe’s Rainbow’s End.

Take-away: Breyers melts cleanly in the mouth and is moderately sweet, with a strong vanilla-bean flavor. Walmart is closest in taste and costs almost 30 percent less. Costco has a host of problems: It’s overly sweet, tastes slightly medicinal, and is gummy. Most of the products have 130 to 160 calories and 7 to 8 grams of fat per half-cup. Trader Joe’s, a superpremium French vanilla, is denser and carries more nutritional baggage (260 calories, 16 grams fat, 23 grams sugars).

Also-rans: Whole Foods and Kirkland Signature (Costco).

This article appeared in the October 2013 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Generators you can depend on in a storm

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Generators you can depend on in a storm

Power-zapping storms like Superstorm Sandy have helped generators join hardwood floors and granite countertops on homeowners’ wish lists. Our tests of almost 30 generators include a 7,000-watt portable that can power most needs for just $600. But even this one can’t match a brawnier stationary model if you want it all.

Stationary generators install permanently and can switch on automatically when needed. That helps explain why stationary sales are growing fastest. A newly tested $3,700 Kohler topped two others that deliver more than 11,000 watts—enough for the usual essentials plus a central air conditioner and more.

Our tests also include a new Generac portable generator that isn’t affected by gasoline shortages, along with an ultra-quiet new Honda. But less noise and friendlier fueling can come at a hefty price. And one new Briggs & Stratton stationary generator could put appliances at risk when the lights go out. Subscribe to read the full report.   

How to choose

Stationary generators were a hit with subscribers we surveyed after Superstorm Sandy, especially for fueling: Only 9 percent who owned one complained about closed gas stations and long waits compared with nearly 70 percent of portable owners. Here’s what else to consider.

Include a transfer switch. About $500 to $900 installed, it safely connects a generator to your circuit panel (letting you power hard-wired appliances) and avoids the risk and hassle of extension cords.

Plan ahead for fuel. Most portables use about 12 to 20 gallons of gasoline a day or four to eight 20-pound propane tanks. For stationary models, figure on 8 to 15 days for a 250-gallon propane tank. And be sure any gasoline is stored away from the house and preserved with a fuel stabilizer.

Look for smart features. All but the portable Troy-Bilt 6000 and Briggs & Stratton 30468 turn themselves off when engine oil is low. A fuel shutoff on the gasoline models also makes it easier to run the engine dry before storage.

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Electrolux tops list of recommended wine chillers

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Electrolux tops list of recommended wine chillers

Not everyone is prepared to spend more than $1,500 on a wine chiller. But if you're into the finest wines, chances are you'll also want the best storage money can buy. Based on Consumer Reports' tests of more than a dozen models, that distinction belongs to the Electrolux IQ-Touch EI24WC65GS, which outscored the competition by a sizable margin.

The $1,530 Electrolux IQ-Touch is an undercounter wine chiller, meaning it's designed to be built into your cabinetry. (We also tested freestanding models, whose clearance requirements prevent built-in applications.) The Electrolux offers very good temperature control, which is key to preserving the flavor of quality wine. It's also one of the most energy-efficient models we tested, costing just $7 per year to operate, compared with $40 and up for other models. (Hey, that's another nice bottle of wine, right?)

In terms of features, the Electrolux IQ-Touch has a lot of what we look for, including racks with full-extension ball-bearing glides for easy access and tinted glass to keep out harmful light. It has only a single temperature zone (unlike the increasingly common dual-zone chillers), but most wines store well at 55° F. A second zone, like that found on our recommended Haier WC200GS and Vinotemp VT-46TS-2Z chillers, is nice if you want to bring a wine's temperature up or down before serving.

The recommended Haier sells for under $1,000, and we also picked a freestanding chiller, the Frigidaire FFWC42F5LS, that does a respectable job for just $380. And lest you think spending top dollar guarantees top performance, consider the undercounter U-Line Echelon 1175WC, which retails for $1,630 and was dead last in our wine chiller Ratings, combining poor temperature control with subpar efficiency.

—Daniel DiClerico

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Healthy food choices for students on the go

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Healthy food choices for students on the go

Raiding the refrigerator is a cinch when you want a late-night snack at home. But when you’re living in a dorm without a full kitchen, it can be slim pickings. Fortunately, there are plenty of good, healthy choices that take little or no preparation and can be easily stored in a dorm room or compact refrigerator. Here are some breakfast foods, snacks, and frozen entrees that received high marks from the food testers at Consumer Reports.

Frozen waffles
Frozen waffles are a good breakfast choice for students with a shared refrigerator or a compact fridge that has a reliable freezer. Trader Joe’s Multigrain frozen waffles topped our tests and at $2.00 per serving, are a CR Best Buy. For a dollar more, the 365 Organic Everyday Value Homestyle from Whole Foods is also a good option. But the waffle that scored best for nutrition was the Kashi 7 Grain, though at $3.90 per serving costs even more.

Cereal
High-fiber cereals have come a long way since Consumer Reports first tested them 14 years ago and said they tasted more like straw than grain. In our cereal taste tests, one granola, Bear Naked Fruit and Nut, scored excellent for taste but its overall nutrition was just fair.  Four cereals were tasty and nutritious based on calories, fat, sodium, sugars, iron, calcium, and fiber: Kellogg’s All-Bran Original, Post Grape-Nuts The Original, Post Shredded Wheat Original Spoon Size, and Post Shredded Wheat ’n Bran Spoon Size.

Snack bars
Snack bars are another quick breakfast choice but our experts, who tried 24 snack bars in chocolate, peanut, and strawberry flavors, found that not all of them are good for you. Snack bar names and descriptions can include such healthy sounding words as cereal, granola or fiber but there are big differences in nutrition. Calories can range from 90 to 270 per serving, fat from 2 to 9 grams, and sugar from 2 to 20 grams. Our winner for best taste and nutrition was Clif Crunch Granola Chocolate Chip, which costs $3.11 per package. Market Pantry Peanut Sweet & Salty Granola Bars sold at Target for $2.10 are another great pick. See the full snack bar report for detailed nutrition information and more choices.

Greek yogurt
Thicker and creamier than traditional yogurt and high in protein, Greek yogurt is taking over the dairy aisle. In our Greek yogurt taste tests, our food experts found three that are worth a try, including two varieties of Dannon Oikos and one of Stonyfield Oikos. We also liked Fage Total 2% with strawberry, which has 140 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 16 grams sugar.

Frozen pizza
Again, if your student has access to a kitchen, frozen pizza can sate those late night food cravings.  In our pizza taste tests, our food experts tried five chicken pizzas, a less traditional type that’s becoming more popular, and found one to recommend. It’s the Freschetta Chicken Club, which has a flavorful, yeasty, Italian-style crust; béchamel-style sauce; smoky bacon; and flavorful chicken chunks; plus fresh-tasting spinach and tomatoes. We also tasted 16 cheese pizzas and pepperoni pies and found three brands that were very good overall: Home Run Inn, Red Baron and DiGiorno.

Frozen entrees
Forget those TV dinners of the past, today’s frozen entrees are more appealing in taste and appearance. In our taste tests of 18 entrées made with either chicken or shrimp we named one a CR Best Buy, the Birds Eye Voilà Chicken Florentine. Nine others scored very good overall for taste including Contessa World Cuisine Sesame Chicken, $2.50, the highest scoring Asian chicken meal, and Bertolli Chicken Florentine & Farfalle, $3.37, the highest among Italian chicken meals. Wanchi Ferry Shrimp Lo Mein, $3.58, was the best among the Asian shrimp group and Bertolli Shrimp Asparagus & Penne, $3.35, was the best of the Italian shrimp meals.  

Beef jerky
Beef Jerky will never make anyone’s list of health foods but it can be a quick protein pick-me-up and has fewer calories than meat sticks. In our beef jerky taste tests, we found Oh Boy Oberto Original beef jerky to be a tad spicy with well-blended smoke, brown sugar, garlic, and fruit flavors. Pacific Gold is sweeter than most and has a distinct black-pepper flavor. It was also the best value among the tastier choices. But keep in mind that some of these dried meat products have very high sodium levels.

—Izabela Rutkowski

Food and beverage guide

See what other foods our experts like including taste tests of fast food, ice cream, wine, and beer in our food and drink reviews.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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CPSIA has had big impact over the last five years

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CPSIA has had big impact over the last five years

At a time when partisan gridlock seems to dominate the discussion in Washington, we at Consumers Union, the policy and adviocacy arm of Consumer Reports, think it’s important to celebrate bipartisan legislation that has made a real difference in the marketplace and the everyday lives of consumers.

Next Thursday (Aug. 14) marks the fifth anniversary of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, or CPSIA. The milestone safety law, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the chambers of Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2008, includes strong product safety reforms that revitalized the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a small agency with jurisdiction over the safety of more than 15,000 different types of products.

The CPSIA was Congress’ response to the recall of millions of toys and children’s products for excessive lead, ingestion hazards, and other serious risks. Consider these numbers: In 2007, there were 473 recalls of children’s products, including millions of toys that contained dangerous levels of lead paint and other toxins. And in 2008, consumers fared even worse with 563 recalls, including nearly 8 million toys.

To combat those risks, the law includes many vital improvements to our safety net, including lowering lead limits, issuing strong mandatory standards for infant and durable products ,and requiring third-party testing of children’s products. The law also directed the CPSC to create the SaferProducts.gov database, where you can report and research safety hazards experienced with a wide variety of consumer products.

Many consumers might have been surprised that these rules didn’t already exist. Before the CPSIA, you would probably assume that someone was looking out for consumers and ensuring that the products they bought their children were already tested and determined to be safe. But too many kids fell victim to unsafe products in their homes.

Consumers Union and other like-minded groups believed that our children should not be the guinea pigs to test the safety of a product. The passage of the CPSIA was groundbreaking in that it required independent third-party test before children’s products such as toys and cribs are available on store shelves—the best way to prevent unnecessary and costly deaths, injuries, and recalls.

The creation of SaferProducts.gov also gave consumers a new place to turn to make smarter, more informed purchasing decisions, and an outlet to take action when it comes to product hazards. Consumers are able to search SaferProducts.gov to see whether other consumers have experienced hazards with a product, such as a stroller, that they are looking to buy.

Additionally, consumers who experience a risk of harm or an injury caused by a product can now quickly and easily share that experience with the CPSC. The CPSC may then, if warranted, open an investigation into the product hazard. Since the database went live in 2011, more than 15,500 reports have been posted on SaferProducts.gov.

As a result of the CPSIA, the U.S. now claims the strongest crib-safety standards in the world, a big improvement over previous standards, which had resulted in too many cases of infants being trapped by crib railings and other dangerous parts. And the law continues to be the gift that keeps on giving: the CPSC is currently considering mandatory safety standards for strollers, soft infant carriers, and other nursery products.

While there have been efforts to water down or weaken parts of the CPSIA, the law remains strong and intact to better protect consumers. Consumers Union is a strong supporter of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. This month we celebrate all that the law has already done for children, and what it will continue to do as all of its parts go into effect.

This feature is part of a regular series by Consumers Union, the public-policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports. The nonprofit organization advocates for product safety, financial reform, safer food, health reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

Read other installments of our Policy & Action feature.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Generator Ratings in time for peak storm season

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Generator Ratings in time for peak storm season

Peak hurricane season is upon us and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting that it will be a be an active one, with the possiblity of up to five major hurricanes. With memories of Superstorm Sandy still fresh, Consumer Reports has tested another batch of generators, including three large ones that can handle all your household needs. Of the 27 models in our generator Ratings, 14 performed well enough to make our list of top generator picks.

The three large stationary models from Kohler, Generac, and GE can deliver up to 14,000 watts, enough for the usual essentials plus a midsized central air conditioner and an electric range and dryer. Also called standby models, these install permanently outdoors and start themselves when needed, running on natural gas or propane from a large tank. Of the trio, the Kohler 14RESAL, $3,700, was best and, like most of the stationary units we tested, comes with a transfer switch for a safe connection to your circuit panel.

A new star among small stationary models is the Generac 6237, which at $2,250 costs nearly $1,000 less than the top-ranked Kohler 8.5 RES-QS7. Like the Kohlers, it was notable for power delivery and the smoothness of the power. And like other stationary models, the Generac periodically starts itself and diagnoses potential trouble between power outages. It also includes a transfer switch.

If you just need to power a few essentials, including your furnace or boiler, sump pumps, and lights, a portable generator could suffice—and most cost far less. The catch: You need to start it regularly, so it’ll be ready when you need it, and to perform other maintenance such as changing the oil. You'll also need to stock up on fuel, since most portables use about 12 to 20 gallons of gasoline a day. A few models, such as the $800 Generac LP5500 we just tested, use propane. For these, you’ll need four to eight 20-pound propane tanks.

The best performers among portables include the 7,000-watt Troy-Bilt XP 7000 30477 and Briggs & Stratton 30470, CR Best Buys for $900 each. Both machines offer electric start, fuel shutoff (which protects the engine from gasoline as it deteriorates during storage), low-oil shutoff (again, to protect the engine), and a fuel gauge. To be safe, you should also have an electrician install a transfer switch.

For full Ratings and recommendations, read the generator buying guide.

—Ed Perratore

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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10 cost-saving steps to a great kitchen

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10 cost-saving steps to a great kitchen

Get ready for sticker shock: Even a minor kitchen remodel now costs more than $19,000, on average, according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report. The average for a midrange major remodel comes in at more than $57,000, while an upscale redo with all the trimmings costs a whopping $110,938. Those are rich figures by anyone’s reckoning. But you can pay far less and still get the kitchen of your dreams. You simply have to know how and where to cut. We asked the experts for their best money-saving secrets. Use them, and get more dream kitchen for less.

Stick with the existing footprint
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average cost for new construction is about $80 per square foot. So if you add just 5 square feet to a 10x10 room, you’re spending an extra $4,000 before you even begin finishing the space or buying cabinets and countertops.

Whether you add on to the space or not, think carefully before changing the location of the plumbing, wiring, and ventilation. “That one decision could save you thousands,” says Mark White, a certified kitchen designer and owner of Kitchen Encounters in Annapolis, Md. And think twice about expanding into another room. “Removing a wall can be well worth it,” he says. “But you’ll have to deal with patching the floor, the walls, and any existing molding—all jobs that add expense.”

Feel free to negotiate
Especially in today’s economy, it isn’t bad manners to counter an estimate from a contractor or subcontractor—a plumber or electrician, for example. In fact, it’s espe­cially effective if you have a competing bid from another pro (you should get at least three anyway) to offer up in comparison. If your schedule is flexible, “find out if there’s a better time of year to hire the professional,” White says. Contractors might be more willing to give you some wiggle room on price during their slow season.

And don’t forget to haggle at appliance retailers. In a recent Consumer Reports survey, readers who did just that saved about $100 per appliance.

Do the dirty work yourself
Demolition is one do-it-yourself project even inexperienced homeowners can tackle successfully. But before you grab a sledgehammer, talk with your contractor to make sure your schedule and the project’s start date are in sync (and confirm whether the savings are worth your time and sore muscles). Are your old cabinets and appliances in reasonably good shape? Make some extra cash by selling them on Craigslist or donating them to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores (habitat.org/restores). Or give them to Green Demolitions (greendemolitions.org), which will remove and transport your donated materials, saving you money.

Go bargain hunting
Buying last year’s model or one that’s overstocked can yield big savings. Consumer Reports found bargains on flooring at ifloors.com and lumberliquidators.com. For discontinued appliances, we found good values at Searsoutlet.com and BestBuy.com. If you don’t mind pre-owned items in good condition, you might consider Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores. For example, a KitchenAid double wall oven was recently offered for $350 in the Mt. Vernon, N.Y., location. New double ovens can easily cost more than $3,000.

Pick standard-sized appliances
Restaurant-sized equipment is tempting but it costs much, much more. And the added expense doesn’t stop at the price tag. “If you replace a traditional four-burner range with a six-burner, pro-style model, the new appliance will require a wider opening, so you’ll have to cut out some cabinets, and 8-inch ductwork instead of the original 6 inches,” White says. Larger, more powerful cooking appliances also tend to use more Btu, which means investing in a larger vent hood and living with higher energy costs.
Appliance store Ratings and recommendations.

Look for energy rebates
Check the website of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (dsireusa.org). According to a recent survey, Consumer Reports readers saved about $150 with rebates alone.

Get something for nothing
People now post listings offering such items as leftover building materials, nearly new appliances, and extra plumbing fixtures free. Check sites such as craigslist.com, freesharing.org, and freecycle.org. Finding recycled items will save you hundreds of dollars and keep otherwise discarded goods out of landfills at the same time.

Keep what you can
Remodeling around your existing appliances will save you from $1,500 to $5,000, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. So if your equipment is in decent shape, focus instead on creating a fresh look with cosmetic changes. White suggests adding an island or updating the one you have, and painting cabinets and even appliances if the “guts” are fine but the finish is faded. Making over cabinet doors by replacing the center panel with glass is another cost-saver that adds function and style.

Consider counters carefully
“Laminate is still the most affordable counter material,” says Leslie Cohen, a San Diego certified kitchen designer. Laminate counters, which run about $10 to $40 per square foot, will save you hundreds over granite or quartz counters, which go for $40 to $100. If your heart is set on granite or marble, there are thrifty ways to get what you really want. When buying stone, go directly to the fabricator rather than the kitchen retailer, says White. “Depending on the shape, they may have a remnant that will work in your kitchen.” Thinner counters can save you money, too. Opt for ¾-inch-thick counters instead of 1¼-inch thickness, he says. Or, use the thinner material on the perimeters and a thicker piece for a high-impact spot like an island. “Reserve splurges for places with more wow factor,” says Lisa Stacholy, of LKS Architects in Atlanta.
Countertop Ratings and recommendations.

Fake custom looks
Everyone knows that stock windows, doors, and cabinets cost much less than custom-made alternatives. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay big bucks—or settle for an off-the-rack-look—for your kitchen. To get a custom look without the custom cost, “consider hiring a carpenter to spruce up ready-made components,” Stacholy says. “For example, you could line up three tall stock windows on the bottom and three smaller ones on the top and have a carpenter trim them out to get the look of expensive custom glazing,” she says.
Window Ratings and recommendations.

Kitchen planning guide

For more expert tips and reviews of top appliances, check our Kitchen planning guide.

This article is adapted from Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning & Buying Guide.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

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