Our washing test for dishwashers is grueling, with 10 place settings slathered with egg yolks, peanut butter, raspberry jam, and other goo left to harden overnight before we run a cycle. We expect a range of results from utterly spotless dishes to those with bits of food still stuck to them. What we didn't expect was a load of items that stayed dirty because the soap dispenser didn't open.

But that's what happened when we first tested the GE GDT550HSDSS, $650, one of the latest conventional dishwashers to join our dishwasher Ratings of 175 models. But it wasn't the dishwasher's fault. What happened can occur with any dishwasher if you neglect two everyday precautions: Loading items carefully, and sliding the racks all the way in.

In our case, all it took was the handle of a butter knife leaning at an angle to block the soap dispenser when the door was closed. Like some other dishwashers, the GE GDT550HSDS mounts the utensil basket on the front, outside of the rack rather than nestled inside, which may make it less forgiving when loaded incorrectly. The dishwasher got a do-over. Once we reloaded the machine with freshly soiled items and ran the cycle again, it was top-notch for washing although it fell a bit short of our list of top dishwasher picks.

User error can happen with almost every dishwasher with an errant pot handle or piece of silverware hampering optimum performance. So follow the loading instructions in your owner's manual. If you're buying a new dishwasher, check our dishwasher buying advice as well as the results of our dishwasher tests. Top-scoring models include the Kenmore Elite 12783, $1,200, and the Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC, $700. Both models aced our tests although the Bosch did it 40 minutes faster.

Saving money on major appliances and kitchen countertops can take some sleuthing but who doesn't like discovering a deal? Good timing helps. Watch for major retailers to discount refrigerators, laundry appliances, and more around Memorial Day. Our own digital digging turned up six ways to save.

Appliance rebates and discounts
Before shopping, search the websites of manufacturers and retailers. Maytag is offering rebates of up to $250 on laundry appliances, including a $125 rebate on the Maytag Maxima XL MHW7000A front-loading washer, $1,150, the top-rated model of the 68 we tested. But keep going. Look for Energy Star rebates for energy-efficient appliances at Energy Star, dsireusa.org and even Sears. And if you're moving or military, look into Lowe's special discounts.

Online outlet stores. GE and Whirlpool sell discontinued models and shipping may even be free. But these appliances are only a good deal if performance is impressive, especially in ways that matter to you—an oven's baking or broiling, for example. So do your research and check the results of our appliance tests. Readers of Consumer Reports magazine can check the index to see when a product was last tested.

Price-matching offers. Many major retailers have price-matching offers, claiming they'll match, or beat by 10 percent, a competitor's lower price. Sears will match the lower price even after you've made your purchase so if you bought a range there and it sells for a lower price somewhere else within 14 days, Sears will refund the difference, if you ask.

Countertop price cuts
Granite and other natural stones continue to be on homebuyers' wish lists and quartz has increased in popularity. This engineered stone tops our Ratings of 14 countertop materials from leading brands, edging out granite slightly. Most countertop materials we tested cost around $40 to $100 per square foot installed. Consider mixing and matching materials as a way to save, especially in a big kitchen.

For Costco members. This members-only retailer sells granite, quartz and solid surface countertops via countertopsbysupplymycounter.com and promises they're sold at a price others can't match. Costco offers free in-home consultation and says the local installers are licensed, bonded and insured professionals. You can visit the stone yard and pick out your granite slabs. Most Costco warehouses have kiosks offering these three countertop materials, the difference being brands. Costco warehouses sell DuPont's Corian solid surfacing and Zodiaq quartz as well as granite. And CaesarStone quartz, LivingStone solid surfacing, and granite are available online. Note that except for recycled glass countertops, our tests found little variation among brands, but big differences in materials.

Edging. Seems like a small detail but edging is one feature that affects a countertop's overall look and some edges cost extra. Rounded edges are less likely to chip—a plus if you choose natural stone or quartz. You can see more than a dozen edging options from various angles using the edge-options tool at caesarstoneus.com.

With farmer's markets and produce stands about to burst, now is the time to pick up a new blender. Besides mixing up a season's worth of smoothies, you can experiment with whole-food juicing, whereby all or most of the fruits and vegetables are blended to a refreshing, vitamin-packed drink. Too healthy sounding? The following picks from our latest blender tests will also make a killer margarita.

We put blenders through a series of tests to measure their total performance. Some do well with one task, but not others. The Big Boss Multi Blender, $50, did a very good job of pureeing, but it's smoothies were loaded with lumps. The Bon Appetit BAPBL010, $130, was excellent at crushing ice, but it flunked our durability test.

For a well-rounded machine that won't break the bank, consider the top-rated Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004, $60. It does practically everything well, including smoothies and icy drinks, and it's also very quiet. Its brand mate, the Ninja Professional NJ600, also delivers excellent versatility for $100.

Vitamix is another top brand to consider. The original uber-blender is priced at the high end, with models in our Ratings starting at $530. But you get consistent performance, including the ability to make hot soups when cooler weather comes. The new Vitamix Professional Series 750 for $650 is several inches shorter than the $450 Vitamix 5200, so it can slide under the upper cabinet while sitting out on your counter. Whole-food juicing is not part of our standard test, but we tried it with a Vitamix blender and got great results.

Breville also makes very good blenders, including the Breville Ikon BBL600XL for $200. Smoothies and icy drinks were both very good in our tests and it was excellent at pureeing. Plus the Breville is more sleek looking than a lot of other models, thanks to its glass jar and die-cast aluminum base.

Check out our complete blender Ratings of more than 70 models for other winners, as well as models that might have a hard time lasting until Labor Day.

Quartz is the top-performing material in our countertop tests, and it's also where we're seeing some of the most innovative designs. That was apparent at the recent Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in New Orleans, where Silestone Suede, a quartz countertop with a soft, leathery finish was among the more head-turning products. The only catch? The surface may require extra care and attention, which negates the very attribute that makes quartz our top countertop.

Like most quartz countertops, original Silestone has a polished surface that makes it highly resistant to stains, heat, and abrasions in our tests. The new Silestone Suede Series trades some of that durability for a softer, more luxurious finish. As a result, it may not be the best for high-traffic kitchens. But if you're finicky about your countertops, clean up spills right away and always use cutting boards, the unique Silestone Suede, available in a wide ranges of colors, might be worth a look.

Check our complete buying guide to countertops, which includes quartz, granite, laminate, marble, butcher block, and many more choices. For more head-turners from the recent kitchen and bath show, see the Best of KBIS.

John Deere lawn tractors and riders have figured prominently in Consumer Reports' mower tests, and this year's Deere lineup—including at least one newly tested winner—shows that the company is responding well to increased competition from the likes of MTD's Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt brands.

Among lawn tractors, the company will soon abandon gear-drive models at the lower end, discontinuing the John Deere D100, $1,500, which we found jerky in its handling compared to the smooth, infinitely variable drive systems of our top picks. The replacement John Deere D105, is the same price and has the same 42-inch deck size and a continuously variable transmission. The new model, like the John Deere D100, sells at Home Depot. Unfortunately, both tractors lack a high-back seat and an electric power takeoff, which engages the blades with a switch rather than a mechanical lever. The John Deere D105 handled better than its predecessor, but other models in our tests did better overall.

Deere also introduced new zero-turn-radius models, including two we've tested: the 42-inch John Deere Z235, $2,500, (see photo) and the 48-inch John Deere Z255, $3,000. The John Deere Z235 succeeds the older, pricier John Deere Z225, which cost $2,900 when we tested it. The John Deere Z235, with its smaller deck, was much better for bagging than its larger sibling, which earned it a place among our recommended models. Both have v-twin engines with more horsepower, infinitely variable transmissions, and electric power takeoff. We also liked the ability to change mowing mode—say, from mulch to side discharge—without needing to change blades.

One caveat with both models: Even without the bag attachment, both riders tended to briefly tip up during our tests if we took off abruptly. Deere includes two 42-pound weights with the bagging kit to account for this or you can buy them separately for $60 each. Consider buying them, whether or not you expect to bag, to get rid of the lift.

A new feature we've learned about since our latest testing is a bagging accessory that relieves you of the need to remove, empty, and reattach bags by hand. Called the Material Collection System, it installs behind certain Deere tractors and reportedly lets you expel clippings from your seat. But at $500 it's a pricey extra for such tested models as the John Deere 100 series (including the John Deere D105) or X300 series (including the John Deere X310 and John Deere X304).

Shoppers with the budget for pricey accessories might want to pay extra to begin with for even more convenience. How about a mowing deck that detaches and lets you drive off? The John Deere X700 Signature Series, which starts at $8,000, has other conveniences, such as on-board deck leveling, and accommodates a plow blade, snow blower, and other attachments. But to remove the deck—for example, to sharpen blades or change modes—you simply reach under to detach it by hand and then drive over the deck's raised wheel supports, leaving the deck behind. We've no plans to test this dealer-sold model. Still, we'd like to see this feature eventually trickle down to lower-priced models.

Whatever you buy to keep your grass trim, be sure to see our buying advice for mowers and tractors before checking our lawn mower Ratings.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced the recall of two models of Optimus portable electric space heaters, including one model that Consumer Reports judged a Don't Buy: Safety Risk last year and asked the safety agency to recall.

We tested the Optimus H-5210, $25, along with 19 other models. In our space heater tests, we put terry cloth over each heater to see whether the unit's sensor shuts it off before it overheats. The Optimus was the only electric heater in our tests that set the test cloth on fire. Although manufacturers, including Optimus, warn against placing heaters near flammable materials, we think that curtains, pillows, and other items could come in contact with a heater in a typical home.

While Optimus claims to have fixed the potential safety problem on 2012 models—we bought our test models in 2011—the CPSC's recall of about 355,000 models includes the H-5211 (made in 2012) as well as the H-5210 we tested. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

In the recall notice, the CPSC says it came to the same conclusion we had, citing that "the heater design can fail to prevent ignition of nearby combustible materials that come in contact with the unit, posing a fire hazard to the consumer." The models included in the recall were sold nationwide at Amazon.com, Best Buy Marketplace, Family Dollar, Heartland, Northern Tool, Rite Aid, and other stores.

If you own either model, stop using it and contact Optimus toll-free at 888-672-5832 (or via e-mail at return.optimus@gmail.com). Office hours are Pacific Time from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. You'll have replacement options of either a comparable ceramic heater or one of the company's next quartz radiant heaters, Model H-5510, which should be available after August. While the CPSC's notice also says you can go to the Optimus Enterprise website and click on "recall" for more information, the link did not exist when we checked.

Before shopping for a space heater, be sure to check out our buying advice as well as the results of our space heater tests. Models that performed well in our tests include the smaller-room Holmes HFH436, $40, and the larger-room Duraflame 10HM4126-0107, $230.

If you're in the process of restoring a historic home—say an 18th century Dutch Colonial or a 19th century Queen Anne—you might be interested in Benjamin Moore's new Williamsburg Color Collection. The 144-color palette is based on actual hues that existed centuries ago, discovered through examination of period documents, wallpaper samples, architectural fragments, and the like. And Benjamin Moore tends to do well in Consumer Reports' paint tests, so you can count on the new colors holding up on your walls.

Benjamin Moore teamed up with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to create the Williamsburg Color Collection. "It's personally satisfying to see research become reality with a palette that is consistent with colors that would have been found in the 18th century," said Matthew Webster, Director of the Grainger Department of Historic Architectural Resources for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, in the news release.

Even a top-performing paint in an alluring color can look crummy if you don't apply it properly. And Benjamin Moore paints do cost a premium so if you choose a hue from the new collection, you want to make sure you do the job right. Our latest reports on interior and exterior paint are loaded with advice for do-it-yourselfers, including tips for surface preparation and how to prevent roller marks.

At Consumer Reports, we strongly recommend that any walk-behind mower you buy have a premium engine. These engines, with their more efficient overhead-valve designs, run cleaner and quieter, and are easier to maintain. And the engines have better odds of lasting through the years. Of course, even with a good engine you need a mower that matches the size of your lawn and the type of grass you grow.

Engines common to some mowers we recently tested are the Briggs & Stratton 550e and 550ex, which can be found on the self-propelled, single speed Craftsman 37440, Yard Machines 12A-A13K, and Lawn-Boy 10632, along with the Lawn-Boy 10630, a push model. All sell for $240 to $280, and their 140-cc engines are intended for entry-level mowers.

These mowers are fine for homeowners with smallish yards that don't need much attention. All start easily—one mark of a premium engine—and the Craftsman 37440 and Yard Machines 12A-A13K in particular had impressive evenness in mulching mode. And because of these engines, the mowers are fairly lightweight.

More challenging conditions, however, make for a different scenario—particularly if you're bagging. "Based on our observations and formal testing, once you get into that June growth with thicker turf, these engines seemed a little short on power," says Peter Sawchuk, the program leader who heads our mower testing. "All of these models were limited at filling the bag with clippings."

In that same price range, are the self-propelled, single-speed Toro 20370, $280, the push Cub Cadet SC100 11A-A92J, $250, and Yard Machines 11a-B96N, $240. All have beefier engines and scored very good or better in all three mowing modes (mulching, bagging and side-discharging).

Before choosing a mower, check out our buying advice for mowers and lawn tractors. Then see the results of our tests, which score mowers for cutting evenness, handling, and other factors.

Q. I have a water purifier in my fridge and one in my sink. Is there a way to verify that they're working? A.L., Columbus, Ga.

A. It depends on what you're using the filter for. Different contaminants have different effects on water quality; some might impart an unpleasant taste, odor, or color, while others, like certain metals or coliform bacteria, could harm your health. Different purifiers may target specific contaminants, so check your device or contact the manufacturer to see what yours are designed to remove. If you want to have your purified water checked, send a sample to a state certified lab. Also check with NSF International, a public health and safety certification group, to find out if your filtering devices were properly vetted.

See our Ratings and buying guide for water filters, including our top-rated carafe water filter, the Clear2O CWS100A, $23, our top-rated faucet-mounted water filter, the Culligan FM-15A, $15, and the top counter-top water filter, the Amway eSpring 10-0188, $940.

Keep in mind that you should keep your carafe water filter in the refrigerator. A water-filled carafe can become a breeding ground for microorganisms when left at room temperature.

Q: My electric water heater had a six-year warranty and is now nine years old. A plumber told me to replace it before I have a problem such as a leak because it may be a major one that floods my finished basement. Do you agree? —Michael Lah Portland, CT

A: Our experts say yes, given your basement and the fact that your water heater unit is three years past the warranty. For many, though, it's a tough call.

The warranty period is just an estimate of the heater's life span. How long it actually lasts depends on factors including water quality, the amount of hot water you use, and how well you have maintained it.

If you end up replacing your water heater, consider a hybrid electric model that uses a heat pump to preheat the water. Those units can save up to 60 percent in energy costs over a typical resistive heater. But they are more expensive up front and generally taller, and they require a floor drain.

For more information, see:

• The word on warranty protection
• Are any car protection plans worth the money?
• You almost never need the extended warranty coverage
• Watch out for warranties

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

With the long Memorial Day weekend here and summer-travel season coming, consider these two burglary tales from one family. Mom and Dad return from a day at the beach to find a window near their front door smashed and cash stolen from their home. The window didn't need to be smashed—they'd left the door unlocked. Fast forward, and their daughter returns from a weekend at the lake to find a rock heaved through a sunroom door and her jewelry taken. She hadn't turned on the home-alarm system.

The point of these stories? Burglars succeed too often because of obvious mistakes. But there are clear steps to limit burglary risk when you're away.

Some things you can do —installing deadbolt locks or double key locks (in doors with glass), getting a dog, or installing a home-security system—require planning far in advance. Here are 16 easier precautions you can take:

Outside

• Stop the mail or ask a friend to get it.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to park their cars in your driveway and to come inside occasionally and change curtain positions.
• Install motion-sensor lights where a burglar can't easily unscrew the bulbs.
• Follow the 3/6 rule: Trim shrubs in front of the house to no higher than 3 feet from the ground, and trim trees so that the lowest branches are at least 6 feet up (less hiding room for burglars).
• Don't hide a spare key anywhere that's remotely obvious.
• Secure first-floor air conditioners with a bracket outside and a sliding window lock on each side of the window frame.

Indoors

• Keep empty boxes (especially from pricey items) in the garage until garbage day.
• Cover garage windows so that no one knows whether a car is inside.
• Lock up ladders and tools that could be used to break in.
• Leave a radio on, tuned to a talk-show station.
• Put lamps on a timer.
• Turn down the phone's ringer.
• Consider placing safety film over windows near door handles to make glass hard to smash.
• Hide valuables well—in a hollowed-out book or a fake wall outlet, for example.
• Bolt down safes so that they can't be picked up and carried out.
• Place a solid stick in slider tracks.

Join our forum discussion on home security systems to find out what other readers have to say about remote monitoring systems.

And tell us: What tips and tricks do you use to keep you home safe and secure?

Even a top-performing walk-behind mower, lawn tractor, or rider won't make your lawn the belle of the block if your mowing is too random. Here are some tips for smarter use of your mower or riding machine, along with some finishing touches to help your yard look its best before you fire up the grill this Memorial Day weekend.

Mind the mower. Keep your blade sharp, getting it sharpened monthly or at least twice a year. (Alternating between two blades means no waiting.) Adjust deck height to about 3 inches. Moreover, don't neglect the deck's underside. Cleaning out clippings and debris after mowing helps maintain cutting quality as well as prevent rusting.

Plan your cut. Mow only dry grass. For best results, don't rush cutting either with a walk-behind mower or a riding machine—especially if mulching, which needs extra time to process the grass. Don't try to follow your exact wheel tracks for quicker completion; some overlap in the cutting swaths makes for more evenness. And alternate directions, which helps disperse clippings for a cleaner, healthier lawn.

Cure for the summertime browns. Once summer gets its hottest, change your approach. If you've been cutting shorter than 3 inches to avoid having to mow more often, stop—too short a lawn, and the midday sun will scorch it. (The higher grass shades the lawn, protecting the roots.)

Take care on slopes. Even if you're keeping safe, higher speeds and sudden turns over hills tend to tear up turf. With a walk-behind mower, mow side-to-side. With a tractor or rider, mow straight up and down slopes unless your manual says otherwise. Go especially slow down hills if you own a zero-turn-radius mower.

Fine-tune with a string trimmer. Hold the trimmer so that its cutting head and path are at a slight angle (leaning in the direction you're going) for more precise cutting. Assuming the head spins clockwise, you move from right to left—check the manual—letting the tip of the line do the work. With growth over about 8 inches, cut in stages to keep the line from wearing prematurely.

Should you need to replace any of your lawn gear, see our buying advice for mowers, lawn tractors, and string trimmers before checking the results of our tests for mowing equipment and string trimmers.

Our list of top string trimmers includes 25 models—gas-powered, electric and battery operated. While gas trimmers, such as our top-Rated Husqvarna 223L, $260, are champs at chomping through tall grass and weeds, many homeowners don't like the muss and fuss of fueling them. Our top-rated electric trimmer, the Green Works 21142, $90, also excelled at this job as well as trimming tasks. The top battery-operated trimmer is the Stihl FSA 65, $510, but for a lot less you can buy one that's almost as good, the Black & Decker LST136, $170, which was very good at trimming and edging.

Price isn't the best indicator of a gas grill's performance but cheap and flimsy parts, especially when they come with short warranties, are a tip-off that the grill is not long for this world. On average, Americans pay just over $325 for a gas grill and then haul it to the curb in three years, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Before you buy a new grill find out if your old one is worth repairing.

Start by inspecting your existing grill, checking the sturdiness of the frame, firebox, and lid and look for rust. Consider how much you spent on the grill, its age, and how long you think it will last based on your experience. "It's not unusual for a more expensive grill to last 10 to 15 years," says Mike Kempster, executive vice president of Weber. "If a grill is five years old or older I wouldn't invest more than 30 percent of its cost on replacement parts." Here's a look at commonly replaced parts and a range of costs. Keep in mind that the more expensive the grill, the pricier the replacement parts. And always follow your owner's manual cleaning instructions.

Problem: Uneven flames, uneven heat
Solution: Clean the burner ports, but if that doesn't solve the problem or you discover corrosion or rust, it's time for new burners. Get free replacements from the manufacturer if they're still under warranty.
Cost: $20 to $50 for lower-priced grills; $50 to $100 for higher-priced models.

Problem: Rusted or chipped grates
Solution: Use a brush to remove rust. Porcelain-coated grates are rustproof until they chip. Replace when porcelain coating is flaking or chipping as it can adhere to food.
Cost: $20 to $50 for lower-priced grills; $50 to $200 for higher-priced models.

Problem: Uneven heat from the vaporizer or flavorizer bar
Solution: Regularly cleaning the bars helps, but if that isn't enough or they're disfigured from intense heat, replace them.
Cost: $15 to $40 for less expensive grills; $20 to $50 for higher-priced models.

You'll find prices for replacement parts on manufacturers' websites. If you decide to buy a new grill take a look at the results of our gas grill tests. We tested 108 models that range in price and performance. When shopping, gently nudge the grills from several points to test their sturdiness and press down on the side shelf to find out if it can support a heavy pot. If the parts feel flimsy, they probably are.

We found 31 winners in our recent gas grill tests including the small Weber Spirit E-220 4631000, $450, the mid-sized Weber Spirit SP-320 46700401, $600, and the large Jenn-Air 720-0709, $900, sold at Sam's Club.

If you're shopping for new appliances, you might hear the argument that energy-efficient models don't perform as well as their power-hungry counterparts. Or that you'll have to spend more for maximum efficiency. A report out today from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project refutes both claims, and it does so with a deep analysis of real data, including more than 20 years' worth of findings from Consumer Reports' test labs.

The report, titled "Better Appliances: An Analysis of Performance, Features, and Price as Efficiency Has Improved", looks at how the marketplace has evolved over time as efficiency standards for various appliances and lighting products have taken effect. "Many of us tend to be nostalgic about the past, but what this report shows is that your parents' appliances not only cost more to run, but probably didn't perform as well either," said Andrew deLaski, ASAP executive director, in the news release.

Specifically, the report concludes that performance has stayed the same or improved and consumers have also benefited from the emergence of new features. As for pricing, it's dipped or stayed the same for many products. In cases where prices have gone up, the increases have been outweighed by savings on electricity. Consider these highlights from a few major appliance categories.

Refrigerators
Performance. Temperature control has improved and noise levels have dropped. Refrigerators have gotten bigger too, even as their energy use has declined sharply. Our current refrigerator Ratings include a pair of recommended French-door bottom-freezers from Kenmore and LG with an industry-leading 33 cubic feet of claimed capacity.
Features. Newer conveniences include extra-tall water dispensers, in-the-door ice makers, theater lighting, and temperature-controlled drawers.
Price. Between 1987 and 2010, real prices decreased by about 35 percent and average energy use went down by more than 50 percent.

Washing machines
Performance. Many high-efficiency front-loading and top-loading models do an excellent job tackling stains and they are also gentler on clothes. While front-loaders were prone to vibration when they first came out, manufacturers have improved the technology, and we now have recommended washing machines in that category with excellent scores for vibration.
Features. Automatic dispensers, touchpad controls, and time-delay options are among the features that have made clothes washers easier to operate.
Price. Between 1987 and 2010, real prices decreased by about 45 percent while average energy use decreased by 75 percent.

Dishwashers
Performance. Dishwashers continue to deliver superb washing as they dial back on energy and water use. While cycle times can creep up when new energy-use requirements take effect, up around the three-hour mark in some cases, there are plenty of top-performers in our dishwasher Ratings that do the job in two hours or less.
Features. Stainless-steel tubs, adjustable racks, and delayed-start settings have become more common, even on low-price models
Price. Between 1987 and 2010, real prices decreased by about 30 percent while average energy use decreased by 50 percent.

The report found that a household with six products—refrigerator, washing machine and dryer, dishwasher, central air conditioner, and toilets—that just meet the current efficiency standards will save $360 on annual utility bills compared to a household with the same products purchased 20 years ago.

The best you can hope for when shopping for a riding mower is a solidly built, top-performing machine that doesn't leave you feeling clipped on the price. This year, in fact, we have two such models in our lawn tractor tests—a pair of zero-turn-radius mowers from MTD's Troy-Bilt brand that we named CR Best Buys.

The Troy-Bilt Mustang 42-inch 17WFCACS, $2,300, is preferred by homeowners with just a couple of acres to mow, particularly if they bag clippings. Its three-blade sibling, the Troy-Bilt Mustang 50-inch 17WFCACP, $2,800, can mulch or side-discharge (no bagging) and is well suited for larger properties.

What the pair have in common are heavy-duty frames we'd expect to see in zero-turn-radius mowers costing $3,000 or more. The controls are sturdy, and our testers especially liked the integrated brake—set merely by separating the control levers. In other words, there's no need to fuss with a separate parking brake when you need to start or stop the unit. Other attractions include a hydrostatic transmission, a high-back seat, and a fuel gauge you can see without leaving your seat. Both mowers are available exclusively at Lowe's.

But it was the cutting that impressed our testers most. The Troy-Bilt Mustang 42-inch 17WFCACS, in fact, was the only riding machine we tested to earn our top score for evenness in all three mowing modes. "Of the models we've tested, it's got the best cutting deck out there," said Peter Sawchuk who runs our mowing tests. With so much more grass to process, the Troy-Bilt Mustang 50-inch 17WFCACP did slightly less well for side discharge, but that's often as good as it gets for mowers that size.

Before choosing a mower, check out our lawn mower buying guide for walk-behind mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn-radius mowers. Then see the results of our lawn mower tests, which assess models for handling and ease of use as well as cutting evenness.

Newborns who sleep in the same bed as their parents are five times more likely to die suddenly than those who sleep in a separate crib, according to a new study published in a British medical journal. The study, which looked at 1,472 cases of sudden infant death syndrome in the United Kingdom, reinforces a recommendation that the American Academy of Pediatrics has made for the past 20 years that infants are safest sleeping in their own bed.

Published in the BMJ Open, the study is notable because it looked at babies under three months old thought to be at low risk of SIDS because their parents did not engage in such risky behaviors as smoking, drinking or doing drugs. The researchers concluded that 81 percent of SIDS deaths among babies under three months whose parents did not exhibit such behaviors could be avoided if the baby sleeps separately.

SIDS deaths declined when the AAP made its initial recommendation in 1992. Over the years the doctors group has expanded its recommendations to include creating a safe sleep environment for babies. That includes putting the baby to sleep on his back on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and without blankets, crib bumpers or stuffed animals. Room sharing without bed sharing can also help during the first few months.

Fortunately, cribs have gotten safer in the past two years since the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale and resale of drop-side models, which have been responsible for many deaths by entrapment. All of the cribs in Consumer Reports crib tests have fixed sides. We test cribs for compliance to safety regulations as well as slat strength, the quality of construction and ease of assembly. Our eight top crib picks range in price from the $120 Ikea Sundvik to the $900 Land of Nod Low Rise, which is our top-rated model.

With the memory of Sandy still fresh in many people's minds, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an active or extremely active hurricane season for 2013. We could see 13 to 20 named storms, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. Here are six ways to weather the season.

Get a generator. Power loss is one of the most widespread problems during a hurricane, according to a Consumer Reports Hurricane Sandy Survey of our subscribers living in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. You're better off with a stationary generator than a portable one, since you won't have to worry about scrambling for gasoline. We recommend two stationary models, the Kohler 8.5 RES-QS7, $3,200, and the Generac CorePower 5837, $1,800, which we named a CR Best Buy. See our generator buying guide for more details, including recommendations of portable models.

Buy a chain saw. These can let you whizz through fallen branches in minutes, rather than hours. Based on our chain saw tests, gas-powered models tend to cut fastest and begin at about $100. But their two-stroke engines require regular maintenance and a ready supply of mixed gas and oil. Electric saws cost as little as $50 and are easier to start and maintain. But plug-ins require a generator when the power's out--and cordless bettery models offer limited run time between charges. Either way, following the key safety steps in our buying guide will help you avoid being among the tens of thousands injured by saws each year.

Pack a storm preparedness kit. Federal authorities recommend a basic kit that last three days. Tailor yours to your family's needs. Essentials include one gallon of water per person per day; non-perishable food and a manual can opener; a battery-powered or hand crank radio; flashlight with extra batteries; first aid kit; whistle to signal for help; filter masks; moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation; and a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

Review your insurance. Flood insurance is often worth buying even if you don't live next to water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency notes that more than 20 percent of flood claims originate in areas deemed "moderate" or "low" risk. Coverage for a "low risk" dwelling can cost as little as $129 a year. Get an estimate of your premium at the FloodSmart.gov website. Note that premiums are expected to rise in some areas because of changes to the way the National Flood Insurance Program is run.

Check the phone lines. If you're prone to power failures, it's worth having the lowest-cost phone-company landline service, in addition to a cable phone bundled with TV and Internet service. Based on the experiences of our survey respondents, phone-company service is more likely to work during a power outage--critical if you have an urgent need for a working landline, such as tending to a sick family member. Keep a corded phone handy, since cordless phones could become useless during a blackout. As for your cell phone, remember to charge it up before a storm, and consider buying an extra battery.

Create a car checklist. Rule number one is that you should never drive in a storm. Ever. But there are things to do before the bad weather hits, so that you'll be mobile after the storm passes. That includes filling the gas tank, installing new windshield wipers, checking the tire pressure, parking on elevated ground, and keeping a phone charger in the glove compartment. See our complete list of hurricane car survival tips.

Mere weeks after Kenmore unseated Bosch from the top of our dishwasher Ratings, the brand has rung the bell anew with a new model in the number-one slot. But the Kenmore Elite 12793, $1,350, has an additional claim to fame: an industry-first motorized spray arm. We decided to see how it worked, using an action camcorder mounted inside the dishwasher while it ran.

With the new feature, called 360° PowerWash Plus, the model's interior looks like that of other such models we've recently tested, including the formerly top-ranked Kenmore Elite 12783, $1,200. The larger of its two spray arms is unique, however, in that it's turned by a motorized gear; the smaller one, as with traditional models, is powered by water pressure. Sears says the slower turning of the motorized arm means longer water coverage and more consistent cleaning. An added benefit claimed—what inspired our in-the-flow video coverage—is that the lower spray arm, on which are mounted the arms actually delivering the water, can reverse direction if blocked by, say, a utensil that has fallen through the racks to the bottom.

To put the claim to the test, we removed the dishwasher's racks and mounted a GoPro Hero2 action camcorder, equipped with a WiFi accessory and independent lighting, inside the dishwasher. The camcorder shot HD footage, at 1,920- by 1,080-dpi resolution, of the dishwasher as it operated through its cycle without racks, as shown in the video above. We also show how the Kenmore Elite 12793 with the motorized arm handled an obstruction of the spray arm's rotation—compared with the similar Kenmore Elite 12783, which has only pressure-driven sprays. Neither washed as well in this limited test, but the Kenmore Elite 12793 seemed less affected by the obstruction.

As a washer, the Kenmore Elite 12793 scored comparably to the Kenmore Elite 12783, with top-notch yet quiet washing paired with stellar energy and water efficiency. It's feature-rich, lacking only time-remaining display, but there's an additional treat the Kenmore Elite 12783 lacks: the helpful ability to raise or lower the upper rack using only one hand. All other dishwashers we've tested with an adjustable upper rack require two hands to change position.

Want to pay lots less for a high-performing dishwasher? You can't go wrong with the former champion, the Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC, $700. Whenever you plan to shop, be sure to view our buying guide, which includes a video on our tough testing, before you hit our Ratings of almost 190 dishwashers.

Some of hungry partygoers at your Memorial Day gathering this weekend might be crying out, Where's the beef!?! But from a food-safety perspective, a more salient question is, How well done is the beef?

That's because some steaks and other cuts of beef you cook might have been mechanically tenderized, or bladed, a process that can drive bacteria such as the deadly E. coli O157:H7 from the surface of the meat into its center, where they are harder to kill. And that can increase the risk of illness if your steak is not cooked until it is well done. (As you can see in the video above, mechanically tenderized beef is run through a machine that punctures them with blades or needles.)

You can't tell just by looking at a piece of meat whether it's been mechanically tenderized, and producers are not required to label beef as such. Meijer and Whole Foods claim that they don't sell any mechanically tenderized beef. Costco says that except for its filets and flank steaks, it mechanically tenderizes all of its beef. (The warehouse club is one of the few retailers to voluntarily disclose on beef packaging whether the meat has been "blade tenderized." Click to see a larger version of the label.) Asking retailers whether the beef you're buying has been mechanically tenderized can at least help raise awareness of customer concerns and increase pressure for mandatory disclosure on labels.

To reduce the risk of illness, cook mechanically tenderized beef to a minimum internal temperature of 160° F just like a hamburger, rather than to the 145° F (medium-rare) that the USDA recommends for steak that hasn't been run through a tenderizing machine. And to be safe, use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the steak to determine doneness. (Read our important food-safety advice for cooking turkey; click on "What you can do.")

What dangers lurk in your backyard? Especially for young children, the risks range from the obvious (mowers and tractors) to the unexpected (poisonous plants). Here are the major danger zones--and how to minimize your child's risk this summer:

1. Lawn mowers. Children are involved in some 68,000 mower injuries in the U.S. each year. The grisly tally includes deep cuts, burns, loss of fingers and toes, crushed and broken bones, and even amputations. Thrown rocks and other projectiles are also a hazard, since mowers can eject a piece of metal or wood up to 100 miles per hour. Then there's the risk of gasoline that powers most mowers: A recent study cited in Pediatrics logged 65,756 calls to regional poison centers and an estimated 40,158 emergency visits from 2000 through 2009 for gasoline and other fuel-related injuries, mostly to boys between 1 and 2 years old and during the summer months.

To childproof your mower:

2. Pesticides. A recent Environmental Protection Agency study found that almost half of all households with children under five had at least one pesticide stored in an unlocked cabinet within reach. These same substances can be toxic if inhaled or swallowed, and can pose risks if they get in a child's eyes or are absorbed through the skin. Children are also at risk if they touch grass or plants that contain pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer and put their hands in their mouths. And while pesticide exposures make up a relatively small percentage of child deaths by poisoning, they can have lasting effects on neurological systems.

To child-proof yard chemicals:

3. Plants. Believe it or not, plants are a leading cause of poisoning for children under five. And despite their innocent-sounding names, Lily of the Valley, foxglove (a.k.a. digitalis), oleander, and azalea are toxic.

To childproof your plants:

4. Bugs. Most reactions to bees and other stinging insects are mild, but severe allergic reactions can be deadly and can occur even if after previous stings that caused no harm. Some tick bites can lead to Lyme disease, while disease-carrying mosquito bites can lead to West Nile virus.

To help keep your child from getting "bugged" this summer:

See our report on how to accident-proof your yard for related information.