Last weekend’s magnitude 6.0 earthquake in Napa, Calif., may be easy to dismiss if you live outside the West Coast, but it should prompt homeowners coast-to-coast to check their risk to determine whether earthquake insurance is warranted, because the threat may be greater than you think, in the wake of recent updates in government seismic risk maps.

That’s a potential money problem for consumers: While earthquakes can occur in every state, standard homeowners insurance generally excludes this peril. So if your home is damaged by a quake or other earth movement, you’re probably not covered unless you’ve purchased a separate earthquake policy or rider. 

The Napa quake, which was nowhere near “the big one” that Californians face with an odd combination of fear, fatalism, and complacency, caused an estimated $1 billion in damage. More than a hundred people were injured, six mobile homes burned to the ground, and about a hundred buildings were damaged sufficiently as to be unfit to enter. 

Many more homeowners suffered apparently minor damage to their homes but had the contents of their homes seriously jumbled up. “There was a tremendous shaking, and the electricity and lights went out when the earthquake hit,” says Consumer Reports reader Nuala Baerman, who was up watching TV at 3:20 a.m. when the ground rumbled. “Over 150 compact discs came flying down off their shelves in a shower all over me, and I was worried that something bigger might hit me on the head. That was very scary,” she says. 

While all states have some level of earthquake risk, the U.S. Geological Survey has identified 42 states that have a reasonable chance of experiencing damaging ground shaking from an earthquake over a 50-year period and 16 states that have a relatively high likelihood plus a history of earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater, including California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.

Earlier this summer, the USGS updated its seismic risk maps based on the latest understanding and research on these phenomena, and found potential for bigger and more damaging quakes than previously believed on the East Coast (particularly near Charleston, S.C.), in the New Madrid, Mo., area, and on the already highly active West Coast. (See map.)

Earthquake, hurricane, tornado, wild fire–whatever befalls your family and home, protect yourself in advance with our guide to Disaster preparedness.

You can protect yourself with earthquake insurance, but it’s not a great product, says Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a San Francisco-based consumer advocacy group specializing in insurance. “We encourage people to buy earthquake insurance, if they can afford it, but keep your expectations low,” says Bach.

Here’s the key advice and information you need to assess your need and shop wisely for earthquake insurance:

1. Size up your risk. Use the USGS map above to check how prone your region is to earthquakes. If you’re in a higher risk area, what sort of ground is your house built on? Bedrock is more stable than sandy soil or fill. The quality and type of structure also plays a part in your risk. Brick, for example, is more likely to shake apart than a more flexible wood frame structure.

2. Assess the cost. The higher your risk, the more expensive the insurance. Earthquake insurance on a wood frame home built in Napa after 1990 with an insured dwelling value of $400,000 would cost $1,191 in premiums per year, while the same home built of brick or other material would cost $3,232 per year, according to the California Earthquake Authority, a publicly managed and privately funded provider of earthquake insurance. In both cases, the deductible is a steep 10 percent or $40,000, which is the amount eligible claimants must pay out-of-pocket.

In other, less seismically active areas of the country, earthquake insurance is more affordable, says Bach. The deductibles are lower too, 1 to 5 percent vs. 10 to 15 percent in the Golden State.

3. Shop around. You can usually buy earthquake insurance from your current carrier as an add-on to your existing policy. Get a quote, but also shop at competing insurers to find the best price.

4. Consider mitigation. You can take steps to strengthen your house against earthquake by, for example, bolting the frame of the building to its foundation. The State of California offers mitigation assistance. By reducing the likelihood of structural damage, mitigation can reduce your premium.

5. Read the fine print. Most policies cover damage to the contents of the home, but typically not if the dwelling itself isn’t damaged or if you haven’t yet met your deductible. To protect yourself, never assume you don’t have sufficient damage to exceed your deductible; serious structural damage can be hidden behind walls, in the attic, and in crawl spaces and the foundation.

After a quake, get a thorough structural inspection by your insurance company adjuster. Insurers have an obligation to conduct a thorough and timely inspection. However, “in the past, we’ve seen people have problems with their insurer failing to inspect thoroughly and only finding cosmetic damage, resulting in no payment, because damages were below the deductible,” says Bach. So if you suspect foul play, get a second opinion from an independent engineer.

At the same time, be aware that a house fire that follows an earthquake, maybe caused by ruptured gas lines, is covered by your standard homeowner’s policy, not the earthquake insurance.   

–Jeff Blyskal

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Fighting wrinkles actually starts in your dryer. Cramming too much in it can worsen wrinkling, as can leaving items in the machine long after the cycle is over. Next comes a capable iron. The best in Consumer Reports’ tests produce a lot more steam and have soleplates that glide easily, making the job faster. Here are some ironing tips from our experts as well as the best and worst steam irons from our tests.

Toss it back in. If things do sit too long in the dryer, add a damp towel and run the dryer for a few minutes to loosen the creases.

Put it in the fridge. If something is badly wrinkled and you don’t have time to iron it, roll the item in a damp towel and put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to iron.

Iron blends at a lower temperature. If an item is made of more than one type of fabric, use the cooler fabric setting: polyester, for cotton-­poly blends, for example.

Iron linen twice. For crisp-looking linen, first press it on the high setting with steam; then, with the steam setting off, go over it with a dry iron.

Be careful with raised patterns. Items with eyelets, embroidery, or other raised patterns should be ironed facedown, with a towel underneath, so the pattern isn’t flattened or warped.

Knits need special attention. Wool items cannot usually be ironed with steam. Press acrylic knits instead of moving the iron in circles or straight lines, which could stretch the fabric.

Don’t iron velvet. Use the burst of steam or the vertical steam function to smooth out wrinkles without flattening velvet’s lush pile.

Best and worst irons

Any of the 40 steam irons in our tests will remove wrinkles, eventually. But even an excellent iron may feel clunky in your hand, so hold it before you buy. It will be heavier when filled with water.

Best irons. All offer lots of steam, and most have a “ready” light that lets you know when the iron reaches set temperature. The Rowenta Steamforce DW9280, $140, offers superb ironing and has a nicely placed LED display and a sensor that stops the steam when the iron isn’t in motion. But it’s heavier than most. The Rowenta Steamium DW9080, $125, is also heavy but offers plenty of steam, though the ironing wasn’t quite as impressive. Heaviest of all is the Kenmore 80598, $75. It has a nice long cord and performs almost as well as the top-rated Rowenta for less. The Panasonic NI-W950A, $130, also has a long cord and superb ironing, but this iron is big.

Irons to skip. These emitted little steam, so they took longer to get the job done: the Sunbeam GCSBCL-212, $30; the Westinghouse Turbo Dry Steam SA46910A, $70; and the Sunbeam Classic GCSBCL-317, $25. The last two were also worse at ironing fabrics.

—Kimberly Janeway (CRJaneway on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

With Labor Day approaching you’ll see grills on sale, especially in places where the holiday signals the end of summer. But some bargains aren’t a good deal. Here’s a look at gas grills that were impressive in Consumer Reports’ gas grill tests and are recommended but expensive—so keep an eye out for them as prices drop.  
 
Americans haul their grills to the curb after using them for just three years on average, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. There are dozens of gas grills in our Ratings and price doesn’t always tell you how well a grill performed, but flimsy parts and construction, especially when accompanied by short warranties, are a tip-off that the grill won’t last a long time. Our user reviews may also offer a glimpse into the future.
 
Unless the grill is deeply discounted it’s unlikely that higher grade stainless was used in a low-priced grill. In past tests, we found that higher quality stainless such as 304 was less prone to rust and better able to fight corrosion than the less expensive 400-series stainless.
 
What to look for. Check the cart, wheels, lid, and firebox. Gently nudge the grill from several points to test sturdiness and press down on the side shelf to find out if it can support a heavy pot. Grip the handle. Your knuckles or fingers shouldn't be too close to the lid or your hand could get burned. Some flaring is normal, but typically the greater the distance between the grates, the fewer the sustained flare-ups.

Grills to look for

Midsized grills are the most popular and their cooking area fits 18 to 28 burgers. Best of all was the $600 Weber Spirit SP-320 46700401. It preheated quickly and evenly, and was superb on high and low heat and indirect cooking, but temperature range was only so-so. Same for the Weber Spirit E-320 46710001, $550, but it was excellent on low heat and impressive on high and offers fast preheating. The Vermont Castings Tribute Series VCT323SSP, $700, wasn’t as fast at preheating but excelled on high heat and indirect cooking, and was one of the few grills to deliver an excellent temperature range.
 
Large grills. The cooking area on large tested grills has room for 28 or more burgers. Prices in this group range from $300 to $2,600. The $1,600 Kenmore Elite 3358 costs more than most top picks in part since it has five main burners, a side burner, and utensil hooks, lighted controls, lighted cooking area, and rotisserie motor and spit. It offers fast, even preheating, impressive temp range, superb low and high heat, and impressive indirect cooking. The $700 Kenmore 16156 is similar to the Kenmore 16136 we tested, a CR Best Buy that’s now discontinued. That grill was nearly as impressive as the $1,600 one.

Small grills have cooking space for 18 burgers or less. The Weber Spirit E-220 46310001, $450, was tops. It has four casters for easy moving. Preheating was fast and even, and high and low-heat cooking was excellent. Indirect cooking was very good, but temperature range was so-so. We expect the $400 Weber Spirit E-210 46110001 and Weber Spirit S-210 46110001, $450, to perform similarly to the top-rated Weber although they may differ in features.

Use our gas grill Ratings to find out more details and compare grills, and enjoy these last but glorious weeks of summer.

 —Kimberly Janeway (@CRJaneway on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Replacing your major appliances doesn’t come cheap so once you make the investment, you want to make sure they'll last. Keeping them in good running order is key as is frequent cleaning. Here are some simple maintenance tips from the experts at Consumer Reports as well as some of our top-rated kitchen appliances.

Refrigerators

• Clean compressor coils every few months. The coils are usually at the bottom of the refrigerator. (On some older models they’re behind it, and on some built-ins they’re behind a grille at the top.
• Wipe door gaskets with mild detergent and water, not bleach. Check the seal by closing the doors on a dollar bill; replace gasket if the bill falls out or can be removed without opening the doors.
• Be sure the refrigerator is level. If not, the door might not close properly. Most have adjustable feet or casters.
• Maintain a stainless finish by using dish detergent, water, and a sponge to wipe off stains. (Rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth can remove tougher grime.) Buff dry with a dry cloth to prevent water spots; polish with a cleaner made for stainless steel.
  

Our top-rated French-door refrigerator:  Samsung RF261BIAESR, $2,100
Top-rated bottom freezer:  Kenmore Elite 79043, $1,510
Top-rated top freezer:  GE GTS22KBPWW, $1,300
Top-rated side-by-side: Samsung RS25H5121SR, $1,900

Dishwashers

• Replace a dish rack that’s worn or has rusted tines.
  
• When loading, make sure silverware and dishes don’t catch the spray arms to avoid damaging the arms.
• Inspect the spray arms for paper, glass, or other debris, which can clog holes; remove any obstructions. If you find glass, inspect the pump housing for glass as well as any seals that it might have punctured.
• If your dishwasher has a manual-clean filter, clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Run the dishwasher with a full load. You should scrape food from dishes but, as our tests show, you don’t need to prerinse them. Doing so doesn’t improve cleaning.

Our top-rated dishwasher: KitchenAid KDTM354DSS, $1,200.

Ranges

• Place heavy pots and pans gently on smoothtop models to avoid breakage.
• Never cover drip pans and bowls with aluminum foil, which can short-circuit the burner.
•  Keep reflector bowls beneath the burners shiny and clean to ensure that they reflect heat up to the pan efficiently. Replace them when they can no longer be cleaned.
• Periodically clean burner ports with a needle.
• Don’t poke the igniter or spray it with oven cleaner.
• Check door seals of the oven for damage.
• If heat is escaping from an older oven, adjust or replace the gasket.
• Don’t line oven racks with aluminum foil, which will inhibit air circulation. Also, do not place foil on the bottom of the oven to catch drips because that may cause permanent damage to the interior finish of the oven.
• For high-temperature self-cleaning ovens, wait to initiate the procedure until you have just used the oven to bake. That helps the self-clean process use less energy.
  

Our top-rated electric range: LG LRE3083W, $1,000
Top-rated gas range:  LG LSRG309ST, $2,000
Top-rated pro-style range: KitchenAid KDRS407VSS, $4,000

Microwaves

• Avoid turning it on when empty and avoid putting metal inside.
• Regularly clean food particles and splatters.
• Use a surge suppressor to protect your microwave’s solid-state circuitry from voltage spikes.
  

Our top-rated countertop microwave: Panasonic Genius Prestige NN-SD681S, $180
Top-rated large countertop microwave: Panasonic Inverter NN-H965BF, $180
Top-rated over-the-range microwave: GE Profile PVM9215SFSS, $550

For more appliance maintenance tips, read “Keep your countertop appliances in tip-top shape.”

—Adapted from Consumer Reports Appliance Buying Guide

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Even if you keep your grill clean and covered, parts can wear out. If your grill is still under warranty, fixing it is a no-brainer. Otherwise, compare the cost of new parts and the grill’s  overall condition with the cost of a new one. Here are five signs that your old grill might be a goner plus some top-rated replacements from Consumer Reports’ gas grill tests.

A rusty or cracked firebox. A little rust can be removed with a stainless-steel brush. If the box has extensive rust or cracks, it’s time to get a new grill.

Yellow or uneven flames heat. Those are clues that you need to clean the burner tubes or ports; try using a toothpick. If the flames are blue and even when you turn the heat back on, the burner is fixed. Before you buy, check your warranty. Many grill burners come with a 10-year warranty or longer.
Cost: $40 to $150

Flaking or cracked grates. Scrub encrusted stainless-steel grates with a wire brush before tossing them; new ones cost $30 to $250. Coated cast-iron grates that are flaking or cracked should be replaced because flakes of coating can stick to your food.
Cost: $40 to $180.

Cracked hoses and connectors. Replacing a cracked gas hose is a safety must. Do the bubble test: Mix a bit of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle, then spray over hoses and connections to the gas tank. Bubbling is a sign of a leak.
Cost: $15 to $80, including the regulator for propane or natural gas.

Iffy igniter. One that’s integrated into the burner controls, such as those on gas ranges, is harder to replace than an igniter that’s separate from the controls.
Cost: $10 to $40.

Top-rated gas grills from our tests
Now’s a good time to be on the lookout for grill sales. But even if you don’t have a lot to spend, we’ve found some grills that offer good performance at a good price and named them CR Best Buys. Here are several to consider:

Mid-sized grills. The mid-sized Char-Broil Red 463250511, $400, sold at Home Depot and two similar models, the Char-Broil Gourmet TRU-Infrared 463251713 and the Char-Broil Gourmet TRU-Infrared 463251714.
Large grills. The Kenmore 16136, $600, sold at Sears. If this model isn’t available, the Kenmore 16156 and Kenmore 16157 are similar.
Master Forge 3218LTN, $650 sold at Lowe's.
Small grills. None of our recommended grills earned a CR Best Buy but the Broilmate 165154 is only $200 and has very good performance overall.

—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Everyone loves a discount. And people of a certain age can snag one . . . by that we mean young and old. Students often qualify for a break, and so do senior citizens. Ages vary widely, but be sure to ask, even if the business doesn’t have a policy listed. And get ready to show some identification.

If you are not a student, you could get a break as a parent, because the money often comes out of your pocket anyway. Also ask about any other breaks you might be able to get as a member of some other group. Though there are many offers, here are notable ones to get you started saving money on your purchases.

Apparel and sporting goods. Ann Taylor and Banana Republic offer a 15 percent discount for full-priced purchases in stores when shown a college student ID. J.Crew and Madewell offer a 15 percent discount for in-store purchases when shown a college student ID. Teachers are also eligible. Eastern Mountain Sports has a 20 percent discount to college students for full-priced Eastern Mountain Sports brand items and a 15 percent discount for full-priced national brand items. Footlocker and Lady Footlocker have $10 off a purchase of $50 or more with a Student Advantage Discount Card. Students 16 and up are eligible for the card, which costs $22.50.

Food and entertainment. High school and college students are eligible to receive a discount card or a  “Student Meal Deal” at participating Dairy Queen locations. Regal offers student discounts on select shows, times/dates, and locations. For requirements, contact your local theater. Select  AMC theaters have “Student Day” every Thursday.

Electronics. Apple has education pricing online for college students or high school graduates anticipating the start of college. Parents buying for college students are also eligible. The Sony Education Store offers online discounts of up to 10 percent for college students. Students must first register with Sony. Lenovo’s online Academic Purchase Program offers college students and those in grades K through 12 discounts on laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.  

Cell-phone service. Consumer Cellular, which we’ve rated tops, offers  AARP members voice plans starting at $9.50 per month, and text and data plans for as little as $2.38 per month.

Clothing and department stores. At Kohl’s, a 15 percent discount is available every Wednesday for those at least 60. Belk offers a discount to those 55 and up on the first Tuesday of every month.

Craft supplies. Michaels stores grant  AARP members 10 percent off every day.

Eating out. Expect a break at many lower-priced and midpriced chains. Some give discounts only during off-peak hours or days.

Education. Colleges and universities often offer seniors low-cost and free classes. Go to osherfoundation.org for the names of participating institutions.

Glasses. Pearle  Vision offers AARP members 30 percent off a complete pair of glasses and up to 20 percent off contacts.

Groceries. Some supermarket chains shave off 5 percent, usually on one day of the week. On Tuesdays, for example, shoppers 55 and up get 5 percent off purchases of $30 or more at A&P, SuperFresh, and Waldbaums.

Hotels. A 10 percent hotel discount is the norm for older guests. The discount might require an AARP affiliation. Without that affiliation, the discount kicks in based on age. At Best Western, it’s 55; at Choice Hotels (Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, Clarion, and other brands), it’s 60; and at LaQuinta, it’s 65.

This article appears in the October 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Hurry up and grab these discounts! We've found seven products that are at their lowest prices in September, including gas grills. Our market research experts keep track of price fluctuations, and can spot what's on sale all year long. This month you'll be able to take advantage of some great sales for the whole family.

A couple of caveats: There will always be exceptions. Stores in your neighborhood could find they're overstocked on an item at any time and put it on sale, for example. So keep an eye on Sunday circulars, text alerts, and social media for price cuts in your area. And bear in mind that the best time to save money isn't always when you'll find the best selection. Sales on some items occur when a season is coming to an end and inventories are thin.

—Mandy Walker

Summer may be at an end–which explains why you're likely to see big sales on bikes–but there are still months to take spins in many parts of the country. Follow our bike buying guide to find the best model for you.

Shopping tips

Find a good bicycle shop. You'll probably pay more, but we think you're more likely to be satisfied. Bikes from big-box stores might not be properly assembled or well matched to your body. If you don't like the pedals or seat on a particular model, some bike shops will swap components at little or no cost.

Consider spending a few extra dollars. More money buys a lightweight frame made of carbon fiber, aluminum (or a combination of both materials), or high-strength steel and other high-quality components. But you can still buy a good bike for just a few hundred dollars.

Whether you're looking for a basic digital camera (simple point-and-shoots with just the features needed for routine shots), or an advanced model (feature-laden cameras that include sophisticated models that let you change lenses), now is a good time to shop. Our digital camera buying guide and our our Ratings give you the details on different models, as well as infomation on features and brands.

Shopping tips

You don't need to spend a fortune to get great-tasting burgers, steaks, and chicken at your next barbecue–especially this month. Our tests have shown that many lower-priced gas grills now have at least some stainless-steel trim, side burners for side dishes, and other perks once found only on the priciest grills. Check out our gas grill buying guide and our Ratings to help you find the right model before you hit the stores.

Shopping tips

Give it a push. The more stable the grill, the better. Gently push the grill from several angles to see if it tips. Check the cart, firebox, lid, and shelves for sharp corners and edges.

Grip the handle. Your knuckles or fingers shouldn't be too close to the lid or your hand could get burned. And while some flaring is normal, typically the greater the distance between the grates and burners or flavorizer bars, the fewer the sustained flare-ups.

While you're checking out the great deals on mowers this month, read our buying guide to decide which type of mower fits your needs; subscribers can find our recommended models in each category in our Ratings.

Shopping tips

Don't be swayed by numbers. Our latest tests confirm that more horsepower doesn't necessarily mean higher-quality mowing. Mower manufacturers have swapped horsepower numbers for engine-size and torque specifications, but even those don't guarantee better results.

Consider your lawn. A gas or electric push mower is fine for a small lawn. But you'll probably prefer a self-propelled gas model for slopes and a lawn tractor for a lawn one-half acre or larger.

Want to know what's on sale the rest of the year? See our month-by-month calendar of deals.

Early fall is a good time to buy many small consumer electronics such as MP3 players, DVD players, and Blu-ray players. As with many items you buy, deciding which ones are right for you depends on which type fit your needs and come with features that are important to you. Our buying guides can help; for example, we have one for MP3s, DVD players, and Blu-ray players, and a list of other electronics guides. Subscribers can also access our ratings of MP3s and Blu-ray players.

Shopping tips

Give them a try. For example, whichever type of MP3 player you choose, make sure you'll be comfortable using the device. Look for a display that is easy to read and controls that can be worked with one hand, useful features iPods lack. When it comes to home theaters, audition systems in the store and ask about a return or exchange if the one you buy doesn't suit you.

Consider online retailers, too. In recent years, the Consumer Reports readers we've surveyed who shopped online were more satisfied overall than those who shopped at a walk-in store. In fact, websites as a whole outdid walk-in stores for quality, selection, and price.

Many sales started on snow blowers last month, but prices will still be low in September. So if you couldn't bear to think about the white stuff piling up on your driveway in August, there's still time to get a great deal. You can pick up lots of shopping and safety tips in our buying guide, and you'll see which models did best in our Ratings.

Shopping tips

Don't fall for sales pitches. Manufacturers and retailers also push bigger engines—typically expressed in cubic centimeters of piston displacement (ccs)—and wider clearing swaths. But as our Ratings show, size isn't everything when it comes to snow blowers. Some smaller machines can out-clear and out-throw the big boys for less money.

Look for important features. For example, it's a good idea to check out floor samples. Make sure you're comfortable with the height of the handle and with the chute adjustment. Look for a critical safety feature that stops the spinning auger or impeller when you release the handlebar grips. 

September is a great time to fill in neglected parts of your yard. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants will be discounted at your local garden centers. For tips on buying, planting, and caring for them, read our fall lawn and yard checklist.

Planting tips

Time it right. For cooler regions, planting now through the end of October gives most plants a head start in the spring, since roots will grow in still-warm soil long after air temperatures drop. Where winters are mild, the fall planting season extends into winter. Be sure to soak the root ball thoroughly at least weekly if the weather is dry in your area. In the frigid North, apply mulch after the soil freezes to prevent the soil around plants from thawing and refreezing, which can damage tender new roots.

Measure the depth. Large bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, should be planted about 8 inches deep, and smaller bulbs, such as crocus, about 5 inches deep. If you're combining them with other bulbs, figure on two to three daffodil and tulip bulbs (full-size varieties) per square foot. For smaller bulbs, plant three to five per square foot—twice as many for a solid bed of color.

Not all goods and services are cheapest at this time of year. We found five categories in which it pays to wait.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

With all the competition for counter space in the kitchen, do you really need a juicer in addition to a blender or food processor? Maybe not. Making juice in a blender or food processor is a little more work but in addition to the juice you get the all the nutrients from the fruits or vegetables you use. Another plus is that cleanup is a lot easier since blenders and food processors have fewer parts. Here are the pros and cons of juicing with alternative appliances as well as some blender and food processor picks from Consumer Reports tests.

Blenders
Pros. It can purée watery fruit and veggies into concoctions more like smoothies. The more watery the produce, the more juice you’ll get.
Cons. It’s not designed to extract juice, so you’ll need to take a few extra steps to make some produce combos drinkable such as straining off the pulp. And you’ll have to cut produce into pieces smaller than you would for a juicer for better blending.
Best foods to juice in a blender. Cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, pears, apples, and watermelon; and easier-to-mince softer greens (spinach, chard), but just a few leaves, max.
What not to juice in a blender. Hard stuff—carrots, broccoli, asparagus—makes a gritty, mushy concoction that’s hard to separate. Also skip low-liquid avocados and bananas. Papaya and mango will juice, but they can clump up.
Blenders with excellent scores for puréeing:

• Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004, $60
• Vitamix 5200, $450
• Hamilton Beach Commercial Tempest HBH650, $450

Food processors
Pros. With its typically more powerful engine and sharper blades, a food processor can be even better at liquefying ingredients than a blender.
Cons. As with blenders, you’ll have to peel and chop up all of your fruit and vegetables before juicing. And the resulting mix can be thicker than a juice, so you might need to add water to make it more like juice.
Best things to juice in a food processor. Mostly watery produce is the way to go. Also, unlike when you’re using a blender, it’s safe to add a few more greens, including some of the hardier ones such as kale. The processor’s blades are better able to mince them.
What not to juice in a food processor. As with blenders, skip hard and low-liquid produce as well as papaya and mango.
Food processors with very good scores for puréeing:

• Breville BFP800XL/A, $400
• Cuisinart DLC-2011CHB Prep 11 Plus, $180
• Cuisinart DFP-14BCN, $180
  

Still want a juicer?
Here are the two recommended blenders from Consumer Reports tests.
Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro 67650, $60, was very good at juicing apples, oranges, carrots, and tomatoes and not as difficult to clean as some juicers.
West Bend Performance 7010, $130, did not perform quite as well but is also a recommended model. Both were pretty noisy.

—Adapted from ShopSmart by Mary H.J. Farrell

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

This weekend Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Sears are featuring special buys on refrigerators with discounts ranging from 10 to 35 percent. When we looked at the discounted models on their websites we found lots of Consumer Reports’ top-rated refrigerators including models from Samsung, LG, Maytag, Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Frigidaire. Here are some of our recommended refrigerators to consider. All prices are from the retailers’ websites. Check the model pages for more information.

Home Depot

Home Depot has some impressive refrigerators on sale including some of our top-rated models. Check your local store for details and availability, you may discover other bargains. Prices are from the Home Depot website.

Three-door French door

• LG LFX31925[ST], $2,446 from $3,099
• LG LFX29927ST, $2,199 from $2,899
• LG LFC24770ST, $1,497 from $1,899
• LG LFX32945ST, $2,896 from $3,699
  
• LG LFX33975ST, $2,748 from $3,399
  
• LG LFX29937ST, $2,397 from $2,999
• Samsung RF28HDEDBSR, 2,095 from $3,299
  

Four-door French door

• LG LSC22991ST, $1,996 from $2,699
  
• Samsung T9000 RF32FMQDBSR, $3,094 from $3,999
  
• Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4, $5,399 from $5,999
  
• Samsung RF25HMEDBSR, $2,248 from $$3,299
• Samsung RF31FMESBSR, $2,797 from $3,799
  

Conventional bottom freezer

• LG LDC24370ST, $1,380 from $1,799
• Whirlpool WRB322DMBM, $1,259 from $1,399
  

Top freezer

• Frigidaire FFHT2117L[W], $583 from $729
  
• Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2132PF, $763 from $949
• Maytag M1TXEGMY[W], $597 from $799
  

Side-by-side

• Samsung RS22HDHPNSR, $1,888 from $2,399
  
• Samsung RS25H5121SR, $1,438 from $1,899
• Samsung RH29H9000SR, $2,095 from $2,999
  

Lowe’s

Lowe’s carries some of the same refrigerators as Home Depot but you can also find other gems including some of our top-rated models. Check your local store for details and availability, you may find other bargains. Prices are from the Lowe’s website.

Three-door French door

• Samsung RF28HDEDBSR, $2,249 from $3,299
  
• LG LFX31925[ST], $2,447 from $3,199
  
• LG LFX33975ST, $2,748 from  $3,399
• LG LFC24770ST, $1,497 from $1,899
  

Four-door French door

• Samsung RF31FMESBSR, $2,798.10 from $3,699
  
• Samsung RF25HMEDBSR, $2,249 from  $3,299
  
• Samsung T9000 RF32FMQDBSR, $3,095 from $3,999
  

Conventional bottom freezer

• Whirlpool WRB322DMBM, $1,259 from $1,399.00
• LG LDC24370ST, $1,398.60 from $1,799
  

Top freezer

• Maytag M1TXEGMY[W], $719 from $799
  
• Frigidaire LFHT2117L[W], $584 from $729
  

Side-by-side

• Samsung RS25H5121SR, $1,259 from $1,699
• Samsung RS22HDHPNSR, $1,889 from  $2,399
  

Sears

In addition to its house brand, Kenmore, Sears has some great buys from Samsung, LG and other big brands. Check your local store for details and availability, you may find other bargains. Prices are from the Sears website. In some cases, the discounts are applied at checkout.

Three-door French door

• Samsung RF28HDEDBSR, $2,097 from  $3,300
• Kenmore 7160[3], $1,200 from $1,880
  
• Kenmore Elite 71313, $1,400 from $2,380
  
• GE Profile PWE23KMDES; Discount applied at checkout, original price $2,600
  

Four-door French door

• Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4; Discount applied at checkout, original price $5,700
• Samsung RF25HMEDBSR, $2,500 from $3,300
  
• Samsung RF31FMESBSR, $3,420 from $3,800
• Samsung T9000 RF32FMQDBSR, $3,600 from $4,000
  

Conventional bottom freezer

• Whirlpool Gold GB2FHDXW[Q]; Discount applied at checkout, original price $1,400
  

Side-by-side

• Samsung RH29H9000SR, $2,329 from $3,000

Shop around. In addition to these national retailers, you may also find some tempting sales at regional appliance stores or your local independent. In our survey of appliance shoppers, Abt, Pacific Sales, and HHGregg received good satisfaction scores.

—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Labor Day arrives early this year so if you’re planning an outdoor barbecue, make sure you’re ready. You don’t want to send your guests home with an empty stomach, a bad impression, or worse. Here are some tips from grilling pros as well as the experts at Consumer Reports including some gas grill recommendations in case your grill needs replacing.

Check your fuel. Nothing is more frustrating than running out of propane during the middle of your holiday barbecue. Some gas grills have fuel indicators, others don’t. To check the level of gas in your propane tank, the kitchn website recommends the following: “Bring a cup of water to a boil and pour it over the side of the tank. Now feel the tank and look for the point where the tank goes from feeling hot (empty) to cool (filled with propane). That's your propane level.”

Perfect your burgers. To get the juiciest burgers, follow advice from Bobby Flay. He ought to know—the Food Network star owns several burger joints and has written a burger cookbook. Flay recommends using ground chuck that is 80 percent lean and forming 6-ounce burgers that are ¾-inch thick. The secret to the perfect burger? Make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Then cook the burgers on a grill or in a grilling pan. In our grill grates vs. grilling pan test, the grill pan had the edge.

Don’t confuse marinade with barbecue sauce. It’s a rookie mistake to add barbecue sauce to your meat when you begin grilling. The sugar in the sauce will burn and your meat will be ruined. Your best bet is to marinade your meat first or apply a dry rub then add your barbecue sauce during the last 5 to 15 minutes of grilling. Here’s the difference between marinades, rubs, mop sauces and barbecue sauce from the experts at epicurious.

Don’t overwork your pizza. When we tested the BakerStone Pizza Oven Box on a gas grill, we also got a lesson in how to make pizza. Our in-house pizza maven says you should never roll out your pizza dough with a rolling pin as you would pie dough. Instead, work the dough gently with your fingers and don't flatten the edges. The results were delicious and the pizza oven box wasn’t bad either.

Don’t invite food poisoning. Cooking meat to a safe temperature can be a bit tricky on a grill where the outside of the meat may seem done yet the inside is underdone. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the side of a steak or chops or into the thickest part of burgers and chicken. The USDA recommends the following temperatures: Ground meat: 160-165° F; whole cuts of meat: 145° F; poultry: 165° F; fish: 145° F. In our recent tests of meat thermometers, digital models trumped analog. We found 10 accurate enough to recommend.

Don’t overcrowd your grill. Our experts say you should keep 40 percent of your cooking area clear so you can move steaks, salmon, or other fatty foods to a cooler section of the grill should flaring occur. If you are cooking for a crowd, consider a large grill that can accommodate 28 burgers or more. Our top-rated large gas grill is the Napoleon Prestige Pro 665RSIB, $2,600, and it’s a beauty. (At that price it should be.) We also recommend the large Kenmore Elite 3358, $1,600 and the Master Forge 3218LTN, which is sold at Lowe's for $650 and is a CR Best Buy. For more choices, check our full gas grill Ratings and recommendations.

—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

The first weeks of a new college year can be intense, as students deal with a heavy course load, roommate issues, dining-hall dilemmas, social challenges, homesickness, and more.
 
Add laundry to the typical college kid’s to-sweat, to-fret list. Even assuming that a student had done his or her own laundry at home, the prospect of being 100 percent responsible for clean clothes and linens can be daunting. Many colleges offer laundry services (it’s definitely not included in the exorbitant tuition), and plenty of companies around campuses nationwide target students who are loath to do laundry.
 
There are even app-based services aimed at taking a load off. As USA Today recently reported, Washio is offering laundry and dry cleaning in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., with plans to expand.
 
Washio lets you select your pick up and drop-off times and promises that your clean laundry will be returned to you the next day. (The free app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.) Wash-and-fold laundry costs $1.60 per pound.
 
Far be it from us to tell college kids how to spend their money, but the DIY approach will cost less than a service. Use our laundry tips for college students, and check our reviews of laundry detergents to find a reasonably priced  that works well.
 
—Steven H. Saltzman

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

September is National Preparedness Month and while the hurricane season has been mild so far, federal weather and emergency authorities warn that we shouldn’t become complacent. All it takes is a severe thunderstorm to down trees, close roads, and cause a power outage. If you’re the victim of such a weather event, it helps to have the right generator, chain saw, and other emergency gear. Here are some top performers from Consumer Reports' tests.

Generators
Sales of generators surged after Hurricane Sandy. Stationary or standby generators are the most reliable because they’re ready to switch on when the power goes off. But a portable generator can get you through a blackout, especially if you maintain it properly and remember to keep a fresh supply of gas on hand. Here are the best from our tests.

Stationary. Seven stationary generators made our list of top generator picks including five that got scores of 91 and above, a high bar in our tests. All five have excellent power delivery and quality. For details, check the model page.

• Kohler 8.5 RES-QS7, $3,200 (small)
• Generac 6237, $2,250 (small)\
• Cummins 13GSBA-6722B, $4,300 (large)
• Kohler 14RESAL, $3,700 (large)
• Generac 6241, $3,500 (large)

Portable. Our top-rated portable generator costs more than many of the stationary models in our tests but you can find a recommended portable model for as little as $600. Here are our top five:

• Honda EU7000is, $4,000
• Generac RS7000E, $900
• Troy-Bilt XP7000 30477, $900
• Honda EM6500SXK2, $2,800
• Briggs & Stratton 30470, $900
  

Chain saws
For true cutting power, it’s best to invest in a gasoline-powered chain saw. The tops in our tests have excellent cutting speed and convenience features that make them easy to use. The corded electric and battery-powered models in our tests were not as capable at cutting but are fine for lighter tasks. Here are five gasoline models to consider:

• Echo CS-590-20, $400
• Husqvarna 455 Rancher, $420
• Husqvarna 445, $300
• Stihl MS 180 C-BE, $230 (lighter duty)
• Stihl MS 181 C-BE, $270 (lighter duty)
  

More on storm prep
For more information on storm prep, read our Disaster Preparedness Guide and visit the website for National Preparedness Month.

—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

If your electricity bills have been creeping up, the extra hours of AC, or your forgetful kids leaving on their bedroom lights, may not be to blame. The year-over-year cost of electricity rose 3.2 percent during the first half of 2014—the biggest annual increase in five years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Unlucky residents in New England saw their bills surge nearly 12 percent, following a sharp uptick in wholesale power prices. No matter where you live, here are five steps you can take to offset the inflation. 

Look for cheap LEDs. If you haven't made the switch yet to energy-efficient LEDs, the steep upfront cost is probably why. But prices are plummeting on these bulbs, even as their performance and light quality improves. Consider the Great Value (Walmart) 60W Soft White A19 LED Dimmable, a $10 LED that delivered superb brightness, warm-up time, and efficiency in our latest lightbulb tests. 

Switch out your thermostat. Especially if you're one of nearly 50 million U.S. households that heats with electricity, upgrading to a programmable thermostat could save you hundreds this year. Our latest thermostat Ratings of more than 30 models found several intuitive and innovative winners, including the top-rated Honeywell RTH9590WF, $300, the industry's first voice-activated programmable thermostat.

Change the way you do laundry. Still think washing in warm or hot water is the best way to get clothes clean? Think again. Many of our top-rated laundry detergents offer excellent cold water cleanability, which means your water heater won't have to work. When drying, always separate towels and heavy cottons from lighter-weight garments and linens.

Install ceiling fans. This step is really important in homes that use a lot of air conditioning. A ceiling fan will let you raise the temperature by about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without any noticeable change in comfort. That alone could cut your home's annual energy costs by about 10 percent.

Pull some plugs. You've probably heard the term vampire power, referring to energy that's drawn from many electronic devices when they're not in use. But did you know that it can add up to 10 percent of your electricity bill? Unplugging video game consoles, digital set-top boxes on seldom-used TVs (say in a guest room), and cordless power tool chargers could help you pocket $100 dollars over the course of a year.  

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)            

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Anyone looking for the latest and greatest in coffeemakers might expect the action to be among single-serve “pod” machines, new variations of electric French-press models, or machines that combine brewing methods or even beverages—say, coffee plus smoothies and shakes. But with the Krups Moka Brew KM4688, the German manufacturer is offering a new twist on the standard drip coffeemaker.

One of six coffeemakers we’ve just gotten in for testing, the 10-cup Krups Moka Brew KM4688, $150, isn’t truly new; the company has offered four different versions since the product’s debut in 1961. All have been similar in that they resemble a teapot with a coffeemaker on top. That’s not far off from how it works. The hot plate on which the new unit’s glass carafe rests is also the lid of a reservoir fitted with coils that heat the water. The heated water rises up one side of the machine to directly above the carafe in a “steam extraction” process Krups says delivers “rich flavors and a full-bodied coffee.”

The carafe itself includes the brew-basket, which uses a permanent wire basket about half as tall as a standard cupcake-style filter. If you prefer paper filters, you’ll be double-filtering your coffee in addition to snipping off the top half of your filter every day. A lock on top of the unit prevents it from opening during brewing.

We’ll let you know how the Krups performs once we’ve finished testing it and the five other models, which include single-serve and drip coffeemakers from Brim, Mr. Coffee, and Tru. But there’s no reason to wait if your current coffeemaker has gone on the fritz. See our coffeemaker buying guide for tips on what you’ll see in the stores. Then see our coffeemaker Ratings of more than 110 models.

—Ed Perratore (@Ed Perratore on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

What if you found an extra $50 in your wallet, would you save it for a rainy day, go on a Starbucks’ spree? We looked at how far $50 would go among the products Consumer Reports tests, and not just any products, but ones that were impressive enough in our tests to make our top picks list. Here are five that cost $50 or less and are worth a look.

Frying pan: $40. Nonstick are the big sellers and if the coating on your pan is scratched or flaking it’s time to toss it. The $40 Calphalon Simply Nonstick 10” Omelette Pan (shown) is a CR Best Buy.
Here’s why: Superb at evenly heating food and, when new, it was excellent at releasing food. The handle stayed cool to the touch, but wasn't as sturdy as the top-rated $90 Swiss Diamond Classic. The Calphalon excelled at withstanding our nonstick durability test—a machine rubs steel wool over the pan’s surface for up to 2,000 strokes. This aluminum skillet is easy to clean and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Toaster: $35. If your college student needs a toaster for her off-campus apartment, the Hamilton Beach Digital 22502 is the one to get. This two-slice toaster is one of the least expensive in our toaster tests, but it managed to achieve one of the highest overall scores.
Here’s why: Toast popped up evenly brown with nearly every batch, and the toaster offers very good control over color range, in case some like it dark and some like it light. Special features include a digital display, bagel and defrost setting, and slide-out crumb tray for easy cleanup. Its brushed-finish metal housing looks good on the countertop. 

Three lightbulbs: $39. Sounds crazy to spend that much for ligthbulbs but each $13 Cree LED can save you around $150 over its life. That’s because it uses about 9.5 watts of energy yet provides as much light as the 60-watt incandescent it replaces, and is supposed to last about 23 years when used 3 hours a day. The Cree 9.5-Watt A19 Warm White Dimmable LED is a CR Best Buy.
Here’s why: After 3,000 hours of testing the Cree cast a bright, warm yellow light evenly in all directions. And it comes with an unusually long 10-year warranty. Use the LED in lamps, enclosed fixtures, and outdoors when not exposed to moisture.

Meat thermometer: $50. Not just for inexperienced cooks. Using a meat thermometer takes out the guesswork, helping you to turn out perfectly braised roasts and preventing you from eating and serving undercooked meat that may pose health risks. The $50 Oregon Scientific Wireless BBQ/Oven AW131 was excellent.
Here’s why: This leave-in digital thermometer is wireless, offering remote control while you’re more than 100 feet away, and offers impressive, consistent accuracy, and handy features such as a timer, audible alert, and auto shut-off. With leave-in models the probe remains in the meat while it cooks, monitoring the temperature without you having to open the oven door. It can also be used as an instant read.

Food chopper: $40. Food choppers are smaller, lighter, and cost less than processors, and made quick work of cutting small batches of nuts and herbs that would get lost in a large processor's bowl. Choppers hold only about 3 to 5 cups and can be noisy, but you will probably use it in short clips. The $40 Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus DLC-2A is a recommended model.
Here’s why: Cuisinart’s 3-cup chopper was particularly adept at chopping almonds and onions, and grating hard Parmesan cheese. Pureeing of peas and carrots wasn’t quite what we measured with the top-scoring $60 Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004. But the Cuisinart is still a top chopper in our ratings.      

—Kimberly Janeway (@CRJaneway on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

A new coat of paint is all it takes to kick up your home’s curb appeal from drab to fab. In fact, just painting the front door, window trim, and shutters can make an immediate difference and it only takes a few hours to prep and paint. Typically, semi-gloss paint is the best choice for exterior doors and trim because it adds shine, provides visual contrast, and is easy to clean. Consumer Reports found six winners in its tests of semi-gloss exterior paint.

“Aesthetics favor the use of high quality semi-gloss paint for exterior trim,” said Debbie Zimmer of the Paint Quality Institute. “This type of paint has better tint retention, so its color will remain truer over time. What’s more, if doors, windows, shutters, and other trim do begin to accumulate dirt and grime, semi-gloss exterior paint—with its smoother surface—is much easier to clean than any flat paint. And scrubbing typically will not harm its appearance.”

To find out which exterior paints are likely to last longest on your home, Consumer Reports paints and stains pine test panels and places them on the roof of our Yonkers, New York, headquarters. We face the boards south at 25 degrees from vertical to intensify the effects of sun and weather. One year of such severe testing is equivalent to about three years of normal weathering on a typical home. Most exterior paints held up well for the equivalent of at least three years, and the best still looked fine after what amounted to nine years under the elements. Here are our exterior semi-gloss paint picks.

Best exterior semi-gloss paints
The appearance of all six of our recommended semi-gloss exterior paints was excellent after the equivalent of three years of rough treatment and very good after nine.

• Valspar DuraMax Semi-Gloss, $40, sold at Lowe’s
• Ace Royal Exteriors by Ace Semi-Gloss, $29
• Behr Premium Plus Ultra Semi-Gloss Enamel, $40, sold at Home Depot
• Behr Premium Plus Semi-Gloss Enamel, $32, sold at Home Depot
• Sherwin-Williams Duration Semi-Gloss, $69
• Glidden Spred Semi-Gloss, $28
  

For more exterior and interior paint choices, see our full paint Ratings and recommendations as well as our paint buying guide.

—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

A recent complaint New Jersey officials filed against a moving company illustrates why you must investigate movers carefully before deciding which one you’ll trust to handle you possessions.

The complaint, filed in state superior court against Fair Lawn-based Moving Max and two of its principals, contains the same concerns we’ve seen moving company customers express many times before. Among them is the alleged use of bait and switch tactics in which a mover provides a low-ball estimate and then later threatens to hold onto the customer’s possessions unless additional payment is made.

In the complaint, the state said Moving Max initially quotes prices ranging from $225 to $921 but inflated the amounts to $500 to $1,665 once the move was completed.

“When shocked customers protested these amounts, the defendants allegedly threatened to drive off and retain the consumers' personal belongings until payment was made by cash or money order,” the state said in announcing the complaint, which was filed by the state attorney general's office and Division of Consumer Affairs

The state said Moving Max based the additional charges on carrying furniture on stairs, travel times, the use of packing tape and blankets that the state said were unnecessary or actually used, and an “EPA” fee that was not included in the company’s filed tariffs, as required.

The complaint also accused the company of failing to conduct premove inspections and provide written estimates, formal contracts, and a state-mandated moving brochure. In addition, the state accused Moving Max of intentionally concealing contract forms so that customers could not adequately read them before signing.

The state said it had received 15 complaints against the company, involving an estimated $12,772 in overcharges.

The company has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau, in part for failing to respond to seven consumer complaints.

When we tried to reach the company, the listed number was out of service. Perhaps that's a good sign for consumers. 

For more information, read "Protect Yourself From Moving Scams."

What to do

Complaints against moving companies are all too common. Many involve unlicensed, rogue movers that prey on consumers who don’t know how to check out moving companies and don't understand their rights under state and federal laws.

Here is how you can protect yourself.

• Get references. Check with friends, family, and/or reliable real estate agents.
• Get multiple estimates. Obtain estimates from at least three companies.
• Verify licensing. Interstate movers are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which offers additional information on how to screen companies. The site also has a list of state regulators who oversee in-state movers.
• Check for complaints. The federal website and some state regulatory sites list complaints against movers. Also check the Better Business Bureau, and search with the company’s name to find reviews and complaints on online forums and complaint websites.
• Know your rights. The federal government and some states require movers to provide booklets explaining your rights. Read the free brochure “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” Although it doesn’t apply to in-state movers, this brochure is a must-read for all. Also check the consumer information on the American Moving & Storage Association’s website.
• Complain. If a mover violates the law, file a complaint with the state or federal licensing agency and the Better Business Bureau. If a mover won’t release your possessions in an illegal attempt to up the amount you owe, call the police.

—Anthony Giorgianni

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Talk about great expectations. Samsung says its new dishwasher with WaterWall technology “reinvents dishwashing.” But the filter on the Samsung Chef Collection DW80H9970US, $1,450, clogged in Consumer Reports' dishwasher tests, and the dishwasher stopped working until we removed the 9 1/2 by 9 1/2 inch filter and cleaned it. Of the more than 100 models in our current Ratings, this Samsung is the only one unable to handle our demanding soil load without consumer intervention. Because of this fact, we have judged this product a "Don't Buy: Performance Problem."

Instead of conventional spinning wash arms spraying water, the Samsung uses two bars that run the width of the tub. The rear one remains fixed with its jets aimed forward toward the second bar, which runs back and forth on tracks. Because the moving bar is angled upward, water bounces straight up to form, you guessed it, a wall of water.  

To test cleaning, we load 10 place settings of very dirty dishes that we’ve scraped but not rinsed.  About 15 minutes after the Samsung's wash cycle started, we got an error code. This stopped the machine from completing the cycle. We then had to open the machine, remove and clean the manual-clean filter, and restart the machine. Once we did this, the dishwasher completed the wash cycle.

Following our standard practice, we called in an authorized repairperson soon after the dishwasher showed the problem. He was unable to identify the specific cause but told us to call again if the problem reoccurred.  It did. It happened in one of two additional test runs. We then bought a second sample of this dishwasher and its filter also clogged, showed the same error code, and stopped working.

Samsung was made aware of the problem, possibly by the repairperson. In response to our findings, Samsung told us that models manufactured from late September or early October onward will have a software update that continues the cycle even under heavy soil load. These changes will be made to future versions of the Samsung Chef Collection DW80H9970US we tested along with two similar models that offer the WaterWall feature, the $1,100 DW80H9950US and $900 DW80H9930US. (The manufacture date is on a label on the left edge of the door’s interior panel; see photo.) The company has also updated the owners' manuals for all three dishwashers to advise users to check and clean the filter should the error code display.

Samsung said in a statement, “this only seems to appear under Consumer Reports’ testing conditions and not in real world, everyday use.” But we don’t think you should have to stop what you’re doing to help your dishwasher clean your dishes. Nevertheless, the company says that if you have the same trouble, it will update the software of any of the above three dishwashers. Call Samsung’s customer-service line at 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864), 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends.

Once the dishwashers with the updated software are available at stores, we’ll buy one and report back.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

If you’re in the market for an elliptical, you should know it’s a complex machine with lots of moving parts. That's part of the appeal, since it makes for a complete, full-body workout. But it also means there's more that can go wrong. Our elliptical tests have generally found pricier models to be better built and backed by longer warranties. There are exceptions to the rule, however, including expensive models that let us down and cheaper ones that were clear overachievers. Here are several winners to consider from three price categories.

$1,000 or less
You'll find plenty of bargain ellipticals at places like Dick's Sporting Goods, Sears, and Walmart. Definitely consider the $800 Schwinn 470, which outperformed models costing two and three times as much. It earned very good marks across the board, including ergonomics, ease of use, and construction. It's also the only budget model from our tests that offers heart-rate programs, allowing for automatic adjustments to workout intensity based on your target heart rate.

If you're not interested in heart-rate programs, consider the ProForm 19.0 RE, which sells for an even $1,000. Like the Schwinn, it has solid construction and design, plus it offers 21 incline levels covering a 16-degree span of incline, compared with the Schwinn's 11 adjustments over a 10-degree span.

$1,000 to $2,000
At $1,100, the AFG 3.1AE didn't miss the budget category by much, yet it's another of our highest scoring ellipticals. We were impressed by its top-notch construction, a rarity at this price point. The NordicTrack AudioStrider 1490 Pro, $1,500, just missed our recommended list, though it performs very well overall. Its ergonomics were particularly accommodating, making it a good choice if you'll be sharing the machine with others in your household. Another bonus with the NordicTrack: it ships nearly fully assembled and it can be folded up and raised  to a standing position for easy storage (though the manual cautions that you must be comfortable lifting 100 pounds to do this.)   

$2,000 and up
If you're prepared to go big on your elliptical purchase, you won't have to settle for much. Your short list should definitely include the Diamondback 1260 Ef, $2,200, our highest rated elliptical. This machine offers an expansive range of exercises and its pedals respond well to acceleration and deceleration. It's also loaded with features, including five heart-rate programs with a convenient chest strap heart monitor and an intuitive, glare-resistant display. We also like the $3,500 LifeFitness X5 Go, which has the best ergonomics of any elliptical on our list of top picks.            

Preferences tend to be personal with all exercise equipment, but especially ellipticals, since the feel can really vary from machine to machine. So it's important to try several machines out in the store before buying. And be sure to check the return policy. You may discover problems with an elliptical's quality or ergonomics only after you get it home and use it a few times. Lastly, read the fine print on "30-day money-back guarantees," as you may find you’ll have to pay for return shipping, which could cost upwards of $100.

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

It's possible that you've bought your share of home warranties—service contracts that promise to cover appliances and other items that break down in your home. You probably should not have. A recent complaint consumer officials in New Jersery filed against Choice Home Warranty in Edison, N.J., illustrates why. 

The state’s complaint says that far too often, warranty claims are denied because the company says the problem was pre-existing. Or, the claim is denied because the consumer can’t prove that a broken item was properly maintained. We’ve seen consumers raise these issues in the past in connection with home warranties and other types of service contracts.

In this particular case, New Jersey officials say that Choice Home Warranty "repeatedly made it difficult if not impossible for consumers to realize the benefits of their so-called warranties," the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs said in a statement announcing the complaint, which was filed in state superior court in Middlesex County.

The state said the company, which sold coverage in at least 25 states, denied claims even when technicians said covered products had been property maintained or that a problem wasn't pre-existing or caused by a lack of maintenance. For some claims, the state said, the company demanded that customers provide years of maintenance records.

While the coverage required the company to replace products that couldn't be repaired, the state said the company offered consumers cash "buyouts" for hundreds of dollars less than it would cost to replace the item. And in some cases, local technicians dispatched to handle claims refused to respond, saying the company failed to pay them for their previous service.

In a statement, Choice Home Warranty said that it denies the allegations and will "vigorously" defend itself against them. The company also said it has paid "tens of millions of dollars" in claims for repairs and replacements and that the consumers who complained represent are small fraction of its customers.

Choice Home Warranty has an "F" rating  from the Better Business Bureau because of 957 complaints, the time it took the company to resolve the issues, and the New Jersey complaint.

For more information, read our extended warranty buying guide.

What to do

We recommend avoiding service contracts, even those provided by companies that have no record of engaging in such shenanigans. The reason is that coverage for contracts that cover homes and cars, for example, can cost hundreds of dollars.

We also believe that it makes much more sense to buy reliable products and maintain them as the manufacturer recommends. Do that, and there's a good chance you won't need to make any significant repairs before the product becomes obsolete. Put the money you otherwise would use to buy a service contract into a savings account or product repair-and-replacement fund. 

If a product breaks after the express warranty expires, there are many other ways you may be able to obtain a free or low-cost repair. Many credit card issuers automatically extend the manufacturer's warranty for an extra year or so for most products you buy using their card. Many companies also have goodwill programs and service campaigns that provide free or low-cost repairs or product replacement for items that fail in an unreasonably short time.

And under the so-called implied warranty of merchantability, which automatically accompanies many purchases under state laws, retailers and/or manufacturers may be legally required to address a product defect even if the express warranty has expired. Finally, manufacturers generally must initiate recalls and provide free repairs for safety-related defects.

—Anthony Giorgianni

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