Tradition may be the byword this season, but when you’re shopping for appliances for holiday cooking, you’ll want the latest and greatest. Take ranges, for instance. Many of the most innovative features are borrowed from restaurant kitchens—and the best are designed to save you time. High-power burners put out fast heat, convection fans trim cooking time by circulating the oven’s hot air, and induction rangetops provide the fastest heat of all (the secret: an electro-magnetic field).

As for looks, sleek stainless steel shows no signs of becoming the avocado green of our time. And much larger oven windows make it easier to check on what’s cooking inside without opening the door and letting heat escape.

What’s selling this year? Electric smoothtops on freestanding, single-oven 30-inch ranges win the popularity contest. But if you entertain often or cook multiple dishes at once, you might step up to a 30-inch double-oven range. For a built-in appearance, consider a slide-in range that rests on a countertop; the controls are up front, so there’s no rear panel to hide your backsplash—nice if you’ve tiled it.

We’ve rounded up the best cooking appliances for entertaining that we found in Consumer Reports' range tests. These models offer generous capacities and features that make cooking faster and cleanup easier.

For avid entertainers
The LG LRE3083SW, $800, and LG LRE3023S, $1,000, are electric smoothtops with ovens that have a convection option. Both ranges quickly boil water and are superb at simmering; even broiling was superb. The Frigidaire FGEF302TNF, $1,400, has two same-size ovens; each fit our 26-pound turkeys. The Samsung FTQ307NWGX, $2,000, is an induction range with convection and a warming drawer. Induction offers fast boiling. And the Samsung NX58F5700WS, $1,700, has convection and is a gas range.

Best at baking and roasting
These smoothtop ranges turned out evenly baked cookies and cakes. The LG LRE3025S, $1,250, has seven oven rack positions; and the Electrolux EI30EF35JS, $1,600, has six.

If price is no object
The GE Café CS980STSS, $2,800, and GE PS920SFSS, $2,500, are stylish smoothtop ranges; the controls are up front, and there’s no back panel. The GE PGS920SEFSS, $2,800, is a gas slide-in, but broiling isn’t top-notch. The KitchenAid KDRS407VSS, $4,000, is the only 30-inch pro-style to make our top picks, and the KitchenAid KDRU763VSS, $6,000, was the best 36-inch pro-style.

If you’re watching your wallet
Impressive smoothtop ranges Samsung FE-R300SB, $550, and Frigidaire FFEF3018LW, $600, performed similarly in most tests but were so-so at broiling. So were the Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3032MW, $775, a CR Best Buy, and the Kenmore 74132, $700, gas ranges, but better overall than ones that cost thousands more.

For more choices see our full range Ratings and recommendations.

—Kimberly Janeway

For more tips and tricks see our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. It's loaded with ideas for holiday gifts that were excellent performers in Consumer Reports' tests.

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

Now’s a good time to shop for a range, cooktop, or wall oven. As the cooking and baking season heats up manufacturers are offering discounts and rebates. And while you’re saving money, look for features that save time and make cooking easier—they’re especially handy when hosting holiday gatherings and for marathon baking sessions. The cooking appliance experts at Consumer Reports put these five features on their wish list.

Expandable elements

Why you’ll like them: They add flexibility, allowing you to switch from a large high-power element to the small, low-power one within it, changing from fast heat to a gentle simmer, and from a skillet to a saucepan.
Electric models to consider: Many of our top picks have this feature, including the top-scoring smoothtop range, the LG LRE3083SW, $800.

Warming drawer

Why you’ll like it: Use the drawer to keep appetizers hot while the turkey finishes roasting in the oven, or put the sweet potato casserole in the drawer while the chicken cooks on high heat to give it that crispy, nicely browned finish. This recipe from chef Susan Spicer is killer. http://www.cookstr.com/recipes/roasted-chicken-with-olives-lemon-and-garlic.
Electric smoothtop ranges to consider: The Kenmore 94242 and Frigidaire Professional FPEF3081MF, each $900.
Gas ranges to consider: The top-rated Samsung NX58F5700WS, usually it’s about $1,700 but we’re seeing it for $1,100.

Double ovens

Why you’ll like them: Roast a lemon-garlic turkey in one oven while apple pies bake in the other—different foods, different temperatures, and no crossover of aromas. Or use one oven for daily dinner but both when hosting family and friends. Many double-oven ranges pair a smaller top oven with a larger oven below, while some pair two same size ovens, such as the Frigidaire Symmetry ranges we tested. Each oven was large enough to fit a 26-pound turkey, the biggest we could buy.
Electric models to consider:  Among ranges, the LG LDE3037ST, $1,300, Frigidaire Symmetry FGEF302TNF, $1,400, and Frigidaire Symmetry FGEF308TNF, $1,800. For electric double-oven wall ovens, check out the Maytag MEW7630A, $1,700.
Gas models to consider: The KitchenAid KDRS505XSS, $2,000, was tops among gas ranges, but it has a gas cooktop and an electric oven.

Convection

Why you’ll like it: It can speed up cooking by using one or more fans to circulate the oven’s hot air. But there’s a learning curve, so read your manual.
Electric smoothtop ranges to consider: Many of the ranges called out elsewhere on this page have convection, such as the LG LRE3083SW, $800; our range Ratings give you all the details. But also look at the Samsung NE594R0ABSR. We're seeing it at $600 now.
Gas ranges to consider: The Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3032MW, $775.

Induction

Why you’ll like it: Delivers fast cooktop heat and precise simmering and control. Induction brings water to a boil about 25 percent faster than the electric smoothtops we tested and even faster when compared to gas. Induction uses an electro-magnetic field to deliver excellent results, but you’ll need magnetic cookware for the induction to work.
Models to consider: The Kenmore 95073 range, $1,530, and among cooktops the GE Profile PHP900DMBB, $1,400, and Whirlpool GCI3061XB, $1,200.

More choices. See our full ratings of ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens for all the test results and features. Compare models and note the brand reliability information. And be sure to search online for great deals. We’re seeing early Black Friday specials on appliances and the prices are impressive. 

—Kimberly Janeway (@CRJaneway on Twitter) 

For more ideas and inspiration, see our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll also find dozens of top-rated gifts from Consumer Reports' tests of appliances, electronics and other seasonal gear.

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

Coffee preferences vary from person to person and region to region. So the trick to finding the perfect coffeemaker to give as a gift is to know at least something about the intended recipient. To help, Consumer Reports tests drip, single-serve, and other varieties of coffeemakers. Here are several coffeemakers from our list of top coffeemaker picks as well as a few near-misses to consider as you narrow down your choices—everything from a quick serving on the go to all you need for a discriminating crowd.

Speedy and convenient single-serve coffeemakers

Coffee made in a single-serve (pod) coffeemaker may not please a true coffee aficionado, but for the coffee drinker in a hurry the best of these machines can’t be beat. The DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T, $130, has a scroll button for selecting among serving sizes. Cup speed and size consistency are top-notch, and the unit is fairly easy to use. One caveat: Like other DeLonghi Nescafé models, it requires so-called “flavor capsules” (only 18 choices in all), available only from Nescafé.

For Starbucks lovers

If you're a die-hard fan of both Starbucks and the single-serve coffee experience, you can appreciate the Starbucks Verismo 600, $150, which improves on the earlier Verismo 580 for service-size options. First- and second-cup delivery are speedy, and each cup is of uniform size. Where the Starbucks falls short, though, is in its limited options for varying the strength of what you brew. The selection of Starbucks capsules is limited to about 15 so far, though this might suffice if you like Starbucks’ usual flavors.

To fill travel mugs in a hurry

Make 16 ounces of coffee with most pod coffeemakers, and you’ll get an 8 ounce brew with twice the water. The Black & Decker Single Serve CM620B, $35, makes enough standard drip coffee to fill a 16-ounce travel mug. Most of the to-go drip models we tested are fairly barebones, reflected in their convenience scores, but this model brews close to industry guidelines for time and temperature. For even better brew performance, the pricier KitchenAid Architect KCM0402ACS, $100, brews 18 ounces.

For serving a crowd

A machine intended for the weekday-morning dash may not suffice when you’re hosting a party. The Cuisinart Crystal SCC-1000 Limited Edition Perfec Temp, $200, is the only drip model in our tests that can brew a full 14 cups. While it's pricey—this one’s gussied up with Swarovski elements for a jeweled look—it has top-notch brew performance matched by a carafe we found easy to hold and pour from. It's also programmable, with both a small-batch setting and brew-strength control. The Cuisinart Perfec Temp DCC-2800 is similar and costs half as much.

A more affordable drip machine

A CR Best Buy, the 12-cup Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT, $40, is among the best all-around drip coffeemakers we tested. It brews at industry-recommended guidelines, and we found setup, operation, and cleanup fairly easy. Among other attractions for the bargain price are a water filter, special cleaning cycle, and two-hour auto-shutoff.

When serving coffee at a buffet

How about letting guests fill up their mugs at the coffeemaker? The 12-cup brew-and-dispense Cuisinart Coffee on Demand DCC-3000, $100, has top-notch brewing and convenient operation. A gauge tells you how much coffee is left in the tank, the water and coffee reservoirs are removable for cleaning, and an indicator tells you when the machine itself needs cleaning.

When you want to grind your own

For the freshest cup of coffee, grind your beans just before you brew them. The Cuisinart Grind & Brew DGB-700BC, $150, is impressive overall and has auto-shutoff, a water filter, and a permanent, cupcake-style filter basket.

A fun machine that makes a tasty brew

The best performer overall among machines we’ve billed as electric French-press coffeemakers, the iCoffee RCB100-BC12, $150, looks like a drip coffeemaker with a slightly larger basket. Hot-water jets in the basket spritz and circulate the grounds in hot water—similar to a French press—before filling the carafe. Remington says the process eliminates the bitter aftertastes of drip coffee. We liked how easy this unit was to use, and we found the carafe easy to handle, pour from, and empty.

For even more choices. See our coffeemaker Ratings of more than 120 coffee and espresso makers. Need a little more guidance on what to buy? Read our coffeemaker buying guide.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

For more ideas for gifts that did well in Consumer Reports' extensive tests, see the Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll also find entertainment advice and how to get ready for the holidays without stressing out.

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

You'd think holiday shoppers would be singing “Happy Days Are Here Again,” with the Great Recession in the rearview mirror, lower unemployment, and more people buying big-ticket items such as homes and automobiles. While the big-picture economic outlook has largely improved, most of us don’t plan to break the bank this season.

If anything, there’s concern over repeating mistakes of the past, such as overspending and drowning in debt. According to the Consumer Reports 2014 Holiday Poll, there’s little doubt that the brighter economy is a key factor driving the decision of many to up their holiday spending this season, even if only modestly. Twenty-three percent attributed their largesse to the fact that they’re feeling more generous now than they did in 2013, 16 percent said they’re more optimistic, 14 percent got a raise, promotion, or better-paying job, and 12 percent have a job after being unemployed last year.

According to the Consumer Reports 2014 Holiday Poll, the first of a series of nationally representative online surveys designed to measure consumer sentiment and shopping behavior, 62 percent of Americans say they’re looking forward to the end-of-year holidays. About one-quarter are really looking forward to the season. But as usual, there are always a few Scrooges: One in 10 of those surveyed said they’re not at all energized about this festive time of year.

Spending plans

When it comes to spending, most respondents, 56 percent, expect to shell out the same amount on gifts as they did last year. Fourteen percent expect to spend more, while 30 percent say they’re cutting back. That’s a similar breakdown to what we’ve seen in recent years. But the percentage of shoppers cutting back on holiday expenses is half what it was during the dark days of the recession in 2008.

Respondents told us they expect to spend about $437 over the holidays this year. Over a quarter of people (28 percent) are expecting to spend $250 to $499 on presents this season; 19 percent are setting aside $500 to $799 for purchases, the same percentage that are counting their pennies and limiting expenditures to $100 to $249. Eighteen percent plan to splurge and spend $1,000 or more.

Perhaps because times have been so tough for so long, more than half of those surveyed say they’re making a budget this season to maintain fiscal discipline. But creating a budget and sticking to it are two separate things. Last year, 38 percent of those who set a budget exceeded it, according to the survey.

Before you do your gift shopping, check our Holiday Gift Ideas page, which has all the advice you need to get through the holiday season.

Mindful of debt

Because online shopping accounts for so much of what we buy these days, Americans are becoming increasingly reliant on credit cards and debit cards. In fact, more than four of 10 respondents who used credit cards during last year’s holiday season lauded them as the easiest vehicle for online payments. Credit-card debt, of course, is a serious concern, especially during the holidays.

Last year, 52 percent of respondents charged at least some purchases, but most were quite responsible at quickly paying off the balance. Sixty-one percent paid their holiday shopping bills completely by the next billing cycle, and by the end of February, three-quarters had done so. But as of this month, 7 percent of those surveyed were still financing their 2013 holiday purchases.

This season, consumers will once again use a combination of cash and plastic for their holiday purchases. Sixty-two plan to include cash in the mix, 45 percent a major credit card such as Visa or American Express, 45 percent a debit card, and 11 percent a store or retailer charge card.

Among those who won’t be charging purchases this holiday season, 40 percent cited a fear of racking up debt, 31 percent cited a desire to better control spending, 11 percent were concerned about data breaches and hackers gaining access to their personal financial information, 5 percent said they had already maxed out their credit cards, and 4 percent don’t want to be reminded about how much they spend. Surprisingly, 34 percent of respondents said they don’t even possess a credit card.

—Tod Marks

Visit our Holiday Gift Ideas page throughout the season to find the best deals, time-saving advice, and much more.

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

Web retailing has made online shopping as easy as 1-2-3, but choosing from among the many shipping methods for that pair of shoes, tablet computer, or coffeemaker you ordered can be a bit puzzling. If you read the fine print, you’ll realize that delivery times are estimates based on multiple factors. Amazon, for example, leaves open the possibility that your order shipped free of charge might not arrive until a week or so later, so you’re at the company’s mercy.

So how much time will you really save by spending that extra $10 or even $30? Consumer Reports set out to learn about the differences in delivery options to find the sweet spot.

The experiment

On the morning of Monday Oct. 13, we logged on to Amazon.com four times, from the same computer, and placed four separate orders within minutes of one another. All orders were dispatched to the same address. Each consisted of two popular holiday toys: a Disney doll from the hit animated film “Frozen” and a Nickelodeon action figure from the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. The toys were available and in stock.

Check our tips for holiday shipping to save money and stave off disappointment and check out these bargains at big retailers this holiday season.

We paid a lofty $25.58 for next-day service, $12.78 for second-day delivery, and $5.51 for standard shipping (estimated delivery date was Oct. 17). The fourth order qualified for free shipping because we spent the required $35 in eligible purchases. The trade off for free freight? An estimated delivery date between Oct. 21 and Oct. 24. (Note: Amazon automatically selects standard shipping for all orders, unless you sign up for Amazon Prime, at $99 a year, which entitles customers to free 2-day shipping. So if you’re a penny-pincher, it’s up to you to deselect “standard” and click on “free” shipping.)

The results

Predictably, the next-day shipment came first, at 6:24 p.m., on Oct. 14, while the second-day package arrived on Oct. 15 at 11:36 am, about 17 hours later. Then three days passed with no sign of either the standard shipping or the free-shipping orders. After tracking the packages and reading that they had, in fact, been delivered, we ripped into our two boxes and discovered that Amazon, without notifying us, had squeezed our remaining purchases inside the second-day shipment, for which we’d paid $12.78. In effect, Amazon did us a favor: Both orders arrived ahead of schedule. We contacted Amazon for an explanation of their shipping strategy, but didn’t receive a response. (Here, hundreds of shoppers sound off on what they love—and hate—about Amazon.)

The bottom line

Unless you are a world-class procrastinator, there’s little reason to pay a fortune for next-day delivery. Second-day service proved much more cost efficient, with the order arriving just 15 hours after the next-day package. This experience is in line with what we’ve seen over the years. In fact, when we conducted a similar experiment in 2006, the package shipped for free actually beat its costly counterpart to our doorstep.

Of course, there are no guarantees—especially during the peak holiday season, when priority is likely to be given to customers who pay for freight. Hence one more reason to shop and ship early: the question becomes moot.

Which company has the best rates?

All other factors being equal, how do FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service stack up? That’s key if you’re the one doing the shipping. We compared the basic price of sending a 3-pound package in a 18-inch-long x 9-inch-wide x 9-inch-high box from Yonkers, N.Y. (where Consumer Reports' headquarters are), to Plano, Texas. We booked standard-overnight, second-day, and ground shipping, with no extras.*

The rate winner? The good old U.S. Postal Service. See for yourself:

Visit our Holiday Gift Ideas page throughout the season to find the best deals, time-saving advice, and much more.

*The cost of shipping a package has many factors, including box size and total parcel weight, destination, arrival speed, special handling, and delivery date (weekends are pricier). There are also potential extras such as insurance, delivery confirmation, the need for a recipient’s signature, and discounts (prepurchasing a shipping label online, for example, can sometimes translate into savings). Convenience—especially the availability of close-to-home drop-off and pickup options and after-hours deliveries—is another top consideration.

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

The holidays are all about excess—and that includes household waste, which increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Way too much of the refuse takes the form of edible food, whether it's uneaten portions of pumpkin pie or produce that's tossed before its time. The following tips will help your household produce less waste, which is good for the planet, and also keeps a few extra dollars in your pocket.

Know how long foods last. A lot of food takes longer to spoil than people realize. For example, did you know that fresh eggs are typically good for up to 5 weeks? And raw egg whites can be frozen for up to a year. Apples and oranges, meanwhile, should last for a few weeks in the refrigerator. See the chart below for more shelf life recommendations. 

Optimize your refrigerator. For starters, make sure the temperature is a consistent 37° to 38° F in the refrigerator and the freezer a steady 0° F. If you're shopping for a new refrigerator, those that earn excellent temperature-performance scores in our refrigerator Ratings should deliver. We've also found that refrigerators with dual evaporators can extend the life of food by maintaining optimal humidity levels in the fresh-food section.   

Location, location. As for storage, note that temperatures tend to be warmer on the door, so you don't want to store milk and eggs there, even if your refrigerator has gallon door storage and integrated egg shelves (use them for juice, condiments, and other non-dairy products). Milk and eggs both belong at the back of the unit, where it’s coldest. And don’t overload the refrigerator, since air circulation is needed for food to stay cold. In the freezer, spread items out on various shelves in single layers until they're frozen, at which point they can be stacked.

Handle leftovers wisely. Keep several airtight containers on hand to prolong the life of your leftovers. And start a compost bin, if you haven't already, for food scraps that can't be saved or used another way (stale bread, for example, can be turned into bread crumbs with the help of a food processor; check our food processor Ratings for top-performing models).    

Be a smart shopper. Manufacturers are working to design refrigerators and pantries that use technology to know excatly how much food you have at home at all times. For now, it's up to you. Always cook or eat the food you have before buying more. And map out your meals before you shop so you only buy the things you need. Impulse purchases tend to result in greater waste.

Get to know your local food bank. In 2013, about 49 million Americans lived in food insecure households, according to the organization Feeding America. As long as it's nutritious, safe, and untouched, food can be donated to families and individuals in need. Here's how to find a food bank in your area. 

Food freshness guide for your refrigerator and freezer

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)

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

Outdoor chores don’t stop for a holiday break, so we asked the outdoor power equipment experts at Consumer Reports for their top picks from among our recommended products. Not every choice is appropriate for every user, and not everyone wants another gas engine to maintain—especially if their property is modest enough for an electric model. So you're best bet is to check return policies and get a gift receipt.

Generators

Providing ample power, cleanly and consistently, are top strengths of the 6,800-watt, gasoline-powered Ridgid RD906812B, $1,000. You get a number of helpful features for the price, including electric start, low-oil shutoff (which protects the engine from overheating if the oil level dips too low), and fuel shutoff, which prevents leaks and keeps gas from getting trapped in the fuel system and spoiling during storage.

For $300 less, the Generac GP5500 5939 is rated at 5,500 watts and performed almost as well as top-scoring models that cost hundreds more. Features include fuel shutoff, low-oil shutdown, an hour meter, and a fuel gauge. It also comes with the wheels and the starter bottle of engine oil you'll find with many portable models. One feature you give up is electric starting (you'll need to pull a cord, as you would with many lawn mowers), and this model is noisier than the Ridgid. But it’s still a great value. See our generator Ratings for more top picks.

Snow blowers

A novel, second impeller helps make the 30-inch, two-stage Cub Cadet 31AH57S, $1,500, a top performer. Super-fast clearing and enough throwing distance to clear wide driveways are the major perks, along with easy steering and slick controls. The price includes electric starting and a headlight. It's the perfect pick for large driveways, consistently heavy snows up to about 24 inches—or occasional winter dumpings where the recipient wants the ultimate in clearing speed.

For less snow or where you typically have more time to clear snow, the 24-inch, compact two-stage Craftsman 88173, $680, has impressively quick and clean removal with the necessary muscle for dense plow piles. Other models, though, got more distance with what they picked up. Features include an overhead-valve engine that should start easily and run efficiently when properly maintained, along with electric start and multiple speeds. On the minus side, it lacks single-hand controls (which let the operator hold down both control levers with one hand), a single-lever chute adjustment, and freewheel steering (so turning requires more muscle). Noise is below the 85-decibel level at which we recommend hearing protection, though that's still a smart precaution.

And for those who rarely get more than about a foot of snow at a time, the single-stage, gas-powered Toro Power Clear 721E, $570, outdid all others in this category. The Toro was the only single-stage gas model to make short work of our test plow pile, and its removal speed was impressive, too. Another plus: As with most other models of its class, it cleared down to the surface and was easy to handle. For more snow-blower picks, see our full snow blower Ratings.

Chain saws

Ultrafast cutting and relatively light weight help justify the higher price of the 16-inch, gas-powered Stihl MS 180 C-BE, $230. So do a chain brake and tool-free chain adjustment, along with a durable blade cover. As with other gas-powered saws, it requires a mix of gas and oil for fueling its two-stroke engine. We strongly advise hearing protection and other protective gear for the operator.

For lighter duty in a machine that needs no engine maintenance, the plug-in electric Worx WG303.1, $100, was faster and better balanced than its larger 18-inch sibling, the Worx WG304.1, despite having a shorter bar. Indeed, cutting speed was on a par with the fastest light-duty gas saws we tested. Other pluses include a chain brake, tool-free chain adjustment, and a durable bar cover for safe storage. But as with other plug-in saws, the operator will need to work within 100 feet of an outlet—and you'll need a generator to use when the power is out. One caveat: There's no vibration dampening. We advise hearing protection and other protective gear for the operator. Need more picks? See our full chain saw Ratings for chain saws.

Leaf blowers

The Echo PB-255LN, $200, doesn't come cheap, but this gasoline-powered handheld blower gets the job done with lots of sweeping power for big leaf piles and enough loosening oomph for embedded leaves. There's spring-assisted starting and a five-year warranty. The Echo was also very easy to handle. If the neighbors’ peace and quiet are a consideration, note that this blower was fairly quiet from 50 feet away—the model name's "LN" stands for low noise. (We recommend hearing protection for the operator.) But since the engine is two-cycle, it requires a mix of gas and oil for fueling.

Prefer to give a powerful blower with no maintenance? This update of Toro's long-time Ratings champ among corded-electric handhelds, the $75 Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51609, is still going strong, with superb sweeping and vacuuming and impressive loosening of embedded leaves and other debris. The powerful unit was nevertheless easy to handle and use, and neighbors hearing it from a distance shouldn't have much to complain about. We still, however, recommend hearing protection for the operator. Check out our full leaf-blower Ratings for more choices.

String trimmers

Anyone thinking about a string trimmer as a gift might find one more easily online in many parts of the country. For a top choice in a gas-powered model, consider the curved-shaft Stihl FS 38, $130. It’s relatively light (10.5 pounds) and easy to handle, yet it was superb at regular trimming and edging along with tall grass. Controls proved easy to use. And like most trimmers, this one has two trimming lines.

Choose the straight-shaft Green Works 21142, $90, if you want the easy starts and low maintenance of an electric, and the trimming needs would fit within the 100-foot limit of a power cord. Pluses include trimming, edging, and tall-grass performance on a par with some lighter-duty gas trimmers, along with the two lines most trimmers have. We also liked this unit's good balance and bump head. For a corded electric trimmer, this one is on the heavy side at 9.6 pounds; you'll find much lighter, though lesser-performing, models in this category. See our full string trimmer Ratings for details.

Need more guidance? Read our buying guides for generators, snow blowers, chain saws, leaf blowers, and string trimmers before venturing forth into that holiday shopping jungle. One bit of good news: Models sold at dealerships might be easier to shop for, with more sales help than you're likely to get this time of year in a home center or department store.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

For more ideas and inspiration, check our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. In addition to outdoor gear, you'll find top-performing electronics, appliances and more.

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

Yes, food and drinks are key, but holiday entertaining also requires a stash of stain removers—and a cleaning strategy. Deputy Home Editor Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman fielded readers’ questions during a recent Facebook live chat. Here is her advice:

Before. Set aside a stack of clean, white cloths and prepare our go-to “recipe for disaster,” a detergent solution, in case things get messy. Mix 1 teaspoon of mild clear or white dishwashing liquid without bleach in 1 cup of water. Also keep 3 percent hydrogen peroxide on hand.

During. Clean as you party: Plates can go straight from table to dishwasher (just scrape off big pieces of food first). If white rings on your wood furniture don’t disappear when you blot them with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth, try non-gel toothpaste or a little liquid or cream car polish. Rub with the grain and wipe with a dry cloth.

After. Did someone slosh wine or drop chocolate on your rug? First, blot with a white cloth. (Don’t rub!) Then try our detergent solution (test first on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric). Blot on the solution, working from the outside edge in. Rinse with water, blot, then place a white cloth on top, weighed down by a stack of books, for several hours. Some of the wine or chocolate still there? Try the hydrogen peroxide.

Best dishwasher detergents from our tests

In Consumer Reports' tests of dishwasher detergents, Cascade edged out three products from Finish. All four are a good bet for dealing with a load of dirty dishes.

• Cascade Complete ActionPacs
• Finish Powerball Tabs
• Finish Gelpacs
• Finish Quantum Powerball Capsules

—Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman

For more advice on how to get your home ready for the holidays visit our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll also find plenty of recommendations for top-rated gifts from Consumer Reports' tests.

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

You don’t have to wait until Black Friday to get a top-rated small appliance at a good price. Some of the best performers in Consumer Reports' tests cost $100 or much less including a hand mixer and a coffeemaker for $40 each. Of course, if you want to spend more, we also test small appliances with big price tags. Here are five good buys and five splurges that  were impressive in Consumer Reports' small appliance tests.

Hand mixers
A good buy. Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-50, $40
Cuisinart’s 5-speed hand mixer had no trouble powering through stiff cookie dough in our hand mixer tests and it was very quick at whipping. We also like the well-priced mixer’s wire beaters, which are easier to clean than the traditional center-post variety. But this mixer is louder than other hand mixer top picks.
Splurge: KitchenAid KHM926, $100
The $100 KitchenAid costs more than many other hand mixers, but it performed very well in our tests, combining very good mixing and whipping time. It also scored points for versatility, thanks to its dough hooks, whisk attachment, and liquid blender rod, which is designed to blend soups, smoothies, and more. On the downside, this mixer is noisier than other recommended models.

Coffeemakers
CR Best Buy: Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT, $40
This 12-cup Mr. Coffee is among the best all-around drip coffeemakers in our tests. It brewed at industry-recommended guidelines of 195° F or more, maintained for five or six minutes. Setup, operation, and cleanup were fairly easy, and we found its carafe easy to use. (A thermal carafe is available separately.) And among attractions for the bargain price are a water filter, special cleaning cycle, and two-hour auto-shutoff.
Splurge: Cuisinart Crystal SCC-1000 Limited Edition Perfec Temp, $200
This Cuisinart drip coffeemaker is gussied up with Swarovski elements for a jeweled look, but it was a gem in our coffeemaker Ratings as well. First, it's the only model that can brew a full 14 cups. And while it's expensive, it had top-notch brew performance matched by a carafe we found easy to hold and pour from. It's also programmable, with both a small-batch setting and brew-strength control.

Blenders
A good buy. Ninja Professional NJ600, $100
Ninja's conventional 9-cup blender whipped up superb smoothies and frozen drinks, pureed soup very well, and crushed ice into fluffy snow. It just missed our list of top blender picks but costs hundreds less so is worth a look.
Splurge. Blendtec Designer 725, $650
Part of the trend of high-end, high-priced blenders, the Blendtec Designer 725 was superb in our icy drinks tests, which means it’s a good choice for smoothie lovers. It also aced our puree and durability tests although like the Ninja it was only so-so for noise.

Toaster ovens
CR Best Buy: Oster TSSTTVMNDG, $80
Oster is known for making inexpensive small appliances that often perform well, and this toaster oven is another example of that. It proved particularly adept in our toaster oven tests at baking and broiling, and it's roomy enough to accommodate a 4-pound chicken. It was very good at toasting one slice, full batches, and at making consistently toasted bread time after time.
Splurge: Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL, $250
This Breville toaster oven is one of the higher-priced models in our toaster oven Ratings, but its top performance and sleek, sturdy design might justify the cost. It was very good at baking and broiling, and it can accommodate a 4-pound chicken. It was excellent at toasting full batches and successive batches and very good at toasting just one slice.

Steam irons
CR Best Buy: Rowenta Effective Comfort DW2070, $50
The least expensive Rowenta steam iron we tested was also the best. In our steam iron tests, it was excellent overall and delivered superb ironing and lots of steam. The steam surge button provides a burst of steam when trying to remove stubborn wrinkles and the vertical steam feature lets you remove wrinkles from hanging garments and drapes. The sole plate is stainless steel and the ready light indicates the iron is hot enough to use. There's a self-clean feature and auto-shutoff.
Splurge:  Panasonic NI-W950A, $130
The top-rated Panasonic was excellent overall, delivers superb ironing and produces plenty of steam, which helps eliminate wrinkles. The vertical steam feature lets you direct steam to hanging items such as clothing and curtains. Other features include an alumite sole plate, ready light that indicates the iron is hot enough to use, steam surge for removing stubborn wrinkles, and self-clean. The auto-shutoff is a handy safety feature.

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

For more ideas and inspiration, check our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll also find lots of suggestions for top-rated products from Consumer Reports' tests.

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

Company is coming and the mattress in the guest room is old and lumpy. You want to replace it fast without spending a lot on a bed that will be slept in only occasionally. And while you're persnickety about your own mattress, you may be less choosy when buying one for a guest room as long as it's comfortable for most sleeping styles and doesn't bounce your guest awake when her partner turns over. Here are six good choices from Consumer Reports' mattress tests. All prices are for queen-size mattresses and don’t include the box spring or foundation.

Our readers favorite innerspring brand
For years, our subscribers have scored The Original Mattress Factory highest in satisfaction for both the store and brand, and the company ships to most of the country. The Original Mattress Factory Orthopedic Luxury Firm innerspring, $540, also proved a winner in our tests, as it was among the best at keeping side sleepers’ spines horizontal. It might be less satisfying for back sleepers. It sagged a bit after our durability tests but that shouldn’t be an issue in a guest room.

An all-around memory foam winner
Costco’s Novaform Memory Foam Collection Serafina 14" mattress is infused with gel beads and was impressive for both back and side support. And at $650, the price is right. The mattress comes folded in a box, but if you need to return it, getting it back into the box isn’t required.

Memory foam for less
Sam’s Club’s Night Therapy 14" Deluxe Grand Firm mattress was only so-so- at support, but its $515 price is attractive. The mattress was top-notch at muting vibrations, and it showed little wear after eight years of simulated use.

And another for much less
Decent back support from a $360 mattress? After the price for the Spa Sensations 10" Memory Foam SPA-1000Q, that’s more good news. Side support was only so-so, but at this price you could do worse. Where this one disappoints is in how hard visitors might find it to change positions due to that sinking feeling common with some foam beds, including this one.

Adjustable air at an underinflated price
You don’t have to pay thousands for an adjustable-air mattress to get impressive side support and even better back support. The pricier Sleep Number i8 bed edged out the $700 Sleep Number c2 bed in overall performance, but you’ll pay $2,300 less without a noticeable difference in support. Trying the bed before buying will tell you if this mattress’s thinner top foam layer might be less comfortable for guests.

When price trumps support
The Ikea Sultan Holmsta innerspring mattress, $550, includes a latex pillowtop for "precision support" but as mattresses go, it's on the softer side. The mattress was top-notch at muting vibrations but was somewhat ineffective at supporting the curve of sleepers’ spines while they’re on their back, and only so-so at supporting side sleepers.

Want more to choose from? See our mattress Ratings of 25 models, along with our survey-based Ratings of mattress stores and brands. And our buying guide is full of shopping tips including how to get the best deal.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

For more ideas and inspiration, check Consumer Reports' Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll find plenty of gift suggestions of products that did well in our tests including:

*Blenders *Coffeemakers *Mixers
*Toasters *Cookware *Knives

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

You’ve put a lot of work into baking a pie or a casserole for a party, and now you have to worry about packing it up and getting it there in one piece. Some foods—mac and cheese, cookies—travel well. But others, such as pies with delicate crusts and hors d’oeuvres, can easily get smooshed or slide off a serving dish and onto a driveway. To make sure your dishes arrive safely, try these wrapping tricks from the test-kitchen experts at Consumer Reports plus Julie Carrion, executive chef at The Kitchen at Billings Forge in Hartford, Conn., and Cyd McDowell, a food stylist.

Sides and salads
Even dishes that travel well, such as roasted or puréed veggies, need some TLC for transport. (Forget about salad greens, which can wilt, and boiled or steamed vegetables, which can suffer in reheating.) The key: Make sure to tape down pot lids. Blue painter’s tape won’t leave sticky stuff behind. And a drawer liner that grips can keep dishes from sliding around in your car.

Deviled eggs
Can’t get those eggs to sit still? To steady them (and other wobbly food) during transit, layer three damp paper towels on a tray and place eggs on top close together. Pack the tray in a cooler and keep it flat, not on the car’s backseat, which tilts.

Crudites
To keep veggies in place on a car trip, use what the pros call a caterer’s wrap. Instead of putting a sheet of plastic wrap over the dish, place the dish on top of the wrap, then twist the wrap as many times as you think necessary to hold everything down. Wrap the dip separately and arrange it on the platter at the party.

Casseroles
For keeping a dish warm while you travel, you can try a couple of things. If you go to a lot of potluck events, consider buying an insulated casserole carrier; they cost about $15 and up. You can also line a cooler with towels, tuck your dish in, and then place extra towels around it for insulation and to help keep it steady for the trip.
Bonus: The towels can also sop up any spills if something leaks. Just keep the cooler closed to hold the heat inside. No cooler? Cradle the dish in towels and put it in a flat-bottomed box to avoid tipping. Or spring for a slow cooker with a locking lid.

Pies
If you don’t have a special carrier, cover it with a metal pie plate secured with aluminum foil. For a pie with a delicate crust, cover it with a bowl taped to a baking sheet to keep it from sliding.

Cupcakes
If you make them a lot, a cupcake carrier with a plastic lid is a great way to keep frosting from getting squished during a sharp turn or from plastic wrap.
Bonus: A carrier can also do double duty as a dip-and-sauce transporter. If you don’t have room to store one, Carrion suggests investing in baking pans with snap-on lids. Or save the clamshell containers from store-bought cupcakes to tote your own.

Cakes
Sheet cakes are the way to go; the flat shape and low center of gravity ensure safer transport. (Layers—and height in general—are a recipe for disaster.) But if a single layer won’t do, try this food stylist’s trick: Dab a tablespoon of jam on a serving plate, then assemble the cake on top. That helps to keep it from sliding. And put long wooden skewers through the layers to keep them intact and prevent plastic wrap from smudging the frosting.

—Adapted from ShopSmart

For more ideas and inspiration, check our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll find plenty of recommendations for gifts that performed well in Consumer Reports tests.

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

Consumer Reports is known for putting products to the test, but we’re equally committed to scrutinizing the policies and practices of the companies who make those goods as well as supermarkets, airlines, ticket sellers, hotels, and other retailers and service providers.

The release of our fifth annual Naughty & Nice list of consumer-friendly and not-so-friendly policies is timed to coincide with Black Friday, when spending takes center stage. Shoppers are particularly vulnerable during the hectic holiday season. There’s no more important time to be vigilant about how and where you spend your money.

The list, based on input from Consumer Reports experts and presented in alphabetical order, is neither an endorsement nor a criticism of an overall company. In other words, we’re not covering the companies themselves. Rather, it’s a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on a specific policy or practice that we believe helps or hinders consumers. In previous lists, companies such as Amazon and Southwest Airlines, for example, have landed on the positive side one year and the negative side another.

What company policies or practices make your personal Naughty & Nice list? Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter (#CRNaughtyNice) and let us know what you think.

—Tod Marks

Check our Naughty & Nice lists from 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

AT&T

The Federal Trade Commission sued the company for allegedly misleading millions of smartphone users who signed up for unlimited data plans, claiming the carrier failed to adequately disclose that data speeds would be dramatically slower if customers exceeded a certain amount of data in a billing cycle, a practice known as “throttling,” which Consumers Union strongly opposes. According to the suit, AT&T slashed speeds by as much as 90 percent, making common activities like web browsing, streaming video, and GPS navigation difficult or nearly impossible. AT&T insists the allegations are baseless and says it has been completely upfront and transparent with customers. The case has yet to be resolved.
 

Dillard’s

The department store won’t give price adjustments as a matter of policy, for either online or in-store purchases.
 

Hearthware Inc./NuWave

Hearthware markets the popular NuWave infrared oven, sold primarily by infomercial (but also at stores such as Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond). The company has an F rating from the Better Business Bureau for misleading consumers regarding exorbitant shipping fees. We checked out the site and discovered that shipping fees can exceed some of the accessories themselves.
 

M&T Bank

The Buffalo, N.Y.-based bank, with hundreds of branches mostly in the Northeast, advertised “no strings attached” free checking accounts, but didn’t bother to tell them about key eligibility requirements. Oops. When consumers failed to meet the requirements, M&T automatically switched them to accounts with fees. For that deception, the bank will have to refund $2.9 million to the approximately 59,000 consumers who were duped, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a government watchdog group, and pay a $200,000 penalty. “Although M&T promised people free checking, tens of thousands of consumers ended up paying for a product they had thought was free,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “This is an important reminder to all banks and credit unions that they cannot misstate to consumers whether a financial product or service is free."
 

Marriott

The Federal Communications Commission slammed the hotel chain with a $600,000 fine for violating the law by jamming mobile hotspots at its Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, so guests couldn’t log onto to their personal networks. At the same time, the hotel charged from $250 to $1,000 per device to use the Gaylord’s Wi-Fi service in the conference facilities. “Consumers who purchase cellular data plans should be able to use them without fear that their personal Internet connection will be blocked by their hotel or conference center,” said FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Travis LeBlanc. “It is unacceptable for any hotel to intentionally disable personal hotspots while also charging consumers and small businesses high fees to use the hotel’s own Wi-Fi network. This practice puts consumers in the untenable position of either paying twice for the same service or forgoing Internet access altogether.”

Overstock.com

If you’re in the market for a big-screen television, Overstock might not be your top choice: No returns, no refunds on television sets 37 inches and larger, the policy says. The company advises customers to “carefully inspect the package” when it arrives and refuse delivery if you spot damage or defects. But what if you don’t notice a problem until you unpack the set, set it up, and plug it in? Overstock says take it up with the manufacturer.
 

Spirit Airlines

The low-priced carrier, which famously nickels and dimes passengers for everything aside from the basic ticket, has hiked baggage fees by $2 per bag for the holiday season. They characterize the fee as “temporary.” Humbug! (Read more about airline fees.)
 

Victoria’s Secret

In yet another reminder that Big Brother is watching, the lingerie chain has a warning for those contemplating a merchandise return: “In select stores, a government-issued ID is required for all returns and exchanges. Victoria's Secret will electronically scan this ID for the sole purpose of preventing return abuse.” We contacted the company to ask for an explanation of “select stores” and how capturing such information would prevent abuse but didn’t get a response.
 

Yelp

The user-review website, which invites customers to rate their experience with local businesses, was slapped with a $450,000 civil penalty by the Federal Trade Commission because it collected personal information from children through its mobile-device app without first notifying parents and obtaining their consent, a violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC said that between 2009 and 2013, Yelp gathered names, e-mail addresses, and locations, among other information from “several thousand” children even after they registered and indicated they were under age 13. According to the FTC complaint, Yelp did not adequately test its apps to ensure that underage users were prohibited from registering. The COPPA requires that companies collecting information about children under 13 online follow steps to ensure that children’s information is protected, including clearly disclosing how the information is used directly to parents and seeking verifiable parental consent before collecting any information from a child.
 

Zales

The cost of borrowing from your favorite retailers is on the rise. The average APR is now 23.23 percent, according to tracker CreditCards.com. That's more than 8 points higher than the national average for general-purpose cards. However, the award for the single highest retailer APR goes to jewelry chain Zales, whose borrowing rate is 28.99, the most of any large merchant in the survey.

Visit our Holiday Gift Ideas page for for deal information, product reviews, money- and time-saving tips, and more.

CVS

More than 7,700 CVS pharmacies became tobacco-free as of Sept. 3. "CVS Health is always looking for ways to promote health and reduce the burden of disease," Troyen A. Brennan, the company’s chief medical officer, said. Putting an end to the sale of cigarettes and tobacco will make a significant difference in reducing the chronic illnesses associated with tobacco use." In addition, the pharmacy chain has launched a high-profile smoking cessation program and enhanced its selection of nicotine replacement products in select stores.

Discover

We’re always urging consumers to be vigilant about checking their credit scores. Discover made it easier by becoming the first major credit-card issuer to provide free FICO scores on monthly statements of qualifying cardholders. The data is from TransUnion, one of the big-three credit reporting agencies. “We think Discover customers deserve to have ready access to this information and should not have to go through hurdles to get it,” said Julie Loeger, senior vice president of brand and acquisition.

Esurance

The insurance company’s mobile app speeds up the claims process for fender benders. “With photo claims, there's no need to wait for an appraiser to come out and inspect the damage,” the company said. Customers involved in minor mishaps can upload accident photos and usually receive a repair estimate within one business day. “In the old days (say, circa 1990, before the boom of the Internet and the birth of mobile apps), getting your car back on the road meant filing a claim over the phone, scheduling an inspection, and waiting for your check in the mail. But today you can start a claim, snap a few pics with your smart phone, upload them for an appraisal using photo claims, and get your money fast.” (Read more about car insurance.)

JetBlue

The carrier has a generous price-adjustment policy. If you notice a fare drop for your flight within 14 days of booking, you can call the airline (800-538-2583) and receive a JetBlue credit of the difference in fare. If you notice a lower fare 15 days or more after booking, JetBlue will issue a credit for the difference minus $75. One nitpick: We wish the airline would promote the policy on its website.

Sam’s Club

Walmart’s warehouse club has a novel guarantee on its perishables—fresh meat, produce, and baked goods. If members don’t love the food, the chain will refund double their money or exchange the product and still refund the purchase price.

Starbucks

More than 70 percent of Starbucks’ employees are students or aspiring students, and the company is offering them the opportunity to finish their bachelor’s degree with full tuition reimbursement. Full- or part-time, benefits-eligible workers can choose from among 40 undergraduate-degree programs through Arizona State University’s online program. The program is open to employees at all the company’s businesses including Teavana, La Boulange, Evolution Fresh, and Seattle's Best Coffee. And they’re not obligated to continue working for the company after graduation.

StubHub

We dislike come-ons that tout a low up-front price that balloons with fees only after you enter your personal and payment information at the end of the checkout process. The ticket reseller has committed itself to price transparency from the get-go. “The price you see listed on StubHub is the final price you’ll pay—for every game, concert, or show you want to attend. Every ticket. Every day. On StubHub, we believe you deserve to know how much your tickets will cost upfront, and that's why no additional fees will be added to the price. Not even delivery charges. It's that simple.”

Tesla Motors

Cars have become incredibly complex, relying on elaborate computer systems to control virtually all aspects of behavior. The software that goes into those computers can require you take the car to the dealership for periodic updating. Not with Tesla. The innovative manufacturer regularly beams updates to every vehicle's telematics system, identifying and activating new features that can enhance driving enjoyment. We were particularly impressed by a neat feature beamed into our test Tesla. It allows the navigation system to memorize the location of a road impediment, say, a steep approach to your driveway, and automatically adjusts the air suspension so the bottom of the car doesn’t scrape.

UPS

Few things are as aggravating during the holidays as missing a package delivery because you’re not home or having to travel out of the way to drop off a package. Enter UPS Access Point, an innovative service from UPS that allows customers to drop off and drivers to deliver goods to a safe, preapproved nearby location—The UPS Store, supermarket, convenience store, and the like. The service offers the convenience of evening and weekend pickup. And there’s little chance for skullduggery because a government-issued photo ID or a mobile device is required for pickup. Widely available in Europe, the Access Point network is now in New York City and Chicago and will expand rapidly to cover key U.S. markets during 2015. (Read more about holiday shipping and the cost of expedited shipping.)

Whole Foods

A Consumer Reports poll earlier this year revealed that 92 percent of Americans want to know on the label if their food is genetically modified. As many states are considering such labeling laws, Whole Foods became the first national grocery chain to commit to mandatory labeling of products that include GMOs. The company already labels many products, but will require transparency among all such products by 2018. (Learn how to be a smarter supermarket shopper.)

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

Throwing a holiday party has got to rank up there with running around buying gifts and dealing with your in-laws as a top source of seasonal stress. Stop fretting! Consumer Reports test kitchens have come up with five tasty, easy appetizer recipes to serve at your holiday gathering that you can pull together quickly. If you're hosting dinner, make one or two to nibble on before your meal. If you're having people over for drinks and appetizers, make all five. Don't feel like cooking? Consumer Reports has tasted heat-and-eat finger food, vegetable chips, and Greek yogurt dips, guacamole, hummus, and other dips. Set up a bar with soft drinks and wine, and all that's left for you to do is celebrate. We can also help you take the stress out of gift shopping, but, sorry, you'll have to come up with your own strategies for handling your in-laws!

Caramelized Onion Dip With Chives

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds Vidalia onions, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup Greek non-fat yogurt

4 ounces Neufchatel cheese

1/4 cup chopped chives

Vegetables for dipping, such as endive, radicchio, and red and orange pepper strips

Pita chips for dipping

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes until onions are browned and caramelized. Cool.

2. Place yogurt and cheese in a large bowl and mix well. Add cooled onions and chives and stir until blended.

3. Serve with vegetables and pita chips.

Cheese Straws With Fennel Seed And Rosemary

1 cup grated Asiago cheese

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 sheets (1 17.3 ounce box frozen puff pastry, defrosted overnight in the fridge.

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix together cheeses and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle cheese mixture on work surface; top with puff pastry and roll out into two 10x13-inch rectangles, pressing dough into cheese to adhere.

2. Sprinkle one sheet of dough with the rosemary and the other with the fennel seed; press gently with a rolling pin to adhere.

3. Using a pastry cutter, trim sides to form two 9x12-inch rectangles. Cut puff pastry in 3/4-inch-thick strips. Twist each strip and arranged on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool on a wire rack and serve at room temperature.

Baked Apricot Brie

1 small Brie cheese (7 to 8 ounces)

2 tablespoons apricot preserves

2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard

2 tablespoons pistachio nuts, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 365° F. Place Brie in an overproof dish; heat 10 to 15 minutes, until warmed through. Mix preserves and mustard in a small bowl.

2. Remove cheese from oven and turn broiler to high. Spoon apricot mixture onto the center of the cheese and top with pistachios; broil 30 to 45 seconds (nuts should be slightly browned). With a spatula, carefully transfer the cheese to a serving plate. Serve immediately.

Not-Your-Usual Veggie Platter With Greek Yogurt Dip

Store-bought Greek yogurt dip

Assorted vegetables  

    Radishes, cut off tops and leave whole

    Baby artichokes, marinated in herbs and olive oil, then grilled

    Fennel, stalks trimmed and bulb sliced into 1/4-inch wedges

    Kohlrabi, peeled and cut into thin cracker-like rounds

    Jicama, peeled and cut into long, thin sticks (drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning)

1. Spoon dip into a small decorative bowl. Place in the center of a large platter.

2. Arrange the vegetables around the bowl of dip. Serve.

Baked Salmon Croquettes with Lemon-Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce

1 can (14.75 oz) Alaska Salmon, drained, bones and skin removed

¾ cup panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 egg white

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1. Heat oven to 425 °F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. In large bowl, combine salmon, ½ cup panko, mayonnaise, red pepper, green onions, egg white, lemon juice, Old Bay and Dijon mustard. Stir gently until well combined.

3. Shape mixture with hands into 16 1 1/2-inch patties.  Coat gently in remaining ¼ cup panko crumbs. Place on prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake 12 minutes, turning once until heated through and lightly browned.

Lemon-Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Pinch salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients in small bowl until combined. Serve with Salmon Croquettes.

Don't feel like cooking? Consumer Reports has tasted heat-and-eat appetizers, vegetable chips, and Greek yogurt dips, guacamole,  hummus, and other dips. We also have tips on throwing a party without busting your budget, serving a healthier holiday dinner, and staying slim during holiday-party season.

Not sure where to begin with getting health insurance? Our free interactive tool, Health Law Helper, will point you in the right direction.

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

Style doesn't factor into the final assessment of the toasters we test—we're more concerned about how well they make toast. But our testers, editors, and market analysts all agree that the Bella Linea Collection 2-slice toaster is the most eye-catching model to pass through our labs in a long time. Not only that, it also makes a pretty decent batch of toast, and at $20, it's one of the best-priced models in Consumer Reports' toaster Ratings.

The Bella Linea Collection all-metal toaster comes in an array of bright finishes that will add a pop of color to any countertop. Most of the hues have a nostalgic quality, including the teal we tested and the lime green and cinnamon red (orange, white, gray, pink, and purple round out the expressive palette). The ribbed design of the toaster's sidewalls adds to its retro feel.

As for performance, Bella's two-slice toaster narrowly missed our recommended list, but it delivered solid marks across the board. It makes consistent batches of evenly browned toast, ranging from dark to light, depending on your preference. Single-slice toasting, which some toasters struggle with, is also very good. And it offers several helpful features, including bagel, reheat, and defrost settings, as well as a removable crumb tray. 

Bottom line: if you're looking for a capable toaster that will also make a design statement in your kitchen, and you don't want to spend, say $250 on the Magimix Vision Toaster from Williams-Sonoma, the Bella Linea Collection 2-slice toaster is worth a look. You might even say it's one of the best things since sliced bread.

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)                                 

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

Whirpool claims that two of its dishwashers, the Whirlpool WDT920SADM, $720, and the Whirlpool WDT720PADM, $460, "clean quietly" yet when you dig into the specs for each model the lower-priced dishwasher is 5 decibels (dBA) louder. But indeed, in Consumer Reports' dishwasher noise tests, both models received the same very good score. What’s going on?

The pricier Whirlpool WDT920SADM is noticeably noisier for a few minutes during the draining portion of its 160-minute cycle. But the reason the models score the same for noise relates to a common gripe about dishwashers—long cycle times.

A little background: The industry-standard test, conducted by Owens-Corning, measures a dishwasher’s noise over the total cycle time, including about 20 to 30 minutes for heated drying. Our own tests use that score, plus subjective judgments from a panel of "listeners" to arrive at a dishwasher’s noise score.

Both tests, in fact, are influenced by cycle time. Even fairly quiet dishwashers can have moments when you might have trouble carrying on a kitchen conversation. But if you average out those few minutes over, say, a three-hour cycle, the model can still achieve an impressive noise score because the noisy segment is just a smidgen of the total time.

Larry Ciufo, lead tester for dishwashers at Consumer Reports, explains it best: “If you’re standing on a residential street for three hours and the only loud sound is the few seconds that a jet roars by overhead, you’d still say it’s a pretty quiet street.”

The bottom line
Don’t pay more for a dishwasher just because its manufacturer claims it's quieter. Our judgments from actual listening, along with the manufacturer specs, mean more in your kitchen than a dBA rating alone.

Dishwashers that score excellent in our noise tests are quiet throughout the cycle, without exception. From among our recommended dishwashers that are superb at washing, the quietest include the KitchenAid KDTM354DS, $1,200, and the Kenmore Elite 12793, $1,050. For more choices see our full dishwasher Ratings and recommendations.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

It’s no coincidence that garbage disposals often break on Thanksgiving Day—or that the day after is Roto-Rooter’s busiest of the year. Poultry skin, potato peels, rice, celery, fats, and pumpkin pulp are clog culprits; it’s better to toss them in the garbage or compost what you can.

Liquid grease solidifies when it cools, coating and clogging pipes. Collect grease in a jar and throw it away. In most cases if the disposal is broken and clogged, the sink won’t drain easily. So reach for a small hand-crank plumbing snake to push debris into the branch drain line, or try a plunger (accordion-style ones worked best in Consumer Reports' past tests). Cans of pressurized gas, sold at home centers and online, worked even better.

For a double sink, put a drain cover over the drain you’re not plunging to allow the pressure you’re creating to work. Drain cleaner should be the last resort, and if it doesn’t do the trick, let a plumber know that it’s in the line so that he can protect himself against its caustic lye.

To avoid hanging out with your plumber this holiday weekend consider these clog-preventing tips from Roto-Rooter.

• Don't put fats or cooking oils down drains.
  
• Do remove grease from pans with paper towels then toss.
  
• Don't put stringy, fibrous, or starchy waste in your garbage disposal.
  
• Do make sure the disposal is running when you toss in food.
  
• Don't wait until disposal is full to use it.
  
• Do ask weekend guests to wait 10 minutes between showers so slower drains have time to drain.
  
• Don't flush cotton balls or swabs down the toilet. They cause clogs since they don't dissolve.

And always ask your plumber if there's an extra holiday service fee. If you need a new garbage disposal, check our Ratings. Our past tests found some standouts. And in our toilet tests, we found some excellent models that resist clogging and still save water.

—Kimberly Janeway

For more coping strategies, consult our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll also find plenty of suggestions for gifts that were top performers in Consumer Reports' tests.

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

Our new Ultimate Gift Ideas video takes you on a customized tour inside Consumer Reports, where you can choose your own path from an interactive map featuring the Food & Fitness Lab, the Great Outdoors Lab, the Electronics Lab, and the Auto Test Center. Each lab in our first-ever interactive video includes our experts’ advice on top-rated gifts, including the latest electronics devices, must-have cars, eco-friendly lawn and yard gear, calorie-burning exercise equipment, and more.

In this holiday guide video, you’ll also find bonus features inside each lab, including tips on being a savvy coffee drinker (from Gregory Zamfotis, of Gregorys Coffee) and recommendations for some unusual foods to grill (from celebrity chef Justin Chapple, of Food & Wine magazine). You’ll also get a sneak peak into our lab-testing science.

Visit our 2014 holiday guide for tips on making the most of your celebrations.

The interactive gift guide video is one of the ways we’re helping you engage with Consumer Reports’ unique, expert content in new ways. (To ensure a smooth viewing experience, please make sure you’ve updated your Web browser.)

Enjoy the tour, and happy holidays!

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

A new generator champion for clean, ample power—plus Ratings of Kohler’s first portable generators ever—highlight Consumer Reports' latest tests of portable generators, which brings our total of tested generators to 45 portable and stationary models.

Second only to our top-Rated, 5,500-watt Honda EU7000is, $4,000, which is an especially quiet inverter generator, the Ridgid RD906812B, $1,000 at Home Depot, edged out the Honda for power delivery in our demanding tests. But it has another claim to fame: a removable console that lets you plug in devices, monitor usage, and even start and stop the engine from within your home.

We’ve seen this feature before, in the Troy-Bilt XP7000 30477, $900, that we’ve tested in the past. While that model includes the 25-foot power cord needed to monitor the generator from indoors—it’s extra for the Ridgid—only the Ridgid lets you turn the generator on or off from the console. We didn’t get to try starting the generator cold from the console, but we know the power-off works as claimed. Still, we recommend you have a transfer switch installed to more safely power what you need.

Right behind the Ridgid with similar performance is the 6,300-watt Kohler PRO7.5E, $1,400, one of two we tested from Kohler’s new series, the company’s first generators that aren’t stationary models. The Kohler offers many of the same features as the Ridgid, such as electric start, fuel shutoff (prevents leaks and keeps fuel from getting trapped in the fuel system and spoiling during storage), and low-oil shutoff, which protects the engine from overheating if the oil level dips too low. What it has over the Ridgid is a fuel gauge.

Another we liked, the BlackMax BM90700B, has a Honda engine and is rated at 7,000 watts. It’s sold exclusively at Sam’s Club for $1,000. The BlackMax also matches the Ridgid for the above features, right down to the lack of a fuel gauge. One interesting bit of advice from the company’s website: “Use pure gas if available. Ethanol = poor engine performance.” We’ve made similar warnings, though using ethanol-free fuel alone can get expensive. That model in particular would use 12 to 17 gallons of gasoline if run continuously over the course of a day.

Need less wattage than the top-scoring portable generators offer? The other Kohler we tested, the Kohler PRO5.2E, $1,300, ranked lower in our Ratings but mostly because of its 4,500-watt capacity, which resulted in only a fair score for power delivery. Its power quality was as clean as the best we tested, and it offers a fuel gauge along with the electric start, fuel shutoff, and low-oil shutoff of the others. One potential turnoff: You get more wattage and pay hundreds less.

The four new models join our generator Ratings of dozens of models. Before buying a generator, see our buying guide and determine your needs with the help of an electrician. For a stationary model, you might also need a permit from your town or other municipality. A professional installer should be able to take care of that paperwork for you.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

Cable isn’t a luxury, argues Jan Thacher; it’s a lifeline. Indeed, as broadband Internet and home phone connections are increasingly bundled into cable packages, the service is more than just a way to watch TV; it’s a link to loved ones and to vital health and financial services. With the cost of cable rising at four times the rate of inflation, Thacher and others on fixed incomes fear that they’ll have to cut the cord.

For years, Thacher discussed his concerns with his neighbors in Philipstown, N.Y. Last August one of them, Nina Pidala, saw the town supervisor in a supermarket parking lot and learned that the area’s Cablevision contract was up for renegotiation. She and Thacher drew up a petition calling for a low, flat rate for seniors and disabled residents on fixed incomes. Just three weeks later, they delivered 500 signatures to the town board’s meeting. Most of the people who signed, Thacher says, were frustrated with the cost of cable but felt they had little recourse. Their local government, like many others, grants only one company access to utility poles and lines.

This fall Thacher and Pidala took part in a meeting with town officials and Cablevision reps. “We always welcome feedback, and are pleased to take part in this dialogue with the residents of Philips­town,” the company said in a statement.

As the conversation continues, Thacher hopes his community will be heard. “Perhaps they haven’t given much thought to the elderly,” he says. “We’ve paid into their system the longest and we’ve been devoted customers—choice or not.”

Know a consumer hero? Fill us in on the advocacy champions you admire most. Write to us at heroeswatchdogs@cr.consumer.org.

Tell congress to protect kids from lilquid nicotine

The popularity of electronic cigarettes has jumped in the last three years, and so has the number of children sickened by liquid nicotine through either ingestion or skin contact. Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, is pushing for a federal mandate that requires childproof packaging for the nicotine. Go to opencongress.org and ask your lawmakers to join the fight.

Stop medical bills from wrecking your credit

You may be holding out for an insurance reimbursement, but unpaid medical debt can be quickly moved to a collection agency, causing a major dent in the most pristine financial records—even after the charge is settled. Turn to page 12 for tips on fixing your credit, then help us pressure Capitol Hill for real reform. Tell us about your medical debt at ConsumersUnion.org/share-your-story.

The win: New rules will make blinds safer

About once per month, a child in the U.S. dies from being strangled with a cord from a window covering. Believing manufacturers should do more, Consumers Union and other groups successfully persuaded the Consumer Product Safety Commission to start developing rules. Learn more at cpsc.gov.

This article also appeared in the January 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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

The American supermarket may be having a midlife crisis. Gone are the days when a weekly outing to one store for all household needs was the norm. Not surprisingly, supermarket sales have plunged about 13 percent over the past 20 years, according to Mintel, a research company in Chicago.

Where are all of the shoppers going? To discount megastores, warehouse clubs, organic groceries, and the like. In fact, big-box shops have more than gobbled up the gap, with their food-retail sales jumping almost 14 percent in the same time frame.

With that smorgasbord of options, shoppers are taking advantage of the full buffet: hitting one store for bread and milk, another for produce, and a third for paper products. Roughly 50 percent of American shoppers say they visit at least five types of retailers, according to a 2014 report from Information Resources, a research firm in Chicago.

While you’re at the megastore, it may be tempting to throw a few rolls of the house-brand toilet paper into the cart along with the pint of Ben & Jerry’s—after all, store brands are an average 22 percent cheaper than national lines. But is that the smartest choice? That’s where Consumer Reports comes in.

We decided to create the ultimate shopping list of the products you use most. We tested hundreds of everyday items, including food, paper goods, cleaners, and more. Quite often, store brands proved almost as good as, if not better than, their name-brand counterparts.

To find out the winners and losers, download a PDF of our must-have shopping guide and this breakdown of store brands vs. name brands.

Check our past coverage of what to get and what to forget at Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, and Target.

Like it? Get it now!

If you have a beloved product, know that it might not be there the next time you shop. Indeed, one common complaint about Costco is that favorite items suddenly disappear. “If the item has an asterisk above the Costco price, it’s being replaced by different stock,” writes our Facebook friend Gary Kulak. Also pay attention to the price itself. If it ends in “.97,” the item has been marked down and could move quickly.

Split bulk orders

You might not be able to get through that 10-pound bag of carrots on your own, but there’s no reason you can’t split it, along with the cost, with a friend or relative. Warehouse-club shoppers also report big savings by upgrading to premium membership plans with cash-back rewards. “I love my annual rebate check that more than pays for my yearly membership,” says Facebook friend Susan Dunlap.

Balance out your spending

“I do most of my shopping at Whole Foods and Costco,” writes Edward Zelnis, another Facebook friend. “ The extra money I spend on fresh food at Whole Foods is more than offset by the money I save on everything else at Costco.”

Know where the deals are

Our latest Consumer Reports supermarket survey of more than 27,000 readers found that certain chains have consistently lower prices. They include warehouse clubs Costco and Sam’s Club; and supermarkets Aldi, Fareway Stores, Market Basket (Northeast), Save-A-Lot, ShopRite, Stater Bros., Trader Joe’s, and WinCo.

Compare unit prices

The shelf tags below products let you know which package size—by ounce, quart, or sheet—is the best deal, our experts say. Bigger tends to be cheaper, but not always.

Beat retailers at their own game

Stores try lure customers with weekly specials on staples, such as soda and paper towels, and raise prices on other goods to offset these “loss leaders.” Stock up on the discounted items and pass on the overpriced stuff. Another store trick is quantity-based promotions, for example “Five cans for $5.” You can usually just buy the one can for $1.

Check the return policy

“I love Costco’s return policy,” says Face­book friend Elizabeth Nieves. Many items can be returned at any time. Sam’s Club has the same policy, and it goes one better on fresh meat, seafood, bakery items, and produce, offering a 200 percent money-back guarantee if you’re not fully satisfied. Certain supermarket chains, including Bi-Lo, do the same; Hannaford backs its store brands with a twice-your-money-back guarantee—proof that retailers are putting more stock in their store brands.

This article also appeared in the January 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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