Your kitchen may be the center of your holiday activities, but be careful—it’s also where most house fires start. And the peak day for home cooking fires is Thanksgiving, when we’re often distracted by friends and family as we’re trying to get the big feast on the table.

“Unattended cooking is the top cause of fires in the home,” says Elliot F. Kaye, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. And fires can be deadly; the greatest risk isn’t from burns but from inhaling smoke and toxic gases.

These tips from the CPSC will help make sure you don’t become a statistic on turkey day:

How to prevent a cooking fire

• Stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on your cooking.
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
• Turn pan handles toward the back of the stove to prevent children and others from spilling a pan’s scalding contents onto themselves.
• Keep curtains, towels, and pot holders away from hot surfaces, and store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources.
• Watch children closely so they don’t come into contact with cooking food or hot stovetops.

How to put out a cooking fire

• Call the fire department (911) immediately.
• Slide a pan lid over flames to smother a grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools. Never carry the pan outside.
• Extinguish other food fires with baking soda. Never use water or flour on cooking fires.
• Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure you have the right type.

In addition, keep a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher in your home. If you do get burned while cooking, follow these tips from the National Safety Council. 

Thinking about frying your bird this year? Don’t use an outdoor propane-powered fryer because they are just too dangerous. Instead, consider an electric fryer designed for indoor use. If you want to cook your turkey outdoors, buy a smaller bird (up to 16 pounds) and grill in a covered charcoal or gas grill using a drip pan. 

—Sue Byrne

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.

Forget those silly doorbusters, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Sears are having some serious sales this weekend that can make it worth braving the crowds. All three retailers are featuring significant sales on some of Consumer Reports’ top-rated large appliances. With discounts of up to 40 percent you can save thousands on a refrigerator, range, washing machine, or other large appliance that has aced our tests. Here are some of the great deals we found on their websites. Prices are from the retailers and are rounded to the nearest $5. Keep in mind that availability may vary from store to store.

Home Depot is offering 25 to 40 percent off select appliances, which include some of our top-performing refrigerators, ranges, and washing machines. In addition, the retailer is offering graduated discounts when you buy two or more appliances starting at $50 for two items and $450 if you buy six. Here are some of our top picks. Check the model pages for more details.

Refrigerators

• LG LFC24770ST 3-door bottom freezer: $1,540 from $1,900
• LG LDC24370ST 2-door bottom freezer: $1,630 from $1,800
• Samsung RF28HDEDBSR 3-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $2,400
• Samsung RF25HMEDBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $3,000
• Samsung T9000 RF32FMQDBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $2,800 from $4,000
• Samsung RS22HDHPNSR side-by-side: $1,600 from $2,400
• Samsung RF30HDEDTSR 3-door bottom freezer: $2,300 from $3,800
• Samsung RF26HFPNBSR 3-door bottom freezer: $1,300 from $2,200
• Samsung RF323TEDB[SR] 3-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $3,400
• SamsungRS22HDHPNSR side-by-side: $1,600 from $2,400
• SamsungRH29H9000SR side-by-side: $1,900 from $3,000
• Whirlpool WRB322DMBM 2-door bottom freezer: $1,000 from $1,400

Ranges

• LG LDE3037ST electric smoothtop: $1,300 from $1,700
• LG LRE3083SW electric smoothtop: $700 from $1,000
• Samsung NX58H9500WS gas: $1,500 from $2,500
• Samsung NE58F9710WS electric smoothtop: $1,500 from $2,300
• Samsung NX58F5700WS gas: $1,100 from $1,700
• Samsung NX58F5500SS gas: $600 from $1,000

Dishwashers

• KitchenAid KDTM354DSS: $1,200 from $1,655

Microwaves

• GE JVM7195SFSS over-the-range: $250 from $400
• LG LMH2235ST over-the-range: $320 from $450
  

Washing machines

• LG WT5680HVA HE top-loader: $850 from $1,200
• LG WM8000H[V]A front-loader: $1,100 from $1,600
• Maytag Maxima MHW5100DW front-loader: $700 from $1,000
• LG WT1701CV HE top-loader: $945 from $1,050
• LG WT1001CW HE top-loader: $585 from $650
• Samsung WF56H9100AG front-loader: $1,100 from $1,700
• Samsung WA56H9000AP HE top-loader: $1,000 from $1,500
  

Electric dryers

• LG DLEX8000[V] $1,100 from $1,600
• Samsung DV56H9100EG $1,100 from $1,700
• Samsung DV56H9000EP $1,000 from $1,500

At Lowe’s you can find appliances marked down 40 percent with free delivery and haul-away. You’ll see some of the same models at the same prices at Lowe's as you do at Home Depot and Sears so shop at the store nearest you. You’ll find full details on the model pages.

Refrigerators

• LG LFC24770ST 3-door bottom freezer: $1,540 from $1,900
• LG LFX31925[ST] 3-door bottom freezer: $2,900 from $3,200
• LG LDC24370ST 2-door bottom freezer: $1,620 from $1,800
• Samsung RF323TEDBSR 3-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $3,400
• Samsung RF31FMESBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $3,420 from $3,800
• Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4 4-door bottom freezer: $4,700 from $5,200
• Samsung T9000 RF32FMQDBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $2,800 from $4,000
• SamsungRF25HMEDBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $3,300
• SamsungRF31FMESBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $3,400 from $3,800
• SamsungRS25H5121SR side-by-side: $1,700 from $1,900
• SamsungRS22HDHPNSR side-by-side: $1,600 from $2,400
• Whirlpool WRB322DMBM 2-door bottom freezer: $1,000 from $1,400
  

Ranges

• FrigidaireFGEF302TNF electric smoothtop: $1,260 from $1,400
• FrigidaireFGEF308TNF electric smoothtop: $1,620 from $1,800
• Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3032MW gas: $765 from $850
• KitchenAidKDRS407VSS pro-style: $4,050 from $4,500
• KitchenAidKDRU763VSS pro-style: $7,200 from $8,000
• KitchenAidKDRS505XSS gas: $2,200 from $2,500
• LG LDE3037ST electric smoothtop: $1,300 from $1,700
• LG LRE3083SW electric smoothtop: $855 from $950
• LG LRG3091SW gas: $945 from $1.050
• SamsungNE58H9970WS induction: $3,600 from $4,000
• Samsung NX58H9500WS gas: $1,500 from $2,500
• Samsung NX58F5500SS gas: $600 from $900
  

Dishwashers

• Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC: $540 from $600
• Bosch 500 Series SHP65T55UC: $810 from $900
• Bosch 800 Series SHE68T55UC: $855 frim $950
• KitchenAidKDTM354DSS: $1,080 from $1,200
• KitchenAidKDFE454CSS: $1,350 from $1,500
  

Washing machines

• GE GTWN5650FWS agitator washer: $630 from $720
• LG WM8500HVA front-loader: $1,440 from $1,600
• LG WT5680HVA HE top-loader: $1,080 from $1,200
• LG WT1701CV HE top-loader: $990 from $1,100
• Maytag Maxima XL MHW8000AG front-loader: $1,300 from $1,450
• Maytag Maxima MHW5100DW front-loader: $700 from $1,000
• SamsungWF56H9100AG $1,100 from $1,700
• Samsung WA56H9000AP HE top-loader: $1,000 from $1,500
• Whirlpool WTW4850BW agitator washer: $520 from $580
  

Electric dryers

• LG DLEX8500V: $1,440 from $1,600
• Samsung DV56H9100EG: $1,100 from $1,700
• Samsung DV56H9000EP: $1,000 from $1,500
• SamsungDV50F9A8EVP: $1,080 from $1,200
  

Known for its own Kenmore brand, Sears is offering up to 30 percent off select appliances including some of our top-performing dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines. You’ll also find models from Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool in the mix. Check the model pages for more details.

Refrigerators

• Kenmore 7160[3] 3-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $2,200
• Kenmore Elite 72193 3-door bottom freezer: $2,700 from $4,600
• Kenmore Elite 71313 3-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $2,380
• Kenmore Elite 79043 2-door bottom freezer: $1,800 from $2,100
• Kenmore Elite 79023 2-door bottom freezer: $1,700 from $2,000
• Kenmore 69313 2-door bottom freezer: $700 from $1,600
• LG LFC24770ST 3-door bottom freezer: $1,540 from $1,900
• LG LDC24370ST 2-door bottom freezer: $1,620 from $1,800
• Samsung T9000 RF32FMQDBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $2,800 from $4,000
• Samsung RF31FMESBSR 4-door bottom freezer: $3,400 from $3,800
• Samsung RF28HDEDBSR 3-door bottom freezer: $1,900 from $3,300
• Whirlpool WRB322DMBM 2-door bottom freezer: $1,000 from $1,400
  

Ranges

• Kenmore 94142 electric coil top: $400 from $630
• Kenmore 95073 induction smoothtop: $1,700 from $2,000
• Kenmore 74132 gas: $650 from $900
• KitchenAidKDRS407VSS pro-style: $4.050 from $4,500
• KitchenAidKDRU763VSS pro-style: $7,200 from $8,000
• KitchenAidKDRS505XSS gas: $2,200 from $2,500
• LG LDE3037ST electric smoothtop: $1,300 from $1,700
• LG LRE3083SW electric smoothtop: $855 from $950
• SamsungNE58F9710WS electric smoothtop: $1,500 from $2,300
• Samsung NX58H9500WS gas: $1,500 from $2,500
• Samsung NX58F5500SS gas: $600 from $1,000
  

Dishwashers

• Bosch 500 Series SHP65T55UC: $810 from $900
• Bosch 800 Series SHE68T55UC: $855 frim $950
• Kenmore Elite 12793: $1,100 from $1,650
• Kenmore Elite 12803: $1,500 from $1,760
• Kenmore Elite 12833: $1,450 from $1,760
• Kenmore Elite 12783: $900 from $1,430
  

Microwaves

• GE JVM7195SFSS over-the-range: $250 from $400
• LG LMH2235ST over-the-range: $320 from $450
  

Washing machines

• GE GTWN5650FWS agitator washer: $630 from $720
• Kenmore Elite 41073 front-loader: $1,100 from $1,850
• LG WM8500HVA front-loader: $1,440 from $1,600
• LG WM8000H[V]A front-loader: $1,100 from $1,600
• LG WT5680HVA HE top-loader: $850 from $1,200
• LG WT1701CV HE top-loader: $945 from $1,050
• Samsung WF56H9100AG front-loader: $1,100 from $1,700
• Samsung WA56H9000AP HE top-loader: $1,000 from $1,500
• WhirlpoolWTW4850BW agitator washer: $520 from $580

Electric dryers

• Kenmore Elite 61623: $880 from $1,400
• LG DLEX8500V: $1,440 from $1,600
• Samsung DV56H9100EG: $1,100 from $1,700
• Samsung DV56H9000EP: $1,000 from $1,500

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

For more deals and discounts, check our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide where you'll find a guide to Black Friday sales as well as survival tips on how to prepare for the holiday season without getting stressed out.

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

Come this extended holiday weekend, more Americans will be thinking about turkey, football, parades, and leftovers instead of shopping. According to Consumer Reports’ latest Holiday Poll*, 53 percent of respondents said they don’t plan to shop anytime between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday. In fact, 39 percent of those surveyed said they’re less likely to shop at some point during the five-day stretch this year compared with last year, while only 10 percent said they are more likely to shop compared to 2013. (Check out the results from our first Holiday Poll for 2014.)

Among the 47 percent who plan to buy gifts, 38 percent will be doing so exclusively online compared to 30 percent who intend to shop strictly at stores. Despite the fact that so many of us are tethered to our smart phones and tablets, only one-quarter of shoppers plan to use either or both for Black Friday purchases.

The change in shopping behavior from mall to mouse has a lot to do with convenience. People hate mobs. Seventy-three percent of respondents who said they have no intention of setting foot inside an actual store this weekend cited crowds as a reason. Men, in particular, are eschewing stores for the Internet. But there are other reasons why both mean and women prefer to shop online—or not at all: They loathe the idea of getting up early or would rather spend time with family—or do anything else, for that matter. Many are also convinced that Black Friday deals are overhyped.

In terms of when people intend to shop, 34 percent of respondents said Black Friday itself; 23 percent cited Cyber Monday; and 20 percent on either the Saturday or Sunday. Fifteen percent plan to shop on Thanksgiving Day. Here's a list of some of the retailers that plan to be open or closed on the holiday.

As in past years, clothing and electronics figure prominently on most shopping lists. Fifty-three percent of those surveyed said they're in the market for apparel; 51 percent TVs, tablets, gaming consoles, and other electronics devices; 38 percent home goods and appliances; and 14 percent jewelry.

While Black Friday might have lost some luster over the years, the weekend remains one of the biggest shopping periods on the calendar, with many consumers drawn to stores not only for the deals, which the faithful perceive to be the best of the year, but also because of tradition. Here’s a breakdown of why people still hit the stores on Black Friday weekend:

—Tod Marks

If you're among the 47 percent of Americans who plan to shop till you drop on Black Friday weekend, don't make a move without checking our Holiday Gift Ideas page. And use our Gadget Gift Finder for the gadget geeks on your gift list.

About the survey: Results are based on a November 2014 Consumer Reports National Research Center online survey of 1,758 randomly selected adults. The data were statistically weighted so that respondents in the survey were demographically and geographically representative of the U.S. population. Fifty-four percent of the sample was female, and the median age was 46 years old.

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

Imagine your toughest pile of dishes—maybe a few hours after a big holiday meal, plates covered in sticky cranberry sauce, pots coated in grease and stuck-on mashed potatoes. That's nothing compared to the torture test we create for dishwasher detergents. First there's the gnarly mix of peanut butter, egg yolk, and other sticky foods that we smear on dishware. Pans get a coating of baked-on mac and cheese. It ain't pretty, but it is effective at figuring out which detergents are truly up to the challenge. And our latest tests had a few surprises.

The best news of all is for Sam's Club members, who should definitely add Member's Mark Ultimate Clean Dishwasher Pacs to their regular shopping list. The store-brand product nearly knocked Cascade Complete Action Pacs off its top perch, delivering crystal clean results on dishes and pots alike. Member's Mark would have been our top-rated detergent, if not for the fact that it's not as good at preventing washed-off food from resettling on dishes and cookware. 

The results are especially noteworthy when you compare the costs—10 cents per load for the Member's Mark versus 29 cents per load for the Cascade. If you run the dishwasher once a day or more, you could just about cover the $45 cost of an entry-level Sam's Club membership.

As for Costco, its Kirkland Signature Dishwasher Pacs missed our recommended list, but the detergent still performed very well overall, and it costs an even better 9 cents per load. While we're on the topic of price, it's worth noting that the most expensive detergent in our Ratings—the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Auto Dish Pacs, 39 cents per load—had the lowest score among single-dose detergents. 

Meanwhile, gel detergents continue to slip. Even the top-rated model in that category, the Palmolive eco+, only rivals middle-of-the-pack single-dose detergents. Gel detergents are still a lot cheaper, but that's why it's good for consumers that the inexpensive Member's Mark and Kirkland pacs are delivering excellent cleaning performance.      

Remember that even the best dishwasher detergent can't make up for lousy loading habits. For example, items with baked-on food should go on the bottom rack, facedown towards the spray. Read our complete list of Dishwasher Dos and Don'ts for more advice. And if you're in the market for a new dishwasher, check our dishwasher Ratings for models that combine superb washing, efficiency, and ease of use.

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)   

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

This time of year you'll see plenty of discount signs in stores. You might think just about everything is on sale for the holidays.

But Consumer Reports product research experts, who track prices all year long, have uncovered the items that are typically discounted most deeply in December.

So if you've got small or large appliances (from blenders and juicers to ranges and refrigerators), electronics (including camcorders, MP3 players, and home theaters), bikes and other toys (including tablets for kids), we've got the shopping tips that will help you find the right models for you and your loved ones.

If you're a subscriber, you can check our Ratings to find out which models did best in our lab tests.

Want more tips on great holiday gifts? Check out our behind-the-scenes interactive guide below from our electronics, food and fitness, outdoor products, and auto labs, plus recipes for some items you'd never think of cooking on a grill.

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

––Mandy Walker (@MandyWalker on Twitter)

Both large and small appliances will be on sale this month. Manufacturers unveil their latest models in the fall. This means that the previous year’s models must be discounted in order to make room for the new models that will hit stores in the winter. So many stores will slash prices on last year's inventory. Plus many appliances go on sale around most holidays.

Shopping tips

The weather this time of year can make it tough to jump on your bike and go for a spin. Stir-crazy cyclists who find it's time to update or replace their old bike will find great deals in stores in December.

Shopping tips

Zero in on the right type of bike. Start by reading our bike buying guide. And don't forget important accessories when you shop. Cycling shoes with cleats can increase your efficiency while pedaling, or example.  

Find the right helmet. It can provide lifesaving head protection in an accident. For more on that important piece of equipment, see our bike helmet buying guide; subscribers can learn which model is best in our helmet ratings. Want to know how we test helmets? Check out the video below.

Want some great video of your holiday celebration? Although many of us take videos with our phones, in most cases you'll get better quality (due to better lenses) if you spring for a camcorder.

Shopping tips

Check the type, size, weight, controls and features. Decide on the type of HD camcorder you want to buy. If you want better quality and more options, consider a full-size model. If you need a smaller, more portable model or if you're an athlete or adventurer who loves to capture footage of yourself, then consider an action cam.

Drill down to the right model. Check out our camcorder buying guide. If you're a subscriber you can access our Ratings of camcorders to see which ones were tops in our lab tests, including each model's picture quality, audio quality, and battery life.

It's the end of the grilling season in most areas of the country, so you can find great grill deals. Shopping online will likely be your best bet; you'll find more selection, and many free shipping offers.

Shopping tips

Check out the burners. Burners are the most-replaced part. So look for high-quality stainless steel, cast iron, or cast brass burners, and a 10-year or longer warranty. Those with a long warranty should last longer than the plain steel burners in most grills.

See what its grates are made of. Stainless-steel and coated cast-iron grates are best; such grates are sturdy and resist rust.  Wide, closely spaced bars sear better than thin round rods.

For more shopping tips, read our grill buying guide. And, if you're a subscriber, you'll find the top performing grills in our Ratings.  

GPS prices have come down to the point where even budget units include features previously available only on more expensive models, such as the ability to speak street names, issue speed warnings, and provide reality view, graphically representing major intersections.

Shopping tips

Where will you use it? If you often fly to new places and rent vehicles, or if you own more than one car, a portable GPS system might be the way to go, especially with prices for entry-level systems starting at less than $100. To help you decide, read our GPS buying guide, as well as our GPS Ratings, available to subscribers.

December 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.

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

Early holiday shoppers will find great sales on toys this month, although you may not find discounts on the hottest playthings (such as a singing Elsa from "Frozen" doll). The right toy can make key developmental stages more fun—for your child and for you. Our toy buying guide can help you to find age-appropriate toys for your baby—and to learn what you can do to play up their important lessons.

Shopping tips

Consider the classics. Don't overlook toys such as stackable plastic "doughnuts," shape sorters, building blocks, and interlocking plastic oversized beads for very young children. There's a reason that they've been around so long. For more clues about what toys your child might like, take note of what toys he or she gravitates to on play dates and/or at day care.

Tablets are likely on the list for older kids. Since the advent of the game-changing Apple iPad early in 2010, tablet computers have been one of the hottest electronics products on the market. Much as adults love them, though, children may just love them even more, as tablet-owning parents can verify.

Last year, 54 percent of parents planned to buy or give a tech item to their children—and tablets topped the list, even beating out video-game consoles. That number may even grow in 2014. So how do you choose the best tablet for your child? Here's what to look for. If you're a subscriber, see our Ratings of kids tablets.

It's possible to find good TVs selling for a few hundred dollars, while others go for several thousand, and there are many sets that fall in between those extremes. Screen size, features, brand, and more affect the price. Our TV buying guide will help you get the most bang for your buck, no matter how much or how little you want to spend. The video below outlines even more ways to save.

Shopping tips

It's hard to judge TVs well in stores. That's because TVs are usually set to a Retail or Store mode, which pumps up brightness and color to a level that looks great under fluorescent lights. Subscribers should consult our TV Ratings before hitting the stores to make sure you get a set that performed well in our lab tests.

Shop where you'll get a price guarantee. Many retailers will match or beat a lower price from a local competitor, so go to the store with those prices in hand. Even after the sale, some stores promise a refund within a specified period of time, often 30 to 60 days, if they reduce the price of your TV within it or if you find the set selling elsewhere for less. There are usually restrictions, so check the details. Save your receipt and keep checking the ads even after you buy.

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

Every day you probably get e-mail, texts, tweets, and circulars announcing great sales. The days of watching the calendar and buying products at the time of year when prices are lowest would appear to be over.

Or are they? Consumer Reports' product-research experts, who monitor prices, have found that deep discounts for some things still go by the calendar. Some sales are tied to the introduction of new models, while others are long-standing traditions, like January white sales.  

Use the month-by-month information below to see when you can typically find the best prices on a variety of products. But keep your eye on your apps, e-mail, and Sunday circulars, too, because there will always be exceptions. 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.

Bedding

Linens

Toys

Treadmills and ellipticals

TVs

Winter clothing

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 6 products on deep discount in January.)

Humidifiers

Indoor furniture

Treadmills and ellipticals

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 4 products on deep discount in February.)

Digital cameras

Humidifiers

Small consumer electronics (MP3 players, DVD and Blu-ray players, etc.)

TVs

Winter sports gear

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 5 products on deep discount in March.)

Laptop computers

Desktop computers

Digital cameras

Lawn mowers

Spring clothing

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 5 products on deep discount in April.)

Athletic apparel and shoes

Camping and outdoor gear

Carpeting

Cordless phones

Lawn mowers

Mattresses

Small consumer electronics

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 7 products on deep discount in May.)

Camcorders

Carpeting

Computers

Indoor furniture

Pots, pans, and dishware

Small consumer electronics

Summer sports gear

Swimwear

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 8 products on deep discount in June)

Camcorders

Indoor furniture

Outdoor furniture

Swimwear

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see Products on deep discount in July)

Air conditioners

Backpacks

Dehumidifiers

Outdoor furniture

Snow blowers

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 5 products on deep discount in August.)

Bikes

Digital cameras

Gas grills

Lawn mowers

Shrubs, trees, and perennials

Small consumer electronics

Snow blowers

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 7 products on sale in September.)

Bikes

Computers

Digital cameras

Gas grills

Lawn mowers

Winter coats

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 6 products on sale in October.)

Baby products

Bikes

Camcorders

Gas grills

GPS navigators

Toys

TVs

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 7 products on deep discount in November.)

Bikes

Camcorders

Gas grills

GPS navigators

Home appliances, large and small

Small consumer electronics

Toys

TVs

(For more on these items, and shopping tips, see 8 products on deep discount in December.)

Want an even better deal? Haggle, haggle, haggle.

In a Consumer Reports National Research Center survey of 2,000 American adults about their haggling habits, 89 percent of people who said they haggled received a better price at least once.

To increase the odds you can negotiate a better deal, remember that nothing is off limits. You should always be polite. And make sure you know what constitutes a fair price before you start. For more tips on becoming an expert haggler, read our tips on effective bargaining.  

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

During the holiday shopping rush, whether you’re buying gifts, food, decorations or anything else, it’s easy to lose focus on what you’re paying. You need to be vigilant on everything, from the charges made to your credit cards, (see video) to price scanner errors.

In 2014 alone, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services collected more than $61,000 in penalties after inspectors found ongoing scanner errors at one or more locations of such well-known retailers as CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Pep Boys, Staples, Walgreens, and Walmart.

Last year, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection reported that Walgreens paid a penalty of more than $29,000 after a statewide inspection of 58 locations in that state.

Over the last 24 months, San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights, and Measures officials reported collecting nearly $158,000 in fines because of scanner overcharges at one or more locations of dozens of retailers, including Albertson’s, CVS, Home Depot, JCPenney, Kmart, Kohl’s, Sears, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Old Navy, Macy’s, Starbucks, Yankee Candle, Walmart, Williams-Sonoma, and many more. 

In its own warning about scanner errors, the county reported that in 2013, one out of every five stores it inspected had overcharges, averaging nearly $3 per error.

Check out our holiday gifts ideas & guide.

What to do

Don’t simply assume that the price that rings up at the scanner is correct. If you’re buying based an advertised sale price, bring the ad with you, advises San Diego County. Check the price that rings up or your receipt before leaving the store. If you’re uncertain whether a price is correct, go back to the product aisle and check.

If there’s an error, check the store’s policy. It’s also a good idea to know your state or locality’s scanner rules. Some stores offer a free item or some other benefit if the wrong price rings up, and some states have similar requirements. Report the problem to the store's manager, and ask for a refund of the overcharge. Also consider filing a complaint with your local or state consumer protection department.

—Anthony Giorgianni

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.

If want all of your holiday gifts to arrive by Christmas this year, you'd better finish your gift shopping soon. Check out the deadline information below for FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service as well as details on Free Shipping Day and more.

And be sure to follow our tips for safely shipping holiday gifts and find out whether expedited shipping is worth the splurge.

For shipping within the U.S.:

• Dec. 12: Last day to ship via FedEx SmartPost
  
• Dec. 17: Last day to ship via FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx Ground
  
• Dec. 20: Last day to ship via FedEx Express Saver
  
• Dec. 22: Last day to ship via FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day A.M.
• Dec. 23: Last day to ship via FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, and FedEx First Overnight
• Dec. 25: Last day to ship via FedEx SameDay

Shipping deadlines for packages headed to Puerto Rico and Canada, Mexico, and other international destinations vary. See FedEx's Last Days to Ship site for more information.

For other holiday-related shipping information, chec FedEx's Holiday Shipping 2014 website.

For shipping within the U.S.:

• Dec. 22: Last day to ship via UPS 2nd Day Air
  
• Dec. 23: Last day to ship via UPS Next Day Air

For international shipping deadlines and other holiday-related information, go to: http://compass.ups.com/ups-holiday-calendar/.

For mail and package shipping within the U.S.:

• Dec. 15: Last day to send packages via standard parcel post
  
• Dec. 20: Last day to send packages via First Class Mail & Priority Mail
  
• Dec. 23: Last day to send packages via Priority Express Mail
  

The deadline for shipping packages internationally varies based on the destination. But in most cases, the deadlines are fast approaching—in some cases, as soon as Dec. 2!

It's too late to ship gifts to members of the military serving overseas via standard post. But you still may be able to send Christmas gifts to troops in overseas bases via pricier postal service options.

For more details, go to https://www.usps.com/holiday/welcome.htm.

If you're planning to do some of your holiday shopping online, check retailers' specific deadlines.

Amazon.com says that the cut-off date for ordering items with free shipping is Dec. 16. Orders for gifts to be shipped with standard shipping must be completed online by Dec. 18. The cut-off dates for ordering items to be shipped with Two-Day and One-Day shipping are Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, respectively.

For more information, check out Key 2014 FBA Holiday Selling Dates and the important shipping dates calendar (PDF) that Amazon provides to its merchant partners.

You'll find similar holiday shipping deadline information for these online retail sites:

• Apple.com
  
• BestBuy.com
  
• JCPenny.com
  
• Target.com (Dec. 20)
• ToysRUs.com (Dec. 19 for standard shipping)

Dozens of merchants, from Bass Pro Shops to Wine.com, are participating in Free Shipping Day on Dec. 18, with offers of items that will purportedly arrive by Christmas Eve.

ShopRunner.com, offers free two-day shipping service at more than 80 online partners, ranging from American Eagle outfitters to Toys "R" Us. But unless you have an eligible American Express credit card, you have to pay ShopRunner's $8.95 per month or $79 annual membership to use the expedited shipping service.

For other holiday shopping tips, visit Consumer Reports' Holiday Gift Guide and use our Gadget Gift Finder the tech geek on your gift list.

—Paul Eng
 

Visit our Holiday Gift Ideas page where you'll find our experts' picks on the following and much, much more:

• Top tech gifts for kids and teens
• Top tech gift for Mom and Dad
• Top tech gifts for Grandparents
• Top tech gifts for $200 or less
• Top tech gifts for $100 or less

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

January is the busiest time of year for exercise equipment sales, as well-fed consumers look to make good on their health-based New Year's resolutions. But if you're considering a home treadmill, elliptical, spin bike, or rowing machine, it might make sense to pull the trigger sooner. Retailers are rolling out special deals now, looking to get in on the holiday traffic, plus you'll find a wider selection of models, including the top picks from Consumer Reports' latest tests.

While you can purchase exercise equipment online, we don't recommend it. The fit and feel of the machines is very important to your workout experience, especially with ellipticals, where the wrong ergonomics can wreak havoc on your pedaling stride. That leaves two brick-and-mortar options: big-box shops, including those that specialize in sports equipment, like Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Authority, as well as home centers like Sears and Walmart. The other way to go is with a specialty dealer, assuming there's one located nearby. 

If you do have access to a specialty dealer, it's at least worth a visit, especially if you're considering one of the higher-end models that dominate the top of our Ratings, such as the Precor TRM 243 non-folding treadmill or the Landice E7 Pro Sport elliptical. The staff at these stores tends to be very knowledgeable, plus you'll be able to try all the different machines. One more thing: dealers typically offer delivery and installation. The service might set you back another $150 or so, but given the weight of these machines and their often complex assembly, it could be money well spent.

If saving money is your top concern, and you don't mind lugging a few-hundred pound box into your home and handling the assembly, then check out the big-box stores. Sears, for example, carries many models that did well in our tests, including the Schwinn 470 elliptical and the NordicTrack Elite 9700 Pro treadmill. Keep in mind that assembly is usually a two-person job, especially when it comes to connecting the console to the machine. As with any installation, make sure to read the instructions all the way through before getting started.

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)      

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

Q. What should I set my thermostat to during the winter?

A. Since central heating went mainstream in the 1960s, the average temperature for occupied rooms is up to 70 degrees F, and overnight temps are around 68 degrees F. For optimal efficiency, those temperatures should be 68 and 60 degrees F, respectively. Lowering the thermostat could save you $100 per year. It could also help you maintain healthy body weight.

“Temperatures in the 60 to 62 degrees F range burn an extra 100 to 150 calories per day,” says C. Ronald Kahn, M.D., professor of medicine at Harvard medical school, who studies the effect of temperature on energy-burning brown fats. “Even if you’re only burning 50 calories a day at higher temperatures, that’s still half a pound of fat every month.”

For more information on thermostats check our buying guide and Ratings.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

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

Q. I’ve had a Dyson vacuum for years and love it. But when I recently shopped for a new carpet, the dealers told me that using a Dyson would void the carpet warranty because the machine actually cuts the fibers. Is that true?—Nancy Krody, Batavia, OH

A. Carpet types vary widely. Over the years, we have heard complaints of some vacuums causing trouble with certain types, but they were never brand-specific. When we contacted Dyson about your question, a representative told us that the machines can be hard to move across thicker-pile carpeting because of their “extremely strong suction,” but that there should be no severing of fibers. (If maneuverability is a problem, some of the models have a possible workaround that involves altering the angle of the vacuum head.) Testing every vacuum on every carpet type is beyond our capabilities, but carpet manufacturers should be able to shed more light on the subject. If you’re talking with a dealer, remember that there’s always a risk that he or she is just speculating. Ask to see the actual warranties or contact the manufacturer directly.

For more information on Dysons and other vacuums check our vacuum cleaner buying guide.  

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

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.

Some people want cash, others want the latest gadget, and if you're to believe all those TV commercials, lots of folks are getting brand new BMWs and Lexuses. We asked the Consumer Reports Facebook followers if they'd be happy or disappointed if someone gave them a small appliance as a gift. We got a range of responses.

On our Facebook page, Mary H. commented that she'd be happy with a small appliances "ONLY if it comes wrapped in a new kitchen." Voicing a similar sentiment, Gregory L. said "as long as it's in a Ferrari." 

Several other Facebook readers said they didn't have any space in their kitchen for another small appliance or that they had all the small appliances they could handle, thank you very much.

Others said they'd be happy with getting a small appliance if it was on their list, or a top of the line product, like a Vitamix—which, by the way, is recommended in our reviews.

If the people on your holiday gift list have no more room on the counter for another appliance, then check our tips for good tech gadget and car gear gifts this year, in our Holiday Gift Ideas & Guide.

If you're looking for a top-performing small appliance—either for yourself or as a gift—find out which countertop helpers will get you through busy holiday meal prep, and also what models you can get at Black Friday prices all year long.

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.

As you dust off and untangle strand after strand of Christmas lights it’s a fine time to think about switching to LEDs. Compared to incandescent lights, LEDs use significantly less energy, last much longer, and stay cooler, reducing the risk of fire. But LEDs cost a lot more. Here’s a look.

You can still buy strings of incandescent holiday lights. They weren’t part of the phase-out of energy-wasting incandescent bulbs. But Energy Star-qualified LED light strings use up to 90 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs yet produce the same amount of light. We’ve seen LED holiday lights that are claimed to last 25,000 hours, while some claim as much as 100,000. And LEDs don’t burn out—they fade over time—so you won’t have to replace dead bulbs in a string of lights. Consumer Reports hasn’t tested LED holiday lights recently, but our ongoing tests of LEDs include Energy Star-qualified bulbs. We’ve found they meet high standards for brightness, color, and energy use and Energy Star-qualified light strands come with a three-year warranty.

So let’s talk money. The Department of Energy says if you light your 6-foot tree with LEDs it costs 27 cents for 12 hours a day for 40 days, while incandescent lights would cost $10. So you’ll save money over time, but you still have to pay up front so look online for utility rebates for LED holiday lights. Then note user reviews. When shopping check displays of lit holiday LED light strands, or ask if you can see them lit, to be sure the color of the light is what you want. Some cast a ghastly bluish white, giving new meaning to “White Christmas.”

You can also save energy by using a timer to turn your holiday lights on and off at specific times, and by shutting off power strips when the holiday decorations aren’t lit since electricity is still being drawn. For a modern twist on holiday lights, check online for the iTwinkle app from GE that enables you to create your own light show. LEDs contain semiconductor chips and electronic circuitry so they offer possibilities beyond on and off.

Best LEDs from our tests

And if you’re thinking of brightening your driveway and sidewalk, you’ve come to the right place. Consumer Reports' lightbulb Ratings include dozens of LEDs suitable for outdoor use, and the prices keep falling.

In our Ratings of fllood/reflector bulbs, four of our five recommended replacements for 65- to 90-watt bulbs cost $11 or less including the top-rated Great Value 65W BR30 dimmable Soft White LED sold at Walmart and the Utilitech 13-Watt (75W) BR30 Soft White Outdoor Flood sold at Lowe's. Those same two brands also offer highly rated lightbulbs to replace 90- to 120- watt floods and reflectors. They include the Great Value 90W PAR38 LED Soft White Non Dimmable from Walmart and the Utilitech Soft White PAR38 90W 75232 sold at Lowe's. For more choices in all price ranges see our full lightbulb Ratings and recommendations.

—Kimberly Janeway

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

Q. I am familiar with the Underwriters Laboratories symbol, but now everything I see is imprinted with the stylized CE. What does it stand for?—David Hand, Chula Vista, CA

A. “CE” stands for Conformité Européenne, which indicates that a product meets certain European manufacturing requirements. In the U.S., we have a voluntary standards process; it’s not a government requirement. So the UL signifies that a given product has met certain U.S. standards as determined by an independent certifying agency.

For more product buying advice, reviews, and news visit our Appliances and Home & Garden pages.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

This article also appeared in the December 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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.

Some of Consumer Reports’ top-rated small appliances carry big price tags so now’s a good time to look for holiday sales online or in the stores. As the holiday countdown continues, prices are bound to go down as well. Of course, you can also find some top-performing gems for a lot less as we recently reported in “Small appliances at Black Friday prices all year long.” Here are some of the best small appliances from our tests (prices are suggested retail).

Stand mixers

For those who have always coveted a stand mixer, consider one of the three KitchenAids on our list of top mixer picks, the Professional, the Classic, and the Artisan. The Breville BEM800XL, $300, edged out the KitchenAids but not by much. Another good choice is the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 6322[1], $180.

Blenders

Our four top blenders range in price from $200 to $650 with the Vitamix Professional Series 750, $650, taking the top perch. For the same price you can get the next best performer, the Blendtec Designer 725. But for hundreds less you can buy the Dash Chef Series Digital, $200, and add a pop of color to your countertop as well.

Pod coffeemakers

There DeLonghi single-serve coffeemakers have percolated to the top of our Ratings and range in price from $130 to $180 including the top-rated DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T. Joining them on the list is the Starbucks Verismo 600, $150. All four make a good cup of Joe but you may want to make your selection based on the type of coffee you prefer as they all use proprietary pods.

Toaster ovens

Breville also won the top spot in our toaster oven tests with its Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL, $250. Another good choice is the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P, $150, which is the revived version of a fan favorite discontinued in 2006. It’s speedy and also makes good toast. Joining them on the list of top toaster oven picks are models from Cuisinart and Oster.

Juicers

Our top-rated juicer is the Juiceman JM8000S, $100, but we’ve seen it on sale for less, which makes it even more of a bargain. Next best in our juicer tests is the Kuvings Whole Slow B6000, $430, an auger-type juicer that is a good choice for nutrition nuts because it leaves more pulp behind.

Food processors

Again, Breville sits atop our Ratings with the Breville BFP800XL/A food processor, $400, but it’s joined on the list of top picks by four Cuisinarts, a name almost synonymous with food processors. They range in price from $170 to $300. And don’t overlook the Oster Versa 1100 Series Performance, which at $150 is the lowest priced of all our picks.

Where to buy small appliances

In a Consumer Reports’ survey of more than 22,000 subscribers who made almost 30,000 appliance purchases last year, Amazon.com was given top marks for selection, quality, service, checkout ease and shipping and the prices were considered very good. Almost as satisfying were shopping experiences at QVC.com, although readers gave Amazon better marks for selection.

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

For more top gifts, check Consumer Reports' Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. And see all our Ratings of large and small appliances.

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

The guests are gone and maybe the leftover turkey too. If you’re expecting even more company for the upcoming holidays, consider Thanksgiving a trial run. Take the time this week to assess your guest rooms and cleaning equipment so you’re not caught short when you have a full house. Here are five things you can do now to get ready for the next wave of company.

Rev up your vacuum. Make sure you have extra bags on hand, clean or replace the filter if needed, and degunk the rotating brush. Focus your early vacuuming energies on seldom-used spaces that won’t get messy again, such as the guest bedroom and formal dining room. If your vacuum is struggling, consider a new one. You don’t have to spend a lot. We named the Kenmore Progressive 21514 canister, $250, a CR Best Buy meaning it combines performance and value. For even less, consider the upright Hoover WindTunnel Max UH30600, $180, another CR Best Buy. Or invest in a small vacuum for every floor to attack small messes. We like the Shark Pet Perfect II SV780 hand vacuum for $60.

Think about upgrading your iron. Ironing tablecloths for the holiday with an iron that has no oomph can take you all day. New powerful steam irons can make the chore easier. The Singer Expert Finish EF steam iron, $60, did an excellent job on linen tablecloths in our tests, and its easy-glide stainless-steel plate speeds things up. Ironing is easier when items are fresh out of the dryer. Another tip: Store ironed tablecloths on empty wrapping-paper tubes until you’re ready to set the table.

Get out the squeegee. Use a mild, nonabrasive commercial glass cleaner or mix a homemade solution of 3 tablespoons vinegar per 1 quart water in a spray bottle. (Check the owner’s manual for your windows for safe cleaners.) Clean from the top down on a cloudy day or when the windows are in the shade because direct sun can cause the cleaner to evaporate before you can wipe it off. Apply solution with a slightly dampened sponge. Then wipe with a dampened squeegee blade, cleaning the blade as you go.

Check bedding and towels. Make sure you have enough linens, blankets, and towels for every overnight guest. Have pillows with different firmness levels on hand so that guests can choose. If the mattress in your guest room has seen better days, read “The best mattresses for guest rooms,” which highlights comfortable, affordable mattresses that you can buy in a hurry.

When washing your sheets and towels, choose one of Consumer Reports' top-rated detergents. Our top liquid is Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release, the top powder is Tide HE Plus Bleach Alternative and All Mighty Pacs Oxi leads the pack of single-dose detergents.

Add a coat rack. Or investigate renting one for large gatherings to avoid the usual mountain of coats on your bed.

Not finished with your shopping?
For great gift ideas spend some time viewing our interacitve gift guide below. Or check our comprehensive Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide where you'll find plenty of gift ideas in every price range.

—Adapted from ShopSmart

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

“If I’m so healthy, why am I tired all of the time?” asked my patient, a 47-year-old mother. I had examined her, reviewed her lab tests, and assured her that all was well. But her complaint is one I hear every day.

Surveys of primary care medical practices in the U.S. show that patients mention moderate to severe fatigue in about a third of all office visits. A study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine screened 1,000 patients with complaints of severe fatigue. About two-thirds of the cases were associated with identifiable diseases (anemia, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or rheumatoid arthritis); a third of them, however, had no definable cause.

Take notes on tiredness

If you notice a similar problem, these questions might lead your doctor to an accurate diagnosis:

1. Was the onset of fatigue sudden? If it was, the cause is usually physical. A gradual onset may have an emotional component.

2. Do you feel better after a good night’s sleep? Sleep deprivation is rampant today. In a landmark 2006 report, the Institute of Medicine recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep as optimal for adults. But in 2011, a survey in the journal Preventive Medicine found that more than one in three adults failed to get that amount (that number doubled for adolescents).

Even if one gets sufficient sleep, the quality might not be top-notch. REM sleep, characterized by rapid eye movement, is the most beneficial type, and its absence can contribute to fatigue. A clue to non-REM sleep is the lack of dreaming, but to be certain, a sleep study is necessary. Apnea, in which the sleeper’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly, is a common disorder that disrupts sleep. (It’s often accompanied by severe snoring.)

Take our sleep habits quiz and find out the best sleeping pills to treat insomnia.

3. Are you confusing muscle weakness with fatigue? Sometimes the loss of strength (trouble lifting a suitcase, for example) can be mistaken for tiredness. Early symptoms of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis may seem like fatigue.

4. Are you experiencing menstrual irregularities? Fatigue is common in early pregnancy, and the flushes and nocturnal sweating associated with menopause deprive many women of sleep.

5. Do you have other symptoms? They can indicate a specific condition, for example, weight loss (cancer, an overactive thyroid), decreased libido (hormone-deficiency disease), changes in bowel habits (celiac disease, colitis), and shortness of breath (anemia, heart failure, lung problems).

6. Do you have an infection that’s not apparent? Your doctor might suspect an underlying problem, such as toxoplasmosis if you touched cat litter, brucellosis if you’ve done farmwork, or a tick-borne illness such as Lyme disease if you spent time in the woods.

7. Do you take drugs that might cause fatigue? Almost all of them can, but some prime of­fenders are beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol), diu­ret­­ics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), pain­killers (ga­b­apentin, opioids), antihistamines (chlor­­­­phen­ira­mine, diphenhydramine), antidepressants (citalopram, sertraline), and anti-anxiety drugs (diaze­pam, lorazepam). If you’re utterly exhausted, your doctor might lower your dosage or change the medication altogether.

As my patient pondered those questions, the cause of her fatigue became apparent. In addition to running a household and coping with two rebellious teenagers, she was hosting holiday parties and shopping for gifts. That stress was on top of holding down a part-time job as a paralegal. She had been making mistakes at work, and her relationships with her husband and children were in turmoil. After talking things over with her husband, she got household help and began seeing a therapist. A month later she was no longer tired and was actually able to enjoy the holiday season.

Use our free app to explore your health insurance options

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

This article also appeared in the December 2014 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.

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

It's not too early to start thinking now about a holiday gift for dad.  We’ve combed our Ratings and recommendations to come up with a list to get you started. Our suggestions are based on our testing as of mid-October. We'll update our recommendation as we test new products emerge. Also check out our list of gift ideas for mom—many would work for dad too!

Remember to visit our Holiday Gift Ideas & Guide over the coming weeks. You'll find all of our gift recommendations and shopping advice, including tips on ways to save.

And be sure to watch our brand-new Ultimate Gift Ideas interactive video.

Consumer Reports has more gift ideas. Check out our experts' picks for moms, grandparents, kids, and teens. Want to explore by price? We've broken it down for you—best gift ideas under $200, under $100, under $50 and under $25.

Tablet: Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 ($340) (Note: new one coming this month)

Move over, Apple. This tablet by Amazon packs a lot of punch in a relatively low price. It has lots of great content, especially if you add in a subscription to Amazon Prime ($100 a year), which includes free movie streaming. Excellent display for movie viewing.

For additional information on lots of great tablets, check out our buying guide and Ratings.

Laptop: Lenovo Z40 ($600)

Dad can use a new laptop every so often. This Lenovo is a great deal for excellent performance.

Desktop: Dell XPS 27 Touch ($1,600)

Sometimes dad just needs a desktop. This Dell satisfies a lot of uses. The display is excellent and sound is very good, so it’s perfect for watching movies. It also has a touch screen. Its performance can withstand demanding video games.

Our computer buying guide is packed with information on computer-buying, types, features, brands, and much more.

TV: LG 60LB7100 ($1,400)

Dad will enjoy the excellent HD picture quality on this 60-inch 1080p LCD TV with LED backlight. It has a wider-than-average viewing angle for an LCD TV, plus LG's webOS smart TV platform. Great TV at a nice price for its size/features.  For a splurge, consider getting dad the Sony Bravia XBR-65X900B ($3,800). It’s an excellent Ultra HD TV with maybe the best sound we've heard from a TV this year.

Sound bar: Vizio S3821w ($160)

This 2.1-channel sound bar delivers a lot for the money, proving you don't have to pay a fortune to improve your TV's sound. This 38-inch model, which Vizio recommends for TVs with 40-to-46-inch screens, delivers very good sound and is easy to set up. If dad watches his entertainment on a larger-size TV, the Sharp HT-SB602 ($400) is a good choice.

Headphones: Grado Prestige SR80e ($100)

Great sound quality and retro styling at a great price. The splurge gift in this category would be the Grado Prestige SR-325e ($300), the top-rated home/studio-style headphone.

Streaming media: Roku 3 ($100)

Thanks to a winning combination of solid performance, lots of content, and affordable prices, Roku media players have become one of the most popular streaming choices. The Roku 3 is the top of the company's lineup. (Note that Roku 3 recently added screen mirroring—the ability to share content from a mobile device on a TV monitor without additional apps or software—which is not yet reflected in CR's Rating.) If dad's more of a minimalist and would appreciate a smaller presence in the TV room, the Roku Streaming Stick ($50) is a better choice. It packs all the content you get with Roku boxes in a small, flash-drive-shaped player you insert into a TV's HDMI port. Chromecast ($35) is Google's version of the streaming media stick device.

Gaming console: Xbox One ($500)

An all-in-one, full-featured entertainment system, including visually impressive gaming, Microsoft's Xbox One will not disappoint. Update: The Xbox has a lower price through Jan. 3, 2015: $350 without a Kinect, $450 with a Kinect.

The Consumer Reports buying guides help you navigate all the options and featues in every product category. Before you buy, browse our TV buying guide, home theater systems and sound bar buying guide, headphone buying guide, streaming media buying guide, and video game console buying guide.

Food processor: Breville BFP800XL/A ($400)

Might as well get dad the best—especially if he’s a big cook. This Breville is by far the top model on the market, with superb slicing, shredding, and grating. It’s also surprisingly quiet. Added features include an adjustable slicing disk and mini-bowl attachment.

Espresso maker: DeLonghi EC155 ($100)

Delivering great taste and frothing milk, this is an espresso maker idea for the dad who loves his midday jolt.

We serve up all the information you need for selecting a coffeemaker and food processor.

Gas-powered chain saw: Stihl MS 180 C-BE ($230)

Ultrafast cutting and relatively light weight help justify this 16-inch Stihl gas saw’s higher price. So do a chain brake and tool-free chain adjustment, along with a durable blade cover. As with other gas-powered saws, you’ll need to mix gas and oil for fueling its two-stroke engine. We strongly advise hearing protection and other protective gear for the operator.

Snow blowers

For heavy, frequent snow: Cub Cadet 31AH57S ($1,500)

A novel, second impeller helps make this 30-inch, two-stage Cub Cadet a top performer. Super-fast clearing and enough throwing distance for wide driveways are the major perks, along with easy steering and slick controls. It's the perfect pick for large driveways, consistently heavy snows up to about 24 inches, or occasional winter dumpings where you want the ultimate in clearing speed.

For moderate snow: Craftsman 88173 ($680)

This 24-inch, compact two-stage model had impressively quick and clean removal and had the necessary muscle for dense plow piles, though other models got more distance with what they picked up. 

For lighter snow: Toro Power Clear 721E ($570)

A chief strength of this 21-inch model is fast clearing, especially against the plow piles left by municipal plows. So is surface clearing, helpful since temperatures often plummet below freezing in the hours following a snowstorm.

Leaf blowers

Corded electric: Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51609 ($75)

This update of Toro's long-time Ratings champ among corded-electric handhelds 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. Pluses include a metal impeller—better for chomping leaves—and a dial to set speed. Neighbors hearing it from a distance shouldn't have much to complain about.

Gas-powered: Husqvarna 125B ($150)

You needn't pay a lot for a handheld blower to get superb sweeping and loosening of leaves and other debris, though no vacuum capability. This gas-powered, multispeed Husqvarna has a bend in the blower tube for reducing the gyroscopic twisting force that, with some models, pushes your hand and arm backward during operation. It was especially easy to handle and use and fairly quiet at 50 feet.

Backpack blower: Stihl BR 350 ($350)

Plenty of power for sweeping and loosening leaves makes this Stihl gasoline-powered backpack a winner. We found is very easy to handle and use, though it lacks a waist strap for stability. Your neighbors should appreciate its quiet running from a distance, though we recommend hearing protection for the operator.

Check out our buying guides and Ratings for chain saws, snow blowers, and leaf blowers.

Rowing machine: Concept2 Model D ($900)

All of the features that make rowing fun and efficient. The foot pedals and foot-restraining straps are fully adjustable, accommodating different-sized feet and allowing for the foot and ankle to flex as needed. It operates smoothly and with little noise. Includes a USB storage drive wireless heart rate monitor.

Smart watch and activity tracker: Samsung Gear Fit  ($150)  

It's just as much an activity monitor as it is a smart watch, and it has a markedly new look—slim, sleek, and light. It also has an unconventional sideway display. Apps come from the Samsung app market.  With an intuitive and vivid color touch-screen interface, it also includes a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a heart sensor, for tracking your physical activities.

Our fitness gear content tells you what you need to know to make a smart purchase:

• Activity trackers
• Exercise bikes
• Ellipticals
• Rowing machines

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

Neglect your leaf blower, and you’ll be raking up everything. Shrug off maintaining the snow blower, and you’ll be shoveling. But ignoring your portable generator means your home goes dark when the power goes out. The heating or cooling system shuts down. Food spoils. For homeowners with a well, you have no water for the shower or toilets.

Key to keeping a portable generator running is minding the fuel, engine oil, filters, and spark plug, along with starting up the machine every month or so. You can see the basic steps in our new generator prep video, above. In addition to maintenance, however, being at the ready also means keeping sufficient fuel on hand. Here's a guide:

Gasoline. During a major storm, you might not be able to get on the road to fill up gas cans, and sometimes stations themselves lose power and can’t pump. So keep enough gas on hand to buy you some time, even if you can’t store the 12 to 20 gallons you’d need for 24 hours of straight running. And remember to add stabilizer to the gas before fueling the generator, preferably one developed to counter the effects of ethanol. Whatever gas you don’t use can go into your car’s gas tank.

Propane. For a portable generator, you’d need four to eight 20-lb. propane tanks on hand to run the generator for 24 hours—a lot of grill tanks. Larger cylinders are available. But if you have a stationary generator, tanks won’t suffice; you’ll need at least a 250-gallon propane tank.

Natural gas. Mostly a fuel for stationary generators, natural gas is the easiest to use since homes equipped for gas have a ready supply. If you’re installing a new stationary generator that’s larger than about 8 kilowatts (kW), however, you’ll probably need to upgrade your gas meter and probably your gas lines—at a cost of $1,000 or more—to ensure that the generator has all it needs after what the furnace, oven, and other appliances require. Word to the wise: If you have a choice between natural gas and propane for a stationary generator, propane supplies more energy than gas, with differences of 1 to 1.5 kW common for the models tested by Consumer Reports.

Diesel fuel. Very few generators use diesel fuel. But for those that do, diesel fuel tends to be slightly more efficient than traditional gasoline. The $1,400 Gentron GG2303 portable we tested, for example, needed 8 to 12 gallons for a 24-hour period.

Considering a new generator?
Take the time to determine your needs, keeping in mind that the greater the load on a generator, the more fuel it consumes. See our buying guide before checking our Ratings of 45 portable and stationary (standby) models. Our top recommended models include the $1,000 Ridgid RD906812B, a portable, and the $3,200 Kohler 8.5 RES-QS7, a small stationary generator. Prices noted don’t include installation.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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