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Q&A: Do I need to remove dryer lint beyond what's caught on the screen?

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Q&A: Do I need to remove dryer lint beyond what's caught on the screen?

Q: My new dryer recommends that lint be removed from inside the dryer cabinet every two years by a qualified servicer. I never had to do this with my 20-year-old dryer. Is it really necessary? —Mary Ann Mack, Phoenixville, PA

A: Your old clothes dryer manual probably recommended removing lint from the cabinet. That's to reduce buildup that the filter doesn't trap, which can catch fire. But getting to the lint isn't easy. If you don't want to call a professional, you might try Lint Lizard, an $11 device we tested that was effective at removing built-up lint.

For more helpful advice, see "101 secrets from our experts."

Submit your own questions at ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

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Cutting the grass in slow mow produces better results

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Cutting the grass in slow mow produces better results

Promising mowers that "turn on a dime and save time," Toro is touting claims that its Timecutter SS zero-turn radius mowers can reduce mowing time by 45 percent. In an online demonstration a Timecutter, which can can reach ground speeds of seven miles per hour, makes quick work of a field of grass, cutting around several obstacles along the way. But the mowing testers at Consumer Reports say, not so fast. Mowing at a slower speed typically gets better results.

The claim made in the Time Savings video on Toro's website shows a TimeCutter SS racing a "comparably equipped Toro tractor, both traveling at their maximum speed." The results, based on a 2011 survey of Timecutter owners, show the owner of the TimeCutter SS hopping off his mower and walking away while the other man is still hard at work.

We've tested the Toro TimeCutter SS4235 74627, $2,600, and the Toro TimeCutter SS5000 $3,300, and both mowed impressively whether we were mulching, bagging, or side-discharging clippings. We liked the Toro TimeCutter SS4235 74627 well enough to recommend. But we conduct our mowing tests at about 3.5 mph, the optimal speed for achieving the most even cut. (Depending on grass density and height, you might need to go even slower.) Mow at twice that speed and you'll finish more quickly, but we don't think you'll be satisfied with the results.

Another reason to take it slow is safety. Take the time to inspect your yard for rocks, sprinkler heads, and other obstructions. And as you mow watch for children, animals and debris you may have missed. Be especially careful on slopes. If the incline is more than 15 degrees, use a walk-behind mower instead of a riding mower for that part of the job.

See which other lawn tractors, zero-turn radius mowers, and rear-engine riders did well in our tests and to see our mowing testers in action view the video of our tough mowing tests.

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The four gas grill features you shouldn't skip

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The four gas grill features you shouldn't skip

Today's gas grills are loaded with eye-catching features designed to get you to open your wallet. But the warming racks and searing burners can make it seem like you're getting more cooking space than you actually do. Manufacturers tally them in their calculations of cooking space. We don't. So make sure the grill's main cooking area can fit the food you usually grill. And of all the extras, there are four that matter more than others.

Electronic igniter. It's usually easier and more reliable than a rotary or push-button starter.

Good grates. Stainless steel or coated cast-iron tend to be better for searing and maintaining even grilling temps, though stainless is more durable.

Fuel gauge. Sure, a fuel gauge tells you how much propane is left in the tank, but better yet, it keeps tempers from flaring when you don't run out during a family barbecue.

Long burner warranties. Burners are the most frequently replaced grill part so warranties of 10 years or longer will come in handy later on.

Need a grill to go with those features? We tested over 100 to find the best for every budget. Our gas grill Ratings include the Weber Summit E-670, $2,500. It has a large cooking area, room for 30 or more burgers, and all four of the recommended features. But you're also paying for a lighted cooking area for grilling after dusk, smoker burner, searing burner, and more. While it didn't make our recommended list, this Weber offers impressive performance overall. Among midsized grills, with room for 16 to 30 burgers, the Char-Broil Gourmet Tru-Infrared 463251713, $400, from Home Depot is a CR Best Buy. It has three of the recommended features, but lacks a fuel gauge, and delivers superb high- and low heat grilling and excelled at indirect cooking.

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You can put a pan anywhere on Thermador's flexible cooktop

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You can put a pan anywhere on Thermador's flexible cooktop

Thermador claims that you can place a pan anywhere on the surface of its Freedom induction cooktop and start cooking. There are no set elements, just a smooth surface and color touchscreen. At $5,000 it's the most expensive cooktop Consumer Reports has tested. When a product this innovative comes along our experts quickly get to work—this time putting Thermador's bold promises to the test.

The claims. Beyond the promise of speed heating and an intuitive interface, Thermador says the Thermador CIT36XKB 36-inch wide induction cooktop has the largest fully usable cooking surface on the market, accommodates up to four pots/pans/griddles, and adjusts automatically to shape and size. There's more. "If you need to move your pot to another location, the cooktop will transfer all of your programmed settings to the new position of the pan."

The check. No matter where we put our pans on this cooktop it provided heat fast, and even when we lifted a pot and moved it to another spot the cooktop transferred the programmed setting originally selected. The touchscreen is fairly intuitive but there's no simple off touch, you have to scroll down to zero. This cooktop does offer flexibility, since the pots and pans can be any size or shape that will fit on the surface. Thermador claims the market's largest fully usable cooking surface, and that's true if you consider there's no dead area. On the other hand, it only handles four pans maximum. "I thought this 36-inch cooktop would be designed for five pots because the 36-inch electric smoothtops we've tested are. But the cooktop allows for four heating areas, at most," says Tara Casaregola, the engineer who runs our tests of cooking appliances. And if you have four pots going not all can get that PowerBoost, which is the highest setting.

CR's take. This is the first 36-inch wide induction cooktop we've tested and it was excellent overall and recommended. It delivers fast heat and superb simmering. That's also true for all of the 30-inch induction cooktops in our tests and they were even faster. Induction uses electromagnetic coils under the cooktop's glass-covered surface to deliver heat that was about 25 percent faster in our tests than radiant-electric smoothtops and even faster than gas models. Induction also offers precise simmering and control, but usually costs more and requires magnetic cookware.

The Thermador has a handy timer that shuts off the heat at the selected time—up to 59 minutes—and a child safety lock. Watch the video to see this $5,000 cooktop in action, or consider one of our recommended 36-inch electric smoothtops, such as the top-rated Maytag MEC7536W, $830, or the top-rated 30-inch induction cooktop, the Kenmore 43820, $1,600. In our tests of dozens of electric cooktops the Kenmore 43820 induction scored an impressive 99 out of 100.

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DeLonghi pod coffeemakers dominate the top of our tests

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DeLonghi pod coffeemakers dominate the top of our tests

With three winners on Consumer Reports' list of recommended pod coffeemakers, DeLonghi dominates the top of our tests. Its machines deliver speedy first and subsequent cups, consistently hot servings, and offer other conveniences. And DeLonghi has outdone itself with its newest top performer, the DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T, $130.

While the Gusto Genio resembles its sibling, the DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo EDG200T, which sells for $30 less, the newer model has replaced the joystick that adjusts the amount of water with easy-to-use buttons. Lighted bars indicate how much hot water is available, and there's more capacity to begin with—the reservoir on the Gusto Genio is slightly larger than that of the Gusto Piccolo. A power switch that turns green when it's ready to brew is another handy feature. (The third model is the DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Circolo, $150.)

As good as the DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T is, however, it doesn't produce a bracing cup of coffee. For that you need a drip coffeemaker and freshly ground coffee beans. That's what our coffee experts discovered in our first-ever taste tests of coffee made with pod coffeemakers. We conducted the tests using the Colombian varietal available for each pod coffeemaker or the manufacturer's recommended equivalent. The majority of the 25 pod coffeemakers in our tests, including the DeLonghis, produced good but not great cups of coffee scoring three out of a possible five. And four pod coffeemakers earned only a two, or fair, with mediocre brews.

Pod coffeemakers typically require a trade-off between convenience and fresh-brewed flavor. If you drink your coffee with a lot of milk and sugar, you might not care. But for true coffee mavens, the taste can be disappointing. That's because the pods come with pre-ground coffee, which begins to lose its flavor as soon as the beans are ground. The same can be said for bagged supermarket coffee that comes already ground.

Still, if you like the speed of a pod coffeemaker, try the different blends and varietals available for your machine. Some brands of pod coffeemakers come with a larger selection of pods than others. DeLonghi, for example, uses the Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsules, which come in 16 flavors, while machines made by Breville, Cuisinart, Keurig and Mr. Coffee accept K-cup pods, which come in 250 varieties.

If you're using your pod coffeemaker to make one cup for the road, you may also want to consider the Hamilton Beach BrewStation 47454, $80, our top-scoring drip coffeemaker, which can make one cup at a time from beans you grind yourself. Another option for coffee junkies is the Krups Grinder & Brewer KM7000, $180, which lets you adjust the grind level and the water-to-coffee ratio and has a small batch setting.

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Already a hit in our tests, Sears products star in 'Man of Steel'

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Already a hit in our tests, Sears products star in 'Man of Steel'

A new Superman movie, "Man of Steel," opens Friday and in it Clark Kent's mother, Martha, works at Sears and the family has Kenmore appliances in the kitchen and Sears Craftsman tools in the barn. Maybe Martha got an employee discount, but Ad Age calls "Man of Steel" the most Madison Avenue-friendly film of the summer with more than 100 promotional partners.

"We wanted to ground Superman in a reality that the audience could understand, with iconic American locations, like Sears, to make the film feel as authentic as possible," says Zack Snyder, the film's director, in a Sears press release. The retailer is offering "Something Super" online discounts and other promotions. All of this got staffers at Consumer Reports asking, "What would Martha like?" That's because we've tested many Kenmore appliances and Craftsman tools. Here are some that were super in our tests.

For the kitchen. The Kenmore 92163 electric smoothtop range, $1,550, was the best of the 56 models tested. It was superb overall, delivering super simmering and fast cooktop heat. The large oven was impressive at baking and excellent at broiling. At $1,700 the Kenmore 7160[3] French-door bottom freezer is a CR Best Buy. It was also excellent overall, and offers super temperature performance and energy efficiency and quiet operation. Of the 175 dishwashers tested the Kenmore Elite 12793, $1,350, was tops. It combines quietness with a number of conveniences and offers the best blend of washing and energy saving.

For the shed. The Craftsman 28856, $1,600, lawn tractor is a CR Best Buy. It has a 2-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine and an automatic drive system. It was easy to maneuver and dispersed clippings smoothly and evenly in side-discharge mode. Mulching was impressive and it filled its bag to capacity with clippings, but this lawn tractor lacks a washout port. Need a cordless drill? Take a look at the Craftsman 17310, $100. It's a CR Best Buy and this 19.2-volt drill delivers nearly as much speed power as far pricier models. Of course, it's not quite as speedy as Superman.

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Wedding gifts from our tests that stand the test of time

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Wedding gifts from our tests that stand the test of time

The start of the traditional wedding season is here and with it the questions: What to wear and what to buy the newlyweds? The average couple registers for 153 items, according to TheKnot.com, and kitchen gear and small appliances are popular requests. To help you sort through the choices, Consumer Reports picked some of the top-rated housewares from our tests ranging in price from $60 to $450.

Coffeemakers. Decked out in Swavorski crystals, the Cusinart Crystal SCC-1000 Limited Edition Perfec Temp coffeemaker, $199, can make a statement on any countertop. But the 14-cup drip machine also makes a great cup of coffee. Brewing performance was excellent and it maintained the industry-recommended 195 degrees F for five or six minutes. Setup, operation, and cleanup were a cinch, and we found this model's carafe very easy to handle.
More coffeemaker Ratings and recommendations.

Kitchen knives.
An old adage says it's bad luck to give knives to newlyweds but with grooms often participating in gift selection, more knives are appearing on registries. Our top-rated set is the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Professional "S", $300. This set of seven knives had excellent cutting performance and the handles are well balanced and comfortable. A bonus is the free lifetime warranty.
More kitchen knife Ratings and recommendations.

Stand mixers. The KitchenAid Classic stand mixer, $200, and its brandmate the KitchenAid Artisan, $300, are perennials on wedding registries and we recommend both models. But in our tests, the Breville BEM800XL, $299, bested both KitchenAids with its excellent marks for mixing, whipping and kneading. It doesn't resemble a KitchenAid but its stainless finish has its own sleek appeal.
More mixer Ratings and recommendations.

220310-toasters-kitchenaid-prolinekmt2203ca.jpgToasters. You can spend a lot on a toaster but that doesn't mean it'll make good toast. But the two-slice Cuisinart CPT-420, $80, and the four-slice Cuisinart CPT-440, $100, were champs at browning bread evenly in successive batches. If the couple wants a coordinated countertop, the KitchenAid Pro Line KMT2203CA, $299, which matches the stand mixer, also makes good toast. And for cooking options such as baking and broiling, our top toaster oven is the Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL, $250.
More toaster Ratings and recommendations.

Blenders. For couples who like to entertain, the Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004, $60, can churn out some delicious icy drinks and was rated excellent in overall performance. And at that price we named it a CR Best Buy. It's a good choice if you're giving the couple a check but don't want to arrive empty handed. Of course, you can spend a lot more than that on the cult favorite, the Vitamix 5200, $450. The 11-speed blender is great at preparing smoothies, crushing ice and making puree. And it has an online following of folks who share tips and recipes.
More blender Ratings and recommendations.

Steam irons. Weddings can also be the time to go off registry and give the couple something they may not have thought of but that would make their life easier. With its excellent steaming rate, the Reliable IronMaven J420 steam ironing system, $299, will save the newlyweds hours of ironing time. And its large water tank allows for less frequent refills. In our tests, the results were wrinkle-free.
More steam iron Ratings and recommendations.

Water filters. Another unconventional but useful gift is the Shaklee BestWater MTS2000 82300 countertop water filter, $260. It can save the couple from lugging in crates of bottled water and filters large amounts of water without modifying the plumbing system. And you can give the bride and groom his and hers water bottles.
More water filter Ratings and recommendations.

Whether you're shopping online or at a local store, check the retailer's gift wrapping policy. Many will do it for free. In a recent report on gift wrapping, we found that Bed Bath & Beyond has free do-it-yourself stations, and that Amazon charges $3.99 to $5.99 per item depending on its size.

--Izabela Rutkowski

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Five signs the house you want to buy is a money pit

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Five signs the house you want to buy is a money pit

The tight housing market has sparked the return of bidding wars and desperate buyers in certain cities and towns. While you may need to act fast to land your dream home, haste will make waste if you end up with a money pit. With that, here are five key warning signs to look for as you tour potential new homes. A qualified home inspector should also catch the red flags, but in a fast-moving market, it pays to spot trouble early on so you don't squander time on dud properties.

Leaky roofs. Runaway water can wreak havoc on any home and a leaky roof is its quickest way in. If the home has an asphalt roof, look for cracked, curled, and missing shingles. Gutters, downspouts, and leader pipes should also be in place to collect rainwater and channel it away from the house.

Foundation cracks. Hairline cracks along a concrete foundation are probably the result of minor settling and not a huge cause for concern. But cracks wider than 3/16 inch could mean serious trouble. A good trick of the trade: walk the foundation with a No. 2 pencil. If the pencil can go into the crack up to the yellow paint on the pencil, that's a pretty wide crack that could end up requiring the attention of an engineer.

Dangerous decks. Soft boards or loose rails are a sign of decaying deck structure, which can lead to serious injury—hazardous decks cause about 45,000 injuries each year. Make sure railings are secure and at least three feet tall with no more than four inches between rails.

Mold and mildew. Let your nose do the sleuthing on this one. Musty odors and dank air are two indications that mold or mildew have infiltrated a home. In some cases, the spores and splotches will be visible around windows and under rugs. Houses in arid climates are vulnerable too, since hot air can drive even small amounts of water trapped in the structure to condense on colder interior surfaces, leading to mold.

Pest infestations. Piles of sawdust along baseboards are a sign of carpenter ants. Regular termites also shed wings along windowsills, walls, and other entry points. Rodents gravitate toward disorder and debris, such as leaf piles around the foundation. And look up for signs of birds, bees, or squirrels in soffits and attic vents.

Some buyers look for fixer-uppers to make over to their liking. It's easy to overlook a dated kitchen if you're prepared to take on some remodeling. Our special report, "Get the kitchen you've always wanted," is packed with ideas that work for any budget. And in "Three magnificent kitchen makeovers," you'll barely recognize the original kitchens when you see the before and after photos.

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To get the latest models and best deals, buy a refrigerator now

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To get the latest models and best deals, buy a refrigerator now

Manufacturers often roll out new refrigerators in June, making now a great time to shop, whether you're remodeling the kitchen or your old fridge is on the fritz. You can either take advantage of the latest features in a new model or get a great deal on an older one that's being cleared out. Consumer Reports' refrigerator tests now feature more than 300 models, so whichever way you go we've got many great recommendations. Here are some of our faves, arranged around the four main refrigerator types.

Bottom freezers
This has been the fastest-growing configuration, thanks to the popularity of French-door fridges. If you're looking for the latest and greatest (not to mention largest), consider the new Kenmore Elite 72093, $3,400, or the LG LFX33975ST, $3,000, both of which boast an industry-leading 33 cubic feet of claimed storage capacity. We also like GE's new Cafe CFE29TSDSS, $3,000, French-door refrigerator, the only model on the market that dispenses hot water.

For a tried and true model that may come with a discount, take a look at the Samsung RFG298HD[RS], originally $2,800, or any if its similar models in our Ratings. They offer superb temperature control aided by dual evaporators, which help maintain optimal humidity levels in the fresh-food section. Or go with a conventional bottom-freezer, such as the well-priced Amana ABB2224WE for $1,350 or the even less expensive Maytag MBF1958XE for $1,150.

Top freezers
This configuration is all about value, both in terms of what you spend up front and in the low operating costs thanks to their often excellent energy efficiency. Two new recommended models from Haier—the Haier HT21TS77SP and the Haier HT18TS77SP—take that value to new heights, costing just $600, while still delivering very good temperature control and the convenience of spillproof shelves.

Our highest-rated top-freezer for the moment is one that's been around a while—the GE Profile PTS22LHS[WW]. At $1,400, it's pricey for a top-freezer, but you may find it for less. And it delivers superb temperature performance as well as an internal water filter with built-in filtration.

Side-by-sides
None of the newest side-by-sides we've tested make our recommended list. That could be due to the fact that some manufacturers are focusing on other fridge configurations. But if you really want a side-by-side, maybe for its accessible freezer storage or the narrow door swing suited to small, galley-style kitchens, we have more than a dozen recommended models to choose from. Among the longest-standing models are the Bosch Linea 800 B22CS80SN for $2,700 and the DCS RX215PJX1 for $2,500. The DCS has better temperature control, though it's missing a through-the-door ice and water dispenser, which a lot of consumers expect in a side-by-side.

Built-ins
Built-in refrigerators are the most expensive, so don't expect too many discounts. But we've tested several very impressive new models, starting with the top-rated Thermador Freedom Collection T36BB820SS, $7,400. This is a very impressive bottom-freezer, with outstanding temperature performance enhanced by dual evaporators and dual compressors. Like most built-ins, it can receive custom-integrated panels that coordinate with your surrounding cabinetry or you can go with stainless steel. Among older built-ins, we still really like the Sub-Zero BI42S[S], $8,000, and the Miele KF1901Vi, $7,200.

Sales promos should continue at least through the Fourth of July, and we can't say which models will see the deepest discounts. So if there's a refrigerator you like in our Ratings, it's worth signing up for e-mail alerts with retailers and manufacturers alike and keeping tabs on the newspaper circulars.

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Police find suspect in dryer after bungled burglary

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Police find suspect in dryer after bungled burglary

Dryer capacities have increased in recent years to keep up with washer capacities so large that they held 17 to 24 pounds of laundry in Consumer Reports' tests. The idea is that you can do more laundry less frequently, or as one burglary suspect saw it, the dryer was big enough to hide in as police officers charged into a house in New Rochelle, New York, yesterday.

This rough-and-tumble tale was first reported by Lohud.com. The suspect hid in a dryer as police stormed inside the house, according to the website, which added that his loot was piled near a window through which he planned to escape. But when he saw the police officers, the 19-year-old retreated and climbed inside the dryer. There was no report of cycle selected. Police took the suspect into custody.

We've noticed in our tests that laundry equipment is getting bigger and bigger. The LG WM8000H[V]A front-loader, $1,350, is the largest capacity washing machine we've ever tested. It was superb overall and is a recommended model. It's mate, the equally hefty LG DLEX8000[V] electric dryer, also $1,350, offers excellent drying, is relatively quiet and made our list of top dryer picks. As you might imagine, both the washer and dryer take up slightly more space than the typical twosome. Each machine is two inches wider.

Our tests of dryers include capacity, convenience, noise, and of course, drying performance. See our Ratings of dozens of dryers to find one that fits your needs, if not an intruder's.

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How to make sure your generator works when you need it

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How to make sure your generator works when you need it

When Tropical Storm Andrea roared up the East Coast recently dropping buckets of rain, it underscored the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's forecast that 2013 will have an extremely active hurricane season with 13 to 20 named storms. And since we still have letters B through Z to go, there's no better time to buy a new generator or make sure the one you have now is working properly.

As outdoor-gear dealer Paul Menascalco warns, too many people buy and fuel portable generators and then neglect them until the power goes out. By that time, the gas may have deteriorated and the engine won't start. Then folks like Menascalco, manager of RC Power Products in Bedford Hills, N.Y. get calls that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

Still, even if you are diligent about maintaining your generator, you can get caught short during a storm if local gas stations lose power or roads are closed by fallen trees. If you find that keeping lots of gasoline, diesel fuel, or propane on hand is a hassle, consider a stationary (standby) generator. They're powered by natural gas or large propane tanks so running out of fuel is less of a concern. And since stationary generators need professional installation, maintaining the dealer relationship is easier, which increases the odds that you'll be prepared. Standby generators also start themselves up on a regular schedule, performing diagnostic routines and displaying error codes when something is awry.

Once a generator is up and running, safety becomes a concern. Every year people die of carbon monoxide poisoning from generator exhaust. The professional who installs your stationary generator should place it where fumes won't enter the home. When moving a portable generator into place yourself, make sure it's at least 15 feet away from the house. Never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially-enclosed areas, even with ventilation.

Our current generator tests include 11 portable and three stationary generators. And we have 10 more portable and five stationary generators in the labs that we've just begun testing. Results will be ready later this summer. Our top-scoring portable generator is the Troy-Bilt XP 7000 30477, $900. It's rated for 7,000 watts, delivered more than enough wattage to power our test appliances and handled surges very well. Our top stationary generator is the Kohler 8.5 RES-QS7, $3,200, which delivered smooth, steady power and offers 7,000 watts with natural gas and 8,500 using propane. And it was a quiet operator.

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Milder temperatures mean lower electric bills this summer

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Milder temperatures mean lower electric bills this summer

With milder weather forecast for June, July and August, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is predicting that Americans will be paying less for electricity this summer than last year. But don't start celebrating yet. The savings will be only $10 on average, enough for a few ice cream cones or cold beers. The average homeowner will still pay $395 to keep the lights on and air conditioning running. To cut costs, follow these tips from our experts.

Switch lightbulbs. CFLs and LEDs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and generate about 75 percent less heat per bulb. They also last much, much longer. Each EnergyStar qualified CFL can save you about $6 a year in electrical costs and can pay for itself in savings in a couple of months according to our lightbulb tests. LEDs cost more, but each bulb can save more than $100 in energy costs over its lifetime.

Unplug it. Many devices use electricity even when you're not actively using them. All that "vampire" power can add up to 10 percent of your energy bill. Unplugging or powering down such devices as set top boxes and video game consoles can save over $100 per year.

Size your AC correctly. When it comes to air conditioning, bigger isn't necessarily better. Oversized units, either window or central air conditioners, will quickly cool the area but not remove enough humidity, resulting in a cold, clammy space. Find the right size from our list of recommended air conditioners.

Raise the thermostat. Thermostats should be set to cool a home only when it's occupied or about to be. Many of the newer thermostats tested by Consumer Reports can be programmed for various times and days of the week. To learn how read, Use a programmable thermostat to keep cooling costs in check.

Check the refrigerator. High temperature and humidity levels can make your refrigerator work harder to keep the contents cool. You can help it run most efficiently by making sure the coils and gaskets are clean, and by not keeping the door open while you decide what to eat or drink.

For more tips on how to maintain your cooling equipment and save on your utility bill, check the Consumer Reports guide to summer cooling. You can find the full report from the Energy Information Administration on its website.

--Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman

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Uncork a quality wine for your Father's Day feast

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Uncork a quality wine for your Father's Day feast

A dad deserves only the best on Father's Day, which takes place this Sunday (June 16). If you're planning to fete the father(s) in your life with a special dinner at home, accompany the meal with a nice bottle of wine that complements the food you're serving. But remember, as with many of the products we test, a higher price tag on a wine doesn't mean a higher-quality bottle.

In fact, in our tests, a number of wines that cost at least $20 a bottle scored less than 60—that is, they earned only a Good or lower. Several of these wines are from well-known producers and will run you $40 or more. All except the Ayala Brut Majeur NV (France) happen to be from California, though that by no means is indicative of the great wines being produced in that state.

The "unlucky" 13:

  • Cabernet sauvignon: Buehler 2008 ($21), Beringer Knights Valley 2008 ($21), Ferrari Carano Alexander Valley 2008 ($24)
  • Chardonnay: Rombauer 2011 ($35)
  • Merlot: Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate 2009 ($22), Shafer 2009 ($47)
  • Pinot noir: Calera 2010 ($24)
  • Red zinfandel: Saldo 2009 ($29)
  • Shiraz/Syrah: Andretti Napa Valley 2008 ($43), Casa Dumetz 2009 ($35), Blenheim 2009 ($20), JC Cellars 2008 ($26)
  • Sparkling wine: Ayala Brut Majeur NV ($42)

Our wine buying guide is your go-to place for reviews, storage and serving tips, and more.

But our extensive wine Ratings of 16 varietals do feature a number of inexpensive wines that impressed our expert tasters, including but not limited to these choices from the same varietals above:

  • Cabernet sauvignon: Crios 2009 ($13)
  • Chardonnay: Trackers Crossing 365 (Whole Foods) 2011 ($7)
  • Merlot: Cherrywood Cellars (7-Eleven) 2009 ($8)
  • Pinot noir: Oyster Bay 2010 ($16)
  • Red zinfandel: Dancing Bull 2009 ($10)
  • Shiraz/Syrah: Greg Norman Estates 2007 ($13)
  • Sparkling wine: Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV ($16)

If you're unsure what to serve with your menu, check our food-and-wine pairing tips. If a cold brew is your preferred beverage, find the right beer for your Father's Day cookout.

Related:
7 Father's Day gift ideas today's dads will love
Wine chiller reviews and Ratings

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Samsung's new appliance line includes four first-ever features

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Samsung's new appliance line includes four first-ever features

Samsung Electronics America, no stranger to innovation, has taken a unique approach to the launch its 2013 line by opening a pop-up showroom, dubbed Samsung House, in the trendy New York City neighborhood of SoHo. Open to the public this weekend, the "home environment" space features a fully operational kitchen and laundry room intended to show off Samsung's latest cooking and cleaning wares in a real-world—if somewhat high-flying—setting. Consumer Reports stopped by for a sneak peek.

Two of the featured appliances are already in our labs for testing. The $3,900 Four Door Sparkling French Door Refrigerator, Samsung RF31FMESB, has an industry-first automatic sparkling water dispenser. And the Samsung T9000 Four Door Refrigerator, model RF32FMQDBSR, is the first truly four-door refrigerator, with its two-over-two side-by-side compartment configuration. It sells for $4,000.

Next up, Samsung's DV457 dryer, $1,500, which has just been awarded the 2013 Energy Star Emerging Technology Award. That's big news, since dryers have always consumed about the same amount of energy (hence the fact that there's no Energy Star and Energy Guide label for them). The Emerging Technology Award was developed to change that, and it appears to be bearing fruit. The Samsung's DV457 dryer, the first recipient of the award, claims to use 36 percent less energy than conventional models, thanks in part to software and hardware enhancements that improve on the efficiency of standard moisture sensors. (Note that current DV457, including the version in our Ratings, have model codes ending in AA, while the new high-efficiency model will end in A1.)

Rounding out the laundry launches was the matching WF547 dryer for $1500, as well as a 5-cubic-foot capacity high-efficiency top-loader, WA50F, and matching dryer, DV50F, both $1,100.

As for cooking appliances, Samsung showed the Slide-In Flex Duo Oven Electric Range, model NE58F9710SR. We've seen the Flex Duo technology before, which allows the oven to be split into two separate compartments to cook two dishes at two different temperatures at the same time. But never on a slide-in model.

Earlier in the week, Samsung brought in a series of Michelin-rated chefs to prepare meals on the range. The so-called Club des Chefs will serve as consultants on the design of future Samsung products. They won't be there in person this weekend, but visitors will get to sample some of the dishes they prepared. Of course, if you make the trek to Samsung House, you'll have no shortage of top-notch SoHo restaurants to choose from after the visit.

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Wisk, Kirkland give Tide laundry detergent a run for the money

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Wisk, Kirkland give Tide laundry detergent a run for the money

Tide is a perennial powerhouse in Consumer Reports' laundry detergent Ratings. This year is no different, with the Procter & Gamble brand accounting for five of nine recommended detergents. But detergents from Wisk and Kirkland Signature, the Costco exclusive, are challenging Tide's supremacy. In fact, when it comes to conventional detergents and the increasingly popular single-use pods, which can be used in both standard and high-efficiency machines, Tide has to settle to second best. Here are the details.

You might have seen the online ad for Wisk detergent, in which a crusading "mockumentary" filmmaker declares a "state of detegency" over invisible sweat and body oil stains. Wisk Deep Clean Free & Pure HE made good on its promise to vanquish these stains, delivering the top score in our tough ring-around-the-collar test. And it costs almost 10 cents less per load than the top-rated Tide Ultra plus Bleach Vivid White + Bright.

Among conventional detergents, Wisk Deep Clean is our highest-rated detergent, just beating out Tide Plus Bleach Alternative Vivid White + Bright. Though it missed our recommended list, Tide for Cold Water is a good choice if you want to save energy by washing your clothes in cold water.

Now let's talk pods, the latest thing in laundry detergent. Last year, Tide Pods were the only single-use detergent to earn our recommendation. It's a pick again this year, but behind Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Pacs, which perform slightly better while costing 8 cents less per load. A word of caution to consumers with young children: poison control centers continue to receive hundreds of calls each month concerning kids 5 years or younger ingesting the pods or spraying them into their eyes. It's imperative to keep pods out of children's reach, and call the poison-control help line immediately at 800-222-1222 if a child comes into contact with them.

Our latest report also looked into green detergents. Be wary of terms like "natural" and "earth friendly," which manufacturers often toss around even though there's no federal standard governing them. A better green bet is the Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, which is USDA-certified to contain at least 95 percent renewable ingredients. While the powder detergents misses our top picks list, it delivers very good cleaning overall, especially against grass and blood.

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$2,700 Miele dishwasher a middling performer in our tests

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$2,700 Miele dishwasher a middling performer in our tests

Consumer Reports just added a $2,700 Miele dishwasher to its Ratings, the most expensive model by far of the almost 200 dishwashers in our tests. For that price you get three adjustable racks, a built-in water softener and a souped-up turbo cycle, among other fancy features. What you won't get is sparkling results as the Miele Futura Diamond G5975SCSF was a mid-pack performer in our tests.

The multitasking Miele has a variety of washing options, including a higher-energy turbo mode said to reduce running time by 30 percent (a normal cycle is 130 minutes) and an "intensive" mode that directs more power to heavily soiled items on the bottom rack while protecting delicate stemware above. A third rack, common on higher-end dishwashers, offers space for stemware as well as large utensils. And interior LEDs light up when you open the door to help you see what you're loading and unloading.

A feature called AutoClose pulls the door tighter after you close it and, when the cycle is complete, releases the latch slightly to aid in drying. The company claims the stainless door resists "fingerprints, scratches and smudges," a plus for busy family kitchens. There's a water softener in case you have hard water you're not already treating. And the warranty is five years, longer than that of most models we've tested.

With such high-end features, we expected top performance and while the Miele Futura Diamond's washing was impressive, dishwashers that cost as little as $600 did just as well or better in our dishwasher tests. It was quiet, but not as quiet as our top-rated Kenmore Elite 12793, which costs exactly half as much. If you're looking for a high-end dishwasher for a custom kitchen and can wait a bit longer, we're almost finished testing four new Bosch dishwashers. Several Bosch models already stand out in our tests, including the Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC, a CR Best Buy at $700.

For $2,700 you can buy all four of the other dishwashers we just tested and have money to spare for dishwasher detergent. Unfortunately, none of them made our list of top dishwasher picks either. They include the Frigidaire Gallery FGHD2472PF, $700; the Bosch Ascenta DLX SHX4AT75UC, $700; the Frigidaire Gallery FGBD2438PF, $500; and the Frigidaire Gallery FGBD2434PF, $400. But since we're continually testing new dishwashers, there are plenty of good performers to choose from that'll fit both your budget and your lifestyle.

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Q&A: What freezer temperature do I use for frozen foods?

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Q&A: What freezer temperature do I use for frozen foods?

Q: My new freezer cools to 9°F at the recommended setting. If I change the setting, I can get to 0°F, but it runs more often and, presumably, uses more electricity. Is it safe to keep food at 9°F? —Marcia De Leon, Edgewood, NM

A: We recommend using whatever setting yields 0°F in the freezer. You're right that the unit will run more often and will use more energy, but that is to be expected. Frozen-food labels say to store products at 0°F or colder; warmer temperatures reduce quality and shelf life.

Read why your parents' appliances cost more to run than yours do.

To submit your own question, see: ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

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Consumer Reports joins call for CPSC to monitor exploding cell phones and warns of off-brand batteries

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Consumer Reports joins call for CPSC to monitor exploding cell phones and warns of off-brand batteries

It's rare for a cell phone to explode or seriously overheat—but if it does, it can cause a fire or leave serious burns. Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, today joined a call by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), to have the Consumer Product Safety Commission take a closer look at the problem, including its apparent link to the use of defective off-brand batteries.

At a news conference in New York, Chuck Bell, Programs Director of Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, characterized cell-phone fires as a "rare occurrence." But he noted that the CPSC has received 61 reports of phones overheating, arcing, or experiencing other such problems in the past few years. He called on the agency to "carefully monitor the situation, and consider what steps that can be taken to mitigate and reduce any hazards to consumers."

At the event, Schumer said he was "urging the Consumer Product Safety Commission to investigate these dangerous aftermarket batteries, [and] determine if further actions need to be taken against the manufacturers of the aftermarket batteries that have malfunctioned."

In the meantime, Consumers Union recommends that consumers avoid the purchase of off-brand batteries or chargers, and instead use only components that the phone manufacturer makes or recommends.

These steps can further minimize the chance of damage to a phone or its battery that can result in overheating or even an explosion:

Protect batteries from water. In and around water—say, at a beach or near a pool—consider keeping the phone in a waterproof bag or case. Even a simple zip-lock bag should provide adequate protection, our tests have found, and we were even able to place and receive calls with the device inside the bag.

Avoid extreme heat. In locations such as a parked car on a warm day, temperatures can easily soar to the levels at which batteries may suffer performance issues, and perhaps even heat damage.

Drop your phone hard? Monitor its temperature. An especially jarring drop may damage the phone's battery. If the battery's accessible to you, as it is on many phones, open the case and inspect it for any signs of damage. And if you notice the battery or phone is getting a lot hotter than usual following a drop, turn it off for a half hour or so and restart it. If it still seems unusually hot, consider taking it to the carrier store or, for iPhones, an Apple Store, for inspection.

Keep removed batteries away from metal. If you can and do remove your phone's battery, avoid allowing it (and especially its contacts) from touching coins or other metal objects, which may damage the battery.

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Music playing Electrolux vacuum is noisy on purpose

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Music playing Electrolux vacuum is noisy on purpose

Vacuum cleaners can make a lot of racket so when Consumer Reports tests canisters and uprights, we test how noisy they are. Canisters tend to be quieter as a group, but what if instead of that annoying sucking sound your vacuum belted out a tune? In Japan, Electrolux has a special edition canister that plays music while it works. Like many musical beginners, this canister opens with "Chopsticks."

The Ergothree Play! canister has a sensor inside the nozzle that detects dust as it vacuums and plays music as it rhythmically sucks up dirt, according to the website, adding that quiet suction power and lovely music are on the playlist. Alas, this special model was produced only for the Electrolux Ergothree project and it's uncertain whether it will come to market.

At Consumer Reports, we have plenty of vacuums that can't carry a tune but that do clean up in our tests. See the results of our tests of dozens of canisters and uprights—bagged and bagless models—to find one that's quiet yet capable. Among bagged canister models, the Electrolux UltraSilencer DeepClean EL7060, $500, was the quietest but tool airflow was so-so and handling only fair, helping to keep it off the list of vacuums we recommend. The top-rated Kenmore Intuition 28014 canister, $500, had superb tool airflow, was relatively quiet, and is recommended.

Miele has a series of musically themed upright vacuums that we've tested including the Bolero, Swing, Jazz, Salsa and Twist. Although not the quietest, they were all quiet enough to hear yourself whistle while you work. All five Miele models made our list of top vacuum picks. They range in price from $475 to $935.

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How to wash stuffed animals, sneakers and other tricky items

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How to wash stuffed animals, sneakers and other tricky items

Pens, crayons, and chocolate are some of the things that people have accidentally left in pockets, according to our Facebook followers and staff. The results weren't pretty. Combine that with the fact that fabrics and washers have changed, and your laundry routine may need an update. So we asked manufacturers and our laundry and fabric experts for their latest tips. Start by following the instructions on garment labels, then try the following:

Chocolate-covered laundry
Use your machine's soak cycle and one of our higher-rated detergents that's very good at removing chocolate, such as Wisk Deep Clean Free & Pure, a detergent that can be used in HE and conventional machines. Then wash. Don't put the item into the dryer until you're satisfied with the stain removal. If the stained clothes have already been in the dryer, it will be even more difficult to remove stains, so you might have to repeat this process.

Clothes with spandex
Skip the chlorine bleach; it can damage spandex. (So can a very hot iron.) If you paid extra for jeans with special fading or a distressed finish, turn them inside out before washing and pull up the zipper; its teeth can get caught on other clothing.

Ink and crayon marks
To tackle ballpoint-pen marks, place a clean white paper towel under the stain, then blot a small spot with rubbing alcohol and another piece of paper towel. Keep blotting the stain with a clean part of each paper towel over and under the stain until it's gone, then launder. For crayons, Crayola suggests scraping off as much as possible, then working liquid dish soap into the stain. (Do that and the following steps on an inconspicuous spot first.) Wait several minutes, then rub the fabric under warm water to remove the stain. Machine-wash using the heavy-soil setting, with the hottest water the care label recommends, and OxiClean. Air-dry the item and repeat if necessary.

Rogaine-stained pillowcases
A reader alerted us that Rogaine, an FDA-approved topical treatment used to help regrow hair, stains his pillowcases after he applies it at bedtime. Try soaking pillowcases in white vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes, then toss them in the washer with detergent but no bleach. Repeat if needed. Line dry.

Small stuffed animals
If there are no glued-on parts, wash using the gentle cycle in cold water and with a mild detergent, then put in the sun or another warm place to dry.

Sneakers
Nike and Keds say on their websites not to machine-wash or machine-dry their shoes. A Converse online video shows how to clean your sneakers by hand. Given the high price of sneakers, be sure to follow the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines.

Waterproof items
Consult your manual or call customer service if you have an HE top-loader. The sticker on our top-rated high-efficiency Samsung top-loader said not to wash or spin waterproof seats, mats, or clothing. That's because waterproof or water-resistant items increase the chance of loads becoming unbalanced, which can cause excessive shaking and can damage the dryer and laundry area. In December, LG recalled about 457,000 LG and Kenmore Elite HE top-loaders made by LG after it received at least 343 reports of washers that vibrated excessively. More than half caused minor property damage, and one minor injury was reported, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Wool sweaters
First check for any decorations—water can damage them. Some HE models have a wool cycle. If the garment label says you can hand-wash, you might be able to use a wool-wash cycle. Then lay flat to dry.

The best washers and dryers. No matter what you're washing, you'll get the best results with a top-performing washer and dryer and an excellent laundry detergent. Our list of front-loader top picks includes the Maytag Maxima XL MHW7000AW, $1,150, the Whirlpool Duet WFW88HEAW, $1,000, and the Samsung WF457ARGS[GR], $1,500. In addition to the Samsung HE top-loader mentioned above, we also liked the LG WT1101CW, $700, and the GE GTWN7450DWW, $800.

For dryers, you can't go wrong with the Samsung DV50F9A8EVP, $1,100, the Maytag Maxima XL MED8000AG, $1,450, or the LG DLEX3470[W], $1,000. And our list of top laundry detergent picks includes varieties from Tide, Wisk and Costco's Kirkland Signature.

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