Q. I’m about to purchase a new dishwasher and want to know which models will not harm my delicate china. (It has gold trim around the edges.) I’m mainly considering the Frigidaire Gallery FGHD2472PF model. What do you think?—Orah Rosenblatt, Brooklyn, NY

A. We don’t do any tests using delicate china, says Emilio Gonzalez, our senior test program leader for appliances, but we consulted the manual for the Frigidaire model you mentioned. It says that the appliance's china crystal cycle, “for lightly soiled china and crystal,” uses less water than the other cycles and is of shorter duration. Always closely follow the user manual and, of course, carefully load delicate items, making sure they don’t touch other dishes. The manual doesn’t mention gold-trimmed china, so it wouldn’t hurt to call the manufacturer to see what it recommends. And when in doubt, hand-wash.

For related information check our buying guides for dishwashers and detergents.

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.

Sniffles, sneezes and an achy head are a good indicator that you’ve caught a cold—and nobody wants to be sick during the holidays. But unfortunately, chomping on megadoses of vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, or sipping yet another glass of vitamin C mix won’t make your illness magically disappear. In fact, it could add to your woes.

“Nothing, including vitamin C, has ever been shown to shorten the course of a common cold, which usually lasts 7 to 10 days,” says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports' chief medical adviser. Here are five reasons vitamin C is not much better than a tincture of time.

1. It’s probably too late

While research suggests that taking a daily dose of C on a regular basis while you’re still healthy might shorten your cold by a day or so, the same studies show that blasting your body with that vitamin won’t obliterate the cold virus once it takes hold. And before you commit to getting a regular fix, note that the drop in catching colds only applied to a group of super athletes—marathon runners, skiers, and soldiers partaking in sub-arctic exercises.

2. You might get kidney stones

Men who regularly take vitamin C are twice as likely to develop kidney stones. That’s according to an 11-year study of 48,850 Swedish men. Over the course of the study 436 reported developing kidney stones. (Ouch!) While we don’t know if the mouth-puckering supplement prevented the guys from catching the sniffles, researchers calculated that the vitamin C takers nearly doubled their risk of that painful problem.

3. Your body will just eliminate it anyway

Your mother was right; any excess vitamin C that your body can’t absorb will be excreted in your urine. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adult women only need 75 milligrams (mg) and adult men need 90 mg per day—and you’ll get more than enough in one large orange or a cup of strawberries.

Read more about supplements and find out if zinc will cure your cold.

4. It could give you diarrhea

The maximum that adults should ingest is 2,000 mg, according to the NIH. Any more and you could end up with nasty stomach cramps and diarrhea in addition to your runny nose and headache.

5. It's not worth the money

Save the cash for tissues and tea and maybe a new fever thermometer and a humidifier. You’ll feel better in a week or so anyway.

— Lauren Cooper

More holiday gift ideas and tips

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.

Wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet is the “single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But in order for a helmet to protect you, it has to perform the way it’s designed to. In recent Consumer Reports’ bike helmet tests, one manufacturer’s helmet failed a crucial part of our safety evaluation, and we are concerned it might not reliably protect cyclists in the event of an accident.

The buckle on the chinstrap of the Cannondale Teramo helmet ($120) snapped off or broke into pieces with four out of the five samples we evaluated during one of our routine bike helmet tests. The Cannondale Teramo was the only one helmet that failed out of the 14 helmets that we put through the same test. We’ve rated the Cannondale Teramo a Don’t Buy: Safety Risk.

“When you hit the ground, your helmet needs to be in place—not just on—to protect your head,” says Randy Swart, director of the non-profit Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute in Arlington, Virginia. “If the chinstrap breaks, all bets are off. The helmet could fly off and allow your head to hit the pavement and cause serious injury.”

Before a bike helmet can be sold in the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that it pass a test to evaluate the strength and holding power of the chinstrap (called the dynamic strength of retention system test). Consumer Reports’ chinstrap test is modeled after, but not identical to, the CPSC's standard. We put all helmets through the same chinstrap test: We drop an 8³/₄-pound weight 2 feet. The weight pulls on the strap to simulate the force that might occur in a accident. In this part of our testing, we check to see whether the strap stretches too much or breaks or comes loose where it is attached to the helmet, and if the clasp or buckle remains intact.

We are not aware of any injuries related to chinstrap performance on the Cannondale Teramo and have not found mentions of problems with this particular chinstrap in user reviews on various websites or on the CPSC's SaferProducts.gov website. Nevertheless, when Consumer Reports discovers a potential safety risk during product testing, we report our findings to consumers and to the CPSC. The agency told us in an e-mail statement: “We are taking the issue seriously and following up on the information provided.”

When we contacted Cannondale and shared our test results, the company disputed our findings and said “we stand by our third-party independent test results.” Cannondale also said their helmets are “tested in accordance with the required [CPSC] protocol and have passed all testing" and that it had not received any reports of injuries.

We also inspected (but did not test) several other Cannondale models. It appeared that the chinstrap buckle on the Cypher was of similar design, and therefore that raises the concern that it could pose the same safety risk. Cannondale confirmed that the Cypher uses the same buckle as the Teramo, and said that their “independent third-party test lab batch tested the buckles” from the Cypher (also a CPSC test) and that “it has passed every test.”

When we asked Cannondale whether the company would consider giving Teramo owners a refund or credit for the helmet, it said “no issues with buckles or breakages exist.” Still, if you have concerns, we suggest you contact the company at 800-245-3872 or on its website. 

Bottom line: Consumer Reports’ recommends that you don’t buy the Cannondale Teramo. However it is vital that you always wear a helmet when riding a bike. If you already own this helmet, stop using it as soon as it's practical to do so. In our last test of bicycle helmets in 2012, we recommended the Bell Array ($80). We will be releasing the full results of our new bicycle helmet tests next spring.

—Consumer Reports

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

Ceaseless cold, merciless ice, sleet, and snow—if you loved last winter, get ready for the sequel. To beat it, in America’s most-frigid states, you’ll want a snow blower, a snow shovel, and ice melt. Why all three? Even the best snow blowers can’t reach everywhere and may leave behind a thin layer of snow that’s likely to turn into ice. For areas that get less-than-epic snowfall, you can get by with just a shovel and the appropriate ice melt.  

When choosing a snow blower, the amount and type of snow you’ll be clearing will determine the right machine for you. So let the history of local snowfalls be your guide. Remember, though, that what falls from the sky is not the worst snow—it’s what plows leave at the end of your driveway that’s the highest and densest.

If you generally expect to deal with a foot or less of snow, you’ll probably want a compact, single-stage model that runs on gas and costs around $400 to $600. But for up to 18 inches? Consider a compact, two-stage unit. And if you want to be ready for anything, shell out $1,500 for the beefiest two-stage you can buy.

Clear winners

Two-stage gas blowers have some clear advantages. They add an impeller to the usual auger to outdo their single-stage siblings with faster clearing, farther throwing, and more muscle for heavier, wetter snow. But for all of their power, two-stage models leave behind slightly more snow than single-stage snow blowers, are heavier and bigger, and take up more storage space.

You also need to think about the width of the blower’s intake. Opting for a blower that can clear the widest-possible path sounds like a good idea, but bigger isn’t necessarily better: The engine needs to be strong enough to power the wider clearing path. We tested three Power Smart models of varying path widths; all came with the same 208-cubic-centimeter engine. That engine in the 22-inch-wide Power Smart DB7659-22, $500, gave it great throwing distance. But the same engine in the 28-inch Power Smart DB7651A-28, $745, threw the wet sawdust we use to simulate heavy snow only a few feet during our plow-pile test.

Corded-electric snow blowers are really for only the lightest powdery snow. Their one advantage over gas-powered snow blowers is that they make less noise—though that’s changing. The new gas-powered Craftsman 88694, $900, has a muffling design that reduced noise significantly in our tests. Like the 26-inch Toro Power Max 726 OE37771, $900, the 26-inch Craftsman doesn’t require the operator to wear hearing protection for safety. But the Craftsman is significantly better overall and is the quietest gas model we’ve tested.

Top-rated snow blowers

If you're shopping for a snow blower, here are the top three from Consumer Reports' tests of two-stage and single-stage gasoline models. None of the electric models in our tests made our top-picks list.

Two-stage gas

• Cub Cadet 31AH57S, $1,500
  
• Troy-Bilt Vortex 2890 31AH55Q, $1,300
  
• Cub Cadet 930SWE 31AH95SU, $1,600

Compact two-stage gas

• Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 31AH54Q, $1,100
  
• Craftsman 88173, $680
  
• Toro Power Max 724 OE 37770, $800

Single-stage gas

• Toro Power Clear 721E, $570
  
• Toro Power Clear 621 38458, $650
  
• Cub Cadet 221 LHP 31AM2T6D, $550

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

Wolfgang Puck wants families to gather at the dinner table and enjoy a great meal together. He admits that’s hard to do, but his solution is the Wolfgang Puck Pressure Oven. Puck promises that you can cook extraordinary meals just like he does and that food cooks in one-third the time. He adds that the $249 Pressure Oven replaces your oven, toaster, and microwave. Consumer Reports put those claims to the test.

We paid $250 for this countertop appliance. The modes are bake, broil, roast, toast, and warm and each can be used like a regular oven’s or in pressure mode, with temperature settings from 150° to 450°F. In pressure mode the small oven cavity is supposed to lock in heat and moisture once you close the door, lower the sealing lever, and put the vent release valve in seal position—similar to how a pressure cooker works though at lower pressure.

How we tested. “Imagine roasting a 13 pound turkey in under an hour,” says the manual. We followed the recipe and instructions closely, and then chose other recipes that also use the pressure mode and tried to match temperature conditions as closely as possible when we cooked the same foods in a regular oven for comparison. We roasted pork tenderloin with vegetables, baked fish with veggies, and brownies.

Our results. The Wolfgang Puck Pressure Oven works, but not as dramatically as claimed. In pressure mode it was slightly faster than a regular oven and conserved moisture better, but did not cook in one-third the time of a regular oven. The recipes we tried, excluding the brownies and fish, call for 450°F heat; that probably accounts for most of the speed. Our turkey cooked about 30 percent faster and the pork took the same time as the regular oven but was more thoroughly cooked. The brownies took over three times as long as claimed but the problem was the recipe. We cut the recipe in half and the brownies took slightly longer than stated.

The turkey was nicely done although not as evenly browned as we would have liked since its back sat in water and juices while cooking. The pork was medium-well rather than medium-rare but the veggies cooked better and were tasty. The fish and veggies were warmed but didn’t cook when following the recipe which called for 150°F heat. The brownies were tasty and moister. But in side-by-side comparisons our tasters did not find a clear winner.

And don’t give away your toaster or microwave. The manual for the Wolfgang Puck Pressure Oven says it takes 7 minutes for lightly toasted bread—most toasters pop up medium toast in about 2 minutes—and a cup of water won’t come to a boil like it will in a microwave. If you’d rather have a top-rated microwave, such as the $180 Panasonic Inverter NN-H965BF or a top toaster, the $60 Calphalon 2-Slot HE200ST, then you’ve come to the right place. See the results of our tests of countertop and over-the-range microwaves and toasters and toaster ovens too.

—Kimberly Janeway

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

Have you been buying the same hot chocolate mix for years? You might want to rethink that purchase. Consumer Reports recently evaluated eight popular hot chocolate products, and we found significant differences among them when it comes to nutrition, ingredients, and price per cup.

Ingredient shockers

If you go to the grocery store and compare the Nutrition Facts panels of dry mix cocoa packets and canisters, it may seem like a serving is pretty much the same. But a closer look at the ingredients list reveals that some hot chocolate mixes include things you probably want to avoid, such as the following:

• Partially hydrogenated oils. These contain trans fats, which may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. We found them in two Land O’Lakes products: Classics Chocolate Supreme and Classics Caramel.
• Artificial sweeteners and hidden sugars. We found artificial sweeteners in Swiss Miss Classics Milk Chocolate and Nestlé Rich Milk Chocolate mixes, even though they weren’t marketed as low sugar or low calorie. We also found ingredients that don't sound like sugar, but are—including corn syrup and corn-syrup solids—in those and other brands.
• Gums and artificial flavors. Both are used to boost texture and taste.

There are some nutrition differences among hot chocolate mixes as well. Among the eight we tested, calories per serving ranged from 80 to 140 and fat per serving from 0 to 3 grams (both fat and calories increase if cocoa is made with milk containing fat vs. being made with just water). Sodium counts ranged from 0 to 270 milligrams. The bottom line: Read the labels.

Based on our tests, below, in alphabetical order, are four Smart Picks of brands with the best hot chocolate ingredients, taste, and price.

Find more reviews and Ratings in our Food & Drink Guide.  

*All nutrition info per dry mix only (no water or milk added)

**Price is for mix only; one serving. Price per serving is based on one price purchased in a grocery store in the New York area.

—Ian Landau

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.

Heating air dries it out—humidity levels indoors can drop to as low as 10 percent—causing itchy eyes, scratchy throats, cracks in furniture, and loads of static electricity. Low humidity levels can even increase your risk of infection. Humidifiers can moisten the air and make your home more comfortable. But without routine cleaning, the devices can harbor mold and bacteria.

That’s where the newest humidifier designs come in. More models are touting antimicrobial features that help their tanks resist bacteria and mold growth. Consumer Reports is testing the effŽectiveness of the claims, so look for an update soon. Until then, we recommend changing the water daily and disinfecting the unit weekly. (Check the owner's manual.)

Our tests found humidfiers starting at $30 that offer easy use and antimicrobial features while supplying enough mist to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels of 30 to 50 percent. Most we’ve tested and recommend are ultrasonic models, which use a vibrating nebulizer to emit mist. On average, they are also the quietest.

For bedrooms

All of these humidifiers are very quiet, even at their highest settings, so they won’t disturb your sleep. The HoMedics UHE-CM25, $55, and HoMedics UHE-CM45, $60, are great for small bedrooms, and their plastic tanks have an integrated anti-mold treatment. If your bedroom is medium-sized, consider the SPT SU-9210, $80. It’s an evaporative model with a fan that blows air over a wet wick. All work well with hard or soft water.

For kids’ rooms

The Crane Owl, $45, is a fun, bird-shaped unit that doesn’t sacrifice performance and is quiet. It isn’t claimed to have antimicrobial features, but that isn’t a problem if you empty it daily and disinfect it weekly. It’s also available in other animal shapes, including a dog, duck, frog, and monkey.

For living or family rooms

The SPT SU-4010 and Crane Germ Defense EE-8065 produce either warm or cool mist, and the Crane Germ Defense has silver particles embedded in the plastic of the tank and basin for claimed resistance to bacteria, viruses, and mold. We’re testing that claim and will report back with our findings. The warm-mist Honeywell HWM-340 is a vaporizer, which uses a heating element to produce steam. The downside: Like all warm-mist models, it costs almost 15 times more to operate than most ultra­sonics, and warm-mist models can pose a burn hazard. All work well with either hard or soft water.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

Cooking with gas has its fans. They’ll rave about how the flame makes it easier to judge the heat, and how quickly you can adjust the heat from high to low. And while owners of electric ranges are out of luck when a storm hits and power’s out, most gas range fans can strike a match to light the burners, then eat dinner by candlelight. Not bad. The cooking appliance experts at Consumer Reports tested dozens of gas ranges. Here’s a glimpse at some of our single oven top picks.

Samsung NX58F5700WS, $1, 600
Here’s the deal: This top-rated gas range is stylish and unlike most gas ranges tested offers fast cooktop heat and superb baking. Even broiling was impressive—not something most gas ranges do well.
Need to know: Five burners, including two high power. The oven is large and has gliding oven racks and a convection feature that can trim cooking time for some foods. There’s a warming drawer below.

Samsung NX58H9500WS, $2,000
Here’s the deal: It's a slide-in range so the knobs are up front and there isn’t a back panel, giving it a stylish, built-in look. This range offers super simmering and impressive baking, broiling, and self-cleaning.
Need to know: There are five burners; two are high power and deliver fast heat. The oven is big and has convection and a temperature probe. And the warming drawer comes in handy when hosting parties or keeping dinner warm for teens who straggle in.

LG LRG3095ST, $1,500
Here’s the deal: The best had faster cooktop heating, but this LG offers superb simmering and its large oven was very good at broiling and turning out evenly browned cakes and cookies.
Consider this: Like most gas ranges this model was only so-so in our tough oven self-cleaning tests.
Need to know: Five burners, including two high-power, and a convection option.

Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3032MW, $700
Here’s the deal: This CR Best Buy isn’t a showpiece but it’s superb at simmering and impressive at baking. It comes in a stainless steel finish.
Consider this: Cooktop heat wasn’t as fast as the top picks and broiling and self-cleaning were so-so.
Need to know: Five burners, two are high-power. The oven has convection and a temperature probe for gauging doneness.

Samsung NX58F5500SS, $900
Here’s the deal: It performed similarly to the Frigidaire but has a larger oven.
Need to know: There are five burners, including two high power. No convection, but you can get it in stainless.  

Kenmore 74132, $700
Here’s the deal: Fast cooktop heat and impressive simmering. Baking was very good, and it was one of the few gas ranges to ace our self-cleaning tests.
Consider this: Like most gas models broiling was mediocre.
Need to know: Available in stainless, but no convection. Two of the five burners are high power.

The worst gas range we tested was the $1,700 KitchenAid Architect Series KGRS807SSS–it scored 31 out of 100—and was unable to simmer tomato sauce on the largest burner set to low. Check our range Ratings to see how the top picks compare to other ranges in our tests. You’ll find a compare-model tool, user reviews, and brand reliability data to help you choose.

—Kimberly Janeway

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

Last-minute Christmas gifts from the supermarket are surprisingly easy to find if you're willing to be creative. Pluses: Your supermarket gift is likely to be consumed quickly. You don't have to worry about it being the right size for the recipient. And in most cases, you don't have to worry about it matching the decor. 

If you have large supermarket nearby, chances are that it has an aisle or two devoted to toys and last-minute, as-seen-on-TV items that you can grab and go. But even a small, local market is likely to have a few items that you can gather in a basket or box wrapped in colorful paper and deliver with pride. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination: 

• Gourmet beverages. Grab three or four bags of gourmet coffee and place in a box along with filters, flavored creamers, a variety of teas, hot chocolate, and maybe some fancy turbinado sugar. Check in the housewares aisle for a couple of mugs, maybe a nice tea pot, and some colorful tea towels. If you've purchased loose tea, add a tea strainer. 

• Pastas and sauces. Who doesn't like putting together an easy, cozy Italian meal on a weekday night? Gather a couple jars of gourmet pasta sauce, a few different types of pasta (gluten-free, if you must), a hunk of parmagiano-reggiano (parmesan) cheese, a jar of pesto and another of fancy olives, a fancy bottle of extra-virgin olive oil, whole peppercorns (best in a container with a built-in grinder), and maybe even a hard sausage. In the housewares aisle, pick up a hand grater for the cheese, and a metal colander or hefty pasta pot. Arranging the items in the colander or pot makes for a charming display.

• Beauty items. Depending on where you shop, you may find some nicely packaged soaps and fragrances that can be easily wrapped for gifting. The other day at a Whole Foods store, for instance, I found fragrant soaps—three for $6—that could be nicely mixed and matched. I'll be giving those to a couple of friends.

Check out our Ratings of batteries, prepaid cards, and supermarkets, as well as our extensive holiday gift ideas & guide.

• Batteries. This isn't a glamorous gift, but you can be sure that extra batteries will be very well appreciated throughout the year. In my house, we're always searching for AA's and C's, and you can be sure at least one child's gift at your holiday gathering will come without batteries included. Add a couple of flashlights and a package of candles to turn this into a gift home-emergency kit.

• Magazine subscription. My sister came up with this winning suggestion. Buy a magazine you know the recipient will read, and wrap with a note saying you've arranged for a gift subscription. Of course, you'd better follow through!

• Prepaid cards. They may seem uncreative, but prepaid gift cards are popular items that don't necessarily scream "last minute." 

Just a couple reminders: With any food gift, read food labels to ensure you're mindful of your recipients' food allergies and preferences. (Just to be on the safe side, avoid anything with nuts.) And be sure to pick up wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, cards, and scissors, if you need them. In my family's routine, I'm often wrapping last-minute gifts in the passenger seat while my husband is driving to the holiday event. It's not a pretty scene, but the recipients never know. 

—Tobie Stanger

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.

A suite of kitchen appliances creates a seamless look, tied together by matching style and finish. The Samsung Chef Collection suite is sleek and sophisticated, and Samsung describes them as premium state-of-the-art appliances inspired by world-renowned chefs. Consumer Reports put the appliances to the test and found two that were impressive enough to be top picks. Now about those prices.

The four appliances sell for around $11,050. Still with me? Samsung is offering a free dishwasher in the form of an instant rebate of  $1,599 when you buy a Samsung Chef Collection range and refrigerator. The website says the offer is good until December 31 at participating locations, and a Samsung spokesperson told us the offer will not be extended. But if you’re considering an appliance suite, any suite, be sure to look online for rebates and special offers before you shop and negotiate once you’ve found what you want.

Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4 4-door refrigerator, $5,400

Performance.Top-rated, top pick, and the most expensive in our refrigerator Ratings. The refrigerator has four doors; the upper fresh food section is behind French doors and two freezers are below. Our tests found excellent temperature control, energy efficiency, and quietness, and the 23.4 cubic feet of usable capacity is among the most we've ever measured.
Features. This refrigerator is about 2 to 3 inches deeper than most and about 3 inches taller. It’s 36 inches wide, 36 deep, and 73 inches tall. One of the bottom freezers can be converted to a refrigerator chamber. There’s a water dispenser, built-in water filter, door-open alarm, and digital controls on a front door that shows the refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

Samsung Chef Collection NE58H9970WS induction range, $3,600

Performance. This slide-in range was excellent overall and is a top pick. It’s the most expensive of all electric ranges tested and offers fast cooktop heat, but not as fast as the other induction ranges in our tests. Simmering was superb, baking was impressive, and broiling and self-cleaning were excellent.
Features. It has four surface elements and three are high power, and while fans of gas ranges rave about how the flame makes it easier to judge the heat, Samsung has introduced virtual flames. These LED lights glow around the base of the pot and remind you that the cooktop element is in use. The oven has convection, which can cut cooking time of some foods, and a slide-in partition converts the oven cavity into dual cavities with separate temperature controls, though they share one oven door. A warming drawer is part of the deal. The Chef Collection also includes a gas range and electric smoothtop range.

Samsung Chef Collection DW80H9970US dishwasher, $1,450

Performance. Offering top-notch washing, superb energy efficiency, and quiet operation, this dishwasher was impressive overall but did not make our top dishwasher picks. Normal cycle time is 155 minutes. Our brand reliability survey found that Samsung is the most repair-prone dishwasher brand.
Features. The WaterWall feature creates a sheet of water that moves back and forth to clean dishes. The Zone Booster setting cuts off the left or right half of the WaterWall's jets to give higher water pressure to heavily soiled items or less to delicate items. There’s soil sensor, time-remaining display, and stainless tub. The delayed start and ample flatware slots add flexibility.  Some controls are hidden and you need to clean the filter by hand.
Testing note. In our first tests of the Samsung Chef Collection DW80H9970US, the filter clogged and the machine stopped running. After Samsung made a software adjustment, the next model we tested did fine.

Samsung Chef Collection ME21H9900AS over-the-range microwave, $600

Performance. Scoring 59 out of 100 in our microwave tests, there were better over-the-range microwaves for less money, but it’s part of this appliance suite so here’s what we found. Defrosting was excellent and it’s easy to use. But it’s just so-so at evenly heating food, not as fast as the top-rated models at heating, relatively noisy, and unimpressive at venting. Our brand reliability survey found that Samsung is the most repair-prone OTR microwave brand.
Features. A sensor helps detect when food is done by measuring the steam that’s emitted. There’s a child lock and a wire rack for cooking two foods at the same time.

So now you know what $11,050 can get you. The good news is our ratings include appliances that are both stylish and perform well. Take a look at our ratings of ranges, including pro-styles, refrigerators, dishwashers, and over-the-range microwaves. And be sure to note the brand reliability information.

—Kimberly Janeway

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

Want to know who the real Scrooges are this time of year? It's the bands of organized retail criminals who go on shoplifting sprees, then brazenly try to return the stolen goods for cash or credit. In a new survey by the National Retail Federation, 78 percent of merchants say they’ve been victimized by such crooks in the past year, up from 60 percent the previous year. All told, the NRF expects return fraud to cost businesses $3.6 billion this holiday season. As a result, you need to play by the rules because many retailers are being quite strict.

We know, because shoppers themselves say so. In the latest Consumer Reports Holiday Poll*, 43 percent of Americans said they tried returning an item in the past six months. Twenty-three percent couldn’t get their money back, only store credit. No doubt part of the problem was self-inflicted. Nineteen percent of respondents who attempted to return a purchase lacked a receipt. The complete list of return frustrations is below. Read on for our tips to many happy holiday gift returns.

You’ve got time

In general, expect most retailers and websites to waive their usual deadline for product returns, typically a week to 30 days, and give you until the end of January to seek a refund. Amazon.com, for example, has extended to Jan. 31 the time frame for products purchased as early as Nov. 1 and as late as Dec. 31. At Walmart, the return clock for items bought between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 (that have a normal return policy of 14, 15, or 30 days) doesn’t start ticking until Dec. 26. If you’re unsure of a specific store policy, examine the bottom of your receipt or check the store’s website.

Receipts are critical

Despite longer grace periods, many retailers are tightening return policies. Merchants have in the past been fairly generous in taking back goods without a store or gift receipt, offering shoppers who can’t produce documentation at least store credit for the lowest price the item sold for. Though it’s rare for companies to have a blunt no-receipt, no-return rule, the lack of receipt puts you on shaky ground, especially for cash purchases because there's no way to look up the purchase.

• Sears and Kmart, which share the same corporate ownership, are two of the few chains with an outright ban: “REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES WILL NOT BE GIVEN WITHOUT RECEIPT,” Sears’ policy screams in bold type.
• Barnes & Noble doesn’t address receipt-less returns to its stores at all on the company website, indicating to contact your local store for more information.
• And Target says returns or exchanges sought without a receipt may be limited or subject to other restrictions.

You're being watched

Fraud has prompted some major retailers to implement computerized return authorization systems to help them track your return activity, and possibly even deny a return. The systems take into account factors such as how much time has elapsed since your last return, the number of items you’re returning, the dollar value of the goods, as well as your overall return history, whether you have provided receipts in the past, and the number of stores you’ve sought returns from. Separately, some merchants may ask to see, scan, and store data from your driver’s license or other official photo ID, in their computer systems. JCPenney, for instance, requires an ID only if want to make a return without a receipt; Best Buy requires it for all returns. 

Our earlier polls this holiday season looked at the state of the American shopper, Black Friday crowds, and the worst holiday gifts. And find out which companies offer great guarantees.

Think twice before opening that package

Merchants can’t resell as new any item after the box has been opened, so they penalize you for doing so when you make holiday gift returns. Such policies for electronics gear like TVs, digital cameras, and computers have been around for a long time, and typically range from 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price. Such policies also may apply to furniture. Special orders, if they can be returned at all, may also be subject to restocking fees. Our advice: Don’t open the package if you don’t want what’s inside. Items like computer software, music CDs and movie DVDs aren’t generally returnable for another title after the seal has been broken. Some stores, though, will give a partial refund.

Know where to return it

If you bought an item online and the merchant has a brick-and-mortar counterpart, check the website to see whether you can take back the merchandise to the store and avoid repackaging, a trip to the post office, and shipping fees. Usually you can. But read the fine print. For instance, items bought at a regular Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy store (or website) can’t be returned to the chains' factory or outlet stores.

—Tod Marks

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

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

It’s that time of the year, time to take a break from the holiday fun, the parties, and the good food and make best and worst lists. Best movies, best books, and yes, best washing machines. So here’s a look at the best from Consumer Reports’ tests, and the best for your budget.

Top-loaders with agitators

They’re popular because they’re usually cheaper and faster than high-efficiency top-loaders and front-loaders. Most agitator washers we’ve tested cost less than $600 and do a normal wash in 40 to 50 minutes (using the normal wash heavy-soil setting). Vibration isn’t a problem, but noise is and most agitator washers have smaller capacities and aren't so gentle on fabrics.
Consider these top picks: Whirlpool WTW4850BW, $580, and the GE GTWN5650FWS, $700.

High-efficiency top-loaders

Most wash better and hold more laundry (17 to 28 pounds) than agitator top-loaders. Some have deeper tubs, and some washers are also taller now, making it difficult for shorter people to retrieve laundry at the bottom of the tub. The higher spin speed reduces dryer time and energy use by extracting more water, but this high spin can tangle and wrinkle clothing.
Consider these top picks: LG WT5680HVA, $1,200, Samsung WA56H9000AP, $1,500, LG WT1701CV, $950, and LG WT1001CW, $650.
Less expensive models to consider: Samsung WA45H7000AW, $700, Kenmore 28102, $700, Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5800BW, $700.

Front-loaders

The best generally clean better and more efficiently than the best high-efficiency top-loaders. Most front-loaders can handle roughly 17 to 28-pound loads and spin even faster than high-efficiency top-loaders—more water is extracted, reducing drying time and energy use. Front-loaders tend to be very quiet, and many can be stacked with a dryer to save floor space.

But they’re often expensive. A front-loader's high spin speeds might vibrate too much for the machine to be placed near living areas. While most manufacturers have reduced the vibrations, keep in mind that concrete floors can absorb vibrations well, unlike wood-framed floors.
Some top picks to consider: LG WM8500HVA, $1,450, Kenmore Elite 41073, $1,450, Maytag Maxima MHW8100DC, $1,300, and Maytag Maxima MHW5100DC, $950.
Less expensive models to consider: Kenmore Elite 41472, $700, Maytag Maxima MHW3100DW, $810.

Our washing machine ratings tell the whole story. You’ll see dozens of washers and be sure to check the brand reliability information and the compare-model tool to help you decide.

—Kimberly Janeway

The best matching washers and dryers

Washers than can handle loads and loads of laundry

The best washing machines for $800 or less

Doing laundry in cold water will save you loads

How to rid your workout clothes of 'permastink'

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

It was a busy year in Consumer Reports' refrigerators lab, with more than 100 units passing through our temperature-controlled chambers. In the process, our testers packed the refrigerators with 35,000 10-ounce boxes of frozen spinach to find the years' top models. We also measured every square inch of usable capacity and checked for energy consumption. Some refrigerators stood out for superb performance, others for their innovative features, exceptional value, or record-high storage. While a total of 22 models made our coveted recommended refrigerator list, we pulled out the best of the best for this end-of-year roundup. 

Capacity champ. Manufacturers continue to one-up each other in the capacity department by designing bigger and bigger refrigerators. As 2014 comes to a close, Samsung leads the pack with its Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4, $5,400, whose 23.4 cubic feet of usable capacity is the most we've ever measured. The four-door fridge has a unique configuration, with with an upper fresh-food section behind traditional French-doors and two side-by-side bottom freezer compartments, one of which can convert to an additional refrigerator chamber. And its through-the-door ice and water dispenser can serve up sparkling water.

Streamlined design. At the opposite end of the extreme, our testers also found a lot of compact refrigerators that make great fits for smaller kitchens. That includes a pair of cabinet-depth models with superb peformance: the Samsung RF23HSESBSR, $3,330, a four-door unit with a pullout middle drawer and the side-by-side Samsung RS22HDHPNSR, $2,400.

If you want a compact French-door model, look no further than the 33-inch-wide Kenmore Elite 71313, $1,600, which combines exceptional temperature control and energy efficiency, plus it’s one of the quietest models we tested. Though it misses our recommended list, the $1,800 LG LFC22770ST is among our highest-scoring 30-inch-wide French-door bottom-freezers, with superb temperature control and quietness.

Smartest storage. Door-in-door compartments hit their stride in 2014. Among our favorites is the Samsung RH29H8000SR ShowCase side-by-side, $2,500, whose entire fresh-food section features the innovative two-door design, allowing you to access beverages, condiments, and other everyday items without reaching into the main chamber. We also like the LG LSC22991ST, $2,700. At first glance, the cabinet-depth models looks like a four-door bottom-freezer, but the upper-right quadrant of the fridge is actually a door-in-door compartment that opens with the press of a button; to open the entire fresh-food section, you pull on the horizontal handle.

Best domestic. If you want to buy an outstanding American-made refrigerator, look no further than the $2,600 GE Profile PWE23KMDES French-door bottom-freezer, which is manufactured in GE's new factory in Louisville, KY. The cabinet-depth fridge is tied for the highest overall score, thanks to its superb temperature control and energy efficiency. It's also available in GE's exclusive slate finish, a matte, fingerprint-resistant alternative to stainless steel, which it also comes in.

Bottom-mount bargains. Some of the best bargains of the year came in the conventional bottom-freezer category. The Kenmore 69313, $950, is the only bottom-freezer on our picks list that sells for less than $1,000; not only that, the 30-inch-wide unit boasts superb temperature control, efficiency, and quietness. Spending more for the Kenmore Elite 79043, $1,510 gets you even better performance in a 33-inch-wide refrigerator.

Top of the tops. In the market for a traditional top-freezer? Among models tested this year that are still on the market, the $800 Haier HT21TS45SW earned impressive marks, including very good temperature control and excellent efficiency. If you're looking to spend even less, consider the Haier HT21TS77SP, $700, and the Haier HT18TS77SP, $600, both of which also made our recommended list.  

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)

The most—and least—reliable refrigerator brands

Best refrigerators for people who love to entertain

The hidden cost of refrigerator water dispensers

Best refrigerators for big families

The perfect freezer for ice cream lovers

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

By this point in the year, with holiday entertaining behind you, you’re either thrilled with your dishwasher’s ability to keep up with you or ready to disconnect it and wheel it to the curb in the hope it will take the hint. Still, you don’t want to start washing by hand again. Here are some of the best from Consumer Reports' dishwasher tests, in a variety of price ranges:

$1,000 or more

Our top-Rated dishwasher, the KitchenAid KDTM354DSS, $1,200, delivered stellar washing and drying and has a self-cleaning, ultrafine filter that breaks food particles down without the noisy grinding of the usual self-cleaning filters. The product overall runs pretty quietly. If you need extra flexibility for fitting odd-sized items, you can adjust the upper rack and tines. One caveat: There’s no time-remaining display to say how long until it's finished. In our tests, a normal cycle took 125 minutes and used only about 4 gallons of water.

$800 to $1,000

Top-notch washing, drying, and quiet operation are chief strengths of the Bosch 500 Series SHP65T55UC, $900. Besides an adjustable rack and tines, it has a third rack you can use for large utensils, a grater, and other low-height items you find hard to fit elsewhere. This model also lacks cycle-time display, but it projects a red dot onto the floor while the machine is running.

$600 to $800

The Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC, $730 delivers top-notch washing performance, including very good drying, for a very competitive price. It also has an adjustable upper rack and tines. To keep the noise down, there’s a manual-clean filter. On the minus side, this model doesn't display remaining cycle time.

$400 to $600

Top-notch washing, drying, and efficiency come at a bargain price with the $450 Kenmore 13202, so long as you're okay with a little more noise and a plodding cycle time. You get a soil sensor, no guarantee with a low-cost dishwasher, and a time-remaining display. Flexibility options include delayed start, ample flatware slots, and an adjustable upper rack and tines. Controls are all visible, the tub is plastic, and you'll need to clean the filter manually, which you might prefer over the noise of a self-cleaning filter. A normal cycle took 155 minutes and used about 5 gallons of water in our tests.

$400 and less

The well-priced GE GDF510PGD, $350, similar to the tested GE GDF520PSD[SS], $500, did very well, though you can get even better overall performance for the same money or a little more—and a faster normal cycle than 2 ½ hours. It was impressive in our wash test, which uses a full load of very dirty items, and was energy-efficient. It did especially well at drying plastic items and was fairly quiet, too. A normal cycle used about 5 gallons of water in our tests.

Whichever you choose, you don’t want to arrive at the store unprepared—particularly if it’s been years since you bought a dishwasher. Take a look at our dishwasher buying guide before plunging into our Ratings of 190 models.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

Best dishwashers for after the holiday feast

Don't listen to dishwasher noise claims

Don't waste time and money prerinsing your dishes

How to remove white haze from your good dishes

The quietest dishwashers and kitchen appliances

You're probably loading your dishwasher wrong

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

As 2014 skids to a stop, any major purchase we wanted to make—but didn't get around to—tends to top the wish list for the coming year. That often includes items we need for occasional events such as power outages, blizzards, and fallen trees. Here are some generators, snow blowers, chain saws and other gear from Consumer Reorts' top picks that you can check out first thing in 2015.

Generators

The inverter-type, gasoline-powered Honda EU7000is, $4,000, topped our generator Ratings due to its especially quiet running, but for $3,000 less the 6,800-watt Ridgid RD906812B also provided ample power, cleanly and consistently. You get a number of helpful features for the price, including electric start, low-oil shutoff (which protects the engine from overheating if the oil level dips too low), and fuel shutoff, which prevents leaks and keeps gas from getting trapped in the fuel system and spoiling during storage. You also get a low-oil light to tell you why it shut down in that instance.

You might well prefer a generator that kicks in automatically when the power goes out. So-called stationary (or standby) generators check themselves routinely and display a notice or  can text or email you when there’s a problem. The Kohler 8.5 RES-QS7, $3,200 before installation, delivered 7,000 watts of smooth, steady power using natural gas and 1,500 more using propane. It was also among the quietest of the stationary models we tested, and it shuts down automatically if the engine-oil level gets low. An add-on module, $475, lets you monitor your generator’s status from anywhere using a Windows PC.

Snow blowers

The hands-down winner from our snow-blower tests is the gasoline-powered Cub Cadet 31AH57S, $1,500, which uses a novel second impeller to give this 30-inch, two-stage Cub Cadet super-fast clearing. That plus enough throwing distance for wide driveways are the major perks, along with easy steering and slick controls. The price includes electric starting and a headlight. It's the perfect pick for large driveways, consistently heavy snows up to about 24 inches—or occasional winter dumpings where you want the ultimate in clearing speed.

Our snow blower Ratings also include more compact gasoline-powered models such as the 24-inch Craftsman 88173, $680, but for lighter snowfalls in a gas-powered unit plus the easiest storage, consider the single-stage Toro Power Clear 721E, $570. The 21-inch unit was powerful enough for moderate-size snowfall, yet light enough to lift onto a porch or deck, with removal speed and plow-pile performance that were tops in this group.

Chain saws

For a fine, all-around performer, it’s hard to beat the Stihl MS 180 C-BE, $230. While most of the lighter-duty gas-powered chain saws tested by Consumer Reports cost under $200, ultrafast cutting and relatively light weight help justify this 16-inch saw’s higher price. As do a chain brake and tool-free chain adjustment, along with a durable blade cover.

Should you prefer a chain saw for infrequent cutting of fallen branches and other light work, consider a corded-electric saw such as the $100 Worx WG303.1. Besides being faster and better balanced than its larger 18-inch sibling, the Worx WG304.1, this saw had cutting speed on a par with the fastest light-duty gas saws we tested. Other pluses include a chain brake, tool-free chain adjustment, and a durable bar cover for safe storage. But as with other plug-in saws, you'll need to work within 100 feet of an outlet. One caveat: There's no vibration dampening.

Don’t hurry out to buy any emergency gear unless you think you'll need it. Our buying guides for generators, snow blowers, and chain saws will help bring you up to speed before you settle on a purchase.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

How much fuel do you need to run a generator?

5 must-have generator features

How to choose the right snow blower

What size snow blower do you need?

Cordless outdoor yard gear gets a power makeover

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

Q. I’ve heard that the risk of heart attack is higher in winter. How can I protect myself?

A. A recent international study found that heart attack risk factors such as elevated blood pressure and higher blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides can spike in cold months. By following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise during the winter, you can reduce those risks, the researchers suggest.

But be careful about exerting yourself too hard when the mercury dips, which can stress your heart further. Because sudden intense activity in cold weather can raise your blood pressure, be sure to warm up your muscles with some light exercise for at least 10 minutes before ramping up the intensity.

Also be aware of hypothermia (when body temperature drops below 95° F), as it can lead to heart failure. Dress in layers to stay warm and dry.

Other safety tips to follow are: stay hydrated, take frequent breaks when doing outdoor activities, and don't eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol before venturing outside. Finally, when shoveling snow, use a small snow shovel (lifting heavy snow can raise blood pressure) or switch to a snow blower.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

Did You know that forms you sign when you or a relative enter a medical facility could signal your consent to take whatever drug is prescribed—even antipsychotics that could harm your health or be used to control behavior?

It’s a nightmare that Marian Hollingsworth experienced firsthand. Her father, admitted to a California hospital for back pain, had a sudden mental decline that only worsened when he was transferred to a nursing home. Physical complications followed; he died less than two months later.

Only after closely studying her father’s records did Hollingsworth learn that upon admission he had been prescribed the antipsychotics Risperdal and Haldol—along with opioids and tranquilizers—and that many of his symptoms seemed to be complications of those drugs.

One signature, obtained days after admission, was all that the hospital—and later, the nursing home—needed to dispense the drugs and to add others. Outraged, Hollingsworth filed several complaints with her state health department and contacted the media. The result: A new state policy requiring nursing homes to verify informed consent for antipsychotic drugs used for patients who are being transferred from a hospital.

Now Hollingsworth has joined Consumer Reports’ nationwide Safe Patient Project. Learn how to protect yourself and those you care for at SafePatientProject.org.

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

Safeguard thrill-seekers

Recreational off-highway vehicles look like golf carts on steroids; they can reach speeds greater than 30 miles per hour. They’re meant for fun, but in the past decade accidents have killed 335 people—and injured 506 more. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently proposed new safety standards for the vehicles and has asked the public to weigh in. Go to regulations.gov and enter docket number CPSC-2009-0087.

Report deceptive cell-phone deals

Late last year, the Federal Trade Commission alleged that AT&T misled millions of smart-phone customers, charging them for unlimited data while slowing its speed by as much as 90 percent. Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, thinks that the company hasn’t been transparent about that practice, called “throttling,” which pushes consumers into more expensive plans. If you think that your provider has turned down your data speed, you can report it at ftc.gov.

Avoid mortgage missteps

Reverse mortgages may be the wrong choice for some seniors, but you’d never know it from the ads used to sell them. Get the facts on these and other products that can separate you or a loved one from money or property by going to ConsumersUnion.org.

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

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

Wednesday is wash day at the home of Joya and Lewis Fevola on Staten Island in New York. Usually they do six large loads. But when their new LG high-efficiency (HE) top-loader took four hours to complete one cycle, wash-day Wednesday became Thursday’s nightmare.

Fed up, Lewis contacted the customer-service department about the appliance (model WT1101CW) they bought about seven months earlier for $629. It was “consistently out of balance,” he recalled. “It completely filled the tub with water numerous times to rebalance the load.”

The company sent a technician to level the machine, but the problem persisted. Told that he would be charged for the next service call, Lewis did what any savvy consumer would do: He ranted on Twitter and sent an e-mail to LG’s CEO, but to no avail. Then he wrote to us.

Consumer Reports tested this LG washer in 2013 and found that it was very good overall, including cleaning, and that the loads didn’t become unbalanced. But of the 81 user reviews posted on ConsumerReports.org as of November 2014, 33 cited imbalance issues.

Check our buying guides for washing machines and dryers.

We contacted LG for an explanation and spoke with John Taylor, vice president of communications. “LG has sold hundreds of thousands of these washers in the U.S.,” he said. “The service repair rate for an imbalanced load is less than 1/10 of a percent.”

HE top-loaders spin faster than washers with agitators to extract more water and cut down on drying time; that can result in load imbalance. Taylor told us that LG updated software on its HE top-loaders made as of December 2013 to better identify that potential problem. Rather than going into spin, the machine flashes an alert to tell owners to rebalance the load.

The next day, LG sent a tech to the Fevolas’ home for a software update, but Lewis says that the problem wasn’t fixed. So another tech installed a new circuit board and rotor, at no charge. “Amazing!” Lewis said weeks later. “It hasn’t become unbalanced once.”

What does that mean for you?

If your HE top-loader, agitator top-loader, or front-loader has imbalance problems, check the manual for proper loading and machine leveling. (Taylor suggests washing similar items together in LG HE top-loaders, such as towels in one load and sheets in another, distributing evenly.) If problems continue, contact customer service. A software update for LG machines might be the answer—and it’s covered by the warranty. “Units outside the warranty period are handled on a case-by-case basis,” Taylor said, adding that the same applies for parts and labor.

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

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

Q. Does the fact that I snore mean I have sleep apnea?

A. While snoring is one of the signs of sleep apnea, it doesn't always indicate someone has the condition.

About 90 million Americans snore at least some of the time. But only half may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—when relaxed, flabby throat tissue blocks your airway during sleep. Sleep apnea sn’t just noisy; it raises your risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. And because it leaves you fatigued, it also increases the odds of car accidents and attention problems.

Loud snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing and by gasps or choking as you breathe again are warning signs your bed partner may notice. No partner? Experts suggest you talk with your doctor if you snore and have three or more of these red flags for apnea: being overweight, older than 50; or male; having a neck circumference over 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women; and constantly feeling tired during the day.

If you're diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, the first treatment to try is making lifestyle changes. Shedding excess pounds may help, as can avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and sedatives. Another change to implement is sleeping on your side, which may keep your airways open. Read more about how to control sleep apnea.

For moderate and severe cases of sleep apnea, the most effective treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), in which a mask connected to a pump blows air into your throat to keep the airway open. An alternative is a mouthpiece that pushes the lower jaw forward. Unfortunately, both CPAP and the mouthpiece can be hard to get used to. Throat surgery is usually an option of last resort, because its effectiveness is uncertain and often short-lived.

A version of this article also appeared in the January 2015 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

With a new year upon us it’s time for the inevitable flurry of health-based resolutions—the promise to lose those extra 10 pounds, eat better, or hit the gym more regularly. Unfortunately, no matter how much enthusiasm you start out with, new habits can be hard to establish—especially when it comes to exercise. In fact, research has shown that half of all people who begin a new exercise program end up quitting within six months.

The good news is that research into a concept called Behavior Change Theory has shed light on how and why our behaviors are what they are, and what it might take to transform negative habits into more positive ones. A workout plan based on this approach is more likely to lead to lasting lifestyle changes than one based simply on joining a gym or buying an expensive piece of exercise equipment. These five strategies can help you stay motivated and committed to an exercise plan.

Recognize the health benefits. Sounds simple, but the idea is that people who understand the role poor diet and inactivity play in potentially serious health problems may be more motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including better diet and increased activity. Take a few minutes to focus on how exercise can improve your health and well-being, instead of thinking about how hard it will be. You don’t have to be a super athlete to get the health payoff from being more active. Plenty of studies have shown that people who do moderate exercise reduce their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It can also improve joint pain and stiffness, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and boost energy levels.

Understand your mindset. Change happens in five stages, and it’s  important to identify where you are in the process so you can use the right strategies.

• Precontemplation: No intention to act.
• Contemplation: Considering change within the next 6 months.
• Preparation: Having a plan and the intention to change within 30 days.
• Action: Actively practicing new behavior.
• Maintenance: Actively maintaining new behaviors for 6 months or more and working to prevent back sliding.
  

It’s important to identify your current stage so that you can use the right strategies. In the contemplation stage, you need to explore and understand the feelings and emotions behind your behavior. What is it that stops you from exercising now? How do you feel about exercise? Perhaps you’d start with simply standing up when you’re on the phone, parking farther  away from the store so you have to walk across the parking lot, or making a regular walking date with a friend.

Fake it ‘til you make it. The Theory of Planned Behavior suggests that merely stating your intention to engage in a behavior results in you actually engaging in it—a self-fulfilling prophecy, you might say. One helpful trick is to think back on positive past experiences you’ve had with exercise. Maybe you were a high school athlete and had success on the field. Or you once enjoyed hiking or playing tennis. Or you were a regular runner or gym goer and there was a time where activity fit easily into your life—and you felt better for it. Ultimately, though choose an activity you will enjoy. No matter how “effective” you’ve heard any particular activity is, if you hate doing it, you’ll find every reason not to.

Set realistic goals. Setting your sights on a preferred outcome will help direct energy toward desired behavior, leading to progressively more healthy behavior. It doesn’t matter how small the goals are in the beginning, provided they get expand over time. For example, maybe you can start by committing to walk 1.5 miles in under 30 minutes three times a week and replace your lunch-time soda with water. Once you meet that challenge, try to walk 2 miles in 30 minutes and completely eliminate soda from your diet, before graduating to a 3-mile jog.

Create a support system. Behaviors are shaped by interpersonal relationships and our surrounding environment. Simply put: if your goal is to be more physically active, you need to hang out with more active people. Find a walking partner or join a running club. It’s also important to make it easy on yourself. Don’t join a gym that’s out of your way, even if it has the best membership fee—chances are you won’t go it. Buy yourself some workout clothes that make you feel comfortable. Ask your family and friends to support your exercise efforts—and maybe even workout with you.

Best exercise gear in Consumer Reports’ tests

Consumer Reports tests treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, and stationary bikes. Here are the best from our tests. Exercise equipment can be expensive and takes up a lot of space so before committing, make sure you’ll use it as intended and not as an over-priced clothes hanger.

Non-folding treadmill: Landice L7 Cardio Trainer, $3,800
Folding treadmill: ProForm Pro 2000, $1,250
Budget treadmill: NordicTrack C970 Pro, $1,000
Elliptical with heart-rate program: Diamondback 1260 Ef, $2,200
Elliptical without heart-rate program: Landice E7 Pro Sport, $3,600
Rowing machine: Concept2 Model D, $900
Spin bike: Diamondback 510ic, $800
Step-count pedometer: Mio TRACE ACC-TEK, $30
GPS watch pedometer: Nike +SportWatch GPS, $200

—Peter Anzalone, Senior Project Leader, Fitness

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.