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Juiceman still champ in Consumer Reports' tests

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Juiceman still champ in Consumer Reports' tests

Breville makes a lot of exceptional small appliances, including our top-rated food processor, the Breville Sous Chef BFP800XL/A, and our number one toaster oven, the Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL. It can now add juicer to the list of things it does well, after the Breville Juice Fountain Elite 800JEXL/B landed on the recommended list in Consumer Reports' latest juicer tests.

Breville's extractor-style juicer cranked out very good juice in our tests, plus it has many of the convenience features we look for, including an extra-wide feed tube, which means less cutting up of fruits and vegetables, plus a separate juice jug and pulp container. The one downside to the Breville juicer is its price. At $300, it costs three times as much as the top-rated Juiceman JM8000S. One difference between the two machines: the Juiceman left behind more pulp in our tests. So if you like your juice very smooth, paying more for the Breville makes sense. 

While the other new models from our tests missed the recommended list, a few are worth mentioning. The KitchenAid Maximum Extraction KVJ0111OB costs $500 and has a lot of moving parts, which affected its ease of use score. However, juice performance was exceptional, so hard-core juicers may want to give it a look. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro 67650 is an easy extractor-style juicer that performed very well overall and costs just $60, making it a nice choice for first-time juicers. 

We also tested the West Bend 75500, $40. Like other bargain models, its overall performance was mediocre, suggesting it doesn't pay to spend too little on a new juicer.   

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)

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

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How to choose the best humidifier for your space

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How to choose the best humidifier for your space

Got a scratchy throat or chapped lips? Dry indoor air could be to blame. During the coldest days of winter, when air holds less moisture, humidity inside the home can drop to as low as 10 percent—30 to 50 percent is ideal. A humidifier can provide relief by pumping moisture back into the air.

Looking for a humidifier? Keep in mind that you should size it to the room where you'll be using it. And you'll probably want to put a humidifier in more than one room. In Consumer Reports' humidifier tests, we group the models by the size of the room they can humidify.

When shopping, remember to factor in extra costs. Evaporative humidifiers use a filter that requires periodic replacing, and some ultrasonic models use a demineralization cartridge. Antimicrobial cartridges are another option. Replacing these parts can cost about $50 per year.

The best humidifiers from our tests

Looking for a humidifier? Keep in mind that you should size it to the room where you'll be using it. You'll probably need more than one. Here are the top picks from our tests.

For more choices see our full humidifier Ratings and recommendations.

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

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

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How much energy does an Energy Star dryer save?

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How much energy does an Energy Star dryer save?

When you’re shopping for a new clothes dryer you’ll finally see the Energy Star logo on some dryers. Washing machines have long carried the Energy Star but for years dryers used about the same amount of energy and, without impressive differences in energy use, there is no Star. Consumer Reports tested six Energy Star-qualified dryers. Should you buy one? Here’s what you’ll want to know before you decide.

Dryers that qualify

Energy Star dryers can be used in regular or energy-saving mode. To earn the Energy Star a dryer must be at least 20 percent more efficient in energy-saving mode than dryers that meet the federal minimum efficiency standards for 2015.

Superb at drying

Using the regular drying mode all six electric dryers were excellent at drying in Consumer Reports' dryer tests, although none are top picks. Here’s what we tested:
Whirlpool Duet WED97HEDC, $1,200
LG DLHX4072V, $1,600
Maytag Maxima MED7100DW, $1,000
Whirlpool Duet WED95HEDW, $1,000
Whirlpool Duet WED87HEDW, $950
Maytag Maxima MED5100DW, $950

Here’s how they save energy

Moisture sensors have been used in dryers for years and are more accurate than thermostats in determining when laundry is dry. Advanced moisture sensors are one way a dryer can earn the Energy Star, and heat pump technology is another. Unlike washers, dryer manufacturers have fewer variables to manipulate to improve energy efficiency. So it’s low heat and longer drying times or higher heat and shorter drying times.

Energy saved

The Whirlpool Duet WED87HEDW's EcoBoost mode used about 40 percent less electricity, but took 112 minutes to dry our 12-pound load. That’s 38 minutes longer than the regular mode. Your energy savings will vary by the size of the load and what you’re drying. The other dryers extended drying time similarly, except for the LG, which we’re still testing for its potential energy savings. It’s the only heat pump dryer in this group and combines conventional vented drying with a heat pump to cut energy by recycling heat generated during drying.

Money saved

Energy Star says you can save about $20 a year in electricity compared to the dryers you’ll see in stores that meet the minimum efficiency standard. But the longer drying times mean that more air is moving from your home through the vent to outside—air that you may be heating or cooling at a cost. So depending on where you live, the location of the dryer in your home, and the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, your savings could be quite a bit less.

You’ll see the Energy Star-qualified dryers noted in our clothes dryer Ratings, and find out how they stack up to the dozens of other dryers in performance and price. Look online for utility rebates for Energy Star dryers, and keep in mind that a washer that uses less water and extracts more of it shortens dryer time, saving both energy and money.

Kimberly Janeway

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

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Best ways to finance home repairs

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Best ways to finance home repairs

Fixing up your home makes sense from a financial standpoint. That’s because the IRS rewards certain types of loans for home improvements with special tax treatment, making that type of borrowing quite attractive. Joint and single filers can deduct interest on debt of up to $1 million that’s used to buy, build, or improve a first or second home; if you're married but file separately you can deduct up to $500,000.

Mari Adam, a certified financial planner in Boca Raton, Fla., says a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can often be the best type of loan to pay for home repairs and improvements. Though the interest rate floats, it is usually lower than for other types of loans. A $50,000 ­HELOC at, say, 4 percent—the average rate in late fall for borrowers with stellar credit, according to Bankrate—would actually cost just 3 percent after factoring in the tax deduction, assuming a marginal tax rate of 25 percent.

Don't make these home buying and selling mistakes. And find out what bad behaviors real estate agents told us they've seen their peers practice.

Adam says that although a fixed-rate home equity loan gets the same tax treatment as a HELOC, its interest rate is usually higher. Annual percentage rates were around 6 percent when we checked in late fall. But Bankrate showed one lender—First Trust Bank—that offered a lower rate (3.49 percent annual percentage rate) than that of the average HELOC.

More on buying or selling a home

 

Home sale mistakes that cost you money

Top 5 ways to boost the value of your home

4 red flags that can ruin a home sale

This article also appeared in the March 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.

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Best mattresses for back and side sleepers

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Best mattresses for back and side sleepers

Consumer Reports has updated our mattress Ratings, and the best we’ve tested provide plenty of support, resist bounciness, allow easy movement, and should last for many years before you need to replace it. You won’t find scores for comfort in our Ratings; that’s an individual judgment. But here’s a look at some mattresses that did especially well in back and side support.

If you sleep on your back

Our tests for back support graph the spine’s natural curves for a range of adults, and then we record how consistently mattresses maintain that curve.

Charles P. Rogers Powercore Estate 5000, $1,500
This innerspring isn’t the best choice if you occasionally roll over to your side, but it delivered better back support than any other innerspring—or foam bed—in our tests. We tested its firmness as medium.

Spring Air Back Supporter Natalie, $1,200
Sold at Costco, this memory foam bed also wasn’t notably good for side sleepers, but for the back, it was impressive. The manufacturer claims the mattress is “ultra firm,” but we judged it as medium.

Sleep Number i8 Bed
, $3,000

Our testers judged this adjustable-air mattress, topped by foam, as soft. But this and its lower-price sibling were among the very best at back support. With these, you can adjust firmness one half of the bed at a time—helpful if two sleep partners like a different feel.

Sleep Number c2 Bed, $700
This adjustable-air mattress fared almost as well but for more than $2,000 less. One primary difference is this bed’s firm feel, likely because of the considerably thinner foam topping. Roll over now and then? Both these Sleep Number beds were impressive for side sleepers as well.

If you sleep on your side

For our side-sleeping test, we check how well a mattress keeps the spine relatively horizontal when someone is lying on his or her side. All three of our top picks for side sleepers also fared above-average at back support. No mattress, however, received our top score in this test.

Serta Perfect Day iSeries Applause, $1,075
This innerspring has gotten a bit difficult to find, but it’s a winner if you can locate it. We judged it as medium, which apparently didn’t hurt in our tests; it’s the top-Rated innerspring.

Beautyrest ReCharge Hybrid Jeffrey’s Bay, $1,800
While pricey, this Beautyrest was among our top innersprings, and we judged it as medium. One caveat: Couples might find it a bit bouncy if one partner gets up during the night.

Casper The Casper 10”, $850
This online company produced a winner in this memory-foam bed, which we judged as medium. You might wish you could try it out—and if you're shopping in New York City you can—but we found its return policies to be very generous.

Need a new mattress?

Our online mattress Ratings now include almost 40 models, along with companion, survey-based Ratings of mattress stores and brands. Be sure to see our mattress buying guide before narrowing your choices.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

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Make the most of your microwave

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Make the most of your microwave

You can use your microwave for a lot more than making popcorn and reheating leftovers. It drastically cuts cooking time on things like veggies, fish, and shellfish. Baked potatoes can be zapped in the microwave and finished in the oven.

Steam and poach. These water-based cooking methods are ideal for the microwave and make moist, tender vegetable and seafood dishes. To steam veggies, place them in a microwave-safe dish with about a tablespoon of water and cover (if you use plastic wrap, don’t let it touch the food). Zap for a couple of minutes until done.

To poach chicken, put boneless, skinless breasts in a microwave-safe dish. Pour white wine or other liquid over the chicken and cover. Cook until chicken reaches 165° F on a food thermometer (about 5 to 8 minutes).

Precook. Nuke a potato before crisping its skin in the oven or par-cook corn, ribs, and chicken before grilling. Finish cooking immediately.

Defrost. Although chicken and meat tend to toughen when fully cooked in the microwave, you can still put that defrost setting to good use. Place meat in the microwave just for a short time, until it begins to soften, then finish cooking immediately in a conventional way.

Melt.  For a quick dip for fruit or an icing for cake, place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe dish—but don’t cover it, because any water from condensation will make the chocolate stiff and grainy. Heat on medium for a minute, then stir until smooth. If not melted, nuke for 15-second intervals, stirring after each.

You can melt butter in the microwave in seconds. And if you like nachos, the cheese will melt nicely in about a minute.

Not recommended

Roasts. Microwaves lack the dry heat needed to caramelize and form a crust on roasted meats.
Baked goods. Flour tends to toughen the texture of microwave-baked cakes, cookies, and brownies.
Soups. Although you can make soup in the microwave, it won’t save you much time.

Best countertop microwaves

Best over-the-range microwaves

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

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

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Another reason to stay away from weight loss supplements

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Another reason to stay away from weight loss supplements

Taking a dietary supplement to lose weight is not only unnecessary, but also risky. Why? Weight loss supplements are often tainted with prescription or experimental drugs. The latest example: OxyELITE Pro Super Thermogenic, a weight loss supplement that contains the prescription drug fluoxetine, commonly sold as Prozac, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said it discovered the tainted supplements while examining an international shipment.

Reports like this might make you think that the FDA does a good job guarding your safety. And you wouldn’t be alone: a recent survey of 3,000 Americans from the Consumer Reports National Research Center found that about 20 percent of respondents wrongly believe that supplements are tested for safety and effectiveness by the FDA.

That is exactly what supplement makers want consumers to believe. “The labels on weight-loss supplements look like those on over-the-counter medications, and the Supplement Facts are organized like Nutrition Facts labels,” says Pieter Cohen, M.D., a physician at Harvard Medical School and the Cambridge Health Alliance who studies supplements. “It gives you the sense the products are being scrutinized by the FDA.” But the truth is that the FDA doesn’t inspect or test supplements before they go on the market and often only examines products once the public reports adverse reactions.

Read why you should skip weight loss drugs, too, and what's wrong with herbal remedies.

According to Cohen, the FDA’s strategy is putting consumers at risk. “What’s absurd about how supplements are regulated in the U.S. is that we wait until consumers are exposed to dangerous, spiked products before the FDA does anything about it,” Cohen says. “Until there's a paradigm shift in the regulation of supplements, consumers will continue to be exposed to supplements that place their health at risk.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of supplements have been found to contain prescription drugs, experimental drugs, or illegal drugs—all of which can lead to dire consequences. In the most recent example, manufacturer USPLabs added fluoxetine, which is prescribed for conditions including anxiety, depression, bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The drug can cause side effects including headaches, stomach upset, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and decreased sex drive. And, Cohen says, “It’s important to remember that this is not pharmaceutically produced Prozac—these are illegal adulterants made by shady manufacturers, and could contain other dangerous chemicals and contaminants as well.”

Another worry is that taking supplements that contain prescription drugs can lead to dangerous interactions. For example, fluoxetine can interact with many drugs commonly used to treat depression and Parkinson’s disease, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and thioridazine. There’s also a chance that consumers could already be taking a similar drug, and adding this additional "hidden" version could lead to an overdose.  

This isn’t the first time that USPLabs, maker of OxyELITE Pro Super Thermogenic, has been accused of distributing potentially dangerous products. In 2013, the FDA linked USPLabs’ previous OxyElite Pro supplements to dozens of cases of acute liver failure and hepatitis. And earlier that year, another version of OxyELITE Pro was found to include DMAA, or dimethylamylamine, a stimulant that has been linked to strokes and sudden death. “It’s beyond belief that the FDA has permitted this company to yet again introduce a new version of OxyELITE Pro, given its history,” says.

—Lauren Cooper

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

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Look for safer cleaning supplies to get the job done

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Look for safer cleaning supplies to get the job done

The annual ritual of spring cleaning is meant to make your home a healthier place, getting rid of a winter’s worth of accumulated dust, mold, and mildew. But some of the sprays, powders, and foams you use to get the job done may not be so good for you.

One reason: Many household-cleaning products now incorporate ingredients once reserved for hospitals and health-care institutions. But “risky antibacterial chemicals aren’t necessary to get your house clean,” says Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., director of consumer safety and sustainability at Consumer Reports.

So which cleaning supplies should you use—and which should you avoid? Manufacturers don’t make it easy to figure out because they’re not required to list all in­gredients on their labels. And when they do, how do you decipher the long list of chemicals? Here’s what our experts say:

What to be aware of: Cleaners that contain ingredients like dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, such as Scrubbing Bubbles Heavy Duty All Purpose Cleaner and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, may help breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Better bet: Clorox Green Works All-Purpose Cleaner spray did a good job of removing soap scum and dirt in Consumer Reports’ tough mess tests and contains ingredients that are less likely to harm you or the environment. If you prefer ready-to-use cleaning cloths, which almost 25 percent of  households now buy, try Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes. “It’s a good op­tion for when there’s a flu or cold going around the house,” Rangan says. “Bleach kills bacteria effectively without promoting superbugs.”

Find more top-rated cleaning products and how to allergy-proof your home.

What to be aware of: Aerosol sprays can contain volatile organic compounds, such as naphtha. They can irritate your eyes and throat and cause headaches and nausea. Plus they are often flammable.

Better bet: Opt for pump sprays, such as Earth Friendly Products’ Furniture Polish. “Pump sprays don’t contain environmentally problematic propellants, are easy to use, and the chemical droplets are larger and less likely to be inhaled,” says Rolf Halden, Ph.D., director of the Center for Environmental Security at Arizona State University in Tempe.

What to be aware of: Full-strength household ammonia (5 to 10 percent), can potentially damage your lungs and blind you if it splashes in your eyes. It’s usually found in gallon jugs at supermarkets and drugstores. (Never mix ammonia and bleach—it creates dangerous fumes.)

Better bet: If you do use ammonia, dilute it, says Pat Slaven, test-product leader at Consumer Reports. Use at least eight parts water to one part ammonia. Or try an ammonia-free product such as Staples’ Sustainable Earth Glass Cleaner.

What to be aware of: Some cleaners contain hydrochloric acid (listed as hydrogen chloride on the label), such as Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner Complete Clean. It can burn your skin and eyes. The American Association of Poison Control Centers says toilet-bowl cleaners harbor some of the most dangerous chemicals found in homes.

Better bet: Seventh Gener­a­­tion Natural Toilet Bowl Clean­er worked well in our tests and contains chemicals that are less likely to be harmful.

How to find safer cleaning supplies

Starting later this spring, look for cleaners with the Environmental Protection Agency’s new “Safer Choice” logo on more than 1,000 products sold in stores such as Costco, Home Depot, Staples, Target, and Walmart.

To earn the seal, cleaning products are screened by EPA scientists for potential health and environmental risks, and are considered to be a safer alternative; they cannot contain ingredients such as triclosan, for example, which is found in some antibacterial dish detergents.

Consumer Reports’ experts have evaluated the label and rated it as meaningful. For a list of products, go to epa.gov/saferchoice. For more on labels, go to GreenerChoices.org.

—Sue Byrne

This article also appeared in the April 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.

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When painting a room, don't neglect the closet

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When painting a room, don't neglect the closet

You may not give much thought to the inside of your closets when painting a room but paint pros say that choosing the right color and sheen will not only improve the appearance of your closet but yours as well. No more reaching into a dark closet and grabbing the navy blouse instead of the black one. Debbie Zimmer of the Paint Quality Institute has some pointers on what to consider when painting a closet and adds that now is a good time to undertake this project since winter has put a chill on other home remodeling tasks.

An open closet. Your best bet with a closet or storage space that’s open to the rest of the room is to paint it the same color as the room or a slightly lighter shade. That way it’s more integrated and less likely to draw attention to what’s inside.

Your primary closet. You’ll want the closet where you store your wardrobe to be bright so you can actually see the color of your clothing. White or a light color are good choices. Choose a paint with a shinier sheen such as semi-gloss, which will reflect more light.

Pantry or bathroom closets. Use a durable paint in your pantry and other closets where you store things that may spill or get sticky. Use a semi-gloss sheen that stands up to scrubbing. As for color, choose one that blends in with the room.

Your junk closet. For those catch-all closets where you stash off-season sporting goods, boots, cleaning supplies, or other gear, think about a darker color that deemphasizes what’s inside. And keep the door closed

Guest room closet. You can be more playful with a closet in a guest room that’s used infrequently. Try a contrasting color. That way when your guests open the door they get a pop of color. Zimmer says that darker colors are more forgiving and can make dust less noticeable.

Best interior paints

If you have leftover paint, painting your closet is a good way to finish the can. If you’re buying new paint, our interior paint Ratings tell you how well a paint hides what’s underneath and how smooth it goes on. You’ll find out how well the paint resists stains, scrubbing, gloss change, sticking, mildew, and fading. Some of our top-rated paints can be found at your local home improvement store.

Home Depot. Behr Marquee Interior, $43 per gallon. This top-rated paint was superb at hiding old paint and impressive at resisting stains, but not as smooth as some. The paint withstands scrubbing, but aggressive cleaning will change the sheen.

Lowe’s. Valspar Reserve, $44. Superb at hiding old paint and impressive at resisting stains, but not as smooth as some. This paint withstands scrubbing and aggressive cleaning didn't change the sheen.

Ace Hardware. Clark+Kensington Enamel, $32. Impressive at hiding old paint, it left a smooth finish but wasn't great at resisting stains. The paint withstands scrubbing but aggressive cleaning changes the sheen.

Benjamin Moore and independents. Benjamin Moore Aura, $54. The most expensive of the top picks, it was excellent at hiding old paint and left a smooth finish, but wasn't great at resisting stains. The paint withstands scrubbing but aggressive cleaning causes the paint to lose much of its sheen.

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

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

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Is shoveling or snow blowing easier on the heart?

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Is shoveling or snow blowing easier on the heart?

The potential hazards of shoveling snow are well known, especially for folks over 50 who may not be in tip-top shape. But in a recent test, Consumer Reports found that operating a beefy snow blower may not be much easier on the body or the heart than hoisting a shovelful of snow.

After a recent snowstorm that dumped several inches on our headquarters in Yonkers, New York, we set up technician Eric Hado with the Polar H7 Heart Rate Sensor, which relays its readings via Bluetooth to a smart phone app. Then we roped off two identical segments of a paved road—about the size of a typical driveway—and had him shovel the first side wearing the Polar as it monitored his heart rate. After returning to his resting heart rate, he cleared the second patch of road with a $1,300 Troy-Bilt Vortex 2890 31AH55Q, one of the most powerful models in our snow blower Ratings.

Hado, 57 and medium build, says he's in reasonable shape and engages in a light workout once or twice a week. Before our experiment, Hado determined his resting heart rate and his target heart-rate zone, above which someone suffering from heart disease could be at potential risk. In our tests, he worked briskly at both tasks, as someone rushing to get to work might do.

While Hado shoveled, the heart monitor recorded his average heart rate at an average 152 beats per minute, near his maximum recommended heart rate. But while he cleared the identical patch with the roughly 285-pound Troy-Bilt, which maneuvers fairly easily, his heart rate was lower, at a 135 bpm average—closer to the upper end of his target zone. In the previous week he’d hit similar bpm levels while doing leg and bench presses—and working his rowing machine.

Of course, it would take a formal study to confirm whether using a shovel or snow blower is easier on the heart. But our brief experiment at least suggests that if you don't exercise regularly you should get a checkup before shoveling or operating a heavy piece of equipment like a snow blower. Even then, take your time when clearing your driveway or sidewalk.

Need a new snow blower?

Due to the prolonged winter weather, we’ve seen snow blowers selling briskly at nearby home improvement stores. At Lowe's we found one selling for $50 off, and the discounts are bound to get deeper still with spring only a few weeks away. In addition to the Troy-Bilt and the comparably performing Ariens 921032, $1,300, consider the compact, 24-inch two-stage Craftsman 88173, $680, and the single-stage, 21-inch Toro Power Clear 721E, $570. Be sure to check our snow blower buying guide before viewing our snow blower Ratings of more than 110 models.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

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Read this before replacing your water heater

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Read this before replacing your water heater

Most people don’t think about their water heaters until there’s a problem or they run out of hot water. If that happens in the next few months, you should be aware of new federal regulations that require water heaters to be more energy efficient. While this may be good for your wallet, it could make choosing a new water heater a bit confusing. Here are the details.

As of April 16, water heaters must comply with new Department of Energy efficiency standards. The water heaters used in most homes won’t seem that different and will get a modest boost in efficiency, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. But larger units -- those 55 gallons or more -- will need to shift to new technologies to achieve the efficiency gains. Doing so can cut utility bills by 25 to 50 percent depending on the technology used.

While this may seem like a bit of governmental gobbledygook, it’s good news for homeowners because water heating amounts to nearly 20 percent of a home’s energy costs. The new standards apply to gas (50 percent of U.S. households), electric (41 percent), and oil residential tank water heaters. Most tankless water heaters already meet efficiency standards.

The typical home has a water heater that holds 55 gallons of water or less. For such units, the new standards will increase efficiency by an average of 4 percent. According to the ACEEE, water heaters that comply with the new standards are already on the market, including models from A.O. Smith, Bradford White, and Rheem.

Water heaters that hold 55 gallons or more will see bigger efficiency gains. But this is where it may get a little confusing since to attain those gains the larger water heaters will need to use technologies that are less familiar to consumers including electric heat pump and gas condensing technology. Also known as hybrid waters, heat pump water heaters transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water. The ACEEE says that condensing water heaters are designed to reclaim escaping heat by cooling exhaust gases below 140 degrees F, where water vapor in the exhaust condenses into water.

So what does this mean for homeowners? Simply put, if you’re replacing a water heater that holds less than 55 gallons, the new one may be an inch or too larger and can likely be placed where the old one was unless it was in a very tight spot such as a closet. But if you’re replacing a larger water heater, you’ll have to do your homework as the new units may need more space. Before making a purchase, consult your plumber or contractor.

For more information, check the websites of the ACEEE and the DOE as well as the manufacturer of the water heater you are considering. And for more information on water heaters, check Consumer Reports' water heater buying guide.

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

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

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Preseason mower maintenance tips from the pros

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Preseason mower maintenance tips from the pros

It may be several weeks before homeowners across much of the nation can see their lawns. And, after being weighed down with snow, the grass won't need cutting right away. But with spring arriving in two weeks, it's a good time to get your mower or tractor ready. That way it will start when you need it. Here’s how to get your gear in shape:

Fuel comes first. Any gas in your walk-behind mower’s fuel tank? If you added stabilizer before the winter, you should be able to start the mower right up. Similarly, if you ran the mower dry last fall, you can add stabilized gas now. Otherwise, siphon out the degraded gas before adding new. Tractors, with their larger engines, are less susceptible to fuel problems. Still, fuel up with gas to which you’ve added stabilizer.

Check or change oil. If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, do it now—a mower can overheat and fail prematurely from dirty or insufficient oil. For a mower, change the oil when the fuel tank is empty to avoid spilling. Position an auto-style drain pan beside the mower on the side of the dipstick cap. Remove the cap and tip the mower over the pan to drain the oil. Refill to the dipstick marking. A tractor needs an oil change only as specified in your manual. At the very least, check the level and add as necessary.

Sharpen those blades. Dull blades rip rather than slice the grass, and that makes your engine work harder than it needs to. To remove your mower’s blade, wear heavy leather gloves, remove the spark plug wire, and jam in a short 2x4 to keep the blade from turning as you loosen the bolts. (An outdoor-gear dealer will sharpen the blade for about $10.) Even tractor blades should be sharpened three times a year.

Mind the electrical. Your spark plug needs changing about every 100 hours of  operation; if not, it can affect engine startup and overall performance. If you don’t know when you last changed it, do it before using the mower. With the mower off, remove the spark-plug cap and use a socket wrench with a spark-plug socket to remove the old plug. Take it to an auto-parts store or outdoor-gear dealer and get a new one. For a tractor, most manuals instruct you to keep the battery indoors on a trickle charger. If you didn't, fully recharge the battery before starting the season, or you’ll reduce battery life. The engine alone can’t fully recharge the battery.

Change or clean filters. A dusty filter won’t prevent your mower or tractor from starting, but a clean one protects the engine. On your mower, it’s paper and can be removed in seconds. Take the old one to an outdoor power gear dealer if you’re not sure which one to get. For a tractor, replace your carburetor’s air filter if it’s paper. If it’s foam, wash it in soap and water. Rinse and squeeze it dry. Some manuals suggest you also oil a foam filter with engine oil. If so, squeeze the filter dry again before you reinstall it. Tractors have a fuel filter, too. Check your manual for the proper maintenance schedule and procedure.

Need a new mower or tractor?

We’ve completed our tests of about 30 new walk-behind mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn-radius riders and will soon be adding the models to our lawn mower Ratings. In the meantime, check out our lawn mower buying guide for mowers, tractors, and riders.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

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4-door Kenmore refrigerator makes top picks list

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4-door Kenmore refrigerator makes top picks list

The four-door French-door category in our refrigerator Ratings, just a handful deep a few years ago, has swelled to 15 models, a third of which make our recommended refrigerator list. The winner’s podium used to belong solely to Samsung, but Kenmore crashed through in our latest round of testing, making it the current brand to beat across all bottom-freezer categories.

The Kenmore Elite 72483, $3,600, combines superb temperature control, energy efficiency, and quietness to earn one of the highest overall scores in our refrigerator Ratings. Its counter-height middle drawer features multiple temperature settings and its slim in-door ice maker frees up the top shelf for storage. The new Kenmore shares the top spot among four-door refrigerators with the Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4, $5,400, a true four-door refrigerator with a lower chamber that can convert from freezer to refrigerator.

Among traditional French-door bottom-freezers, the Kenmore Elite 74093, $3,400, leads the pack. In fact, it’s currently the highest-scoring model out of nearly 325 models in our Ratings—though that could change at any time, since our refrigerator test lab is always running. The three-door Kenmore has many of the same internal technologies as its four-door brand mate, including dual evaporators, which help keep food fresh by maintaining optimal levels of humidity.

The Kenmore Elite 79043 conventional bottom-freezer, $1,510, rounds out the French-door trifecta for Kenmore, though it’s officially tied for the top spot with the LG LDC24370ST, $1,650.

In addition to performance, we also assess refrigerator brand reliability by surveying tens of thousands of subscribers about their refrigerator purchases. Kenmore gets solid marks in the bottom-freezer category, as does Samung and LG. Electrolux and Frigidaire are two brands to avoid, though neither makes our current recommended list in the category, so that shouldn’t be hard to do.

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)

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

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5 tips for coping with Daylight Saving Time

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5 tips for coping with Daylight Saving Time

The hour of sleep you'll lose Sunday morning, March 8, after your clock springs ahead might do more than just make you cranky. Some research suggests it translates into more car crashes and possibly even heart attacks on Monday morning, thanks to worsened sleep deprivation.

For most people, losing an hour in the spring is harder than adjusting to the extra hour we get in the fall. It's similar to jet lag, in which traveling east, like from California to New York or New York to London, is harder than travel in the opposite direction. And sometimes getting your sleep out of sync for just a day or two can trigger sleep problems that linger for days or even weeks.

But a few simple steps might help smooth the transition, and prevent one night's bad sleep from escalating into longer lasting problem.

1. Don't take a nap on Sunday

For many people, Sunday is nap day, a chance to catch up for a busy work week, and maybe a late night out on Saturday. But for this Sunday at least, try to skip the nap. That way, you'll be more likely to fall asleep early, making it easier to wake up early tomorrow.

2. Exercise

Working out might also help tucker you out, and exercise, especially several hours before bed time, seems to improve sleep.

3. Get outside early

A little sun on your face, especially early in the day,  can help your body's circadian rhythm get back in sync. But try to avoid late afternoon sun. That could have the opposite effect, and keep you up even later.

4. Embrace your new schedule

Try to eat meals at your usual time, and follow other habits according to schedule, too. That will help you adapt to the time switch faster.

5. Be alert

Take a little extra time on Monday morning to get yourself out the door, and pay extra attention on the road. After all, you won't be the only drowsy driver on the road.

For more on improving your quality of sleep, read about the secrets of good sleepers and our Best Buy Drugs advice for sleep problems. And if you're in the market for a new bed, check our latest Ratings of mattresses, retailers, and brands.

Joel Keehn

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

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Get your chain saw ready for spring cleanup

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Get your chain saw ready for spring cleanup

After a winter of shoveling, roof-raking, and other back-breaking chores, another task awaits—ridding the yard of winter's debris. A common part of the job is taking a chain saw to fallen tree branches but that can be frustrating if your chain saw isn't ready for the cleanup. Here’s what to do:

Fire it up. Since a chain saw is a handheld machine with a small engine, degraded gas left over the winter can keep it from starting. If you added fuel stabilizer to the gas before you put it away for the season, it might start right up. (The 2-cycle oil you mix with your gas should have built-in stabilizer.) Otherwise, remove whatever gas you can before adding fresh, stabilized gas and trying again. Consider using only ethanol-free gas, available at the pump in a few states, at some marinas, and by the quart at Sears, home centers and some dealers.

Replace small parts. Gas-powered chain saws have a spark plug, which you should at least check if you’re having trouble. There's also a small air filter that needs replacing once a year.

Check the chain. If you’ve barely used your saw, you might get away without sharpening each blade in the chain or having it done professionally. (You can tell if it needs sharpening if it’s pulverizing rather than cutting the branch, leaving much more sawdust behind. At the very least, you’ll need to set the retention and oil the chain—all of which helps prevent kickback while reducing wear on the chain and the bar it rides on. A loose chain can also slip off the bar and toward you. Your owner’s manual should explain how to do it as well as helpful video. Try to keep a second chain on hand and be sure to top off the chain oil.

Catch up on safety. This is also a good time to be sure you have all the necessary safety gear on hand, including snug-fitting clothing and sturdy work boots, preferably steel-toed. Your legs should be shielded with cut-resistant chaps; the backs of your hands, with protective gloves. You should also have a helmet with a face shield, and hearing protection. Keep chain saw safety in mind whenever you use your saw.

Need a new chain saw?

Our chain saw Ratings of more than 40 models include heavy-duty gas models such as the Echo CS-590-20, $400, lighter-duty gas models including the Stihl MS 180 C-BE, $230, the corded-electric Worx WG303.1, $100, and the battery-powered EGO CS1401, $300. Be sure to check see our chain saw buying guide before shopping.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)

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

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Beautiful laundry rooms for houses big and small

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Beautiful laundry rooms for houses big and small

The family room had its day, so did the great room. But if ever there was a room that needs rebranding, it’s the laundry room. The very words conjure up images of a drab place where dirty clothes pile up—sort of like a huge hamper with a door. More and more homeowners are rethinking this space to better integrate the laundry room into living areas. In larger houses the layout of the laundry room may resemble a kitchen while in smaller homes it may be tucked away in a bathroom.

“We’re seeing a split in tastes between boomers and millennials—large, showy houses for boomers and smaller, more efficient houses for millennials,” says James Roche, CEO of Houseplans.com, an online database of ready-made house blueprints. “In larger laundry rooms we’re seeing an island in the middle—real places that are beautiful and functional—a Pinterestization of laundry rooms. And in smaller homes a laundry room may be combined with another room—a mud room or bathroom.”

Either way, the dimensions of the washing machine and clothes dryer are critical, as is the space needed for the dryer vent. Roche adds that some homeowners are installing a washer and dryer off the kitchen and another smaller pair near the master bedroom. That’s one way to keep the laundry moving. Another is to choose a washer with a large or even jumbo capacity and a dryer to go with it. Here’s a laundry list of recommended washers, dryers, and detergents from the experts at Consumer Reports.

Top pick high-efficiency top-loaders

Samsung WA48H7400AP, $900
LG WT5680HVA, $950
Others to consider:
Samsung WA45H7000AW, $700
Maytag Bravos XL MVWB725BW, $800

Top pick agitator top-loaders

Whirlpool WTW4850BW, $580
GE GTWN5650FWS, $650

Top pick front-loaders

LG WM8500HVA, $1,450
Kenmore Elite 41073, $1,350
Others to consider:
Whirlpool Duet WFW87HEDW, $950
Kenmore Elite 41472, $700

Top pick electric dryers

Samsung DV56H9100ED, $1,500
Samsung DV56H9000EP, $1,500
Others to consider:
Kenmore 81382, $800
LG DLE1001W, $650

Top pick laundry detergents

Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release
Tide HE Plus Bleach Alternative
Member’s Mark Ultimate Clean (Sam’s Club)
Wisk Deep Clean
Tide Plus ColdWater Clean HE

Best matching washers and dryers

If you’re set on buying a matching washing machine and dryer, see “The best matching washers and dryers.” And for all the details, see our ratings of washing machines, clothes dryers, and laundry detergents. If you have any questions, e-mail me at kjaneway@consumer.org.

Kimberly Janeway

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

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5 reasons to skip taking vitamin C for colds

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5 reasons to skip taking vitamin C for colds

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 © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Cannondale Teramo bike helmet fails Consumer Reports’ safety test

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Cannondale Teramo bike helmet fails Consumer Reports’ safety test

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 © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

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Viewpoint: Improving the marketplace for consumers

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Viewpoint: Improving the marketplace for consumers

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.

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6 products on deep discount in January

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6 products on deep discount in January

This time of year you see plenty of "Sale" signs in stores. You might think just about everything is discounted after the holidays.

But Consumer Reports product research experts, who track prices all year long, have compiled a list of items that are typically discounted most deeply in January. So if you're shopping for the best deals, here are the things to put on your list.  

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

Mandy Walker (@MandyWalker on Twitter)

It's the month for white sales, but buying new sheets might not be as simple as checking the pricetags.

Shopping tips

Don't shop on thread count alone. Our latest tests again confirmed that higher thread count doesn't guarantee better sheets. In fact the top-scoring percale sheets, which had a claimed thread count of only 280, were strong, shrank very little, and easily fit mattresses up to 17 inches high, even after we washed and dried them five times.

Make sure you can return them. Only 4 of 23 sets of queen-size sheets performed well enough for us to recommend them in our last test. As for the other 19, we found a litany of problems: Some fitted sheets easily ripped or came apart at the seams in our strength tests. Other sets had fitted sheets that popped off the corners of mattresses they claimed to fit, or flat sheets that fell short on the sides of the bed. And some wrinkle-free sheets weren't.

For more shopping tips, check out our sheet buying guide. Our Ratings show which sheets did best in our lab tests. If you're shopping for young children, see our crib bedding buying guide.

By the way, if you've ever wondered if it's possible to fold those fitted sheets neatly, watch the video below.

Ellipticals mimic the motion of running but without the impact.

Shopping tips

Every model is a little different. Don't buy an elliptical (or a treadmill) before using it in the store. That's especially important with elliptical exercisers because the movement is less familiar than walking or running, and each machine has a slightly different pedaling profile. See our elliptical buying guide for more shopping tips.

What price can tell you. In our tests we've found ellipticals that cost $2,000 and up were well-built and felt stable to our testers, more like the $5,000 machines at gyms. And they were less likely to have defects. But you can still get a good basic model for less. In our Elliptical Ratings (available to subscribers), the quality score reflects the severity and frequency of those defects.

Now that the holidays are over you should be able to find great deals on most toys, although popular stuff like a signing Elsa from Frozen doll may still be full price for awhile.
 

Shopping tips

Check age suggestions When toy shopping for young children, follow the manufacturer's age recommendations displayed on the package. Although you might think that a more "advanced" toy will present a welcome challenge, in reality, it could be a source of frustration.  

Look for hazards Avoid magnets and toys that have them. Small magnets can be accidentally swallowed by children and they can do tremendous harm. The CPSC recommends keeping toys with magnets away from children younger than six.

For more shopping and safety tips, read our toy buying guide.

If you're shopping for older children, you probably know tablets for kids are hot. See how different models did in our lab tests; the video below provides some great shopping tips.  

Spending several thousand dollars on a treadmill can get you sturdier construction, better hardware, and more features. But you can get a decent machine that provides a great workout for much less.

Shopping tips

Take factors besides cost into account before buying. One important consideration is the amount of space you have for a treadmill. Nonfolding models take up as much floor space as a couch or dining room table. A folding treadmill can save you about six-square-feet.

Decide where you want to shop. Budget and midpriced treadmills are sold at large retailers such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Sears, Sports Authority, and Walmart. For more expensive brands, you'll generally need to hit a specialty fitness store. Whether you want to shop online for the best price or in a store, try the machine in person first. You might notice a problem--the deck is too short for you stride, for example--that you can't detect by sight or reviews alone.

Our treadmill buying guide provides lots more shopping tips; subscribers can also take advantage of our Treadmill Ratings to make wise buying decisions.

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

Shopping tips

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

Consider the size. Budget and room size permitting, we believe most consumers would be best served by at least a 40- to 42-inch screen for a primary TV. A 46- or 50-inch set is often preferable in rooms where you'll be sitting 8 to 10 feet or so from the screen. Consider an even bigger set for spacious family rooms. Just don't buy a jumbo screen and sit right on top of it: If you sit too close to a TV screen you might notice the picture elements (pixels) that make up the images, which can be distracting, especially with lower-quality content like you might get when streaming video. Ultra HD TVs, which have four times the number of individual picture elements (or "pixels") as 1080p models, allow you to sit closer to the TV without seeing the pixel grid; as a result, you may opt for a larger set without changing your seating distance.  

As temperatures plummet, you'll luckily find good deals on winter clothing this month.

Shopping tips

Time your visits. Shopping at the right time can save you even more, say the editors at Shop Smart magazine. Kohl's fans, for example, should check out the "Gold Star Clearance" racks, where prices are slashed up to 80 percent on weekend nights. Every Wednesday, shoppers who are 60 years old and older get an extra 15 percent off.

At Target, women's clothing is generally marked down on Tuesdays, men's on Wednesday, and kids' on Mondays. Markdowns at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx usually happen on Wednesday.

Look for deals in other departments. Another clothing item that will be cheap this month: Swimsuits.  

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

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