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8 string trimmers that edge out the competition

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8 string trimmers that edge out the competition

The winners in our most recent tests start with fewer pulls and offer fast cutting even in tall grass and weeds. But the standouts are the latest battery-powered string trimmers. With new highs in voltage, they offer performance rivaling some gas-powered models. The downside: They often also match the gas models for weight and price.

Top performers

Consider one of these three CR Best Buys. Our best overall, the curved-shaft Stihl FS 38, $130, starts easily, and its engine is certified to stay efficient longer than many others. The Snapper S28BC, $170, had generally top-notch cutting and is well-priced for a straight-shaft model. The Poulan Pro PP25CFA, $110, a relative bargain, didn’t edge quite as cleanly but was especially easy to use—and was fairly quiet for a gas trimmer.

Best for less-frequent trimming

Three more CR Best Buys make good choices. The Homelite UT33600A, $70, is a light-duty, curved-shaft gas trimmer that matched the top-ranked models for about half the price. The Weed Eater Featherlite SST25CE, $90, was impressive for trimming and edging, but its dual 0.095-inch lines stood out best against tall growth. Moreover, its fixed-line cutting head helps avoid jams and tangles. Choose the battery-powered, straight-shaft Ryobi RY40220, $180, to avoid the maintenance of a gas trimmer. The 40-volt unit was stellar for trimming and edging—though it’s heavy.

Best for light use within range of a power outlet

Have a small yard with edges you can reach with a 100-foot extension cord? The straight-shaft GreenWorks 21142, $90, a CR Best Buy, did great for trimming and tall-growth cutting. Among curved-shaft models, the Stihl FSE 60, $110, isn’t a price leader but edged out the competition overall.

More good trimmers

For more choices see our full string trimmer Ratings and recommendations as well as our string trimmer buying guide, which will help you find the right one for the size of your yard and your budget.

—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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Use less water without sacrificing function or flow

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Use less water without sacrificing function or flow

About half of the water you use every day goes down the bathroom drain. Toilets are the biggest water hogs, followed by showerheads and faucets. You can save about 19 gallons per person per day by switching to a WaterSense qualified toilet, which uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush, compared to an old, pre-1990 model. And the latest showerheads and faucets deliver a satisfying spray while using about half as much water as those made in the 1990s. In Consumer Reports tests we found bathroom fixtures that get the job done without wasting water.

Toilets

With nearly 2,500 water efficient toilets that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense criteria, it’s hard to know which one to get. After all, you’re not going to save much water if you have to flush the toilet twice. In our toilet tests, the St. Thomas Creations Richmond Eco 6123.218, $350, quietly cleared our tough mix of baby wipes, sponges, and plastic balls without leaving unsightly stains inside the bowl. The American Standard Champion 4 Max 2586.128ST.020, $240, performed nearly as well. The Glacier Bay N2428E sold at Home Depot was even quieter and the CR Best Buy costs just $100, as does the Aquasource AT1203-00 from Lowe's, although it wasn’t as quite as good at removing solid waste. All meet WaterSense criteria and may qualify for rebates so check the WaterSense website.

If you don’t want to buy a new toilet, make sure the one you have isn’t leaking. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet’s tank. If it seeps into the bowl in 15 minutes without flushing, there’s a leak that needs to be fixed. If so, there are many how-to videos online including that of conserveh2o.org.

Whether your toilet is old or new, don’t flush tissues, flushable wipes, or paper towels. They don’t disintegrate as easily as toilet paper, so they can clog the toilet.

Showerheads and faucets

Installing a WaterSense low-flow showerhead can save the average family 2,900 gallons per year, according to the EPA. Since using less water also reduces demand on your water heaters, you’ll save energy too. In fact, the average family can save more than 370 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power a house for 13 days.
 
The savings aren’t quite as dramatic for faucets, but they’re impressive, about 700 gallons a year for the average family, according to the EPA.  In our past faucet tests, we found few performance differences between faucets that cost $100 and $600. So look for one with a lifetime warranty that covers leaks and stains.
 
Another way to save water is by replacing the aerators in all your faucets with WaterSense labeled ones, which can cost as little as a few dollars each. To estimate how much water your home consumes, use the calculator on the Watersense website. You may be surprised.
 
—Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman (@CKLehrman 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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What you get when you pay up to $1,000 for a grill

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What you get when you pay up to $1,000 for a grill

Most gas grills sold cost less than $300 but are hauled to the curb after just three years, on average, according to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association. That surprises some people and angers them too. In “10 great gas grills for $300 or less” we highlighted small and midsized grills that were impressive in Consumer Reports’ tests. Over 300 people posted comments when our story appeared on Yahoo. Fired up, these grill owners had plenty to say about grills that were cheaply made and rust out, and grills that last well past three years. So how much should you spend?

Your budget answers that question, but for $450 to $1,000 you can buy a grill that delivers impressive or even top performance, some midgrade stainless steel, sturdy construction, stainless or cast-iron grates, electronic igniter, and side burner. Our gas grill Ratings tell you how well a grill did at preheating, low and high heat, indirect cooking, and temperature range. We note features and whether the burners have a long or short warranty. Burners are the most replaced part and the better ones are covered for 10 years or longer.

How to choose

When you’re shopping shake the grill several times. Does it feel solid and sturdy? Look at the grates and pick them up. Stainless steel and coated cast-iron grates tend to be better for searing and maintaining even grilling temperatures—and stainless is more durable. Grip the handle. Your knuckles shouldn’t be too close to the lid. And keep in mind that a greater distance between the grates and burners usually means fewer sustained flare-ups.

We tested 130 gas grills ranging from $115 to $2,600. We measured the main cooking area of each grill to help you find the right size grill. Usually the larger the grill, the bigger the cooking surface, but that’s not always true. Here are some sturdy, impressive grills that cost between $450 and $1,000.

Small gas grills (fit 18 burgers or less)

Weber Spirit E-220 463100001, $450
Napoleon Terrace SE325PK, $600

Midsized grills (fit 18 to 28 burgers)

Weber Spirit SP-320 46700401, $600
Kenmore Elite 33577, $950
Weber Genesis S-330, $970
Weber Genesis E-330, $800
Broil King Signet 90 986784 LP, $700
Napoleon Legend LA400 Series LA400RSIBPSS, $1,000

Large grills (fit 28 or more burgers)

KitchenAid 720-0893, $900
KitchenAid 720-0709C, $800

More choices. Our gas grill Ratings tell you how these grills compare to the others tested. Use the gas grill selector to narrow your search by price, brand, and so on. Once you do that, be sure to click the “Features & Specs” tab to find out how these grills stack up features-wise. Our user reviews offer insight, and if you have questions for our grill experts 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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Washing machines that save water and money

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Washing machines that save water and money

Pam Heath has used her top-loading agitator washer for 20 years and says it still works fine but because of the drought, this Californian is thinking of replacing it. “I’ve cut back on shower time and have done everything I can do short of changing my washer,” she says. “Since the water shortage will probably get more severe I’m looking at washers that use little water but have longevity.” Here’s a look at just how much water different types of washers used in Consumer Reports’ tests.

Most agitator top-loaders we tested 18 years ago used over 40 gallons of water to wash an average size load. Since then, federal standards have gotten increasingly tougher, requiring washers to use less water and energy. Today, any washers scoring excellent in water efficiency in our tests used about 13 gallons or less to do our 8-pound load. A very good score means the washers used 13.5 to 17.5 gallons. Washers scoring poor in water efficiency used about 26 gallons or more. Our tests also found that despite using less water, cleaning remains just as good in many of the washers, but wash time is longer.

Front-loaders

As a group these typically clean better than HE top-loaders and use less water and their high spin speed extracts more water so dryer time is cut. Most front-loaders can handle about 17 to 28-pound loads.
Water used: Most scored excellent in water efficiency meaning they used about 13 gallons of water or less to wash an 8-pound load, including the top-rated Samsung WF56H9110CW and the LG WM8500HVA, each $1,450, and the Maytag Maxima MHW5100DW, $950. Each washer used around 10 gallons to wash our 8-pound load.  

High-efficiency (HE) top-loaders

Most high-efficiency top-loaders hold more laundry (17 to 28 pounds) than agitator top-loaders and typically wash better. HE top-loaders use a lot less water and their higher spin speed reduces dryer time by extracting more water.
Heads up: "If an HE top-loader senses a severe imbalance the washer may keep adding rinses until the problem is resolved—we've seen up to 100 gallons used on some models—or until an error warning flashes,” says Emilio Gonzalez, the engineer who oversees our tests of washers and dryers. So properly loading the washer is important. Add a few items at a time, rather than dumping in a basket of laundry, and wash similar items together—a load of sheets, a load of towels. And if you need to wash a waterproof item, check the manual and read the “5 things to know before buying a washer and dryer.”
Water used: Most HE top-loaders tested score very good in water efficiency, using about 13.5 to 17.5 gallons to do our 8-pound load. The top-scoring Samsung WA48H7400AP, $900, scored excellent and used about 12 gallons of water but the Frigidaire Affinity FAHE1011MW, $550, scored poor, using about 26 gallons.

Top-loaders with agitators

They’re still the big sellers, in part because they’re the cheapest. These perform the least impressively as a group and because they use more water—most scored fair or poor in water efficiency—and extract less than high-efficiency top-loaders and front-loaders, dryer times are longer. Most hold about 12 to 16 pounds of laundry. The good news is a few agitator top-loaders we tested were impressive in cleaning and one even had excellent water efficiency.
Water used: The top-rated Whirlpool WTW4850BW, $580, scored excellent in water efficiency and used about 13 gallons to wash our 8-pound load and was impressive at cleaning. Washers at the bottom of our washing machine Ratings scored poor in water efficiency, including the $400 Amana NTW4651BQ. It used about 27 gallons.

Water-saving laundry tips

  • Do full loads and use cold water when possible.
  • Measure laundry detergent and use HE detergents for HE top-loaders and front-loaders. Regular detergents are too sudsy and using too much can cause these washers to use more water by extending the rinse cycle.
  • Choose the right soil setting for the load. Using the heavy-duty soil setting can use more water and extends wash time. The normal setting works for most loads.
  • Pick the appropriate water level setting—often small, medium, large—for the load if that’s how your machine works. Front-loaders and most HE top-loaders have auto-load sensing, and a few agitator top-loaders that recently came out have it too. This feature automatically determines the load size and the amount of water need.

More choices. Use our washer Ratings to compare models, and try the washer selector to filter your search by washer type, price, and brand. Then click the “Features & Specs” tab to compare features and to see each washer’s dimensions. Any questions? E-mail me at kjaneway@consumer.org. And be sure to use the Energy Star rebate finder. It's money in the bank. 

Kimberly Janeway 

More water-saving tips

Use less water without sacrificing function or flow

Turn your yard from thirsty to thrifty with these tips

Leaky plumbing can drain your bank account

Full toilet Ratings and recommendations

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

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Should you buy a mattress online or at Costco?

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Should you buy a mattress online or at Costco?

At Consumer Reports, we usually advise you to lie on any mattress you’re considering for at least 15 minutes. But because warehouse clubs display mattresses standing up and websites offer only pictures and descriptions, you need to rely on those companies’ return policies. And from our research, buying from them is fairly low-risk. Here are three top-pick memory foam mattresses from our mattress tests that you can buy online or at Costco.

Costco

This warehouse club received the second-highest satisfaction score from readers in our survey of subscribers’ experiences with mattress stores. Costco doesn’t say outright what its return policies are for mattresses, but from what we can tell, the company aims to satisfy and won’t charge for shipping and handling if you contact them within a reasonable period of time, such as a few months after purchase. That goes for the website and the stores. You don’t need to save the box.
Recommended mattress from Costco:
Spring Air Back Supporter Natalie, $1,200.

Casper

If you really need to try the company’s mattress, you’ll have to go to the Casper Apartment in New York City (currently its only physical showroom). Casper offers just one model in six sizes. Otherwise, you get 100 nights to decide whether to keep it. If not, Casper will let you exchange or return it for your money back with no restocking or other fees. Shipping is free, too.
Recommended mattress from Casper:
The Casper, $850.

Tuft & Needle

You can try both mattress models that Tuft & Needle offers at its showroom in Phoenix, and it has a 30-night trial period. No mattresses actually go back to the company; instead, you’re asked to donate it to a charity and show the seller the receipt for a full refund—or full credit toward an ­exchange. (If no charity is nearby, the company will arrange to have the mattress picked up.) No need to save the packing materials.
Recommended mattress from Tuft & Needle:
Tuft & Needle Ten, $500.

Prefer to try it in a store?

For more choices, including top-rated innerspring, memory foam, and adjustable air mattresses see our full mattress Ratings and recommendations.

—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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7 ways to save big at the home center

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7 ways to save big at the home center

April kicks off the busy home improvement season. That means retailers like Ace, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sears, and Walmart will be vying hard for your business in the weeks and months to come. Consumer Reports has tested a slew of products sold at these and other home centers and hardware stores. We’ve also combed through the spring-season circulars to find the hottest deals. Here are seven ways to save as you make essential spring upgrades to your home and yard.

Pick up top paints

Whether you’re refinishing the front door or painting over your kitchen cabinets, our latest interior and exterior paint tests turned up many excellent home center exclusives. Regardless of the brand you settle on, remember that buying bulk 5-gallon containers will mean extra savings on major projects. 

For one-stop shopping, Home Depot is your best bet. Its exclusive Behr Marquee, $43 per gallon, tops our interior paints Ratings, though for about $10 less we also like the Behr Premium Plus Ultra. Among exterior paints, go for the Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior, $39. Ace also has several winners, including the Clark + Kensington Enamel interior paint, $32 per gallon and Clark + Kensington Exterior, $35 per gallon. And Lowe’s has some well-priced, top interior paints in the Valspar Signature, $34 per gallon, and the Valspar Ultra, $29. 

Check for online savings

Knowing how many consumers start their search online, retailers offer a lot of teaser deals on their websites. Home Depot’s Spring Black Friday kicks off today and runs through April 19th. Each day the retailer will offer a special deal on seasonal items like patio furniture, grills, and landscaping materials. Today’s deal is pretty small potatoes—$2.50 shrubs in a gallon container—but lawn mowers and paint are coming down the pike. The Lowe’s website has similar deals on cordless drills, gas grills, and outdoor power equipment. And Ace Hardware is offering 10 percent off select patio sets through April 14th.

If you like apps, those from Home Depot and Sears have handy search functions that help you locate items in the store quickly, which can save you time, if not money (but then again, time is money, right?). The Sears app also allows you to track and clip coupons. Home Depot’s connects you to additional online options for select product categories, which can be helpful if you can’t find what you need on the shelf.

Get your grill on

Many of our top-rated gas grills are home center exclusives. Best of the bunch is the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 463435115, sold at Walmart for $260. That’s less than half the price of our top-rated Weber, which scores only slightly better overall. Char-Broil also makes a very good grill for Lowe’s, the $300 Char-Broil Advantage 463240015, and for Home Depot, the $400 Char-Broil Gourmet TRU-Infrared 463251713. Char-Broil also has several duds in our gas grill Ratings, so make sure you check the model numbers carefully.

Consider renting

Home centers rent seasonal equipment that you’d probably never buy, but that can improve the look of your yard. For example, going over the lawn with a rented core aerator will improve the soil structure and do wonders for your turfgrass. Renting a drop seeder to overseeed thin areas of the lawn will reduce weed infiltration. And a pressure washer can be used to clean up a grimy deck, siding, or outdoor furniture. Follow these power washer tips for safe operation.

While Sears doesn’t rent items, it does have a leasing program with flexible payment schedules and available early purchase options. That can be a good way to test out new tools or equipment you’re not sure about. Sears also offers layaway programs, which can help spread out payments, say if you’re tackling a major home improvement project.

Upgrade your lawn equipment

Home centers often drop the price on mowers and tractors in April and May since they know a lot of consumers will be in the market. They’ll take a loss on this equipment, hoping you’ll spend a lot more on other merchandise. Home Depot carries many of our top-rated Honda models, including our top-rated self-propelled lawn mowers, the Honda HRX2175VYA and the Honda HRX2175VKA. Both models are selling for about $100 less than Honda’s list price. Lowe’s is selling the Husqvarna YTH22V46, one of our recommended riding lawn tractors, for $1,600, which is also about $100 off the list price.

Score big on landscaping staples

You might want to stay loyal to your favorite nursery for showpiece flowers and plants, but don’t rule out the home center for yard care essentials. Organic fertilizer and potting soil is the fastest growing category in Home Depot’s garden center. The retailer has also seen double-digit growth in succulents, which are an excellent water-smart choice for homeowners living in drought-stricken regions.   

You’ll find compost too at home centers. Our lawn-care experts recommend applying a half-inch top dressing each spring to the lawn to reduce the need for fertilizer. If you do go for the rented core aerator, applying the compost right after you’ve aerated will help the organic matter mix in with the soil. Mulch, on sale now at many home centers, will minimize weeds and retain moisture in garden beds. Read our additional lawn care advice.

Stock up on lightbulbs

The days may be getting longer, but the best bulbs from our tests will last long into next winter—and the next twenty or so winters to follow. In the age of long-lasting LEDs, home centers have become the go-to place. Top picks from our current Ratings include a pair of general-use 60-watt equivalents: Walmart’s Great Value 60W Soft White A19 LED Dimmable lightbulb for $10 and Home Depot’s EcoSmart 12-Watt 60W A19 Bright White lightbulb for $20. For outdoor applications, consider the Lowe’s Utilitech 13-Watt (75W) BR30 Soft White Outdoor Flood lightbulb, $12.

—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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Neato robotic vacuum overcomes messy situation

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Neato robotic vacuum overcomes messy situation

The promise of a vacuum that picks up around the house while you put your feet up is part of the allure of robotic vacuums. But an early version of one of six robotics just tested by Consumer Reports revealed that the $550 Neato Botvac 80 needed more time and attention than a robotic normally would. But after we brought its faults to the manufacturer's attention, they told us they had a fix. Here's what happened.

The dirt bin for the Neato Botvac 80 is affixed to the top hatch, which must be closed before the vacuum will operate. The first sample we tested had issues right out of the box, when the unit didn’t recognize that the lid was closed and displayed an alert, “Please put my Dirt Bin back in,” on its screen. The second sample initially worked fine but hit the same problem partway through our tests. When we pressed down the lid with a little force, the alert would vanish. But of course, that won't work with a vacuum that's designed to run unattended.

We contacted the company, which traced the problem to last summer, when a production issue affected a small fraction of the units’ circuit boards. While four models in all have the problematic circuit board—the Botvac 70e, 75, 80, and 85—we saw relevant online complaints primarily about the Botvac 80, the model we tested. Neato says that all models from that production period have passed through retail channels, with none on the shelves today. Still, anyone whose Botvac exhibits the problem should contact Neato (877-296-3286), which told us it will replace those models, with shipping on them.

Once we purchased two newer samples of the Neato, the vacuums worked as promised. Most other robotic vacuums we tested, such as the iRobot Roomba 880, $700, and iClebo Arte YCR-M05, $450, performed better overall. Still, the Neato Botvac 80 had impressive pickup from carpets and bare floors—though not the edges of bare floors—with top-notch navigation.

Need a new vacuum?

As with hand and stick vacuums, no robotic vacuum can ever take the place of a full-size upright or canister vacuum for deep-cleaning carpets. Still, the better models were fine at what you need between full cleanings. Be sure to see our vacuum cleaner buying guide before checking our vacuum Ratings of about 150 models, which include survey-based information on brand-repair history.

—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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Are HEPA vacuum filters really better than normal filters?

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Are HEPA vacuum filters really better than normal filters?

Q. I’ve noticed that HEPA filters are advertised as being better than normal filters for new vacuum cleaners. Are they really better, and is it worth it to buy a vacuum that has one?—Dillon Yanick, Seattle

A. If you’re concerned about a vacuum’s emissions, buying one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is a good choice. But many vacuums without one are just as good. Check our vacuum Ratings and choose a model that scored well for emissions. Two that fit the bill are the Kenmore Elite 21814 and the Panasonic MC-CG937—both bagged canister models.

For more information on vacuum cleaners check our extensive vacuum buying guide and watch our video below.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

This article also appeared in the May 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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Mattresses have changed since you last bought one

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Mattresses have changed since you last bought one

If you haven't bought a mattress in a few years you'll notice that the market has changed. On the plus side, there are more choices in mattress types, including combinations such as hybrid innersprings and varying levels of foam over adjustable-air beds. And you’ll see more retailers, including web-only sellers with great prices and generous return policies. Other surprises, however, are less welcome. Here are five new twists that you may not be aware of:

You have to climb aboard

The models in Consumer Reports' mattress Ratings average nearly 12½ inches high, ranging from the foam Ikea Matrand (just 7 inches high), $400, to the pricey Duxiana Dux 515 innerspring, $7,595, which is 20 inches high. Add in the usual nine-inch box spring or foundation (the Duxiana’s height includes it), and your bed could easily top 30 inches including the six to seven inches of room beneath the frame. Major brands sell low-profile foundations, typically about five inches high; Tempur-Pedic sells ones as slim as two inches. But still, you may need a step stool to get into bed.

Old sheets don't fit

Extra cushioning on many new models is part of the reasons that newer mattresses are thicker. And those extra layers may mean your old sheets won't fit, since standard fitted sheets probably are difficult to pull over the corners of mattresses 15 inches or thicker. (Among our tested mattresses, the recommended Stearns & Foster Estate Scarborough Luxury Firm, $1,575, and six other innersprings come in that range.) Other than selecting a slimmer mattress or using a second flat sheet in place of the fitted, expect to buy deep-pocket sheets for a thick mattress.

A gripe about grips

Older mattresses could be rotated, flipped, or both to allow for uniform wearing of the springs. But today’s innersprings, often “hybrid” with layers of foam on top of the springs, don’t allow for flipping—so the grips that invariably lined the sides of old innersprings aren’t always there on a new one. Foam mattresses often have no grips, because you can’t flip them, and rotating the bed offers no benefit. And if the bed’s firmness is different on one side than the other, as with adjustable-air and some foam beds, you can't rotate or flip the bed.

A plastic smell to dispel

When you buy a foam mattress or one that includes foam, you’ll probably notice the smell of plastic in the room where you place the mattress. While it may seem overpowering at first, the smell is temporary. Our advice: Once the mattress is installed, leave the sheets off and open the windows for several hours, weather permitting. If you still notice the smell when you go to sleep that night, remove the sheets again in the morning and ventilate once more, which should suffice.

Prices that bounce around

While not all mattress sellers have prices that vary, prices at department stores and mattress chains can vacillate by 50 percent or more. We routinely warn readers to wait to buy a mattress at such stores until a holiday weekend and to watch for advertisements—or, better still, insist on the lower sale price as a condition for buying, even when the mattress you want isn’t on sale. If you buy on impulse, you could have missed a sale by just a few days and end up kicking yourself for not doing some research beforehand.

Need a new mattress?

Our mattress Ratings currently have almost 40 models, and we’re getting ready to test even more. (In addition to our performance Ratings are survey-based Ratings of mattress brands and stores.) Be sure to see our mattress buying guide before you narrow down 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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10 high-end appliances that are worth every penny

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10 high-end appliances that are worth every penny

Consumer Reports’ appliance testing runs the gamut, from entry-level units that might be right for a rental apartment to the high-end models you see in glossy design magazines. Some low-priced appliances actually outperform the priciest competition in our tests. But let’s face it—no one is going to put a $400 coil-top electric range in their designer kitchen, even if it does simmer better than pro-style ranges in our tests. Luxury appliances are as much about style and name recognition as they are about performance. Here are 10 favorites from our Ratings that have the requistite cachet—but also the ability to get the job done. 

Sub-Zero refrigerator

The sleek, integrated look of a built-in refrigerator is choice for many luxury kitchens. Sub-Zero is one of, if not the, most recognized names in built-in refrigeration. The company’s founder Westye F. Bakke, is credited with designing the first built-in back in 1943, and he founded the Sub-Zero Freezer Company two tears later in Madison, WI. In Consumer Reports' refrigerator tests, the Sub-Zero BI42S, $8,000, delivered super temperature control and its dual evaporators help maintain freshness. The unit comes in stainless steel or integrated panels to match the surrounding cabinetry.

Wolf range

In 2000, Wolf and Sub-Zero merged to form one of the most formidable names in pro-style appliances. Wolf handles the cooking appliances, and its ranges have become synonymous with commercial-grade, with their trademark red knobs and distinctive name plate. “Pro-style ranges don’t function like conventional ranges, so they take some getting used to,” says Consumer Reports market analyst (and professional chef) Michael DiLauro, who put in a Wolf range when he recently remodeled his kitchen.

In our latest tests, the 30-inch-wide Wolf DF304, $6,400, was a top scorer, and it comes with dual-stacked burners, continuous cast iron grates, and convection fans in the oven. If you're looking for a 36-inch-wide pro-style range, consider the KitchenAid KDRU763VSS, $6,000, which tops that category in our pro-style range Ratings.    

Miele dishwasher

Miele’s fully-integrated dishwashers complete the streamlined look in a high-end contemporary kitchen. From its top-tier Diamond Series, the Miele Futura Dimension G5675SCSF, $1,900, combined standout washing performance and energy efficiency in our dishwasher tests, and it has many of the features you look for in a premium appliance, including soft-close door, LED interior lights, and time-remaining display—helpful since the dishwasher is among the quietest in our tests, so much so that you might forget it’s on.

Thermador dishwasher 

Thermador is another respected name in high-end dishwashers, along with other kitchen appliances. The brand is owned by BSH Home Appliances Corporation, which also makes the Bosch dishwashers that do well in our dishwasher Ratings. So you know you’re getting a quality product. The Thermador Topaz Series DWHD640JFM, $1,500, delivered outstanding washing performance in our tests and its blue light operating indicator lets you know when the dishwasher is running.  

Thermador induction cooktop

Thermador is a proven innovator in the cooking appliance category as well, as we found when we tested its 36-inch induction cooktop, the Thermador CIT36XKB, $5,000. While other induction cooktops have set elements, this model features an end-to-end electromagnetic surface, so you can put your pot or pan anywhere. If you need to move the cookware to another spot, the cooktop will transfer the programmed setting originally selected. High and low cooking were both exceptional in our tests. And the cooktop comes with the industry’s first full-color touch screen induction panel. 

Vinotemp wine chiller

Even if you don’t drink a lot of wine, a built-in wine chiller has become a common feature in designer kitchens, so it will add to your home’s value. If you do enjoy a good bottle, it's best to get a chiller that maintains uniform and stable temperature and humidity levels, like the Vinotemp VT-46TS-2Z, $1,000, from one of the biggest names in wine storage. The 46-bottle chiller has dual zones, so you can store your reds and whites at their optimal temperatures. Other features include tinted glass, touch screen controls, and a door lock.

GE wall oven

French-door wall ovens are the latest restaurant feature to find its way into home kitchens. We tested the GE Cafe Series CT9070SHSS wall oven, $3,900, and were impressed by its solid baking, broiling, and oven capacity. It’s engineered to allow for one-handed opening of both doors at one time, and the oven can be controlled wirelessly from your smartphone.  

Miele vacuum 

We also like Miele for its luxury-line vacuum cleaners. The Miele S 8590 Marin, $1,000, is our top-rated bagged canister vacuum, combining exceptional bare floor cleaning with very good carpet cleaning. Its features include suction control, retractable cord, and a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Among bagged uprights, the Miele S 7210 Twist, $475, and the Miele S 7260 Cat & Dog, $715, are two standouts from our vacuum cleaner tests that are also full-featured.  

KitchenAid stand mixer

Like Q-tip and Kleenex, KitchenAid has become synonymous with the product it created—even though the KitchenAid brand is now on a lot more than stand mixers, which it invented back in 1919. The KitchenAid Professional 6500 Design Series stand mixer, $550, is probably the most eye-catching model, with its glass bowl and familiar color palette, including candy apple red, frosted pearl white, and slate gray. In terms of performance, the KitchenAid offers superb mixing, kneading, and whipping, and its optional attachments include a pasta maker and meat grinder.

Vitamix blender 

Here’s a case where the most expensive is also the best. The Vitamix Professional Series 750, $650, tops our Ratings of several dozen blenders, thanks to its ability to handle a wide range of blending tasks, including smoothies, whole-fruit juices, sauces, soups, and more. Vitamix has established a reputation for excellence. It sailed through our stand mixer durability tests, and the user reviews on our site are practically perfect, earning 4.9 stars out of a possible 5.

—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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Water-saving washers owe debt to dry Kansas town

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Water-saving washers owe debt to dry Kansas town

Front-loading washers were slow to catch on in the U.S. in the late 1990s—representing just two percent of the market—despite growing popularity in Europe. Americans liked their agitator top-loaders. Faced with the challenge of encouraging consumers to switch to expensive but water-saving front-loaders, the Department of Energy picked Bern, Kansas, with its periodic water shortages and population of 200, for a study in 1997. And here’s what happened next.

At the time Bern was mostly a farming community. Severe drought conditions in 1988 in northeast Kansas drastically cut water for Bern, according to the DOE report. The town put conservation practices in place, some folks hauled water from farm ponds to give to livestock, water rates increased, and a project was started to get water from neighboring Nebraska.

Washing, weighing, evaluating, and recording every load

So the DOE and Maytag teamed up to do a 5-month study. “The purpose was to determine what the impact was in a real community if it switched over from agitator washers to front-loaders,” says Van Baxter, a senior researcher at the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the lab that led the tests. “It got a lot of press and publicity.”

All told, 104 participants signed on and 103 completed the study. For two months data was collected on the current washers, and then they were replaced with Maytag Neptune front-loaders and data was collected for three months. Participants could keep the front-loader if they liked.  

Survey says: Water use cut significantly

The study found that the agitator top-loaders used on average nearly 42 gallons of water per wash load and the front-loaders used about 26 gallons (and 58 percent less energy to run the washer and heat the hot water). Jill Meyer was a newlywed in Bern in 1997 and participated in the study. “We kept the washer and I was impressed. But it didn’t last as long as I expected—eight years.” When she went to buy a new washer in 2005 it was an emergency and she says the hardware store in a nearby town only sold agitator top-loaders. “It gets our clothes clean, but uses a lot of water.”  

Calls to three other study participants found one was still using the Maytag front-loader, one bought a new front-loader after the Maytag needed repairs a second time, and the third wasn’t happy that mold developed around the front-loader door and he replaced it with an agitator washer.

18 years later, agitator washers outsell front-loaders

Last year front-loaders represented 24 percent of all washers shipped to stores, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a trade group. Agitator top-loaders are the least expensive type and accounted for 39 percent of shipments, but since the Bern study high-efficiency top-loaders came on the market and increasing sales now represent 36 percent of shipments.

Today’s washers

“We tested the Maytag Neptune front-loader when it came out and since then front-loaders have gotten more water and energy efficient and cleaning has improved,” says Emilio Gonzalez, the engineer who oversees Consumer Reports' tests of washers and dryers. “Manufacturers have addressed a lot of the mold and mildew issues by using different gasket materials, changing how the water drains from the gasket, or altering the door so that it stays slightly ajar between uses.” HE top-loaders are impressive. They typically clean better than agitator washers while using less water and usually cost less than front-loaders. See “Washing machines that save water and money” for more details.

Two Maytag front-loaders made our list of top picks including the Maytag Maxima MHW8100DC, $1,300 and the  Maytag Maxima MHW5100DW, $950. If you’re shopping for a washer use our washing machine Ratings to compare washers and then click the Features & Specs tab to compare features and find out if a washer is Energy Star-qualified. That Star may earn you a utility rebate so use the Energy Star rebate finder. Questions? E-mail me at kjaneway@consumer.org, and hats off to Bern, Kansas for leading the way.

Kimberly Janeway

More water-saving tips

Washing machines that save water and money

Use less water without sacrificing function or flow

Turn your yard from thirsty to thrifty with these tips

Leaky plumbing can drain your bank account

Full toilet Ratings and recommendations

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

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Tips from the pros on essential gardening gear

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Tips from the pros on essential gardening gear

It doesn't take a shed full of tools to keep your lawn and garden in tip-top shape. With a rake, a pruner, a saw, and a hoe you're good to go. If you give your flower garden a lot of TLC, add in a kneeling pad for comfort. Then there's the lawn. Don't buy more mower than you need or have room to store. Here's some essential gardening gear plus top-pick mowers from Consumer Reports' tests.

Kneeling pad

Look for high-density foam to better protect your knees. Larger ones keep you from having to shift often as you move down a row.

Small bow saw

Look for a sturdy blade guard for safe storage between cuts. Lightweight guards tend to break easily. Choose a minimum 24-inch blade.

Rake

Look for a lighter weight, nonwood handle. On some models, you can adjust the width from narrow, for tight spaces, to full-sized for leaves.

Pruner

Look for sharp bypass blades with a scissorlike action for clean cuts of small or thin branches from shrubs and trees. Keep blades sharp.

Garden hoe

Look for a lightweight aluminum or fiberglass handle. “Stirrup-style” blades are easier to wield. A slotted blade eases soil loosening.

 

String trimmer

Look for a string trimmer with good balance that feels comfortable in your hands. Electric string trimmers are a good choice and even gas trimmers are polluting less but it's hard to beat the conveninece of a battery-operated model.
Recommended battery-powered trimmer: Ryobi RY24210A, $130

Walk-behind mower

Look for a mower that suits your needs and fits your budget. For a small yard, you can get by with a push mower but a self-propelled mower is a better bet for a bigger yard.
Recommended push mower:
Craftsman 37432, $220
Recommended self-propelled mower:
Toro 20370, $280

Riding mower

Look for a riding mower that is up to the size of the job. If you have a lot of land, you may want to consider a mower with a wide deck or a zero-turn-radius rider.
Recommended lawn tractor:
Craftsman 20442, $2,200

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

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Dishwashers that save water, energy, and money

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Dishwashers that save water, energy, and money

Today’s dishwashers use a lot less water than the one you grew up with so if you have a new machine and the water in your kitchen is still flowing, it’s not the dishwasher’s fault, it’s probably yours. Anyone who rinses the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher is not only failing to take advantage of its cleaning prowess but wasting water and money as well. Lots of water. Consumer Reports has been giving this advice for years but with drought conditions in the West, it bears repeating.

A dishwasher made before 1994 wastes more than 10 gallons of water per cycle, according to Energy Star. Over its presumed lifetime of 10 years, an Energy Star dishwasher will save at least 1,600 gallons of water over older models. Do the math by multiplying that number and your water rate and you’ll see the savings. Still not persuaded? If you have a pre-1994 dishwasher you’re also paying an extra $35 a year for your utilities. Dishwashers that have earned the Energy Star are, on average, about 5 percent more energy efficient and 15 percent more water efficient than standard models.

How do they achieve these efficiencies? Design innovations and improved engineering have made dramatic differences. Energy Star attributes the gains to the following:

  • Soil sensors test how dirty dishes are throughout the wash and adjust the cycle to achieve optimum cleaning with minimum water and energy use.
  • Improved water filtration removes food soils from the wash water allowing efficient use of detergent and water throughout the cycle. The final clean-water rinse assures your dishes come out sparkling.
  • More efficient jets use less energy to spray detergent and water over the dishes when cleaning.
  • Innovative dish rack designs maximize cleaning by strategically situating the dishes.
  • Better temperature control boosts water temperatures to 140 degrees, which allows for improved disinfection, especially compared to hand washing.

Water misers from Consumer Reports’ tests

When Consumer Reports tests dishwashers, it measures how much water and energy each model uses in addition to how well it cleans and how quiet it is. Our top-rated dishwasher,  the KitchenAid KDTM354DSS, $1,080, uses only four gallons of water per wash although most of our other top picks use five or six.  At 125 minutes, it has a shorter cycle than a number of other recommended models. But the clincher is a self-cleaning, ultrafine filter that breaks food particles down throughout the cycle without noisy grinding while still remaining fairly quiet.

Using one more gallon of water and 20 more minutes of time is the Kenmore Elite 12793, $1,200, which was our reigning champ for a few seasons. In addition to top-notch performance, this Kenmore offers an industry first—a motorized spray arm that, among other claims, reverses direction should a utensil fall through the racks, blocking the arm's rotation.

One of our CR Best Buys, the Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC, $700, has a speedier cycle of just 95 minutes but the trade-off is it uses six gallons of water per load. It aced our wash test, which uses a full load of very dirty dishes and silverware, and was very good at drying plastic items. It was also among the quietest models during fill, wash, and drain and was especially energy-efficient.  

5 more 5-gallon champs

For more choices see our full dishwasher Ratings and recommendations.

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

More water-saving tips

Water-saving washers own debt to Kansas town

Washing machines that save water and money

Use less water without sacrificing function or flow

Turn your yard from thirsty to thrifty with these tips

Leaky plumbing can drain your bank account

Full toilet Ratings and recommendations

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

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16 smart things to do with your tax refund

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16 smart things to do with your tax refund

Truth be told, you're better off not getting a tax refund. That money going back to you means that the government took too much from your paycheck, eliminating your opportunity to spend, invest, or earn interest on that extra cash. So you need to adjust your withholding. Calculate the proper amount of witholding using the IRS' withholding calculator

Still, since a tax refund is commonly seen as a windfall, we offer our suggestions for what to do with a refund. The average federal refund this year will exceed $3,000, but our refund recommendations range from free to pricey.

For your home

Paint your interior. Use one of the high-scoring paints in our Ratings—some of the best finishes only cost between $25 and $30 a gallon.

Create the right mood. Top-rated LEDs continue to come down in price, and some top models we tested cost only $1.25.

Update your landscape. Pruning an overgrown landscape with a selective removal of plants can make a yard feel more organized, and clear the way for new plantings. Perennials tend to be less expensive than annuals and fill the yard with seasonal color and blooms. Read more about how to fix the 5 most common lawn problems, and other lawn care tips.

Set up a new gas grill. It's the right time of year to get your grill on with a new gas grill that comes with handy features. We've also sized up the best and worst grills for you to make the decision that much easier.

For your car

Upgrade your tires. New tires can make a measurable improvement in your car's performance and safety. When looking for new tires, focus on tires that do well in our tests for braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning.

Find a GPS navigator. You can get many of the same functions that the infotainment systems in new cars have by picking up a portable GPS navigator. Basic units priced at $100 and up from Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom provide helpful turn-by-turn directions. For a bit more, you get free traffic information. At the high end, you'll find devices that add features such as a trip computer, Bluetooth capability, an MP3 player, and an FM transmitter.

For your tech interests

Capture it all. If you're using your refund for an action-packed vacation, you can immortalize your surfing, diving, and water-skiing adventures with an action camcorder. The GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition ($400) is our highest-rated action cam; the Silver Edition ($300) is a close second.  

Impress your friends with your bleeding-edge geekiness. Put the latest thing in electronics on your wrist, and get a smart watch. The function-packed Samsung Galaxy Gear watch—it makes calls, takes pictures, and more—is great for those who already own a newer Samsung phone. The sleeker but more basic Pebble, which alerts you to incoming calls and messages, works with any Android or iOS phone.

Buy an Xbox. Even nongamers will appreciate its other home-entertainment features: For example, the Xbox OneGuide shows you all your video-watching options in one interface; and you can use voice commands to control it. Now you can get the Xbox One in a bundle with the much-anticipated game Titanfall, normally $60 alone, for just $450 (marked down from $500).

For your bottom line

Pay down debt. According to surveys by the car-shopping service CarMax and Edward Jones, an investment house, a large percentage of refund recipients will use their windfalls to pay credit-card bills and other loans. We've outlined several approaches to managing your debt. First order of business: Negotiate with creditors for more favorable terms or to reduce what you owe.

Invest in your retirement. It's too late to contribute to an traditional IRA for a potential tax break for 2013, unless you planned for it in advance or want to file an amended return. But why not jumpstart your retirement savings for 2014? The maximum you can contribute to a traditional IRA for a potential break on your 2014 taxes is $5,500, or $6,500 if you're 55 or older. If you can stomach reading anything more about taxes, check out IRS Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements for details on your deduction eligibility.

Invest in a child's education. Start or contribute to a 529 college savings plan. The money grows tax-free and remains untaxed if it's used toward qualifying higher-education expenses. And depending on where you live and the plan you choose, your contribution also may qualify you for a state income-tax break for 2014. Such plans are only one element in a college-savings strategy; read Parents' Guide to Saving for College for more ideas.

For your health

Go for a row.  Rowing provides a great full body workout, working your legs, arms, and core. The Concept 2 Model D (shown, $900) received our highest Rating. Or consider the H20 Seattle Wooden ($1,100) rower. It scored almost as high as the Concept 2, plus it looks good and, since it uses water for resistance, it re-creates the sound of paddling on a lake or river.

Get a gadget. The Samsung Gear Fit ($200) is a stylish hybrid of smart watch and activity tracker. It looks good and is easy to use, though the apps for keeping track of your workouts are still pretty basic.

For your kid and yourself

Buy baby and yourself a new stroller. If you run or walk for exercise, consider the Schwinn Free Runner (shown, $220), which earned a very good score for running and excellent marks for maneuverability. This model is safe, thanks to its top-notch one-touch braking and five-point harness. If you have two kids to push around, consider the Graco FastAction Fold Duo Click Connect ($280). Check our strollers buying guide and Ratings for more details.

Consumer Reports

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Keep your mower going for 15 years or more

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Keep your mower going for 15 years or more

Whatever kind of mower you have, proper maintenance should help keep it going a decade or more. Here are the most common ways to have your machine humming from the mower pros at Consumer Reports

Fuel matters most

Gasoline degrades and gums up over time. Ethanol in the gas can compound the problem by degrading rubber and plastic parts and coating linkages.

• Add stabilizer, particularly one designed for ethanol, to gas before fueling.

• Siphon extra fuel out of a walk mower and run it dry at the end of the season.

• For a tractor or rider, either run it dry or top off the gas tank so that there’s no room for condensation—but be sure to add stabilizer to gas first.

Change the oil

Having sufficient, clean oil is what keeps your mower or tractor engine from overheating and failing prematurely. For all lawn gear, consult your manual for how often to change the oil and what grade to use.

• With a walk mower, change oil when the fuel tank is empty.

• To change oil: 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.

• For a tractor or rider, the manual gives the oil-change schedule by the number of hours it’s in use, which the machine’s hour meter will provide. (If not, you can buy one separately.)

• Most riding mowers have an easy-access drain plug. Drain the oil and replace the oil filter. Refill to the “full” mark.

Mind the deck

Built-up clippings in your mower or tractor deck will obstruct airflow, leading to uneven cutting and corrosion. Dull blades make the machine rip, not slice, the grass.

• Many walk and riding mowers have a washout port for a hose; use it after every mowing, and let it dry before stowing. If you have to wash out a riding mower manually, drive the front of the tractor onto a set of automotive ramps to elevate it for easier access.

• If you’ve neglected the washouts, scrape clumps off with a plastic putty knife.

• Sharpen the blade three times per year. For a walk mower, having a spare lets you replace a dull blade with a sharpened one at the same time. To avoid injury when removing the blade, wear heavy leather gloves, remove the spark-plug wire, and jam in a short two-by-four to keep the blade from turning.

Keep up contacts

A spark plug needs changing about every 100 hours of operation; otherwise, engine startup and overall performance will be affected. Even electric mowers need attention to maximize battery life.

• 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.

• If you have an electric mower, periodically charge the battery throughout the winter. Otherwise, its ability to fully recharge will diminish gradually before failing altogether—sooner than you expected. Mowers should be brought indoors over the winter.

• For lawn tractors or riders, keep your battery fully charged, or at least periodically recharge it when it’s not in use.

• Even if you have to store the tractor outdoors, buy a trickle charger for this type of machine and keep just the battery indoors.

Don’t forget filters

You’ll also need to replace your air filters to protect the engine. In addition to the oil filter, riding mowers have fuel filters.

• On most walk-behind mowers, the air filter is paper and can be removed in seconds. Not sure which to get? Take the old one to your dealer.

• On riding mowers, if the air filter is paper, replace it. If it’s foam, wash it in soap and water. Rinse and squeeze dry.

Need a new mower?

If despite your best efforts your mower has given up the ghost, see the results of our new tests of push, self-propelled, and riding mowers. And read "Pros and cons of walk-behind and riding mowers" to find what's best for the size of your lawn and your budget. Take good care of it and the machine will last another 15 years.

—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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Get home security without the monthly fees

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Get home security without the monthly fees

With their monthly monitoring fees, installing a professional security system can be a costly undertaking. But you can protect your home without the monthly hit with a number of smart do-it-yourself systems now on the market. Granted your home won't be an armed fortress but the devices may provide all the extra protection you want. Consumer Reports tested three products from Nest, Piper, and iSmart Alarm—ranging from a single device to a suite—and found they mostly deliver what they promise. Here are the details:

Dropcam Pro, $199

Nest’s camera-only product is the simplest of the three solutions, yet it has plenty to offer. You can stand it on its pedestal or mount it to a wall, and it will stream HD video to your phone, tablet, or computer with a 130-degree field of view and 8X zoom. While you have to set it to capture video during the time you want, it can also alert you of motion activity or abrupt changes in light levels. Another plus: It allows two-way conversations using its built-in microphone and speaker. You can also integrate the product with the Nest Learning Thermostat or the Nest Protect Smoke and CO Alarm so that, for instance, the camera can shoot and save video automatically if the smoke or CO alarm senses a problem. The app is available for iOS or Android. The camera requires AC power through its USB power supply; there’s no battery backup. Want to record video? Nest will let you store the past seven days’ worth to the cloud for $99 a year; to capture 30 days’ worth, it’s $299 a year. Keep in mind, though, you might prefer that the camera not always be on, recording all that it sees and hears.

Bottom line: We found this a helpful entry-level device. For smaller homes and apartments without multiple entry points, it can give you ample notification of what’s going on without a lot of fuss, including the need to set up and position multiple devices.

Piper classic + Z-Wave Pack, $339

The Piper classic is a combination HD camera, motion detector, and alarm that is sold by itself for $199; a newer version, the Piper nv, offers night vision and costs an additional $80. The package we tested includes the Piper classic plus a choice of three from a set of five additional accessories: a door/window sensor, smart switch, smart dimmer, range extender or, for installation in electrical boxes, a micro-smart switch.  The components connect to the camera via the Z-wave wireless signaling scheme, but the camera itself connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network.

Like the Dropcam Pro, the camera allows two-way conversation. It offers four modes—home, away, vacation, and notify—and it can perform actions based on motion, loud noises, temperature changes, or the opening of a sensor protected door or window. All devices are line-powered except for the door/window sensors, which take batteries. There’s also a panic mode. Possible alarm actions include sounding a siren, turning lights or the dimmer on, notifying you (via phone, e-mail, or text), or letting a trusted contact know what’s going on.

Bottom line: We found this perhaps the best overall home monitoring system, and opting for the night-vision version ($399 for the package with three accessories) would improve it further. Its multi-mode monitoring and several contact options make it very flexible, and the temperature-monitoring function seems ideal for homeowners who are away a lot.

iSmart Alarm Premium Package, $349

This product suite starts with CubeOne, the system’s AC-powered controller, which you connect directly to your home network’s router using an ethernet cable; it includes an ear-splitting 110-decibel siren. Other parts of the package are the iCamera, which shoots low-res, 480-line video. Also, there’s a motion sensor, two door/window sensors, and two remote tags—essentially key fobs. (Options include arming or disarming the alarm and setting off the siren.) A separate “preferred” package without the camera costs $150 less. An optional camera that shoots 720-line HD video costs $150.

While the camera lacks a built-in microphone and speaker, it does offer night vision and can be remotely swiveled and tilted using the iOS or Android app. It operates wirelessly, like all but the CubeOne controller, but for initial setup it needs a temporary wired setup.

Bottom line: The iSmart Alarm is a little closer to how a typical home-security system operates, and the security controls are well done. The key fob is a good accessory, and you can even track children and pets through it. But we have a few caveats. The camera is lower-res than the others and lacks communication features. And in a large house, you might need a Wi-Fi repeater with multiple ethernet ports—and a change in your router’s settings to allow port forwarding. Still there’s much to like.

Interested in connected-home innovations? See our feature, “Run Your Home from Your Phone,” and watch for our continuing coverage of the so-called Internet of Things.

—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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The best and worst walk-behind mowers

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The best and worst walk-behind mowers

Every year Consumer Reports tests a new batch of mowers at its test lawn in Fort Myers, Florida. This year we bagged more than 1,500 pounds of grass clippings and found out that not every mower measures up to our cutting, mulching, and bagging tests. While even the lowest-rated tractors and riders we tested performed passably, several walk-behind mowers left ugly clumps in their wake and scored just 40 or lower. Here are the best and worst walk-behind mowers from our tests.

Best self-propelled mowers

Self-propelled mowers require less effort on your part, especially on graded areas of your lawn. Paying more for the Honda HRR2169VLA, $500, buys superb mulching and bagging, no-prime starting, and an electric-start feature whose battery gets charged while you mow. Among the other multispeed mowers, choose the Toro Super Recycler 20381, $500, for its bagging; Toro Recycler 20333, $400, for its blade-brake clutch; and Troy-Bilt TB-280ES 12AGA26G, $340, for its low price and electric start.

The Toro Recycler 20339, $380, tops our single-speed picks and offers unique stand-up storage. Also consider the all-wheel-drive Toro Recycler 20353, $400, for steep slopes—as well as the quiet Craftsman 37545, $340, which just missed making our picks—if you mostly mulch and would rather not wear ear protection.

Best push mowers

Among push gas mowers, choose Yard Machines 11A-B96N, $240, for its impressive mulching and bagging and stellar evenness in side-discharge mode. Among battery mowers, pick the Black & Decker CM1936, $400, for its impressive mulching and the Black & Decker SPCM1936, $450, for its driven wheels and smoother side-­discharging. Willing to live with a cord? The Black & Decker MM875, $240, is still a cut above the others in this group.

Worst walk-behind mowers

Earthwise 60318, $300. Most self-propelled cordless mowers cost more, and for good reason. This one clogged and left clippings when bagging, and we found it hard to maneuver.

Murray M22500, $170. This gas push mower wasn’t designed to bag, was mediocre in the side-discharge mode, and left visible clippings when mulching. Many push mowers adjust cutting height with one lever per wheel, but for this one you’ll need to remove and reattach each wheel.

Earthwise 50120, $160. It’s the least expensive of the plug-in mowers we tested, but it’s no bargain. Mulching and bagging were subpar, and—with many leftover clippings—side-discharging was so-so.

—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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Keep your mower going for 15 years or more

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Keep your mower going for 15 years or more

Whatever kind of mower you have, proper maintenance should help keep it going a decade or more. Here are the most common ways to have your machine humming from the mower pros at Consumer Reports

Fuel matters most

Gasoline degrades and gums up over time. Ethanol in the gas can compound the problem by degrading rubber and plastic parts and coating linkages.

• Add stabilizer, particularly one designed for ethanol, to gas before fueling.

• Siphon extra fuel out of a walk mower and run it dry at the end of the season.

• For a tractor or rider, either run it dry or top off the gas tank so that there’s no room for condensation—but be sure to add stabilizer to gas first.

Change the oil

Having sufficient, clean oil is what keeps your mower or tractor engine from overheating and failing prematurely. For all lawn gear, consult your manual for how often to change the oil and what grade to use.

• With a walk mower, be sure the fuel tank is empty (to avoid spilling) before you change oil.

• To change oil: 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.

• For a tractor or rider, the manual gives the oil-change schedule by the number of hours it’s in use, which the machine’s hour meter will provide. (If not, you can buy one separately.)

• Most riding mowers have an easy-access drain plug. Drain the oil and replace the oil filter. Refill to the “full” mark.

Mind the deck

Built-up clippings in your mower or tractor deck will obstruct airflow, leading to uneven cutting and corrosion. Dull blades make the machine rip, not slice, the grass.

• Many walk and riding mowers have a washout port for a hose; use it after every mowing, and let it dry before stowing. If you have to wash out a riding mower manually, drive the front of the tractor onto a set of automotive ramps to elevate it for easier access.

• If you’ve neglected the washouts, scrape clumps off with a plastic putty knife.

• Sharpen the blade three times per year. For a walk mower, having a spare lets you replace a dull blade with a sharpened one at the same time. To avoid injury when removing the blade, wear heavy leather gloves, remove the spark-plug wire, and jam in a short two-by-four to keep the blade from turning.

Keep up contacts

A spark plug needs changing about every 100 hours of operation; otherwise, engine startup and overall performance will be affected. Even electric mowers need attention to maximize battery life.

• 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.

• If you have an electric mower, periodically charge the battery throughout the winter. Otherwise, its ability to fully recharge will diminish gradually before failing altogether—sooner than you expected. Mowers should be brought indoors over the winter.

• For lawn tractors or riders, keep your battery fully charged, or at least periodically recharge it when it’s not in use.

• Even if you have to store the tractor outdoors, buy a trickle charger for this type of machine and keep just the battery indoors.

Don’t forget filters

You’ll also need to replace your air filters to protect the engine. In addition to the oil filter, riding mowers have fuel filters.

• On most walk-behind mowers, the air filter is paper and can be removed in seconds. Not sure which to get? Take the old one to your dealer.

• On riding mowers, if the air filter is paper, replace it. If it’s foam, wash it in soap and water. Rinse and squeeze dry.

Need a new mower?

If despite your best efforts your mower has given up the ghost, see the results of our new tests of push, self-propelled, and riding mowers. And read "Pros and cons of walk-behind and riding mowers" to find what's best for the size of your lawn and your budget. Take good care of it and the machine will last another 15 years.

—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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5 stand-alone freezers with smart storage features

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5 stand-alone freezers with smart storage features

Stand-alone freezers used to be little more than open boxes. That was especially true for chest freezers, though even uprights were short on organization. But just as we’ve seen improvements to freezer styling, including stainless steel and slate finishes, more thought is going into freezer interiors. Consumer Reports' latest tests of nearly 40 models turned up several organization features that you’ll appreciate if you need your freezer to hold a variety of items, such as trays of homemade lasagna and those five-pound bags of frozen veggies from the warehouse club. Here are five storage standouts from our freezer Ratings.               

Frigidaire FFFH17F4QT. This $800 self-defrost upright freezer has the new slate finish mentioned above, but it’s the adjustable baskets with color-coordinated chips that make it an organizational all-star. The unit's door bins and shelf dividers are adjustable, so they can be customized to your storage needs. In terms of performance, this model is a top scorer thanks to its superb temperature control and energy efficiency, though it’s a bit noisy and was supbar in our power outage test.

Whirlpool WZF79R18DM. This $800 self-defrost upright freezer also claims 18 cubic feet of storage capacity, as well as a stainless steel finish. And its interior is very well-appointed, with a pair of slide-out wire baskets, four shelves, and four door compartments. What sets the Whirlpool apart from the competition, however, is the optional ice maker (sold separately for $100). Instead of storing bags of ice in the freezer, you can simply put the ice maker to work. That could save you time and money over the long run, plus the extra bit of storage space.

Kenmore Elite 17802. With its 18 cubic feet of claimed capacity, this manual-defrost chest freezer is among the roomiest in our Ratings. That kind of ample storage might easily turn into a jumble of frozen items, if not for the freezer's assortment of bins and compartment dividers. The bins come in four sizes and they slide along three tiered tracks, making it easy to create a multi-level storage system that works for you. The Kenmore delivered excellent temperature control and energy efficiency in our tests. As with all manual-defrost freezers, you need to periodically remove items and turn the unit off to melt away ice buildup.                      

Kenmore Elite 27002. This $800 Kenmore’s 21 cubic feet of claimed capacity is tied for tops in our Ratings, “enough to store over 711 lbs. of summer fruits and vegetables, or your bulk meats and frozen goods,” says the manufacturer. Space inside the self-defrost upright freezer is organized around a trio of pullout storage baskets, four glass freezer sleeves, and five freezer door bins (including one that’s designed to keep ice cream at a soft-freeze temperature). Temperature performance was superb in our tests, and the touchpad digital controls are conveniently located on the front of the door.           

Frigidaire Gallery FGVU17F8QT. Frigidaire’s $900 self-defrost upright freezer is unique in that it can covert from a freezer to a refrigerator with the flip of a switch. That’s helpful if you want a stand-alone freezer that occasionally doubles as an extra fridge, maybe to hold catering trays and drinks before a big holiday party. Its slate finish adds a touch of style if you plan to keep the freezer in a living area, as opposed to a dark corner of the basement or garage. We’ve only tested the Frigidaire in freezer mode, where it delivered solid temperature control and energy efficiency, though it scored poorly in our power outage test.

—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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Surprising junk food in the dairy aisle

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Surprising junk food in the dairy aisle

When you’re scanning the supermarket for healthy snacks, you probably stop at the dairy case. It’s loaded with nutritious-sounding smoothies, dips, cheese sticks, spreads, and all types and flavors of yogurt. At first glance, all of those options might sound like tasty ways to get more protein, calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and other nutrients into your diet.

So why not go for a berry-flavored smoothie instead of a glass of skim milk? Here’s why: Because many dairy foods are junked up with sugars, salt, and additives—and few come close to just plain milk when it comes to nutrition.

“With these industrialized products, we’ve gotten so far away from what these foods originally were,” says Michele Simon, a lawyer and the author of the report “Whitewashed: How Industry and Government Promote Dairy Junk Foods.”

On the plus side, dairy products will usually give you a bone-healthy calcium boost, though probably not as much as you think. The trick is to read nutrition labels to check for fat, sweeteners, and other additives, says Melissa Dierks, a dietitian nutritionist and an owner of Supermarket Savvy, a website that keeps track of food and beverage trends.

Of course, avoiding dessert-flavored yogurt with candy and cookie toppings is a no-brainer. But some dairy junk foods aren’t as obvious. We scouted the supermarket aisles to help you separate the good choices from the bad ones.

Many of those grab-and-go drinks have calcium and gut-friendly probiotic bacteria. But they can be just as bad as candy and soda when it comes to calorie and sugar levels, depending on the flavor and size you pick.

For example, a 7-ounce bottle of Dannon Drinks (mango) has 150 calories and 28 grams of sugar, the equivalent of 7 teaspoons—almost the amount in a 7.5-ounce can of Coke!

What to look for

Low-fat versions. And choose plain or vanilla over sugary fruit flavors, which can venture into candy territory nutritionally. A 10-ounce container of Stonyfield Organic Peach Smoothie packs 40 grams of sugars, almost as much as a full-sized 3 Musketeers bar. Also avoid added thickeners like starches and gums.

Junky choices

  • Dannon Drinks (any flavor)
  • Stonyfield Organic Smoothies

Smart choices

  • Evolve Kefir Probiotic Smoothie (plain)
  • Lifeway Original Kefir (plain)
  • Siggi’s Filmjölk Plain 

When you’re looking for a good-for-you nosh on the run, a squirtable yogurt that doesn’t even need a spoon may be tempting. But the small tubes—just 2 to 4 ounces—are often packed with sugars and fall short of nutrition recommendations for dairy. Most average just 8 to 10 percent of the daily value (DV) for calcium.

What to look for

Watch for sugars in any of their many guises (fruit-juice concentrates, fructose, cane sugar). Also, clean-label dairy foods don’t have loads of starches and other thickeners like carrageenan and gelatin.

Junky choices

  • Yoplait Go-Gurt Portable Lowfat Yogurt (any flavor)
  • Stonyfield Organic YoKids Squeezers

Smart choices

  • Siggi's Icelandic-style Yogurt Tubes (any flavor)

They’re an improvement over the fat-laden sour-cream variety, but don’t think you’re dipping into pure, healthy yogurt. Artificial flavorings and salty seasonings can drive up the sodium content. Plain Greek yogurt is almost sodium-free, but a 2-tablespoon serving of Heluva Good Greek Style Yogurt Dip French Onion has 180 milligrams—more than in a small serving of McDonald’s fries.

What to look for

Seek out products with the shortest ingredients lists and those that keep modified starches and salty seasonings to a minimum, particularly MSG, a flavor enhancer that triggers headaches and other symptoms in some people. And read labels; nutrition can vary significantly, even among different flavors of the same brand. For example, Sabra’s Cucumber Dill and Tzatziki Dips have just 95 milligrams of sodium per serving; Sabra’s Diced Onion Dip has 135 milligrams.

Junky choices

  • Heluva Good Greek Style Yogurt Dip (Herb Ranch and French Onion flavors)
  • Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt Dips

Smart choices

  • Sabra Cucumber Dill and Tzatziki Greek Yogurt Dips

The label for Frigo’s Cheese Heads boasts “More of what’s in milk!” Sargento’s website touts that “Cheese has protein.” Despite the claims, gobbling a cheese stick will never replace downing a glass of milk.

For one thing, the sodium is stratospheric; most products average 180 to 200 milligrams per stick, more than you’ll find in a 1-ounce bag of potato chips (170 milligrams). Even the reduced-sodium versions still average 100 to 120 milligrams apiece. A glass of skim milk will give you as much or more calcium and vitamin D with barely any fat or sodium.

What to look for

Go for low-fat or reduced-sodium versions, depending on what’s most important to you. No product offers both options—and less of one generally means more of the other. Products fortified with vitamin D and calcium are also a plus. Cheese is a relatively simple food, so almost all brands have simple ingredients lists.

Junky choices

  • Frigo Cheese Heads Light String Cheese
  • Organic Valley Stringles

Smart choices

  • Sargento Reduced Sodium Colby-Jack Cheese Snacks

Despite its healthy-sounding reputation, the fat and calories in some frozen yogurt isn’t that much different from ice cream. For example, half-cup servings of Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Greek Frozen Yogurt (210 calories, 14 grams of fat) and its superpremium vanilla ice cream (250 calories, 16 grams of fat) are very similar nutritionally.

What to look for

Try brands with live active cultures, which provide probiotic-bacteria benefits. Choosing Greek over regular will give you a little more protein. Watch for sugars, artificial sweeteners, and dyes. Plain and vanilla tend to be lowest in sugars. Gums and other texturizers are needed to keep the yogurt smooth; choose products with the fewest. Hood and Healthy Choice Greek frozen yogurts and Yoplait bars have a lot of thickeners.

Junky choices

Bar

  • Yoplait Original Low-Fat Frozen Yogurt Bars (peach or strawberry-banana flavor)

Containers

  • Hood Greek Frozen Yogurt (all flavors)
  • Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt
  • Ben & Jerry’s Greek Frozen Yogurt

Smart choices

Bars

  • Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars (vanilla bean or berry flavors)
  • Lifeway Frozen Kefir Bars (all flavors)

Containers

  • Lifeway Frozen Kefir Tart and Tangy Original (vanilla)
  • Yoplait Original Frozen Yogurt (vanilla)

Once synonymous with diet food, it remains an excellent way to get a cheese fix with fewer calories and fat. But like any cheese, it tends to be high in sodium and—unless you go for lower-fat versions—saturated fat. And a half-cup serving supplies only 8 to 10 percent of your daily value. Low-fat and fat-free types tend to have more additives like gums and thickeners, so read labels carefully.

What to look for

Try low-fat or fat-free plain varieties, and choose those with the least amount of added starches, gums, and other texturizing agents. If you can find them, go for “no salt added” or “reduced sodium” varieties. Taste and texture might not be as exciting, so jazz them up with your own fruit, herbs, or spices. Avoid vegetable flavorings, which provide negligible (dried) vegetables and even more sodium. Also skip fruit-flavored varieties, which amp up the sugar considerably without boosting real-fruit benefits like fiber or vitamin C.

Junky choices

  • Hood Cottage Cheese with Garden Vegetables or Peaches
  • Friendship 1% Low-Fat Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
  • Breakstone’s Cottage Doubles with Fruit Topping (all flavors)

Smart choices

  • Hood, Crowley, or Friendship no-salt-added low-fat cottage cheese

Dairy foods can pack an astounding amount of sugars and sodium, which is why it’s critical to read labels before you put anything in your shopping cart. Two of the worst examples we found:

The YoCrunch strawberry lowfat yogurt with granola (6 ounces), top, has 25 grams of sugar, more than in two fun-sized bags of Skittles candies.

The Frigo Cheese Heads light string cheese stick, bottom right, has just 50 calories, but 200 milligrams of sodium, more than in a 1-ounce bag of potato chips.

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

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

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