Ironing to get  that crisp, fresh look may seem quaint in an era when casual Friday has morphed into casual every day. Closets with less cotton and more blends mean you don’t need to iron as much, and studies have shown that about a quarter of all consumers iron only when absolutely necessary. So just how wrinkled does a garment have to be for you to get out the iron? Standards vary—all the way up to that slept-in look. But for those occasions when the wrinkles just can’t be overlooked, an iron that produces plenty of steam will remove stubborn wrinkles faster.  Plus Consumer Reports tested several products that claim to smooth out wrinkles without an iron.

And yet there’s no escaping dirty laundry. The average family does around 300 loads per year. Manufacturers get that your life is hectic and offer ways to take the pain out of the laundry routine, for a price. A large-capacity washer and dryer let you do more laundry at once. The biggest we’ve tested hold about 28 pounds of laundry, or about 20 full-sized bath towels, and the smallest hold only about 12 pounds, or nine towels. Options that trim wash time by 15 to 20 minutes without sacrificing cleaning ability also prevent pileups. And a dryer with a moisture sensor rather than a thermostat will recognize more quickly when laundry is dry, allowing you to get back to your life outside the laundry room.

An End to the Iron Age?

A hot, steamy iron can work wonders on rumpled garments, but what about steam dryers? That feature is meant to reduce wrinkles and odors. Our tests found that the steam doesn’t eliminate wrinkles, though it can help remove more odors than dryers without steam. So we tested products that manufacturers claim banish wrinkles to find out whether any let you put away your iron.

Straight Up

We tested three fabric steamers on men’s cotton shirts and cotton cloths. They reduced wrinkles, but none created that truly pressed look. Fabric steamers are best for quick touch-ups, delicates, and smoothing curtains without having to take them down. The heated pressing bar on the $65 Shark Press & Refresh GS500 made it the best at taming wrinkles and creating creases. The $35 Conair ExtremeSteam GS23 produced hotter—but less—steam than the other two. Its creasing attachment got the job done but was awkward to use. The $60 Steamfast SF-407 was the least impressive. Unlike the others, it sits on wheels, has a clothes hook on a telescoping pole, and has a hose for steaming. It provided the longest steam time, almost 90 minutes with one fill, but the hose and electrical cord reach is limited, so steaming hanging drapes would be tricky. And it was challenging to dewrinkle a shirt using the Steamfast’s pressing pad and steam wand.

Just a Spritz

Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus works as promised. Wrinkles fell from severely wrinkled garments—a laundry basket of cottons and blended fabrics. Clothes looked better than when we sprayed them with plain water although not as good as when we ironed them. Just spray Downy on garments until lightly damp. Then smooth and let dry, about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on fabric. Downy costs $8 for 33 ounces.

Refresh Without Washing

Wrinkles were smoothed out, odors were removed (or masked), and jeans returned to their original shape during the 10- to 15-minute treatment in the $400 Swash. Whirlpool makes the Swash, which refreshes one garment at a time using heat and a pod that releases a lightly scented mist. The pods, made by Tide, cost $7 for 12. At one pod per garment, that can add up. And don’t toss your iron yet. The clips used to secure clothing inside the unit can make new wrinkles. As for stains, the box gets hot enough to set some, so don’t Swash dirty or stained clothes.

LG says its Styler cabinet, in stores this fall, will get rid of wrinkles and odors from four garments at once. But at $2,000, ironing may not be so bad after all.

This article also appeared in the November 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.

French-door refrigerators have become the most popular type of refrigerator, and with good reason. They keep fresh-food items—the milk and juice and veggies and other stuff you reach for all the time—at an accessible eye level. Plus the narrow door swing of the side-by-side doors can be an essential space saver in smaller kitchens. And given the popularity of the configuration, it’s where manufacturers have invested the most research dollars, resulting in a slew of innovations related to storage, features, and more. Here’s a round-up of top-rated French-door refrigerators from Consumer Reports’ latest tests.  

Current co-champs. We’re testing new models all the time, so our leader board is in constant flux. But on this day in September 2015, the highest score in our refrigerator Ratings of more than 200 models across all refrigerator configurations is shared by the $2,800 Kenmore Elite 74093 and the $3,600 LG LFXS32766S. Both combine superb temperature control, energy efficiency, and quietness, plus their dual evaporative cooling system should help keep food fresh by maintaining optimum humidity levels. Paying more for the LG gets you the door-in-door feature, which allows you to access beverages, condiments, and the like without reaching into main compartment.

Top choice among cabinet-depth. As the name implies, cabinet-depth refrigerators sit flush with the cabinets, for a clean, streamlined look. Our testers were very impressed by the GE Profile PWE23KMDES, $2,600, which might be our highest scorer, if not for the fact that it’s a tad noisier than our top models (it’s still very quiet). It lacks a through-the-door ice and water dispenser, which many consumers value. On the other hand, refrigerators with the feature are more repair prone, plus its absence gives the GE a clean look, enhanced further by the fingerprint-resistant slate finish.

Four-door favorites. The French-door category has evolved to include models with four doors, instead of the traditional three. A top-performing example is the Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4, whose freezer section is divided into two separate compartments. The compartment on the right can convert to fresh-food storage allowing you to adjust the ratio of fridge to freezer space, based on your needs. The four-door model, the second from Samsung to dispense sparkling water, via SodaStream CO2 cartridges that you insert into the unit (the Samsung RF31FMESBSR was the first). At $5,400, the Samsung Chef Collection is the priciest French-door model in our Ratings. Its brandmate, the Samsung T9000, features the same four-door configuration for $3,500, though you’ll have to do without the sparkling water dispenser.

Feature-rich dispensers. Samsung’s sparkling water isn’t the only example of dispenser innovation. Check out the GE Profile PFE28RSHSS, $2,800, with its unique hands-free dispenser, which lets you walk away while the dispenser automatically fills any container with filtered water. The color LCD above the dispenser lets you upload your own photos. GE also launched the first-ever dispenser with a built-in, single-serve coffeemaker from Keurig. It’s on the GE CFE28USHSS, $3,300, but we haven’t tested it.

Budget buys. If $3,500 doesn’t sound like a bargain, consider one of the true values in our Ratings. At $1,500, the LG LFC24770ST is the least expensive model on our recommended list, though it lacks external ice and water. If the dispenser is a must, consider the $2,000 Samsung RF28HFPDBSR. Both models deliver excellent temperature control and humidity-enhancing dual evaporators, proof that you  don’t have to spend top dollar on a fridge that will do its basic task of keeping food fresh. For more great choices, see our full refrigerator Ratings and recommendations. 

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

LG aims to stand out in the crowded range aisle by offering innovative features. Their ProBake convection is impressive engineering, but what does it mean to you, the shopper, the cook? Consumer Reports tested two LG ranges with ProBake and other add-ons to help you decide. 

We bought the $1,800 LG LDE4415ST  electric smoothtop range and the $2,000 LG LDG4315ST gas model and put them through our kitchen range tests for simmering, baking cakes and cookies, broiling burgers, and self-cleaning a very dirty oven. We measured oven capacity and timed how long the most powerful burner brought a 6-quart pot of water to a near boil.

These are double-oven ranges, pairing a smaller top oven with a larger oven below. Both made our top range picks—the gas range is top rated and very good overall; the electric range scored excellent. Keep in mind that the best gas ranges do not perform as well overall as the top electric ranges in Consumer Reports’ tests. Typically that’s because the high-powered gas burners aren’t as fast as the fastest high-powered electric elements, and broiling isn’t as good. That’s true with these LG ranges too. Here's a look at the added features that make both ranges expensive and attention grabbing.  

ProBake convection
LG claims this is groundbreaking technology to help you bake like a pro. They’ve moved the lower oven’s heating element from the bottom of the oven to the back wall, claiming even, precise heat on every rack. This is the first time we’ve seen this on a freestanding gas range, although for years we’ve seen a variation of this on electric ranges. Be ready to bend down very low for that second rack of cookies since ProBake is in the lower oven. The upper oven operates like a typical range with the burner under the oven’s floor and is for single rack cooking. 

In the LG LDG4315ST gas range, ProBake delivered a blazing fast 4 minute preheat to 325° F using convection bake. Baking was very good, consistently serving up evenly browned cookies and cakes, says Tara Casaregola, the engineer who oversees Consumer Reports’ tests of cooking appliances. The LG LDE4415ST electric smoothtop range took 8 minutes to preheat—not really noteworthy. Baking was very good overall, turning out evenly browned cakes and cookies. 

EasyClean 
For small messes and light splatters, LG promises a clean oven in 10 minutes without chemical odors or high heat. But the manual’s 11-step process includes scraping debris from the oven cavity with a plastic spatula, spraying with water, and wiping dry. Both ranges also have a regular self-clean option and you'll see the self-cleaning scores in our Ratings.  

Smart features
You’ll see a Smart ThinQ logo on the control panel of both ranges, referring to its Tag On capabilties that work with Android smartphones with NFC (near-field communication). We tried Tag On and changed display settings and beep volume. The real usefulness of this feature seems to be when the range isn’t working properly and you can try and solve the problem with LG’s Smart Diagnosis. Fortunately, the ranges we tested didn’t have any problems so we couldn’t put Smart Diagnosis to the test. The manual does say that features can be added or deleted when the LG Smart Oven application is updated.

Need help finding a new range? 
Then see our range Ratings. We’ve tested dozens of electric smoothtops, induction, coil tops, gas, dual-fuel, and pro-style ranges. Check the range buying guide to help you get started. Use the Ratings’ range selector to narrow your choices, the features & specs tab to compare, and the brand reliability data to learn which brands are more repair prone. Questions? Email me at kjaneway@consumer.org.

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

Q. I’m a frequent flyer. Is it true that airplane flights can expose me to a lot of radiation?

A. When you're on the ground, and especially at sea level, the earth’s atmosphere does a pretty good job shielding you from exposure to atmospheric radiation. But when you're flying at 30,000 to 40,000 feet, the thinner atmosphere at that altitude does increase radiation exposure, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. But no one has determined whether frequent flyers face any increased health risks from that exposure.

“There is no definitive proof of any harm, although no real data exists” on cancer rates in frequent flyers versus similar people who don’t travel by air, according to radiological physicist Robert Barish, Ph.D., who has authored several papers on the topic.

And a 2010 report suggested that even if you fly more than 85,000 air miles per year, although your radiation exposure might be more than the average person’s, it won’t exceed safety limits for nuclear power plant workers.

A variety of factors influence radiation exposure when flying, including the flight's altitude and its route. According to NASA, flights over the poles are exposed to the most radiation. The amount of radiation is also affected by the number of sunspots on the face of the sun and the intensity of solar storm activity.

According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, about half of the radiation we’re exposed to comes from natural background radiation and half is from man-made sources.

Natural background radiation includes radiation from radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that’s linked to 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. It's found in soil and as well as some water and even the air. The other main source is ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is linked to skin cancer. (See our reviews of radon test kits and sunscreens.)

Most all of the man-made radiation we’re exposed to is from medical procedures such as CT scans and X-rays. Cell phones also expose you to a small amount of radiation, though the effect of exposure to cell-phone radiation is unclear.  

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall for Hyundai Sonata sedans from the 2011 and 2012 models years because of the potential for a major engine failure.

The vehicles in question were built between December 11, 2009, and April 12, 2012, at Hyundai's Alabama, manufacturing facility, equipped with either a 2.0-liter turbo or 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. According to the NHTSA recall notice, metallic debris may not have been removed from the engine crankshaft during the manufacturing process. This could lead to restricted oil flow, damaging internal parts.

A symptom of the damage is a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine, and the result is possible engine failure. This could lead to the vehicle stalling, resulting in the risk of a crash. NHTSA estimates that the problem exists with about 2 percent of the cars.

A New Engine, If Necessary

Hyundai will mail affected owners an interim recall notification by November 2, 2015, instructing them to contact their dealer for a service appointment. The dealer will inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the engine free of charge. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available.

In addition, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai's Alabama plant with the 2.0- and 2.4-liter gasoline engines.

These same engines, built at the same manufacturing plant, were also used in Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, Kia Optima sedans, and Kia Sorento SUVs assembled in West Point, Georgia. According to Kia spokesperson Jame Hope, Kia is not impacted by this recall.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.hyundaiusa.com.  

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

Some product features add a safety measure that you've come to expect. New irons typically have an auto shutoff feature. It turns off the iron when it's motionless after a bit, sensing that you’ve forgotten there’s a hot iron on—handy when you’ve run to answer the phone and can’t get rid of a telemarketer. But Consumer Reports latest tests found three irons that do not have auto shutoff. And while it isn’t a required safety feature, our testers are steamed.

Even the $18 Proctor-Silex has auto shutoff, but we found three irons that cost $10 to $35 that do not. And some consumers have gotten accustomed to having auto shutoff so they depend on it. Of the 39 irons in Consumer Reports' tests only these do not have auto shutoff: The $35 Panasonic NI-P300T, the $10 Rival Shot of Steam ES280 from Walmart, and the $15 Continental CE23111. Spend an extra $5 and you can buy the $20 Black & Decker Xpress Steam Iron IR08X from Walmart. It has auto shutoff and provides a lot more steam, which makes ironing go faster.

How auto shutoff works
An auto shutoff iron turns off in about a minute when motionless and on its side or when the soleplate is down (touching the ironing board). When the iron is upright and in its usual resting position, but motionless, auto shutoff turns off the iron within 8 to 15 minutes. Irons vary on time. At 15 minutes, the three tested irons without auto shutoff scorched the tablecloths we were pressing as part of our test. 

Home fires involving irons
Irons caused 312 home fires annually, on average, between 2007 and 2011. That’s the most recent data available from the National Fire Protection Association. The fires resulted in eight civilian injuries and $10 million in property damage a year.  

Choosing a new iron
Any iron can get the job done, but a hot iron that provides plenty of steam, glides easily, and feels comfortable in your hand is just the thing you want when faced with a basket of wrinkled clothes or a shirt that needs a good pressing. Our steam iron Ratings feature 39 irons, including six that made our top picks, such as the $45 T-Fal FV4495 Ultraglide. Use our Ratings to compare irons. The features & specs tab lets you know how heavy each iron is, and the steam iron buying guide describes features and is a good place to start. Any questions? Email me at kjaneway@consumer.org.

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

It’s not every year, or decade even, that a brand new type of exercise equipment hits the market. The 1960s saw the rise of the treadmill, the 1980s had stair steppers, and elliptical trainers emerged in the 1990s. All three machines have plenty of benefits, but also certain weaknesses—and where there’s weakness, there’s opportunity for manufacturers to create a better product. Enter the “alternative motion machine,” a new type of cardio-pulmonary exercise equipment that supposedly borrows the best concepts from the treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper for a revolutionary workout experience. Consumer Reports tested three models from NordicTrack, Octane, and Precor to see if the hype is for real.
 
All three alternative motion machines feature a dynamically variable stride mechanism, which simply means you can control the length of your stride at will, as you would on a treadmill or while running outdoors. But as with an elliptical, your feet are always in contact with the machine, so there’s little to no pounding. In addition to being easier on the joints, this low-impact motion also makes for relatively quiet operation, nice if you live in an apartment or smaller house. As for stair-stepper influence, alternative motion machines allow you to engage in short up-and-down strides for an intense quad-burning workout. And the NordicTrack and Precor models have moving handgrips that allow for upper body conditioning.

How We Tested

We used a panel of 18 Consumer Reports employees—nine men and nine women—ranging in age, weight, and fitness levels. The tests were carried out in phases, beginning with an orientation period where panelists became acclimated with the machines. They then used each machine for two separate workouts before filling out an evaluation form with scale-based and open-ended questions.

We also turned to the magic of motion-blur photography to help illustrate the differences between the three alternative motion machines and provide a visual to demonstrate why panelists felt one simulated running better than another, or why a particular machine felt more like an elliptical. The photograph below shows project leader Peter Anzalone running on a treadmill at a speed of just under 5 mph. A red LED light-strip attached to his shoe illuminates the distinct motion-path typical of a running stride. This teardrop shaped motion-path features a sharp tip at the heel strike, a flattened bottom, and a curved transition at toe-off. The motion-path is centered squarely beneath him. Compare it with the other motion-blur photographs, below.   

How They Stack Up

The following reviews are based primarily on panelist evaluations, though we also noted such factors as ease-of-assembly, safety, and warranty. Each alternative motion machine has unique features and attributes, so if you’re considering this equipment, start by figuring out exactly what you hope to achieve from your exercise program. Then use our model reviews, listed alphabetically below, to find the machine that best matches those goals.     

NordicTrack FreeStride FS7i, $1,999

Overview: The NordicTrack looks and feels the most like an elliptical trainer. Independent pedals are suspended above pivoting rollers via a belt-suspension system, which creates a unique feeling of “floating through your workout,” according to the manufacturer. The design also lets you quickly transition between various stride lengths and striding motions.
 
Assessing Stride Variability: Stride-length can extend to a maximum of 38 inches, but there is no stride-height adjustment. For variation, NordicTrack designed a 10-setting automated incline, which alters the plane of the striding path. In long-stride, our panelists said the machine felt like skiing or being on an elliptical. In short-stride, a stepping motion was possible, but not easy to achieve as the machine favored working in an elliptical path as opposed to a true vertical stepping motion.  
 
Special Features: Touch-screen display and internet-capability. Custom workouts available through iFit technology and Google Maps routes, or you can choose from the menu of 40 on-board programs and 24 resistance settings. Chest-strap heart rate monitor also included. Oversized cushioned pedals offer comfort and traction.

What Our Panelists Say About Nordic Track

How it Compares to Actual Running. Panelists felt it was more like an elliptical or cross-country skiing motion than running. Increasing the cadence of the stride resulted in a longer stride rather than a faster running pace.

What They Liked

• High-res, touch-screen display.
• Display information helped gauge progress during workouts and compare performance to previous workouts. Training videos and running track graphic, which shows progress around a simulated track, were favorites.
• Controls on moving handgrips made it easy to adjust resistance and incline.

What They Disliked

• Tendency of pedal assemblies to hit the limiting stops, which are there to keep the assemblies on their rollers when the stride-length limit is exceeded. Panelists found banging against the stops to be jarring, noisy, and distracting.
  
• Handgrips lacked a cushioned grip and were angled in a manner that forced the wrist into an awkward position at times.
• Shortness of the retaining lip on each pedal. One panelist’s foot slipped off the front of the pedal during her first two sessions on the machine.

Ease-of-Assembly: About 75 minutes total. NordicTrack has simplified the assembly of its cardio equipment over the years by reducing the number of fasteners and pre-assembling some of the components. We hit a major snag with the FreeStrider, however, when inserting the pedal arm axle into the retaining bushing. The fit was so tight that mating the components proved extremely difficult. We think a less experienced consumer might have serious trouble.
 
The Bottom Line: Of the three alternative motion machines, NordicTrack fared worst among panelists. Though they liked its interactive and informative display, many couldn’t get past the mechanical deficiencies. The motion of the machine was difficult to control, as it tended to favor its own striding length. The “stops” that control pedal travel caused a loud bang as they contacted the roller, so much so that several panelists thought there was a problem with the machine. We think this jarring noise will be a major turnoff for some consumers.

Octane Fitness Zero Runner ZR7, $3,299

Overview: This machine has the most unique design compared to traditional cardio exercise equipment. Climbing aboard is like strapping on an AMP Suit from Avatar. Simulated hip and knee joints on the machine mimic your legs’ natural movements, allowing for an unparalleled stride length of 58 inches. There’s no resistance or incline or on-board motors. Basically, you’re the motor. You decide how the workout will go. As such, the Zero Runner’s built-in exercise programs prompt you to start a different machine-based movement, instead of actually controlling the machine.
 
Assessing Stride Variability: The Zero Runner mimics the infinitely variable path your feet might follow if you were running free form, but it takes some getting used to. Unlike other cardio equipment, there’s no resistance or incline or on-board programs that change the intensity of the workout. Panelists said the Zero Runner’s long-stride felt like running, while its short-stride simulated walking more than stepping or climbing.
 
Special Features: Octane’s SmartLink app wirelessly connects an iPad device to the Zero Runner to provide data tracking and customized workouts. There’s also an array of built-in programs, including cross-circuit ones that allot time for off-machine exercises; anchors on the machine make it easy to attach resistance bands for strengthening exercises. Includes a chest-strap heart rate monitor.

What Our Panelists Say About Zero Runner

How it Compares to Actual Running. Opinion was sharply divided. A select group of panelists thought the movement felt natural, with a nice range of motion throughout the entire gait. But there were those who found it difficult to establish and maintain a consistent running motion and never got comfortable with the movement pattern. And most panelists found it particularly difficult to increase running cadence, which made for a limited stride turnover rate.

What They Liked

• For some, the fluid and natural running motion as well as the variable stride.
• Simple and easy-to-read display.
  
• Especially quiet operation.

What They Disliked

• Lack of resistance and traditional programs seemed to reduce the variety of workouts, leaving some panelists under-stimulated.  
  
• Feeling of instability with the pedals, especially when stepping onto the machine or standing still on them, like during a water break.
  
• Difficulty retaining the movement from session to session

Ease-of-Assembly: Total time of about 50 minutes, with mostly one person working; a second person was needed briefly to lift the partially assembled frame from the box. A lot of thought clearly went into making the process easy and efficient. You can also pay $150 to have the machine assembled in your home.     
 
Bottom Line: Our panelists were split over the Octane Fitness Zero Runner. If you love to run but worry about the impact of doing so on a treadmill or outdoors, this machine may appeal to you, since of the three tested machines, it felt the most like running. But there’s a pretty steep learning curve, so you need to be up for the commitment. Panelists who were less athletic or lacked coordination found it particularly hard to acclimate. The fact that exercise is largely self-directed was also a challenge for less experienced panelists.

Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer with Open Stride, $8,895

Overview: This is a commercial-grade machine that’s available to consumers, hence its steep price tag. Its design features pedal arms pivoting on two-joint, articulating linkages that hang from the frame by a belt. This configuration provides the two dimensional freedom of motion necessary for a variable stride-length. Stride height adjustments are made using one of two large toggle levers; the other toggle controls resistance.
 
Assessing Stride Variability: Stride-length can extend to a maximum of 36 inches, the least of any of tested model. However, the “Open Stride” feature lets you adjust the height of the stride cycle from 6.8 to 10 inches. Panelists said the long-stride felt more like an elliptical motion, while its short-stride simulated stepping.
 
Special Features: Six on-board programs that automatically manipulate resistance. The machine itself is self-powered by an internal generator so no power cord is needed, though an optional one is available. The unique Stride Length indicator is an illuminated pendulum that swings back and forth to indicate the front-most and rear-most extent of your stride length. An on-board transceiver will work with a user supplied chest-strap heart rate monitor.

What Our Panelists Say About the Precor

How it Compares to Actual Running. Panelists felt its movements compared more to an elliptical. The motion lacked the impact of a heel strike, though they felt it provided a good workout. It was somewhat difficult to increase the cadence to replicate the turnover experienced in running.

What They Liked

• Striding required little acclimation and the moving handgrips were well designed and functional.
  
• Extremely smooth, stable, and secure operation.
• An ease-of-use regarding the controls and the display, which was considered familiar, clear and comprehensive.

What They Disliked

• The fact that the Precor generates its own power (no plug required) was a nuisance for some, since it means you have to pedal above a minimum level to activate the display, say when making the initial selections for a workout.
  
• Motion was not fully satisfying among some of the panelists, but many panelists found nothing to dislike.

Ease-of-Assembly: We leased the Precor AMT for this project and so it was delivered pre-assembled. Precor charges its customers an additional $350 for delivery and installation.

Bottom Line: The Precor had the widest appeal, with 50 percent of panelists saying they’d be “extremely excited” to use it again. They appreciated the conventional on-board programs that adjusted resistance. Basically it functions a lot like other cardio equipment, with an added dimension. The familiar display is well organized and easy to read and the operation is smooth and fun. It works well as a stepper and transitions smoothly into various sized elliptical-like striding patterns, which can be extended into long, loping strides. Though the longer stride does not quite resemble running, the variety of movements and the well-integrated moving hand grips kept panelists stimulated.

Where to Buy an Alternative Motion Machine

Octane and Precor sell their alternative motion machines through specialized dealers; go to the manufacturers’ websites to find locations in your area. Currently, NordicTrack only sells its machines on its website. That's another knock against NordicTrack, since, as with all cardio equipment, we recommend you try out alternative motion machines in person before making your final purchase. Lastly, bear in mind that alternative motion machines have a large footprint and tall frames, so you may need 8 or even 9 feet of ceiling height.

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

When replacing your washer and dryer don't assume that the new machines will fit in the same space as the old pair, especially if it's tight. Washers and dryers are getting bigger and bigger as manufacturers add capacity. Of course, you can still find standard-sized machines so take your tape measure to the store when you shop. Here are five things to know about moving in new machines.

Check all dimensions. Even washers and dryers that are 27 inches wide can be taller or deeper than your old machines. That’s important if there are cabinets or shelves over the washer or dryer, or if it needs to fit in a closet or behind doors. Many large- and jumbo-capacity machines are 2 to 3 inches wider, which could add an additional 6 inches for the pair.

Leave room behind machines. When measuring the space you have to work with, allow room behind the dryer for the vent and behind the washer for the water-line connections.

Measure all doorways. The machines will need to fit through the front (or back) door into the house and any doorways or stairwells on the way to the laundry room.

Don’t forget the pedestal. Tally the height of the machine plus pedestal, especially if you plan to install your appliances below cabinets or shelves.

Not all washers and dryers can be stacked. Though most front-loaders we test can be stacked with a dryer, the actual height of the combined units can vary slightly depending on how the dryer attaches to the washer. So check with the salesperson or look online at the models’ specs. With that height in mind, will you be able to reach the dryer controls and inside the drum?

Find washer and dryer duos in which both machines were top-performers in Consumer Reports' tests of washer and dryer pairs.

This article also appeared in the November 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.

In just a matter of days Hurricane Joaquin strengthened from a tropical storm into a hurricane and now residents up and down the Eastern Seaboard are tuning it to see which way the storm turns. While hurricane forecasters consider different scenarios, most agree that Joaquin will produce a lot of rain whether it makes landfall or not. The winds and rain may result in downed trees and power lines or worse. So if you live anywhere near the projected path, now is a good to check the generator you have or consider buying one at your local home improvement store. Consumer Reports found some reliable choices in its latest generator tests. We also have advice on storm preparedness.

Because installing a stationary generator takes planning and sometimes building permits, your best bet this close to a storm is a portable generator. A small portable generator (3000 to 4000 watts) can power the basics, including a refrigerator, sump pump, several lights, and a television. A mid-sized portable (5000 to 8500 watts) can power those items plus a portable heater, computer, heating system, well pump, and more lights. If you need an even bigger unit, a large portable generator (10,000 watts) can power all those items plus a small electric water heater, central air, and an electric range. Here are the top five picks from our generator tests.

Best Portable Generators From our Tests

• Honda EU7000is, $4,000 (5500 watts) with 4 power outlets.
• Ridgid RD906812B, $1,000, a CR Best Buy (6800 watts) with 5 power outlets
• Kohler PRO7.5E, $1,400 (6300 watts) with 6 power outlets
• Generac RS7000E, $900, a CR Best Buy (7000 watts) with 5 power outlets
• Troy-Bilt XP7000 30477, $900, a CR Best Buy (7000 watts) with 5 power outlets

Don’t Forget the Fuel

A 7000-watt portable generator will use 12 to 20 gallons of gasoline per day if run continuously for 24 hours. More powerful generators use more fuel.  To be safe, only store gasoline in ANSI-approved containers. To get that fuel you’ll need a dependable car so if you live in a low-lying area that’s prone to flooding, make sure to move your car to higher ground.

More on Storm Prep

• Is it time to finally buy a generator?
• How to be prepared for the next big storm
• Lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy
  

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

Blenders don’t make a ton of news, but when they do it’s usually a pricey, high-performance model that nabs the headline. “Will the Vitamix Change the Way We Think About Food?” asked Vogue magazine earlier this year. And from Bloomberg News: “Hillary Clinton’s E-mails: Will They Blend?” referencing a popular YouTube series featuring Blendtec founder Tom Dickson. Consumer Reports also talks a lot about high-end blenders, mainly because they tend to perform best in our tests. But what if you can't shell out hundreds of dollars on this small appliance? Our Ratings of nearly 60 blenders includes several models that do the job for $100 or less. Here are three to consider:         

The Ninja Professional NJ600, $100. The Ninja might have made our recommended list, alongside the $650 Vitamix Professional Series 750 and the $650 Blendtec Designer 725, but for the fact that its pureeing was a shade less uniform (though it's still very good, so you won't have to settle for lumpy leek and potato soup). And when it comes to the more common blender tasks of smoothies and icy drinks, the Ninja was superb, plus it stood up to our tough durability test. Convenience features include easy-to-clean touchpad controls and a removable blade.   

Black + Decker Fusion Blade Digital BL1820SG-P, $50. This blender is the best bargain in our Ratings—though only if you plan to use it for low-intensity tasks, like blending fresh-fruit smoothies or mixing up milkshakes. The Black + Decker was less effective in our ice crush test and it couldn’t pass our durability test, which involves crushing ice 45 times. Like the Ninja, it features easy-clean touchpad controls and a removable blade. It also has a glass jar, which some consumers prefer because the material is less susceptible to staining than plastic.   

Waring Pro PBB225, $100. Waring, which introduced the first blender in America back in 1937, is known for its heavy-duty commercial-grade appliances. For example, there's the $350 Waring Xtreme MX1000R blender, a top pick in our Ratings, and at 14 pounds, also the heaviest. Waring's Pro line is aimed at more cost-conscious consumers. Of the handful of blenders from the line that we tested, the Waring Pro PBB225 fared best, producing a very good pina colada and a superb soup puree. Its old-fashioned styling might appeal, though we would have liked to have seen more modern conveniences, including a pulse setting, and easier-to-read measurement markings.

Spending less doesn't impress. While this trio of budget blenders delivers solid performance, spending less can also yield seriously subpar results. For example, the $40 Hamilton Beach Power Elite Multi-function 58148 was poor at pureeing and crushing ice and only so-so at making smoothies. We were also unimpressed by the Rival 6-speed RV-928, even with its headline-worthy price of $20.  

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

Watching HGTV’s House Hunters, Fixer Upper, and Property Brothers can get you dreaming. Binge on a few episodes, and you quickly wind up looking for ways to improve your own home. From knocking out walls to adding space, everything seems possible—until you add up the costs. Painting a room, on the other hand, is an inexpensive, quick way to transform a space, so Consumer Reports put HGTV paint to the test.

Sherwin-Williams makes HGTV Home Showcase and HGTV Home Ovation interior paints, which are sold at Sherwin-Williams stores and Lowe’s. Colors are grouped into 16 “designer inspired” collections, including Coastal Cool and Quiet Comfort. Each HGTV paint collection includes 20 colors. “Take the guesswork out of coordinating colors throughout your home. It’s a foolproof way to create a cohesive look,” says the Sherwin-Williams website about HGTV paint.  

Our Test Results

Years of testing paint has revealed that a brand's flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss paints perform similarly overall, so we've combined the scores to help make it easier for you to choose. The best finishes in our paint tests scored 83, the lowest, 43. Prices range from $17 to $105 a gallon.

HGTV Home Showcase, $40 a gallon
These self-priming paints have low levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. They were very good at hiding dark paint and stains, withstood scrubbing, and held their sheen after aggressive cleaning. They were good at resisting stains, but left a rough finish—roller and brush marks were visible.

HGTV Home Ovation, $28 a gallon
The self-priming, low-VOC Ovation paints were impressive at hiding stains and previous coats of paint and were even better than the Showcase paints at withstanding scrubbing and maintaining their sheen. But the Ovation paints left a rough finish and visible brush and roller marks and did not resist stains. The stains we applied soaked into the paint and would not come off with a cleaner.

Paint Shopping?

Look no further. Our interior paint Ratings include 25 paint lines from Behr, Valspar, Clark+Kensington, Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, and more. Our paint buying guide will get you started. Questions? Send me an email at kjaneway@consumer.org.

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

Leave it to Dyson to create a space heater that looks better than most—and costs a lot more, too. And unlike some of the Dyson vacuum cleaners that Consumer Reports has tested over the years, the oval Dyson AM09 space heater lives up to its star billing, earning the top spot in our space heater tests. Of course, at $450 you would hope so. We also found 15 other space heaters to recommend and most cost a fraction of that, with prices as low as $40. Here are the details.

Best at spot heating. In our tests we measure a heater’s ability to heat a room and to directly heat a person. Not all space heaters do both well, so before you shop, decide which type of heating you need. If you want to bathe only yourself in warmth, choose a heater that’s best at spot heating. The best in our tests quickly warmed someone sitting in a room within 15 minutes and include the Dyson AMO5, $400, and the larger Honeywell HZ-980, $190.

Best at room heating. In our room heating tests, we measure the ability of a heater to warm up a standard-sized room, such as a family room, in 15 minutes. Tops in this test were the Vornado TVH600, $200, and the Vornado ATH1, $130, as well as the Heat Storm Sahara, $200, and the larger Heat Storm Logan, $200.

Excellent at both. Three of the more than three dozen space heaters in our tests aced both spot and room heating including the Dyson AM09, the Heat Storm Mojave, $160, and the much cheaper DeLonghi DCH1030, $42, a CR Best Buy.

Safety concerns. Safety is another important aspect of our tests, especially considering that 25,000 house fires and 300 deaths are associated with space heaters every year. A heater that rates poorly in our tests can cause cotton to ignite while operating on its hottest setting. Our lowest-rated heater, the Sunbeam SQH310, $50, got the bottom score for fire safety. That heater also did poorly on our hot-surface tests, which means it can get hot enough on the hottest setting to cause a burn. Heaters with a score of very good or excellent stay cool enough to safely touch.

This year, we added a new group of small space heaters to our tests that use less energy and can be used under a desk or in an office. Read all about them in “Freezing at Work? Try a Personal Heater.” And for more good choices, see our full space heater Ratings and recommendations.

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

Some people like the look of a matching washer and dryer. For others, when their washing machine dies they figure why not replace the dryer too. But that can be expensive when it comes to buying a Speed Queen laundry pair. Here’s what Consumer Reports found when we tested the Speed Queen AFNE9BSP113TW01 front-loader, $1,900, and its matching electric dryer, the Speed Queen ADEE9BGS173TW01, $1,040.

Pros: Both machines in this U.S.-made laundry pair are impressive. The front-loader was very good at cleaning, gentle on fabrics, and water efficient. It also did a very good job at extracting water, so dryer time is shortened.

The electric dryer has a moisture sensor instead of a thermostat; the moisture sensor more accurately detects the dampness of the load and shuts off the machine when laundry is dry. The dryer, among the quietest we tested, was very good at drying, except when we wanted laundry that was somewhat damp (useful when ironing). Both machines have electronic controls and come with a five-year warranty. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty.

Cons: The washer is noisy, and claimed capacity is just 3.4 cubic feet, fitting 11 to 14 full-size bath towels. The dryer’s claimed capacity of 7 cubic feet is among the smallest we’ve seen in several years. This pair cannot be stacked. These machines are expensive. Prices listed here are for white appliances. You’ll pay about $950 more for a pair with a stainless-steel finish.

Brand Reliability

The Speed Queen website promises appliances that are durable enough to deliver 25 years of commercial-grade performance. We can't verify that, but Speed Queen top-loading washing machines are among the more reliable brands, according to our annual reliability survey covering more than 115,000 washing machines bought new from 2007 through the first half of 2014. There weren’t enough Speed Queen front-loader owners to qualify for our analysis.

The repair rate for Speed Queen electric dryers, based on more than 105,000 dryer purchases, is 10 percent. The most reliable brand of electric dryers has a 5 percent repair rate; the most repair-prone brand, 20 percent.

Shopping for a Matching Washer and Dryer?
Laundry pairs are popular but not all make an ideal couple. Check out the best matching washers and dryers for a look at some dynamic duos and see our washer and dryer Ratings.

Send your questions to me at kjaneway@consumer.org.

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

Even at their quietest, leaf blowers are enough of an annoyance in residential neighborhoods that you'll want to finish the job quickly. The best handheld models in Consumer Reports' leaf blower tests deliver ample power for blowing and sometimes vacuuming up leaves. And they do so without disturbing the neighbors too much.

You can’t say the same for the beefiest blowers, which are backpack and wheeled models—the contractor’s choice. Here’s a rundown on some of the best from our tests in each category, and some you’re better off passing up.

Gas Handhelds

The “LN” in the name of the Echo PB-255LN, $200, stands for low noise, but the greater attraction of this model is its stellar power for sweeping and loosening leaves. We also liked the spring-assisted starting and five-year warranty. But other models had as much power for far less. The Husqvarna 125B, $150, scored about the same and is lighter, and newly tested models such as the Hitachi RB24EAP and the Jonsered B2126, both $140, also packed plenty of blowing power.

Skip the Troy-Bilt TB320BV, $135. It was impressive at sweeping leaves and has spring-assist starting, multiple speeds, and a speed-control lock. But it fell short in loosening and vacuuming leaves, wasn't that easy to handle, and was especially noisy.

Corded-Electric Handhelds

Toro dominates our ratings of corded leaf blowers that perform nearly on a par with gas handhelds. And the newest, the $100 Toro Ultra Plus 51621, leads the pack with top-notch sweeping and impressive loosening of embedded leaves. Want to pay less? Except for a few features, the $75 Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51609 matches its newer sibling—right down to the metal impeller, which is more durable for vacuuming leaves.

Skip the Remington RM1300, which, for its $100 price, should have topped our ratings. Instead, it had lackluster power for sweeping, loosening, and vacuuming. It incorporates blowing and vacuuming with twin tubes that require no mode changes—but the design adds weight and compromises on power for either task.

Battery-Powered Handhelds

If you’re okay with limited run-time or have the cash for extra batteries, a cordless-electric model is worth a look. The Kobalt KHB400B and GreenWorks GBL80300, both $250 and 80-volt, topped the category with impressive or better sweeping and loosening. Not far behind was the 56-volt EGO LB4801, $180.

Skip the Craftsman 98021. At $150, this 40-volt unit is cheapest in the category. But sometimes you get what you pay for. In this case, it’s extremely weak sweeping and loosening, more suitable for debris on your deck or driveway than for actual leaf cleanup.

Gas Backpacks

These models are nearly all heavier than a handheld, but the weight is evenly distributed across your back, with little stress on your arms. Of these, the $480 Husqvarna 356BT and $350 Stihl BR 350 had superior sweeping and loosening. What’s more, the two were reasonably quiet from a distance. Consider also the $200 Ryobi RY08420 if you want to pay less, but note that this model was among the noisiest of backpacks in our tests.

Skip the Poulan Pro PPBP30, $160. It was as noisy as the Ryobi but had little else on the plus side, considering its mediocre power for sweeping and loosening.

Gas Wheeled Blowers

Any of the wheeled models we’ve tested would make short work of your leaves, so there’s none we’d recommend you skip. The top model remains the $800 Little Wonder LB160H, which delivered the most blowing power—but also the most noise at 50 feet away. For a less-expensive model, consider the $400 Troy-Bilt TB672 or the $350 Powermate P-WB-163150. Of these, the Troy-Bilt is the quietest wheeled blower at a distance.

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

Consumer Reports recently reviewed a trio of alternative motion machines, a new type of exercise equipment that combines elements of the treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper. The potential for no-impact cardio workouts is probably the biggest selling point of these machines, though there are other reasons to give them a look. That’s true whether you choose the NordicTrack FreeStride FS7i, the Octane Fitness Zero Runner ZR7, or the Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer with Open Stride. 

New movement benefits body and mind. If you routinely use a treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper for your cardio workouts, jumping on an alternative motion machine will take some getting used to—especially if it’s the Octane Zero Runner. And that’s a good thing, since mixing up your workout will keep you engaged and prevent you from hitting a physical plateau. What’s more, learning new movements builds neuromotor pathways, which helps maintain a healthy brain.

Interval training is easily done. These alternative motion machines let you vary the length and sometimes the height of your stride in practically endless combinations. That makes it possible to come up with your own forms of interval training, which is great for your heart and for boosting metabolism. 

For instance, you might alternate between a 2-minute high-intensity long-stride work phase and a 2-minute low-intensity short-stride recovery phase. Sandwiching a 20-minute work/recovery period between 5-minute warm-up and cool-down periods would make for a highly effective 30-minute session. Next time out, you could swap the strides, doing high-intensity short strides and low-intensity long strides. Or like playing musical scales, you could start with short strides, slowly elongate them to the maximum length, and then quickly work your way back down for the high-intensity work phase.

Additional features abound. Each alternative motion machine we tested has unique features that create the opportunity for yet more workout variety.

The NordicTrack’s incline feature changes the angle of the pedaling path, which will activate your leg muscles differently.

The Precor has an Open Stride feature that lets you change the vertical height of the elliptical path during marching or stepping movements.

Both the NordicTrack and Precor have moving handgrips and a resistance feature, which allow for upper body push/pull components.

As for the Octane Zero Runner, it has anchors on its frame for attaching elastic tubing, ideal for off-machine resistance exercises that break up aerobic sessions.

Bottom line: Although any type of exercise is better than none, it’s always best to mix up your routines. With their unique designs and dynamic stride-length features, alternative motion machines are a fresh alternative to traditional cardio equipment. Even if you’re not ready to buy one of these machines for home use, next time you spot one at the gym or fitness club, do yourself a favor and hop on board.     

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

It’s not too early to start sprucing up your home for the holidays. Concentrate on the areas of the house that will be used by your company—the living, dining, and powder rooms. You can always shut the bedroom doors. Here are five easy projects that will wow your guests without hurting your budget.

Make your front door welcoming

Replacing or repainting your entry door is one of the easiest and most effective ways to spruce up your house. To improve your home’s curb appeal, you’ll also want to give overgrown trees and shrubbery a trim and to move any lawn ornaments or furniture to the garage or shed. You can add a wreath just before company arrives.

When choosing a paint, remember that flat and satin paints can hide imperfections, but semi-gloss will add shine and make your door more of a focal point. Our top exterior paint is Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $39, sold at Home Depot. Clark + Kensington Exterior, $35, sold at Ace is also a top exterior paint pick.  

Spiff up the powder room

It doesn’t cost much to upgrade a small bathroom. Start by adding a new mirror and faucet or add a pair of sconces on either side of your existing mirror or medicine cabinet. Replacing cabinet hardware is also an easy fix.

But if you want to make a quick improvement that’ll also save you money in the long run, replace your toilet with a WaterSense model, which uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush instead of the typical 1.6.

Also consider a comfort-height model, which is more than 17-inches tall. Consider two CR Best Buys from our toilet tests that have both those features. The Glacier Bay N2428E sold at Home Depot and the Aquasource AT1203-00 sold at Lowe's both cost $100. For other affordable powder room updates, read, "Bathroom Remodeling Costs and Trends."

Paint a room or a wall

If you don’t have the time or patience to paint an entire room, try painting one or two accent walls. You can finish the job after the holidays if you end up loving the color, says Debbie Zimmer of the Paint Quality Institute. 

For best results, the PQI recommends using a top-of-the-line interior latex wall paint in flat or eggshell finish, which hides irregularities better than paints with a sheen. In our interior paint tests, Behr Marquee, $43, from Home Depot, was excellent at hiding and stands up to scrubbing. Valspar Reserve, $43, from Lowe's is another good choice and our two CR Best Buys are Home Depot's Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $34, and Clark + Kensington Enamel, $32, from Ace.

Declutter and deep clean

Can’t see your dining room buffet under that pile of mail? Turn on your favorite TV show and use the time to sort through your papers. You should be able to find the top of the server after two episodes of "The Voice." (And as a bonus, you’ll be ready for tax time.)

It’s also the season to  deep clean your carpets, especially if you have pets. You can do some lighter cleaning later. In our vacuum cleaner tests, we found that upright vacuums did a better job than canisters at getting embedded dirt out of carpeting and found some that were also excellent at removing pet hair. Our top three bagged upright vacuums are the Kenmore Elite 31150, $350, the Miele Dynamic U1 Twist, $450 , and the Miele Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog, $650.  

Dust off light fixtures and replace the bulbs

With the hours of daylight waning, you may find yourself straining to read the newspaper under the dining room chandelier. You can brighten your rooms in no time with just a dust cloth and some soap and water.

And since you’ll need to dismantle the fixtures to clean them, you might as well replace the lightbulbs with some new energy-saving models that cast the right light. In our lightbulb tests, we found many general purpose replacements for 40, 60, 75 and 100-watt lightbulbs. Two of our top-rated 60-watt equivalent LEDS from Samsung and Feit Electric scored 99 out of 100 and three more from 3M, Philips, and Great Value (Walmart) were almost as good. The price of LEDs continues to drop and many homeowners prefer the light quality to that of CFLs.

More tips and tricks

For more tips on what to do before guests arrive and how to clean up after they leave, read "How to Clean Up Common Holiday Messes."  

—Mary H.J. Farrell

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

Give cabinets a fresh face

Instead of replacing cabinets that are plumb, square, and sturdy, update them for a fraction of the price. You have two options: refacing, which offers more choices for more money, and refinishing, which is more work but costs less.

Refacing involves adding new “skins” to cabinets and costs $150 to $300 per door opening, including materials and installation. Or, refresh cabinets with a new coat of paint. Clean them with a degreasing agent, rinse, sand, and prime them, and then give them a top coat or two. If your house was built before 1978 and you think the cabinets are original, the finish may contain lead—in which case, you should leave the paint job to a pro.

Add a bright spot

Use color to energize your kitchen. A few well-placed accessories such as boldly hued mixing bowls, flowers, or even fruit can instantly create an eye-catching focal point. The island offers another opportunity to introduce color. Just paint this gathering spot in an attention-grabbing shade, first taking care to choose the right type of paint. You’ll want a semi- or high-gloss formula for easier cleanup on this high-use area. Check our paint Ratings for some smart choices.

And don’t forget that light fixtures can add accents of color. Look online at sites such as lightinguniverse.com or progresslighting.com for reasonably priced options or troll flea markets and thrift stores. Even if you need an electrician to rewire your find, the price may be right. When you’re ready, see the results of our lightbulb tests.

Add an island

A custom-built island combines convenience with an often-hefty price. Save by opting for an unfinished or ready-to-assemble prep table and doing part of the work yourself. You’ll find a wide variety of doors, drawers, and countertops in different configurations. A 36x24-inch unfinished island topped with a wooden counter starts at around $300 (unfinishedfurnitureexpo.com).

For a high-end look, consider an island topped with stainless. Or choose one with a granite top. As you shop, look for convenient options such as rolling casters and storage shelves.When staining or painting an unfinished piece or choosing a finished model, go for a wood tone or color to complement (or provide dramatic contrast to) your kitchen cabinets.

Before you buy, be sure you have enough room to fit the island comfortably; you want a 36- to 48-inch clearance on each side.

Add splash to the backsplash

A relatively easy and inexpensive update is to install or replace a tile backsplash. According to George W. Edwards, certified kitchen and bath remodeler, of A&C Kitchens and Baths in Chester, Pa., the average cost is about $3 to $5 per square foot, though decorative inlays and trims can cost more.

Whether you do the job yourself or hire an installer depends on the state of your existing backsplash and how much time you can commit to the job. The key, Edwards says, comes at the start of the project, during demolition of the existing backsplash and preparation for the new one.

If the existing tile was installed over drywall, he says, removal is relatively easy. The existing tile and drywall can be pulled off with common household tools, including a utility knife, pry bar, or hammer and screwdriver, and new drywall can be patched in. It’s much trickier to cut out a tile backsplash laid over plaster without damaging the wall surface above. Plus the plaster may be a different thickness from the drywall, so shimming and/or an extra layer of drywall may be necessary to bring the new surface flush to the wall above.

Mix up materials

For decades kitchen design favored uniformity—one cabinet type, one countertop material. But nowadays designers are creating excitement by combining a wide range of materials and finishes in a single space. That is good news for your own budget makeover, because it means that you don’t have to worry about everything matching perfectly.

Choose pricey glass-doored cabinets above but bargain wood or laminate-front units below. Stick your expensive slab of granite or marble on the island—where everyone will see it—but go with basic laminate around the perimeter. Instead of a built-in island or built-in storage, use freestanding furniture pieces to add prep space and storage.

And don’t buy appliances as a suite: Choose the models with the best performance and best prices, regardless of brand (odds are against anyone noticing the slight style differences).

This article was adapted from Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning & Buying Guide.

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

On any given day in Consumer Reports' labs, blenders are whirring, cameras are snapping, and lightbulbs are burning. But our favorite tests are those that involve cooking—burgers, pizza, cookies, and most recently, waffles. Round waffles, square waffles, and the popular Belgian waffle.

So get out the maple syrup. All six waffle makers tested by Consumer Reports turned out perfectly good waffles, but the $100 Cuisinart Breakfast Central Belgian Waffle Maker WAF-300 served up plate after plate of Belgian waffles that were nicely and evenly cooked on both sides, whether on low or high heat.

You’ll hear a beep when the waffle maker is ready to go and when the waffles are done. “Especially if you’re in the throes of preparing a brunch, the beep brings your attention back to the waffles so you don’t burn them,” says Sara Brown, a Consumer Reports tester who trained at the Culinary Institute of America. “And the Cuisinart can cook four waffles at a time, allowing you to join your friends at the table a bit faster.” There’s a limited three-year warranty for this waffle maker, and the nonstick waffle plates are easy to clean. Remove them and snap in the pancake plates. And check out the manual’s recipe for blueberry sour cream pancakes—it sounds delicious.

The waffle recipe does make a difference, says Brown. “If there isn’t a lot of liquid you’ll get denser, less crispy waffles.” We tried five recipes made from scratch plus two store-bought mixes, and our favorite recipe was Aretha Frankenstein’s Waffles of Insane Greatness that we found on the Food52 website. The waffles were light and crisp, and insanely good.

Waffle Maker Roundup

Here are the other five waffle makers we tested, appearing in order of overall performance, based on consistency, repeatability, and how easy it was to set a proper temperature.

Waring Belgian Waffle Maker WMK200, $58
If you can live with non-removable plates—cleaning is a bother, especially when waffles stick—then the Waring is a good choice. The heat is adjustable, and regardless, waffles were consistently cooked, with little difference between tops and bottoms. But pay attention, as it lacks an audible alert.

All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker 2-Square NS, $175
Waffles turned out about the same whether we used the low or high heat setting, and were nicely browned on both sides, over and over again. There is an audible alert, but the plates cannot be removed for cleaning.

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Master 26046, $35
We found a small difference in our waffles using the high and low heat settings. Waffles turned out progressively lighter over four multiple batches, and one side of the waffles was browned more than the other.

Black & Decker Double Flip WMD200B, $50
Consistently turned out waffles that were evenly cooked on both sides. But you can’t adjust the heat so selecting how browned your waffles turn out involves a bit more guesswork. Cooking plates aren’t removable for easy cleaning, and there’s no beep that alerts you that the waffles are done.

NordicWare Stovetop Belgian Waffler 15040, $40
The only stovetop waffle iron tested, we found that consistently turning out nicely cooked waffles was challenging and takes practice, timing, and carefully managing your burner settings.  It also requires the most attention when preheating and cooking, and gave the most variable results.

Whichever waffle maker you choose, you'll enjoy adding this breakfast staple to your repertoire. You can find plenty of recipes online including these from Food & Wine, the Joy of Cooking, and the The New York Times.  

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall for Hyundai Sonata sedans from the 2011 and 2012 models years because of the potential for a major engine failure.

The vehicles in question were built between December 11, 2009, and April 12, 2012, at Hyundai's Alabama, manufacturing facility, equipped with either a 2.0-liter turbo or 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. According to the NHTSA recall notice, metallic debris may not have been removed from the engine crankshaft during the manufacturing process. This could lead to restricted oil flow, damaging internal parts.

A symptom of the damage is a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine, and the result is possible engine failure. This could lead to the vehicle stalling, resulting in the risk of a crash. NHTSA estimates that the problem exists with about 2 percent of the cars.

A New Engine, If Necessary

Hyundai will mail affected owners an interim recall notification by November 2, 2015, instructing them to contact their dealer for a service appointment. The dealer will inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the engine free of charge. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available.

In addition, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai's Alabama plant with the 2.0- and 2.4-liter gasoline engines.

These same engines, built at the same manufacturing plant, were also used in Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, Kia Optima sedans, and Kia Sorento SUVs assembled in West Point, Georgia. According to Kia spokesperson Jame Hope, Kia is not impacted by this recall.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.hyundaiusa.com.  

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

Some product features add a safety measure that you've come to expect. New irons typically have an auto shutoff feature. It turns off the iron when it's motionless after a bit, sensing that you’ve forgotten there’s a hot iron on—handy when you’ve run to answer the phone and can’t get rid of a telemarketer. But Consumer Reports latest tests found three irons that do not have auto shutoff. And while it isn’t a required safety feature, our testers are steamed.

Even the $18 Proctor-Silex has auto shutoff, but we found three irons that cost $10 to $35 that do not. And some consumers have gotten accustomed to having auto shutoff so they depend on it. Of the 39 irons in Consumer Reports' tests only these do not have auto shutoff: The $35 Panasonic NI-P300T, the $10 Rival Shot of Steam ES280 from Walmart, and the $15 Continental CE23111. Spend an extra $5 and you can buy the $20 Black & Decker Xpress Steam Iron IR08X from Walmart. It has auto shutoff and provides a lot more steam, which makes ironing go faster.

How auto shutoff works
An auto shutoff iron turns off in about a minute when motionless and on its side or when the soleplate is down (touching the ironing board). When the iron is upright and in its usual resting position, but motionless, auto shutoff turns off the iron within 8 to 15 minutes. Irons vary on time. At 15 minutes, the three tested irons without auto shutoff scorched the tablecloths we were pressing as part of our test. 

Home fires involving irons
Irons caused 312 home fires annually, on average, between 2007 and 2011. That’s the most recent data available from the National Fire Protection Association. The fires resulted in eight civilian injuries and $10 million in property damage a year.  

Choosing a new iron
Any iron can get the job done, but a hot iron that provides plenty of steam, glides easily, and feels comfortable in your hand is just the thing you want when faced with a basket of wrinkled clothes or a shirt that needs a good pressing. Our steam iron Ratings feature 39 irons, including six that made our top picks, such as the $45 T-Fal FV4495 Ultraglide. Use our Ratings to compare irons. The features & specs tab lets you know how heavy each iron is, and the steam iron buying guide describes features and is a good place to start. Any questions? Email me at kjaneway@consumer.org.

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