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.

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.

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.

Sales of portable generators tend to spike around major storms, from just before to weeks afterward. But getting a generator up and running in a hurry often means bypassing the recommended installation procedure and making do with extension cords, which can be unsafe. That’s why you should plan ahead and do it right by installing a transfer switch. There's also another way to connect a generator to your electric service that costs significantly less.

Why a Transfer Switch

The power receptacles on a generator are helpful for when you need to power something too far away from your home to use house power. But for the house, a transfer switch lets you easily and safely power what you need most—your refrigerator, furnace or boiler, a sump pump, and more.

Power to your fridge can come from your generator or your utility—not both. The transfer switch works by having a dedicated set of switches for each of the circuits you want to power. Skipping the transfer switch and connecting your generator directly to your electrical service panel could fry appliances, endanger utility workers who might be working on power lines, or damage your generator. You also won't know when utility service is restored unless you see your neighbors' lights go back on.

With a transfer switch (about $500 to $900 to install, including labor), you’ll have one connection to make—plugging one end of a cable into the generator and the other into a dedicated box connected to the transfer switch. You’ll need at least a 5,000-watt generator to use one. Stationary (standby) generators have a transfer switch that automatically comes on when the power goes off.

A Cheaper Alternative

Most manufacturers of service panels and many third-party manufacturers make a small connector called an interlock device. Each is intended for a specific model of panel, but all work the same way: They let you attach your generator to your service panel without a transfer switch but without the hazards of a direct connection.

An interlock kit, $50 to $150, should also be installed by an electrician, who will tell you whether it will work with your electrical system and whether it meets code. When in place, the interlock covers your service panel’s main cutoff switch so that you can’t switch it on while the generator is running. Once utility power is back, you slide the interlock back to its usual position. Power thus flows in only one direction.

Since this route is more manual than using a transfer switch, you’ll need to follow a certain sequence to avoid getting a spike of energy from the generator. But that’s the price you pay to save hundreds on buying and installing a transfer switch.

Looking for a portable or stationary generator? Check our generator buying guide before plugging into our generator Ratings of nearly four dozen portable and stationary models.

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

Getting the bathroom ready for company takes a little more effort than hanging holiday-themed guest towels. It’s time to polish the porcelain and scrub the tub. Fortunately, the experts at Consumer Reports are seasoned grime fighters who test cleaning products all year long. Here are some of our recommended bathroom cleaning products and others you can skip.

Paper towels

Sponges can be magnets for bacteria and a bathroom is germy enough. Try cleaning with paper towels that you can then discard. In our tough paper towel tests, we measure absorbency, wet strength and how a paper towel holds up when used to scrub a rough surface. For everyday wipe-ups, Bounty Extra Soft was excellent for absorbency and very good for scrubbing and wet strength. But for bigger jobs use the Bounty DuraTowel, which was excellent on all three tests and the top-scoring towel in our tests by far. But it’s more expensive than most so you may want to reserve it for tougher jobs.

All-purpose cleaners

Liquid Pine-Sol Original was the only all-purpose cleaner in our tests that didn’t leave streaks on a mirrored surface so that should be your go-to cleaner for the bathroom. It was also very good at removing soap scum and at cleaning up food stains more commonly found in the kitchen. In our tests, three spray cleaners were also very good at tackling soap scum but they all left streaks on the mirror. They include such familiar brands as Seventh Generation,  Clorox, and Trader Joe's. And if your grout is discolored, you’re better off relying on a tried and true cleanser like Ajax or Comet than on those as-seen-on-TV grout cleaners. In our tests of the Groutinator and Grout Bully, both about $10, they were tricky to apply and neither lived up to its claims. 

Vacuums

A cordless sweeper vacuum with wet and dry options sounds like a good option for a bathroom floor. But in our vacuum cleaner tests of the Dyson Hard DC56 and the Swiffer Sweeper/Vac, neither of the hybrids vacuumed as well as the best hand or stick vacuums in our tests.

Instead, try one of our top three hand vacuums, which were all excellent at cleaning bare floors and getting into edges. They include the battery-powered Shark Pet Perfect II, $60, and the corded Eureka Easy Clean, $50, and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, $35.

Our top stick vacuum, Dyson V6, $300, was excellent at cleaning carpet, pet hair, bare floors, and edges. But it might be a bit pricey for a vacuum dedicated to the bathroom. For that try the Dirt Devil Accucharge BD20035RED, $70, which was very good at bare floors and edges and quite quiet.

Toilet paper

If you're stocking up on toilet paper, you can’t go wrong with White Cloud Ultra Soft & Thick from Walmart, which was our top scorer. It was excellent at softness, strength and disintegration.  

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

When Benjamin Moore announced that Simply White is the color of the year, you couldn’t blame people for asking “Huh?” White is a color without color, after all. And yet the top-selling interior paint colors are white and off-whites. With dozens to choose from, zeroing in on one—the right white—can be tricky.

Even the Paint Quality Institute is saying good-bye to gray, selecting whites and off-whites with cool undertones of blue or green as the hot colors of the year. "This creates a calming environment that consumers are looking for," says Debbie Zimmer, a PQI spokesperson. 

Some retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s skip those tiny paint chips and offer much larger ones for their white paints. Home Depot even groups whites together by their undertones, pointing out which have blue, such as Bakery Box, or the purple in Bit of Sugar.

When Consumer Reports tests interior paints we include white paint from each brand, because white is so popular and we need to find out how well it covers dark colors. We asked two color experts for advice on finding the white you want rather than the one you have to live with.

Gather Paint Chips
Are you drawn to cool or warm whites? White paints that add warmth have undertones of yellow, orange, or red, while cool white paints have blue or green undertones, says Susan Hable, a textile designer in New York City and Athens, Georgia. It helps to hold the paint chips side by side. If you're unsure of the paint's undertones, ask a sales associate what's in the mix.

Consider the existing colors in the room, from floor to furnishings, and colors that can be seen from the room you’re painting. Think about using a different white paint for the ceiling to give depth and character to the room.

Try Them Out
“Stick the paint chips on the wall and look at them for a few days. Live with them, and then move them to another wall,” says Leslie Harrington, a color strategist in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. “Undertones will emerge. Eliminate ones that aren’t working.” She puts up five or six at a time, stacking them vertically near the trim of the door.

Consider the Light
It makes a big difference. Notice the room’s natural light as it changes throughout the day, and the light cast by bulbs. “People often look at the light in their room on Saturday at noon, but a very busy family that’s out of the house from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. should turn on their lights at 6 p.m. and look at paint colors then,” says Harrington.

Narrow Your Choices
Pick your favorite whte paints, brush large swatches on your walls, and observe them at different times of the day. Even color pros try and try again. Hable’s favorite standard white paint is Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, a soft white. She used it, with the formula cut in half, to hide much of the yellow in the pine that covers the walls of her studio.

Harrington doesn’t have a favorite white paint but has shades she doesn’t like. “I prefer to stay away from white with a little magenta in them because they go pink very quickly,” she says. “Whites with yellow undertones have been popular for years but can look dated. They don’t work with modern settings, and are better for traditional.”

Factor In the Finish
The paint’s finish absorbs or reflects light. Flat paint absorbs light, giving a softer look, and glossy reflects light so the white paint looks brighter. In between there are eggshell and satin finishes. Many have become much better at standing up to scrubbing, so semi-gloss is no longer a must for trim.

Top Interior Paint Picks from Our Tests

• Behr Marquee (Home Depot),  $43 a gallon
• Valspar Reserve (Lowe’s), $44 a gallon
• Behr Premium Plus Ultra (Home Depot), $34 a gallon, CR Best Buy
• Clark+Kensington Enamel (Ace), $32 a gallon, CR Best Buy

Our interior paint Ratings also include paints from Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, Glidden, HGTV, Olympic, Sherwin-Williams, True Value, and Walmart (Color Place). Note that because a brand's flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss formulations performed similarly overall in our tests, we combined the scores to make it easier for you to shop. 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.

What do you get for $25 more? That's the question we asked ourselves when we bought the Toro Ultra Plus 51621 corded-electric leaf blower, $100, to test. It costs $25 more than the similar Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51609, which offers the same metal impeller and variable-speed blowing. But you may want to think twice about the extras you get for the extra $25.

Both of these Toro leaf blowers use metal rather than plastic for the impeller, which is better for vacuuming leaves with less risk of chipping from the inevitable sticks and other hard debris. The variable speed, adjusted with a dial on top, stays in place so you don't need to hold down a trigger. Both these models top our tests for corded-electric blowers, rivaling gas-powered handheld blowers at moving leaves along. But like gas models, these Toro leaf blowers warrant hearing protection when operated at their top speed. We liked other features, too, such as the quick switching between blowing and vacuuming.

What You Get for $25 More

• A removable oscillating nozzle that, Toro says, “saves time by providing wider clearing power on hardscapes.” The intention is for you to move your wrist less and thus clear leaves more quickly.
• A serrated ring within the base of the vacuum tube, called the Shredz-All shred ring, is claimed to “pulverize vacuumed materials into a fine mulch, reducing the number of bags for disposal.”
• There’s also a cord hook near the controls, a common feature with corded power tools, that keeps the extension cord secure during operation.

Test Results of Toro Leaf Blowers

Our sweeping and loosening tests of the newer Toro Ultra Plus 51621 found that we could move and dislodge leaves a bit better without the oscillating nozzle, which dispersed air over a wider angle than needed for quick leaf work.

In our vacuum tests, the addition of the Shredz-All shred ring reduced leaves only slightly more than the metal impeller alone. With the Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51609 we were able to vacuum and shred leaves down at about a 2:1 ratio, roughly fitting a bagful of clippings into half a bag. With the Toro Ultra Plus 51621, it was closer to 3:1. Both are space-saving, but keep in mind that this is tedious work. Running over the leaves with your mower in bagging mode is the quickest method of all.

And while cord hooks are convenient, wrapping the extension cord once around the handle of either blower with a loose overhand knot (like the first part of typing shoelaces) before plugging it in keeps the cord from unplugging. It’s also far quicker than pushing either a 12- or 14-gauge extension cord, the thick cords Toro specifies for the Toro Ultra Plus 51621, over the cord hook. 

You won’t go wrong with either of these Toro leaf blowers if you want lots of power for blowing and vacuuming in a maintenance-free machine. If you are undecided about gas versus electric—or are considering a backpack model or a wheeled model—take a look at our leaf blower buying guide before checking our leaf blower Ratings.

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

What is it about humidifiers that makes manufacturers think cute? New this week is the “stealthily quiet” R2-D2 humidifier from Hammacher Schlemmer. Sure the dome-headed Star Wars droid is adorable but it's got nothing on the charming Crane Owl that's a standout in Consumer Reports’ humidifier tests. We haven’t tested the R2-D2, but 16 humidifiers earned a recommended mark in our recent tests.

Why you need a humidifier
Because warm air holds more moisture than cold air, the humidity in your home drops when temperatures do. Ideally, indoor humidity should be 30 to 50 percent. But without humidification, that level can drop to 10 percent, leading to dry skin and chapped lips.

Humidifiers to Consider

In our tests, we group humidifiers by the size room they can humidify. Check out these humidifiers for every room in your home.

Small rooms (up to 300 square feet)
Perfect for a child’s room, the Crane Owl, $45, is one of 18 models inCrane’s Adorables Collection. Output is excellent, and the Crane Owl is quiet and easy to maintain. For grownups, consider the teardrop-shaped HoMedics UHE-CM25, $55, which scored equally well.

Medium rooms (300 to 499 square feet)
Scoring just as well as the small units but able to humidify more space is the Vicks V5100NS, $50. Also consider the SPT SU-9210, $80, though its output wasn’t quite as good.

Large rooms (500 to 999 square feet)
The SPT SU-4010, $75, is among the best in this category, earning high marks across the board. Next is the Air-O-Swiss 7135, $180, which has excellent output but is not as convenient to operate.

Extra-large spaces (1,000 square feet or more)
For areas this large you’ll want to consider a console, which sits on the floor instead of on a table. We recommend two, the Essick MA1201, $115, and the Kenmore 15412, $140, from Sears, but both were pretty noisy.

A Caution About Cleaning

Humidifiers can harbor bacteria, so routine cleaning is recommended. To keep germs at bay, many manufacturers recommend rinsing the tank and changing the water every day, plus disinfecting the tank each week according to the instructions in the owner’s manual. Some models are easier to clean than others, so give the humidifiers a good look before choosing one and then consult the owner's manual. In our humidifier Ratings, ease of cleaning is part of the convenience score.

More humidfiers. For more advice and additional choices, check our humidifier buying guide and full humidifier Ratings and recommendations.

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

The best front-loading washing machines in Consumer Reports' tests typically score about 10 points higher than the best high-efficiency top-loaders. But despite their impressive scores for performance and energy-efficiency, over the years consumers have complained that they can develop mold and a nasty odor. Manufacturers have taken note and have addressed the problem with such innovations as improved door gaskets, high-temperature cycles, and more. 

In fact, reported problems with front-loader mold have been eliminated almost entirely, according to Dick Conrad, a senior product director at Whirlpool. He credits consumers learning more about how to best maintain these machines and improvements in washer design and features.

Mold and odors can become a problem when water collects in the rubber gasket on the door of a front-loading washing machine. Emilio Gonzalez, the engineer who directs Consumer Reports’ washing machine tests, says it’s important to follow the tips in your washing machine owner's manual. Here’s what else to do:

Preventing Front-Loader Mold

• Keep the washing machine door ajar between loads. This allows the interior of the machine to dry out better. If you have young kids at home, lock the door to the laundry room.
• Run a hot water wash every so often to clean the washing machine tub. Don’t add laundry, but consider adding 1 cup of chlorine bleach.

The pros at LG and Whirlpool say that it’s important to use the proper amount of HE detergent. This prevents excessive suds and reduces film residue inside the machine, which could help cut down on front-loader mold. Whirlpool also suggests removing wet laundry from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is complete.

Find the Best Front-Loader for Your Budget

You’ll see dozens of front-loaders in our washing machine Ratings, from the high-scoring Samsung WF56H9110CW, $1,450, down to the bottom-rated LG WM3370HWA, $700. In between there are many under $1,000 to choose from, including the $950 Maytag Maxima MHW5100DW.

When you scan the washing machine reviews for front- or top-loaders, use the filter to narrow your choices by price and brand as well as by test results and features. And be sure to check out our exclusive brand reliability information to find out what more than 115,000 people have to say about washing machine brands.

Email 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.

A fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic difference to any space in your home. If you’re planning to entertain this holiday season, now’s the time to tackle the project, before you get sucked into the vortex of shopping, menu planning, and party going. Color injected into smaller spaces often has the most impact. Below are three projects to consider. They can each be finished in a weekend and should leave a lasting impression well beyond the holidays.

The design possibilities are practically endless, given the plethora of inspiring design magazines and websites out there. Manufacturer websites are helpful too, since most offer interactive color-finding tools. And remember that in-store color-matching technologies are so advanced that you can choose your favorite hue from one company and get it in paint from another.  Before you start you'll need the following:

• One or two gallons of top-performing paint  
• One 9-inch paint roller frame and two 3/8-inch nap roller covers
• One 2-inch angled nylon brush for trim work and edging
• One paint tray with a couple plastic liners
• One small hand-held paint bucket
• Drop cloths
• Painters tape. (FrogTape Delicate Surface, $6 to $9 per roll, left a sharp line and was very easy to remove in Consumer Reports' tests.)

Energize Your Entryway

A new paint job in the foyer will help invigorate the surrounding living spaces. And most entryways consist of just one or two walls, making this a manageable project. You might choose a color that’s slightly deeper than the adjacent living room, to make that space feel more expansive. Or if the entry is poorly lit, a lively shade of yellow or other bright color can make it warmer and more welcoming.

If the foyer isn’t your main entrance, consider paint with a flat finish, which can add richness to the walls while hiding imperfections. Behr Marquee, $43 per gallon at Home Depot, performed very well overall in Consumer Reports' interior paint tests.  If you do use the entryway often, opt for a more durable eggshell or satin finish. Consider another of our recommended paints, Valspar Reserve, $44 per gallon at Lowe's. 

As long as you’re redoing the entryway, take a look at the front door. A new hue could give your home’s exterior a whole new look. One of our top-performing semi-gloss exterior paints, like Clark + Kensington, $35 at Ace, will provide a durable finish with an extra level of shine. Read "What the Color of Your Front Door Says About You" for design ideas.

Give the Kitchen a Face-lift 

Holiday guests are sure to congregate in the kitchen. Replacing the countertops and cabinets is probably more than you want to take on, but you can still freshen up the space by painting the kitchen walls and backsplash. This project requires a bit more prep work, since you need to tape off the cabinets and countertops to protect them. But on the plus side, you probably won’t need as much paint, since most kitchen wall space is consumed by cabinets. 

A semi-gloss paint works best in the kitchen, since it will wipe down easily while reflecting light. Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $34 per gallon at Home Depot, is a top choice that can fend off scrub marks and mildew and keeps its sheen even after rough cleaning.

Brighten up Kids’ Spaces

If your guest list includes younger relatives who will be spending a few nights, your kids’ bedrooms or the main family room will definitely be on display. This is a good opportunity to bring your children into the decorating process. Teens in particular like taking ownership of their personal space, so they’ll enjoy selecting a new color for their bedroom. 

Kids can also participate in the prep work, for example by moving out furniture and taping off the floors. If they’re old enough to wield a brush, they can even help paint and take extra pride in designing their own living space. A semi-gloss finish is best for this project, especially in a younger child’s room that gets a lot of abuse. Clark + Kensington Enamel, $32 per gallon at Ace Hardware, was superb at resisting stains and scrubbing in our tests.

—Timothy Dahl 

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

Utility rebates for energy-efficient washing machines are an easy way to save money on a big purchase. So when the Southern California Gas Company announced a $200 rebate for the Whirlpool WTW4715EW, a $520 top-loader, Consumer Reports decided to put this unique washer to the test.

Unusual in Two Ways
To save energy heating the water, this Whirlpool uses only cold water for most cycles. That’s why the California utility offers that big rebate. (Heating hot water accounts for 90 percent of the energy a washer uses, according to Energy Star.) You can't do a warm wash with this machine, but hot water is available if you choose the heavy-duty cycle.

Whirlpool markets this appliance as a high-efficiency (HE) agitator top-loader. HE top-loaders usually don't have an agitator, which allows for a bigger capacity. HE top-loaders use a lot less water than agitator top-loaders and are better at extracting water, so dryer time is shortened, saving energy.

The agitator in the Whirlpool WTW4715EW eats up space, so it can handle about 17 pounds of laundry, compared with 28 pounds for the highest-capacity HE top-loaders. And this washing machine used 26 gallons of water to wash our 8-pound load. That’s about twice as much water as many of the HE top-loaders we tested. Odd that a washing machine that uses so much water is promoted with rebates to residents of drought-ridden California.

So How Good Is This $520 Washer?
Our tests use the normal-wash cycle with warm water and the heavy-soil setting. The Whirlpool WTW4715EW can use only cold water when set to the normal wash cycle, so cleaning in our tests was just fair, and some stains remained, says Emilio Gonzalez, the engineer who oversees our tests of washers and dryers. "To get the best performance of any machine, use a highly rated laundry detergent," he advised.

This washing machine wasn’t so gentle on fabrics and was noisy. But it was one of the most energy-efficient agitator washers we tested. “While it doesn’t extract as much water as a typical HE top-loader, which trims dryer time and saves energy, it uses negligible amounts of hot water,” Gonzalez says. Wash time was 50 minutes.

You’ll find this Whirlpool in our Ratings of of agitator top-loaders.

Top-Loaders to Consider

Agitator Top-Loaders

• GE GTWN5650FWS, $650

High-Efficiency Top-Loaders

• Samsung WA48H7400AP, $900
• Samsung WA52J8700AP, $1,000
• Samsung WA56H9000AP, $1,100
• Samsung WA52J8060AW, $900
• Kenmore 28132, $800
• Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500DW, $1,000
• Maytag Bravos MVWB855DW, $1,050

More choices. When you check our washing machine reviews, use the filter to narrow your choices by price and brand as well as by test results and features. And be sure to check our exclusive brand reliability information to find out what more than 115,000 people have to say about washing machine brands.

Email me questions at kjaneway@consumer.org. 

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

Not all the asphalt cracks and potholes in your driveway need the skills of a pro, especially when you can have your pick of blacktop patch products that are designed for those very small jobs. What’s more, these driveway repair products typically cost a fraction of the price of professionally applied hot asphalt. Consumer Reports tested seven different brands of blacktop patch and found significant differences.

Do-it-yourself blacktop patch, like hot asphalt, consists of small stones (aggregate) coated with a binder. Where it differs from the professionally applied stuff is that you pour it into a hole from a bag or bucket and then compact it—any time of the year. You can do this driveway repair using a tamping tool or any heavy object with a flat bottom, such as the end of a 4x4 post. You can also run back and forth over the spot with your car.

What We Tested

• Aquaphalt Permanent Pothole Repair (55-lb.), $42.99
• EZ Street Asphalt Premium Cold Asphalt (50-lb.), $16.56
• Perma-Patch Permanent Pavement Repair Patch (60-lb.), $33.06
• QPR High Performance Permanent Pavement Repair (50-lb.), $11.88
• Quikrete High Performance Blacktop Repair No. 1701 (50-lb.), $12.29
• Sakrete All Weather Blacktop Patch (60-lb.), $13.49
• Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch Permanent Pothole Repair (50-lb.), $12.55

One driveway repair product we tested, the Aquaphalt Permanent Pothole Repair, requires that you wet its binder (to activate the adhesive) before compaction. This product is the only one among those we tested that comes in a choice of different aggregate sizes (four between 4 and 12 mm). The smaller sizes are best for smooth surfaces or smaller holes; the larger, for wider, deeper holes or base layers. We tested the 6 mm, a roughly average size.

How We Tested

Over the past few months, we created potholes on a stretch of pavement at our Yonkers, New York, headquarters using a series of square wooden forms. Following the instructions for each blacktop patch, we filled the forms with the seven products. We then drove over them every day, let them weather for a week, and then tested them for resistance to shear—how well they withstood the wheel of a stationary car spinning over the patch, as it would if skidding. We also tested for resistance to penetration using a rounded probe, trying to simulate a point load such as a caster or the foot of a chair. We did this twice, a month apart, to check whether longer weathering improved durability. One check we were unable to make, given the season, was resistance to freezing and thawing.

How They Performed

The Aquaphalt, which costs about three times more than the others, was the best performer. It’s easy to use and the top choice of all the materials if your repair involves an edge or having the material built up into a curb. The choice of four different aggregate sizes also lets you choose the best size for your particular driveway repair. Aquaphalt was the most resistant to shear, with just surface discoloration as its coating was removed beneath the car’s turning tire, and it best resisted penetration from a probe.

Next best was the Sakrete Cold Patch, which was also easy to use, though it was a little less resistant to shear and penetration. It wasn’t as good as the Aquaphalt at edge strength or for use in a built-up curb, but it was far superior to the other five driveway repair products in those applications.

The others were much less resistant to deformation under shear and to penetration. We suggest you consider them only if the material will be used on a part of the driveway that's just driven over and not in a section where you routinely turn your car around.

Bottom Line

None of these tested materials was as strong as hot asphalt, a truly permanent driveway repair that requires a paving company and which might be a better long-term choice. Still, if you’d like to do some repairs before replacing a driveway altogether, these materials could prolong its life.

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

New appliances often come with time-saving options—ways to speed up cooking and doing laundry. With irons, the best time saver is plenty of steam. Even the worst irons Consumer Reports tested can remove stubborn wrinkles, eventually. But a hot iron that delivers lots of steam does it faster.

Of the more than three dozen models in our steam iron Ratings, 10 excelled at steaming. The bottom-scoring irons emitted little steam. We also test for ironing quality, which includes noting the temperature consistency, how well an iron removes wrinkles, and how easily the iron glides across fabrics. Our ease-of-use tests find out how easy it is to fill and empty the iron and to see water levels, markings, and more.

When you’re shopping, pick up the iron to get a feel for it. Some aren’t ideal for large hands, while other irons are heavy. You’ll see weight noted in the Features & Specs tab in our steam iron Ratings.

Steam Features

These convenient features are on many of the irons in our tests and noted in the Ratings.

• Steam surge or burst-of-steam button provides an extra blast of steam to tame tough wrinkles. This feature is especially handy if you often press linen or heavy fabrics such as denim.
• Steam gauge or adjustable steam lets you adjust the amount of steam or shut it off. Most irons have an anti-drip feature that is meant to prevent leaks when you steam at lower settings.
• Vertical steaming allows you to use the iron in an upright position to remove wrinkles from hanging garments and to freshen up drapes.

The Steamiest Irons

These scored excellent in our steaming tests and were very good or excellent in our ironing tests. They appear in descending order based on overall test scores. All have auto shutoff. This safety feature turns off the iron when it’s motionless after a bit, sensing that you’ve forgotten a hot iron is on.

• Rowenta Steamforce DW9280, $140
• Panasonic Nl-W950A, $100
• Kenmore 80598, $75
• T-Fal FV4495 Ultraglide, $45, CR Best Buy
• Singer Expert Finish EF, $60
• Rowenta Effective Control DW2070, $50, CR Best Buy

Not-So-Steamy

These irons scored poor in steaming, so they took longer to get the job done, and have low overall scores. The Continental does not have auto shutoff.

• Sunbeam GCSBCL-212, $30
• Continental CE23111, $15
• Sunbeam Classic GCSBCL-317, $25

For all the details see our steam iron Ratings, and our steam iron buying guide highlights features you’ll want to consider.

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

Even if you’re not entertaining for the holidays, you probably don’t like spending more time in the kitchen than you have to. That’s what Consumer Reports readers told us in a recent survey. A few cleanup tricks can speed you through a weeknight meal, and if you adopt good habits now you’ll be ready to face the aftermath when you host your next dinner party. Here are some ways to make cleanup a bit less laborious:

Get organized

Precious minutes are lost looking for misplaced items and uncluttering countertops so that they can be used for meal prep. Try to put things close at hand. Cutting boards and sharp knives belong near the food-prep area. Check your cleaning supplies, make sure you have some stain removers on hand, and stock up on paper towel (Bounty DuraTowel was tops in our tests).

Clean as you go

When preparing your meal, wash dishes, cutting boards, knives and other equipment as you go. Don’t stack dirty dishes or glasses on the counter; put them in the dishwasher immediately. Rinse wine glasses and put them aside to hand wash at another time.

Choose a speedy dishwasher

The downside of more water- and energy-efficient machines is a cycle time that can approach 3 hours. Some models are quicker, such as the $700 Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC, $730, which took a relatively brisk 95 minutes in our tests; a 30-minute cycle works for lighter loads. Many dishwashers offer a shorter cycle.

Skip the pre-rinsing

Most modern dishwashers can handle a load of dirty dishes. You’ll save time, and you could reduce your household’s annual water consumption by as many as 6,500 gallons.

Let all-purpose cleaners settle in

Manufacturers of these products often make “spray and wipe” claims. But based on our tests, letting them sit for a few minutes results in better cleaning power, which could save you time in the long run. Our top-rated spray cleaner is Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner. But our top-rated cleaner overall, Pine-Sol Original liquid, was the only one that didn’t leave streaks behind on a mirrored surface.

Clean smoothtops quickly

Cleanup is easy with smoothtop cooktops. But food that contains sugar, such as tomato or caramel sauce, can bond with the glass if you let it cool. So clean up spills right away. For routine care, use a cleaner made especially for smoothtops. Cerama Bryte and Cooktop Magic combined value and performance in our tests.

Consider a small vacuum

Small vacuums can’t deliver the deep carpet cleaning of a regular vacuum, but they’re perfect for collecting cereal, crumbs, and other surface debris from the kitchen floor. Tops in our tests was the Shark Pet Perfect II SV780, $60, hand vacuum. Our two top stick vacuum picks are Dysons, which cost $300 and $400. So you may want to consider the Shark Rocket HV302, $180. Or consider a robotic vacuum. We’re in the process of testing new ones, but the Neato XV-21, $400, made our list of picks. And watching it work can liven up any party.

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.