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Best Ranges for Entertaining

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Best Ranges for Entertaining

Tradition might be the byword this holiday season, but when shopping for a range you’ll want the latest and greatest. Many innovative, timesaving features are borrowed from restaurant kitchens. High-power burners put out fast heat, convection fans trim cooking time by circulating the oven’s hot air, and induction rangetops provide fast heat and precise control. 

Electric smoothtop freestanding ranges still win the popularity contest. But if you entertain often or cook multiple dishes at once, you might step up to a double-oven range. For a built-in appearance, consider a slide-in range that rests on a countertop; the controls are up front, so there’s no rear panel to hide your beautiful backsplash.

We’ve rounded up the best ranges for entertaining from Consumer Reports' range tests. They offer generous capacities and features that speed up cooking. Look online for great deals. 

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

For avid entertainers

These ranges offer fast cooktop heat, impressive or superb simmering, and a large oven that was impressive or excellent at baking. They have a convection option that trims the cooking time of some foods—read your manual as it takes some practice. The $2,000 LG LDG4315ST gas range pairs a smaller top oven with a larger oven below. Among electric smoothtops, the $1,800 LG LDE4415ST has a smaller top oven and a bigger oven below. The $1,000 LG LRE3023S has a single oven. Induction ranges are expensive, but at $1,700, the top-rated Kenmore 95073 is among the least expensive in our tests. 

Best at baking

These ranges were impressive or excellent overall, but they stand out because they have large ovens and were excellent at baking. They turned out evenly browned cookies and cakes when baked on two racks simultaneously without our moving the pans to different racks or rotating them to get impressive results. Among gas ranges, the top-rated Samsung NX58F5700WS, $1,600, has seven oven rack positions. The $1,100 Kenmore 95052 electric smoothtop has six.

Splurges

Impressive or superb overall, these ranges also have lots of style and features. The $2,500 Samsung NX58H9500WS gas slide-in is loaded with style and has a warming drawer. So does the $2,800 GE PGS920SEFSS gas slide-in and it was excellent at baking. Note that slide-ins have their controls up front. The $2,800 GE Cafe CS980STSS electric smoothtop also has its controls up front, aced baking, and boasts a warming drawer. The $3,600 Samsung NE58H9970WS induction slide-in is part of Samsung's stylish Chef Collection and is loaded with extras, such as virtual flames. And if what you really want is a pro-style range, then you'll be happy to hear we test them too. See our range Ratings for details.  

Bargains

Who says you have to pay a fortune to get a range that offers fast cooktop heat, impressive or superb simmering, and a large oven that was impressive or excellent at baking? Consider the $700 Kenmore 74132 gas range, the $800 LG LRE3083SW and the $700 Frigidaire FFEF3018LW electric smoothtops. And for $430 the Kenmore 94142 electric coil top was the best of its bunch. It even comes in stainless, as many ranges do, which ups the price by $100 or more. 

See our range Ratings  for all your choices and check the brand reliability information to see what over 6,000 people had to say about the brand they bought. Email questions to kjaneway@consumer.org. 

—Kimberly Janeway

Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide

For more tips and tricks see our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. It's loaded with ideas for holiday gifts that were excellent performers in Consumer Reports' tests.

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

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Mattress Firm and Sleepy's Are New Bedfellows

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Mattress Firm and Sleepy's Are New Bedfellows

Mattress Firm, the country's largest mattress retailer, agreed to buy Sleepy's, the second largest, resulting in a coast-to-coast network of about 3,500 mattress stores. Between them the two had already bought up Sleep Train, Mattress Discounters, and 1800mattress. All five sellers now fall under one management.

Mattress Firm’s 2,000-store national presence was spotty in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states, while in recent years Sleepy’s 1,000-store network had spread from its New York base to Chicago and the Carolinas. The combined company will cover every state except Wyoming and Hawaii.

It’s too soon to know what benefits the merger may offer consumers. However, in past surveys of our online subscribers, Mattress Firm fared just slightly better than Sleepy's. In mattress store Ratings based on 6,105 shopping experiences between 2011 and mid-2013, Sleepy’s received some of the lowest scores in overall satisfaction, with so-so grades for quality, service, and selection. Mattress Firm fell closer to mid-pack, with better scores for service. Sleep Train did better still.

We are in the process of collecting new data for our mattress store Ratings and will post the results this coming spring. In the meantime, check out our Ratings of 48 mattresses including innerspring, memory foam and adjustable air. Our buying guide will help you narrow your choices.

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

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10 Top High-Tech Gifts for Homeowners

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10 Top High-Tech Gifts for Homeowners

Pretty soon we’ll all be monitoring our homes from smart devices that enable us to turn lights on and off, adjust the temperature, and start the washing machine or dryer. And then we can put up our feet and watch robots vacuum the floor. Robots and Wi-Fi enabled thermostats, locks, and generators are just some of the smart appliances that Consumer Reports tested this year. And we have to admit, most of them were pretty cool. Perhaps just the thing for the gadget lover on your list.

Thermador CIT36XKB induction cooktop, $5,000

This 36-inch induction cooktop is the first of its kind and the most expensive model in our cooktop tests. There are no set elements, just a smooth surface and a touchscreen. You can place a pot anywhere on the surface and it adjusts automatically to the pot's shape and size, accommodating up to four items—three can be large stockpots. If you move a pan to another spot the cooktop transfers the programmed setting originally selected. This cooktop delivered fast heat and superb simmering. And like all induction cooktops requires magnetic cookware. The touchscreen is fairly intuitive.

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

GE CT9070SHSS wall oven, $3,900

The most expensive of our wall oven top picks, this stylish GE Cafe 30-inch wall oven has two doors, known as French doors. It was impressive at baking and broiling and superb at self-cleaning. There's a touchpad for setting cooking time and two dials for setting temperature and mode. The convection option can cut cooking time on some foods and you can control the oven from your smartphone, which at that price you should.

Wemo slow cooker, $150

A smart slow cooker might sound like an oxymoron but there are times when having remote control of your slow cooker can come in handy. This year Crock-Pot, the brand synonymous with slow cooking, introduced the WeMo-enabled Smart Slow Cooker, the first slow cooker you can control and monitor from your smart phone. In our tests, the WeMo-enabled app was a bit tricky to connect to both our Samsung Android and Apple iPhone smart devices at first. But when we succeeded, we found that the smart Crock-Pot did a capable job of heating water and turned out a pretty nice beef stew. But so did the $30 and $40 slow cookers we’ve tested in the past. The new Crock-Pot does have several helpful features you might not see on basic models, including a roomy 6-quart capacity, cool-touch handles, and dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid.

Oregon Scientific Wireless BBQ/Oven AW131 meat thermometer, $40

With this handy meat thermometer you can join your guests in the living room while finishing the roast in the kitchen. The Oregon Scientific Wireless BBQ/Oven AW131 requires instructions for wireless setup, but once connected, it’s  easy to take a basic temperature and use safe meat presets. You can also set your own temperature alarm. On the plus side, the display screen is large and easy to read with automatic backlight. The only negative is that to use it, you have to turn on the transmitter and receiver even if you don't need the wireless alert. And while the transmitter takes the temperature it’s only displayed on the receiver.

Honeywell Lyric TH8732WF5018 thermostat, $280

Not since the Nest Learning Thermostat burst onto the scene three years ago has a programmable thermostat generated so much excitement. Honeywell clearly had its sights set on Nest with the design of the Honeywell Lyric TH8732WF5018. Both devices are a sleek, contemporary take on the round, manual dial thermometers of old. And they can be controlled from any smart phone. The key difference with the Lyric is its use of "geofencing" technology that can detect your smart phone when you get within a certain distance from home and turn the temperature up or down. Honeywell claims the innovation could knock about $125 off your annual energy bill.

Roomba 880 robotic vacuum, $700

While on the expensive side, there's no beating this Roomba robotic's ability to clean carpet surfaces and bare floors, including edges. You can set a different program for each day. And as with the other robotics we tested, it includes a quick-setup guide. On the minus side, we found programming a challenge, and we needed to clear cat hair from the brush. Still, this robotic is a winner overall. For less money but comparable cleaning power, consider the iClebo Arte YCR-M05 robotic vacuum for $450, a CR Best Buy.

Dyson AM09 space heater, $450

It costs more than most space heaters, 10 times as much as some in our tests, but with its sleek design and operation the Dyson AM09 doesn’t disappoint. It earned top marks in our tests and was just as good at spot heating, warming just you, or heating an average-size room. Its safety features are top notch and it was easy to operate, especially if you use the remote. A bonus is that  you can turn the heat off and still use it as a fan.

Schlage Camelot touchscreen deadbolt BE469NX-CAM, $200

This connected door lock can be used with a standard key, a touchscreen keypad, or operated remotely from a smart phone or by using a Z-wave compatible home automation or security device. In our door lock tests, we tried to defeat it by kicking in the door, picking the lock, and drilling it. It was excellent at resisting kick-in, very good at resisting picking but poor at resisting drilling—as were all but two of the dozens of locks in our tests. You can customize codes for different members of the family or to allow entry to a repairman. And the lock features a graduated set of alerts that let you know if someone has opened the door, tampered with the lock, or attempted a forced entry.

Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU, $1,500, and
Whirlpool Duet WEL98HEBU
, $1,500

Sometimes you don’t feel like running up or down stairs to see whether your clothes are done. This matching washer and dryer pair has apps that let you track your laundry’s progress while you’re doing other things and even turn the machines on or off. The dryer is also among those with a duct-blockage indicator, which the manufacturer says improves lagging performance and efficiency and helps prevent dryer fires. Both made out list of recommended washers and dryers.

Generac Mobile Link, $280

Having a stationary generator doesn’t guarantee you’ll have power. You still need to regularly check the LCD screen on the unit to ensure that the machine is working and isn’t displaying any service-needed messages. But you can’t always be home to do that. Mobile Link is one of a few products that can e-mail or text you or a servicing dealer if a problem arises during the generator’s periodic self-check. Service after the first year is $12.50 per month or $100 per year. Among stationary generators it works with are two that we recommend: the 7-kilowatt Generac 6237, a CR Best Buy at $2,250, and the 13-kW Generac 6241, $3,500.

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

Holiday Gift Guide

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

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

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What's in Those Holiday Coffee Drinks?

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What's in Those Holiday Coffee Drinks?

Starbucks just added a new offering to its menu of holiday coffee drinks—the Holiday Spice Flat White, which has 240 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 30 grams of sugars in 16 ounces. That’s more calories and sugars than you’d get in a Hershey's Bar. But what’s really surprising is that it’s one of the better seasonal options available at popular coffee chains.

To see just how much diet damage these drinks can do, we compared the nutrition numbers on a few 16-ounce holiday coffee drinks ordered straight off the menus with no customization at Caribou Coffee, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Dunkin' Donuts, Peet's Coffee, and Starbucks. And then our nutrition experts came up with some tips to help you turn them into more manageable indulgences.  

Make Them Healthier

While we can’t turn them into health foods, if you mix and match these tips, you can shave significant calories, fat, and sugars off your holiday coffee drink.

1. Downsize. Sounds obvious, but ordering a smaller size improves the drink’s nutritional profile while still giving you the flavor you’re craving. In some cases, it will drop the drink’s calorie count below 200. For example, a Short (8 ounces) Gingerbread Latte at Starbucks clocks in at 180 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 20 grams of sugars. A small drink is still a treat, but it’s one that’s a lot easier to work into your diet.

2. Swap in nonfat milk. It won’t help you cut the sugars, but it will trim calories and fat. For example, at Dunkin’ Donuts, where the default milk is whole, you save 150 calories and 9 grams of fat on a 16-ounce Peppermint Mocha Latte by switching to skim. (At Caribou, Peet’s, and Starbucks, you get 2 percent milk if you don’t specify.) This trick won’t help at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, though; all the flavored drinks are already made with nonfat milk. It also doesn’t work if the drink is created with a premade mix, as some of the eggnog lattes are.

3. Leave off the whipped cream. Not all coffee drinks come topped with whipped cream, but skipping it on the ones that do can save you 80 to 150 calories and 7 to 14 g of fat.

4. Combine tips 1 through 3. It will make a real dent in the calories, fat, and sugars. For instance at Starbucks, a Short Caramel Brulée with nonfat milk and no whipped cream has 160 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 25 grams of sugars. That's 64 percent fewer calories and half the sugars of the original—and you completely cut the fat. The Holiday Spice Flat White drops to 100 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 17 grams of sugars when you order a Short with nonfat milk (it doesn’t come with whipped cream).

5. Skip the eggnog drinks. They have more calories, fat, and sugars than an equal size serving of actual eggnog. In fact, eggnog lattes were usually the nutritionally worst holiday coffee drinks in the chains we looked at that served them.

6. Switch the syrup. Although milk has about 12 grams of sugars per 8 ounces from the lactose that it naturally contains, the majority of the sugar calories in a lot of these drinks come from flavored syrup. Some of the chains offer sugar-free syrups for certain drinks.

For instance, you can order the Northern Lite version of the 16 ounce Caramel High Rise at Caribou—made with sugar-free syrup, nonfat milk, and nonfat whipped cream—and cut the calories by 40 percent and the sugars nearly in half compared to the original. If there isn't a sugar-free option, ask the server to use half the normal amount of syrup in your drink.  

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

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8 Products on Deep Discount in December

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8 Products on Deep Discount in December

This time of year you'll see plenty of deep discount signs in stores. You might think just about everything is on sale for the holidays. But Consumer Reports product research experts, who track prices all year long, have uncovered the items that are truly on deep discount in December.

So if your holiday gift list includes small or large appliances (from blenders and juicers to ranges and refrigerators), electronics (including camcorders, fitness trackers, and cell phones), bikes and other toys (including tablets for kids, plus cat and dog toys), we've got the shopping tips that will help you find the right models. If you're a subscriber, you can check our Ratings to find out which models did best in our lab tests.

1. Sales on Appliances

Both large and small appliances will be on sale this month. Many stores will slash prices on last year's inventory to make way for new models. Plus some appliances go on sale around most holidays; check out our list of 10 top-rated small appliances for $50 or less. Some shopping tips:

Become an expert. No matter what appliances you're in the market for, our buying guides will steer you to the right model for your needs and tell you what to look for in stores, whether you're looking for blenders, coffeemakers, dishwashers, food processors, juicers, ranges, microwaves, mixers, refrigerators, toasters, washing machines and dryers, and more.

Postpone your purchase. If you're not in a rush, prices should drop even more after December 25, though inventories are likely to be thin.

2. Steals on Wheels

The weather this time of year can make it tough to jump on your bike and go for a spin. Stir-crazy cyclists who find it's time to update or replace an old bike will find great deals in stores in December. Some shopping tips:

Zero in on the right type of bike. Start by reading our bike buying guide. And don't forget important accessories when you shop. Cycling shoes with cleats can increase your efficiency while pedaling, for example.  

Find the right helmet. It can provide lifesaving head protection in an accident. For more on that important piece of equipment, see our bike helmet buying guide and Ratings.

3. Camcorder Deals

Want some great video of your holiday celebrations? Although many of us take videos with our phones, in most cases you'll get better quality (due to better lenses) if you spring for a camcorder. Some shopping tips:

Check the type, size, weight, controls, and features. Decide on the type of HD camcorder you want to buy. If you want better quality and more options, consider a full-size model. If you need a smaller, more portable model or if you're an athlete or adventurer who loves to capture footage of yourself, then consider an action cam.

In the store, try different camcorders to make sure they fit your hand and are comfortable to use. Most camcorders are designed so that the most frequently used controls—the switch to zoom in and out, the record button, and the button for still photos—are readily at hand.

Drill down to the right model. Check out our camcorder buying guide. If you're a subscriber you can access our Ratings of camcorders to see which ones were tops in our lab tests, including each model's picture quality, audio quality, and battery life.

4. Price Cuts on Grills

It's the end of the grilling season in most areas of the country, so you can find deep discounts. Shopping online will likely be your best bet; you'll find more selection, and many free shipping offers. Some shopping tips:

Examine the burners. Burners are the most-replaced part. So look for high-quality stainless steel, cast iron, or cast brass burners, and a 10-year or longer warranty. Those with a long warranty should last longer than the plain steel burners in most grills.

See what the grates are made of. Stainless steel and coated cast-iron grates are best; such grates are sturdy and resist rust. Wide, closely spaced bars sear better than thin round rods.

For more shopping tips, read our grill buying guide. And, if you're a subscriber, you'll find the top performing grills in our Ratings.  

5. Reductions on GPS Devices

GPS prices have come down to the point where even budget units include features previously available only on more expensive models, such as the ability to speak street names, issue speed warnings, and provide reality view, graphically representing major intersections. Some shopping tips:

Where will you use it? If you often fly to new places and rent vehicles, or if you own more than one car, a portable GPS system might be the way to go, especially with prices for entry-level systems starting at less than $100. To help you decide, check our GPS buying guide and Ratings.

Check the local laws. States have been known to place restrictions on windshield mounts. Most manufacturers include a plastic disk that sticks to the dashboard to provide an alternative mounting location.

6. Discounts on Small Electronics

December is a good time to buy many small consumer electronics. As with many items you buy, deciding which ones are right depends on which type fit your needs and come with features that are important to you. Our buying guides can help; for example, we have one for Blu-ray players, E-book readers, and headphones, and a list of other electronics guides. Some shopping tips:

Give them a try. Make sure you'll be comfortable using the product. Look for displays that are easy to read and controls that are easy to use. For example, check out E-book readers' screen size. Measured diagonally, screens range from about 5 to 10 inches. A 6-inch screen offers a good combination of adequate size and moderate price for most people. It will be small and light enough to slip into a handbag or briefcase.

Consider online retailers, too. In recent years, the Consumer Reports readers we've surveyed who shopped online were more satisfied overall than those who shopped at a walk-in store. In fact, websites as a whole outdid walk-in stores for quality, selection, and price.

7. Lower Prices on Toys

Early holiday shoppers will find great sales on toys this month, although you may not find discounts on the hottest playthings. The right toy can make key developmental stages more fun—for your child and for you. Our toy buying guide can help you to find age-appropriate toys for your baby—and to learn what you can do to play up their important lessons.

Don't forget your pets. Our shopping and safety advice in our cat and dog toys guide will make the holiday more enjoyable for them, too. Some shopping tips:

Consider the classics. Don't overlook toys such as stackable plastic "doughnuts," shape sorters, building blocks, and interlocking plastic oversized beads for very young children. There's a reason that they've been around so long. For more clues about what toys your child might like, take note of what toys he or she gravitates to on play dates and/or at day care.

Tablets are likely on the list for older kids. Since the advent of the game-changing Apple iPad early in 2010, tablet computers have been one of the hottest electronics products on the market. Much as adults love them, though, children may just love them even more, as tablet-owning parents can verify.

So how do you choose the best tablet for your child? Here's our roundup of the best kids' tablets for the holidays. If you're a subscriber, see our Ratings of kids’ tablets.

8. TV Costs Drop

It's possible to find good TVs selling for a few hundred dollars, while others go for several thousand, and there are many sets that fall in between those extremes. Screen size, features, brand, and more affect the price. Our TV buying guide will help you get the most bang for your buck, no matter how much you want to spend. Subscribers should consult our TV Ratings before hitting the stores to make sure you get a set that performed well in our lab tests. The video below shows you how we test TVs in our labs. Some shopping tips:

It's hard to judge TVs well in stores. That's because TVs are usually set to a Retail or Store mode, which pumps up brightness and color to a level that looks great under fluorescent lights. And despite many improvements, most LCDs still have limited viewing angles. That means the picture looks best only from a fairly narrow sweet spot right in front of the screen. We recommend checking the viewing angle by watching a TV from off to the side, and from above and below the main part of the image.

And whatever you experience in the store, it's important to also check the viewing angle after you've set it up in your home. We suggest you do it immediately so you can easily return the set if it proves disappointing.

Shop where you'll get a price guarantee. Many retailers will match or beat a lower price from a local competitor, so go to the store with those prices in hand. Even after the sale, some stores promise a refund within a specified period of time, often 30 to 60 days, if they reduce the price of your TV within it or if you find the set selling elsewhere for less. There are usually restrictions, so check the details. Save your receipt and keep checking the ads even after you buy.

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

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Potato Latkes Face-off: Grater vs. Food Processor

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Potato Latkes Face-off: Grater vs. Food Processor

Eating latkes—aka potato pancakes—is the favorite part of Hanukkah for many people. But making them, oy vey (or not so much fun). While traditionalists love the taste of latkes made with a box grater, you can’t beat a food processor for speed, ease, and safety—and no scraped knuckles.  Consumer Reports has tested both graters and food choppers and processors, so here’s the news on whichever tool you choose.

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

By hand

In our tests of kitchen gadgets, we found three that will help with the latkes. For peeling potatoes, we liked the Kyocera Perfect Peeler, $18, which has a comfortable handle and sharp ceramic blade that adjusts to left, right, and center positions. The blade is horizontal. If you prefer the more familiar vertical blade, opt for the Oxo Good Grips Serrated Peeler. It only costs $8.

On to the shredding. Oxo Good Grips also makes an $18 box grater that our testers found convenient. It has multiple grating surfaces, a soft grip, nonslip base, and an optional storage container with measurement markings. Do you add onions to your latkes? Then opt for the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus DLC-2A, $40, a 3-cup chopper that combines very good value with solid performance.

By machine

The Breville BFP800XL/A, $400, aced our shredding and chopping tests, perfect if you shred half of the potatoes and then do a coarse puree on the other half with the metal blade. Plus its 16-cup capacity means plenty of latkes to go around. The Cusinart Elite Die-Cast, $300, also holds 16 cups and was very good at shredding in our tests.

A recipe for “Crispy Potato Latkes” by America’s Test Kitchen recommends “shredding the potatoes on the large holes of a box grater” and adds if you decide to use a food processor, make sure to “cut the potatoes into 2-inch lengths so you’re left with short shreds.” And may we add, don't forget to pass the sour cream and applesauce.

—Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman

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

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Best Small Appliances for Holiday Gifts

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Best Small Appliances for Holiday Gifts

Some of Consumer Reports’ top-rated small appliances carry big price tags so now’s a good time to look for holiday sales online or in the stores. As the holiday countdown continues, prices are bound to go down as well. Of course, you can also find some top-performing gems for a lot less as we recently reported in “Small appliances at Black Friday prices all year long.” Here are some of the best small appliances from our tests (prices are suggested retail).

Stand mixers

For those who have always coveted a stand mixer, consider one of the three KitchenAids on our list of top mixer picks, the Professional, the Classic, and the Artisan. We also recommend the Breville BEM800XL, $300. Another good choice is the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 6322[1], $180.

Blenders

Our four top blenders range in price from $200 to $650 with the Vitamix Professional Series 750, $650, taking the top perch. For the same price you can get the next best performer, the Blendtec Designer 725. But for hundreds less you can buy the Dash Chef Series Digital, $200, and add a pop of color to your countertop as well.

Pod coffeemakers

There DeLonghi single-serve coffeemakers have percolated to the top of our Ratings and range in price from $130 to $180 including the top-rated DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T. Joining them on the list is the Starbucks Verismo 600, $150. All four make a good cup of Joe but you may want to make your selection based on the type of coffee you prefer as they all use proprietary pods.

Toaster ovens

Breville also won the top spot in our toaster oven tests with its Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL, $250. Another good choice is the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P, $150, which is the revived version of a fan favorite discontinued in 2006. It’s speedy and also makes good toast. Joining them on the list of top toaster oven picks are models from Cuisinart and another Breville.

Juicers

Our top-rated juicer is the Juiceman JM8000S, $100, but we’ve seen it on sale for less, which makes it even more of a bargain. Another pick from our  juicer tests is the Kuvings Whole Slow B6000, $430, an auger-type juicer that is a good choice for nutrition nuts because it leaves more pulp behind.

Food processors

Again, Breville sits atop our Ratings with the Breville BFP800XL/A food processor, $400, but it’s joined on the list of top picks by four Cuisinarts, a name almost synonymous with food processors. They range in price from $170 to $300. And don’t overlook the Oster Versa 1100 Series Performance, which at $150 is the lowest priced of all our picks.

Where to buy small appliances

In a Consumer Reports’ survey of subscribers who made almost 32,000 appliance purchases last year, Amazon.com was given top marks for selection, quality, service, checkout ease and shipping, and the prices were considered very good. Almost as satisfying were shopping experiences at QVC.com, although readers gave Amazon better marks for selection.

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

Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

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

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5 Best Wireless Speakers Under $300

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5 Best Wireless Speakers Under $300

Wireless speakers are becoming household essentials for many music lovers, especially at this time of year when holiday parties are fueled by tunes stored on smartphones or laptops, or streamed from services such as Spotify and Pandora. There are very good models available for under $300, bringing wireless speakers into range as holiday gifts. So, whether you and your shopping-list headliners are looking to blast out “We Are the World” or get mellow with Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” we can recommend the best wireless speakers for your budget and taste. The music will sound much better than it would if you were playing through the tiny speakers on your phone or laptop.

Marshall Kilburn, $300

If you’re a guitar enthusiast, you’ll quickly recognize the product design on this speaker from the company’s renowned line of guitar amps. What makes this speaker stand out is that it’s easier to use than most models in our Ratings. Each of the three most prominent controls (for volume, bass and treble) on the top of the unit has a nice, tactile feel to it. The speaker also has two buttons that make it easy to change audio sources and for Bluetooth pairing. We particularly liked how all the controls were clearly labeled and were easy to access. And the speaker has good audio quality.

Sony SRS-X77, $250

This elegant-looking wireless speaker has touch-sensitive buttons on top, a metal mesh grille on the front, and brushed aluminum side panels. The speaker is both Apple AirPlay- and DLNA-compatible. (Airplay works primarily with iOS devices and DLNA works with Android and PC-based devices. Both let you wirelessly access content located on one device, like a smartphone or tablet, to play on another.) You can touch your speaker with most Android smartphones or tablets, using NFC to link the two via Bluetooth. Or connect to the speaker via an Ethernet line. We found the speaker to have good audio quality.

Sony SRS-X55, $180

Although it’s cheaper than many portable wireless speakers, this Bluetooth-compatible speaker still produces good sound quality. We found it very easy to use—for instance, the touch controls are large and simple to spot. The volume is clearly marked and the source selector is easy to find on top of the unit. And the device is versatile, offering analog audio inputs as well.  

Denon HEOS 1 w/ Go Pack, $300

This wireless speaker from Denon stands out for its intriguing hexagonal-shaped design. But it's not just about looks: The HEOS 1 delivers good sound quality. It can join a Wi-Fi network or get its music through a DLNA connection. The Go Pack accessory is a combination battery-and-Bluetooth adaptor that makes the speaker a travel companion. But if you want to use this speaker only at home(without the Go Pack accessory), you can save $100. 

Logitech UE Megaboom, $300

Unlike many speakers, which look boxy and black, this long, artfully designed Bluetooth stereo speaker comes in four colors. We found it easy to use and it delivers good sound quality. Another nice extra is that the manufacturer claims it’s waterproof, so you won’t have to worry if you want to listen to your tunes by the pool next summer. If you stand it upright, the speaker is tall and thin and doesn’t take up a lot of room on a tabletop.

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

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Pro-Style Ranges That Produce Amateur Results

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Pro-Style Ranges That Produce Amateur Results

At Consumer Reports we buy every range we test. So we know what it’s like to pay big money for pro-style ranges. We recently bought the $4,600 Viking RVGR33015BSS and the $3,600 Blue Star RCS36SBSS ranges. We don’t rate them on style—that’s for you to decide—but we do review them on how quickly they delivered cooktop heat, and how well they simmered, baked, broiled, and more. Here’s what we found.

Blue Star RCS36SBSS, $3,600
Five of the six burners on this 36-inch gas range are high power. The Blue Star RCS36SBSS, above, wasn’t the fastest at delivering heat to bring our 6-quart pot of water to a near boil. Simmering was poor. This range was unable to simmer tomato sauce using a high-power large burner set to low. The oven is big but fair at baking although good at broiling. And it doesn't have a self-cleaning feature. Overall, this range was among the lowest-scoring 36-inch pro-style models in our Ratings. 

Viking RVGR33015BSS, $4,600
Three of the five burners on the Viking RVGR33015BSS 30-inch gas range (shown above) are high-power and delivered fast heat. Simmering was superb. We measure usable oven space and found the oven to be small. Baking was only fair, meaning cookies were not evenly browned when baked on two racks simultaneously, and the same for cakes. Broiling was good, and self-cleaning was fair. Overall, this range was among the lowest-scoring 30-inch pro-style models in our Ratings. 

A few things to consider
When you’re thinking of spending thousands on a range there are some things you’ll want to consider. Through years of testing 30- and 36-inch- wide pro-style ranges we’ve found that they’re not the best ranges we’ve tested. Even though the ranges may look similar, features vary. Some have small ovens despite their width, typically 36 inches or more, and warranties differ. For more pros and cons, read "Some Pro-Style Ranges Look Better Than They Cook."

Shopping for a range?
See our full range Ratings first. In addition to pro-style ranges we test single and double-oven electric smoothtops, induction, gas, and dual-fuel ranges. They pair a gas cooktop with an electric oven.

Be sure to check our kitchen planning guide if your new range will be part of a remodel.

And if you have any questions about ranges, send them to kjaneway@consumer.org.

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

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Don't Let Pet Allergies Ruin Your Holidays

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Don't Let Pet Allergies Ruin Your Holidays

For people with pet allergies, holiday gatherings at homes with furry, four-legged animals can turn an otherwise good time into a nightmare of itchy, red, watery eyes, and endless bouts of sneezing.

Whether you’re the host with a pet or the person with allergies, there are things you can do to alleviate unpleasant symptoms and keep your focus on enjoying the company of friends and family, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and Consumer Reports experts.

If You’re Hosting People With Pet Allergies

Send your pet on a vacation. If possible, remove your pet from your home before you begin to clean and set up for your gathering, and for the duration of the event. If you cannot remove your pet, confine him or her to one room before preparations begin.

Clean, clean, clean. Pet hair can trigger allergic reactions, but the main culprit is actually proteins in pet dander, tiny flecks of shed skin that settle onto wood floors, rugs and carpeting, furniture, and clothing. To reduce allergen levels in the home vacuum thoroughly. Use a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, says the AAAAI. Vacuum rugs and carpets extra carefully, and don’t forget to vacuum drapes, couches, and chairs thoroughly, too. Check out the vacuum cleaners that were top dogs in Consumer Reports' pet hair tests.

Consider a room air purifier. Some research suggests that room air purifiers provide some benefit to pet allergy sufferers, though they seem to help most when they are used longe-term. Still, if you have an air filter it cannot hurt to place it in the main room where you'll host your guests.

Stock up on antihistamines. Your guests will appreciate it if they forget to bring their own. Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs says a good antihistamine to stock would be over-the-counter one such as cetir­i­zine (Zyrtec and generic), fexofenadine (Allegra and generic), or loratadine (Claritin and generic). Generic versions of all those drugs work just as well—and cost less—than their brand name counterparts, research shows.

If You Have a Pet Allergy

Be prepared. Don’t know whether a home you are visiting has a pet or not? Call and check with the hosts.

Use the right drug. In addition to an OTC drug such as cetir­i­zine, fexofenadine, or loratadine, also consider a steroid nasal spray like fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief) and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 HR). Research shows they are veryh effective at relieving congestion, sneezing, postnasal drip, and other allergy symptoms, and are now available without a prescription.

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

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Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Grandparents

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Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Grandparents

You put a lot of time and energy into finding that perfect gift for your loved ones, but shopping for grandparents isn't always easy. That's why we put together this list of recommended products that will bring a smile to their face. From a popular e-reader to a light-weight vacuum cleaner, grandparents will love the thoughtfulness and practicality of these gifts. 

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Kindle Paperwhite, $120

With its velvety case. sharp contrast, and super-crisp text, the Paperwhite is a welcome treat for anyone who takes pleasure in reading. The new typeface was designed for bookworms (hence the name Bookerly), and the character spacing and kerning engine has been upgraded, Amazon says. Spouses will love this gift, too, because the adjustable front light won't disturb their slumber. 


 


 

iClebo Arte YCR-M05, $450

Giving someone a vacuum for the holidays says “please clean the floors.” Giving someone a robot vacuum for the holidays says “please relax while the floors clean themselves.” In our tests, the iClebo Arte produced impressive results, especially on bare floors. It tends to move its charging base around while cleaning and it can wobble a bit when it goes from bare floors to carpets, but it was also quiet, simple to program, and easy to clean.

Check our vacuum cleaners buying guide and Ratings for more information.


 

Clear20 CWS100A Water Filter, $30

This budget-friendly carafe-style water filter does the job of built-in models at a tenth of the price. It was excellent in our tests at capturing lead and chloroform—a surrogate for organic compounds such as atrazine and benzene, as well as for particulates in water that give it a bad taste. One caveat: Some user reviews cite trouble connecting the Clear20 to their faucet, so an additional hose extension may be needed. 

Check our water filters buying guide and Ratings for more information.


 

Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind Bagless UH70120, $130

If happy holidays means never having to change messy vacuum bags again, this is a gift for you. This bagless upright offers impressive cleaning, lots of suction for tool attachments, easy maneuverability, and a retractable cord—all in a low-­priced, relatively light machine that weighs just 18 pounds. It also has a manual carpet pile­height adjustment, which better matches the brush to the carpet.

Check our vacuum cleaners buying guide and Ratings for more information.


 

Dyson AM09 Space Heater, $450

The AM09 space heater aced our tests for room and spot heating, and it’s better looking than most of its competition—admittedly a pretty low bar! Dyson stays cool to the touch, which helped it do well in our fire­-safety tests, and includes a remote so that you don’t have to stoop to turn it on. One quibble is the noise at higher settings.

Check our space heaters buying guide and Ratings for more information.

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

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5 Must-Have Range Features for Holiday Cooking

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5 Must-Have Range Features for Holiday Cooking

Now’s a good time to shop for a range, cooktop, or wall oven. As the holiday cooking and baking season heats up you'll see more sales. And while you’re saving money, look for features that save time and make cooking easier—they’re especially handy when hosting holiday gatherings and for marathon baking sessions. The cooking appliance experts at Consumer Reports put these five features on their wish list. (Be sure to check our kitchen planning guide if your new range will be part of a remodel.)

Expandable elements

Why you’ll like them: They add flexibility, allowing you to switch from a large high-power element to the small, low-power one within it, changing from fast heat to a gentle simmer, and from a skillet to a saucepan.
Electric ranges to consider: Many of our top picks have this feature, including the top-scoring smoothtop range, the $1,100 Kenmore 95052 and the LG LRE3083SW, $800.

Warming drawer

Why you’ll like it: Use the drawer to keep appetizers hot while the turkey finishes roasting in the oven, or put the sweet potato casserole in the drawer while the chicken cooks on high heat to give it that crispy, nicely browned finish. 
Electric smoothtop ranges to consider: The Kenmore 94242 and the Frigidaire Professional FPEF3081MF, each $900. Note that the top-rated Kenmore 95052 also has a warming drawer.
Gas ranges to consider: The top-rated Samsung NX58F5700WS, $1,600, and the Kenmore 74332, $925.

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Double ovens

Why you’ll like them: Roast a lemon-garlic turkey in one oven while apple pies bake in the other—different foods, different temperatures, and no crossover of aromas. Or use one oven for daily dinner but both when hosting family and friends. Many double-oven ranges pair a smaller top oven with a larger oven below, while some pair two same size ovens.
Electric ranges to consider: The $1,800 LG LDE4415ST was superb overall. 
Gas ranges to consider: The $2,000 LG LDG4315ST was tops. 

Convection

Why you’ll like it: It can speed up cooking by using one or more fans to circulate the oven’s hot air. Some ovens, usually electric, have an additional convection heating element. There’s a learning curve, so read your manual.
Electric smoothtop ranges to consider:
Many of the ranges called out elsewhere in this story have convection, such as the LG LRE3083SW, $800, and so does the Whirlpool WFE905C0ES, $1,000.  
Gas ranges to consider:
The Samsung NX58F5600SS, $1,000. 

Induction

Why you’ll like it: Offering precise simmering and control, induction uses an electro-magnetic field to heat pots directly. In our tests nothing was faster than the fastest induction burners, but we're talking 2 to 4 minutes faster to bring 6 quarts of water to a near boil. To learn more, read, "The pros and cons of induction."
Ranges to consider: The Kenmore 95073 $1,700, and the Frigidaire Gallery FGlF3061NF, $,1800.  

More choices

See our full ratings of rangescooktops, and wall ovens for all the test results and features. Use the filter to narrow your choices and compare models by clicking the Features & Specs tab. Note the brand reliability information, and be sure to search online for great deals. Email questions to kjaneway@consumer.org. 

Kimberly Janeway (@CRJaneway on Twitter)

Holiday Guide

For more ideas and inspiration, see our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll also find dozens of top-rated gifts from Consumer Reports' tests of appliances, electronics and other seasonal gear.

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

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Kitchen Gear and Small Appliances for $100 or Less

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Kitchen Gear and Small Appliances for $100 or Less

With the prices of blenders, food processors, and coffeemakers bubbling up, it can be difficult to find an affordable gift that you know will perform reliably. Fortunately, Consumer Reports has scoured the marketplace and found some top-notch kitchen gear that won’t bust your budget. Here are 12 top picks from our tests for $100 or less. Still too much?  Then check our earlier story on "Small appliance gifts for $50 or less."

Cuisinart PerfecTemp DCC-2800 drip coffeemaker, $100

This Cuisinart drip coffeemaker is the plain cousin to one that costs twice as much and is decorated with Swarovski elements. But this one was also a gem in our tests. First, it's one of the only models that can brew a full 14 cups. Brew performance was top-notch matched by a carafe we found easy to handle. It's programmable, with both a small-batch setting and brew-strength control.

Cuisinart CPT-440 4-slice toaster, $100

This 4-slot Cuisinart toaster turned turn out evenly browned toast, batch after batch. It was very good at toasting at a range of lights and darks—ideal if your family or guests have different preferences. It also aced toasting a single slice, leaving it nicely browned and not overdone. Special features include settings for bagels, warming and reheating, and defrosting. Its sleek stainless-steel housing and straightforward design should appeal to most tastes and it looks good on the countertop.

Oster TSSTTVMNDG toaster oven, $80

Oster is known for making inexpensive small appliances that often perform well, and this toaster oven is another example of that. It proved particularly adept in our tests at baking and broiling, and it's roomy enough to accommodate a 4-pound chicken. It's not quite as easy to use or keep clean as models that cost more, due to its fairly basic design. But if value is your top concern, this Oster is definitely worth a look.

Breville Control Grip BSB510XL immersion blender, $100

Breville's immersion blender beat out other models in our tests by a sizable margin. It was superb at blending frozen fruit and yogurt for a smoothie, and it also did a great job in our soup puree test. It comes with chopper and whisk attachments as well as a separate beaker.

Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004 food chopper, $60

This 2.5-cup chopper is part of the Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004, which also includes a blender container, as well as a mid-sized processing bowl. So you’re getting a lot for your money. The chopper aced our grating test and was very good at chopping and pureeing. The Ninja features a top-mounted motor that you push down to operate.

KitchenAid Architect KHM7210 7-speed hand mixer, $80

KitchenAid’s 7-speed hand mixer delivers superb power for folding chocolate chips into stiff cookie dough. It's also very good at whipping, for example when you're beating egg whites for meringue. In terms of features, we like this model’s easy-to-clean wire beaters and its separate whisk attachment. On the downside, it lacks the slow-start option that prevents splatters and it doesn’t come with a dough hook.

Ginsu Chikara kitchen knives, $75

For some, the name Ginsu is synonymous with hammy 1970s-era infomercials, but this a serious cutlery company. Its 8-piece set offers incredible value, providing the cutting performance and handle comfort of knives costing three and four times as much. The set includes a chef’s and santoku knife, but not a slicer.  

Swiss Diamond Classic 10-inch frying pan, $90

This 10-inch Swiss Diamond nonstick frying pan was very good overall. Food cooked evenly and when the pan was new, food released easily. This pan was very good at withstanding our nonstick durability test in which steel wool is rubbed over a pan for up to 2,000 strokes. The handle is sturdy and stays cool to the touch. Cleanup was a snap. The pan is made of aluminum and comes with a lifetime warranty.

CDN ProAccurate TCT572 meat thermometer, $80

This instant-read thermometer is simple and easy to read with large digits and a folding probe. A backlight can assist in low light. The thermometer notes minimum and maximum temperatures and after using was a cinch to clean.

Singer Expert Finish EF steam iron, $60

This iron was superb at ironing and delivers plenty of steam. It's the lightest of the recommended irons in our tests. The steam surge button releases a burst of steam when you need help removing stubborn wrinkles. The vertical steam feature lets you remove wrinkles from hanging garments and drapes. The soleplate is stainless steel and the ready light tells you when it's hot enough to use. There's a self-cleaning feature and the auto-shutoff turns off the iron when it's left stationary for a short time.

SPT SU-4010 large room humidifier, $75

This Sunpentown tabletop humidifier was good in overall performance, and is intended to humidify areas up to 500 square feet. Moisture output was excellent and it also gets top marks for convenience, noise level, energy efficiency, and its output with hard water. Daily output was 2.31 gallons.

Vornado AVH2 space heater, $100

In our tests, this space heater quickly heated a standard size room and also quickly warmed up an individual sitting in the room (spot heating). The heater is cool enough to touch during high heating and it’s safe around combustible materials such a drapes. We found the controls easy to use and the heater easy to move. The Vornado has a multiple speed fan that's pretty quiet.

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

Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide

Check Consumer Reports' 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.

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

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Washers That Handle Loads and Loads of Laundry

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Washers That Handle Loads and Loads of Laundry

If your washer is on the fritz and repairing it doesn’t make sense, start looking online for good deals. We’ve seen some nice surprises lately. Hosting holiday gatherings doesn’t allow much time for trips to the laundromat as baskets of tablecloths, towels, and clothes pile up. Here’s a list of some of the washers that were impressive or excellent at cleaning in Consumer Reports’ washing machine tests and have large capacities. 

Top-load agitator washer

High-efficiency top-loaders

Front-loaders

Our washing machine Ratings offer the details on how each washer did in our tests for cleaning, energy and water efficiency, capacity, gentleness of fabrics, noise, vibration, and cycle time. Features and specs are noted—some washers with jumbo capacities are wider than typical washers—and the brand reliability gives you a look at what over 115,000 people have to say about their washers.

Kimberly Janeway 

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

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The Best Way to Clean Your Best Linens

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The Best Way to Clean Your Best Linens

After a year in storage, your holiday table linens may be looking a bit dingy. If so, it’s time for a little laundry therapy with a top-performing detergent. And while you’re at it, make sure your towels and the bed linens in your guest rooms are washed and ready. To help, Consumer Reports talked to textile experts—including our own stain maven, Pat Slaven—for their advice on keeping washables in top shape all year round.

Napkins and tablecloths

Wash it right. If your napkins or tablecloth are stained, be patient and let stain removers sit 3 to 5 minutes, says fabric-care expert Steve Boorstein. After treating linens with a cleaning solvent, such as Shout or Zout, and machine washing, make sure that the stain is completely gone before you put the items into the dryer or iron them. (Otherwise, the heat of the dryer or the iron might permanently bake in the stains.) If traces of the stain linger after washing, soak in color-safe bleach before tossing it back into the washer.
No stain removers on hand? Make your own by daubing 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (that’s right, the stuff in your medicine cabinet—just make sure it’s a fresh container) directly onto the stain or try dousing the stain with a solution of 1 teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of water. After dinner, if your table linens have greasy stains, such as gravy, scrape off the excess and treat with FelsNaptha soap before washing. If the stain remains, hit it with the detergent cocktail above, followed by a solution of 1 tablespoon of household ammonia and ½ cup of water. And don’t put it in the dryer until the stain is gone.

Towels and terry robes

Wash it right. To get your towels really clean, use a sanitizing hot-water wash, Boorstein says. And promptly put them in the dryer after washing. Before you throw in the towel on stained towels or terry robes, wash—and rewash, if necessary—with chlorine bleach (if white) or with color-safe bleach (if colored). Place plush or terry cloth items in the dryer on the high temperature setting until they are completely dry. Add a few tennis balls to help keep them nice and fluffy.
Don’t do it! Never leave towels hanging around in a wet, warm washer, or bacteria—and bad smells—may start to take hold. And those can be tough to get rid of.
Storage tip. To save on closet space, Jan Caon Barlow, owner of Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners in Clio, Mich., recommends rolling towels instead of folding them. Or keep rolled towels on display in the bathroom in a basket. Keep folded towels in a neat stack on a closet shelf, with the folded side facing out, and arranged by color.

Bed sheets

Wash it right. Sheets get pretty dirty, so wash yours every week. Use a powerful hot water wash on cotton sheets to get them really clean. Dry on a high temperature setting. And don’t let them linger in there too long post-cycle; that allows creases to set in.
Don’t do it! To make sure bed linens get cleaned properly, don’t pack them in. A full load might be simply one queen set: fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases.
Storage tip. Fold them properly before you put them away to control wrinkles. If you don’t have an extra set of hands to help you fold, use a table to keep edges off the floor. To fold a fitted sheet, Barlow suggests folding in the elasticized pocket, then folding end-to-end like a flat sheet.

Comforters, quilts, blankets, and pillows

Wash it right. Some front-loading washers are large enough to accommodate king-sized comforters—and save you a trip to the laundromat. Because they have relatively little direct contact with your body and its soiling oils, comforters “don’t need a whole lot of agitation or a whole lot of time in the washer,” Boorstein says. If you’re using a top-loader, they do require a high water level because they’re bulky and need room to swish around. And use a powdered detergent—it helps keep the fill from clumping.
For pillows,
check the care label. You might be able to machine-wash them. (Hand-wash or professionally clean down and feather pillows.) Nancy Bock, vice president of consumer education for the American Cleaning Institute, recommends doing two at a time, if you can fit them in your machine. That helps balance the load and allows the water and detergent to move more effectively. For top-loaders, agitate only 1 or 2 minutes on a gentle cycle. To machine-dry down-filled items, use moderate heat and toss in a few tennis balls to keep the filling from clumping. The balls also keep the items from sticking to the walls of the dryer, Boorstein says. Periodically remove pillows during the drying cycle and fluff them. That helps prevent clumping and promotes even drying. Then put them back in until they’re dry.
Don’t do it! If you’re piling a blanket or comforter into a top-loading washer, spread the bulk around evenly—don’t bunch it up. “That tends to put a lot of wear and tear on the mechanics,” Boorstein says.
Storage tip. Loosely fold and stuff out-of-season down comforters in breathable polypropylene bags and keep them in a dry place.

Best detergents from our tests

—Adapted from ShopSmart

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

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Why Space Heaters Need Their Space

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Why Space Heaters Need Their Space

About 25,000 house fires and 300 deaths are attributed to space heaters each year, mostly caused when a heater is placed too close to curtains, bedding, or upholstered furniture. In addition, 6,000 people end up in the emergency room with burns from touching a heater’s hot surface. Here are the safety features to look for when buying a space heater and how to safely use one when you get it home.

Safety Features
Safety is an important aspect of our space heater tests. A heater that rates poorly on our fire safety test can cause cotton to ignite when operated on its hottest setting. Models that rate poorly on our hot surface test can get hot enough on the highest setting to cause burns. Heaters with a score of very good or excellent stay cool enough to safely touch. Here are safety features to look for:

Certification. Make sure the heater you buy carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organization, such as the UL mark from Underwriters Laboratories, the ETL label from Intertek, or certification from CSA International.
Shut-off features. A smart sensor that shuts off a heater when it overheats is a must. You’ll also want a tip-over switch that does the same if the heater is knocked over.
Ground fault circuit interrupter plug. Most space heaters do not come equipped with a GFCI plug, which prevents electric shock, so manufacturers warn that they not be used around water.
Sturdy cord. Most space heaters come with a cord that’s 6-feet long. Never use an extension cord with an electric heater.

Safe Operation
Half of all home heating fires happen during the months of December, January, and February. Our experts, as well as the pros at the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association, offer the following safety tips:

  • Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. They are intended to sit on the floor and not a table.
  • Establish a three-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater and never put a space heater in a child's room.
  • Keep the space heater at least three feet away from such combustible materials as furniture, bedding, and curtains.
  • Don't use a heater in a workshop or garage near paint, gas cans, or matches.
  • Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Unplug the heater when not in use by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Check the cord for damage periodically and don’t use it if it’s frayed or worn.
  • Don’t plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the same outlet as the heater, which can cause overheating.
  • Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.

Looking for a Space Heater?

When choosing a space heater, think about what type of heat you’re seeking. If you just want to bathe yourself with heat, get a space heater that did well in our tests for spot heating such as the Dyson AMO5, $400, and the larger Honeywell HZ-980, $190. For heating an average-sized room consider one of the four that did best in the room heating tests, including the Vornado TVH600, $200, the Vornado ATH1, $130, the Heat Storm Sahara, $200, and the larger Heat Storm Logan, $200. Our top-rated space heater, the Dyson AM09, $450, aced both tests as did the Heat Storm Mojave, $160, and the DeLonghi DCH1030, $42, a CR Best Buy.

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

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Top 5 Gifts for Dad

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Top 5 Gifts for Dad

He's been your go-to guy for as long as you can remember. We know the importance of giving a great gift to the guy who has given you so much over the years. That's why we want to help you find the perfect gift for dad this holiday season. We've put together a list of some of the best products we tested this year, including a robotic mower, top-quality grill, fitness, tracker and more. 

Worx Landroid WG794, $1,000

Mow the lawn from a lawn chair? The Worx offered the best cutting performance of all the robotic mowers we’ve tested, especially on non­-hilly lawns. It’s also the easiest to use and set up. That’s important because if the grass grows too high, it’s time to pull out a regular mower. Like any robot mower, the cuts aren’t as neat as with a regular machine.

Check our lawn mowers & tractors buying guide and Ratings for more information.

Fitbit Surge, $250

What makes this fitness tracker so appealing? In addition to monitoring your heart rate and steps, it has a built­-in GPS to track your pace, distance, and speed. Much like a smartwatch, it also notifies you about text messages and phone calls, which lets you keep your phone in a purse or backpack when you race off to do errands.

Check our smartwatches buying guide and Ratings for more information.

Garmin nuvi 3597LMTHD [GPS], $330

You won’t find a better co­pilot. This Garmin tops our ratings for excellence in routing options, guidance, and ease of use. Up­to­the­minute traffic updates and historical data will help the family chauffeur avoid bottlenecks. The high-resolution 5­-inch glass display lets him “pinch and zoom” for a closer look at the map. And the Bluetooth hands-­free calling option pairs the device with a smartphone so that he can proudly announce the family’s imminent arrival on grandma’s doorstep.

Check our GPS buying guide and Ratings for more information.

LG G4, $480

The 2015 model earns kudos for its excellent 5.5-inch, quad-HD display and a very good 15.9-megapixel camera that allows a user to take still photos while shooting video. Other useful features on the Android 5.1 device include a removable battery, a memory card slot, a built-in infrared blaster to control TVs and cable boxes, and the ability to split its screen between two running apps.

Check our cell phone & services buying guide and Ratings for more information.

Weber Spirit SP-320 46700401 grill, $600

It’s never too early to splurge on your resident griller and give the gift of grilling joy. This mid-sized model has good looks, sturdy construction, and a 10-­year burner warranty. With enough cooking space for up to 28 burgers, this three-­burner grill is excellent at delivering low-­ and high­-heat evenness in our tests. An electronic igniter fires it up reliably and simply, and four casters make it easy to move around the patio. It’s also available in a natural­-gas version.

Check our gas grill buying guide and Ratings for more information.

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

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5 Easy Kitchen Updates for $250 or Less

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5 Easy Kitchen Updates for $250 or Less

After thousands of meals, your kitchen may be looking a little dingy and you may not have the $19,000 that the average homeowner spends on a kitchen remodel to fix it. Still, there are a few things you can do that’ll brighten your space until you have the money and time for a full refresh. Here are five kitchen updates that cost $250 or less. Why not try one this weekend? (Also see our Kitchen Design & Planning Guide.)

Consider a spot of color, $200

A few prominently placed bursts of bold color can work wonders by drawing the eye away from less attractive features. Pick furnishings like bar stools, small appliances, and accessories in bright shades, and don’t forget the often-overlooked kitchen window, an ideal place to add color and pattern.
Tip: For window treatments, be sure to buy machine-washable fabric, so you can periodically nix cooking grease or lingering smells. Look for deals in the remnant rack at the fabric store; instead of paying custom prices, use iron-on hemming tape and clip-on rings to make your own.

Install a focal-point fixture, $100

Choose one prominently located fixture, like the one over the kitchen island, and replace it with a show-stopper. Think bold color, an eye-catching design, or the sparkle of crystal. There are many online sources for light fixtures at reasonable prices (three great examples: lightinguniverse.com; lampsplus.com; progresslighting.com) but you might fare even better on Craigslist.org or by trolling local flea markets. Even if you have to pay an electrician to rewire a nonworking fixture, the price will probably still be right.

Add an island, $250

A custom-built island combines style and storage with a sometimes-hefty price. Save by opting for an unfinished or ready-to-assemble island and doing part of the work yourself. You’ll find a wide variety of doors, drawers, and countertops in different configurations, starting at around $150 at sources like unfinishedfurnitureexpo.com, amazon.com, or JC Penney.
Tip: Before you buy, make sure you have enough room to fit the island comfortably; you should have a 36- to 48-inch wide clearance on all four sides.

Update the hardware, $100

Installing new hardware is probably the simplest cabinet update. To avoid having to fill a bunch of screw marks, be sure to measure the distance between the holes after you remove the original hardware, and then choose new styles that match that size. There are plenty of places to buy new knobs and pulls, but you’ll find bargain prices in the hardware aisle (not the cabinetry aisle) of your local home center, online (try overstock.com), and at Ikea.

Paint high-impact areas, $100

You probably know that you can give old cabinets new life with a pretty new finish. But before you commit to what can be a painstaking project, especially if you’re hoping to transform your whole kitchen, think about focusing the power of color on a single area. Choosing an unexpected hue for one section—around the sink, say, or on an island, or both, can make a surprisingly big impact, with a lot less work than tackling an entire room of cabinets.

Top paint picks from our tests

When selecting an interior paint, you can’t go wrong by shopping at your local home improvement store. The best paints in Consumer Reports' tests are sold at Ace, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Here are the details.

Home Depot

Lowe’s

Ace Hardware

—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.

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Pink and Blue Are Pantone's 2016 Colors of the Year

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Pink and Blue Are Pantone's 2016 Colors of the Year

When Benjamin Moore named Simply White its color of the year recently, it caught many by surprise. Is white even a color? Let alone the year's hot color. Now, Pantone has chosen Rose Quartz and Serenity blue as their colors of the year. That’s right, actual colors. So Consumer Reports asked paint manufacturers and retailers to point us to the paint chips that best match this pastel pink and blue.

For 15 years Pantone, which markets itself as the global color authority, has announced a color of the year. This is the first time two colors, or more specifically, the blending of these colors, were selected. “The harmonious shades of the Pantone Color of the Year 2016 evoke feelings of calmness, well-being, and understanding,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, via email. “Only by combining the two shades do they perfectly reflect a feeling of wellness and comfort.” She expects consumers will see the pairing of Serenity and Rose Quartz in many product categories, including fashion, paints, bedding, and home accessories.

Which brings us to the home. The KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS stand mixer, which was a top-performer in our stand mixer tests, comes in Cornflower Blue, a color the manufacturer says parallels Pantone’s Serenity. And in July, KitchenAid will introduce stand mixers in Guava Glaze, a warm pink based on Rose Quartz. As for interior paints, we asked color experts who make the top-scoring interior paints in our tests to share the paint names that match Pantone’s Rose Quartz and Serenity.

Think Pink and Blue Hues

Here are the matching paint names from top paint retailers as well as recommended paints from our tests. Prices are per gallon.

Home Depot

Lowe’s

  • Pink: 1008-6C Delicate Pink Rose
  • Blue: 4005-10A Simply Periwinkle
  • Recommended paint: Valspar Reserve, $44

Ace Hardware

Benjamin Moore and independent hardware stores

How We Test Paint

For great results you want a paint that goes on smoothly and hides old paint well. So we test for that, along with how well the paint resists stains, scrubbing, gloss change, sticking, mildew, and fading. Our tests found that a brand's flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss paints performed similarly overall so we’ve combined the scores to make it easier for you to shop.

The best paints from our tests are self-priming and manufacturers claim they’re low in volatile organic compounds or lack VOCs—the noxious chemicals that can give paint an odor, cause headaches and dizziness, and are linked to smog and respiratory problems.

More Choices
Our interior paint Ratings include 25 products, from $17 Color Place from Walmart to $105 Farrow & Ball. The paint Ratings tell the whole story. 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.

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From Our Experts: Keep Your Snow Blower Running All Winter

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From Our Experts: Keep Your Snow Blower Running All Winter

An industry veteran before coming to Consumer Reports, Peter Sawchuk has tested outdoor power equipment and other products for us for 15 years. Still, with every new project he comes up with additional advice to pass along. We asked for some, and Sawchuk delivered.
 
Q. What mistakes have you seen homeowners make with their snow blowers?
A. Their biggest mistake is that they fail to siphon out or run dry last year’s fuel, so they have stale gas in the tank that, come summer, sits for months in a hot shed. This damages the fuel system and makes it hard if not impossible to start the machine when you need it. In season, add stabilizer to the gas before fueling up. The best practice is to add it while you’re at the pump. Store your fuel stabilizer right next to your gas can to remind you to take it with you when you go or, better yet, add the correct amount to the can first.

Another miscalculation is waiting until the first storm, rather than some time during the fall, to try to start the snow blower. When checking the machine, look for corrosion on the bolts. And be sure to stock up on extra shear pins (or bolts, depending on the model) in case they break in the middle of a job.

Homeowners often overlook if the tires are inflated properly. Single-stage models have hard-plastic wheels, but on two-stage models they’re pneumatic, like those on your car. Tires lose their air pressure when a snow blower sits over time, and in cold weather this can happen suddenly. Your tires may become soft or flat. Before the snow flies, check the recommended tire pressure; it’s usually 12-20 pounds per square inch, but it should be marked on the side of the tire. Add air and you’ll see better traction and handling. There’s no need to go to the gas station; all it takes is a bicycle hand pump.
 
Q. How do you care for your own snow blower?
A. I use ethanol-free fuel (such as TruFuel) throughout the season—it’s insurance that my machine’s fuel system will be fully operational, even if it doesn’t get much use during a light snow year.

Q. Snow blowers can be expensive. Any advice for making one last?
A. Unlike a lawn mower, a snow blower you maintain as recommended can easily last 20 years. A lawn mower is used 30 to 40 hours a year, with an expected life of about 150 hours. Snow blowers average less than 10 hours of use a year, with an expected life of more than 200 hours. So paying more for the features and performance that make the machine easier to use is worth it, because you’ll have the machine a long, long time.
 
Q. Any features you thought were silly—but now like?
A. I discovered that heated hand grips aren’t wimpy. I used to think so when I first saw them on a Bolens machine 35 years ago. The advice I heard: “Just try it.” I did, on a loaner machine, and was sold. When you’re clearing snow and squeezing those control levers, you tend to lose blood flow in your hands. The heated grips are mostly found on the more expensive models, but we’ve seen them on machines costing as little as $650.
 
Q. Lastly, got any cool snow-clearing tips?
A. You bet. Here are a few:
• Have up to 3 inches of dry, dusty snow on a walk or small deck? Try your leaf blower instead for clearing to the surface.
• For moist, heavy snow, spraying silicone or WD-40 on the scoop of a shovel keeps snow from caking up. This also works for snow-blower chutes, particularly metal ones, to reduce friction and clogging. And you might get more throwing distance.
• To keep two-stage snow blowers from leaving too much snow behind, adjust the skid shoes. These keep the auger housing’s scraper at the right height. Too low and it scrapes the driveway; too high and it doesn’t clear everything away. To set the height of the skid shoes, loosen them and put a section of corrugated cardboard under the scraper. Rest the snowblower on the cardboard and there will be a very slight gap beneath the scraper. Then tighten the bolts.

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

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