Dehumidifier sales pick up in March and April, for obvious reasons—spring showers giving way to sultry summer heat make for damp basements and humid living areas. If you’re in the market, don’t delay too long, since supplies of top-rated models can run out fast. Fortunately, Consumer Reports’ latest dehumidifier Ratings include more winners than ever, thanks to a new energy standard that’s made small and midsized models a lot more efficient. Here are the details.               

In the past, our advice has always been to go large with your dehumidifier selection, since models with a capacity of 60 to 70 pints per day did the job more quickly and efficiently than less expensive models with a capacity in the 20-to-40-pint range. But the new standard, which we’d been advocating, raises the efficiency of the devices by about 20 percent (it also uses the same standard for all sizes).

Based on our tests, which involve running the units in a climate-controlled chamber, manufacturers have managed the cutback without compromising performance. In fact, our top-scoring model is the 30-pint Sunpentown SD-31E, $200, which was excellent at sucking moisture from the air. It also has an extremely accurate humidistat and it’s one of the quietest models we tested, making it ideal for small living spaces that are prone to dampness. For even greater savings, consider the Danby DDR30A2GP, a $170 CR Best Buy.  

If you need to dry out a larger area or one that gets very wet, we still recommend choosing a larger dehumidifier. Besides running at maximum efficiency, 60-to70-pint models tend to have larger tanks, so you won’t have to empty them as frequently. Best of the bigs in our Ratings is the 60-pint Danby DDR60A3GP, $250, which features a built-in pump that can expel water to an elevated drainage location, such as a basement utility sink. On the downside, its fan runs continuously, adding to its noise and energy consumption. If that’s a concern for you, consider the 70-pint Frigidaire FAD704DWD, which performs well and alerts you when it’s time to clean its included air filter.

For medium-sized spaces, we like the 50-pint Frigidaire FAD504DWD, which earned solid marks across the board. A model to think twice about from that category is the Haier DE45EM-L. During testing, one of three samples had water overflow from its bucket, and we’ve seen similar complaints from online user reviews.

—Daniel DiClerico 

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Bathrooms have surpassed kitchens as the most frequently remodeled room in the house. Replacing the tile or fixtures calls for a professional but if you just want a new look, a coat of fresh paint can do the trick. Because bathrooms are exposed to moisture and high humidity, there are a few tricks to getting a good paint job, including using a paint that resists mildew. Here are some top contenders from Consumer Reports’ interior paint tests and some tips from our experts.

Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may want to paint it a lighter color to open it up or a darker color to add intimacy, according to the Paint Quality Institute. But whichever color you choose, make sure you pick the right paint and prep the room properly. Here’s how:

Pick the right finish. Interior paints come in flat/matte, satin/eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes. For a bathroom, satin or semi-gloss paints are a good choice. Semi-gloss paints, commonly used for trim, are generally the easiest to clean, and formulated to stand up to stains. But they reflect light, may highlight imperfections in the wall, and are more likely than satin to become dull when they’ve been scrubbed. If you’re painting an area that will be scrubbed a lot, or you’ve patched any cracks or have sheetrock seams you’d rather not accentuate, consider a satin finish.

Wash the walls. Whether you see it or not, mildew may be on your walls and can bleed through the new paint or prevent it from adhering properly, says our in-house paint expert Enrique de Paz. Before painting, clean the walls with  a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water and a regular sponge. Then rinse them with clean water and wait for them to dry completely before painting.
 
Use self-priming paint. With many of today’s paints, you can skip applying separate coats of primer and paint and use a one-coat self-priming paint. In our tests, many self-priming paints excelled in coverage in one coat. But don’t overspread the paint. If you use a roller, you should be able to cover about a 2-foot-square section of wall before dipping the roller again.
 
Protect areas you don’t want to paint. With all the nooks and crannies, small bathrooms can be a challenge to paint. Apply painter’s tape to the edges of areas you don’t want painted. In our tests, FrogTape’s Delicate Surface, $6 to $9 per roll, left a sharp line and was very easy to remove. Use a sash brush with a tapered tip. Unlike those on a flat brush, the bristles are cut at a diagonal, making the brush easier to control.
 
Apply, then let it dry. Regardless of some manufacturers’ claims, de Paz says you should give any newly painted bathroom a full 24 hours to dry before using the shower. Otherwise, the paint may become soft and run.
 
The results of our paint tests
In our tests of interior paints, we found several self-priming satin and semi-gloss paints that resist mildew and stand up well to scrubbing. Home Depot’s Behr Premium Plus Ultra Satin Enamel, $34, our top satin-finish paint, gets excellent scores for hiding and resisting finish changes from scrubbing. The Benjamin Moore Aura Satin did almost as well but costs twice as much—$68 a gallon.

Topping the semi-gloss finishes is Clark + Kensington Semi-Gloss Enamel, $33, sold at Ace Hardware, which got excellent scores for hiding and scrubbing. Next on the recommended list is Behr Premium Plus Ultra Semi-Gloss Enamel, $34, which did almost as well as its satin brandmate but didn’t go on quite as smoothly.
 
For more information about bathroom makeovers including the cost of different remodeling projects, see our guides to bathroom remodeling dos and don'ts and bathroom remodeling trends and costs.

—Artemis DiBenedetto

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

So much has changed about lightbulbs—they consume a lot less energy yet cost so much more than they used to—and they no longer all look the same. Take the new $10 Philips SlimStyle LED. It’s modern and sleek and is one of the lightest LEDs Consumer Reports has tested. Here’s a first look.
 
Replacing a 60-watt incandescent, the Philips SlimStyle A19 LED is shaped like a traditional incandescent except that it’s flat. While it weighs about half as much as the other LEDs we’ve tested that replace 60-watt incandescents, the SlimStyle is still twice as heavy as an incandescent.
 
Philips got rid of the heavy heat sink and tinkered with the thermal management, a crucial part since excessive heat buildup can shorten an LED’s life and a long life is why you buy an LED; the SlimStyle is meant to last nearly 23 years. Philips says its sleek design makes this LED ideal not only for table and floor lamps, but also pendants and sconce fixtures. It’s sold at Home Depot and on Homedepot.com.
 
In our initial tests the Philips SlimStyle was as bright as claimed (800 lumens), cast a warm yellow light, and used just 10.5 watts. We’ll continue testing it and report our findings, including whether this LED can provide all-around light—360 degrees—and how well it dims. Philips has submitted the LED for Energy Star certification, so while it’s $10 now, the Energy Star could bring utility rebates. Until then use our Ratings of LEDs and CFLs to find the best bulb for your fixture.
 
—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

It’s a sure sign of spring when you notice newspaper ads and circulars touting the latest in warm-weather necessities—lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, and other power equipment, gas grills, sheds, flowers and plants, and of course, outdoor furniture. If it’s finally time to replace your old and tired patio set or lawn chairs, don’t discard those circulars! Be alert for early-season deals (especially in the Snow Belt).

When you’re shopping, don’t assume that price is the best indicator of quality. When we last reviewed outdoor furniture at a wide range of prices, we found that in nearly every instance, the inexpensive furniture was well made, nicely finished, and well proportioned. In short, a low price doesn't signal poor quality.

How can you tell? No matter where you purchase—porch-and-patio store or mass-market retailer—examine the furniture carefully. Look out for:

• Finish consistency. Wood should be smoothly sanded and free of flaws, even in hidden spots, such as the underside of the tabletop. Painted metals should have a uniform finish. Wicker shouldn't be unraveling or loosely wound on the frame.
• Tight and well-fitted joints. Metal welds should be fairly smooth. Make sure metal has no bare, unpainted areas or, worse, rust spots.
• Stability. Be sure chairs don't wobble or flex too much (some flexibility is OK, especially on tubular metal chairs designed to be springy). Do the same with the table after it's assembled.
• The retailer’s return and exchange policy. Just in case, upon delivery, your pieces appear damaged or poorly finished.
  

After you take the furniture home or upon delivery, check for those items again. Also be sure you have assembly instructions, all the required assembly hardware, and warranty information. Assembly instructions should tell you how many bolts, screws, dowels, and such are supplied.

—Consumer Reports

Keep your deck in tiptop shape with high-quality wood stains. And if your deck has seen better days, find out which decking materials will work best at your home.

To keep your new cushions looking fresh through more than one summer, follow these tips:

• Regularly vacuum away dust and dirt.

• Clean cushions with a sponge and mild detergent, rinse them thoroughly, and let them air dry.

• Store cushions in a deck box or indoors whenever you don’t plan to use the furniture for several days, or when outdoor-entertaining season comes to an end.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Walmart is known for value, but there are also plenty of top-performing products on its sprawling shelves. Then again, you could easily end up with a low-priced dud—which is no bargain in the long run. With those divergent facts in mind, Consumer Reports pulled together a list of Walmart-exclusive winners and washouts from its latest tests.       

Walmart winners
White Cloud 3-Ply Ultra toilet paper. Our top-rated toilet paper is sold only at Walmart. Its strong, soft, and disintegrates cleanly, so it shouldn’t pose a problem for plumbing. What more could you ask for? How about a very competitive price of 29 cents per 100 square feet? Add it to the shopping cart!

Great Value Strong & Absorbent paper towels. These paper towels just missed our recommended list, but we’ll still call this a Walmart-exclusive winner as they scored highly for absorbency, scrubbing, and wet strength. Plus they're true to their name, with a low price of a just over $2.      

Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50 sunscreen. Hot sunny weather is still a fantasy in many parts of the country, but when it does arrive, this Walmart-exclusive sunscreen will be an excellent option. It was very good at blocking UVA raditation and costs just $9.00 for a 16-ounce bottle.  

Grill King 810-2545-C gas grill. Grilling season is just around the corner. Here’s a very good Walmart exclusive model to consider. The $260 grill is fairly quick to preheat, offers great high temp evenness and very good low temp evenness, and its coated-cast-iron grates should resist corrosion.

GE AEW06LQ air conditioner. Also looking ahead to summer, this GE air conditioner offers exceptional comfort at a very appealing price. Several models scored better in our tests, but they often cost a lot more. Plus the GE’s score was dropped by the fact that it doesn‘t blow air well to the right, which might not be an issue depending on your room configuration.   

Walmart washouts
Great Value Naturals laundry detergent. This detergent is safe for use in all types of laundry machines—just don’t expect sparkling results. Indeed, it is the lowest scoring of all tested detergents, only a bit better than plain water at tackling soils. Though they missed our recommended list, Great Value Original Clean and White Cloud laundry detergents are much better options. 

Better Homes and Gardens BG1755B gas grill. Here’s a Walmart grill you should probably pass on. The $360 midsize gas grill got a poor in our tests for high and low temperature evenness, and it was only so-so at preheating.

Bissell Rewind CleanView Pet 18M9W upright vacuum. You can’t beat the price on this $90 bagless upright vacuum, but you can definitely find a better performing model. It was especially poor at emissions, or a vacuum’s ability to hold on to the dirt and dust that it picks up.

Farberware FP3000FBS food processor. This $60 food processor does some things well, including chopping, slicing, and shredding. But it was subpar at puréeing, a function that many people look to when making soups, sauces, and other blended foods. Plus it was one of the noisier models we tested, which could grate on your nerves over time.    

GE 169210 toaster. This $25 two-slice toaster was among our lowest-scoring models. It was especially bad at maintaining consistent results over successive batches of toast. It also was merely average at making an evenly browned single slice of toast.

—Daniel DiClerico 

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Next time you get your water bill, take a look at your usage. If it’s more than 12,000 gallons a month for a family of four, you’ve got some serious leaks. That means you’re paying for water that’s going right down the drain. To stem the tide, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking your home for the most common causes of leaks during its annual Fix a Leak Week. Here are some of the agency’s tips.

Before checking for individual leaks, check your overall water usage by monitoring your water meter over a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter keeps inching up, you probably have a leak. The good news is that many common leaks are easy and inexpensive to fix. Here's how:

Toilets. Typically, toilets begin leaking when the toilet flapper or valve seal becomes old or worn out. A good way to check is to put some food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes to see if it color shows up in the toilet bowl. If it does, you’ll need to fix it. You can probably find the replacement part at your hardware store but to be sure, take the old part with you for comparison.

Faucets. Old and worn washers and gaskets are frequently the cause of faucet leaks. If you attempt to fix this leak yourself, remember to turn the water off under the sink before you start. You should also close the drain and cover the bottom of the sink or bathtub with a cloth so you don’t lose any of the small parts. By making a quick Google search, you can find how-to videos on YouTube as well as online instructions.

Showerheads. Some leaky showerheads are easy to fix while others may need professional attention. Make sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and pipe stem. You can use pipe tape, also called Teflon tape, to secure it. You may also need to replace the washer. If you suspect a valve leak, that’s the time to call the plumber.

Outdoor faucets. Check your garden hose for leaks at the connection to the spigot. If it leaks, try replacing the washer to ensure a tight connection to the spigot. You can also use pipe tape and a wrench. If you have in-ground irrigation, you should to check to make sure it wasn’t damaged by frost or freezing during winter. If it leaks, you may need professional help.

Top-rated replacement fixtures
If these simple fixes don’t work, it may be time to replace your toilet, faucet, or showerhead. Replacing your old fixtures with WaterSense models not only saves water but money too. Consumer Reports’ toilet tests feature many WaterSense models, including toilets from American Standard, AquaSource, Toto, and Kohler. In fact, you can spend as little as $100 on our CR Best Buy, the Aquasource AT1203-00 sold at Lowe’s, and get a toilet that will save you water for years to come.

We also test low-flow showerheads and recommend models from Moen, American Standard, and Waterpik. All our recommended models have very good or better shower feel and hot water delivery. In our faucet tests, we found few differences between brands, that’s why we base our recommendations on finish. Faucets with a PVD, or physical vapor deposition, finish  resisted our best attempts at scratching them. Most faucets also have lifetime warranties that cover leaks and stains.

—Mary H.J. Farrell

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

If you've decided to switch from your gas mower to an electric mower this year, take advantage of lawn mower exchange. These programs, which take place in many areas around the country in spring and summer, get you a discounted price on an electric mower. Typically, you show up at the appointed time at the designated location, say your municipal public-works yard, drop off your old gas machine, and head home with a brand-new electric.

Some of the deals are pretty sweet: Through the lawn mower exchange in Polk County, Iowa, residents who sign up can get a $400 Black & Decker CM1936 for only $285.

Since the number of mowers available through an exchange is often limited—the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Southern California has 4,000 electric mowers available this year—you'll want to sign up in advance or get there early on exchange day. In some markets, such as Denver, before the lawn mower exchange date is set, you can sign up for a notification. (The exchanged gas mowers get recycled.)

I'm considering swapping my long-serving, loyal self-propelled gas model for a cordless electric mower. (In stores and online you might see cordless models called electric battery mowers; electric corded models requires an extension cord.)

Why go electric? I'd like a mower that runs quieter, needs little maintenance (repair costs for my 13-year-old mower are adding up), and doesn't produce any emissions. Remember, the air quality where I live doesn't exactly scream Garden State. My lawn is less than a quarter acre and is mostly level, making it friendly for an electric.

Our newly updated Ratings include corded and cordless electric mowers from Black & Decker, Green Works, Homelite, Remington, Ryobi, Stihl, and Toro. (The manufacturer sites might have details on lawn mower exchanges.)

Even if I go with a high-scoring self-propelled cordless electric mower from our tests, there are some concessions to make. With their narrower decks, electrics require you to make more passes as you mow, and they typically don't handle tall grass as well, so you can't take too many weeks off.

Unfortunately there's not a lawn mower exchange where I live. But I'll monitor the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; check the DEP or the equivalent in your state. I'll also visit manufacturer sites to look for news about companies participating in a lawn mower exchange. In years past, Neuton ran a virtual exchange in which consumers recycled their machines and could then get a discounted electric mower from the manufacturer. 

After what's been a long, brutal winter, I'm looking forward to doing outdoor chores, including cutting the grass. (I might have to remind myself of that come mid-August.) Here's hoping I'll be doing the mowing with a discounted electric machine I got through a lawn mower exchange.

—Steven H. Saltzman

A big advantage to a cordless model is that it isn't tethered to a power outlet, giving you greater flexibility when mowing, especially if your yard has trees and other obstacles. 

But cordless electric mowers weigh much more than corded. The Black & Decker SPCM1936, a self-propelled electric battery mower, weighs 90 pounds. Its stable mate, the corded Black & Decker MM875, a push mower, comes in at 52 pounds.

And then there's price: The CM1936 costs $400; the MM875 runs $240. The corded electrics in our Ratings range in price from $160 to $240, while the cordless models start at $300 and go as high as $690. The Ego LM2000 (shown), our top-rated cordless electric, costs $500.

If I do get an electric model, I'll probably go with a cordless version. When I tried out a couple of cordless models two years back, I was frustrated by the limited run time per charge. But according to our testers, today's cordless models run longer per charge.

—S.H.S.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Finally spring is here. Or at least that’s what the calendar says. And after months of living in a snow globe, it’s great to see grass again, even if it’s dormant. With spring comes hope and the promise that there will be plenty of yard work for months to come. Here are five tips to help you get your yard back in shape.
 
Stay off the grass. Wait for the ground to dry before walking on it to pick up branches and other debris. When it’s wet, footprints can damage turf and give weeds a chance to take hold.
 
Keep an eye on that tree. Feeling a little iffy about that big old oak tree that’s next to your house? A tree with a pronounced lean to one side signals a problem and so do unhealthy or off-color leaves, a branch without leaves in summer, or little bark, says Nina Bassuk, a horticulture professor at Cornell University. Most roots are within a foot from the surface, so any activities that affect the soil, such as a new driveway, often affect the roots. To learn whether your trees are at risk of failing, find a certified arborist at the site of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Sharpen those blades. Dull mower or tractor blades stress the grass, making it more prone to disease. Sharpen them and they’ll cut cleaner and faster. Our experts suggest having the blades sharpened and balanced three times during the growing season. Need a new mower or tractor? Our latest tests found that the Honda HRR2169VKA is among our top self-propelled gas mowers and at $400, it’s a CR Best Buy. The Husqvarna YT46LS, $2,300, lawn tractor is among our top picks and also a CR Best Buy.

Test your soil. Why guess what your soil needs when you can spend as little as $10 for the experts at your local cooperative extension to test it and provide solutions. Some even come to your house. You’ll find out if limestone is needed to raise the pH of acidic soil or sulphur for lowering the pH of alkaline soil. A complete test analyzes nutrients and offers a fix. You’ll find your local extension at crsees.usda.gov.

Find out which weeds are trouble. While you have your co-op extension expert on the phone, ask which weeds and pests your lawn can tolerate. Dandelions may improve the soil structure, but if you’re not wild about them, you might want to cut off their heads before they go to seed or use a special forklike tool to pull them out, removing the entire root. Clover takes nitrogen from the air and nourishes the soil.
 
And finally, check out our latest Ratings of lawn mowers and tractors. The recommended models, including CR Best Buys, scored high in our tests and come from reliable brands (where data is available). And use our buying guide to help you choose the right mower for your property.
 
—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

A trade show about LED lighting with the ungainly name LEDucation may not seem like the most fun way to spend a day. But for the editors and lightbulb experts at Consumer Reports, the New York City event was a chance to see what’s coming to stores soon and to learn from manufacturers where LEDs are headed. We noticed three trends that bode well for consumers. Here’s a look.

Prices keep dropping. That’s what we heard over and over. A look at the LEDs in our labs and a glimpse online confirm this. Home Depot’s website features dimmable Cree LEDs for $7. Fewer chips in LED lightbulbs are helping to lower the cost and so is increased competition and a push by manufacturers to get consumers to try LEDs. Here’s a look at some LEDs that cost around $10 to $14 when we first wrote about them but before you buy check the prices as they change frequently.

Color rendering improves. The color rendering index or CRI tells you how accurately colors appear under a bulb’s light and several manufacturers told us they’re working to improve color rendering performance to meet California’s standards, which are tougher than Energy Star’s, allowing more LEDs to qualify for California utility rebates. CRI ranges from 0 to 100 with incandescent bulbs right around 100. Most LEDs in our Ratings are in the low-to-mid 80s, but we’ll soon be testing LEDs that claim to be 90 and above. That sounds promising.

LEDs are getting slimmer and lighter. LEDs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and some are heavy but that’s changing too. The $10 Philips SlimStyle LED is shaped like a traditional incandescent except that it’s flat and weighs about half as much as the other LEDs we’ve tested that replace 60-watt incandescents.

Consumer Reports buys and tests energy-saving lightbulbs as soon as they become available online or in stores. Our lightbulb Ratings include dozens of LEDs and CFLs that have gone through 3,000 hours of testing.

—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Most parents know to lock up their medications and household cleaners but in recent years two new household products have become poisoning threats and a well-known hazard continues to cause fatalities. That’s why the Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking consumers to think outside the box—beyond the medicine and kitchen cabinet—during this year’s poison prevention week and to focus on button-size batteries, laundry pods, and portable generators. Here’s why.

Every year 90,000 children are seen in U.S. emergency departments for exposure to poisons, most of which are associated with commonly used medicines and household cleaners. “Child-resistant caps on medicine and cleaning products have saved thousands of lives, but there is still more we can do to safeguard and prevent children from being exposed to poisons in the home,” said Acting CPSC Chairman Robert Adler in a press release. Here are some tips from the the agency’s Prepare & Prevent checklist.

Threat: Button batteries
Embedded in those musical greeting cards are tiny batteries that can become loose and fall out. They are also used to power everything from remotes, gaming controls, keyless-entry devices, and other small electronics. The batteries have been associated with thousands of pediatric poisoning incidents. Not only are they a choking hazard but swallowing one can cause potentially fatal chemical burns in as little as two hours.
 
What to do. Identify all the products in your home that contain these small batteries and look for any that may have fallen out. Keep the devices out of a child’s reach and if a battery compartment can’t be kept shut with a screw, secure it with heavy tape. If a child swallows a battery, call 911 or go right to the ER.

Threat: Laundry detergent pods
Introduced to the market two years ago, these highly concentrated single-load laundry pods can look like candy or a teething ring to a child. Ingesting the pods or packs has led to thousands of emergency room visits and prompted repeated warnings from the CPSC and other poison prevention groups. While some manufacturers have responded to the CPSC’s request to make packaging more secure and opaque and warning labels clearer, the brightly colored pods still pose a risk.
 
What to do. Store all laundry products up high and out of sight. Keep laundry products, such as the single-load packets, sealed in their original packaging. If a child ingests a pod, call the poison-control helpline immediately at 800-222-1222.

Threat: Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by such fuel-burning products as portable generators, furnaces, and cars. Exposure to high levels in an enclosed space can be fatal within minutes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 400 deaths are caused each year by carbon monoxide poisoning and portable generators are often the culprit
 
What to do. Operate portable generators outdoors 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents. Have your heating system inspected and serviced each year.  And install CO alarms in the hallway near bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test them frequently and replace the batteries when needed. If a CO detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911 from outside.

Recommended CO alarms
In Consumer Reports’ tests of CO alarms we recommend two interconnected alarms from First Alert as well as the new Nest Protect combination CO/smoke alarm. We also recommend standalone alarms from First Alert and Kidde. The top-rated First Alert OneLInk SCO501CN, $70, was excellent at detecting both high and low levels of carbon monoxide and at clearly conveying the level.

—Artemis DiBenedetto

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Lawns are still pretty beat up from the long winter but that hasn’t stopped mower and tractor retailers, who’ve been displaying this year’s models for more than a month. At Consumer Reports, we’ve been busy prepping test results from our weeks of mower testing in Fort Myers, Florida. Here are some highlights from our latest Ratings.

A quiet gas mower. Gas-powered mowers we’ve tested historically require ear protection to avoid hearing damage, but the self-propelled Craftsman 37545, $340, was quieter than many electric mowers we’ve seen. A sibling model that shipped too late for us to buy for testing, the $450 Craftsman 37592, has all-wheel drive—as do some Husqvarna walk-behind mowers you’ll see in stores.

The Tesla of riders. We’ve seen plenty of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, and we recommend some smaller gear for light-duty needs. But a zero-turn-radius rider isn’t for light-duty. The Cub Cadet RZT-S Zero, $4,000, is changing the notion of "pricey yet weak." This 42-inch model has the same deck as our top gas-powered pick plus a steering wheel. It also gets two hours of cutting and has become available nationwide since we first wrote about it.

One stand-up mower. Storage space in the garage or shed shouldn’t matter as much as a mower’s capability, but it does. The self-propelled, single-speed Toro 20339, $380, has a special Briggs & Stratton engine that won’t leak gas or oil when turned on its side, vital since this mower can be stored standing up in the garage or shed. And there’s more to this mower than saving space.

Is faster mowing good enough? Toro cites survey data that customers who switched from a lawn tractor to a faster zero-turn-radius rider finish their mowing 45 percent quicker. But to do that, they’d have to mow faster than the 3.5 to 4 mph we think gives the most even cut, without clumping. So we pitted the Toro TimeCutter SS4235 rider against the John Deere D125 lawn tractor at the fastest speeds they can handle. We'll be sharing the results soon.

Easy blade changes. A year and a half ago, we saw demos of a new Husqvarna technology that lets you change blades of a lawn tractor or rider without tools. But the all-clips feature didn’t make it to market till this season, and it appears in the 46-inch Husqvarna YT46LS lawn tractor, $2,300. Fortunately, the good news doesn’t stop there.

Before hitting your local home center, hardware store, or dealer, check out our buying guide for mowers, tractors, and riders. Then narrow your choices using our Ratings of 170 models.

—Ed Perratore

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

The Architectural Digest Home Design Show, which took place March 20-23 at Pier 94 in New York City, isn't like other trade shows. There are more five-figure espresso machines, more examples of Lucite décor, and more snippets of Italian overheard as you meander through the maze of booths and displays. But despite the rarified air, there are plenty of trends that are likely to find their way into mainstream design. Here are five to watch from the editors and market analysts at Consumer Reports.

Colorful finishes. High-end appliances have been available in colored finishes for years, but the trend seems to be gaining traction. The Italian manufacturer Bertazzoni told us that 10 percent of its ranges are now sold in one of its bold hues, including the featured Arancios. Blue Star appliances also had a very vibrant booth, centered on a 48-inch gas range in Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year. It’s one of 750 colors now offered by the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer. And we liked Miele’s latest hue, Truffle Brown, which was displayed on several wall ovens.

Compact appliances. Since the show skews toward an urban market with often-limited kitchen space, the latest compact appliances were on full display. For example, brands such as Liebherr, Miele, Sub-Zero, and Viking offered a variety of column refrigerators, freezers, and wine chillers in 18, 24, 30, and 36-inch widths. These streamlined appliances can be mixed and matched or installed alone, providing incredible design flexibility. We also saw a lot of 24-inch-wide steam ovens—perhaps the hottest cooking appliance of 2014. More designers are installing these compact speed cookers next to a 24-inch-wide coffee center, creating a horizontal run of appliances that’s well-suited to galley-style kitchens.

Simplified designs. “The pot filler is dead,” declared the architect Erica Broberg, during the New York Times-hosted seminar Kitchens & Baths Transformed. Though the statement got some gasps and pushback from pro pot fillers in the crowd, we’re clearly seeing a simplification of design elements in the kitchen and the bath. This was evident in the exceedingly clean lines on many appliances, including a Jenn-Air dishwasher with an integrated panel that included a faux-cabinet drawer, making it disappear completely.  

Wide planks, weathered finishes. Wood floors continue to migrate throughout the home, even to kitchens, where they give interiors a unified look. As the trend continues, plank preference seems to be getting wider. We saw many beautiful wide-plank specimens, including a variety of 7-inch boards from Manhattan Forest Products ranging from antique pine to golden oak. If you prefer an engineered product, consider one of the wide-plank offerings from Pianeta Legno Floors US.

Hand-scrapped flooring and distressed finishes are also still popular, adding warmth and a sense of casualness to a room. Plus dings tend to blend in and seem like they’re part of the look, a plus for families with young children or pets. Ligne Roset furniture was displayed in a room setting featuring weathered wood walls. One caveat—a little of this look goes a long way, even if you live in a beach house.

Still more shades of gray. Though appliances are taking on bold hues, the surrounding décor is staying very neutral. We saw myriad shades of gray and gray/beige (also called greige), including kitchen cabinets from Rutt Handcrafted Cabinets and rugs from Nourison and Nasiri. Gray and greige stone floors and countertops are also in fashion, as are wood walls with a warm, driftwood finish. Even the inside of a refrigerator prototype, by Viking, had a gray finish.

—Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.

Here’s one messy myth you’ll be glad has been debunked. Giving a dog a tomato juice bath after she’s been sprayed by a skunk won’t get rid of the odor. Pet stores sell commercial products that can neutralize the smell but you’re not likely to have one on hand if your nosy beagle gets sprayed at night when skunks are most active. Fortunately, there’s a simple home remedy that works like a charm.

Skunks become more active in the spring when they mate and then have their young so encounters of the pet kind become more common. Skunks aren’t aggressive by nature and usually give fair warning before spraying but try teaching that to a dog. Once the deed has been done, you’ll want to spring into action as soon as possible. Here’s what to do, according to the U.S. Humane Society.

Restrain your dog. Keep the dog outside, weather permitting, so she doesn’t carry the smell into the house. Check her eyes to see if they’re red or irritated. If so, flush them with water.

Use this recipe. In an open container mix together the following ingredients:

• 1 pint of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap

(Double recipe for large dogs. Do not put a top on the container as it could explode.)

Apply to dog. Wearing gloves and keeping clear of your dog’s eyes and inner ears, rub the solution into her fur. Don’t leave it on for longer than five minutes as peroxide can bleach the fur. Rinse your dog thoroughly.

Then use shampoo. Next shampoo your dog with pet shampoo and rinse again. By now, the smell should be gone. Dry her off with a towel and give her another dry towel to lie down on. Good dog.

What to do if a skunk lives in your yard
If you’ve been seeing small, shallow holes in your lawn you may have a skunk that’s been out foraging for grubs. If you see this tell-tale sign, look around for the skunk’s den. It may be in the ground, under a porch, or in a crawl space. (Just search online for “skunk den” and you’ll find plenty of images.)

If you find a den and have a dog, you’ll want to gently persuade the skunk to change lodgings. Because they do us a favor by eating bugs and other pests, the Humane Society encourages homeowners not to kill skunks but to chase them away through “mild harassment.” This may include:

• Repeatedly repacking the den hole with dry leaves or straw.
• Putting used kitty litter, which acts as a repellant, near or inside the den.
• Lighting your yard beginning at dusk and adding some noise, perhaps a portable radio.
  

Don’t try to trap a skunk yourself. Skunks that become a nuisance need to be carefully live-trapped and removed. This should be left to a professional. To find one, start by calling your local cooperative extension office.

—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

The worst winter in years could make this one of the worst spring allergy seasons in a while, too. That's because cold weather and lots of snow provides the right conditions for a pollen explosion. That can make heading outdoors tough for people with severe spring allergies. But for many allergy sufferers, pollen works its way into their homes, too. Combating that starts with making sure that your windows and doors close tight. But it can help to have a good air filter and vacuum cleaner too.

Indoor air filters

Forced air heating and cooling systems have built-in filters; as the air circulates in your home, the filter can remove particles, such as dust and pollen. It’s worth choosing a filter that traps large and small particles so that it clears the air of as many allergens as possible. Consumer Reports recommends the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR ($24). Whatever filter you use, be sure to check it periodically and change it when it looks dirty. Otherwise, you might opt for a portable air purifier for your bedroom—the place where you spend the most time—such as the Whirlpool AP51030K ($300). It is a Consumer Reports Best Buy.

Read about the best ways to treat spring allergies, including how to save money on drugs.

Vacuum cleaners

Be careful doing housework. Dusting and vacuuming can stir up any pollen that may have snuck in. Using a vacuum cleaner that doesn’t let dust and pollen escape can be helpful. Consumer Reports recommends: Miele S 7210 Twist ($475), Kenmore Progressive 31069 ($200), and Hoover WindTunnel Max UH30600 ($180). They all received excellent emissions ratings.

This article also appeared in the May 2014 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

A: The recovery has had some bumps, but home prices have climbed in most areas of the country over the past few years. Median sale prices were up 9 percent in 2013 in your county, according to Zillow. It predicts a rise of 3.5 percent this year. So if you’ve been waiting for your home’s value to increase before selling, now might be a good time to put it on the market.

Since home values are rising, it will cost you more to buy a home. Borrowing costs are also up: Interest rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 4.35 percent recently. But higher rates result in lenders’ refinance business dropping, forcing them to loosen lending standards to compete for buyers. So you might find that you can afford a new home in your area, too.

Whether you’re buying or selling, we have a variety of tips that will help you get the best deal. If you're thinking about buying, check out the video below, which will help you spot mortgage scams. Also read our important points and tips about purchasing homeowner's insurance in our buying guide, and find the best company to insure your home in our Ratings.

If you’re not planning to move, you may still find it makes sense to refinance if you can lock in a lower rate. We can also help you decide if you should pay off your mortgage early.  

––Mandy Walker

This article also appeared in the May 2014 issue of Consumer Reports Money Adviser.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Matching washer and dryer pairs are a popular choice but some don't make a great couple. Their coordinating style and color make a statement, but you'll question how a terrific washer and a noisy dryer that's tough on clothes ended up together. Enter the matchmaker. Consumer Reports' tests found a number of matching pairs that are worth a look.

About six out of 10 buyers choose a matching laundry pair, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a trade group. Special pricing and promotions help move these pairs from the warehouse to your house and so does their appearance. No longer destined for a basement corner, these washer and dryer pairs offer a complementary look that's often stylish and come in fun colors such as cranberry and lemongrass. And having these machines nearby is convenient, unless they’re so noisy they drown out conversations or wake the kids.

CR Tip: Take a look at the washers and dryers that scored very good or better in our tests for noise. You'll know they're working but they shouldn't disturb you. You'll hear the machines that scored good or lower. They make sustained sounds that can be annoying.

Full washing machine Ratings and recommendations.
Full clothes dryer Ratings and recommendations.

Our tests found a number of matching washer and dryer pairs that are quiet enough for prime placement near a family room or bedrooms. All offer large capacities and the dryers have moisture sensors that help save energy by turning off the machine when the laundry is dry. We frequently show appliances in white but many pairs are also available in other colors. Here's a glimpse.

For more details on their performance and features, see our Ratings of washing machines and clothes dryers.

Kenmore sets. The Kenmore Elite 41073 is among the top scoring front-loaders and offers excellent washing, a large capacity, and is relatively quiet. But normal wash time, using the heavy soil setting, is 95 minutes and this washer costs $1,500. The matching electric dryer is the Kenmore Elite 81073. It's $1,350. The gas model is Kenmore Elite 91073 and costs $1,450. They're recommended too. Both the washer and dryer have steam options. 

LG duos. The high-efficiency top-loader LG WT5070C[W] washer, $1,000, and LG DLEX5170[W] electric dryer, $900, are a dynamic duo. The washer was impressive at cleaning and gentle on fabrics. The dryer excelled at drying and of the dozens of models we tested, few scored excellent in our noise tests but this LG was one that did well. The gas dryer is LG DLGX5171[W], $1,050.

The front-loading LG WM8000H[V]A washer and LG DLEX8000[V] electric dryer, each $1,350, were excellent at washing and drying. The washer's capacity is the largest we've tested, but the normal cycle on heavy-soil setting takes 100 minutes for an 8-pound load. And when we filled the washer to capacity it took more than two hours to clean 24 pounds of laundry. Try the TurboWash option. It delivered comparable cleaning of our 8-pound load and cut wash time by about 20 minutes. Each machine is two inches wider than usual. The gas dryer is LG DLGX8001[V], $1,440.

The LG WM3470H[W]A front-loading washer, $1,100, and LG DLEX3470[W] electric dryer, $1,000, were superb at cleaning and drying. The dryer was one of the quietest we tested. The gas model is LG DLGX3471[W], $1,200.

Maytag mates. The front-loading Maytag Maxima XL MHW7000AW aced our cleaning test. Normal wash time was 90 minutes in our tests. It’s relatively quiet and so is the matching electric dryer, the Maytag Maxima XL MED7000AW that offers excellent drying. Each costs $1,150 and has a large capacity and a steam option. Our dryer tests found that steam left shirts wrinkled but removed more odors than conventional dryers, and steam washer settings slightly improved stain cleaning. Gas dryer is Maytag Maxima MGD7000AG, $1,300.

The Maytag Maxima XL MHW8000AG front-loader performed slightly better overall and normal wash time was 80 minutes—10 minutes faster than the other Maytag Maxima XL—but costs $1,450. That's among the priciest tested. The matching electric dryer is Maytag Maxima XL MED8000AG. It's among the quietest tested and is recommended. But at $1,450, it's pricier than most. The gas dryer is the Maytag Maxima MGD8000AG, $1,550. All of these Maytags are made in the U.S. 

Samsung sets. The Samsung WF457ARGS[GR] washer and Samsung DV457EVGS[GR] electric dryer, each $1,550. The washer was one of the few front-loaders that did superbly in our vibration tests, but normal wash time on the heavy-soil setting takes 100 minutes. The dryer aced its job. The gas dryer is Samsung DV457GVGS[GR], $1,700.

The Samsung WA422PRHD[WR] high-efficiency top-loading washer, $750, delivers impressive wash performance. It uses less water and extracts more of it, cutting drying time, compared with regular top-loaders. It’s relatively quiet but only so-so in gentleness. Normal wash time is 75 minutes. The electric dryer, Samsung DV422EWHD[WR], $750, isn’t a recommended model but did a superb job drying our laundry and is relatively quiet. Both models have large capacities. The gas dryer is Samsung DV422GWHD[WR], $850.

Whirlpool pairs. Take a look at the Whirlpool Duet WFW96HEA[W] washer, and Whirpool Duet WED96HEA[W] electric dryer, each $1,300. The washer was one of the few front-loaders that was excellent in our gentleness test. Normal wash time, on heavy-soil setting, is 85 minutes. The dryer was one of the quietest tested. The gas dryer is the Whirlpool Duet WGD96HEAW, $1,400.

The Whirlpool Duet WFW88HEAW front-loader, $1,000, did an impressive job cleaning in 80 minutes using the normal wash cycle. It’s also relatively quiet. So is the electric dryer, the Whirlpool Duet WED88HEAW, which offers excellent drying. Each costs $1,000 and has a large capacity, steam option, and is made in the U.S. The gas dryer is the Whirlpool Duet WGD88HEAW, $1,200.

The Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU front-loader offers excellent overall performance and is relatively quiet. Normal wash time, on heavy soil setting, is 75 minutes. That's among the fastest of the recommended washers. But at $1,500 this front-loader is pricey, in part because its Wi-Fi enabled, providing remote control via your smart device, letting you monitor your laundry's progress, start/stop the machine, and more. The matching dryer is also recommended and among the quietest tested. The electric dryer is Whirlpool Duet WEL98HEBU, $1,500. It can also be controlled remotely.  

The best washers and top dryers in Consumer Reports' tests are typically among the most expensive, so if you want a matching dryer for your new washer you might have to spend lots of money to do loads of laundry. You'll pay about $3,000 for a top-rated front-loader and its matching electric dryer. But if your budget is around $1,600 or less, take a look at the pairs that did well in our tests and that won't break the bank. A word of caution. Some are relatively noisy, something to think about if you want to install them near bedrooms or a family room.

CR Tip: Before you give up on your dryer consider that most of the improvements in performance and efficiency are found on washers. If you're set on a matching duo, in general it's smart to select your washer first and then the dryer. Here's a look at several matching pairs, most of the models did not make our Recommended list, but all of these washers and dryers were still impressive at cleaning or drying. For more details on their performance and features, see our Ratings of washing machines and clothes dryers.

LG duos. The LG WT1101CW high-efficiency washer top-loader was impressive at cleaning our laundry and it's only $700. Normal wash time is 75 minutes. The matching electric dryer, LG DLE1101W, also $700, was superb at drying but fell short of our top picks list. Both machines have front control panels, large capacities, and are relatively quiet. The gas dryer is LG DLG1102W.

If you prefer a front-loading washer, the LG WM2250C[W], $720, was very good overall but relatively noisy and normal cycle time is 95 minutes. Its matching electric dryer, the LG DLE2250[W], $800, aced our drying tests. The gas dryer is LG DLG2251[W].

Maytag mates. Among front-loaders, the Maytag Performance Series 2000 MHWE201Y, $750, offers impressive wash performance and a large capacity, but is relatively noisy. Its matching dryer, Maytag Performance Series MEDE201Y, $750, was impressive in all tests. Neither machine made our recommended list but they're worth a look. The gas dryer model is Maytag Performance Series MGDE201Y.

In addition to washing performance Consumer Reports washing machine tests look at how gentle a washing machine is on fabric as well as its energy and water efficiency. We also look at such factors as noise and vibration that might annoy you if your laundry room is adjacent to a living area. And we compare cycle times. Front-loaders usually take anywhere from 65 to 105 minutes to wash an 8-pound load. Top-loaders are a little quicker, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. As for capacity, models rated excellent in capacity fit 17 to 24 pounds of laundry.

In our clothes dryer tests we run the machines with different sized loads and a variety of fabrics. We also measure noise, capacity and convenience. Models that earned excellent capacity scores in our dryer tests can hold large loads as well.

You can find more details on the model page for each washer and dryer. You can also compare up to five washers or dryers using the comparison feature in our Ratings. Before you buy look online for sales as well as rebates from manufacturers and Energy Star (washers only).

A word about washer types
Front-loaders use less water than top-loaders but typically have longer wash cycles—some take 100 minutes or more. That's not the end of the world, but it may be the beginning of laundry pile-up. Since front-loaders use less water, the detergent is more concentrated and the machine's tumbling action can also help boost cleaning. Manufacturers recommend using HE detergent—that's high efficiency—for front-loaders and HE top-loaders. Regular detergents are too sudsy for these machines.

The best front-loaders clean better and use even less water than the best HE top-loaders. Front-loaders spin faster than HE top-loaders so more water is typically extracted, reducing drying time but front-loaders generally have longer wash cycles. HE top-loaders don't have a center agitator and use a variety of methods to lift and tumble laundry. They're high-efficiency because they use less water and spin faster than conventional top-loaders, also cutting dryer time.

—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

The trick to spring cleaning is not to cram it all into one weekend. Make a plan, either room-by-room or task-by-task, and work your way through the list. It may take until summer. To nudge each project along arm yourself with the right equipment—the best cleaners, vacuums, and closet organizers from Consumer Reports’ tests. Lets get started.

Declutter your closets. The best time to clean your closets is when you’re switching from one season to another. Toss or donate anything you haven’t worn for awhile and organize the rest. If you’re feeling ambitious you may want to install a closet organizer. In Consumer Reports’ recent tests of closet organizing systems from Elfa, ClosetMaid, Martha Stewart, Ikea, and Rubbermaid, we found that some were easier to assemble than others. The system that took the least time (35 minutes), the Platinum Elfa Reach-In, $560, had clear directions, and required minimal drilling. But others had confusing directions or mislabeled or missing parts. The Ikea Algot, $170, was particularly vexing to assemble, taking nearly three hours.

Let the sunshine in. Windows are at the top of almost everyone’s spring cleaning list. To avoid streaking, tackle this job on a cloudy day or when the windows are in the shade. You can use a commercial window cleaner or a homemade solution of ½ cup ammonia and one pint rubbing alcohol mixed with enough water to make a gallon.
Blinds. Using a lambswool duster, cotton cleaning gloves, or the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, dust blinds from the top down on first one side and then the other.
Curtains. If your curtains are washable throw them in the washing machine with one of our top-rated detergents. The top powder is Tide Ultra plus Bleach Vivid White + Bright HE, the top liquid is Member's Mark Ultimate Clean from Sam's Club, and the top-performing pods are Tide Pods. If your curtains aren’t washable you can vacuum them gently using a vacuum with suction control that lets you reduce the airflow. Or throw the curtains into the dryer on an air-only setting without heat.

Plump up your cushions. To keep your upholstered furniture from becoming dingy, you should vacuum it regularly using the proper attachments to get into the corners and crevices. Once the upholstery gets dirty, cleaning it can be a tricky proposition depending on the type of fabric. Check the care label to see what’s recommended. If you can clean the chair or couch with a store-bought cleaner, try it on a hidden section before spraying the entire piece. Your other option is to call a professional.

What lies beneath. Move your furniture so you can clean under it. Most floors can be damp mopped with water and a mild detergent. But check manufacturer’s instructions before getting started as some types of flooring are prone to scratching and water damage. To protect bare floors, use a vacuum with a motorized brush that can be turned on or off when you need it. Many canisters have this feature. For carpeting, an upright vacuum is your best bet as the weight of the machine is over the head, making it more effective at pulling dirt out of the fibers. If you have area rugs, vacuum the backs as well.

Top vacuums from our tests
For carpet. In our tests of upright vacuum cleaners, the three that scored the best for carpets were the Miele S 7210 Twist, $475, the Kirby Sentria, $1,350, and the Miele S 7260 Cat & Dog, $715. Uprights from Hoover and Eureka also got top marks on this test.
For floors. The Kirby Sentria and Miele Cat & Dog also aced this test as did our top five canisters including the Kenmore Progressive 21714, $400, and three other Kenmore canisters as well as the Panasonic MC-CG937, $330. The Kenmore Intuition 28014, $500, also had excellent air flow for tools, making it a good choice for curtains and furniture.

—Artemis DiBenedetto

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

We're several years into the electronic-cigarette era, and the Food and Drug Administration still has not said how it will regulate the devices. In the meantime, the number of people using them has exploded, as has the number of online retailers selling e-cigs and accessories, such as liquid-nicotine solution. Now a recent review of 59 such sites has found that some of them are using questionable claims to market their wares, including that e-cigarettes provide a health benefit and help people quit tobacco.

In the study, researchers at the University of California at San Francisco examined each site between February and December 2012 for the presence or absence of 13 types of marketing claims, including those that stated or implied a health benefit ("tar free and toxin free," for example) or that the product would help users quit tobacco cigarettes, a claim that technically isn't allowed because e-cigarettes aren't approved smoking-cessation devices. Other claims the researchers looked at included ability to smoke anywhere, lack of exposing others to secondhand smoke, environmental friendliness, and a better social life. 

Read about the growing number of calls to poison-control centers related to e-cigarettes.

Researchers found that 95 percent of the websites made health-related claims, while 64 percent touted smoking-cessation benefits. Twenty-two percent of the sites featured doctors; the same percentage touted use by celebrities such as actress Katherine Heigl and cast members of the reality-TV show "Jersey Shore." Three-quarters of the sites claimed that the product did not produce secondhand smoke.

Researchers concluded that "health claims and smoking-cessation messages that are unsupported by current scientific evidence are frequently used to sell e-cigarettes." 

Bottom line. As we've reported, there's insufficient—and increasingly negative—evidence that using e-cigarettes really helps people to quit tobacco. And their safety remains unknown. The unchecked ability of e-cigarette retailers to make broad and enticing claims that aren't necessarily supported by evidence is but one more reason Consumer Reports thinks the FDA needs to get moving on regulations.

"It reminds me of the early days of aggressive tobacco marketing," says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports' chief medical adviser since 1967. "Nicotine has been, is, and will always be a highly addictive toxic substance. The sooner the FDA gets into the act, the better it will be for countless numbers who, daily, fall prey to the deceptive and false advertising practices of E-cigarette manufacturers".  

Have you used e-cigarettes? Share your experience with us.

—Jamie Kopf

• E-cigarette poisonings on the rise
• How e-cigs may encourage teens to start smoking regular cigarettes
• Better ways to stop smoking tobacco cigarettes
• Who’s making money on e-cigarettes
• The possible risks of second-hand e-cigarette vapor

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Life in the leafy suburbs has gotten a little more peaceful with the newest crop of leaf blowers. Of the 23 leaf blowers recommended by Consumer Reports in its latest tests, five scored excellent for noise at 50 feet including a wheeled gas-powered blower, which is typically the noisiest kind. If you’re in the market for a new blower, consider one of the five below. Your neighbors will be glad you did.

While today’s gas models are far less noisy than they used to be, electrics are still the quietest overall. Provided that you don’t use them during prohibited hours—too early or too late in the day—these blowers should meet all local noise regulations although we still recommend that you wear hearing protection when using them.

Stihl BGE 61, $110. With sweeping and loosening action that was  nearly as good as the highest-scoring gas blowers, the 7-pound electric Stihl BGE 61 was a cinch to operate. An added plus is an optional gutter kit, which extends the blower's reach to keep you off ladders when cleaning your gutters. Unlike some other corded electric blowers, it doesn’t have vacuum capability.

Echo PB-250LN, $170. Impressive sweeping and loosening of leaves and other debris are chief reasons for the Echo PB-250LN gas-powered, handheld blower's high score. Multiple speeds and a speed-control lock are also pluses; the lock gives your trigger finger a break. But as with most gas blowers, the two-stroke engine requires you to mix gas and oil for fueling.

Stihl BG 66L, $230. The gasoline-powered handheld Stihl BG 66L has impressive power for both sweeping and loosening leaves, along with very easy handling and operation. It also has a two-stroke engine.

Husqvarna 356BT, $480. The Husqvarna 356BT backpack blower doesn't come cheap, but a sound-muffling design aids its quiet operation. It was top-notch for sweeping and loosening leaves and was especially easy to use. Another plus is a waist strap, which helps since this model is among the heaviest backpacks in our Ratings. This machine has a two-stroke engine.

Troy-Bilt TB672, $400. Wheeled blowers are known for noise, but this Troy-Bilt TB672 was especially quiet at 50 feet as well as great for sweeping and loosening leaves. Handling and ease of use, though a notch below the best blowers overall, were still impressive. And as with most blowers this size, the four-stroke engine doesn’t require mixing gas and oil.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Many of the hottest kitchen-design trends—bright colors, sleek shelving, focal point lighting and chic finishes—are easy to replicate even on a small budget. A spot of new paint here, new hardware there and suddenly you have a refreshed kitchen. Here’s some of the latest kitchen trends and how to get the look for less using clever designer tips, tricks, and other advice from our experts.

Trend: Sleek Euro-style
You’ve seen those kitchens with the minimalist cabinets, laboratory-style faucets, and acres of countertops that look like no one’s ever dropped a crumb anywhere. Yes, they’re gorgeous. But no, they’re not budget- or family-friendly. And yet the calm simplicity of that clean look is much more accessible than you might expect.

The look for less. Start by decluttering countertops and shelves. It costs nothing to put away as much stuff as you can, and it’s one of the secrets to the sleek Euro look, says Kelly Morisseau, a San Francisco designer. Then rethink storage areas. You might not be able to replace cabinets with glossy, frameless models, but you can change the way the old ones look with easy tricks.

• Use a wall to clear clutter. European kitchens often feature rail-style storage systems mounted on a backsplash, says Susan Serra, a certified kitchen designer in New York, and they’re available for a song at stores such as Ikea. Two other sleek design staples are floating shelves and wall-mounted knife racks.
• Paint cabinet doors. You can change the whole look of your kitchen with a high-gloss finish in a neutral color.
• Make things match. “If you already have simple white or pale wood cabinets,” Morisseau says, “paint the surrounding wall or the backsplash in a similar shade for a modern, mono-chromatic look.”

Trend: Bold color schemes
Move over, neutrals! Designers are loving intense, sunny yellows; bright emerald green; moody gray-blues; and the richness of charcoal for kitchens. But repainting your entire kitchen requires an investment of time and money—not to mention the confidence to commit to a strong shade you could tire of next year.

The look for less. Add small updates to your existing scheme with a trendy new color, says Serra.

• Buy some colorful accessories. For example, put out a teakettle or an enameled Dutch oven, Serra says.
  
• Add a pop of color. If you have cabinets with glass doors, paint just the back wall of the cabinets.
• Add a chalkboard wall. “It’s great for making lists,” says Sabrina Soto, designer and host of “The High Low Project” on HGTV.
• Hang a bright valence. Frame windows with some color, says Morisseau.

Trend: Tricked-out cabinets
The latest kitchen cabinets come with rich finishes and gorgeous hardware. They’re packed with conveniences such as lifts for easy access to heavy appliances and built-in organizing systems that can make a workspace more efficient. But those extras come at a premium. Kitchen remodelers can expect to spend as much as 40 percent of their total budget on new cabinets, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

The look for less. You can’t expect to replace your units for $50, but you can make small, high-impact changes.

• Change the hardware. Pick a trendy finish such as oil-rubbed bronze, copper, or satin nickel, and a contemporary shape. But don’t pay less than about $3 per knob or pull, Serra advises. “You can find cheaper hardware out there, but it won’t last—the finish will come off.”
• Make the most of the interiors. Inexpensive drawer dividers that you can make yourself will help you create order in a snap, Soto says. Roll-out wire or mesh drawers, spinning spice racks, and even fresh shelf paper can give new life to existing cabinets.

Trend: Statement light fixtures
“One great light fixture can transform the look of the entire kitchen,” Morisseau says. You can use it to create dramatic emphasis in a particular spot—over an island, for example. Plus it will add illumination, an essential and often overlooked element of any well-planned workspace.

The look for less. Keep an eye out for sales and look for fun vintage fixtures at flea markets and garage sales, Serra says. You might have to pay to have the fixture rewired, but chances are the total cost will still be less than $50.

• Change the finish. if you like the shape, size, and price of a fixture but not the finish, you can often change it with metallic spray paint. “Copper is so hot right now,” says designer Casey Noble, host of HGTV’s “Design on a Dime.” “You can use spray paint to give almost anything, including light fixtures, the warm look of copper.” Krylon and Rustoleum have a variety of finishes for about $5 a can.
• Hang a trendy drum shade. For a fresh, mod look, pick up a pendant cord kit (about $5) and hang an oversized drum shade above a kitchen table or island.

Trend: Industrial chic
A bold restaurant-style range will run you a hefty $3,500 or more; a commercial-style faucet can cost several hundred. But according to our testers, most pro-style appliances aren’t worth the price premium.

The look for less. You can capture the feeling of industrial chic with the strategic placement of a few gleaming metal accessories.

• Make the small stuff count. Create a commercial look with a stainless-steel toaster on a countertop or a metal canister full of utensils set beside the range, Morisseau says. To find high-end accents at a big discount, Serra suggests trolling such stores as HomeGoods and Marshalls.
• Try a hanging pot rack. Placing it above the range or island not only adds storage in a small space but also puts cookware on display, as it often is in commercial kitchens.
• Hang a stainless steel shelf. It’s another way to display cookware, restaurant-style.

Trend: Marble or granite
Year after year, stone counters remain at the top of many kitchen wish lists. Stone has its pros—good looks and durability for varieties such as granite and quartz—but also has its cons. Price, of course, is the biggie. replacing your laminate counters with stone will cost $40 to $150 per square foot. And marble tends to stain easily, and its edges are vulnerable to chipping, according to our testers.

The look for less. Add just a hint of the rich elegance of marble or granite to spice up your space.

• Create a stunning focal point. Mixing countertop materials is a trendy look that can cut costs. Use stone on one small area, say, an island or a prep zone near the stove. To make it work, go for contrast—use chocolate granite on an island to complement cream-colored counters, for example. Look for remnant slabs at a local stone yard.
• Add just a touch of stone. “Live with your current counters and keep a big marble pastry board out all the time,” Serra says. It’s affordable and practical, especially if you bake; marble’s cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough.
  

—Adapted from Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning & Buying Guide

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