Even our testers sometimes load the dishwasher wrong
Even our testers sometimes load the dishwasher wrong Our washing test for dishwashers is grueling, with 10 place settings slathered with egg yolks, peanut butter, raspberry jam, and other goo left to...
View ArticleSix ways to cut costs, not quality, on a kitchen remodel
Six ways to cut costs, not quality, on a kitchen remodel Saving money on major appliances and kitchen countertops can take some sleuthing but who doesn't like discovering a deal? Good timing helps....
View ArticleThe best blenders for summertime smoothies
The best blenders for summertime smoothies With farmer's markets and produce stands about to burst, now is the time to pick up a new blender. Besides mixing up a season's worth of smoothies, you can...
View ArticleRock-hard quartz countertops take on a softer texture
Rock-hard quartz countertops take on a softer texture Quartz is the top-performing material in our countertop tests, and it's also where we're seeing some of the most innovative designs. That was...
View ArticleNew crop of John Deere mowers impresses our testers
New crop of John Deere mowers impresses our testers John Deere lawn tractors and riders have figured prominently in Consumer Reports' mower tests, and this year's Deere lineup—including at least one...
View ArticleCPSC recalls Optimus space heater we judged a safety risk
CPSC recalls Optimus space heater we judged a safety risk The Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced the recall of two models of Optimus portable electric space heaters, including one...
View ArticleBenjamin Moore looks to history for its latest color collection
Benjamin Moore looks to history for its latest color collection If you're in the process of restoring a historic home—say an 18th century Dutch Colonial or a 19th century Queen Anne—you might be...
View ArticleMowers with premium engines run quieter and last longer
Mowers with premium engines run quieter and last longer At Consumer Reports, we strongly recommend that any walk-behind mower you buy have a premium engine. These engines, with their more efficient...
View ArticleHow do I know if my water filter is working?
How do I know if my water filter is working? Q. I have a water purifier in my fridge and one in my sink. Is there a way to verify that they're working? A.L., Columbus, Ga. A. It depends on what you're...
View ArticleQ&A: Should I buy an extended warranty for my water heater?
Q&A: Should I buy an extended warranty for my water heater? Q: My electric water heater had a six-year warranty and is now nine years old. A plumber told me to replace it before I have a problem...
View ArticleTips to thwart burglars when you're away from home
Tips to thwart burglars when you're away from home With the long Memorial Day weekend here and summer-travel season coming, consider these two burglary tales from one family. Mom and Dad return from a...
View ArticleGet an edge on summer lawn care with these five mowing tips
Get an edge on summer lawn care with these five mowing tips Even a top-performing walk-behind mower, lawn tractor, or rider won't make your lawn the belle of the block if your mowing is too random....
View ArticleFor $20 to $50 you can fix the gas grill you have now
For $20 to $50 you can fix the gas grill you have now Price isn't the best indicator of a gas grill's performance but cheap and flimsy parts, especially when they come with short warranties, are a...
View ArticleWhy your parents' appliances cost more to run than yours do
Why your parents' appliances cost more to run than yours do If you're shopping for new appliances, you might hear the argument that energy-efficient models don't perform as well as their power-hungry...
View ArticleTwo Troy-Bilt riding mowers drive to the top of our tests
Two Troy-Bilt riding mowers drive to the top of our tests The best you can hope for when shopping for a riding mower is a solidly built, top-performing machine that doesn't leave you feeling clipped...
View ArticleRisk of sudden death rises when infants sleep with parents
Risk of sudden death rises when infants sleep with parents Newborns who sleep in the same bed as their parents are five times more likely to die suddenly than those who sleep in a separate crib,...
View ArticleSix ways to prep for "extremely active" 2013 hurricane season
Six ways to prep for "extremely active" 2013 hurricane season With the memory of Sandy still fresh in many people's minds, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an active...
View ArticleNew Kenmore dishwasher wields motorized spray arm
New Kenmore dishwasher wields motorized spray arm Mere weeks after Kenmore unseated Bosch from the top of our dishwasher Ratings, the brand has rung the bell anew with a new model in the number-one...
View ArticleDon't let mechanically tenderized beef ruin your Memorial Day
Don't let mechanically tenderized beef ruin your Memorial Day Some of hungry partygoers at your Memorial Day gathering this weekend might be crying out, Where's the beef!?! But from a food-safety...
View ArticleHow to childproof the 4 highest-risk areas of your yard
How to childproof the 4 highest-risk areas of your yard What dangers lurk in your backyard? Especially for young children, the risks range from the obvious (mowers and tractors) to the unexpected...
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