Appliance trends for 2008 . . . and beyond

Michael DiLauro, a product-information specialist who covers a wide range of home products for Consumer Reports, recently attended the 2008 International Builders’ Show. Here, Michael, who knows a thing or two about the appliance industry, provides his insight into the appliance trends you’ll see in the coming months and years:

• New lines and brands emerge. You’ll have three new full lines of appliance to consider when shopping this year. Samsung and LG will round out their offerings in 2008, as both will offer a complete line of major appliances; Samsung has added a dishwasher while LG has come out with a wall oven and a cooktop. Also debuting in the U.S. market this spring is Electrolux, which will have 130 new products in stores. Take a look at the new Electrolux appliances. The GE Café line, introduced last fall, has been a big success. Look for GE to increase the number of Café line products this year.

Also, after years of major changes and consolidation in the appliance industry—including Whirlpool’s acquisition of Maytag, Jenn-Air, and Amana—some brands are now being repositioned. Amana is being morphed into the brand for the practical style seeker. (Read about the company’s Jot dry-erase refrigerator, shown.)

• Appliances go high-tech. Sophisticated electronics continue to make their way into the appliance world. For cooking appliances, the gadgetry allows for easier-to-clean glass touch controls and more one-touch functions that control cooking time and temperature. Behind these one-touch settings are algorithms designed to bring the ovens up to the correct temperature and cook to the proper doneness, adjusting and providing visual feedback along the way. One range I checked out features 11 different cooking modes, many of which would not be possible without state-of-the-art electronics and algorithms. Ranges and wall ovens from several brands have electronic controls that are completely blacked out until you touch the surface. The electronic controls on some Bosch gear lights up when you bring your hand to within six inches of the controls.

• Lighting beams brightly. LED lights are now appearing on high-end refrigerators. Manufacturers are also adding what they call “theater lighting” and “luxury lighting” to their appliances—the lights brighten slowly after you open the door.

• Steam is hot. Steam modes are moving into many different appliances, so don’t be surprised if every manufacturer incorporates this technology into its cleaning, cooking and laundry lines in the near future.

NOTE: We've read your comments about the desire to see a report on carpet cleaners/shampooers. Consumer Reports is planning a testing-based project of carpet cleaners, including steam models. We expect to publish a report in a 2009 issue.—Editor, June 2, 2008

• Stainless steel still shines. As I’ve noted in recent years, the market share of stainless-steel appliances continues to increase. In categories like wall ovens and gas cooktops, stainless steel accounts for more than 80 percent of sales. For $2,000 and pricier refrigerators, about 80 percent of the refrigerators sold have a stainless-steel finish.

• Capacity gets bigger. Some refrigerators and cooking appliances have more usable interior space in the same-size box as improved insulation allows for tighter walls. For example, I saw more 30-inch ranges with two ovens, part of a fast-growing trend. I also spotted a few 30-inch cooktops with five burners, providing an extra cooking spot for one more pot or pan.

• Access and closing are easier. Manufacturers are offering more appliances, especially at the high end, that are designed to open easier, like the new EZ-Open handle on a Samsung French-door bottom-freezer refrigerator (shown). Soft-close cabinet doors and drawers have been a success in the cabinet market for years and now we are starting to see that moving to appliances, including on a Miele dishwasher I saw.

Comments

[Linda Staiger]

Does Consumer Reports have plans to review steam carpet cleaners?

[Jeff Dzierzawski]

When will Consumer Reports update their refrigerator reviews and comparrisons? I am interested in a French Doo fridge with ice & water dispensor.

[Bob M.]

What about glass/ceramic top kitchen ranges? A friend of mine who has one said never to buy one...the tops are terrible to clean. There are many web sites which have complaints about the difficulty in cleaning them. What does Consumer Reports know about cleaning glass/ceramic top kitchen ranges?

[everett whitney]

Hello -
For any of the 120v appliances, the almost 100 % inclusion of solid state controls suggests that these be used with an adequately-designed surge protector.

How about a technical review of these, to separate the
inferior from the legitimate?

Also, for those major appliances & Central A/Cs, is it worth the costs to pay for the various option plans available from our utility companies? I.E. - do these really provide ''surge protection?"
Thanks.

[Frank Persico]

Same question as Ms Staiger - Does Consumer Reports have plans to review steam carpet cleaners?

[John Lingurar]

I am interested in those steam carpet cleaners too. Our local stores have stopped renting the cleaners they once had, and I am considering purchasing one for small messes.

[LaVone Warren]

Similar question to the requests for information on steam carpet cleaners. Has Consumer Report reviewed any of the steam mops like the H2O Mop or the Shark steam cleaner?

[steve thinglum]

What about those steam carpet cleaners. With 3 kids, 2 cats and a dog, we are spending a small fortune on mobile carpet cleaners and would love to save on that cost if there is a decent cleaning machine out there that does as good or better job than the mobile cleaning services.

[Heather]

I am interested in Carpet Steam Cleaners also! Does Consumer Reports plan on reviewing this category any time soon?

[karen]

There seems to be quite a few people interested in steam carpet cleaners. I specifically joined this site so that I could learn more about them. Do you have a response, CR?

[Belinda]

I too would like you to review home carpet cleaners. A review of the various types of carpet cleaning services would be nice also, i.e. steam -vs- dry -vs- wet.

[Tess]

Consumer Reports has yet to test and rate home steam cleaners, and after earlier testing and reviewing, Choice magazine (the Australian equivalent of Consumer Reports) cannot recommend any steam cleaners at all. Editors at Choice do give some tips on what to look for in a cleaner and what to avoid. Representing the other side are sites like Allergy Buyer's Club, which say steam cleaners are an excellent way to clean bathrooms, floors and upholstery without using chemicals. ConsumerGuide features reviews of several steam cleaners, but they are not comparative or thorough. Balanced steam cleaner reviews from owners at Amazon.com and Epinions, which give a good idea how well steam cleaners work in actual use.

[Kim Habas]

I, too, Karen, joined to get the proverbial 'skinny' (what with the kids and the dog) on steam cleaners. Hope everyone gets the answers they're looking for! I guess I'll cancel my membership....

[Rich]

I also just paid my registration fee to join the site expecting to be able to get reviws on both carpet cleaners and general steam cleaners. Needless to say I am very disappointed to see that they have never been done. It is not like these cleaners are novelty products.

I am also surprised that consumer reports does not at least acknowledge the comments above indicating some sort of awareness of the needs of its customer base...

[Dirty Floors]

When will CR do a study on the Steam Shark all floor cleaner?

[Ralph Aschliman]

I too logged on to find ratings on carpet cleaners last reported on JULY 03 but evidently no longer available. No archives?

[Shawna]

Holy cow! I have been searching this site for over 20 minutes looking for steam cleaner info - and found this page! Too funny! Apparently there there is no info at Consumer Reports on these carpet cleaners! I have a Hoover that just had a couple 'small' things go wrong (it is 10 years old & has worked perfectly) so I took it to Sears & they quoted me $200 for parts & labor! For the love of milk! So, looks like I'll just be buying new! Please, please, put some reviews out here for us!!

[Alan Barrett]

Please explain to your subscribers why you refuse to test any of the various types of carpet cleaners on the market, when it is obvious that we want to see them tested.

[Filthy]

I second or third that! Where are the reviews for steam carpet/floor cleaners? CR has great reviews of the standard vacuums and wet/dry vacs but nothing on steam cleaners? Please update ASAP.

[Marion]

I was really hoping to find some ratings on carpet cleaners, too. I thought for sure I'd come to the right place. Disappointing:(

[Marcel]

I to have been looking for information on steam carpet cleaners. Our local rental store machine is old and hard to move around plus in poor repair. There is need for information on steam carpet cleaners.

[Mad_Dach5und]

Please evaluate the market for carpet 'steam' cleaners sooner rather than later. From talking with professional carpet cleaners, I have been told that "pet" enzyme carpet cleaners do not work effectively without a significant amount of heat.

I have used the same tired model for years and would like an upgrade, but NONE of the models available (and there are lots more) seem to stand out. I would like a thorough explanation why they call their wet carpet vacs 'steam' cleaners when there is not steam involved!

[CW]

Ditto! Consumer Reports your customer base is asking? We would like some info! Please respond. CW

[Ann]

I also am looking for info on steam cleaners and came across this comment section. Please CR...do some research

[Kari]

I too joined to check out the carpet steam cleaner scoop...I also wanted to learn more about hard floor steam cleaners since I ave scads of tile and scads of kids...argh...I guess all the requests aren't making adifference to cr as I've been looking everywhere and finally landed here.

[LM]

I'm looking for info. on steam cleaners, too.

[Hilary]

I appreciate the number of requests for product reviews that Consumer Reports must receive, but what's the point of so many posts (largely requesting the same thing, in this case) with no response from CR?

I, too, need info on home carpet cleaners. If I know you don't plan to review them in the near future, I'll continue my search elsewhere. You should be flattered that so many of us respect your good work, but non-responsiveness isn't what I think of when I think of CR.

[Norma]

I too would like to see a review of carpet cleaners. I joined consumer reports for this reason. Most homes now have some kind of carpet cleaner. I am disappointed in consumer reports that they have not done any reviews. I called our local vacuum store to find out what I could today. Please consider doing reviews on home carpet cleaners.

[David Baker]

I too would like to see a report on the steam mops ie the Shark, or H20.

[Becca]

I need to purchase a good carpet cleaner. It is "past" spring cleaning time for my carpet and like many others who have posted,I need some expert advice from Consumer Reports about which one is the best deal. I need to purchase my cleaner very soon, but am disappointed because CR has not covered this. I always feel more confident when making a big purchase with CR's advice. Please review and tell us about the best carpet cleaners soon.

By the way after reading the other posts with no response from CR, maybe no one is reading our email requests in this are of the website... or our requests are not forwarded to the people who care about CR's customer needs. Maybe we should be sending our requests to one of the following CR officers? I found the named of the president, among others, on CR website. Since requests have been coming in for nearly three months from consumers with yet no response, I will send the president a copy of our requests. I will bet he will find someone in the company to help us. The website says they want to hear from their customers. Hang in there everyone...maybe we will get some great CR advice very soon. Becca 6-4-08

CR website:

Where to find us

Consumer Reports, and our publisher Consumers Union, are located at:

101 Truman Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703-1057

Please write to us and we will respond as quickly as we can. We know we have an interested and faithful audience and we do want to hear from you.

President James A. Guest
Senior Vice President, Information Products John Sateja
Vice President, Editorial Director Kevin McKean
Vice President & Technical Director Jeffrey A. AsherThanks.

[Becca]

I need advice on a steam carpet cleaner too. I cannot understand why this many customers have been posting since March 10, 2008 with no reply from CR, but there must be a reason.
I am going to make a copy of all of the requests and mail it to the CR president. The CR website lists all of the management and it says they want to hear from us. I bet the president will find someone in the company who can give us some good CR advice about which steam carpet cleaners are the best. Perhaps, no one is monitoring this part of the website or forwarding our requests to the people who care about CR's customer service needs for advice.

Hang in there...maybe we will get some advice soon.

Here is the CR website info:
Where to find us

Consumer Reports, and our publisher Consumers Union, are located at:

101 Truman Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703-1057

Please write to us and we will respond as quickly as we can. We know we have an interested and faithful audience and we do want to hear from you.

ConsumerReports.org staff

President James A. Guest
Senior Vice President, Information Products John Sateja
Vice President, Editorial Director Kevin McKean
Vice President & Technical Director Jeffrey A. Asher

[H]

Just came home from Lowes and bought the SAMSUNG DISHWASHER DMR57LFS. I was going there to check out the BOSCH and WHIRLPOOL that CR tagged as Best Buy. I ended up liking the BOSCH and KENMORE, but each had their pro and con. Right before I was about to leave, I saw the Samsung and it met all the pros I wanted from both the Bosch and Kenmore, even the price. Without hesitation, I made the purchase!

We'll see how this Samsung performs.

[Annie]

This is the first time I've ever written your org. I am also VERY surprised and disappointed that there is no info. on steam floor cleaners, ie shark, bissel, h20. Even though the floor/extended are fairly new, the hand models have been around for years! PLEASE HURRY!!!!! I was going to purchase, yet deferred my buying decision until I had researched through you. I need to go back and get one ASAP! My floors are dirty and need help! My floors and I thank you all, including so many others that have voiced exactly the same concern!

[jamie]

The article above states that the review will appear in a 2009 issue.

It is disappointing that this will take so long.

Consumer reports seems more concerned in evaluating automobiles. (Maybe one day they will mention the number of Toyota recalls). Maybe the steam clean products aren't a big (enough) ticket item to warrant a fater turn around time.

[Jean Evans]

Do the Hard Surface Steam Cleaner work well on laminate flooring, and does the laminate flooring do well with steam? Should I or shouldn't I get one? If so, which one??? I like quick and easy and I also like clean. I have 3 housecats so picking up dust and fur is important. My floors are usually pretty clean and they are all laminate which is great with pets in the house. I have no carpet at all. Would a hard surface steam cleaner be a good tool for me?

[Vanessa]

Besides carpet steamers, I have an interest in hard surface/hard wood floors steam cleaners. How good are they? Are they good over the long term for hardwood floors? Which is the most versatile?

[JoAnn]

I add my voice to the very disappointed category. I bet more people buy steam cleaners than cars.

[Diane]

Since consumers reports alludes to the fact that "steam" is in as far as the many manufacturers of cleaning products are concerned...why the delay in testing and info. I have a large area of tile flooring and like others need info on "steam mops" to be an informed consumer. If the delay is due to personnel, I volunteer myself and my floors to test the steam mop products.
While the price of gasoline is high and the reviews of autos is
important...the rapidly changing scenario in the automotive field
hints that the studies will be short term over on going periods of time...so please give other areas equal time. You after all are a consumer guide and as such should be able to offer current information not information thats availabe 6 months to a year after the product hits the markets.
Diane

[Diane]

Data for "steam mops" and other steam cleaners should be avialable at least by the time the product has been available on the market for 4-6 months. It does us the consumer little good to get data a year or longer after they come out...by that time the report is outdated and of little use. Come on Consumer Reports you can do better than that! If you need volunteers to test I will volunteer my time and my tile floors!
Diane

[Diane]

Upcoming data for "steam mops" and other steam cleaning appliances should be avialable before 2009, by that time the info will be outdated and other models will be out. You can do better that this Consumer Reports. Otherwise those of us who look to you to become informed consumers wouldn't need you. How about picking people in different locations to help you test a product if personnel and cost are a factor causing this delay?
Diane

[Lawrence Harris]

Please report on carpet shampooers soon; don't wait until 2009!

[greg]

Would like info on steam mops-h2o, or Shark

[Julie]

I would really like to see a report on steam cleaners, both floor models and hand held. It looks like A LOT of others would like to see a report on this as well! Please don't delay!

[Julie]

I would like to see a report on floor and hand held steam cleaners. It looks like a lot of others would too! Please don't delay in giving us this needed information!

[Kevin Manglitz]

I have 2 comments:
1. I feel like I wasted my money for the online service because their is no carpet steam cleaner reviews.
2. I can not understand how CR drivers only got 37 mpg in their honda civic hybrid(gas-saving cars). I have not been below 47 mpg., with a high of 51 mpg, since buying mine in December of 2007.

[Andrea]

When will you be doing a study on hardwood/laminate floor cleaners? I am thinking about purchasing the shark steam mop, but would like to review the product through CR before doing so. My floors need help!

[Allen]

I would also like to see a report on the Shark steam mop.

[Mad_Dach5und]

For what it's worth, here's my review of the Eureka Atlantis Steam Carpet Cleaner...

1) Bought it because of the size - the 2 stage handle folds down to make it small - think a cannister vac w/o the hose. Easy storage.
2) Main Plus: Vacuum is strong - pulls up a lot of dirt. Scrubbing brushes work. It is only now getting 'tired' at close to 10 years old!
3) Main drawback - like ALL carpet cleaners, it uses hot tap water - NOT STEAM.
4) 2nd Plus - it uses 2 tank side-by-side system that is easy to clean and dry out.
5) 2nd drawback - Capacity - Only holds about 1 gallon of water - enough for about half of one bedroom. The it needs a refill.
6) Long term issues 1: The plastic bottom base plate got cracked soon after I bought it - cracked got bigger each time I pushed a new water tank in place. Called Eureka - got the replacement part fairly easily - didn't cost much - fixed it myself. The device is not too complicated.
7) Long Term issue 2: Probably because of MY dis-assemble and repair - I couldn't get the soap delivery tank/hose to work anymore - I tried fixing it several times. Now I just 'hose' the carpet with a spray bottle of soap before using.

[Stephanie]

I have been waiting for info on the shark steam floor cleaner and have been checking back periodically. I am quite disappointed that you have not tested any of these steam cleaners yet. We are trying to use products that do not have any harmful chemicals in them so the steam cleaners would be great in helping to clean our hardwood floors but I want to make sure they work. Please test these products soon and let us know as soon as possible!

[Karmen Brower]

I, too, am interested in the steam carpet cleaner reviews. I would also like to know about the wood/tile/laminate floor scrubbers such as the Hoover.

I would also like to know about GAS WALL OVENS. These seem to have disappeared from the market in favor of stoves with "stand on your head ovens and broilers." I hope others are looking to replace gas wall ovens.

Thanks.

[maxsmom]

Can you please accelerate your testing/reviews for steam mops on hardwood/ceramic tile floors? I specifically joined to find this information out and was disappointed not to find any. I will happily write the President if this will encourage the process along.

[Heinz Reuter]

I too am very disappointed that that CR has not reviewed the hardwood steam cleaners e.g BISSEL, SHARK, etc. They have been on the Market for quite a while, and I really don' want to wait until 2009 to buy one!

[Karla]

I am also looking for reviews of floor cleaning machines - bissell, hoover, etc. - that specifically are designed for hardwood, laminate, and tile floors. They've been out there for a while. CR, we need this!!!!

[Sue]

Same here - I have looked for information on steam cleaners in Consumer Reports - this is an area I could use help.

[Beverly]

I also would haved liked to see a review on hard floor cleaners. After reading epinions and customer reviews online, I purchased a Hoover floormate spin brush cleaner. It's going back today. It is just as labor intensive as my mop and a lot noisier. It does edges well but not corners. My home is all rustic Mexican tile and there aren't enough brushes on the tile grout cleaner to do a fast and efficient job. After mopping for thirty years I was hoping for some relief, but this isn't it. I will look forward to the report.

[Paul]

I also came here to find out about Shark's steam mop thingy! Really, at this point CR should look at this page as a petition, not just a comment section.

[Greg]

I too, am looking for a rating on steam cleaners but see CR hasn't done one. Makes me wonder why I'm paying a subscription!

[Lois Konet]

I want to know more about the Shark Steam Mop and the Bissel steam hard floor and carpet cleaner. My renewal of Consumer Reports will run out Aug 08 and if I don't see any information on these by then I will not renew. Not renewing is our only way of moving these guys to actually pay attention to all these comments. Lois

[Patty]

Add me to list of those who would like to see a report on carpet cleaners. With so many different kinds to choose from, I would have thought CR would have done the research already.

[Val]

I come to CR before making any big purchases and am very disappointed that you don't have ratings for hardwood floor steamers. Get up with the times and update your site!

[Ann]

Me too. I was looking for ratings of carpet cleaners now (tile in the future). Can't wait till 2009 though. Especially interested in edge cleaning ability, as those I've rented don't do the job on a beige multi-level where it meets the wall/mopboard/molding (whatever it's called). Wonder if others have had the same problem.

[Kim]

I too want information on a steam vac. Mine just went out and it was going to cost 145 to fix it plus 30$ to look at it. It was a hoover and worked wonderful for years but I had the sears maintenance and didnt renew and of course it stopped working. For the cost of fixing I would rather purchase a new one. I borrowed a friends and hers had a problem with the container holding the product breaking/cracking and falling off everytime you tried to clean. She said she had replace it several times already. I would also like this to clean hardwood and tile floors. I have 5 children, cat, dog and a HUSBAND. Need help quick. (dont want to rent, they don't look clean and who knows what was cleaned before I got it...)
I have my carpets professionally done every 6 months but I need them more than that so I keep one ready to go in the coat closet.. I have the spotbot but like someone else said "it leaves a circle" so I always use the manual part which would take forever in a 5000 sq ft home. HELP!!! Desperate House Wife

[Vicki]

Ditto most all of the above! I guess the dirt on all of our floors is piling up as fast as the Consumer Reports reviews aren't! It's waaaay past time that we get some company feedback on the quality of the many floor steam cleaners out there. We need some help CR, please....

[Vicki]

Is anybody with clout out there listening? Sounds like most everything has already been said. The dirt is piling up on our floors as fast as the Consumer Reports reviews aren't! Choosing which floor steam cleaner to buy is difficult because there are so many on the market! Please CR, this is your reason for being - we need some help out here!

[Carol]

I cannot believe that I finally suscribe today because I am desperate with 2,000 square feet of white tile and decided to check out Hoover's Floormate CR's rating. Mega dittos....is any one reading these comments?

[Thomas Lillash]

I tried looking up Vegetable Steamers because of getting ready to purchase one. I saw "No" comparison or CR's best choice on your site. I also tried looking up Soldering Irons, with the same results. I'm starting to wonder if my subscription to your site is worth the money !

[Pam Carnesi]

I am looking for info on steam cleaners & steam sanitizers - Shark, H2O and the Monster Pro (I believe it is called) hand held. We have all hardwood and tile floors - and have been in cat rescue - I urgently need a quality product which sanitizes, is easy to handle and leaves no dangerous chemical residue to stick to little feet ... I would also be happy to test. 2009 is a loooong way away, when I'm cleaning furballs now!

[Jeriel]

OK, Where are the Carpet Steam Cleaner Reviews????
Still waiting!!!

[Debbie]

Can I get my money back for this subscription or do I just have to swallow the loss? Perhaps we should be assessing CR a rating of far-less-than-expected-value-for-money. Steam cleaners of all kinds have been on the market for years... why have they not been reviewed? And why on earth did I waste my money subscribing to CR when they clearly don't listen to their customers. Aren't we the ones providing the money required for their testing...?

[Pat Benson]

Where are the reports on the floor steam cleaners? Hey, get with it, how many requests from your members do you need to do something here??

[Marilee T]

One more person who came to find info re: steam floor and hand held cleaners who is very surprised to find it lacking.

I found another consumer site with tons of user ratings. O-l-d ratings. Shocked there is no unbiased study done on these yet.

2009 feels like a long time to wait. Please reconsider

[Trace]

I really wanted to see ratings on hard floor steam cleaners today. One went on sale at Target and who knows if it is up to the job? I've read the reviews on Amazon for the Hoover Floormate H3060 - heck there are so many models, I have no clue. Most don't seem to work well, so CR.... which one does? Please expedite the testing!!

[Lynne S]

So, our floors will have to wait until 2009. I guess I am done with consumer reports! Thanks for being so responsive to your readers and their needs. Yes, I am being sarcastic.

[Charles Dawson]

here, here, on steam vac reviews, would be useful

[dave]

I'm another loser. I shelled out $26 because I wanted information on floor and carpet cleaners, Looks like money down the drain. Has anyone had experience with the Bissell Proheat 2x or the Bissell Quicsteam Turbo?

[Terri]

I am also interested in the steam carpet cleaners, especially the high end versions that can clean stairs easily.

[laura]

I'm just another subscriber chiming into this page, begging for ratings on at-home steam and carpet cleaners.

[pat h]

I need info on low cost canister vacuums that can be used just for dust pick up and floors (no carpets). I specifically subscribed to this site to get the extra info - so far, just the same info as in print - and harder to access. Please make this site more user friendly or I will be a former customer. Truly disappointed, considering how much I love your magazine.

[Jim]

Doh!

I've check here for steam cleaners on a couple of occasions. I was really suprised that this item had not been reviewed. I sure wish you guys would hurry this one up. 2009 is a bit far out for an item that is in demand that has never been reviewed.

[Angela]

I have been on an endless search for non-bias info on steam mops. HELP is needed now!! I am happy that you will be doing a report on them but, I need it before 2009 unless it is January 1 of 2009. As you can see from this post and MANY others this information is much needed now. I know that as a magazine you have your whole year mapped out but, could something be squeezed in the web site?
Thank you

[Gordon Wagner]

I am also looking for comparisons on steam cleaners, not carpet cleaners. The ones I've researched so far have low prices and are gutless, just gadgets. A decent steam cleaner seems to cost the better part of $1K and I'd like to see CR cover the higher-end appliances. I like the idea a lot, especially for hideous-grungy jobs like the kitchen appliances and floors/cabinets and the bathroom fixtures. You can't get capacity, PSI and real steam in a cheap model.

[Wendy Nemetz]

I too was hoping to find more on steam mops/units that work on tile. Tried one hoover (non steam) but it did a terrible job as the brushes barely touched the tile. Would be great to find one unit that would do both carpet and tile since my house is 50/50 - porcein tile and carpet. Keep seeing reviews on some shark steam mops and other brands that the handles keep breaking. Bissell has a combo unit for under $90 (vis hsn) that looks promising - but it's not steam and you have to use chemicals. Have viewed other steam units that "do it all" but they go for well over $500. Found another steam mop cheaper than Shark and another by about $40 - but will it work either? Will a steam mop get the grout clean? Help CR - I volunteer my house for testing too!

[Carolyn B.]

I am joining the multitude to urge you to review
hard floor cleaners. I have a durable but dated
vinyl linoleam kitchen floor that I have to scrub
on my hands and knees to get all the crevices clean.
My joints can't survive until 2009. Will the shark do the
job or is that new Hoover scrubber the ticket?
Please expediate the answer.

[Sharon Hedlof]

I am interested in the vapor cleaners when is Consumers Reports
going to test these cleaners

[Chris Dolezalek]

I too am chiming in to express my disappointment me on lack of information and response from CR on this topic.

[Catherine Simon]

I am desperate to find out the best commercial carpet cleaner on the market today - that also cleans set-in stains - also whether steam or dry cleaning is the best way to go - please hurry with your help!!! thank you very much

[Kerry]

I too am disappointed that I was unable to find any info on steam cleaners/carpet cleaners on the market these days. Two friends have told me that they are happy with their Bissell Proheat II X for what it's worth to anyone. One friend that was quite pleased with her Bissel has three dogs (one is still a puppy). Her carpets looked great and there was no residual "puppy" smell. I just looked at theBissel website and they have a new one out that is supposed to be even better if you have pets. For lack of any info from "our source" maybe this will help someone.

[Leslie Howard Redweik]

For crying out loud, go buy some some carpet cleaners and review them already CR!! :) I want to buy one SOON.

I paid the local Chem-dry person... couldn't tell they did anything other than the carpet was a little damp. Did our own with Rug Doctor and what a difference. Most of the stains were gone and this was one YEAR later! Will NEVER pay ChemDry again for certain.

Anyone have good/bad experiencse to review carpet cleaners personally?

Should we stick with renting rug doctors or buy a...? Bissell? Hoover? Other?

Leslie

[Lu B]

I have a Kenmore refrigerator model #363.9552722 bought about 10 years ago. Every year or 18 months the hose that supplies water to the ice maker breaks where it connects to the on/off solenoid.
I usually cut out the broken section and reconnect it to the solenoid. I can't stretch the hose any more to reconnect it.
Can't find any recalls on this problem. Is mine the only 'fridge that does this?

[Simone]

Adding another voice. I too joined Consumer Reports almost a year ago for the specific purpose of getting unbiased information about steam or wet carpet cleaners as opposed to vacuum cleaners; I already use a CR-recommended vacuum. While it's nice to know that reviews will be out in 2009, I've got a situation now where I cannot wait, it's a health issue. So I am glad to learn here about Amazon.com and Epinions, will log off now and go check them.

Note: I remember a similar refusal to take microwave ovens seriously, thirty something years ago; they were basically banned from CR as too dangerous because all leaked. Hope the otherwise marvelous organization learns from these episodes of member frustration.

s.a.r.

[Helen Keenan]

Shame on you CR for not letting us, the consumers, know about steam cleaners of all kinds! I have been coming here for months trying to find some info about hard floor steam cleaners, but, alass, still nothing!
You say you won't have that info until 2009 and I, like others, say that's not soon enough!!!!!
Perhaps we should all just drop our memberships until the reviews come out sometime in 2009. I think I'll just do that!!!!! I didn't just purchase my membership to find out about steam cleaners, I've been a paid subscriber for years!!!!!
I'm verrrrrrrry disappointed!!!!

[kein carter]

the main reason i bought this subscription was because i wanted to research carpet cleaners or steam cleaners for home use and there is nothing? what the... oh well i guess i'll have to wait!
:-(

[Margaret Timm]

I am interested in Consumer reports doing a survey on the Stark or the H2) steam mop. How soon will these 2 steam cleaners be tested?

[Ronnie]

Is there going to be a review of hard surface steam cleaners in the near future?

[Katherine]

Hey CR! I want to purchase a carpet steam cleaner too!
I value your opinion which is why I subscribe. You have a lot of people in this blog that would try them out for you.

[karen]

I too would like to see a report on the steam mops ie the Shark, or H20. It appears to me you have a lot of request to test the steam mop. Please get busy and make us happy CR customers.

[Martha]

I thought I could easily log in and find out which carpet cleaning system is beter, steam or chem dry. I'm very disappointed.

[Linda Rorer]

Can you please accelerate your testing/reviews for steam mops on hardwood/ceramic tile floors? I specifically joined to find this information out and was disappointed not to find any.

After doing parallel research on vacuums I was also very disppointed in the vacuum reviews.
What has happend to CR? My subscription was a waste of money and time.

[JESSICA]

Why no testing done on hardwood/tile steam cleaners ie the shark or bissell??? Is anyone at Consumer Reports testing these products. I want to get away from chemicals and use steam. Lets get it together Consumer Reports the world is waiting!!!!!

[Heather]

I was hoping too that I would find ratings on steam mops but to my surprise I am one of the many others disppointed. I have been a member of CR for a couple years and most of the time their studies do not include the new modles or they have no information at all. I don't think I will renew after this subscription runs out because I can get better information reading ratings from other websites.

[Sean L]

Wow. I've tried looking up a few random things and wasn't too surprised they weren't tested. When I thought to look up steam cleaners I thought for SURE it would have been tested! I mean, why wouldn't it?? It's a rather important piece of machinery! My goodness! So much for that... Still haven't found a use for my subscription...

[Susan Barrett]

So what is the answer to everybody's questions. When will you be doing a review of products like H2O and Shark steamers? Why such a delay?

[Susan Barrett]

So what is the answer to everybody's questions. When will you be doing a review of products like H2O and Shark steamers? Why such a delay?

[G Tolan]

Please review capet cleaners - thanks

[Angela M]

I have a Shark Steamer with Floor attachment. My entire first floor is slate and it works great with two exceptions. It will run out of water before I am done so I usually need two tanks-full. The second is it is not exactly powerful enough for kitchen floor. Mainly near the stove that gets grimy, but with a good cleaner sprayed on before, it works great. The small high-pressure attachment makes it great to clean around the toilet without actually touching anything. Just aim steam and wipe! Attachments are great for the stove, sink and my husband loves using it with the metal brushes to clean the grill!

Overall, wont clean the tile grout, but does get the tile clean without cleaners.

[brad pringle]

I too joined to get info on items like the home carpet steam cleaners. all users should voice there concern over this issue. thank you everyone. I am tried of paying carpet cleaners hundreds of dollars for a hour of work.

[Maria]

With the big "Green" movement I am surprised CR has not looked into this area yet but, I really hope they decide to do so.
I am not talking about carpet steam cleaners but steam and vapor cleaners that are able to clean and sanitize just about everything & everyroom in your home.
The LadyBug vapor machines look particularly economical and durable but are very expensive.
Please consider this new and important field to research.

[CMB]

No information on Steam Carpet Cleaners?????? What gives?

I have 2 cats and I really need to get a carpet cleaner and so I thought to make sure I get the best one, I would join and get the information from Coneumer Reports. BIG MISTAKE>>>>>>>

cb~

[Neil Brown]

Would love to see a consumer report comparing steam vapor cleaners. I have tile floors and lots of grout that needs to be cleaned. Also, would like to have tools to use in bathroom, kitchen etc as attachments. Hurry!

[longe]

I want Consumer Reports to test the carpet cleaning services(the companies)to evaluate their claims and effectiveness. Are companies that claim "steam cleaning" over "dry" cleaning correct? Does the "Dry Cleaning" method work better? Are there newer methods of cleaning out there? Which chemicals should be avoided on carpets?

How long before CR gives an answer?

[Laila Kokkala]

I too am wondering about various hard floor steam mops. How about a review?

[Toni]

Any advice on the H2O and Shark steamers? I have ceramic, hardwood and rugs.

[Sharon]

would love to know if you have tested HARD FLOOR/WOOD STEAM CLEANERs (not carpet) ...
this was the primary reason I signed up with CR. Wood floors cover 90% of our home.. and we have 2 dogs.. The manual labor required to clean the floors is taking its toll. If testing has not been done, please advise if/ when you are planning to do so... Thanks very much.

[dave]

Very disappointed with CR for not caring what your members need. This will be the last time I sign on. All we want is a comparison of the top rated shampooers. Obviously, this is way to much to expecpt.......soooooooooooooo long

[Dale Varano]

FYI: There won't be a CR review of carpet steam cleaners until sometime around 02/09, read it elsewhere on this site. Hopefully, CR will also review the various steam cleaner detergents at the same time!

[Danielle C]

GOOD GRIEF!!! I have been a loyal customer of consumer reports for years and I too EXPECTED to see something about SOME type of steam cleaner!! HOW HARD IS THIS, PEOPLE!? I want to know if a H2O Mop is good or not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH, and BEFORE JANUARY!

[Gwenell]

Was very surprised at the comments re no review of steam cleaners..we were previous subscribers to Consumer Report Magazine but found we did not utilize it as much as we had in beginning mainly due to time constraints...bought ShopSmart on news stand and both my husband and I liked the format etc and discussed subscribing ..but after going to this website to see reviews on steam carpet cleaners we are having second thoughts..as this is a division of Consumer Reports it seems there would be a review of some sort??

[Bill]

Put me on the list with all the others that need a review of carpet shampooers before next year. If you saw my carpet, you'd understand. Surely, you've have now some information on what and what not to buy.

[Doug Stade]

Add my name to the list of people urging you to review steam mops. We are looking at buying one for our hardwood floor.

Looks like requests for this have been occurring for months. Could consumer reports please comment on whether this is even on the list to be reviewed. And if so when is it likely to occur.

Thanks

[Dave & Pat Gardner]

We concur with Linda's question, repeated below. We will soon replace our current Bissell steam vac and would like CR's take on these models: Bissell model no. 9400-9, Bissell model no. 9200-2, Hoover model no. F7452-900, and Hoover model no. F7222-900. We check CR's test results BEFORE we buy.

__Posted by: Linda Staiger | Mar 10, 2008 12:18:13 PM

__Does Consumer Reports have plans to review steam carpet cleaners?

[Dave Gardner]

Well. I selected the "Preview" button and was returned to the current page without a preview pane. I'm assuming my entry was siphoned-off into interstellar space, probably to the Alpha Quadrant, vicinity of the Sol System.

I know better. I should have saved my write-up in Notepad before clicking any submission button so that, in the event of a problem like what just happened, I can easily rehash my words. I'll regurgitate my entry once again and if IT doesn't work, ... phooey.

--

I concur with Linda's question, the first entry -- Mar 10, 2008 12:18:13 PM.

With five cats, their upchucked hairballs and their constant disapproval of the best foods I buy to feed them (Cat food? Not good enough for them. I've resorted to feeding them albacore tuna and finely diced cooked, chicken breasts. And these dishes work, ... sometimes.) by spewing nasty concoctions over, what was once, very nice carpet. It's not that my Bissell steam vac is not up to the task, kinda-sorta. I endured a complete melt-down the other night trying to clean up a thoroughly nasty mess deposited by Scooter and did things to my Bissell which it was not designed to do; Bissells don't fly very well. (Lesson to self; never attempt cleanups after over-indulging in Scotch. Save cleanups for the next day.)

I am fond of Bissell products but would like to see CR's test reviews comparing the following steam vacs: Bissell model no. 9400-9, Bissell model no. 9200-2, Hoover model no. F7452-900, and Hoover model no. F7222-900. These models seem to be at the top of their individual company hierarchies.

I apologize. When I determined that there were no CR reviews on steam vacs, I jumped to the postings by CR fans, read the first entry, jumped to the bottom of the page, and entered a comment. When the preview failed, I entered "steam" (without quote-marks of course) in the IE's Find box (Ctrl + f) and discovered (1) that CR will provide steam vac reviews in 2009 and (2) that are many others interested in steam vacs.

I cannot wait until 2009 because, as you all know, Bissells don't fly very well. I'll just have to wing-it.

Oh! For John Lingurar (May 17, 2008 12:44:52 PM): purchase a Bissell SpotBot. It's great for those small messes.

Anybody want any cats?

Conyers, Georgia, USA

[Pat, Kansas]

Wish CR wouldn't wait until 2009 to test steam mops! Info is needed now.

Thanks.

[William]

We had a hoover that has quit working after about 5 years. A long time...sure. We only used it on two rooms twice a year, not sure it was worth it. I would like to hear others personal experience with them, before the 2009 issue...Rug Doctors any good? They were good as rentals for me.

[V Keen]

I have been looking for a steam cleaner for my porcelain & ceramic tile floors for years. I need something that does not allow dirty water to roll back into the grouting and stain it. The hands and knees cleaning process works fine, but is very time consuming. Help....let us all know and quickly!!!!

[Bill]

Recently purchased a Samsung dishwasher DMR57LFS. Had planned on getting either a Bosch (we are very happy with our 3 yr old Bosch washer and dryer) or Kitchen Aid (our 16 yr old Kitchen Aid ‘fridge is still doing great). But the Bosch did not have a drying element or food disposal system, and so it was dropped it off the list. The Kitchen Aid models were nice, but seem to have a lot of plastic and felt a bit flimsy. Then we looked at the Samsung. It was sturdy and had all the features we wanted. We are very satisfied! It is quiet, and most importantly, the dishes come out clean and dry! With five kids and at least 2 loads a day, we hope this one lasts longer than that most intensely disappointing Maytag we bought just 2 years ago!

[Fred Ottaviano]

How many years of suscribing to Consumer Reports does it take to receive an issue that contains information, test results, and recommendations on carpet steam cleaners or for that matter any carpet cleaner other than a vacuum cleaner? It appears to this suscriber that Consumer Reports ought to be paying more attention to it's suscriber base than a bunch of "do my own" carpetbaggers.

[CHARLES McHUGH]

have you or will you report on carpet cleaner/steamers?
thanx

[Mark Jamison]

Whoa is me! Whoa is me!

...No reviews of carpet/floor steam cleaners? I'm left to the marketing machine that is the consumer products industry.

If Consumer Reports can't afford to review this line of products increase the subscription price. Higher priced unbiased information is better than no information, and a smelly carpet.

[Vickie Sheppard]

Dear commenters:
With two dogs and 2 grandsons, I bought a Hoover Steam Carpet cleaner five years ago and I recommend it to everyone. I use only HOT water in the tank, and RugDoctor product cleaner (the other brands do not work well), but the carpet comes clean very easily as long as I go slow. I clean the machine after every use. My son also uses it, so the machine gets used almost every month and still works like a champ. It cleans better than ANY prof carpet cleaner company per anyone who has come to my house.
As for the hard-floor cleaners...as a long time subscriber to CR, I too, was disappointed it had not done anything with them. After all, they've been around forever (my mother had one in 1950's)! A friend who owns one now said to not buy the H2O or the Shark because they don't dry the floor after-you still have to wait for it to dry, plus neither scrub the grout. She owns the Hoover floormate and says it works absolutely fabulously. Since I've had such good luck with the Hoover steam carpet cleaner, I am going to pay a bit more and get the top-of-the-line Hoover FLoormate and use 'green' products or maybe just straight steam like my friend does. Who needs CR if you can get info from actual users on Amazon, epinion, and friends?
CR rates those products that are glitzy...cars, cameras, camcorders, computers. They aren't too concerned with everyday stuff.

[Clark]

There have been dozens of requests for reviews on carpet steam cleaners over the last several months, and as a subscriber I find CR's response that a report will come some time in 2009 to be insufficient and unacceptable. I hope it will be amended with an actual date soon.

[Melody Parker]

I agree about the Hoover Steam Vac. The one I have is not the top of the line or most expensive. I believe I paid $139 at Walmart. It was reccommended to me by a friend who has nine children and a dog in their house. She uses it alot and has had it for a couple of years and it is still working. Sometimes people pay way to much for something thinking that the more it cost the better it is. The more expensive hoover vac has not had very good comments or reviews from consumers if you look on BestBuy.com or Walmart.com. More expensive is not always better and if the cheaper one works good and it lasts 5 or more years then go get another one at $139. It should last more than 5 years though. I got one for Christmas based on my friends reccommendation. Sometimes word of mouth and comments online from real people who use these products is the best way to go.

[Gregg]

Wow, I can't believe this - no steam cleaners review. I wish I would have checked first and saved my money. We are in the market now and waiting until 2009 isn't what I had in mind.

[Joann]

I subscribed to CR today and expected to find ratings for the steam mops I've seen advertised on TV. Just like everyone else, I'm amazed these products haven't been reviewed yet.

[Deb D]

We who live in cities need a lot more info (testing) in regards to compact appliances. Not everyone lives in the suburbs with lots of room! I am an online subscriber, and have not had much use for info posted on the site to date.

[Steve Tamplen]

I am interested in reviews of steam cleaners, specifically the Hoover F7412-900.

As far as surge suppressors and battery backups, I have worked in the computer industry for over 12 years, and what I have found is that warranty length and monetary compensation for connected equipment ($10,000-$75,000 or more) pretty much tells the whole story for quality. If there is no connected equipment guarantee, then the mfgr doesn't have enough faith in their equipment to provide it.