Forum Friday: Top forums in recent weeks
Washing machines: This has been the most popular appliances forum recently, with the least-repair-prone front-loading washer and LG washer smell among the hottest discussions. These topics have emerged as our other top forums.
Vacuums: Vacuum aficionados have been posting in our best vacuums topic, while picks and pans of deep and steam cleaners have drawn numerous reviews.
Refrigerators: A newer French-door refrigerator discussion has sprung up to replace the old discussion on the same topic, along with a call for the quietest refrigerator.
Mattresses: The hottest non-appliance forum has many folks chatting about latex mattresses. And thanks to the member who posted the last word on how to buy a mattress.
Dishwashers: The I love my dishwasher discussion continues with passionate posts. Can top one member’s tale of her 24-year-old dishwasher?
Central heat/air conditioning: Cold weather and energy prices probably stoked discussions, like Which gas furnace should I buy?, which ranks as our most viewed discussion. We're looking forward to responses to a member's call for opinions on integrated heating and hot-water systems.
Ranges: These kitchen appliances have seen more activity as the holiday-cooking season kicked off and Consumer Reports published new ratings. The pros and cons of induction cooking is especially useful.
Small appliances: Coffeemakers dominate here. As detailed in a recent Forum Friday, numerous threads are percolating away in the wake of our latest review of coffeemakers.
Dryers: You’ll find numerous discussions of particular brands and some interesting exchanges on ventless condensation dryers and ways to prevent clothes and sheets from “balling.”
While it didn't crack the Top 10 in traffic, the energy saving in your home forum has had some wonderful insights to put more green in your holidays.
Posted by: STEVE CAMPISANO | Dec 23, 2008 4:33:25 PM
GARAGE DOOR OPENERS, HAVE YOU ANY TEST DATA
Posted by: Bruce Getowicz | Jan 8, 2009 3:03:32 PM
I am also looking for Garage Door Opener information.
Belt or chain driven? Which is more reliable. Belt is quite, but will it last?
Posted by: joe fueshko | Jan 8, 2009 3:15:00 PM
I was looking for garage door opener data. HELP!
Posted by: Denise | Jan 8, 2009 3:15:01 PM
Looking for garage door opener data, have you tested any???
Posted by: Bob Oliver | Jan 8, 2009 3:15:04 PM
I too would like to see tests of garage door openers.
Posted by: John Hudson | Jan 8, 2009 3:35:56 PM
I'm planning to replace my garage door (single car garage) and am looking at the Amarr brand name which is sold through Costco. Do you have information on this brand name?
Posted by: Tony Steinkopf | Jan 12, 2009 11:41:12 AM
I would like to see ratings on garage door openers. Although for me it will be too late mine broke today and I need a new one immediately.
Posted by: Peter | Jan 12, 2009 11:47:06 AM
I am experiencing intermittent difficulties with my 15 yr old garage door opener and would like CR to do some testing to help me make a decision when the time comes.
Posted by: Anthony | Jan 13, 2009 4:00:26 PM
From looking at the "last time tested" page, it looks like the last time Consumer Reports reviewed garage door openers was in January 2002 - however, the page may be a little out of date. It would be nice if that data could be made available via the website (I can't seem to find it with the search function.) Even better, it would be nice to see a more recent review done. I'm beginning to notice that Consumer Reports tests certain items over and over again, leaving some of the more obscure items untested for long periods of time. I think I would be all set if I were buying a TV set every 6 months, but what about garage door openers, etc.
Posted by: Bob | Jan 17, 2009 3:36:39 PM
I'm looking at replacing an old Stanley G/O with either a Chamberlain or a Chamberlain Liftmaster. Are there real differences? When will you test these?
Posted by: Dean | Jan 17, 2009 4:26:56 PM
I agree with Anthony. Tests on a wide variety of product categories would be fantastic.
Posted by: MICHAEL LEHLBACH | Jan 17, 2009 4:50:24 PM
I am looking for garage door opener info, as well. Neighbors have told me Chamberlain is the "builders' choice," but I was hoping CR would be able to confirm/deny this as being a best buy. Please help!!
Posted by: Kim | Jan 21, 2009 1:52:24 PM
I also came on-line to see about garage door openers as my 15 year old Sears Craftsman main gear is all chewed up and is now not working.
Posted by: Gregory Kappelle | Jan 25, 2009 9:24:09 AM
I was hoping to find data on buying a new garage door opener since my ten-year old liftmaster main drive gear stripped out but I'm unable to locate any data from any year for any product.
You cover the security concerns about having a rolling door code key to open and close the door but no product review of the actual door openers themselves.
Although, not having this data right now is going to have me guessing at which door opener to purchase I was hoping that in the future you would be able to help others who use this service by providing this information.
You let me down CR. I have always counted on you to provide up to date information on every product because that is how I shop for big and small ticket items.
Posted by: Thomas | Jan 25, 2009 10:09:50 AM
Yes why no garage door opener data??
Posted by: Dennis | Jan 28, 2009 10:25:56 AM
How come you do not have any data on Garage Door Openers? I was wondering what the difference is between chain driven and screw driven models and what models are the best overall performers.
Posted by: ruth myers | Jan 29, 2009 2:35:02 PM
I NEED TEST RESULTS OF GARAGE DOORS AND OPENERS-
IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT TELL ME HOW TO GET THE INFO
IF NOT---WHY NOT---
Posted by: Ken Bradmon | Feb 1, 2009 4:57:44 PM
I am disappointed Consumer Reports does not have any tests on garage door openers. Mine crapped out last week, and I have been researching them this week, and cannot find anyone who has posted any reliable reviews of openers online. This is why I subscribe to Consumer Reports - for tests of products, not so I can read articles about financial data or whose low fat ice cream tastes the most like the high-fat stuff. I can buy 10 different quarts of ice cream and figure that out for myself.
Posted by: Gordon Wilson | Feb 5, 2009 11:20:36 AM
I too am disappointed there is no data on Garage Door Openers. I trust CR to help me in areas where I feel claims outweigh the facts. I want to self-install this time since I no longer trust the units I have dealt with up to now. For now, I will open and close by hand, hoping the data is forthcoming.
Posted by: Tom | Feb 6, 2009 3:18:00 PM
I'm in the same boat as Kim, and disappointed like all the others that you not done any testing in years. Why not?
Posted by: Russell Wells | Feb 7, 2009 9:33:06 PM
CR--I could always count on you to have the information I needed when I was in the market to purchase something...BUT...you have really dropped the ball on this. Why do you not have reviews on garage door openers. Very disappointed in your service today!
Posted by: Sam | Feb 9, 2009 11:51:31 AM
I too need info on garage door openers. It would help if it included info on the doors themselves and the installation services.
Posted by: JR | Feb 11, 2009 7:05:11 PM
Guess I'm out of luck as are all the other folks here. I too am in need of a new garage door opener & need info now. So what's the deal?? I was waiting to research your site before making my purchase--only to find a blog of others disappointed not being able to locate this info.
Posted by: vic | Feb 15, 2009 9:45:42 AM
Key disappointment that you do not cover. I will not renew until you listen to your subscribers.
Posted by: Donna | Feb 15, 2009 10:56:22 AM
My sister has a side mount garage door opener and I was hoping to get some comparison information before I purchased one. My garage door opener is in the middle and seems to be on the way out. I know its a liftmaster and it sounds really smooth and has a built in locking system. She said it was expensive and I'd like to know if it's worth the investment. When do you plan to review garage door openers?