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.

Comments

[STEVE CAMPISANO]

GARAGE DOOR OPENERS, HAVE YOU ANY TEST DATA

[Bruce Getowicz]

I am also looking for Garage Door Opener information.
Belt or chain driven? Which is more reliable. Belt is quite, but will it last?

[joe fueshko]

I was looking for garage door opener data. HELP!

[Denise]

Looking for garage door opener data, have you tested any???

[Bob Oliver]

I too would like to see tests of garage door openers.

[John Hudson]

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?

[R Sue Morris]

I am looking for information on the comparisons on garage door openers

[Tony Steinkopf]

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.

[Peter]

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.

[Anthony]

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.

[Bob]

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?

[Dean]

I agree with Anthony. Tests on a wide variety of product categories would be fantastic.

[MICHAEL LEHLBACH]

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!!

[Kim]

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.

[Gregory Kappelle]

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.

[Thomas]

Yes why no garage door opener data??

[Dennis]

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.

[ruth myers]

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---

[Ken Bradmon]

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.

[Gordon Wilson]

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.

[Tom]

I'm in the same boat as Kim, and disappointed like all the others that you not done any testing in years. Why not?

[Russell Wells]

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!

[Sam]

I too need info on garage door openers. It would help if it included info on the doors themselves and the installation services.

[JR]

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.

[vic]

Key disappointment that you do not cover. I will not renew until you listen to your subscribers.

[Donna]

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?

[Jim H]

Just renewed my subscription so I could look up garage door openers. Add me to this list of people dissatisfied with your service.

[Jim H]

Just renewed my subscription so I could look up garage door openers. Add me to this list of people dissatisfied with your service

[mike]

I would also encourage CR to perform and report testing on garage door openers

[Larry]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a garage door opener?

[John]

I just bought a house with two garage doors. I'm going with Liftmaster 3820 models for both single and double doors. 1/2 hp is enough and the belt drive is very quiet. Too bad CR doesn't have anything to gage this by.

[Dave]

Cannot believe this is not available to review.
I too will rethink my subscription

[Richard]

Long time subscriber also looking for info on garage door openers. You tested "garage organizers" (recently) but not garage door openers?!

[Kay]

Lack of recent testing on garage door openers is a HUGE disappointment to me. That is one of the main reasons that I purchased my 1-year membership today. This is not good as I will now have to trust what is written on the box and hope for the best. If any of you have purchased one recently and would like to share any advice, positive or negative, please do! Thanks!

[Terry]

So the question is...are you planning on doing a report any time soon on garage door openers? It appears to be pretty obvious that several of your subscibers could have benefitted from an article on them.

[Lisa]

Add me to the long list of CR subscribers looking for information about garage doors and openers. Does anyone at CR monitor this web site or respond to these requests?

[Valerie]

Today I signed up with Consumer Reports to get some information about garage door openers. To my dismay, there was nothing. My Wayne-Dalton iDrive died (after 5 yrs.) and I want to replace it as soon as possible. In reading other on-line reviews, I won't purchase another Wayne-Dalton because (1) it has only a 1-month warranty and (2) it doesn't hold up well in colder climates. I'm hoping CR will expand their research, especially to those items that are not being replaced every 1-3 yrs. This is so disappointing!

[Pat]

A review would be way too late for me now. I have to buy one this week. Maybe in twenty years when I have to replace one again, CR will have a recommendation. Does any member have experience pro/con that he/she would be willing to share here? or info about online research that could help?

[David Balcom]

Wow. I have been a long time subscriber to Consumer Reports (going back to the 80s) but hadn't been on the web site since buying a new vacuum several months ago. Today, I went to get information on a traditional electric water heater. Nothing. So then I went to check on new garage door openers. Again nothing. What has happened to the premier independent testing organization? I really doubt that I will renew my subscription next month as GOOGLE provides more information for free.

[Chris]

Hey CR, get a clue! How many posts does there need to be for you to get it? I subscribe only to compare items that I am buying or need to buy (like a garage door opener). From the looks of it there are a lot of people that need the garage door info. I'll save my renewal fee with you and just go to a search engine from now on.

[Suzanne Rittenhouse]

I am adding yet another voice to the request for garage door opener recommendations. I am disappointed to find that there is no recent data. Please do it soon, or at least tell us what is in the works. thanks,

[Joe]

Add my name to the list of people looking for garage door opener information.

I just donated money to CU and I continue to be happy to support you guys. I just need some information even if it's old information. Otherwise, I have nothing to go off of.

[Jim]

I too am sadly disappointed to see no info on garage doors nor openers. I subscribe for these items to be suggested. very disappointing.

[Dan Southwood]

I want to relaced an existing single 8' garage door opener. I don't know if it is worth paying extra for the belt driven vs the chain driven. I realize the belt driven is quieter but do they last longer. Can you help? Have you tested garage openers?
Thank you.

[Carlo]

I too am looking for information on Garage Door Openers. Based on the comments, a lot of other people are looking as well.

Suggest you test garage door openers.

[Terry]

I can't believe that garage door openers haven't been reviewed recently. There are a lot of us who could use some advice on this product.

[Terri Allen]

We are looking to put in at least one garage door opener in a newly built 3 stall garge...However, I can't find any recent info on openers...Will any new info be forthcoming????

[J conrad]

Need information on garage door openers

[Shawn]

I need info on garage door openers. Mine crapped out as well and I need info.....belt,chain,screw drives...which is better. Who makes the quietest?

[Brad]

By looking at your blog I see that I'm not the only one looking for test information on Garage Door Openers? Since these are common Safety/Security Devices. I'm suprised and disapointed you don't have any test data.

[Tracy]

I am also looking for info on reliable brands of garage door openers. Help us CR!

[Kathie]

Wow, looks like I'm not the only one wanting info on replacing an old garage door opener.
You have a captive audience!

[Henry]

I was searching for garage door opener reviews for my mother whose door opener finally stopped working and was disappointed to not find any information at all. Many of the above posts are correct...many items are reviewed several times but other items, such as garage door openers, have not been reviewed since 2002 and that information is not available online. Very disappointing.

[desertf8]

I too am very disappointed that CR has no recent data on garage door openers. Mine, too, has failed and I wanted to compare results between belt driven and chain driven models. As others have noted, it appears that CR has been testing a lot of the same items constantly and needs to expand to other consumer items.

[Don]

I need to replace all three of my garage door openers. What should I change to? Too bad there are no tests.

[bh in MT]

I too am confounded a to why this matter hasn't yet been addressed - several manufacturers with numerous models and types ... I was considering a Sears Craftsman GDO - but, belt-drive, screw-drive or chain-drive ... and how much Horse-Power (HP) ... 1/2, 3/4 ... I frequently purchase Craftsman products because Sears stands behind them pretty well ... it appears 'Chamberlin' is making their top-of-the-line belt-drive GDO with a battery back-up system. A GDO is something most families use multiple times a day ... nearly as important as a sink faucet, TV or a refrigerator! I have so many questions and CR has let me down by having no test data available ... this is why I buy the CR nag and susbscribe to the web-service! Is CR testing/reviewing Garage Door Openers (GDO) soon? ... if not, why not??? It appears there are many other folks out there in the same quandry as myself and the others who have already posted the same sentiment !?!?! Thank You for considering the important review. bh

[Butch]

Add me to the list of disgruntled subscribers that would like to see an evaluation done on a wide range of Grarage Door openers. I just can't believe that CR has neglected to provide its subscribers with a current evaluation.

[Mark]

Add one more disappointed subscriber rethinking his subscription.

[HubFam4]

What a waste of money. CR has not done the research on many items I have in question. I have tried to look up information on steam mops for hard wood floors and I have also tried looking up garage door openers. NOTHING! I can't believe I paid for this service!

[LeeH]

I also came here to find data on garage door openers. How dissappointing that you don't rate any. This is one of the most used and important houshold appliances. You should have done tests long ago. Shame on you.

[Robert]

Ditto

[Scott Mathless]

Add me to the very long, and apparently growing, list of dissatisified subscribers searching for garage door opener ratings and information. This is an important subject to most home owners, yet I can see that for several months people have been seeking this information and none has been provided. I will no be renewing my subscription if there is not a satisfactory response to my and all the other requests for this information. It just makes me wonder what CR is up to!!

[Mark]

I can tell you what not to buy. I installed two of the i-drive models from Wayne Dalton. A great idea very poorly executed. The remote controls lose their memory every month or so, the switches aren't properly designed so you have to hold them down in a precise way for them to work. I've had the entire motor fall off one because the screws holding it in came loose. The cable has come off the drum twice on the other unit. I'm planning to install a traditional style closer this weekend rather than remount the cable again. A review would be nice.

[givemeabreak]

R U kidding me? My Garage Door isn't working so I almost bought a Craftsman from Sears but the review on Sears website (clue: Sears HAS REVIEWS)but they were mixed at best so I came here and NADA. Come on CR, get your act together and review GD openers.

[Brian G]

Just in case the last 100 posts didn't get the point accross...review some garage door openers! This is a major purchase for most homeowners for which there are many different brands/features. Seems taylor made for what CR is supposed to do.

[V. Lorenz]

Just putting our name down to this long list of folks looking for info. on garage door openers. I'm shocked that you didn't have this information available.

[lynfh]

Yes editors- if you are looking for ideas on what to rate and test. I'd say you need to add garage door openers to you to-do list.

[Steve]

I, too, came to the site today to see what there might be on garage door openers. I know it's hard, if not impossible, to review everything frequently, but would prefer to see more of this kind of thing than reviews of foods, where everyone's taste is different and per-item cost is far less. I remember that when I replaced my opener 11 years ago, I did rely on reviews from CR.

Meantime, my impression is that any openers are essentially similar in overall quality, so it may depend on how much confidence you have in your installer.

[Mike B.]

Well, I join other commenters in their disappointment that garage door openers have not been reviewed/rated. Why is that?

[leslie mccullough]

i to am looking for garage door openers. cannot believe they are not here.

[Patrick Chartrand]

We are also disappointed that Garage Door Openers reviews are not available here on the web. I would expect that such an investment would have a higher long term value over some of the other items they review such as coffee makers. I'm in the market for two of them now and will be unable to make use of this subscription. I feel cheated somehow.

[Laurie Chapin]

I am another one of your valued customers who was surprised that I couldn't find any test information on garage door openers. With a greater number of people remodeling their older homes instead of moving, the garage door opener is one item that needs updating for safety purposes. Older models do not have the electronic devices now mandated by law to prevent accidental crushing of pets, children, etc. We are looking for safety information as well as comparisons of chain vs. belt, horsepower, etc.

[Herk]

My garage door opener is kaput. I turn to the ever-revered Consumer Reports but there is nothing, zilch, nada, el zero. Why have you let us down on this major item?

[Tomlinson]

The list of perplexed subscribers keeps growing. Our current door opener is 15 years old and sounds terrible. Please review GD openers soon!

[Daniel FLynn]

I am also disappointed with CR having no information on garage door openers.

[Dale]

I find it odd that CR has not reviewed garage door openers. They are ubiquitous. I also find it odd that they don't respond to all these posts. I wonder if they monitor them. If not; why not?

[Debbie]

I agree with everyone else. I always look up a product online with consumer reports be for I buy a product. But they have let me down. They have no current information on what garage doors and garage door openers are best. I consider this a major purchase and would like some info as I go about getting quotes. Which opener is best, chain or belt driven. Which garage door is the best for the buck, single, double or triple steel. This is the first time in like forever that Consumer Reports has let me down by not having any information at all available.

[Joyce]

I just logged on to the CR site to research garage door openers and all I can find is this too-long list of people who are disappointed to find that there's no information available, even for paid subscribers!

Hey, CR, there's an obvious need here!

[Jon]

So why no garage door opener reviews? Are you just collecting fees or are you still reviewing things? I suppose that is a little unfair but I could use a whole lot less flash and a lot more product reviews. I find this web sit very confusing and difficult to locate things I am interested in. I have been subscribing to Consumer Reports since the early 70s and I can say that I used to be able to get my index and find reports on almost any item, Now I am more frequently disappointed than not. Judging by the other comments, it kind of seems like you are not paying much attention to your customers. Pitty. Once you take your eye off your customers and spend more time on fluff and less on useful issues you begin to look more like the NY Times than a useful resource.

[Jay S.]

I cannot believe that this many people have complained about the lack of garage door opener info without a single comment from CR. Aren't they the ones that rate customer satisfaction for other companies? I'm less upset about there not being any garage door opener info than I am about CR's blatant disregard for all of these queries. It says that all of these comments are reviewed by their moderators, so there's no way they can claim ignorance.

As for me, I won't be renewing my subscription.

[Jody]

CR, do you read these? I am also looking for info on garage door openers. Apparently, I'm one of many, but I see no response from you. Anyone? Anyone?

[Ted]

Ditto above on garage door openers. My Craftsman needs replacement. Was sure CR would have latest reviews. Very surprised to find there are no reviews online. Very disappointing. Where are you guys?

[crystal]

I am also looking for info on garage door openers

[David Bowie]

Is there any plan to evaluate garage door openers in the not too distant future?

[What happened to you Guys?]

I recall seeing reviews for Electric Garage door openers many years ago on consumer reports.
What happened? Who decided that it was more important to review Amish heaters and garage organizers? grrrrrr!

[Todd]

I too am looking for information on garage door openers. I'm not going to cancel my subscription because there isn't a review, but it sure surprised me. I am surprised about the lack of a reply from them on this issue though.

[Kevin]

Here are some great sites for reviews. Unfortunately, there is little data on reliability. I will try to add some based on my experience with Chamberlain 1/2HP 7902K. It wore out after 5 years with a light weight, well balanced garage door.

http://www.consumersearch.com/garage-door-openers/reviews

[John]

I like most people was looking for info on garage door opens, suprised there is nothing...

[Mike Rod]

Adding my voice to the chorus. Like a previous poster, I also tried to look up wood floor dry mop info as well as garage door opener reviews. Shocked really that no reviews exist for either.

Is this the correct forum for requesting that research be done? If not, what is?

[Mike Custer]

Need to find a garage door opener. Don't have a blog if you aren't going to respond.

[Harriet]

Add me to the above list--Garage Door Openers last reviewed in Jan. 02--I cleaned out my old stash of CR and only keep 2 years....now I have to make a trip to the library to see if they have the 2002 issue. Guess this won't help my carbon footprint. Shame on you! Why am I paying more for CR online? No help at all!

[Dan K]

I imagine my comment will be lost among all the others, but I too am looking for a garage door opener. Mine died, I need a new one, and the first place I usually turn to has no information. I will seriously rethink resubscribing.

[Rock]

HELLO!!!! Is anybody listening? Review gararge door openers!!!
Does not take a rocket surgeon to figure this one out!!!

[John L.]

I am amazed and disappointed that CR has no information on Garage Door Openers. Please review them ASAP.

[Todd A]

Does anyone know the best place to complain about the lack of reviews on "Garage Door Closers?" everyone here only complains about the lack of reviews on "Openers." Please help, I am an idiot!

[D. Garcia]

We definitely need information on garage door openers. I want something that is reliable, safe and inexpensive. I heard Genie is the best, then Wayne Dalton and Sears last. Is this correct? Don't know since CR hasn't done a report on them.

[Ben Rosenberg]

Yes I too just renewed my subscription to CR to find out about garage door openers and you have NOTHING!! How can that be?? I am going to call and cancel.

[Shawn]

Add one more subscriber to the disappointed list. I would like to be armed with CR ammunition when I go shopping next week for a new garage door. Too bad.

[Nathan]

I also am annoyed you don't have garage door opener ratings!!! And you need to make the search functionality of this site better! For a company who charges this as a subscription service, it's not worth it unless you make it significantly better.

[Ryan]

Hey CR, the above is the very definition of a "consumer report". The lack of response is inexcusable in my opinion. I'll be canceling my subscription. I'll check back in a couple of years in hopes of finding some new content.