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

[nelson]

I also need info on garage door openers. How many of us need to ask? Is there a magic number? I'm sure you realize these posts represent just the tip of the iceberg. Most people don't bother, but simply resort to other resources, such as ConsumerSearch.com.

What's the point of hosting this blog? Just to let us vent? Please assign someone to let us know your plans re openers!

P.S. My first time to post to a CR blog. In the form for posting comments, what do you want me to enter in the "URL" box?

Thanks! (I think)

[Dave]

Count me among the many who are looking for gargae door opener info... what's up with that?

[Terry]

I am also looking for information on Garage Door Openers. I am shocked that Consumer Reports does not have ratings on these. Very disappointed.

[MICHAEL]

Am also looking for a review on garage door openers

[James]

Looks like i'm in the same boat. Garage door opener is on it's way out and I came to CR out of habit only to find........... nothing useful.

[Gloria T]

Need to replace my garage door opener now, too bad you don't have any info to direct me in the right direction. You need to be there for your consumers.

[Bryan Dykes]

Looks like I'm the April 3 installment of "disappointed subscriber re: lack of garage door opener info." I'm sure the 2002 report that supposedly exists in print would have been helpful to me if it were online. Could CR staff please email it to me? Thanks!

[Val]

I just bought a monthly membership today to check out garage door openers, and was also disappointed to find nothing on this topic.

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[Jim K]

Add me to the list of folks looking for advice on buying a garage door opener, only to be very disappointed. Come on CR... Listen up here!

[H Brown]

My garage door opener died this morning4/7/2009. I had a lift master 1/3 hp and it worked fine for 10 years. I wish there was some information on garage Door openers. I decided to buy another Lift Master. this one with a belt which is quiet and with a stronger motor 3/4 hp. but it cost me some money. I would look at all the brands and see which one works for you and the price. CR did let me down this time but usually they have most everything.

[Carlos]

With the cost of a new garage door and opener at or around $1000 or more to $2000; some help for consumers on making such an important purchase would be very helpful. Does anyone even know what a standard replacement should cost? What kind of motor do i need? There are more garage door choices than i thought, plus getting help on the right type of company to install would be helpful.

[llocker]

I agree -- my garage door opener quit, the model is no longer made, and I have no basis upon which to choose a new model. Time for a review!!!

[Judy McFarland]

Me, too! Garage door opener needed immediately and no advice. I'll have to rely on some earlier blogs and guess as to the best brand for the money.

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[hayward]

My daughter just had a home built for herself. This is her 1st home and she plans for it to be her last home. We are her parents and want to install a garage opener for her as she is less than 5 foot tall and needs a reliable opener to operate this garage door. Please tell me how I can reach you to find out your thinking on these products. I am a long term customer who is as disappointed as the previous folks looking for this information.

[Trevor]

Great openers of the garage door... where shall we turn for your review? CR has forsaken you...
Ahhhhhh!!!!!

[Busted]

I have to join the crowd...My 9 year old garage door opener took a dive. Need to replace it. Was hoping to find reviews in the on-line CR. Sorely disappointed. With 5 pages of comments all looking for garage door opener reviews, I do hope someone at CR is reading!!! Unfortunately, for myself and many others who have commented, it will be too little too late.

[Sue]

I came looking for information on garage door openers,along with the others, I am disappointed that there is nothing that I could find.Yes my garage opener has died.

[Thomas]

Garage Door Opener info needed. I am purchasing an older home with a garage but no opener. I was expecting CR's usual fantastic reviews with CR Quick Pick data but it appears there is none. Any plans to review garage door openers in the near future?

[Patrick]

I, too, am looking for garage door opener reviews!

[Raul]

We appreciate all the information you have provided for many years. When will tests be conducted for garage door openers? Unfortunately, I plan on purchasing one within the next week. Hope I select the right one!

[constance gilhooly]

I was hoping to find information about garage door openers.

[clif]

Really need a review on garage door openers. When it breaks it needs to be repaired or replaced. Not an easy job. Can be expensive. Knowledge of what to replace it with is important.

[Sarah]

I Agree!! My husband and I built a new home 3 years ago, the builder installed a Linear LD050 garage door opener to operate our insulated garage door. We paid a pretty penny for it, the unit is only 3 years old and we have had on going, issues with the remote not opening the door unless your abut 2 inches from it. Our neighbor has the same door opener and they can open their door from a block away... I would love to have access to information on which opener will work for us. At this point Id like to say my garage door opener has lasted 5 or more years but at this point I’m look to replace it for dependability!!

[Donna]

I too need to replace my garage door opener and came to CR for information. Very surprised no information on garage doors.

[Charles]

Wow. Oh well....guess I'll just have to go put on a blindfold. Yeah! Off to the Big Box stores!

[Francisco]

I never make a major purchase without checking your ratings and it's surprising and mostly disappointing that you've never rated garage door openers. You seem to have a lot of subscribers and possibly now former subscribers who have been asking you for these ratings. Why won't you listen to them.

[Anne]

I am looking to buy a garage door opener. After looking through your site I have as much knowledge about them as when I started....None. It appears that there is a great deal of interest in them. Please test them so people in the future will have better luck finding info on them than I did.

[mark raulston]

ps-CR's last reports on openers: Garage-door openers, Jan 94, 20; Jan 02, 36]

And there are 5 pages of requests on the blog!!

Follow my previous post to suggest a review to CR.org. Apparently nobody reads or responds to the blog. Fine, but CR.org should note that this is for user discussion only, is not reviewed or responded to, and make it easy to request review of a product. They should be able to tabulate requests to decide what to review, poss. even showing the total requests so readers can see if there's a lot of demand, and if not, see why they don't review a particular product.

Good luck to all!

Mark

[Judy]

Add me to the list of disappointed people needing info on garage door openers. Mine had a mind of its own, started opening and closing by itself day and night. We unplugged it, but could use some advice on choosing a new one

[JHI]

Very disappointing. No info. on garage door openers.

[Steve]

I also am a subscriber looking for garage door opener data.

[Mike Augustine]

Ouch, I need to replace a garage door opener and as always, I go to the trusted CR site for reviews. Sigh, no garage door opener reviews. How is this possible?

Oh well, anything CR does now is too late for this disappointed subscriber. Please consider providing this information in the near future so others may benefit.

[ian hatton]

You seem to review flat screen tv sets 2 or 3 times a year.....i realize prices have been dropping but don't believe the technology is changing so rapidly that it justifies repetitive reviews. How about updating reviews on GARAGE DOOR OPENERS....nothing since 2002

Also, I haven't been invited to participate in a survey for 7 years....I have been a subsciber for 15 years and used to participate at least every second year.
In 2003 we purchased a new home and outfitted it with a lot of new things: 5 major appliances, rear wheel drive mower, natural gas bbq, central air, vaccuum cleaners, 2 garage door openers, water softener, 2 big screen tv's....also have 3 cars. We've had a lot of issues with the appliances and some of the cars and would have liked to submit feedback for inclusion in your information compilation....but we haven't been asked to participate since 2002

[richard]

i would like to get some info on screw drive - garage door openers versus chain drive

[Todd]

Add me to the list. It is really amazing that so many (including me) subscribe to the magazine and the online service yet receive little value. You review cars in EVERY issue, yet I never see a review for motor oil, oil filters, or air filters. You review interior and exterior paints, vacuum cleaners, and appliances regularly, yet nary a garage door opener review.

It appears that you don't care to read this blog either.

[Elizabeth]

Add me to the long list of subscribers looking for garage door recommendations.

[Ruth]

I too am very disappointed that there is no testing information on garage door openers and no response from aCR to all of these requests.

[Dan]

Wow, I am shocked as well, no reviews on garage door openers! But for those asking about past experiences, I had the Genie 1/2 hp chain model for almost 9yrs, it just died on me. Also, we use the garage door as the main entrance to the house, so we used this opener many times per day. Dan

[Allen]

No thanks to CR for the assistance on garage door opener reviews. CR's last review in this category was over six years ago - rendering this information completely useless.

So, left to our own devices, here are some ALTERNATIVE SITES (yes CR, we're going elsewhere for our information) that provide a small amount of help:

http://www.consumersearch.com/garage-door-openers
http://www.consumersearch.com/garage-door-openers/review
http://products.howstuffworks.com/garage-door-openers-types.htm
http://www.galttech.com/research/household-DIY-tools/garage-door-opener.php
http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Review-of-the-Most-Popular-Garage-Door-Openers&id=68967

Also, Amazon.com has product reviews, but you have to drill down to each product individually - no side by side comparisons.

Hope this helps a little....

[david B]

I would like to second the request for reviews on garage door openers, as I too was surprised there has apparently not been one.

[Melissa]

It seems like consumers have been asking for information on garage door openers for a very long time and we still don't have this available. I believe that consumer reports should listen to what the people are asking for, it's a shame that you have silly reports on other things that no one really wants to read about but nothing on something like a garage door opener.

[Joe Lily and Sara (soon to be)]

Add us to the list. Glad to see my subscription goes to look at reviews that have nothing to do with what we need.

[Stephanie Blodgett]

How does one make an informed decision regarding major purchases when usually-dependable CR provides no information and no recent reviews for the product(s) in question? I, too, am looking to replace an older-model garage door opener and have come up empty-handed in my search, despite subscriptions to both CR's magazine and its online service. Any suggestions for other reviewers? I pride myself in being an informed consumer and prefer dealing with retailers and contractors armed with the knowledge I need. Shame on you, Consumer Reports, for failing your subscribers and not having the courtesy of responding to those of us who have requested this product review. At the very least, someone could let us know when a review of this product is planned.

[hb]

So, where do we look to see if and when you are going to review garage door openers?

[Ed Burns]

I need a garage door opener. I'm shocked to find that CR.org hasn't done a review for years. Other sources have. You can look here for some help:
http://www.consumersearch.com/garage-door-openers/review

[Jim Rumping]

I too need info about garage door openers. Seems like this is something you should address with this many people needing direction.

[Gary]

My garage door opener just died and of course I went right to my trusty consumer reports to determine which to buy. Opps, hard to believe, no info. I am very disappointed.

[Kevin J.]

Add me to the growing list of subscribers needing information on garage door openers.

[Cathy]

I too...searched CR for garage door openers and garage door reviews...was dissapointed...sometimes I wonder why we subscribe!!

[Rachel]

Add me to the list. I'm also looking for garage door opener reviews.....

[Henry T.]

We need a garage door opener, too. Can't believe there has been no response to this many requests, or at least an estimate of when a review might be. Our opener is dead. We need info.

[Melissa]

We did finally purchase an opener it is a Chamberlain 3/4 hp chain driven and it is wonderful.They say Chamberlain is made by the same manufacture as Genie but costs less. It has wonderful features and works very well. We have the large 16' door so we needed the one with a little more horsepower and it handles the heavy door with ease. I would recommend this brand to anyone who is looking for quality at a resonable price.

[Anson Cortez]

I recently became a subscriber to this site. So far I have not received any information that I could use. Sub Zero 700 series or any information on garage doors. I've noticed a lot of unhappy costomers............. very sad

[Henry T.]

I am one of the growing numbers that need info on garage door openers. Ours has died and there is no information on openers.
Help!!!

[Larry D. Grogg]

I just paid to subscribe to Consumer Reports on line so I could get ratings for garage door openers. I would not have subscribed if I knew there were no ratings given.

[Rebecca]

Add me to the list...wanted to find info on garage door openers- NOTHING!! It's a disappointment.

[steve r]

I also would like to see tests of garage door openers. CR had some information a few months ago, but I can not find it now.

[Will B]

I am interesed in garage door openers as well. Of course, by the time you do the test now, I will be already purchased what I will be living with for the next 10+ years... Definitely disappointing for a long time subscriber.

[michele]

OK how many do they need before they reply to us???
I too need info on garage door openers...or is this just a space for us to vent our frustrations for nothing. I mean we do pay our subscriptions, and if I had a business, I would listen to my customers.

[Dan]

Add me to the long list of surprised readers that there is not a recent review of garage door openers. CR get your act together!

[ilze]

I too am one of the unfortunate ones that needs a new garage door opener immediately and counted on advice/recommendations/information from CR - but there is none. Luckily I still had my January 2002 edition so I could read and learn something about manufacturers, etc - but I am disappointed that some items get reviewed over and over - but something major like that has not been touched for 7 years. Thank you to Allen for his internet sites. I plan to check those out and see what information I can get since I have no help from CR!

[Joe]

yet another to add to the garage door and opener list.

[George]

Enough with the stains and paints reviewed every year. I also want information on garage door openers. My research has led me down the path of belt drive 1/2 hp from Liftmaster. I would like to know about Sears. I would also like to know if this is a dyi job. Professional installs are very expensive.

[RJ]

Please inform me ASAP regarding Garage Door Opener reviews and ratings.

THanks,
RJ

[Mike H.]

Add me to the list. Even a just general article on what to look for both in garage door openers and the doors themselves. With very few exceptions, the slick brochures from the various door companies don't reveal specifics on the construction of their particular products. I'd like to know the gauge of the steel door skins, for instance, as well as whether the door has "green" insulation (i.e., doesn't out-gas), etc. Among major manufacturers, some have better reputations for quality than others; same goes for warranties... it would be nice to see that in one place.

[Rob Y]

Another unhappy user who can't find anything on garage door openers.

[Mark]

I'm another long term CR subscriber in need of a garage door opener. I'm amazed at how many comments have been posted dating back to last year and yet no response. CR magazine used to include a list of ongoing testing programs so that you at least had an idea if a product review was in the works. Perhaps they need to spend a little less time educating consumers on global warming and recycling and go back to testing products. My subscription is up in September.

[Steve S]

Yup, my garage door opener died, and I'm astounded that CR doesn't cover such an important appliance.

[Stephen M]

Garage Door Openers! I paid for an online subscription today for the first time because I KNEW CR understands that a garage door opener is an important device that involves the safety & security of one's children & property. Right? Add me to this ignored list of consumers asking for Garage Door Openers. Notice the claim on this page that says "all comments are reviewed...?" I don't believe it. Otherwise they wouldn't allow the terms "dickwad" or "tittytwister" to appear. Time to review with the competition & lament my wasted subscription.

[pam]

I just bought a home and need to purchase a garage door opener and get it installed next week. I'm sorry to see that there was no information or comparisons on openers. Guess I'll just have to "wing" it, and am disappointed not to have found openers in Consumer Reports.

[Dave]

Another subscriber looking for information on garage door openers...and another disappointed searcher.

[Chuck]

Also,disappointed.

[Joe]

How can you post more timely advice on $30 toasters than you do on garage door openers??? Are you really keeping up with the data explosion on the web, or just counting our subscription dollars? Mine is up for renewal next month. Let's see do I really need to spend $26 and not get the information I need??

[disappointed too]

GARAGE DOOR OPENER INFO NEEDED!

[Margot]

Another CR subscriber in search of garage door opener information. I usually rely on CR for so much. Like many others, I think I will rethink my renewal since this is not the only major purchase that I have not been able to find a review on.

[Sandie]

I am speechless that CR does not have any information on garage doors and openers, especially given how many comments are here. Very disappointing! Too bad I already completed my annual survey or I would have included it. CR-get on the ball!!

[steve]

Garage Door Openers? no info? what is going on? garage door openers have been around forever.someone needs to be fired.

[Dee]

Glad to see you finally added carpet cleaners. How long now until you add garage door openers

[Greg]

Guys, add me to the list of longtime subscribers disappointed in the lack of garage door opener reviews. This is a major home appliance with potential safety issues. We do look to your organization for insight and advice. Please add this topic to your research.

[Toby]

My Chamberlain (Liftmaster) 1/2 hp garage door opener quit today. The motor humms but chain does not move. After reading trouble shooting guide, it appears that the gears may have gone bad. The unit is 12 years old. I have an insulated 2 car door and am wondering if the 1/2 hp is not big enough or may be its just reached it normal life. I'll either get parts for it or replace it with a 3/4 hp unit.

I agree that CR should cover a buyers guide for garage door openers.

[Jay]

Ditto - just joined CR for the sole purpose of reviewing garage door openers. I'm a little peeved.

[Steve]

I too am quite disappointed to find that CR researches the same old useless stuff every year, with the exception of Garage Doors. I moved into a house about 3 months ago and the motor on my opener died on me this week. I just went out and purchased a home warranty and let them pick one for me. They installed a Liftmaster today, but I really would have much preferred to research to see which was the better option to go with - Come on CR - start reading your blog and catch up to your customer's needs. I too am not renewing my subscription because I have enough guides on car buying and TV selections... Thanks for the memories!

[Woody]

Add me to the listed of surprised CR subscribers not to find any details on garage door openers.

[Rene Rivera]

I bought a house a year and a half ago. My garage door has already been repaired twice. Brand: Legacy. So much for this item. I need to replace this door for it will keep on giving me headaches but I have no clue which brand to purchase. Please include this item in your future analysis and recommendations.

[Tracey]

Would like to see a report on the best garage door openers to buy.

I would also love to see more baby products tested (ex. car seats). Usually the ones that I want to find out more about are not available on your site.

[working_dogz]

Add me to the ever growing list of subscribers looking for reviews on garage door openers. Why not, since most people use their openers every single day?

[Eric]

I cannot believe that there is no information on CR about garage door openers. Mine is starting to give me problems and will need to be replaced here real soon. I subscribe to CR to find reliable unbiased information about everyday products. So why is there no information on garage door openers? It's a product that most individuals use several times per day - not only by adults but by children also! THis is a product that if not functioning correctly could injure if not kill a person. How many children are killed each year by a garage door that malfunctions or does not have the required safety features? CR really failed us this time by not performing / updating the testing and reporting it!

[Mary Louise Rago, Chicago, IL]

Why not garage door openers? I think enough people have asked for this review.

[Jack Lorax]

Add me to the list of people looking for a recommendation on a quality, well tested garage door opener. Many thanks though CR on all of your other helpful advice on a wide array of products over the years.

[Chris]

Add me to the list of disappointed subscribers.

[Aimee]

I am also looking for a review on garage door openers!!

[Anne McDonald]

I called to get my Genie garage door opener repaired (it's almost 8 years old) and was told that many contractors won't work on Genies because the quality is so poor. I logged on to trusty Consumer Reports to get info on which brand to buy ... add me to the list of subscribers wanting garage door opener reviews.

[Darrell Brown]

I need to replace my garage door opener. Imagine no reviews on consumer reports. I seem to NOT to find more and more or should I say I am finding less and less on what I need here. There are a lot of current complaints here.

[Fred]

I too am looking for info on garage door openers. Why is such a common item not addressed? There appears to be quite a few subscribers needing this info.

[Jon Murton]

Also dissapointed that there is no info on garage door openers! Just bought a house and knew I would need the advice of CR...maybe I could have saved some money and gone with google like others are planning to do.

[Jamie]

This is my first time looking for garage door opener info and I'm shocked at the number of requests for testing, without any apparent response by CU. Does CU not bother reading these forums and if so why does it run them? This looks like lousy customer service both in failing to do the tests, and in failing to say anything in the forums. Really disappointing.

[Broopoupt]

hi, i was wondering where can i watch or download full metal alchemist the 2nd episode 11 been searching for it... no of the links are working....

[Linda]

The first time I wrote to CR was last week when trying to find help with house gutters; nothing! I thought for sure that I could find something about garage doors and openers! Nothing! So in less than a week, I have been disappointed by CR when I needed their advice. My renewal subscription came today. Guess where it is...the trash. I can do better searching the web. I am afraid that CR has fallen on hard times. I don't think anyone at CR is reading the comments.