Get the best deals on small appliances for the holidays

Everyone’s gearing up for the big day—and we don’t mean Thanksgiving. We’re talking about Black Friday, that only-in-America shopping bonanza that kicks off even before the last leftover turkey scraps make it into the fridge.

The big news amid this season: small appliances. Major retailers like Target, Lowe’s, the Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Amazon are offering impressive deals on toasters, microwave ovens, blenders, choppers, and slow cookers. Indeed, sales of small appliances are up or at least staying afloat even as big-ticket items like ranges and refrigerators are some 25 percent off their peak a few years back. Small wonder, then, that the number of visits to our small-apliances forum keeps percolating upward. We neither endorse nor pooh-pooh the Black Friday bonanza, and the information below should be helpful throughout the holiday-shopping season and beyond.

Whether you’re the type who likes to give useful holiday gifts—or just want to save money slow-cooking cheaper cuts of meat or avoiding stops at overpriced coffee shops—here are some especially good performers from Consumer Reports’ ongoing small-appliance tests. Ratings are available to subscribers, but we’ve also provided links to our free buyer’s guides.

The best big-ticket appliances? You’ll find dozens of top picks and Best Buys to choose from in our ratings (available to subscribers). We’ll also keep you posted on the $300 million cash for clunkers appliance-rebate program coming to an appliance store near you. So take advantage of the lower prices, and be careful when you shop. And remember, you’ll find more timely holiday-shopping advice by reading Tightwad Tod on our Money blog and on our Holiday Shopping Guide.

Blenders: The top-rated Blendtec Total Blender excels at a wide range of tasks (such as grinding coffee beans), but both retail regularly for up to $400 each. One lower-cost pick that did well in our tests was the Oster Counterforms BVLBO7-L, $80. See our free buyer's guide to blenders for other choices and their capabilities.

Coffeemakers: Our top-performing Cuisinart DCC-1200, $100, has been sighted selling online for as little as $74. Best Buys like the funkily styled Michael Graves 40304, $40, are also worth your dime. For more shopping and ratings information, see our free buyer’s guide to coffeemakers.

Food processors and choppers: Watch for markdowns on the Magimix Cuisine 5150, a very impressive machine with an equally impressive price of $480.The KitchenAid KFP715[WH], $100, is an excellent choice if you don’t need kneading capabilities. We also tested the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth 70573H, $80, and include its scores in our ratings. See our free buyer’s guide to food processors and choppers for more information.

Mixers: Among stand mixers, the KitchenAid Classic K45SS[WH], $200, and Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 6322[1]stood out for value. See our ratings for other standouts. And check out our free buyer’s guide to mixers for more details.

Microwave ovens: The Panasonic Inverter NN-SD697[S], $170 and Magic Chef MCD1611ST, $100, outperformed other models costing twice as much or more. Looking for extras like convection and speed cooking, which combines microwave and convection? You’ll find them on the $330 Kenmore Elite 6790[9], $330. How did Cuisinart’s first microwave, the CMW250, $245, fare in our tests? See our ratings and our free buyer’s guide to microwaves for more information.

Slow cookers: These can save you time and money by preparing meals while you attend to other tasks as well as turning cheaper cuts of meat into tender pot roasts and stews. Our tests found that the Hamilton Beach Set ‘N Forget 33967, $70, and the Rival Crock-Pot SCVC604H-SS, $50, offer lots of features and performance for the money. But a $100 model from VersaWare lets you brown meat in a stovetop-safe pot beforehand, as some recipes require.

Toasters and toaster ovens: New and retro designs abound, but the Proctor-Silex Cool-Touch 22203, $15, combined good performance and a bagel setting—provided you’re willing to give up a few features. See our free buyer’s guide to toasters and toaster ovens and look for an update on toasters in our January 2010 issue, online and on newsstands in early December.

Wine cellars and corkscrews: Worthy freestanding wine cellars included the Kenmore 9913, $500, Danby DWC283BLS, $350 and Frigidaire FWC425GS, $300. Also consider the Emerson Electric Wine Bottle Opener BO60 and its virtual twin, the Oster Inspire Collection Electric Wine Opener 4207. Both cost about $20 and provide drama-free opening of holiday wines.

Meat and refrigerator thermometers: These excellent stocking stuffers make for safer keeping and cooking of food. Undercooked meats are a known hazard, but sickness-causing microorganisms can rapidly increase in a refrigerator that isn’t kept below 40°F.) The extremely accurate Taylor 1448 refrigerator thermometer costs only $9; their Weekend Warrior 806, $16, topped our tests of instant-read meat thermometers. Another $40 model from Weber boasts this gee-whiz wireless feature: You can check the temperature of your roasts from up to 300 feet away.

Essential Information: Find the top gear, gadgets, and gizmos­ and avoid the worst gotchas and gimmicks with our Holiday Shopping Guide.

Tailgating Alert: Gasoline-powered blender banned by California Air Resources Board

With football season in full swing, you might be doing a little weekend tailgating or entertaining at home. If you need a new blender or gas grill for your football fiesta, check out our buyer's guides to these appliances and try these easy, delicious grilling recipes. If you live in California, where the strict air-quality standards set by the California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District have an impact on the outdoor power equipment, paint, and other consumer goods available, there's one margarita or daiquiri maker you won't be able to buy.

The Los Angeles Times' Up to Speed blog recently reported that CARB fined Lake Forest, California-based On the Edge Marketing and CSK Auto Inc. of Phoenix $240,000 for selling a gasoline-powered "Party Blender" (shown) to California residents because the souped-up appliance is equipped with an illegal, uncertified two-stroke engine that runs afoul of CARB's regulations.

CARB maintains that the type of two-stroke engine used on the blender can produce emissions 10 times higher than those produced by engines approved for use in the state. "Gasoline-powered blenders may be this year's tailgate sensation, but drinkers should not be polluting our air while having a good time," said CARB Chairwoman Mary D. Nichols.

Many outdoor-power-equipment manufacturers are phasing out two-cycle engines as local, state, and federal emissions standards get tougher. Lawn-mower-exchange programs are one way states and municipalities can get consumers to replace old lawn mowers with greener models.

Note that our ratings of string trimmers and leaf blowers (available to subscribers) do not identify whether an engine is a two- or a four-cycle type. The Cub Cadet 4125, Craftsman 79614, and Troy-Bilt TB465SS string trimmers have a four-cycle engine. In our testing we found these models to be a little heavier at the handle, and their engines were as hard to start as a two-cycle engine. The John Deere BH25LE and Craftsman 79498 leaf blowers have a four-cycle engine.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Check out our free buyer's guides to string trimmers and leaf blowers.

Back-to-School Appliance-Buying Guide

Hard times don't mean college students have to give up healthful, tasty food. These appliances will come in handy whether your son or daughter lives in a dorm or an off-campus apartment. And while this gear won't turn your college-age cooks into an Iron Chef, it can save them some money and add variety and spice to their diet. (Suggested reading for rising college students worried about packing on the pounds during freshman year: "Fast Food Nearby: Convenience, But at What Cost?" )

Be sure to check your school's guidelines about appliances, and see the rest of our back-to-school coverage.

Compact Refrigerators

The "dorm-room refrigerator" moniker shows how closely compact refrigerators have become identified with college life, but only some of the models we tested made the grade. Many models have a single temperature-control dial, so you can't find an ideal temperature between the refrigerator and freezer sections. And all that we tested for this report are comparative energy hogs.

Only two refrigerators we tested had freezer sections that were able to keep frozen confections from turning to mush, and the 3.7-cubic-foot Avanti 308YWT, $200, flunked basic refrigeration. Choose the 4.6-cubic-foot Frigidaire FRC05L5D, $150, if your student will be a frequent frozen-food diner. Tell your kid to discard frozen foods that have been stored above 40°F for more than two hours, and print out these food-storage tips for him or her.

If you're willing to sacrifice capacity and freezing ability, the 2.5-cubic-foot capacity Sanyo SR-2570M, $130, combined reasonable performance and capacity with quiet operation; it also falls within the size limits imposed by many colleges. The 1.8-cubic-foot Haier HSA02, $100, the only recommended small cube-sized model, performed the best by far as a refrigerator and was quiet.

See the ratings (available to subscribers) for full details.

Coffeemakers

Many a college student has relied on coffee to get through finals, but these countertop appliances can also save your kid some real money by keeping them out of overpriced coffeehouses. Check out our March 2009 report on coffee.

If your student will make just a cup or two at a time, consider the standout $25 Melitta and $30 Cuisinart in our ratings (available to subscribers); both brew in a thermal container that can be taken to class. Multiple-cup standouts include a $40 Michael Graves model and the top-rated Cuisinart model, $99. If you want a model with a built-in grinder, check out the Mr. Coffee GBX23, $50, or the DGB-600BC, $160.

Smaller-footprint pod coffeemakers would seem an excellent choice for college, especially since they're simple to use and create less mess. But they require more expensive custom pods to brew coffee, so you might be better off stuffing your care packages with a top-rated coffee from our latest report.

Microwave Ovens

As with compact refrigerators, the usable space microwave ovens provide often is less than manufacturers claim, sometimes by up to 50 percent. When shopping, bring the boxes or clean, empty containers from your kid's preferred frozen foods to the store to see whether they fit inside the oven.

The best countertop models take the guesswork out of cooking and have settings for foods like popcorn, oatmeal, and pasta as well as for reheating or defrosting.

Among recommended models (available to subscribers) the Kenmore 6325[2], $130, bested the sharp-looking Panasonic Inverter NN-SD697[S] $160, at defrosting. And although it's not a conventional microwave oven, the $150 NuWave Pro Infrared Oven excelled at cooking some foods (especially chicken); it takes up about the same amount of space as a microwave.

Forum Friday: Coffeemaker reviews with unlimited refills!

Recent Forum Fridays have focused on savvy strategies to fix festive dinners and host holiday guests. But if your otherwise perfect Thanksgiving dinner was marred by a poor postprandial pot of coffee, you can turn to our latest report and review of coffeemakers and always active and accessible small-appliance forum to pick a capable model in time for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa dinners.

Bunn, Mr. Coffee, and Krups coffeemakers have garnered some impressive testimonials in the busy opinions on automatic coffeemakers thread, while dedicated discussions are already under way about the CR Best Buy Hamilton Beach Brew Station 47454 and the Cuisinart Grind and Brew models.

There are some recurring complaints about leakage with the Black & Decker SmartBrew DCM2000, and some forum participants have expressed similar issues with a Hamilton Beach model.

There’s also a spirited discussion of pod coffeemakers, and other members are opining about the possible lead content of plastic coffeemakers. Other discussions center around the advantages of easily replaceable carafes and white-colored coffeemakers and advice for which grinder to buy.

Take a few minutes to brew up an opinion about your current model.

Are you ready for some Black Friday shopping?

If you're brave enough to venture in to the wild—er, retail stores—this Black Friday, you have a good shot at bagging bargains. Our Tightwad Tod recently offered some spot-on shopping tips, including insider information on online deals for those who fear of crowds or prefer sleeping in and eating leftovers the day after Thanksgiving.

But what if your refrigerator is on the fritz, the washer shakes while your oven no longer bakes, and your toaster hasn't been the same since the kids cooked up an experiment in it? Tom Aiello, a Sears spokesman, says you'll find good deals on major appliances in January and February but "incredible doorbusters" this holiday season, including package deals.

Sears has added in-store computer terminals in its appliance departments so that you can comparison-shop. The retailer promises to beat the lowest price and offers no interest for 12 months on appliances that cost more than $399 and free haul-away of your old model.

Some other good shopping advice:
• Many retailers claim to beat competitors' prices. Remember, you can often get a refund even if you already bought an appliance and the same model goes on sale at that retailer or another retailer at a lower price within 30 days of your purchase.

• Best Buy has eliminated rebates but is offering interest-free credit for 18 months on purchases of $499 and up and will haul away your appliance at no charge.

• Most retailers are offering free shipping for online purchases, although the amount you need to spend varies, but usually starts at $25 and up.

• Lowe's is giving a sneak peak at its Black Friday specials, including wine cellars, coffeemakers, and cordless drills.

• If you sign up at the Home Depot, you'll get a list of Black Friday specials on Thanksgiving morning.

• Target is offering shipping at no charge on mixers, food processors, and a variety of other items for the home.

• Amazon is having a kitchen and home sale with savings up to 65 percent through December 1.

• Finally, you'll find a community of shoppers on the lookout for good deals all over the Web at places like FatWallet.com.

Happy hunting, er, Thanksgiving.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential Information: Read Tightwad Tod on our Money blog for the latest information on holiday shopping and tips for getting the best deals. And visit our Home Improvement Guide interactive for advice on appliances, tools, and building materials.

10 Questions for . . . Guy Fieri, Food Network Host

In this installment of 10 Questions for . . . , Michael DiLauro, a product-information specialist for Consumer Reports, speaks with Guy Fieri, the tattooed, indefatigable restaurateur and host of the Food Network's Guy's Big Bite, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (a.k.a. "Triple-D"), and Guy Off the Hook. From the floor of the recent 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Fieri talks about diner classics, his favorite kitchen tools, eating on a budget, and hangovers.

You travel around the country a lot. What does America like to eat?
Comfort food. Everyone you ask says comfort food.

What would you suggest for a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives-themed party?
Go full-blown burger joint . . . burgalicious. Burgers are great because you can dress them up so many different ways, which is lots of fun. The other great thing about burgers is that they can be cooked so many different ways. Throw them on a grill or a flat-top, or bake them in foil. I was just at a joint where they steam the burgers.

What tips can you give for preparing diner classics at home?
Use quality products and ingredients. A diner classic like chicken-fried steak is basically just fresh meat and breadcrumbs, and if you go quality with the ingredients, you can't go wrong. Also, keep it simple.

What is the one kitchen tool you couldn't live without, and what is your favorite small appliance?
I couldn't live without a knife, because it is the root of it all. You have to be able to manipulate the product. My favorite tool is an immersion blender.

Any tips or techniques for using a small appliance that most people have at home?
Blenders are great because you can roast up some tomatoes, onions, and garlic, blend it up with some chicken stock, and you got a great tomato soup. (Here is Fieri's slightly more involved recipe for tomato soup.)

How is the economy affecting dining out?
I think it's not as bad as you might believe, and there are a bunch of reasons. People eat out because they don't cook or they don't cook well. dining out is also entertaining, comforting, and something people appreciate.

Are the places you feature on Triple-D more or less affected by a slow economy?
Those joints are middle market, which is doing better than the high end right now.

What food goes the furthest toward stretching a family food budget?
Whole-grain pasta, because it is healthy, ethnically diverse, can be prepared multiple ways, and can be eaten hot or cold.

One member of your entourage just handed me a beer. What is your favorite food for a hangover?
Anything greasy. I like chicken wings and stromboli.

How many miles have you driven on Triple-D, and how many pounds have you put on since the show began?
We put 125,000 on the bus last year. As for my weight, I haven't put on a single pound; I'm the same trim 215 pounds.

Essential information: Check out Fieri's new book, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: An All-American Road Trip . . . with Recipes!

Tip of the day: Use your small appliances during the holidays

While your dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven and cooktop (or range) are likely to be the workhorses in your kitchen this holiday season, your countertop appliances can be real work savers. To get the most from this gear, follow these tips from Katherine Alford, test kitchen director for Food Network Kitchens.

Note: If you’re in the market for new countertop appliances, use our free buying advice for each product (listed below). Ratings are available to subscribers.—Kimberly Janeway

Coffeemaker
• To make a great cup of brewed coffee, buy high-quality beans and grind them right before you make the coffee.
• Don’t make too much coffee at a time. After about 15 to 20 minutes, coffee can lose flavor and become bitter.
• If your coffeemaker has a thermal carafe, warm the vessel before you brew by pouring hot water into it. (Pour out the water before you make the coffee.)

Learn how to choose a coffeemaker. Then check our Ratings to find the model that’s right for you. Also read our review of espresso makers.

Food processor and blender
• Use the feed tube on your food processor to make emulsified sauces, such as salad dressing or mayonnaise.
• If you’re making a pie from scratch, use the processor to make the crust—the blade is ideal for this task. Note that the sealed container of a food processor means this appliance isn’t good for whipping cream.
• Chop whole fruits and vegetables into chunks before you place them in the processor.
• When chopping nuts in a food processor, use the pulse button; otherwise, the nuts might get oily.
• When using a blender, put the liquids in first, then add the solids. The mixture will move around the blades more easily.
• Before you turn on a blender when pureeing hot foods, hold down the lid. Heat and pressure could build inside the carafe and explode—onto you and all over your kitchen.

Learn how to choose a food processor and blender. Then check our Ratings of food processors and blenders to find the models that are right for you. Try our tasty recipes you can make with a food processor, which were created by a Culinary Institute of America graduate. They’re ideal for the holidays.

Kitchen knives
High-quality knives are expensive but can last a lifetime if you take care of them.
• Store knives in a knife roll or block or on a wall magnet.
• Wash knives by hand in warm, soapy water. The water pressure of a dishwasher can dull the blade and he high temperatures can damages a wood handle.

Learn how to choose kitchen knives. Then check our Ratings to find the knives that are right for you.

Microwave
• Use the microwave to melt butter or chocolate when baking. Cover butter so it doesn’t spatter. Put chocolate in a medium-size bowl. Melt it at 50 percent power until soft—about one minute. Stir the chocolate,  then continue microwaving until it’s completely melted, about one to two minutes.
• Instead of roasting garlic in the oven, do the job in your microwave—you’ll get the same soft texture in a small fraction of the time. Break the head of garlic into individual cloves. Pierce the skin with a knife but leave intact. Place the garlic in a bowl, cover, and microwave until soft, about 30 seconds.

Learn how to choose a microwave oven. Then check our Ratings to find the model that’s right for you.

Toaster oven
• Don’t overfill your oven when using it to cook. Moisture can build up in the oven if you place too much food in it. That might be good for keeping fish moist or warming bread and rolls, but not if you want your roast chicken to be crisp, for example.
• Use your toaster oven to bake a small batch of frozen cookies—perhaps your own homemade dough—for an afternoon snack or dessert or when guests come by unannounced during the holidays.

Learn how to choose a toaster. Then check our Ratings to find the model that’s right for you.

Black Friday sales for the home

Sales the day after Thanksgiving—Black Friday—can mean big savings on home items both big and small. Whether you’re talking tools, appliances, or home furnishings, deals are available at the major retail stores as the end-of-year holidays approach.

While Consumer Reports has not tested many of the products listed here, our free buying advice (listed with each section) can help you make wise shopping decisions. Also check out our all-star appliances and kitchen gear, and be a smart shopper when you’re looking for new kitchen and laundry appliances.

Check local store locations for product availability, and note that prices and models are subject to change. (Prices have been rounded up to the nearest dollar.)

For more information on Black Friday deals, visit Black Friday 2007.—Helen A.S. Popkin

• Blenders & Mixers
• Coffeemakers
• Cookware & Cutlery
• Dishwashers
• Food Processors
• Gas & Electric Grills
• Heating, Cooling & Air
• Mattresses & Mattress Toppers
• Microwaves
• Ranges, Cooktops & Ovens
• Refrigerators
• Sewing Machines
• Steam Irons
• Toasters & Toaster Ovens
• Tools & Power Equipment
• Vacuum Cleaners, Wet/Dry Vacs
• Washers & Dryers
• Wine Chillers