Product Preview: Masco's Verve Living System

The new Verve Living System from Masco is designed to use radio frequencies to operate the light fixtures throughout a house. The system might be worth considering if you're making an addition to your house or building a new home.

With the Verve system, electrical outlets and lighting fixtures are wired to a central controller. You use what Masco calls "energy harvesting" toggles (shown) to operate the lights. Each toggle can handle up to 10 fixtures connected to the controller, allowing you to turn them on or off with one touch. The manufacturer claims the toggles gather enough electricity every time you use them to transmit a radio signal to the fixtures, which can be equipped with incandescent or compact fluorescent lightbulbs. (Masco also claims the system requires less wiring than traditional ones because it eliminates the need for wiring between light fixtures and their switches. Hardwired fixtures and any electrical outlets that power lamps and other plug-in fixtures still need to be wired to the control panel.)

The toggles are movable, according to the maker, so you could keep one in the car to turn on the lights when you arrive at home, making you feel that much safer when you walk through the front door.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: Read our June 2008 report on boosting home security and our look at bump keys.

Product Preview: Miele Independence Series Refrigerators

As green has moved from catchy marketing term to reality, boosting the energy efficiency of their wares has become a priority for appliance manufacturers.­ Miele has included some new features on its recently launched Independence series refrigerators to boost their efficiency.

For instance, the KF 1801 and 1811 30-inch built-in bottom-freezers, $7,000 and up, are 33 percent more efficient than the U.S. Department of Energy’s minimum efficiency standard for this type of refrigerator, claims the manufacturer.

Among the interesting features is RemoteVision technology, which sounds an alarm if the temperature in the refrigerator or freezer rises above a set limit, starting at 15 minutes. If you’re away from home, Miele will receive an alert via a wireless local area network. A service representative will then contact you to gain access to your home and fix the problem. (This sounds like a nifty piece of high tech, but a better move might simply be to do a quick fridge-door check before you head out.)

The SuperCool feature is designed to quickly return the refrigerator to optimal cooling temperature after the door has been open for an extended period, say when you’re putting away the groceries.

Other features include fully-integrated or framed-stainless-steel installation; digital touch temperature controls for each of the refrigerator’s four independent cooling zones; recessed halogen lights, designed to eliminate dark corners—and reveal the weeks-old leftovers that lurk there; rail-mounted shelves that you adjust with a tilt-and-slide motion; and full-extension drawers.

We’ll review the manufacturer’s energy-use and performance claims if we test this model in the future.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: For more ways to cut back on your energy consumption, read “Save Energy, Save Money” in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports. Some appliances use more energy than their manufacturers claim. Read “Energy Star Has Lost Some Luster” for more details. If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, check out our latest ratings-based report and watch the behind-the-scenes video (right) to see how we test refrigerators.

Inside CR Test Labs: Sewing machines

One of the busiest spots these days in our Yonkers, New York, headquarters is a lab in which you'll find four people sitting among hundreds of swatches of cotton and bolts of chiffon, corduroy, and denim. They're not reviewing washing machines or laundry detergents but are diligently testing sewing machines for our upcoming report (see photo, right).

In early September—which happens to be National Sewing Month—the testers were making straight and zigzag stitches and buttonholes on cotton swatches to gauge ease of use for the machines. One tester repeatedly had to refer to the owner's manual, scratching her head as she tried to figure out how to use one of the machines. (Just like our readers, who have been clamoring for a report on sewing machines, our testers have varying levels of sewing experience.)

We're testing 18 different models, including some from brands your grandmother knew and one that's familiar to project-oriented fashionistas who keep an eye on the runway.

We're checking out mechanical and electronic machines, some with a foot pedal, others without. Some machines have automatic threaders, eliminating the tedious job of having to thread the needle. My vision's still pretty good, but an automatic threader seems a worthwhile feature.

One electronic model even has an LED screen that displays videos with step-by-step instructions. It's a lot quicker than reading a manual or calling your mom. Note that we conceal the brand and model information from testers so that they remain objective.

Our full report on sewing machines is scheduled for the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale and online in February. Until then we'll keep you updated on our testing. To tell us what you're looking for in a sewing machine, post a comment below.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our free buying advice for sewing machines.

Hitachi DB10DL cordless screwdriver

Need a lightweight, compact easy-to-use cordless screwdriver/drill? Take a look at the Hitachi DB10DL 10.8-volt lithium-ion-powered tool.

The DB10DL doesn't match full-sized cordless drills, but it offers greater speed and power than other mini-screwdrivers we recently tested for our upcoming November 2008 report.

Product Preview: Liebherr 2062 Series 36-inch French-door refrigerators

Liebherr says its 2062-series refrigerators "created a buzz in the design community and on consumer blogs and message boards" in the months leading up to their expected debut later this month. Since we haven't yet tested any of these 36-inch models, $5,000, we can't add to the apparent buzz, but here's what we've discovered about these German imports.

The 36-inch-wide stainless-steel freestanding and fully-integrated models keep with the French-door-refrigerator trend, a style that combines a side-by-side with a bottom-mount freezer. These Liebherrs have dual freezer drawers with telescoping rails, intended to make for easier access to frozen goods.

The sleek-looking refrigerators feature LED light columns to illuminate the refrigerator's interior, which has a claimed capacity of 19.5 cubic feet (13 in the refrigerator compartment, 6.5 in the freezer compartments). Among the interesting features are GlassLine shelves, designed to convey an airy look with strength—the manufacturer says each 6-millimeter-thick shelf can hold up to 180 pounds. These Energy Star models also have electronic controls, dual compressors, and an interior icemaker.

Essential information: Read our latest report on refrigerators, and use our new Home Improvement Guide interactive to find buying advice for appliances throughout your home.

Grilling season is in full swing

In the market for a new gas grill? Read our latest report on these outdoor cookers as well as our recent First Look on the Perfect Flame 720-03533 gas grill.

This four-burner model is an electronically controlled gas grill with an interesting feature: Its control panel has a digital touchpad—there are no dials or knobs. This Perfect Flame also has another unusual twist in that you need to plug it in for the grill to work.

Essential information: Follow our expert advice to ensure you avoid common grilling mistakes and to keep your grill cooking better, longer as you make our delicious, easy-to-prepare dishes and use the chef-restaurateur Bobby Flay’s recipes.

First Look: Samsung FTQ386LU SteamQuick range

We recently tested the Samsung FTQ386LU SteamQuick range, a 30-inch-wide, stainless-steel electric smoothtop range with a five-element ceramic-glass cooktop, a three-fan convection system, an oven with a claimed capacity of 5.7 cubic feet, and a warming drawer. One other feature you might find appealing is what Samsung calls “SteamQuick,” a light-duty cycle that gets the oven ready for you to wipe clean in 20 minutes.

Find out how this $1,300 range has performed in our tests in this First Look.

Essential information: Look for our full report on ranges in the August 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, and read about and watch our range-vs.-microwave cook-off. And use our Home Improvement Guide interactive to take a room-by-room tour of the top-rated appliances and most cost-effective improvements you can make to your home.

TurboChef 30" Double Wall Speedcook Oven

The TurboChef Speedcook 30-inch double wall oven, $7,895, provides state-of-the-art technology but some of its results weren’t masterpieces in our tests. Read more about this TurboChef oven—described by the manufacturer as a "high performance gourmet oven designed specifically for today's home chef"—in this story on ConsumerReports.org.

Essential information: If you're in the market for a new oven, read our buying advice.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Hansgrohe Croma showerheads

Showering and bathing use lots of water. Indeed, Americans consume more than 1.2 trillion gallons a year to get clean, estimates the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

So in this Age of Green, Hansgrohe has introduced adjustable spray showerheads to its lineup. The manufacturer claims the Croma C 100 (shown) and Croma E 100 showerheads give the full, drenching coverage of standard high-end models yet use nearly 30 percent less water than the government-mandated maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute. (Note that there isn’t a WaterSense label for showerheads, indicating that a product uses much less water than a conventional model, but the EPA is aiming to have one for qualified products in spring 2009.)

Both Croma showerheads offer normal, massage, and intense turbo spray settings. The Croma C 100 offers a traditional style is available in those finishes and polished nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. The Croma E 100 has a contemporary look and comes in chrome, brushed nickel, and polished brass. They’re available at bath and kitchen showrooms nationwide and cost $60 to $94.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Before you shop, learn about the different types of showerheads and the factors that affect performance. And watch our video from the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show on the latest trends in the bathroom.

Does the Fuego 02 gas grill combine style and performance?

We recently tested the Fuego 02 gas grill, $1,700, for our upcoming grills report, which will appear in the June 2008 issue of Consumer Reports (on sale and online the first week of May).

The Fuego 02 is a single-burner gas grill that seems to be designed for people who might favor form over function. Indeed, here's how the manufacturer describes this outdoor cooker in a brochure: "Part furniture and part grill, it functions as much as an entertainment hub as a place to prepare a memorable meal."

Find out whether this attractive grill left us burning with enthusiasm by reading our product review.

Essential information: See our gas grills product page for expert tips on buying and using a gas grill, including easy-to-make delicious recipes, advice on avoiding common mistakes when cooking, and ways to keep your grilling working well and looking good.

Turn your bathroom into at-home retreat

Given the current depressed housing market, Americans are more likely to stay in their current homes than to move. But they’ll continue to pump money into their condos, town homes, and houses: U.S. consumers are expected to spend in excess of $170 billion on remodeling projects in 2008, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

The bathroom remains one of the most commonly fixed-up rooms. One trend in recent years has seen bathrooms converted into getaway spaces as consumers bling out their baths with whirlpool tubs, steam and multihead showers, high-style sinks, faucets, counters, and flooring, and other fixtures and surfaces once found only in high-end hotels and resorts. And, of course, the bathroom has become a multimedia center just like the kitchen, as manufacturers add music and video to their bathroom gear.

At last week's 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, we saw of the latest bathroom offerings, including the Hansgrohe Pharo Showerpanel SkyLine,  the Brondell Swash Ecoseat toilet seat, and the SonicSplash audio option from Lasco. Learn about these and other products in our video (right), featuring Bob Markovich, Home editor of Consumer Reports.—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: Use our expert advice when you’re shopping for a new toilet and refer to our Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right model for your home. Also learn how to remodel a bathroom for less and avoid common project mistakes.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Diva 365 induction range

In our tests, induction cooktops have proved themselves, having broken our speed record for boiling water and simmered sauce flawlessly. What’s more, the magnetic field, which does the cooking on these cooktops, sends nearly all of its heat to the pot or pan, so the cooking surface remains relatively cool, a safety plus.

The new Diva 365 induction range, among the first on the market, is a 36-inch stainless-steel appliance with five induction elements—one large, 4,000-watt “Super Burner”; two 3,000-watt side burners; and two 2,000-watt versions for small pots and lower-heat simmering. (Watch our video, right.)

The 365 comes with a premium price tag: $8,950. Note that the range also requires two 220-volt circuits.—Bob Markovich

Essential information: See our Cooktops and Wall Ovens product page for detailed information on gas and electric cooktops, and learn more about induction models. If you’re in the market for a cooktop, use our buying advice to find the best model, including detailed information on important cooktop features. Before you shop, refer to our Ratings of gas and electric models, available to subscribers.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Vinotemp Eco-Series wine chillers

Refrigerators rely on a compressor to operate, but the Vinotemp Eco-Series wine chillers use thermoelectric technology. This approach, claims the manufacturer, is better for the wine and for the environment.

The main advantage of this technology, says Vinotemp, is that no chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used. These gases, commonly referred to as freons, can damage the ozone layer. (Note that the types of gas used in today’s refrigerator compressors, hydrofluorocarbons, do not affect the ozone layer.) Other claimed benefits of this technology include less vibration—a “merciless killer” of wine, says Vinotemp—and better temperature accuracy, +/- 0.1°C.

The Eco-Series lineup includes 18- or 28-bottle single-zone units, $229 to $314, and a 21-bottle dual-zone model and 32- and 48-bottle dual-zone units, $314 to $599. (The 32-bottle unit is shown. Smaller countertop models are available, too.) These freestanding wine chillers come in black with stainless-steel doors, trim, and handles and double-pane glass. You’ll find them online and in stores, including Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our advice on choosing a wine chiller and see the Ratings of wine-storage units (available to subscribers). Also, find out which wines to buy to fill up your chiller, and discover the proper serving temperatures for reds and whites.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel

Suppose you love your refrigerator, range, or dishwasher but really hate the bisque color you loved when you bought the appliance. Instead of replacing the appliance you can give it a makeover. Thomas' Kitchen Art Liquid Stainless Steel is designed to cover up an old finish with a stainless-steel look.

You can apply this brush-on finish yourself in a weekend, claims Thomas’. This two-part, water-based paint includes a base coat with micron-size flakes of real stainless steel and a clear-urethane topcoat for toughness, says the manufacturer. You can even use your refrigerator magnets once the paint has cured, according to Thomas’. (An after shot of a range is shown below left; the before of the same range is below right.)

The steps are straightforward:
• Prep the appliance surface by removing or masking handles and trim. Lightly rough-sand and clean the surface with window cleaner.
• Apply three light coats of the paint with a roller and smooth it with a foam brush, letting each coat dry about an hour before you apply the next one.

Liquid Stainless Steel works on painted and stainless finishes and can withstand heat up to 300°F on range tops, according to the manufacturer. The Fridge Kit, $40, is supposed to have enough paint for an average-size refrigerator, while the Range and Dishwasher Kit, $20, should handle both appliances. The kits are sold at hardware stores and some Home Depots. A spray-on version for faucets and other small items is on the way, says Thomas’.—Bob Markovich

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Fisher & Paykel CookSurface gas cooktop

First there were electric smoothtop cooktops, which eliminated food-trapping coils. Next came gas-on-glass versions, which did away with the grime-trapping wells typically found around the burners.

The latest easier-to-clean cooktop is the 36-inch-wide, three-burner CookSurface gas model from the Fisher & Paykel. After you’re done cooking, says the manufacturer, you push a large knob on the cooktop to lower the burners so they’re flush with the ceramic glass cooktop, facilitating cleanup. Next time you need to boil water, sauté a steak, or stir-fry some vegetables, you push the knob to raise the burners. (The photo shows the cooktop with a burner recessed, left, and elevated.)

To lower or raise the flame level when cooking, you twist that same knob, says the manufacturer. The CookSurface cooktop provides smooth heat control by using the patented AeroBurner system, which adds oxygen as the flame setting goes up, according to Fisher & Paykel.

The three burners can go from a low simmer to a robust 15,000 Btu. Other features include digital displays, quiet igniters, and pan supports that rise and lower with the burners and replace the usual grates. The 21-inch-deep and 161⁄2-inch-deep versions of this cooktop should arrive at Fisher & Paykel dealers and select Lowe’s stores nationwide this fall.—Bob Markovich

Essential information: If you’re in the market for a cooktop, use our buying advice to find the best model, including detailed information on important cooktop features. Before you shop, refer to our Ratings of gas and electric models, available to subscribers.

 

Live From the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show!

The Consumer Reports Home & Garden team has been in Chicago this week to cover the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS), the biggest annual event for kitchen- and bath-industry professionals. Our editors and market analysts have been scoping out the latest trends and the hottest products from more than 1,000 exhibitors.

Learn more about K/BIS at the official show site, and be sure to visit the Home & Garden blog over the next several days to read show coverage (you'll find the posts below), watch our exclusive product-preview videos, and stay abreast of what’s headed your way for the kitchen and bathroom.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Viking Designer Series Ultra-Premium 450 dishwasher

Viking dishwashers used to be made by Sweden-based Asko (learn who makes which appliances in “Appliance sleuthing”). But for its new Designer Series Ultra-Premium dishwashers, Viking decided to control the manufacturing process in an effort, the company says, to outfit its models with cutting-edge technology.

The 450 model, $1,575, can clean up to 15 place settings in one load, says Viking, and its features include a stainless-steel exterior and interior, a soil sensor that adjusts water use and pressure to the load, and a self-cleaning filter. The Energy Star-qualified dishwasher makes virtually no sound, touts the Greenwood, Mississippi-based manufacturer.

This dishwasher is available in 23 different colors, for a $100 premium. You’ll find it at Viking dealers and major retailers nationwide starting this June, with other models to follow.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our latest testing-based report on dishwashers and buying advice before you shop for a new model, and see our Ratings (available to subscribers) to help find the right one for you.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Thermador Masterpiece Deluxe electric cooktops

Thermador calls its new infrared-sensor-equipped Masterpiece Deluxe electric cooktops groundbreaking. What distinguishes the cooktops? They’re equipped with an industry-first sensor, dubbed Sensor Dome (shown), that is designed to continually measure heat from the cookware and automatically cycle the burner on and off or even shut it down to maintain a set temperature, claims Thermador.

The manufacturer maintains you’ll save time and get better cooking performance since you won’t have to guess at or adjust the temperature. The retractable sensor is also supposed to prevent pots from boiling over.

The Masterpiece Deluxe cooktops are due in stores this July. The 30-inch, four-burner model with one sensor will cost $1,799; the five-burner, 36-inch model with one sensor, $1,899; the two-sensor 36-inch version, $2,099.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Before you shop for a cooktop, read our buying advice and review the Ratings of electric and gas cooktops, available to subscribers.

Kitchen/Bath Industry Show Product Preview: Caroma Sydney Smart 305 toilet

The 1.28-gallon-per-flush Sydney Smart 305 round-front toilet can save the average U.S. household up to 5,242 gallons per year compared with a standard low-flow toilet, claims manufacturer Caroma.

The toilet, which carries the EPA’s WaterSense label, has dual flush buttons, located on top of the tank, in lieu of the typical lever. You push one button to eliminate liquids and paper, the other to flush solids. Despite its miserly water consumption, the toilet is designed to be clog-proof according to the manufacturer, thanks to a trapway that is nearly twice as wide as the industry average.

The Sydney Smart, $349 in white (also available in biscuit), is backed by a two-year warranty and is sold at bath showrooms and plumbing-supply dealers.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Use our expert advice when you’re shopping for a new toilet and refer to our Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right model for your home.

GE Profile PGSS5PJX[SS] Refrigerator: First Look

This refrigerator has two freezer drawers but offers less usable capacity than other French-door models we’ve tested

Price we paid: $2,650

Date of Consumer Reports full report: May 2008

What it is. This French-door, bottom-freezer refrigerator with a claimed 24.9-cubic-foot capacity features two full-extension freezer drawers, part of what the manufacturer calls “armoire styling.” The PGSS5PJX[SS] stands 70 inches high x 36 inches wide x 33 inches deep, and it’s equipped with LED lighting, an icemaker, and a through-the-door water dispenser with LCD controls.

What we liked. The double freezer drawers provide easy organization of and access to items in the freezer. The configuration also allows you to reach the upper storage compartments with one move instead of the typical two you’d have to make with a single-drawer French-door refrigerator. This GE Profile model has also proved to be very quiet in our ongoing noise tests.

What we didn’t like. Because there’s a mullion between the upper and lower freezer drawers—basically a bar that separates them—you can access only about 60 percent of the usable freezer capacity we measured. By comparison, the LG LFX25980 French-door model we’re also testing provides nearly 70 percent of our measured freezer space.

In addition, this GE has merited only good scores for energy efficiency, and it is hard to reach the on/off switch for the icemaker.

Our initial take. The double-drawer freezer provides some nice conveniences, but a conventional single-drawer bottom-freezer offers a lot more usable space than the PGSS5PJX[SS]. What’s more, GE has been among the more repair-prone brands of bottom-freezer refrigerators.

Essential information: Look for our full report on refrigerators in the May 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale and online in April. Learn more about refrigerators and refrigerator capacity and check out the new Amana Jot, on which your kids can doodle.                

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Lithium-Ion Tools Move Into the Mainstream

It wasn’t all that long ago that you had to pay a premium for cordless tools with lighter, longer-life lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. But during my visits to the booths of several big tool manufacturers at the International Builders’ Show, I noticed that several big companies are now offering higher-tech Li-Ion cells for less.

Much of the action is happening with lower-volt batteries. Ryobi’s new 12-volt Li-Ion drill-driver ($79) weighs less than 2 pounds and comes with some big claims: Its battery is 30 percent smaller, 33 percent lighter, and offers four times more recharge cycles than the company’s 12-volt NiCad cell, says the manufacturer of this Home Depot exclusive. Ryobi is also offering a new 18-volt Li-Ion four-piece cordless kit (shown), with a drill, circular and reciprocating saws, flashlight, two batteries, and charger ($179). The battery fits Ryobi’s earlier One+ NiCad tools. You can also buy an 18-volt battery and one-hour charger alone for $99 to upgrade earlier Ryobi NiCad tools.

Ridgid’s 12-volt Li-Ion drill-driver joins the company’s other lithium-powered tools debuting this spring. A major talking point for the $129 drill is that you get free replacement batteries, parts, and service for as long as you own the drill. This tool features 30-minute recharging instead of the typical hour or more. Also new from Ridgid is a four-piece kit with an 18-volt hammer drill, reciprocating and circular saws, and impact driver ($499). Ridgid tools are sold at Home Depot.

The new Li-Ion battery on the new Craftsman (Sears) 16-volt drill ($119 with a flashlight) features inline cells for flatness and, like other Li-Ion batteries, has built-in protection against overheating and overcharging. A cushioned chuck is another perk. If you’re too tough for a “homeowner” drill, check out Craftsman’s two new Professional Li-Ion-ion drills with beefier, all-cast-aluminum gearboxes. The 12-volt drill runs $180; the 16-volt version (shown), $200. Both kits include a charger, second battery, and utility bag.—Bob Markovich

Essential information: Read our latest report on cordless drills to find the right tool for your workshop. For more information on cordless tools, click here. And see how we test cordless drills in our new video hub. Click on Home & Garden and scroll down to Cordless Drill Testing.

Ed Begley Jr. promotes energy efficiency

Many Hollywood types have hopped on the green bandwagon in recent years, but Ed Begley Jr. gets credit for having been on board for decades. I caught up with the 58-year-old actor and environmental activist at the International Builders’ Show on Friday, February 15, to talk about things green and a product he was pitching. (Celebs rarely show up at trade shows unless their hawking something.)

“Growing up in smoggy L.A., by 1970 I’d had a bellyful, and I wanted to do something about it,” says Begley, perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the 1980s TV show St. Elsewhere, about his initial interest in green matters.

His first move was the purchase of a Taylor-Dunn electric car in 1970s. The vehicle, recalls Begley, “was little more than a golf cart with windshield wipers and a horn.” These days, Begley walks and bikes to his destinations and also drives a fully electric Toyota RAV4, which he charges using solar power at his home in Studio City, California.

His house is equipped with all kinds of eco-friendly gear, including solar roof panels that can track the sun, a solar oven, and a rainwater-collection system. (See just how green Begley is at the Web site of his HGTV show, Living With Ed.)

The house also has the new A.O. Smith Vertex 100 power-vent gas water heater, the product Begley was promoting at the Builders’ Show. The Vertex uses an unusual helix configuration, basically 30 feet of coil that transfers gas-fired heat to the water (shown). This 100,000-Btu unit operates at 95 percent efficiency, according to the manufacturer, besting the 80 percent level of the most-efficient traditional water heaters. It is supposed to produce as much hot water as a typical 75-gallon model.

With a suggested retail price of around $2,000, the Vertex 100 (available only through wholesalers) isn’t cheap, though the manufacturer says it’s comparable in cost to premium water heaters. That price tag puts it above what Begley calls the “low-hanging fruit” of household energy conservation, products like compact fluorescent lightbulbs and thermostats. But, Begley reasons, the money people save using those products can eventually go toward more-expensive items.

“We’re heading in the right direction,” Begley says about making homes greener. “We haven’t completed all the tasks [toward building truly energy-efficient homes], but we’ve proved we can get there.”—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: If you’re in the market for a new water heater, use our free buying advice. Read our expert advice for 10 easy ways to save hundreds of dollars on energy costs at your house, and visit our Energy-Saving Guide for expert advice on saving energy—and money—everyday.

2008 International Builders' Show Coverage

The Consumer Reports Home & Garden team recently returned from Orlando, where we attended the International Builders' Show, the housing industry’s largest trade event. From Feburary 13-16 we checked out the latest products and gear from more than 1,900 exhibitors and attended industry conferences, all in an effort to keep you informed of the latest happenings in the American home.

We won't have tested any products featured here . . . yet. So consider our previews a chance to see what’s headed your way. We've also included some stories on the trends we spotted at the show. Bookmark this page so you can come back to read the postings we'll add in the coming days.—Steven H. Saltzman

PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Amana Jot Refrigerator

American Standard FloWise Low-Flow Toilet, with video 

Best by Broan IP29 Vent Hood

DeWalt Nano Cordless Tools, with video 

Electrolux's New U.S. Appliances

Flo n Stop Household Flood-Prevention System

GE Profile WPDH8800J Washer With SmartDispense, with video 

Gem-Loc Premiere Edge Countertop Edging

Kenmore Pro Built-in Refrigerator, with video 

Kohler Express Vanities, with video 

Kwikset SmartKey, with video

Lithium-Ion Tools Move Into the Mainstream

QuietRock Soundproof Drywall

State-of-the-Art Measuring: Bosch DLR165 Laser Rangefinder

Storm-A-Rest Hurricane-Protection System, with video 

Trex Escapes Decking 

Vinotemp Walk-In Wine Vault

Whirlpool SteamClean Electric Ranges

 
SHOW NEWS AND INDUSTRY TRENDS

Ed Begley Jr.promotes energy efficiency

Green is big at the Builders' Show

Home storage is a must

Opening ceremonies at the International Builders' Show

Postshow impressions by the Consumer Reports team

 

 

State-of-the-art measuring: Bosch DLR165 Laser Rangefinder

The Bosch DLR165 Laser Rangefinder I checked out at the 2008 International Builders' Show isn’t your grandfather’s tape measure—and not just because of its $169 price.

This laser-equipped 4-inch-tall x 2¼-inch-wide tool can calculate distance, area, volume, and even indirect length—say, when a heavy object stands between you and the wall at the other end of the room. The DLR165 automatically figures the distance based on the space above and below that immovable object. It also measures from the top, bottom, and middle of the tool, and includes a swing-out pin that, claims Bosch, will measure into grooves and other tight spots where other laser tools won’t fit.

The DLR165, powered by four AAA batteries, also allows you to step off distances while you walk and boasts an accuracy of within one-sixteenth of an inch up to 165 feet, touts the company. The Laser Rangefinder is available now at Lowe’s and specialty stores that sell Bosch tools.—Bob Markovich

Essential information: Visit our Tools & Power Equipment page for expert advice on circular saws, cordless drills, miter and table saws, and a wide range of power equipment.

International Builders’ Show Preview: Electrolux’s New U.S. Appliances

You might think of Electrolux only for its vacuums, but the company actually is one of the biggest appliance brands throughout Europe and makes full lines of kitchen and laundry appliances. The company will be launching the Wave-Touch line and the IQ-Touch series of appliances in the U.S. this spring, with a wide range of kitchen gear.

Based on what I saw in Orlando, these new lines are all about luxury, with features like glide racks and lighting that gradually increases in intensity when you open a door. The display on the Wave-Touch appliances, like the dual-oven model shown, are blacked out except for the clock until you pass your hand in front of them. They then light up, at which point you can set them.

One compelling feature on the ovens is the “perfect turkey” function. Electrolux claims that you just put a turkey or any other poultry into the oven, insert the included probe, and press a button. The oven automatically roasts the bird at the optimum temperature; it also displays how much time is remaining until the cooking is done.

These appliances include many bells and whistles. One of the freestanding ranges, for example, has 11 different cooking modes, including slow cook, convection bake and broil, dehydrate, and bread proof (for baking bread), and the aforementioned turkey setting.

The new lines will be available at Lowe's and other retailers nationwide.—Michael DiLauro

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Kenmore Pro Built-in Refrigerator

The new Kenmore side-by-side built-in refrigerator is the latest in the brand’s upscale Pro line of kitchen appliances and the first built-in from this Sears brand. Unlike lower-priced cabinet-depth models, which extend a tad past cabinets, the Kenmore Pro aligns with them for a sleek, flush look.

Highlights of this high-end cooler include 304 stainless steel instead of the cheaper 400-grade variety, oil-dampened doors designed to close without a thud, and, of course, the requisite on-the-door ice-and-water dispenser. This latest Pro brings a pro-style price—$6,500.

Sears labels the capacity of this 48-inch-wide refrigerator at nearly 30 cubic feet of storage. But remember that most refrigerators don’t have nearly the usable capacity that their makers claim, as we reported in “Refrigerator capacity claims don’t add up.”

Essential information: The next time you’re shopping for a new refrigerator, read our buying advice and also ignore the claimed-capacity numbers and rely instead on the more-accurate, real-world measurements in our Ratings of bottom-freezers, built-ins, side-by-sides, and top-freezers (available to subscribers).

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: DeWalt Nano Technology Cordless Tools

Nanotechnology refers to the control of matter sized as small as a nanometer—a billionth of a meter. But DeWalt hopes its new Nano Technology 18-volt DC927KL hammer drill and DC827KL impact driver will be a big hit on the shelves.

DeWalt’s nano-phosphate lithium-ion battery boosts power for its weight as well as life—2,000 recharge cycles, claims the manufacturer. The 18-volt cell fits every other 18-volt tool DeWalt has made since 1996, and the charger also works on the company’s earlier 18-volt or lower batteries.

The hammer drill costs $369, while the higher-torque for impact driver runs $349; each comes with two batteries and charger. Four- and six-tool 18-volt kits are also due this spring, and DeWalt also sells 28- and 36-volt Nano tools.

Our recent report on cordless drills found DeWalt’s 36-volt drill, $450, capable but pricier than several models that outscored it overall. We’ll see how the 18-volt Nano fares in our future tests.—Robert Markovich

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Flo n Stop Flood-Prevention System

If the hose on your washing machine were to burst while you and your family are of out of the house, thousands of gallons could flood your home. Think substantial water damage. Think potential mold problems. Think head-shaking claim adjusters.

The simplest solution would be to shut off the water supply to the appliance, but you probably don’t ever touch the shutoff valve. (Be honest.) Enter the Flo n Stop, a wireless, remote-controlled device that can prevent a nightmarish flooding scenario, claims Millennium International Development Corp.

The setup comprises a solenoid valve installed just after the main water valve in your home, a transceiver module plugged into a nearby electrical outlet, and a battery-powered wireless transmitter that goes near an entry door. When you leave the house, says the manufacturer, you press the off button on the transmitter, which tells the transceiver to cut off the water at the solenoid valve.

The Flo n Stop can’t prevent the damage that would occur if water pours out of a ruptured water heater, for example, but it is supposed to prevent your fresh-water supply from continuing to flow once a leak occurs.

The companion 24/7 Water Sentinel mat is designed to prevent floods even if you leave the Flo n Stop in the on position. If the mat gets wet when an appliance or pipe leaks, it is supposed to send a signal to the Flo n Stop transceiver to cut off water to the household.

The Flo n Stop is expected to cost under $200, without installation. It is available at www.improvementscatalog.com and in spring at Lowe’s stores in Florida.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: You can’t plan for every emergency, but you can minimize the likelihood that an old appliance will turn on you. Read our expert tips for maintaining your appliances.

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: QuietRock Soundproof Drywall

Dedicating a room of a new home theater with the latest flat-panel TV and state-of-the-art sound system? Then the last thing you want to do is wake the kids while you’re watching the DVD or have your entertainment ruined by your neighbors’ noisy central-air compressor.

QuietRock drywall is a soundproofing wall and ceiling panel that manufacturer Quiet Solution claims will reduce up to eight times more noise than ordinary gypsum board. The QuietRock comes in varying thicknesses in 4x8-foot sheets, with additional sizes up to 4x12 feet.

QuietRock 510 (shown), suitable for DIY installation, according to the manufacturer, costs $40 for a 1⁄2-inch 4x8-foot sheet; the same-size panel of the 5⁄8-inch 530 costs about $130. The highest-performance panels are 1-3⁄8 inches thick.—Ed Perratore

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Storm-A-Rest Hurricane-Protection System

The news images of the devastation caused by colossal hurricanes like Andrew (1992) and Katrina and Rita (both 2005) resonate years later. While no home hurricane-protection system can withstand the tide surges and flooding that accompany the worst tropical storms, John Boyle & Company’s Storm-A-Rest panels promise to fend off the pounding winds, torrential rain, and flying debris that define Mother Nature at her worst.

The tough fabric panels include tough Honeywell Spectra fibers, which the company claims help make the panels 15 times stronger for its weight than steel and allow them to withstand winds in excess of 155 mph. Indeed, Storm-A-Rest panels are certified for Wind Zone 4 and Large Missile D Impact, part of the Florida building code.

The translucent panels install over windows and attach to wood, brick, or concrete and allow 76 percent of the light through to the inside (keeping the interior from getting too dark during a storm), then roll up after storm season. You can also trim the panels with any of 350 Sunbrella fabrics, which show ov