Check out our appliances forums

With nearly 400 user-initiated topics, refrigerators remain our most active appliance-related forum. A good place to join in is the "Anyone happy with their purchase?" thread, where people are reveling in—or just plain regretting—their recent refrigerator buys. Other notable fridge topics include:
• When you should repair or replace a refrigerator.
• The pros and cons—and costs—of French-door refrigerators (shown).
• Buying advice for narrow refrigerators.

Dishwashers enjoy the second-highest number of member-created topics in our appliances forums. Check out these:
• Bosch, Electrolux, and Kenmore models have received rave reviews in the "I love my dishwasher" forum set up by forums moderator Angelo Mannino.
• Dual-drawer dishwashers are drawing detractors and defenders.
• One member noted a downside to some high-tech models: The circuit boards could prove difficult to replace.

For washing machines, you'll find a number of interesting reads. These include:
• Picks for a dependable front-loader.
• Talk about which store offers the best return policy.
• A thread on curing washers of mold and mildew, a topic that prompted this recent blog post. It's an example of how we can work your specific needs and concerns into our coverage.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Read about how some appliances have become more energy efficient in recent years, and learn how the federal Energy Star program has lost some of its luster.

Mold can be a problem for some front-loading washers

Front-loading washing machines are more efficient than traditional top-loading washers. Sure, you’ll pay a $400 to $500 premium over the average top-loader, but your electricity and water savings should offset the added expense over the lifetime of the appliance. Plus, front-loaders are among the highest-rated washers in our tests.

But front-loaders don’t have a spotless reputation. We’ve received myriad comments from readers about water left behind at the end of the wash cycle, bleach spotting, excessive vibrations, unhelpful service reps, and other complaints common to all washers. But one issue seems unique to front-loaders: mold buildup in the rubber gasket of the door and the resulting odor on clothes.

The mold problem is so widespread that class-action suits are targeting LG, Whirlpool, and Sears, whose Kenmore front-loaders are made by Whirlpool. The Maytag Neptune front-loading washer line has been part of a similar lawsuit, for which a settlement was reached.

One Consumer Reports reader had a Whirlpool Duet for four months when it and her family’s clothes began to smell of mold. She contacted the manufacturer, which she says told her to clean the machine twice a week with bleach, wipe the door down after each wash, and leave the door open to dry it out. “I work full time and have five children—four who do their own laundry,” says Merryl Nall of Collierville, Tennessee, says. “Needless to say, that would not work.” Whirlpool took back the washer, and Nall has switched to a top-loader. (You'll find more discussions about mold in washers in this forum.)

Mold, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can cause symptoms that include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation, fever, and shortness of breath. For people with chronic lung illnesses, mold infections can develop in their lungs. And exposure to mold can also bring on asthma attacks.

Suggested remedies to the mold problem abound. Whirlpool sells Affresh tablets as a way to clean washer residue and mold. Sears warns against using non-HE detergents, cleaners that could create conditions for mold growth. And LG recommends that once or twice a month you run a special hot cycle to which you add bleach to clean the washer.

Our advice:
• When washing, use warm or hot water unless a load requires cold.
• Wipe the door gasket and glass dry once you’re done washing.
• Clean the detergent dispenser and any attachments once or twice a month.
• Run a dehumidifier if your laundry room is damp.

If you see mold buildup in a front-loading washer, call the manufacturer for service and save all paperwork related to the purchase and service of your machine. In the Maytag Neptune settlement, plaintiffs eligible for restitution needed to document multiple authorized repair visits made during the warranty period and soon after the warranty expired.

In response to the many reader letters we've received, we're asking owners of front-loaders whether repairs they’ve had done to their washers relate to mold alone. We’ll report on the findings from the Annual Questionnaire, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, in future stories.—Ed Perratore

Tip of the Day: Buy the best washing machine for your home

In our 2007 report on washing machines, some of the top-loading models were only so-so performers. But manufacturers made improvements to their models, as we found in our 2008 washers review.

If you're in the market for a new washing machine, watch our video (right) and read our latest report and buying advice.

Essential information: Follow our washing tips to get your clothes clean, learn about the best laundry detergents, and plan your new laundry room. And don’t forget to check out our new Home Improvement Guide interactive, which provides buying advice and more for appliances, tools, and building materials for every area of your home.

New feature! Home Improvement Guide Interactive

Remodeling a room in your home or simply replacing appliances or buying new gear for your yard and garden?

The Consumer Reports Home Improvement Guide interactive (picture shown) on ConsumerReports.org lets you click on any room in your house and choose the top appliances, paints, flooring, and other remodeling products for your home's interior and exterior, from the kitchen and bathroom to roofing, siding, mowers, and tools.

The Home Improvement Guide includes expert remodeling tips as well links to Ratings of top ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, decking, mowers and tractors, room air conditioners, windows, washing machines, vacuums, and many more appliances, tools, and remodeling materials you need to upgrade your home.

Take a room-by-room tour of our interactive home today!

Tip of the Day: Check your dryer vents

As the owner of a multiunit brownstone in Brooklyn, I’m used to troubleshooting problems and dealing with malfunctioning appliances. Recently one of my tenants e-mailed me, writing, “The dryer doesn’t seem to be working correctly; we have to run it for hours to dry a single load.”

Visions of dryer fires and carbon-monoxide poisoning sprang to mind, along with possible causes of and solutions for the problem. Did a clogged venting system need cleaning? Was the 12-year-old Maytag washer/dryer combo unit near the end of its service life? I asked the tenants not to use the unit until I could stop by over the weekend.

When I got to the building a couple of days later, I immediately checked the lint screen and the area below it on the dryer. Both checked out clear. (Being able to remove two screws and gain access to the area below the lint screen is a nice feature of some older washer-dryer units.) Pulling the dryer away from the wall revealed that the vinyl vent had sagged with age, and a fist-sized ball of lint had collected at the base of the U-shaped depression.

Installing new metal ductwork cured the problem, and I was spared the high expense of replacing the unit. While my building was completely up to code, I put the money I otherwise would have spent on a new washer-dryer on the following safety upgrades:

• I deployed new smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms throughout the building to provide the highest level of safety. (The existing alarms were due for replacement.)

• I replaced the original hoses on the washer with Floodchek hoses, which are supposed to be burst-proof and were recommended to me by other landlords and property managers in my area. (Consumer Reports has not tested these hoses.) I also ordered the Flo n Stop flood-prevention system, a product we covered at the 2008 International Builders’ Show.

• I added fire extinguishers in every hallway and in every apartment.

It turns out that my dryer has a built-in sensor that prevents the unit from working if it senses a blockage in the vent. To avoid late-night phone calls or endless e-mails, I now check the dryer vent every time I visit the building.—Gian Trotta

Best fabric softeners

Conventional wisdom suggests that you should use fabric-softener sheets in the dryer to lessen static cling, but we found that liquids you use in the washing machine reduced the static charge in a load of synthetic clothing slightly better than sheets did.

Our tests of 12 liquids, eight sheets, a dryer ball, and a reusable dryer cloth revealed one excellent product, Ultra Gain Joyful Expressions liquid, and debunked the belief that fabric softeners, especially liquids, leave towels far less absorbent. (See our Ratings of fabric softeners, available to subscribers only.)

The loss of absorbency was very noticeable with only Snuggle Concentrate and liquid Snuggle Exhilarations. (More laundry detergents are being formulated with a softener. But in past tests, we found that they left clothes less soft than those laundered with separate detergent and softener.)

Other findings from our tests:

• Products differed mainly in their ability to soften clothes. Some liquids were very good; the dryer sheets were so-so at best.

• The reusable Method Softener Infused Dryer Cloth and the Dryer Max Dryer Balls scored just fair overall. Testers said that laundry dried with them felt more scratchy or stiff than most.

• Costs range from 2 cents per use to 26 cents; we rated some of the lower-priced products very good.

• Past tests have shown that even the best fabric softeners can build up over time, especially on fleece and flannel, which can reduce the flame resistance. Most products warn against use on flame-resistant clothes or kids' sleepwear.

The Consumer Reports take. The best overall softener was Ultra Gain Joyful Expressions liquid (9 cents per load). The manufacturer claims that its package has recycled content and that its ingredients are biodegradable. If you prefer dryer sheets, consider Bounce (5 cents), Gain, (4 cents), or Kirkland Signature (Costco), just 2 cents per load in the 492-sheet pack.

Among the best fabric softeners we tested, many liquids do one load per ounce; Touch Liquid weighs 64 ounces but delivers just 21 loads. The Ultra Gain Joyful Expressions, Ultra Downy with Febreze, and Ultra Downy concentrated liquids give you a few more loads than regular products for the same weight.

If scent bothers you, try Ultra Downy liquid or Bounce sheets, the only conventional products we tested that come in an unscented version.

Essential information: Visit our washing machine page for expert advice on buying and using this appliance. See the full list (in alphabetical order) of tested fabric softeners below.

Struggling Sears mulls selling its brands at other retailers

Two thousand and eight is a leap year. For Sears, which on February 28, 2008, announced a 47 percent decline in 2007 fourth-quarter net earnings on a 6.8 percent sales drop, a different kind of leaping could be on the horizon.

The Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based Sears announced that it’s considering selling some of its biggest brands—Craftsman, DieHard, Kenmore, and Lands’ End—through retailers beyond its nearly 3,800 U.S. and Canadian stores. (Read the entire press release from Sears.)

“One of our most important resources is the great brands we own, in particular DieHard, Craftsman, Kenmore, and Lands’ End,” said Sears Chairman Edward S. Lampert in a letter to shareholders. “All four of these brands have significant equity with customers and provide tremendous opportunity for value creation.” Lampert went on to explain that DieHard “leads in customer recognition among car battery brands by a wide margin, but it lags dramatically in market share . . . due to fewer points of distribution.” The move to sell Sears brands through other retailers “is an opportunity for us to rethink our brand distribution strategy to create value,” said Lampert.

The announcement is yet another sign of the reeling U.S. economy and points to tougher times for Sears, whose shares were down almost 5 percent in trading on February 29. The good news: The presence of Sears brands at other retailers could be a boon for appliance and outdoor-power-equipment shoppers who don’t live near a Sears store, since Kenmore and Craftsman products consistently get high scores in our Ratings of major appliances and outdoor gear.

Should Sears cross that threshold, it will be some time before its Craftsman, DieHard, Kenmore, and Lands’ End products appear in other places.

For now, you might have to drive the extra distance to a Sears or even to a Kmart store, where some Sears products are sold. If you’re lucky, any deal you get won’t be guzzled up by the rising price of gasoline.

Below we’ve highlighted a few notable performers sold by Sears. You’ll find the latest reports and Ratings for all appliances and outdoor power equipment on our main Appliances and Tools & Power Equipment pages. Note that Kenmore appliances and Craftsman mowers and lawn tractors have tended to be reliable, based on responses to the Annual Product Reliability Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Laundry appliances:
The Kenmore Elite HE5t Steam 4778[1], $1,600 (shown), and Elite HE5t 4708[1], $1,300, front-loading washers were among the top-rated machines in our latest report. The Kenmore Elite Oasis 6706[2], $800, and Elite Oasis 6703[2], $700, dryers notched excellent scores in our latest tests. Ratings of washing machines and dryers are available to subscribers.

Kitchen appliances:
Four Kenmore dishwashers were among the top six scorers in our latest tests of dishwashers: Kenmore1374[2], $650; Elite 1378[2], $1,000; Elite UltraWash HE 1315[2], $1,100; and Elite UltraWash HE 1312[2], $900.

Two Kenmore 30-inch electric smoothtop ranges—9641[2], $750, and 9611[2], $580—are among the best performers in our latest report.

The Kenmore Elite 5896[2] side-by-side refrigerator scored highly in our Ratings.

Ratings of dishwashers, electric ranges, and side-by-side refrigerators are available to subscribers.

Outdoor power equipment:
Sears also rides high in lawn tractors. The 46-inch Craftsman 28724, $1,600, and the 54-inch Craftsman 27690, $2,000, are among our top-rated tractors and also among the lowest-priced tractors we've tested. Learn how to choose a lawn tractor and see our Ratings of tractors for more information.—Daniel DiClerico

Inside CR Test Labs: Measuring washing machine performance

It’s one thing to wish away stains that are both metaphorical and real, as in Lady Macbeth’s tormented line, “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Macbeth, Act V, Scene I). But in the Consumer Reports test labs, we do our darnedest with literal spots and stains in our assessments of how washing machines remove grime from a variety of common sources.

For our washing-performance test, we use industry-standard strips of sewn-together six-patch swatches (shown). Before washing (top swatch), each patch gets soaked in either cocoa, wine, sebum—that’s human sweat—or oily charcoal dust. For the Lady Macbeths out there, there’s even a blood patch, along with an untreated control patch. Several strips go into each of various normal and heavy-duty cycles in both an 8-pound and a maximum-size load.

After washing, our technicians analyze the swatches and compare the results using a special instrument, called a colorimeter. (They use the same device to analyze the swatches before washing, too.) The middle swatch shown was washed in the front-loading Kenmore Elite HE5t Steam 4778, without steam; this model scored excellent for washing. The bottom one is a reference swatch indicating how a model that rated a poor in wash performance would do. Compare that swatch to the unwashed sample at the top, and it’s nearly, well, a wash.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Read our February 2008 report on washers and dryers, then refer to our Ratings of front- and top-loading washers and dryers to find the model that’s right for your family. And if you’re having trouble with spots, see our washing tips and laundry detergents coverage. Finally, watch how we tests washers in our labs.

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: GE Profile WPDH8800J Washer With SmartDispense

All washing machines are set-it-and-forget-it when it comes to the water—but it’s still up to you to measure and add the detergent. We’ve seen liquid-detergent-and-fabric-softener dispensers for washers before, but GE’s new Profile WPDH8800J front-loader (left in the photo) is the first washer designed to dole out the right amount of detergent and softener based on the load size, soil level, fabric, cycle, or even water hardness. Called SmartDispense, the new feature is built into the pedestal below the Energy Star–qualified washer and has a claimed capacity of up to 350 ounces of detergent and 85 ounces of fabric softener—roughly six months’ worth for a typical household.

Costing $1,800 with the pedestal, the washer and its matching model DPVH880 dryer, $1,329, aren’t cheap. If you’re willing to dispense with the SmartDispense feature, you’ll find high-scoring front-loaders from our washer tests for as little as $650 and top-loaders starting at $400.

The washer and dryer will be in stores in July.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our latest report on washers and dryers.

Panasonic's AeroBlast makes some odd noises

Manufacturers regularly add all kinds of features to their vacuums to make them work better—at least that’s their goal. One of Panasonic’s latest wrinkles is the "PowerBlast Automatic Filter Cleaning System," found on the AeroBlast MC-UL975 upright vacuum ($700, shown).

When you turn on the vacuum, a series of belching sounds announces that the vacuum is routing air back through the filter. All the commotion is designed to keep this upright from losing suction.

A video ad for the vacuum says the filter-cleaning feature “not only extends the life of your filter, it helps ensure consistent suction, maximizing your cleaning power and making your job as easy as possible.”

But in our tests, fine dust tended to clog the filter, and airflow through the hose did not match that of our top performers.

This 12-amp, HEPA-filter-equipped vacuum is also an unremarkable cleaner—it did no better than mediocre on carpets and even bare floors, a test aced by most other uprights and canisters in our latest report. Also note that the MC-UL975 is a bagless vacuum. Emptying the bin on a bagless model can be a messy, dusty process, especially a concern if you suffer from allergies.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Read our March 2008 vacuums report, with Ratings of 61 models. If you're in the market for a new vacuum, watch our video buying guide. And celebrate the 100th anniversary of the vacuum.

Q&A: Do steam laundry appliances work better than regular washers and dryers?

I've seen a growing number of steam-equipped washers and dryers in stores. How well do these machines work?

As we noted in our February 2008 report "Washers and Dryers: Performance for Less,"€ more manufacturers are adding steam capability to their laundry appliances. (We've also tested steam dishwashers, including the LG LDF9810[ST].)

Three front-loading washers we tested—Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t Steam 4778[1], $1,600, LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H[WM], $1,500 (shown), and Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9600T[W], $1,600—€”are equipped with steam modes designed to boost cleaning, sanitize fabrics, and remove stains. Each machine did a better job at removing stains with the steam setting, but these models cleaned well even without steam.

We also tested the steam modes of the matching Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5 Steam 8772[1], $1,300, and Whirlpool Duet Steam WED9600T[W], $1,100, dryers; they use a water hookup and heat to generate steam. In steam mode, both dryers did a good job of getting rid of wrinkles and odors from the shirts we tested. Note that the steam mode allows only up to four garments per load. Another wrinkle: These dryers cost about twice as much as the Best Buys from our latest report.

Essential information: If you're in the market for new laundry appliances, see our buying advice for washers and dryers. Then check our Ratings of washers and dryers (available to subscribers).

Prevent a dryer fire at your home

Recent incidents in Stuyvesant, New York, Bridgewater, New Jersey, and Erwin, North Carolina, point to the dangers of dryer fires. In fact, on average, more than 13,000 fires start in laundry rooms in the United States each year, resulting in 10 deaths and $97 million in property damage. Nearly 4,000 of these fires arise from lint buildup that occurs when people fail to clean their dryer vents. The following advice can help you prevent a disaster.

When it comes to dryer fires, flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic (plastic is shown at right) are the most problematic because they can sag and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint. Metal ducts, either flexible or rigid (rigid is shown at left ), are far safer because they don't sag, so lint is less likely to accumulate. What’s more, if a fire does start, a metal duct is more likely to contain it.

No matter which kind of duct you have, clean it regularly. Also clean the lint screen each time you use your dryer and get rid of any lint inside, behind, and underneath the dryer. These simple steps will not only reduce the risk of a fire, but your dryer will also dry your clothes faster and use less energy. Learn more dryer-safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, whose illustration is shown at right.

Essential information: Watch our safety alert video for more information on preventing dryer fires. If you’re in the market for a new dryer or washer, read our February 2008 report on laundry appliances. And find the best detergents to get your laundry clean.

Appliance upkeep: Some TLC will make your appliances last longer—and save you money

In his more than 20 years of selling parts to both repairmen and homeowners trying to fix their own appliances, Chip Thomas, assistant manager at Jacoby Appliance Parts in Irvington, New Jersey, has learned better than most how to shorten the life of any appliance. Not enough condensation in your refrigerator? "Just keep holding the door open in the hot weather every 10 minutes and make sure nothing moved," Thomas advises jokingly, recalling one of the mistakes he's heard about. Want to make your dryer a fire hazard? Just don't clean out the lint trap. Feel like burning out the igniter on your range? Spray it with oven cleaner.

When pressed for serious advice, Thomas also has plenty—most of which, he says, you can learn simply by reading the manufacturer's manual. "Most people don't realize how important it is to read manufacturer guidelines to cleaning and maintaining machines," he says.

Our Kitchen-Planning Guide will help you find the right appliances to make your house a dream home. And our appliance repair-or-replace time lines (available to subscribers) will inform you on when it's time to buy new. But proper care of your appliances can extend their life and save you money in the long run. So while you dig for the manuals for your dishwasher, microwave, or water heater, follow these basic maintenance tips for several major appliances.—Helen A.S. Popkin

For your kitchen essentials

For your laundry appliances

For gear around the house

Kenmore HE5t Steam Washer: First Look

The addition of steam makes this HE5t one hot performer.

Price we paid: $1,600

Date of Consumer Reports full report: February 2008

What it is. This front-loading washer, model 4778, is an updated version of the HE5t model we’ve previously tested, but it adds Steam Treat, which is supposed to enhance cleaning performance.

When you push the button to select the Steam Treat option, available for five of the machine’s wash cycles, the water temperature is automatically set to warm. As the wash cycle progresses, the water is slowly heated and steam is introduced into the tub. Sears claims the steam washer will provide "optimal removal of organic stains" (food and blood) and "temperature-sensitive stains" (oil), and is designed for "heavily soiled loads that need improved stain treatment, loads with multiple types of stains, or loads you suspect as having stains, but are afraid may have been missed."

This Energy Star–qualified appliance is available at Sears stores nationwide. It comes in white or red (shown; Sears calls it Barolo) and has a stainless-steel wash basket, a sanitize temperature, and a clean-washer cycle to keep the interior clean (we haven’t tested those features).

What we liked. In initial testing, the HE5t has delivered excellent wash performance with and without the steam option. However, when using the steam option, performance has been somewhat better. Among its appealing features are an extra-large capacity (a claimed 4.0 cubic feet), quiet operation, and high marks for water and energy efficiency.

What we didn’t like. The long cycle times. A load using the heavy-duty cycle runs 1 hour, 40 minutes—not uncommonly long for a front-loader--and more than 2 hours with the steam option. The HE5t also has proved to be not as gentle on clothing in small and large loads as most of the other front-loading machines we’re testing.

Our initial take. Our preliminary testing shows this washer to be a top-notch appliance, though it is expensive. Indeed, you can get similar washing performance from the nonsteam HE5t for several hundred dollars less.

Use our free buying advice if you’re in the market for a new washing machine and learn how to set up a laundry room near your living space. And look for our latest report on washers and dryers in the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.                         

Best home appliances for the holidays

Unless you're hiring a caterer and a cleaning crew, appliances are essential for preparing for holiday gatherings and tidying up after them. If you need to update your arsenal of small and big appliances, check out this list of some of our best-performing products; they'll make the jobs go easier and give you more time to enjoy yourself.—Helen A.S. Popkin

Best wine chiller to keep your top bottles in tiptop shape
GE Monogram ZDWR240PABS, $1,400
The one-compartment, stainless-steel-edged GE (shown) stores 52 standard-size bottles, runs very quietly, and adjusts to desired temperatures with aplomb. This model is also energy efficient, though there are other fine models that cost far less. Kenmore and other brands are offering small, freestanding units for $300 or so. For more wine chiller-tips, check out our report and updated Ratings (available to subscribers, like all the Ratings below).

Best blender to mix cheer-inducing libations
Braun PowerMax MX2050, $50
This Braun was tops in our tests for smoothies and among the best for crushing ice. Pluses include a glass jar and a removable blade. It’s also less noisy than other models, making it the least intrusive during a cocktail party.

Read up on blenders in our latest report and use the Ratings to find a model that fits your budget.

Best refrigerators to store the fixings for holiday meals and treats
Whirlpool ET1FTEXS[Q], $850
This well-equipped 21-cu.-ft. top-freezer Whirlpool features spillproof shelves and offers excellent energy efficiency and very good temperature performance. It’s also quiet. The eye-level freezer offers easy access, and the fairly wide refrigerator shelves make it easy to reach the back.

Amana AFD2535DE[W], $1,700
This 36-inch-wide bottom-freezer offers French doors at a relatively low price. Other handy features include a pullout bottom freezer drawer, and more usable fridge capacity overall than most others in our tests. Bottom-freezer models are best for putting often-used items at eye level, and they're relatively inexpensive to run.

GE GSH25JFT[WW], $1,000
This full-featured 36-inch-wide side-by-side comes at a relatively low price. Features include touchpad controls with digital display; built-in water dispenser and filter; a freezer light; gallon storage on door; an icemaker and dispenser; pullout shelves/bins; and a temperature-controlled meat/deli bin. Side-by-sides are best for kitchens that can't fit wide-swinging doors.

GE Monogram ZICS360NR[SS], $6,400
This 21-cu.-ft. GE built-in cabinet-depth drawer-type-bottom-freezer is pricey but energy efficient and full of handy features, including touchpad digital controls, spillproof shelves, pullout shelves in the freezer, an icemaker and a water filter, and a freezer light. It’s also available with a stainless-steel look.

For more information on refrigerators, see our latest report, buying advice, and Ratings of bottom-freezers, built-ins. side-by-sides, and top-freezers.

Best food processor and chopper to whip up hors d’oeuvres
KitchenAid KFP710, $80
This medium-capacity food processor was best at slicing and shredding, has easy-to-clean touchpad controls, and is relatively lightweight, making postparty cleanup a snap.

Black & Decker Ergo EHC650, $15
This inexpensive 3-cup chopper was tops at chopping and good for puréeing, making it a handy tool for food preparation.

Read our latest report and use the Ratings help find the right tools for your kitchen.

Best ranges to cook gourmet festival meals
Kenmore (Sears) 9421[2], $530
An excellent basic appliance at a low price, this 30-inch freestanding coil-top electric model (shown) still has plenty of handy features, including a warming drawer, six oven rack positions, and a cooktop that can contain spills. It’s also available in a stylish stainless-steel finish.

Hotpoint RGB745WEH[WW], $550
If you prefer a gas range, the 30-inch gas freestanding model Hotpoint offers the most performance for the money. Features include one high-power and one low-power burner, five oven-rack positions, and steel grates.

Use our buying advice and gas and electric range Ratings to see how the tested ranges boiled, simmered, baked, and broiled.

Best microwaves to heat up tasty leftovers the day after
Kenmore (Sears) 6325[2], $110
This space-efficient countertop model is easy to use and excelled in our defrosting test. Its 1.2-cu –ft. capacity make it ideal for thawing a medium-sized holiday bird. Detailed prompts for automated functions are a welcome aid when it comes to a potluck meal made from holiday leftovers.

LG LMV2053[ST], $300
This 2.0-cu.-ft., 1,100-watt model is a very good overall over-the-range oven that’s also a good value. Features include sensor cooking, auto defrost and touchpad controls, and a wire rack. It scored very good at heating evenness and ease of use, excellent at defrosting.

Read our latest report and use our buying advice and Ratings to find the best model for your kitchen.

Best coffeemaker or espresso maker to create a quality cup of joe
Black & Decker SmartBrew DCM2500, $35
This Black & Decker coffeemaker excelled in our tests. Features include a glass carafe and a setting that allows you to set the time the coffee starts brewing—a nice touch if you need that aroma to pop your family out of the turkey fatigue.

Nespresso Essenza C100, $230
If you want a tasty cup of espresso with minimal hassle, the Nespresso C100 (shown) is the machine to buy. While it's relatively inexpensive for a pump-style model, you will have to buy the company's coffee capsules. But, because you don't have loose grounds or filter holders, cleanup is a snap.

Learn more about coffeemakers and espresso machines and see our Ratings of drip, pod, and espresso models.

Best dishwasher to clean party plates and dishes
Kenmore (Sears) 1373[2], $580
This midpriced Kenmore provides excellent cleaning, flexible loading, and quiet running. It also managed to handle our most rigorous test (baked-on brownie mix) well with its normal cycle. That takes the worry and the work out of busy holiday dinners when you don’t have time to load the dishwasher right after the big meal. See our buying advice and read the latest news in “Models that carry the load.” Our Ratings list dozens of models.

Best vacuum cleaners to tidy up after they’ve all gone home
Kenmore (Sears) Progressive With Direct Drive 35922, $300
This all-purpose upright model excelled at cleaning carpets and bare floors, pet-hair pickup, and our emissions test. It’s also good at cleaning with tools, a handy extra for eliminating hard to reach crumbs, pine needles and tinsel.

Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 27514, $300
This canister model is very good at cleaning carpet and excellent at cleaning bare floors. It excelled at keeping emissions low and was very good at picking up pet hair.

Read “Cleaning vs. Allergy Claims” for the latest information on vacuums then use our buying advice and Ratings of uprights and canisters.

Greener cleaners for your dishes?

As part of our latest report on dishwashing liquids, we tested four products that make green claims: Earth Friendly Dishmate Ultra, Ecover Ecological Dishwashing, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, and Trader Joe’s Dish Soap. All of these cleaners did at least a very good job cleaning dishes, but are they as green as they appear?

You might think so, since their packaging features words like “biodegradable,” “natural,” “environmentally friendly,” and “nontoxic.” But, as they say, never assume anything. For instance, “biodegradable” means little unless the claim is specific, such as “biodegradable in three days” or “certified biodegradable.”

If you want to buy a cleaner that’s somewhat gentler on the environment—say one that contains a renewable, plant-based cleaning agent instead of a petroleum-based one—be sure the green claim is real. “Certified biodegradable,” for example, is independently verified. Visit our Eco-labels Web site for information on environmental labels on a range of consumer goods, including household cleaners, food, and personal-hygiene products.

Perhaps your concerns are more about how humane a product is than how green it is. To find out whether a dishwashing liquid was tested on animals, look for the Leaping Bunny logo (shown). That independently verified seal of approval indicates a product wasn’t tested on animals during any stage of its development. The Earth Friendly and Seventh Generation liquids we tested both meet the Leaping Bunny standard.

Finally, if you want to avoid the cloying, potentially allergy-inducing scents of some cleaners, look for specific claims, such as “contains no artificial dyes or fragrances,” then check the ingredients list.

Essential information: See which dishwashing liquids topped our Ratings in the January 2008 issue of Consumer Reports or on ConsumerReports.org. If you’re in the market for a new sink or faucet to wash your dishes with, read “Money down the drain?” If you’d prefer to let a machine do the work, read our buying advice for dishwashers and see our Ratings (available to subscribers).

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

Buy the best appliances and kitchen gear

Shopping for appliances and kitchen gear shouldn’t be a race against the clock. You’re going to live with these products for years, so it’s important to choose models that blend performance, value, and brand reliability.

But if you can’t dedicate loads of time to researching your purchases, scout our all-star lineup of appliances and kitchen gear below. They’re the top performers from a year's worth of testing at Consumer Reports. Note that models within groups are listed in performance order, and prices for dishwashers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, and washers are for models with a white finish.

Watch Bob Markovich, editor of the Consumer Reports Home & Yard franchise, present five top-performing appliances on NBC's Today Show, from November 19, 2007.)

(Click on each appliance name below to see models, then learn more about this gear using the links in the "essential information" section.)

• Cooktops & wall ovens
Essential information: Read our buying advice.

• Dishwashers
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and find out which dishwasher detergents work best.

• Gas grills
Essential information: Read our latest report, prepare our easy, delicious grilling recipes, and watch a video buying guide.

• Microwave ovens
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and take our microwave safety quiz.

• Ranges
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice.

• Refrigerators
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and find out how much storage space refrigerators really offer.

• Vacuum cleaners
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and watch a video buying guide.

• Washers & dryers
Essential information: Read our latest report on laundry appliances and buying advice for washers and dryers. Use our washing tips to keep you clothes looking their best, and learn how to avoid dryer fires.

• Wet/dry vacuums
Essential information: Read our latest report.

First Look: Steam appliances are hot

When it comes to home appliances, steam is in. Our engineers and technicians are testing a slew of different steam products, including dishwashers, microwaves, and washing machines. We'll be publishing First Look product previews of this new gear in the coming weeks and months.

Although it might seem unusual for a dryer to have a steam option—after all, this appliance is supposed to dry, not dampen, clothes—some of the latest models use steam to help reduce or eliminate wrinkles and odors. Learn more by reading our recent First Look of the Kenmore HE5 Steam Dryer (shown).

Essential information. If you're in the market for a new dryer, use this free buying advice. Then refer to the Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right model for your home. And if you're considering adding a laundry room near living space, keep these design considerations in mind.

Q&A: Do Energy Star dryers exist?

My 17-year-old dryer has just about handled its last load. I want to replace it with an energy-efficient model. Where can I find an Energy Star dryer?—S. Lee, via e-mail

You won't find one. Because most clothes dryers use about the same amount of energy, the Energy Star label and the EnergyGuide label don't exist for these appliances.

Still, there are ways to ensure that your new dryer is an energy saver:

• Buy a model with a moisture sensor. A sensor-equipped machine will consume less energy than a dryer with a traditional thermostat since the sensor will more accurately shut off the machine when the load is dry than a thermostat can. Note: You’ll occasionally need to clean the sensor with a soft cloth or a cotton ball dipped in alcohol.
• Clean the lint tray after every load. This simple step allows the dryer to work more efficiently and also reduces fire hazards. Occasionally rinse the filter under running water; if it holds water, clean it with a soft brush.
• Remove the dryer exhaust hose once a year. Vacuum it to eliminate any lint.

Essential information: Read our latest report on washers and dryers and refer to our Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right dryer for your home. For more energy-saving ideas, go to our free environmental site, GreenerChoices.org.

Vacuum users send mixed messages

I’ve fished since I was in the second grade, and this pastime—call it an obsession—stays with me even when I’m researching and reporting a story for Consumer Reports. While full-time employment does tend to get in the way of my fishing, some of my angling skills are transferable to the writing arena.

Take vacuum cleaners, on which I’m reporting for the October 2007 issue (on sale and online in September). Besides poring over our test results, market studies, and other data, I’ve been casting for information on vacuums all over the Web, looking for your user reviews and questions about this household appliance. Just as I troll our vast customer-relations database for your letters and e-mails about products, I explore the Web to learn what you like and don’t like about the products you use on a regular basis.

I recently landed some interesting results. Our customer-relations department informed me that vacuum cleaners generate more reader calls and mail than any other appliance we test except for washing machines. I was interested to know whether, to paraphrase Sally Field, you really like vacuums.

Here’s where it got interesting. I Googled “hate to vacuum” and “love to vacuum.” The first search generated pages and pages of links summarized by various unkind words about vacuuming. People abhor this chore.

The second phrase also reeled in pages and pages of matches. But in this case, people weren’t discussing  how much they love to vacuum. They were talking specifics, say about a particular brand or model.

What’s all this mean? If the information I saw online is any indicator, while you might find the necessary task of vacuuming unpleasant, anything that makes the job easier seems worth your loyalty.

Before you choose a new vacuum, give it a test ride in the store. Push it around. Lift it as high as you might need to at home. A feel for how a model handles could tell determine whether your “catch” is a keeper or one you throw back.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: For expert advice on choosing a vacuum, see our buying advice and video buyer’s guide. Before you shop, refer to our Ratings for upright and canister vacuums as well as the