In this turkey trot, TurboChef is faster than Electrolux Wave-Touch range and NuWave oven

As cooking appliances get faster, records continue to fall in our labs. The video (right) shows how the TurboChef 30" Double Wall Speedcook oven, using "Airspeed Technology," cranked out a nicely browned 13-pound turkey in a record 53 minutes. So if time is really of the essence—you'll have to shell out about $8,000 for a TurboChef—this dual oven could be for you.

No oven or range we've tested is as fast as the TurboChef, though the Electrolux Wave-Touch smoothtop electric range wasn't that far off—and costs about $6,000 less. With its Perfect Turkey setting that uses a meat probe to measure the internal temperature and adjust cooking time, it produced a juicy, 13-pound bird in 98 minutes, about half the time of most other electric ranges.

If you're on a much tighter budget, consider the $150 NuWave Pro Infrared Oven. Using direct heating, convection, and infrared cooking, in two hours it made a 10-pound turkey that was tasty and juicy with a moist interior, albeit a little bit overdone toward the outside. The NuWave oven is available with an extender ring that allows you to cook larger turkeys. e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Our recent post on Thanksgiving planning looked at grilling, deep-frying, and smoking turkey. Check out our new report on national brands of turkey stuffings and watch our video on carving a turkey. With Black Friday coming up, stay on top of the shopping deals by reading Tightwad Tod on our Money blog.

What's new in Consumer Reports: Home content from the December 2009 issue

The December 2009 issue of Consumer Reports is loaded with coverage of items that will make practical gifts or spectacular additions to any household. (Some items below are available only to subscribers.)

Low-cost, high-performing coffeemakers. We found excellent coffeemakers that cost $20, $40, and $70; the top-rated model topped out at $100. And for $80, you can buy an excellent brew-station type that lets you fill cups directly from the machine.

Lack of versatility dogs pet-hair vacuums. Many vacuums are specifically marketed as the solution to pet-hair problems, but we found none provided a universal panacea. Instead, two mainstream Hoover models stood out for being excellent against pet hair, very good on bare floors, and excellent at cleaning carpets and limiting emissions.

Microwaves that do more. Want convection and speed cook modes? Countertop models from Kenmore and newcomer-to-the-field Cuisinart and an over- the-range model from Samsung offer both; the Cusinart and Samsung also offer grill modes for a taste of summer during the cold months. We also took a look at the innovative Sharp SuperSteam Oven AX-1200[K].

Ranges that make the grade. Induction models are hot, but our tested ones remain pricey at $3,000. Instead, we found four under-$800 ranges from Kenmore and GE that outscored pricier ranges from Dacor and Viking. Move up to the $1,500-to-$2,000 price point, and you'll get a range with a second oven or cooking drawer.

Paper towels in store. Our tests confirmed a similar trend among foods, where store brands outperformed national brands. So you might want to pick some up when you're buying wrapping paper. We also found something for greens to celebrate: One brand of recycled paper performed very well overall. Watch the video on how we test paper towels (above).

Light's (you should toss) out. Discard holiday lights after three seasons. Here's a checklist of things to look for and safe practices to follow when hanging holiday lights.

Q&A: How do I recycle my old cookware?

I just bought a new set of cookware. What's the best way to get rid of my old pots and pans?

Selecting the right cookware is easy, but getting rid of an old set, especially a 10-piece ensemble, isn't so obvious. You can donate usable pots and pans to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or list them on Freecycle. If the cookware is unusable, contact your municipal department of public works to ask about recycling.

Now, if you buy Calphalon's new Unison cookware, you can send your old set, no matter its condition or manufacturer, to Calphalon for free recycling. You pack your old set in a box that comes with your new cookware, attach the prepaid mailing label, and drop it off at a FedEx location.

Calphalon will take nonstick and uncoated cookware. (Glass and plastic items are not accepted.) After sorting, the pots and pans are sent to a company that processes the metal for reuse. 

Among other corporate recyclers, some Walmart stores collect used auto batteries, tires, and motor oil; Costco recycles electronic items; and Home Depot and Ikea take used compact fluorescent lightbulbs.—Kimberly Janeway | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Check out our latest ratings of cookware (available to subscribers), which covers nonstick, uncoated, and green cookware.

Talk about a multitasking device. PDA turns on Magic Chef range in Brooklyn

Now that was one hot call.

The oven on the Magic Chef CGR1425ADW freestanding gas range in one Brooklyn man's apartment turns on when his PDA is within a couple feet of the appliance and receives an incoming call, reports 1010 WINS, a news radio station in New York City.

Andrei Melnikov made the alarming discovery last week when he noticed smoke spilling from his kitchen shortly after taking a call, according to 1010 WINS. It took a little detective work, but Melnikov soon fingered his Sony Ericsson PDA. Presumably, the device's wireless signal was somehow getting crossed with the electronics of the range.

Our electronics experts weren't surprised to learn of Melnikov's problem, as you can read in you can read in "When Devices Conflict: Cell Phone vs. 'Magic' Oven.'"

Melnikov alerted Maytag, maker of his Magic Chef CGR1425ADW range, of the problem. A company spokesperson said that it's the first such report the company has received and that the appliance maker will send out a repair team to investigate the problem.

Have any electronic devices caused any unusual interference in your home? Send us the details by leaving a comment box below.—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

International Builders' Show Product Preview: GE free-standing range with induction cooktop

Instead of a conventional cooking surface fueled by gas or electricity, induction cooktops use a magnetic field to heat pots and pans but not the cooking surface. When you remove a pot or pan from the cooking surface, the induction element stops heating, a nice safety feature. Induction cooktops have excelled in our tests. We've found that they heat faster than either gas or electric and are more responsive than smoothtop or coil elements.

But until recently, no induction-cooktop ranges were on the market. Kenmore has introduced the Elite 9991 range, which we are currently testing, and the GE Profile 30-inch freestanding induction range is debuting at the International Builders' Show and should be in stores in July.

If induction has a drawback, it's price. The new GE Profile stainless-steel range, equipped with five burners and a warming drawer, is expected to cost about $3,300, 65 percent higher than our top-rated 30-inch electric smoothtop range and nearly twice the cost of our top-rated gas range (ratings are available to subscribers). But as with all new technologies, the price of induction ranges should come down as these appliances become more widespread.—Kimberly Janeway

Q&A: Are high-Btu burners and induction cooktops worth their added cost?

The Btu ratings of the burners on ranges and cooktops seem to have increased, and induction cooktops are becoming more popular. Does the performance of these high-output appliances justify their higher prices?

That depends on the amount and the type of cooking you do.

Our latest report on gas ranges included models with gas burners rated at 18,000 Btu/hr.: GE PGS975SEM[SS], $2,500, Electrolux EW30GF65G $2,000 and EW30GS65G $2,300; and dual-fuel Dacor Epicure ER30D, $6,000. Each brought a 6-liter pot of water to a near-boil in 15 to 16 1/2 minutes. "But less expensive gas ranges with burners rated at 15,000 or 16,000 Btu/hr. offered comparable water-boiling performance," says Tara Casaregola, a program leader in the Consumer Reports Technical division. "High heat is also useful for stir frying large quantities," notes Casaregola.

Gas ranges are now being outperformed in some areas by induction cooktops, which use electromagnetism to heat iron-based cookware while leaving the heating element itself relatively cool. High-output induction elements bring water to a boil faster and are better for certain specific cooking tasks than other electric burners. In our latest tests, the GE Profile PHP900DM [BB], $1,650, and the Thermador CIT302D[S], $1,725, brought 6 liters of water to a boil in less than 8 minutes. The Thermador's overall performance and versatility—it excelled at simmering and combines induction and electric elements—earned it a spot in our top 100 products of 2008 (available to subscribers).

A recent First Look on the Kenmore Elite 9991 range (shown) points to why induction appliances are generating a buzz. The induction cooktop on the Kenmore boiled water rapidly and did well in our low-heat test, melting chocolate on its lowest-power element without scorching and holding tomato sauce below a boil on its largest element at a lower setting.

But induction might not be for you. "If you're choosing between a high-powered induction cooktop and a gas range, you still can't beat the 'feel' of gas," says John Macchia, a senior laboratory technician in our technical division who studied at the Culinary Institute of America. "If you cook on a regular basis with gas, you'll know what I'm talking about."

Macchia is talking about the visual cue you get when cooking with gas, the ability to see the size of the flame and gauge the amount of heat being pumped out. His sentiments are shared by many participants in the induction-cooking discussion on our appliances forum, where a growing number of induction users have been sharing their experiences. Drop in and tell others about your favorite cooking appliance.

Essential information: See our updated product pages for more information on gas and electric ranges and cooktop and wall ovens.

Forum Friday: Top forums in recent weeks

Washing machines: This has been the most popular appliances forum recently, with the least-repair-prone front-loading washer and LG washer smell among the hottest discussions. These topics have emerged as our other top forums.

Vacuums: Vacuum aficionados have been posting in our best vacuums topic, while picks and pans of deep and steam cleaners have drawn numerous reviews.

Refrigerators: A newer French-door refrigerator discussion has sprung up to replace the old discussion on the same topic, along with a call for the quietest refrigerator.

Mattresses: The hottest non-appliance forum has many folks chatting about latex mattresses. And thanks to the member who posted the last word on how to buy a mattress.

Dishwashers: The I love my dishwasher discussion continues with passionate posts. Can top one member’s tale of her 24-year-old dishwasher?

Central heat/air conditioning: Cold weather and energy prices probably stoked discussions, like Which gas furnace should I buy?, which ranks as our most viewed discussion. We're looking forward to responses to a member's call for opinions on integrated heating and hot-water systems.

Ranges: These kitchen appliances have seen more activity as the holiday-cooking season kicked off and Consumer Reports published new ratings. The pros and cons of induction cooking is especially useful.

Small appliances: Coffeemakers dominate here. As detailed in a recent Forum Friday, numerous threads are percolating away in the wake of our latest review of coffeemakers.

Dryers: You’ll find numerous discussions of particular brands and some interesting exchanges on ventless condensation dryers and ways to prevent clothes and sheets from “balling.”

While it didn't crack the Top 10 in traffic, the energy saving in your home forum has had some wonderful insights to put more green in your holidays.

Soup sales are a sign of the times

Soup lines were a sign of the hard times during the Great Depression. Today, rising soup sales seem to be a bellwether of today's recession and belt tightening by American consumers.

On November 21, Bloomberg.com reported that shares of Campbell Soup Company led the Standard & Poor's Packaged Foods Index over the last three months. Next year, said Philadelphia-based Mitchell Pinheiro, an analyst with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, will be "the year of condensed soup, driven by the backdrop of severe economic pressure on the consumer."

In our report on chicken soup, Campbell's Select Chicken With Egg Noodles was judged only good by our panel of tasters, due to its "slightly sour, fatty mouthfeel" and "mushy vegetables." The top soup was The Original SoupMan ("like stew . . . lots of various vegetables"), although at $2.99 per one-cup serving it's hardly a recession special, comparatively speaking. (Soups ranged in price from 28 cents to $2.99 per cup. The Campbell's was $1.32.)

You'll need to warm up your soup. So read our report on microwave ovens to see which models deliver even heat. If you prefer using your range or cooktop, check out our review of cookware, which covers nearly 30 models of uncoated, nonstick, and mixed pot-and-pan sets.—Daniel DiClerico

Forum Friday: A wide "range" of opinions

It's time for another weekly summary of our timeliest forum discussions. This week and next, we'll serve up tales of how well appliances are able to stand the heat during demanding Thanksgiving conditions.

With more than 350 discussions, ranges reign as one of the busiest topics in our appliances form. Browsing or searching for contributors' takes on particular models could save you a lot of grief when it's time to brown and baste.

One discussion poster ended up barbecuing her turkeys after her oven gave out at the worst possible time; others have had mixed success with double ovens.

Our ratings of ranges (available to subscribers) include results of our exhaustive testing and access to dozens of real-world user reviews in each category.

If you're tempted to try a turkey fryer, "'Deep-Fry' Your Turkey Without Oil" describes in fiery detail what happens when proper safety procedures are ignored.

Essential information: Don't miss these many other ways to have a thrifty and tasty Thanksgiving. And feel free to share your own turkey related tips and tricks below.

Q&A: Can an oven's slow-cook mode do as good a job as a slow cooker?

A new oven I'm considering has a slow-cook mode. Is this feature better than my trusty Crock-Pot?

To see how well the slow-cook mode on an oven or range compares to slow cookers, as part of our latest report on slow cookers we pitted the GE Profile PB975SM electric smoothtop range with dual ovens (one of which has a slow-cook mode), $1,950, against 15 electronic and mechanically controlled electric slow cookers.

For this test, we slow-cooked chicken wings, pulled pork, spare ribs, orange chicken, and apple brown Betty in the lower oven of the 30-inch PB975SM (shown) and in each slow cooker. Here's what we found:

• Instructions for the oven recommend using the beef setting whenever you don’t know the cooking time for a given dish. But with the beef setting for an apple brown Betty, the dessert was overdone after 2¾ hours, much longer than the 4 hours it needs in a typical countertop slow cooker. So you’d have to adjust cooking times and recipes to prevent overcooking and burning.

• Overall, the oven cooked much more quickly than any slow cooker, though that’s not necessarily an advantage when slowness is the goal. In fact, some chicken wings got burned when we cooked them for the time indicated in the recipe. Still, the pulled pork from the oven was tender and flavorful and the spare ribs were falling-off-the-bone tender.

• Like the slow cookers in our ratings, the GE Profile’s slow-cook feature goes into warm mode automatically once the cooking time has elapsed. The oven has programs for slow-cooking beef, poultry, pork, and stew, settings not found on most of the slow cookers.

Regarding energy usage, the slow cooker comes out ahead. (Energy use was calculated based on running an average slower cooker and the oven for 1 hour.) A typical slow cooker will use less energy than the slow-cook mode on the GE range. Note that for a dish that’s done in less than four hours using the oven’s slow-cook mode, the energy use might be identical to that of a slow cooker.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: See our ratings of slow cookers (available to subscribers) to find the best model for your home.