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.

Forum Friday: How's your home faring for the holidays?

With the 2008 holiday season officially under way, copious cooking and numerous guests are probably putting your appliances and accommodations through their toughest test of the year.

For example, washing machines and mattresses have been our most popular forum topics over the past two weeks, and these specific discussions of large-capacity washers and guest-room mattresses were especially busy.

If you've been stumped while stuffing leftovers into your refrigerator, consider the platter-swallowing capacity of a French-door model. Earlier this year, we took a First Look at the GE Profile PGSS5PJX[SS] and wrote a Product Preview on the Liebherr 2062 Series French-door refrigerators. Members have been sharing their feedback in a French-door refrigerator discussion that’s taken off since last Thanksgiving.

If your conventional storage-tank water heater isn't producing enough hot water for your holiday needs, you can join a lively debate over whether tankless water heaters are worth their higher cost.

Essential Information: Visit our Home Improvement Guide interactive for more advice on appliances, decor, tools, and building materials that will make your house more comfortable and functional all year long.