Tip of the Day: Find the right wines to serve for Thanksgiving and the holidays

Do a Web search for "best wines for Thanksgiving"—or "for Christmas" or "for the holidays"—and you'll find an overwhelming number of results, and some of that information might prove more confusing than edifying.

Wine choices for Thanksgiving and end-of-year celebrations are all over the map. Some folks swear by a robust Zinfandel for turkey dinners; others think a versatile Riesling is right for holiday repasts.

Whether you're an oenophile with your go-to favorites and a sense of adventure or a novice looking for some solid wine advice, we can't predict which wines you'll like. But as you'll see in our new "Holiday Wine Bargains," there are plenty of reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Zinfandel) and whites (Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc) that will enhance your holiday meals without breaking your budget.

Before you head to the store to shop, visit our wine buyer's guide for shopping tips and a wine glossary as well as expert advice on proper serving temperatures for wine and suggested food pairings. e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Keep your wine in tiptop shape by storing it in a wine refrigerator/cellar and find the best corkscrews to open your bottles.

Tip of the Day: Find the proper temperature for serving wine and learn about wine cellars

I was at a wine dinner last night where we drank a variety of French red wines. Given the wide range of grapes in the 10 wines—primarily Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, with some Carignan and even a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir—and the somewhat warm, humid evening, I was wondering about the proper serving temperatures for the wines. Should we give some a bit of a chill? Do we need to decant any?

There are no hard-and-fast rules associated with proper serving temperature. As we note in "How to Serve Wine," optimal pouring temperatures vary by wine type and characteristics. The body of wine plays as big of a role if not more of one in determining serving temperature.

Use the chart below as a guide, and visit our wine page to find ratings and recommendations (available to subscribers) of good-value reds and whites.—Steven H. Saltzman | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Read about wine cellars/chillers and corkscrews.

 

A good corkscrew is key for any celebration

I've broken more than my share of corks when opening my favorite wines over the holidays. And it seems to happen as we sit down for dinner, a most Scrooge-like occurrence on the part of the host and the corkscrew.

One rookie mistake I used to make was storing my wine standing up in too warm a space since I didn't have a wine cellar. Proper storage would have kept the corks on older bottles from becoming dry and more likely to crumble.

I've used waiter’s, T-shaped, and wing-style corkscrews, some of which require a modicum of skill and/or a bit of strength to use. I’d have upgraded to a better-engineered manual or electric corkscrew, but some of them were even pricier than the wines I coveted.

But for our recent report on electric corkscrews, we found $20 electric models from Emerson and Oster that removed both natural and synthetic corks quickly, easily, and relatively quietly (watch the video here to see them in action). “These models are especially useful for anyone with limited hand strength, or anyone who has trouble using a traditional corkscrew,” says Adam Kaplan, a Consumer Reports project leader who oversaw the tests.

Both top-rated electric corkscrews come with a rechargeable battery, charging base, and foil cutter. We also tested some advanced manual openers that might be worth considering. And if you’re on a budget, read the report mentioned above to learn about the pros and cons and costs of classic corkscrews.­—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Find out which Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and sparkling wines are good buys (ratings are available to subscribers). Then tap into our tips on proper temperatures for serving wine, saving it for later, and mastering wine lingo.

Inside CR Test Labs: Wine cellars and temperature consistency

Like a rock star or Hollywood celeb, wine cellars are only as good as their ability to maintain a consistent level of cool. Our recent report on wine cellars, in which we tested 20 undercounter and freestanding models ranging in price from $300 to $2,450, let us separate the marquee performers from the B-listers.

Our previous tests of wine cellars—also called wine chillers, wine refrigerators, and wine coolers (not to be confused with Bartles & Jaymes beverages)—had revealed no differences in the temperatures we recorded when we filled the units with bottles of water or wine. So, for our latest tests, we completely filled each cellar with 750-ml plastic bottles of water. We attached thermocouples (temperature sensors) to the exterior of some bottles, for a total of five thermocouples in each separate compartment.

Using thermocouples in that arrangement is important because more companies are making cellars with separate compartments that, they claim, allow you to store different wines, such as sparkling, white, rose, and red, optimum temperatures for those wines within the same unit.

Over the course of our tests, we varied the ambient temperature within our testing chamber from 70°F to 90°F, from 90°F to 70°F, and from 70°F to 55°F. That allowed us to determine how well each unit maintained a uniform temperature in each part of the compartment despite changes in room temperature. As you can see in our ratings (available to subscribers), we found good performers at every price point.

Before you shop for a wine cellar like the Marvel 6SWC model shown, find out how to choose one of these appliances by considering other factors, including capacity, shelf design, noise, vibration, and energy consumption.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Our wine page includes reviews of top values in wines for the holidays and year-round, and offers a guide to the best corkscrews and primers on wine-serving temperatures and storing leftover wine.

New home stories on ConsumerReports.org! Cooktops and ovens, ranges, slow cookers, wine cellars, and more

The December 2008 issue of Consumer Reports is now on sale and online. The latest issue contains the following stories related to the appliances you use at home and some timely advice on dealing with the current economic downturn:

Cooktops and ovens: We test the latest cooking technology.

Ranges: Find the best electric or gas model for your home. (See how we test ranges, right.)

Slow cookers: Ratings of more than a dozen of these countertop appliances.

Wine cellars: Keep your favorite wine in tip-top condition with a wine chiller.

Weathering the financial crisis: Expert advice for home sellers and buyers.

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.

International Builder' Show Product Preview: Vinotemp Walk-In Wine Vault

If you’re a serious wine collector whose sizable cellar features rare gems like the 1993 Screaming Eagle ($3,000-plus for a single bottle), you’ll want to be sure your wine doesn’t degrade while you’re away on vacation. The Vinotemp Walk-In Wine Vault, says the manufacturer, will send an alert to your cell phone should a temperature change take place in the 1,500-bottle unit which, costs $20,000.

The Vinotemp’s software is designed to upload your inventory onto your personal computer and track it by vintage, country of origin, and location on the racks inside the vault. The unit adds good looks to its brains, featuring a brushed-aluminum exterior, glass windows and doors, and handcrafted redwood racks. So while you might want to place the vault in the basement, it’s handsome enough to go near a living area—where your bottles will always be close at hand.

Essential information: Not ready to invest in a walk-in wine vault? A wine refrigerator or wine chiller might be a better option. And to help add to your collection, read our expert coverage of wines.

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.

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