Countertops

A countertop has to withstand considerable punishment over a long period of time. Fortunately countertops are one product where beauty and practicality can coexist.

Falling prices for granite and other tony materials mean that you can now get a custom-look countertop for about what you'd pay for solid surfacing like Corian. You'll also see new products as high-end options hit the mainstream.

Retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe's now offer granite and quartz, also known as engineered stone, for as little as $40 per square foot. But even these luxury materials may not be distinctive enough for some design-conscious homeowners. Concrete, which is made to order, is one way to get a custom look. Another trend, stainless steel, appeals to homeowners who want to integrate their counters with pro-style appliances.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Butcher block. Butcher-block countertops are made of hardwoods; maple is the most common, though red oak and teak also are used. A slab of butcher block is useful for chopping and slicing, but it can become marred with everyday use. Butcher block is relatively easy to install and repair. The wood will almost certainly become scratched, nicked, burned, or stained as it's used; fortunately, it can be sanded and resealed. Butcher block should either be treated regularly with mineral oil or beeswax, or it should be sealed with a varnish suitable for food-preparation surfaces. Wood is vulnerable to fluctuations in humidity, so butcher block is a poor choice for over a dishwasher or near a sink, where it can get wet frequently. Price range: $40 to $65 per square foot, installed.

Ceramic tile. Ceramic tile comes in an almost limitless selection of colors, patterns, and styles. A professional or an adept do-it-yourselfer can install it easily. You can use tile to customize a countertop--on a backsplash or island top. Tile set into the counter near the range can serve as a built-in trivet. Glazed tiles are highly resistant to stains, scratches, and burns. And repairs are relatively easy and inexpensive. Grout can be tinted to match or contrast with the tiles, but the joints can trap crumbs and soak up unsightly stains. Cleaning it can be difficult even if the grout is sealed. Tile can be scratched by hard, sharp objects and can chip or crack if hit hard enough. Price range $10 to $30 per square foot, installed.

Concrete. This still-exclusive countertop material can be tinted any color and include stone chips. Its exclusivity can also be a drawback, however. Since concrete countertops typically are custom-formed by local fabricators, quality can vary. Concrete also cuts and chips easily and must be sealed. While topical sealers resist stains, they were prone to damage from hot pots in our tests. The reverse held for penetrating sealers. Concrete countertops are also expensive. Price range: $80 to $120 per square foot, installed

Laminate. Laminates such as Formica and Wilsonart are lightweight and relatively easy to install, although edge treatments add to installation cost and complexity. Laminate is the most popular countertop material, probably because it comes in hundreds of colors and patterns and the price is right. Typically it consists of a colored top layer over a dark core; when laminate covers the top and edge of a countertop, part of that core shows as a dark line.

Prefabricated seamless countertop-and-backsplash--known as postformed counter--is also available. Laminate is not as durable as other materials. Solid colors and shiny finishes readily show scratches and nicks. Damaged areas can't be repaired. Water can seep through seams or between the countertop and backsplash, weakening the material underneath or causing the laminate to lift. Price range: $10 to $30 per square foot, installed.

Natural stone. The most popular stones for kitchen countertops, granite and marble, come in a spectrum of colors. They also stand up to almost any type of physical abuse, resisting scratches, nicks, and scorching from hot pans. Granite is the tougher material. Marble is slightly softer and more prone to staining and etching from the acids in foods and cleaners. The stone's cold surface also makes it ideal for keeping pastry dough cool and firm while it's being rolled or kneaded. Both granite and marble should be sealed with a protective, penetrating sealer that's applied periodically.

Because these are natural materials, the grain you see in a display may not be the same as in the stone delivered to your kitchen. But most suppliers will allow you to inspect and choose the stone slabs. Genuine stone is expensive, partly because it's heavy and difficult to install. Stone tiles are less expensive--and lighter weight--than thick slabs. Special equipment may be needed to move the slabs, which have to be arranged to match color and grain. Without sealing, stone counters can stain easily, and the stains may be difficult to remove. Limestone, slate, soapstone, and sandstone are also used as countertops, though they are softer than either granite or marble. Price range: $40 to $100 per square foot, installed.

Quartz (engineered stone.) This material is a combination of small stone chips,resins, and pigments. Quartz can look much like granite but has a more uniform appearance. It's resistant to stains, heat, and abrasion and never needs sealing. However, engineered stone doesn't withstand impact--especially a blow to the edge--as well as real granite. Price range: $45 to $90 per square foot, installed.

Solid surface. Solid-surface materials, which imitate concrete, marble and other types of stone, are sold under various brands: Avonite, DuPont Corian, Formica Surell, Nevamar Fountainhead, and Wilsonart Gibraltar. Solid-surface countertops are reasonably durable but expensive; they're best installed by a contractor who has been certified by the manufacturer. Made of polyester or acrylic resins combined with mineral fillers, they come in various thicknesses and can be joined almost invisibly into one apparently seamless expanse. These materials can be sculpted to integrate the sink and backsplash and routed to accept contrasting inlays.

Scratches and nicks don't show readily on solid surfaces and can be buffed out with an abrasive pad; some gouges can be filled. Repair of a solid-color surface tends to be less discernible than repair of a surface that mimics a granite pattern. Prolonged heat may cause a solid-surface material to discolor. Price range: $35 to $80 per square foot, installed.

Stainless steel. Another emerging trend in countertops, stainless steel appeals to those who want to integrate their counters with pro-style and other stainless appliances. Major brands include John Boos and Elkay as well as local fabricators. Heat and stain resistance are a plus. But stainless tends to dent and scratch easily while showing fingerprints. It's also expensive. Price range: $120 to $160 per square foot, installed.


HOW TO CHOOSE

See What's Available, above, to match the look you want with how you'll use the counter. Then follow these tips:

Consider your lifestyle. If you have young children, a counter that needs TLC might not be worth the trouble.

Start with the sink. Most counters work with most sinks. But if you want an undermount sink, you'll need a waterproof material like solid surfacing, quartz, granite, or concrete. If you want a seamless sink made from the same material as the counter, you're limited to solid surfacing, stainless steel, and concrete.

Think about seams. The counter you choose could depend on whether you can live with visible joints. With solid surfacing, pieces are fused to get rid of seams. Stainless seams can be welded, ground, and buffed away. But think twice about other materials if seams are an issue.

Laminates typically require seams on the front edge and between the backsplash and counter. Post forming melds the backsplash, counter, and front edge into one laminate-wrapped unit, avoiding seams. But this option offers fewer color choices.

Use edges with discretion. Custom edges like bullnoses, ogees, and bevels can give low-priced counters added flair. But edges can cost up to $50 per linear foot--a concern if your budget is tight.

Consider the finish. Granite and engineered stone are sold polished or honed. Contrary to popular belief, our tests found that honed finishes resisted stains no better than glossy ones if the stains were allowed to dry overnight. Stainless offers brushed and random-grain finishes. These are better at hiding scratches, but if fingerprints are an issue, consider faux-stainless laminate over the real stuff.

Combine more than one type. Using two or more materials can trim costs while adding functionality and variety.

Rear-projection TVs

These big-screen TVs are not as bulky as they used to be

Most new rear-projection TVs are microdisplay sets that use liquid-crystal display (LCD), digital-light processing (DLP), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology to create images on screens that can be 71 inches or larger.

These TVs are slimmer, lighter, and more expensive than projection sets using cathode-ray tube (CRT) technology, which used to be the norm. CRT-based projection sets are declining in popularity, but some are still available. They tend to be the cheapest type of big screen, but they're notoriously big and heavy.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Major brands include Hitachi, JVC, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba.

The smallest sets measure about 42 inches diagonally. Rear-projection sets with 50- to 59-inch screens are the best sellers. The largest of these TVs have screens measuring 71 inches or more. Keep in mind that a set with a 57-inch screen could be overwhelming in a modest-sized room. Most rear-projection sets now on the market are digital (HD-capable) sets. Most have a wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratio that resembles a movie-theater screen.

Virtually all projection sets now sold are HD models, typically with resolution of at least 1280x720. One of the newest developments in this category has been the introduction of 1080p models. These sets have resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, giving them the potential to display all 1,080 lines in the most common high-definition format, called 1080i. The improvement is most noticeable on large screens, say, 50 inches and up.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Here are some points to consider when choosing a rear-projection TV:

Consider space before settling on screen size. You might be tempted by the biggest screen, which can span as much as 71 inches or more, but take a breath--and some measurements--first. Figure out how much floor space you can spare, and plan to view the TV from about 7 to 9 feet away for optimal picture quality.

Weigh depth and price in choosing a display type. Once you know how much room you have, decide whether size or price is more important. CRT-based sets are floor-standing models with deep cabinets mounted on casters. Some take up as much space as an armchair or loveseat. Most microdisplays require a stand, which you must buy separately for a few hundred dollars or more. Would you prefer to save money with a bulkier CRT set or spend more for a slimmer microdisplay?

Consider reliability. Rear-projection TVs using CRT technology have been much more repair-prone than conventional picture-tube TVs. As noted, any pattern left on a CRT screen for long periods--such as a stock ticker or video game--can burn into the tubes of a CRT-based model, producing a permanent ghosted image on the screen. Most warranties don't cover burn-in. This problem doesn't affect other types of rear-projection TVs. Microdisplay technologies are newer and haven't established a track record for long-term reliability. But preliminary data show they're even more repair-prone than CRT-based projection sets during their first year of use. They're not vulnerable to screen burn-in, but they might require lamp replacement, which can cost a few hundred dollars.

Focus on picture quality. The best rear-projection sets can deliver excellent picture quality with HD content and very good picture quality for DVDs and regular TV programming. Within the microdisplay category, we haven't found that any one projection technology was consistently better than another.

Check the viewing angle. Some new models display a better image from off-center than older sets did--a must if the TV will be watched by several people at once. Some sets have wider viewing angles than others. Before buying one, see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you'll see a dimmer, somewhat washed-out image as your viewing position angles away, particularly in a vertical direction.

Expect fine sound quality. Many people connect big-screen TVs to an audio system to provide surround sound, so the quality of the TV's speakers may not be an issue. It may reassure you to know that virtually all the sets we've tested recently produced excellent sound. That's largely because projection sets have bigger speakers than direct-view TVs and bigger cabinets with superior acoustical properties.

Consider installation. Because rear-projection sets are floor-standing , installation is easier than with front-projection systems or wall-mounted plasma TVs. Still, rear-projection sets are large and might be harder to set up than smaller TVs, so consider delivery and professional installation.

Humidifiers

Using a humidifier can help ease dry skin and other problems associated with dry air. But choosing one involves trade-offs among efficiency, cost, noise, and convenience.

Who needs a humidifier? Anyone who suffers from uncomfortably dry or itchy eyes, throat, or skin, or whose asthma is a problem indoors during the heating season. Ideally, the indoor relative humidity should be 30 to 50 percent. But that level can drop significantly in winter, since cold air holds less moisture, and heating it makes it even dryer.

Humidifiers have improved over some earlier models, which spewed white dust in our tests. But that doesn't mean they all work equally well. What's more, Consumer Reports tests show that manufacturer claims can be a poor guide to how well a humidifier will work; several small tabletop models fell well short of their claimed output and may not raise the humidity to the desired level.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Major humidifier brands include Holmes, Honeywell, Hunter, Kaz, and Reli-On (Wal-Mart). Other brands include Bemis, Bionaire, Crane, Sears, Slant Fin, and Sunbeam.

Humidifiers come in three major configurations:

Tabletop. These cost the least and are fine for single rooms. Tabletop humidifiers include evaporative models, which use a fan to blow air over a wet wick, and warm-mist models, which use a heating unit to boil water before cooling the steam. However, smaller tanks need to be refilled more frequently. Evaporative models are noisy; warm-mist models are costly to run. Price range: $20 to $100.

Console. With larger tanks that require less refilling, console models are a suitable choice for humidifying multiple rooms. Console humidifiers are also efficient and can be placed unobtrusively. But all use evaporative technology and are relatively noisy. The larger the tank, the more difficult it will be to handle. Price range: $80 to $140.

In-duct. These whole-house humidifiers are convenient, quiet, and efficient, making them the least expensive to operate. Most are evaporative bypass units, which tap into the air supply and return ducts. Some are warm-mist; others are nebulizers, which use a spray technology. Using a nebulizer can result in "white dust." In-duct humidifiers can be used only with forced-air heat. While inexpensive to operate, they're the most expensive to buy and often require professional installation. Price range: $100 to $300, plus another $100 to $200 to install.


IMPORTANT FEATURES

A good portable model should offer relatively easy carrying, filling, cleaning, and wick replacement. Also look for easy-to-use controls and tanks that fit beneath faucets. Some portable models can be programmed to turn on automatically.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide the size you want based on how many rooms you need to humidify. Before buying a portable model, be sure you're willing to take the trouble to clean and disinfect it regularly to prevent mold and mildew. Otherwise, consider an in-duct humidifier, which is plumbed into the water supply and drainpipes, needn't be refilled, and has an easy-to-change filter that requires attention only once or twice a year.

Then keep these considerations in mind as you shop:

Be sure it has a humidistat. Whether it's dial or digital, a humidistat controls humidity levels and shuts the humidifier off when the set level is reached. Models without a humidistat can allow humidity levels to rise high enough to form condensation on windows and other cold surfaces. Overhumidification can also lead to mold and bacteria growth. Humidistats that display room humidity levels and settings are best.

Also be aware that some humidistats aren't accurate or reliable. And most portable humidifiers won't let you set humidity levels below 30 percent. When outside temperatures drop below 20° F, even a 30-percent indoor humidity level can lead to window condensation. Be sure to lower humidity levels as outdoor temperatures drop.

Noise level. Consider a warm-mist tabletop if quietness counts. All warm-mist humidifiers were quieter than evaporative models; some made little or no noise beyond mild boiling and hissing sounds. By contrast, comparably sized evaporative humidifiers generated 45 to 50 decibels on low settings--about as much noise as a small air conditioner--and emitted more than 50 decibels on high. At 80 decibels on its high setting, one model proved as raucous as a loud vacuum cleaner.

For larger areas, consider buying a noisier console model and locating it away from sleeping areas; the water vapor travels quickly through the home air and will still benefit remote bedrooms if doors remain open for air exchange. While you could alternatively buy several warm-mist tabletop models, doing so costs more.

Factor in the running costs. In-duct systems and other evaporative models deliver the most energy efficiency. While initially pricey, in-duct humidifiers are likely to cost the least over time; you can easily spend $350 per year to run four tabletop models compared with just $28 for one in-duct model.

Consider your water. Some humidifiers have lower output with hard water and require more frequent maintenance. Nonetheless, you'll find tabletop, console, evaporative, and warm-mist humidifiers that perform well under those conditions.

DVD Recorders

Prices for machines and media will probably continue to drop

While DVD players are playback-only devices, DVD recorders can record onto removable discs as well as playing them. Prices have dropped considerably in the past few years, with entry-level models now selling for less than $150. At the highest-quality setting, the quality of most DVD video recordings is better than that of a VCR. DVD recorders also offer more ways to navigate recordings than a VCR, with no need to rewind or fast-forward. With certain disc types, some DVD recorders can perform functions that no VCR can match, such as letting you start watching a program from the beginning while you’re still recording the end. They also offer a way to copy camcorder tapes or homemade VCR recordings to a DVD.

DVD recorders are still relatively new, so there will probably be more changes involving disc types, and prices for machines and for blank storage media may drop further. At press time, there were no DVD recorders capable of recording high-definition (HD) content. High-def disc recorders are in development and could be on the market in 2007. There are some digital-video recorders capable of recording HDTV programs, available from satellite and cable companies and TiVo. They use hard discs, not removable DVDs.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



DVD recorders are available from many of the same manufacturers that make DVD players. Cyberhome, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, and Toshiba are among the biggest brands. Some DVD recorders store content only on DVDs. Others can also use VHS tapes, hard drives, or both. Price: DVD-only recording, about $120 and up.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Decide whether you want to record on removable media. DVD recording is the best option for those who want to share video recordings with other users or those who want unlimited storage, allowing recordings to be saved indefinitely. They’re also space efficient, since they can replace a separate DVD player. But if none of these attributes is important to you, consider a hard-drive-based DVR instead. If you’ve decided on DVD recording, here’s what you should consider in selecting a unit:



Choose between a DVD-only recorder or a combo unit. DVD-only models can cost about half the price of units with a second recording platform such as a hard drive or VCR. The combos are pricier and bulkier but more versatile.

Look for “time slip” capability. It allows you to pause your viewing of a TV program you’re recording while the unit continues to record. You can resume viewing where you left off. Most time-slip models also let you view a previously recorded program while recording another. A feature of all hard-drive-equipped recorders, time slip is also available on most stand-alone DVD recorders that record to DVD-RAM discs, one of five disc types recorders use. (All models use at least one write-once and one rewriteable disc type; DVD-RAM discs are rewriteable.) However, DVD-RAM discs can be played on fewer recorders or players than discs using formats that are more widely compatible. Some models that record to DVD-RW discs in VR mode also have time-slip capability.

Decide what kind of TV-programming capabilities you want. When it comes to programmed recording, a typical DVD recorder can do everything a VCR can. And as with VCRs, some DVD recorders can control a cable or satellite box, allowing you to program the unit to record from various channels without setting the box to the correct channel before each recording. DVD/hard-drive recorders designed to work with TiVo, the subscription programming service, also offer automatic recording of your favorite shows (or performers) whenever or wherever they’re on. But that added functionality has a cost: a monthly fee of about $13 (longer terms may be available). TV Guide On-Screen is a free interactive program guide available on some models that works with broadcast TV and many cable services. While not as versatile as the TiVo programming guide, it does offer point-and-click recording ability.

Weigh the importance of video editing. A DVD-only model that records to DVD-RAM discs or to DVD-RW discs in VR mode allows scenes to be subdivided and rearranged onscreen. But the discs aren’t compatible with all players, and even if they do play, edits you make on those discs might not show up. DVD/hard-drive models, except for tested models allied with the TiVo service, give you the ability to edit video on the hard drive. You can then burn images to a range of disc types for maximum compatibility with other players.

Cordless Phones

Message centers and answering machines
Humble, untethered phones still have a place in many homes.

Cordless phones are changing to maintain their usefulness in a world going cellular at a rapid clip.

A handful of models are adapting by letting you make and take calls on your cell-phone account, while others try to avoid the interference caused by home networks and other wireless devices.

These new phones have just begun to trickle into the marketplace and represent only a couple of the models in our Ratings. If you are looking to buy a phone now, they may not be at the top of your list, given the sparse selection and comparatively high prices. However, here’s a brief look at what you’re likely to see in the future.

Bluetooth phones. Some cordless models can tap into cell-phone service using wireless Bluetooth technology, allowing you to make and take calls over either service.

1.9-gigahertz phones. The transmission of cordless phones, home networks, and other wireless devices can interfere with each other because they share the 2.4-GHz frequency band. New models called DECT phones, for Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications, address the problem by using the 1.9-GHz band, reserved by the Federal Communications Commission last year exclusively for voice-only applications.

If you’re just looking for a conventional cordless phone for your home, there’s a bit of good news to report about those, as well. Prices have fallen about 10 percent since last year, with the biggest price drops among digital models.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



AT&T, GE, Panasonic, Uniden, and VTech account for most of the market. VTech owns the AT&T Consumer Products Division and now makes phones under the AT&T brand as well as its own name.

Recent models include phones that support two or more handsets with one base, less expensive 2.4- and 5.8-GHz analog phones, and full-featured 2.4- and 5.8-GHz digital phones. About a third of the cordless phones sold include a digital answering machine.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide between analog and digital. Phones using analog transmission are a little less expensive and usually have better voice quality, but they can be susceptible to eavesdropping, and their range is a bit shorter. Digital phones are more secure, can support more handsets from one base, and allow conferencing of handsets.

Pick a frequency. Phones using the 2.4-GHz band come in a wide selection and tend to be less expensive. However, they are more prone to interference problems with other wireless devices than 5.8-GHz or 1.9-GHz models.

Plan for extensions. A single-handset model is best suited to smaller homes where you’re never far from the phone. If your home is too large for that, give first consideration to the multiple-handset models in the Ratings. They support (and usually include) several handsets from one base; each extra handset sits in its own charging cradle without the need of a phone jack, making it easier to station a handset where you want it.

Settle on the features you want. You can expect caller ID, a headset jack, and a base that can be wall-mounted. As a general rule, the more feature-laden the phone, the higher its price.

Determine whether you want an answerer. Many people still do, despite the ubiquity of cell phones with voice-mail capability. Both single- and multiple-handset phones come in versions with a built-in answerer. They often cost little more than comparable phone-only models and take up about the same space.

If you’re considering an answerer, you need to make these additional decisions:

Consider voice-quality differences. In our tests, most answerers delivered very good voice quality for recorded messages and good quality for the outgoing greeting. Phones that let you record your greeting through the handset (using the remote handset access) usually sounded better than those using a microphone located on the base unit.

Decide on answerer features. Answerers usually come with a selectable number of rings and a toll-saver, answerer on/off control, call screening, remote access from a touch-tone phone, and a variety of ways to navigate through your messages. Other less-universal answerer features you might want to consider are described in Important Features.

Try the handset if possible. In the store, hold the handset to see whether it fits the contours of your face.

Exterior Stains

You may like the look that exterior stain gives your house, but it doesn't protect as well as paint

Exterior stains for clapboard and cedar-shake siding come in solid and semitransparent formulations. Opaque (solid-color) finishes look almost paintlike, covering the wood completely so the grain doesn't show. Semitransparent stains add color to the wood but let the grain show. Either type soaks into the wood, leaving a flat dull, finish.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The major brands include Ace, Behr (sold at Home Depot), Benjamin Moore, Cabot, Olympic, Sherwin Williams, True Value, and Valspar.

Stains come in a fairly limited range of basic colors: reds, greens, blues, grays, browns, and whites. Whether solid or semitransparent, stains come in water-based and oil-based formulations.

Price range: about $20 to $30 per gallon.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Pick opaque. We have found that top-rated opaque stains offer the most protection and can last about nine years. Semitransparent stains, which let some wood grain show, aren't as durable.

As a rule, water-based latex stains are easier to work with than oil-based alkyd stains because they clean up with water.

Consider where you live. Stains of any color accumulate dirt over time. The top-rated stains tended to resist it better than the others; darker colors hide it better.

Mildew can be a problem in damp areas, from rainy Seattle to steamy Tampa, or on any house that gets more shade than sun.

Baking in bright sun can change even the best-quality pigments. Blues are the most likely to change.

Don't overlook the prep work. Be sure you sand and clean the siding thoroughly before applying the stain. Good preparation makes any stain last longer. And plan to apply two coats.

Interior Paint

Plenty of high-quality, durable wall paints are available to brighten your rooms. And you won't need to endure as many fumes as in years past

A fresh coat of paint is an easy, inexpensive way to freshen a room. Today's paints are significantly better than their predecessors of even a few years ago in several important respects: They spatter less, keep stains at bay, and have ample tolerance for scrubbing. They also resist the buildup of mildew (important if you're painting a kitchen, a bath, or a basement room that tends to be damp). Some are labeled low-VOC (volatile organic compounds).


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Major brands include Ace, Behr (sold at Home Depot), Benjamin Moore, Dutch Boy, Glidden, Kilz (sold at Wal-Mart), Olympic, Sears, Sherwin-Williams, and American Tradition by Valspar (sold at Lowe's). You'll also see designer names such as Martha Stewart and Ralph Lauren, as well as many brands of paint sold regionally.

You'll find several types of paints for interior use. Wall paints can be used in just about any room. Glossier trim enamels are used for windowsills, woodwork, and the like. Kitchen and bath paints are usually fairly glossy and formulated to hold up to water and scrubbing and to release stains. Price range: $15 to $45 per gallon.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Begin with the gloss. The gloss level will affect your perception of the color. Flat paints and textured walls absorb light, so colors seem darker. Glossy paints and smooth surfaces reflect, so colors look brighter.

Then choose a color. Take advantage of the various color-sampling products and computer programs to get the color you think you want. Most manufacturers now sell small samples of many paint colors, so you can test a paint without having to buy large quantities. Manufacturers also offer large color chips or coupons, which are easier to use than the conventional small swatches. Sunlight and room light can affect your perceptions, so check samples on different walls or at different times of day.

Fluorescent light enhances blues and greens but makes warm reds, oranges, and yellows appear dull. Incandescent light works with warm colors, but might not do much for cool ones. Even natural sunlight changes from day to day, room to room, and morning to night.

Many aspects of paint performance depend on the quality of the base and not on the particular color. We test each brand's pastel and medium bases as well as white. So if you want a medium or dark color, it won't matter whether it's red or blue or something in between. Its performance should track with our findings.

Buy the top of the line. The paints we test represent the top of each manufacturer's line. Over the years, we have found that lower grades--typically dubbed good, better, or contractor grade--do not perform as well. If a top-line paint will cover all but the darkest colors in two coats, lower-quality paints might need three or four coats. That makes them a poor value. But plan on two coats even with a top-rated paint for best coverage.

Match a paint's strong points to the room's use. Here are the most important considerations:

* Stains are more of a problem with flat paints.

* Heavily used rooms need a paint that can stand up to scrubbing. Our tests show that paints in every gloss level can perform well in this regard. Some low-luster and semi-gloss paints may change sheen when scrubbed.

* Mildew can grow in any warm, humid room, not just a bathroom or kitchen. A paint with high mildew resistance won't kill existing mildew (you must clean it off with a bleach solution), but it will slow new growth.

* Sticking can occur with glossier paints long after they've dried. Books seem glued to shelves, and windows become hard to open. Most of the glossy paints we tested did not have that problem.

Coffeemakers

Most models make a good cup of coffee. Higher-priced models usually have more convenience features and fancier styling.

The popularity of Starbucks and other specialty coffee shops seems to be driving demand for a new generation of coffeemakers that seek to replicate the coffeehouse experience at home. Customized brewing, integrated grinders, and thermal carafes are a few of the features manufacturers are hoping will encourage consumers to trade up. Truth is, virtually any model can make a good cup as long as you use decent coffee.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



You'll find manual-drip systems, coffee presses, percolators, and "pod" coffeemakers that brew individual cups using ready-to-use packets of coffee. But consumers buy more automatic-drip coffeemakers than any other small kitchen appliance: about 14 million per year. Mr. Coffee and Black & Decker are the two largest brands, along with well-known names such as Braun, Cuisinart, Delonghi, Krups, Melitta, and Proctor-Silex.

Coffeemakers come in sizes from single-cup models to machines capable of brewing up to 12 cups at a time. At the low end are bare-bones coffeemakers with a single switch to start the brewing process and a plain metal hotplate; pricier models can have programmable start and stop times, a water filter, frothing capability, an automatic shut-off, and a thermal carafe. Most consumers opt for the more basic models. Black and white remain the standard colors, but some brands have added other hues. Price range: $10 to more than $200.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Consider how much you consume. If one cup of coffee is enough to jump-start your day, you'll like the convenience and compactness of a single-serve drip coffeemaker. You'll probably use (and waste) less coffee than with a full-sized machine. For coffee-to-go, consider a model that comes with an insulated mug.

"Pod" coffeemakers are the newest option for those who want just one cup at a time. They use pressurized water and individualized packets of coffee with integral filters, called pods. But pod coffeemakers have significant shortcomings.

If you're a coffee lover, or if you entertain a lot, you'll need a bigger coffeemaker. Most large machines produce 10 to 12 cups, but be aware that a manufacturer's cup is usually 4 or 5 ounces, not the huge mug that may come to mind-and not the 6 ounces most coffee packages use as a basis for directions.

Consider how often you refill. If you wait an hour between cups, buy a full-sized coffeemaker with a thermal carafe. Those keep coffee hot and fresh-tasting for hours. The warming plates that accompany glass carafes keep coffee hot, but flavor suffers with constant heating.

Consider convenience. Certain basic design details apply to all coffeemakers, plain or fancy: The models rated highest for convenience have clearly marked water reservoirs, easy-to-use swing-out filter baskets, and simple, intuitive controls. The more annoying models have hard-to-read water gauges, filter baskets with a high fumble factor, and carafes that are as likely to spill coffee as pour it. Extra options to look for-if any-will depend on your coffee-drinking habits.

Consider counter space. Some machines need considerable space. Those with controls on the side instead of the front can be placed sideways on a countertop so they steal less depth.

Steam Irons

The latest versions of this laundry-room mainstay include some labor-saving wrinkles

The newest steam irons could make you reconsider paying an arm and a leg (or even a sleeve) for pressed clothes from your local dry cleaner. Manufacturers are doing their part to make ironing seem less like a chore, loading their machines with features like retractable cords, digital displays, and more-efficient, more-abundant, drip-free steaming. Those features come at a price--in some cases, more than $100 for the most features-laden irons. But one iron, the Black & Decker D2030, has a digital display and antidrip steaming, and is a CR Best Buy at $60. Our latest tests show that even budget models can make your casual-Friday chinos look their best while saving you lots of money at the dry cleaners.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Familiar names such as Black & Decker, Hamilton Beach, and Sunbeam still sell a lot of irons but you can also find models from Bosch, Conair, Panasonic, and Rowenta.

Features that were once available only on fairly pricey irons are now standard on less-expensive models. For example, auto shutoff--a safety advantage that turns the iron off if you have not moved it for a preset period of time--comes on models that sell for as little as $25. Other features trickling down include self-cleaning (now on nearly all new irons), separate controls that let you set the amount of steaming, and vertical steaming. Another plus: You don't need to buy distilled water for the iron--most new models can use water from the tap, thanks to an anticalcium valve or a resin filter, effective on all but the hardest water. This proliferation of features points to an attempt by manufacturers to get the 90 percent of U.S. households that have an iron to buy a new one.

Price range: $25 for a basic unit to $130 for a top-of-the-line model.


HOW TO CHOOSE



We recently tested 15 models from 10 different companies, with prices ranging from $25 to $130. (We also tested one steam-generator iron from Rowenta, which runs $250 and removes wrinkles by producing prodigious amounts of steam.) We judged most good or very good at wrinkle removal and overall. As in past tests, we found that you don't have to spend a lot to get good results; the $35 Hamilton Beach Professional 14970 outperformed others that cost more than $100.

While all the irons we tested eliminated creases eventually, the amount of effort required varied from model to model on three different fabrics: linen, cotton, and a wool-polyester blend. The less time it took to complete the job without needing to apply additional steam or spray, the higher an iron scored.

Irons differ in a number of ways, including soleplate material, size, weight, and features. Here's what to consider before you buy:

Factor in durability. Irons judged very good or excellent in durability are more likely to keep supplying a full measure of steam and heat after many hours of use than those whose performance was cut short by scaling, which occurs when the sole plate gets clogged from mineral deposits in the water.

Determine what you iron most. You'll want plenty of steam if you iron mostly natural fibers, like linen, or heavyweight items, such as jeans. Burst-of-steam and spray features l also help smooth out wrinkles in natural-fiber materials. But for mostly synthetic fabrics and blends, a less-powerful steamer should be fine.

Don't cut the cord. The cordless Maytag MLI-7000 we tested was only fair overall and poor in durability. Its cordless convenience is offset by the need to reheat the iron in the base every few minutes for a minute or more, which can be tedious, especially when you're ironing large items like tablecloths.

Match the appliance to your hand. The feel of an iron is a personal preference, so be sure to test-drive before buying. Some handles, for instance, don't allow enough clearance for bigger hands. Weight is another factor. The tested irons weighed 2 3/4 to 4 1/2 pounds with a full tank of water. While you might prefer a bit of heft, make sure you can comfortably manage the iron.

Find controls you like. Many new irons have dial controls while some have slide or even digital controls. Base your decision mainly on how easy it is to see and access controls, and whether fabric settings are clearly marked.

Cordless Drills

Many 14.4-volt drill/drivers pack all the power you need for a wide variety of chores. And higher-voltage drills can cost little more than less capable, lower-voltage models.

Battery packs with higher voltage and capacity allow today’s cordless models to run longer and more powerfully per charge. The best can outperform corded drills and handle decks and other big jobs with minimum battery recharging. Recent tests also show that you don’t have to spend $200 or more to get very good performance. Models in the 14.4- to 18-volt range that cost as little as $110 perform nearly as well as the most expensive drills.

You’ll also see more impact drivers. While similar to conventional drill/drivers, impact drivers emphasize added tightening and loosening power, courtesy of a spinning internal hammer that strikes an anvil attached to the chuck to boost twisting force. Besides being lighter and smaller (most use 12- or 14.4-volt batteries), impact drivers don’t twist in your hands under load. But they tend to be slower at drilling and require special drill bits for that task. All those we’ve tested have also been loud enough to require hearing protection.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Black & Decker and Craftsman (Sears) are the major brands. Along with Ryobi and Skil, they’re aimed primarily at homeowners. Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee, Ridgid, and Porter-Cable offer pricier drills designed for professionals.

Most 9.6-volt models cost less than $100. At about three pounds, they weigh half as much as some 18-volt models. But unless you value low weight and low cost over performance, you’re likely to be disappointed with a 9.6-volt drill. Many 12- and 14.4-volt models also sell for less than $100, and are more capable. Price ranges: Figure on about $40 to $100 for 9.6-volt drills, $50 to $130 for 12- volt drills, $60 to $200 for 14.4-volt models, and about $100 to $300 for 18-volt models.

Cordless impact drills are made by the same manufacturers who make conventional drill/drivers. Many cost $200 or more.


HOW TO CHOOSE



High value in the 14.4- to 18-volt category means there’s little reason to buy a 12- or 9.6-volt drill/driver. You won’t save much money, and power and run time are lower. You’ll also find lower-voltage drills that combine ample drilling and screwdriving power for larger household projects without being too heavy for smaller ones.

Determine how much voltage you’re likely to need for the drilling and screwdriving tasks you do most. Then ask yourself these questions while you’re shopping for a new drill:

Are high-end brands worth it? High voltage isn’t the only mark of a capable drill. You can purchase an 18-volt drill with a 1⁄2-inch chuck for thicker bits, versus the usual 3⁄8-inch chuck, letting you drill larger holes. But you may not want to pay the $200 or more typical for most cordless drills with that feature if your home to-do list doesn’t include larger projects or heavier-duty drilling.

How much are replacement batteries? A cordless drill’s battery can be discharged and recharged roughly 500 times before it must be replaced. While batteries can last five years or more, frequent use can deplete them sooner. At $20 to $80 each for many of the batteries that power drills, replacing them can cost as much as buying a new cordless drill.

Battery replacement may be less of a concern if you’re buying a $250 drill you plan to keep for a while. And for models that cost less than $100, simply replacing the drill may make more sense than buying a new pair of batteries. Otherwise, consider battery cost along with the drill.

Are you buying other cordless tools? You’re likely to be tempted by multi-tool kits, which cost far less than you’d pay for the tools separately, since the tools in each kit are powered by the same batteries and charger. But these kits can be less of a bargain than they seem; performance of some of the tools they include, particularly circular saws, has been mediocre in our tests, and you may not use all of them.

Treadmills

The most popular workout machine in the U.S. is now available with more bells and whistles than ever before

More Americans regularly work out on a treadmill than on any other type of exercise machine. The total was 11.6 million in 2003, the latest year for which figures were available, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Our readers, too, favor treadmills over other equipment, according to our latest Annual Questionnaire.

The effort to make exercise interesting and as pain-free as possible has led to an array of features. One useful device found on most tested treadmills was electronic programming that automatically increases or decreases the workout's intensity, the way running up and down real hills does outdoors. You can also make the adjustments manually. On the gimmicky side, a growing number of treadmills load the console with gadgets such as fans, a CD player, a cubbyhole for a TV remote, and backlighting on the display that for some may evoke a digital watch.

The disappointing news from our most recent tests is that a number of machines had problems such as mechanical failures that seriously affected performance. We've found in recent treadmill tests that you have to spend well over $2,000 to get a machine designed for serious runners, though lower-priced models are OK for walkers.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Icon Fitness offers a range of lower- and midpriced treadmills sold under the Image, Nordic Track, Proform, Reebok, and Weslo brands. You'll find those brands in Sears, The Sports Authority, Wal-Mart, and other national sporting-goods chains. Moderately priced brands, such as Horizon Fitness, Schwinn, Trimline, and Vision Fitness, as well as pricier brands, such as Landice, Life Fitness, Nautilus, Precor, and True are sold in specialty sporting-goods stores. You can also buy many treadmills online.

Treadmills fall into three basic price categories:

Basic treadmills are fine for strictly walking and typically include a 10-mph top speed; a 10 percent maximum incline; a display for speed, distance, time, and calories; a shelf and water-bottle holders; and a folding deck.

Price range: $300 to $700.

Midrange treadmills have superior construction to basic models, making them better suited for walking and occasional running. They include the same features as basic treadmills, plus a heart-rate monitor and exercise programs.

Price range: $800 to $1,800.

High-end treadmills are best for frequent running and typically have the same features as midrange machines, plus a sturdier deck and frame, and a more powerful motor for frequent long, fast running. Most lack a folding deck, however.

Price range: $2,000 to $3,500.


HOW TO CHOOSE



First decide whether you want to devote the money and space to a big exercise machine. A living-room workout is the height of convenience, but of course, you can get fit exercising outdoors or at a gym. If you decide to buy a treadmill, consider these tips:

Try it out first. Every model is a little different, so you shouldn't buy one before using it in the store.

Decide which features you'll use. Some, such as exercise programs, can make a workout more varied and less boring, which may get you on the machine more often. But don't pay for frills you don't care about.

Consider your space. Nonfolding treadmills take up as much floor space as a couch. If your workout room does double duty, a folding treadmill can save you about 6 square feet.

Consider your workout intensity. If you'll usually walk rather than run, any of the tested models will suffice. Decide based on your budget and the features you want. If you run, construction quality is paramount.

Toaster or Toaster Oven?

The decision will depend on how picky you are about toast

If you want perfectly browned bread, opt for the straightforwardness of a basic toaster. Toaster ovens generally don't toast bread as well. They leave tiger stripes on one side, and they take longer to do the job--4 to 6 minutes compared with 2 to 3 minutes for toasters, on a medium setting. But if you prefer a multifunction appliance that can not only toast but also bake muffins, heat frozen entrées, or broil a small batch of burgers or a small chicken--and the space savings that result from having one machine that can do the work of two--choose a toaster oven.

Either way, you can get good performance without spending a lot. For $20 or less, you can buy a competent product that will make decent toast with all the basics: a darkness control to adjust doneness, a push-down lever to raise or lower the bread, and cool-touch housing to keep you from burning your fingers. For $60 or less, you can get a toaster that's stylish as well as functional. Spend $80 or less for one of our highly-rated toaster ovens.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Toastmaster invented the pop-up toaster in the 1920s and now shares shelf space with other venerable brands of toasters and toaster ovens such as Black & Decker, Hamilton Beach, and Sunbeam, plus players such as Cuisinart, DeLonghi, Kenmore (Sears), KitchenAid, Krups, Rival, T-Fal, and West Bend. Dualit makes old-fashioned, commercial-style, heavy-gauge stainless-steel toasters.

Toasters come in a variety of exterior finishes, such as chrome, copper, brushed metal, and colors. Of the 12 million toasters sold annually, two-slice models outsell four-slicers by about 3 to 1. Over 90 percent of toaster ovens sold are equipped with a broiler function. Most toaster ovens are countertop models, though a few under-the-cabinet models are sold.

Price range: $10 to $100 and up (toasters); $20 to $100 and up (toaster ovens and broilers).


HOW TO CHOOSE



Toasters
If you want mainly to toast bread, bagels, and English muffins, a toaster is the right choice.

Consider the features. Find a toaster with the features that suit your needs. A bread lift is handy as are warm/reheat and defrost settings, and easy-to-use controls. Some toasters (and toaster ovens) have a way to wrap the cord to keep it from wriggling over countertops, an added convenience.

Consider space and capacity. If you're buying a two-slice model it may have two side-by-side slots or one long slot for two slices. Four-slice toasters tend to be bulky, but they save time when everyone's trying to be out the door by 8 a.m. All the toasters can fit a split-packaged bagel. Those with a "bagel" setting can toast on one side, such as the cut side of a bagel.

Consider safety. Toasters that have a plastic housing are less likely to retain heat and feel hot to fingers than those made of metal. It's important never to operate a toaster or toaster oven and leave the room. While we've had no problems in the lab with tested models, it's probably a good idea to unplug your toaster or toaster oven when you're not using it--just like your mother told you.

Toaster ovens
To toast and cook, pick a toaster oven.

Consider the features. If you'll be cooking burgers, be sure the toaster oven can broil. If speed is of the essence, consider a toaster oven that uses convection cooking, which speeds roasting and baking, or infrared heating, which speeds toasting. For ease of use, select a model with an electronic touchpad and a porcelain interior. Some toaster ovens come with nonstick pans. Citing health concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency has asked manufacturers to reduce the use of perfluorooctanic acid, or PFOA, in nonstick products. While the EPA says the routine use of these products is safe, if you're concerned don't use the toaster oven's non-stick pan.

Consider counter space and capacity. Some toaster ovens are slightly bigger than others. The smallest we tested is about 16"Wx8"Hx11"D; the biggest, about 20"Wx10"Hx15"D.

Deck Treatments

Deck treatments that retain their appearance the longest are the ones that are the most like paint. Widely advertised clear finishes don’t provide long-term protection.

Lumber, like skin, doesn’t fare well when it’s left unprotected. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are always on the attack. Rain and sun alternately swell and dry wood, eventually causing it to crack and split. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Even redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated wood can benefit from a protective coat. Our tests show that many clear deck treatments usually don’t offer more than a year of protection before their appearance has visibly degraded.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Major brands include Ace, Behr, Benjamin Moore, Cabot, Flood, Glidden, Olympic, Sherwin-Williams, Sikkens, Thompson’s, and Wolman. There are also many smaller, specialized brands

Opaque: These finishes hide the wood grain like a coat of paint and last longest. They are best for the typical deck made of pressure-treated pine, where grain isn't important. Opaque finishes, usually solid-color stains, hold up for at least three years. On the downside, some decks look better if the natural wood is exposed. Opaque finishes can also build up a film, especially after several coats. That film can peel, chip, and crack like a paint film. These finishes generally require more extensive and time-consuming preparation for refinishing, compared with semi-transparent or clear treatments.

Semitransparent: These finishes usually contain a small amount of pigment but let the wood grain show. This type is best for a deck made of expensive wood that you want to show off, such as cedar or redwood. This category includes a broad range of pigmented products, from little pigment to almost opaque, and all products that change the color of the wood after treatment. A semitransparent finish may need to be reapplied every two to three years.

Clear: These treatments contain water repellents but no pigment. They may also have UV inhibitors and wood preservatives to help protect the wood. They’re ideal for people who value the natural look of wood over the treatment's longevity, especially for decks built of exotic or premium wood species. Our years of testing have shown that most clear deck finishes don't last more than one year, deck refinishing an annual chore.

Price range: $15 to just over $40 per gallon.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Make an opaque treatment your first choice, as it retains its appearance the longest. After several coatings, however, an opaque finish can build up a film layer that may require more extensive preparation--such as scraping or sanding--for subsequent coats. Special precautions, such as the use of goggles, gloves, and respirators, are necessary when scraping or sanding pressure-treated wood due to the presence of toxic substances. Consider a semitransparent treatment if you want the wood grain to show. Be aware that if you choose a clear deck treatment, you’ll likely be doing the job over again within a year, though the preparation time is less than that needed for scraping and sanding.

Air Conditioners

Low prices and high efficiency make individual room air conditioners an inexpensive alternative to central air for cooling one or two rooms

Room air conditioners now cost as little as $100 and often include relatively precise controls with digital temperature readouts instead of the vague "warmer" and "cooler" settings of old.

Added efficiency is also trickling down the price scale. All models we tested meet the 9.7 Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) now required for air conditioners below 8,000 British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.) and 9.8 EER for those with 8,000 to 13,999 Btu/hr. Most also meet or exceed the 10.7 EER needed to qualify for the federal Energy Star designation--a voluntary program that helps identify models at least 10 percent more efficient than the minimum allowed.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Fedders, Frigidaire, GE, Haier, Kenmore (Sears), and LG are the leading brands of room air conditioners. You'll find cooling capacities that range from 5,000 British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.) to more than 30,000 Btu/hr., though most are small and midsized models from 5,000 to 9,000 Btu/hr. You'll also find large models (9,800 to 12,500 Btu/hr.).

Price range: about $100 to $600 for small to midsized models based mostly on cooling capacity, and $200 to $700 for larger models.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Here are some tips that can help you choose an appropriately sized air conditioner that combines performance, efficiency, and value:

Determine how much cooling you need. A general rule is that 5,000 to 6,000 Btu/hr. models cool rooms 100 to 300 square feet; 7,000 to 8,200 Btu/hr. models cool rooms 250 to 550 square feet; and 9,800 to 12,500 Btu/hr. models cool rooms 350 to 950 square feet. Room construction, climate, and other factors also affect your choice.

Consider window location. Does the air conditioner need to blow air to the left or right to direct air to the room's center for uniform cooling? Most models do a better job directing air in one direction or the other, in part because of the design of their internal fan. Our Ratings show which models are more directionally biased than others.

Look for third-party certification. When assessing EER, look for a certification sticker from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). An energy-efficient unit will not only help the environment but may also qualify for rebates in some areas; see the Energy Star Web site, at www.energystar.gov, for details.

Don't buy features you don't need. Low-profile models take up less space in your window and can direct air up, not just side-to-side, but tend to be pricier.

Clean it periodically. With any model, clean the filter biweekly or as needed. Where possible, hose off the back of the unit if debris has clogged cooling coils.

Digital Cameras

From shooting to sharing, these photos leave film behind

Digital cameras give you extraordinary control over images. You can transfer them to your computer, then crop, adjust color and contrast, and add textures and other special effects. You can make prints at home on a color inkjet or snapshot printer, drop off the memory card at one of a growing number of photofinishers, use a self-service kiosk at your local drugstore to select, edit, and print pictures instantly, or upload images to an online photofinisher. Final results can be e-mailed, made into cards or T-shirts, or uploaded to a digital picture frame or photo-sharing Web site for storage, viewing, and sharing with others.

Like camcorders, digital cameras have LCD monitors for composing shots or viewing those already taken. Many digital cameras can also shoot video with sound. While some camcorders can shoot still photos, a typical camcorder’s resolution is no match for a good still camera’s.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



The leading brands are Canon, Casio, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Nikon, Olympus, Samsung, and Sony. Other brands come from consumer-electronics, computer, and traditional camera companies.

It’s easier than ever to go to extremes with a digital camera. Small is bountiful, and big is also booming. The smallest cameras we tested recently, subcompacts, weigh 5 to 8 ounces and can fit in a pocket. Price: $185 to $450.

Too big to pocket, but small enough for most handbags and glove boxes are mainstream compacts. The ones we tested recently weigh 7 to 14 ounces. Price: $140 to $480.

More serious cameras have the versatility and power to capture fast action or create photographic art under the most demanding light conditions. Advanced compact cameras are typically larger and heavier than compacts, with versatile controls and long zoom lenses. Price: $280 to $850.

Super-zoom cameras are characterized by a very long zoom range--10x or greater. While traditionally larger and heavier than compacts, a few new models are designed to be smaller and lighter than older models. Price: $250 to $700.

SLRs (single-lens reflex), the largest and heaviest type, offer the most versatility and power, including interchangeable lenses. Price: $600 to $1,700 for consumer models; professional models can cost thousands.


HOW TO CHOOSE



The first step is to determine how you will use the camera most of the time. Consider these two questions:

How much flexibility to enlarge images do you need? If you mainly want to make 4x6 snapshots, a camera with 5- or 6-megapixel resolution should be fine. It will also make an 8x10 print of an entire image without alteration that won’t look much different than one from a 7- or 8-megapixel model. To enlarge the image more or enlarge only part of it, you’ll want a camera with a resolution of 6 megapixels or greater.

How much control do you want over exposure and composition? Cameras meant for automatic point-and-shoot photos, with a 3x zoom lens, will serve casual shooters as well as dedicated hobbyists much of the time. The full-featured cameras in the advanced compact and super-zoom categories offer capabilities that more-dedicated photographers will want to have. Two of the more important capabilities are an optical zoom range of 5x to 10x or more, which lets you bring distant outdoor subjects close and also lets you shoot candid portraits without getting right in your subject’s face, and a full complement of manual controls that let you determine the shutter speed and lens opening.

Once you’ve established the performance priorities that you need from a camera, you can narrow your choices further by considering these convenience factors:

Size and weight. The smallest, lightest models aren’t necessarily inexpensive 5-megapixel cameras. And the biggest and heaviest aren’t necessarily found at the high end. If possible, try cameras at the store before you buy. That way, you’ll know which one fits your hand best and which can be securely gripped. In our tests, we found that some of the smallest don’t leave much room even for small fingers.

Battery type and life. All digital cameras run on rechargeable batteries, either an expensive battery pack or a set of AAs. In our tests, neither type had a clear performance advantage. The best-performing cameras offer at least 250 shots on a charge, while the worst manage under 100. We think it’s more convenient to own a camera that accepts AA batteries. You can buy economical, rechargeable cells (plus a charger) and drop in a set of disposable lithium or alkaline batteries if the rechargeables run down in the middle of shooting.

Camera speed. With point-and-shoot cameras like the ones we tested, you must wait after each shot as the camera processes the image. Most models let you shoot an image every few seconds, but a few make you wait 5 seconds or more. They may frustrate you when you’re taking photos of a subject that is very active, such as a child or pet.

Your other cameras. If you own a film camera with interchangeable lenses, you can probably use the lenses on digital SLRs of the same brand. Some new Olympus digital SLRs require a special $100 adapter to use film lenses, but you’ll only be able to focus those lenses manually.

Elliptical Exercisers

This relative newbie to the exercise field is growing in popularity

Elliptical exercisers are part stair-climber, part cross-country-ski machine. Your feet move in flattened circles--an elliptical pattern. The workout value comes from resistance that slows the machine's flywheel as you try to turn it.

A home elliptical trainer offers the convenience of not having to plan your workouts around the weather or off-peak hours at the gym. In a 65 percent increase from the year before, 3.3 million Americans regularly worked out on an elliptical exerciser in 2003. Ellipticals have caught on big for a number of reasons: The pedaling is easy on the joints (an advantage over treadmills); the exercise is weight-bearing and helps protect against osteoporosis (an advantage over bicycling and swimming); models with movable arms add a modest upper-body workout (an advantage over most treadmills and exercise bikes); and using an elliptical is easy (an advantage over cross-country-ski machines, which require a degree of finesse). What's more, an elliptical lets you burn calories about as effectively as does a treadmill.

The effort to make exercise interesting and as pain-free as possible has led to an array of features. One useful device found on most ellipticals is electronic programming that automatically increases or decreases the workout's intensity, the way running up and down real hills does outdoors. You can also make the adjustments manually. On the gimmicky side, a growing number of ellipticals load the console with gadgets such as fans, a CD player, and a cubbyhole for a TV remote.

The disappointing news from our most recent tests is that a number of machines had problems, from annoying "clunking" sounds to mechanical failures that seriously affected performance. Our findings also suggest that you get what you pay for, especially if you work out frequently. Ellipticals that cost $2,000 and up were well-built and felt stable to our testers, more like the $5,000 machines at gyms. And they were less likely to have defects.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Models costing less than $1,000 include Fitness Quest, Horizon Fitness, Keys Fitness, and Icon Fitness' Reebok, Nordic Track, and Proform brands. They're sold in big stores like Sears, The Sports Authority, and other national sporting-goods chains. Models that cost up to $2,000 are sold in specialty sports stores or online, under such brand names as Life Fitness, Nautilus, and Precor. The more-expensive machines tend to feel more solid, operate more smoothly, and have more features than the under-$1,000 models.

Price range: $500 to $1,000 (feel flimsier); $1,100 to $2,500 (approach the quality of those you'd find at a gym).


HOW TO CHOOSE



First decide whether you want to devote the money and space to a big exercise machine. A living-room workout is the height of convenience, but of course, you can get fit exercising outdoors or at a gym. If you decide to buy an elliptical exerciser, consider these tips:

Try it out first. Every model is a little different, so you shouldn't buy one before using it in the store. That's especially important with elliptical exercisers because the movement is less familiar than walking or running, and each machine has a slightly different pedaling profile.

Decide which features you'll use. Some, such as exercise programs, can make a workout more varied and less boring, which may get you on the machine more often. But don't pay for frills you don't care about.

Consider your space. Elliptical exercisers, most of which do not fold and are hard to move, take up as much floor space as a couch.

Make sure you can change your mind. Understand the store's return policies. Make sure the store will let you bring the machine back if you dislike using it.

Cooktops and Wall Ovens

Separate appliances give you the flexibility of two cooking areas, with burners and ovens placed just about anywhere you want. You also have the option of cooking with gas, electricity, or induction.

Like ranges, cooktops come in electric and gas versions. More consumers go for electric than gas, generally opting for glass ceramic smoothtops. There are fewer coil models from which to choose, but you may want to consider one if price is more important than style. Gas cooktops come in several types, including stainless-steel models with pro-style controls and hefty grates and gas-on-glass models with burners on a glass ceramic surface. Cooktops with a porcelain enamel top are the lowest priced.

Gaggenau, Viking, Kenmore, and other brands are also introducing stand-alone induction cooktops, which cook via glass-covered magnetic coils that send nearly all of their heat to the pan, rather than the cooking surface. Besides heating faster than gas or electric cooktops, induction models respond instantly to the controls, but they require special cookware to work (if a magnet sticks to the pot, it’s OK).

Because about one-third of cooktops and wall ovens are sold as part of a kitchen makeover, style sells. More and more of the appliances have sleek, flush surfaces that are easy to clean or stainless-steel skins that let you easily mix and match brands.

Flexibility is the biggest reason to forgo the typical range and buy a separate cooktop and wall oven instead. However, the two appliances usually cost more than a similar range. And you’ll need to check the reliability of two appliances instead of one. Our tests show that you can bring home a pair of fine performers for about $1,300 for a 30-inch electric cooktop and electric oven. A smoothtop range with similar performance would cost about half that. But if you want more than four pots going at once, it won’t cost you too much to upgrade from a 30-inch cooktop with four burners or elements to a 36-inch model with five or six. In most cases, the difference is $100 to $400.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Frigidaire, GE, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Whirlpool are the leading makers of cooktops and wall ovens. Mainstream brands have established high-end offshoots, such as Kenmore Elite, GE Profile, and Whirlpool Gold. High-end, pro-style brands include Bosch, Dacor, GE Monogram, KitchenAid Pro-Line, Thermador, Viking, and Wolf.

Cooktops. You can install a cooktop on a kitchen island or other location where counter space allows. Cooktops can be electric coil, electric smoothtop, gas, or induction. Cooktops add flexibility since they can be located separately from the oven. Most are 30 inches wide and are made of porcelain-coated steel or glass ceramic, with four elements or burners. Some are 24 or 36 inches wide, depending on the number of burners.

Modular cooktops let you mix and match parts—removing burners and adding a grill, say—but you pay a premium for that added flexibility. Pre-configured cooktops are less expensive. Price range: electric cooktop, $250 to $1,500; gas cooktop, $250 to $2,500; induction cooktop, $1,800 and up.

Wall ovens. These can be single or double, electric or gas, self-cleaning or manual, with or without a convection setting. Width is typically 24, 27, or 30 inches. They allow you to eliminate bending by installing them at waist or eye level, though you can also nest them beneath a countertop to save space. Price range: $500 to more than $2,500 for double-oven models; figure on about $300 extra for convection.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Cooktop/wall oven or a range? With a cooktop/wall oven combo, you can put the appliances pretty much anywhere in the kitchen and mount the oven at a convenient height. Choose a range if you want it to be the centerpiece, as a professional-style model would be.

Installing separate appliances is more work. Electric wall ovens and cooktops each need their own electrical circuit and are best installed by a professional.

Gas, electric, or induction? If you have gas service, you might want to use both fuels. Electric wall ovens generally have a larger capacity than gas ones, and they’re easier to install. With cooktops, the quick response of a gas flame might better suit your style of cooking. Gas performs very well in our tests. We have found, however, that electric cooktops tend to boil water faster and simmer sauces better. Induction offers faster heater, flawless simmering, and burners that shut off automatically when you remove the pot. But in addition to being more expensive, the reliability of the technology is unproven.

Consider cleanup and safety. To minimize the parts you need to clean around, look for a smooth-surface cooktop and an oven with a covered bottom heating element and smooth touchpad controls.

Cooktops stay hot for a while after you turn off the heat. Since smoothtops blend into the surrounding counter, children and unwary adults could get burned. For safety, smoothtops have lights to signal which element is still hot.

Lawn Tractors

If your lawn is larger than a half-acre, a ride-on lawn tractor could be your best option.

Heated competition among the big-box stores has lowered the price of a well-equipped automatic-drive tractor to as little as $1,000 or so. That’s several hundred dollars less than comparable machines from only a few years ago.

Big-name brands are also piling on premium features as they trade some of the profit margins they enjoyed at the corner mower shop for the added volume of home centers and large retailers like Sears, which together sell nearly 70 percent of lawn tractors.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Lawn tractors now dominate the ride-on marketplace, with some models available for less than the cost of a rear-engine riding mower. (Keep in mind, though, that a bagging kit will typically add another $250 to $400 to the total cost). Tractors can accept light-duty attachments to plow, tow a cart, or clear snow. Lower prices and versatility help explain why lawn tractors have become far more popular than riding mowers.

Tight-turning riders are a growing alternative. Also known as zero-turn-radius models, these let you steer by pushing or pulling levers, each controlling a driven rear wheel. The advantage is added maneuverability in tight spots and around obstacles. But you pay a premium for agility and faster cutting.

Price range: lawn tractors, $1,000 to $2,500; tight-turning riders and zero-turn radius, $2,500 to $7,000 and beyond.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Wide-swath mowing at a reasonable price makes lawn tractors an appealing choice if you have a half-acre or more of lawn. Falling prices for tractors also help explain why small, rear-engine riders are nearly extinct.

Keep these points in mind as you shop:

Determine the mowing you’ll do. All tractors can side-discharge clippings, the mode most people use. Many include a mulching plate that seals the deck so clippings are cut finely and deposited into the lawn rather than on it. But a kit for bagging clippings typically costs hundreds of dollars extra. Before paying more for that bagging, be sure that the model you’re considering did well in that mode and that you will use it.

Pick your retailer. Most of the brands we tested are now at major retailers as well as dealers. Big-box stores tend to have the lowest prices. But dealers typically offer more personalized service, setup, and instruction. Cub Cadet, John Deere, Poulan, Toro, and Yard Machines are at Home Depot. John Deere, Husqvarna, and Troy-Bilt are sold at Lowe’s. Sears sells Craftsman and Husqvarna, and Wal-Mart has Yard Machines and Yard-Man.

Don’t count horses. Some models now pack 20 hp or more. Higher horsepower doesn’t guarantee more performance, however; models with as little as 17 hp mowed as well as brawnier models.

Play it safe. Use common sense when mowing. Wear ear plugs or muffs; all of the machines we tested emitted more than the 85 decibels at which we recommend hearing protection. Don’t mow on grades steeper than 15 percent. Look behind you when you mow in reverse.