Buying Guide - How to Choose

Air Purifiers Consumer Reports

2012-01-06T14:30:00.002-05:00

Friedrich c-90b air purifier - user review: 1 star stay with a tried and true true hepa filtered unit that is appropriate to clean the air volume in. Consumer reports was wrong - friedrich c-90b air purifier last fall, a federal judge rejected the latest version of a proposed settlement to a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of millions of consumers who purchased the. Bing: air purifiers

Air Conditioners Consumer Reports

2012-01-06T14:27:00.001-05:00

House air conditioners, best central air conditioner, best a/c, air conditioner consumer report, central air conditioner, central air conditioning. Central air conditioner ratings consumer reports air conditioners which ones got the highest marks conservatory air conditioning choose the best within your power other about us. Air conditioners - united states - business market reports search

Portable GPS Navigation Systems

2007-09-07T05:59:00.000-04:00

The next best thing to having your own local guide is becoming more affordable and feature packedIf you often travel to new places, have trouble reading maps, or simply hate to ask for directions, you might want to consider a portable GPS navigation system. Once you give it a destination, the system can plot out a route, deliver spoken directions, and display each

Portable Generators

2007-06-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

A portable or stationary home generator can keep your home powered when snow- or windstorms or natural disasters such as hurricanes knock out electrical service. For that reason, they've become a very popular product. "In light of Katrina, home-generator sales have skyrocketed--especially in coastal areas," says Devin Castleton, a consulting analyst in energy and

Car Insurance

2007-05-07T15:40:00.000-04:00

Many people stick with the same insurance carrier year after year without ever shopping for a better deal. Blind loyalty to one insurer can cost you dearly. In a recent survey, Consumer Reports found that some drivers were paying twice as much for a policy than they would have with another insurer.FINDING THE BEST RATESComparing premiums is easier than ever, thanks

Countertops

2007-04-30T08:59:00.000-04:00

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

Rear-projection TVs

2007-04-25T10:57:00.000-04:00

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

Humidifiers

2007-04-24T11:22:00.000-04:00

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

DVD Recorders

2007-04-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

Prices for machines and media will probably continue to dropWhile 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

Cordless Phones

2007-04-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

Message centers and answering machinesHumble, 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

Exterior Stains

2007-04-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

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

Interior Paint

2007-04-18T13:33:00.000-04:00

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 pastA 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,

Coffeemakers

2007-04-16T10:44:00.000-04:00

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

Steam Irons

2007-04-13T13:59:00.001-04:00

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

Cordless Drills

2007-04-12T12:17:00.000-04:00

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

Treadmills

2007-04-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

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

Toaster or Toaster Oven?

2007-04-10T11:53:00.000-04:00

The decision will depend on how picky you are about toastIf 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

Deck Treatments

2007-04-09T13:43:00.000-04:00

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

Air Conditioners

2007-04-06T10:49:00.000-04:00

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

Digital Cameras

2007-04-05T10:48:00.000-04:00

From shooting to sharing, these photos leave film behindDigital 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

Elliptical Exercisers

2007-04-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

This relative newbie to the exercise field is growing in popularityElliptical 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

Cooktops and Wall Ovens

2007-04-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

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

Lawn Tractors

2007-04-01T21:41:00.000-04:00

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

Picture-tube TVs

2007-03-30T11:38:00.001-04:00

As new technologies take over, conventional television models dwindle in number but deliver a lot of bang for your buckFamiliar picture-tube TVs continue to be big sellers, mostly at prices below $500. In the HDTV arena, they're being overshadowed by flat-panel LCD and plasma sets and big-screen projection models.With manufacturers shifting their focus to these

Mixers

2007-03-29T11:35:00.000-04:00

Match the machine to the way you prepare foods. But you may find you need more than one. Which food-prep appliance best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Hand mixers can handle light chores such as whipping cream or mixing cake batter. And powerful stand mixers are ideal for cooks who make bread and cookies from scratch.WHAT'S AVAILABLEThe big push in

Strollers

2007-03-28T12:16:00.000-04:00

Having a new baby can be a walk in the park--with the right stroller, of course. A stroller is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you'll buy. And as your baby grows, you may end up with more than one. Many parents buy a traditional stroller for everyday use plus a lighter-weight one for traveling. You may even want a more rugged stroller for jogging or

Camcorders

2007-03-27T12:39:00.001-04:00

Quality and ease of use help digital moviemakers win out over analog models.You can do a lot more with videos shot on digital or analog camcorders than play them back, unedited, on your TV. You can edit and embellish them with music using your computer, then play your productions on your DVD or PC. Or even send them to friends or family via e-mail.Digital

Front-Projectors

2007-03-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

But they are probably not the best choice for everyday useFor a truly theaterlike experience, you can't beat a front projector paired with a screen that stretches 100 inches or more diagonally. That's about twice the size of a plasma TV, with image quality that's just as good and prices that are comparable, starting at about $2,500 for a high-definition (HD)

Microwave Ovens

2007-03-25T09:31:00.001-04:00

You'll see larger capacity, sensors that detect doneness, and more stylish designs.Microwave ovens, which built their reputation on speed, are also showing some smarts. Many automatically shut off when a sensor determines that the food is cooked or sufficiently heated. The sensor is also used to automate an array of cooking chores, with buttons labeled for frozen

Dishwashers

2007-03-22T12:17:00.000-04:00

Models selling for as little as $350 or so can excel at washing dishes, but they may not measure up to costlier models in quietness, water and energy usage, or features.Spend $300 to $400 and you can get a dishwasher that does a good job cleaning dirty dishes without prerinsing, but with a bit of noise. To get the best of everything-cleaning prowess plus the

Food Processors

2007-03-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

Match the machine to the way you prepare foods. But you may find you need more than one.Which food-prep appliance best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Food processors are versatile machines that can chop, slice, shred, and purée many different foods. Mini-choppers are good for small jobs such as mincing garlic and chopping nuts. Hand mixers can handle

Vacuum Cleaners

2007-03-18T09:57:00.000-04:00

High-priced, feature-laden machines don't necessarily deliver better cleaning. You'll find plenty of strong performers at a reasonable priceWhich type of vacuum cleaner to buy used to be a no-brainer. Uprights were clearly better for carpets, while canisters were the obvious choice for bare floors. That distinction has blurred somewhat as more upright models clean

DVD Players

2007-03-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

Conventional players are cheap; two HD formats competeGreat picture and sound quality, plus relatively low prices, have made digital videodisc, or DVD, players, among the most successful consumer-electronics products ever. The vast majority of U.S. households have one or more DVD players. Prices have dropped so low that they’re now sold seemingly everywhere--even

PDAs

2007-03-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

PDAs are much more than address books; some handhelds are phones, internet devices, and video players.PDAs can store thousands of phone numbers, appointments, tasks, and notes. All models can exchange, or synchronize, information with a full-sized computer. To do this, you connect the PDA to your computer with a cradle or cable. For models that run on rechargeable

Blenders

2007-03-15T17:36:00.000-04:00

Choosing the right blender for the way you prepare foods is the trick. You may find you need more than one.Which blender best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Blenders usually excel at mixing icy drinks. Stick-shaped immersion blenders are handy mostly for stirring powdered drinks or puréeing vegetables in a saucepan.WHAT'S AVAILABLEBlenders. Rugged

String trimmers

2007-03-14T17:34:00.000-04:00

Some of the latest electric trimmers perform better than ever. But gas models are still tops overall for tall grass and weeds.A string trimmer can pick up where a lawn mower leaves off. It provides the finishing touches, slicing through tufts of grass around trees and flowerbeds, straightening uneven edges along a driveway, and trimming stretches of lawn your mower

LCD TVs

2007-03-13T17:32:00.000-04:00

LCD TVs pack a lot of bang for a lot of bucks. Their svelte profile is the main attractionOnce available only with small screens, LCD (liquid-crystal display) TVs now come with bigger screens suitable for a household's primary set. The introduction of 37- to 50-inch sets has positioned LCD TVs as strong competition to flat-panel plasma sets. In fact, Sony has

Ranges

2007-03-12T15:11:00.000-04:00

You don't have to spend top dollar for impressive performance with high-end cooking features and stainless steel styling.If you're in the market for a range, you're faced with several choices. You can buy a freestanding range that combines a cooktop and oven, or you can buy a separate cooktop and wall oven. The oven can be equipped with a convection feature. If you

Clothes Dryers

2007-03-11T15:07:00.000-04:00

On the whole, clothes dryers do a good job. More sophisticated models dry your laundry with greater finesse.Dryers are relatively simple. Their major differences are how they heat the air (gas or electricity) and how they're programmed to shut off once the load is dry (thermostat or moisture sensor). Gas models typically cost about $50 more than electric ones, but

Gas Grills

2007-03-10T12:07:00.000-05:00

Many people are choosing high-end models that do more than just grill. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get solid performance from an outdoor gas grillGetting a good grill has become easier--and cheaper--in the competitive marketplace; some of the best cookers we tested cost $200 or less. You’ll also find $500 grills with the added style, space, and

Child Car Seats

2007-03-09T12:43:00.000-05:00

Match the seat with your child's weight and age and make sure that the seat is anchored securely in the carA child car seat should be high on your to-buy list. You'll need one to bring your baby home from the hospital and for every car trip thereafter. In fact, hospitals and birthing centers generally won't let you leave by car with your newborn if you don't have

Washing Machines

2007-03-08T13:25:00.000-05:00

Front-loaders tend to give you the best of everything, but traditional top-loaders offer the best valueYou'll find more variety in the washing-machine aisle when you visit an appliance store these days. Traditional top-loaders with agitators are going strong, but front-loading washers are gaining ground, thanks to their very good washing performance, large capacity

Printers

2007-03-07T12:10:00.000-05:00

Inexpensive inkjets print color superbly, and they do it faster than ever. Laser printers excel at printing black-and-white text. Economical all-in-one models can scan, copy, and sometimes fax.Inkjet printers have become the standard for home-computer use. They can turn out color photos nearly indistinguishable from lab-processed photos, along with banners,

Plasma TVs

2007-03-06T14:14:00.000-05:00

More, and bigger, screens are adding variety to the categoryPlasma TVs make a blockbuster first impression. A scant 6 inches thick or less, these sleek flat panels display bright images on screens measuring about 3 to 5 feet diagonally. With more models 50 inches and larger now available, plasma TVs have become a viable alternative to rear-projection sets for

Refrigerators

2007-03-05T14:17:00.000-05:00

Get ready for more choices as refrigerator manufacturers refine existing designs and reprise old ones in the name of style and convenience.If you're shopping for a new refrigerator, you're probably considering models that are fancier than your current fridge. The trend is toward spacious models with flexible, more-efficiently-used storage space. Useful features

MP3 players

2007-03-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

Newer models with color displays can show photos and videosThe MP3 player continues its evolution from simple audio player to complex multimedia device. Most players come with color displays and the ability to show digital photos transferred from your computer, sometimes with accompanying music. Many also play back movies, music videos, or TV shows, downloaded

Mowers

2007-03-03T14:21:00.000-05:00

Practically any mower will cut your grass. But you'll get better results with less effort if you choose a machine based on your lawn size, mowing preferences, and budgetMowing options range anywhere from $100 manual-reel mowers to tractors that cost $4,000 or more. If you have a small yard, a manual-reel or electric walk-behind mower is probably fine.