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Buying ™

From the Editors of Consumer Reports

CONTENTS ELECTRONICS

82 Computers, Desktop 85 Computers, Laptop 93 Digital Cameras 100 Fitness Trackers 102 Headphones P. 102

P. 60

109 Printers, All-in-One 113 Printers, Regular 117 Smartphones

P. 48

P. 212

120 Smart Speakers 122 Smartwatches 124 Streaming Media 126 Tablets 129 TVs 141 Wireless Speakers AUTOS

146 Highs and Lows of the 2020 Models

QQ群: 970508760 3

Buying Advice at Your Fingertips

28 Generators

4

Ratings, Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

35 Lawn Tractors

6

Comparing Retailers

45 Microwaves

31 Lawn Mowers 38 Mattresses 48 Ranges

HOME

54 Refrigerators

12 Air Purifiers

60 Snow Blowers

14 Clothes Dryers

63 Vacuums

19 Cooktops

70 Wall Ovens

23 Dishwashers

73 Washing Machines

26 Gas Grills

80 Washer/Dryer Pairs

2

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

168 Rating the 2020 Models 183 Used Cars: The Most Reliable Models and the Ones to Avoid 192 Detailed Used-Car Reliability 212 Tire Ratings

Buying Advice at Your Fingertips The Consumer Reports Buying Guide for 2020 is your handy one-stop source for making informed, money-saving purchases. Consult it before you shop, then take it to the store or keep it beside your computer to help you compare brands. Here’s how to make the best use of this guide:

PACKED WITH HIGHLIGHTS from our exclusive buying advice and ratings for more than 2,000 product models, this little book will be an invaluable shopping tool for squeezing the most value from every dollar you spend. Preceding each ratings chart, you’ll find a Quick Guide with buying advice for that product. You can access our full buying advice by using the website address provided with each category. But before you delve into the best stuff to buy, be sure to read about the best places to find it—whether online or at a walk-in store—in the Comparing Retailers section, starting on page 6. Our surveys of thousands of Consumer Reports members provide invaluable insight into buying trends, plus the service, selection, and prices offered by dozens of retailers of appliances and electronics products. After you’ve honed your shopping savvy, turn to the Product Ratings section, starting on page 11, for guidance from CR’s experts on 34 product categories, in three sections: Home,

Electronics and Autos. Here you’ll find exclusive ratings based on our tough in-house tests, and, for many products, brand predicted reliability and owner satisfaction estimates from our surveys of hundreds of thousands of CR members about breakages and problems they’ve had with various brands. In the market for a car? The Autos section, starting on page 145, has all the information you need to make the right decision on a new or used model. If you’re buying new, start with a look at the Highs and Lows of the 2020 vehicles, check out the Standout Models in each category, and then move on to the full ratings. Used car buyers will find our experts’ picks for Best and Worst models, plus detailed reliability reports. We’ve even got ratings for more than 100 tire models. In today’s crowded marketplace, this guide can help cut through the endless options, helping you choose the best, safest products—and save money doing it. So keep it with you whenever you shop, and buy with confidence.

BUYING GUIDE 2020 CONSUMER REPORTS

3

Ratings, Reliability & Owner Satisfaction The Quick Guides, product ratings, and brand reliability and owner satisfaction information that follow are designed to help you zero in on the model you want to buy. See the buying advice highlights in the Quick Guides to help you decide what you want from a product. Then go to the ratings charts to get the details on performance.

FOR SOME PRODUCT categories you’ll find full ratings that include every currently available model we tested. For others, the ratings charts show a select models recommended for most people and models designated as CR Best Buys. To develop our ratings, we put all models within a category through weeks of testing, side by side, so that test results can be compared. We rank products by performance. Consumer Reports checked that the products rated in this Buying Guide were still available at press time. But depending on how long after publication you use this book, you might find a rating for a product that’s no longer available. Or you might not find a rating for a model that’s available because it hadn’t been tested as of publication.

Introducing Our New Overall Score Consumer Reports evaluates a variety of factors for every product we test— performance, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction.

4

Now CR is incorporating data from those assessments into one Overall Score, as we did with our autos ratings starting in 2016. The result is a single integrated rating that will make it even easier for you to make a well-informed buying decision. We started with refrigerators and washers and dryers and are now applying our integrated Overall Score to all major appliances, many small appliances, home and garden products, and electronics we test. By combining the results of performance tests in our labs with the data we collect through surveys of CR members, our new Overall Score gives a holistic picture of product quality. One result of this is that models from brands with high reliability ratings might cluster at the top of the ratings while brands with poor reliability are penalized. We believe that’s a good thing because it more closely reflects your experience with a product.

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

$ 0

1

! 0

2

Bosch Ascenta 88 SHX3AR75UC Bosch 300 DLX 85 Series SHS863WD5N

$770

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

Cycle time (min.)

Noise

Energy use

Features

95 SS/P 150

Ratings Key

1 0 POOR

$ CR BEST BUY

Overall scores are based on a scale of 0 to 100. We rate products using these symbols:

2 FAIR

These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.

3 0 GOOD 4 0 VERY GOOD 5 0 EXCELLENT

Self-cleaning filter

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

Test Results

Interior material

$540

Predicted reliability

Survey Results

Rank

Recommended

Price

Drying

Overall Score

Brand & Model

indicated by a gray dash (−), we assume the model has average reliability. Owner satisfaction. The same surveys provide data for this assessment, which asks CR members how likely they’d be to recommend the appliances they purchased. Here, too, a gray dash means insufficient data, and the product receives the category average by default.

Washing

Predicted reliability. Through our surveys, tens of thousands of CR members who purchased major appliances in the past 10 years tell us about their product experiences. Then we crunch the data to estimate the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand (not under a service contract)

will break or experience problems within five years. Products from brands that rate Fair or Poor for reliability can’t earn recommended status from CR, regardless of performance or satisfaction, because consumers also expect their appliances to last. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating,

Owner satisfaction

SURVEY RESULTS IN THE CHARTS

SS

! RECOMMENDED These are high-performing models that stand out.

BUYING GUIDE 2020 CONSUMER REPORTS

5

Comparing Retailers Our product testers can tell you which refrigerator or computer delivers the most value. But then you have to find the lowest price and the best service. To help you find the best places to shop, we survey tens of thousands of Consumer Reports members annually about their experiences buying appliances and electronics in-store and online.

Appliances

Electronics

Most purchases are still made in brick-and-mortar stores but about four out of five major and small appliance shoppers use the internet to research their product by doing things like checking prices and reading reviews. More than 6 out of 10 small and major appliance shoppers visit a retailer’s website before making a purchase at its store or website. In our 2018 Spring Survey, over 46,000 CR members told us about more than 68,000 major and small appliance purchases they made from the Spring of 2017 through the Spring of 2018. This year we’re able to rate 21 major appliance and 19 small appliance retail chains (30 overall, as some chains are rated in both categories). We also rate independent stores and manufacturers’ websites as two separate groups in both appliance categories.

O verall, consumers are quite happy

6

with their shopping experience at electronic retailers, and online shoppers tend to be significantly more satisfied in all aspects of the transaction experience compared with their in-store shopping counterparts. But more than half of members in our ratings sample are still making their electronic purchases at walk-in retailers. Even so, you’re likely to hit the mall for many electronics purchases if you’re anything like the consumers we surveyed.

Research Can Yield a Good Price Doing online research for home products, such as large and small appliances, electronics and autos is useful, according to electronic products shoppers, researching the product online to determine the features they did or didn’t need was the strategy used most often by members to help find the best price.

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

RE TA IL ERS

Appliance Retailers In order of reader score, within types.

0 5 5 0

5 0

− −

− −

0 3 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

0 4 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

0 5 4 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 3 0

Shipping/ Delivery

0 5 5 0

Website usability

0 5 4 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

In-store atmosphere

Selection

5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

Service

Price paid

Reader Survey Results Overall satisfaction score

Retailer

MAJOR APPLIANCES Abt

94

Famous Tate

93

Amazon.com

92

Manufacturers’ websites

92

Costco

91

Nebraska Furniture Mart

91

Independents

90

Warners’ Stellian

89

Spencer’s TV & Appliance

88

Grand Appliance & TV

88

Pacific Sales

88

R.C. Willey Home Furnishings

87

Ferguson

87

P.C. Richard & Son

87

Best Buy

86

Albert Lee Appliance

86

JCPenney

85

Lowe’s

85

Menards

85

Sears Hometown Stores

84

Home Depot

84

Bray & Scarff

84

Sears

83

1

2

WORSE

3

4

−

− − 3 0

− − 0 3 4 0

0 5 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

−

−

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 3 0

− 3 0

− 0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0

5

BET TER

BUYING GUIDE 2020 CONSUMER REPORTS

7

Shipping/ Delivery

Website usability

0 5 5 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 0

In-store atmosphere

Selection

4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 2 0

Service

Price paid

Reader Survey Results Overall satisfaction score

Retailer

SMALL APPLIANCES Abt

95

Amazon.com

92

QVC.com

92

Costco

92

Williams-Sonoma

91

Manufacturers’ websites

90

JCPenney

90

Independents

89

Bed Bath & Beyond

89

Kohl’s

88

BJ’s

87

Macy’s

87

P.C. Richard & Son

87

Sam’s Club

87

Best Buy

86

Target

86

Menards

85

Home Depot

84

Lowe’s

83

Walmart

82

Sears

82

HOW WE SURVEY: Ratings are based on Consumer Reports’ 2018 Spring Survey of 46,273 CR members reporting on 68,234 appliance purchases made between the Spring of 2017 and the Spring of 2018. Reader Score represents shoppers’ overall satisfaction with their retail experience. If

8

all respondents are completely satisfied with a particular retailer, the reader score would be 100; a score of 80 indicates that respondents are “very satisfied,” on average. Differences of less than 4 points are not meaningful. The other attributes listed under Survey Results reflect average scores on a

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

− 0 4 4 0 2 0 4 0 4 0

− 0 4 3 0 2 0

− 0 3 4 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 2 0

− − − 0 4 5 0

− − 0 4 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 0

0 5 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

− − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −

− 0 3 3 0 3 0

− 3 0

− 0 3 3 0 3 0

− 0 3 3 0 2 0 2 0

scale from “very poor” to “excellent”. Ratings are based on the experiences of CR members, who may not be representative of the general US population. Dashes ( ), indicate insufficient sample size to provide a rating or that an attribute is not applicable to a retailer.

−

RE TA IL ERS

Electronics Retailers In order of reader score, within types.

Walk-in retailer buying ease

0 4 5 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 3 0

0 5 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

NA

−

NA

3 0 0 4 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

NA

5 5 0 0 5 5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 5 0 0 3 4 0 0 3 0

− −

0 4 3 0

Web support

0 5 5 0 0 5 5 0 0 5 5 0 − 0 4 0 4 5 0 0 5 0 5 − 0 4 0 4 3 0 0 4 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 5 − 0 4 0 5 − 0 3 0 3 2 0 0 4 0 4 − 0 4 0 4 3 0 0 4 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 5 − 0 3 0 3 3 0 0 4 0 4 2 0 0 3 0 3 − 0 4 0 4 2 0 0 3 0 3 − 0 4 0 4 − 0 3 0 3 − 0 4 0 4 − 0 3 0 3 3 0 0 3 0 3 2 0 0 3 0 3 2 0 0 3 0 3

Website usability

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

Checkout ease

Customer service

Selection

4 0 4 0 5 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 0 4 3 0 4 0 0 4 3 0 3 0 3 0

Product quality

Price paid

Reader Survey Results Overall satisfaction score

Retailer

ONLINE STORES Crutchfield.com

96

BHPhotoVideo.com

96

Shopmyexchange.com

94

Apple.com

94

Adorama.com

93

Costco.com

93

Amazon.com

93

Abt.com

93

Target.com

92

Newegg.com

91

SamsClub.com

91

Bose.com

91

QVC.com

90

Staples.com

90

Independent websites

90

BestBuy.com

89

Woot.com

89

Walmart.com

89

HSN.com

88

Microsoft.com

87

Groupon.com

87

Samsung.com

87

HP.com

86

Lenovo.com

86

Dell.com

85

− 0 3 2 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

WALK-IN STORES Abt Electronics

96

Army & Air Force Exchange

93

1

2

WORSE

3

4

5

BET TER

BUYING GUIDE 2020 CONSUMER REPORTS

9

0 5 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

0 4 3 0 5 0 0 5 3 − 0 4 − 0 4 0 0 4 − 0 4

Walk-in retailer buying ease

0 5 5 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0

Web support

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

Website usability

Product quality

0 4 4 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 4 0 2 0 2 0

Checkout ease

Selection

3 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 4 0 0 4 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 0 2 0 3 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

Customer service

Price paid

Reader Survey Results Overall satisfaction score

Retailer

WALK-IN STORES Continued Independent Stores

93

Apple Store

93

Navy Exchange

93

Bose

92

Costco

92

Video Only

92

Nebraska Furniture Mart

92

BJ’s

91

P.C. Richard & Son

90

Micro Center

89

GameStop

89

Fred Meyer Stores

88

Sam’s Club

88

Barnes & Noble

88

Target

88

Best Buy

87

Sears

87

Microsoft

86

Kohl’s

86

Staples

85

Fry’s Electronics

85

Office Depot/Office Max

85

Walmart

84

GUIDE TO THE R ATINGS:

Ratings are based on 88,021 purchases of electronics purchased by 56,289 Consumer Reports’ members between January 2016 and June 2017. Reader Score represents shoppers’ overall satisfaction with their retail experience. If all respondents

10

are completely satisfied with a particular retailer, the reader score would be 100; a score of 80 indicates that respondents are “very satisfied,” on average. Differences of less than 4 points are not meaningful. The other attributes listed under Survey Results reflect

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

− 0 3 2 0 3 0 1 0

− − 3 − 0 3 − 0 4 0 0 4

− − − − 0 0 3 2 3 − 0 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 3

− − 4 0 0 4

− − 0 3 2 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 2 0 3 0 2 0

0 4 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0

average scores on a scale from “very poor” to “excellent”. Ratings are based on the experiences of CR members, who may not be representative of the general US population. Dashes ( ), indicate insufficient sample sizes to provide a rating or that an attribute is not applicable to a retailer.

−

31 Lawn Mowers

60 Snow Blowers

14 Clothes Dryers

35 Lawn Tractors

63 Vacuums

19 Cooktops

38 Mattresses

70 Wall Ovens

23 Dishwashers

45 Microwaves

26 Gas Grills

48 Ranges

73 Washing Machines

28 Generators

54 Refrigerators

80 Washer/ Dryer Pairs

Home

12 Air Purifiers

BUYING GUIDE 2020 CONSUMER REPORTS

11

QUI CK GUIDE

Air Purifiers The most effective portable air purifiers we tested were made for rooms 350 sq. ft. or larger. These models cleared the air quickly of dust, smoke, and pollen at their high and low speeds. What to Look For Most portable air purifiers use a fan to suck in air for filtration. Fanless models run more quietly, but those we tested worked poorly. Energy Star certified models can save you money on utility bills compared to standard models. Air purifiers with filter indicator lights let you know when the filter needs to be replaced. A washable—and reusable— prefilter collects large

BUYING ADVICE

particles before they reach the HEPA filter, possibly extending its life.

Air filters are certified based on room size and clean-air delivery rate (CADR), their cleaning speed. We judge a CADR of 240 and up excellent and below 100 poor.

What to Skip Models with electrostatic precipitators or ionizer technology could produce ozone, a lung irritant.

What You’ll Pay Portable air purifiers will run $50 to more than $1,000; plus filter replacements and the cost of energy required to run the machines 24 hours a day.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/air-purifiers.

Tested products in performance order.

Noise (high speed)

0 5 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

0 4 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0

0 1 2 0 3 0 3 0 1 0

Annual cost ($)

Noise (low speed)

Test Results Dust/pollen/smoke removal (high)

Rank

Recommended

Price Dust/pollen/smoke removal (low)

Overall Score

Brand & Model

LARGE ROOM (350-650 SQ FT)

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 12

1

Blueair Classic 605

88

$750

2

Blueair Blue Pure 211+

85

$300

3

Honeywell HPA300

76

$250

4

Alen Breathsmart

72

$650

5

Honeywell 50250

69

$200

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

224 192 203 190 213

Dust/pollen/smoke removal (high)

Noise (low speed)

Noise (high speed)

0 3 3 0

0 2 2 0

121

$310

0 5 5 0

64

$230

3 0

5 0

3 0

2 0

231

64

$220

3 0

5 0

3 0

3 0

112

63

$220

3 0

4 0

3 0

2 0

187

62

$240

3 0

4 0

4 0

3 0

80

59

$200

3 0

4 0

4 0

3 0

80

Annual cost ($)

Dust/pollen/smoke removal (low)

Test Results

0 3 4 0

Rank

Recommended

Price

A IR P UR IF IERS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

LARGE ROOM (350-650 SQ FT) Continued

! 0

6

Idylis AC-2118

68

$306

7

SPT AC-2102

65

GermGuardian AC5900WCA Winix FresHome WACP450 Kenmore 83396

8 9 10

395

MEDIUM ROOM (150-350 SQ FT)

2

Honeywell AirGenuis 5 HFD-320 Honeywell Air Genius 4 HFD310

3

LG PuriCare AS401VGA1

54

$300

2 0

4 0

4 0

3 0

107

4

GermGuardian AC9200WCA

52

$300

2 0

4 0

4 0

2 0

222

5

Febreze FHT190W

51

$98

Sharp FP-F60UW

51

$241

7

Boneco P400

47

$300

8

Therapure TPP240

46

$120

9

Friedrich AP260

46

$250

0 4 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

0 3 2 0 3 0 2 0 2 0

89

6

0 3 3 0 3 0 2 0 2 0

1

54 168 64 168

SMALL ROOM (LESS THAN 150 SQ FT) 1

Dyson Pure Cool Link

26

$500

Dyson TP04 Pure Cool

26

$550

0 1 1 0

0 2 2 0

0 5 4 0

0 2 2 0

102

2 3

Hamilton Beach TrueAir 04383

18

$55

1 0

1 0

4 0

3 0

25

HOW WE TEST: Dust/pollen/ smoke removal (high) indicates how well it removes particles at its highest speed. Dust/pollen/smoke removal (low) evaluates its ability to

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

remove particles at a lower speed (whichever one is closest to 50 decibels). Noise is measured using a decibel meter from 4 feet away at both high and low speeds. Annual Cost includes filter

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

107

replacements and the energy required to run the purifier 24 hours a day for an entire year. Overall Score is based on the performance of the product in all of our tests.

13

QUI CK GUIDE

Clothes Dryers Electric dryers are the bigger sellers, though decades of testing has revealed that gas and electric dryers perform similarly. Gas or electric, keep in mind that larger capacities let you dry more laundry at once. What to Look For

What to Skip

Moisture sensors detect the laundry’s dampness and shut off the appliance when clothes are dry, cutting down on energy costs. This is easier on fabrics, too. Auto-dry cycles provide settings of less dry to more dry for damp ironing, and points in between. An extended-tumble setting without heat helps prevent wrinkles when you can’t remove the load immediately.

Specialty cycles up the price. A choice of heat level, timed dry, and autodry, along with a few fabric types, should do.

BUYING ADVICE

If you intend to install the dryer near a bedroom, look for one that scored Very Good or Excellent in our tests for noise. You’ll hear it working, but it shouldn’t disturb you.

What You’ll Pay Prices vary from $350 to $2,000, depending on type, capacity, and features. Gas dryers cost roughly $50 to $150 more than comparable electric models, but the likely savings in fuel costs should more than make up for the difference.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/dryers.

Tested products in performance order.

0 5 4 0 5 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 4 0 5 0

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0

Steam option

Noise

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0

Features Stainless-steel drum

Convenience

Test Results Drying performance

Survey Results Owner satisfaction

Rank

Recommended

Price

Predicted reliability

Overall Score

Brand & Model

0

0

7.3

0

0

9

0

7.3

0

9

ELECTRIC DRYERS

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 14

1

LG DLEX7600WE

91

$945

2

LG DLEX7700VE

91

$1,170

3

LG DLEX3570W

91

$1,100

4

LG DLEX9000V

90

$1,620

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

0

Features

Steam option

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

Stainless-steel drum

Noise

Convenience

Test Results Drying performance

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Survey Results

Rank

Recommended

Price

0

7.4

0

0

9.2

0

0

7.3

0

0

7.4

ELECTRIC DRYERS Continued 89

$800

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

! 0

5

LG DLEX3700W

! 0

6

Maytag MEDB955FW

88

$1,185

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5

! 0

7

LG DLEX7900BE

87

$950

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

! 0

8

LG DLE7100W

87

$720

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

! 0

9

LG DLEX5000V

87

$1,345

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5

! 0

10 LG DLEX8100V

87

$1,100

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

! 0

11 Kenmore Elite 61632

86

$1,150

! 0

12 LG DLEX3900W

86

$900

13 Kenmore Elite 61552

85

14 Kenmore 81382 Samsung 15 DV42H5600EW (Lowe’s)

1

7.3

0

9

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5

0

0

9.2

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

0

0

7.4

$850

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5

0

0

7.3

85

$700

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4

0

0

7.3

84

$720

2 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5

0

0

7.5

16 LG DLEX4370W

84

$1,080

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

0

0

7.4

LG Signature 17 DLEX9500K

84

$1,810

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

0

0

9

18 Kenmore 81392

83

$680

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5

19 Kenmore Elite 81582

83

$850

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4

20 Kenmore 81182

83

$600

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4

21 LG DLEX5005K

83

$1,500

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

0

22 Kenmore Elite 81782

82

$1,050

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5

0

Whirlpool 23 WED8500DW

82

$1,085

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4

24 Maytag MEDB765FW

81

$630

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

25 Kenmore 69132

81

$900

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4

Samsung 26 DV50K7500EW

81

$995

27 GE GFD48ESSKWW

80

$1,135

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

0

7.3

0

0

7.4

0

7.4

0

7.4

0

8.8

7.3

7.4 0

8.8

2 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4

0

0

7.5

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5

0

0

8.3

15

CL O T HE S DR Y ERS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Steam option

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

Features Stainless-steel drum

Noise

Convenience

Test Results Drying performance

Survey Results Predicted reliability

Rank

Recommended

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Brand & Model

0

7

ELECTRIC DRYERS Continued Whirlpool 28 WED7300DW Whirlpool 29 WED7500GW

80

$550

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4

80

$810

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

30 Kenmore 67132

79

$730

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4

Samsung 31 DV45K6500EW Samsung 32 DVE50M7450W

78

$990

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

78

$600

2 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4

7.4

0

0

7

0

7.5

0

7.4

0

9

33 Kenmore Elite 81982

78

$1,000

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

0

Fisher & Paykel 34 AeroCare DE7027P1 Fisher & Paykel 35 AeroCare DE7027P2

78

$1,000

1 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

0

0

7

78

$1,000

1 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

0

0

7

0 5 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0

0

0

7.3

GAS DRYERS 1

LG DLGX7601WE

91

$1,035

2

LG DLGX7701VE

91

$1,540

3

LG DLGX3571W

91

$750

4

LG DLGY1902WE

91

$650

5

LG DLGX9001V

90

$1,710

6

LG DLGX3701W

89

$990

7

LG DLG7101W

87

$810

8

LG DLGX5001V

87

$1,440

9

LG DLGX8101V

87

$1,440

10 Maytag MGDB955FW

87

$1,260

11 Kenmore Elite 71632

87

$1,250

12 LG DLGX3901W

86

$1,000

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5 0

! 0

Samsung 13 DV42H5600GW (Lowe’s)

86

$1,000

! 0

14 Kenmore Elite 71552

85

$950

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

16

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0

0 5 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0

0

0 0

0

9

0

7.3

0

7.3

0

9

0

7.4 7.3

0

0

7.4

0

9

0

0

9.2

0

0

9.2

0

0

7.4

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5

0

0

7.5

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

0

0

7.3

Features

Steam option

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

Stainless-steel drum

Noise

Convenience

Test Results Drying performance

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Survey Results

Rank

Recommended

Price

0

8.8

0

0

7.4

0

0

7.4

0

7.3

GAS DRYERS Continued

! 0

15 Maytag MGDB855DW

85

$990

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5

! 0

Whirlpool 16 WGD92HEFW

85

$830

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5

17 LG DLGX4371W

84

$1,170

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

18 Kenmore 91392

84

$800

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5

LG Signature 19 DLGX9501K

84

$1,900

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

0

9 7.4

20 Maytag MGD3500FW

83

$1,310

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

0

21 Maytag MGD5500FW

83

$960

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

0

7.4

0

0

7.4

0

7.4

22 Kenmore Elite 91582

83

$1,050

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

23 Kenmore 91182

83

$700

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4

$1,600

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

0

0

7.5

0

7.4

83

24 LG DLGX5006K

7.3

Samsung 25 DV50K7500GW

82

$1,100

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4

0

26 Kenmore Elite 91782

82

$1,150

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

0

27 Kenmore 79132

81

$1,000

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4

0

8.8

81

$1,100

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4

0

8.8

80

$1,080

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

0

0

7.5

80

$1,050

2 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4

0

0

7

$700

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4

0

7.4

79

$810

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

0

7

79

$900

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

28 29 30 31 32 33

1

0

Whirlpool WGD8500DW Samsung DV45K6500GW Fisher & Paykel AeroCare DG7027P2 Samsung DVG50M7450W Whirlpool WGD7300DW Whirlpool WGD7500GW

80

7.4

34 Kenmore 77132

79

$830

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

0

Whirlpool 35 WGD8700EC Samsung 36 DVG54M8750V

79

$1,345

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5

0

8.8

79

$1,260

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

0

7.4

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

0

7

17

CL O T HE S DR Y ERS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Overall Score

Test Results

Features

38 GE GFD48GSSKWW

$1,195

0

8.3

39 Kenmore Elite 91982

78

$1,100

0 3 2 0 0 4 4 0 0 5 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 4 0

0 0

0

9

Miele TWI180WP

84

$1,900

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5

0

4.1

77

$900

0

4.0

77

$990

− − 4 0 0 5 0 4 − − 0 4 5 0 0 4

0

4.0

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

7.4

79

Noise

0

Convenience

0

Drying performance

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

Owner satisfaction

$850

Predicted reliability

Steam option

Survey Results

Stainless-steel drum

Price

Rank

Recommended

Brand & Model

GAS DRYERS Continued Samsung 37 DVG52M8650W

79

COMPACT DRYERS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

Samsung DV22K6800EW Samsung DVE22N6850X

4

GE DCVH480EKWW

72

$995

4.0

LG DLEC888W

71

$855

0 1 3 0 0 4 5 0 0 4 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 4 0

0

5

0

4.2

Bosch 800 Series WTG86402UC Fisher & Paykel DE4024P1 Whirlpool WHD5090GW Electrolux EFDE210TIW

70

$1,315

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

0

4.0

58

$920

− − 0 3 0 4 0 2

0

4

55

$900

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 3

0

53

$900

− − 0 2 4 0 0 3 − − 2 0 0 4 3 0

0

4.0

0

4.0

6 7 8 9

10 Kenmore 81942 HOW WE TEST: Drying Performance combines performance on three types of laundry loads of different sizes and fabric mixes: A 12-lb. load, predominantly cotton (6-lb. mixed loads for compact models); an 8-lb. load of cotton/polyester-blend clothing; and a 3-lb. load of synthetic delicates, such as women’s pajamas, slips, and underwear. Convenience is judged on controls and ergonomics, such as ease

18

51

$975

of loading and unloading, servicing the lint filter. Noise level is determined by a panel of judges who listen while the machines dry an 8-pound load, judging both sound quality and volume. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines performance test results with survey data for combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

0

4.3

purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the clothes dryer they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

COOK T OP S

QUI CK GUIDE

Cooktops Cooktops can be installed wherever counter space allows—including on an island. Gas and conventional smoothtop electric cooktops dominate the category, but prices are dropping for electric induction. What to Look For

What to Skip

All the models we test have at least one highpowered gas burner or electric element, necessary for quick heating. If you have a choice in fuel and want the visual feedback of a flame, a gas cooktop is for you; on the other hand, a smoothtop electric makes for easier cleaning. Induction speeds heating, thanks to an electromagnetic field that directly heats pans.

BUYING ADVICE

Buying by Btu. Short for “British thermal unit,” the measurement indicates gas used and heat generated— and doesn’t guarantee better or faster cooking.

Many 30-inch cooktops now have five burners, rather than four, but know that using all five at once often requires some maneuvering.

What You’ll Pay A cooktop and wall oven can cost $2,000 or more; some top-rated ranges sell for less than half that.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/cooktops.

Tested products in performance order.

0 5 5 0 3 0 3 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 3 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0

No. of highpower burners No. of mediumpower burners No. of lowpower burners

Low heat

Rank

Survey Test Results Results Features

High heat

Rec.

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

1

Price

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Brand & Model

30-INCH GAS COOKTOPS

$ 0 1

Samsung NA30N7755TS

92

$1,600

2

Samsung NA30N6555TS

91

$1,260

3

Monogram ZGU30RSLSS

84

$1,730

4

KitchenAid KCGS350ESS

79

$1,080

5

Ikea Framtid 602.887.01 [ICS655DS]

78

$530

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

0 5 5 0 3 0 3 0

2

2

1

2

2

1

2

3

0

1

3

1

– – 0 3 0 5

1

3

1

19

Rank

No. of highpower burners No. of mediumpower burners No. of lowpower burners

Rec.

Low heat

Survey Test Results Results Features Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Price

High heat

Overall Score

Brand & Model

! 0

6

GE Profile PGP7030SLSS

77

$1,170

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5

2

2

1

! 0

7

Bosch 800 Series NGM8056UC

76

$1,370

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5

1

2

2

0 ! ! 0

8

Café CGP9530SLSS

72

$1,530 $900

2

1

66

$880

2

1

1

11 Kenmore 32683

61

$1,200

2

2

1

12 Electrolux EW30GC60PS

54

$1,300

2

2

1

13 KitchenAid KCGS950ESS

54

$1,440

1

3

1

14 Maytag MGC7430DS

45

$700

2

1

1

15 KitchenAid KCGD500GSS 41

$1,800

2

1

1

38

$700

0 4 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 1 0

2

10 GE JGP3530SLSS

0 4 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0

1

72

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

2

GE JGP5030SLSS

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

2

9

1

3

1

0 5 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

0 5 5 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0

2

2

1

3

2

0

2

2

1

2

2

1

2

2

1

2

2

1

2

1

30-INCH GAS COOKTOPS Continued

16 Whirlpool WCG77US0HS

36-INCH GAS COOKTOPS

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0

1

Samsung NA36N7755TS

92

$1,700

2

Thermador SGSX365FS

82

$1,900

3

Kenmore 32713

77

$1,605

4

GE Profile PGP9036SLSS

74

$1,400

5

Maytag MGC9536DS

74

$900

6

Café CGP9536SLSS

72

$1,630

7

Frigidaire Gallery FGGC3645QS

71

$800

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4

2

8

Viking VGSU53616BSS

71

$2,320

2

1

Wolf CG365P/S

67

$2,000

0 3 2 0 0 4 0 5 3 0 0 5 4 0 0 3

3

9

2

3

0

Frigidaire Professional 10 FPGC3677RS

63

$1,100

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3

2

2

1

11 Miele KM3474GSS

53

$1,750

0

$1,600

4

0

1

13 KitchenAid KCGS556ESS

47

$1,260

1

2

2

14 LG LCG3611ST

46

$1,080

0 3 3 0 2 0 1 0

2

52

0 1 1 0 3 0 3 0

3

12 Jenn-Air JGC3536GS

2

2

1

$2,215

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 1

3

2

1

0 3 3 0 3 0 4 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 4 0

36-INCH GAS RANGETOPS 1

20

Kenmore Pro Slide-in 34913

49

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

GE JP5030SJSS

93

$900

2

GE Profile PP9030SJSS

93

$1,350

3

KitchenAid KECC604BBL

91

! 0

4

Samsung NZ30K7570RG/AA

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0 $ 0

5 6

No. of highpower elements No. of mediumpower elements No. of lowpower elements

Rank

1

Low heat

Rec.

0 ! ! 0 ! 0

High heat

Survey Test Results Results Features Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Price

30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOPS 1

0

3

2

2

1

$900

0 3 4 0 0 5 0 5 4 0 0 3 5 0 0 5 3 0 0 3 0 5 5 0

2

0

2

91

$1,250

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

1

3

1

Kenmore Turbo-boil 45313

89

$1,385

3

$1,620

2

0

2

7

Whirlpool WCE97US0HB

87

$1,035

2

1

1

8

GE JP3030SJSS

86

$650

2

0

2

9

Whirlpool G7CE3034XP

85

$700

2

0

2

10 Frigidaire FFEC3024LB

83

$400

2

0

2

11 Maytag MEC8830HB

80

$765

1

2

1

12 Jenn-Air JEC4430BS

75

$1,600

2

0

2

13 GE JP3530SJSS

73

$880

2

1

1

14 Amana AEC6540KFB

66

$500

1

1

2

15 Whirlpool WCE55US0HB

65

$650

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

0

89

0 3 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

2

KitchenAid KCED600GSS

1

1

2

0 3 3 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 2 0

0 5 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

36-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOPS

! 0

1

Samsung NZ36K7570RG/AA

91

$1,400

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

2

2

1

! 0

2

LG LCE3610SB

90

$1,000

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

2

1

1

3

Bosch Benchmark Series NETP668SUC

86

$1,350

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5

1

3

1

0 4 3 0 1 0 4 0

0 5 4 0 5 0 3 0

2

1

2

2

0

2

2

1

2

2

2

1

! 0 ! 0

4

GE JP5036DJBB

85

$900

5

Whirlpool WCE55US6HB

79

$630

6

Jenn-Air JED4536GS

77

7

$2,200

65

GE PP7036SJSS

$1,170

0 3 2 0 2 0 3 0

0 4 4 0 5 0 4 0

30-INCH ELECTRIC INDUCTION COOKTOPS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

1

2

POOR

Samsung NZ30K7880UG/AA Dacor Modernist DTI30M977BB

97

$2,000

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

3

1

0

96

$3,230

− − 0 5 0 5

3

1

0

Kenmore 43820

95

$1,820

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

3

1

0

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

21

COOK T OP S

Overall Score

Brand & Model

No. of highpower elements No. of mediumpower elements No. of lowpower elements

Low heat

Survey Test Results Results Features Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Price

High heat

Overall Score

Brand & Model

30-INCH ELECTRIC INDUCTION COOKTOPS Continued 94

$1,450

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

3

1

0

! 0

4

Kenmore 43800

$ 0

5

Frigidaire FFIC3026TB

93

$700

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5

2

2

0

6

Whirlpool GCI3061XB

92

$1,350

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5

2

0

2

7

Viking MVIC 6304BBG

82

$2,580

− − 0 5 0 5

3

1

0

1

Bosch Benchmark Series NITP668SUC

98

$2,900

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5

5

0

0

$2,250

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

4

1

0

! 0

36-INCH ELECTRIC INDUCTION COOKTOPS

! 0 ! 0

2

Samsung NZ36K7880UG

96

! 0

3

Wolf CI365T/S

95

$2,670

3 0 0 5 0 5 0 5

3

2

0

$1,650

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5

4

1

0

! 0

4

Frigidaire FPIC3677RF

94

$ 0

5

Frigidaire FFIC3626TB

93

$950

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5

3

2

0

6

Thermador CIT36XKB

84

$5,300

2 0 0 5 0 5 0 5

2

1

1

7

Jenn-Air JIC4536XS

73

$2,100

1 0 0 2 0 4 0 5

5

0

0

HOW WE TEST: High Heat reflects how quickly the highest-powered burner or element heats a large pot of water to near-boiling. Low Heat reflects how well the lowest-powered burner or element holds a low heat, and how the most powerful element, set to low, holds tomato sauce below a boil.

22

Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years.

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the cooktop they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

D I SH WA SHERS

QUI CK GUIDE

Dishwashers New dishwashers use far less energy and water than they did a decade ago, though cycle times can now exceed three hours. The models we recommend aced our washing tests and are relatively quiet. What to Look For

What to Skip

Soil

Drawer

sensors gauge how dirty the load is and determine the right amount of time and water needed to get everything clean, improving efficiency. An adjustable upper rack allows for flexibility when loading dishes. A rinse and hold option can help prevent soil from setting and keep odors under control while you wait for a full load.

BUYING ADVICE

models, which are more expensive and tend to use more energy and water than standard models.

Generally, the three basic wash cycles— light, normal, and heavy— suffice for most dishwashing needs, even baked-on food.

What You’ll Pay A dishwasher with special wash zones, an LED-lit tub, digital displays, and special grime-fighting cycles can cost $1,000 or more. For models with fewer features, sparkling performance starts at around $600.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/dishwashers.

Tested products in performance order.

! 0

4

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

88

$630

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

95 SS/P

85

$770

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

150

SS

84

$1,800

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

155

SS

84

$675

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

150 SS/P

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

Self-cleaning filter

3

Interior material

! 0

Features Cycle time (min.)

2

Noise

! 0

Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR75UC Bosch 300 DLX Series SHS863WD5N Thermador DWHD660WFP Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N

Energy use

Rank

1

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing

Recommended

$ 0

Survey Test Results Price Results

Drying

Overall Score

Brand & Model

23

155

SS

6

83

$700

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

125

SS

! 0

7

83

$2,300

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

150

SS

! 0

8

82

$1,600

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

150

SS

! 0

9

82

$1,150

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

150

SS

! 0

10

82

$1,080

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

150

SS

! 0

11

82

$765

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

155

SS

$ 0

12

81

$570

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

115

P

$ 0

13

81

$380

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

115

P

14 Kenmore 14573

80

$730

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

145

SS SS

Noise

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

Energy use

Interior material

! 0

Bosch Benchmark SHX89PW55N KitchenAid KDTM354DSS Thermador DWHD770WFM Bosch Benchmark SHX88PZ55N Bosch 800 Series SHPM78ZO5N Miele Classic Plus G4977SCVISF Bosch 300 Series SHEM63W55N Whirlpool WDF540PADM Ikea Renlig IUD7070DS [288921]

Drying

$1,700

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing

Cycle time (min.)

5

Features

84

Rank

Recommended

! 0

24

Survey Test Results Price Results

15 Kenmore 14543

80

$750

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

145

Bosch 800 Series 16 SHPM78W55N KitchenAid 17 KDTM704ESS Miele Futura 18 Crystal G6665SCVISF

79

$900

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

160

SS

79

$1,710

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

110

SS

78

$1,800

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

140

SS

19 Kenmore 14523

78

$700

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

150

SS

Bosch 800 Series 20 SHXM98W75N KitchenAid 21 KDTM404ESS

78

$1,125

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

160

SS

78

$1,100

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

110

SS

22 Kenmore Elite 14793

77

$1,100

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

145

SS SS

GE Profile 23 PDF820SSJSS

76

$1,030

4 0 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

150

24 Kenmore Elite 14753

76

$980

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

145

SS

Miele Dimension 25 G6785SCVISF Bosch 500 Series 26 SHPM65W55N

76

$2,000

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

145

SS

76

$855

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

160

SS

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Self-cleaning filter

Overall Score

Brand & Model

0

0

0

Interior material

75

$1,410

4 0 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

155

SS

29 Café CDT845P2NS1

75

$1,100

4 0 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

155

SS

30 Bertazzoni DW24XT

75

$1,080

− − 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

135

SS

31 Kenmore 13473

75

$530

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

160

P

74

$800

− − 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

130

SS

74

$810

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

135

SS

74

$750

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

135

SS

74

$965

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

135

SS SS

33 34 35

Thor Kitchen HDW2401SS KitchenAid KDPE204GPS KitchenAid KDPE234GPS KitchenAid KDTE304GPS

36 Kucht K6502D

74

$825

− − 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

140

Whirlpool 37 WDT730PAHZ

73

$630

5 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

140 SS/P

38 LG LDT7808BM

71

$1,125

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

145

SS

Whirlpool 39 WDF330PAHS Whirlpool 40 WDT970SAHZ Maytag 41 MDB4949SHZ

71

$500

5 0 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

110

P

71

$600

5 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

145

SS

71

$550

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4

155

SS

HOW WE TEST: Washing is assessed by running the Normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load of dishes with baked-on food. Drying performance is our assessment of how thoroughly a model dries plastic cups, the most stubborn in any load. Energy Use is energy and water use for our test cycle. A panel of testers judge Noise levels by listening to each machine through its entire cycle. Cycle

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

Time (min.), rounded to the nearest 5 minutes, is based on running the Normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load. Under Features, in Interior Materials, SS= stainless steel, P=plastic. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly pur-

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

Self-cleaning filter

Cycle time (min.)

SS

Noise

160

Energy use

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

Drying

$600

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing

75

GE Profile 28 PDT855SSJSS

Rank

Recommended

Features

27 Kenmore 13223

32

1

Survey Test Results Price Results

0

chased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the dishwasher they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brandlevel rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

25

D I SH WA SHERS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

QUI CK GUIDE

Gas Grills You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a grill that will consistently deliver great-tasting food. In fact, many midpriced grills now have side burners and other helpful perks once found exclusively on high-end models. What to Look For Burners

made of highquality stainless steel, cast iron, or cast brass, which usually carry a warranty of 10 years or longer. Stainless-steel and coated cast-iron grates for sturdiness and rust-resistance. A battery-powered electronic igniter.

pre-heating or better searing and cooking.

BUYING ADVICE

What You’ll Pay

You might not need as big a grill as you think: We found large grills can typically fit 28 or more 4-inch burgers at once. Medium models fit 18 to 28.

Plan on $300 to $700 for a grill that can handle most of your cooking needs. Several midsize grills that cost less than $600 outperformed models that cost hundreds of dollars more.

What to Skip Buying

by Btu. This measure alone doesn’t guarantee faster

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/gas-grills.

Tested products in performance order.

Sturdiness

Test Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Preheat performance Evenness performance Indirect cooking Temperature range

Rank

Rec.

Survey Price Results

Convenience

Overall Score

Brand & Model

MIDSIZE GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 18 TO 28 BURGERS)

! 0

1

Weber Genesis II E-310

! 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

Weber Genesis II S-335 61006001 Weber Genesis II E-330 61012001 Weber Genesis II SE-335 61016201

! 0

5

Weber Summit S-470

26

77

$700

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 40 5

76

$1,050

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 50 5

75

$900

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 50 5

75

$1,000

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

75

$2,150

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 40 5

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Sturdiness

Convenience

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Preheat performance Evenness performance Indirect cooking Temperature range

Rank

Rec.

Test Results

MIDSIZE GAS GRILLS Continued

! 0

6

$ 0

7

! 0

8

Weber Spirit II S-310 45000001 Even Embers GAS8560AS Nexgrill Deluxe 7200896B (Home Depot) Nexgrill 720-0896C (Home Depot)

! 0

9

! 0

10 3 Embers GAS7480BS Napoleon Prestige 11 P500RSIB

! 0

74

$500

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 40 5

74

$375

− − 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 40 3

73

$400

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 50 3

73

$700

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 50 5

72

$650

− − 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 30 5

72

$1,400

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 40 5

LARGE GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 28 OR MORE BURGERS)

0 $ ! 0 ! 0

1

Monument Grills 77352

79

$500

2

Weber Summit E-670

79

$2,500

3

Weber Genesis II E-410

76

$1,000

− − 0 5 5 0 0 4 0 5 4 00 3 0 5 5 0 0 4 0 4 4 0 0 5 0 55 0 5 0 0 5 3 0 0 5 0 4 4 0 0 40 5

! 0

4

76

$1,250

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 50 5

! 0

5

76

$2,050

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 30 5

Weber Genesis II S-435 62006001 Napoleon LEX730RSBIPSS

SMALL GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 18 OR FEWER BURGERS)

! 0

1

Weber Spirit II E-210 44020001

HOW WE TEST: To measure Evenness Performance, we use thermocouples to map the evenness of heating over the grill’s surface at the highest and lowest setting using all main burners—plus the evenness after a 10-minute preheat. Preheat Performance evaluates the temperature after a 10-minute preheat, giving an indication of how quickly the grill reaches its maximum temperature. Temperature Range reflects how wide a temperature span the grill offers,

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

70

$400

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 40 5

comparing temperatures at the high and low setting using all main burners. Indirect Cooking indicates grill temperature when only one or two of the burners are on, to represent a cooking task where the food is placed between or alongside the direct flame. Convenience includes grate material, wheels or casters for moving the grill, and useful features such as electronic igniter. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the gas grill they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

27

G A S GR IL L S

Survey Price Results

Overall Score

Brand & Model

QUI CK GUIDE

Generators The best portable generators cost about $1,000 and can power your fridge and other essentials. Larger home standby models can power central A/C and more—and start automatically if the power goes out. What to Look For Enough

wattage for your needs. Plan on at least 5,000 watts to cover the basics; 10,000 watts or more for central A/C, an electric range, and a washer/dryer. All stationary units have a propane or naturalgas hookup, which saves the storage and potential sourcing hassles of gasoline. Automatic low-oil shutoff, which protects the engine from internal damage. For portables, look for life-saving safety features like a carbon monoxide shut-off.

Choose a generator that complies with PGMA G300 or UL 2201 safety standards, marked on the packaging.

What to Skip Disregard big surge claims; the best units can handle the extra watts that some appliances draw when they cycle on.

What You’ll Pay A portable unit with 5,000 to 8,000 watts will run $600 to $1,500; stationary units start at $2,000 and can cost well above $3,500 (plus installation).

BUYING ADVICE Factor in an extra $500 to $900 to have a transfer/ interlock switch, which will safely connect the generator to your circuit breaker. Always operate a generator 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away. For more buying advice, go to CR.org/generators.

Tested products in performance order. Price

Test Results

gas

0

77

$1,050

5 0 0 z 0 2 0 4 0 5

8000

gas

0

73

$1,000

5 0 0 x 0 2 0 4 0 5

8000

gas

0

Electric start Fuel gauge

7000

CO safety technology

5 0 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 5

Ease of use

$1,150

Noise

78

Power quality

Fuel type

Features Claimed output (watts)

Power delivery

Overall Score

Rank

Rec.

Brand & Model

PORTABLE GENERATORS

! 0

1

! 0

2

Ryobi RY907022F DeWalt PMC168000

! 0

3

Generac 7675

28

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

0

Test Results

gas

65

$700

3 0 0 z 0 2 0 4 0 5

6250

gas

65

$1,000

5 0 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 b

7000

gas

64

$600

3 0 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 5

5000

gas

63

$1,000

5 0 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 b

7000

gas

0

60

$1,000

5 0 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 b

7000

gas

0

57

$1,600

5 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 b

6600

gas

57

$1,550

5 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 b

6000

gas

Electric start Fuel gauge

8000

CO safety technology

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 b

Ease of use

$1,380

Noise

73

Power quality

Fuel type

Features Claimed output (watts)

Power delivery

Price

Rank

Rec.

Overall Score

PORTABLE GENERATORS Continued Generac 4 XT8000EFI Champion 5 100592 Ryobi 6 RY907000FI Craftsman 7 030731 Generac 8 RS7000E DeWalt 9 DXGNR7000 NorthStar 10 165603 Yamaha 11 EF7200DE

0

0

0 0

0

0

0

LARGE HOME GENERATORS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

! 0

5

NA NG 10000 LPG 11000 NA NG 11000 LPG 12500 NA NG 12000 LPG 14000 NA NG 13000 LPG 13000

LPG/ NG LPG/ NG LPG/ NG LPG/ NG

Generac 7031

93

$3,100

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5

Champion 100179 Kohler 14RESAL Cummins RS13A Briggs & Stratton 040546

93

$3,000

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5

93

$3,700

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5

91

$3,400

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5

90

$3,600

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 4

NA

NG 10800 LPG/ LPG 12000 NG

0

0 0 0 0

SMALL HOME GENERATORS Champion 100174 Generac Guardian 7030

94

$2,350

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5

NA

NG 7500 LPG/ LPG 8500 NG

0

92

$2,600

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5

NA

NG 8100 LPG/ LPG 9,000 NG

0

3

Winco PSS8B

92

$4,400

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5

NA

4

Kohler 8RESV 90

$2,400

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5

5

Briggs & Stratton 040445

$2,400

5 0 0 2 0 2 0 4

$ 0

1

! 0

2

! 0 ! 0

1

2

POOR

3

4

73

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

NG 7600 LPG/ LPG 8400 NG LPG/ NA NG 7000 LPG 8,000 NG NA

NG 7200 LPG/ LPG 8000 NG

0 0

0

29

GENER AT ORS

Brand & Model

Price

Test Results

gas

0

0

53

$3,600

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 b

5500

gas

0

0

34

$1,400

1 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 b

5000

gas

Electric start Fuel gauge

5500

CO safety technology

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 b

Ease of use

$4,000

Noise

68

Power quality

Fuel type

Features Claimed output (watts)

Power delivery

Overall Score

Rank

Rec.

Brand & Model

LARGE INVERTERS (220 VOLTS) 1 2 3

Honda EU7000is Yamaha EF6300ISDE Briggs & Stratton Q6500

0

MID-SIZED INVERTERS (110 VOLTS) 1 2 3 4

Honda EU3000is Predator 3500 Champion 100261 Honda EG2800i

77

$2,000

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 b

2800

gas

0

75

$770

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 b

3000

gas

0

72

$1,050

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 b

3100

gas

0

69

$1,000

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 b

2500

gas

0

0

RECREATIONAL INVERTERS (UNDER 2000 WATTS) 1 2 3 4 5 6

Yamaha EF2000isV2 Predator 62523 Honeywell 6066 Briggs & Stratton 030651 Ryobi RYI2300BT Champion 73536i

63

$900

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 b

1600

gas

0

63

$500

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 b

1600

gas

0

63

$600

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 b

2000

gas

62

$650

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 b

1700

gas

61

$600

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 b

1800

gas

61

$450

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 b

1700

gas

HOW WE TEST: Power Delivery indicates how much wattage models deliver and how well they handle surges in power demand over various loads. Power Quality evaluates a generator’s ability to deliver power smoothly, with consistent voltage. Noise is measured at 23 and 50 feet

30

from the generator. Ease of Use includes starting, transport (for portables), and helpful features such as fuel shutoff. Under Claimed Output (watts) and Fuel Type, LPG=propane and NG=natural gas. Price is approximate retail. Note: Portables have a run time of about 7 to 12 hours on a tank

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

0

of gas; stationary models run on natural gas indefinitely. CO safety technology is the ability of the generator to shut down in the presence of carbon monoxide in an enclosed space. Overall Score is based on the performance of the product in all of our tests.

L AW N MO W ERS

QUI CK GUIDE

Lawn Mowers Lawn size and slope should steer your decision. Most people opt for self-propelled gas mowers, which require regular upkeep and oil changes; self-propelled battery mowers require little more than blade sharpening. What to Look For If you have a small, level lawn, a less-expensive push mower will do the trick. If, on the other hand, your yard has hills, a selfpropelled mower (especially one with rear-wheel drive) will make the job easier. A blade-brake clutch, which stops the blade when you release the handlebar lever, allows the mower to safely idle while you, say, move a rock or empty the

BUYING ADVICE

grass clippings when bagging. A washout port that accepts a hose for easy deck cleaning.

We test how well each mower works in three cutting modes (mulching, bagging, and side-discharging). Find a model that earns high marks in your preferred mode.

What to Skip Larger engines don’t guarantee better mowing, and high rear wheels don’t always help with handling.

What You’ll Pay About $400 to $700 for gas self-propelled mowers; $350 to $600 for battery models; and about $300 for capable push gas mowers.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/mowers.

Tested products in performance order. Survey Price Results

Overall Score

! 0

2

Honda HRX217K6VKA

83

$600

5 0 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 3

! 0

3

Honda HRR216VYA

82

$500

5 0 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 4

! 0

4

Honda HRR216VLA

80

$500

5 0 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 4

$ 0

5

Honda HRR216VKA

79

$400

5 0 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 3

Noise at 25 ft.

5 0 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 3

Noise at ear

$850

Handling

86

Evenness

Honda HRX217K6HZA

Bagging

! 0

1

Mulching

Rank

Test Results

Recommended

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Side discharging

Brand/Model

GAS SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

31

Noise at 25 ft.

Noise at ear

Handling

Evenness

Bagging

Test Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Side discharging

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results

Mulching

Overall Score

Brand/Model

GAS SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS Continued Toro Super Recycler 20381 Toro Super Recycler 21381

73

$520

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 4

73

$550

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 3

Cub Cadet SC 700h

71

$550

Cub Cadet SC 900

70

$450

10 Honda HRS216K6 VKA

70

$400

0 4 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 5 0 5 4 0 0 2 0 4 3 0 0 4 NA 0 4 5 0 0 5 0 5 2 0 0 3 5 0 0 5 4 0 0 4 NA 5 0 0 4 0 3 4 0

! 0

Toro Recycler 11 SmartStow 20340

68

$400

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 3

! 0

12 Toro Recycler 20333

67

$400

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

67

$450

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

67

$650

2 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 2

66

$300

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 3

! 0

6

! 0

7

0 ! ! 0 ! 0

8 9

! 0

Toro PoweReverse 13 Recycler SmartStow 20355 Husqvarna 14 HU800AWDX/BBC 15 Toro Recycler 20332 GAS PUSH MOWERS

! 0 0 ! ! 0 $ 0

1

Honda HRR216PKA

75

$430

2

Cub Cadet SC100 H

70

$300

3

Troy-Bilt TB160 XP

69

$280

4

Troy-Bilt TB110

67

$220

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0

0 5 4 0 3 0 3 0

! 0

5

Toro Recycler SmartStow 21329

66

$300

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 2

6

Toro Recycler 21320

65

$270

7

Craftsman M110

62

$230

8

Remington RM110

60

$170

9

Lawn-Boy 17730

58

$240

0 3 3 0 5 0 3 0

Hyper Tough 10 961140035

44

$150

− − 2 0 NA NA 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5

11 Murray 11A-A2BF758

42

$190

2 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 4

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 2 4 0 4 0 4 0 0 4 4 0 2 0 3 0

0 5 4 0 4 0 4 0

0 4 3 0 3 0 2 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 4 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 5 0

0 2 2 0 2 0 2 0

0 4 4 0 0 5 0 4 0 3 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 5 0 2 4 NA 0 0 4 5 0 0 2 4 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 2 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 4 0 0 4 4 0 3 0 4 0

GAS WIDE-DECK SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS

0 $ ! 0

32

1

Troy-Bilt TB WC28

73

$850

2

Toro Timemaster 21199 73

$1,000

3

Troy-Bilt FLEX

47

$500

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

0 3 3 0 0 4 0 4 5 0 0 5 0 4 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 0 5 5 0 0 4 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 3 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 4 3 0 0 1 0 2

Mulching

Bagging

Evenness

Handling

Run time

Charge time

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Side discharging

Rank

Recommended

Test Results

0 4 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 4 0 1 0 4 0

BATTERY PUSH MOWERS

$ 0 0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

1

4

Ryobi RY40180

61

$300

0 5 3 0 0 4 3 0 0 5 3 0 − − 0 2 4 0 0 5 NA

5

Echo CLM-58V4AH

61

$520

− −

6

GreenWorks MO60L410 [Item# 725987] (Lowe’s)

61

$430

3 0 0 5 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 2

7

Troy-Bilt TB510

60

$500

8

Snapper 1687884

57

$500

− − 0 3 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 4 − − 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 4 5 0 0 3 4 0

9

GreenWorks 25302

56

$340

3 0 0 5

10 Stihl RMA 370

52

$690

1

EGO LM2101

71

$400

2

EGO LM2002

68

$400

3

Stihl RMA 510

67

$550

NA

NA

2 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 4

11 Husqvarna LE121P

52

$500

− − NA 0 2 2 0 0 2 5 0 0 2 0 4 − − 2 0 0 3 0 4 4 0 0 5 3 0 0 1

12 Neuton CEM6X4X

52

$400

2 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 1

Black+Decker 13 CM2060C Craftsman V60 14 CMCMW260P1

51

$400

2 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 1

50

$480

2 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 1

15 Oregon LM400-A6

48

$310

− − 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 2

Black+Decker 16 CM2045

48

$340

2 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 2

17 Makita XML02PT

47

$400

18 DeWalt DCMW290H1

47

$400

− − NA NA 0 2 2 0 0 5 3 0 0 4 − − 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 5 0 0 2 2 0

Black+Decker 19 CM2040

47

$330

2 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 2

20 Redback 106648

46

$450

21 DeWalt DCMW220P2

45

$400

Sun Joe 22 iON16LM-HYB

44

$350

− − 0 1 0 2 0 4 3 0 0 4 0 2 0 1 − − 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 5 0 0 2 0 1 NA − − 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 5 2 0 0 2

23 Earthwise 60420

43

$325

24 Sun Joe MJ401C-XR

41

$190

25 Worx WG779

38

$250

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

1 0 0 1 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 0 5 4 0 0 1 NA − − 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 5 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 3 NA 0 2 0 2 0 2 5 0 0 3 0 1

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

33

L AW N MO W ERS

Survey Price Results

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Charge time

Run time

Handling

Evenness

Bagging

Test Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Side discharging

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results

Mulching

Overall Score

Brand & Model

BATTERY SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS

! 0

1

EGO LM2142SP

$ 0

2

EGO LM2102SP

79

$550

3

Kobalt (Lowe’s) KMP 6080-06

71

$570

− − 4 0 0 4 0 3 4 0 0 5 0 5 0 3 − − 0 4 4 0 0 3 0 4 5 0 0 5 0 4 − − 0 2 0 3 3 0 0 4 0 5 5 0 0 3

4

Ryobi RY40LM10

62

$600

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 1

5

Troy-Bilt TB610

61

$600

− − 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

6

Ryobi RY40LM30

60

$450

3 0 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 1

7

GreenWorks MO80L510

59

$600

− − 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3

8

Ryobi RY40190

57

$400

3 0 0 5

! 0

HOW WE TEST: For Mulching we measure how well mowers can churn grass into clippings that recede into the surrounding lawn. For Bagging, we determine how easy it is to attach and remove the bag, then record the weight of a full bag. For Side discharging, we measure how evenly grass clippings are cut and dispersed through the discharge chute, favoring models that don’t leave big clumps of grass behind.

34

79

$750

Evenness is our measurement of how evenly the mower cuts. Handling is ease of using drive controls, pushing, pulling, U-turns, and other maneuvers. Engine Size (cc) is measured in cubic centimeters, unless otherwise specified. Price is approximate retail for mowers and attachments. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

NA

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 1

the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the lawn mower they bought. In cases where we have insufficient data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

L AW N T R A C T ORS

QUI CK GUIDE

Lawn Tractors Zero-turn-radius (ZTR) riding mowers have nimble levers for steering that provide handling and excellent maneuverability. Lawn tractors operate more like cars, offering more familiar steering. What to Look For

What to Skip

A washout port that accepts a hose for cleaning. A fuel gauge, or a clear fuel tank, that’s visible from the drivers’ seat. If storage space is tight, a more compact rear-engine rider might be the right fit. No matter which type of rider you choose, we prefer a high-back seat for added comfort and support.

Zero-turn-radius riders for steep slopes—they can be difficult to steer and stop.

BUYING ADVICE

If you’re torn between a tractor and a ZTR, consider a test drive. Some stores will let you rent a mower for the day.

What You’ll Pay Anywhere from $1,500 to more than $3,000 for tractors; $2,300-plus for many zero-turnradius mowers.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/tractors.

Tested products in performance order. Survey Results

Noise at 25 ft.

Noise at ear

Handling

Evenness

Bagging

Test Results

Mulching

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Recommended

Price

Side discharging

Overall Score

Brand & Model

LAWN TRACTORS

! 0

2

John Deere X350-42 John Deere S240-48

$2,600

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 2

! 0

3

John Deere E160

89

$2,300

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

$ 0

4

John Deere E130

86

$2,000

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 2

1

2

! 0

1

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

90

$3,200

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

89

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

35

Survey Results

Noise at 25 ft.

Noise at ear

Handling

Evenness

Bagging

Test Results

Mulching

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Recommended

Price

Side discharging

Overall Score

Brand & Model

LAWN TRACTORS Continued

$ 0 ! 0

5

John Deere E140

85

$2,000

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

6

Husqvarna TS 354X 80

$3,500

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

7

John Deere E110

78

$1,700

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

Cub Cadet XT2 SLX50 Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 50 XP

77

$2,500

2 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

76

$1,900

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

10 Craftsman 27055

75

$3,300

2 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

11 Craftsman 27042

75

$2,200

2 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

Cub Cadet XT1 12 LT46

73

$1,700

2 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

13 Craftsman 27040

72

$2,000

2 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

14 Craftsman T240

72

$2,000

2 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

Cub Cadet XT1 15 LT42 EFI Cub Cadet XT1 16 LT42

67

$1,750

2 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

66

$1,500

2 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

8 9

LAWN TRACTORS ZERO-TURN John Deere Z345R-42 Toro MyRIDE TimeCutter MX5075 74768 Toro TimeCutter SS4225 74726 John Deere Z335E-42 John Deere Z375R-54

85

$2,800

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

84

$4,000

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5

83

$2,500

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

83

$2,500

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

83

$3,500

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5

NA

5 0 0 5 0 1 0 1

! 0

1

! 0

2

$ 0

3

$ 0

4

! 0

5

! 0

6

John Deere Z355E

83

$2,900

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5

NA

5 0 0 5 0 1 0 2

! 0

7

Toro MX5000 74773 82

$3,000

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5

NA

5 0 0 5 0 1 0 1

! 0

8

Craftsman Z530

79

$2,700

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

9

Cub Cadet RZT SX 42

76

$3,000

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

! 0

36

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

NA

5 0 0 5 0 1 0 1

Noise at 25 ft.

Noise at ear

Bagging

$3,700

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 5

NA

5 0 0 5 0 1 0 1

74

$3,000

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 4

NA

5 0 0 4 0 1 0 1

68

$3,900

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 1

67

$2,700

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

14 Ryobi RY48ZTR75

66

$3,900

− − 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3

15 Husqvarna Z242F

65

$3,000

1 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

Cub Cadet RZT 16 L 34 Cub Cadet RZT S 17 Zero (Electric) Husqvarna Z254 18 [Item# 806317] (Lowe’s)

62

$2,300

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 1

61

$4,000

3 0 0 4 0 4

59

$3,000

1 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 1

Handling

Mulching

Evenness

Test Results Side discharging

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Survey Results

76

Rank

Recommended

Price

LAWN TRACTORS ZERO-TURN Continued

! 0

10 11 12 13

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2-50 Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 XP Ariens Zoom 42 915213

NA NA

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 5

REAR ENGINE RIDERS

! 0

1

Ryobi R48110 (Electric)

$ 0

2

Cub Cadet CC30 H

67

$1,300

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 2

3

Cub Cadet CC30

60

$1,200

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 2 0 2 0 2

HOW WE TEST: For Side discharging, we measure how evenly grass clippings are cut and dispersed through the discharge chute, favoring models that don’t leave big clumps of grass behind. We prioritize Mulching, our recommended method, and measure how well mowers can churn grass into clippings that readily recede into the surrounding lawn. For Bagging, we determine how easy it is to attach and remove the

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

71

$2,500

− − 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 2

bag, then record the weight of a full bag. Evenness is our measurement of how evenly the mower cuts. Handling is ease of using drive controls, making U-turns, and other maneuvers. Engine Power (hp) is measured in horsepower, unless otherwise specified. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the lawn tractor they bought. In cases where we have insufficient data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

37

L AW N T R A C T ORS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

QUI CK GUIDE

Mattresses Foam beds-in-a-box get a lot of attention, but traditional innerspring mattresses remain the biggest sellers. No matter which type you prefer, the key to comfort is support. What to Look For

What to Skip

Use

A

our ratings to select a mattress that scores Very Good or Excellent for your size and sleep position. Return windows can range from a couple of weeks to 120 days. Make sure the retailer offers a refund or credit toward another mattress, in case you aren’t totally happy with the one you selected.

BUYING ADVICE

layer of gel-infused foam, touted to provide a cooling effect, doesn’t guarantee cooler sleep.

If possible, lie on any mattress you’re considering, spending at least 10 to 15 minutes on each side, your back, and your stomach.

What You’ll Pay You’ll find a huge range of prices. But you don’t have to spend much more than $1,000 for a comfortable, supportive mattress—and you can certainly spend less.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/mattresses.

Tested products in performance order. Overall Score

Brand & Model

Price

Test Results

Firmness rating

Stabilization

Durability

Average back sleeper Large/tall back sleeper

Petite back sleeper

Average side sleeper Large/tall side sleeper

Petite side sleeper

Rank

Recommended

Support

INNERSPRING

! 0

1 Avocado Green

85

$1,400

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

7

! 0

Casper The Casper 2 Hybrid Ethan Allen EA 3 Signature Platinum Plush

84

$1,500

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

3

83

$2,100

5 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

5

! 0 38

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Price

M ATTRESSES

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Test Results

Firmness rating

Stabilization

Durability

Average back sleeper Large/tall back sleeper

Petite back sleeper

Average side sleeper Large/tall side sleeper

Petite side sleeper

Rank

Recommended

Support

INNERSPRING Continued

! 0

Charles P. Rogers 4 Powercore Estate 5000

80

$1,500

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

6

$ 0

Bob-O-Pedic Hybrid 79 5 20038999003

$900

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

5

! 0

Avocado Green 6 Mattress Pillowtop

79

$1,800

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

5

$ 0

Beautyrest Silver Open Seas 7 Luxury Firm 700600242-1050

79

$620

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

4

! 0

Sealy Posturepedic 8 Performance Copper II

78

$1,580

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3

4

$ 0

Beautyrest Silver 9 BRS900-TSS Medium 78 Firm Tight Top

$790

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

4

! 0

Sealy Posturepedic 10 Premium Silver Chill

77

$2,000

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

3

$ 0

Sealy Posturepedic 11 Lawson LTD Cushion Firm

77

$710

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

5

! 0

12 Voila Hybrid Medium 77

$1,200

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

6

! 0

Charles P. Rogers 13 Real Bed

77

$950

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

3

! 0

WinkBeds The 14 WinkBed Luxury Firm

77

$1,600

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

5

! 0

Serta iSeries Hybrid 15 500 14” Cushion Firm 76

$1,900

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

5

$ 0

Denver Mattress 16 Doctor’s Choice Plush

76

$580

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

3

$ 0

17 Allswell Luxe Hybrid 75

$585

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

7

! 0

Charles P. Rogers 18 St. Regis Pillowtop

75

$1,160

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

6

! 0

Sealy Posturepedic 19 Performance Lawson 75 Euro Pillowtop

$1,670

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

6

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

39

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Price

Test Results

Firmness rating

Stabilization

Durability

Average back sleeper Large/tall back sleeper

Petite back sleeper

Average side sleeper Large/tall side sleeper

Petite side sleeper

Rank

Recommended

Support

INNERSPRING Continued Bedgear M3 1.0 Medium Firm Serta Perfect Sleeper Select Carverdale Sealy Posturepedic Essentials Trust II Classic Brands Sleep Trends Davy Kingsdown Crown Imperial Empire Denver Mattress Doctor’s Choice Euro Top Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Copper Infused Thermic Phase Change Cooling Fabric Saatva Flagship Luxury Firm Eurotop Shifman Metropolitan Delancy Collection Ethan Allen EA Signature Firm Hampton & Rhodes Decker 10.5” Medium Hybrid Cushion Firm Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe

75

$2,000

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

5

75

$500

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

7

74

$1,100

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

4

74

$780

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

4

74

$1,800

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4

3

74

$750

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5

3

74

$1,300

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4

2

74

$1,100

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

3

74

$2,570

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5

3

74

$2,000

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4

7

73

$700

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3

3

73

$1,745

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

4

32 Purple 3

73

$2,200

33 Duxiana DUX 1001

73

$4,950

0 4 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 4 4 0 0 4 5 0 0 4 4 0 0 3 5 0 0 3

72

$3,500

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

4

72

$2,300

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

4

72

$2,500

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4

2

! 0

20

$ 0

21

! 0

22

$ 0

23

! 0

24

! 0

25

! 0

26

! 0

27

! 0

28

! 0

29

! 0

30

! 0

31

0 ! ! 0

Tempur-Pedic 34 Tempur-Flex Supreme Breeze Stearns & Foster 35 Lux Estate Cassatt Beautyrest Black 36 Mariela 40

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

3 4

Price

M ATTRESSES

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Test Results

Firmness rating

Stabilization

Durability

Average back sleeper Large/tall back sleeper

Petite back sleeper

Average side sleeper Large/tall side sleeper

Petite side sleeper

Rank

Recommended

Support

INNERSPRING Continued Tomorrow 37 SleepSystem

72

$990

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3

3

Sealy Posturepedic 38 Performance Kelburn II

72

$1,300

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

5

MacyBed by Serta 39 Elite 13 ” Luxury Firm

72

$900

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

3

Leesa Hybrid 40 Mattress

72

$1,595

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

3

Serta Perfect 41 Sleeper Hybrid Weyburn

71

$900

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

3

Serta Hotel Beds 42 Concierge Suite II

71

$1,100

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3

3

OrganicPedic by 43 OMI Stella

71

$2,000

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

4

44 Amore Beds Hybrid

71

$950

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

6

! 0

1 Essentia Stratami

81

$2,871

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

6

! 0

Reverie Dream 2 Supreme II Hybrid Sleep System Firm

81

$3,700

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

4

$ 0

Sleep on Latex Pure 3 Green Firm

81

$795

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

7

! 0

BedInABox 4 Tranquillium

79

$1,300

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

6

! 0

5 Tuft & Needle Mint

78

$895

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

4

$ 0

Novaform Serafina 6 Pearl Medium (Costco)

78

$800

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

5

$ 0

Serta Luxury 12 ” Gel 7 Memory Foam

78

$500

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

7

! 0

8 Lull The Lull

78

$800

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

6

! 0

9 GhostBed GhostBed

77

$895

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

7

! 0

Dream Bed Lux 10 LX510

77

$2,700

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

2

FOAM

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

! RECOMMENDED

41

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Price

Test Results

Firmness rating

Stabilization

Durability

Average back sleeper Large/tall back sleeper

Petite back sleeper

Average side sleeper Large/tall side sleeper

Petite side sleeper

Rank

Recommended

Support

FOAM Continued

$ 0

Sleep Innovations 11 Marley

77

$430

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

7

0 ! ! 0

12 GhostBed Luxe

77

$1,475

13 Serta SleepToGo

$800

0 4 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 4 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 5 4 0 0 4 5 0 0 3

4

76 76

$750

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

4

76

$395

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 2

6

76

$1,000

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

3

75

$1,400

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

3

74

$1,900

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

3

74

$900

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

6

74

$700

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

4

74

$330

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

5

74

$595

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4

5

74

$400

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

4

73

$230

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

7

Nest Bedding Love & Sleep Signature Sleep Gold Inspire Purple The Purple Mattress Sheex Performance Cooling Saatva Zenhaven Latex My Pillow 10 ” Mattress Ashley Sleep The Perfect 10 Spa Sensations by Zinus 12 ” Theratouch M-FMS-1200Q Tuft & Needle T&N Mattress Rivet M-MAT10000-QN-WHT Mainstays (Walmart) 12 Inch Memory Foam

5

! 0

14

! 0

15

! 0

16

! 0

17

! 0

18

! 0

19

! 0

20

$ 0

21

$ 0

22

! 0

23

! 0

24

0 ! ! 0

25 Nectar The Nectar

73

$795

73

$650

0 4 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 3 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 4 3 0 0 3 5 0 0 4

6

26 Tulo Medium

73

$3,700

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4

3

73

$555

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

7

! 0 ! 0

42

Reverie Dream Supreme II Hybrid 27 Sleep System Medium Dream Science by Martha Stewart 28 Collection 12 ” Memory Foam

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

3

Price

M ATTRESSES

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Test Results

Firmness rating

Stabilization

Durability

Average back sleeper Large/tall back sleeper

Petite back sleeper

Average side sleeper Large/tall side sleeper

Petite side sleeper

Rank

Recommended

Support

FOAM Continued

1

Serta Perfect 29 Sleeper 10 ” Brentwood Home 30 Sequoia Euro Top

72

$800

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

6

72

$1,150

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

5

31 Bear Queen OrganicPedic by 32 OMI Flora Nouveau Beautyrest 14” 33 SurfaceCool Gel Bob-O-Pedic 34 MyBob Gel Leesa The Leesa 35 Mattress Novosbed Memory 36 Foam Eight The Smart 37 Mattress

71

$850

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

6

71

$4,445

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4

4

71

$600

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 5

4

70

$1,100

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

2

70

$995

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

4

69

$1,100

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3

4

69

$1,050

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 4

5

38 Luxi The Luxi Soft Yogabed Luxury 39 Foam Y10 Reverie Dream 40 Supreme II Hybrid Sleep System Soft Ashley Sleep 41 Chime Elite M67431 Dromma Triple 42 Layer Zinus Green Tea 43 Pressure Relief Sleep Innovations 44 Taylor 12 inch Gel Swirl Pure Talalay Bliss 45 Nature Novaform Comfort 46 Grande (Costco) Wright 1.27 Luxury 47 Memory Foam AmazonBasics 48 Memory Foam 10-Inch

69

$1,300

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4

4

69

$850

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

6

69

$3,700

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 4

3

69

$440

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

5

69

$850

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4

4

69

$340

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4

6

68

$470

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3

6

68

$3,000

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5

4

68

$600

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4

6

68

$1,795

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4

4

68

$245

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2

2

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

43

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Price

Test Results

Firmness rating

Stabilization

Durability

Average back sleeper Large/tall back sleeper

Petite back sleeper

Average side sleeper Large/tall side sleeper

Petite side sleeper

Rank

Recommended

Support

FOAM Continued 49 Ikea Myrbacka

68

$500

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4

7

50 Puffy The Puffy

67

$1,150

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3

7

Eclipse Two-Sided 51 10 ” Firm

67

$350

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

4

52 Saatva Loom & Leaf

67

$1,300

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

4

67

$1,779

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3

4

65

$760

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 3

2

65

$1,200

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 4

3

81

$2,600

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

4

80

$1,000

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

7

70

$2,200

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

4

67

$3,200

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4

4

The Original 53 Mattress Factory Serenity Latex Classic Brands 54 Sleep Trends Sofia 55 Amerisleep AS3 ADJUSTABLE AIR

! 0

1

! 0

2 3 4

Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed Personal Comfort A8 Bed Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed

HOW WE TEST: Side Sleeper is the ability to keep a side sleeper’s spine relatively horizontal. Back Sleeper is the ability to maintain the natural curve of a back sleeper’s spine. In our support tests, we use a woman 4 feet 11½ inches to 5 feet 1½ inches, and 110 to 127.5 pounds for the Petite Sleeper scores, and a man

44

6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 4 inches and 220 to 242 pounds for the Large/Tall Sleeper scores. The Average Sleeper is an average of the other two. Durability gauges a mattress’ ability to keep its original shape, height, firmness, and support after a simulated eight to 10 years of use, including our passing a nearly 310-pound roller over each mattress 30,000 times.

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

A high score for Stabilization indicates little or no bouncing or vibration transferred. We rate Firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. Price is approximate retail for a queen-size mattress without a box spring. Overall Score is based on the performance of the product in all of our tests.

MICROWAVES

QUI CK GUIDE

Microwaves Whether you’ll set it on the kitchen counter, hide it in cabinetry, or install it over the range, start with a microwave that heats and defrosts evenly before considering specialty features and shortcuts. What to Look For

What You’ll Pay

A

Generally,

sensor helps prevent over- or under-cooking by measuring emitted steam to gauge when food is done.

What to Skip If

you mostly reheat food, you don’t need a raft of preprogrammed shortcut keys. Features like browning and grilling add versatility, but you shouldn’t expect a microwave to do either very well.

more affordable countertop models, which run between about $80 and $300, are best for kitchens with ample counter space. Be sure to check dimensions as you shop. Over-the-range microwaves can be had for $300 or less, though many cost upward of $400. These mounted appliances save space but don’t vent as well as a capable range hood.

BUYING ADVICE The higher the wattage, the higher the cooking power. But differences of 100 watts or so aren’t noticeable

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/microwaves

Tested products in performance order.

Venting (airflow)

Test Results Ease of use

Predicted reliability

Rank

Rec.

Survey Results

Price

Owner satisfaction Heating evenness Defrosting evenness Speed of heating Microwaving noise

Overall Score

Brand & Product

OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES 1

Whirlpool WMH53521H

83

$400

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

! 0

2

Whirlpool WMH75021HZ

82

$370

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

! 0

3

GE PVM9005SJSS

80

$425

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

! 0

4

Café CVM721M2NS5

79

$855

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3

5

Frigidaire Professional FPBM3077RF

79

$595

4 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

! 0

! 0 1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

45

Venting (airflow)

Test Results Ease of use

Survey Results Predicted reliability

Rank

Rec.

Price

Owner satisfaction Heating evenness Defrosting evenness Speed of heating Microwaving noise

Overall Score

Brand & Product

OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES Continued 6

GE JVM3160RFSS

79

$250

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

! 0

7

KitchenAid KMHS120ESS

79

$585

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3

! 0

8

LG LMH2235ST

78

$450

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

! 0

9

LG LMV2031ST

78

$350

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

! 0

10 Kenmore 83337

77

$405

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

! 0

Frigidaire Gallery 11 FGMV17WNVF

76

$380

4 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4

! 0

12 Kenmore Elite 80373

76

$745

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2

13 Frigidaire FFMV1645TD

73

$320

4 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3

Frigidaire Gallery 14 FGMV176NTD

73

$350

4 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4

15 Kenmore 80353

73

$535

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

$ 0

SMALL COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES 1

Avanti MO7191TW

65

$70

5 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 4

NA

MIDSIZED COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES LG NeoChef LMC1275SB Panasonic Genius Prestige NN-SD681S

84

$180

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

NA

80

$180

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5

NA

3

General GEW1000E

77

$310

− − 0 5 − 0 4 0 5 0 4

NA

4

Panasonic NN-SN686S

75

$175

3 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 3

NA NA

$ 0

1

$ 0

2

5 6 7 8 9

Summit SCM1000SS

74

$320

Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL Samsung MG11H2020CT Samsung MC12J8035CT

71

$250

− − 0 4 − 0 5 4 0 0 4 − − 4 0 0 2 4 0 0 4 4 0

70

$160

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

NA

69

$500

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

NA

Danby DMW111KBLDB

67

$90

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

NA

67

$105

− − 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3

NA

Westinghouse 10 WCM11100SSB

46

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

NA

Survey Results

79

$200

5 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

NA

GE JES2051SN[SS]

79

$250

8

78

$220

9

LG LMC1575

77

$200

10 Kenmore Elite 79393

76

$250

0 3 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

0 5 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

NA

Panasonic NN-SD745S

0 4 3 0 0 3 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 4 5 0 0 2 4 0 0 4 4 0

NA

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

1

Panasonic NN-SE785S

86

$290

2

Panasonic NN-SD975S

83

$250

3

GE Profile JES2251SJ

81

$280

4

Panasonic NN-SD945S

81

$215

5

Panasonic NN-SN966S

81

! 0

6

Farberware Smart Sensor Cooking FMO16AHTBSA

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

7

Venting (airflow)

Ease of use

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0

Rank

0 5 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0

NA

$250

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

Rec.

Owner satisfaction Heating evenness Defrosting evenness Speed of heating Microwaving noise

Test Results

Predicted reliability

Price

LARGE COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES

11 Panasonic NN-SN736B

76

$190

12 Toshiba EC042A5C-BS

72

$195

13 GE Profile PES7227SLSS

71

$350

0 3 5 0 3 0 3 0 5 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0

0 5 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 − − 0 4 0 3 3 0 0 3

0 4 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0

0 4 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0

NA NA NA NA

NA NA NA NA NA NA

BUILT-IN MICROWAVES 1

Sharp SMD3070AS

66

$1,100

2

Sharp Carousel R-1214

64

$380

HOW WE TEST: Heating Evenness reflects how evenly a model reheated a dish of cold mashed potatoes. Defrosting Evenness is based on how well the auto-defrost program defrosted a pound of frozen ground beef. Speed of Heating is based on the temperature rise of water heated. Microwaving Noise reflects how quiet the oven is while microwaving on high. Ease of Use includes how easy it is to set the microwave without referring to the instructions. Venting (airflow) is based on

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

the volume of air drawn in by the over-the-range model’s internal fan on the highest setting. Usable Capacity is the usable space based on our measurements and excludes the corner spaces for models with rotating turntables. Note that most OTR models allow you to turn off the rotation to fit large dishes. With the rotation off, measured capacity approximates claimed. But food might require extra tending and stirring. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

NA

for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the microwave they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

47

MICROWAVES

Overall Score

Brand & Product

QUI CK GUIDE

Ranges Electric smoothtop ranges remain the biggest sellers, but now, whether you’re renovating your kitchen or replacing an old model, you have more options than ever, including induction and double-oven ranges. What to Look For

What to Skip

Start with your power source—gas or electric. Dual-fuel ranges have an electric oven and gas cooktop burners, so they require a gas line and a 240-volt electric outlet. At least five oven-rack positions for flexibility when baking and roasting. For home cooks who host often, double ovens allow you to cook two dishes simultaneously, at different temperatures.

Shopping by Btu. Higher British thermal units don’t guarantee faster heating in our tests.

BUYING ADVICE

Generally, more expensive pro-style ranges aren’t the bestperforming models we test.

What You’ll Pay Anywhere from $700 to $3,000 for most ranges. You’ll find coil models for less than $700 and prostyle options that run more than $3,000.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/ranges.

Tested products in performance order. Survey Results

Self-cleaning

Oven capacity

Broiling

Baking

Test Results Cooktop low

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Price

Cooktop high

Overall Score

Brand & Model

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH)

0 ! $ 0

1

GE Profile PB911SJSS

85

$1,085

2

LG LRE3193ST

83

$1,000

0 3 5 0 0 5 5 0 0 4 4 0 0 5 0 5 4 0 0 3 5 0 0 5 4 0 0 5 5 0 NA

! 0

3

Frigidaire Gallery FGEF3036TD

81

$750

4 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5

0 ! ! 0

4

Kenmore Pro 92583

81

$2,250

5

LG LSE4613ST

81

$1,350

6

Samsung NE58F9500SS

80

$1,200

0 3 4 0 0 5 0 5 4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 4 0 0 3 5 0 0 5 0 4 5 0 0 5 0 3 3 0 0 3 0 5 5 0 0 4 0 5 5 0 0 4

48

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Survey Results

Cooktop low

Baking

Broiling

Oven capacity

Self-cleaning

Test Results

0 4 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0

0 4 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

0 4 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

0 5 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0

Cooktop high

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Price

R A NGE S

Overall Score

Brand & Model

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued 7

GE JS760SLSS

78

$1,100

8

GE JB655SKSS

77

$600

9

LG LRE3194BD

77

$750

10 Whirlpool WEE510S0FS

77

$1,080

11 Samsung NE59J7630SS

75

$900

12 Samsung NE59N6650SS

75

$1,000

13 GE Adora JB755BJTS

73

$860

0 3 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 4 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

14 Samsung NE59M4320SS 73

$650

15 Cafe CES700P2MS1

71

$1,600

16 Frigidaire FFEF3054TS

70

$675

17 GE JS645SLSS

70

$1,000

18 Electrolux EI30EF45QS

67

$2,205

19 Frigidaire FFEH3051VS

67

$1,000

20 Frigidaire FFEH3054US

67

$800

21 Whirlpool WFE515S0ES

67

$630

22 Frigidaire LGEF3046TF

66

$900

23 GE JBS60RKSS

66

$605

24 Maytag MER8800FZ

65

$900

25 Kenmore 95123

64

$1,300

26 Kenmore Elite 95223

64

$2,020

27 Samsung NE59M4310SS

63

$530

KitchenAid 28 KFEG500ESS

60

$1,250

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 1

29 Whirlpool WFE775H0HZ 60

$950

30 GE JB645RKSS

59

$630

0 2 5 0 0 4 5 0 0 3 3 0 0 5 0 1 5 0 0 3 5 0 0 3 2 0 0 3 5 0 0 5

Whirlpool 31 WFE320M0EW

59

$420

5 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 2 0 4

32 KitchenAid KSEB900ESS 58

$2,400

33 Whirlpool WFE975H0HV 58

$1,170

57

$550

34 Frigidaire FFEF3052TS

1

0 5 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

NA

0 4 5 0 4 0 NA

0 1 1 0 1 0 5 0

NA

0 2 3 0 0 4 0 5 3 0 0 5 0 4 0 1 5 0 0 2 5 0 0 3 0 4 4 0 0 5 0 1 4 0 0 2 0 4 4 0 0 2 0 3 3 0 NA 49

Survey Results

Self-cleaning

Oven capacity

Broiling

Baking

Test Results Cooktop low

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Price

Cooktop high

Overall Score

Brand & Model

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued 57

$1,200

36 Whirlpool WEE750H0HZ 55

$1,300

53

$800

35 Whirlpool WEE745H0FS

37 Whirlpool WFE520S0FS

0 2 5 0 0 4 0 3 3 0 0 5 0 5 0 1 5 0 0 2 4 0 0 3 0 4 4 0 0 5 0 1 5 0 0 2 0 5 5 0 0 3 0 2 4 0 0 3

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, DOUBLE OVEN (30-INCH)

0 ! ! 0

1

Whirlpool WGE745COFS 82

$1,200

2

Samsung NE58F9710WS

81

$1,600

3

LG LDE4415ST

79

$1,620

4

GE JB860SJSS

78

$1,350

5

LG LTE4815ST

78

$1,700

6

Samsung NE59J7850WS

78

$1,400

0 5 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0

0 2 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 5 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0

0 5 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

0 4 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0

7

Ikea Betrodd 602.885.60 72 [IES900DS]

$1,000

− − 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4

8

Maytag MET8800FZ

72

$1,620

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3

ELECTRIC INDUCTION 1

GE Profile PHS930SLSS

85

$2,435

2

Kenmore Elite 95073

83

$1,590

0 3 5 0 0 5 5 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 0 5 4 0 0 3 5 0 0 5 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 5

! 0

3

Frigidaire Gallery FGIF3036TF

82

$1,080

4 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5

! 0

4

LG LSE4617ST

81

$2,400

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3

5

Samsung NE58K9560WS/AA

79

$2,200

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3

6

Frigidaire FFIF3054TS

78

$1,000

4 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

! 0 0 !

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH)

! 0

1

Samsung NX58H9500WS

0 $ ! 0 $ 0 ! 0

2

Samsung NX58H5600SS 76

$680

3

LG LSD4913ST (dual-fuel) 75

$1,600

4

Samsung NX58K3310SS

75

$720

5

LG LRG4113ST

74

$1,170

0 5 4 0 5 0 4 0

! 0

6

Samsung Chef Collection 74 NX58M9960PS/AA

$4,000

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 2

! 0

7

Samsung NX58M9420SS 74

$1,200

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3

50

79

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

$1,600

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 4 0 5 0 4 0

0 3 4 0 3 0 4 0

0 5 4 0 5 0 5 0

0 4 4 0 4 0 4 0

0 4 5 0 3 0 3 0

0 0 5 3 5 0 0 2 5 NA 0 5 0 0 3

Survey Results

$1,000

0 5 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0

0 5 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

0 3 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

0 4 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0

Self-cleaning

73

Oven capacity

$1,300

LG LRG3193ST

Broiling

73

9

Baking

GE JGS760SELSS

Cooktop low

Rank

0 ! ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

8

Test Results Cooktop high

Rec.

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Price

R A NGE S

Overall Score

Brand & Model

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued

0 4 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

0 3 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

0 4 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0

3 0 NA

0 4 4 0 3 0

10 Samsung NX58M6630SS 73

$880

11 GE Profile PGS930SELSS 72

$2,340

12 GE PGB911ZEJSS

71

$1,500

13 LG LRG3061ST

70

$810

14 LG LSG4513ST

70

$1,600

! 0

Frigidaire Gallery 15 FGGF3036TDRF

69

$650

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

! 0

16 GE JGB700SEJSS

69

$750

17 Frigidaire FFGF3054TS

67

$720

18 GE JGB660SEJSS

67

$680

19 GE JGBS66EEKES

67

$675

0 4 4 0 4 0 4 0

Bosch HDI8054U 20 (dual-fuel)

66

$2,500

21 GE JGBS62REKSS

66

$675

22 GE JGSS66EELES

65

$1,260

23 GE JGBS30REKSS

64

$450

24 GE JGBS60DEKWW

64

$400

25 Frigidaire FFGH3051VS

63

$850

26 Frigidaire FFGH3054US

63

$995

0 4 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

Frigidaire Gallery 27 FGGF3047TF

61

$980

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4

28 Jenn-Air JGS1450FP

61

$3,000

Ikea Betrodd 29 002.885.58 [IGS505DS]

58

$800

− − 3 0 0 5 4 0 0 4 5 0 0 1 − − 0 3 4 0 0 4 2 0 0 4 4 0

30 Kenmore 74423

56

$530

31 Kenmore 75123

55

$1,515

0 3 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 NA 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 3 5 0 0 3 5 0 1 0

KitchenAid 32 KSGG700ESS

55

$1,890

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 1

33 Frigidaire FFGF3052TS

54

$500

34 Maytag MGR8800F

52

$990

35 Electrolux EI30GF45QS

51

$2,385

0 3 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 2 0 3 3 0 NA 3 0 0 3 3 0 0 3 5 0 0 2 0 5 1 0 − − 0 4 0 3 0 2 2 0 0 3 0 3

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 4 0 4 0 3 0

0 5 4 0 5 0 5 0

0 3 4 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0

NA

3 0

0 0 4 3 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 5 NA 0

3 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

0 5 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 NA 4 4 NA 0 4 NA 0 4 NA 0 3 NA 0 3 4 0 0

51

Survey Results

Self-cleaning

Oven capacity

Broiling

Baking

Test Results Cooktop low

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Price

Cooktop high

Overall Score

Brand & Model

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued KitchenAid 36 KFGG500ESS Bosch 800 Series 37 HGI8054UC

51

$1,215

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 1

50

$2,070

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 3 0 3

38 Kenmore Elite 42783

49

$3,500

39 Whirlpool WEG745H0FS 49

$1,300

40 Whirlpool WFG525S0HS 49

$765

0 3 3 0 0 3 0 1 4 0 0 5 0 5 0 1 3 0 0 3 3 0 0 3 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 1 3 0 0 3 0 3 4 0 0 4 0 2 4 0 0 4

48

$2,250

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 3

42 Whirlpool WFG745H0FS 48

$900

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 1

47

$1,500

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 1

44 Whirlpool WFG540H0ES 47

$1,000

45 Whirlpool WFG975H0HZ 47

$1,170

46 Kenmore 32673 Slide-in

$1,050

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

Frigidaire Professional 41 FPGH3077RF Whirlpool 43 WEG750H0HZ

46

47 Whirlpool WFG550S0HZ 46

$945

48 Kenmore Pro 72583

43

$2,000

49 Amana AGR6603SF

42

$600

50 Frigidaire FFGF3012TW

42

$485

51 Maytag MGR6600FZ

42

$650

52 Kenmore 75113

41

$1,050

0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0

0 3 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0

0 2 2 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 2 0

0 4 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 4 0

0 3 3 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 2 0

0 5 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

0 1 1 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 NA

0 3 5 0

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, DOUBLE OVEN (30-INCH) LG Signature 84 LUTD4919SN (dual-fuel) Samsung NY58J9850WS 80 (dual-fuel) Cafe C2S950P2MS1 76 (dual-fuel)

$3,240

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

$2,700

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3

$3,200

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

$2,130

$2,500

0 3 4 0 0 4 0 5 4 0 0 4 0 5 0 3 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 0 4 3 0 0 4 0 4 4 0 0 3 0 4 5 0 0 3 0 5 5 0 0 3

70

$1,400

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 2

63

$1,530

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 3

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

0 ! ! 0 ! 0

4

GE PGB980ZEJSS

76

5

LG LDG4315ST

76

$1,710

6

GE Profile PGS960SELSS 71

7

Samsung NX58M6850SG

8

GE JGB860SEJSS

! 0

52

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Survey Results

Self-cleaning

Oven capacity

Broiling

Baking

Cooktop low

Cooktop high

Test Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Price

R A NGE S

Overall Score

Brand & Model

PRO-STYLE GAS AND DUAL-FUEL (30-INCH)

! 0

1

! 0

2

KitchenAid KDRS407VSS 70 (dual-fuel) Monogram 68 ZGP304NRSS

3

Wolf DF304 (dual-fuel)

64

4

NXR DRGB3001

61

$1,700

5

Miele HR1124

59

$5,000

6

Thermador PRG304GH

58

$4,400

7

Wolf GR304

54

$4,900

8

Jenn-Air JGRP430WP

53

$4,000

$4,230

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4

$5,000

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3

$6,400

3 0 0 5 3 0 − − 0 3 − − 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 3

4 0 0 5 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

4 0 0 3 3 0 2 0 2 0 4 0

4 0 0 3 4 0 2 0 2 0 2 0

3 0 0 2 0 NA 3 4 0 0 4 3 NA 0 4 NA 0 3 0 0 4

PRO-STYLE GAS AND DUAL-FUEL (36-INCH)

! 0

1

! 0

2

KitchenAid KDRU763VSS 75 (dual-fuel) Monogram 74 ZDP364NDPSS (dual-fuel)

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

$8,100

4 0 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

3

Thermador PRG366JG

67

$7,700

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 1

4

Kucht Pro Style KRG3618U

66

$3,000

− − 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 NA

5

Wolf GR366

60

$6,000

6

NXR DRGB3602

59

$3,000

7

Viking VGR5366BSS

56

$6,400

3 0 0 5 3 0 5 0 0 3 0 2 0 5 − − 0 3 0 5 3 0 0 3 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 2 0 0 5

HOW WE TEST: Cooktop High reflects how quickly the most powerful element heated a large pot of water to near-boil. Cooktop Low is how well the lowest-powered element held a low heat, as for melting chocolate, and how well the most powerful element, set on low, held tomato sauce below a boil. Baking reflects even browning of cakes and cookies in multirack baking tests. Broiling is even browning

1

$7,300

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

of a pan of burgers and highheat searing. Oven Capacity is our evaluation of usable space. Self-Cleaning is that cycle’s effectiveness after the oven is coated with a mixture of eggs, lard, cheese, cherry pie filling, tomato puree, and tapioca. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

NA NA NA

likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the range they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brandlevel rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

53

QUI CK GUIDE

Refrigerators Refrigerator design continues to evolve, and new models often boast high-tech features. But no matter which type you choose, everyday performance still matters most—and that’s what our tests capture. What to Look For Temperature-controlled

drawers to keep meat, fish, and other food at lower temperatures. In French-door models, look for half or foldable shelves for storing taller items as needed. Adjustable door bins also allow for customization and flexibility.

What to Skip Our

tests found that the amount of usable

BUYING ADVICE

storage capacity is often less than the amount claimed. We measure the interior capacity of each model, which you’ll see in the ratings.

If you’re replacing your existing fridge (rather than remodeling), check each model’s width, height, and depth, and make sure you have room for the door to open fully.

What You’ll Pay Standard top-freezers start around $500. Side-by-sides start around $800, while Frenchdoor models are $1,000 and up. Built-ins can run beyond $10,000.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/refrigerators.

Tested products in performance order.

Exterior depth (in.)

Exterior width (in.)

Exterior height (in.)

Features

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

Test Results Temperature uniformity Thermostat control

Predicted reliability

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Brand & Model

TOP-FREEZERS

! 0

1

Frigidaire Gallery FGTR2037TF

0 ! ! 0

2

LG LTCS20220S

3

LG LTCS24223S

4

Samsung RT18M6215SG

! 0 54

$880

5 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 30 1

70 30 33

78

$900 $1,000

0 3 5 0 0 3 4 0 0 5 5 00 2 5 0 0 3 3 0 0 4 5 0 0 52 0

66 30 33

78 78

$800

− − 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 40 3

67 29 29

79

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

68 33 33

Exterior depth (in.)

Exterior width (in.)

Exterior height (in.)

Features

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

Test Results Temperature uniformity Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results

TOP-FREEZERS Continued Samsung RT21M6213SG Samsung RT21M6215SG Blomberg BRFT1522SS Frigidaire FFHT1832TS

78

$1,080

78

$900

76

68 33 32

$1,100

− − 0 3 0 4 5 0 0 40 3 − − 3 0 0 4 0 5 4 00 3 − − 0 4 5 0 0 4 0 42 0

75

$765

5 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 30 1

67 30 31

LG LTCS20120S

74

$810

5 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 50 2

67 30 34

Maytag MRT311FFFM Frigidaire FFTR1821TD Whirlpool WRT549SZDM Frigidaire Gallery FGTR1837TF Frigidaire FFTR2021TS Whirlpool WRT518SZFM

74

$900

5 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 30 2

66 33 31

73

$600

5 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 30 1

66 30 31

73

$810

5 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 40 1

66 30 33

72

$790

5 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 20 1

66 30 31

71

$600

5 0 0 1 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 30 1

69 30 33

71

$600

5 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 20 1

68 28 31

16 GE GTS21FSKSS

69

$700

4 0 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 30 1

67 32 32

Maytag 17 MRT711BZDM GE 18 GTE15CTHRWW

68

$990

5 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 40 1

66 33 32

67

$540

4 0 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 30 1

62 28 30

19 GE GTS18FSLSS

67

$680

4 0 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 30 1

66 33 32

Whirlpool 20 WRT511SZDM Frigidaire 21 FFHT1821TS

67

$900

5 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 40 1

66 33 32

66

$720

5 0 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 30 1

64 30 30

22 GE GTS18GSHSS

65

$675

4 0 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 30 1

68 28 29

! 0

5

! 0

6

! 0

7

! 0

8

! 0

9

! 0

10

$ 0

11

! 0

12

! 0

13

! 0

14

$ 0

15

68 33 32 68 28 26

BOTTOM-FREEZERS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

1

2

POOR

Kenmore Elite 79043 Kenmore Elite 79023

89

$1,300

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 50 3

70 33 33

89

$2,000

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 50 3

69 30 34

LG LDCS24223S

89

$1,300

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 50 3

69 33 33

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

55

REF R I GER AT ORS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Exterior depth (in.)

Exterior width (in.)

Exterior height (in.)

Features

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

Test Results Temperature uniformity Thermostat control

Predicted reliability

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Brand & Model

BOTTOM-FREEZERS Continued

$ 0

4

Kenmore 69313

85

$700

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 50 2

66 30 31

81

$1,170

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 30 2

69 33 31

79

$1,530

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 2

67 30 31

78

$1,170

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 30 2

66 30 31

! 0

5

! 0

6

! 0

7

Amana ABB2224BRM KitchenAid KRBR109ESS Amana ABB1924BRM

! 0

8

GE GDE25ESKSS

78

$1,575

4 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 40 3

69 33 35

9

KitchenAid KRBR102ESS

77

$1,530

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 30 2

69 33 31

10 GE GDE21ESKSS

75

$1,485

4 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 3

70 30 35

73

$2,300

− − 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 40 3

68 32 28

73

$1,260

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 2

67 30 31

$2,160

79 24 26

! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

Fisher & Paykel 11 Active-Smart RF170WDRUX5 Whirlpool 12 WRB329DMBM

Haier 14 HRB15N3BGS Whirlpool 15 WRB322DMBM Blomberg 16 BRFB1822SSN Bertazzoni 17 REF31BEMXR

71

$945

− − 0 4 5 0 0 3 4 00 3 − − 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 42 0

71

$1,260

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 30 2

69 33 31

67

$1,700

60 30 31

65

$1,610

− − 3 0 0 4 3 0 0 40 3 − − 0 3 4 0 0 4 3 00 2

18 GE GLE12HSLSS

60

$1,305

4 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 50 2

70 24 26

Whirlpool 19 URB551WNGZ

57

$1,260

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 20 2

74 24 27

13 Bosch B11CB50SSS 71

68 28 24

69 32 27

THREE-DOOR FRENCH-DOORS 1

Kenmore Elite 74113

85

$2,700

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

69 36 36

2

LG LFXS32766S

85

$3,510

69 36 34

3

LG LFC24770ST

83

$1,710

0 3 3 0 0 5 5 0 0 4 5 00 5 3 0 0 3 5 0 0 5 5 0 0 54 0

! 0

4

Samsung RF28HDEDPWW

83

$2,200

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

69 36 34

! 0

5

LG LRFDS3006S

82

$2,700

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

71 36 34

! 0 0 ! $ 0

56

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

69 33 33

Exterior depth (in.)

Exterior width (in.)

Exterior height (in.)

Features

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

Test Results Temperature uniformity Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results

THREE-DOOR FRENCH-DOORS Continued

! 0 ! 0

6

GE GNE29GSKSS

81

$1,965

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 40 4

7

Kenmore Elite 73153

81

$2,200

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

69 36 34

70 36 34

$ 0

8

LG LFC22770ST

81

$1,620

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 50 3

68 30 33

! 0

9

LG LFXS30766S

81

$3,420

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 40 4

69 36 34

! 0

GE Café 10 CYE22TSHSS

80

$2,790

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 5

70 36 30

! 0

11 GE GFD28GSLSS

80

$2,905

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 30 5

70 36 33

! 0

12 GE GFE28GSKSS

80

$1,800

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 40 5

70 36 34

! 0

13 GE GYE22HSKSS

80

$2,610

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 5

70 36 30

! 0

GE Profile 14 PYE22PSKSS

80

$3,160

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 5

70 36 30

15 Kenmore 70333

79

$1,800

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 4

69 36 32

Kenmore Elite 16 73163

79

$2,400

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

69 36 34

17 GE GFE26GSKSS

78

$1,980

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 40 5

70 36 35

18 Kenmore 71323

78

$1,600

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 50 4

68 30 33

19 LG LFXC24726S

78

$3,060

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 5

69 36 29

20 LG LFXS29766S

78

$3,060

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

69 36 35

FOUR-DOOR (OR MORE) FRENCH-DOORS

! 0

1

Kenmore Elite 72483

81

$2,500

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

69 36 36

2

LG LMXS30746S

79

$3,420

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

69 36 36

3

LG LMXS30796D

79

$3,000

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 4

71 36 36

4 5 6 7

1

2

POOR

LG LNXS30866D

79

$3,690

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

69 36 37

Samsung RF23M8070SR LG Signature LUPXS3186N Samsung RF22K9381SR

79

$2,200

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 5

70 36 29

78

$6,305

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

70 36 37

78

$2,795

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

72 36 29

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

57

REF R I GER AT ORS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Exterior depth (in.)

Exterior width (in.)

Exterior height (in.)

Features

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

Test Results Temperature uniformity Thermostat control

Predicted reliability

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Brand & Model

FOUR-DOOR (OR MORE) FRENCH-DOORS Continued 8 9 10 11 12 13

Samsung RF23M8570SG Samsung RF28K9070SR Samsung RF28HMELBSR Samsung RF28JBEDBSR Samsung RF28N9780SR Samsung RF28R7351SG

78

$3,100

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 5

70 36 29

78

$2,600

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

71 36 35

77

$2,600

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 5

69 36 29

77

$3,600

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 5

70 36 34

77

$3,400

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

72 36 34

77

$2,400

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 5

70 36 34

77

$1,980

3 0 0 1 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

70 36 33

76

$1,500

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

69 36 34

74

$1,800

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

70 36 30

73

$1,800

3 0 0 1 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 30 5

70 36 33

SIDE-BY-SIDES

! 0

1

GE Profile PSS28KSHSS

! 0

2

LG LSXS26366S Kenmore Elite 51863 GE Profile PSE25KSHSS

! 0

3

! 0

4

! 0

5

LG LSXC22486S

73

$1,800

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

70 36 30

! 0

6

LG LSXS26326S

73

$1,300

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 40 5

69 36 34

! 0

7

Kenmore 51763

72

$1,300

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 40 5

69 36 34

8

Kenmore 51783

71

$1,200

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 30 5

69 36 29

9

KitchenAid KRSC503ESS

71

$2,790

2 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 5

71 36 28

10 GE GSS23HSHSS

69

$1,485

3 0 0 1 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 30 4

70 33 33

Whirlpool WRS586FIEM Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ Frigidaire FFSS2625TS GE Profile PZS22MSKSS

69

$1,530

4 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 40 4

69 36 33

69

$1,530

4 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 40 4

69 36 33

68

$1,080

3 0 0 1 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 30 3

70 36 32

68

$2,610

3 0 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 50 4

70 36 29

68

$1,980

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

70 36 30

11 12 13 14

15 LG LSXC22386S

58

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Exterior depth (in.)

Exterior width (in.)

Exterior height (in.)

Features

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

Test Results Temperature uniformity Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results

BUILT-INS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

! 0

5

! 0

6

! 0

7

Thermador Freedom Collection Professional Series T36BT920NS Jenn-Air JF42NXFXDE Miele MasterCool KF1903SF Jenn-Air JB36NXFXRE Sub-Zero BI-42UFD/S Dacor Modernist DRF427500AP Sub-Zero IT36CI

Dacor Modernist 8 DRF367500AP Sub-Zero 9 BI42SIDSPH KitchenAid 10 KBFN502ESS KitchenAid 11 KBBR306ESS

83

$9,300

5 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

84 36 25

81

$9,400

4 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

83 42 26

81

$9,100

− − 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

83 36 25

80

$7,400

4 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

83 36 26

79

$9,800

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 4

83 42 26

78

$10,500

− − 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

85 42 25

78

$7600

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 1

83 36 25

77

$8,200

− − 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 5

84 36 24

77

$11,345

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 40 4

84 42 26

76

$7,850

3 0 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

83 42 26

75

$6,900

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

83 36 26

HOW WE TEST: Temperature Uniformity is based on how well a model minimizes warm and cold spots. Thermostat Control looks at the appliance’s ability to achieve and maintain a set temperature despite changes in room temperature. Energy Efficiency is energy consumption per cubic foot of measured usable storage space. Noise is measured

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

with compressors running. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years.

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the refrigerator they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

59

REF R I GER AT ORS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

QUI CK GUIDE

Snow Blowers You don’t need a behemoth model for efficient snow clearing. You’ll find compact, easier-handling machines work well on smaller driveways, while midsized models can dispatch drifts left by a heavy storm. What to Look For Belts. You’ll need one drive belt for single-stage machines and two for twostage models. Shear pins. On two-stage models, they protect the engine and transmission by breaking if the auger hits something too hard. Keep spares on hand. Interlocking safety grips. These allow one-handed

operation so that you can also operate the discharge chute control.

What You’ll Pay You can spend as little as $200 for a snow blower that will handle light dustings or well over $1,000 for a snow blower that takes care of heavier snowfalls.

BUYING ADVICE Bigger engines and wider clearing swaths are great, but some smaller machines can out-clear and out-throw the big boys for less money. For more buying advice, go to CR.org/snowblowers.

Tested products in performance order.

! 0

4

$ 0

5

Width (in.)

3

Noise

$ 0

Controls

2

Test Results

Handling

Rank

! 0

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Recommended

! 0

1

Survey Price Results

Removal speed Plow pile removal Throwing distance Surface cleaning

Overall Score

Brand & Model

THREE-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR HEAVY SNOW UP TO 18 INCHES

60

Cub Cadet 3X 30 ” PRO H Cub Cadet 3X 30 ” HD Troy-Bilt Vortex 2890 Cub Cadet 3X 26” TRAC Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490

91

$2,600

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

30

91

$1,700

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

30

90

$1,200

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2

28

87

$1,800

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 2

26

83

$1,200

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2

24

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Width (in.)

Noise

Controls

Handling

Removal speed Plow pile removal Throwing distance Surface cleaning

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Recommended

Test Results

TWO-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR HEAVY TO MEDIUM SNOW UP TO 16 INCHES

! 0

1

Ariens 926060

91

$3,100

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 2

28

Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI Toro Power Max HD 928 OAE 38840 Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30 Cub Cadet 2X 30 ’’ HP Cub Cadet 2X 28 ” HP Toro Power Max 826 OXE 37799

91

$1,700

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2

30

91

$1,400

3 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 2

28

91

$1,500

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

30

89

$1,200

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2

30

87

$1,100

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 2

28

87

$1,050

3 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 2

26

Craftsman 88976

87

$1,600

3 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

30

$1,000

− − 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 2

27

$1,100

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2

28

$1,000

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2

26

$1,000

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 2

28

! 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

$ 0

5

$ 0

6

$ 0

7

! 0

8

$ 0 ! 0

Briggs & Stratton 84 9 1227MDS Ariens Deluxe 28 82 10 254CC 921046 Cub Cadet 2X 81 11 26” HP

$ 0

12 Troy-Bilt 2860

! 0

80

COMPACT TWO-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR MEDIUM SNOW UP TO 16 INCHES Toro Power Max 77 824 OE 37798 Briggs & Stratton 77 1696610 Honda 74 HSS724AW

$880

3 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 2

24

$730

− − 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 2

24

$2,200

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 2

24

Craftsman 88640 74

$800

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 2

24

73

$700

4 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3

24

$900

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 2

24

$880

− − 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 2

24

$800

4 0 0 5 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 2

24

$ 0

1

$ 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

$ 0

5

Troy-Bilt 2410

! 0

6

! 0

7

! 0

8

1

2

POOR

Ariens Compact 72 24 920027 Briggs & Stratton 72 1696614 Ariens 920025

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

70

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

61

SNO W BL O W ERS

Survey Price Results

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Width (in.)

Noise

Controls

Test Results

Handling

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Recommended

Survey Price Results

Removal speed Plow pile removal Throwing distance Surface cleaning

Overall Score

Brand & Model

SINGLE-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR LIGHT TO MEDIUM SNOW UP TO 9 INCHES

! 0

1

! 0

2

$ 0

3

Toro 824 QXE 36003 Toro Power Clear 721 QZE 38744 Toro Power Clear 721 R-C 38751

! 0

4

Honda HS 720AS

72

$700

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2

20

Toro 724 QXE 36002 Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP Troy-Bilt Squall 179E Craftsman CMXGBAM1054540

69

$750

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2

24

67

$650

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2

21

64

$450

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2

21

64

$550

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2

21

! 0

5

$ 0

6

$ 0

7

! 0

8

76

$850

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

24

75

$700

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2

21

74

$600

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2

21

SINGLE-STAGE ELECTRIC: BEST FOR LIGHT SNOW UP TO 6 INCHES 1

Toro Power Curve 50 1800 38381

1

EGO SNT2102

$250

5 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3

18

SINGLE-STAGE BATTERY: BEST FOR LIGHT SNOW UP TO 6 INCHES

! 0

60

HOW WE TEST: For Removal Speed, we time how long it takes models to clear a highly controlled mixture of wet sawdust. Plow-pile Removal is an assessment of how quickly, and thoroughly, models cut through a large mound of wet sawdust designed to simulate a plow pile. Throwing Distance is how far each model throws the mixture. Surface cleaning reflects how much of our mixture each model leaves behind on a blacktop driveway. Handling denotes how easy

62

$600 NA NA each machine is to push, pull, and turn. Controls is our assessment of how easy it is to change speeds, adjust the discharge chute, and move the handle-bar. Noise is measured in decibels at the ear of the operator; a rating lower than good means you’ll need hearing protection. Price is approximate retail. Overall score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

2 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

21

likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the snow blower they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction. NA means we have no data.

−

VA CUUMS

QUI CK GUIDE

Vacuums The best uprights deliver the most power for deepcleaning carpets, but canisters are easier to maneuver. Robotics and stick vacs offer supplemental floor-cleaning convenience. What to Look For

What to Skip

If deep-cleaning carpet is the most important thing on your list, go for an upright. Canisters do well when cleaning drapes and upholstery, on stairs, and under furniture. They let you move mostly the hose and wand—instead of the entire machine. View robotic vacuums, as well as stick vacs, as maintenance cleaners; neither can replace your full-sized vacuum.

No need to splurge on extra cleaning tools. Those that come standard should suffice for most household cleaning jobs. We recommend against bagless models if you have asthma or allergies, because emptying the bin is usually a dusty, messy chore.

BUYING ADVICE

Even if you plan to order online, go to a store first. Push, pull, turn, and lift the vacuum cleaners you’re considering to get a sense of how easy they are to use.

What You’ll Pay Capable bagless uprights start at about $170; figure $200-plus for most canisters and bagged uprights.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/ vacuums.

Tested products in performance order.

Noise

Pet hair

Handling

Hose suction Clean emissions

Test Results Bare floors

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Survey Price Results

Carpet

Overall Score

Brand & Model

BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUMS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

1

2

POOR

Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away NV586 (Target) Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away NV831 Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed NV800

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

77

$300

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 3

76

$350

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 30 3

75

$300

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 40 3

! RECOMMENDED

63

Noise

Pet hair

Handling

Hose suction Clean emissions

Test Results Bare floors

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Survey Price Results

Carpet

Overall Score

Brand & Model

BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUMS Continued

! 0

4

Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501

75

$260

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 30 4

! 0

5

Shark Rotator Powered 74 Lift-Away Speed NV680

$260

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

! 0

6

Kenmore Pet Friendly CrossOver 31220

74

$250

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

! 0

7

Dyson Ball Animal 2

73

$500

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 3

! 0

8

Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 73

$400

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 50 2

! 0

9

Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed AX912

73

$350

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 30 4

$ 0

Shark Navigator 10 Lift-Away NV352

72

$200

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 30 3

! 0

Shark APEX DuoClean 11 Zero-M Powered Lift-Away AZ1002

72

$400

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 50 3

$ 0

Shark Navigator 12 Professional Lift-Away NV356E

72

$200

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 30 3

! 0

Kenmore Elite Pet 13 Friendly CrossOver Ultra 31230

72

$350

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

! 0

Shark APEX 14 DuoClean Powered Lift-Away AX951

70

$400

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 30 4

Kenmore Progressive 15 10135

68

$150

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 50 3

Shark DuoClean Slim 16 NV201

68

$240

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 30 3

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball 17 Animal

67

$600

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 30 3

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball 18 Animal + Allergy

67

$700

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 30 3

Shark Navigator Pet 19 Pro ZU62

65

$230

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 50 3

Shark Navigator 20 Zero-M Lift-Away Speed ZU560

63

$220

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 50 3

Dyson Small Ball 21 Multi Floor

59

$400

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 30 4

64

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Noise

Pet hair

Handling

Hose suction Clean emissions

Bare floors

Test Results

Carpet

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

VA CUUMS

Survey Price Results

Overall Score

Brand & Model

BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUMS Continued Hoover WindTunnel 22 T-Series Rewind Bagless UH70120 Hoover React 23 Professional Pet Plus UH73220 Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 24 Lift-Off 2087

56

$130

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 50 3

55

$240

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 30 3

54

$270

2 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 50 3

25 Hoover React UH73100

54

$180

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 40 3

Hoover React Powered Reach Lite UH73400 Hoover PowerDrive Pet UH74210PC Shark ION P50 Cord-Free Powered Lift-Away IC162 Hoover Air Steerable UH72400 Hoover Total Home Pet UH74100 Hoover Air Pro UH72450 Hoover High Performance Swivel UH74200 Black+Decker AirSwivel BDASV102 Bissell PowerGlide Lift-Off Pet 2043 Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1650 Dirt Devil Power Max Rewind Pet UD70187 Dirt Devil Endura Max XL UD70182 Dirt Devil Endura Max UD70174

53

$270

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 40 3

52

$200

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 50 3

52

$450

4 0 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 1 0 5 0 4 0 50 4

52

$190

2 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 40 3

51

$140

2 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

51

$230

2 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 50 3

50

$170

2 0 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 50 3

47

$80

1 0 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 5 0 50 3

42

$170

2 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 50 2

42

$250

2 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 50 3

37

$85

1 0 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 50 3

34

$95

1 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 50 3

33

$65

1 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 4 0 50 3

77

$350

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 3

76

$550

3 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUMS

$ 0

1

! 0

2

1

2

POOR

Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150 Miele Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

65

Noise

Pet hair

Handling

Hose suction Clean emissions

Test Results Bare floors

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Survey Price Results

Carpet

Overall Score

Brand & Model

BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUMS Continued

$ 0 ! 0

3

Kenmore Pet Friendly 31140

74

$200

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

4

Kirby Avalir 2

71

$1,600

3 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 2 0 50 2

5

Oreck Elevate Command

60

$450

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 50 3

6

Oreck Elevate Conquer

60

$600

7

Oreck Magnesium

59

$500

0 3 2 0 0 4 5 0 0 2 5 0 0 5 5 00 3 2 0 0 3 4 0 0 5 2 0 0 5 5 0 0 43 0

Hoover WindTunnel Max UH30600 Hoover WindTunnel T-Series UH30300

57

$180

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 50 3

55

$140

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 50 3

53

$300

2 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 50 2

8 9

10 Oreck Elevate Control

BAGLESS CANISTER VACUUMS

! 0 $ 0

Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog

77

$900

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

2

Kenmore 22614

71

$350

3

Dyson Ball Multi Floor

60

$300

0 3 3 0 0 4 5 0 0 4 4 0 0 2 5 00 3 3 0 0 3 2 0 0 5 4 0 0 5 3 0 0 34 0

Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister

56

$400

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 40 4

54

$600

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 40 4

1

4 5

BAGGED CANISTER VACUUMS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

! 0

5

$ 0

6

$ 0

7

$ 0

8

66

Miele Complete C3 Marin Miele Compact C2 Electro+ Miele Complete C3 Alize Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly UltraPlush 81714 Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver 21814

84

$1,100

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

78

$700

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 50 4

77

$650

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 40 5

76

$400

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

75

$500

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 40 3

Kenmore 81614

74

$300

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 50 3

Kenmore 400 Series 81414 Kenmore 200 Series 81214

72

$200

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 50 3

72

$200

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 50 3

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Noise

Pet hair

Edges

Clean emissions

Bare floors

Test Results

Carpet

Rank

Rec.

Survey Results Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Price

VA CUUMS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

STICK VACUUMS (6 LBS. OR LESS) 1

LG CordZero A9 A906SM

86

$750

! 0

2

Kenmore Elite Complete 10441

77

$350

! 0

3

Kenmore Elite 10440

77

$300

− − 0 5 0 5 5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 − − 4 0 0 5 0 4 5 0 0 5 0 4 − − 0 3 5 0 0 4 0 5 5 0 0 4

4

Dyson V8 Absolute

75

$450

1 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

5

Kenmore 10341

71

$150

− − 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

71

$700

1 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

71

$500

1 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

70

$300

1 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

67

$70

4 0 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 5

65

$70

4 0 0 1 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 5 0 5

60

$150

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

56

$70

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5

53

$100

3 0 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

53

$100

3 0 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

15 Hoover Impulse BH53020

52

$180

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 4

16 Hoover Cruise BH52210

51

$180

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 5 0 4

Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik 17 SD20000RED

41

$30

4 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 4

18 Bissell Multi Reach 2151

38

$250

3 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

! 0

6 7 8

Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead Dyson V7 Motorhead

Dirt Devil Accucharge 9 BD20035RED Dirt Devil Power 10 Swerve BD22050 11 Bissell Bolt 1954 Bissell Lift Off Floors 12 & More Pet 53Y8 Bissell PowerLifter Ion 13 Pet 2482 Bissell Adapt Ion Pet 14 2286A

STICK VACUUMS (GREATER THAN 6 LBS.)

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

1

2

POOR

Shark APEX DuoClean Corded ZS362 Shark SharkFlex DuoClean Ultra-Light Corded HV391

93

$250

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4

92

$300

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

Tineco Pure One S12

88

$600

− − 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

Bissell Air Ram 1984

87

$200

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

67

jxs

Survey Results

Noise

Pet hair

Edges

Clean emissions

Bare floors

Test Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Rec.

Price

Carpet

Overall Score

Brand & Model

STICK VACUUMS (GREATER THAN 6 LBS.) Continued 5

Dirt Devil Power Stick SD12530

85

$100

4 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 5

6

Shark ION F80 CordFree MultiFLEX IF281

85

$450

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

7

Shark IONRocket UltraLight Cordless IR101

84

$280

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 5

8

Shark Rocket DeluxePro TruePet HV322

83

$230

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

! 0

9

Shark ION X40 CordFree Ultra-Light IR141

81

$300

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

! 0

Shark Rocket Zero-M 10 Ultra-Light ZS352

81

$220

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

! 0

11 Shark Rocket HV302

78

$180

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4

$ 0

Dirt Devil Reach Max 12 Plus BD22510PC

78

$130

4 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 2 0 5 0 4

Hoover React Whole 13 Home Advantage BH53210

76

$250

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 4

Shark Navigator 14 Freestyle SV1106

76

$100

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4

Black+Decker Smartech 15 HSVJ520JMBF27

75

$200

4 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 5

16 Dyson V11 Torque Drive

75

$700

1 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

Test Results

Carpet

Rank

Rec

Price

Features Remote control Clearance (in.) Run time (min.)

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Noise

! 0

Navigation

! 0

Ease of use

! 0

Bare floors

$ 0

ROBOTIC VACUUMS

! 0

1

Samsung POWERbot R7065 VR2AM7065WS/AA

0 ! $ 0

2

LG Hom-Bot CR5765GD

89

3

Eufy 30C

89

68

90

$600

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

0

4.0 86

$1,000

0 5 5 0 0 5 5 0 0 5 4 0 0 5 5 0 0 5 5 0

0

3.5 72

0

2.9 58

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

$300

Remote control Clearance (in.) Run time (min.)

Features

Noise

Navigation

Ease of use

Bare floors

Test Results

Carpet

Rank

Rec

Price

ROBOTIC VACUUMS Continued 4

Eufy 11S

88

$220

4 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5

! 0

5

iRobot Roomba e5

87

$450

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

! 0

6

Samsung POWERbot R7040

87

$450

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5

! 0

7

iRobot Roomba 890

86

$500

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

8

Samsung POWERbot R7070

84

$700

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

$ 0

! 0

0

2.9 60 3.6 56

0

4.0 49 3.5 60

0

4.0 54

$ 0

9

iRobot Roomba 690

84

$375

5 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

3.5 72

! 0

10 iRobot Roomba 960

84

$700

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

3.8 33

! 0

Shark Ion Robot 11 Vacuum Cleaning System S87 RV851WV

83

$500

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

3.5 50

! 0

12 iRobot Roomba i7+

81

$950

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

3.6 25

$ 0

13 Shark Ion 720

81

$350

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

$ 0

iRobot Roomba 618 14 (Walmart) Shark Ion 750 15 Connected

81

$270

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

3.5 60

80

$350

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

3.6 61

16 iRobot Roomba 980

79

$900

4 0 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4

4.0 19

Neato Botvac D6 17 Connected Neato Botvac D7 18 Connected

77

$700

3 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 5

4.0 14

76

$800

4 0 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4

4.0 17

HOW WE TEST: In our cleaning tests, we lift embedded talc and sand from medium-pile carpet and suck up sand from bare floors. We use fine wood flour to see whether tools and attachments can maintain airflow and also to gauge emissions—how much dust the vacuum spews back into the air. Noise is based on measurements in decibels. Handling reflects how easy it

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

is to push, pull, and carry the vacuum. Pet Hair reflects how well the vacuum picks up pet hair from medium-pile carpet. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

0

3.6 61

problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the vacuum they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

69

VA CUUMS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

QUI CK GUIDE

Wall Ovens Flexibility is one of the main attractions of wall ovens. If you’re renovating, you can install one anywhere (in an island base or into a cabinet), in a separate location from a standalone cooktop, and at any height. What to Look For Controls that are easy to reach and read. A score of Very Good or Excellent for baking and oven capacity, because these tests get at the function of this appliance. Five or more oven rack positions for more flexibility in arranging racks and bakeware. A covered heating element beneath the floor of the oven, which makes spill

BUYING ADVICE

cleanup easier and faster. Menu databases and other high-tech features may add convenience, but also can add considerably to the cost.

Measure your cutout space, then check the manual of the wall oven you’re considering for its cutout dimensions.

What You’ll Pay Electric wall ovens start around $1,300 and can cost upwards of $3,000. (Separate cooktops start around $1,000.) Capable ranges can cost far less.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/ovens.

Tested products in performance order. Survey Results

Features

5 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5

30

0

! 0

2

Cafe CT9070SHSS

89

$3,600

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5

30

0

! 0

3

KitchenAid KOSE500ESS

83

$2,300

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

30

0

$ 0

4

Maytag MEW9530FZ

82

$1,300

4 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

30

0

Self-cleaning

$1,640

Oven capacity

90

Broiling

LG LWS3063

Baking

1

Rank

! 0

Recommended

Convection mode

Test Results

Width (in.)

Predicted reliability

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Brand & Model

SINGLE ELEC TRIC WALL OVENS

70

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Features

− − 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4

30

0

6

Jenn-Air JJW3430DS

77

$3,700

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

30

0

7

Kenmore 49513

77

$1,350

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

30

0

Whirlpool WOS51EC0AS Whirlpool WOS72EC0HS Electrolux EW30EW55PS Bosch 800 Series HBL8451UC KitchenAid KOSE900HSS Electrolux EI30EW38TS

77

$900

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

30

76

$1,600

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3

30

0

74

$2,100

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5

30

0

73

$2,160

3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

30

0

73

$2,970

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 2

30

0

72

$1,900

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3

30

0

14 Kenmore Elite 48363

70

$2,550

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

30

0

15 Bosch HBLP451RUC

69

$3,100

3 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5

30

0

16 Bosch HBL5351UC

63

$1,620

3 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5

30

17 Thermador ME301JS

63

$2,700

3 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

30

0

18 Viking VESO5302SS

62

$4,300

1 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4

30

0

59

$1,900

3 0 0 2 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 4

30

0

58

$2,600

− − 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4

30

0

55

$5,250

1 0 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 4

NA

30

0

22 Amana AWO6313SFS

53

$990

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4

30

GE Profile Twin-Flex 23 PT9200SLSS Frigidaire 24 FFEW3026TD

50

$2,700

5 0 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 4

30

49

$950

3 0 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 5

30

25 Viking RVSOE330SS

44

$3,210

1 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2

30

Self-cleaning

$2,600

Oven capacity

81

Broiling

5

Baking

Convection mode

Test Results

Width (in.)

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Survey Results

Samsung NV51K7770SG/AA

Rank

Recommended

Price

SINGLE ELECTRIC WALL OVENS Continued

! 0

8 9 10 11 12 13

Frigidaire 19 Professional FPEW3077RF Miele PureLine H 20 6281 BP Viking Professional 21 VSOF730SS

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

0

0

71

WA L L O V ENS

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Survey Results

Features

5 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5

30

0

! 0

2

Cafe CT9570SLSS

89

$5,530

5 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5

30

0

83

$3,500

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

30

0

81

$3,600

− − 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4

30

0

Self-cleaning

$2,000

Oven capacity

90

Broiling

LG LWD3063ST

Baking

1

Rank

! 0

Recommended

Convection mode

Test Results

Width (in.)

Predicted reliability

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Brand & Model

DOUBLE ELEC TRIC WALL OVENS

! 0

3

! 0

4

KitchenAid KODE500ESS Samsung NV51K7770DG/AA

5

Jenn-Air JJW3830DS

77

$5,200

2 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3

30

0

6

Thermador ME302JS

63

$4,200

3 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4

30

0

7

GE JT3500SFSS

52

$2,200

5 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4

30

HOW WE TEST: Baking reflects whether cakes and cookies baked on two racks were evenly browned. Broiling is based on even browning of a pan of burgers, and high-heat searing ability. Oven Capacity measures usable space. Self-Cleaning gauges the self-cleaning cycle’s effectiveness. Price is approximate retail. The

72

performance of double walloven models is based on the tested oven in the single electric wall oven category. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the wall ovens they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

WA SHING M A CHINE S

QUI CK GUIDE

Washing Machines Today’s washers tend to boast larger capacities, so you can do more laundry at once. You’ll also find specialty cycles and WiFi-enabled models that provide added perks, like notifications when a load is finished. What to Look For Capacity

that matches your needs. Our tests found that washers with a claimed capacity over 4.5 cubic feet readily fit a king-sized comforter. Front-loaders spin at higher speeds, extracting more water and cutting drying time. Automatic dispensers dispense detergent, bleach, and fabric softener at just the right time. An extra rinse cycle if you or others in your household

are sensitive to detergent residue. The cycle also helps get rid of pet hair.

What You’ll Pay Capable washing machines that combine performance and value start around $600 or so. If space is tight, a 24-inch-wide compact washer might appeal, but the price may not be right. You’ll spend $800 to $2,300 on a compact washer, and roughly the same on a compact dryer.

BUYING ADVICE If your laundry room is near any bedrooms or the family room, narrow your search to washing machines that score Very Good or Excellent in our noise and vibration tests. For more buying advice, go to CR.org/washers.

Tested products in performance order.

Vibration

Noise

Gentleness

Test Results Water efficiency

Survey Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing performance

Rank

Recommended

Price

Energy efficiency

Overall Score

Brand & Model

FRONT-LOAD WASHERS

! 0

1

LG WM3900HWA

87

$900

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 4 0 4

$ 0

2

LG WM3500CW

86

$700

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

! 0

3

LG WM9000HVA

86

$1,620

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

! RECOMMENDED

73

Vibration

Noise

Gentleness

Test Results Water efficiency

Survey Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing performance

Rank

Recommended

Price

Energy efficiency

Overall Score

Brand & Model

FRONT-LOAD WASHERS Continued

! 0

4

LG Signature WM9500HKA

! 0

5

LG WM3700HWA

85

$900

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

! 0

6

LG WM3997HWA

84

$1,820

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

! 0

7

Maytag MHW8200FW

83

$1,245

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

! 0

8

Kenmore Elite 41982

83

$1,000

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5

! 0

82

$1,000

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

! 0

Electrolux 9 EFLS627UTT Maytag 10 MHW8630HC

82

$1,210

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

! 0

11 LG WM8100HVA

82

$1,350

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

$ 0

82

$810

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

$ 0

Maytag 12 MHW5630HW Maytag 13 MHW3505FW

82

$810

4 0 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

! 0

14 Kenmore Elite 41072

82

$1,000

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4

! 0

Samsung WF45R6300AW Electrolux EFLS527UIW Samsung WF50K7500AW Samsung FlexWash WV60M9900AV Samsung WF45K6500AW

82

$900

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3

81

$900

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

81

$1,170

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

81

$1,500

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5

81

$800

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

20 Kenmore Elite 41002

81

$1,425

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

21 Kenmore Elite 41682

81

$850

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

22 Kenmore Elite 41782

81

$1,050

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

23 Kenmore 41262

81

$600

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4

Speed Queen 24 FF7005WN

80

$1,900

3 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4

15 16 17 18 19

74

85

$1,800

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Vibration

Noise

Gentleness

Water efficiency

Test Results Energy efficiency

Survey Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing performance

Rank

Recommended

Price

FRONT-LOAD WASHERS Continued 79

$680

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

79

$810

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

79

$720

4 0 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3

77

$1,250

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5

77

$900

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

76

$1,350

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

76

$1,350

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 3

76

$900

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 4

76

$1,000

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4

75

$805

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 4

74

$900

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

36 GE GFW450SSMWW

68

$900

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 3

37 GE GFW480SSKWW

67

$1,110

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4

38 Electrolux EFLW317TIW 53

$700

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 2 0 3

25 Kenmore 41392 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Samsung WF42H5600AW (Lowe’s) Samsung WF42H5000AW Samsung FlexWash WV55M9600AW Samsung WF45M5500AW Whirlpool WFW9620HC Whirlpool WFW862CHC Whirlpool WFW6620HW Electrolux EFLW427UIW Whirlpool WFW7590FW Samsung WF45N5300AV

TOP-LOAD HIGH EFFICIENCY WASHERS

! 0

1

LG WT7900HBA

83

$950

5 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

$ 0

2

LG WT7100CW

81

$720

5 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

! 0

3

LG WT7600HWA

79

$1,035

5 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5

! 0

4

LG WT7500CW

78

$945

5 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5

! 0

5

LG WT7700HVA

76

$1,440

5 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

75

WA SHING M A CHINE S

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Vibration

Noise

Gentleness

Test Results Water efficiency

Survey Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing performance

Rank

Recommended

Price

Energy efficiency

Overall Score

Brand & Model

TOP-LOAD HIGH EFFICIENCY WASHERS Continued

! 0

6

Kenmore Elite 31552

75

$850

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5

7

LG WT7300CW

72

$840

5 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 5

8

Kenmore Elite 31433

71

$900

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

Whirlpool 9 WTW8700EC Maytag 10 MVWB835DW

70

$1,260

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

70

$900

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

11 Kenmore 28132

70

$850

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

12 Kenmore 26132

70

$630

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

13 Kenmore 27132

70

$730

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

14 Kenmore 29132

70

$900

4 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

Whirlpool 15 WTW8500DW Samsung 16 WA50R5400AW

70

$1,040

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5

69

$750

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

17 GE GTW860SSJWS

69

$1,035

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

69

$1,170

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5

68

$600

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 4 0 5

68

$1,170

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 5

68

$800

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

68

$700

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 2 0 2 0 5

23 Kenmore Elite 31632

67

$1,150

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5

Whirlpool 24 WTW7500GW Samsung ActiveWash 25 WA52M8650AW Whirlpool 26 WTW7300DW

67

$810

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

67

$900

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

65

$720

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5

18 19 20 21 22

76

Samsung ActiveWash WA54M8750AV Samsung WA50M7450AW Maytag MVWB955FW Whirlpool WTW8000DW Samsung ActiveWash WA52M7750AW

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Vibration

Noise

Gentleness

Water efficiency

Test Results Energy efficiency

Survey Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing performance

Rank

Recommended

Price

TOP-LOAD HIGH EFFICIENCY WASHERS Continued Samsung 27 WA45M7050AW Maytag 28 MVWX655DW

65

$800

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 5

64

$570

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 5

29 GE GTW500ASNWS

63

$700

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5

Fisher & Paykel Aqua 30 Smart WL4027P1

63

$1,000

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5

31 GE GTW680BSJWS

62

$580

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5

32 GE GTW750CSLWS

60

$855

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5

Whirlpool 33 WTW5000DW

60

$530

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 5

34 Kenmore 25132

60

$600

4 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5

Samsung 35 WA45N3050AW Whirlpool 36 WTW4950HW

58

$630

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5

56

$650

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5

TOP-LOAD AGITATOR WASHERS Maytag MVWB965HC Maytag MVWB865GW

70

$1,280

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 2 0 4 0 5

64

$900

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

GE GTW465ASNWW

64

$655

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5

! 0

4

GE GTW685BSLWS

62

$580

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 2 0 2 0 5

! 0

5

Maytag MVWB765FW

62

$680

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5

! 0

6

Kenmore 22352

61

$580

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5

7

Kenmore 20372

60

$730

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 3 0 5

8

GE GTW335ASNWW

60

$560

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5

59

$550

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 5

59

$550

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 2 0 5

Maytag 9 MVWC565FW Frigidaire 10 FFTW4120SW

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

77

WA SHING M A CHINE S

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Vibration

Noise

Gentleness

Test Results Water efficiency

Survey Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing performance

Rank

Recommended

Price

Energy efficiency

Overall Score

Brand & Model

TOP-LOAD AGITATOR WASHERS Continued Insignia 11 NS-TWM41WH8A Whirlpool 12 WTW4955HW

58

$450

− − 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5

58

$480

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5

13 Maytag MVWC465HW

57

$490

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5

14 GE GTW460ASJWW

55

$730

3 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5

15 Kenmore 20362

55

$520

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 5

16 GE GTW755CSMWS

54

$675

3 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 5

Hotpoint 17 HTW240ASKWS

50

$390

4 0 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 5

18 GE GTW330ASKWW

47

$565

3 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 5

Fisher & Paykel 19 WA3927G1

45

$800

1 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 5

20 Kenmore 20232

41

$400

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 3 0 5

21 Roper RTW4516FW

39

$400

4 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 5

22 Amana NTW4516FW

38

$400

4 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 5

Whirlpool 23 WTW4816FW Speed Queen 24 AWNE9RSN115TW01

38

$450

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 5

31

$1,100

5 0 0 5 0 1 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 5

Miele WWH860WCS

83

$2,000

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3

Samsung WW22N6850QX Samsung WW22K6800AW Bosch 800 Series WAT28402UC Electrolux EFLS210TIW

83

$1,170

78

$900

− − 4 0 5 0 0 5 4 0 0 4 0 3 − − 0 4 0 5 5 0 0 4 4 0 0 2

77

$1,310

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 3

76

$900

3 0 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3

COMPACT WASHERS

! 0

1

! 0

2

$ 0

3

! 0

4

$ 0

5

78

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

Vibration

Noise

Gentleness

Water efficiency

Test Results Energy efficiency

Survey Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Washing performance

Rank

Recommended

Price

COMPACT WASHERS Continued

! 0

6

Kenmore 41942

73

$975

7

Fisher & Paykel WH2424P1

68

$950

− − 5 0 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 4 0 3 − − 0 4 0 4 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 2

8

LG WM1388HW

64

$905

5 0 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 2

9

GE WCVH4800KWW

61

$930

2 0 0 1 0 3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3

10 Asko W6424W

44

$1,450

1 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2

Whirlpool 11 WFW5090GW

39

$1,150

1 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 1

HOW WE TEST: Washing Performance reflects the degree of stain removal from fabric using the most aggressive normal cycle. Energy Efficiency is based on the energy needed to heat the water using a warm wash and cold rinse, to run the washer, and to dry the remaining moisture left at the end of a cycle. Water Efficiency is based on total water used when washing our 8-pound load. Models that earn lower scores for Gentleness are

1

2

POOR

3

4

5

EXCELLENT

more likely to treat your clothes roughly, causing wear and tear. Noise reflects panelists’ judgments during the fill, agitate, drain, and spin cycles. Vibration reflects usage on a suspended wooden floor. Cycle Time (min.) is rounded to the nearest 5 minutes. Claimed Capacity is based on claimed tub volume. Price is approximate retail. Overall Score combines test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted

!

$

RECOMMENDED

CR BEST BUY

reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the washing machine they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we assume the model has average reliability and satisfaction.

−

79

WA SHING M A CHINE S

Overall Score

Brand & Model

Washer-Dryer Pairs Here are our picks for six top-performing matching washer-dryer pairs across all the categories we test. See our Ratings for more.

FRONT-LOADERS

! 0 LG

! 0 Maytag

LG WM3700HWA washer LG DLEX3700W electric dryer Pair price: $1,700

MHW8630HC washer MED8630HC electric dryer Pair price: $2,420

86

79

HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOP LOADERS

! 0 LG

! 0 Kenmore Elite

WT7100CW washer DLE7100W electric dryer Pair price: $1,440

31552 washer 61552 electric dryer Pair price: $1,700

83

78

AGITATOR

COMPACT

! 0 Maytag

Miele

MVWB965HC washer MEDB955FC electric dryer Pair price: $2,460

WWH860WCS washer TWI180WP electric dryer Pair price: $3,900

75

80

83

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

85 Computers, Laptop 93 Digital Cameras 100 Fitness Trackers

102 Headphones 109 Printers, All-in-One 113 Printers, Regular 117 Smartphones 120 Smart Speakers

122 Smartwatches 124 Streaming Media 126 Tablets 129 TVs 141 Wireless Speakers

Electronics

82 Computers, Desktop

81

QUI CK GUIDE

Computers, Desktop Desktops typically offer more performance for the money than laptop. They can also be upgraded more easily than laptops, letting you increase power or add more features down the line. What to Look For

What to Skip

For less clutter and sleeker design, all-in-one desktops hide the computer hardware in a smaller package. A solid-state drive (which is faster than a traditional hard disk drive) will give you shorter load times and quick access to applications and other data. Some desktops include an additional hard disk drive of 1TB or more for extra storage space.

Upgrading beyond 16GB of memory, unless you’re a big multitasker or video editor.

BUYING ADVICE

Save money on your purchase by using coupon and forum sites such as Ebates. com, FatWallet. com, and Tech bargains.com.

What You’ll Pay You can get a very good all-in-one for $500 to $900, but many fullerfeatured models cost more than $1,000.

For more buying advice, go to CR.org/computers.

Tested products in performance order.

Storage (GB)

Memory (GB)

Features Display size ( in.)

Display

Ergonomics

Versatility

Performance

Survey Test Results Price Results

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Rank

Recommended

Brand & Model

ALL-IN-ONE DESKTOPS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

82

Apple 27-inch iMac 88 5K Display (2019, MRQY2LL/A) Apple 21.5-inch iMac 86 with 4K Display MNDY2LL/A Apple 21.5-inch iMac 83 MMQA2LL/A

$1,800

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5

27 8 1000

$1,500

5 0 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 5

21.5 8 1000

$1,100

5 0 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 5 5 0 21.5

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2020

8 1000

Storage (GB)

Memory (GB)

Features Display size ( in.)

Display

Ergonomics

Versatility

Performance

Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction

Rank

Recommended

Survey Test Results Price Results

COMP U T ERS , DE SK T OP

Overall Score

Brand & Model

ALL-IN-ONE DESKTOPS Continued HP 34B010

82

$2,060

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5

Asus Zen AiO ZN242GDT-08 Lenovo ideacentre 520-24ARR Lenovo IdeaCentre A340-24ICB HP Pavilion 27-a0013w Asus Vivo AiO V272UA-DS501T

80

$1,100

3 0 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 5 5 0 23.8 12

75

$550

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 23.8

8 1000

72

$865

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 23.8

8 1000

72

$720

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4

27 8 1000

69

$700

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4

27 8 1000

10 HP Pavilion 24-xa1014 68

$700

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 5 0 4 23.8

8

8 1000

! 0

4

! 0

5

$ 0

6 7 8 9

34 16 1256 1128

256

Acer Aspire 11 Z24-880-UR13 Dell Inspiron 12 5475-A957WHT HP Pavilion 13 24-xa0024

68

$600

3 0 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 23.8

67

$550

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4

67

$950

3 0 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 23.8 12

14 HP 24-f0047c

61

$460

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 5 23.8

8 1000

Acer Aspire 15 C24-860-UR11 Lenovo ideacentre 16 A340-22IGM MSI Pro 20EX 17 8GL-004US

60

$650

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 5 23.8

8 1000

59

$400

3 0 0 3 0 2 0 4 0 5 0 4 21.5

4 1000

51

$500

− − 0 2 0 3 0 4 4 0 19.5

4

18 HP 20-c424

40

$380

3 0 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 4 3 0 19.5

4 1000

Dell Inspiron 19 3275-A821BLK

40

$425

3 0 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 5 4 0 21.5

4 1000

24 8 1000 256

532

FULL-SIZE DESKTOPS

! 0

1

! 0

2

! 0

3

! 0

4

1